NAIROBI, Kenya, November 26, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — MEDIA BRIEFING INVITATION When: 28 November 2014, 12:30 pm Venue: Conference Room 14, United Nations Office at Nairobi Session 1Who: H.E. Mr. Ephraim Kamun Uganda, Minister of Water Lawrence Simitu, Director of Water Services, Kenya Charles Biney, Executive Secretary, Volta Basin Authority, Burkina Faso Lenka Thamae, Executive Secretary, Orange/Senqu River Commission, South Africa Elizabeth Mrema, Director, Division of Environmental Law and Conventions, UNEP Over 30 Ministers and experts will identify solutions to a range of freshwater threats at the First International Environment Forum for Basin Organisations which is being held in…
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FREETOWN, Sierra Leone, November 25, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Minister of Information and Communications of Sierra Leone, Alpha Kanu, will host an online press conference on Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at 15 GMT.Since Sierra Leone recorded the first case of Ebola on May 25th, this year, the President of the West African state Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma scaled down other development projects his Government was implementing under the “agenda for prosperity” by committing over 90 billion Leones (equivalent to about twenty million dollars) towards the fight against the Ebola Virus Disease.President Koroma appealed to the international community for…
BRAZZAVILLE, Republic of the Congo, November 25, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — At the close of the 46th general meeting of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) (http://www.afraa.org), organised by Air Algérie in early November, Mrs Fatima Beyina-Moussa, Managing Director of ECAir (Equatorial Congo Airlines) (http://www.flyecair.com), was named President of AFRAA. Mrs Beyina-Moussa has headed the national airline of the Republic of the Congo since its creation in 2011.Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/141124.jpgLogo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/ecair.pngDownload flyer: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/ecair-flyer.jpgA graduate of HEC Montreal with an MBA from the University of Ottawa, Mrs Fatima Beyina-Moussa obtained a DEA (postgraduate degree) in International Economics at Sciences Po in Paris,…
GENEVA, Switzerland, November 25, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Michel Forst, expressed regret today that defenders in Burundi are deemed to be political opponents, when in reality they are activists working to promote and protect human rights and civil liberties. “I was very struck by the incredible vitality and professionalism of civil society in Burundi despite the difficult environment in which they work. They face serious obstacles that can amount to violations of their rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as their legitimate right to promote and protect human rights,”…
NEW YORK, November 25, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The members of the Security Council strongly condemn Saturday’s attack in Mandera, Kenya for which Al Shabaab has claimed responsibility and which has caused the deaths of numerous innocent people. The members of the Security Council extended their condolences to the families of the victims and to the people and Government of the Republic of Kenya. The members of the Security Council reiterated their solidarity with the people and Government of Kenya in their fight against terrorism. The members of the Security Council paid tribute in particular to the role of…
NEW YORK, November 24, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Secretary-General condemns the terrorist attack this morning on a commuter bus in Mandera, Kenya, in which at least twenty eight people were killed. He conveys his profound condolences to the families of the victims and expresses his solidarity with the people and the Government of Kenya.The Secretary-General pledges the continuing support of the United Nations to Kenya and the countries of the region in their multidimensional efforts to address the scourge of terrorism. He hopes those responsible for today’s attack
OTTAWA, Canada, November 24, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird today released the following statement:“Canada condemns in the strongest possible terms the cowardly attack against a bus in Northern Kenya that took the lives of 28 innocent civilians.“The deliberate targeting of civilians is despicable and demonstrates the inhumanity of those who perpetrated this attack.“On behalf of all Canadians, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims and to all Kenyans.“Canada stands in solidarity with the Government of Kenya and will continue to support the fight against al-Shabaab.“The Government of…
LONDON, United-Kingdom, November 24, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Foreign Office Minister Hugo Swire condemns terrorist attack in Kenya and pledges continued UK support in the fight against Al ShababMr Swire said:“I strongly condemn the attack that took place in Mandera county, Kenya, today, killing 28 people. I offer my condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died.“There can be no place for such senseless acts of violence in our societies. The UK stands by the Kenyan government in its fight against terrorism and in its efforts to bring those responsible for this barbaric act to justice.”
OTTAWA, Canada, November 24, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird issued the following statement on a resolution led by Canada and Zambia on child, early and forced marriage at the United Nations that was adopted by the Third Committee this morning:“The overwhelming support of the international community for this resolution is a clear signal that there is a global movement toward eradicating a practice that threatens the lives and futures of 15 million girls who are forced into marriage each year.“To the 700 million girls and women around the world who were forced to marry as…
BERLIN, Germany, November 24, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Speaking on the fringes of the nuclear negotiations with Iran in Vienna, Foreign Minister Steinmeier issued the following statement on 24 November on last Sunday’s presidential elections in Tunisia:I welcome the fact that the Tunisian people are continuing with such courage along the path towards democratic transformation. After holding parliamentary elections and democratically drawing up a new constitution, Tunisia has now completed a crucial phase of this transition process by electing a new president.Germany has supported Tunisia on this path since the outset and we will continue to be a reliable…
WASHINGTON, November 24, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Press StatementJohn KerrySecretary of StateWashington, DCNovember 23, 2014I congratulate the Tunisian people on today’s presidential election. This historic moment has come about due to the strong commitment by Tunisians from across the political spectrum to democracy and the rule of law. With a continued emphasis on political and social cooperation and consensus-building, Tunisia’s democratic path will remain an inspiration to all those in the region and around the world who are working to build the foundation for an inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous future. I saw firsthand the power of Tunisia’s example when…
TOKYO, Japan, November 21, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — 1. Bilateral relationsPrime Minister Abe stated his intention to strengthen the strategic cooperative relationship with South Africa and to cooperate on issues in the international arena. He also stated that Japan was also paying attention to South Africa’s National Development Plan and the development of the North-South Corridor which is also a priority for President Zuma. Prime Minister Abe also stated that Japan could contribute to building infrastructure in South Africa through its safe and reliable sound technologies and personnel training. President Zuma expressed his hopes for Japan’s assistance in the…
ACCRA, Ghana, November 21, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Mr. Joël Toujas-Bernaté, visited Accra from November 6 to 20, 2014, to discuss the authorities’ economic and financial program and its possible financial support by the IMF. The mission met with President Mahama; Vice-President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur; Dr. Kwesi Botchwey, Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission; Finance Minister Seth Terkper; Bank of Ghana Governor Kofi Wampah; the Finance Committee of the Parliament, other senior officials, and representatives of the private sector, the donor community and civil society.Mr. Toujas-Bernaté made the following statement at…
GENEVA, Switzerland, November 21, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Disease outbreak newsOn 4 November 2014, WHO was notified by the Ministry of Health of Madagascar of an outbreak of plague. The first case, a male from Soamahatamana village in the district of Tsiroanomandidy, was identified on 31 August. The patient died on 3 September.As of 16 November, a total of 119 cases of plague have been confirmed, including 40 deaths. Only 2% of reported cases are of the pneumonic form.Cases have been reported in 16 districts of seven regions. Antananarivo, the capital and largest city in Madagascar, has also been…
COPENHAGEN, Denmark, November 21, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Check against delivery Mr President, Excellencies,Thank you for bringing us together here today, and for setting the agenda through your opening statements.Twenty years ago, I read an article in my local newspaper about eight refugee boys, orphans, from Somalia, arriving in my small town. I called the municipality and offered to be a contact family. Young Mohammed became our third boy in the family. We learned something about his sorrows and frustrations, his longing and hopes and love for his country. We also had an exotic exchange of experiences – of…
GENEVA, Switzerland, November 21, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — On 24 August, WHO was notified by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) of an outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Jeera County, Equateur Province. This outbreak, which is unrelated to that affecting West Africa, caused a total of 66 cases of EVD including 8 among health care workers. By November 20, 42 days had passed since the last case tested negative twice and was discharged from hospital. According to WHO recommendations, the end of an Ebola virus disease outbreak in a country can be declared once 42 days have…
GENEVA, Switzerland, November 21, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — IOM Djibouti has contributed USD 85,000 to the Djiboutian Health Ministry to help local hospitals and clinics provide medical care to migrants from the Horn of Africa. The principal donor is CERF, the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund.“We estimate that over 100,000 migrants transit this country every year,” said IOM Djibouti Chief of Mission Romaric N’Guessan. “Unfortunately, most of them cross in appalling conditions, often on foot. So, logically, they suffer terribly from dehydration and are exposed to all sorts of diseases.”Almost 90 per cent are from Ethiopia and 10…
GENEVA, Switzerland, November 21, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — IOM has resumed transport by boat and road of South Sudanese refugees stranded by heavy rains and flooding in Matar to Fugnido refugee camp in the Gambella region of Western Ethiopia, 300 kms away, following an agreement between Ethiopia’s Administration for Refugee and Returnee Affairs (ARRA) and UNHCR.The relocation operation started this week with the movement of 286 refugees by boat and bus from Matar to Fugnido via the Itang way station. The two-day journey involves an overnight stop in Itang, where IOM, UNHCR and WFP provide food, water, sleeping mats…
BRUSSELS, Kingdom of Belgium, November 21, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Council has extended the EU’s counter-piracy Operation Atalanta by two more years, until 12 December 2016. The Operation’s main focus is the protection of World Food Programme vessels delivering humanitarian aid to Somalia; and the deterrence, repression and disruption of piracy off the Somali coast. In addition, Operation Atalanta contributes to the monitoring of fishing activities off the coast of Somalia.Despite the significant progress that has been achieved off the coast of Somalia since the operation was launched in 2008, it is widely recognised that the threat from…
OTTAWA, Canada, November 21, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Ted Opitz, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke Centre, highlighted Canada’s ongoing efforts to stabilize Somalia during the Ministerial High Level Partnership Forum, which took place on November 19 and 20, 2014, in Copenhagen, Denmark.Mr. Opitz reiterated Canada’s continued support for sustainable peace and security in the country but also expressed concern about recent political tensions and stressed the need for unified political leadership.Canada remains committed to the African Union Mission in Somalia and has provided $16 million to support the mission since 2010.“As the Government of Somalia builds its national institutions…