22 Dec 2009 15:56 Africa/Lagos
USA - Will she Remain on the Top or Topple?
AHMEDABAD, India, December 22/PRNewswire/ -- The economic history of U.S., like its history has its roots in European settlements of the 16th century. These successful colonial economies grew into small independent farming economies which after 1776 became the United States of America. A central feature of the U.S. economy is the freedom of the private sector. The period of 1930 saw the great depression from which U.S. emerged strong and that between 1960 and 1990 saw the fiscal policy being replaced by monetary policy as a regulator of the overall pace of economic activity. During the last 230 years of its existence, USA has grown into a huge integrated industrialised economy that represents about a quarter of the world economy.
Today, the U.S. is in a unique situation; no other nation has the same amount of power financially, politically and not least, military. The country has incredible influence over the world. Her national & international politics are of paramount importance to the entire world because it reflects upon her relationship with other countries.
Since 2001, U.S. has been embroiled in conflicts as well as tough & demanding situations straining her economy. She underwent a housing market correction, a sub-prime mortgage crisis and a declining dollar during 2008. On December 1, 2008, the NBER declared that U.S. was in recession. Recession in the U.S., is a very bad news for a lot of countries. With experts like former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker feeling that the economic growth will remain pretty sluggish, and a lot of people seeing U.S. as a fading superpower hobbled by the recession, let's see what Ganesha has to say regarding the U.S. with the help of astrology (http://www.ganeshaspeaks.com); because her actions in next few years will decide much for the future.
Natal Horoscope (http://www.ganeshaspeaks.com ) of USA
3rd July, 1776
Philadelphia (Pennsylvania)
http://www.ganeshaspeaks.com/blog_The_Horoscope_of_the_United_States_of_A merica_2222.jsp
(Due to the length of this URL, it may be necessary to copy and paste this hyperlink into your Internet browser's URL address field. Remove the space if one exists.)
Leo (http://www.ganeshaspeaks.com/horoscopes/leo.jsp), the rising sign is in the second quadrant of the constellation Purva Phalguni (The Fruit of the Tree). Sun, the lord of the rising sign is conjunct with Jupiter, Venus and Mars in Gemini (http://www.ganeshaspeaks.com/horoscopes/gemini.jsp), the 11th house of gains. Mercury, the lord of wealth & gains, is conjunct Rahu in Cancer (http://www.ganeshaspeaks.com/horoscopes/cancer.jsp), the 12th house of loss. USA was formed in the period of Mars-Mars-Mercury.
Presently, Ketu (South node) is transiting over natal Sun, Jupiter, Mars and Venus through Gemini, the 11th house of gains indicating negative impact on gains for a period of about one and a half years, while Rahu's (North node) transit over the 5th house will cause unpredictable fluctuations in the stock market. Saturn's transit over the 2nd house, of finance and economy will cause reduction and undue delay in the influx of funds.
She is undergoing the major period of Moon and sub-period of Ketu (South node). Moon, the Lord of 12th house is placed in the 7th house of War. Ketu (South node)is placed in the 6th house representing debts and hidden enemies. Moon placed in the constellation of Dhanistha (The Star of Symphony) presided over by Mars, indicates that she will be determined to fight and to tackle terrorism; a cause of concern ever since U.S. entered major period of Moon in August 2001. This means, an increased expenditure on defense & security, further impacting the economy.
With Jupiter transiting through Aquarius ( http://www.ganeshaspeaks.com/horoscopes/aquarius.jsp) after 19th of December, 2009 when it passes over her natal Moon, she will find strength to withstand this onslaught. However, the Saturn-Jupiter opposition will bring significant changes in U.S. and its position as a super power.
Thus Ganesha feels that the struggle for U.S. is far from being over, and economy will continue to remain limp for about an year and a half, till October 2011. In short, U.S. is on the verge of beginning of a whole new era and that might change the whole global political scenario in next couple of years.
Dharmesh Joshi & Tanmay K Thakar
The GaneshaSpeaks Team (http://www.ganeshaspeaks.com/gsteam.jsp)
Profile Of GaneshaSpeaks
GaneshaSpeaks was launched on 25th April 2003, with an idea that the astrology industry can be organized and its potential unlocked. Today, GaneshaSpeaks handles more than half a million visits on a monthly basis while its call centers with the help of 300 astrologers ( http://www.ganeshaspeaks.com/celebrity.jsp) handle more than 30,000 telephonic consultations daily. They specialize in mundane predictions, Cricket, Football, Tennis, stock market indices and have a record of more than 80% accuracy. Hemang Arun Pandeet, a techno-entreprenuer with an engineering degree in 'Electronics and Communications',and the MD & CEO is the driving force behind GaneshaSpeaks.
Contacts public - S.Balasubramanian (Head Corporate Communications), Tel: +91-79-65221416 Extn: 305, Email s.balasubramanian@ganeshaspeaks.com
Source: Siddhivinayak Astrology Services pvt. Limited
Contacts public - S.Balasubramanian (Head Corporate Communications), Tel: +91-79-65221416 Extn: 305, Email s.balasubramanian@ganeshaspeaks.com
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Standard & Poor's Top 10 Internet Predictions for 2010
21 Dec 2009 18:28 Africa/Lagos
S&P Equity Research Issues Ten Internet Predictions for 2010
NEW YORK, Dec. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- As the decade that began with the announcement of the AOL/Time Warner merger ends with the Time Warner [TWX 29 ***] spin-off of AOL (AOL 23 NR), S&P Equity Research has issued a list of ten Internet predictions for 2010, addressing some of the largest and most important companies in the Internet segment as a new decade is about to begin.
"We expect considerable international deal making in 2010, challenges for search giants Google and Baidu, and IPO activity involving at least one major social networking company," said Scott Kessler, S&P Equity Analyst, Internet Software & Services and Internet Retail. "After covering the Internet segment for nearly a decade, I think it's fair to say that the online arena can change very quickly. Therefore, thinking about the upcoming year and offering predictions is worthwhile in helping to identify potential developments and prepare in advance."
Following are ten Internet predictions for 2010 from S&P Equity Research.
1. We foresee considerable international acquisition-activity in 2010. We think some larger U.S. Internet firms will allocate their substantial overseas cash and investments to acquire businesses abroad. We also think some U.S.-based Internet companies could be targets for international players looking to establish or bolster their positions, seizing upon the dollar's weakness to secure value. We also think eBay [EBAY 23 ****] and Yahoo [YHOO 16 *****] will make noteworthy overseas purchases.
2. We think at least one of eBay's global buys will center on continuing to build out its PayPal business, perhaps in the mobile area.
3. Despite notable efforts and those of its Chairman and CEO Eric Schmidt among others, Google [GOOG 596 ***] will continue to be targeted and somewhat restrained by domestic and international lawmakers and regulators, in our view.
4. We think Google will lose its search business with AOL to Microsoft [MSFT 30 ***] (the AOL/Google search contract is set to expire in December 2010). We believe Google's recent efforts to de-emphasize larger search deals, and political pressures, coupled with Microsoft's focus on gaining market, share will contribute to this change.
5. We expect Yahoo to further deconsolidate through the sale and/or shuttering of multiple businesses. We think divestiture activity could involve the Small Business Services unit, Zimbra, and the Personals business, among others.
6. Conversely, we think InfoSpace [INSP 8 ****], with what we consider a somewhat limited product/service portfolio and strong balance sheet, will look to do a relatively significant strategic deal, related to the search segment.
7. We see continuing considerable competition and pricing pressure in online music and games, and expect more challenges and consolidation in these areas. Our related call is a "sell" opinion on RealNetworks [RNWK 4 **].
8. We think at least one major social networking company will file to become a public entity in 2010. We think Facebook is most likely, given that in 2009, it announced it was looking for a new CFO with public company experience, and hired such a person, and created two classes of (private) stock to help existing shareholders retain control of the company. We note that a company with more than $10 million of assets and a class of equity securities with 500 or more shareholders as December 2009 has to file a registration statement with the SEC, roughly by the end of April 2010. We also expect LinkedIn to move closer to becoming a public company in 2010.
9. We don't expect Twitter to file to come public in 2010, but, despite indications that its growth trajectory has flattened somewhat of late, we expect the company to have a successful year, punctuated perhaps by monetization models and revenues. We foresee premium accounts and data and analytics offerings, for example.
10. We see considerable risk for Chinese Internet companies and equities, and believe regulatory concerns and actions will hamper performance for certain companies, including Baidu [BIDU 414 *].
Standard & Poor's equity research, mutual fund, exchange-traded fund and bond research can be found on MarketScope® Advisor, Click Here (http://advisor.marketscope.com/). More information on Standard & Poor's MarketScope Advisor is available by calling 1-877-219-1247. MarketScope Advisor is part of the Standard & Poor's Equity Research Services family of products. MarketScope Advisor provides financial advisors with actionable investment intelligence on multiple asset classes including stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, variable annuities, and workflow tools that enable advisors to stay connected to the market and their investments.
Standard & Poor's equity and fund research draws from STARS coverage and detailed financial information, such as valuation models, sector and peer group analysis, and proprietary Standard & Poor's metrics such as Fair Value and Quality Rankings, on global equities.
About Standard & Poor's Equity Research Services
As the world's largest producer of independent equity research, Standard & Poor's licenses its research to global institutions for their investors and advisors. Standard & Poor's team of experienced U.S., European and Asian equity analysts use a fundamental, bottom-up approach to assess a global universe of multi-asset class securities across industries worldwide. Follow Standard & Poor's equity analysts' U.S. market commentary each day at http://www.equityresearch.standardandpoors.com/.
The equity research reports and recommendations provided by Standard & Poor's Equity Research Services are performed separately from any other analytic activity of Standard & Poor's. Standard & Poor's Equity Research Services has no access to non-public information received by other units of Standard & Poor's. Standard & Poor's does not trade for its own account. The analytical and ethical conduct of Standard & Poor's equity analysts is governed by the firm's Research Objectivity Policy, a copy of which may also be found at www.standardandpoors.com or by clicking here.
About Standard & Poor's
Standard & Poor's Financial Services, LLC, a subsidiary of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE:MHP) , is the world's foremost provider of independent credit ratings, indices, risk evaluation, investment research and data. With offices in 23 countries and markets, Standard & Poor's is an essential part of the world's financial infrastructure and has played a leading role for nearly 150 years in providing investors with the independent benchmarks they need to feel more confident about their investment and financial decisions. For more information, visit www.standardandpoors.com.
All information provided by Standard & Poor's is impersonal and not tailored to the needs of any person, entity or group of persons. Past performance is no indication of future results. Standard & Poor's and its affiliates provide a wide range of services to, or relating to, many organizations, including issuers of securities, investment advisers, broker-dealers, investment banks, other financial institutions and financial intermediaries, and accordingly may receive fees or other economic benefits from those organizations, including organizations whose securities or services they may recommend, rate, include in model portfolios, evaluate or otherwise address.
As of September 30, 2009, research analysts at Standard & Poor's Equity Research Services North America recommended 28.6% of issuers with buy recommendations, 57.6% with hold recommendations and 13.8% with sell recommendations.
In Europe
As of September 30, 2009, research analysts at Standard & Poor's Equity Research Services Europe recommended 33.8% of issuers with buy recommendations, 45.3% with hold recommendations and 20.9% with sell recommendations.
In Asia
As of September 30, 2009, research analysts at Standard & Poor's Equity Research Services Asia recommended 32.2% of issuers with buy recommendations, 52.5% with hold recommendations and 15.3% with sell recommendations.
Globally
As of September 30, 2009, research analysts at Standard & Poor's Equity Research Services globally recommended 29.7% of issuers with buy recommendations, 55.2% with hold recommendations and 15.1% with sell recommendations.
5-STARS (Strong Buy): Total return is expected to outperform the total return of a relevant benchmark, by a wide margin over the coming 12 months, with shares rising in price on an absolute basis.
4-STARS (Buy): Total return is expected to outperform the total return of a relevant benchmark over the coming 12 months, with shares rising in price on an absolute basis.
3-STARS (Hold): Total return is expected to closely approximate the total return of a relevant benchmark over the coming 12 months, with shares generally rising in price on an absolute basis.
2-STARS (Sell): Total return is expected to underperform the total return of a relevant benchmark over the coming 12 months, and the share price is not anticipated to show a gain.
1-STARS (Strong Sell): Total return is expected to underperform the total return of a relevant benchmark by a wide margin over the coming 12 months, with shares falling in price on an absolute basis.
This material is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security or other financial instrument. Securities, financial instruments or strategies mentioned herein may not be suitable for all investors. Any opinions expressed herein are given in good faith, are subject to change without notice, and are only correct as of the stated date of their issue. Prices, values, or income from any securities or investments mentioned in this report may fall against the interests of the investor and the investor may get back less than the amount invested. Where an investment is described as being likely to yield income, please note that the amount of income that the investor will receive from such an investment may fluctuate. Where an investment or security is denominated in a different currency to the investor's currency of reference, changes in rates of exchange may have an adverse effect on the value, price or income of or from that investment to the investor. The information contained in this report does not constitute advice on the tax consequences of making any particular investment decision. This material does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situations or needs and is not intended as a recommendation of particular securities, financial instruments or strategies to you nor is it considered to be investment advice. Before acting on any recommendation in this material, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and, if necessary, seek professional advice.
This material is based upon information that we consider to be reliable, but neither S&P nor its affiliates warrant its completeness, accuracy or adequacy and it should not be relied upon as such. With respect to reports issued to clients in Japan and in the case of inconsistencies between the English and Japanese version of a report, the English version prevails. Neither S&P nor its affiliates guarantee the accuracy of the translation. Assumptions, opinions and estimates constitute our judgment as of the date of this material and are subject to change without notice. Neither S&P nor its affiliates are responsible for any errors or omissions or for results obtained from the use of this information. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.
Source: Standard & Poor's
CONTACT: Marc Eiger, Communications, +1-212-438-1280,
marc_eiger@standardandpoors.com
Web Site: http://www.standardandpoors.com/
Outlook for 2010
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
21 Dec 2009
18:28
S&P Equity Research Issues Ten Internet Predictions for 2010
16:13
Manhattan Real Estate Mogul, Elie Hirschfeld: Real Estate Will Continue to Dip in 2010
15:00
NIA's Top 10 Predictions for 2010
15:00
In 2010, Expect Charitable Donors to Keep Giving Through Long-Term Pledges: AHP Study Concludes
14:39
2010 - Emerging Markets Beat Western Europe
12:14
TripAdvisor Travellers Reveal 2010 Trends
16 Dec 2009
18:51
PricewaterhouseCoopers Outlook: Strategic Deals and 'Mergers of Productivity' to Drive M&A in 2010
16:30
Franchise Businesses to See Slow Growth in 2010
14:30
Gradual Global Recovery Expected for First Quarter 2010 According To FOREX.COM
14:05
Travel Ticker Poll Reveals Leisure Travelers Intentions for 2010
15 Dec 2009
19:47
Survey of Active Individual Investors Reveals Bullish Outlook for 2010
16:43
Employers Likely to Continue Improvements to HR Technology in 2010, According to Watson Wyatt
12:00
Americans Split Over Finances in 2010
14 Dec 2009
17:03
2010 College Food Trends: Students Crave Global, National and Regional Comfort Food with a Twist
17:30
BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research Forecasts a Slow but Steady Global Economic Recovery in 2010
06:05
Regional Business Executives See Brighter 2010 Economy, More Jobs, Mixed Outlook on Credit
10 Dec 2009
22:36
FoodChannel.com Announces Top Ten Food Trends for 2010
15:48
BullMarket.com Publishes Ten High-Yield Stocks for 2010 Report
9 Dec 2009
16:56
Swonk Releases Annual Outlook Edition: The Quiet After the Storm
8 Dec 2009
15:00
Manufacturing CFOs Optimistic in Annual Bank of America Merrill Lynch Outlook
06:01
Employers Plan to Increase Staff Levels in First Quarter, According to the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey
06:01
New-Year Hiring Expected to Return to Pre-Recession Pace in Asia Pacific, While Job Prospects Continue to Slowly Improve in the Americas and Europe
12:00
TripAdvisor Reads Traveler Tea Leaves to Reveal 2010 Trends
7 Dec 2009
14:07
Despite Limited Capital Equipment Purchases In 2009, The Global Powered Surgical Instrument Market Held Its Value At $800 Million
13:53
Get Married Unveils the New Top 10 Bridal Trends for 2010
1 Dec 2009
16:16
Photos: 2010 Color Trends for Home Mix Classic, Calming Neutrals with Energizing Pinks and Yellows
S&P Equity Research Issues Ten Internet Predictions for 2010
NEW YORK, Dec. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- As the decade that began with the announcement of the AOL/Time Warner merger ends with the Time Warner [TWX 29 ***] spin-off of AOL (AOL 23 NR), S&P Equity Research has issued a list of ten Internet predictions for 2010, addressing some of the largest and most important companies in the Internet segment as a new decade is about to begin.
"We expect considerable international deal making in 2010, challenges for search giants Google and Baidu, and IPO activity involving at least one major social networking company," said Scott Kessler, S&P Equity Analyst, Internet Software & Services and Internet Retail. "After covering the Internet segment for nearly a decade, I think it's fair to say that the online arena can change very quickly. Therefore, thinking about the upcoming year and offering predictions is worthwhile in helping to identify potential developments and prepare in advance."
Following are ten Internet predictions for 2010 from S&P Equity Research.
1. We foresee considerable international acquisition-activity in 2010. We think some larger U.S. Internet firms will allocate their substantial overseas cash and investments to acquire businesses abroad. We also think some U.S.-based Internet companies could be targets for international players looking to establish or bolster their positions, seizing upon the dollar's weakness to secure value. We also think eBay [EBAY 23 ****] and Yahoo [YHOO 16 *****] will make noteworthy overseas purchases.
2. We think at least one of eBay's global buys will center on continuing to build out its PayPal business, perhaps in the mobile area.
3. Despite notable efforts and those of its Chairman and CEO Eric Schmidt among others, Google [GOOG 596 ***] will continue to be targeted and somewhat restrained by domestic and international lawmakers and regulators, in our view.
4. We think Google will lose its search business with AOL to Microsoft [MSFT 30 ***] (the AOL/Google search contract is set to expire in December 2010). We believe Google's recent efforts to de-emphasize larger search deals, and political pressures, coupled with Microsoft's focus on gaining market, share will contribute to this change.
5. We expect Yahoo to further deconsolidate through the sale and/or shuttering of multiple businesses. We think divestiture activity could involve the Small Business Services unit, Zimbra, and the Personals business, among others.
6. Conversely, we think InfoSpace [INSP 8 ****], with what we consider a somewhat limited product/service portfolio and strong balance sheet, will look to do a relatively significant strategic deal, related to the search segment.
7. We see continuing considerable competition and pricing pressure in online music and games, and expect more challenges and consolidation in these areas. Our related call is a "sell" opinion on RealNetworks [RNWK 4 **].
8. We think at least one major social networking company will file to become a public entity in 2010. We think Facebook is most likely, given that in 2009, it announced it was looking for a new CFO with public company experience, and hired such a person, and created two classes of (private) stock to help existing shareholders retain control of the company. We note that a company with more than $10 million of assets and a class of equity securities with 500 or more shareholders as December 2009 has to file a registration statement with the SEC, roughly by the end of April 2010. We also expect LinkedIn to move closer to becoming a public company in 2010.
9. We don't expect Twitter to file to come public in 2010, but, despite indications that its growth trajectory has flattened somewhat of late, we expect the company to have a successful year, punctuated perhaps by monetization models and revenues. We foresee premium accounts and data and analytics offerings, for example.
10. We see considerable risk for Chinese Internet companies and equities, and believe regulatory concerns and actions will hamper performance for certain companies, including Baidu [BIDU 414 *].
Standard & Poor's equity research, mutual fund, exchange-traded fund and bond research can be found on MarketScope® Advisor, Click Here (http://advisor.marketscope.com/). More information on Standard & Poor's MarketScope Advisor is available by calling 1-877-219-1247. MarketScope Advisor is part of the Standard & Poor's Equity Research Services family of products. MarketScope Advisor provides financial advisors with actionable investment intelligence on multiple asset classes including stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, variable annuities, and workflow tools that enable advisors to stay connected to the market and their investments.
Standard & Poor's equity and fund research draws from STARS coverage and detailed financial information, such as valuation models, sector and peer group analysis, and proprietary Standard & Poor's metrics such as Fair Value and Quality Rankings, on global equities.
About Standard & Poor's Equity Research Services
As the world's largest producer of independent equity research, Standard & Poor's licenses its research to global institutions for their investors and advisors. Standard & Poor's team of experienced U.S., European and Asian equity analysts use a fundamental, bottom-up approach to assess a global universe of multi-asset class securities across industries worldwide. Follow Standard & Poor's equity analysts' U.S. market commentary each day at http://www.equityresearch.standardandpoors.com/.
The equity research reports and recommendations provided by Standard & Poor's Equity Research Services are performed separately from any other analytic activity of Standard & Poor's. Standard & Poor's Equity Research Services has no access to non-public information received by other units of Standard & Poor's. Standard & Poor's does not trade for its own account. The analytical and ethical conduct of Standard & Poor's equity analysts is governed by the firm's Research Objectivity Policy, a copy of which may also be found at www.standardandpoors.com or by clicking here.
About Standard & Poor's
Standard & Poor's Financial Services, LLC, a subsidiary of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE:MHP) , is the world's foremost provider of independent credit ratings, indices, risk evaluation, investment research and data. With offices in 23 countries and markets, Standard & Poor's is an essential part of the world's financial infrastructure and has played a leading role for nearly 150 years in providing investors with the independent benchmarks they need to feel more confident about their investment and financial decisions. For more information, visit www.standardandpoors.com.
All information provided by Standard & Poor's is impersonal and not tailored to the needs of any person, entity or group of persons. Past performance is no indication of future results. Standard & Poor's and its affiliates provide a wide range of services to, or relating to, many organizations, including issuers of securities, investment advisers, broker-dealers, investment banks, other financial institutions and financial intermediaries, and accordingly may receive fees or other economic benefits from those organizations, including organizations whose securities or services they may recommend, rate, include in model portfolios, evaluate or otherwise address.
As of September 30, 2009, research analysts at Standard & Poor's Equity Research Services North America recommended 28.6% of issuers with buy recommendations, 57.6% with hold recommendations and 13.8% with sell recommendations.
In Europe
As of September 30, 2009, research analysts at Standard & Poor's Equity Research Services Europe recommended 33.8% of issuers with buy recommendations, 45.3% with hold recommendations and 20.9% with sell recommendations.
In Asia
As of September 30, 2009, research analysts at Standard & Poor's Equity Research Services Asia recommended 32.2% of issuers with buy recommendations, 52.5% with hold recommendations and 15.3% with sell recommendations.
Globally
As of September 30, 2009, research analysts at Standard & Poor's Equity Research Services globally recommended 29.7% of issuers with buy recommendations, 55.2% with hold recommendations and 15.1% with sell recommendations.
5-STARS (Strong Buy): Total return is expected to outperform the total return of a relevant benchmark, by a wide margin over the coming 12 months, with shares rising in price on an absolute basis.
4-STARS (Buy): Total return is expected to outperform the total return of a relevant benchmark over the coming 12 months, with shares rising in price on an absolute basis.
3-STARS (Hold): Total return is expected to closely approximate the total return of a relevant benchmark over the coming 12 months, with shares generally rising in price on an absolute basis.
2-STARS (Sell): Total return is expected to underperform the total return of a relevant benchmark over the coming 12 months, and the share price is not anticipated to show a gain.
1-STARS (Strong Sell): Total return is expected to underperform the total return of a relevant benchmark by a wide margin over the coming 12 months, with shares falling in price on an absolute basis.
This material is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security or other financial instrument. Securities, financial instruments or strategies mentioned herein may not be suitable for all investors. Any opinions expressed herein are given in good faith, are subject to change without notice, and are only correct as of the stated date of their issue. Prices, values, or income from any securities or investments mentioned in this report may fall against the interests of the investor and the investor may get back less than the amount invested. Where an investment is described as being likely to yield income, please note that the amount of income that the investor will receive from such an investment may fluctuate. Where an investment or security is denominated in a different currency to the investor's currency of reference, changes in rates of exchange may have an adverse effect on the value, price or income of or from that investment to the investor. The information contained in this report does not constitute advice on the tax consequences of making any particular investment decision. This material does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situations or needs and is not intended as a recommendation of particular securities, financial instruments or strategies to you nor is it considered to be investment advice. Before acting on any recommendation in this material, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and, if necessary, seek professional advice.
This material is based upon information that we consider to be reliable, but neither S&P nor its affiliates warrant its completeness, accuracy or adequacy and it should not be relied upon as such. With respect to reports issued to clients in Japan and in the case of inconsistencies between the English and Japanese version of a report, the English version prevails. Neither S&P nor its affiliates guarantee the accuracy of the translation. Assumptions, opinions and estimates constitute our judgment as of the date of this material and are subject to change without notice. Neither S&P nor its affiliates are responsible for any errors or omissions or for results obtained from the use of this information. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.
Source: Standard & Poor's
CONTACT: Marc Eiger, Communications, +1-212-438-1280,
marc_eiger@standardandpoors.com
Web Site: http://www.standardandpoors.com/
Outlook for 2010
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
21 Dec 2009
18:28
S&P Equity Research Issues Ten Internet Predictions for 2010
16:13
Manhattan Real Estate Mogul, Elie Hirschfeld: Real Estate Will Continue to Dip in 2010
15:00
NIA's Top 10 Predictions for 2010
15:00
In 2010, Expect Charitable Donors to Keep Giving Through Long-Term Pledges: AHP Study Concludes
14:39
2010 - Emerging Markets Beat Western Europe
12:14
TripAdvisor Travellers Reveal 2010 Trends
16 Dec 2009
18:51
PricewaterhouseCoopers Outlook: Strategic Deals and 'Mergers of Productivity' to Drive M&A in 2010
16:30
Franchise Businesses to See Slow Growth in 2010
14:30
Gradual Global Recovery Expected for First Quarter 2010 According To FOREX.COM
14:05
Travel Ticker Poll Reveals Leisure Travelers Intentions for 2010
15 Dec 2009
19:47
Survey of Active Individual Investors Reveals Bullish Outlook for 2010
16:43
Employers Likely to Continue Improvements to HR Technology in 2010, According to Watson Wyatt
12:00
Americans Split Over Finances in 2010
14 Dec 2009
17:03
2010 College Food Trends: Students Crave Global, National and Regional Comfort Food with a Twist
17:30
BofA Merrill Lynch Global Research Forecasts a Slow but Steady Global Economic Recovery in 2010
06:05
Regional Business Executives See Brighter 2010 Economy, More Jobs, Mixed Outlook on Credit
10 Dec 2009
22:36
FoodChannel.com Announces Top Ten Food Trends for 2010
15:48
BullMarket.com Publishes Ten High-Yield Stocks for 2010 Report
9 Dec 2009
16:56
Swonk Releases Annual Outlook Edition: The Quiet After the Storm
8 Dec 2009
15:00
Manufacturing CFOs Optimistic in Annual Bank of America Merrill Lynch Outlook
06:01
Employers Plan to Increase Staff Levels in First Quarter, According to the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey
06:01
New-Year Hiring Expected to Return to Pre-Recession Pace in Asia Pacific, While Job Prospects Continue to Slowly Improve in the Americas and Europe
12:00
TripAdvisor Reads Traveler Tea Leaves to Reveal 2010 Trends
7 Dec 2009
14:07
Despite Limited Capital Equipment Purchases In 2009, The Global Powered Surgical Instrument Market Held Its Value At $800 Million
13:53
Get Married Unveils the New Top 10 Bridal Trends for 2010
1 Dec 2009
16:16
Photos: 2010 Color Trends for Home Mix Classic, Calming Neutrals with Energizing Pinks and Yellows
Bruce Willis and Sobieski Spread the Truth About Vodka
Juat Kiss and Pop
22 Dec 2009 14:17 Africa/Lagos
Bruce Willis and Sobieski Spread the Truth About Vodka
No-nonsense Actor Helps Break through the Vodka World's "BS" by Supporting Sobieski's "Truth in Vodka" Message in North America
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., Dec. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Imperial Brands, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Belvedere S.A., today announced a multi-year partnership agreement with actor and producer, Bruce Willis, to promote Sobieski Vodka in North America, extending the relationship globally. As a part of the long-term investment, Bruce Willis has acquired 3.3% of Belvedere S.A. -- the owner of Sobieski Vodka.
"It's remarkable how much Bruce Willis and Sobieski have in common," said Chester Brandes, President and CEO of Imperial Brands, Inc. "We are a brand with nothing to hide, and the confidence (and humor) to talk in simple, straightforward, black-and-white terms about our product. Much like Sobieski, Bruce is authentic, likeable, and doesn't get caught up in superficiality."
Through its creative "Truth in Vodka" campaign, Sobieski urges consumers to focus on what's in the bottle - not gimmickry marketing or fancy packaging. With the help of Willis, the brand will continue to raise awareness and debunk the myths surrounding overpriced vodkas. The straightforward messaging has clearly resonated with consumers who have embraced this honest, back-to-basics spirit, in record numbers. The partnership includes the usage of Willis' images in advertising as well as personal appearances in various events.
Launched in the U.S. in 2007, Sobieski is Poland's #1 premium vodka and one of the world's best-selling and fastest growing vodka brands. After a record breaking year 2008 Sobieski Vodka has more than doubled its volume in 2009 with more than half a million cases sold. The Imperial Brands management team is determined to sell one million-cases of Sobieski faster than any vodka brand has been able to achieve.
Made from the finest Dankowski rye, Sobieski recently added two new flavors, Cytron and Vanilia to their flagship brand.
Sobieski vodkas are available nationally at a suggested retail price of $10.99 (750ml). For additional information, including cocktail recipes, imagery and more, please visit truthinvodka.com, our Facebook fan page (Facebook.com/SobieskiVodka) and follow us on Twitter (Twitter.com/Sobieski_Vodka).
About Sobieski Vodka
Sobieski Vodka, the #1 premium vodka in Poland and one of the world's bestselling and fastest growing vodka brands, makes no compromises on quality and exemplifies the height of Polish craftsmanship and authenticity. Building on a noble heritage, Sobieski Vodka is produced exclusively from the revered Dankowski rye at the Starogard Gdanski distillery dating back to 1846.
In summer 2007, Sobieski Vodka launched its "Truth in Vodka" campaign in the U.S., declaring that consumers don't have to pay a king's ransom to get superb vodka. Sobieski's back-to-basics approach to marketing, which focuses on what goes in the bottle--tradition, heritage, authenticity and taste--is in marked contrast to competitors who rely on lavish packaging and gimmicky ad campaigns that have resulted in a deluge of overpriced vodkas.
In fall 2007, the Beverage Testing Institute (BTI) honored Sobieski Vodka with the Gold Medal and Best Buy Award. It was also ranked #1 in a blind-tasting of 25 major international vodka brands conducted by La Revue du Vin de France, one of France's top wine and spirits publications. In 2008, the brand received the coveted Hot Brand Award from IMPACT Magazine. Sobieski Vodka's suggested retail price is $10.99 for a 750 ml bottle and $19.99 for a 1.75 liter bottle. For more information, please visit www.truthinvodka.com.
About Imperial Brands, Inc.
Imperial Brands, Inc. is an importer and marketer of distinctive wines and spirits. Headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., it is a U.S. subsidiary of Belvedere S.A., one of Europe's largest producers and distributors of white spirits and wines. Belvedere S.A. operates production and distribution units in Poland, France, Bulgaria, Lithuania and the United States and additionally owns subsidiaries in Russia, Canada, Spain, Scandinavia, Turkey and Brazil. Belvedere S.A. purchased Marie Brizard & Roger International in July 2006.
Imperial Brands, Inc. also owns Florida Distillers Co., which has two production facilities located in Florida. This provides bottling capacity of 5 million (9-liter) cases of distilled spirits for the company and a base on which to coordinate its expansion across the U.S. For more information, please visit: www.ibrandsinc.com.
Source: Sobieski Vodka
CONTACT: Krystina Fisher, Cramer-Krasselt for Sobieski Vodka,
+1-212-251-1203, kfisher@c-k.com
Web Site: http://www.vodkasobieski.com/
no creative
Sobieski Truth Serum watch video
Sobieski Blues watch video
Sobieski Green Concept
Sobieski Mangosteen Collins
Sobieski Don’t Talk… Just Kiss
Sobieski Broken Lawn Mower
Sobieski Hot Mama
Sobieski Star
Sobieski Secret
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
22 Dec 2009
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Bruce Willis and Sobieski Spread the Truth About Vodka
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Monday, December 21, 2009
United States Transfers 12 Guantanamo Bay Detainees to Afghanistan, Yemen and the Somaliland Region
20 Dec 2009 16:02 Africa/Lagos
United States Transfers 12 Guantanamo Bay Detainees to Afghanistan, Yemen and the Somaliland Region
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Justice today announced that 12 detainees have been transferred from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to Afghanistan, Yemen and the Somaliland region.
As directed by the President's Jan. 22, 2009 Executive Order, the interagency Guantanamo Review Task Force conducted a comprehensive review of each of these cases. As a result of that review, which examined a number of factors, including potential threat, mitigation measures and the likelihood of success in habeas litigation, the detainees were approved for transfer. In accordance with Congressionally-mandated reporting requirements, the Administration informed Congress of its intent to transfer the detainees at least 15 days before their transfer.
Over the weekend, four Afghan detainees, Abdul Hafiz, Sharifullah, Mohamed Rahim and Mohammed Hashim, were transferred to the Government of Afghanistan. In addition, two Somali detainees, Mohammed Soliman Barre and Ismael Arale, were transferred to regional authorities in Somaliland. Finally, six Yemeni detainees, Jamal Muhammad Alawi Mari, Farouq Ali Ahmed, Ayman Saeed Abdullah Batarfi, Muhammaed Yasir Ahmed Taher, Fayad Yahya Ahmed al Rami and Riyad Atiq Ali Abdu al Haf, were transferred to the Government of Yemen.
These transfers were carried out under individual arrangements between the United States and relevant foreign authorities to ensure the transfers took place under appropriate security measures. Consultations with foreign authorities regarding these individuals will continue.
Since 2002, more than 560 detainees have departed Guantanamo Bay for other destinations, including Albania, Algeria, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belgium, Bermuda, Chad, Denmark, Egypt, France, Hungary Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Mauritania, Morocco, Pakistan, Palau, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom and Yemen.
WWW.JUSTICE.GOV
Source: U.S. Department of Justice
CONTACT: U.S. Department of Justice, +1-202-514-2007, TDD
+1-202-514-1888
Web Site: http://www.justice.gov/
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United States Transfers 12 Guantanamo Bay Detainees to Afghanistan, Yemen and the Somaliland Region
WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Justice today announced that 12 detainees have been transferred from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to Afghanistan, Yemen and the Somaliland region.
As directed by the President's Jan. 22, 2009 Executive Order, the interagency Guantanamo Review Task Force conducted a comprehensive review of each of these cases. As a result of that review, which examined a number of factors, including potential threat, mitigation measures and the likelihood of success in habeas litigation, the detainees were approved for transfer. In accordance with Congressionally-mandated reporting requirements, the Administration informed Congress of its intent to transfer the detainees at least 15 days before their transfer.
Over the weekend, four Afghan detainees, Abdul Hafiz, Sharifullah, Mohamed Rahim and Mohammed Hashim, were transferred to the Government of Afghanistan. In addition, two Somali detainees, Mohammed Soliman Barre and Ismael Arale, were transferred to regional authorities in Somaliland. Finally, six Yemeni detainees, Jamal Muhammad Alawi Mari, Farouq Ali Ahmed, Ayman Saeed Abdullah Batarfi, Muhammaed Yasir Ahmed Taher, Fayad Yahya Ahmed al Rami and Riyad Atiq Ali Abdu al Haf, were transferred to the Government of Yemen.
These transfers were carried out under individual arrangements between the United States and relevant foreign authorities to ensure the transfers took place under appropriate security measures. Consultations with foreign authorities regarding these individuals will continue.
Since 2002, more than 560 detainees have departed Guantanamo Bay for other destinations, including Albania, Algeria, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belgium, Bermuda, Chad, Denmark, Egypt, France, Hungary Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Mauritania, Morocco, Pakistan, Palau, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Sudan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom and Yemen.
WWW.JUSTICE.GOV
Source: U.S. Department of Justice
CONTACT: U.S. Department of Justice, +1-202-514-2007, TDD
+1-202-514-1888
Web Site: http://www.justice.gov/
Hot Topics
United States Transfers 12 Guantanamo Bay Detainees to Afghanistan, Yemen and the Somaliland Region
TAG Heuer Stands by Brand Ambassador Tiger Woods
East Coast Snow Storm
Health Care Reform
P&G Voluntarily Recalls DayQuil Cold & Flu 24-Count LiquiCaps
Holiday Health & Safety
UN Climate Change Conference
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Through the Glass and The Figurine Raised the Bar in Nollywood
Stephanie Okereke’s romantic comedy, Through the Glass and Kunle Afolayan’s horror movie, The Figurine: (Araromire) raised the bar for movies in Nollywood movies in 2009.
These movies were accomplishments of young Nigerian directors who are not afraid to compete with the best in the world.
Through the Glass which was shot in America has made Stephanie a bankable filmmaker in Nollywood since the world premiere at the Pacific Design Center on Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood, CA, on October 18th, 2008 in US and screenings in Nigeria.
Stephanie said her movie was a sort of autobiography, because she used it to express the trials of her own turbulent romance.
Garrett McKechnie who is Stephanie;s gambit plays Jeffery who is stuck with an unknown baby and he must find the mother before his life is completely ruined.
The Figurine: (Araromire) is Kunle Afolayan’s most daring movie since he stepped into the big shoes of his late father, Ade Love who was an accomplished Nigerian filmmaker in the 1970s and early 1980s.
The Figurine (Araromire) tells the melodramatic story of two buddies and their love for the same girl. Their lives take a dramatic turn when one of them discovers the accursed “Araromire”, a mysterious figurine in an abandoned shrine in a Nigerian village, which, according to legend bestows seven years of good luck, but they are ignorant of the next seven years of unforeseen circumstances. The movie has Nollywood star Ramsey Nouah and the filmmaker himself playing the lead roles of the two buddies with Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi, Tosin Sido, Omoni Oboli and Muraina Oyelami who did not disappoint in their challenging roles.
Using good professionals in the cast and crew made the productions of the two movies more accomplished than previous Nollywood movies.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Ben Bernanke is TIME's Person of Year
Ben Bernanke, the man who saved America from the reoccurrence of the Great Depression in the 21st century has been named TIME's Person of the Year.
The Federal Reserve Chairman was chosen for his “monumental influence on the world’s most important economy”.
“He was the great scholar of the Depression who saw another depression coming, and did everything he could to stop it,” ~ Richard Stengel, TIME Managing Editor
More about Ben Bernanke
Nigerians Report's Man of the Year is Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the Governor of the Central bank of Nigeria, and majority of our millions of readers agreed with the raison d'être of the choice.
Sanofi Pasteur Obtains License from Syntiron to Develop & Commercialize Vaccine to Prevent Staphylococcus Infections
16 Dec 2009 15:00 Africa/Lagos
Sanofi Pasteur Obtains License from Syntiron to Develop & Commercialize Vaccine to Prevent Staphylococcus Infections
- Those infections are a major health concern no longer confined to the intensive care unit -
LYON, France, Dec. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of the sanofi-aventis Group, announced today that it has entered into an exclusive, world-wide licensing agreement with Syntiron to develop and commercialize its prophylactic vaccine against Staphylococcus, including Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA. MRSA are responsible for several difficult-to-treat infections in humans, sometimes referred to as multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus because these bacteria are resistant to a large group of antibiotics, including penicillins.
Syntiron is a private biotech company located in St. Paul, Minnesota; its mission is the prevention and treatment of human disease resulting from bacterial infection. Under the terms of the agreement, Sanofi Pasteur will support the joint, pre-clinical development of the product, working cooperatively with Syntiron, and be responsible for all future developments, regulatory approval, and commercialization of the vaccine. The agreement includes an undisclosed initial licensing fee, milestone payments, and royalty payments on future sales of the product.
"This agreement with Syntiron is just another example of Sanofi Pasteur's interest in partnering with biotechs to produce innovative vaccines to address public health needs," said Wayne Pisano, President and Chief Executive Office of Sanofi Pasteur. "Along with our development of a vaccine to prevent Clostridium difficile infection, the successful development of a vaccine to prevent MRSA would be a major achievement in combating hospital-associated infections."
About Staphylococcus aureus
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of bacterium that is resistant to certain antibiotics. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s website, these antibiotics include methicillin and other more common antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin. Staph infections, including MRSA, occur most frequently among persons in hospitals and healthcare facilities (such as nursing homes and dialysis centers) who have weakened immune systems. MRSA infections that occur in otherwise healthy people who have not been recently (within the past year) hospitalized or had a medical procedure (such as dialysis, surgery, catheters) are known as community associated (CA)-MRSA infections. These infections are usually skin infections, such as abscesses, boils, and other pus-filled lesions.
According to the Internet Journal of Infectious Diseases, MRSA has become one of the most important pathogens that cause post-operative infections, and, in the U.S., it accounts for up to 40 percent of nosocomial (hospital-associated) Staphylococcus aureus infections in large hospitals and 25-30 percent in smaller hospitals. In Europe, MRSA prevalence ranges from over 50 percent in Portugal and Italy to below 2 percent in Switzerland and the Netherlands. In Asia, the prevalence lies around 50 percent, with extremely high rates in Hong Kong (75 percent) and Japan (72 percent). In many African hospitals the prevalence of MRSA is estimated at 15 percent, with Kenya and Nigeria having the highest prevalence of 21-30 percent. And according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, MRSA is now endemic in many hospitals, being one of the leading causes of nosocomial pneumonia and surgical site infection and the second leading cause of nosocomial blood stream infections.
About sanofi-aventis
Sanofi-aventis, a leading global pharmaceutical company, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions to improve the lives of everyone. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE:SNY) . For more information, visit: www.sanofi-aventis.com Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of sanofi-aventis Group, provided more than 1.6 billion doses of vaccine in 2008, making it possible to immunize more than 500 million people across the globe. A world leader in the vaccine industry, Sanofi Pasteur offers the broadest range of vaccines protecting against 20 infectious diseases. The company's heritage, to create vaccines that protect life, dates back more than a century. Sanofi Pasteur is the largest company entirely dedicated to vaccines. Every day, the company invests more than EUR 1 million in research and development. For more information, please visit: www.sanofipasteur.com or www.sanofipasteur.us
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These statements include financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives, intentions and expectations with respect to future events, operations, products and services, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "plans" and similar expressions. Although sanofi-aventis' management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of sanofi-aventis, that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include those discussed or identified in the public filings with the SEC and the AMF made by sanofi-aventis, including those listed under "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in sanofi-aventis' annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2008. Other than as required by applicable law, sanofi-aventis does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements.
Source: Sanofi Pasteur
CONTACT: Global Media Relations, Pascal Barollier, +33-(0)4-37-37-50-38,
media@sanofipasteur.com, or US Media Relations, Susan Watkins,
+1-570-957-2563, susan.watkins@sanofipasteur.com
Web Site: http://www.sanofipasteur.com/
http://www.sanofi-aventis.com/
Sanofi Pasteur Obtains License from Syntiron to Develop & Commercialize Vaccine to Prevent Staphylococcus Infections
- Those infections are a major health concern no longer confined to the intensive care unit -
LYON, France, Dec. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of the sanofi-aventis Group, announced today that it has entered into an exclusive, world-wide licensing agreement with Syntiron to develop and commercialize its prophylactic vaccine against Staphylococcus, including Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA. MRSA are responsible for several difficult-to-treat infections in humans, sometimes referred to as multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus because these bacteria are resistant to a large group of antibiotics, including penicillins.
Syntiron is a private biotech company located in St. Paul, Minnesota; its mission is the prevention and treatment of human disease resulting from bacterial infection. Under the terms of the agreement, Sanofi Pasteur will support the joint, pre-clinical development of the product, working cooperatively with Syntiron, and be responsible for all future developments, regulatory approval, and commercialization of the vaccine. The agreement includes an undisclosed initial licensing fee, milestone payments, and royalty payments on future sales of the product.
"This agreement with Syntiron is just another example of Sanofi Pasteur's interest in partnering with biotechs to produce innovative vaccines to address public health needs," said Wayne Pisano, President and Chief Executive Office of Sanofi Pasteur. "Along with our development of a vaccine to prevent Clostridium difficile infection, the successful development of a vaccine to prevent MRSA would be a major achievement in combating hospital-associated infections."
About Staphylococcus aureus
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of bacterium that is resistant to certain antibiotics. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s website, these antibiotics include methicillin and other more common antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin. Staph infections, including MRSA, occur most frequently among persons in hospitals and healthcare facilities (such as nursing homes and dialysis centers) who have weakened immune systems. MRSA infections that occur in otherwise healthy people who have not been recently (within the past year) hospitalized or had a medical procedure (such as dialysis, surgery, catheters) are known as community associated (CA)-MRSA infections. These infections are usually skin infections, such as abscesses, boils, and other pus-filled lesions.
According to the Internet Journal of Infectious Diseases, MRSA has become one of the most important pathogens that cause post-operative infections, and, in the U.S., it accounts for up to 40 percent of nosocomial (hospital-associated) Staphylococcus aureus infections in large hospitals and 25-30 percent in smaller hospitals. In Europe, MRSA prevalence ranges from over 50 percent in Portugal and Italy to below 2 percent in Switzerland and the Netherlands. In Asia, the prevalence lies around 50 percent, with extremely high rates in Hong Kong (75 percent) and Japan (72 percent). In many African hospitals the prevalence of MRSA is estimated at 15 percent, with Kenya and Nigeria having the highest prevalence of 21-30 percent. And according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, MRSA is now endemic in many hospitals, being one of the leading causes of nosocomial pneumonia and surgical site infection and the second leading cause of nosocomial blood stream infections.
About sanofi-aventis
Sanofi-aventis, a leading global pharmaceutical company, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions to improve the lives of everyone. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE:SNY) . For more information, visit: www.sanofi-aventis.com Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of sanofi-aventis Group, provided more than 1.6 billion doses of vaccine in 2008, making it possible to immunize more than 500 million people across the globe. A world leader in the vaccine industry, Sanofi Pasteur offers the broadest range of vaccines protecting against 20 infectious diseases. The company's heritage, to create vaccines that protect life, dates back more than a century. Sanofi Pasteur is the largest company entirely dedicated to vaccines. Every day, the company invests more than EUR 1 million in research and development. For more information, please visit: www.sanofipasteur.com or www.sanofipasteur.us
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These statements include financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives, intentions and expectations with respect to future events, operations, products and services, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "plans" and similar expressions. Although sanofi-aventis' management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of sanofi-aventis, that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. These risks and uncertainties include those discussed or identified in the public filings with the SEC and the AMF made by sanofi-aventis, including those listed under "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in sanofi-aventis' annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2008. Other than as required by applicable law, sanofi-aventis does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements.
Source: Sanofi Pasteur
CONTACT: Global Media Relations, Pascal Barollier, +33-(0)4-37-37-50-38,
media@sanofipasteur.com, or US Media Relations, Susan Watkins,
+1-570-957-2563, susan.watkins@sanofipasteur.com
Web Site: http://www.sanofipasteur.com/
http://www.sanofi-aventis.com/
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
First Oil From Oyo Oilfield
15 Dec 2009 16:54 Africa/Lagos
First Oil From Oyo Oilfield
HOUSTON, Dec. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- The Nigerian company Allied Energy Plc. and Eni, through its affiliate Nigerian Agip Exploration, have started the production of the Oyo oilfield, located in the deep offshore Niger Delta, about 120 kilometers off the Nigerian coast. Allied Energy and Eni hold 57.5% and 40% interests respectively, while CAMAC holds the remaining 2.5%. The field has the ability to initially produce at a rate of approximately 25,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) from two subsea wells in water depth of 400 meters, which are connected to the Armada Perdana FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading facility).
The FPSO has a treatment capacity of 40,000 barrels of liquids per day, with gas treatment and re-injection facilities and is capable of storing up to 1 million barrels of crude oil. The associated gas will be re-injected into the Oyo field reservoir by a third well, to prevent flaring and to maximize oil recovery. The Oyo project achieved its first oil production in less than 2 years from sanctioning.
This outstanding achievement was made possible thanks to the joint project management team Eni and Allied Energy put in place and demonstrates the successful synergy between an International Oil Company and a Nigerian indigenous company as key factor for both their own growth strategy and the development of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.
"Oyo is a significant step in our strategy for growth in reserves and production," said Kase Lawal, chairman and chief executive officer, CAMAC International Corporation. "It is another demonstration of our deepwater expertise and our ability to jointly execute an industry-leading, major capital project in West Africa."
About Allied Energy Plc.
Allied Energy Plc. is part of CAMAC (www.camac.com), a global energy company. In 1992, Allied became the first indigenous corporation to hold interests as an operator with a Nigerian deepwater license. Allied's core mission is to build a diversified portfolio of assets for exploration, development and production in West Africa.
About Eni
Eni has been operating in Nigeria for almost 50 years with interests in different onshore and offshore blocks, and an equity production averaging 130,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2009.
Source: CAMAC International Corporation
CONTACT: Linda Pickett of CAMAC International Corp., +1-713-965-5123,
Fax, +1-713-965-0083
Web Site: http://www.camac.com/
First Oil From Oyo Oilfield
HOUSTON, Dec. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- The Nigerian company Allied Energy Plc. and Eni, through its affiliate Nigerian Agip Exploration, have started the production of the Oyo oilfield, located in the deep offshore Niger Delta, about 120 kilometers off the Nigerian coast. Allied Energy and Eni hold 57.5% and 40% interests respectively, while CAMAC holds the remaining 2.5%. The field has the ability to initially produce at a rate of approximately 25,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) from two subsea wells in water depth of 400 meters, which are connected to the Armada Perdana FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading facility).
The FPSO has a treatment capacity of 40,000 barrels of liquids per day, with gas treatment and re-injection facilities and is capable of storing up to 1 million barrels of crude oil. The associated gas will be re-injected into the Oyo field reservoir by a third well, to prevent flaring and to maximize oil recovery. The Oyo project achieved its first oil production in less than 2 years from sanctioning.
This outstanding achievement was made possible thanks to the joint project management team Eni and Allied Energy put in place and demonstrates the successful synergy between an International Oil Company and a Nigerian indigenous company as key factor for both their own growth strategy and the development of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.
"Oyo is a significant step in our strategy for growth in reserves and production," said Kase Lawal, chairman and chief executive officer, CAMAC International Corporation. "It is another demonstration of our deepwater expertise and our ability to jointly execute an industry-leading, major capital project in West Africa."
About Allied Energy Plc.
Allied Energy Plc. is part of CAMAC (www.camac.com), a global energy company. In 1992, Allied became the first indigenous corporation to hold interests as an operator with a Nigerian deepwater license. Allied's core mission is to build a diversified portfolio of assets for exploration, development and production in West Africa.
About Eni
Eni has been operating in Nigeria for almost 50 years with interests in different onshore and offshore blocks, and an equity production averaging 130,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2009.
Source: CAMAC International Corporation
CONTACT: Linda Pickett of CAMAC International Corp., +1-713-965-5123,
Fax, +1-713-965-0083
Web Site: http://www.camac.com/
Launch of Multimedia Documentary Marking the Fifth Anniversary of the Tsunami
15 Dec 2009 14:00 Africa/Lagos
Launch of Multimedia Documentary Marking the Fifth Anniversary of the Tsunami
- Inspiring documentary featuring interviews with extraordinary survivors - Reuters photography and film of the Tsunami's aftermath - Fully interactive, online multimedia presentation
LONDON, Dec. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Thomson Reuters Foundation and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) today announced the launch of a new multimedia web documentary -- "Surviving the Tsunami: Stories of Hope" -- produced jointly to mark the fifth anniversary of the worst natural disaster in living memory, the Indian Ocean Tsunami.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090507/NY12658LOGO )
Combining powerful imagery by award-winning Reuters photojournalists with eyewitness testimony and interactive graphics, the documentary reveals the strength of the human spirit in the face of catastrophe. These are stories of compassion, hope and dignity.
"Surviving the Tsunami - Stories of Hope" can be viewed at: http://tsunami.trust.org/
The project marks a strengthened partnership between Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, the world's largest provider of news and information, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the world's largest humanitarian organisation.
Commenting on the documentary Yasemin Aysan, Under Secretary General of the IFRC, said: "The tsunami caused catastrophic and unprecedented damage but also generated incredible levels of spontaneous generosity from ordinary people around the world. We have spent the past five years helping communities to recover and we wanted to produce a true testimony that allows ordinary people affected by the tsunami to tell their extraordinary stories."
Speaking at the launch, Monique Villa, CEO of Thomson Reuters Foundation, said: "This is a hugely inspirational and moving multimedia documentary that reveals the amazing capacity for human beings to overcome tragedy. It draws on the unique experiences of Reuters journalists in one of the most harrowing natural disasters of our time and is a celebration of humanity's spirit and tenacity in the face of adversity."
The documentary follows the success of two award-winning multimedia productions by Reuters, "Bearing Witness" about the Iraq war and "Times of Crisis" about the global financial meltdown.
The launch of the documentary took place alongside the unveiling of Thomson Reuters Foundation's new Emergency Information Service (EIS). The pioneering service has been developed to respond to major natural disasters around the world, with key support from the Red Cross. The Foundation will deploy expert Action-Units of journalists to scenes of major catastrophe where they will seek out, collate and disseminate life-saving information to disaster-struck populations, filling a critical gap in the chain of crisis information.
EIS Action-Units will be staffed by specialist humanitarian-trained Reuters journalists. Upon alert of a major natural disaster, the EIS Action-Units will travel to the affected area and use the most appropriate means of communication -- particularly SMS text messages -- to reach local populations, aid agencies and local-language media. Communities affected by disasters often find themselves cut off from information and aid. A key aim of the EIS is to ensure those affected are not seen merely as victims but as "first responders" who can help shape and manage the disaster recovery process through their own local knowledge and expertise.
"In times of major natural catastrophes, information itself is aid, as crucial as shelter or blankets," Monique Villa said. "Working with key partners such as the Red Cross, the EIS will have teams in the field within hours of a natural disaster striking. The EIS Action-Units will provide reliable, actionable information to help empower survivors to be architects of their own recovery."
Contacts
Thomson Reuters International Federation of Red Cross
and Red Crescent Societies
Victoria Brough Paul Conneally
Head of External Affairs, EMEA Head of Media and Public Communications
+ 44 (0) 207 542 8763 +41(0)22.730.4669 / +41(0)79.3089809
victoria.brough@thomsonreuters.com paul.conneally@ifrc.org
Tom Gilbert
Corporate Communications Manager
+44 (0) 207 542 4214
tom.h.gilbert@thomsonreuters.com
Pictures contact:
Jassim Ahmad
Head of Visual Projects
+44 20 7542 2822
Jassim.Ahmad@thomsonreuters.com
Notes to Editors:
1. About "Surviving the Tsunami - Stories of Hope":
The multi-media web documentary is a compilation of Reuters world-renowned photography, tsunami video footage, fresh interviews and interactive graphics.
The documentary is accessible in multiple languages: French, Spanish, Arabic, Bahasa (Indonesian), Hindi, Tamil, Sinhala, Thai, Japanese, Mandarin.
To view the documentary please go to: http://tsunami.trust.org/
High resolution photographs used in the documentary and of editorial reproduction quality available - preview here: http://link.reuters.com/gup46g
The stories:
Arko Datta, India
A veteran Reuters photojournalist whose quest to find a survivor he photographed five years ago leads to an extraordinary reunion
Dina Astita, Indonesia
A teacher who lost her three children but became an inspiration for others in a village where nine of 10 residents died
Sara Hedrenius Andreasson, Sweden
A tsunami trauma counsellor whose own experiences in another disaster 10 years earlier gave her unique insight into the psychology of survival
Kushil Gunasekera, Sri Lanka
A local philanthropist from one of the worst hit communities in Sri Lanka who narrowly escaped the waves and helped galvanise his village to build itself back
2. About Thomson Reuters Foundation
Established in 1982, Thomson Reuters Foundation is a registered charity in Britain and the United States. The charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, it leverages the skills and expertise across the corporation to increase trust and access to the rule of law, to save lives through the provision of trusted information and to improve standards of journalism.
Following the acquisition of Reuters by Thomson Corp in 2008, the Foundation's resources and programmes were expanded and a new leadership team was appointed. The Thomson Reuters Foundation website, trust.org, is a portal which integrates the Foundation's three key areas of focus and brings together the Foundation's community of partners.
3. About The IFRC
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is the world's largest humanitarian network, with tens of millions of volunteers and staff in 186 countries worldwide. It provides help and support to people in crisis without discrimination as to their nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions.
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090507/NY12658LOGO
Source: Thomson Reuters Foundation
CONTACT: Victoria Brough, Head of External Affairs, EMEA, +44(0)207 542
8763, victoria.brough@thomsonreuters.com, or Tom Gilbert, Corporate
Communications Manager, +44(0)207 542 4214, tom.h.gilbert@thomsonreuters.com,
both of Thomson Reuters; Pictures contact: Jassim Ahmad, Head of Visual
Projects, +44 20 7542 2822; Jassim.Ahmad@thomsonreuters.com; Paul Conneally,
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Head of
Media and Public Communications, +41(0)22.730.4669 / +41(0)79.3089809,
paul.conneally@ifrc.org
Launch of Multimedia Documentary Marking the Fifth Anniversary of the Tsunami
- Inspiring documentary featuring interviews with extraordinary survivors - Reuters photography and film of the Tsunami's aftermath - Fully interactive, online multimedia presentation
LONDON, Dec. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Thomson Reuters Foundation and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) today announced the launch of a new multimedia web documentary -- "Surviving the Tsunami: Stories of Hope" -- produced jointly to mark the fifth anniversary of the worst natural disaster in living memory, the Indian Ocean Tsunami.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090507/NY12658LOGO )
Combining powerful imagery by award-winning Reuters photojournalists with eyewitness testimony and interactive graphics, the documentary reveals the strength of the human spirit in the face of catastrophe. These are stories of compassion, hope and dignity.
"Surviving the Tsunami - Stories of Hope" can be viewed at: http://tsunami.trust.org/
The project marks a strengthened partnership between Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, the world's largest provider of news and information, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the world's largest humanitarian organisation.
Commenting on the documentary Yasemin Aysan, Under Secretary General of the IFRC, said: "The tsunami caused catastrophic and unprecedented damage but also generated incredible levels of spontaneous generosity from ordinary people around the world. We have spent the past five years helping communities to recover and we wanted to produce a true testimony that allows ordinary people affected by the tsunami to tell their extraordinary stories."
Speaking at the launch, Monique Villa, CEO of Thomson Reuters Foundation, said: "This is a hugely inspirational and moving multimedia documentary that reveals the amazing capacity for human beings to overcome tragedy. It draws on the unique experiences of Reuters journalists in one of the most harrowing natural disasters of our time and is a celebration of humanity's spirit and tenacity in the face of adversity."
The documentary follows the success of two award-winning multimedia productions by Reuters, "Bearing Witness" about the Iraq war and "Times of Crisis" about the global financial meltdown.
The launch of the documentary took place alongside the unveiling of Thomson Reuters Foundation's new Emergency Information Service (EIS). The pioneering service has been developed to respond to major natural disasters around the world, with key support from the Red Cross. The Foundation will deploy expert Action-Units of journalists to scenes of major catastrophe where they will seek out, collate and disseminate life-saving information to disaster-struck populations, filling a critical gap in the chain of crisis information.
EIS Action-Units will be staffed by specialist humanitarian-trained Reuters journalists. Upon alert of a major natural disaster, the EIS Action-Units will travel to the affected area and use the most appropriate means of communication -- particularly SMS text messages -- to reach local populations, aid agencies and local-language media. Communities affected by disasters often find themselves cut off from information and aid. A key aim of the EIS is to ensure those affected are not seen merely as victims but as "first responders" who can help shape and manage the disaster recovery process through their own local knowledge and expertise.
"In times of major natural catastrophes, information itself is aid, as crucial as shelter or blankets," Monique Villa said. "Working with key partners such as the Red Cross, the EIS will have teams in the field within hours of a natural disaster striking. The EIS Action-Units will provide reliable, actionable information to help empower survivors to be architects of their own recovery."
Contacts
Thomson Reuters International Federation of Red Cross
and Red Crescent Societies
Victoria Brough Paul Conneally
Head of External Affairs, EMEA Head of Media and Public Communications
+ 44 (0) 207 542 8763 +41(0)22.730.4669 / +41(0)79.3089809
victoria.brough@thomsonreuters.com paul.conneally@ifrc.org
Tom Gilbert
Corporate Communications Manager
+44 (0) 207 542 4214
tom.h.gilbert@thomsonreuters.com
Pictures contact:
Jassim Ahmad
Head of Visual Projects
+44 20 7542 2822
Jassim.Ahmad@thomsonreuters.com
Notes to Editors:
1. About "Surviving the Tsunami - Stories of Hope":
The multi-media web documentary is a compilation of Reuters world-renowned photography, tsunami video footage, fresh interviews and interactive graphics.
The documentary is accessible in multiple languages: French, Spanish, Arabic, Bahasa (Indonesian), Hindi, Tamil, Sinhala, Thai, Japanese, Mandarin.
To view the documentary please go to: http://tsunami.trust.org/
High resolution photographs used in the documentary and of editorial reproduction quality available - preview here: http://link.reuters.com/gup46g
The stories:
Arko Datta, India
A veteran Reuters photojournalist whose quest to find a survivor he photographed five years ago leads to an extraordinary reunion
Dina Astita, Indonesia
A teacher who lost her three children but became an inspiration for others in a village where nine of 10 residents died
Sara Hedrenius Andreasson, Sweden
A tsunami trauma counsellor whose own experiences in another disaster 10 years earlier gave her unique insight into the psychology of survival
Kushil Gunasekera, Sri Lanka
A local philanthropist from one of the worst hit communities in Sri Lanka who narrowly escaped the waves and helped galvanise his village to build itself back
2. About Thomson Reuters Foundation
Established in 1982, Thomson Reuters Foundation is a registered charity in Britain and the United States. The charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, it leverages the skills and expertise across the corporation to increase trust and access to the rule of law, to save lives through the provision of trusted information and to improve standards of journalism.
Following the acquisition of Reuters by Thomson Corp in 2008, the Foundation's resources and programmes were expanded and a new leadership team was appointed. The Thomson Reuters Foundation website, trust.org, is a portal which integrates the Foundation's three key areas of focus and brings together the Foundation's community of partners.
3. About The IFRC
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is the world's largest humanitarian network, with tens of millions of volunteers and staff in 186 countries worldwide. It provides help and support to people in crisis without discrimination as to their nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions.
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090507/NY12658LOGO
Source: Thomson Reuters Foundation
CONTACT: Victoria Brough, Head of External Affairs, EMEA, +44(0)207 542
8763, victoria.brough@thomsonreuters.com, or Tom Gilbert, Corporate
Communications Manager, +44(0)207 542 4214, tom.h.gilbert@thomsonreuters.com,
both of Thomson Reuters; Pictures contact: Jassim Ahmad, Head of Visual
Projects, +44 20 7542 2822; Jassim.Ahmad@thomsonreuters.com; Paul Conneally,
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Head of
Media and Public Communications, +41(0)22.730.4669 / +41(0)79.3089809,
paul.conneally@ifrc.org
African Union Commission Chairperson Jean Ping to attend the COP15, in Copenhagen
14 Dec 2009 18:37 Africa/Lagos
African Union Commission Chairperson Jean Ping to attend the COP15, in Copenhagen
COPENHAGEN, December 14, 2009/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Chairperson of African Union Commission, Dr. Jean Ping will, on Tuesday, 15th December 2009, arrive in Copenhagen, Denmark where he will lead the African Union Commission delegation to the Fifteenth Conference of the Parties (COP-15) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Fifth Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties (CMP-5) to the Kyoto Protocol, being held from 7 – 18 December 2009.
The Fifteenth Conference of Parties, hosted by Denmark, brings together all signatories to the UN Climate Change Convention to negotiate a more equitable, ambitious and effective global agreement to combat climate change beyond 2012, when the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol comes to an end and a second commitment period must begin.
The AUC delegation includes African Union Commissioner for Rural Economy, and other senior representatives of the AUC.
In a statement made before coming to Copenhagen, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission reiterated Africa's demands as follows:
“Africa demands developed countries that release most of the historical emissions, to compensate developing nations for climate damage they caused in recent decades and also seeks financial support to install clean-energy equipment”. He underlined that “the issue of climate change has become a priority for Africans because Africa is the worst-hit and the most vulnerable continent by the issue of climate change, although it contributes the least to it”.
Context:
It is recalled that during the 12th Summit of the African Union (AU), which took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 1-4 February 2009, the African Union Commission was directed to spearhead preparations for the African Common Position on Climate Change and particularly the formulation of Africa's common position for the negotiations of the post Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Copenhagen, Denmark.
The Assembly urged Member States to promote the Algiers Declaration on Climate Change adopted in the form of the Common African Position to serve as the platform of the Common African Position for African countries in the negotiation process for the new global climate change regime for the period after 2012, the year of expiry of the Kyoto Protocol. The Commission was also to follow up on the directive of the Assembly that Africa needs to be represented by one delegation which is empowered to negotiate on behalf of all Member States, with the mandate to ensure that resource flow to Africa is not reduced. In this respect, the African Union Commission was to work out modalities of such representation and report to the next ordinary session of the Assembly in July 2009.
Accordingly, the 13th session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the AU, held on 1-3 July 2009, in Sirte, Libya appointed a Committee of 10 African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) to lead the process and Africa's negotiations. The CAHOSCC consists of Algeria, Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Uganda, and the Chairperson of the African Union, the Chairperson of the Commission, and the Chairperson of AMCEN as well as the Negotiators/Experts on Climate Change (NECC) from all Member States.
The CAHOSCC met on 17th November 2009. The meeting was convened, in collaboration with the African Union Commission, by the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, H.E. Meles Zenawi, in his capacity as the Coordinator of CAHOSCC. The Committee reviewed Africa's strategies and institutional mechanisms to promote the African Common Position on Climate Change in the run up to the Copenhagen Summit in December 2009. The conclusions of the November meeting were sent to all African Member States by the Prime Minister Meles and forms the basis for Africa's action at the Copenhagen Summit.
It is expected that the African Union Commission will report the outcome of COP 15 to the Executive Council and the Assembly when they meet in January/February 2010.
It is noted that one of the first activities the Chairperson will engage in on arrival in Copenhagen is participating in a high level panel debate on Climate Change and International Security convened by the Danish Foreign Minister. This will take place from 13: 30 to 15:00 on 15 December 2009. He will also participate in the CAHOSCC meeting of the 16 December 2009 as well as in a side meeting organized by the United Nations Regional Economic Commissions- Africa Asia, Europe-America-as a Guest of the Executive Director of Economic Commission for Africa. Mr. Abdoulie Janneh.
Source: African Union Commission (AUC)
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African Union Commission Chairperson Jean Ping to attend the COP15, in Copenhagen
COPENHAGEN, December 14, 2009/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Chairperson of African Union Commission, Dr. Jean Ping will, on Tuesday, 15th December 2009, arrive in Copenhagen, Denmark where he will lead the African Union Commission delegation to the Fifteenth Conference of the Parties (COP-15) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Fifth Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties (CMP-5) to the Kyoto Protocol, being held from 7 – 18 December 2009.
The Fifteenth Conference of Parties, hosted by Denmark, brings together all signatories to the UN Climate Change Convention to negotiate a more equitable, ambitious and effective global agreement to combat climate change beyond 2012, when the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol comes to an end and a second commitment period must begin.
The AUC delegation includes African Union Commissioner for Rural Economy, and other senior representatives of the AUC.
In a statement made before coming to Copenhagen, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission reiterated Africa's demands as follows:
“Africa demands developed countries that release most of the historical emissions, to compensate developing nations for climate damage they caused in recent decades and also seeks financial support to install clean-energy equipment”. He underlined that “the issue of climate change has become a priority for Africans because Africa is the worst-hit and the most vulnerable continent by the issue of climate change, although it contributes the least to it”.
Context:
It is recalled that during the 12th Summit of the African Union (AU), which took place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 1-4 February 2009, the African Union Commission was directed to spearhead preparations for the African Common Position on Climate Change and particularly the formulation of Africa's common position for the negotiations of the post Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Copenhagen, Denmark.
The Assembly urged Member States to promote the Algiers Declaration on Climate Change adopted in the form of the Common African Position to serve as the platform of the Common African Position for African countries in the negotiation process for the new global climate change regime for the period after 2012, the year of expiry of the Kyoto Protocol. The Commission was also to follow up on the directive of the Assembly that Africa needs to be represented by one delegation which is empowered to negotiate on behalf of all Member States, with the mandate to ensure that resource flow to Africa is not reduced. In this respect, the African Union Commission was to work out modalities of such representation and report to the next ordinary session of the Assembly in July 2009.
Accordingly, the 13th session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the AU, held on 1-3 July 2009, in Sirte, Libya appointed a Committee of 10 African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) to lead the process and Africa's negotiations. The CAHOSCC consists of Algeria, Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Nigeria, Uganda, and the Chairperson of the African Union, the Chairperson of the Commission, and the Chairperson of AMCEN as well as the Negotiators/Experts on Climate Change (NECC) from all Member States.
The CAHOSCC met on 17th November 2009. The meeting was convened, in collaboration with the African Union Commission, by the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, H.E. Meles Zenawi, in his capacity as the Coordinator of CAHOSCC. The Committee reviewed Africa's strategies and institutional mechanisms to promote the African Common Position on Climate Change in the run up to the Copenhagen Summit in December 2009. The conclusions of the November meeting were sent to all African Member States by the Prime Minister Meles and forms the basis for Africa's action at the Copenhagen Summit.
It is expected that the African Union Commission will report the outcome of COP 15 to the Executive Council and the Assembly when they meet in January/February 2010.
It is noted that one of the first activities the Chairperson will engage in on arrival in Copenhagen is participating in a high level panel debate on Climate Change and International Security convened by the Danish Foreign Minister. This will take place from 13: 30 to 15:00 on 15 December 2009. He will also participate in the CAHOSCC meeting of the 16 December 2009 as well as in a side meeting organized by the United Nations Regional Economic Commissions- Africa Asia, Europe-America-as a Guest of the Executive Director of Economic Commission for Africa. Mr. Abdoulie Janneh.
Source: African Union Commission (AUC)
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