Brazil Most Likely to Meet Spain in the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) Final

PRNewswire, London, December 7. CAPE TOWN, South Africa - Two of the world's most passionate footballing nations, Spain and Brazil, are favourites to go head to head in the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) Final according to the Castrol Predictor, a new tool launched today by 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) sponsor Castrol. The Castrol Predictor, uses objective analysis and highly advanced technology to offer unique insights into winning performances. (PRNewsFoto/Castrol) CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA

7 Dec 2009 15:56 Africa/Lagos


Fiery Final Ahead as All New Castrol Predictor Shows Brazil Most Likely to Meet Spain in the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) Final

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, December 7/PRNewswire/ --


- Castrol Predictor Shows the Five Times Champions Will Lift the Trophy Again


Two of the world's most passionate footballing nations, Spain and Brazil, are favourites to go head to head in the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) Final according to the Castrol Predictor, a new tool launched today by 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) sponsor Castrol (http://www.castrolfootball.com).


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091207/369780-a )


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091207/369780-b )


While the UEFA Euro 2008 winners, Spain, seem to be most bookmakers' favourite going into the tournament, the Castrol Predictor shows that they actually have only a 16.1% chance of glory and are second favourites behind the five time winners Brazil, with a 23.6% chance of success.


Castrol has applied the same expertise they apply to the development of their oils to create the Castrol Predictor, using objective analysis and highly advanced technology to offer unique insights into winning performances.


Castrol's analysis shows that the best placed teams to qualify from Group G, the so called 'Group of Death', are Castrol Predictor tournament and group favourites Brazil (91.7%) and Portugal (52.4%). Carlos Queiroz's men cannot afford to be complacent as they are almost inseparable from their group rivals and African favourites Ivory Coast, who have a 50.5% chance of reaching the last 16.


Current world champions Italy, will have their work cut out to mirror their triumph of 2006, with the Azzurri ranked 7th favourites to reclaim their crown and given only a 3.6% chance of victory. One Italian that is in contention to lift the famous trophy is England manager Fabio Capello, who will look to guide his team to their first World Cup Final since 1966. England are third favourites to go all the way, with the Castrol Predictor giving them a 10.4% chance of success, however, Capello's men will be weary of penalty shoot-out heartbreak, given their poor record when it comes to spot-kicks.


The Castrol Predictor has been created by the same team of Castrol Performance Analysts behind the Castrol Rankings and Castrol Index.


It measures past team and player performance and works out the attack and defence ratings of each nation. Then, by simulating the tournament more than 100,000 times and taking into account the draw groupings, Castrol has calculated each team's chances of progression through the FIFA World Cup(TM) group stages and ultimately, of winning the world's most famous trophy.


The Castrol Predictor will be updated throughout the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) on http://castrolfootball.com, so fans can see the impact of each and every match result on their team's chances.


The Castrol Predictor is fully interactive, letting fans find out how they will get on in their group, which teams they are most and least likely to meet at each round, and whether they'll face a grudge match with arch rivals.


Castrol Ambassador Marcel Desailly says: "I am surprised that the Castrol Predictor shows Brazil as favourites because I really thought Spain were the team to beat this time. I will be hoping that my home nation Ghana does better than predicted as the Castrol Predictor only gives them a 0.2% chance of success! It's great being able to look at the teams' predicted success in this way and I'm sure it will be a talking point for football fans everywhere."


Castrol Senior Vice-President Mike Johnson added: "We want to offer real insight to football fans around the world and the Castrol Predictor does exactly that, offering fans a new and meaningful way of following their team through the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM). As passionate football fans we are looking forward with great excitement to using the Castrol Predictor throughout the tournament next year."

Notes to Editors:


Castrol's commercial success is underpinned by their ability to deliver improved performance through the application of analysis, technology and innovation. This has helped Castrol deliver superior performing lubricants for over 100 years including brands such as Castrol EDGE, Castrol Magnatec and Castrol Power 1 and Castrol Professional. Castrol believes that by applying the same expertise to football that they do in the development of their oils, they can enhance the fans' experience and bring a new and intriguing point of view to the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM).


For more information on the Castrol Predictor please visit http://castrolfootball.com


Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091207/369780-a
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091207/369780-b

Source: Castrol

For more information on the Castrol Predictor please contact the Castrol Global Press Office: Shervin Behzadi: T: +44-20-7544-3694 / +44-7891-824-581 / E: shervinb@mcsaatchi.com; Laura Tucker: T: +44-20-7543-4769 / +44-7854-267-839 / E: laura.tucker@mcsaatchi.com





Apasionada final: Castrol Predictor señala a Brasil como rival de España en la final de la 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM)

Tout porte à croire que nous assisterons à une finale ardente d'après le Prédicteur de Castrol, qui prévoit que le Brésil affrontera l'Espagne lors de la finale de la Coupe du Monde de la FIFA 2010 (TM)

Hitziges Finale erwartet, da der "All New Castrol Predictor" zeigt, dass es beim Finale der Fussball-Weltmeisterschaft 2010 wahrscheinlichBrasilien und Spanien aufeinander treffen

Fiery Final Ahead as All New Castrol Predictor Shows Brazil Most Likely to Meet Spain in the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) Final

Fiery Final Ahead as All New Castrol Predictor Shows Brazil Most Likely to Meet Spain in the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) Final


To see more releases from Castrol, Click Here


This company's web site http://www.castrol.com/


Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
7 Dec 2009
20:28
Apasionada final: Castrol Predictor señala a Brasil como rival de España en la final de la 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM)
15:56
Fiery Final Ahead as All New Castrol Predictor Shows Brazil Most Likely to Meet Spain in the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) Final
13:00
Ritchie Bros. US$45 million Fort Worth auction featured almost 1,200 frac tanks

U.S. Citizen Charged With Conspiracy in 2008 Mumbai Attacks in Addition to Foreign Terror Plot in Denmark

The hottest news making headlines today have nothing to do with the buzz word of the day Sex Drive, and the most baffling is how David Coleman Headley, a U.S. citizen was an accomplice in the 2008 Mumbai attacks! How did a bona fide American become a member of Islamic terrorists in Pakistan? The following report is a must read.

7 Dec 2009 18:10 Africa/Lagos

Chicagoan Charged With Conspiracy in 2008 Mumbai Attacks in Addition to Foreign Terror Plot in Denmark

Additional charges unsealed alleging retired Pakistani major conspired in Danish plot

CHICAGO, Dec. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- New federal charges filed today allege that a Chicago man, who was arrested in October for planning terrorist attacks against a Danish newspaper and two of its employees, also conducted extensive surveillance of targets in Mumbai for more than two years preceding the November 2008 terrorist attack on India's largest city that killed approximately 170 people, including six Americans, and injured hundreds more.


The defendant, David Coleman Headley, a U.S. citizen, earlier this decade allegedly attended terrorism training camps in Pakistan maintained by Lashkar e Tayyiba (Lashkar), and conspired with its members and others in planning and executing the attacks in both Denmark and India, federal law enforcement officials announced today.


Also today, a criminal complaint was unsealed in federal court in Chicago charging Abdur Rehman Hashim Syed (Abdur Rehman), a retired major in the Pakistani military, with conspiracy in planning to attack the Danish newspaper and its employees. Another Chicago man, Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a Canadian citizen and native of Pakistan, was arrested in October on federal charges filed in Chicago relating to the Danish terrorism plot.


Through his attorneys, Headley has authorized the Justice Department to disclose that he is cooperating in the ongoing investigation of both the Danish and Indian terror plots. He has remained in federal custody without bond since he was arrested in Chicago on Oct. 3, 2009. No date has been set yet for his arraignment in U.S. District Court in Chicago.


Headley, 49, was charged in a 12-count criminal information with six counts of conspiracy to bomb public places in India, to murder and maim persons in India and Denmark, to provide material support to foreign terrorist plots, and to provide material support to Lashkar, and six counts of aiding and abetting the murder of U.S. citizens in India.


The charges were announced by Patrick J. Fitzgerald, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the FBI. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California and the FBI's offices in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., are also participating in the case.


"This case serves as a reminder that the terrorist threat is global in nature and requires constant vigilance at home and abroad," said David Kris, Assistant Attorney General for National Security. "We continue to share leads developed in this investigation with our foreign and domestic law enforcement partners as we work together on this important matter."


FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III, said: "This case illustrates the importance of continued global cooperation to combat terrorism around the world. The FBI continues to strengthen relationships and to foster collaboration with our international partners to best ensure our collective ability to identify and disrupt international terror networks."


"This investigation remains active and ongoing. The team of prosecutors and agents will continue to seek charges against the other persons responsible for these attacks. I continue to express my deep appreciation to the FBI agents and other members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force for their extremely hard work on this matter," said Mr. Fitzgerald.


Mumbai Terror Attacks


According to the charges, after learning from members of Lashkar in late 2005 that he would be traveling to India to perform surveillance for Lashkar, Headley changed his name from Daood Gilani on Feb. 15, 2006, in Philadelphia, in order to present himself in India as an American who was neither Muslim nor Pakistani. He later made five extended trips to Mumbai -- in September 2006, February and September 2007, and April and July 2008 -- each time taking pictures and making videotapes of various targets, including those attacked in November 2008.


Starting Nov. 26, 2008, and continuing through Nov. 28, 2008, 10 attackers trained by Lashkar carried out multiple assaults with firearms, grenades and improvised explosive devices against multiple targets in Mumbai, including the Taj Mahal and Oberoi hotels, the Leopold Cafe, the Nariman House and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus train station, each of which Headley allegedly had scouted in advance, killing approximately 170 victims.


The six Americans killed during the three-day siege are identified in the charges as Ben Zion Chroman, Gavriel Holtzberg, Sandeep Jeswani, Alan Scherr, his daughter Naomi Scherr, and Aryeh Leibish Teitelbaum.


Lashkar (the "Army of the Good") operated in Pakistan for the principal purpose of fighting to separate from India portions of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It was designated by the United States as a foreign terrorist organization on Dec. 26, 2001. Headley allegedly attended Lashkar training camps in Pakistan that began in February and August 2002 and August and December 2003.


After being tasked in late 2005 with gathering surveillance in Mumbai and changing his name in early 2006, the charges allege that Headley traveled to Chicago in June 2006 and advised a person identified in the charges as Individual A of his assignment. Headley obtained Individual A's approval to open an office of First World Immigration Services in Mumbai in 2006 as cover for his surveillance activities, the charges allege. Headley allegedly misrepresented his birth name, father's true name and the purpose of his travel in his visa application.


After each trip that Headley took to India between September 2006 and July 2008, he allegedly returned to Pakistan, met with other co-conspirators and provided them with photographs, videos and oral descriptions of various locations. In March 2008, Headley and his co-conspirators discussed potential landing sites for a team of attackers who would arrive by sea in Mumbai, and he was instructed to take boat trips in and around the Mumbai harbor and take surveillance video, which he did during his visit to India starting in April 2008, the charges allege.


At various times, Headley allegedly conducted surveillance of other locations in Mumbai and elsewhere in India of facilities and locations that were not attacked in November 2008, including the National Defense College in Delhi, India.


Denmark Terror Plot


Regarding the Denmark terror plot, Headley allegedly conspired between October 2008 and Oct. 3, 2009, with Ilyas Kashmiri, as well as a person identified as Individual A, members of Lashkar and others to plan and carry out terrorist attacks, including murder and maiming, against the facilities of the Morgenavisen Jyllands-Posten, a Danish newspaper, and two of its employees, Editor A and Cartoonist A. In 2005, the newspaper published cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed, to which many Muslims took great offense.


Mirroring the initial charges filed against Headley in October, today's charges allege that he met with co-conspirators while he was in Pakistan in late 2008 and discussed planning for the attack, including extensive surveillance work that he would perform. In late December and early January 2008, after advising Individual A of the planned attack and his intended travel to Denmark to perform surveillance of the newspaper's facilities, Headley obtained Individual A's approval and assistance to identify himself as a representative of First World and gain access to the newspaper by falsely expressing interest in advertising the business in the newspaper. At the same time, while in Chicago, Headley exchanged emails with co-conspirators to continue planning for the attack and coordinate his travel to Denmark to conduct surveillance. Before departing Chicago, Headley obtained business cards that identified him as a representative of First World, according to the charges.


Headley allegedly traveled in January 2009 from Chicago to Copenhagen, Denmark, to conduct surveillance of the Jyllands-Posten newspaper offices in Copenhagen and Aarhus, Denmark, and videotaped the surrounding areas. From January through May 2009, Headley met with co-conspirators, including Kashmiri, on multiple occasions in Pakistan to review his surveillance and discuss plans for the attack, the charges allege, adding that Headley traveled in August 2009 from Chicago to Copenhagen to conduct additional surveillance and made approximately 13 videos. On Oct. 3, 2009, Headley was arrested at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, intending ultimately to travel to Pakistan to meet with, and deliver, the approximately 13 surveillance videos to co-conspirators, including Kashmiri.


The charges identify Kashmiri as an influential leader of Harakat-ul Jihad Islami (HUJI), an organization that trained terrorists and executed attacks in the state of Jammu and Kashmir under Indian control and other areas. Kashmiri based his operations from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) of western Pakistan, and area which served as a haven for terrorist organizations, including al Qaeda and the Taliban. Headley allegedly was introduced to Kashmiri as early as February 2009, and understood that Kashmiri was in regular communication with the senior leadership of al Qaeda.


Abdur Rehman complaint


The two-count complaint unsealed against Abdur Rehman, which was filed on Oct. 20, 2009, charges him with conspiracy to murder and maim persons in a foreign country, and providing material support to that foreign terrorism conspiracy. Abdur Rehman allegedly participated in the planning of a terrorist attack in Denmark, coordinated surveillance of the intended targets, and facilitated communications regarding the surveillance and planning with a member of Lashkar and Kashmiri.


Abdur Rehman, who was not named previously but whose alleged participation was described in the initial charges against Headley and Rana, allegedly played the central role in communicating with Headley and facilitating contacts with other co-conspirators in Pakistan, including members of Lashkar. During Headley's trip to Pakistan in January 2009, Abdur Rehman took him to the FATA region of Pakistan to meet with Kashmiri and solicit the participation of Kashmiri and his organization in the planned attack on the Danish newspaper, according to the complaint against Abdur Rehman. A search of Headley's luggage when he was arrested revealed a list of phone numbers, including a Pakistani number that he allegedly had used to contact Abdur Rehman.


The count against Headley charging conspiracy to bomb public places in India that resulted in deaths carries a maximum statutory penalty of life imprisonment or death. All of the other counts against Headley carry a maximum of life imprisonment, except providing material support to the Denmark terror plot, which carries a maximum prison term of 15 years.


The conspiracy to murder or maim persons in a foreign country charge against Abdur Rehman carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, and the count of conspiracy to provide material support to terrorism carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.


The prosecution of Headley and Abdur Rehman is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Collins and Victoria J. Peters from the Northern District of Illinois, with assistance from the Counterterrorism Section of the Justice Department's National Security Division. The investigation into the Mumbai attacks is continuing with the active participation of the U.S. Attorney's Office in Los Angeles.


The public is reminded that criminal charging documents contain mere allegations that are not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.


Source: U.S. Department of Justice

CONTACT: U.S. Department of Justice Office of Public Affairs,
+1-202-514-2007, TDD +1-202-514-1888


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


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Denmark, Climate Summit Host, Tops Table of Fighting Climate Change With Wind Power

Copenhagen Climate Summit




4 Dec 2009 11:40 Africa/Lagos

Denmark, Climate Summit Host, Tops Table of Fighting Climate Change With Wind Power

BRUSSELS, December 4/PRNewswire/ -- In the run-up to the crucial climate change talks in Copenhagen, the European Wind Energy Association (EWEA) has published a league table showing which EU countries are best at exploiting CO2-cutting wind energy.


Top of the table is Denmark, with the highest amount of wind energy capacity per square kilometre of national territory. Germany comes a close second and the Netherlands third. Spain, in fourth place, has half the wind power density of Germany. Portugal and Ireland are above the EU average wind power density.


Italy is not far below average, while France and the UK each have less than half of the EU's average density of wind power capacity. Romania, Slovenia, Malta and Cyprus are floundering at the bottom of the league with next to zero wind power generation per km2.


The density of wind power per km is the best means of measuring and comparing the extent to which different countries exploit their wind power potential. The future of wind power in Denmark looks bright as, according to an August 2009 survey carried out by an independent market research institute, 91% of Danes support the further development of wind power in their country.


If the eight geographically largest Member States had the same density of wind power capacity per km2 as Denmark, they would produce enough wind power to meet 19% of total EU-27 electricity demand and avoid 362 million tonnes of CO2 emissions - equivalent to meeting more than 30% of the EU's 2020 climate target.


"Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands are European leaders in fighting climate change with wind-powered electricity" said Christian Kjaer, Chief Executive of EWEA. ­­­­­"The figures released today also reveal the huge potential for wind power growth in most countries. Laggards in wind energy - including France, the UK, Sweden, Finland and Eastern European countries - can easily play catch-up," Kjaer added.


"The future of wind power in Europe lies in offshore as well as onshore wind power, and some of the pioneer countries will add wind power capacity just by repowering existing plants - replacing old smaller turbines with bigger, more powerful ones which are now available on the market" Kjaer said.


The report containing the just-published league table - entitled "Pure Power" and published today - also outlines EWEA's predictions for growth in wind power by 2020. The industry calculates that it can meet up to 16.6% of EU electricity demand by 2020, or 14.1% in a lower, business-as-usual scenario.


The eight geographically largest countries in the EU include Sweden and Finland as well as France, Germany, Spain, Italy, UK and Poland.


League table extracted from the Pure Power report: MW of wind energy capacity per 1,000 km2 (End 2008)


Denmark: 73.8
Germany: 67
Netherlands: 53.6
Spain: 33.2
Portugal: 31
Ireland: 14.3
EU-27: 14
Luxembourg: 13.5
Belgium: 12.6
Italy: 12.4
Austria: 11.9
Greece: 7.5
France: 6.2
UK: 5.9
Sweden: 2.3
Czech Republic: 1.9
Estonia: 1.7
Poland: 1.5
Bulgaria: 1.4
Hungary: 1.4
Lithuania: 0.8
Finland: 0.4
Latvia: 0.4
Slovakia: 0.1
Romania: 0
Slovenia: 0
Malta: 0
Cyprus: 0




To download the full report visit http://www.ewea.org/index.php?id=178


Media Invitation to COP 15


Journalists, photographers and camera crew attending the international climate change negotiations in Copenhagen are invited to follow the wind industry activities at COP15.


Boat trip to Middelgrunden Offshore Wind farm* Sunday 13 December, 10:30-12:30


Two hour trip to wind farm of 20 turbines, 100m tall at blade tip height, in curved line 180m apart stretching for 3.4km. Trip will include 15 minute briefing from high level wind industry representatives on the wind farm being visited, the contribution wind power makes to reducing CO2 emissions, and the negotiations from a wind industry perspective. Great photo/film opportunity of offshore wind farm, plus possibility for interviews with leading industry representatives.


* Registration obligatory - ap@gwec.net


Source: European Wind Energy Association (EWEA)

For all information about wind energy, the wind industry activities at the Copenhagen climate negotiations, or for interviews with wind industry representatives please contact: Angelika Pullen, Communications Director, Global Wind Energy Council, angelika.pullen@gwec.net, tel +32-2-502-55-02, mobile +32-473-947-966 ; Julian Scola, Communications Director, European Wind Energy Association, js@ewea.org, tel +32-2-546-1981, mobile +32-486-117-394 ; For more information visit the EWEA website ( http://www.ewea.org/ ) or contact Paolo Berrino, EWEA, paolo.berrino@ewea.org, +32-2-400-10-55


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Chicken Pox Vaccine May Also Reduce Risk of Shingles Among Children

4 Dec 2009 06:01 Africa/Lagos

Chicken Pox Vaccine May Also Reduce Risk of Shingles Among Children

Study used electronic health records to follow 172,000 children

OAKLAND, Calif., Dec. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is very rare among children who have been vaccinated against chicken pox, according to a Kaiser Permanente study in the December issue of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Journal.


The study, the largest of its kind, used electronic health records to identify more than 170,000 children vaccinated with the varicella (chicken pox) vaccine from 2002 to 2008 in Kaiser Permanente's Southern California region, then followed children for an average of two and a half years to identify the occurrence of herpes zoster.


Researchers found only 122 cases of herpes zoster among the 172,163 vaccinated children, for an estimated incidence of 1 case per 3,700 vaccinated children per year. This is a lower rate compared to what one would expect in the unvaccinated children based on previous experiences.


"The message to parents and pediatricians is: vaccinating your child against the chicken pox is also a good way to reduce their chances of getting herpes zoster," said the study's lead author, HungFu Tseng, Ph.D, MPH, a research scientist and epidemiologist at the Kaiser Permanente Department of Research and Evaluation in Pasadena, Calif. "More research is needed to identify the virus strains that cause herpes zoster."


This study did not look at side effects of the varicella vaccine.


Herpes zoster is an acute skin viral infection caused by reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus, which remains in certain nerve cells of the body after an infection with either wild-type or the varicella vaccine virus. The wild-type virus is found in the natural infection, in contrast to the virus strain found in vaccine.


Since the vaccine's introduction in 1995, there have been few studies on the incidence of childhood herpes zoster among children vaccinated with the varicella vaccine.


Following licensure in 1995, 1-dose varicella vaccine was recommended for children 12 months to 12 years of age. In 2006, a routine second dose of varicella vaccine for previously vaccinated persons aged 4 years and older was recommended.


Other study authors included: Ning Smith, MS, Lina S. Sy, MPH, S Michael Marcy, MD, and Steven J. Jacobsen, MD, Ph.D., from the Kaiser Permanente Department of Research and Evaluation.


About the Kaiser Permanente Department for Research and Evaluation


The Department of Research and Evaluation conducts high quality, innovative research into disease etiology, prevention, treatment and care delivery. Investigators conduct epidemiology, health sciences, and behavioral research as well as clinical trials. Areas of interest include diabetes and obesity, cancer, HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular disease, aging and cognition, pregnancy outcomes, women's and children's health, quality and safety, and pharmacoepidemiology. Located in Pasadena, Calif., the department focuses on translating research to practice quickly to benefit the health and lives of Kaiser Permanente Southern California members and the general population. Visit www.kp.org/research.


About Kaiser Permanente


Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care services to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 8.6 million members in nine states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to: www.kp.org/newscenter.


Source: Kaiser Permanente

CONTACT: Danielle Cass, +1-510-267-5354, danielle.x.cass@kp.org, or
Socorro Serrano, +1-626-405-5534, socorro.serrano@kp.org, both of Kaiser
Permanente; or Emily Schwartz, +1-415-274-7926, eschwartz@golinharris.com, for
Kaiser Permanente


Web Site: http://www.kp.org/research
http://www.kp.org/newscenter
http://www.kaiserpermanente.org/

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

3 Dec 2009 13:00 Africa/Lagos

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

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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


Source: UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund

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


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

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

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

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


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


About DreamWorks Animation SKG


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


Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements


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


Source: DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.

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


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

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

22:30 2 Dec 2009



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


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


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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2 Dec 2009 17:47 Africa/Lagos


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

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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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


ABOUT BET'S SUNDAY BEST


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


ABOUT MULTICHOICE & DStv


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


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


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


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


ABOUT BET NETWORKS


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


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


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

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


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

Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
3 Dec 2009
14:26
Sasol Limited - Sasol Publishes CFO Newsletter to Investors on its Website
14:13
Sasol Limited: Expected Earnings for the Six Months Ending 31 December 2009
2 Dec 2009
17:47
BET Networks and DStv Bring Auditions for BET's Hit Gospel Singing Competition 'SUNDAY BEST' to Nigeria Sunday, December 6
17:00
Chevron and Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership Receive 2009 U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Civic Leadership Center Partnership Award

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

3 Dec 2009 01:05 Africa/Lagos

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

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

FORMAT: Soundbites


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


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


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

SOUNDBITES / VIDEO:

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton
Soundbite (1)

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


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


Soundbite (2)


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


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


Soundbite (3)


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


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


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


Soundbite (4)


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


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


TRT: 3:56

VIDEO PROVIDED BY: U.S. Department of State


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


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


/PRNewswire -- Dec. 2/


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

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

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

Nasir El-Rufai

1 Dec 2009 10:38 Africa/Lagos


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

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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


CONTACT: James T. Kimer


+1 (917) 355-0717


james.kimer@ksocialmedia.com


Source: Amsterdam & Peroff

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


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



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

2 Dec 2009 12:04 Africa/Lagos

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

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

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

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

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

DETAILS:

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


Noel Kututwa, Amnesty International's Special Adviser on Africa


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


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


Vincent Obetta, lawyer based in Enugu

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


When: 10.00 am – 12.00, local time

Where: Committee Room A

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



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


Source: Amnesty International

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

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

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

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

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

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

Highly Skilled Spouses Want To Work During Assignments Abroad

Highly skilled spouses want to work during assignments abroad

Global survey sharpens focus on partner employment needs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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


PermitsFoundation@shell.com


www.permitsfoundation.com

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

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

30 Nov 2009 12:14 Africa/Lagos

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


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

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


Photo Credit: Pleion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Cyber Monday - Busiest Online Shopping Day in the UK

30 Nov 2009 07:58 Africa/Lagos

Cyber Monday - Busiest Online Shopping Day in the UK

LONDON, November 30/PRNewswire/ --


As featured in the Telegraph, Sun and Guardian, Cyber Monday is expected to be the busiest online shopping day of the year. Shoppers spend the weekends browsing and buying in stores and upon returning to the office on Monday, turn to the Internet to start shopping for better prices than high street stores. Industry experts, including Visa, are gearing up for this Monday, 30 November to be the record busiest day, because many workers will receive their last pay cheque before Christmas. In other years, the first Monday in December, which this year falls on the 7th, was the busiest online shopping day of the year.


Richard Chapple, from online store Zavvi.com, said: "Mondays are the busiest day online, and as we approach December people become conscious that Christmas is only around the corner. This sees more people than usual logging on, and with this weekend also being the last payday before Christmas for many, they will make the most of having money in the bank to get presents, especially after a tough year."


David Smith, director of operations at IMRG, said: "The rate of growth has slowed because of current economic conditions, but sales online are still growing." IMRG is forecasting growth of online sales of around 15% this year, compared to previous rates of 35% to 50%. "We are seeing more women shopping online and an older age group and they are the people with the disposable income."


Talya Schaeffer, co-founder of Cyber Monday UK, said: "Starting 30 November, many online retailers will be offering their best promotions of the Christmas trading season. Cyber Monday is an exciting opportunity for both shoppers and retailers alike. Shoppers save money by buying online and retailers can entice shoppers during this peak day with bespoke promotions."


Cyber Monday UK will be hosting a Cyber Monday launch party on Monday, 30 November from 1000 - 1500 GMT at Reload Internet Cafe at 197 Praed Street, Paddington, London W2 1RH across from Paddington Station. Shoppers will be able to surf the Internet for free and get advise on shopping online and saving money.


Click here (http://www.cybermonday.co.uk/) to visit the new Cyber Monday UK site.


Source: CyberMonday.co.uk

Talya Schaeffer of CyberMonday.co.uk, +44-(0)-20337-18573, talya@cybermonday.co.uk



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