Senator Obama officially announced his National Security Working Group:
Former Secretary of State and UN Ambassador Madeleine Albright
Senator David Boren, former Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence
Attorney and former Secretary of State Warren Christopher
Greg Craig, former Director of the State Department Office of Policy Planning
Secretary of the Navy Richard Danzig
Representative Lee Hamilton, former Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee
Deputy Attorney General Eric Holder
Dr. Tony Lake, former National Security Advisor and former candidate for DCI, Professor at Georgetown
Senator Sam Nunn, former Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Former Secretary of Defense William Perry
Dr. Susan Rice, former Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs and former NSC Advisor for African Affairs, Fellow at the Brookings Institute
Representative Tim Roemer, 9/11 Commissioner member
Jim Steinberg, former Deputy National Security Advisor
Many familiar names from President Bill Clinton's era, which oversaw the post-Cold War "reconstruction" of Africa.
21 June, 2008
ICTR Rejects Rwanda Justice System Suitability Again.
AFP
20 June 2008
The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) has rejected a request to return another genocide suspect to Rwanda on the grounds that he would not receive a fair trial.
Ildephonse Hategekimana, a former captain, is accused of genocide and crimes against humanity including crimes committed by his subordinates.
Hategekimana served as the commander of a small military camp during 1994.
The tribunal was not satisfied that Rwanda could ensure Hategekimana would be able to get his defence witnesses to testify under the same conditions as those testifying against him, said the 25-page written judgment.
The judges also expressed concern about the sentence the defendant might face: "Life imprisonment in isolation, in violation of his right not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment."
Earlier this month, the tribunal also refused to return former businessman Gaspard Kanyarukiga, accused of genocide and crimes against humanity, to Rwanda, arguing it was not satisfied he would receive a fair trial.
And a week before that ruling, they reached a similar decision in the case of another suspect, businessman Yussuf Munyakazi.
20 June 2008
The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) has rejected a request to return another genocide suspect to Rwanda on the grounds that he would not receive a fair trial.
Ildephonse Hategekimana, a former captain, is accused of genocide and crimes against humanity including crimes committed by his subordinates.
Hategekimana served as the commander of a small military camp during 1994.
The tribunal was not satisfied that Rwanda could ensure Hategekimana would be able to get his defence witnesses to testify under the same conditions as those testifying against him, said the 25-page written judgment.
The judges also expressed concern about the sentence the defendant might face: "Life imprisonment in isolation, in violation of his right not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment."
Earlier this month, the tribunal also refused to return former businessman Gaspard Kanyarukiga, accused of genocide and crimes against humanity, to Rwanda, arguing it was not satisfied he would receive a fair trial.
And a week before that ruling, they reached a similar decision in the case of another suspect, businessman Yussuf Munyakazi.
Central African govt, rebels meet in Libreville for peace pact.
African Press Agency
21 June 2008
Representatives from the government and the various rebel groups in the Central African Rep. (CAR) are in Libreville to sign a comprehensive peace accord ahead of the Central African all-inclusive political dialogue due to take place next July in Bangui, a reliable source told APA.
“Almost everybody is here but we don’t know when the agreement will be signed,” a source close to the Gabonese state presidency told APA.
“The signing could take place tonight. What is unlikely is tomorrow or next week," the source said on condition of anonymity.
Another source told APA that last minute adjustments were reportedly delaying the process.
Leaders from the various rebel groups are demanding security guarantees for them and their soldiers who are due to be cantonned.
The political opposition is demanding a blanket amnesty that would also benefit the leaders of the former regime of President Ange Felix Patasse who was toppled in a March 2003 coup.
A meeting was held on Thursday at the Gabonese Foreign ministry to harmonies opinions on this issue.
On 9 May 2008 in Libreville, the Bangui regime and the People’s Army for the Restoration of Democracy (APRD), a rebel group active in the north-western CAR, signed a peace and ceasefire accord with the government.
This accord complements those successively signed on 2 February 2007 in Sirte, Libya with the Front for the central African People’s Democracy (FDPC) of Abdoulaye Miskine and on 13 April 2007 with the Union of Democratic Forces for Rally (UFDR) of Michel Am Non Droko Dotodja.
The Libreville comprehensive agreement was expected to pave the way for the long-sought for dialogue in Bangui and supposed to bring back a lasting peace in the CAR.
21 June 2008
Representatives from the government and the various rebel groups in the Central African Rep. (CAR) are in Libreville to sign a comprehensive peace accord ahead of the Central African all-inclusive political dialogue due to take place next July in Bangui, a reliable source told APA.
“Almost everybody is here but we don’t know when the agreement will be signed,” a source close to the Gabonese state presidency told APA.
“The signing could take place tonight. What is unlikely is tomorrow or next week," the source said on condition of anonymity.
Another source told APA that last minute adjustments were reportedly delaying the process.
Leaders from the various rebel groups are demanding security guarantees for them and their soldiers who are due to be cantonned.
The political opposition is demanding a blanket amnesty that would also benefit the leaders of the former regime of President Ange Felix Patasse who was toppled in a March 2003 coup.
A meeting was held on Thursday at the Gabonese Foreign ministry to harmonies opinions on this issue.
On 9 May 2008 in Libreville, the Bangui regime and the People’s Army for the Restoration of Democracy (APRD), a rebel group active in the north-western CAR, signed a peace and ceasefire accord with the government.
This accord complements those successively signed on 2 February 2007 in Sirte, Libya with the Front for the central African People’s Democracy (FDPC) of Abdoulaye Miskine and on 13 April 2007 with the Union of Democratic Forces for Rally (UFDR) of Michel Am Non Droko Dotodja.
The Libreville comprehensive agreement was expected to pave the way for the long-sought for dialogue in Bangui and supposed to bring back a lasting peace in the CAR.
Russia, US agree deal on Moscow arms for Afghanistan: ministers.
AFP
20 June 2008
Moscow and Washington have agreed a deal in principle over the supply of Russian weaponry to the Afghan army in its fight against the Taliban insurgency, senior diplomats announced in a statement Friday.
The deal was signed in the Russian capital as part of the United States-Russia Working Group on Counterterrorism (CTWG), although no immediate figures were put on any Russian supplies.
"An agreement in principle to provide Russian military material to the Afghanistan National Army," was concluded during a two-day meeting of the CTWG, the communique said.
Twin NATO and US operations are currently active in Afghanistan, following the US-led invasion of 2001. Russia, as part of the then Soviet Union, fought an 11-year war in Afghanistan from 1978 to 1989.
"We in the past have already provided military equipment to Afghanistan and we feel there is now a demand by the Afghan population and the ability of Afghanistan to take its security in its own hands," Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Kislyak told reporters.
Kislyak said it was "possible" that Russia could increase the delivery of arms to Afghanistan. "It is possible but I would not be eager to put a number on it," he answered in reponse to a specific question.
Kislyak was speaking alongside the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, William J. Burns, as part of the conclusions of the 16th meeting of the CTWG, which meets alternately in Moscow and Washington.
The CTWG works to improve bilateral cooperation between Russia and the United States, whilst also concentrating on Afghanistan, the fight against drug trafficking, the financing of armed extremist groups and weapons of mass destruction.
There are currently around 70,000 foreign troops in the country.
20 June 2008
Moscow and Washington have agreed a deal in principle over the supply of Russian weaponry to the Afghan army in its fight against the Taliban insurgency, senior diplomats announced in a statement Friday.
The deal was signed in the Russian capital as part of the United States-Russia Working Group on Counterterrorism (CTWG), although no immediate figures were put on any Russian supplies.
"An agreement in principle to provide Russian military material to the Afghanistan National Army," was concluded during a two-day meeting of the CTWG, the communique said.
Twin NATO and US operations are currently active in Afghanistan, following the US-led invasion of 2001. Russia, as part of the then Soviet Union, fought an 11-year war in Afghanistan from 1978 to 1989.
"We in the past have already provided military equipment to Afghanistan and we feel there is now a demand by the Afghan population and the ability of Afghanistan to take its security in its own hands," Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Kislyak told reporters.
Kislyak said it was "possible" that Russia could increase the delivery of arms to Afghanistan. "It is possible but I would not be eager to put a number on it," he answered in reponse to a specific question.
Kislyak was speaking alongside the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, William J. Burns, as part of the conclusions of the 16th meeting of the CTWG, which meets alternately in Moscow and Washington.
The CTWG works to improve bilateral cooperation between Russia and the United States, whilst also concentrating on Afghanistan, the fight against drug trafficking, the financing of armed extremist groups and weapons of mass destruction.
There are currently around 70,000 foreign troops in the country.
US Pushes For Western Sahara Autonomy.
African Press Agency
20 June 2008
The American president, George Walker Bush, has sent a letter to the Moroccan leader, King Mohammed VI about the Western Sahara in which he expressed his support to the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco, Moroccan media officials disclosed here Friday.
In addition, the American president said the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco in April 2007 is "reliable" and "serious".
The American position supports that of the UN mediator in the Western Sahara issue, Peter van Walsun, who, in April said the option for independence claimed by the Polisario separatists, based in Algeria was "unrealistic".
That reaction comes after negotiations started in June 2007 in Manhasset, near New York, have reached a stalemate, sources said. The fifth round of these talks held under the aegis of the UN is billed to set a common agreement between Morocco and the Polisario Front.
The last round was held in March with the participation of Mauritania and Algeria as observers.
Morocco estimates that "the only option conceivable" is the autonomy of the territory (about 250,000 sq.km), which was placed since late 1975 under Moroccan sovereignty, after the withdrawal of the Spanish colonisers, while the Polisario Front, with the support of Algeria, claims "a self-determination referendum", judged "inapplicable" by Morocco.
Morocco is already backed up in its position by the latest reactions of the UN.
20 June 2008
The American president, George Walker Bush, has sent a letter to the Moroccan leader, King Mohammed VI about the Western Sahara in which he expressed his support to the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco, Moroccan media officials disclosed here Friday.
In addition, the American president said the autonomy plan proposed by Morocco in April 2007 is "reliable" and "serious".
The American position supports that of the UN mediator in the Western Sahara issue, Peter van Walsun, who, in April said the option for independence claimed by the Polisario separatists, based in Algeria was "unrealistic".
That reaction comes after negotiations started in June 2007 in Manhasset, near New York, have reached a stalemate, sources said. The fifth round of these talks held under the aegis of the UN is billed to set a common agreement between Morocco and the Polisario Front.
The last round was held in March with the participation of Mauritania and Algeria as observers.
Morocco estimates that "the only option conceivable" is the autonomy of the territory (about 250,000 sq.km), which was placed since late 1975 under Moroccan sovereignty, after the withdrawal of the Spanish colonisers, while the Polisario Front, with the support of Algeria, claims "a self-determination referendum", judged "inapplicable" by Morocco.
Morocco is already backed up in its position by the latest reactions of the UN.
20 June, 2008
NATIONAL CENSUS STARTS AHEAD OF GENERAL ELECTIONS.
MISNA
20 June 2008
A national population census has officially started in order to update the country's electoral register. The campaign – which will continue for the next 15 days – was kick-started yesterday by president Mamadou Tandja. “I ask Niger's population – women, men and youth – to make an effort and dedicate ten minutes of their time to register,” Tandja said, adding that “Niger needs all his children to vote: a good census leads to good elections.” The president of the country's committe for the renewal of the electoral register confirmed that operations were underway also in the rebellion-stricken northern province of Agadez, where the regular army features special repressive powers to face a tuareg opposition. Should security problems arise in the region, the president said, the census will be based on datas which were collected for the 2004 local elections. Niger's general elections are due to take place in 2009.
20 June 2008
A national population census has officially started in order to update the country's electoral register. The campaign – which will continue for the next 15 days – was kick-started yesterday by president Mamadou Tandja. “I ask Niger's population – women, men and youth – to make an effort and dedicate ten minutes of their time to register,” Tandja said, adding that “Niger needs all his children to vote: a good census leads to good elections.” The president of the country's committe for the renewal of the electoral register confirmed that operations were underway also in the rebellion-stricken northern province of Agadez, where the regular army features special repressive powers to face a tuareg opposition. Should security problems arise in the region, the president said, the census will be based on datas which were collected for the 2004 local elections. Niger's general elections are due to take place in 2009.
HUMANITARIAN OPERATIONS RESUME AS CLASHES CEASE IN THE EAST.
MISNA
20 June 2008
Humanitarian operations have resumed on Chad's Sudanese border as clashes ceased in the area. “Ordinary humanitarian operations have resumed in all of the 12 refugee camps along the Sudanese border in the country's East,” UNHCR's spokesperson in Eastern Chad's main city of Abeche Annette Rehl confirmed to MISNA. Humanitarian activities had been prevented after the army had blocked any access to the city fearing a rebel attack in the past days. “The situation is slowly returning to normal,” Rehl said, adding that “tension remains, making it impossible to predict what is going to happen in the next days.” Government and rebel sources confirmed that no armed fights are currently underway in the region. After several days of violence, a group of journalists who managed to reach Am Zoer – 70 kilometers from Abeche – confirmed that signs of a harsh fight are still visible in the far-off city.
20 June 2008
Humanitarian operations have resumed on Chad's Sudanese border as clashes ceased in the area. “Ordinary humanitarian operations have resumed in all of the 12 refugee camps along the Sudanese border in the country's East,” UNHCR's spokesperson in Eastern Chad's main city of Abeche Annette Rehl confirmed to MISNA. Humanitarian activities had been prevented after the army had blocked any access to the city fearing a rebel attack in the past days. “The situation is slowly returning to normal,” Rehl said, adding that “tension remains, making it impossible to predict what is going to happen in the next days.” Government and rebel sources confirmed that no armed fights are currently underway in the region. After several days of violence, a group of journalists who managed to reach Am Zoer – 70 kilometers from Abeche – confirmed that signs of a harsh fight are still visible in the far-off city.
GAS-RICH TARIJA DEPARTMENT TO DEMAND AUTONOMY IN REFERENDUM.
MISNA
20 June 2008
Southern department of Tarija's governor Mario Cossio spoke ahead of Sunday's referendum for local autonomy after those of Santa Cruz, Beni and Pando, where voters expressed their favour despite a high abstension rate. “We are engaged in an even more ambitious project,” Cossio said. Central government labelled the referendums as unconstitutional, denying their validity before the next vote, aimed at calling off president Evo Morales' mandate along with those of the 9 Bolivian departments' governors. “We aim at the autonomy of the entire Bolivia,” said Cossio, who leads a region where 85% of the country's gas resources are concentrated. “Nobody can dare taking our regional resources,” he added, referring to direct taxes on hydrocarbons partially devolved by La Paz to the financing of social measures such as a 200-euro monthly cheque for over-60 poors. Tension preceding the vote forced Morales to call off a visit to Tarija.
20 June 2008
Southern department of Tarija's governor Mario Cossio spoke ahead of Sunday's referendum for local autonomy after those of Santa Cruz, Beni and Pando, where voters expressed their favour despite a high abstension rate. “We are engaged in an even more ambitious project,” Cossio said. Central government labelled the referendums as unconstitutional, denying their validity before the next vote, aimed at calling off president Evo Morales' mandate along with those of the 9 Bolivian departments' governors. “We aim at the autonomy of the entire Bolivia,” said Cossio, who leads a region where 85% of the country's gas resources are concentrated. “Nobody can dare taking our regional resources,” he added, referring to direct taxes on hydrocarbons partially devolved by La Paz to the financing of social measures such as a 200-euro monthly cheque for over-60 poors. Tension preceding the vote forced Morales to call off a visit to Tarija.
19 June, 2008
RUSSIAN GAZPROM TO REPLACE SHELL IN NIGER DELTA.
MISNA
19 June 2008
Negotiations between the Nigerian government and Gazprom for the replacement of Royal Dutch Shell with Russia's gas giant in the exploitment of Ogoniland's oil fields were revealed by Russian newspaper RBK Daily. The world's third company for capital stocks and owner of 16% of the planet's methane resources, Gazprom would now be able to “challenge western giants” which have been operating in Nigeria for many years – the newspaper reported. RBK also reported that negotiations for Gazprom's presence in the African country's oil-rich Niger Delta region have been underway since February, while some weeks ago Gazprom's managing director Aleksej Miller met the Nigerian Petroleum Corporation's head Abubakar Yaradua to discuss the matter. According to Nigerian newspaper This Day, president Umaru Yar’Adua first raised the issue a month ago as he announced a withdrawal of the Anglo-Dutch oil corporation's licences in the country – which is the world's seventh oil producer – and its replacement with a new operator before the end of the year. Tensions between Shell and local population – accusing the corporation of not paying the due reparations for the environmental damage it produced – since the mid-1990s may be at the origin of the government's decision. A law providing for the licence withdrawal shouldn't contract obligations be fulfilled may support the government's action against Shell – which first suspended its activities in 1993. Vitalij Krjukov, an analyst for Russian investment fund Kapital said that “by obtaining the control over Ogoniland's oil, Russia will strenghten its role as an hydrocarbon supplier to the European Union's countries.” Negotiations between Nigeria and Russia might also lead to further agreements in the sector: RBK reported that Abuja recently offered Gazprom a participation in the 4,300-kilometer Tran-Saharan pipeline linking the Niger Delta to Algeria and the European markets. According to This Day, though, negotiations over the Ogoniland may be influenced by many Chinese companies' interests in African oil.
19 June 2008
Negotiations between the Nigerian government and Gazprom for the replacement of Royal Dutch Shell with Russia's gas giant in the exploitment of Ogoniland's oil fields were revealed by Russian newspaper RBK Daily. The world's third company for capital stocks and owner of 16% of the planet's methane resources, Gazprom would now be able to “challenge western giants” which have been operating in Nigeria for many years – the newspaper reported. RBK also reported that negotiations for Gazprom's presence in the African country's oil-rich Niger Delta region have been underway since February, while some weeks ago Gazprom's managing director Aleksej Miller met the Nigerian Petroleum Corporation's head Abubakar Yaradua to discuss the matter. According to Nigerian newspaper This Day, president Umaru Yar’Adua first raised the issue a month ago as he announced a withdrawal of the Anglo-Dutch oil corporation's licences in the country – which is the world's seventh oil producer – and its replacement with a new operator before the end of the year. Tensions between Shell and local population – accusing the corporation of not paying the due reparations for the environmental damage it produced – since the mid-1990s may be at the origin of the government's decision. A law providing for the licence withdrawal shouldn't contract obligations be fulfilled may support the government's action against Shell – which first suspended its activities in 1993. Vitalij Krjukov, an analyst for Russian investment fund Kapital said that “by obtaining the control over Ogoniland's oil, Russia will strenghten its role as an hydrocarbon supplier to the European Union's countries.” Negotiations between Nigeria and Russia might also lead to further agreements in the sector: RBK reported that Abuja recently offered Gazprom a participation in the 4,300-kilometer Tran-Saharan pipeline linking the Niger Delta to Algeria and the European markets. According to This Day, though, negotiations over the Ogoniland may be influenced by many Chinese companies' interests in African oil.
SIX ACQUITTED OVER MURDER OF WHO REPRESENTATIVE IN BURUNDI.
Hirondelle News Agency
18 June 2008
The Supreme Court of Burundi Thursday acquitted six former officials of the Burundian security services accused of having taken part in the murder of Dr Kassi Manlan, Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Burundi, in November 2001.
Earlier, three of them--Emile Manisha, head of the national police force at the time of the murder, Colonel Gerard Ntunzwenayo, alias Mivuba, then deputy head of the intelligence and Commander Aloys Bizimana, who commanded the Kiyange brigade--, were sentenced to death by lower court.
The three others-- Japhet Ndayegamiye, head of the intelligence in the capital, Expert Bihumugani, an official of a security company that guarded the residence of Dr. Manlan and Athanase Bizindavyi, former assistant director of the central prison--were sentenced to 20 years in prison.
During the trial before the Court of Appeal of Bujumbura, Bernard Maingain, lawyer for a civil party, accused the former Burundian President , Pierre Buyoya, of having ordered the WHO’s representative’s murder.
Mr Buyoya afterwards filed a complaint against this Belgian lawyer although the latter maintained his position.
"The civil party will continue its battle for the rule of law so that it receives judicial recognition; a ruling does not mean that the last word was said concerning the procedure in progress”, stated Maingain.
In spite of the acquittal, the public ministry, which indicted them in October 2003, decided to maintain them in custody.
The General Prosecutor, Elysium Ndaye, said he intended to appeal the decision.
18 June 2008
The Supreme Court of Burundi Thursday acquitted six former officials of the Burundian security services accused of having taken part in the murder of Dr Kassi Manlan, Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Burundi, in November 2001.
Earlier, three of them--Emile Manisha, head of the national police force at the time of the murder, Colonel Gerard Ntunzwenayo, alias Mivuba, then deputy head of the intelligence and Commander Aloys Bizimana, who commanded the Kiyange brigade--, were sentenced to death by lower court.
The three others-- Japhet Ndayegamiye, head of the intelligence in the capital, Expert Bihumugani, an official of a security company that guarded the residence of Dr. Manlan and Athanase Bizindavyi, former assistant director of the central prison--were sentenced to 20 years in prison.
During the trial before the Court of Appeal of Bujumbura, Bernard Maingain, lawyer for a civil party, accused the former Burundian President , Pierre Buyoya, of having ordered the WHO’s representative’s murder.
Mr Buyoya afterwards filed a complaint against this Belgian lawyer although the latter maintained his position.
"The civil party will continue its battle for the rule of law so that it receives judicial recognition; a ruling does not mean that the last word was said concerning the procedure in progress”, stated Maingain.
In spite of the acquittal, the public ministry, which indicted them in October 2003, decided to maintain them in custody.
The General Prosecutor, Elysium Ndaye, said he intended to appeal the decision.
Activists turn to Blackwater over Darfur.
Financial Times
19 June 2008
By Harvey Morris at the United Nations
Mia Farrow, the actress and activist, has asked Blackwater, the US private security company active in Iraq, for help in Darfur after becoming frustrated by the stalled deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping force.
Ms Farrow said she had approached Erik Prince, founder and owner of Blackwater, to discuss whether a military role was either feasible or desirable.
19 June 2008
By Harvey Morris at the United Nations
Mia Farrow, the actress and activist, has asked Blackwater, the US private security company active in Iraq, for help in Darfur after becoming frustrated by the stalled deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping force.
Ms Farrow said she had approached Erik Prince, founder and owner of Blackwater, to discuss whether a military role was either feasible or desirable.
U.S. troops get ready for exercise in Georgia.
By Sandra Jontz
Stars and Stripes
European edition, June 19, 2008
Lt. Col. Edwin Hernandez has the detailed plans worked out to erect a small town, sustain it and then tear it all down again — all within a matter of a few weeks.
The lead logistical planner from Southern European Task Force (Airborne) is at the logistical helm for "Immediate Response ’08," an exercise in the Republic of Georgia.
The exercise "affords us the opportunity to train with our Georgian counterparts, who happen to make up the third-largest force contribution" to wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, said Lt. Cmdr. Corey Barker, a spokesman for U.S. Europe Command.
Hernandez’s planning for the exercise is worked down to the hour and pound: from exactly when the thousands of arriving troops will show up at the airport, to the amount of Army-approved food to feed about 2,000 soldiers at least two hot meals a day, complete with choice of meats.
"Why compromise?" Hernandez said, smiling, after rolling out his roughly 5-foot-long, plastic-coated detailed flow chart, his "pride and joy."
So he’s got tabs on the 158,112 pounds of Meals, Ready to Eat, the 352,000 bottles of water coming from Greece, the 132,000 pounds of ice and 660,000 pounds of food to be trucked commercially from Germany — a transport option far cheaper than flying in supplies, he said.
Oh yes, he also has accounted for the 61 short tons of small arms and explosives. "When this is all said and done, it’ll be about a $7 million expense," Hernandez said.
The U.S. European Command-driven annual exercise this year involves U.S. Army National Guard soldiers, a U.S. Marine Reserve Unit, and Georgian Armed Forces soldiers — headed by a command-and-control headquarters unit from SETAF. A handful of military representatives from Ukraine, Armenia and Azerbaijan also will participate.
"Immediate Response" is one of several EUCOM exercises working with partners.
The more than 1,000 U.S. troops bound for the Republic of Georgia will represent the largest presence of U.S. forces in the country, said Maj. Ryan Dillon, SETAF spokesman. "We learn from one another to be able to work in a coalition environment," he said. "That’s what the U.S. gets out of this."
The exercise has been in the planning stages since October, and is not a response to the recent tensions and fighting by breakaway groups in the region seeking independence, officials said.
The exercise will take place at the austere 4th Infantry Brigade base in Vaziani, about 40 minutes outside of the capital of Tbilisi. Infantry guys will train for two weeks starting in mid-July, while the headquarters staff will be there for the month. Previous exercises were held in Bulgaria in 2005 and 2006, and Poland last year.
The exercise’s goal is to get troops to rapidly assimilate with each others’ fighting techniques — with the U.S. contingent learning from the others as much as the other way around, said Maj. Dave Klingman, SETAF plans officer.
The U.S. once again will train as allies with former foes, Klingman, a 17-year veteran, pointed out. "We’re breaking down barriers we put up for so long in the Cold War."
The U.S. infantrymen include soldiers from Georgia’s 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry National Guard element, and infantry Reserve Marines from the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, headquartered in Ohio, and augmented by handfuls of soldiers from other Europe- and U.S.-based support elements.
Stars and Stripes
European edition, June 19, 2008
Lt. Col. Edwin Hernandez has the detailed plans worked out to erect a small town, sustain it and then tear it all down again — all within a matter of a few weeks.
The lead logistical planner from Southern European Task Force (Airborne) is at the logistical helm for "Immediate Response ’08," an exercise in the Republic of Georgia.
The exercise "affords us the opportunity to train with our Georgian counterparts, who happen to make up the third-largest force contribution" to wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, said Lt. Cmdr. Corey Barker, a spokesman for U.S. Europe Command.
Hernandez’s planning for the exercise is worked down to the hour and pound: from exactly when the thousands of arriving troops will show up at the airport, to the amount of Army-approved food to feed about 2,000 soldiers at least two hot meals a day, complete with choice of meats.
"Why compromise?" Hernandez said, smiling, after rolling out his roughly 5-foot-long, plastic-coated detailed flow chart, his "pride and joy."
So he’s got tabs on the 158,112 pounds of Meals, Ready to Eat, the 352,000 bottles of water coming from Greece, the 132,000 pounds of ice and 660,000 pounds of food to be trucked commercially from Germany — a transport option far cheaper than flying in supplies, he said.
Oh yes, he also has accounted for the 61 short tons of small arms and explosives. "When this is all said and done, it’ll be about a $7 million expense," Hernandez said.
The U.S. European Command-driven annual exercise this year involves U.S. Army National Guard soldiers, a U.S. Marine Reserve Unit, and Georgian Armed Forces soldiers — headed by a command-and-control headquarters unit from SETAF. A handful of military representatives from Ukraine, Armenia and Azerbaijan also will participate.
"Immediate Response" is one of several EUCOM exercises working with partners.
The more than 1,000 U.S. troops bound for the Republic of Georgia will represent the largest presence of U.S. forces in the country, said Maj. Ryan Dillon, SETAF spokesman. "We learn from one another to be able to work in a coalition environment," he said. "That’s what the U.S. gets out of this."
The exercise has been in the planning stages since October, and is not a response to the recent tensions and fighting by breakaway groups in the region seeking independence, officials said.
The exercise will take place at the austere 4th Infantry Brigade base in Vaziani, about 40 minutes outside of the capital of Tbilisi. Infantry guys will train for two weeks starting in mid-July, while the headquarters staff will be there for the month. Previous exercises were held in Bulgaria in 2005 and 2006, and Poland last year.
The exercise’s goal is to get troops to rapidly assimilate with each others’ fighting techniques — with the U.S. contingent learning from the others as much as the other way around, said Maj. Dave Klingman, SETAF plans officer.
The U.S. once again will train as allies with former foes, Klingman, a 17-year veteran, pointed out. "We’re breaking down barriers we put up for so long in the Cold War."
The U.S. infantrymen include soldiers from Georgia’s 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry National Guard element, and infantry Reserve Marines from the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, headquartered in Ohio, and augmented by handfuls of soldiers from other Europe- and U.S.-based support elements.
Britain is the world’s biggest arms exporter.
Times Online
18 June 2008
Britain was the world’s biggest arms seller last year, accounting for a third of global arms exports, the Government’s trade promotion organisation said.
UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) said that arms exporters had added £9.7 billion in new business last year, giving them a larger share of global arms exports than the United States.
“As demonstrated by this outstanding export performance, the UK has a first-class defence industry, with some of the world’s most technologically sophisticated companies,” Digby Jones, the Minister for Trade and Investment, said.
UKTI said that the figures were boosted by orders for Eurofighter Typhoon jets from Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest arms buyer, which has imported $31 billion (£16 million) in weapons over the past five years. There were also orders from Oman and Trinidad and Tobago for offshore patrol vessels.
The US is still the world’s biggest exporter over the past five years, with $63 billion in total arms exports. Britain was second with $53 billion and Russia third with $33 billion.
18 June 2008
Britain was the world’s biggest arms seller last year, accounting for a third of global arms exports, the Government’s trade promotion organisation said.
UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) said that arms exporters had added £9.7 billion in new business last year, giving them a larger share of global arms exports than the United States.
“As demonstrated by this outstanding export performance, the UK has a first-class defence industry, with some of the world’s most technologically sophisticated companies,” Digby Jones, the Minister for Trade and Investment, said.
UKTI said that the figures were boosted by orders for Eurofighter Typhoon jets from Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest arms buyer, which has imported $31 billion (£16 million) in weapons over the past five years. There were also orders from Oman and Trinidad and Tobago for offshore patrol vessels.
The US is still the world’s biggest exporter over the past five years, with $63 billion in total arms exports. Britain was second with $53 billion and Russia third with $33 billion.
Change? Obama's foreign policy team is old Clinton hands.
By Margaret Talev
McClatchy Newspapers
June 19 2008
Senator Barack Obama met Wednesday with a new national-security advisory group that includes many of former President Clinton's advisers, claiming that if he's elected president, he'll return the nation "to a pragmatic tradition of American foreign policy, which has been so ably advanced by the people in this room."
With former Secretaries of State Madeleine Albright and Warren Christopher and former Defense Secretary William Perry signing on to a panel already heavy with former Clinton administration officials, Obama continued to consolidate the support of Clinton loyalists after his defeat of Sen. Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination.
Their willingness to advise Obama in his general election campaign gives him a team with decades of collective expertise and one that advised the last Democratic president.
At the same time, the Illinois senator's choices for his Senior Working Group on National Security may open him up to more criticism from Republicans that the professed "change" candidate is relying on Washington insiders or that the failure of these former officials to kill or catch Osama bin Laden before the 9-11 attacks left the nation vulnerable on President Bush's watch.
"There's nothing 'new' about this group of Washington insiders," Republican National Committee spokesman Alex Conant said.
Michael O'Hanlon, a national security expert at the Brookings Institution, said that Obama's working group offered expertise but would benefit from new voices.
"When you lead with the last two secretaries of state, you begin to have quite a feel of the old guard," O'Hanlon said. "For every seasoned veteran you also want to have some new ideas and a process that ensures the new people are not intimidated or overruled" by the veterans.
Obama and his advisers said they'd add more experts to the panel in coming months.
Albright, Christopher and Perry join a panel that's already peopled with many former Clinton administration officials who sided with Obama during the long contested primary.
They include former Clinton National Security Adviser Tony Lake; former Assistant Secretary of State Susan Rice; Greg Craig, the former director of the State Department's Office of Policy Planning; former Deputy Attorney General Eric Holder; former Navy Secretary Richard Danzig; and former Deputy National Security Adviser Jim Steinberg.
Several former Democratic members of Congress also are in Obama's working groups: David Boren, former chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence; Lee Hamilton, former chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the vice chairman of the 9-11 commission; Sam Nunn, former chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee; and Tim Roemer, a former House member and 9-11 commissioner.
Obama told the working group at the Liaison Hotel in Washington that this would be the first of a number of gatherings before the election and that they'd start with "a wind-ranging discussion about the national security challenges facing the United States."
McClatchy Newspapers
June 19 2008
Senator Barack Obama met Wednesday with a new national-security advisory group that includes many of former President Clinton's advisers, claiming that if he's elected president, he'll return the nation "to a pragmatic tradition of American foreign policy, which has been so ably advanced by the people in this room."
With former Secretaries of State Madeleine Albright and Warren Christopher and former Defense Secretary William Perry signing on to a panel already heavy with former Clinton administration officials, Obama continued to consolidate the support of Clinton loyalists after his defeat of Sen. Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination.
Their willingness to advise Obama in his general election campaign gives him a team with decades of collective expertise and one that advised the last Democratic president.
At the same time, the Illinois senator's choices for his Senior Working Group on National Security may open him up to more criticism from Republicans that the professed "change" candidate is relying on Washington insiders or that the failure of these former officials to kill or catch Osama bin Laden before the 9-11 attacks left the nation vulnerable on President Bush's watch.
"There's nothing 'new' about this group of Washington insiders," Republican National Committee spokesman Alex Conant said.
Michael O'Hanlon, a national security expert at the Brookings Institution, said that Obama's working group offered expertise but would benefit from new voices.
"When you lead with the last two secretaries of state, you begin to have quite a feel of the old guard," O'Hanlon said. "For every seasoned veteran you also want to have some new ideas and a process that ensures the new people are not intimidated or overruled" by the veterans.
Obama and his advisers said they'd add more experts to the panel in coming months.
Albright, Christopher and Perry join a panel that's already peopled with many former Clinton administration officials who sided with Obama during the long contested primary.
They include former Clinton National Security Adviser Tony Lake; former Assistant Secretary of State Susan Rice; Greg Craig, the former director of the State Department's Office of Policy Planning; former Deputy Attorney General Eric Holder; former Navy Secretary Richard Danzig; and former Deputy National Security Adviser Jim Steinberg.
Several former Democratic members of Congress also are in Obama's working groups: David Boren, former chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence; Lee Hamilton, former chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the vice chairman of the 9-11 commission; Sam Nunn, former chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee; and Tim Roemer, a former House member and 9-11 commissioner.
Obama told the working group at the Liaison Hotel in Washington that this would be the first of a number of gatherings before the election and that they'd start with "a wind-ranging discussion about the national security challenges facing the United States."
Kenya Gets Sh6 Billion for Reforms from U.S.
The Nation
19 June 2008
Editor's Note: Given the Kenyan pipeline expansion from Eldoret that will allow Ugandan and Kenyan oil to be transported to the coast, and its ability to deliver oil cheaper to the interior landlocked states of Central Africa, which will reduce costs in the long run and foster economic development and trade, this initiative should come as no surprise. In addition, Kenya's stability and, at a minimum, its ability to at least be percieved as a democracy is crucial as it is the key transit state for imports and exports in the central and eastern region of Africa, in addition to the US military presence in Mombasa and numerous mulitlateral initiatives and programs run out of Nairobi, which is a regional hub. The US wants to foster very close cordial relations with the power-sharing government.
Prime Minister Raila Odinga got the approval of US congressmen, agencies, financiers and diplomats who easily endorsed a further US$ 90 million (Sh5.85 billion) funding for Kenya's rehabilitation programme. Washington also promised Kenya more money in the next two years as the PM articulated Kenya's reform agenda at a luncheon where nearly 300 guests gave him a standing ovation.
"Africa only needs investment and trade," said the PM amidst thunderous applause after he explained that the aid was to boost Kenya's economy, severely dented by the recent socio-political crisis. He appealed to American investors to venture into public-private sector partnerships with Kenya, saying continental foreign aid had mostly been diverted to individual accounts abroad.
Expand trade
The PM is due to sign the Open-Skies Agreement on Thursday. Under the Agreement, airlines, not governments, will decide which cities to serve, the frequency of flights, the equipment used, and the prices charged.
This is expected to strengthen and expand trade and tourism links with Kenya, and provide multi-million dollar benefits to American and Kenyan carriers and the travelling public, while preserving commitment to aviation safety and security.
The PM also urgently wants one-stop shops set up in Kenya to provide an enabling investment environment. Taking a swipe at past African dictatorship and corruption, Mr Odinga exhorted Afro-optimism saying he believed the continent would see change.
"It's a long way from single-party, military and strong-man leadership," said the PM, adding that Africa must now espouse transparency, accountability and good governance. He said that though the grand coalition Government pioneered in Kenya was not easy, it was an option for troubled African states.
US Assistant Secretary of State Dr. Jendayi Frazer and the President of US Corporate Councils Steven Hayes praised Odinga's role in the Peace Accord and said Kenya's once vibrant economy and strategic position in the Horn of Africa prompted intervention by the United States, Britain and European Union.
"We are also keen to address regional security with Kenya," Dr. Frazer told the meeting attended by US government officials, agencies, Congress, Senate, civil societies and diplomatic corps, the World Bank, and the IMF.
World Bank
The PM later briefed the World Bank managing director in charge of Africa, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on the grand coalition's reform programme which covers the constitution, elections and the judiciary. He also informed the Bank of Kenya's Vision 2030 and job creation programmes for the youth.
Mr Odinga asked the Bank to cover Kenya under the Global Food Response for the urgent acquisition of farm implements and to fund projects in the ministry of Northern Kenya and Arid Lands.
At a later meeting with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) ambassador John J. Danillovitch, the PM reviewed Kenya's governance progress in a bid to qualify for infrastructure funding. MCC is a US government agency that gives support to countries that show progress in democracy. The corporation gave Kenya US$12.7 million last year for HIV programmes.
The PM also met with President of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, Mr Robert Mosbacher, who expressed interest in assisting Kenya with the construction of low-cost housing and extending credit to micro-enterprises.
19 June 2008
Editor's Note: Given the Kenyan pipeline expansion from Eldoret that will allow Ugandan and Kenyan oil to be transported to the coast, and its ability to deliver oil cheaper to the interior landlocked states of Central Africa, which will reduce costs in the long run and foster economic development and trade, this initiative should come as no surprise. In addition, Kenya's stability and, at a minimum, its ability to at least be percieved as a democracy is crucial as it is the key transit state for imports and exports in the central and eastern region of Africa, in addition to the US military presence in Mombasa and numerous mulitlateral initiatives and programs run out of Nairobi, which is a regional hub. The US wants to foster very close cordial relations with the power-sharing government.
Prime Minister Raila Odinga got the approval of US congressmen, agencies, financiers and diplomats who easily endorsed a further US$ 90 million (Sh5.85 billion) funding for Kenya's rehabilitation programme. Washington also promised Kenya more money in the next two years as the PM articulated Kenya's reform agenda at a luncheon where nearly 300 guests gave him a standing ovation.
"Africa only needs investment and trade," said the PM amidst thunderous applause after he explained that the aid was to boost Kenya's economy, severely dented by the recent socio-political crisis. He appealed to American investors to venture into public-private sector partnerships with Kenya, saying continental foreign aid had mostly been diverted to individual accounts abroad.
Expand trade
The PM is due to sign the Open-Skies Agreement on Thursday. Under the Agreement, airlines, not governments, will decide which cities to serve, the frequency of flights, the equipment used, and the prices charged.
This is expected to strengthen and expand trade and tourism links with Kenya, and provide multi-million dollar benefits to American and Kenyan carriers and the travelling public, while preserving commitment to aviation safety and security.
The PM also urgently wants one-stop shops set up in Kenya to provide an enabling investment environment. Taking a swipe at past African dictatorship and corruption, Mr Odinga exhorted Afro-optimism saying he believed the continent would see change.
"It's a long way from single-party, military and strong-man leadership," said the PM, adding that Africa must now espouse transparency, accountability and good governance. He said that though the grand coalition Government pioneered in Kenya was not easy, it was an option for troubled African states.
US Assistant Secretary of State Dr. Jendayi Frazer and the President of US Corporate Councils Steven Hayes praised Odinga's role in the Peace Accord and said Kenya's once vibrant economy and strategic position in the Horn of Africa prompted intervention by the United States, Britain and European Union.
"We are also keen to address regional security with Kenya," Dr. Frazer told the meeting attended by US government officials, agencies, Congress, Senate, civil societies and diplomatic corps, the World Bank, and the IMF.
World Bank
The PM later briefed the World Bank managing director in charge of Africa, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on the grand coalition's reform programme which covers the constitution, elections and the judiciary. He also informed the Bank of Kenya's Vision 2030 and job creation programmes for the youth.
Mr Odinga asked the Bank to cover Kenya under the Global Food Response for the urgent acquisition of farm implements and to fund projects in the ministry of Northern Kenya and Arid Lands.
At a later meeting with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) ambassador John J. Danillovitch, the PM reviewed Kenya's governance progress in a bid to qualify for infrastructure funding. MCC is a US government agency that gives support to countries that show progress in democracy. The corporation gave Kenya US$12.7 million last year for HIV programmes.
The PM also met with President of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, Mr Robert Mosbacher, who expressed interest in assisting Kenya with the construction of low-cost housing and extending credit to micro-enterprises.
Libya Hires Goldman Sachs for Advice on Oil Production.
Bloomberg News
19 June 2008
Libya, the holder of the largest oil reserves in Africa, hired Goldman Sachs Group to provide information on its behalf to credit rating companies, the first contract with a U.S. bank after the removal of sanctions.
"While there must have been some dealings between American and Libyan banks after the sanctions, this is the first contract given by Libya to a U.S. bank for works to be done on behalf of the government," Said Laswad, an economics professor at Tripoli's Al-Fateh University, said during an interview by telephone.
Shokri Ghanem, the chairman of state-run National Oil, met Wednesday with a Goldman Sachs delegation in Tripoli at the request of the North African nation's central bank.
"They wanted information on oil, gas production, revenue and other data," he said in a telephone interview from Tripoli.
Oil and natural gas account for more than half Libya's gross domestic product of $72 billion, according to the World Bank. Paul Kafka, a spokesman for Goldman Sachs in London, declined to comment on the contract with Libya.
Today in Business with Reuters
Former Bear Stearns executives to face criminal charges in hedge fund collapseDeals with Iraq are set to bring oil giants backRush to exploit new offshore oil hampered by shortage of drilling shipsThe U.S. in 2004 began lifting two decades of diplomatic and economic sanctions after Muammar al-Qaddafi, Libya's leader since 1969, pledged to renounce terrorism and abandon efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction.
The improvement in relations with the West enabled the Libyan government to attract more oil companies, including Exxon Mobil and Dutch Shell, to increase production and revenue to speed up work on roads, ports, schools and housing, which had been hampered by the sanctions.
Qaddafi also started to reduce state control of the economy and improve efficiency, selling stakes in banks to foreign lenders including Arab Bank and BNP Paribas. He increased the responsibilities of the central bank, which held last month its first open market operation.
The central bank on May 13 sold bonds for the first time in an effort to regulate credit supply. Local banks bought certificate of deposits worth 635 million dinars, or $530 million, maturing after 91 days, bearing an interest of 2.21 percent, according to the Central Bank's Web site.
"The Goldman Sachs team is tasked with negotiating with the credit rating institutions and giving them information about Libya," said National Oil on its Web site. "The action is in conformity with the global drive for more transparency."
Libya did not identify the credit rating companies that are seeking to rate its debt.
National Oil's Ghanem, who served previously as prime minister, in March said Libya's sovereign wealth fund will avoid buying assets in the U.S. because of politically motivated restrictions on investments by Arab states there.
Oil prices doubled in a year to a record $139.89 a barrel on June 16, allowing Libya to build a sovereign wealth fund that reached $100 billion by the end of 2007.
Libya, a nation of 6 million people that's larger than the U.S. state of Alaska, ranks third in oil production in Africa, behind Angola and Nigeria, with an output of 1.7 million barrels a day in May, according to Bloomberg estimates. It seeks to increase its production capacity to 2 million barrels a day this year and 3 million barrels day in 2012.
19 June 2008
Libya, the holder of the largest oil reserves in Africa, hired Goldman Sachs Group to provide information on its behalf to credit rating companies, the first contract with a U.S. bank after the removal of sanctions.
"While there must have been some dealings between American and Libyan banks after the sanctions, this is the first contract given by Libya to a U.S. bank for works to be done on behalf of the government," Said Laswad, an economics professor at Tripoli's Al-Fateh University, said during an interview by telephone.
Shokri Ghanem, the chairman of state-run National Oil, met Wednesday with a Goldman Sachs delegation in Tripoli at the request of the North African nation's central bank.
"They wanted information on oil, gas production, revenue and other data," he said in a telephone interview from Tripoli.
Oil and natural gas account for more than half Libya's gross domestic product of $72 billion, according to the World Bank. Paul Kafka, a spokesman for Goldman Sachs in London, declined to comment on the contract with Libya.
Today in Business with Reuters
Former Bear Stearns executives to face criminal charges in hedge fund collapseDeals with Iraq are set to bring oil giants backRush to exploit new offshore oil hampered by shortage of drilling shipsThe U.S. in 2004 began lifting two decades of diplomatic and economic sanctions after Muammar al-Qaddafi, Libya's leader since 1969, pledged to renounce terrorism and abandon efforts to acquire weapons of mass destruction.
The improvement in relations with the West enabled the Libyan government to attract more oil companies, including Exxon Mobil and Dutch Shell, to increase production and revenue to speed up work on roads, ports, schools and housing, which had been hampered by the sanctions.
Qaddafi also started to reduce state control of the economy and improve efficiency, selling stakes in banks to foreign lenders including Arab Bank and BNP Paribas. He increased the responsibilities of the central bank, which held last month its first open market operation.
The central bank on May 13 sold bonds for the first time in an effort to regulate credit supply. Local banks bought certificate of deposits worth 635 million dinars, or $530 million, maturing after 91 days, bearing an interest of 2.21 percent, according to the Central Bank's Web site.
"The Goldman Sachs team is tasked with negotiating with the credit rating institutions and giving them information about Libya," said National Oil on its Web site. "The action is in conformity with the global drive for more transparency."
Libya did not identify the credit rating companies that are seeking to rate its debt.
National Oil's Ghanem, who served previously as prime minister, in March said Libya's sovereign wealth fund will avoid buying assets in the U.S. because of politically motivated restrictions on investments by Arab states there.
Oil prices doubled in a year to a record $139.89 a barrel on June 16, allowing Libya to build a sovereign wealth fund that reached $100 billion by the end of 2007.
Libya, a nation of 6 million people that's larger than the U.S. state of Alaska, ranks third in oil production in Africa, behind Angola and Nigeria, with an output of 1.7 million barrels a day in May, according to Bloomberg estimates. It seeks to increase its production capacity to 2 million barrels a day this year and 3 million barrels day in 2012.
Libya Funds Infrastructure in Somalia.
Shabelle News Network
19 June 2008
Libya has decided to grant Investment fund to Somalia through Sahel-Saharan Investment and Trade Bank. This was made known by a source close to the organization in Cotonou capital of Benin where the 10th summit of the Community of Sahel-Saharan States, CEN-SAD, is being held since Tuesday.
According to this source, the money will be paid to the Sahel-Saharan Investment and Trade Bank [BSIC] and will be used to fund infrastructures such as roads and bridges within Somalia.
"The key aim of the endowment is to Somalia " Libyan official who declined to identify told Shabelle English service.
CEN-SAD is "the biggest economic community with about 411m inhabitants or 48.2 per cent of the continent's population" and a Gross National Product (GNP) of about 287bn dollars or 44 per cent of that of Africa, according to the organization.
CEN-SAD on Tuesday welcomed three new members, namely Kenya, Mauritania and Sao Tome and Principe. They are joining the following 25 countries: Libya, Burkina Faso, Mali, Sudan, Chad, Niger, Eritrea, Central African Republic, Senegal, Gambia, Djibouti, Nigeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Somalia, Togo, Guinea, Comoros, Benin, Egypt, Guinea Bissau, Cote d'Ivoire, Liberia, Ghana and Sierra Leone.
19 June 2008
Libya has decided to grant Investment fund to Somalia through Sahel-Saharan Investment and Trade Bank. This was made known by a source close to the organization in Cotonou capital of Benin where the 10th summit of the Community of Sahel-Saharan States, CEN-SAD, is being held since Tuesday.
According to this source, the money will be paid to the Sahel-Saharan Investment and Trade Bank [BSIC] and will be used to fund infrastructures such as roads and bridges within Somalia.
"The key aim of the endowment is to Somalia " Libyan official who declined to identify told Shabelle English service.
CEN-SAD is "the biggest economic community with about 411m inhabitants or 48.2 per cent of the continent's population" and a Gross National Product (GNP) of about 287bn dollars or 44 per cent of that of Africa, according to the organization.
CEN-SAD on Tuesday welcomed three new members, namely Kenya, Mauritania and Sao Tome and Principe. They are joining the following 25 countries: Libya, Burkina Faso, Mali, Sudan, Chad, Niger, Eritrea, Central African Republic, Senegal, Gambia, Djibouti, Nigeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Somalia, Togo, Guinea, Comoros, Benin, Egypt, Guinea Bissau, Cote d'Ivoire, Liberia, Ghana and Sierra Leone.
Petro-Canada signs Libyan oil exploration and production sharing deal.
The Canadian Press
19 June 2008
Petro-Canada (TSX:PCA) has signed six 30-year exploration and production sharing agreements in Libya, confirming partnership plans the Canadian oil giant originally announced in December.
The agreement with Libyan National Oil Corp. contemplates total spending of US$7 billion, with 50 per cent of all development costs to be paid by Petro-Canada, which will receive an initial 12 per cent share of production.
"We believe that we have significantly increased the value of our business in Libya," Petro-Canada vice-president Peter Kallos said in a release.
"We've unlocked a long-life asset with potential for material earnings and cash flow, as well as very prospective exploration acreage."
The company said it believes the oilfields in Libya hold resources of almost two billion barrels of oil, with a redevelopment program expected to double current production levels to about 200,000 barrels of oil per day over the next five to seven years.
Petro-Canada will pay a "signature bonus" of US$1 billion in three stages, including US$100 million for social investments in Libya. The company also proposes to invest US$460 million over the next seven years for an exploration program in Libya's prolific Sirte region.
19 June 2008
Petro-Canada (TSX:PCA) has signed six 30-year exploration and production sharing agreements in Libya, confirming partnership plans the Canadian oil giant originally announced in December.
The agreement with Libyan National Oil Corp. contemplates total spending of US$7 billion, with 50 per cent of all development costs to be paid by Petro-Canada, which will receive an initial 12 per cent share of production.
"We believe that we have significantly increased the value of our business in Libya," Petro-Canada vice-president Peter Kallos said in a release.
"We've unlocked a long-life asset with potential for material earnings and cash flow, as well as very prospective exploration acreage."
The company said it believes the oilfields in Libya hold resources of almost two billion barrels of oil, with a redevelopment program expected to double current production levels to about 200,000 barrels of oil per day over the next five to seven years.
Petro-Canada will pay a "signature bonus" of US$1 billion in three stages, including US$100 million for social investments in Libya. The company also proposes to invest US$460 million over the next seven years for an exploration program in Libya's prolific Sirte region.
Simon Mann names Sir Mark Thatcher as one of the coup plotters.
Times Online UK
19 June 2008
By Martin Fletcher
Mr. Simon Mann, the Old Etonian mercenary, has placed Sir Mark Thatcher at the heart of the plot to overthrow the President of the oil-rich Equatorial Guinea in 2004.
In electrifying testimony before a court in the tiny West African state yesterday, Mann flatly contradicted Sir Mark’s insistence that he knew nothing about the attempted coup d’état and gave money unwittingly.
Mann said that he recruited the former Prime Minister’s son and took him to London to be vetted by Ely Calil, the Lebanese-Nigerian tycoon whom he identified as the “boss” of the whole operation. After that, he said, Sir Mark was “not just an investor. He came on board completely and became part of the management team”, attending many meetings. He named Sir Mark as one of five men “in charge of the operation”.
Sir Mark struck a plea bargain with South African prosecutors in 2005. He admitted paying $275,000 (£140,530) for a helicopter but claimed that he thought it was to be used as an air ambulance. He was fined £266,000, received a four-year suspended sentence, and now lives on an exclusive estate in Spain while Mann is in the infamous Black Beach jail in Malabo.
In four hours of testimony Mann also claimed that the attempted coup was in effect an “official operation” sanctioned by the Spanish and South African governments, and that even President Mbeki knew of it.
He said that the Pentagon, the CIA and the US oil companies who have invested heavily in Equatorial Guinea were sounded out, and all signalled that a “well-conducted change of government would be welcome”. However, he declined to implicate the British Government, saying he was “amazed” to learn later that it had been aware of the plot.
Mann spoke calmly, but it was the testimony of a man fighting to avoid three decades in an African prison. The former SAS officer lost his composure only when the judge asked whether a 30-year sentence was justified. “I don’t agree with that. No. Please,” he replied.
He ended his testimony with an abject apology, adding: “I’m also very happy that we failed . . . especially now that I am here and have met some of you. And I think that the people who were seriously involved and have not faced justice should do so.”
Mann — who stood to make at least $15 million (£7.7 million) if the coup succeeded — claimed that he agreed to remove President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, reputedly one of Africa’s most corrupt and brutal dictators, “for the money yes, but also because it was the right thing to do”.
He said that he rejected the idea of assassinating Mr Obiang, and that he and his 80 fellow mercenaries were to land in Malabo straight after a palace coup, merely to guard Severo Moto Tsa, the exiled opposition leader who would replace the ousted President.
“When we arrived we would not be shooting, we would be shaking hands,” he said. Plan B — taking Malabo by force — would only kick in if the palace coup failed. Even then there was no plan to “erase people”.
Mann said Mr Calil and Mr Moto repeatedly assured him that José Maria Aznar’s conservative Government in Spain was “100 per cent behind the coup”, would immediately recognise Mr Moto’s administration, and send Civil Guards to help to keep order.Spain denied this last night.
Mr Mbeki’s spokesman also denied that the South African President or his Government knew of the plot.
19 June 2008
By Martin Fletcher
Mr. Simon Mann, the Old Etonian mercenary, has placed Sir Mark Thatcher at the heart of the plot to overthrow the President of the oil-rich Equatorial Guinea in 2004.
In electrifying testimony before a court in the tiny West African state yesterday, Mann flatly contradicted Sir Mark’s insistence that he knew nothing about the attempted coup d’état and gave money unwittingly.
Mann said that he recruited the former Prime Minister’s son and took him to London to be vetted by Ely Calil, the Lebanese-Nigerian tycoon whom he identified as the “boss” of the whole operation. After that, he said, Sir Mark was “not just an investor. He came on board completely and became part of the management team”, attending many meetings. He named Sir Mark as one of five men “in charge of the operation”.
Sir Mark struck a plea bargain with South African prosecutors in 2005. He admitted paying $275,000 (£140,530) for a helicopter but claimed that he thought it was to be used as an air ambulance. He was fined £266,000, received a four-year suspended sentence, and now lives on an exclusive estate in Spain while Mann is in the infamous Black Beach jail in Malabo.
In four hours of testimony Mann also claimed that the attempted coup was in effect an “official operation” sanctioned by the Spanish and South African governments, and that even President Mbeki knew of it.
He said that the Pentagon, the CIA and the US oil companies who have invested heavily in Equatorial Guinea were sounded out, and all signalled that a “well-conducted change of government would be welcome”. However, he declined to implicate the British Government, saying he was “amazed” to learn later that it had been aware of the plot.
Mann spoke calmly, but it was the testimony of a man fighting to avoid three decades in an African prison. The former SAS officer lost his composure only when the judge asked whether a 30-year sentence was justified. “I don’t agree with that. No. Please,” he replied.
He ended his testimony with an abject apology, adding: “I’m also very happy that we failed . . . especially now that I am here and have met some of you. And I think that the people who were seriously involved and have not faced justice should do so.”
Mann — who stood to make at least $15 million (£7.7 million) if the coup succeeded — claimed that he agreed to remove President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, reputedly one of Africa’s most corrupt and brutal dictators, “for the money yes, but also because it was the right thing to do”.
He said that he rejected the idea of assassinating Mr Obiang, and that he and his 80 fellow mercenaries were to land in Malabo straight after a palace coup, merely to guard Severo Moto Tsa, the exiled opposition leader who would replace the ousted President.
“When we arrived we would not be shooting, we would be shaking hands,” he said. Plan B — taking Malabo by force — would only kick in if the palace coup failed. Even then there was no plan to “erase people”.
Mann said Mr Calil and Mr Moto repeatedly assured him that José Maria Aznar’s conservative Government in Spain was “100 per cent behind the coup”, would immediately recognise Mr Moto’s administration, and send Civil Guards to help to keep order.Spain denied this last night.
Mr Mbeki’s spokesman also denied that the South African President or his Government knew of the plot.
UN secretary-general to renew mandate of panel monitoring sanctions.
African News Agency
19 June 2008
The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday asked Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to renew the mandate of the UN panel looking into the issues of diamonds, timber, sanctions, arms and security in Liberia for another six months.
In a unanimously adopted resolution, the council also requested Ban to reappoint the Panel of Experts and to make the necessary financial and security arrangements to support its work.
The council called on all states and the government of Liberia to “cooperate fully with the Panel of Experts in all the aspects of its mandate.”
The panel was appointed by the secretary-general in July 2007 to investigate whether UN sanctions against Liberia are being broken, after learning of allegations that former president Charles Taylor may still have access to considerable wealth.
The panel was also tasked with assessing the implementation of forestry legislation signed into law last October by President Ellen Johnson- Sirleaf, and with gauging the government’s compliance with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, a mechanism established to keep “blood diamonds” from reaching world markets.
The council also highlighted the importance of the continuing assistance of the UN peacekeeping missions in Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire to the work of the panel and to the Security Council committee monitoring the sanctions on Liberia.
19 June 2008
The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday asked Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to renew the mandate of the UN panel looking into the issues of diamonds, timber, sanctions, arms and security in Liberia for another six months.
In a unanimously adopted resolution, the council also requested Ban to reappoint the Panel of Experts and to make the necessary financial and security arrangements to support its work.
The council called on all states and the government of Liberia to “cooperate fully with the Panel of Experts in all the aspects of its mandate.”
The panel was appointed by the secretary-general in July 2007 to investigate whether UN sanctions against Liberia are being broken, after learning of allegations that former president Charles Taylor may still have access to considerable wealth.
The panel was also tasked with assessing the implementation of forestry legislation signed into law last October by President Ellen Johnson- Sirleaf, and with gauging the government’s compliance with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, a mechanism established to keep “blood diamonds” from reaching world markets.
The council also highlighted the importance of the continuing assistance of the UN peacekeeping missions in Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire to the work of the panel and to the Security Council committee monitoring the sanctions on Liberia.
TRC: Former Liberian warlord explains rejection of 1990 US peace plan.
African Press Agency
18 June 2008
The Former Liberian Warlord, Prince Johnson, now Senator of his native Nimba County, has been explaining in Minnesota (US) reasons behind his rejection of the US Peace Plan for Liberia in 1990, reports reaching APA in Monrovia said.
Appearing before Liberia’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)now taking place in Minnesota, United States, the former U.S Secretary of State for African Affairs, Herman Cohen, said the U.S government’s plan to install Taylor as president to see a quick end to the war was ’messed up’ by Prince Johnson, then head of the breakaway Independent National Patriotic front of Liberia (INPFL).
But in his reaction Tuesday evening, Senator Johnson admitted that he held talks with US envoy Cohen at the U.S Embassy in Monrovia in 1990, during which he (Cohen) asked him to open the corridor to the Sierra Leone border which he controlled at the time.
He said Cohen told him that "the United States was interested in letting Samuel Doe and his men use that corridor to leave the country, to pave the way for Taylor to take over power."
I turned down the request on grounds that my safety and the security of my loyalists were not guaranteed, he pointed out.
"Mr. Cohen and the American Ambassador had nothing concrete to say to me. All they wanted was for me to open the corridor to allow Doe to be evacuated and to make sure that Taylor steps in the gap of Samuel Doe," he said.
He refuted the claim by Mr. Cohen that he was drunk during their discussion at the American Embassy in Monrovia.
During the meeting, Cohen gave me four packs of cigarettes chemicalized by the American Army for combat in Vietnam and other places, because I had one before and it was not good for my body, he added.
He said he would not have allowed the deal to work because he had just broken away from the NPFL, adding, "I would not have opened the corridor to let Samuel Doe to go into exile and come again and seek more trouble".
He accused the Americans of double standards in their negotiations with various parties in the conflict.
18 June 2008
The Former Liberian Warlord, Prince Johnson, now Senator of his native Nimba County, has been explaining in Minnesota (US) reasons behind his rejection of the US Peace Plan for Liberia in 1990, reports reaching APA in Monrovia said.
Appearing before Liberia’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)now taking place in Minnesota, United States, the former U.S Secretary of State for African Affairs, Herman Cohen, said the U.S government’s plan to install Taylor as president to see a quick end to the war was ’messed up’ by Prince Johnson, then head of the breakaway Independent National Patriotic front of Liberia (INPFL).
But in his reaction Tuesday evening, Senator Johnson admitted that he held talks with US envoy Cohen at the U.S Embassy in Monrovia in 1990, during which he (Cohen) asked him to open the corridor to the Sierra Leone border which he controlled at the time.
He said Cohen told him that "the United States was interested in letting Samuel Doe and his men use that corridor to leave the country, to pave the way for Taylor to take over power."
I turned down the request on grounds that my safety and the security of my loyalists were not guaranteed, he pointed out.
"Mr. Cohen and the American Ambassador had nothing concrete to say to me. All they wanted was for me to open the corridor to allow Doe to be evacuated and to make sure that Taylor steps in the gap of Samuel Doe," he said.
He refuted the claim by Mr. Cohen that he was drunk during their discussion at the American Embassy in Monrovia.
During the meeting, Cohen gave me four packs of cigarettes chemicalized by the American Army for combat in Vietnam and other places, because I had one before and it was not good for my body, he added.
He said he would not have allowed the deal to work because he had just broken away from the NPFL, adding, "I would not have opened the corridor to let Samuel Doe to go into exile and come again and seek more trouble".
He accused the Americans of double standards in their negotiations with various parties in the conflict.
Spain, US, SAfrica backed E Guinea coup, accused tells court.
AFP
18 June 2008
by Rodrigo Angue Nguema
South Africa, Spain and the United States each approved a plot to topple Equatorial Guinea's president, British mercenary Simon Mann told a Malabo court Wednesday.
Testifying at his ongoing trial, Mann said the Spanish government was 100 percent ready to support the operation, whose participants included Mark Thatcher, son of former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher.
The United States and unnamed oil companies agreed that the political situation in Equatorial Guinea was unstable and that a change of government would be welcome, he added.
Mann -- who prosecutors allege spearheaded the operation -- also stated that South African secret services had passed him a message from its head to the effect that it was giving him a green light to mount a coup.
Speaking calmly, with his hands clasped behind his back, Mann's testimony was translated from English into Spanish by a court interpreter.
Quizzed by Attorney General Jose Olo Obono, Mann said Spain was chosen because it was the former colonial power in the territory, the US because of its importance in the oil sector and South Africa due to its significance as a regional power.
Asked about the allegations, Spanish foreign ministry spokesman Manuel Cacho told AFP in Madrid: "The Spanish government obviously denies these allegations, as it already did in 2004 through Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos."
Mann, 55, said the coup was aimed at installing Severo Moto as president -- Moto being a political opponent of Obiang who has been sentenced in absentia to several years in jail. Moto now is behind bars in Madrid for the trafficking of arms to Malabo.
Mann described Mark Thatcher as a key member of the plot, with a role that went beyond raising financing for the failed 2004 bid to oust the oil-rich African country's president, Teodoro Obiang Nguema.
Thatcher had been in contact with Moto to transport him to the Spanish Canary Islands off Africa's west coast and then on to Mali to await his return to power in the oil-rich former Spanish colony, Mann said.
Thatcher agreed to pay for Moto's travel costs, Mann added.
Dressed in a striped prisoner's shirt, Mann said he came in touch with Thatcher when they were neighbours in Cape Town.
A preliminary meeting with the coup's alleged creative force, London-based millionaire Ely Calil, had revealed that Thatcher and Calil knew each other, Mann added.
Thatcher pleaded guilty in 2005 to breaking the anti-mercenary laws of South Africa, where he was then living. He avoided prison with a suspended four-year sentence and a three million rand (380,000 euros, 505,000 dollars) fine.
Equatorial Guinea has already issued an international arrest warrant for Thatcher, who left South Africa for the United States.
Mann -- who faces 30 years in jail if convicted -- was arrested in 2004 at Harare airport with 61 alleged accomplices when their plane touched down en route to Equatorial Guinea.
Zimbabwean authorities accused them of trying to pick up arms before launching their coup attempt. Mann said at the time that the group was on its way to provide security to private mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Obiang has been in power in Equatorial Guinea since he overthrew his own uncle, Francisco Macias Nguema, in 1979. Under his rule the former Spanish colony has become one of sub-Saharan Africa's biggest oil producers, but the country's oil revenues are a state secret.
18 June 2008
by Rodrigo Angue Nguema
South Africa, Spain and the United States each approved a plot to topple Equatorial Guinea's president, British mercenary Simon Mann told a Malabo court Wednesday.
Testifying at his ongoing trial, Mann said the Spanish government was 100 percent ready to support the operation, whose participants included Mark Thatcher, son of former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher.
The United States and unnamed oil companies agreed that the political situation in Equatorial Guinea was unstable and that a change of government would be welcome, he added.
Mann -- who prosecutors allege spearheaded the operation -- also stated that South African secret services had passed him a message from its head to the effect that it was giving him a green light to mount a coup.
Speaking calmly, with his hands clasped behind his back, Mann's testimony was translated from English into Spanish by a court interpreter.
Quizzed by Attorney General Jose Olo Obono, Mann said Spain was chosen because it was the former colonial power in the territory, the US because of its importance in the oil sector and South Africa due to its significance as a regional power.
Asked about the allegations, Spanish foreign ministry spokesman Manuel Cacho told AFP in Madrid: "The Spanish government obviously denies these allegations, as it already did in 2004 through Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos."
Mann, 55, said the coup was aimed at installing Severo Moto as president -- Moto being a political opponent of Obiang who has been sentenced in absentia to several years in jail. Moto now is behind bars in Madrid for the trafficking of arms to Malabo.
Mann described Mark Thatcher as a key member of the plot, with a role that went beyond raising financing for the failed 2004 bid to oust the oil-rich African country's president, Teodoro Obiang Nguema.
Thatcher had been in contact with Moto to transport him to the Spanish Canary Islands off Africa's west coast and then on to Mali to await his return to power in the oil-rich former Spanish colony, Mann said.
Thatcher agreed to pay for Moto's travel costs, Mann added.
Dressed in a striped prisoner's shirt, Mann said he came in touch with Thatcher when they were neighbours in Cape Town.
A preliminary meeting with the coup's alleged creative force, London-based millionaire Ely Calil, had revealed that Thatcher and Calil knew each other, Mann added.
Thatcher pleaded guilty in 2005 to breaking the anti-mercenary laws of South Africa, where he was then living. He avoided prison with a suspended four-year sentence and a three million rand (380,000 euros, 505,000 dollars) fine.
Equatorial Guinea has already issued an international arrest warrant for Thatcher, who left South Africa for the United States.
Mann -- who faces 30 years in jail if convicted -- was arrested in 2004 at Harare airport with 61 alleged accomplices when their plane touched down en route to Equatorial Guinea.
Zimbabwean authorities accused them of trying to pick up arms before launching their coup attempt. Mann said at the time that the group was on its way to provide security to private mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Obiang has been in power in Equatorial Guinea since he overthrew his own uncle, Francisco Macias Nguema, in 1979. Under his rule the former Spanish colony has become one of sub-Saharan Africa's biggest oil producers, but the country's oil revenues are a state secret.
Swing Officially Named Head of IOM.
By BRADLEY S. KLAPPER
Associated Press Writer
The U.S. retained its four-decade control over the leadership of the world migration body Wednesday.
U.S. diplomat William Lacy Swing, a former U.N. envoy to Congo, won a two-thirds majority of votes from the member countries of the International Organization for Migration for a five-year term to be its director.
The 125-nation agency, which has an annual budget of nearly $800 million, has been run by an American since 1969, and has long been viewed as a U.S.-dominated body.
Swing will replace Brunson McKinley, another former American diplomat, who served 10 years as director-general and was seeking a third consecutive term. Swing also beat out Sergio Marchi of Canada and Prof. Luca Riccardi of Italy.
"My vision for IOM is for a collaborative organization of professionals built on trust and one that listens to member states," Swing said in a statement.
All but one of the directors have been Americans since the organization was established in 1951 to resettle European migrants and refugees at the time of World War II.
The body's 5,600 employees now work with U.N. and other agencies to move refugees to new host countries, provide aid to people in wars and disasters, and combat human trafficking around the world.
McKinley _ a distant relative of the 25th U.S. president, William McKinley, who was assassinated in 1901 _ previously enjoyed U.S. support, but Washington has a policy that top posts in international organizations should be limited to two terms.
He had also been criticized by rival candidates for an alleged go-it-alone leadership style.
In April, Deputy U.S. Secretary of State John Negroponte introduced Swing to foreign ambassadors.
The IOM must "work continuously to strengthen the trust of member states through improved coordination and transparency," Negroponte said. "It must have leadership capable of achieving these goals."
He said Swing "understands the importance of member states, international partners, and internal staff, and will focus on improving relationships with all three."
Before heading the U.N.'s peacekeeping operation in the Congo (MONUC) from 2003 to January this year, Swing was a six-time U.S. ambassador (including Democratic Republic of Congo and Haiti) and U.N. representative in West Africa who, according to IOM, showed "a proven ability to manage complex multilateral operations and to collaborate productively with foreign governments, United Nations agencies and other intergovernmental institutions."
Swing, born in 1934, holds bachelor degrees from Catawba College in North Carolina and Yale University. He did postgraduate studies at Tuebingen University in Germany and Harvard University. He speaks fluent French and German.
Associated Press Writer
The U.S. retained its four-decade control over the leadership of the world migration body Wednesday.
U.S. diplomat William Lacy Swing, a former U.N. envoy to Congo, won a two-thirds majority of votes from the member countries of the International Organization for Migration for a five-year term to be its director.
The 125-nation agency, which has an annual budget of nearly $800 million, has been run by an American since 1969, and has long been viewed as a U.S.-dominated body.
Swing will replace Brunson McKinley, another former American diplomat, who served 10 years as director-general and was seeking a third consecutive term. Swing also beat out Sergio Marchi of Canada and Prof. Luca Riccardi of Italy.
"My vision for IOM is for a collaborative organization of professionals built on trust and one that listens to member states," Swing said in a statement.
All but one of the directors have been Americans since the organization was established in 1951 to resettle European migrants and refugees at the time of World War II.
The body's 5,600 employees now work with U.N. and other agencies to move refugees to new host countries, provide aid to people in wars and disasters, and combat human trafficking around the world.
McKinley _ a distant relative of the 25th U.S. president, William McKinley, who was assassinated in 1901 _ previously enjoyed U.S. support, but Washington has a policy that top posts in international organizations should be limited to two terms.
He had also been criticized by rival candidates for an alleged go-it-alone leadership style.
In April, Deputy U.S. Secretary of State John Negroponte introduced Swing to foreign ambassadors.
The IOM must "work continuously to strengthen the trust of member states through improved coordination and transparency," Negroponte said. "It must have leadership capable of achieving these goals."
He said Swing "understands the importance of member states, international partners, and internal staff, and will focus on improving relationships with all three."
Before heading the U.N.'s peacekeeping operation in the Congo (MONUC) from 2003 to January this year, Swing was a six-time U.S. ambassador (including Democratic Republic of Congo and Haiti) and U.N. representative in West Africa who, according to IOM, showed "a proven ability to manage complex multilateral operations and to collaborate productively with foreign governments, United Nations agencies and other intergovernmental institutions."
Swing, born in 1934, holds bachelor degrees from Catawba College in North Carolina and Yale University. He did postgraduate studies at Tuebingen University in Germany and Harvard University. He speaks fluent French and German.
18 June, 2008
Kosovo set to open nine foreign embassies.
RIA Novosti
18 June 2008
Kosovo's President Fatmir Sejdiu signed a decree on Wednesday to open embassies in countries that have backed the former Serbian province's independence, according to local media reports.
Kosovo plans to open embassies in the U.S., the U.K., France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Italy and Albania.
The move comes as Kosovo's new constitution entered into force on June 15.
Kosovo, with a 90% ethnic-Albanian majority, has been formally recognized as a sovereign state by 43 countries including the U.S. and most EU members since it proclaimed its independence from Serbia on February 17.
18 June 2008
Kosovo's President Fatmir Sejdiu signed a decree on Wednesday to open embassies in countries that have backed the former Serbian province's independence, according to local media reports.
Kosovo plans to open embassies in the U.S., the U.K., France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Italy and Albania.
The move comes as Kosovo's new constitution entered into force on June 15.
Kosovo, with a 90% ethnic-Albanian majority, has been formally recognized as a sovereign state by 43 countries including the U.S. and most EU members since it proclaimed its independence from Serbia on February 17.
U.S. official to discuss Kyrgyz military airbase expansion - news agency.
RIA Novosti
18 June 2008
The expansion of a U.S. military airbase in Kyrgyzstan is expected to top the agenda of a visit by the U.S. assistant secretary for South and Central Asian affairs to the former Soviet republic, Kyrgyz media said on Wednesday.
George Krol will arrive in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, on June 19 to discuss issues of regional security and the Manas base, currently rented by the U.S. He is also set to discuss economic cooperation and meet with representatives of non-governmental organizations.
"Washington intends to expand its military presence at the Manas airbase and has asked Kyrgyz authorities to allot additional 300 hectares to erect new military facilities," the Kyrgyz 24.kg news agency said.
The U.S. airbase at Manas airport, located 30 kilometers (17 miles) east of Bishkek, accommodates 1,000 U.S. troops along with nine refueling and cargo planes supporting antiterrorism operations in Afghanistan.
According to the agency, a deputy commander of the U.S. Central Command is expected to accompany Krol on his three-day visit.
The Kyrgyz presidential press service said it had no information on whether the Manas base would be discussed.
18 June 2008
The expansion of a U.S. military airbase in Kyrgyzstan is expected to top the agenda of a visit by the U.S. assistant secretary for South and Central Asian affairs to the former Soviet republic, Kyrgyz media said on Wednesday.
George Krol will arrive in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, on June 19 to discuss issues of regional security and the Manas base, currently rented by the U.S. He is also set to discuss economic cooperation and meet with representatives of non-governmental organizations.
"Washington intends to expand its military presence at the Manas airbase and has asked Kyrgyz authorities to allot additional 300 hectares to erect new military facilities," the Kyrgyz 24.kg news agency said.
The U.S. airbase at Manas airport, located 30 kilometers (17 miles) east of Bishkek, accommodates 1,000 U.S. troops along with nine refueling and cargo planes supporting antiterrorism operations in Afghanistan.
According to the agency, a deputy commander of the U.S. Central Command is expected to accompany Krol on his three-day visit.
The Kyrgyz presidential press service said it had no information on whether the Manas base would be discussed.
Nkunda Refuses to Hand Over Ntaganda to ICC.
IPRW
18 June 2008
Masisi (North Kivu Province, Congo DRC): Renegade Congolese general Laurent Nkunda, leader of National Congress for the Defence of the People, CNDP, has told IWPR that he won’t hand over his chief of staff, Bosco Ntaganda, despite an International Criminal Court, ICC, warrant for his arrest.
“The extradition of Congolese to the International Criminal Court is an indignity,” said Nkunda. “I wish Ntaganda could be judged in Ituri rather than The Hague.” Nkunda spoke to IWPR at a farm in Kirolirwe, about 60 kilometres west of Goma, one of several of his homes in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC. There is “no chance [I will] hand over Bosco Ntaganda to ICC”, he said.
Nkunda said he was not sure of the precise crimes that Ntaganda has been charged with, and questioned the adequacy of the ICC’s investigation. “I request the ICC to furnish us [with] evidence on the involvement of [Ntaganda] in the crimes in Ituri,” said Nkunda. “I’m waiting for an ICC delegation here for that purpose.”
Nkunda said that before he would cooperate with the ICC with his chief of staff, he would need to verify the accuracy of the evidence again Ntaganda. “I personally have to verify [the] evidence in Ituri and not in The Hague,” he said.
An international arrest warrant was issued against Ntaganda by the ICC in April 2008 for crimes he allegedly committed between 2002 and 2003 in Ituri. Four others from the region have been arrested on ICC warrants – only Ntaganda remains at large. Despite the indictments and an on-going investigation by the ICC in eastern DRC, little has changed and it appears no efforts are being made to arrest Ntaganda.
Nkunda and his CNDP, a political and military organisation which controls a large area in North Kivu, meanwhile, have on the whole cooperated with a wide-ranging peace agreement among militias that was signed in January in Goma, the capital of North Kivu. Although units of Nkunda’s army have reportedly clashed with Rwandese Hutu militia fighters of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, FDLR, who also operate in the region.
Ntaganga is currently in command of Nkunda’s troops, a position he has held for two years. Ntaganda is known to be in the area, but Nkunda did not reveal his exact location. Nkunda believes that his commander has been unfairly selected for prosecution, even though many others, including some high-ranking government officials, have also been implicated in atrocities committed in the region and not been charged. “Those who committed crimes in Ituri are in power,” he said.
Nkunda explained that in 2003, Ntaganda was deputy commander of the Union of Congolese Patriots, UPC, a militia headed by Thomas Lubanga, who currently faces a trial at the ICC. At the time, Ntaganda took orders from General Floribert Kisembo, who was Lubanga’s chief of staff. Kisemba is now a top commander of the DRC army in Maniema province.
“The arrest warrant should target authorities in the government and the army before involving Bosco Ntaganda,” said Louis Hamuli, a political representative of Nkunda’s organisation. “People should know that those who committed killings in Ituri are well [known]. Most of them were appointed [to] high positions.”
Nkunda insists that Ntaganda is a “small fish” and argues that as he’s “neither a partner of the Rome Statute nor a member of the ICC”, he has no obligation to cooperate.
But the ICC spokesman in the DRC, Paul Madidi, said Nkunda should cooperate. “If the CNDP thinks that Ntaganda did not commit any crime, it has to hand him over to ICC. This court will give Bosco Ntaganda an opportunity to defend himself or with the help of a lawyer who will be provided to him,” Madidi told IWPR.
According to the Rome Statute, the government is obligated to cooperate with the ICC in the arrest of presumed criminals. Although the DRC has arrested ICC suspects in the past, this appears unlikely to happen with Ntaganda, however, because he is in the area firmly controlled by Nkunda.
United Nations forces in the area, MONUC, however, have expressed willingness to help. But the threat of UN involvement in the arrest does not concern officials in the CNDP.
“MONUC has attacked us [along with] the governmental forces [before],” said a CNDP officer, who preferred not to give his name. “If (MONUC) dares arrest [Ntaganda], it will [face] us.”
Editor's Note: Sources from the Congo told me that Mr. Ntaganda fled to Rwanda nearly a month ago. Just before he left, Mr. Ntaganda visited General Nkunda in the Bashali area of Masisi Territory. According to the International Crisis Group (ICG), he is actually a Rwandan national, born in Ruhengeri, that fought with the Rwandan Patriotic Army to seize power in 1994. He also fought alongside Nkunda as a member of the AFDL in 1996-1997 and the Congolese National Army (ANC) in 1998-1999. However, as his flight demonstrates, he is not on poor terms with Rwanda as asserted by the ICG.
Since Rwanda has not signed nor ratified the Rome Statute, they are not legally bound to extradict him and ICC officials cannot enter Rwandan territory and arrest him without permission. Therefore, the burden falls to the international community to pressure Rwanda into expelling him from their territory at the least, since Rwanda is not bound to arrest him. When the arrest warrant was first unsealed, I contacted a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch and asked them what the organization intended to do if General Nkunda refused to give up Mr. Ntaganda. Human Rights Watch representatives had commented on the arrest warrant and professed their support for proper ICC legal process in the case. In their reply, they rightly stated that the burden of arrest falls first and foremost on Congolese officials because Mr. Ntaganda is a Congolese national and the alleged crimes occurred on Congolese territory. Thus, the sovreign state's police force and/or military force are responsible for carrying out such actions. Alternatively, the DRC could cede its sovreignity to the UN and give MONUC the ability to make the arrest subject to Security Council approval. However, the individual failed to answer my question.
18 June 2008
Masisi (North Kivu Province, Congo DRC): Renegade Congolese general Laurent Nkunda, leader of National Congress for the Defence of the People, CNDP, has told IWPR that he won’t hand over his chief of staff, Bosco Ntaganda, despite an International Criminal Court, ICC, warrant for his arrest.
“The extradition of Congolese to the International Criminal Court is an indignity,” said Nkunda. “I wish Ntaganda could be judged in Ituri rather than The Hague.” Nkunda spoke to IWPR at a farm in Kirolirwe, about 60 kilometres west of Goma, one of several of his homes in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC. There is “no chance [I will] hand over Bosco Ntaganda to ICC”, he said.
Nkunda said he was not sure of the precise crimes that Ntaganda has been charged with, and questioned the adequacy of the ICC’s investigation. “I request the ICC to furnish us [with] evidence on the involvement of [Ntaganda] in the crimes in Ituri,” said Nkunda. “I’m waiting for an ICC delegation here for that purpose.”
Nkunda said that before he would cooperate with the ICC with his chief of staff, he would need to verify the accuracy of the evidence again Ntaganda. “I personally have to verify [the] evidence in Ituri and not in The Hague,” he said.
An international arrest warrant was issued against Ntaganda by the ICC in April 2008 for crimes he allegedly committed between 2002 and 2003 in Ituri. Four others from the region have been arrested on ICC warrants – only Ntaganda remains at large. Despite the indictments and an on-going investigation by the ICC in eastern DRC, little has changed and it appears no efforts are being made to arrest Ntaganda.
Nkunda and his CNDP, a political and military organisation which controls a large area in North Kivu, meanwhile, have on the whole cooperated with a wide-ranging peace agreement among militias that was signed in January in Goma, the capital of North Kivu. Although units of Nkunda’s army have reportedly clashed with Rwandese Hutu militia fighters of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, FDLR, who also operate in the region.
Ntaganga is currently in command of Nkunda’s troops, a position he has held for two years. Ntaganda is known to be in the area, but Nkunda did not reveal his exact location. Nkunda believes that his commander has been unfairly selected for prosecution, even though many others, including some high-ranking government officials, have also been implicated in atrocities committed in the region and not been charged. “Those who committed crimes in Ituri are in power,” he said.
Nkunda explained that in 2003, Ntaganda was deputy commander of the Union of Congolese Patriots, UPC, a militia headed by Thomas Lubanga, who currently faces a trial at the ICC. At the time, Ntaganda took orders from General Floribert Kisembo, who was Lubanga’s chief of staff. Kisemba is now a top commander of the DRC army in Maniema province.
“The arrest warrant should target authorities in the government and the army before involving Bosco Ntaganda,” said Louis Hamuli, a political representative of Nkunda’s organisation. “People should know that those who committed killings in Ituri are well [known]. Most of them were appointed [to] high positions.”
Nkunda insists that Ntaganda is a “small fish” and argues that as he’s “neither a partner of the Rome Statute nor a member of the ICC”, he has no obligation to cooperate.
But the ICC spokesman in the DRC, Paul Madidi, said Nkunda should cooperate. “If the CNDP thinks that Ntaganda did not commit any crime, it has to hand him over to ICC. This court will give Bosco Ntaganda an opportunity to defend himself or with the help of a lawyer who will be provided to him,” Madidi told IWPR.
According to the Rome Statute, the government is obligated to cooperate with the ICC in the arrest of presumed criminals. Although the DRC has arrested ICC suspects in the past, this appears unlikely to happen with Ntaganda, however, because he is in the area firmly controlled by Nkunda.
United Nations forces in the area, MONUC, however, have expressed willingness to help. But the threat of UN involvement in the arrest does not concern officials in the CNDP.
“MONUC has attacked us [along with] the governmental forces [before],” said a CNDP officer, who preferred not to give his name. “If (MONUC) dares arrest [Ntaganda], it will [face] us.”
Editor's Note: Sources from the Congo told me that Mr. Ntaganda fled to Rwanda nearly a month ago. Just before he left, Mr. Ntaganda visited General Nkunda in the Bashali area of Masisi Territory. According to the International Crisis Group (ICG), he is actually a Rwandan national, born in Ruhengeri, that fought with the Rwandan Patriotic Army to seize power in 1994. He also fought alongside Nkunda as a member of the AFDL in 1996-1997 and the Congolese National Army (ANC) in 1998-1999. However, as his flight demonstrates, he is not on poor terms with Rwanda as asserted by the ICG.
Since Rwanda has not signed nor ratified the Rome Statute, they are not legally bound to extradict him and ICC officials cannot enter Rwandan territory and arrest him without permission. Therefore, the burden falls to the international community to pressure Rwanda into expelling him from their territory at the least, since Rwanda is not bound to arrest him. When the arrest warrant was first unsealed, I contacted a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch and asked them what the organization intended to do if General Nkunda refused to give up Mr. Ntaganda. Human Rights Watch representatives had commented on the arrest warrant and professed their support for proper ICC legal process in the case. In their reply, they rightly stated that the burden of arrest falls first and foremost on Congolese officials because Mr. Ntaganda is a Congolese national and the alleged crimes occurred on Congolese territory. Thus, the sovreign state's police force and/or military force are responsible for carrying out such actions. Alternatively, the DRC could cede its sovreignity to the UN and give MONUC the ability to make the arrest subject to Security Council approval. However, the individual failed to answer my question.
REBELS KEEP MARCHING TOWARDS CAPITAL CITY.
MISNA
18 June 2008
Fights between the Chadian army and rebels from the National Alliance (AN) in the country's East have temporarily ceased for the first time in the past few days, rebel sources told MISNA, saying that their march towards capital city N’Djamena had not stopped. Many humanitarian organizations in the area are now isolated as telephone lines with the country's eastern region were interrupted yesterday for security reasons. In a note it released today, AN asked NGOs in the East to “continue in their mission” and said it will ensure “their safeness and security.” The alliance's spokespersons rejected the president's allegations on Sudan's support to the rebel movement. According to Idriss Deby, Sudanese troups attacked Chadian military bases in two different occasions. Khartoum also rejected the allegations, saying that the past days' clashes were fought between “rebels and N'Djamena's army with no involvement of Sudanese soldiers.” Sudanese general Othman Mohammed al Agbash denied amy involvement in the attack against the city of Ade in response to the allegations of Chadian defence minister. Deby had recently also criticized European multinational contingent Eufor – which was deployed along the country's Sudanese border in order to protect Darfur refugees. “We have the right to ask ourselves whether this presence in our country is effective and useful or not,” he said. While independent tolls of the past days' clashes remain unavailable, rebels said in a note that 223 people were killed and about 100 were wounded, while 100 government soldiers were captured and a large amount of weapons were seized.
18 June 2008
Fights between the Chadian army and rebels from the National Alliance (AN) in the country's East have temporarily ceased for the first time in the past few days, rebel sources told MISNA, saying that their march towards capital city N’Djamena had not stopped. Many humanitarian organizations in the area are now isolated as telephone lines with the country's eastern region were interrupted yesterday for security reasons. In a note it released today, AN asked NGOs in the East to “continue in their mission” and said it will ensure “their safeness and security.” The alliance's spokespersons rejected the president's allegations on Sudan's support to the rebel movement. According to Idriss Deby, Sudanese troups attacked Chadian military bases in two different occasions. Khartoum also rejected the allegations, saying that the past days' clashes were fought between “rebels and N'Djamena's army with no involvement of Sudanese soldiers.” Sudanese general Othman Mohammed al Agbash denied amy involvement in the attack against the city of Ade in response to the allegations of Chadian defence minister. Deby had recently also criticized European multinational contingent Eufor – which was deployed along the country's Sudanese border in order to protect Darfur refugees. “We have the right to ask ourselves whether this presence in our country is effective and useful or not,” he said. While independent tolls of the past days' clashes remain unavailable, rebels said in a note that 223 people were killed and about 100 were wounded, while 100 government soldiers were captured and a large amount of weapons were seized.
FORMER REBELS DEMONSTRATE IN BOUAKÉ.
MISNA
18 June 2008
About a thousand former New Forces (FN) rebels demonstrated in Bouaké (the capital of the rebels from 2002-2007) against the government’s failure to pay the promised compensations in exchange for their de-mobilization. “The situation is calm now – said MISNA sources on site – but this morning the army erected barricades and fired some gunshots in the air”. A similar scenario occurred last Monday, when the first demonstrations took place, paralyzing the city. The former rebels demand the deposit of about EUR 130/month, as established by the disarmament and re-integration program (DDR) that should be concluded before the presidential elections which should take place next November 30. The DDR was one of the most sensitive points of the Ouagadougou peace accords of March 2007 because it relates to the treatment to be given to the former armed militias that constituted the rebel army. It began in May after many delays, which the government has blamed on the lack of funds needed to finance it.
18 June 2008
About a thousand former New Forces (FN) rebels demonstrated in Bouaké (the capital of the rebels from 2002-2007) against the government’s failure to pay the promised compensations in exchange for their de-mobilization. “The situation is calm now – said MISNA sources on site – but this morning the army erected barricades and fired some gunshots in the air”. A similar scenario occurred last Monday, when the first demonstrations took place, paralyzing the city. The former rebels demand the deposit of about EUR 130/month, as established by the disarmament and re-integration program (DDR) that should be concluded before the presidential elections which should take place next November 30. The DDR was one of the most sensitive points of the Ouagadougou peace accords of March 2007 because it relates to the treatment to be given to the former armed militias that constituted the rebel army. It began in May after many delays, which the government has blamed on the lack of funds needed to finance it.
MOGADISHU: PRESIDENT’S CONVOY TARGETED.
MISNA
18 June 2008
This morning’s explosion in Mogadishu against a police convoy escorting politicians returning from a trip to Djibouti may have been an attempt against the life of president Abdullahi Yusuf. Local news sources said that the head of state was aboard one of the vehicles in the convoy as it moved along ’21 October Street’ in Mogadishu heading to the presidential palace. The explosion came from a roadside bomb that was remotely controlled; it missed the intended target, blowing up a police vehicle instead, killing four officers and wounding three others. One of the dead officers was an important police commander, said Somali sources, Jif Yare, who was in charge of security for the entire western sector of Mogadishu. The local press says, according to witness accounts, that the final toll of dead may be higher still. The president was completely unharmed.
18 June 2008
This morning’s explosion in Mogadishu against a police convoy escorting politicians returning from a trip to Djibouti may have been an attempt against the life of president Abdullahi Yusuf. Local news sources said that the head of state was aboard one of the vehicles in the convoy as it moved along ’21 October Street’ in Mogadishu heading to the presidential palace. The explosion came from a roadside bomb that was remotely controlled; it missed the intended target, blowing up a police vehicle instead, killing four officers and wounding three others. One of the dead officers was an important police commander, said Somali sources, Jif Yare, who was in charge of security for the entire western sector of Mogadishu. The local press says, according to witness accounts, that the final toll of dead may be higher still. The president was completely unharmed.
Equatorial Guinea seeks Mark Thatcher extradition over coup plot.
The Guardian
By James Sturcke
18 June 2008
The authorities in Equatorial Guinea are to seek the extradition of Mark Thatcher over allegations that he played a key role in a failed coup attempt, a court was told today.
The African country's chief prosecutor said the "next step" in the legal proceedings would be to secure the extradition of a number of alleged plotters including the former prime minister's son.
The development came on the second day of the trail, in Malabo, of Simon Mann and a number of alleged conspirators of the coup attempt.
Mann told the court Thatcher played a "managerial role" in the conspiracy, Reuters reported.
By James Sturcke
18 June 2008
The authorities in Equatorial Guinea are to seek the extradition of Mark Thatcher over allegations that he played a key role in a failed coup attempt, a court was told today.
The African country's chief prosecutor said the "next step" in the legal proceedings would be to secure the extradition of a number of alleged plotters including the former prime minister's son.
The development came on the second day of the trail, in Malabo, of Simon Mann and a number of alleged conspirators of the coup attempt.
Mann told the court Thatcher played a "managerial role" in the conspiracy, Reuters reported.
Burundi arrests more than 100 rebel members.
Reuters
18 June 2008
Burundi's army said on Wednesday it had arrested more than 100 members of the country's last active rebel group, accusing the Hutu guerilla movement of breaking a truce by recruiting new fighters.
"The Forces for National Liberation (FNL) are trying to have as many fighters as possible, they are recruiting scores of new combatants, especially young people," said army spokesman colonel Adoplhe Manirakiza.
"This is of course a violation of the ceasefire agreement and we can't accept it."
The government and FNL signed a new peace agreement earlier this month after a 1996 one stalled on disputes over how to deal with demobilised fighters.
A final deal between the government and FNL is seen as crucial to lasting peace in Burundi, which is emerging from more than a decade of civil conflict that killed some 300,000 people.
The army said the 100 arrests were made on Tuesday and Wednesday in a rebel stronghold area 25 miles (40 km) south of the capital Bujumbura.
Rebel spokesman Pasteur Habimana said the detainees were not new recruits but combatants heading to assembly areas under the terms of a peace process.
"We urge their immediate release," he added.
The FNL gathered this week some 3,500 combatants in three different sites as a first phase before demobilisation and disarmament. It says it has 15,000 fighters.
(Reporting by Patrick Nduwimana; Editing by Matthew Tostevin)
18 June 2008
Burundi's army said on Wednesday it had arrested more than 100 members of the country's last active rebel group, accusing the Hutu guerilla movement of breaking a truce by recruiting new fighters.
"The Forces for National Liberation (FNL) are trying to have as many fighters as possible, they are recruiting scores of new combatants, especially young people," said army spokesman colonel Adoplhe Manirakiza.
"This is of course a violation of the ceasefire agreement and we can't accept it."
The government and FNL signed a new peace agreement earlier this month after a 1996 one stalled on disputes over how to deal with demobilised fighters.
A final deal between the government and FNL is seen as crucial to lasting peace in Burundi, which is emerging from more than a decade of civil conflict that killed some 300,000 people.
The army said the 100 arrests were made on Tuesday and Wednesday in a rebel stronghold area 25 miles (40 km) south of the capital Bujumbura.
Rebel spokesman Pasteur Habimana said the detainees were not new recruits but combatants heading to assembly areas under the terms of a peace process.
"We urge their immediate release," he added.
The FNL gathered this week some 3,500 combatants in three different sites as a first phase before demobilisation and disarmament. It says it has 15,000 fighters.
(Reporting by Patrick Nduwimana; Editing by Matthew Tostevin)
Congo to grow 12 pct on mining in 2008-C.bank.
Reuters
17 June 2008
Booming investment in the Democratic Republic of Congo's long-neglected mining sector is expected to boost growth to 12 percent this year, the central bank's director of research said on Tuesday.
However, cumulative 2008 inflation by early June topped 11 percent and rising food and fuel costs are expected to push the rate for the full year above 27 percent, more than twice the year-end target of 12.1 percent, Vincent Ngonga told Reuters.
"We've raised the expected growth rate. By the end of the year it will be at 12 percent, compared to our goal of 8 percent," he said in an interview.
The Central Bank agreed a year-end 12.1 percent inflation target with the International Monetary Fund earlier this year, as part of Congo's efforts to qualify for debt relief.
But by early June, cumulative inflation for 2008 topped 11 percent, with the year-end rate on course to reach 27.43 percent, Ngonga said. Prices in early June were 13.6 percent higher than a year before, according to Central Bank data.
"Perhaps 20 percent of that is due to budgetary slippage, but 80 percent is the result of the rising cost of food and fuel on the international market," Ngonga said.
Congo's mining sector has a tenth of the world's copper reserves and a third of its cobalt.
(Reporting by Joe Bavier; Editing by Gerrard Raven)
17 June 2008
Booming investment in the Democratic Republic of Congo's long-neglected mining sector is expected to boost growth to 12 percent this year, the central bank's director of research said on Tuesday.
However, cumulative 2008 inflation by early June topped 11 percent and rising food and fuel costs are expected to push the rate for the full year above 27 percent, more than twice the year-end target of 12.1 percent, Vincent Ngonga told Reuters.
"We've raised the expected growth rate. By the end of the year it will be at 12 percent, compared to our goal of 8 percent," he said in an interview.
The Central Bank agreed a year-end 12.1 percent inflation target with the International Monetary Fund earlier this year, as part of Congo's efforts to qualify for debt relief.
But by early June, cumulative inflation for 2008 topped 11 percent, with the year-end rate on course to reach 27.43 percent, Ngonga said. Prices in early June were 13.6 percent higher than a year before, according to Central Bank data.
"Perhaps 20 percent of that is due to budgetary slippage, but 80 percent is the result of the rising cost of food and fuel on the international market," Ngonga said.
Congo's mining sector has a tenth of the world's copper reserves and a third of its cobalt.
(Reporting by Joe Bavier; Editing by Gerrard Raven)
Spain and SA 'backed coup plot' in Eq. Guinea.
BBC News
18 June 2008
Spain and South Africa both "gave the green light" for a failed coup in oil-rich Equatorial Guinea, a British mercenary has told a court in Malabo.
Simon Mann said it felt as though the coup attempt was an official operation.
He also said that Sir Mark Thatcher, son of UK former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, was one of the plot's organisers.
But Mann said London-based millionaire Eli Calil was "the boss". He and Sir Mark have both denied plotting a coup.
Sir Mark was fined in 2005 and received a suspended sentence in South Africa for unknowingly helping to finance it.
But Mann said Sir Mark was part of the "management team... not just an investor".
He was speaking on the second day of his trial, in which Equatorial Guinea prosecutors have called for him to serve 30 years in jail.
Mann, an ex-SAS officer, was arrested four years ago with 64 others in Zimbabwe.
He served four years in prison there for trying to purchase weapons without a licence before being extradited to Equatorial Guinea earlier this year.
Equatorial Guinea, an oil-rich former Spanish colony, has been ruled by President Teodoro Obiang since he seized power from his uncle in 1979.
His government has been accused of widespread human rights abuses and of ruthlessly suppressing political opposition.
Transparency International has put the tiny nation on its list of top 10 corrupt states.
18 June 2008
Spain and South Africa both "gave the green light" for a failed coup in oil-rich Equatorial Guinea, a British mercenary has told a court in Malabo.
Simon Mann said it felt as though the coup attempt was an official operation.
He also said that Sir Mark Thatcher, son of UK former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, was one of the plot's organisers.
But Mann said London-based millionaire Eli Calil was "the boss". He and Sir Mark have both denied plotting a coup.
Sir Mark was fined in 2005 and received a suspended sentence in South Africa for unknowingly helping to finance it.
But Mann said Sir Mark was part of the "management team... not just an investor".
He was speaking on the second day of his trial, in which Equatorial Guinea prosecutors have called for him to serve 30 years in jail.
Mann, an ex-SAS officer, was arrested four years ago with 64 others in Zimbabwe.
He served four years in prison there for trying to purchase weapons without a licence before being extradited to Equatorial Guinea earlier this year.
Equatorial Guinea, an oil-rich former Spanish colony, has been ruled by President Teodoro Obiang since he seized power from his uncle in 1979.
His government has been accused of widespread human rights abuses and of ruthlessly suppressing political opposition.
Transparency International has put the tiny nation on its list of top 10 corrupt states.
Politkovskaya murder charges laid.
BBC News
18 June 2008
Three men have been charged over the murder of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya, investigators have said.
Politkovskaya, a prominent Kremlin critic, was shot dead outside her home in the capital on 7 October 2006.
Russia's Investigative Committee said a fourth man, an officer with the country's security service, had also been charged with abuse of office.
Last month officials also named the man suspected of firing the gun as Rustam Makhmudov. He remains at large.
The three men charged over the murder, who all come from Chechnya, are Sergey Khadzhikurbanov, and Dzhabrail and Ibragim Makhmudov.
Case continues
The committee did not say what the motive was for Politkovskaya's killing, or specify the suspects' roles in the murder.
Politkovskaya frequently travelled to Chechnya and the North Caucasus where her dispatches described some of the horror of a war where most of the casualties were civilians.
The murder of Politkovskaya, who wrote for the small-circulation Novaya Gazeta, shocked the international community but did not register widely in Russia.
Human rights groups accused the Russian authorities of failing to protect journalists.
Her former colleagues said the case was not yet solved.
"I have said many times that this is only the first part of the case," said Sergei Sokolov, the investigative newspaper's deputy editor.
"It's not over yet, there will be a second and a third part."
Charges against a fifth man, a Chechen local government official who allegedly provided the address of Anna Politkovskaya, have been dropped due to a lack of evidence.
18 June 2008
Three men have been charged over the murder of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya, investigators have said.
Politkovskaya, a prominent Kremlin critic, was shot dead outside her home in the capital on 7 October 2006.
Russia's Investigative Committee said a fourth man, an officer with the country's security service, had also been charged with abuse of office.
Last month officials also named the man suspected of firing the gun as Rustam Makhmudov. He remains at large.
The three men charged over the murder, who all come from Chechnya, are Sergey Khadzhikurbanov, and Dzhabrail and Ibragim Makhmudov.
Case continues
The committee did not say what the motive was for Politkovskaya's killing, or specify the suspects' roles in the murder.
Politkovskaya frequently travelled to Chechnya and the North Caucasus where her dispatches described some of the horror of a war where most of the casualties were civilians.
The murder of Politkovskaya, who wrote for the small-circulation Novaya Gazeta, shocked the international community but did not register widely in Russia.
Human rights groups accused the Russian authorities of failing to protect journalists.
Her former colleagues said the case was not yet solved.
"I have said many times that this is only the first part of the case," said Sergei Sokolov, the investigative newspaper's deputy editor.
"It's not over yet, there will be a second and a third part."
Charges against a fifth man, a Chechen local government official who allegedly provided the address of Anna Politkovskaya, have been dropped due to a lack of evidence.
Syria lacks capability for nuclear facility-IAEA.
Reuters
17 June 2008
The United Nations nuclear watchdog chief said the agency had no evidence Syria had the skill or the fuel to operate a large-scale nuclear facility.
"We have no evidence that Syria has the human resources that would allow it to carry out a large nuclear programme. We did not see Syria having nuclear fuel..." Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Mohamad ElBaradei told Al Arabiya television in remarks aired on Tuesday.
Israel in September bombed what the United States said was a nuclear site in Syria, which said the site was a military facility under construction.
(Reporting by Inal Ersan; Editing by Firouz Sedarat)
17 June 2008
The United Nations nuclear watchdog chief said the agency had no evidence Syria had the skill or the fuel to operate a large-scale nuclear facility.
"We have no evidence that Syria has the human resources that would allow it to carry out a large nuclear programme. We did not see Syria having nuclear fuel..." Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Mohamad ElBaradei told Al Arabiya television in remarks aired on Tuesday.
Israel in September bombed what the United States said was a nuclear site in Syria, which said the site was a military facility under construction.
(Reporting by Inal Ersan; Editing by Firouz Sedarat)
Foreign firms investing in Iraq.
USA Today
By Jim Michaels
17 June 2008
European and Asian companies are beating their American rivals into Iraq now that security has improved the investment climate, Iraq and U.S. officials say.
"It's starting to turn … and the people who are getting in on the ground floor are not American," said Paul Brinkley, the Pentagon official who is leading U.S. efforts to help Iraq rebuild its economy. "It's ironic."
Foreign companies, including U.S. investors, have committed to deals worth about $500 million so far this year and Brinkley expects at least $1 billion in foreign investment by the end of the year.
So far, Romanian consortium and a Lebanese company have signed revenue-sharing deals with Iraqi state-owned cement factories. Each group will invest about $150 million.
China has also aggressively pursued the Iraqi market, selling machinery to the government and electronic products to consumers.
By Jim Michaels
17 June 2008
European and Asian companies are beating their American rivals into Iraq now that security has improved the investment climate, Iraq and U.S. officials say.
"It's starting to turn … and the people who are getting in on the ground floor are not American," said Paul Brinkley, the Pentagon official who is leading U.S. efforts to help Iraq rebuild its economy. "It's ironic."
Foreign companies, including U.S. investors, have committed to deals worth about $500 million so far this year and Brinkley expects at least $1 billion in foreign investment by the end of the year.
So far, Romanian consortium and a Lebanese company have signed revenue-sharing deals with Iraqi state-owned cement factories. Each group will invest about $150 million.
China has also aggressively pursued the Iraqi market, selling machinery to the government and electronic products to consumers.
Iraq deal with US to end immunity for foreign contractors.
The Independent
Patrick Cockburn
18 June 2008
The US has accepted that foreign contractors in Iraq will no longer have immunity from Iraqi law under a new security agreement now under negotiation, says the Iraqi Foreign Minister, Hoshyar Zebari.
Mr Zebari, speaking to The Independent in Washington, said that if there was a further incident like the one in which 17 Iraqis were killed by workers from the Blackwater security company in Baghdad last September, the Iraqis would arrest and punish the contractors held responsible.
The American concession would have a serious effect in Iraq, where there are an estimated 160,000 foreign contractors, many of them heavily armed security personnel. The contractors, who outnumber the 145,000-strong US Army in the country, have become a vital if much-resented part of the military machine in Iraq.
Mr Zebari, Foreign Minister since 2004 and one of the ablest Iraqi leaders, defends the security deal now being negotiated, in contrast to Iraqi critics who say it turns the country into an American client state. On Friday the Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said negotiations on twin political and military agreements between the US and Iraq had "reached a dead end".
Later, after a phone call from Mr Zebari, Mr Maliki backtracked from his earlier statement. But details of the American proposals, first published in The Independent, have been denounced in Iraq for making the US occupation permanent. Mr Zebari contends that nothing is yet agreed and the American side is showing flexibility under instructions from President Bush. "I am using this example [the ending of immunity for US contractors] to show that talks have not reached a dead end," he said.
The Iraqi Foreign Minister is in Washington for talks about the negotiations on the Status of Forces Agreement (Sofa), covering critical issues of military co-operation between the US and Iraq, and the parallel Strategic Framework Agreement that covers political and other issues.
He is also establishing official contact with the presidential candidates, briefing John McCain on the situation in Iraq, and was due to speak to Barack Obama yesterday. In speaking to Senator Obama he said he wanted to reassure him that the purpose of the Sofa was not to pre-empt different policies that might be adopted by a new president. Mr Obama has told Iraqi officials that, if elected, he will not act precipitately on Iraq and will seek the views of the American military commander on the spot.
Critics of the agreement in Iraq see the powers being demanded by the US, such as the use of 58 bases, the freedom of the US to carry out operations and arrests without consulting the Iraqi government, and the immunity of US troops, as compromising Iraqi independence. They have denounced the deal as ominously similar to the Anglo-Iraqi treaty of 1930 under which Iraq was nominally independent but Britain retained bases and covert control.
Other shifts in US proposals being discussed are a joint Iraqi-American centre to co-ordinate operations against terrorists and the transfer of prisoners, currently numbering 21,000, to Iraqi custody. The Iraqi side has been investigating how other Sofas operate in other countries such as Japan, South Korea and Turkey, but in none of these are US troops involved in combat or the target of armed resistance.
Mr Zebari says Iraq still needs US troops' support. Its security forces number 600,000 but lack training and logistical support. Mr Maliki's government is more confident since it sent forces into Basra, Sadr City and Mosul earlier this year but it is not clear if they would have held their ground without US firepower, air support and advice.
President Bush is pushing for the Sofa and the less important Strategic Framework Agreement to be signed by 31 July.
*A powerful car bomb exploded in a crowded market in Baghdad yesterday, killing 51 people and wounding 75, in the biggest attack in the Iraqi capital in months. The market was in the predominantly Shia neighbourhood of al-Hurriya in north-west Baghdad.
Patrick Cockburn
18 June 2008
The US has accepted that foreign contractors in Iraq will no longer have immunity from Iraqi law under a new security agreement now under negotiation, says the Iraqi Foreign Minister, Hoshyar Zebari.
Mr Zebari, speaking to The Independent in Washington, said that if there was a further incident like the one in which 17 Iraqis were killed by workers from the Blackwater security company in Baghdad last September, the Iraqis would arrest and punish the contractors held responsible.
The American concession would have a serious effect in Iraq, where there are an estimated 160,000 foreign contractors, many of them heavily armed security personnel. The contractors, who outnumber the 145,000-strong US Army in the country, have become a vital if much-resented part of the military machine in Iraq.
Mr Zebari, Foreign Minister since 2004 and one of the ablest Iraqi leaders, defends the security deal now being negotiated, in contrast to Iraqi critics who say it turns the country into an American client state. On Friday the Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said negotiations on twin political and military agreements between the US and Iraq had "reached a dead end".
Later, after a phone call from Mr Zebari, Mr Maliki backtracked from his earlier statement. But details of the American proposals, first published in The Independent, have been denounced in Iraq for making the US occupation permanent. Mr Zebari contends that nothing is yet agreed and the American side is showing flexibility under instructions from President Bush. "I am using this example [the ending of immunity for US contractors] to show that talks have not reached a dead end," he said.
The Iraqi Foreign Minister is in Washington for talks about the negotiations on the Status of Forces Agreement (Sofa), covering critical issues of military co-operation between the US and Iraq, and the parallel Strategic Framework Agreement that covers political and other issues.
He is also establishing official contact with the presidential candidates, briefing John McCain on the situation in Iraq, and was due to speak to Barack Obama yesterday. In speaking to Senator Obama he said he wanted to reassure him that the purpose of the Sofa was not to pre-empt different policies that might be adopted by a new president. Mr Obama has told Iraqi officials that, if elected, he will not act precipitately on Iraq and will seek the views of the American military commander on the spot.
Critics of the agreement in Iraq see the powers being demanded by the US, such as the use of 58 bases, the freedom of the US to carry out operations and arrests without consulting the Iraqi government, and the immunity of US troops, as compromising Iraqi independence. They have denounced the deal as ominously similar to the Anglo-Iraqi treaty of 1930 under which Iraq was nominally independent but Britain retained bases and covert control.
Other shifts in US proposals being discussed are a joint Iraqi-American centre to co-ordinate operations against terrorists and the transfer of prisoners, currently numbering 21,000, to Iraqi custody. The Iraqi side has been investigating how other Sofas operate in other countries such as Japan, South Korea and Turkey, but in none of these are US troops involved in combat or the target of armed resistance.
Mr Zebari says Iraq still needs US troops' support. Its security forces number 600,000 but lack training and logistical support. Mr Maliki's government is more confident since it sent forces into Basra, Sadr City and Mosul earlier this year but it is not clear if they would have held their ground without US firepower, air support and advice.
President Bush is pushing for the Sofa and the less important Strategic Framework Agreement to be signed by 31 July.
*A powerful car bomb exploded in a crowded market in Baghdad yesterday, killing 51 people and wounding 75, in the biggest attack in the Iraqi capital in months. The market was in the predominantly Shia neighbourhood of al-Hurriya in north-west Baghdad.
Iraq could have largest oil reserves in the world.
Times Online
20 May 2008
Iraq dramatically increased the official size of its oil reserves after new data suggested that they could exceed Saudi Arabia’s and be the largest in the world. The Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister told that new exploration showed that his country has the world’s largest proven oil reserves, with as much as 350 bn barrels. The figure is triple the country’s present proven reserves and exceeds that of Saudi Arabia’s estimated 264 bn barrels of oil.
Barham Salih said that the new estimate had been based on recent geological surveys and seismic data compiled by “reputable, international oil companies... This is a serious figure from credible sources”.
The Iraqi Government has yet to approve a national oil law that would allow foreign companies to invest. Mr Salih said that the delay was damaging Iraq’s ability to profit from oil output, robbing the country of potentially huge revenues. With oil selling for more than $ 125 a barrel and demand rising, Mr Salih is frustrated that Iraq still struggles over the establishment of a regulatory framework.
“There is a real debate in the Government and among political leaders about the type of oil management structures we should have. I am for liberalising this sector and allowing the private sector to come in to develop these vast resources.”
BP, ExxonMobil, Chevron, Royal Dutch Shell and Total have been queuing for rights to exploit Iraqi reserves. Mr Salih confirmed that Iraq was negotiating the outlines of two-year deals with some of the companies. He was optimistic that a draft law could be approved in the near future.
“We need to recognise after so many decades of mismanagement of the oil industry that we need to call a spade a spade,” he told a group of delegates at the World Economic Forum in Sharm el-Sheikh. “We can regulate it, but we need private investment to develop Iraq’s production capacities.” He said that Iraq was pumping 2.5 mm barrels of oil a day at present, earning about $ 70 bn (£ 35.9 bn) in revenue this year.
The price of oilbounced back to record highs when OPEC refused to increase supplies following Saudi Arabia's promise to the US that it would provide an extra 300,000 bpd.
20 May 2008
Iraq dramatically increased the official size of its oil reserves after new data suggested that they could exceed Saudi Arabia’s and be the largest in the world. The Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister told that new exploration showed that his country has the world’s largest proven oil reserves, with as much as 350 bn barrels. The figure is triple the country’s present proven reserves and exceeds that of Saudi Arabia’s estimated 264 bn barrels of oil.
Barham Salih said that the new estimate had been based on recent geological surveys and seismic data compiled by “reputable, international oil companies... This is a serious figure from credible sources”.
The Iraqi Government has yet to approve a national oil law that would allow foreign companies to invest. Mr Salih said that the delay was damaging Iraq’s ability to profit from oil output, robbing the country of potentially huge revenues. With oil selling for more than $ 125 a barrel and demand rising, Mr Salih is frustrated that Iraq still struggles over the establishment of a regulatory framework.
“There is a real debate in the Government and among political leaders about the type of oil management structures we should have. I am for liberalising this sector and allowing the private sector to come in to develop these vast resources.”
BP, ExxonMobil, Chevron, Royal Dutch Shell and Total have been queuing for rights to exploit Iraqi reserves. Mr Salih confirmed that Iraq was negotiating the outlines of two-year deals with some of the companies. He was optimistic that a draft law could be approved in the near future.
“We need to recognise after so many decades of mismanagement of the oil industry that we need to call a spade a spade,” he told a group of delegates at the World Economic Forum in Sharm el-Sheikh. “We can regulate it, but we need private investment to develop Iraq’s production capacities.” He said that Iraq was pumping 2.5 mm barrels of oil a day at present, earning about $ 70 bn (£ 35.9 bn) in revenue this year.
The price of oilbounced back to record highs when OPEC refused to increase supplies following Saudi Arabia's promise to the US that it would provide an extra 300,000 bpd.
Oil Search signs PSC with Kurdistan government.
Rigzone
12 May 2008
Oil Search Limited announced that it has signed a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) for the 632 sq km Shakal Block with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Iraq.
The Shakal Block lies in the south-eastern fairway of the prolific Zagros Fold belt of Kurdistan and lies immediately south east and on trend with the Pulkhana Field, which has reported proven reserves of around 300 mm barrels of oil. Surface geology, digital terrain models and topography indicate that the Pulkhana structure could extend into the Shakal block. Oil Search estimates that the block has the potential to contain mean unrisked recoverable reserves of some 250 mm barrels, either in a separate structure or as a continuation of the Pulkhana field.
Some 200 km of 2D seismic have recently been acquired over the structure and two exploration/appraisal wells are planned to test the Shakal structure in mid/late 2008. The Shakal PSC fully conforms to the Model PSC required under new Iraqi oil and gas laws and has a seven year exploration period and a 20 year extendable production period.
Oil Search's Managing Director, Peter Botten, commented, "Kurdistan is one of the few places left in the world where independent oil companies can capture material exploration positions with large reserve potential and on satisfactory commercial terms. The region is lightly explored and contains some of the most prospective geology in the world, with relatively low sub-surface risk."
"A comprehensive risk assessment was undertaken prior to this acquisition. Although Iraq is clearly a high-risk area, the Kurdistan region is regarded as relatively stable from a business and security risk perspective with increasing foreign investment occurring as a consequence. To date, our experience in the Bina Bawi PSC confirms that the business environment in Kurdistan, encompassing operations, logistics, regulatory framework and law and order, is manageable."
"In line with the conclusions from the recent Strategic Review, Oil Search's position in the Middle East is being re-focused onto higher quality and more material assets. The Shakal Block fits very much into this profile."
"In the event of exploration success, the Shakal PSC has the potential to deliver significant reserves and production that would have a considerable impact on a company of Oil Search's size. In addition, the Kurdistan region represents an ideal area where we can leverage our PNG fold belt expertise, experience in operating in the Middle East and our ability to work in challenging environments, both geographically and culturally."
"Combined with our investment in the Bina Bawi PSC, this forms the basis of developing a niche position in Iraq's re-emerging oil and gas industry that has the potential to make a material contribution to production prior to the expected commencement of the PNG LNG Project in 2013/2014."
12 May 2008
Oil Search Limited announced that it has signed a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) for the 632 sq km Shakal Block with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in Iraq.
The Shakal Block lies in the south-eastern fairway of the prolific Zagros Fold belt of Kurdistan and lies immediately south east and on trend with the Pulkhana Field, which has reported proven reserves of around 300 mm barrels of oil. Surface geology, digital terrain models and topography indicate that the Pulkhana structure could extend into the Shakal block. Oil Search estimates that the block has the potential to contain mean unrisked recoverable reserves of some 250 mm barrels, either in a separate structure or as a continuation of the Pulkhana field.
Some 200 km of 2D seismic have recently been acquired over the structure and two exploration/appraisal wells are planned to test the Shakal structure in mid/late 2008. The Shakal PSC fully conforms to the Model PSC required under new Iraqi oil and gas laws and has a seven year exploration period and a 20 year extendable production period.
Oil Search's Managing Director, Peter Botten, commented, "Kurdistan is one of the few places left in the world where independent oil companies can capture material exploration positions with large reserve potential and on satisfactory commercial terms. The region is lightly explored and contains some of the most prospective geology in the world, with relatively low sub-surface risk."
"A comprehensive risk assessment was undertaken prior to this acquisition. Although Iraq is clearly a high-risk area, the Kurdistan region is regarded as relatively stable from a business and security risk perspective with increasing foreign investment occurring as a consequence. To date, our experience in the Bina Bawi PSC confirms that the business environment in Kurdistan, encompassing operations, logistics, regulatory framework and law and order, is manageable."
"In line with the conclusions from the recent Strategic Review, Oil Search's position in the Middle East is being re-focused onto higher quality and more material assets. The Shakal Block fits very much into this profile."
"In the event of exploration success, the Shakal PSC has the potential to deliver significant reserves and production that would have a considerable impact on a company of Oil Search's size. In addition, the Kurdistan region represents an ideal area where we can leverage our PNG fold belt expertise, experience in operating in the Middle East and our ability to work in challenging environments, both geographically and culturally."
"Combined with our investment in the Bina Bawi PSC, this forms the basis of developing a niche position in Iraq's re-emerging oil and gas industry that has the potential to make a material contribution to production prior to the expected commencement of the PNG LNG Project in 2013/2014."
US investors win control of Albania's only oil refinery.
AFX News Limited
21 May 2008
A US consortium has won control of Albania's only oil refinery with a bid of EUR 125 mm ($ 197 mm), the government announced. The Refinery Associates of Texas and Antika Enterprises Consortium USA and Switzerland will own 85 % of the state-controlled ARMO company, the economy ministry said.
"The offer by the American company was considerably better than the three others selected to bid out of 25 who had expressed an interest in buying ARMO," the statement said.
"The price was the most important thing," said Deputy Economy Minister Neritan Alibali.
Sources had said the bids for ARMO were to be judged 75 % on the price offered and 25 % on the prospective buyer's business and development plan.
Albania's Minister of Economy Genz Ruli had earlier said that AMRO generated profit of 1.7 bn Albanian lek (EUR 13.6 mm) in 2006, compared to 365 mm lek in 2004.
The Albanian government plans a series of privatisations this year with the sale of the last remaining large companies still controlled by the state.
21 May 2008
A US consortium has won control of Albania's only oil refinery with a bid of EUR 125 mm ($ 197 mm), the government announced. The Refinery Associates of Texas and Antika Enterprises Consortium USA and Switzerland will own 85 % of the state-controlled ARMO company, the economy ministry said.
"The offer by the American company was considerably better than the three others selected to bid out of 25 who had expressed an interest in buying ARMO," the statement said.
"The price was the most important thing," said Deputy Economy Minister Neritan Alibali.
Sources had said the bids for ARMO were to be judged 75 % on the price offered and 25 % on the prospective buyer's business and development plan.
Albania's Minister of Economy Genz Ruli had earlier said that AMRO generated profit of 1.7 bn Albanian lek (EUR 13.6 mm) in 2006, compared to 365 mm lek in 2004.
The Albanian government plans a series of privatisations this year with the sale of the last remaining large companies still controlled by the state.
EU eyes Trans-Arab gas for Nabucco.
by Kostis Geropoulos
neurope.eu
12 May 2008
EU Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs and External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner met representatives of the Mashreq countries (Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria), Iraq and Turkey on May 5 in Brussels to discuss the finalisation of the Trans-Arab gas pipeline, promote its role as a future supplier of the EU backed Nabucco project and encourage the full participation of Iraq in regional energy activities, including as a partner in the Trans-Arab project.
The Trans-Arab pipeline, which currently runs from Egypt through Jordan to Syria, has a capacity of 10 bn cm per year. The pipeline, which will be interconnected with Turkey and Iraq by 2009, will provide a new transport route for gas resources from the Mashreq region to the EU.
Brussels also hopes that, in the future, the pipeline will be connected with the Nabucco pipeline which will traverse Turkey en route to Europe. During the meetings, discussions focused on prospects for reinforcing the existing cooperation through the Euro-Arab Mashreq gas centre in Damascus, which benefits from technical assistance provided by the European Commission.
The centre has been working since 2006 on the development of a regional market for natural gas in the Mashreq, with the objective of its progressive integration with the EU gas market. The centre has also provided support to the ongoing work on the completion of the Trans-Arab pipeline.
The meeting was a follow up to the EU-Middle East-Africa Energy Conference co-hosted by the European Commission and Egypt in November 2007 in Sharm El Sheik. The Euro-Mashreq gas initiative is one of the activities within the Euro-Med energy cooperation that is underway in the framework of the Barcelona Process. The Euro-Med Energy Ministers Conference taking place in Limassol, Cyprus in December 2007 agreed on a priority action plan for 2008- 2013, which outlined harmonisation of regional energy markets as one of the key activities.
The European Commission has finalised a Memorandum of Understanding on Energy Partnership with Egypt and another is under discussion with Iraq. A Joint Declaration on energy cooperation between the Commission and Jordan was signed in October 2007 and is now being implemented.
“The Arab Gas Pipeline is set to be finalised by the end of the year, opening important possibilities as a new transport route for gas to the EU, particularly for the Nabucco project,” Ferrero-Waldner said.
Piebalgs said the Mashreq countries and the European Union are facing similar energy challenges.
“We should seek common solutions to common problems like high oil prices for consumers, climate change or security of supply. A common response is necessary with new pipelines like the Arab gas Pipeline, but also with energy efficiency measures, the spearheading renewable energy in both sides of the Mediterranean,” the EU energy commissioner said.
Piebalgs said that the EU has agreed gas deliveries of seven bn cm annually with Egypt and Iraq. Iraq is to supply around five bn cm of natural gas from 2011 when the Akkas gas field in the western part of the country is producing sufficient amounts. Egypt has also agreed to supply the EU with 2 bn cm of gas when the Trans-Arab gas pipeline is completed in 2009.
The European Commission has strongly supported Nabucco, which is supposed to supply the block with gas from the Caspian Sea region by 2012-2013 while bypassing Russia. After a meeting with Russian Energy Minister Viktor Khristenko, Piebalgs told Russia is working with its own project, South Stream, and excluded the possibility of linking Russia with the Nabucco network.
“We should not ask Russia to join a project which they have never shown interest to join,” he said.
Tatiana Mitrova, who heads of the Centre for International Energy Market Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Energy Research Institute, is sceptical whether the Trans-Arab pipeline would be a reliable source for Nabucco.
“If you look at the route of Trans- Arab you will understand why there are concerns,” she told, adding that Syria and Iraq are very unstable. “When we are speaking about all these projects Trans-Arabian or even Nabucco where they go trough a number of non-European transit countries you have to understand that it is a very difficult project,” Mitrova said.
But Slovenian Development Minister Ziga Turk, whose country currently holds the EU’s rotating presidency, told in Athens that Nabucco and the Turkey-Greece-Italy gas interconnector (TGI) will be able to secure gas supplies from different sources.
“Behind all these investments there is a business plan. Of those who are building the pipeline, of those who are in possession of gas reserves and of those who are the market for this gas. So I don’t think they are throwing money out the window on this.”
neurope.eu
12 May 2008
EU Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs and External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner met representatives of the Mashreq countries (Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria), Iraq and Turkey on May 5 in Brussels to discuss the finalisation of the Trans-Arab gas pipeline, promote its role as a future supplier of the EU backed Nabucco project and encourage the full participation of Iraq in regional energy activities, including as a partner in the Trans-Arab project.
The Trans-Arab pipeline, which currently runs from Egypt through Jordan to Syria, has a capacity of 10 bn cm per year. The pipeline, which will be interconnected with Turkey and Iraq by 2009, will provide a new transport route for gas resources from the Mashreq region to the EU.
Brussels also hopes that, in the future, the pipeline will be connected with the Nabucco pipeline which will traverse Turkey en route to Europe. During the meetings, discussions focused on prospects for reinforcing the existing cooperation through the Euro-Arab Mashreq gas centre in Damascus, which benefits from technical assistance provided by the European Commission.
The centre has been working since 2006 on the development of a regional market for natural gas in the Mashreq, with the objective of its progressive integration with the EU gas market. The centre has also provided support to the ongoing work on the completion of the Trans-Arab pipeline.
The meeting was a follow up to the EU-Middle East-Africa Energy Conference co-hosted by the European Commission and Egypt in November 2007 in Sharm El Sheik. The Euro-Mashreq gas initiative is one of the activities within the Euro-Med energy cooperation that is underway in the framework of the Barcelona Process. The Euro-Med Energy Ministers Conference taking place in Limassol, Cyprus in December 2007 agreed on a priority action plan for 2008- 2013, which outlined harmonisation of regional energy markets as one of the key activities.
The European Commission has finalised a Memorandum of Understanding on Energy Partnership with Egypt and another is under discussion with Iraq. A Joint Declaration on energy cooperation between the Commission and Jordan was signed in October 2007 and is now being implemented.
“The Arab Gas Pipeline is set to be finalised by the end of the year, opening important possibilities as a new transport route for gas to the EU, particularly for the Nabucco project,” Ferrero-Waldner said.
Piebalgs said the Mashreq countries and the European Union are facing similar energy challenges.
“We should seek common solutions to common problems like high oil prices for consumers, climate change or security of supply. A common response is necessary with new pipelines like the Arab gas Pipeline, but also with energy efficiency measures, the spearheading renewable energy in both sides of the Mediterranean,” the EU energy commissioner said.
Piebalgs said that the EU has agreed gas deliveries of seven bn cm annually with Egypt and Iraq. Iraq is to supply around five bn cm of natural gas from 2011 when the Akkas gas field in the western part of the country is producing sufficient amounts. Egypt has also agreed to supply the EU with 2 bn cm of gas when the Trans-Arab gas pipeline is completed in 2009.
The European Commission has strongly supported Nabucco, which is supposed to supply the block with gas from the Caspian Sea region by 2012-2013 while bypassing Russia. After a meeting with Russian Energy Minister Viktor Khristenko, Piebalgs told Russia is working with its own project, South Stream, and excluded the possibility of linking Russia with the Nabucco network.
“We should not ask Russia to join a project which they have never shown interest to join,” he said.
Tatiana Mitrova, who heads of the Centre for International Energy Market Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Energy Research Institute, is sceptical whether the Trans-Arab pipeline would be a reliable source for Nabucco.
“If you look at the route of Trans- Arab you will understand why there are concerns,” she told, adding that Syria and Iraq are very unstable. “When we are speaking about all these projects Trans-Arabian or even Nabucco where they go trough a number of non-European transit countries you have to understand that it is a very difficult project,” Mitrova said.
But Slovenian Development Minister Ziga Turk, whose country currently holds the EU’s rotating presidency, told in Athens that Nabucco and the Turkey-Greece-Italy gas interconnector (TGI) will be able to secure gas supplies from different sources.
“Behind all these investments there is a business plan. Of those who are building the pipeline, of those who are in possession of gas reserves and of those who are the market for this gas. So I don’t think they are throwing money out the window on this.”
India: Pipelines to Nowhere?
by Ashwani Talwar
New Ind Press
24 May 2008
On paper, pipelines bringing in natural gas from places such as Shwe in Myanmar and South Pars fields in Iran seem a great idea.
However, in real life, the gas-pipes have to traverse rough diplomatic terrain.
Take the Myanmar-Bangladesh-India gas pipeline proposal. Energy ministers from the three countries met in January 2005 and issued an upbeat joint statement, committing themselves in principle to the idea. Apart from natural gas from Myanmar’s offshore drills, gas from Tripura and Bangladesh’s Sylhet region would also flow into the main, nearly 1,000 km, pipeline to West Bengal.
Obstacles soon cropped up. In return for letting the pipeline from Myanmar through, Bangladesh apparently wanted India to allow the passage of commodities it wants to buy from Bhutan and Nepal. However, transit rights are a sensitive issue between the two countries. India has for years in vain been trying to persuade Dhaka to allow the passage of Indian goods to the north-eastern states.
India began exploring the possibility of an alternative route that would take the pipeline around Bangladesh, through India’s own northeast. However, this could make gas from Myanmar far too expensive. China, which like India has stakes in Myanmar’s gas-fields, has been coming up with its own pipeline proposals that Yangon just might find more attractive.
India’s constant rival in energy stakes all over the world, now seems to loom even over the 2,700 km, $ 7.5 bn Iran-Pakistan-India pipeline, under protracted discussions since the 1990s. Iran likes calling it the Peace Pipeline: Apart from providing oil, it could become a confidence-building measure, particularly between Pakistan and India who would share the gas between them.
However, that hasn’t stopped Teheran from driving a hard bargain. India had gone into a sulk for some time, keeping away from meetings because Iran was insisting on a price revision clause in the agreement. With Pakistan, India had to work quite hard on issues such as security guarantees and the transit fee.
There have been other pressures as well. The US doesn’t want India (or Pakistan) to do this kind of business with “axis-of-evil” Iran. And of late, Pakistan and Iran have been hinting that if India didn’t show more interest in the IPI pipeline, they could rope in ever-ready China as the third partner.
There is another pipeline idea that India is looking at -- the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India pipeline. In April, oil ministers from the four countries signed a framework agreement on this. The US backs the plan. The Asian Development Bank is also on board.
If it works out, by 2015 gas from the Dauletabad fields in Turkmenistan will flow 1,700 km through Herat and Kandahar in Afghanistan and Multan in Pakistan to India’s Fazilka.
There is a lot of scepticism. Energy expert Narendra Taneja says Indian industry and consumers might be ready to pay a higher price for gas.
“However, Indian defence, foreign and security establishments strongly believethat the time is not right for transnational transit pipelines,” he says.
New Ind Press
24 May 2008
On paper, pipelines bringing in natural gas from places such as Shwe in Myanmar and South Pars fields in Iran seem a great idea.
However, in real life, the gas-pipes have to traverse rough diplomatic terrain.
Take the Myanmar-Bangladesh-India gas pipeline proposal. Energy ministers from the three countries met in January 2005 and issued an upbeat joint statement, committing themselves in principle to the idea. Apart from natural gas from Myanmar’s offshore drills, gas from Tripura and Bangladesh’s Sylhet region would also flow into the main, nearly 1,000 km, pipeline to West Bengal.
Obstacles soon cropped up. In return for letting the pipeline from Myanmar through, Bangladesh apparently wanted India to allow the passage of commodities it wants to buy from Bhutan and Nepal. However, transit rights are a sensitive issue between the two countries. India has for years in vain been trying to persuade Dhaka to allow the passage of Indian goods to the north-eastern states.
India began exploring the possibility of an alternative route that would take the pipeline around Bangladesh, through India’s own northeast. However, this could make gas from Myanmar far too expensive. China, which like India has stakes in Myanmar’s gas-fields, has been coming up with its own pipeline proposals that Yangon just might find more attractive.
India’s constant rival in energy stakes all over the world, now seems to loom even over the 2,700 km, $ 7.5 bn Iran-Pakistan-India pipeline, under protracted discussions since the 1990s. Iran likes calling it the Peace Pipeline: Apart from providing oil, it could become a confidence-building measure, particularly between Pakistan and India who would share the gas between them.
However, that hasn’t stopped Teheran from driving a hard bargain. India had gone into a sulk for some time, keeping away from meetings because Iran was insisting on a price revision clause in the agreement. With Pakistan, India had to work quite hard on issues such as security guarantees and the transit fee.
There have been other pressures as well. The US doesn’t want India (or Pakistan) to do this kind of business with “axis-of-evil” Iran. And of late, Pakistan and Iran have been hinting that if India didn’t show more interest in the IPI pipeline, they could rope in ever-ready China as the third partner.
There is another pipeline idea that India is looking at -- the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India pipeline. In April, oil ministers from the four countries signed a framework agreement on this. The US backs the plan. The Asian Development Bank is also on board.
If it works out, by 2015 gas from the Dauletabad fields in Turkmenistan will flow 1,700 km through Herat and Kandahar in Afghanistan and Multan in Pakistan to India’s Fazilka.
There is a lot of scepticism. Energy expert Narendra Taneja says Indian industry and consumers might be ready to pay a higher price for gas.
“However, Indian defence, foreign and security establishments strongly believethat the time is not right for transnational transit pipelines,” he says.
Iraq to accept more international companies to bid for oil deals.
Rigzone
19 May 2008
Iraq is planning to issue a new list of pre-qualified international companies to bid for future oil and gas deals to develop the country's fields, a spokesman for the Iraqi Oil Ministry said. Last April, Iraq accepted 35 international oil companies to compete for hydrocarbon contracts out of 120 firms that applied to the ministry to qualify.
"There will be another invitation for companies to submit their qualification documentation to compete for the development of smaller oil and gas fields," Assem Jihad told. "There is another chance for companies to compete for the second round of licenses," he added.
Jihad said the 35 companies announced in April would compete for the development of Iraq's large oil fields. The ministry is expected to announce the first round of tenders to develop these oil fields in the second half of the year, Iraqi oil officials have said. The ministry spokesman said the ministry would issue the new invitation for companies to send their documentation for qualification as soon as the ministry finished awarding the first round of tenders to develop large oil fields.
"We don't know yet when we will invite companies for the second round of licenses but it will be immediately after the conclusion of the first round of tenders," Jihad said.
Iraq is currently in the final stages of striking what are called Technical Services Contracts with oil majors to help boost crude oil production in the country's largest producing fields. Iraqi oil sources said these Technical Services Contracts, or TSCs, could be signed as early as June. Each would last two years and could be extended for another year.
Iraq wants to boost production by 600,000 bpd in six producing oil fields in northern and southern Iraq. They are Kirkuk in the north, West Qurna 1, Zubair, Missan, Rumaila and Luhais in the south.
Iraq is currently producing between 2.3 mm and 2.4 mm bpd of oil, a tiny fraction of its 115 bn barrels of proven crude reserves, the world's third largest.
Iraqi oil officials have estimated the value of each TSC to be around $ 500 mm.
19 May 2008
Iraq is planning to issue a new list of pre-qualified international companies to bid for future oil and gas deals to develop the country's fields, a spokesman for the Iraqi Oil Ministry said. Last April, Iraq accepted 35 international oil companies to compete for hydrocarbon contracts out of 120 firms that applied to the ministry to qualify.
"There will be another invitation for companies to submit their qualification documentation to compete for the development of smaller oil and gas fields," Assem Jihad told. "There is another chance for companies to compete for the second round of licenses," he added.
Jihad said the 35 companies announced in April would compete for the development of Iraq's large oil fields. The ministry is expected to announce the first round of tenders to develop these oil fields in the second half of the year, Iraqi oil officials have said. The ministry spokesman said the ministry would issue the new invitation for companies to send their documentation for qualification as soon as the ministry finished awarding the first round of tenders to develop large oil fields.
"We don't know yet when we will invite companies for the second round of licenses but it will be immediately after the conclusion of the first round of tenders," Jihad said.
Iraq is currently in the final stages of striking what are called Technical Services Contracts with oil majors to help boost crude oil production in the country's largest producing fields. Iraqi oil sources said these Technical Services Contracts, or TSCs, could be signed as early as June. Each would last two years and could be extended for another year.
Iraq wants to boost production by 600,000 bpd in six producing oil fields in northern and southern Iraq. They are Kirkuk in the north, West Qurna 1, Zubair, Missan, Rumaila and Luhais in the south.
Iraq is currently producing between 2.3 mm and 2.4 mm bpd of oil, a tiny fraction of its 115 bn barrels of proven crude reserves, the world's third largest.
Iraqi oil officials have estimated the value of each TSC to be around $ 500 mm.
European energy security under threat.
Russia Today
21 May 2008
The European Commission wants to limit non-EU members operating on its energy transportation networks. Russia says it won’t be able to guarantee security of supply if the EU approves its so-called “third energy package”. The consequences were widely discussed at the international Gas Forum in Berlin.
The energy security that Europe is so concerned about tops the agenda of almost every energy conference. But this time Europe's main gas supplier, Russia, said the security of supply could be undermined by the EU's latest energy initiative.
The EC wants to unbundle transportation networks by removing distribution from vertically integrated energy companies and handing control to independent operators.
“Long-term contracts are the basis of the security of supply. The third energy package puts these contracts in danger. Can an independent operator guarantee the fulfilment of the long-term supply agreement with Europe?” demands the Head of Russia Gas Society Valery Yazev.
The EC says the changes are needed to guarantee all market players free access to the pipeline system and to attract investment. But European energy companies say the initiative may be dangerous.
“Gaz de France as the company of many other companies of the gas sector with, I would say, with a full support of the French government, has always been opposing the ownership unbundling of the transportation companies within the integrity group. We think this is not a good decision. When you look at the security of the industry itself and in addition to that we think that it is not useful,” commented the Chief Operating Officer of Gas de France Jean-Marie Dauger.
According to the new energy package, non-EU companies like Gazprom won’t be able to control any assets in the sector. However, the EU does not specify what level of share holding would represent control.
This means Gazprom is taking a risk by investing in European gas transportation with no certainty that it will control its assets.
21 May 2008
The European Commission wants to limit non-EU members operating on its energy transportation networks. Russia says it won’t be able to guarantee security of supply if the EU approves its so-called “third energy package”. The consequences were widely discussed at the international Gas Forum in Berlin.
The energy security that Europe is so concerned about tops the agenda of almost every energy conference. But this time Europe's main gas supplier, Russia, said the security of supply could be undermined by the EU's latest energy initiative.
The EC wants to unbundle transportation networks by removing distribution from vertically integrated energy companies and handing control to independent operators.
“Long-term contracts are the basis of the security of supply. The third energy package puts these contracts in danger. Can an independent operator guarantee the fulfilment of the long-term supply agreement with Europe?” demands the Head of Russia Gas Society Valery Yazev.
The EC says the changes are needed to guarantee all market players free access to the pipeline system and to attract investment. But European energy companies say the initiative may be dangerous.
“Gaz de France as the company of many other companies of the gas sector with, I would say, with a full support of the French government, has always been opposing the ownership unbundling of the transportation companies within the integrity group. We think this is not a good decision. When you look at the security of the industry itself and in addition to that we think that it is not useful,” commented the Chief Operating Officer of Gas de France Jean-Marie Dauger.
According to the new energy package, non-EU companies like Gazprom won’t be able to control any assets in the sector. However, the EU does not specify what level of share holding would represent control.
This means Gazprom is taking a risk by investing in European gas transportation with no certainty that it will control its assets.
Iran and Ghana sign seven accords.
Mehr News
23 May 2008
Iran and Ghana have signed seven cooperation agreements in the fields of health, shipping, agriculture, oil, media, diplomacy, and customs.
In the closing ceremony of the third Iran-Ghana joint economic cooperation commission, Iran’s Agricultural Jihad Minister, Mohammadreza Eskandari, and Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Akwasi Asei-Adjei signed the accords.
Eskandari announced that his ministry chairs the joint economic cooperation commission with seven African countries, namely, Sudan, Senegal, Ethiopia, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, and Sierra Leone, saying that the Ninth Government’s fundamental policy is the expansion of ties with African nations.
Expressing hope on implementation of the approvals of the commission in progress until the next joint commission, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Akwasi Asei-Adjei invited Iran’s agricultural jihad minister to attend the Fourth Iran-Ghana joint economic cooperation commission in 2010 which will be held in Ghana’s capital city, Accra.
In the opening ceremony of this commission, he stated, “Ghana is a perfect place for investment and can pose as a gateway for Iranian investment in West Africa.”
He noted that bilateral cooperation between the two countries is not currently at a satisfactory level and hoped that in the Tehran gathering both sides would forward constructive suggestions in order to improve this state. Also attending the ceremony the chairman of Iran’s Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Mines (ICCIM) emphasized on the establishment of Iran’s trade centre in Ghana, saying the centre will facilitate the bilateral trade.
Mohammad Nahavandian announced that Ghana has great potentials that Iran could apply them. He added that Ghana is a proper land for investment due to its appropriate geographical situation as well as its gold and bauxite rich mines.
23 May 2008
Iran and Ghana have signed seven cooperation agreements in the fields of health, shipping, agriculture, oil, media, diplomacy, and customs.
In the closing ceremony of the third Iran-Ghana joint economic cooperation commission, Iran’s Agricultural Jihad Minister, Mohammadreza Eskandari, and Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Akwasi Asei-Adjei signed the accords.
Eskandari announced that his ministry chairs the joint economic cooperation commission with seven African countries, namely, Sudan, Senegal, Ethiopia, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, and Sierra Leone, saying that the Ninth Government’s fundamental policy is the expansion of ties with African nations.
Expressing hope on implementation of the approvals of the commission in progress until the next joint commission, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Akwasi Asei-Adjei invited Iran’s agricultural jihad minister to attend the Fourth Iran-Ghana joint economic cooperation commission in 2010 which will be held in Ghana’s capital city, Accra.
In the opening ceremony of this commission, he stated, “Ghana is a perfect place for investment and can pose as a gateway for Iranian investment in West Africa.”
He noted that bilateral cooperation between the two countries is not currently at a satisfactory level and hoped that in the Tehran gathering both sides would forward constructive suggestions in order to improve this state. Also attending the ceremony the chairman of Iran’s Chamber of Commerce, Industries, and Mines (ICCIM) emphasized on the establishment of Iran’s trade centre in Ghana, saying the centre will facilitate the bilateral trade.
Mohammad Nahavandian announced that Ghana has great potentials that Iran could apply them. He added that Ghana is a proper land for investment due to its appropriate geographical situation as well as its gold and bauxite rich mines.
Albania asks Kosovo to agree on pipeline.
UPI
19 May 2008
Albania is readying plans for an interconnection line with Kosovo. Production of energy from Albania's hydropower stations would be well balanced with the production from Kosovo's power stations, said Albania's Economy and Trade Minister Genc Ruli.
"Minister Ruli and Shiroka, his counterpart, stressed the cooperation in the field of energy. The two ministers noted that the Albanian and Kosovo electricity systems complement each other very well," Albanian officials said.
Analysts said, however, that while cooperation could be profitable, the two countries' financial capabilities are still far from strong enough.
Albania potentially could increase its energy production by 60 % if it finds a reliable energy source, like the coal power stations in Kosovo. Currently, however, both nations are net importers of energy.
According to Kosovo Energy analyses, the country needs about $ 3 bn (EUR 1.9 bn) in investments to keep its current energy system afloat.
According to Albanian specialists, the construction of the thermoelectric cooler power stations and the interconnection lines and the construction of the pipelines supplying gas would help the situation on both sides.
19 May 2008
Albania is readying plans for an interconnection line with Kosovo. Production of energy from Albania's hydropower stations would be well balanced with the production from Kosovo's power stations, said Albania's Economy and Trade Minister Genc Ruli.
"Minister Ruli and Shiroka, his counterpart, stressed the cooperation in the field of energy. The two ministers noted that the Albanian and Kosovo electricity systems complement each other very well," Albanian officials said.
Analysts said, however, that while cooperation could be profitable, the two countries' financial capabilities are still far from strong enough.
Albania potentially could increase its energy production by 60 % if it finds a reliable energy source, like the coal power stations in Kosovo. Currently, however, both nations are net importers of energy.
According to Kosovo Energy analyses, the country needs about $ 3 bn (EUR 1.9 bn) in investments to keep its current energy system afloat.
According to Albanian specialists, the construction of the thermoelectric cooler power stations and the interconnection lines and the construction of the pipelines supplying gas would help the situation on both sides.
Epsilon Energy to Conduct Seismic Surveys in Ethiopia.
African Oil Journal
18 June 2008
Epsilon Energy announces it has entered into an exclusive Study Agreement (the "Northwest Area Study Agreement") with the Ministry of Mines and Energy in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The Northwest Area Study Agreement covers 154,871.53 square kilometers (96,232.7 square miles) in the northwestern sector of the country, with an initial one year term.
There have been virtually no prior oil and gas exploration activities within the lands covered by the Northwest Area Study Agreement. Epsilon intends to utilize Landsat or SPOT imagery, coupled with gravity and/or magnetic surveys, which will be supplemented with land based efforts to identify sedimentary basins that have potential for oil and/or gas deposits. Upon completion of the Northwest Area Study Agreement, Epsilon has an exclusive right to negotiate an agreement or agreements to further explore for oil and gas on any or all of the land covered by the Northwest Area Study Agreement by obtaining an oil and gas concession or concessions from the Ministry.
Fred Zaziski, Epsilon's President and CEO, stated "the Northwest Area Study Agreement allows the Company to further expand its international oil & gas activities in a region that it believes is vastly under-explored. As per the Northwest Area Study Agreement, any concessions Epsilon may obtain as a result of this endeavor will reflect historical production sharing agreement terms. The rights the Company has acquired in the Northwest Area Study Agreement truly provide mutual benefits to both the Ministry and Epsilon. The Company is looking forward to a long and fruitful cooperative effort between both parties".
Epsilon is engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas reserves in the Middle East and North America. In the Republic of Yemen, Epsilon has a 57.14% paying interest and a 50% undivided interest in the Block 41 Production Sharing Agreement, which covers approximately 1.4 million gross (791,000 net) acres onshore. In North America, Epsilon has producing properties in West Virginia, New York and Ohio and is focused on additional exploration and development projects targeting the Marcellus Shale in the Appalachian Basin and the Utica Shale in Quebec, Canada.
Somalia, French firm sign pact to tackle piracy.
Business Daily
17 June 2008
The Somalia government is planning to establish its own coast guard following the signing of a security agreement between President Abdullahi Yusuf and a French private company, Secopex CSA.
The French media reported that the international security firm proposed and got the consent of the Somali government “to support maritime security in Somalia and create a coastal intelligence unit.”
It has also offered to train the bodyguards of the Somali president. The “co-operation agreement”, as it was described by a section of the media such as the Indian Ocean newsletter, gives the French company an exclusive mandate for 36 months to carry out its project.
The main aspects of the agreement include strengthening the Somalia customs and the maritime police through the creation of a coastguard unit to monitor and tax fishing boats operating in the Somali territorial waters; offer boats passing through a security service in return for payment; create two training centres (one in South Somalia and the other in the North); and combat piracy along the Somali coast.
President Abdullahi signed the deal with representatives of the firm last month in Paris, France. Reports from France say that the agreement is not a binding contract in that it does not oblige the Somali government to pay for Secopex’s services.
Rather, the French company would source funding from international donors such as the European Union, International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Secopex’s services are estimated to cost Euros 50 -- 100 million a year. Secopex is a private military services company founded in 2003 by former servicemen based in Carcassonne, where the third regiment of navy infantry parachutists is based. It is currently run by former parachutist Pierre Marziali and General Jean-Pierre Perez.
The latter is a former Africa advisor to the French Army’s chief of staff and has also been a military advisor to the President of the Central African Republic, François Bozize.
Secopex says its establishment was in response to the increasing demand for security services, which require specific knowledge and experience. It is the first French company to offer services in this field.
The entity is composed of specialists from elite units of the departments of defence and other government security agencies. It collaborates with an international network of specialists and recently opened an office for North Africa in Algiers.
With some 365 experts, Secopex offers a French alternative to the many American, English and South African “Private Military Companies”.
The involvement of Secopex in the maritime security affairs off the Somali coast is likely to be a major relief to many shipping and fishing companies that have had to grapple with sporadic pirate attack in the zone owing to lack of stable government in the country for 17 years now.
Mombasa-based Seafarers Assistance Programme (SAP) says the move is laudable as it could enhance security of vessels and crew noting that many seagoing vessels and maritime insurers have been avoiding Somali coast because of piracy problem.
“I think it is a good move, but we need to wait and see. A Canadian firm has in the past come with a similar project but it failed.
We hope things will work out this time round,” said Mr Andrew Mwangura, the SAP coordinator.
17 June 2008
The Somalia government is planning to establish its own coast guard following the signing of a security agreement between President Abdullahi Yusuf and a French private company, Secopex CSA.
The French media reported that the international security firm proposed and got the consent of the Somali government “to support maritime security in Somalia and create a coastal intelligence unit.”
It has also offered to train the bodyguards of the Somali president. The “co-operation agreement”, as it was described by a section of the media such as the Indian Ocean newsletter, gives the French company an exclusive mandate for 36 months to carry out its project.
The main aspects of the agreement include strengthening the Somalia customs and the maritime police through the creation of a coastguard unit to monitor and tax fishing boats operating in the Somali territorial waters; offer boats passing through a security service in return for payment; create two training centres (one in South Somalia and the other in the North); and combat piracy along the Somali coast.
President Abdullahi signed the deal with representatives of the firm last month in Paris, France. Reports from France say that the agreement is not a binding contract in that it does not oblige the Somali government to pay for Secopex’s services.
Rather, the French company would source funding from international donors such as the European Union, International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Secopex’s services are estimated to cost Euros 50 -- 100 million a year. Secopex is a private military services company founded in 2003 by former servicemen based in Carcassonne, where the third regiment of navy infantry parachutists is based. It is currently run by former parachutist Pierre Marziali and General Jean-Pierre Perez.
The latter is a former Africa advisor to the French Army’s chief of staff and has also been a military advisor to the President of the Central African Republic, François Bozize.
Secopex says its establishment was in response to the increasing demand for security services, which require specific knowledge and experience. It is the first French company to offer services in this field.
The entity is composed of specialists from elite units of the departments of defence and other government security agencies. It collaborates with an international network of specialists and recently opened an office for North Africa in Algiers.
With some 365 experts, Secopex offers a French alternative to the many American, English and South African “Private Military Companies”.
The involvement of Secopex in the maritime security affairs off the Somali coast is likely to be a major relief to many shipping and fishing companies that have had to grapple with sporadic pirate attack in the zone owing to lack of stable government in the country for 17 years now.
Mombasa-based Seafarers Assistance Programme (SAP) says the move is laudable as it could enhance security of vessels and crew noting that many seagoing vessels and maritime insurers have been avoiding Somali coast because of piracy problem.
“I think it is a good move, but we need to wait and see. A Canadian firm has in the past come with a similar project but it failed.
We hope things will work out this time round,” said Mr Andrew Mwangura, the SAP coordinator.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
