Divergence avec les positions du Board of Deputies of British Jews sur Israël : un nouveau groupe de représentants juifs s'est formé

Un groupe d'environ 150 Juifs britanniques éminents a créé une nouvelle organisation, Independent Jewish Voices[1], et critiqué l'establishement juif britannique pour son absence de regard critique sur Israël. Une lettre ouverte intitulée « A Time to Speak Out: Independent Jewish Voices »[2] a été publiée dans l'édition de lundi du Times of London et réimprimée dans le site en ligne du Guardian a indiqué que ce groupe « s'est formé sur la croyance dans le fait que le spectre des opinions de la population juive n'est pas representé dans sa totalité par ces institutions qui prétendent détenir autorité à représenter la communauté juive comme un tout » et que les dirigeants de la communauté juive britannique, le Board of Deputies of British Jews[3], a « constament apporté son soutien aux politiques d'un pouvoir d'occupation au mépris des droits humains d'un peuple occupé », se référant par là au conflit israélo-palestinien.

La lettre était signée par plus de 140 éminents écrivains, acteurs, membres des milieux académiques et intellectuels incluant l'auteur et écrivain Stephen Fry, le philosophe Brian Klug, l'historien Eric Hobsbawm ou le réalisateur Mike Leigh.

Klug, dans un article du Guardian annonçant la création du groupe, argumente sur sa nécessité en affirmant que les actions du Board of Deputies dans la défense d'Israël « suggèrent que la communauté juive britannique parle d'une seule voix, soutient fermement le Gouvernement israélien et ses opérations militaires » en dépit du fait que, selon lui, « les Juifs sont profondément divisés sur la campagne d'Israël à Gaza et au Liban l'année dernière ».

La création du nouveau groupe vient à la suite d'une contreverse dans la communauté juive américaine après que l'American Jewish Congress[4] ait publié un essai intitulé « Progressive Jewish Thought and the New Anti-Semitism »[5] dans lequel la critique d'Israël par les Juifs libéraux était considérée comme facilitatrice de l'antisémitisme.


New Zealand elects first female Speaker

Margaret Wilson was appointed as Speaker of The House of Representatives. She becomes New Zealand's first female Speaker of the House. She also rounds out the top positions within New Zealand being taken by women. All four of Governor-General, Prime Minister, Chief Justice and the Speaker of the House are female.

Wilson was voted in with 64 votes. Clem Simich (National MP) received 37 and ACT MP Ken Shirley got five votes. The position has usually been appointed unopposed, but the other two candidates stood to protest at the lack of consultation by Prime Minister Helen Clark.
Wilson takes over from Jonathan Hunt, who leaves to become the High Commissioner for New Zealand in London. Hunt will remain in the backbenches until early next month. Wilson was previously Attorney-General, a position that Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Michael Cullen now holds.


New Zealand élit sa première présidente de la Chambre des Communes


New Zealand National Party leader, Don Brash, resigns

New Zealand National Party leader, Dr. Don Brash has resigned as the leader of opposition. Dr Brash made the announcement at press conference held in parliament, stating that ongoing media speculation about his leadership was damaging the party's reputation. Brash will officially step down on Monday, where the party will vote for a new leader and deputy-leader.

"For some weeks now I've been giving consideration to the right time and the right way to announce this decision. I've held off because I've been keen to have two untidy matters dealt with before my departure," Dr Brash said.

The decision came after a Goods and Service Tax error in last year's election made by the party, "Although this had nothing to do with me personally it was a source of embarrassment and I was very keen indeed to get the matter resolved before my resignation." And recent news of Brash's emails making their way into "outsiders' hands" was also a factor in his decision to leave. The emails were the subject of a book published by Nicky Hager, which is expected to be released to the public tomorrow morning. Dr Brash said: "The announcement of Mr Hager's book almost caused me to defer my resignation as leader. I deeply resent the lies and distortions which seem to have been included in his book and I intend to vigorously contest those allegations." Dr. Brash denied media questioning regarding Nicky Hager's book's influence on his decision to resign from leadership.

It seems that John Key will be the next leader, with a recent Auckland poll showing Key only 1.4 points behind Brash. Nicky Hager has claimed the information in his book may be damaging to John Key as well. Brash's decision came with the Nationals ahead in the poll. Dr. Brash mentioned that he would remain in politics for the National Party if the new leader would provide him with a senior position following the Monday when he steps down from the post. The decision has left the party in crisis, set for their fifth leader in 9 years. Prime Minister Helen Clark said the National Party are having an identity crisis and is unstable.

Dr Brash regrets that he will not be able to lead National into the next election which will take place in 2008.

Michael Cullen, deputy Prime Minister, said: "Brash's resignation was inevitable. This continued instability in the National Party is a sign of a party still nowhere near ready to govern. Dr Brash's resignation was inevitable. But it solves little. By all accounts Mr Key, the likely successor, was deeply involved in all the events that have eventually led to Dr Brash's downfall."


Le responsable de l'opposition néo-zélandaise démissionne

Le leader du New Zealand National Party, Don Brash, a démissionné jeudi de son poste de responsable de l'opposition parlementaire. Il a effectué cette annonce lors d'une conférence de presse tenue au Parlement, indiquant que les spéculations médiatiques sur son autorité nuisait à la réputation du parti. Il a indiqué : « depuis des semaines, je m'interroge sur le bon moment et le bon endroit pour annoncer cette décision. Je l'ai repoussé jusqu'à maintenant en raison de deux problèmes épineux à traiter avant mon départ. »

Cette décision vient à la suite d'une erreur sur les taxes sur les biens et services lors des élections des dernières années faite par le parti. « Bien que cela n'ait rien à voir avec moi personnellement, c'était une source d'embarras et j'étais particulièrement désireux de voir le problème résolu avant ma démission. » Des extraits des e-mails de Brash tombés entre les mains d'« étrangers » contribuent aussi à son départ. Ces e-mails sont le sujet d'un livre écrit par Nicky Hager qui doit être publié demain matin. Don Brash a indiqué : « l'annonce de la publication du livre de monsieur Hager a principalement entraîné le report de ma démission. J'ai profondément été éprouvé par les mensonges et distorsions qui semblent être dans ce livre et j'ai l'intention de les contester vigoureusement. » D. Brash a également nié l'assertion médiatique quant à l'influence de ce livre sur sa démission.

Il semble que John Key sera le prochain dirigeant de l'opposition, comme semble l'indiquer un scrutin récent à Auckland le plaçant à 1,4 points derrière Brash. Nicky Hager a indiqué que son livre pourrait être aussi nuisible à J. Key. La décision de Brash vient dans le même temps que le progrès des « Nationals » dans les sondages. D. Brash a également indiqué qu'il continuerait la politique si le prochain chef du parti lui proposait une position de cadre après sa démission qui devrait être déposée lundi. Cette décision a laissé le parti qui a connu son 5ème dirigeant en 9 ans, dans la crise. Le Premier Ministre Helen Clark pense que le National Party traverse une crise d'identité qui le rend instable.

D. Brash a exprimé son regret de ne pouvoir mener son parti lors des prochaines élections qui auront lieu en 2008.

Michael Cullen, vice-Premier Ministre, a déclaré que « la démission de Brash était inévitable. Cet instabilité continue du National Party est le signe d'un parti prêt à tout sauf à gouverner. La démission de Brash était inévitable, mais elle ne résoud pas grand chose. De toute manière, le successeur probable, M. Key, est profondément impliqué dans les événements qui ont conduit à la chute de D. Brash. »


New Zealand National Party only wants immigrants of "bedrock values"

The New Zealand National Party leader, Dr. Don Brash, says that they only want immigrants who accept the "bedrock values" of New Zealand society. Brash said to the Association for Migration and Investment: "New Zealand should not welcome those who want to live here but reject core aspects of the country's culture."

Dr. Brash says that the following are the "bedrock values":

"If you don't accept these fundamentals then New Zealand isn't the place for you. Many migrants to New Zealand in recent times have come from cultures that do not share the same 'bedrock values'," said Brash.

David Cunliffe, Immigration Minister, said: "The National Party leader's comments are pejorative and insulting."


Partido Nacional da Nova Zelândia só quer imigrantes que aceitam os "valores fundamentais"

O líder do Partido Nacional Nova Zelândia, Dr Don Brash disse que eles só querem imigrantes que aceitam "os valores fundamentais" da sociedade da Nova Zelândia. Brash disse para a Associação de Migração e Investimento: "a nova Zelândia não deve dar as boas-vindas àqueles que querem viver aqui, mas rejeitar aspectos principais da cultura do país."

Doutor Brash disse que "os valores fundamentais" são os seguintes:

"Se você não aceitar esses fundamentos,  então a Nova Zelândia não é o lugar para você. Muitos imigrantes que chegaram à Nova Zelândia nos últimos tempos vieram de culturas que não compartilham os mesmos 'valores fundamentais", disse o Dr. Brash.

David Cunliffe, Ministro de Imigração, disse: "os comentários do líder do Partido Nacional são  pejorativos e insultantes."


New Zealand's secrets from 20 years ago released

The New Zealand Government is to investigate how 20-year-old top secret papers were released. They show that New Zealand was spying on the communications of Argentina, the Soviet Union, East Germany, France, Egypt, Japan, North Korea, Vietnam, Laos,  the Philippines, Fiji, Tonga, the Solomon Islands,  South Africa and even the United Nations diplomatic cables.

The leak came when a copy of the Government Communications Security Bureau's (GCSB) 1985-1986 annual report was found among the personal papers of former New Zealand Prime Minister David Lange. After Cabinet signed off, they were released by Archives New Zealand.

According to intelligence expert Nicky Hager, "This is the most secret report and most revealing one ever to come to the public."

Duty Minister Jim Anderton says the report should have been returned to the GCSB after David Lange had read it. "There'll be some investigation by officials as to how the report was not returned and was just left in the archive like this for people to stumble over... I think there'll be some concern about that."

The report also shows that the United States threatened to spy on New Zealand if New Zealand didn't back down on its anti-nuclear legislation.

In 1984 after the New Zealand government passed laws that stop nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed ships from using New Zealand ports, the United States announced that it was stripping New Zealand of allied status until United States Navy ships were re-admitted to New Zealand ports.


Topphemliga nyzeeländska dokument offentliggjorda av misstag

Wellington –
Nya Zeelands regering ska låt utreda hur 20 år gamla topphemliga dokument kommit till allmänhetens kännedom. Dokumenten visar att Nya Zeeland övervakade ett stort antal länders och organisationers diplomatiska kommunikationer 1985-1986.

Bland dem som övervakades var Argentina, Sovjetunionen, Östtyskland, Frankrike, Egypten, Japan, Nordkorea, Vietnam, Laos, Filippinerna, Fiji, Tonga, Solomonöarna, Sydafrika och även FN.

Dokumentet var en årsrapport från Nya Zeelands säkerhetstjänst som hittades bland papper hos landets tidigare premiärminister David Lange. Dokumenten offentliggjordes av det nyzeeländska riksarkivet.

Enligt säkerhetsexperten Nicky Hager tillhör dokumentet landets mest hemliga och skulle aldrig ha gjorts offentliga. Enligt skatteminister Jim Andersson borde rapporten ha returnerats till säkerhetstjänsten så fort den var läst och inte lämnats i ett arkiv där vem som helst kunde hitta den. Han antyder att ärendet kommer att utredas vidare.

Av rapporten framgår också att USA hotade med att spionera på Nya Zeeland om inte landet backade från sitt förbud mot amerikanska militärfartyg som inte garanterade att de inte hade kärnvapen ombord. Den kontroversiella lagen fick USA att hota med att frånta Nya Zeeland dess status som allierad.


News agencies suggest that campaign operative for Republican Party edited article on vice presidential nominee

2008 United States presidential election

Conflict-of-interest editing on Wikipedia

Multiple news agencies, including the New York Times and CNET yesterday suggested that a campaign operative for Sarah Palin, the Republican vice presidential candidate, worked on the Wikipedia article on her in the 24 hours before the vice presidential candidate was announced. Wikinews has investigated the claim further, after seeing these allegations.

The user who added the content on Wikipedia was known as Young Trigg, and Wikinews has learned that the account was created at exactly 08:02 UTC on August 28. Just eight minutes later the user made their first edit to Wikipedia. In this first edit the user said that Palin "briefly worked as a sports reporter for local Anchorage television stations, while also working as a commercial fisherman with her husband, Todd, her high school sweetheart".

In the second edit Palin and her family were described as "avid outdoors enthusiasts." This edit also said that "Sarah and her father would sometimes wake at three am to hunt moose before school, and the family would regularly run 5k and 10k races".

Some of the other edits say that Sarah was "brought to statewide attention because of whistleblowing on ethical violations by state Republican Party leaders," she played in a "championship game despite a stress fracture in her ankle, hitting a critical free throw in the last seconds," and she won a "scholarship to help pay her way through college." Young Trigg also noted that "Palin holds a lifetime membership with the National Rifle Association".

The editor also said that her election of mayor came "despite the lack of support from party leaders and being outspent by her Democratic opponent." Other positive claims added included the statement that "Palin successfully killed the Bridge to Nowhere project that had become a nationwide symbol of wasteful earmark spending".

Young Trigg also removed the sentence that said that "critics [of Palin] included the state Republican party's chairman, Randy Ruedrich, one of her fellow Oil & Gas commissioners".

This unusual editing pattern aroused some suspicion among other editors of Wikipedia. One of these editors is Justen Deal, who told Young Trigg that "some of yours edits may have affected the article in such a way so as to reflect more favorably on the subject of the article." He also gave Young Trigg the following message:

Deal described his reason for suspecting a conflict of interest to a reporter for Wikinews. He said that "It was clear to me that an editor very familiar with Wikipedia and the governor had made a single-purpose account that had made a significant number of edits that were universally favorable to the subject of the article. Given the fortuitous timing, it made sense to remind the editor of our conflict of interest guidelines".

After this message was sent by Deal, Young Trigg said that "I will acknowledge that I volunteer for the McCain campaign." The user did however state that "I did not know Palin was the nominee when I made my edits," and "no one instructed me to make these edits. No one knew that I made these edits. I did this on my own 'becuz' I like improving Wikipedia articles".

Below is an extract from Young Trigg's comment:

Young Trigg made a total of 43 contributions (many on talk pages) and announced they would retire from Wikipedia at 07:58 UTC on August 31. In addition to editing the article on Sarah Palin, the user also asked an anonymous contributor to Wikipedia about that person's edit that stated that Palin was the VP nominee, before the official announcement:

Wikinews contacted the McCain campaign a with a request for a statement regarding this issue; and, at the time of publication, had not received a response.


Agências de notícias sugerem que a campanha operada pelo Partido Republicano editou o artigo sobre a candidata a vice-presidência

Estados Unidos • 6 de setembro de 2008

Múltiplas agências de notícias, incluindo o New York Times e CNET sugeriram no último domingo (31 de agosto) que a campanha que opera para Sarah Palin, candidata à vice-presidência republicana, trabalhou sobre seu artigo na Wikipedia, 24 horas antes da candidatura à vice presidencial ser anunciada. A Wikinews (versão em inglês para Wikinotícias) já investigou ainda mais a reclamação, depois de que viu estas alegações.

O usuário que acrescentou o conteúdo na Wikipédia era conhecido como Young Trigg e Wikinews tem conhecimento de que a conta foi criada em exatamente 08:02 UTC em 28 de agosto. Apenas oito minutos depois, o usuário fez a primeira edição na Wikipédia. Nesta primeira edição o usuário, disse que Palin "briefly worked as a sports reporter for local Anchorage television stations, while also working as a commercial fisherman with her husband, Todd, her high school sweetheart" ("trabalhou brevemente como repórter esportiva para estações de televisões locais na Anchorage, ao mesmo tempo, trabalhou como um pescador comercial com o marido, Todd, amante da escola secundária").

Na segunda edição, Palin e a família foram descritos como "avid outdoors enthusiasts" ("ávidos entusiastas ao ar livre"). Esta edição também disse que "Sarah and her father would sometimes wake at three am to hunt moose before school, and the family would regularly run 5k and 10k races" ("Sarah e o pai iam despertar três vezes, saíram para caçar alce antes de escola, da família e da regularidade iria correr 5k e 10k raças").

Algumas das outras edições Sarah dizer que foi "brought to statewide attention because of whistleblowing on ethical violations by state Republican Party leaders" ("levada à atenção estadual, porque a denúncia de violações éticas pelo estado por líderes do Partido Republicano"), ela jogou em um "championship game despite a stress fracture in her ankle, hitting a critical free throw in the last seconds" ("campeonato de jogo, apesar de uma tensão que fraturou o tornozelo, acertando um crítico livre atirarando nos últimos segundo") e ela ganhou uma "scholarship to help pay her way through college" ("bolsa para ajudar a pagar o seu caminho através da faculdade"). Young Trigg também escreveu que a "Palin holds a lifetime membership with the National Rifle Association" ("Palin detém uma vida adesão com a  National Rifle Association").

O editor também disse que sua eleição de prefeita veio "despite the lack of support from party leaders and being outspent by her Democratic opponent" ("apesar da falta de apoio dos líderes partidários e sendo fora encerrado pelo seu adversário Democrata"). Outras reivindicações sustentadas incluem a positiva a afirmação de que "Palin successfully killed the Bridge to Nowhere project that had become a nationwide symbol of wasteful earmark spending" ("matou Palin com sucesso do projeto Bridge to Nowhere que se tornou um símbolo nacional do desperdício de gastos de reservas de recursos").

Esta edição padrão incomum suscitou alguma desconfiança entre outros editores da Wikipédia. Um destes editores é o Justen Deal, que disse ao Young Trigg que "some of yours edits may have affected the article in such a way so as to reflect more favorably on the subject of the article" ("algumas das suas edições pode ter afetado o artigo, de forma a refletir de forma mais favorável sobre o tema do artigo"). Ele também deu ao Young Trigg a seguinte mensagem:

Deal descreveu sua razão para suspeitar da existência de um conflito de interesses a um repórter da Wikinews. Ele disse que "Ficou claro para mim que um editor muito familiarizado com a Wikipedia e o governador tinha feito uma conta finalidade específica que tinha feito um significativo número de edições que foram unanimemente favoráveis para o tema do artigo. Dado o calendário fortuitos, ela fez sentido para relembrar de nossas diretrizes o editor de conflito de interesses".

Após esta mensagem foi enviada por Deal, Young Trigg disse que "I will acknowledge that I volunteer for the McCain campaign" ("eu reconheço que vou me oferecer para a campanha de McCain").
The user did however state that "I did not know Palin was the nominee when I made my edits," and "no one instructed me to make these edits. No one knew that I made these edits. I did this on my own 'becuz' I like improving Wikipedia articles".
O usuário, no entanto afirmar que "I did not know Palin was the nominee when I made my edits" ("eu não sabia era a candidata Palin, quando fiz as minhas edições") e "no one instructed me to make these edits. No one knew that I made these edits. I did this on my own 'becuz' I like improving Wikipedia articles" ("ninguém me encarregou de fazer essas edições. Ninguém sabia que eu fizer essas edições. Eu fiz isso por minha própria ‘vontade’ eu gosto melhorar artigos da Wikipédia").
Abaixo está o comentário em inglês extraído do Young Trigg:

Young Trigg fez um total de 43 contribuições (muitas em páginas de discussões) e anunciou que iria aposentar a partir da Wikipedia às 07:58 UTC em 31 de agosto. Para além da edição do artigo sobre Sarah Palin, o usuário solicitou igualmente um anônimo contribuinte para a Wikipédia acerca da pessoa que editar Palin que afirmou que a vice-presidente foi indigitado, perante o anúncio oficial:

Wikinews contatou a campanha de McCain com um pedido de uma declaração sobre este assunto, e no momento da publicação, não tinha recebido uma resposta.


Newspaper alleges U.S. drawing up plans to attack Iran

The British newspaper Sunday Telegraph has reported on alleged plans for a U.S. attack on Iran.  The plans were allegedly made in retaliation for Iran's uranium enrichment program due to suspicions that it is for military application in the development of nuclear weapons.

The paper has also reported that the alleged plans to attack Iran may be a possible motivation for the development of nuclear weapons by Iran; there have been other threats of military response by both the U.S. and Israel.

On February 12, 2006, the Sunday Telegraph claimed that strategists at the Pentagon are "drawing up plans for devastating bombing raids backed by submarine-launched ballistic missile attacks against Iran's nuclear sites" as '"a last resort" for the situation.

The newspaper also claims that preparations are extremely active, stating, "Central Command and Strategic Command planners are identifying targets, assessing weapon-loads and working on logistics for an operation,".

Assessments of the time scale for Iran to possibly develop nuclear weapons include three to ten years.  According to the Centre for Nonproliferation Studies, cities likely to be targets because of their alleged role in nuclear weapons development include medium-size towns such as Bushehr or Bushire (بوشهر), population estimated as 165,000 (2005) and Arak with a population of about 511,000 (2005) and the small mountain town of Natanz.

Just a few days earlier, an InterPress Service article by Gareth Porter reported that two ex-CIA operatives, Paul Pillar and Ellen Laipson, as saying that one of the main reasons motivating Iran to move towards developing nuclear weapons was the belief in a threat of attack by the United States and/or Israel.

According to this InterPress Service report, ex-CIA official Paul Pillar led the preparation of all National Intelligence Estimates (NIEs) on Iran from 2000 to 2005 in his role as national intelligence officer for the Near East and South Asia, and told the InterPress Service that all of the NIEs on Iran during that period "addressed the Iranian fears of U.S. attack explicitly and related their desire for nuclear weapons to those fears" and furthermore that "Iranian perceptions of threat, especially from the United States and Israel, were not the only factor, but were in our judgment part of what drove whatever effort they were making to build nuclear weapons."

Ellen Laipson, the other ex-CIA official also stated, "the Iranian fear of an attack by the United States has long been a standard element in NIEs [National Intelligence Estimates] on Iran."

Just a few weeks earlier, on January 25, 2006, former UN weapons inspector Hans Blix recommended that the United States give a similar commitment not to attack Iran with either conventional or nuclear weapons, just as it apparently has given to North Korea, stating, "regime changes, we know, from the outside are not that much of a panacea. So I think [the United States] should contemplate similar offers to Iran as they have to North Korea."


Diario británico afirma que Estados Unidos planea bombardear Irán

El periódico británico Sunday Telegraph informa que el Pentágono está ultimando el plan para un devastador bombardeo de Irán, apoyado en misiles balísticos lanzados desde submarinos.

Según la publicación, el Comando Central y los planeadores estratégicos están identificando blancos, evaluando el tipo de armas y trabajando en la logística de la operación que se llevaría a cabo si la vía diplomática no consigue detener las ambiciones nucleares de Irán.

La estrategia más probable será el bombardeo aéreo mediante aviones bombarderos B2 armados con armas de precisión.

Según el diario, Teherán ha dispersado sus plantas nucleares, llevándolas bajo tierra. Además, recientemente Irán ha actualizado sus defensas antiaéreas.


USA uppges planera flygattacker mot Iran

USA –
Den brittiska tidningen Sunday Telegraph uppger att USA:s militära ledning planerar omfattande flygattacker mot mål i Iran.

Enligt tidningsartikeln handlar planerna om flyganfall understödda av ubåtar mot iranska kärnanläggningar.

Om planerna genomförs kommer de att påverka samarbetet mellan USA och Storbritannien. Ett samförstånd mellan länderna har hittills funnits om hur militära insatser i området ska genomföras.

USA:s president George W Bush kan räkna med stort stöd för planerna, både från demokratiskt och republikanskt håll.

Enligt de källor som Sunday Telegraph refererar till är det Irans vägran att acceptera omvärldens krav att tillåta insyn i landets atomprogram som ligger bakom planerna. Vid sidan av de hätska uttalanden där ledande iranska politiker bland annat hävdat att Förintelsen aldrig ägt rum.

DN skriver att tidningen Jerusalem Post citerar anonyma källor enligt vilka diplomater i Azerbajdzjan uppger att Baku kan komma att spela en central roll i USA:s planer. Bland annat ska azerbajdzjaner i Iran leda en kupp mot den iranska regimen.


Next political election in Italy will be on April 9, 2006

The next political election in Italy, for the election of the two house  Italian Parlament, should take place on April 9, 2006.

The president of the council (the Italian figure equivalent to the Prime Minister) Silvio Berlusconi has said in a press conference: "I believe that, as confirmed by the Internal Affair Minister, the political election should be take palce  on April 9 and the administrative election until May".

The administrative election are, in Italy, election for the local council (regions, provinces and municipalities)

Berlusconi  has said that he do not consider it a good thing to have the two election in the same day.

Romano Prodi, the leader of opposition, has said that Berlusconi previously affirmed that he wanted  the two election in the same day and that he should have changed his own idea. Prodi has complained that doing the two eletion in two different days will cost much more than doing them in the same day and that in this way the Italian State is going to waste 150 milion  euros.


Berlusconi: elezioni politiche italiane il 9 aprile 2006

Le prossime elezioni politiche per il rinnovo del Parlamento si dovrebbero tenere il prossimo  9 aprile 2006.

Il Presidente del Consiglio Silvio Berlusconi in una conferenza stampa ha infatti affermato: "Mi sembra che, come confermato dal ministro dell'Interno, le elezioni politiche si dovrebbero tenere il nove aprile, e le amministrative entro maggio".

Il Presidente del Consiglio ha affermato che non ritiene opportuno che le elezioni politiche ed quelle amministrative vangano fatte nella stessa consultazione.

Romano Prodi ha affermato che il presidente Berlusconi aveva precedentemente dichiarato di voler svolgere le due consultazioni nello stesso giorno e ha commentato che evidentemente Berlusconi deve aver cambiato idea. Inoltre Prodi ha  evidenziato il fatto che far svolgere le due elezioni in due giorni diversi comporterà una spesa notevolmente superiore per lo Stato rispetto far svolgere le due consultazioni nello stesso giorno e in questo modo si sprecheranno 150 milioni di euro.


Niger coup ousts president

Economic Community of West African States

The president of Niger, Tandja Mamadou, has been captured and imprisoned by a group of Nigerien soldiers under the name of "Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy" after an attack on the presidential palace late Thursday.

The Nigerien embassy in London has issued a statement saying that both the president and ministers in his company were "safe and well," although officials said that the company was most likely imprisoned in military barracks outside of Niamy.

According to an announcement by the representative of the group responsible for the coup, a Nigerien Army colonel, the country's constitution has been suspended and all government institutions have been dissolved. It is not clear who the leader of the coup is, although several military sources said that Major Adamou Harouna of the Nigerien Army was responsible.

The coup apparently took place during a cabinet meeting in the capitol building, and was preceded by a several-hour long gun battle in the capital, Niamy. The battle began at about 13:00 local time (12:00 UTC), ending about four hours later, with both foot soldiers and tanks involved, although no significant deployment of the military was reported. The morning after the battle, the streets were relatively quiet, and the only significant military presence is heavy artillery around the presidential palace.

The battle led to at least ten deaths, four of which were soldiers. The identities of those killed have not been released. Additionally, a curfew has been imposed, and the military has closed Niger's borders. Despite the crisis, the government has yet to release an official statement as to its status.

The actions of the military prompted condemnations of the coup from both the African Union and the nation of France, both of which called for negotiations to resolve the situation. The West African group of countries Ecowas has already dispatched a delegation to talk to the group responsible for the coup.

The coup came after an extended political crisis in which President Tandja has dissolved both the National Assembly and Niger's High Court, as well as extending his presidential term by three years, and removing all further limits on his term. These actions have led to increasing pressure against him and the government, culminating with a thousands-strong demonstration against the government last week.


Militärputsch in Niger

Niamey (Niger), 19.02.2010 – Am Donnerstag, dem 18. Februar, ist es in Niger zu einem Putsch gekommen. Eine Gruppe von Soldaten, die sich „Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy“ nennt, drang nach längeren Gefechten in der Hauptstadt Niamey in den Präsidentenpalast ein und nahm Staatschef Tandja Mamadou, der gerade eine Kabinettssitzung leitete, gefangen. In einer öffentlichen Erklärung der Putschisten wurde mitgeteilt, man habe beschlossen, alle Regierungsinstitutionen aufzulösen und die Verfassung außer Kraft zu setzen. Luftwaffenkommandeur Salou Djibo, der die Putschisten anführt, wurde zum Chef der neuen Militärregierung ernannt.

Mamadou wird einer AFP-Meldung zufolge möglicherweise in einer Militärbaracke 20 Kilometer außerhalb der Hauptstadt festgehalten.

Sowohl die Afrikanische Union als auch die Westafrikanische Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft verurteilten den Staatsstreich. Frankreich, dessen frühere Kolonie Niger ist, forderte alle Seiten dazu auf, durch einen Dialog eine Lösung der Verfassungskrise zu suchen.

Dem Putsch war eine lange politische Krise vorausgegangen, die ihren Anfang im August 2009 nahm, als Tandja Mamadou ein Referendum über eine Verfassungsänderung durchsetzte, wodurch ihm eine dritte Amtszeit ermöglicht wurde. Zuvor hatte er das Parlament und das Verfassungsgericht aufgelöst, da sich beide Organe gegen das Referendum ausgesprochen hatten.

Tandja Mamadou ist seit 1999 Präsident des Landes, das als eines der ärmsten Länder der Erde gilt. Während seiner Amtszeit begann die Ausbeutung von Uran in dem Land. Die Uranmine gilt laut BBC als die weltweit zweitgrößte Abbaustelle des Schwermetalls.


Soldados ejecutan un golpe de estado en Níger

18 de febrero de 2010Niamey, Níger —

Un grupo de soldados rebeldes irrumpieron hoy en el palacio presidencial de Níger, un país ubicado en el África subsahariana, y han logrado retener al presidente Tandja Mamadou y a su gabinete, que se encontraban reunidos en ese momento. El golpe fue guiado por el mayor Adamou Harouna, según varias fuentes militares. Por el momento se ha oficializado la muerte de entre 3 y 4 soldados.

Durante la toma hubo un enfrentamiento con ráfagas de ametralladora y disparos de armamento pesado durante tres horas. Según la agencia de noticias española EFE, el número de víctimas que resultó el enfrentamiento pudo haber sido elevado, tanto entre los leales al presidente y los rebeldes.

La agencia ibérica también informa que la Radio Nacional del país africano interrumpió su programación y comenzó a transmitir la marcha militar, lo que supone que la toma al palacio fue exitosa. La ubicación exacta del presidente depuesto es confusa según varias fuentes, ya que algunos reportan que está en un cuartel militar cerca de la presidencia y otras que está en las afueras de Niamey.

La junta militar, denominada como Consejo Supremo para la Restauración de la Democracia, anunció a través de la televisión estatal de la suspensión de la Constitución y de las instituciones gubernamentales, y por lo tanto se confirmó la oficialidad del golpe de estado.

El secretario general de la ONU, Ban Ki-moon, ha pedido la reinstalación del gobierno constitucional del país, mientras que Francia, de la que Níger fue colonia, ha pedido a sus ciudadanos mantenerse dentro de sus domicilios.

Este golpe de estado surgió como consecuencia de la crisis política que está sufriendo el país desde hace meses, luego de los intentos del presidente de reelegirse más allá de los dos períodos consecutivos de cinco años, tal como dicta la Constitución. El intento de reformar la carta magna provocó la disolución del Parlamento, opositor al presidente, y del Tribunal Constitucional, que declaró ilegal la acción. En agosto pasado, se convocó a un referéndum, en donde fue aprobada la reforma, con acusaciones de fraude de parte de los opositores. Esto ocasionó la aplicación de sanciones internacionales de parte de la Comunidad Económica de Estados de África Occidental (CEEAO, en inglés ECOWAS) y de Estados Unidos.


Nigerissä sotilasvallankaappaus presidentti Tandjaa vastaan

Sotilaat tunkeutuivat presidentin palatsiin Nigerin pääkaupungissa Niameyssä eilen päivällä tunteja kestäneen laukaustenvaihdon päätteeksi. He saivat ilmeisesti kiinni presidentti Mamadou Tandjan. Sotilaiden mukaan hän on kunnossa. Häntä sanotaan pidettävän armeijan rakennuksessa pääkaupungissa.

Salou Djibo ja muut vallankaappauksen johtohahmot ovat ilmoittaneet hallitsevansa maata ryhmittymänä nimeltä ”Ylin neuvosto demokratian palauttamiseksi”. He ilmoittivat, ettei perustuslaki ole toistaiseksi voimassa.

Afrikan unioni tuomitsi vallankaappauksen ja vaati perustuslaillisen järjestyksen palauttamista. Sotilaat puolestaan pyysivät kansalaisten ja kansainvälisen yhteisön tukea.

Vallankaappauksen taustalla ovat presidentti Mamadou Tandjan toimet demokratian heikentämiseksi Nigerissä. Viime vuonna hän hajotti parlamentin ja runnoi läpi uuden perustuslain, joka pidensi hänen toimikauttaan ja poisti rajoitukset toimikausien määrässä.

Ison-Britannian ulkoministeriö kehottaa välttämään matkustamista Niameyhin. Matkustamista joillekin Nigerin alueille on jo ennestään rajoitettu, ja maassa matkustaminen on ennestäänkin ollut vaarallista muun muassa terroristiuhan vuoksi. Nigerin rajat on suljettu, eikä tiedetä, milloin ne aukeavat jälleen.

Niger on maailman köyhimpiä maita, jolla on laajat uraanivarat. Presidentti Tandja (71 v.) hajotti vuonna 2009 parlamentin, koska se ei hyväksynyt kansanäänestystä presidentin jatkokaudesta. Myös perustuslakituomioistuin hylkäsi syksyllä 2009 kansanäänestyksen. Presidentti Tandjan toinen kausi päättyi joulukuussa 2009, mutta hän jatkoi siitä huolimatta vallassa. Armeja vangitsi kaappauksessa presidentin. Kaappausta johti Nigerin armejan majuri Amadou Harouna.[1]


Coup d'État au Niger

Des soldats ont pris d'assaut, hier, le palais de la présidence nigérienne à Niamey et sont repartis en emmenant avec eux le président Mamadou Tandja dans un camp militaire dans les faubourgs de la ville. Des tirs d'armes automatiques, accompagnés d'explosions, ont été entendus pendant une vingtaine de minutes jeudi après-midi, aux alentours du palais de la présidence, à l'heure où devait se tenir le Conseil des ministres. Les mutins ont suspendu la Constitution et dissout les institutions républicaines. Le pays est désormais dirigé par une junte baptisée « Conseil suprême pour la restauration de la démocratie ».

Garba Lompo, ministre conseiller spécial à la présidence rapportait à VOA News aux environs de 17 h, heure locale : « Nous sommes pris, mais il y a une forte riposte ». À la place de son programme habituel, la radio nationale a commencé à diffuser de la musique traditionnelle. La plupart des commerces sont restés fermés dans la zone des affrontements et une épaisse fumée était visible au-dessus du palais présidentiel. Le chef des mutins est le colonel Abdoulaye Adamou Harouna, ancien aide de camp du leader du dernier coup coup d'État au Niger en 1999, le major Daouda Malla Wanke.

« Le Conseil suprême pour la restauration de la démocratie (CSRD), dont je suis le porte-parole, a décidé de suspendre la Constitution de la VIe République et de dissoudre toutes les institutions qui en sont issues », a affirmé un soldat se présentant comme le porte-parole du groupe, selon un extrait de son allocution diffusée sur France Info.

« Nous demandons à la population de garder son calme et de rester unie autour des idéaux qui animent le CSRD et qui pourront faire du Niger un exemple de démocratie et de bonne gouvernance, à l'instar des autres États épris de paix et de stabilité », a-t-il ajouté.

Réunie lundi à Abuja, au Nigeria, la Communauté économique des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest (CEDEAO) avait suspendu le Niger pour transgression de la légalité constitutionnelle, à la suite du référendum controversé qui a permis en août au président Tandja de prolonger de trois ans son mandat présidentiel, devant expirer en décembre. Le Parlement nigérien et la cour constitutionnelle avaient déclaré que ce référendum était entaché d'illégalité. Les négociations menées par l'ancien président nigérian Abdulsalami Abubakar en vue d'une sortie de crise n'ont pas permis de débloquer la situation politique dans le pays.


Zamach stanu w Nigrze

18 lutego doszło do zamachu stanu w afrykańskim Nigrze. Wojskowi po kilkugodzinnym oblężeniu zdobyli pałac prezydencki i wywieźli prezydenta Tandję Mamadou w nieznanym kierunku.

Zbuntowane wojsko pod dowództwem mjr Adamou Harouna rozpoczęło atak na pałac prezydencki w Niamey około południa. Żołnierze ostrzelali siedzibę prezydenta z ciężkiej broni, kiedy w pałacu odbywało się nadzwyczajne posiedzenie Rady Ministrów, która zebrała się w związku z kryzysem politycznym w kraju. Wieczorem walki ucichły, jednak prezydent Tandja Mamadou znajduje się w rękach rebeliantów.

Padli zabici zarówno między buntownikami i lojalnymi żołnierzami broniącymi pałacu. Wg agencji Reutera w trzygodzinnej wymianie ognia zginęło co najmniej trzech żołnierzy. Państwowe radio podczas próby zamachu przestało transmitować normalny program i rozpoczęło nadawanie pieśni wojskowych.

W 2009 roku w Nigrze nastąpił poważny kryzys polityczny spowodowany konfliktem między prezydentem Tandją Mamadou a władzą sądowniczą i ustawodawczą na temat trzyletniego wydłużenia rządów prezydenta i projektu zmiany konstytucji, znoszącej m.in. limit kadencji prezydenckich.

Mamadou mający ustąpić w grudniu, doprowadził do referendum w którym obywatele opowiedzieli się za wydłużeniem kadencji prezydenta. W wyniku głosowania z 4 sierpnia, doszło do poprawek w konstytucji, które zostały zatwierdzone 18 sierpnia, wg których kadencja prezydenta uległa wydłużeniu o trzy lata. Owa zmiana została odebrana przez opozycję jako zamach stanu.

Od początku obecnego roku narastały protesty opozycji przeciwko zmianom w konstytucji. Rozmowy między prezydentem a liderami opozycji zostały zerwane w ubiegłym tygodniu.

Ambicje prezydenta Mamadou były krytykowane przez arenę międzynarodową. USA wyłączyły nawet Niger z gospodarczego programu pomocowego dla Afryki.

Zamachy stanu w Afryce nie są rzadkością. W ubiegły roku na Czarnym Lądzie doszło do dwóch zamachów na władze. 2 marca zamordowano w Gwinei Bissau prezydenta  João Bernardo Vieirę. 17 marca na Madagaskarze od władzy odsunięto Marca Ravalomananę. 4 grudnia doszło do nieudanej próby obalenia dyktatora Gwinei Moussy Dadisa Camary, który trzyma władzę od czasu puczu z 23 grudnia 2008.

Najgłośniejszy pucz w 2009 roku miał miejsce w Hondurasie, kiedy to 28 czerwca obalono głowę państwa Manuela Zelayę. Oficjalnie kryzys polityczny w tym kraju zakończył się 27 stycznia 2010, w dniu zaprzysiężenia na prezydenta Porfirio Lobo Sosy.


நைஜரில் இராணுவப் புரட்சியை அடுத்து அதிபர் கைது

மேற்கு ஆப்பிரிக்கக் குடியரசான நைஜரில் இடம்பெற்ற இராணுவப் புரட்சியை அடுத்து அந்நாட்டின் அரசுத் தலைவர் தாஞ்சா மமடோவு கைது செய்யப்பட்டு இராணுவக் காவலில் வைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளதாக அங்கிருந்து வரும் தகவல்கள் தெரிவிக்கின்றன. "மக்களாட்சியைக் காப்பதற்கான அதிஉயர் மன்றம்" என்ற பெயரில் நைஜரின் இராணுவத்தினர் அதிபர் மாளிகையை நேற்று வியாழக்கிழமை தாக்கியதை அடுத்தே அரசுத்தலைவர் கைது செய்யப்பட்டார்.

அரசுத்தலைவரும் அவரது அமைச்சர்களும் "பாதுகாப்பாகவும் நலமாகவும்" உள்ளதாக லண்டனில் உள்ள நைஜரின் தூதரகம் அறிவித்துள்ளது. ஆனாலும் அதிபர் உட்பட அவரது சகாக்கள் தலைநகர் நியாமிக்கு வெளியே இராணுவ நிலையொன்றில் காவலில் வைக்கப்பட்டிருக்கலாம் என அதிகாரிகள் தெரிவித்தனர்.

நாட்டின் அரசியலமைப்பு இடைநிறுத்தப்பட்டுள்ளதாகவும், அனைத்து அரச நிறுவனங்களும் கலைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளதாகவும் புரட்சியை முன்னெடுத்த குழுவின் பேச்சாளரான இராணுவத் தளபதி ஒருவர் அறிவித்தார். இப்புரட்சிக்கு யார் தலைமை வகித்தார்கள் என்பது உடனடியாகத் தெரியயவிட்டாலும், மேஜர் அடாமூ ஹரூனா என்னும் இராணுவத் தலைவரே இதற்குக் காரணம் என பல இராணுவ ஆய்வாளர்கள் தெரிவிக்கின்றனர்.

அமைச்சரவைக் கூட்டம் நடைபெற்றுக் கொண்டிருக்கும்போதே புரட்சி இடம்பெற்றது. இதனைத் தொடர்ந்து பல மணிநேரம் துப்பாக்கிச் சூட்டுச் சத்தங்கள் அதிபர் மாளிகையைச் சுற்றி கேட்டன. சண்டை உள்ளூர் நேரப்படி பகல் 1:00 மணிக்கு ஆரம்பித்தது.

இராணுவத்தினரில் மூன்று பேர் இறந்துள்ளனர். பொதுமக்கள் பலர் காயமடைந்துள்ளனர். இதனையடுத்து அங்கு ஊரடங்குச் சட்டம் பிறப்பிக்கப்பட்டது.

இவ்விராணுவப் புரட்சியை ஆப்பிரிக்க ஒன்றியம் வன்மையாகக் கண்டித்து அறிக்கை வெளியிட்டுள்ளது.

அரசுத்தலைவர் தாஞ்சா நாட்டின் நாடாளுமன்றம், மற்றும் உச்ச நீதிமன்றம் ஆகியவற்றைக் கலைத்து, தனது பதவிக்காலத்தை மேலும் மூன்றாண்டுகள் நீட்டித்ததை அடுத்தே இந்தப் புரட்சி இடம்பெற்றுள்ளது. அரசுத்தலைவரின் இந்த செயற்பாடு அவருக்கெதிராக பல அழுத்தங்களைப் பல்வேறு மட்டங்களிலும் தோற்றுவித்திருந்தது. கடந்த வாரம் அங்கு ஆயிரக்கணக்கானோர் அரசு எதிர்ப்பு ஆர்ப்பாட்டங்களில் ஈடுபட்டனர்.

வெள்ளி, பெப்ரவரி 19, 2010


Nigeria allies join fight against Boko Haram

Military forces from Chad and Niger yesterday engaged Boko Haram militants within the borders of Nigeria. This follows African Union endorsement on Friday of the creation of an 8,000-plus strong regional force to combat the threat posed by the militant group.

Along with Cameroon, both Chad and Niger have previously engaged Boko Haram forces who have crossed their borders from the territory they hold in northern Nigeria. While all three countries have previously aided Nigeria against Boko Haram, the new attacks are Niger's first push into foreign territory.

The new attacks against Boko Haram follow its leader pledging allegiance on Saturday to Islamic State, as other groups have done. A Nigerian military spokesman, speaking to the BBC, dismissed this as a "plea for help"; Nigerian spokesmen cited recent military defeats inflicted upon Boko Haram as the reason for the militants' announcement.


Aliats de Nigèria s'uneixen a la lluita contra Boko Haram

Forces militars del Txad i Níger el diumenge van atrapar militants de Boko Haram al territori de Nigèria. Això segueix a l'aprovació de la Unió Africana divendres de la creació d'una forta força regional de més de 8000 soldats per combatre l'amenaça plantejada pel grup terrorista.

Juntament amb Camerun, Txad i Níger han atrapat prèviament forces de Boko Haram que han creuat les fronteres del territori que ocupen al nord de Nigèria. Mentre que els tres països han assistit prèviament a Nigèria contra Boko Haram, els nous atacs són la primera empenta del Níger en territori estranger.

Els nous atacs contra Boko Haram segueixen al seu líder prometent lleialtat dissabte a l'Estat islàmic, com altres grups han fet. Un portaveu militar de Nigèria, en declaracions a la BBC, va rebutjar això com una "petició d'ajuda"; portaveus nigerians esmenten les derrotes militars recents infligides a Boko Haram com la raó per l'anunci dels militants.


Союзники Нигерии присоединяются к её борьбе против Боко харам

Вооружённые силы Нигера и Чада в воскресенье, 8 марта 2015 года, присоединились к военной операции против исламистской террористической группировки «Боко харам» в пределах границ Нигерии на её северо-востоке. Эти страны-союзники по организации Африканский союз, которая поддержала в пятницу, 6 марта, создание для борьбы с «Боко Харам» региональных сил численностью более восьми тысяч военнослужащих с целью противодействия исламистам.

Вместе с Камеруном, Чад и Нигер ранее уже занимались силами Боко харам, которые пересекали их границы с территории, которую они занимают в северной Нигерии. Несмотря на предыдущую помощь этих трёх стран Нигерии против Боко харам, эти новые атаки будут для Нигера первыми сражениями не своей территории.

Новые атаки против Боко харам произошли после того, как её лидер объявил в субботу о присяге на верность другой террористической группировке и непризнанному государству одновременно «Исламское государство Ирака и Леванта».

«Боко харам» — радикальная нигерийская исламистская террористическая организация. Известна с 2002 года, когда её предводителем стал Мохаммед Юсуф. Главной целью организации является введение w:шариата на всей территории Нигерии и искоренение западного образа жизни. В июле 2009 года они инициировали беспорядки на севере Нигерии (очаг в штате Баучи), нападая на христианские церкви и полицейские участки. В мае 2014 года внесена Советом Безопасности ООН в список террористических организаций.

«Исламское государство Ирака и Леванта» — исламистская w:террористическая организация, действующая преимущественно на территории Сирии (частично контролируя её северо-восточные территории) и Ирака (частично контролируя территорию «суннитского треугольника») фактически с 2013 года как исламское непризнанное квазигосударство (провозглашённое как всемирный халифат 29 июня 2014 года) с w:шариатской формой правления и штаб-квартирой (фактической столицей) в сирийском городе w:Ракка. Образована в 2006 году в Ираке путем слияния одиннадцати радикальных исламистских группировок во главе с местным подразделением «Аль-Каиды».

14 марта 2015 года


Око 200 возила војски Нигера и Чада ушло у Нигерију

9. март 2015.Чад/ Нигер  (Beta-AFP) - Око 200 возила са војницима из Чада и Нигера прешло је у понедељак границу с Нигеријом где је у недељу започета копнена и ваздушна офанзива против екстремиста из групе Боко харам на североистоку земље, пренели су очевици.

Према њиховим речима, војна возила од недеље касно увече прелазе границу и већ се чује тешка артиљеријска паљба. Генерал Закарија Нгонбонге из Чада потврдио је вест да војне снаге из његове земље и Нигера прелазе границу како би се бориле против Боко харама.

Како су раније навели званичници, на мети су екстремисти из северне нигеријске државе Борно.

До офанзиве је дошло пошто је Боко харам у суботу увече поставио на интернет аудио поруку у којој се заветовао на оданост Исламској Држави, што је била реакција на војни притисак Нигерије и њених савезника.

Лидер Боко харама Абубакар Шекау позвао је у аудио поруци муслимане широм света да се закуну на лојалност лидеру Исламске државе Абуу Бакру ел Багдадију.


Nigeria arrests Charles Taylor for war crimes trial

Yesterday in Nigeria, former Liberian president Charles Taylor was arrested after being caught trying to flee the country.  Nigeria had announced that it would allow Taylor's transfer to Liberia at the request of the new Liberian president Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.  The government of Nigeria reported Taylor to be missing on Monday; they had made known earlier that day that they would not take responsibility for Taylor's arrest or transfer.  After his flight however, he was arrested on the border of Cameroon by Nigerian authorities who transferred him to Monrovia where he was met by UN authorities who took him into custody.  He is to be tried by the UN-backed War Crimes Court for Sierra Leone in Freetown.

Richard Dicker, director of the International Justice Program for Human Rights Watch, expressed enthusiasm over Taylor's capture: "This is an extraordinary moment for the people of West Africa. Taylor’s trial should bring long awaited justice to the victims of Sierra Leone’s brutal war and promote the rule of law in a region devastated by violence."

Chief prosecutor of the War Crimes Court, Desmond De Silva, commented: "Today is a momentous occasion, an important day for international justice, the international community, and above all the people of Sierra Leone." Taylor was exiled to Nigeria in August of 2003 after leading Liberia into a civil war.

Taylor will stand trial for allegedly having the "greatest responsibility" for war crimes, crimes against humanity and other violations of international law perpetrated under his leadership; the specific charges include responsibility for murder, hostage taking, extermination, rape, murder, sexual slavery, and use of child soldiers.


Ex-Präsident von Liberia in Nigeria festgenommen

Monrovia (Liberia) / Abuja (Nigeria), 29.03.2006 – Nach Polizeiangaben wurde der frühere liberianische Präsident Charles Taylor heute im Bundesstaat Borno, im Norden Nigerias, an der Grenze zu Kamerun festgenommen. Nigerias Präsident Olusegun Obasanjo will Charles Taylor nun an Liberia ausliefern lassen. Der Ort, an dem Charles Tayler festgenommen wurde, ist mehr als 1.500 km von Calabar entfernt, wo sich der liberianische Ex-Präsident seit 2003 aufhielt.

Nach Angaben von lokalen Regierungsbeamten war Charles Tayler mit einem Jeep unterwegs. Charles Tayler soll viele US-Dollars in einem großen Koffer bei sich getragen haben. Die amtierende liberianische Präsidentin Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf hatte unter dem Druck der US-Regierung im März dieses Jahres von Nigeria die Auslieferung des Ex-Präsidenten gefordert. In der letzten Woche hatte die liberianische Präsidentin ihre Forderung erneuert. Sie will, dass sich Taylor in Sierra Leone einem Gericht stellt. In Sierra Leone ist Charles Tayler wegen der Unterstützung von Rebellen angeklagt.

Am Montagabend war der Staatschef Liberias, Charles Taylor, verschwunden. Vor zwei Jahren, im Jahr 2003, wurde er vom Amt enthoben. Er ging damals ins Exil nach Nigeria. Inzwischen wurde er als Kriegsverbrecher angeklagt. Wie und warum Taylor untergetaucht ist, war mysteriös, denn für ihn waren fünf Sicherheitsleute zu seiner persönlichen Bewachung abgestellt. Nigerias Präsident Olusegun Obasanjo hatte angeordnet, das Verschwinden Taylors aufzuklären, da auch eine Entführung in Frage kommen könne.

Am heutigen Mittwoch weilte Präsident Olusegun Obasanjo in Washington. Ob ihn George W. Bush empfangen würde, wie es geplant war, ist nicht bekannt.


Nigeria bill has Taylor implications

The Nigerian legislature is considering a Bill that would permit the Senate to extradite persons granted asylum by Nigeria to other nations and organizations, such as the United Nations and the African Union, to face trial for war crimes.  Under the law, the Senate would have the power to accept or decline applications for asylum as well as remit persons already with asylum to requesting organizations or countries.

If the Bill passes, it would provide the mechanism needed by Nigeria to lawfully extradite indicted war criminal Charles Taylor to stand trial at the Special Court in Sierra Leone.  To date, Nigeria has resisted repeated claims by Sierra Leone, the United States, and the United Nations to extradite Mr. Taylor saying that they will only do so if called upon by a freely elected Liberian government.  Liberia has its first national elections since Taylor's regime scheduled for October.

The Bill has significant implications in Liberia, where Taylor was President until ousted by the international community in August 2003, under an asylum deal with Nigeria.  The United Nations has maintained a peacekeeping mission in the country ever since.  In October, Liberia faces its first national elections since Taylor, and his influence, although against the terms of his asylum, is seen as potentially destabilizing.

The front runners in Liberia's presidential race recently spoke on the Taylor issue at a series of presidential debates held on local radio.  Although most candidates agree that the rule of law must be followed none would commit to handing Taylor over to the Special Court if elected.


ナイジェリア、亡命者引渡し法案を審議―テイラー前リベリア大統領の処遇に影響も

ナイジェリア議会は、ナイジェリアでいったん亡命資格を認められた者を、ナイジェリア上院が、戦争犯罪の裁判を理由として、他の国や、国際連合（国連）、アフリカ連合といった国際機関に引き渡すことを可能にする法案を審議中である。この法案では、ナイジェリア上院は、亡命資格の適用を認可する権限や、次いで亡命中の人物を請求のあった国や機関に送還する権限を得るとしている。

法案が可決されれば、ナイジェリアは、合法的にチャールズ・テーラー前リベリア大統領をシエラレオネ特別法廷に戦争犯罪人として引き渡すことができるようになる。シエラレオネ特別法廷は、2000年8月の国連安保理事会決議に基づき、シエラレオネ内戦介入などの戦争犯罪を、国際人道法およびシエラレオネ国内法に基づき審理するために設置された。現在まで、ナイジェリアは、シエラレオネ、アメリカ合衆国、国連に対して、テイラー前大統領の引渡しは、民主的な方法で選出されたリベリア政府に対してのみ行うと繰り返し主張してきた。テイラー政権崩壊後、最初の国政レベルの選挙は今年10月に予定されている。

法案は、リベリアにとっても重大な意義をもっている。2003年、当時リベリア大統領だったテイラー前大統領は、隣国シエラレオネの反政府組織を援助し内戦に介入したとして、戦争犯罪人としてシエラレオネ特別法廷で起訴され、国際社会から追放された。起訴の翌日、国外に逃亡し、ナイジェリア政府との交渉の上ナイジェリアに亡命した。それ以後、現在まで、リベリアでは国連の平和維持活動が行われている。10月に、リベリアではテイラー政権崩壊後はじめての国政選挙が行われる。テイラー前大統領が亡命中であるにもかかわらず、前大統領の影響力は、事態を不安定にする可能性があるとみなされている。

リベリア大統領選挙の候補者たちは、最近、ラジオでの連続討論会を行った。その席上テイラー前大統領の問題も話題となった。ほとんどの候補者は法が遵守されるべきであると認めたが、当選した場合にテイラー前大統領を特別法廷に引き渡すことについて、触れた者はなかった。

英語版ウィキニュースからの翻訳に基づきます。


Nigeria hands over disputed area to Cameroon

Nigerian and Cameroonian officials held a joint ceremony to mark the formal handover of the Bakassi peninsula from Nigeria to Cameroon. Nigeria agreed to cede the resource-rich area after a long drawn dispute with Cameroon. The ceremony comes after Nigeria completed the withdrawal of its troop stationed in the northern part of the peninsula. Many Bakassi residents are reported to be opposed to living under Cameroon's authority.

The resource-rich Bakassi peninsula was claimed by both Nigeria and Cameroon, leading to military clashes between the two back in 1981.
In 1994, Cameroon approached the International Court of Justice(ICJ) to rule on the claims, and the ICJ ruled in 2002 that the area belonged to Cameroon as per a 1913 treaty signed between then colonial powers Britain and Germany. Nigeria finally agreed to the handover in the UN brokered Greentree Agreement signed in New York on June 12th, which gave Nigeria 60 days to withdraw its military forces from the area. The agreement signed by Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and Cameroon's President Paul Biya, was the outcome of the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission, set up by Secretary-General Kofi Annan to address the issue.

The ceremony was held in the capital of northern Bakassi, the fishing town of Archibong, and was witnessed by African Union, British, French, German UN and US officials, as well as the Nigeria's chief of defence staff, General Martin-Luther Agwai, and the heads of the army, navy, airforce and the police. The Nigerian flag was lowered Cameroon flag was then raised. The Nigerian Justice Minister Bayo Ojo and his Cameroonian counterpart, Maurice Kamto signed the documents Monday transferring authority at exactly 12:30 pm (1130GMT).

Speaking at the event, Mr. Ojo said "We yield ground in order to give way to peace.", adding, "We have reason to celebrate the peaceful resolution of the Bakassi peninsula dispute". He tried to reassure Nigerians living in the peninsula, saying the transfer "does not not mean an end in itself. You still have the opportunity of living here if you choose to do so".

Mr. Kamto told the gathering ""We have the conviction that things will not be different in Bakassi, whose inhabitants have always co-existed in peace as they do in other locations and regions of Cameroon."

Kieran Prendergast, representative of the UN secretary general at the event called the handover "a good example of taking initiative in conflict prevention and solution".

The population of Bakassi, mainly Nigerian are reported to be deeply unhappy over the transfer. After Nigeria began its troop withdrawal last week, a group called the Bakassi Self Determination Movement declared Bakassi's independence from both Nigeria and Cameroon. The group hoisted blue and white flags and declared the creation of the "Democratic Republic of Bakassi".

Speaking to the IRIN news agency on Monday, the leader of the group, Tony Ene insisted on the "natural right" of Bakassi residents to "determine our future,", adding that "If Nigeria does not want us, we choose to go it alone and not with Cameroon.".

Some residents have said that they will fight Cameroonian authority and called for help from militants in the Niger delta region. Complaints by Bakassi Nigerians of harassment by Cameroonian police years ago had led to the deployment of Nigerian troops in the region. Many residents have said that they wish to evacuate the area rather than live under Cameroon.

The Cameroon state broadcaster, Cameroon Radio and Television said "Today is a beautiful day for Cameroon... (and) Nigeria," adding that the handover "demonstrated the good faith of Cameroonian and Nigerian authorities to do everything to ensure that their two peoples can continue to live in peace and harmony in Bakassi,".

Reuters also reports Cameroonians in Yaounde as welcoming the transfer.

The Nigerian Newspaper, The Daily Champion reports that several villages in the peninsula were "taken over" by Cameroonian security agents prior to today's formal handover, violating the terms of the handover agreement. The Lagos-based daily reported Brigadier General Felix Chukwuma, a spokesman for the Nigerian Army saying that higher authorities in Nigeria have been notified of this "violation of the UN-brokered agreement on the demilitarisation of the peninsula". "I am very positive that Nigeria would take this up at the appropriate level," he said.

Nigeria has given Bakassi residents the option of either staying on in Bakassi under Cameroonian authority or getting resettled elsewhere in Nigeria. Under the handover agreement, Nigeria retains civilian authority over the southern section of the peninsula, known as West Atabong and Akwabana for two more years, during which the resettlement can proceed. Cameroon is to take full administrative control after a five year transitional period, during which neither country is expected to allow military presence in the region.

The UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for West Africa, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah has said that about a dozen UN civilian observers will monitor the situation following the troop withdrawal to "reassure" the locals of their safety under Cameroonian authority.

The UN Office for West Africa has said in a statement that the next meeting of the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission will discuss how to delineate the maritime boundary between the two countries.

The 700 sq km Bakassi peninsula lies in the gulf of Guinea, which is estimated to contain up to 10% of the world's oil and gas reserves as well as being a rich fishing ground. The peninsula is estimated to be home to between 150,000 and 300,000 people.


Le Nigeria cède la péninsule de Bakassi au Cameroun

Des représentants officiels du Nigeria et du Cameroun ont organisé une cérémonie commune pour marquer officiellement le transfert du territoire de la péninsule de Bakassi du Nigeria au Cameroun. La cérémonie intervient alors que le Nigeria a complètement retiré ses troupes de la péninsule.

La péninsule, riche en ressources naturelles, était revendiquée par les deux pays depuis un conflit militaire datant de 1981. En 1994, le Cameroun a demandé à la Cour internationale de justice (CIJ) de statuer. La décision sera rendue en 2002. La région revient donc au Cameroun, faisant référence au traité signé en 1913 entre les puissances coloniales du Royaume-Uni et de l'Allemagne. Le Nigeria accepte finalement la décision de l'ONU, signée à New York le 12 juin 2006 et qui lui donne 60 jours pour retirer ses troupes. L'accord a été signé par le Président du Cameroun, Paul Biya, et le Président du Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjoand, et rédigé par une commission mixte sous l'égide du secrétaire général des Nations unies, Kofi Annan.

La cérémonie a eu lieu dans la capitale de la région, la ville portuaire d'Archibong. Des repésentants de l'Union africaine, du Royaume-Uni, de la France, de l'Allemagne et des États-Unis d'Amérique ainsi que le chef de la défense nigériane, le général Martin-Luther Agwai étaient présents. La drapeau nigérian fut remplacé par le camerounais. Les ministres de la justice des deux pays ont signé le document transférant l'autorité au Cameroun, qui prend effet à 0h30 ce lundi.

Les habitants de la région, principalement des Nigerians, sont opposés à ce transfert. Après le retrait des troupes nigérianes, un groupe appelé «mouvement d'auto-détermination de la Bakassi», a déclaré l'indépendance de la province. Ils ont brandi des drapeaux bleus et blanc et ont proclamé la création de la «République Démocratique de Bakassi».

Le dirigeant du mouvement, Tony Ene, a déclaré à l'IRIN que le peuple de Bakassi avait un doit naturel à choisir son futur, ajoutant : «Si le Nigeria ne veut plus de nous, nous choisissons de notre sort, sans le Cameroun».

Le réseau d'État, Cameroon Radio Television a annoncé qu'«Aujourd'hui est un jour merveilleux pour le Cameroun» ajoutant que «le transfert démontrait la volonté des autorités camerounaises et nigérianes de faire tout ce qui est en leur pouvoir pour assurer aux habitants de vivre en paix et en harmonie en Bakassi».

Le quotidien nigérian The Daily Champion reporte que certains villages de la péninsule ont été pris par des agents de la sécurité camerounaise avant la passation officielle d'aujourd'hui. Le représentant de l'armée nigériane, le Général Felix Chukwuma, a annoncé que «les hautes autorités nigérianes étaient au courant de cette violation au traité de l'ONU sur la démilitarisation de la zone» et ajouta : «Je pense que le Nigeria prendra cette annonce à un juste niveau.»

La région de 700km2 située dans le Golf de Guinée contiendrait 10 % des réserves mondiales de pétrole et de gaz et est une bonne zone pour la pêche. La future population de la péninsule est estimée entre 150 000 et 300 000 personnes.


Nineteen activists killed by Israeli commandos aboard aid convoy bound for Gaza

Between nine and nineteen Free Gaza Movement activists died today in international waters when Israeli Defense Force commandos boarded vessels attempting to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza.

Benjamin Netanyahu gave the death toll to be at least 10. Israeli television says that 19 people were killed and 36 were wounded in the confrontation.

The six vessels, called the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, were carrying 10,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid destined for the Gaza Strip, including water purifiers, prefabricated homes and medical equipment. Passengers include several European members of parliament and MPs from Germany, Belgium, Algeria and Israel.

Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon said that  "the organizers are well-known for their ties with global jihad, al-Qaida and Hamas. They have a history of arms smuggling and deadly terror." The Israeli military had declared it would not allow the ships to reach Gaza and said the activists were a "provocation intended to delegitimise Israel". The Israeli Navy had been transmitting messages throughout the night ordering them to turn back, stating: "If you ignore this order and enter the blockaded area, the Israeli navy will be forced to take all the necessary measures in order to enforce this blockade," and that the Gaza region was a protected military zone.

Huwaida Arraf, one of the organizers, had said that the flotilla was "fully prepared for the different scenarios" that might arise, and organizers were hopeful that Israeli authorities would "do what's right" and not stop the convoy. She said, "we fully intend to go to Gaza regardless of any intimidation of threats of violence against us," and that "they are going to have to forcefully stop us."

The pre-dawn boarding took place in international waters around 150 kilometres (90 miles) off the coast of Gaza. Footage from on the flotilla's lead vessel, the MV Mavi Marmara, and video released by the IDF, showed armed Israeli commandos boarding the ship from helicopters and fighting with activists. According to the Israel Defense Forces, the activists attacked the commandos with batons, knives and axes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said;

A spokesman for the flotilla, Greta Berlin accused Israeli troops of indiscriminately shooting at "unarmed civilians". Israel said troops found weapons aboard the Gaza flotilla which were used against the IDF. The allegations were rejected by both the Free Gaza Movement, IHH and Egypt's foreign minister, who said the boats had been searched before they left port.

Secretary-General  of the United Nations Ban Ki-Moon said he was "shocked by reports of killings and injuries of people on boats carrying supplies for Gaza" and called for "a full investigation to determine exactly how this bloodshed took place" and urged Israel to "urgently provide a full explanation". Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas called for three days of mourning to commemorate what he called the "massacre" of protesters. Ismail Haniya, the Hamas leader in Gaza, has dubbed the Israeli action as "a crime".

Turkey's prime minister describes Israeli raid as 'state terrorism' and said Israel violated international laws. Some of the ships were sailing under Turkish flags and media reports indicate that Turkish nationals are among the dead. Turkey demanded an "urgent explanation" from Israel and  warned of "irreparable consequences" after the incident. Netanyahu said the raid was self defense. Turkey is withdrawing its ambassador to Israel and is calling on the U.N. Security Council to convene in an emergency session about Israel.

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton, has called on Israeli authorities to launch a "full inquiry" into the killing. She "reiterates the European Union's position regarding Gaza - the continued policy of closure is unacceptable and politically counterproductive." Germany's Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said he was "deeply concerned" and France said "nothing can justify" the incident. Sweden, Austria, Greece and Spain have said it was important to "quickly establish" what happened, and have summoned the Israeli ambassadors.

The British Foreign Secretary William Hague has called on the Government of Israel to open all crossings for aid to enter Gaza and said Israel should "address the serious concerns about the deterioration in the humanitarian and economic situation and about the effect on a generation of young Palestinians." Russia calls attention to the fact that the Israeli interception of a Gaza-bound international aid flotilla took place in international waters, which it said represents a gross violation of international law.

European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek has urged the international Middle East mediators Russia, the United States, the United Nations and the European Union to persuade Israel to end its blockade of Gaza. Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in Europe. In Greece and France there was clashes with police. There were protests in cities around the Ireland, UK and Italy. In the Middle East there were protests in Turkey, Lebanon and Iran.

The White House said that the United States "deeply regrets" the loss of life and injuries and was working to understand the circumstances surrounding this "tragedy". The Organization of the Islamic Conference, comprising of 57 countries, described the flotilla incident as "a serious escalation and a flagrant violation of the international law and human values."

The media has not been given access to the politicians, activists and journalists who were in the convoy or information about deaths and injuries. Israeli Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld police say it will deport the roughly 50 of the 671 activists in the flotilla except those who refuse to cooperate. The other activists have been sent to jail in the southern desert town of Beersheba after refusing to identify themselves and will remain in detention.

Irishman Dennis Halliday, a former assistant secretary general of the United Nations and the Northern Irish Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Mairead Corrigan Maguire, are aboard the only boat left in the convoy, the Irish MV Rachel Corrie vessel, named after Rachel Corrie. The vessel is now on the way to the Gaza Strip. The Irish Prime Minister Mr Cowen said he believed Israel’s blockade of humanitarian assistance to Gaza was illegal under international law.


مهاجمة أسطول الحرية بواسطة البحرية الإسرائيلية

هاجم سلاح البحرية الإسرائيلي أسطول الحرية المتجه نحو قطاع غزة في المياه الدولية، وقال التلفزيون الإسرائيلي إن عدد القتلى جراء الهجوم أكثر من 15 قتيلا.

اعترف الجيش الإسرائيلي بمقتل ما لا يقل عن 10 أشخاص من نشطاء السلام على متن السفن الستة ضمن أسطول الحرية، أثناء عملية الاستيلاء عليها خلال توجهها إلى قطع غزة في محاولة لكسر الحصار المفروض عليه منذ أعوام.

و نقلت وسائل إعلام تركية أن متظاهرين أتراك اقتحموا القنصلية الإسرائيلية في أنقرة، وفي الأثناء يعقد كبار المسؤولين الأتراك إلى عقد اجتماع طارئ لتقييم الموقف، في الوقت الذي يلغي فيه رئيس الوزراء التركي رجب طيب أردوغان زيارة لدول في أمريكا اللاتينية.


Израел нападна кораби с хуманитарна помощ за Газа

8 кораба от Турция, Гърция, Ирландия, Швеция и Алжир които пренасят 5000 тона стоки сред които цимент, лекарства и учебни материали ще направят опит да акостират на брега на ивицата Газа. В хуманитарната мисия наречена Флотилия на мира участват 500, сред  които и дипломатически лица. Израелските власти  са заявили, че няма да позволи на корабите да достигнат брега на ивицата Газа под предлог, че това е политическа пропаганда, а не помощ за Палестинците, които не се нуждаели от тази помощ.

Израелски командоси малко преди изгрев слънце нападат по въздух
Кораби от флотилията, при което са загинали между 10 и около 20 души, има и ранени. Трудно е да се каже все още колко са жертвите.

Международната общност осъжда решението на правителството на Израел и военните действия срещу флотилията на мира.

Генералният секретар на ООН Бан Ки-мун е шокиран от нападението на хуманитарна помощ.

Посланиците на 27-те страни от Европейската Общност осъдиха нападението на израелските военно въздушни сили над Флотилията на Мира.
Франция, Египет, Йордания, Австрия, Гърция, Ирландия, Швеция, Норвегия, Дания, Белгия, Австрия и Испания и други страни привикват за обяснения посланиците на Израел за изясняване на причините за нападението на израелските военни сили над Флотилията на Мира.

Арабската лига и арабски страни изразиха възмущението си към действията на Израел, които бяха окачествени като военно престъпление. Махмуд Абас обяви три дневен траур.

Френският политически аналитик и основател на информационната мрежа Волтер Тиери Менсон пише в статията си "Защо Израел напада цивилни в средиземноморски води": Решението да нападнат граждански кораби в международни води, е според международното право военно действие, което може да бъде охарактеризирано  като война, както и отвличането на кораби и техния товар, и  убиването на про-палестински активисти. Според турската телевизия, военните сили на Израел са имали за цел  да убият определени личности, които са били на корабите.  Менсон обяснява престъпните действия на Израел

Подобно на шест дневната война от 8 юни 1967г. Израел санкционира критиките на САЩ, след което ще се извини за военната грешка. В случая санкциите са против гласуването във Вашингтон на Договорът за неразпространение на ядреното оръжие според което Израел трябва да обяви с какво ядрено  оръжие разполага и да приеме контролирането му от Агенцията за атомна енергия.

Израел иска да обяви Турция, най-добрия съюзник на Израел за от половин век в района за неблагонадеждна, тъй като в последно време Турция се сближава политически с Иран и Сирия и има амбициите да играе ролята на авторитет в региона с новите си съюзници.

Не на последно място, Израел цели да продължи блокадата над Газа и да анексира краткосрочното или дългосрочно международни води, което е също в  нарушение на международното право, за да продължи блокадата над Газа.

ООН настоява за бързо, безпристрастно, достоверно и прозрачно  Разследване. Декларацията обаче е така заплетена, че всички страни биха могли да останат са удовлетворени. Освен това САЩ дават  любопитна нейна интерпретация, според която Израел биха могли "сами да проведат достоверно" и не взимат под внимание желаието на Турция и арабските страни да осъдят ясно и категорично действията на Израел.

Робер Фиск в статия  във в. The Independent изразява своето възмущение от вялата и подла реакция на политиците във Великобритания и Белия Дом, а министър председател н британските консерватори Камерън, и вице премиер на либералната британска партия не изразяват никаква позиция. Как се стигна до тук? Вероятно сме претръпнали и сме свикнали да гледаме как евреи убиват араби, а евреите са свикнали да убиват араби. А днес турци, европейци и американци. На света му дотегна от тази скандална политика. Само англосаксонските политици мълчат.

Мишел Колон, белгийски журналист, пише в статията си обръщение озаглавено "Израел е станала фашистка държава, трябва да действаме незабавно", препечатано в няколко вестника и многобройни интернет сайтове, че  Европа носи също пряка вина за политиката в ивицата Газа, както и за бомбардирането над болници, училища, убитите деца, жени и невинни през 2008 – 2009. Според Колон Европа носи също вина за бомбардирането блокадата на ивицата Газа от Израел, като  не желае да признае законно избраното правителство на Палестина от партията Хамас и като Меркел, Саркози и други европейски кръгове въоръжават Израел.

Еврейският вестник Ха’Арец пише, че Газа може да се окаже израелският Виетнам, по-скъпо струваща и по-болезнена война от нападението на Израел над Газа в края на 2008 г. и началото на 2009 г. и добавя Хамас, Иран и Хезболах разбраха отдавна, че блокадата и ембаргото над ивицана Газа е против интересите на Израил.

Генералният секретар на ООН Бан Ки-мун настаява за над Газа и Барак Обама – президентът на САЩ настояват за незабавно сваляне на блокадата наложена през на  Газа наложен от юни 2007. На май  2010 Международната Здравна Организация настоява за сваляне на блокадата на Газа. През април Бан ки Мун посещава палестинския анклав и заявява, че положението там е непоносимо. На 20 януари 2009 г. Репортери без Граница и 160 медии публикуват интернет петиция срещу блокадата над ивицата Газа. Арабската лига, както и много християнски държави също настояват за премахване на блокадата над Газа. Египет отвори граничната точка Рафа за да може да преминава  хуманитарната помощ.

Според последния доклад на европейската комисия публикуван от 2009 г. загубите от блокадата са 514,3 милиона долара. БВП на палестинската държава през 2006 е 5% за 2006,  3% за 2007,  и 2,7% за 2008 г. Безработицата през  2009 е достигнала до 38,6%.
70% живеят под прага на бедността – несиурнастта на хранителните продоволствия засяга 60 % от населението. 95 % от фабриките са затворили врати, а все още работещите 5%  работят с 20 et 50% от капацитета си. 46% от обработваемите площи са недостъпни или вече не се обработват. Земедеските производители са 7,4% от активното население, докато през  2009 са били 12,7%. През януяри 2009 достъпните за рибарите зони са намалети с 3 морски мили  в следствие на което рибния улов между 2008 et 2009 е спаднал с 47%, според палестинското министерство.  При военните операциите през 2009 г. е разрушена три четвърти от инфраструктурата все още не е възстановена . Загубите от разрушените мостове и шосета възиза на 18,6 милиона евро. 82,5% от училищата са развалини. Според доклад на търговската организация Palestine Trade Center (Paltrade) 2.300 тона ягоди, 55 милиона свежи цветя, 714 тона домати и череши.

Ирландският кораб Рейчъл Кори, е тръгнал в понеделник от Малта към ивицата Газа с 15 активиста на борда пренася 1200 тона медицински материал, цимент и учебни пособия сред които тетрадки, химикалки и моливчета истинска рядкост от повече от година в страната. Корабът се движи с бавна скорост и следи последните новини от световната политическата криза с Израел.

Корабът носи името на Рейчъл Кори американска активиста и пацифистка от движението загинала премазана от булдозер на израелските военни по време на интифадата Ал-Акса на 16 март 2003,  докато се опитва с мирни средства да спре разрушаването на къща на палестински лекар.

Сред пътуващите на борда са Марийд Кориган - получила Нобелова Награда за Мир за 1976.г. и  Ноам Чомски, които преди месец и половина не проведе запланувана конференция в района поради забрана на правителството на Израел.

Министър председателят на Ирландия Бриан Коун е на мнение, че корабът трябва да стигне безпрепятствено до Газа и да му бъде позволено да достави пренасяната стока, тъй като е поискал специално разрешение от правителството на Израел.

Грета Берлин заяви, че "инициативата има за цел да премахне блокадата над Газа, наложени над 1,5 милионното население. Не сме променили нашата мисия и това няма да е последната флотилия с курс към Газа."

През цялата седмица симпатизанти на Палестина протестираха по цял свят срещу нападението на армията на Израел Цахал над Флотилията на Мира на 31 юни.  Протести се състояха в много европейски страни и в Швейцария, Канада, Ливан, Турция, страните от Магреба и Южна Африка. Протестите продължиха в събота и неделя.

Във Франция в Париж, Бордо, Еври, Лил, Лион,  Марсилия, Реймс, Страсбург, Тулуза, и други градове по призива на дузина политически, хуманитарни, синдикални, мюсюлмански, еврейски и религиозни организации обединени около Национална координация за справедлив и траен мир между Палестинци и Евреи се събраха от 20 000 до  70 000 протестираши.  Някои от лозунгите бяха: "Израел, убиец", "Да настояваме за международни санкции",  "край на блокадата, край на колонизирането", "Съд за Израел",  "Против колонизацията и апартейда в Палестина", "Ционисти, фашисти, вие сте терористи", "Израел чупката, Палестина не е твоя", "Палестина ще оцелее, Бойкот за Израел" и призиви да се бойкотира стоки от Израел.

В Канада про-палестинци протестираха в Монреал, Отава и Торонто и настояха за бойкот срещу еврейската държава.  В Монреал стотици участваха в поход организиран от широка Коалиция за мир и справедливост в Палестина, въпреки проливния дъжд .

В Единбург развяха знамена и скандираха "освободете Палестина".

В Лондон призовани от организацията Коалиция за Спиране на Войната няколко хиляди се събраха за за протестират пред дома на премиера Дейвид Камерън и се отправиха към посолството на Израел.

В събота 5 юни по улиците на  Истанбул 10 000 - 50 000 изразиха възмущението си срещу блокадата над ивицата Газа.  Появи се  и прекалено крайна форма на лозунга: "Зъб за зъб, око за око, отмъщение"

В Израел координационен комитет на движения срещу окупацията и организацията Мир Сега събраха в Тел Авив 5.000 протестиращи под общото мото "Правителството потапя Израел, вместо да плува към Мир, обичаме страната си, но се срамуваме от правителството си"и "Два народа – две държави"


Internationale „Solidaritätsflotte“ für Gaza von Israel aufgebracht

Haifa (Israel), 01.06.2010 – Ein internationaler Hilfskonvoi, der von Zypern aus Kurs auf den Gazastreifen genommen hatte, wurde am Montag vom israelischen Militär in internationalen Gewässern aufgebracht. Die Schiffe wurden vom Free Gaza Movement, einem Zusammenschluss von pro-palästinensischen Aktivisten, gechartert, um auf die Blockade des Gazastreifens aufmerksam zu machen. Dabei kamen beim Entern des unter türkischer Flagge fahrenden Schiffes „Marmara“ mindestens neun Personen ums Leben. Ein israelischer Fernsehsender berichtete, es seien 19 Personen getötet und 26 weitere verletzt worden. Ein Hamas-Sender sprach von bis zu 20 Toten und rund 50 Verletzten. Die aufgebrachten Schiffe werden derzeit nach Haifa und Aschdod eskortiert oder sind dort schon eingetroffen.

Der Vorfall hat weltweit Verärgerung und Wut hervorgerufen. Die EU-Außenbeauftragte Catherine Ashton hat den israelischen Militäreinsatz verurteilt. Frankreichs Außenminister Kouchner sagte, er sei „hochgradig schockiert“, und Staatspräsident Nicolas Sarkozy warf Israel einen „unangemessenen Einsatz von Gewalt“ vor. Guido Westerwelle zeigte sich „tief besorgt“. Spanien, das derzeit die EU-Ratspräsidentschaft inne hat, bestellte den israelischen Botschafter in Madrid ein und bezeichnete den Zwischenfall als „inakzeptabel“ und „äußerst schwerwiegend“. Auch in Stockholm und Athen wurden die Botschafter einbestellt.

Der palästinensische Präsident Mahmud Abbas nannte den Zwischenfall ein „Massaker“. Das arabisch-israelische Mitglied der Knesset Talab al-Sana stellte fest, dass „dieses Ereignis zeigt, dass man kein Deutscher sein muss, um ein Nazi zu sein“. Die Arabische Liga bezeichnete den Vorfall als „terroristischen Akt“ und berief für den 1. Juni eine Dringlichkeitssitzung in Kairo ein. Der UN-Sicherheitsrat trat bereits am Montagabend zusammen, auch die ständigen Regierungsvertreter der 27 Mitgliedsstaaten der Europäischen Union wurden noch am selben Tag nach Brüssel beordert. EU-Parlamentspräsident Jerzy Buzek bezeichnete das israelische Vorgehen als „einen grundlosen Angriff“ und als „klaren und inakzeptablen Bruch des internationalen Rechts“.

Weltweit fanden wie in Belfast, Amman und Beirut spontane Demonstrationen statt. Die türkische Regierung erklärte, das Aufbringen von Schiffen in internationalen Gewässern sei ein Bruch des internationalen Rechts. Griechenland beendete ein gemeinsames Manöver griechischer und israelischer Kampfflugzeuge auf Kreta vorzeitig. In Istanbul kam es zu spontanen Demonstrationen am Gebäude der israelischen Botschaft. Die Polizei setzte Wasserwerfer und Tränengas ein, als einzelne Demonstranten das Gebäude mit Steinen bewarfen. Hamas rief zu einer weltweiten „Intifada“ von Arabern und Muslimen gegen israelische Botschaften auf.

Auch in der überwiegend von Arabern bewohnten Stadt Nazaret ist es zu einer Demonstration gekommen. Israelische Polizeieinheiten bereiten sich darauf vor, dass sich gewaltsame Proteste in Israel verbreiten könnten, und wurden deswegen in Alarmbereitschaft versetzt. Dies gelte vor allem für die Umgebung der al-Aqsa-Moschee am Tempelberg und den Hafen von Aschdod, teilte Polizeichef Dudi Cohen mit.

Teilnehmer an dem Konvoi sind unter anderem der schwedische Schriftsteller Henning Mankell und die irische Friedensnobelpreisträgerin Mairead Corrigan. Aus Deutschland kommen unter anderem zwei Bundestagsabgeordnete der Linken, Annette Groth und Inge Höger. Israel, das 2007 eine Seeblockade gegen den Gazastreifen verhängte, hatte vor der Abfahrt des Konvois angekündigt, diesen – notfalls gewaltsam – abfangen zu wollen und die Personen an Bord in ihre Heimatstaaten abzuschieben oder gegebenenfalls zu inhaftieren.

Der Nachrichtensender Al-Dschasira meldete, an der Militäraktion, die im Morgengrauen gegen 4:30 Uhr Ortszeit begonnen habe, seien hunderte israelische Elitesoldaten beteiligt gewesen. Benjamin Ben Elieser, der derzeitige Industrie- und Handelsminister, erklärte im Armeerundfunk, die israelischen Soldaten seien mit Messern und Äxten erwartet worden. Die Lage sei dann nach Provokationen und Rangeleien außer Kontrolle geraten. Elieser kommentierte Fernsehbilder als „nicht schön, ich kann nur mein Bedauern über alle diese Toten äußern“.

Nach Darstellung eines israelischen Militärsprechers hat es seitens der Aktivisten den Versuch gegeben, die israelischen Soldaten zu „lynchen“. Einem israelischen Soldaten sei die Waffe entrissen worden. Der Aktivist hätte sie dann gegen andere israelische Soldaten gerichtet, diese seien auch mit Messern und Stöcken bedrängt worden. „Dies sind sehr aggressive Leute, keine Friedensaktivisten“, kommentierte der Militärsprecher das Verhalten der Friedensaktivisten. „Wir wollten, dass diese Aktion ohne Opfer ausgeht.“

Wohin die Aktivisten gebracht wurden, ist bislang unklar. Gisela Siebourg, Vorsitzende des Vorstandes der Deutsch-Palästinensischen Gesellschaft (DPG), berichtete im Gespräch mit Telepolis: „Nach den einen Meldungen hat die israelische Armee in Aschdot selbst ein Gefangenenlager für bis zu 600 Personen eingerichtet. Nach anderen Meldungen sind in Aschdot Gefangenenbusse mit verblendeten Scheiben vorgefahren, um die Inhaftierten in ein Lager in die Wüste Negev zu bringen.“


Israel ataca flota humanitaria a Gaza

Al menos unos diez muertos (aunque otras versiones calculan entre 14 y 16 muertos) y 30 heridos ha sido el saldo de un ataque realizado hoy por Israel en contra de uno de los barcos que conformaba la "Flota de la Libertad", un convoy de ayuda humanitaria conformada por varios barcos y unos 750 activistas de varias nacionalidades, que tienen como misión entregar directamente 10 mil toneladas de provisiones a los habitantes de la Franja de Gaza.

El gobierno israelí se ha reunido de emergencia ante los resultados "imprevistos" del ataque, del que se creía que no causarían víctimas mortales y que fue ejecutado en aguas internacionales. Mientras que el gobierno de Turquía ha llamado al embajador en Israel, ya que el barco atacado era de bandera turca.

La reacción de Israel es como respuesta al bloqueo marítimo y aéreo que tiene sobre Gaza, que lo ha mantenido aislado del resto del mundo. Consideraron que la flota, que zarpó de Chipre el día de ayer, era un acto de deslegitimación del gobierno israelí.


Mepit: Gazan saarron loputtava

Gazassa viime viikolla vierailleet yhdeksän eurokansanedustajaa vaativat Israelia lopettamaan Gazan saarron. Heidän mukaansa Euroopan unionin tulee olla aloitteellinen Gazan tilanteen parantamisessa. Israel on pitänyt Gazaa saarrossa ja päästänyt sinne avustuskuljetuksia vain rajoitetusti siitä saakka, kun Hamas pääsi siellä valtaan kolme vuotta sitten. Israel oli estänyt myös euroedustajien pääsyn Gazaan, mutta he pääsivät perille Egyptin viranomaisten avulla.

Gazan saarto nousi otsikoihin tänään, kun Israelin joukot ottivat Ship to Gaza -avustusprojektin avustuslaivueen haltuunsa. 700 palestiinalaismielistä aktivistia yritti viedä 10 000 tonnia avustustarpeita Gazaan. Heillä oli käytössään kuusi laivaa. Aktivistien joukossa oli 11 ruotsalaista,[1] muiden muassa kuuluisa kirjailija Henning Mankell.

Israelin kommandot hyökkäsivät laivueen kimppuun aamuyöllä kansainvälisillä vesillä[1]. Iltapäivän tietojen mukaan operaatiossa kuoli 15–20 aktivistia. Israelin merivoimien päällikön Eli Maromin mukaan sotilaiden oli puolustauduttava, kun aktivistit hyökkäsivät heidän kimppuunsa asein, myös tuliasein. Israelin mukaan kymmenen sotilasta loukkaantui operaatiossa, yksi vakavasti.

Turkki kutsui suurlähettiläänsä pois Israelista tänään. Maa oli etukäteen kehottanut Israelia päästämään avustuslaivueen Gazaan.

Venäjän mukaan operaatio oli ”kansainvälisen lain karkea rikkomus”. Ranskan presidentti Nicolas Sarkozy kutsui tapausta suhteettomaksi voimankäytöksi. Europarlamentin puhemies Jerzy Buzek luonnehti Israelin toimia samoin sanoin kuin Venäjä ja Ranska.

Yhdysvaltain presidentti Barack Obama haluaa selvittää, mitä tarkalleen ottaen tapahtui. Hänen oli määrä tavata Israelin pääministeri Benjamin Netanjahu sekä palestiinalaisten presidentti Mahmud Abbas huomenna Washingtonissa, mutta tapaaminen peruuntui, koska Netanjahu lähti Kanadan-vierailultaan takaisin Israeliin tänään. [2]

Suomen ulkoministeri Alexander Stubb sanoi, etteivät Israelin toimet ole hyväksyttäviä. Hän ilmaisi suhtautuvansa kielteisesti etenkin siihen, että Israelin joukot hyökkäsivät siviilejä vastaan. [3]

YK:n turvallisuusneuvosto aikoo kokoontua tänään maanantaina tapauksen johdosta.[2]

Israelin puolustusministeri Ehud Barak moitti avustussaattueen järjestäjiä ja osanottajia. Hänen mukaansa heille oli hyvissä ajoin kerrottu, että avustuskuljetus tulee toimittaa Ashdodin satamaan, josta se kuljetettaisiin Gazaan.

Barak myös kiistää gazalaisten kärsivän humanitäärisestä kriisistä tai nälänhädästä. Euroedustajien valtuuskunnan mukaan 80 % ihmisistä Gazassa tarvitsee elintarvikeapua.

Israelin joukot ovat toimittaneet avustuslaivueen suurimman laivan, Turkin lipun alla kulkevan Mavi Marmaran, Ashdodiin. Myös muut laivat ovat siellä tai matkalla sinne. Aktivistit majoitetaan Ashdodiin pystytetylle pidätysleirille ja karkotetaan maasta.


Flottille à destination de Gaza : l'armée israélienne donne l'assaut

L’armée israélienne a lancé lundi 31 mai une attaque contre la « flottille de la paix » qui se dirigeait vers Gaza. Elle était organisée par plusieurs mouvements, parmi lesquels Free Gaza qui comprend notamment l'ONG turque IHH qui a fourni trois des bateaux et serait proche du gouvernement turc et du Hamas. Ce groupe de six navires partis de Chypre le 30 mai après de nombreuses difficultés était composé de trois navire transportant environ 700 passagers, et de trois navires chargés de 10 000 tonnes d’aide humanitaire à destination de la bande de Gaza, notamment des médicaments, des purificateurs d’eau et des matériaux de construction (ces derniers faisant l’objet d’un embargo contre Gaza de la part d’Israël) et cherchait à briser le blocus israélien de la bande de Gaza. Le blocus avait été mis en place en 2007 à la suite de la prise de contrôle de cette enclave palestinienne par le mouvement Hamas en 2007. De nombreuses nationalités étaient représentées parmi les passagers, dont de nombreux Turcs, des parlementaires, notamment européens et algériens, et des personnalités. Cette flottille n’était pas le premier convoi maritime à destination de Gaza, certains autres ayant pu atteindre le territoire palestinien, mais elle était la première d’une telle envergure. Des avertissements ont été adressés par la marine à la flottille, qui a tenté d’éviter les bâtiments militaires israéliens. Des commandos ont pris d’assaut les navires par hélicoptère et à partir de canots pneumatiques, en faisant usage d’armes à feu ; les bateaux étaient alors encore dans les eaux internationales. Des images et des vidéos ont été diffusées mais les communications ont été interrompues et présenteraient des signes de brouillage. Le bilan est de 9 à 20 morts civils et de 30 à 60 blessés. Quelques soldats israéliens ont été blessés. Ce bilan est cependant provisoire et difficile à vérifier, la censure militaire israélienne ayant interdit la diffusion d’informations sur le nombre de morts et de blessés. Selon Tsahal, des personnes à bord des navires étaient en possession d’armes blanches et d’armes à feu, et les soldats ont dû se défendre, en accord avec leurs règles d’engagement leur vie étant menacée.

Les navires sont arrivés au port israélien d’Ashdod dans la journée du 31 mai et les passagers ont été débarqués puis interrogés, et la police a déclaré vouloir engager des poursuites envers ceux qui s'en seraient pris aux commandos. Certains sont en détention, comme le militant islamiste Raed Salah, d'autres sont en attente d’expulsion vers leur pays d'origine ou ont été relâchés. Des blessés ont été pris en charge dans des hôpitaux israéliens.

L’attaque israélienne a été critiquée dans le monde entier. L’ambassadeur d’Israël a été convoqué par l’Espagne et la Grèce. La Haut-Commissaire de l’ONU aux droits de l’homme, Navi Pillay, s’est dite « choquée ». Le ministère de Affaires étrangères turc a déclaré que cet incident pourrait « entraîner des conséquences irréparables » sur les relation bilatérales de la Turquie et d’Israël et une manifestation a rassemblé plusieurs milliers de personnes à Istanbul. Tony Blair et le président égyptien Hosni Moubarak ont également déploré ou critiqué l’action israélienne. Par contre, la Maison Blanche est restée prudente dans ses réactions officielles. Le président palestinien Mahmoud Abbas a appelé à trois jours de deuil et à une journée de grève générale, qui sera aussi suivie par les Arabes israéliens. Le Hezbollah a dénoncé l’intervention en la qualifiant de « crime prémédité contre l’humanité ». Le Hamas a appelé à des représailles contre Israël.

Quant au dernier bateau de la flottille, parti en retard pour cause d'avarie voire de sabotage, il entend bien forcer le blocus.


Gaza: Israele assalta una nave del convoglio umanitario, almeno 19 le vittime

Gaza: alle 3:30 di notte, ora italiana, un commando della marina israeliana ha abbordato ill convoglio Freedom Flotilla che tentava di forzare il blocco per portare aiuti umanitari alla popolazione palestinese della striscia di Gaza, causando 9 morti (date le ultime fonti, le prime stime davano un totale di almeno 19) e parecchi feriti su una nave turca, la Mavi Marmara, dove i passeggeri hanno opposto una durissima resistenza. Sembra che alcuni passeggeri abbiano attaccato i soldati israeliani, spogliandoli delle loro armi e delle loro divise, con l'intenzione di prenderli come ostaggi. In seguito a ciò, i militari della 19ª flottiglia, che indossavano soprattutto fucili a vernice, hanno aperto il fuoco.

L'attacco ha scatenato durissime reazioni in tutto il mondo. La Turchia ha rotto le relazioni diplomatiche con Israele e molti altri stati, ad esempio Danimarca, Grecia e Belgio, hanno convocato gli ambasciatori israeliani per avere spiegazioni.

Ad accentuare notevolmente la gravità dell'atto sarebbe la notizia, confermata dal Ministro dei trasporti turco Hasan Naiboglu, secondo cui il raid sia stato effettuato a 70 miglia nautiche (circa 130 chilometri) dalla costa, quindi in piene acque internazionali, in apparente violazione delle leggi internazionali sulla navigazione.


Izrael zaatakował konwój z pomocą humanitarną dla Strefy Gazy

Co najmniej 19 osób zginęło, kiedy izraelscy komandosi zaatakowali konwój humanitarny dla Strefy Gazy. Pomoc była w głównej mierze zorganizowana przez Turcję.

Konwój składający się z sześciu statków prowadzony był przez turecką jednostkę z 600 osobami na pokładzie. Po otoczeniu przez izraelskie okręty komandosi dokonali abordażu, napotykając jednak na opór propalestyńskich działaczy.

Kontrolowanie obecnie przez Izraelczyków statki obecnie dotarły do portu w Ashod, gdzie mają być rozładowane. Rannych wcześniej przewieziono śmigłowcami do szpitali, reszta obecnych na pokładach osób zostanie deportowana z Izraela.

Izrael spełnił swoje zapowiedzi, w których twierdził, że nie pozwoli, by statki dotarły do Strefy Gazy, gdzie rządzi radykalny palestyński Hamas.

Flota sześciu statków należąca do Flotylli Pokojowej na rzecz Strefy Gazy próbowała przerwać izraelską blokadę Strefy Gazy, nałożoną przez Izrael po przejęciu tam władzy przez radykalne ugrupowanie Hamas w czerwcu 2007 roku. Konwój wyruszył w niedzielę z Cypru.

Na statkach znajdowało się 10 tys. ton pomocy dla Palestyńczyków.

Atak ostro potępiła Turcja, a ubolewanie z jego powodu wyraził izraelski minister przemysłu, handlu i pracy. Muhammad Abbas nazwał izraelski atak masakrą. Zdaniem Mahmuda Ahamdineżada, prezydenta Iranu, przechwycenie konwoju było "nieludzkie" i przyczyni się do upadku państwa żydowskiego. Na jutro zwołano posiedzenie Ligi Arabskiej.

Szefowa dyplomacji Unii Europejskiej Catherine Ashton domaga się oficjalnego dochodzenia ws. incydentu.


Konvoj nije bio humanitarni

31. мај 2010.Beograd-  (Beta) - Ambasador Izraela u Srbiji Artur Kol izjavio je u ponedeljak u Beogradu da će Savet bezbednosti UN morati da uzme u obzir "neprijateljsku prirodu" organizatora konvoja brodova koji je trebalo da dopremi pomoć Palestincima u Gazi i činjenicu da na brodu nije bila humanitarna pomoć.

"Konvoj nije napadnut i bio je sve samo ne humanitarni. Izrazel za više od 100 brodova daje dozvolu za prolaz. Ali ovaj brod nije bio humanitarni. Cilj je bio da se razbije blokada obale i to je bilo protiv međunarodnog prava", rekao je Kol televiziji Foks povodom jutrošnje izraelske vojne akcije.

Navodeći da je Gazu kontrolišu snage koje su terorističke i koje vode rat protiv države Izrael, Kol je istakao da Izrael zbog toga mora da vodi računa šta ulazi u Gazu i ne sme dozoliti "da hiljade i hiljade oružja ulazi".

On je rekao da Izrael žali što je došlo do ljudskih žrtava.

"Pet brodova je presretnuto na miran način, ali na jednom je bila organizovana neprijateljska zaseda, vojnici su napadnuti noževima i vatrenim oružjem. 12 izraelskih bojnika je sada u bolnici", naglasio je izrealski ambasador.

On je podsetio da terorističke napade izvode ekstremni Palestinci Hamasa, ali da Izrael ne želi konfrontaciju već želi da se dođe do mirnog rešenja situacije.