Saturday, February 12, 2011

Egypt will never be the same, says Barack Obama



February 11, 2011

Obama: Egypt has spoken
U.S. President Barack Obama offers his support for Egypt following the end of Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule. Deborah Lutterbeck reports.

© 2011 Reuters


11 Feb 2011 15:40 Africa/Lagos

Statement of President Barack Obama on Egypt

WASHINGTON, February 11, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Egyptian people have been told that there was a transition of authority, but it is not yet clear that this transition is immediate, meaningful or sufficient. Too many Egyptians remain unconvinced that the government is serious about a genuine transition to democracy, and it is the responsibility of the government to speak clearly to the Egyptian people and the world. The Egyptian government must put forward a credible, concrete and unequivocal path toward genuine democracy, and they have not yet seized that opportunity.

As we have said from the beginning of this unrest, the future of Egypt will be determined by the Egyptian people. But the United States has also been clear that we stand for a set of core principles. We believe that the universal rights of the Egyptian people must be respected, and their aspirations must be met. We believe that this transition must immediately demonstrate irreversible political change, and a negotiated path to democracy. To that end, we believe that the emergency law should be lifted. We believe that meaningful negotiations with the broad opposition and Egyptian civil society should address the key questions confronting Egypt's future: protecting the fundamental rights of all citizens; revising the Constitution and other laws to demonstrate irreversible change; and jointly developing a clear roadmap to elections that are free and fair.

We therefore urge the Egyptian government to move swiftly to explain the changes that have been made, and to spell out in clear and unambiguous language the step by step process that will lead to democracy and the representative government that the Egyptian people seek. Going forward, it will be essential that the universal rights of the Egyptian people be respected. There must be restraint by all parties. Violence must be forsaken. It is imperative that the government not respond to the aspirations of their people with repression or brutality. The voices of the Egyptian people must be heard.

The Egyptian people have made it clear that there is no going back to the way things were: Egypt has changed, and its future is in the hands of the people. Those who have exercised their right to peaceful assembly represent the greatness of the Egyptian people, and are broadly representative of Egyptian society. We have seen young and old, rich and poor, Muslim and Christian join together, and earn the respect of the world through their non-violent calls for change. In that effort, young people have been at the forefront, and a new generation has emerged. They have made it clear that Egypt must reflect their hopes, fulfill their highest aspirations, and tap their boundless potential. In these difficult times, I know that the Egyptian people will persevere, and they must know that they will continue to have a friend in the United States of America.



Source: The White House




































































































































































































































































































































































Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
11 Feb 2011
20:21Joint Statement by European Council President, Herman Van Rompuy, European Commission President, Jose Manuel Barroso, and EU High Representative, Catherine Ashton, on Recent Developments in Egypt
18:27CAIR Welcomes Mubarak's Departure as Step Toward Freedom
18:13ADL Statement on Resignation of Hosni Mubarak
17:38Amnesty International Global Day of Action on Egypt Sat., Feb. 12
15:40Statement of President Barack Obama on Egypt
12:48Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on Egypt following the speech of President Mubarak
12:46Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General on the situation in Egypt
12:00Experts to Discuss Egypt Uprising -- What It Means for Israel at ADL National Meeting in Palm Beach, FL
04:53Statement from the Egyptian Press and Information Office on Today's Announcement by President Hosni Mubarak
10 Feb 2011
23:52Statement by Catherine Ashton, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, following the speech of President Mubarak
21:59Mack: Egyptian Democracy Means Nothing Without Freedom
19:50Amnesty International Says at Critical Moment of Change in Egypt, 'Human Rights Reform Must Begin Now'
08:00BGAN from Stratos Enables Broadcasters to Cover Egyptian Political Crisis
04:58German Human Rights Commissioner demands investigation of attacks in Egypt
9 Feb 2011
18:30PROFNET EXPERT ALERTS: Egypt / Hypnosis Bill / Whistleblowing
18:13Unrest in Egypt and Suez Canal Could Have Major Economic Impact
17:50Experts to Discuss Egypt Uprising -- What it Means for Israel at ADL National Meeting in Palm Beach, FL
17:48Egypt / European Council calls for an orderly transition to begin
17:46Background briefing / Situation in EGYPT and the region
13:50AboutOne.com Helps Expats Evacuated from Egypt Prepare for the Unexpected by Sending Them to the Cloud
09:00Prof. Asher Susser, on Behalf of Tel Aviv University, will Host a Webcast About the Upheaval in Egypt
8 Feb 2011
08:53USA / Readout of the President's calls to discuss Egypt
06:49UNESCO Director-General calls for a halt to abuses against media in Egypt
7 Feb 2011
20:05Cyber-Activism and Cyber-War Spotlighted at Panda Security's Third Annual Security Blogger Summit
23:37Free Speech TV to Broadcast Live Coverage from Al Jazeera English
18:21Americans Divided on U.S. Involvement in Egypt
17:09Prof. Asher Susser, on Behalf of Tel Aviv University, will Host a Webcast About the Upheaval in Egypt
16:00Immigration Equality Announces Record Number of Asylum Victories
15:58Biosign Master Distributor ALQAEM Increases Initial UFIT Order by 150%
15:23Urgent Evacuation From Politically Unstable Area
15:00Ban on Connectivity Raises Crucial Questions for Egyptian ICT Sector, Pyramid Finds
5 Feb 2011
07:07German Federal Foreign Office provides emergency humanitarian aid for Egypt
07:05European Council declaration on Egypt and the region
07:03Transparency International condemns attacks on journalists, civil society and citizens in Egypt
4 Feb 2011
22:34Global Express Guaranteed Service to Egypt Suspended
20:01Archaeology Professor on Egypt Turmoil and Threat to Ancient Relics, Antiquities
18:30PROFNET EXPERT ALERTS: Heart Disease / Obesity / Super Bowl
14:40Egypt / ICRC emergency medical assistance begins to arrive
12:33Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, on the situation in Egypt
12:26Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the situation in Egypt
12:18Egypt / Frattini, necessary a rapid, effective and peaceful transition
12:17Norway condemns the use of violence in Egypt and calls for political change
12:16Singapore MFA Spokesman's comments in response to media queries on the status of MFA's assisted departure exercise for Singaporeans in Egypt
3 Feb 2011
22:32Egypt: Preview of America in 2015, Says NIA
19:15Experts to Discuss Egypt Uprising - What It Means for Israel at ADL National Meeting in Palm Beach, FL
17:52Amnesty International Staff Member Detained in Cairo
16:50Top Online Media Monitoring Service Continues Breaking Coverage of Egyptian Revolution
16:23Italian Minister Frattini discusses the situation in Egypt by telephone with US Under Secretary of State Burns
16:18Statement by the EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the situation in Egypt
01:32Chancellor, Professor of Public Policy and Former Israeli Defense Forces Major Available for Commentary on Crisis in Egypt/Middle East
00:55Kuwait's Minister of Defence Sends Military Aircraft to Transport Kuwaitis Studying in Egypt
2 Feb 2011
21:10Amnesty International Says Military Must Not Renege on Promise to Protect Protesters
19:40International SOS Evacuates 800 Clients From Egypt, Provides On-the-Ground Assistance in Wake of Turmoil
1 Feb 2011
23:18Reaction of Senator Patrick Leahy to the Evolving Situation in Egypt and President Mubarak's Statement on Tuesday
22:08New Report Warns al-Qaeda Is Extending 'Arc of Instability' Across Africa, Threatens to Exploit North Africa Unrest, Western Sahara Impasse to Target US, Europe
22:04Mummies of the World Issues Statement Regarding Egyptian Antiquities in Cairo
15:12Egypt / Change system that bred rights abuses, says Pillay
15:00Statement by Mr. Seiji Maehara, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, on the situation in Egypt
05:28USA / Readout of the President's Meeting on Egypt
05:14Remarks by the EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the situation in Egypt ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council, 31 January 2011
05:06EU External Relations Council / Frattini, help for orderly transition and free elections in Egypt
31 Jan 2011
18:01German Human Rights Commissioner Löning speaks about conditions in Egypt
17:58Italy is tracking developing events in Egypt with attention and serious concern
12:39Singapore MFA Spokesman's comments on the situation in Egypt
30 Jan 2011
18:38Hudson Institute Scholars Respond to the Unfolding Crisis in the Arab World
29 Jan 2011
08:05Statement by the Japanese Press Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, on the Situation in the Arab Republic of Egypt
08:02UN High Commissioner for Human Rights urges Government restraint and respect for human rights in Egypt
07:47Statement by Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt, Minister for Foreign Affairs on the events in Egypt
00:10National Press Club Condemns Egyptian Crackdown on Information
28 Jan 2011
21:23Statements by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on Tunisia and Egypt
20:29Comment of Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) on Protests in Egypt and Global Internet Freedom
16:36Egypt on the Brink of Revolution; EIN News Offers Complete Breaking News Coverage
16:18In Support of the Egyptian People's Struggle to Achieve Freedom and Social Justice
27 Jan 2011
18:11Statement by the EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the events in Egypt
15:002,200 Arab Scholars, Politicians, and Activists Issue Appeal for Human Rights and Democracy in the Arab World
04:42US Press Secretary of the White House / Statement by the Press Secretary on Egypt




Friday, February 11, 2011

World War II Atrocity to Be Told for the First Time in Film During Black History Month


"The Wereth Eleven" premieres on National Geographic Channel on Wednesday, Feb. 16 at 9 p.m. EST. (PRNewsFoto/The Ardennes Group)

8 Feb 2011 16:11 Africa/Lagos

World War II Atrocity to Be Told for the First Time in Film on National Geographic Channel Feb. 16 During Black History Month




"The Wereth Eleven" will Premiere Nationwide on National Geographic Channel on Wednesday, Feb. 16 at 9 p.m. EST and on the Big Screen at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans on Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. CST

PR Newswire

SOUTHOLD, N.Y., Feb. 8, 2011

SOUTHOLD, N.Y., Feb. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- "The Wereth Eleven" is an epic docudrama based on the true story of the heroic battle waged against the attacking German army at the start of the Battle of the Bulge, and the dramatic escape made by 11 American soldiers. The film premieres nationwide on National Geographic Channel on Wednesday, Feb. 16 at 9 p.m. EST and the screening will be at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. CST.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110208/LA43995)

"The Wereth Eleven" retraces the steps of the 11 soldiers of the 333rd Field Artillery Battalion who escaped The 18th Volksgrenadiers after their unit was overrun at the start of the Battle of the Bulge. Their 10-mile trek from their battery position to Wereth, Belgium led them to refuge with a Belgian family until a Nazi sympathizer revealed their presence to an SS Reconn Patrol. The soldiers surrendered, but were taken to a field, where they were tortured, maimed, and shot on Dec. 17, 1944. The killings were investigated, but never prosecuted.

"I was really moved and saddened by this story. I thought the men's dignity was taken from them, and that really bothered me," stated Joseph Small, executive producer of "The Wereth Eleven." "I set out on a mission to make sure the citizens of America and Europe knew what happened to the 11 men and make sure they knew the contribution of the 333rd Field Artillery Battalion during World War II."

Small spent the next two years researching the events that took place on the fateful day and eventually enlisted the help of writer and director, Robert Child ("Lincoln and Lee at Antietam: The Cost of Freedom") to bring the gut wrenching story to the screen.

"This film is the result of a dedicated team working together to achieve one goal: to create a film worthy of the 333rd Field Artillery Battalion and the 11 men," stated Child. "I knew, to pull off the project, I had to put the right people in place. Frederic Lumiere, an outstanding filmmaker in his own right, had produced and directed History Channel's groundbreaking 10-Part series, 'WWII in HD.' If there was anyone I knew who could rise to the challenge of Wereth, it was Frederic."

The filmmakers set out to elevate war documentary recreations to a new level. The film had to portray the epic and harsh nature of the largest and bloodiest battle fought by the Americans in World War II. "Rob's vision was very ambitious: To create visuals for the film that rivaled epic Hollywood blockbusters," stated Lumiere, who edited the film. "But we also knew we had a very important story on our hands. We had the responsibility to continue Joseph Small's quest to let the world know about this incredible injustice, which occurred 67 years ago to 11 American heroes, while remaining historically accurate."

The powerful and poignant film is an epic docudrama with stunning Hollywood-grade visual effects, interviews with people who were there, and archival footage.

In one of the archival films, captured men of the 333rd Field Artillery Battalion are paraded for German propaganda. After some investigating, one of the men was identified and interviewed: Retired Staff Sergeant George Shomo. Now 90 years old and a resident of northern New Jersey, Shomo offers a shocking and brutally honest personal account of what it was like to be an African American in World War II. "As a black soldier in the United States Army, you weren't as good as a dog," stated Shomo. Outnumbered 10 to one, Shomo and his fellow soldiers were left behind to fight the Germans. "We fired until we ran out of ammunition. It's hard when a man's got a rifle coming at you and all you got is a trench knife. But I got a couple (of men) and some of the other guys got a couple. I'd say the Germans had to walk over piles of their dead to get to us."

A memorial now stands on the site of the soldier's murders, dedicated to the Wereth 11 and all African-American soldiers who fought in The European Theatre. It is believed to be the only memorial to African-American soldiers of World War II in Europe.

"The Wereth Eleven" was produced by The Ardennes Group with executive producers Small, Child, and Lumiere.

The world premiere will be on Wednesday, Feb. 16 at 9 p.m. EST on National Geographic Channel. A theatrical screening and Q&A with the filmmakers and George Shomo will be at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans on Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. CST. Click here to view the trailer for "The Wereth Eleven."

About Robert Child

Originally from New England, Robert Child has worked behind the scenes as a writer, technical director, and director for more than a decade with network clients including HBO, Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, NBC, ABC, and CBS. Child has been working on independent historical projects since 2001 and has won numerous awards including two CINE Golden Eagles and a Special Jury Award at World Fest Houston. His work has also been named as an Official Selection at major United States film festivals including the New York Independent Film Festival and the Washington DC Independent Film Festival.

About Frederic Lumiere

Lumiere is an award-winning filmmaker who's first feature film, "Tomorrow is Today" starring Scout Taylor-Compton ("Halloween I," "Halloween II") received 11 awards, including the Directorial Discovery Award from the Rhode Island International Film Festival. He has also produced, directed, and edited award-winning programming for Cinemax, A&E, History, Biography, and The National Geographic Channel. Before executive producing and editing "The Wereth Eleven," Lumiere produced, directed, and edited the groundbreaking Emmy Award-winning series "WWII in HD," narrated by Gary Sinise.

For press information, contact:
Verena King
Verena King Public Relations
702-354-3527
Verena@verenakingpr.com
Twitter: # WWII Atrocity @TheWereth11 Told for 1st Time in Film on @NatGeoChannel 2/16 During Black History Month #Wereth11 http://bit.ly/hy3u8m

For Official Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YULUUoc-fI

SOURCE The Ardennes Group

CONTACT: Verena King of Verena King Public Relations, +1-702-354-3527, Verena@verenakingpr.com, for The Ardennes Group


______________
Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
10 Feb 2011
18:57 Fifth Third Bank Chicago Celebrates Black History Month
18:38 Commonwealth Agencies Join to Celebrate Black History Month
06:01 U.S. Census Bureau Black History Month Feature for February 10
00:30 Nestle Celebrates Black History Month
9 Feb 2011
22:06 State Agencies to Celebrate Black History Month on Feb. 10
00:22 Hundreds of Women and Girls from 8 - 90 Years Young and Older Attend 'Healthy, Wealthy & Wise' National Empowerment Tour Events
06:01 U.S. Census Bureau Black History Month Feature for February 9
8 Feb 2011
16:11 World War II Atrocity to Be Told for the First Time in Film on National Geographic Channel Feb. 16 During Black History Month
15:00 University of Texas Documentary 'When I Rise' Premiering Tonight on the PBS Series Independent Lens
13:00 Cox Communications Commemorates Black History Month
06:01 U.S. Census Bureau Black History Month Feature for February 8
7 Feb 2011
21:29 Susan Taylor, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus of Essence Magazine to Host The Harlem Fine Arts Show 2011 Opening Night

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11:00 Man Charged With Allure of the Seas Crew Member's Death

05:17 Soudan / Une mobilisation pour les libertés inspirée des évènements en Tunisie et en Égypte sévèrement réprimée par le service national de renseignement et de sécurité / Arrestations, détentions arbitraires et actes de torture contre des manifestants pacifiques
05:14 Togo / News magazine's appeal hearing delayed, ban remains in place
05:12 Togo / Le procès de Tribune d'Afrique reporté, le journal toujours empêché de paraître
05:11 Suites du référendum d'autodétermination du Sud Soudan (11 février 2011)
05:07 RĂ©publique Centrafricaine / Point de presse du porte-parole du Quai d'Orsay
05:05 Egypte / Point de presse du porte-parole du Quai d'Orsay
05:04 Soudan / Point de presse du porte-parole du Quai d'Orsay
04:53 Statement from the Egyptian Press and Information Office on Today's Announcement by President Hosni Mubarak
04:50 Entretien du ministre d'état avec le président élu de l'Union des Comores / Point de presse du porte-parole du Quai d'Orsay
04:48 Norway regrets Somali parliament's decision
02:09 LETS Educational Foundation Responds to Arizona Shooting with Solutions That Address Stigma of Mental Illness
02:00 The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for Japan Declines
01:41 MEDIA ADVISORY: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Fiscal 2012 Civil Works Budget Press Conference Scheduled
01:33 NAMM Sees Positive Signs Ahead for Music Products Industry
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Lagos state is the most indebted state in Nigeria

Governor Babatunde Fashola SAN of Lagos State


The most populous state in Nigeria Lagos state is the most indebted state of the federation with a total foreign debt of N55.38 billion ($369.20 million), according to the Debt Management Office in Abuja, Nigeria. Lagos has 20% of Nigeria’s sub-regional foreign debt stock.
Click here for the complete table of Federal and State Governments External Debt stock as at 30th June, 2010.

Can the governor of Lagos state explain this?



Thursday, February 10, 2011

3rd African Gas Forum coming up in London

Must read Platts Survey: OPEC Pumps 29.57 Million Barrels of Oil Per Day in January..



10 Feb 2011 04:47 Africa/Lagos


Africangas forum

THE HAGUE, February 9, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Organised & Hosted By: Contact:babette@glopac.com or amanda@glopac.com

Date & Venue: 31st March-1 April 2011, Radisson Mayfair Hotel, London

Register now www.africangas-forum.com

Sponsor Contact: amanda@glopac.com



Separately Bookable Events: Fees Exclude 20% Vat as per UK Law

3rd African Gas: 1 April 2011: GBP 750 per person

3rd Africa Gas Business: Strategy Briefing: 31st March 2011, GBP 995 per person

Combined Fee: Briefing & Conference: GBP 1,450 per person

37th PetroAfricanus Dinner: Thursday 31st March 2011: GBP 250 per person (Members: GBP 150) - Guest Speaker: Dr Alan Stein, Managing Director, Ophir Energy: “Exploring Africa: Reflections From Downunder” – insights from a player with gas discoveries offshore in West and Eastern Africa.


Our 3rd African Gas 2011 builds on our unrivalled track record in and on Africa, deep industry knowledge-base, extensive executive networks across the African Continent and worldwide on Six Continents, direct business and advisory experience in over 45 countries north and south of the Sahara, and over three decades of Advisory Practice and research in the global oil and gas business.


Africa's gas-LNG game has come of age, with over 30 African countries holding gas resources, and 20 now with proven reserves, with more entering into production, and gas discoveries both proliferating and often large, some of world-class dimension. Companies have upgraded their gas portfolio, redesigned strategies and enhanced investments in domestic and pipeline export gas, targeting Atlantic LNG markets and Europe-destined gas consumers, as well as GTL in selected locales, in some instances synfuels for local offtake, and engaged in a widening list of gas-power projects with independent private power, across a range of related cross-border markets. Meanwhile, corporates, investors and financiers now target the gas-rich Maghreb and the Gulf of Guinea (with many gas monetisation projects in the pipeline, along with LNG ventures), Southern Africa's offshore and onshore in shale gas and CBM, as well as the highly-promising East African frontier margins offshore and for onshore gas-power, soon probably to be a focus for potential LNG ventures for Asian markets.

Confirmed Speakers Include:

Tim Okon, Group General Manager, Corporate Planning & Strategy & Chairman, Gas Master Plan, NNPC, Nigeria

Malcolm Brown, Senior Vice President, Exploration, BG plc

Carol Law, Exploration Manager, East Africa & Caribbean, Anadarko Petroleum Corp

Dr Duncan Clarke, Chairman & CEO, Global Pacific & Partners, South Africa

Bolaji Osunsanya, Chief Executive Officer, Oando Gas & Power, Nigeria

Peter Clutterbuck, Deputy Chairman, Orca Exploration, Tanzania

Yasser Tousson, General Manager Finance, Apache Corporation, Egypt

Dr Alan Stein, Managing Director, Ophir Energy, Perth

Steve Mills, Commercial Manager, Petroleum Agency SA, South Africa

Gabriel Bujulu, Petroleum Engineer, Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation

Senior Executive, Ghana National Petroleum Corporation**

Kevin Hart, Chief Executive, Bowleven plc

Scott Aitken, Chief Executive, Seven Energy, Nigeria

Radwan Hadi, Chief Executive Officer, Victoria Oil & Gas

Jeff Greenblum, Chairman of The Board, EnerGulf

Rogers Beall, President, Fortesa International Senegal, Senegaz-Africa Fortesa Corp.

Edwin Bowles, President & CEO, RJ Energy

Semyon Astakhov, Head Africa, TMK Africa

Prior to the Forum is our 3rd Africa Gas Business: Strategy Briefing (Thursday 31st March), reviewing gas assets and portfolio potential in over 100 companies, from Africa and around the world, companies looking for farm-in/outs, new ventures, investors and wider deal-flow. With Presentations by Dr Duncan Clarke, Chairman & CEO, Global Pacific & Partners, Africa's leading strategist, and author on the Continent's oil and gas industry, providing an in-depth & unique set of insights on the gas industry and corporate business strategies, as well as Government gas policies and investment strategies of the National Oil Companies and Licensing Agencies - in the Maghreb, Western, Eastern, and Southern Africa. Delegates receive access online to Presentations, with 750 Images, that reveal the changing shape of Africa's gas game in dynamic evolution, the players involved & their portfolio and how the competitive gas world is shifting, and likely to be the cutting edge of the hydrocarbons industry in Africa over the next decade and beyond.



Source: Global Pacific & Partners


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Wednesday, February 9, 2011