Pax Gaea Human Rights World Post

PAX GAEA WORLD POST HUMAN RIGHTS HEADLINES SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2007

• Fiji coup government under pressure by Commonwealth for democracy expansion
• Thai junta government losing public support quickly, corruption investigations demanded
• Bangladesh issues emergency orders, suspends democracy, constitution
• Secretary of State Rice denies requesting Israel to "skip the Roadmap"
• Iran's Ahmadinejad begins tours of South Africa seeking support against U.S. policies
• DR Congo's jailing of reporter under fire from journalist protection group
• UK forgetting its soldiers, Iraq/Afghani war vets accuse "Out of sight, out of mind"
• Pakistani TV host 'breaks every taboo" taking about sex while in drag
• Bolivian violence a major challenge for President Morales
• Texas volunteers help families of war dead mourn

Commonwealth puts pressure on interim Fiji government

SYDNEY - The Commonwealth has expressed concerns over the political situation in Fiji. Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon said he hoped the appointment of an interim government would only be a temporary measure. "The Commonwealth's primary concern remains the restoration of constitutional rule and democratic government in Fiji," Mr McKinnon said in a statement. "It is, therefore, essential that the interim government should be no more than a step towards the restoration of democracy." Fiji's military commander Commodore Frank Bainimarama overthrew the democratically elected government of Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase in an armed but bloodless coup on December 5. Mr McKinnon said he was particularly disappointed that Commodore Bainimarama had assumed the post of interim prime minister while continuing as the head of the army. New Zealand Herald (1/13)

Crisis fast approaching Surayud govt: critics

Opinion polls reveal growing unease over inaction on critical issues and fear of the junta's intentions Critics have demanded the Surayud Chulanont government revise its strategy because of turmoil and surveys showing its public support is at a critical low. They advised the government to accelerate investigations into alleged graft by the overthrown Thaksin Shinawatra administration. National problems need to be tackled and lingering doubts the junta would step down as promised quashed. An opinion poll taken following the New Year bombs in Bangkok shows hopes the September 19 coup would bring about political harmony and peace have been shattered. Intense talk of another coup to boost the power of those who toppled the Thaksin administration has created unease. The public is worried the military rulers do not truly support democratic and political reform and a return to civilian rule at the end of this year. The Research Institute of Bangkok University yesterday said the Surayud Chulanont government scored 5.27 out of 10 for its overall performance. The Nation (Thailand) (1/13)

Emergency powers ordnance promulgated

Activities of political parties, trade unions, clubs or assocs may be suspendedThe President has promulgated the emergency power ordinance, 2007 aimed at ensuring security of the state and its people, protecting law and order and keeping economic activities unhindered, reports BSS. The other objectives of the ordinance was to ensure uninterrupted supply of essentials and ascertain all service-oriented activities in social life. The ordinance proclaimed on January 12 would be effective during the whole of the period of emergency declared by the President on January 11 in pursuance of power conferred to him by article 141A(1) of the constitution. Under the ordinance power has been given to the relevant authorities for promulgation of ordinances to restrict all activities subversive to the state or that which may create panic in public life. The activities hampering the relation of Bangladesh with foreign countries, disrupting peace in any part of the country or creating enmity hatred, or confrontations among different sections of society could also be restricted under this ordinance. Under the ordinance, the government may suspend the activities of all political parties, trade unions, clubs and associations and ban any kind of strike or lockout with controlling dissemination of any news or information in this regard. Publication or printing of newspaper, book, document or paper and broadcasting any news or information detrimental to public safety can be banned and any kind of such materials can be seized from the printing press along with confiscating machinery of the press or media under the same ordinance. Disruption to the supply of essential goods and services will be prohibited under the ordinance. Security of the seaport, river ports, airports, dockyard, railway, roads, bridges, canals, telegraph, gas and power supply system, water transports, aircraft, trains, go-downs, factories, business centers and properties of local government authorities will be ensured. The News Today (Bangladesh) (1/13)

Rice denies she plans to ask Israel to skip Road Map step

By JPOST.COM STAFF

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice denied rumors on Saturday that she planned to ask Israel to skip the first step of the 'Road Map,' in order to speed up the process of establishing a Palestinian state. The step calls for the dismantling of the Palestinian terror infrastructure. Rice, speaking at a press conference with Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, said that the United States was steadfast in advancing and strengthening both Israel and the Palestinians. The two agreed that both the US and Israel were adamant to adhere to the implementation of the Road Map. Livni reiterated their agreement, saying that the combine objective of the two nations (Israel and the US) was to see to the creation of a Palestinian state. "We will continue our efforts. The goal is clear, two countries that live together in peace," said Livni. "The elections in the Palestinian Authority complicated matters, it is our responsibility to give the Palestinians a political horizon and to provide security for Israelis in Sderot. I want to personally thank the American secretary of state for her perseverance and understanding," said the foreign minister. "Although we are presently faced with a period of calm, it is the same period during which extreme forces are working in the Middle East," Rice said following her meeting with Livni. "I believe that the majority of Palestinians want to be in a place where their children can live in peace and security," she said. She warned that an enduring peace cannot be stamped "made in America." Jerusalem Post (1/13)

Iranian embarks on Latin American tour to forge anti-US ties

CARACAS, Jan 13, 2007 (AFP) - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who is locked in a tense standoff with the United States, embarks on a Latin American tour here Saturday as he arrives for talks with his ideological "brother," Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. The trip will also include visits to Ecuador, Bolivia and Nicaragua, countries controlled by governments critical of Washington. Ahmadinejad has heaped praise on Chavez for his outspoken support of Iran's disputed nuclear program, which the US and European governments say is part of a project to build atomic weapons. Facing sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council over its uranium enrichment work and the threat of international isolation, Iran is keen to demonstrate it has backing among a number of leftist leaders in Latin America. Chavez is the most vocal cheerleader in Latin America for Iran and its hardline president, with both men calling each other "brother" and relishing their status as fierce opponents of Washington's influence. "Hugo is my brother," Ahmadinejad said during his last visit to Venezuela in September, when the two leaders inaugurated a joint oil well. "Hugo is the champion of the fight against imperialism." Arab Times (Kuwait) (1/13)

Media rights group slams DRC jailing of journalist

Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo- A media rights group on Friday criticised the jailing of a journalist in Democratic Republic of Congo following a libel case brought by a regional governor, suggesting it was driven by "revenge". Rigobert Kakwala Kash, editor of the privately owned weekly Le Moniteur, became the first journalist to be imprisoned since last summer's landmark multiparty elections when he received an 11-month sentence on Thursday on charges of libelling Jacques Mbadu Situ, Governor of the western province of Bas-Congo. "A journalist can be punished twice for the same offence in Democratic Republic of Congo if the plaintiff is sufficiently powerful and bent on revenge," Reporters sans Frontières said in a statement released in Kinshasa. The group said the court should have waited before handing out the sentence for "libelling, insulting and spreading false rumours" about the official, since an appeal for the defendant was still pending before a higher court.Kakwala Kash was arrested early on Thursday morning at his Kinshasa home by five police special-services agents. The day before his arrest, the High Authority for the Media suspended Le Moniteur's licence for six months in response to a separate complaint brought by the governor over the same case. "This is not how we see press freedom," RSF said. Mail & Guardian (South Africa) (1/13)

Plight of traumatised soldiers 'ignored by Government'

By Terri Judd

Those charged with caring for military personnel returning from tours of duty have warned of a dramatic increase in servicemen and women needing help because of the traumatic nature of their experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan. The issue was highlighted when Tony Blair had to face a former lance-corporal in the Coldstream Guards who felt that he had been "abandoned" after coming home with post-traumatic stress disorder from his second tour of Iraq. Justin Smith, 32, told the Prime Minister during a debate on ITV's Westcountry Live programme: "I have lost my house, my security and any self-belief," adding: "Now I'm living in temporary accommodation that is forcing me to go to work rather than concentrate on getting better, and I want to know what the Government is going to do." Mr Blair promised to look into the situation, insisting that there was supposed to be adequate provision for those who are medically discharged. But last night another veteran, John Pentreath, of the Royal British Legion, accused the Government of "shutting the door" on those needing help after serving their country. He said: "I don't expect the Government to carry out their duty of care to people like Justin. They will just say that, once he's a civilian, there is the NHS." But the leading charity in the area, Combat Stress, and the new British Armed Forces Federation say it is inappropriate to treat men and women with battle stress among civilians, and that military hospitals are needed. Robert Marsh, of Combat Stress, said they already have 8,000 veterans on their books and will soon struggle to cope with mounting numbers. Last year, they had a 26 per cent increase and many do not present themselves for at least a decade. Independent (United Kingdom) (1/13)

Transvestite Breaks Every Taboo

Pakistani talk show host Ali Salim regularly dishes about sex when he goes on the air -- despite the fact that such open talk is banned in his country. The best part: Salim presents his popular TV show wearing make-up and women's clothing.

His eyebrows are covered in a thick layer of mascara, and his red lips are shining with lip gloss. His glamorous sari and glistening jewelry aren't enough to distract from the talk show host's perfectly made-up face. Ali Salim interviews celebrity guests on his " Late Night Show with Nawazish Ali" every week. The 28-year-old is bisexual, and the coquettish widow Begum Nawazish has been his alter ego for a year and a half. While he breaks every taboo in conservative Pakistan with his provocative show, Salim has never been attacked by Muslim fundamentalists, the New York Times reports -- despite the fact that traditional Islam condemns homosexuality. Gay and lesbian Pakistanis have few possibilities for expressing their sexual orientation. The TV star isn't bothered by the fact that his show is frequently criticized for its juicy content. He chats with celebrities from Pakistan and India, including top politicians. "Sitting senators have sent requests to be on the show," he told the New York Times. When the guests are male, Begum Nawazish Ali flirts away with them. When they're female, "she" competes with them over who looks better. But no matter whether the topic is politics, democracy or the latest gossip -- her questions are tough and probing. She openly criticizes the role played by the military that rules Pakistan, for example. Der Spiegel (Germany) (1/13)

Morales to tackle Bolivia clashes

By Daniel Schweimler , BBC South America correspondent

Bolivia's President, Evo Morales, has held an emergency cabinet meeting to try to tackle the violence that has rocked the city of Cochabamba. At least two people have been killed and hundreds injured in the clashes. The city is calmer now, with the military guarding the airport, bridges and key buildings. But the conflict - between supporters of the local governor and coca leaf growers who back the president - is by no means over. Mr Morales said there would be justice but he pleaded with his followers not to seek revenge after the two demonstrators were killed in the clashes with police and opponents. He called an emergency cabinet meeting after rushing back from Nicaragua, where he had been attending the inauguration of President Daniel Ortega. Supporters of Mr Morales had been demonstrating in Cochabamba for several days, calling for the resignation of the state governor, Manfred Reyes. Mr Reyes is one of several state governors calling for more autonomy and greater distance from Mr Morales's radical central government. Those protests turned violent when supporters of the governor organised a counter-demonstration and the two groups, armed with stones, baseball bats and machetes, clashed. At least two people were killed and many more injured. Several hundred soldiers have been transferred to the city to guard the airport, bridges and key buildings. BBC (1/13)

Military families don't have to mourn alone

Volunteers take over where official help leaves off

By RICHARD STEWARTWhen the two soldiers at the door asked for Tanner Ford's mother, his heart sank. "Is it bad news?" he asked. They said it was. He knew that his twin brother, Army Spc. Philip Cody Ford, had been killed in Iraq. The University of Houston student was the first in his family to get the terrible news. In the days that followed, he said, the soldiers who had brought the news helped his family through the funeral arrangements and helped them with both the emotional shock and the bureaucracy of dealing with a military death. Nothing can replace a loved one suddenly and unexpectedly lost, but when a service member dies in Afghanistan or Iraq, a series of organizations go into action to help the stricken families. From those who have to deliver the tragic news to a loosely knit group of patriotic motorcyclists, all strive to help grieving families in their time of need. There has been a lot of need for help. More than 60 service members from the Houston area have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, five in December alone. Spc. Dustin Donica, of Spring, was killed Dec. 28, a day after Pfc. Nathaniel Given, of Dickinson, died. Lance Cpl. Stephen Morris, of Lake Jackson, was killed Dec. 24. Lance Cpl. Luke Yepsen, of Kingwood, died Dec. 14. Spc. Philip Cody Ford, of Jones Creek, was killed Dec. 10. In almost all cases, families first learn about their loss at home when officers drive up to deliver the news. President Bush braced Americans for more casualties as he said Wednesday night that 21,500 more troops will be sent to Iraq. Houston Chronicle (1/13)

posted by Dave Carroll @ 1/13/2007 06:10:00 PM