MISNA
18 April 2008
The Mungiki sect called off mass protests that since Monday sparked violence and unrest in various areas of the country leaving some twenty dead and leading to the arrest of around a hundred. “We have officially called off the protest because Hon. Raila Odinga asked us to. We have waited 20 years for Raila to become Prime Minister, as in the prophecy of Maina Njenga (currently detained leader of the sect)”.
The announcement comes just hours after an appeal by the new Prime Minister Raila Odinga: “We want our Mungiki brothers to come out and talk to us to end the killings. We will go an extra mile to ensure there is peace in this great country of ours. We do not want to see Kenyans killing each other”, Odinga said in Swahili. “We feel proud that the man we voted for has been officially sworn in and that he has, in his first speech, called for dialogue”, responded the sect spokesman Gitau Njuguna, however demanding the immediate dismantling of the Cobra Squad which, he claimed, had been executing Mungiki followers. Odinga’s call to the Mungiki – which overturns the firm policy of Kenyan President Emilio Mwai Kibaki to not negotiate with criminals – was made at the swearing ceremony of the new coalition government, which emerged from a power-sharing deal between the majority and opposition ending post-election violence across the nation that between December and February left at least 1,500 dead and displaced over 300,000. The protests of the Mungiki erupted on Monday after the discovery of the body of Virginia Nyako, wife of Maina Njenga, killed with her driver in still unclear circumstances.
18 April, 2008
BUJUMBURA: COORDINATED ATTACK ON ARMY, TOLL UNCERTAIN.
MISNA
18 April 2008
Residents of Bujumbura woke up last night to the sound of mortar bombs and gunfire in a coordinated attack launched against army positions in various areas of the city attributed to the rebels of the Forces for National Liberation (FNL), the active last armed group. A MISNA source on the scene referred that according to a private local radio, the death toll is of six government troops, including an officer, and around ten rebels. Army spokespersons quoted by the international press indicate four soldiers dead. “The FNL fired mortar bombs in the capital for over three hours and simultaneously attacked military positions in the outskirts of the Gikoto and Gasenyi (north) neighbourhoods, Mutanga south, Gishngano and Gasenyi (east) and Musaga and Kanyosha (south”, said an army spokesman. Burundian Presdient Nkurunziza yesterday opened the first ‘National forum for the consolidation of peace’ amid growing political tension between the majority and opposition. The FNL have not claimed responsibility for the attack.
18 April 2008
Residents of Bujumbura woke up last night to the sound of mortar bombs and gunfire in a coordinated attack launched against army positions in various areas of the city attributed to the rebels of the Forces for National Liberation (FNL), the active last armed group. A MISNA source on the scene referred that according to a private local radio, the death toll is of six government troops, including an officer, and around ten rebels. Army spokespersons quoted by the international press indicate four soldiers dead. “The FNL fired mortar bombs in the capital for over three hours and simultaneously attacked military positions in the outskirts of the Gikoto and Gasenyi (north) neighbourhoods, Mutanga south, Gishngano and Gasenyi (east) and Musaga and Kanyosha (south”, said an army spokesman. Burundian Presdient Nkurunziza yesterday opened the first ‘National forum for the consolidation of peace’ amid growing political tension between the majority and opposition. The FNL have not claimed responsibility for the attack.
17 April, 2008
PRIME MINISTER AND NEW GOVERNMENT TOOK OFFICE.
MISNA
17 April 2008
Raila Odinga was sworn in as Prime Minister in a ceremony this morning at the State House of Nairobi presided by President Mwai Kibaki. Odinga becomes the second prime minister in Kenya’s history, a post briefly held by the ‘founding father’ Jomo Kenyatta before being named at the head of the presidential Republic. After Odinga, the 41-member coalition government was sworn into office, marking an end to a long political deadlock and post-election crisis. Next in line for the swearing in were Odinga’s two deputies, Uhuru Kenyatta and Musalia Mudavadi, who in addition to being deputy premiers are also respectively Trade and Local Government ministers.
17 April 2008
Raila Odinga was sworn in as Prime Minister in a ceremony this morning at the State House of Nairobi presided by President Mwai Kibaki. Odinga becomes the second prime minister in Kenya’s history, a post briefly held by the ‘founding father’ Jomo Kenyatta before being named at the head of the presidential Republic. After Odinga, the 41-member coalition government was sworn into office, marking an end to a long political deadlock and post-election crisis. Next in line for the swearing in were Odinga’s two deputies, Uhuru Kenyatta and Musalia Mudavadi, who in addition to being deputy premiers are also respectively Trade and Local Government ministers.
PRESIDENTIAL VOTE: ‘MYSTERY’ ON TRIP ABROAD OF CANDIDATE.
MISNA
April 17 08
Three days ahead of Sunday’s presidential election in Paraguay, “is Lino Oviedo going or not to the United States?” questions Asuncion’s ABC newspaper, in relaunching a question that has been circulating for hours in Paraguayan political circles amid confirmations, retractions and clarifications. José López Chávez, lawyer of the former putschist general running with the Union of Ethical Citizens (UNACE), yesterday evening said that Oviedo will depart tonight for Washington after receiving “a very important invitation for his political aspirations”; López added that Oviedo would return to Paraguay on Saturday, without however specifying who the invitation was from and the motive of the trip. The ‘Ultima Hora’ newspaper instead quotes the head of the UNACE press office, César Duran, who said that Oviedo “will go to an important country, though not the US as instead reported by some media” and that today he would participate, as foreseen, in the last TV debate between the presidential candidates on the ‘Telefuturo’ network. According to the ‘Notimex’ news agency, “he will probably go to Sao Paulo and then to Brasilia, where he has many friends in position of power”.
Oviedo spent some years in Brazil to escape charges in his country of crimes committed in 1999 during the so-called ‘March of bloodshed’ that led to the fall of president Raul Cubas Grau; Oviedo also founded the UNACE in Brazil. Also the motives of his trip remain unknown: according to ‘La Nación’, Oviedo – who based on survey’s is third after the former bishop Fernando Lugo and the ruling Colorado Party candidate Blanca Ovelar – “will attempt to create a political ring to divert votes in his favour toward Ovelar”; some press sources suggested an alleged illness is forcing Oviedo to travel abroad, others that Oviedo will leave the nation to avoid being accused of organising unrest in occasion of the vote. A vote that for the first time in 61 years sees in the lead an opposition candidate, Lugo, former bishop of the poor diocese of San Pedro.
April 17 08
Three days ahead of Sunday’s presidential election in Paraguay, “is Lino Oviedo going or not to the United States?” questions Asuncion’s ABC newspaper, in relaunching a question that has been circulating for hours in Paraguayan political circles amid confirmations, retractions and clarifications. José López Chávez, lawyer of the former putschist general running with the Union of Ethical Citizens (UNACE), yesterday evening said that Oviedo will depart tonight for Washington after receiving “a very important invitation for his political aspirations”; López added that Oviedo would return to Paraguay on Saturday, without however specifying who the invitation was from and the motive of the trip. The ‘Ultima Hora’ newspaper instead quotes the head of the UNACE press office, César Duran, who said that Oviedo “will go to an important country, though not the US as instead reported by some media” and that today he would participate, as foreseen, in the last TV debate between the presidential candidates on the ‘Telefuturo’ network. According to the ‘Notimex’ news agency, “he will probably go to Sao Paulo and then to Brasilia, where he has many friends in position of power”.
Oviedo spent some years in Brazil to escape charges in his country of crimes committed in 1999 during the so-called ‘March of bloodshed’ that led to the fall of president Raul Cubas Grau; Oviedo also founded the UNACE in Brazil. Also the motives of his trip remain unknown: according to ‘La Nación’, Oviedo – who based on survey’s is third after the former bishop Fernando Lugo and the ruling Colorado Party candidate Blanca Ovelar – “will attempt to create a political ring to divert votes in his favour toward Ovelar”; some press sources suggested an alleged illness is forcing Oviedo to travel abroad, others that Oviedo will leave the nation to avoid being accused of organising unrest in occasion of the vote. A vote that for the first time in 61 years sees in the lead an opposition candidate, Lugo, former bishop of the poor diocese of San Pedro.
Equatorial Guinea opposition politician dies in police custody.
Reuters
17 April 2008
Equatorial Guinea has arrested and tortured several opposition politicians, one of whom died in police custody, after the authorities said they discovered a weapons cache, Amnesty International said on Wednesday.
The London-based watchdog said it was concerned a deteriorating human rights situation in the tiny, oil-rich West African nation could overshadow parliamentary and municipal elections scheduled for May 4.
Amnesty said Saturnino Ncogo Mbomio, a member of the banned opposition Progress Party of Equatorial Guinea (PPGE), died in police custody the night of March 12 to 13.
Police said Mbomio suffered a fractured skull after falling from his bed in the notoriously rough Black Beach prison in the island capital of the former Spanish colony.
The authorities said Mbomio was arrested after the discovery of three guns and bullets in the boot of a car being exported from Spain. They said the cache was to be used in a coup planned by PPGE leader Severo Moto who lives in exile there.
A Spanish judge on Wednesday told Moto he must stay in jail pending trial on arms trafficking charges.
Amnesty said it had information Mbomio had been so severely tortured he could not stand during a search of his home, where police said they also discovered three assault rifles, a sniper rifle and a gun with a silencer buried under floorboards.
Moto was arrested by Spanish authorities on Monday. He has also been linked to a failed 2004 coup by British mercenary Simon Mann, who is currently in Black Beach prison and expected to stand trial in May.
"We have had no complaint so far about the treatment of Simon Mann," said Amnesty researcher Narise Castro. "Conditions in Black Beach prison have improved enormously in recent months."
Seven other people believed to be past or present members of the PPGE have also been arrested. Four of them are still being held without charges and Amnesty said it had received information that at least one of them had been tortured.
The watchdog called on Equatorial Guinea to conduct an immediate investigation into Mbomio's death in compliance with international standards and release those held in custody unless they were charged with a crime.
Amnesty said it knew of at least three cases of torture that resulted in death last year, but that only one police official had been convicted, to six months in prison. It called on the government in Malabo to end torture.
17 April 2008
Equatorial Guinea has arrested and tortured several opposition politicians, one of whom died in police custody, after the authorities said they discovered a weapons cache, Amnesty International said on Wednesday.
The London-based watchdog said it was concerned a deteriorating human rights situation in the tiny, oil-rich West African nation could overshadow parliamentary and municipal elections scheduled for May 4.
Amnesty said Saturnino Ncogo Mbomio, a member of the banned opposition Progress Party of Equatorial Guinea (PPGE), died in police custody the night of March 12 to 13.
Police said Mbomio suffered a fractured skull after falling from his bed in the notoriously rough Black Beach prison in the island capital of the former Spanish colony.
The authorities said Mbomio was arrested after the discovery of three guns and bullets in the boot of a car being exported from Spain. They said the cache was to be used in a coup planned by PPGE leader Severo Moto who lives in exile there.
A Spanish judge on Wednesday told Moto he must stay in jail pending trial on arms trafficking charges.
Amnesty said it had information Mbomio had been so severely tortured he could not stand during a search of his home, where police said they also discovered three assault rifles, a sniper rifle and a gun with a silencer buried under floorboards.
Moto was arrested by Spanish authorities on Monday. He has also been linked to a failed 2004 coup by British mercenary Simon Mann, who is currently in Black Beach prison and expected to stand trial in May.
"We have had no complaint so far about the treatment of Simon Mann," said Amnesty researcher Narise Castro. "Conditions in Black Beach prison have improved enormously in recent months."
Seven other people believed to be past or present members of the PPGE have also been arrested. Four of them are still being held without charges and Amnesty said it had received information that at least one of them had been tortured.
The watchdog called on Equatorial Guinea to conduct an immediate investigation into Mbomio's death in compliance with international standards and release those held in custody unless they were charged with a crime.
Amnesty said it knew of at least three cases of torture that resulted in death last year, but that only one police official had been convicted, to six months in prison. It called on the government in Malabo to end torture.
Iraq to Open Oil-Field Bidding.
Washington Post
By Jonathan Stearns and Glen Carey
via Bloomberg News
Thursday, April 17, 2008; D06
Iraq will open at least six major oil and natural-gas fields for exploration and production in the first bidding for licenses since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.
Iraq, which pre-qualified international oil companies this week for the bidding, will open the southern fields of Rumaila North, Rumaila South, West Qurna and Zubair for exploration, Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani said in an interview in Brussels yesterday. In the north, international oil companies will be invited to develop the Kirkuk oil field and the Akkaz gas field.
"At least six giant fields will be included, including some gas fields," Shahristani said. "There will be other bid rounds next year, and more companies will be qualified as we go along."
Iraq aims to nearly double oil production to 4 million barrels a day in the coming years with the help of international companies, many of which have refused to invest in the country because of a lack of security and the lack of a federal energy law. No legislation has been passed because of disagreements over revenue sharing and oil-field development.
Iraq pre-qualified 35 of 120 U.S., European and Asian companies that submitted documents between Jan. 9 and Feb. 18 to participate in the licensing round, Oil Ministry spokesman Asim Jihad said Monday.
Exxon Mobil, the world's largest oil company, and Europe's two biggest, Royal Dutch Shell and BP, were among the 35, as were ConocoPhillips, Chevron and Total. Others included Russia's Gazprom, the world's largest natural-gas producer, and Lukoil, the Russian oil producer with the most overseas assets. Mitsubishi and Inpex Holding of Japan and China's Sinochem were also accepted.
The southern oil fields up for exploration have a production capacity of 1.71 million barrels a day and as much as 43 billion barrels in estimated reserves, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Kirkuk has a production capacity of 250,000 barrels a day and reserves of 10 billion barrels.
Iraq produced 2.38 million barrels of oil a day in March, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The nation has an estimated 115 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, behind only Saudi Arabia and Iran, according to BP figures.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, who is visiting Brussels, told the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee that the government is close to completing an agreement on an oil and gas law.
This would help with the country's economic development, Maliki said without providing more information. He also called for more cooperation on energy with Europe.
By Jonathan Stearns and Glen Carey
via Bloomberg News
Thursday, April 17, 2008; D06
Iraq will open at least six major oil and natural-gas fields for exploration and production in the first bidding for licenses since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.
Iraq, which pre-qualified international oil companies this week for the bidding, will open the southern fields of Rumaila North, Rumaila South, West Qurna and Zubair for exploration, Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani said in an interview in Brussels yesterday. In the north, international oil companies will be invited to develop the Kirkuk oil field and the Akkaz gas field.
"At least six giant fields will be included, including some gas fields," Shahristani said. "There will be other bid rounds next year, and more companies will be qualified as we go along."
Iraq aims to nearly double oil production to 4 million barrels a day in the coming years with the help of international companies, many of which have refused to invest in the country because of a lack of security and the lack of a federal energy law. No legislation has been passed because of disagreements over revenue sharing and oil-field development.
Iraq pre-qualified 35 of 120 U.S., European and Asian companies that submitted documents between Jan. 9 and Feb. 18 to participate in the licensing round, Oil Ministry spokesman Asim Jihad said Monday.
Exxon Mobil, the world's largest oil company, and Europe's two biggest, Royal Dutch Shell and BP, were among the 35, as were ConocoPhillips, Chevron and Total. Others included Russia's Gazprom, the world's largest natural-gas producer, and Lukoil, the Russian oil producer with the most overseas assets. Mitsubishi and Inpex Holding of Japan and China's Sinochem were also accepted.
The southern oil fields up for exploration have a production capacity of 1.71 million barrels a day and as much as 43 billion barrels in estimated reserves, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Kirkuk has a production capacity of 250,000 barrels a day and reserves of 10 billion barrels.
Iraq produced 2.38 million barrels of oil a day in March, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The nation has an estimated 115 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, behind only Saudi Arabia and Iran, according to BP figures.
Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, who is visiting Brussels, told the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee that the government is close to completing an agreement on an oil and gas law.
This would help with the country's economic development, Maliki said without providing more information. He also called for more cooperation on energy with Europe.
U.S. to Train Nigerian Navy On High Speed Vessels.
Vanguard
17 April 2008
The vessels are to be fitted with communication and radar equipment. Sources said the vessels were being ordered to meet the challenging needs of the menace of Niger Delta militancy as well as provide adequate security for the oil rich Gulf of Guinea.
Already, the Chief of Naval Staff, (CNS) Vice Admiral Ganiu Adekeye left the country weekend for Singapore, Malaysia and Australia to inspect the extent of works on some platforms and armoured-built helicopters being manufactured for the Nigerian Navy. The Flag Officer (FOC) commanding Western Naval command, Real Admiral Ishaya Ibrahim who received the US Navy entourage yesterday at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft Apapa, described the gesture as timely.
He stressed that the US had always been of immense assistance to Nigeria adding that the three day training could not have come at a better time. He assured that "the national maritime environment would now be better secured after the training and delivery of the expected vessels".
Continuing, the naval boss said, "you know how much we have gone through in providing security for the gulf of guinea particularly in our own area and you know the resources of the gulf of guinea attracts a lot of international concern. More so, personnel of most countries especially those of our white brothers you know have at various instance been abducted in Niger Delta; these equipment are to enhance our capacity to cope with the demanded security and protection of these activities in our waters."
Reacting, the leader of the entourage who doubles as the commanding officer African Partnership Station (APS) Captain Nowell said no one country can tackle her maritime security alone saying, "no one country can try to tackle its maritime problems alone; so we think it is a global maritime partnership and we are prepared to work togther and that is why are proud to be here working in partnership with Nigeria.
The Africa Partnership Station is a collective effort designed to help the increase in maritime safety and security."
17 April 2008
The vessels are to be fitted with communication and radar equipment. Sources said the vessels were being ordered to meet the challenging needs of the menace of Niger Delta militancy as well as provide adequate security for the oil rich Gulf of Guinea.
Already, the Chief of Naval Staff, (CNS) Vice Admiral Ganiu Adekeye left the country weekend for Singapore, Malaysia and Australia to inspect the extent of works on some platforms and armoured-built helicopters being manufactured for the Nigerian Navy. The Flag Officer (FOC) commanding Western Naval command, Real Admiral Ishaya Ibrahim who received the US Navy entourage yesterday at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft Apapa, described the gesture as timely.
He stressed that the US had always been of immense assistance to Nigeria adding that the three day training could not have come at a better time. He assured that "the national maritime environment would now be better secured after the training and delivery of the expected vessels".
Continuing, the naval boss said, "you know how much we have gone through in providing security for the gulf of guinea particularly in our own area and you know the resources of the gulf of guinea attracts a lot of international concern. More so, personnel of most countries especially those of our white brothers you know have at various instance been abducted in Niger Delta; these equipment are to enhance our capacity to cope with the demanded security and protection of these activities in our waters."
Reacting, the leader of the entourage who doubles as the commanding officer African Partnership Station (APS) Captain Nowell said no one country can tackle her maritime security alone saying, "no one country can try to tackle its maritime problems alone; so we think it is a global maritime partnership and we are prepared to work togther and that is why are proud to be here working in partnership with Nigeria.
The Africa Partnership Station is a collective effort designed to help the increase in maritime safety and security."
Senator Clinton on Kosovo.
ontheissues.org
Hillary Clinton on War & Peace
Democratic Jr Senator (NY)
Yugoslav involvement good on both moral & strategic grounds
Hillary Clinton called for the US to reject isolationism and aggressively engage itself in world affairs in the tradition of President Truman at the end of WWII. She cited American involvement in Bosnia and Kosovo as examples of foreign engagements she favored on moral and strategic ground, but also suggested that Americans needed to consider becoming involved in solving crises that are not only military in nature.
Source: Dean Murphy, NY Times Oct 20, 2000
Urged president to bomb Serbians
On March 21, 1999, Hillary expressed her views by phone to the President: “I urged him to bomb.” The Clintons argued the issue over the next few days. [The President expressed] what-ifs: What if bombing promoted more executions? What if it took apart the NATO alliance? Hillary responded, “You cannot let this go on at the end of a century that has seen the major holocaust of our time." The next day the President declared that force was necessary.
Source: Hillary’s Choice by Gail Sheehy, p.345 Dec 9, 1999
Kosovo’s unified message: We will not turn away
I’ve met people who are determined to rebuild Kosovo with a sense of positive energy and not vindictiveness and retribution. This has been possible because our nations-our leaders and our citizens-stood up against evil. Now there are some who I know who would quibble with my use of that word, but I think it fully describes the conflict we have been waging these last few months. The many democracies that came together to wage this battle against Milosevic may have spoken different languages and even held different political views. But they have sent a unified message at the end of this century that says we will not turn away when human beings are cruelly expelled, or when they are denied basic rights and dignities because of how they look or how they worship. When crimes against humanity rear their ugly heads, we have to send such a message as an international community.
Source: Remarks at The Sorbonne, Paris, France Jun 17, 1999
Hillary Clinton on War & Peace
Democratic Jr Senator (NY)
Yugoslav involvement good on both moral & strategic grounds
Hillary Clinton called for the US to reject isolationism and aggressively engage itself in world affairs in the tradition of President Truman at the end of WWII. She cited American involvement in Bosnia and Kosovo as examples of foreign engagements she favored on moral and strategic ground, but also suggested that Americans needed to consider becoming involved in solving crises that are not only military in nature.
Source: Dean Murphy, NY Times Oct 20, 2000
Urged president to bomb Serbians
On March 21, 1999, Hillary expressed her views by phone to the President: “I urged him to bomb.” The Clintons argued the issue over the next few days. [The President expressed] what-ifs: What if bombing promoted more executions? What if it took apart the NATO alliance? Hillary responded, “You cannot let this go on at the end of a century that has seen the major holocaust of our time." The next day the President declared that force was necessary.
Source: Hillary’s Choice by Gail Sheehy, p.345 Dec 9, 1999
Kosovo’s unified message: We will not turn away
I’ve met people who are determined to rebuild Kosovo with a sense of positive energy and not vindictiveness and retribution. This has been possible because our nations-our leaders and our citizens-stood up against evil. Now there are some who I know who would quibble with my use of that word, but I think it fully describes the conflict we have been waging these last few months. The many democracies that came together to wage this battle against Milosevic may have spoken different languages and even held different political views. But they have sent a unified message at the end of this century that says we will not turn away when human beings are cruelly expelled, or when they are denied basic rights and dignities because of how they look or how they worship. When crimes against humanity rear their ugly heads, we have to send such a message as an international community.
Source: Remarks at The Sorbonne, Paris, France Jun 17, 1999
Ex-Rwandan Envoy to Switzerland Defends Genocide Accused Minister.
Hirondelle News Agency
16 April 2008
The former Rwandan Ambassador to Switzerland, Augustin Karamage claimed before the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) Tuesday that the feed back he was getting from the Rwandan authorities during the 1994 genocide was that the government was powerless to stop violence across the country.
The diplomat was testifying in defense of the former Rwandan Minister of Civil Service, Prosper Mugiraneza. The three other ministers are: Jerome Bicamumpaka, former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Casimir Bizimungu, ex-Minister for Health and Justin Mugenzi., former Minister for Commerce.
They all have pleaded not guilty.
The envoy told the court that even the then Interim President Theodore Sindikubwabo while on a stopover in Switzerland in May 1994, informed of the similar situation of rapid deterioration and that the government was not in a position to control the escalation of killings, mostly of civilians .
Led by Mugiraneza's American lead Council, Tom Moram, the diplomat said he was surprised to learn that a month after the tragic death of former Rwandan President, Juvenal Habyarimana on April 6, 1994 the government did not make any headway to contain the spontaneous killings.
The former ministers who also gave the envoy same impression of deterioration are Bicamumpaka (foreign) and Bizimungu (health).
Ambassador Karamage recalled that sometimes later the accused Mugiraneza had asked to facilitate his exit from the country as the authorities suspected him as being a Tutsi, who were labeled as accomplices of the former Rwandese Patriotic Front (RPF) rebels fighting against the government forces.
"I could not manage to assist him as i did not have the means to do so,"' he informed the trial chamber, presided by Judge Khalida Khan from Pakistan.
However, the Ambassador said he continued his contacts with Mugiraneza, who was his childhood friend and college mate at the National University of Rwanda, until the former minister's arrest in Cameroon, where he was living after fleeing Rwanda.
Ambassador Karamage, who is the 28 defense witness for Mugiraneza, stopped his diplomatic assignment in late July, 1994 and has since acquired a Swiss citizenship. The case which started in November 2003 continued Wednesday. It resumed on Monday after an Easter recess adjournment on March 20, this year.
16 April 2008
The former Rwandan Ambassador to Switzerland, Augustin Karamage claimed before the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) Tuesday that the feed back he was getting from the Rwandan authorities during the 1994 genocide was that the government was powerless to stop violence across the country.
The diplomat was testifying in defense of the former Rwandan Minister of Civil Service, Prosper Mugiraneza. The three other ministers are: Jerome Bicamumpaka, former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Casimir Bizimungu, ex-Minister for Health and Justin Mugenzi., former Minister for Commerce.
They all have pleaded not guilty.
The envoy told the court that even the then Interim President Theodore Sindikubwabo while on a stopover in Switzerland in May 1994, informed of the similar situation of rapid deterioration and that the government was not in a position to control the escalation of killings, mostly of civilians .
Led by Mugiraneza's American lead Council, Tom Moram, the diplomat said he was surprised to learn that a month after the tragic death of former Rwandan President, Juvenal Habyarimana on April 6, 1994 the government did not make any headway to contain the spontaneous killings.
The former ministers who also gave the envoy same impression of deterioration are Bicamumpaka (foreign) and Bizimungu (health).
Ambassador Karamage recalled that sometimes later the accused Mugiraneza had asked to facilitate his exit from the country as the authorities suspected him as being a Tutsi, who were labeled as accomplices of the former Rwandese Patriotic Front (RPF) rebels fighting against the government forces.
"I could not manage to assist him as i did not have the means to do so,"' he informed the trial chamber, presided by Judge Khalida Khan from Pakistan.
However, the Ambassador said he continued his contacts with Mugiraneza, who was his childhood friend and college mate at the National University of Rwanda, until the former minister's arrest in Cameroon, where he was living after fleeing Rwanda.
Ambassador Karamage, who is the 28 defense witness for Mugiraneza, stopped his diplomatic assignment in late July, 1994 and has since acquired a Swiss citizenship. The case which started in November 2003 continued Wednesday. It resumed on Monday after an Easter recess adjournment on March 20, this year.
President Deby Names New PM
African Press Agency
16 April 2008
Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno on Wednesday, named one of his advisors, Youssouf Saleh Abbas, a former exiled opposition leader as Premier Minister to replace Nouradine Delwa Kassire Coumakoye.
The new Premier, who is a former rebel leader, joined President Deby’s ruling party in 2006 and was his diplomatic advisor.
Youssouf Saleh Abbas was also President Deby’s special representative to the UN Mission in Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT) and to the European peacekeeping force (EUFOR).
He origins from Ouaddaï (east) where the rebel movements operate against Deby’s regime.
His predecessor, Nouradine Delwa Kassire Coumakoye was named Premier on 27 February 2007 and had held the post from November 1993 to April 1995.
16 April 2008
Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno on Wednesday, named one of his advisors, Youssouf Saleh Abbas, a former exiled opposition leader as Premier Minister to replace Nouradine Delwa Kassire Coumakoye.
The new Premier, who is a former rebel leader, joined President Deby’s ruling party in 2006 and was his diplomatic advisor.
Youssouf Saleh Abbas was also President Deby’s special representative to the UN Mission in Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT) and to the European peacekeeping force (EUFOR).
He origins from Ouaddaï (east) where the rebel movements operate against Deby’s regime.
His predecessor, Nouradine Delwa Kassire Coumakoye was named Premier on 27 February 2007 and had held the post from November 1993 to April 1995.
ICTR ACCUSED SUSPECT WANTS PUBLIC HEARING OVER PROSECUTOR’S MOTION TO TRANSFER HIM TO RWANDA.
Hirondelle News Agency
15 April 2008
The former Mayor of Murambi commune, eastern Rwanda, Jean-Baptist Gatete, held by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) has asked for a public hearing on the motion of Prosecutor to transfer him to Kigali, reports Hirondelle Agency.
The transfer motion was filed on 27 November 2007.
"The importance of the motion is such that the parties should have the opportunity of exchanging directly with the judges in order to make sure that each argument is well defended, explained and understood", according to Richard Dube, the accused’ s lawyer. He added: "A public hearing will demonstrate that justice was rendered at the end of a fair process.”
According to Article 74 A of the ICTR Rules of Procedure and Evidence, the Chamber can render a decision on the motion on only the basis of the briefs filed by the parties, unless it was decided to hear the motion in a public.
A landmark public hearing on a transfer request to Rwanda is scheduled for 24 April in the case of Yussuf Munyakazi, a former businessman.
"Jean-Baptist Gatete should be able to benefit from the same right to be heard", supports Dube, in his application filed last week at the ICTR Registry.
In addition to Gatete and Munyakazi, three other ICTR defendants are the subject of transfer requests to Rwandan courts.
The two other detainees lined up for transfer to Kigali are: Lieutenant Ildephonse Hategekimana, ex-Commander of Ngoma Camp and former businessman Gaspard Kanyarukiga. The former inspector of the judicial police in Kivumu commune, Fulgence Kayishema, is still at large.
15 April 2008
The former Mayor of Murambi commune, eastern Rwanda, Jean-Baptist Gatete, held by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) has asked for a public hearing on the motion of Prosecutor to transfer him to Kigali, reports Hirondelle Agency.
The transfer motion was filed on 27 November 2007.
"The importance of the motion is such that the parties should have the opportunity of exchanging directly with the judges in order to make sure that each argument is well defended, explained and understood", according to Richard Dube, the accused’ s lawyer. He added: "A public hearing will demonstrate that justice was rendered at the end of a fair process.”
According to Article 74 A of the ICTR Rules of Procedure and Evidence, the Chamber can render a decision on the motion on only the basis of the briefs filed by the parties, unless it was decided to hear the motion in a public.
A landmark public hearing on a transfer request to Rwanda is scheduled for 24 April in the case of Yussuf Munyakazi, a former businessman.
"Jean-Baptist Gatete should be able to benefit from the same right to be heard", supports Dube, in his application filed last week at the ICTR Registry.
In addition to Gatete and Munyakazi, three other ICTR defendants are the subject of transfer requests to Rwandan courts.
The two other detainees lined up for transfer to Kigali are: Lieutenant Ildephonse Hategekimana, ex-Commander of Ngoma Camp and former businessman Gaspard Kanyarukiga. The former inspector of the judicial police in Kivumu commune, Fulgence Kayishema, is still at large.
2nd party quits Ethiopia polls.
News 24
16 April 2008
Another opposition party announced on Wednesday it will boycott Ethiopia's second round of local elections because of rigging and intimidation, further damaging the democratic credentials of the key US ally.
Bulcha Demeksa, head of the Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement, said observers were banned from polling stations, voters threatened by ruling party officials and canvas ballot bags stuffed with ballots during the first round of elections April 13.
Those problems led the party, which claims to represent Ethiopia's largest ethnic group, to withdraw from the second round of elections April 20.
Merga Bekana, chairperson of the national election board, dismissed the allegations of rigging and said he was unaware of the boycott until journalists informed him.
Intimidated into withdrawing
He described the boycott as "illegal...unhealthy and wrong" and said the board was considering what action to take against the party, but ruled out jail sentences.
After the 2005 elections, more than 100 elected opposition politicians were jailed for refusing to take their seats and making allegations of rigging. The government accused them of hate speech. Many were in prison for nearly two years.
Bulcha previously told The Associated Press that 3 000 of his party's candidates had been intimidated into withdrawing their candidacies, echoing criticisms of state harassment made by the international rights group Human Rights Watch before the polls.
He also disputed the National Electoral Board's estimate of 90% voter turnout, saying he believed it to be less than 50%. Ethiopia has about 26 million registered voters.
"We thought some halfway decent election would be carried out," he said. "We didn't think the (ruling party) would go that far."
Bulcha said none of the candidates who ran during the first round won their seats.
Single-party rule
Last week, the United Ethiopian Democratic Forces, the nation's largest opposition group, also pulled its 6 000 candidates out of the election, claiming that some 14 000 of its candidates had been forced to drop out.
Before the boycotts, some 4.5 million candidates had registered for 4 million open seats, at every level from neighbourhood council to parliament. Of those candidates, nearly 4 million represented the ruling party, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front.
Opposition leaders say they are worried that the ruling party, which holds a vast majority in parliament and in local constituencies around the country, will come to dominate.
"I believe so very strongly we are heading for single-party rule in Ethiopia," Bulcha said.
16 April 2008
Another opposition party announced on Wednesday it will boycott Ethiopia's second round of local elections because of rigging and intimidation, further damaging the democratic credentials of the key US ally.
Bulcha Demeksa, head of the Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement, said observers were banned from polling stations, voters threatened by ruling party officials and canvas ballot bags stuffed with ballots during the first round of elections April 13.
Those problems led the party, which claims to represent Ethiopia's largest ethnic group, to withdraw from the second round of elections April 20.
Merga Bekana, chairperson of the national election board, dismissed the allegations of rigging and said he was unaware of the boycott until journalists informed him.
Intimidated into withdrawing
He described the boycott as "illegal...unhealthy and wrong" and said the board was considering what action to take against the party, but ruled out jail sentences.
After the 2005 elections, more than 100 elected opposition politicians were jailed for refusing to take their seats and making allegations of rigging. The government accused them of hate speech. Many were in prison for nearly two years.
Bulcha previously told The Associated Press that 3 000 of his party's candidates had been intimidated into withdrawing their candidacies, echoing criticisms of state harassment made by the international rights group Human Rights Watch before the polls.
He also disputed the National Electoral Board's estimate of 90% voter turnout, saying he believed it to be less than 50%. Ethiopia has about 26 million registered voters.
"We thought some halfway decent election would be carried out," he said. "We didn't think the (ruling party) would go that far."
Bulcha said none of the candidates who ran during the first round won their seats.
Single-party rule
Last week, the United Ethiopian Democratic Forces, the nation's largest opposition group, also pulled its 6 000 candidates out of the election, claiming that some 14 000 of its candidates had been forced to drop out.
Before the boycotts, some 4.5 million candidates had registered for 4 million open seats, at every level from neighbourhood council to parliament. Of those candidates, nearly 4 million represented the ruling party, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front.
Opposition leaders say they are worried that the ruling party, which holds a vast majority in parliament and in local constituencies around the country, will come to dominate.
"I believe so very strongly we are heading for single-party rule in Ethiopia," Bulcha said.
16 April, 2008
Liang-Gates Talks: Chinese, U.S. defense chiefs hold first phone conversation.
Xinhua
10 April 2008
Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie and U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates held their first phone conversation on Thursday, the Chinese Defense Ministry said in a news release.
The establishment of the direct phone link between the two sides marks an important step in the two countries' strategic and long-term interests, Liang told his U.S. counterpart.
Liang expressed confidence that the opening of the direct line will improve coordination, mutual trust and relations between the Chinese and U.S. militaries.
On the Taiwan issue, he hoped that the United States will abide by its repeated commitments to adhere to the one-China policy and the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques.
Liang urged the United States to cease arms sales and military links with Taiwan in a bid to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits and the overall interests of the Sino-U.S. relations.
Gates congratulated Liang on his appointment as Defense Minister of China last month. He hailed the opening of the direct line as a good beginning, seeing it as a new opportunity to enhance consultations and cooperation between the two sides.
He expressed satisfaction with the development of relations between the U.S. and Chinese militaries, hoping for further exchanges and cooperation.
Gates reassured Liang that the United States will adhere to the one-China policy.
10 April 2008
Chinese Defense Minister Liang Guanglie and U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates held their first phone conversation on Thursday, the Chinese Defense Ministry said in a news release.
The establishment of the direct phone link between the two sides marks an important step in the two countries' strategic and long-term interests, Liang told his U.S. counterpart.
Liang expressed confidence that the opening of the direct line will improve coordination, mutual trust and relations between the Chinese and U.S. militaries.
On the Taiwan issue, he hoped that the United States will abide by its repeated commitments to adhere to the one-China policy and the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques.
Liang urged the United States to cease arms sales and military links with Taiwan in a bid to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits and the overall interests of the Sino-U.S. relations.
Gates congratulated Liang on his appointment as Defense Minister of China last month. He hailed the opening of the direct line as a good beginning, seeing it as a new opportunity to enhance consultations and cooperation between the two sides.
He expressed satisfaction with the development of relations between the U.S. and Chinese militaries, hoping for further exchanges and cooperation.
Gates reassured Liang that the United States will adhere to the one-China policy.
DRC Plane Crash: Engine Troubles Reported.
AFP
16 April 2008
By Albert Kambale
Editor's Note: World News Journal extends deepest condolances to the family and friends of the victims, as well as all those whose homes and markets were destroyed in the crash. Deepest respect is extended to the valiant efforts of the emergency and rescue crews, both local and international, and the members of the UN and MONUC who are working diligently to comb through the wreckage and put out the fires.
Goma - A plane that crashed into a market in the Democratic Republic of Congo, killing at least 37 people, developed engine trouble after going through water on the runway, aviation sources said on Wednesday.
As rescuers battled to put out the final flames of the DC-9 jet crash in Goma, capital of the eastern province of Nord-Kivu, airport sources said the troubles started as the jet hurtled toward its take-off.
The sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, reported the Hewa Bora Airlines crew as saying the plane developed mechanical problems after going through a puddle on the runway. They said the pilot decided to carry on before suddenly braking and losing control.
The runway at Goma airport was damaged by lava during a 2002 eruption of a nearby volcano. It was in disrepair with broken tarmac all over.
The lava flow had reduced the runway by a third and aviation officials said planes now had to make short takeoffs.
The rescue effort resumed on Wednesday with some 20 members of the national Red Cross gathered at the Birere market with buckets, collecting rainwater from potholes to try and douse the flames.
Stavros Papaioannou of Hewa Bora Airlines said also told of problems as the plane took off. He said the crew had heard an explosion in the rear as the plane built up speed.
"It needed to reach 126 knots to take off," the Hewa Bora chief said. "The pilot braked, but the runway was wet, the aircraft skidded and he lost control."
53 passengers 'had been accounted for'
Papaioannou said there were 79 passengers and six crew on board. He said the crew and 53 passengers had been accounted for.
"We know that there were seven expatriates on board including four Americans, none of whom was killed," he added.
On Wednesday, a middle-aged survivor of the crash, told reporters he heard an explosion before the crash, which he thought could be a burst tyre.
Another survivor, a woman who was also taken to hospital in Goma's Heal Africa health facility, praised the pilot, saying he had opened all the emergency exits just after the crash, thereby saving a lot of lives.
Two wards in the Heal Africa hospital were full of victims with burn injuries and broken limbs. A high-level government delegation was expected in Goma on Wednesday to start a probe ordered by President Jospeh Kabila.
Passenger Desire Buhendwa, a 36-year-old Congolese computer engineer, said: "There were flames coming from the left wing. There was panic in the plane. I ran to the front. Crewmembers opened a door and I jumped. I fell onto the ground and saw the plane continue to move forward, then catch fire."
16 April 2008
By Albert Kambale
Editor's Note: World News Journal extends deepest condolances to the family and friends of the victims, as well as all those whose homes and markets were destroyed in the crash. Deepest respect is extended to the valiant efforts of the emergency and rescue crews, both local and international, and the members of the UN and MONUC who are working diligently to comb through the wreckage and put out the fires.
Goma - A plane that crashed into a market in the Democratic Republic of Congo, killing at least 37 people, developed engine trouble after going through water on the runway, aviation sources said on Wednesday.
As rescuers battled to put out the final flames of the DC-9 jet crash in Goma, capital of the eastern province of Nord-Kivu, airport sources said the troubles started as the jet hurtled toward its take-off.
The sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, reported the Hewa Bora Airlines crew as saying the plane developed mechanical problems after going through a puddle on the runway. They said the pilot decided to carry on before suddenly braking and losing control.
The runway at Goma airport was damaged by lava during a 2002 eruption of a nearby volcano. It was in disrepair with broken tarmac all over.
The lava flow had reduced the runway by a third and aviation officials said planes now had to make short takeoffs.
The rescue effort resumed on Wednesday with some 20 members of the national Red Cross gathered at the Birere market with buckets, collecting rainwater from potholes to try and douse the flames.
Stavros Papaioannou of Hewa Bora Airlines said also told of problems as the plane took off. He said the crew had heard an explosion in the rear as the plane built up speed.
"It needed to reach 126 knots to take off," the Hewa Bora chief said. "The pilot braked, but the runway was wet, the aircraft skidded and he lost control."
53 passengers 'had been accounted for'
Papaioannou said there were 79 passengers and six crew on board. He said the crew and 53 passengers had been accounted for.
"We know that there were seven expatriates on board including four Americans, none of whom was killed," he added.
On Wednesday, a middle-aged survivor of the crash, told reporters he heard an explosion before the crash, which he thought could be a burst tyre.
Another survivor, a woman who was also taken to hospital in Goma's Heal Africa health facility, praised the pilot, saying he had opened all the emergency exits just after the crash, thereby saving a lot of lives.
Two wards in the Heal Africa hospital were full of victims with burn injuries and broken limbs. A high-level government delegation was expected in Goma on Wednesday to start a probe ordered by President Jospeh Kabila.
Passenger Desire Buhendwa, a 36-year-old Congolese computer engineer, said: "There were flames coming from the left wing. There was panic in the plane. I ran to the front. Crewmembers opened a door and I jumped. I fell onto the ground and saw the plane continue to move forward, then catch fire."
JEM and SLA Threaten to Attack Chinese Oil Workers, Want Western Oil Companies in Darfur.
Dow Jones
16 April 2008
By Benoit Faucon
A leader within a powerful rebel faction in Sudan's troubled Darfur region wants major Western oil companies to replace Chinese companies in the country, adding that new attacks were being prepared against them.
Offering better guarantees of oil revenue redistribution and environmental protection, "we would love to have Western companies," replace Chinese ones, Eltahir Abdam Elfaki, chairman of the legislative council of the Justice and Equality Movement, said in a recent interview with Dow Jones Newswires.
"We don't want China. We want to expel them. We have the means" to do so, he added. "We are preparing new attacks."
At risk is some of the half-a-million barrels of crude pumped daily in the troubled northeast African country, of which more than 200,000 barrels are imported by China, making Sudan its fourth-largest provider of crude.
Last year, the Justice and Equality Movement, a powerful military faction fighting Sudan's Arab-dominated regime, attacked oilfields run by the Greater Nile Petroleum Operating Co., or Gnpoc, which is 40%-owned by the China National Petroleum Corp.
Gnpoc and CNPC didn't return a request for comment.
Through Gnpoc and other joint-ventures, CNPC has interests in the southwest province of Kordofan, where the attacks took place.
The head of the political section of China's embassy in Khartoum couldn't be reached on his cell phone.
Authorities in Beijing referred Dow Jones Newswires to recent comments made by at a press conference by China's special representative on Darfur, Liu Guijin.
"I do not think it is wrong to cooperate with Sudan on oil...the recent instability in the southern part and the northern border of Sudan has more or less influenced oil production, but it has no substantial influence."
Rebel forces, Liu added, expect western countries to pressure the Sudanese government.
The Justice and Equality Movement's Elfaki said last year's attacks had been conducted with a local tribe, the Misseriya, who had previously been fighting with the government in South Sudan but which is now dismayed at being demobilized.
He added that the movement was ready to resume operations against Chinese-run firms after helping the regime of neighboring Chad fend off attacks from allegedly pro-Khartoum forces.
Another faction, the Sudan Liberation Movement of Abdel Wahid al-Nur, has also threatened attacks on Chinese companies.
The U.S. government has been raising strong concerns over the situation in Darfur, where conflict has killed more than 200,000 people and displaced 2.5 million since February 2003.
The Justice and Equality Movement's leader, Khalil Ibrahim, is listed by the U.S. Treasury as an individual "contributing to the conflict in the Darfur region", a designation, Elfaki said, tied to Ibrahim's past association with Sudanese Islamist ideologue Hassan al-Turabi.
But the movement is now in favor of a secular, democratic regime in Sudan and "we really want dialog with the U.S.," Elfaki said.
Indeed, by supporting Chad - whose main oil project is the Chad-Cameroon pipeline operated by Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM) - the movement has "definitely" helped U.S. oil interests in the region, he added.
Though mostly Muslims, Darfur rebels have also sought support from Israel.
The Sudan Liberation Movement has opened an office in the country. Elfaki welcomed the move, saying Israel is "supportive of Darfur" and has hosted refugees from the region. The Hebrew state "is a democratic country" and "the Palestinians themselves are negotiating with Israel," he said.
16 April 2008
By Benoit Faucon
A leader within a powerful rebel faction in Sudan's troubled Darfur region wants major Western oil companies to replace Chinese companies in the country, adding that new attacks were being prepared against them.
Offering better guarantees of oil revenue redistribution and environmental protection, "we would love to have Western companies," replace Chinese ones, Eltahir Abdam Elfaki, chairman of the legislative council of the Justice and Equality Movement, said in a recent interview with Dow Jones Newswires.
"We don't want China. We want to expel them. We have the means" to do so, he added. "We are preparing new attacks."
At risk is some of the half-a-million barrels of crude pumped daily in the troubled northeast African country, of which more than 200,000 barrels are imported by China, making Sudan its fourth-largest provider of crude.
Last year, the Justice and Equality Movement, a powerful military faction fighting Sudan's Arab-dominated regime, attacked oilfields run by the Greater Nile Petroleum Operating Co., or Gnpoc, which is 40%-owned by the China National Petroleum Corp.
Gnpoc and CNPC didn't return a request for comment.
Through Gnpoc and other joint-ventures, CNPC has interests in the southwest province of Kordofan, where the attacks took place.
The head of the political section of China's embassy in Khartoum couldn't be reached on his cell phone.
Authorities in Beijing referred Dow Jones Newswires to recent comments made by at a press conference by China's special representative on Darfur, Liu Guijin.
"I do not think it is wrong to cooperate with Sudan on oil...the recent instability in the southern part and the northern border of Sudan has more or less influenced oil production, but it has no substantial influence."
Rebel forces, Liu added, expect western countries to pressure the Sudanese government.
The Justice and Equality Movement's Elfaki said last year's attacks had been conducted with a local tribe, the Misseriya, who had previously been fighting with the government in South Sudan but which is now dismayed at being demobilized.
He added that the movement was ready to resume operations against Chinese-run firms after helping the regime of neighboring Chad fend off attacks from allegedly pro-Khartoum forces.
Another faction, the Sudan Liberation Movement of Abdel Wahid al-Nur, has also threatened attacks on Chinese companies.
The U.S. government has been raising strong concerns over the situation in Darfur, where conflict has killed more than 200,000 people and displaced 2.5 million since February 2003.
The Justice and Equality Movement's leader, Khalil Ibrahim, is listed by the U.S. Treasury as an individual "contributing to the conflict in the Darfur region", a designation, Elfaki said, tied to Ibrahim's past association with Sudanese Islamist ideologue Hassan al-Turabi.
But the movement is now in favor of a secular, democratic regime in Sudan and "we really want dialog with the U.S.," Elfaki said.
Indeed, by supporting Chad - whose main oil project is the Chad-Cameroon pipeline operated by Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM) - the movement has "definitely" helped U.S. oil interests in the region, he added.
Though mostly Muslims, Darfur rebels have also sought support from Israel.
The Sudan Liberation Movement has opened an office in the country. Elfaki welcomed the move, saying Israel is "supportive of Darfur" and has hosted refugees from the region. The Hebrew state "is a democratic country" and "the Palestinians themselves are negotiating with Israel," he said.
'MUNGIKI' RIOTS CONTINUE, VICTIMS IN VARIOUS AREAS.
MISNA
15 April 2008
Editor Note: This is the militia the BBC claimed on March 5 08 was working with the outgoing administration of Pres. Kibaki following last December's elections. Officials have denied this claim.
At least 18 people were killed in rioting over the past 48 hours by members of the ‘Mungiki’ sect in different areas of the country. In an industrial area of Nairobi police this morning opened fire against a group of rioters torching parked vehicles, killing three people, while a man was killed by sect members always in the capital. The episodes follow those that took place yesterday in Nairobi, Naivasha, Nakuru, Nyeri, Eldoret, Limuru and other towns, where sect members created panic petrol-bombing vehicles, looting stores and homes and setting up roadblocks in protest against the killing of Virginia Nyako, wife of the Mungiki leader, found dead last week with her driver. The Mungiki – that demand an end to the arrest of sect members and an independent investigation into what occurred – accuse the security forces for the murder. The police announced an investigation into the case and suggested that the killing may have been carried out by former sect members. Some sect members that were demonstrating on the streets of Eldoret (Rift Valley) were forced to disperse by angry residents that beat one of them, who is now in critical condition at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.
MISNA sources however confirm wide concern over a resumption of violence between police and sect followers that could compromise the recovery of the nation, hard-hit by a post-election crisis and that yesterday with a sigh of relief assisted the formation of a new coalition government. The sect, outlawed in 2002 and made up predominantly by unemployed youths of the main Kikuyu ethnic group, is believed to count a few thousand members, despite claims of 4-million followers by its leaders. Violence unleashed last year by the ‘Mungiki’ left over fifty dead, sparking a mass security force operation in which thousands of members were arrested.
15 April 2008
Editor Note: This is the militia the BBC claimed on March 5 08 was working with the outgoing administration of Pres. Kibaki following last December's elections. Officials have denied this claim.
At least 18 people were killed in rioting over the past 48 hours by members of the ‘Mungiki’ sect in different areas of the country. In an industrial area of Nairobi police this morning opened fire against a group of rioters torching parked vehicles, killing three people, while a man was killed by sect members always in the capital. The episodes follow those that took place yesterday in Nairobi, Naivasha, Nakuru, Nyeri, Eldoret, Limuru and other towns, where sect members created panic petrol-bombing vehicles, looting stores and homes and setting up roadblocks in protest against the killing of Virginia Nyako, wife of the Mungiki leader, found dead last week with her driver. The Mungiki – that demand an end to the arrest of sect members and an independent investigation into what occurred – accuse the security forces for the murder. The police announced an investigation into the case and suggested that the killing may have been carried out by former sect members. Some sect members that were demonstrating on the streets of Eldoret (Rift Valley) were forced to disperse by angry residents that beat one of them, who is now in critical condition at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.
MISNA sources however confirm wide concern over a resumption of violence between police and sect followers that could compromise the recovery of the nation, hard-hit by a post-election crisis and that yesterday with a sigh of relief assisted the formation of a new coalition government. The sect, outlawed in 2002 and made up predominantly by unemployed youths of the main Kikuyu ethnic group, is believed to count a few thousand members, despite claims of 4-million followers by its leaders. Violence unleashed last year by the ‘Mungiki’ left over fifty dead, sparking a mass security force operation in which thousands of members were arrested.
Pentagon Seeks Authority to Train and Equip Foreign Militaries.
New York Times
16 April 2008
By THOM SHANKER
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates urged Congress on Tuesday to grant the Pentagon permanent authority to train and equip foreign militaries, a task previously administered by the State Department, and to raise the annual budget for the effort to $750 million, a 250 percent increase.
Mr. Gates said that rapidly building up the armed forces of friendly nations to combat terrorism within their borders was “a vital and enduring military requirement” — and one that should be managed by the Defense Department.
Representative Ike Skelton, the Missouri Democrat who is the Armed Services Committee chairman, voiced apprehension over “what appears to be the migration of State Department activities to the Department of Defense.”
But Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who testified with Mr. Gates and Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs, expressed full support for plans to make the Defense Department the lead agency for what is known as the Global Train and Equip Program, which emphasizes rapid assistance.
The State Department also would benefit under a parallel proposal that would double the budget, to $200 million, for a program aimed at assigning civilian experts to work overseas alongside — or instead of — the military. That joint Pentagon-State Department effort would be led by the State Department.
The new budget proposals would not do away with traditional State Department efforts, including Foreign Military Financing, which are intended to develop relationships and ensure access over a longer period of time.
Three years ago, in an effort to more rapidly assist allied militaries, Congress authorized the Pentagon to develop the Global Train and Equip Program, but that authority expires at the end of September.
The current program has paid for parts and ammunition used by the Lebanese Army against terrorist threats in a Palestinian refugee camp as well as for helicopter spare parts, night-vision devices and night-flight training for Pakistani special forces fighting suspected members of the Taliban and Al Qaeda along the Afghan border, Mr. Gates said.
The separate State Department program that is aimed at civilians has already developed local police forces in Haiti and improved health and education programs in Colombia. The increased budget was requested to expand efforts to assign civilians to conflict zones, or potential conflict zones, to carry out tasks that now sometimes fall to military personnel.
State Department officials also said Tuesday that a cable had gone out within the last two weeks to all Foreign Service officers alerting them to the need to fill about 300 positions in Iraq and Afghanistan in the coming year. If sufficient volunteers do not come forward for those hardship posts, the cable said, the State Department has the authority to compel diplomats to serve in those two countries.
The department issued a similar warning last year but was able to fill the hardship posts with volunteers.
16 April 2008
By THOM SHANKER
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates urged Congress on Tuesday to grant the Pentagon permanent authority to train and equip foreign militaries, a task previously administered by the State Department, and to raise the annual budget for the effort to $750 million, a 250 percent increase.
Mr. Gates said that rapidly building up the armed forces of friendly nations to combat terrorism within their borders was “a vital and enduring military requirement” — and one that should be managed by the Defense Department.
Representative Ike Skelton, the Missouri Democrat who is the Armed Services Committee chairman, voiced apprehension over “what appears to be the migration of State Department activities to the Department of Defense.”
But Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who testified with Mr. Gates and Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs, expressed full support for plans to make the Defense Department the lead agency for what is known as the Global Train and Equip Program, which emphasizes rapid assistance.
The State Department also would benefit under a parallel proposal that would double the budget, to $200 million, for a program aimed at assigning civilian experts to work overseas alongside — or instead of — the military. That joint Pentagon-State Department effort would be led by the State Department.
The new budget proposals would not do away with traditional State Department efforts, including Foreign Military Financing, which are intended to develop relationships and ensure access over a longer period of time.
Three years ago, in an effort to more rapidly assist allied militaries, Congress authorized the Pentagon to develop the Global Train and Equip Program, but that authority expires at the end of September.
The current program has paid for parts and ammunition used by the Lebanese Army against terrorist threats in a Palestinian refugee camp as well as for helicopter spare parts, night-vision devices and night-flight training for Pakistani special forces fighting suspected members of the Taliban and Al Qaeda along the Afghan border, Mr. Gates said.
The separate State Department program that is aimed at civilians has already developed local police forces in Haiti and improved health and education programs in Colombia. The increased budget was requested to expand efforts to assign civilians to conflict zones, or potential conflict zones, to carry out tasks that now sometimes fall to military personnel.
State Department officials also said Tuesday that a cable had gone out within the last two weeks to all Foreign Service officers alerting them to the need to fill about 300 positions in Iraq and Afghanistan in the coming year. If sufficient volunteers do not come forward for those hardship posts, the cable said, the State Department has the authority to compel diplomats to serve in those two countries.
The department issued a similar warning last year but was able to fill the hardship posts with volunteers.
U.S., Georgia to conduct joint drills near Tbilisi in July.
RIA Novosti
15 April 2008
Joint Georgian-U.S. military exercises Immediate Response 2008 will be held near Georgia's capital Tbilisi in July, the Georgian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.
Around 2,000 personnel, mainly from the U.S. but also from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Ukraine, will join Georgian troops in the exercises planned by the U.S. Armed Forces European Command.
The exercises will take place at several Georgian military sites including the Vaziani military base and the Poti naval base.
15 April 2008
Joint Georgian-U.S. military exercises Immediate Response 2008 will be held near Georgia's capital Tbilisi in July, the Georgian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.
Around 2,000 personnel, mainly from the U.S. but also from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Ukraine, will join Georgian troops in the exercises planned by the U.S. Armed Forces European Command.
The exercises will take place at several Georgian military sites including the Vaziani military base and the Poti naval base.
15 April, 2008
ICTR Legacy Conference.
Special thanks to the ADAD and especially Professor Peter Erlinder for this document.
At the end of November 2007, an association of defense lawyers at the ICTR held a symposium to discuss a myriad of issues concerning the inability to obtain a fair trial, the decision to transfer detainees back to Rwanda for trial and/or incarceration, and the interference of outside governments in the proceedings. The following document is a brief that was handed out to participants in the trial and it summarizes the issues and the documentary evidence supporting the claims.
http://webpages.charter.net/jabdmb/adadlegacyunictr_001.pdf
At the end of November 2007, an association of defense lawyers at the ICTR held a symposium to discuss a myriad of issues concerning the inability to obtain a fair trial, the decision to transfer detainees back to Rwanda for trial and/or incarceration, and the interference of outside governments in the proceedings. The following document is a brief that was handed out to participants in the trial and it summarizes the issues and the documentary evidence supporting the claims.
http://webpages.charter.net/jabdmb/adadlegacyunictr_001.pdf
PHR Report: Rwanda's Invasion of Congo and U.S. Military Involvement in the Region-1997
This is a report compiled by the NGO Physicians for Human Rights. They investigated the 1996 AFDL-CZ/RPA invasion of Zaire and U.S. political and military activities in Rwanda during this time period.
http://webpages.charter.net/jabdmb/investigations-congo.pdf
http://webpages.charter.net/jabdmb/investigations-congo.pdf
Sudan’s FM, US envoy to meet in Rome over Darfur and bilateral ties.
Sudan Tribune
15 April 2008
The US special envoy for Sudan is expected to hold a meeting with a Sudanese delegation in Roma Italy on Wednesday to discuss the deployment of Darfur peacekeeping force and the bilateral relations.
US special envoy for Sudan Richard Williamson(L), seen here with Sudanese Foreign Minister Deng Alor in Khartoum (Reuters) Richard Williamson, who is in a European tour, will meet a delegation led by Sudanese foreign minister Deng Alor to discuss ways to speed up the deployment of Darfur peacekeeping troops and the normalisation of the bilateral relations.
The US Administration wants Sudan to remove obstacles to the deployment of a U.N.-led peacekeeping force, stop violence against civilians in Darfur, and carry out the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between north and south Sudan, including elections in 2009, The Los Angels Times reported last month.
The U.S. offered to restore full diplomatic ties, lift sanctions and remove Khartoum from Washington’s list of state sponsors of terrorism, Williamson said.
Sudanese foreign minister visited Washington last January for one week where he discussed the normalization with US officials.
Speaking to Akhbar al-Youm, Deng Alors said he will fly to Rome on Wednesday accompanied by Nafi Ali Nafi, the presidential assistant, who is government top negotiator for Darfur peace talks and Mutrif Sidiq foreign affairs secretary general who is in charge with Darfur peacekeeping force file.
Deng Alor said that the meeting will discuss the deployment of more troops in Darfur. He further disclosed that Sudan agreed to receive troops from Italia, New Zealand, and Thailand. The US official should tackle, in exchange, the gradual normalization of relations with Sudan, Alor concluded.
Williamson early in April urged in a letter to the U.N. chief the United Nations to speed deployment of more U.N.-African Union peacekeepers to Sudan’s war-racked Darfur region.
Following his return from Washington, Alor said that Washington had welcomed Sudanese demand to normalize bilateral relations but wants the national unity government to swiftly act to end Darfur crisis.
15 April 2008
The US special envoy for Sudan is expected to hold a meeting with a Sudanese delegation in Roma Italy on Wednesday to discuss the deployment of Darfur peacekeeping force and the bilateral relations.
US special envoy for Sudan Richard Williamson(L), seen here with Sudanese Foreign Minister Deng Alor in Khartoum (Reuters) Richard Williamson, who is in a European tour, will meet a delegation led by Sudanese foreign minister Deng Alor to discuss ways to speed up the deployment of Darfur peacekeeping troops and the normalisation of the bilateral relations.
The US Administration wants Sudan to remove obstacles to the deployment of a U.N.-led peacekeeping force, stop violence against civilians in Darfur, and carry out the Comprehensive Peace Agreement between north and south Sudan, including elections in 2009, The Los Angels Times reported last month.
The U.S. offered to restore full diplomatic ties, lift sanctions and remove Khartoum from Washington’s list of state sponsors of terrorism, Williamson said.
Sudanese foreign minister visited Washington last January for one week where he discussed the normalization with US officials.
Speaking to Akhbar al-Youm, Deng Alors said he will fly to Rome on Wednesday accompanied by Nafi Ali Nafi, the presidential assistant, who is government top negotiator for Darfur peace talks and Mutrif Sidiq foreign affairs secretary general who is in charge with Darfur peacekeeping force file.
Deng Alor said that the meeting will discuss the deployment of more troops in Darfur. He further disclosed that Sudan agreed to receive troops from Italia, New Zealand, and Thailand. The US official should tackle, in exchange, the gradual normalization of relations with Sudan, Alor concluded.
Williamson early in April urged in a letter to the U.N. chief the United Nations to speed deployment of more U.N.-African Union peacekeepers to Sudan’s war-racked Darfur region.
Following his return from Washington, Alor said that Washington had welcomed Sudanese demand to normalize bilateral relations but wants the national unity government to swiftly act to end Darfur crisis.
US envoy, SLM leader discuss Darfur force and peace process.
Sudan Tribune
15 April 2008
The US special Envoy to Sudan, discussed with Sudan Liberation Movement founder leader the deployment of peacekeeping troops and international efforts for a comprehensive settlement to Darfur crisis.
Abdelwahid al-Nur In a meeting held in the French capital, Paris, Richard Williamson and Abdel-Wahid al-Nur discussed on Monday the deployment of the 26000 joint U.N.-African Union troops in Darfur charged with the protection of civilians in the region and the creation of a conducive environment to resume the peace process.
Al-Nur who described the meeting as “very constructive” told Sudan Tribune that the meeting discussed US efforts to speed up the deployment of the international troops in the region.
The security situation has dramatically deteriorated in the region despite the official take over of the hybrid force since last January, the rebel leader said.
“While we relentlessly repeating our demand for the conflict suspension the government and its militias continue to wage attacks and practice the conflict escalation policy,” he said.
The rebel leader said the meeting discussed Bush Administration efforts to support the effective deployment of the 26000 troops on the ground because it will help to change the course of “this tragic situation.”
In a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon early April, U.S. Presidential Envoy for Darfur Richard Williamson, urged the UN chief to deploy more 3,600 new African troops by June. Also, Washington pledged $100 million to train and equip peacekeepers to be deployed as part of the U.N.-AU mission in Darfur, known as UNAMID.
Only 9,000 of the required 26,000 international troops and police have been deployed in Darfur.
Al-Nur also said the meeting discussed the ongoing efforts to engage the political process to end the conflict. "We explained our vision in this regard to the US envoy” he added.
15 April 2008
The US special Envoy to Sudan, discussed with Sudan Liberation Movement founder leader the deployment of peacekeeping troops and international efforts for a comprehensive settlement to Darfur crisis.
Abdelwahid al-Nur In a meeting held in the French capital, Paris, Richard Williamson and Abdel-Wahid al-Nur discussed on Monday the deployment of the 26000 joint U.N.-African Union troops in Darfur charged with the protection of civilians in the region and the creation of a conducive environment to resume the peace process.
Al-Nur who described the meeting as “very constructive” told Sudan Tribune that the meeting discussed US efforts to speed up the deployment of the international troops in the region.
The security situation has dramatically deteriorated in the region despite the official take over of the hybrid force since last January, the rebel leader said.
“While we relentlessly repeating our demand for the conflict suspension the government and its militias continue to wage attacks and practice the conflict escalation policy,” he said.
The rebel leader said the meeting discussed Bush Administration efforts to support the effective deployment of the 26000 troops on the ground because it will help to change the course of “this tragic situation.”
In a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon early April, U.S. Presidential Envoy for Darfur Richard Williamson, urged the UN chief to deploy more 3,600 new African troops by June. Also, Washington pledged $100 million to train and equip peacekeepers to be deployed as part of the U.N.-AU mission in Darfur, known as UNAMID.
Only 9,000 of the required 26,000 international troops and police have been deployed in Darfur.
Al-Nur also said the meeting discussed the ongoing efforts to engage the political process to end the conflict. "We explained our vision in this regard to the US envoy” he added.
14 April, 2008
ADAD Amicus Curiae Brief on Ildephonse Hategekimana.
Special thanks to the ADAD and especially Professor Peter Erlinder for providing these documents.
http://webpages.charter.net/jabdmb/adadamicusINTRODUCTION[1].doc
This is the cable from Amb. Rawson referred to in the brief. Notice how the RPF said they would wait to make a decision on the CDR's inclusion in the transitional government after the assembly had reviewed their application. This was a way to buy time for the assassination plot. It is now known that the day before this cable went out, Gen. Kagame and the High Command decided to go ahead with the plan and on April 1st, the same day, Gen. Kagame gave the official orders to carry out the plan.
http://webpages.charter.net/jabdmb/Ntabapril1rawson.pdf
http://webpages.charter.net/jabdmb/adadamicusINTRODUCTION[1].doc
This is the cable from Amb. Rawson referred to in the brief. Notice how the RPF said they would wait to make a decision on the CDR's inclusion in the transitional government after the assembly had reviewed their application. This was a way to buy time for the assassination plot. It is now known that the day before this cable went out, Gen. Kagame and the High Command decided to go ahead with the plan and on April 1st, the same day, Gen. Kagame gave the official orders to carry out the plan.
http://webpages.charter.net/jabdmb/Ntabapril1rawson.pdf
The Expert Report of Professor Filip Reyntjens to the ICTR.
Special thanks to the ADAD and especially Professor Peter Erlinder for providing this document.
Available upon Request due to webspace constraints.
Available upon Request due to webspace constraints.
Pakistan proposes building oil and gas pipeline to China.
RIA Novosti
14 April 2008
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf proposed building an oil and gas pipeline to China during talks with Chinese leader Hu Jintao, the China Daily newspaper said on Monday.
The Pakistani president said that a pipeline would significantly shorten the route of China's energy supplies from the Gulf. Oil and gas are currently being shipped to China along the Indian coast and through the Malacca Straits.
He added that a railway along the Karakoram Highway, linking China and Pakistan should also be built.
"If we can supplement this (the Karakoram Highway) with a rail link, and also maybe an oil and gas pipeline link; and then you take the Central Asian republics with that, the whole area will open out through Pakistan to the rest of the world," the newspaper quoted Musharraf as saying.
China currently imports over 40% of its oil. Experts predict that annual oil consumption will reach 390-410 million metric tons by 2010, and by 2030 it is expected to almost double, to 620-650 million. Demand for gas in China is expected to reach 80-100 billion cu m by 2010 and 320-280 billion cu m in 2030.
14 April 2008
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf proposed building an oil and gas pipeline to China during talks with Chinese leader Hu Jintao, the China Daily newspaper said on Monday.
The Pakistani president said that a pipeline would significantly shorten the route of China's energy supplies from the Gulf. Oil and gas are currently being shipped to China along the Indian coast and through the Malacca Straits.
He added that a railway along the Karakoram Highway, linking China and Pakistan should also be built.
"If we can supplement this (the Karakoram Highway) with a rail link, and also maybe an oil and gas pipeline link; and then you take the Central Asian republics with that, the whole area will open out through Pakistan to the rest of the world," the newspaper quoted Musharraf as saying.
China currently imports over 40% of its oil. Experts predict that annual oil consumption will reach 390-410 million metric tons by 2010, and by 2030 it is expected to almost double, to 620-650 million. Demand for gas in China is expected to reach 80-100 billion cu m by 2010 and 320-280 billion cu m in 2030.
Uzbekistan, China team up for gas pipeline construction.
RIA Novosti
14 April 2008
Uzbekistan and China have established a joint venture to build a gas pipeline from the Central Asian state to its eastern neighbor, Uzbekistan's national oil and gas company Uzbekneftegaz said Monday.
The joint venture, Asia Trans Gas, established by Uzbekneftegaz and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), will be responsible for the design, construction and operation of the Uzbekistan-China gas pipeline, a spokesman for Uzbekneftegaz said.
The route of the pipeline, intended to pump gas from energy-rich Uzbekistan to energy-hungry China, will be approved by April 20 while project funding will be determined by June 1, the spokesman said.
The first leg of the pipeline is expected to be built by December 31, 2009 and put into operation in January 2010. The second stage is planned for completion by December 31, 2011, the spokesman said.
Tenders for the delivery of equipment and contractual work for the pipeline construction are scheduled to be announced in April.
14 April 2008
Uzbekistan and China have established a joint venture to build a gas pipeline from the Central Asian state to its eastern neighbor, Uzbekistan's national oil and gas company Uzbekneftegaz said Monday.
The joint venture, Asia Trans Gas, established by Uzbekneftegaz and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), will be responsible for the design, construction and operation of the Uzbekistan-China gas pipeline, a spokesman for Uzbekneftegaz said.
The route of the pipeline, intended to pump gas from energy-rich Uzbekistan to energy-hungry China, will be approved by April 20 while project funding will be determined by June 1, the spokesman said.
The first leg of the pipeline is expected to be built by December 31, 2009 and put into operation in January 2010. The second stage is planned for completion by December 31, 2011, the spokesman said.
Tenders for the delivery of equipment and contractual work for the pipeline construction are scheduled to be announced in April.
WIDOW OF EX-RWANDAN PRESIDENT SEEKS END OF INVESTIGATIONS ON ATTACK AGAINST PLANE OF HER HUSBAND.
Hirondelle News Agency
12 April 2008
Agathe Kanziga (Habyarimana), widow of former Rwandan President Juvenal Habyarimana, asked Thursday French judges to close their investigations into the attack against the presidential plane on 6 April 1994 near the capital Kigali, which killed her husband, and to transfer before the Assizes Court nine Rwandans, close to the current president Paul Kagame, subject of arrest warrants issued by French courts.
"There is a certain number of elements that militate in favour of the indictment before a criminal court of the people that are the subjects of the arrest warrants", said her lawyer, Philippe Meilhac.
"This request answers a wish of our client to see that justice is rendered", he added.
The prosecution of Paris opened in March 1998 a legal investigation following a complaint filed by the families of the members of the French crew of the plane of President Habyarimana.
The assassination, which cost Habyarimana’s life and that of the Burundian President Cyprien Ntaryamira, is regarded as the element that started the genocide in Rwanda.
It is only in 2005 that Mrs Habyarimana constituted herself a civil party in this case.
In November 2006, the investigating judge, Jean-Louis Bruguiere, issued nine international arrest warrants against close acquaintances of the current Rwandan President Paul Kagame, accused of having taken part in the attack. The initiative by the French magistrate, who has since left the bench, caused rupture of diplomatic relations between France and Rwanda.
According to various no-confirmed sources, Rwandan officials are willing to resume relations following the withdrawal of these warrants.
Some of the people targeted by the arrest warrants have let it be known to the investigating judges, who succeeded Mr. Bruguiere, Marc Trevidic and Philippe Coirre, that they wished to be heard either in Rwanda or in a neutral country. The absence of response from the judges is considered that they do not intend to take act on such a request.
12 April 2008
Agathe Kanziga (Habyarimana), widow of former Rwandan President Juvenal Habyarimana, asked Thursday French judges to close their investigations into the attack against the presidential plane on 6 April 1994 near the capital Kigali, which killed her husband, and to transfer before the Assizes Court nine Rwandans, close to the current president Paul Kagame, subject of arrest warrants issued by French courts.
"There is a certain number of elements that militate in favour of the indictment before a criminal court of the people that are the subjects of the arrest warrants", said her lawyer, Philippe Meilhac.
"This request answers a wish of our client to see that justice is rendered", he added.
The prosecution of Paris opened in March 1998 a legal investigation following a complaint filed by the families of the members of the French crew of the plane of President Habyarimana.
The assassination, which cost Habyarimana’s life and that of the Burundian President Cyprien Ntaryamira, is regarded as the element that started the genocide in Rwanda.
It is only in 2005 that Mrs Habyarimana constituted herself a civil party in this case.
In November 2006, the investigating judge, Jean-Louis Bruguiere, issued nine international arrest warrants against close acquaintances of the current Rwandan President Paul Kagame, accused of having taken part in the attack. The initiative by the French magistrate, who has since left the bench, caused rupture of diplomatic relations between France and Rwanda.
According to various no-confirmed sources, Rwandan officials are willing to resume relations following the withdrawal of these warrants.
Some of the people targeted by the arrest warrants have let it be known to the investigating judges, who succeeded Mr. Bruguiere, Marc Trevidic and Philippe Coirre, that they wished to be heard either in Rwanda or in a neutral country. The absence of response from the judges is considered that they do not intend to take act on such a request.
TIBET: MONKS ARRESTED FOR ATTACK, WEAPONS DISCOVERED IN MONASTERY.
MISNA
14 April 2008
Nine Buddhist monks of the Tongxia monastery in east Tibet, including six that fled the scene of an explosion on March 23 in the Gyanbe township, were arrested after openly confessing to planting a homemade bomb; six were detained for planting the bomb and three for covering them. In the Sichuan province that borders with Tibet, another Chinese police operation led to the discovery of modified semi-automatic weapons among the scriptures of the Buddhist Geerdeng temple in the Aba prefecture; 26 people were arrested in the same monastery at the end of March and other firearms found two days after the monks had participated in the violent anti-China demonstrations in Lhasa.
Both reports released by the Beijing press and relaunched by the western media – in particular that of an attack unknown until yesterday – tend to corroborate Chinese affirmations that the Lhasa protests which began on March 10 (and deteriorated into violence 4 days later) are part of a campaign even involving the exiled Dalai Lama, who however continued to deny any involvement, to only demand more autonomy, not independence, for Tibet and oppose the boycott of next summer’s Beijing Olympics. From Seattle, in the US, where he is on a fifth visit in few years, the Dalai Lama yesterday said he doesn’t exclude his resignation if the violence should continue.
14 April 2008
Nine Buddhist monks of the Tongxia monastery in east Tibet, including six that fled the scene of an explosion on March 23 in the Gyanbe township, were arrested after openly confessing to planting a homemade bomb; six were detained for planting the bomb and three for covering them. In the Sichuan province that borders with Tibet, another Chinese police operation led to the discovery of modified semi-automatic weapons among the scriptures of the Buddhist Geerdeng temple in the Aba prefecture; 26 people were arrested in the same monastery at the end of March and other firearms found two days after the monks had participated in the violent anti-China demonstrations in Lhasa.
Both reports released by the Beijing press and relaunched by the western media – in particular that of an attack unknown until yesterday – tend to corroborate Chinese affirmations that the Lhasa protests which began on March 10 (and deteriorated into violence 4 days later) are part of a campaign even involving the exiled Dalai Lama, who however continued to deny any involvement, to only demand more autonomy, not independence, for Tibet and oppose the boycott of next summer’s Beijing Olympics. From Seattle, in the US, where he is on a fifth visit in few years, the Dalai Lama yesterday said he doesn’t exclude his resignation if the violence should continue.
MILITARY LEADERS RESIGN, OVER SUSPICION OF US SECRET SERVICE INFILTRATION.
MISNA
10 April 2008
Ecuador’s military leaders, except for the head of the Navy, have resigned after remarks by president Rafael Correa, who suspects that the Ecuadorian secret services have been infiltrated by the CIA (Central intelligence agency). The chairman of the joint chiefs of staff of the armed forces, general Héctor Camacho, the army commander Guillermo Vásconez, and that of the air force, general Jorge Gabela, have resigned. Yesterday, Correa replaced the head of the secret service of the army, col. Mario Pazmino, also the minister of defense, Wellington Sandoval, with his deputy, journalist Javier Ponce. The explanation for the shuffle was that the ministry needed ‘oxygen’ by a defense ministry official,
Miguel Carvajal; the ministry was criticized over the recent crisis with Colombia, which emerged as a result of the Colombian attack last March1, which was backed by the White House and which saw the death of the FARC spokesman, Raul Reyes, and about 20 other fighters. Also, yesterday, a new police chief was appointed: Jaime Quilino Hurtado Vaca replaces outgoing Bolívar Cisneros. “To speak of CIA interference in Ecuador, far from being an occasion for rupture, it should rather offer the chance to harmonize international cooperation with Ecuador’s objectives” said the newly installed minister of defense Ponce.
10 April 2008
Ecuador’s military leaders, except for the head of the Navy, have resigned after remarks by president Rafael Correa, who suspects that the Ecuadorian secret services have been infiltrated by the CIA (Central intelligence agency). The chairman of the joint chiefs of staff of the armed forces, general Héctor Camacho, the army commander Guillermo Vásconez, and that of the air force, general Jorge Gabela, have resigned. Yesterday, Correa replaced the head of the secret service of the army, col. Mario Pazmino, also the minister of defense, Wellington Sandoval, with his deputy, journalist Javier Ponce. The explanation for the shuffle was that the ministry needed ‘oxygen’ by a defense ministry official,
Miguel Carvajal; the ministry was criticized over the recent crisis with Colombia, which emerged as a result of the Colombian attack last March1, which was backed by the White House and which saw the death of the FARC spokesman, Raul Reyes, and about 20 other fighters. Also, yesterday, a new police chief was appointed: Jaime Quilino Hurtado Vaca replaces outgoing Bolívar Cisneros. “To speak of CIA interference in Ecuador, far from being an occasion for rupture, it should rather offer the chance to harmonize international cooperation with Ecuador’s objectives” said the newly installed minister of defense Ponce.
Caracas Nationalizes Steel Industry.
MISNA
10 April 2008
The Venezuelan government has nationalized the ‘Siderúrgica de l’Orinoco’ (Sidor) company, the main steel sector company in the country. The vice-president Ramón Carrizález said the action was taken because the company refused to negotiate with the workers over a new collective work contract. Sidor had been privatized ten years ago. Carrizález added that the government shall negotiate the due compensation for the Argentinean ‘Techint’, which is Sidor’s main shareholder. The Venezuelan state shall start to control 60% of Sidor’s shares, reducing those held by Techint to 20%; the remaining 20% shall remain in the hands of the company’s workers. The president of Sidor, Ricardo Prosperi did not comment, saying he needs more information regarding the measure. Last week, the Venezuelan government announced that it had nationalized the cement industry. France’s ‘Lafarge’ and Mexico’s ‘Cemex’ are the main cement companies in the country.
10 April 2008
The Venezuelan government has nationalized the ‘Siderúrgica de l’Orinoco’ (Sidor) company, the main steel sector company in the country. The vice-president Ramón Carrizález said the action was taken because the company refused to negotiate with the workers over a new collective work contract. Sidor had been privatized ten years ago. Carrizález added that the government shall negotiate the due compensation for the Argentinean ‘Techint’, which is Sidor’s main shareholder. The Venezuelan state shall start to control 60% of Sidor’s shares, reducing those held by Techint to 20%; the remaining 20% shall remain in the hands of the company’s workers. The president of Sidor, Ricardo Prosperi did not comment, saying he needs more information regarding the measure. Last week, the Venezuelan government announced that it had nationalized the cement industry. France’s ‘Lafarge’ and Mexico’s ‘Cemex’ are the main cement companies in the country.
13 April, 2008
Taliban Recover NATO Weapons.
AP
13 April 2008
A coalition helicopter trying to supply Afghan police with munitions dropped supplies in the wrong location and Taliban fighters later recovered the weaponry, an intelligence official said Sunday.
A member of parliament, however, said he didn't believe the arms drop was an accident.
Amrullah Saleh, the head of Afghanistan's intelligence service, told a parliament security committee "coalition forces" intended to place weapons, ammunition and food at a police checkpoint in a remote section of the southern province of Zabul in late March.
"By mistake it was dropped somewhere far from the checkpoint. Later the Taliban came and they picked it up," Saleh later told reporters.
In his testimony he said a "small box" had been dropped but did not say how many weapons were inside.
It was not clear whose helicopter left the supplies. NATO's International Security Assistance Force and the U.S.-led coalition said it was not theirs.
Hamidullah Tukhi, a lawmaker from Zabul, told the security commission the weapons were placed 100 meters (300 feet) from the home of a Taliban commander named Mullah Mohammad Alam. He said the supply drop contained heavy machine guns, AK-47s, rockets and food.
Lawmakers discussed the issue with President Hamid Karzai and U.S. Gen. Dan McNeill, the top NATO commander in Afghanistan, he said.
"I think Gen. McNeill himself said that it was a mistake, but I don't believe it," Tukhi said, adding he did not know which nation dropped the supplies.
Saleh told journalists Tukhi's version of events was based on "rumors."
Maj. Richelle Dowdell, a spokeswoman for NATO's ISAF, said the helicopter involved was not NATO's. Lt. Richard Ulsh, a spokesman at the U.S. base at Bagram, said the U.S.-led coalition was not involved either.
13 April 2008
A coalition helicopter trying to supply Afghan police with munitions dropped supplies in the wrong location and Taliban fighters later recovered the weaponry, an intelligence official said Sunday.
A member of parliament, however, said he didn't believe the arms drop was an accident.
Amrullah Saleh, the head of Afghanistan's intelligence service, told a parliament security committee "coalition forces" intended to place weapons, ammunition and food at a police checkpoint in a remote section of the southern province of Zabul in late March.
"By mistake it was dropped somewhere far from the checkpoint. Later the Taliban came and they picked it up," Saleh later told reporters.
In his testimony he said a "small box" had been dropped but did not say how many weapons were inside.
It was not clear whose helicopter left the supplies. NATO's International Security Assistance Force and the U.S.-led coalition said it was not theirs.
Hamidullah Tukhi, a lawmaker from Zabul, told the security commission the weapons were placed 100 meters (300 feet) from the home of a Taliban commander named Mullah Mohammad Alam. He said the supply drop contained heavy machine guns, AK-47s, rockets and food.
Lawmakers discussed the issue with President Hamid Karzai and U.S. Gen. Dan McNeill, the top NATO commander in Afghanistan, he said.
"I think Gen. McNeill himself said that it was a mistake, but I don't believe it," Tukhi said, adding he did not know which nation dropped the supplies.
Saleh told journalists Tukhi's version of events was based on "rumors."
Maj. Richelle Dowdell, a spokeswoman for NATO's ISAF, said the helicopter involved was not NATO's. Lt. Richard Ulsh, a spokesman at the U.S. base at Bagram, said the U.S.-led coalition was not involved either.
ICTR Testimony of Antoine Nyetera.
http://webpages.charter.net/jabdmb/[MILITARY II] - NDINDILIYIMANA ET AL - REDACTED TRANSCRIPT OF 30052007 Nyetera.doc
http://webpages.charter.net/jabdmb/[MILITARY II] - NDINDILIYIMANA ET AL - REDACTED TRANSCRIPT OF 31052007 Nyetera.doc
http://webpages.charter.net/jabdmb/[MILITARY II] - NDINDILIYIMANA ET AL - REDACTED TRANSCRIPT OF 01062007 Nyetera.doc
http://webpages.charter.net/jabdmb/[MILITARY II] - NDINDILIYIMANA ET AL - REDACTED TRANSCRIPT OF 04062007 Nyetera.doc
Copy and paste the links into your address bar. Read it and decide for yourself.
http://webpages.charter.net/jabdmb/[MILITARY II] - NDINDILIYIMANA ET AL - REDACTED TRANSCRIPT OF 31052007 Nyetera.doc
http://webpages.charter.net/jabdmb/[MILITARY II] - NDINDILIYIMANA ET AL - REDACTED TRANSCRIPT OF 01062007 Nyetera.doc
http://webpages.charter.net/jabdmb/[MILITARY II] - NDINDILIYIMANA ET AL - REDACTED TRANSCRIPT OF 04062007 Nyetera.doc
Copy and paste the links into your address bar. Read it and decide for yourself.
The Spanish Arrest Warrants for 40 Senior RDF Members
The complete document is available in French here:
http://webpages.charter.net/jabdmb/Ordonnances_espagnole_20080317_Francais.doc
http://webpages.charter.net/jabdmb/Ordonnances_espagnole_20080317_Francais.doc
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