Serbia and Kosovo

While all this is going on the U.N. has continued its efforts to help secure an independent state in Kosovo. This is causing tensions between the U.N., E.U., U.S., and Russia. Russia is backing Serbia in its goal for Kosovo to remain a part of Serbia. While Kosovo’s 90% majority Albanian population want an independent state (nation). This is likely to be a hot spot for some time now. Also if Serbia and Russia continue on their path battles are likely to occur. At the least this is a tense situation, with both sides rolling dice. – Ian Bach

Click here for History of Kosovo

Click here for CIA World Factbook - Serbia

Serbia PM, Kosovo President Get Green Light To Address UN

UNITED NATIONS (AP)--Serbia's prime minister and Kosovo's president got a green light Friday to present their opposing views on the future status of Kosovo to the U.N. Security Council next week.

The council's 15 members agreed that Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica would speak as the representative of his country and Kosovo's president, Fatmir Sejdiu, would speak in his private capacity at a closed council meeting, said Italy's U.N. Ambassador Marcello Spatafora, the current council president.

Since last week, the council has been discussing the format for the Dec. 19 meeting behind closed doors. The key issue has been whether to allow Sejdiu, who doesn't represent a country, to speak, and if so under what conditions.

The council meeting will focus on a report by U.S., European Union and Russian mediators in two-year talks between Belgrade and Kosovo on resolving the status of the Serbian province. The talks ended in late November without an agreement. (Click here for entire article)

Turkey's Air Stikes in Iraq

I have included some mainstream media Links and excerpts below. For a brief background on the problem one must look back in history.

History - Ancient period

Recognition of the existence of a Kurdish land goes back even as far as Sumerian Cuneiform Tablets, dating from about 3000 BC, which speak of the land of the Kurds.^[10]

Much of Kurdistan corresponds roughly with the ancient Kingdom of Gutium (Qurti), which is mentioned in cuneiform records about 2400 BC, and had its capital at Arraphkha (modern Kirkuk).^{[11] (wikipedia)}

^{Modern period}

^{In the 16th century, the Kurdish-inhabited areas were split between Safavid Iran and the Ottoman Empire after prolonged wars. The first important division of Kurdistan occurred in the aftermath of the Battle of Chaldiran in 1514. This division was formalized in the Treaty of Zuhab in 1639.[17] Before World War I, most Kurds lived within the boundaries of the Ottoman Empire in the province of Kurdistan. After the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the Allies agreed and planned to create several countries within its former boundaries. Originally Kurdistan, along with Armenia, was to be one of them, according to the never-ratified Treaty of Sèvres. However, the reconquest of these areas by Kemal Atatürk and other pressing issues caused the Allies to accept the renegotiated Treaty of Lausanne, accepting the border of the modern Republic of Turkey and leaving the Kurds without a self-ruled region. Other Kurdish areas were assigned to the new British and French mandated states of Iraq and Syria under both treaties.}

^{The Kurdish delegation made a proposal at the San Francisco Peace Conference in 1945, showing the geographical extent of Kurdistan as claimed by the Kurds. This proposal encompasses an area extending from the Mediterranean shores near Adana to the shores of the Persian Gulf near Bushehr, and it includes the Lur inhabited areas of southern Zagros.[18][19]}

^{Since World War I, Kurdistan has been divided between several states, in each of which Kurds are minorities. At the end of the First Gulf War, the Allies established a safe haven in northern Iraq. Amid the withdrawal of Iraqi forces from three northern provinces, Iraqi Kurdistan emerged as an autonomous entity inside Iraq, with its own local government and parliament in 1992.}

^{Current Events}

^{Given the historical events it is likely there are many (including me) who are sympathetic to the thought of a re-united Kurdish Nation. Yet one must concede that in present time this would create a weakened Iraq and unstable environment in Turkey and the region. Also the PKK has been identified as a militant terrorist organization, not a political movement. It is the action the PKK uses that gives it this designation as a terrorist organization. Therefore we are not likely to see anyone other than the PKK backing any such military moves.}

^{The only way a re-united Kurdistan could occur is through a politic movement, not a military one. The main host countries that now occupy once Kurdish lands include Syria, Iran, and Turkey. These host countries are not likely to give up valuable lands of strategic economic and political importance. Some estimates I have read estimate approximately 75% of the Kurdish population in the host countries live not in the Kurdish areas, but rather in the cities and capitals of the host countries. - Ian Bach}

^{Turkey's air strikes in Iraq Kurdish Areas.}

^{Time Magazine writes:
(by Andrew Purvis)}

^{"The official U.S. line is that Washington did not approve Turkey's Sunday air strike on Kurdish targets in northern Iraq. But the U.S. does control the skies over Iraq and the Pentagon did open airspace over Iraq for at least three hours to Turkish warplanes. It was also informed of the raids beforehand, according to an American spokesperson in Ankara. "By opening its airspace, America gave its approval to the operation," Turkish General Yasar Buyukanit said"……..(Click here for the entire article)}

“The Turkish government had been threatening to send its own troops across the border to crack down on PKK bases inside Iraq since last October's attacks on Turkish troops. Washington and Baghdad at the time urged restraint, fearing that a large-scale incursion into Iraq by Turkish troops would trigger a broader clash not with the PKK but with soldiers under the command of the Iraqi Kurdish administration, thus destabilizing the one part of Iraq that has managed to avoid civil conflict so far.”

“The PKK has been waging a separatist campaign against Turkish security forces since the 1970s, most recently attacking Turkish targets from bases within Iraq. On Sunday, the PKK said five of its militants were killed; according to Iraqi officials, at least one woman civilian was killed as well. Meanwhile, hundreds have been forced to flee their homes.”

Iraq warns against early U.S. pullout

By NAHAL TOOSI, Associated Press Writer Fri Jul 20, 8:55 PM ET

UNITED NATIONS - Iraq's deputy prime minister on Friday defended his government's progress in establishing security and ending political infighting, and warned that an early U.S. troop pullout would be disastrous for his country.

Barham Salih told a U.N. forum that the time had come to "define more clearly" the status of U.S.-led troops in Iraq, though he emphasized that Iraqi forces needed more time to take over security on their own.

Salih spoke during a U.N. discussion about the International Compact with Iraq — an ambitious plan to achieve a stable, united and democratic Iraq by 2012.

Many U.S. lawmakers, and at times, the Bush administration, have complained that Iraqi officials have been slow to meet key benchmarks, including assuming greater security responsibilities and an equitable division of the country's oil wealth. The complaints have fueled U.S. calls for a pullout of American troops.

Salih, speaking by video link, warned that an early withdrawal of U.S.-led forces "would cause a disaster for Iraq and the region." He said the way forward for his country was to develop the strength of the Iraqi forces to ensure they are self-reliant.

"But we need time and space," he said. "We need sustained support from the international community."

Last week, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki told reporters Iraqi forces were ready for foreign troops to leave "any time they want" — comments that likely reflected Iraqi frustration over U.S. criticism of his government.

Al-Maliki later sought to soften his remarks, saying Iraq's security force was on the road to taking over from U.S. troops but was not there yet.

Outlining the progress already made, Salih noted that a bloc of politicians loyal to radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr recently ended its boycott of the government, as did the Iraqi Accordance Front, a 44-member group of Sunni politicians. Communication channels are also being opened with former insurgents as part of the reconciliation process, and progress is being made in investment law and anti-corruption efforts, he said.

But "it will take months and years before specific tangible results are seen on the ground by the Iraqi people and the international community," he said.

The Iraq compact, launched in May in Egypt, outlines international aid for Iraq, including debt relief, but also sets tough commitments for the government, particularly measures aimed at granting Iraq's Sunni Arab minority a greater role in the political process.

U.N. Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro urged donor nations to step up their pledges and aid.

"Iraq is in a difficult transition," Migiro said. "It is at this critical juncture that the government needs the support of the international community so that it can face the daunting challenges ahead."

At the launch of the compact, Saudi Arabia said it was still negotiating with Iraq over writing off Iraqi debt, and major creditors Kuwait and Russia failed to offer immediate debt relief — a disappointment to some Iraqis.

The U.S. ambassador to the U.N., Zalmay Khalilzad, meanwhile, said Washington would support enhancing the U.N. role in Iraq.

Khalilzad, who previously served as U.S. ambassador to Iraq, wrote in an opinion piece in Friday's The New York Times, that the U.N. has "certain comparative advantages for undertaking complex internal and regional mediation efforts."

"In the role of mediator, it has inherent legitimacy and the flexibility to talk to all parties, including elements outside the political process," Khalilzad wrote.

The U.N. has an office and a special representative in Iraq but it cut back severely on its presence there after the Aug. 19, 2003 truck bombing at its headquarters in eastern Baghdad that killed at least 22 people, including the top U.N. official Sergio Vieira de Mello.

U.S. deputy ambassador Jackie Sanders said the United States would continue its financial support for Iraq's economic reconstruction and development. But she also stressed that Iraqi officials must also work to adopt laws reforming the energy sector.

"Getting the revenue sharing formula right is especially important as a matter of national policy, to reinforce for all Iraqis a sense of national unity and purpose," Sanders said.

Piracy on the seas off Somalia

South Korean cargo ship missing off Somalia Piracy feared

Topics in this article:

1. Sea Prince a South Korean cargo ship is missing after leaving Djibouti last month
2. U.N. Security Council was urged by a Maritime organization to help end piracy in the waters off Somali
3. Four ships are now confirmed to be in the hands of Somali pirates. The Sea Prince will make it five.
4. Officials cite 15 ship hijackings and attempted attacks off Somalia this year

I read an article on CNN and here is my take on it.

The ship is owned by a US company and managed by a Ukraine firm. From Russia and Chinas actions and push on vital issues like Darfur and Somalia and Ethiopia where china is supplying the most financial support than other countries but uses bad tactics. Here is the problem China won’t allow us via U.N. to interfere or get involved in ways we wish we could. I saw the democrats’ debate on the TV last night and all cited a no fly zone over Sudan/Darfur. They all said they would impose a no fly zone over Darfur. Fact is China won't let us do it. So they are making it seem as if they could do something bush hasn't tried already.

Also they didn’t mention Algeria, Egypt, or Somalia? Trust me it is as bad or worse the Iraq and Afghanistan in many areas. I just mentioned in North Afric. The Chinese financed governmet at the moment is supposibly trying to stop the Muslim against Muslim fighting in Sudan this is what caused dafur incident and the other Nations mentioned above. There are ties between all of them with same goal to take over North Afria make it all Arab Muslim Large Terrorist Nation. Sound a little Scary? Yes it is.(read my Article about the Arab group that wants to take over North Africa).

Here is problem with the piracy of boats off Somalia. The terrorists get free booty and make money to buy more weapons. As far as the boats I worry they may make a fleet of suicide bomb boats to attack our ships near this area, that are well within striking distance.

But fact is they would be sunk before they hit target. Unless they choose a non military target like cruise ship or supply ship. I say lets blow those boats out the water now. I know it may be some of the crew may be killed but I would hope not. Yet it needs to be done soon.

Also the terrorists or anarchists in Somalia are holding crews for ransom money.

The other 4 ships held by Somali pirates are 2 from Tanzania, 1 from Denmark and 1 from Taiwan. The pirates killed 1 Taiwanese captive this month, after the owners of his ship refused to pay a ransom.

In the CNN Article they write:

“The latest suspected hijacking was feared to have occurred a day after the International Maritime Organization, a U.N. agency said increasing attacks off Somalia this year was endangering vital aid shipments and commercial activity at sea.”

No really? Geez U.N. get active we are at war, get off your butts U.N. Especially China and Russia who are afraid to enter this war. I think it is like WW2 when USA took a while to enter the war thinking it won’t affect us. Russia and China must be thinking if they don’t help US they won’t be attacked. Their tactic has worked so far but for how long.

Japan is attempting to get U.N. to ok Japan to have a effective military and take part in ebbing the tide of terrorists that are infecting many Southeast Asia Countries.

By Ian Bach - Ethical Reporting

Here is the links for my related websites I am working on

Middle East - Ethical News on various information and sources about the middle east, history, and present situation.

Pirates Store - Pirates online CSG - Custructable Strategy Game by Sony and WizKids. We will be adding items for sale like Holloween Costumes, pirate stuff, History, Ship Gauges, helms, and various otherItems

Artoo Links - SEO Friendly Directory Droid

US concerned at Iran's expulsion of Afghan refugees

Tue May 22, 4:19 PM ET

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The United States Tuesday voiced concern over Iran's large-scale deportations of Afghans living illegally in the country saying the flood of returning refugees was becoming a burden.

"The United States is concerned that a large influx of Afghan migrants is increasing the need for humanitarian assistance in western Afghanistan," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said. The United Nations said Monday that more than 70,000 Afghans who were in Iran illegally have been expelled in the past month.

Tehran has said it wanted one million Afghans repatriated by next March. The 70,000 who have been sent back started returning from April 21.

Washington supported calls from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Kabul to ensure "that Afghans living and working illegally in Iran are deported in a gradual, orderly and humane manner," McCormack said.

Afghanistan has asked Iran to halt the returns, saying it does not have the capacity to accommodate a large number of people at once.

According to the UN more than one million out of the two million Afghans living in Iran were there illegally, McCormack said.

Registered Afghan refugees living in Iran were not being targeted for deportation however, he added.

U.N. lifts Liberian diamond ban

Text for Photo Above - Actor Djimon Hounsou stars in the action drama film Blood Diamond, which portrays many of the atrocities in the illegal diamond trade.

Published: 28/04/2007 12:00 AM (UAE)

Agencies

Liberia: The United Nations has lifted its 2001 ban on Liberia's diamond exports, saying the country has made enough progress in certifying rough diamonds. The ban was meant to stop the sale of "blood diamonds" or diamonds mined illegally, which has fuelled conflicts in West Africa. British ambassador to the UN Emyr Jones Parry said the unanimous vote on Friday was “recognition of the progress made in Liberia". "This government has shown its determination to put in place measures to ensure that the proceeds of diamond sales go for the benefit of Liberia and its people and are not misappropriated," he said. Exports of rough diamonds from Liberia were banned in 2003 to cut off funds to local rebel groups who illegally traded un-cut diamonds for weapons. Click for Full Article

nationaljewelernetwork.com
May 01, 2007
United Nations—The U.N. Security Council on Friday lifted a 6-year-old ban on Liberian diamond exports meant to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the world market.

According to published reports, the 15-nation council voted unanimously to lift the ban. The move was made in "recognition of the progress made by Liberia" in setting up controls on its diamonds, which helped fuel a 14-year civil war that ended in 2003, British Ambassador Emyr Jones Parry said.

The resolution, drafted in the United States, said the country had taken action to meet the minimum demands of the Kimberley Process (KP), which was created to track the flow of rough diamonds across borders to prove they come from legitimate sources.

The decision to lift the ban will be reviewed in 90 days.

Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, who took office last year, has pushed to end the embargo, saying money from diamond sales was necessary to finance reconstruction of the country, Reuters reported. The embargo was lifted two months before the latest extension of the ban was due to end.

"Liberia was ready," U.S. mission spokesman Ben Chang reportedly said. "The time was right."

Nathaniel Barnes, Liberia's U.N. Ambassador, reportedly said the country's application to join the Kimberley Process—filed late March—would be accepted.

He said the decision to lift the ban is important to the people of Liberia, which currently has 85 percent unemployment, with former combatants accounting for many of the jobless. Barnes reportedly said the resumption of diamond exports will help people get back to work.

The United Nations has already lifted a ban on Liberian timber exports, so the only sanctions remaining are a travel ban and assets freeze against certain named individuals, Reuters reports.

In a joint statement, non-governmental organizations Global Witness and Partnership Africa Canada called on members of the KP, the Security Council and the international community to assist the Liberian government in achieving important conflict-diamond-prevention goals and making diamonds a positive force for development.

"The government of Liberia has made good progress in establishing a system of controls to prevent diamonds from fueling conflict," Global Witness said in the statement. "This is a welcome step, but effective implementation and enforcement of the Kimberley Process, including accurate reporting and monitoring of trade and production statistics, will be crucial to ensuring that diamonds never again fuel wars. The government of Liberia must work to ensure that its system of controls is rigorously enforced, and that it takes full control of all diamond-mining areas."

In addition, Partnership Africa Canada said the Security Council and KP members must rigorously monitor Liberia's system of controls to make sure it is enforced.

"Cooperation with other diamond-producing countries of the region will be essential to the effectiveness of the Kimberley Process," the organization stated.

Click Here for Source