Five years after Georgia's Rose Revolution and weeks after the Russian-Georgian
War, correspondent Sonja Pace visited the Caucasus nation to check on Georgia:
Beyond the War. Our special report includes video, an interactive timeline,
slideshows and more. Follow economic news on our Global Economic Turmoil page.
And, VOANews.com, with its new community site USAVotes2008.com, will continue
to provide you with coverage on the transition from President Bush to President
Obama.
Obama: Economy to Get Worse Before Better
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In an interview broadcast Sunday on NBC television, Mr. Obama called the
country's two million lost jobs and the fragility of the international
financial system a 'big problem'
President-elect Barack Obama says the U.S. economy is going to get even worse
before it gets better.President-elect Barack Obama In a U.S. television
interview broadcast Sunday on NBC's Meet the Press, Mr. Obama called the
country's two million lost jobs and the fragility of the international
financial system a "big problem."The president-elect said one of his first
priorities when he takes office January 20th will be to push ahead with major
infrastructure projects to create jobs. He said that would help the U.S economy
in the short-term and would be a "down payment" for long-term growth.Mr. Obama
also said the government should not allow the ailing U.S. auto industry to
collapse. But he said the government should not run the auto companies, and
that any assistance should come with conditions to make the manufacturers build
fuel-efficient cars. The auto industry is a key part of the U.S. manufacturing
sector, which makes up nearly one-fifth of the world's largest economy.The
economic crisis was triggered earlier this year by a housing crisis in the
United States that destabilized the U.S. financial system and caused chaos in
economies throughout the world.
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Pakistani Militants Destroy Western Army Vehicles
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Police say assailants blasted their way into two transport terminals near the
northwestern city of Peshawar Sunday using rockets, guns and hand grenades
Authorities in Pakistan say that scores of suspected Taliban militants attacked
and destroyed more than 100 trucks loaded with supplies and military vehicles
for NATO and U.S troops in neighboring Afghanistan. Ayaz Gul reports from
Islamabad that a security guard was also killed in the attack. Rows of
destroyed Humvees and military trucks are seen at the Portward Logistic
Terminal in Peshawar, Pakistan, Sunday, 07 Dec. 2008
The pre-dawn Taliban raid took place at a logistics terminal in the
northwestern Pakistani city of Peshawar where dozens of trucks carrying Humvees
and other military vehicles were parked. The terminal manager, Kifayatullah
Khan, tells VOA there were a total of 106 vehicles and the heavily armed men
destroyed all of them before fleeing the scene. "There were around 300 people
who came and attacked the terminal. They first fired on our main gate with a
rocket, damaging the gate and making their entrance," Khan said. "When they
entered the terminal they started firing in different directions. One of our
security guards was killed in the incident." More than 70 percent of supplies
for NATO and U.S forces stationed in landlocked Afghanistan are trucked through
Peshawar after they are unloaded from ships at the southern Pakistani port city
of Karachi. But the supplies have come under frequent attacks by Taliban
militants at logistic terminals in and around Peshawar as well as while passing
through the Khyber Pass. Pakistani authorities suspended traffic through the
Khyber Pass for several days in November after militants hijacked more than a
dozen trucks on the their way to Afghanistan. Sunday's raid is being described
by many in the region as the most serious of the recent such attacks. It has
fueled concerns that Taliban militants are tightening their hold in and around
Peshawar and could choke the supply route. The U.S military says its losses in
the latest raid will have only a "minimal" impact on its operations against
Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan. Pakistan is a close ally in the U.S-led war
against terrorism. Its troops are engaged in anti-Taliban operations in the
volatile tribal areas bordering Afghanistan where militants have their
strongholds. Insurgents have retaliated by launching suicide and other
attacks, killing hundreds of Pakistani security personnel as well as civilians.
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Ghanaians Vote in Large Numbers for New President, Parliament
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Voters in Ghana go to polling stations hours early to elect a new president,
230 members of parliament
Voters in Ghana have been going to the polls Sunday to elect a new president
and 230 members of parliament. Current President John Kuffuor is stepping down
after eight years in office and a new leader will be taking over.
Freemia Adiui casts his vote for president at the Victory International polling
station in Accra, Ghana, 07 Dec 2008Voters in Ghana turned out early and in
large numbers. VOA's Peter Clottey reported from Accra that some voters
arrived as early as three o'clock in the morning, four hours before the polls
opened."Turnout has been particularly impressive. Where I am standing now, the
line is approximately over a mile long and this is the smallest I have seen
this morning," he said.The candidate of outgoing President John Kuffuor's New
Patriotic Party, Nana Akufo-Addo, was in a tight race with opposition candidate
John Atta-Mills of the National Democratic Congress founded by former President
Jerry Rawlings. Six other candidates were also running for the country's top
political office.Fashion designer Rick Joe Amuzu was one of the early voters.
He praised the record of the governing N.P.P. party, but added that after eight
years in power it was time for new leadership."Actually, the N.P.P., they did
well. They moved the country. From 2000 to 2008 we are moving forward but we
need a change," said Amuzu.Homemaker Lucky Kunpe says she voted for change
because the cost of living is too high.
"Our petrol, our food, is too high. And our condition of living here is very
strong [difficult]," said Kunpe.But tailor Kwesi Burger praised the current
government and said he voted for continuity."The way things are going, I do not
think we need change now. Things are moving in the right direction so we do
not have to change things now," said Burger. "We have to move forward a
little."But he said the new government must make it easier for people like him
to obtain bank loans to expand their businesses.Artisan Warren Kwame-Nyame said
he voted for the ruling party. But he wants the next government to improve
education and health care in the country."They need to concentrate more on
educating people. We are so far behind. Health [care] is very expensive,"
said Kwame-Nyame. "They started a national health insurance scheme but looking
at how it is going, it is not the best."Ghana's electoral commission promised a
free and fair vote and hundreds of national and international observers
deployed around the country to monitor the polling.Results are expected within
a few days.
------------------------------------------------------
Zimbabwe: West Exploits Cholera to Undermine Mugabe
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Raila Odinga says if no AU troops are available, UN should send its own forces
to take over control of Zimbabwe in order to save Zimbabweans from dying of
cholera and starvation
Kenya's prime minister has called for foreign troops to enter Zimbabwe to help
end that country's deepening humanitarian crisis.Kenyan PM Raila Odinga, speaks
to the media in Nairobi, 07 Dec 2008Speaking in Nairobi Sunday, Raila Odinga
said the African Union must immediately authorize sending troops into Zimbabwe.
He said if no AU troops are available, the AU must allow the United Nations to
send its own forces into Zimbabwe. Mr. Odinga said the foreign troops would,
in his words, take over control of the country and ensure urgent humanitarian
assistance to people dying of cholera and starvation.Nearly 600 people have
died from cholera in Zimbabwe since an outbreak that began in August. The
country is also suffering from widespread food shortages and a breakdown of its
health care system.Elsewhere Sunday, a group of international statesmen said
the current Zimbabwean government cannot lead the country out of its
humanitarian crisis.The Elders group, which includes former U.S. President
Jimmy Carter and former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, is urging the
Southern African Development Community (SADC) to engage more actively in
helping Zimbabwe transition to a more inclusive power sharing
government.Power-sharing talks between the party of President Robert Mugabe and
the opposition led by Morgan Tsvangirai have been stalled for months.State-run
media in Zimbabwe Sunday accused the West of using the cholera outbreak to
rally support for regime change. The editorial in the Sunday Mail newspaper
says U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Race is using the health crisis to
appeal for the toppling of President Robert Mugabe, "instead of marshaling
humanitarian assistance."Rice said Friday that it is well past time for Mr.
Mugabe to leave office and urged African nations to take stronger action
against his government.The Mugabe government has repeatedly blamed the
country's problems on Western sanctions that target the president's aides and
allies. Critics blame Zimbabwe's collapse on mismanagement and repressive
policies.Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
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Millions of Muslims Ask Forgiveness on Sacred Mount at Hajj Climax
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Puffs of smoke rose into the air, and swirled around, driven by a light breeze,
as the vast swell of Muslim pilgrims from all over the world stood on Mount
arafat and prayed in the sun on a warm December day
Vast swells of pilgrims congregated on Mount Arafat in one of the major focal
points of the annual Hajj to Mecca. Saudi authorities say this year's Hajj has
been without incident, unlike many previous years, as Edward Yeranian reports
from Cairo.Pilgrims listened with rapt attention to the sermon from Namera
Mosque on Mount Arafat, on the second day of the annual Muslim pilgrimage to
Mecca.Muslim pilgrim pray outside Namira mosque in Arafat near Mecca, Saudi
Arabia, 07 Dec 2008The ascent of Mount Arafat began early, and by sunrise
hundreds of thousands of white cloaked pilgrims had converged on the site where
Mohammed was reputed to have delivered his last sermon, about 14 centuries
ago.Puffs of smoke rose into the air, and swirled around, driven by a light
breeze, as the vast swell of pilgrims stood on the mountain and prayed in the
sun on a warm December day.Sheikh Abdallah Musfar says the climb of Mount
Arafat is the best and most memorable day of the Hajj, and explains its
significance.He says that on this day, every second and every minute is devoted
to God. Arafat, he insists, is the best day of all, because God came and
appeared in the sky to the Muslim faithful, to deliver a message, and then
re-appeared every night, in all his glory to both the angels in the sky and to
man on earth.Saudi government TV reports that up to three million pilgrims are
present in Mecca for this year's Hajj, and that no serious incidents have been
reported.Saudi Security forces, along with civil defense workers, and boy
scouts have been deployed to keep order and to assist pilgrims with food,
water, directions and first aid, when necessary.Saudi National Guard Health
Affairs Director Dr. Abdallah ben Abd al Aziz Rabeia explains how his men are
helping pilgrims on their journey.He says the National Guard participates in
the Hajj in many ways, including with troops stationed in Mina, in addition to
specialized clinics for the sick. He adds that the National Guard has 10
brigades of rapid intervention forces that are armed, just in case. Rescue
vehicles, equipped with beds, medications and mobile clinics are also on
call.Even boy scouts, like 16 year-old Abdallah Qadmy are participating in this
year's Hajj, putting in eight-hour days of welcoming pilgrims, giving
directions and providing water to the thirsty.He says that he came to Mecca
from his home town with a sincere desire to help pilgrims. He says it is a joy
to do this work and that one is rewarded by the sense of having done his
duty.At sunset, pilgrims descend Mount Arafat towards the Valley of Muzdalifa,
where they will remain for the night, before returning, Monday, to Mina, where
they will sacrifice a lamb to commemorate their pilgrimage.
------------------------------------------------------
Israeli PM: 'Ashamed' of Hebron Settler Violence Against Palestinians
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Ehud Olmert tells Cabinet that Jewish settlers' violence against Palestinians
amounted to a 'pogrom,' a word used to describe organized attacks or
persecution against Jews
Israeli PM Ehud Olmert attends the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, 07 Dec
2008Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has criticized recent attacks by Jewish
settlers against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank city of Hebron.Mr.
Olmert told his Cabinet Sunday that he was "ashamed" after seeing video of
Jewish settlers shooting at Palestinians late last week.He said the violence
amounted to a "pogrom," a word most often used to describe organized attacks or
persecution against Jews.On Thursday, Jewish settlers shot three Palestinians
and burned Palestinian homes and olive groves. The settlers were angered that
Israeli police had forcibly evicted a group of them from a disputed house, in
accordance with an order from Israel's Supreme Court.Meanwhile, an Israeli
human rights group said discrimination against Palestinians in the West Bank is
reminiscent of the apartheid regime in South Africa.The Association for Civil
Rights in Israel says the discrimination in services, budgets, and access to
natural resources between the two groups constitutes a gross violation of the
principle of equality.The group also notes the lack of proper infrastructure
and access to health services in Arab neighborhoods. Some information for this
report was provided by AFP and AP.
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Bush: Iraq Safer, More Democratic
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President says two agreements recently approved by the Iraqi government will
bring greater stability to the Middle East and help protect U.S. troops in Iraq
U.S. President George Bush is saluting Iraq's government for approving two
agreements with the United States, which he says will make Iraq's democracy
stronger. VOA's Kent Klein reports from Washington.President George W. Bush
talks to reporters on White House lawn, 05 Dec 2008In the final weeks of his
presidency, Mr. Bush is reminding Americans of the successes of his
administration, especially in Iraq.The president devoted his weekly radio
address Saturday to emphasizing the progress made since U.S. troop strength in
Iraq was increased in 2007."Today, violence is down dramatically. Our forces
have struck powerful blows against al-Qaida," said Mr. Bush. "The Iraqi
military is growing in capability, taking the lead in the fight against the
extremists, and working across sectarian lines. Sunni, Shia and Kurdish
leaders are sitting together at the same table to peacefully resolve their
differences and chart their country's future. And there is hope in the eyes of
young Iraqis for the first time in many years."Mr. Bush thanked Iraq's
government for approving two agreements with the United States in recent days.
He says the Strategic Framework Agreement will set out a common vision for the
future of U.S.-Iraqi relations."Under this agreement, we will work together to
bring greater stability to Iraq and the region. We will promote trade and
investment between our nations. And we will support Iraq's leaders and their
citizens as they strengthen their democratic institutions," Mr. Bush
said.President Bush also commended Iraq for ratifying the Status of Forces
Agreement, which he says will help protect U.S. troops and civilian workers as
Iraq's government exercises greater sovereignty."Our military commanders have
assured me that the agreement's provisions meet this purpose. At the same
time, it also respects the authority of the Iraqi government. And it lays out
a framework for the withdrawal of American forces in Iraq - a withdrawal that
is possible because of the success of the surge."President-elect Barack Obama
listens to a reporter's question during a news conference in Chicago, 26 Nov.
2008The radio address follows a speech at a Washington think tank on Friday, in
which Mr. Bush said his administration has made a positive difference
throughout the Middle East, mainly in Iraq and in the Israeli-Palestinian peace
process.In the Democratic Party radio address, President-elect Barack Obama
laid out several parts of his economic recovery plan, including proposals to
rebuild roads and schools. Mr. Obama says action is needed now."That is why I
have asked my economic team to develop an economic recovery plan for both Wall
Street and Main Street that will help save or create at least 2.5 million jobs,
while rebuilding our infrastructure, improving our schools, reducing our
dependence on oil, and saving billions of dollars."Mr. Obama, who will take
office on January 20, acknowledged Friday's announcement that 533,000 American
jobs were lost in November.
------------------------------------------------------
France, Eastern Europe Divided Over Climate Plan
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Sarkozy trying to sell ambitious EU climate package to leaders of Poland,
Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania and the Czech
Republic
French President Nicolas Sarkozy has failed to end disagreements with leaders
of nine eastern European nations on a plan to tackle global warming. Stefan Bos
reports from Budapest that Mr. Sarkozy made the comments after talks in
Poland.French President Nicolas Sarkozy, right, and former Polish President
Lech Walesa smile during their meeting in Gdansk, PolandFrench President
Nicolas Sarkozy tried to sell an ambitious EU climate package to the prime
ministers of Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Slovakia, Bulgaria,
Romania and the Czech Republic.The scheme, known as "three times 20", would
provide a 20 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, a 20 percent
increase in renewable energies, and 20 percent more energy efficiency by the
year 2020.But after his talks with the nine east European leaders, Mr. Sarkozy,
whose country holds the rotating presidency of the Eropean Union, admitted
there was no breakthrough although he remained hopeful an agreement could be
reached at an E.U. summit next week.The French president says he still believes
that all states present here are actively engaged in the protection of the
environment, and want to find a compromise." He adds that they would like to
see Europe send the whole world a message of respect regarding the calendar and
the objectives agreed upon earlier in March 2007 at the European Council, about
the 'three times 20' scheme. Mr. Sarkozy says an agreement can be achieved, as
in his words, "Europe must set an example. He cautions that if Europe wants to
set an example, then Europe must be credible.Yet, Polish Prime Minister Donald
Tursk has threatened to veto the plan, unless he wins fossil fuel concessions,
as his country relies on coal for more than 90 percent of its
electricity.Poland says it needs until 2020 to curb carbon emissions, for
example by using more efficient boilers and carbon-scrubbing equipment and
possibly building its first nuclear power plant. Eastern European leaders also
fear the emissions guidelines will harm their emerging economies at a time when
they try to catch-up with the richer West.Mr. Sarkozy met the prime ministers
in the Polish port city of Gdansk, where he and other officials marked the 25th
anniversary of Poland's Lech Walesa receiving the Nobel Peace Prize for his
role in promoting freedom and democracy.Mr. Walesa was leader of the Solidarity
trade union and eventually became Poland's first democratically elected
president after the collapse of Communism. In comments translated by the Polish
Radio External Service, Mr. Walesa said he regarded the prize as crucial in his
union's freedom fight. "This prize made me personally mortal. And it gave the
solidarity movement a new lease of life, so we could go on to victory. Without
that prize, I cannot imagine further successes. I am convinced that victory
would not have been possible," he said.While in Gdansk, French president
Sarkozy also met with Tibet's exiled leader, the Dalai Lama, despite warnings
from China that it could have a negative impact on ties between the two
countries.Mr. Sarkozy is the first European head of state to meet the Dalai
Lama while holding the European Union's rotating presidency.The French leader's
decision to engage with the Dalai Lama has so far seen Beijing retaliate by
canceling a China-EU summit in France. China, which views Tibet as its
territory, has also warned that China-France trade deals could suffer.
------------------------------------------------------
Rights Experts Push for World Court of Human Rights
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New Swiss initiative aims to address perceived deterioration in human rights
worldwide and marks the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights
The Swiss government is launching an Agenda for Human Rights that aims, among
other things, to establish a World Court of Human Rights over the next 10
years. A panel of eight "Eminent Persons" will oversee the work of the new
organization, which has been established to mark the 60th Anniversary of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Lisa Schlein reports for VOA at the
launch of the new Agenda in Geneva.Former Irish President and UN High
Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson during the launch of the Agenda for
Human Rights in Geneva, Switzerland, 5 Dec 2008The co-chair of the new
organization, Agenda for Human Rights, is Mary Robinson. She was UN High
Commissioner for Human Rights in 1998, when the 50th Anniversary of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights was celebrated.Robinson laments the past
10 years have seen a further deterioration of human rights around the world,
noting incidents of genocide and ethnic cleansing. She says the dignity of
millions of people continues to be violated by corruption, poverty, oppression
and war.The former high commissioner also says the emphasis on security in the
post 9/11 world is undermining fundamental standards in relation to torture.
In the name of fighting terrorism, she says people are being detained without
trial and sent to countries where they will be tortured.Robinson says the world
has not lived up to the promise of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights."A
reality that shames us frankly, that is not acceptable. If the world had taken
seriously the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we would have a world
where no parents would see their children waking up in the morning crying of
hunger, dying from preventable diseases," said Robinson. "There would not be
more than half a million mothers dying giving birth. We would have a different
world and it would be a much more secure world, of course."The new organization
plans to carry out research projects on themes aimed at strengthening the
Declaration and human rights. These include projects on human dignity,
prevention of violence, detention, migration, statelessness, the right to
health, climate change, and the creation of a world court of human rights.One
of the Eminent Persons on the Panel is Manfred Nowak, who is also UN Special
Investigator on Torture. He says there is an International Criminal Court that
holds individuals accountable for crimes against humanity, genocide and war
crimes.He says there are regional human rights courts in Europe, the Americas
and Africa committed to protecting human rights. But, what is lacking, he
says, is a World Court on Human rights that can deal with violations
globally."We would go beyond the powers of regional courts, by in particular
taking into account that in a global world, we have global responsibilities
that go beyond State responsibilities. But also holding accountable
inter-governmental organizations or transnational corporations or others that
violate human rights," Nowak said. "So, to give every individual victim of
major human rights violations, the right to a remedy before an international
human rights court." Nowak says the court could also decide on legally binding
reparations for the victims.The Eminent Persons acknowledge it may take 10
years for the court to become reality. But, they note the only way to have
true justice and to protect human rights is to have independent judges that are
not susceptible to corruption.
------------------------------------------------------
Health Concerns Cause Total Irish Pork Recall
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All Irish pork items being recalled after a cancer-causing agent found in pig
feed
A total pork-product recall from Ireland has been implemented after
slaughterhouse tests confirmed high levels of a cancer-causing toxin in meat.
The substance has come from contaminated feed and is a big blow to Ireland's
domestic and export pig industry.
Pork products from the Republic of Ireland are displayed at a local shop in
Belfast, Northern Ireland, 07 Dec 2008Irish pig producers are calling it an
absolute disaster.An international warning has gone out, and all Irish pork
items produced since September 1st are being recalled.The strict move followed
the discovery of high levels of dioxins in routine meat samples.It is not known
how the dixon-PCBs got into the pig feed in the first place, but it is a
substance that has been banned in Ireland since the 1970s.
"The levels in the pork itself were in the region of about 80 to 200 times
above the safe limits," said Alan Reilly, the chief executive of the Irish Food
and Safety Authority. It is believed that the known cancer-causing agent came
from a single supplier of contaminated feed that was used on about 50 farms.In
Ireland, grocery stores, pubs and restaurants are being asked to send all of
their recent pork purchases back to their suppliers and the general public is
being urged not to consume any of its domestic pork.But the issue goes much
further than that.Ireland's pig industry is worth more than $600 million per
year. Much of the product is exported to Europe and Asia.Last year, more than
113,000 tons of meat was shipped overseas. Irish Europe Minister Dick Roche
says immediately pulling the product is a tough, but correct decision."Our
reaction to it has been instantaneous. We made certain that producers know of
the problem. We made absolutely certain that customers and consumers know the
problem. We take strong action to remove any possibly contaminated product
from the shelves," said Roche.Experts say the danger of the contaminant would
come from ingesting the tainted meat over a long period of time, but consumers
are being urged to throw out any Irish pork they might have.About 7,000 people
are employed in Ireland's pig industry. The country's major pork-producing
international competitors include Brazil, the U.S. and Canada.
------------------------------------------------------
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