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Archive for February 15th, 2007

ODM-K Scandinavia chapter treasurer has resigned abruptly

Posted by African Press International on February 15, 2007

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Recently, questions were asked about ODM-K Scandinavia chapter. The important question was about finance and now it has been reported that the newly formed party with the base in Stockholm, a reflection of ODM-Kenya, has already fallen into problems.

Word has leaked out from Sweden that, the treasurer Mr Midenyo has resigned citing displeasure in the way the party is being run in Stockholm.

What signal the resignation will send to other members, and those who have been contributing money to the party is not know as yet.

By Korir,

Related story:

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Norwegian politicians in disagreement on Afghanistan

Posted by African Press International on February 15, 2007

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On Thursday Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre told parliament that the new forces to be sent to Afghanistan could be sent anywhere, but the government denied this contradicted their previous explanations.

Carl I. Hagen added a family angle to the debate on Norway’s coming troop contribution to Afghanistan.

PHOTO: Jarl Fr. Erichsen / SCANPIX

Both Finance Minister Kristin Halvorsen and Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg appeared to reserve the new 150-man force to operations in the relatively tranquil north of the country, but the distinction blurred during Thursday’s parliamentary debate.

Gahr Støre explained that could aid other soldiers in need anywhere in Afghanistan, also in the troubled south, but several times emphasized that the force would not be moved or deployed anywhere but the Kabul area.

“If a situation of acute need arises, Norway will of course respond. That is quite different than redeploying forces,” Gahr Støre said, an explanation that was echoed by Stoltenberg on Thursday.

Stoltenberg said that the opposition was twisting his statements from question time on Wednesday, and argued that he had not ruled out Norwegian soldiers helping soldiers from other countries.

The opposition insisted that the government had sown uncertainty about the task of the new force bound for Kabul, and doubt about the commitment to uphold the NATO motto of “One for all and all for one.”

Uneasy father
Former Progress Party leader Carl I. Hagen, who has a son in ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) in Afghanistan, said he was not soothed by government statements, and yesterday’s explanation that NATO request for emergency response movement of Norway’s forces would be decided by the government.

“If a phone rings at 3 a.m. for an emergency situation, will there be a government conference the next day, where SV (the Socialist Left Party, part of the government coalition) has to consult its national council, who need another 48 hours? Or will military authorities have the power to say yes to helping the soldiers in need from other nations? There won’t be time for discussions. That is why the government must take a stand on the hypothetical questions they aren’t answering today,” Hagen said in parliament.

“I was shocked when I heard Stoltenberg say Wednesday that there is a difference between helping one’s own and others in an emergency situation. One reason that I said yes to my son, that he should go to Afghanistan, was that I knew that the division he led would get help from others if they needed it,” Hagen said, and pointed out that SV had stated that sending forces to the south was not an option.

“This is not just a policy question, but also a moral question – One for all and all for one,” Hagen said.

“There has to be clarity about what the force’s task will be. The soldiers have the right to know what they are being sent to do,” said parliamentary defense committee leader Jan Petersen (Conservative).

By Odd Inge Skjærvesland and Jonathan Tisdall

Published by African Press in Norway, apn, africanpress@chello.no, tel +47 932 99 739 or +47 6300 2525
Source.aftenpostenENG

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Moroccans living in Guinea voluntarily repatriated

Posted by African Press International on February 15, 2007

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Dakar (Senegal) *”Ninety Moroccans living in Guinea were voluntarily repatriated Wednesday on board a Royal Armed Forces plane chartered by King Mohamed six, the Moroccan news agency, Maghreb Arab press (MAP) reported.

The returnees requested for repatriation amid unabated fears for their security in Guinea amid nationwide demonstrations during which security men have killed 112 people since the beginning of the year.

An estimated 200 Moroccans live in Guinea and among them, entrepreneurs, international civil servants as well as women married to Guineans, among others.

President Lansana Conté Monday declared a state of siege and a curfew to end the clashes between the demonstrators and security forces.

The trade unions and the opposition Monday revived their general strike which was suspended in January, to demand that president Conté steps down after naming his relative, Eugene Camara, as Prime Minister.

OD/pos/tjm/APA

Published by Korir, African Press in Norway, apn, africanpress@chello.no, tel +47 932 99 739 or +47 6300 2525

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Charges against Somali businessman dropped

Posted by African Press International on February 15, 2007

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(Nairobi) Kenya has dropped criminal charges against a Somali businessman and his son believed to be Al-Qaeda financiers, APA learnt on Thursday.

Abukar Omar Aden and his son Omar Abubakar were cleared of charges of being unlawfully present in the country after a nolle prosequi signed by the director of public prosecutions was presented to a Nairobi High Court judge, Justice Joseph Nyamu.

In the application the Somalis, through prominent Nairobi lawyer James Orengo, urged the court to protect them saying that they should not be taken back to Somali because they had come to the country for fear of their lives.

Justice Nyamu accepted the nolle prosequi but advised that it be presented to the Makadara court in Nairobi which was trying the two for being in the country unlawfully.

The two Somalis were arrested on 26 December last year at Liboi in Garissa District, about 800 km from Nairobi.

Abukar Omar, who is on a wheelchair, is currently being treated at the Kenyatta National Hospital .”*

JK/PM/APA

Published by Korir, African Press in Norway, apn, africanpress@chello.no tel +47 932 99 739 or +47 6300 2525

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Uganda handball team to visit Scandinavia

Posted by African Press International on February 15, 2007

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Kampala (Uganda) *”Ugandan under-23 handball team is preparing for a tour of Sweden and Denmark in July this year.

Hannington Musoke, the national team coordinator, said on Thursday the team will participate in the Swedish Fartille Cup in the first week of July. From Sweden, the team will head to Denmark to take part in the Dronninglund Cup 8-14 July.

Musoke said 18 handball players will begin training at the Makerere University main sports grounds at the end of this week. They will leave the country for their Scandinavian tour on 1 July.

He added that the team has some money for the trips, but called on sponsors to provide additional financial support for the trip to be a success.

Despite having a regular lotelcal league the national handball team has not participated in international tournaments in a long time.

 

Source<apa

Published by Korir, African Press in Norway, apn, africanpress@chello.no tel +47 932 99 739 or +47 6300 2525

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Tanzanian President challenges Japan

Posted by African Press International on February 15, 2007

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Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) *”President Jakaya Kikwete on Wednesday challenged Japan to increase its investments in Tanzania and Africa in general.

The president, speaking in Dar es Salaam, said that although Japan has been doing a lot of business in Africa for the past 60 years, there are no giant investments in the country.

Kikwete made the remarks when he met a delegation of Japanese businessmen led by the deputy President of the External Business Cooperation of Japan, Tomaharu Washio.

The delegation promised to work on the challenges set forth by the president.

In another development, while discussing with the Japanese Japanese Foreign Minister Musayoshi Hamada in Dar es Salaam, Kikwete reiterated that any changes to the UN Security Council that would isolate Africa will be opposed by African nations.

He said that any country outside of Africa vying for a position in the Security Council should not be able to deny Africa its right of having a permanent member on the Security Council with the right to veto.

He also underscored the need for the global body to be reformed to make it more democratic and effective.”*

 

Source>apa

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Well well people, the year of the doggers is over

Posted by African Press International on February 15, 2007

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Now comes the pigs! I got this info from a chinese buddy about pigs. These chaps seem to nail things on the head when it comes to such things.
check this out and judge yourself about the year 2007. The year of the pigs!
“The Pig

The Pig is a fun and enlightening personality blessed with patience and understanding. People born under the sign of the Pig enjoy life and all it has to offer, including family and friends. They are honest and thoughtful and expect the same of other people. Pigs can be perceived as oblivious or gullible because they do care about others so much that they will do just about anything for a friend in need.

Years of the Pig

Last in the cycle, Pig Years follow the Dog Years and recur every twelfth year. The Chinese New Year does not fall on a specific date, so it is essential to check the calendar to find the exact date on which each Pig Year actually begins.

1911*1923*1935*1947*1959*1971*1983*1995*2007

THE SIGN OF THE PIG

“Its better to give than to receive” would probably be the Pig’s motto. Pigs are more comfortable giving of their own time or attention than they are to ask others for it. They do not find asking for help an easy task and would rather carry the burden themselves. Pigs will do anything they can to maintain a sense of peace amongst family or friends. This can lead to a tendency to be taken advantage of, but Pigs basically forgive and forget everything. They are compassionate souls who simply want to keep the peace.

PIG FACTS:

People born in the Year of the Pig share certain characteristics. The Pig Sign is an abbreviated way of characterizing that individual’s personality. Following are features associated with the Sign of the Pig.

Twelfth in order, Chinese name—ZHU, sign of honesty

Hour—9pm-10:59pm Month—November

Western Counterpart—Scorpio

CHARACTERISTICS

Hardworking, Giving, Willing, Helpful, Materialistic, Gullible, Oblivious, Obstinate

 IN YOUR ELEMENT

The characteristics of the Pig Sign are tempered by on eof the five Chinese elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth overlaying a 5-year cycle of characteristics on the original 12-year cycle.

THE METAL PIG 1911 AND 1971

Outspoken and confident, Metal Pigs give 110% for everything they do. They throw themselves into relationships with others completely, sometimes to a fault. These Pigs are headstrong and diligent in the workplace, honest and caring in a relationship and trustworthy with everyone he meets unless given reason not to be. Metal Pigs usually give people more credit than they deserve but when challenged can be a hard nut to crack.

THE WATER PIG 1923 AND 1983

Water Pigs go with the flow and usually trust people before they truly know them. This, of course, can get them into trouble because they are often to trusting for their own good. Water Pigs are quite easily influenced; yet, can be very persuasive when it comes to getting what they want. These people love parties and social situations and enjoy giving of themselves to help others.

THE WOOD PIG 1935 AND 1995

Wood Pigs are strong-minded individuals who give of themselves continuously. They have hearts of gold and won’t take no for an answer from a friend in need. These Pigs are practical, down-to-earth and industrious people, always looking for the next project to take on. They enjoy working in groups and work well with other people.

THE FIRE PIG 1947 AND 2007

Active, outgoing and extroverted, Fire Pigs breathe new life into everything they do. These Pigs are vivid, motivated individuals who cannot be deterred from a goal once they have set it. They are emotional and passionate about their loved ones, their occupations and their objectives. They are bold and vivacious, unafraid to take risks despite the consequences. They make great bosses because they do work so hard and because they are so spirited. But don’t doublecross a Fire Pig. They have the ability to be quite abrasive when things don’t turn out as they planned.

THE EARTH PIG 1959 AND 2019

Laid back and reliable, Earth Pigs are at their happiest at home with their families. They are organized and pragmatic, preparing a strategy for every project they take on. They are fruitful at work and are content being one of the employees. Even so, Earth Pigs may compensate for this by asking for more money at review time. These Pigs love a good time and so may overindulge at times.

HEALTH AND HABITAT

HEALTH

Pigs enjoy being around other people and so being alone for long periods of time can cause illness in a Pig. They also like to party and have a tendency to over do it at times. Because they do not get much exercise they also have a tendency to gain weight. A Pig’s stomach and intestines are prime spots for sickness because he tends to overindulge with food, alcohol or nicotine. In order to maintain a clean bill of health, Pigs should watch their diets, make sure they get enough vitamins and minerals each day and somehow work an exercise routing into their daily lives.

AT HOME WITH THE PIG

Pigs have comfortable, friendly homes that just invite you in. As much as they love company you can believe their homes are going to reflect materialistic gains. Pigs like to show off assets and pay close attention to their decorations in their homes. They can certainly make something out of nothing; however, they don’t make cleaning or chores a top priority.

CAREER AND FINANCE

THE PIG AT WORK

Pigs generally do really well when they get to be creative. They usually do better at jobs where they can express themselves. They are enthusiastic about taking on new responsibility at work and jump in to give a hand to colleagues in need. Pigs are well-liked by co-workers because are so willing to help and they have an eye for detail that makes them quite invaluable to upper management.

MONEY AND THE PIG

Pigs love to spend money. They have an eye for name brands rather than generics so they generally spend a lot of it. Pigs have a knack for being able to find a diamond in the rough. Although they can sometimes be thrifty with money, most of the time it is the reverse. Pigs should be careful; a rainy day may sneak up on them.

PIG CAREERS

Those born in the Year of the Pig share the same kinds of goals and objectives in life. The occupations best suited for a Pig are listed below:

PIGS MAKE EXCELLENT:

Doctors

Caterers

Students

Dentists

Entertainers

Veterinarians

Hotel management

Department store personnel

Interior decorators

CONGENIAL BUSINESS PARTNERS

Whether Pigs are compatible with their business partners depends upon whether their signs are harmonious or antagonistic to those of their partners. Considering the congruity of their own characters and the characters f their business partners can also be very useful.

Pigs Ruled by Benefit From Are Antagonistic to

Metal Earth Oxen Fire Rats

Water Metal Pigs Earth Tigers

Wood Water Dragons Metal Roosters

Fire Wood Rabbits Water Horses

Earth Fire Sheep Wood Snakes

Leisurely activities and pleasures

LIKES AND DISLIKES

Since Pigs are born under the same Animal Sign, they often share likes and dislikes. Following are similar likes and dislikes of the Pig personality.

Color Preference: Dark blue

Gems and Stones: Lapis lazuli, Coral, Beryl

Suitable Gifts: Makeup, body lotion, bathrobe, mineral oils, shower gels

Hobbies and Pastimes: Shopping, parties, theater

Pigs Dislike: Discord, illegal behavior, not having anything to eat

THE PIG ON VACATION

As much as Pigs love food they would truly enjoy a culinary experience on vacation. When traveling they tend to dine at the finest restaurants, eat the richest chocolate and drink the most expensive champagne. In addition, their natures to be relaxed and laid back would lead them to an easygoing vacation somewhere on an island or in a resort where they can hang out and be completely taken care of.

FRIENDS AND ENEMIES

Pigs are great friends to have on your side. They will nurture you, care for you and make sure you have everything you need. In times of trouble, Pigs are genuine friends who will give you the shirt off of their backs if you need it. They entertain their friends and host parties as often as they can. Any chance to gather n a social setting is enough for a Pig to have a party and most of the time, he doesn’t really need an excuse to host one. They are loyal and good-natured, always willing to lend a hand or an ear.

PIG PARENTS AND BABIES

Pigs are devoted mothers and fathers. They are affectionate and loving, supportive and caring parents. They are homebodies, preferring to stay at home with their families than to go out on the town. A Pig’s priority is his children, and curse the man who dare to hurt his child or to lay a hand upon him. A Pig can be a real monster when he feels his family is threatened.

PIG INFANT AND CHILD

Pig children are joyous children. They giggle and twirl and are truly enjoyable to be around. These children love to play with other children and usually have many friends. They have confidence in themselves and in others.

PIG PARENT/CHILD KINSHIPS

Some parents immediately click with their children and others find they will never have a close relationship no matter how hard they try to make it happen. Following are compatibility ratings between Pig parents ad their children.

Pig with Under the same roof Compatibility

Rat friendly ***

Ox affectionate ***

Tiger opposing views *

Rabbit enjoyable ***

Dragon lots of fun **

Snake laid back ***

Horse distant *

Sheep think alike ****

Monkey lots of laughs ***

Rooster caring **

Dog warm **

Pig completely rewarding ****

*uphill struggle **some complications ***easy bonding ****angelic

Lovers and spouses

THE PIG LOVER

Pigs are great partners to have because they are so supportive and giving of themselves. They are happiest at home, so arguments about late nights out with friends are few and far between for the Pig and his mate. Pigs are sexual creatures who love to be affectionate.

MARRIAGE

Pigs are wonderful companions, appreciative and caring. They are grateful for the things they have, especially a loving and healthy family. Once they choose a partner, they are in it for the long haul. Pigs do not like discord and will do whatever it takes to maintain a peaceful homestead.

 THE PIG IN LOVE

Pigs make good partners and most people would consider themselves lucky to be involved with one. Still, some people are not suited for a Pig’s easygoing nature.

PARTNERS IN LOVE

Pig*Rat

You’ll have a tendency to spend a lot of money, but you’ll have a lot of fun doing it!

Pig*Ox

You are two sexually charged individuals…work on a mental relationship as well.

Pig*Tiger

You share trust and friendship.

Pig*Rabbit

Affectionate and caring, you’re headed for a wonderful companionship.

Pig*Dragon

A loving and warm relationship.

Pig*Snake

Not enough in common to commit to a stable union.

Pig*Horse

Easygoing but maybe too much so for your own good.

Pig*Sheep

Trust and honesty make this a winning combination.

Pig*Monkey

Sexual tension is heightened by a constant need to disagree.

Pig*Rooster

Even though you disagree on a few things, if you try to make it work it will be great.

Pig*Dog

Stable and supportive, but not much passion or fire.

Pig*Pig

You are off to a good start, but eventually it fades.

Love Partners at a Glance

Pig with Tips on Togetherness Compatibility

Rat happiness prevails ***

Ox be persistent **

Tiger humorous ***

Rabbit very enjoyable ****

Dragon quite stable! ***

Snake differing opinions *

Horse unrealistic **

Sheep heavenly! ****

Monkey vivid and vivacious ***

Rooster infinitely successful ***

Dog genuine and true ***

Pig a bit unnerving **

*dispute **keep working at it ***intense sexual attraction ****angelic

 EAST MEETS WEST

ARIES PIG

Full of energy and vive, these are affectionate lovers. They hunger for responsibility both mentally and physically.

TAUREAN PIG

Charming and luxurious, although they like to spend money, Taurean Pigs are good with it. They are completely grounded and motivated workers.

GEMINI PIG

Party-loving and sociable, Gemini Pigs enjoy the good life. They love to host parties and dinners, but are very appearance-oriented.

CANCERIAN PIG

Happy to be on their couch at night, these Pigs enjoy their families and friends more than anything else. They like to take on projects around the house such as sewing or gardening.

LEONINE PIG

These Pigs throw themselves into everything they do. They work hard, but they play hard. They are genuine and stable with hearts of gold.

VIRGO PIG

Virgo Pigs are very giving creatures who would go without just so others could have. They are sacrificial creatures who will really out on the heat if a family member or friend lets them down.

LIBRAN PIG

These Pigs are sophisticated, beautiful individuals who make great companions. They are easygoing and lovable, but a bit indecisive.

SCORPIO PIG

These Pigs are motivated and sociable individuals who base success on money and power. They will accomplish their goals of being wealthy no matter what it takes.

SAGITTARIAN PIG

Sagittarian Pigs spread good feelings and vibes everywhere they go. They are giving and accommodating and take good care of their loved ones.

CAPRICORN PIG

These are upstanding people who genuinely care about the welfare of people. They are hardworking, motivated people who are the first to speak up when something needs to be done.

AQUARIAN PIG

Talkative and friendly, these Pigs love to talk. They give good advice and often serve as role models for family and friends.

PISCEAN PIG

These are generally the most artistically able and creative of all the Pigs. They need to feel secure to be happy and will do whatever it takes to make a relationship or friendship work.”

Basi leta maoni (ok come with your opinion) …me I am shocked at the presition. Im not one who believes on this as normal ……. (but) lakini .. this is good!

Lifted from chinese horoscopes.
Ira Ndunda

Published by African Press in Norway, apn, africanpress@chello.no tel +47 932 99 739 or +47 6300 2525

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High import duty on tea a risk to Kenya’s foreign trade

Posted by African Press International on February 15, 2007

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*”Kenyan tea is at risk of losing its competitive edge on the international market due to the high import duty imposed by the country, a delegation from the Government on an overseas trip has said.

The group led by assistant Agriculture minister Peter Kaindi spent a week in Pakistan and expressed the fear after realizing that tea producing countries from South Asia had formed an association that worked to abolish import duty on their products.

Countries belonging to the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) enjoy lower or zero tariff payable by importers to the Pakistan Government.

Pakistan is the biggest consumer of Kenyan tea and last year, it imported 84 million kilograms of the commodity from Kenya.

A statement from the Foreign Affairs ministry yesterday said that, although Pakistan consumers had a strong liking for Kenyan tea, the efforts by SAARC were posed a serious threat to farmers.

Middlemen who either adulterate or deal in counterfeit tea, passing it off as Kenyan, were also giving it a bad name and were likely to help competitors in dislodging Kenyan tea from its premium position on the Pakistani market.

“The impact of losing the Pakistan market would be felt most by smallholder tea farmers in Kenya, who account for 80 percent of all Kenyan tea exported to that country,” said the statement.

The ministry, however, said Pakistan had been advocating for signing of a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with Kenya to protect the market and enhance bilateral trade between the two countries. However, the fact that Kenya belongs to the East African Community and was a signatory to the Customs Union Protocol, barred it from entering into PTAs with non-members.

This, the statement noted, featured prominently in the discussions between the Kenyan delegation and their Pakistan hosts.

The officials held talks with senior Pakistani government officials in Islamabad before flying to Karachi to meet representatives of the Pakistan Tea Association, and the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan.

Kenya imports about 180,000 tons of rice from Pakistan yearly.”*

*”/”*lifted from teherantimes

By Ira Ndunda

Published by African Press in Norway, apn, africanpress@chello.no, tel +47 932 99 739 or +47 6300 2525

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