KIGALI, Rwanda, June 5, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Freedom of expression is one of the essential foundations of the European Union, and it goes together with a free and independent media environment. A free, diverse and independent media constitutes one of the cornerstones of a democratic society. It facilitates the free exchange of information and ideas, enables human rights, and exposes injustice, abuse and corruption in our societies. The EU Heads of Mission encourage Rwanda to guarantee an open and independent media environment. We recall the need to maintain efforts to implement the principles of the media reform started…
Author: apofeed
VATICAN, Holy See, June 5, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin has sent a telegram of condolences on behalf of the Holy Father to Bishop Joseph Osei-Bonsu of Konongo-Mampong, president of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, for the many victims of the explosion and subsequent fire in a petrol station in Accra.“Deeply saddened to learn of the tragic incident at a petrol station in Accra in which so many people died or were seriously injured, the Holy Father sends heartfelt condolences to the relatives of the deceased and injured, to the authorities and to the…
KINSHASA, Dem. Rep. of Congo (DRC) June 5, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — RemarksTom MalinowskiAssistant Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and LaborKinshasa, Democratic Republic of the CongoJune 4, 2015Thank you to ABA ROLI and the ACJ for allowing me to join you here today. Many dignitaries and senior officials have traveled from their respective countries to participate in this event. With us today, are U.S. Ambassadors to the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo, and Rwanda, as well as, Ambassadors from France, the United Kingdom, and Canada.Also, joining us is the Head of the EU Mission to…
NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania, June 5, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Ms. Mercedes Vera Martin visited Nouakchott from May 27 to June 4, 2015. The mission reviewed recent macroeconomic developments and the outlook of the Mauritanian economy, following the Article IV Consultation that concluded in January 2015.At the end of the visit, Ms. Vera Martin issued the following statement:“Following several years of growing export demand and high commodity prices, the Islamic Republic of Mauritania is now facing a more difficult external environment, in line with the risks highlighted in the most recent Article IV…
PARIS, France, June 4, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — We were deeply saddened to learn of today’s tragic accident at a service station in Accra, which left several dozen people dead. France offers its condolences to the families of the victims. It assures the Ghanaian people and authorities of its solidarity at this difficult time.
NAIROBI, Kenya, June 4, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — A team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), led by Mr. Mauro Mecagni, visited Kenya from May 20−June 2, 2015 to conduct discussions on the first review under the precautionary Stand-By Arrangement and an arrangement under the Stand-By Credit Facility (SBA/SCF). The 24-month precautionary SBA/SCF with a total access of SDR 488.52 million (about US$688.3 million) was approved by the IMF’s Executive Board on February 2, 2015 (see Press Release No. 15/29). At the end of the mission Mr. Mecagni released the following statement: “Kenya’s economy remains resilient in the face…
WINDHOEK, Namibia, June 4, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — It’s a fashion announcement that all stylish Namibians in the know have been waiting for – Namibia will become the first African country outside of South Africa to experience Great British Fashion, when River Island’s new flagship opens at The Grove Shopping Centre on the 12th June 2015. Photos: http://www.apo.af/YMkkCqLogo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/riverisland.pngAlready buzzing in South Africa with four fashionable stores, including store-in-stores at the fashion retailer, Edgars (http://www.edgars.co.za), The Grove will be the fifth stand-alone store on the continent.Namibians can enjoy shopping the hottest trends direct from the high street in London,…
PARIS, France, June 4, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — France condemns the attacks perpetrated on May 30 and June 2 in Maiduguri, a city in northeastern Nigeria which is now home to a large number of displaced persons fleeing Boko Haram. These attacks against a mosque and a market in the city have killed more than 40 people. We extend our condolences to their families. At the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja on May 29, Laurent Fabius expressed his solidarity with the Nigerian authorities and reaffirmed that France stands alongside its African partners in the fight against terrorism.
NEW YORK, June 4, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — In light of the recent serious allegations of sexual abuse against children in the Central African Republic by foreign troops not under the authority of the United Nations, the Secretary-General has decided to set up an External Independent Review to examine the UN system’s handling of these allegations. The review will examine the treatment of the specific report of abuse in the Central African Republic as well as a broad range of systemic issues related to how the UN responds to serious information of this kind. As has been stated over…
BERLIN, Germany, June 3, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Foreign Minister Steinmeier issued the following statement on recent attacks in Nigeria, which have claimed many lives:Brutal attacks by Boko Haram in Nigeria have once again claimed many lives. I share the pain of the relatives of the victims and wish to offer them my heartfelt condolences. The new Nigerian President Buhari has announced that the fight against the terror of Boko Haram is a matter of the highest priority for him and his government. Nigeria has made some progress in this area in recent weeks. I strongly encourage President Bahari…