U.S.A
Oscar Ramiro Ortega-Hernandez
An Idaho man -- who according to his acquaintances, called President Barack Obama as the "anti-Christ" -- has been charged with attempted murder against Obama in a shooting incident outside the White House, the federal government said Thursday (17 Novembre 2011).
The man, Oscar Ramiro Ortega-Hernandez (21) was alleged to had made some firing into the White House on Friday last week, including some shots to the building near where Obama and his family live. That was the indictment against Ortega-Hernandez which was published after the inaugural session of suspect on Thursday, but during the shooting, Obama and his wife were not in the White House.
Police swoop on the hotel after a member of the public recognised Ortega-Hernandez as the man wanted in connection with the White House shooting.
A witness, based on sworn statements from FBI agents, told investigators that he heard "eight gunshots" and saw "smoke" from a car on Constitution Avenue near the White House. A bullet hit the window and then restrained by the bulletproof glass. Another bullet was found outside the White House, said the U.S. Secret Service. Investigators discovered a semi-automatic rifle, some ammunition boxes, and nine shell casings at the Ortega-Hernandez's car which was parked a few blocks from the White House, exactly in the courtyard of the National Institute of Peace, according to the agent.
Ortega-Hernandez was charged with the attempted murder, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Jimmy Kitchen, Thursday, the prime suspect's trial in Pittsburgh. Maximum penalty for such charges is life imprisonment and a fine of 250,000 U.S. dollars. At the brief hearing, Ortega-Hernandez spoke only once. He replied "yes, ma-am" when Judge Cynthia Eddy asked if he understood what was said by federal defender while representing himself.
► http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/11/secret_service_searched_occupy_dc_camp_for_person_who_shot_at_white_house.php?ref=fpb
Secret Service Searched Occupy D.C. Camp For Person Who Shot At White House
The Secret Service searched Occupy D.C. on Monday for a man suspected offiring bullets at the White House on Friday, one of which was stopped by the building’s ballistic glass.
► http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=142484926
White House Shooting Suspect Had Idaho Arrest Record, End-Of-World Theories : NPR
The Idaho man accused of trying to assassinate the president had a history of minor arrests in his home state and recently developed conspiracy theories about the end of the world. Those are some of the details that are beginning to emerge about Oscar Ramiro Ortega-Hernandez.
► http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/white-house-shooting-suspect-arrested-in-pa/2011/11/16/gIQAdK3PSN_story.html
White House shooting suspect arrested in Pa.
Suspected of firing shots near the executive mansion, Oscar Ramiro Ortega-Hernandez is arrested in Pa.
Ortega-Hernandez was wearing the white Jumpsuit, hands in handcuffs, and legs were chained as he entered the courtroom which was heavily guarded by the staff. His hair was long and shaggy, unneat, and has the beard. The guards let his handcuffs during the session, but his legs still chained when he sat down.
The indictment against him says, on the night of 11 November, two witnesses saw a number of shots toward the White House through the window of a car on Constitution Avenue. Vehicle registration plate from Idaho used by the shooter was registered in the name of Ortega-Hernandez. Another witness saw a man was running from the same vehicle a few blocks away, the indictment said. From the vehicle, which was then abandoned, police found a rifle with same caliber with a bullet that was found outside the White House.
A law enforcement official told CNN on Thursday, that the trace of a gun didn't prove Ortega-Hernandez as a buyer. The official, who was not authorized to speak about the ongoing investigation, did not provide further information regarding the purchase of such weapons.
According to three acquaintances quoted in the indictment document, Ortega-Hernandez regarded Obama as the cause of the problem and called Obama in a number of occasions as an "anti-Christ" and the devil. A witness, identified only as "W-4", told investigators that Ortega-Hernandez "has been increasingly agitated against the federal government, and believed that the federal government conspired against him," the statement said the FBI agents. He "wanted to "hurt" President Obama and called him as "Anti-Christ" said the witness.
Another witness, identified as "W-6", also citing Ortega-Hernandez has been called Obama as "anti-Christ". Witness told the agents that Ortega-Hernandez said, "I should kill him (Obama)".
A third witness, known as "W-7", told investigators that Ortega-Hernandez had an "AK-47". "The opinion and his comments about the government and President Obama are worse over the past year, "said the witness told the agents. "W-7" said that Ortega-Hernandez was convinced that President Obama was a" devil", and Ortega-Hernandez "would not stop until the Satan was taken care of" the statement said.
Lt. Brad Shields from Pennsylvania State Police said Ortega-Hernandez was arrested Wednesday in western Pennsylvania based on a warrant issued by U.S. Park Police in Washington Sunday "linked to a shooting that occurred at the White House on November 11."
*****
O W S
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15767829
Occupy plan big anniversary march
Occupy Wall Street protesters hope to show there is life left in their movement with a mass rally later in New York and other US cities.
We all laughed when talking about this scene. Everyone in this room was laughing because I could not help laughing to write this fictional dialogue.
"Grandma, let's go!"
"Go where?"
"Come on, don't ask many question...come along with us"
"But I'm too old and I'm not strong enough to walk away.
"Come, come, grandma. You'll love this."
Because she was just a grandmother, a very old woman, then finally she went along to the young. And then, ... olala... see what happens at grandma's face because of the invitation. Tadaa ..... huahaaa... oh dear, see them! huaahaha... the Americans are funny and enjoyable. Grandmother's face covered with pepper spray. But grandma still did not seem angry. Instead, she made us laugh without intending to laugh at her. She made me miss my grandmother who had died. Oh how I love all the grandmothers in the world.
This can be a very good sample for all the people's movements in the middle east. Arab. "Hello there, can you see this? See our grandmother. She is 84 years old and she does not have to die because of a movement. While in your country, ... ehehee ... many young people still die with their faces covered in blood. Wow!"
Then my partner quickly chimed in my jokes, "Long life! Long life! hooray... the American grandmother!"
... 
****
Oscar Ramiro Ortega-Hernandez
An Idaho man -- who according to his acquaintances, called President Barack Obama as the "anti-Christ" -- has been charged with attempted murder against Obama in a shooting incident outside the White House, the federal government said Thursday (17 Novembre 2011).
The man, Oscar Ramiro Ortega-Hernandez (21) was alleged to had made some firing into the White House on Friday last week, including some shots to the building near where Obama and his family live. That was the indictment against Ortega-Hernandez which was published after the inaugural session of suspect on Thursday, but during the shooting, Obama and his wife were not in the White House.
Danger zone: Police call in the bomb squad after a bag was found at the Hampton Inn, Indiana, where Ortega was arrested Wednesday
Probe: A bomb disposal officer looks closely at personal belongings of Ortega-Hernandez that were found outside the hotel.
Suspect: Police captured 21-year-old Oscar Ramiro Ortega, who has a lengthy criminal record in eastern Idaho, after a manhunt.
A witness, based on sworn statements from FBI agents, told investigators that he heard "eight gunshots" and saw "smoke" from a car on Constitution Avenue near the White House. A bullet hit the window and then restrained by the bulletproof glass. Another bullet was found outside the White House, said the U.S. Secret Service. Investigators discovered a semi-automatic rifle, some ammunition boxes, and nine shell casings at the Ortega-Hernandez's car which was parked a few blocks from the White House, exactly in the courtyard of the National Institute of Peace, according to the agent.
Ortega-Hernandez was charged with the attempted murder, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Jimmy Kitchen, Thursday, the prime suspect's trial in Pittsburgh. Maximum penalty for such charges is life imprisonment and a fine of 250,000 U.S. dollars. At the brief hearing, Ortega-Hernandez spoke only once. He replied "yes, ma-am" when Judge Cynthia Eddy asked if he understood what was said by federal defender while representing himself.
Safe and well. 10,000 miles away: Obama gives a speech to troops at RAAF Base Darwin in Australia today.
Close contact: Obama shakes hands with Australian troops and U.S. Marines at the military base.
Law enforcement personnel investigate the south side exterior of the White House where a bullet was lodged in the window.
The White House has a second layer of bulletproof glass which prevented the AK47 rounds from getting inside the building.
Shots fired: At least two bullets made their way onto White House grounds. One was found lodged in a window.
► http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/11/secret_service_searched_occupy_dc_camp_for_person_who_shot_at_white_house.php?ref=fpb
Secret Service Searched Occupy D.C. Camp For Person Who Shot At White House
The Secret Service searched Occupy D.C. on Monday for a man suspected offiring bullets at the White House on Friday, one of which was stopped by the building’s ballistic glass.
► http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=142484926
White House Shooting Suspect Had Idaho Arrest Record, End-Of-World Theories : NPR The Idaho man accused of trying to assassinate the president had a history of minor arrests in his home state and recently developed conspiracy theories about the end of the world. Those are some of the details that are beginning to emerge about Oscar Ramiro Ortega-Hernandez.
► http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/white-house-shooting-suspect-arrested-in-pa/2011/11/16/gIQAdK3PSN_story.html
White House shooting suspect arrested in Pa.
Suspected of firing shots near the executive mansion, Oscar Ramiro Ortega-Hernandez is arrested in Pa.
Ortega-Hernandez was wearing the white Jumpsuit, hands in handcuffs, and legs were chained as he entered the courtroom which was heavily guarded by the staff. His hair was long and shaggy, unneat, and has the beard. The guards let his handcuffs during the session, but his legs still chained when he sat down.
The indictment against him says, on the night of 11 November, two witnesses saw a number of shots toward the White House through the window of a car on Constitution Avenue. Vehicle registration plate from Idaho used by the shooter was registered in the name of Ortega-Hernandez. Another witness saw a man was running from the same vehicle a few blocks away, the indictment said. From the vehicle, which was then abandoned, police found a rifle with same caliber with a bullet that was found outside the White House.
A law enforcement official told CNN on Thursday, that the trace of a gun didn't prove Ortega-Hernandez as a buyer. The official, who was not authorized to speak about the ongoing investigation, did not provide further information regarding the purchase of such weapons.
According to three acquaintances quoted in the indictment document, Ortega-Hernandez regarded Obama as the cause of the problem and called Obama in a number of occasions as an "anti-Christ" and the devil. A witness, identified only as "W-4", told investigators that Ortega-Hernandez "has been increasingly agitated against the federal government, and believed that the federal government conspired against him," the statement said the FBI agents. He "wanted to "hurt" President Obama and called him as "Anti-Christ" said the witness.
Another witness, identified as "W-6", also citing Ortega-Hernandez has been called Obama as "anti-Christ". Witness told the agents that Ortega-Hernandez said, "I should kill him (Obama)".
A third witness, known as "W-7", told investigators that Ortega-Hernandez had an "AK-47". "The opinion and his comments about the government and President Obama are worse over the past year, "said the witness told the agents. "W-7" said that Ortega-Hernandez was convinced that President Obama was a" devil", and Ortega-Hernandez "would not stop until the Satan was taken care of" the statement said.
Lt. Brad Shields from Pennsylvania State Police said Ortega-Hernandez was arrested Wednesday in western Pennsylvania based on a warrant issued by U.S. Park Police in Washington Sunday "linked to a shooting that occurred at the White House on November 11."
*****
O W S
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-15767829
Occupy plan big anniversary march
Occupy Wall Street protesters hope to show there is life left in their movement with a mass rally later in New York and other US cities.
Dorli Rainey, 84, was hit by pepper spray in Seattle.
We all laughed when talking about this scene. Everyone in this room was laughing because I could not help laughing to write this fictional dialogue.
"Grandma, let's go!"
"Go where?"
"Come on, don't ask many question...come along with us"
"But I'm too old and I'm not strong enough to walk away.
"Come, come, grandma. You'll love this."
Because she was just a grandmother, a very old woman, then finally she went along to the young. And then, ... olala... see what happens at grandma's face because of the invitation. Tadaa ..... huahaaa... oh dear, see them! huaahaha... the Americans are funny and enjoyable. Grandmother's face covered with pepper spray. But grandma still did not seem angry. Instead, she made us laugh without intending to laugh at her. She made me miss my grandmother who had died. Oh how I love all the grandmothers in the world.
This can be a very good sample for all the people's movements in the middle east. Arab. "Hello there, can you see this? See our grandmother. She is 84 years old and she does not have to die because of a movement. While in your country, ... ehehee ... many young people still die with their faces covered in blood. Wow!"
Then my partner quickly chimed in my jokes, "Long life! Long life! hooray... the American grandmother!"
... ****
S Y R I A
He is an ophthalmologist. If all of this is over, he can return to his profession as an optometrist. (Mr. Assad, I have prepared a story about the eye doctor for you, but it is still a draft.
)*****
L I B Y A
I see there are those who have mental such as the rats who like to chase the rat, too. Miaow. And when they heard the sound of a cat, they run away, scampered, because hehhe ... they think a cat is a tiger...
*****
I see there are those who have mental such as the rats who like to chase the rat, too. Miaow. And when they heard the sound of a cat, they run away, scampered, because hehhe ... they think a cat is a tiger...
*****
M Y A N M A R
President Barack Obama warned Myanmar to improve the human rights record, although Myanmar has freed hundreds of political prisoners and promised to continue to reform. Obama will be present in Bali to attend the East Asia Summit to be held after the ASEAN summit. East Asia Summit will be attended by all ASEAN countries, ASEAN Plus Three, the U.S. and Russia.
► http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2011/11/2011111752457348715.html
Security tight as ASEAN summit opens in Bali
Free-trade, Myanmar, maritime disputes and more on the agenda as leaders gather for meeting on Indonesian resort island.
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15771531
Suu Kyi party 'to stand in polls'
Burma's pro-democracy party is set to announce on Friday it will rejoin the political process, its leader Aung San Suu Kyi tells the BBC.
► http://www.france24.com/en/20111117-burma-chair-asean-myanmar-2014-military-junta-obama-human-rights-political-prisoner
Burma to chair ASEAN in 2014
Southeast Asian nations have chosen Burma to chair their regional organisation in 2014, betting the junta-led country can make its way out of isolation by then. But US President Obama says the regime first needs to improve its human rights record.
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15786070
Asean to debate South China Sea
The divisive issue of the South China Sea is likely to take centre stage as leaders from the Asean meet in China this week.
Philippines continued to insist that the dispute in the South China Sea was discussed in a series of summit meetings of Southeast Asian countries, ASEAN and East Asia. Manila to assess the issue is important because the dispute involves a number of countries in ASEAN.
Besides the Philippines, other ASEAN countries who also claimed ownership of the waters (which is estimated rich with natural resources) were China and Taiwan. Philippine proposal to the ASEAN regarding the South China Sea was still in the process, but in the meeting of heads of state level, the ASEAN leaders to discuss the proposal enthusiastically.
Not only that. The Philippines also will not use ASEAN as a tool to increase their bargaining at the United Nations. Territorial issue should be resolved by law and one of them is the law of the sea. ASEAN was formed from the consensus, so they tried something through the ASEAN centrality.
Philippines did not say will use ASEAN to fight the Chinese, because in general the ASEAN countries put forward the centrality of ASEAN as a negotiating tool for regional issues. Philippines hopes the South China Sea can be resolved peacefully in accordance with the law of the sea.
Meanwhile, Indonesia should highlight the plans of the United States which want to put about 2500 Marines in Darwin, northern Australia. The reason is, the mobilization of the U.S. and Australia will have a direct impact on Indonesia, considering that Darwin is only 820 km from Indonesia.
An example scenario which will involve Indonesia in the future is the mobilization of U.S. troops to another military base as in the Philippines. The U.S. troops in Darwin should get the path, and that becomes difficult. If it is rejected, China will assume that Indonesia pro, and vice versa. The Indonesian government needs clarification and explanations concerning the deployment of foreign troops.
In a speech in Canberra, Barack Obama insisted that America's role in the Asia-Pacific was a necessity. "As we end the current mission (in Iraq and Afghanistan), I have given directions to my national security team to prioritize our presence in Asia Pacific. As a result, a reduction in the U.S. defense spending will not, I repeat, will not be bad for Asia Pacific, "he said.
Indeed, the presence of U.S. forces in Australia is not much if it's compared to 28 thousand U.S. troops in South Korea and another 50 thousand U.S. troops in Japan, but the move was obviously the U.S. effort to encircle China. Moreover, the U.S. has launched India's defense Pacific.
During the meeting, the security situation in Papua, which re-warmed in recent years became one of the topics of conversation in a bilateral meeting between Obama and Yudhoyono in the 19 th ASEAN Summit in Nusa Dua, on Friday evening.
A spokesman for Indonesia's presidency foreign affairs Teuku Faizasyah who attended the bilateral meeting, revealed that Obama was listening to the explanation of President Yudhoyono, associated with his policy on Papua. On that occasion, Obama reiterated the U.S. support of upholding the Unitary Republic of Indonesia. "The U.S. believes fully, Indonesia knows what if any action officers who are not in line with human rights norms. The law is underlined by President Yudhoyono since the first six months of his presidency in Indonesia. He instructed the officials on the ground to observe the human rights," he said.
Obama also understand the attitude of Indonesia in the enforcement of the rule of democracy and human rights from different sides of a more comprehensive,
among others, through approaches such as the well-being in Papua. But on the other hand, there is still violence or human rights abuses by the authorities in the field to disrupt the security stability in the region.
Although there was also alluded to the problem of security in Papua -- which is still warm -- but within an hour of the meeting was not mentioned about the various incidents in the area of Freeport Indonesia, Timika, Papua.
*****
President Barack Obama warned Myanmar to improve the human rights record, although Myanmar has freed hundreds of political prisoners and promised to continue to reform. Obama will be present in Bali to attend the East Asia Summit to be held after the ASEAN summit. East Asia Summit will be attended by all ASEAN countries, ASEAN Plus Three, the U.S. and Russia.
► 2011 Joint Communiqué/Chairman's Statement/Joint Media Statement
► U.S. Joins East Asia Summit: Implications for Regional Cooperation
► Barack Obama attend the 2011 East Asia Summit in Bali, Indonesia
► http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2011/11/2011111752457348715.html
Security tight as ASEAN summit opens in Bali
Free-trade, Myanmar, maritime disputes and more on the agenda as leaders gather for meeting on Indonesian resort island.
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-15771531
Suu Kyi party 'to stand in polls'
Burma's pro-democracy party is set to announce on Friday it will rejoin the political process, its leader Aung San Suu Kyi tells the BBC.
► http://www.france24.com/en/20111117-burma-chair-asean-myanmar-2014-military-junta-obama-human-rights-political-prisoner
Burma to chair ASEAN in 2014
Southeast Asian nations have chosen Burma to chair their regional organisation in 2014, betting the junta-led country can make its way out of isolation by then. But US President Obama says the regime first needs to improve its human rights record.
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15786070
Asean to debate South China Sea
The divisive issue of the South China Sea is likely to take centre stage as leaders from the Asean meet in China this week.
Philippines continued to insist that the dispute in the South China Sea was discussed in a series of summit meetings of Southeast Asian countries, ASEAN and East Asia. Manila to assess the issue is important because the dispute involves a number of countries in ASEAN.
Besides the Philippines, other ASEAN countries who also claimed ownership of the waters (which is estimated rich with natural resources) were China and Taiwan. Philippine proposal to the ASEAN regarding the South China Sea was still in the process, but in the meeting of heads of state level, the ASEAN leaders to discuss the proposal enthusiastically.
Not only that. The Philippines also will not use ASEAN as a tool to increase their bargaining at the United Nations. Territorial issue should be resolved by law and one of them is the law of the sea. ASEAN was formed from the consensus, so they tried something through the ASEAN centrality.
Philippines did not say will use ASEAN to fight the Chinese, because in general the ASEAN countries put forward the centrality of ASEAN as a negotiating tool for regional issues. Philippines hopes the South China Sea can be resolved peacefully in accordance with the law of the sea.
Meanwhile, Indonesia should highlight the plans of the United States which want to put about 2500 Marines in Darwin, northern Australia. The reason is, the mobilization of the U.S. and Australia will have a direct impact on Indonesia, considering that Darwin is only 820 km from Indonesia.
An example scenario which will involve Indonesia in the future is the mobilization of U.S. troops to another military base as in the Philippines. The U.S. troops in Darwin should get the path, and that becomes difficult. If it is rejected, China will assume that Indonesia pro, and vice versa. The Indonesian government needs clarification and explanations concerning the deployment of foreign troops.
In a speech in Canberra, Barack Obama insisted that America's role in the Asia-Pacific was a necessity. "As we end the current mission (in Iraq and Afghanistan), I have given directions to my national security team to prioritize our presence in Asia Pacific. As a result, a reduction in the U.S. defense spending will not, I repeat, will not be bad for Asia Pacific, "he said.
Indeed, the presence of U.S. forces in Australia is not much if it's compared to 28 thousand U.S. troops in South Korea and another 50 thousand U.S. troops in Japan, but the move was obviously the U.S. effort to encircle China. Moreover, the U.S. has launched India's defense Pacific.
During the meeting, the security situation in Papua, which re-warmed in recent years became one of the topics of conversation in a bilateral meeting between Obama and Yudhoyono in the 19 th ASEAN Summit in Nusa Dua, on Friday evening.
► http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2011/11/201111194134492932.html
Obama urged to address Papua rights abuses
Al Jazeera reports exclusively on the eastern Indonesian region wracked by labour and political unrest.
A spokesman for Indonesia's presidency foreign affairs Teuku Faizasyah who attended the bilateral meeting, revealed that Obama was listening to the explanation of President Yudhoyono, associated with his policy on Papua. On that occasion, Obama reiterated the U.S. support of upholding the Unitary Republic of Indonesia. "The U.S. believes fully, Indonesia knows what if any action officers who are not in line with human rights norms. The law is underlined by President Yudhoyono since the first six months of his presidency in Indonesia. He instructed the officials on the ground to observe the human rights," he said.
Obama also understand the attitude of Indonesia in the enforcement of the rule of democracy and human rights from different sides of a more comprehensive,
among others, through approaches such as the well-being in Papua. But on the other hand, there is still violence or human rights abuses by the authorities in the field to disrupt the security stability in the region.
Although there was also alluded to the problem of security in Papua -- which is still warm -- but within an hour of the meeting was not mentioned about the various incidents in the area of Freeport Indonesia, Timika, Papua.
*****
This video has nothing to do with their talk. I just want to enjoy the natural beauty of the island. If we have time and the same desire, I want my partner to take us sightseeing there.
► http://www.wildpng.com/
Papua New Guinea guided tour
www.wildpng.com
Papua New Guinea tours - Guided tours of Papua New Guinea from Wild PNG.
► http://www.bibikofarm.com/
Bibiko Farm: Alotau Accommodation for Backpackers - Ecotourism in Alotau & Milne Bay, Papua New Guin
www.bibikofarm.com
Alotau accommodation for backpackers, genuine ecotourism at Bibiko Farm & Guesthouses. Only 60PGK per night. Guided Alotau and Milne Bay adventure ecotourism trips available, 50K per day.
ARAB LEAGUE - SYRIA
Superb. Look at that show! They are making noise. That's a bit odd compared to before. The role of Arab league to the problems in Syria is very troublesome than in any other country. Actually I prefer to look at each other Arab neighbors in harmony and peace, but when I see them together noisily to each other, I will not consider any peculiarities behind the commotion with the assumption, "Ah, they are equally Arabs!"
Oh dear, something the so-called spring is always followed by the fall. Well, many human casualties are falling like leaves.
Anyway, King Abdullah II you should take care of the situation in your own country. You could be next!
*****
S O M A L I A
A man of Al-Qaeda who had distributed the aid in Somalia, highlighting the group's close ties with the Islamic militant group Al-Shabab. The man identified as Abu Abdullah Almuhajir, a U.S. citizen and spoke with an American accent was distributing the food, headscarf and Qur'an to people in a refugee camp near the capital, Mogadishu. It was considered a first-aid from al-Qaeda official with distributing aid in famine-ravaged Somalia.
Al-Shabab has restricted access for aid agencies to the areas controlled by the group. The group said some international institutions have a political agenda and have exaggerated the problem's scale.
Some areas controlled by Al-Shabab has been declared as the famine zone, because so many people who suffered from severe malnutrition.
Almuhajir Abu Abdullah who was accompanied by a spokesperson Al-Shabab Sheikh Ali Mohamud Rage said they were distributing food such as the flour, rice, cooking oil, dates and milk to 4,000 people in Ala-yasir camp, about 50 km southwest of Mogadishu. They also said they have distributed 17,000 U.S dollars in cash and a complete ambulance.
Head of the BBC office in Somalia Yusuf Garaad Omar said al-Shabab has previously been hiding its relationship with Al-Qaeda, but the distribution of public assistance was making the connection much more explicit. The government supported by the United Nations (which controlled most of Mogadishu, but other small areas) said there were hundreds of foreign fighters who helped al-Shabab in this country.
Abu Abdullah Almuhajir said he went to Somalia with a message from Al-Qaeda leader Sheikh Ayman al-Zawahiri. "We want to take this opportunity to encourage Muslims around the world to come to help brothers and sisters and our Muslim brothers in Somalia, "he said.
Previously, two Spanish aid worker who worked with Medecins Sans Frontieres medical aid was kidnapped by the armed men from Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya, where almost half a million Somalis have fled, seeking help. It was feared that they might have been brought to Somalia. Al-Shabab itself has reportedly denied the links to the abduction, which has caused the the aid agencies to withdraw their operations in Dadaab.
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15317230
'Al-Qaeda' aids Somali refugees
A man claiming to be from al-Qaeda distributes aid in Somalia, highlighting the group's links with al-Shabab militants.
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15537525
In pictures: Somalis flee north after Kenyan incursion
Photos from the Somali north-central town of Galkayo where thousands of Somalis have set up makeshift camps fleeing clan fighting and famine.
► http://www.historycommons.org/context.jsp?item=a0394somaliawithdrawal#a0394somaliawithdrawal
Context of 'March 1994: US Withdraws from Somalia Following "Black Hawk Down" Incident, Bin Laden La
The body of a dead US soldier being dragged through the streets of Mogadishu.
As many as 3.2 million Somalis were suffering from hunger. More than 29,000 children under the age of five died during the last few months due to severe drought and famine during the last 60 years that hit parts of Somalia. Thousands of other children were rushed to hospital with a terrible flogging starvation. Similarly, thousands of women became the victims of this famine. Famine caused by drought is a natural occurrence in Africa. But, the foreign interference which led to various conflicts has compounded the problem in the Horn of Africa. This region has long suffered, and in situations of protracted conflict.
In 1884, the Europe agreed to occupation, colonization, invasion, and annexed Africa. Britain, France and Italy claimed the territory in the country now known as Somalia. For 40 years, British control of Northern Somalia because of its access to the Red Sea. Italy had invaded southern Somalia. While the French control of neighboring Djibouti.
United Nations as a multilateral institution is too late to take the emergency action, even the UN tend to let the situation of hunger in Somalia. Famine Early Warning Systems Network has long warned of hunger crisis in Somalia, but the UN to let the situation in Somalia continues to last for many years until on July 20, 2011 ago, the UN began to mention the existence of hunger.
Western aid agencies are no longer paying attention to the famine. They only pretend to want to help the starving in Somalia, but no concrete action. World Food Programme (WFP), Oxfam and other agencies do not actually distribute the food.
The institutions do not put their staff in the area of hunger. They do not even have the guts to distribute aid to the outposts of Somalia because of potential reasons for the unrest. Another fact, the United States pressed the UN aid agencies not to send their aid to southern Somalia since late 2009, with the pretext of the aid would be sabotaged by Al Shabaab group.
Somalia crisis is indeed ironic, considering this country actually has an enormous wealth of nature. Geographically, Somalia is bordered by Djibouti to the northwest, Kenya to the southwest, the Gulf of Aden and Yemen in the north, the Indian Ocean in the east, and has the longest coastline in Africa as far as 2720 km. With this position, Somalia is placed as a gateway to South Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, a location that can be used to control the territory.
Based on geological research, Somalia is rich in uranium, natural gas, and petroleum. The potential for oil reserves from concession area of Africa Oil and Range Resources (two oil companies that have exploration licenses in Somalia) to reach 10 billion barrels. Previously, the four big American oil companies (Conoco, Chevron, Amoco, and Phillips) have been awarded the concession for drilling in two-thirds of Somalia territory.
Based on the above facts, it is clear that the cause of famine in Somalia is not because they are originally a poor country, but their wealth has been sucked up by the multinational companies.
After afflicted by conflict, in fact since 2006 the country was beginning to enjoy stability. At that time, the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) took over the Mogadishu and some regions in the south of the country. ICU has been succesful to defeat the tribal warlords. After years of the country without law, UIC successfully implemented some Islamic sharia law in the country. But this is not favored by the U.S..
According to the confidential diplomatic cables released by Wikileaks, there was a secret agreement between the U.S. government and Ethiopia to invade Somalia. The report indicated that Ethiopia has no intention to invade Somalia and said the U.S. was behind it all. Because has been bound by the war in Afghanistan and Iraq, the U.S. has no position to openly launch a major offensive against Somalia and must have the sponsorship of other countries such as Ethiopia.
As a result, more than 1 million people evacuated to stay away from areas of conflict. American war with using Ethiopia as its right hand against the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) has exacerbated the crisis of Africa.
The West was reluctant to provide serious assistance in Somalia. Unlike the other countries of their natural wealth is still potential for dredged such as Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Afghanistan, the West spends trillions of dollars to fight with many thousands of civilian casualties. In Somalia, the West tends to ignore it, whereas, if it is compared to the cost of war, the famine can be eliminated with fewer cost.
The response of a wealthy Muslim governments is also not better. Arab countries and Islamic nations are more preoccupied with political problems in their country, and no longer have time to think about the fate of Somali people who face the threat of extinction due to starvation. Many Muslim rulers who do not really care, prefer to spend property that had been looted by them for the benefit of no importance.
Qatar spent U.S. $ 430 million to buy the U.S. artwork within six years. Qatar also gives the unlimited credit to U.S. banks during the global financial crisis.
When children die from malnutrition, the Muslim rulers are too busy buying the U.S bankrupt banks, buy a beautiful villa or European football clubs. Sheikh Mansour bought the Manchester City at a price of 280 million dollars, Sulaiman Al Fahim acquired the Portsmout at a price of 98.67 million U.S. dollars, Prince Faisal bin Fahd bin Abdullah from Saudi Arabia intended to buy the Liverpool with the price range 515 million dollars. (... Dahliiing, what is the cost of our five camels at the Airport?...
)
Famine in East Africa is a problem for all people in the world. The solution to this problem lies in the government. Reunification of the Muslim countries can potentially put an end to the foreign interference and will utilize the resources to solve the basic needs of society.
*****
A man of Al-Qaeda who had distributed the aid in Somalia, highlighting the group's close ties with the Islamic militant group Al-Shabab. The man identified as Abu Abdullah Almuhajir, a U.S. citizen and spoke with an American accent was distributing the food, headscarf and Qur'an to people in a refugee camp near the capital, Mogadishu. It was considered a first-aid from al-Qaeda official with distributing aid in famine-ravaged Somalia.
Al-Shabab has restricted access for aid agencies to the areas controlled by the group. The group said some international institutions have a political agenda and have exaggerated the problem's scale.
Some areas controlled by Al-Shabab has been declared as the famine zone, because so many people who suffered from severe malnutrition.
Almuhajir Abu Abdullah who was accompanied by a spokesperson Al-Shabab Sheikh Ali Mohamud Rage said they were distributing food such as the flour, rice, cooking oil, dates and milk to 4,000 people in Ala-yasir camp, about 50 km southwest of Mogadishu. They also said they have distributed 17,000 U.S dollars in cash and a complete ambulance.
Head of the BBC office in Somalia Yusuf Garaad Omar said al-Shabab has previously been hiding its relationship with Al-Qaeda, but the distribution of public assistance was making the connection much more explicit. The government supported by the United Nations (which controlled most of Mogadishu, but other small areas) said there were hundreds of foreign fighters who helped al-Shabab in this country.
Abu Abdullah Almuhajir said he went to Somalia with a message from Al-Qaeda leader Sheikh Ayman al-Zawahiri. "We want to take this opportunity to encourage Muslims around the world to come to help brothers and sisters and our Muslim brothers in Somalia, "he said.
Previously, two Spanish aid worker who worked with Medecins Sans Frontieres medical aid was kidnapped by the armed men from Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya, where almost half a million Somalis have fled, seeking help. It was feared that they might have been brought to Somalia. Al-Shabab itself has reportedly denied the links to the abduction, which has caused the the aid agencies to withdraw their operations in Dadaab.
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15317230
'Al-Qaeda' aids Somali refugees
A man claiming to be from al-Qaeda distributes aid in Somalia, highlighting the group's links with al-Shabab militants.
► http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15537525
In pictures: Somalis flee north after Kenyan incursion
Photos from the Somali north-central town of Galkayo where thousands of Somalis have set up makeshift camps fleeing clan fighting and famine.
► http://www.historycommons.org/context.jsp?item=a0394somaliawithdrawal#a0394somaliawithdrawal
Context of 'March 1994: US Withdraws from Somalia Following "Black Hawk Down" Incident, Bin Laden La
The body of a dead US soldier being dragged through the streets of Mogadishu.
A young Somali refugee boy and his terminally ill mother, Haretha Abdi at Dadaab refugee camp, near the border of Kenya and Somalia in the horn of Africa. (Brendan Bannon/Polaris Images)
Fresh graves in Dagahaley, part of the sprawling Dadaab refugee camp. Tens of thousands of Somali refugees have fled to Kenya. Many arrive in the refugee camp exhausted and malnourished after a perilous journey from drought and war torn Somalia. Hundreds have died in the camp as a consequence of malnutrition.
Somali refugees in Dagahaley refugee camp carry their sick and malnourished children to a new feeding center run by Doctors Without Borders on the outskirts of the sprawling refugee camp in Kenya.
A Somali refugee girl sits perched on a tree in Ifo camp.
A young boy takes bone-thin cattle in search of pasture at the edge of Dagahaley refugee camp in Kenya. Many recently arrived Somali refugees have lost all of their animals to the ravishing effects of a prolonged drought in Somalia.
Somali refugees wait in line at the reception center at Ifo camp. Refugees must first go to reception centers for health screening, immunization and finger printing. They will be given an appointment to be registered as refugees.
Somali refugees line up at the reception center in Dagahaley camp. After a long journey, often by foot through perilous territory with little food and water, refugees go through a registration process that includes medical screening and a 21-day ration of food. Thirteen hundred refugees arrive daily at the three camp complexes.
A Somali refugee woman drags parched branches of a tree to use in constructing a shelter on the outskirts of Ifo camp in Dadaab, Kenya. The UNHCR camp is the largest refugee camp in the world. Tens of thousands have arrived in a steady exodus from Somalia's drought and civil war.
A refugee uses twigs and scraps of material to build a shelter for her family. There is no room for most new arrivals in the Dadaab camps, so the thousands of people who arrive every week must carve out a place for themselves in the surrounding desert. Doctors Without Borders estimates that by the end of 2011 there will be 500,000 people living in and around the camps, which were originally built to accommodate 90,000.
A group of Somali refugees travel back to the area where they are staying on the far outskirts of Dagahaley camp, near Dadaab, Kenya.
A Somali mother enters the hospital ward for severely malnourished children in Ifo camp near Dadaab, Kenya.
Fatuma Badel fled Buale, Somalia with 8 children after leaving her sick husband. "He became sick and I couldn't carry him. I don't know if he is alive or dead. This one, my youngest child was like a dead person when I arrived. Now I thank God I can hear him cry again." Badel has spent 3 days in the Doctors Without Borders hospital with her baby, Mohamud, who arrived severely malnourished.
A young Somali boy and his nomadic family fled Bardere, Somalia to Kenya in May 2011 because of hunger, drought and war. They traveled 32 days by foot and donkey cart relying on the kindness of people along the way for food and water.
A severely malnourished child in the Doctors Without Borders hospital in Dagahaley refugee camp. Malnutrition rates have skyrocketed in the camp since the crisis began earlier this year.
Doctors Without Borders pediatrician Luana Lima checks on patients at the aid group's hospital in Dagahaley refugee camp.
Daud Ali, a severely malnourished child at a Doctors Without Borders' therapeutic feeding center in Dagahaley camp.
UNHCR protection officer, Mehreen Afzal, expedites registration for Qatmo Lidow Hussien, a handicapped refugee frrom Hagar, Somalia who arrived at the reception center in a wheelbarrow with her family.
Twenty year old Abdi Hassan, a nomadic camel herder was beaten to a point of paralysis by al-Shabaab soldiers when he refused to allow them to take some of his camels as a tax. He fled Salagale by road with his wife and other relatives to Ifo Camp. He has been in the hospital since arriving in Kenya.
Asli Adow Ali is the two-year-old daughter of Adow Ali from Salagale, Somali. The family arrived in Ifo in early July and Asli was admitted 27 days later. She is severely malnourished and receiving therapeutic feeding at the GIZ run hospital in Ifo camp.
Mariam Mohamud, 30, gave birth to a baby girl during the night. Mariam wrapped her child in a red cloth and holds her at a health-screening center run by Doctors Without Borders in Dagahaley refugee camp.
Patients are ferried in an impromptu ambulance en route to the Doctors Without Borders hospital. Measles and malnutrition are growing problems in the overcrowded Kenyan camp near the Somali border.
A Somali refugee woman cradles her baby after dousing her elder daughter with water to keep cool under the sweltering sun.
A father cradles his severely malnourished child on a bus provided by UNHCR and IOM to move a group of stranded and vulnerable refugees from Hamey, Kenya. Most refugees make the journey from the border to the camps by foot at great peril. The roads are lined with bandits and many women report being raped during the trek.
Refugees wait at a reception center immediately after arriving from Somalia. The registration process, which is key for refugees to get a regular, predictable and adequate supply of food, has become backlogged forcing many to wait two months to be formally recognized.
Malaboy, 26, cradles her severely malnourished baby, Mahad, 2. The family arrived in June after fleeing drought and war in Baidabo, Bay region, Somalia. The journey took them 20 days. During their journey, they were set upon by bandits who beat the adults. Mahad was later admitted to a therapeutic feeding center.
Somali children play in a field next to an open-air madrasa at Ifo extension, a part of a complex of three camps surrounding Dadaab, Kenya.
UNHCR prepares tents for refugee families that will be transferred from self-settled areas around Ifo camp to a more formally organized settlement in Ifo extension where there is better access to water, sanitation and security.
Two Somali refugee girls run through a dust storm on the outskirts of Ifo settlement.
Young girls and women wait to collect water from a water point at Ifo extension. UNHCR began moving families from the self-settled areas at the outskirts of the camp to Ifo extension in July 2011.
Young girls and women wait to collect water from a water point at Ifo extension. UNHCR is settling approximately 300 families per day at Ifo extension as of the end of July.
A Somali girl collects water for her family in the desert at the edge of Ifo camp. These settlements are unlit and lack security. The duty of fetching water culturally falls to girls. They are at risk of being attacked and raped.
Somali refugees dig the grave of Ibrahim Issack, a six-year-old child who died of complications of severe malnutrition a month after arriving in the camp, according to his uncle Hassan Issack. "We fled Buaale and traveled for 21 days by foot. It was very tiresome. we walked through drought with no food and little water. Along the way we were robbed and women were raped.
A neighbor digs the grave of Raba Hassan, a 35-year-old refugee from Somalia. Hassan arrived two months ago after a 290 km journey from Sakow, Somalia. Her five children survive her.
A severely malnourished child in Dagahaley. Hundreds of Somali refugees are arriving each day having fled drought, famine and civil war in Somalia.
As many as 3.2 million Somalis were suffering from hunger. More than 29,000 children under the age of five died during the last few months due to severe drought and famine during the last 60 years that hit parts of Somalia. Thousands of other children were rushed to hospital with a terrible flogging starvation. Similarly, thousands of women became the victims of this famine. Famine caused by drought is a natural occurrence in Africa. But, the foreign interference which led to various conflicts has compounded the problem in the Horn of Africa. This region has long suffered, and in situations of protracted conflict.
In 1884, the Europe agreed to occupation, colonization, invasion, and annexed Africa. Britain, France and Italy claimed the territory in the country now known as Somalia. For 40 years, British control of Northern Somalia because of its access to the Red Sea. Italy had invaded southern Somalia. While the French control of neighboring Djibouti.
United Nations as a multilateral institution is too late to take the emergency action, even the UN tend to let the situation of hunger in Somalia. Famine Early Warning Systems Network has long warned of hunger crisis in Somalia, but the UN to let the situation in Somalia continues to last for many years until on July 20, 2011 ago, the UN began to mention the existence of hunger.
► Population Explorer
► FEWS NET NOAA early warning products
Western aid agencies are no longer paying attention to the famine. They only pretend to want to help the starving in Somalia, but no concrete action. World Food Programme (WFP), Oxfam and other agencies do not actually distribute the food.
The institutions do not put their staff in the area of hunger. They do not even have the guts to distribute aid to the outposts of Somalia because of potential reasons for the unrest. Another fact, the United States pressed the UN aid agencies not to send their aid to southern Somalia since late 2009, with the pretext of the aid would be sabotaged by Al Shabaab group.
Somalia crisis is indeed ironic, considering this country actually has an enormous wealth of nature. Geographically, Somalia is bordered by Djibouti to the northwest, Kenya to the southwest, the Gulf of Aden and Yemen in the north, the Indian Ocean in the east, and has the longest coastline in Africa as far as 2720 km. With this position, Somalia is placed as a gateway to South Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, a location that can be used to control the territory.
Based on geological research, Somalia is rich in uranium, natural gas, and petroleum. The potential for oil reserves from concession area of Africa Oil and Range Resources (two oil companies that have exploration licenses in Somalia) to reach 10 billion barrels. Previously, the four big American oil companies (Conoco, Chevron, Amoco, and Phillips) have been awarded the concession for drilling in two-thirds of Somalia territory.
Based on the above facts, it is clear that the cause of famine in Somalia is not because they are originally a poor country, but their wealth has been sucked up by the multinational companies.
After afflicted by conflict, in fact since 2006 the country was beginning to enjoy stability. At that time, the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) took over the Mogadishu and some regions in the south of the country. ICU has been succesful to defeat the tribal warlords. After years of the country without law, UIC successfully implemented some Islamic sharia law in the country. But this is not favored by the U.S..
► http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/para/icu.htm
► http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/africa/jan-june06/somalia_06-08.html
► http://www.pbs.org/newshour/indepth_coverage/africa/somalia/index.html
► http://www.jamestown.org/single/?no_cache=1&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=803
► http://www.irinnews.org/Region.aspx?Region=HOA
According to the confidential diplomatic cables released by Wikileaks, there was a secret agreement between the U.S. government and Ethiopia to invade Somalia. The report indicated that Ethiopia has no intention to invade Somalia and said the U.S. was behind it all. Because has been bound by the war in Afghanistan and Iraq, the U.S. has no position to openly launch a major offensive against Somalia and must have the sponsorship of other countries such as Ethiopia.
As a result, more than 1 million people evacuated to stay away from areas of conflict. American war with using Ethiopia as its right hand against the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) has exacerbated the crisis of Africa.
The West was reluctant to provide serious assistance in Somalia. Unlike the other countries of their natural wealth is still potential for dredged such as Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Afghanistan, the West spends trillions of dollars to fight with many thousands of civilian casualties. In Somalia, the West tends to ignore it, whereas, if it is compared to the cost of war, the famine can be eliminated with fewer cost.
The response of a wealthy Muslim governments is also not better. Arab countries and Islamic nations are more preoccupied with political problems in their country, and no longer have time to think about the fate of Somali people who face the threat of extinction due to starvation. Many Muslim rulers who do not really care, prefer to spend property that had been looted by them for the benefit of no importance.
Qatar spent U.S. $ 430 million to buy the U.S. artwork within six years. Qatar also gives the unlimited credit to U.S. banks during the global financial crisis.
When children die from malnutrition, the Muslim rulers are too busy buying the U.S bankrupt banks, buy a beautiful villa or European football clubs. Sheikh Mansour bought the Manchester City at a price of 280 million dollars, Sulaiman Al Fahim acquired the Portsmout at a price of 98.67 million U.S. dollars, Prince Faisal bin Fahd bin Abdullah from Saudi Arabia intended to buy the Liverpool with the price range 515 million dollars. (... Dahliiing, what is the cost of our five camels at the Airport?...
)Famine in East Africa is a problem for all people in the world. The solution to this problem lies in the government. Reunification of the Muslim countries can potentially put an end to the foreign interference and will utilize the resources to solve the basic needs of society.
*****
A U S T R A L I A
Indian Ocean is a region that is experiencing the increasing strategic significantly. Total population of the region's 2.6 billion people, nearly 40% of world population, and contribute to 10% of global gross domestic product which is rising rapidly. Its sea lanes are also among the most important in the world. As many as 40% of global trade through the Indian Ocean, including 70% of the total traffic of oil products.
South Asia is witnessing the tremendous growth led by a rising great power: India. When energy security becomes more and more concern in many countries, the influence of Gulf countries is increasing. Meanwhile, the nations of Southeast Asia led by Indonesia is on a fast growth path.
Australia understands all these things implicitly. Their involvement with countries in the west are rising strongly. They are the nations of the Indian Ocean as they are also the nation from the Pacific Ocean. Australia has the largest maritime jurisdiction when compared with all countries of the Indian Ocean and the longest coastline of the Indian Ocean.
As a sign that they take seriously the vast and diverse region in the west of them, Australia recently held a meeting of Commonwealth Heads of Government in Perth, their national gateway to the Indian Ocean, and to the opportunities and challenges that exist there.
On this basis, Australia is now committed to working with other Indian Ocean countries to develop a sense of community in this region by intensifying practical gait that is directed to increase their prosperity and security. With this goal in mind, Kevin Rudd took part in the Council of Ministers of the Association of State Region Indian Ocean Rim (IOR-ARC) in Bangalore on November 15.
IOR-ARC is the only organization of the Indian Ocean that performs the ministerial meeting with members from all over the Indian Ocean region. IOR-ARC has a broad mandate to promote cooperation in this very diverse region, and has the potential to make a difference.
Australia wants to work with other members to make a difference in the IOR-ARC. I think they can do so well with the suggested ways of practical and specific so that the members can work together more closely.
They want to develop and to build the habit of cooperation in the service of common interests. The challenge for them in Bangalore is how to identify the concrete steps towards the more practical cooperation and effective in such areas as the management of fishing in a sustainable manner, cooperation on climate change science, food safety and ocean science, disaster management, maritime safety and security, trade facilitation, as well as the most urgent: piracy.
Maybe they are not looking for major breakthroughs in Bangalore, but they need to be committed to revive the IOR-ARC in order to give a fresh direction. In the next two years, Australia will become vice chairman, with the support of India's leadership as chairman. Two years after that, they will become chairman, and they themselves will rely on advice and guidance of India through the troika of IOR-ARC's chairman in the past, present, and future.
Indian Ocean is a region where many of the economic dynamics and strategy of the 21st century will take place. In order to keep the area remained peaceful and to make it more prosperous, they need a focused organization, practical, and active to realize the possibilities of their region's diverse.
They need the IOR-ARC to face this challenge. Australia stands ready to help do that, and they will look for partners from every corner of this area in order to face these challenges.
*****
Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard tosses an Australian Football League (AFL) football to U.S. President Barack Obama (L), in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, after their Oval Office meeting on March 7, 2011, in this photograph released to Reuters on March 9, 2011. (David Foote/AUSPIC/Handout)
Indian Ocean is a region that is experiencing the increasing strategic significantly. Total population of the region's 2.6 billion people, nearly 40% of world population, and contribute to 10% of global gross domestic product which is rising rapidly. Its sea lanes are also among the most important in the world. As many as 40% of global trade through the Indian Ocean, including 70% of the total traffic of oil products.
South Asia is witnessing the tremendous growth led by a rising great power: India. When energy security becomes more and more concern in many countries, the influence of Gulf countries is increasing. Meanwhile, the nations of Southeast Asia led by Indonesia is on a fast growth path.
Australia understands all these things implicitly. Their involvement with countries in the west are rising strongly. They are the nations of the Indian Ocean as they are also the nation from the Pacific Ocean. Australia has the largest maritime jurisdiction when compared with all countries of the Indian Ocean and the longest coastline of the Indian Ocean.
As a sign that they take seriously the vast and diverse region in the west of them, Australia recently held a meeting of Commonwealth Heads of Government in Perth, their national gateway to the Indian Ocean, and to the opportunities and challenges that exist there.
On this basis, Australia is now committed to working with other Indian Ocean countries to develop a sense of community in this region by intensifying practical gait that is directed to increase their prosperity and security. With this goal in mind, Kevin Rudd took part in the Council of Ministers of the Association of State Region Indian Ocean Rim (IOR-ARC) in Bangalore on November 15.
| Full members | Date of accession |
|---|---|
 Australia | March 1995 |
 Bangladesh | March 1999 |
 India | March 1995 |
 Indonesia | September 1996 |
 Iran | March 1999 |
 Kenya | March 1995 |
 Madagascar | September 1996 |
 Malaysia | September 1996 |
 Mauritius | March 1995 |
 Mozambique | September 1996 |
 Oman | March 1995 |
 Singapore | March 1995 |
 South Africa | March 1995 |
 Sri Lanka | September 1996 |
 Tanzania | September 1996 |
 Thailand | March 1999 |
 United Arab Emirates | March 1999 |
 Yemen | September 1996 |
IOR-ARC is the only organization of the Indian Ocean that performs the ministerial meeting with members from all over the Indian Ocean region. IOR-ARC has a broad mandate to promote cooperation in this very diverse region, and has the potential to make a difference.
Australia wants to work with other members to make a difference in the IOR-ARC. I think they can do so well with the suggested ways of practical and specific so that the members can work together more closely.
They want to develop and to build the habit of cooperation in the service of common interests. The challenge for them in Bangalore is how to identify the concrete steps towards the more practical cooperation and effective in such areas as the management of fishing in a sustainable manner, cooperation on climate change science, food safety and ocean science, disaster management, maritime safety and security, trade facilitation, as well as the most urgent: piracy.
Maybe they are not looking for major breakthroughs in Bangalore, but they need to be committed to revive the IOR-ARC in order to give a fresh direction. In the next two years, Australia will become vice chairman, with the support of India's leadership as chairman. Two years after that, they will become chairman, and they themselves will rely on advice and guidance of India through the troika of IOR-ARC's chairman in the past, present, and future.
Indian Ocean is a region where many of the economic dynamics and strategy of the 21st century will take place. In order to keep the area remained peaceful and to make it more prosperous, they need a focused organization, practical, and active to realize the possibilities of their region's diverse.
They need the IOR-ARC to face this challenge. Australia stands ready to help do that, and they will look for partners from every corner of this area in order to face these challenges.
*****
S L A V E R Y
P E N G U I N
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