Showing posts with label RT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RT. Show all posts

Friday, April 20, 2012

Sudan Declares War on South Sudan

Sudan’s President declares war against South Sudan after border disputes. South Sudan says its not at war.

Sources: euronews  Washington Post  CNN  RT 


By Emoke Bebiak
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Military Exercises Continue Despite Shoal Dispute

The Philippines and US carry out military exercises in the South China sea despite an ongoing territorial dispute between China and the Philippines.



By Zakiyyah Wahab
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Monday, April 16, 2012

Top Newsy Headlines: Norway Mass Killer Trial Begins

More news headlines: fighting in Kabul stops; six UN monitors arrive in Syria as shelling continues; Roger Clemens retrial begins.

Sources: RT   euronews   Al Jazeera   CNN


By Steven Sparkman
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Link courtesy of Newsy.com

WikiLeaks' Assange to Launch TV Talk Show

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange plans to debut a brand new talk show called "The World Tomorrow" on RT on Tuesday, April 17th.

Sources: WikiLeaks  CNN  RT  New York Magazine 


By Carissa Loethen
Anchor: Carissa Loethen
Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

George Zimmerman to be Charged with Second-Degree Murder


Alleged Killer in Police Custody, Attorney Says Client Will Plead Not Guilty

Special prosecutor Angela Corey today announced that George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watchman that allegedly shot and killed 17-year old Trayvon Martin during an encounter, will be charged with second-degree murder.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. 

Footage from the press conference is available here: MSNBC video of press conference

From The G-Man and Newsy.com will provide more information on the prosecutor's decision as it becomes available.  

Biden Meets with Vice President Sambo of Nigeria



Offers Condolences for the Lives Lost in the Boko Haram Attacks on Easter Weekend

Vice President Biden welcomed Federal Republic of Nigeria Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo to the White House yesterday as part of the United States’ commitment to peace and prosperity for Nigeria and for the entire West African region.

The Vice President offered his condolences and those of the American people to Vice President Sambo for the lives lost in the Boko Haram attacks on Easter weekend in Kaduna and Kano.

Vice President Biden reiterated our strong support for Nigeria and its efforts to improve socioeconomic and security conditions across the country, including in the north.

The Vice Presidents discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation on issues of mutual interest such as advancing trade and investment, promoting peace and security in West Africa, and countering terrorism.

Vice President Biden thanked Vice President Sambo for Nigeria’s important role on the continent, and its exemplary leadership during the unrest in Cote d’Ivoire, Mali, and elsewhere.  

Vice President Sambo reaffirmed to the Vice President his Government’s commitment to expanding services and access to electricity, enhancing infrastructure to aid development, and improving the quality of life for all of Nigeria’s citizens.

Friday, April 6, 2012

'The United States Grieves with the Rwandan People'

Original caption states: "Deep gashes delivered by the killers are visible in the skulls that fill one room at the Murambi School." 

Statement by the President on the 18th Anniversary of the Genocide in Rwanda

Eighteen years after the Rwandan genocide, we pause to reflect with horror and sadness on the 100 days in 1994 when 800,000 people lost their lives. The specter of this slaughter of mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters haunts us still, and reminds the nations of the world of our shared responsibility to do all we can to protect civilians and to ensure that evil of this magnitude never happens again. The United States grieves with the Rwandan people, and we remember those whose lives were cut short. And as we do, we also recognize Rwanda’s progress in moving beyond this horrible tragedy, the strides it has taken to improve the lives of its people, and its contributions to protecting civilians from other nations in UN peacekeeping missions around the world. The U.S. government and the American people will continue to extend our friendship, partnership, and support to the Rwandan people as they seek to build a peaceful and prosperous future.

Photo source: 
http://www.house.gov/wolf/issues/hr/sudan/caphotos.htmlAuthor: US Rep. Frank Wolf
Permission: Public Domain

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Biden Meets with Prime Minister Thaçi of Kosovo



Stressed U.S. Support for Kosovo's Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity

Vice President Biden welcomed Republic of Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi to the White House today as part of the United States’ ongoing commitment to peace and stability for Kosovo and for the entire Balkan region.  

The Vice President congratulated Prime Minister Thaçi on the recent progress in the European Union-facilitated Dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, as well as the start of the EU’s feasibility study on next steps toward Kosovo’s European integration.  

The United States strongly supports the Dialogue and looks forward to the full implementation of agreements reached between Kosovo and Serbia, which will benefit the people of both countries.  

Vice President Biden reiterated our support for Kosovo’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.  Prime Minister Thaçi reaffirmed to the Vice President his commitment to help build a region based upon good neighborly relations and to carry out further needed democratic and economic reforms.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

'We Offer Our Condolences to the Somali People'

Jay Carney, White House Press Secretary

Carney Comments on the Attack on the National Theater in Mogadishu, Somalia

The United States strongly condemns the outrageous attack today in Mogadishu that resulted in a tragic loss of life. We offer our condolences to the Somali people, particularly those who lost family and loved ones. Somalia, with the support of African Union peacekeepers, has made great strides in the past months to improve security and rebuild Mogadishu after two decades of civil strife. Al-Shabaab’s attack on the newly reopened National Theater is another sign that it is standing in the way of Somalia’s path to peace and stability, and demonstrates why it is being rejected by the Somali people. We remain committed to the people of Somalia and assisting them in countering al-Shabaab’s violence and in returning peace to their country.

Details on the attack available here: Los Angeles Times article

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

'The U.S. is Gravely Concerned by the Situation in South Kordofan and Blue Nile'



Statement by National Security Council Spokesman Tommy Vietor on Sudan

Today, the President authorized the use of up to $26 million from the Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund to respond to the unexpected and urgent needs resulting from the conflict in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states of Sudan.

The emergency funds will be used to support the efforts of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to provide lifesaving protection and assistance to the over 140,000 refugees who have fled the two states.

The United States is gravely concerned by the situation in South Kordofan and Blue Nile, especially as the violent clashes continue along the shared border with South Sudan. We continue to call upon the Government of Sudan to allow full and unfettered access for international humanitarian agencies to South Kordofan and Blue Nile to provide emergency assistance to those in need. 

The United States continues to call upon Sudan and South Sudan to exercise maximum restraint and to reach a negotiated settlement to the outstanding issues between them.

In particular, the United States urges Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit to proceed with plans to meet in a summit to sign agreements on nationality and border issues, and to reach an agreement on oil.

Oval Office Chat Session: Obama and Prime Minister al-Maliki


Discussion Held on How to Advance Peace and Security in the Region

President Obama called Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki today to congratulate the Iraqi people on the success of the Arab Summit hosted in Baghdad last week, and on Iraq’s continued reintegration into the region as a sovereign, independent state.

The two leaders discussed the United States and Iraq’s joint efforts to advance peace and security in the region as strategic partners.  

The discussion also covered the political situation in Iraq, and a range of other shared interests. 

President Obama expressed the United States’ firm commitment to a unified, democratic Iraq as defined by Iraq’s constitution, as well as his support for Prime Minister Maliki’s participation in the ongoing dialogue convened by President Talabani tasked to reconcile Iraqi political blocs in a flexible and open manner. 

Monday, April 2, 2012

Election Held in Burma


Flag of Burma

Statement by the Press Secretary

We congratulate the people of Burma on their participation in the electoral process, and Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy on their strong showing in the polls. This election is an important step in Burma’s democratic transformation, and we hope it is an indication that the Government of Burma intends to continue along the path of greater openness, transparency, and reform. 

Details on the election available here: Voice of America: Burma Election

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Clashes Along Border of Sudan and South Sudan


Carney: "Both Sides Must Exert the Greatest Restraint in This Situation"

The following statement has been issued by White House Press Secretary Jay Carney regarding the fighting taking place on the border of Sudan and South Sudan.

The United States is alarmed by the fighting in Southern Kordofan, Sudan, and along a disputed area of the border between Sudan and South Sudan. Both sides must exert the greatest restraint in this situation.

It is critical that the two countries proceed with plans for meetings of the Joint Political Security Mechanism and the Abyei Joint Operations Committee in late March and the presidential summit on April 3. Only through direct contact and negotiations over fundamental issues of security and border management in Southern Kordofan, Blue Nile, and Abyei can Sudan and South Sudan avoid further fighting, achieve vitally needed economic cooperation, and coexist in peace. We also urge Darfur armed movements and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–North to exercise restraint and cooperate fully with restoration of peace.

Achieving humanitarian access and protection of the civilian population must be the priority of all those concerned for the people of Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile.

Details on the conflict are available here: Aljazeera article

Monday, March 26, 2012

Obama Congratulates Sall on Election Victory


Statement by the President on Senegal's Elections

I congratulate Macky Sall on his victory in Senegal’s presidential elections. Domestic and international observers report that the election was carried out transparently, freely, and reflects the will of the Senegalese people.

I also recognize President Abdoulaye Wade for his leadership and friendship to the United States during his presidency. I look forward to building similarly productive ties with President-elect Sall, while deepening the longstanding bonds between the United States and the Senegalese people.

Senegal has, through this election, reaffirmed its tradition as a leading example of good governance and democracy at work in Africa and remains an example for its neighbors. The government and people of Senegal have once again demonstrated their commitment to political expression through peaceful, democratic elections, making it harder for non-democratic forces near and far to prevail. Today's results deepen hopes across the continent and around the world that the quest for human dignity cannot be denied and that Africa's democratic wave must continue.

The United States looks forward to maintaining its strong partnership and close engagement with the people and government of Senegal to continue to strengthen democracy, peace, and prosperity in the region.

For details on the election and what it will mean for the Senegalese people going forward, click here: 
Senegal elections

Photo source: Own work
Author:  Rignese 

Friday, March 23, 2012

Gas Prices to Reach $8 a Gallon By Next Year?

An energy-consulting firm says if Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz to oil-tanker traffic next year, the implications of oil prices would be enormous. 



By Tatiana Darie
Anchor: Emily Spain
Link courtesy of Newsy.com 

Thursday, March 22, 2012

'We Call for the Immediate Restoration of Constitutional Rule in Mali...'


Press Secretary Jay Carney on the Situation in Mali

The United States strongly condemns the violence initiated by elements of the armed forces of Mali. We call for the immediate restoration of constitutional rule in Mali, including full civilian authority over the armed forces and respect for the country’s democratic institutions and traditions. The United States stands by the people of Mali and the legitimately elected government of President Amadou Toumani Touré. We welcome the strong statements by the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States condemning this unconstitutional seizure of power. We welcome the strong statements by the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States condemning this unconstitutional seizure of power. 

Details on the events in Mali are available here: Soldiers Oust Mali President, Seize Control

Monday, March 19, 2012

Oval Office Chat Session: Obama, Abbas and Santos


Readout of the President's Call with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas

President Obama called Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas this morning to discuss a range of issues of mutual interest.  The President reaffirmed America’s commitment to Middle East Peace and to the overall objectives outlined by the Quartet.  

The President noted the positive efforts by King Abdullah of Jordan and his Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh to advance dialogue between the parties.  The President also noted the need for all parties to reinforce the efforts that have brought an end to the recent fighting and thanked President Abbas for his contributions in that regard.  

The two leaders agreed on the necessity of the two-state solution, and President Obama noted that Jordan’s efforts to foster direct discussions between Israel and the Palestinians are an important contribution to the cause of peace.  

They also discussed the ongoing need to build trust between the parties and for all sides to refrain from provocative actions that make it more difficult to build such trust.  They agreed to remain in close contact about these important issues. 

Readout of the President’s Call with Colombian President Santos

Earlier today, President Obama spoke with President Juan Manuel Santos of Colombia to discuss the April 14-15 Summit of the Americas to be held in Cartagena, Colombia.  President Obama praised President Santos for his work as Summit host and said that he looks forward to a productive visit to Cartagena.  

The Presidents reaffirmed the importance of focusing on the major issues facing the people of the Americas today during the Summit to build a future defined by increased security and broad economic growth throughout the hemisphere. 

President Obama also welcomed President Santos’s decision to seek emergency legislation intended to complete the necessary work to implement the United States-Colombia Free Trade Agreement as soon as possible and underscored the importance of continued progress on implementation of the Colombian Action Plan Related to Labor Rights announced in the context of the meeting between the Presidents at the White House on April 7, 2011. 

Finally, the President thanked President Santos for his invitation to hold bilateral meetings following the conclusion of the Summit on Sunday, April 15, noting that he looks forward to the opportunity to discuss a wide range of bilateral, regional, and global issues with President Santos. 

Vietor Denounces Attack in France

The Flag of France

Statement by National Security Spokesman Tommy Vietor

We were deeply saddened to learn of the horrific attack this morning against the teachers and students of a Jewish school in the French city of Toulouse.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of the victims, and we stand with a community in grief.  We join the Government of France in condemning this unprovoked and outrageous act of violence in the strongest possible terms.

Image courtesy of  http://www.buzzle.com

Friday, March 16, 2012

Oval Office Chat Session: Obama and Karzai


Obama Congratulated Afghan President on Birth of Daughter and Addressed Concerns

President Obama called President Karzai early this morning to offer his best wishes and congratulations to President Karzai and his wife on the birth of their daughter. The two leaders took the opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to the Lisbon framework, in which Afghan forces would complete the process of transition and have full responsibility for security across the country by the end of 2014. 

The two leaders also affirmed that they share the goal of building capable Afghan security forces and strengthening Afghan sovereignty so that Afghans are increasingly in charge of their own security, with the lead for combat operations shifting to Afghan forces, with U.S. forces in support, in 2013. 

To that end, the two leaders also discussed President Karzai's recent reiteration of his longstanding concerns regarding night raids and house searches and recommitted to conclude ongoing negotiations on a Memorandum of Understanding to resolve those concerns. 

They also agreed to further discuss concerns voiced by President Karzai about the presence of foreign troops in Afghan villages.  

President Obama reiterated that he looks forward to welcoming President Karzai to the NATO Summit in Chicago in May, where they, along with our NATO Allies and ISAF partners, will together define the next phase of transition. 

The President and President Karzai agreed to stay in close touch. 

Taliban Pulls Out of Proposed U.S. Talks

With tensions high following the killing of 16 civilians in Afghanistan, the Taliban has pulled out of planned talks with the U.S. 



By Kevin Donnellan
Anchor: Emily Spain
Link courtesy of Newsy.com