Rwanda : aux origines du génocide.
Un commandant de la Mission des Nations Unies (MINUAR) par le Colonel Marchal.
Plusieurs données et témoignages récents permettent de mieux comprendre les circonstances du déclenchement du génocide de 1994 au Rwanda. Ainsi le témoignage du Lieutenant Ruz Ibiza sur l’implication directe du général Kagamé dans l’attentat contre l’avion des présidents du Rwanda et du Burundi constitue-t-il un élément d’information majeur. Il éclaire les responsabilités dans ce qui fut l’événement déclencheur, voire le fait générateur du génocide. Dans le même sens, le général Lafourcade s’interrogeait dans « Le Monde » et dans La Croix sur la stratégie globale du général Kagamé et sur les raisons de la poursuite de l’offensive de son armée du FPR dans le nord Kivu (Congo).
Officier supérieur belge, j’ai exercé les fonctions de commandant du secteur de Kigali au sein de la MINUAR (Mission des Nations Unies pour le Rwanda) de décembre 93 à avril 94. Je souhaite apporter ma pierre à la compréhension de ce qui s’est passé avec les éléments suivants, qui ont étayé ma propre évaluation :
- les responsables des Forces Armées Rwandaises (FAR), avec lesquels le Général Dallaire (commandant de la composante militaire de la MINUAR) et moi-même nous sommes retrouvés en réunion deux heures après l’attentat, étaient, de toute évidence, totalement étrangers à cet acte. Les sentiments qui prévalaient à ce moment là étaient la stupéfaction, l’inquiétude, la crainte que la situation n’échappe à tout contrôle, et surtout la volonté de mettre sans retard les institutions de transition en place. En outre, aucun dispositif particulier, destiné à garantir la réussite d’un éventuel coup d’Etat, n’a eu lieu durant la nuit du 6 au 7 avril 1994 ;
- par contre l’offensive du FPR a bel et bien débuté durant cette même nuit ; or pour amorcer un tel mouvement il est indispensable que des ordres aient été donnés au préalable et qu’une mise en place des unités de première ligne ait été effectuée 24 à 48 heures avant le déclenchement des opérations ;
- aucune offensive militaire de l’ampleur et de la durée (plus de trois mois) de celle du FPR ne peut être menée sans la constitution de stocks importants d’équipements et de matériels pour en assurer l’élan et la continuité ;
- si le FPR a été capable d’infiltrer dans Kigali au moins trois bataillons entre le 7 et le 12 avril, sans le moindre combat avec les FAR, il aurait aussi été capable d’arrêter, si du moins cela avait été sa volonté, les massacres de civiles innocents ;
- au contraire, toutes les tentatives d’aboutir à un cessez-le-feu, pour précisément mettre un terme à ces massacres, ont essuyé une fin de non recevoir des autorités du FPR ;
- la pugnacité avec laquelle ces mêmes autorités ont exigé le départ des troupes étrangères venues évacuer les expatriés, plutôt que de requérir leur collaboration pour stopper net les massacres, est éminemment suspecte ; comme si le FPR craignait se voit contré dans ses plans de conquête par la communauté internationale ;
- tout aussi interpellant est la durée de la guerre alors que la haute valeur militaire du FPR aurait dû permettre une issue beaucoup plus rapide et donc un niveau de pertes dans la population nettement moindre.
La liste n’est pas exhaustive, mais je pense qu’elle est suffisamment explicite pour admettre qu’il y a plus qu’une troublante corrélation entre l’attentat, l’offensive du FPR et les légitimes interrogations que l’on peut avoir sur la stratégie du général Kagamé.
Quand va-t-on enfin comprendre que l’on se trompe de combat dans la polémique en cours contre l’action de la France au Rwanda ? Afin d’éviter que l’honneur des soldats français et belges soit mis en cause, les autorités politiques de nos pays devraient exiger de l’ONU qu’une commission d’enquête internationale soit chargée d’identifier les commanditaires de l’attentat du 6 avril 1994. Qu’est ce qui justifie qu’un mois et demi à peine après l’assassinat de l’ex-Premier ministre libanais Rafic Hariri, l’ONU décide la mise sur pied d’une commission d’enquête, alors que douze ans après l’assassinant de deux chefs d’Etat et, dans son sillage, la mort de plusieurs millions d’êtres humains, rien n’a été fait pour savoir qui est à l’origine de cet holocauste ?
Les responsables actuels du Rwanda, qui ont systématiquement évincé la quasi-totalité des hutus présents au sein des organes du FPR lors de leur prise de pouvoir, ont au contraire tout fait pour que la vérité soit cachée. « Insupportable vérité » écrivaient récemment à ce sujet, MM A.Guichaoua et S.Smith…
Quand la vérité sera connue, et seulement à ce moment là, on pourra en connaissance de cause porter un jugement de valeur sur les motivations de l’engagement de la France au coté des Rwandais. A défaut de preuve contraire irréfutable, je conserverai l’intime conviction que la France fût un allié loyal du Rwanda, ce qui ne fût pas le cas de tout le monde.
© Colonel Luc Marchal
15 December, 2007
Nigerian oil delta rebels pull out of peace talks.
Reuters
15 December 2007
By Estelle Shirbon
An influential rebel commander in Nigeria's oil-producing Niger Delta has ordered the suspension of peace talks with the government because of military incursions and the arrest of another commander.
Government Ekpemupolo was one of the militants involved in attacks on the oil industry in early 2006 that shut down a fifth of Nigerian output, contributing to a rise in world oil prices.
Ekpemupolo's participation in negotiations with the government that came into office in May was regarded as a mark of the talks' seriousness and his withdrawal is a blow to hopes of pacifying Nigeria's oil heartland.
New President Umaru Yar'Adua promised to address the root causes of the crisis with a 15-year development plan for the delta and by negotiating with the militants. Yar'Adua's deputy is Goodluck Jonathan, a native of the delta.
In a statement emailed to journalists on Saturday, Ekpemupolo said the government's stated intention to bring peace to the delta was at odds with the military's attitude.
He highlighted the arrest of Henry Okah, another rebel leader, who was detained in Angola in September on gun-running charges. The rebels accuse Nigeria of being behind the arrest.
"Comrade Henry Okah among others was reached, consulted and made to concede to the ongoing peace process. Of what relevance could his arrest and continued incarceration in Angola ... be to the success of the peace process?" Ekpemupolo said.
Ekpemupolo's statement said he had met other fighters at Oporoza, deep in the creeks of the delta, and they had agreed to stop talking to the government and instead hold internal meetings to decide what to do next.
Several armed groups in the delta demand greater local access to oil revenues, an end to what they see as neglect of their impoverished communities, compensation from oil companies for oil spills and gas flares, and greater political autonomy.
Militants said over the last few weeks they were losing patience with the government. One faction attacked an ExxonMobil export terminal on Nov. 12 and seized a stockpile of weapons.
Ekpemupolo accused the army of storming the delta community of Gbaraun last month for no reason, destroying many homes, and of invading the stronghold of gang leader Ateke Tom at Okrika.
"What new offence has he committed? Is peace a crime? Or does the military flourish in crisis?" he said.
Army sources in Port Harcourt, the main city in the delta, said last week the incursion into Okrika was to search for guns. Authorities have not commented on the Gbaraun allegations. (Editing by Robert Woodward)
15 December 2007
By Estelle Shirbon
An influential rebel commander in Nigeria's oil-producing Niger Delta has ordered the suspension of peace talks with the government because of military incursions and the arrest of another commander.
Government Ekpemupolo was one of the militants involved in attacks on the oil industry in early 2006 that shut down a fifth of Nigerian output, contributing to a rise in world oil prices.
Ekpemupolo's participation in negotiations with the government that came into office in May was regarded as a mark of the talks' seriousness and his withdrawal is a blow to hopes of pacifying Nigeria's oil heartland.
New President Umaru Yar'Adua promised to address the root causes of the crisis with a 15-year development plan for the delta and by negotiating with the militants. Yar'Adua's deputy is Goodluck Jonathan, a native of the delta.
In a statement emailed to journalists on Saturday, Ekpemupolo said the government's stated intention to bring peace to the delta was at odds with the military's attitude.
He highlighted the arrest of Henry Okah, another rebel leader, who was detained in Angola in September on gun-running charges. The rebels accuse Nigeria of being behind the arrest.
"Comrade Henry Okah among others was reached, consulted and made to concede to the ongoing peace process. Of what relevance could his arrest and continued incarceration in Angola ... be to the success of the peace process?" Ekpemupolo said.
Ekpemupolo's statement said he had met other fighters at Oporoza, deep in the creeks of the delta, and they had agreed to stop talking to the government and instead hold internal meetings to decide what to do next.
Several armed groups in the delta demand greater local access to oil revenues, an end to what they see as neglect of their impoverished communities, compensation from oil companies for oil spills and gas flares, and greater political autonomy.
Militants said over the last few weeks they were losing patience with the government. One faction attacked an ExxonMobil export terminal on Nov. 12 and seized a stockpile of weapons.
Ekpemupolo accused the army of storming the delta community of Gbaraun last month for no reason, destroying many homes, and of invading the stronghold of gang leader Ateke Tom at Okrika.
"What new offence has he committed? Is peace a crime? Or does the military flourish in crisis?" he said.
Army sources in Port Harcourt, the main city in the delta, said last week the incursion into Okrika was to search for guns. Authorities have not commented on the Gbaraun allegations. (Editing by Robert Woodward)
Three Main Rebel Groups Secure Alliance Against Deby.
MISNA
14 December 2007
“The three main rebel movements in Chad, the UFDD, UFDD-Fundamental and the RFC have formed an alliance to overthrow the government of president Idriss Deby”, said the UFDD spokesman, Hassan Boulmaye, who told MISNA that “the alliance provides for the coordination of military operations among the three groups” and it ended last Wednesday during a meeting in Hadjer Marfaïn, close to the border with Sudan. The spokesman added that the accord does not provide for a dismantling of the current balance of combat forces of the three groups; it is “coordination at the strategic level” of the military leaders. Fighting in eastern Chad resumed in recent weeks after the main rebel factions, who signed a deal with the government last October 25 in Sirte (Libya), declared the cancellation of the same denouncing that the executive had not adhered to the agreements.
14 December 2007
“The three main rebel movements in Chad, the UFDD, UFDD-Fundamental and the RFC have formed an alliance to overthrow the government of president Idriss Deby”, said the UFDD spokesman, Hassan Boulmaye, who told MISNA that “the alliance provides for the coordination of military operations among the three groups” and it ended last Wednesday during a meeting in Hadjer Marfaïn, close to the border with Sudan. The spokesman added that the accord does not provide for a dismantling of the current balance of combat forces of the three groups; it is “coordination at the strategic level” of the military leaders. Fighting in eastern Chad resumed in recent weeks after the main rebel factions, who signed a deal with the government last October 25 in Sirte (Libya), declared the cancellation of the same denouncing that the executive had not adhered to the agreements.
DRCongo bans mineral exports to Zambia: mining firm.
AFP
15 December 2007
The Democratic Republic of Congo has banned mineral exports to neighbouring Zambia and ordered authorities to close the frontier to all trucks carrying copper, a mining official said Saturday.
First Quantum Minerals (FQM), a mining firm which imports copper ore from DRC, said in a statement the governor of the neighbouring country's Katanga Province, Governor Moses Katumbi, had informed them of the ban.
"FQM announces receipt of a letter from the governor of the province of Katanga ordering the closure of the DRC border to the export of copper ore and exploration core samples to Zambia," said FQM president Clive Newall.
FQM exports large amounts of copper ore from DRC to Zambia for processing.
"Furthermore, FQM was advised not to ship copper concentrate from its frontier mine in the DRC to Zambia," Newall said.
Newall said the DR Congo authorities have raised the issues concerning the improvement of measurement procedures on the border and social programmes for mine workers.
This is the second time this year that Katanga Province Governor Katumbi decided to ban exports of copper ore to Zambia.
Zambia is one of the world's top producers of copper, which contributes more than half to the country's domestic gross product.
15 December 2007
The Democratic Republic of Congo has banned mineral exports to neighbouring Zambia and ordered authorities to close the frontier to all trucks carrying copper, a mining official said Saturday.
First Quantum Minerals (FQM), a mining firm which imports copper ore from DRC, said in a statement the governor of the neighbouring country's Katanga Province, Governor Moses Katumbi, had informed them of the ban.
"FQM announces receipt of a letter from the governor of the province of Katanga ordering the closure of the DRC border to the export of copper ore and exploration core samples to Zambia," said FQM president Clive Newall.
FQM exports large amounts of copper ore from DRC to Zambia for processing.
"Furthermore, FQM was advised not to ship copper concentrate from its frontier mine in the DRC to Zambia," Newall said.
Newall said the DR Congo authorities have raised the issues concerning the improvement of measurement procedures on the border and social programmes for mine workers.
This is the second time this year that Katanga Province Governor Katumbi decided to ban exports of copper ore to Zambia.
Zambia is one of the world's top producers of copper, which contributes more than half to the country's domestic gross product.
Yar'adua Denies Approving AFRICOM.
This Day (Lagos)
15 December 2007
Constance Ikoku and Juliana Taiwo
Editor's Note: A follow-up to yesterday's story. We will have to wait and see to determine who is telling the truth. The VOA has been used in the past as a disinformation tool for the U.S. intelligence services.
President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua has identified the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as one of the main focal points of his administration's war against corruption.
Making this known in Washington D.C. yesterday, the president said in furtherance of his administration's war against corruption, Nigeria shall subscribe to the joint United Nations and World Bank Stolen Assets Recovery (STAR) initiative.
The president's accession to the STAR initiative coincided with his clarificaton that the partnership with the US/African Command (AFRICOM) does not translate to an acceptance of the command.
Yar'Adua's sudden volte face is coming on the heels of his meeting with President George Bush of the US at the White House, Thursday, during which he affirmed Nigeria's commitment to partner with the US on AFRICOM for the provision of security in the continent.
But in an interview with the Hausa service of the Voice of America (VOA) in Washington DC , monitored by THIS DAY, he said Nigeria plans to establish military bases in Africa to be managed by Africans for the protection of oil reserves.
He stated: "I did not accept AFRICOM in my discussions with Bush. I asked for assistance and told Bush that we have our plans to establish bases for African countries. We asked for training on weapons and training to establish our bases to be managed by our people."
"Seven countries in the Gulf of Guinea will be involved," he stated. The president said he asked for training from the US government. The US insisted it can only render help through its AFRICOM base in Stuttgart, Germany, said Yar'Adua.
The President claimed there was a misunderstanding of his comments at the White House on Thursday. It is a partnership, not an acceptance, he stressed.
His acceptance to partner with the US on AFRICOM during his meeting with the US president on Thursday, strayed from the opposition to the establishment of the command by the Council of States of which the president is the chairman.
Also, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Ojo Madu-ekwe, who is part of the president's delegation to the US had himself stated that Nigeria would not support the presence of US troops on African soil under the auspices of AFRICOM.
Meanhile, while speaking at the US Library of Congress at an event hosted by the American Chambers of Commerce and witnessed by prominent businessmen and US public officials, Yar'Adua said "One of the areas we are going to clean now is the national oil company, NNPC.
"In Nigeria, it has not been transparent, and it is one of the most difficult agencies of government to tackle because of the vested interest of very powerful people in the country.
"But we are determined, knowing that when you break that up, it will help bring other agencies and ministries in line. NNPC will operate like any other company in the private sector and source for funds for its joint venture operations from the capital market.
"With such funds, investors would protect their money and ensure transparency. We will then deploy what we have saved from that to social sectors like education and health," the President said.
The president disclosed that he had already given directives for the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the World Bank to be formally informed of Nigeria's accession to the STAR initiative.
The initiative was launched in September by the World Bank, in partnership with UNODC to help developing countries recover assets stolen by corrupt leaders and invest them in effective, people-oriented development programs.
Responding to questions from the audience, Yar'Adua reaffirmed his administration's zero tolerance for corruption, but stressed that its campaign against corruption goes hand in hand with the determination to ensure respect for the rule of law.
"What I have done is to give the anti-corruption agencies like EFCC, ICPC and the Code of Conduct Bureau, the full support of government and total independence to act on any cases of corruption.
"This is an extremely difficult challenge, but we are following it and we are making sure that the opportunities to be corrupt are checked. We are going to expand the horizon of the war against corruption beyond the activities of agencies like the EFCC and ICPC to the complete reformation of key institutions like the Nigerian Police Force.
"When we reform the police then we can get the judiciary to reform itself because I am insisting that the rule of law must be supreme, and that every judgment of the law court must be respected and obeyed.
"The challenge is that where you have a corrupt system you find that even the judiciary is affected, it is not excluded. The serious challenge that we will have is to get a corruption-free judiciary because the rule of law can best be anchored on a corruption-free judiciary," the president stated.
Yar'Adua told his audience that the government had given the anti-corruption agencies a free hand to act and that they are being encouraged to appeal corrupt court judgments at higher courts in order to vacate the flawed ruling passed down by the lower court.
"By doing that," he explained, "they would have set a precedence such that this kind of action can never happen in the lower court again, because if you say you don't want to obey a court order because you believe it is corruptly procured, you are destroying a system and it doesn't help your cause.
"So it is a long drawn process and a very hard battle. But the important thing is that when you fight such battles, you succeed when the majority of the citizens are with you. On this fight, we will succeed because Nigerians want corruption stamped out of their system," the President stressed.
15 December 2007
Constance Ikoku and Juliana Taiwo
Editor's Note: A follow-up to yesterday's story. We will have to wait and see to determine who is telling the truth. The VOA has been used in the past as a disinformation tool for the U.S. intelligence services.
President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua has identified the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as one of the main focal points of his administration's war against corruption.
Making this known in Washington D.C. yesterday, the president said in furtherance of his administration's war against corruption, Nigeria shall subscribe to the joint United Nations and World Bank Stolen Assets Recovery (STAR) initiative.
The president's accession to the STAR initiative coincided with his clarificaton that the partnership with the US/African Command (AFRICOM) does not translate to an acceptance of the command.
Yar'Adua's sudden volte face is coming on the heels of his meeting with President George Bush of the US at the White House, Thursday, during which he affirmed Nigeria's commitment to partner with the US on AFRICOM for the provision of security in the continent.
But in an interview with the Hausa service of the Voice of America (VOA) in Washington DC , monitored by THIS DAY, he said Nigeria plans to establish military bases in Africa to be managed by Africans for the protection of oil reserves.
He stated: "I did not accept AFRICOM in my discussions with Bush. I asked for assistance and told Bush that we have our plans to establish bases for African countries. We asked for training on weapons and training to establish our bases to be managed by our people."
"Seven countries in the Gulf of Guinea will be involved," he stated. The president said he asked for training from the US government. The US insisted it can only render help through its AFRICOM base in Stuttgart, Germany, said Yar'Adua.
The President claimed there was a misunderstanding of his comments at the White House on Thursday. It is a partnership, not an acceptance, he stressed.
His acceptance to partner with the US on AFRICOM during his meeting with the US president on Thursday, strayed from the opposition to the establishment of the command by the Council of States of which the president is the chairman.
Also, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Ojo Madu-ekwe, who is part of the president's delegation to the US had himself stated that Nigeria would not support the presence of US troops on African soil under the auspices of AFRICOM.
Meanhile, while speaking at the US Library of Congress at an event hosted by the American Chambers of Commerce and witnessed by prominent businessmen and US public officials, Yar'Adua said "One of the areas we are going to clean now is the national oil company, NNPC.
"In Nigeria, it has not been transparent, and it is one of the most difficult agencies of government to tackle because of the vested interest of very powerful people in the country.
"But we are determined, knowing that when you break that up, it will help bring other agencies and ministries in line. NNPC will operate like any other company in the private sector and source for funds for its joint venture operations from the capital market.
"With such funds, investors would protect their money and ensure transparency. We will then deploy what we have saved from that to social sectors like education and health," the President said.
The president disclosed that he had already given directives for the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the World Bank to be formally informed of Nigeria's accession to the STAR initiative.
The initiative was launched in September by the World Bank, in partnership with UNODC to help developing countries recover assets stolen by corrupt leaders and invest them in effective, people-oriented development programs.
Responding to questions from the audience, Yar'Adua reaffirmed his administration's zero tolerance for corruption, but stressed that its campaign against corruption goes hand in hand with the determination to ensure respect for the rule of law.
"What I have done is to give the anti-corruption agencies like EFCC, ICPC and the Code of Conduct Bureau, the full support of government and total independence to act on any cases of corruption.
"This is an extremely difficult challenge, but we are following it and we are making sure that the opportunities to be corrupt are checked. We are going to expand the horizon of the war against corruption beyond the activities of agencies like the EFCC and ICPC to the complete reformation of key institutions like the Nigerian Police Force.
"When we reform the police then we can get the judiciary to reform itself because I am insisting that the rule of law must be supreme, and that every judgment of the law court must be respected and obeyed.
"The challenge is that where you have a corrupt system you find that even the judiciary is affected, it is not excluded. The serious challenge that we will have is to get a corruption-free judiciary because the rule of law can best be anchored on a corruption-free judiciary," the president stated.
Yar'Adua told his audience that the government had given the anti-corruption agencies a free hand to act and that they are being encouraged to appeal corrupt court judgments at higher courts in order to vacate the flawed ruling passed down by the lower court.
"By doing that," he explained, "they would have set a precedence such that this kind of action can never happen in the lower court again, because if you say you don't want to obey a court order because you believe it is corruptly procured, you are destroying a system and it doesn't help your cause.
"So it is a long drawn process and a very hard battle. But the important thing is that when you fight such battles, you succeed when the majority of the citizens are with you. On this fight, we will succeed because Nigerians want corruption stamped out of their system," the President stressed.
Army Forcibly Recruiting Youths, Rights Group Says.
IRIN
14 December 2007
The Chadian military is reportedly recruiting young men by force, possibly including children, to help stem losses from recent fighting with rebels on several fronts in the east of the country.
Human Rights Without Borders (DHSF), a Chadian human rights group, says it has received reports of army units raiding private homes and taking children. Larger raids have also been reported in places where youths gather, according to several sources, including an eyewitness who spoke to IRIN.
The reported raids are said to be taking place in the capital, N'djamena, as well as in towns and villages around the country.
"Many of the youth being made to join the army are underage," according to Daniel Passalet Duezoumbe, head of DHSF.
Both the army and rebels have suffered heavy losses in fighting in recent weeks, according to numerous sources.
The new recruits are being taken straight to the front after "at most" 10 days of training, Duezoumbe said.
"We have a report of a child being killed by shooting himself with his own gun because he did not have proper training in how to use it."
Human rights advocates made allegations of forced recruitment in January 2006. Then, waves of Chadian soldiers were defecting to rebel groups.
Eyewitness
One witness to the recent round-ups, a 22-year-old student who gave only his first name, Guy, said he escaped a raid while watching a film at a cinema in N'djamena.
"About an hour into the movie people behind us suddenly started screaming. I looked behind and saw soldiers wearing turbans and carrying rifles and coming down the aisle, pulling all the men out of their seats and taking them away."
He said he managed to jump over a wall. "As I was running away I looked behind me and saw two army Toyota pickups and a big truck with soldiers forcing people inside."
Legalities
Forced recruitment of civilians over age18 is not covered under international law, the head of the ICRC in Chad, Thomas Merkelbach, told IRIN.
"I am unaware of anything covering press ganging," he said, referring to the practice of spontaneously conscripting people into the military without prior notice, which is also known as impressments.
But it is illegal under Chadian law, according to the DHSF's Duezoumbe. "Article 51 of the Chadian constitution states that the government may conscript civilians only if it faces an external threat on its territory not an internal rebellion," he said.
He also said that conscription must be approved by the country's parliament after which men are to register. "It is totally illegal for the army to just pick people up off the street."
In the conflict zones in the east the rebels are also using forced recruits, he added.
Government response
Government spokesman Hourmadji Moussa Doumgor said at a press conference in December that if troops were making raids they were not authorised to do so.
"The government asks all people who have been forcibly recruited or tricked by those who took them to the combat zone in recent weeks and who are now in the wilderness to present themselves to local [civilian] authorities with or without their weapon," Doumgor said.
"The young men should not fear the civilian authorities. They will be welcomed," he said.
Yet sources IRIN spoke with said they doubted that any soldier on the front lines would dare to desert his post and claim he had been recruited by force.
14 December 2007
The Chadian military is reportedly recruiting young men by force, possibly including children, to help stem losses from recent fighting with rebels on several fronts in the east of the country.
Human Rights Without Borders (DHSF), a Chadian human rights group, says it has received reports of army units raiding private homes and taking children. Larger raids have also been reported in places where youths gather, according to several sources, including an eyewitness who spoke to IRIN.
The reported raids are said to be taking place in the capital, N'djamena, as well as in towns and villages around the country.
"Many of the youth being made to join the army are underage," according to Daniel Passalet Duezoumbe, head of DHSF.
Both the army and rebels have suffered heavy losses in fighting in recent weeks, according to numerous sources.
The new recruits are being taken straight to the front after "at most" 10 days of training, Duezoumbe said.
"We have a report of a child being killed by shooting himself with his own gun because he did not have proper training in how to use it."
Human rights advocates made allegations of forced recruitment in January 2006. Then, waves of Chadian soldiers were defecting to rebel groups.
Eyewitness
One witness to the recent round-ups, a 22-year-old student who gave only his first name, Guy, said he escaped a raid while watching a film at a cinema in N'djamena.
"About an hour into the movie people behind us suddenly started screaming. I looked behind and saw soldiers wearing turbans and carrying rifles and coming down the aisle, pulling all the men out of their seats and taking them away."
He said he managed to jump over a wall. "As I was running away I looked behind me and saw two army Toyota pickups and a big truck with soldiers forcing people inside."
Legalities
Forced recruitment of civilians over age18 is not covered under international law, the head of the ICRC in Chad, Thomas Merkelbach, told IRIN.
"I am unaware of anything covering press ganging," he said, referring to the practice of spontaneously conscripting people into the military without prior notice, which is also known as impressments.
But it is illegal under Chadian law, according to the DHSF's Duezoumbe. "Article 51 of the Chadian constitution states that the government may conscript civilians only if it faces an external threat on its territory not an internal rebellion," he said.
He also said that conscription must be approved by the country's parliament after which men are to register. "It is totally illegal for the army to just pick people up off the street."
In the conflict zones in the east the rebels are also using forced recruits, he added.
Government response
Government spokesman Hourmadji Moussa Doumgor said at a press conference in December that if troops were making raids they were not authorised to do so.
"The government asks all people who have been forcibly recruited or tricked by those who took them to the combat zone in recent weeks and who are now in the wilderness to present themselves to local [civilian] authorities with or without their weapon," Doumgor said.
"The young men should not fear the civilian authorities. They will be welcomed," he said.
Yet sources IRIN spoke with said they doubted that any soldier on the front lines would dare to desert his post and claim he had been recruited by force.
Libyan foreign minister to meet Rice in U.S.
Reuters
14 December 2007
Libyan Foreign Minister Mohammed Abdel-Rahman Shalgam will meet U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in the United States on January 3, the two countries said on Friday.
Shalgam told reporters he received an invitation from Rice. "I will have a meeting with her on January 3," he said in Paris.
In Washington, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said Rice and Shalgam would discuss U.S.-Libya relations and regional issues in talks at the department.
Rice would also continue urging Libya to resolve outstanding claims cases from the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over the Scottish town of Lockerbie, which cost 270lives, he said.
(Reporting by Francois Murphy and Paul Eckert in Washington, editing by Doina Chiacu)
14 December 2007
Libyan Foreign Minister Mohammed Abdel-Rahman Shalgam will meet U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in the United States on January 3, the two countries said on Friday.
Shalgam told reporters he received an invitation from Rice. "I will have a meeting with her on January 3," he said in Paris.
In Washington, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said Rice and Shalgam would discuss U.S.-Libya relations and regional issues in talks at the department.
Rice would also continue urging Libya to resolve outstanding claims cases from the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over the Scottish town of Lockerbie, which cost 270lives, he said.
(Reporting by Francois Murphy and Paul Eckert in Washington, editing by Doina Chiacu)
In Ogaden Region, Ethiopia Forces Civilians to Patrol.
The New York Times
14 December 2007
By JEFFREY GETTLEMAN
Editor's Note: I again remind readers that the Ethiopian Government currently recieves more aid from the United States than any other country in Africa.
The Ethiopian government, one of America’s top allies in Africa, is forcing untrained civilians — including doctors, teachers, office clerks and employees of development programs financed by the World Bank and United Nations (emphasis mine-Editor) — to fight rebels in the desolate Ogaden region, according to Western officials, refugees, and Ethiopian administrators who recently defected to avoid being conscripted.
Ethiopia has been struggling with the rebels for years. But with tens of thousands of its troops now enmeshed in a bloody insurgency in Somalia and many thousands more massing on the border for a possible war with Eritrea, the government seems to be relying on civilians to do more of its fighting in the Ogaden, a bone-dry chunk of territory where Ethiopian troops have been accused by human rights groups of widespread abuses.
In a recent report, government officials in the region called upon elders, traders, women and civil servants to form local “security committees” and mobilize their clans to destroy the rebels and their bases of support. The government says that the rebels are terrorists who have carried out assassinations and bombings, and that civilians have volunteered to fight them.
But by many accounts, the militias are hardly voluntary. One Western aid official said soldiers had barged into hospitals to draft recruits and threatened to jail health workers if they did not comply. In other cases, lists of names were posted on public bulletin boards, ordering government employees to report for duty, according to a current member of the regional parliament and two Ethiopian administrators who have fled the country. Many of those who refused were fired, jailed and in some cases tortured, the administrators and parliament member said.
The civilians are serving as guides, porters, translators and foot soldiers, and they are sent into the bush with little or no training to confront hardened guerrilla fighters. In the ensuing battles, many civil servants have recently been killed, according to accounts corroborated by Western officials and aid workers.
“Anybody who works for the government — teachers, doctors, clerks, administrators — has to join a militia,” said Hassan Abdi Hees, who worked as the head accountant in a government office in the Ogaden and is now seeking asylum in Kenya. “I left because I didn’t want to die.”
Several Western officials say they are alarmed about this new strategy, especially when the first signs may be emerging of a humanitarian crisis that aid officials predicted over the summer.
Earlier this year, the Ethiopian military sealed off large swaths of the Ogaden to choke off support for the rebels, preventing much of the commercial traffic and emergency food aid from entering. Western aid officials warned this could cause a famine. The military has since relaxed some restrictions, but a survey by the aid group Save the Children U.K. found that child malnutrition rates in some areas have soared past emergency thresholds and are now higher than in Darfur or Somalia, widely considered the two most pressing crises in Africa.
In late November, John Holmes, the most senior humanitarian official at the United Nations, came to the Ogaden to assess the situation. While there, he said, he heard reports of civilian militias being formed, and observed that it was increasingly difficult to find health workers, livestock workers and trained professionals to distribute much-needed aid in the region, which now faces a drought.
“There is not a catastrophe there, for the moment,” Mr. Holmes said. “But there is a lot of concern the Ogaden could become a serious humanitarian crisis.”
Ethiopian officials deny this.
“Many media and international organizations have been exaggerating the problems,” said Nur Abdi Mohammed, a government spokesman. “There is no food aid problem. There is no malnutrition problem.”
As for militias, Mr. Mohammed said, “what is happening is that the local tribes are forming to fight against the O.N.L.F.,” the Ogaden National Liberation Front, the main rebel group in the area.
“The people want to protect their livelihood,” Mr. Mohammed added.
According to the recent government report, which was published by regional authorities, rank-and-file civil servants are not the only ones called upon to fight the rebels. It also lists several employees who work for programs financed by international donors. They included a pastoralist development project that receives millions of dollars from the World Bank and the Ethiopian government’s AIDS prevention office, which is supported, in part, by the United Nations and The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. A second government document ordering civil servants to report for duty lists 10 employees from an AIDS office.
One government official said that his entire department, including white-collar professionals, clerks, watchmen and drivers, had been forced to go on reconnaissance patrols to hunt down the rebels. The official, who feared government reprisals if he were identified, said that the militia duty interrupted humanitarian programs supported by the United Nations and that several colleagues were killed while on patrol.
“We don’t know how to operate guns, but the government sent us to the front lines,” the official said.
Other civilians who served in the militias said they were not given camouflage, and even had to buy their own rifles.
“It’s terrifying,” said Ali Mahamoud, a Koranic teacher who said he was yanked out of Arabic class a few months ago and assigned to a militia. “You can’t see the rebels when they’re shooting at you. And the Ethiopians will kill you if you try to run.”
The rebels said the civilians were easy targets.
“They don’t know the bush,” said Daous, a commander for the Ogaden National Liberation Front.
Some of the region’s best-trained professionals have chosen to flee, including Sadik Mohammed Hajinur, a Sudanese-trained doctor who used to work at a rural hospital. He said that Ethiopian soldiers demanded that he recruit militia members from his clan and that when he refused, they beat him with rifle butts.
“I faced so many problems from the army,” said Dr. Sadik, who is now seeking asylum in Sweden.
Dr. Sadik and other refugees described the militia program as another example of the extremes to which the Ethiopian government will go to control the Ogaden region, which lies on the border of Somalia and is home to mostly ethnic Somalis, who speak a different language and have a different culture than the highland Ethiopians who rule the country.
Several United Nations officials and Western diplomats said they were discussing the militia program in private meetings, but contended they could not comment publicly for fear of provoking the ire of the Ethiopian government, resulting in a possible suspension of humanitarian efforts in the region.
“We are walking a very thin line, and we need to concentrate on saving lives right now,” a United Nations official said.
Ethiopian authorities have already expelled the Red Cross from the Ogaden, accusing aid workers of being spies.
The Bush administration considers Ethiopia its No. 1 ally in combating terrorism in the Horn of Africa, and the American government provides it with roughly $500 million in annual aid. Last winter, American commanders gave Ethiopia prized intelligence to oust an Islamic movement that had controlled much of Somalia.
But Human Rights Watch says it has documented dozens of cases of severe abuse by Ethiopian troops in the Ogaden, including gang rapes, burned villages and what it calls “demonstration killings,” like hangings and beheadings, meant to terrorize the population.
“This is a mini-Darfur,” said Steve Crawshaw, the United Nations advocacy director for Human Rights Watch.
The Ethiopian government’s response to such criticism is often one word: Eritrea. Ethiopian leaders have accused their tiny neighbor of arming insurgents in Somalia and the Ogaden. Eritrea denies this, but a United Nations report concluded that the country had indeed shipped planeloads of weapons into Somalia. Ethiopia also blames Eritrea for failing to compromise on the border issue, which has led to a major military buildup on both sides.
As for human rights, Ethiopia’s prime minister, Meles Zenawi, said at a recent news conference that “there have been no widespread human rights violations in the Ogaden, not only because we believe in the respect for human rights, but because we know how to fight the insurgency.”
But several soldiers who have recently defected said they had participated in brutal killings. Ahmed Mohammed, 24, said he was born in the Ogaden and served two years in the national army. In August, he said, his platoon was blockading a road and caught a truck trying to sneak through. The soldiers dragged the driver out and Mr. Ahmed said he watched his commander saw off the driver’s head with a 10-inch hunting knife.
“We left the body by the road,” said Mr. Ahmed, who is now a refugee in Kenya. His account could not be independently verified, but was consistent with those of other soldiers who had defected.
Mr. Mohammed, the government spokesman, dismissed the story, saying: “There is not a single soldier who is abusing human rights. The Ethiopian military is very disciplined and would not abuse its own people.”
Recent refugees said the military was trying to starve them out and the blockade had been like a noose on some parts of the region, cutting off food supplies.
In October, Save the Children U.K. surveyed more than 600 Ogadeni children and found that 21 percent were acutely malnourished, compared with United Nations surveys that found malnutrition rates of 19 percent in an area of Somalia and 13 percent in Darfur, Sudan. The United Nations considers 15 percent the emergency threshold.
“We’ve crossed the line into a humanitarian crisis,” said one Western diplomat who asked not to be identified because he was afraid of reprisals from the government.
Western officials said the Ethiopian government has begun to respond by loosening the restrictions on commercial traffic and food and allowing the United Nations to open field offices in the Ogaden. “There have been positive developments in the last three weeks,” said Marc Rubin, emergency director for Unicef in Ethiopia.
But there is a lot of catching up to do. The amount of emergency food that the United Nations World Food Program has dispatched to the Ogaden this year is a fraction of what it was last year, 19,475 tons compared with 155,249 tons .
Several refugees said they had been reduced to eating grass.
Habsa Ghaffir, who arrived at a camp in Kenya four weeks ago, said that after Ethiopian troops burned her fields and shot her husband, her 4-year-old son starved to death.
“I remember him saying to me, ‘Mom, bring me food, Mom, bring me tea, Mom bring me water,’” Ms. Habsa said.
But she had none.
“It is like they are trying to wipe us out,” she said, nervously snapping twigs between her fingers as she spoke outside her hut. “Even here, we’re not safe.”
United Nations officials said Ethiopian intelligence agents had infiltrated Kenya, and on Nov. 2, there was a mysterious attack that only added to these fears.
According to Kenyan police, masked men burst into an apartment building in a Nairobi slum and shot five Ethiopian refugees. Two died, along with a guard outside who was shot in the head.
Nothing was taken. Witnesses said the killers went straight to the Ethiopians’ room. The Ethiopian victims had been student leaders in their country, and the Kenyan police said some of them had previously asked for protection.
Kenyan police commander Joseph Maina Migwi said he could not say whether Ethiopian security agents were involved.
“But whoever did it,” he said, “were definitely paid professionals.”
14 December 2007
By JEFFREY GETTLEMAN
Editor's Note: I again remind readers that the Ethiopian Government currently recieves more aid from the United States than any other country in Africa.
The Ethiopian government, one of America’s top allies in Africa, is forcing untrained civilians — including doctors, teachers, office clerks and employees of development programs financed by the World Bank and United Nations (emphasis mine-Editor) — to fight rebels in the desolate Ogaden region, according to Western officials, refugees, and Ethiopian administrators who recently defected to avoid being conscripted.
Ethiopia has been struggling with the rebels for years. But with tens of thousands of its troops now enmeshed in a bloody insurgency in Somalia and many thousands more massing on the border for a possible war with Eritrea, the government seems to be relying on civilians to do more of its fighting in the Ogaden, a bone-dry chunk of territory where Ethiopian troops have been accused by human rights groups of widespread abuses.
In a recent report, government officials in the region called upon elders, traders, women and civil servants to form local “security committees” and mobilize their clans to destroy the rebels and their bases of support. The government says that the rebels are terrorists who have carried out assassinations and bombings, and that civilians have volunteered to fight them.
But by many accounts, the militias are hardly voluntary. One Western aid official said soldiers had barged into hospitals to draft recruits and threatened to jail health workers if they did not comply. In other cases, lists of names were posted on public bulletin boards, ordering government employees to report for duty, according to a current member of the regional parliament and two Ethiopian administrators who have fled the country. Many of those who refused were fired, jailed and in some cases tortured, the administrators and parliament member said.
The civilians are serving as guides, porters, translators and foot soldiers, and they are sent into the bush with little or no training to confront hardened guerrilla fighters. In the ensuing battles, many civil servants have recently been killed, according to accounts corroborated by Western officials and aid workers.
“Anybody who works for the government — teachers, doctors, clerks, administrators — has to join a militia,” said Hassan Abdi Hees, who worked as the head accountant in a government office in the Ogaden and is now seeking asylum in Kenya. “I left because I didn’t want to die.”
Several Western officials say they are alarmed about this new strategy, especially when the first signs may be emerging of a humanitarian crisis that aid officials predicted over the summer.
Earlier this year, the Ethiopian military sealed off large swaths of the Ogaden to choke off support for the rebels, preventing much of the commercial traffic and emergency food aid from entering. Western aid officials warned this could cause a famine. The military has since relaxed some restrictions, but a survey by the aid group Save the Children U.K. found that child malnutrition rates in some areas have soared past emergency thresholds and are now higher than in Darfur or Somalia, widely considered the two most pressing crises in Africa.
In late November, John Holmes, the most senior humanitarian official at the United Nations, came to the Ogaden to assess the situation. While there, he said, he heard reports of civilian militias being formed, and observed that it was increasingly difficult to find health workers, livestock workers and trained professionals to distribute much-needed aid in the region, which now faces a drought.
“There is not a catastrophe there, for the moment,” Mr. Holmes said. “But there is a lot of concern the Ogaden could become a serious humanitarian crisis.”
Ethiopian officials deny this.
“Many media and international organizations have been exaggerating the problems,” said Nur Abdi Mohammed, a government spokesman. “There is no food aid problem. There is no malnutrition problem.”
As for militias, Mr. Mohammed said, “what is happening is that the local tribes are forming to fight against the O.N.L.F.,” the Ogaden National Liberation Front, the main rebel group in the area.
“The people want to protect their livelihood,” Mr. Mohammed added.
According to the recent government report, which was published by regional authorities, rank-and-file civil servants are not the only ones called upon to fight the rebels. It also lists several employees who work for programs financed by international donors. They included a pastoralist development project that receives millions of dollars from the World Bank and the Ethiopian government’s AIDS prevention office, which is supported, in part, by the United Nations and The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. A second government document ordering civil servants to report for duty lists 10 employees from an AIDS office.
One government official said that his entire department, including white-collar professionals, clerks, watchmen and drivers, had been forced to go on reconnaissance patrols to hunt down the rebels. The official, who feared government reprisals if he were identified, said that the militia duty interrupted humanitarian programs supported by the United Nations and that several colleagues were killed while on patrol.
“We don’t know how to operate guns, but the government sent us to the front lines,” the official said.
Other civilians who served in the militias said they were not given camouflage, and even had to buy their own rifles.
“It’s terrifying,” said Ali Mahamoud, a Koranic teacher who said he was yanked out of Arabic class a few months ago and assigned to a militia. “You can’t see the rebels when they’re shooting at you. And the Ethiopians will kill you if you try to run.”
The rebels said the civilians were easy targets.
“They don’t know the bush,” said Daous, a commander for the Ogaden National Liberation Front.
Some of the region’s best-trained professionals have chosen to flee, including Sadik Mohammed Hajinur, a Sudanese-trained doctor who used to work at a rural hospital. He said that Ethiopian soldiers demanded that he recruit militia members from his clan and that when he refused, they beat him with rifle butts.
“I faced so many problems from the army,” said Dr. Sadik, who is now seeking asylum in Sweden.
Dr. Sadik and other refugees described the militia program as another example of the extremes to which the Ethiopian government will go to control the Ogaden region, which lies on the border of Somalia and is home to mostly ethnic Somalis, who speak a different language and have a different culture than the highland Ethiopians who rule the country.
Several United Nations officials and Western diplomats said they were discussing the militia program in private meetings, but contended they could not comment publicly for fear of provoking the ire of the Ethiopian government, resulting in a possible suspension of humanitarian efforts in the region.
“We are walking a very thin line, and we need to concentrate on saving lives right now,” a United Nations official said.
Ethiopian authorities have already expelled the Red Cross from the Ogaden, accusing aid workers of being spies.
The Bush administration considers Ethiopia its No. 1 ally in combating terrorism in the Horn of Africa, and the American government provides it with roughly $500 million in annual aid. Last winter, American commanders gave Ethiopia prized intelligence to oust an Islamic movement that had controlled much of Somalia.
But Human Rights Watch says it has documented dozens of cases of severe abuse by Ethiopian troops in the Ogaden, including gang rapes, burned villages and what it calls “demonstration killings,” like hangings and beheadings, meant to terrorize the population.
“This is a mini-Darfur,” said Steve Crawshaw, the United Nations advocacy director for Human Rights Watch.
The Ethiopian government’s response to such criticism is often one word: Eritrea. Ethiopian leaders have accused their tiny neighbor of arming insurgents in Somalia and the Ogaden. Eritrea denies this, but a United Nations report concluded that the country had indeed shipped planeloads of weapons into Somalia. Ethiopia also blames Eritrea for failing to compromise on the border issue, which has led to a major military buildup on both sides.
As for human rights, Ethiopia’s prime minister, Meles Zenawi, said at a recent news conference that “there have been no widespread human rights violations in the Ogaden, not only because we believe in the respect for human rights, but because we know how to fight the insurgency.”
But several soldiers who have recently defected said they had participated in brutal killings. Ahmed Mohammed, 24, said he was born in the Ogaden and served two years in the national army. In August, he said, his platoon was blockading a road and caught a truck trying to sneak through. The soldiers dragged the driver out and Mr. Ahmed said he watched his commander saw off the driver’s head with a 10-inch hunting knife.
“We left the body by the road,” said Mr. Ahmed, who is now a refugee in Kenya. His account could not be independently verified, but was consistent with those of other soldiers who had defected.
Mr. Mohammed, the government spokesman, dismissed the story, saying: “There is not a single soldier who is abusing human rights. The Ethiopian military is very disciplined and would not abuse its own people.”
Recent refugees said the military was trying to starve them out and the blockade had been like a noose on some parts of the region, cutting off food supplies.
In October, Save the Children U.K. surveyed more than 600 Ogadeni children and found that 21 percent were acutely malnourished, compared with United Nations surveys that found malnutrition rates of 19 percent in an area of Somalia and 13 percent in Darfur, Sudan. The United Nations considers 15 percent the emergency threshold.
“We’ve crossed the line into a humanitarian crisis,” said one Western diplomat who asked not to be identified because he was afraid of reprisals from the government.
Western officials said the Ethiopian government has begun to respond by loosening the restrictions on commercial traffic and food and allowing the United Nations to open field offices in the Ogaden. “There have been positive developments in the last three weeks,” said Marc Rubin, emergency director for Unicef in Ethiopia.
But there is a lot of catching up to do. The amount of emergency food that the United Nations World Food Program has dispatched to the Ogaden this year is a fraction of what it was last year, 19,475 tons compared with 155,249 tons .
Several refugees said they had been reduced to eating grass.
Habsa Ghaffir, who arrived at a camp in Kenya four weeks ago, said that after Ethiopian troops burned her fields and shot her husband, her 4-year-old son starved to death.
“I remember him saying to me, ‘Mom, bring me food, Mom, bring me tea, Mom bring me water,’” Ms. Habsa said.
But she had none.
“It is like they are trying to wipe us out,” she said, nervously snapping twigs between her fingers as she spoke outside her hut. “Even here, we’re not safe.”
United Nations officials said Ethiopian intelligence agents had infiltrated Kenya, and on Nov. 2, there was a mysterious attack that only added to these fears.
According to Kenyan police, masked men burst into an apartment building in a Nairobi slum and shot five Ethiopian refugees. Two died, along with a guard outside who was shot in the head.
Nothing was taken. Witnesses said the killers went straight to the Ethiopians’ room. The Ethiopian victims had been student leaders in their country, and the Kenyan police said some of them had previously asked for protection.
Kenyan police commander Joseph Maina Migwi said he could not say whether Ethiopian security agents were involved.
“But whoever did it,” he said, “were definitely paid professionals.”
Somalia's largest clan says Ethiopian pullout only end to deadlock
Editor's Note: The Ethiopian Army is currently helping to keep the government the way it is by crushing Hawiye political dissent. If a widespread armed struggle for power emerges in which Hawiye take up arms, the Ethiopian Army will likely be used to quash the factions the international powers do not want to see in power.
It should be noted that PM Gedi is a member of the Hawiye clan, and I expect him to reemerge politically at some point. PM Gedi was forced to resign because he has adamantly opposed the semi-autonomous regions of Puntland and Somaliland giving out their oil concessions. He wants all oil deals to go through, and be approved by, the central government and the proper ministries. Since these regions are not independent, he views them as federal states, and oil deals given by these states are not yet expressly allowed by the constitution. It is virtually identical to the situation Iraq faces with the Kurdistan Federal Government.
As long as the current arrangement benefits the international powers, they will continue to back Pres. Yusuf (who is from Puntland), his Darod allies in the government, and the governments of Somaliland and Puntland. For their part, the US, and particularly the Department of Defense, is advocating for Somaliland's independence, which would allow them to make their own oil deals and make their own military decisions even if the Constitutional talks fail and Somalia falls apart. Somaliland could also supply another potential place for an American military base in a key costal area of the world and a strategic location next to the volatile Ogaden region of Ethiopia. U.S. oil firms Afar Exploration and Inter Global have concessions in Ethiopia, but they are in the far northern region of Afar, which makes them more concerned about relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea. This is noteworthy because the Eritrean Government backs the Islamic Government (UIC) that was overthrown by the U.S. and Ethiopia last year and brought Pres. Yusuf to power. The situation is complicated further because Eritrea has backed the JEM, SPLM/A, and factions of the SLM/A in Sudan. The U.S. is a staunch backer of the SPLM/A.
AFP
14 December 2007
by Emmanuel Goujon
Ethiopian troops must leave Somalia for the country's ailing transitional institutions to garner any legitimacy and a political solution to emerge, leaders from Somalia's top clan said Thursday.
The presence in Somalia of the US-backed Ethiopian regime's troops will continue fueling violence that has already killed thousands and displaced close to a million in recent months, Hawiye elders said.
On Thursday alone, 13 civilians were killed in Mogadishu, including 11 when two mortar shells smashed into a market area.
"The problem of Somalia can only be solved by Somalis, we have to meet with the TFG (transitional federal government), the group of Asmara (opposition) and find a solution the Somali way," said Abdulaye Hassan, a Hawiye spokesman.
"That is possible only if the Ethiopians leave," he added.
The Hawiye clan is the largest in Somalia and is dominant in the capital Mogadishu, although some divisions exist amongst its numerous sub-clans.
Hassan condemned what he said were systematic arrests of Hawiye clan members who speak out against the TFG.
"We are sleeping in a different house every night because the TFG is after us," he said.
Sirraj Sheikh Hassan, another Hawiye representative, insisted his clan -- frequently accused of supporting radical Islamic insurgents -- was not seeking confrontation.
"We are not armed people but elders who are not happy with the Ethiopian presence. We are fighting them verbally," he told AFP in Mogadishu.
"The main conflict is now between the group of Asmara and the TFG. It can only be solved if the Ethiopians leave. There is no other solution than negotiation," he added.
The government and allied foreign mediators have so far not engaged in serious consultations with an opposition movement formed in Asmara in September.
The group, which calls itself the Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia, is led by key political figures from the country's short-lived Islamist rule and is hosted by Eritrea, which faces growing international isolation.
The Hawiye say they feel alienated from the country's centre of power. Although the new prime minister, Nur Hassan Hussein, is one of theirs, the nation's strongman remains more than ever President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed.
Yusuf is from the Darod clan, the country's second-largest, and cracks have formed along clanic lines in the fragile government.
Somalia is a mainly Muslim country, while Ethiopia has a majority Christian population. Many Somalis resent what they see as a Christian crusade on their territory, but the government needs Ethiopia to ensure it retains even a tenuous grip on power.
"The Ethiopians have been invited by the legitimate government of Somalia, that is the TFG, to restore peace, law and order in Somalia. So no other authority can ask them to leave," said Interior Minister Mohamed Mahmud Guled.
"The so-called Hawiye representatives don't represent the Hawiye people and they are not in a position to stop the fighting because the Shebab (the Islamist movement's armed wing) are not under their authority," he added.
Addis Ababa has said it wants to pull out as soon as possible but argues that this cannot be done before a robust international peacekeeping force is deployed.
In the meantime, violence continues to make Mogadishu one of the most dangerous capitals in the world and aggravate an already dire humanitarian situation.
"The insurgents are standing against the new colonisation of Somalia by Ethiopians. Once the Ethiopians pull out, there will be no more fighting," said Nur Jamah Karshe, another Hawiye elder.
It should be noted that PM Gedi is a member of the Hawiye clan, and I expect him to reemerge politically at some point. PM Gedi was forced to resign because he has adamantly opposed the semi-autonomous regions of Puntland and Somaliland giving out their oil concessions. He wants all oil deals to go through, and be approved by, the central government and the proper ministries. Since these regions are not independent, he views them as federal states, and oil deals given by these states are not yet expressly allowed by the constitution. It is virtually identical to the situation Iraq faces with the Kurdistan Federal Government.
As long as the current arrangement benefits the international powers, they will continue to back Pres. Yusuf (who is from Puntland), his Darod allies in the government, and the governments of Somaliland and Puntland. For their part, the US, and particularly the Department of Defense, is advocating for Somaliland's independence, which would allow them to make their own oil deals and make their own military decisions even if the Constitutional talks fail and Somalia falls apart. Somaliland could also supply another potential place for an American military base in a key costal area of the world and a strategic location next to the volatile Ogaden region of Ethiopia. U.S. oil firms Afar Exploration and Inter Global have concessions in Ethiopia, but they are in the far northern region of Afar, which makes them more concerned about relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea. This is noteworthy because the Eritrean Government backs the Islamic Government (UIC) that was overthrown by the U.S. and Ethiopia last year and brought Pres. Yusuf to power. The situation is complicated further because Eritrea has backed the JEM, SPLM/A, and factions of the SLM/A in Sudan. The U.S. is a staunch backer of the SPLM/A.
AFP
14 December 2007
by Emmanuel Goujon
Ethiopian troops must leave Somalia for the country's ailing transitional institutions to garner any legitimacy and a political solution to emerge, leaders from Somalia's top clan said Thursday.
The presence in Somalia of the US-backed Ethiopian regime's troops will continue fueling violence that has already killed thousands and displaced close to a million in recent months, Hawiye elders said.
On Thursday alone, 13 civilians were killed in Mogadishu, including 11 when two mortar shells smashed into a market area.
"The problem of Somalia can only be solved by Somalis, we have to meet with the TFG (transitional federal government), the group of Asmara (opposition) and find a solution the Somali way," said Abdulaye Hassan, a Hawiye spokesman.
"That is possible only if the Ethiopians leave," he added.
The Hawiye clan is the largest in Somalia and is dominant in the capital Mogadishu, although some divisions exist amongst its numerous sub-clans.
Hassan condemned what he said were systematic arrests of Hawiye clan members who speak out against the TFG.
"We are sleeping in a different house every night because the TFG is after us," he said.
Sirraj Sheikh Hassan, another Hawiye representative, insisted his clan -- frequently accused of supporting radical Islamic insurgents -- was not seeking confrontation.
"We are not armed people but elders who are not happy with the Ethiopian presence. We are fighting them verbally," he told AFP in Mogadishu.
"The main conflict is now between the group of Asmara and the TFG. It can only be solved if the Ethiopians leave. There is no other solution than negotiation," he added.
The government and allied foreign mediators have so far not engaged in serious consultations with an opposition movement formed in Asmara in September.
The group, which calls itself the Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia, is led by key political figures from the country's short-lived Islamist rule and is hosted by Eritrea, which faces growing international isolation.
The Hawiye say they feel alienated from the country's centre of power. Although the new prime minister, Nur Hassan Hussein, is one of theirs, the nation's strongman remains more than ever President Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed.
Yusuf is from the Darod clan, the country's second-largest, and cracks have formed along clanic lines in the fragile government.
Somalia is a mainly Muslim country, while Ethiopia has a majority Christian population. Many Somalis resent what they see as a Christian crusade on their territory, but the government needs Ethiopia to ensure it retains even a tenuous grip on power.
"The Ethiopians have been invited by the legitimate government of Somalia, that is the TFG, to restore peace, law and order in Somalia. So no other authority can ask them to leave," said Interior Minister Mohamed Mahmud Guled.
"The so-called Hawiye representatives don't represent the Hawiye people and they are not in a position to stop the fighting because the Shebab (the Islamist movement's armed wing) are not under their authority," he added.
Addis Ababa has said it wants to pull out as soon as possible but argues that this cannot be done before a robust international peacekeeping force is deployed.
In the meantime, violence continues to make Mogadishu one of the most dangerous capitals in the world and aggravate an already dire humanitarian situation.
"The insurgents are standing against the new colonisation of Somalia by Ethiopians. Once the Ethiopians pull out, there will be no more fighting," said Nur Jamah Karshe, another Hawiye elder.
EU decides to deploy police mission to Kosovo.
AFP
By Lorne Cook
14 December 2007
European Union leaders decided Friday to deploy a vast police mission to Kosovo as the Serbian province edges toward independence, a move that could fuel tensions with Russia.
The EU has been preparing the police and justice operation of around 1,800 personnel that was meant to be deployed under a UN proposal to grant Kosovo "supervised independence" but the move was blocked by Russia.
"This is the clearest signal that the European Union could possibly give that it intends to lead on the whole issue of Kosovo's future, its status and its role in the region," Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates told reporters after an EU summit in Brussels.
In a friendly gesture to Serbia, which implacably opposes Kosovan independence, the EU leaders in their written conclusions also voiced confidence that Serbia's "progress on the road towards the EU, including candidate status, can be accelerated."
French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Serbia had "a future" in the European Union "if it respects human rights and the independence of Kosovo".
Socrates did not say when the police mission would be deployed, but Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn said: "Not before Christmas but immediately after."
An EU official said there was no exact date set but "that it could be decided at the council (of EU foreign ministers)" on January 28.
The mission would help ease the southern province's transition of power from the UN administration, which has been in place since 1999, to the local authorities.
Kosovo has been administered by the UN since NATO bombed Belgrade in 1999 to end a crackdown on separatist ethnic Albanians, and the Albanian majority has been impatient for independence ever since.
Western officials and experts believe that Kosovo's leaders will announce next month their intention to declare independence, and then break away by May in "coordination" with its EU and US allies.
When asked whether the deployment of the mission meant that EU nations were ready to recognise Kosovo when it does break away, Socrates said: "No."
"What we are doing at the moment is undertaking negotiations in the (United Nations) Security Council," which meets on December 19 to debate Kosovo's status after the breakdown of talks between Belgrade and Pristina.
After failing to prevent the bloody breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, the leaders want to show they can meet the credibility test posed by Kosovo.
The EU must also send a clear diplomatic signal ahead of the security council debate on its position and possible intentions in the weeks and months ahead.
"The EU stands ready to play a leading role in strengthening stability in the region and in implementing a settlement defining Kosovo's future status," the leaders said in their text of conclusions.
But while a core group of European countries and Washington are prepared to recognise eventual independence for Kosovo, EU member Cyprus, concerned about its own divisions, refuses to go along.
"We will not recognise a declaration of independence by Kosovo which is made unilaterally," Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos said Friday. "We still believe there is room for a negotiated agreement."
But the EU official said: "The Cypriots could abstain, and abstaining would not be an obstacle. They could even make a declaration" to attach to any final EU position.
Kosovo's leaders, meanwhile, have been careful to underscore that they intend to break away in "close coordination" with EU nations and the United States.
Serbian President Boris Tadic said Friday that Belgrade would never accept Kosovo's independence, but his country's defence minister has confirmed that no troops would be sent in if Pristina severs ties.
By Lorne Cook
14 December 2007
European Union leaders decided Friday to deploy a vast police mission to Kosovo as the Serbian province edges toward independence, a move that could fuel tensions with Russia.
The EU has been preparing the police and justice operation of around 1,800 personnel that was meant to be deployed under a UN proposal to grant Kosovo "supervised independence" but the move was blocked by Russia.
"This is the clearest signal that the European Union could possibly give that it intends to lead on the whole issue of Kosovo's future, its status and its role in the region," Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates told reporters after an EU summit in Brussels.
In a friendly gesture to Serbia, which implacably opposes Kosovan independence, the EU leaders in their written conclusions also voiced confidence that Serbia's "progress on the road towards the EU, including candidate status, can be accelerated."
French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Serbia had "a future" in the European Union "if it respects human rights and the independence of Kosovo".
Socrates did not say when the police mission would be deployed, but Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn said: "Not before Christmas but immediately after."
An EU official said there was no exact date set but "that it could be decided at the council (of EU foreign ministers)" on January 28.
The mission would help ease the southern province's transition of power from the UN administration, which has been in place since 1999, to the local authorities.
Kosovo has been administered by the UN since NATO bombed Belgrade in 1999 to end a crackdown on separatist ethnic Albanians, and the Albanian majority has been impatient for independence ever since.
Western officials and experts believe that Kosovo's leaders will announce next month their intention to declare independence, and then break away by May in "coordination" with its EU and US allies.
When asked whether the deployment of the mission meant that EU nations were ready to recognise Kosovo when it does break away, Socrates said: "No."
"What we are doing at the moment is undertaking negotiations in the (United Nations) Security Council," which meets on December 19 to debate Kosovo's status after the breakdown of talks between Belgrade and Pristina.
After failing to prevent the bloody breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, the leaders want to show they can meet the credibility test posed by Kosovo.
The EU must also send a clear diplomatic signal ahead of the security council debate on its position and possible intentions in the weeks and months ahead.
"The EU stands ready to play a leading role in strengthening stability in the region and in implementing a settlement defining Kosovo's future status," the leaders said in their text of conclusions.
But while a core group of European countries and Washington are prepared to recognise eventual independence for Kosovo, EU member Cyprus, concerned about its own divisions, refuses to go along.
"We will not recognise a declaration of independence by Kosovo which is made unilaterally," Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos said Friday. "We still believe there is room for a negotiated agreement."
But the EU official said: "The Cypriots could abstain, and abstaining would not be an obstacle. They could even make a declaration" to attach to any final EU position.
Kosovo's leaders, meanwhile, have been careful to underscore that they intend to break away in "close coordination" with EU nations and the United States.
Serbian President Boris Tadic said Friday that Belgrade would never accept Kosovo's independence, but his country's defence minister has confirmed that no troops would be sent in if Pristina severs ties.
Russia, Belarus downplay merger talk.
The State
14 December 2007
By VLADIMIR ISACHENKOV - Associated Press Writer
Belarus' president on Friday dismissed speculation that his two days of meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin were aimed at unifying the two countries.
The leaders of Russia and Belarus pledged closer cooperation on military, economic and foreign policy but gave no indication Friday that the ex-Soviet neighbors were moving closer to a long-discussed full merger.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Belarus stoked speculation that he could press for the creation of a unified state and maintain power by taking a job that would place him above the two nations' presidents after he leaves Russia's presidency next year.
A more obvious alternative is to become Russia's prime minister - a job proposed by Dmitry Medvedev, the official just anointed as Putin's favored successor.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko's office said last week that a draft constitution for a unified country's government would be part of the agenda. But the Kremlin denied Thursday that the talks would touch upon a draft constitution, and Lukashenko dampened expectations Friday by saying that the talks weren't going to produce any extraordinary results.
"I was surprised that this visit has caused all this uproar in the West. There is no wider meaning here," he said.
After meeting together for more than four hours, Putin and Lukashenko chaired a broader session of top officials from the two nations, who discussed ways to strengthen political, economic and military ties.
Lukashenko said Russia and Belarus must cooperate on foreign policy issues and plan a coordinated response to the planned U.S. missile defense system in Europe that both oppose.
"The issue of strengthening cooperation on foreign policy is particularly important," Putin said.
A senior Russian general said last month that Moscow could provide Belarus with short-range missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads as part of the Kremlin's response to U.S. plans for missile defense facilities in Poland and the Czech Republic.
Russia and Belarus signed a union agreement in 1996 that envisaged close political, economic and military ties, but efforts to achieve a full merger have foundered.
In the 1990s, Lukashenko pushed for the creation of a single state, apparently hoping to take the reins from Russia's ailing President Boris Yeltsin. Putin's election in 2000 demolished Lukashenko's hopes to rule both countries.
Two years later the Belarusian leader angrily rejected a Kremlin proposal for incorporating his nation into Russia. In a blow to Belarus' Soviet-style economy, Russia this year doubled natural gas prices for Belarus - though the price still is lower than for other foreign customers.
The two nations have been locked in tense talks over the price for gas for next year, and they are expected to reach a deal on a Russian loan that would help Belarus cope with a higher price.
Associated Press writers Yuras Karmanau in Minsk and Jim Heintz in Moscow contributed to this report.
14 December 2007
By VLADIMIR ISACHENKOV - Associated Press Writer
Belarus' president on Friday dismissed speculation that his two days of meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin were aimed at unifying the two countries.
The leaders of Russia and Belarus pledged closer cooperation on military, economic and foreign policy but gave no indication Friday that the ex-Soviet neighbors were moving closer to a long-discussed full merger.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Belarus stoked speculation that he could press for the creation of a unified state and maintain power by taking a job that would place him above the two nations' presidents after he leaves Russia's presidency next year.
A more obvious alternative is to become Russia's prime minister - a job proposed by Dmitry Medvedev, the official just anointed as Putin's favored successor.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko's office said last week that a draft constitution for a unified country's government would be part of the agenda. But the Kremlin denied Thursday that the talks would touch upon a draft constitution, and Lukashenko dampened expectations Friday by saying that the talks weren't going to produce any extraordinary results.
"I was surprised that this visit has caused all this uproar in the West. There is no wider meaning here," he said.
After meeting together for more than four hours, Putin and Lukashenko chaired a broader session of top officials from the two nations, who discussed ways to strengthen political, economic and military ties.
Lukashenko said Russia and Belarus must cooperate on foreign policy issues and plan a coordinated response to the planned U.S. missile defense system in Europe that both oppose.
"The issue of strengthening cooperation on foreign policy is particularly important," Putin said.
A senior Russian general said last month that Moscow could provide Belarus with short-range missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads as part of the Kremlin's response to U.S. plans for missile defense facilities in Poland and the Czech Republic.
Russia and Belarus signed a union agreement in 1996 that envisaged close political, economic and military ties, but efforts to achieve a full merger have foundered.
In the 1990s, Lukashenko pushed for the creation of a single state, apparently hoping to take the reins from Russia's ailing President Boris Yeltsin. Putin's election in 2000 demolished Lukashenko's hopes to rule both countries.
Two years later the Belarusian leader angrily rejected a Kremlin proposal for incorporating his nation into Russia. In a blow to Belarus' Soviet-style economy, Russia this year doubled natural gas prices for Belarus - though the price still is lower than for other foreign customers.
The two nations have been locked in tense talks over the price for gas for next year, and they are expected to reach a deal on a Russian loan that would help Belarus cope with a higher price.
Associated Press writers Yuras Karmanau in Minsk and Jim Heintz in Moscow contributed to this report.
Rwanda could re-open its Kinshasa embassy in 2008.
The New Times
By Felly Kimenyi
15 December 2007
Rwanda’s embassy may re-open its doors in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in September next year, Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Charles Murigande has said.
“During a ministerial meeting that took place in Kampala a few days ago, we agreed that the embassy should open by September next year but we are not yet sure whether this will be implemented,” Murigande told a press conference yesterday.
The ministerial meeting was held under the auspices of the Tripartite Plus Joint Commission (TPJC), a US-facilitated regional peace platform bringing together Rwanda, DRC, Burundi and Uganda.
He said that since 2004 “we have been earmarking the money for that embassy in our annual budgets with hope that the situation may normalise and the embassy reopens.”
“We have been waiting for guarantee for security of the diplomats because of the upsurge of the population in Kinshasa against Rwandans; once we get it (security) we shall reopen,” said Murigande.
Kigali previously appointed an ambassador to Kinshasa but the latter rejected him.
By Felly Kimenyi
15 December 2007
Rwanda’s embassy may re-open its doors in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in September next year, Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Charles Murigande has said.
“During a ministerial meeting that took place in Kampala a few days ago, we agreed that the embassy should open by September next year but we are not yet sure whether this will be implemented,” Murigande told a press conference yesterday.
The ministerial meeting was held under the auspices of the Tripartite Plus Joint Commission (TPJC), a US-facilitated regional peace platform bringing together Rwanda, DRC, Burundi and Uganda.
He said that since 2004 “we have been earmarking the money for that embassy in our annual budgets with hope that the situation may normalise and the embassy reopens.”
“We have been waiting for guarantee for security of the diplomats because of the upsurge of the population in Kinshasa against Rwandans; once we get it (security) we shall reopen,” said Murigande.
Kigali previously appointed an ambassador to Kinshasa but the latter rejected him.
Venezuela Would Support Brazil's OPEC Membership.
Dow Jones Newswire
by Raul Gallegos and Darcy Crowe
December 14, 2007
Venezuela plans to support Brazil's possible membership in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, Venezuela's oil minister said Thursday.
"We would support it," Oil Minister Rafael Ramirez told reporters after a joint event with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Brazil has been producing enough oil to meet internal demand, but after discovering a monster oil field off its coast that could have up to 8 billion barrels of oil equivalent, or BOE, the country is likely to become a net exporter.
Lula, who heads a government and business delegation to Caracas to sign cooperation agreements, said Thursday in a speech that Brazil was close to joining OPEC and that "maybe in a couple of years" his country could be part of the organization.
Separately, Ramirez said the government was ready to assign the Carabobo 1 oil field, an extra-heavy oil field in the petroleum-rich Orinoco Basin, where Petroleo Brasileiro SA (PBR), or Petrobras, performs a reserve quantification process.
In a September meeting between both presidents, Chavez said that state-oil company Petroleos de Venezuela, or PdVSA, would provide 60% of capital for the Carabobo project, and that Petroleo Brasileiro SA (PBR) would be the main partner.
"The plan is to have a preferred partner, which in this case is Petrobras, and we will select the other partners through an auction," said Ramirez.
He also said PdVSA has received a formal offer for the Borco crude-storage facility located in the Caribbean, but declined to say who the bidder was.
The facility, based in the Bahamas, has a total operational capacity of 20 million barrels but actively uses between 13 million and 15 million barrels of its capacity.
In a meeting with reporters weeks ago, Ramirez said that PdVSA had received unsolicited offers for a number of assets including an $800 million bid for Borco.
PdVSA Director Asdrubal Chavez declined to comment on the issue beyond saying: "Borco has not yet been sold."
by Raul Gallegos and Darcy Crowe
December 14, 2007
Venezuela plans to support Brazil's possible membership in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, Venezuela's oil minister said Thursday.
"We would support it," Oil Minister Rafael Ramirez told reporters after a joint event with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Brazil has been producing enough oil to meet internal demand, but after discovering a monster oil field off its coast that could have up to 8 billion barrels of oil equivalent, or BOE, the country is likely to become a net exporter.
Lula, who heads a government and business delegation to Caracas to sign cooperation agreements, said Thursday in a speech that Brazil was close to joining OPEC and that "maybe in a couple of years" his country could be part of the organization.
Separately, Ramirez said the government was ready to assign the Carabobo 1 oil field, an extra-heavy oil field in the petroleum-rich Orinoco Basin, where Petroleo Brasileiro SA (PBR), or Petrobras, performs a reserve quantification process.
In a September meeting between both presidents, Chavez said that state-oil company Petroleos de Venezuela, or PdVSA, would provide 60% of capital for the Carabobo project, and that Petroleo Brasileiro SA (PBR) would be the main partner.
"The plan is to have a preferred partner, which in this case is Petrobras, and we will select the other partners through an auction," said Ramirez.
He also said PdVSA has received a formal offer for the Borco crude-storage facility located in the Caribbean, but declined to say who the bidder was.
The facility, based in the Bahamas, has a total operational capacity of 20 million barrels but actively uses between 13 million and 15 million barrels of its capacity.
In a meeting with reporters weeks ago, Ramirez said that PdVSA had received unsolicited offers for a number of assets including an $800 million bid for Borco.
PdVSA Director Asdrubal Chavez declined to comment on the issue beyond saying: "Borco has not yet been sold."
Second Section of the Kazakhstan-China Oil Pipeline Begins Construction.
CNPC
13 December 2007
On Dec. 11, the commencement ceremony for the second section of the Kazakhstan-China Oil Pipeline was held in Aktobe in Kazakhstan.
The Kazakhstan-China Oil Pipeline is jointly invested by CNPC and KazMunaiGaz, with each owning a 50% stake. The pipeline, with a full length of 2,798 kilometers, starts at Atyrau at the Caspian Sea and ends at Alataw Pass on the border of Kazakhstan and China via Aktobe.
The 448-kilometer prophase section between Atyrau and Kenkiyak was completed and went on stream at the end of 2003. The 962-kilometer first section between Atasu and Alataw Pass was put into operation in May 2006. The Kenkiyak-Kumkol segment of the second section has a length of 761 kilometers and is to be completed and begin operation on October 1, 2009.
13 December 2007
On Dec. 11, the commencement ceremony for the second section of the Kazakhstan-China Oil Pipeline was held in Aktobe in Kazakhstan.
The Kazakhstan-China Oil Pipeline is jointly invested by CNPC and KazMunaiGaz, with each owning a 50% stake. The pipeline, with a full length of 2,798 kilometers, starts at Atyrau at the Caspian Sea and ends at Alataw Pass on the border of Kazakhstan and China via Aktobe.
The 448-kilometer prophase section between Atyrau and Kenkiyak was completed and went on stream at the end of 2003. The 962-kilometer first section between Atasu and Alataw Pass was put into operation in May 2006. The Kenkiyak-Kumkol segment of the second section has a length of 761 kilometers and is to be completed and begin operation on October 1, 2009.
Malta Grants License to Heritage for Oil Exploration.
Deutsche Presse-Agentur
14 December 2007
Editor's Note: Readers are encouraged to do a search of this site on this infamous company. They have concessions in Kurdistan, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Malta's government has awarded a licence to a Canadian oil company for oil and gas exploration in two offshore areas, it was stated Friday.
Despite being flanked by Italian and Libyan oilfields, the Mediterranean island has so far been unsuccessful in oil exploration.
Resources Minister Ninu Zammit told reporters the Calgary-based Heritage Oil Corporation would explore two areas, south and southeast of Malta, with a total area of 18,000 suare kilometres. Both were previously held by Norwegian company TGS Nopec.
Under the 30-year deal the company will spend at least 22 million dollars in the first three years with the focus initially on detailed seismic work and the drilling of at least one exploration well.
Should oil or gas be found, production will be shared between the company and the government.
Earlier this year, Libya said it was prepared to discuss oil exploration with Malta in zones adjacent to the two countries' maritime frontiers.
14 December 2007
Editor's Note: Readers are encouraged to do a search of this site on this infamous company. They have concessions in Kurdistan, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Malta's government has awarded a licence to a Canadian oil company for oil and gas exploration in two offshore areas, it was stated Friday.
Despite being flanked by Italian and Libyan oilfields, the Mediterranean island has so far been unsuccessful in oil exploration.
Resources Minister Ninu Zammit told reporters the Calgary-based Heritage Oil Corporation would explore two areas, south and southeast of Malta, with a total area of 18,000 suare kilometres. Both were previously held by Norwegian company TGS Nopec.
Under the 30-year deal the company will spend at least 22 million dollars in the first three years with the focus initially on detailed seismic work and the drilling of at least one exploration well.
Should oil or gas be found, production will be shared between the company and the government.
Earlier this year, Libya said it was prepared to discuss oil exploration with Malta in zones adjacent to the two countries' maritime frontiers.
Serbia says EU's Kosovo mission "unacceptable."
Reuters
14 December 2007
Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica on Friday denounced a European Union decision to send a mission to its breakaway Kosovo province, saying it would create "a puppet state" on Serbian soil.
"It is unacceptable to speak of Kosovo, a province of Serbia, as a future state," he said in a statement. "It is especially insulting to offer to a crippled Serbia a reward of fast-track to the EU in exchange for its consent to violence."
He said the recognition of Kosovo's independence would be "the most dangerous precedent after World War Two."
EU leaders agreed on Friday to send a supervisory mission to Kosovo ahead of an expected declaration of independence, likely in early 2008.
The United States and most EU states have indicated they will recognise the territory. (Editing by Keith Weir)
14 December 2007
Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica on Friday denounced a European Union decision to send a mission to its breakaway Kosovo province, saying it would create "a puppet state" on Serbian soil.
"It is unacceptable to speak of Kosovo, a province of Serbia, as a future state," he said in a statement. "It is especially insulting to offer to a crippled Serbia a reward of fast-track to the EU in exchange for its consent to violence."
He said the recognition of Kosovo's independence would be "the most dangerous precedent after World War Two."
EU leaders agreed on Friday to send a supervisory mission to Kosovo ahead of an expected declaration of independence, likely in early 2008.
The United States and most EU states have indicated they will recognise the territory. (Editing by Keith Weir)
14 December, 2007
North Kivu: Sporadic Fighting, UN Fears Fate of Civilians.
MISNA
13 December 2007
“With the exception of Rugari, north of Goma (capital of North Kivu), where fighting is underway since this morning between militants and the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), the situation in the rest of North Kivu is calm, though particularly delicate”, said to MISNA Kumar Tiwari, military spokesman of the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC). Tiwari also confirmed that the militants loyal to the pro-Rwandan renegade general Laurent Nkunda maintain the positions regained in the past days, particularly Mushake, and the UN peacekeepers are backing the government forces, ready to respond to any eventual attacks.
Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon yesterday reminded of the suffering of the civil population amid the heavy fighting, renewing the support of the international community for the government of President Laurent Kabila and inviting Nkunda’s militants to disarm to restore peace, security and stability in the region. The spokesperson for the Secretary General estimated that between 60 and 70-thousand more people were displaced in last week’s fighting and militant reaction, sparked by a FARDC offensive launched at the start of December. North Kivu has been theatre since this summer to fighting that has caused thousands of civilians to flee and live in precarious conditions in displaced camps. Based on current estimates, there are at least 400,000 displaced in the area north of Goma. A spokesperson for the Red Cross, contacted by MISNA in the past days in Goma, said he feared “an escalation of violations and abuse against civilians by both sides in conflict”.
13 December 2007
“With the exception of Rugari, north of Goma (capital of North Kivu), where fighting is underway since this morning between militants and the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), the situation in the rest of North Kivu is calm, though particularly delicate”, said to MISNA Kumar Tiwari, military spokesman of the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC). Tiwari also confirmed that the militants loyal to the pro-Rwandan renegade general Laurent Nkunda maintain the positions regained in the past days, particularly Mushake, and the UN peacekeepers are backing the government forces, ready to respond to any eventual attacks.
Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon yesterday reminded of the suffering of the civil population amid the heavy fighting, renewing the support of the international community for the government of President Laurent Kabila and inviting Nkunda’s militants to disarm to restore peace, security and stability in the region. The spokesperson for the Secretary General estimated that between 60 and 70-thousand more people were displaced in last week’s fighting and militant reaction, sparked by a FARDC offensive launched at the start of December. North Kivu has been theatre since this summer to fighting that has caused thousands of civilians to flee and live in precarious conditions in displaced camps. Based on current estimates, there are at least 400,000 displaced in the area north of Goma. A spokesperson for the Red Cross, contacted by MISNA in the past days in Goma, said he feared “an escalation of violations and abuse against civilians by both sides in conflict”.
North Kivu: Precarious Calm, New Population Movements.
MISNA
14 December 2007
Apparent calm appears to reign today on the fighting front in North Kivu, north-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where according to MISNA sources, two attacks by militants of the pro-Rwandan renegade general Laurent Nkunda were repelled yesterday in Rumangabo and Rukoro.
News is also circulating on the discovery in Katwiguru, in the Rutshuru territory, of mass graves containing an unspecified number of bodies; for the moment there are no further details on the discovery, apparently the second after the mass graves found in Rubare (Rutshuru) in September. Meanwhile, reports indicate new population movements: residents of Masisi-centre (60km north-west of North Kivu’s capital Goma) are fleeing toward surrounding areas from fear of fighting. DR-Congo chief of staff General Dieudonne Kayembe called on civilians to remain calm, claiming that “the situation is under control”. Caritas-Congo referred that thousands of people arrived in the past days in Kanyabayonga, in the Lubero terrtiory (around 150km north of Goma), after walking for about two days. Basic necessities are dwindling in Goma due to the wide insecurity in the region, which is impeding the circulation of goods and causing a hike in costs of the little available.
14 December 2007
Apparent calm appears to reign today on the fighting front in North Kivu, north-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where according to MISNA sources, two attacks by militants of the pro-Rwandan renegade general Laurent Nkunda were repelled yesterday in Rumangabo and Rukoro.
News is also circulating on the discovery in Katwiguru, in the Rutshuru territory, of mass graves containing an unspecified number of bodies; for the moment there are no further details on the discovery, apparently the second after the mass graves found in Rubare (Rutshuru) in September. Meanwhile, reports indicate new population movements: residents of Masisi-centre (60km north-west of North Kivu’s capital Goma) are fleeing toward surrounding areas from fear of fighting. DR-Congo chief of staff General Dieudonne Kayembe called on civilians to remain calm, claiming that “the situation is under control”. Caritas-Congo referred that thousands of people arrived in the past days in Kanyabayonga, in the Lubero terrtiory (around 150km north of Goma), after walking for about two days. Basic necessities are dwindling in Goma due to the wide insecurity in the region, which is impeding the circulation of goods and causing a hike in costs of the little available.
Crisis In North: Security Council Asks for 'National Dialogue.'
MISNA
14 December 2007
The UN Security Council has asked the government of the Central African Republic (CAR) to double the effort to face challenges and to organize a national dialogue to help resolve the crisis in the north. The Council appealed to all armed groups in the north to put down their weapons, especially those groups that have already signed a peace agreement with the government. The Security Council has also asked that the government protect human rights and promote the rule of law, ending the impunity climate that reigns in the country”.
The North of CAR has witnessed violence involving bandits, rebels and the regular army. Thousands have fled, abandoning their homes; international estimates have indicated there were 80,000 refugees abroad and more than 200,000 refugees. Although the president had expressed an apparent desire to start an inclusive political dialogue, in recent weeks the rebels have started to voice reservations on the way the government is going about organizing the talks.
14 December 2007
The UN Security Council has asked the government of the Central African Republic (CAR) to double the effort to face challenges and to organize a national dialogue to help resolve the crisis in the north. The Council appealed to all armed groups in the north to put down their weapons, especially those groups that have already signed a peace agreement with the government. The Security Council has also asked that the government protect human rights and promote the rule of law, ending the impunity climate that reigns in the country”.
The North of CAR has witnessed violence involving bandits, rebels and the regular army. Thousands have fled, abandoning their homes; international estimates have indicated there were 80,000 refugees abroad and more than 200,000 refugees. Although the president had expressed an apparent desire to start an inclusive political dialogue, in recent weeks the rebels have started to voice reservations on the way the government is going about organizing the talks.
UN Says Child Fighters Are Recruited In North Kivu.
MISNA
14 December 2007
“Hundreds of boys and girls continue to be sent on the front lines by the armed groups in North Kivu”, said MONUC today, based on the conclusions of a report compiled by a special team studying violations of minors. The region has seen intense fighting in recent months between the regular army and rebels loyal to dissident general Laurent Nkunda. MONUC has targeted two groups in particular: the Congrès national pour la défense du people (CNDP) tied to Nkunda, and the Front démocratique de libération du Rwanda (FDLR), the anti-RPF Rwandan group that emerged from those fleeing the genocide in Rwanda in 1994.
MONUC has also accused Nkunda’s men, as the CNDP is said to be recruiting minors in a ‘systematic manner’. MONUC said that in areas under CNDP control, “families and communities that do not wish to hand over their children to the cause are the object of intimidations and persecutions”. The MONUC experts said that the youth are given military training and that they are sent on the frontlines, while others are used for logistical purposes or as ‘companions’ for the leaders. “Some active groups in North Kivu appear to have deliberately targeted schools or other areas for young people”. MONUC has of course demanded that such activities cease. The recruitment of child warriors – less than 15 years old – is considered a war crime pursuable by the International Criminal Court.
14 December 2007
“Hundreds of boys and girls continue to be sent on the front lines by the armed groups in North Kivu”, said MONUC today, based on the conclusions of a report compiled by a special team studying violations of minors. The region has seen intense fighting in recent months between the regular army and rebels loyal to dissident general Laurent Nkunda. MONUC has targeted two groups in particular: the Congrès national pour la défense du people (CNDP) tied to Nkunda, and the Front démocratique de libération du Rwanda (FDLR), the anti-RPF Rwandan group that emerged from those fleeing the genocide in Rwanda in 1994.
MONUC has also accused Nkunda’s men, as the CNDP is said to be recruiting minors in a ‘systematic manner’. MONUC said that in areas under CNDP control, “families and communities that do not wish to hand over their children to the cause are the object of intimidations and persecutions”. The MONUC experts said that the youth are given military training and that they are sent on the frontlines, while others are used for logistical purposes or as ‘companions’ for the leaders. “Some active groups in North Kivu appear to have deliberately targeted schools or other areas for young people”. MONUC has of course demanded that such activities cease. The recruitment of child warriors – less than 15 years old – is considered a war crime pursuable by the International Criminal Court.
Kurdish parliament approves restrictive press bill.
CPJ
Press Release
13 December 2007
The Committee to Protect Journalists is deeply concerned about a restrictive new press bill approved on Tuesday by the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG’s) parliament.
The bill, which awaits approval of the KRG President Masoud Barzani before becoming law, has yet to be made public; however Tuesday’s parliamentary session was broadcast live on local Kurdish television.
Journalists who viewed the parliamentary session and later spoke with lawmakers told CPJ that the new bill significantly increases financial penalties from a draft version of the law that had been on the table in recent months, and imposes other new restrictions. The new law stipulates fines of up to around 10 million Iraqi dinars (US$8,200) for journalists found guilty of a number of vague offenses such disturbing security, spreading fear, or encouraging terrorism. (Some news reports said that fines could reach 20 million Iraqi dinars for newspapers.)
The older version of the bill prescribed fines of between 1 and 2 million dinars (US$800 and $1,600) for similarly vague offenses.
Iraqi Kurdish journalists also told CPJ that the new bill contained other restrictive provisions not contained in the previous draft, including amendments that would allow the government to suspend newspapers and a requirement that editors in chief be members of the Kurdistan Journalists’ Syndicate (KJS). Journalists also said the law would allow members of the press to be tried for criminal offenses under other Iraqi laws that allow for imprisonment.
The reported provisions allowing newspaper suspensions, mandatory membership in the KJS, and the possibility of imprisonment for journalists are new and contradict the statements of several Kurdish officials and parliamentarians to CPJ about their desire to draft a progressive press law that differs from harsh media laws that predominate in the region.
“The secrecy surrounding this bill is deeply disturbing, and reports that Kurdish officials have taken steps to push through a significantly harsher bill raises further alarm,” said CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon. “Officials assured CPJ that the press law would not hinder the work of the media, but the new bill is even worse than the old one. President Barzani should not sign it.”
Kurdish lawmakers and KJS officials noted that details of the bill have yet to be made public and said that Barzani can still send the bill back to parliament for further discussion. KJS head Farhad Awni said he met with officials from Barzani’s office today to express his concern.
In meetings with KRG officials in Arbil in November, CPJ expressed concerns about the earlier draft of the bill with lower fines, noting that even those penalties could be used to economically debilitate newspapers. Given the tenuous financial and political situation of independent papers—several operate at losses or barely break even—the bill’s elastic language could be exploited by pro-government judges to put critical newspapers out of business.
The media in Iraq’s Kurdistan region are dominated by Barzani’s Kurdistan Democratic Party and Iraqi President Jalal Talabani’s Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, the region’s main political parties. However, several outspoken independent and semi-independent newspapers—in addition to online news sites—have emerged over the last several years, providing critical coverage of local politics and government.
While the margin to criticize is relatively wide in the independent press, a CPJ mission to Arbil in Sulaymaniah in October and November found a rising number of physical attacks on the press, arbitrary detentions of reporters by security forces, and the use of the courts to harass journalists. Those targeted often harshly criticize local officials, discuss alleged high-level corruption, or write about the parties’ top leadership. The CPJ delegation raised particular alarm about beatings and abductions carried out by men wearing military-style uniforms and the press law as well as politicized lawsuits against outspoken newspapers.
Press Release
13 December 2007
The Committee to Protect Journalists is deeply concerned about a restrictive new press bill approved on Tuesday by the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG’s) parliament.
The bill, which awaits approval of the KRG President Masoud Barzani before becoming law, has yet to be made public; however Tuesday’s parliamentary session was broadcast live on local Kurdish television.
Journalists who viewed the parliamentary session and later spoke with lawmakers told CPJ that the new bill significantly increases financial penalties from a draft version of the law that had been on the table in recent months, and imposes other new restrictions. The new law stipulates fines of up to around 10 million Iraqi dinars (US$8,200) for journalists found guilty of a number of vague offenses such disturbing security, spreading fear, or encouraging terrorism. (Some news reports said that fines could reach 20 million Iraqi dinars for newspapers.)
The older version of the bill prescribed fines of between 1 and 2 million dinars (US$800 and $1,600) for similarly vague offenses.
Iraqi Kurdish journalists also told CPJ that the new bill contained other restrictive provisions not contained in the previous draft, including amendments that would allow the government to suspend newspapers and a requirement that editors in chief be members of the Kurdistan Journalists’ Syndicate (KJS). Journalists also said the law would allow members of the press to be tried for criminal offenses under other Iraqi laws that allow for imprisonment.
The reported provisions allowing newspaper suspensions, mandatory membership in the KJS, and the possibility of imprisonment for journalists are new and contradict the statements of several Kurdish officials and parliamentarians to CPJ about their desire to draft a progressive press law that differs from harsh media laws that predominate in the region.
“The secrecy surrounding this bill is deeply disturbing, and reports that Kurdish officials have taken steps to push through a significantly harsher bill raises further alarm,” said CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon. “Officials assured CPJ that the press law would not hinder the work of the media, but the new bill is even worse than the old one. President Barzani should not sign it.”
Kurdish lawmakers and KJS officials noted that details of the bill have yet to be made public and said that Barzani can still send the bill back to parliament for further discussion. KJS head Farhad Awni said he met with officials from Barzani’s office today to express his concern.
In meetings with KRG officials in Arbil in November, CPJ expressed concerns about the earlier draft of the bill with lower fines, noting that even those penalties could be used to economically debilitate newspapers. Given the tenuous financial and political situation of independent papers—several operate at losses or barely break even—the bill’s elastic language could be exploited by pro-government judges to put critical newspapers out of business.
The media in Iraq’s Kurdistan region are dominated by Barzani’s Kurdistan Democratic Party and Iraqi President Jalal Talabani’s Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, the region’s main political parties. However, several outspoken independent and semi-independent newspapers—in addition to online news sites—have emerged over the last several years, providing critical coverage of local politics and government.
While the margin to criticize is relatively wide in the independent press, a CPJ mission to Arbil in Sulaymaniah in October and November found a rising number of physical attacks on the press, arbitrary detentions of reporters by security forces, and the use of the courts to harass journalists. Those targeted often harshly criticize local officials, discuss alleged high-level corruption, or write about the parties’ top leadership. The CPJ delegation raised particular alarm about beatings and abductions carried out by men wearing military-style uniforms and the press law as well as politicized lawsuits against outspoken newspapers.
EU set for Serbia deal on Kosovo.
BBC News
14 December 2007
European Union leaders are expected to offer Serbia a fast track route towards candidacy for EU membership.
The plan is seen as a way of keeping the Balkans stable, with Kosovo set to declare independence from Serbia, which has already rejected the "trade-off".
EU leaders, meeting in Brussels, are also likely to pledge to step up preparations for a big police mission in Kosovo if it leaves Serbia.
Kosovo's future is widely seen as the biggest test for EU foreign policy.
A draft summit statement, seen by the BBC's Oana Lungescu in Brussels, says the EU is ready to play a leading part in ensuring stability in the region by stepping up preparations for a mission for Kosovo of up to 1,800 police, judges and prosecutors -the biggest ever undertaken by the bloc.
It will also promise economic assistance to the breakway Serbian region, and repeat that the future of all the Balkan peoples lies in the EU.
The pledge to accelerate Serbia's EU candidate status is more controversial.
Many argue that the EU needs to encourage reformers in Belgrade as they face snap presidential elections next month, but the Dutch insist that Serbia should first deliver all indicted war criminals to the international court in The Hague.
Indecent proposal
The Serbian Foreign Minister, Vuk Jeremic, said on Friday that his country would not consider giving up Kosovo in exchange for speeding up the process towards joining the EU.
"A trade-off is out of question," he said.
He told reporters: "It would be an indecent proposal, and European leaders are decent people. They have not made such an offer."
A majority of Serbs see Kosovo as an historic part of their country and the issue will play a prominent part in the run-up to next month's presidential election in Serbia.
Protesters unfurled banners and chanted nationalist slogans calling for Kosovo to remain part of Serbia, during a football match in Belgrade last week.
Serbian President Boris Tadic said he he was not prepared to distance himself from the EU if it pushed for independence, even though he opposed it.
Mr Tadic said that those who recommended that Serbia should turn its back on the EU if Kosovan independence came to pass, "go against the vital interests of all our country's citizens and seek to push Serbia towards isolation and economic failure".
Some EU member states are against independence for Kosovo.
Cyprus is the most strongly opposed, but Greece, Slovakia, Spain and Romania have all expressed concern about the possible repercussions for separatist movements elsewhere in Europe.
That resistance is likely to deter EU leaders from making any decision on how to react to a possible declaration of independence, says the BBC's Oana Lungescu.
But they will agree that the status quo in Kosovo is unsustainable and the region needs to move towards a settlement.
14 December 2007
European Union leaders are expected to offer Serbia a fast track route towards candidacy for EU membership.
The plan is seen as a way of keeping the Balkans stable, with Kosovo set to declare independence from Serbia, which has already rejected the "trade-off".
EU leaders, meeting in Brussels, are also likely to pledge to step up preparations for a big police mission in Kosovo if it leaves Serbia.
Kosovo's future is widely seen as the biggest test for EU foreign policy.
A draft summit statement, seen by the BBC's Oana Lungescu in Brussels, says the EU is ready to play a leading part in ensuring stability in the region by stepping up preparations for a mission for Kosovo of up to 1,800 police, judges and prosecutors -the biggest ever undertaken by the bloc.
It will also promise economic assistance to the breakway Serbian region, and repeat that the future of all the Balkan peoples lies in the EU.
The pledge to accelerate Serbia's EU candidate status is more controversial.
Many argue that the EU needs to encourage reformers in Belgrade as they face snap presidential elections next month, but the Dutch insist that Serbia should first deliver all indicted war criminals to the international court in The Hague.
Indecent proposal
The Serbian Foreign Minister, Vuk Jeremic, said on Friday that his country would not consider giving up Kosovo in exchange for speeding up the process towards joining the EU.
"A trade-off is out of question," he said.
He told reporters: "It would be an indecent proposal, and European leaders are decent people. They have not made such an offer."
A majority of Serbs see Kosovo as an historic part of their country and the issue will play a prominent part in the run-up to next month's presidential election in Serbia.
Protesters unfurled banners and chanted nationalist slogans calling for Kosovo to remain part of Serbia, during a football match in Belgrade last week.
Serbian President Boris Tadic said he he was not prepared to distance himself from the EU if it pushed for independence, even though he opposed it.
Mr Tadic said that those who recommended that Serbia should turn its back on the EU if Kosovan independence came to pass, "go against the vital interests of all our country's citizens and seek to push Serbia towards isolation and economic failure".
Some EU member states are against independence for Kosovo.
Cyprus is the most strongly opposed, but Greece, Slovakia, Spain and Romania have all expressed concern about the possible repercussions for separatist movements elsewhere in Europe.
That resistance is likely to deter EU leaders from making any decision on how to react to a possible declaration of independence, says the BBC's Oana Lungescu.
But they will agree that the status quo in Kosovo is unsustainable and the region needs to move towards a settlement.
Clear Channel Merged with Mitt Romney Firm in 2006.
Clear Channel Press Release
16 November 2006
http://www.clearchannel.com/Corporate/PressRelease.aspx?PressReleaseID=1824
Editor's Note: Bain Capital Partners was founded in 1984 by current Republican presidential candidate Mitt Rommney. Bain is also a joint owner in the Home Depot Supply with The Carlyle Group. Keep in mind the FCC is now proposing dramatic rule changes that would allow for further media consolidation that would greatly benefit companies like Clear Channel, who via its subsidaries and directly, host numerous Republican talk shows, including Mr. Rush Limbaugh, Mr. Sean Hannity, and Mr. Glenn Beck.
Clear Channel Shareholders offered $37.60 per share in cash; Transaction valued at $26.7 billion
San Antonio, Texas, November 16, 2006…Clear Channel Communications, Inc. (NYSE: CCU), a global leader in the out-of-home advertising industry, today announced the execution of a definitive merger agreement with a group led by Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. and Bain Capital Partners, LLC, pursuant to which the group will acquire Clear Channel in a transaction with a total value of approximately $26.7 billion, including the assumption or repayment of approximately $8.0 billion of net debt.
Under the terms of the agreement, Clear Channel shareholders will receive $37.60 in cash for each share of Clear Channel common stock they hold, representing a premium of approximately 25% over Clear Channel’s average closing share price of $29.99 during the 30 trading days ended October 24, 2006, the day before the Company first acknowledged that it was evaluating strategic alternatives.
Morgan Stanley, Citigroup, and Deutsche Bank as well as Credit Suisse, RBS and Wachovia are acting as financial advisors and providing firm financing commitments to the private equity group. Morgan Stanley, Citigroup, Deutsche Bank, Credit Suisse and RBS are also providing equity commitments.
The board of directors of Clear Channel, with the interested directors recused from the vote, has unanimously approved the merger agreement and has resolved to recommend that Clear Channel’s shareholders adopt the agreement. A special advisory committee consisting of disinterested directors unanimously determined the terms of the transaction to be fair.
Mark P. Mays, the Chief Executive Officer of Clear Channel, said, “We are very pleased to announce this transaction which provides substantial value to our shareholders. We look forward to working with Thomas H. Lee Partners and Bain Capital Partners to continue our business plan to provide exceptional programming to our audiences and value to our advertising partners.”
Scott Sperling, Co-President of Thomas H. Lee Partners, stated, “Clear Channel is one of the nation’s truly great companies that has the finest collection of outdoor and radio assets in the industry. We are extremely pleased to be partnered with the management team led by Mark and Randall Mays and to have the opportunity to work with them and to grow this company that was created by its Chairman and founder, L. Lowry Mays. Clear Channel has tremendous long term growth opportunities in both the radio and outdoor businesses and we look forward to partnering with Mark and Randall to create value in the years ahead.”
John Connaughton, a Managing Director at Bain Capital, said, “We are very impressed with Clear Channel’s strong management team and the company’s leadership positions in a variety of markets and media formats. Clear Channel is an exceptional media franchise that is well-positioned to grow thanks to the solid foundation the Mays family has created. We look forward to partnering with Clear Channel as it continues to innovate in meeting the changing needs of the audiences and advertisers it serves.”
The merger does not require the consent of unsecured note holders and is not conditioned upon a merger, consolidation or going private transaction involving Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.
The merger is subject to the approval of Clear Channel’s shareholders, requisite regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Under the merger agreement, Clear Channel may solicit competing bids from third parties through December 7, 2006, and may negotiate with parties that submit competing proposals by that time until January 5, 2007.
Clear Channel may, at any time, subject to the terms of the merger agreement, respond to unsolicited proposals. If Clear Channel accepts a superior proposal, a break up fee would be payable by the Company. There can be no assurance that the solicitation of proposals will result in any alternative transaction.
At the request of the disinterested directors, three members of senior management have agreed to significantly reduce payments that could be payable upon a change of control by an amendment to their employment agreements.
Clear Channel also today announced, by separate press release, that it intends to solicit buyers for 448 radio stations in selected small markets as well as for its television broadcasting division. The merger is not conditioned on the consummation of any of these sale transactions.
Goldman, Sachs & Co. is acting as exclusive financial advisor to Clear Channel and Lazard Frères & Co. LLC is acting as financial advisor to the special advisory committee. Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Lazard Frères & Co. LLC have each delivered a fairness opinion to the Board and special advisory committee, respectively. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is acting as legal advisor for Clear Channel and Sidley Austin LLP is acting as legal advisor for the special advisory committee. Ropes & Gray LLP and Dow Lohnes PLLC are serving as legal advisors to the private equity group.
About Clear Channel Communications
Clear Channel Communications, Inc. (NYSE:CCU) is a global media and entertainment company specializing in "gone from home" entertainment and information services for local communities and premiere opportunities for advertisers. Based in San Antonio, Texas, the company's businesses include radio, television and outdoor displays. More information is available at www.clearchannel.com.
About Bain Capital Partners, LLC
Bain Capital (www.baincapital.com) is a global private investment firm that manages several pools of capital including private equity, high-yield assets, mezzanine capital and public equity with more than $40 billion in assets under management. Since its inception in 1984, Bain Capital has made private equity investments and add-on acquisitions in over 230 companies around the world, including investments in a broad range of companies such as Burger King, Warner Chilcott, Toys "R" Us, AMC Entertainment, Sensata Technologies, Burlington Coat Factory and ProSiebenSat1 Media. Headquartered in Boston, Bain Capital has offices in New York, London, Munich, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Shanghai.
About Thomas H. Lee Partners, LP
Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. is one of the oldest and most successful private equity investment firms in the United States. Since its founding in 1974, THL Partners has become the preeminent growth buyout firm, investing approximately $12 billion of equity capital in more than 100 businesses with an aggregate purchase price of more than $100 billion, completing over 200 add-on acquisitions for portfolio companies, and generating superior returns for its investors and partners. The firm currently manages approximately $20 billion of committed capital. Notable transactions sponsored by the firm include Dunkin Brands, VNU, Michael Foods, Houghton Mifflin Company, Fisher Scientific, Experian, TransWestern, Snapple Beverage and ProSiebenSat1 Media.
16 November 2006
http://www.clearchannel.com/Corporate/PressRelease.aspx?PressReleaseID=1824
Editor's Note: Bain Capital Partners was founded in 1984 by current Republican presidential candidate Mitt Rommney. Bain is also a joint owner in the Home Depot Supply with The Carlyle Group. Keep in mind the FCC is now proposing dramatic rule changes that would allow for further media consolidation that would greatly benefit companies like Clear Channel, who via its subsidaries and directly, host numerous Republican talk shows, including Mr. Rush Limbaugh, Mr. Sean Hannity, and Mr. Glenn Beck.
Clear Channel Shareholders offered $37.60 per share in cash; Transaction valued at $26.7 billion
San Antonio, Texas, November 16, 2006…Clear Channel Communications, Inc. (NYSE: CCU), a global leader in the out-of-home advertising industry, today announced the execution of a definitive merger agreement with a group led by Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. and Bain Capital Partners, LLC, pursuant to which the group will acquire Clear Channel in a transaction with a total value of approximately $26.7 billion, including the assumption or repayment of approximately $8.0 billion of net debt.
Under the terms of the agreement, Clear Channel shareholders will receive $37.60 in cash for each share of Clear Channel common stock they hold, representing a premium of approximately 25% over Clear Channel’s average closing share price of $29.99 during the 30 trading days ended October 24, 2006, the day before the Company first acknowledged that it was evaluating strategic alternatives.
Morgan Stanley, Citigroup, and Deutsche Bank as well as Credit Suisse, RBS and Wachovia are acting as financial advisors and providing firm financing commitments to the private equity group. Morgan Stanley, Citigroup, Deutsche Bank, Credit Suisse and RBS are also providing equity commitments.
The board of directors of Clear Channel, with the interested directors recused from the vote, has unanimously approved the merger agreement and has resolved to recommend that Clear Channel’s shareholders adopt the agreement. A special advisory committee consisting of disinterested directors unanimously determined the terms of the transaction to be fair.
Mark P. Mays, the Chief Executive Officer of Clear Channel, said, “We are very pleased to announce this transaction which provides substantial value to our shareholders. We look forward to working with Thomas H. Lee Partners and Bain Capital Partners to continue our business plan to provide exceptional programming to our audiences and value to our advertising partners.”
Scott Sperling, Co-President of Thomas H. Lee Partners, stated, “Clear Channel is one of the nation’s truly great companies that has the finest collection of outdoor and radio assets in the industry. We are extremely pleased to be partnered with the management team led by Mark and Randall Mays and to have the opportunity to work with them and to grow this company that was created by its Chairman and founder, L. Lowry Mays. Clear Channel has tremendous long term growth opportunities in both the radio and outdoor businesses and we look forward to partnering with Mark and Randall to create value in the years ahead.”
John Connaughton, a Managing Director at Bain Capital, said, “We are very impressed with Clear Channel’s strong management team and the company’s leadership positions in a variety of markets and media formats. Clear Channel is an exceptional media franchise that is well-positioned to grow thanks to the solid foundation the Mays family has created. We look forward to partnering with Clear Channel as it continues to innovate in meeting the changing needs of the audiences and advertisers it serves.”
The merger does not require the consent of unsecured note holders and is not conditioned upon a merger, consolidation or going private transaction involving Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.
The merger is subject to the approval of Clear Channel’s shareholders, requisite regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Under the merger agreement, Clear Channel may solicit competing bids from third parties through December 7, 2006, and may negotiate with parties that submit competing proposals by that time until January 5, 2007.
Clear Channel may, at any time, subject to the terms of the merger agreement, respond to unsolicited proposals. If Clear Channel accepts a superior proposal, a break up fee would be payable by the Company. There can be no assurance that the solicitation of proposals will result in any alternative transaction.
At the request of the disinterested directors, three members of senior management have agreed to significantly reduce payments that could be payable upon a change of control by an amendment to their employment agreements.
Clear Channel also today announced, by separate press release, that it intends to solicit buyers for 448 radio stations in selected small markets as well as for its television broadcasting division. The merger is not conditioned on the consummation of any of these sale transactions.
Goldman, Sachs & Co. is acting as exclusive financial advisor to Clear Channel and Lazard Frères & Co. LLC is acting as financial advisor to the special advisory committee. Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Lazard Frères & Co. LLC have each delivered a fairness opinion to the Board and special advisory committee, respectively. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is acting as legal advisor for Clear Channel and Sidley Austin LLP is acting as legal advisor for the special advisory committee. Ropes & Gray LLP and Dow Lohnes PLLC are serving as legal advisors to the private equity group.
About Clear Channel Communications
Clear Channel Communications, Inc. (NYSE:CCU) is a global media and entertainment company specializing in "gone from home" entertainment and information services for local communities and premiere opportunities for advertisers. Based in San Antonio, Texas, the company's businesses include radio, television and outdoor displays. More information is available at www.clearchannel.com.
About Bain Capital Partners, LLC
Bain Capital (www.baincapital.com) is a global private investment firm that manages several pools of capital including private equity, high-yield assets, mezzanine capital and public equity with more than $40 billion in assets under management. Since its inception in 1984, Bain Capital has made private equity investments and add-on acquisitions in over 230 companies around the world, including investments in a broad range of companies such as Burger King, Warner Chilcott, Toys "R" Us, AMC Entertainment, Sensata Technologies, Burlington Coat Factory and ProSiebenSat1 Media. Headquartered in Boston, Bain Capital has offices in New York, London, Munich, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Shanghai.
About Thomas H. Lee Partners, LP
Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. is one of the oldest and most successful private equity investment firms in the United States. Since its founding in 1974, THL Partners has become the preeminent growth buyout firm, investing approximately $12 billion of equity capital in more than 100 businesses with an aggregate purchase price of more than $100 billion, completing over 200 add-on acquisitions for portfolio companies, and generating superior returns for its investors and partners. The firm currently manages approximately $20 billion of committed capital. Notable transactions sponsored by the firm include Dunkin Brands, VNU, Michael Foods, Houghton Mifflin Company, Fisher Scientific, Experian, TransWestern, Snapple Beverage and ProSiebenSat1 Media.
Yar'Adua in White House, Ready to Partner U.S. On Africom.
This Day (Lagos)
14 December 2007
Paul Ohia and Constance Ikokwu
President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua yesterday at the White House in Washington, D.C., United States (US) stated that Nigeria would partner the US/AFRICA Command (AFRICOM) on security on the continent.
The Council of States of which the President is Chairman, recently voiced opposition to the command.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, who is part of the President's delegation to the US had himself stated that Nigeria would not support the presence of US troops on African soil under the auspices of AFRICOM.
But at a press briefing at the Oval Office, with President George W. Bush in attendance, Yar'Adua made known his new position.
"We have discussed on security issues, security within Nigeria, the Niger Delta, the Gulf of Guinea and peace and security on the African continent. We shall partner AFRICOM to assist not only Nigeria but also the African continent to actualise its peace and security initiatives. It is an initiative to have standby forces in each of the regional economic groupings in Africa," said the President.
The President did not give details of the discussion on AFRICOM, such as whether Nigeria will be used as the Command's base, an issue that has emerged contentious in recent times.
But his support at the White House was a clear departure from the leaning of his administration on the issue.
Nigeria's acceptance of the command is capable of influencing other African countries.
The President said the "friendship and understanding" of the US government is important to Nigeria.
Nigeria's friendship with the US, according to him, would help the country transform itself from an "underdeveloped nation" to a free market economy.
He noted that issues of democracy and the rule of law, HIV/Aids, malaria, education were discussed during his meeting with Bush.
The US is committed to assisting Nigeria uphold democracy and build a vibrant economy, he remarked.
Yar'Adua restated his government's commitment to transparency, accountability, and a society free of corruption.
He told the audience that he briefed Bush on Nigeria's effort towards a credible electoral process and the principles of equity and justice.
These principles, he argued, would be the basis for building a free society.
"I am highly honoured and privileged to be here. I will never forget this moment in my life. I have briefed Mr. President on the situation in Nigeria and our efforts to anchor democracy on the rule of law, to have a credible electoral process and to ensure that the principles of justice, equity will guide the conduct of affairs in Nigeria.
"Transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption and Mr President has expressed his support to assist Nigeria to ensure that we continue to uphold democracy and the rule of law, zero tolerance on corruption and the development of a free market economy through economic reforms," he said.
He said further:"This will set the principles upon which we build a free society, capable of growing an economy that will cater for the development and needs of the people of Nigeria. In this great effort we are making, we find great friendship and assistance from the government and people of the United States. We are very grateful for this expression of support.
Bush had lofty words for President Yar'Adua.
"Mr President, I am impressed by your commitment to reform, your adherence to the concept of the rule of law and your efforts on transparency. Congratulations on being a strong leader.
"We also talked about social justice issues and the issue of education. The President is committed to compulsory education throughout the country. I admire that and we want to help him," he stated.
The US President said it was in his country's national interest to assist Nigeria from a security and moral perspective.
On HIV/Aids, he acknowledged that Yar'Adua, during their discussions, showed that he was committed to helping Nigerian families affected by way of making anti-retroviral drugs available.
"We are proud you're here, I welcome you, thank you for your time and your heart," Bush said.
Ahead of the Yar'Adua, Bush meeting, a US senator, Russ Feingold, had written to Bush emphasising the need for "demonstrable progress in critical government reforms."
The senator who stated that he is closely following developments in Nigeria wanted Bush to take advantage of the White House visit of Yar'Adua to emphasise the need for demonstrable progress on critical governance reforms.
"To consolidate the hard-earned political and economic gains made under the Obasanjo administration, President Yar'Adua must commit to a complete overhaul of Nigeria's democratic institutions- including, but not limited to, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). That also means demonstrating movement towards making Nigeria's political and economic systems more transparent and accountable to its citizens," he wrote.
Recalling that Yar'Adua came into office pledging zero tolerance for corruption, he argued that there had been little movement on some of the key corruption cases that would indicate he is serious about upholding this pledge.
14 December 2007
Paul Ohia and Constance Ikokwu
President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua yesterday at the White House in Washington, D.C., United States (US) stated that Nigeria would partner the US/AFRICA Command (AFRICOM) on security on the continent.
The Council of States of which the President is Chairman, recently voiced opposition to the command.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, who is part of the President's delegation to the US had himself stated that Nigeria would not support the presence of US troops on African soil under the auspices of AFRICOM.
But at a press briefing at the Oval Office, with President George W. Bush in attendance, Yar'Adua made known his new position.
"We have discussed on security issues, security within Nigeria, the Niger Delta, the Gulf of Guinea and peace and security on the African continent. We shall partner AFRICOM to assist not only Nigeria but also the African continent to actualise its peace and security initiatives. It is an initiative to have standby forces in each of the regional economic groupings in Africa," said the President.
The President did not give details of the discussion on AFRICOM, such as whether Nigeria will be used as the Command's base, an issue that has emerged contentious in recent times.
But his support at the White House was a clear departure from the leaning of his administration on the issue.
Nigeria's acceptance of the command is capable of influencing other African countries.
The President said the "friendship and understanding" of the US government is important to Nigeria.
Nigeria's friendship with the US, according to him, would help the country transform itself from an "underdeveloped nation" to a free market economy.
He noted that issues of democracy and the rule of law, HIV/Aids, malaria, education were discussed during his meeting with Bush.
The US is committed to assisting Nigeria uphold democracy and build a vibrant economy, he remarked.
Yar'Adua restated his government's commitment to transparency, accountability, and a society free of corruption.
He told the audience that he briefed Bush on Nigeria's effort towards a credible electoral process and the principles of equity and justice.
These principles, he argued, would be the basis for building a free society.
"I am highly honoured and privileged to be here. I will never forget this moment in my life. I have briefed Mr. President on the situation in Nigeria and our efforts to anchor democracy on the rule of law, to have a credible electoral process and to ensure that the principles of justice, equity will guide the conduct of affairs in Nigeria.
"Transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption and Mr President has expressed his support to assist Nigeria to ensure that we continue to uphold democracy and the rule of law, zero tolerance on corruption and the development of a free market economy through economic reforms," he said.
He said further:"This will set the principles upon which we build a free society, capable of growing an economy that will cater for the development and needs of the people of Nigeria. In this great effort we are making, we find great friendship and assistance from the government and people of the United States. We are very grateful for this expression of support.
Bush had lofty words for President Yar'Adua.
"Mr President, I am impressed by your commitment to reform, your adherence to the concept of the rule of law and your efforts on transparency. Congratulations on being a strong leader.
"We also talked about social justice issues and the issue of education. The President is committed to compulsory education throughout the country. I admire that and we want to help him," he stated.
The US President said it was in his country's national interest to assist Nigeria from a security and moral perspective.
On HIV/Aids, he acknowledged that Yar'Adua, during their discussions, showed that he was committed to helping Nigerian families affected by way of making anti-retroviral drugs available.
"We are proud you're here, I welcome you, thank you for your time and your heart," Bush said.
Ahead of the Yar'Adua, Bush meeting, a US senator, Russ Feingold, had written to Bush emphasising the need for "demonstrable progress in critical government reforms."
The senator who stated that he is closely following developments in Nigeria wanted Bush to take advantage of the White House visit of Yar'Adua to emphasise the need for demonstrable progress on critical governance reforms.
"To consolidate the hard-earned political and economic gains made under the Obasanjo administration, President Yar'Adua must commit to a complete overhaul of Nigeria's democratic institutions- including, but not limited to, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). That also means demonstrating movement towards making Nigeria's political and economic systems more transparent and accountable to its citizens," he wrote.
Recalling that Yar'Adua came into office pledging zero tolerance for corruption, he argued that there had been little movement on some of the key corruption cases that would indicate he is serious about upholding this pledge.
'I Was Asked to Implicate Opposition Leaders' - Coup Plot Suspect Andrew Dorbor Testifies.
The Analyst
13 December 2007
By George J. Borteh
A key defendant in the ongoing treason trial yesterday stunned the nation when he testified in open court that the Liberian government had wanted him to implicate certain opposition politicians.
Taking the witness' stand yesterday at Criminal Court-'A' on Capitol Hill, Temple of Justice in Monrovia, the relaxed and cautious retired Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), Col. Andrew Dorbor told the court that the Ellen-led government through the National Security Agency (NSA), had listed top Liberian opposition politicians and former Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) Soldiers for him, while serving as state witness, to implicate them in the alleged coup plot.
Before a crowded court, Col. Dorbor said while in detention at the National Security Agency (NSA), an officer of the agency, whom he recalled James Pearson went to him with a list containing the names of prominent opposition politicians and coerced him to implicate them in the alleged plot.
He further revealed that the government through the NSA agent told him that through that means, he as a suspect of the coup would gain the passport for his freedom.
Dorbor said the idea was that he implicate the opposition leaders and at the same time convincingly testify against them on behalf of the state.
According to Dorbor, the opposition politicians that the government wanted him to implicate in the alleged plot include former House Speaker, Edwin Melvin Snowe, who is representing District #5 of Montserrado County; Liberty Party's Standard-bearer, Cllr. Charles Walker Brumskine; George Weah, the youthful first partisan of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC); Cllr. Varney Sherman, standard bearer of the Liberia Action Party (LAP) which later branched with other parties into the Coalition for the Transformation of Liberia (COTOL).
Suspect Dorbor further said that the NSA operative requested him to name Henry Boima Fahnbulleh Jr., the Security Advisor of President Sirleaf, as one of the masterminds of the alleged coup plot.
Additional names that he said that his services were being sought to call included former transitional Foreign Minister, Thomas Yaya Nimely; Nimba County Senior Senator, Prince Y. Johnson; former Deputy Minister of Defense during the transition Joe Wyle.
The key defense witness also said that the government wanted him to implicate Gen. Charles Julu, and one William Gibson as well as former top Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) soldiers.
Still stunning the court with what observers called "troubling news", Dorbor, the first defense witness to take the stand, testified that the government also wanted him to name another 31 deactivated AFL soldiers as other coup plotters to oust the Liberian government headed by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Continuing with his revelations of what had taken place during his detention at the NSA, Dorbor indicated that the government not only wanted him to implicate other Liberians as coup plotters, but that he was forced to sign series of documents that had been prepared by NSA investigators.
According to him, a particular document that he was coerced to sign was "a request for protective custody".
"I signed the documents because I was threatened by the NSA investigators, that if I did not sign the documents, I would surely feel the weight. I signed the documents with fear that I could be killed in the NSA cell," witness Dorbor testified.
He declared that he signed papers that he did not prepare. Dorbor also told the court that he was tortured while under detention at the NSA cell by a group of NSA officers. He claimed that his torturers inhumanely treated him during or between the morning hours between 2:00 AM to 3:00 AM.
"Around 2:00AM to 3:00AM, NSA officers opened the cell and I identified them as Col. Nelson Jallah, Iwananbo Sackie, Kelleh entered the cell while the others were outside flashing light in my face," he said.
Col. Dorbor told the court that the NSA General Chief Investigator Nelson Jallah, ordered his officers to drag him outside the cell an order he claimed to have resisted.
He revealed that after resisting the order, NSA investigator Nelson Jallah took a piece of plank and hit it on his hand, while also hitting the accused plotter's hands against the iron of the cell several times until he fell to the floor. Dorbor also testified that he was flogged by the NSA officers including Col. Jallah.
He also testified that the NSA General Chief Investigator, Col. Jallah placed burning candle flame between his legs and compelled him into implicating those opposition figures and former faction leaders that the government listed.
"You can come and see between my legs, I've sores between my legs as I speak in court. I cried, cried and cried that day", Col. Dorbor told the court.
Dorbor, Julu and George Koukou are detained at the Monrovia Central Prison for their alleged involvement in an alleged plot to overthrow Pres. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's administration.
Meanwhile, trial of Col. Dorbor and the other suspects is expected to continue this week with prosecution lawyers cross-examining him.
13 December 2007
By George J. Borteh
A key defendant in the ongoing treason trial yesterday stunned the nation when he testified in open court that the Liberian government had wanted him to implicate certain opposition politicians.
Taking the witness' stand yesterday at Criminal Court-'A' on Capitol Hill, Temple of Justice in Monrovia, the relaxed and cautious retired Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL), Col. Andrew Dorbor told the court that the Ellen-led government through the National Security Agency (NSA), had listed top Liberian opposition politicians and former Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) Soldiers for him, while serving as state witness, to implicate them in the alleged coup plot.
Before a crowded court, Col. Dorbor said while in detention at the National Security Agency (NSA), an officer of the agency, whom he recalled James Pearson went to him with a list containing the names of prominent opposition politicians and coerced him to implicate them in the alleged plot.
He further revealed that the government through the NSA agent told him that through that means, he as a suspect of the coup would gain the passport for his freedom.
Dorbor said the idea was that he implicate the opposition leaders and at the same time convincingly testify against them on behalf of the state.
According to Dorbor, the opposition politicians that the government wanted him to implicate in the alleged plot include former House Speaker, Edwin Melvin Snowe, who is representing District #5 of Montserrado County; Liberty Party's Standard-bearer, Cllr. Charles Walker Brumskine; George Weah, the youthful first partisan of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC); Cllr. Varney Sherman, standard bearer of the Liberia Action Party (LAP) which later branched with other parties into the Coalition for the Transformation of Liberia (COTOL).
Suspect Dorbor further said that the NSA operative requested him to name Henry Boima Fahnbulleh Jr., the Security Advisor of President Sirleaf, as one of the masterminds of the alleged coup plot.
Additional names that he said that his services were being sought to call included former transitional Foreign Minister, Thomas Yaya Nimely; Nimba County Senior Senator, Prince Y. Johnson; former Deputy Minister of Defense during the transition Joe Wyle.
The key defense witness also said that the government wanted him to implicate Gen. Charles Julu, and one William Gibson as well as former top Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) soldiers.
Still stunning the court with what observers called "troubling news", Dorbor, the first defense witness to take the stand, testified that the government also wanted him to name another 31 deactivated AFL soldiers as other coup plotters to oust the Liberian government headed by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Continuing with his revelations of what had taken place during his detention at the NSA, Dorbor indicated that the government not only wanted him to implicate other Liberians as coup plotters, but that he was forced to sign series of documents that had been prepared by NSA investigators.
According to him, a particular document that he was coerced to sign was "a request for protective custody".
"I signed the documents because I was threatened by the NSA investigators, that if I did not sign the documents, I would surely feel the weight. I signed the documents with fear that I could be killed in the NSA cell," witness Dorbor testified.
He declared that he signed papers that he did not prepare. Dorbor also told the court that he was tortured while under detention at the NSA cell by a group of NSA officers. He claimed that his torturers inhumanely treated him during or between the morning hours between 2:00 AM to 3:00 AM.
"Around 2:00AM to 3:00AM, NSA officers opened the cell and I identified them as Col. Nelson Jallah, Iwananbo Sackie, Kelleh entered the cell while the others were outside flashing light in my face," he said.
Col. Dorbor told the court that the NSA General Chief Investigator Nelson Jallah, ordered his officers to drag him outside the cell an order he claimed to have resisted.
He revealed that after resisting the order, NSA investigator Nelson Jallah took a piece of plank and hit it on his hand, while also hitting the accused plotter's hands against the iron of the cell several times until he fell to the floor. Dorbor also testified that he was flogged by the NSA officers including Col. Jallah.
He also testified that the NSA General Chief Investigator, Col. Jallah placed burning candle flame between his legs and compelled him into implicating those opposition figures and former faction leaders that the government listed.
"You can come and see between my legs, I've sores between my legs as I speak in court. I cried, cried and cried that day", Col. Dorbor told the court.
Dorbor, Julu and George Koukou are detained at the Monrovia Central Prison for their alleged involvement in an alleged plot to overthrow Pres. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's administration.
Meanwhile, trial of Col. Dorbor and the other suspects is expected to continue this week with prosecution lawyers cross-examining him.
The U.S.A. to Triple Aid to Burundi.
Burundi Realites
13 December 2007
The United States of America is to triple the aid granted yearly to Burundi. The aid will pass from less $10 million to $28.6 million in the year 2008. This is part of an agreement between Ms. Patricia Moller, the American Ambassador to Burundi, and the Burundi's Minister for Cooperation, Ms Antoinette Batumubwira.
These funds will be channelled through the USAIDS. This American organisation had demanded the American Senate and Parliament to increase the aid to Burundi. Recently representatives of the American senate visited Burundi and were shown some quarters of Bujumbura that were destroyed by heavy rains.
After the recent cabinet reshuffle, foreign governments which had previously been reluctant to support Burundi are slowly resuming to grant aids to the country.
13 December 2007
The United States of America is to triple the aid granted yearly to Burundi. The aid will pass from less $10 million to $28.6 million in the year 2008. This is part of an agreement between Ms. Patricia Moller, the American Ambassador to Burundi, and the Burundi's Minister for Cooperation, Ms Antoinette Batumubwira.
These funds will be channelled through the USAIDS. This American organisation had demanded the American Senate and Parliament to increase the aid to Burundi. Recently representatives of the American senate visited Burundi and were shown some quarters of Bujumbura that were destroyed by heavy rains.
After the recent cabinet reshuffle, foreign governments which had previously been reluctant to support Burundi are slowly resuming to grant aids to the country.
Ethiopia pledges to contribute to South Sudan construction.
Sudan Tribune
14 December 2007
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister expressed readiness to provide assistance to southern Sudan project for road constructions and housing, the official ENA reported.
Meles Zenawi told the visiting Sudanese First Vice-President and President of the Government of Southern Sudan that Ethiopia would provide capacity building assistance for the public infrastructure projects in the southern Sudan.
Meles said based on the bilateral cooperation between Ethiopia and the Sudan, Ethiopia pays the necessary attention for the road and other development projects in Southern Sudan.
Ethiopian Minister of Work and Urban Development Dr. Kassu Illala, told reporters following the meeting that there is acute shortage of residential houses and bureaus in Juba and other towns in South Sudan.
The Minister said the Ethiopian government has pledged to provide capacity building assistance to address the housing in Southern Sudan following the request form the Sudanese government.
The Ethiopian official further said that Memorandum of Understanding would be singed on Friday for the provision of capacity building assistance here on Friday.
CPA DISCUSSED
Following the meeting, the Sudanese First Vice-President told journalist that he discussed the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) cross border security, and other issues of common concern.
He reassured Meles Zenawi that there will never be a return to war and that the people of South Sudan are now talking about the peace options and how to preserve the gains which were achieved by the CPA as well as progressing ahead on the peace road.
CPA partners have overcome last week the first serious political crisis since the signing of the peace deal in 2005. The SPLM suspended its participation in the national unity government protesting the ill implementation of protocols related to Abyei, north south border, and the redeployment of troops.
Editor's Note: Yet another reason for the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Defense to ignore the large-scale human rights abuses in Ethiopia and continue to support them: they can lend a constructive hand to other U.S. allies in the region in addition to their military occupation of Somalia.
14 December 2007
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister expressed readiness to provide assistance to southern Sudan project for road constructions and housing, the official ENA reported.
Meles Zenawi told the visiting Sudanese First Vice-President and President of the Government of Southern Sudan that Ethiopia would provide capacity building assistance for the public infrastructure projects in the southern Sudan.
Meles said based on the bilateral cooperation between Ethiopia and the Sudan, Ethiopia pays the necessary attention for the road and other development projects in Southern Sudan.
Ethiopian Minister of Work and Urban Development Dr. Kassu Illala, told reporters following the meeting that there is acute shortage of residential houses and bureaus in Juba and other towns in South Sudan.
The Minister said the Ethiopian government has pledged to provide capacity building assistance to address the housing in Southern Sudan following the request form the Sudanese government.
The Ethiopian official further said that Memorandum of Understanding would be singed on Friday for the provision of capacity building assistance here on Friday.
CPA DISCUSSED
Following the meeting, the Sudanese First Vice-President told journalist that he discussed the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) cross border security, and other issues of common concern.
He reassured Meles Zenawi that there will never be a return to war and that the people of South Sudan are now talking about the peace options and how to preserve the gains which were achieved by the CPA as well as progressing ahead on the peace road.
CPA partners have overcome last week the first serious political crisis since the signing of the peace deal in 2005. The SPLM suspended its participation in the national unity government protesting the ill implementation of protocols related to Abyei, north south border, and the redeployment of troops.
Editor's Note: Yet another reason for the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Defense to ignore the large-scale human rights abuses in Ethiopia and continue to support them: they can lend a constructive hand to other U.S. allies in the region in addition to their military occupation of Somalia.
Ethiopia to export electric power to Sudan and Djibouti.
Sudan Tribune
14 December 2007
By Tesfa-alem Tekle
Ethiopia will begin exporting electricity to neighboring Sudan and Djibouti by 2010, after its new series of hydroelectric power projects underway get accomplished.
Recently, Tekeze hydroelectric dam construction in Mekelle, which is run by 3 Chinese companies, has announced that, its project is nearing completion.
"82% of the construction is completed; the plant will begin generating 300 megawatts of electric power in 2008" says director of the plant - Engineer Oweys Ibrahim.
The 188 meter high of the major concert dam which will be the biggest water reservoir in Africa next to one in Lesheto will be capable of accumulating 9.3 billion cubic meters of water during completion.
Some 1,180 MW will be added to Ethiopia’s grid by early 2009, when the 3 major hydroelectric power projects now under way across the nation come functional.
Currently, Ethiopia generates 800MW of power which covers to only 20% of its 80 million populations.
The other two hydro electric power projects under construction, Anabeles and Gilgel Gibe will have a potential of generating 460MW and 420MW respectively,after their expected accomplishment by 2009 comes to end.
According to Ethiopia ministry for mines and Energy, Ethiopia will export electric power supply to Sudan and Djibouti by 2010 and to Kenya by 2011 when the ambitions strategy goes according to schedule.
The massive power expansion under the motto of " empowering Ethiopia in to a new millennium" has targeted primary to scale up electric power demand of Ethiopians to 50% under a total cost of 100 billion Ethiopian birr, by the end of 2009.
Editor's Note: And another reason....
14 December 2007
By Tesfa-alem Tekle
Ethiopia will begin exporting electricity to neighboring Sudan and Djibouti by 2010, after its new series of hydroelectric power projects underway get accomplished.
Recently, Tekeze hydroelectric dam construction in Mekelle, which is run by 3 Chinese companies, has announced that, its project is nearing completion.
"82% of the construction is completed; the plant will begin generating 300 megawatts of electric power in 2008" says director of the plant - Engineer Oweys Ibrahim.
The 188 meter high of the major concert dam which will be the biggest water reservoir in Africa next to one in Lesheto will be capable of accumulating 9.3 billion cubic meters of water during completion.
Some 1,180 MW will be added to Ethiopia’s grid by early 2009, when the 3 major hydroelectric power projects now under way across the nation come functional.
Currently, Ethiopia generates 800MW of power which covers to only 20% of its 80 million populations.
The other two hydro electric power projects under construction, Anabeles and Gilgel Gibe will have a potential of generating 460MW and 420MW respectively,after their expected accomplishment by 2009 comes to end.
According to Ethiopia ministry for mines and Energy, Ethiopia will export electric power supply to Sudan and Djibouti by 2010 and to Kenya by 2011 when the ambitions strategy goes according to schedule.
The massive power expansion under the motto of " empowering Ethiopia in to a new millennium" has targeted primary to scale up electric power demand of Ethiopians to 50% under a total cost of 100 billion Ethiopian birr, by the end of 2009.
Editor's Note: And another reason....
13 December, 2007
Eritrea signs Bisha gold/base metals mining agreement with Nevsun.
Mineweb
By Rodrick Mukumbira and Dorothy Kosich
13 December 2007
TSX and AMEX-quoted Nevsun Resources Ltd. stock rose as high as CAN$2.14 in Canada, up 8.08% and US$2.05 in the US, up 5 cents, on Wednesday after the company announced that its massive gold and base metal project in Eritrea was finally guaranteed.
Following months of delay, the government of Eritrea on Wednesday finally signed an agreement with the Vancouver-based company that should lead to the development of the Bisha project in the country's western region, which will become its first new mine since colonial times.
Following a failed safari in Mali, where Nevsun owns the loss-making Tabakoto mine, which is currently on care-and-maintenance, the Bisha project in Eritrea is not only massive, but full of potential.
It is believed to be among the world's largest undeveloped polymetallic deposits in Africa. Nevsun says it boasts 1.06 million ounces of gold, 10 million ounces of silver, 747 million pounds of copper and 1.09 billion pounds of zinc.
The mining agreement contains all of the normal provisions governing the future development and operations for the Bisha Project, including all substantive requirements of international financial institutions," said John Clarke, Nevsun's President and CEO.
The project - expected to cost around US$250-million - will be developed by Bisha Mining Share Company (BMSC), owned 60% by Nevsun and 40% by the Eritrean National Mining Company (ENAMCO). The actual mining licence, which had long delayed the project, is now also guaranteed and is expected by January 2008.
In November, ENAMCO borrowed US$60-million from credit firm China Import-Export Bank to buy a 30% participating interest in BMSC, to add up to its 10% free participating interest in line with the country's mining legislation.
Approximately US$25-million of that will go to Nevsun as down payment, with the final price expected to be determined by independent evaluators when production commences.
In addition to the project purchase price, the Eritrean government will have a proportionate share of capital, equivalent to 33.3% to build the mine and shares the risk of capital spend (and over-run facilities) for loan financing, according to the deal.
Eritrea has also entered into guarantees to ensure a reduced political risk as a major shareholder in the mine, whose construction is expected to commence soon after the issuance of the mining licence, in a country currently facing threats of war from southern neighbour Ethiopia over a disputed border.
Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993 and currently both countries have more than 100,000 troops stationed close to the frontier, raising fears of a war.
Eritrean Minister of Energy and Mines Tesfai Ghebreselassie said the project would benefit the impoverished Horn of Africa country, and "the success of the Bisha Mining Project has a special significance both for its economic benefits and trend-setting effects on the path of the industry we are very eager to develop in Eritrea".
"I would like to reiterate our Government's commitment to do all within its means to assist Bisha Mining Share Company be a success story," Tesfai said.
Construction is expected to take two years with actual mining expected to commence in 2010. The feasibility study completed in Q4 2006 deems the project to be profitable throughout its entire mine life because of the low operational costs.
It is being modelled as a 10-year open pit operation capable of producing two million tons of ore per year.
The mine, should finance be arranged successfully, will start as a high grade gold/silver operation on the near surface oxide section of the orebody. As the proposed open pit becomes deeper it would become a high grade copper operation with gold and silver credits in the supergene enriched ore zone and then by year 5 would start moving into the primary orebody at which point it would become a zinc mining operation with copper, gold and silver by products.
During its first two years of operation, the $196-million project is expected to extract gold and silver together, specifically 471,000 ounces of gold and 424,000 ounces of gold annually.
Production of copper concentrate is expected in significant quantities from years three to five, yielding from 176 million pounds of copper to 184 million pounds of copper annually. During the sixth through 10th years of mine life, the operation is anticipated to produce from 174 million to 236 million pounds of zinc annually.
Operating costs are estimated at US$31.64 per ton, according to the feasibility study.
The project will also involve developing a port at Massawa.
By Rodrick Mukumbira and Dorothy Kosich
13 December 2007
TSX and AMEX-quoted Nevsun Resources Ltd. stock rose as high as CAN$2.14 in Canada, up 8.08% and US$2.05 in the US, up 5 cents, on Wednesday after the company announced that its massive gold and base metal project in Eritrea was finally guaranteed.
Following months of delay, the government of Eritrea on Wednesday finally signed an agreement with the Vancouver-based company that should lead to the development of the Bisha project in the country's western region, which will become its first new mine since colonial times.
Following a failed safari in Mali, where Nevsun owns the loss-making Tabakoto mine, which is currently on care-and-maintenance, the Bisha project in Eritrea is not only massive, but full of potential.
It is believed to be among the world's largest undeveloped polymetallic deposits in Africa. Nevsun says it boasts 1.06 million ounces of gold, 10 million ounces of silver, 747 million pounds of copper and 1.09 billion pounds of zinc.
The mining agreement contains all of the normal provisions governing the future development and operations for the Bisha Project, including all substantive requirements of international financial institutions," said John Clarke, Nevsun's President and CEO.
The project - expected to cost around US$250-million - will be developed by Bisha Mining Share Company (BMSC), owned 60% by Nevsun and 40% by the Eritrean National Mining Company (ENAMCO). The actual mining licence, which had long delayed the project, is now also guaranteed and is expected by January 2008.
In November, ENAMCO borrowed US$60-million from credit firm China Import-Export Bank to buy a 30% participating interest in BMSC, to add up to its 10% free participating interest in line with the country's mining legislation.
Approximately US$25-million of that will go to Nevsun as down payment, with the final price expected to be determined by independent evaluators when production commences.
In addition to the project purchase price, the Eritrean government will have a proportionate share of capital, equivalent to 33.3% to build the mine and shares the risk of capital spend (and over-run facilities) for loan financing, according to the deal.
Eritrea has also entered into guarantees to ensure a reduced political risk as a major shareholder in the mine, whose construction is expected to commence soon after the issuance of the mining licence, in a country currently facing threats of war from southern neighbour Ethiopia over a disputed border.
Eritrea gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993 and currently both countries have more than 100,000 troops stationed close to the frontier, raising fears of a war.
Eritrean Minister of Energy and Mines Tesfai Ghebreselassie said the project would benefit the impoverished Horn of Africa country, and "the success of the Bisha Mining Project has a special significance both for its economic benefits and trend-setting effects on the path of the industry we are very eager to develop in Eritrea".
"I would like to reiterate our Government's commitment to do all within its means to assist Bisha Mining Share Company be a success story," Tesfai said.
Construction is expected to take two years with actual mining expected to commence in 2010. The feasibility study completed in Q4 2006 deems the project to be profitable throughout its entire mine life because of the low operational costs.
It is being modelled as a 10-year open pit operation capable of producing two million tons of ore per year.
The mine, should finance be arranged successfully, will start as a high grade gold/silver operation on the near surface oxide section of the orebody. As the proposed open pit becomes deeper it would become a high grade copper operation with gold and silver credits in the supergene enriched ore zone and then by year 5 would start moving into the primary orebody at which point it would become a zinc mining operation with copper, gold and silver by products.
During its first two years of operation, the $196-million project is expected to extract gold and silver together, specifically 471,000 ounces of gold and 424,000 ounces of gold annually.
Production of copper concentrate is expected in significant quantities from years three to five, yielding from 176 million pounds of copper to 184 million pounds of copper annually. During the sixth through 10th years of mine life, the operation is anticipated to produce from 174 million to 236 million pounds of zinc annually.
Operating costs are estimated at US$31.64 per ton, according to the feasibility study.
The project will also involve developing a port at Massawa.
Ivory Coast iron ore development attracts $1bn to 2 bn Indian investment.
Mineweb
By Peter Murphy
12 December 2007
India's Tata Steel Ltd will invest $1 billion to $2 billion to develop an iron ore mine in Ivory Coast that could help the company boost its self-sufficiency in raw materials for steel-making.
With iron-ore prices expected to rise again for a fifth straight year as Chinese-driven steel demand continues unabated, steel producers are scrambling to secure their own supplies.
Tata's Managing Director B. Muthuraman said on Tuesday the company would own a 75 percent stake in the iron ore mine in Nimba Mountain in the west of Ivory Coast. The west African nation's state-owned SODEMI would own the rest.
He told reporters via conference call the project was expected to produce 700 million to one billion tons of ore per year.
"(Then) we will be well on our way to achieving our target for self-sufficiency," Muthuraman said, adding the company was looking to secure 50 percent to 60 percent of its own iron ore supplies.
By comparison, ArcelorMittal, the world's largest steelmaker has a stated objective of 75 percent self-sufficiency.
The Tata chief said the Indian company would the money over the next three to four years to develop the Nimba Mountain site.
"We want to do everything very fast. We have to do exploration. We have to start planning and we have to start mining," Muthuraman told reporters on the steps of President Laurent Gbagbo's residence, after meeting the Ivorian leader.
Muthuraman, who earlier signed a joint venture agreement in the mining and energy ministry, said the first step would be a feasibility study after which a decision would be taken on the required investment.
The ore will be used to supply Tata facilities in Britain and the Netherlands, a Tata spokesman said.
Muthuraman told Reuters last month the company would seek joint ventures with Australian mining companies because it could no longer supply enough of its own raw materials such as iron ore and coking coal, to meet its steel-making capacity, especially after it bought European steel group Corus for $12.9 billion this year. On Tuesday, he declined to identify where Tata was looking for other joint ventures.
Iron ore prices have jumped for five consecutive years and are expected to rise by about another 50 percent this year as mills compete for limited supplies from miners such as Brazil's CVRD, Rio Tinto Ltd/Plc and BHP Billiton Ltd/Plc.
BHP has proposed a $140 billion 3-for-1 share purchase of Rio, although Rio has so far rejected the offer.
By Peter Murphy
12 December 2007
India's Tata Steel Ltd will invest $1 billion to $2 billion to develop an iron ore mine in Ivory Coast that could help the company boost its self-sufficiency in raw materials for steel-making.
With iron-ore prices expected to rise again for a fifth straight year as Chinese-driven steel demand continues unabated, steel producers are scrambling to secure their own supplies.
Tata's Managing Director B. Muthuraman said on Tuesday the company would own a 75 percent stake in the iron ore mine in Nimba Mountain in the west of Ivory Coast. The west African nation's state-owned SODEMI would own the rest.
He told reporters via conference call the project was expected to produce 700 million to one billion tons of ore per year.
"(Then) we will be well on our way to achieving our target for self-sufficiency," Muthuraman said, adding the company was looking to secure 50 percent to 60 percent of its own iron ore supplies.
By comparison, ArcelorMittal, the world's largest steelmaker has a stated objective of 75 percent self-sufficiency.
The Tata chief said the Indian company would the money over the next three to four years to develop the Nimba Mountain site.
"We want to do everything very fast. We have to do exploration. We have to start planning and we have to start mining," Muthuraman told reporters on the steps of President Laurent Gbagbo's residence, after meeting the Ivorian leader.
Muthuraman, who earlier signed a joint venture agreement in the mining and energy ministry, said the first step would be a feasibility study after which a decision would be taken on the required investment.
The ore will be used to supply Tata facilities in Britain and the Netherlands, a Tata spokesman said.
Muthuraman told Reuters last month the company would seek joint ventures with Australian mining companies because it could no longer supply enough of its own raw materials such as iron ore and coking coal, to meet its steel-making capacity, especially after it bought European steel group Corus for $12.9 billion this year. On Tuesday, he declined to identify where Tata was looking for other joint ventures.
Iron ore prices have jumped for five consecutive years and are expected to rise by about another 50 percent this year as mills compete for limited supplies from miners such as Brazil's CVRD, Rio Tinto Ltd/Plc and BHP Billiton Ltd/Plc.
BHP has proposed a $140 billion 3-for-1 share purchase of Rio, although Rio has so far rejected the offer.
Worrying rumbles for First Quantum in DRC.
Mineweb
13 December 2007
By Barry Sergeant
First Quantum (FM CN, C$88.41 a share) has finally gone public on the pressures it's facing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's Katanga Province, down near the Zambian border. A media release confirms that First Quantum was ordered to halt shipping of copper ores and concentrates, respectively, from its Lonshi and Frontier mines, across the border into Zambia.
The only official mentioned by First Quantum, as author of a 29 November letter, is le gouverneur du Katanga, Moïse Katumbi Chapwe. First Quantum does not mention a fierce 19 November letter from Jean-Marie Dikanga Kazadi, Katanga provincial minister of the interior. This is not the first time that First Quantum has encountered border disputes, or other kinds of disputes on the Katanga side of the border.
The irony is that First Quantum is the original new generation pioneer copper miner in the mineralised belts straddling the two countries. First Quantum currently produces copper products at Bwana Mkubwa (Zambia), Kansanshi (Zambia), Guelb Moghrein (Mauritania), and, of course, Lonshi and Frontier. But where First Quantum should be street wise in Lubumbashi, capital of Katanga Province, and Kinshasa, capital of the DRC, it looks increasingly like a pale faced innocent.
According to its public domain information, First Quantum has now resolved issues at Frontier and shipping of concentrates (by conveyor) across the border has resumed. The "issues" were technical, regarding measurement procedures for concentrate, and reporting export procedures. Issues at Lonshi are yet to be fully resolved, but could be. The mine has only about another six months' of ore reserves left.
Katumbi wants all mining companies in Katanga Province to value-add to the mining process, by concentrating, smelting (or similar), and then refining into metal. To date, First Quantum has been shipping ores from Lonshi (since November 2000), and (far more recently) concentrates from Frontier. By now First Quantum would know that Katumbi has lots of clout in Kinshasa, given the front-end status of Katanga Province in the DRC's overall economy.
A senior national cabinet member has indirectly accused First Quantum of violating Article 85 of the DRC Mining Code by transferring ore across the border for treatment in Zambia. First Quantum has even been accused of obtaining "privileges" from former DRC minister of mines, Ingele Ifoto. The 19 November letter, in French, to First Quantum, signed by Dikanga Kazadi, uses the word "fraude".
With the proverbial smell of napalm in the air, First Quantum last week announced the go-ahead for the Kolwezi tailings project in the DRC, with project financing of some US$593m. Philip Pascall, First Quantum chairman & CEO pointed out that this would entail "construction of a modern ‘state of the art' tailings retreatment facility to produce copper cathode and cobalt hydroxide". This is about as fully value-added as anyone, including Katumbi, could expect.
First Quantum would it do itself no harm by arranging a full blown meeting with Katumbi. Matt Pascall, the highly competent brother of an equally competent Philip Pascall, met with Katumbi two weeks ago. That's a good start, but lots more needs to be done.
Selected DRC/Zambia copper miners
Stock
From
Value
price
high*
US$bn
First Quantum
C$88.41
-22.6%
5.95
Equinox
C$5.15
-9.3%
2.88
Nikanor
£5.88
-20.5%
1.68
Katanga Mining
C$16.80
-40.1%
1.31
Metorex
R21.49
-29.3%
1.12
Anvil
C$15.56
-23.4%
1.09
Camec
£0.40
-50.5%
0.92
ZCI
R21.50
-20.4%
0.40
Teal
C$5.00
-18.0%
0.27
Mwana Africa
£0.46
-45.5%
0.23
Copper Resources
£1.45
-7.1%
0.18
African Copper
£0.58
-42.6%
0.15
Zambezi Resources
£0.19
-37.3%
0.06
Africo
C$1.83
-63.4%
0.05
African Eagle
£0.10
-38.3%
0.03
Simberi
C$0.08
-50.0%
0.01
Diversified
BHP Billiton
£15.85
-16.5%
183.07
Freeport-McMoRan
$103.18
-14.2%
39.41
Vedanta
£21.63
-10.6%
12.69
* 12-month high
13 December 2007
By Barry Sergeant
First Quantum (FM CN, C$88.41 a share) has finally gone public on the pressures it's facing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's Katanga Province, down near the Zambian border. A media release confirms that First Quantum was ordered to halt shipping of copper ores and concentrates, respectively, from its Lonshi and Frontier mines, across the border into Zambia.
The only official mentioned by First Quantum, as author of a 29 November letter, is le gouverneur du Katanga, Moïse Katumbi Chapwe. First Quantum does not mention a fierce 19 November letter from Jean-Marie Dikanga Kazadi, Katanga provincial minister of the interior. This is not the first time that First Quantum has encountered border disputes, or other kinds of disputes on the Katanga side of the border.
The irony is that First Quantum is the original new generation pioneer copper miner in the mineralised belts straddling the two countries. First Quantum currently produces copper products at Bwana Mkubwa (Zambia), Kansanshi (Zambia), Guelb Moghrein (Mauritania), and, of course, Lonshi and Frontier. But where First Quantum should be street wise in Lubumbashi, capital of Katanga Province, and Kinshasa, capital of the DRC, it looks increasingly like a pale faced innocent.
According to its public domain information, First Quantum has now resolved issues at Frontier and shipping of concentrates (by conveyor) across the border has resumed. The "issues" were technical, regarding measurement procedures for concentrate, and reporting export procedures. Issues at Lonshi are yet to be fully resolved, but could be. The mine has only about another six months' of ore reserves left.
Katumbi wants all mining companies in Katanga Province to value-add to the mining process, by concentrating, smelting (or similar), and then refining into metal. To date, First Quantum has been shipping ores from Lonshi (since November 2000), and (far more recently) concentrates from Frontier. By now First Quantum would know that Katumbi has lots of clout in Kinshasa, given the front-end status of Katanga Province in the DRC's overall economy.
A senior national cabinet member has indirectly accused First Quantum of violating Article 85 of the DRC Mining Code by transferring ore across the border for treatment in Zambia. First Quantum has even been accused of obtaining "privileges" from former DRC minister of mines, Ingele Ifoto. The 19 November letter, in French, to First Quantum, signed by Dikanga Kazadi, uses the word "fraude".
With the proverbial smell of napalm in the air, First Quantum last week announced the go-ahead for the Kolwezi tailings project in the DRC, with project financing of some US$593m. Philip Pascall, First Quantum chairman & CEO pointed out that this would entail "construction of a modern ‘state of the art' tailings retreatment facility to produce copper cathode and cobalt hydroxide". This is about as fully value-added as anyone, including Katumbi, could expect.
First Quantum would it do itself no harm by arranging a full blown meeting with Katumbi. Matt Pascall, the highly competent brother of an equally competent Philip Pascall, met with Katumbi two weeks ago. That's a good start, but lots more needs to be done.
Selected DRC/Zambia copper miners
Stock
From
Value
price
high*
US$bn
First Quantum
C$88.41
-22.6%
5.95
Equinox
C$5.15
-9.3%
2.88
Nikanor
£5.88
-20.5%
1.68
Katanga Mining
C$16.80
-40.1%
1.31
Metorex
R21.49
-29.3%
1.12
Anvil
C$15.56
-23.4%
1.09
Camec
£0.40
-50.5%
0.92
ZCI
R21.50
-20.4%
0.40
Teal
C$5.00
-18.0%
0.27
Mwana Africa
£0.46
-45.5%
0.23
Copper Resources
£1.45
-7.1%
0.18
African Copper
£0.58
-42.6%
0.15
Zambezi Resources
£0.19
-37.3%
0.06
Africo
C$1.83
-63.4%
0.05
African Eagle
£0.10
-38.3%
0.03
Simberi
C$0.08
-50.0%
0.01
Diversified
BHP Billiton
£15.85
-16.5%
183.07
Freeport-McMoRan
$103.18
-14.2%
39.41
Vedanta
£21.63
-10.6%
12.69
* 12-month high
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