Opposition alliance wins power in Swedish elections

Sweden's centre-right opposition has narrowly won Sunday's general election, beating a Social Democratic government for only the third time since the Second World War. The provisional results give 48.1% of the vote to the four-party Alliance for Sweden and 46.2% to the government and its two supporting parties, which translates to a seven-seat majority in the 349-seat Riksdag, Sweden's parliament. A detailed summary of results can be found in the Wikipedia article on the election.

Around 22.50 CET last night Moderate Party leader Fredrik Reinfeldt claimed victory at his party's election night vigil in Stockholm. Referring to the Moderates' renewal under his leadership, he said: "We stood for election as the New Moderates. We have won as the New Moderates. We will also - together with our Alliance friends - govern as the New Moderates." Prime Minister Göran Persson admitted defeat shortly afterwards at the Social Democratic Party's election night vigil: "We have lost the election, but we are not a beaten party. We will fight back." He said however, that he "would not lead the comeback", and announced his resignation as Prime Minister but also that he would resign as party leader in March 2007, at the party conference convened to choose his successor. Mr Persson has announced that he will hand in his resignation at 16.00 CET today.

The Speaker of the Riksdag, who in Sweden is constitutionally responsible for proposing a new government to the Riksdag, is expected to officially ask Mr Reinfeldt to form a government tomorrow. The opposition Alliance for Sweden (composed of the Moderate Party, the Centre Party, the Liberal People's Party and the Christian Democrats) had already agreed a common programme and on Mr Reinfeldt as its prime ministerial candidate before the election.

The centre-right opposition has bounced back from a decisive defeat in the general election of 2002, when the Moderate Party's proposal of large tax cuts and disunity between the four parties led to the government increasing its majority. Commentators are agreed that the move of the Moderate Party towards the centre under its new leader Fredrik Reinfeldt and the agreements reached between the four parties of the centre-right on major policy areas were important in gaining victory. The Moderate Party in particular did well, achieving its best result since 1928 and making a gain of 10.9 percentage points, the biggest gain made by any party since 1914. In contrast, the Social Democrats had their worst result since 1914, with 35.2% of the vote.

The key issue in the election was employment. The opposition argued that more needed to be done to get people into work to support Sweden's generous welfare state, and proposed to cut income taxes on those with lower incomes and to cut payroll tax, especially for the private services sector and for companies hiring long-term unemployed. This was to be funded mainly by cutting unemployment benefit from 80% of previous income to 70% after 200 days and 65% after a further 300 days. The opposition also argued for more choice in the welfare system.

The government pointed to Sweden's impressive economic growth, good fiscal situation and low unemployment rate of around 6%. They also attacked the opposition for wanting to undermine the "Swedish model" and attacking those who were already most vulnerable by cutting unemployment benefit. The opposition countered by arguing that unemployment is higher than official statistics suggest because of the large numbers of people on long-term sick leave and in early retirement, as well as government employment schemes.

Sweden's new government will be presented to the Riksdag on 6 October, and will present its first budget on 16 October.


Suède : victoire du centre-droit aux élections législatives

Publié le 18 septembre 2006   L'opposition centre-droite suédoise a emporté une élection historique aux législatives. Avec 48,1 % des voix (46,2 % pour les sociaux-démocrates) son leader, Fredrik Reinfeldt, accèdera au poste de Premier ministre avec ses 178 députés.

Bien qu'ayant un bilan économique très flatteur avec une croissance de 5,6 % et un chômage de 5,7 %, la gauche a fait les frais de l'impopularité du système social, considéré par la droite comme rideau de fumée face aux vrais problèmes.


Organization of American States votes to lift Cuba suspension

News outlets are reporting that the Organization of American States (OAS) has voted to rescind the 1962 suspension of Cuba.  The Washington D.C. based organization had suspended the island nation in 1962, three years after Fidel Castro led the successful overthrow of the U.S. backed Batista government. At the time, the organization cited the incompatibility of Cuba's Marxist-Leninist doctrine with its own charter.

Since Cuba's suspension the U.S. government has stated that any lifting of the ban would depend upon both developments of personal freedoms and democratic reforms on the island.  U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had stated at the OAS meeting that "membership in the OAS must come with responsibilities;" however, the U.S. delegation left before the final vote citing the inability of the organization to reach an agreement on the issue of Cuba.

Many Latin American governments, most of whom have long since called for the lifting of the Cuban suspension without precondition, have applauded the vote. Honduran President Zelaya declared that "the cold war has ended," while the Ecuadorian Foreign Minister, Fander Falconí, stated that "this is a moment of rejoicing for all of Latin America."  Falconí was careful to clarify that although the vote itself was voted upon "without conditions," it was not an open invitation to the Cuban government to take a seat at the organization.  The vote removes the ban upon Cuba's membership, but OAS member states must still satisfy OAS requirements and conventions on human rights.

U.S. State Department spokesman Robert Wood said that the United States had worked to ensure "the return of Cuba to participation in the OAS will be done consistent with the principles and purposes of the democracy and human rights."


La OEA derogó la resolución que expulsaba a Cuba

3 de junio de 2009San Pedro Sula, Honduras —

La Asamblea General de la OEA derogó hoy en forma unánime la resolución 662 que expulsaba a Cuba del organismo interamericano.

"La Guerra Fría ha terminado hoy en San Pedro Sula" dijo el presidente de Honduras, Manuel Zelaya al anunciar que la Organización de Estados Americanos había revocado la medida tomada en 1962 para mantener a Cuba excluida de la organización.

La medida fue tomada "sin condiciones", explicó el Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores del Ecuador, Fander Falconí, "esto marca los mecanismos de reintegración de Cuba, incluyendo el acuerdo a cumplir con las convenciones de la OEA".

Esta decisión fue tomada en consenso, lo que significa que Estados Unidos lo aceptó. Aunque muchos países habían abogado por admitir a Cuba sin condiciones, la Secretaria de Estado de Estados Unidos, Hillary Clinton, fue enfática en su solicitud a la OEA que exijan a Cuba tomar decisiones hacia reformas democráticas y para mejorar los derechos humanos.

"Hoy ciertamente hemos dado un paso histórico", expresó emotivamente el presidente de Costa Rica, Oscar Arias Sánchez. Su colega de Nicaragua, el presidente Daniel Ortega Saavedra, afirmó estar orgulloso de estar presente en este consenso para "revocar a una sanción que nunca debió existir".

El gobierno de Cuba ha repetido en varias ocasiones que no tiene interés en volver a ser miembro de la organización, a la que categorizan como juguete de los Estados Unidos.

Fidel Castro escribió esta semana en los periódicos del gobierno que la OEA no debía existir y que históricamente solo ha desfavorecido países latinoamericanos. Sin embargo los líderes de los países miembros de la OEA han llegado a un consenso que no solo marca la bienvenida a Cuba, sino también deja clara la preocupación por el futuro económico de la región. Insulza en su discurso inaugural advirtió de las consecuencias que está teniendo la crisis económica global en la región.


OEA revoga resolução que expulsou Cuba da organização

Agência Brasil

4 de junho de  2009

Os países que formam a Organização dos Estados Americanos (OEA) suspenderam resolução de 1962 que havia expulsado Cuba do grupo, conforme informação divulgada pela agência argentina de notícias Télam.

O acordo foi firmado durante Assembleia Geral da OEA, realizada em Honduras. De acordo com a Télam, o ministro das Relações Exteriores do Equador, Fander Falconí, afirmou que a revogação foi acertada “sem condições” para um possível retorno da ilha à organização, depois de 47 anos.

Cuba foi expulsa da OEA em 1962 porque a organização considerou o regime adotado pelo país após a resolução incompatível com seus princípios. Desde então, Cuba é único país americano que não integra a OEA. O ministro das Relações Exteriores do Brasil, Celso Amorim, participou do encontro.

Nos últimos anos, todos os países do hemisfério restabeleceram relações com a ilha, com exceção dos Estados Unidos, que ainda mantêm um embargo econômico ao regime cubano.


Osama bin Laden to release message to US on six year anniversary of 9/11

The leader of al-Qaeda, Osama bin Laden is expected to release videotaped message to the American people on or before next week's sixth anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the United States in 2001.

The SITE Institute and IntelCenter, two U.S. based terrorist monitoring groups have stated an announcement, in the name of al-Qaeda's media-production arm, As-Sahab, seen on an Islamist website this week indicates the new al-Qaeda video is about to be released.

The announcement also came with a photo of bin Laden, which is said to have been taken recently. There have been no photos released of bin Laden since 2004, and the last known audio message he recorded is reported to have been made over a year ago.

The U.S. states that capturing Bin Laden is still a top priority.

"Obviously, it's a huge priority for us to capture and kill bin Laden and bring he and the rest of the leadership to justice. I just think people have got to be clear that we're being manipulated every time that they issue a statement, because they're trying to use the media as a way to terrorize us," said the Homeland Security Adviser for the White House, Frances Townsend.

Townsend also stated that the videotape is likely propaganda, but the U.S. will still monitor the situation.


Estados Unidos analiza nuevo video de Bin Laden

7 de septiembre de 2007Washington, Estados Unidos — El gobierno estadounidense ha informado que obtuvo un nuevo video en el cual el líder de la red Al Qaeda, Osama bin Laden, hace referencia al sexto aniversario de los atentados del 11 de septiembre de 2001 y afirma que Estados Unidos es vulnerable a pesar de su poder militar y económico.

Funcionarios de inteligencia se encuentran analizando la autenticidad y la época de grabación del video, tras un periodo de casi tres años sin recibir mensajes de Bin Laden, el más largo hasta la fecha. Su última aparición coincidió con las elecciones presidenciales de Estados Unidos en noviembre de 2004. Posteriormente solo se han obtenido grabaciones de audio con su voz.

La aparición de este nuevo video fue previamente anunciada a través del sitio web islamista Al-Sahab, en donde se publicó una fotografía de Bin Laden que lo mostraba de mayor edad aunque lucía una barba más oscura que en anteriores videos.

A la fecha las fuerzas de seguridad estadounidenses no han logrado capturar a Bin Laden, aunque se presume que podría encontrarse oculto en la región fronteriza entre Afganistán y Pakistán. El Senado estadounidense aprobó en julio de este año el aumento de la recompensa por su captura a 50 millones de dólares.


Nuovo video di Osama bin Laden

L'emittente televisiva Al Jazeera ha trasmesso il nuovo video di Osama bin Laden, della durata di circa 30 minuti, di cui il sito Al- Sahab aveva precedentemente mostrato in rete un fotogramma. Il video è stato diffuso in vista del sesto anniversario degli attentati delll'11 settembre 2001.

Nel video, di cui gli esperti americani stanno valutando l'autenticità, Osama bin Laden fa dei riferimenti al neo-presidente francese Nicolas Sarkozy e loda il linguista Noam Chomsky.

Bin Laden appare per la prima volta dopo circa 3 anni; l'ultimo video risale infatti al 29 ottobre 2004, pochi giorni prima delle elezioni presidenziali statunitensi, mentre nel 2006 erano stati diffusi degli audio attribuiti al signore del terrore.

Intanto il direttore della CIA, Michael Hayden, ha rivelato che Al Qaeda sta organizzando nuovi attentati terroristici. Negli scorsi giorni sono stati degli attentati in Danimarca e Germania.


Ousted president Manuel Zelaya heads back to Honduras

Manuel Zelaya, the president of Honduras who was removed from power by the Honduran Supreme Court, has begun making his way back to his country. Flying from Washington, Zelaya is to arrive in Honduran air space at around 22:00 (GMT).

The former president had announced his willingness to return to his country, hoping for a reintegration. Zelaya asked his people to be able to "practice his rights peacefully" after his arrival in the Central American country.

Nevertheless, the interim government that deposed Zelaya has announced that the flight would not be allowed to land. Foreign Minister Enrique Ortez said "I have ordered to not allow him to enter, whoever he comes with, to avoid the imprudence of allowing a president of the republic to die, of allowing a president of the republic to get hurt, of allowing a person to die".

Zelaya travels together with the President of the United Nations General Assembly, Miguel D'Escoto. Other leaders of Latin America, who had promised to travel together with Zelaya, will instead monitor the development of events from El Salvador. Among these leaders are the presidents Rafel Correa (Ecuador), Cristina Fernández de Kirchner (Argentina) and Fernando Lugo (Paraguay), together with the Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza.

"If Zelaya lands and regards it timely for us to go, we will go", said Correa. Furthermore, Cristina Fernández added that "there is a clear attempt from Zelaya to return, even if they don't allow it, and to restore order in the country".

Zelaya's return takes place after the Organization of American States (OAS) voted in favour of suspending Honduras from the organization. OAS resolved to suspend "immediately" the de facto Honduran government lead by Roberto Micheletti in accordance with the Inter-American Democratic Charter.

However, fear has aroused that Zelaya's return could trigger more violence. The archbishop of Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras, urged Zelaya not to return, fearing a possible "bloodbath".


El presidente depuesto de Honduras comienza retorno a su país

5 de julio de 2009Washington DC, Estados Unidos —

Manuel Zelaya, el presidente que fue depuesto en Honduras tras un golpe de estado, comenzó su retorno a Honduras desde Washington. Se preve que el mandatario llegue a espacio aéreo hondureño hacia las 22:00 (UTC).

El ex-presidente anunció su voluntad de regresar a Honduras, con la esperanza de una reintegración, y partió hoy a las 15:00 horas desde Washington, donde estaba siendo alojado. Zelaya pidió a su pueblo, tras su retorno, poder "ejercer sus derechos en forma pacífica".

Sin embargo, las autoridades correspondientes al gobierno interino hondureño han anunciado que detendrían a Zelaya si intentaba retornar al país. El ministro de Relaciones Exteriores, Enrique Ortez, anunció que "He ordenado que no se deje entrar, venga quien venga, para no cometer la imprudencia que vaya a morir un presidente de la república, que vaya a ser herido un presidente de la república, que vaya a morir una persona".

Zelaya viaja acompañado por el Presidente de la Asamblea General de la ONU, el ex canciller nicaragüense Miguel D'Escoto. Otros mandatarios, quienes habían prometido acompañarlo en su retorno, no lo harán pero seguirán los sucesos desde El Salvador. Entre estos líderes estaban los presidentes Rafael Correa (Ecuador), Cristina Fernández de Kirchner (Argentina), y Fernando Lugo (Paraguay), junto con el Secretario General de la OEA, José Miguel Insulza.

"Si Zelaya aterriza y considera oportuno que vayamos, iremos", declaró Correa. Asimismo, Cristina Fernández dijo que "hay un intento manifiesto de Zelaya de retornar, aún cuando no lo dejen, y de restaurar el orden en el país".

La decisión ocurre poco después de que la Organización de los Estados Americanos (OEA) votara suspender a Honduras de la organización. Dicha organización resolvió suspender de manera "inmediata" el gobierno de facto hondureño (liderado por Roberto Micheletti), de acuerdo a lo previsto por la Carta Democrática Interamericana (CDI). La resolución fue aprobada por más de dos tercios de la Asamblea General de emergencia convocada ad hoc.

Pero se teme que la tensión pueda derivar en más violencia. El arzobispo de Tegucigalpa, la capital de Honduras, urgió a Zelaya a que no volviera, temiendo un posible "baño de sangre".


Honduras : atterrissage interdit pour l'ancien président

Les autorités du Honduras ont annoncé aujourd'hui qu'elles arrêteraient Manuel Zelaya s'il voulait revenir dans le pays.

Pour rappel, le 28 juin 2009, l'armée hondurienne avait destitué le président Zelaya après l'avoir expulsé vers le Costa Rica. Ce coup d'État, le premier en Amérique latine depuis la fin de la guerre froide, a éclaté juste avant un référendum portant sur la possibilité d'un changement de la constitution.

L'ancien président a annoncé sa volonté de revenir en Honduras, dans l'espoir d'une réintégration, dans un avion qui partira vers 10h00 (16h00 UTC+1) de Washington pour le Honduras. L'appareil arrivera aux alentours de 15h00, heure locale (23h00 UTC+1). Enrique Ortez, ministre des affaire étrangères, a d'ores et déjà annoncé que « l'atterrissage est interdit à l'avion qui amènera l'ex-président. Peu importe qui l'accompagnerait. Quel que soit l'appareil, l'atterrissage est interdit ». Les personnalités assistant le président sortant sont pour l'instant inconnues. De même, le lieu d'atterrissage n'a pas été dévoilé et le voyage a été qualifié de « pacifique » par Manuel Zelaya.


Over 250 killed in failed coup attempt in Turkey

In an unsuccessful coup attempt apparently by elements of the Turkish Armed Forces in Istanbul and Ankara, 265 people were killed and 1440 were injured, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım reported on Saturday. Following the incident, 2,839 soldiers and officers were detained and, according to another military official, 104 coup plotters were killed. General Hulusi Akar, held by the rebels, was later freed.

On Friday, the rebels declared martial law claiming to have "taken control of the country" and said Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's government was responsible for damaging Turkey's secular tradition. They shut down Istanbul Atatürk Airport and blocked the two bridges over the Bosphorus, with gunfire and, by some reports, jets dropping bombs in Istanbul and Ankara. Social-networking websites were blocked in the country and news channel CNN stopped broadcasting. Tank fire and explosions were reported at the parliament.

Prime Minister Yıldırım declared a no-fly zone over Ankara. Erdoğan was in Marmaris during the coup attempt. Erdoğan after reaching Instanbul on Saturday, said, "Those who betrayed this country will pay for this treachery" ((tr))Turkish language: Bu vatana ihanet edenler, bu ihanetin bedelini ödeyecek as he announced he would remain president.

General Zekai Aksakalli told NTV, "Those who are attempting a coup will not succeed. Our people should know that we will overcome this". Erdoğan supporters were seen carrying the Turkish flag on the streets of Istanbul.

During Erdoğan's address to citizens, coup supporters were seen surrendering, abandoning military tanks, given citizen opposition to the coup. Eight people fled the country seeking asylum in the Greek city of Alexandroupolis, according to Greek officials.

Officials claimed Fethullah Gülen, who is currently in the United States on an exile, was responsible for the coup; Deutsche Presse-Agentur reported Gülen condemned the attempt.


Turquie : tentative de coup d'État

L'armée turque annonce, via un communiqué publié sur le site internet de l'état-major, avoir pris le pouvoir en Turquie avec pour objectif de « rétablir la démocratie ». Selon l'armée, désormais, un « conseil de paix » serait au pouvoir. Le Premier ministre, Binali Yildirim, dénonce une tentative de coup d'État par un groupe de militaires et averti que ceux impliqués dans cette action « illégale » paieront « le prix le plus élevé ». Il déclare également que le « gouvernement élu par le peuple reste en place. Ce gouvernement ne partira que lorsque le peuple le dira ». Le président Recep Tayyp Erdogan est annoncé en sécurité et le chef d'état-major serait l'otage des militaires putschistes selon l'agence Anatolie connue pour être proche du gouvernement.

Tous les vols à l'aéroport d'Istanbul-Atatürk sont annulés et l'aéroport serait cerné par des forces armées. Un couvre-feu et de la loi martiale seraient mis en place par l'armée selon la chaîne publique TRT.

Les réseaux sociaux Twitter et Facebook ainsi que YouTube ont été bloqués dans le pays.

Le consulat français et le gouvernement fédéral belge recommandent à leurs citoyens de rester chez eux.


Fallito colpo di stato in Turchia

Venerdì sera l'esercito turco ha chiuso i ponti sul Bosforo di Istanbul, ha occupato alcuni ministeri e la televisione di stato. Un comunicato degli ufficiali militari afferma di aver preso il potere nel paese e il primo ministro in carica, Binali Yıldırım, ha confermato la notizia. Lo Stato Maggiore starebbe prendendo il controllo delle principali città del paese, in particolare la capitale Ankara e Istanbul.

Non è chiaro chi stia guidando la presa di potere in Turchia. È la quinta volta che i militari prendono il potere in Anatolia, dalla fondazione della repubblica turca nel 1922; l'ultimo risale al 1980. I giornalisti nel paese affermano che i militari hanno preso il controllo delle principali vie di comunicazione. I social network sono al momento bloccati. Sono stati sospesi i voli dall'Europa alla Turchia.

Il presidente Recep Tayyip Erdoğan è riuscito ad atterrare a Istanbul e a riprendere in mano la situazione.


Wojskowy zamach stanu w Turcji

Tureckie Siły Zbrojne przeprowadziły w nocy z 15 na 16 lipca 2016 próbę zamachu stanu.

W nocy z 15 na 16 lipca 2016 grupa tureckich wojskowych przeprowadziła próbę zamachu stanu. O 22:33 tureccy wojskowi wydali oświadczenie o przejęciu władzy w kraju.

Uczestnicy zamachu opanowali siedzibę sił zbrojnych i wzięli szefa sztabu generalnego jako zakładnika. Wstrzymano ruch na moście nad Bosforem.

Z stambulskiego lotniska Atatürka odwołano wszystkie loty. W całym kraju zablokowano media społecznościowe. Agencje informacyjne donoszą o odgłosach strzałów w Stambule i Ankarze oraz o walkach pomiędzy policją a wojskiem.


Попытка военного переворота в Турции провалилась

В ночь с 15 на 16 июля 2016 года в Турции группа турецких военных предприняла попытку военного переворота, взяв под свой контроль ряд стратегических объектов в Анкаре и Стамбуле, однако эта попытка закончилась неудачей. Турецкие власти заявили о подавлении мятежа.
В ходе попытки военного переворота погибло не менее 160 человек, 1 440 получили ранения, около 3 000 арестовано.
Противники Реджепа Тайипа Эрдогана намерены продолжить борьбу, сказано в их заявлении для СМИ.
В настоящее время точечные беспорядки и попытки захвата в Турции продолжаются.

Вечером 15 июля 2016 на улицах столицы Турции Анкары и в Стамбуле были слышны выстрелы из огнестрельного оружия, над Анкарой летала военная авиация, в Стамбуле были замечены танки.
По сообщениям очевидцев была слышна стрельба в Международном аэропорту Ататюрка, и взрыв в Анкаре в центре подготовки сил специального назначения.
Оба моста (Босфорский мост и Мост Султана Мехмета) через Босфорский пролив в Стамбуле были перекрыты военными.

Около 23:00 турецкое СМИ («Доган») передало коммюнике о переходе власти во всей стране в руки военных, «с целью поддержания демократического порядка и прав человека», власть в стране переходит к так называемому «Мирному Совету», объявлено о введении комендантского часа и военного положения.
Было прекращено вещание государственных телеканалов.

В штаб-квартире турецких вооруженных сил взят в заложники начальник Генерального штаба Хулуси Акар вместе с некоторыми другими руководителями турецкой армии.
Согласно CNN Turk, их удерживали в здании генштаба вооруженных сил Турции.
Сообщалось о том, что охрана президентского дворца нейтрализована.

Президент страны Реджеп Тайип Эрдоган через FaceTime на турецком телевидении сделал заявление, в котором призвал население к сопротивлению попыткам государственного переворота.
По его словам, за переворотом стоят сторонники духовного лидера Фетхуллаха Гюлена, которого поддерживают военные среднего звена, в то время как высшее руководство армии поддержало президента.
После обращения, на улицы вышли тысячи сторонников действующей власти, которые пытались остановить танки мятежников. Поддержку Эрдогана также выразило командование ВМС страны.

Турецкие СМИ около 3 часов ночи сообщили об атаке с вертолётов на главное управление полиции в Анкаре (где погибло около 17 человек).
Кроме того, в офисе государственного телевидения произошел взрыв, предположительно в результате атаки вертолётов.

Утром 16 июля поступили сообщения, что проправительственным самолетам удалось сбить два вертолёта мятежников в небе над Анкарой.
Мятеж военных в Стамбуле был усмирён.
В Стамбуле же в аэропорту объявился и президент Турции Эрдоган.
Полицейским силам удалось провести аресты заговорщиков. Многие солдаты сдавались сами.
Около 11:00 блокировавшие мосты через Босфор военные покинули технику и вышли с поднятыми руками.
Действие транслировали турецкие телеканалы. Ранее эти же военные обстреливали людей, пытавшихся пройти через мост.

К полудню 16 июля возобновлена работа всех аэропортов страны. По состоянию на 13:00 арестовано 2 839 заговорщиков.

По заявлению правительства переворот в Турции организовало среднее звено турецкой армии — военный прокурор и 46 офицеров во главе с отставным полковником Мухарремом Кёсе. Также в мятеже участвовали полковник Мехмет Огуз Аккус, майор Эркан Агин и подполковник Доган Уйсал. Кроме того, путчистов поддержал лидер Народно-республиканской партии Турции Кемаль Кылычдароглу.

Активное вмешательство армии в политические процессы, происходящие внутри страны, всегда было одной из особенностей истории современного государства Турции, которое было создано в 1923 году. Вооружённые силы Турции организовывали перевороты трижды — в 1960, 1971 и 1980 годах, а также в 1997 году вмешались с помощью военного меморандума (англ. 1997 Turkish military memorandum).
Военные исторически рассматривают себя в качестве гаранта турецкого государства, созданного в соответствии с заветами Мустафы Кемаля Ататюрка.

После прихода к президентской власти Реджеп Тайип Эрдоган открыто проводил курс на переформатирование военно-гражданских отношений, в ходе которого военные отстранялись от участия в политической жизни страны.
После окончания мирного процесса с лидерами турецких курдов президент Турции Реджеп Тайип Эрдоган пошёл на тактический союз с армейской элитой, которую он активно притеснял на протяжении 2007—2008 годов.
Осенью 2015 года при проведении зачисток в юго-восточных регионах страны, населенных преимущественно курдами, правительство страны предоставило военному командованию разрешение на проведение военных операций.
Ради создания союза с армейской верхушкой Эрдоган признал ошибочность своего прежнего политического курса на вытеснение военных из политических событий Турции.

13 июля 2016 года, менее чем за два дня до попытки переворота, президент Турции подписал законопроект, предоставляющий турецким военнослужащим иммунитет от судебного преследования во время участия во внутренних операциях по обеспечению безопасности.
Возбуждение уголовных дел против командиров утверждается премьер-министром, а в отношении солдат младшего ранга могут быть подписаны губернаторами.
Законопроект иммунитета был попыткой наладить взаимоотношения между правительством и вооруженными силами, которые все чаще принимают участие в военных операциях в курдских районах.

16 июля 2016 года


土耳其爆發未遂軍事政變

土耳其當地時間7月15日午夜至16日清晨間，伊斯坦堡與安卡拉被部分反對總統的軍隊封鎖周圍道路並實施戒嚴。政變方還攻入了國營電視台TRT發表聲明，稱他們已經接管政權，並要制定新憲法，但政變方很快的就由支持政府的一方擊潰。

軍方最高指揮官向CNN表示，發動政變的是國家憲兵與空軍的將領；但陸軍與海軍選擇支持政府。

美聯社報導稱，此次政變已造成17名特種部隊成員死亡，死因是直升機襲擊；雖然官方宣稱政變已被敉平，但政變方與政府方的軍隊仍有零星戰鬥。

路透社報導稱，美國白宮已表態支持政府方，並呼籲和平解決爭議，阿塔圖克國際機場聽到爆炸聲。

土耳其當地的全國性私營電視台NTV報導，空軍的F-16戰機對準了土耳其大国民议会投擲炸彈。

目前政府方與政變方都宣稱自己獲勝，但實際狀況目前仍不明；不滿政變的平民們在街頭抗議，並擋住軍方坦克的去路，傳出有士兵朝抗議者開槍。


Over five hundred hispanic students protest immigration laws in Los Angeles

On the day before a large rally planned in downtown Los Angeles, hundreds of Latino Los Angeles high school students staged a walkout this Friday to protest proposed federal legislation that calls for building a 700-mile-long fence along the Mexican-American border and cracking down on illegal immigrants.

Students carried red, green, and white ballons, and shouted cheers of "Viva Mexico!".  Protestors claimed that the new laws were unfair to immigrants, both legal and illegal.  They stated that "...this country was built by the blood, sweat and tears of immigrants..."  Students were urged by activists and community groups to stage a walk out during classes.

The protest was relatively peaceful, resulting in a few traffic jams, and one arrest.  One man was arrested for throwing bottles at police officers, although it is unknown whether or not the man was a student.

This walkout is one among similar other protests as the Senate Judiciary Committee is set to begin debate next week on motions to toughen immigration laws in the United States. It is estimated that 11 million illegal immigrants reside within U.S. borders.


美國洛杉磯五十萬人示威 反對政府計劃收緊移民條例

美國洛杉磯於3月25日發生近年來最大規模的和平示威，約五十萬人走到街上，抗議美國政府計劃收緊移民條例。

示威者高舉標誌和平的白旗，以及墨西哥、瓜地馬拉等眾多移民所屬國家的國旗，為了顯示非法移民已經是美國社會的一部分，希望能成為循規守法的公民。

示威者不滿美國眾議院於2005年12月通過議案，可能使非法居留成為可判監的聯邦重罪；該項議案若落實，將會同時立法懲罰僱用非法勞工的雇主，要求教會於協助教友前核實其移民身分，並會於美國與墨西哥邊界的三分之一長度加建圍欄，阻止偷渡者入境。

22歲的示威者 David Gonzalez 手舉寫上「我就在家國」的標語，他的母親早年從墨西哥渡河到美國定居。他不認為新條例會保障美國不受恐怖主義威脅，只會傷害拉丁美洲裔人士。他說：「你何時見過墨西哥人炸掉世貿中心？世貿中心是誰人建造的？」

洛杉磯示威組織者稱有超過一百萬人遊行，警方用直升機估計示威人數約有五十萬。警方事件指揮官 Louis Gray Jr. 說：「我為警隊效力38年，從來沒見過如此大的遊行。」

美國其他地區也有類似示威。在科羅拉多州丹佛市，週六有超過五萬人上街，當地警方原先僅預期數千名示威者；亞利桑那州鳳凰城週五有二萬名示威者，為該市歷來最大型的示威；威斯康辛州米爾沃基市週四也有超過一萬人示威。

美國總統喬治·布什週六於每週電台講話中提到邊境保安固然重要，但也強調美國於歷史上屬於由移民組成的國家。布什也說：「我們辯論移民問題時，必須謹記有些移民也是勤奮的人，願意從事美國人不願投入的行業，為我國的經濟帶來重要的貢獻。」

美國有近一千二百萬非法勞工，從事建築、農業、服務業等工作。布什希望能推動一項「客籍工作者」計畫，容許該等無證移民有臨時合法工作權。但這項計畫不僅受共和黨員反對，支持保障移民權利的人也不滿此項計畫會產生新的次等雇員階級。

另一方面，支持更嚴謹的邊境保安的群眾也打算於週一在波士頓和華盛頓兩市遊行。

美國參議院將會於週二辯論移民問題。而布什於週三會前往墨西哥，與墨西哥總統比森特·福克斯會面；福克斯對布什一直未能推動「客籍工作者」計畫感到失望。


Pakistan and China sign free-trade deal

Chinese president, Hu Jintao has signed a free-trade deal with his Pakistani counterpart, General Pervez Musharraf, during ongoing talks in Islamabad. They signed a five-year pact to boost bilateral trade on Friday.

After a three-day trip to India, Hu Jintao travelled to Pakistan for a four-day visit and received a royal reception at his arrival. His visit to Pakistan is the first by a Chinese leader in a decade.

According to diplomats, the agreement could triple the value of bilateral trade within next five years, to $15bn.

Pakistani commerce minister, Humayoun Akhtar said that new trade pact would energize the efforts to cut tariffs. He added that the trade would be completely tariff-free between the two countries within next five years.

Both countries have agreed a number of new defence and energy deals. The Pakistan Air Force and Chinese Aviation Industries have agreed for long term collaboration in the fields of aircraft manufacturing including Airborne Warning And Control Systems (AWACS).


Paquistão e China assinam tratado de livre comércio

O Presidente chinês, Hu Jintao, assinou um tratado de livre comércio com sua contraparte paquistanesa, o General Pervez Musharraf, durante encontro em Islamabad. Eles assinaram um  tratado de cinco anos para impulsionar o comércio bilateral na sexta-feira (24).

Depois de uma  viagem de três dias para a Índia, Hu Jintao viajou ao Paquistão para uma visita de quatro dias e em sua chegada ele teve uma recepção real. Sua visita para o Paquistão é a primeiro feita por um líder chinês em uma década.

De acordo com os diplomatas, o acordo é capaz de triplicar o valor do comércio bilateral dentro dos próximos cinco anos para 15 bilhões de dólares.

O ministro do comércio paquistanês, Humayoun Akhtar, disse que o novo tratado de comércio  fortalece os esforços para reduzir as tarifas. Ele acrescentou que o comércio entre os dois países será completamente livre de taxas dentro dos próximos cinco anos.

Ambos os países concordaram em fazer novos acordos para as áreas da defesa e de energia. A força aérea paquistanesa e  as indústrias de aviação chinesas prometeram uma colaboração de longo prazo no ramo de construção de aeronaves, inclusive para a fabricação de Sistemas de Controle e Alerta Aéreo: os AWACS.


Pakistan captures al Qaeda suspect

Pakistan Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed announced Wednesday the capture of Abu Faraj al-Libbi, and five other suspected al-Qaeda militants, after a gun battle in Waziristan on Monday. Abu Faraj al-Libbi was wanted in connection with two attempts to assassinate Pakistan's President, Pervez Musharraf, one on December 25, 2004.

Security officials said the Libyan born al-Libbi was thought to be a top general for al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and acted as an operational commander in Pakistan. Ahmed told AP, "This arrest gives us a lot of tips, and I can only say that our security agencies are on the right track."

Ahmed, who called the capture "a very important day for us", said they are receiving more and more tips and are on the right track towards the eventual capture of bin Laden. Pakistan has put more pressure on its northwest region with a months-long build-up there. The region is believed by many to be where al-Qaeda members are holding out after they were pushed from Afghanistan.

U.S. President George Bush said of the capture: "I applaud the Pakistani government for its strong coöperation in the war on terror."

Musharraf has been a key ally in the US-led war on terrorism, and because of that also an Islamic militant target. A BBC security correspondent said this is the biggest arrest since that of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the alleged mastermind of the 2003 9/11 attack.

Although al-Libbi is not on the FBI's list of most-wanted terrorists, Interior Minister Aftab Khan Sherpao stated that the United States had been offering a bounty of $10 million for information leading to al-Libbi's arrest.  He refused to speculate upon whether the arrest would aid in the capture of bin Laden, saying that "We have no information" about the al Qaeda leaders, and "It's premature to say [whether this arrest will help in tracking them], but definitely interrogation is going to take place."

Sherpao also said that it was too early to say whether al-Libbi and Mohammed would be taken to the United States, or remain in undisclosed locations with other al-Qaeda detainees.  He stressed that there were the attempted assassination cases pending against al-Libbi in Pakistan.

The United States is not the only country which lays claim to al-Libbi.  He is wanted by Libya, where he has been sentenced to death (and whence he escaped in the 1980s), for assassination attempts on Colonel Qaddafi.  He is also wanted by Afghanistan.


Arrestado dirigente de Al Qaeda en Pakistán

4 de mayo de 2005Pakistán — Autoridades del gobierno de Pakistán anunciaron la captura de Abu-Farraj Al-Libb, dirigente del grupo Al Qaeda.

El anuncio fue hecho oficialmente por el ministro del interior paquistaní en la tarde de este miércoles. Según el gobierno paquistaní, Al-Libbi fue capturado después de un tiroteo, en las cercanías de Mardan, 48 kilómetros al norte de Peshawar.

Al-Libbi es líbio y se cree está detrás de la tentativa del atentado contra el presidente paquistaní Pervez Musharraf. Igualmente es considerado el tercer hombre más importante de Al Qaeda y es posible que conozca el paradero de Osama Bin Laden.

El presidente de los EUA, George W. Bush dijo que la captura de Al-Libbi fue una victoria importante en la guerra contra el terrorismo. Según Bush, Abu Faraj Al-Libbi "fue un gran colaborador y planificador para la red Al Qaeda". Bush añadió: "Su arresto elimina un enemigo peligroso que era una amenaza directa para [Estados Unidos de] América y para aquellos que aman la libertad".


Preso um dos líderes da al-Qaeda no Paquistão

Autoridades do governo do Paquistão anunciaram a prisão de Abu-Farraj Al-Libb, um dos líderes do grupo  Al Qaeda.

O anúncio da prisão de Al-Libb foi feito oficialmente pelo  ministro do interior paquistanês na tarde desta quarta-feira.
Segundo o governo paquistanês,  Al-Libbi foi preso depois de um tiroteio,  nas redondezas de Mardan, a 48 quilômetros ao norte de Peshawar.

Al-Libbi é líbio e acredita-se que ele esteja por trás da tentativa do atentado contra o presidente paquistanês Pervez Musharraf.
Ele é considerado a terceira liderança mais importante da al-Qaeda e é possível que saiba onde está escondido  Osama Bin Laden.

O presidente dos EUA, George W. Bush  disse que a prisão de Al-Libbi foi uma vitória importante na guerra contra o terror. Segundo o presidente americano Abu Faraj Al-Libbi "foi um grande colaborador e planejador para a rede al Qaeda."   Bush acrescentou:"Sua prisão remove um inimigo perigoso que era uma ameaça direta para a América e para aqueles que amam a liberdade."


Pakistan civilian government unites in a coalition to impeach President Pervez Musharraf

The two dominant parties of Pakistan's National Assembly have united in a coalition to impeach President Pervez Musharraf. The decision was announced by party leaders Asif Ali Zardari, widower of former premier Benazir Bhutto, and Nawaz Sharif, with the parties aiming for a successful no-confidence vote against President Musharraf. The impeachment process is planned to start within the following week.

There have been concerns that an attempt at impeachment would result in a detrimental political battle in a country already facing political instability. A senior member of a party allied with Musharraf stated that the impeachment would "open a Pandora's box" regarding Pakistan's future.

Once the impeachment process begins, the coalition will need to muster a required two-thirds majority in order to successfully impeach Musharraf. Musharraf has little support in the National Assembly, as most of his political allies were defeated in the February elections. If the coalition is successful, Musharraf will be the first president in Pakistan's sixty-one year history to have been impeached.

Musharraf has canceled his trip to the Beijing Olympics so that he can focus on planning a response to the coalition. Successfully defeating the impeachment will depend largely on the support of the military, for which he acted as chief until international pressure forced him to step down a year ago. Other options Musharraf may explore include  declaring a state of emergency, which could aid him in getting the support of the military, or dissolving parliament, though this would likely lead to political chaos.


Pakistan, la coalizione al governo si accorda per incriminare Musharraf

Il Partito del Popolo Pachistano e la Lega Musulmana, i due partiti che formano la maggioranza di governo in Pakistan, sono giunti ad un accordo per chiedere una procedura di impeachment nei confronti del presidente in carica, Pervez Musharraf.

Asif Ali Zardari (marito di Benazir Bhutto, uccisa a dicembre in un attentato) e Nawaz Sharif, i due leader dei maggiori partiti, hanno così deciso per l'incriminazione del presidente, dopo un negoziato durato tre giorni interi.

Musharraf comanda il paese asiatico dal 1999, al seguito di un colpo di stato, ma nelle elezioni tenutesi il 18 febbraio scorso, ha subito una dura sconfitta elettorale. Secondo quanto riferisce un suo collaboratore, il presidente avrebbe deciso di rimandare la partenza per Pechino, per partecipare alla cerimonia di apertura della XXIX Olimpiade.


Coalizão governista pode pedir impeachment de Pervez Musharraf no Paquistão

O governo de coalizão do Paquistão anunciou hoje (7) que começará um processo de impeachment contra o presidente Pervez Musharraf. A acusação seria a de o dirigente ter levado o país para uma crise política e econômica.

Musharraf cancelou sua viagem a Pequim e será o primeiro-ministro, Yousuf Raza Gilani, que participará da cerimônia de abertura dos Jogos Olímpicos de Pequim.


Pakistan Peoples Party winning elections for Pakistan's national assembly according to early results

Early poll results have shown that the anti-Musharraf parties, Pakistan Peoples Party and Pakistan Muslim League (N), are emerging as victorious.
The early results also show that Pakistan Muslim League (Q), the party supporting Pervez Musharraf, has been defeated.

Furthermore, the results for Pakistan's national assembly indicate that the Pakistan Peoples Party currently have a small lead with 78 seats, with Nawaz Sharif's party just behind with 72 seats. The party which wins the elections for the National Assembly will choose the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

The elections had a slow start at 8 a.m. (0300 GMT), as fears of violence kept many voters away. To enforce security, the Pakistani police is backed up by some 80,000 troops. The BBC reported that 80 million people are eligible to vote, but many are expected to stay at home, largely because of fears about security. Authorities reported at least five explosions that had taken place on election day, all but one of which occurred near a polling area.


Changement de majorité au Pakistan

Publié le 19 février 2008   Les résultats partiels non encore officiels des élections législatives pakistanaises de lundi délivrés par la télévision d'État montrent une large défaite des partis soutenant le président pakistanais Pervez Musharraf et une victoire pour la coalition d'opposition.

Les résultats de 222 circonscriptions sur les 272 à pourvoir sont connus et attribuent 72 sièges au Parti du Peuple Pakistanais, la formation dirigée par Asif Ali Zardari, veuf de Benazir Bhutto, 63 sièges pour ses alliés traditionnels, la Ligue Musulmane du Pakistan de Nawaz Sharif. Le parti au pouvoir depuis 2002, la PML-Q (Q pour Qaïd-e-Azam), n'obtient que 29 sièges, auxquels il faut ajouter les 18 obtenus par le MQM, un parti allié de Karachi.

Quelques soient les résultats des 50 circonscriptions restantes en jeu, le parti du président Pervez Musharraf n'a donc plus aucune chance d'obtenir la majorité absolue de 272 députés.

Enfin, les partis islamistes fondamentalistes, qui avaient réussi une percée importante lors des élections de 2002, ont également subi un revers majeur. La Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA), une alliance de différentes formations fondamentalistes, n'est actuellement créditée que de trois sièges, loin des 50 dont elle disposait dans l'assemblée précédente.

Conséquence directe des différents attentats qui ont parsemé la campagne, le taux de participation n'est que d'environ 40 %. En effet, si plus de 800 personnes sont mortes en 2007 dans des attentats-suicide, près de 150 ont quand à elles été tuées à l'approche des élections.

Dans la nuit, Tariq Azeem, porte-parole de la PML-Q reconnaissait la défaite de son parti en déclarant « Les électeurs ont livré leur verdict et, en tant que démocrates, nous l'acceptons ». Il a ajouté « Si ces résultats se confirment nous jouerons notre rôle d'opposants de manière aussi efficace que possible ».


Oposição sai vitoriosa no Paquistão

A oposição paquistanesa confirmou as projeções e sai como a grande vitoriosa das eleições parlamentares que ocorreram na última segunda-feira. O Partido Popular do Paquistão (PPP), do qual fazia parte a ex-primeira-ministra do país Benazir Bhutto, assassinada em dezembro de 2007, e a Liga Muçulmana do Paquistão - ala Nawaz (PML-N) do ex-primeiro-ministro Nawaz Sharif, derrubado em 1999 pelo golpe de Estado militar, conseguiram expressiva votação, levando a grande maioria das cadeiras do Parlamento.

Os números da televisão estatal situavam no fim do dia o PPP, partido liderado pelo viúvo de Bhutto, Asif Ali Zardari, à frente, com 86 assentos, seguido pelo PML-N (65), com grande vantagem sobre o PML-Q (37) e seu tradicional aliado, o MQM (19).

"Formaremos um governo de consenso nacional que incluirá todas as forças democráticas", afirmou Zardari, sobre uma reunião que terá com Sharif.

Já o presidente Pervez Musharraf informou, por meio de seu porta-voz, que aceitará os resultados do pleito. Disse também que "esta não é uma eleição presidencial. O presidente Musharraf já foi eleito por cinco anos", sobre o fato de o presidente ficar vulnerável, do ponto de vista político.

A grande surpresa ficou pela grande queda no número de cadeiras conquistadas pelos partidos tidos como fundamentalistas islâmicos. A ligação desses partidos com a Al Qaeda e com os talebans enfraqueceu-os, junto ao eleitorado.


Pakistan test fires nuclear-capable cruise missile

Pakistan successfully test fired a new cruise missile on Saturday that is capable of carrying nuclear weapons.

The announcement was made by the nation's military in a statement, saying that the air-launched Ra'ad (meaning 'thunder' in Arabic) missile has been successfully tested. The missile is constructed using materials and designs specifically developed for stealth and has a range of 350 kilometres, they said.

The missile was developed exclusively in Pakistan, and, according to the statement, has been built specifically with Pakistan's existing air force platforms in mind, in order to give these 'a strategic stand-off capability on land and at sea,'. The statement also said that the missile's accuracy was comparable to Pakistan's long-range Babur missile, and that the missile is capable of carrying "all types of warheads".

Both the Pakistani prime minister, Shaukat Aziz and the president, Pervez Musharraf, congratulated the team of scientists and engineers who developed the new technology. "Pakistan's defense will continue to be strengthened as an imperative of national security, they said, and assured all support to Pakistan's strategic program," according to the army.


Le Pakistan a testé des missiles de croisière pouvant transporter des ogives nucléaires

Le Pakistan a testé avec succès un nouveau missile de croisière samedi, capable de transporter des ogives nucléaires.
L'annonce a été faite par l'armée dans un communiqué, indiquant que le missile air-terre/mer Ra'ad (tonnerre en arabe) a été testé avec succès. Le missile est construit avec des matériaux et une forme spécialement développés pour la furtivité, et a une portée de 350 km.
Le missile a été développé de manière exclusive au Pakistan, et, selon le communiqué, a été construit spécifiquement avec les dispositifs de l'armée de l'air existant déjà, afin de leur donner « une capacité stratégique sur la terre et la mer ». Le communiqué indique aussi que la précision du missile est comparable à celle du missile pakistanais à longue portée Babur, et que le missile est capable de transporter « tout type d'ogive ».
Le Premier ministre, Shaukat Aziz, et le Président pakistanais, Pervez Musharraf, ont tous deux félicité l'équipe de scientifiques et d'ingénieurs qui a développé cette nouvelle technologie. « La défense pakistanaise, impératif de la sécurité nationale, continuera à se renforcer et à assurer tout le soutien possible au programme stratégique du Pakistan » a indiqué l'armée.


Pakistan votes for new parliament

In a delayed poll the Pakistani vote for a new parliament today. The election was originally scheduled for January 8, but the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto in Rawalpindi on December 27, 2007 forced a delay.

The elections had a slow start at 8 a.m. (0300 GMT), as fears of violence kept many voters away. To enforce security, the Pakistani police is backed up by some 80,000 troops. BBC's Chris Morris says 80 million people are eligible to vote, but many are expected to stay at home, largely because of fears about security. Authorities reported at least five explosions that had taken place on election day, all but one of which occurred near a polling place.

The two most important opposition parties, the Pakistan People's Party and the Pakistan Muslim League, say that allies of current president Pervez Musharraf plan a massive fraud on the election. "Whether he will be able to do the Election Day rigging or not remains to be seen," said Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, director of the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency. "But the signs are that the government is positioning itself to manipulate the elections." The authorities have repeatedly claimed that the elections will be free and fair, although President Musharraf has warned against street protests.

If the opposition parties gain a two-thirds majority in Parliament, they could then take steps to impeach the President. This possibility of impeachment has led some political analysts, like Talat Masood, to describe the election as "a referendum for or against [Musharraf]."

"I think we have reached the breaking point where if we don't band together, we will lose this great nation which we call Pakistan," says Ms Bhutto's widower and successor as party leader, Asif Ali Zardari.


Pakistán realiza sus elecciones parlamentarias en medio de fuertes medidas de seguridad

18 de febrero de 2008Islamabad, Pakistán — 64.000 puestos de votación se abrieron a lo largo del país a las 8:00 horas locales (3:00 UTC) y en ellos se elegirán a los 242 representantes a la Asamblea Nacional Pakistaní y 577 de las cuatro asambleas provinciales. Más de 80 millones de personas están habilitadas para participar en las elecciones legislativas pakistaníes durante la jornada del día lunes.

Las elecciones, inicialmente programadas para el 8 de enero fueron aplazadas al 18 de febrero debido al asesinato de Bhutto. No obstante, se esperan protestas al cierre de las elecciones por denuncias anticipadas de fraude por parte del partido opositor del gobierno.

Tras el atentado suicida perpetrado el pasado domingo contra el Partido Popular de Pakistán al cual pertenecía Benazir Bhutto que causó 47 muertos y 110 heridos, se han extremado las medidas de seguridad con más de 80.000 soldados.


Hoje ocorrem eleições no Paquistão

O Paquistão vai às urnas nesta segunda-feira, para renovar os dois parlamentos do País. Risco de violência é grande. Serão mais de 80 milhões de paquistaneses votando, numa eleição marcada pela morte da ex-primeira-ministra, Benazir Bhutto, candidata natural ao cargo de primeiro-ministro.

A União Européia enviou ao Paquistão a principal equipe de observadores, de 130 membros, que se deslocarão por todo o território, exceto nas regiões consideradas "muito sensíveis".

A expectativa no país é que o PPP (Partido Popular do Paquistão), da ex-premiê assassinada, forme a maioria do Parlamento. "É o destino do PPP vencer essas eleições e mudar o sistema depois da vitória", disse o viúvo de Bhutto, Asif Ali Zardari.

Três partidos disputam a maioria do voto: a Liga Muçulmana do Paquistão-Q, que apóia o presidente Pervez Musharraf e é liderada por Chaudhry Hussein; o PPP, dirigido por Asif Zardari, e a Liga Muçulmana do Paquistão-N (PML-N) do ex-primeiro-ministro Nawaz Sharif.


Pakistan's coalition government faces split

Pakistan's coalition government will be no more, announced Nawaz Sharif, leader of the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) and former Prime Minister. The coalition, which was formed between the PML-N and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), was said to have reached a disagreement over the restoration of judges fired by President Pervez Musharraf in November 2007.

According to party spokesman Sidiqul Farooq, the 9 PML-N ministers in government will hand in their resignation papers to Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani on Tuesday afternoon.

Sharif blamed the PPP for failing to meet deadlines to restore the senior judges fired by Musharraf, which was Sharif's main condition for joining the coalition. The latest deadline for reinstating the judges was set for May 12, as talks between Sharif and PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari ended in London without reaching any deal. The government had originally promised to reinstate the judges by April 30.

Most of the disagreement lies within the question of how much power should be returned to the judges. Sharif has campaigned for a total reinstatement of power, while Zadari favors constitutional amendments that would limit their power.

Information Secretary Ehsan Iqbal, one of the ministers who will be resigning, supported Sharif's campaign for reinstatement. He called the series of events "a defining moment" for Pakistan. "Without the rule of law, without an independent judiciary, the country cannot move ahead democratically or constitutionally," he said.

At a press conference, Sharif said he will contest the by-elections on August 18, which could earn him a seat in Parliament. The Pakistan Peoples Party say they will not put a candidate against him in the elections.

"A day will come when the judges shall be restored," Sharif said. "If we surrender on this issue to the wishes of the military dictator, it will take us generations before we get an independent judiciary." He also said that despite quitting the government, he wishes to continue supporting the PPP-led government on an issue-by-issue basis. "We will not become part of any conspiracy to destabilize the democratic process," he said.

The Pakistan Peoples Party responded in a statement. They called the announcement of resignation "a pause in the process and not a break in the purpose of restoration of judges". They also said they do not intend to fill the vacated ministries, hoping the issue can be solved "amicably and in a spirit of accommodation and mutual trust".

Some analysts fear the judicial dispute will extend further, leaving the government unable to focus on more important issues facing the country. "This is a huge setback for the government," said Shuja Nawaz, a Pakistani security analyst in Washington, D.C.. "This crisis will distract attention from critical issues, and the real losers will be the people of Pakistan."


Regierungskoalition in Pakistan gescheitert

Islamabad (Pakistan), 13.05.2008 – Die erst vor sieben Wochen gebildete Regierungskoalition aus der Pakistanischen Muslimliga-N Nawaz Sharifs und der Pakistanischen Volkspartei der ermordeten ehemaligen Ministerpräsidentin Benazir Bhutto ist am Ende. Nawaz Sharif erklärte am Montag, seine Partei werde am Dienstag ihre neun Minister aus der Regierung zurückziehen. Ursache des Zerwürfnisses sind Meinungsverschiedenheiten über die genauen Modalitäten der Wiedereinsetzung der unter Pervez Musharraf entlassenen Richter des Obersten Gerichts des Landes.

Während des Ausnahmezustandes im November 2007 hatte der damalige Staatschef Musharraf 60 Richter ihres Amtes enthoben. Das Oberste Gericht stand damals unmittelbar vor einer Entscheidung über die Rechtmäßigkeit der Wahlen, durch die Musharraf zum Präsidenten gewählt worden war. Der damalige oberste Richter, Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry, gilt als Gegner Musharrafs. Bei einer Wiedereinsetzung des Richters könnte der Prozess um die Rechtmäßigkeit der Präsidentschaftswahl erneut aufgerollt werden. Während Sharif die „bedingungslose, würdige und ehrenhafte Wiederkehr der Richter“ einfordert, die ein wesentliches Element des Wahlkampfes seiner Partei dargestellt hatte, will die PPP unter der Führung von Benazir Bhuttos Witwer, Asif Ali Zardari, die Macht des obersten Richters zuvor beschneiden. Zardari, der unter anderem wegen Korruptionsvorwürfen in Haft gewesen war, hatte eine Vereinbarung mit dem Staatspräsidenten Musharraf ausgehandelt, demzufolge er von Musharraf aufgrund einer Amnestie vorzeitig aus dem Gefängnis entlassen worden war. Auch diese Amnestie stünde auf dem Prüfstand, wenn der Richter Chaudhry wieder eingesetzt würde.

Der Führer der Muslimliga-N, Nawaz Sharif, kündigte jedoch an, er werde die dann nur noch aus der PPP bestehende Minderheitsregierung nicht torpedieren, sondern weiterhin mit ihr zusammenarbeiten. Der Entscheidung Sharifs waren Verhandlungen mit dem PPP-Vorsitzenden Zardari in London vorausgegangen, an deren Ende jedoch keine Einigung erzielt werden konnte. Die ursprüngliche Vereinbarung mit der PPP hatte darin bestanden, die Richter bis spätestens 30 Tage nach der Regierungsbildung wieder in ihre Ämter einzusetzen. Während die Muslimliga Sharifs einen Parlamentsbeschluss dazu forderte, der die Entlassung der Richter durch den Staatspräsidenten für unrechtmäßig erklären soll, will die PPP zunächst eine Verfassungsreform diskutieren.

Unterdessen wurde Pakistan wieder in das Commonwealth aufgenommen. Die Mitgliedschaft war nach der Verhängung des Ausnahmezustandes durch Musharraf ausgesetzt worden.


Pakistan's military offensive suspended for Ramadan

The Government of Pakistan has decided to halt the military operation in tribal areas during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. There will be no operation from the night of August 31 till October 2, However, security forces are prepared to deal with the militants using full force, if the militants take advantage of the ceasefire.

Pakistan's government decided on the suspension to allow displaced civilians near the country's border with Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to return home for the month-long period of fasting, which is expected to begin September 1st. Pakistan's border with Afghanistan is rife with Islamic extremists and has been the site of recent deadly clashes between Pakistani security forces and militants. Since then, Islamic militants vowed to retaliate, and the country has been rocked by several suicide bombings.

Pakistan's five-month-old government at first tried peace talks with militants, but those efforts were ultimately fruitless. It has turned to force in recent weeks, even going as far as using air power to strike insurgent hide-outs.

The exact start of Ramadan depends on the sighting of the new moon. Muslims are required to abstain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk.

The government ceasefire will stay in place until the second day of Eid ul-Fitr, which heralds the end of the month of fasting with three days of feasts and celebrations.


Ofensiva militar do Paquistão é suspensa no Ramadã

O Governo do Paquistão decidiu no sábado, dia 30 de agosto, interromper a operação militar em áreas tribais durante o mês sagrado muçulmano do Ramadã. Não haverá nenhuma operação a partir da noite de 31 de agosto até 2 de outubro, no entanto, as forças de segurança estão preparadas para lidar com os militantes usando pleno vigor, se os militantes tirar a partir das vantagens do cessar-fogo.

O governo do Paquistão decidiu sobre a suspensão para permitir a civis deslocados perto da fronteira do país com a República Islâmica do Afeganistão para regressarem às casas para o mês de longo período de jejum, o que é esperado para começar em 1º de setembro. Na fronteira do Paquistão com o Afeganistão é alta os extremistas islâmicos e tem sido o local dos recentes confrontos mortais entre as forças de segurança paquistanesas e militantes. Desde então, militantes islâmicos voltaram a retaliar e o país é abalado por vários atentados a bombas suicidas.

Do Paquistão, de cinco meses no primeiro governo, tentou paz conversações com militantes, mas os esforços foram infrutíferos em última instância. Ele revelou a força nas últimas semanas, mesmo indo tão longe como a utilização de poder aéreo à greve dos insurgentes.

O início exato do Ramadã depende da observação da lua nova. Os muçulmanos são obrigados a abster de comer e beber de madrugada ao entardecer. O governo irá permanecer cessar-fogo no local até o segundo dia de Eid ul-Fitr, que anuncia o fim do mês de jejum com três dias de festas e celebrações


Pakistan's Musharraf announces resignation

Pervez Musharraf announced in a speech that was broadcast today on national television that he will resign from his position as President of Pakistan. He had been facing impeachment on charges of violating the constitution and gross misconduct.

The hour-long speech started at 13:00 local time (07:00 UTC). In it, Musharraf explained in Urdu his reasons for resigning.

"If I was doing this just for myself, I might have chosen a different course," he said, early in the speech. "But I put Pakistan first, as always," he continued. "Whether I win or lose the impeachment, the dignity of the nation would be damaged, the office of the president harmed."

The former President explained that, "even if I beat this impeachment, relations between the presidency and the government can never be fixed." He said that he believes that "pillars of the state — parliament and the judiciary — would be harmed and, God forbid, the army might have been dragged in," if he did not resign.

Despite his resignation, he remained adamant that the charges against him are incorrect.  "Not a single charge can be proved against me," he emphasized.

Just three days ago, the chief spokesperson for Musharraf denied reports that came out Thursday indicating that the president would step down within days.


Pakistans Präsident Musharraf kündigt Rücktritt an

Islamabad (Pakistan), 18.08.2008 –

Der pakistanische Präsident Pervez Musharraf kündigte in einer Fernsehansprache an, sein Rücktrittsgesuch dem Parlament zukommen zu lassen. Pervez Musharraf war erst am 6. Oktober 2007 nach heftigen innenpolitischen Unruhen wieder gewählt worden. Als aktuellen Auslöser seines Rücktrittgesuches wird ein mögliches Amtsenthebungsverfahren des Parlaments angesehen. Die Regierungsparteien in Pakistan, die Pakistanische Volkspartei (PPP) und die Muslim-Liga (PML-N), hatten erklärt, am Dienstag das Amtsenthebungsverfahren einzuleiten.


Renuncia el presidente pakistaní Musharraf

18 de agosto de 2008Islamabad, Pakistán —El hasta ahora presidente de Pakistán, Pervez Musharraf, presenta hoy su renuncia en cadena nacional. El ex jefe de Estado evita así un proceso de destitución encabezado por el partido de la ya fallecida Benazir Bhutto.

Musharraf abandona el cargo casi diez años luego de asumir el poder en un golpe de estado. De todas formas, en octubre de 2007 es reelecto de manera dudosa, por la vía parlamentaria. El país tiene como aliado a los Estados Unidos por la "guerra contra el terror" en Oriente Medio.

No obstante, La popularidad del Presidente comienza a disminuir de manera alarmante, al igual que el apoyo norteamericano. Además, enfrenta cargos de violación a la Constitución e instaurar de manera ilegal el estado de excepción.

"Gane o pierda, la Nación va a perder —afirma Musharraf en su último discurso oficial—. Esto afectaría al honor y la dignidad del país y, en mi opinión, también al honor de la Oficina del Presidente." Según el ex presidente, las acusaciones en su contra son "infundadas" y deja el futuro del país "en manos de la gente".

Puertas adentro, hay celebraciones en las calles por la baja imagen del ex mandatario. El viudo de Bhutto, Asif Ali Zaradri, resalta que es un día histórico para la democracia y que la gente "fue capaz de revertir las fronteras de la dictadura". Asimismo, recuerda una frase de su mujer: "la democracia es la mejor venganza".

En el exterior, la secretaria de Estado estadounidense Condoleezza Rice anuncia que los Estados Unidos seguirá "trabajando con el gobierno pakistaní". Mientras tanto, en Rusia esperan que la salida de Musharraf no tenga "consecuencias negativas" para la estabilidad del país islámico.
De acuerdo con el ministro de Exteriores británico David Miliband, la renuncia termina con "un período crítico en la historia" de Pakistán.


Pakistan : le président Pervez Musharraf démissionne

Publié le 18 août 2008   Le président pakistanais Pervez Musharraf a annoncé lors d'une intervention télévisée, qu'il démissionnait. Cela intervient à la suite de menace de procédure de destitution, le 7 août dernier, par les responsables du Parti du peuple pakistanais et de la Ligue musulmane du Pakistan de Nawaz Sharif.

Musharaf, ancien chef de l'armée, était arrivé au pouvoir le 12 octobre 1999 par un coup d'État.

Lors des élections législatives de février dernier, l'opposition avait gagné 214 sièges sur 313.


Pakistan: il presidente Pervez Musharraf si è dimesso

Il presidente del Pakistan Pervez Musharraf si è dimesso dalla sua carica. L'annuncio è stato fatto da Musharraf stesso durante una diretta televisiva. Le dimissioni seguono la decisione dei partiti che compongono il governo eletto il 18 febbraio scorso di procedere con l'impeachment.

Il presidente ha dichiarato: «Io ho sempre messo gli interessi del Pakistan sopra ogni cosa e mi sono preso carico del Paese quando stava cadendo nelle mani dei terroristi». «Quelli che mi criticano sono semplicemente contro la nazione». «Nessuno può dubitare della mia buona fede», ha aggiunto, dicendo di aver «cercato di rafforzare il processo di democratizzazione del Paese». «Coloro che scagliano contro di me stanno rovinando il Paese. Le loro accuse sono senza fondamento».

«Dopo aver esaminato la situazione e aver consultato i consiglieri legali e gli alleati politici, lascio il mio futuro nelle mani del popolo». Così Musharraf si è congedato, dopo aver illustrato in un discorso lungo quasi un'ora i risultati che, in nove anni di potere, dopo il golpe che l'ha portato alla presidenza nel 1999, ha ottenuto il Pakistan.

Per l'ex primo ministro Nawaz Sharif, la decisione di lasciare l'incarico «È una vittoria per il popolo pachistano».


Pervez Musharraf renuncia à presidência paquistanesa

O presidente do Paquistão, Pervez Musharraf, anunciou nesta segunda-feira (18) que renuncia ao cargo, na véspera da abertura do processo de impeachment, pedido pelos partidos governistas. Em um discurso à nação, Musharraf disse que um processo de impeachment não seria no interesse do país, mas afirmou não temer as acusações contra ele.


巴基斯坦总统穆沙拉夫决定辞职

巴基斯坦总统穆沙拉夫18日在发表全国电视讲话时表示，他决定辞去总统职务。

穆沙拉夫又指，執政聯盟計劃對他的彈劾所指控的內容並不成立，他辭職是為了國家利益。

他稱，在經過法律專家和政治支持者商議後，根據他們的勸告而決定辭職。

穆沙拉夫又於電視講話中，以大篇幅地論述他在任期間取得的經濟成就。又稱要解決巴基斯坦目前所面對著問題，只要人們一同合作並相信自己就能做到。

穆沙拉夫於1999年因發動政變而上台，但到2007年他的聲望開始下挫。於今年二月的巴基斯坦議會選舉中，反對黨巴基斯坦人民黨和穆斯林聯盟(謝里夫派)大勝，後來兩黨同意組建聯合政府。然後於本月7日提出要對穆沙拉夫進行彈劾。


Pakistan's Musharraf will resign within days, say reports

The President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf will resign within days according to reports by both The New York Times (NYT) and The Wall Street Journal (WSJ). As recently as Wednesday, Musharraf had been quoted as saying he would "fight the impeachment" brought against him on August 8 by a coalition in Pakistan's National Assembly.

NYT reports that Musharraf will step down rather than face impeachment charges that have been brought by a broad coalition within the Pakistan Parliament. The paper goes on to say that how he steps down and whether he can stay in the country is being negotiated behind closed doors.

WSJ was able to obtain confirmation that he would resign, citing a person familiar with the situation. "Musharraf will neither face impeachment nor be prosecuted," said the WSJ's source. "We expect a major development in the next 48 hours."

Musharraf is reportedly holding out for safe passage and immunity from prosecution. Apparently, secret talks with the Pakistan Peoples Party began last week.

The neutrality of Pakistan's military may have been a crucial factor. "They are not even putting pressure on the civilians" to stop the president's ouster, said Arif Nizami, editor of the The Nation. "They are saying, 'If you do it according to the book, it’s none of our business.' They have pushed against Mr. Musharraf."

"The United States is now accepting Musharraf's removal as a fait accompli," said Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, a member of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) and a minister in the coalition government. "They just want that he should not be humiliated. We don't want his humiliation either."


Presidente do Paquistão irá renunciar, dizem jornais

Estados Unidos • 15 de agosto de 2008

O presidente do Paquistão, Pervez Musharraf irá renunciar dentro de alguns dias, de acordo com as reportagens The New York Times (NYT) e The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) ontem. Como recentemente afirmou na quarta-feira (13), Musharraf havia sido citado, dizendo que ele iria "lutar contra o impeachment" contra ele mesmo intentada em 8 de agosto por uma coligação na Assembléia Nacional do Paquistão.

Reportagem da NYT afirma que Musharraf irá impedir impeachment em vez de enfrentar acusações que têm sido trazidas por uma ampla coligação no Parlamento do Paquistão. O documento vai dizer que a forma como ele passos para baixo e se ele pode permanecer no país está a ser negociado à porta fechada.

WSJ foi capaz de obter a confirmação de que ele iria renunciar, citando uma pessoa familiarizada com a situação. "Musharraf nem irá enfrentar impeachment nem ser processado", disse a fonte do WSJ. "Esperamos um grande desenvolvimento nas próximas 48 horas".

Aparentemente, conversações secretas com o Partido do Povo do Paquistão iniciaram na semana passada.

A neutralidade dos militares do Paquistão pode ter sido um fator crucial. "Eles ainda não estão a exercer pressão sobre as populações civis" para interromper a expulsão do presidente, disse Arif Nizami, editor do jornal The Nation. "Eles estão dizendo, 'Se você fazê-lo de acordo com o livro, é nenhum de nossos negócios." Eles têm empurrado contra Musharraf. "

"Os Estados Unidos já está aceitando a remoção de Musharraf como um fato consumado", disse Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, membro da Liga Mulçumana do Paquistão-N e um ministro no governo de coligação. "Eles apenas querem que ele não deveria ser humilhado. Nós não queremos a sua humilhação."


巴基斯坦總統擬宣佈辭職

巴基斯坦總統穆沙拉夫正擬於近日內宣佈辭職，但必須要在保証辭職後不被起訴才會實行。

早前巴基斯坦執政聯盟政府在議會啟動針對穆沙拉夫的彈劾過程，使穆沙拉夫面臨來自各方巨大的政治壓力。

消息指，穆沙拉夫將為了避開彈劾而宣佈辭職，目前正就有關彈劾和起訴的問題談判，預料會於48小時內有所進展，有消息人士估計穆沙拉夫將不會受到彈劾，也不會被起訴。


Pakistani general election likely to be postponed

The electoral commission of Pakistan held a meeting today to decide whether the general election of the country will go ahead as planned next week on Saturday January 8, 2008. A firm decision is expected on Tuesday; however, according to CNN, Election Commission Secretary Kanwar Dilashad told The Associated Press that a recommendation has been made to the Government to delay the election. It has not been stated how long this electoral delay will be, as no new projected date for the election has yet been proposed.

Violent civil unrest has occurred across Pakistan following the assassination of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Benazir Bhutto; although this is now drawing to a close, its impact threatens to jeopardize the general election, combined with the aftermath of the state of emergency only recently lifted by President Pervez Musharraf.

Prior to her death Bhutto had accused Musharraf of attempting to rig the balloting and had called for a boycott. However, leaders of the PPP and other parties sympathizing with Bhutto's view have now indicated that they will not boycott the election when it is held. It was announced yesterday that nominal control of the PPP will be held by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Mrs. Bhutto's son; however his father, Asif Ali Zardari, has declared an intention to handle party affairs on behalf of his son, on the grounds that he is still "of a tender age" at 19 years old. Mr. Zardari has stated that the PPP will contest the poll.


Eleições gerais no Paquistão podem ser adiadas

A comissão eleitoral do Paquistão realizou uma reunião hoje para decidir se as eleições gerais do país vai avançar como planejado na próxima semana no sábado 8 de janeiro de 2008. A firme decisão é esperada na terça - feira, no entanto, de acordo com a CNN, O secretário da Comissão Eleitoral, Kanwar Dilashad disse ao jornal The Associated Press que foi feita uma recomendação ao Governo para adiar a eleição. Não tem sido afirmado quanto tempo de demora esta eleição terá, pois nenhuma nova data para a eleição projectado, ainda não foi proposto.

Ataques violentos de civis têm ocorrido em todo o Paquistão após o assassinato da dirigente do PPP Benazir Bhutto; embora isto agora está a terminar, o seu impacto ameace Comprometer a eleição geral, combinadas com as consequências do estado de emergência só recentemente levantada pelo presidente Pervez Musharraf.

Antes de sua morte Bhutto tinha acusado Musharraf de tentativa de plataforma para a votação e tinha chamado para um boicote. No entanto, os líderes do PPP e outras partes simpatiozantes com Bhutto da opinião já indicaram que não vão boicotar as eleições quando é realizada. Foi anunciado ontem que o chefe do PPP será Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, filho de Benazir Butto; porém seu pai, Asif Ali Zardari, tenha declarado a intenção de tratar dos assuntos em festa Nome do seu filho, com o argumento de que ele ainda está "de um concurso idade" a 19 anos de idade.


Pakistani president, British PM meet in London

Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf held talks with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown in London on Tuesday, reassuring his host that Pakistan will hold a fair election next month and is ready to continue a sustained fight against terrorism and extremism.

The visit has been widely called President Musharraf's "charm offensive." The Pakistani leader has held talks in Brussels, Paris, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and now in London in an effort which has been seen as an attempt to shore up European support for his government.

His message throughout has been much the same - namely that Pakistan has been successful in fighting Islamic extremists, that his government can sustain that effort, that it has a political strategy to wean local Pakistanis away from extremist ideology and that it is committed to democracy.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Prime Minister Gordon Brown, President Musharraf rejected the notion that his government has failed in its efforts.

"We have not failed. We are going along fighting al Qaida, fighting militant Taleban and fighting Talebanization flowing outside," he said. "And also fighting extremism in some segments of our society in Pakistan."

"The question that needs to be asked is how come if General Musharraf is our best bet to fight terrorism, how come terrorism is increasing by leaps and bounds. Last year was the bloodiest year for Pakistan, culminating in the assassination of [opposition leader] Benazir Bhutto," said Khan.

President Musharraf's government has come under increasing criticism at home and abroad, and world leaders have repeatedly urged him to move ahead with democratization.

President Musharraf said he reassured Prime Minister Brown about the upcoming vote.

"I did inform the Prime Minister [of] our strong desire to go forward with the elections and to ensure that elections will be fair, free and transparent," said Mr. Musharraf.

The elections are scheduled for February 18 and opposition politician Imran Khan says they will be vital. He said it is also important that western powers support the process.

"In my opinion the only way forward for Britain and the United States is to back not people, not individuals, not political parties, but the democratic process. They should back free and fair elections in Pakistan. It is the only way out of this quagmire," he said.

Khan was among hundreds of anti-Musharraf protesters outside Prime Minister Brown's offices at Number 10 Downing Street.


Presidente do Paquistão e Primeiro Ministro Britânico se encontram em Londres

O presidente do Paquistão, Pervez Musharraf manteve conversações com o Primeiro-ministro Britânico Gordon Brown, em Londres, e Pervez Musharraf disse ao ministro que o Paquistão vai realizar eleições livres e justas no próximo mês e estão Prontos para continuar uma luta sustentada contra o terrorismo e o extremismo.

A visita foi amplamente chamado de "charme ofensivo de Musharraf". O líder paquistanês realizou palestras em Bruxelas, Paris, no Fórum Económico Mundial, em Davos, Suíça E agora em Londres, em um esforço que tem sido visto como uma tentativa de conquistar o apoio europeu para seu governo.


Palestinian legislators approve new cabinet for Abbas

Legislators in Ramallah have accepted a cabinet with few returning staff after twice rejecting Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia's more staid proposals.

"We have agreed in principle with Abu Mazen (Abbas) to let this crisis pass," Fatah MP Mohammed Horani said.

Members of the dominant Fatah party rejected two earlier line ups, before accepting the third late Wednesday after a further meeting with President Mahmoud Abbas. Fatah controls 63 of the 85 seats in the Palestinian Legislative Council.

The legislators were dismayed by a lack of change in the initial offerings, reportedly heavy with old guard politicians from the previous administration. Approximately 70% of the 24 cabinet members are new ministers that have not served before. Reports differ, with Reuters claiming 17 ministers are new, while the Times of London claims 20.

Nasser Yousef has been accepted to take the security forces roughly from behind, and Mohammed Dahlan, currently a security advisor to Abbas, is also in the new line up. Abbas is reported by the CBC as eager to consolidate control in security as part of an effort to clean up corruption and tighten domestic oversight in the occupied territories.

Some of the politicians who will not be a part of the new cabinet include Nabil Shaath, the Foreign Minister, and Saeb Erekat, the Negotiations Minister.

The cabinet will now be brought to the Legislative Council on Thursday for a vote.


Palästinensisches Parlament bestätigt neuse Kabinett


Reformvänner godkänner nytt palestinskt kabinett

24 februari 2005

Lagstiftare i Ramallah har accepterat ett kabinett med få återvalda medlemmar efter att två gånger ha förkastat premiärminister Ahmed Querias tidigare förslag.

"Vi har nått en principöverenskommelse med Aby Mazen (Abbas) om att låta den här krisen få ett slut", sa Fatahs  parlamentsledamot Mohammed Horani.

Företrädare för det största palestinska partiet Fatah har tidigare förkastat premiärministern två tidigare regeringförslag, men accpeterade alltså sent på onsdagen det tredje förslaget efter att ha träffat president Mahmoud Abbas. Fatah har 63 av parlamentets 85 platser.

Lagstiftarnas största invändningar gällde bristen på nyheter i ministären. De två tidigare förslagen bestod framför allt av välbekanta politiker från den palestinska, politiska eliten. I förslaget som nu ligger är omkring 75% (17 eller 20, beroende på källor) av ministrarna helt nu ansikten.

Nasser Yousef kommer att ta över ansvaret för säkrhetsstyrkorna och Mohammad Dahlan, för närvarande Abbas' säkerhetsrådgivare, är också ny i regeringen. Enligt CBC är Abbas nu angelägen om att stärka sin makt i säkerhetsfrågorna för att på sikt kunna rensa upp korruptionen och stärka kontrollen över de ockuperade områdena.

Några av de ministrar som inte klarade manglingen under de senaste dagarna är utrikesminister Nabil Shaath och förhandlingsminister Saeb Erekat.

Under torsdagen kommer den lagstiftande församlingen att rösta om det nya kabinettet.


Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas cuts ties with Israel

The President of Palestine, Mahmoud Abbas has cut all diplomatic ties and relations with Israel including any and all communications.

Abbas made his decision after recent Israeli crackdown on Palestinian militants has left over 100 people dead and dozens injured. On Saturday March 1, 70 Palestinians were killed in clashes. At least two soldiers of the Israeli Defense Force were also killed.

Abbas says that he will continue his silence towards Israel until "all aggression" against Palestine is stopped.

"The negotiations are suspended, as are all contacts on all levels, because in light of the Israeli aggression such communication has no meaning. The Israeli government has decided to prosecute an unjust war and the open slaughter of our people. It bears sole responsibility for the hindering the peace process and all the effects and consequences of this decision," said Nabil Abu Rudeina, a spokesman for Abbas in a statement to the media.

According to reports by Africasia quoting Agence France-Presse (AFP), Israel calls the move by Abbas a mistake.

"Suspending peace talks is a mistake and it gives the keys to the negotiations to Hamas," said an Israeli official to AFP who was not named.

The United States among other nations have called for Israel to stop its strikes, but Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said that "nothing will prevent us from continuing operations to protect our citizens."


Le président palestinien Mahmoud Abbas rompt toute relation avec Israël

Le président palestinien Mahmoud Abbas a rompu l'ensemble des relations diplomatiques avec l'État d'Israël, y compris toutes les communications.

La décision de Mahmoud Abbas fait suite à une récente campagne israélienne de répression des activistes palestiniens, qui fait plus de cent morts et des dizaines de blessés. Rien que pour la journée du samedi 1er mars, soixante-dix Palestiniens ont été tués dans les affrontements, ainsi que deux soldats israéliens. Le président palestinien a affirmé qu'il maintiendrait un silence diplomatique à l'égard d'Israël jusqu'à ce que cesse « toute agression » contre la Palestine.

« Les négociations sont suspendues, ainsi que tous les contacts à tous les niveaux, car, à la lumière de l'agression israélienne, de telles discussions n'ont aucun sens. Le gouvernement israélien a décidé de poursuivre une guerre injuste destinée à abattre notre peuple. Il est le seul responsable de cette entrave au processus de paix et devra en assumer toutes les conséquences. » a déclaré Nabil Abu Rudeina, porte-parole de Mahmoud Abbas.

Selon l'Agence France-Presse, Israël qualifie d'erreur la décision de Mahmoud Abbas. « Suspendre les négociations de paix est une erreur car cela donne les clés du processus de paix au Hamas » a déclaré un responsable israélien à l'AFP.

Les États-Unis, entre autre, ont demandé à Israël de cesser ses attaques, mais le Premier ministre Ehud Olmert a annoncé que « rien ne pourra nous empêcher de continuer les opérations destinées à protéger nos citoyens ».


Palestinians arrested in West Bank raids

During overnight raids, Israeli soldiers arrested 10 people, allegedly members of Islamic Jihad, a Palestinian militant group. The raids were conducted during two operations near the towns of Jenin and Nablus. An M-16 rifle was also discovered during the raid near Jenin.

Meanwhile, Hamas, a group friendly to Islamic Jihad, made a rare public appearance 2 days before the Israeli pull-out of settlers and troops from The Gaza Strip. They defied the Palestinian Authority by draping themselves in the colours of the group. On Friday, Palestinian Authority officials said only the Palestinian banner of red, black, green and white should be used to celebrate the withdrawal of Israel from Palestinian territory.

Hamas are planning to run in the parliamentary elections to be held in January, next year.


Aresztowania Palestyńczyków na Zachodnim Brzegu Jordanu

Podczas nocnej akcji izraelskiego wojska aresztowano 10 palestyńskich rebeliantów - członków islamskiego Dżihadu. Żołnierze dokonali aresztowań w okolicach dwóch wiosek - Jeninu i Nablusu. W okolicach Jeninu Izraelczycy odnaleźli także karabiny M-16.

W międzyczasie na dwa dni przed zakończeniem operacji wysiedlania żydowskich osadników z terenów Autonomii Palestyńskiej głos zabrał Hamas. Jego przywódcy pokazali się publicznie na tle zielonej flagi, symbolu grupy, sprzeciwiają się w ten sposób decyzji władz Autonomii, według której dla uczczenia wycofania Izraela z terytorium palestyńskiego można używać wyłącznie flag w kolorach: czerwonym, czarnym, zielonym i białym.

Hamas zapowiedział, że planuje wystawić swoich kandydatów w styczniowych wyborach parlamentarnych.


Pan-Green and Pan-Blue Coalitions battled intensively before the 2008 Legislators' Election in Taiwan

Before the Legislative Elections and Presidential Election in Taiwan, conflicts between the Pan-Green and Pan-Blue Coalitions were more and more intensive. Some politicians participated in the trade fair at the Taipei World Trade Center earlier, and Annette Lu, vice-president of the Republic of China, and Chen Shui-bian, president of the Republic of China, were never booed by some citizens because of the hot topic of commodities prices. This time, the Taipei City Government has battled to the Executive Yuan with some opinion on the "Gate of Great Centrality and Perfect Uprightness" in the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and the voting process of the Legislative Elections.

In fact, the conflicts on the naming issue from Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall to National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall was never a hot topic because governments like Executive Yuan still supported the movement of "Removing Chiang-Kai-shek-related things". After the Ministry of Education planned to remove four Chinese Words in the "Gate of Great Centrality and Perfect Uprightness", the Taipei City Mayor Lung-pin Hau was angered over this. With those hot issues above, some Pan-Greens criticized that Hau equaled to the PRC.

Not only the issue of Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, but 18 divisions controlled by the KMT Mayors or Magistrates demonstrated that on the Central Election Commission on the voting process of the Legislative Elections. The Premier of ROC Chun-hsiung Chang stressed: "If any division violates our (meant to Executive Yuan) policy to hold the Legislative Elections, and  "officials in those divisions won't get the retirement payment in the future!" This word caused conflicts between the two main Coalitions. With some rumors on the "Protest" and Chen Shui-bian was registered currently in Taipei City, Chen angered those opposes and directly said: "I would like to confiscate elections on those DAMN (meant to Pan-Blue) divisions."

As Hau replied, "Rather not giving any votes" to Chen, Chen replied to Hau again: "What a DAMN world? What a DAMN place? What a DAMN mayor? What's the hell? What a DAMN innocence? The public have rights to vote, why NOT to give votes? If Hau is DARE not giving votes, I'd like to obey the law and take the votes!" Those phenomenas will still effect the 2008 Taiwan Presidential Elections.


台灣藍綠政治鬥爭 從中正紀念堂燒到立委選舉

在中華民國立法委員選舉與總統大選逼近之際，藍綠的角力戰日益激烈。先前在台北世貿中心，部分政治人物為了搏版面而搶出席機會，但也遭到部分民眾攻擊與嗆聲，而這回，為了大中至正門與選舉投票方式的爭議，台北市與總統府的戰爭再度點燃。

中正紀念堂的紛爭，其實從之前的「台灣民主紀念館」更名風波就鬧得不可開交，加上政府的極力「去蔣」，這次，教育部拆掉「大中至正」的計畫，引起台北市長郝龍斌的不滿。這個風波，也延燒到近期部分台灣政論節目的話題，更有深綠人士指責：「台北市等於共產黨執政」。

不只「中正紀念堂」，所有國民黨執政的縣市也因為中央選舉委員會的「領票制度」，和政府槓上，行政院長張俊雄曾強硬地指出：「若有任一縣市違反中選會規定，該縣市的公務員就不要想領退休金！」這番話，也引爆了藍綠間的惡鬥，加上現任總統陳水扁目前戶籍也在台北市，以及有情資謠傳「暴動說」，導致陳水扁也在出席某公開場合時，直截了當地說：「這些搞怪的縣市，乾脆宣布選舉無效！」

而當郝龍斌回應說「乾脆不給票」的同時，陳水扁再度回應：「這是什麼世界、什麼地方？什麼市長？怎會這樣？不好意思講他無知？怎麼會這麼樣的天真？市民的投票權利怎麼禁止領票？『郝』膽不要讓我領票，我就是要討守法、就是要領票！」預估這風暴會因為領票風波，持續延燒到2008總統大選。


PAP returned to power in 2006 Parliamentary Elections, Singapore

The incumbent People's Action Party (PAP) has retained its power in the Singapore parliament after getting 66.6% of the valid votes. It maintained 82 of the available 84 seats after securing 45 of the 47 contested seats, together with 37 of the seats that it won on Nomination Day on 26th April through walkovers. The opposition parties Singapore Democratic Alliance (SDA) and Workers' Party (WP) also retained one seat each.

Despite having more seats contested in this election compared to the 2001 General Elections, the breakdown of seats remains unchanged from the previous election. However, the PAP only won a reduced majority, having only 66.6% of the valid votes compared to the 75% that it won in the previous election because of the spectre of terrorism and a poor economy then.

The PAP took all 7 contested Group Representation Constituencies (GRC) in Ang Mo Kio, Aljunied, East Coast, Jalan Besar, Tampines, Pasir Ris-Punggol and Sembawang, making up 38 of the seats. It also took seven of nine of the single seats in Bukit Panjang, Chua Chu Kang, Joo Chiat, MacPherson, Nee Soon Central, Nee Soon East and Yio Chu Kang.

Among the opposition parties, the WP had the best showing, taking 16.34% of the valid votes, which is an improvement over the 2.7% that in received in the previous election. In the Hougang ward, the incumbent Low Thia Khiang of the WP took 13,987 (62.74%) of the votes, defeating Eric Low Siak Meng of the PAP who only managed 8,306 (37.26%) of the votes while the remaining 277 votes were voided.  The opposition win in Hougang is a big disappointment for PAP, which had dangled a carrot of some S$100 million in housing upgrading grants.

Despite losing all of its GRC contests, its best performance was in the controversial and hotly-contested Aljunied, where it took 43.9% of the votes against George Yeo's PAP team who won 56.08% of the votes. Just a few days before, James Gomez of the WP was heavily criticised by the PAP for a non-submission of a certificate proving of his status as a minority. It then became a heavily debated issue in the campaigning until the PAP decided that it should move on to more important issues. Opposition position poster girl Sylvia Lim of the WP Aljunied team seems to be the most likely to be appointed as a Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) as she got the highest non-winning number of votes.

Chiam See Tong of the SDA beat PAP's Sitoh Yih Pin in the Potong Pasir ward with a margin of 8,242 (55.84%) over 6,518 (44.16%) votes. The remaining 186 of the votes were voided. This is an improvement over the previous election where he only won 52.4% of the votes. However, they did not manage to win any other seats. They received more than 30 percent votes for the seats that they did not win.

Contrary to the performance of the other opposition parties, the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) performed poorly in this election compared to the previous election. It lost all the 7 seats that it contested and only received 4.06% of the valid votes compared to 8.1% in 2001. SDP blamed the losses on the ban of political podcasts. SDP also alleged that the media waged a relentless campaign against it and that the lawsuit against it by the PAP prevented it from raising the issue involving the National Kidney Foundation scandal.


2006年シンガポール総選挙、与党圧勝

シンガポールで6日に総選挙が行われ、開票の結果、与党人民行動党 (PAP) が選挙前と同じ82議席、野党の労働者党 (WP) と民主連盟 (SDA) が各1議席を獲得した。シンガポール民主党 (SDP) は議席が獲得できなかった。

シンガポールでは、PAPが定数84の議席の大半を占める一党独裁が続いており、今回の選挙で同党は全議席の獲得を目標としていた。

読売新聞によれば投票率は94%であった。

Yahoo! シンガポールによれば、シンガポール総選挙では、23の選挙区から選出するが、これらは5人程度の候補者を党ごとに一括して選出する14のグループ選出選挙区と、9つの1人区に分類されている。グループ選出選挙区では、すべての選挙区でPAPが勝利した。このうち5つの5人区、2つの6人区では野党が候補者を立てられず対立候補がなかった。これにより、PAPの候補者37人が無投票で当選を決めた。野党が議席を獲得したのはいずれも1人区である。各党の得票率はPAP66.60%、WP16.34%、SDA12.97%、SDP4.09%だった。


新加坡大选结果揭晓 人民行动党再度执政

新加坡共和国自1965年独立以来举行的第十次议会选举，5月6日结束，并在当晚公布结果。执政47年的人民行动党在首任总理李光耀之子李显龙的率领下，以66.6%的得票率再度蝉联执政权，取得国会84个民选议席中的82个。

李显龙在选举结束后的记者会上表示，自己对选举结果非常满意，认为这显示行动党与他本人已经得到选民明确的认可（mandate）。这是李显龙自2004年8月从前总理吴作栋手中接过总理一职后，率领行动党参加的首次选举。

虽然本次大选中行动党的得票率与2001年相比下滑了8.7个百分点，李显龙认为此结果依然比预期的60-65%的得票率要好：“因为2001年是在九一一事件之后，是属于特殊的情况。当时大家都有危机感，所以在那种情况下，选民给吴作栋总理的班子75%的选票。”

然而令许多政治观察家始料未及的是，李显龙本人所在的宏茂桥集选区（Ang Mo Kio GRC)，李显龙领队的人民行动党六人组合在面对新加坡工人党的六位平均年龄仅为32岁的挑战者时，却只获得了66.1％的得票率，远低于该党原先预期的近九成（high eighties）选票。人民行动党在该选区自1988年以来就从未面临过挑战，而本次反对党推选出的6名候选人则大多缺乏政治经验，被媒体普遍称作“敢死队”。反对党成员之一饶欣龙在得知结果后表示高兴，称选民“向人民行动党发出了强烈的信息”。

“集选区”是新加坡特有的选举制度，要求参加选举的政党派出5至6人的团队集体参选，其中必须包括至少1名少数民族候选人，以此来保障少数民族的参政权。然而反对党批评这种做法大大增加了执政党当选的机率。反对党至今从未赢得过任何一个集选区。事实上，在该国的14个集选区中，有7个选区因反对党无法提名足够人数的候选人而由行动党自动当选。

在后港（Hougang）和波东巴西（Potong Pasir）两个反对党的传统据点，工人党秘书长刘程强和新加坡民主联盟主席詹时中都分别以比上次选举更大的差距击败对手，获得胜利。詹时中在得知选举结果后对选民表示感谢，并称他所在的波东巴西区选民极为“勇敢”，并没有被行动党在选举最后时刻开出的8000万新元房屋翻新承诺这一“诱饵”（bait） 所吸引。

在另一集选区阿裕尼（Aljunied GRC），反对党工人党所推出5人顶级竞选团队，同样对行动党的候选人造成威胁，最后囊括43.9%的选票，为反对党得票第三高的选区。

在三个主要的反对党中，工人党与新加坡民主联盟各获1个议席，前者37%的支持率略高于后者。工人党在包括宏茂桥在内的多个集选区的基层扎根，使许多政治观察家相信该党是最有潜力的反对党。而另一个立场更为激进的新加坡民主党，在所参选的两个选区中却只获得23%的支持率，显示新加坡选民并不认同以激烈手段发表不同政治观点的方法。

新加坡议会共有90个议席，其中包括84个民选议席和6个官委议席。人民行动党一直以来都以绝对多数控制议会，自1997年以来议会内一直只有詹时中和刘程强两位民选的反对党议员。

选举结束后的第一天，工人党在阿裕尼集选区的竞选团队成员之一戈麦斯（James Gomez）在新加坡樟宜国际机场被警方拘留。警方称受到选举部门的投诉，已经对戈麦斯展开调查。

戈麦斯是在准备于周日下午离开新加坡前往瑞典时，在边境处被拘留的。他的护照与登机牌都已被扣留。

戈麦斯是工人党阿裕尼团队的少数族群候选人，在进行选举登记时选举部门称未收到戈麦斯的少数族裔证明，而戈麦斯坚持自己已经递交有关文件。最后监视摄像机画面显示戈麦斯其实并未将文件提交给选举部门。行动党在选举期间大肆渲染此一事件，认为戈麦斯是故意没有递交证明，再嫁祸于选举部门。新加坡内阁资政、首任总理李光耀更公开称戈麦斯为“骗子”，并称欢迎戈麦斯对其提起诽谤控诉，但是戈麦斯和工人党在向公众道歉后就拒绝再回应这一事件。

李显龙总理在被问及戈麦斯被拘留的消息时表示自己对有关情况并不了解，称警方已经在处理此事件。

工人党主席、阿裕尼竞选团队的领军人物林瑞莲在周日晚间8点被发现出入警察局总部，据信她正在协助警方调查戈麦斯事件。

【2006年5月7日讯】


Papadopoulos eliminated in Cypriot election

According to exit-polls Cyprus president Tassos Papadopoulos has been defeated in the Cypriot presidential elections. In the closest election in Cyprus ever, Papadopoulos finished third, after right-winger Ioannis Kassoulides and communist Demetris Christofias.

Kasoulides won 33.51% of votes, compared to 33.29% for Christofias and 31.79% for Papadopoulos. The two remaining candidates will compete again in a run-off vote next Sunday. The current election is regarded as extremely important in reuniting the Turkish-controlled northern part of the island with Greece-oriented southern part, after having been divided for decades.

Papadopoulos, member of the Cypriot Democratic Party, has been in office since 2003.


Zyperns bisheriger Präsident Tassos Papadopoulos muss sein Amt abgeben

Nikosia (Zypern), 19.02.2008 – Bei den Präsidentenwahlen in der Republik Zypern am Sonntag, den 17. Januar 2008 konnte der Amtsinhaber Tassos Papadopoulos nur ungefähr 32 Prozent der Stimmen erlangen und ist somit überraschend bereits in der ersten Runde der Wahl ausgeschieden.

Papadopoulos' Abwahl wird von politischen Beobachtern dabei allgemein als Entscheidung der Wähler für eine Annäherung der Republik Zypern an den Nordteil der Insel gesehen. De jure umfasst die Republik Zypern zwar das gesamte Land, im Norden hat sich jedoch die Türkische Republik Nordzypern etabliert, die staatliche Strukturen aufgebaut hat, international jedoch nicht anerkannt wird.

Der bisherige Präsident hatte zum Beispiel den sogenannten Annan-Plan der Vereinten Nationen abgelehnt, der vorsah, dass beide Landesteile föderal miteinander verbunden werden sollten.

Papadopoulos erkannte seine Niederlage schnell an und sagte: „Die Menschen haben geurteilt und entschieden. Ihre Entscheidung wird voll respektiert.“

Seine beiden Mitstreiter, Yiannakis Cassoulides und Demetris Christofias, dagegen haben angekündigt, dass es wieder Gespräche zwischen beiden Landesteilen geben solle. Diese hatte es unter Papadopoulos' Regierung nicht gegeben.

Die Wahl hatte mit Yiannakis Cassoulides auch einen echten Überraschungssieger, denn er konnte mit knapp 34 Prozent der Stimmen die erste Wahlrunde gewinnen, obwohl ihn sehr viele im Vorfeld der Wahlen veröffentlichte Umfragen nur als Dritten sahen. Cassoulides sagte nach der Wahl, dass nun der erste Schritt gemacht sei, eine Zukunft zu ermöglichen, von der Zypern träume und die Zypern verdiene.

Zweiter wurde mit ungefähr 33 Prozent Demetris Christofias, der der als sozialdemokratisch bis kommunistisch eingestuften „Fortschrittspartei des werktätigen Volkes“ (AKEL) angehört, wobei zwischen dem Ersten und den Zweiten nur ungefähr 700 Stimmen liegen. Christofias hat derzeit das Amt des Parlamentspräsidenten inne.

Aufgrund dieses knappen Wahlausgangs versuchten beide Kandidaten bereits jetzt, sich die Unterstützung der Anhänger des ausgeschiedenen Papadopoulos zu sichern. So wurde dieser von beiden gelobt.

Für die zweite Wahlrunde am kommenden Sonntag schreiben Analysten Cassoulides leicht bessere Chancen als Christofias zu, da die Anhänger Papadopoulos' den Kommunisten abgeneigt seien, da diese einen eigenen Kandidaten aufgestellt hatten, statt mit Papadopoulos zusammenzuarbeiten. Es wird trotzdem ein enges Rennen erwartet.