Russia held out an olive branch to President Barack Obama by suspending plans to deploy missiles in Europe.
Defence Ministry officials said that the move had been made because the new United States leadership was reconsidering plans to establish a missile defence shield in Eastern Europe. Deployment of Iskander short-range missiles, which can carry nuclear warheads, in Russia's Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad had been halted in response.
The news emerged before Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's appearance at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, last night. Mr Putin said on Monday that he was "cautiously optimistic" about improved relations with the US because Mr Obama had shown a willingness to reconsider the missile shield.
The administration of former President George W. Bush ignored Russian objections to its plan to install 10 interceptor missiles in Poland and a radar station in the Czech Republic. It signed agreements with the two Eastern European Governments last year to deploy the system.
Washington said then that the shield was necessary to counter threats from rogue states such as Iran and was not directed against Moscow. Russia said, however, that the system posed a threat to its own security and repeatedly warned that it would take counter measures unless the US backed down.
President Dmitri Medvedev ordered Iskander missiles to be placed in Kaliningrad in a speech made the day after Mr Obama's election as President last November. It would have been the first deployment of offensive missiles inside Europe since the end of the Cold War.
"These plans have been suspended because the new US administration is not pushing ahead with the plans to deploy ... the US missile defence system in Poland and the Czech Republic," an official from Russia's General Staff told Interfax news.
"Russia does not need to deploy Iskanders in the Kaliningrad region if the US does not install its missile defence facilities in Eastern Europe."
Russia's Defence Ministry did not confirm the change of policy officially, but Ria-Novosti quoted an official as saying that it had taken "no practical measures to deploy Iskander" in Kaliningrad.
Mr Obama and Mr Medvedev spoke for the first time by telephone on Monday. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov indicated that they could hold their first meeting in London at the G20 summit in April.
He told Russia's upper house of parliament that relations with the US would "start anew". Mr Lavrov said: "We hope that a new window of opportunity will be opened which will take our relations on to a trajectory of stable growth after a period of needless turbulence."
The Kremlin's initiative comes at a critical moment as Mr Obama seeks to engage Iran to dissuade the Islamic regime from continuing with plans to develop a nuclear bomb.
Russia has a critical role because it is building Iran's $1 billion nuclear power plant at Bushehr and has delivered 82 tonnes of low-enriched uranium fuel for the plant. Atomstroiexport, the state company building the project, recently declared that operations would become "irreversible" once scheduled work was completed next month.
Nato welcomed the reports from Moscow. Spokesman James Appathurai said: "The earlier Russian announcement that they were going to deploy missiles into Kaliningrad and point them at Nato allies was unwelcome. If that decision has now been rescinded, it is a good step."
But, even as hopes rose for a new US-Russia relationship, evidence emerged of continued military jockeying between the two states. The Russian Air Force reported that two TU-95 Bear strategic bombers were shadowed over by four US fighter jets as they carried out a patrol near Alaska.
Source: The London Times
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Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Obama reaches out to Muslim world
United States President Barack Obama has used his first formal TV interview since taking office to reach out to the Muslim world - saying Americans are not its enemy.
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Agency
US President, Barack Obama
Speaking to the Dubai-based Al-Arabiya network, Obama reiterated that the US would extend the hand of friendship to Iran if it “unclenched its fist”.
It comes as his Middle East envoy, George Mitchell, travels to the region, heralding a new burst of diplomacy.
He will meet Egypt’s leader to discuss the Gaza ceasefire and peace efforts.
Egypt has been mediating between Israel and the Palestinians, and between rival Palestinian factions, Hamas and Fatah.
Obama told Al-Arabiya that the US sometimes made mistakes and stressed that his administration would adopt a more open diplomatic approach.
“As I said in my inauguration speech, if countries like Iran are willing to unclench their fist, they will find an extended hand from us,” he said.
Source: Punch Newspaper
Skip to next paragraph
Agency
US President, Barack Obama
Speaking to the Dubai-based Al-Arabiya network, Obama reiterated that the US would extend the hand of friendship to Iran if it “unclenched its fist”.
It comes as his Middle East envoy, George Mitchell, travels to the region, heralding a new burst of diplomacy.
He will meet Egypt’s leader to discuss the Gaza ceasefire and peace efforts.
Egypt has been mediating between Israel and the Palestinians, and between rival Palestinian factions, Hamas and Fatah.
Obama told Al-Arabiya that the US sometimes made mistakes and stressed that his administration would adopt a more open diplomatic approach.
“As I said in my inauguration speech, if countries like Iran are willing to unclench their fist, they will find an extended hand from us,” he said.
Source: Punch Newspaper
FG retires suspended NIPSS DG, director
The Presidency has retired the suspended acting Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Dr. Yakubu Sankey.
Also retired along with Sankey is an Assistant Director in the Research Department, Mr. Deinbo Briggs.
Though no reasons were given for their retirements, a one-paragraph letter from the office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, said that President Umaru Yar’Adua had approved the retirements.
The letter reads, “The President, Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua, has approved your retirement effective from the date of this letter.” It was dated January 22.
However, a source at NIPSS told our correspondent that the action raised eye brows at the Presidency as some officials questioned the timing of the action, especially as it was coming barely 24 hours after the Vice-President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, took charge after Yar’Adua proceeded on a two-week vacation.
Sankey had engaged Jonathan in a war of wits over his handling of an alleged theft case involving Briggs.
Sankey’s retirement is also raising apprehension over the fate of the acting DG, Mr. James Opadiran, and the assistant directors whose tenure had long expired. Intense lobbying is said to be going on to have their tenure extended.
Briggs, a participant in Course 30 of NIPSS, was alleged to have stolen a camera belonging to a fellow participant while they were on a study tour of China.
Sankey had set up an administrative panel which found Briggs guilty and subsequently suspended him from duty and withdrew him from the course.
But the vice-president, whose office oversees the affairs of NIPSS, reversed the decision following a petition by Briggs.
Jonathan’s action drew the ire of Sankey, who accused him of undermining his authority.
The vice-president, who felt humiliated, suspended Sankey.
He subsequently set up a committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation between his office and Sankey.
The report of the committee is yet to be made public.
Source: Punch newspaper
Also retired along with Sankey is an Assistant Director in the Research Department, Mr. Deinbo Briggs.
Though no reasons were given for their retirements, a one-paragraph letter from the office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, said that President Umaru Yar’Adua had approved the retirements.
The letter reads, “The President, Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua, has approved your retirement effective from the date of this letter.” It was dated January 22.
However, a source at NIPSS told our correspondent that the action raised eye brows at the Presidency as some officials questioned the timing of the action, especially as it was coming barely 24 hours after the Vice-President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, took charge after Yar’Adua proceeded on a two-week vacation.
Sankey had engaged Jonathan in a war of wits over his handling of an alleged theft case involving Briggs.
Sankey’s retirement is also raising apprehension over the fate of the acting DG, Mr. James Opadiran, and the assistant directors whose tenure had long expired. Intense lobbying is said to be going on to have their tenure extended.
Briggs, a participant in Course 30 of NIPSS, was alleged to have stolen a camera belonging to a fellow participant while they were on a study tour of China.
Sankey had set up an administrative panel which found Briggs guilty and subsequently suspended him from duty and withdrew him from the course.
But the vice-president, whose office oversees the affairs of NIPSS, reversed the decision following a petition by Briggs.
Jonathan’s action drew the ire of Sankey, who accused him of undermining his authority.
The vice-president, who felt humiliated, suspended Sankey.
He subsequently set up a committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation between his office and Sankey.
The report of the committee is yet to be made public.
Source: Punch newspaper
NEC postpones meeting over governor’s death
The National Economic Council on Tuesday suspended its quarterly meeting following the death of Yobe State Governor Mamman Ali.
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Photo file
MAMMAN ALI.
Ali died in a United States hospital in the early hours of Tuesday after a prolonged battle with cancer of the blood, which is referred to in medical parlance as leukaemia.
Shortly after news of his passage broke, Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan ordered that the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Geidam, be inaugurated as the state governor.
Already, President Umaru Yar’Adua and the President of the Senate, Mr. David Mark, have described the governor’s death as a shock.
There were, however, two versions of what took Ali to the US.
The Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Alhaji Usman Adamu, said he went there as one of the special guests invited by the management of the Voice of America to celebrate 30 years of the establishment of the Hausa Service of the station.
Adamu added that the late governor left the state two weeks ago in company with the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro, after an official engagement.
The speaker said that Ali was hale and hearty when they last spoke on the telephone two days ago.
But a source in the Government House, Damaturu, claimed that Ali travelled out of the country on Saturday for medical attention.
He was billed to return to the country this week.
The late Ali was born in Jimeta, Adamawa State in 1958. He started his early education in Jimeta and Numan Crafts School in the old Gongola State.
He also attended the Kaduna Polytechnic for his Higher National Diploma and proceeded for the mandatory national service in 1982.
Ali started his working career as a senior engineer with the old Borno State civil service. He served as a Senior Engineer for 15 years with the Ministry of Works and voluntarily retired in 1990.
He later earned additional qualifications in Constructions and Extension from Tuskegee University, Alabama, US.
Prior to his election as the governor in 2007, he had been elected into the Senate in 1999. Ali, who was re-elected for a second term in 2003, served as the chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts and chairman, Finance, Economy and Trade ECOWAS Parliaments.
He is survived by two wives and five children.
When news of his passage was broken to the NEC members in Abuja, Jonathan, who presided in the absence of Yar’Adua who is on vacation, announced the postponement of the meeting.
NEC comprises the President, vice-president and all the 36 state governors.
Imo State Governor Ikedi Ohakim later told journalists that NEC agreed to postpone the meeting till February 12 in honour of its late member.
He disclosed that items on the agenda of the adjourned meeting included the 2009 budget, the economy and the general state of the country.
Just as the governors dispersed, a statement from the Office of the Vice-President said that Jonathan had directed Okiro and heads of all relevant security agencies to ensure order in the state during the inauguration of Geidam as the new Yobe State governor.
The statement by Jonathan’s Spokesman, Mr. Ima Niboro, said, ”The Vice-President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has received with shock and sadness, news of the untimely death of the Governor of Yobe State, Senator Mamman Ali.”
Reacting, Mark described the death as “sad and unfortunate.”
He said in a condolence message to the government and people of Yobe state that “Ali’s short-term tenure as governor witnessed development in all spheres of life, especially revolution in education and massive rural development.”
Source: Punch Newspaper
Skip to next paragraph
Photo file
MAMMAN ALI.
Ali died in a United States hospital in the early hours of Tuesday after a prolonged battle with cancer of the blood, which is referred to in medical parlance as leukaemia.
Shortly after news of his passage broke, Vice-President Goodluck Jonathan ordered that the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Geidam, be inaugurated as the state governor.
Already, President Umaru Yar’Adua and the President of the Senate, Mr. David Mark, have described the governor’s death as a shock.
There were, however, two versions of what took Ali to the US.
The Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Alhaji Usman Adamu, said he went there as one of the special guests invited by the management of the Voice of America to celebrate 30 years of the establishment of the Hausa Service of the station.
Adamu added that the late governor left the state two weeks ago in company with the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro, after an official engagement.
The speaker said that Ali was hale and hearty when they last spoke on the telephone two days ago.
But a source in the Government House, Damaturu, claimed that Ali travelled out of the country on Saturday for medical attention.
He was billed to return to the country this week.
The late Ali was born in Jimeta, Adamawa State in 1958. He started his early education in Jimeta and Numan Crafts School in the old Gongola State.
He also attended the Kaduna Polytechnic for his Higher National Diploma and proceeded for the mandatory national service in 1982.
Ali started his working career as a senior engineer with the old Borno State civil service. He served as a Senior Engineer for 15 years with the Ministry of Works and voluntarily retired in 1990.
He later earned additional qualifications in Constructions and Extension from Tuskegee University, Alabama, US.
Prior to his election as the governor in 2007, he had been elected into the Senate in 1999. Ali, who was re-elected for a second term in 2003, served as the chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts and chairman, Finance, Economy and Trade ECOWAS Parliaments.
He is survived by two wives and five children.
When news of his passage was broken to the NEC members in Abuja, Jonathan, who presided in the absence of Yar’Adua who is on vacation, announced the postponement of the meeting.
NEC comprises the President, vice-president and all the 36 state governors.
Imo State Governor Ikedi Ohakim later told journalists that NEC agreed to postpone the meeting till February 12 in honour of its late member.
He disclosed that items on the agenda of the adjourned meeting included the 2009 budget, the economy and the general state of the country.
Just as the governors dispersed, a statement from the Office of the Vice-President said that Jonathan had directed Okiro and heads of all relevant security agencies to ensure order in the state during the inauguration of Geidam as the new Yobe State governor.
The statement by Jonathan’s Spokesman, Mr. Ima Niboro, said, ”The Vice-President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has received with shock and sadness, news of the untimely death of the Governor of Yobe State, Senator Mamman Ali.”
Reacting, Mark described the death as “sad and unfortunate.”
He said in a condolence message to the government and people of Yobe state that “Ali’s short-term tenure as governor witnessed development in all spheres of life, especially revolution in education and massive rural development.”
Source: Punch Newspaper
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Israel carries out air strike after bomb kills soldier on Gaza border
Israel carried out an air strike on the Gaza Strip today after Palestinian militants killed a soldier in a bomb attack, as the fragile ceasefire between the two sides stood on the brink of collapse.
The strike, targeting a Hamas militant riding a motorbike in the southern town of Khan Younis, came after Defence Minister Ehud Barak said that Israel "cannot accept" the bomb attack, which took place as the soldier patrolled the Kissufim crossing with Gaza.
The incident threatened to destroy the calm that has largely prevailed since Israel and the Islamist group ended a three-week conflict on January 17.
It comes at the worst possible time for humanitarian organisations, which have been distributing desperately needed aid to the coastal strip while international donors discuss how best to help the territory rebuild.
Israel closed its crossings into Gaza to humanitarian aid traffic after briefly opening them this morning.
As he called the meeting of security chiefs, Mr Barak said that Israel "cannot accept" the attack. "We will respond, but there is no point in elaborating," he said.
Israeli soldiers briefly crossed the border in search of the attackers. A 27-year-old Palestinian man, believed to be a farmer, was killed in crossfire between the Army and Hamas militants and two others were wounded. An air strike against a Hamas militant on a motorbike left the target seriously wounded along with a passer-by.
No Palestinian militant group took responsibility for the bomb attack, believed to be the most serious breach of the truce that both sides are trying to firm up in Egyptian-brokered talks in Cairo.
Despite this, Mushir al-Masri, a Hamas leader, said that Israel was to blame for continuing to fire into Gaza, adding that his group had not agreed to a full ceasefire but only to a "lull" in fighting. "The Zionists are responsible for any aggression," he said.
Hamas had said in the past few days that it could agree to a year-long ceasefire if Israel ended its 18-month closure of the Gaza crossings.
After today's attack, Palestinians living close to the area said that heavy shooting could be heard and reported seeing Israeli attack helicopters in the air. Shortly afterwards, an Israeli warplane flew over the strip causing a sonic boom, apparently in a warning to the population.
It raises fears that, despite the ceasefire, Hamas could be unable, or unwilling, to completely rein in more extreme groups who have continued to fire at Israeli forces. So far, however, the crude Qassam and Grad rocket attacks aimed at Israel's southern towns and cities – the reason given by Israel for launching its initial, bloody Gaza raids – have not been repeated.
Local experts believe that the fighting between Israel and Hamas caused around $2 billion (£1.4 billion) in damage. The Israeli offensive killed 1,285 Palestinians. Thirteen Israelis, including three civilians, were also killed during the fighting.
source: the london times
The strike, targeting a Hamas militant riding a motorbike in the southern town of Khan Younis, came after Defence Minister Ehud Barak said that Israel "cannot accept" the bomb attack, which took place as the soldier patrolled the Kissufim crossing with Gaza.
The incident threatened to destroy the calm that has largely prevailed since Israel and the Islamist group ended a three-week conflict on January 17.
It comes at the worst possible time for humanitarian organisations, which have been distributing desperately needed aid to the coastal strip while international donors discuss how best to help the territory rebuild.
Israel closed its crossings into Gaza to humanitarian aid traffic after briefly opening them this morning.
As he called the meeting of security chiefs, Mr Barak said that Israel "cannot accept" the attack. "We will respond, but there is no point in elaborating," he said.
Israeli soldiers briefly crossed the border in search of the attackers. A 27-year-old Palestinian man, believed to be a farmer, was killed in crossfire between the Army and Hamas militants and two others were wounded. An air strike against a Hamas militant on a motorbike left the target seriously wounded along with a passer-by.
No Palestinian militant group took responsibility for the bomb attack, believed to be the most serious breach of the truce that both sides are trying to firm up in Egyptian-brokered talks in Cairo.
Despite this, Mushir al-Masri, a Hamas leader, said that Israel was to blame for continuing to fire into Gaza, adding that his group had not agreed to a full ceasefire but only to a "lull" in fighting. "The Zionists are responsible for any aggression," he said.
Hamas had said in the past few days that it could agree to a year-long ceasefire if Israel ended its 18-month closure of the Gaza crossings.
After today's attack, Palestinians living close to the area said that heavy shooting could be heard and reported seeing Israeli attack helicopters in the air. Shortly afterwards, an Israeli warplane flew over the strip causing a sonic boom, apparently in a warning to the population.
It raises fears that, despite the ceasefire, Hamas could be unable, or unwilling, to completely rein in more extreme groups who have continued to fire at Israeli forces. So far, however, the crude Qassam and Grad rocket attacks aimed at Israel's southern towns and cities – the reason given by Israel for launching its initial, bloody Gaza raids – have not been repeated.
Local experts believe that the fighting between Israel and Hamas caused around $2 billion (£1.4 billion) in damage. The Israeli offensive killed 1,285 Palestinians. Thirteen Israelis, including three civilians, were also killed during the fighting.
source: the london times
Report blasts government over failing care system
The care system in England has failed to provide personalised care for the elderly despite Government attempts to tailor the service to individual needs.
The annual report by the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) says a “one-size-fits-all” culture still pervades the care system and the Government’s “Putting People First” initiative has failed to improve the care most people receive. It claims there is a lack of relevant information, advice and support for the people most in need.
Dame Denise Platt, CSCI chairman, said: “People who need social care should be seen as individuals, first and foremost. The support they receive should be tailor-made, allowing people to live their lives as they choose. If we get it right for people with complex needs, it is likely that we’ll get it right for everyone.
“The Government’s ambition to transform care services is to be commended. However, there is still a long way to go to turn policy into practice.
“While some councils and care providers are doing truly excellent work, others have been reluctant, for whatever reason, to make personalised care a reality for the people they serve. Many people do not get the information, advice or support they need to help them make informed choices about their care.”
Elderly care charities expressed dismay at the findings that systematic and fundamental failures have led to a large number of people who need support receiving little or nothing at all.
Paul Cann, Director of Policy and External Relations at Help the Aged, said:
“This report shows that the Government’s aspirations of putting people first are far from a reality. Despite some overall improvements, this report shows that far too many older people are still forced to endure second-rate care at the hands of our failing social care system.
“Vast numbers of older people are being denied care because their needs are not considered a priority – all too often they are left to fend for themselves or rely on family and friends.
“The general failure of the system is also reflected in the large number of staff vacancies - care isn't being valued and until it is, more and more older people will continue to miss out," he said.
The report identified an improvement in the overall performance of councils and care services but disclosed concerns about people being lost to the system because they were ineligible for publicly-funded support.
Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said the report highlights widespread discrimination against the elderly in the drive to more personalised care.
“Older people who get direct payments are likely to get far less money than younger people with similar needs,” he said.
“We are also very concerned at the lack of information, advice and support for those receiving direct payments. As we reach this critical stage of the debate about the reform of care services, it is vital that the new regulator gives sufficient weight to care as well as health regulation.”
The report also looked at whether disabled people get the care they need and outlines the challenges facing social care services in the future.
The care watchdog has published three previous reports. Its 2006/07 report found people qualifying for council care were getting better treatment than ever before but showed fewer than ever were qualifying for that care.
source:the london times
The annual report by the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) says a “one-size-fits-all” culture still pervades the care system and the Government’s “Putting People First” initiative has failed to improve the care most people receive. It claims there is a lack of relevant information, advice and support for the people most in need.
Dame Denise Platt, CSCI chairman, said: “People who need social care should be seen as individuals, first and foremost. The support they receive should be tailor-made, allowing people to live their lives as they choose. If we get it right for people with complex needs, it is likely that we’ll get it right for everyone.
“The Government’s ambition to transform care services is to be commended. However, there is still a long way to go to turn policy into practice.
“While some councils and care providers are doing truly excellent work, others have been reluctant, for whatever reason, to make personalised care a reality for the people they serve. Many people do not get the information, advice or support they need to help them make informed choices about their care.”
Elderly care charities expressed dismay at the findings that systematic and fundamental failures have led to a large number of people who need support receiving little or nothing at all.
Paul Cann, Director of Policy and External Relations at Help the Aged, said:
“This report shows that the Government’s aspirations of putting people first are far from a reality. Despite some overall improvements, this report shows that far too many older people are still forced to endure second-rate care at the hands of our failing social care system.
“Vast numbers of older people are being denied care because their needs are not considered a priority – all too often they are left to fend for themselves or rely on family and friends.
“The general failure of the system is also reflected in the large number of staff vacancies - care isn't being valued and until it is, more and more older people will continue to miss out," he said.
The report identified an improvement in the overall performance of councils and care services but disclosed concerns about people being lost to the system because they were ineligible for publicly-funded support.
Gordon Lishman, Director General of Age Concern, said the report highlights widespread discrimination against the elderly in the drive to more personalised care.
“Older people who get direct payments are likely to get far less money than younger people with similar needs,” he said.
“We are also very concerned at the lack of information, advice and support for those receiving direct payments. As we reach this critical stage of the debate about the reform of care services, it is vital that the new regulator gives sufficient weight to care as well as health regulation.”
The report also looked at whether disabled people get the care they need and outlines the challenges facing social care services in the future.
The care watchdog has published three previous reports. Its 2006/07 report found people qualifying for council care were getting better treatment than ever before but showed fewer than ever were qualifying for that care.
source:the london times
£2.3 billion rescue plan for car industry - but it's no bailout says Mandelson
The Government announced a major package of help for the UK's ailing car industry today, including £1 billion of direct loans and a national strategy designed to help British manufacturers meet demand for greener, cleaner cars.
Lord Mandelson also unveiled guarantees for £1.3 billion in loans from the European Investment Bank, but the Business Secretary said that there was "no blank cheque on offer" and no operational subsidies.
"Today's measures will provide a specific boost to the industry, providing real help and laying the foundations for its reinvestion for a low-carbon future," Lord Mandelson told peers. "This industry is not a lame duck and this is no bail-out."
Lord Mandelson said that around a million people work in the UK automotive industry, for suppliers, manufacturers and dealers, contributing £10 billion in "added value" for the UK economy.
But he said that industry had fallen "further and faster" than any other during the credit crunch as the financing dries up which allows customers to buy new cars. Industry figures showed production in December last year at barely half the level of December 2007.
Of the major manufacturers, Nissan has cut 1,200 jobs at its Sunderland plant, Jaguar Land Rover has cut 450 jobs and Honda, Aston Martin and Toyota have all announced cutbacks.
The union United has been calling for aid of up to £13 billion for manufacturing, including car companies. The union’s joint leader, Tony Woodley, said that without a robust intervention from the Government the car industry was heading for a “catastrophe” with the loss of tens of thousands of jobs.
Mr Woodley said of today's package: "Two billion pounds sounds like a lot of money but at least half of this will be taken up by Vauxhall and Jaguar Land Rover alone, leaving little or nothing for the hundreds of component companies. This is a fraction of the support being given by almost every other government in Europe."
He said that the Government should double the money it had announced today, warning that the spectre of redundancy was hovering over thousands of skilled workers.
Derek Simpson, Unite’s joint leader, added that the money from Europe was "months away", adding: "There could be little left of the industry by the time it arrives. This package is too little but it is not yet too late. Ministers must leave behind the failed free markets philosophy once and for all and intervene decisively now."
Today's package echoes in some parts an auto industry rescue plan announced by President Obama this week designed to help Detroit's Big Three wean themselves off gas-guzzlers.
Lord Mandelson said a further £35 million could be made available to increase funding for retraining workers in the automotive sector and there will be a “step change” in research for greener vehicles.
The new trade and investment minister Mervyn Davies, a former top banker, will also draw up a plan to improve the car companies’ financing arms’ access to funding.
"Britain needs an economy with less financial engineering and more real engineering," Lord Mandelson said. "The car industry can and should be a vibrant part of that future."
The measures were outlined to MPs by the Business Minister Ian Pearson, but failed to impress Ken Clarke, the former Tory Chancellor recalled last week to shadow Lord Mandelson from the Commons.
After hearing details of the package, Mr Clarke told MPs: “I have to say I’m slightly disappointed. I thought the Secretary of State who I am shadowing would produce some new ideas, some dynamite. He has been trailing a massive programme of support for the automotive industry - unfortunately the minister has the task of producing pretty small beer here.
“Is it the case that the Secretary of State has not produced a bail-out because the Treasury has finally won an argument inside the Government and explained to him that they can’t afford the kind of
support for the industry that was being trailed?”
Mr Clarke also accused the Government of being “behind the curve, too late” in its plans, and said it was a “constitutional outrage” that Lord Mandelson’s statement in the Upper House had been repeated in the Commons by a junior minister.
source: the london times
Lord Mandelson also unveiled guarantees for £1.3 billion in loans from the European Investment Bank, but the Business Secretary said that there was "no blank cheque on offer" and no operational subsidies.
"Today's measures will provide a specific boost to the industry, providing real help and laying the foundations for its reinvestion for a low-carbon future," Lord Mandelson told peers. "This industry is not a lame duck and this is no bail-out."
Lord Mandelson said that around a million people work in the UK automotive industry, for suppliers, manufacturers and dealers, contributing £10 billion in "added value" for the UK economy.
But he said that industry had fallen "further and faster" than any other during the credit crunch as the financing dries up which allows customers to buy new cars. Industry figures showed production in December last year at barely half the level of December 2007.
Of the major manufacturers, Nissan has cut 1,200 jobs at its Sunderland plant, Jaguar Land Rover has cut 450 jobs and Honda, Aston Martin and Toyota have all announced cutbacks.
The union United has been calling for aid of up to £13 billion for manufacturing, including car companies. The union’s joint leader, Tony Woodley, said that without a robust intervention from the Government the car industry was heading for a “catastrophe” with the loss of tens of thousands of jobs.
Mr Woodley said of today's package: "Two billion pounds sounds like a lot of money but at least half of this will be taken up by Vauxhall and Jaguar Land Rover alone, leaving little or nothing for the hundreds of component companies. This is a fraction of the support being given by almost every other government in Europe."
He said that the Government should double the money it had announced today, warning that the spectre of redundancy was hovering over thousands of skilled workers.
Derek Simpson, Unite’s joint leader, added that the money from Europe was "months away", adding: "There could be little left of the industry by the time it arrives. This package is too little but it is not yet too late. Ministers must leave behind the failed free markets philosophy once and for all and intervene decisively now."
Today's package echoes in some parts an auto industry rescue plan announced by President Obama this week designed to help Detroit's Big Three wean themselves off gas-guzzlers.
Lord Mandelson said a further £35 million could be made available to increase funding for retraining workers in the automotive sector and there will be a “step change” in research for greener vehicles.
The new trade and investment minister Mervyn Davies, a former top banker, will also draw up a plan to improve the car companies’ financing arms’ access to funding.
"Britain needs an economy with less financial engineering and more real engineering," Lord Mandelson said. "The car industry can and should be a vibrant part of that future."
The measures were outlined to MPs by the Business Minister Ian Pearson, but failed to impress Ken Clarke, the former Tory Chancellor recalled last week to shadow Lord Mandelson from the Commons.
After hearing details of the package, Mr Clarke told MPs: “I have to say I’m slightly disappointed. I thought the Secretary of State who I am shadowing would produce some new ideas, some dynamite. He has been trailing a massive programme of support for the automotive industry - unfortunately the minister has the task of producing pretty small beer here.
“Is it the case that the Secretary of State has not produced a bail-out because the Treasury has finally won an argument inside the Government and explained to him that they can’t afford the kind of
support for the industry that was being trailed?”
Mr Clarke also accused the Government of being “behind the curve, too late” in its plans, and said it was a “constitutional outrage” that Lord Mandelson’s statement in the Upper House had been repeated in the Commons by a junior minister.
source: the london times
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Obama airstrikes kill 22 in Pakistan
PAKISTAN received an early warning of what the era of “smart power” under President Barack Obama will look like after two remote-controlled US airstrikes killed 22 people at suspected terrorist hideouts in the border area of Waziristan.
There will be no let-up in the military pressure on terrorist groups, US officials warned, as Obama prepares to launch a surge of 30,000 troops in neighbouring Afghanistan. It is part of a “tough love” policy combining a military crack-down with diplomatic initiatives.
The Pakistani government, which received a visit from General David Petraeus, the chief of US Central Command, on the day of Obama’s inauguration, has been warned that it must step up its efforts against militants if it is to continue to receive substantial military aid from America.
The airstrikes were authorised under a covert programme approved by Obama, according to a senior US official. It was a dramatic signal in the president’s first week of office that there will be no respite in the hunt for Al-Qaeda and Taliban leaders.
However, Obama aims to win hearts and minds in the region by tripling the nonmilitary aid budget to Pakistan and encouraging reconciliation and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan as a component of the surge.
Hillary Clinton, the secretary of state, said during her Senate confirmation hearing: “We will use all the elements in our power - diplomacy, development and defence - to work with those . . . who want to root out Al-Qaeda, the Taliban and other violent extremists.”
Clinton pledged that a mix of active diplomacy and strong defence, which she described as “smart power”, would help to restore US leadership in foreign policy.
The airstrikes are deeply resented in Pakistan, where enthusiasm for Obama is said to be lower than in any other Muslim country.
Shuja Nawaz, a Pakistani who runs the South Asia centre of the Atlantic Council, a Washington think tank, said Obama had to do more than lob missiles at Pakistan.
“He can’t just focus on military achievements; he has to win over the people.” Nawaz added that it was important to set conditions in return for aid because “people are more cognisant of the need for accountability – for ‘tough love’ ”.
Increased military cooperation from Pakistan is a vital part of the surge, according to diplomatic sources who fear the efforts in Afghanistan will be wasted if terrorists can operate with relative ease from bases across the border.
Obama is also ramping up the pressure on Hamid Karzai, the Afghan president, who is increasingly viewed as an obstacle to progress and faces reelection this year.
“We’re going to need more effective government and a more effective drive against corruption coming from the leadership in Kabul if the Nato effort is to be sustainable,” said a senior British official.
Richard Holbrooke, 67, a veteran diplomat known as “the bulldozer”, was appointed as a special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan last week.
“Nobody can say the war in Afghanistan has gone well,” Holbrooke said when his appointment was announced.
Obama last week delivered the warning that Afghanistan and Pakistan were the “central front” in the war on terror.
“There is no answer in Afghanistan that does not confront the Al-Qaeda and Taliban bases along the border,” he said, “and there will be no lasting peace unless we expand spheres of opportunity for the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan.”
The Pentagon has acknowledged that it needs to define its strategy in the region.
Robert Gates, who has retained his job as defence secretary, said last week: “One of the points where I suspect both administrations come to the same conclusion is that the goals we did have for Afghanistan are too broad and too far into the future.”
Gates said America needed to set more “concrete goals” for Afghanistan that could “be achieved realistically within three to five years”.
He described these goals as reestablishing Afghan government control in the south and east of the country, and delivering better services to its people.
In a sign that there may be turf wars to come between the State Department and the Pentagon, Clinton said she wanted diplomats rather than military officers to hand out aid, set up schools and encourage political reconciliation - a break from the counter-insurgency strategy pursued in Iraq under Petraeus.
source:the london times
There will be no let-up in the military pressure on terrorist groups, US officials warned, as Obama prepares to launch a surge of 30,000 troops in neighbouring Afghanistan. It is part of a “tough love” policy combining a military crack-down with diplomatic initiatives.
The Pakistani government, which received a visit from General David Petraeus, the chief of US Central Command, on the day of Obama’s inauguration, has been warned that it must step up its efforts against militants if it is to continue to receive substantial military aid from America.
The airstrikes were authorised under a covert programme approved by Obama, according to a senior US official. It was a dramatic signal in the president’s first week of office that there will be no respite in the hunt for Al-Qaeda and Taliban leaders.
However, Obama aims to win hearts and minds in the region by tripling the nonmilitary aid budget to Pakistan and encouraging reconciliation and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan as a component of the surge.
Hillary Clinton, the secretary of state, said during her Senate confirmation hearing: “We will use all the elements in our power - diplomacy, development and defence - to work with those . . . who want to root out Al-Qaeda, the Taliban and other violent extremists.”
Clinton pledged that a mix of active diplomacy and strong defence, which she described as “smart power”, would help to restore US leadership in foreign policy.
The airstrikes are deeply resented in Pakistan, where enthusiasm for Obama is said to be lower than in any other Muslim country.
Shuja Nawaz, a Pakistani who runs the South Asia centre of the Atlantic Council, a Washington think tank, said Obama had to do more than lob missiles at Pakistan.
“He can’t just focus on military achievements; he has to win over the people.” Nawaz added that it was important to set conditions in return for aid because “people are more cognisant of the need for accountability – for ‘tough love’ ”.
Increased military cooperation from Pakistan is a vital part of the surge, according to diplomatic sources who fear the efforts in Afghanistan will be wasted if terrorists can operate with relative ease from bases across the border.
Obama is also ramping up the pressure on Hamid Karzai, the Afghan president, who is increasingly viewed as an obstacle to progress and faces reelection this year.
“We’re going to need more effective government and a more effective drive against corruption coming from the leadership in Kabul if the Nato effort is to be sustainable,” said a senior British official.
Richard Holbrooke, 67, a veteran diplomat known as “the bulldozer”, was appointed as a special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan last week.
“Nobody can say the war in Afghanistan has gone well,” Holbrooke said when his appointment was announced.
Obama last week delivered the warning that Afghanistan and Pakistan were the “central front” in the war on terror.
“There is no answer in Afghanistan that does not confront the Al-Qaeda and Taliban bases along the border,” he said, “and there will be no lasting peace unless we expand spheres of opportunity for the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan.”
The Pentagon has acknowledged that it needs to define its strategy in the region.
Robert Gates, who has retained his job as defence secretary, said last week: “One of the points where I suspect both administrations come to the same conclusion is that the goals we did have for Afghanistan are too broad and too far into the future.”
Gates said America needed to set more “concrete goals” for Afghanistan that could “be achieved realistically within three to five years”.
He described these goals as reestablishing Afghan government control in the south and east of the country, and delivering better services to its people.
In a sign that there may be turf wars to come between the State Department and the Pentagon, Clinton said she wanted diplomats rather than military officers to hand out aid, set up schools and encourage political reconciliation - a break from the counter-insurgency strategy pursued in Iraq under Petraeus.
source:the london times
Manmohan Singh, Indian PM, in intensive care after heart surgery
Manmohan Singh, India's 76-year-old Prime Minister, is in intensive care in hospital today recovering from a successful heart bypass amid confusion about who has replaced him at the helm of the world's largest democracy.
As doctors declared him stable this morning, Indian police said they had killed two suspected Pakistani militants near Delhi, raising fears of another stand-off between India and Pakistan, two months after the Mumbai attacks.
Yesterday's operation, which lasted 11 hours, has also provoked questions about Dr Singh's long-term health -- and the advanced age of many other Indian politicans -- in the run-up to a general election due by May.
Dr Singh – a diabetic who had a heart bypass in Britain in 1990 and an angioplasty in India in 2003 -- will remain in intensive care for three days or so and in hospital for a week, according to his doctors.
He will then have to rest for four to six weeks, they say.
"The Prime Minister…. talked to his family this morning," Dr Singh's office said in a statement. "The doctors attending on the Prime Minister say that he is stable, comfortable and is making rapid progress."
An 11-member team performed the operation, during which Dr Singh's heart was kept beating as surgeons grafted five arteries onto his heart to bypass blockages, according to medical sources.
The Prime Minister's office and the ruling Congress Party played down the gravity of the operation, insisting that Dr Singh would be fit to campaign for the coming election.
After some initial confusion, they said that Pranab Mukherjee, the Foreign Minister, had assumed the Prime Minister's responsibilities as head of the Cabinet.
Mr Mukherjee, 73, will also take over Dr Singh's role as acting Finance Minister, they said.
However, Mr Mukherjee has not been formally appointed acting Prime Minister, prompting speculation about a succession struggle inside Congress.
Nor does he control India's "nuclear button", which has passed into the hands of a committee including him, the Home Minister and the Defence Minister.
India has no Deputy Prime Minister and no formal procedure to replace the Prime Minister in an emergency – unlike the United States, where the Vice President assumes command.
Dr Singh, who became Prime Minister in 2004, will be the first not to attend tomorrow's annual Republic Day parade since the tradition began in 1950.
He will also be unable to host Nursultan Nazarbayev, the Kazakh President, who is the guest of honour at the parade, and Kevin Rudd, Australia's Prime Minister, who has postponed his visit.
More worryingly, however, India's chief executive is incapacitated in the midst of a global economic crisis and a tense stand-off with Pakistan over last year's Mumbai attacks.
India blames the attacks on Pakistani militants, backed by Pakistan's intelligence agency, and has demanded that Pakistan hand over the perpetrators and crack down on other militant groups.
India and Pakistan have fought three wars since winning independence from Britain in 1947, and almost went to a fourth after Pakistani militants attacked India's parliament in 2001.
This morning, Indian police said they had shot dead two suspected Pakistani militants after a car chase shortly before dawn in the city of Noida, which is right next to Delhi but technically falls inside the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.
"We recovered AK-47 rifles and grenades and some documents, including a Pakistani passport," Navin Arora, a senior police officer in Noida, told reporters.
The security scare is likely to exacerbate concerns about Dr Singh's fitness to serve another five-year term, analysts say.
He underwent yesterday's operation on his doctors' advice after he complained of chest pains last week, and tests revealed blockages in his heart. He also had an operation on his wrist in 2006, underwent surgery for a "benign enlargement" of the prostate gland in 2007, and had a cataract removed last year.
Congress, which leads the coalition government, says he will remain Prime Minister if the party and its allies win again, but it is understood to be planning to replace him, possibly within two years, with Rahul Gandhi, the 38-year-old son of Sonia Gandhi, the Italian-born Congress leader.
Mr Gandhi's supporters say that India has long been held back by the advanced age of its politicians, and needs a new generation of young, energetic leaders to match its vibrant economy.
The Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, which leads the opposition, had been reluctant to raise the issue, however, as its Prime Ministerial candidate, L K Advani, is 81.
Mr Advani, who recently launched a blog, pointedly boasted of his good health in newspapers over the weekend and stressed the need for experience in a national leader.
Rajnath Singh, the BJP leader, caused a stir last year by calling Mr Gandhi a "bachcha", which means "child" in Hindi. Mr Gandhi shot back:
"Yes I am still a bachcha… however, fortunately or unfortunately for him, 70 per cent of this country are also bachchas'."
source:the london times
As doctors declared him stable this morning, Indian police said they had killed two suspected Pakistani militants near Delhi, raising fears of another stand-off between India and Pakistan, two months after the Mumbai attacks.
Yesterday's operation, which lasted 11 hours, has also provoked questions about Dr Singh's long-term health -- and the advanced age of many other Indian politicans -- in the run-up to a general election due by May.
Dr Singh – a diabetic who had a heart bypass in Britain in 1990 and an angioplasty in India in 2003 -- will remain in intensive care for three days or so and in hospital for a week, according to his doctors.
He will then have to rest for four to six weeks, they say.
"The Prime Minister…. talked to his family this morning," Dr Singh's office said in a statement. "The doctors attending on the Prime Minister say that he is stable, comfortable and is making rapid progress."
An 11-member team performed the operation, during which Dr Singh's heart was kept beating as surgeons grafted five arteries onto his heart to bypass blockages, according to medical sources.
The Prime Minister's office and the ruling Congress Party played down the gravity of the operation, insisting that Dr Singh would be fit to campaign for the coming election.
After some initial confusion, they said that Pranab Mukherjee, the Foreign Minister, had assumed the Prime Minister's responsibilities as head of the Cabinet.
Mr Mukherjee, 73, will also take over Dr Singh's role as acting Finance Minister, they said.
However, Mr Mukherjee has not been formally appointed acting Prime Minister, prompting speculation about a succession struggle inside Congress.
Nor does he control India's "nuclear button", which has passed into the hands of a committee including him, the Home Minister and the Defence Minister.
India has no Deputy Prime Minister and no formal procedure to replace the Prime Minister in an emergency – unlike the United States, where the Vice President assumes command.
Dr Singh, who became Prime Minister in 2004, will be the first not to attend tomorrow's annual Republic Day parade since the tradition began in 1950.
He will also be unable to host Nursultan Nazarbayev, the Kazakh President, who is the guest of honour at the parade, and Kevin Rudd, Australia's Prime Minister, who has postponed his visit.
More worryingly, however, India's chief executive is incapacitated in the midst of a global economic crisis and a tense stand-off with Pakistan over last year's Mumbai attacks.
India blames the attacks on Pakistani militants, backed by Pakistan's intelligence agency, and has demanded that Pakistan hand over the perpetrators and crack down on other militant groups.
India and Pakistan have fought three wars since winning independence from Britain in 1947, and almost went to a fourth after Pakistani militants attacked India's parliament in 2001.
This morning, Indian police said they had shot dead two suspected Pakistani militants after a car chase shortly before dawn in the city of Noida, which is right next to Delhi but technically falls inside the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.
"We recovered AK-47 rifles and grenades and some documents, including a Pakistani passport," Navin Arora, a senior police officer in Noida, told reporters.
The security scare is likely to exacerbate concerns about Dr Singh's fitness to serve another five-year term, analysts say.
He underwent yesterday's operation on his doctors' advice after he complained of chest pains last week, and tests revealed blockages in his heart. He also had an operation on his wrist in 2006, underwent surgery for a "benign enlargement" of the prostate gland in 2007, and had a cataract removed last year.
Congress, which leads the coalition government, says he will remain Prime Minister if the party and its allies win again, but it is understood to be planning to replace him, possibly within two years, with Rahul Gandhi, the 38-year-old son of Sonia Gandhi, the Italian-born Congress leader.
Mr Gandhi's supporters say that India has long been held back by the advanced age of its politicians, and needs a new generation of young, energetic leaders to match its vibrant economy.
The Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, which leads the opposition, had been reluctant to raise the issue, however, as its Prime Ministerial candidate, L K Advani, is 81.
Mr Advani, who recently launched a blog, pointedly boasted of his good health in newspapers over the weekend and stressed the need for experience in a national leader.
Rajnath Singh, the BJP leader, caused a stir last year by calling Mr Gandhi a "bachcha", which means "child" in Hindi. Mr Gandhi shot back:
"Yes I am still a bachcha… however, fortunately or unfortunately for him, 70 per cent of this country are also bachchas'."
source:the london times
Revealed: Labour lords change laws for cash
LABOUR peers are prepared to accept fees of up to £120,000 a year to amend laws in the House of Lords on behalf of business clients, a Sunday Times investigation has found.
Four peers — including two former ministers — offered to help undercover reporters posing as lobbyists obtain an amendment in return for cash.
Two of the peers were secretly recorded telling the reporters they had previously secured changes to bills going through parliament to help their clients.
Lord Truscott, the former energy minister, said he had helped to ensure the Energy Bill was favourable to a client selling “smart” electricity meters. Lord Taylor of Blackburn claimed he had changed the law to help his client Experian, the credit check company.
Taylor told the reporters: “I will work within the rules, but the rules are meant to be bent sometimes.”
The other peers who agreed to assist our reporters for a fee were Lord Moonie, a former defence minister, and Lord Snape, a former Labour whip.
The disclosure that peers are “for hire” to help change legislation confirms persistent rumours in Westminster that lobbyists are targeting the Lords rather than the Commons, where MPs are under greater scrutiny.
Brendan Keith, the registrar of Lords’ interests, said on Friday that taking a fee to help amend bills was a breach of the “no paid advocacy” rules which prevent peers from promoting the cause of a paid client in parliament. “The rules say that a member of the House must never accept any financial inducement as an incentive or reward for exerting parliamentary influence,” he said.
Baroness Royall of Blaisdon, leader of the House of Lords, issued a statement yesterday saying: “I am deeply concerned about these allegations. I have spoken to the members who are the subject of them and I shall be pursuing these matters with the utmost vigour."
Norman Baker, the Liberal Democrat MP, said he would take up the issue with the Lords authorities. “Legislators in the Commons and the Lords are there to pass legislation on behalf of the country, not to change the law in return for financial favours,” he said.
The Sunday Times began its investigation last year after Taylor had been forced to apologise for asking a question in the House on behalf of a paying client without declaring an interest. His friend Jack Straw, the justice minister, was reprimanded last week over an undeclared donation which had been arranged by the peer.
Our reporters posed as lobbyists acting for a foreign client who was setting up a chain of shops in the UK and wanted to secure an exemption from the Business Rates Supplements Bill. We selected 10 Lords who already had a number of paid consultancies. The three Conservative peers did not return our calls and a Liberal Democrat and an Ulster Unionist both declined to help after meeting the undercover reporters.
However, four of the five Labour peers were willing to help to amend the bill in return for retainers. Some were more forthright than others.
Taylor, a former BAE consultant, said he would not table the amendment himself but offered to conduct a “behind the scenes” campaign to persuade ministers and officials. After agreeing a one-year retainer for £120,000, he said he would discuss the amendment with Yvette Cooper, chief secretary to the Treasury, and talk to officials drafting the bill.
Truscott, his Labour colleague, was also keen to help “behind the scenes” — for a fee of up to £72,000: “I can work with you . . . identifying people and following it . . . meeting people, talking to people to facilitate the amendment and making sure the thing is granted.”
He said he would identify and talk to people who could be persuaded to change the legislation. He offered to contact MPs, peers, civil servants and John Healey, the minister in charge of the legislation.
Moonie offered to help for a fee of £30,000 a year and Snape indicated that he would charge £24,000. By contrast Lord Rogan, the Ulster Unionist peer, said: “If your direct proposal is as stark as for me . . . to help to put down an amendment, that’s a non-runner. A, it’s not right and b, my personal integrity wouldn’t let me do it.”
source:the london times
Four peers — including two former ministers — offered to help undercover reporters posing as lobbyists obtain an amendment in return for cash.
Two of the peers were secretly recorded telling the reporters they had previously secured changes to bills going through parliament to help their clients.
Lord Truscott, the former energy minister, said he had helped to ensure the Energy Bill was favourable to a client selling “smart” electricity meters. Lord Taylor of Blackburn claimed he had changed the law to help his client Experian, the credit check company.
Taylor told the reporters: “I will work within the rules, but the rules are meant to be bent sometimes.”
The other peers who agreed to assist our reporters for a fee were Lord Moonie, a former defence minister, and Lord Snape, a former Labour whip.
The disclosure that peers are “for hire” to help change legislation confirms persistent rumours in Westminster that lobbyists are targeting the Lords rather than the Commons, where MPs are under greater scrutiny.
Brendan Keith, the registrar of Lords’ interests, said on Friday that taking a fee to help amend bills was a breach of the “no paid advocacy” rules which prevent peers from promoting the cause of a paid client in parliament. “The rules say that a member of the House must never accept any financial inducement as an incentive or reward for exerting parliamentary influence,” he said.
Baroness Royall of Blaisdon, leader of the House of Lords, issued a statement yesterday saying: “I am deeply concerned about these allegations. I have spoken to the members who are the subject of them and I shall be pursuing these matters with the utmost vigour."
Norman Baker, the Liberal Democrat MP, said he would take up the issue with the Lords authorities. “Legislators in the Commons and the Lords are there to pass legislation on behalf of the country, not to change the law in return for financial favours,” he said.
The Sunday Times began its investigation last year after Taylor had been forced to apologise for asking a question in the House on behalf of a paying client without declaring an interest. His friend Jack Straw, the justice minister, was reprimanded last week over an undeclared donation which had been arranged by the peer.
Our reporters posed as lobbyists acting for a foreign client who was setting up a chain of shops in the UK and wanted to secure an exemption from the Business Rates Supplements Bill. We selected 10 Lords who already had a number of paid consultancies. The three Conservative peers did not return our calls and a Liberal Democrat and an Ulster Unionist both declined to help after meeting the undercover reporters.
However, four of the five Labour peers were willing to help to amend the bill in return for retainers. Some were more forthright than others.
Taylor, a former BAE consultant, said he would not table the amendment himself but offered to conduct a “behind the scenes” campaign to persuade ministers and officials. After agreeing a one-year retainer for £120,000, he said he would discuss the amendment with Yvette Cooper, chief secretary to the Treasury, and talk to officials drafting the bill.
Truscott, his Labour colleague, was also keen to help “behind the scenes” — for a fee of up to £72,000: “I can work with you . . . identifying people and following it . . . meeting people, talking to people to facilitate the amendment and making sure the thing is granted.”
He said he would identify and talk to people who could be persuaded to change the legislation. He offered to contact MPs, peers, civil servants and John Healey, the minister in charge of the legislation.
Moonie offered to help for a fee of £30,000 a year and Snape indicated that he would charge £24,000. By contrast Lord Rogan, the Ulster Unionist peer, said: “If your direct proposal is as stark as for me . . . to help to put down an amendment, that’s a non-runner. A, it’s not right and b, my personal integrity wouldn’t let me do it.”
source:the london times
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Pressure mounts for BBC to broadcast Gaza appeal
The BBC has been accused of "being complicit in denying humanitarian aid" to the people of Gaza after refusing to broadcast an appeal for emergency funds.
Director general Mark Thompson is coming under increasing pressure to allow the screening of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) film.
He yesterday turned down an appeal from the International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander to reverse his decision not to show the appeal, fearing it could compromise the broadcaster's impartiality.
Today health minister Ben Bradshaw claimed the decision was "inexplicable", while the Muslim Council for Britain said it would "severely jeopardise efforts to raise millions" for the aid effort.
BBC scuppers Gaza fundraising appeal
“In sabotaging the DEC appeal broadcast, the BBC is clearly acting against the public interest," said a spokesman.
"As custodians of the public trust in the BBC its Governors must act immediately to avoid the blame of being complicit in denying humanitarian aid to the desperate people of Gaza.”
The pressure increased further today when rival broadcaster ITV announced today it would show the appeal.
A spokesman said: “After careful consideration, and in consultation with other networks, a common consensus has been reached by the majority of broadcasters and as a result ITV will broadcast a DEC appeal.”
Former minister Tony Benn also criticised the BBC's stance, adding that it was "denying the aid agencies money they desperately need". He is set to join a protest outside Broadcasting House later today.
Previous television and radio appeals by the DEC have raised millions of pounds to help those caught up in war or affected by natural disasters in countries such as Burma and the Congo.
The organisation is made up charities including g Action Aid, the British Red Cross, Christian Aid, Help the Aged, Islamic Relief, Oxfam and Save the Children.
Mr Benn told the Today programme: “I never thought I would live to see (the BBC) refuse to broadcast a humanitarian appeal on the grounds that it was controversial. I know why it is - because (Tzipi) Livni, the Israeli Foreign Minister, has said there is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“The BBC raised £10 million for the Congo and £18 million for Burma. That decision is denying the aid agencies money they desperately need. People are dying in Gaza. There’s an absolute crisis in Gaza.”
Mr Alexander has written to the BBC, ITV and Sky in an effort to get the appeal on air and help what he called a "dire" humanitarian situation.
"“While I recognise that this is a decision rightly taken by broadcasters," he wrote. "I hope that in light of the great human suffering still taking place in Gaza, you will reconsider your decision in relation to the DEC appeal.”
But the BBC head responded, saying the Gaza issue was a "highly controversial news story within which the human suffering and distress which have resulted from the conflict remain intrinsic and contentious elements”.
Mr Thompson also questioned whether the aid would get to those in need in Gaza.
In his reply he wrote: "We concluded that to broadcast a free-standing appeal, no matter how carefully couched, ran the risk of calling into question the public’s confidence in the BBC’s impartiality in its coverage of the story as a whole."
This explanation was branded "completely feeble" by Mr Bradshaw, on Radio 4's Any Questions programme.
“I think this was an inexplicable decision. This is a humanitarian catastrophe and I am afraid the reasons given by the BBC are completely feeble.
“Firstly, the one about delivery - the British Government is giving £25 million to Gaza relief. We don’t have a problem getting it in. There’s no reason why there should be a problem getting the relief in.
“Secondly, this nervousness about being biased - I am afraid the BBC has to stand up to the Israeli authorities occasionally.”
MCB secretary general Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari added: “The excuses given by the BBC are simply untenable and the Governors need to act quickly before the Corporation’s image is irretrievably tarnished.
“The need reverse this decision is even more compelling as the BBC’s coverage of the carnage in Gaza was very tame and not reflective of the scale of the violations committed there.”
source: the london times
Director general Mark Thompson is coming under increasing pressure to allow the screening of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) film.
He yesterday turned down an appeal from the International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander to reverse his decision not to show the appeal, fearing it could compromise the broadcaster's impartiality.
Today health minister Ben Bradshaw claimed the decision was "inexplicable", while the Muslim Council for Britain said it would "severely jeopardise efforts to raise millions" for the aid effort.
BBC scuppers Gaza fundraising appeal
“In sabotaging the DEC appeal broadcast, the BBC is clearly acting against the public interest," said a spokesman.
"As custodians of the public trust in the BBC its Governors must act immediately to avoid the blame of being complicit in denying humanitarian aid to the desperate people of Gaza.”
The pressure increased further today when rival broadcaster ITV announced today it would show the appeal.
A spokesman said: “After careful consideration, and in consultation with other networks, a common consensus has been reached by the majority of broadcasters and as a result ITV will broadcast a DEC appeal.”
Former minister Tony Benn also criticised the BBC's stance, adding that it was "denying the aid agencies money they desperately need". He is set to join a protest outside Broadcasting House later today.
Previous television and radio appeals by the DEC have raised millions of pounds to help those caught up in war or affected by natural disasters in countries such as Burma and the Congo.
The organisation is made up charities including g Action Aid, the British Red Cross, Christian Aid, Help the Aged, Islamic Relief, Oxfam and Save the Children.
Mr Benn told the Today programme: “I never thought I would live to see (the BBC) refuse to broadcast a humanitarian appeal on the grounds that it was controversial. I know why it is - because (Tzipi) Livni, the Israeli Foreign Minister, has said there is no humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“The BBC raised £10 million for the Congo and £18 million for Burma. That decision is denying the aid agencies money they desperately need. People are dying in Gaza. There’s an absolute crisis in Gaza.”
Mr Alexander has written to the BBC, ITV and Sky in an effort to get the appeal on air and help what he called a "dire" humanitarian situation.
"“While I recognise that this is a decision rightly taken by broadcasters," he wrote. "I hope that in light of the great human suffering still taking place in Gaza, you will reconsider your decision in relation to the DEC appeal.”
But the BBC head responded, saying the Gaza issue was a "highly controversial news story within which the human suffering and distress which have resulted from the conflict remain intrinsic and contentious elements”.
Mr Thompson also questioned whether the aid would get to those in need in Gaza.
In his reply he wrote: "We concluded that to broadcast a free-standing appeal, no matter how carefully couched, ran the risk of calling into question the public’s confidence in the BBC’s impartiality in its coverage of the story as a whole."
This explanation was branded "completely feeble" by Mr Bradshaw, on Radio 4's Any Questions programme.
“I think this was an inexplicable decision. This is a humanitarian catastrophe and I am afraid the reasons given by the BBC are completely feeble.
“Firstly, the one about delivery - the British Government is giving £25 million to Gaza relief. We don’t have a problem getting it in. There’s no reason why there should be a problem getting the relief in.
“Secondly, this nervousness about being biased - I am afraid the BBC has to stand up to the Israeli authorities occasionally.”
MCB secretary general Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari added: “The excuses given by the BBC are simply untenable and the Governors need to act quickly before the Corporation’s image is irretrievably tarnished.
“The need reverse this decision is even more compelling as the BBC’s coverage of the carnage in Gaza was very tame and not reflective of the scale of the violations committed there.”
source: the london times
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
IBB and the junta in Guinea
On his return from Guinea as the Federal Government’s special envoy to the beleaguered country, the former military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, shocked the world when he described the military coup in that West African country as well-timed and nationalistic. Babangida who made the statement during a Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) programme also reasoned that the military intervention in Guinea had saved the country from another theatre of human and material waste. He said the country was already polarised and tense before the armed forces came up to save the situation.
In his grand eulogy of the Guinean military adventurers, IBB stated, “For God’s sake they were patriotic to make sure that the country remains intact. From what we could see upon arrival at the country, the people are on the side of the coup plotters, and it would be unfair to say they have come to power to stay”. The former President therefore enjoined Nigeria and the international community to “help the new leadership in Guinea get the country back to its feet”. He further justified the coup on the grounds that while the poll slated for 2008 failed to hold before the death of the former President, Lansana Conte, the tenure of the Guinean parliament had expired two years earlier without the government conducting fresh elections to renew its mandate.
Surprisingly, IBB gave the impression that his statement represented the FG’s official position on the Guinean putsch. Apart from dismissing the statement of the Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, that Nigeria would not recognise the coup plotters, Babangida insinuated that the minister had no clue of what the situation on the ground really was in Guinea. The former military president distanced himself and the Yar’Adua government from the minister’s commendable stance against the coup when he said that, he was acting on the “orders of the president; therefore he (Maduekwe) is on his own.”
But, contrary to IBB’s claim, President Yar’Adua later condemned the coup. During a meeting he summoned on the change of government, the heads of government in Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned the coup and suspended Guinea from all its meetings until a constitutional order is restored in the country. At the forum, President Yar’Adua, who is also the ECOWAS Chairman, enjoined his fellow Heads of State to be united in condemning the coup.
As a private citizen in a democratic society, Babangida cannot be denied his basic rights, including the right to hold opinion and the freedom to express it. The problem, however, is that as a beneficiary of a similar aberration in Nigeria and the Head of State that annulled the June 12, 1993 presidential election acclaimed to be the freest and fairest so far in the country, IBB may not have weaned himself from the ignoble role of the military in African politics. Indeed, what is baffling is the maze of confusion the IBB’s statement has spawned and the diplomatic opprobrium it has brought to the country.
The diplomatic mess has been compounded by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bagudu Hirse, who stated that the Guinean military leadership deserved the sympathy of African countries. Hirse was on Babangida’s entourage to Guinea. Yet, Hirse has not resigned for openly disagreeing with the government on a major diplomatic issue.
The incident has sent a wrong signal that the Yar’Adua administration is incoherent and divided. Was IBB who refused to accept the sanctity of the ballot box in his country a suitable person for such an assignment that required upholding the best democratic ideals? The government should apologise to the nation for sending a man with dubious democratic credentials on such a sensitive diplomatic mission.
Since there can always be countless justifications for coup, the claim by IBB that he made the statement on behalf of the Yar’Adua administration is capable of being interpreted as a blanket endorsement for undemocratic change of government in unstable democracies, including Nigeria. The government should, therefore, reassure Nigerians that the nation’s democracy is not under threat from military adventurers who can always fabricate reasons for any violent change of power.
source:the punch news paper
In his grand eulogy of the Guinean military adventurers, IBB stated, “For God’s sake they were patriotic to make sure that the country remains intact. From what we could see upon arrival at the country, the people are on the side of the coup plotters, and it would be unfair to say they have come to power to stay”. The former President therefore enjoined Nigeria and the international community to “help the new leadership in Guinea get the country back to its feet”. He further justified the coup on the grounds that while the poll slated for 2008 failed to hold before the death of the former President, Lansana Conte, the tenure of the Guinean parliament had expired two years earlier without the government conducting fresh elections to renew its mandate.
Surprisingly, IBB gave the impression that his statement represented the FG’s official position on the Guinean putsch. Apart from dismissing the statement of the Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, that Nigeria would not recognise the coup plotters, Babangida insinuated that the minister had no clue of what the situation on the ground really was in Guinea. The former military president distanced himself and the Yar’Adua government from the minister’s commendable stance against the coup when he said that, he was acting on the “orders of the president; therefore he (Maduekwe) is on his own.”
But, contrary to IBB’s claim, President Yar’Adua later condemned the coup. During a meeting he summoned on the change of government, the heads of government in Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned the coup and suspended Guinea from all its meetings until a constitutional order is restored in the country. At the forum, President Yar’Adua, who is also the ECOWAS Chairman, enjoined his fellow Heads of State to be united in condemning the coup.
As a private citizen in a democratic society, Babangida cannot be denied his basic rights, including the right to hold opinion and the freedom to express it. The problem, however, is that as a beneficiary of a similar aberration in Nigeria and the Head of State that annulled the June 12, 1993 presidential election acclaimed to be the freest and fairest so far in the country, IBB may not have weaned himself from the ignoble role of the military in African politics. Indeed, what is baffling is the maze of confusion the IBB’s statement has spawned and the diplomatic opprobrium it has brought to the country.
The diplomatic mess has been compounded by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bagudu Hirse, who stated that the Guinean military leadership deserved the sympathy of African countries. Hirse was on Babangida’s entourage to Guinea. Yet, Hirse has not resigned for openly disagreeing with the government on a major diplomatic issue.
The incident has sent a wrong signal that the Yar’Adua administration is incoherent and divided. Was IBB who refused to accept the sanctity of the ballot box in his country a suitable person for such an assignment that required upholding the best democratic ideals? The government should apologise to the nation for sending a man with dubious democratic credentials on such a sensitive diplomatic mission.
Since there can always be countless justifications for coup, the claim by IBB that he made the statement on behalf of the Yar’Adua administration is capable of being interpreted as a blanket endorsement for undemocratic change of government in unstable democracies, including Nigeria. The government should, therefore, reassure Nigerians that the nation’s democracy is not under threat from military adventurers who can always fabricate reasons for any violent change of power.
source:the punch news paper
Ibru: We were tortured by panel — Al-Mustapha
The former Chief Security Officer to late Gen. Sani Abacha, Major. Hamza Al-Mustapha, on Tuesday told an Ikeja High Court how men of the Special Investigation Panel tortured him.
He also informed the court that the ex- leader of the Mobile Police in the Presidential villa, Chief Superintendent of Police, Mohammed Rabo Lawal was also tortured by the panel for their alleged roles in the attempted murder of The Guardian publisher, Mr. Alex Ibru about 12 years ago.
Testifying before the court at the resumed hearing of trial-within-trial on the voluntariness of Rabo Lawal‘s statements made before the SIP in 1999, Al-Mustapha said Lawal was induced, beaten and tortured by the panel officials in a bid to implicate him and others during their investigation.
Al-Mustapha, Lawal, the former Commissioner of Police Lagos State Command, James Danbaba, and ex-Zamfara State military administrator, Col. Jubrin Bala Yakubu are co-defendants in the trial being heard by Justice Mufutau Olokooba.
Led in evidence by his lawyer, Mr. Olalekan Ojo, Al-Mustapha told the court that Lawal was “an ulcer patient” considering his medical records when he was the head of presidential escort unit placed directly under his control.
According to Al-Mustapha, “The day we appeared before the SIP in Abuja, where they obtained our statements, we were taken from the cells to the torture room, subdued and then forced to say what you are told to say before the panel.”
Justice Olokooba adjourned the matter till February 18 for further hearing.
source:the punch news paper
He also informed the court that the ex- leader of the Mobile Police in the Presidential villa, Chief Superintendent of Police, Mohammed Rabo Lawal was also tortured by the panel for their alleged roles in the attempted murder of The Guardian publisher, Mr. Alex Ibru about 12 years ago.
Testifying before the court at the resumed hearing of trial-within-trial on the voluntariness of Rabo Lawal‘s statements made before the SIP in 1999, Al-Mustapha said Lawal was induced, beaten and tortured by the panel officials in a bid to implicate him and others during their investigation.
Al-Mustapha, Lawal, the former Commissioner of Police Lagos State Command, James Danbaba, and ex-Zamfara State military administrator, Col. Jubrin Bala Yakubu are co-defendants in the trial being heard by Justice Mufutau Olokooba.
Led in evidence by his lawyer, Mr. Olalekan Ojo, Al-Mustapha told the court that Lawal was “an ulcer patient” considering his medical records when he was the head of presidential escort unit placed directly under his control.
According to Al-Mustapha, “The day we appeared before the SIP in Abuja, where they obtained our statements, we were taken from the cells to the torture room, subdued and then forced to say what you are told to say before the panel.”
Justice Olokooba adjourned the matter till February 18 for further hearing.
source:the punch news paper
Disquiet in Presidency over Obasanjo, Atiku meeting
There were indications on Tuesday that former President Olusegun Obasanjo‘s call on ex-leaders to intervene in the country‘s political situation has unsettled the Presidency.
Sources told our correspondents that some top presidential aides were jolted after reading comments credited to the former President who admitted that things were not going in the right direction in the country.
Obasanjo was reported to have said, “We as former public office holders have a responsibility to come together and help our country, especially when things are not going the way we want. We have to sit down as stakeholders to review the situation.”
Specifically, Yar‘Adua‘s aides were said to have been bothered that Obasanjo made his comment during a visit to him in Abeokuta, Ogun State home by his former Vice-President-turned-political adversary, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
Abubakar had dragged Yar‘Adua before the presidential election tribunal but lost at the Supreme Court which declared that the President was validly elected in the 2007 poll.
Analysts also speculate that the closing of ranks by Obasanjo and Abubakar may be an indication of Obasanjo‘s tacit withdrawal of support for the President.
A source at the Abeokuta meeting told one of our correspondents that Obasanjo allegedly regretted backing Yar’Adua as president in 2007.
Obasanjo, the source, noted, said that if he made a mistake in sponsoring Yar‘Adua in 2007 for the presidency, he would not make it a second time by supporting him for a second term.
Obasanjo was said to have been disturbed by the turn of event after the inauguration of Yar‘Adua. One of such things was the chain of events that led to the dismissal of the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu from the Police last year.
Meanwhile, the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, through a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, said Abubakar had the right to return to his former party.
The statement revealed that the CNPP had conveyed an emergency meeting to examine the import of the meeting between Obasanjo and Abubakar.
The group said it noted at the meeting that though the former vice-president‘s legal battles had deepened democracy, his struggles were more for personal political survival.
The group said, ”We note that it was an offshoot of personal survival and reaction to Obasanjo who, instead of handing over to him, wanted a third term.
“Therefore, his movement to the PDP has little or no impact, but will rather facilitate the formation of granite coalition by the opposition which is in progress.”
Also, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affiars, Dr. Abdul-Lateef Adegbite, told the News Agency of Nigeria that the reconciliation would douse the heat in the polity.
He said, “I have read about Atiku‘s visit to Obasanjo in Abeokuta and I think it is a welcome development and worthy example for all other people, who may have political disagreements.
“We should learn to play politics without rancour in this country.”
Former Ogun State Governor and a chieftain of the AC, Chief Olusegun Osoba, said he was surprised about the visit.
“I don‘t know anything about it, but it came to me as a surprise. I cannot say anything now until l know what transpired at the meeting. Really, it was a surprise visit,” Osoba said.
Osoba’s deputy while in office, Alhaji Adegbenga Kaka, said the meeting between Obasanjo, and Abubakar, was a signal to the warring parties in Afenifere to settle their differences.
He spoke in Abeokuta at the inauguration of the Ogun State chapter of Afenifere Renewal Group.
He stated, “I need to say openly that it was Atiku and Obasanjo that tore Afenifere and the Alliance for Democracy apart with one holding the right hand and the other holding the left hand. If I may be a little more blunt. Some of our elders embraced Obasanjo while our brother in Lagos (Tinubu) embraced Abubakar.
“Now, where are we going to put our faces and our eyes? They have now left us in the cold to go and fend for ourselves.”
source:the punch news paper
Sources told our correspondents that some top presidential aides were jolted after reading comments credited to the former President who admitted that things were not going in the right direction in the country.
Obasanjo was reported to have said, “We as former public office holders have a responsibility to come together and help our country, especially when things are not going the way we want. We have to sit down as stakeholders to review the situation.”
Specifically, Yar‘Adua‘s aides were said to have been bothered that Obasanjo made his comment during a visit to him in Abeokuta, Ogun State home by his former Vice-President-turned-political adversary, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
Abubakar had dragged Yar‘Adua before the presidential election tribunal but lost at the Supreme Court which declared that the President was validly elected in the 2007 poll.
Analysts also speculate that the closing of ranks by Obasanjo and Abubakar may be an indication of Obasanjo‘s tacit withdrawal of support for the President.
A source at the Abeokuta meeting told one of our correspondents that Obasanjo allegedly regretted backing Yar’Adua as president in 2007.
Obasanjo, the source, noted, said that if he made a mistake in sponsoring Yar‘Adua in 2007 for the presidency, he would not make it a second time by supporting him for a second term.
Obasanjo was said to have been disturbed by the turn of event after the inauguration of Yar‘Adua. One of such things was the chain of events that led to the dismissal of the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu from the Police last year.
Meanwhile, the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, through a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, said Abubakar had the right to return to his former party.
The statement revealed that the CNPP had conveyed an emergency meeting to examine the import of the meeting between Obasanjo and Abubakar.
The group said it noted at the meeting that though the former vice-president‘s legal battles had deepened democracy, his struggles were more for personal political survival.
The group said, ”We note that it was an offshoot of personal survival and reaction to Obasanjo who, instead of handing over to him, wanted a third term.
“Therefore, his movement to the PDP has little or no impact, but will rather facilitate the formation of granite coalition by the opposition which is in progress.”
Also, the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affiars, Dr. Abdul-Lateef Adegbite, told the News Agency of Nigeria that the reconciliation would douse the heat in the polity.
He said, “I have read about Atiku‘s visit to Obasanjo in Abeokuta and I think it is a welcome development and worthy example for all other people, who may have political disagreements.
“We should learn to play politics without rancour in this country.”
Former Ogun State Governor and a chieftain of the AC, Chief Olusegun Osoba, said he was surprised about the visit.
“I don‘t know anything about it, but it came to me as a surprise. I cannot say anything now until l know what transpired at the meeting. Really, it was a surprise visit,” Osoba said.
Osoba’s deputy while in office, Alhaji Adegbenga Kaka, said the meeting between Obasanjo, and Abubakar, was a signal to the warring parties in Afenifere to settle their differences.
He spoke in Abeokuta at the inauguration of the Ogun State chapter of Afenifere Renewal Group.
He stated, “I need to say openly that it was Atiku and Obasanjo that tore Afenifere and the Alliance for Democracy apart with one holding the right hand and the other holding the left hand. If I may be a little more blunt. Some of our elders embraced Obasanjo while our brother in Lagos (Tinubu) embraced Abubakar.
“Now, where are we going to put our faces and our eyes? They have now left us in the cold to go and fend for ourselves.”
source:the punch news paper
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
'Head Found' Before Water Ritual
They were cutting an icehole in preparation for an Orthodox ritual where bathers commemorate the baptism of Christ.
"Around noon yesterday, rescuers and divers submerged to check the water ahead of Epiphany bathing, and discovered a bag containing a ball-like object," a source from the rescue service told a local news agency.
When they opened the bag, they found a head and a brick inside, the source added.
The gruesome discovery happened in the river Jordan in the South Russian city of S
But a spokeswoman from the Emergencies Ministry said she was not able to confirm the report.
Thousands of Orthodox worshippers plunge into icy water each year to mark the Epiphany, despite temperatures dropping as low as -30c.
According to the Julian calendar used by the Russian Orthodox church, all water is holy on January 19.
Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko was among those who took part in the river Dnieper, Kiev.
source:skynews.com
"Around noon yesterday, rescuers and divers submerged to check the water ahead of Epiphany bathing, and discovered a bag containing a ball-like object," a source from the rescue service told a local news agency.
When they opened the bag, they found a head and a brick inside, the source added.
The gruesome discovery happened in the river Jordan in the South Russian city of S
But a spokeswoman from the Emergencies Ministry said she was not able to confirm the report.
Thousands of Orthodox worshippers plunge into icy water each year to mark the Epiphany, despite temperatures dropping as low as -30c.
According to the Julian calendar used by the Russian Orthodox church, all water is holy on January 19.
Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko was among those who took part in the river Dnieper, Kiev.
source:skynews.com
Barack Obama calls for return to 'old truths'
Barack Obama today called on Americans to embrace a "new era of responsibility" and work with courage and selflessness to guide the United States through the economic crisis and back to a position of global leadership.
In an inspirational inaugural address after being sworn in as the 44th President of the United States, Mr Obama told the nation: "Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin again the work of remaking America."
He portrayed the United States as a country built on the sacrifice and hard work of immigrants, pioneers and slaves and said that a similar sense of sacrifice was called for now.
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies," Mr Obama said from the steps of the Capitol as an estimated two million watched in sub-zero temperatures.
"It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours," Mr Obama added. "It is the fire-fighter’s courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent’s willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.
"Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history.
"What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
"This is the price and the promise of citizenship. This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny. This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath."
Before his speech, as he took the 35-word oath of office, Mr Obama stumbled, mixing up the words as his wife watched on, smiling broadly.
But he was soon back to his oratorical best as he delivered an inaugural speech likely to go down in history not just for the fact that it was delivered by a black man, but for its stirring call to arms in the face of economic and geopolitical crises.
Mr Obama began by saying that his 43 predecessors as president had delivered their inaugural speeches "during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace" but also, occasionally, "amidst gathering clouds and raging storms".
He said: "That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
"These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America’s decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.
"Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met."
Spelling out the broad lines of his recovery plan, he continued: "We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished.
"But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed.
"For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place and wield technology’s wonders to raise health care’s quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do."
Mr Obama also took care to reach out to the world beyond and promise a more inclusive foreign policy.
"We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan," he said. "With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the spectre of a warming planet.
"We will not apologise for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defence and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.
"For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
"To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
"To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world’s resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it."
source:the londontimes
In an inspirational inaugural address after being sworn in as the 44th President of the United States, Mr Obama told the nation: "Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin again the work of remaking America."
He portrayed the United States as a country built on the sacrifice and hard work of immigrants, pioneers and slaves and said that a similar sense of sacrifice was called for now.
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies," Mr Obama said from the steps of the Capitol as an estimated two million watched in sub-zero temperatures.
"It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours," Mr Obama added. "It is the fire-fighter’s courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent’s willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.
"Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history.
"What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
"This is the price and the promise of citizenship. This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny. This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath."
Before his speech, as he took the 35-word oath of office, Mr Obama stumbled, mixing up the words as his wife watched on, smiling broadly.
But he was soon back to his oratorical best as he delivered an inaugural speech likely to go down in history not just for the fact that it was delivered by a black man, but for its stirring call to arms in the face of economic and geopolitical crises.
Mr Obama began by saying that his 43 predecessors as president had delivered their inaugural speeches "during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace" but also, occasionally, "amidst gathering clouds and raging storms".
He said: "That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
"These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America’s decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.
"Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met."
Spelling out the broad lines of his recovery plan, he continued: "We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished.
"But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed.
"For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place and wield technology’s wonders to raise health care’s quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do."
Mr Obama also took care to reach out to the world beyond and promise a more inclusive foreign policy.
"We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan," he said. "With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the spectre of a warming planet.
"We will not apologise for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defence and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.
"For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
"To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society’s ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
"To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world’s resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it."
source:the londontimes
Breaking News:OBAMA TAKES OVER
Barack Obama has taken his oath of office to become the first black US President - declaring America had chosen "hope over fear".
Hundreds of thousands of people have been celebrating in Washington DC for the Obama inauguration party - and they were more than aware of the day's significance.
They were all determined to witness history in the making and waited hours in freezing cold temperatures to see the moment itself.
Here is a selection of what some of those Americans said during their trip to the US capital:
Dr Ken Hill, Alabama: It is very inspiring, very motivating. I feel like I belong to America now. I have voted for the first time in my life. I have had a reason to vote.
"He said things that apply to all Americans. Everyone here should be proud to be an American now."
Patrice: "When he spoke, I thought I was finally getting someone who represents me as a person and us as a whole. I was very proud of him.
"It's time for us to reach out for peace. All we need is peace. I felt it in my heart."
David Cole, Leesburg, Virginia: "For people of colour this is a very special day. It is a watershed moment."
Fred Phillips, Washington: "It's a milestone in race relations in the US. We're still not completely there but we can't go back.
"The hopes from my ancestors have been realised, the efforts have been rewarded and the prayers have been answered."
Patrick Kearns, Charleston, West Virginia: "I think Obama and his administration are going to electrify, bolster and solidify all the dreams and aspirations in America."
Rae Brown, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: "I don't have tickets for anything. I'm just going to see where I can get to, but I had to be here."
Mary Lloyd: "We woke up at 3am but it's worth it. I think it's history on its way. We just want to be there celebrating."
Pamela Jones, White Plains, New York: "We were in the holding pen for a good couple of hours. Mashed in like sardines.
"When we finally got through it really was, free at last, free at last."
Judy Bailey, Cincinnati, Ohio: "This is chaos now. But it is amazing to be here. This is history in the making."
Maggie, New Hampshire: "Everyone at my school is jealous because they're doing schoolwork and I'm here.
"It was so crazy when we saw Barack Obama go past. It's just awesome."
House of Representatives administrative office worker: "I'm definitely excited. It is packed and chaotic but there is so much enthusiasm and good nature all around.
"Everybody is being nice - there was singing while we were waiting in line."
George Washington University student: "As a young student, a young man, I am more excited about this than I have been about anything in a long time."
SOURCE:SKYNEWS.COM
Hundreds of thousands of people have been celebrating in Washington DC for the Obama inauguration party - and they were more than aware of the day's significance.
They were all determined to witness history in the making and waited hours in freezing cold temperatures to see the moment itself.
Here is a selection of what some of those Americans said during their trip to the US capital:
Dr Ken Hill, Alabama: It is very inspiring, very motivating. I feel like I belong to America now. I have voted for the first time in my life. I have had a reason to vote.
"He said things that apply to all Americans. Everyone here should be proud to be an American now."
Patrice: "When he spoke, I thought I was finally getting someone who represents me as a person and us as a whole. I was very proud of him.
"It's time for us to reach out for peace. All we need is peace. I felt it in my heart."
David Cole, Leesburg, Virginia: "For people of colour this is a very special day. It is a watershed moment."
Fred Phillips, Washington: "It's a milestone in race relations in the US. We're still not completely there but we can't go back.
"The hopes from my ancestors have been realised, the efforts have been rewarded and the prayers have been answered."
Patrick Kearns, Charleston, West Virginia: "I think Obama and his administration are going to electrify, bolster and solidify all the dreams and aspirations in America."
Rae Brown, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: "I don't have tickets for anything. I'm just going to see where I can get to, but I had to be here."
Mary Lloyd: "We woke up at 3am but it's worth it. I think it's history on its way. We just want to be there celebrating."
Pamela Jones, White Plains, New York: "We were in the holding pen for a good couple of hours. Mashed in like sardines.
"When we finally got through it really was, free at last, free at last."
Judy Bailey, Cincinnati, Ohio: "This is chaos now. But it is amazing to be here. This is history in the making."
Maggie, New Hampshire: "Everyone at my school is jealous because they're doing schoolwork and I'm here.
"It was so crazy when we saw Barack Obama go past. It's just awesome."
House of Representatives administrative office worker: "I'm definitely excited. It is packed and chaotic but there is so much enthusiasm and good nature all around.
"Everybody is being nice - there was singing while we were waiting in line."
George Washington University student: "As a young student, a young man, I am more excited about this than I have been about anything in a long time."
SOURCE:SKYNEWS.COM
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Hero airbus pilot Chelsey Sullenberger: 'We're gonna be in the Hudson'
Dramatic new details have emerged of the last moments of the US Airways Airbus that crash-landed in New York's Hudson River on Friday, with its pilot telling air traffic controllers: "We're gonna be in the Hudson."
Captain Chelsey B ‘Sully’ Sullenberger, who has been hailed as a hero for guiding his crippled airliner to safe landing in the river, saving the lives of all 155 aboard, told investigators he decided to head for the river because trying to return to the airport carried the serious risk of a "catastrophic' crash in a densely populated area.
The plane was "too low, too slow, they were pointed the wrong way and they had to traverse a populated area," according to officials from the National Transport Safety Board (NTSB).
Attempting to land at an alternative airport nearby was also out as it would mean flying over New Jersey. "It was a populated area, the consequences would have been catastrophic," Kitty Higgins from the NTSB told reporters yesterday.
Mr Sullenberger and his co-pilot have described to NTSB investigators the dramatic scenes in the cockpit in the minutes before and after the US Airways flight 1549 flew into a "wall of large birds" just after take-off, losing both its engines.
The cockpit windscreen “was literally filled with big, dark brown birds,” Mr Sullenberger told investigators.
“He said his instinct was to duck but he didn’t” said Ms Higgins.
The new details came as crews raised the plane from the river onto a barge, exposing its shredded underside. Parts of the plane appeared to have sheared off, its right wing was charred and the right engine looked as if the outside had been peeled off.
Search crews, working in freezing and treacherous conditions, also think they have found the Airbus' left engine, which was torn off in the crash and sank, the NTSB said. Preliminary radar reports identified an object directly below the crash site.
The operation will allow the recovery of the black box flight recorders located in the tail.
At the time of impact, the plane’s co-pilot, Jeff Skiles, was at the controls. Seeing the birds to the right of the plane, and believing they would fly below it, he commented on their perfect formation. But as the captain looked up, the windscreen filled with birds and the men heard booming as they hit the flock. The power went and they smelled 'burning birds,'" said Ms HigginsTaking control of the plane, Mr Sullenberger lowered the nose to counteract the loss of airspeed. As he did so, his co-pilot desperately tried, unsuccessfully, to start the engines.
"There was very little conversation. These are both experienced pilots. They both knew what they had to do," said Ms Higgins.
As the men fought to save the plane, there was complete silence in the cabin, according to flight attendants who described it as "like being in a library."
A smoky haze and the odor of burning metal or electronics filled the plane.
Mr Sullenberger told investigators that in line with standard procedures, he had brought down the plane close to a boat he saw on the river so that help would be near, she said.
The Airbus' entire flight, from take-off to splash landing in the Hudson, lasted about five minutes, she added.
At first the plane’s two cabin crew members did not even realise they had landed on water.
There was "one impact, no bounce, a gradual deceleration and neither one of them realized they were in the water," Ms Higgins said. "The captain issued a one word demand: ‘evacuate’"
Crew interviews also confirmed reports of how Mr Sullenberger refused to leave his sinking plane until he was sure everyone was safe.
"He was very concerned with the count of the passengers," the flight crew told the NTSB, said Ms Higgins.
"He wanted everyone accounted for. He returned to the plane a couple of times to check no one was there. The captain was the last off."
Authorities also released the first video showing the spectacular crash landing. Security cameras on a Manhattan pier captured the Airbus A320 as it descended in a controlled glide, then threw up a vertical spray as it slid across the river on its belly.
The video also illustrated the swift current that pulled the plane down the river as passengers walked out onto the wings and ferries arrived to rescue them.
Authorities also released a frantic emergency call that captured the drama of the flight. A man from the Bronx called emergency services three minutes after the plane took off.
“Oh my God! It was a big plane. I heard a big boom just now. We looked up, and the plane came straight over us, and it was turning. Oh my God!”the caller said.
Mr Sullenberger’s wife Lorrie said “the enormity of the situation” had only begun to sink in on Friday night as she watched the news.
“It was actually the first time that I cried since the whole incident started,” she told CBS TV.
She suggested the happy ending was good for the country.
“I think everybody needed some good news, frankly,” she said.
source:the london times
Captain Chelsey B ‘Sully’ Sullenberger, who has been hailed as a hero for guiding his crippled airliner to safe landing in the river, saving the lives of all 155 aboard, told investigators he decided to head for the river because trying to return to the airport carried the serious risk of a "catastrophic' crash in a densely populated area.
The plane was "too low, too slow, they were pointed the wrong way and they had to traverse a populated area," according to officials from the National Transport Safety Board (NTSB).
Attempting to land at an alternative airport nearby was also out as it would mean flying over New Jersey. "It was a populated area, the consequences would have been catastrophic," Kitty Higgins from the NTSB told reporters yesterday.
Mr Sullenberger and his co-pilot have described to NTSB investigators the dramatic scenes in the cockpit in the minutes before and after the US Airways flight 1549 flew into a "wall of large birds" just after take-off, losing both its engines.
The cockpit windscreen “was literally filled with big, dark brown birds,” Mr Sullenberger told investigators.
“He said his instinct was to duck but he didn’t” said Ms Higgins.
The new details came as crews raised the plane from the river onto a barge, exposing its shredded underside. Parts of the plane appeared to have sheared off, its right wing was charred and the right engine looked as if the outside had been peeled off.
Search crews, working in freezing and treacherous conditions, also think they have found the Airbus' left engine, which was torn off in the crash and sank, the NTSB said. Preliminary radar reports identified an object directly below the crash site.
The operation will allow the recovery of the black box flight recorders located in the tail.
At the time of impact, the plane’s co-pilot, Jeff Skiles, was at the controls. Seeing the birds to the right of the plane, and believing they would fly below it, he commented on their perfect formation. But as the captain looked up, the windscreen filled with birds and the men heard booming as they hit the flock. The power went and they smelled 'burning birds,'" said Ms HigginsTaking control of the plane, Mr Sullenberger lowered the nose to counteract the loss of airspeed. As he did so, his co-pilot desperately tried, unsuccessfully, to start the engines.
"There was very little conversation. These are both experienced pilots. They both knew what they had to do," said Ms Higgins.
As the men fought to save the plane, there was complete silence in the cabin, according to flight attendants who described it as "like being in a library."
A smoky haze and the odor of burning metal or electronics filled the plane.
Mr Sullenberger told investigators that in line with standard procedures, he had brought down the plane close to a boat he saw on the river so that help would be near, she said.
The Airbus' entire flight, from take-off to splash landing in the Hudson, lasted about five minutes, she added.
At first the plane’s two cabin crew members did not even realise they had landed on water.
There was "one impact, no bounce, a gradual deceleration and neither one of them realized they were in the water," Ms Higgins said. "The captain issued a one word demand: ‘evacuate’"
Crew interviews also confirmed reports of how Mr Sullenberger refused to leave his sinking plane until he was sure everyone was safe.
"He was very concerned with the count of the passengers," the flight crew told the NTSB, said Ms Higgins.
"He wanted everyone accounted for. He returned to the plane a couple of times to check no one was there. The captain was the last off."
Authorities also released the first video showing the spectacular crash landing. Security cameras on a Manhattan pier captured the Airbus A320 as it descended in a controlled glide, then threw up a vertical spray as it slid across the river on its belly.
The video also illustrated the swift current that pulled the plane down the river as passengers walked out onto the wings and ferries arrived to rescue them.
Authorities also released a frantic emergency call that captured the drama of the flight. A man from the Bronx called emergency services three minutes after the plane took off.
“Oh my God! It was a big plane. I heard a big boom just now. We looked up, and the plane came straight over us, and it was turning. Oh my God!”the caller said.
Mr Sullenberger’s wife Lorrie said “the enormity of the situation” had only begun to sink in on Friday night as she watched the news.
“It was actually the first time that I cried since the whole incident started,” she told CBS TV.
She suggested the happy ending was good for the country.
“I think everybody needed some good news, frankly,” she said.
source:the london times
Gaza ceasefire broken with Hamas rockets
Hamas fired rockets into southern Israel this morning, defying the Jewish state to abandon the unilateral ceasefire it had declared just hours earlier.
The militant Palestinian group sent at least five rockets arcing towards the border town of Sderot and said it would not stop fighting until all Israeli troops had left the Gaza Strip.
Israeli aircraft swiftly destroyed the rocket-launching site. Ehud Olmert, Israel’s Prime Minister, said the ceasefire was fragile and being reassessed on a “minute by minute basis".
Israel’s security cabinet approved the unilateral ceasefire by seven votes to two on Saturday night, with one abstention. In a televised statement after the vote, Mr Olmert said that the troops would remain in Gaza until Hamas’s response became clear, and pledged to respond harshly to any further acts of aggression.
By firing more rockets, Hamas sought to demonstrate that it had not been defeated by Israel’s three-week-long offensive. By defying the ceasefire, however, it is giving Israel an opportunity to resume that offensive with greater legitimacy and international understanding than it had previously.
Later today, Egypt will host a summit of regional and European leaders in Sharm el-Sheikh that will explore ways to bolster the ceasefire. Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister, is expected to attend.
The ceasefire announcement is receiving mixed reviews in Israel. Mr Olmert argued that Israel had more than achieved the goals of Operation Cast Lead. Hamas had been “badly beaten” and its ability to attack Israel severely damaged, he said.
Other officials said Israel had re-established the principle of deterrence following its botched operation against Hezbollah in south Lebanon in 2006, and sent a powerful warning to Iran, Hezbollah and other regional enemies which support Hamas. They said Israel had achieved understandings that Egypt, the United States and European nations would try to stop Hamas re-arming with weapons smuggled in through tunnels beneath Gaza’s southern border with Egypt. It had also stopped the fighting before Barack Obama’s inauguration on Tuesday.
But members of Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud party, which looks set to win Israel’s general election on February 10, criticised the unilateral ceasefire - particularly the lack of Egyptian guarantees to stop the smuggling.
"I fear that the main objectives of the IDF operation in Gaza have not been met," said Yuval Steinitz, a Likud MP. "It is not clear what mechanism will prevent the arms smuggling into Gaza or why we can rely on Egypt.”
Residents of towns within range of Hamas rockets expressed unhappiness. “All these years we asked for a ground offensive, and now of all times, when we're close to victory, they stop it,” complained Alon Davidi, founder of the Committee for a Secure Sderot. "Unfortunately we are once again forced to rely on Egypt and other countries in order to prevent the smuggling and the firing towards us."
There was also criticism of the Israeli government’s failure to secure the release of Gilad Shalit, the soldier captured by Palestinian militants in 2006 while, more broadly, Israel’s overwhelming use of force against one of the world’s most densely-populated territories has badly damaged its international standing.
More than 1,200 Palestinians have been killed – half of them women and children. Another 5,000 have been wounded, around 100,000 have been forced from their homes, and Israeli shells have hit schools, hospitals and shelters. Hamas has used civilians as human shields, but UN officials and human rights experts want Israeli leaders investigated for possible war crimes.
Hamas' much-vaunted defences against Israeli troops proved useless, and its fighters have killed just six Israeli soldiers. Despite that, the Islamist group remains in control of Gaza, boasts that it has resisted the region’s strongest military for three weeks without capitulating, and is still firing rockets into Israel.
source:the london times
The militant Palestinian group sent at least five rockets arcing towards the border town of Sderot and said it would not stop fighting until all Israeli troops had left the Gaza Strip.
Israeli aircraft swiftly destroyed the rocket-launching site. Ehud Olmert, Israel’s Prime Minister, said the ceasefire was fragile and being reassessed on a “minute by minute basis".
Israel’s security cabinet approved the unilateral ceasefire by seven votes to two on Saturday night, with one abstention. In a televised statement after the vote, Mr Olmert said that the troops would remain in Gaza until Hamas’s response became clear, and pledged to respond harshly to any further acts of aggression.
By firing more rockets, Hamas sought to demonstrate that it had not been defeated by Israel’s three-week-long offensive. By defying the ceasefire, however, it is giving Israel an opportunity to resume that offensive with greater legitimacy and international understanding than it had previously.
Later today, Egypt will host a summit of regional and European leaders in Sharm el-Sheikh that will explore ways to bolster the ceasefire. Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister, is expected to attend.
The ceasefire announcement is receiving mixed reviews in Israel. Mr Olmert argued that Israel had more than achieved the goals of Operation Cast Lead. Hamas had been “badly beaten” and its ability to attack Israel severely damaged, he said.
Other officials said Israel had re-established the principle of deterrence following its botched operation against Hezbollah in south Lebanon in 2006, and sent a powerful warning to Iran, Hezbollah and other regional enemies which support Hamas. They said Israel had achieved understandings that Egypt, the United States and European nations would try to stop Hamas re-arming with weapons smuggled in through tunnels beneath Gaza’s southern border with Egypt. It had also stopped the fighting before Barack Obama’s inauguration on Tuesday.
But members of Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud party, which looks set to win Israel’s general election on February 10, criticised the unilateral ceasefire - particularly the lack of Egyptian guarantees to stop the smuggling.
"I fear that the main objectives of the IDF operation in Gaza have not been met," said Yuval Steinitz, a Likud MP. "It is not clear what mechanism will prevent the arms smuggling into Gaza or why we can rely on Egypt.”
Residents of towns within range of Hamas rockets expressed unhappiness. “All these years we asked for a ground offensive, and now of all times, when we're close to victory, they stop it,” complained Alon Davidi, founder of the Committee for a Secure Sderot. "Unfortunately we are once again forced to rely on Egypt and other countries in order to prevent the smuggling and the firing towards us."
There was also criticism of the Israeli government’s failure to secure the release of Gilad Shalit, the soldier captured by Palestinian militants in 2006 while, more broadly, Israel’s overwhelming use of force against one of the world’s most densely-populated territories has badly damaged its international standing.
More than 1,200 Palestinians have been killed – half of them women and children. Another 5,000 have been wounded, around 100,000 have been forced from their homes, and Israeli shells have hit schools, hospitals and shelters. Hamas has used civilians as human shields, but UN officials and human rights experts want Israeli leaders investigated for possible war crimes.
Hamas' much-vaunted defences against Israeli troops proved useless, and its fighters have killed just six Israeli soldiers. Despite that, the Islamist group remains in control of Gaza, boasts that it has resisted the region’s strongest military for three weeks without capitulating, and is still firing rockets into Israel.
source:the london times
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Derek Simpson and Tony Woodley at war as Unite strife continues
Derek Simpson and Tony Woodley, the joint general secretaries of Unite, were the butt of last year’s best political joke. “Look how far they’ve come,” Dave Prentis observed, sarcastically, of his fellow union bosses at the TUC’s annual conference in Brighton. “Only last year I said to Derek, ‘What would you do if you saw Tony staggering down the road?’ Derek replied, ‘Reload’. ”
Today Mr Simpson is the target of the latest volley in the most bloody union fight for decades. The fight has serious implications for Gordon Brown and the Labour Party.
It is not what Unite’s two million members were promised when Amicus and the Transport and General Workers’ Union merged on May 1, 2007. As a new dawn broke over that May Day, Mr Simpson declared that this was the beginning of a process that could lead to a global super-union.
“Right now we have this madhouse where we are all played off against each other. Until the unions can be structured internationally like the companies, we will always lose,”
Nearly two years on, the question of who – precisely – is running the asylum has never been more acute. No company that was the result of a merger would let both chief executives remain at the helm until they retired, but neither Mr Simpson nor Mr Woodley would agree to the merger unless allowed to stay on.
The agreement was that Mr Simpson would retire on his 66th birthday, December 23, 2010, and Mr Woodley a year later. The election of a single general secretary was supposed to take place next year, Mr Simpson’s last in office.
The period of co-rule started badly – and promptly got worse. Mr Simpson stayed away from Unite’s launch, offended that Mr Woodley had made a media appearance without telling him. There are few better symbols of the disharmony than the way that T&G and Amicus have been unable to move in together. While Amicus is in Covent Garden, the T&G is over a mile away at Transport House in Holborn. As observers never tire of pointing out, the two halves remain “in spitting distance” of one another.
Damaging stories about both men appeared to be the result of tit-for-tat briefings. It emerged, for example, that Mr Simpson had twice taken a helicopter to attend the Glastonbury Festival. Not long afterwards the arrangement of Mr Woodley’s grace-and-favour flat in London came under scrutiny. Mr Simpson’s purchase of a £50,000 painting by Antony Gormley for the Amicus headquarters found its way into print recently.
The manoeuvrings were sometimes farcical: at Labour’s conference both men were given cubicles – of equal size – behind the Unite stand because they literally could not bear to be in the same room.
When Mr Simpson likened some of Mr Woodley’s staff to “SS guards” and “cheerleaders in ra-ra skirts” it became clear that their relationship was heading for a breakdown.
The formal merger, due to take place last November, was put off. Mr Simpson was put on notice that he would face a legal challenge if he tried to stay in office beyond his 65th birthday.
To prevent Mr Woodley from seizing control after Mr Simpson’s forced departure next year, he has now put himself up for reelection as Amicus general secretary, a battle he is far from certain to win. Nowhere is the battle for control being watched more closely than at No 10. Not only is Amicus Labour’s most generous union donor, but Mr Simpson stuck with Mr Brown through the Prime Minister’s darkest hours last summer.
While Mr Woodley boycotted a crucial meeting of union leaders with Mr Brown, Mr Simpson stayed loyal. When David Miliband was about to open up a leadership challenge on the eve of Labour’s annual conference, it was Mr Simpson who launched a devastating attack on the young pretender, labelling him smug and arrogant – with a stream of epithets deemed too abusive to print by the newspaper that carried the interiew.
It came as little surprise to those in the know, therefore, when Mr Simpson hired Charlie Whelan, Mr Brown’s former spin-doctor, to become the union’s political director. “Anyone who believes you can write off Gordon Brown can think again,” Mr Whelan told a meeting during Labour’s conference.
“We’ve got an £8 million political fund. People need to know that a union can mobilise its members to support a candidate that the union likes.”
To the growing dismay of Labour MPs directly funded by Unite, most of the union’s energies are being spent on infighting. The level of mistrust in the union is graphically displayed in a recent e-mail sent by Mr Whelan to his staff. “You will need to let me know in advance when you are visiting the House of Commons and the purpose of your visit,” Mr Whelan wrote on January 6.
One of the e-mail’s recipients, Sarah Merrill, had already lodged a written complaint claiming that the political department under Mr Whelan had “a culture of fear and a climate of bullying”. Ms Merrill’s complaint went on to say that the atmosphere was “totally at odds with the policies of the union, and indeed is totally against the principles established under any dignity-at-work procedures.”
With little evidence of any dignity, many of the 111 Labour MPs sponsored by Unite are embarrassed at the damage being caused by the infighting when the party is desperate to reassure voters that it is focused on the effects of the recession.
Next month’s Amicus election is a two-way fight between Mr Simpson and Kevin Coyne, a northwest regional secretary, who has received almost double Mr Simpson’s number of nominations.
One Labour MP spoke for many of his colleagues when he said: “There’s no great enthusiasm for Coyne, but frankly we’ve reached a stage when this farce just has to end – and he’s probably the man best placed to do that.”
Simpson on greed
‘We need action to protect jobs not just the huge shares and pensions that the executives secure for themselves’
Derek Simpson, 2008
‘The pay gap between workers and employers is astonishing, with average earnings rising by 4.5 per cent a year but 20 per cent per year for directors’ pay. City executive pay and bonuses would make Midas blush’
Derek Simpson, 2007
Woodley on greed
“London’s cleaners are fed up with fat-cat profits for the bosses while cleaners struggle to make ends meet”
Tony Woodley, 2007
“We live in a world where there is too often a race to the bottom in terms and conditions for workers, where the bad employer is able to undercut the good. A world of pensions robbery for those at the bottom and unbridled fat-cat greed at the top”
source:the london times
Today Mr Simpson is the target of the latest volley in the most bloody union fight for decades. The fight has serious implications for Gordon Brown and the Labour Party.
It is not what Unite’s two million members were promised when Amicus and the Transport and General Workers’ Union merged on May 1, 2007. As a new dawn broke over that May Day, Mr Simpson declared that this was the beginning of a process that could lead to a global super-union.
“Right now we have this madhouse where we are all played off against each other. Until the unions can be structured internationally like the companies, we will always lose,”
Nearly two years on, the question of who – precisely – is running the asylum has never been more acute. No company that was the result of a merger would let both chief executives remain at the helm until they retired, but neither Mr Simpson nor Mr Woodley would agree to the merger unless allowed to stay on.
The agreement was that Mr Simpson would retire on his 66th birthday, December 23, 2010, and Mr Woodley a year later. The election of a single general secretary was supposed to take place next year, Mr Simpson’s last in office.
The period of co-rule started badly – and promptly got worse. Mr Simpson stayed away from Unite’s launch, offended that Mr Woodley had made a media appearance without telling him. There are few better symbols of the disharmony than the way that T&G and Amicus have been unable to move in together. While Amicus is in Covent Garden, the T&G is over a mile away at Transport House in Holborn. As observers never tire of pointing out, the two halves remain “in spitting distance” of one another.
Damaging stories about both men appeared to be the result of tit-for-tat briefings. It emerged, for example, that Mr Simpson had twice taken a helicopter to attend the Glastonbury Festival. Not long afterwards the arrangement of Mr Woodley’s grace-and-favour flat in London came under scrutiny. Mr Simpson’s purchase of a £50,000 painting by Antony Gormley for the Amicus headquarters found its way into print recently.
The manoeuvrings were sometimes farcical: at Labour’s conference both men were given cubicles – of equal size – behind the Unite stand because they literally could not bear to be in the same room.
When Mr Simpson likened some of Mr Woodley’s staff to “SS guards” and “cheerleaders in ra-ra skirts” it became clear that their relationship was heading for a breakdown.
The formal merger, due to take place last November, was put off. Mr Simpson was put on notice that he would face a legal challenge if he tried to stay in office beyond his 65th birthday.
To prevent Mr Woodley from seizing control after Mr Simpson’s forced departure next year, he has now put himself up for reelection as Amicus general secretary, a battle he is far from certain to win. Nowhere is the battle for control being watched more closely than at No 10. Not only is Amicus Labour’s most generous union donor, but Mr Simpson stuck with Mr Brown through the Prime Minister’s darkest hours last summer.
While Mr Woodley boycotted a crucial meeting of union leaders with Mr Brown, Mr Simpson stayed loyal. When David Miliband was about to open up a leadership challenge on the eve of Labour’s annual conference, it was Mr Simpson who launched a devastating attack on the young pretender, labelling him smug and arrogant – with a stream of epithets deemed too abusive to print by the newspaper that carried the interiew.
It came as little surprise to those in the know, therefore, when Mr Simpson hired Charlie Whelan, Mr Brown’s former spin-doctor, to become the union’s political director. “Anyone who believes you can write off Gordon Brown can think again,” Mr Whelan told a meeting during Labour’s conference.
“We’ve got an £8 million political fund. People need to know that a union can mobilise its members to support a candidate that the union likes.”
To the growing dismay of Labour MPs directly funded by Unite, most of the union’s energies are being spent on infighting. The level of mistrust in the union is graphically displayed in a recent e-mail sent by Mr Whelan to his staff. “You will need to let me know in advance when you are visiting the House of Commons and the purpose of your visit,” Mr Whelan wrote on January 6.
One of the e-mail’s recipients, Sarah Merrill, had already lodged a written complaint claiming that the political department under Mr Whelan had “a culture of fear and a climate of bullying”. Ms Merrill’s complaint went on to say that the atmosphere was “totally at odds with the policies of the union, and indeed is totally against the principles established under any dignity-at-work procedures.”
With little evidence of any dignity, many of the 111 Labour MPs sponsored by Unite are embarrassed at the damage being caused by the infighting when the party is desperate to reassure voters that it is focused on the effects of the recession.
Next month’s Amicus election is a two-way fight between Mr Simpson and Kevin Coyne, a northwest regional secretary, who has received almost double Mr Simpson’s number of nominations.
One Labour MP spoke for many of his colleagues when he said: “There’s no great enthusiasm for Coyne, but frankly we’ve reached a stage when this farce just has to end – and he’s probably the man best placed to do that.”
Simpson on greed
‘We need action to protect jobs not just the huge shares and pensions that the executives secure for themselves’
Derek Simpson, 2008
‘The pay gap between workers and employers is astonishing, with average earnings rising by 4.5 per cent a year but 20 per cent per year for directors’ pay. City executive pay and bonuses would make Midas blush’
Derek Simpson, 2007
Woodley on greed
“London’s cleaners are fed up with fat-cat profits for the bosses while cleaners struggle to make ends meet”
Tony Woodley, 2007
“We live in a world where there is too often a race to the bottom in terms and conditions for workers, where the bad employer is able to undercut the good. A world of pensions robbery for those at the bottom and unbridled fat-cat greed at the top”
source:the london times
Union chief Derek Simpson's secret deal over perks and pay rise
One of Britain’s most powerful union leaders has a secret house-for-life guarantee and enjoys pay and benefits worth nearly £200,000.
Derek Simpson, joint general secretary of Unite, has a deal to remain in his £800,000 grace-and-favour house in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, until he dies, according to confidential documents obtained by The Times. His pay package also went up by 17 per cent. Under the terms of the agreement Mr Simpson’s partner can stay in the home at a heavily subsidised rate even after the death of the 64-year-old union leader.
And although Mr Simpson, a close ally of Gordon Brown, has always claimed that he pays tax on the accommodation, for which he pays a nominal rent, the document shows that it is union members who cover the cost of the perk. The disclosure is the latest twist in a long-running controversy over the spending and en-titlements of Mr Simpson, who is currently fighting an election to stay in office beyond retirement age.
Internal papers show that Mr Simpson, who has said “executive pay and bonuses would make Midas blush”, demanded that the union cover his tax bill for his home “to make it affordable”. The perk was worth almost £40,000 in 2007, boosting to £194,252 the total value of the general secretary’s remuneration
A spokesman for Unite said. “These arrangements were approved by the executive committee at the time and have been a matter of public record ever since. His remuneration is published every year and is properly approved every year.”
Unite represents a large number of workers earning less than the national average wage. Many reacted angrily to the latest disclosure. Steve Kelly, a construction worker in Romford, said: “When we are all living in fear of losing our jobs and maybe homes it is an outrage that our general secretary lives in a mansion with no threat of losing it ever. No wonder he sucks up to Gordon Brown and big business.”
Mark Adams, a safety rep at Marshall Aerospace in Cambridge, said: “It is an embarrassment when we are trying to recruit new members. We have our key figure living in the lap of luxury.”
Unite, which has 2.1 million members, has been riven by infighting since it was formed from the merger of Amicus and the T&G.
source:the london times
Derek Simpson, joint general secretary of Unite, has a deal to remain in his £800,000 grace-and-favour house in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, until he dies, according to confidential documents obtained by The Times. His pay package also went up by 17 per cent. Under the terms of the agreement Mr Simpson’s partner can stay in the home at a heavily subsidised rate even after the death of the 64-year-old union leader.
And although Mr Simpson, a close ally of Gordon Brown, has always claimed that he pays tax on the accommodation, for which he pays a nominal rent, the document shows that it is union members who cover the cost of the perk. The disclosure is the latest twist in a long-running controversy over the spending and en-titlements of Mr Simpson, who is currently fighting an election to stay in office beyond retirement age.
Internal papers show that Mr Simpson, who has said “executive pay and bonuses would make Midas blush”, demanded that the union cover his tax bill for his home “to make it affordable”. The perk was worth almost £40,000 in 2007, boosting to £194,252 the total value of the general secretary’s remuneration
A spokesman for Unite said. “These arrangements were approved by the executive committee at the time and have been a matter of public record ever since. His remuneration is published every year and is properly approved every year.”
Unite represents a large number of workers earning less than the national average wage. Many reacted angrily to the latest disclosure. Steve Kelly, a construction worker in Romford, said: “When we are all living in fear of losing our jobs and maybe homes it is an outrage that our general secretary lives in a mansion with no threat of losing it ever. No wonder he sucks up to Gordon Brown and big business.”
Mark Adams, a safety rep at Marshall Aerospace in Cambridge, said: “It is an embarrassment when we are trying to recruit new members. We have our key figure living in the lap of luxury.”
Unite, which has 2.1 million members, has been riven by infighting since it was formed from the merger of Amicus and the T&G.
source:the london times
Strikes on Gaza continue ahead of imminent ceasefire
Israel bombarded Gaza with 50 airstrikes overnight ahead of a proposed unilateral ceasefire, which could be approved by the Jewish state tonight.
Two children were killed in northern Gaza when the UN school they were sheltering in with 1,600 other people was struck by Israeli shelling.
UN spokesman Chris Gunness called for the soldiers involved to be tried for war crimes and said the Israelis had been provided with the coordinates of the school and knew it was being used as a shelter.
The Israeli military was investigating the incident and had no immediate comment. But in similar cases, it has accused Hamas militants of staging attacks from schools, mosques and other civilian areas.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s security cabinet is due to meet this evening and it is believed ministers may decide to halt the fighting without concluding any deal with Hamas, which controls Gaza.
Adnan Abu Hasna, a spokesman for the UN Relief and Works Agency, said two brothers had been killed and 14 people wounded, including the boys’ mother, when Israeli tank fire hit the school run by UNRWA in the northern town of Beit Lahiya.
About 45,000 Gazans fleeing battle zones are sheltering in UN-run schools in the heavily populated strip. Israeli shelling killed 42 people who had taken refuge at a UN school on January 6. An UNRWA compound was hit twice on Thursday, destroying tonnes of vital food and medical aid and three staff were wounded. Hospital staff said four people had been killed by tank fire in another Gaza neighbourhood today. Hamas said one of its fighters had also been killed.
Muawiyah Hassanein, director of the Hamas-run ambulance service, said more than 1,199 Palestinians had died, among them 410 children, and 5,300 wounded, including 1,630 children.
Ten Israeli soldiers and three civilians, hit by rockets fired from Gaza, have been killed during the campaign which started on December 27.
Israeli jets roared over Gaza before dawn and heavy explosions flashed to the south and north of the city.
The army said it had attacked 50 targets overnight, including 16 tunnels, two mosques from which gunmen had fired on troops, three bunkers, eight rocket-launching pads and six mined areas including a booby-trapped building.
Around 20,000 people are expected to march on London today in protest against Israel’s continued military strikes on Gaza. They are holding a rally in Trafalgar Square and a letter is to be handed in to 10 Downing Street.
Dr John Sentamu held a special service of prayer and lament for the situation, saying the international community must redouble its efforts for peace.
He said: “It is high time that all people in the region recognised the right of the state of Israel to exist and the need for the creation of a viable Palestinian state.
“Therefore, the international community must redouble its efforts to bring about this reality and a lasting peace. We have all been guilty to ignore the danger signs over the last eight years.”
A British aid agency said it was ready to send humanitarian supplies into the Gaza Strip as soon as a peace deal was signed.
Save the Children said once humanitarian agencies and personnel were given permission to enter the conflict zone it would send more personnel and aid into Gaza.
Under the ceasefire plan, fighting would stop immediately for 10 days, but Israeli forces would initially remain in Gaza and the border crossings into the territory would remain closed until security arrangements were made to ensure Hamas militants did not rearm.
Salam Kanaan, Save the Children’s country director, who is based in Jerusalem, said: “Save the Children is now preparing to go into Gaza as soon as crossings open and the green light is given.
“Around three quarters of a million people there are dependent on food aid. More than 3,000 women have given birth, often with little support. And there has been absolutely no support for children suffering from the stress they have been subjected to in recent weeks. We’re poised, ready to get in there and deliver fast.”
source:the london times
Two children were killed in northern Gaza when the UN school they were sheltering in with 1,600 other people was struck by Israeli shelling.
UN spokesman Chris Gunness called for the soldiers involved to be tried for war crimes and said the Israelis had been provided with the coordinates of the school and knew it was being used as a shelter.
The Israeli military was investigating the incident and had no immediate comment. But in similar cases, it has accused Hamas militants of staging attacks from schools, mosques and other civilian areas.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s security cabinet is due to meet this evening and it is believed ministers may decide to halt the fighting without concluding any deal with Hamas, which controls Gaza.
Adnan Abu Hasna, a spokesman for the UN Relief and Works Agency, said two brothers had been killed and 14 people wounded, including the boys’ mother, when Israeli tank fire hit the school run by UNRWA in the northern town of Beit Lahiya.
About 45,000 Gazans fleeing battle zones are sheltering in UN-run schools in the heavily populated strip. Israeli shelling killed 42 people who had taken refuge at a UN school on January 6. An UNRWA compound was hit twice on Thursday, destroying tonnes of vital food and medical aid and three staff were wounded. Hospital staff said four people had been killed by tank fire in another Gaza neighbourhood today. Hamas said one of its fighters had also been killed.
Muawiyah Hassanein, director of the Hamas-run ambulance service, said more than 1,199 Palestinians had died, among them 410 children, and 5,300 wounded, including 1,630 children.
Ten Israeli soldiers and three civilians, hit by rockets fired from Gaza, have been killed during the campaign which started on December 27.
Israeli jets roared over Gaza before dawn and heavy explosions flashed to the south and north of the city.
The army said it had attacked 50 targets overnight, including 16 tunnels, two mosques from which gunmen had fired on troops, three bunkers, eight rocket-launching pads and six mined areas including a booby-trapped building.
Around 20,000 people are expected to march on London today in protest against Israel’s continued military strikes on Gaza. They are holding a rally in Trafalgar Square and a letter is to be handed in to 10 Downing Street.
Dr John Sentamu held a special service of prayer and lament for the situation, saying the international community must redouble its efforts for peace.
He said: “It is high time that all people in the region recognised the right of the state of Israel to exist and the need for the creation of a viable Palestinian state.
“Therefore, the international community must redouble its efforts to bring about this reality and a lasting peace. We have all been guilty to ignore the danger signs over the last eight years.”
A British aid agency said it was ready to send humanitarian supplies into the Gaza Strip as soon as a peace deal was signed.
Save the Children said once humanitarian agencies and personnel were given permission to enter the conflict zone it would send more personnel and aid into Gaza.
Under the ceasefire plan, fighting would stop immediately for 10 days, but Israeli forces would initially remain in Gaza and the border crossings into the territory would remain closed until security arrangements were made to ensure Hamas militants did not rearm.
Salam Kanaan, Save the Children’s country director, who is based in Jerusalem, said: “Save the Children is now preparing to go into Gaza as soon as crossings open and the green light is given.
“Around three quarters of a million people there are dependent on food aid. More than 3,000 women have given birth, often with little support. And there has been absolutely no support for children suffering from the stress they have been subjected to in recent weeks. We’re poised, ready to get in there and deliver fast.”
source:the london times
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
All the world’s a stage for Tony Blair as President Bush era fades out
Even as Tony Blair received America’s highest civilian award from President Bush, he was looking beyond his old ally to his prospects of a significant role in the world, perhaps as president of Europe.
The former Prime Minister, whose tenure was blighted by disputes over his support for the war in Iraq had the Presidential Medal of Freedom hung around his neck by Mr Bush.
Unlike his comrades-in-arm from the war on terror who also received the honour yesterday — Álvaro Uribe of Colombia and John Howard of Australia — Mr Blair looked faintly embarrassed as the President joked about their shared taste in toothpaste and said: “The truth is I did feel a close connection.”
For Mr Bush, it was a final act of friendship in the White House before the curtain falls on his deeply unpopular administration next week. Mr Blair, however, has no intention of departing the global stage just yet as the Middle East peace envoy or perhaps even as EU president.
Mr Blair suggested that there may be more continuity between the old Bush-Blair era and the new US administration than some of Mr Obama’s supporters, at home and abroad, would like to imagine.
“The election of Barack Obama has created a great sense of possibility and hope but a lot of the issues from the past eight years are still there,” he told The Times. “They are difficult and they will require some really tough decisions. That is the way with politics — as we can see from the crisis in Gaza — the expectations change, the problems remain.”
Senior British sources say that although the new president is expected to make a decisive break with the past by withdrawing troops from Iraq and closing the Guantánamo prison camp, he is likely to reinforce Mr Bush’s staunch support for Israel while facing similar challenges from countries such as Russia or China challenging American hegemony.
The former prime minister is understood to reject emphatically any suggestion that his role in the Middle East will be rendered irrelevant if, as expected, Mr Obama sends a full-time US envoy to the region.
Instead, Mr Blair has repeatedly pressed Mr Bush and Mr Obama for precisely such an appointment to complement his own efforts on Palestinian reconciliation and economic development. He points out the progress achieved on West Bank security by General James Jones, who was briefly an envoy for Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. With Europe now the biggest single contributor of Palestinian humanitarian aid, Mr Blair also believes the US must recognise the “international dimension” of the peace process.
Mr Blair already has a close relationship with Hillary Clinton, who has been nominated for the key post of Secretary of State, and yesterday he was holding talks in Washington with General Jones who is set to be Mr Obama’s National Security Adviser.
Yesterday, Mrs Clinton went out of her way to praise Mr Blair's work in the Middle East and said his function will “need to be continued in whatever structure we ultimately decide upon”.
Mr Blair is also back in the running as a potential president of Europe where the economic and military upheavals of recent months have underlined the need for a politician of his stature to lead the union.
The post of President of the EU’s Council of Ministers was enshrined in the Lisbon Treaty, which Irish voters rejected last June. If the Irish change their minds in a fresh vote next autumn and the Czech Republic also endorses the treaty, the role could be created next year.
Officials in Paris say that Nicolas Sarkozy, the French President, who has just ended an energetic turn in the rotating EU presidency, believes that Mr Blair fits the bill for a heavyweight figurehead for Europe.
Jean-Pierre Jouyet, the former French Europe minister, said: “Europe will need a real political leader capable of rallying the union, moving lines and innovating, and not a mere manager or moderator. The new century will be unstable. The rules of the world game which originated in Europe and America are already being thrown into question.”
Mr Blair, who has never publicly said that he wants the job, believes that speculation is pointless until after the Irish referendum when it will become clear if the post is going to exist. His aides say he is not seeking such an appointment.
He also recognises, however, that Europe was at last able to punch its weight under Mr Sarkozy in recent months and that Mr Obama has made plain he wants a strong EU partner to help him do the “heavy lifting” needed on Iran or Afghanistan.
Mr Blair staged a two-day charm offensive in Paris last week, chairing for Mr Sarkozy a conference on the economic crisis that was attended by Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany. Last year Mrs Merkel told Mr Sarkozy that she would not back Mr Blair.
The crises of recent months have changed the picture by showing that with Mr Sarkozy in charge, Europe can hold its own as a power in the world. Mr Blair made the point in a tribute to Mr Sarkozy in an article for Time magazine. “Under his leadership, Europe looked as if it were acting in concert,” he said.
Yesterday Mr Blair had to endure similarly effusive praise from Mr Bush, who said: “The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom will stand tall in history. And today the United States of America proudly honours its gallant friend.”
source: the london times
The former Prime Minister, whose tenure was blighted by disputes over his support for the war in Iraq had the Presidential Medal of Freedom hung around his neck by Mr Bush.
Unlike his comrades-in-arm from the war on terror who also received the honour yesterday — Álvaro Uribe of Colombia and John Howard of Australia — Mr Blair looked faintly embarrassed as the President joked about their shared taste in toothpaste and said: “The truth is I did feel a close connection.”
For Mr Bush, it was a final act of friendship in the White House before the curtain falls on his deeply unpopular administration next week. Mr Blair, however, has no intention of departing the global stage just yet as the Middle East peace envoy or perhaps even as EU president.
Mr Blair suggested that there may be more continuity between the old Bush-Blair era and the new US administration than some of Mr Obama’s supporters, at home and abroad, would like to imagine.
“The election of Barack Obama has created a great sense of possibility and hope but a lot of the issues from the past eight years are still there,” he told The Times. “They are difficult and they will require some really tough decisions. That is the way with politics — as we can see from the crisis in Gaza — the expectations change, the problems remain.”
Senior British sources say that although the new president is expected to make a decisive break with the past by withdrawing troops from Iraq and closing the Guantánamo prison camp, he is likely to reinforce Mr Bush’s staunch support for Israel while facing similar challenges from countries such as Russia or China challenging American hegemony.
The former prime minister is understood to reject emphatically any suggestion that his role in the Middle East will be rendered irrelevant if, as expected, Mr Obama sends a full-time US envoy to the region.
Instead, Mr Blair has repeatedly pressed Mr Bush and Mr Obama for precisely such an appointment to complement his own efforts on Palestinian reconciliation and economic development. He points out the progress achieved on West Bank security by General James Jones, who was briefly an envoy for Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. With Europe now the biggest single contributor of Palestinian humanitarian aid, Mr Blair also believes the US must recognise the “international dimension” of the peace process.
Mr Blair already has a close relationship with Hillary Clinton, who has been nominated for the key post of Secretary of State, and yesterday he was holding talks in Washington with General Jones who is set to be Mr Obama’s National Security Adviser.
Yesterday, Mrs Clinton went out of her way to praise Mr Blair's work in the Middle East and said his function will “need to be continued in whatever structure we ultimately decide upon”.
Mr Blair is also back in the running as a potential president of Europe where the economic and military upheavals of recent months have underlined the need for a politician of his stature to lead the union.
The post of President of the EU’s Council of Ministers was enshrined in the Lisbon Treaty, which Irish voters rejected last June. If the Irish change their minds in a fresh vote next autumn and the Czech Republic also endorses the treaty, the role could be created next year.
Officials in Paris say that Nicolas Sarkozy, the French President, who has just ended an energetic turn in the rotating EU presidency, believes that Mr Blair fits the bill for a heavyweight figurehead for Europe.
Jean-Pierre Jouyet, the former French Europe minister, said: “Europe will need a real political leader capable of rallying the union, moving lines and innovating, and not a mere manager or moderator. The new century will be unstable. The rules of the world game which originated in Europe and America are already being thrown into question.”
Mr Blair, who has never publicly said that he wants the job, believes that speculation is pointless until after the Irish referendum when it will become clear if the post is going to exist. His aides say he is not seeking such an appointment.
He also recognises, however, that Europe was at last able to punch its weight under Mr Sarkozy in recent months and that Mr Obama has made plain he wants a strong EU partner to help him do the “heavy lifting” needed on Iran or Afghanistan.
Mr Blair staged a two-day charm offensive in Paris last week, chairing for Mr Sarkozy a conference on the economic crisis that was attended by Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany. Last year Mrs Merkel told Mr Sarkozy that she would not back Mr Blair.
The crises of recent months have changed the picture by showing that with Mr Sarkozy in charge, Europe can hold its own as a power in the world. Mr Blair made the point in a tribute to Mr Sarkozy in an article for Time magazine. “Under his leadership, Europe looked as if it were acting in concert,” he said.
Yesterday Mr Blair had to endure similarly effusive praise from Mr Bush, who said: “The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom will stand tall in history. And today the United States of America proudly honours its gallant friend.”
source: the london times
Osama bin Laden calls for new jihad over Israeli offensive in Gaza
Osama bin Laden has called for a new jihad over the Israeli offensive in Gaza, through an audio recording posted on Islamist websites in which he questioned America's stomach for the fight.
The authenticity of the recording could not be verified immediately, but it appeared to be a typically provocative message from the al-Qaeda leader, taunting the United States as it prepares to hand the presidential baton from George W Bush to Barack Obama.
"God has bestowed us with the patience to continue the path of jihad for another seven years, and seven and seven years," bin Laden said on the tape dated in the current Islamic month. "The question is, can America continue its war with us for several more decades to come? Reports and evidence would suggest otherwise."
The tape, entitled A Call for Jihad to Stop the Aggression against Gaza, came as the reported death toll from the 19-day Israeli offensive against Hamas rose to 971. Thirteen Israelis have been killed so far.
Bin Laden last appeared in an audio tape in May and also focused on Gaza, calling on Muslims to try to help to end the blockade of the area. The al-Qaeda leader has placed growing emphasis on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in recent years and today's audio tape was accompanied by a still of bin Laden and a picture of the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, Islam’s third holiest shrine.
In Gaza itself, Israeli military aircraft and helicopter gunships pounded 60 targets overnight, including rocket-launching sites, gunmen, weapons-production and storage facilities and about 35 tunnels used to smuggle weapons, the military said.
Aircraft also struck the Sheikh Radwan cemetery in Gaza City, destroying about 30 graves — some only recently dug —and scattering flesh and body parts across the graveyard.
"There was flesh on the roofs, there was small bits of intestines. My neighbour found a hand of a woman who died a long time ago, we put it all into a plastic bag," said Ahmad Abu Jarbou, a local resident.
In Egypt, the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon, starting a week-long trip to the region, repeated his call for an immediate halt to the fighting.
My call is [for] an immediate end to violence in Gaza, and then to the Israeli military offensive and a halt to rocket attacks by Hamas," he told reporters after meeting President Mubarak. "It is intolerable that civilians bear the brunt of this conflict."
As Israeli leaders mull an escalation of the conflict — a direct land assault on Gaza City — fears of a second front were raised this morning when three rockets fired from Lebanon slammed into northern Israel.
"Rockets fell in northern Israel without causing injuries or damage," an Israeli army spokesman said of the second in a week. "The Israeli army responded immediately by firing in the direction from where the rockets were launched."
While Israelis headed for bomb shelters, Lebanese schools shut down and many residents panicked and fled fearing an all-out conflict. Three booby-trapped rockets were discovered later in the area by the Lebanese Army and troops from Unifil, the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon.
A malfunction in the siren alert system in Jerusalem sent a jolt through the Holy City, highlighting the frayed nerves. "It was a false alarm," a police spokesman said. "The sirens went off, we’re looking into it."
The bin Laden tape was posted on websites often used by al-Qaeda to propagate their message and the voice resembled previous messages from the al-Qaeda leader. On it, bin Laden also condemned Arab governments for preventing their people from acting to "liberate Palestine".
In his latest message, bin Laden also said: “Our brothers in Palestine, you have suffered a lot . . . the Muslims sympathise with you in what they see and hear. We, the mujahidin, sympathise with you also . . . We are with you and we will not let you down. Our fate is tied to yours in fighting the Crusader-Zionist coalition, in fighting until victory or martyrdom.”
Bin Laden has been the world's most wanted terrorist since the 9/11 attacks of September 2001 and has a $50 million bounty on his head.
President Bush admitted this week that he did not know whether bin Laden had ever come close to capture during that time, although he was "absolutely" certain that he would be caught eventually. More improbably, Dick Cheney, the Vice-President, suggested that that the Administration had a "few days left" to capture bin Laden and his deputy, the Egyptian Ayman al-Zawahiri.
source:the london times
The authenticity of the recording could not be verified immediately, but it appeared to be a typically provocative message from the al-Qaeda leader, taunting the United States as it prepares to hand the presidential baton from George W Bush to Barack Obama.
"God has bestowed us with the patience to continue the path of jihad for another seven years, and seven and seven years," bin Laden said on the tape dated in the current Islamic month. "The question is, can America continue its war with us for several more decades to come? Reports and evidence would suggest otherwise."
The tape, entitled A Call for Jihad to Stop the Aggression against Gaza, came as the reported death toll from the 19-day Israeli offensive against Hamas rose to 971. Thirteen Israelis have been killed so far.
Bin Laden last appeared in an audio tape in May and also focused on Gaza, calling on Muslims to try to help to end the blockade of the area. The al-Qaeda leader has placed growing emphasis on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in recent years and today's audio tape was accompanied by a still of bin Laden and a picture of the al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, Islam’s third holiest shrine.
In Gaza itself, Israeli military aircraft and helicopter gunships pounded 60 targets overnight, including rocket-launching sites, gunmen, weapons-production and storage facilities and about 35 tunnels used to smuggle weapons, the military said.
Aircraft also struck the Sheikh Radwan cemetery in Gaza City, destroying about 30 graves — some only recently dug —and scattering flesh and body parts across the graveyard.
"There was flesh on the roofs, there was small bits of intestines. My neighbour found a hand of a woman who died a long time ago, we put it all into a plastic bag," said Ahmad Abu Jarbou, a local resident.
In Egypt, the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon, starting a week-long trip to the region, repeated his call for an immediate halt to the fighting.
My call is [for] an immediate end to violence in Gaza, and then to the Israeli military offensive and a halt to rocket attacks by Hamas," he told reporters after meeting President Mubarak. "It is intolerable that civilians bear the brunt of this conflict."
As Israeli leaders mull an escalation of the conflict — a direct land assault on Gaza City — fears of a second front were raised this morning when three rockets fired from Lebanon slammed into northern Israel.
"Rockets fell in northern Israel without causing injuries or damage," an Israeli army spokesman said of the second in a week. "The Israeli army responded immediately by firing in the direction from where the rockets were launched."
While Israelis headed for bomb shelters, Lebanese schools shut down and many residents panicked and fled fearing an all-out conflict. Three booby-trapped rockets were discovered later in the area by the Lebanese Army and troops from Unifil, the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon.
A malfunction in the siren alert system in Jerusalem sent a jolt through the Holy City, highlighting the frayed nerves. "It was a false alarm," a police spokesman said. "The sirens went off, we’re looking into it."
The bin Laden tape was posted on websites often used by al-Qaeda to propagate their message and the voice resembled previous messages from the al-Qaeda leader. On it, bin Laden also condemned Arab governments for preventing their people from acting to "liberate Palestine".
In his latest message, bin Laden also said: “Our brothers in Palestine, you have suffered a lot . . . the Muslims sympathise with you in what they see and hear. We, the mujahidin, sympathise with you also . . . We are with you and we will not let you down. Our fate is tied to yours in fighting the Crusader-Zionist coalition, in fighting until victory or martyrdom.”
Bin Laden has been the world's most wanted terrorist since the 9/11 attacks of September 2001 and has a $50 million bounty on his head.
President Bush admitted this week that he did not know whether bin Laden had ever come close to capture during that time, although he was "absolutely" certain that he would be caught eventually. More improbably, Dick Cheney, the Vice-President, suggested that that the Administration had a "few days left" to capture bin Laden and his deputy, the Egyptian Ayman al-Zawahiri.
source:the london times
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Israel threatens full-scale attack
Israeli forces pounded rocket-launching sites and smuggling tunnels in Gaza Saturday and planes dropped leaflets warning of an escalation in attacks, as Palestinian militants fired at least 10 more rockets at Israel.
Egypt hosted talks aimed at ending the violence.
Flames and smoke rose over Gaza City amid the heavy fighting. The Israeli threat to launch a ”new phase” in its two-week-old offensive that has already killed more than 800 Palestinians came in defiance of international calls for a cease-fire.
”The IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) will escalate the operation in the Gaza Strip,” the leaflets said in Arabic. ”The IDF is not working against the people of Gaza but against Hamas and the terrorists only. Stay safe by following our orders.”
The leaflets urged Gaza residents not to help Hamas, the Islamic militant group that rules Gaza, and to stay away from its members.
Israel launched the offensive on December 27 to halt years of Palestinian rocket attacks on southern Israel. A week later, ground troops moved in.
The dropping of the leaflets appeared to be partly a psychological tactic. Israeli defense officials say they were prepared for a third stage of the offensive, in which ground troops would push much further into Gaza, but are still waiting for approval from the government.
The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were discussing classified information, said the army also had a fourth stage plan that calls for a full reoccupation of Gaza and toppling of Hamas.
The Israeli military said more than 15 militants were killed in overnight fighting. It said aircraft attacked more than 40 targets including 10 rocket-launching sites, weapons-storage facilities, smuggling tunnels, an anti-aircraft missile launcher and gunmen.
In the day‘s bloodiest incident, an Israeli tank shell killed nine people in a garden outside a home in the northern Gaza town of Jebaliya. Separately, a woman was killed by tank fire in the nearby town of Beit Lahiya.
Israel has come under international criticism for the rising number of civilian casualties. Paramedics said the nine people killed in the garden were from the same clan and included two children and two women.
source:the punch news paper
Egypt hosted talks aimed at ending the violence.
Flames and smoke rose over Gaza City amid the heavy fighting. The Israeli threat to launch a ”new phase” in its two-week-old offensive that has already killed more than 800 Palestinians came in defiance of international calls for a cease-fire.
”The IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) will escalate the operation in the Gaza Strip,” the leaflets said in Arabic. ”The IDF is not working against the people of Gaza but against Hamas and the terrorists only. Stay safe by following our orders.”
The leaflets urged Gaza residents not to help Hamas, the Islamic militant group that rules Gaza, and to stay away from its members.
Israel launched the offensive on December 27 to halt years of Palestinian rocket attacks on southern Israel. A week later, ground troops moved in.
The dropping of the leaflets appeared to be partly a psychological tactic. Israeli defense officials say they were prepared for a third stage of the offensive, in which ground troops would push much further into Gaza, but are still waiting for approval from the government.
The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were discussing classified information, said the army also had a fourth stage plan that calls for a full reoccupation of Gaza and toppling of Hamas.
The Israeli military said more than 15 militants were killed in overnight fighting. It said aircraft attacked more than 40 targets including 10 rocket-launching sites, weapons-storage facilities, smuggling tunnels, an anti-aircraft missile launcher and gunmen.
In the day‘s bloodiest incident, an Israeli tank shell killed nine people in a garden outside a home in the northern Gaza town of Jebaliya. Separately, a woman was killed by tank fire in the nearby town of Beit Lahiya.
Israel has come under international criticism for the rising number of civilian casualties. Paramedics said the nine people killed in the garden were from the same clan and included two children and two women.
source:the punch news paper
Racism still persists in police
POLICING suffers a 1970s Life on Mars culture where racism, sexism and heavy drinking are commonplace among parts of the workforce, according to a new report by the equalities watchdog.
A diversity chief at one large police force was even discovered openly ridiculing a homosexual officer and declaring how he wanted to have sex with a secretary on his desk.
Ten years after the Metropolitan police was branded institutionally racist, some areas of policing still exhibit pervasive racism, says the report by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).
Elite detective units dealing with counter-terrorism, firearms and robbery are dominated by “white, middle-aged men and old-fashioned work practices” that discriminate against blacks and Asians.
The specialist units are seen as closed shops by black and ethnic minority officers, according to the report which will be published tomorrow.
A senior government official said it showed many forces had made significant strides towards eliminating race and sex discrimination. But parts of the service still retain the macho canteen culture characterised by the hard-drinking, womanising DCI Gene Hunt in the hit detective show Life on Mars, set in the 1970s.
The EHRC report cites the example of a black officer at a job interview with the head of equality at one large force. “A secretary came in to give them a cup of tea. After she left the room, the equality chief remarked: “Look at the t**s on her - I’d s*** her over the desk.”
After the black officer got his job as a race and diversity trainer, the same equality chief told colleagues: “That’s good. I got my black one.”
When he learnt that the black officer was gay, he said to him: “You haven’t got a wooden leg, have you? Then you’d have the full set.”
Although the proportion of ethnic minority officers in England and Wales has risen from 2% in 1999 to 3.9% (5,511 officers) in April 2007, Jacqui Smith, the home secretary, will almost certainly fail to meet her target of 7% by the end of 2009.
The EHRC, chaired by the former broadcaster Trevor Phillips, uncovered evidence of “some good progress” in the treatment of ethnic minorities. But there was evidence that a “canteen culture” remained.
It cites an unpublished report by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary saying there was a “sense of unfairness towards [black and ethnic minority] officers in specialist selection [which] was very strong.”
One senior black detective told the commission: “It’s seen as a play hard, work hard, drinking culture.”
The report adds: “This problem needs to be addressed urgently if the police are not to be stained with the accusation that some parts of the service are still only available to those whose face fits.”
source:the london times
A diversity chief at one large police force was even discovered openly ridiculing a homosexual officer and declaring how he wanted to have sex with a secretary on his desk.
Ten years after the Metropolitan police was branded institutionally racist, some areas of policing still exhibit pervasive racism, says the report by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).
Elite detective units dealing with counter-terrorism, firearms and robbery are dominated by “white, middle-aged men and old-fashioned work practices” that discriminate against blacks and Asians.
The specialist units are seen as closed shops by black and ethnic minority officers, according to the report which will be published tomorrow.
A senior government official said it showed many forces had made significant strides towards eliminating race and sex discrimination. But parts of the service still retain the macho canteen culture characterised by the hard-drinking, womanising DCI Gene Hunt in the hit detective show Life on Mars, set in the 1970s.
The EHRC report cites the example of a black officer at a job interview with the head of equality at one large force. “A secretary came in to give them a cup of tea. After she left the room, the equality chief remarked: “Look at the t**s on her - I’d s*** her over the desk.”
After the black officer got his job as a race and diversity trainer, the same equality chief told colleagues: “That’s good. I got my black one.”
When he learnt that the black officer was gay, he said to him: “You haven’t got a wooden leg, have you? Then you’d have the full set.”
Although the proportion of ethnic minority officers in England and Wales has risen from 2% in 1999 to 3.9% (5,511 officers) in April 2007, Jacqui Smith, the home secretary, will almost certainly fail to meet her target of 7% by the end of 2009.
The EHRC, chaired by the former broadcaster Trevor Phillips, uncovered evidence of “some good progress” in the treatment of ethnic minorities. But there was evidence that a “canteen culture” remained.
It cites an unpublished report by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary saying there was a “sense of unfairness towards [black and ethnic minority] officers in specialist selection [which] was very strong.”
One senior black detective told the commission: “It’s seen as a play hard, work hard, drinking culture.”
The report adds: “This problem needs to be addressed urgently if the police are not to be stained with the accusation that some parts of the service are still only available to those whose face fits.”
source:the london times
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