Israel offered to allow 75% of the goods currently banned from entering Gaza into the Strip in exchange for the release of abducted Israeli soldier Gilad Schalit, Hamas leader Salah Bardawil told the Palestinian Ma'an News Agency on Tuesday evening.
Well..Then it´s just a prisoner swap including women and minors..And then get to agreements about the border issue..So what are you people waiting for? Israel should be very aware of that they shall release women and minors! We have sat here long time enough! Yalla!
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
A truth and reconciliation commission to Balochistan ..
A truth and reconciliation commission formed and all stakeholders are brought to a negotiating table to resolve the many issues Balochistan is suffering from..Thank you..
There were not any ones believing we would just sit here and watch people "entering the gold mine" while others that actually are inhabitants of the land feel they are deprived of it..were there?
There were not any ones believing we would just sit here and watch people "entering the gold mine" while others that actually are inhabitants of the land feel they are deprived of it..were there?
Swat
MINGORA: Security forces killed 70 militants during an operation in a village in the Charbagh tehsil of the violence-ridden Swat Valley, officials said late Monday, according to DawnNews TV. Security forces used heavy artillery against the militants after residents of the area had been evacuated, officials said. Security forces claim to have to have established control over the Charbagh area, which was previously a militant stronghold.
A majority of the area’s 45,000 residents had fled the area in the wake of increased militant activity and collateral damage from army operations in the area. Forty civilians were reported to have been killed during fighting in the area over the weekend. Four more people were killed, four were kidnapped and residence of a local nazim was set on fire in restive Swat valley on Monday. The helicopter gunships pounded suspected militant hideouts in Akhund Kalley of Kabal tehsil, as a result of which two civilians were killed. Four locals, identified as Shamsul Islam, Iqbal Khan, Malak Suliman, and Abdullah were kidnapped by unknown armed persons from Shamozi and shifted to undisclosed location.
These areas have witnessed the exodus of a large number of people since August 2008. The civilians caught in the crossfire have become the casualties of this terrible conflict. Now it is estimated that there are nearly 100,000 internally displaced persons living in dire straits in 11 camps in the NWFP. Many more have fled their homes but since they have taken refuge with relatives and friends their accurate numbers may never be known. It is not just the trauma of homelessness that is devastating. They also have to suffer the hardship brought on by the lack of basic amenities, such as adequate shelter, sanitation, water and food supplies, and medical care. Small wonder the reports that emanate from the IDP camps do not generally inspire hope and confidence.
Recognising the human rights violations that accompany displacement of people – families are broken up, employment and education are disrupted, and socio-cultural ties are cut – the UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, adopted in 1998 a document setting out guiding principles on internal displacement. These 30 principles state that IDPs have certain basic rights, the most important being their claim to equality with other citizens, and are entitled to adequate living standards for which the government must provide protection and humanitarian assistance. Hence the authorities are duty-bound to take care of displaced persons in the NWFP. The guiding principles also speak of the primary responsibility of authorities to ‘establish conditions, as well as provide the means, which allow IDPs to return voluntarily, in safety and with dignity to their homes’. Another matter of serious concern is the long-term responsibility of the government vis-à-vis the displaced. Not only should they be rehabilitated once peace returns, it is also important that sufficient uplift projects be undertaken in the affected areas so that the returnees can look forward to a brighter future.
A majority of the area’s 45,000 residents had fled the area in the wake of increased militant activity and collateral damage from army operations in the area. Forty civilians were reported to have been killed during fighting in the area over the weekend. Four more people were killed, four were kidnapped and residence of a local nazim was set on fire in restive Swat valley on Monday. The helicopter gunships pounded suspected militant hideouts in Akhund Kalley of Kabal tehsil, as a result of which two civilians were killed. Four locals, identified as Shamsul Islam, Iqbal Khan, Malak Suliman, and Abdullah were kidnapped by unknown armed persons from Shamozi and shifted to undisclosed location.
These areas have witnessed the exodus of a large number of people since August 2008. The civilians caught in the crossfire have become the casualties of this terrible conflict. Now it is estimated that there are nearly 100,000 internally displaced persons living in dire straits in 11 camps in the NWFP. Many more have fled their homes but since they have taken refuge with relatives and friends their accurate numbers may never be known. It is not just the trauma of homelessness that is devastating. They also have to suffer the hardship brought on by the lack of basic amenities, such as adequate shelter, sanitation, water and food supplies, and medical care. Small wonder the reports that emanate from the IDP camps do not generally inspire hope and confidence.
Recognising the human rights violations that accompany displacement of people – families are broken up, employment and education are disrupted, and socio-cultural ties are cut – the UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, adopted in 1998 a document setting out guiding principles on internal displacement. These 30 principles state that IDPs have certain basic rights, the most important being their claim to equality with other citizens, and are entitled to adequate living standards for which the government must provide protection and humanitarian assistance. Hence the authorities are duty-bound to take care of displaced persons in the NWFP. The guiding principles also speak of the primary responsibility of authorities to ‘establish conditions, as well as provide the means, which allow IDPs to return voluntarily, in safety and with dignity to their homes’. Another matter of serious concern is the long-term responsibility of the government vis-à-vis the displaced. Not only should they be rehabilitated once peace returns, it is also important that sufficient uplift projects be undertaken in the affected areas so that the returnees can look forward to a brighter future.
Bombers arrested in lead up to Iraqi election
BAGHDAD – American and Iraqi forces arrested suspected suicide bombers and others during targeted sweeps in the hours leading up to last weekend's relatively violence-free provincial elections, the top U.S. commander in Baghdad said on Tuesday. Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond said operations were conducted in Baghdad during the 72 hours before the elections. "We were focused on emerging threats. .Hammond told reporters. He spoke days before he is to hand over command of about 27,000 U.S. forces in Baghdad province to incoming commander Maj. Gen. Daniel P. Bolger of the 1st Cavalry Division from Fort Hood, Texas. Hammond, commander of the 4th Infantry Division would not say how many people were detained or under what conditions, other than that they were threats to the elections process. The success of Saturday's vote has been hailed by President Barack Obama, who said the peaceful outcome was "good news." Hammond said five Forward Operating Bases in Baghdad would close well ahead of a June 30 deadline for U.S. troops to withdraw from Iraq's cities under a U.S.-Iraqi security agreement. Hammond said much of the credit for the diminishing violence and the success of violence-free vote has to be given to the Iraqi security forces. "It's the best performance I have seen out of the Iraqi security forces," he said.
Gaza..
Ma’an – France has approved a project to rebuild the Al-Quds hospital in Gaza. Kouchner confirmed that he had discussed "urgent" plans to rebuild the Al-Quds hospital and help other health centers in Palestinian territory.
Greece stepped up aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Monday. Our country has sent six containers with new Greek humanitarian aid from the Piraeus port to the Gaza Strip," the statement said. The 105-110 of tons of aid contain mainly food, bought by the Greek Foreign Ministry, as well as medicine and medical supplies that were collected by the Church of Greece in collaboration with local authorities, private companies and associations. Transportation has been undertaken and paid for by the Foreign Ministry's Hellenic Aid organization and will be delivered to the appropriate United Nations bodies so that it can be taken into Gaza and distributed, the Greek government said.
Ma’an – UNICEF’s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict will be visit the Palestinian territory and Israel this week, according to a statement. Radhika Coomaraswamy is hoping to “ascertain first hand the situation of children in Gaza and also to visit southern Israel,” the statement said. Coomaraswamy said she will liaise with stakeholders “to ensure that children are protected and their needs are addressed in the aftermath of the recent hostilities.” Coomaraswamy will meet with officials from both the Government of Israel and Palestinian Authority, as well as with members of civil society, NGOs and children affected by the recent conflict in Gaza. UNICEF’s statement said her visit is undertaken within the framework of her General Assembly mandate “as an independent moral voice and advocate for children in armed conflict."
Hamas officials met with Egyptian mediators in Cairo on Monday describing the atmosphere as positive. A positive atmosphere prevails in Cairo as talks regarding ceasefire with Israel, rebuilding Gaza and reuniting the Palestinian government, said Hamas leader Salah Bardawil on Tuesday evening.
Greece stepped up aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Monday. Our country has sent six containers with new Greek humanitarian aid from the Piraeus port to the Gaza Strip," the statement said. The 105-110 of tons of aid contain mainly food, bought by the Greek Foreign Ministry, as well as medicine and medical supplies that were collected by the Church of Greece in collaboration with local authorities, private companies and associations. Transportation has been undertaken and paid for by the Foreign Ministry's Hellenic Aid organization and will be delivered to the appropriate United Nations bodies so that it can be taken into Gaza and distributed, the Greek government said.
Ma’an – UNICEF’s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict will be visit the Palestinian territory and Israel this week, according to a statement. Radhika Coomaraswamy is hoping to “ascertain first hand the situation of children in Gaza and also to visit southern Israel,” the statement said. Coomaraswamy said she will liaise with stakeholders “to ensure that children are protected and their needs are addressed in the aftermath of the recent hostilities.” Coomaraswamy will meet with officials from both the Government of Israel and Palestinian Authority, as well as with members of civil society, NGOs and children affected by the recent conflict in Gaza. UNICEF’s statement said her visit is undertaken within the framework of her General Assembly mandate “as an independent moral voice and advocate for children in armed conflict."
Hamas officials met with Egyptian mediators in Cairo on Monday describing the atmosphere as positive. A positive atmosphere prevails in Cairo as talks regarding ceasefire with Israel, rebuilding Gaza and reuniting the Palestinian government, said Hamas leader Salah Bardawil on Tuesday evening.
Source: Ma’an
Same boring election campaigns!
Using Jerusalem and Hamas..It´s like what the heck would some Israeli party´s have on their agendas and election campaigns if they didn´t have Hamas? It´s sure time for some changes in the "Israeli camp" where they repeat the same things year after year after year as well! Poor people that have to listen to the same repeating! It´s comparable to any other boring propaganda!
How about some other issues like environment, health care, education, integration between Israelis and Palestinians, labour market for both Israelis and Palestinians ..some future projects, international issues.. etc..etc..? *yawn* The Israeli politicians have more obligations towards both Israelis and Palestinians than acting like Jerusalem is going somewhere! And using settlers as political tools by movements instead of making them a part of political developments will sure not contribute to stability! There are sure time for changes in Israel as well and get on the international arena, than living in some little private quarter! It´s not like the whole world must come to Israel - You need to get out here as well!
How about some other issues like environment, health care, education, integration between Israelis and Palestinians, labour market for both Israelis and Palestinians ..some future projects, international issues.. etc..etc..? *yawn* The Israeli politicians have more obligations towards both Israelis and Palestinians than acting like Jerusalem is going somewhere! And using settlers as political tools by movements instead of making them a part of political developments will sure not contribute to stability! There are sure time for changes in Israel as well and get on the international arena, than living in some little private quarter! It´s not like the whole world must come to Israel - You need to get out here as well!
Yeah? Like old woman over coffee cups?
PNA -TEHRAN-Iran's Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani invited Turkish counterpart Koksal Toptan to take part in a parliamentary conference to be held soon in Tehran on support for Gaza's resistance. In a phone conversation on Monday Larijani referred to the recent efforts to end Zionist regime's attacks over Gaza and said Israel has still kept the defenseless people of Gaza under siege and their problems have not been solved yet. Larijani then called for continuing consultation with regional and cross-regional countries and said Iran has always defended the goals of Palestine and resistance against Zionist regime's endless crimes. Koksal Toptan for his part stressed finding a solution to resolve Palestinians' problems.
Why don´t you all solve your own f***** problems instead of using the Palestinian people in the most disgusting criminal way! We assume Turkey have other things to do than to sit and talk bullshit with criminals and their use of the Gaza citizens and are the reason for the suffering there! And the very ones to place obstacles in the way to take steps to end the siege! Just as the psychopaths in the Iranian regime most probably don´t give a damn about what other obligations and work Turkey has! But put their f***** nose in the way for more important work than to sit and talk bullshit and lies in a psychopathic Twilight Zone, sitting and chatter all day long, like old woman over coffee cups sitting on their back yard with their personal intrigues against their neighbours! Keep using people in the most disgusting criminal way in your psychopathic criminal world and and you will not have any f***** playmates left!
Turkey is moving forward NOT backward so f***** move it! Turkey do not need to use gas pipelines and certainly not the Iranian regime to make a change! If the regime in Iran don´t want make changes to the better they shall f***** not stand in the way for others that are working on it! The Iranian regime have done enough spectacle over themselves! Get loss!
Why don´t you all solve your own f***** problems instead of using the Palestinian people in the most disgusting criminal way! We assume Turkey have other things to do than to sit and talk bullshit with criminals and their use of the Gaza citizens and are the reason for the suffering there! And the very ones to place obstacles in the way to take steps to end the siege! Just as the psychopaths in the Iranian regime most probably don´t give a damn about what other obligations and work Turkey has! But put their f***** nose in the way for more important work than to sit and talk bullshit and lies in a psychopathic Twilight Zone, sitting and chatter all day long, like old woman over coffee cups sitting on their back yard with their personal intrigues against their neighbours! Keep using people in the most disgusting criminal way in your psychopathic criminal world and and you will not have any f***** playmates left!
Turkey is moving forward NOT backward so f***** move it! Turkey do not need to use gas pipelines and certainly not the Iranian regime to make a change! If the regime in Iran don´t want make changes to the better they shall f***** not stand in the way for others that are working on it! The Iranian regime have done enough spectacle over themselves! Get loss!
Iraq: Woman arrested for recruiting female bombers
BAGHDAD – A woman suspected of recruiting more than 80 female suicide bombers has been arrested, the Iraqi military said Tuesday. The woman, who was identified as Samira Ahmed Jassim or by her nickname "Umm al-Mumineen," was shown confessing in a video played for reporters at a press conference in Baghdad. Dressed in an all-encompassing black Islamic robe, she described how she would persuade the women to be bombers, then escort them to an orchard for insurgent training and finally pick them up and lead them to their targets. She said she was acting on behalf of insurgents based in the volatile Diyala province, north of Baghdad.
Iraqi military spokesman Maj. Gen. Qassim al-Moussawi said the suspect had recruited more than 80 women willing to carry out attacks and had admitted masterminding 28 bombings in different areas. The number of bombings carried out by women has spiked even as overall violence has declined, and U.S. commanders have warned insurgents are actively trying to find more recruits. At least 36 female suicide bombers attempted or successfully carried out 32 suicide attacks last year, compared with eight in 2007, according to U.S. military figures. The military said it couldn't provide information on the number of female suicide bombers so far this year. But there was at least one — a woman who blew herself up in the midst of Iranian pilgrims in Baghdad, killing more than three dozen people on Jan. 4. Jassim was arrested by Iraqi security forces and is allegedly linked to the Ansar al-Sunnah insurgent group, al-Moussawi said. He said the recruits had been from Baghdad and Diyala province. He also said she had contact with a pair of recently detained insurgent brothers. In the video, Jassim said she had to talk to one elderly woman several times before persuading her to blow herself up at a bus station. It also took Jassim two weeks to recruit another woman who was a teacher and had problems with her husband and his family, according to the confession. The woman eventually attacked members of government-backed Sunni groups in Diyala province, the suspect said.
SINAN SALAHEDDIN, AP, Yahya Barzanji in Sulaimaniyah, Iraq
Iraqi military spokesman Maj. Gen. Qassim al-Moussawi said the suspect had recruited more than 80 women willing to carry out attacks and had admitted masterminding 28 bombings in different areas. The number of bombings carried out by women has spiked even as overall violence has declined, and U.S. commanders have warned insurgents are actively trying to find more recruits. At least 36 female suicide bombers attempted or successfully carried out 32 suicide attacks last year, compared with eight in 2007, according to U.S. military figures. The military said it couldn't provide information on the number of female suicide bombers so far this year. But there was at least one — a woman who blew herself up in the midst of Iranian pilgrims in Baghdad, killing more than three dozen people on Jan. 4. Jassim was arrested by Iraqi security forces and is allegedly linked to the Ansar al-Sunnah insurgent group, al-Moussawi said. He said the recruits had been from Baghdad and Diyala province. He also said she had contact with a pair of recently detained insurgent brothers. In the video, Jassim said she had to talk to one elderly woman several times before persuading her to blow herself up at a bus station. It also took Jassim two weeks to recruit another woman who was a teacher and had problems with her husband and his family, according to the confession. The woman eventually attacked members of government-backed Sunni groups in Diyala province, the suspect said.
SINAN SALAHEDDIN, AP, Yahya Barzanji in Sulaimaniyah, Iraq
Afghan intelligence breaks up Kabul bombing cell
The Afghan intelligence service has broken up a cell of suicide bombers allegedly responsible for six attacks in Kabul that killed 20 civilians, a spokesman for the agency said Tuesday. Agents arrested 17 people who were involved in the suicide attacks in the capital over the last two years, said the spokesman for the National Directorate of Security.
AP
AP
And..
If the "Popular Resistance Committee" will stop firing their f***** rockets while people from the whole world are talking! They ain´t that popular as the Gaza citizens and the Palestinian population do NOT support rockets firing at Israel! Get that ones and for all! Stop going others errands against the will of the Palestinian people like some f***** idiotic slaves! You will only end up being killed! Shut the hell up while others are talking! F***** idiots!
Just ..
Dogan News reported that twenty people were injured in a clash between supporters of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party and members of an Islamist association on Monday evening. The Adana Social Solidarity Association (Sura-DER) was attacked several times in the past and has ties with the Kurdish Hizbullah.
The clash began late Sunday after the PKK supporters attacked the building of the Islamist association with stones and Molotov cocktails in the southern Adana province, according to the report. Turkish police had detained seven suspects in connection with the incident, and beefed up security in the region, the report added. The youths attacked the islamist organization with Molotov cocktails and shouted slogans: “We don’t want you here.” ANF claims these organizations have ties with the AKP and Gulen-movement.
Two people of the islamists organization were stabbed during the fight in which knives and sticks were used. After the fight more then 200 police and ten Armored Personnel Carries (APC) came to stop the fighting. Several people were transferred to the hospital for treatment. But Sura-Der vice-president claimed that the police didn’t arrive on time. “We called the police several times. But only after two hours they came.” Also the governor ordered to put the wounded islamists in prison according to website of the Kurdish Hizbullah. In the beginning of January Mustazaf-Der joined a protest against Israel in Diyarbakir. Mustazaf-Der is supported by Iran and the Kurdish Hizbullah which was used against the PKK by the ‘deep state’ in the past.
Well..We will give Mr Erdogan some time ..Do something about those children in prison, get some time for reflection and rest and calm down in his woollen socks. It´s a lot going on in Turkey now with people being engaged, it looks very positive and creative and it´s ‘Time for change in Turkey’, so we urge him to take part of it after some rest.
The clash began late Sunday after the PKK supporters attacked the building of the Islamist association with stones and Molotov cocktails in the southern Adana province, according to the report. Turkish police had detained seven suspects in connection with the incident, and beefed up security in the region, the report added. The youths attacked the islamist organization with Molotov cocktails and shouted slogans: “We don’t want you here.” ANF claims these organizations have ties with the AKP and Gulen-movement.
Two people of the islamists organization were stabbed during the fight in which knives and sticks were used. After the fight more then 200 police and ten Armored Personnel Carries (APC) came to stop the fighting. Several people were transferred to the hospital for treatment. But Sura-Der vice-president claimed that the police didn’t arrive on time. “We called the police several times. But only after two hours they came.” Also the governor ordered to put the wounded islamists in prison according to website of the Kurdish Hizbullah. In the beginning of January Mustazaf-Der joined a protest against Israel in Diyarbakir. Mustazaf-Der is supported by Iran and the Kurdish Hizbullah which was used against the PKK by the ‘deep state’ in the past.
Well..We will give Mr Erdogan some time ..Do something about those children in prison, get some time for reflection and rest and calm down in his woollen socks. It´s a lot going on in Turkey now with people being engaged, it looks very positive and creative and it´s ‘Time for change in Turkey’, so we urge him to take part of it after some rest.
Well..Yeah..We have a deal going on here or what?
A South Korean Defense Ministry official said he could not comment on intelligence matters but added the South keeps a constant eye on the North's military activities. Lee and Obama agreed in their first conversation after Obama took office to cooperate on North Korea, the South's presidential Blue House said in reporting a Tuesday telephone call.
If the South have ended a decade of free-flowing aid to Pyongyang there is really no time to loose! This will not due! There is a deal going on ..Start working on it! It´s a lot of hassling! Isn´t it! Just because the South have started bilateral cooperation's with Russia and are about to destroy the whole coast, the waters and a very important natural environment, it does not mean there are justifications to delay any deals with the North, that are very much in need to get through this deal..
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090203/wl_nm/us_korea_north
http://www.greenpeace.org/international/campaigns/oceans/pollution
South Korea's Proposed "Grand Canal", to Link Major Rivers, a Grand Ecological Disaster
South Korea must be convinced not to sacrifice its natural river ecosystems for a cross-country concrete canal that will severely damage the nation's water security. South Korea has proposed a project to connect with canals South Korea's four major rivers (the Yeongsan, Geum, Nakdong and Han). The "Grand Canal" is intended to accommodate 5,000 ton cargo ships and would require dredging, deepening, widening and laying concrete along approximately two thousand kilometers of shallow river courses in South Korea, and perhaps more in North Korea.
Such massive canalization of rivers will severely damage the hydrology of whole river systems and have enormous negative impacts upon South Korea's water resources, wetland ecosystems, and riparian biodiversity. The Grand Canal system will adversely impact one of Korea's most well-known Ramsar wetland sites and three internationally important estuaries. These shallow rivers are used by a broad range of bird species, and eight of the nation's most important bird areas will be impacted and numerous species threatened. Korea is drought prone and water scarce, yet pollution from heavy cargo ships is expected to threaten drinking water supplies for 24 million people. Despite lack of final plans and no Environmental Impact Assessment having been conducted, the President says the project will be done in five years. A recent poll showed that the Korean people want to preserve their rivers and wetlands.
Deep and sincere concern regarding South Korea´s plans to their nation's four largest river systems into a "Grand Canal". The ill-conceived project will have enormous negative impacts upon the country's water resources, natural ecosystems, ecological sustainability and future economic development potential. We strongly urge you to cancel the project. Natural biodiversity and intact ecosystems including rivers and wetlands provide essential ecosystem services to your citizens including water retention, flood prevention, soil regeneration and wildlife habitat. Canalization of rivers, requiring their dredging, deepening and widening, and the construction of strengthened dykes and other support infrastructure, will damage your nation's hydrology leading to greater water scarcity, national security threats, and economic decline.
South Korea is already prone to drought, which climate change will worsen. Your natural river systems are one of your nation's greatest assets and should not be so hastily diminished for short-term economic gain. The project has the potential to destroy and pollute freshwater resources upon which millions of your citizens depend.
Water is a human right, ecosystems matter; and without intact water providing ecosystems, economies and societies cannot function. Approval of this project will negatively impact South Korea's global image. South Korea has obligations that must be met under international conventions including as a signatory to the Ramsar Convention for wetlands, whose next Conference of Parties you will host in late October. Yet, it is deeply troubling the Grand Canal will strongly negatively impact internationally important wetlands and estuaries. South Korea has the opportunity to lead East Asia in environmental sustainability. I therefore respectfully add my voice to those in Korea and around the world, imploring you to cancel the project in the interest of long-term ecological and economic sustainability of your great nation. I hope this protest shows the world is watching, and expecting wise long-term leadership from you.
Sincerely,
Earth Action Network Protest Participants
3,240 people from 87 countries have sent 267,630 protest emails
If the South have ended a decade of free-flowing aid to Pyongyang there is really no time to loose! This will not due! There is a deal going on ..Start working on it! It´s a lot of hassling! Isn´t it! Just because the South have started bilateral cooperation's with Russia and are about to destroy the whole coast, the waters and a very important natural environment, it does not mean there are justifications to delay any deals with the North, that are very much in need to get through this deal..
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090203/wl_nm/us_korea_north
http://www.greenpeace.org/international/campaigns/oceans/pollution
South Korea's Proposed "Grand Canal", to Link Major Rivers, a Grand Ecological Disaster
South Korea must be convinced not to sacrifice its natural river ecosystems for a cross-country concrete canal that will severely damage the nation's water security. South Korea has proposed a project to connect with canals South Korea's four major rivers (the Yeongsan, Geum, Nakdong and Han). The "Grand Canal" is intended to accommodate 5,000 ton cargo ships and would require dredging, deepening, widening and laying concrete along approximately two thousand kilometers of shallow river courses in South Korea, and perhaps more in North Korea.
Such massive canalization of rivers will severely damage the hydrology of whole river systems and have enormous negative impacts upon South Korea's water resources, wetland ecosystems, and riparian biodiversity. The Grand Canal system will adversely impact one of Korea's most well-known Ramsar wetland sites and three internationally important estuaries. These shallow rivers are used by a broad range of bird species, and eight of the nation's most important bird areas will be impacted and numerous species threatened. Korea is drought prone and water scarce, yet pollution from heavy cargo ships is expected to threaten drinking water supplies for 24 million people. Despite lack of final plans and no Environmental Impact Assessment having been conducted, the President says the project will be done in five years. A recent poll showed that the Korean people want to preserve their rivers and wetlands.
Deep and sincere concern regarding South Korea´s plans to their nation's four largest river systems into a "Grand Canal". The ill-conceived project will have enormous negative impacts upon the country's water resources, natural ecosystems, ecological sustainability and future economic development potential. We strongly urge you to cancel the project. Natural biodiversity and intact ecosystems including rivers and wetlands provide essential ecosystem services to your citizens including water retention, flood prevention, soil regeneration and wildlife habitat. Canalization of rivers, requiring their dredging, deepening and widening, and the construction of strengthened dykes and other support infrastructure, will damage your nation's hydrology leading to greater water scarcity, national security threats, and economic decline.
South Korea is already prone to drought, which climate change will worsen. Your natural river systems are one of your nation's greatest assets and should not be so hastily diminished for short-term economic gain. The project has the potential to destroy and pollute freshwater resources upon which millions of your citizens depend.
Water is a human right, ecosystems matter; and without intact water providing ecosystems, economies and societies cannot function. Approval of this project will negatively impact South Korea's global image. South Korea has obligations that must be met under international conventions including as a signatory to the Ramsar Convention for wetlands, whose next Conference of Parties you will host in late October. Yet, it is deeply troubling the Grand Canal will strongly negatively impact internationally important wetlands and estuaries. South Korea has the opportunity to lead East Asia in environmental sustainability. I therefore respectfully add my voice to those in Korea and around the world, imploring you to cancel the project in the interest of long-term ecological and economic sustainability of your great nation. I hope this protest shows the world is watching, and expecting wise long-term leadership from you.
Sincerely,
Earth Action Network Protest Participants
3,240 people from 87 countries have sent 267,630 protest emails
...
DIALA / Aswat al-Iraq: Four al-Qaeda in Iraq members on Sunday were arrested in Diala province, according to a local police commander. “Those arrested are wanted by the judicial authorities,” Staff Maj. Gen. Shamri told Aswat al-Iraq news agency. Two arms caches were found in a village on the Iraqi-Iranian borders, Shamri added, noting that the caches contained four missiles, 20 rockets, 22 hand grenades, five Katyushas and other ammunition.
KIRKUK / Aswat al-Iraq: The airbase of the Multinational forces in Kirkuk was attacked by an unknown rocket, a source from the joint coordination center in Kirkuk said on Monday. “A rocket was launched by unknown gunmen on Monday in southern Kirkuk towards the Multinational forces’ base in southwestern Kirkuk, with no reports on casualties,” the source told Aswat al-Iraq news agency. Police patrols found the launch pad.
12 Iraqi emigrants, including 3 Kurds drowned in the Aegean Sea between Greece and Turkey while trying to reach the Greek land. A close source from one of the victims said that the 12 emigrants were in a boat trying to cross the Aegean Sea to Greek in illegal way but the guard forces of the Greek borders opened fire on them and led to their drowning. He also said that the rescue teams picked up their corpse.
KIRKUK / Aswat al-Iraq: The airbase of the Multinational forces in Kirkuk was attacked by an unknown rocket, a source from the joint coordination center in Kirkuk said on Monday. “A rocket was launched by unknown gunmen on Monday in southern Kirkuk towards the Multinational forces’ base in southwestern Kirkuk, with no reports on casualties,” the source told Aswat al-Iraq news agency. Police patrols found the launch pad.
12 Iraqi emigrants, including 3 Kurds drowned in the Aegean Sea between Greece and Turkey while trying to reach the Greek land. A close source from one of the victims said that the 12 emigrants were in a boat trying to cross the Aegean Sea to Greek in illegal way but the guard forces of the Greek borders opened fire on them and led to their drowning. He also said that the rescue teams picked up their corpse.
KRG raises complaints against electoral commission
Kurdistan region government raises complaint against Iraqi electoral commission on missing thousands of votes in the Kurdish majority disputed territories in the provincial election held in 31st January. A statement from KRG posted on its website announced that KRG was concerned that tens of thousands of Kurds could not cast ballots because their names were not included in the registrations, despite having food ration cards. Kurdistan region presidency chief of Staff on Sunday revealed in a press conference that almost 80 thousand Kurdish votes missed in the election as a result of electoral commissions mistakes.
Hundreds of angry people in the towns of Khanaqin and Makhmour on the day of election took into the streets protesting against being excluded from voting.“ As the KRG conveys its strong support for the provincial election process across the Federal Republic of Iraq, it also raises complaints against the ignorance and insufficiencies of the electoral commission, which led to missing tens of thousands of Kurdish votes” the statement said. “We call upon the independent electoral commission to investigate into the problems led to avoiding such a huge number of people to cast ballots. We see this ignorance as an apparent violation of those people’s rights in the area and call the commission to review the case and find solutions as soon as possible.” According to the provincial election system each seat of the province councils equals approximately 35 thousand votes, which means that the Kurdish list has lost nearly 3 seats.
Almost 80 thousand Kurdish persons were avoided from casting votes in yesterday’s provincial election and the Kurdish officials hold electoral commission responsible. Chief of staff of Kurdistan region presidency office said in a press conference that almost 80 thousand Kurdish votes were missed in the disputed territories of Khanaqin and Makhmour of Diyala province because their names were not included in the registration lists, which means losing at least 3 seats of province councils. According to the Iraqi election system, each seat of the provincial councils equals nearly 30 thousand votes. Kurdistan region has postponed its provincial elections to July 2009. However, elections in the Kurdish majority disputed territories went on yesterday, as they are still considered part of Iraq. Chief of staff Fuad Hussein said more than 60thousand votes were missed in Makhmour and 16 thousand in Khanaqin, although the voters had food ration card and those two towns include in the implementation of article 140 of constitution.
http://www.kurdsat.tv/E_Zyatir.aspx?CoriHewal=Kurdistani&Rizbendi=2534
http://www.kurdsat.tv/E_Zyatir.aspx?CoriHewal=Kurdistani&Rizbendi=2536
http://www.kurdishglobe.net/displayArticle.jsp?id=A8A1CCA1572DC1A31B04DCFD7BD169BA
Hundreds of angry people in the towns of Khanaqin and Makhmour on the day of election took into the streets protesting against being excluded from voting.“ As the KRG conveys its strong support for the provincial election process across the Federal Republic of Iraq, it also raises complaints against the ignorance and insufficiencies of the electoral commission, which led to missing tens of thousands of Kurdish votes” the statement said. “We call upon the independent electoral commission to investigate into the problems led to avoiding such a huge number of people to cast ballots. We see this ignorance as an apparent violation of those people’s rights in the area and call the commission to review the case and find solutions as soon as possible.” According to the provincial election system each seat of the province councils equals approximately 35 thousand votes, which means that the Kurdish list has lost nearly 3 seats.
Almost 80 thousand Kurdish persons were avoided from casting votes in yesterday’s provincial election and the Kurdish officials hold electoral commission responsible. Chief of staff of Kurdistan region presidency office said in a press conference that almost 80 thousand Kurdish votes were missed in the disputed territories of Khanaqin and Makhmour of Diyala province because their names were not included in the registration lists, which means losing at least 3 seats of province councils. According to the Iraqi election system, each seat of the provincial councils equals nearly 30 thousand votes. Kurdistan region has postponed its provincial elections to July 2009. However, elections in the Kurdish majority disputed territories went on yesterday, as they are still considered part of Iraq. Chief of staff Fuad Hussein said more than 60thousand votes were missed in Makhmour and 16 thousand in Khanaqin, although the voters had food ration card and those two towns include in the implementation of article 140 of constitution.
http://www.kurdsat.tv/E_Zyatir.aspx?CoriHewal=Kurdistani&Rizbendi=2534
http://www.kurdsat.tv/E_Zyatir.aspx?CoriHewal=Kurdistani&Rizbendi=2536
http://www.kurdishglobe.net/displayArticle.jsp?id=A8A1CCA1572DC1A31B04DCFD7BD169BA
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