UK ministers boycott Euro 2012 quarter finals in Ukraine

The UK government ministers have decided to boycott England’s Euro 2012 quarter-final on Sunday due to concerns over human rights in Ukraine. The sports minister, Hugh Robertson, will not travel to the game on Sunday. The Foreign office have defended the decision given the questionable justice and human rights record in Ukraine. When asked why ministers would not be there, a Downing Street spokeswoman said , "it reflects the ministers busy schedules ahead of the Olympics and widespread concerns about selective justice and the rule of law in Ukraine." The Foreign Secretary, William Hague,...

Russian arms ship to Syria halted forced to turn back

A Russian arms vessel carrying weapons to be delivered to the Syrian government has turned back towards Russia, after having its insurance withdrawn. The MV Alaed, currently off the coast of Scotland, is believed to be carrying Mi-25 attack helicopters and anti-ship missiles for Syria, a move that drew the ire of the United States. After alleged pressure from the UK, the vessel’s insurance was withdrawn, with insurer Standard Club saying in a statement, "We were made aware of the allegations that the Alaed was carrying munitions destined for Syria." "We have already informed the ship owner...

Further restrictions on press freedom - Sudan

The Sudanese government's security wing, the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) ordered three independent newspapers not to distribute their Sunday edition this weekend, despite having printed them. The daily newspapers, Al-Ahdath, Al-Watan and Al-Jarida, were also ordered not to publish Monday's editions until further approval by the NISS agent. Sudanese newspapers already operate under intense scrutiny and restrictions. Reporting on statements by South Sudanese officials, or rebel groups within from the South Kordofan, Blue Nile, or western region of Darfur is strictly...

Cameron clashes with Kirchner at G20 summit

British Prime Minister David Cameron and Argentine President Cristina Kirchner were involved in a confrontation on the sidelines of the G20 summit. Cameron approached Ms Kirchner before the first session of the summit, and told her she should ‘respect the views’ of Falkland Islanders. "I am not proposing a full discussion now on the Falklands but I hope you have noted that they are holding a referendum and you should respect their views. "We should believe in self determination and act as democrats here in the G20." Cameron said to the President. Ms Kirchner is reported to have replied with ‘...

UN rights chief accuses Syria of ‘crimes against humanity’

The United Nations high commissioner for human rights has accused the Syrian regime’s shelling of cities and towns, causing the death of civilians as "crimes against humanity and possibly war crimes." Addressing the opening of the 20th session of the UN Human Rights Council, Navi Pillay stated, "We must make our utmost possible efforts to ensure accountability for all perpetrators, including those who have attacked UN observers in Syria," "The government of Syria should immediately cease the use of heavy armaments and shelling of populated areas, as such actions amount to crimes against...

Obama and Putin urge end to violence in Syria

US President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have urged an immediate end to violence in Syria in a joint statement released on Monday, on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Los Cabos Mexico. The statement read: "In order to stop the bloodshed in Syria, we call for an immediate cessation of all violence, "We are united in the belief that the Syrian people should have the opportunity to independently and democratically choose their own future." Mr Obama said that he and Mr Putin are going to work with "other international actors, including the United Nations, Kofi Annan...

Election results indicate Muslim Brotherhood win - Egypt

Early election results for Egypt's first democratically elected President, appeared to indicate that Mohamed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood defeated Ahmed Shafik, Hosni Mubarak’s former Prime Minister, by a margin of about 4 percentage points, or approximately one million votes. Election results will only be confirmed later this week. However, a spokesperson for Shafik declared him the true winner and asserted that the Brotherhood had “terrorised voters” but offered no evidence for it. Meanwhile, ruling generals have imposed martial law, as Brotherhood parliamentarians, refuting the authority of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (Scaf) or the Supreme Court to dissolve the parliament on the eve of the election, vow to turn up to the chambers as scheduled on Tuesday. Martial law grants the military power to detain and try civilians in military courts, and the ruling generals have suggested that this could be applied in the case that someone should try to enter the parliamentary building, which is currently guarded by soldiers and police to keep the lawmakers out.

China urges G20 to cooperate over Eurozone debt crisis

In an interview with a Mexican newspaper, Reforma, the Chinese President Hu Jintao, urged G20 members to approach the European debt crisis in a " constructive and cooperative way, encourage and support efforts made by Europe to resolve it and send a signal of confidence to the market " Hu said, "In the current world economic environment, the G20 members should stick together in difficult times and pursue win-win cooperation ."

Head of UN mission calls for Syria evacuation

The head of the United Nations observer mission to Syria has called on both sides to allow trapped civilians to leave the conflict zones. In a statement issued on Sunday, General Robert Mood said: “The parties must reconsider their position and allow women, children, the elderly and the injured to leave conflict zones, without any preconditions and ensure their safety,” “This requires willingness on both sides to respect and protect the human life of the Syrian people,” “I call on the parties to take immediate action to ease the pain of Syrians trapped in the violence and the UN Supervision...

New prosecutor sworn in for International Criminal Court

The International Criminal Court has sworn in the new chief prosecutor, Gambian lawyer Fatou Bensouda earlier this week, who vowed to seek justice for victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. 51-year old Bensouda becomes not only the first woman, but also the first African to lead the ICC, at a time when all 15 cases present at the court are African. Taking up her 9-year term, Bensouda stated, “First of all, let me say that yes, I am an African and I am very proud of that... But I am a prosecutor for 121 states parties.” “Laurence Gbagbo [of the ivory Coast] is our first...

Pages