BBC has reported that, “Poland’s most celebrated journalist and non-fiction writes, Ryszard Kapuscinski, has died in Warsaw, aged 74, after a serious illness.”

He worked in African in the 1960s, where he served as foreign correspondent for the Polish Press Agency’s. He was the only representative for the Agency in Africa at the time, making history and name.

It is reported that, “he wrote widely on wars and dictators, chronicling the last days’ of Ethiopia’s Haile Selassie and the Shah of Iran. He also wrote books on the fall of the Soviet Union and Central America.”

He was, “born in Pinsk, now in Belarus, in 1932, he studied history and joined the Polish Press Agency in the late 1950s. Sent abroad in 1959, he was given the job of covering Africa single-handed for the Polish press, travelling widely across the continent and reporting on a number of wars. He also reported from countries in Asia and South America, witnessing 27 coups or revolutions in all.”

Moving on in his carreer, “from 1974, he wrote for the weekly Kultura, a period during which he began to gain an international reputation for his books The Emperor, on the fall of Haile Selassie, and Shah of Shahs. He also wrote The Soccer War, an account of the border war between Honduras and El Salvador. His final book, Travels with Herodotus, came out two years ago. He also published several volumes of poetry.”

He became a celebrated journalist of his time! 

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By Korir,

Published by African Press in Norway, APN, africanpress@chello.no, tel +47 932 99 739,

source.bbc

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A speech by Erik Solheim, the Norwegian minister for international development. He made the speech in December.

Corruption is one evil that must be removed from our society in order for the society to progress.

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Minister for International Develoment Mr Erik Solheim(Photo on the right)>

“Mr. Chairman, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen.

Corruption is a major global problem. But we are doing something about it.

Tremendous work has been put into the negotiations and adoption of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). Now, expectations are high that this first global tool against corruption will really make a difference.

Let us use this Conference of the States Parties as a unique opportunity to show our common will to move forward. We need positive and constructive decisions in all the main areas where the Conference of States Parties has a mandate to act. Be it on asset recovery, review of implementation or technical assistance. The momentum is now. If we do not “deliver”, the political, economic and human costs will be high. We will loose credibility, and the poorest people will pay the highest price. 

Today’s agenda item is technical assistance. Let me start by underlining the link between an effective mechanism to assist in the implementation of the UNCAC, asset recovery and technical assistance. These three dimensions are mutually interdependent.

Various proposals are being discussed as to how we could establish a mechanism to assist in the implementation of the Convention. Norway’s position is that we need an efficient mechanism which has legitimacy, and that is objective and impartial. The mechanism should support States Parties in the implementation of the Convention and facilitate for transparent and open processes that recognize the crucial role of the civil society.

An implementation mechanism can be established and organised in different ways. Self-assessment, other types of information gathering, peer reviews as well as independent expertise, could all be elements in the way forward.

Mr President,

Asset recovery and measures to prevent money laundering is a top priority for many States Parties. A prerequisite for concrete results to be achieved in this field is the ratification of the UNCAC by countries that have not yet done so. In addition, effective implementation as well as appropriate technical assistance is needed.

The implementation of the Convention’s obligations regarding asset recovery and money laundering is a complex and demanding task. But it can be done. The developed countries have a major responsibility in this regard. There is also an urgent need to build up expertise and capacity globally. We should learn, in a systematic manner, from previous experiences, share between us lessons learned and make effective use of available resources.

Most important, politicians should commit themselves. Only strong, political will can hinder corrupt officials, politicians as well as businessmen and others, to be able to hide their illicit assets in safe havens. The Norwegian Government is strongly committed to this end, and urge upon other States Parties to put the issue of asset recovery, money laundering and safe havens high up on the political agenda – nationally, as well as in different regional, international and global fora. Together, we can make a difference.  

Mr. President,  

It would be a paradox if the fight against corruption should fail due to lack of financing.

The UN Convention against Corruption contains a number of provisions dealing with the need for technical assistance to make the Convention work. We all agree upon these commitments. Now we need to find the best way of providing such assistance.

The implementation of the UNCAC and the fight against corruption naturally belongs to the core activities in the field of development. We should mainstream anti-corruption efforts into ongoing development assistance, including into the regular UN budget. Additional funding will also be needed, and voluntary and earmarked contributions will be important.

In order to make the best use of resources, there is a clear need to have a better overall picture of assistance already provided, as well as current needs directly linked to the implementation of UNCAC. Technical assistance to strengthen a society’s ability to fight corruption must be aligned with other development efforts, such as promotion of good governance, a free press and an active civil society.

Bilateral donors, the UN, the multilateral development banks and developing countries, must strive for better alignment, co-operation and coordination in the field of anti-corruption and good governance. All of us present here today have a clear responsibility to avoid overlap and waste of resources.

Norway invites you to consider the idea of organising an international workshop for practitioners in the field of technical assistance. The aim of the workshop would be to take the discussions on technical assistance further, at a concrete level. It would also provide valuable input to an open-ended working group on technical assistance. The workshop should focus on the effective implementation of the Convention, in line with the principles laid down in the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness. The workshop should take place within the nearest 6 months – and be organised in cooperation with a developing country interested in hosting the meeting.  Norway would be willing to take part in organising such an event, together with other interested countries as well as with the UN and others.   

Mr President,

We need public international organisations at the fore front in our fight against corruption. If officials in international organisations can hide behind diplomatic immunity when caught red handed, it seriously damages our work. It also makes a mockery of the Vienna Convention.

The question of bribery of officials of public international organisations is therefore a significant one.

This is why the Norwegian and the French delegations jointly will circulate, for your consideration, a recommendation on bribery of officials of public international organisations. Together, we propose to establish an open ended intergovernmental working group to which all public international organisations could take part. The working group would consider the question of bribery of officials of public international organisations, and the necessity to determine the competent jurisdiction. In order to facilitate this work, the secretariat is invited to gather, from such public international organisations, relevant documentation concerning the manner in which they ensure prevention of corruption, and manage corruption cases which may involve their agents.

We must keep in mind that an unjustifiable application of rules governing privileges and immunities might seriously undermine the legitimacy and credibility of the Convention. Immunities may also limit the efficiency of possible inquiries and prosecutions against an official of a public international organisation for active or passive bribery. This is why international public organisations should facilitate the waiving of such immunities in situations that justify it.

Mr President;

Let us take this opportunity and live up to the expectations that the UNCAC will make a difference in the fight against corruption.

Thank you.”

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Lifted; By Korir,

Published by African Press in Norway, APN, africanpress@chello.no, tel.+47 932 99 739

source.mfa.int.devevlopment.no

“Norad provides technical advice on effective follow-up of the Plan of Action and other guidelines for anti-corruption activities in Norwegian development cooperation. Norad also makes an active contribution to technical discussions, nationally and internationally.
 
Norad’s Department of Governance and Macro-economics is responsible for providing advice on anti-corruption activities. 
 
How does Norad work?
Some reforms and individual projects supported by Norad are explicitly aimed at combating corruption. However, in the case of most projects and programmes, combating corruption is one of several goals, and these programmes contribute indirectly to reducing the possibilities for corrupt behaviour. For instance, anti-corruption elements are incorporated into programmes with other aims, such as assistance for development of the health and education sectors (“mainstreaming”).
 
Bureaucratic or small-scale corruption can mainly be dealt with through:
 
Decentralisation of the public administration Strengthening control institutions, such as courts of law, anti-corruption institutions, supreme audit offices, public procurement procedures, etc. Support for civil society, e.g. for non-governmental organisations that are specially established to combat corruption, non-governmental organisations that promote civil rights, the media, trade unions and employers’ organisations – sometimes in partnership or agreement with public authorities.  

Political corruption is a challenge for the international donor community because it concerns relations between sovereign states. If international donors are to be able to play a constructive role in relation to political corruption, a political willingness to change must exist in the partner country. For example, dialogue can be established in connection with international conventions and their implementation. Assistance for the implementation of international conventions may be appropriate.
 
Technical cooperation
Norad cooperates on anti-corruption efforts with Norwegian research institutions, Norwegian non-governmental organisations and Norwegian trade unions and employers’ organisations, often as part of other cooperation on governance, human rights, etc.”

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Lifted; By Korir,

Published by African Press in Norway, APN, africanpress@chello.no, tel.+47 932 99 739

source.norad.no

“Minister of International Development Erik Solheim and Minister of Defence Anne-Grete Strøm-Erichsen will visit Lebanon this week to take a closer look at Norway’s military and civilian assistance to the country.

The joint visit is intended to highlight the need for an integrated approach to military and civilian assistance.

“Peace operations and assistance for reconstruction are both equally important in order to create lasting peace in a country following a war,” said Mrs Strøm-Erichsen.

The ministers will travel via Cyprus, where they will be visiting the Norwegian naval vessels and UNIFIL’s naval base in Limassol today.

In Beirut the ministers will have talks with representatives of the Lebanese authorities. The political situation in Lebanon has been difficult since the war with Israel last summer and has deteriorated following the resignation of six cabinet ministers last November.

“We are concerned by the tense situation, and call on all parties to seek a peaceful solution to the political problems the country is facing. Lebanon’s stability and security are important for the whole region,” said Mr Solheim.

The ministers’ programme includes meetings with Minister of Defence Elias Murr, Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Nabih Berri, Director General Berj Hatjian of the Ministry of Environment

During their talks they will discuss issues connected with the reconstruction of Lebanon, including how Norway can assist the country in addressing its environmental challenges. Last year, Norway provided financial support for oil spill response channelled through the Emergency Response Department of the Norwegian Coastal Administration, and for UNEP’s post-conflict environmental assessment. Norway is in the process of entering into cooperation with Lebanon under the Oil for Development programme. Environmental concerns will be of great importance in this connection.

The Norwegian Minister of International Development will also meet Mr Mohammad Raad, chairman of Hezbollah’s parliamentary group. Hezbollah will take Mr Solheim for a tour of the southern districts of Beirut, where he will also meet Palestinian refugees in the Shatila refugee camp. There are an estimated 400 000 Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, and Norway will continue to support humanitarian relief organisations’ work among the refugees in 2007.

The ministers will also travel to Southern Lebanon to visit the UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura, where they among others will meet Norwegian officers. Norway is providing assistance for the clearance of land mines and unexploded cluster munitions, and the ministers will also visit Norwegian People’s Aid’s cluster munitions clearance operations in Tyre.

Mr Solheim will travel from Lebanon to the donor conference for Lebanon, which will be held in Paris on 25 January. Mrs Strøm-Erichsen will travel to Israel for talks with Israeli Minister of Defence Amir Peretz and others.”
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Lifted; By Korir,

Published by African Press in Norway, APN, africanpress@chello.no, tel.+47 932 99 739

source.mfa.no

“Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre underscored that the participation of almost two thirds of registered voters in yesterday’s parliamentary elections in Serbia was a solid vote of confidence in the country’s democratic forces.

- In spite of the many challenges Serbia is facing, the preliminary election results seem to indicate there is a good basis for continuing the process towards closer European cooperation that has been going on for the last few years,” said the Foreign Minister.

- Norway will continue to provide extensive assistance to the democratic reform processes and institution building in Serbia. It is encouraging that the democratic bloc seems to have won a solid majority in the Parliament, he said.

- Serbia is facing many demanding challenges in the time ahead, not least with regard to the future of Kosovo. It is therefore important that an effective government is put in place quickly, Foreign Minister Støre added.”

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Lifted;  By Korir,

Published by African Press in Norway, APN, africanpress@chello.no, tel.+47 932 99 739

source.mfa.no

Oslo municipality gives a contract for over 100 million kroner yearly to Oslo Taxi without advertising it following tender regulations.

This has been taking place for if after Oslo got three taxi companies 9 years ago. The other two companies should be allowed to compete and the best and cheaper company should be awarded the contract.

Those who benefit from the contract are the  elderly and disabled persons allowed to use taxis on special occasions. They may use the taxis and get refunded the costs they incur. Most of them are given a free card that they show the taxi drivers whenever they travel.

It was in 1999 that the municipality entered into the agreement for the first time with Oslo taxi.

Last year the municipality incurred 130 million kroner for the services rendered by the taxi company.

The regulations for tender states clearly that any contracts that the municipality signs that is above 500 000 kroner must be advertised publicly allowing applicants who wish to get the contract to compete. It is a very lucrative business.

Oslo taxi was alone in the field until 1998 when the company was joined by the other two bringing taxi competition on prices to Oslo.

According the Trygve Flølo in NorgesTaxi company whose company has no such a contract, the municipality would be able to save money if they looked for contractors through tender. 

The municipality now says they will start using the tender method.

The head in charge of welfare and social services in the municipality Sylvi Listhaug (FRP) from the progress party says they will now work on the case in order to open for competition.

APN looks at the case as one that could be practised  in the manner of equality.

Oslo taxi being the largest should be given 45% of the tender, NorgesTaxi which is number two in the number of taxies should get 35%, while the smaller company gets 20%.

This way, all the taxies will enjoy the lucrative contract. Many foreigners are employed in the two smaller companies and that would allow them to make money as well.

By Korir,

Published by African Press in Norway, APN, africanpress@chello.no, tel +47 932 99 739, source.(ANB-NTB)