VOA News: Africa: Opposition Blames Authorities for Death of Policeman in Scuffle

VOA News: Africa Africa Voice of America

Opposition Blames Authorities for Death of Policeman in Scuffle Mar 22nd 2012, 00:38 A leading member of Uganda's Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) says the police are to blame for the death of a policeman following a scuffle with opposition supporters Wednesday. The policeman was killed when supporters threw stones as authorities tried to break up a crowd accompanying Besigye and elected opposition officials on a tour of Kampala. Besigye was briefly arrested and released after police accused him, Kampala Mayor Erias Lukwago and Kampala Woman Member of Parliament Nabilah Naggayi Ssempala of leading an illegal procession in Uganda's capital. Sam Angoliga, the opposition's deputy secretary in charge of security, said the police erred in their haste to stop Besigye's tour of the city. Angoliga called the death of the policeman "unfortunate." "It is regrettable that a police officer died," said Angoliga. "We respect life, and that's why in our revolution, we have decided we can change this government through non-violent political disobedience, without using a gun." Besigye had been invited by the mayor to accompany him on a tour of the city. Police acknowledge granting permission to the mayor for the walk. But they say the permit was only for the opposition leaders and the officials, and not for the large numbers of people who turned up to escort them. The tour of the busy commercial streets of Kampala took a tragic turn when police fired teargas to disperse crowds following the politicians. Some began throwing stones, hitting the policeman who later died. Critics blame the opposition leader and his team for disrupting business activity and for the loss of life. But Angoliga rejects the accusations. "Where would the mayor do the tour if he doesn't it in the city?" asked Angoliga.  As for allegations of defying the permit, he said "they cannot contest that in the court of law… there was nothing like disobeying police order." Angoliga blamed the police for the violence. "[They] are liable for the loss of one of their colleagues," said Angoliga. "The police are responsible for deploying people against the people who were conducting a tour authorized by them. The police made an error. They miscalculated the situation, which resulted in the death of a Ugandan who is a police officer." Angoliga said the opposition will continue with its goal of pressuring President Yoweri Museveni to peacefully step down and relinquish power. "We think the elections that were held last year were [a] sham, were stage managed," said Angoliga. "We are saying we are not going to wait for the next general elections in 2016. We want him to push him out of power this year:  2012." Media files: clottey-uganda-police-death-react-angoligo-22march2012.mp3 (audio/mpeg)

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VOA News: USA: Gunfire Reported Outside Mali's Presidential Palace

VOA News: USA USA Voice of America

Gunfire Reported Outside Mali's Presidential Palace Mar 22nd 2012, 01:18 Reports from Mali say mutinous soldiers are firing weapons outside the presidential palace, after troops launched a protest Wednesday against the government's handling of a rebellion. The U.S. embassy in the capital, Bamako, has announced it is monitoring the situation closely. It advised U.S. citizens to stay indoors. State radio and television went off the air earlier, after soldiers stormed the state broadcaster. The soldiers are demanding better weapons to fight ethnic Tuareg rebels who have seized several towns in Mali's remote northern desert region. The unrest began at the Kati military camp in a suburb of Bamako. Soldiers fired their guns into the air after a meeting with Mali's defense minister that apparently went badly. At least two soldiers were wounded during the protest. Wives and mothers of the soldiers held a separate protest in Bamako last month, also demanding that the soldiers get better weapons to fight the rebels. Tuareg fighters began their rebellion in January, after many Tuareg fighters returned from Libya, where they had assisted ousted Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi. Tuareg nomads have launched periodic uprisings for greater autonomy in both Mali and Niger. Some information for this report provided by Reuters and AFP. Media files: AFP_mali_21Mar12.jpg (image/jpeg, 0 MB) AFP_mali_sq_21Mar12.jpg

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VOA News: Europe: Explosions Heard Near Suspected Killer's Home in France

VOA News: Europe Europe Voice of America

Explosions Heard Near Suspected Killer's Home in France Mar 22nd 2012, 00:07 French news media say three loud explosions were heard Wednesday near a home of a man suspected in the shooting deaths of seven people, including three children and a teacher at a Jewish school. French police have tried several times to storm the suspect's home in the southern city of Toulouse. They say three officers were wounded in the attempts.   The suspect is 24-year-old Mohammed Merah, a Frenchman of Algerian origin, who claims to have links to al-Qaida.  French officials say Merah told authorities he would surrender Wednesday evening.   News reports say his mother was brought outside the building where he is holed up to try to get him to surrender. Police say they received a tip from a Yamaha dealer in Toulouse who said he remembered that a young man had asked to have an antitheft device removed from a motorbike.  Authorities say it was the same kind used in the recent murders of three French soldiers near a military base and Monday's fatal shootings of the four people at the Jewish school in Toulouse. The standoff began early Wednesday morning after the police attempt to storm the home where the suspect is holed up led to gunfire, leaving two officers wounded.   Interior Minister Claude Gueant says police are determined to take the suspect alive. Merah told the police he had planned more killings and that he would "bring France to its knees."  He said he wanted to avenge Palestinian children killed in the Middle East and denounce French involvement in Afghanistan. U.S. President Barack Obama called French President Nicolas Sarkozy while aboard Air Force One en route to Nevada.  A White House statement says President Obama expressed his solidarity with President Sarkozy and the government and people of France.  The statement said President Obama underscored that the American people stand shoulder to shoulder with "our French allies and friends in this trying time." The gunman is accused of murdering a rabbi and three children -- ages four, five and seven -- at the Jewish school in Toulouse Monday before riding off on the motorcycle. French police say the alleged shooter used the same gun to kill three French soldiers of African and French Caribbean origin last week in Toulouse and a nearby town. During a funeral for two of the paratroopers in Montauban, north of Toulouse, President Sarkozy said the slain soldiers were victims of "terrorist executions."  He added that the suspected gunman will fail in his attempt to divide the country. Far right political leader Marine Le Pen lashed out against "Islamic fundamentalism" in an interview on Israeli radio Wednesday.   The bodies of the rabbi and three children were buried Wednesday in Israel. Some information for this report provided by AFP and Reuters. Media files: AP_france_police_rec_21Mar1.jpg (image/jpeg, 0 MB) AP_france_police_sq_21Mar12.jpg

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VOA News: Africa: Malawi Religious Leaders Meet amid Calls for Resignation of President Mutharika

VOA News: Africa Africa Voice of America

Malawi Religious Leaders Meet amid Calls for Resignation of President Mutharika Mar 22nd 2012, 00:20 A leading member of the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) of religious leaders says the group is ready to work with the government to implement recommendations gathered during a conference in Blantyre last week. Among the recommendations was a call for the administration of President Bingu wa Mutharika to "seek the mandate of the people" in finding solutions to the country's economic and political problems.  Another calls for Mutharika to step down if he does not allow a referendum on the country's policies. Reverend Maurice Munthali of the PAC expressed confidence the administration will embrace and implement the recommendations to help solve the country's problems. The group says it is still gathering all of the recommendations made by last week's two day summit in Blantyre.  It included participants from all sectors of society except for the government, which refused to attend. "We want to believe that we have a very responsible government and that [it] will want to deliberately sit down with the people [who] are represented in this case by the Public Affairs Committee," said Munthali. "We do not want to assume or speculate that the government will be [difficult]. No, because [this is] the exact thing the president has been looking." Religious leaders have come under intense government criticism after summit participants proposed a referendum on President Bingu Wa Mutharika's failure to address the country's challenges. Munthali said President Mutharika has often called on Malawians to come up with good ideas "so that together we can solve the problems rocking our country at the moment." He expressed hope the government will heed to the recommendations. "We do not expect every recommendation [to] be palatable. These recommendations have come from the people of Malawi and for them to govern well, I think they will want to be a listening government," said Munthali. "It's not a matter of rejecting what people are proposing. It's a matter of sitting down together and looking at how we could implement them, because PAC has not dictated any recommendation on the people." Reverend Munthali said the PAC's board of directors met Wednesday to strategize on the best ways to implement the recommendations. "They met to refine the document [which includes] the recommendations that came from the conference itself, but also to chart [a] way forward as a roadmap towards implementing all the ideas that came from up at the conference," said Munthali. "We want to engage all the key stakeholders including the government and the head of state himself." Mutharika's administration is under pressure by the opposition, as well as civil society groups, to resolve what they call the "crippling economic crisis" the country faces. Munthali said the government should "willingly, sit down with us and then together see how best we can solve these problems... to make Malawi a better place to live in." Media files: reuters_malawi_bingu_wa_mutharika_eng_480_27jul10.jpg (image/jpeg, 0 MB) Reuters_malawi_Bingu_wa_Mutharika_file_eng1_300.jpg clottey-malawi-pac-reccomendations-munthali-22march2012.mp3 (audio/mpeg)

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VOA News: USA: Obama Faces High Stakes in Supreme Court Arguments on Health Care

VOA News: USA USA Voice of America

Obama Faces High Stakes in Supreme Court Arguments on Health Care Mar 21st 2012, 23:28 <!--AV--> Next week, the U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments on legal challenges to President Obama's signature health care reform law. The court's ruling, expected in June, will be of immense importance to Americans and a president seeking re-election in November. President Obama signed health care reform into law in 2010 after prevailing in a year-long political struggle on an issue that defied bipartisan solutions for decades. Thirty million uninsured Americans gain access to coverage. Highly popular provisions prohibit denial of coverage based on pre-existing medical conditions, and allow children to remain on their parents' plans until they are 26. A recent opinion poll found that fewer Americans now believe their health care will worsen under the law. Polls also show that opposition to the law remains high.   Critics, such as Republican Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming, who is a doctor, call it a big government approach that will drive up deficits and debt and lower the quality of care. "Patients I talk to want patient-centered health care," he said.  "They don't want insurance company-centered or government-centered." Supreme Court arguments will focus on a requirement that virtually all Americans buy health insurance by 2014 or pay a tax penalty.  Opponents call this unconstitutional and want the law repealed. Scott Vavrinchik is a partner in a company in Chicago that provides kidney dialysis services, which the federal government normally pays for. "I think it is unconstitutional.  I think it is a freedom of choice [issue]," he said.  "Health care is not a right, it is a commodity." Attorneys-general in 26 Republican-led states, filed suit against the health care law.  A Florida judge struck it down last year, though it has been upheld in other courts. Maron Soueid, a recent college graduate from New Jersey, believes arguments against the law won't stand in the long run. "It has been difficult to find a job, and a job that will cover all of your health care, so this is definitely beneficial for a person like me," Soueid said. The Obama administration points out the law's benefits.  On the president's re-election campaign web site a video highlights a family relying on it to care for a daughter with a heart condition. "I can't even fathom what is going through the minds of people who want to repeal the health care act," the daughter's mother says in the video.  "They're choosing life or death for many, many Americans." Health care is a key issue in the 2012 presidential campaign as Mr. Obama seeks re-election and spars with Republican challengers. "Depending on what the Supreme Court rules, one side or the other could be particularly emboldened," said Henry Olsen, an analyst with the American Enterprise Institute.  "It also brings back the conversation to health care, which is not a good field for President Obama to be fighting on." If the Supreme Court upholds the health care law, Mr. Obama could gain important momentum before the November presidential election. If the court strikes down major provisions, opponents will claim victory and argue that he mishandled his signature legislative achievement. Media files: us_supreme_court_300x300_ap.jpg Obama_Health_Care_Preview_-_web_version_CQ_4X3-fixed-x264-Platform_YTHQFull__060947.mp4 (video/mp4)

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VOA News: Economy: Swaziland Trade Union Demands Democratic Reforms

VOA News: Economy Economy Voice of America

Swaziland Trade Union Demands Democratic Reforms Mar 21st 2012, 21:56 The newly formed Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA) has demanded the registration and participation of political parties in next year's parliamentary election, despite strong government opposition. "Now is the time for the country to allow political parties in terms of the elections," said TUCOSWA president Barnes Dlamini.  "There should be democratic processes in terms of electing parliamentarians and allowing political parties, first, to register and, secondly, to be given enough time to garner support from the various citizens of the country, in terms of their political ideology." Swaziland's constitution bars the formation and participation of all political parties in the tiny, southern African kingdom. The Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions (SFTU) and the Swaziland Federation of Labor (SFL) merged with the independent Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) to form what is now known as TUCOSWA. Dlamini said his organization will soon begin a nationwide education campaign, where he said workers will enlighten Swazis in their local communities about their rights in a new democratic dispensation. Some analysts say TUCOSWA's demands and plans will be on a collision course with the administration, which they said frowns on partisan political activities.  But, Dlamini said workers are unlikely to be intimidated by threats from the government. "We have always been taking backlash in terms of responses from the government from time immemorial,' said Dlamini.  "In the absence of political parties, as a trade union, we will continue to bring up issues of social economic in nature.  Workers are suffering under the political order in Swaziland and we are saying to government [should] sit down and address this question because time has come for it." Supporters of the government say TUCOSWA's ambition is to use the power of the Swazi workers to blackmail the administration into effecting immediate democratic reforms.  But, Dlamini denied the accusation. "Our intention is not to blackmail the government, but, with time, workers have actually seen what this regime is doing and what that is doing to the citizens," said Dlamini.  "Workers are coming to the fore to say that [the] government should be structured in [such a] way that they are able to have a say in the government structures of their country." Dlamini said TUCOSWA will continue to resist what he calls government's incessant manipulation of elections in Swaziland. "Workers are more than prepared to go to the grassroots level, they are prepared to go to the communities and shed some light to show them the glaring aspect of what government should do, the glaring absence of the social standards at which a Swazi is, as I speak to them." Analysts say, although a constitution was reintroduced in Swaziland, the level of power invested in King Mswati III is so significant that the country can be considered an absolute monarchy. Critics say the government has successfully stifled political opposition by putting pressure on human rights organizations, trade unions, and civil society groups and banning all political parties. Media files: afp_South_africa_Swaziland_loan_file_480.jpg (image/jpeg, 0 MB) Swaziland Curious Map.jpg clottey-swaziland-workers-union-demand-dlamini-20march2012.mp3 (audio/mpeg)

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VOA News: Economy: Ministers To Examine Strategies for Unleashing Africa's Economic Potential

VOA News: Economy Economy Voice of America

Ministers To Examine Strategies for Unleashing Africa's Economic Potential Mar 21st 2012, 21:15 More than 50 African ministers of finance and economic development are gathering in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa to examine strategies for unleashing the continent's vast economic potential. A preliminary session revealed differences of opinion on the best path to growth. The ministerial conference being held over the next week is based on the premise that Africa has the potential to become a pole of global growth.  But experts say growth has been stymied in the past by persistent economic imbalances, driven partially by high levels of borrowing and debt. Two senior economists briefing reporters Wednesday agreed that past policies aimed at fostering development have had mixed results. Particular criticism has been leveled at what has come to be known as the Washington Consensus. The Washington Consensus is generally defined as a set of late 20th century policy prescriptions advocated by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Those prescriptions emphasized the efficiency of private enterprise and open markets. Many African governments blame those market-oriented policies for the continent's economic stagnation in the 1970s and 80s. Last year's ministerial conference was devoted to examining the state's role in development, and this conference will hear reports based on the results of that meeting. Comments Wednesday by African Union Economic Affairs Commissioner Maxwell Mkwazelamba and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Deputy Chief Abdallah Hamdok revealed that the issue is far from settled. Hamdok argues that recent experience shows economies that have developed fastest have been those where the state has taken the dominant role.  He calls it the "developmental state" model. "If you look at South Korea experience, China experience, Malaysia, all these countries, at the heart of it was a developmental state, this took on board a state that has a mission for itself.  This is bringing back the state into the core of the development proces," Hamdok said. Hamdok says strategies emphasizing private sector growth had failed in much of Africa because markets were too weak. "If you look at the structural adjustment program up to the 90s, the preaching was advocating the removal of the state from the development planning process; take the state and throw it away.  I don't think we can afford that, particularly in the context of Africa.  Where is this private sector that would lead the development process?  It's there but it's in an infant stat," Hamdock said. AU Economics Commissioner Mkwazelamba took issue with the statist model.  He noted that last year's conference had agreed on the need for the state to play a role in directing resources.  But he suggested the main body of opinion supports a dominant private sector approach. "The ministers indeed discussed this matter and agreed that yes, there was a role for the state to play, but it did not mean completely abandoning the Washington Consensus.  The private sector has a role to play.  In certain cases the government simply has to come in.  At the same time you need to let markets do their work but let governments play their facilitating role," Mkwazelamba said. Commissioner Mkwazelamba said another key to unleashing Africa's economic potential will be ensuring opportunity for women.  He said ministers will discuss the establishment of an African Fund to support women entrepreneurs in developing earning opportunities. The meetings of economists and financial experts are to continue throughout the next week at the newly-inaugurated African Union conference center. Media files: Mkwazelamba_full.jpg (image/jpeg, 0 MB) Mkwazelamba.jpg

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VOA News: Economy: Burundi Unions Threaten Strikes as Cost of Water, Electricity Skyrockets

VOA News: Economy Economy Voice of America

Burundi Unions Threaten Strikes as Cost of Water, Electricity Skyrockets Mar 21st 2012, 21:13 Labor unions in Burundi are threatening a countrywide strike next week unless the government controls the skyrocketing costs of water and electricity. Prices have risen more than 400 percent in the past three months. Civil society groups accuse the state of inaction because government officials, police officers, and the military do not pay for these services. Burundi's leading civil society groups and labor unions met with the country's 2nd vice president in Bujumbura Tuesday to discuss the rising cost of living across the nation, one of the poorest in Africa. Frustrations have nearly reached a boiling point as the price of water and electricity has quadrupled over the past three months. Joanna, a restaurant owner in Bujumbura, is hard hit. "The prices went up something crazy," she said.  "For example, I used to pay 30,000 [$23.30] a month for the electric, now for 30,000 [$23.30] it lasts only 10 days." The inflation has also impacted the price of food.  Just one month ago, one kilogram of rice cost about $1.  Today it costs about $1.50. The price of one kilogram of flour has risen from about 35 cents to 77 cents.  Staple foods are becoming unobtainable and the threat of widespread hunger looms.   Hundreds of civil society organizations have coordinated to call for government action.  They say the burden of the price hikes falls on the most vulnerable populations.  Meanwhile, government officials, police officers, and military do not pay for water or electricity. The protest in Burundi reflects a larger trend throughout East Africa.  In Kenya there has been an upsurge in workers' strikes against high inflation in the country.  Last year in Uganda, the opposition held "Walk to Work" protests against the high cost of fuel.  Those protests prompted a violent government response. Pierre Claver Mbonimba, a prominent human rights activist, attended Tuesday's meetings in Burundi. "We already gave the preliminary announcement for the strikes," he said. "If the 2nd VP fails to convince the government to address the high cost of living, to control organizations such as the REGIDESO Water and Electricity Company, we will call for demonstrations." Labor unions have given the government until the end of the week. If their demands are not met,  protests are planned for next Tuesday and Wednesday. Media files: Burundi Curious Map.jpg

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VOA News: Middle East: US Lawmaker: Iran May Have Hezbollah Operatives in US

VOA News: Middle East Middle East Voice of America

US Lawmaker: Iran May Have Hezbollah Operatives in US Mar 21st 2012, 21:11 The Republican chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, Peter King, said the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah may have hundreds of operatives based in the United States, and he said Hezbollah, and not al-Qaida, poses the greatest terrorist threat to Americans.  King held a hearing Wednesday with former government officials testifying.  House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Peter King of New York takes U.S. national security very seriously, and he says the terrorist threat to the United States may be shifting. "Now, as Iran moves closer to nuclear weapons, and there is increasing concern over war between Iran and Israel, we must also focus on Iran's secret operatives and their number one terrorist proxy force, Hezbollah, which we know is in America," said King. King said there are 84 Iranian diplomats in New York at the United Nations and in Washington, some of whom he said are likely to be spies. One of the witnesses to the panel, Mitchell Silber, is the New York Police Department's director of intelligence analysis. He said since 2005, New York law enforcement officers have interviewed at least 13 people with ties to Iran's government who were seen taking pictures of New York City landmarks. Police consider the activity to be pre-operational surveillance. Another one of the witnesses, former FBI official Chris Swecker, agreed that Hezbollah poses a real threat. "While al-Qaida has gained attention and notoriety with a series of sensational attacks, Hezbollah has quietly and strategically operated below the radar screen by avoiding overt terrorist attacks in the U.S.," said Swecker. "But, nevertheless, Hezbollah is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of U.S. citizens, and including 241 Marines in the bombing of the Beirut barracks" [in 1983]. A former drug enforcement official, Michael Braun, said he fears the confluence of terrorist groups such as Hezbollah and global drug cartels. He said Hezbollah and members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard are working with cartels. "They are now operating and working in close proximity and collaborating with Mexican and Colombian drug trafficking cartels, not only in the Western Hemisphere, but other locations such as Guinea Bissau in West Africa," Braun said. Several witnesses said Tehran may now be prepared to carry out proxy attacks on U.S. soil. They cited a failed plot, allegedly by Iran, to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the U.S. last October in a Washington restaurant. The ranking member on the committee, Democrat Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, urged caution, especially addressing those lawmakers who are calling for tougher action on Iran's nuclear program.  He said, "But we should not engage in a public discussion that creates fear and delivers misinformation." Thompson said if lawmakers have concerns about Iran, they should invite National Intelligence Director James Clapper to testify in front of them in a classified setting. Join the conversation on our social journalism site - Middle East Voices. Follow our Middle East reports on Twitter and discuss them on our Facebook page. Media files: RTR1BFX0_US_King_21MAR12.jpg (image/jpeg, 0.1 MB) RTR1BFX0_TEASE_US_King_21MAR12.jpg

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VOA News: Americas: Dissident Cuban Blogger Sees Opportunity in Pope Visit

VOA News: Americas Americas Voice of America

Dissident Cuban Blogger Sees Opportunity in Pope Visit Mar 21st 2012, 20:48 As Pope Benedict prepares to visit Cuba next week, a dissident blogger says the trip is a good time to showcase the real situation in the island nation. Even though Yoani Sánchez believes the visit will not have a major political impact, she says it will be a good opportunity because of the increased international attention that comes with a visit by the pope. In an exclusive interview with Voice of America, the Cuban blogger said Internet access is still a major problem on the island and explains how she manages to update her blog Generation Y and tweets current events, which has made her famous in the social media world. VOA: How is the country preparing for Pope Benedict's visit after several member of the Ladies in White (an opposition movement consisting of wives and female relatives of jailed dissidents) were detained? Sánchez: For the 'backyard' Catholics, the ones on the island, it will be a good moment for them as they meet their pastor, a kind of jubilee for the community as the 400th anniversary of "Our Lady of Charity" approaches. But politically and socially it will not transcend beyond what happened during Pope John Paul's (II) visit in 1998, which only had an impact on the public awareness. I think Benedict's trip is more spiritual-focused." However, the island will experience days of international scrutiny, where many journalists, pilgrims and people from outside will come for the event. It's a good opportunity to show them the real Cuba; to report what is actually happening.  We will become a showcase, where activists, bloggers and Twitter users have the responsibility to show the real side of the country and not official one. VOA: U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-Florida) will hold an event this Wednesday in Washington to show how the Internet and social networks operate in Cuba. Many believe it is difficult for Cubans to freely access unmonitored web pages. What can you tell us about that? Sánchez: From my experience, having access to information and technology are fundamental for a free country.  A person who holds a flash memory and has access to at least a minute of internet can change his or her life. That makes that citizen more empowered, more aware of his rights, perhaps more likely to speak up because he doesn't like what is happening. I think in order to help Cubans is necessary to empower them technologically, so that they can become 21-century internet users. Because without it, we will not become more democratic; we will not be free. VOA: How do you do your work without economic resources? Sánchez: I started an online blog five years ago called "Generación Y" (Y Generation) and one of the biggest problems I encounter every week is free internet access to update texts and pictures. It's my little virtual space. The Cuban government does not allow average citizens to obtain a household internet connection and interact online. That is a privilege destined for foreign residents in our national territory, and for politically reliable people. In my case, if I want to connect from a hotel the prices are astronomical, a click here and there have to be done fast because every minute that passes harms me economically. I do that once a week or every ten days. I write several articles from my house and when I manage to get connected, I scheduled the posts to give the impression my blog is alive, although I'm not connected at that moment. But other Cubans get online access in the early morning hours through accounts they buy in the black market, but that has many risks. VOA: Reports say the Cuban minimum-wage is very low and you have said it's expensive to have internet access. How do you do it? Do you receive any funding? What are the medium costs for the average Cuban to get internet access in a hotel and browse for few minutes each week? Sánchez: In my case, I try to take advantage of the all the time I'm not online to arrange texts and photos correctly, so when I finally get access to look around the web, I do it as quickly as possible. Fortunately, many tourists who visit Cuba know our situation, mine and that of other bloggers. After spending a week or two in this country, they usually give us prepaid phone cards to use in a hotel. Our technological poverty doesn't allow us to sustain those costs. But thanks to the solidarity of many people in the world, we are able to have internet access. And also people who read our posts in other parts of the world, recharge our phones, which allow us to tweet. This is quite an interesting period on how Cubans have access to social networks. Media files: AP_cuba_dissident_blogger_Yoani_Sanchez_480_eng_21mar12.jpg (image/jpeg, 0.1 MB) AP_cuba_dissident_blogger_Yoani_Sanchez_230_eng_21mar12.jpg

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VOA News: Africa: Burundi Unions Threaten Strikes as Cost of Water, Electricity Skyrockets

VOA News: Africa Africa Voice of America

Burundi Unions Threaten Strikes as Cost of Water, Electricity Skyrockets Mar 21st 2012, 21:13 Labor unions in Burundi are threatening a countrywide strike next week unless the government controls the skyrocketing costs of water and electricity. Prices have risen more than 400 percent in the past three months. Civil society groups accuse the state of inaction because government officials, police officers, and the military do not pay for these services. Burundi's leading civil society groups and labor unions met with the country's 2nd vice president in Bujumbura Tuesday to discuss the rising cost of living across the nation, one of the poorest in Africa. Frustrations have nearly reached a boiling point as the price of water and electricity has quadrupled over the past three months. Joanna, a restaurant owner in Bujumbura, is hard hit. "The prices went up something crazy," she said.  "For example, I used to pay 30,000 [$23.30] a month for the electric, now for 30,000 [$23.30] it lasts only 10 days." The inflation has also impacted the price of food.  Just one month ago, one kilogram of rice cost about $1.  Today it costs about $1.50. The price of one kilogram of flour has risen from about 35 cents to 77 cents.  Staple foods are becoming unobtainable and the threat of widespread hunger looms.   Hundreds of civil society organizations have coordinated to call for government action.  They say the burden of the price hikes falls on the most vulnerable populations.  Meanwhile, government officials, police officers, and military do not pay for water or electricity. The protest in Burundi reflects a larger trend throughout East Africa.  In Kenya there has been an upsurge in workers' strikes against high inflation in the country.  Last year in Uganda, the opposition held "Walk to Work" protests against the high cost of fuel.  Those protests prompted a violent government response. Pierre Claver Mbonimba, a prominent human rights activist, attended Tuesday's meetings in Burundi. "We already gave the preliminary announcement for the strikes," he said. "If the 2nd VP fails to convince the government to address the high cost of living, to control organizations such as the REGIDESO Water and Electricity Company, we will call for demonstrations." Labor unions have given the government until the end of the week. If their demands are not met,  protests are planned for next Tuesday and Wednesday. Media files: Burundi Curious Map.jpg

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VOA News: Africa: Ministers To Examine Strategies for Unleashing Africa's Economic Potential

VOA News: Africa Africa Voice of America

Ministers To Examine Strategies for Unleashing Africa's Economic Potential Mar 21st 2012, 21:15 More than 50 African ministers of finance and economic development are gathering in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa to examine strategies for unleashing the continent's vast economic potential. A preliminary session revealed differences of opinion on the best path to growth. The ministerial conference being held over the next week is based on the premise that Africa has the potential to become a pole of global growth.  But experts say growth has been stymied in the past by persistent economic imbalances, driven partially by high levels of borrowing and debt. Two senior economists briefing reporters Wednesday agreed that past policies aimed at fostering development have had mixed results. Particular criticism has been leveled at what has come to be known as the Washington Consensus. The Washington Consensus is generally defined as a set of late 20th century policy prescriptions advocated by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Those prescriptions emphasized the efficiency of private enterprise and open markets. Many African governments blame those market-oriented policies for the continent's economic stagnation in the 1970s and 80s. Last year's ministerial conference was devoted to examining the state's role in development, and this conference will hear reports based on the results of that meeting. Comments Wednesday by African Union Economic Affairs Commissioner Maxwell Mkwazelamba and United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Deputy Chief Abdallah Hamdok revealed that the issue is far from settled. Hamdok argues that recent experience shows economies that have developed fastest have been those where the state has taken the dominant role.  He calls it the "developmental state" model. "If you look at South Korea experience, China experience, Malaysia, all these countries, at the heart of it was a developmental state, this took on board a state that has a mission for itself.  This is bringing back the state into the core of the development proces," Hamdok said. Hamdok says strategies emphasizing private sector growth had failed in much of Africa because markets were too weak. "If you look at the structural adjustment program up to the 90s, the preaching was advocating the removal of the state from the development planning process; take the state and throw it away.  I don't think we can afford that, particularly in the context of Africa.  Where is this private sector that would lead the development process?  It's there but it's in an infant stat," Hamdock said. AU Economics Commissioner Mkwazelamba took issue with the statist model.  He noted that last year's conference had agreed on the need for the state to play a role in directing resources.  But he suggested the main body of opinion supports a dominant private sector approach. "The ministers indeed discussed this matter and agreed that yes, there was a role for the state to play, but it did not mean completely abandoning the Washington Consensus.  The private sector has a role to play.  In certain cases the government simply has to come in.  At the same time you need to let markets do their work but let governments play their facilitating role," Mkwazelamba said. Commissioner Mkwazelamba said another key to unleashing Africa's economic potential will be ensuring opportunity for women.  He said ministers will discuss the establishment of an African Fund to support women entrepreneurs in developing earning opportunities. The meetings of economists and financial experts are to continue throughout the next week at the newly-inaugurated African Union conference center. Media files: Mkwazelamba_full.jpg (image/jpeg, 0 MB) Mkwazelamba.jpg

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VOA News: USA: US Lawmaker: Iran May Have Hezbollah Operatives in US

VOA News: USA USA Voice of America

US Lawmaker: Iran May Have Hezbollah Operatives in US Mar 21st 2012, 21:11 The Republican chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, Peter King, said the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah may have hundreds of operatives based in the United States, and he said Hezbollah, and not al-Qaida, poses the greatest terrorist threat to Americans.  King held a hearing Wednesday with former government officials testifying.  House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Peter King of New York takes U.S. national security very seriously, and he says the terrorist threat to the United States may be shifting. "Now, as Iran moves closer to nuclear weapons, and there is increasing concern over war between Iran and Israel, we must also focus on Iran's secret operatives and their number one terrorist proxy force, Hezbollah, which we know is in America," said King. King said there are 84 Iranian diplomats in New York at the United Nations and in Washington, some of whom he said are likely to be spies. One of the witnesses to the panel, Mitchell Silber, is the New York Police Department's director of intelligence analysis. He said since 2005, New York law enforcement officers have interviewed at least 13 people with ties to Iran's government who were seen taking pictures of New York City landmarks. Police consider the activity to be pre-operational surveillance. Another one of the witnesses, former FBI official Chris Swecker, agreed that Hezbollah poses a real threat. "While al-Qaida has gained attention and notoriety with a series of sensational attacks, Hezbollah has quietly and strategically operated below the radar screen by avoiding overt terrorist attacks in the U.S.," said Swecker. "But, nevertheless, Hezbollah is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of U.S. citizens, and including 241 Marines in the bombing of the Beirut barracks" [in 1983]. A former drug enforcement official, Michael Braun, said he fears the confluence of terrorist groups such as Hezbollah and global drug cartels. He said Hezbollah and members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard are working with cartels. "They are now operating and working in close proximity and collaborating with Mexican and Colombian drug trafficking cartels, not only in the Western Hemisphere, but other locations such as Guinea Bissau in West Africa," Braun said. Several witnesses said Tehran may now be prepared to carry out proxy attacks on U.S. soil. They cited a failed plot, allegedly by Iran, to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the U.S. last October in a Washington restaurant. The ranking member on the committee, Democrat Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, urged caution, especially addressing those lawmakers who are calling for tougher action on Iran's nuclear program.  He said, "But we should not engage in a public discussion that creates fear and delivers misinformation." Thompson said if lawmakers have concerns about Iran, they should invite National Intelligence Director James Clapper to testify in front of them in a classified setting. Join the conversation on our social journalism site - Middle East Voices. Follow our Middle East reports on Twitter and discuss them on our Facebook page. Media files: RTR1BFX0_US_King_21MAR12.jpg (image/jpeg, 0.1 MB) RTR1BFX0_TEASE_US_King_21MAR12.jpg

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VOA News: Asia: Afghan Killings Provoke More Discussion of US Mission

VOA News: Asia Asia Voice of America

Afghan Killings Provoke More Discussion of US Mission Mar 21st 2012, 20:29 The recent shooting of Afghan civilians allegedly by a U.S. soldier is provoking more discussion about the future of America's mission in Afghanistan. the shooting and other recent incidents involving U.S. forces are prompting calls for a reexamination of Washington's exit strategy. Anti-American demonstrations in Afghanistan are a contrast from a decade ago, when many Afghans welcomed U.S. troops and the end of Taliban rule. But soon, the United States concentrated its efforts on Iraq and, some say, neglected Afghanistan.  And the conflict has become the longest war in American history.   Dan Wagner, a retired U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant colonel, served two tours of duty in Afghanistan, his first one early in the war. "There was a sense of optimism.  There was a sense of possibility.  We had just gotten started there, really, and we began to make some inroads in terms of building infrastructure and governance, so there was a sense of possibility," Wagner said.   That optimism faded as the war continued and Afghan welcomes turned to protests, most notably after incidents such as the recent inadvertent burning of the Quran by U.S. forces and an American soldier's alleged shooting rampage.   Wagner says he saw Afghan attitudes toward U.S. forces change. "The difference in what happened in 2011, in my most recent tour when I was dealing with the local population, is more pessimism. I would say [there was] more uncertainty and skepticism about our long-term commitment and what their future was going to be," Wagner said. For U.S. infantrymen in Afghanistan, mistrust and resentment among the local population means a nightmare scenario on the front, where some U.S. troops report it is often difficult to tell who is a friend and who is an enemy.   The stresses of a long, complicated war have prompted calls by some U.S. politicians for an early withdrawal.  Some have pointed to the stress on U.S. forces as a possible contributor to incidents such as the recent shooting rampage. U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has gone to Afghanistan and denounced the soldier's apparent rampage.  He also pledged that there will be no change in America's fundamental strategy to transfer security responsibility to Afghan forces by the end of 2014. Washington says that overall the effort has been successful, with more than half of Afghanistan now under government control. President Barack Obama said recently that although the U.S. is not speeding up the withdrawal, it is not ruling out possible adjustments to the plan. "Meanwhile, we will continue the work of devastating the al-Qaida leadership and denying them a safe haven," Obama said. After its pullout in 2014, the United States says it will support the Afghan government mostly with special operations forces and drones. It is part of a new strategy that includes staying engaged with the Afghan leadership, but with a less visible presence. Media files: AFP_AfghanistanKillings_12mar12-300.jpg US_Afghanistan_Strategy__730574.mp4 (video/mp4)

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