U.S. senior diplomat vows more help to Libya
Visiting U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice on Monday held talks with Libyan interim Prime Minister Abdel Rahim el-Keeb, and vowed more help for the Libyan people in various areas.
Hailing the accomplishments that the Libyan people had made, Rice said that the United States will "take all necessary efforts to continue our full partnership."
She promised to offer more help for the Libyan people in fields like national security, the destruction of chemical weapons and the building of a new democratical government.
"I wish we can see a stronger relationship between the U.S. and Libya," Rice stressed.
Meanwhile, el-Keeb welcomed the visit of Rice, who arrived in the Libyan capital of Tripoli Monday, saying that "I want to solute through you the U.S. position during our difficult time."
On the capture of Saif al-Islam, son of fallen leader Muammar Gaddafi, and ex-intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi, el-Keeb ensured that they would receive fair trials in Libya.
He also noted that the ruling National Transitional Council would announce the list of the interim government Tuesday.
Editor: Bi Mingxin
English.news.cn 2011-11-21 21:26:28 FeedbackPrintRSS
TRIPOLI, Nov. 21 (Xinhua)
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
22 killed, 1,830 injured in Egyptian clashes: health ministry
22 killed, 1,830 injured in Egyptian clashes: health ministry
A total of 22 people have been killed and 1,830 injured in the three days of clashes between protestors and police in Egypt's capital Cairo and other cities, health ministry officials said Monday.
A morgue official in Cairo reportedly said earlier Monday that 33 dead bodies were brought to the morgue from central Cairo's Tahrir Square, where the clashes have been going on since Saturday, but he later revised the number, saying that the counting was wrong as it included some deaths with no relation to the clashes.
Clashes continued on Monday in Cairo as thousands of people gathered in Tahrir Square and a nearby street leading to the premises of the Interior Ministry building while the security forces fired tear gas into the crowds in the street.
The protests were sparked by a controversy over the constitutional principles, as the opposition parties did not agree with the interim government to grant more power to the military.
"We just seek freedom and democracy and a civilian government," a protestor, Mohmed Mahmoud, told Xinhua.
The 26-year-old man said the security forces used violence against protestors and some members of the disbanded National Democratic Party might have hired thugs to stir the violence.
Walid Mohamed, a 25-year-old farmer from the southern province of Minya, said two of his friends died Sunday in the clashes in Tahrir Square.
The barefooted man, whose head was taped with gauze due to rubber bullet wounds, said he lost his shoes when he was injured Sunday and sent to a hospital for treatment.
"We want Tantawi to leave and hand over power as soon as possible," he said, referring to the chief of the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces.
Mohamed said the protestors were giving the military rulers the last warning and more protests would come if their demands were not met.
The ruling military council expressed regret for the clashes and assigned the government to take measures to avoid similar incidents.
The military also said it would stick to the power transfer schedule and had no intention to delay it.
Any move to disrupt the democratic transition process would not be allowed, it stressed Sunday.
"The military forces were not in Tahrir Square but were assigned to secure the headquarters of the interior ministry," said assistant chief of the Central Military Region, Saeed Abbas, at a press conference in front of the interior ministry building near the square on Monday.
"The military council did not come to the square on Sunday to disperse protestors, but it came at a request of the Interior Minister Mansour el-Essawy," he added.
Abbas affirmed that if the protestors wanted any forces to protect them from bullying, the forces will be ready to protect them.
Meanwhile, Abbas asserted the military council's commitment to Egypt's road map according to which parliamentary elections will be held, a founding committee will be formed to draw a new constitution and the power will eventually handed over to a civilian authority.
On Monday, the military council issued a decree to ban all those who corrupted political life in Egypt, state TV said.
The ban was also a demand by many political forces in order to prevent the former regime remnants to regain power.
The current clashes, one of the worst clashes since the fall of former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in February, have raised concerns about the country's parliamentary elections to be held on Nov. 28 as there has not yet been any sign of an end to the protests.
English.news.cn 2011-11-21 20:56:24
A total of 22 people have been killed and 1,830 injured in the three days of clashes between protestors and police in Egypt's capital Cairo and other cities, health ministry officials said Monday.
A morgue official in Cairo reportedly said earlier Monday that 33 dead bodies were brought to the morgue from central Cairo's Tahrir Square, where the clashes have been going on since Saturday, but he later revised the number, saying that the counting was wrong as it included some deaths with no relation to the clashes.
Clashes continued on Monday in Cairo as thousands of people gathered in Tahrir Square and a nearby street leading to the premises of the Interior Ministry building while the security forces fired tear gas into the crowds in the street.
The protests were sparked by a controversy over the constitutional principles, as the opposition parties did not agree with the interim government to grant more power to the military.
"We just seek freedom and democracy and a civilian government," a protestor, Mohmed Mahmoud, told Xinhua.
The 26-year-old man said the security forces used violence against protestors and some members of the disbanded National Democratic Party might have hired thugs to stir the violence.
Walid Mohamed, a 25-year-old farmer from the southern province of Minya, said two of his friends died Sunday in the clashes in Tahrir Square.
The barefooted man, whose head was taped with gauze due to rubber bullet wounds, said he lost his shoes when he was injured Sunday and sent to a hospital for treatment.
"We want Tantawi to leave and hand over power as soon as possible," he said, referring to the chief of the ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces.
Mohamed said the protestors were giving the military rulers the last warning and more protests would come if their demands were not met.
The ruling military council expressed regret for the clashes and assigned the government to take measures to avoid similar incidents.
The military also said it would stick to the power transfer schedule and had no intention to delay it.
Any move to disrupt the democratic transition process would not be allowed, it stressed Sunday.
"The military forces were not in Tahrir Square but were assigned to secure the headquarters of the interior ministry," said assistant chief of the Central Military Region, Saeed Abbas, at a press conference in front of the interior ministry building near the square on Monday.
"The military council did not come to the square on Sunday to disperse protestors, but it came at a request of the Interior Minister Mansour el-Essawy," he added.
Abbas affirmed that if the protestors wanted any forces to protect them from bullying, the forces will be ready to protect them.
Meanwhile, Abbas asserted the military council's commitment to Egypt's road map according to which parliamentary elections will be held, a founding committee will be formed to draw a new constitution and the power will eventually handed over to a civilian authority.
On Monday, the military council issued a decree to ban all those who corrupted political life in Egypt, state TV said.
The ban was also a demand by many political forces in order to prevent the former regime remnants to regain power.
The current clashes, one of the worst clashes since the fall of former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in February, have raised concerns about the country's parliamentary elections to be held on Nov. 28 as there has not yet been any sign of an end to the protests.
English.news.cn 2011-11-21 20:56:24
Death toll rises to 22 as clashes inflame in Egypt
Death toll rises to 22 as clashes inflame in Egypt
The death toll from the clashes between protestors and police in the Egyptian capital of Cairo and other cities has risen to 22, the official Middle East news agency reported Monday, citing the health ministry's latest figures.
"The death toll resulted from the clashes between protestors and police rose to 22, including two for the day before yesterday, " a spokesperson of the ministry was quoted as saying.
The official Ahram newspaper quoted Hesham Shiha, an official of the Ministry of Health, as saying that the number of those injured in recent days of violence has risen to 1,830, 464 of them recorded Sunday.
Protestors have been sitting in central Cairo's Tahrir Square since Friday urging the ruling military council to hand the power back to a civilian authority. The council has insisted it have no intention to prolong the transitional period.
Editor: Bi Mingxin
English.news.cn 2011-11-21 18:18:38
The death toll from the clashes between protestors and police in the Egyptian capital of Cairo and other cities has risen to 22, the official Middle East news agency reported Monday, citing the health ministry's latest figures.
"The death toll resulted from the clashes between protestors and police rose to 22, including two for the day before yesterday, " a spokesperson of the ministry was quoted as saying.
The official Ahram newspaper quoted Hesham Shiha, an official of the Ministry of Health, as saying that the number of those injured in recent days of violence has risen to 1,830, 464 of them recorded Sunday.
Protestors have been sitting in central Cairo's Tahrir Square since Friday urging the ruling military council to hand the power back to a civilian authority. The council has insisted it have no intention to prolong the transitional period.
Editor: Bi Mingxin
English.news.cn 2011-11-21 18:18:38
Protestors-police clashes rage on in central Cairo, 20 killed since Sunday
Protestors-police clashes rage on in central Cairo, 20 killed since Sunday
Violent clashes between protestors and riot police entered the third day Monday at the Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo.
Policemen using tear gas tried to disperse hundreds of protestors gathering at and near the landmark square, who came back Monday morning after being evicted by the police overnight.
In response, protestors hurled stones and tear gas canisters back at the riot police.
Protestors were trying to camp in the square until the country' s ruling military council hand the power back to a civilian authority.
The latest figures released by the Ministry of Health showed that 20 people have been killed in this round of violence since Sunday, with more than 1,000 others injured.
The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces stressed Sunday in a statement that it is committed to the defined time frame of the transitional period and has no intention to prolong it.
The local ElMasry elyoum newspaper reported Monday that Egypt's caretaker government submitted resignation Sunday in protest at the violence in Tahrir Square, but the Supreme Council refused it.
Editor: Bi Mingxin
English.news.cn 2011-11-21 18:15:44 FeedbackPrintRSS
CAIRO, Nov. 21 (Xinhua)
Violent clashes between protestors and riot police entered the third day Monday at the Tahrir Square in downtown Cairo.
Policemen using tear gas tried to disperse hundreds of protestors gathering at and near the landmark square, who came back Monday morning after being evicted by the police overnight.
In response, protestors hurled stones and tear gas canisters back at the riot police.
Protestors were trying to camp in the square until the country' s ruling military council hand the power back to a civilian authority.
The latest figures released by the Ministry of Health showed that 20 people have been killed in this round of violence since Sunday, with more than 1,000 others injured.
The Supreme Council of the Armed Forces stressed Sunday in a statement that it is committed to the defined time frame of the transitional period and has no intention to prolong it.
The local ElMasry elyoum newspaper reported Monday that Egypt's caretaker government submitted resignation Sunday in protest at the violence in Tahrir Square, but the Supreme Council refused it.
Editor: Bi Mingxin
English.news.cn 2011-11-21 18:15:44 FeedbackPrintRSS
CAIRO, Nov. 21 (Xinhua)
Albanian foreign minister to visit Seoul
Albanian foreign minister to visit Seoul
The Albanian foreign minister is scheduled to visit South Korea later this week for talks over bilateral ties, the foreign ministry here said Monday.
Edmond Haxhinasto, who also serves as the deputy Prime Minister, will arrive in Seoul Tuesday in the first visit by a top Albanian diplomat to South Korea in five years, according to the ministry.
During his two-day trip, he is scheduled to meet with South Korean foreign minister Kim Sung-hwan to discuss the strengthening of bilateral cooperation and the expanding of high-level exchanges.
South Korea and Albania established official diplomatic relations in 1991.
Editor: Deng Shasha
English.news.cn 2011-11-21 16:25:14 FeedbackPrintRSS
SEOUL, Nov. 21 (Xinhua)
The Albanian foreign minister is scheduled to visit South Korea later this week for talks over bilateral ties, the foreign ministry here said Monday.
Edmond Haxhinasto, who also serves as the deputy Prime Minister, will arrive in Seoul Tuesday in the first visit by a top Albanian diplomat to South Korea in five years, according to the ministry.
During his two-day trip, he is scheduled to meet with South Korean foreign minister Kim Sung-hwan to discuss the strengthening of bilateral cooperation and the expanding of high-level exchanges.
South Korea and Albania established official diplomatic relations in 1991.
Editor: Deng Shasha
English.news.cn 2011-11-21 16:25:14 FeedbackPrintRSS
SEOUL, Nov. 21 (Xinhua)
Gunmen kill 2 in oil rich Nigerian state
Gunmen kill 2 in oil rich Nigerian state
Nigerian police in southeast Akwa Ibom has confirmed the killing of two unidentified persons in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of the state by unknown gunmen.
State police spokesperson Onyeka Orji disclosed this to reporters in Eket area of the state on Sunday, saying that the gunmen killed two unidentified persons during the operation.
Orji said two members of the gang had been arrested while others fled with gunshot wounds.
According to him, the police have recovered an AK 47 riffle and 22 rounds of ammunition as well as the Hiace bus used for the operation.
The incident was said to have occurred a few meters from Akwa Ibom State University in Ikot Apanen, Mkpat Enin council area.
Security sources said there was a gun battle between the gunmen and the police lasting several minutes and scaring away people from the crime scene.
The sources said it remained unclear if the unidentified gunmen were armed robbers or hired assassins.
Editor: Deng Shasha
English.news.cn 2011-11-21 16:04:55 FeedbackPrintRSS
AKWA IBOM, Nigeria, Nov. 21 (Xinhua)
Nigerian police in southeast Akwa Ibom has confirmed the killing of two unidentified persons in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of the state by unknown gunmen.
State police spokesperson Onyeka Orji disclosed this to reporters in Eket area of the state on Sunday, saying that the gunmen killed two unidentified persons during the operation.
Orji said two members of the gang had been arrested while others fled with gunshot wounds.
According to him, the police have recovered an AK 47 riffle and 22 rounds of ammunition as well as the Hiace bus used for the operation.
The incident was said to have occurred a few meters from Akwa Ibom State University in Ikot Apanen, Mkpat Enin council area.
Security sources said there was a gun battle between the gunmen and the police lasting several minutes and scaring away people from the crime scene.
The sources said it remained unclear if the unidentified gunmen were armed robbers or hired assassins.
Editor: Deng Shasha
English.news.cn 2011-11-21 16:04:55 FeedbackPrintRSS
AKWA IBOM, Nigeria, Nov. 21 (Xinhua)
Nigerian troops arrest suspected gunmen in northeast state
Nigerian troops arrest suspected gunmen in northeast state
Nigerian troops operating in northeast Borno State has confirmed the arrest of a number of suspected gunmen.
Col. Victor Ebhaleme, field commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF), told reporters on Sunday in Maiduguri, the state capital, that the arrests were in connection with the recent indiscriminate shooting in the metropolis.
The commander said he could not give the exact number as they were still undergoing interrogation.
"Anybody that is found guilty will however face the full wrath of the law at the end of the day," the JTF field commander said.
He told reporters that the arrests became necessary in view of the role armed robbers now play in the city under the guise of being Boko Haram members to breach the public peace.
The commander expressed concern over media reports that two soldiers were killed in a shoot-out between JTF operatives and gunmen in the Gwange area of Maiduguri.
He said the reports were untrue and advised journalists to verify their facts before going to press, fearing the write-ups had misled the public.
Editor: Deng Shasha
English.news.cn 2011-11-21 15:48:34 FeedbackPrintRSS
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria, Nov. 21 (Xinhua)
Nigerian troops operating in northeast Borno State has confirmed the arrest of a number of suspected gunmen.
Col. Victor Ebhaleme, field commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF), told reporters on Sunday in Maiduguri, the state capital, that the arrests were in connection with the recent indiscriminate shooting in the metropolis.
The commander said he could not give the exact number as they were still undergoing interrogation.
"Anybody that is found guilty will however face the full wrath of the law at the end of the day," the JTF field commander said.
He told reporters that the arrests became necessary in view of the role armed robbers now play in the city under the guise of being Boko Haram members to breach the public peace.
The commander expressed concern over media reports that two soldiers were killed in a shoot-out between JTF operatives and gunmen in the Gwange area of Maiduguri.
He said the reports were untrue and advised journalists to verify their facts before going to press, fearing the write-ups had misled the public.
Editor: Deng Shasha
English.news.cn 2011-11-21 15:48:34 FeedbackPrintRSS
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria, Nov. 21 (Xinhua)
Nigerian president to attend investors council meeting in France
Nigerian president to attend investors council meeting in France
Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to lead a federal government delegation on a three-day official visit to France for a series of meetings of the Honorary International Investor Council (HIIC) on Nov. 23-25.
President Jonathan is the chairman of the HIIC, which works with the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council and has the responsibility to take practical steps to attract foreign direct investment into the West African country. Baroness Lynda Chalker is coordinator of the council.
Members of the council are top-level international and local personalities who can authorize or influence investment decisions of companies and countries.
Some of the members of the HIIC expected to attend the meetings include Shaukat Aziz, former prime minister of Pakistan, Zafar Siddiqi of CNBC Arabia, Malcolm Brinded of Shell, Lakshimi Mittal of Arcelor Mittal, Hidekazu Fajioka of Mitsubishi Corporation, Olivier Suinat of Hewlett Packard and Aliko Dangote.
Others are Sheikh Khalid Alireza of Xenel Group of Saudi Arabia, Yves-Louis Darricarrere of Total, Neil Harvey of Credit Suisse, Femi Otedola of Zennon Petroleum and Gas and Pietro Franco Tali of Saipem.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-11-21 15:25:49 FeedbackPrintRSS
ABUJA, Nov. 21 (Xinhua)
Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to lead a federal government delegation on a three-day official visit to France for a series of meetings of the Honorary International Investor Council (HIIC) on Nov. 23-25.
President Jonathan is the chairman of the HIIC, which works with the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council and has the responsibility to take practical steps to attract foreign direct investment into the West African country. Baroness Lynda Chalker is coordinator of the council.
Members of the council are top-level international and local personalities who can authorize or influence investment decisions of companies and countries.
Some of the members of the HIIC expected to attend the meetings include Shaukat Aziz, former prime minister of Pakistan, Zafar Siddiqi of CNBC Arabia, Malcolm Brinded of Shell, Lakshimi Mittal of Arcelor Mittal, Hidekazu Fajioka of Mitsubishi Corporation, Olivier Suinat of Hewlett Packard and Aliko Dangote.
Others are Sheikh Khalid Alireza of Xenel Group of Saudi Arabia, Yves-Louis Darricarrere of Total, Neil Harvey of Credit Suisse, Femi Otedola of Zennon Petroleum and Gas and Pietro Franco Tali of Saipem.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-11-21 15:25:49 FeedbackPrintRSS
ABUJA, Nov. 21 (Xinhua)
Mauritanian fishermen denounce "illegal activities" by foreign rivals
Mauritanian fishermen denounce "illegal activities" by foreign rivals
Hundreds of small scale Mauritanian fishermen on Sunday organized a sit-in in front of the presidential palace in the capital Nouakchott to denounce the "illegal activities" of foreign rivals being protected by the Atlantic Ocean African country's businessmen.
The Mauritanian fishermen facing difficulties today supply fish to the local market and neighboring countries like Senegal. But the activity is dominated by foreigners, especially the Senegalese, they complained.
The fishermen were carrying placards denouncing the act of protecting foreigners by the nationals, fishing small fish which are banned and increased insecurity on the beaches.
They vowed to start "blocking the roads for all those who, against the law, want to continue looting our national resources."
"We have already protested before the fisheries and commerce ministries without getting any meaningful response," said the spokesman for the traditional fishermen, Yaly N'Diay.
According to Ibrahima Sarr, the secretary general of the federation of fishermen, "this federation, which has 2,000 members, is there for the protection of the rights of fishermen."
"It's regrettable that sometimes even those who have been employed to protect us like the maritime surveillance officials act in complicity with the foreigners," he said.
According to recent statistics by the Mauritanian Federation of Fishermen, small scale fishing contributes significantly to the reduction of joblessness with about 15,000 people employed and a turnover of about 150 million U.S. dollars obtained from the 110, 000 tons of fish caught each year.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-11-21 14:56:50 FeedbackPrintRSS
NOUAKCHOTT, Nov. 21 (Xinhua)
Hundreds of small scale Mauritanian fishermen on Sunday organized a sit-in in front of the presidential palace in the capital Nouakchott to denounce the "illegal activities" of foreign rivals being protected by the Atlantic Ocean African country's businessmen.
The Mauritanian fishermen facing difficulties today supply fish to the local market and neighboring countries like Senegal. But the activity is dominated by foreigners, especially the Senegalese, they complained.
The fishermen were carrying placards denouncing the act of protecting foreigners by the nationals, fishing small fish which are banned and increased insecurity on the beaches.
They vowed to start "blocking the roads for all those who, against the law, want to continue looting our national resources."
"We have already protested before the fisheries and commerce ministries without getting any meaningful response," said the spokesman for the traditional fishermen, Yaly N'Diay.
According to Ibrahima Sarr, the secretary general of the federation of fishermen, "this federation, which has 2,000 members, is there for the protection of the rights of fishermen."
"It's regrettable that sometimes even those who have been employed to protect us like the maritime surveillance officials act in complicity with the foreigners," he said.
According to recent statistics by the Mauritanian Federation of Fishermen, small scale fishing contributes significantly to the reduction of joblessness with about 15,000 people employed and a turnover of about 150 million U.S. dollars obtained from the 110, 000 tons of fish caught each year.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-11-21 14:56:50 FeedbackPrintRSS
NOUAKCHOTT, Nov. 21 (Xinhua)
Kenyan troops strike Al-Shabaab training camps
Kenyan troops strike Al-Shabaab training camps
Kenyan troops backed by warships destroyed two Al-Shabaab training camps on Sunday as they intensify their crackdown on the militant groups in southern Somalia.
Military spokesman Major Emmanuel Chirchir said the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) backed by soldiers from the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia shattered the training facility that is also used by Al-Qaeda to train fighters based in Hola Wajeer in Badade District, Lower Juba.
"On Nov. 20 at around 12:00, KDF jets supported by Naval fire destroyed two Al- Shabaab/Al-Qaeda KEY training facility in Hola Wajeer/Lacta area in Badade district, Lower Juba," Chirchir said on Sunday night.
According to the military spokesman, the destroyed infrastructure is used to accommodate foreign fighters, most of them trainers of the Al-Shabaab fighters.
"We also want to confirm that no Kenya Navy warship was sunk or engaged by the Al-Shabaab in the Somali coast as reported by some of the media," Chirchir said.
The latest move came as residents in Somalia say a large number of Ethiopian troops have crossed into neighboring Horn of Africa nation to join the dual military operation.
News reports quoted Somali elders on Sunday as saying the Ethiopian troops moved into Somalia Saturday in armored vehicles.
The Ethiopian government would not confirm the reports, but news agencies quoted an unnamed Ethiopian official as saying there was a "strong possibility" the nation's military would soon support Kenya's operation against Al-Shabaab.
The Ethiopian entry in Somalia also came as the Kenyan troops said they are effectively dealing with the change of tact by Al- Shabaab following gradual acceptance by local Somalis.
Colonel Cyrus Oguna of the Department of Defense said on Saturday the Kenyan forces are hugely benefiting from information and intelligence they are receiving from the people liberated from the Somali militia, Al-Shabaab.
Oguna attributed the successes which have seen more Al-Shabaab fighters killed and several injured due to cordial relations the troops are enjoying with the local populations.
"There has been a very great cooperation between KDF forces and local leaders in the last one week which has provided some intelligence on the whereabouts of Al-Shabaab bases in south Somalia," Oguna told journalists in Nairobi.
He said more than 30 Al-Shabaab members were killed last week in raids by the military while others were arrested when disguised as women in the border area of Sinai.
Struggling as a governing authority in most parts of southern Somalia, Al-Shabaab was reportedly mobilizing local business leaders to provide its volunteers with modes of transport to enable it to defend against the Kenyan offensive in response to a spate of attacks against the Kenyan security.
The cross-border operation dubbed, Operation Linda Nchi (Protect the Nation), was launched on Oct. 16 and has seen Kenya deploy ground troops and air assets between its common border and near the Somali port town of Kismayo.
The officials have also clarified that its forces were at war with Somali militants who threaten Kenya's heavily tourism- dependent economy and its national security.
The Al-Qaeda allied group, Al-Shabaab, which denies involvement in the abductions, has vowed to retaliate.
The Kenyan military says it has secured more areas of southern Somalia and is urging aid agencies to come back to the country to help those in need. Kenya's Foreign Ministry says it is also trying to win international approval for African Union forces to join the fight.
The Kenyan military official said the KDF has driven Al-Shabab fighters out of parts of southern Somalia in a series of raids over the last week.
"The relationship between the KDF and the local Somali population has been growing and we are gaining acceptance because of the rapport that has been established, they have confidence in us and are volunteering information, in the coming days more towns will be captured courtesy to the cooperation of the locals," Oguna said.
Al-Shabaab has been fighting since 2008 to topple the weak central government. The group recently left the capital, Mogadishu, but still controls large sections of southern and central Somalia.
The rag-tag nature of the group complicates battle, but the unfolding humanitarian crisis in southern Somalia has also forced the Kenyan troops to focus mostly on securing relief supplies as opposed to engaging in real battle against the group.
The militia group has in the recent past abducted four foreigners from inside Kenya undermining the economy of the country. The militias abducted two military personnel who since July have not been unaccounted for, according to Kenyan officials.
Security analysts believe like Al Qaeda, Al-Shabaab's main sources of funding may be legitimate businesses in Nairobi and Mogadishu, from where the group draws funds to keep its operations running.
Somalia has been unfortunate for at least two decades, in which warlords and all other merchants of violence have devastated the Horn of African country's human existence.
Al-Shabaab has been the latest of these groups to impose severe misery on the population by denying them the basic right to choose their legitimate leaders and access to food aid, thus condemning them to famine.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-11-21 14:44:25 FeedbackPrintRSS
By Daniel Ooko and David Musyoka
NAIROBI, Nov. 21 (Xinhua)
Kenyan troops backed by warships destroyed two Al-Shabaab training camps on Sunday as they intensify their crackdown on the militant groups in southern Somalia.
Military spokesman Major Emmanuel Chirchir said the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) backed by soldiers from the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia shattered the training facility that is also used by Al-Qaeda to train fighters based in Hola Wajeer in Badade District, Lower Juba.
"On Nov. 20 at around 12:00, KDF jets supported by Naval fire destroyed two Al- Shabaab/Al-Qaeda KEY training facility in Hola Wajeer/Lacta area in Badade district, Lower Juba," Chirchir said on Sunday night.
According to the military spokesman, the destroyed infrastructure is used to accommodate foreign fighters, most of them trainers of the Al-Shabaab fighters.
"We also want to confirm that no Kenya Navy warship was sunk or engaged by the Al-Shabaab in the Somali coast as reported by some of the media," Chirchir said.
The latest move came as residents in Somalia say a large number of Ethiopian troops have crossed into neighboring Horn of Africa nation to join the dual military operation.
News reports quoted Somali elders on Sunday as saying the Ethiopian troops moved into Somalia Saturday in armored vehicles.
The Ethiopian government would not confirm the reports, but news agencies quoted an unnamed Ethiopian official as saying there was a "strong possibility" the nation's military would soon support Kenya's operation against Al-Shabaab.
The Ethiopian entry in Somalia also came as the Kenyan troops said they are effectively dealing with the change of tact by Al- Shabaab following gradual acceptance by local Somalis.
Colonel Cyrus Oguna of the Department of Defense said on Saturday the Kenyan forces are hugely benefiting from information and intelligence they are receiving from the people liberated from the Somali militia, Al-Shabaab.
Oguna attributed the successes which have seen more Al-Shabaab fighters killed and several injured due to cordial relations the troops are enjoying with the local populations.
"There has been a very great cooperation between KDF forces and local leaders in the last one week which has provided some intelligence on the whereabouts of Al-Shabaab bases in south Somalia," Oguna told journalists in Nairobi.
He said more than 30 Al-Shabaab members were killed last week in raids by the military while others were arrested when disguised as women in the border area of Sinai.
Struggling as a governing authority in most parts of southern Somalia, Al-Shabaab was reportedly mobilizing local business leaders to provide its volunteers with modes of transport to enable it to defend against the Kenyan offensive in response to a spate of attacks against the Kenyan security.
The cross-border operation dubbed, Operation Linda Nchi (Protect the Nation), was launched on Oct. 16 and has seen Kenya deploy ground troops and air assets between its common border and near the Somali port town of Kismayo.
The officials have also clarified that its forces were at war with Somali militants who threaten Kenya's heavily tourism- dependent economy and its national security.
The Al-Qaeda allied group, Al-Shabaab, which denies involvement in the abductions, has vowed to retaliate.
The Kenyan military says it has secured more areas of southern Somalia and is urging aid agencies to come back to the country to help those in need. Kenya's Foreign Ministry says it is also trying to win international approval for African Union forces to join the fight.
The Kenyan military official said the KDF has driven Al-Shabab fighters out of parts of southern Somalia in a series of raids over the last week.
"The relationship between the KDF and the local Somali population has been growing and we are gaining acceptance because of the rapport that has been established, they have confidence in us and are volunteering information, in the coming days more towns will be captured courtesy to the cooperation of the locals," Oguna said.
Al-Shabaab has been fighting since 2008 to topple the weak central government. The group recently left the capital, Mogadishu, but still controls large sections of southern and central Somalia.
The rag-tag nature of the group complicates battle, but the unfolding humanitarian crisis in southern Somalia has also forced the Kenyan troops to focus mostly on securing relief supplies as opposed to engaging in real battle against the group.
The militia group has in the recent past abducted four foreigners from inside Kenya undermining the economy of the country. The militias abducted two military personnel who since July have not been unaccounted for, according to Kenyan officials.
Security analysts believe like Al Qaeda, Al-Shabaab's main sources of funding may be legitimate businesses in Nairobi and Mogadishu, from where the group draws funds to keep its operations running.
Somalia has been unfortunate for at least two decades, in which warlords and all other merchants of violence have devastated the Horn of African country's human existence.
Al-Shabaab has been the latest of these groups to impose severe misery on the population by denying them the basic right to choose their legitimate leaders and access to food aid, thus condemning them to famine.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-11-21 14:44:25 FeedbackPrintRSS
By Daniel Ooko and David Musyoka
NAIROBI, Nov. 21 (Xinhua)
Recent developments offer unique opportunity to consolidate security in Somalia: AU
Recent developments offer unique opportunity to consolidate security in Somalia: AU
The Peace and Security Council of the African Union said the recent developments in Somalia, in particular the forced withdrawal of Al-Shabaab from Mogadishu and the operation being undertaken by Kenya, offer a unique opportunity to consolidate security across Somalia.
According to a statement the Council sent to media on Sunday, the developments also enable to sustain efforts at enhancing the implementation of the Political Roadmap, agreed to by the Somali stakeholders in Mogadishu, in early September, as a follow-up to the Kampala Accord of June 2011.
The Council at its 298th meeting held on Nov. 17, was briefed on the situation in Somalia by the Commissioner for Peace and Security, the representatives of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia and also Ethiopia, as the Chair of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), as well as by the League of Arab States and the United Nations.
The Council commended the TFG forces and the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) for their courage and dedication, and paid a well deserved tribute to all the peacekeepers, who lost their lives and those wounded in accomplishing their duty.
The statement said the Council reiterated its appreciation to the governments and people of Burundi and Uganda for their commitment to the cause of peace and reconciliation in Somalia and the sacrifices made to that end.
It welcomed the impending deployment of a Djiboutian battalion and also reiterated its appreciation to all the Member States contributing personnel to the AMISOM police component.
The Council reiterated its call on the United Nations, to enhance its support to AMISOM and equally stressed the importance of adequate international support to the TFG forces to enable them to assume primary responsibility for the security of the country, according to the statement.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-11-21 05:58:00 FeedbackPrintRSS
ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 20 (Xinhua)
The Peace and Security Council of the African Union said the recent developments in Somalia, in particular the forced withdrawal of Al-Shabaab from Mogadishu and the operation being undertaken by Kenya, offer a unique opportunity to consolidate security across Somalia.
According to a statement the Council sent to media on Sunday, the developments also enable to sustain efforts at enhancing the implementation of the Political Roadmap, agreed to by the Somali stakeholders in Mogadishu, in early September, as a follow-up to the Kampala Accord of June 2011.
The Council at its 298th meeting held on Nov. 17, was briefed on the situation in Somalia by the Commissioner for Peace and Security, the representatives of the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia and also Ethiopia, as the Chair of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), as well as by the League of Arab States and the United Nations.
The Council commended the TFG forces and the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) for their courage and dedication, and paid a well deserved tribute to all the peacekeepers, who lost their lives and those wounded in accomplishing their duty.
The statement said the Council reiterated its appreciation to the governments and people of Burundi and Uganda for their commitment to the cause of peace and reconciliation in Somalia and the sacrifices made to that end.
It welcomed the impending deployment of a Djiboutian battalion and also reiterated its appreciation to all the Member States contributing personnel to the AMISOM police component.
The Council reiterated its call on the United Nations, to enhance its support to AMISOM and equally stressed the importance of adequate international support to the TFG forces to enable them to assume primary responsibility for the security of the country, according to the statement.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-11-21 05:58:00 FeedbackPrintRSS
ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 20 (Xinhua)
Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam to be tried in Libya: NTC spokesman
Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam to be tried in Libya: NTC spokesman
Saif al-Islam, son of former slain Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, will be tried in Libya rather than in the International Criminal Court in The Hague (ICC), spokesman of the ruling National Transitional Council (NTC) Abdul Hafid Ghoga told reporters here Sunday.
"Today the NTC have discussed the capture of Saif who was wanted both by the Libyan court and the ICC, and the decision is he stay here and receive a fair trial," Ghoga told reporters at a press conference.
"We were consolidated by trying to activate the transitional law as well as the legislative body," said Ghoga, adding that the procedures were completed.
The European Union (EU) Saturday urged the NTC to safely deliver Saif to justice.
"The reported capture of Saif al-Islam is a significant development. As Colonel Gaddafi's son and possible successor, Saif was a key player in the former regime," said EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton in her statement following the report of Saif's capture.
Libyan interim Prime Minister Abdel Rahim el-Keeb promised a fair trial for Saif, who had been on the run for months since forces of the NTC took over Tripoli in late August and is wanted by the ICC for crimes against humanity.
"We assure Libyans and the world that Saif al-Islam will receive a fair trial," he said at a televised news conference held in the western Libyan town of Zintan, where Saif al-Islam is being kept in custody.
The ICC issued warrants on June 27 against Saif, his father and Abdullah al-Senussi, former intelligence chief in Gaddafi's regime who was captured earlier Sunday and is detained on charges of crimes against humanity in cracking down on anti-Gaddafi protests.
Muammar Gaddafi and his another son, Mutassim, were captured alive by NTC forces in his hometown Sirte in late October, but both died shortly in murky circumstances.
English.news.cn 2011-11-21 02:35:40
Saif al-Islam, son of former slain Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, will be tried in Libya rather than in the International Criminal Court in The Hague (ICC), spokesman of the ruling National Transitional Council (NTC) Abdul Hafid Ghoga told reporters here Sunday.
"Today the NTC have discussed the capture of Saif who was wanted both by the Libyan court and the ICC, and the decision is he stay here and receive a fair trial," Ghoga told reporters at a press conference.
"We were consolidated by trying to activate the transitional law as well as the legislative body," said Ghoga, adding that the procedures were completed.
The European Union (EU) Saturday urged the NTC to safely deliver Saif to justice.
"The reported capture of Saif al-Islam is a significant development. As Colonel Gaddafi's son and possible successor, Saif was a key player in the former regime," said EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton in her statement following the report of Saif's capture.
Libyan interim Prime Minister Abdel Rahim el-Keeb promised a fair trial for Saif, who had been on the run for months since forces of the NTC took over Tripoli in late August and is wanted by the ICC for crimes against humanity.
"We assure Libyans and the world that Saif al-Islam will receive a fair trial," he said at a televised news conference held in the western Libyan town of Zintan, where Saif al-Islam is being kept in custody.
The ICC issued warrants on June 27 against Saif, his father and Abdullah al-Senussi, former intelligence chief in Gaddafi's regime who was captured earlier Sunday and is detained on charges of crimes against humanity in cracking down on anti-Gaddafi protests.
Muammar Gaddafi and his another son, Mutassim, were captured alive by NTC forces in his hometown Sirte in late October, but both died shortly in murky circumstances.
English.news.cn 2011-11-21 02:35:40
Former Libyan intelligence chief captured: NTC source
Former Libyan intelligence chief captured: NTC source
Former Libyan intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi has been captured, an official of the ruling National Transitional Council (NTC) said Sunday.
"Senussi was captured in Brak al-Shate by a fighter brigade named Ahrar al-Fazan which was led by Ahmed Hesnawe," the NTC spokesman Abdul Hafid Ghoga told reporters here Sunday.
The NTC fighters who were tracking al-Senussi for two days arrested him at his sister's house, about 70 kilometers south of the desert city of Sabha.
Senussi, who had been at large since the fall of Tripoli to NTC forces in August, was seized earlier in the day in the southern Libyan town of Gaara by Sabha militia who are looking for a safe place to keep him in custody.
Senussi, 62, is the brother-in-law and former right-hand man of Libya's former strongman Muammar Gaddafi.
The former Libyan intelligence chief, along with Gaddafi and his second son Saif al-Islam, is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of crimes against humanity. The court issued arrest warrants for them in late June.
English.news.cn 2011-11-21 00:17:09 FeedbackPrintRSS
TRIPOLI, Nov. 20 (Xinhua)
Former Libyan intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi has been captured, an official of the ruling National Transitional Council (NTC) said Sunday.
"Senussi was captured in Brak al-Shate by a fighter brigade named Ahrar al-Fazan which was led by Ahmed Hesnawe," the NTC spokesman Abdul Hafid Ghoga told reporters here Sunday.
The NTC fighters who were tracking al-Senussi for two days arrested him at his sister's house, about 70 kilometers south of the desert city of Sabha.
Senussi, who had been at large since the fall of Tripoli to NTC forces in August, was seized earlier in the day in the southern Libyan town of Gaara by Sabha militia who are looking for a safe place to keep him in custody.
Senussi, 62, is the brother-in-law and former right-hand man of Libya's former strongman Muammar Gaddafi.
The former Libyan intelligence chief, along with Gaddafi and his second son Saif al-Islam, is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of crimes against humanity. The court issued arrest warrants for them in late June.
English.news.cn 2011-11-21 00:17:09 FeedbackPrintRSS
TRIPOLI, Nov. 20 (Xinhua)
Clashes continue between protestors, police after two deaths in Egypt
Clashes continue between protestors, police after two deaths in Egypt
Clashes continued early Sunday morning between the security forces and protestors in the Egyptian capital of Cairo, after two died from shots and nearly 1,000 were injured in similar clashes across the country.
Dozens of protestors tried to storm into the Interior Ministry building near the Tahrir Square in central Cairo, but were stopped by riot police stationed around the building. Security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets at the crowd of protestors.
All shops near the square have been closed.
A 23-year-old protestor in Cairo and another 16-year-old boy in Alexandria, Egypt's second largest city, were shot dead on Saturday, health ministry officials said.
Other cities like Suez also witnessed similar clashes.
The latest round of clashes broke out on Saturday in Cairo after military police tried to clear the Tahrir Square as dozens of protestors continued their sit-in after Friday's mass protest with the participation of tens of thousands. Police vans were set on fire, and protestors threw stones at them.
On Sunday, the Egyptian government held an emergency meeting under Prime Minister Essam Sharaf to assess the current situation in the country. The meeting focused on the means of restoring security and stability of Egypt's streets and the measures to secure the polling stations of the first stage of the parliamentary elections due to start on Nov. 28.
The military council has stressed in a statement issued on Sunday that the parliamentary elections will be held as planned.
English.news.cn 2011-11-20 20:49:01
Clashes continued early Sunday morning between the security forces and protestors in the Egyptian capital of Cairo, after two died from shots and nearly 1,000 were injured in similar clashes across the country.
Dozens of protestors tried to storm into the Interior Ministry building near the Tahrir Square in central Cairo, but were stopped by riot police stationed around the building. Security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets at the crowd of protestors.
All shops near the square have been closed.
A 23-year-old protestor in Cairo and another 16-year-old boy in Alexandria, Egypt's second largest city, were shot dead on Saturday, health ministry officials said.
Other cities like Suez also witnessed similar clashes.
The latest round of clashes broke out on Saturday in Cairo after military police tried to clear the Tahrir Square as dozens of protestors continued their sit-in after Friday's mass protest with the participation of tens of thousands. Police vans were set on fire, and protestors threw stones at them.
On Sunday, the Egyptian government held an emergency meeting under Prime Minister Essam Sharaf to assess the current situation in the country. The meeting focused on the means of restoring security and stability of Egypt's streets and the measures to secure the polling stations of the first stage of the parliamentary elections due to start on Nov. 28.
The military council has stressed in a statement issued on Sunday that the parliamentary elections will be held as planned.
English.news.cn 2011-11-20 20:49:01
Ethiopian official denies report its army crossed border into Somalia
Ethiopian official denies report its army crossed border into Somalia
Spokesman with the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Xinhua on Sunday that the country's troops did not enter Somalia, denying an earlier report.
Earlier reports claimed that Ethiopian troops in a convoy of more than 20 military vehicles had crossed over into neighboring Somalia, joining the war against Al-Shabaab in the Horn of Africa country.
Asked about the reports, Dina Mufti, Spokesperson of the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Ethiopian troops did not enter Somalia.
He said that the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Heads of State would meet in the coming week to deliberate on current issues in Somalia here in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia.
The Somali ambassador in Ethiopia could not be immediately reached.
The latest development came as the joint military operations are being undertaken by Kenyan and Somali troops against the rebel militants in the southern provinces after the two countries accused the Al -Shabaab of being behind a wave of abductions of foreigners.
Ethiopian troops withdrawn from Somalia in 2009 after two years of presence during which they fought with insurgency led by the radical Islamist group of Al-Shabaab.
The group has been successfully driven out of the Somali capital Mogadishu following a major offensive by Somali government forces backed by African Union peacekeeping troops based in the capital.
The Al-Shabaab fighters currently control much of the south and center of the wear ravaged horn of African nation while internationally recognized Somali government runs only the capital and few parts in the south of the country.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-11-20 17:02:51 FeedbackPrintRSS
ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 20 (Xinhua)
Spokesman with the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Xinhua on Sunday that the country's troops did not enter Somalia, denying an earlier report.
Earlier reports claimed that Ethiopian troops in a convoy of more than 20 military vehicles had crossed over into neighboring Somalia, joining the war against Al-Shabaab in the Horn of Africa country.
Asked about the reports, Dina Mufti, Spokesperson of the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Ethiopian troops did not enter Somalia.
He said that the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Heads of State would meet in the coming week to deliberate on current issues in Somalia here in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia.
The Somali ambassador in Ethiopia could not be immediately reached.
The latest development came as the joint military operations are being undertaken by Kenyan and Somali troops against the rebel militants in the southern provinces after the two countries accused the Al -Shabaab of being behind a wave of abductions of foreigners.
Ethiopian troops withdrawn from Somalia in 2009 after two years of presence during which they fought with insurgency led by the radical Islamist group of Al-Shabaab.
The group has been successfully driven out of the Somali capital Mogadishu following a major offensive by Somali government forces backed by African Union peacekeeping troops based in the capital.
The Al-Shabaab fighters currently control much of the south and center of the wear ravaged horn of African nation while internationally recognized Somali government runs only the capital and few parts in the south of the country.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-11-20 17:02:51 FeedbackPrintRSS
ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 20 (Xinhua)
Ethiopian troops seen to have pushed into Somalia
Ethiopian troops seen to have pushed into Somalia
Several hundreds of Ethiopian troops and scores of armoured military vehicles were witnessed to have crossed into neighbouring Somalia on Saturday, local witnesses said.
Ethiopian forces were reported to have pushed up to 50 km into the town of Guriel in central Somalia's Galgudud region and some 30 km into the town of Beletweyne in its Hiran region.
Several hundred Ethiopian troops convoyed by lorries and armoured vehicles were seen to have passed through Guriel, and the scale of troop movements was one of the largest in the recent past, local witnesses were quoted by the media as saying.
Kenyan residents and officials also confirmed the incursion of Ethiopian troops into the East African country, saying they crossed the Kenyan town of Mandera bordering with Ethiopia and Somalia.
So far, the report has not been confirmed by Addis Ababa.
The Ethiopian movement comes after Kenya's military operations in mid-October against Somalia's Islamist rebel group Al-Shabaab, who has been blamed for a series of abductions of foreigners on its soil.
Editor: Zhang Xiang
English.news.cn 2011-11-20 12:05:27 FeedbackPrintRSS
MOGADISHU, Nov. 20 (Xinhua)
Several hundreds of Ethiopian troops and scores of armoured military vehicles were witnessed to have crossed into neighbouring Somalia on Saturday, local witnesses said.
Ethiopian forces were reported to have pushed up to 50 km into the town of Guriel in central Somalia's Galgudud region and some 30 km into the town of Beletweyne in its Hiran region.
Several hundred Ethiopian troops convoyed by lorries and armoured vehicles were seen to have passed through Guriel, and the scale of troop movements was one of the largest in the recent past, local witnesses were quoted by the media as saying.
Kenyan residents and officials also confirmed the incursion of Ethiopian troops into the East African country, saying they crossed the Kenyan town of Mandera bordering with Ethiopia and Somalia.
So far, the report has not been confirmed by Addis Ababa.
The Ethiopian movement comes after Kenya's military operations in mid-October against Somalia's Islamist rebel group Al-Shabaab, who has been blamed for a series of abductions of foreigners on its soil.
Editor: Zhang Xiang
English.news.cn 2011-11-20 12:05:27 FeedbackPrintRSS
MOGADISHU, Nov. 20 (Xinhua)
507 injured as police, protestors clash in Egyptian capital
507 injured as police, protestors clash in Egyptian capital
At least 507 people were injured as the security forces clashed with protestors in the Egyptian capital of Cairo on Saturday, the country's health ministry said.
Military police clashed with protestors in downtown Cairo's Tahrir Square on Saturday, one day after a protest here demanding an early transfer of power to civilian rule.
The police used tear gas to disperse the crowds, and 18 rioters have been arrested.
Some 65 of the injured were rushed to hospitals for treatment, and the injured included 18 policemen, the health ministry said.
Egyptian Prime Minister Essam Sharaf called on the protestors to leave the square after the violence. However, more people marched into the square on Saturday evening, blocking the roads near the square and halting the traffic.
Earlier in the day, the security forces cleared the square, where a small group of protestors had stayed overnight and attempted to hold a sit-in on Saturday morning.
But at around midday, protestors gathered again in the square and threw stones at the military police who tried to disperse them.
Some protestors climbed onto a police van and smashed its windows with sticks and stones. The vehicle was then set ablaze.
Thousands of protestors were still at the square as of Saturday night.
Assistant Interior Minster Sami Sedhom blamed the violence on some parties wishing to create chaos and instability in the country in order to delay the coming elections, official MENA news agency said.
"The revolution has nothing to do with sabotage or burning security vehicles," he said.
Egypt saw protests and violence recently as it prepared to start the legislative polls on Nov. 28. On Friday, tens of thousands of protestors rallied at the Tahrir Square to protest a constitutional principle charter and the military rule.
On Thursday, 29 people were injured as about 100 Copts clashed with residents during their march toward downtown Cairo to commemorate the Oct. 9 clashes which left at least 25 dead.
The interior ministry has launched a crackdown campaign against outlaws in order to secure the elections.
Controversy over the constitutional principles was one cause for the latest protests, as the opposition parties did not agree with the power granted to the military in its budget.
Deputy Prime Minister Ali al-Selmi said Saturday that dialogue would be held in the coming few days with other political powers to reach an agreement on the amended document before submitting it to the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces for ratification, MENA reported.
He added that a 100-member assembly to draft the new constitution would be elected by lawmakers.
According to the transition arrangements, the country's parliamentary elections will last until March 2012. A new constitution will be drafted and a referendum be held for it. Then the country's new president will be elected.
But some political groups have urged an early transfer of power to a civilian government.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-11-20 05:58:29
At least 507 people were injured as the security forces clashed with protestors in the Egyptian capital of Cairo on Saturday, the country's health ministry said.
Military police clashed with protestors in downtown Cairo's Tahrir Square on Saturday, one day after a protest here demanding an early transfer of power to civilian rule.
The police used tear gas to disperse the crowds, and 18 rioters have been arrested.
Some 65 of the injured were rushed to hospitals for treatment, and the injured included 18 policemen, the health ministry said.
Egyptian Prime Minister Essam Sharaf called on the protestors to leave the square after the violence. However, more people marched into the square on Saturday evening, blocking the roads near the square and halting the traffic.
Earlier in the day, the security forces cleared the square, where a small group of protestors had stayed overnight and attempted to hold a sit-in on Saturday morning.
But at around midday, protestors gathered again in the square and threw stones at the military police who tried to disperse them.
Some protestors climbed onto a police van and smashed its windows with sticks and stones. The vehicle was then set ablaze.
Thousands of protestors were still at the square as of Saturday night.
Assistant Interior Minster Sami Sedhom blamed the violence on some parties wishing to create chaos and instability in the country in order to delay the coming elections, official MENA news agency said.
"The revolution has nothing to do with sabotage or burning security vehicles," he said.
Egypt saw protests and violence recently as it prepared to start the legislative polls on Nov. 28. On Friday, tens of thousands of protestors rallied at the Tahrir Square to protest a constitutional principle charter and the military rule.
On Thursday, 29 people were injured as about 100 Copts clashed with residents during their march toward downtown Cairo to commemorate the Oct. 9 clashes which left at least 25 dead.
The interior ministry has launched a crackdown campaign against outlaws in order to secure the elections.
Controversy over the constitutional principles was one cause for the latest protests, as the opposition parties did not agree with the power granted to the military in its budget.
Deputy Prime Minister Ali al-Selmi said Saturday that dialogue would be held in the coming few days with other political powers to reach an agreement on the amended document before submitting it to the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces for ratification, MENA reported.
He added that a 100-member assembly to draft the new constitution would be elected by lawmakers.
According to the transition arrangements, the country's parliamentary elections will last until March 2012. A new constitution will be drafted and a referendum be held for it. Then the country's new president will be elected.
But some political groups have urged an early transfer of power to a civilian government.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-11-20 05:58:29
Ethiopian troops amass at common border with Somalia
Ethiopian troops amass at common border with Somalia
Hundreds of Ethiopian troops have gathered along the common frontier with Somalia where Al- Shabaab rebels are in control, residents said Saturday.
Residents in the central Somali town of Beledweyne in Hiran province along the border with Ethiopia said that there have been visible increase in the Ethiopian troops at the border and that rebel fighters in the towns near the border getting ready for possible incursion.
"We still don't have troops over the border yet but many trucks full of troops arrived at the border and the fighters here are preparing for any eventuality," Daahir Adde, an elder in Beledweyne told Xinhua by phone.
Reporters from other area in the central Somalia provinces said that troops from Somalia's neighboring Ethiopia were seen along the common frontiers of the two countries and that rebel fighters' battle wagons were seen heading towards the frontier.
This news comes as joint military operations is being undertaken by Kenyan and Somali troops against the rebel militants in the southern provinces after the two countries accused the Al - Shabaab of being behind a wave of abductions of foreigners.
Ethiopian troops have withdrawn from Somalia in 2009 after two years of presence during which they fought with insurgency led by the radical Islamist group of Al-Shabaab.
The group has been successfully driven out of the Somali capital Mogadishu following a major offensive by Somali government forces backed by African Union peacekeeping troops based in the capital.
The Al-Shabaab fighters currently control much of the south and center of the wear ravaged horn of African nation while internationally recognized Somali government runs only the capital and few parts in the south of the country.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-11-20 05:33:59 FeedbackPrintRSS
MOGADISHU, Nov. 19 (Xinhua)
Hundreds of Ethiopian troops have gathered along the common frontier with Somalia where Al- Shabaab rebels are in control, residents said Saturday.
Residents in the central Somali town of Beledweyne in Hiran province along the border with Ethiopia said that there have been visible increase in the Ethiopian troops at the border and that rebel fighters in the towns near the border getting ready for possible incursion.
"We still don't have troops over the border yet but many trucks full of troops arrived at the border and the fighters here are preparing for any eventuality," Daahir Adde, an elder in Beledweyne told Xinhua by phone.
Reporters from other area in the central Somalia provinces said that troops from Somalia's neighboring Ethiopia were seen along the common frontiers of the two countries and that rebel fighters' battle wagons were seen heading towards the frontier.
This news comes as joint military operations is being undertaken by Kenyan and Somali troops against the rebel militants in the southern provinces after the two countries accused the Al - Shabaab of being behind a wave of abductions of foreigners.
Ethiopian troops have withdrawn from Somalia in 2009 after two years of presence during which they fought with insurgency led by the radical Islamist group of Al-Shabaab.
The group has been successfully driven out of the Somali capital Mogadishu following a major offensive by Somali government forces backed by African Union peacekeeping troops based in the capital.
The Al-Shabaab fighters currently control much of the south and center of the wear ravaged horn of African nation while internationally recognized Somali government runs only the capital and few parts in the south of the country.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-11-20 05:33:59 FeedbackPrintRSS
MOGADISHU, Nov. 19 (Xinhua)
AU appeals for the provision of humanitarian assistance to Central African Republic
AU appeals for the provision of humanitarian assistance to Central African Republic
The African Union (AU) appealed on Saturday for the provision of humanitarian assistance to the Central African Republic (CAR)
The Chairperson of the Commission Jean Ping is deeply concerned about the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the CAR following the clashes that took place in September 2011 between two political parties and military movements in the town of Bira, AU said in a press statement it issued here.
According to the statement, the clashes resulted in many casualties, displacement of thousands of people and substantial material damage.
It said, considering the situation on the ground, Ping urgently appeals to member states and partners to demonstrate solidarity with the CAR, its people and government and provide necessary assistance to alleviate the suffering of the people.
According to the statement, he also urges all concerned parties in CAR to spare no efforts in implementing the different agreements.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-11-20 04:45:37 FeedbackPrintRSS
ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 19 (Xinhua)
The African Union (AU) appealed on Saturday for the provision of humanitarian assistance to the Central African Republic (CAR)
The Chairperson of the Commission Jean Ping is deeply concerned about the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the CAR following the clashes that took place in September 2011 between two political parties and military movements in the town of Bira, AU said in a press statement it issued here.
According to the statement, the clashes resulted in many casualties, displacement of thousands of people and substantial material damage.
It said, considering the situation on the ground, Ping urgently appeals to member states and partners to demonstrate solidarity with the CAR, its people and government and provide necessary assistance to alleviate the suffering of the people.
According to the statement, he also urges all concerned parties in CAR to spare no efforts in implementing the different agreements.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-11-20 04:45:37 FeedbackPrintRSS
ADDIS ABABA, Nov. 19 (Xinhua)
Mogadishu residents revel at safe beaches
Mogadishu residents revel at safe beaches
Hundreds of the residents of Mogadishu flocked to the beaches of the Somali capital for the first time in four years as security has improved following the August withdrawal of the Al-Shabaab fighters from the seaside city.
People of the capital have been taking to the beaches to swim, sunbath, play football on the white sands of one of the most beautiful areas of the war ravaged city as peace has been slowing return to Mogadishu where Islamist militants have been partially in control since last August.
The group which banned the mixing of the sexes and the playing or watching of football games was driven from the Somali capital after major offensive by Somali government and African Union peacekeepers.
Most of the residents come to relax at the Lido beach during weekends which in Muslim Somalia is on Thursday and Friday when schools and businesses as well as government offices are closed.
Abdikafi Warsameh Ahmed is one of the youths who regularly go to the beaches in Mogadishu. He said he is delighted that he can once again come to the seaside and have fun.
"Today I am very excited to come to Lido beach and swim in the sea. Some come here to play football while others come just to relax and loosen up. I am here to swim and I am very happy that after three years I am able to swim here," Warsameh Ahmed told Xinhua.
Mogadishu beaches has been off limit to residents as fierce battles raged between Islamist radicals and Somali government forces since 2007 following the ouster of the rule of the union of Islamic courts in the southern parts of the country including the capital Mogadishu.
Mogadishites have been experiencing a sense of normality in the capital where widespread violence has been the order of the day as suicide car-bombs roadside blasts and stray shell and bullets have forced most of the city's residents to flee their homes to the outskirts.
Thousands have returned back to their homes though and local authorities have begun to repair roads and collect rubbish from the streets and in neighborhoods of Mogadishu.
Schools have been reopening after relocating from the camps for the displaced people on the outskirts of the capital where almost half of the city's residents sought refuge from the violence that prevailed in the capital prior to the Al-Shabaab's retreat from it.
Although the radical Islamists have pledged to launch guerilla attacks on government and AU troops in Mogadishu following their withdrawal the group have managed to pull few deadly attacks that left dozens, mostly civilians, dead, the threat has been carried less frequent than most feared.
For now the residents of the Somali capital are reveling at the beaches of the city which has been dubbed as the pearl of the Indian Ocean as a sign that they sense stability is returning back to their city, albeit gradually.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-11-20 02:42:13 FeedbackPrintRSS
By Abdurrahman Warsameh
MOGADISHU, Nov. 19 (Xinhua)
Hundreds of the residents of Mogadishu flocked to the beaches of the Somali capital for the first time in four years as security has improved following the August withdrawal of the Al-Shabaab fighters from the seaside city.
People of the capital have been taking to the beaches to swim, sunbath, play football on the white sands of one of the most beautiful areas of the war ravaged city as peace has been slowing return to Mogadishu where Islamist militants have been partially in control since last August.
The group which banned the mixing of the sexes and the playing or watching of football games was driven from the Somali capital after major offensive by Somali government and African Union peacekeepers.
Most of the residents come to relax at the Lido beach during weekends which in Muslim Somalia is on Thursday and Friday when schools and businesses as well as government offices are closed.
Abdikafi Warsameh Ahmed is one of the youths who regularly go to the beaches in Mogadishu. He said he is delighted that he can once again come to the seaside and have fun.
"Today I am very excited to come to Lido beach and swim in the sea. Some come here to play football while others come just to relax and loosen up. I am here to swim and I am very happy that after three years I am able to swim here," Warsameh Ahmed told Xinhua.
Mogadishu beaches has been off limit to residents as fierce battles raged between Islamist radicals and Somali government forces since 2007 following the ouster of the rule of the union of Islamic courts in the southern parts of the country including the capital Mogadishu.
Mogadishites have been experiencing a sense of normality in the capital where widespread violence has been the order of the day as suicide car-bombs roadside blasts and stray shell and bullets have forced most of the city's residents to flee their homes to the outskirts.
Thousands have returned back to their homes though and local authorities have begun to repair roads and collect rubbish from the streets and in neighborhoods of Mogadishu.
Schools have been reopening after relocating from the camps for the displaced people on the outskirts of the capital where almost half of the city's residents sought refuge from the violence that prevailed in the capital prior to the Al-Shabaab's retreat from it.
Although the radical Islamists have pledged to launch guerilla attacks on government and AU troops in Mogadishu following their withdrawal the group have managed to pull few deadly attacks that left dozens, mostly civilians, dead, the threat has been carried less frequent than most feared.
For now the residents of the Somali capital are reveling at the beaches of the city which has been dubbed as the pearl of the Indian Ocean as a sign that they sense stability is returning back to their city, albeit gradually.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-11-20 02:42:13 FeedbackPrintRSS
By Abdurrahman Warsameh
MOGADISHU, Nov. 19 (Xinhua)
213 injured as police, protestors clash in Cairo
213 injured as police, protestors clash in Cairo
At least 213 people were injured as the security forces clashed with protestors in the Egyptian capital of Cairo on Saturday, the country's health ministry said.
The injured, who suffered bruises and tear gas suffocation, were in stable conditions, the ministry said.
Military police clashed with protestors in downtown Cairo's Tahrir Square. Tear gas was used to disperse the crowds, one day after a protest here to demand the early transfer of power to civilian rule.
The security forces cleared the square, where a small group of protestors had stayed and attempted to hold a sit-in on Saturday morning. At around midday, protestors gathered again in the square and threw stones at the military police who tried to disperse them.
Some protestors climbed onto a police van and smashed its windows with sticks and stones. The vehicle was then set ablaze.
On Saturday evening, hundreds of protestors were still at the square.
Seven policemen were injured during the clashes. Five rioters were arrested, the state media reported.
Assistant Interior Minster Sami Sedhom blamed the violence on some parties wishing to create chaos and instability in the country in order to delay the coming elections, official MENA news agency said.
"The revolution has nothing to do with sabotage or burning security vehicles," he said.
Egypt saw protests and violence recently as it prepared to start the legislative polls on Nov. 28. On Friday, tens of thousands of protestors rallied at the Tahrir Square to protest a constitution principle charter and the military rule.
On Thursday, 29 people were injured as about 100 Copts clashed with residents during their march toward downtown Cairo to commemorate the Oct. 9 clashes which left at least 25 dead.
The interior ministry has launched a crackdown campaign against outlaws in order to secure the elections.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-11-20 02:16:16
At least 213 people were injured as the security forces clashed with protestors in the Egyptian capital of Cairo on Saturday, the country's health ministry said.
The injured, who suffered bruises and tear gas suffocation, were in stable conditions, the ministry said.
Military police clashed with protestors in downtown Cairo's Tahrir Square. Tear gas was used to disperse the crowds, one day after a protest here to demand the early transfer of power to civilian rule.
The security forces cleared the square, where a small group of protestors had stayed and attempted to hold a sit-in on Saturday morning. At around midday, protestors gathered again in the square and threw stones at the military police who tried to disperse them.
Some protestors climbed onto a police van and smashed its windows with sticks and stones. The vehicle was then set ablaze.
On Saturday evening, hundreds of protestors were still at the square.
Seven policemen were injured during the clashes. Five rioters were arrested, the state media reported.
Assistant Interior Minster Sami Sedhom blamed the violence on some parties wishing to create chaos and instability in the country in order to delay the coming elections, official MENA news agency said.
"The revolution has nothing to do with sabotage or burning security vehicles," he said.
Egypt saw protests and violence recently as it prepared to start the legislative polls on Nov. 28. On Friday, tens of thousands of protestors rallied at the Tahrir Square to protest a constitution principle charter and the military rule.
On Thursday, 29 people were injured as about 100 Copts clashed with residents during their march toward downtown Cairo to commemorate the Oct. 9 clashes which left at least 25 dead.
The interior ministry has launched a crackdown campaign against outlaws in order to secure the elections.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-11-20 02:16:16
Proper planning required in S. Africa to help children cope with impacts of climate change: Report
Proper planning required in S. Africa to help children cope with impacts of climate change: Report
South Africa government must come up with proper planning and resources that will enable children to cope better with impacts of climate change, says a report launched Saturday by a United Nations agency responsible for children.
The United Nations Children's Fund- South Africa (UNICEF-SA) report titled: "Exploring the impacts of climate change on children in South Africa" calls on Pretoria to ensure "effective representation and meaningful" participation of children within all climate change decision making processes.
"The projected effects of climate change in South Africa as well as the global literature on the impacts of climate change on children indicate the need for focused planning for preventive and responsive measures, particularly towards enhancing child wellbeing," says the report lunched in Pretoria.
The study commissioned and funded by the UNICEF South Africa in support of the Ministry of Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities (MWCPD) and the Department of Environmental Affairs was released Saturday, as Pretoria declared the first Saturday of November as the National Children's Day. Globally the day is marked on Nov. 20.
The day's particular focus is on children from underdeveloped countries affected by sustained socio-economic instability, violence and war. In South Africa it is set to highlight progress being made towards the realization and promotion of rights of children.
The timely report was released six days ahead of the 17th Conference of Parties (COP 17) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change to kick start in South Africa next week.
"Better planning and resourcing national, provincial and local governments in the short and medium run can enable children and their families to cope better with climate change impacts as they arise," says the report.
UNICEF-SA said while there is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding climate change in South Africa, two things are known- first, that change is a certainty and second, that in order for policy decisions to support children and households in adapting to these changes successfully and sustainably, action is required immediately.
At the national level, "institutional changes" are needed, says the report.
"Effective representation and meaningful participation of children is a good starting point, but representation has to move from passive referencing in development plans, to active integration and mainstreaming within all relevant decision making processes," UNICEF - SA Communication Officer Kate Pawelczyk said reading the report summary.
She said children must be formally recognized as a unique social group, and formally represented – including through their own participation – in the climate change policy development process as well as in processes to advance South Africa's commitment to Disaster Risk Reduction.
Indicating that children are disproportionately vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, the UN agency said leading agencies in South Africa on climate change planning such as the Ministry of Environmental Affairs should promote the interest and engagement of other sector ministries in this regard, in close collaboration with the MWCPD and other actors whose work focuses essentially on improving child wellbeing.
It said capacity building will be required to strengthen departments' specific competence on climate change and disaster risk reduction as it relates to children.
The report says impacts of climate change on children need to be considered in relation to wider development pressures affecting the country. Challenges such as international economic shocks and stresses, high levels of poverty and inequality, population changes, effects of HIV and AIDS, management of scarce natural resources and rapid urbanization will each interact with climate change and affect how it is transmitted to children and households at the local level.
"With this in mind, responding to changing climate and development pressures requires efforts from all stakeholders, as well as coordination across multiple levels of governance - from household and community, municipality and province, to national and international levels," Pawelczyk told Xinhua.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-11-20 02:14:55 FeedbackPrintRSS
JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 19 (Xinhua)
South Africa government must come up with proper planning and resources that will enable children to cope better with impacts of climate change, says a report launched Saturday by a United Nations agency responsible for children.
The United Nations Children's Fund- South Africa (UNICEF-SA) report titled: "Exploring the impacts of climate change on children in South Africa" calls on Pretoria to ensure "effective representation and meaningful" participation of children within all climate change decision making processes.
"The projected effects of climate change in South Africa as well as the global literature on the impacts of climate change on children indicate the need for focused planning for preventive and responsive measures, particularly towards enhancing child wellbeing," says the report lunched in Pretoria.
The study commissioned and funded by the UNICEF South Africa in support of the Ministry of Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities (MWCPD) and the Department of Environmental Affairs was released Saturday, as Pretoria declared the first Saturday of November as the National Children's Day. Globally the day is marked on Nov. 20.
The day's particular focus is on children from underdeveloped countries affected by sustained socio-economic instability, violence and war. In South Africa it is set to highlight progress being made towards the realization and promotion of rights of children.
The timely report was released six days ahead of the 17th Conference of Parties (COP 17) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change to kick start in South Africa next week.
"Better planning and resourcing national, provincial and local governments in the short and medium run can enable children and their families to cope better with climate change impacts as they arise," says the report.
UNICEF-SA said while there is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding climate change in South Africa, two things are known- first, that change is a certainty and second, that in order for policy decisions to support children and households in adapting to these changes successfully and sustainably, action is required immediately.
At the national level, "institutional changes" are needed, says the report.
"Effective representation and meaningful participation of children is a good starting point, but representation has to move from passive referencing in development plans, to active integration and mainstreaming within all relevant decision making processes," UNICEF - SA Communication Officer Kate Pawelczyk said reading the report summary.
She said children must be formally recognized as a unique social group, and formally represented – including through their own participation – in the climate change policy development process as well as in processes to advance South Africa's commitment to Disaster Risk Reduction.
Indicating that children are disproportionately vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, the UN agency said leading agencies in South Africa on climate change planning such as the Ministry of Environmental Affairs should promote the interest and engagement of other sector ministries in this regard, in close collaboration with the MWCPD and other actors whose work focuses essentially on improving child wellbeing.
It said capacity building will be required to strengthen departments' specific competence on climate change and disaster risk reduction as it relates to children.
The report says impacts of climate change on children need to be considered in relation to wider development pressures affecting the country. Challenges such as international economic shocks and stresses, high levels of poverty and inequality, population changes, effects of HIV and AIDS, management of scarce natural resources and rapid urbanization will each interact with climate change and affect how it is transmitted to children and households at the local level.
"With this in mind, responding to changing climate and development pressures requires efforts from all stakeholders, as well as coordination across multiple levels of governance - from household and community, municipality and province, to national and international levels," Pawelczyk told Xinhua.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-11-20 02:14:55 FeedbackPrintRSS
JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 19 (Xinhua)
Libyan interim PM confirms capture of Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam, promises fair trial
Libyan interim PM confirms capture of Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam, promises fair trial
Libyan interim Prime Minister Abdel Rahim el-Keeb Saturday confirmed the capture of Saif al-Islam, the second son of late ousted Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, in the south of the country.
Keeb also promised a fair trial for Saif al-Islam, who has been on the run for months and is wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity.
"We assure Libyans and the world that Saif al-Islam will receive a fair trial," he said at a televised news conference held in the western Libyan town of Zintan, where Saif al-Islam is being kept in custody.
Keeb said Saif al-Islam would be treated well in accordance with international law and the Libyan judicial authorities would communicate with the International Criminal Court to determine where he must be tried.
"Any cooperation with international institutions is welcome," Keeb said, adding Saif's capture marked a "historic" day and the start of a new chapter for the North African nation.
"We are going to show Saif al-Islam who we are -- we are not some armed band, we are freedom-seekers," he said.
Hinting that Saif would be tried in Libya, Keeb said the Libyan authorities have the right to try Saif for the crimes he committed to the Libyan people and a special judicial institution would deal with the issue by law.
The interim premier did not give any details on Saif's capture.
Saif was seized in Sebha, a desert town in southern Libya, Bobkar Bobmala, a military officer of the ruling National Transitional Council (NTC), or the interim government, announced in Tripoli earlier Saturday.
"This is a historic moment for the new born Libya," said a soldier named Assad Arabi. "He and his father killed so many people, now it's time for them to pay back."
Saif was transferred by plane to Zintan, a city about 100 km southwest of Tripoli.
His seizure came one day before the NTC is expected to announce the list of a new transitional government Sunday. At Tripoli, thousands of residents Saturday took to the streets to celebrate the capture of Saif, waving flags and guns.
Saif has been on the run since forces of the NTC took over Tripoli in late August.
The International Criminal Court in The Hague issued warrants on June 27 against Saif, his father and Abdullah al-Senussi, former intelligence chief in Gaddafi's regime, on charges of crimes against humanity in cracking down on anti-Gaddafi protests.
Muammar Gaddafi and his another son, Mutassim, were captured alive by NTC forces in his hometown Sirte in late October, but both died shortly in murky circumstances.
English.news.cn 2011-11-20 01:54:49
Libyan interim Prime Minister Abdel Rahim el-Keeb Saturday confirmed the capture of Saif al-Islam, the second son of late ousted Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, in the south of the country.
Keeb also promised a fair trial for Saif al-Islam, who has been on the run for months and is wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity.
"We assure Libyans and the world that Saif al-Islam will receive a fair trial," he said at a televised news conference held in the western Libyan town of Zintan, where Saif al-Islam is being kept in custody.
Keeb said Saif al-Islam would be treated well in accordance with international law and the Libyan judicial authorities would communicate with the International Criminal Court to determine where he must be tried.
"Any cooperation with international institutions is welcome," Keeb said, adding Saif's capture marked a "historic" day and the start of a new chapter for the North African nation.
"We are going to show Saif al-Islam who we are -- we are not some armed band, we are freedom-seekers," he said.
Hinting that Saif would be tried in Libya, Keeb said the Libyan authorities have the right to try Saif for the crimes he committed to the Libyan people and a special judicial institution would deal with the issue by law.
The interim premier did not give any details on Saif's capture.
Saif was seized in Sebha, a desert town in southern Libya, Bobkar Bobmala, a military officer of the ruling National Transitional Council (NTC), or the interim government, announced in Tripoli earlier Saturday.
"This is a historic moment for the new born Libya," said a soldier named Assad Arabi. "He and his father killed so many people, now it's time for them to pay back."
Saif was transferred by plane to Zintan, a city about 100 km southwest of Tripoli.
His seizure came one day before the NTC is expected to announce the list of a new transitional government Sunday. At Tripoli, thousands of residents Saturday took to the streets to celebrate the capture of Saif, waving flags and guns.
Saif has been on the run since forces of the NTC took over Tripoli in late August.
The International Criminal Court in The Hague issued warrants on June 27 against Saif, his father and Abdullah al-Senussi, former intelligence chief in Gaddafi's regime, on charges of crimes against humanity in cracking down on anti-Gaddafi protests.
Muammar Gaddafi and his another son, Mutassim, were captured alive by NTC forces in his hometown Sirte in late October, but both died shortly in murky circumstances.
English.news.cn 2011-11-20 01:54:49
Clashes in Cairo as riot police clear protestors
Clashes in Cairo as riot police clear protestors
Egypt's military police clashed with protestors in downtown Cairo's Tahrir Square on Saturday as tear gas was used to disperse the crowds, one day after a protest here to demand the early transfer of power to civilian rule.
Military police cleared the square where a small group of protestors had stayed and attempted to hold a sit-in on Saturday morning. Then at around midday, protestors gathered again in the square. They threw stones to military police who then used tear gas to disperse them.
Some protestors climbed onto a police truck and smashed its windows with sticks and stones. On Saturday afternoon, hundreds of protestors were still at the square. Others fled randomly as police fired tear gas at them.
Seven policemen were injured during the clashes. Five rioters were arrested, state media reported.
On Friday, tens of thousands of protestors rallied at the Tahrir Square to protest a constitution principle charter and the military rule.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-11-19 22:37:31 FeedbackPrintRSS
CAIRO, Nov. 19 (Xinhua)
Egypt's military police clashed with protestors in downtown Cairo's Tahrir Square on Saturday as tear gas was used to disperse the crowds, one day after a protest here to demand the early transfer of power to civilian rule.
Military police cleared the square where a small group of protestors had stayed and attempted to hold a sit-in on Saturday morning. Then at around midday, protestors gathered again in the square. They threw stones to military police who then used tear gas to disperse them.
Some protestors climbed onto a police truck and smashed its windows with sticks and stones. On Saturday afternoon, hundreds of protestors were still at the square. Others fled randomly as police fired tear gas at them.
Seven policemen were injured during the clashes. Five rioters were arrested, state media reported.
On Friday, tens of thousands of protestors rallied at the Tahrir Square to protest a constitution principle charter and the military rule.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-11-19 22:37:31 FeedbackPrintRSS
CAIRO, Nov. 19 (Xinhua)
Saif al-Islam was captured: military officer
Saif al-Islam was captured: military officer
Saif al-Islam, son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, was captured in Sebha in southern Libya, an officer at the military council announced in Libya's capital of Tripoli on Saturday.
"We have captured Saif," said Bobkar Bobmala, a military officer of the ruling National Transitional Council (NTC) told reporters at a press conference, without providing more information about the capture.
"The NTC will give more details in a few hours," said Bobmala, adding that Saif may be transferred to Zintan, a city about 100 km southwest of Tripoli.
"This is a historic moment for the new born Libya," said a soldier named Assad Arabi, "He and his father killed so many people, now it's time for them to pay back."
The news came one day before the NTC was expected to announce the list of a new transitional government Sunday. At Tripoli, thousands of residents on Saturday came out from their homes and offices to celebrate the capture of Saif, waving flags and guns.
Saif has been on the run since forces of the NTC took over Tripoli in late August.
Saif is wanted by the International Criminal Court which issued warrants on June 27 against him as well as his father and Abdullah al-Senussi, former intelligence chief in Gaddafi's regime, on charges of crimes against humanity in cracking down anti-Gaddafi protests.
English.news.cn 2011-11-19 19:47:49
Saif al-Islam, son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, was captured in Sebha in southern Libya, an officer at the military council announced in Libya's capital of Tripoli on Saturday.
"We have captured Saif," said Bobkar Bobmala, a military officer of the ruling National Transitional Council (NTC) told reporters at a press conference, without providing more information about the capture.
"The NTC will give more details in a few hours," said Bobmala, adding that Saif may be transferred to Zintan, a city about 100 km southwest of Tripoli.
"This is a historic moment for the new born Libya," said a soldier named Assad Arabi, "He and his father killed so many people, now it's time for them to pay back."
The news came one day before the NTC was expected to announce the list of a new transitional government Sunday. At Tripoli, thousands of residents on Saturday came out from their homes and offices to celebrate the capture of Saif, waving flags and guns.
Saif has been on the run since forces of the NTC took over Tripoli in late August.
Saif is wanted by the International Criminal Court which issued warrants on June 27 against him as well as his father and Abdullah al-Senussi, former intelligence chief in Gaddafi's regime, on charges of crimes against humanity in cracking down anti-Gaddafi protests.
English.news.cn 2011-11-19 19:47:49
Namibia plans to build cultural village to boost tourism
Namibia plans to build cultural village to boost tourism
The Namibian government is planning to establish a cultural village at the site of a historical tree at Kapako in the Kavango Region in order to boost tourist arrivals.
The Acacia Eriolab thorn tree, known in Rukavango as "Munyondo gwaKapande" is about 20 times thicker than a normal thorn tree.
It is situated some 30 km west of Rundu in the Kapako constituency.
According to local media, a powerful drum-beater who was known locally as "Munyondo gwaKapande" climbed into the tree while beating his drum, and disappeared.
The sound of the drum is often heard coming from the tree in March during the harvesting season, which is also the month when he disappeared into the tree.
Once the cultural village becomes a reality, the tree would become the site where its story would be showcased to visitors. It would also be a way to preserve the area's rich oral history.
A curator within the Ministry of Youth, National Service, Sports and Culture in the Kavango region Helvy Mbwalala quoted by Nampa on Saturday said the management committee of the envisioned cultural village received over N.dollars one million from the Millennium Development Goal funds (MDGs) earlier this year.
Mbwalala, who is also part of the organizing committee involved in setting up the village, said the architectural design of the cultural village at the historical site has already been approved by the Culture Ministry.
She said they have already erected a fence around the historical tree, and now intend to establish water and electricity infrastructure before the actual construction starts at the heritage site.
Once completed, the cultural village will house Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) stalls, a theatre, different Kavango households, an area for story-telling and a parking lot. It will also harvest local natural resources for selling to the general public and tourists.
None of the Kavango Region's various historical sites are recognized by the National Heritage Council of Namibia. Some local historians have thus advocated that it is high time that the region's oral history is documented and recognized.
Editor: Mo Hong'e
English.news.cn 2011-11-19 19:33:13 FeedbackPrintRSS
WINDHOEk, Nov. 19 (Xinhua)
The Namibian government is planning to establish a cultural village at the site of a historical tree at Kapako in the Kavango Region in order to boost tourist arrivals.
The Acacia Eriolab thorn tree, known in Rukavango as "Munyondo gwaKapande" is about 20 times thicker than a normal thorn tree.
It is situated some 30 km west of Rundu in the Kapako constituency.
According to local media, a powerful drum-beater who was known locally as "Munyondo gwaKapande" climbed into the tree while beating his drum, and disappeared.
The sound of the drum is often heard coming from the tree in March during the harvesting season, which is also the month when he disappeared into the tree.
Once the cultural village becomes a reality, the tree would become the site where its story would be showcased to visitors. It would also be a way to preserve the area's rich oral history.
A curator within the Ministry of Youth, National Service, Sports and Culture in the Kavango region Helvy Mbwalala quoted by Nampa on Saturday said the management committee of the envisioned cultural village received over N.dollars one million from the Millennium Development Goal funds (MDGs) earlier this year.
Mbwalala, who is also part of the organizing committee involved in setting up the village, said the architectural design of the cultural village at the historical site has already been approved by the Culture Ministry.
She said they have already erected a fence around the historical tree, and now intend to establish water and electricity infrastructure before the actual construction starts at the heritage site.
Once completed, the cultural village will house Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) stalls, a theatre, different Kavango households, an area for story-telling and a parking lot. It will also harvest local natural resources for selling to the general public and tourists.
None of the Kavango Region's various historical sites are recognized by the National Heritage Council of Namibia. Some local historians have thus advocated that it is high time that the region's oral history is documented and recognized.
Editor: Mo Hong'e
English.news.cn 2011-11-19 19:33:13 FeedbackPrintRSS
WINDHOEk, Nov. 19 (Xinhua)
Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki to visit in United Arabia Emirates
Kenyan leader to visit in UAE
Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki is due to leave the country on Sunday for a four-day official visit to the United Arabia Emirates, his office said on Saturday.
A statement from Kibaki's office said while in the UAE, the Kenyan leader will hold bilateral talks with the president of UAE, who is also the ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed.
"President Kibaki is also scheduled to deliver a keynote address during a meeting with members of the Abu Dhabi business community," the statement said.
The president will later hold talks with Prime Minister of UAE Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Makhtoum and later meet the Crown Prince of Dubai, His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed.
He will officially open Kenya's Consulate General in Dubai and conclude his tour with an address to the Kenyan diaspora in UAE.
More than 37,000 Kenyans live and work in the United Arab Emirates, mostly employed in the construction and hospitality industries.
Editor: Mo Hong'e
English.news.cn 2011-11-19 19:02:25 FeedbackPrintRSS
NAIROBI, Nov. 19 (Xinhua)
Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki is due to leave the country on Sunday for a four-day official visit to the United Arabia Emirates, his office said on Saturday.
A statement from Kibaki's office said while in the UAE, the Kenyan leader will hold bilateral talks with the president of UAE, who is also the ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed.
"President Kibaki is also scheduled to deliver a keynote address during a meeting with members of the Abu Dhabi business community," the statement said.
The president will later hold talks with Prime Minister of UAE Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Makhtoum and later meet the Crown Prince of Dubai, His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed.
He will officially open Kenya's Consulate General in Dubai and conclude his tour with an address to the Kenyan diaspora in UAE.
More than 37,000 Kenyans live and work in the United Arab Emirates, mostly employed in the construction and hospitality industries.
Editor: Mo Hong'e
English.news.cn 2011-11-19 19:02:25 FeedbackPrintRSS
NAIROBI, Nov. 19 (Xinhua)
Nigerian secret police name April bomb blast suspects
Nigerian secret police name April bomb blast suspects
Nigeria's State Security Service (SSS) has told the Federal High Court in the capital Abuja that Shuiabu Abubakar and Umar Ibrahim were the brains behind the bombings in April.
James Izi, a senior investigation officer, told the court on Friday that the other accused persons, Salisu Ahmed, Umar Babagana- Umar, Mohamed Ali, and Musa Adam, who were identified as members of the Boko Haram group, assisted the two to carry out the attacks in Suleja in Niger State.
The six are being charged for terrorism, planting of explosive devices and killings, contrary to Section 15 (2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act 2004 and punishable under the law.
Izi said the accused had received training in the house of one Malam Bashir Madalla, now at large and were identified through their covert codes, signs, information collated from their neighborhood and the explosives found on some of them.
He said some of the accused persons had led security agents to a site in Madalla, near Suleja, where the group was manufacturing bombs.
"My Lord, whatever I say to the court concerning our discovery about the accused persons is true; in fact, the materials recovered from the illegal bomb making factory are in our armory," he said.
"They consist of special handsets used in detonating prime devices," he added.
"All the accused, according to our investigation, have played one role or the other in the execution of the multiple bomb blasts that took place in Suleja at different intervals," the officer said.
"They have used explosives for blasting rocks to blast human beings," he added. The witness denied that the accused were tortured in the course of taking their statements and presented as exhibit, copies of their signed testimonies.
The accused are being tried for the April 8 explosion at the Suleja office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which resulted in the death of 16 persons and damage to public property.
They are also charged for the March 3 attack at a political rally in Suleja, which resulted in the death of three persons, and for May 23 attack at Dakna Village, in Bwari Area Council of the FCT.
Three Peace Corps Officers were said to have died in the blast.
Izi also alleged that the suspects carried out the July 10 bombing of the All Christian Fellowship Church, Suleja, were three people also died.
The prosecution is also charging Ahmed, Adam, Babagana-Umar, Ali and Ibrahim of training people in terrorism between June 4 and July 12, at various locations in the FCT, Niger and Nassarawa states.
The six accused persons had pleaded not guilty to all the charges on Sept. 30.
Justice Bilkisu Aliyu adjourned the matter to Nov. 24 and Nov. 25, for continuation of the trial and ordered the accused to be remanded in the SSS custody.
The court also fixed Nov. 25, to entertain the consolidated bail application filed by Messrs Emeka Okoro and Nurudeen Sulaiman, both Counsel to the accused.
Editor: Mo Hong'e
English.news.cn 2011-11-19 18:55:25 FeedbackPrintRSS
ABUJA, Nov. 19 (Xinhua)
Nigeria's State Security Service (SSS) has told the Federal High Court in the capital Abuja that Shuiabu Abubakar and Umar Ibrahim were the brains behind the bombings in April.
James Izi, a senior investigation officer, told the court on Friday that the other accused persons, Salisu Ahmed, Umar Babagana- Umar, Mohamed Ali, and Musa Adam, who were identified as members of the Boko Haram group, assisted the two to carry out the attacks in Suleja in Niger State.
The six are being charged for terrorism, planting of explosive devices and killings, contrary to Section 15 (2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act 2004 and punishable under the law.
Izi said the accused had received training in the house of one Malam Bashir Madalla, now at large and were identified through their covert codes, signs, information collated from their neighborhood and the explosives found on some of them.
He said some of the accused persons had led security agents to a site in Madalla, near Suleja, where the group was manufacturing bombs.
"My Lord, whatever I say to the court concerning our discovery about the accused persons is true; in fact, the materials recovered from the illegal bomb making factory are in our armory," he said.
"They consist of special handsets used in detonating prime devices," he added.
"All the accused, according to our investigation, have played one role or the other in the execution of the multiple bomb blasts that took place in Suleja at different intervals," the officer said.
"They have used explosives for blasting rocks to blast human beings," he added. The witness denied that the accused were tortured in the course of taking their statements and presented as exhibit, copies of their signed testimonies.
The accused are being tried for the April 8 explosion at the Suleja office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which resulted in the death of 16 persons and damage to public property.
They are also charged for the March 3 attack at a political rally in Suleja, which resulted in the death of three persons, and for May 23 attack at Dakna Village, in Bwari Area Council of the FCT.
Three Peace Corps Officers were said to have died in the blast.
Izi also alleged that the suspects carried out the July 10 bombing of the All Christian Fellowship Church, Suleja, were three people also died.
The prosecution is also charging Ahmed, Adam, Babagana-Umar, Ali and Ibrahim of training people in terrorism between June 4 and July 12, at various locations in the FCT, Niger and Nassarawa states.
The six accused persons had pleaded not guilty to all the charges on Sept. 30.
Justice Bilkisu Aliyu adjourned the matter to Nov. 24 and Nov. 25, for continuation of the trial and ordered the accused to be remanded in the SSS custody.
The court also fixed Nov. 25, to entertain the consolidated bail application filed by Messrs Emeka Okoro and Nurudeen Sulaiman, both Counsel to the accused.
Editor: Mo Hong'e
English.news.cn 2011-11-19 18:55:25 FeedbackPrintRSS
ABUJA, Nov. 19 (Xinhua)
India provides Mozambique 25 mln USD to boost power supply
India provides Mozambique 25 mln USD to boost power supply
India has provided Mozambique 25 million U. S. dollars for electrification of the northern-most province of Niassa, state radio reported on Saturday.
The project will be carried out in the districts of Mandimba, Ngauma, Majune, Maua, Nipepe and Mavago, Radio Mozambique said.
According to the station, the project, which is to take 20 months before going into operation, coincides with the government' s plan to electrify the entire Mozambique.
The Mozambican Electricity Company (EDM) says all the 128 districts of the country will soon have power.
The northern province of Niassa and cabo Delgado are the last regions to get power under the government's five-year program.
Editor: Mo Hong'e
English.news.cn 2011-11-19 18:52:56 FeedbackPrintRSS
MAPUTO, Nov. 19(Xinhua)
India has provided Mozambique 25 million U. S. dollars for electrification of the northern-most province of Niassa, state radio reported on Saturday.
The project will be carried out in the districts of Mandimba, Ngauma, Majune, Maua, Nipepe and Mavago, Radio Mozambique said.
According to the station, the project, which is to take 20 months before going into operation, coincides with the government' s plan to electrify the entire Mozambique.
The Mozambican Electricity Company (EDM) says all the 128 districts of the country will soon have power.
The northern province of Niassa and cabo Delgado are the last regions to get power under the government's five-year program.
Editor: Mo Hong'e
English.news.cn 2011-11-19 18:52:56 FeedbackPrintRSS
MAPUTO, Nov. 19(Xinhua)
Meikles Limited hand over 20 pct shareholding to Zimbabwean workers
Meikles Limited hand over 20 pct shareholding to Zimbabwean workers
South Africa-owned hotel conglomerate Meikles Limited has handed over 20 percent of its shares to workers as part of its compliance with the country's indigenization and economic empowerment policy.
Under the agreement, 5,000 workers will get 10 percent and executives will get an equivalent shareholding. To this end, 24 million ordinary shares have been allocated under the Employees Share Ownership Trust.
Group executive chairman John Moxon quoted by The Herald on Saturday said his company had always embraced the spirit and objectives of the indigenization laws of Zimbabwe. "We will ensure group compliance with the laws," said Moxon.
He added that there would be further indigenization opportunities in the form of franchises after the recent approval for further investment by Pick n' Pay of South Africa in TM supermarkets.
Speaking at the launch Youth Development, Indigenization and Empowerment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere commended Meikles for complying with empowerment laws. "Meikles has sent the correct signals that Zimbabwe welcomes investors and we work together within the framework," said the minister.
"The initiative has managed to invest confidence in investing in the county," he said, adding that workers should work hard to improve on production and profitability of the company for their own good.
The minister said Meikles had begun including black Zimbabweans in management and they should continue to do so as part of the initiative.
Editor: Mo Hong'e
English.news.cn 2011-11-19 18:38:25 FeedbackPrintRSS
HARARE, Nov. 19 (Xinhua)
South Africa-owned hotel conglomerate Meikles Limited has handed over 20 percent of its shares to workers as part of its compliance with the country's indigenization and economic empowerment policy.
Under the agreement, 5,000 workers will get 10 percent and executives will get an equivalent shareholding. To this end, 24 million ordinary shares have been allocated under the Employees Share Ownership Trust.
Group executive chairman John Moxon quoted by The Herald on Saturday said his company had always embraced the spirit and objectives of the indigenization laws of Zimbabwe. "We will ensure group compliance with the laws," said Moxon.
He added that there would be further indigenization opportunities in the form of franchises after the recent approval for further investment by Pick n' Pay of South Africa in TM supermarkets.
Speaking at the launch Youth Development, Indigenization and Empowerment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere commended Meikles for complying with empowerment laws. "Meikles has sent the correct signals that Zimbabwe welcomes investors and we work together within the framework," said the minister.
"The initiative has managed to invest confidence in investing in the county," he said, adding that workers should work hard to improve on production and profitability of the company for their own good.
The minister said Meikles had begun including black Zimbabweans in management and they should continue to do so as part of the initiative.
Editor: Mo Hong'e
English.news.cn 2011-11-19 18:38:25 FeedbackPrintRSS
HARARE, Nov. 19 (Xinhua)
Nigeria's defense chief calls for improved intelligence gathering
Nigeria's defense chief calls for improved intelligence gathering
Nigeria's Chief of Defense Staff , Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin has called on defense advisers and attaches to communicate intelligent information that would assist the West African country to curb the current security challenges.
Petinrin made the call on Friday in Abuja at the close of the 2011 Defense Advisers and Attaches Annual Conference, organized by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).
"You are at the frontline because what we know is that all these terrorist organizations are involved with people outside the shores of this country," he said.
"So, we depend on you for timely intelligence, anything at all that looks useful ensure that we hear about. It is when we hear from various sections that we will be able to put up a good picture here," he added.
"So, you have a lot of responsibilities in this respect as this is our most serious challenge," the defense chief told his audience.
According to Petinrin, the advisers and attaches are the vanguard and any war against terrorism if not backed up by intelligence, the country will be fighting a very difficult and almost unwinning battles.
Editor: Mo Hong'e
English.news.cn 2011-11-19 18:36:44 FeedbackPrintRSS
ABUJA, Nov. 19 (Xinhua)
Nigeria's Chief of Defense Staff , Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin has called on defense advisers and attaches to communicate intelligent information that would assist the West African country to curb the current security challenges.
Petinrin made the call on Friday in Abuja at the close of the 2011 Defense Advisers and Attaches Annual Conference, organized by the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).
"You are at the frontline because what we know is that all these terrorist organizations are involved with people outside the shores of this country," he said.
"So, we depend on you for timely intelligence, anything at all that looks useful ensure that we hear about. It is when we hear from various sections that we will be able to put up a good picture here," he added.
"So, you have a lot of responsibilities in this respect as this is our most serious challenge," the defense chief told his audience.
According to Petinrin, the advisers and attaches are the vanguard and any war against terrorism if not backed up by intelligence, the country will be fighting a very difficult and almost unwinning battles.
Editor: Mo Hong'e
English.news.cn 2011-11-19 18:36:44 FeedbackPrintRSS
ABUJA, Nov. 19 (Xinhua)
World Bank lauds Nigeria on agric projects
World Bank lauds Nigeria on agric projects
The World Bank has commended Nigeria for effectively implementing the Third National Fadama Development Project known as Fadama III in a sustainable development manner.
Senior Manager of the Sustainable Development for Africa Region Anna Bjerde gave the commendation in Abuja on Saturday.
She said a visit to some of the areas where FADAMA III projects were being implemented, showed a remarkable progress, a development she said was an indication that agriculture remained a priority of the Federal Government.
"Am happy to say that FADAMA is doing very well in a sustainable manner and in our portfolio; agriculture sector is performing very well," she said.
"Am very pleased to say this because agriculture is an integral part of the economy here in Nigeria and important part of livelihood for citizens," she added.
Fadama-III, a follow-up on Fadama 11, was aimed at increasing the incomes of users of rural land and water resources on a sustainable basis.
The 450 million project was being implemented in 35 states in Nigeria with 250 million U.S. dollars credits from the International Development Agency (IDA while 200 million dollars counterpart contributions were shared by the federal, states and local governments.
She stressed that with what was on ground and various reports on World Bank agriculture sponsored program in Nigeria there would be see more acceleration and robust plan from the bank.
Editor: Mo Hong'e
English.news.cn 2011-11-19 18:30:56 FeedbackPrintRSS
ABUJA, Nov. 19 (Xinhua)
The World Bank has commended Nigeria for effectively implementing the Third National Fadama Development Project known as Fadama III in a sustainable development manner.
Senior Manager of the Sustainable Development for Africa Region Anna Bjerde gave the commendation in Abuja on Saturday.
She said a visit to some of the areas where FADAMA III projects were being implemented, showed a remarkable progress, a development she said was an indication that agriculture remained a priority of the Federal Government.
"Am happy to say that FADAMA is doing very well in a sustainable manner and in our portfolio; agriculture sector is performing very well," she said.
"Am very pleased to say this because agriculture is an integral part of the economy here in Nigeria and important part of livelihood for citizens," she added.
Fadama-III, a follow-up on Fadama 11, was aimed at increasing the incomes of users of rural land and water resources on a sustainable basis.
The 450 million project was being implemented in 35 states in Nigeria with 250 million U.S. dollars credits from the International Development Agency (IDA while 200 million dollars counterpart contributions were shared by the federal, states and local governments.
She stressed that with what was on ground and various reports on World Bank agriculture sponsored program in Nigeria there would be see more acceleration and robust plan from the bank.
Editor: Mo Hong'e
English.news.cn 2011-11-19 18:30:56 FeedbackPrintRSS
ABUJA, Nov. 19 (Xinhua)
Equatorial Guinea's referendum results validated by Constitutional Court
Equatorial Guinea's referendum results validated by Constitutional Court
Equatorial Guinea's Constitutional Court has validated the Nov. 13 referendum results, where the "yes" vote won more than 97 percent of the tally for the constitutional reforms proposed by President Teodore Obiang Nguema.
The results showed that 97.7 percent of the voters support the reforms with a turn out of 91 percent, the court disclosed on Friday.
The constitutional reforms envisage the limitation of presidential terms to two with each lasting for seven years, the creation of the post of vice-president and five institutions, including the Senate, the Revenue Court, the State Council, the Economic and Social Council and the Council for the Defense of the People.
"A new chapter of Equatorial Guinea's political history will be opened once the new institutions are created," Constitutional Court President Salvador Ondo Nkumu said.
Obiang, who came to power in 1979 through a coup d'etat, won the 1989 elections and was reelected in 1996, 2002 and 2009.
The authorities have not said whether the limitation of presidential terms will begin once the reforms have been adopted.
The country's opposition has insisted that the referendum was "a lie," with a turnout of "less than 25 percent." It sees the vote as only meant to institute family succession in the West African country's presidency.
The opposition also says the post of the vice-president was created for Obiang's son Teodorin, who is the current deputy for the ruling party and minister for agriculture.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-11-19 17:56:22 FeedbackPrintRSS
MALABO, Nov. 19 (Xinhua)
Equatorial Guinea's Constitutional Court has validated the Nov. 13 referendum results, where the "yes" vote won more than 97 percent of the tally for the constitutional reforms proposed by President Teodore Obiang Nguema.
The results showed that 97.7 percent of the voters support the reforms with a turn out of 91 percent, the court disclosed on Friday.
The constitutional reforms envisage the limitation of presidential terms to two with each lasting for seven years, the creation of the post of vice-president and five institutions, including the Senate, the Revenue Court, the State Council, the Economic and Social Council and the Council for the Defense of the People.
"A new chapter of Equatorial Guinea's political history will be opened once the new institutions are created," Constitutional Court President Salvador Ondo Nkumu said.
Obiang, who came to power in 1979 through a coup d'etat, won the 1989 elections and was reelected in 1996, 2002 and 2009.
The authorities have not said whether the limitation of presidential terms will begin once the reforms have been adopted.
The country's opposition has insisted that the referendum was "a lie," with a turnout of "less than 25 percent." It sees the vote as only meant to institute family succession in the West African country's presidency.
The opposition also says the post of the vice-president was created for Obiang's son Teodorin, who is the current deputy for the ruling party and minister for agriculture.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-11-19 17:56:22 FeedbackPrintRSS
MALABO, Nov. 19 (Xinhua)
UN calls for increased aid to reverse famine in Somalia
UN calls for increased aid to reverse famine in Somalia
The UN humanitarian agency has called for increased assistance to help reverse famine in Somalia amid reports that three areas in the lawless nation which were declared to be in a state of famine earlier this year have emerged from the dire food crisis.
Mark Bowden, the humanitarian coordinator for Somalia, said in a statement issued on Friday night that increased humanitarian assistance has had a significant impact in the famine-affected parts of Bay, Bakool and Lower Shabelle regions, bringing these areas out of famine.
"Any improvements can only be sustained if the current level of humanitarian assistance continues. If humanitarian activities are interrupted or reduced in southern Somalia, many areas will fall back into famine," Bowden said.
The Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit (FSNAU) for Somalia said in a report released on Friday that the situation had improved in the affected areas in the southern regions of Bay, Bakool and Lower Shabelle and they were no longer famine zones.
"It is only thanks to the generosity of donors that we have been able to save tens of thousands of lives in the past three months. We need this support to continue or the price we pay will be the loss of thousands of lives," Bowden said.
However, according to the latest data compiled by FSNAU and Famine Early Warning System in southern Somalia, famine persists in parts of the Middle Shabelle region and in the areas hosting internally displaced persons in the capital Mogadishu and along the Afgooye corridor.
Malnutrition and mortality rates in many parts of southern Somalia continue to be the highest in the world.
A severe drought ravaged the Horn of Africa earlier this year causing food shortages that have claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people in Somalia and brought more than 3.2 million others on the brink of starvation.
A significant scale-up of relief efforts helped reach 2.2 million affected people, giving them access to food and water.
The statement said the humanitarian community will launch an appeal early next month for crucial funding for Somalia in 2012.
"This appeal is required to save lives and to reduce dependence on humanitarian aid by assisting Somali households to better cope with any future shocks," said Bowden.
He termed the situation in the Horn of Africa nation as still critical, adding that while malnutrition levels have reduced in some areas, they are still at famine levels in many parts of southern Somalia.
"Humanitarian assistance covers about half of the needs of the population and must be increased. Mortality rates are still amongst the highest in the world, mainly due to high malnutrition and diseases, such as malaria, cholera and measles, which are killing thousands, most of them children," said Bowden.
Somalia continues to face the largest humanitarian crisis in the world with over half of its population in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
Three million out of the 4 million people in crisis are in southern Somalia, where access to the population in need remains a major challenge.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-11-19 15:49:34 FeedbackPrintRSS
NAIROBI, Nov. 19 (Xinhua)
The UN humanitarian agency has called for increased assistance to help reverse famine in Somalia amid reports that three areas in the lawless nation which were declared to be in a state of famine earlier this year have emerged from the dire food crisis.
Mark Bowden, the humanitarian coordinator for Somalia, said in a statement issued on Friday night that increased humanitarian assistance has had a significant impact in the famine-affected parts of Bay, Bakool and Lower Shabelle regions, bringing these areas out of famine.
"Any improvements can only be sustained if the current level of humanitarian assistance continues. If humanitarian activities are interrupted or reduced in southern Somalia, many areas will fall back into famine," Bowden said.
The Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit (FSNAU) for Somalia said in a report released on Friday that the situation had improved in the affected areas in the southern regions of Bay, Bakool and Lower Shabelle and they were no longer famine zones.
"It is only thanks to the generosity of donors that we have been able to save tens of thousands of lives in the past three months. We need this support to continue or the price we pay will be the loss of thousands of lives," Bowden said.
However, according to the latest data compiled by FSNAU and Famine Early Warning System in southern Somalia, famine persists in parts of the Middle Shabelle region and in the areas hosting internally displaced persons in the capital Mogadishu and along the Afgooye corridor.
Malnutrition and mortality rates in many parts of southern Somalia continue to be the highest in the world.
A severe drought ravaged the Horn of Africa earlier this year causing food shortages that have claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people in Somalia and brought more than 3.2 million others on the brink of starvation.
A significant scale-up of relief efforts helped reach 2.2 million affected people, giving them access to food and water.
The statement said the humanitarian community will launch an appeal early next month for crucial funding for Somalia in 2012.
"This appeal is required to save lives and to reduce dependence on humanitarian aid by assisting Somali households to better cope with any future shocks," said Bowden.
He termed the situation in the Horn of Africa nation as still critical, adding that while malnutrition levels have reduced in some areas, they are still at famine levels in many parts of southern Somalia.
"Humanitarian assistance covers about half of the needs of the population and must be increased. Mortality rates are still amongst the highest in the world, mainly due to high malnutrition and diseases, such as malaria, cholera and measles, which are killing thousands, most of them children," said Bowden.
Somalia continues to face the largest humanitarian crisis in the world with over half of its population in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
Three million out of the 4 million people in crisis are in southern Somalia, where access to the population in need remains a major challenge.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-11-19 15:49:34 FeedbackPrintRSS
NAIROBI, Nov. 19 (Xinhua)
Niger to start drilling first barrels of oil on Dec. 1
Niger to start drilling first barrels of oil on Dec. 1
The first barrels of Nigerien oil will be drilled on Dec.1, according to the land-locked African country's Energy Minister Pierre Foumakoye Gado.
Gado made the disclosure in parliament on Friday during a session to discuss the progress made in drilling of the Nigerien oil.
Gado said the planned drilling will enable the Niger Petroleum Company (SONIDEP) to avail petrol to the consumers as from Dec. 1 and the inauguration of the refinery will take place on Nov. 28 in at Zinder in the central east.
The minister said a committee to reflect on the different supply and commercialization agreements for the Nigerien oil had already been formed.
Gado said the price of a liter of petrol at the pump will be 579 FCFA (less than 2 U. S. dollars) and that the subsidized price takes into account the current realities.
With the drilling of oil, Niger will not only stop importing petroleum products, but create nearly 2,000 jobs.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-11-19 15:20:17 FeedbackPrintRSS
NIAMEY, Nov. 19 (Xinhua)
The first barrels of Nigerien oil will be drilled on Dec.1, according to the land-locked African country's Energy Minister Pierre Foumakoye Gado.
Gado made the disclosure in parliament on Friday during a session to discuss the progress made in drilling of the Nigerien oil.
Gado said the planned drilling will enable the Niger Petroleum Company (SONIDEP) to avail petrol to the consumers as from Dec. 1 and the inauguration of the refinery will take place on Nov. 28 in at Zinder in the central east.
The minister said a committee to reflect on the different supply and commercialization agreements for the Nigerien oil had already been formed.
Gado said the price of a liter of petrol at the pump will be 579 FCFA (less than 2 U. S. dollars) and that the subsidized price takes into account the current realities.
With the drilling of oil, Niger will not only stop importing petroleum products, but create nearly 2,000 jobs.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-11-19 15:20:17 FeedbackPrintRSS
NIAMEY, Nov. 19 (Xinhua)
SADC mediator wants members of Madagascan gov't named immediately
SADC mediator wants members of Madagascan gov't named immediately
The chief mediator of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), Troika Marius Fransman, who is leading the mission over the Madagascan crisis, has urged the Indian Ocean island country to name the members of transitional government immediately, the local press said on Saturday.
"I want to ask you (political groups) to re-examine your positions today so that the prime minister and the president could name the members of government between now and the end of the day (Friday)," Fransman, who is also South Africa's deputy foreign affairs minister, was quoted as saying by L'Express de Madagascar, a local daily.
"We have already passed the deadline of appointing members of government, the people are continuing to suffer and yet politicians are just playing musical chairs with the positions," Fransman pointed out.
Fransman's reaction came after the postponement of the appointment of members of government, which was supposed to be known by Nov. 17 in conformity to the roadmap signed to end Madagascar's political crisis.
Madagascan Prime Minister Omer Beriziky postponed the appointment "to an opportune moment because of differences of opinion between the camp of High Transitional Authority (HAT) President Andry Rajoelina and the opposition, which is led by the camps of ex-presidents Marc Ravalomanana and Albert Zafy and the ex-HAT prime minister, Monja Roindefo.
According to the SADC's roadmap to end the Madagascan political crisis, members of the national unity government should form on Nov. 17 and the members of the transitional parliament should come into being by Nov. 30.
The roadmap was signed on Sept. 17 by Madagascan political groups under the guidance of the SADC to end the country's political crisis that began in December 2008.
Unlike the rest of sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar is yet to move out of the shadow of coup since Rajoelina replaced Ravalomanana in March 2009 with the backing of the military. The rival camps have signed several documents to end the crisis, the roadmap being the latest. Differences over power sharing, however, remain serious for a unity government.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-11-19 14:59:21 FeedbackPrintRSS
ANTANANARIVO, Nov. 19 (Xinhua)
The chief mediator of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), Troika Marius Fransman, who is leading the mission over the Madagascan crisis, has urged the Indian Ocean island country to name the members of transitional government immediately, the local press said on Saturday.
"I want to ask you (political groups) to re-examine your positions today so that the prime minister and the president could name the members of government between now and the end of the day (Friday)," Fransman, who is also South Africa's deputy foreign affairs minister, was quoted as saying by L'Express de Madagascar, a local daily.
"We have already passed the deadline of appointing members of government, the people are continuing to suffer and yet politicians are just playing musical chairs with the positions," Fransman pointed out.
Fransman's reaction came after the postponement of the appointment of members of government, which was supposed to be known by Nov. 17 in conformity to the roadmap signed to end Madagascar's political crisis.
Madagascan Prime Minister Omer Beriziky postponed the appointment "to an opportune moment because of differences of opinion between the camp of High Transitional Authority (HAT) President Andry Rajoelina and the opposition, which is led by the camps of ex-presidents Marc Ravalomanana and Albert Zafy and the ex-HAT prime minister, Monja Roindefo.
According to the SADC's roadmap to end the Madagascan political crisis, members of the national unity government should form on Nov. 17 and the members of the transitional parliament should come into being by Nov. 30.
The roadmap was signed on Sept. 17 by Madagascan political groups under the guidance of the SADC to end the country's political crisis that began in December 2008.
Unlike the rest of sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar is yet to move out of the shadow of coup since Rajoelina replaced Ravalomanana in March 2009 with the backing of the military. The rival camps have signed several documents to end the crisis, the roadmap being the latest. Differences over power sharing, however, remain serious for a unity government.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-11-19 14:59:21 FeedbackPrintRSS
ANTANANARIVO, Nov. 19 (Xinhua)
Pirates hijack Chevron ship off Nigeria
Pirates hijack Chevron ship off Nigeria
Pirates have hijacked an oil supply ship working with Chevron Corp. off Nigeria and took three people hostage, the company said Friday.
A group of eight armed pirates boarded the vessel on Thursday night, attacking the crew and taking three people hostage, the company said in a statement.
The vessel, the MV C-Endeavour, belongs to U.S. firm Chouest.
The attack was the second by gunmen on Chevron-contracted vessels off the coast of the Nigerian coast in a month. The frequent attacks on ships by pirates in the Gulf of Guinea pose increasing threat to security in the region as a trade hub.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-11-19 05:11:10 FeedbackPrintRSS
LAGOS, Nov. 18 (Xinhua)
Pirates have hijacked an oil supply ship working with Chevron Corp. off Nigeria and took three people hostage, the company said Friday.
A group of eight armed pirates boarded the vessel on Thursday night, attacking the crew and taking three people hostage, the company said in a statement.
The vessel, the MV C-Endeavour, belongs to U.S. firm Chouest.
The attack was the second by gunmen on Chevron-contracted vessels off the coast of the Nigerian coast in a month. The frequent attacks on ships by pirates in the Gulf of Guinea pose increasing threat to security in the region as a trade hub.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-11-19 05:11:10 FeedbackPrintRSS
LAGOS, Nov. 18 (Xinhua)
Tunisian political parties to reach agreement on government formation by weekend
Tunisian political parties to reach agreement on government formation by weekend
Tunisia's three main political parties are expected to reach a deal on key ministerial posts by the end of the week, the official press agency TAP reported on Friday.
The spokesman for Ettakatol said that talks between his party, Ennahdha and the Congress for the Republic were fast advancing and that a deal would be concluded before the end of the week.
Ettakatol suspended its participation in the work of three commissions on Tuesday in reaction to a statement by the secretary general of the country's main Islamist party Ennahdha on the advent of a "sixth Caliphate" in Tunisia.
Meanwhile, as the head of the country's second political party, the Congress for the Republic, Moncef Marzouki reaffirmed on Thursday his right to claim the presidency of the republic.
The country's 217-member Constituent Assembly which was recently elected will hold its inaugural meeting on Nov. 22 at the former chamber of deputies in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia.
The assembly is tasked with drafting a new constitution as well as running the country for a twelve-month period, before the holding of presidential and legislative elections.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-11-19 03:27:05 FeedbackPrintRSS
TUNIS, Nov. 18 (Xinhua)
Tunisia's three main political parties are expected to reach a deal on key ministerial posts by the end of the week, the official press agency TAP reported on Friday.
The spokesman for Ettakatol said that talks between his party, Ennahdha and the Congress for the Republic were fast advancing and that a deal would be concluded before the end of the week.
Ettakatol suspended its participation in the work of three commissions on Tuesday in reaction to a statement by the secretary general of the country's main Islamist party Ennahdha on the advent of a "sixth Caliphate" in Tunisia.
Meanwhile, as the head of the country's second political party, the Congress for the Republic, Moncef Marzouki reaffirmed on Thursday his right to claim the presidency of the republic.
The country's 217-member Constituent Assembly which was recently elected will hold its inaugural meeting on Nov. 22 at the former chamber of deputies in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia.
The assembly is tasked with drafting a new constitution as well as running the country for a twelve-month period, before the holding of presidential and legislative elections.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-11-19 03:27:05 FeedbackPrintRSS
TUNIS, Nov. 18 (Xinhua)
Climate change not sparing migratory birds
Climate change not sparing migratory birds
Everyone has noticed that the weather is unusual around spring time of year. Depending on where you live in South Africa and who you're asking, it's hotter, colder, wetter or drier than you can remember. So, as spring becomes the new summer the question being asked is, what's going on?
According to Dave Thompson, a researcher with the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), the simple answer is that the global climate is changing, and the heat is definitely on.
Established in 2002, SAEON is an environmental observation network that delivers long-term reliable data for scientific research and informs decision-making for a knowledge society and improved quality of life.
It has been doing several researches on climate change including its impact on birds and insects.
At a meeting of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 2007, experts and officials accepted that climate change is a human-induced reality. Average temperatures world-wide have increased by almost 1oC in the last century and are predicted to rise by another 5oC by 2100. With this in mind, a more appropriate question might be how is the natural world responding to a changing climate?
Well for one thing, mounting evidence from studies carried out in the northern hemisphere reveals that deciduous trees are leafing, flowers are blooming and migratory birds are arriving anywhere from one to two weeks earlier than they did 30 years ago. In essence, spring has sprung - but it's all happening just a little too soon.
Thompson said by monitoring the timing of biological events in plants and animals locally, the SAEON is attempting to understand and respond to the impacts of climate change on South Africa's biodiversity.
"As the timing of important events shift, we anticipate problems for the completion of life cycles in certain organisms; the loss of synchrony between interacting species – especially between plants and their pollinators; resource limitations and changes in the competitive advantage between species," Thompson said in a document sent to Xinhua Friday.
"This will undoubtedly and negatively change the composition and organization of the natural world around us. It's also important to realize that the need to understand and manage these changes is much broader than simply us wanting to be environmental good Samaritans," he said.
According to SAEON, the biggest challenge that climate-change biologists face in understanding the response of organisms to the environment is that the effect of recent weather events can mask the effect of long-term climate change. The impact of these very different factors on plants and animals can only be separated by analyzing large amounts of data recorded over decades and ideally sourced from many different localities.
"Unfortunately this is exactly the sort of data that is sorely lacking in South Africa," says Thompson.
He said in order to address this short-fall SAEON has launched two new citizen science projects – Climate Buddy and Turning New Leaf.
Citizen science projects invite members of the public, from individuals and families to groups such as schools and environmental/conservation bodies, to participate in observing local biological events that are likely indicators of climate change.
"The depth and breadth of data that can be collected by an organized group of enthusiastic volunteers will allow researchers to conduct studies that would have otherwise been logistically impossible," Thompson said.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-11-19 03:25:50 FeedbackPrintRSS
By Ntandoyenkosi Ncube
JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 18 (Xinhua)
Everyone has noticed that the weather is unusual around spring time of year. Depending on where you live in South Africa and who you're asking, it's hotter, colder, wetter or drier than you can remember. So, as spring becomes the new summer the question being asked is, what's going on?
According to Dave Thompson, a researcher with the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), the simple answer is that the global climate is changing, and the heat is definitely on.
Established in 2002, SAEON is an environmental observation network that delivers long-term reliable data for scientific research and informs decision-making for a knowledge society and improved quality of life.
It has been doing several researches on climate change including its impact on birds and insects.
At a meeting of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 2007, experts and officials accepted that climate change is a human-induced reality. Average temperatures world-wide have increased by almost 1oC in the last century and are predicted to rise by another 5oC by 2100. With this in mind, a more appropriate question might be how is the natural world responding to a changing climate?
Well for one thing, mounting evidence from studies carried out in the northern hemisphere reveals that deciduous trees are leafing, flowers are blooming and migratory birds are arriving anywhere from one to two weeks earlier than they did 30 years ago. In essence, spring has sprung - but it's all happening just a little too soon.
Thompson said by monitoring the timing of biological events in plants and animals locally, the SAEON is attempting to understand and respond to the impacts of climate change on South Africa's biodiversity.
"As the timing of important events shift, we anticipate problems for the completion of life cycles in certain organisms; the loss of synchrony between interacting species – especially between plants and their pollinators; resource limitations and changes in the competitive advantage between species," Thompson said in a document sent to Xinhua Friday.
"This will undoubtedly and negatively change the composition and organization of the natural world around us. It's also important to realize that the need to understand and manage these changes is much broader than simply us wanting to be environmental good Samaritans," he said.
According to SAEON, the biggest challenge that climate-change biologists face in understanding the response of organisms to the environment is that the effect of recent weather events can mask the effect of long-term climate change. The impact of these very different factors on plants and animals can only be separated by analyzing large amounts of data recorded over decades and ideally sourced from many different localities.
"Unfortunately this is exactly the sort of data that is sorely lacking in South Africa," says Thompson.
He said in order to address this short-fall SAEON has launched two new citizen science projects – Climate Buddy and Turning New Leaf.
Citizen science projects invite members of the public, from individuals and families to groups such as schools and environmental/conservation bodies, to participate in observing local biological events that are likely indicators of climate change.
"The depth and breadth of data that can be collected by an organized group of enthusiastic volunteers will allow researchers to conduct studies that would have otherwise been logistically impossible," Thompson said.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-11-19 03:25:50 FeedbackPrintRSS
By Ntandoyenkosi Ncube
JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 18 (Xinhua)
Big rally in Cairo ahead of historic polls
Big rally in Cairo ahead of historic polls
Thousands of people gathered in Cairo's Tahrir Square on Friday morning with different demands as Egypt is to hold its first parliamentary elections this month after former president Hosni Mubarak's fall in February.
The protesters are opposing the constitution principles or the military rule and urged the military council to transfer power.
Political parties or groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood, the April 6 movement and Salafist groups, have said they would participate in the rally.
Several political parties issued a statement at the square, calling for the ruling military council to transfer power to a civilian government no later than May 2012.
"I'm here not to represent any political force, but to affirm the revolution is still there," Amira Ahmed, a protester, told Xinhua, adding "we want the Supreme Council to transfer power."
On Thursday, at least 29 people were injured as about 100 Coptic Christians clashed with residents in a neighborhood in Cairo.
The latest protests raise concerns about the security and stability of the country ahead of its historic polls.
Editor: Bi Mingxin
English.news.cn 2011-11-18 19:55:05
Thousands of people gathered in Cairo's Tahrir Square on Friday morning with different demands as Egypt is to hold its first parliamentary elections this month after former president Hosni Mubarak's fall in February.
The protesters are opposing the constitution principles or the military rule and urged the military council to transfer power.
Political parties or groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood, the April 6 movement and Salafist groups, have said they would participate in the rally.
Several political parties issued a statement at the square, calling for the ruling military council to transfer power to a civilian government no later than May 2012.
"I'm here not to represent any political force, but to affirm the revolution is still there," Amira Ahmed, a protester, told Xinhua, adding "we want the Supreme Council to transfer power."
On Thursday, at least 29 people were injured as about 100 Coptic Christians clashed with residents in a neighborhood in Cairo.
The latest protests raise concerns about the security and stability of the country ahead of its historic polls.
Editor: Bi Mingxin
English.news.cn 2011-11-18 19:55:05
Oxfam warns Somalia relief efforts slowed by conflict
Oxfam warns Somalia relief efforts slowed by conflict
International aid agency Oxfam on Friday called on international leaders to refocus on addressing the crippling famine in Somalia.
The agency also urged all parties involved in the conflict to ensure that civilians are protected from being caught in the crossfire and that the Somalis have freedom of movement to access vital services.
"When drought and famine made headline news, the international community responded generously with support. Now the conflict threatens to jeopardize the very relief efforts they're funding," said Senait Gebregziabher, Oxfam country director for Somalia in Nairobi.
"The international community must not give with one hand and then take with the other by ignoring the needs of Somali people who are struggling in the face of a famine."
Oxfam's statement comes as more African and Western nations publicly support the military action in Somalia which was launched last month by Kenya.
The aid agency said this is the time to accelerate the humanitarian response, rather than jeopardize small gains. New fighting is already disrupting the supply of aid to tens of thousands of people at a critical time in the crisis.
"We should be celebrating one step forward, with less people at risk of starvation. Instead, we fear two steps back with yet more conflict. The international community should be putting its energy behind serious diplomacy, not more fighting," Gebregziabher said.
Oxfam said that in Lower and Middle Juba aid to 27,000 people remains suspended since the conflict escalated in South Somalia a month ago.
According to Oxfam, an additional 58,000 have been badly affected as distributions of crucial seeds and tools during the planting season have been delayed. Further delays are expected in the coming weeks as the security situation is increasingly volatile.
"While life-saving water is still being provided in most areas, we have been forced to suspend some work, such as the digging of new wells. Distributions of seeds, tools and cash to communities have been delayed, which are vital for a successful harvest in January," Gebregziabher said.
"Insecurity is also preventing some farmers from working their fields during the current planting season. Somalis are already going through the most serious food crisis in decades, but the internationally-backed incursion is causing even more suffering for ordinary people."
Oxfam's local partners in Somalia say that many people are preparing to flee to areas outside of towns and are concerned that conflict may lead to an increase in civilian casualties and a further reduction of aid delivery.
Oxfam said attempts to resolve the crisis through military action are likely to lead to further suffering for civilians and further reduce access for aid agencies.
Increased dialogue, diplomatic engagement and support for Somali-led peace initiatives are the best way to ease the crisis, the agency said.
Public health and new sanitation work is also suspended at a critical time when heavy rains and flooding increase the threat of disease in many parts of the region. The rains also slow down aid delivery on rural roads within Somalia.
Editor: Yang Lina
English.news.cn 2011-11-18 17:36:04 FeedbackPrintRSS
NAIROBI, Nov. 18 (Xinhua)
International aid agency Oxfam on Friday called on international leaders to refocus on addressing the crippling famine in Somalia.
The agency also urged all parties involved in the conflict to ensure that civilians are protected from being caught in the crossfire and that the Somalis have freedom of movement to access vital services.
"When drought and famine made headline news, the international community responded generously with support. Now the conflict threatens to jeopardize the very relief efforts they're funding," said Senait Gebregziabher, Oxfam country director for Somalia in Nairobi.
"The international community must not give with one hand and then take with the other by ignoring the needs of Somali people who are struggling in the face of a famine."
Oxfam's statement comes as more African and Western nations publicly support the military action in Somalia which was launched last month by Kenya.
The aid agency said this is the time to accelerate the humanitarian response, rather than jeopardize small gains. New fighting is already disrupting the supply of aid to tens of thousands of people at a critical time in the crisis.
"We should be celebrating one step forward, with less people at risk of starvation. Instead, we fear two steps back with yet more conflict. The international community should be putting its energy behind serious diplomacy, not more fighting," Gebregziabher said.
Oxfam said that in Lower and Middle Juba aid to 27,000 people remains suspended since the conflict escalated in South Somalia a month ago.
According to Oxfam, an additional 58,000 have been badly affected as distributions of crucial seeds and tools during the planting season have been delayed. Further delays are expected in the coming weeks as the security situation is increasingly volatile.
"While life-saving water is still being provided in most areas, we have been forced to suspend some work, such as the digging of new wells. Distributions of seeds, tools and cash to communities have been delayed, which are vital for a successful harvest in January," Gebregziabher said.
"Insecurity is also preventing some farmers from working their fields during the current planting season. Somalis are already going through the most serious food crisis in decades, but the internationally-backed incursion is causing even more suffering for ordinary people."
Oxfam's local partners in Somalia say that many people are preparing to flee to areas outside of towns and are concerned that conflict may lead to an increase in civilian casualties and a further reduction of aid delivery.
Oxfam said attempts to resolve the crisis through military action are likely to lead to further suffering for civilians and further reduce access for aid agencies.
Increased dialogue, diplomatic engagement and support for Somali-led peace initiatives are the best way to ease the crisis, the agency said.
Public health and new sanitation work is also suspended at a critical time when heavy rains and flooding increase the threat of disease in many parts of the region. The rains also slow down aid delivery on rural roads within Somalia.
Editor: Yang Lina
English.news.cn 2011-11-18 17:36:04 FeedbackPrintRSS
NAIROBI, Nov. 18 (Xinhua)
Kenya says tourism unaffected despite travel advisories
Kenya says tourism unaffected despite travel advisories
Kenya's Tourism Minister Najib Balala has reiterated that the country's tourism sector has not been affected by the existing travel advisories which were slapped by Western nations.
In a statement issued in Nairobi by the Tourism Ministry, Balala re-emphasized that the East African nation's tourism sector was on the right path and growth and termed recent insecurity incidences in the country as unfortunate.
"Travel advisories and the introduction of unilateral taxes is what threatens our tourism industry much," said Balala, who is currently leading a delegation of tourism stakeholders and industry players in exhibiting Kenya's tourism products at the World Trade Markets in London.
Balala said the travel advisories issued by countries like Britain and the EU countries exacerbate the problem by not providing the real picture on the ground.
The minister also told the World Travel Market Ministerial Summit, attended by over 86 tourism ministers from all over the world, that the biggest threat to Kenya's tourism, as in the other long-haul developing nations, is the unilateral introduction of air passenger duty.
Balala said the passenger tax which has been introduced under the guise of environmental and climate change has made travel to long haul destinations much more expensive in addition to reducing air travel capacity.
For Kenya, Britain remains its No. 1 tourist source market, from where Kenya received about 170,000 visitors last year.
The ministerial summit agreed that countries issuing travel advisories need to get clear pictures and consultations with relevant governments before making such decisions.
"Travel advisories and the introduction of unilateral taxes is what threatens our tourism industry much more than the isolated insecurity incidences," Balala said.
He noted that advisories are normally crafted by the Foreign Offices in respective countries and most of the time no due consideration is given to their impacts on tourism which is one of the world's growth industries that supports millions of people in terms of employment and livelihoods, besides promoting global socio-cultural understandings and respect among the global communities.
In support of these sentiments, the ministers called on the UNWTO to consider possibilities of developing a parallel travel advisories system within its system to counter the foreign offices advisories by providing an accurate and timely updates on security and safety details of the various destinations.
This way, he said, countries will be able to guarantee the safety and security of the tourist at all times and other national agents will be in a position to respond to the needs of the tourism industry as a national priority.
Tourism is a vital sector for the entire East African trading bloc and, as a key foreign exchange earners, has contributed immensely to the development of the region. Besides foreign exchange, the industry also creates thousands of employment opportunities for East Africans.
Editor: Yang Lina
English.news.cn 2011-11-18 16:59:32 FeedbackPrintRSS
By Njoroge Kaburo
NAIROBI, Nov. 18 (Xinhua)
Kenya's Tourism Minister Najib Balala has reiterated that the country's tourism sector has not been affected by the existing travel advisories which were slapped by Western nations.
In a statement issued in Nairobi by the Tourism Ministry, Balala re-emphasized that the East African nation's tourism sector was on the right path and growth and termed recent insecurity incidences in the country as unfortunate.
"Travel advisories and the introduction of unilateral taxes is what threatens our tourism industry much," said Balala, who is currently leading a delegation of tourism stakeholders and industry players in exhibiting Kenya's tourism products at the World Trade Markets in London.
Balala said the travel advisories issued by countries like Britain and the EU countries exacerbate the problem by not providing the real picture on the ground.
The minister also told the World Travel Market Ministerial Summit, attended by over 86 tourism ministers from all over the world, that the biggest threat to Kenya's tourism, as in the other long-haul developing nations, is the unilateral introduction of air passenger duty.
Balala said the passenger tax which has been introduced under the guise of environmental and climate change has made travel to long haul destinations much more expensive in addition to reducing air travel capacity.
For Kenya, Britain remains its No. 1 tourist source market, from where Kenya received about 170,000 visitors last year.
The ministerial summit agreed that countries issuing travel advisories need to get clear pictures and consultations with relevant governments before making such decisions.
"Travel advisories and the introduction of unilateral taxes is what threatens our tourism industry much more than the isolated insecurity incidences," Balala said.
He noted that advisories are normally crafted by the Foreign Offices in respective countries and most of the time no due consideration is given to their impacts on tourism which is one of the world's growth industries that supports millions of people in terms of employment and livelihoods, besides promoting global socio-cultural understandings and respect among the global communities.
In support of these sentiments, the ministers called on the UNWTO to consider possibilities of developing a parallel travel advisories system within its system to counter the foreign offices advisories by providing an accurate and timely updates on security and safety details of the various destinations.
This way, he said, countries will be able to guarantee the safety and security of the tourist at all times and other national agents will be in a position to respond to the needs of the tourism industry as a national priority.
Tourism is a vital sector for the entire East African trading bloc and, as a key foreign exchange earners, has contributed immensely to the development of the region. Besides foreign exchange, the industry also creates thousands of employment opportunities for East Africans.
Editor: Yang Lina
English.news.cn 2011-11-18 16:59:32 FeedbackPrintRSS
By Njoroge Kaburo
NAIROBI, Nov. 18 (Xinhua)
Nigeria intercepts cache of arms, ammunition
Nigeria intercepts cache of arms, ammunition
The Nigeria Customs Service says it has impounded a cache of arms and ammunition abandoned in the strong room of the Nigeria Aviation Handling Company Limited (NAHCO).
The customs area comptroller in charge of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Michael Adewole, said on Thursday the seizure included six double barrelled guns.
Other items impounded included one single barrelled gun, one pump action gun, one Uzzi, two magazines, one Berretta pistol and one Becheverria pistol.
Adewole listed the ammunition as 19 cartridges, 500 pieces of blank armor and a sealed box of cartridges.
Among the confiscated accessories were four pieces of pull trough, two brushes, oil riffle bag and a sling colt belt.
He said the weapons were prohibited items that would not be allowed into the West African country, unless brought in by government security agencies.
He said the seizure followed security tips that some unidentified persons had abandoned the arms at the NAHCO strong room.
"The customs decided to carry out the exercise as part of its mandate of improving security around the airport," he added.
"My officials will not fold their arms and allow such dangerous weapons to get into town in view of the security situation in some parts of the country," Adewole said.
According to him, investigations have commenced to identify the importers, while the arms have been taken to the government customs warehouse to make way for police investigations.
Editor: Yang Lina
English.news.cn 2011-11-18 16:16:59 FeedbackPrintRSS
LAGOS, Nov. 18 (Xinhua)
The Nigeria Customs Service says it has impounded a cache of arms and ammunition abandoned in the strong room of the Nigeria Aviation Handling Company Limited (NAHCO).
The customs area comptroller in charge of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Michael Adewole, said on Thursday the seizure included six double barrelled guns.
Other items impounded included one single barrelled gun, one pump action gun, one Uzzi, two magazines, one Berretta pistol and one Becheverria pistol.
Adewole listed the ammunition as 19 cartridges, 500 pieces of blank armor and a sealed box of cartridges.
Among the confiscated accessories were four pieces of pull trough, two brushes, oil riffle bag and a sling colt belt.
He said the weapons were prohibited items that would not be allowed into the West African country, unless brought in by government security agencies.
He said the seizure followed security tips that some unidentified persons had abandoned the arms at the NAHCO strong room.
"The customs decided to carry out the exercise as part of its mandate of improving security around the airport," he added.
"My officials will not fold their arms and allow such dangerous weapons to get into town in view of the security situation in some parts of the country," Adewole said.
According to him, investigations have commenced to identify the importers, while the arms have been taken to the government customs warehouse to make way for police investigations.
Editor: Yang Lina
English.news.cn 2011-11-18 16:16:59 FeedbackPrintRSS
LAGOS, Nov. 18 (Xinhua)
Donor funding targets Liberian households
Donor funding targets Liberian households
The European Union (EU), joined by its implementing partner the United Nation International Children Educational Fund (UNICEF), is supporting household families through a "Social Cash Transfer" scheme launched in the Liberian capital Monrovia on Thursday afternoon.
The scheme is as a means of providing grants in the tune of 2.5 million euros from the EU to the Liberian government in support of alleviating poverty facing real poor and vulnerable families, but carried out by UNICEF.
At the launch, EU Ambassador to Liberia Attilio Pacifici said the social cash transfer is a special project set aside to address the needs of most vulnerable and poor people here.
He said although there are many ways to address the needs of social problems, his institution's project with the Liberian government, through UNICEF aims to help those persons in the making-up of household compositions get out of their poverty lines.
"This one, cash program is perhaps the one that can address and go straight to those who really have little chance of getting out of a situation of poverty," said Pacifici.
The project on a monthly basis brings support of 10 U.S. dollars to a person household, and 15 dollars to a two-person household, while a three-person household benefits from 20 dollars and a four-person household gets 25 dollars.
A child in primary school gets the amount of 2 dollars, while 4 dollars goes to a child in secondary school, all filling gaps between the national per capita gross domestic product (211 dollars) and annual per capita spending of extremely poor individuals.
Isabel Crowley, resident representative of the UNICEF, was bold in stating that over the last two years, many families in Liberia' s western county of Bomi had been receiving assistance from the social cash transfer program being supported by the EU and the Japanese government.
As she give her story to the gathering of foreign missions and the media, Sonie Mulbah thanked the partners for their assistance.
She said her life has been elevated to another stage, due to the project over the last two years, after being a very deplorable condition due to the death of her husband and father, during years of living in a displace camp.
She said the funds to her household has done a great deal for them, as they have managed to carry on a construction, but called on the partners to held in ending her home project started.
In grasping the idea, UNICEF's boss to Liberia said a lot have been achieved. There are About 7, 000 beneficiaries of the program in households in the post-conflict nation, with 63 percent being children and 17 percent the elderly.
Editor: Yang Lina
English.news.cn 2011-11-18 15:47:55 FeedbackPrintRSS
By Heston M. Jackson
MONROVIA, Nov. 18 (Xinhua)
The European Union (EU), joined by its implementing partner the United Nation International Children Educational Fund (UNICEF), is supporting household families through a "Social Cash Transfer" scheme launched in the Liberian capital Monrovia on Thursday afternoon.
The scheme is as a means of providing grants in the tune of 2.5 million euros from the EU to the Liberian government in support of alleviating poverty facing real poor and vulnerable families, but carried out by UNICEF.
At the launch, EU Ambassador to Liberia Attilio Pacifici said the social cash transfer is a special project set aside to address the needs of most vulnerable and poor people here.
He said although there are many ways to address the needs of social problems, his institution's project with the Liberian government, through UNICEF aims to help those persons in the making-up of household compositions get out of their poverty lines.
"This one, cash program is perhaps the one that can address and go straight to those who really have little chance of getting out of a situation of poverty," said Pacifici.
The project on a monthly basis brings support of 10 U.S. dollars to a person household, and 15 dollars to a two-person household, while a three-person household benefits from 20 dollars and a four-person household gets 25 dollars.
A child in primary school gets the amount of 2 dollars, while 4 dollars goes to a child in secondary school, all filling gaps between the national per capita gross domestic product (211 dollars) and annual per capita spending of extremely poor individuals.
Isabel Crowley, resident representative of the UNICEF, was bold in stating that over the last two years, many families in Liberia' s western county of Bomi had been receiving assistance from the social cash transfer program being supported by the EU and the Japanese government.
As she give her story to the gathering of foreign missions and the media, Sonie Mulbah thanked the partners for their assistance.
She said her life has been elevated to another stage, due to the project over the last two years, after being a very deplorable condition due to the death of her husband and father, during years of living in a displace camp.
She said the funds to her household has done a great deal for them, as they have managed to carry on a construction, but called on the partners to held in ending her home project started.
In grasping the idea, UNICEF's boss to Liberia said a lot have been achieved. There are About 7, 000 beneficiaries of the program in households in the post-conflict nation, with 63 percent being children and 17 percent the elderly.
Editor: Yang Lina
English.news.cn 2011-11-18 15:47:55 FeedbackPrintRSS
By Heston M. Jackson
MONROVIA, Nov. 18 (Xinhua)
Gabon's electoral commission says 472 candidates to run in legislative election
Gabon's electoral commission says 472 candidates to run in legislative election
Gabon's Permanent and Autonomous Electoral Commission (CENAP) has published a list of more than 400 candidates to contest in the Dec. 17 parliamentary elections.
"Out of the 500 applications that were received, 472 were validated. These include members of the ruling party as well as those from the opposition," the CENAP statement said on Thursday.
The number of candidates to run in the upcoming parliamentary elections has reduced in comparison with the previous elections. This is allegedly caused by the increase of the registration fee, which was increased from the previous 630 U.S. dollars to 1,050 dollars.
Editor: Liu
English.news.cn 2011-11-18 15:30:13 FeedbackPrintRSS
LIBREVILLE, Nov. 18 (Xinhua)
Gabon's Permanent and Autonomous Electoral Commission (CENAP) has published a list of more than 400 candidates to contest in the Dec. 17 parliamentary elections.
"Out of the 500 applications that were received, 472 were validated. These include members of the ruling party as well as those from the opposition," the CENAP statement said on Thursday.
The number of candidates to run in the upcoming parliamentary elections has reduced in comparison with the previous elections. This is allegedly caused by the increase of the registration fee, which was increased from the previous 630 U.S. dollars to 1,050 dollars.
Editor: Liu
English.news.cn 2011-11-18 15:30:13 FeedbackPrintRSS
LIBREVILLE, Nov. 18 (Xinhua)
South Sudan president visits Uganda, security high on agenda
South Sudan president visits Uganda, security high on agenda
South Sudan President Salva Kiir on Thursday started a two-day state visit to Uganda in which regional security is high on agenda.
Kiir was received at State House Entebbe, 40 km south of capital Kampala by his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni.
Okello Oryem, Uganda's minister of state for international affairs, told Xinhua in an interview that one of the priority issues to be discussed will be the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between South Sudan and Sudan.
The CPA ended a two-decade long civil war in 2005 between the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) in the south and the Sudan government.
As stipulated in the CPA, South Sudan held a referendum in July this year in which it seceded from the north becoming Africa's 54th nation.
Despite the breakaway from the north, there is still animosity between South Sudan and Sudan.
At Entebbe, Kiir led a delegation of top security officials which included Gen. John Kong, minister of defense and veteran affairs, Emmanuel Lowila, minister in the Office of the President and the SPLA Chief of Staff Gen. Lames Hoth, among others.
He received a red carpet welcome plus a 21-gun salute after receiving a bouquet of flowers at the arrival ceremonies.
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-11-18 10:40:11 FeedbackPrintRSS
ENTEBBE, Uganda, Nov. 17 (Xinhua)
South Sudan President Salva Kiir on Thursday started a two-day state visit to Uganda in which regional security is high on agenda.
Kiir was received at State House Entebbe, 40 km south of capital Kampala by his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni.
Okello Oryem, Uganda's minister of state for international affairs, told Xinhua in an interview that one of the priority issues to be discussed will be the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between South Sudan and Sudan.
The CPA ended a two-decade long civil war in 2005 between the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) in the south and the Sudan government.
As stipulated in the CPA, South Sudan held a referendum in July this year in which it seceded from the north becoming Africa's 54th nation.
Despite the breakaway from the north, there is still animosity between South Sudan and Sudan.
At Entebbe, Kiir led a delegation of top security officials which included Gen. John Kong, minister of defense and veteran affairs, Emmanuel Lowila, minister in the Office of the President and the SPLA Chief of Staff Gen. Lames Hoth, among others.
He received a red carpet welcome plus a 21-gun salute after receiving a bouquet of flowers at the arrival ceremonies.
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-11-18 10:40:11 FeedbackPrintRSS
ENTEBBE, Uganda, Nov. 17 (Xinhua)
EAC states start dialogue to popularize political integration process
EAC states start dialogue to popularize political integration process
The five East African Community (EAC) member states, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya and Tanzania, on Thursday started their first dialogue on the political integration of the region in a bid to popularize the process.
Beatrice Kiraso, the EAC deputy Secretary General, while opening the two-day meeting here said that the dialogue aims at bringing together stakeholders to debate on fundamental issues of political integration.
"East Africans have a right to be part of this integration, both the process and the outcomes. The policy makers have an obligation to involve and represent the people of East Africa so that the decisions that are taken at regional level represent their interest and aspirations," she said.
The dialogue's theme is: "Enhancing Representation/ Inclusiveness in Promoting EAC Integration" and key topics to be discussed include the impact of national politics on the EAC integration process.
Kiraso said the dialogue will be a regular activity in all partner states and topics will be based on studies commissioned to research on various topical political integration issues.
Mukhisa Kituyi, Executive Director of Kenya Institute of Governance, said that the EAC political integration process needs to be reviewed because the current process is based on economic integration.
He said that political federation should come first because it can guarantee the economic federation.
An EAC Secretariat statement issued last week said that the EAC heads of state will at the forthcoming EAC summit scheduled for Nov. 30 give guidance on the roadmap towards political federation.
The meeting is attended by representatives of private sector, academia, youth, media, integration experts, religious organizations and politicians.
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-11-18 10:39:47 FeedbackPrintRSS
KAMPALA, Nov. 17 (Xinhua)
The five East African Community (EAC) member states, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya and Tanzania, on Thursday started their first dialogue on the political integration of the region in a bid to popularize the process.
Beatrice Kiraso, the EAC deputy Secretary General, while opening the two-day meeting here said that the dialogue aims at bringing together stakeholders to debate on fundamental issues of political integration.
"East Africans have a right to be part of this integration, both the process and the outcomes. The policy makers have an obligation to involve and represent the people of East Africa so that the decisions that are taken at regional level represent their interest and aspirations," she said.
The dialogue's theme is: "Enhancing Representation/ Inclusiveness in Promoting EAC Integration" and key topics to be discussed include the impact of national politics on the EAC integration process.
Kiraso said the dialogue will be a regular activity in all partner states and topics will be based on studies commissioned to research on various topical political integration issues.
Mukhisa Kituyi, Executive Director of Kenya Institute of Governance, said that the EAC political integration process needs to be reviewed because the current process is based on economic integration.
He said that political federation should come first because it can guarantee the economic federation.
An EAC Secretariat statement issued last week said that the EAC heads of state will at the forthcoming EAC summit scheduled for Nov. 30 give guidance on the roadmap towards political federation.
The meeting is attended by representatives of private sector, academia, youth, media, integration experts, religious organizations and politicians.
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-11-18 10:39:47 FeedbackPrintRSS
KAMPALA, Nov. 17 (Xinhua)
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