OBAMA REVIEW ‘TO REVERSE SPREAD OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS’
US President Barack Obama is planning "dramatic reductions" in the country's nuclear arsenal, a senior US administration official said, the BBC reported (1/3/10). This would come as part of a sweeping policy review designed to prevent the spread of atomic weapons.
The review "will point to dramatic reductions in the stockpile, while maintaining a strong and reliable deterrent through the investments that have been made in the budget," the official said. The strategy would be an important step towards Mr Obama's declared aim of reversing the spread of nuclear weapons and seeking a world without them.
UN NUCLEAR WATCHDOG URGES GREATER COOPERATION WITH IRAN
IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano (left)
addressing the Board of Governors
Stepped-up cooperation from Iran was crucial to ensure that the UN International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) can verify that all nuclear material in the country was for peaceful purposes, the head of the watchdog said (1/3/10).
Iran has stated that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, but some other countries contend it is driven by military ambitions. The issue has been of international concern since the discovery in 2003 that the country had concealed its nuclear activities for nearly two decades in breach of its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
The IAEA continues “under its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements with Iran, to verify the non-diversion of declared nuclear material in Iran, but we cannot confirm that all nuclear material in Iran is in peaceful activities because Iran has not provided the agency with the necessary cooperation,” Director General Yukiya Amano said in his address to the body’s Board of Governors in Vienna.
He urged Iran to cooperate in areas including the implementation of resolutions by both the IAEA and the Security Council, as well as clarification of issues related to the possible military dimensions to its nuclear program.
REPORT: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=33927&Cr=nuclear&Cr1=
PARTIES ‘GANG UP ON GREENS TO SABOTAGE WAR DEBATES’
An Australian Senate Committee has refused an historic opportunity to give power back to the Australian people - and, instead, further entrenched executive authority, says Civil Liberties Australia (CLA) (1/3/10).
An Australian Senate Committee has refused an historic opportunity to give power back to the Australian people - and, instead, further entrenched executive authority, says Civil Liberties Australia (CLA) (1/3/10).
The Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee has recommended against a Bill - Defence Amendment (Parliamentary Approval of Overseas Service) Bill 2008 [No. 2] - that could have forced public parliamentary debate on Australia after the prime minister and cabinet had made a decision to go to war, and on whether to stay at war or withdraw from war, says Civil Liberties Australia (CLA) (1/3/10).
While claiming to be for "open and public debates about the deployment of Australian service personnel to warlike operations or potential hostilities", the committee has refused the Bill outright instead of proposing amendments that would have satisfied criticisms of drafting.
Despite concluding that "(the committee) agrees with the views of most submitters that the Australian people, through their elected representatives, have a right to be informed and heard on these important matters", the committee has refused to provide the opportunity to make such debate a mandatory part of government decision-making.
"(The committee) is of the view that the bill leaves too many critical questions unanswered to be considered a credible piece of legislation. It believes that, while well intended, the bill may have unforseen and unfortunate consequences that need to be identified and resolved before further consideration could be given to proposed legislation."
The so-called 'War Powers' Bill was a decades-old piece of unfinished business, first introduced by the Australian Democrats in the 1980s and carried forward recently by the Australian Greens.
"This is a wasted opportunity to strengthen our democracy by insisting that governments consult the people through their elected representatives before taking our soldiers into war zones," said Greens Senator Scott Ludlam. Because both Labor and Liberal politicians on the committee refused to hold public hearings, Senator Ludlam held a "pseudo hearing" at Parliament House last month. CLA took part.
The Hansard-recorded minutes of that 'hearing' from a dissenting section of the report. It can be accessed at: http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/fadt_ctte/dapaosb08/index.htm
ASIO INQUIRIES REACH OFFSHORE ON SMUGGLING AND BORDER SECURITY
Under the new Anti-People Smuggling and Other Measures Bill 2010, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) can extend its reach offshore to investigate people smuggling and border security threats.
ASIO will also collect foreign intelligence about people smugglers and their networks.
This is a dramatic extension of ASIO's traditional role, which previously has been strictly confined to within Australia, says Civil Liberties Australia (CLA) (1/3/10).
This is a dramatic extension of ASIO's traditional role, which previously has been strictly confined to within Australia, says Civil Liberties Australia (CLA) (1/3/10).
The Bill also creates new offences for people who finance or provide support for people smuggling activities as well as much more severe penalties.
The CLA states it continues to be concerned by the sweep of new laws which are turning Australia into a surveillance society, expanding police and spook agency powers locally and internationally, and spending huge amounts of money which could be better used on helping mentally ill and aged Australians.
CLA WEBSITE: rundown on excessive expenditure on security by Howard and Rudd governments: http://www.cla.asn.au/0805/index.php/articles/2010/terrorism-ugly-word-trivial-threat/ http://tiny.cc/2OgYN
MIDDLE EAST
IRAQI VIOLENCE ON INCREASE
The number of Iraqis killed in war-related violence increased by 44% between January and February, according to a count by the Associated Press, with civilians accounting for almost all of the casualties, USA Today reported (4/3/10). The rise in killings raised doubts about the atmosphere before next Sunday's Iraqi election, which the US hopes will produce a stable government that could ease withdrawal of American troops by the end of next year.
REPORT:http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2010-03-01-iraq-elections-deaths_N.htm
SUICIDE B0MBERS KILL 14 MORE
At least 14 people have been killed in Baghdad on the first day of voting in Iraq's parliamentary elections, the BBC reported (4/3/10). Suicide bombers attacked two polling stations in different areas of the city killing at least seven people and wounding many others.
Earlier, a mortar attack on a crowded market killed seven and wounded at least 10 people.
The poll is seen as a security test for Iraq as the US prepares to reduce its military presence in the coming months. The early voting involves hundreds of thousands of government employees, the sick and prisoners.
REPORT: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8548967.stm
OVER 4000 IRAQI CHRISTIANS DISPLACED AFTER UNREST
Christian minorities in Iraq have been
targeted by extremists
The UN humanitarian arm reported that 4,320 Iraqi Christians have been displaced following recent unrest in the northern city of Mosul, the UN News reported (2/3/10). The latest figure represented an increase of about 200 people since Saturday, according to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), which added that the influx of displaced Christian families from Mosul city to nearby districts in the Ninewa governorate had slowed down over the past few days.
OCHA noted that there are protection concerns for the Christian families remaining in Mosul, including unconfirmed reports that they are confined to their homes out of fear for their safety.
In addition, Christian university students are reportedly not attending classes and workers are not attending their places of work.
In October 2008, more than 12,000 Christians fled Mosul, Iraq’s second largest city, following attacks, threats and intimidation, with some returning later after hearing that the security situation had improved. Deadly attacks against Christians occurred again in December.
TOP UN RELIEF OFFICIAL RAISES ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN ISSUES
The top UN humanitarian official has voiced concern over the ongoing blockade of the Gaza Strip, restrictions on the building of Palestinian homes in the West Bank and the long-running captivity of an Israeli soldier, at the beginning of a five- day trip to the region, the UN News reported (1/3/10).
John Holmes, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, arrived in Jerusalem on Sunday to review the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory more than one year after the end of the three-week Israeli military offensive in Gaza, which had the stated aim of stopping attacks by Hamas militants.
In his meetings with senior Israeli officials, Mr Holmes commended the country’s recent response to the earthquake in Haiti, in particular the very early deployment of a field hospital, and both sides agreed to work to strengthen cooperation between the UN and Israel in this area.
Mr Holmes also underscored the need to lift barriers into Gaza to allow Palestinians to begin to reconstruct their shattered buildings, and restart their lives and livelihoods, in particular through the redevelopment of a viable private sector.
Despite Israel’s recent approval for the import of truckloads of glass to address the needs of people living with shattered windows in winter, Mr. Holmes made it clear that such moves were far from sufficient to make a significant impact on the problems confronted by the 1.5 million people living in Gaza. He also said the present situation only helped perpetuate smuggling through tunnels, which was undermining the legitimate economy of Gaza.
In a meeting with Noam Shalit, Mr Holmes repeated UN calls for the immediate release of his son – the Israeli soldier Gilad Shilat who has been held by Hamas since June 2006.
While in Ramallah, the UN official expressed concern about the situation in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, not least the so-called Area C, which covers 60 per cent of the West Bank and remains largely off limits to Palestinians.
Representatives of Palestinian civil society in Ramallah briefed Mr Holmes on the situation in the area, including the difficulties faced by businesses, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and others due to the restrictions imposed on them. He was to travel to Gaza and Tel Aviv, as well as visit parts of Area C and East Jerusalem before Friday.
REPORT: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=33933&Cr=palestin&Cr1=
PROTESTS BREAK OUT AT AL-AQSA HOLY SITE
Israeli police have clashed with Palestinian protesters at the Jerusalem compound housing one of the Islam's holiest sites, the al-Aqsa mosque, the BBC reported (28/2/10). Police say they went into the compound to disperse some 20 masked protesters throwing stones at foreign tourists.
The Islamic body which oversees administration of the area disputes the police account of events. This is the latest in a series of clashes amid high tensions over religious sites in the past week. The Jerusalem compound also contains the Western Wall, a sacred site for Jews.
Clashes also broke out in the West Bank town of Hebron on Friday over Israel's decision to list two disputed shrines as heritage sites. REPORT: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8541428.stm
SYRIA ‘WILLING TO CONSIDER PEACE WITH ISRAEL’
Syria is willing to consider peace and gradual normalisation with Israel, according to Gabrielle Rifkind of the Oxford Research Group, who met with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem in December. Speaking with Haaretz over e-mail, the conflict resolution specialist said that following an Israeli withdrawal from half the territory it holds on the Golan Heights, the two states would declare an end to the state of enmity between them as a first step.
According to Rifkind, who met the minister along with a group of conflict resolution experts, Mr Muallem suggested that Syria was prepared to consider a phased approach to the return of the Golan Heights.
"There could be stages of withdrawal, the timing of which could involve a form of normalisation," he reportedly said. "Half of the Golan could lead to an end to enmity; three quarters of the Golan, to a special interest section in the US embassy in Damascus: a full withdrawal would allow a Syrian embassy in Israel."
According to Rifkind, who met the minister along with a group of conflict resolution experts, Mr Muallem suggested that Syria was prepared to consider a phased approach to the return of the Golan Heights.
"There could be stages of withdrawal, the timing of which could involve a form of normalisation," he reportedly said. "Half of the Golan could lead to an end to enmity; three quarters of the Golan, to a special interest section in the US embassy in Damascus: a full withdrawal would allow a Syrian embassy in Israel."
Ms Rifkind, who is the director of the Middle East Program at Oxford Research Group and who travelled to Damascus with a delegation who had conversations with the Syrian foreign minister over a period of time, recently published an article in the London Guardian on her last visit there. She says that Mr Muallem stressed that Syria was serious about peace over the Golan Heights. REPORT: http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1153276.html
DUBAI POLICE CALLS FOR ARREST OF ISRAELI PM AND SPY CHIEF
The diplomatic fallout over the assassination of Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Mabhouh took a new turn on Wednesday as Dubai's police chief announced that he would seek the arrests of Israel's prime minister and spy chief over the killing, the Miama Herald reported (3/3/10).
REPORT: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/03/03/1511724/dubai-police-calls-for-arrest.html?story_link=email_msg
AFP FLIES TO ISRAEL OVER MISUSED AUSTRALIAN PASSPORTS
Three Australian Federal Police officers headed for Israel on Tuesday to investigate the misuse of Australian passports in the assassination of a Hamas leader in Dubai, according to Israeli radio, the ABC reported (2/3/10). The reports come as Dubai adds another suspect to the list of those wanted over the murder of Mahmoud al Mabhouh, bringing the total number of suspects to 27. REPORT: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/03/02/2833771.htm
MISUSE OF AUSTRALIAN PASSPORTS ‘IS TERRORIST ACT’
The blatant misuse of Australian passports by Israel's secret service to kill a member of Hamas in Dubai would be considered a shocking act of terrorism if it was done by another country, but Australia's politicians do nothing when it is Israel, says human rights activist Asem Judeh, founder of Israeli Terrorism Monitor. "This is a terrorist act, using Australian documents," he said. "But the Australian government and ASIO will not face up to the facts - they are being exploited and manipulated” (1/3/10).
"It is well known that pro-Israel lobby has intimidated and threatened Australian citizens, including Jews, and politicians for their courage to exercise their rights peacefully to criticise Israel and yet ASIO and AFP did not take one single action,” he claimed.
DETAILS: Asem Judeh, founder of Israeli Terrorism Monitor, on mob 0415 802 780;
Asem Judeh’s public submission to PJCIS, 12/9/09:
DUBAI TO LOOK FOR ISRAELIS ON FOREIGN PASSPORTS
After a Hamas operative was assassinated, Dubai police will use voice and face profiling to identify Israelis arriving on foreign passports, the Sydney Morning Herald reported (3/3/10).
Israelis were always forbidden from travelling to the United Arab Emirates on their passports, but dual nationals could use their alternative passport to enter the country.
The head of Dubai police, Lieutenant-General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, said travellers suspected of being Israeli would not be allowed into the Gulf country even if they arrived on another passport. Dual nationality is fairly common in Israel. The move follows the killing of a senior Hamas operative in Dubai, blamed by Emirates authorities on Israel's Mossad spy agency.
REPORT: http://www.smh.com.au/world/dubai-bans-israelis-on-any-passport-from-entry-20100302-pgcw.html
SOUTH EAST ASIA
THAI COURT SEIZES £1 BILLION OF THAKSIN ASSETS
Thailand braced for violence after the country's supreme court seized almost £1 billion of exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra's assets after finding him guilty of abusing his power, the UK Daily Telegraph reported (26/2/10).
The nine-judge panel ruled that Mr Shinawatra had illegally concealed his ownership of a businesses affected by government policy and repeatedly called him “unscrupulous". They said Mr Thaksin, 60, the former owner of Manchester City Football Club, falsely claimed to have transferred shares in his former mobile phone company, Shin Corps, to family members.
He was found guilty of tailoring government policies on mobile phone regulations while in power and benefiting from a low interest government loan made to Burma during his time in office. REPORT: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/thailand/7326177/Thai-court-seizes-1bn-of-Thaksin-Shinawatras- assets.html
ASIA
CHINA RECEIVES WARNING ABOUT ’REVOLUTIONARY TURMOIL’
China's top expert on social unrest has warned that hard-line security policies are taking the country to the brink of ''revolutionary turmoil'', the Sydney Morning Herald reported (26 /2/10).
In contrast with the powerful, assertive and united China that is being projected to the outside world, Professor Yu Jianrong said his prediction of looming internal disaster reflected on-the-ground surveys and also the views of Chinese Government ministers.
Deepening social fractures were caused by the Communist Party's obsession with preserving its monopoly on power through ''state violence'' and ''ideology'', rather than justice, Professor Yu said.
Disaster could be averted only if ''interest groups'' - which he did not identify - were capable of making a rational compromise to subordinate themselves to the constitution, he said. Some lawyers, economists and religious and civil society leaders have expressed similar views but it was reported it was unusual for someone with Professor Yu's official standing to make such direct and detailed criticisms of core Communist Party policies.
REPORT: http://www.smh.com.au/world/china-insider-sees-revolution-brewing-20100226-p92d.html
AFRICA
PRAISE FOR SOMALIA’S FIRST YEAR OF UNITED LEADERSHIP
The top UN envoy to Somalia praised the “strong” and “united” leadership of the strife-torn country’s government during its first year in power, in a message appealing to outside forces to end their destabilising interference in the Horn of Africa nation (1/3/10).
President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed of Somalia’s Transitional Federal Government (TFG) marked a year in office at the end of January, and Prime Minister Omar Abidirashid Ali Sharmarke celebrated his anniversary in the post this week.
“Over the last year, both leaders as well as the Speaker, Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur [Madobe], have demonstrated to their people and to the region a strong and united leadership in addressing their nation’s many problems,” said the Secretary- General’s Special Representative for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah. “The success of their resilience and their strength is also that of the Cabinet, the Parliament and the security forces,” he said.
Despite enormous difficulties, including security threats, a lack of regular payments and political inexperience among others, Somalia’s leadership has stuck together and reached out to their political opponents, he said, adding that civil society and the business community had also shown “true patriotism” during this time.
Among its achievements the national authorities have proposed a national budget, rehabilitated a number of institutions and infrastructure, negotiated with political opponents and kept the door open to all Somalis who favour dialogue over violence, said the UN official, who extended his praise to the leadership in Puntland and Somaliland.
TOGO ELECTION A ‘CRUCIAL OPPORTUNITY’
This week’s presidential election is a “crucial opportunity” for Togo to continue efforts to consolidate democracy, Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon said, appealing for the poll to be unscarred by violence, the UN News reported (2/3/10).
The March 4 election also provides an occasion to “foster national cohesion, stability and sustainable development,” according to a statement issued by Mr Ban’s spokesperson.
“The Secretary-General calls on all political leaders and institutions to ensure that the election is credible and peaceful and reflects on the will of the people of Togo,” urging all segments of society to refrain from moves that could exacerbate tensions before, during or after the poll.
He also reiterated the support of the UN for the electoral process in the West African nation.
Hundreds of people died and thousands more were injured in violence which erupted after the sudden death of long-time President Gnassingbé Eyadéma and disputed elections in 2005, with tens of thousands of people escaping to neighbouring Ghana and Benin.
BAN ENCOURAGES NIGERIANS TO WORK TOGETHER TO OVERCOME CHALLENGES
Women and children fleeing past
unrest in Plateau State, Nigeria
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon encouraged all Nigerians to continue supporting Acting President Goodluck Jonathan – who was chosen to lead the country while President Umaru Yar’Adua recovers from illness – and the government in overcoming its current challenges, the UN News reported (2/3/10).
Mr Yar’Adua returned to Nigeria last week after spending some three months in Saudi Arabia, where he was being treated. Mr Jonathan, the country’s vice-president, was installed as the acting leader in his absence.
Mr Ban continues to follow political developments in Africa’s most populous nation closely, according to a statement issued by his spokesperson.
“He recognises the challenges currently confronting the country as it continues to develop its democratic system and encourages Nigeria’s leadership and institutions to work together in the greater national interest, respecting the rule of law and ensuring adherence to the country's constitution,” it stated. “The Secretary-General wishes to encourage all Nigerians, their leaders and institutions to continue to support the efforts of Acting President Jonathan and the government which he leads to help the country overcome its current challenges.”
DARFUR: PEACE THAT ISN’T PEACE
A military offensive against the Sudan Liberation Army just days after Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir declared the war over has driven thousands of residents in Darfur from their homes. Officials from the few humanitarian organisations there estimate between 170 and 400 civilians were killed in fighting, when government forces were aided by local militias: The Guardian (London) (1/3/10)/UN Wire.
NIGER: MILITARY LEADER PROMISES DEMOCRACY
Niger military leader Major Salou Djibo promised to restore democracy in the wake of the military coup that displaced President Mamadou Tandja, but named no date for elections, the BBC reported (2/3/10). The military leadership announced the formation of a transitional government - a group that includes soldiers and women - that would guide Niger toward the resumption of constitutional law: BBC /UN Wire.
SOUTH AMERICA
ARGENTINA TAKES UK FALKLANDS OIL EXPLORATION TO UN
Argentina has intensified its diplomatic offensive against Britain's oil exploration off the Falkland Islands by taking the case to the UN, the Sydney Morning Herald reported (26/2/10).
The Argentine Foreign Minister, Jorge Taiana, spelled out his country's demands in a meeting in New York with the UN secretary-general, Ban Ki-moon after mobilising Latin American and Caribbean support.
Mr Taiana told reporters afterwards that Mr Ban was not happy that tensions had worsened because of Britain's decision to start drilling and was willing to continue his ''good offices'' mission.
The minister said the meeting was ''very cordial, positive'' but did not say if Mr Ban had agreed to pressure London over the islands' sovereignty. Mr Ban made no immediate comment.
Argentina has demanded Britain cease drilling for oil and gas immediately, terming it ''the latest illegitimate and unilateral actions by the UK''. The next step would be to table a resolution at the UN General Assembly.
REPORT: http://www.smh.com.au/world/un-talks-fail-to-pour-oil-on-troubled-falkland-waters-20100225-p616.html