Water & Energy / Africa / ADEA (Economic developpment Agency toward Africa) / 8th EURAFRIC-PARTNERS Forum

 

LYON, France July 22, 2008/African Press Organization (APO)/ — From 21 to 24 October 2008, ADEA (Economic developpment Agency toward
Africa) organizes the 8th EURAFRIC-PARTNERS Forum- Water & Energy in
Africa at Lyon Congres Center (France).

To the program of this annual meeting of the European and African Small
& Medium-Sized Businesses :
Conferences, Round Tables, Workshops, qualified meetings B to B,
exhibition area, visits of industrial sites.

The 8th edition will meet together about 800 participants (companies &
officials delegations) from over 30 countries from Africa and Europe.
This year, the Guest Country will be the Republic of the Congo.

 

SOURCE : ADEA (Economic development Agency toward Africa)

 

Eau & Energie / Afrique / ADEA (Economic developpment Agency toward Africa) / 8e Forum EURAFRIC

 

LYON, France 22 juillet 2008/African Press Organization (APO)/ — ADEA (Economic developpment Agency toward Africa )
organise le 8e FORUM EURAFRIC qui se tiendra au Centre de Congrès de LYON du 21 au 24 octobre 2008 autour des thèmes EAU & ENERGIE en Afrique.

Au programme de ce rendez-vous annuel incontournable des PME-PMI européennes et africaines :
conférences, tables rondes, ateliers thématiques, rendez-vous qualifiés, espace “Expo-Entreprises”, visites de sites

Cette 8e édition réunira 800 entreprises et institutionnels de plus 20 pays d´Europe et d´Afrique.

L
a République du Congo sera le pays à l’honneur cette année.

 

SOURCE : ADEA(Economic development Agency toward Africa )

 

 

Zimbabwe / Commonwealth / Secretary-General welcomes agreement on framework for talks in Zimbabwe / Commonwealth efforts focused on supporting approach taken by SADC

 

HARARE, Zimbabwe, July 22, 2008/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma has welcomed the 21 July 2008 signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on a framework for negotiations towards a political settlement by Zimbabwe’s main political leaders.

He said this was a significant step in the right direction, which would initiate a dialogue towards promoting peace, stability, democracy, prosperity and the reconciliation of the Zimbabwean people.

He said the Commonwealth would maintain its ongoing consultations with the United Nations, the African Union and the Southern African Development Community and stood ready to support the process in ways that regional leaders consider appropriate, particularly in areas of the Commonwealth’s proven expertise and experience.

 

SOURCE : Commonwealth Secretariat

 

Vatican / Tanzanie / Nouvelle evangélisation des cultures africaines

 

Cité du Vatican 22 juillet 2008/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Le thème de la rencontre organisée par le Conseil pontifical pour la culture (23-26 juillet, Bagamoyo, Tanzanie) est “Perspectives pastorales pour la nouvelle évangélisation dans le contexte de la mondialisation et de ses effets sur les cultures africaines”.

A cette réunion, qui prend place dans une série d’initiatives ayant pour but d’encourager la pastorale de la culture dans les diverses parties du monde, prendront part les consulteurs africains du Conseil, les évêques responsables de la pastorale culturelles des diverses Conférences épiscopales. Dans un contexte fortement marqué “par les conséquences de la mondialisation sur l’environnement culturel et sur le mode de vie des personnes, l’Eglise s’efforce de promouvoir l’inculturation de la foi, ainsi qu’un nouvel humanisme chrétien qui permettra aux hommes et aux femmes, d’être à la fois pleinement africains et pleinement chrétiens”.

 

Le Cardinal Polycarp Pengo, Membre du Conseil pontifical pour la culture et Président du SCEAM conclura la rencontre par une intervention intitulée: “L’Eglise, famille de Dieu. Répondre aux défis posés par la mondialisation et la diffusion de modèles culturels étrangers aux cultures africaines”.

 

La rencontre se déroulera au Centre culturel catholique Bagamoyo des Pères Spiritains, porte le nom de l’un des plus “grands ports de commerce d’esclaves qui arrivaient d’Afrique centrale et orientale, avant d’être envoyés sur les marchés de Zanzibar. Des centaines de milliers de personnes furent capturées sur le continent puis embarquées depuis ce port. En 1868, une mission fut mise en place pour les personnes ayant échappé au commerce d’esclaves ou ayant été sauvées par les missionnaires. En choisissant ce thème, les organisateurs de la rencontre veulent mettre en évidence que la sécularisation représente une forme moderne d’esclavage, ni moins oppressive, ni moins aliénante pour la dignité de la personne humaine que les méthodes passées d’asservissement”.

 

“L’Eglise est consciente de la dimension fondamentalement culturelle d’un développement durable, essentiel pour l’avenir du continent africain. Par conséquent, les valeurs culturelles d’Afrique qui sont au service de la dignité de la personne humaine seront particulièrement mises en lumière”.

 

SOURCE : Vatican Information Service (VIS)

 

Zimbabwe / US Department of State / Daily Press Briefing / Gonzalo R. Gallegos, Acting Deputy
Spokesman / Meeting Between Mugabe and Tsvangirai / A Vehicle for Undertaking Talks Need for a Process that Would Express the Will of the Zimbabwean People

WASHINGTON, USA, July 22, 2008/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Taken questions (…)

QUESTION: Zimbabwe?

MR. GALLEGOS: Yes.

QUESTION: As you’re well aware, Morgan Tsvangirai and Robert Mugabe have met and agreed to begin a process to try to work out some kind of a power-sharing agreement. Is this a good thing that Mr. Tsvangirai should be embarking on such a negotiated process, particularly with Mr. Mugabe, whom the U.S. Government seems to believe essentially stole the last election?

MR. GALLEGOS: Well, we support a negotiation process that leads to a result that expresses the will of the Zimbabwean people. Our understanding is that this MOU that was signed by the leaders of the ZANU-PF and both factions of the MDC is providing a vehicle for undertaking talks, but that they haven’t actually started the talks. I think – we’re obviously keeping an eye on what’s happening there, and we are going to continue to watch it closely.

QUESTION: By the will of the people, do you mean that leads to Mr. Tsvangirai and his party, essentially, leading the government to run the country?

MR. GALLEGOS: No, I think we’ve been very specific about that in the past. And what we’re talking about is an election that is free and fair and open, and that all parties can participate in without fear of aggressive acts against them, so –

QUESTION: So you’re looking for another election that would be –

MR. GALLEGOS: We are looking for a process that will express the will of the Zimbabwean people.

QUESTION: So you would be amenable to a power-sharing agreement?

MR. GALLEGOS: We are looking for a process that will be amenable to the Zimbabwean people. I don’t think that we have defined that from this podium and nor will I start today.

QUESTION: Do you think that President – South African President Mbeki can be an honest broker in this case, given his close ties to President Mugabe?

MR. GALLEGOS: I think we are looking for countries that will come and support the Zimbabwean people in as official way as they can so that they can come to a resolution of the situation.

QUESTION: Well, just – but does South Africa support the Zimbabwean people or support President Mugabe?

MR. GALLEGOS: Talk to the South Africans. I think they can tell you what they support and don’t.

QUESTION: No, but I’m asking you if –

MR. GALLEGOS: I’m telling you to speak to the South Africans so that –

QUESTION: Well, I can’t ask the South Africans if the U.S. thinks that South Africa is an honest broker.

MR. GALLEGOS: I would say if you want to know, I think you should talk to the South Africans about what they think about Zimbabwe. We’ve made it very clear what we think, which is that we believe that the Zimbabweans should be allowed a process in which the will and the expression of the people is brought forward.

Yes.

QUESTION: Well, what would be considered an expression of the people?

MR. GALLEGOS: Well, we believe – we’re hoping that other elements in Africa – we have spoken about the situation that has gone on there. We are looking forward now to some resolution that will be worked out by the parties involved, all parties involved, that will come to a solution.

Yes.

QUESTION: Regarding Elise’s question earlier about Russia, you mentioned that there would be only ten missiles involved. But it’s our – my understanding that one of Russia’s main concerns is the U.S. having a toehold. It may be only ten missiles now, but they’re concerned it could escalate and so on and so forth. So have you addressed that particular concern?

MR. GALLEGOS: Well, our concern is about the security of the region. And you know, our allies – NATO has spoken out in support of this. We are looking to implement this to provide for security from a growing danger that will affect all of us, not just Central Europeans, and that’s our focus here, is to move forward with that.

QUESTION: If Iran does decide to comply with the U.S. – the UN sanctions regime, and the situation there is defused as it would seem to be since the Bush Administration sent over a high-level envoy, would that decrease the risks in that region of the world?

MR. GALLEGOS: Well, I’ve heard about three “ifs” in that question, so when we reduce it to no “ifs,” I think I could get to a point where I might be able to respond to that. I’m sorry.

Param.

QUESTION: Just one on Zimbabwe, the last part when you mentioned that we are looking forward to some kind of resolution by the parties involved –

MR. GALLEGOS: Mm-hmm.

QUESTION: Do you rule out power-sharing as part of this?

MR. GALLEGOS: I think we’re waiting to see the evolution of this process.

QUESTION: Evolution of the left – which process is this?

MR. GALLEGOS: A moving towards a resolution that will allow the will of the Zimbabwean people to be felt.

Yes, in the back. (…)

 

 

SOURCE : US Department of State

 

Zimbabwe / Union européenne / Conseil Affaires générales et relations extérieures / 22 et 23 juillet 2008

BRUXELLES, Royaume de Belgique, 22 juillet 2008/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Bernard Kouchner, ministre des Affaires étrangères et européennes, présidera, à Bruxelles, les 22 et 23 juillet, le Conseil « Affaires générales et Relations extérieures », qui réunit chaque mois les 27 ministres des Affaires étrangères de l’Union européenne, la Commission et le secrétaire général du Conseil , Haut représentant pour la PESC.

  Le Conseil examinera la réponse que l’Union européenne entend apporter suite au deuxième tour de l’élection présidentielle au Zimbabwe, dont elle considère le résultat comme illégitime. Au cours de cette réunion seront également abordés la situation en Somalie et le travail en cours de l’UE sur la lutte contre la piraterie maritime

 Une évaluation à mi-mandat de l’opération EUFOR visant à sécuriser l’est du Tchad et le Nord est de la RCA, et des perspectives de reprise de l’opération en mars prochain

 
 

SOURCE : France - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

 

 

Press statement / Zimbabwe’s memorandum of understanding

 

CAPE-TOWN, South-Africa, July 22, 2008/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Business Unity South Africa welcomes the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between President Robert Mugabe and the two MDC factions led by Arthur Mutambara and Morgan Tsvangirai respectively. After years of economic malaise and political instability, this watershed event presents the best opportunity for Zimbabwe to re-establish and redefine itself. BUSA is especially pleased with the central commitments in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), namely:

Dedication to ending polarization, divisions, conflict and intolerance

Building of a society based on justice, fairness, transparency, equality and dignity

Determination to build a society free of violence, intimidation, fear, hate, patronage and corruption

 

BUSA furthermore welcomes the time horizon that has been agreed to, in particular the commitment to finalise discussions around the establishment of an inclusive government in two weeks. BUSA is pleased that the MOU also commits the parties to the formulation of a new Constitution which protects civil liberties and democratic rights.

 

As the voice of business in South Africa, with members holding business interests in Zimbabwe, BUSA stands ready to work and support all Zimbabwean parties in the restoration of economic stability and growth.

 

BUSA believes that the signing of the MOU lays the basis for the re-emergence of the Zimbabwean nation. It is a beginning, and we urge all the parties to redouble their efforts to ensure that the two weeks target is realized. BUSA urges the Dialogue process to be expanded to include other key stakeholders, such as business and civil society groups.

 

Lastly, BUSA wishes to extend our continued support for the mediation efforts of President Mbeki, on behalf of SADC, and the team that supports him. We urge the Mediation Team to continue its efforts and ensure that all the parties respect the spirit of the MOU and Dialogue.

 

The MOU has provided the platform for Zimbabweans to come together and help rebuild this glorious nation. The leaders dare not fail them.

 

 

SOURCE : BUSA

 

Humanitarian Aid / European Council / Council Conclusions on the Action Plan for the implementation of the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid

 

BRUSSELS, Kingdom of Belgium, July 22, 2008/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Council adopted the following conclusions:

“1. The Council welcomes the Action Plan 1 presented by the Commission for the

implementation of the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid 2 as an important

contribution to efficient, well-coordinated and reinforced European humanitarian aid.

2. The Council endorses the Action Plan. It sets out practical steps by EU donors to

implement the Consensus commitments and thereby strengthen the efficiency of the

European contribution to humanitarian aid, underpinning local, regional and

international efforts to ensure an adequate overall humanitarian response.

3. As a main actor the Council will engage actively in the implementation of the Action

Plan. The Council will ensure regular review of progress on implementation and discuss

priorities, in particular in the Working Party on Humanitarian Aid and Food Aid.

4. The Council recalls that a partnership approach is fundamental to the effective delivery

of humanitarian aid and that actions outlined in the Action Plan should be pursued

where appropriate in close collaboration with the humanitarian partner organisations

and other stakeholders.”

 

SOURCE : European Council

 

 

HIV/AIDS / West and Central Africa / The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) / IFRC launches 21 million Swiss franc HIV/AIDS programme for five countries in West and Central Africa

 

 

GENEVA, Switzerland, July 22, 2008/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is appealing for 21 million Swiss francs (US$ 20.6 million / € 13 million, 8.5 billion CFA francs) to finance a new three-year programme to boost the HIV work of Red Cross societies in Burkina-Faso, Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea and Nigeria.

The new community-based programme, which will run from 2008 to 2010, is part of the IFRC’s Global Alliance on HIV that was launched earlier this month in West and Central Africa. It plans to reach 950,000 vulnerable people, including 10,000 orphans, 49,000 people living with HIV and 13,000 sex workers. Activities include prevention, home-based care, anti-discrimination work and an increase in the capacities of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies to implement HIV-related programmes.

“As other regions in Sub-Saharan Africa, West and Central Africa is facing the disastrous consequences of HIV. Even though the impact may vary from one country to another, HIV is a major obstacle to development as it affects all key sectors: the economy, health, education and even food security,” explains Abdourahmane Ndiaye, IFRC’s HIV programme officer for the Sahel countries.

Dr Mukesh Kapila, IFRC’s Special Representative on HIV, says: “Our programme in West and Central Africa provides exceptionally good value for money.

“It is delivered by dedicated volunteers living in the very same communities as their clients. Thus, the money invested reaches those in need by the most direct route. We also focus our efforts on people in the most risky and vulnerable circumstances so as to make the vital difference in terms of reducing further HIV spread.”

Based on UNAIDS statistics, the IFRC estimates that - of the global total of around 33.6 million people living with HIV - nearly 4.5 million, including some 400,000 children aged below 14 years, are living in the five countries involved in the first phase of the programme.

In 2006, some 350,000 people died of AIDS in these five countries, which are also home to nearly 1.9 million orphans due to AIDS. Prevalence rates range from 1.5 per cent in Guinea to more than ten per cent in Central African Republic. Another key factor is that twice as many young adult women in the region are infected by HIV than men.

 

SOURCE : International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

 

VIH/sida / Afrique de l’Ouest et du Centre / La Fédération internationale des Sociétés de la Croix-Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge lance un programme de 21 millions de francs suisses
contre le VIH/sida en Afrique de l’Ouest et du Centre

 

GENEVE, Suisse, 22 juillet 2008/African Press Organization (APO)/ — La Fédération internationale des Sociétés de la Croix-Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge lance un appel de 21 millions de francs suisses (20,6 millions de dollars US/ € 13 millions / 8,5 milliards de francs CFA) afin de financer un nouveau programme de lutte contre le VIH sur trois ans (2008-2010). Ce dernier permettra le développement des activités dans ce domaine des Sociétés Nationales de la Croix-Rouge dans cinq pays d’Afrique de l’Ouest et du Centre : Burkina-Faso, Guinée, Nigéria, République Centrafricaine et République Démocratique du Congo

 

Ce nouveau programme, basé sur l’implication des communautés locales, s’inscrit dans le cadre de l’Alliance Mondiale contre le VIH/sida de la Fédération internationale lancé au début du mois en Afrique de l’Ouest et du Centre. Il vise à venir en aide à 950 000 personnes vulnérables, dont 10 000 orphelins, 49 000 personnes vivant avec le VIH ainsi que 13 000 professionnelles du sexe. Elles bénéficieront de programmes de prévention, de traitements à domicile, d’activités visant à réduire la stigmatisation et la discrimination. Le programme prévoit aussi le renforcement des capacités des Sociétés Nationales de la Croix-Rouge et du Croissant-Rouge dans la mise en oeuvre de programmes sur le VIH.

 

« A l’instar des autres régions d’Afrique subsaharienne, l’Afrique de l’Ouest et du Centre subit les conséquences désastreuses du VIH/sida. Bien que l’impact varie d’un pays à un autre, le VIH menace le développement car il touche tous les secteurs: l’économie, la santé, l’éducation, la sécurité alimentaire», souligne Abdourahmane Ndiaye, Chargé de projet VIH/sida pour les pays du Sahel à la Fédération internationale.

 

« Notre programme en Afrique de l’Ouest et du Centre propose un rapport qualité-prix exceptionnellement bon. Il est mis en œuvre par des volontaires qui vivent dans les mêmes quartiers que les personnes qu’elles aident. Ainsi, l’argent investi arrive à ceux qui en ont besoin par la voie la plus directe. Par ailleurs, nos efforts portent sur les personnes les plus vulnérables ou exposées à des risques, ceci afin d’accomplir un objectif vital : celui d’empêcher le VIH de continuer à se propager », déclare le docteur Mukesh Kapila, Représentant spécial de la Fédération internationale pour le VIH/sida.

 

En se basant sur les statistiques de l’ONUSIDA, la Fédération internationale estime que, sur environ 33,6 millions de personnes dans le monde qui vivent avec le VIH, près de 4,5 millions – dont 400 000 enfants de moins de quatorze ans – vivent dans les cinq pays impliqués dans la première phase du programme. 

 

En 2006, 350 000 personnes environ sont mortes du sida dans ces cinq pays qui comptent également près de 1,9 million d’enfants orphelins à cause du sida. Les taux de prévalence varient de 1,5 % en Guinée à plus de 10 % en République Centrafricaine. On peut également souligner que, dans la région, le nombre de jeunes femmes adultes séropositives est deux fois plus grand que le nombre d’hommes.

 

SOURCE : International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)