IWPR
By Simon Jennings in The Hague
TU No 602, 22-May-09
Judges at the Hague tribunal have set a start date for the trial of the prosecution's former spokeswoman, Florence Hartmann, after they denied a request from her lawyers to drop the charges against her.
Hartmann is accused of contempt of court for allegedly disclosing the contents of confidential decisions made by appeal judges in the trial of former Serbian president Slobodan Milosevic.
Her trial will take place from June 15 to 17, according to an order made by the new pre-trial judge in the case, Judge Bakone Maloto, on May 22, folllowing a court meeting between the parties this week.
Hartmann, who was spokeswoman to former chief prosecutor Carla Del Ponte from 1999 until 2006, last appeared in court on January 30 ahead of her trial which had been scheduled to start on February 5.
However, on the eve of the trial, her lawyer, Karim Khan, filed a request for two of the judges set to hear the case to stand down on the basis that they lack impartiality.
An independent panel of judges granted Khan’s request on March 25, ruling that the relationship between the judges and the appointed prosecutor, Bruce MacFarlane, “may lead an objective observer to conclude that the chamber has an interest in the investigation and prosecution of the case against Ms Hartmann”.
Judges Carmel Agius and Alphons Orie were replaced by Judge Mehmet Guney and Liu Daqun on April 2.
Following their replacement, Khan then requested that the charges against his client be dropped on the grounds they were no longer valid, as they were initiated by the previous judges. He also argued that the new judges should neither reinitiate nor continue with the contempt proceedings against Hartmann.
However, after revisiting the basis on which proceedings were originally brought against Hartmann in August 2008, the new trial judges this week denied Khan’s submission.
“The Chamber has reviewed the underlying supporting material and confirms that there were – and are – sufficient grounds to proceed against the Accused for contempt,” wrote Judge Maloto in the decision on May 19.
Hartmann is charged with revealing elements of two confidential decisions – made by appeals judges on September 20, 2005 and April 6, 2006 – while at the same time acknowledging that they were confidential.
The decisions are thought to relate to the court’s handling of certain documents in the Milosevic trial, including minutes of meetings of Serbia’s Supreme Defence Council, SDC, during the wars in the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s. The contents of these documents have been kept confidential by the court, under rules that enable it to protect a state’s national security.
Hartmann is expected to appear in court once more before the case starts.
23 May, 2009
Anger Over Aid Effort Prompts Breakaway Calls.
IWPR
By Bill Oketch in northern Uganda
AR No. 213, 21-May-09
What began as a protest against the lack of government housing aid has renewed calls for northern Uganda to breakaway from the republic.
In late April, about 250 residents of the Starch Factory camp for the displaced in Lira defied government orders to leave, saying that they wouldn’t return to their villages until security and housing needs were met.
One such resident, Susan Akello, said that although rebel leader Joseph Kony and his Lord’s Resistance Army are now in the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, she still feared the LRA.
“Before I move out of this camp, I want the government to assure me that Kony will not invade my home and kill me like [he did my] my relatives,” said Akello.
Akello, like others in the north, remain worried about a possible return of the LRA after government forces failed to kill or capture Kony and his soldiers during a three-month assault on Kony’s camps in DRC this past December.
“Secondly, the government should [should give us the support it promised] following [the] pains inflicted against our families,” she said. “Without fulfilling [this], I won’t move anywhere. In fact, I will remain and die here.”
Santa Adong said she won’t return to her village, even if her concerns over housing and security are addressed, because she is still bitter about the poor job the Ugandan army did controlling the rebel force when it waged war in the north from 1986 to 2006.
“If the government wants me to return home, they should bring back my relatives who died during the conflict,” she said.
The residents of Starch Factory are among thousands who linger in the displacement camps of Amuru, Kitgum, Pader, Gulu and Lira districts in northern Uganda. They are mostly orphans, widows and widowers who have no homes to return to.
Their disenchantment with the government is reflected across the region, with people angry at the government’s perceived failure to provide adequate reconstruction funds for schools, roads, healthcare and others facilities, even though the north has had peace for more than two years.
Feelings are running so high that some are calling for the north to secede from Uganda.
Felix Okot Ogong, a representative of Dokolo district in parliament, said that unless the government acts quickly to rebuild the north, a new revolt could erupt among the Acholi, the dominant ethnic group of northern Uganda.
“We want the north to be divided,” Ogong told IWPR. “If our dream comes true, it will be called the Nile Republic. I believe after the division we shall get all that we need to reconstruct the region.”
The new republic, he said, would include the Teso, Lango, Acholi and West Nile regions – broadly the
the eastern, northern, and northwestern parts of the country.
Calls for independence have surfaced periodically since the country’s last presidential election in 2006 when the aforementioned regions voted against Museveni’s re-election.
Morris Ogenga Latigo, a northern legislator and opposition leader in parliament, told IWPR that the government views those from the north as LRA sympathisers.
“If Kampala thinks that we are a burden to them, let them tell us what we should be,” said Latigo. “We want our people in the north to understand that Uganda is not a country for everybody as of now.
“They should begin preparing for the day when we take [our] destiny into our own hands.”
Another northern legislator, Livingstone Okello Okello, vowed that northerners will not accept mistreatment. “We shall never agree to be treated like slaves in our own land.”
But others are not backing the secessionist calls.
Morris Odung Omara, a Lira town official, said such a drastic move should be carefully considered.
“There is a greater strength in unity than when we are divided,” he said. “We should weigh the merits and [drawbacks] of breaking away from Kampala.”
Lira deputy mayor Mike Okidi was also reluctant to support demands for regional independence.
“Married couples disagree, but that does not mean it’s the end of relationship,” said Okidi. “It’s too early to [split] from Kampala.”
Okidi said the situation in northern Uganda is unlike that in Sudan, where South Sudan is expected to vote on independence in 2011.
“We should solve the problem rather than run away. It is not reasonable to break away from Kampala,” he said.
Molly Kia Okello, an official with the National Resistance Movement, NRM, the ruling party in Uganda, told IWPR that the reconstruction of the north has been politicised.
“We cannot remain in the [refugee] camps and we [should not imagine] our region is going to be reconstructed automatically,” said Okello. “Time [has] come for us [to] quit [these] squalid habitat[s] and forget the past.”
She said of those who remain in the camps, “Before you look at the government, what have you done as an individual to rebuild northern Uganda? We all have a role to play if we are to overcome the challenges of rebuilding the region.”
Latigo, however, insisted that the lack of reconstruction in the north is a large problem and is why many prefer the camps over their villages. But, he also urged people to do more for themselves.
“We are encouraging our people to go back home and use the available resources to erect thatch houses for themselves,” he said.
“We know it will take some time for us to [revive] this region after all that period of insurgency. But the community should understand that we have to do something before government or any charities come in to help us.”
One camp official in the north, George Okello, told IWPR that some local leaders refuse to acknowledge the problems facing the north.
“We are not getting any assistance from the non-government organisations because the local authorities brag that there no more camps in the north,” said Okello.
“The international community should know that as much as guns have gone silent, there are people who cannot yet move back [to their villages].
“We want food aid and building materials.”
By Bill Oketch in northern Uganda
AR No. 213, 21-May-09
What began as a protest against the lack of government housing aid has renewed calls for northern Uganda to breakaway from the republic.
In late April, about 250 residents of the Starch Factory camp for the displaced in Lira defied government orders to leave, saying that they wouldn’t return to their villages until security and housing needs were met.
One such resident, Susan Akello, said that although rebel leader Joseph Kony and his Lord’s Resistance Army are now in the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, she still feared the LRA.
“Before I move out of this camp, I want the government to assure me that Kony will not invade my home and kill me like [he did my] my relatives,” said Akello.
Akello, like others in the north, remain worried about a possible return of the LRA after government forces failed to kill or capture Kony and his soldiers during a three-month assault on Kony’s camps in DRC this past December.
“Secondly, the government should [should give us the support it promised] following [the] pains inflicted against our families,” she said. “Without fulfilling [this], I won’t move anywhere. In fact, I will remain and die here.”
Santa Adong said she won’t return to her village, even if her concerns over housing and security are addressed, because she is still bitter about the poor job the Ugandan army did controlling the rebel force when it waged war in the north from 1986 to 2006.
“If the government wants me to return home, they should bring back my relatives who died during the conflict,” she said.
The residents of Starch Factory are among thousands who linger in the displacement camps of Amuru, Kitgum, Pader, Gulu and Lira districts in northern Uganda. They are mostly orphans, widows and widowers who have no homes to return to.
Their disenchantment with the government is reflected across the region, with people angry at the government’s perceived failure to provide adequate reconstruction funds for schools, roads, healthcare and others facilities, even though the north has had peace for more than two years.
Feelings are running so high that some are calling for the north to secede from Uganda.
Felix Okot Ogong, a representative of Dokolo district in parliament, said that unless the government acts quickly to rebuild the north, a new revolt could erupt among the Acholi, the dominant ethnic group of northern Uganda.
“We want the north to be divided,” Ogong told IWPR. “If our dream comes true, it will be called the Nile Republic. I believe after the division we shall get all that we need to reconstruct the region.”
The new republic, he said, would include the Teso, Lango, Acholi and West Nile regions – broadly the
the eastern, northern, and northwestern parts of the country.
Calls for independence have surfaced periodically since the country’s last presidential election in 2006 when the aforementioned regions voted against Museveni’s re-election.
Morris Ogenga Latigo, a northern legislator and opposition leader in parliament, told IWPR that the government views those from the north as LRA sympathisers.
“If Kampala thinks that we are a burden to them, let them tell us what we should be,” said Latigo. “We want our people in the north to understand that Uganda is not a country for everybody as of now.
“They should begin preparing for the day when we take [our] destiny into our own hands.”
Another northern legislator, Livingstone Okello Okello, vowed that northerners will not accept mistreatment. “We shall never agree to be treated like slaves in our own land.”
But others are not backing the secessionist calls.
Morris Odung Omara, a Lira town official, said such a drastic move should be carefully considered.
“There is a greater strength in unity than when we are divided,” he said. “We should weigh the merits and [drawbacks] of breaking away from Kampala.”
Lira deputy mayor Mike Okidi was also reluctant to support demands for regional independence.
“Married couples disagree, but that does not mean it’s the end of relationship,” said Okidi. “It’s too early to [split] from Kampala.”
Okidi said the situation in northern Uganda is unlike that in Sudan, where South Sudan is expected to vote on independence in 2011.
“We should solve the problem rather than run away. It is not reasonable to break away from Kampala,” he said.
Molly Kia Okello, an official with the National Resistance Movement, NRM, the ruling party in Uganda, told IWPR that the reconstruction of the north has been politicised.
“We cannot remain in the [refugee] camps and we [should not imagine] our region is going to be reconstructed automatically,” said Okello. “Time [has] come for us [to] quit [these] squalid habitat[s] and forget the past.”
She said of those who remain in the camps, “Before you look at the government, what have you done as an individual to rebuild northern Uganda? We all have a role to play if we are to overcome the challenges of rebuilding the region.”
Latigo, however, insisted that the lack of reconstruction in the north is a large problem and is why many prefer the camps over their villages. But, he also urged people to do more for themselves.
“We are encouraging our people to go back home and use the available resources to erect thatch houses for themselves,” he said.
“We know it will take some time for us to [revive] this region after all that period of insurgency. But the community should understand that we have to do something before government or any charities come in to help us.”
One camp official in the north, George Okello, told IWPR that some local leaders refuse to acknowledge the problems facing the north.
“We are not getting any assistance from the non-government organisations because the local authorities brag that there no more camps in the north,” said Okello.
“The international community should know that as much as guns have gone silent, there are people who cannot yet move back [to their villages].
“We want food aid and building materials.”
22 May, 2009
Bolivian authorities seek Hungarian man living in Ireland.
The Irish Times
22 May 2009
By CONOR LALLY and DAN McLAUGHLIN
Bolivian authorities investigating an alleged plot to kill political figures there and the related shooting dead by police of Irishman Michael Dwyer want to interview a Hungarian man living in Ireland.
The potentially key witness worked for the same Irish security firm as Mr Dwyer. The company is based in Co Kildare.
The 32-year-old Hungarian of Romanian extraction is believed to have worked for the company until recent weeks. He is still living in the Republic.
The Bolivians believe the man – a former soldier in the Hungarian army – was instrumental in bringing Dwyer to Bolivia from Ireland with a number of other men.
“According to our information, [the Hungarian] was the head and organiser of this group. Not only here but in his own country. He has experience of forming irregular groups,” said Bernardo Montenegro, a member of a Bolivian parliamentary commission investigating the case.
Mr Dwyer travelled with the 32-year-old Hungarian – along with another Hungarian and a Polish man – from Ireland to Bolivia last November.
Mr Dwyer (25) had told his parents in Ballinderry, Co Tipperary, he was going to Bolivia to do a bodyguard course.
The men paid their own fare as far as Madrid. There they collected prepaid tickets to Bolivia. It is unclear who paid for the tickets.
Mr Dwyer decided to travel after he and his former colleagues lost their jobs with the security company when their contracts expired last October.
The Hungarian who went with Mr Dwyer knew Eduardo Rozsa Flores, the 49-year-old shot dead with Mr Dwyer in a Santa Cruz hotel in the early hours of Thursday, April 16th. The Hungarian man introduced Mr Dwyer to Mr Flores.
The Hungarian man and the other two who travelled with Mr Dwyer to Bolivia returned to Ireland early, because the bodyguard course it has been suggested they had gone to take part in fell through.
Mr Dwyer stayed on with Mr Flores, on the pretence of working as a security guard for him. He was later killed with Mr Flores.
The Hungarian now living in Ireland and Mr Flores have both been linked to the Szekler Legion, which wants autonomy for Hungarians in Romania. The Bolivians have said Mr Flores was the leader of a group of mercenaries in Santa Cruz and that he was planning to kill president Evo Morales.
It was during a police operation aimed at foiling that alleged plot that Mr Dwyer and Mr Flores and a third man were shot dead.
22 May 2009
By CONOR LALLY and DAN McLAUGHLIN
Bolivian authorities investigating an alleged plot to kill political figures there and the related shooting dead by police of Irishman Michael Dwyer want to interview a Hungarian man living in Ireland.
The potentially key witness worked for the same Irish security firm as Mr Dwyer. The company is based in Co Kildare.
The 32-year-old Hungarian of Romanian extraction is believed to have worked for the company until recent weeks. He is still living in the Republic.
The Bolivians believe the man – a former soldier in the Hungarian army – was instrumental in bringing Dwyer to Bolivia from Ireland with a number of other men.
“According to our information, [the Hungarian] was the head and organiser of this group. Not only here but in his own country. He has experience of forming irregular groups,” said Bernardo Montenegro, a member of a Bolivian parliamentary commission investigating the case.
Mr Dwyer travelled with the 32-year-old Hungarian – along with another Hungarian and a Polish man – from Ireland to Bolivia last November.
Mr Dwyer (25) had told his parents in Ballinderry, Co Tipperary, he was going to Bolivia to do a bodyguard course.
The men paid their own fare as far as Madrid. There they collected prepaid tickets to Bolivia. It is unclear who paid for the tickets.
Mr Dwyer decided to travel after he and his former colleagues lost their jobs with the security company when their contracts expired last October.
The Hungarian who went with Mr Dwyer knew Eduardo Rozsa Flores, the 49-year-old shot dead with Mr Dwyer in a Santa Cruz hotel in the early hours of Thursday, April 16th. The Hungarian man introduced Mr Dwyer to Mr Flores.
The Hungarian man and the other two who travelled with Mr Dwyer to Bolivia returned to Ireland early, because the bodyguard course it has been suggested they had gone to take part in fell through.
Mr Dwyer stayed on with Mr Flores, on the pretence of working as a security guard for him. He was later killed with Mr Flores.
The Hungarian now living in Ireland and Mr Flores have both been linked to the Szekler Legion, which wants autonomy for Hungarians in Romania. The Bolivians have said Mr Flores was the leader of a group of mercenaries in Santa Cruz and that he was planning to kill president Evo Morales.
It was during a police operation aimed at foiling that alleged plot that Mr Dwyer and Mr Flores and a third man were shot dead.
China Negotiates for Deepwater Oil Blocks Offshore Brazil.
Dow Jones Newswires
22 May 2009
The two oil blocks under negotiation between oil giants China Petroleum & Chemical Corp. (SNP) and Petroleo Brasileiro SA (PBR) are deepwater exploration blocks located in the north of Brazil, the Brazilian company's top financial official told Dow Jones Newswires on Thursday.
Conversations, however, are still ongoing and the deal isn't closed, said Almir Barbassa, chief financial officer of Petrobras, as the Brazilian company is known.
The blocks under consideration are within Brazilian waters, are 100% owned by Petrobras and run deep, or about 2,000 meters, he said. They are located off the coast of the two neighboring states of Para and Maranhao in northern Brazil, Barbassa added.
Earlier this week, China's National Energy Administration Chairman Zhang Guobao told reporters in Beijing that Brazil would offer two oil blocks to Sinopec, as the Chinese company is known, as a way to strengthen energy cooperation between the two countries. He didn't give any further details.
Subsequently, a Petrobras spokeswoman only had denied that the blocks were in Brazil's promising subsalt region.
According to Brazil's Mines and Energy Ministry, any transfer of blocks would be subject to approval by Brazil's National Petroleum Agency, or ANP.
Petrobras and China Development Bank earlier this week unveiled a $10 billion, 10-year financing agreement.
22 May 2009
The two oil blocks under negotiation between oil giants China Petroleum & Chemical Corp. (SNP) and Petroleo Brasileiro SA (PBR) are deepwater exploration blocks located in the north of Brazil, the Brazilian company's top financial official told Dow Jones Newswires on Thursday.
Conversations, however, are still ongoing and the deal isn't closed, said Almir Barbassa, chief financial officer of Petrobras, as the Brazilian company is known.
The blocks under consideration are within Brazilian waters, are 100% owned by Petrobras and run deep, or about 2,000 meters, he said. They are located off the coast of the two neighboring states of Para and Maranhao in northern Brazil, Barbassa added.
Earlier this week, China's National Energy Administration Chairman Zhang Guobao told reporters in Beijing that Brazil would offer two oil blocks to Sinopec, as the Chinese company is known, as a way to strengthen energy cooperation between the two countries. He didn't give any further details.
Subsequently, a Petrobras spokeswoman only had denied that the blocks were in Brazil's promising subsalt region.
According to Brazil's Mines and Energy Ministry, any transfer of blocks would be subject to approval by Brazil's National Petroleum Agency, or ANP.
Petrobras and China Development Bank earlier this week unveiled a $10 billion, 10-year financing agreement.
Turkey, Brazil Ink Deal to Hunt for Hydrocarbons in Black Sea.
Xinhua News Agency
22 May 2009
Turkish President Abdullah Gul announced on Friday that Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) and Brazil's Petrobras would jointly explore oil in the Black Sea as the initial findings inspired hope.
Gul made the announcement at a joint press conference with visiting Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva in the Turkish capital of Ankara following their talks and the signing of an oil exploration agreement between TPAO and Petrobras.
He said the partnership between TPAO and Petrobras was very important, adding that about US $800 million would be invested in oil exploration in the Black Sea.
Gul said the current trade volume of US $2 billion was way below the true potential relations of the two countries, adding that they wanted to boost the bilateral trade.
Gul pointed out that Brazil was an important country in environment friendly fuel production, saying Turkey wanted to follow the example of Brazil in automotive sector.
For his part, Lula Da Silva said that Turkey and Brazil were trying to create new opportunities based on common aspects.
Expressing willingness of his country to establish new partnerships based on common aspects, Lula Da Silva said there were common points between Turkey and Brazil on issues like industrialization, technology and export-import balance.
Lula Da Silva is scheduled to conclude his visit in Turkey later on Friday after meeting with Turkish parliamentary speaker and having a dinner with Gul. Turkey is the last stop for his tour which has also taken him to Saudi Arabia and China.
22 May 2009
Turkish President Abdullah Gul announced on Friday that Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) and Brazil's Petrobras would jointly explore oil in the Black Sea as the initial findings inspired hope.
Gul made the announcement at a joint press conference with visiting Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva in the Turkish capital of Ankara following their talks and the signing of an oil exploration agreement between TPAO and Petrobras.
He said the partnership between TPAO and Petrobras was very important, adding that about US $800 million would be invested in oil exploration in the Black Sea.
Gul said the current trade volume of US $2 billion was way below the true potential relations of the two countries, adding that they wanted to boost the bilateral trade.
Gul pointed out that Brazil was an important country in environment friendly fuel production, saying Turkey wanted to follow the example of Brazil in automotive sector.
For his part, Lula Da Silva said that Turkey and Brazil were trying to create new opportunities based on common aspects.
Expressing willingness of his country to establish new partnerships based on common aspects, Lula Da Silva said there were common points between Turkey and Brazil on issues like industrialization, technology and export-import balance.
Lula Da Silva is scheduled to conclude his visit in Turkey later on Friday after meeting with Turkish parliamentary speaker and having a dinner with Gul. Turkey is the last stop for his tour which has also taken him to Saudi Arabia and China.
Bolivia set to order weaponry from Russia - deputy FM.
RIA Novosti
22 May 2009
Bolivia may order weaponry worth several million dollars from Russia in the near future, a deputy foreign minister said on Friday.
Sources earlier reported that Bolivia had expressed interest in buying a number of Russian-made Mi-17 multipurpose helicopters to combat terrorism and drug trafficking.
"As to purchases of military equipment, we are interested not only in helicopters, but also in other kinds of weaponry," Hugo Fernandez told a news conference at RIA Novosti.
"Agreements on the list of military equipment which we would like to purchase have not yet been reached, but we will return to this issue in several months. We are talking about several million dollars worth of weaponry," he added.
During the talks in Moscow in February, Russia and Bolivia signed a bilateral agreement on military-technical cooperation.
Moscow said it could offer La Paz a loan for the purchase of Russian-made weaponry, without specifying the amount.
However, Alexander Fomin, first deputy director of Russia's Federal Service for Military Cooperation, said on Thursday that the Russian defense industry had effectively "reached its ceiling" and could not take on any more contracts in the near future.
"The industry does not stretch like a rubber bag. As in other countries, [our industry] has its limits. That's an open secret," he said.
According to Fomin, Russia's foreign defense orders currently total $35 billion.
22 May 2009
Bolivia may order weaponry worth several million dollars from Russia in the near future, a deputy foreign minister said on Friday.
Sources earlier reported that Bolivia had expressed interest in buying a number of Russian-made Mi-17 multipurpose helicopters to combat terrorism and drug trafficking.
"As to purchases of military equipment, we are interested not only in helicopters, but also in other kinds of weaponry," Hugo Fernandez told a news conference at RIA Novosti.
"Agreements on the list of military equipment which we would like to purchase have not yet been reached, but we will return to this issue in several months. We are talking about several million dollars worth of weaponry," he added.
During the talks in Moscow in February, Russia and Bolivia signed a bilateral agreement on military-technical cooperation.
Moscow said it could offer La Paz a loan for the purchase of Russian-made weaponry, without specifying the amount.
However, Alexander Fomin, first deputy director of Russia's Federal Service for Military Cooperation, said on Thursday that the Russian defense industry had effectively "reached its ceiling" and could not take on any more contracts in the near future.
"The industry does not stretch like a rubber bag. As in other countries, [our industry] has its limits. That's an open secret," he said.
According to Fomin, Russia's foreign defense orders currently total $35 billion.
Cameroon Renews Cooperation Accords with France.
Cameroon Tribune
22 May 2009
By Richard Kwang Kometa
President Paul Biya and visiting French Prime Minister, François Fillon examined issues of bilateral ties between Yaounde and Paris yesterday at the Unity Palace.
The courtyard of the Unity Palace was yesterday May 21, 2009, lined with the French and Cameroon flags in honour of an august guest in the country, French Prime Minister François Fillon. For over three hours, President Paul Biya and Prime Minister Fillon as well as their entourage had much in terms of acts that will help to reinforce bilateral ties between Cameroon and France.
Besides the over one hour long tête-à-tête between President Paul Biya and the French Prime Minister, there was the signing of three cooperation agreements between the two countries, the decoration of François Fillon and a State lunch that marked the Unity Palace segment of the French PM's visit that began at 11a.m. when Mr. Fillon arrived.
One of the focal points at the Unity Palace was no doubt the accords signed by various officials in both delegations.
Signing of Accords
The accord on the control of immigration between Cameroon and France was signed by the French Minister of Immigration and Identity, Eric Besson for France while the Delegate General for National Security, Edgard Alain Mebe Ngo'o signed for Cameroon. It was followed by the security agreement signed by the French Secretary of State for Defence, Jean Marie Bockel and the Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Rémy Ze Meka. The last accord was that on health. The French Secretary of State in charge of Cooperation and Francophonie, Alain Joyandet appended his signature on the document for France and the Secretary of State for Public Health, Alim Hayatou did same for Cameroon.
If the immigration accord requires that Cameroon should play an active role in checking the exodus of its citizens to France, the military accord focused on France avoiding military assistance to Cameroon in favour of regional partnership cooperation in matters of defence and security. The French Prime Minister said this is in line with measures proposed by President Nicolas Sarkozy when he addressed the South African Parliament in February 2008. On the other hand, the health accord covers a five-year period from 2009 to 2013 and will concern the development of health infrastructure, training of health personnel, and subsidies to government in the treatment of diseases such as AIDS, tuberculosis among others.
Still further, the immigration accord equally previews that France will make available 12 million Euros to Cameroon for various solidarity development programmes and some 66 professional training programmes open in France to Cameroonians. Although more details on the accords are still to be made public, it is clear that France through the immigration agreement is out to look for ways to forestall the tragic drama faced by African youths who keep risking their lives in the high seas as they attempt travelling to Europe in search of greener pasture.
Financing of the health accord has been estimated at FCFA 36 billion under the C2D debt relief contract signed between Cameroon and France.
Visit Marked by Solemnity
President Paul Biya and the French Prime Minister, François Fillon gave the Unity Palace rendez-vous all the attention and solemnity that such a high-profile contact deserves. Immediately after the one-hour tête-à-tête, the Head of State and the French Prime Minister moved to the adjacent hall where they had an exchange of gifts. They were joined by the first lady, Chantal Biya who added glamour to the occasion as she also received a gift from François Fillon. Prior to the exchange of gifts, Mr. Biya raised the French Prime Minister to the dignity of Grand Officer of the National Order of Valour.
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The entire entourage of the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister of France took turns to congratulate Mr. Fillon for the decoration before moving to the Hall of the Cabinet meeting where they had the signing of documents and a tea-party that was punctuated by two toasts.
In his speech at the occasion, François Fillon lauded the peaceful settling of the Cameroon Nigeria boundary conflict and hailed President Paul Biya for enabling Cameroon to play a stabilising role in the Central African Sub-region. He reiterated President Sarkozy's invitation to President Paul Biya to travel to France next July. The Prime Minister concluded with a toast in honour of the Head of State, the First Lady and the entourage of the President of the Republic at the occasion.
On his part, President Biya appreciated the long standing ties between both countries that have been marked by mutual respect. He pointed out that Cameroon is on the right path to decentralisation, public freedom and human rights. The ceremony ended by 2:30p.m.
22 May 2009
By Richard Kwang Kometa
President Paul Biya and visiting French Prime Minister, François Fillon examined issues of bilateral ties between Yaounde and Paris yesterday at the Unity Palace.
The courtyard of the Unity Palace was yesterday May 21, 2009, lined with the French and Cameroon flags in honour of an august guest in the country, French Prime Minister François Fillon. For over three hours, President Paul Biya and Prime Minister Fillon as well as their entourage had much in terms of acts that will help to reinforce bilateral ties between Cameroon and France.
Besides the over one hour long tête-à-tête between President Paul Biya and the French Prime Minister, there was the signing of three cooperation agreements between the two countries, the decoration of François Fillon and a State lunch that marked the Unity Palace segment of the French PM's visit that began at 11a.m. when Mr. Fillon arrived.
One of the focal points at the Unity Palace was no doubt the accords signed by various officials in both delegations.
Signing of Accords
The accord on the control of immigration between Cameroon and France was signed by the French Minister of Immigration and Identity, Eric Besson for France while the Delegate General for National Security, Edgard Alain Mebe Ngo'o signed for Cameroon. It was followed by the security agreement signed by the French Secretary of State for Defence, Jean Marie Bockel and the Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Rémy Ze Meka. The last accord was that on health. The French Secretary of State in charge of Cooperation and Francophonie, Alain Joyandet appended his signature on the document for France and the Secretary of State for Public Health, Alim Hayatou did same for Cameroon.
If the immigration accord requires that Cameroon should play an active role in checking the exodus of its citizens to France, the military accord focused on France avoiding military assistance to Cameroon in favour of regional partnership cooperation in matters of defence and security. The French Prime Minister said this is in line with measures proposed by President Nicolas Sarkozy when he addressed the South African Parliament in February 2008. On the other hand, the health accord covers a five-year period from 2009 to 2013 and will concern the development of health infrastructure, training of health personnel, and subsidies to government in the treatment of diseases such as AIDS, tuberculosis among others.
Still further, the immigration accord equally previews that France will make available 12 million Euros to Cameroon for various solidarity development programmes and some 66 professional training programmes open in France to Cameroonians. Although more details on the accords are still to be made public, it is clear that France through the immigration agreement is out to look for ways to forestall the tragic drama faced by African youths who keep risking their lives in the high seas as they attempt travelling to Europe in search of greener pasture.
Financing of the health accord has been estimated at FCFA 36 billion under the C2D debt relief contract signed between Cameroon and France.
Visit Marked by Solemnity
President Paul Biya and the French Prime Minister, François Fillon gave the Unity Palace rendez-vous all the attention and solemnity that such a high-profile contact deserves. Immediately after the one-hour tête-à-tête, the Head of State and the French Prime Minister moved to the adjacent hall where they had an exchange of gifts. They were joined by the first lady, Chantal Biya who added glamour to the occasion as she also received a gift from François Fillon. Prior to the exchange of gifts, Mr. Biya raised the French Prime Minister to the dignity of Grand Officer of the National Order of Valour.
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The entire entourage of the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister of France took turns to congratulate Mr. Fillon for the decoration before moving to the Hall of the Cabinet meeting where they had the signing of documents and a tea-party that was punctuated by two toasts.
In his speech at the occasion, François Fillon lauded the peaceful settling of the Cameroon Nigeria boundary conflict and hailed President Paul Biya for enabling Cameroon to play a stabilising role in the Central African Sub-region. He reiterated President Sarkozy's invitation to President Paul Biya to travel to France next July. The Prime Minister concluded with a toast in honour of the Head of State, the First Lady and the entourage of the President of the Republic at the occasion.
On his part, President Biya appreciated the long standing ties between both countries that have been marked by mutual respect. He pointed out that Cameroon is on the right path to decentralisation, public freedom and human rights. The ceremony ended by 2:30p.m.
Country Disturbed By New U.S. Energy Policy - Minister.
Daily Trust
Hamisu Muhammad
22 May 2009
Nigeria is disturbed by the new energy policy of the United States of America, the Minister of Petroleum, Dr. Rilwanu Lukman has said. Speaking at the roundtable meeting between a US delegation and the Nigerian government officials in Abuja yesterday, Dr. Lukman said "the new US policy is geared towards significant reduction in America's dependency on foreign oil and gas, a rather disturbing situation considering the role petroleum plays in Nigeria's economy and the extent of petroleum trade relations with the United States."
Dr. Lukman who spoke through the Special Adviser to the President on Petroleum Matters, Dr Emmanuel Egbogah said apart from going green, the new US energy policy aims to ensure internal security by reducing levels of 'fossil' energy trade, a position that could be potentially devastating for Nigeria".
Leader of the US delegation Douglas Hengel said they were in Nigeria to resolve issues surrounding energy and environment between the two countries.
Hamisu Muhammad
22 May 2009
Nigeria is disturbed by the new energy policy of the United States of America, the Minister of Petroleum, Dr. Rilwanu Lukman has said. Speaking at the roundtable meeting between a US delegation and the Nigerian government officials in Abuja yesterday, Dr. Lukman said "the new US policy is geared towards significant reduction in America's dependency on foreign oil and gas, a rather disturbing situation considering the role petroleum plays in Nigeria's economy and the extent of petroleum trade relations with the United States."
Dr. Lukman who spoke through the Special Adviser to the President on Petroleum Matters, Dr Emmanuel Egbogah said apart from going green, the new US energy policy aims to ensure internal security by reducing levels of 'fossil' energy trade, a position that could be potentially devastating for Nigeria".
Leader of the US delegation Douglas Hengel said they were in Nigeria to resolve issues surrounding energy and environment between the two countries.
EC Declares Bingu Winner.
Accra
22 May 2009
By Tiwonge Ng'ona
The Electoral Commission (EC) has declared President Bingu wa Mutharika winner of the May 19 general election.
Chair of EC Anastansia Msosa said they decided to declare Bingu President before finalising the tabulation of all the results as those remaining would not change anything.
She said results from 93.25% of the polling stations have been tabulated and that 670,090 votes from 19 constituencies which were yet to be tabulated would not change the outcome of the election.
Msosa said the Commission has analyzed all the presidential results and complaints from all voting stations.
She said Bingu is leading with 2, 730, 630 votes, against 1, 270, 057 for John Tembo of Malawi Congress Party.
"I Anastansi Msosa with powers invested in me as chair of Malawi Electoral Commission declare Bingu wa Mutharika as President of Malawi," she said.
Dindi Gowa Nyasulu of AFROD has 19,024, James Nyondo an independent candidadte has 25,171, Stanley Masauli of the Republican Party has 31, 303, Loveness Gondwe of NARC has 29,705 and Kamuzu Chibambo has 31,960.
However, Msosa pointed out that the main challenge faced during the election was the preparation of the voters' register.
She then appealed to those that have been successful to celebrate peacefully and ensure they achieve what they have promised to the voters.
22 May 2009
By Tiwonge Ng'ona
The Electoral Commission (EC) has declared President Bingu wa Mutharika winner of the May 19 general election.
Chair of EC Anastansia Msosa said they decided to declare Bingu President before finalising the tabulation of all the results as those remaining would not change anything.
She said results from 93.25% of the polling stations have been tabulated and that 670,090 votes from 19 constituencies which were yet to be tabulated would not change the outcome of the election.
Msosa said the Commission has analyzed all the presidential results and complaints from all voting stations.
She said Bingu is leading with 2, 730, 630 votes, against 1, 270, 057 for John Tembo of Malawi Congress Party.
"I Anastansi Msosa with powers invested in me as chair of Malawi Electoral Commission declare Bingu wa Mutharika as President of Malawi," she said.
Dindi Gowa Nyasulu of AFROD has 19,024, James Nyondo an independent candidadte has 25,171, Stanley Masauli of the Republican Party has 31, 303, Loveness Gondwe of NARC has 29,705 and Kamuzu Chibambo has 31,960.
However, Msosa pointed out that the main challenge faced during the election was the preparation of the voters' register.
She then appealed to those that have been successful to celebrate peacefully and ensure they achieve what they have promised to the voters.
21 May, 2009
Mozambique and South Africa to build $ 620 mm fuel pipeline.
Reuters
26 March 2009
Editor's Note: The US is heavily supporting this project.
A Mozambican and South African consortium, Petroline Holdings, plans to start building a $ 620 mm oil pipeline linking Johannesburg to the port of Maputo before the end of this year.
Mateus Kathupa, chief executive of state-run Mozambican company Petromoc, which holds a 40 % stake in the consortium, said the construction of the petrol and diesel pipeline would take six months.
The 450-km (280 miles) pipeline, with an annual capacity to transport 3.5 mm cm, will facilitate fuel imports via Mozambique's Maputo port, which is closer to Johannesburg than any of South Africa's major ports, including Durban.
"Our aim is to have this project up and running before 2010 in order to have an additional capacity in terms of oil supplies to South Africa," he told.
Pipeline construction was originally scheduled to have started in September last year. Kathupa said the delay was related to problems in the approval of an environmental impact study, but he expected them to be resolved by May.
"There are little issues to be ironed out such as compensation of land to the people residing in the areas where the pipeline will pass through," he said.
Other stakeholders in the project include South Africa's Woesa Consortium, which holds 25 %, and Gigajoule International, which controls another 20 %. Companhia de Desenvolvimento de Petroleos em Mocambique (CDPM), a Mozambican consortium of small and medium companies, holds the remaining 15 %.
Kathupa said the pipeline would reduce the risk of fuel shortages in the interior of South Africa and cut deficiencies in transport and storage capacities.
"This is a very ambitious project that (will produce revenues of) over $ 800 mm a year from the pumping and distribution of oil in South Africa," he said.
26 March 2009
Editor's Note: The US is heavily supporting this project.
A Mozambican and South African consortium, Petroline Holdings, plans to start building a $ 620 mm oil pipeline linking Johannesburg to the port of Maputo before the end of this year.
Mateus Kathupa, chief executive of state-run Mozambican company Petromoc, which holds a 40 % stake in the consortium, said the construction of the petrol and diesel pipeline would take six months.
The 450-km (280 miles) pipeline, with an annual capacity to transport 3.5 mm cm, will facilitate fuel imports via Mozambique's Maputo port, which is closer to Johannesburg than any of South Africa's major ports, including Durban.
"Our aim is to have this project up and running before 2010 in order to have an additional capacity in terms of oil supplies to South Africa," he told.
Pipeline construction was originally scheduled to have started in September last year. Kathupa said the delay was related to problems in the approval of an environmental impact study, but he expected them to be resolved by May.
"There are little issues to be ironed out such as compensation of land to the people residing in the areas where the pipeline will pass through," he said.
Other stakeholders in the project include South Africa's Woesa Consortium, which holds 25 %, and Gigajoule International, which controls another 20 %. Companhia de Desenvolvimento de Petroleos em Mocambique (CDPM), a Mozambican consortium of small and medium companies, holds the remaining 15 %.
Kathupa said the pipeline would reduce the risk of fuel shortages in the interior of South Africa and cut deficiencies in transport and storage capacities.
"This is a very ambitious project that (will produce revenues of) over $ 800 mm a year from the pumping and distribution of oil in South Africa," he said.
Brazil Turns to China to Help Finance Oil Projects.
Rigzone
18 May 2009
by John Lyons
Brazil's oil industry is turning to China for cash in the latest sign of how Beijing's clout is growing amid the global economic downturn.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was set to arrive in Beijing Monday to meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao, who is expected to unleash billions of dollars of credit to help Brazil exploit its massive oil reserves. Brazil will return the favor by guaranteeing oil shipments to Chinese companies.
The nations are being thrust together by the global financial crisis. Brazil's state-controlled oil giant, Petroleo Brasileiro SA, wants to spend $174 billion over the next five years to elevate Brazil into the major leagues of oil-producing nations. With international capital markets on life support, China is among the few remaining sources of cash.
Petrobras, as the company is known, is turning to China at a time when China's appetite for raw materials has lifted economies across commodity-rich Latin America, blunting the impact of the global downturn. In March, China passed the U.S. as Brazil's biggest trade partner.
Terms of the arrangement had yet to be finalized before the Brazilian leader departed, a senior Petrobras official said, although a broad outline of the talks was announced by Petrobras earlier this year. On the table is a $10 billion loan in exchange for as many as 200,000 barrels per day. China's chief goal, however, is to use the loans to win deals to provide services and equipment at a time when Brazil is becoming tougher in dealing with foreign companies, industry experts said.
Even before a deal is done, the months-long negotiations between Chinese and Brazilian officials have illustrated a competitive advantage for China's government-backed companies at a time when credit markets are dry. Underscoring China's importance as a lender of last resort, Brazil engaged China even though many of its past investment initiatives with the nation have ended in disappointment.
"The U.S. has a problem," Sergio Gabrielli, chief executive of Petrobras, said recently when asked about the loan talks. "There isn't someone in the U.S. government that we can sit down with and have the kinds of discussions we're having with the Chinese."
Mr. Gabrielli was referring to the fact that Chinese government banks are willing to extend huge foreign loans to further China's long-term energy-security goals: ensuring diverse global supplies and winning entree into competitive regions for its oil companies. A string of recent oil loans to Russia, Kazakhstan and others has pushed China's total commitments to more than $45 billion.
Such direct government lending is an increasingly powerful tool in an era when three-quarters of the world's oil reserves are in the hands of state-controlled oil companies. By dealing directly with governments in oil-supplier nations, China can use its wealth to reduce the role of big oil companies -- the traditional intermediaries between oil producers and oil consumers.
"What you are seeing is the new geopolitics of oil, where deals start from a political understanding and cut out the international oil companies," says Roger Diwan, a partner at PFC Energy, a Houston-based consultancy.
To be sure, international oil companies such as Exxon Mobil Corp. and Royal Dutch Shell PLC have important advantages in technology and managerial know-how over state companies. Brazil's most tantalizing oil reserves lie miles beneath ocean, rock and unstable layers of salt. Getting it out likely will require the expertise and muscle of the industry's top companies.
What's more, China's willingness to fund oil projects should ultimately help the U.S. consumer, experts say. Most of the world's oil is sold on the international spot market to the highest bidder. China's willingness to extend credit to oil producers should keep prices from rising simply by increasing the global supply of oil.
Brazil's Petrobras, which is controlled by the government but operates with a free-market ethos and has shares trading on the New York Stock Exchange, is in an unusual position for the global oil industry after notching major oil and gas finds. The company is sitting on far more reserves than it has people and money to pump.
Brazil hatched an ambitious plan to change that, and it has vowed to make it happen even in the downturn. "It's willing to do deals where necessary," says Matthew Shaw, a senior Latin American analyst at Wood Mackenzie, a Scotland-based oil consultancy.
18 May 2009
by John Lyons
Brazil's oil industry is turning to China for cash in the latest sign of how Beijing's clout is growing amid the global economic downturn.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was set to arrive in Beijing Monday to meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao, who is expected to unleash billions of dollars of credit to help Brazil exploit its massive oil reserves. Brazil will return the favor by guaranteeing oil shipments to Chinese companies.
The nations are being thrust together by the global financial crisis. Brazil's state-controlled oil giant, Petroleo Brasileiro SA, wants to spend $174 billion over the next five years to elevate Brazil into the major leagues of oil-producing nations. With international capital markets on life support, China is among the few remaining sources of cash.
Petrobras, as the company is known, is turning to China at a time when China's appetite for raw materials has lifted economies across commodity-rich Latin America, blunting the impact of the global downturn. In March, China passed the U.S. as Brazil's biggest trade partner.
Terms of the arrangement had yet to be finalized before the Brazilian leader departed, a senior Petrobras official said, although a broad outline of the talks was announced by Petrobras earlier this year. On the table is a $10 billion loan in exchange for as many as 200,000 barrels per day. China's chief goal, however, is to use the loans to win deals to provide services and equipment at a time when Brazil is becoming tougher in dealing with foreign companies, industry experts said.
Even before a deal is done, the months-long negotiations between Chinese and Brazilian officials have illustrated a competitive advantage for China's government-backed companies at a time when credit markets are dry. Underscoring China's importance as a lender of last resort, Brazil engaged China even though many of its past investment initiatives with the nation have ended in disappointment.
"The U.S. has a problem," Sergio Gabrielli, chief executive of Petrobras, said recently when asked about the loan talks. "There isn't someone in the U.S. government that we can sit down with and have the kinds of discussions we're having with the Chinese."
Mr. Gabrielli was referring to the fact that Chinese government banks are willing to extend huge foreign loans to further China's long-term energy-security goals: ensuring diverse global supplies and winning entree into competitive regions for its oil companies. A string of recent oil loans to Russia, Kazakhstan and others has pushed China's total commitments to more than $45 billion.
Such direct government lending is an increasingly powerful tool in an era when three-quarters of the world's oil reserves are in the hands of state-controlled oil companies. By dealing directly with governments in oil-supplier nations, China can use its wealth to reduce the role of big oil companies -- the traditional intermediaries between oil producers and oil consumers.
"What you are seeing is the new geopolitics of oil, where deals start from a political understanding and cut out the international oil companies," says Roger Diwan, a partner at PFC Energy, a Houston-based consultancy.
To be sure, international oil companies such as Exxon Mobil Corp. and Royal Dutch Shell PLC have important advantages in technology and managerial know-how over state companies. Brazil's most tantalizing oil reserves lie miles beneath ocean, rock and unstable layers of salt. Getting it out likely will require the expertise and muscle of the industry's top companies.
What's more, China's willingness to fund oil projects should ultimately help the U.S. consumer, experts say. Most of the world's oil is sold on the international spot market to the highest bidder. China's willingness to extend credit to oil producers should keep prices from rising simply by increasing the global supply of oil.
Brazil's Petrobras, which is controlled by the government but operates with a free-market ethos and has shares trading on the New York Stock Exchange, is in an unusual position for the global oil industry after notching major oil and gas finds. The company is sitting on far more reserves than it has people and money to pump.
Brazil hatched an ambitious plan to change that, and it has vowed to make it happen even in the downturn. "It's willing to do deals where necessary," says Matthew Shaw, a senior Latin American analyst at Wood Mackenzie, a Scotland-based oil consultancy.
Prosecution over war crime charges : ‘Holbrooke promised to shield Karadzic.'
Daily Times
21 May 2009
The defence team for Bosnian Serb wartime leader Radovan Karadzic said on Wednesday it will show proof that US negotiator Richard Holbrooke had promised to shield him from war crimes charges.
Peter Robinson, legal advisor to Karadzic, said he will announce on Monday the filing of a motion to dismiss the war crimes indictment against Karadzic based upon what he called the “Holbrooke Agreement.” “The motion will unveil evidence obtained from the United States government and Dr. Karadzic’s defence team’s own investigation which establishes that Karadzic was promised by Richard Holbrooke that he would not be prosecuted at the ICTY,” Robinson said in a statement.
The UN-backed International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) has charged Karadzic with 11 counts of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide related to his role in Bosnia’s 1992-1995 war. Karadzic claims he struck a deal in July 1996 with Holbrooke, the architect of the Dayton peace accords. In return for disappearing from the public eye, he would be protected from prosecution by the ICTY, Karadzic says.
21 May 2009
The defence team for Bosnian Serb wartime leader Radovan Karadzic said on Wednesday it will show proof that US negotiator Richard Holbrooke had promised to shield him from war crimes charges.
Peter Robinson, legal advisor to Karadzic, said he will announce on Monday the filing of a motion to dismiss the war crimes indictment against Karadzic based upon what he called the “Holbrooke Agreement.” “The motion will unveil evidence obtained from the United States government and Dr. Karadzic’s defence team’s own investigation which establishes that Karadzic was promised by Richard Holbrooke that he would not be prosecuted at the ICTY,” Robinson said in a statement.
The UN-backed International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) has charged Karadzic with 11 counts of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide related to his role in Bosnia’s 1992-1995 war. Karadzic claims he struck a deal in July 1996 with Holbrooke, the architect of the Dayton peace accords. In return for disappearing from the public eye, he would be protected from prosecution by the ICTY, Karadzic says.
Pakistan’s crucial role in the death of Tamil Tigers.
The International News
May 20, 2009
By Amir Mir
It was the Pakistani defence cooperation with Sri Lanka as one of the largest suppliers of high-tech military equipment that has played a major role in the ultimate defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) at the hands of the Lankan army.
The three decade long quest of the LTTE to carve out a separate state for Tamils, as well as the myth that the Tamil Tigers are militarily invincible, has effectively been laid to rest, along with its supremo, Velupillai Prabhakaran, and the entire LTTE top brass. According to well placed sources in the Pakistani establishment, defence cooperation between Sri Lanka and Pakistan had grown significantly in recent years as Islamabad, unlike New Delhi, had no problems supplying the Lankan army state-of-the-art weaponry to accelerate its counter-insurgency operations against the LTTE which has finally ended with the killing of the most wanted Tamil guerilla fighter Vellupillai Prabhakaran. The sources say it was exactly a year ago in the first week of May 2008 that Sri Lankan Army Chief Lt-Gen Fonseka came to Pakistan and held detailed talks with his Pakistani counterpart Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani to finalise the purchase of high tech arms for the Lankan armed forces, which were embroiled in an intense battle with the LTTE forces even at that time.
During his talks with Pakistani military authorities, Lt-Gen Fonseka had finalised a deal as per which Pakistan sold 22 Al-Khalid tanks to Sri Lanka in a deal worth over US$100 million. General Fonseka also gave a shopping list of weaponry worth about US$65 million to the Pakistani military authorities. While the Sri Lankan army chief’s shopping list for the army was pegged at $25 million, the inventory for the Lankan Air Force was worth $40 million. He had further sought 250,000 rounds of 60mm, 81mm, 120mm and 130mm mortar ammunition worth US$ 25 million and 1, 50,000 hand grenades for immediate delivery to the Lankan army within a month. Pakistan also accepted the visiting General’s request to send one shipload of the wherewithal every 10 days to bolster the Lankan military efforts to take over Kilinochchi, the headquarters of the LTTE.
On Jan 19, 2009, in a meeting between Pakistani Defence Secretary Lt-Gen (retd) Syed Athar Ali and his visiting Lankan counterpart Gotabhaya Rajapakse in Rawalpindi, the two countries had agreed to enhance cooperation in military training, exercises and intelligence sharing regarding terrorism. The agreement came amidst Sri Lankan media reports that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) pilots had participated in several successful air strikes against several military bases of the LTTE in August 2008. These reports further claimed that a highly trained group of the Pakistani armed forces officers is stationed in Colombo to guide the Sri Lankan security forces in their counter-insurgency operations against the LTTE.
However, it was not the first time that the Pakistan army was helping Sri Lanka militarily in its prolonged fight against the LTTE guerrilla fighters. Back in 2000, when LTTE offensive code-named Operation Ceaseless Waves overran Sri Lankan military positions in the north and captured the Elephant Pass Base and entered Jaffna, and was being feared that LTTE would run down thousands of Sri Lankan troops stationed in Jaffna, the Sri Lankans had sought Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher System (MBRLS) and other high tech weaponry from Pakistan on urgent basis.
Subsequently, MBRLS and weapons and ammunition, including artillery shells and multi-barrel rocket launchers, were airlifted in an emergency operation from Karachi to Colombo in May 2000. Later, in 2006, the Sri Lankan authorities had again sought Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher System (MBRLS) and other advanced weapons from Pakistan when Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited Pakistan in March 2006 along with an 80-member delegation that included some high ranking military officials. During his talks with the Pakistani leaders, the Sri Lankan President had sought military help from Islamabad to effectively put an end to the LTTE separatist movement.
That the Lankan and the Pakistani armed forces had been working together in militarily stamping out the LTTE insurgency has already been confirmed by the Sri Lanka Army Spokesman, Brigadier Udaya Nanayakara, in a statement he had made on April 28, 2009, saying Pakistan and India had been training the Sri Lankan troops to deal with the LTTE forces. Separately but consistently, he said, the two countries had trained and equipped the Sri Lankan army to prepare and fight the LTTE. He said Lankan forces have been procuring the latest technology from both countries.
“We had been sending our military officers regularly to India and Pakistan for specialised training. I myself did four courses in India and three in Pakistan. We know they are rivals but we have nothing to do with that and we are benefited from both India and Pakistan,” said the Sri Lankan military spokesman, Brigadier Udaya Nanayakara.
May 20, 2009
By Amir Mir
It was the Pakistani defence cooperation with Sri Lanka as one of the largest suppliers of high-tech military equipment that has played a major role in the ultimate defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) at the hands of the Lankan army.
The three decade long quest of the LTTE to carve out a separate state for Tamils, as well as the myth that the Tamil Tigers are militarily invincible, has effectively been laid to rest, along with its supremo, Velupillai Prabhakaran, and the entire LTTE top brass. According to well placed sources in the Pakistani establishment, defence cooperation between Sri Lanka and Pakistan had grown significantly in recent years as Islamabad, unlike New Delhi, had no problems supplying the Lankan army state-of-the-art weaponry to accelerate its counter-insurgency operations against the LTTE which has finally ended with the killing of the most wanted Tamil guerilla fighter Vellupillai Prabhakaran. The sources say it was exactly a year ago in the first week of May 2008 that Sri Lankan Army Chief Lt-Gen Fonseka came to Pakistan and held detailed talks with his Pakistani counterpart Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani to finalise the purchase of high tech arms for the Lankan armed forces, which were embroiled in an intense battle with the LTTE forces even at that time.
During his talks with Pakistani military authorities, Lt-Gen Fonseka had finalised a deal as per which Pakistan sold 22 Al-Khalid tanks to Sri Lanka in a deal worth over US$100 million. General Fonseka also gave a shopping list of weaponry worth about US$65 million to the Pakistani military authorities. While the Sri Lankan army chief’s shopping list for the army was pegged at $25 million, the inventory for the Lankan Air Force was worth $40 million. He had further sought 250,000 rounds of 60mm, 81mm, 120mm and 130mm mortar ammunition worth US$ 25 million and 1, 50,000 hand grenades for immediate delivery to the Lankan army within a month. Pakistan also accepted the visiting General’s request to send one shipload of the wherewithal every 10 days to bolster the Lankan military efforts to take over Kilinochchi, the headquarters of the LTTE.
On Jan 19, 2009, in a meeting between Pakistani Defence Secretary Lt-Gen (retd) Syed Athar Ali and his visiting Lankan counterpart Gotabhaya Rajapakse in Rawalpindi, the two countries had agreed to enhance cooperation in military training, exercises and intelligence sharing regarding terrorism. The agreement came amidst Sri Lankan media reports that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) pilots had participated in several successful air strikes against several military bases of the LTTE in August 2008. These reports further claimed that a highly trained group of the Pakistani armed forces officers is stationed in Colombo to guide the Sri Lankan security forces in their counter-insurgency operations against the LTTE.
However, it was not the first time that the Pakistan army was helping Sri Lanka militarily in its prolonged fight against the LTTE guerrilla fighters. Back in 2000, when LTTE offensive code-named Operation Ceaseless Waves overran Sri Lankan military positions in the north and captured the Elephant Pass Base and entered Jaffna, and was being feared that LTTE would run down thousands of Sri Lankan troops stationed in Jaffna, the Sri Lankans had sought Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher System (MBRLS) and other high tech weaponry from Pakistan on urgent basis.
Subsequently, MBRLS and weapons and ammunition, including artillery shells and multi-barrel rocket launchers, were airlifted in an emergency operation from Karachi to Colombo in May 2000. Later, in 2006, the Sri Lankan authorities had again sought Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher System (MBRLS) and other advanced weapons from Pakistan when Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited Pakistan in March 2006 along with an 80-member delegation that included some high ranking military officials. During his talks with the Pakistani leaders, the Sri Lankan President had sought military help from Islamabad to effectively put an end to the LTTE separatist movement.
That the Lankan and the Pakistani armed forces had been working together in militarily stamping out the LTTE insurgency has already been confirmed by the Sri Lanka Army Spokesman, Brigadier Udaya Nanayakara, in a statement he had made on April 28, 2009, saying Pakistan and India had been training the Sri Lankan troops to deal with the LTTE forces. Separately but consistently, he said, the two countries had trained and equipped the Sri Lankan army to prepare and fight the LTTE. He said Lankan forces have been procuring the latest technology from both countries.
“We had been sending our military officers regularly to India and Pakistan for specialised training. I myself did four courses in India and three in Pakistan. We know they are rivals but we have nothing to do with that and we are benefited from both India and Pakistan,” said the Sri Lankan military spokesman, Brigadier Udaya Nanayakara.
20 May, 2009
American Experts Train Somaliland’s Security.
Somaliland Times
Issue 377
16 May 2009
A dozen members of Somaliland’s intelligence services are receiving training by American experts. There were no official reports from the government, but reliable sources have said that the training will include how to prevent and foil terrorism. The training started last week at Mansoor Hotel in Berbera.
Somaliland has close cooperation on anti-terrorism with both Britain and the US.
In the past, Britain and the US have provided Somaliland with equipment and transportation vehicles for anti-terrorism. But this is the first time that this type of training takes place in Berbera.
The training is scheduled to last a week.
Issue 377
16 May 2009
A dozen members of Somaliland’s intelligence services are receiving training by American experts. There were no official reports from the government, but reliable sources have said that the training will include how to prevent and foil terrorism. The training started last week at Mansoor Hotel in Berbera.
Somaliland has close cooperation on anti-terrorism with both Britain and the US.
In the past, Britain and the US have provided Somaliland with equipment and transportation vehicles for anti-terrorism. But this is the first time that this type of training takes place in Berbera.
The training is scheduled to last a week.
Somaliland Mps In Uganda.
The New Vision
12 May 2009
By Milton Olupot
MEMBERS of the parliament of Somaliland are in Uganda to study the budget system and the role of parliament in the budget distribution.
The delegation, led by Eng. Nasir Hagi Ali, was yesterday received by deputy clerk Chris Kaija Kwamya.
Kaija took the MPs through the budget process. The group is also scheduled to attend various parliamentary committees.
Addressing journalists at the Speaker's Boardroom, Nasir gave the background of the country that has remained unrecognized as a sovereign state internationally, despite assuming independence about 20 years ago.
Nasir said the African Union recently sent into the country a fact-finding mission.
"We are a de-facto state. Many countries do not recognize us, but we deal with many like the US," he said.
"Somaliland has been named Africa's best kept secret by scholars. This is the fourth parliament since we claimed our independence in 1991," Nasir added.
The country has a republican form of government. The legislative assembly is composed of two chambers - an elected elder's chamber, and a house of representatives.
It has three political parties, the ruling UDUB Party, Kulmiye Party and UCID.
The next presidential elections are slated for April this year.
12 May 2009
By Milton Olupot
MEMBERS of the parliament of Somaliland are in Uganda to study the budget system and the role of parliament in the budget distribution.
The delegation, led by Eng. Nasir Hagi Ali, was yesterday received by deputy clerk Chris Kaija Kwamya.
Kaija took the MPs through the budget process. The group is also scheduled to attend various parliamentary committees.
Addressing journalists at the Speaker's Boardroom, Nasir gave the background of the country that has remained unrecognized as a sovereign state internationally, despite assuming independence about 20 years ago.
Nasir said the African Union recently sent into the country a fact-finding mission.
"We are a de-facto state. Many countries do not recognize us, but we deal with many like the US," he said.
"Somaliland has been named Africa's best kept secret by scholars. This is the fourth parliament since we claimed our independence in 1991," Nasir added.
The country has a republican form of government. The legislative assembly is composed of two chambers - an elected elder's chamber, and a house of representatives.
It has three political parties, the ruling UDUB Party, Kulmiye Party and UCID.
The next presidential elections are slated for April this year.
United States, Country Sign Trade and Investment Framework Agreement.
US Trade Representative
20 May 2009
Today, United States Trade Representative Ronald Kirk and Angola Minister of External Affairs Assunção Afonso de Sousa dos Anjos signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) that will provide a forum to address trade issues and help enhance trade and investment relations between the United States and Angola.
“It is a testament to the people of Angola and to its leadership, that after a troubled history of war and unrest, Angola is taking the positive steps to realize its full potential as a nation. We applaud the Government of Angola’s efforts to promote reform that fosters transparency and accountability, diversifies the economy, and encourages an improved business environment,” said Ambassador Kirk. “We look forward to using this TIFA as an opportunity to enhance and diversify the U.S.-Angolan trade and investment relationship.”
A United States-Angolan Council on Trade and Investment will be formed under the TIFA to address a wide range of trade and investment issues that include, but are not limited to, trade capacity building, intellectual property, labor, environmental issues, and enhancing the participation of small- and medium-sized enterprises in trade and investment. The TIFA Council will establish an ongoing dialogue which will help increase commercial and investment opportunities by identifying and removing impediments to trade flows.
The United States has TIFAs with other important trading partners. Specifically, in sub-Saharan Africa, the United States has signed TIFAs with Ghana, Liberia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East African Community (EAC), and the West African Economic Monetary Union (UEMOA). The United States has also signed a Trade, Investment, and Development Cooperative Agreement (TIDCA) with the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).
20 May 2009
Today, United States Trade Representative Ronald Kirk and Angola Minister of External Affairs Assunção Afonso de Sousa dos Anjos signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) that will provide a forum to address trade issues and help enhance trade and investment relations between the United States and Angola.
“It is a testament to the people of Angola and to its leadership, that after a troubled history of war and unrest, Angola is taking the positive steps to realize its full potential as a nation. We applaud the Government of Angola’s efforts to promote reform that fosters transparency and accountability, diversifies the economy, and encourages an improved business environment,” said Ambassador Kirk. “We look forward to using this TIFA as an opportunity to enhance and diversify the U.S.-Angolan trade and investment relationship.”
A United States-Angolan Council on Trade and Investment will be formed under the TIFA to address a wide range of trade and investment issues that include, but are not limited to, trade capacity building, intellectual property, labor, environmental issues, and enhancing the participation of small- and medium-sized enterprises in trade and investment. The TIFA Council will establish an ongoing dialogue which will help increase commercial and investment opportunities by identifying and removing impediments to trade flows.
The United States has TIFAs with other important trading partners. Specifically, in sub-Saharan Africa, the United States has signed TIFAs with Ghana, Liberia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East African Community (EAC), and the West African Economic Monetary Union (UEMOA). The United States has also signed a Trade, Investment, and Development Cooperative Agreement (TIDCA) with the Southern African Customs Union (SACU).
Mutharika Seen Leading While Masauli Accepts Defeat.
Accra
20 May 2009
Partial Electoral Commission (EC) results announced at 10:30am today show Bingu wa Mutharika, presidential candidate for Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in the May 19 elections, leading against hottest contender John Tembo.
Results from nine constituencies show that Mutharika has made some political strides into the Central region, largely considered the main stay of Tembo's Malawi Congress Party (MCP), with results for Mchinji South West giving the DPP candidate 480 votes against Tembo's 218.
In Ntcheu South, Mutharika got 188 votes against Tembo's 107, representing a shift in voting trends for voters. Ntcheu is largely considered pro-United Democratic Front, an alliance partner to the MCP in this year's elections.
Results, announced by EC Chairperson Anastasia Msosa, further indicate Mutharika got 330 votes in Mwanza West, against Tembo's 112, while in Chikwawa North Mutharika got 354 against Tembo's 13
Tembo has, however, maintained a tight grip in his home district of Dedza, registering 780 votes against Mutharika's 303 in Dedza Central, 246 in Dedza South West against DPP's 146- a fit repeated in Mangochi Centre 9 Southern region) where he has chalked 482 against 345 for Mutharika, among other areas.
Meanwhile, Mr Stanley Masauli of the Republican Party has acknowledged defeat and says he will work with Bingu. In a letter addressed to the chairperson of the Electoral Commission and read out during the briefing, he said it is clear that so far Bingu is emerging winner and he would as well accept defeat now.
Msosa said the results were still trickling in from various constituencies and that the next update is at about 3 pm.
20 May 2009
Partial Electoral Commission (EC) results announced at 10:30am today show Bingu wa Mutharika, presidential candidate for Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in the May 19 elections, leading against hottest contender John Tembo.
Results from nine constituencies show that Mutharika has made some political strides into the Central region, largely considered the main stay of Tembo's Malawi Congress Party (MCP), with results for Mchinji South West giving the DPP candidate 480 votes against Tembo's 218.
In Ntcheu South, Mutharika got 188 votes against Tembo's 107, representing a shift in voting trends for voters. Ntcheu is largely considered pro-United Democratic Front, an alliance partner to the MCP in this year's elections.
Results, announced by EC Chairperson Anastasia Msosa, further indicate Mutharika got 330 votes in Mwanza West, against Tembo's 112, while in Chikwawa North Mutharika got 354 against Tembo's 13
Tembo has, however, maintained a tight grip in his home district of Dedza, registering 780 votes against Mutharika's 303 in Dedza Central, 246 in Dedza South West against DPP's 146- a fit repeated in Mangochi Centre 9 Southern region) where he has chalked 482 against 345 for Mutharika, among other areas.
Meanwhile, Mr Stanley Masauli of the Republican Party has acknowledged defeat and says he will work with Bingu. In a letter addressed to the chairperson of the Electoral Commission and read out during the briefing, he said it is clear that so far Bingu is emerging winner and he would as well accept defeat now.
Msosa said the results were still trickling in from various constituencies and that the next update is at about 3 pm.
Ethiopian Troops Enter Central Region - Report.
Garowe Online
19 May 2009
An Ethiopian army contingent has entered parts of central Somalia where deadly clashes have raged in recent days among rival factions of Somali Islamists, Radio Garowe reports.
Ethiopian troops backed by 18 military trucks entered the central Hiran region Tuesday morning, where they set up a base at the strategic Kala-Beyr junction, witnesses said.
Kala-Beyr is a strategic crossroads that connects the southern regions to the northern region of Puntland and the Somali Regional State of eastern Ethiopia.
There was no report available as to why the Ethiopian army dispatched forces to Hiran region again, but Ethiopian troops have repeatedly crossed into the Somali border to carry out incursions and cross-border raids.
ICU officials in Beletwein, capital of Hiran, threatened to attack the Ethiopian troops but the ICU rulers are increasingly being challenged by Al Shabaab hardliners.
The arrival of Ethiopian troops in Hiran region comes at a time Al Shabaab - an Islamist militia that has rejected the Somali interim government - is increasingly flexing its muscle and capturing territory from the pro-government Islamic Courts Union (ICU) and the Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jamee'a militia.
On Sunday, Al Shabaab guerrillas violently expelled the ICU rulers in Jowhar, the capital of Middle Shabelle region. Jowhar, located 90km north of the national capital Mogadishu, is the home town of UN-recognized Somali President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed. In Hiran and Galgadud regions, Al Shabaab guerrillas have been engaged in sporadic fighting with pro-government ICU and Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jamee'a militias. More than 30 people have been in fighting this month in Hiran and Galgadud and thousands of civilians displaced by the violence.
The situation remains tense in Mogadishu where fighting between government forces and Islamist rebels, led by Al Shabaab and Hizbul Islam, has led to upwards of 130 deaths, 420 people wounded and civilians forced to flee their homes, according to the government and a human rights group.
19 May 2009
An Ethiopian army contingent has entered parts of central Somalia where deadly clashes have raged in recent days among rival factions of Somali Islamists, Radio Garowe reports.
Ethiopian troops backed by 18 military trucks entered the central Hiran region Tuesday morning, where they set up a base at the strategic Kala-Beyr junction, witnesses said.
Kala-Beyr is a strategic crossroads that connects the southern regions to the northern region of Puntland and the Somali Regional State of eastern Ethiopia.
There was no report available as to why the Ethiopian army dispatched forces to Hiran region again, but Ethiopian troops have repeatedly crossed into the Somali border to carry out incursions and cross-border raids.
ICU officials in Beletwein, capital of Hiran, threatened to attack the Ethiopian troops but the ICU rulers are increasingly being challenged by Al Shabaab hardliners.
The arrival of Ethiopian troops in Hiran region comes at a time Al Shabaab - an Islamist militia that has rejected the Somali interim government - is increasingly flexing its muscle and capturing territory from the pro-government Islamic Courts Union (ICU) and the Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jamee'a militia.
On Sunday, Al Shabaab guerrillas violently expelled the ICU rulers in Jowhar, the capital of Middle Shabelle region. Jowhar, located 90km north of the national capital Mogadishu, is the home town of UN-recognized Somali President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed. In Hiran and Galgadud regions, Al Shabaab guerrillas have been engaged in sporadic fighting with pro-government ICU and Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jamee'a militias. More than 30 people have been in fighting this month in Hiran and Galgadud and thousands of civilians displaced by the violence.
The situation remains tense in Mogadishu where fighting between government forces and Islamist rebels, led by Al Shabaab and Hizbul Islam, has led to upwards of 130 deaths, 420 people wounded and civilians forced to flee their homes, according to the government and a human rights group.
Knuckling Down to Heal Political Wounds.
IPS
20 May 2009
By Lansana Fofana
Freetown — Incitement and violent clashes continue to shackle the government of Sierra Leone that took office two years ago. The elections were marred by reports of assassination attempts; violent confrontations between party militants; burning and looting; and widespread intimidation of voters.
The turbulence has not subsided: in March, two radio stations were taken off the air for inciting violence and by-elections put on hold because of political instability.
"There is an urgent need to review the country's electoral system and to make amends, so that the chaos and violence that characterised the polls of 2007 would be avoided," political analyst, Lawrence Davies, told IPS in the capital, Freetown.
His rallying call is what a two-day national consultative conference organised by the civil society group, Enhancing interaction and interface between civil society and the state (ENCISS) set out to do on May 8 and 9 ahead of the next elections in 2012.
The 2007 presidential and general elections saw the ousting of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) who had won both the 1996 and 2002 polls on the Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system. Its arch-rival the All Peoples Congress (APC) ascended to power in 2007 on a constituency based or winner-takes-all system.
John Caulker of the Forum of Conscience, a rights monitoring group involved in reconciling former combatants with their communities, said the 2007 elections polarised the country.
"There is widespread regionalism and tribalism even in governmental appointments and political temperatures are still boiling. A middle road has to be found and I think the PR system deserves some consideration."
The PR system requires parties to submit the names of candidates at constituency and national levels; and allows the electorate to vote for parties instead of individuals. Former cabinet minister, Julius Spencer, who is now a media proprietor said the system was "less prone" to violence and allows for "wider representation" in decision-making.
A stance supported by Dr Nemata Majeks-Walker, a co-founder of the "50/50 Group," a women's advocacy network. "The PR system obliges parties to give quotas to women, something like 30 percent, and I think this is fair in terms of empowering women."
The constitutional review commission has rejected the gender lobby's demand for a 30 percent women?s representation in political structures and in job placements. After winning the 2007 poll, President Ernest Bai Koroma, pledged to include more women in his cabinet.
Yet there are only two women in the 44-member cabinet; only 17 women in the 124-member parliament - the ruling APC has 59 representatives, the main opposition SLPP 44, the Peoples Movement for Democratic Change nine and 12 seats have been allocated to paramount chiefs.
Approximately 6 million voters registered to cast there ballots in 2007 at more than 6,000 polling stations for candidates contesting in 112 constituencies. The ruling APC's secretary general, Victor Foe, maintains that a move away from this system would concentrate power in the hands of party leaders.
"The PR system is only good in times of crisis because electoral districts may not be accessible and there may be logistical difficulties. But then, it detaches the MPs from their constituents because they owe no obligation to them but to their parties. They are not individually voted for."
Ibrahim Tayib Bah, the opposition SLPP's public relations officer, said his party was not averse to the National Elections Commission (NEC) reintroducing the PR system.
"That's fine, but then, we think it would warrant a national census for its approval. For us, we are more interested in free and transparent elections so that our fledging democracy would flourish," Bah said.
The SLPP is concerned though about the independence of state institutions like the police force and the NEC.
"There is evidence that the police have not been neutral both during the 2007 elections and recently with the spiralling violence that engulfed the country in March this year," said Bah.
"They have stood by watching our party offices attacked and vandalised by supporters of the APC and did nothing. We really need reforms in the whole political and electoral arenas if the 2012 elections are to be credible," said Bah.
The NEC nullified the results of more than 400 polling stations in SLPP strongholds in the east of the country eliciting complaints of electoral bias.
"Time was not on our hands and I think with three years to go before the next elections, there is considerable room for improvement. All the NEC needs is total independence and no outside interference by political players," is the appeal from the chief electoral commissioner, Christians Thorpe.
"Most of what went wrong, in the 2007 elections, was due to the high level of illiteracy in the country. The commission therefore needs to significantly sensitise voters, on the whole electoral process and we are set to do this."
20 May 2009
By Lansana Fofana
Freetown — Incitement and violent clashes continue to shackle the government of Sierra Leone that took office two years ago. The elections were marred by reports of assassination attempts; violent confrontations between party militants; burning and looting; and widespread intimidation of voters.
The turbulence has not subsided: in March, two radio stations were taken off the air for inciting violence and by-elections put on hold because of political instability.
"There is an urgent need to review the country's electoral system and to make amends, so that the chaos and violence that characterised the polls of 2007 would be avoided," political analyst, Lawrence Davies, told IPS in the capital, Freetown.
His rallying call is what a two-day national consultative conference organised by the civil society group, Enhancing interaction and interface between civil society and the state (ENCISS) set out to do on May 8 and 9 ahead of the next elections in 2012.
The 2007 presidential and general elections saw the ousting of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) who had won both the 1996 and 2002 polls on the Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system. Its arch-rival the All Peoples Congress (APC) ascended to power in 2007 on a constituency based or winner-takes-all system.
John Caulker of the Forum of Conscience, a rights monitoring group involved in reconciling former combatants with their communities, said the 2007 elections polarised the country.
"There is widespread regionalism and tribalism even in governmental appointments and political temperatures are still boiling. A middle road has to be found and I think the PR system deserves some consideration."
The PR system requires parties to submit the names of candidates at constituency and national levels; and allows the electorate to vote for parties instead of individuals. Former cabinet minister, Julius Spencer, who is now a media proprietor said the system was "less prone" to violence and allows for "wider representation" in decision-making.
A stance supported by Dr Nemata Majeks-Walker, a co-founder of the "50/50 Group," a women's advocacy network. "The PR system obliges parties to give quotas to women, something like 30 percent, and I think this is fair in terms of empowering women."
The constitutional review commission has rejected the gender lobby's demand for a 30 percent women?s representation in political structures and in job placements. After winning the 2007 poll, President Ernest Bai Koroma, pledged to include more women in his cabinet.
Yet there are only two women in the 44-member cabinet; only 17 women in the 124-member parliament - the ruling APC has 59 representatives, the main opposition SLPP 44, the Peoples Movement for Democratic Change nine and 12 seats have been allocated to paramount chiefs.
Approximately 6 million voters registered to cast there ballots in 2007 at more than 6,000 polling stations for candidates contesting in 112 constituencies. The ruling APC's secretary general, Victor Foe, maintains that a move away from this system would concentrate power in the hands of party leaders.
"The PR system is only good in times of crisis because electoral districts may not be accessible and there may be logistical difficulties. But then, it detaches the MPs from their constituents because they owe no obligation to them but to their parties. They are not individually voted for."
Ibrahim Tayib Bah, the opposition SLPP's public relations officer, said his party was not averse to the National Elections Commission (NEC) reintroducing the PR system.
"That's fine, but then, we think it would warrant a national census for its approval. For us, we are more interested in free and transparent elections so that our fledging democracy would flourish," Bah said.
The SLPP is concerned though about the independence of state institutions like the police force and the NEC.
"There is evidence that the police have not been neutral both during the 2007 elections and recently with the spiralling violence that engulfed the country in March this year," said Bah.
"They have stood by watching our party offices attacked and vandalised by supporters of the APC and did nothing. We really need reforms in the whole political and electoral arenas if the 2012 elections are to be credible," said Bah.
The NEC nullified the results of more than 400 polling stations in SLPP strongholds in the east of the country eliciting complaints of electoral bias.
"Time was not on our hands and I think with three years to go before the next elections, there is considerable room for improvement. All the NEC needs is total independence and no outside interference by political players," is the appeal from the chief electoral commissioner, Christians Thorpe.
"Most of what went wrong, in the 2007 elections, was due to the high level of illiteracy in the country. The commission therefore needs to significantly sensitise voters, on the whole electoral process and we are set to do this."
Gaddafi 'supports' Rajoelina.
Reuters
19 May 2009
Madagascar's new president said on Tuesday he had won the backing of the African Union's Chairman, Muammar Gaddafi, and would now rewrite the constitution and hold presidential elections.
Andry Rajoelina, who returned in a bullish mood from a three-day visit to Libya, has fought to gain international recognition after regional blocs and foreign leaders branded his March seizure of power a coup.
"As far as the African Union chair is concerned, it is clear there is nothing more to discuss on the legitimacy of my power as leader of Madagascar," he told reporters on his return to Antananarivo.
The African Union and Southern African Development Community suspended Madagascar soon after Rajoelina ousted former leader Marc Ravalomanana with the help of dissident soldiers.
Several donors including the International Monetary Fund, the United States and Norway have frozen non-emergency aid.
Mixed signals
"[Gaddafi] is asking himself why some states continue to unsettle Madagascar when the documents proving my leadership as fact are clear," he said.
It was unclear from Rajoelina's remarks whether Gaddafi, who seized power in Libya in a bloodless military coup in 1969, had agreed to recognise his presidency formally.
Ravalomanana, who has been in exile in southern Africa since he stepped down, insists he remains the country's legitimate leader and says he will return to Madagascar within weeks.
The island's new government said an arrest warrant for Ravalomanana remains in place.
The international community wants elections this year but Rajoelina has given mixed signals over their timing and whether he will stand as candidate. At 34, Rajoelina is too young to stand according to Madagascar's existing constitution.
Last week, foreign diplomats said Rajoelina had assured them he would not run. His office denied the claim.
A day later Rajoelina announced he was seeking a pact with the country's leading political groups to bar former heads of state, including himself, from contesting the poll.
"Should they reject his 'offer' and decide to contest the presidency, he (Rajoelina) would have no choice but to stand - but he could claim to do so reluctantly," said Edward George of the Economist Intelligence Unit.
Rajoelina said he expected Gaddafi to make a formal announcement clarifying his stance soon.
19 May 2009
Madagascar's new president said on Tuesday he had won the backing of the African Union's Chairman, Muammar Gaddafi, and would now rewrite the constitution and hold presidential elections.
Andry Rajoelina, who returned in a bullish mood from a three-day visit to Libya, has fought to gain international recognition after regional blocs and foreign leaders branded his March seizure of power a coup.
"As far as the African Union chair is concerned, it is clear there is nothing more to discuss on the legitimacy of my power as leader of Madagascar," he told reporters on his return to Antananarivo.
The African Union and Southern African Development Community suspended Madagascar soon after Rajoelina ousted former leader Marc Ravalomanana with the help of dissident soldiers.
Several donors including the International Monetary Fund, the United States and Norway have frozen non-emergency aid.
Mixed signals
"[Gaddafi] is asking himself why some states continue to unsettle Madagascar when the documents proving my leadership as fact are clear," he said.
It was unclear from Rajoelina's remarks whether Gaddafi, who seized power in Libya in a bloodless military coup in 1969, had agreed to recognise his presidency formally.
Ravalomanana, who has been in exile in southern Africa since he stepped down, insists he remains the country's legitimate leader and says he will return to Madagascar within weeks.
The island's new government said an arrest warrant for Ravalomanana remains in place.
The international community wants elections this year but Rajoelina has given mixed signals over their timing and whether he will stand as candidate. At 34, Rajoelina is too young to stand according to Madagascar's existing constitution.
Last week, foreign diplomats said Rajoelina had assured them he would not run. His office denied the claim.
A day later Rajoelina announced he was seeking a pact with the country's leading political groups to bar former heads of state, including himself, from contesting the poll.
"Should they reject his 'offer' and decide to contest the presidency, he (Rajoelina) would have no choice but to stand - but he could claim to do so reluctantly," said Edward George of the Economist Intelligence Unit.
Rajoelina said he expected Gaddafi to make a formal announcement clarifying his stance soon.
Bongo's accounts remain frozen.
SAPA
19 May 2009
A French court on Tuesday refused to lift a freeze on nine French bank accounts belonging to Africa's longest-serving ruler, President Omar Bongo Ondimba of Gabon, a judicial official said.
A judge ruled against Bongo who was seeking to have a previous court ruling overturned after he settled a fine of €1.1m ordered by the tribunal.
The accounts were frozen in February after the court ordered Bongo to return the sum paid to him by the son of a jailed Frenchman in exchange for his release.
Freeze was 'unnecessary'
Bongo's lawyer filed a challenge with a Paris court, saying the president had already agreed to hand over the sum and that the freeze on his accounts, which hold a total of €4.39m, was unnecessary.
Frenchman Rene Cardona was imprisoned in 1996 after a business dispute with Bongo, to whom he had sold a fishing and shipping firm. He was released after his son Thierry paid almost half a million euros into Bongo's personal account.
Last September a French court ruled the payment had been illegal and ordered Bongo to repay the entire sum plus interest and legal costs.
Murky economic ties
Africa's longest serving head of state, 73-year-old Bongo has ruled his oil-rich former French colony since 1967 and has been a close associate of a string of French leaders.
In recent years his often murky economic ties with French figures have complicated his relations with Paris and have become the subject of a legal challenge by anti-corruption activists.
A French police investigation has reportedly established that Bongo and his family own at least 33 luxury properties in France, including a villa in Paris bought in 2007 for €18.8m.
19 May 2009
A French court on Tuesday refused to lift a freeze on nine French bank accounts belonging to Africa's longest-serving ruler, President Omar Bongo Ondimba of Gabon, a judicial official said.
A judge ruled against Bongo who was seeking to have a previous court ruling overturned after he settled a fine of €1.1m ordered by the tribunal.
The accounts were frozen in February after the court ordered Bongo to return the sum paid to him by the son of a jailed Frenchman in exchange for his release.
Freeze was 'unnecessary'
Bongo's lawyer filed a challenge with a Paris court, saying the president had already agreed to hand over the sum and that the freeze on his accounts, which hold a total of €4.39m, was unnecessary.
Frenchman Rene Cardona was imprisoned in 1996 after a business dispute with Bongo, to whom he had sold a fishing and shipping firm. He was released after his son Thierry paid almost half a million euros into Bongo's personal account.
Last September a French court ruled the payment had been illegal and ordered Bongo to repay the entire sum plus interest and legal costs.
Murky economic ties
Africa's longest serving head of state, 73-year-old Bongo has ruled his oil-rich former French colony since 1967 and has been a close associate of a string of French leaders.
In recent years his often murky economic ties with French figures have complicated his relations with Paris and have become the subject of a legal challenge by anti-corruption activists.
A French police investigation has reportedly established that Bongo and his family own at least 33 luxury properties in France, including a villa in Paris bought in 2007 for €18.8m.
19 May, 2009
World News Journal Podcasts: Looking for Reader Input.
Dear Readers,
World News Journal is in the process of setting up the ability to create podcasts. I am interesting in making podcasts on topics, you, the readers, would like to hear about. Therefore, WNJ would like to hear about the topics you are interested in hearing discussed, or perhaps you would like to know more about. Please send us your topics of interest by leaving a comment on this post, or by e-mailing BarouD@Hush.com. The more specific the better. Thank you for your time and feedback.
World News Journal is in the process of setting up the ability to create podcasts. I am interesting in making podcasts on topics, you, the readers, would like to hear about. Therefore, WNJ would like to hear about the topics you are interested in hearing discussed, or perhaps you would like to know more about. Please send us your topics of interest by leaving a comment on this post, or by e-mailing BarouD@Hush.com. The more specific the better. Thank you for your time and feedback.
INDIGENOUS GOVERNOR KILLED IN SOUTH.
MISNA
19 May 2009
Rober Guachetá, governor of the settlement of the Paez population of Honduras, in the south-western department of Cauca, was assassinated by unidentified gunmen while on his way to a meeting with some community members. According to indigenous authorities of the region, his body was found by police with several gunshot wounds. Guachetá had recently received death threats and, at least on paper, was under special protection under recommendation of also of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights; already in 2007 he was attacked by unidentified gunmen. Just a week ago, another indigenous governor, Luis Manuel Martínez of the Embera Katio population, was killed in the north-west; in December, always in Cauca, the indigenous leader Edwin Legarda was shot dead by government soldiers, for which seven soldiers are under investigation.
19 May 2009
Rober Guachetá, governor of the settlement of the Paez population of Honduras, in the south-western department of Cauca, was assassinated by unidentified gunmen while on his way to a meeting with some community members. According to indigenous authorities of the region, his body was found by police with several gunshot wounds. Guachetá had recently received death threats and, at least on paper, was under special protection under recommendation of also of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights; already in 2007 he was attacked by unidentified gunmen. Just a week ago, another indigenous governor, Luis Manuel Martínez of the Embera Katio population, was killed in the north-west; in December, always in Cauca, the indigenous leader Edwin Legarda was shot dead by government soldiers, for which seven soldiers are under investigation.
Comoros votes to prolong presidential terms.
IOL News
19 May 2009
Voters in Comoros have approved prolonging President Ahmed Abdallah Sambi's term by one more year in a controversial referendum shunned by the opposition, provisional results show.
The referendum passed with 93.8 percent of the votes against 6.2 percent opposed, the justice minister Mmadi Ali told a news conference late Monday.
Only about half of the people of the Indian Ocean archipelago eligible to vote cast their ballots as turnout was put at 52.7 percent. The opposition had called for a boycott.
The result, which has to be confirmed by the constitutional court within 72 hours, will see Sambi, in office since 2006, extending his term to 2011.
Sambi, who took over from Azali Assoumani of the Grande Comores, was supposed to step down next year had he not conducted the referendum.
The presidency of the Union of Comoros rotates between the federal leaders of the three islands of Grande Comores, Anjouan and Moheli.
Under the new constitution, federal presidents of the semi-autonomous islands have been downgraded to governors.
"The way this referendum took place shows that the people of the Comoros are mature," the head of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), Djazila Saendou, told AFP.
The new constitution also gives the president powers to dissolve the national assembly and make Islam the state religion. Sambi is a moderate Islamist.
The three islands are semi-autonomous and have their own institutions under an arrangement forged in 2001 after decades of unrest with sporadic coup bids, mostly foiled.
Efforts to block the referendum failed at the 11th hour when a court threw out an opposition petition to cancel the vote which critics said is illegal and would foment chaos in the archipelago.
The impoverished archipelago is one of the most volatile regions of Africa. It has seen 19 coups and coup attempts since its independence from France in 1975.
19 May 2009
Voters in Comoros have approved prolonging President Ahmed Abdallah Sambi's term by one more year in a controversial referendum shunned by the opposition, provisional results show.
The referendum passed with 93.8 percent of the votes against 6.2 percent opposed, the justice minister Mmadi Ali told a news conference late Monday.
Only about half of the people of the Indian Ocean archipelago eligible to vote cast their ballots as turnout was put at 52.7 percent. The opposition had called for a boycott.
The result, which has to be confirmed by the constitutional court within 72 hours, will see Sambi, in office since 2006, extending his term to 2011.
Sambi, who took over from Azali Assoumani of the Grande Comores, was supposed to step down next year had he not conducted the referendum.
The presidency of the Union of Comoros rotates between the federal leaders of the three islands of Grande Comores, Anjouan and Moheli.
Under the new constitution, federal presidents of the semi-autonomous islands have been downgraded to governors.
"The way this referendum took place shows that the people of the Comoros are mature," the head of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), Djazila Saendou, told AFP.
The new constitution also gives the president powers to dissolve the national assembly and make Islam the state religion. Sambi is a moderate Islamist.
The three islands are semi-autonomous and have their own institutions under an arrangement forged in 2001 after decades of unrest with sporadic coup bids, mostly foiled.
Efforts to block the referendum failed at the 11th hour when a court threw out an opposition petition to cancel the vote which critics said is illegal and would foment chaos in the archipelago.
The impoverished archipelago is one of the most volatile regions of Africa. It has seen 19 coups and coup attempts since its independence from France in 1975.
POTENTIAL IRAQ CONNECTION KEEPS NABUCCO PIPELINE PROJECT ON LIFE SUPPORT.
EurasiaNet
19 May 2009
By Yigal Schleifer
Could supplies from gas fields in northern Iraq breath new life into the troubled Nabucco pipeline, a project designed to free the European Union from Russia’s virtual gas supply monopoly?
That was certainly the hope created by the May 17 announcement that a consortium of European and Middle Eastern energy companies completed a deal to develop gas resources in Northern Iraq, part of which would be used to kick start the flow of energy via the long-stalled Nabucco route.
"It’s an important and promising development for the acquisition of a huge volume of natural gas for Turkey and for Europe via Nabucco," the pipeline project’s managing director, Reinhard Mitschek, said of the $8 billion deal between Austria’s OMV AG and Hungary’s MOL, and the United Arab Emirates’ Dana Gas and Crescent Petroleum, which currently operate a gas site in northern Iraq.
Representatives of the UAE companies said they believe the Iraqi fields could supply up to 3 billion cubic feet of gas per day, which is what Nabucco is being designed to carry. Crescent’s executive director, Badr Jafar, said the projected volume was sufficient to justify the construction of Nabucco.
But experts are warning that Iraq’s internal political squabbles may make it difficult for gas from the country’s north to make it to Europe. The Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) controls Northern Iraq, but the central government in Baghdad has rejected the KRG’s attempts to make independent energy deals.
On May 18, a day after the deal between the European and UAE firms was announced, Iraqi Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani slammed the proposal. "We will not allow any side to export gas from the region without the approval of the central government and the Iraqi Oil Ministry," he said. Baghdad has previously blacklisted companies that have made independent deals with the Kurdish administration in northern Iraq.
"I don’t think there will be permission for both the development and the export of that gas before the problems between the central government and the KRG are solved," says Necdet Pamir, an energy analyst based in Ankara.
"There is a strong reaction from the Iraqi government to the announced deal and there may be some restrictions put in place. I don’t think in the short term such a development will be fulfilled. This is just wishful thinking right now," he added.
Nabucco’s proposed northern Iraq connection came to light just two days after Russia signed deals with Bulgarian, Greek, Italian and Serbian energy companies to facilitate the construction of a rival pipeline, dubbed South Stream. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive]. Those pacts seemed to signal the death-knell for Nabucco, which has been plagued for years by questions about profitability.
Announcing the Iraqi connection may have been a way for Nabucco supporters to make a statement that they won’t be going away anytime soon. "Desperate times call for desperate measures. A few years ago, the Iraqi supply would have been further down the list, but now it’s seen as more of a possibility," said Amanda Akcakoca, an analyst at the European Policy Centre, a Brussels-based think tank.
The 2,050-mile long (3,300 kilometer) Nabucco pipeline is designed to bypass Russia and bring gas from the Caspian region and the Middle East to European markets via Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Austria. Construction is tentatively scheduled to start in 2011 and the pipeline is expected to start delivering gas three years later.
Europe currently gets a quarter of its gas from Russia, with 80 percent of it coming through Ukraine. Some countries, like Bulgaria, are almost entirely dependent on the Russian energy behemoth Gazprom for gas supplies. Thus, Bulgarians and other Europeans were left shivering in the winter cold when a Russian-Ukrainian spat caused a cut-off in the westward flow of gas. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive].
The failure of the Iraqi connection to materialize for Nabucco would mark just the latest in a series of setbacks for the pipeline project. Two problems that continue to hover over Nabucco are a lack of reliable suppliers and disagreements between the European Union and Turkey over transit fees. According to recent reports, a May 8 meeting in Prague between the EU and countries involved in the pipeline project may have achieved a breakthrough in disputes between Brussels and Ankara, but Nabucco is still very much in danger, experts say.
"Within EU circles everyone is still talking about Nabucco positively, but if you talk to experts, most of them say it is dead," says Akcakoca.
"Perhaps they [analysts] re being too pessimistic, since Nabucco is still on the table and if enough of the right political and financial support were put behind it, it would still have a chance," Akcakoca continued. "The situation in Iraq itself makes it unlikely as a primary source for Nabucco. The main sources still remain in Azerbaijan and Central Asia."
Editor's Note: Yigal Schleifer is a freelance journalist based in Istanbul.
19 May 2009
By Yigal Schleifer
Could supplies from gas fields in northern Iraq breath new life into the troubled Nabucco pipeline, a project designed to free the European Union from Russia’s virtual gas supply monopoly?
That was certainly the hope created by the May 17 announcement that a consortium of European and Middle Eastern energy companies completed a deal to develop gas resources in Northern Iraq, part of which would be used to kick start the flow of energy via the long-stalled Nabucco route.
"It’s an important and promising development for the acquisition of a huge volume of natural gas for Turkey and for Europe via Nabucco," the pipeline project’s managing director, Reinhard Mitschek, said of the $8 billion deal between Austria’s OMV AG and Hungary’s MOL, and the United Arab Emirates’ Dana Gas and Crescent Petroleum, which currently operate a gas site in northern Iraq.
Representatives of the UAE companies said they believe the Iraqi fields could supply up to 3 billion cubic feet of gas per day, which is what Nabucco is being designed to carry. Crescent’s executive director, Badr Jafar, said the projected volume was sufficient to justify the construction of Nabucco.
But experts are warning that Iraq’s internal political squabbles may make it difficult for gas from the country’s north to make it to Europe. The Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) controls Northern Iraq, but the central government in Baghdad has rejected the KRG’s attempts to make independent energy deals.
On May 18, a day after the deal between the European and UAE firms was announced, Iraqi Oil Minister Hussain al-Shahristani slammed the proposal. "We will not allow any side to export gas from the region without the approval of the central government and the Iraqi Oil Ministry," he said. Baghdad has previously blacklisted companies that have made independent deals with the Kurdish administration in northern Iraq.
"I don’t think there will be permission for both the development and the export of that gas before the problems between the central government and the KRG are solved," says Necdet Pamir, an energy analyst based in Ankara.
"There is a strong reaction from the Iraqi government to the announced deal and there may be some restrictions put in place. I don’t think in the short term such a development will be fulfilled. This is just wishful thinking right now," he added.
Nabucco’s proposed northern Iraq connection came to light just two days after Russia signed deals with Bulgarian, Greek, Italian and Serbian energy companies to facilitate the construction of a rival pipeline, dubbed South Stream. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive]. Those pacts seemed to signal the death-knell for Nabucco, which has been plagued for years by questions about profitability.
Announcing the Iraqi connection may have been a way for Nabucco supporters to make a statement that they won’t be going away anytime soon. "Desperate times call for desperate measures. A few years ago, the Iraqi supply would have been further down the list, but now it’s seen as more of a possibility," said Amanda Akcakoca, an analyst at the European Policy Centre, a Brussels-based think tank.
The 2,050-mile long (3,300 kilometer) Nabucco pipeline is designed to bypass Russia and bring gas from the Caspian region and the Middle East to European markets via Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary and Austria. Construction is tentatively scheduled to start in 2011 and the pipeline is expected to start delivering gas three years later.
Europe currently gets a quarter of its gas from Russia, with 80 percent of it coming through Ukraine. Some countries, like Bulgaria, are almost entirely dependent on the Russian energy behemoth Gazprom for gas supplies. Thus, Bulgarians and other Europeans were left shivering in the winter cold when a Russian-Ukrainian spat caused a cut-off in the westward flow of gas. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive].
The failure of the Iraqi connection to materialize for Nabucco would mark just the latest in a series of setbacks for the pipeline project. Two problems that continue to hover over Nabucco are a lack of reliable suppliers and disagreements between the European Union and Turkey over transit fees. According to recent reports, a May 8 meeting in Prague between the EU and countries involved in the pipeline project may have achieved a breakthrough in disputes between Brussels and Ankara, but Nabucco is still very much in danger, experts say.
"Within EU circles everyone is still talking about Nabucco positively, but if you talk to experts, most of them say it is dead," says Akcakoca.
"Perhaps they [analysts] re being too pessimistic, since Nabucco is still on the table and if enough of the right political and financial support were put behind it, it would still have a chance," Akcakoca continued. "The situation in Iraq itself makes it unlikely as a primary source for Nabucco. The main sources still remain in Azerbaijan and Central Asia."
Editor's Note: Yigal Schleifer is a freelance journalist based in Istanbul.
The Persian Pipeline.
German Foreign Policy
by Horst Teubert
18 May 2009
Berlin is getting ready for a Western policy change toward Iran. The German Foreign Ministry's special envoy for Afghanistan announced his imminent visit to Teheran to discuss Iran's contribution to the counterinsurgency effort in Afghanistan. It is being said in Berlin that this type of cooperation with the Iranian government could help reach a negotiated solution to the dispute over Iran's nuclear program, particularly since the new US-administration announced it would hold back on military threats and enforce western hegemony over the Persian Gulf through non-military means. But comprehensive talks can be expected to begin only after the Iranian presidential elections in June, so as not to provide indirect support to Ahmadinejad's election campaign. Berlin has been exploring possibilities for new cooperation with Iran since the beginning of the year. German businesses are pushing for this cooperation to counterbalance, with new exports, the losses they are suffering through the crisis. In exchange, Teheran is offering access to its natural gas reserves.
Bring Into
Bernd Muetzelburg, the German Foreign Ministry's special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, announced his imminent visit to Teheran for talks with the Iranian foreign ministry on Iran's Afghanistan policy. According to Bernd Muetzelburg, Berlin is seeking to "bring" Iran "more into the search for a solution to the problems in Afghanistan" and to pursue efforts to find a "regional solution" for the war in Afghanistan, supported also by the US-administration.[1] If Teheran is "brought in on the question of Afghanistan", it would facilitate "negotiations concerning its controversial nuclear program" B. Muetzelburg declared. Berlin is therefore in line with Washington's non-military efforts to force the Iranian government to renounce on its nuclear industry. US President Obama had announced this change in policy. One hears that comprehensive initiatives will be undertaken only after the Iranian presidential elections in June, so as not to give indirect support to Ahmadinejad's election campaign.
Border Protection
Berlin has been preparing to renew its cooperation with Iran since the beginning of the year. Last March this led to the visit of a high-ranking delegation of Iranian parliamentarians to the German capital to discuss with the German government's coordinator of the intelligence services as well as with representatives of the Ministry of the Interior.[2] The Ministry of Interior is in charge of border protection and it is also supporting Afghanistan's border protection efforts in the framework of so-called "development aid". The issue of border protection will also be on the agenda during Muetzelburg's visit to Teheran. Iran is expected to seal its borders to Afghanistan tighter to cut off supply routes to the insurgents and their possibilities of retreat.
Background Talks
A few weeks after the parliamentary delegation's visit, the Iranian vice foreign minister was in Berlin for talks. On April 7 he was the guest for "political background talks" at the Koerber Foundation - an organization where high-ranking ministerial officials and influential politicians are regular guests for an informal exchange of views on strategic German foreign policy themes. At each of these sessions there is a prominent foreign guest, who is in a position of national responsibility at home. These talks with Iran's vice foreign minister revolved not only around the "regional role" his country plays in the Near and Middle East but more specifically around "the Iranian position on the current developments in Afghanistan" [3] - de facto on Teheran's possibilities for fighting Afghan insurgents. Muetzelburg will explore the subject more deeply in the Iranian capital in the few days.
In the Crisis
Last week, Muetzelburg, who had served as foreign policy advisor to former Chancellor Schroeder, announced his trip to Teheran and the expectations coupled with a new German-Iranian cooperation in a lecture to business representatives of Berlin. This was prompted by the fact that for months, misgivings over the current policy toward Iran have been growing in German business circles. "Particularly now, in the midst of a recession and for safeguarding jobs" one has to "discuss our relations to Iran" insisted recently in Berlin, Martin Herrenknecht, Vice-Chairman of the foreign business association "Nah- und Mittelostverein" (NuMOV - German Near and Middle East Association).[4] Following the sharp slump, caused by the sanctions policy imposed against Iran, though last year's German Iranian trade volume could again increase - by 10% to reach 4 billion Euros - it still lags far behind the potential presumed by German companies. Foreign trade with Arab Gulf nations is far higher.[5] Since the 2008 trade volume increase is based on old contracts, and, due to the sanctions policy, there are hardly any new ones to follow, business representatives are not ruling out another slump in exports to Iran.[6]
First Come...
To compensate with exports for the crisis-caused slump in domestic contracts, the NuMOV has convened two well attended business forums intended to promote new contracts for German companies with Iran. The focus was particularly on the energy sector. At the beginning of May, the Iranian oil minister attended one these forums and used the occasion of his visit to engage in political talks with representatives of the foreign ministry and the Chancellery - at the Koerber Foundation. Iran could "become a secure and reliable energy supplier for Germany," the minister announced. His enticement carries weight, because Berlin is anxiously seeking to lessen its dependence upon Moscow's natural gas supply. The minister made it known that his government is planning a "Persian pipeline" toward Europe and is already discussing with German companies about their participation. He pointed out that his country was also cooperating with Chinese companies: "first come, first serve."[7]
Double Profit
If it is possible to impose a western strategy change in relationship to Iran, Berlin will be able to have direct access to the second largest natural gas reserves in the world.[8] Simultaneously the German government is working to prevent Iran from enhancing its power, which could result from its future cooperation with the West, even without maintaining war threats. For this, Berlin is intensifying its cooperation with the feudal clans on the Arabian Peninsula, seeking to bind them stronger to the EU and to bring them into position against Iran.[9] german-foreign-policy.com reports tomorrow, Tuesday.
[1] Bundesregierung redet mit Iran über Afghanistan; Handelsblatt 13.05.2009
[2] Bahman Nirumand: Iran-Report 4/2009; www.boell.de
[3] Politisches Hintergrundgespräch mit Ali Ahani; www.koerber-stiftung.de 07.04.2009
[4] Bundesregierung redet mit Iran über Afghanistan; Handelsblatt 13.05.2009
[5] Während der deutsche Außenhandel mit Iran einen Wert von 4 Milliarden Euro erreichte, lag das deutsche Außenhandelsvolumen mit Saudi-Arabien bei über 6,5 Milliarden Euro und mit den Vereinigten Arabischen Emiraten bei über 8,5 Milliarden Euro.
[6] Iran sucht deutsche Energie-Investoren; Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung 08.05.2009
[7] Nozari: "Wer unser Gas will, muss in Iran investieren"; Handelsblatt 07.05.2009
[8] Zugriff auf die größten Erdgasvorräte weltweit - die russischen - haben deutsche Konzerne ohnehin. See also Energiekraken, 4,500 Kilometers Around Berlin and Eurasien
[9] see also Containment Course and Equilibrium rather than Exclusion
by Horst Teubert
18 May 2009
Berlin is getting ready for a Western policy change toward Iran. The German Foreign Ministry's special envoy for Afghanistan announced his imminent visit to Teheran to discuss Iran's contribution to the counterinsurgency effort in Afghanistan. It is being said in Berlin that this type of cooperation with the Iranian government could help reach a negotiated solution to the dispute over Iran's nuclear program, particularly since the new US-administration announced it would hold back on military threats and enforce western hegemony over the Persian Gulf through non-military means. But comprehensive talks can be expected to begin only after the Iranian presidential elections in June, so as not to provide indirect support to Ahmadinejad's election campaign. Berlin has been exploring possibilities for new cooperation with Iran since the beginning of the year. German businesses are pushing for this cooperation to counterbalance, with new exports, the losses they are suffering through the crisis. In exchange, Teheran is offering access to its natural gas reserves.
Bring Into
Bernd Muetzelburg, the German Foreign Ministry's special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan, announced his imminent visit to Teheran for talks with the Iranian foreign ministry on Iran's Afghanistan policy. According to Bernd Muetzelburg, Berlin is seeking to "bring" Iran "more into the search for a solution to the problems in Afghanistan" and to pursue efforts to find a "regional solution" for the war in Afghanistan, supported also by the US-administration.[1] If Teheran is "brought in on the question of Afghanistan", it would facilitate "negotiations concerning its controversial nuclear program" B. Muetzelburg declared. Berlin is therefore in line with Washington's non-military efforts to force the Iranian government to renounce on its nuclear industry. US President Obama had announced this change in policy. One hears that comprehensive initiatives will be undertaken only after the Iranian presidential elections in June, so as not to give indirect support to Ahmadinejad's election campaign.
Border Protection
Berlin has been preparing to renew its cooperation with Iran since the beginning of the year. Last March this led to the visit of a high-ranking delegation of Iranian parliamentarians to the German capital to discuss with the German government's coordinator of the intelligence services as well as with representatives of the Ministry of the Interior.[2] The Ministry of Interior is in charge of border protection and it is also supporting Afghanistan's border protection efforts in the framework of so-called "development aid". The issue of border protection will also be on the agenda during Muetzelburg's visit to Teheran. Iran is expected to seal its borders to Afghanistan tighter to cut off supply routes to the insurgents and their possibilities of retreat.
Background Talks
A few weeks after the parliamentary delegation's visit, the Iranian vice foreign minister was in Berlin for talks. On April 7 he was the guest for "political background talks" at the Koerber Foundation - an organization where high-ranking ministerial officials and influential politicians are regular guests for an informal exchange of views on strategic German foreign policy themes. At each of these sessions there is a prominent foreign guest, who is in a position of national responsibility at home. These talks with Iran's vice foreign minister revolved not only around the "regional role" his country plays in the Near and Middle East but more specifically around "the Iranian position on the current developments in Afghanistan" [3] - de facto on Teheran's possibilities for fighting Afghan insurgents. Muetzelburg will explore the subject more deeply in the Iranian capital in the few days.
In the Crisis
Last week, Muetzelburg, who had served as foreign policy advisor to former Chancellor Schroeder, announced his trip to Teheran and the expectations coupled with a new German-Iranian cooperation in a lecture to business representatives of Berlin. This was prompted by the fact that for months, misgivings over the current policy toward Iran have been growing in German business circles. "Particularly now, in the midst of a recession and for safeguarding jobs" one has to "discuss our relations to Iran" insisted recently in Berlin, Martin Herrenknecht, Vice-Chairman of the foreign business association "Nah- und Mittelostverein" (NuMOV - German Near and Middle East Association).[4] Following the sharp slump, caused by the sanctions policy imposed against Iran, though last year's German Iranian trade volume could again increase - by 10% to reach 4 billion Euros - it still lags far behind the potential presumed by German companies. Foreign trade with Arab Gulf nations is far higher.[5] Since the 2008 trade volume increase is based on old contracts, and, due to the sanctions policy, there are hardly any new ones to follow, business representatives are not ruling out another slump in exports to Iran.[6]
First Come...
To compensate with exports for the crisis-caused slump in domestic contracts, the NuMOV has convened two well attended business forums intended to promote new contracts for German companies with Iran. The focus was particularly on the energy sector. At the beginning of May, the Iranian oil minister attended one these forums and used the occasion of his visit to engage in political talks with representatives of the foreign ministry and the Chancellery - at the Koerber Foundation. Iran could "become a secure and reliable energy supplier for Germany," the minister announced. His enticement carries weight, because Berlin is anxiously seeking to lessen its dependence upon Moscow's natural gas supply. The minister made it known that his government is planning a "Persian pipeline" toward Europe and is already discussing with German companies about their participation. He pointed out that his country was also cooperating with Chinese companies: "first come, first serve."[7]
Double Profit
If it is possible to impose a western strategy change in relationship to Iran, Berlin will be able to have direct access to the second largest natural gas reserves in the world.[8] Simultaneously the German government is working to prevent Iran from enhancing its power, which could result from its future cooperation with the West, even without maintaining war threats. For this, Berlin is intensifying its cooperation with the feudal clans on the Arabian Peninsula, seeking to bind them stronger to the EU and to bring them into position against Iran.[9] german-foreign-policy.com reports tomorrow, Tuesday.
[1] Bundesregierung redet mit Iran über Afghanistan; Handelsblatt 13.05.2009
[2] Bahman Nirumand: Iran-Report 4/2009; www.boell.de
[3] Politisches Hintergrundgespräch mit Ali Ahani; www.koerber-stiftung.de 07.04.2009
[4] Bundesregierung redet mit Iran über Afghanistan; Handelsblatt 13.05.2009
[5] Während der deutsche Außenhandel mit Iran einen Wert von 4 Milliarden Euro erreichte, lag das deutsche Außenhandelsvolumen mit Saudi-Arabien bei über 6,5 Milliarden Euro und mit den Vereinigten Arabischen Emiraten bei über 8,5 Milliarden Euro.
[6] Iran sucht deutsche Energie-Investoren; Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung 08.05.2009
[7] Nozari: "Wer unser Gas will, muss in Iran investieren"; Handelsblatt 07.05.2009
[8] Zugriff auf die größten Erdgasvorräte weltweit - die russischen - haben deutsche Konzerne ohnehin. See also Energiekraken, 4,500 Kilometers Around Berlin and Eurasien
[9] see also Containment Course and Equilibrium rather than Exclusion
Ethiopia troops 'back in Somalia.'
BBC News
19 May 2009
Ethiopian military forces have crossed back into Somalia, four months after leaving, witnesses told the BBC.
Their reported return comes as Islamist militants continue to seize towns from the fragile Western-backed government.
One resident said he saw Ethiopian troops digging trenches in Kalabeyr, a town 22km (14 miles) from the Somali-Ethiopian border.
An Ethiopian spokesman denied the reports. He claims the troops left Somalia in January after two years in the country.
They entered Somalia in 2006 to help oust Islamist forces from the capital Mogadishu but withdrew under a UN-backed peace deal.
There have already been several reports of the Ethiopian military crossing into Somali territory for hot-pursuit operations, or to check vehicles moving in the border area.
The BBC's Elizabeth Blunt in Addis Ababa says the latest reported troop movements may well be part of a similar operation.
But Ethiopian government spokesman Bereket Simon told our correspondent the reports were "fabricated".
He claimed that, at the moment, officials believed events in Somalia presented no immediate threat to Ethiopia and their troops were not contemplating going back there at this point.
Language
However, Kalabeyr resident Fadumo Du'ale told the BBC's Mohamed Olad Hassan on Tuesday: "They have crossed the border late last night and they are here now. They look to be stationing here."
Another resident, Tabane Abdi Ali, told the BBC: "We recognise them because of their military uniform and the language they were speaking."
Bus driver Farah Ahmed Adaan told our correspondent he had spotted "a lot" of Ethiopian troops with 12 military vehicles.
"Some of them were digging trenches while others were guarding the whole area," he said.
"They stopped me and checked my car and then ordered me to move."
On Sunday, fighters from the al-Shabab group took the key town of Jowhar from government forces.
This is the home town of President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and now that the country's rainy season has arrived, Jowhar is the only passable route into central Somalia from the capital.
Ethiopian troops have always kept up a strong presence along the Somali border.
About 4,300 Ugandan and Burundian peacekeepers from the African Union have arrived in Mogadishu, where they have taken up positions vacated by the Ethiopians in January.
But analysts say they are only in effective control of the presidential palace, airport and seaport in Mogadishu, while the Islamist guerrillas control chunks of the capital, along with large swathes of central and southern Somalia.
19 May 2009
Ethiopian military forces have crossed back into Somalia, four months after leaving, witnesses told the BBC.
Their reported return comes as Islamist militants continue to seize towns from the fragile Western-backed government.
One resident said he saw Ethiopian troops digging trenches in Kalabeyr, a town 22km (14 miles) from the Somali-Ethiopian border.
An Ethiopian spokesman denied the reports. He claims the troops left Somalia in January after two years in the country.
They entered Somalia in 2006 to help oust Islamist forces from the capital Mogadishu but withdrew under a UN-backed peace deal.
There have already been several reports of the Ethiopian military crossing into Somali territory for hot-pursuit operations, or to check vehicles moving in the border area.
The BBC's Elizabeth Blunt in Addis Ababa says the latest reported troop movements may well be part of a similar operation.
But Ethiopian government spokesman Bereket Simon told our correspondent the reports were "fabricated".
He claimed that, at the moment, officials believed events in Somalia presented no immediate threat to Ethiopia and their troops were not contemplating going back there at this point.
Language
However, Kalabeyr resident Fadumo Du'ale told the BBC's Mohamed Olad Hassan on Tuesday: "They have crossed the border late last night and they are here now. They look to be stationing here."
Another resident, Tabane Abdi Ali, told the BBC: "We recognise them because of their military uniform and the language they were speaking."
Bus driver Farah Ahmed Adaan told our correspondent he had spotted "a lot" of Ethiopian troops with 12 military vehicles.
"Some of them were digging trenches while others were guarding the whole area," he said.
"They stopped me and checked my car and then ordered me to move."
On Sunday, fighters from the al-Shabab group took the key town of Jowhar from government forces.
This is the home town of President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and now that the country's rainy season has arrived, Jowhar is the only passable route into central Somalia from the capital.
Ethiopian troops have always kept up a strong presence along the Somali border.
About 4,300 Ugandan and Burundian peacekeepers from the African Union have arrived in Mogadishu, where they have taken up positions vacated by the Ethiopians in January.
But analysts say they are only in effective control of the presidential palace, airport and seaport in Mogadishu, while the Islamist guerrillas control chunks of the capital, along with large swathes of central and southern Somalia.
Georgian Students will study at the US Military Institutions.
Ministry of Defense of Georgia
14 May 2009
Four Georgian students will continue education in the United States. After passing TOEFL and SAT language tests, Giorgi Janjalia entered the West Point Military Academy in the city of New York. Mikheil Machablishvili, Beka Metreveli and Davit Sidamonidze have joined the Naval Academy, Annapolis, the US.
Minister of Defence of Georgia, Vasil Sikharulidze has congratulated the students with this achievement personally. The meeting held in MoD was attended by the students’ parents and Major Lasha Beridze, Chief of Trainings and Military Education Command. All tuition fees will be covered by the United States. After completion of education, the Georgian students will continue the service in the Georgian Armed Forces.
After one-hour meeting, Defence Minister, Vasil Sikharulidze made comments:
“I’m very pleased that the four Georgian students have entered the very prestigious and famous military institutions worldwide. They have desire to serve within the Georgian Armed Forces after compliting the education. It is very important for the Georgian Army and I would like to wish them every success!” - Stated Defence Minister.
14 May 2009
Four Georgian students will continue education in the United States. After passing TOEFL and SAT language tests, Giorgi Janjalia entered the West Point Military Academy in the city of New York. Mikheil Machablishvili, Beka Metreveli and Davit Sidamonidze have joined the Naval Academy, Annapolis, the US.
Minister of Defence of Georgia, Vasil Sikharulidze has congratulated the students with this achievement personally. The meeting held in MoD was attended by the students’ parents and Major Lasha Beridze, Chief of Trainings and Military Education Command. All tuition fees will be covered by the United States. After completion of education, the Georgian students will continue the service in the Georgian Armed Forces.
After one-hour meeting, Defence Minister, Vasil Sikharulidze made comments:
“I’m very pleased that the four Georgian students have entered the very prestigious and famous military institutions worldwide. They have desire to serve within the Georgian Armed Forces after compliting the education. It is very important for the Georgian Army and I would like to wish them every success!” - Stated Defence Minister.
Iraq deal to revive gas pipeline.
BBC News
18 May 2009
A consortium of oil companies plans to revive a project to supply Europe with gas from northern Iraq.
Austria's OMV and Hungary's MOL have teamed up with two companies from the United Arab Emirates to extract the gas from fields in Iraq's Kurdish region.
They anticipate that supplies will be sufficient to feed the long-planned Nabucco pipeline, which proposes pumping gas to Austria via Turkey.
The pipeline would reduce Europe's dependency on gas from Russia.
The UAE's Crescent Petroleum and affiliate Dana Gas believe there is enough gas in the Khor Mor and Chemchemal gas fields they operate to supply the Nabucco pipeline after meeting immediate demand in northern Iraq and Turkey.
Competition
But Russia's Gazprom on Friday said it had signed agreements with a number of Balkan and southern European countries on the construction of a gas pipeline, South Stream, that will deliver gas to Central Europe and Italy via the Balkans.
The pipeline is in competition with Nabucco, backed by the European Union.
The proposed Nabucco route goes via Erzurum in Turkey and on through Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary to Austria. Discussions first began on the project in 2002.
OMV said production could reach a level of 3bn cubic feet per day by 2015.
"These volumes will initially satisfy the requirements of local industry with substantial quantities available for export to destinations primarily Turkey and Europe via the planned Nabucco pipeline," it said.
Iraq has the world's tenth-largest gas reserves, and the world's third largest supply of crude oil.
OMV said it will pay $350m for a 10% stake in the regional operating unit handling of the project. MOL will also take a 10% stake in the company.
18 May 2009
A consortium of oil companies plans to revive a project to supply Europe with gas from northern Iraq.
Austria's OMV and Hungary's MOL have teamed up with two companies from the United Arab Emirates to extract the gas from fields in Iraq's Kurdish region.
They anticipate that supplies will be sufficient to feed the long-planned Nabucco pipeline, which proposes pumping gas to Austria via Turkey.
The pipeline would reduce Europe's dependency on gas from Russia.
The UAE's Crescent Petroleum and affiliate Dana Gas believe there is enough gas in the Khor Mor and Chemchemal gas fields they operate to supply the Nabucco pipeline after meeting immediate demand in northern Iraq and Turkey.
Competition
But Russia's Gazprom on Friday said it had signed agreements with a number of Balkan and southern European countries on the construction of a gas pipeline, South Stream, that will deliver gas to Central Europe and Italy via the Balkans.
The pipeline is in competition with Nabucco, backed by the European Union.
The proposed Nabucco route goes via Erzurum in Turkey and on through Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary to Austria. Discussions first began on the project in 2002.
OMV said production could reach a level of 3bn cubic feet per day by 2015.
"These volumes will initially satisfy the requirements of local industry with substantial quantities available for export to destinations primarily Turkey and Europe via the planned Nabucco pipeline," it said.
Iraq has the world's tenth-largest gas reserves, and the world's third largest supply of crude oil.
OMV said it will pay $350m for a 10% stake in the regional operating unit handling of the project. MOL will also take a 10% stake in the company.
18 May, 2009
Togo sacks army chief.
Reuters
18 May 2009
Togo has sacked its military chief General Zakari Nandja after a failed attempt by a group of soldiers to overthrow the president, it said on Monday, demoting him to a lowly ministry.
Togo this month charged 18 soldiers linked with the plot, weeks after security forces in the major phosphate producer arrested former defence minister Kpatcha Gnassingbe on suspicion of plotting to topple his brother, President Faure Gnassingbe.
Nandja, armed forces chief of staff at the time, has been appointed Minister of Water, Cleaning and Village Water Resources. He has been replaced by Air Commodore Essofa Ayeva, until now the chief of staff at the president's office.
Attempted coup d'etat
"This political and military reshuffle in Togo comes weeks after an attempted coup d'etat," the government said on its website. The statement did not accuse Nandja of any links to the alleged plot.
The president of the former French colony on the West African coast cancelled a planned trip to China in April after foreign security services warned him of a coup attempt.
Rivalry has simmered between Kpatcha and Faure, sons of Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled the country with an iron fist for decades, since Faure was appointed leader by the military after the former president's death in 2005. He then won violent, flawed elections in the same year. The next presidential election is due to be held in 2010.
18 May 2009
Togo has sacked its military chief General Zakari Nandja after a failed attempt by a group of soldiers to overthrow the president, it said on Monday, demoting him to a lowly ministry.
Togo this month charged 18 soldiers linked with the plot, weeks after security forces in the major phosphate producer arrested former defence minister Kpatcha Gnassingbe on suspicion of plotting to topple his brother, President Faure Gnassingbe.
Nandja, armed forces chief of staff at the time, has been appointed Minister of Water, Cleaning and Village Water Resources. He has been replaced by Air Commodore Essofa Ayeva, until now the chief of staff at the president's office.
Attempted coup d'etat
"This political and military reshuffle in Togo comes weeks after an attempted coup d'etat," the government said on its website. The statement did not accuse Nandja of any links to the alleged plot.
The president of the former French colony on the West African coast cancelled a planned trip to China in April after foreign security services warned him of a coup attempt.
Rivalry has simmered between Kpatcha and Faure, sons of Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled the country with an iron fist for decades, since Faure was appointed leader by the military after the former president's death in 2005. He then won violent, flawed elections in the same year. The next presidential election is due to be held in 2010.
More Africa states join the global extractives transparency initiative.
Afrol News
18 May 2009
Three African countries have today been accepted to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Board (EITI) raising the number of African states implementing the extractive programme to over 20 of 30 in total.
Announcing their acceptance today, EITI said four new countries have been added as candidates, being Albania, Burkina Faso, Mozambique and Zambia.
Other African countries signed to the programme are Cameroon, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, São Tomé e Príncipe, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania.
"With these four new candidates, 30 countries are now implementing the EITI process, further bolstering EITI as the standard for transparent management of revenues from the oil, gas and mining sectors," EITI said in a statement today.
The World Bank Director for Oil, Gas, and Mining, Somit Varma, said: “I am encouraged that more countries from Africa and other regions of the world are joining the EITI process and recognising the benefits of greater transparency in the extractive industries sector. It is, however, only when countries take full ownership of this voluntary initiative that it can succeed. The World Bank is committed to supporting governments in this effort.”
The EITI Board, the global initiative to improve transparency in the extractives sector, held a series of meetings with diverse stakeholders in Washington DC, hosted by the World Bank Group. There are presently ten donor countries and the European Commission currently providing funding to the World Bank-administered EITI Multi-donor Trust Fund (MDTF) - Australia, Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom and the European Commission.
According to the World Bank, Finland just joined as a donor country, and the United States and Switzerland will be joining the donor group soon.
The World Bank has been a supporter of the EITI since the early days, and this Trust Fund provides technical assistance for implementation of the EITI process in developing countries.
During last week the EITI held a series meetings, where amongst others themes such as the mechanism for external Quality Assurance of EITI implementation in the country as well as March 2010 deadline for the EITI candidate countries to complete EITI Validation were discussed.
The need for support of countries’ efforts to go through the Validation process was reiterated by the EITI Board Chairman, Dr Peter Eigen, who also said: “By committing to the EITI and undergoing an independent EITI Validation, governments and companies demonstrate their commitment to openness, transparency and good governance. It is impressive to see all the efforts in EITI implementing countries to prepare for Validation and meet the EITI standard. The international community recognises such efforts and supports these governments and their stakeholders in their implementation of the EITI”.
Since it was put forward in 2002 the EITI has moved towards becoming the global standard for revenue transparency in the extractive industries. Through implementing the EITI, countries bring together companies, civil society and government representatives to monitor and account for payments being made to governments by extractives companies operating in their country. Countries that have met all of the reporting and operational indicators set out under the EITI guidelines and completed a rigorous validation process are then considered to be EITI Compliant, establishing that a country's revenue reporting standards in its extractive sector have achieved a greater level of transparency.
The EITI is a coalition of governments, companies, civil society groups, investors and international organisations, whose secretariat is hosted by the Norwegian government in Oslo and was formally opened on 26 September 2007.
The organisation's objecives are driven by the fact that some 3.5 billion people live in countries rich in oil, gas and minerals and that with good governance the exploitation of these resources can generate large revenues to foster growth and reduce poverty.
The EITI says that however when governance is weak, it may result in poverty, corruption, and conflict. The EITI aims to strengthen governance by improving transparency and accountability in the extractives sector, setting a global standard for companies to publish what they pay and for governments to disclose what they receive.
18 May 2009
Three African countries have today been accepted to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Board (EITI) raising the number of African states implementing the extractive programme to over 20 of 30 in total.
Announcing their acceptance today, EITI said four new countries have been added as candidates, being Albania, Burkina Faso, Mozambique and Zambia.
Other African countries signed to the programme are Cameroon, Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, São Tomé e Príncipe, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania.
"With these four new candidates, 30 countries are now implementing the EITI process, further bolstering EITI as the standard for transparent management of revenues from the oil, gas and mining sectors," EITI said in a statement today.
The World Bank Director for Oil, Gas, and Mining, Somit Varma, said: “I am encouraged that more countries from Africa and other regions of the world are joining the EITI process and recognising the benefits of greater transparency in the extractive industries sector. It is, however, only when countries take full ownership of this voluntary initiative that it can succeed. The World Bank is committed to supporting governments in this effort.”
The EITI Board, the global initiative to improve transparency in the extractives sector, held a series of meetings with diverse stakeholders in Washington DC, hosted by the World Bank Group. There are presently ten donor countries and the European Commission currently providing funding to the World Bank-administered EITI Multi-donor Trust Fund (MDTF) - Australia, Belgium, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the United Kingdom and the European Commission.
According to the World Bank, Finland just joined as a donor country, and the United States and Switzerland will be joining the donor group soon.
The World Bank has been a supporter of the EITI since the early days, and this Trust Fund provides technical assistance for implementation of the EITI process in developing countries.
During last week the EITI held a series meetings, where amongst others themes such as the mechanism for external Quality Assurance of EITI implementation in the country as well as March 2010 deadline for the EITI candidate countries to complete EITI Validation were discussed.
The need for support of countries’ efforts to go through the Validation process was reiterated by the EITI Board Chairman, Dr Peter Eigen, who also said: “By committing to the EITI and undergoing an independent EITI Validation, governments and companies demonstrate their commitment to openness, transparency and good governance. It is impressive to see all the efforts in EITI implementing countries to prepare for Validation and meet the EITI standard. The international community recognises such efforts and supports these governments and their stakeholders in their implementation of the EITI”.
Since it was put forward in 2002 the EITI has moved towards becoming the global standard for revenue transparency in the extractive industries. Through implementing the EITI, countries bring together companies, civil society and government representatives to monitor and account for payments being made to governments by extractives companies operating in their country. Countries that have met all of the reporting and operational indicators set out under the EITI guidelines and completed a rigorous validation process are then considered to be EITI Compliant, establishing that a country's revenue reporting standards in its extractive sector have achieved a greater level of transparency.
The EITI is a coalition of governments, companies, civil society groups, investors and international organisations, whose secretariat is hosted by the Norwegian government in Oslo and was formally opened on 26 September 2007.
The organisation's objecives are driven by the fact that some 3.5 billion people live in countries rich in oil, gas and minerals and that with good governance the exploitation of these resources can generate large revenues to foster growth and reduce poverty.
The EITI says that however when governance is weak, it may result in poverty, corruption, and conflict. The EITI aims to strengthen governance by improving transparency and accountability in the extractives sector, setting a global standard for companies to publish what they pay and for governments to disclose what they receive.
Iran to fund oil processing in Uganda.
The New Vision
18 May 2009
By Henry Mukasa
Iran has agreed to fund the entire value chain of Uganda’s oil production. Iran will also jointly fund the construction of an oil refinery in Uganda.
The agreement was reached during President Yoweri Museveni’s three-day visit to Iran, where he held talk with his counterpart, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and addressed the Iranian Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Mines.
A communiqué issued at the end of the visit said the two countries will also expand co-operation in agriculture, especially agro-processing, investment, energy, mining, industry, vocational training, air transport, banking, ICT, public security and foreign relations.
The two presidents re-affirmed their commitment to strengthen
relations between their countries.
“Regarding the field of energy in particular, the two leaders agreed to consider co-operation in building an oil refinery in Uganda.
"On its part, Iran agreed to train Ugandans in its University of Petroleum Studies and other institutions in Iran in the relevant fields of petroleum,” a statement issued by State House said.
“Iran also expressed its readiness to invest in the entire value chain of Uganda’s petroleum industry.”
Uganda’s discovered oil resource in the Lake Albertine Graben is so far estimated at 600 million barrels of oil.
Iran also expressed willingness to consider Uganda’s request for the supply of fuel for Uganda’s thermal power plant, while President Ahmadinejad accepted Museveni’s invitation to visit Uganda.
They agreed to co-operate in production, processing and marketing of agro-products as well as in agricultural mechanisation. The two nations would also curve out a free trade zone.
On international affairs, the Presidents reviewed the situation in the Middle East and Afghanistan as well as the Great Lakes Region and the Horn of Africa.
They reiterated their commitment to disarmament and the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
“They also re-affirmed the right of developing countries to develop nuclear energy for peaceful (development) purposes.”
At a news conference later, Museveni observed that relations between Uganda and Iran have been excellent over the past 30 years.
Ahmadinejad said Iran would ensure there are no obstacles in its bi-lateral trade with Uganda.
The President, who returns today, was accompanied by ministers for trade and industry, ICT, energy and minerals and international affairs.
18 May 2009
By Henry Mukasa
Iran has agreed to fund the entire value chain of Uganda’s oil production. Iran will also jointly fund the construction of an oil refinery in Uganda.
The agreement was reached during President Yoweri Museveni’s three-day visit to Iran, where he held talk with his counterpart, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and addressed the Iranian Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Mines.
A communiqué issued at the end of the visit said the two countries will also expand co-operation in agriculture, especially agro-processing, investment, energy, mining, industry, vocational training, air transport, banking, ICT, public security and foreign relations.
The two presidents re-affirmed their commitment to strengthen
relations between their countries.
“Regarding the field of energy in particular, the two leaders agreed to consider co-operation in building an oil refinery in Uganda.
"On its part, Iran agreed to train Ugandans in its University of Petroleum Studies and other institutions in Iran in the relevant fields of petroleum,” a statement issued by State House said.
“Iran also expressed its readiness to invest in the entire value chain of Uganda’s petroleum industry.”
Uganda’s discovered oil resource in the Lake Albertine Graben is so far estimated at 600 million barrels of oil.
Iran also expressed willingness to consider Uganda’s request for the supply of fuel for Uganda’s thermal power plant, while President Ahmadinejad accepted Museveni’s invitation to visit Uganda.
They agreed to co-operate in production, processing and marketing of agro-products as well as in agricultural mechanisation. The two nations would also curve out a free trade zone.
On international affairs, the Presidents reviewed the situation in the Middle East and Afghanistan as well as the Great Lakes Region and the Horn of Africa.
They reiterated their commitment to disarmament and the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
“They also re-affirmed the right of developing countries to develop nuclear energy for peaceful (development) purposes.”
At a news conference later, Museveni observed that relations between Uganda and Iran have been excellent over the past 30 years.
Ahmadinejad said Iran would ensure there are no obstacles in its bi-lateral trade with Uganda.
The President, who returns today, was accompanied by ministers for trade and industry, ICT, energy and minerals and international affairs.
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