New Study Finds 70% Reduction in Maternal Deaths and Nearly 50% Decline in Newborn Deaths Are Within Reach

3 Dec 2009 13:00 Africa/Lagos

New Study Finds 70% Reduction in Maternal Deaths and Nearly 50% Decline in Newborn Deaths Are Within Reach

Targeted Investments Can Also Radically Reduce Unintended Pregnancies and Unsafe Abortion and Lower Poverty Levels

NEW YORK, Dec. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Maternal deaths in developing countries could be slashed by 70% and newborn deaths cut nearly in half if the world doubled investment in family planning and pregnancy-related care, shows a new report by the Guttmacher Institute and UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund. Currently, more than half a million maternal deaths and 3.5 million newborn deaths, many of them easily preventable, occur each year in developing countries.


The new report, Adding It Up: The Costs and Benefits of Investing in Family Planning and Maternal and Newborn Health, also found that investments in family planning boost the overall effectiveness of every dollar spent on the provision of pregnancy-related and newborn health care. Simultaneously investing in both family planning and maternal and newborn services can achieve the same dramatic outcomes for $1.5 billion less than investing in maternal and newborn health services alone.


"Investing in a handful of basic health services, like family planning and routine delivery care, can save millions of women and babies," says Dr. Sharon Camp, president of the Guttmacher Institute. "It's not rocket science. These are mostly simple services that can be provided inexpensively at the local level, supplemented by provision of urgent care when needed."


Adding it Up documents that the benefits of meeting the need for both family planning and maternal and newborn health services would be dramatic. Compared with the current situation:


-- the deaths of nearly 400,000 women and 1.6 million infants would be
prevented;
-- unintended pregnancies would decline by more than two-thirds;
-- unsafe abortions and resulting complications would both drop by about
75%; and
-- a host of other benefits would occur, including reduced poverty and
increased economic development in poor countries.


The new report shows that the total investment needed is $24.6 billion -- a little more than double the current spending.


"It is a win-win situation. We know what must be done, we know what it will cost, and we now know that the needed investment is modest in relation to the vast benefits that will follow," says Ms. Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, executive director of UNFPA.


Currently, the world spends approximately $12 billion a year on family planning and maternal health programs in developing nations, with developing countries and families providing the bulk of the total. Still, research shows that 215 million women who want to avoid pregnancy are not using an effective method of contraception, and only about half of the 123 million women who give birth each year receive the antenatal, delivery and newborn care they need. Millions of those with major complications get no treatment and either die or suffer from severe and debilitating conditions such as obstetric fistula.


Investing in family planning and maternal health would also have profound additional benefits the report shows: Increases in condom use for pregnancy prevention would simultaneously curb transmission of HIV and other STIs; preventing unwanted pregnancies would increase women's educational and employment opportunities, enhancing their social and economic status; and family savings and investment would rise, spurring economic growth and reducing poverty. These advances would make social and economic development goals easier to achieve.


"It is critical to the progress of the world's most disadvantaged countries and regions to address the high rates of maternal and newborn death that have long been endemic. Investing simultaneously in family planning and in maternal and newborn health is cost-effective," says Ms. Obaid.


"The report outlines how to best focus resources to achieve the greatest gains. Investing in women has enormous benefits, not just for individuals and families, but for societies as a whole. It can truly transform the future of developing nations," added Dr. Camp.


Regional fact sheets accompany the report, providing a more focused look at the benefits of investing in family planning and maternal and newborn health in Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean (also en espanol), Sub-Saharan Africa (also en francais) and the Arab countries (also in Arabic). In addition, the report's executive summary is available in Arabic, French and Spanish.


All Adding It Up materials are available at www.guttmacher.org and www.unfpa.org.


Source: UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund

CONTACT: Jessica Malter of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund,
+1-212-297-5190, +1-646-732-0047, malter@unfpa.org; or Rebecca Wind of
Guttmacher Institute, +1-212-248-1111, ext. 2203, rwind@guttmacher.org


Web Site: http://www.unfpa.org/
http://www.guttmacher.org/

Leonardo DiCaprio to Make Animated Feature Film Debut in DreamWorks Animation's 'The Guardians' (Working Title)

Leonardo DiCaprio to Make Animated Feature Film Debut in DreamWorks Animation's 'The Guardians' (Working Title)

GLENDALE, Calif., Dec. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. (NASDAQ:DWA) announced today that Leonardo DiCaprio will make his animated feature film debut when he headlines the cast of the Company's November 2, 2012 release, "The Guardians" (working title) as Jack Frost.


When an evil spirit called Pitch becomes bent upon taking over the world by inspiring fear in the hearts of kids everywhere, a group of our greatest heroes -- Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, the Sandman and Jack Frost -- band together for the first time, determined to stand in Pitch's way. More than a collection of storybook subjects, "The Guardians" are also a band of superheroes, who possess their own special powers. Now joined in opposition of a common foe, the Guardians heed the call and combine their powers to defeat Pitch and protect the world from his campaign of fear. The film is based on "The Guardians of Childhood," a series of highly anticipated books by William Joyce.


About DreamWorks Animation SKG


DreamWorks Animation creates high-quality entertainment, including CG animated feature films, television specials and series, live entertainment properties and online virtual worlds, meant for audiences around the world. The Company has world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced filmmaking technology and techniques. All of DreamWorks Animation's feature films are now being produced in 3D. The Company has theatrically released a total of 18 animated feature films, including the franchise properties, "Shrek," "Madagascar" and "Kung Fu Panda."


Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements


This document includes certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company's plans, prospects, strategies, proposals and our beliefs and expectations concerning performance of our current and future releases and anticipated talent, directors and storyline for our upcoming films and other projects, constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the industry in which we operate and management's beliefs and assumptions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions which are difficult to predict. Actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the statements herein due to changes in economic, business, competitive, technological and/or regulatory factors, and other risks and uncertainties affecting the operation of the business of DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. These risks and uncertainties include: audience acceptance of our film and other projects, our dependence on the success of a limited number of releases each year, the increasing cost of producing and marketing feature films, piracy of motion pictures, resource constraints resulting from our expanding number of films and other projects, the effect of rapid technological change or alternative forms of entertainment and our need to protect our proprietary technology and enhance or develop new technology. In addition, due to the uncertainties and risks involved in the development and production of our projects, the release dates described in this document may be delayed. For a further list and description of such risks and uncertainties, see the reports filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and our most recent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. DreamWorks Animation is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise.


Source: DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.

CONTACT: Jeff Hare, Publicity, +1-818-695-6055,
Jeff.Hare@dreamworks.com, or Shannon Olivas, Corporate Communications,
+1-818-695-3658, Shannon.Olivas@dreamworks.com, both of DreamWorks Animation


Web Site: http://www.dreamworksanimation.com/

Video: Avon Global Ambassador Reese Witherspoon Signs Petition To Call for Better Services for Women Experiencing Domestic Violence

22:30 2 Dec 2009



Video: Avon Global Ambassador Reese Witherspoon Signs Petition To Call for Better Services for Women Experiencing Domestic Violence


Reese Witherspoon, Global Ambassador for Avon, headlined a press conference at the House of Commons today to promote a powerful new campaign against domestic violence. The campaign has been launched jointly by Avon Cosmetics and Refuge...


Reese Witherspoon supports Avon and Refuge's groundbreaking new campaign at the Houses of Parliament



Avon Global Ambassador Reese Witherspoon speaks out against domestic violence at The Houses of Parliament in London, UK.

London, December 02, 2009 /PRNewswire/ — Reese Witherspoon, Global Ambassador for Avon, headlined a press conference at the House of Commons today to promote a powerful new campaign against domestic violence. The campaign has been launched jointly by Avon Cosmetics and Refuge, the national domestic violence charity. The event saw Reese Witherspoon become the 1353rd person to sign a petition to call for more Government support for women experiencing domestic violence in the UK.

The event marks the mid-point in "16 Days of Activism" which began on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Avon and Refuge's FOUR WAYS TO SPEAK OUT campaign urges people to speak out against domestic violence in four simple ways:

Buy and wear an Avon empowerment necklace
Sign a petition calling for the UK Government to provide more support services for abused women and children
Download a poster to display in your local community so that women know where to get help
Invite your friends and family to join the campaign
A team of powerful female panellists joined Reese Witherspoon at the event. She sat alongside Anna Segatti, President of Avon UK and Sandra Horley, Chief Executive of Refuge. Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, a human rights barrister and Patron of Refuge opened the speeches for the morning and domestic violence survivor, Wendy Turner Webster, joined the panel to tell her own story. Lynda Waltho MP acted as the host.

Says Reese Witherspoon, Avon's Global Ambassador:
"Women involved in domestic violence situations often find it difficult to reach out to others for help. We can all play a role in bringing this issue to light and breaking the silence that surrounds it. That's why I'm so proud to be here to launch Avon and Refuge's FOUR WAYS TO SPEAK OUT campaign. Together we can make a difference. Together we have the power to raise awareness, provide support, and increase the funding for this vital cause."

Also announced at today's conference are the results of new research commissioned by Avon and Refuge into perceptions of domestic violence in the UK, which reveals more than nine in 10 people (92%) claim they don't know anyone experiencing domestic violence. That's despite official statistics showing that one in four women in England and Wales experience domestic violence at some point in their lifetime. The research also shows over half of the people questioned (54%) wouldn't know where to turn if they did suspect someone they knew was experiencing domestic violence.

Says Anna Segatti, President of Avon UK:
"As the company for women, empowering women by supporting vital causes like this is part of our DNA. It's an ugly reality that domestic violence affects one in four women in the UK and the majority of people who think they know someone experiencing domestic violence wouldn't know where to turn because the services simply aren't there. Today's event gives something tangible to all those women and men who are either not aware of this silent pandemic or would not know where to turn if they thought someone was suffering."

Says Sandra Horley, OBE, Chief Executive of Refuge:
"It's a shocking fact that one in three local authorities provide no domestic violence services for women whatsoever. Where are abused women supposed to go to get help? What can they do? To whom can they turn? Refuge and Avon have launched this campaign to urge the Government to put an end to this postcode lottery, and to raise awareness of the huge issue of domestic violence. Everyone everywhere must speak out. By failing to speak out against domestic violence, we make ourselves part of the problem.

"Refuge is incredibly grateful to Avon for its unstinting support over the last two years. In this current economic climate, where many corporates are tightening the purse strings, it is a huge reassurance to have such a dedicated partner. With Avon's help we have been able to reach many more women and children living in the terrifying grip of domestic violence."

Avon has supported Refuge for the last two years, donating 80% of the UK proceeds of its empowerment necklace and bracelet to support services for abused women and children. The remaining 20% is donated to UNIFEM in the UK. Worldwide sales have raised $8.1 million, which has gone towards funding programmes in 53 countries. Avon UK has pledged to more than double its support for domestic violence charities in 2010.

Contacts:
Avon Products, Inc.
Natalie Deacon
+44 (0)7725 150853
Natalie.Deacon@avon.com
Elizabeth P. Bergman
212.282.8197
elizabeth.bergman@avon.com

BET Networks and DStv Bring Auditions for BET's Hit Gospel Singing Competition 'SUNDAY BEST' to Nigeria Sunday, December 6

2 Dec 2009 17:47 Africa/Lagos


BET Networks and DStv Bring Auditions for BET's Hit Gospel Singing Competition 'SUNDAY BEST' to Nigeria Sunday, December 6

EVENT MARKS ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF LAUNCH OF BET IN AFRICA Gospel Greats Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Kim Burrell and Muyiwa Olarewaju Invite Nigeria's Best Gospel Singers to the First Ever International Search for BET's Next Gospel Star BET Networks and MultiChoice to Hold Press Conference at the Eko Hotel in Lagos, Nigeria

NEW YORK, Dec. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Over the past year, through the agreement with MultiChoice, BET Networks has delivered high quality programming on DStv to countries in the sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria. Since the November 30, 2008 launch BET has remarkably increased its reach from 11 to over 30 countries in the region. To commemorate its one year anniversary BET will bring its hit Gospel music competition series, SUNDAY BEST to Lagos, Nigeria on Sunday December 6, 2009.


(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070716/BETNETWORKSLOGO )


Hosted by gospel legend Kirk Franklin, SUNDAY BEST returns for its third season in search of the next great gospel singer and expands its auditions outside of U.S. borders for the first time. Gospel greats and judges for the Nigerian try outs, Donnie McClurkin, Kim Burrell and British-Nigerian gospel artist Muyiwa Olarewaju, will join Franklin during the auditions at the Eko Hotel located at Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Lagos, NG 12724. An episode of the new season of SUNDAY BEST will highlight footage taken from the Nigerian auditions and the series will air in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and Africa reaching more than 101 million households around the world.


The first round of SUNDAY BEST auditions on Sunday, December 6, 2009 in Lagos, Nigeria will be open to the first 1000 contestants age 21 and older who have a government issued form of identification. Doors to the venue will open at 10:00 a.m. Contestants who make it past the first round will be asked to come back on Monday, December 7 and judges will then determine who will travel to the United States to compete during the third season of SUNDAY BEST. U.S. auditions cities and dates to be announced.


On Monday December 7 BET Senior Vice President and General Manager Michael D. Armstrong and MultiChoice Nigeria Managing Director Joseph Hundah will host a press conference at the Eko Hotel to discuss partnership achievements between the two companies, future programming and the expansion of SUNDAY BEST to Nigeria. Armstrong and Hundah, along with panelist gospel artists Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Kim Burrell and Muyiwa Olarewaju, SUNDAY BEST executive producers D'Angela Proctor Steed and Nia Hill and BET Vice President of International, Programming and Production Ava L. Hall will be present. "I'm pleased to mark BET's one-year celebration on DStv with this unique opportunity to showcase Nigeria's remarkable gospel singing talent for the millions of SUNDAY BEST viewers around the world," said Armstrong.


MultiChoice Nigeria Managing Director Joseph Hundah was also enthusiastic about the upcoming BET auditions saying, "Nigeria has some of the finest gospel singers in the world and so MultiChoice Nigeria is pleased and proud to be associated with this landmark BET initiative. We remain committed to developing strong and deep relationships with international and African channel suppliers to ensure that our partnerships create vital opportunities, such as this, to positively showcase Nigerian talent."


Available via DStv's Premium, Compact, Family and Access bouquets, BET provides consumers in Africa access to the network's top-rated and critically acclaimed shows, including 106 & PARK, THE MO'NIQUE SHOW, TINY & TOYA, MONICA: STILL STANDING, FIRST IN, THE BET HONORS, BOBBY JONES GOSPEL, and many more.


BET Networks is the leading provider of media and entertainment for African Americans and consumers of Black culture, currently reaching more than 101 million households around the world. The programming that airs on BET on DStv include series and specials such as:


Series
-- 106 & PARK - As BET's highest-rated music and variety series of all
time, 106 & PARK has quickly become the leading music video countdown,
performance and interview show on television.
-- FIRST IN - Narrated by entertainment mogul Tyrese Gibson, FIRST IN
delves into the lives of Compton's firefighters and paramedics as they
try to balance the high stress of a gruesome 72-hour work schedule and
family life.
-- BOBBY JONES GOSPEL - BET's longest-running gospel program, BOBBY JONES
GOSPEL, returns for another divine season of uplifting performances
and special appearances - all hosted by veteran gospel show host, Dr.
Bobby Jones. This fall marks the show's 28th season.
-- THE MO'NIQUE SHOW - hosted by the extraordinary actress and comedienne
Mo'Nique, the show delivers viewers a fun-filled hour of
entertainment. From A-list celebrity guests to sizzling performances
by the hottest musical artists in the game, THE MO'NIQUE SHOW is BET
Networks' #1 late night show.
-- MONICA: STILL STANDING - After a brief hiatus from the music
industry, R&B singer Monica is back in the spotlight with an intimate,
profound docu-drama that takes a look at her day-to-day world in the
new original BET series MONICA: STILL STANDING.
-- TINY & TOYA - BET's brand new original series "Tiny & Toya" reveals
the lives of two best friends defining themselves despite the harsh
glare of the public Eye. Tiny's life with fiancee T.I. and Toya's
former life with ex-husband Lil Wayne is standard fodder for the
gossip mill. Now, for the first time, these two fascinating women get
to tell their own stories on their own terms.

Specials
-- BET AWARDS - The BET AWARDS brings together the best in entertainment,
music and sports and stands as the most-watched awards program for
African American viewers in cable television history.
-- THE BET HONORS - THE BET HONORS celebrates Black achievement in
business, entertainment, social justice and philanthropy while
providing the kind of award-winning, show-stopping musical
performances that make BET specials deliver huge results.
-- CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL - Always a star-studded gathering of gospel and
R&B greats, CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL holds the crown as the highest-rated
gospel program anywhere on television for eight years running.
-- CENTRIC PRESENTS: 2009 SOUL TRAIN AWARDS - Special honors the
longstanding careers and musical influences of legendary artists Chaka
Khan and Charlie Wilson, acknowledges the phenomenal star power and
showmanship of the late Michael Jackson with the special Entertainer
of the Year Award, and is guaranteed to take viewers on a
soul-stirring ride through Soul Train's most memorable moments.


In addition to delivering original programming to audiences in Africa, BET has continued the international expansion of its Emmy Award-winning pro-social initiative Rap-It-Up and extended the campaign into Africa, beginning with the 2008 special World AIDS Day programming such as the BET News special ARE YOU POSITIVE?


Since 1998, BET has partnered with the Kaiser Family Foundation on Rap-It-Up, a comprehensive public education campaign designed to inform young people about sexual health issues, including HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. The award-winning campaign features special news programs, documentaries, public service announcements, online content, a U.S. toll-free hotline, community forums, mobile HIV testing events and school curricula.


ABOUT BET'S SUNDAY BEST


Back by popular demand, BET is on the search for the next great gospel singer. For two seasons, millions of viewers have tuned into SUNDAY BEST to get their "praise on!" Each week during the hour-long contest, viewers will be treated to musical performances from the remaining hopefuls along with candid feedback from the all-star team of judges and surprise visits from an array of celebrity mentors, until one singer is named SUNDAY BEST. Season three of SUNDAY BEST breaks into the international realm and will hold its first ever auditions abroad in Lagos, Nigeria. Prize packs for past SUNDAY BEST winners included national U.S. recording contracts, brand new vehicles, a prize package for the winner's community and the title of SUNDAY BEST.


ABOUT MULTICHOICE & DStv


MultiChoice Africa Limited is a multi-channel pay television platform providing premium services to 47 countries across the African continent and adjacent Indian Ocean islands. Through the range of DStv bouquets, the company provides quality television entertainment to Africa's rich diversity of cultural and language requirements.


Operations include subscriber management services and the management of a digital satellite television platform providing DStv which consists of a wide selection of video and audio channels 24 hours a day. MultiChoice Africa operates from four satellites over Africa, this includes the C-Band IS 10 satellite which covers the whole of Africa, the KU Band Eutelsat W4 satellite which stretches from Senegal in the West to Mauritius in the East, SESAT over central Africa and the KU Band IS 7 satellite which covers Southern Africa.


Through continuous innovation in technology and assembling an excellent range of bouquets, built around compelling news, as well as premium movie and sports channels, MultiChoice Africa has succeeded in adding significant value for subscribers and television consumers in Africa.


MultiChoice Africa Limited is a registered company based in Mauritius and is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Naspers Group.


ABOUT BET NETWORKS


BET Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 97 million households and can be seen in the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean and the United Kingdom. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of businesses extensions: BET.com, a leading internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; BET Digital Networks - BET J, BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, an extension of BET network programming for global distribution.


*For more on SUNDAY BEST please visit us at BET.com/SUNDAYBEST


Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070716/BETNETWORKSLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: BET Networks

CONTACT: Tricia N. Newell, BET, +1-212-975-8230, tricia.newell@bet.net,
or Zabrina Horton, BET, +1-310-481-3737, zabrina.horton@bet.net, or Voncella
McIntosh, BET, +1-310-481-3732, Voncella.mcintosh@bet.net; or Segun Fayose,
MultiChoice Nigeria, 0803 402 3983, SFayose@multichoice.co.za


Web Site: http://www.bet.com/

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3 Dec 2009
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Sasol Limited: Expected Earnings for the Six Months Ending 31 December 2009
2 Dec 2009
17:47
BET Networks and DStv Bring Auditions for BET's Hit Gospel Singing Competition 'SUNDAY BEST' to Nigeria Sunday, December 6
17:00
Chevron and Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership Receive 2009 U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Civic Leadership Center Partnership Award

Clinton Tells House Committee the Call for Additional Troops in Afghanistan is Necessary

3 Dec 2009 01:05 Africa/Lagos

Secretary of State Clinton Tells House Committee the Call for Additional Troops in Afghanistan is Necessary and Will Also Result in an Increase in Civilian Forces in the Region

DATELINE CITY: 02 December, 2009 / Washington, D.C.

FORMAT: Soundbites


STORY SUMMARY: Remarks by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on "U.S. Strategy in Afghanistan."


RESOURCES: Video, hard copy requests, contact information and more available at http://thedigitalcenter.com/projects/1281-secretary-of-state-clinton-tells-hou se-committee-the-call-for-additional-troops-in-afghanistan-is-necessary-and-wi ll-also-result-in-an-increase-in-civilian-forces-in-the-region


www.State.gov
http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2009a/index.htm
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5380.htm
http://www.state.gov/p/sca/ci/af/index.htm

SOUNDBITES / VIDEO:

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton
Soundbite (1)

Summary: Secretary Clinton said President Obama's call for additional troops is a difficult but necessary decision.


IN: "Simply put, among a range of difficult choices, we believe this is the best way to protect our nation now and in the future. The extremists we are fighting in Afghanistan and Pakistan have attacked us and our allies before. If we allow them access to the very same safe havens they used before 2001, they will have a greater capacity to regroup and attack again. They could drag an entire region into chaos. Our civilian and military leaders in Afghanistan have reported that the situation is serious and worsening, and we agree." OUT (:37)


Soundbite (2)


Summary: Secretary Clinton says US is committed to work with Afghanistan and Pakistan to stabilize the region.


IN: "We will work with the Afghan and Pakistani governments to eliminate safe havens for those plotting attacks against us, our allies, and our interests. We will help to stabilize a region that is fundamental to our national security. And we will develop long-term, sustainable relationships with both Afghanistan and Pakistan, so that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past. The duration of our military presence may be limited, but our civilian commitment must continue even as our troops will begin to come home. Now, accomplishing this mission and ensuring the safety of the American people will not be easy. It will mean sending more civilians, more troops, and more assistance to Afghanistan, and significantly expanding our civilian efforts in Pakistan." OUT (:49)


Soundbite (3)


Summary: Secretary Clinton remarks that civilian commitment will increase to support and work with additional troops and continue after the troops have gone.


IN: "A timeframe for transition will provide a sense of urgency in working with the Afghan Government, but it should be clear to everyone that the United States, our allies, and our partners will have an enduring commitment, a civilian commitment to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Our resolve in this fight is reflected in the substantial new increase in troops, but also in the significant civilian surge that will also accompany it.


The civilian effort is bearing fruit. Civilian experts and advisors are helping to craft policy inside government ministries, providing development assistance in the field, and when our marines went into Nawa province this last July, we had civilians on the ground with them to coordinate assistance the very next day. As our operations progress, our civ-mil coordination will grow even stronger. We are on track to triple the number of civilian positions to 974 by early in January. On average, each of these civilians leverages 10 partners ranging from locally employed staff to experts with U.S.-funded NGOs." OUT (01:08)


Soundbite (4)


Summary: Secretary Clinton says the U.S. will work to develop long-term relationships with both Afghanistan and Pakistan.


IN: "We will be delivering high-impact economic assistance and bolstering the agricultural sector. We will be helping to support an Afghan-led effort to open the door to those Taliban who renounce al-Qaida, abandon violence, and want to reintegrate into society." OUT (:16)


TRT: 3:56

VIDEO PROVIDED BY: U.S. Department of State


FOR TECHNICAL INFORMATION OR HARD COPY, PLEASE E-MAIL: digitalcenter@multivu.com


CONTACT: Ken Richards, +1-202-647-6251, richardskn@state.gov


/PRNewswire -- Dec. 2/


Video: http://thedigitalcenter.com/projects/1281-secretary-of-state-clinton-tells-house-committee-the-call-for-additional-troops-in-afghanistan-is-necessary-and-will-also-result-in-an-increase-in-civilian-forces-in-the-region
Source: U.S. Department of State

Web Site: http://www.state.gov/

Defence for Nasir El-Rufai Launches Seminal White Paper 'Reform vs. Status Quo'

Nasir El-Rufai

1 Dec 2009 10:38 Africa/Lagos


Defence for Nasir El-Rufai Launches Seminal White Paper 'Reform vs. Status Quo'

New Report Defends Nigeria's Reformers from Politically Motivated Attacks; Examines Trend of Corruption of Current Leadership

LONDON, Dec. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Today international lawyer Robert Amsterdam released an important new report detailing the political persecution of the popular former politician Nasir El-Rufai, and sharply criticizing the government's broad campaign against Nigeria's leading reformers.


Entitled "Reform vs. Status Quo: The Campaign Against Nasir El-Rufai and the Degeneration of Progress in Nigeria," the 48-page white paper presents the accomplishments of El-Rufai's career, summarizing and disproving a series of false accusations made by political opponents, and arguing that the current anti-reform position of the government fits within long-standing historical patterns of periods of reform followed by regression.


"We are presenting this white paper not only to clear the name of Nasir El-Rufai, but also to urge a renewed level of international focus on good governance, transparency, and anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria," said Robert Amsterdam. "Nigeria is too important and too big to be allowed to fail. I have great optimism for the country's future, and I believe in El-Rufai's commitment to principles."


The white paper also contains a foreword endorsing El-Rufai's defence effort written by the Honorable Kanu G. Agabi, the former attorney general: "The things that El-Rufai has had to do for the nation are difficult things. He has had to tread upon hard and difficult ground and to step on many and often very big toes. When he had to take difficult decisions, he did not hesitate and his courage never failed him."


Nasir El-Rufai served as Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises from 1999-2003 and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and a member of the Federal Executive Council, the highest decision-making body of Nigeria, from 2003-2007. Since coming into power, the government of President Umaru Yar'Adua has assailed El-Rufai and other reformers with a slew of accusations and politically motivated charges. Most recently, the government attempted to deny El-Rufai consular service to renew his passport, while his wife and children were temporarily detained without reason at the Lagos airport.


El-Rufai has recently announced his intention to return home to Nigeria this month after having completing his post-graduate studies at Harvard University.


"Reform vs. Status Quo: The Campaign Against Nasir El-Rufai and the Degeneration of Progress in Nigeria" is available for public download at www.el-rufai.org and www.robertamsterdam.com.


Robert Amsterdam is the founding partner of the Toronto- and London, U.K.-based law firm Amsterdam & Peroff. In practice since 1980, Amsterdam & Peroff is an international business law firm with unique experience in sensitive cases.


CONTACT: James T. Kimer


+1 (917) 355-0717


james.kimer@ksocialmedia.com


Source: Amsterdam & Peroff

CONTACT: James T. Kimer of Amsterdam & Peroff, +1-917-355-0717,
james.kimer@ksocialmedia.com


Web Site: http://www.robertamsterdam.com/



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2 Dec 2009
12:04
Amnesty International to release report exposing shocking level of unlawful police killings in Nigeria
1 Dec 2009
14:00
TED Conference Announces The 2010 Senior Fellows
10:38
Defence for Nasir El-Rufai Launches Seminal White Paper 'Reform vs. Status Quo'
30 Nov 2009
12:50
Bulletin du Bureau de Liaison du CTA à Bruxelles
08:18
Canadian Clear Water FZC Installs Desalination Plants in Egypt, Iraq & Oman

Amnesty International to release report exposing shocking level of unlawful police killings in Nigeria

2 Dec 2009 12:04 Africa/Lagos

Amnesty International to release report exposing shocking level of unlawful police killings in Nigeria

ABUJA, December 2, 2009/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- On Wednesday, 9 December 2009, Amnesty International will release a comprehensive report exposing the shocking level of unlawful police killings in Nigeria.

In the report, Killing at will: Extrajudicial executions and other unlawful killings in Nigeria, the organization will reveal how the majority of unlawful police killings go un-investigated and the perpetrators unpunished. The families of the victims usually get no justice or redress. Most never even find out what happened to their loved ones.

The publication will be released to media at a press conference in Abuja.

The report is based on interviews and research carried out throughout the country, including visits to prisons and interviews with prisoners.

DETAILS:

Who: Lucy Freeman, Amnesty International's Campaigner on Nigeria


Noel Kututwa, Amnesty International's Special Adviser on Africa


Damian Ugwu, Executive Director, Social Justice and Advocacy Initiative (SJAI)


Chief Titus Ibeku, father of Chika Ibeku, who is a victim of enforced disappearance


Vincent Obetta, lawyer based in Enugu

What: Release of Amnesty International report Killing at will: Extrajudicial executions and other unlawful killings in Nigeria.


When: 10.00 am – 12.00, local time

Where: Committee Room A

National Centre for Women Development
Better Life St., Central Area
P.M.B 185
Garki
Abuja



For further details or to arrange an interview, please contact: Eliane Drakopoulos (mob) +44 7778 472 109.


Source: Amnesty International

Postpone The Nigeria's 5 Greatest Living Legends Awards Ceremony Until President Umaru Yar'Adua Recovers

May I advise the executive management of the Silverbird Television and the Vanguard Newspapers to postpone the awards ceremony for the Nigeria's 5 Greatest Living Legends, because of the state of emergency over the critical condition of President Umaru Yar'Adua.

It is baffling that at such a critical time as this, you have chosen to celebrate your so called "Nigeria's 5 Greatest Living Legends".
Have they in any way helped to salvage the majority of the millions of Nigerians wallowing in abject poverty or saved Nigeria from being rated as one of the most corrupt and poorest countries on earth?

Your commercial opportunism is so unethical and confirms your mercantile ulterior motive of using these popularity rankings to exploit the gullible millions of Nigerians who voted to fatten your pockets of corruption in the camouflage of Nigeria's 5 Greatest Living Legends.

Stop this parade of intellectual ignorance in the masquerade of arrogance.

God save President Umaru Yar'Adua.
God save Nigeria.

Highly Skilled Spouses Want To Work During Assignments Abroad

Highly skilled spouses want to work during assignments abroad

Global survey sharpens focus on partner employment needs

THE HAGUE, The Netherlands, November 30 /PRNewswire/ — A lack of spouse employment opportunities adversely affects global mobility of highly skilled international staff.

This is the key finding of a survey of 3300 expatriate partners of highly skilled staff on foreign postings with 200 companies, embassies and international organisations.

Permits Foundation, which conducted the survey among partners of 120 nationalities in as many host countries, says that granting work permits for partners can create a "triple win" for employers, families and host countries.

Almost 60 per cent of partners said that they would be unlikely to relocate in future to a country where it is difficult to get a work permit. By contrast, countries that enable partners to work were attractive destinations for 96% of respondents.

Permits Foundation advocates improvement of work permit regulations for partners of expatriate employees worldwide. It wants legally resident partners to have an open permission to work during an assignment. The foundation has set up employer networks in India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and Russia to progress discussions in these countries.

"This new evidence sends an important signal to governments that want to attract top international talent", says Gill Gordon, Director of Executive Compensation for Schlumberger. "Partners are also highly educated, with diverse professional backgrounds. If permitted to work, they too contribute to the local economy."

The survey also provides insight into partner aspirations and the positive effects of having a job. Almost 90% of partners in the survey were employed before expatriation. This figure fell to 35% during the posting. Three quarters of those who were not working want to work. This is particularly so among the younger age groups, men, graduates and unmarried partners. Most partners who work said that this had a positive impact on adjustment to the host location and willingness to complete the assignment.

"This is the first large-scale survey to look at employment and work permit issues from the partner perspective." said Siobhan Cummins, Managing Director of ORC's Operations in Europe, Middle East and Africa. "Acknowledging partner employment needs will enhance international mobility. The survey is a welcome addition to resources that employers can consult when developing policies to support dual career couples."

More information: http://permitsfoundation.com/docs/permits_survey_summary.pdf and http://www.permitsfoundation.com/docs/permits_survey_final_report.pdf.

Press Contact:
Permits Foundation
P.O. Box 162
2501 AN The Hague
The Netherlands


Mrs. Kathleen van der Wilk-Carlton
Board Member Permits Foundation
Tel: +31 (0) 70 319 19 30


Mrs. Françoise van Roosmalen
Co-ordinator Permits Foundation
Tel: +31 (0) 70 331 84 66


PermitsFoundation@shell.com


www.permitsfoundation.com

UN expert condemns series of stonings in Somalia, urges religious groups to reflect on their actions

The above video of a 13 year old girl stoned in Somalia caused uproar in the world.

30 Nov 2009 12:14 Africa/Lagos

UN expert condemns series of stonings in Somalia, urges religious groups to reflect on their actions


MOGADISHU, November 30, 2009/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in Somalia, Dr. Shamsul Bari, on Friday condemned the series of stonings that have been taking place in Somalia, and called on all parties to immediately refrain from and abolish the practice of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatments, including stoning, amputations, floggings, and other unlawful acts of torture and murder.

“I would like to extend my solidarity and sympathy to the Somali people in view of the deteriorating human rights situation in the country including the summary executions, floggings and stoning to death carried out in public by Islamist armed groups in South and Central Somalia,” Dr. Bari said.


Photo Credit: Pleion.

On November 18, 2009, according to reports from a village near the town of Wajid, 400 km north-west of the capital, Mogadishu, a 20-year-old woman divorcee accused of committing adultery was killed by Islamists in public. The woman was taken to an open area where she was buried up to her waist. She was then stoned to death in front of a crowd of about 200 people.

Earlier this month, a man was stoned to death for rape in the port town of Merka, south of Mogadishu, and in October two men are reported to have been executed after being accused of spying. Similar executions took place earlier in the year.

Under the Al Shabab group's interpretation of Sharia law, anyone who has ever been married – even a divorcee – who has an affair is liable to be found guilty of adultery and punished by being stoned to death.

"I strongly condemn these recent executions by stoning in Al-Shabab-controlled areas of Somalia, including that of the woman accused of adultery in the Wajid area, and of Abbas Hussein Abdirahman in the town of Merka," Bari said.

He urged all Islamist groups, including Al Shabaab and other armed groups and religious leaders to abide by their international human rights and international humanitarian law obligations.

"I call on all relevant parties to immediately refrain from and abolish the practice of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatments, including stoning, amputations, floggings, various other corporal punishments, and further unlawful acts of murder and torture which amount to crimes under the International Law," Bari said. "Today is the start of the Eid Al Adha, an extremely important event in the Muslim calendar. It is a good moment for all those in power who are inflicting suffering on individuals and, indeed, on the population in general, to reflect on how they can help people, in accordance with religious principles, rather than harm them."

He also urged the International Community to engage with Somalia's Transitional Federal Government (TFG) to identify priorities in terms of security, humanitarian and human rights and to strengthen the capacity of the Government to investigate human rights abuses and hold the perpetrators accountable.

"On the occasion of this important religious feast, the Eid Al Adha, I express my solidarity to all the victims and their families," Bari said. "This should be an occasion of piety and celebration. Instead, for them, it is marked with great sadness and loss."


Source: Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)