Agrégateur de flux

Die Ausschüsse für Lebensmittelsicherheit und Landwirtschaft des EU-Parlaments haben gemeinsam für ein EU-weites Klonverbot gestimmt. Auch die Einfuhr von Klontieren, ihren Nachfahren, ihrem Vermehrungsmaterial sowie von Nahrungs- und Futtermitteln aus Klontieren soll verboten werden.

5 vor 12 traf Österreichs Bundeskanzler Werner Faymann noch schnell Mittwoch nachmittags in Athen mit dem griechischen Premierminister Alexis Tspiras zusammen. Was im Vorfeld als Versuch einer Vermittlung verkauft wurde, war in Summe gesehen nicht mehr als ein Höflichkeitsbesuch.

North America

• General Dynamics NASSCO has delivered a third Mobile Landing Platform to the Navy, following the start of construction in 2013. The USNS Lewis B. Puller was initially floated in November, with the new vessel the first Afloat Forward Staging Base variant.

• The Navy and Raytheon have completed operational testing of the AIM-9X Block II air-to-air missile, including live-firings. The Air Force similarly tested the missile from an F-22 last month, with those tests including the downing of aerial drones.

• The General Atomics-manufactured EMALS system recently installed aboard PCU Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) has delayed further dead-load testing on Wednesday owing to components failing to communicate properly with one another. Successful dead-load testing – shooting heavy weights off the edge of the ship to test the system’s capacity – took place earlier this month, with the company recently being awarded a $3.35 billion contract for an additional EMALS system for CVN-79. The glitch, although not thought to be serious, was instead embarrassing, given that press were watching on board.

South America

• Russia will deliver nine helicopters to Peru next month, following a $400 million contract for the 24 Mi-171Sh helicopters in December 2013 and a first batch delivery at the tail-end of last year. Previous reports from March indicated that the number of helicopters still to be delivered stood at fifteen, with the Russian manufacturer also reportedly set to open a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) center in the South American country to support its new helicopter fleet. Russia has also been angling to provide an upgrade program for Peru’s T-55 tanks.

Europe

• Lockheed Martin and French defense officials are reportedly in discussions regarding a potential procurement of C-130J aircraft. The country’s defense ministry augmented its procurement budget last month to cover the potential purchase, with reports from earlier this year [French] stating that the country was in negotiations with Lockheed Martin regarding a deal estimated to be worth $670 million; however the French procurement agency DGA subsequently refuted these claims.

• French firm Thales and Textron AirLand announced Wednesday that they have successfully integrated the former’s I-Master radar onto the latter’s low-cost light attack Scorpion jet. The radar also scored export success to Jordan this week, following a 2014 contract to equip the country’s fleet of AC-235 aircraft. The Scorpion has recently been pushed at India, with other possible customers spread globally, including several African and Asian states.

• The Scorpion is also reportedly set to head to the United Kingdom’s naval aviation service, the Fleet Air Arm, for trials and flight demonstrations. These will take place over a period of ten days, with the jets also scheduled to undergo demonstrations at defense firm QinetiQ’s pilot training center. QinetiQ provides pilot training services to the UK Armed Forces, as well as to civilians.

Middle East

• Lockheed Martin has been contracted to supply ten Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods to the Royal Jordanian Air Force, with the country currently engaged in airstrikes against Daesh in Iraq and Syria. The company was awarded a $485 million contract by the US Air Force in March, with a portion of this allocated for Foreign Military Sales. Jordan become the sixteenth Sniper ATP customer in 2013.

Asia

• Pakistan is planning on inducting the JF-17 Block II into its air force next year, with work reportedly having started already. The jointly-developed Chinese/Pakistani JF-17 recently bagged its first export customer, with Myanmar previously expressing interest in the fighter.

• Indian firm OIS-Advanced Technology has reported signed a Memorandum of Understanding with France’s LH Aviation to produce open an assembly line for LH-D Tactical UAV in India.

• An Australian E-7A Wedgetail has successfully refuelled from a KC-30A tanker during trials earlier this month. The RAAF Wedgetail AWACS fleet recently gained Full Operational Capability.

Today’s Video

• The Scorpion jet… Cheap and effective?

Die Lufthansa und vier weitere große Luftfahrtkonzerne aus Europa fordern die EU-Kommission zu neuer Gesetzgebung auf: Die Zahl der Streiks des Bodenpersonals soll so verringert werden. Die EU solle zudem "alle unzumutbaren Steuern" für die Luftfahrt aufheben. EurActiv Brüssel berichtet.

Le Directeur exécutif du Fonds des Nations Unies pour l'enfance (UNICEF), Anthony Lake, a appelé « au nom de l'humanité et de la décence commune » à mettre un terme à l'escalade de la violence contre les enfants au Soudan du Sud, où des garçons auraient été castrés et saignés à mort et des filles d'à peine huit ans violées et mises à mort.

Le Conseil de sécurité des Nations Unis a réitéré jeudi son soutien envers l'Accord pour la paix et la réconciliation au Mali signé en mai dernier à Bamako par le gouvernement malien et une partie des groupes armés, ceux dits de la Plateforme.

The international community is experiencing a dramatic shift in the situation facing the world’s refugees as a global surge in war, conflict and persecution has caused a record number of people to flee their homes in search of safety, the United Nations refugee agency reported today.

Un mois de jeûne débute jeudi 18 juin pour les musulmans. Un rite de plus en plus suivi depuis une quinzaine d’années.

June 17, 2015 (WAU) - Leader of the newly established People's Liberal Party (PLP) in South Sudan, Peter Mayen Majongdit, said a power-sharing proposal revealed by the East African regional bloc (IGAD) to end the 18-month long civil war in the country needed to be renegotiated by the parties in an inclusive process.

People's Liberal Party (PLP) leader Peter Mayen Majongdit (ST)

The draft power-sharing deal gave president Salva Kiir's government 53% of executive power at the national level while 33% went to the armed opposition faction led by former vice president, Riek Machar, and 14% to be equally divided between the former political detainees led by former secretary general of the ruling (SPLM) party and the other political parties.

In greater Upper Nile region reforms are to be effected with the reverse of giving the rebel faction 53% in charge of the three states of Unity, Upper Nile and Jonglei in the oil-rich region. The government in that region will get 33% and former detainees plus other political parties to equally share the remaining 14%.

Majongdit however said the draft deal was unfairly distributed, questioning why should only 10 individuals of former detainees be given a share in the 14% with the other political parties while majority of these individuals were already members of the national parliament or ruling party's political bureau.

“Why should the former political detainees share 14%,” he inquired.

He was referring to the notion that the 10 membership of the former detainees, sometimes known as G10, were just individuals without declared constituencies as far as the war is concerned. Critics also describe them as “opportunists” who were only hoping for an opportunity to sneak into the leadership of the country by portraying themselves as neutral “good boys” in the eyes of the international community while they were partly responsible for the current crisis.

According to Majongdit, he argued that the former detainees were either members of the SPLM highest political executive and legislative organs which should share from the 53% taken by the government because there were cadres of the SPLM if the Arusha agreement was to be incorporated into IGAD proposal.

He further warned that other opposition political parties might reject the participation in a transitional government of national unity if not allocated proper percentage.

“That means it will not be called government of national unity in the absence of opposition parties,” he said.

Majongdit, whose party base is in Warrap state from where he hails, further revealed that his political party may not take part in the transitional government and shall only focus on preparations for the upcoming general elections at the end of interim period.

“PLP shall be aspiring for country's leadership when the time is due, through election, so it has no interest to be part of government which they shall soon challenge. Our priorities are peace for now,” he said, adding that the preparations may not be easy.

He said there was need for institutions such as election commission to be independent from government's influence.

He also stressed the need for the peace talks to be inclusive, rather than bilateral between the warring parties so that issues were also widened beyond the mere power-sharing to include ensuring that accountability was addressed.

He also called on IGAD and the warring parties to extend power-sharing deal in the other two greater regions of Bahr el Ghazal and Equatoria, saying these regions equally needed reforms and the change should therefore not be benefiting only Upper Nile region.

The opposition leader, who hails from Warrap state like president Salva Kiir, was kidnapped this year, severely beaten and detained for several days by security operatives. He said as a condition for his release he was warned not to talk much about the shortfalls in the country's leadership or risk disappearance. He however said he defied such threats against his constitutional right.

PLP was formed earlier this year with the aim to create liberal democratic society with human values, according to its statement. Since its formation the party chairperson has been actively engaged in the country's political affairs winning public attraction.

(ST)

June 17, 2015 (RUMBEK) - Traders in Rumbek, capital of Lakes state, have gone on strike following the killing of Sudanese trader last Sunday by unknown gunmen. The shops in Rumbek market have remained closed for three days in protest of endangered traders.

SPLA soldiers deploy to guard SPLM meeting in Rumbek, Lakes state, October 29, 2012 (ST)

Head of traders union, Alfred Makur Acuoth, confirmed to Sudan Tribune markets were closed and that traders were demanding safety and for local tax to be reduced by the state government.

Acuoth said traders were experiencing losses in life and in materials due to rampant insecurity while the state government was levying more taxes from them, saying the strike aimed to address the grievances.

“Yes we close market for three days and it will continue till clear message would come from state government – we are losing life and properties – we need protection and tax to be easy on our goods – we gain nothing in all our goods – we are being killed and being harassed,” lamented Acuoth.

Also the exchange rate of US dollars, he said, had increased from 1,000SSP to 1,500SSP per $100 in Rumbek market, making it difficult to import goods from the neighbouring countries as South Sudanese pounds has either not been recognized by the exporting countries or it has become almost worthless.

South Sudanese pound' exchange rate against the US dollar in 2005 was only 2SSP per $1 when the new local currency was introduced, becoming the strongest currency in Africa at the time. Now it has rapidly depreciated by nearly 1000% in the black market, especially after the 2013 crisis in the country.

Acuoth also said Rumbek town, Lakes state's capital, has become more synonymous with insecurity, adding traders were always in danger from unknown gunmen. He called upon state government to provide security and to reduce local tax.

He also called on the state government to ensure US dollars were in circulation in the state in order to ease importation of goods from neighboring countries.

“Let state government make dollar available for us as well as roads to be secure from robberies,” he added.

Lakes state has been in turmoil for years due to rampant insecurity caused by inter-sectional fighting and revenge killings between ethnic Dinka rival clans, coupled with robberies in towns and along the roads.

A rebellion is also in the making as Brigadier General Khamis Abdel Latif, allied to the former vice president, Riek Machar, has been mobilising, recruiting and training youth from the area to begin military activities against the state government.

(ST)

Szerdán az ún. kombinált teszt kitöltésével befejeződött a nyolcadikosok záróvizsgája. Mint ismeretes, hétfőn anyanyelvből, kedden matematikából tettek tanúbizonyságot tudásukról, tegnap pedig azt a tesztet töltötték ki, amelyben biológiából, földrajzból, történelemből, fizikából és vegytanból szerepeltek feladatok.

June 17, 2015 (JUBA) - A bid by Warrap state government in South Sudan, home to president Salva Kiir, to extend the term in office of governor Nyandeng Malek, has sparked street protest amid deployment of a joint police and security forces in Kuacjok town, capital of the state.

Warrap state governor Nyandeng Malek addresing SPLM members in Kwajok April 15, 2013 (ST)

Governor Malek, whose term came to an end in May is the first elected woman politician into the office of governorship in the country. She was elected in April 2010 and took oath of office on 10 May 2010, marking the beginning of her five year term in the top elected state executive position.

Some members of parliament and critics of her administration however argued that she was no longer a legitimate governor after her term has expired; pointing out that the latest attempt for new mandate was not in the interest of the public.

Protesters in reaction to move for extension took to the street on Wednesday as the state parliament was holding its first discussion on the report examining request presented last week to the house by the state minister of local government, General Acuil Tito.

It remained unclear whether the state parliament would approve or reject the request seeking the extension of the term of governor Malek for three more years in office since the national elections commission postponed holding of elections in response to the request by the national government to cancel the polls due to lack of conducive environment to carry out prerequisite processes.

Karlos Maluil Makuek, a member of the youth group coordinating the protest told Sudan Tribune on Wednesday from Kuacjok, Warrap state's capital, that they were barricaded in parts of the town by security and police forces in an attempt to block members of the general public from joining them.

“Police are blocking people from joining the demonstration because they are aware that more people want to come to the parliament to protest this request seeking extension of the term of the governor,” Makuek told Sudan Tribune.

“The security forces and police have been deployed to quell the protests but we are determined to not allow this to happen. We are more than 200 members but this will [increase] group,” he said.

Acting head of parliamentary committee responsible for information, communications and public relations, Ariech Mayar Ariech, said he told the house at the start of the discussion of the request to put the common interest first and stand with the desire of the public rather than with individuals.

The legislator said youth came to the parliament holding placards showing “no extension for the term of the governor, yes for extension of the state legislative assembly and the office of the president.”

Observers however said the protesting Warrap youth were contradicting themselves since they only rejected extension of the governor's term in office while at the same time approving of the extension of terms in office of both president Salva Kiir and state legislative assembly who were elected in the same 2010 elections.

All the South Sudanese elected officials in April 2010 at all levels of executive and legislature have their terms expired either in March or May this year.

(ST)

June 17, 2015 (JUBA) – The United States on Wednesday announced $133 million additional humanitarian assistance for South Sudanese displaced by the 18-month old conflict at a conference held in Geneva, Switzerland.

Displaced people arrive in Lakes state's Awerial after crossing by river barge from Jonglei capital Bor, where government and rebel forces are battling for control (Photo: Ben Curtis/AP)

“The United States joined other countries in voicing support for South Sudan's citizens who are internally displaced or have fled to neighboring countries as refugees and others caught up in the conflict,” party reads a statement extended to Sudan Tribune.

A US delegation led by its special envoy for Sudan and South Sudan Donald Booth announced this during an international conference on the humanitarian crisis in South Sudan and its impact on the region.

The leading humanitarian provider in South Sudan, the US said it intervened “in response to a surge in conflict and rapidly deteriorating humanitarian conditions in South Sudan over the last two months.”

Meanwhile, US delegation reportedly emphasised the urgent need for the warring parties in South Sudanese conflict to negotiate a peaceful solution to end the fighting.

Since the outbreak of conflict in December 2013, the US government has contributed more than $1.2 billion in humanitarian assistance for South Sudan.

“This new funding will allow US-funded organisations to provide food and livelihood support and prevent the spread of diseases by providing emergency health services, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene education,” noted the statement.

“The fund will help survivors of gender-based violence, malnourished children, and persons with disabilities among affected populations in South Sudan, and neighboring countries",

Over 4 million people, aid agencies say, are at risk of starvation in South Sudan. The US, however, said no amount of money will end the suffering of those affected by the conflict.

(ST)

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Angolan authorities should drop politically motivated charges against the author Rafael Marques de Morais and two other human rights activists.

(Johannesburg) – Angolan authorities should drop politically motivated charges against the author Rafael Marques de Morais and two other human rights activists.

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EU Ministers of Employment, Social Affairs, Consumer Protection, Health and Equal Opportunities (EPSCO) meet on 18-19 June 2015 in Luxembourg, to  called on to agree its stance on two draft regulations concerning medical devices and in vitro medical devices.

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June 17, 2015 (WAU) – The governor of South Sudan's Western Bahr el Ghazal state, Rizik Zakariah Hassan has been granted three additional years in power by lawmakers.

Western Bahr el Ghazal governor Rizik Zachariah Hassan (FILE)

Speaking to reporters after handing Hassan a certificate, the assembly speaker, John Mario Nyibang acknowledged the MPs' decision.

The state assembly members extended the governor's mandate up to 9 July 2018.

“I have come to the governor to present him a certificate extending his office term and of assembly members for three years,” said the speaker.

Nyibang said members of the state legislative assembly reached amended Article 62 (2) [of the State Transitional Constitution], which would terminate the state legislative assembly period on 9 July 2015.

“We have also amended the article 92 (2) which terminates the period of the state governor on the 9 July 2015,” said the speaker.

Hassan thanked the state assembly members for extending his mandate

“Your move to extern my period means that the state assembly is working towards the needs of the citizens of Western Bahr el Ghazal because our people need services from this government,” said the governor, vowing to prioritise development and security.

(ST).

June 17, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) gave its blessings to the economic reforms carried out by the Sudanese government, an official here said today.

IMF headquarters in Washington, D.C (AP)

Sudan's economy has suffered an economic shock after it lost 75% of the country's oil reserves following the secession of South Sudan in July 2011 which subsequently led to soaring inflation levels and the sharp decline of the local currency value relative to major currencies.

The Sudanese Finance Minister Badr al-Din Mahmoud urged the IMF to support Sudan in achieving further economic reforms, especially in the field of development and modernization of revenue collection tools and to back the zero option with the government of South Sudan for resolving the external debt issue.

The minister stressed during his meeting on Wednesday with the IMF mission headed by Eric Mutu his government's commitment to respecting the agreements it signed with Juba and affirmed the success of the reform policies pursued by the ministry in 2014 and the first year of 2015.

He explained that performance indicators confirm this success where inflation has been reduced from 39% to less than 25% and the enforcement of tax reform through computerization of tax processes and the implementation of a single treasury system.

For his part, the IMF official confirmed their interest in promoting economic stability in Sudan and acknowledged the economic reforms that have been implemented, and attention given to development and economic stability and support of vulnerable segments of society.

Mutu said that the mission's visit to Sudan is aimed at reviewing economic performance in the previous period and agreeing with the government on a new program for the coming period aimed at achieving stability in line with the government's priorities.

The IMF Staff-Monitored Program (SMP) for Sudan has expired in December and has yet to be renewed and it appears that Sudan is looking to renew it.

The SMP is an informal agreement between country authorities and IMF to monitor the implementation of the authorities' economic program. SMPs do not entail financial assistance or endorsement by the IMF executive board.

In 2009, Sudan agreed to SMP to help it achieve a set of economic and financial policies and objectives which include sustaining economic growth, controlling inflation, reforming the banking sector and reducing budget deficit among others.

(ST)

Le gouvernement sud-africain va devoir expliquer pourquoi le président soudanais a pu quitter le territoire sans encombre. Omar el-Béchir, présent au sommet de l'Union Africaine à Johannesburg cette semaine, a quitté le pays avant la fin du sommet. Et ce alors que la Haute cour de Pretoria avait interdit son départ, en attendant une décision de justice sur son éventuelle arrestation. La cour a donné une semaine au gouvernement pour expliquer comment Omar el-Béchir a pu partir. Pendant ce temps, les appels se multiplient pour rompre les liens avec la Cour pénale internationale (CPI).

A Vintimille, la situation est toujours bloquée pour les migrants qui veulent entrer en France. Chaque jour, malgré tout, certains parviennent à passer la frontière. Mais ils ne vont pas loin : la police française à intensifié les contrôles et ils sont renvoyés vers l'Italie, selon ce qu'on appelle la procédure de réadmission.

Au Sénégal, un comité d'initiative préparatoire a été mis sur pied. Il rassemble plusieurs personnalités politiques et de la société civile. Ce comité lançait hier mercredi 17 juin un appel pour la tenue d'un premier congrès fédéraliste africain d'ici 2017. Congrès qui serait chargé d'organiser un référendum panafricain.