Sudan Tribune
7 March 2008
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement has denied the opening of an office in Israel.
Atem Deng, the SPLM leading member and deputy speaker of the National Assembly told the Al-Jazeera Satellite TV that the SPLM has no interest to open an office in Israel.
Sudan Tribune received yesterday a statement from a group of SPLM supporter in Israel saying they opened an office in Tel Aviv after consultations with the SPLM leadership in Juba.
The ruling National Congress Party organised a large scale campaign against Darfur SLM leader Abdel Wahid al-Nur for opening an office in Israel. The political forces in Khartoum also condemned the move.
However Sudan remains the only member of the Arab League that has an important number of its nationals living in Israel as refugees or illegal immigrants.
07 March, 2008
Abkhazia asks UN, Russia to recognize its independence.
RIA Novosti
7 March 2008
The parliament of Georgia's breakaway republic of Abkhazia appealed on Friday to the United Nations and Russia to recognize its independence, citing Kosovo as a precedent.
The appeal came after Russia lifted trade restrictions on the de facto independent republic on Thursday in a move that has further strained relations with Georgia.
"The unrecognized republic has established itself as an independent, democratic state," the authors of the statement said, adding that the recognition of Kosovo by the U.S. and the majority of European countries in mid-February had irrevocably altered the geopolitical situation.
Appealing to the UN, lawmakers said the recognition of Abkhazia would contribute to peace in the region. It also said that the UN's failure to recognize Abkhazia had only served to "encourage" Tbilisi's "aggression" toward the republic.
South Ossetia, the other breakaway republic on Georgian territory, made a similar appeal for recognition to Russia on Thursday, also citing Kosovo as a factor in its bid. North Ossetia, which is part of Russia, backed the appeal.
Abkhazia and South Ossetia, with populations of about 200,000 and 100,000 respectively, were involved in bloody conflicts with Georgia after proclaiming independence following the split up of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Georgia, which has sought to regain control over the separatist republics, called Russia's decision to lift economic sanctions against Abkhazia "a blunt attempt to violate its sovereignty and territorial integrity." It also threatened retaliatory measures to protect its interests. On Friday, it summoned the Russian ambassador to Georgia to register a protest over Moscow's actions.
Moscow has repeatedly said the recognition of Kosovo will set a precedent for other breakaway regions, including in the former Soviet Union. Russia's lower house of parliament, the State Duma, is to discuss Abkhazia and South Ossetia on March 13.
Justifying its decision on Thursday, Russia cited "a change of circumstances" and blamed Georgia for a "non-constructive" policy toward Abkhazia. Moscow said preserving the sanctions no longer made sense and "is harmful for the region's socio-economic development."
Russia also called on the CIS, an alliance of post-Soviet states, to follow suit in relation to sanctions against Abkhazia.
Analysts said the Kremlin's decision to restore trade ties with Abkhazia was partially prompted by plans to use the neighboring Black Sea region's resources to build an Olympic infrastructure in the resort of Sochi for the 2014 Winter Games. Russia will also now not have to justify acquisitions of land and property in Abkhazia.
7 March 2008
The parliament of Georgia's breakaway republic of Abkhazia appealed on Friday to the United Nations and Russia to recognize its independence, citing Kosovo as a precedent.
The appeal came after Russia lifted trade restrictions on the de facto independent republic on Thursday in a move that has further strained relations with Georgia.
"The unrecognized republic has established itself as an independent, democratic state," the authors of the statement said, adding that the recognition of Kosovo by the U.S. and the majority of European countries in mid-February had irrevocably altered the geopolitical situation.
Appealing to the UN, lawmakers said the recognition of Abkhazia would contribute to peace in the region. It also said that the UN's failure to recognize Abkhazia had only served to "encourage" Tbilisi's "aggression" toward the republic.
South Ossetia, the other breakaway republic on Georgian territory, made a similar appeal for recognition to Russia on Thursday, also citing Kosovo as a factor in its bid. North Ossetia, which is part of Russia, backed the appeal.
Abkhazia and South Ossetia, with populations of about 200,000 and 100,000 respectively, were involved in bloody conflicts with Georgia after proclaiming independence following the split up of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Georgia, which has sought to regain control over the separatist republics, called Russia's decision to lift economic sanctions against Abkhazia "a blunt attempt to violate its sovereignty and territorial integrity." It also threatened retaliatory measures to protect its interests. On Friday, it summoned the Russian ambassador to Georgia to register a protest over Moscow's actions.
Moscow has repeatedly said the recognition of Kosovo will set a precedent for other breakaway regions, including in the former Soviet Union. Russia's lower house of parliament, the State Duma, is to discuss Abkhazia and South Ossetia on March 13.
Justifying its decision on Thursday, Russia cited "a change of circumstances" and blamed Georgia for a "non-constructive" policy toward Abkhazia. Moscow said preserving the sanctions no longer made sense and "is harmful for the region's socio-economic development."
Russia also called on the CIS, an alliance of post-Soviet states, to follow suit in relation to sanctions against Abkhazia.
Analysts said the Kremlin's decision to restore trade ties with Abkhazia was partially prompted by plans to use the neighboring Black Sea region's resources to build an Olympic infrastructure in the resort of Sochi for the 2014 Winter Games. Russia will also now not have to justify acquisitions of land and property in Abkhazia.
Abkhazia asks UN, Russia to recognize its independence.
RIA Novosti
7 March 2008
The parliament of Georgia's breakaway republic of Abkhazia appealed on Friday to the United Nations and Russia to recognize its independence, citing Kosovo as a precedent.
The appeal came after Russia lifted trade restrictions on the de facto independent republic on Thursday in a move that has further strained relations with Georgia.
"The unrecognized republic has established itself as an independent, democratic state," the authors of the statement said, adding that the recognition of Kosovo by the U.S. and the majority of European countries in mid-February had irrevocably altered the geopolitical situation.
Appealing to the UN, lawmakers said the recognition of Abkhazia would contribute to peace in the region. It also said that the UN's failure to recognize Abkhazia had only served to "encourage" Tbilisi's "aggression" toward the republic.
South Ossetia, the other breakaway republic on Georgian territory, made a similar appeal for recognition to Russia on Thursday, also citing Kosovo as a factor in its bid. North Ossetia, which is part of Russia, backed the appeal.
Abkhazia and South Ossetia, with populations of about 200,000 and 100,000 respectively, were involved in bloody conflicts with Georgia after proclaiming independence following the split up of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Georgia, which has sought to regain control over the separatist republics, called Russia's decision to lift economic sanctions against Abkhazia "a blunt attempt to violate its sovereignty and territorial integrity." It also threatened retaliatory measures to protect its interests. On Friday, it summoned the Russian ambassador to Georgia to register a protest over Moscow's actions.
Moscow has repeatedly said the recognition of Kosovo will set a precedent for other breakaway regions, including in the former Soviet Union. Russia's lower house of parliament, the State Duma, is to discuss Abkhazia and South Ossetia on March 13.
Justifying its decision on Thursday, Russia cited "a change of circumstances" and blamed Georgia for a "non-constructive" policy toward Abkhazia. Moscow said preserving the sanctions no longer made sense and "is harmful for the region's socio-economic development."
Russia also called on the CIS, an alliance of post-Soviet states, to follow suit in relation to sanctions against Abkhazia.
Analysts said the Kremlin's decision to restore trade ties with Abkhazia was partially prompted by plans to use the neighboring Black Sea region's resources to build an Olympic infrastructure in the resort of Sochi for the 2014 Winter Games. Russia will also now not have to justify acquisitions of land and property in Abkhazia.
7 March 2008
The parliament of Georgia's breakaway republic of Abkhazia appealed on Friday to the United Nations and Russia to recognize its independence, citing Kosovo as a precedent.
The appeal came after Russia lifted trade restrictions on the de facto independent republic on Thursday in a move that has further strained relations with Georgia.
"The unrecognized republic has established itself as an independent, democratic state," the authors of the statement said, adding that the recognition of Kosovo by the U.S. and the majority of European countries in mid-February had irrevocably altered the geopolitical situation.
Appealing to the UN, lawmakers said the recognition of Abkhazia would contribute to peace in the region. It also said that the UN's failure to recognize Abkhazia had only served to "encourage" Tbilisi's "aggression" toward the republic.
South Ossetia, the other breakaway republic on Georgian territory, made a similar appeal for recognition to Russia on Thursday, also citing Kosovo as a factor in its bid. North Ossetia, which is part of Russia, backed the appeal.
Abkhazia and South Ossetia, with populations of about 200,000 and 100,000 respectively, were involved in bloody conflicts with Georgia after proclaiming independence following the split up of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Georgia, which has sought to regain control over the separatist republics, called Russia's decision to lift economic sanctions against Abkhazia "a blunt attempt to violate its sovereignty and territorial integrity." It also threatened retaliatory measures to protect its interests. On Friday, it summoned the Russian ambassador to Georgia to register a protest over Moscow's actions.
Moscow has repeatedly said the recognition of Kosovo will set a precedent for other breakaway regions, including in the former Soviet Union. Russia's lower house of parliament, the State Duma, is to discuss Abkhazia and South Ossetia on March 13.
Justifying its decision on Thursday, Russia cited "a change of circumstances" and blamed Georgia for a "non-constructive" policy toward Abkhazia. Moscow said preserving the sanctions no longer made sense and "is harmful for the region's socio-economic development."
Russia also called on the CIS, an alliance of post-Soviet states, to follow suit in relation to sanctions against Abkhazia.
Analysts said the Kremlin's decision to restore trade ties with Abkhazia was partially prompted by plans to use the neighboring Black Sea region's resources to build an Olympic infrastructure in the resort of Sochi for the 2014 Winter Games. Russia will also now not have to justify acquisitions of land and property in Abkhazia.
Merkel to talk Nordstream, Kosovo in Moscow on March 8.
RIA Novosti
7 March 2008
Editor's Note: Also today, German Frank-Walter Steinmeier of NATO discussed extending a membership invitation to the pro-western nations of Croatia, Macedonia, and Albania while Germany expressed 'doubt' over the suitability of Georgia and Ukraine's desire to join NATO. Greece is currently opposing Macedonia's admission.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is to discuss the Nordstream pipeline project and international issues such as Kosovo and Iran during her visit to Russia on March 8, a Kremlin source said on Friday.
Merkel, the leader of Russia's largest European trading partner, will hold talks with outgoing Russian President Vladimir Putin and his successor Dmitry Medvedev, who won just over 70% of the vote in last Sunday's presidential elections. Medvedev is to be inaugurated as Russia's new president on May 7.
"The meetings are expected to include discussions of bilateral relations between Russia and Germany, emphasizing the need to ensure their continuity and further advancement, as well as compare positions on pressing international issues," the source said.
Russian-German trade hit a record $52.8 billion in 2007, with German investment in Russia increasing 70%, year on year, to $3.4 billion, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Mikhail Kamynin said on Thursday.
"The most important task today is to increase the number of joint projects; first of all, in the sphere of advanced technology, including energy, aviation, outer space, car-making, transport, telecommunications and communications," Kamynin said.
The Russian diplomat said the Nord Stream pipeline, which Russian energy giant Gazprom is building together with Germany's E.ON under the Baltic Sea to pump Russian natural gas to Germany, was a priority project in bilateral cooperation. The project is also designed to enhance Europe's energy security.
Russia and Germany held five top-level bilateral meetings last year.
Russia and several former Soviet republics celebrate International Women's Day as a national holiday on March 8, the day of Merkel's visit to Moscow.
7 March 2008
Editor's Note: Also today, German Frank-Walter Steinmeier of NATO discussed extending a membership invitation to the pro-western nations of Croatia, Macedonia, and Albania while Germany expressed 'doubt' over the suitability of Georgia and Ukraine's desire to join NATO. Greece is currently opposing Macedonia's admission.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is to discuss the Nordstream pipeline project and international issues such as Kosovo and Iran during her visit to Russia on March 8, a Kremlin source said on Friday.
Merkel, the leader of Russia's largest European trading partner, will hold talks with outgoing Russian President Vladimir Putin and his successor Dmitry Medvedev, who won just over 70% of the vote in last Sunday's presidential elections. Medvedev is to be inaugurated as Russia's new president on May 7.
"The meetings are expected to include discussions of bilateral relations between Russia and Germany, emphasizing the need to ensure their continuity and further advancement, as well as compare positions on pressing international issues," the source said.
Russian-German trade hit a record $52.8 billion in 2007, with German investment in Russia increasing 70%, year on year, to $3.4 billion, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Mikhail Kamynin said on Thursday.
"The most important task today is to increase the number of joint projects; first of all, in the sphere of advanced technology, including energy, aviation, outer space, car-making, transport, telecommunications and communications," Kamynin said.
The Russian diplomat said the Nord Stream pipeline, which Russian energy giant Gazprom is building together with Germany's E.ON under the Baltic Sea to pump Russian natural gas to Germany, was a priority project in bilateral cooperation. The project is also designed to enhance Europe's energy security.
Russia and Germany held five top-level bilateral meetings last year.
Russia and several former Soviet republics celebrate International Women's Day as a national holiday on March 8, the day of Merkel's visit to Moscow.
Lawyers for 'Merchant of Death' to seek his extradition to Russia.
RIA Novosti
7 March 2008
Lawyers for a Russian businessman who is being held in Thailand on charges of illegal arms trading are to demand his extradition to Russia, his lawyer told a Moscow-based radio station on Friday.
Viktor Bout, 41, is a former lieutenant in the Russian military who quit the armed forces in 1991. He then allegedly transformed himself into an international arms dealer.
Nicknamed "the Merchant of Death," Bout was arrested in a five-star hotel in Bangkok in what appears to have been a joint sting operation, involving law enforcement agencies from Thailand and the U.S.
"A Russian citizen has been arrested at the request of U.S. authorities in Thailand. This is unacceptable. We will demand Bout's extradition to Russia," Bout's lawyer, Viktor Burobin, said in an interview with the Moscow radio station Ekho Moskvy on Friday.
Earlier on Friday, Russia's Foreign Ministry confirmed Bout's arrest and said the Russian Embassy in Thailand was "maintaining contact" with Thai authorities and the detained businessman.
Burobin said the defense would use all available legal means to ensure Bout's extradition to Russia, but admitted that in this situation the options were limited.
He also said that Bout, who has been his client since 2002, could be extradited to the United States.
The U.S Justice Department earlier said they would seek Bout's extradition following new charges against him and his accomplice, Andrew Smulian, involving a deal to sell weapons to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), which is designated a terrorist organization in the U.S.
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Bout and Smulian agreed in a series of phone calls and e-mails to sell and deliver surface-to-air missiles, helicopters and armor-piercing rocket launchers to two DEA informants posing as FARC members.
Bout has reportedly been trafficking weapons to Central and West Africa since the early 1990s. U.N. reports say he set up a network of more than 50 cargo aircraft around the world to facilitate his arms shipments.
He is considered by Western law enforcement agencies to be "the most prominent foreign businessman" involved in trafficking arms to UN-embargoed destinations from Bulgaria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan and other countries. Recent reports suggest he has also been operating in Iraq via front companies.
The Russian branch of Interpol confirmed on Thursday that both Belgium and Interpol had issued warrants for his arrest in 2002.
U.S. authorities, who suspect Bout of supplying weapons to Taliban and al-Qaeda militants, took measures against Bout in 2005, freezing his bank accounts and submitting a list of 30 companies linked to Bout to the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee.
Bout had earlier categorically denied accusations in an interview with the Russian media, saying "I have never supplied anything to or had contacts with the Taliban or al-Qaeda."
His lawyer also said on Friday that the Russian businessman had never been involved in criminal activities in Thailand, the U.S., or Russia.
"Russia's law enforcement bodies do not have anything against him [Bout]," Burobin said, referring to information received from Russia's Prosecutor General's Office.
He said a member of the defense team would soon fly to Thailand to study the materials making up the criminal case against Bout.
"Only after that we will be able to develop our legal position, but at this point, we must find out what he is being accused of," the lawyer said.
7 March 2008
Lawyers for a Russian businessman who is being held in Thailand on charges of illegal arms trading are to demand his extradition to Russia, his lawyer told a Moscow-based radio station on Friday.
Viktor Bout, 41, is a former lieutenant in the Russian military who quit the armed forces in 1991. He then allegedly transformed himself into an international arms dealer.
Nicknamed "the Merchant of Death," Bout was arrested in a five-star hotel in Bangkok in what appears to have been a joint sting operation, involving law enforcement agencies from Thailand and the U.S.
"A Russian citizen has been arrested at the request of U.S. authorities in Thailand. This is unacceptable. We will demand Bout's extradition to Russia," Bout's lawyer, Viktor Burobin, said in an interview with the Moscow radio station Ekho Moskvy on Friday.
Earlier on Friday, Russia's Foreign Ministry confirmed Bout's arrest and said the Russian Embassy in Thailand was "maintaining contact" with Thai authorities and the detained businessman.
Burobin said the defense would use all available legal means to ensure Bout's extradition to Russia, but admitted that in this situation the options were limited.
He also said that Bout, who has been his client since 2002, could be extradited to the United States.
The U.S Justice Department earlier said they would seek Bout's extradition following new charges against him and his accomplice, Andrew Smulian, involving a deal to sell weapons to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), which is designated a terrorist organization in the U.S.
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Bout and Smulian agreed in a series of phone calls and e-mails to sell and deliver surface-to-air missiles, helicopters and armor-piercing rocket launchers to two DEA informants posing as FARC members.
Bout has reportedly been trafficking weapons to Central and West Africa since the early 1990s. U.N. reports say he set up a network of more than 50 cargo aircraft around the world to facilitate his arms shipments.
He is considered by Western law enforcement agencies to be "the most prominent foreign businessman" involved in trafficking arms to UN-embargoed destinations from Bulgaria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan and other countries. Recent reports suggest he has also been operating in Iraq via front companies.
The Russian branch of Interpol confirmed on Thursday that both Belgium and Interpol had issued warrants for his arrest in 2002.
U.S. authorities, who suspect Bout of supplying weapons to Taliban and al-Qaeda militants, took measures against Bout in 2005, freezing his bank accounts and submitting a list of 30 companies linked to Bout to the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee.
Bout had earlier categorically denied accusations in an interview with the Russian media, saying "I have never supplied anything to or had contacts with the Taliban or al-Qaeda."
His lawyer also said on Friday that the Russian businessman had never been involved in criminal activities in Thailand, the U.S., or Russia.
"Russia's law enforcement bodies do not have anything against him [Bout]," Burobin said, referring to information received from Russia's Prosecutor General's Office.
He said a member of the defense team would soon fly to Thailand to study the materials making up the criminal case against Bout.
"Only after that we will be able to develop our legal position, but at this point, we must find out what he is being accused of," the lawyer said.
Saddam-Era $1.2B Oil Deal with China Seen Revived in April.
Dow Jones Newswire
6 March 2008
Iraq and China are close to wrapping up negotiations on a $1.2-billion oil contract that was originally agreed to in 1997 under Saddam Hussein's government, an Oil Ministry official said Thursday.
State-owned China National Petroleum Corp. signed the deal to develop the billion-barrel al-Ahdab oil field in the midst of U.N. sanctions that barred direct dealings with Iraq's oil industry.
Related Pictures
al-Ahdab Field
(Click to Enlarge)
Beijing was waiting for sanctions to end when the U.S. invasion in 2003 overthrew Saddam's government. The two countries restarted talks in October, 2006.
"We are expecting that the next round of discussions, due to be held in April, will finish the negotiations," the official told The Associated Press.
The official said the Iraqi government presented proposals to amend the original production-sharing contract, with the country's new oil and gas law has bogged down in parliament.
"If they (CNPC) are ready to work, then they will sign the contract," added the official who declined to discuss his ministry's proposals.
The official added that the presence of Wasit province governor, where al-Ahdab oil field is located, in last week discussion that held in Amman, Jordan, "was very important as he assured them about the protection Iraqi security forces can offer in case they want to start working."
Wasit, about 160 kilometers southeast of Baghdad, has been the scene of sporadic attacks since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.
6 March 2008
Iraq and China are close to wrapping up negotiations on a $1.2-billion oil contract that was originally agreed to in 1997 under Saddam Hussein's government, an Oil Ministry official said Thursday.
State-owned China National Petroleum Corp. signed the deal to develop the billion-barrel al-Ahdab oil field in the midst of U.N. sanctions that barred direct dealings with Iraq's oil industry.
Related Pictures
al-Ahdab Field
(Click to Enlarge)
Beijing was waiting for sanctions to end when the U.S. invasion in 2003 overthrew Saddam's government. The two countries restarted talks in October, 2006.
"We are expecting that the next round of discussions, due to be held in April, will finish the negotiations," the official told The Associated Press.
The official said the Iraqi government presented proposals to amend the original production-sharing contract, with the country's new oil and gas law has bogged down in parliament.
"If they (CNPC) are ready to work, then they will sign the contract," added the official who declined to discuss his ministry's proposals.
The official added that the presence of Wasit province governor, where al-Ahdab oil field is located, in last week discussion that held in Amman, Jordan, "was very important as he assured them about the protection Iraqi security forces can offer in case they want to start working."
Wasit, about 160 kilometers southeast of Baghdad, has been the scene of sporadic attacks since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.
Lukoil Acquires New Hydrocarbon Assets in Uzbekistan for $580 Million.
Company Press Release
7 March 2008
LUKOIL Overseas has completed a transaction with ZAO MGNK-SoyuzNefteGaz to acquire 100% of SNG Holdings Ltd. group, one of which is SoyuzNefteGaz Vostok Limited, a signatory to the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) on the South-Western Gissar and Ustyurt Region fields in the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The transaction amount came to approximately USD 580 million. The National Holding Company Uzbekneftegaz is the second signatory to the PSA as a state authorized body. The PSA was signed on January 23, 2007 for a 36-year period; it came into effect on April 23, 2007.
There are 7 fields in the contract area of the South-Western Gissar (Kashkadarinsky Region), i.e., the gas condensate fields Dzharkuduk-Yangi Kyzylcha, Gumbulak, Amanata, Pachkamar and Adamtash, the oil and gas condensate field Southern Kyzylbayrak, and the oil field Koshkuduk. Southern Kyzylbayrak and Koshkuduk produce a small amount of oil and gas condensate.
The State Committee for Reserves of the Republic of Uzbekistan approved the oil- and gas-in-place (reserves of the C1 category by the Russian classification) of the field group in the amount of 100 billion cubic meters of gas and about 6 million tons of liquid hydrocarbons (oil and gas condensate). Thus, the cost of acquiring the C1 category reserves slightly exceeded USD 0.9 per barrel of oil equivalent. The design output in the contract territory is about 3 billion cubic meters of gas and over 300 thousand tons of liquid hydrocarbons per annum. This level is expected to be attained in 4 years.
7 March 2008
LUKOIL Overseas has completed a transaction with ZAO MGNK-SoyuzNefteGaz to acquire 100% of SNG Holdings Ltd. group, one of which is SoyuzNefteGaz Vostok Limited, a signatory to the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) on the South-Western Gissar and Ustyurt Region fields in the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The transaction amount came to approximately USD 580 million. The National Holding Company Uzbekneftegaz is the second signatory to the PSA as a state authorized body. The PSA was signed on January 23, 2007 for a 36-year period; it came into effect on April 23, 2007.
There are 7 fields in the contract area of the South-Western Gissar (Kashkadarinsky Region), i.e., the gas condensate fields Dzharkuduk-Yangi Kyzylcha, Gumbulak, Amanata, Pachkamar and Adamtash, the oil and gas condensate field Southern Kyzylbayrak, and the oil field Koshkuduk. Southern Kyzylbayrak and Koshkuduk produce a small amount of oil and gas condensate.
The State Committee for Reserves of the Republic of Uzbekistan approved the oil- and gas-in-place (reserves of the C1 category by the Russian classification) of the field group in the amount of 100 billion cubic meters of gas and about 6 million tons of liquid hydrocarbons (oil and gas condensate). Thus, the cost of acquiring the C1 category reserves slightly exceeded USD 0.9 per barrel of oil equivalent. The design output in the contract territory is about 3 billion cubic meters of gas and over 300 thousand tons of liquid hydrocarbons per annum. This level is expected to be attained in 4 years.
Gulf Keystone Starts Seismic Acquisition in Kurdistan.
AFX News Limited
March 07, 2008
Gulf Keystone Petroleum Ltd said it has started seismic acquisition in the Shaikan block of Kurdistan.
The seismic programme, which began on March 2, consists of a minimum of 159 km of 2D seismic to be acquired using a combination of vibrator and dynamite sources, the company said.
The programme is scheduled to last for 60 days and could be extended to a total of 206 km if more data is required, it added.
March 07, 2008
Gulf Keystone Petroleum Ltd said it has started seismic acquisition in the Shaikan block of Kurdistan.
The seismic programme, which began on March 2, consists of a minimum of 159 km of 2D seismic to be acquired using a combination of vibrator and dynamite sources, the company said.
The programme is scheduled to last for 60 days and could be extended to a total of 206 km if more data is required, it added.
US military students on study tour in Rwanda
The New Times
7 March 2008
by Florence Mutesi
A delegation of three professors and fourteen students from the US’ Air War College arrived in Rwanda yesterday for a four-day study tour, according to Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF).
The delegation is led by Col. Prof. James Smith.
Rutaremara said that during their stay, the group will meet with different Government officials including the President’s Special Envoy to the Great Lakes, Dr Richard Sezibera, RDF senior officers and Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC) officials. He said that the group will be briefed on regional security and also visit various tourist sites around the country.
Rutaremara said that while Rwanda has previously been visited by similar delegations from different countries, it was the time students from the US college had visited the country.
7 March 2008
by Florence Mutesi
A delegation of three professors and fourteen students from the US’ Air War College arrived in Rwanda yesterday for a four-day study tour, according to Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF).
The delegation is led by Col. Prof. James Smith.
Rutaremara said that during their stay, the group will meet with different Government officials including the President’s Special Envoy to the Great Lakes, Dr Richard Sezibera, RDF senior officers and Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission (RDRC) officials. He said that the group will be briefed on regional security and also visit various tourist sites around the country.
Rutaremara said that while Rwanda has previously been visited by similar delegations from different countries, it was the time students from the US college had visited the country.
Arms suspect faces charges in US.
BBC News
7 March 2008
The United States says it is seeking the extradition of a suspected top international arms smuggler from Thailand, where he has been arrested.
Viktor Bout, a 41-year-old Russian, was detained in a luxury hotel in Bangkok after a months-long sting operation.
He had allegedly been trying to secure a major weapons deal with US agents posing as Colombian Farc rebels.
Mr Bout has gained a reputation of mythic proportions for his alleged role in the illegal global arms trade.
He was dubbed the "merchant of death" for allegedly supplying warring parties in Angola and Sierra Leone, and is believed to have inspired Nicolas Cage's character in the 2005 film Lord of War.
The US placed sanctions on Mr Bout in 2006, seizing his fleet of cargo planes and freezing many of his assets, but thus far he has never faced prosecution.
Thai authorities earlier said they would seek to prosecute Mr Bout before he was extradited elsewhere.
Missiles
US justice department spokesman Dean Boyd told the BBC that Washington would now proceed with an extradition request on charges that Mr Bout was attempting to supply weapons to a group designated as terrorist by the US.
An associate of Mr Bout who faces related charges, Andrew Smulian, is reportedly still being sought.
According to the charges, the two men were attempting to sell the Farc (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) weapons including surface-to-air missiles and armour-piercing rocket launchers.
Reports suggest agents from the US drug enforcement agency posed as Farc members while negotiating with Mr Bout from November 2007 until last month.
Mr Bout was briefly shown to reporters by Thai police following his arrest, but reportedly said nothing.
UN embargoes
Mr Bout, 41, is said to have graduated from Moscow's military institute in the early 1990s and was a major in the Soviet KGB.
According to a 2007 book about him - entitled Merchant of Death - Money, Guns, Planes and the Man Who Makes War Possible - he set up a network of companies using redundant Soviet military planes.
A 2005 report by the human rights group, Amnesty International, said Mr Bout was "the most prominent foreign businessman" breaking UN embargoes on arms sales to countries such as Bulgaria, Slovakia, Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan.
He has also been accused of supplying weapons to supporters of former Liberian President Charles Taylor, rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Taleban in Afghanistan and al-Qaeda during the 1990s.
7 March 2008
The United States says it is seeking the extradition of a suspected top international arms smuggler from Thailand, where he has been arrested.
Viktor Bout, a 41-year-old Russian, was detained in a luxury hotel in Bangkok after a months-long sting operation.
He had allegedly been trying to secure a major weapons deal with US agents posing as Colombian Farc rebels.
Mr Bout has gained a reputation of mythic proportions for his alleged role in the illegal global arms trade.
He was dubbed the "merchant of death" for allegedly supplying warring parties in Angola and Sierra Leone, and is believed to have inspired Nicolas Cage's character in the 2005 film Lord of War.
The US placed sanctions on Mr Bout in 2006, seizing his fleet of cargo planes and freezing many of his assets, but thus far he has never faced prosecution.
Thai authorities earlier said they would seek to prosecute Mr Bout before he was extradited elsewhere.
Missiles
US justice department spokesman Dean Boyd told the BBC that Washington would now proceed with an extradition request on charges that Mr Bout was attempting to supply weapons to a group designated as terrorist by the US.
An associate of Mr Bout who faces related charges, Andrew Smulian, is reportedly still being sought.
According to the charges, the two men were attempting to sell the Farc (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) weapons including surface-to-air missiles and armour-piercing rocket launchers.
Reports suggest agents from the US drug enforcement agency posed as Farc members while negotiating with Mr Bout from November 2007 until last month.
Mr Bout was briefly shown to reporters by Thai police following his arrest, but reportedly said nothing.
UN embargoes
Mr Bout, 41, is said to have graduated from Moscow's military institute in the early 1990s and was a major in the Soviet KGB.
According to a 2007 book about him - entitled Merchant of Death - Money, Guns, Planes and the Man Who Makes War Possible - he set up a network of companies using redundant Soviet military planes.
A 2005 report by the human rights group, Amnesty International, said Mr Bout was "the most prominent foreign businessman" breaking UN embargoes on arms sales to countries such as Bulgaria, Slovakia, Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan.
He has also been accused of supplying weapons to supporters of former Liberian President Charles Taylor, rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Taleban in Afghanistan and al-Qaeda during the 1990s.
WITNESS: NDINDILIYIMANA WAS A PEACEFUL PERSON.
Hirondelle News Agency
13 February 2008
A witness stated before the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) Wednesday that the former Chief of Staff of National Gendarmerie, General Augustin Ndindiliyimana, was a peaceful man,relaxed and not discriminatory.
A former high ranking official in the Rwandan public administration and a diplomat, Leon Ngarukiye, 60, told the court that he knew the accused very well ’’ because they hailed from the same the commune.’’
"From what I know, he had no problems with ethnic Hutus or Tutsis, neither with people from the south nor with people from the north", stressed the witness who currently resides in Denmark. He also said that Ndindilyimana was a great sportsman and a talented footballer.
Ndindiliyimana, a Hutu hails from Nyaruhengeri in Butare southern Rwanda.
Tensions were perceptible in the 1990's between Hutus and Tutsis on the one hand and between the south and north on the other hand.
The witness claimed that Ndindiliyimana played an active part in the peace talks and that he believed in the Arusha peace accords for power sharing and the merger of the belligerent armies.
The Rwandan government was at war against the rebels of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF). The attack against the presidential plane on 6 April 1994 sparked the genocide and blew up the Arusha accords.
"Ndindiliyimana is not responsible for the diversions [of the peace accord] ", pointed out the witness.
Ngarukiye cleared the officer of the allegations of massacres and incitement in Nyaruhengeri and in the Nyabisindu area, where the witness stayed for a few days between April and May 1994.
The witness, who returned to the administration after genocide, stressed that he had not heard anybody in Nyaruhengeri or in political circles in Kigali mention the possible responsibility of Ndindiliyimana in the massacres.
The witness, because of his functions, often discussed with the highest officials of the country, including the vice-president and the then minister of defence, General Paul Kagame. "I was convened a few times to his home or to others. I never heard him mention this name in official speeches nor in talks which I had at his home".
On information about Nyaruhengeri, Ngarukiye stated that he had heard of it from his father. "He had said that he was ready to come to testify in accused’s favour. Unfortunately, he died. I took the responsibility to come in his place".
Ndindiliyimana is accused alongside three other officers in the joint trial known as Military II, which started in September 2004.
13 February 2008
A witness stated before the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) Wednesday that the former Chief of Staff of National Gendarmerie, General Augustin Ndindiliyimana, was a peaceful man,relaxed and not discriminatory.
A former high ranking official in the Rwandan public administration and a diplomat, Leon Ngarukiye, 60, told the court that he knew the accused very well ’’ because they hailed from the same the commune.’’
"From what I know, he had no problems with ethnic Hutus or Tutsis, neither with people from the south nor with people from the north", stressed the witness who currently resides in Denmark. He also said that Ndindilyimana was a great sportsman and a talented footballer.
Ndindiliyimana, a Hutu hails from Nyaruhengeri in Butare southern Rwanda.
Tensions were perceptible in the 1990's between Hutus and Tutsis on the one hand and between the south and north on the other hand.
The witness claimed that Ndindiliyimana played an active part in the peace talks and that he believed in the Arusha peace accords for power sharing and the merger of the belligerent armies.
The Rwandan government was at war against the rebels of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF). The attack against the presidential plane on 6 April 1994 sparked the genocide and blew up the Arusha accords.
"Ndindiliyimana is not responsible for the diversions [of the peace accord] ", pointed out the witness.
Ngarukiye cleared the officer of the allegations of massacres and incitement in Nyaruhengeri and in the Nyabisindu area, where the witness stayed for a few days between April and May 1994.
The witness, who returned to the administration after genocide, stressed that he had not heard anybody in Nyaruhengeri or in political circles in Kigali mention the possible responsibility of Ndindiliyimana in the massacres.
The witness, because of his functions, often discussed with the highest officials of the country, including the vice-president and the then minister of defence, General Paul Kagame. "I was convened a few times to his home or to others. I never heard him mention this name in official speeches nor in talks which I had at his home".
On information about Nyaruhengeri, Ngarukiye stated that he had heard of it from his father. "He had said that he was ready to come to testify in accused’s favour. Unfortunately, he died. I took the responsibility to come in his place".
Ndindiliyimana is accused alongside three other officers in the joint trial known as Military II, which started in September 2004.
Sudan’s SPLM reportedly opens an office in Israel – statement.
Sudan Tribune
6 March 2008
SPLM supporters in Israel announced establishment of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement office in Israel, a press release said today.
A Sudanese refugee child walks past Israeli Border Police officers in the Rose Garden, just outside Israel’s parliament, in Jerusalem, Sunday, July 8, 2007."After consultation with the leadership of SPLM in Juba, the supporters of SPLM in Israel have decided to establish the office of SPLM in Israel." Said a statement received by email from Tel Aviv signed by the SLMP secretariat in Israel.
The statement said that SPLM office would promote the policies and the vision of the SPLM in the region. It further added that in accordance with the Comprehensive Peace Agreement the SPLM has the right to open in any country including Israel.
It also indicated that there are around 400 SPLM supporters in Israel.
Darfur rebel leader Abdel Wahid al-Nur said last week he opened an office in Tel Aviv. Khartoum has condemned the move saying it gives "a material proof that Darfur crisis is manipulated by foreign hands and a Jewish lobby."
"The Southern Sudanese in Israel are very grateful to the leadership of President Salva Kiir Mayardit who persuaded Israeli government to resettle Southerners who escaped from Egypt." The statement said.
Egyptian authorities arrest regularly large number of Sudanese, mainly from southern Sudan and Darfur, who try to cross illegally to Israel from Sinai peninsula. But many have succeeded to enter into Israel.
The Sudanese migrants are drawn to Israel by rumours of better living conditions and hopes of gaining asylum there, but are also keen to leave Egypt where activists say they face persistent racism, abuse, and economic marginalisation.
According to a letter sent to the Sudanese First Vice President and president of southern Sudan, the Chairman of Sudanese Refugees Organization in Israel, Majier Anyuat Pap, urged Salva Kiir Mayadrit to help them to return to Southern Sudan.
In the letter that Sudan Tribune received a copy of it on February 24, Pap said "These are a group of over 2000, South Sudanese fled from North Sudan to Egypt to Israel over the last year or so, and we are stranded here. We fled because the authorities in Egypt were dealing with us in a harsh way."
He further said "While nobody mistreats us here, we are not officially recognized as refugees, have no legal way of earning a living, have no education and proper housing. Attempts at having the Israeli government accept us as officially recognized refugees have not, so far, been successful, and our situation is getting worse by day."
Pap blamed Salva Kiir for ignoring their different letters "our question here is, we are not South Sudanese? Or we can not do in future in South Sudan? If all of these are truths you must to reply, Mr. President"
Editor's Note: The SLM-al-Nur, which has been armed and trained by the SPLA, opened an office is Israel earlier this week. Now the SPLA, which has been armed and trained by Israel for many years, follows suit in preparation for independence from Sudan.
6 March 2008
SPLM supporters in Israel announced establishment of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement office in Israel, a press release said today.
A Sudanese refugee child walks past Israeli Border Police officers in the Rose Garden, just outside Israel’s parliament, in Jerusalem, Sunday, July 8, 2007."After consultation with the leadership of SPLM in Juba, the supporters of SPLM in Israel have decided to establish the office of SPLM in Israel." Said a statement received by email from Tel Aviv signed by the SLMP secretariat in Israel.
The statement said that SPLM office would promote the policies and the vision of the SPLM in the region. It further added that in accordance with the Comprehensive Peace Agreement the SPLM has the right to open in any country including Israel.
It also indicated that there are around 400 SPLM supporters in Israel.
Darfur rebel leader Abdel Wahid al-Nur said last week he opened an office in Tel Aviv. Khartoum has condemned the move saying it gives "a material proof that Darfur crisis is manipulated by foreign hands and a Jewish lobby."
"The Southern Sudanese in Israel are very grateful to the leadership of President Salva Kiir Mayardit who persuaded Israeli government to resettle Southerners who escaped from Egypt." The statement said.
Egyptian authorities arrest regularly large number of Sudanese, mainly from southern Sudan and Darfur, who try to cross illegally to Israel from Sinai peninsula. But many have succeeded to enter into Israel.
The Sudanese migrants are drawn to Israel by rumours of better living conditions and hopes of gaining asylum there, but are also keen to leave Egypt where activists say they face persistent racism, abuse, and economic marginalisation.
According to a letter sent to the Sudanese First Vice President and president of southern Sudan, the Chairman of Sudanese Refugees Organization in Israel, Majier Anyuat Pap, urged Salva Kiir Mayadrit to help them to return to Southern Sudan.
In the letter that Sudan Tribune received a copy of it on February 24, Pap said "These are a group of over 2000, South Sudanese fled from North Sudan to Egypt to Israel over the last year or so, and we are stranded here. We fled because the authorities in Egypt were dealing with us in a harsh way."
He further said "While nobody mistreats us here, we are not officially recognized as refugees, have no legal way of earning a living, have no education and proper housing. Attempts at having the Israeli government accept us as officially recognized refugees have not, so far, been successful, and our situation is getting worse by day."
Pap blamed Salva Kiir for ignoring their different letters "our question here is, we are not South Sudanese? Or we can not do in future in South Sudan? If all of these are truths you must to reply, Mr. President"
Editor's Note: The SLM-al-Nur, which has been armed and trained by the SPLA, opened an office is Israel earlier this week. Now the SPLA, which has been armed and trained by Israel for many years, follows suit in preparation for independence from Sudan.
06 March, 2008
HEAD OF UN PEACEKEEPING TO STEP DOWN IN MID-2008.
AFP
6 March 2008
Editor's Note: I unfortunately never had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Guehenno and ask him why he decided not to let the MONUC soldiers use force to protect the city of Bukavu from General Nkunda and the Rwandan Army soldiers who were with him in 2004. I will always remember him as the man who presided over MONUC's decisions in that year. This is, of course, not to say Mr. Guehenno did not do anything good during his tenure, he presided over the largest missions in UN history (in terms of personnel), but for me, as an individual who focuses on Central Africa, this event is deeply embedded in my mind.
The French head of UN peacekeeping will step down at the end of June after presiding over an unprecedented growth of a force that now fields 100,000 personnel around the world, UN officials said Thursday.
Marie Okabe, a UN spokeswoman, told a press briefing that Jean-Marie Guehenno, 58, confirmed to his staff Thursday morning that "he will be leaving in mid-2008" after eight years in the post.
Guehenno's contract expires at the end of June, another UN official said.
When Ban Ki-moon took over as UN secretary-general in January 2007, Guehenno was one of the few senior holdovers from Kofi Annan's administration to be asked to stay on.
"Eight years is a long run and it's a very tough job," said Beth Cole, an expert on peacekeeping operations at the United States Institute of Peace, a Washinton-based think tank.
"He (Guehenno) has presided over an explosive growth in operations and over a lot of very important innovations. He should be congratulated for his work," she told AFP.
Indeed Guehenno, a former French civil servant, oversaw an unprecedented growth of the department of peacekeeping operations (DPKO), which now oversees almost 100,000 personnel in 20 peacekeeping missions around the world with an annual budget of 7.5 billion dollars.
He also supervised a sweeping restructuring of UN peacekeeping to make it more efficient and more effective, UN officials said.
Peacekeeping was split into a department of peace operations, tasked with strategy, day-to-day direction and management, and a department of field support that consolidate the support functions of UN field personnel, procurement and financial management.
Last year, there were rumors that the United States was keen on having one of its officials take over DPKO.
But Cole said this was unlikely since the United States is not a major contributor of troops to UN peacekeeping.
In addition, she added, US national Jane Holl Lute was put in charge of the key department of field support last year.
Lute is the wife of Lieutenant General Douglas Lute, a three-star US army general tasked with overseeing the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
There was no word on who was likely to succeed Guehenno.
"What we really need is a good manager who can continue to oversee the very important reforms that are being implemented," Cole said. "Demands are so huge both in terms of personnel and in terms of funding."
"My particular hope if that the person they find would have some mission experience," she added.
Guehenno is also credited with turning UN peacekeeping into a professionalized service, notably by giving it a doctrine and a focus on conduct and discipline.
But UN peacekeeping missions around the world have also been plagued by cases of sexual abuse of women and corruption by a minority of the blue-helmeted soldiers, notably in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast and Haiti.
Cole conceded that the sexual exploitation issue "has been particularly difficult for DPKO" but added: "I think they handled it pretty well."
Of Guehenno, she concluded: "He did as well as he could with the tools that he had and we need to have a bigger tool box in that shop."
Guehenno joined the United Nations in 2000 after a long and distinguished career in the French government, including in the foreign ministry.
He also served as head of cultural affairs at the French Embassy in Washington from 1982 and 1986.
6 March 2008
Editor's Note: I unfortunately never had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Guehenno and ask him why he decided not to let the MONUC soldiers use force to protect the city of Bukavu from General Nkunda and the Rwandan Army soldiers who were with him in 2004. I will always remember him as the man who presided over MONUC's decisions in that year. This is, of course, not to say Mr. Guehenno did not do anything good during his tenure, he presided over the largest missions in UN history (in terms of personnel), but for me, as an individual who focuses on Central Africa, this event is deeply embedded in my mind.
The French head of UN peacekeeping will step down at the end of June after presiding over an unprecedented growth of a force that now fields 100,000 personnel around the world, UN officials said Thursday.
Marie Okabe, a UN spokeswoman, told a press briefing that Jean-Marie Guehenno, 58, confirmed to his staff Thursday morning that "he will be leaving in mid-2008" after eight years in the post.
Guehenno's contract expires at the end of June, another UN official said.
When Ban Ki-moon took over as UN secretary-general in January 2007, Guehenno was one of the few senior holdovers from Kofi Annan's administration to be asked to stay on.
"Eight years is a long run and it's a very tough job," said Beth Cole, an expert on peacekeeping operations at the United States Institute of Peace, a Washinton-based think tank.
"He (Guehenno) has presided over an explosive growth in operations and over a lot of very important innovations. He should be congratulated for his work," she told AFP.
Indeed Guehenno, a former French civil servant, oversaw an unprecedented growth of the department of peacekeeping operations (DPKO), which now oversees almost 100,000 personnel in 20 peacekeeping missions around the world with an annual budget of 7.5 billion dollars.
He also supervised a sweeping restructuring of UN peacekeeping to make it more efficient and more effective, UN officials said.
Peacekeeping was split into a department of peace operations, tasked with strategy, day-to-day direction and management, and a department of field support that consolidate the support functions of UN field personnel, procurement and financial management.
Last year, there were rumors that the United States was keen on having one of its officials take over DPKO.
But Cole said this was unlikely since the United States is not a major contributor of troops to UN peacekeeping.
In addition, she added, US national Jane Holl Lute was put in charge of the key department of field support last year.
Lute is the wife of Lieutenant General Douglas Lute, a three-star US army general tasked with overseeing the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
There was no word on who was likely to succeed Guehenno.
"What we really need is a good manager who can continue to oversee the very important reforms that are being implemented," Cole said. "Demands are so huge both in terms of personnel and in terms of funding."
"My particular hope if that the person they find would have some mission experience," she added.
Guehenno is also credited with turning UN peacekeeping into a professionalized service, notably by giving it a doctrine and a focus on conduct and discipline.
But UN peacekeeping missions around the world have also been plagued by cases of sexual abuse of women and corruption by a minority of the blue-helmeted soldiers, notably in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast and Haiti.
Cole conceded that the sexual exploitation issue "has been particularly difficult for DPKO" but added: "I think they handled it pretty well."
Of Guehenno, she concluded: "He did as well as he could with the tools that he had and we need to have a bigger tool box in that shop."
Guehenno joined the United Nations in 2000 after a long and distinguished career in the French government, including in the foreign ministry.
He also served as head of cultural affairs at the French Embassy in Washington from 1982 and 1986.
Thais arrest "Merchant of Death" arms dealer
AFP
6 March 2008
Viktor Bout, an international arms dealer dubbed the "Merchant of Death," was arrested in Thailand and charged in New York on Thursday with trying to sell weapons to Colombian rebels, officials said.
Bout, the target of U.S. sanctions, was charged with conspiring to sell millions of dollars worth of weapons to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, U.S. Attorney Michael Garcia said in New York.
The United States, which has given billions of dollars in military aid to Colombia to fight the Marxist rebels and drug cartels, plans to pursue Bout's extradition from Thailand, officials said.
The FARC are fighting a four-decade-old insurgency against the Colombian government and are designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department.
The group is at the centre of a diplomatic dispute that threatened to erupt into military conflict this week, after Colombia crossed the border into Ecuador to attack FARC rebels and kill one of their commanders on Saturday. Venezuela, an Ecuador ally and U.S. antagonist, leaped into the dispute, and the two countries sent additional troops to their borders with Colombia.
Bout's associate Andrew Smulian, 46, was charged on Thursday with conspiring to provide material support to a terrorist organization. Smulian's whereabouts where not immediately clear.
FORMER SOVIET OFFICER
A former Soviet air force officer born in Tajikistan in 1967, according to Russian media reports, Bout was picked up at a Bangkok hotel after entering Thailand on February 29. Police were searching for an associate.
He was attempting "to procure weapons for Colombia's FARC rebels," Thai police said in an arrest report.
He has run a network of air cargo companies in the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and the United States.
According to the United Nations and the U.S. Treasury Department, Bout has sold or brokered arms that have helped fuel wars in Afghanistan, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Sudan.
The U.S. Treasury Department seized his cargo planes and froze other assets in 2006.
Bout has repeatedly denied the allegations.
Stephen Rapp, Chief Prosecutor at Sierra Leone's U.N.-backed war crimes court, welcomed the arrest: "It's very good news for justice and for international law enforcement."
He accused Bout of using his international network to smuggle arms through neighbouring Liberia to fuel Sierra Leone's 1991-2002 civil war, which killed more than 50,000 people.
Rapp said Bout could be indicted by Sierra Leone's Special Court, which is currently due to close in 2009, if international donors came forward to provide funding.
"These kinds of cases need to be made against not just the politicians and the fighters, but the people who provide weapons of war," he said. "This is a great opportunity."
Rapp said Bout could also be a witness in the continuing trial of former Liberian president Charles Taylor in The Hague. Taylor is accused of crimes against humanity for his role in Sierra Leone's civil war.
(Reporting by Nopporn Wong-Anan in Bangkok and Edith Honan in New York; additional reporting by Katrina Manson in Freetown; writing by Michelle Nichols, editing by Patricia Zengerle)
6 March 2008
Viktor Bout, an international arms dealer dubbed the "Merchant of Death," was arrested in Thailand and charged in New York on Thursday with trying to sell weapons to Colombian rebels, officials said.
Bout, the target of U.S. sanctions, was charged with conspiring to sell millions of dollars worth of weapons to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, U.S. Attorney Michael Garcia said in New York.
The United States, which has given billions of dollars in military aid to Colombia to fight the Marxist rebels and drug cartels, plans to pursue Bout's extradition from Thailand, officials said.
The FARC are fighting a four-decade-old insurgency against the Colombian government and are designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department.
The group is at the centre of a diplomatic dispute that threatened to erupt into military conflict this week, after Colombia crossed the border into Ecuador to attack FARC rebels and kill one of their commanders on Saturday. Venezuela, an Ecuador ally and U.S. antagonist, leaped into the dispute, and the two countries sent additional troops to their borders with Colombia.
Bout's associate Andrew Smulian, 46, was charged on Thursday with conspiring to provide material support to a terrorist organization. Smulian's whereabouts where not immediately clear.
FORMER SOVIET OFFICER
A former Soviet air force officer born in Tajikistan in 1967, according to Russian media reports, Bout was picked up at a Bangkok hotel after entering Thailand on February 29. Police were searching for an associate.
He was attempting "to procure weapons for Colombia's FARC rebels," Thai police said in an arrest report.
He has run a network of air cargo companies in the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and the United States.
According to the United Nations and the U.S. Treasury Department, Bout has sold or brokered arms that have helped fuel wars in Afghanistan, Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Sudan.
The U.S. Treasury Department seized his cargo planes and froze other assets in 2006.
Bout has repeatedly denied the allegations.
Stephen Rapp, Chief Prosecutor at Sierra Leone's U.N.-backed war crimes court, welcomed the arrest: "It's very good news for justice and for international law enforcement."
He accused Bout of using his international network to smuggle arms through neighbouring Liberia to fuel Sierra Leone's 1991-2002 civil war, which killed more than 50,000 people.
Rapp said Bout could be indicted by Sierra Leone's Special Court, which is currently due to close in 2009, if international donors came forward to provide funding.
"These kinds of cases need to be made against not just the politicians and the fighters, but the people who provide weapons of war," he said. "This is a great opportunity."
Rapp said Bout could also be a witness in the continuing trial of former Liberian president Charles Taylor in The Hague. Taylor is accused of crimes against humanity for his role in Sierra Leone's civil war.
(Reporting by Nopporn Wong-Anan in Bangkok and Edith Honan in New York; additional reporting by Katrina Manson in Freetown; writing by Michelle Nichols, editing by Patricia Zengerle)
EX-TANZANIAN TOP COP TESTIFIES FOR GENOCIDE ACCUSED FORMER RWANDAN COMMANDER.
Hirondelle News Agency
5 March 2008
Former Tanzanian Inspector General of Police (IGP) Harun Mahundi Wednesday told the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) that the ex-Rwandan Chief of Staff of Gendarmerie Nationale, General Augustin Ndindiliyimana, who is facing genocide charges, was a peace loving person.
“He was cool minded and very polite person who loved tranquility for the people of his country," Mahundi told the UN Court.
Led in his testimony by Ndindiliyimana's Canadian defense lead Counsel, Christopher Black, IGP Mahundi explained that the accused was not a person who was "fond of military confrontations."
Mr Mahundi said that he had good working relations with General Ndindiliyimana especially between September and November 1993 when the latter visited Tanzania to
find out the possibility of training Rwandans in combating riots.
According to the defense witness, Rwanda by then was engaged in peace negotiations with the former Rwandan Patriotic Front rebels (RPF) who controlled the Northern part of Rwanda whereas the government controlled the South.
In view of the fact that the RPF soldiers were British trained and gendarmes were French trained, General Ndindiliyimana had wanted Tanzania to train the gendarmes so that when peace was attained, the two forces could smoothly integrate.
"He pegged hope on peace negotiations,” the former IGP recounted, adding that the training he had asked for was for the preparedness purposes in case of serious riots in the country in future.
During the reciprocal visit to Rwanda, Mahundi said he discovered a lot of discrepancies in the gendarmes training including lack of vehicles for discharging water or gas to disperse crowd during riots.
However the training program for gendarmes could not be implemented before April 6, 1994.
Mahundi also told the Tribunal that among other things, General Ndindiliyimana wanted was an early retirement so that he could devote his time in business especially buying and selling fish from Mwanza, Northern part of Tanzania.
The Tanzanian IGP was the 29th defense witness for Ndindiliyima. The session has been adjourned, pending availability of new defence witnesses. Sources hinted that the session may resume in May.
5 March 2008
Former Tanzanian Inspector General of Police (IGP) Harun Mahundi Wednesday told the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) that the ex-Rwandan Chief of Staff of Gendarmerie Nationale, General Augustin Ndindiliyimana, who is facing genocide charges, was a peace loving person.
“He was cool minded and very polite person who loved tranquility for the people of his country," Mahundi told the UN Court.
Led in his testimony by Ndindiliyimana's Canadian defense lead Counsel, Christopher Black, IGP Mahundi explained that the accused was not a person who was "fond of military confrontations."
Mr Mahundi said that he had good working relations with General Ndindiliyimana especially between September and November 1993 when the latter visited Tanzania to
find out the possibility of training Rwandans in combating riots.
According to the defense witness, Rwanda by then was engaged in peace negotiations with the former Rwandan Patriotic Front rebels (RPF) who controlled the Northern part of Rwanda whereas the government controlled the South.
In view of the fact that the RPF soldiers were British trained and gendarmes were French trained, General Ndindiliyimana had wanted Tanzania to train the gendarmes so that when peace was attained, the two forces could smoothly integrate.
"He pegged hope on peace negotiations,” the former IGP recounted, adding that the training he had asked for was for the preparedness purposes in case of serious riots in the country in future.
During the reciprocal visit to Rwanda, Mahundi said he discovered a lot of discrepancies in the gendarmes training including lack of vehicles for discharging water or gas to disperse crowd during riots.
However the training program for gendarmes could not be implemented before April 6, 1994.
Mahundi also told the Tribunal that among other things, General Ndindiliyimana wanted was an early retirement so that he could devote his time in business especially buying and selling fish from Mwanza, Northern part of Tanzania.
The Tanzanian IGP was the 29th defense witness for Ndindiliyima. The session has been adjourned, pending availability of new defence witnesses. Sources hinted that the session may resume in May.
Iraqi cabinet gives green light to oil ministry to sign oil deals with US, UK firms.
International Herald Tribune
5 March 2008
Iraq's cabinet has given the green light to the Oil Ministry to sign agreements with international oil companies to help increase the nation's crude output, a ministry official said Wednesday.
The two-year deals, known as technical support agreements, or TSAs, are designed to develop five producing fields to add 500,000 barrels per day to the country's current 2.4 million barrels per day output.
Last December, Royal Dutch Shell PLC (RDSB), BP PLC (BP), ExxonMobil Corp. (XOM) and Chevron Corp. (CVX) submitted technical and financial proposals for the five oil fields and received counterproposals from the Iraqi side.
In January, representatives from the companies and from Iraq met again in Amman, Jordan, and they will hold the third round of discussions later this month, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to release information.
In Vienna, Iraq's Oil Minister Hussein al-Shahristani said that Iraq intends to compensate these companies with crude oil rather than in cash, the Dow Jones Newswires reported on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters as he arrived for a meeting of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, al-Shahristani said the Oil Ministry was still working on the compensation details with the Development Fund of Iraq, controlled by the U.S. and the U.N.
According to the Oil Ministry official, BP will submit a proposal for the Rumaila oil field, Chevron for West Qurna stage 1, Exxon for Zubair, and Shell for Missan and Kirkuk.
Iraq's average production was 2.4 million barrels per day in January while exports stood at an average of 1.92 million barrels per day. December's exports averaged 1.81 million barrels per day.
In dire need of expertise from international oil companies to achieve the Oil Ministry's target of 3 million barrels per day by the end of 2008, Iraq has been relying on a Saddam Hussein-era natural resources law until Parliament approves a new oil law to regulate the international oil companies' work and share Iraq's oil resources among the country's Shiites, Sunni Arabs and Kurds.
More than 70 international firms met the ministry's deadline of Feb. 18 to compete for tenders to help develop Iraq's oil reserves, seen as vital to providing the funds to rebuild the shattered country.
Iraq has not said what fields it will tender, or on what terms, but the service and extraction contracts on offer are seen as a stopgap until the oil law is passed, and will not provide the long-term involvement big oil companies want.
5 March 2008
Iraq's cabinet has given the green light to the Oil Ministry to sign agreements with international oil companies to help increase the nation's crude output, a ministry official said Wednesday.
The two-year deals, known as technical support agreements, or TSAs, are designed to develop five producing fields to add 500,000 barrels per day to the country's current 2.4 million barrels per day output.
Last December, Royal Dutch Shell PLC (RDSB), BP PLC (BP), ExxonMobil Corp. (XOM) and Chevron Corp. (CVX) submitted technical and financial proposals for the five oil fields and received counterproposals from the Iraqi side.
In January, representatives from the companies and from Iraq met again in Amman, Jordan, and they will hold the third round of discussions later this month, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity as he was not authorized to release information.
In Vienna, Iraq's Oil Minister Hussein al-Shahristani said that Iraq intends to compensate these companies with crude oil rather than in cash, the Dow Jones Newswires reported on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters as he arrived for a meeting of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, al-Shahristani said the Oil Ministry was still working on the compensation details with the Development Fund of Iraq, controlled by the U.S. and the U.N.
According to the Oil Ministry official, BP will submit a proposal for the Rumaila oil field, Chevron for West Qurna stage 1, Exxon for Zubair, and Shell for Missan and Kirkuk.
Iraq's average production was 2.4 million barrels per day in January while exports stood at an average of 1.92 million barrels per day. December's exports averaged 1.81 million barrels per day.
In dire need of expertise from international oil companies to achieve the Oil Ministry's target of 3 million barrels per day by the end of 2008, Iraq has been relying on a Saddam Hussein-era natural resources law until Parliament approves a new oil law to regulate the international oil companies' work and share Iraq's oil resources among the country's Shiites, Sunni Arabs and Kurds.
More than 70 international firms met the ministry's deadline of Feb. 18 to compete for tenders to help develop Iraq's oil reserves, seen as vital to providing the funds to rebuild the shattered country.
Iraq has not said what fields it will tender, or on what terms, but the service and extraction contracts on offer are seen as a stopgap until the oil law is passed, and will not provide the long-term involvement big oil companies want.
Thailand Arrested Viktor Bout.
BBC News
6 March 2008
A Russian man suspected of being one of the world's biggest illegal arms dealers has been arrested in Thailand.
Viktor Bout - who has been dubbed the "merchant of death" - was picked up by police at a luxury hotel in Bangkok.
Thai police acted on an arrest warrant issued by the US government, which accuses Mr Bout of supplying weapons to Colombia's Farc rebels.
He has also been accused of breaking UN embargoes on arms sales to many countries from central Asia to Africa.
6 March 2008
A Russian man suspected of being one of the world's biggest illegal arms dealers has been arrested in Thailand.
Viktor Bout - who has been dubbed the "merchant of death" - was picked up by police at a luxury hotel in Bangkok.
Thai police acted on an arrest warrant issued by the US government, which accuses Mr Bout of supplying weapons to Colombia's Farc rebels.
He has also been accused of breaking UN embargoes on arms sales to many countries from central Asia to Africa.
MISSING EUFOR SOLDIER DEAD? OFFICIAL EU APOLOGY.
MISNA
5 March 2008
“The Sudanese authorities have informed the local European Union (EU) representative in Khartoum that a body was found in the area of the incident, the so-called ‘three border’ zone, that took place on Monday; they say they believe the remains are those of a missing French soldier”, said to MISNA Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Poulain, spokesman in N’Djamena for the EUFOR, the European peacekeeping force deployed in Chad and the Central African Republic. “The body has not been identified yet, we are sending a team to Sudan for verifications”, added Poulain. The EU and France yesterday presented formal apologies to the Sudanese government over Monday’s border incident, involving French EUFOR soldiers and Sudan government forces. According to the Sudanese press, the diplomats stressed that an EUFOR vehicle “inadvertently” crossed the Sudanese border, but said they were not aware of the reason why they opened fire against a Sudanese patrol, promising an investigation of the European contingent.
5 March 2008
“The Sudanese authorities have informed the local European Union (EU) representative in Khartoum that a body was found in the area of the incident, the so-called ‘three border’ zone, that took place on Monday; they say they believe the remains are those of a missing French soldier”, said to MISNA Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Poulain, spokesman in N’Djamena for the EUFOR, the European peacekeeping force deployed in Chad and the Central African Republic. “The body has not been identified yet, we are sending a team to Sudan for verifications”, added Poulain. The EU and France yesterday presented formal apologies to the Sudanese government over Monday’s border incident, involving French EUFOR soldiers and Sudan government forces. According to the Sudanese press, the diplomats stressed that an EUFOR vehicle “inadvertently” crossed the Sudanese border, but said they were not aware of the reason why they opened fire against a Sudanese patrol, promising an investigation of the European contingent.
Kosovo has EUR 85bn worth of lignite.
Tanjug News Agency
March 2, 2008
A Belgrade-based magazine says the value of
lignite deposits in Kosovo is EUR 85bn.
Ekonomist weekly says that these reserves are the
"fifth largest in the world", Tanjug news agency
reports, and adds that the magazine's estimate says
this amounts to "75 percent of all coal reserves in
Serbia".
"Without it, Serbia will base its energy development
on imports as early as in mid-21st century," it
continued.
When Belgrade produced its energy balance and
strategic plans through 2015, it left Kosovo resources
out, although UN Resolution 1244 guarantees it
ownership over all of Kosovo's natural resources.
The province itself has obsolete, damaged and poorly
maintained electric power producing facilities, that
are for this reason employed only with half of their
capacity.
But if investors decided to spend EUR 2bn by the end
of 2020, the weekly has calculated, "Kosovo could
start exporting power".
Kosovo also has deposits of zinc and lead, 10 percent
located in the north of the province, according to the
report.
March 2, 2008
A Belgrade-based magazine says the value of
lignite deposits in Kosovo is EUR 85bn.
Ekonomist weekly says that these reserves are the
"fifth largest in the world", Tanjug news agency
reports, and adds that the magazine's estimate says
this amounts to "75 percent of all coal reserves in
Serbia".
"Without it, Serbia will base its energy development
on imports as early as in mid-21st century," it
continued.
When Belgrade produced its energy balance and
strategic plans through 2015, it left Kosovo resources
out, although UN Resolution 1244 guarantees it
ownership over all of Kosovo's natural resources.
The province itself has obsolete, damaged and poorly
maintained electric power producing facilities, that
are for this reason employed only with half of their
capacity.
But if investors decided to spend EUR 2bn by the end
of 2020, the weekly has calculated, "Kosovo could
start exporting power".
Kosovo also has deposits of zinc and lead, 10 percent
located in the north of the province, according to the
report.
US troops return to Uzbek bases.
BBC News
6 March 2008
Editor's Note: The US has long supported President Karimov's authoritarian government. According to a BBC article on September 18, 2001, Uzbekistan was contacted by the US before September 11th and asked if they would help the US military attack Afghanistan by October 2001 and they agreed. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1550366.stm
Uzbekistan is once again allowing the US to use a base in the south of the country for operations in Afghanistan.
US troops attached to Nato forces would be allowed to use Termez airbase if travelling on German planes, the US military told the BBC.
US troops were evicted from Uzbekistan in 2005 after the US condemned it for shooting protesters in Andijan city.
German forces were allowed to continue using the airbase at Termez, on the border with Afghanistan.
Uzbekistan has made no comment on the new arrangement, but a US military spokesman said US troops "can use the German air-bridge from Termez to Afghanistan on a case-by-case basis".
The spokesman said the US had no bases of its own, had not requested any bases from the Uzbek government and had no plans to do so.
Improved relations
US Admiral William Fallon visited the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, in January for talks with President Islam Karimov, in a sign of warming relations between the two countries.
Since President Karimov was re-elected last year, the EU and the US have seemed more willing to restore their relationship with Uzbekistan, says the BBC's Central Asia correspondent Natalia Antelava.
"Recently, given certain events, including the access of the European Union to discussion about human rights in Uzbekistan, relations between Nato members and Uzbekistan have improved," said Nato's envoy for the Caucasus and Central Asia, Robert Simmons, during a visit to Moscow.
US forces started using Karshi-Khanabad airbase in southern Uzbekistan in 2001 to run operations against the Taleban in Afghanistan.
They were evicted from the base after the US condemned the Uzbek authorities for a harsh police crackdown on protesters in the town of Andijan in May 2005.
6 March 2008
Editor's Note: The US has long supported President Karimov's authoritarian government. According to a BBC article on September 18, 2001, Uzbekistan was contacted by the US before September 11th and asked if they would help the US military attack Afghanistan by October 2001 and they agreed. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1550366.stm
Uzbekistan is once again allowing the US to use a base in the south of the country for operations in Afghanistan.
US troops attached to Nato forces would be allowed to use Termez airbase if travelling on German planes, the US military told the BBC.
US troops were evicted from Uzbekistan in 2005 after the US condemned it for shooting protesters in Andijan city.
German forces were allowed to continue using the airbase at Termez, on the border with Afghanistan.
Uzbekistan has made no comment on the new arrangement, but a US military spokesman said US troops "can use the German air-bridge from Termez to Afghanistan on a case-by-case basis".
The spokesman said the US had no bases of its own, had not requested any bases from the Uzbek government and had no plans to do so.
Improved relations
US Admiral William Fallon visited the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, in January for talks with President Islam Karimov, in a sign of warming relations between the two countries.
Since President Karimov was re-elected last year, the EU and the US have seemed more willing to restore their relationship with Uzbekistan, says the BBC's Central Asia correspondent Natalia Antelava.
"Recently, given certain events, including the access of the European Union to discussion about human rights in Uzbekistan, relations between Nato members and Uzbekistan have improved," said Nato's envoy for the Caucasus and Central Asia, Robert Simmons, during a visit to Moscow.
US forces started using Karshi-Khanabad airbase in southern Uzbekistan in 2001 to run operations against the Taleban in Afghanistan.
They were evicted from the base after the US condemned the Uzbek authorities for a harsh police crackdown on protesters in the town of Andijan in May 2005.
Gaza situation 'worst since 1967.'
BBC News
6 March 2008
Gaza's humanitarian situation is the worst since 1967 when Israel occupied it, says a coalition of UK-based human rights and development groups.
They include Amnesty International, Save the Children, Cafod, Care International and Christian Aid.
They sharply criticise Israel's blockade on Gaza as illegal collective punishment which also fails to deliver security.
Israel says its military action and other measures are lawful and used to stop rocket attacks from Gaza.
The groups' report, Gaza Strip: A Humanitarian Implosion, says the blockade has dramatically worsened levels of poverty and unemployment, and has led to deterioration in education and health services.
'Disaster'
More than 1.1 million Gazans are dependent on food aid and of 110,000 workers previously employed in the private sector, 75,000 have now lost their jobs, the report says.
"Unless the blockade ends now, it will be impossible to pull Gaza back from the brink of this disaster and any hopes for peace in the region will be dashed," said Geoffrey Dennis, of Care International UK.
"Gaza cannot become a partner for peace unless Israel, Fatah and the Quartet engage with Hamas and give the people of Gaza a future," said Daleep Mukarji of Christian Aid.
Israel tightened its blockade on the strip, controlled by the Hamas militant group, in January.
Last week Israeli forces launched a bloody and destructive raid in northern Gaza, in which more than 120 Palestinians - including many civilians - were killed.
Israel says the measures are designed to stamp out frequent rocket fire by Palestinian militants.
Recent rocket attacks have hit deeper into southern Israel, reaching Ashkelon, the closest large Israeli city to the Gaza Strip.
Occupying power
The UK-based groups agree that Israel has the right and obligation to protect its citizens, urging both sides to cease unlawful attacks on civilians.
The Israeli army has cut access to Gaza for almost all traffic
But they call upon Israel to comply with its obligations, as the occupying power in Gaza, to ensure its inhabitants have access to food, clean water, electricity and medical care, which have been in short supply in the strip.
"Punishing the entire Gazan population by denying them these basic human rights is utterly indefensible," said Amnesty UK Director Kate Allen.
"The current situation is man-made and must be reversed."
Other recommendations from the groups include international engagement with the Hamas movement, which rejects Israel's legitimacy and has been shunned by Israel's allies, and the Fatah party of Palestinian West Bank leader Mahmoud Abbas.
"Gaza cannot become a partner for peace unless Israel, Fatah and the Quartet [the US and UN, Europe and Russia] engage with Hamas and give the people of Gaza a future," said Daleep Mukarji of Christian Aid.
6 March 2008
Gaza's humanitarian situation is the worst since 1967 when Israel occupied it, says a coalition of UK-based human rights and development groups.
They include Amnesty International, Save the Children, Cafod, Care International and Christian Aid.
They sharply criticise Israel's blockade on Gaza as illegal collective punishment which also fails to deliver security.
Israel says its military action and other measures are lawful and used to stop rocket attacks from Gaza.
The groups' report, Gaza Strip: A Humanitarian Implosion, says the blockade has dramatically worsened levels of poverty and unemployment, and has led to deterioration in education and health services.
'Disaster'
More than 1.1 million Gazans are dependent on food aid and of 110,000 workers previously employed in the private sector, 75,000 have now lost their jobs, the report says.
"Unless the blockade ends now, it will be impossible to pull Gaza back from the brink of this disaster and any hopes for peace in the region will be dashed," said Geoffrey Dennis, of Care International UK.
"Gaza cannot become a partner for peace unless Israel, Fatah and the Quartet engage with Hamas and give the people of Gaza a future," said Daleep Mukarji of Christian Aid.
Israel tightened its blockade on the strip, controlled by the Hamas militant group, in January.
Last week Israeli forces launched a bloody and destructive raid in northern Gaza, in which more than 120 Palestinians - including many civilians - were killed.
Israel says the measures are designed to stamp out frequent rocket fire by Palestinian militants.
Recent rocket attacks have hit deeper into southern Israel, reaching Ashkelon, the closest large Israeli city to the Gaza Strip.
Occupying power
The UK-based groups agree that Israel has the right and obligation to protect its citizens, urging both sides to cease unlawful attacks on civilians.
The Israeli army has cut access to Gaza for almost all traffic
But they call upon Israel to comply with its obligations, as the occupying power in Gaza, to ensure its inhabitants have access to food, clean water, electricity and medical care, which have been in short supply in the strip.
"Punishing the entire Gazan population by denying them these basic human rights is utterly indefensible," said Amnesty UK Director Kate Allen.
"The current situation is man-made and must be reversed."
Other recommendations from the groups include international engagement with the Hamas movement, which rejects Israel's legitimacy and has been shunned by Israel's allies, and the Fatah party of Palestinian West Bank leader Mahmoud Abbas.
"Gaza cannot become a partner for peace unless Israel, Fatah and the Quartet [the US and UN, Europe and Russia] engage with Hamas and give the people of Gaza a future," said Daleep Mukarji of Christian Aid.
State 'sanctioned' Kenyan clashes.
BBC News
5 March 2008
The BBC has learnt of allegations of state-sanctioned violence in Kenya during the turmoil that followed last December's disputed presidential poll.
Sources allege that meetings were hosted at the official residence of the president between the banned Mungiki militia and senior government figures.
The aim was to hire them as a defence force in the Rift Valley to protect the president's Kikuyu community.
The government denied the allegations, calling them "preposterous".
"There's no way any government official would meet openly or even in darkness with the Mungiki," said Alfred Mutua,a Government spokesman.
"No such meetings took place at State House or any government office," government spokesman Alfred Mutua told the BBC.
He said the government had been cracking down on the sect for the last year, arresting their leaders.
"There's no way the president or any government official would meet openly or even in darkness with the Mungiki," he said.
The allegations come as parliament prepares to open on Thursday, laying the ground for a new coalition government.
Non-Kikuyu homes in Naivasha were ransacked and set alight
Although parliament's focus will be on healing ethnic divisions and creating a coalition government - allegations of state involvement with a banned Kikuyu militia, known as Mungiki, will not go ignored, the BBC's Karen Allen in Nairobi says.
She says there is growing suspicion that some of the violence that led to 1,500 people being killed and hundreds of thousands displaced was orchestrated by both sides of the political divide.
The BBC source, who is a member of the Kikuyu tribe and who is now in hiding after receiving death threats, alleged: "Three members of the gang met at State House... and after the elections and the violence the militias were called again and they were given a duty to defend the Kikuyu in Rift Valley and we know they were there in numbers."
On the weekend of 25 January, the Rift Valley towns of Nakuru and then Naivasha were the focus of the some of the worst post-election violence.
Eyewitnesses spoke of non-Kikuyu homes being marked, then gangs with machetes - who they claim were Mungiki - attacked people who were from other ethnic groups.
Sources inside the Mungiki have told the BBC that it was a renegade branch of the outfit that was responsible for violence, not them.
A policeman who was on duty at the time, who has spoken to the BBC on condition of anonymity, has also pointed to clear signs of state complicity.
He alleges that in the hours before the violence in Nakuru, police officers had orders not to stop a convoy of minibus taxis, called "matatus", packed with men when they arrived at police checkpoints.
"When we were there... I saw about 12 of them [matatus] packed with men," he said.
"There were no females... I could see they were armed.
MUNGIKI SECT
Banned in 2002
Thought to be ethnic Kikuyu militants
Mungiki means multitude in Kikuyu
Inspired by the Mau Mau rebellion of the 1950s
Claim to have more than 1m followers
Promote female circumcision and oath-taking
Believed to be linked to high-profile politicians
Control public transport routes, demanding levies
Blamed for revenge murders in the central region
Profile: Secretive sect
"We were ordered not to stop the vehicles to allow them to go."
But Mr Mutua said that the government deployed the military to deal with the Kikuyu youth who had tried to take the law into their own hands.
"The Kenyan government... used helicopters to drive them away, arrested them and actually got to kill quite a few of them torching houses," he said.
"The government stamped on them immediately."
The allegations come at a time of growing concern that there was pre-planned violence on both sides of the political fence, in the aftermath of Kenya's disputed election result.
The International Crisis Group has already raised such concerns and Human Rights Watch is expected to publish its report making similar claims shortly.
There are plans to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission in the coming weeks to examine claims of election violence.
The allegations are likely to be among the themes investigated by a commission created to address the issue of post-election skirmishes.
5 March 2008
The BBC has learnt of allegations of state-sanctioned violence in Kenya during the turmoil that followed last December's disputed presidential poll.
Sources allege that meetings were hosted at the official residence of the president between the banned Mungiki militia and senior government figures.
The aim was to hire them as a defence force in the Rift Valley to protect the president's Kikuyu community.
The government denied the allegations, calling them "preposterous".
"There's no way any government official would meet openly or even in darkness with the Mungiki," said Alfred Mutua,a Government spokesman.
"No such meetings took place at State House or any government office," government spokesman Alfred Mutua told the BBC.
He said the government had been cracking down on the sect for the last year, arresting their leaders.
"There's no way the president or any government official would meet openly or even in darkness with the Mungiki," he said.
The allegations come as parliament prepares to open on Thursday, laying the ground for a new coalition government.
Non-Kikuyu homes in Naivasha were ransacked and set alight
Although parliament's focus will be on healing ethnic divisions and creating a coalition government - allegations of state involvement with a banned Kikuyu militia, known as Mungiki, will not go ignored, the BBC's Karen Allen in Nairobi says.
She says there is growing suspicion that some of the violence that led to 1,500 people being killed and hundreds of thousands displaced was orchestrated by both sides of the political divide.
The BBC source, who is a member of the Kikuyu tribe and who is now in hiding after receiving death threats, alleged: "Three members of the gang met at State House... and after the elections and the violence the militias were called again and they were given a duty to defend the Kikuyu in Rift Valley and we know they were there in numbers."
On the weekend of 25 January, the Rift Valley towns of Nakuru and then Naivasha were the focus of the some of the worst post-election violence.
Eyewitnesses spoke of non-Kikuyu homes being marked, then gangs with machetes - who they claim were Mungiki - attacked people who were from other ethnic groups.
Sources inside the Mungiki have told the BBC that it was a renegade branch of the outfit that was responsible for violence, not them.
A policeman who was on duty at the time, who has spoken to the BBC on condition of anonymity, has also pointed to clear signs of state complicity.
He alleges that in the hours before the violence in Nakuru, police officers had orders not to stop a convoy of minibus taxis, called "matatus", packed with men when they arrived at police checkpoints.
"When we were there... I saw about 12 of them [matatus] packed with men," he said.
"There were no females... I could see they were armed.
MUNGIKI SECT
Banned in 2002
Thought to be ethnic Kikuyu militants
Mungiki means multitude in Kikuyu
Inspired by the Mau Mau rebellion of the 1950s
Claim to have more than 1m followers
Promote female circumcision and oath-taking
Believed to be linked to high-profile politicians
Control public transport routes, demanding levies
Blamed for revenge murders in the central region
Profile: Secretive sect
"We were ordered not to stop the vehicles to allow them to go."
But Mr Mutua said that the government deployed the military to deal with the Kikuyu youth who had tried to take the law into their own hands.
"The Kenyan government... used helicopters to drive them away, arrested them and actually got to kill quite a few of them torching houses," he said.
"The government stamped on them immediately."
The allegations come at a time of growing concern that there was pre-planned violence on both sides of the political fence, in the aftermath of Kenya's disputed election result.
The International Crisis Group has already raised such concerns and Human Rights Watch is expected to publish its report making similar claims shortly.
There are plans to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission in the coming weeks to examine claims of election violence.
The allegations are likely to be among the themes investigated by a commission created to address the issue of post-election skirmishes.
Sudan finds body of French soldier.
Sudan Tribune
6 March 2008
Sudan confirmed Wednesday it had found the body of a French EU peacekeeper missing after deadly clashes with Sudanese troops just inside the border from Chad and were flying the corpse to Khartoum.
EUFOR General Patrick Nash"We can confirm the missing soldier has been found dead close to the common border between Chad and Sudan," foreign ministry spokesman Ali al-Sadiq said.
"His body should arrive in Khartoum this evening and we will cooperate to the maximum (with arrangements for its repatriation)," the spokesman added, referring all other queries to the French embassy.
The French commando vanished in war-torn Darfur on Monday when at least one vehicle from the European Union’s peacekeeping mission in Chad crossed into Sudan.
An exchange of fire followed in which a Sudanese soldier and a civilian were killed and a French soldier wounded, but details on the clash remain sketchy.
The EU mission announced that the Sudanese authorities had informed the local EU representative in Khartoum that remains discovered near the Chadian border are believed to be that of a French member of the peacekeeping force.
"The arrangements for the formal identification and recovery of the remains are currently being organised," said EUFOR from its headquarters near Paris.
A European diplomat in Khartoum confirmed a body had been found and would be repatriated, but could not say whether it was the Frenchman or not, pending the next-of-kin being informed.
"Of course I confirm that we have received information (about the body) and that we are working in liaison with the Sudanese authorities to organise the body’s repatriation," the diplomat said, asking not to be named.
Sudan ordered its armed forces to search for the missing soldier after warning EUFOR it had no mandate to cross the border into Sudanese territory.
EUFOR commander, Lieutenant General Patrick Nash of Ireland, had appealed for Sudanese assistance in the search for the missing soldier, while expressing regret for an "inadvertent crossing" of the border.
6 March 2008
Sudan confirmed Wednesday it had found the body of a French EU peacekeeper missing after deadly clashes with Sudanese troops just inside the border from Chad and were flying the corpse to Khartoum.
EUFOR General Patrick Nash"We can confirm the missing soldier has been found dead close to the common border between Chad and Sudan," foreign ministry spokesman Ali al-Sadiq said.
"His body should arrive in Khartoum this evening and we will cooperate to the maximum (with arrangements for its repatriation)," the spokesman added, referring all other queries to the French embassy.
The French commando vanished in war-torn Darfur on Monday when at least one vehicle from the European Union’s peacekeeping mission in Chad crossed into Sudan.
An exchange of fire followed in which a Sudanese soldier and a civilian were killed and a French soldier wounded, but details on the clash remain sketchy.
The EU mission announced that the Sudanese authorities had informed the local EU representative in Khartoum that remains discovered near the Chadian border are believed to be that of a French member of the peacekeeping force.
"The arrangements for the formal identification and recovery of the remains are currently being organised," said EUFOR from its headquarters near Paris.
A European diplomat in Khartoum confirmed a body had been found and would be repatriated, but could not say whether it was the Frenchman or not, pending the next-of-kin being informed.
"Of course I confirm that we have received information (about the body) and that we are working in liaison with the Sudanese authorities to organise the body’s repatriation," the diplomat said, asking not to be named.
Sudan ordered its armed forces to search for the missing soldier after warning EUFOR it had no mandate to cross the border into Sudanese territory.
EUFOR commander, Lieutenant General Patrick Nash of Ireland, had appealed for Sudanese assistance in the search for the missing soldier, while expressing regret for an "inadvertent crossing" of the border.
Former Darfur rebel leader urges US to support peace agreement.
Sudan Tribune
6 March 2008
Sudan’s senior presidential assistant today urged the US administration to work on reenergizing the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA).
Minni Arcua Minnawi, who is on a week long visit to Washington, told Sudan Tribune that it is “high time for the US to push politically and financially towards the implementation of the DPA”.
“We want to sustain peace in Darfur and Sudan on the basis of the DPA” he added.
The former rebel leader met with the U.S. Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Jendayi Frazer and is due to meet with the Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte on Thursday.
In May 2006, the SLM signed the DPA with the Sudanese government and its head Minnawi was appointed as the senior assistant of the Sudanese president in August of the same year.
But Minnawi’s faction accused the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) of ignoring the implementation of the DPA.
The UNAMID disclosed that Khartoum is not remitting payments to the Darfur Reconstruction and Development Fund (DRDF). The latter was formed under the terms of the DPA to administer development projects in the region.
The DPA states that Khartoum must “transfer from the National Revenue Fund into the Darfur Reconstruction and Development Fund an amount equivalent to $300 million for the year 2006, not less than $200 million in 2007 and not less than $200 million in 2008”.
Minnawi said that that his meeting with Frazer was “positive” and that his visit aims to highlight the issue of Darfur.
Asked about the specifics demands he made to US officials, Minnawi noted that the US was one of the main brokers of the DPA and that he wanted to make them aware “not of the lack of implementation by Khartoum but rather its non-compliance”.
But the Sudanese official fell short of expressing disappointment over the lack of US administration’s involvement in ensuring that the DPA stays intact.
On the financial aspect of his visit Minnawi said that donors must fulfill their obligations to “keep the DPA live”. He also reminded that the former Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zolleick who is now the head of the World Bank was one of the witnesses to the DPA.
6 March 2008
Sudan’s senior presidential assistant today urged the US administration to work on reenergizing the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA).
Minni Arcua Minnawi, who is on a week long visit to Washington, told Sudan Tribune that it is “high time for the US to push politically and financially towards the implementation of the DPA”.
“We want to sustain peace in Darfur and Sudan on the basis of the DPA” he added.
The former rebel leader met with the U.S. Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Jendayi Frazer and is due to meet with the Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte on Thursday.
In May 2006, the SLM signed the DPA with the Sudanese government and its head Minnawi was appointed as the senior assistant of the Sudanese president in August of the same year.
But Minnawi’s faction accused the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) of ignoring the implementation of the DPA.
The UNAMID disclosed that Khartoum is not remitting payments to the Darfur Reconstruction and Development Fund (DRDF). The latter was formed under the terms of the DPA to administer development projects in the region.
The DPA states that Khartoum must “transfer from the National Revenue Fund into the Darfur Reconstruction and Development Fund an amount equivalent to $300 million for the year 2006, not less than $200 million in 2007 and not less than $200 million in 2008”.
Minnawi said that that his meeting with Frazer was “positive” and that his visit aims to highlight the issue of Darfur.
Asked about the specifics demands he made to US officials, Minnawi noted that the US was one of the main brokers of the DPA and that he wanted to make them aware “not of the lack of implementation by Khartoum but rather its non-compliance”.
But the Sudanese official fell short of expressing disappointment over the lack of US administration’s involvement in ensuring that the DPA stays intact.
On the financial aspect of his visit Minnawi said that donors must fulfill their obligations to “keep the DPA live”. He also reminded that the former Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zolleick who is now the head of the World Bank was one of the witnesses to the DPA.
05 March, 2008
DARFUR: UN REQUESTS ACCESS TO VICTIMS OF RECENT FIGHTING.
MISNA
4 March 2008
After visiting the areas of Sirba and Sileah (West Darfur), theatre in the past weeks to heavy fighting between the Sudanese government forces and rebels of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), the United Nations emphasised the urgent need “to grant aid workers unhindered access to victims caught up in the deadly clashes in the already war-wracked region”. In a press conference held yesterday in Khartoum, Ameerah Haq, UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, called for “guarantees from all sides of unimpeded access to affected areas now”, particularly the Jabel Moun area, where an estimated 20,000 civilians are trapped. Haq made specific reference to the JEM rebels that have so far denied access to aid workers. Based on UN estimates, 58,000 people in West Darfur remain affected by the recent spike in fighting, which left “dozens of civilians dead and many more wounded”.
4 March 2008
After visiting the areas of Sirba and Sileah (West Darfur), theatre in the past weeks to heavy fighting between the Sudanese government forces and rebels of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), the United Nations emphasised the urgent need “to grant aid workers unhindered access to victims caught up in the deadly clashes in the already war-wracked region”. In a press conference held yesterday in Khartoum, Ameerah Haq, UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, called for “guarantees from all sides of unimpeded access to affected areas now”, particularly the Jabel Moun area, where an estimated 20,000 civilians are trapped. Haq made specific reference to the JEM rebels that have so far denied access to aid workers. Based on UN estimates, 58,000 people in West Darfur remain affected by the recent spike in fighting, which left “dozens of civilians dead and many more wounded”.
FRENCH SOLDIER MISSING AFTER EUFOR TROOPS CROSS INTO DARFUR.
MISNA
4 March 2008
France has asked the government of Sudan to help find one of its soldiers of the French special forces, serving in the EUFOR European Union Force deploying in Chad and the Central African Republic, who went missing after straying into Sudanese territory. Based on a reconstruction of the EUFOR, a jeep of the contingent crossed the Sudanese border in the Tissi region “without realising”. An attempt to rescue the vehicle was suspended when gunmen, probably soldiers, opened fire. According to a soldier wounded in the episode, the officer who is still officially considered missing “collapsed” under the fire. Sudan confirmed the episode, specifying that some “non-African troops” entered Sudan from Chad yesterday at around 5:00p.m in the Um Jaradil area, in the South Darfur State.
Sudanese officials, quoted this morning by the Sudan Media Center, claim that the EUFOR soldiers fired at a Sudanese unit patrolling the border, which responded to the fire forcing them to flee; a half an hour later, according to the Sudanese version, three military cars backed by a helicopter, returned to attack the patrol unit, resulting in the injury of two Sudanese soldiers and some civilians.
4 March 2008
France has asked the government of Sudan to help find one of its soldiers of the French special forces, serving in the EUFOR European Union Force deploying in Chad and the Central African Republic, who went missing after straying into Sudanese territory. Based on a reconstruction of the EUFOR, a jeep of the contingent crossed the Sudanese border in the Tissi region “without realising”. An attempt to rescue the vehicle was suspended when gunmen, probably soldiers, opened fire. According to a soldier wounded in the episode, the officer who is still officially considered missing “collapsed” under the fire. Sudan confirmed the episode, specifying that some “non-African troops” entered Sudan from Chad yesterday at around 5:00p.m in the Um Jaradil area, in the South Darfur State.
Sudanese officials, quoted this morning by the Sudan Media Center, claim that the EUFOR soldiers fired at a Sudanese unit patrolling the border, which responded to the fire forcing them to flee; a half an hour later, according to the Sudanese version, three military cars backed by a helicopter, returned to attack the patrol unit, resulting in the injury of two Sudanese soldiers and some civilians.
Another ICTR Prosecution Witness Admits to Perjury.
Hirondelle News Agency
4 March 2008
A protected witness for the prosecution has admitted of having given false testimonies before the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), trying key suspects of 1994 genocide.
The witness known only as “GFA” for his safety alleged that he was lying because of pressure exerted over him by Rwandan officials.
In a recorded statement, GFA explains why these lies were suggested to him by a Rwandan prosecutor, whom he names (as he was imprisoned in Rwanda).
According to him, several witnesses before coming to testify at the ICTR were taught how to present false accusations against former Rwandan officials on trial at the UN Court.
The statement was recorded in early February on video in front of a representative of a defence team and, also, in front of several members of the office of the prosecutor in Kampala, where GFA has found exile.
The recording is currently being transcribed, which observers say would call into question integrity of testimonies and credibility of prosecution at the Arusha-based tribunal.
Gilles St Laurent, lawyer for Augustin Bizimungu, former Chief of Staff of Rwandan Army, drew the tribunal’s attention to the GFA’s statement, which if it is taken into account, he said, may cancel many paragraphs of his client’s indictment.
The prosecution has already presented its case before the chamber since the beginning of the trial in September 2004. The defendants are currently presenting their cases.
Witness GFA alleges that certain charges against Bizimungu, like his participation in a meeting to organize genocide or distribution of weapons, were false and were invented at meetings inside the prison where
he was detained.
The tribunal has ordered the fast transcription of GFA’s statement and a copy of the DVD within two weeks.
GFA’s retraction was recorded at the request of the defence team of Jerome Bicamumpaka, former Foreign Affairs minister currently on trial in another trial.
In his explanations, he also mentions trial of Joseph Nzirorera, former Secretary General of then ruling MRND, as being targeted by false testimonies.
Since the beginning of proceedings at the ICTR in 1997, the lawyers for the defendants have denounced the prosecution witnesses who often were released for this purpose from Rwandan prisons.
A first witness was at the end of the 2007 sentenced to nine months in prison for contempt of the tribunal after having admitted to making a false testimony.
4 March 2008
A protected witness for the prosecution has admitted of having given false testimonies before the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), trying key suspects of 1994 genocide.
The witness known only as “GFA” for his safety alleged that he was lying because of pressure exerted over him by Rwandan officials.
In a recorded statement, GFA explains why these lies were suggested to him by a Rwandan prosecutor, whom he names (as he was imprisoned in Rwanda).
According to him, several witnesses before coming to testify at the ICTR were taught how to present false accusations against former Rwandan officials on trial at the UN Court.
The statement was recorded in early February on video in front of a representative of a defence team and, also, in front of several members of the office of the prosecutor in Kampala, where GFA has found exile.
The recording is currently being transcribed, which observers say would call into question integrity of testimonies and credibility of prosecution at the Arusha-based tribunal.
Gilles St Laurent, lawyer for Augustin Bizimungu, former Chief of Staff of Rwandan Army, drew the tribunal’s attention to the GFA’s statement, which if it is taken into account, he said, may cancel many paragraphs of his client’s indictment.
The prosecution has already presented its case before the chamber since the beginning of the trial in September 2004. The defendants are currently presenting their cases.
Witness GFA alleges that certain charges against Bizimungu, like his participation in a meeting to organize genocide or distribution of weapons, were false and were invented at meetings inside the prison where
he was detained.
The tribunal has ordered the fast transcription of GFA’s statement and a copy of the DVD within two weeks.
GFA’s retraction was recorded at the request of the defence team of Jerome Bicamumpaka, former Foreign Affairs minister currently on trial in another trial.
In his explanations, he also mentions trial of Joseph Nzirorera, former Secretary General of then ruling MRND, as being targeted by false testimonies.
Since the beginning of proceedings at the ICTR in 1997, the lawyers for the defendants have denounced the prosecution witnesses who often were released for this purpose from Rwandan prisons.
A first witness was at the end of the 2007 sentenced to nine months in prison for contempt of the tribunal after having admitted to making a false testimony.
UN, RWANDA SIGN AGREEMENT ON ENFORCEMENT OF ICTR SENTENCES.
Hirondelle News Agency
4 March 2008
Editor's Note: Since the ICTR agreed to hear Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch testify that Rwanda was unfit to try these detainees due to an inadequate judicial system, why would they then turn around and sign off on this deal before a proper investigation has occurred?
Rwanda and the United Nations Tuesday signed in Kigali an agreement to enforce sentences of genocide convicted persons by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), but it has met with immediate protest from detainees and prisoners in Arusha, seat of the UN Court.
The Rwandan Minister for Foreign Affairs, Charles Muligande, signed the agreement on behalf of the government whereas, the Registrar of ICTR, Adama Dieng, represented the UN. The agreement was witnessed by senior ICTR and Rwandan judicial officials.
Rwanda is the seventh country to enter into such agreement. Others are: Mali, Benin, Italy, Swaziland, Norway and France.
Already six convicted persons, including the former prime minister, Jean Kambanda, are serving their sentences in Mali and former Belgian-Italian journalist Georges Ruggiu, who left last Thursday for Italy. About 30 ICTR detainees and prisoners have threatened an indefinite hunger strike.
Chief of Press and Communications, Mr Bocar Sy, said that at lunch time there were detainees who began hunger strike, but could not give exact number. “During lunch time there are detainees who did not go for their lunch, but I can not give you the exact number,’’ he told Hirondelle Agency.
The detainees in a signed letter sent to the President of the ICTR, Justice Dennis Byron, claimed that the agreement “violates their basic human rights.” The letter was copied to UN institutions, the European Union and the current President of the African Union (AU), Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania.
“If transfer to Rwanda is decided by the ICTR against our will, we urge our families and human rights’ organizations to hold the UN and the ICTR fully responsible for any act that will endanger our lives or cruel treatment there,” stated in part the letter. The letter was read by Christopher Black, lead counsel for accused, General Augustin Ndindiliyimana, before Trial Chamber II presided over by Judge Joseph Asoka de Silva.
4 March 2008
Editor's Note: Since the ICTR agreed to hear Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch testify that Rwanda was unfit to try these detainees due to an inadequate judicial system, why would they then turn around and sign off on this deal before a proper investigation has occurred?
Rwanda and the United Nations Tuesday signed in Kigali an agreement to enforce sentences of genocide convicted persons by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR), but it has met with immediate protest from detainees and prisoners in Arusha, seat of the UN Court.
The Rwandan Minister for Foreign Affairs, Charles Muligande, signed the agreement on behalf of the government whereas, the Registrar of ICTR, Adama Dieng, represented the UN. The agreement was witnessed by senior ICTR and Rwandan judicial officials.
Rwanda is the seventh country to enter into such agreement. Others are: Mali, Benin, Italy, Swaziland, Norway and France.
Already six convicted persons, including the former prime minister, Jean Kambanda, are serving their sentences in Mali and former Belgian-Italian journalist Georges Ruggiu, who left last Thursday for Italy. About 30 ICTR detainees and prisoners have threatened an indefinite hunger strike.
Chief of Press and Communications, Mr Bocar Sy, said that at lunch time there were detainees who began hunger strike, but could not give exact number. “During lunch time there are detainees who did not go for their lunch, but I can not give you the exact number,’’ he told Hirondelle Agency.
The detainees in a signed letter sent to the President of the ICTR, Justice Dennis Byron, claimed that the agreement “violates their basic human rights.” The letter was copied to UN institutions, the European Union and the current President of the African Union (AU), Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania.
“If transfer to Rwanda is decided by the ICTR against our will, we urge our families and human rights’ organizations to hold the UN and the ICTR fully responsible for any act that will endanger our lives or cruel treatment there,” stated in part the letter. The letter was read by Christopher Black, lead counsel for accused, General Augustin Ndindiliyimana, before Trial Chamber II presided over by Judge Joseph Asoka de Silva.
04 March, 2008
French soldier missing, another wounded in Sudan.
Reuters
4 March 2008
A French soldier from the European Union force in Chad is missing and another was wounded after straying into Sudan and becoming involved in a clash with Sudanese troops, a French army spokesman said on Tuesday.
Sudan said it had no knowledge of the missing soldier but reported firing between "white soldiers" and a Sudanese army unit in which one civilian was killed.
French army spokesman Christophe Prazuck told France Info radio that two French soldiers on a reconnaissance patrol accidentally strayed into Sudanese territory and came under infantry fire.
"One of the two was wounded. He managed to retrace his steps, he found other soldiers from the European force who had come to check the source of the firing," Prazuck said
"By contrast, we have no news of the other soldier on the vehicle."
Sudanese foreign ministry spokesman Ali al-Sadig said a small force of "white soldiers in a military jeep" had entered Sudan from Chad on Monday.
"They (the jeep) opened fire on a Sudanese army checkpoint. Our people returned fire and broke the jeep down but caused no casualties," he told Reuters.
"The soldiers (in the jeep) fled on foot," he said. "We do not know if they are French ... We don't know if they entered Sudan on purpose or not."
Sadig said a larger force supported by a helicopter entered Sudan from Chad shortly afterwards and clashed with the same Sudanese checkpoint. "In this clash, a Sudanese civilian was killed." The European Union said on Monday an attempt to recover the missing vehicle ran into "enemy fire and the rescue group was forced to leave the area."
The 3,700-strong EUFOR has a United Nations mandate to provide security for more than 400,000 people in eastern Chad. More than half of the force will be provided by France. (Reporting by Alaa Shahine in Khartoum and James Mackenzie in Paris; Editing by Charles Dick)
4 March 2008
A French soldier from the European Union force in Chad is missing and another was wounded after straying into Sudan and becoming involved in a clash with Sudanese troops, a French army spokesman said on Tuesday.
Sudan said it had no knowledge of the missing soldier but reported firing between "white soldiers" and a Sudanese army unit in which one civilian was killed.
French army spokesman Christophe Prazuck told France Info radio that two French soldiers on a reconnaissance patrol accidentally strayed into Sudanese territory and came under infantry fire.
"One of the two was wounded. He managed to retrace his steps, he found other soldiers from the European force who had come to check the source of the firing," Prazuck said
"By contrast, we have no news of the other soldier on the vehicle."
Sudanese foreign ministry spokesman Ali al-Sadig said a small force of "white soldiers in a military jeep" had entered Sudan from Chad on Monday.
"They (the jeep) opened fire on a Sudanese army checkpoint. Our people returned fire and broke the jeep down but caused no casualties," he told Reuters.
"The soldiers (in the jeep) fled on foot," he said. "We do not know if they are French ... We don't know if they entered Sudan on purpose or not."
Sadig said a larger force supported by a helicopter entered Sudan from Chad shortly afterwards and clashed with the same Sudanese checkpoint. "In this clash, a Sudanese civilian was killed." The European Union said on Monday an attempt to recover the missing vehicle ran into "enemy fire and the rescue group was forced to leave the area."
The 3,700-strong EUFOR has a United Nations mandate to provide security for more than 400,000 people in eastern Chad. More than half of the force will be provided by France. (Reporting by Alaa Shahine in Khartoum and James Mackenzie in Paris; Editing by Charles Dick)
Ugandan kills South African boss, commits suicide in Iraq.
Daily Monitor
4 March 2008
by Grace Matsiko
A Ugandan private security guard, Julius Ayebazibwe, has shot himself dead in Iraq after he killed an allegedly abusive South African supervisor.
The incident occurred at Camp Shield in Baghdad on Sunday.
The deceased is among hundreds of Ugandans - mainly ex-servicemen and women taken to Iraq to work as private security guards to supplement US military operations against the Islamic militants.
The Ugandans are contracted by US private security firms to guard US military bases as the American forces go on battlefronts as well guarding oil and Iraqi government facilities plus providing armed escorts to expatriates.
The Managing Director, Askar Security Services, the company that recruited Ayebazibwe for the Iraqi job, Ms Hellen Kayonga, confirmed the deaths but could not give the details.
"We are waiting for a report from there," Ms Kayongo said.
But Ugandans working in Iraq who feared to be disclosed for fear of losing their jobs blamed the incident on the South African expatriate, whom Ayebazibwe killed.
They alleged the expatriate was abusive and often mistreated juniors.
"It's an unfortunate that the harassment has led to these deaths. We advised Ayebazibwe to seek permission and report the matter of harassment but it seems his judgment was overshadowed by anger," a Ugandan guard in Iraq told Daily Monitor.
The guard said arrangements were being made to transfer the body from Camp Shield to a US airbase and to Entebbe through the United Arab Emirates.
Ayebazibwe, is said to be hailing from Mbarara. But there was fear among the Ugandan community of guards in Iraq that they may be fired because of the incident, the first since they began deploying in the troubled country in 2005.
It is not clear if there are any Ugandans who have so far died in Iraq as often such reports have not been easy to verify due to the confidentiality of their work. But a Ugandan security official said they have recorded one incident in which a Ugandan guard accidentally shot a colleague during training and injured him seriously.
The number of Ugandans working as private guards in Iraq is said to be over 2000 and the local companies are currently swarmed by youths and ex-servicemen who wish to travel there but cannot make it due to fewer companies signing them up.
Despite the risks involved Ugandans have vowed to continue working in Iraq. A story is told of a man and wife who left their matrimonial home and are working in Iraq as guards.
4 March 2008
by Grace Matsiko
A Ugandan private security guard, Julius Ayebazibwe, has shot himself dead in Iraq after he killed an allegedly abusive South African supervisor.
The incident occurred at Camp Shield in Baghdad on Sunday.
The deceased is among hundreds of Ugandans - mainly ex-servicemen and women taken to Iraq to work as private security guards to supplement US military operations against the Islamic militants.
The Ugandans are contracted by US private security firms to guard US military bases as the American forces go on battlefronts as well guarding oil and Iraqi government facilities plus providing armed escorts to expatriates.
The Managing Director, Askar Security Services, the company that recruited Ayebazibwe for the Iraqi job, Ms Hellen Kayonga, confirmed the deaths but could not give the details.
"We are waiting for a report from there," Ms Kayongo said.
But Ugandans working in Iraq who feared to be disclosed for fear of losing their jobs blamed the incident on the South African expatriate, whom Ayebazibwe killed.
They alleged the expatriate was abusive and often mistreated juniors.
"It's an unfortunate that the harassment has led to these deaths. We advised Ayebazibwe to seek permission and report the matter of harassment but it seems his judgment was overshadowed by anger," a Ugandan guard in Iraq told Daily Monitor.
The guard said arrangements were being made to transfer the body from Camp Shield to a US airbase and to Entebbe through the United Arab Emirates.
Ayebazibwe, is said to be hailing from Mbarara. But there was fear among the Ugandan community of guards in Iraq that they may be fired because of the incident, the first since they began deploying in the troubled country in 2005.
It is not clear if there are any Ugandans who have so far died in Iraq as often such reports have not been easy to verify due to the confidentiality of their work. But a Ugandan security official said they have recorded one incident in which a Ugandan guard accidentally shot a colleague during training and injured him seriously.
The number of Ugandans working as private guards in Iraq is said to be over 2000 and the local companies are currently swarmed by youths and ex-servicemen who wish to travel there but cannot make it due to fewer companies signing them up.
Despite the risks involved Ugandans have vowed to continue working in Iraq. A story is told of a man and wife who left their matrimonial home and are working in Iraq as guards.
French soldier missing in Sudan.
News 24
4 March 2008
A French soldier with the European peacekeeping force in Chad was reported missing on Monday after his vehicle accidentally (emphasis mine-Editor)crossed the border into Sudan, said the force in Paris.
"An accidental border crossing of a single soft-skinned Land Rover-type vehicle strayed unintentionally (three kilometres) into Sudan" in the Tissi area, southwest of the European force (EUFOR)'s area of operations, it claims in a statement.
"An attempted recovery of the vehicle was met with hostile fire and they left the area."
"At this time, it can be stated that one EUFOR personnel is currently missing, but no further information can be released for operational reasons."
4 March 2008
A French soldier with the European peacekeeping force in Chad was reported missing on Monday after his vehicle accidentally (emphasis mine-Editor)crossed the border into Sudan, said the force in Paris.
"An accidental border crossing of a single soft-skinned Land Rover-type vehicle strayed unintentionally (three kilometres) into Sudan" in the Tissi area, southwest of the European force (EUFOR)'s area of operations, it claims in a statement.
"An attempted recovery of the vehicle was met with hostile fire and they left the area."
"At this time, it can be stated that one EUFOR personnel is currently missing, but no further information can be released for operational reasons."
PARLIAMENT DISSOLVED, EARLY LEGISLATIVE ELECTIONS ANNOUNCED.
MISNA
3 March 2008
Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema dissolved parliament and announced legislative elections in May, a year early in respect to the timetable, along with the municipal vote. The news was referred today by the government of Malabo, specifying that “the House of Representatives of the People and Municipal councils, elected on 25 April 2004, were dissolved and new elections will be held on 4 May 2008”. According to Information minister Santiago Nsonbeya Efuman, the holding of early elections aims to “avoid difficulties and inevitable expenses in organising three separate votes”. A presidential election will be held in 2010.
3 March 2008
Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema dissolved parliament and announced legislative elections in May, a year early in respect to the timetable, along with the municipal vote. The news was referred today by the government of Malabo, specifying that “the House of Representatives of the People and Municipal councils, elected on 25 April 2004, were dissolved and new elections will be held on 4 May 2008”. According to Information minister Santiago Nsonbeya Efuman, the holding of early elections aims to “avoid difficulties and inevitable expenses in organising three separate votes”. A presidential election will be held in 2010.
INQUIRY INTO REBEL ATTACK IN N'DJAMENA.
MISNA
3 March 2008
An international inquiry commission has been established to investigate the rebels’ attack against government forces in N’Djamena last February and the fate of missing opposition members since that time. Chadian national radio made the announcement, adding that the commission’s members include a French commissioner, another from the EU, one from Francophonie and seven others all led by Nassour Ouaidou, president of the National Assembly. Meanwhile, some more news has emerged concerning the opposition parliamentary member Ngarlejy Yorongar, who has been missing for almost a month: Yorongar claims to have spoken with his son and claimed, in an interview with ‘Afrique education’ to have been arrested last February3 by the Chadian army on February 3rd, only to have managed to escape to Cameroon. The news has not been confirmed and the man is said to be in Yaounde, from where he could flee to France in search for exile. As for another opposition member, Ibni Oumar Nahamat Saleh, there has been no news since February 3.
3 March 2008
An international inquiry commission has been established to investigate the rebels’ attack against government forces in N’Djamena last February and the fate of missing opposition members since that time. Chadian national radio made the announcement, adding that the commission’s members include a French commissioner, another from the EU, one from Francophonie and seven others all led by Nassour Ouaidou, president of the National Assembly. Meanwhile, some more news has emerged concerning the opposition parliamentary member Ngarlejy Yorongar, who has been missing for almost a month: Yorongar claims to have spoken with his son and claimed, in an interview with ‘Afrique education’ to have been arrested last February3 by the Chadian army on February 3rd, only to have managed to escape to Cameroon. The news has not been confirmed and the man is said to be in Yaounde, from where he could flee to France in search for exile. As for another opposition member, Ibni Oumar Nahamat Saleh, there has been no news since February 3.
U.S. Africa Command senior leader visits Mali, meets president.
March 03, 2008
by Jaime L. Wood
U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs
U.S. Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward, commander for U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), visited Bamako, Mali, February 25-27.
The trip was Ward's first to the country's capital city, where he met with Malian officials including President Amadou Toumani Toure to review the bilateral military relations between the U.S. and Mali, and to explain the overall mission of AFRICOM.
During the visit, the general also was a guest speaker at a seminar, sponsored by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS), for members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The seminar focused on the training needs of ECOWAS member states in the area of peace support operations.
In addition, Gen. Ward toured the Bamako Peace Keeping School and the Military Intelligence Basic Officer's Course - Africa. The course, which is the first of its kind for the region, is an example of partner nation capacity building under the State Department's Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership Program and the Defense Department's Operation Enduring Freedom Trans-Sahara (OEF-TS) and included students from seven of nine OEF-TS nations. While U.S. European Command remains responsible for U.S.-funded military activity within the Trans-Sahara region until October 2008, the visit gave the general a chance to witness military enhancement training AFRICOM will ultimately be responsible for when the command is fully operational.
AFRICOM, a regional headquarters currently forming in Stuttgart, Germany, is intended to provide African nations and regional organizations like ECOWAS an integrated U.S. Defense Department entry point to coordinate U.S. security assistance programs and activities. In the past, three different U.S. regional headquarters provided security assistance in Africa.
The Africa Center for Strategic Studies is funded by the U.S. Defense Department. It supports the development of U.S. strategic policy towards Africa by providing academic programs that foster awareness of and dialogue on U.S. strategic priorities and African security issues. The center also focuses on building networks of African, American, European, and international military and civilian leaders to assist U.S. policymakers in formulating African policy and articulating African perspectives to U.S. policymakers.
by Jaime L. Wood
U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs
U.S. Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward, commander for U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), visited Bamako, Mali, February 25-27.
The trip was Ward's first to the country's capital city, where he met with Malian officials including President Amadou Toumani Toure to review the bilateral military relations between the U.S. and Mali, and to explain the overall mission of AFRICOM.
During the visit, the general also was a guest speaker at a seminar, sponsored by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS), for members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The seminar focused on the training needs of ECOWAS member states in the area of peace support operations.
In addition, Gen. Ward toured the Bamako Peace Keeping School and the Military Intelligence Basic Officer's Course - Africa. The course, which is the first of its kind for the region, is an example of partner nation capacity building under the State Department's Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership Program and the Defense Department's Operation Enduring Freedom Trans-Sahara (OEF-TS) and included students from seven of nine OEF-TS nations. While U.S. European Command remains responsible for U.S.-funded military activity within the Trans-Sahara region until October 2008, the visit gave the general a chance to witness military enhancement training AFRICOM will ultimately be responsible for when the command is fully operational.
AFRICOM, a regional headquarters currently forming in Stuttgart, Germany, is intended to provide African nations and regional organizations like ECOWAS an integrated U.S. Defense Department entry point to coordinate U.S. security assistance programs and activities. In the past, three different U.S. regional headquarters provided security assistance in Africa.
The Africa Center for Strategic Studies is funded by the U.S. Defense Department. It supports the development of U.S. strategic policy towards Africa by providing academic programs that foster awareness of and dialogue on U.S. strategic priorities and African security issues. The center also focuses on building networks of African, American, European, and international military and civilian leaders to assist U.S. policymakers in formulating African policy and articulating African perspectives to U.S. policymakers.
Interview Published.
Just a brief announcement. My interview with Mr. Horst Teubert for the e-zine German Foreign Policy has been published.
http://www.german-foreign-policy.com/de/fulltext/57176
http://www.german-foreign-policy.com/de/fulltext/57176
03 March, 2008
US BOMBING IN SOUTH, CIVILIANS AMONG VICTIMS.
MISNA
3 March 2008
At least four civilians were killed in a bombing by United States military planes on the town of Dhobley, in southern Somalia, near the border with Kenya. Dhobley officials referred to the international press that around 3:00a.m local time an AC 130 US aircraft dropped at least three bombs on the town, disputed over the past days between government troops and insurgents linked to the ousted Islamic Courts, better known as ‘shebab’. The attack targeted at least three civilian homes. While the attack was confirmed by a spokesman for the Islamic movement, no comment has been released yet by the Somali government or US military. The US air force has repeatedly intervened alongside the Ethiopian troops and forces loyal to the Somali transitional government since December 2006, when a military campaign was launched to eradicate the Islamic Courts political movement from government.
3 March 2008
At least four civilians were killed in a bombing by United States military planes on the town of Dhobley, in southern Somalia, near the border with Kenya. Dhobley officials referred to the international press that around 3:00a.m local time an AC 130 US aircraft dropped at least three bombs on the town, disputed over the past days between government troops and insurgents linked to the ousted Islamic Courts, better known as ‘shebab’. The attack targeted at least three civilian homes. While the attack was confirmed by a spokesman for the Islamic movement, no comment has been released yet by the Somali government or US military. The US air force has repeatedly intervened alongside the Ethiopian troops and forces loyal to the Somali transitional government since December 2006, when a military campaign was launched to eradicate the Islamic Courts political movement from government.
PEACE MEETING ANNOUNCED BETWEEN CHAD AND SUDAN IN DAKAR.
MISNA
3 March 2008
A meeting for peace between Chad and Sudan was announced by Senegal’s President Abdoulaye Wade, with the participation of the Presidents of the respective nations, Idriss Deby Itno and Omar al-Bashir, ahead of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC). Wade referred on national TV that the meeting will be attended also by Gabon’s President Omar Bongo, the former chairman of the African Union (AU) Commission Alpha Oumar Konaré and the current AU chairman, Tanzanian Jakaya Kikwete; also United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon may attend, if compatible with his agenda. “Let’s hope that the meeting brings a lasting peace to this African region, unfortunately strife-ridden for too long”, added Wade, according to international press sources. Relations have been tense for some time between neighbouring Chad and Sudan, particularly due to actions of armed groups and rebels in east Chad and the western Sudanese Darfur region. The two governments accuse each other of supporting the actions of the armed groups.
3 March 2008
A meeting for peace between Chad and Sudan was announced by Senegal’s President Abdoulaye Wade, with the participation of the Presidents of the respective nations, Idriss Deby Itno and Omar al-Bashir, ahead of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC). Wade referred on national TV that the meeting will be attended also by Gabon’s President Omar Bongo, the former chairman of the African Union (AU) Commission Alpha Oumar Konaré and the current AU chairman, Tanzanian Jakaya Kikwete; also United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon may attend, if compatible with his agenda. “Let’s hope that the meeting brings a lasting peace to this African region, unfortunately strife-ridden for too long”, added Wade, according to international press sources. Relations have been tense for some time between neighbouring Chad and Sudan, particularly due to actions of armed groups and rebels in east Chad and the western Sudanese Darfur region. The two governments accuse each other of supporting the actions of the armed groups.
REBEL LEADER ACCUSED OF SHOOTING PRESIDENT SURRENDERS.
MISNA
3 March 2008
A rebel commander suspected in the attack against East Timor’s President Jose Ramos Horta, who was critically wounded on February 11, handed himself over to security forces, as referred by officials yesterday. Amaro Da Costa, an ex-policeman and second in command of the soldiers and police officers that rebelled in 2006, surrendered on Saturday evening in Turiscai, 120km from Dili. Amaro however claimed that he did not shoot the President. Da Costa, known also as ‘Susar’, was the first to surrender of 17 suspects wanted in connection with the coordinated attacks against East Timor’s leaders. Among the wanted is also Gastao Salsinha, who took the command of the rebels after the death of their leader Alfredo Reinado in the attack against the President. Lieutenant Colonel Filomeno Paixao, head of the joint command of East Timor security forces (including local and international troops) referred that contacts are underway with Salsinha for his eventual surrender. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, who escaped an attack on the same day as the attack against Ramos Horta, had urged Da Costa and Salshina to surrender and cooperate with authorities to restore order in the nation.
From his hospital bed in Darwin (Australia) where he was rushed with critical injuries, President Ramos Horta said he forgave Reinado, in a gesture aimed at ending the violence and encouraging the surrender of the rebel group. The health condition of East Timor’s President is improving, but he will not be discharged from hospital for another month.
3 March 2008
A rebel commander suspected in the attack against East Timor’s President Jose Ramos Horta, who was critically wounded on February 11, handed himself over to security forces, as referred by officials yesterday. Amaro Da Costa, an ex-policeman and second in command of the soldiers and police officers that rebelled in 2006, surrendered on Saturday evening in Turiscai, 120km from Dili. Amaro however claimed that he did not shoot the President. Da Costa, known also as ‘Susar’, was the first to surrender of 17 suspects wanted in connection with the coordinated attacks against East Timor’s leaders. Among the wanted is also Gastao Salsinha, who took the command of the rebels after the death of their leader Alfredo Reinado in the attack against the President. Lieutenant Colonel Filomeno Paixao, head of the joint command of East Timor security forces (including local and international troops) referred that contacts are underway with Salsinha for his eventual surrender. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, who escaped an attack on the same day as the attack against Ramos Horta, had urged Da Costa and Salshina to surrender and cooperate with authorities to restore order in the nation.
From his hospital bed in Darwin (Australia) where he was rushed with critical injuries, President Ramos Horta said he forgave Reinado, in a gesture aimed at ending the violence and encouraging the surrender of the rebel group. The health condition of East Timor’s President is improving, but he will not be discharged from hospital for another month.
KIGALI TO HOST ICTR-GENOCIDE CONVICTED PERSONS.
Hirondelle News Agency
29 February 2008
The Rwandan government and the United Nations will sign on Tuesday in Kigali an agreement that will allow persons sentenced by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) to serve their sentences in Kigali, reports Hirondelle Agency.
The spokesperson for the Tribunal, Roland Amoussouga, told a press Conference Friday that the United Nations will be represented during the signing ceremony by the Registrar of the ICTR, Senegalese Adama Dieng.
The UN Court already has a similar agreement with six other countries--Mali, Benin, Swaziland, France, Italy and Sweden.
Six convicts, including the former Prime Minister during the 1994 genocide, Jean Kambanda, are held in a Malian prison whereas the Italian-Belgian journalist, George Ruggiu, the only non-Rwandan to be prosecuted by ICTR, was transferred on Thursday to Italy.
The preparations for the Kigali agreement started in September 2004.
The ICTR detention center in Arusha, Tanzania, currently holds 18 convicted persons, who are waiting for host countries. Among them is Vincent Rutaganira, former Counsellor, who will be released from prison on Sunday morning.
29 February 2008
The Rwandan government and the United Nations will sign on Tuesday in Kigali an agreement that will allow persons sentenced by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) to serve their sentences in Kigali, reports Hirondelle Agency.
The spokesperson for the Tribunal, Roland Amoussouga, told a press Conference Friday that the United Nations will be represented during the signing ceremony by the Registrar of the ICTR, Senegalese Adama Dieng.
The UN Court already has a similar agreement with six other countries--Mali, Benin, Swaziland, France, Italy and Sweden.
Six convicts, including the former Prime Minister during the 1994 genocide, Jean Kambanda, are held in a Malian prison whereas the Italian-Belgian journalist, George Ruggiu, the only non-Rwandan to be prosecuted by ICTR, was transferred on Thursday to Italy.
The preparations for the Kigali agreement started in September 2004.
The ICTR detention center in Arusha, Tanzania, currently holds 18 convicted persons, who are waiting for host countries. Among them is Vincent Rutaganira, former Counsellor, who will be released from prison on Sunday morning.
ICTR CHIEF OF PROSECUTIONS ELECTED AS ICC REGISTRAR.
Hirondelle News Agency
29 February 2008
The judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Friday elected Italian Silvana Arbia, 54, as Registrar for five-year-term during their plenary assembly from 25 to 29
February in Hague ,The Netherlands, reports Hirondelle Agency.
Arbia, chief of prosecutions of the Arusha-based International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) was part of ten candidates for the post.
The judges, on the other hand, have deferred the election of the assistant Registrar of the Court until further notice.
Among candidates for the post included the current Registrar of the International Criminal ICTR, Senegalese Adama Dieng, and the Deputy Registrar of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY), Australian John Hocking.
It was immediately not known when Arbia will take up her new assignment. The current registrar, French magistrate Bruno Cathala, will leave his functions on 9 April, a few months before the effective end of his
mandate, planned for June.
Cathala set up the International Criminal Court in autumn of 2002, after having left ICTY where he had notably set up the creation of an association of defence counsels.
Recipient of a Master’s degree in law, acquired in 1976 from the University of Padua, in Italy, Arbia practiced as a lawyer then as a magistrate in various courts.
She initially was a prosecutor and judge in Venice, then in Rome and Milan. There, she chaired the first criminal chamber of the Court of Appeal and in particular dealt with cases of organized crime (Mafia) and
sexual assault.
Before joining the ICTR, she had been for several months a judge at the Supreme Court and the Final Court of Appeal of Italy.
Member of the Italian delegation during the diplomatic negotiations of 1998, bearing on the drafting of the Treaty of Rome, the founding authority of the permanent court.
The Italian magistrate had joined the ICTR as first substitute to the prosecutor on 14 May 1999, and directed the prosecution in various trials, including the largest and longest trial known as “Butare”.
She was promoted to the position of chief of prosecution in June 2007 by Prosecutor to replace American Stephen Rapp, who joined the Sierra Leone Tribunal as Prosecutor.
29 February 2008
The judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Friday elected Italian Silvana Arbia, 54, as Registrar for five-year-term during their plenary assembly from 25 to 29
February in Hague ,The Netherlands, reports Hirondelle Agency.
Arbia, chief of prosecutions of the Arusha-based International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) was part of ten candidates for the post.
The judges, on the other hand, have deferred the election of the assistant Registrar of the Court until further notice.
Among candidates for the post included the current Registrar of the International Criminal ICTR, Senegalese Adama Dieng, and the Deputy Registrar of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia
(ICTY), Australian John Hocking.
It was immediately not known when Arbia will take up her new assignment. The current registrar, French magistrate Bruno Cathala, will leave his functions on 9 April, a few months before the effective end of his
mandate, planned for June.
Cathala set up the International Criminal Court in autumn of 2002, after having left ICTY where he had notably set up the creation of an association of defence counsels.
Recipient of a Master’s degree in law, acquired in 1976 from the University of Padua, in Italy, Arbia practiced as a lawyer then as a magistrate in various courts.
She initially was a prosecutor and judge in Venice, then in Rome and Milan. There, she chaired the first criminal chamber of the Court of Appeal and in particular dealt with cases of organized crime (Mafia) and
sexual assault.
Before joining the ICTR, she had been for several months a judge at the Supreme Court and the Final Court of Appeal of Italy.
Member of the Italian delegation during the diplomatic negotiations of 1998, bearing on the drafting of the Treaty of Rome, the founding authority of the permanent court.
The Italian magistrate had joined the ICTR as first substitute to the prosecutor on 14 May 1999, and directed the prosecution in various trials, including the largest and longest trial known as “Butare”.
She was promoted to the position of chief of prosecution in June 2007 by Prosecutor to replace American Stephen Rapp, who joined the Sierra Leone Tribunal as Prosecutor.
02 March, 2008
UN Envoy Visits Somaliland.
Somaliland Times
1 March 2008
Issue 319
Ahmedou Wald Abdalla, the United Nations special envoy for Somalia praised Somaliland for its achievements in having established a political order and institutions founded on democratic principles, including the restoration and maintenance of peace and tranquility in a troubled region.
Mr. Abdalla who arrived in the Somaliland capital Hargeysa on Thursday said that he came to congratulate the government and people of Somaliland on their hard won achievements.
During his short trip to Somaliland, the UN envoy met with senior government officials and leaders of the opposition parties.
It was his first visit to Somaliland since being assigned as the special envoy of the UN secretary-general for Somalia.
1 March 2008
Issue 319
Ahmedou Wald Abdalla, the United Nations special envoy for Somalia praised Somaliland for its achievements in having established a political order and institutions founded on democratic principles, including the restoration and maintenance of peace and tranquility in a troubled region.
Mr. Abdalla who arrived in the Somaliland capital Hargeysa on Thursday said that he came to congratulate the government and people of Somaliland on their hard won achievements.
During his short trip to Somaliland, the UN envoy met with senior government officials and leaders of the opposition parties.
It was his first visit to Somaliland since being assigned as the special envoy of the UN secretary-general for Somalia.
Somaliland and Ethiopian military cooperation.
Somaliland Times
1 March 2008
Issue 319
A high level Ethiopian military delegation arrived in Somaliland on Monday, Feb.25, and held talks with Somaliland’s military officials. The talks focused on cooperation between the two countries in a variety of areas, particularly in preventing and combating extremist groups from infiltrating their borders. Local observers have described the meetings between Somaliland military officials and their Ethiopian counterparts as productive.
Somaliland and Ethiopia have maintained good relations for a number of years. The visit of the Ethiopian delegation comes on the heels of visits by American, French and Egyptian officials to Hargeisa, and amid signs of a growing list of countries that are either upgrading their relations with Somaliland or want to establish links with Somaliland.
1 March 2008
Issue 319
A high level Ethiopian military delegation arrived in Somaliland on Monday, Feb.25, and held talks with Somaliland’s military officials. The talks focused on cooperation between the two countries in a variety of areas, particularly in preventing and combating extremist groups from infiltrating their borders. Local observers have described the meetings between Somaliland military officials and their Ethiopian counterparts as productive.
Somaliland and Ethiopia have maintained good relations for a number of years. The visit of the Ethiopian delegation comes on the heels of visits by American, French and Egyptian officials to Hargeisa, and amid signs of a growing list of countries that are either upgrading their relations with Somaliland or want to establish links with Somaliland.
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