VOA News: Middle East: Israel Critical of Iran Nuclear Talks

VOA News: Middle East Middle East Voice of America

Israel Critical of Iran Nuclear Talks Apr 18th 2012, 00:44 Israeli officials say European Union-led negotiations over Iran's nuclear program are giving Tehran more time to develop nuclear weapons. U.S. officials are trying to reassure Israel there is still time for a diplomatic solution to the nuclear standoff. <!--AV--> U.N. and E.U. nuclear talks with Iran have settled on another round of negotiations next month in Baghdad. And Israel is not happy about it. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says more time is just what Iran wants. "Well, my initial impression is that Iran has been given a [free chance]. It's got five weeks to continue enrichment without any limitation, any inhibition," he said. U.S. President Barack Obama says Iran is not getting a free pass and must show it is serious about complying with its international obligations. "I've been very clear to Iran and to our negotiating partners that we're not going to have these talks just drag out in a stalling process. But so far at least we haven't given away anything other than the opportunity for us to negotiate and see if Iran comes to the table in good faith," he said. With Israel openly considering a military strike to stop Iran's nuclear program... Middle East analyst Malou Innocent says the Obama administration is pressing for more time. "The Israeli government believes that negotiations are worthless, that we should just immediately press forward with more pressure and possible military strikes. So there seems to be some tension between the Israeli and U.S. governments," she said. The United States and European Union are tightening sanctions on Iran's oil and banking sectors. President Obama says there will be no let up until the international community is satisfied that Iran's nuclear program is not for weapons. "Part of the reason we have been able to build a strong international coalition that isolates Iran around the nuclear issue is because the world has confidence that I've been sincere and my administration's been sincere about giving Iran an opportunity to pursue peaceful nuclear energy while foreclosing the pursuit of a nuclear weapon," he said. With Iranian ally Bashar al-Assad under pressure in Damascus, analyst Malou Innocent says the Obama administration is telling Israel to be patient. "History is going in Israel's favor in terms of the international pressure being brought on the Iranian government and now the internal insurrection against Assad's regime. So many within Washington are trying to pressure Tel Aviv to back down on the pressure and allow events to carry forward," he said. Iran insists that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes. U.N. Secretary General Bank Ki-moon says Tehran deserves the chance to demonstrate that to the international community. Media files: ap_israel_netanyahu_aipac_06mar12_300.jpg US_Iran_Israel_web-fixed-x264-Platform_YTHQFull__488858.mp4 (video/mp4)

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VOA News: Middle East: Al-Qaida Claims Kidnapping of Saudi Diplomat in Yemen, Makes Demands

VOA News: Middle East Middle East Voice of America

Al-Qaida Claims Kidnapping of Saudi Diplomat in Yemen, Makes Demands Apr 18th 2012, 00:56 Saudi Arabia says al-Qaida has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of a Saudi diplomat in Yemen last month and threatened to kill the man unless the kingdom releases detained militants. Saudi officials said Tuesday the terrorist network's regional affiliate, al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, claimed the kidnapping in a phone call to the Saudi Embassy in Yemen. They identified the caller as a wanted Saudi terror suspect, Mashaal Rasheed al-Shawdakhi. Gunmen abducted the Saudi deputy consul in the Yemeni port city of Aden outside his home on March 28. The Saudi government said al-Shawdakhi demanded the release of militants jailed in Saudi Arabia and a ransom payment in exchange for the diplomat. It said the caller warned that al-Qaida will kill the diplomat, attack a Saudi embassy and assassinate a Saudi prince if the demands are not met. Riyadh rejected the threats. Kidnappings: a new tactic Kidnappings of foreigners for ransom is common in Yemen, an impoverished nation where al-Qaida militants and other rebels control large swathes of territory. But the seizing of the Saudi diplomat in Aden appears to be a new tactic for al-Qaida, according to senior analyst Robert Powell of the Economist Intelligence Unit research institute. Reached by phone in New York, Powell said al-Qaida usually executes its prisoners or attempts assassinations such as a 2009 suicide bombing in Saudi Arabia that failed to kill the country's deputy interior minister. Al-Qaida bluster Powell said al-Shawdawki's warning of further attacks on Saudi targets "sounds like bluster." He said Saudi Arabia's diplomatic and economic facilities are well-defended, and there is no indication that al-Qaida has the power to launch coordinated attacks against them. The EIU analyst said the Saudi government has not negotiated with high-level al-Qaida figures in the past because the group is dedicated to overthrowing the Saudi monarchy. But he said the Saudis have shown a "considerable willingness" to engage with lower-level militants. Powell said Saudi Arabia has tried to re-educate al-Qaida members, teaching them a "new path within Islam, away from violence and toward a more peaceful form of jihad." He said these efforts are aimed at assimilating militants into local tribes and stripping them away from the central organization. Media files: Yemen_Curious_Map.jpg

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VOA News: Africa: Malawi Law Society Demands Prosecution of Civilian ‘Coup Plotters’

VOA News: Africa Africa Voice of America

Malawi Law Society Demands Prosecution of Civilian 'Coup Plotters' Apr 18th 2012, 01:02 The president of the Malawi Law Society (MLS) has called for the prosecution of cabinet ministers who he says orchestrated a failed "constitutional coup d'état" following the death of President Bingu wa Mutharika. Section 83 (4) of the constitution stipulates that when a sitting president dies or is incapacitated the vice president automatically takes the reins of power. John Gift Mwakhwawa, chairman of the law society, said the ministers should be held accountable for refusing to support Vice President Joyce Banda. Instead, they supported the president's brother, Foreign Affairs Minister Peter Arthur Mutharika, a move Mwakhwawa called a treasonable act under Malawi's constitution. "We examined the state of affairs, and what we found was that the ministers who were involved in what has so far been termed as a constitutional coup were committing a crime under our penal code, and that crime is a crime of treason," said Mwakhwawa. Cabinet ministers reportedly convened a meeting without Vice President Joyce Banda immediately after Mr. Mutharika was declared dead after he suffered a heart attack. Some of the ministers proposed the president's younger brother as president. On April 6, six cabinet ministers led by information minister Patricia Kaliati, held a news conference stating that Ms. Banda had no mandate to rule because she was dismissed from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).  Following her expulsion, Ms. Banda formed the People's Party (PP). Mwakhwawa said that Banda's party affiliation doesn't preclude her from the presidency. "She has at all times remained the vice president of the republic of Malawi. She has not committed any impeachable offense, and there were no impeachment proceedings anywhere [against her]." Ms. Banda was sworn in as president on April 7. Mwakhwawa said respect for the rule of law thwarted the failed attempt to subvert the constitution. "This serves as an opportunity to Malawians to see the strength of their constitution and to always remember that there no person above the law …As Malawians we must pay attention to our constitutionalism at all times." Some Malawians expressed concern the ministers' action undermined the constitution, which they said, could have led to violence and chaos. The accused officials include sports minister Symon Vuwa Kaunda, Health and Population Services minister Dr. Jean Kalilani, Local Government Minister Henry Mussa, deputy ministers in the office of the president Nicholas Dausi and deputy Foreign Affairs minister Kondwani Nakhumwa. Mwakhwawa said the prosecution of the accused ministers should be expedited. "After the mourning period, the president will not only come out with her agenda for the nation, but I think that would be the most appropriate time to look at this and see how best it can be prosecuted," said Mwakhwawa." "It shouldn't matter that the people involved were politicians, because I will like to think that if it was an ordinary person on the street, that ordinary person would have been taken to book by now." Media files: AFP_Banda-resizedpx480q100dpi96shp8.jpg (image/jpeg, 0.2 MB) AFP_Banda300_13apr12.jpg clottey-malawi-prosecution-demand-mwakhwawa-18april2012.mp3 (audio/mpeg)

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VOA News: Africa: Guinea-Bissau Military Accused of Repression in Wake of Coup

VOA News: Africa Africa Voice of America

Guinea-Bissau Military Accused of Repression in Wake of Coup Apr 17th 2012, 23:38 International human rights group Amnesty International said Tuesday that the military in Guinea-Bissau is increasingly restricting the rights of protestors, media, and some politicians after last week's coup. "Since the coup, there has been a kind of witch hunt of politicians, including ministers," said Amnesty's Guinea Bissau expert, Marise Castro. "As far as we know, most of them seem to be in hiding, but we are concerned about a couple of them whose whereabouts we don't know." Last week the military in Guinea Bissau took over the government, less than a month before the country was scheduled to choose a new president.  The scheduled runoff presidential vote would have pitted former president Kumba Yala against frontrunner former Prime Minister Carlos Gomes Junior. Coup leaders have detained Gomes along with interim President Raimundo Pereira since April 12. "The conditions of their detention are quite bad," said Castro. "People who know where they are, I mean the cells and the barracks, have told us that they are infested with mosquitos, there is no sanitation, there is no water." According to Amnesty, peaceful demonstrations were also violently repressed recently when soldiers beat protestors with guns. Private news stations were also shut down, though Castro said the military then asked the broadcasters to resume, albeit under broad censorship. The African Union Tuesday suspended Guinea-Bissau's membership, saying coup leaders are violating the constitution.  In his statement, AU Commission Chairman Jean Ping urged Guinea-Bissau politicians to avoid involvement in what he called "window dressing for the takeover." Ping also said the coup leaders are trying to arbitrarily halt an ongoing election process. The runoff election was to replace the late president, Malam Bacai Sanha, who died in January after a long illness. On Monday, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed "grave concern" over the crisis in Guinea-Bissau. The country has endured decades of instability marked by numerous coups and coup attempts and the assassination of President Joao Bernardo Vieria in 2009 by renegade soldiers.  Guinea-Bissau has also become a transit point for international drug traffickers. Media files: afp_guinea_480_15apr12.jpg (image/jpeg, 0.1 MB) afp_guinea_230_15apr12.jpg SHRYOCK04-18-2012-DBA-GUINEA BISSAU-COUP-SHRYOCK-CASTRO.Mp3 (audio/mpeg)

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VOA News: USA: Historic Theater With Black History Roots Reopens in Washington

VOA News: USA USA Voice of America

Historic Theater With Black History Roots Reopens in Washington Apr 17th 2012, 23:53 <!--AV--> Since 1910, African American entertainers - including Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington - have performed at the Howard Theater, even launching their careers there. But since 1980, The Howard, in a traditionally African American neighborhood, has sat in disrepair and was set to be destroyed. But the arts community joined forces to save the building and fully restore its grandeur. Our reporter has more on what the historic theater meant to black entertainers and, in its comeback, what it might mean in the future.    The Howard Theater, a Washington DC landmark, is reborn. The sound of music once again fills the historic venue that was built in 1910 as the largest theater in the world for African American entertainers and audiences. The theater occupied a big part of black history. In the 1930s, Washington born composer and big-band leader Duke Ellington made his mark at the Howard. Black artists like Diane Ross and the Supremes also graced its stage. Grammy award winning singer Marvin Gaye was discovered here. Smokey Robinson was a teenager when he first performed at the Howard. He and other black musicians came back to celebrate the theater's revival. "I grew up in this theater and it was a mainstay," said Smokey Robinson. "We use to bring the Motown reviews here. So we had a great deal of fun in this theater, and I am very happy that they opened it again." Broadway actress and singer Leslie Uggams also came to celebrate.   "In these kinds of theaters you really had to make your mark because the audiences took no prisoners [were very critical] so you better know your stuff," said Leslie Uggams. "Plus, for me what was great about it is that everything I do on Broadway right now  - and I do eight shows a week -  I learned from playing in theaters like this." For decades the Howard Theater hosted vaudeville acts, plays, musicals and local talent shows. It was called "Black Broadway." In a time of racial segregation, African Americans could only perform in certain venues.   Leatha Blount lived two blocks away from The Howard. It was also a social destination for her.   "It was a ball," said Leatha Blount. "This was the black Harlem [like in New York]. We use to dance in the streets, dance in the show in the theater and have fun."   But during the 1968 race riots, the theater was looted.  It reopened in1975 as a national historic landmark but only for a short time. For the last 30 years, it has sat empty and in total disrepair. Two years ago, a massive renovation was launched aimed at restoring the theater's glory. Now, the interior is state of the art with contemporary lighting, video screens and a cabaret feel. At the ribbon cutting, the consensus was that the project was a huge success. April and Edward Ellington came to see the theater where their father, Duke, thrilled audiences. "They have done a magnificent job [in the renovation] and I know our dad is looking down smiling," said  Edward Ellington. Steven Bensusan, president of Blue Note Entertainment, said the goal is to make the Howard Theater a DC companion of the Blue Note, the famous New York jazz club. "This is something we're looking forward to doing, promoting new musicians and helping spread the word that we're making the Howard Theater for the 21st century," said Steven Bensusan. Now that this grand theater has reopened for business, the people who run the Howard Theatre say it will continue to be a Mecca for African American entertainers for generations to come. Media files: Howard_Theater_Web01.jpg Howard_Theater_Web-fixed-x264-Platform_YTHQFull__105466.mp4 (video/mp4)

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VOA News: Arts and Entertainment: Historic Theater With Black History Roots Reopens in Washington

VOA News: Arts and Entertainment Arts and Entertainment Voice of America

Historic Theater With Black History Roots Reopens in Washington Apr 17th 2012, 23:53 <!--AV--> Since 1910, African American entertainers - including Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington - have performed at the Howard Theater, even launching their careers there. But since 1980, The Howard, in a traditionally African American neighborhood, has sat in disrepair and was set to be destroyed. But the arts community joined forces to save the building and fully restore its grandeur. Our reporter has more on what the historic theater meant to black entertainers and, in its comeback, what it might mean in the future.    The Howard Theater, a Washington DC landmark, is reborn. The sound of music once again fills the historic venue that was built in 1910 as the largest theater in the world for African American entertainers and audiences. The theater occupied a big part of black history. In the 1930s, Washington born composer and big-band leader Duke Ellington made his mark at the Howard. Black artists like Diane Ross and the Supremes also graced its stage. Grammy award winning singer Marvin Gaye was discovered here. Smokey Robinson was a teenager when he first performed at the Howard. He and other black musicians came back to celebrate the theater's revival. "I grew up in this theater and it was a mainstay," said Smokey Robinson. "We use to bring the Motown reviews here. So we had a great deal of fun in this theater, and I am very happy that they opened it again." Broadway actress and singer Leslie Uggams also came to celebrate.   "In these kinds of theaters you really had to make your mark because the audiences took no prisoners [were very critical] so you better know your stuff," said Leslie Uggams. "Plus, for me what was great about it is that everything I do on Broadway right now  - and I do eight shows a week -  I learned from playing in theaters like this." For decades the Howard Theater hosted vaudeville acts, plays, musicals and local talent shows. It was called "Black Broadway." In a time of racial segregation, African Americans could only perform in certain venues.   Leatha Blount lived two blocks away from The Howard. It was also a social destination for her.   "It was a ball," said Leatha Blount. "This was the black Harlem [like in New York]. We use to dance in the streets, dance in the show in the theater and have fun."   But during the 1968 race riots, the theater was looted.  It reopened in1975 as a national historic landmark but only for a short time. For the last 30 years, it has sat empty and in total disrepair. Two years ago, a massive renovation was launched aimed at restoring the theater's glory. Now, the interior is state of the art with contemporary lighting, video screens and a cabaret feel. At the ribbon cutting, the consensus was that the project was a huge success. April and Edward Ellington came to see the theater where their father, Duke, thrilled audiences. "They have done a magnificent job [in the renovation] and I know our dad is looking down smiling," said  Edward Ellington. Steven Bensusan, president of Blue Note Entertainment, said the goal is to make the Howard Theater a DC companion of the Blue Note, the famous New York jazz club. "This is something we're looking forward to doing, promoting new musicians and helping spread the word that we're making the Howard Theater for the 21st century," said Steven Bensusan. Now that this grand theater has reopened for business, the people who run the Howard Theatre say it will continue to be a Mecca for African American entertainers for generations to come. Media files: Howard_Theater_Web01.jpg Howard_Theater_Web-fixed-x264-Platform_YTHQFull__105466.mp4 (video/mp4)

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VOA News: Africa: Corruption Charges Against Son of Equatorial Guinea Leader Prompt Slander Probe

VOA News: Africa Africa Voice of America

Corruption Charges Against Son of Equatorial Guinea Leader Prompt Slander Probe Apr 17th 2012, 23:54 International human rights advocates say France's arrest warrant for Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, known as Teodorín, is an important signal the international community will hold Equatorial Guinea's leading family accountable. Tutu Alicante, director of US-based EG Justice, said the warrant "shows [Equatorial Guineans] that Teodorin and his father, his family, who for so many years have been looting all this money from the country, are not untouchable. It shows that they too can be subjected to justice." Teodorin, the son of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, has been accused of laundering money from Equatorial Guinea in order to make lavish purchases in France, including multimillion dollar properties and a fleet of luxury cars. Prosecutors in France brought charges against Teodorin late last month after anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International filed a legal complaint against the president's son. On Tuesday, Equatorial Guinea's public prosecutor announced they were considering possible slander charges against the head of Transparency International. Alicante and other international rights activists have called on France to act quickly on its arrest warrant. "We know that Teodorin for many, many years has been collecting not only luxury cars, but also a host of luxury items - gloves from Michael Jackson, multimillion dollar paintings from Monet," said Alicante. "It is clear that most of that money did not come from legitimate sources. This is a minister that is making about sixty thousand dollars a year officially, yet he's able to afford multimillion dollar houses and mansions all over the world." The younger Obiang is the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry. But President Obiang has publicly defended his son. In an interview with French TV France 24, he said that Teodorin's wealth could be traced to a company he owns involved with forestry and road-building. "He didn't take any money," he told the news outlet. According to Human Rights Watch, Teodorin is expected to succeed his father under constitutional changes pushed through in November. The oil-rich West African country high poverty rates despite a wealth of natural resources. Teodorín has been under investigation in both the United States and France, on suspicion of making purchases through the misuse of the country's natural resource wealth. Media files: TeodoroNguema.jpg (image/jpeg, 0 MB) Teodoro_Obiang_300.jpg SHRYOCK - 04-18-2012-DBA-EQUATORIAL GUINEA- WARRANT-SHRYOCK-ALICANTE.Mp3 (audio/mpeg)

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VOA News: Europe: EU Youth Orchestra Spreads Passion for Music With American Peers

VOA News: Europe Europe Voice of America

EU Youth Orchestra Spreads Passion for Music With American Peers Apr 17th 2012, 21:35 The European Union Youth Orchestra is on its first American tour in more than 20 years, with concerts in several major U.S. cities and on university campuses through April 24. The group is sharing its love of music with its American peers. Thousands of young musicians from the European Union's 27 member countries compete each year for a shot at one of these chairs. Even as Europe grapples with high unemployment, the EU Youth Orchestra [EUYO] offers about 140 young players a chance to get a leg up on the competition. <!--AV--> Young musicians ascending Almost all of them are likely to become professional musicians. This is Sarah Sew's last tour with the group. She's British and said the orchestra's diversity is its biggest strength. "Part of the energy and feeling and emotion that you have in the performance is so much because of that," said Sew. "And as part of its American tour, the European Union Youth Orchestra is taking that energy from the concert hall to the classroom with stops at local high schools. The visiting musicians, like Sew, say it's important for them to share their love of music." Workshops like these outside Washington provide American students with a chance to meet and play with the European musicians who are all about the same age as they are. Sew said she wants to inspire students just as she was when she first started playing. "I remember what I felt when I first heard, when someone demonstrated to me the violin, and I was desperate to play it," said Sew. Sharing the love Joy Bryar founded the youth orchestra in the 1970s with her husband. She calls her musicians her children and says they're ambassadors. "There's nothing more important than young people meeting at an age where they have no preconceived values or tolerances, working together and producing something great," said Bryar. Sew said where the audiences or players come from is not important. Music is their common language. "If you feel something when you hear music, don't just forget about it and let it go when the concert finishes or when the radio finishes.  Remember that, keep that feeling with you," said Sew. The Washington Performing Arts Society presented the EUYO at Washington's Kennedy Center. The group has stops planned in New York and Boston before finishing its tour near Chicago later this month. Media files: voa_us_european_youth_orchestra_washington_480_17april2012.jpg (image/jpeg, 0.1 MB) voa_us_european_youth_orchestra_washington_230_17april2012.jpg CN_US_European_Youth_Orchestra_web_SU-fixed-x264-Platform_YTHQFull__688179.mp4 (video/mp4)

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VOA News: Asia: Dalai Lama's US Visit Draws Attention to Tibet Turmoil

VOA News: Asia Asia Voice of America

Dalai Lama's US Visit Draws Attention to Tibet Turmoil Apr 17th 2012, 21:08 Following a year in which more than 30 Tibetans set themselves on fire to protest Chinese rule in Tibet, the Dalai Lama is to begin a four-day visit to California on Wednesday. Some American admirers said the Tibetan spiritual leader's teachings have made them more aware of the problems in his homeland. The Dalai Lama has noted followers in Hollywood, including actor Richard Gere.   He also has admirers at the University of Southern California, where he spoke in May, 2011. Recent graduate Jake Bloch was attracted by the Dalai Lama's charismatic style, and the former student is now concerned with the plight of Tibetans. "His visit last year to the USC campus and his regular visits to universities across America have helped to increase awareness," said Bloch. The Dalai Lama is Buddhist, but his humor and down-to-earth approach appeal to Catholic graduate student Megan Sweas and others. "Jews, Hindus, secular people, atheists, they can all relate to what he has to bring to the table," said Sweas. <!--IMAGE-LEFT--> Chinese authorities blame the Dalai Lama for the 20 deaths caused by the the self-immolations, mostly by members of the Buddhist clergy. The Dalai Lama blames China's harsh rule for the frustrations of Tibetans that he says have led to the suicides. These students say the Dalai Lama promotes a message of peace. USC's Dean of Religious Life, Varun Soni, said most Americans are united in their admiration. "Both Democrats and Republicans seem to gravitate towards him. "People from different faith traditions seem to flock to be with him. People who are not religious really deeply respect him and read his books," Soni said. The abbot of a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in India, Geshe Jangchup Choeden, is now visiting California and said the Dalai Lama is important to Tibetans on many levels - as a religious, ethical and spiritual leader. "Tibetan people have a deep sense of devotion and trust and faith in him, and it makes him very special. It is kind of unimaginable for the rest of the world what is the Dalai Lama for the Tibetans," said the abbot. The Tibet issue drew protesters and defenders of the Chinese government during February's visit by China's Vice President Xi Jinping. The focus of this visit by the Dalai Lama is spiritual, but the Tibet issue is not far in the background. The Dalai Lama will speak in San Diego and Long Beach, before moving on to Chicago for appearances April 25 and 26. Media files: RTR303FDTibet_Cremation_17APR12.jpg (image/jpeg, 0.1 MB) RTR2YCMP_TEASE_Tibet_17APR12.jpg AP_dalai_lama_3jan2012_230.jpg

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VOA News: Africa: Despite Fighting, Mbeki Confident Sudan Talks Will Resume

VOA News: Africa Africa Voice of America

Despite Fighting, Mbeki Confident Sudan Talks Will Resume Apr 17th 2012, 20:42 Former South African president Thabo Mbeki has expressed confidence that Sudan and South Sudan will return to the negotiating table to get themselves out of what he calls "this state of war." Mbeki's high-level mediation panel is standing by to resume talks that broke off as fighting escalated. Mbeki says he is sure the African Union mediation panel he heads will bring Sudan and South Sudan back together for talks. A senior Sudanese lawmaker was earlier quoted as saying there was no room for diplomacy following the south's capture of the Heglig oil center. Member of Parliament Rabie Abdelati Obeid said the two countries are effectively at war. Mbeki Tuesday brushed aside the lawmaker's comments, saying a resumption of negotiations is the only option.  He conceded, however, that border hostilities have escalated to the highest point since the two countries split nine months ago. "It's very very unfortunate that they have got themselves in this state of war.  It's very unfortunate.  It doesn't help either country.  There's not a problem between the two countries that cannot be resolved through negotiations," he said. The African Union expressed grave concern late Tuesday at what it called the "prevailing logic of war."  A press release called for immediate steps to ease tensions, and urged both countries to adopt a non-binding security centerline for the border. A knowledgeable source on border issues says a centerline would place Heglig firmly in the north, although South Sudan claims it is disputed territory. Mbeki says the key to resuming the talks is for South Sudan to end its occupation of Heglig, something the south's president, Salva Kiir, has said will not happen. "The statement I had originally heard from Khartoum was they were saying they would not engage in those negotiations until South Sudan pulls out of Heglig.  That must happen fast.  And it's only after that they will engage in negotiations," he said. Mbeki says a solution must be found because neither country, nor the people facing starvation, could afford a protracted all-out war. "They've created a problem for both of themselves, but they've also created a problem for the region and for the continent as a whole, which is why the African Union was very quick to issue a public statement to indicate what the African continent believes needs to be done to end the fighting and to ensure that the two sides come back into a  course of negotiations, which I'm sure will happen," he said. Before the capture of Heglig, Mbeki's mediation panel had struggled in vain for months to find solutions to several bitter disputes that could not be settled before the south's independence. With lower level talks deadlocked, the panel was hoping to bring together the two presidents, Sudan's Omar al-Bashir and South Sudan's Salva Kiir, for a face-to-face meeting early this month.  But powerful interests in Khartoum strongly opposed the idea, and the plan collapsed as border hostilities escalated. Media files: AFP Sudan S Sudan conflict soldier 13Apr12 480.jpg (image/jpeg, 0 MB) AFP Sudan S Sudan conflict soldier 230.jpg

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VOA News: Africa: Egypt Confirms Disqualification of 2 Islamists, Ex-Spy Chief From Elections

VOA News: Africa Africa Voice of America

Egypt Confirms Disqualification of 2 Islamists, Ex-Spy Chief From Elections Apr 17th 2012, 21:23 Egypt's electoral commission has confirmed the disqualification of 10 candidates from next month's presidential election, including two prominent Islamists and the former spy chief of ousted president Hosni Mubarak. The three leading Egyptian presidential contenders had filed appeals after the commission disqualified them from the race on Saturday. The electoral panel rejected those appeals on Tuesday, ending the candidacies of Muslim Brotherhood chief strategist Khairat el-Shater, ulltraconservative Salafist Hazem Abu Ismail and Mubarak aide Omar Suleiman. Their disqualification marked a dramatic development in Egypt's preparations for its first free presidential election since the February 2011 revolution that ended Mubarak's three-decade autocratic rule. The first round of voting begins on May 23. El-Shater reacted angrily to the rejection of his appeal, calling it proof that Egypt remains under the control of Mubarak's allies. The commission disqualified him because he had a past criminal conviction for ties to the Brotherhood, which was officially banned under the Mubarak government. But the Islamist movement still has a back-up candidate in the presidential race - Mohammed Morsi, the head of its political party. Morsi is among 13 candidates whose bids were approved by the commission. Hundreds of supporters of Salafist preacher Abu Ismail held a sit-in outside the commission's headquarters to protest his disqualification from the election. The panel barred him from running by citing evidence that his mother previously held American citizenship, a violation of election rules stating that all candidates and their parents must be Egypt nationals only. Abu Ismail has denied that his mother ever held American nationality. Suleiman's candidacy was rejected because he had too few voter endorsements from all of Egypt's provinces. He briefly served as vice president in the days before Mubarak's ouster, and his late entry into the election drew strong criticism from Egyptian Islamists. The most prominent candidates remaining in the race include Amr Moussa, a former foreign minister under Mubarak, and Abdel-Moneim Abolfotoh, a former member of the Brotherhood. The Egyptian military council that took over from Mubarak has promised to hand power to an elected president by July 1. Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters. Media files: AP110211129330.jpg (image/jpeg, 0 MB) Umar-Solaiman-300X300.jpg

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VOA News: Arts and Entertainment: EU Youth Orchestra Spreads Passion for Music With American Peers

VOA News: Arts and Entertainment Arts and Entertainment Voice of America

EU Youth Orchestra Spreads Passion for Music With American Peers Apr 17th 2012, 21:35 The European Union Youth Orchestra is on its first American tour in more than 20 years, with concerts in several major U.S. cities and on university campuses through April 24. The group is sharing its love of music with its American peers. Thousands of young musicians from the European Union's 27 member countries compete each year for a shot at one of these chairs. Even as Europe grapples with high unemployment, the EU Youth Orchestra [EUYO] offers about 140 young players a chance to get a leg up on the competition. <!--AV--> Young musicians ascending Almost all of them are likely to become professional musicians. This is Sarah Sew's last tour with the group. She's British and said the orchestra's diversity is its biggest strength. "Part of the energy and feeling and emotion that you have in the performance is so much because of that," said Sew. "And as part of its American tour, the European Union Youth Orchestra is taking that energy from the concert hall to the classroom with stops at local high schools. The visiting musicians, like Sew, say it's important for them to share their love of music." Workshops like these outside Washington provide American students with a chance to meet and play with the European musicians who are all about the same age as they are. Sew said she wants to inspire students just as she was when she first started playing. "I remember what I felt when I first heard, when someone demonstrated to me the violin, and I was desperate to play it," said Sew. Sharing the love Joy Bryar founded the youth orchestra in the 1970s with her husband. She calls her musicians her children and says they're ambassadors. "There's nothing more important than young people meeting at an age where they have no preconceived values or tolerances, working together and producing something great," said Bryar. Sew said where the audiences or players come from is not important. Music is their common language. "If you feel something when you hear music, don't just forget about it and let it go when the concert finishes or when the radio finishes.  Remember that, keep that feeling with you," said Sew. The Washington Performing Arts Society presented the EUYO at Washington's Kennedy Center. The group has stops planned in New York and Boston before finishing its tour near Chicago later this month. Media files: voa_us_european_youth_orchestra_washington_480_17april2012.jpg (image/jpeg, 0.1 MB) voa_us_european_youth_orchestra_washington_230_17april2012.jpg CN_US_European_Youth_Orchestra_web_SU-fixed-x264-Platform_YTHQFull__688179.mp4 (video/mp4)

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VOA News: Middle East: Egypt Confirms Disqualification of 2 Islamists, Ex-Spy Chief From Elections

VOA News: Middle East Middle East Voice of America

Egypt Confirms Disqualification of 2 Islamists, Ex-Spy Chief From Elections Apr 17th 2012, 21:23 Egypt's electoral commission has confirmed the disqualification of 10 candidates from next month's presidential election, including two prominent Islamists and the former spy chief of ousted president Hosni Mubarak. The three leading Egyptian presidential contenders had filed appeals after the commission disqualified them from the race on Saturday. The electoral panel rejected those appeals on Tuesday, ending the candidacies of Muslim Brotherhood chief strategist Khairat el-Shater, ulltraconservative Salafist Hazem Abu Ismail and Mubarak aide Omar Suleiman. Their disqualification marked a dramatic development in Egypt's preparations for its first free presidential election since the February 2011 revolution that ended Mubarak's three-decade autocratic rule. The first round of voting begins on May 23. El-Shater reacted angrily to the rejection of his appeal, calling it proof that Egypt remains under the control of Mubarak's allies. The commission disqualified him because he had a past criminal conviction for ties to the Brotherhood, which was officially banned under the Mubarak government. But the Islamist movement still has a back-up candidate in the presidential race - Mohammed Morsi, the head of its political party. Morsi is among 13 candidates whose bids were approved by the commission. Hundreds of supporters of Salafist preacher Abu Ismail held a sit-in outside the commission's headquarters to protest his disqualification from the election. The panel barred him from running by citing evidence that his mother previously held American citizenship, a violation of election rules stating that all candidates and their parents must be Egypt nationals only. Abu Ismail has denied that his mother ever held American nationality. Suleiman's candidacy was rejected because he had too few voter endorsements from all of Egypt's provinces. He briefly served as vice president in the days before Mubarak's ouster, and his late entry into the election drew strong criticism from Egyptian Islamists. The most prominent candidates remaining in the race include Amr Moussa, a former foreign minister under Mubarak, and Abdel-Moneim Abolfotoh, a former member of the Brotherhood. The Egyptian military council that took over from Mubarak has promised to hand power to an elected president by July 1. Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters. Media files: AP110211129330.jpg (image/jpeg, 0 MB) Umar-Solaiman-300X300.jpg

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VOA News: USA: Dalai Lama's US Visit Draws Attention to Tibet Turmoil

VOA News: USA USA Voice of America

Dalai Lama's US Visit Draws Attention to Tibet Turmoil Apr 17th 2012, 21:08 Following a year in which more than 30 Tibetans set themselves on fire to protest Chinese rule in Tibet, the Dalai Lama is to begin a four-day visit to California on Wednesday. Some American admirers said the Tibetan spiritual leader's teachings have made them more aware of the problems in his homeland. The Dalai Lama has noted followers in Hollywood, including actor Richard Gere.   He also has admirers at the University of Southern California, where he spoke in May, 2011. Recent graduate Jake Bloch was attracted by the Dalai Lama's charismatic style, and the former student is now concerned with the plight of Tibetans. "His visit last year to the USC campus and his regular visits to universities across America have helped to increase awareness," said Bloch. The Dalai Lama is Buddhist, but his humor and down-to-earth approach appeal to Catholic graduate student Megan Sweas and others. "Jews, Hindus, secular people, atheists, they can all relate to what he has to bring to the table," said Sweas. <!--IMAGE-LEFT--> Chinese authorities blame the Dalai Lama for the 20 deaths caused by the the self-immolations, mostly by members of the Buddhist clergy. The Dalai Lama blames China's harsh rule for the frustrations of Tibetans that he says have led to the suicides. These students say the Dalai Lama promotes a message of peace. USC's Dean of Religious Life, Varun Soni, said most Americans are united in their admiration. "Both Democrats and Republicans seem to gravitate towards him. "People from different faith traditions seem to flock to be with him. People who are not religious really deeply respect him and read his books," Soni said. The abbot of a Tibetan Buddhist monastery in India, Geshe Jangchup Choeden, is now visiting California and said the Dalai Lama is important to Tibetans on many levels - as a religious, ethical and spiritual leader. "Tibetan people have a deep sense of devotion and trust and faith in him, and it makes him very special. It is kind of unimaginable for the rest of the world what is the Dalai Lama for the Tibetans," said the abbot. The Tibet issue drew protesters and defenders of the Chinese government during February's visit by China's Vice President Xi Jinping. The focus of this visit by the Dalai Lama is spiritual, but the Tibet issue is not far in the background. The Dalai Lama will speak in San Diego and Long Beach, before moving on to Chicago for appearances April 25 and 26. Media files: RTR303FDTibet_Cremation_17APR12.jpg (image/jpeg, 0.1 MB) RTR2YCMP_TEASE_Tibet_17APR12.jpg AP_dalai_lama_3jan2012_230.jpg

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