UN official urges Israelis and Palestinians to intensify efforts to resolve conflict

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Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Oscar Fernandez-Taranco. UN Photo/Evan SchneiderA senior United Nations political official today urged Israel and the Palestinians to redouble efforts to resolve all their permanent status issues, end the conflict and establish an independent and democratic Palestinian state that will exist peacefully alongside Israel.

?Leadership is needed to ensure that the process moves forward with the support of the regional and international partners,? said Oscar Fernandez-Taranco, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, as he briefed the Security Council on the situation in the Middle East.

He told the Council?s open debate, which heard from over 40 speakers, that Israeli and Palestinian negotiators had started meeting on 3 January under the facilitation of King Abdullah of Jordan and the country?s Foreign Affairs Minister, in the presence of envoys of the so-called Quartet ? the diplomatic grouping bringing together the UN with the European Union, Russia and the United States. It was the first time both parties had held direct talks in 15 months.

?The parties began discussing important issues related to territory and security,? said Mr. Fernandez-Taranco. ?They are also discussing ways to build confidence and create a positive environment for these talks to succeed,? he added.

?Neither the international community nor the parties can afford to let this opportunity pass by. The Secretary-General continues to call on the Israeli and Palestinian leaders to show vision, courage and determination to reach a historical peace agreement that would meet the legitimate aspirations of the people on both sides,? said Mr. Fernandez-Taranco.

Actions on the ground, however, continue to contribute to tensions, he told the Council. Settlement activity, including in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, continued during the reporting period. Violence between Israeli settlers and Palestinians also remain troubling.

On the continuing bloody unrest in Syria, Mr. Fernandez-Taranco told the Council that the bloodshed and human rights violations must stop for a credible, inclusive and Syrian-led political process to start in that country.

?We hope that the international community will act in a concerted and coherent manner in support of ongoing efforts for a peaceful resolution of the crisis,? he said.

The UN also continues to monitor the influx of Syrian refugees into Lebanon, he said, adding that both the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Lebanese Government had registered 5,660 Syrian refugees. The significant increase in number is largely due to intensified refugee registration, he added.

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Ban condemns killing of Syrian Arab Red Crescent chief

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Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. UN Photo/Paulo FilgueirasSecretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned today the killing of the head of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, Abd-al-Razzaq Jbeiro.

According to media reports, Mr. Jbeiro, the Secretary-General of the humanitarian organization, was shot dead in an attack that targeted a vehicle he was driving in that was clearly marked with the Red Crescent emblem.

Mr. Ban extended his condolences to Mr. Jbeiro?s family and colleagues and called on the Syrian Government to investigate the crime and bring the perpetrators to justice.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban also reminded everyone of their obligation to ?rMr. Ban also reminded everyone of their obligation to ?respect and protect humanitarian workers as they perform their duties and impartially serve all those who are in need.?espect and protect humanitarian workers as they perform their duties and impartially serve all those who are in need.?

The UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Valerie Amos, also said she was deeply shocked by Mr. Jbeiro?s killing and sent her sincere condolences to his family and colleagues, on behalf of the humanitarian community.

The murder ?serves to remind us of the dangers faced by humanitarian workers in Syria and in other crisis situations,? said Ms. Amos, who is also the UN Humanitarian Coordinator.

?All humanitarians work on the basis of strict impartiality and neutrality. We want to save lives and protect the vulnerable. These principles must be respected,? she stressed.

Last week, Mr. Ban renewed his call on the Syrian authorities to end the ongoing bloodshed in the country, which has, since March, been in a maelstrom of an uprising which has led to the deaths of more than 5,000 people.

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Senior UN official encourages strong humanitarian partnership with Oman

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Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Valerie Amos. UN Photo/Mark GartenA senior United Nations official today hailed Oman?s growing role in responding to disasters and in search and rescue operations, while calling for strengthening of the world body?s partnership with the country on humanitarian issues.

?The relationship between Oman and OCHA has developed substantially in recent years, and OCHA attaches great importance to the increasing role of the Sultanate in regional and international humanitarian affairs,? said Valerie Amos, the head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Ms. Amos, who is also Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, met with a number of senior officOman has a wealth of experience to share with the entire international humanitarian community, and OCHA stands ready to support and facilitate any such exchange of information and knowledge.ials during her one-day visit, which followed a visit yesterday to neighbouring Qatar.

?Oman has built a strong national capacity to respond to natural disasters and shown its commitment to disaster preparedness through a comprehensive reorganization of its disaster management and emergency response systems,? she stated.

?Oman has a wealth of experience to share with the entire international humanitarian community, and OCHA stands ready to support and facilitate any such exchange of information and knowledge.?

Examples of collaboration include a workshop in the capital, Muscat, in January 2010 that established the Regional Humanitarian Information Network for the Middle East, and Oman?s hosting of a course in 2009 on training disaster responders from the region in humanitarian coordination and assessment.

The country is also an active participant in the global International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) network of countries and organizations dedicated to urban search and rescue and operational field coordination.

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Experts from UN nuclear watchdog agency to visit Iran next week

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Experts from the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will visit Iran next week in an effort to resolve outstanding issues related to the country?s nuclear programme, it was announced today.

Last November the head of the IAEA said there is ?credible? information that Iran is developing a nuclear weapon and had called on the country to agree to a visit by a high-level team to clarify the nature of its nuclear programme.

In a statement issued today in Vienna, where the Agency is based, Director General Yukiya Amano announced the upcoming visit, which will take place from 29 toThe overall objective of the IAEA is to resolve all outstanding substantive issues. 31 January.

?The overall objective of the IAEA is to resolve all outstanding substantive issues,? said the statement.

The team will be led by the Deputy Director General for Safeguards, Herman Nackaerts, and will include the Assistant Director General for Policy, Rafael Grossi.

?The Agency team is going to Iran in a constructive spirit, and we trust that Iran will work with us in that same spirit,? said Mr. Amano.

Iran has repeatedly stated that its nuclear programme is for the peaceful purpose of providing energy, but many countries contend it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons.

The Security Council has imposed four rounds of sanctions against Iran, citing the proliferation risks of its nuclear programme and its continued failure to cooperate with the IAEA.

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Iraq’s execution of 34 people in one day �shocking’ – UN human rights chief

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The United Nations human rights chief said today she was shocked at reports that 34 people were executed in Iraq in a single day last week and called on the country to institute an immediate moratorium on the use of the death penalty.

?Even if the most scrupulous fair trial standards were observed, this would be a terrifying number of executions to take place in a single day,? High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay stated in a news release.

?Given the lack of transparency in court proceedings, major concerns about due process and fairness of trials, and the very wide range of oMost disturbingly, we do not have a single report of anyone on death row being pardoned, despite the fact there are well documented cases of confessions being extracted under duress.ffences for which the death penalty can be imposed in Iraq, it is a truly shocking figure,? she added.

The 34 individuals, including two women, were executed on 19 January following their conviction for various crimes, according to the UN human rights office (OHCHR).

The total number of individuals sentenced to death in Iraq since 2004 is believed to stand at more than 1,200. The total number actually executed since then is not known, although at least 63 individuals are thought to have been executed in the past two months alone.

The death penalty can be imposed in Iraq for around 48 crimes, including a number of non-fatal crimes such as ? under certain circumstances ? damage to public property.

?Most disturbingly,? said Ms. Pillay, ?we do not have a single report of anyone on death row being pardoned, despite the fact there are well documented cases of confessions being extracted under duress.?

She called on the Government to implement an immediate moratorium on the institution of death penalty, noting that around 150 countries have now either abolished the death penalty in law or in practice, or introduced a moratorium.

The High Commissioner also urged the Government ?to halt all executions and, as a matter of urgency, review the cases of those individuals currently on death row.?

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NPA to increase prices of LPG, kerosene, premix fuel February 1

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Gas shortage

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Alex Mould, has said by February 1st LPG, kerosene and premix fuel prices will see a 46%, 93% and 151% respective price increase in accordance with the prevailing ruling of an Accra High Court on January 24.

He said the price increase is the best alternative for the NPA if it is to go through with the court’s option of seeking Parliamentary approval before imposing the ex-refinery differential margin as a tax.

Addressing a press conference in Accra on Thursday, the NPA boss said “the only way we can be stopped to do this, if we review the price, is if there is a government intervention. ”

Mr. Mould, however, said the regulatory body in the best interest of Ghanaians, and in consultation with the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), Bulk Distribution Companies, Government and the Association of Oil Marketing Companies, has decided to comply with the other option provided by the courts.

He said on January 13 2012, the Authority thus submitted a revised petroleum products pricing formula, which includes the ex-refinery differential margin, to be published in the gazette. He noted therefore that the decision was taken prior to the ruling of January 24th of an Accra High Court.

On the issue of the government subsidy, Mr Mould clarified that government had decided not to subsidise petroleum products from the previous price buildup of $92 to the current price buildup of $110 per barrel of oil.

He noted, however, that “they have put in a hedging mechanism… if prices do go above a $110 then they will be able to have defined revenue should they want to subsidise petroleum products. ”

Source: Citifmonline

Ne-Yo Becomes Motown Vice-President

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Ne Yo

R&B singer Ne-Yo has become vice president of the legendary music label Motown, it has been announced.

The star’s new role will incorporate producing, song writing, mentoring the label’s artistes and seeking out new talent.

The 32-year-old, who had previously been signed to Def Jam, will also release his fifth studio album this year with Motown.

“I’m honoured that I’ve been given such a prestigious title,” he said.

The singer added he felt “terrified” taking over a role that ‘King of Motown’ Smokey Robinson had previously occupied.

“These are big shoes to fill. But trust, I can handle it,” Ne-Yo said.

Motown’s chief executive officer Barry Weiss said: “This move to Motown will provide new and inspiring challenges for Ne-Yo as both an artiste and a key member of the new senior management team that is taking form at the label in 2012.”

Ne-Yo released four albums with Def Jam, earning a total of 4.3m record sales in the US, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

His debut record, which was released in 2006, featured his first number one single ‘So Sick’.

His 2008 album, ‘Year of the Gentleman’, reached number two in the UK, with the single ‘Closer’ topping the singles chart.

Did Mills Read Through $3 bn Loan Agreement? How Can You Owe Someone ¢4 & Pay ¢7?

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President John Evans Atta Mills

The Minority in Parliament is claiming that in addition to the principal and interests, the government of Ghana will have to pay close to $2.3 bn more for the $3 billion loan it intends securing from the China Development Bank (CDB).

The Minority argues that this smacks of corruption or a lack of due diligence on the agreement by the Mills’ administration.

NPP MP for Manhyia, Matthew Opoku-Prempeh, who referred to the off-taker agreement before Parliament, said though the principal amount of $3 billion plus interest comes to 4.6 billion dollars, the country is committing nearly 7 billion dollars worth of crude oil to the Chinese.

He wondered if the president was aware of the true cost of the loan to the country.

“When the president was approving this off-taker agreement, where was [his mind]? Did he read [the document]? How can you owe someone 4.6 cedis and pay 7 cedis”? Hon. Matthew Opoku-Prempeh asked.

According to him, it is mind-boggling that for the three years President Mills has been in power, crude oil has never sold below $100 per barrel, yet the government decided to peg the price of the commodity to be sold to the Chinese at $85 per barrel when it entered into an agreement with them.

Additionally, he said, the off-taker agreement on the $3 billion CBD loan provides that the Chinese can lift oil from Ghana for up to 20 years, but the Petroleum Revenue Management Law states clearly that petroleum revenues cannot be collatoralised for more than 10 years.

The Ministry of Finance is yet to respond to the issues raised by the Minority.

Source: Peacfmonline

Castle gives foot soldier, Dr. Asemfofro, two cars

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Dr. Asemfoforo with his new castle reward car

Mr. Osei Yaw Nketia, otherwise known as Dr. Asemfoforo, a critic of the then ruling NPP government who purportedly mobilized massive support for the NDC during the 2008 elections, has promised to lead foot soldiers to campaign massively for NDC this year because top government officials have given him two vehicles.

His decision is in variance to his earlier position to lead a campaign for the NPP against the NDC because the NDC had been ungrateful to him.

In an interview with Adom News, Dr. Asemfoforo, said he rescinded his decision after he received the two (2) cars; a pick-up from Vice President John Mahama, and a saloon car from Minister of State at the presidency, Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo.

Dr. Asemfoforo says the two cars have rekindled his love for the party so he will campaign for President John Evans Atta Mills.

He started his campaign by saying “President Mills has a kind heart and he will win this year’s election.”

Months ago, Dr. Asemfoforo was widely reported to have been bed-ridden due to ill health and he called for help from the NDC but did not get much of that.

Dr. Asemfoforo

Dr. Asemfoforo claimed he fought for the party when some ministers who now ride in expensive cars were nowhere.

He says he stood for NDC, sometimes at the peril of his life, and yet when he needed help the most he did not get it.

But he said the two cars are satisfactory rewards for his efforts for the NDC.

Meanwhile Hon. Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo has told Adom News he helped Dr. Asemfoforo because, he (Asemfoforo) was so instrumental in bringing the NDC into power during the 2008 elections and felt he has not benefited from the Better Ghana Agenda that much.

Source: Adom News

I Am Ready- Says Frimpong

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Frank Kwame Gyasi Frimpong ,aka Cabum

Although Frank Kwame Gyasi Frimpong is new on the hiplife/hip-hop music scene, he appears determined to make it to the top despite the delay in releasing his maiden album, ‘Fano Normal’.

He is a great talent and definitely too hot to handle. He has a silky voice and is very good in the studio and on stage, and can thrill fans to a spectacular live-stage performance.

Frank Frimpong, artistically known as Cabum, is seen as a talented musician who has indeed proven beyond all doubts that he has come to stay.

 For many who have had the opportunity to listen to some of his songs, Cabum is not only a prolific singer and a songwriter but he is also a producer and sound engineer.

Although Cabum is young, he told BEATWAVES that his main aim was to reach the top of the ladder, saying, “I am ready to make my presence felt in the music industry. My target is to reach the top of the ladder”.

Cabum is optimistic that his style of play, coupled with the fact that most of his songs are fused with hip-pop and traditional rhythms, would make his album a success when it hits the market.

He has developed a strong passion for hip-hop music and his 10-track album is a great delight to listen to as the lyrics focus on real life issues.

The lyrics of the album and his good vocal power are neatly arranged with good rhythms and danceable beats.

With his presence on the music scene, Cabum has promised to run things in a different dimension with support from Lexis B of Hitz FM.

By George Clifford Owusu

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