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Griechenlands Premierminister Alexis Tsipras reist am heutigen Mittwoch nach Brüssel. Im Gepäck: Eigene Reformpläne als Gegenleistung für weitere Hilfen von EU und IWF. Dabei liegt auch "ein allerletztes Angebot" der Geldgeber auf dem Tisch.

Als Reaktion auf das russische Einreiseverbot von 89 europäischen Politikern verweigert das Europaparlament dem russischen EU-Botschafter, Wladimir Tschischow, und mehreren anderen Diplomaten bis auf weiteres den freien Zugang zu seinen Gebäuden. Das russische Außenministerium reagiert empört.

Ohne ein Votum der nationalen Parlamente in Europa wird es das umstrittene TTIP-Freihandelsabkommen mit den USA nach den Worten von Bundeswirtschaftsminister Sigmar Gabriel nicht geben.

La base aérienne 705 de Tours s’apprête à fêter son centième anniversaire, les 6 et 7 juin. Les détails de cette journée sont à découvrir ici.

France 3 Centre-Val qui lui consacrera une émission spéciale samedi, rappelle son histoire (lire ici).

En voici un résumé:
La base aérienne "François et Jean Tulasne" de Tours a été créée en novembre 1915. On l’appelait alors la BA 109, nom qu'elle portera jusqu’en 1961. Destinée à former des pilotes, l’école d’aviation de Tours est alors dotée de biplans Caudron G III et de quelques G IV. En 1917, cédée aux Américains, elle verra la formation des pilotes d’observation, des observateurs et des photographes US.

En 1919, le site redevient français. Il accueille la 31e escadre d’observation en 1934, qui devient escadre de bombardement en 1937. Début 1961, une école de pilotes de chasse arrive de Meknès, au Maroc, et s’installe sur la base de Tours, qui prend son nom actuel de "base aérienne 705".

On sait aujourd’hui que l’école de chasse, qui forme une cinquantaine de pilotes par an, est appelée à disparaître dès le retrait des Alphajets. De nouveaux services administratifs de l’Armée de l’air pourraient être appelés à s’implanter, accompagnés de l’arrivée de personnels. La BA 705 deviendrait alors une base sans unité aérienne.

Se dirige-t-on vers une sortie de crise ? Le Commissaire européen Johannes Hahn a mené des négociations à Skopje, toute la journée de mardi, avec les quatre principaux partis politiques du pays. Seul accord trouvé : des élections anticipées en avril 2016, mais rien n'est précisé sur la période de « transition ». L'opposition réclame toujours la démission de Nikola Gruevski. Prochaine rencontre prévue le 10 juin à Bruxelles.
Par Jaklina Naumovski
(Avec Utrinski Vesnik et 24vesti) — C'est à l'issue d'une (...)

/ Macédoine, Dérive autoritaire Macédoine, Courrier des Balkans, Politique intérieure

Se dirige-t-on vers une sortie de crise ? Le Commissaire européen Johannes Hahn a mené des négociations à Skopje, toute la journée de mardi, avec les quatre principaux partis politiques du pays. Seul accord trouvé : des élections anticipées en avril 2016, mais rien n'est précisé sur la période de « transition ». L'opposition réclame toujours la démission de Nikola Gruevski. Prochaine rencontre prévue le 10 juin à Bruxelles.
Par Jaklina Naumovski
(Avec Utrinski Vesnik et 24vesti) — C'est à l'issue d'une (...)

/ Macédoine, Dérive autoritaire Macédoine, Courrier des Balkans, Politique intérieure

Trotz des Angekündigten Vertragsverletzungsverfahrens gegen Berlin will die EU-Kommission eine Kompromisslösung im Streit um die deutsche Pkw-Maut. Laut Zeitungsberichten ist Brüssel bereit, einer möglichen schrittweisen Einführung der Maut zuzustimmen.

BOSTON. Egy FBI-ügynök és egy rendőr lelőtt kedden Bostonban egy késsel felfegyverzett huszonéves, közel-keleti származású férfit, akit terrorcsoporthoz tartozás gyanúja miatt figyeltek.

Libyen will dem geplanten EU-Militäreinsatz gegen Schlepperbanden im Mittelmeer nicht zustimmen. In der UN werde es kein grünes Licht geben. Streitpunkt sind die Milizen, welche die Küstengebiete des Landes kontrollieren.

La Croatie et les guerres secrètes de l'UDBA (1/2) : un traître à notre goût
La Croatie et les guerres secrètes de l'UDBA (2/2) : une ville si tranquille en Allemagne
Croatie : Josip Perković, ancien agent de l'UDBA, a été arrêté au matin du Nouvel An
Croatie : le cardinal Stepinac, allié des Oustachis, sera-t-il canonisé ?
Croatie : scandale après une messe en l'honneur d'Ante Pavelić
Nationalisme et religion : les « idoles » de la Croatie contemporaine
Le pape en Croatie : pompes officielles et contestations multiples
Croatie : au secours, les réacs sont de retour !
Croatie : l'Église catholique en guerre contre l'éducation sexuelle à l'école

/ H-Alter, Croatie, Histoire, Société

La Croatie et les guerres secrètes de l'UDBA (1/2) : un traître à notre goût
La Croatie et les guerres secrètes de l'UDBA (2/2) : une ville si tranquille en Allemagne
Croatie : Josip Perković, ancien agent de l'UDBA, a été arrêté au matin du Nouvel An
Croatie : le cardinal Stepinac, allié des Oustachis, sera-t-il canonisé ?
Croatie : scandale après une messe en l'honneur d'Ante Pavelić
Nationalisme et religion : les « idoles » de la Croatie contemporaine
Le pape en Croatie : pompes officielles et contestations multiples
Croatie : au secours, les réacs sont de retour !
Croatie : l'Église catholique en guerre contre l'éducation sexuelle à l'école

/ H-Alter, Croatie, Histoire, Société

BERLIN. A nemzetközi terrorizmus és a globális klímaváltozás elleni küzdelem áll a legfejlettebb iparú országokat összefogó G7 csoport vasárnap kezdődő kétnapos csúcstalálkozójának középpontjában - mondta a soros elnöki tisztséget betöltő Németország kancellárja kedden Berlinben a bajorországi Elmau kastélyszállóban (Schloss Elmau) rendezendő találkozó programját ismertető tájékoztatóján.

Le Représentant spécial du Secrétaire général pour la Libye, Bernardino Leon, a exhorté mercredi les acteurs politiques libyens à parvenir à un accord pour mettre fin à la crise dans leur pays, lors d'une rencontre en Algérie.

Le Conseil de sécurité de l'ONU s'est déclaré mercredi profondément préoccupé par la situation sécuritaire et humanitaire au Soudan du Sud.

A la lumière des récentes allégations d'abus sexuels contre des enfants en République centrafricaine, qui auraient été commis par des troupes étrangères sous une autorité autre que celle de l'ONU, le Secrétaire général de l'Organisation, Ban Ki-moon, a décidé de procéder à un examen pour déterminer la façon dont le système onusien a donné suite à ces allégations.

By Mahmoud A. Suleiman

This article comes against the backdrop of the preparations and the lavish expenditure of the ruling regime of the National Congress Party (NCP) for the Inauguration of the incumbent de facto president Omer al-Bashir as a President for Sudan. This follows the fraudulent April 2015 elections which was shunned by the opposition and boycotted by the Sudanese people through their 'GO' Campaigns of 'GO Omar Bashir', but Bashir entered the elections solo and as expected won alone!

The inauguration of Omar al-Bashir as a president on Tuesday second June 2015 under election boycotted by the Sudanese people is a miserable play on sad day of mourning and marks a repetition for the killing of civilians and burning of villages and mass rape in Darfur.

The Sudanese people who boycotted his election have abandoned Al- Bashir and his entourage in the NCP regime. They also announced the 'Get out' campaign. The people of the free world boycotted his regime and avoided him like a mangy. They did so for the heinous crimes al-Bashir committed for more than a quarter of a century. Moreover, al-Bashir remains fugitive from international justice. His government is now bankrupt through the epidemic of corruption and shamelessly begging the Federation of GCC countries.

The great people of Sudan who boycotted the election of Omer al-Bashir for further Presidential term because of his lack of legitimacy do not expect anything new in what he has to say in his inaugural speech. This is because he who has nothing at hand cannot give, as the popular saying goes. Moreover, Omer al-Bashir is renowned for shallowness of ideas , lack of rhetorical eloquence and his usual public speeches and discourse are usually marred by insults and obscenities of the type of ' insects' to the citizens of South Sudan and 'eccentric anomalous' describing opponents when addressing the gatherings hailed by his supporters.

All that is expected Omer al-Bashir to say is the threat with doom and gloom for the political opposition the threat to the armed movements he always have vowed to liquidate them decisively!

The Sudanese people appeal to the international community represented by the UN Security Council (UNSC) to help release the Sudanese people from the shackles of the regime led by the perpetrator of crimes of genocide Omer Hassan Ahmed al-Bashir and protect them from the terrorist al-Bashir and his oppressive regime.

The real isolation of the regime of the National Congress Party (NCP) centres around the continuing boycott from the people of the Sudan.

The inauguration of Omar al-Bashir is nothing but a fraudulent scam which, tries forging the will of the people of Sudan by his never-ending repulsive absurd dramatic sitcom.

The installation of the war criminal Omar al-Bashir in search for missing legitimacy for the dictator and perpetrator of genocide fugitive from international justice and castaway from the neighbouring countries and the citizens of the free world like a mangy .

The NCP regime media claimed that ruling the King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the President of the Republic of Egypt will be attending Forum of the inauguration of the dictator Omar Hassan Ahmed al-Bashir as President of Sudan for another five-year term to be added to his previous twenty five lean years adding up to 30 years of rule by iron fist and fire on the people of Sudan. Political observers indicate that it will be absurd and shameful for the leaders of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia King Salman and the Egyptian President Abdel Aziz Sissy if they attended this very Sad Forum which is condemned and boycotted by all the people Sudan.

Omar al-Bashir's validity and the default age to the rule of Sudan has ended and expired as President. Furthermore, the political make-up plastic surgical operations would not help. The popular adage goes saying that the Arabic Attar - the perfumer the Spice-dealer- cannot repair the damaged that caused forever by longevity. Thus, the regime of Omer al-Bashir and his entourage are not fit for the purpose neither in the past nor at the present or in the future..

And of course we can understand the intersecting political interests of the between the two referred statesmen alleged to be part of the invitees to the inauguration of Omer al-Bashir. The intersecting interests between the ruling regime of the National Congress Party (NCO) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) centered around Iran's influence in the Sudan, in the form of weapon , Iran's Security threat in the Red Sea and the presence of Sudan within the military campaign against Al- Houthis in Yemen under the Operation Decisive Storm. For beleaguered President Sissy of Egypt, Sudan's importance comes to him from three vital angles: first and foremost is the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in the Nile basin, the International Political Islam of the Muslim Brotherhood Movement (IMBM) to which al-Bashir's (NCP) is party and its impact on the rule of Sissy and on Egypt in general, let alone the octopus like the fundamental Jihadist Islamic organizations spreading their lethal tentacle to all countries of the Arab and African regions. Of course, the National Islamic Front (NI) from which came the (NCP) is a part and parcel for global political Islam, which resulted in the end of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/ISIS)or Da'esh as an acronym in Arabic!.

The NCP regime soon after the forged elections began the ethnic cleansing policy targeting the Darfur students in the Sudanese Universities nationwide using gangs of NCP affiliated student militias who carried out violence using all types of weapons wounding scores burning student residents while the police watching idly. Moreover, the NCP regime's notorious National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) succeeded in creating discord between the tribes of the Rizeigat and Al-Ma'alia to break the social fabric in Darfur, in application of the malicious doctrine of 'Divide, Conquer and Rule

This genocidal criminal of the people of Darfur is still an outcast of the world. The most recent international event he failed to attend was the Non Allied Movement (NAM) countries conference in Indonesia. The NAM represents more than a 100 developing nations whose combined population amounts to more than half the world population. The genocidal criminal al-Bashir remains under siege from all the credible nations of the world , but the Arab countries and is not allowed to attend the UN Assembly and other relevant meetings, partly because he is a persona non grata and more importantly for his fear of getting apprehended and handed over to the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague to face the ordeal of his evil deeds and heinous crimes he committed in Darfur, South Kordofan in Nuba Mountains, Ingasana in Blue Nile, Beja people in Eastern Sudan and Sudanese people of Nubia in Amrey and Kajbar in the far North of Sudan.

It is high time for the international community and the human rights organizations and peace loving people of the world to support the efforts of the Sudanese people to bring about groundbreaking change in Sudan. The only option available is ousting the regime of the NCP and replacing it by a true democratic system that treats equally the Sudanese people irrespective of their tribe, colour, creed, gender, age, ethnic origin or regional affiliation.

Moreover, the people of Sudan will wipeout the legacy of the regime and throw it into the dustbin of the history. The elements in the NCP regime will face the predicaments of their evil deeds and results of what they committed of crimes. Transitional Justice and Retribution for the crimes they committed against the peoples of Sudan will confront them. The survivors of the atrocious crimes will be rewarded with full compensation for the losses they incurred under the reign of the criminal Omar al-Bashir. Then the people of the homeland will adopt one and only one identity of Citizenship for all the inhabitants of Sudan, the Sudanese Identity.

"Our country cannot succeed when a shrinking few do very well and a growing many barely make it." President Barack Obama said during his second inaugural address.

Dr. Mahmoud A. Suleiman is an author, columnist and a blogger. His blog is http://thussudan.wordpress.com/

African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies Two South Sudanese Pastors face death penalty for voicing opposition to corruption scandal at Khartoum Bahri Church

(2 June 2015) Two South Sudanese pastors are currently on trial in Khartoum for criminal charges which carry the death penalty under Sudan's 1991 Penal Code after making public remarks criticizing a corruption scandal at a Khartoum Church and the treatment of Christians in Sudan. The two men Yad Michael, (m), 49 years of age, and Peter Yen, (m), 26 years of age, were detained by Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) on 14 December 2014 and 11 January 2015 respectively, and held incommunicado until their first family visits on 2 March 2015. They were transferred to Kober prison on 1 March after being charged by the Office of the Prosecutor for Crimes against the State. Their first court session was on 19 May, and the second on 31 May. The next court session is scheduled for 15 June 2015.

Mr. Michael and Mr. Yen are both Christian missionaries and South Sudanese nationals visiting Sudan who had been vocal about the controversial sale of land and property belonging to the Khartoum Bahri Evangelical Church and the treatment of Christians in Sudan. The sale was made by the Community Council of the Church, a body appointed by the Government of Sudan's Ministry of Endowments and Guidance which reportedly does not have a mandate to sell church land. Sudanese police forces violently raided the Church on 2 December 2014 to break up a sit-in demonstration organized by members of the congregation protesting the sale. 38 people were arrested and 20 convicted of disturbing the public peace and membership of criminal or terrorist organisations.

Mr. Michael, who arrived in the country on 13 December, was arrested by the NISS on 14 December after preaching that day at the Evangelical Church of Khartoum Bahri. During the sermon, he had condemned the sale of the church land and property. Peter Yen, who arrived in Sudan in September 2014, was arrested by the NISS from his home attached to Al Gereif Church in Khartoum on 11 January. Both men and Mr. Yen's wife had their laptops confiscated by the NISS. Mr. Yen had also been vocal about his opposition to the sale of land by the Community Council and voiced concern on the situation facing Christians in Sudan.

Both pastors were initially detained by the NISS in Rayed, Khartoum, before being transferred to Kober Prison on 1 March 2015. On 1 March 2015, the Prosecutor for Crimes against the State, charged them under articles 21 (joint acts in execution of criminal conspiracy), 50 (undermining the constitutional system), 51 (waging war against the state), 53 (espionage against the country), 55 (disclosure and obtaining information and official documents), 64 (promoting hatred amongst or against sects), 69 (disturbance of the public peace), and 125 (insulting religious creeds) of the 1991 Sudanese Penal Code. Articles 50 and 51 carry the death penalty, while other articles carry flogging sentences. They were held incommunicado by the NISS until 2 March, when they were permitted their first family visits in Kober prison. On 28 and 29 March 2015, Mr. Michael and Mr. Yen launched a hunger strike for two days objecting to their continued detention without trial.

The first court session took place on 19 May, and the second on 31 May. The next court session, scheduled for 15 June 2015, will hear testimony from the complainant in the case, the NISS. The men are being represented by a team of pro-bono lawyers.

ACJPS believes that the serious criminal charges against Mr. Michael and Mr. Yen have been levied solely on the basis of their religious convictions and outspoken criticism of the ruling party, and as such, that their continued detention and criminal proceedings are discriminatory and in violation of constitutional and international law guarantees of equality before the law. There is also speculation that the trial of the two men is intended to send a message to other Christian leaders in Sudan to refrain from criticizing the treatment of Christian minorities in Sudan and the policies of the ruling party.

Sudan's constitution and international human rights commitments guarantee the freedom of expression and freedom of religion. Article 31 of Sudan's Interim National Constitution of 2005 provides that all persons are “equal before the law and are entitled without discrimination, as to race, colour, sex, language, religious creed, political opinion, or ethnic origin, to the equal protection of the law.” Article 38 further provides that “every person shall have the right to the freedom of religious creed and worship”.

This case demonstrates the internal contractions of Sudanese law and its incompatibility with Sudan's diverse population and international commitments. International law strictly prohibits discrimination based on religion. The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, interpreting Sudan's obligations under the African Charter, previously found in Amnesty International and Others v. Sudan that Sudan was in breach of its obligations under Article 8 of the Charter owing to legal and other restrictions that inhibit the ability of individuals to freely practice their own religion.

The African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS) condemns the use of the death penalty in all cases, and corporal punishment, such as floggings.

Background

ACJPS has documented increased restrictions since 2013 on religious freedoms, particularly restrictions on members of Christian churches in Sudan. This includes raids on churches and harassment and arrests of church members by members of Sudan's NISS.

On 2 December 2014 the Evangelical Church of Khartoum Bahri was raided by police forces in six cars. They beat a number of peaceful demonstrators with pipes and water sticks and arrested thirty eight members of the church. After the raid, twenty of the people arrested were sentenced to a fine of 250 Sudanese pounds (roughly $40) after being convicted without legal representation under articles 65 (criminal and terrorist organisations) and 69 (disturbance of public peace) of the 1991 Sudanese Penal Code. The charges were dropped against the remaining eighteen individuals. The sit – in demonstrations were prompted by a corruption scandal, including the sale of church lands to investors. In 2010 the Evangelical Church of Khartoum Bahri elected a Community Council to control the administration, assets, and investments of the Church. The Community Council was plagued by accusations of corruption. The Evangelical Church attempted to resolve the conflict, with the Church's General Assembly electing a new Community Council. The previous Council refused to recognise the new Council and hand over institutional documents. The Government of Sudan's Ministry of Endowments and Guidance intervened on 28 April 2014, and re-appointed several members of the old Community Council. Despite not having an official mandate to sell church properties or engage in investment on behalf of the church, they sold a substantial amount of property.

ACJPS has also documented apostasy charges, which carry the death penalty, levied against Christian women.

On 15 May 2014, Al-Haj Yousef Criminal Court in Khartoum Bahri confirmed the sentence of 100 lashings and the death penalty by hanging against 27-year old Meriam Yahia Ibrahim, a Christian woman convicted for adultery and apostasy on 11 May. Meriam gave birth in her prison cell, shackled, before her convictions were overturned on appeal following international outcry. Following her release from detention, she was briefly prevented from leaving Sudan with her husband and children owing to new charges levied against her concerning disputed travel documentation issued by South Sudan. She later left the country.

Earlier in May 2014 the Al Gadarif Criminal Court dropped charges against another woman accused of apostasy after she recanted her Christian faith and converted to Islam to avoid the death penalty. A criminal complaint had been lodged against her by a police officer at the National Identity office in Al Gadarif town after she applied for a national identity card. On the application, she was asked to declare her own faith and that of her father. The criminal complaint was filed when she declared that she was a Christian, married with eight children to a Christian man, and that her father was a Muslim.

ACJPS has also documented restrictions, including forced closures and cancellation of registrations, of political parties and organisations affiliated with reformist visions of Islam. On 1 May 2014 Sudan's Political Parties Affairs Council (PPAC) rejected an application from the Republican Party, founded by Mahmoud Mohamed Taha, to register as a political party. Taha was executed days after being convicted of apostasy in 1985 on the basis of his opposition to Sudan's interpretation of Sharia law. The PPAC argued that the Republican Party's political ideology contradicted the constitutional provision that law in Sudan be based on Islamic Sharia law and the conditions for the establishment of political parties in Sudan. The Republican Party proclaims to oppose Islamic fundamentalism and promote secularism. The Mahmoud Mohamed Taha Cultural Centre was raided and forced to close by the NISS on 18 January 2015, the 30th anniversary of Taha's execution, whilst a commemoration of his life was taking place.

Contact:

Katherine Perks, (English), +256 775072136 / info@acjps.org.

Mohamed Badawi, (Arabic), +256 783 693 689 / info@acjps.

EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE SUDAN 3 CLEVELAND ROW, ST.JAMES'S LONDON SW1A 1DD PRESS AND INFORMATION RELEASE (3/2015)

President Bashir's Swearing- in Ceremony

Today 2 June 2015, President Omar al Bashir has started a new term of office. The swearing-in ceremony took place in the presence of tens of Heads of State or their representatives.

There are good grounds for optimism in the Sudan in view of many factors:
The economy is now recovering, as the strict reforms worked out with the IMF and economic experts begin to bear fruit. The challenges caused by the shortfall resulting from the loss of oil wells after secession of South Sudan have been managed and overcome.

In his swearing-in speech, President Bashir highlighted the economy and promised to create a conducive atmosphere for stability and prosperity. In this respect, the president underlined the importance of peace and security for all citizens. He expressed appreciation of the role of the army and security services. Their efforts would be complemented with political factors that include reconciliation and strengthening the home front in a country that is wide enough for all its citizens.
In his swearing-in ceremony speech, President Bashir has declared a comprehensive pardon of all those carrying arms against the State. He called upon all opposition factions to return home and take part in national construction.
Reserves in minerals, especially gold are huge. With agriculture they will secure economic well-being and prosperity for all.

The President emphasised the importance of continuing to reform the economy, improve productivity, combat corruption and nepotism and ensure democratic transformation along moderate Islamic principles. He reiterated his pre-election promise to resume the Inclusive National Dialogue which is the peaceful way to probe common grounds and reach a national consensus.

Along these lines, relations with neighbouring countries, African Union members and Arab League would be enhanced. As far as the West is concerned, he referred to “common interests” as basis for engagement and cooperation.

A firm basis is already in place:
The Sudan has been asked officially by the UN to mediate between the warring factions in neighbouring Libya. IGAD has likewise asked the Sudan and its president to help bring peace to the Republic of South Sudan. President Bashir has already succeeded in bridging the gap between Egypt and Ethiopia and hosting a summit last March in which President A. Sisi of Egypt and PM of Ethiopia Hailemariam Desalegn signed a framework agreement that put an end to tensions about the Renaissance Dam.

The ICC's decision to “freeze” its work on Darfur was not surprising, because President Bashir has carried on despite the ICC distractions and achieved a conclusion of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement with a successful Referendum that resulted in the peaceful birth of the Republic of South Sudan. Those who expected the Sudan to scupper the Referendum, or take the opportunity of the current internecine fighting to seize the Southern oilfields were proven wrong.

The International Crisis Group has, albeit grudgingly, acknowledged that Sudan's relations with the Gulf States have improved and that increased gold exports have relived the “economic pressure”.

The prescient words of the former UK Foreign Minister William Hague (during whose term of office the UK declared that it had no sanctions on the Sudan) ring louder now. He said when he chaired the UN Security Council's meeting on Sudan (16 November 2010): “A stable Sudan will help build security and prosperity in the region…it will help the Sudanese people receive the tangible benefits of peace that have eluded them for so long”.

US sanctions notwithstanding, the Sudan has built an extensive motorway network as well as Dams and Bridges. Universities and secondary schools were established. Women were empowered and the Inclusive National Dialogue that will include leaders of the small pockets of troubles in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states will soon be resumed.

The timing of two other events is not seen as coincidental. On 26 May a US coast guard visited Port Sudan for a 2-day visit. This comes in the wake of partial lifting of some secondary sanctions on Sudan. The second significant event was the speech of the EU ambassador to the Sudan, Tomas Ulicny (13 May 2015) on the occasion of Europe Day and Europe's year of Development. He spelled out what is well known but seldom acknowledged when he said: “In the wake of alarming developments in Libya, Yemen, Iraq, Somalia, South Sudan and the Central African Republic, we are interested in strengthening of productive cooperation and coordination with regional actors including Sudan and its government…”
The Sudan is key to stability in the whole region. President Bashir's next years as leader will see that consolidated.
One of the main drivers of “alarming developments” is Islamist extremism, especially ISIS and its imitators. General David Petraeus, former CIA head has made an important statement telling the BBC's Jonathan Marcus that “you cannot deal with an industrial-strength extremist problem with just force of arms. You have to have the political component as well.”

He has put his finger on the flaw in the West's (or rather the US's) sanctions policy on the Sudan. To cold shoulder moderate Muslims, like President Bashir, and believe that one can confront Muslim extremism ideologically is a fallacy. Only Muslim moderation can defeat Muslim extremism.

The swearing-in ceremony heralds both a continuation and a new phase. Development and democratic transformation will be reinforced while a new push to reach overall peace in the country is a most promising turning point.

Media Office
London
2 June 2015

June 2, 2015 (RUMBEK) – At least 13 people were killed and dozens more wounded on Monday when rival sections of the Dinka community in the South Sudan's Lakes state clashed in Rumbek counties.

Fighting erupted when residents of Malek-Agok payam of Rumbek East county came under attack in what was believed to be a cycle of revenge killings between communities of Gong and Thuyic, both belonging to Dinka Agaar clan.

According to an eyewitness, Moses Maker, seven people were killed and 18 others sustained gunshot wounds from Gong section while four people were killed and five others were wounded from the side of Thuyic section.

State government minister of information and communication, Dhieu Wal Takping, refused to comment when contacted to verify the information, saying that he was just returning from Juba and did not yet received report about the clashes.

But according to the police's Criminal Investigation Department's (CID) officer who spoke on condition of anonymity, he confirmed to Sudan Tribune that the clashes resulted in loss of many lives. He added that more personnel from the state police were being sent to quell the insecurity in Malek-Agok payam.

In separate clashes between cattle raiders and police forces in Abeer payam, located in western part of Rumbek Central county, 2 policemen were killed by cattle raiders while trying to intervene.

“Suspected cattle raiders arrived in Abeer and surrounded policemen who were walking cows. They started firing at policemen, killing two on spot and shooting in self-defence. Two of the cattle raiders who were injured managed to escape,” Police sergeant Akot Majok told Sudan Tribune on Tuesday.

He described Monday as a bad day that left 13 people killed and 25 wounded in complex clashes in Rumbek East and Rumbek Central counties.

Lakes state has been embroiled in cycles of revenge attacks with many blaming government for allegedly failing to curb insecurity.

The situation recently worsened when a joint force of the police and military withdrew from all hotspots in the state, claiming they had no way to collect information due to community's failure to cooperate.

Data from Lakes state Criminal Investigation Department reported an increase in crime-related incidences within the volatile region.Youth activists and traditional authorities have repeatedly called for the removal of governor Matur Dhuol amid claims he had failed to stem the violence, but president Salva Kiir has overlooked these calls.

Dhuol was appointed in 2013 after president Kiir sacked elected governor Chol Tong Mayay.

(ST)