BURUNDI :

UN downsizes Burundi office

(AFP) – 2/1/2011  /  BUJUMBURA — The United Nations downsized its presence in troubled Burundi as a smaller office with a weaker mandate officially opened in the central African state Saturday.

In line with UN Security Council resolution 1959, the old UN Integrated Office in Burundi (BINUB) was replaced by the UN Office in Burundi (BNUB) on January 1.

Diplomats said the new, leaner structure is the result of growing displeasure from the regime in Bujumbura to the world body.

According to a BINUB statement received by AFP, the scaling down comes after UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the progress made by Burundi in eradicating political violence and consolidating peace.

In a report last month, Ban had nevertheless voiced concern over “signs of a returning climate of impunity, the resurgence of acts of torture, intimidation, extrajudicial executions and arrests of opposition members.”

The new office is expected to be downsized from 450 personnel to less than 60 and will be headed by Karin Landgren, a Swedish diplomat who is currently the UN representative in Nepal.

At a press conference on Friday, Burundian Foreign Minister Augustin Sanze said the UN office makeover was a tribute to what he claimed was an improvement in the political situation.

“Satisfied with the general political situation in Burundi, the UN has pledged from now on to support Burundi in development, reinforcing democratic institutions and civil society, making the independent human rights commission operational and setting transitional justice mechanisms,” he said.

But diplomats in Bujumbura said the change was the result of negotiations prompted by the regime’s initial intention to scrap the structure altogether.

Frederic Banvuginyunvira, a senior official with the opposition umbrella group Democratic Alliance for Change, told AFP that the UN’s weakened mandate in Burundi “comes at a very bad time”.

“We had requested that the BINUB be maintained because of resurging violence and political intolerance on the part of the regime, but our calls have gone unheeded,” he said.

Burundi is in the throes of a deep internal political crisis that erupted in mid-2010 when the opposition, including a former rebel group that had only recently disarmed, accused the regime of rigging elections.

Observers say the rebels are regrouping and several deadly incidents have been reported across the country in recent months, heightening fears of a return to the 1993-2006 civil war that left 300,000 people dead.

Egypt, Burundi Enhancing Energy Cooperation

– Reda Darwish           /  Sunday, 02 January 2011 01:22

Egypt’s Minister of Electricity and Energy Hassan Younis met with Burundian Minister of Energy and Mines Moise Bucumi and his accompanying delegation to tackle means of boosting cooperation in the power domain.

The Burundian side is seeking to benefit from Egypt’s expertise in preparing technical and economic studies to build a hydroelectric station in Kirasa city, a statement issued by the Electricity Ministry quoted Younis as saying.

The power station is a national strategic project in Burundi, where electricity only reaches two percent of the population, Bucumi said.

Burundi is keen to cooperate with Egypt to conduct research to operate the power station and develop human resources, he added.

Younis said a number of Egyptian experts were dispatched to Burundi to visit the station site and float several related recommendations.

Egypt has trained 55 Burundians as part of placing its expertise at the service of African countries, he added. (SIS) / Global Arab Network

RWANDA

Interest rates on microloans in Rwanda to drop

By ESTHER NAKKAZI  (email the author)     Posted Monday, January 3 2011 at 00:00

Rwandans will soon pay lower interest rates following the launch of the Transparent Pricing Initiative project in the country.

The initiative, which is already operational in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, is part of the broader MFTransparency programme aimed at impelling African microfinance institutions to price loans fairly and educate citizens on interest rates.

“Rather than attempt to control interest rates, we facilitate transparent pricing in microfinance products so that all stakeholders can be aware of the value of microloans in the market,” said Jordan Filko, the development and communications associate MFTransparency via e-mail.

This is done through training, and interest rate disclosure to the local industry stakeholders such as microfinance institutions and affiliates, regulators, funders, industry support organisations and research institutes.

“Transparency is a core business value and an indispensable tool in serving the poor and vulnerable. MFTransparency has come at the right time for the correct purpose and intent,” said Faustin Zihiga, chairman of the Association of Micro Finance Institutions in Rwanda (AMIR).

Typically, MFTransparency partners with a local microfinance institution network to launch the project.

Across the border, it partnered with the Association of Microfinance Institutions of Uganda and in Rwanda, AMIR.

MFTransparency collects microloan pricing data representing the majority of the market and publishes it on its website.

The organisation also creates financial literacy materials for clients to engage microloan borrowers directly.

Mr Filko said to ensure sustainable impact, new standards for communicating prices must be established, the flow of information between local actors must increase and the dialogue on how best to implement transparency for a strong market must continue.

MFTransparency operates on the premise that truly transparent markets are possible only through the combined efforts of all actors in the microfinance ecosystem.

“In order for clients to benefit, all stakeholders must be educated and informed about implementing transparent pricing practices,” said Mr Filko.

AMIR has been in operation since 2007, and is a key driver of the development of the Rwandan microfinance industry.

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UGANDA

Kenya deserves top seat, says Ugandan minister

Uganda’s EAC Affairs Minister Eriya Kategaya told the press in the country that under the traditional rotational arrangement, after the handover by Tanzania in April, the seat would be competed for by Kenya, Burundi and Rwanda.

TANZANIA:

Tanzania economy seen to grow by 7,2% in 2011

REUTERS | DAR ES SALAAM – Jan 02 2011  –  Tanzania’s economy is expected to grow by 7,2% in 2011 from an estimated 7,0% this year due to a strong recovery after the global financial crisis, the country’s president said on Friday.      

The government’s projections for the economy of east Africa’s second biggest economy beat the International Monetary Fund’s outlook for economic growth of 6,7% in 2011.

Tanzania, Africa’s fourth biggest gold producer, mainly depends on tourism, mining and agriculture and is increasingly attracting more investor interest in telecommunications, energy, manufacturing, financial services and transport.

“We expect that the economy will grow by 7% this year, compared with 6% in 2009,” President Jakaya Kikwete said in a year-end national address televised late on Friday.

“Our expectations are that the economy will grow by 7,2% during 2011 if everything goes to plan.”

A Reuters poll of nine economists showed in August Tanzania’s economy should grow 6,3% this year and 6,8% in 2011, thanks to robust activity in all sectors, while inflation will stay in single digits through to 2011.

A previous poll in March had projected economic growth of a median of 5,1% in 2010.

Kikwete said the inflation rate had declined from an average of 12,1% in 2009 to 5,5% in November 2010.

“Our intentions and expectations are that the inflation rate will continue to decline. Therefore, it is imperative that we should ensure the food availability situation in the country remains satisfactory,” he said.

The price of food, which carries the biggest weight in the basket of goods and services used to measure inflation, is a sensitive issue in Tanzania where the majority of the people live in poverty.

Good rains have helped keep inflation in in check but rising fuel prices threaten to exert upward pressure on prices.

Kikwete said Tanzania could face food shortages in 2011 because many parts of the country experienced lower-than-expected rainfall.

He said the government plans to raise its strategic grain reserve to 400 000 tonnes by 2015.

“We have bought 200 000 tonnes of food for the strategic grain reserve this year,” he said.

He said the government would make subsidised fertiliser available to more farmers to boost food output.

—Reuters

CONGO RDC :

KENYA :

Kenya, Uganda vigilant ahead of referendum

By CHARLES KAZOOBA  / Posted Monday, January 3 2011

As Sudan goes to the referendum next week, Kenya and Uganda are on high alert in anticipation of a spillover of violence.

This is because a lot is at stake for East Africa if the planned referendum turns chaotic.

Among other security measures, Uganda is strengthening its military presence at its border with Sudan, while Kenya is engaged in diplomatic talks with Khartoum and Juba.

“We are watching the border closely in case violence erupts in Sudan,” said Isaac Musumba, Uganda’s Minister for Regional Co-operation.

But the army leadership neither confirms nor denies that the government has deployed the military to the border.

“Don’t call it deployment. We have just stepped up vigilance,” said Lt Col Felix Kulayigye, the army spokesman.

Kampala has also identified potential areas for refugee camps should violence erupt in Sudan.

“We don’t want to be caught unawares should there be an influx of refugees,” said Uganda’s State Minister for Disaster and Refugees, Musa Ecweru.

Internal Affairs Minister Matia Kasaija said the government had put in place 24-hour surveillance at the borders to prevent wrong elements that could take advantage of the Sudan situation from crossing over.

There are fears that the recent simmering tension between the North and the oil-rich south, caused by intermittent air raids in Southern Sudan by the Sudanese army could plunge the region into instability.

Meanwhile, Kenya is diplomatically engaging both Juba and Khartoum, the seats of the two rival governments to avert a possible post-referendum violence.

“We hold regular talks with them and they have promised us they will have a peaceful referendum which will be held on time,” said Kenya’s Assistant Foreign Affairs Minister, Richard Onyonka.

Although Kenya and Uganda say they will respect the referendum outcome, it is believed they are pushing for the independence of Southern Sudan.

This stand was enhanced by a resolution by the East African Legislative Assembly in Kampala a fortnight ago, to develop a common position that will see the five partner states of the EAC support Southern Sudan in its breakaway bid.

“They (Southern Sudan) asked us to stand with them because they feel we are closer to them. We are going to support them in whatever way,” said Augustine Lotodo, a member of the EALA, representing Kenya.  /   flashad

ANGOLA :

Angola and Iran meet again with similar intentions

1/2/11    –   Dubai   –  ANGOP /   Dubai – After having played for the first time during the 2006 Germany World Cup, the national men’s football teams of Angola and of Iran will face-off again this Sunday in Doha (Qatar), in preparation for their participation in the second edition of the African Championships for home-based players (CHAN) and Asian Championship, respectively.

The competitions are different, but the objectives are similar, which is to get ready for their continental commitments, with the only difference being the one is only for home-based players (CHAN) and the other for every player. In their first encounter, the national teams drew 1-1, with goals from Flávio (Angola) and Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh (Iran).

The match against Angola might be the last for the Iranians before the competition, since the 15th edition of the Asian Championship shall be played from January 07 to 29 and they are set to debut on the 11th against Iraq.

Iran is in group D alongside North Korea, Iraq and United Arab Emirates.

On their turn, the Angolan squad will only begin competing in February in the African Championship. Due to this, after leaving Asia, they will head to Brazil where they have already confirmed three matches with local teams.

Angola is ranked 88 with 378 points in the FIFA rankings, whilst Iran are in the 66th position with 495 points.

SOUTH AFRICA:

South Africa becomes part of UN Security Council

Nation starts two-year tenure as non-permanent member / BY: Chris Davies | Sun Jan 2, 2011

http://www.africanbusinessreview.co.za/tags/united-nations/south-africa-becomes-part-un-security-council

Along with India, Colombia, Germany and Portugal, South Africa began a two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council on 1 January, 2011. Elected by the UN General Assembly on 12 October, 2010, South Africa also join Brazil, Nigeria, Lebanon, Gabon, and Bosnia-Herzegovina on the council, whose member seats expire at the end of 2011.

The country will serve on the Security Council for the second time, after previously being involved during the 2007 and 2008 term. The Department of International Relations and Co-operation (DIRCO) were positive over the contribution South Africa could make and would work closely with other members.

“South Africa is committed to making a contribution to the work of the Council in the maintenance of international peace and security, especially in Africa, and through this, the betterment of the conditions and lives of all,”

“To this end, South Africa will forge close partnerships with the other members of the Security Council,” said DIRCO.

In the past South Africa, Brazil and India have been reluctant to impose sanctions on nations such as Iran. However, Baso Sangqu, South Africa’s UN ambassador said that no new members wanted to cause friction or a stalemate between the council.

“All of us will be raising voices on issues that are important to us and we hope that this will have a collective impact in terms of how the council responds, but there won’t be a them and us kind of configuration,” said Sangqu.

AFRICA / AU :

Tanzania financial sector most rigid in East Africa, new IMF study reveals

By ADAM IHUCHA  (email the author) /  Posted Monday, January 3 2011 at 00:00

South Africa becomes part of UN Security Council

Nation starts two-year tenure as non-permanent member / BY: Chris Davies | Sun Jan 2, 2011

http://www.africanbusinessreview.co.za/tags/united-nations/south-africa-becomes-part-un-security-council

Along with India, Colombia, Germany and Portugal, South Africa began a two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council on 1 January, 2011. Elected by the UN General Assembly on 12 October, 2010, South Africa also join Brazil, Nigeria, Lebanon, Gabon, and Bosnia-Herzegovina on the council, whose member seats expire at the end of 2011.

The country will serve on the Security Council for the second time, after previously being involved during the 2007 and 2008 term. The Department of International Relations and Co-operation (DIRCO) were positive over the contribution South Africa could make and would work closely with other members.

“South Africa is committed to making a contribution to the work of the Council in the maintenance of international peace and security, especially in Africa, and through this, the betterment of the conditions and lives of all,”

“To this end, South Africa will forge close partnerships with the other members of the Security Council,” said DIRCO.

In the past South Africa, Brazil and India have been reluctant to impose sanctions on nations such as Iran. However, Baso Sangqu, South Africa’s UN ambassador said that no new members wanted to cause friction or a stalemate between the council.

“All of us will be raising voices on issues that are important to us and we hope that this will have a collective impact in terms of how the council responds, but there won’t be a them and us kind of configuration,” said Sangqu.

UN /ONU :

South Africa becomes part of UN Security Council

Nation starts two-year tenure as non-permanent member / BY: Chris Davies | Sun Jan 2, 2011

http://www.africanbusinessreview.co.za/tags/united-nations/south-africa-becomes-part-un-security-council

Along with India, Colombia, Germany and Portugal, South Africa began a two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council on 1 January, 2011. Elected by the UN General Assembly on 12 October, 2010, South Africa also join Brazil, Nigeria, Lebanon, Gabon, and Bosnia-Herzegovina on the council, whose member seats expire at the end of 2011.

The country will serve on the Security Council for the second time, after previously being involved during the 2007 and 2008 term. The Department of International Relations and Co-operation (DIRCO) were positive over the contribution South Africa could make and would work closely with other members.

“South Africa is committed to making a contribution to the work of the Council in the maintenance of international peace and security, especially in Africa, and through this, the betterment of the conditions and lives of all,”

“To this end, South Africa will forge close partnerships with the other members of the Security Council,” said DIRCO.

In the past South Africa, Brazil and India have been reluctant to impose sanctions on nations such as Iran. However, Baso Sangqu, South Africa’s UN ambassador said that no new members wanted to cause friction or a stalemate between the council.

“All of us will be raising voices on issues that are important to us and we hope that this will have a collective impact in terms of how the council responds, but there won’t be a them and us kind of configuration,” said Sangqu.

USA :

Ivory Coast Battle Over Embassies Moves to Washington

http://www.voanews.com/english/news/usa/Ivory-Coast-Battle-Over-Embassies-Moves-to-Washington-112680784.html

The Ivory Coast battle over ambassadors has moved to Washington where supporters of internationally-recognized President Alasanne Ouattara apparently forced the Ivorian embassy to shut down.  Incumbent Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo is refusing to step down following elections in November, despite growing outside pressure including from diplomatic postings. 

Protesters were hoping to storm the embassy and take down Mr. Gbagbo’s photograph inside the Ivory Coast embassy in Washington. 

But military guards refused them access, telling them the embassy was shut down for the holidays until January 3.

So instead the protesters put up a sign in French reading the “Ivory Coast ambassador has fled, Mr. Gbagbo is a rebel,” outside the entrance. 

Protesters had gotten a permit for the demonstration, and some said they believed this led to Ivorian authorities being alerted.  Several police cars milled around.

But one of the protest organizers Yacouba Kone considered Thursday’s action a victory.

“They decided to close because we were coming to do a demonstration, because they are scared of us,” said Kone. “This is a victory for us because, running away, it is like a war, when you run away, you are scared, so we won.  Surely they know that they are not [representing] the legitimate president of Ivory Coast so they are scared, and we will come back another day for the demonstration.”

Several families and individuals who came by to pick up visas or deliver paperwork were turned away.  A call to the embassy for comment was not answered.

Earlier in the week, an embassy spokesman said the ambassador previously appointed by Mr. Gbagbo, Charles Koffi was still at his desk working, but there was no sign of him at the compound on Thursday.

The protest in Washington follows similar protests around the world.

Countries where Ivorian embassies have been disrupted include France, Mali and Belgium, while this week an ambassador named by Mr. Ouattara received his credentials at the United Nations.

European countries and the United States have also said they are ready to work with diplomats appointed by Mr. Ouattara. Ivorian state media threatened that if that happens they will expel diplomats from those countries from Ivory Coast.

The Ivorian election commission and the United Nations declared Mr. Ouattara the winner in last month’s election in an election partly organized by the world body. But the Ivorian constitutional council threw out votes from the Ivory Coast rebel-held north, giving victory to Mr. Gbagbo.

U.S.-based Africa analyst J. Peter Pham says although these diplomatic disputes are grabbing headlines, he does not believe they alter the balance of power in southern Ivory Coast, where Mr. Gbagbo still controls the army, cocoa fields, state media and ports.

“It does not solve [Mr.] Ouattara’s basic problem,” said Pham. “The fact is his base of support is in the north. He has very little support in the south in the military and in the government bureaucracy so even if [Mr.] Gbagbo bows out tomorrow he is going to have a very difficult  time governing with a government bureaucracy that looks very suspiciously upon him.”

Mr. Ouattara has gotten the reins of Ivorian accounts in international banks, trying to strangle the pay of government workers who support Mr. Gbagbo. He remains holed up in a hotel in the main southern commercial city Abidjan, under the protection of U.N. peacekeepers and former rebels. 

Meanwhile, the incumbent president has recruited two high-profile French lawyers, Jacques Verges and Roland Dumas in his latest strategy to stay in power. His aides say he is trying to have his election victory upheld in West African and other international courts.

The U.N-sponsored election was supposed to end an eight-year division in Ivory Coast, but instead has exacerbated tensions and led to new violence, including repeated attacks by pro-Gbagbo forces targeting pro-Ouattara neighborhoods in Abidjan. 

Some two years ago, Tanzanian investors interested in buying into the massive initial public offering of Kenya’s largest mobile telecommunications company, Safaricom, were locked out by their country’s regulations and could only look on as their counterparts in Rwanda and Uganda took part.

A year later, the National Microfinance Bank of Tanzania also had an IPO on the Dar-es-Salaam Stock Exchange but investors from other East African Community partner states — Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi — were not allowed to buy the shares.

The country’s capital account regime prohibits flow of foreign investments into the country.

It is these regulations that have landed the country’s financial sector with the unenviable tag of the most rigid in the region, in a new study by International Monetary Fund that also delivers a harsh indictment of its stultifying effect on the region’s efforts towards monetary integration.

The new report, contained in the IMF working paper on ‘Measuring financial barriers among the three EAC founder member states’ — a copy of which has been seen by The EastAfrican — ranks Kenya’s financial sector as the most flexible and open in the region, followed by Uganda, and finally Tanzania.

With the coming into force of the Common Market protocol, the EAC now has its sights trained on the Monetary Union expected to come into force in 2012, which requires openness in the partner states’ financial systems.

The other EAC partner states of Rwanda and Burundi were not covered in the IMF paper, prepared by Yi David Wang, which was published early last week.

Mr Wang used the “covered interest rate parity” (CIP) and “forward foreign exchange” (FFE) systems to measure the region’s financial openness.

CIP refers to a principle stating that yields from two equivalent investments in the domestic market and the foreign market, respectively, are equal after accounting for fluctuations in the exchange rate.

On the other hand, FFE is an agreement that obligates an investor to deliver a specified quantity of one currency in return for a specified amount of another currency.

According to the paper, Tanzania contains a number of explicit capital movement restrictions that may impede CIP’s functioning.

For example, Tanzania restricts non-residents from borrowing abroad and restricts the participation of non-residents in the domestic money market.

Available data indicate that Tanzania is the only country in EAC that restricts outward direct investment.

The same applies to the aspect of purchase of foreign securities by residents, whereby Tanzania only allows purchasing of foreign securities using externally generated funds.

This is not the case in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, while in Burundi it only requires the approval of the central bank.

He downplayed reports that the issue was dividing the partner states, invoking the EAC Treaty, which is categorical that the position “was rotational and there was no way a country, or a group of countries could gang up against the other over it.”

Mr Kategaya said decisions in the Community are passed after negotiations and adoption by partner states and not “by force.”

Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary, James Mugume, said Uganda and Tanzania supported Rwanda and Burundi’s bid to head the community, but added that it was Kenya that raised concerns over the fact that its former secretary general, Francis Muthaura, served for only one year after the ratification of the EAC Treaty in 2001.

Sources close to the EAC told The EastAfrican that when Kenya raised the issue, Uganda and Tanzania supported Nairobi but Rwanda and Burundi rejected its position, arguing that it was time for one of them to supply the secretary general.

With Mr Kategeya’s confirmation that the region’s largest economy is eligible to vie for the powerful post, the debate could take a whole new turn.

Strong relations

Kenya’s EAC Minister Hellen Sambili said the bloc had built strong enough foundations to withstand most shocks and was unlikely to sink into major disagreements over the issue.

“I believe we shall find a solution agreeable to all,” she said, adding that since Kenya qualified to compete for the position, “We shall find a suitable candidate.” Mrs Sambili also added that the EAC Council of Ministers and the Heads of State enjoyed a close working relationship, giving reason to believe that they would give the three countries an equal opportunity to vie for the position.

A senior official at the EAC, who requested not to be named, said Kenya has a case because it has not had a chance to serve the full five-year term of a secretary-general since Francis Muthaura was in that office for only one year after the terms were set by the Summit, unlike Uganda and Tanzania.

Kenya’s EAC Ministry Permanent Secretary David Nalo expressed similar sentiments but pointed out that it was the Summit that would make the final decision in April when it is expected to name a new secretary-general to replace the incumbent Juma Mwapachu, who will be leaving a rich legacy, having guided the two most critical steps forwards in the integration process — the Customs Union and the Common Market — which came into force in January and July respectively.

The EAC made history by attaining the two milestones, which took the world’s largest trading bloc, the European Union, 40 years, in just a decade.

In fact, East Africa is the only economic bloc with a fully functioning Customs Union, according to Mrs Sambili, who says it is a showcase of integration for the world.

Apart from Kenya, Rwanda has emerged as the strongest contender for the position and has said it will front a candidate.

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CANADA :

2010 ‘crystallized’ Canada’s changing foreign policy

Date: Sunday Jan. 2, 2011

http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Politics/20101224/heinbecker-canada-foreign-policy-110102/

This past October, world leaders gathered in New York to vote two new members to temporary seats on the United Nations Security Council. Canada was vying for one of the positions against Germany and Portugal. When the results came in, Ottawa was stunned, rejected by the world community in favour of Lisbon and Berlin.

But the results weren’t much of a surprise to a former diplomat who had spent a career pushing Canada on the world stage.

“We were rejected on the basis of our indifference to the UN …. and the policies we’ve been following,” says Paul Heinbecker.

Heinbecker says Canada’s shifting positions on climate change, our decidedly pro-Israel policy in the Middle East conflict, and our shift away from focusing aid to Africa all contributed to the loss.

He adds, the results of the vote crystallized the effects of changes the Harper government has made to decades of Canadian foreign policy based on multilateralism.

Heinbecker spent his career in Canada’s foreign service under both Tory and Liberal governments. He’s been an ambassador, a representative at the United Nations, and is currently the director of the Laurier Centre for Global Relations. He’s also the author of “Getting Back in the Game,” a timely look at Canada’s slipping role in world affairs.

Heinbecker says Canada’s international role has been relegated recently to being little more than a booster of American policies, a position the former diplomat unabashedly calls “sycophantic.”

“You’ll get more respect for an independent foreign policy than you will for being a sycophant,” he says. “Sycophants aren’t respected.”

Heinbecker also dismisses excuses by the Harper Tories and some in the media that the UN rejection was based on Canada’s “principled” stands in foreign affairs.

“Africa doesn’t consider us principled for lowering aid (to the continent),” he says.

“When it comes to Israel, the Germans got elected. They support Israel, but they’re not exclusively in the Israeli camp.”

He adds, the same is true when it comes to the Harper government’s climate change stand. He says countries most vulnerable to global warming don’t believe Canada is being principled by toeing Washington’s line.

A break from history

Ryerson University history professor David MacKenzie says that in previous decades, Canada effectively used its middle power role in international organizations. He’s just written, “A World Beyond Borders,” a history of global organizations like the League of Nations, the Commonwealth and the United Nations. He notes, organizations like the UN, have given Canada greater status in international affairs.

For much of the period after the Second World War, MacKenzie says Ottawa often “punched above its weight,” taking leading or significant roles in peacekeeping, the-anti-Apartheid campaign, and the landmines issue.

“(The UN) gives Canadians a stage in which to play … (allows them to be) a bigger fish in a small pond,” he says.

That’s changed in recent years, with Ottawa moving to an increasingly bilateral relationship with the U.S. But MacKenzie is skeptical of those who say the United Nations and its Security Council have become less relevant.

“(The UNSC) could be an important venue for dealing with international issues … they do good work of a transnational nature,” he says.

“It responds to what happens. You don’t know what’s going to happen in the next two years. If you want to play a role in international affairs, that’s the place to be. Some of these things could effect Canada, so we always want to be consulted … There’s a value there, and the biggest plumb of all is to be on the security council.”

MacKenzie notes, Ottawa does not appear to have clear ideas about what role it wants to play in organizations like the UN. He says Canada needs to determine its agenda as global power shifts, particularly towards emerging economies.

“More and more of what we do transcends borders. It’s only logical that international organizations will have an increasing role to play in handling (problems and issues).”

Heinbecker suggests a more effective Canada on the world stage is possible, but only through significant changes to the outlook in Ottawa. Specifically, Heinbecker says the Department of Foreign Affairs should be given more authority. He also says, the Tory government needs to rethink its “principles,” something he is not optimistic will happen.

Like MacKenzie, Heinbecker notes, “The world is changing. We are going to a multi-polar, multi-centric world. The Chinese are a major player, and the Indians are going to be a major player. There’s Brazil … and this is tailor-made for a country whose foreign policy is agile.”

“For us, making the world work is a national interest. We can do things … all we need is the ambition.”

AUSTRALIA :

Australia can learn from Proteas, says former South African coach Mickey Arthur

Richard Earle From: Herald Sun January 01, 2011 12:00am

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/the-ashes/australia-can-learn-from-proteas-says-former-south-african-coach-mickey-arthur/story-fn67w6pa-1225979625002

Former South African coach, now Western Australian coach, Mickey Arthur says Australia can be a power again.

Source: Herald Sun

FORMER South African coach Mickey Arthur said Australia could become a cricketing power again within 18 months.

Arthur said that could happen if selectors showed vision, resisted constant changes and retained injured skipper Ricky Ponting at No. 3.

He said Australia must stick with Ponting, 36, for series against Sri Lanka, South Africa and India and any slide down the order would be counter-productive for him and the team.

“As long as Ricky is the best man at No. 3 – and I think he is – he should bat there,” Arthur, who guided the Proteas to top ranking in 2005 and is coach of Western Australia, said.

“Yes, he’s getting on a bit, but the time he leaves the No. 3 position might be the time for him to move on.

“I don’t think that time is right, yet. I still think there is a little way to go for Ricky Ponting in Test cricket.”

Arthur said only Ponting had the capacity to steer Australia through a turbulent period before handing over to vice-captain Michael Clarke.

“What Australia needs now is a strong leader,” Arthur said. “If they are going to play some youngsters in their batting group then they need experience and Ricky is the man who must lead them.”

Arthur said England coach Andy Flower and skipper Andrew Strauss had emulated the blueprint South Africa used in 2008 when it beat Australia in Australia for the first time.

“I think England has bowled really well, but the Australian top order has been really loose,” Arthur said.

Arthur said Australia’s selectors must have the courage to pick a unit for the future then stick with it, as South Africa had from 2006.

“I think if they deem now is the right time to start rebuilding then they can realistically be a force in 18 months and be where they need to be,” Arthur said.

Arthur said WA players, batsman Shaun Marsh and left-arm spinner Michael Beer, should be included.

“They have always hung their hats on Phil Hughes to open, but Shaun Marsh is definitely the player they should be looking at,” he said.

“You have to play a spinner in Sydney and there should have been one in Melbourne, to be frank. They have selected Michael Beer and must run with him for a period of time now.”

EUROPE :

EU Approves Visa Bans on 59 Ivoirians Linked to Gbagbo 

1/2/11 9:46 AM  /  ANGOP / Cote D’Ivoire
      

Cote D’Ivoire – The European Union approved sanctions Friday against 59 people linked to Côte d’Ivoire’s incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo, who is defying global demands to step down after contested presidential elections at the end of November

Those targeted will not be granted EU visas, a diplomat told the AFP news agency.

Thirty-two men and women who are part of Gbagbo’s “illegitimate government” are on the list, as are six members of the Constitutional council who participated in the “validation of false results.

Also on the list are the head of the army, the head of the port of Abidjan, newspaper editors, and the presidents of groups accused of inciting hatred and violence.

Two other people who were on the list were removed after they acknowledged the authority of Gbagbo’s rival, Alassane Ouattara, who is recognised by most other countries as the President of Côte d’Ivoire.

A first series of European sanctions were put in place last week, with visa bans on 19 people, including on Gbagbo himself and his wife.

The latest sanctions come as Ouattara has given Gbagbo a midnight deadline to leave power, without specifying the consequences.

Somali Pirates Attempt to Seize Ships off Mozambique Coast, EU Force Says

By Brian Latham – Dec 31, 2010 / http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-31/somali-pirates-attempt-to-seize-ships-off-mozambique-coast-eu-force-says.html

CHINA :

China’s Trade With Africa Just Exploded To $115 Billion

http://www.businessinsider.com/china-africa-trade-115-billion-2010-12 | Dec. 27, 2010

China’s trade with Africa has soared to $114.81 billion in the first 11 months of 2010, according to the Chinese government’s first white paper on its economic and trade cooperation with Africa.  To put that huge number in perspective, the paper pointed out that China-Africa bilateral trade volume was a mere $12.14 million in 1950. The trade relationship between the two has increased of 43.5% year-on-year. That number is expected to increase as Chinese demand for oil, gas, iron and other raw materials continues.

The report did not address criticism that Chinese control of Africa’s resources has led to local African communities not being allowed to reap economic rewards from the trades or arguments that the continent’s natural resources are being plundered. It also did not choose to put a spotlight on local disputes such as this past  October when two Chinese mine bosses in Zambia were charged with attempted murder after shooting miners over a compensation dispute.

However, the 29-page paper, released by the State Council Information Office, constantly emphasized how China was helping the overall prosperity and economic health of Africa and that its trading role is an absolute essential. According to the paper:

China-Africa economic and trade cooperation is now on a new historical starting point with the revitalized development of trade, investment, infrastructure and capacity building, along with gradually expanding cooperation in finance and tourism between both sides

China has signed bilateral trade agreements with 45 African countries and enhanced cooperation in customs, taxation, inspection and quarantine to create favorable conditions for China-Africa trade development

China-Africa economic and trade cooperation plays a significant role in promoting the establishment of a fair and rational new international political and economic order

China has become Africa’s largest trade partner after six decades of development

INDIA :

Time India plays global role, but US intentions suspect: media

K J M Varma        02/01/2011     Beijing, Jan 2 (PTI) As India entered the UNSC as a non-permanent member pressing its case for a permanent seat, analysts here have said that it is right time for India to play a more active role in world affairs but New Delhi should not side with the US to contain China.

China is the only country in the P5 group which is yet to make its stand completely clear on India”s claim for a permanent seat in an expanded Security Council. The others — the UK, France, Russia and the US — have all supported India”s bid.

Reporting on India, Germany, South Africa, Colombia, and Portugal taking over as non-permanent members of the UNSC, the Chinese official media for the first time highlighted New Delhi”s bid to become a permanent member of UNSC.

Prof Su Hao of the China Foreign Affairs University, who was interviewed on the state-run CCTV about India”s aspiration to become UNSC permanent member said “India is one of the biggest countries of the world. China has partnership with India. Certainly India is important in managing international affairs”.

“This time India has taken non-permanent seat. This is right time India to take more and more important role in international arena,” he said.

Asked about the likelihood of India becoming a permanent member in the UNSC in the light of US President Barrack Obama”s strong endorsement, Su said the US has an intention to use India as a ”leverage” to balance China in Asia and in international arena.

“For China we want to keep close and cooperative relation with India in a framework of partnership with each other. On one hand US has some kind of intention. On the other hand it is good for India to keep friendly ties with China.

“It is not really good for India to keep side with US against China,” he said.

Ever since Obama declared US” support for India for the permanent seat, Indian officials are looking for some degree of clarity emerging in China”s stand on the issue.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in his recent visit said in his speech to the Indian Council World Affairs that India “should and can play an increasingly important role” on the international stage.

“China and India have shared interests and common views on the issue of UN Security Council reform. We both maintain that priority should be given to increasing the representation of developing countries,” he said.

However, he stopped short of clearly stating his country”s stand.

Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao said in an interview after Wen”s visit that “my own reading is that when it comes to the crux of the matter, when it comes to the ultimate decision, China is unlikely to stand in the way”.

Reporting on India taking over as the non-permanent member of the UNSC, Chinese state-run Xinhua said in its report that Brazil, Japan, and newly-elected Germany and India, known as the Group of Four (G4), have formally introduced a proposal to expand the 15-member Council by 10 seats, with 6 permanent members.

The G4 proposal argues that the Council”s post-World War II structure does not reflect the realities of today”s world.

Despite a general consensus by all 192 UN member states to reform the Council, the process of reform continues to face serious political obstacles.

It is an issue that has been under discussion for 17 years, the news agency said in its report.

BRASIL:

EN BREF, CE 2 janvier 2011… AGNEWS /DAM, NY, 02/01/2011

Somali pirates tried, and failed, to board two cargo vessels off the coast of Mozambique, the European Union’s naval force for Somalia said.

“What is significant is the position of the attempted attacks, which were further south than any previously recorded Somali pirate activity,” Paddy O’Kennedy, spokesman for the EU force, said today in a phone interview from London. The attacks, over the Christmas weekend, took place 950 miles (1,530 kilometers) south of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, off the coast of central Mozambique, he said.

“The Liberian-registered NS Africa took evasive action and managed to escape two approaching skiffs, but the Panama- registered Majestic came under fire, we believe from the same two skiffs,” O’Kennedy said.

Neither ship had registered its presence with the EU Naval Force Somalia, he said.

To contact the reporter on this story: Brian Latham in Durban at blatham@bloomberg.net.

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Antony Sguazzin in Johannesburg atasguazzin@bloomberg.net.