UN BODY OVERSEEING WORLD’S GREAT HERITAGE SITES ELECTS 12 NEW MEMBERS

UN BODY OVERSEEING WORLD'S GREAT HERITAGE SITES ELECTS 12 NEW MEMBERS

The United Nations body that seeks to preserve internationally renowned cultural and natural sites around the world, from the pyramids of Egypt to Australia's Great Barrier Reef, has elected 12 new members as the number of sites already inscribed on the World Heritage List nears 900.

At a meeting in Paris ending yesterday, the General Assembly of States Parties to the World Heritage Convention, <"http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=46799&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html">adopted by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (<"http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=29008&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html">UNESCO) in 1972, replaced more than half the 21 members of the World Heritage Committee that oversees the treaty.

Cambodia, Estonia, Ethiopia, France, Iraq, Mali, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand and United Arab Emirates now join Australia, Bahrain, Barbados, Brazil, China, Egypt, Jordan, Nigeria and Sweden for a four-year term in reviewing States' requests for the inscription of new sites and determining which of those already on the list are in danger of serious deterioration.

The 890 sites inscribed so far range from the minaret and archaeological remains of Jam and the cultural landscape and archaeological remains of the Bamiyan Valley in Afghanistan, both considered endangered, to Victoria Falls and Great Zimbabwe National Monument in Zimbabwe.

Ratified by 186 countries to date, the World Heritage Convention enjoys almost universal endorsement.

During a debate about the future of the convention, the Paris meeting focused on such issues as conservation and sustainable development and the need to help States develop the skills needed to look after their heritage.

The committee's next session will take place in Brasilia, Brazil, from 25 July to 3 August.

UN AGENCY SHOCKED AS DISPLACED YEMENIS COME UNDER ATTACK

UN AGENCY SHOCKED AS DISPLACED YEMENIS COME UNDER ATTACK

The United Nations refugee agency said it is shocked and saddened at reports that an unknown number of displaced Yemeni civilians have been killed and wounded during an exchange of fire in the strife-torn northern part of the country yesterday.

The victims belong to a group of some 500 internally displaced persons (IDPs) who found shelter in Al Sam camp on the outskirts of Sa'ada city, one of the two remaining camps in the embattled area, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (<"http://www.unhcr.org/4aeaf99e9.html">UNHCR) said in a news release.

Some 150,000 people have been driven from their homes by sporadic fighting between Government forces and Al Houthi rebels in northern Yemen that resumed in mid-August.

According to UNHCR, civilians, including some 35,000 IDPs, in and around the city of Sa'ada remain trapped by the fighting and are unable to reach safer parts of the country.

"They live in dire conditions, facing extreme hardship as food and other commodities are running out and water is available only sporadically," the agency stated.

The UN has been calling for a ceasefire and the opening of humanitarian corridors in northern Yemen to allow civilians to leave the conflict zone and enable aid workers to deliver much needed assistance to thousands of IDPs.

UNHCR is also calling on Saudi authorities to offer safe shelter and assistance to vulnerable displaced Yemenis who may seek refuge across the border as they flee the heavy fighting.

Somali pirates: Western boats 'loot' Somali fish

Somali pirates: Western boats 'loot' Somali fish

By MOHAMED OLAD HASSAN  Saturday, October 31, 2009 MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Somali pirates who are demanding $7 million in ransom for a British sailing couple say boats from other countries are plundering Somalia's fish-rich waters, a pirate spokesman said Saturday. Ahmed Gadaf, who says he's a spokesman for the pirates, said the group holding the couple hostage off Somalia's coast was made up of "voluntary guards" — not pirates. "The Western forces continue to loot our natural resources. They continue to harass local fishermen and destroy their fishing nets, so we want them to taste the consequence," Gadaf said by satellite phone from the coastal town of Haradhere. The British couple, Paul and Rachel Chandler, are safe and will not be harmed, Gadaf said. They will be released once the ransom is paid, he said. The Chandlers were headed to Tanzania in their boat, the Lynn Rival, when a distress signal was sent Oct. 23. The British navy found their empty yacht on Thursday, and both have been in sporadic contact with the British media since. Illegal fishing off the coast of Somalia stirs strong passions in the country. The prime minister of Somalia's transitional government, Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, said in a speech Wednesday that many pirates are former fishermen "responding to the loss and disappearance of their livelihoods." "Many of these pirates were once profitable fisherman and would be so again given the chance," he said at the London-based Chatham House think tank. "I shall not name names, but suffice to say many countries are fishing illegally in Somali waters," he said. "We estimate that the value of the fish being taken from our waters is perhaps hundreds of millions of dollars. "It is wholly unacceptable for these countries, many of whom claim they want to help Somalia, to turn a blind eye to this theft. Particularly when that theft robs thousands of Somali people of a way out of poverty and a way out of piracy," Sharmarke said. Rachel Chandler told her brother in a telephone call broadcast by ITV News on Friday that the pirates were "hospitable people," a message that Sharmarke underscored in his London remarks. British officials held a meeting on the hostage situation Friday in the government's crisis briefing room. The Foreign Office said a team from across several government departments was involved. Both the Foreign Office and Ministry of Defense declined to comment on whether any potential rescue was under consideration. Pirate attacks have increased the last several weeks after the recent end of the monsoon season. An international armada is patrolling the region to try to stop the attacks. Source: AP, Oct 31, 2009

BAN NAMES SENIOR OFFICIAL TO LEAD EFFORTS TO COMBAT GROWING NUMBER OF HUNGRY

BAN NAMES SENIOR OFFICIAL TO LEAD EFFORTS TO COMBAT GROWING NUMBER OF HUNGRY

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today named a Special Representative on Food Security and Nutrition to stem and reverse the mounting number of children, women and men worldwide suffering from chronic hunger.

David Nabarro, who has been appointed to the new role, is tasked with developing a more coherent international response to combat food insecurity and malnutrition which now affects over one billion people globally, with a focus on multilateral agencies taking the lead and increased international assistance.

Dr. Nabarro, a qualified physician from the United Kingdom, has had a long career working on national health programmes around the world, including as the Executive Director of the World Health Organization (<"http://www.who.int/en/">WHO), and since January has been responsible for coordinating the UN High Level Task Force on the Global Food Security Crisis.

The Task Force – consisting of UN agencies, funds and programmes; international financial institutions; and the World Trade Organization (<"http://www.wto.org/">WTO) – was set up to respond to the plight of the hundreds of millions of people affected by food insecurity and to the need for longer-term investment in agricultural development, fair trade, social protection and nutrition.

Mr. Nabarro told reporters at UN Headquarters in New York last month that the lack of "enough food to eat, or food insecurity, is the ultimate degradation for humanity," adding that it weakens and imperils individuals, while disempowering and destabilizing societies.

He emphasized a need for greater national planning for food security, a transformation of markets and trading systems in the agricultural sector to work more in the interest of poor people and their countries, stronger social protection and safety nets in development programmes and a re-engagement in the fight against malnutrition, which affects 50 million women and children at any one time.

BAN ANNOUNCES MEMBERS OF COMMISSION TO LOOK INTO BLOODY GUINEAN CRACKDOWN

BAN ANNOUNCES MEMBERS OF COMMISSION TO LOOK INTO BLOODY GUINEAN CRACKDOWN
New York, Oct 30 2009  3:10PM
Three prominent jurists will form the international commission of inquiry to probe last month's violent crackdown on unarmed demonstrators in Guinea that led to the deaths of at least 150 people and the rape of many others, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=4200">announced today.

The three members of the body will travel to New York shortly to meet with him, followed by visits to Geneva and Guinea to carry out their work, according to a statement issued by his spokesperson.

Mohamed Bedjaoui of Algeria will chair the commission. He has served as his country's foreign minister and as ambassador to France and the United Nations, among other posts. He has also served as a judge on the International Court of Justice (<"http://www.icj-cij.org/homepage/index.php">ICJ) and as president of Algeria's highest judicial authority, the Constitutional Council.

Françoise Ngendahyo Kayiramirwa is Burundi's former minister of national solidarity, human rights and gender, as well as a former minister for the repatriation of internally displaced persons (IDPs). She has also served as an adviser on gender issues and assistance to victims with the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (<"http://www.ictr.org/">ICTR).

Rounding out the commission is barrister-at-law Pramila Patten of Mauritius, a member of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. She has published extensively in the area of violence against women and children's rights.

The Secretary-General <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=4166">said earlier this month, when announcing the creation of the body, that it will investigate the events of 28 September in Guinea's capital, Conakry, "with a view to determining the accountability of those involved."

He also said at the time that he expects the commission should be able to complete its work within a month once it is in the field.

According to the UN, there is broad support for the commission among Guinean stakeholders, and Captain Moussa Dadis Camara, who seized power in a coup d'état in December after the death of then president Lansana Conté, invited it to begin work as soon as possible to help establish the truth about what took place on 28 September.

Its establishment came on the heels of the announcement by the Prosecutor's Office at the International Criminal Court (<"http://www.icc-cpi.int/Menus/ICC?lan=en-GB">ICC) in The Hague that it had initiated a preliminary examination of whether the crackdown falls under the jurisdiction of the court, which tries people accused of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Deputy Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said information received indicated that "women were abused or otherwise brutalized on the pitch in Conakry's stadium, apparently by men in uniform… This is appalling, unacceptable. It must never happen again."

Security forces opened fire on the demonstrators and also raped many of the protesters and looted the homes of opposition leaders in what High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay has <"http://www.unhchr.ch/huricane/huricane.nsf/view01/76963B60BB898512C125764100538307?opendocument">described as a "blood bath."

On Wednesday, the Security Council repeated its call on Guinean authorities to charge and try the perpetrators of last month's deadly crackdown, warning that the situation might pose a risk to regional peace.

Beyond the deaths and injuries that resulted from the crackdown in Conakry, the <"http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2009/sc9777.doc.htm">presidential statement read out by Ambassador Le Luong Minh of Viet Nam, which holds this month's presidency, cited "other blatant violations of human rights including numerous rapes and sexual crimes against women, as well as the arbitrary arrest of peaceful demonstrators and opposition party leaders."

Shir Xisbiga Kulmiye Ku Qaban doonto Toronto Maalinta Sabtida

Shir Xisbiga Kulmiye Ku Qaban doonto Toronto Maalinta Sabtida

OGAYSIIS! OGAYSIIS! 

SHIRR XUS IYO XASUUS SHUHADADII SNM  IYO BAROORDIIQ SANADGUURADI 1AAD EE QARAXYADII  HARGEISA   AYUU  XISBIGA  KULMIYE KU QABAN DOONA TORONTO  Sabtida 31.10.2009.

Dhamaan taageerayaasha Kulmiye ee degan magaalada Toronto iyo nawaaxigeeda, waxa la ogaysiinayaa in malinta axada bishu tahay 31ka Oktoobar 2009  gelinka danbe uu jiro shir kulmiye lantiisa Toronto  soo qabanqaabisay oo ka dhici doona goobta hoos ku cayiman.

Qaybta hore ee kulanku waxay ka kooban tahay  xasuus, iyo duco loogu talo galay shuhadadii SNM  ee dalka Somaliland ka xoreeyay dulmiga iyo waliba baroordiiq dadki aan waxba galabsan ee lagu xasuuqay qarayadii kol hore ka dhacay Hargeisa.

Waxa kale oo  lagaga wada arrinsandoona  Xaaladda guud ee dalkii hooyo hadda ku suganyahay, iyo sidii dib u habayn iyo kaabis loogu sameyn lahaa lanta Toronto ee Xisbiga.

Shirku wuxuu u furan yahay dhamaan taageerayaasha Kulmiye rag iyo haweenba, si ay u muujiyaan taageerada ay xisbiga u hayaan ugana dhiibtaan fikirkooda iyo wixii talo ah ee ay xisbiga u soo kordhinayaan si ay u suurta gasho wada shaqeyn joogta ah oo ay la yeeshan  laanta Toronto  iyo guddida guud ee fulintaba.

Goobta uu shirku ka dhici doono hadii eebe idmo waa Ali Baba Restaurant : 1801 LAWRENCE AVE E Scarborough, ON M1R 2X9 Unit 12  (SINAI PLAZA ) Lawrence & Pharmacy.

Saacadaha shirka. 3pm -8pm Sabtida 31.10.2009

Waxa laga codsanayaa kasoo qayb galayaasha shirka in ay dhowraan waqtiga imaatinka shirka, kana raalli ahaadaan ogaysiiska mudada gaaban aanu usoo gudbinay. 
 
KULMIYE  KULMIYE GUUL, ALLAANA MAHAD LEH.

UN HEALTH AGENCY UPDATES H1N1 FLU VACCINE RECOMMENDATIONS

UN HEALTH AGENCY UPDATES H1N1 FLU VACCINE RECOMMENDATIONS

Single doses of H1N1 flu vaccine for adults, adolescents starting at age 10, and pregnant women are among the latest recommendations issued today by the United Nations health agency to combat the pandemic.

The UN World Health Organization (<"http://www.who.int/en/">WHO) said the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization that advises it on vaccine policy and strategy, recommended further studies in children older than six months and younger than 10 years, since the data are limited.

For pregnant women, SAGE noted that studies in experimental animals using live attenuated or inactivated vaccines found no evidence of direct or indirect harmful effects on fertility, pregnancy, foetal development, birthing or post-natal development.

"Based on these data and the substantially elevated risk for a severe outcome in pregnant women infected with the pandemic virus, SAGE recommended that any licensed vaccine can be used in pregnant women, provided no specific contraindication has been identified by the [national] regulatory authority," WHO said in its <"http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/notes/briefing_20091030/en/index.html">update.

Globally, teenagers and young adults continue to account for the majority of cases, with rates of hospitalization highest in very young children. Between 1 and 10 per cent of patients with clinical illness require hospitalization, and of these from 10 to 25 per cent require admission to an intensive care unit, with from 2 to 9 per cent dying.

Overall, from 7 to 10 per cent of all hospitalized patients are pregnant women in their second or third trimester and they are 10 times more likely to need care in intensive care units than the general population.

Taking note of findings by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that live attenuated seasonal and live attenuated pandemic vaccines should not be administered simultaneously, the experts said the vaccines could be co-administered provided one or both are inactivated. They found no evidence that such co-administration would increase the risk of adverse events.

The experts found no indication of unusual adverse reactions results in from early monitoring of the various pandemic vaccines so far, since those that have occurred are well within the range of seasonal vaccines, which have an excellent safety profile. Although early results are reassuring, monitoring for adverse events should continue.

With regard to the southern hemisphere 2010 winter season, SAGE recommended two options: a trivalent vaccine effective against H1N1, seasonal H3N2 and influenza B, and a bivalent vaccine against H3N2 and influenza B, which might need to be supplemented with a separate monovalent H1N1vaccine.

AFTER 37 YEARS, LAST OF BURUNDIAN REFUGEES RETURN HOME UNDER UN-BACKED SCHEME

UNDIAN REFUGEES RETURN HOME UNDER UN-BACKED SCHEME

Ending one of the world's longest-running refugee sagas, the United Nations announced that some 400 Burundians left Tanzania today returning to the Central African homeland they escaped in 1972.

"They are to travel by rail from the same train station where they arrived 37 years ago when they fled the eruption of ethnic violence which claimed the lives of an estimated 200,000 Burundian civilians," said UN High Commissioner for Refugees (<"http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/home">UNHCR) spokesperson Andrej Mahecic.

Since March 2008, UNHCR has helped 53,500 Burundian refugees from the so-called "old settlements" to repatriate under a joint programme with the Tanzanian Government, which also saw some 162,000 of the 1972 refugees opting to apply for citizenship in their host nation.

Tanzania has naturalized 29,000 of the refugees and expects to complete the process of the remaining 133,000 by the end of the year.

"Tanzania also hosts Burundian refugees who fled their country in 1993," Mr. Mahecic told reporters in Geneva, noting that all but one of the camps – where 36,000 are sheltered – hosting this group has now been closed.

At the peak of the crisis in Burundi in the 1990s, hundreds of thousands of people escaped clashes, sheltering in makeshift sites along the border with Tanzania.

"With the gradual return of peace in Burundi, more than half a million Burundian refugees have returned home, including more than 430,000 from camps in Tanzania [since 2004]," the UNHCR spokesman said.

Meanwhile over 20,000 Burundians, who fled their country in the 1990s, remain in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda and Uganda, said Mr. Mahecic.

In Burundi, UNHCR is assisting returnees with issues in reclaiming property by providing temporary shelter and supporting the peaceful resolution of land disputes arising from their long absence. In addition, the Government and its "UN partners are also helping landless returnees settle in specially constructed villages, six of which have been opened in 2008 and 2009."

WHAT THEY SAID

I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence. Frederick Douglass (1817-1895)

GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO CONSIDER UN PROBE INTO GAZA CONFLICT NEXT WEEK

GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO CONSIDER UN PROBE INTO GAZA CONFLICT NEXT WEEK

The General Assembly will meet on 4 November to consider the report of the United Nations fact-finding mission on the Gaza conflict, which found evidence that both Israel and the Palestinians committed serious war crimes during the hostilities earlier this year.

The President of the Assembly, Ali Treki, has received a letter from the UN Human Rights Council transmitting the report of the mission, which was headed by Justice Richard Goldstone, a former prosecutor at the UN war crimes tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda.

The four-member investigative team found evidence that both Israeli forces and Palestinian militants committed serious war crimes and breaches of humanitarian law, which may amount to crimes against humanity, during the conflict in December 2008 and January 2009.

The Geneva-based Human Rights Council, when it took up the report two weeks ago, had strongly condemned a host of Israeli measures in the occupied Palestinian territory and called on both sides to implement the mission's recommendations.

The Council had also recommended that the Assembly consider the report during the main part of its current session, requested Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to submit a report on the implementation of its recommendations to the Council in March, and condemned Israel's refusal to cooperate with the mission.

Next Wednesday's meeting follows a request from the Arab Group in New York, supported by the 118-member Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), to consider the report in the Assembly during the first week of November, according to a <"http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900sid/SNAA-7XB8VB?OpenDocument">note issued by the spokesperson for the Assembly President.

Mr. Ban has called on both Israel and the Palestinians to carry out "full, independent and credible investigations" in accordance with the recommendations of the mission.

He said he was aware both were now going to have their own investigations. "I have not received any further details, but that is positive, I would say," he told a news conference at UN Headquarters on Wednesday. "I have been repeatedly urging the Israeli Government to institute a credible domestic investigation process."

HAATUF 29/10/2009

Qaraxyo Cusub Oo Ururka Al-Shabaab Uga Qorshaysan Somaliland Iyo Masuuliyiin Ka Tirsan Xukuumadda Oo Si Hoose Ula Shaqeeya Waxay Bartilmaameed Ka Dhigteen Dakedda Berbera, Madaarada Iyo Laynta Madaxda Xukuumadda Iyo Mucaaridka

Hargeysa October 29, 2009 (Haatuf) - Ururka Argagixisada ee Al-Shabaab ayaa qarka ula saaran inuu dalka Somaliland ka fuliyo hawl gallo qaraxyo cusub oo uu la beegsanayo goobo muhiin ah, oo ay ka mid yihiin Dekedda Berbera, Madaarka Hargeysa, Jaamacadda Hargeysa iyo taliska bilayska Somaliland.Dhaqdhaqaaqyo ay ciidanka bilayska Somaliland todobaadkan ku hawlanaayeen ayaa waxay dabagal ugu jireen shan nin oo ka mid ah masuuliyiinta sare-sare ee ururka Al-shabaab,

Ciidanka Qaranka Oo Joojiyey Madaarkii Laga Macmalayey Buhoodle

Buuhoodle, October 29, 2009 (Haatuf) - Ciidamada Qaranka Somaliland ee ku sugan jiida degmada Buuhoodle ayaa shalay ku waabariistay Airport laga Samaynayey duleedka bari ee degmadaasi, kuwaas oo gabi ahaanba ciidanka qaranku ay si rasmi ah u joojiyeen.Ciidanka qaranka Somaliland ayaa hawlgalka fuliyey, ka dib markii ay ku war heleen in ay dad aan fasax u haysani dhismaha madaarkaasi oo ay todobaadkan ka xaadhxaadhayeen halkaasi goob ilaa saddex kiilomitir dhinaca bari ka xigta degmada Buuhoodle.

	Guddoomiyaha Guurtida Oo Sheegay In Rayaale Xaga Afkaarta Ay Ku Kala Duwanaan Karaan, Kana Digay Dib U Dhac Ku Yimaada Doorashada Madaxtooyada
	Hargeysa October 29, 2009 (Haatuf) - Guddoomiyaha golaha guurtida Saleebaan Maxamud Aadan ayaa sheegay in madaxweyne Rayaale ay xaga afkaarta ku kala duwanaan karaan, balse ay muhiim tahay in la wada shaqeeyo isagoo intaa ku daray in komishanka doorashooyinku ay si dhakhso ah u cayimaan maalinta ay dooashada madaxtooyadu qabsoomayso, kana digay dibu dhac dambe oo ku yimaada doorashada.

Madaxweyne Rayaale Iyo Hogaamiyeyaasha Mucaaridka Oo Komishanka Cusub Kula Dardaarmay In Xilkooda Ay Wada Jir Ku Gutaan

Hargeysa 0ctober 29, 2009 (Haatuf) - Todobada xubnood ee komishanka doorashooyinka Somaliland ee golaha wakiiladu ansixiyeen Sabtidii todobaadkan ayaa shalay si rasmi ah gudoomiyaha maxkamada Sare Maxamed Xirsi Ismaaciil Oomane ugu dhaariyay xaflad lagu qabtay qasriga Madaxtooyada. waxaana dhaartii ka dib hadalo kala duwan madashaasi ka jeediyay Madaxweynaha Somaliland iyo Guddoomiyeyaasha xisbiyada mucaaridka ah ee KULMIYE iyo Xubnaha Komishanka, kuwaasi oo dhaariyay Guddoomiyaha Maxkamada sare Somaliland Maxamed Imaaciil Xirsi (Oomane),

Waayihii Shalay Iyo Maanta Siyaasiga Axmed Cabdi Xaabsade

Siyaasiga Axmed Cabdi Xaabsade oo ka mid ah siyaasiyiinta reer Somaliland ee ka soo jeeda gobolka Sool, waxa uu ahaa sanadihii 1997-kii gudoomiya golaha wakiilada Somaliland, ayaa xilka laga qaaday ka dib markii isaga iyo marxuum Cigaal uu khilaaf weyni soo kala dhex galay islamarkaana waxa uu Xaabsade uu wareegay dhinaca maamul goboleedka Puntland, oo uu maamulkii Cadde Muuse ee Garoowe u magacaabay wasiirka arrimaha gudaha ee Puntland,

China Oo Diyaargaraynaya Lacag Madaxfurasho Ah Oo Uu Siiyo Budhcad Badeed Afduub Ku Haysta Markab Laga Leeyahay Dalkaasi

Beijing, October 29, 2009 (W.Wararka) - Dowlada China ayaa isu diyaarinaysa inay bixiso lacago madaxfurasho ah, taas oo la filayo inay siiso Kooxaha Budhcad Baddeeda Somalia ee Afduubka ku haysta Markab laga leeyahay Dalkaasi, kaas oo laga qafaashay mar uu marayey meel ka baxsan biyaha Somalia.Xogheyaha Shirkada iska leh Markabka lagu magacaabo De Xin Hai Zhang Zuyue ayaa warbaahinta u sheegay maalintii shalay in Shirkada iska leh Markabka iyo weliba Dowladaasi ay isaka kaashanayaan inay bixiyaan lacago madaxfurasho si kooxda haysata markabkaasi ay u sii deysa markabka iyo shaqaalaha Saaranba.

Agaasimaha Guud Ee Dib U Dejinta Oo Balliyo Iyo Barkado Laga Hirgeliyey Deegaanka Malawle Kormeer Ku Soo Maray

Hargyeysa October 29, 2009 (Haatuf)-Agaasimaha guud ee wasaarada dibu dajinta Maxamed Diiriye ayaa shalay kormeer ku tagay deegaanka Mallowle ee dhinaca galbeed kaga beegan caasimada oo ka tirsan gobolka Hargeysa, isagoo agaasimaha dibu dajintu qiimayn ku soo sameeyay shan barkadood oo cabirkoodu yahay ayaa agaasimaha dibu dajinta 500o mitir kuyuub iyo gabiyo moosas ah oo laga sameeyay goobahaasi.

Gaadhi Laga Soo Buuxiyey Waxyaabaha Qarxa Oo 86 Qof Ku Dilay Dalka Pakistan

Peshawar, October 29, 2009 (W.Wararka) - Gaadhi laga soo buuxiyey walxaha qarxa ayaa ku dhex qarxay suuq aad looga dukaamaysto oo ku yaala magaalada Peshawar ee dalka Pakistaan, kaas oo ay ku dhinteen dad gaadhay 86 qof, halka ay ka dhaawacmeen dad lagu qiyaasay 200 oo ruux.Weerarka ismiidaaminta ah ayaa ku soo beegmay waxyar uun kadib markii ay dalka soo cago dhigatay Xoghayaha Arimaha Dibeda ee dalka Maraykanka Mrs. Hillary Clinton si ay ugu muujiso dawladda Pakistan in dawladeeddu aad ula dhacsan tahay dagaalka ay dawladda Pakistan kula jirto kooxaha Talibanka,

Sheekh Shariif Oo Lagu Soo Dhaweeyey Hoobiyeyaal Ay Ku Weerareen Kooxaha Ka Soo Horjeeda

Muqdisho, October 29, 2009 (W.Wararka) - Madaxweynaha dawladda Taagta daran ee Somalia Sheekh Shariif Sheekh Axmed ayaa la kulmay weerar hoobiyeyaal ah oo lagu soo weeraray Garoonka diyaaradaha ee Magaalada Muqdisho mar uu halkaasi ka soo degayey. Madaxweynaha dowladda KMG ee Soomaaliya Sheekh Shariif Sheekh Axmed iyo Wafdi uu hogaaminayo ayaa waxa ay maanta dib ugu soo laabteen magaalada Muqdisho.

Hay'ada Caafimaadka Aduunka Oo Ka Warantay Sababaha Ugu Badan Ee Ay Dadku U Dhintaan

Shan waxyaabood oo laga hortagaa waxay yarayn karaan dhimashada mallaayiin da'yar ah, sidaa waxa sheegtay hay'ada qaramada midoobay u qaabilsan caafimadka ee marka magaceeda lasoo gaabiyo loo yaqaan (WHO).Nafaqo darada, galmada xaaraanta ah, Khamriga, cuntada oo aan si dheeli tiran loo cunin(taas oo sababta buurnida) iyo dhiig karka ayaa loo sababaynayaa inay galaaftaan rubuc(1/4) ka mida 60 million oo dhalinyaro oo dhinmata sanad kasta, sidaasi waxay ku sheegtay WHO warbix ay soo saartay.

Ilmo Yar Oo Wiigii Laba Goor Jidhkiisa Quraan Ku Qormayo

Mucjiso aan hore nooceeda loogu arag aduunka ayaa ka dhacday Gobol ku yaala Koonfurta wadanka ruushka,meel u dhaw meelihii uu ku dagaalami jireen chechnyiiintu.mucjisadan oo ilaahay xagiisa ka timid baraarujin iyo xasuusna u ah umada islaamka ah ,waxa uu ILLAAHAY subxaanahuu watacalaa ,fariintan iyo aayadahan inoogu soo gudbiyay oo uu ku soo qoray wiil yar oo loogu magac daray ,ALI YAKUBOV oo ku dhashay tuulo ka mida gobol ku yaala koonfurta wadanka ruushka sidaan hore usoo sheegnay .

 CADADKII 2182

Guddoomiyaha Kulmiye Oo Ka Digay In Faro-Gelin Lagu Sameeyo Doorashada Hogaanka Komishanka Cusub, Saluug Weyna Ka Muujiyey Marti Qaadka Rayaale U Fidin Waayey Shirgudoonada Baarlamaanka  "Waxaan U Arkayey In Madaxweynuhu Shirguddoonada Baarlamaanka Iyo Madaxda Kale Ee Xisbiyada Uu Ku Marti Qaado Xaflada Dhaarinta Komishanka, Mana Garanayo Waxa Uu Anaga Noogu Koobay"   "Waxaan Qabaa In Xubnaha Komishanka La Isku Daayo, Xilkaasina Iyaga Laftooda Ayuu Saaran Yahay"Axmed Siillaanyo

Hargeysa, Octobor 28, 2009 (Haatuf) - Guddoomiyaha xisbiga Kulmiye Axmed Maxamed Maxamuud Siillaanyo ayaa sheegay in aanay xisbi ahaan wax faro-gelin ah aanay ku samaynin xubnaha komishanka doorashooyinku ay u dooran doonaan gudoomiyaha iyo gudoomiye ku xigeenka,

	Gudoomiyayaasha Labada Aqal Ee Baarlamaanka Oon Aan Lagu Martiqaadin Xaflada Lagu Dhaarin Doono Komishanka Doorashooyinka
	Hargeysa October 28, 2009 (Haatuf) - Madaxweyne Daahir Rayaale ayaan shirgudoonada labada aqal ee baalamaanka Guurtida iyo Wakiilada aan ku martiqaadin xaflada maanta loo qabanayo dhaarinta xubnaha komishanka doorashooyinka qaranka oo ku qabsoomi doonta saaka qasriga madaxtooyada, taasoo uu dhaarinta distooriga ah ku dhaarin doon gudoomiyaha maxkamada sare Maxamed Xirsi Ismaaciil Oomane.

Qiimaha Sicirka Xoolaha Saylada Hargeysa Oo Kor U Kacay

Hargeysa, October 28, 2009 (Haatuf) - Qiimaha sicirka xoolaha ayaa toddobaadyadii u dambeeyey si qayrul caadi ah kor ugu kacay Saylada weyn ee lagu kala iibsado xoolaha magaalada Hargeysa, waxana neefka adhiga ah ee shillis ugu badnaan shalay la kala siisanayay lix boqol oo shilinka Somaliland ah una dhigma sagaashan dollar.halka ay markii hore qiimaha neefka adhiga ah ka marayay ugu badnaan saddex boqol iyo konton kun shillinka Somaliland oo u dhigma konton ilaa shan iyo konton dollar.

	Ciidanka Bilayska Oo Gacanta Ku Dhigay Ninkii Labaad Ee Qaba Xanuunka Juudaanka
	Hargeysa October 28, 2009 (Haatuf) - Ciidanka Booliska ee magaalada Hargeysa ayaa shalay duhurkii gacanta ku dhigay ninkii labaad ee la sheegay inuu qabo xanuunka juudaanka, waxaana masuuliyiinta Bilaysku ay sheegeen inay dalka ku soo badanayaan beryahan u dambeeyay dadka qaba xanuunka Juudaanka, kuwaasi oo ka yimaada dhinaca dalalka dariska la ah Somaliland.

Budhcad Baddeeda Ka Qawlaysata Xeebaha Somalia oo Afduubay Lamaane Ingiriis Ah

Boosaaso, October 28, 2009 (W.Wararka) - Koox Budhcad Baddeeda Soomaali ayaa afduubay lamaane u dhashay dalka Ingiriiska, kuwaas oo ka soo Afduubay mar ay doon ay wateen ku marayeen Badwaynta Hindiya.Lamaanahan Ingiriiska ah oo hadda Gacanta ugu jira budhcad baddeeda Somlaia oo la kala yidhaahdo Paul iyo Rachel Chandle ayaa waxa cadeeyey inay gacanta ku dhigeen Mid ka mid ah Kooxaha Budhcad Badeeda Soomaalida oo magaciisa ku sheegay Xassan mar uu la hadlay Wakaalada wararka ee Reuters,

	Culimaa'uddiin Ka Kala Yimi Dalka Gudihiisa Iyo Debeddiisa Oo Maalintii Labaad Shir Uga Socdo Boorama
	Boorama, October 28, 2009 (Haatuf) - Ku dhawaad afartameeyo culimaa'udiin ah oo ka kala yimi dalalka Somalia, Somaliland, Yurub, Carabta iyo meelo kale ayaa maalintii labaad shir uga socdaa mid ka mid ah masaajidada Magaalada Boorama, Kulankan culimada oo habeen hore dareeno kala duwan ka dhaliyey magaalada ayaa markii dambe la olgaaday in aanu ahayn mid waxyeelo ku ah dalka,

Waayaha Siyaasiyiinta :Shalay Iyo Maanta

Qormadeenan waayaha shalay iyo maantu, waa qormo aynu faaqidaadeeda ku gorfayn doono arrimaha bulshada dhaqanka iyo siyaasada iyo gadgadoonka waayaha. Siyaasiga Saleebaan Maxamuud Aadan oo ka mid ahaa siyaasiyiinta waaweyn ee xisbiga Udub xilligii doorashadii madaxtooyada ee dalka ka qabsoontay 2003-kii saamayn weyna ku lahaa doorashadaas madaxtooyada ee madaxweyne Rayaale ku guulaystay ayaa maanta ah gudoomiyaha golaha guurtida,

	Cusbitaal Lagu Daweeyo Dadka Qaba Xanuunada Dhimirka Oo Xadhiga Lagaga Jaray Burco
	Burco, October 28, 2009 (Haatuf) - Cusbitalka Dhimirka Maandheeye ee magaalaa Burco ayaa shalay si rasmiya xadhiga loogaga jaray xafkad balaadhan oo ay ka soo qaybgaleen, Duqa magaalaa Burco, isuduwaha wasarada caafimadka gobolka, guddida dadweynaha ee horumarinta Burco, xubno ka mid ah ururka TAF oo qayb weyn ka qaatay dhisida Cusbitaalkan iyo marti sharaf kale.

	Guddoomiyaha Awdal Iyo Maayarka Boorama Ka Qaybgalay Xaflad Taageerayaasha UDUB Ku Taageerayeen Dedaalka Xukuumadda Ee Dhinaca Doorashooyinka
	Boorama, October 28, 2009 (Haatuf) - Guddoomiyaha Gobolka Awdal Maxamuud Sh. C/laahi Cige iyo maayarka Boorama C/raxmaan Shide ayaa shalay ka qaybgalay xadflad taageerayaasha xisbiga UDUB ku muujinayeen dedaalka xukuumaddau ku doonbayso inay doorashooyin dalka ka dhacaan isla masrkaana lagu dardaarayey komishanka cusub . Xafladdan oo ahayd mid si heer sare loosoo abaabulay ,

Caruurta Darbi Jiifka Somlailand Waxay Ku Sugan Yihiin Xaalad Ah Cidna Uma Maqna Ceelna Uma Qodna! Wariye Muuna Casayr Jaamac

Caruurta ayaa ah ubax uu ku faano dal kasta oo dunida guudkeeda ku yaalaa waxaana loo suura galiyaa in dhismaha noloshoodu noqdo mid ay ku taabo galaan iyadoo loo carbiyo in ay yihiin hogaamiyayaashii bari. Hadaba nasiib daro caruurta ku dhaqan s/land ayaa ah qaar ka quustay rajadii nolasha isla markaana waayey taageero dawladeed iyo tu cid kale toona caruurta reer s/land waxay isugu jiraan 3 dabaqadood oo kala ah 1.kuwa ugu tirada yer ayaa ah qaar ka soo jeeda qoysas ladan oo iyagu hela tacliin fiican iyo nolol dhamaystiran

	Gudoomiyaha Gobolka Saaxil Oo Shahaadooyin Gudoonsiiyey 35 Xubnood oo Uu u xidhmay tababar ku Saabsan Xalinta Khilaafaadka
	Berbera, October 28, 2009 (Haatuf) – Gudoomiyaha gobolka Saaxil Maxamed C/laahi Maxamed ayaa maalintii shalay u xidhay aqoon isweydaarsi mudo Toban maalmood ahayd uga socday hoolka Jaamacada Badda ee Magaalada Berbera 35 xubnood oo ka kala socday Golaha degaanka, madaxda waaxyaha Dowlada hoose iyo ururada Bulshada ee Magaalada Berbera.

Codkaaga Ku Ciil Bax 19). Talo Iyo Tusaalayn Komishanka Doorashooyinka -Ahmed Arwo

Waa hanbalyo iyo bogaadin iyo dardaaran u socda komishanka cusub ee guddoon wacan. Hor iyo horaan waa komishan leysku raacay, cod aan waxba lagala hadhin lagu fooladeeyey, waxayna Wakiiladu u xidheen cumaamad ay hareero hayaan mucaafid iyo mucaaridba. Waxaynu ognay in sharafta la huwiyey ka dhalatay tanaasulka labada xisbi ee KULMIYE iyo UCID, waaayo Madaxtooyadu umay yareysan inay khilaaf geliso oo isku-dhac ka bilaabmo magacaabida oon dhammaan.

	Aqoonisweydaarsi Ku Saabsan Dhaqaajinta SharciyadaCarruurta Sharciga Khilaafta Oo Boorama Lagu Soo Gebogebeeyey
	Boorama, October 27, 2009 (Haatuf) -- Aqoonisweydaarsi ku saabsan dedejinta sharciyada loo cuskan doono carruurta sharciga khilaaftta ayaa a lagusoo gebogebeeyey Boorama .Aqoonisweydaarsiugan oo soc\day muddo laba casho ayaa waxa kasooa qaybgalay ku dhawaad kontomeeyo qof oo ka wakiil ahaa ciidamada xabsiyada ,Booliska ,maxkamadahaka ,xeer ilaalinta,culimaauddiinka ,wasaaradda qoyska ,

Nin Walaalkii Dilay Kaddib Markuu Suuliga Hore Uga Soo Bixi Waayay

Nin u dhashay wadanka Masar ayaa ciidamada Booliiska dalkaasi gacanta ku dhigeen ka dib markii uu dilay walaalkiis oo suuli ku soo raagay.dhacdadan naxdinta huwan ayaa ayaa la sheegay in Axadii hore nin magaciisa aany wararku soo gudbin ay Booliisku gacanta kusoo dhigeen .Ninkan gacan ku dhiiglaha ayaa wuxuu sheegay in habeenkii axada saq dhexe uu ka soo kacay hurdo isagoo doonayey in uu galo suuliga, hase yeeshee uu ogaadey in walaalkiis uu ku jiro,

	Qalbi Daacad Kuu Noqay
	Maansadan oo magaceeda la yidhaahdo Qalbi, waxa curiyey Maxamed Aadan Maxamed (Samiir), waa abwaan da'yar , islamarkaana maansadan ka soo go'aday jacayl dhab ah oo gabadh uu jecelyahay uu tiriyey, ku sifaynayo quruxdeeda iyo dabeecadeeda waxanu yidhi:- Deelayda maansada

The Prophet's pilgrimage

The Prophet's pilgrimage Adil Salahi, Arab News

All pilgrims endure some hard times because of the huge numbers doing the same tasks over a very short period of time. Hence, people of thought entertain some ideas on ways to simplify the pilgrimage with easier ways for people to do their tasks and rituals, such as the tawaf, the stoning at the Jamrahs, etc. (S. Abd Al-Rahim) When the Prophet did certain things that are directly related to religion and worship, or refrained from doing certain practices making clear that they are incompatible with Islam, his guidance must be followed. One example that makes this absolutely clear is his statement: "Pray as you have seen me offering my prayers." We know for certain how he prayed, offering the five daily prayers during the time range allowed for each, and performing every raka'ah with two prostrations before standing up again for a new raka'ah. Therefore, it is not possible for anyone to question the manner of Islamic prayer. No argument can be entertained to modify the way we pray. If we allow an open door for such arguments, the very way of prayers may be totally changed over the passage of time. Someone may suggest that the Prophet did the prostration on the floor because people at the time always sat on rugs, or cushions placed on the floor. Therefore, it was necessary to put one's forehead on the floor to indicate our humility before God. Today when we use chairs and comfortable seating, we can equally indicate that with a bow, without the need to go down placing our knees on the floor. Such an argument is totally inadmissible. We follow the Prophet's guidance, because God wants us to worship Him in the way shown to us by the Prophet. The pilgrimage is an act of worship that essentially reflects submission to God and the discarding of everything that discriminates between people on any basis whatsoever. They stand on equal footing before God, dedicating their worship to Him, seeking nothing but His acceptance and making clear that their highest prize is to earn His pleasure. Every act in pilgrimage promotes this notion; every phrase we say emphasizes submission and dedication to Him alone. Hence, it was necessary for the Prophet to show us the way to offer the pilgrimage, fulfilling its requirements that have been outlined in the Qur'an. He showed us every part of the pilgrimage, indicating the way it should be done, its time range and its order within the list of duties and recommended actions of pilgrimage. Right at the beginning he said to all those traveling with him, numbering around 100,000: "Learn from me your rituals". He did not only demonstrate how each act of worship during the pilgrimage should be done; he also corrected any misconceptions or wrong timings. Furthermore, he approved any variation that is permissible in the conduct of the pilgrimage duties. Thus, when one of his companions wanted to offer Maghreb prayer at Arafat, after the sun had set, the Prophet told him: "This prayer is to be prayed further ahead". He indicated in this statement that although Maghreb was due, as far as its time was concerned, it must not be offered at Arafat, but somewhere else on the journey back. There is no doubt that most pilgrims find the pilgrimage hard to conduct. They suffer due to the great numbers of pilgrims moving around in confined areas. Hence, people are always asking: "Could certain difficulties be removed, or eased out, or modified?" Three points have to be borne in mind when trying to answer this question. They may sound to bear an element of contradiction, but in fact they are consistent. These are: 1) the pilgrimage is meant to be demanding so that only a person who is eager to do it will undertake the journey; 2) an essential element of the nature of this act of worship is to make things easier; 3) all parts of the pilgrimage have to be done at the times and in the manner shown by the Prophet. When we discuss the points raised by readers, all three points will appear to work in the same direction.

Remembering an American that supported the Palestinian cause

Remembering an American that supported the Palestinian cause 

About 20 years ago, a guy burned himself to demonstrate and bring attention to the Palestinian cause. I think the man was from Boston, and there was a brief mention of him on Ted Koppel's ABC News show Nightline.

The news was very brief and I do not remember that the name of this person was mentioned. It stuck in mind that this persons name was not mentioned and that the news was not picked up and highlighted by others and in greater detail considering that the event is so rare -- that a human being burned himself in support of a cause. I do not think this is the most appropriate way to support a cause, but the event was remarkable and very noteworthy.

That the event was not publicized much did not surprise me considering the low level of coverage that was typical of that time in highlighting the Palestinian cause in the press where the Israeli point of view was dominant.

This story stuck in my mind for a long time, and I puzzled as to why the Palestinians did not make much publicity of this event, and did not recognize the act of this individual, as far as I knew. Had it been someone doing this at that time in support of the Israeli cause, much would have been done by those who support Israel to ensure that such a person became a hero, to set an example for others in encouraging them to support or continue supporting Israel's cause.

So a short while back I wanted to find out the name of this individual for an article that would mention his name and what he did, but I was not able to trace back the name. So if someone knows of this individual and can send me this information, I would appreciate it. Meantime, I hope the Palestinians would consider recognition of this man, be it naming a street after him or other appropriate recognition.

By,
Jamil Kazoun


Author of the book: A Second American Revolution: Creating Rational Government
and the book: A Third American Revolution: A New World Government . A Plan for Liberty, Justice and Peace"

Previous Stories:
  Freedom and its absence in Lebanon and the USA   (6/1/2009)
  How freedom of speech and citizens are victims in the Arab states   (6/23/2008)
  American Rachel Corrie remembered for facing Israeli bulldozer   (3/17/2006)
  Israeli bulldozer kill American activist defending a Palestinian home   (3/17/2003

UN SECRETARIAT SEEKS MORE THAN $5 BILLION TO COVER WORK FOR NEXT TWO YEARS

UN SECRETARIAT SEEKS MORE THAN $5 BILLION TO COVER WORK FOR NEXT TWO YEARS

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today proposed a budget of just over $5 billion to cover the work of the United Nations Secretariat for the next two years, telling a General Assembly committee that only a slight increase over the budget is needed despite increased demands for the UN's services.

Under Mr. Ban's proposal, which is being examined by the Assembly's Fifth Committee (administrative and budgetary), the Secretariat is requesting $5.06 billion for 2010 and 2011, which represents real growth of $22.4 million, or half a percentage point, over the previous biennium.

There would be a net reduction of 24 posts for the world body, with an increase in the Secretariat's Professional category being offset by a cut in jobs in General Service and related categories.

Mr. Ban <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=4196">told the committee that the proposals take into account the global economic and financial crisis and reflect strict budgetary discipline, balancing growth in some areas with reallocation and realignment in others.

"The United Nations faces increasing demands for its services," Mr. Ban said. "As Chief Administrative Officer, I am committed to management reform and to greater transparency, accountability and efficiency."

To that end, Mr. Ban highlighted the continuing costs of implementing a new information and communications technology (ICT) system to help the world body better plan and manage its resources, personnel needs and reporting process. He also drew attention to the expense of training related to International Public Sector Accounting Standards.

Mr. Ban noted that resources have also been allocated to ensure that staff have the skills necessary to meet the evolving needs of the Organization.

"In order to achieve the goals of the Secretariat-wide ICT Strategy, there is an urgent need to create a budgeting environment in which major ICT projects are considered strategic and different from recurring operational expenses.

"Without this kind of 'capital' budgeting arrangement for ICT, it will be impossible to overcome systemic under-investment in ICT, which has seen the Secretariat fall far behind other organizations in overall effectiveness and efficiency," said Mr. Ban.

A strengthened and unified security management system is among a number of significant expenditures likely to be presented in separate report to the General Assembly.

"My proposals will enable us to strengthen security for our staff, their dependents and UN premises," said Mr. Ban, urging Member States to consider these proposals favourably. "After all, our people are your people."

UNICEF AND ZAMBIA SAY ‘JUST STOP IT’ TO GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

UNICEF AND ZAMBIA SAY 'JUST STOP IT' TO GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

A new campaign in Zambia backed by the United Nations Children's Fund (<"http://www.unicef.org/">UNICEF) calls for an end to gender-based violence, the second biggest scourge in the nation, following HIV and AIDS, according to the African nation's leader.

President Rupiah Bwezani Banda launched the campaign – whose theme is "Abuse, Just Stop It" – yesterday in the capital, Lusaka, declaring zero tolerance for perpetrators of sexual- and gender-based violence.

UNICEF expressed its support to ensure that women and children are protected from violence.

"This requires action and commitment from all levels of Zambian society," <"http://www.unicef.org/media/media_51566.html">said Elspeth Erickson, UNICEF's Deputy Representative in the country.

Dual Owusu-Sarfo, acting UN Resident Coordinator, hailed Zambia's commitment to tackle gender imbalances and to "accord women and men equal rights and opportunities in development."

This commitment, he said, is evidenced by the nation's signing of international and regional treaties including the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The campaign will include road shows held in five districts, school debates, drama shows and a mobile video van that will show films and documentaries on gender-based violence.

Somali man, '112', weds girl, 17

Somali man, '112', weds girl, 17

The couple posed for photos at the wedding celebrations Thursday, October 29, 2009 Hundreds of people have attended a wedding in central Somalia between a man who says he is 112 years old, and his teenage wife. Ahmed Muhamed Dore - who already has 13 children by five wives - said he would like to have more with his new wife, Safia Abdulleh, who is 17 years old. "Today God helped me realise my dream," Mr Dore said, after the wedding in the region of Galguduud. The bride's family said she was "happy with her new husband". Mr Dore said he and his bride - who is young enough to be his great-great-grand-daughter - were from the same village in Somalia and that he had waited for her to grow up to propose. "I didn't force her, but used my experience to convince her of my love; and then we agreed to marry," the groom said. Goat-skin documents The BBC's Mohammed Olad Hassan in Mogadishu says the marriage, in the town of Guriceel, is being described by Somali historians as the first of its kind in the Horn of Africa nation for more than a century. Our reporter says reaction to news of the marriage has been mixed. Some people said while it was allowed under Islamic law, they were concerned about the age gap, but others were happy that age was not a barrier to love. Mr Dore told the BBC he was born in Dhusamareeb in central Somalia in 1897 - and has a traditional birth certificate, written on goat skin by his father. Our correspondent says he has an interesting history - in 1941 he joined the British colonial forces as a soldier for 10 years and then served as a police officer after Somalia won independence in 1960. Altogether, Mr Dore has 114 children and grandchildren. His oldest son is 80 years old and three of his wives have died. He says he hopes his new bride will give him more children. "It is a blessing to have someone you love to take care of you," he said.

Pirate hostage couple put on brave face in phone call from Somalia

(Handout/PA)

Paul Chandler said he and his wife Rachel were being treated well

Tristan McConnell and David Sanderson

A British man has described the terrifying moment when he and his wife were taken hostage by Somali pirates.

In a brief telephone conversation arranged by their captors, Paul Chandler said that they had boarded his yacht in the Indian Ocean, west of the Seychelles, in the early hours of last Friday as he and his wife, Rachel, 55, slept. Mr Chandler, 59, said that the couple were being held one mile off the coast of Somalia on board a Singapore-registered ship, the Kota Wajar, which was hijacked earlier this month. It is believed that they were later taken ashore.

"I was off watch," Mr Chandler told ITV News. "I was asleep and men with guns came aboard." He said that the pirates had forced them to sail towards Somalia. When questioned whether his captors had asked for a ransom, Mr Chandler replied: "Not officially. They kept asking for money and took everything of value on the boat." He was then asked how he was being treated but the line went dead.

Mr Chandler later spoke briefly to the BBC and said they were being treated well. He did not know whether negotiations were taking place or whether he and his wife were in Somalia. Asked if he had a message for his family or the British Government, he replied: "Nothing I can say."

The couple's abandoned yacht, the Lynn Rival, was found by a Royal Navy ship in international waters.

Dahir Dabadhahan, a Somali fisherman, said that two boats carrying the Chandlers arrived in the village of Ceel Huur, near the pirate stronghold of Harardhere, early yesterday.

Mohamed Shakir, a pirate commander, told The Times that the pirates wanted to speak to the Chandlers' family. "We want their family's contact now. They must be worried about their safety. We are not gangsters, we know humanity." He said that the Chandlers must be rich because they had travelled far and had money on their yacht.

Yesterday morning's phone call with Mr Chandler began with an ITV journalist Angus Walker passing on a message from Mrs Chandler's brother, Stephen Collett. "Stephen says everyone here is fine. We are all thinking of you and just hope you are both well — can't wait to speak to you and see you," he said. Mr Chandler laughed as he replied: "Well, that's awfully nice."

Leah Mickleborough, the couple's niece, told The Times: "I think he laughed partly to make us feel better. He's putting a brave face on."

Mr Collett told BBC News: "We do expect a ransom demand. The problem is they are not rich people. Most of the money is tied up with their yacht." He described the Lynn Rival as a "very basic sailing vessel".

Gordon Brown called on the pirates to release the Chandlers, who live in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. "Piracy and the taking of hostages is unacceptable in any circumstances," he said.

David Miliband, the Foreign Secretary, said that the Government was "using all the mechanisms at our disposal to try to ensure that there is a safe return of these two British hostages".

The next phase of the couple's ordeal is likely to be a drawn-out ransom negotiation. Previous hostages have recounted how they were guarded day and night by men armed with AK47 rifles, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, pistols and knives. Sailors released in August after four months in captivity on board the Italian-owned Buccaneer described mock executions and death threats.

Mr Chandler, a quantity surveyor, and his wife, an economist, disappeared after sailing from the Seychelles towards Tanzania. The couple, who took early retirement about three years ago, have spent several six-month spells at sea.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article6896168.ece

SOMALIA: "Too much, too soon" as 15,000 flee floods

SOMALIA: "Too much, too soon" as 15,000 flee floods

NAIROBI, 29 October 2009 (IRIN) - Flash floods caused by four days of torrential rains have displaced more than 15,000 people in the southwestern town of El-Waq near the Kenyan border and submerged most homes and businesses, say locals.

 "Most of the town is under water, with people moving to higher ground around the town," Alaso Gurhan, a resident of El-Waq, in Gedo region of southwestern Somalia, told IRIN on 28 October.

 The local administration and civil society groups have been able to move many people to safer ground, she said.

 She said mothers with small children and the elderly were being given priority in the provision of shelter material. "We are all in the open now with very little help. We don't have much so we have to give first to the weakest."

 A lot of livestock have reportedly died due to the ongoing rains. "Hundreds of goats and sheep weakened by the drought have succumbed to the rains and the cold weather," said Ali Hassan, a civil society activist.

 He said El-Waq, like the rest of Somalia, was waiting for the rain but it was "too much in too short a time. If the rain continues the way it has for the last four days we will be in serious trouble."

 He said most of the residents, about 18,000 with some 900 displaced families (5,400 people) from Mogadishu, had been affected. "We are no better than the displaced today," he added. He said the population was concentrating on the hills around the town. "Any higher ground in the area is now occupied."

 Hassan Hussein, an engineer with Development Frontier International, an NGO, told IRIN they were now trying to dig trenches to allow the water to drain from the town.

 He said there was still a danger of more flooding since the rains were ongoing. He said his group was organizing the population to alert them to any more danger. "We are using the loud-speakers in mosques to tell people to help the weak and to get to higher ground."

 People who are still in low-lying areas were also being told to move to higher ground, he said.

 He said shelter material was urgently needed. "There are many people who are too weak to stay in the open or in the flimsy shelters we have. We need help in the provision of tents and other shelter material if we are to avert a serious health situation."

 There are fears that with the rains mosquitoes and waterborne diseases will not be far behind, he warned.

 ah/mw[END]

GUINEA-BISSAU CLOSER TO POLITICAL STABILITY AND SECURITY, SECRETARY-GENERAL REPORTS

GUINEA-BISSAU CLOSER TO POLITICAL STABILITY AND SECURITY, SECRETARY-GENERAL REPORTS

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed cautious optimism over the progress of democracy in Guinea Bissau, where a series of political assassinations earlier this year threatened stability in the impoverished West African country.

In his latest <"http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=S/2009/552">report on the country to the Security Council, released today, Mr. Ban commended its people for the "peaceful and well organized" presidential elections in June and July, where Malam Bacai Sanhá won a run-off round against Mohamed Yalá.

But he noted that the record voter abstention rate points to the need for Guinea-Bissau's political leaders to "foster dialogue and accountability towards their constituents, in order to reinforce democracy and regain the confidence of citizens."

The period under review was dominated by the tension that followed the assassinations of presidential candidate Baciro Dabó and the former defence minister Helder Proença in early June on the eve of the official launch of the electoral campaign.

In March then president João Bernardo Vieira was also assassinated amid tensions between the Government and the military forces in a country marked by decades of civil conflicts, coups d'état and uprisings.

The Secretary General urged the successful completion of the ongoing investigations into those political assassinations, which will "assist in combating impunity and will contribute to justice and national reconciliation."

"It will also improve the image of Guinea-Bissau and restore the confidence of the international community," added Mr. Ban.

He also pledged the support of the UN Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS), which will be succeeded on 1 January 2010 by the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS).

The new office will be responsible for, among others, strengthening the capacity of national institutions, supporting the establishment of efficient law enforcement and helping to mobilize international assistance.

"There is a window of opportunity in Guinea-Bissau that must be seized," added Mr. Ban, urging the country's leaders to capitalize on the success of the elections and public optimism to also improve the country's social and economic conditions.

Guinea-Bissau is one of the world's poorest countries, and over the past year the cost of rice and other cereals have soared by as much as 30 per cent.

But the Secretary-General said there are also some encouraging signs, with stronger-than-expected sales of cashew nuts – the nation's main export crop – ensuring that the forecast economic decline in Guinea-Bissau will not be as severe as anticipated.

AFRICA: AU pushes the envelope on "climate migrants"

AFRICA: AU pushes the envelope on "climate migrants"

JOHANNESBURG, 29 October 2009 (IRIN) - An African international agreement has opened the door to a debate on the rights and protection of people displaced by natural disasters, with a nod to migration as a result of climate change.

 The Kampala Convention, a ground-breaking treaty adopted by the African Union (AU), promises to protect and assist millions of Africans displaced within their own countries. Significantly, the treaty recognized natural disasters as well as conflict and generalized violence as key factors in uprooting people.

 Jean Ping, chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, told IRIN that "more and more people are likely to be displaced" as Africa experiences more frequent droughts and floods brought about by climate change.

 He said the inclusion of displacement by natural disasters was informed by the global debate on the need to develop a framework for the rights of "climate refugees" - people uprooted from their homes and crossing international borders - because the changing climate threatened their survival.

 The treaty also calls on governments to set up laws and find solutions to prevent displacement caused by natural disasters, with compensation for those who were displaced. Migration expert Etienne Piguet said with the Kampala Convention the AU had "once again" tried to push the envelope.

 In 1969 the Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa, adopted by the then Organization of African Unity, had gone a step further than the 1951 UN Refugee Convention by using a definition of "refugee" that included not only people fleeing persecution but also those fleeing war or events seriously disturbing public order.

 Piguet described the reference to people displaced by natural disasters as an "interesting attempt" to find "adequate answers to the new concern about migration linked to environmental degradation".

 In 2008 climate-related natural disasters like droughts, hurricanes and floods forced 20 million people out of their homes, while 4.6 million people were internally displaced by conflicts, according to a recent joint study by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the Geneva-based Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre.

 The Representative of the UN Secretary-General (RSG) on the Human Rights of the Internally Displaced Persons in a submission to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change noted that people uprooted from their homes by natural disasters enjoyed protection under the existing human rights law and the guiding principles on internal displacement.

 However, the Kampala Convention also calls on governments to "prevent or mitigate, prohibit and eliminate root causes" of displacement, and find "durable solutions" to them.

 Moussa Idriss Ndele, President of the Pan-African Parliament, the legislative body of the AU, said the debate in Kampala on the rights of people displaced by natural disasters did not "quite evolve properly - we did not address the issue of climate change" because most people still believed conflict was the biggest trigger of displacement.

 Can of worms

 However, it was unclear which events could be linked to climate change. "More and more people are being displaced by floods, which are becoming more and more frequent and intense," said Rachel Shebesh, chair of the African Parliamentarian Initiative for Climate Risk Reduction.

 The RSG said there was a need to clarify or even develop a legal framework to help people who moved inside or outside the country because environmental degradation and slow-onset disasters - like desertification, salination of soil and groundwater - made areas uninhabitable, and if displaced persons could not return to their homes they should be considered forcibly displaced.

 The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has projected more frequent and intense floods and droughts in Africa during the next few decades, and the debate is not only set to continue, but to intensify.

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GLOBAL: Malaria tests minus the blood

GLOBAL: Malaria tests minus the blood

DAKAR, 29 October 2009 (IRIN) - To detect malaria people might soon be able to chew a stick of gum and swipe it over a magnet or scan a finger with ultra-far infrared light. Neither test requires a blood sample.

These are some of the winning proposals for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges awards, which invite researchers to find non-invasive diagnostic alternatives for priority global health conditions such as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV. LINK

Other categories include new strategies to prevent malaria and more effective vaccines.

Among the 76 winners are chemists, bioengineers, electronics specialists, mechanical engineers, mathematicians, infectious disease specialists and epidemiologists.

"It is entirely positive for people not necessarily looking at global health issues to use their skill sets from other disciplines to do so, as they will come at a problem from angles that specialists in the global health community may not have thought of," Gates Foundation spokesperson Melissa Covelli told IRIN.

Beyond blood

Extracting blood or tissue can require advanced skills on the part of health workers or pose high costs for patients, as well as complex logistics chains, many of which do not exist in developing countries, Covelli said.

Non-invasive tests also reduce the potential for HIV exposure, said scientist David Bell at Geneva-based Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND). And non-invasive tests are preferable particularly when surveying a disease outbreak, as even a small amount of pain involved in a procedure can be a disincentive for people to seek healthcare.

About one million people are reported to die from malaria every year, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

But in some countries that have widespread malaria rapid testing, the number of suspected malaria cases has dropped dramatically.

Alternatives to testing blood include testing urine, saliva or sweat; equipment that can scan capillaries or the retina; and electromagnetic properties from crystals, such as hemozoin - an iron-containing pigment which accumulates granules in malaria parasites and is a breakdown product of hemoglobin for malaria.

Challenges

To date, all commercially available malaria tests require extracting blood, according to Bell, partly because up to now it has been more difficult to detect malaria in other body fluids.

But, Bell told IRIN, "New technologies could increase the sensitivity of these non-invasive tests and they could be as good as or better than the [blood-related C] tests that we have now."

Andrew Fung, who is developing the chewing gum test, told IRIN: "By working in a user's mouth this test will operate at a higher temperature, and millions of microscopic particles will be examined across a small surface area [the gum] increasing the test's sensitivity."

Winner Lu from the University of Michigan, who is pioneering the infrared option, told IRIN by tapping into body level vibrations rather than testing molecules, this test is highly sensitive too.

To date one of the drawbacks of the 60 rapid diagnostic tests currently on the market has been that they are unregulated, so while some are quite sensitive and can provide 95-100 percent accuracy, others provide far less accurate results.

Ensuring that only high-quality tests remain in use requires better standardized evaluations, Bell said. This is just starting to happen.

WHO published a report this year assessing many rapid diagnostic tests in use and is working with FIND to evaluate 29 more by 2010.

If Fung, Lu and the some 74 other researchers' concepts work, the most promising among them will be eligible for more funding in the future, Gates Foundation's Covelli said.

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