Uganda and Civil Rights

International human rights groups have demanded the release of Kenyan Al-Amin Kimanthi, who was arrested recently on terror charges. The Ugandan government claims he was involved in a bombing in Kampal, which killed 79 people. Human rights groups point out that little actual evidence or clear claims have been brought against him as to why he's being held for murder and terrorism. Human rights groups are convinced it is because he is actually rebelling against unfair law and trial practice in Uganda and the gov wants him silenced. However, it may also be possible that evidence can not be made public until the investigation is complete.

http://www.voanews.com/english/news/africa/east/International-Watchdogs-Criticize-Uganda-Terror-Investigation--103927999.html

Greg Voegtle

South Sudanese to be Armed Against LRA

Western Equatoria state governor Joseph Bakasoro told BBC that two million dollars will be spent on guns to arm the vigilante group the Arrow Boys against increasing LRA attacks. Currently, the Arrow Boys use knives and traditional weapons in attacks. Mr. Bakasoro says that the Arrow Boys as home defence will be armed and trained so that they can help provide a regular solid defense against the LRA until army soldiers can intervene. Fears that violence will escalate in the area are coinciding and exceeding the tension over the coming referendum on the region's independence. Tensions in Sudan have the South accusing politicians opposed to separation in the North of supplying the LRA with arms, accusations that have been denied in Khartoum. An unstable Sudan could spell disaster for an already ravaged Northern Uganda, as the LRA continues to find areas to exploit.

By arming locals in the area, governments are deploying an army that has been untapped until this point, angry abused villagers. The armament also has the potential to turn into a blood bath as citizens gaining access to guns may begin settling old rivalries under the guise of self protection from the LRA. Since the LRA is a guerilla movement, it's impossible to tell who is or isn't a part of the LRA from an outside observer's point of view. The government also risks riots and revolt if and when the LRA is eradicated, as a populace given means of aggression may turn on the ones who gave them those very weapons.

by Margaret Nunne

New Requirement for Covering Ugandan Presidential Elections

Less than a month after two Ugandan journalists were murdered, the government of Uganda is implementing a strange requirement for journalists wanting to cover the upcoming presidential elections. Journalists will now be mandated to disclose their private information such as the name of their parents, marital status, age etc.

Ugandan journalist and activist, Rosebell Kagumire suspects this information could be used to “blackmailing journalists or hunting down your relatives if someone, even without the knowledge of the party heads, doesn’t agree with the reporter’s coverage.”

In addition, she warns that, “This is not an issue that reporters should take in lightly. For all of these details have nothing to do with how a journalist covers the country’s most important political process.”

We can only hope that this issue will be resolved amicably.

By Etienne

Drugs without borders

Uganda is teaming up with Kenya to fight against the illegal selling of stolen drugs across state boundaries. The majority of drugs stolen in the area are anti-malaria drugs, given by international donors. One year since President Museveni set up the investigation, the Medicines and Health Service Delivery Monitoring Unit has seized $300,000 worth of drugs. Those drugs stolen in Uganda are then traded with those stolen in Kenya, according to investigators. From there, more drugs are sold in the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, if a suspect is caught with stolen drugs in Uganda, the punishment is not very harsh. In fact, many can practically walk away. Most are made to pay penalty fees, but compared to the money they make off the drugs, the fees are paltry. So far 20 people have been convicted of selling stolen drugs since the Ugandan investigators pulled their resources with Kenya; however, most have now been released. It seems if they are truly to crack down on the selling of stolen drugs the punishments must get harsher. Otherwise, the culprits are put back on the street much too fast.

-abbey smith

Ugandan Wildlife Growth

When discussing the rise of nations after major wars or general turmoil, economic growth is always a key factor. Recent studies on the wildlife in Uganda has shown massive increases in the natural wildlife. This jump in animal population is primarily due to the lessened amount of poaching being done by the LRA, as well as a more strict governmental crackdown. Such an increase if wildlife has the potential to boots the countries tourism rates, helping the economy grow.

megan smith

Student Killed in Class

The Sunday edition of the New Vision reported an instance in which a 12 year old boy killed a female classmate during class recently. This story is troubling on many levels and reveals multiple underlying cultural/social issues that are concerning-- especially to a Western audience.

The report states that the fight started in class when the boy, Ronald Mungungeyo, grabbed a book away from his female classmate, Grace Paculal. Paculal began to "box" Mungungeyo when he refused to give the book back. Mungungeyo then started to punch Paculal repeatedly in the chest until she collapsed. There was a teacher in the classroom at the time, who attempted to separate the students, but was unable to do so in time because there were too many students squeezed in the classroom and therefore little room to move because of the amount of desks. A teacher from a nearby class called the police, but the girl was reportedly dead before they arrived.

The case is currently under investigation. It is likely that the teacher will not be blamed for the incident due to the circumstances in the classroom. Mungungeyo will be charged with murder, but as a juvenile, so it is unsure how the court system will rule on the matter. In the meantime, the leading officer on the case stated that all parties involved are calm at the moment; "the situation is calm at both home the victim and the suspect because they all come from the same clan."

By Brianna

Ugandan President Addresses UN General Assembly

While addressing the United Nations General Assembly today, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni called for a change in the structure of the UN Security Council. Museveni spoke of the need for their to be a permanent seat on the Council for an African country. Africa produces 53 member states in the United Nations with a combined population of over one billion. A permanent representation from an African country would make sure African issues are not overlooked and that African interests are protected. Continuing his speech to the General Assembly, President Museveni spoke of African issues that he believes deserve more attention by the United Nations, specifically in Somalia, “This is one area where more support from UN and other international partners is urgently needed.”

Mary Naset

Not here, no queers, ain't gonna get used to it

Michael Hadley, a professor at University of Victoria, attempted to make some sense of the anti-homosexuality law stagnating before Ugandan parliament. Hadley stated in a public lecture "Christianity [in Uganda] seems to have bypassed the Enlightenment and the Reformation," implying that while indeed much of Ugandan society has embraced Christendom, little effort has been made towards becoming a moderate and tolerant society. While Hadley did appear to approve the moral claim behind the law, his opinion of the law is shared by many in the western world, in that such a law is a horrible failing of basic human rights. This sentiment is echoed by numerous leaders, to include Barrack Obama. Hadley went so far as to suggest that two conspiracy theories may be at play in Uganda; one that an evangelical group had stated to Ugandans in 2009, that homosexuality is from America and Europe, and must be stopped at all costs, and the other stating that it is homophobia that is the American import to Uganda.

It was in the wake of the evangelical's 2009 "sermon," that this law started in the parliament. One provision of the law boldly states the Uganda will "break ties with other governments that try to interfere with the law." In doing so, Uganda would figuratively shoot itself in the foot, in that many nations that oppose the law will essentially be forced to withdraw aid. Hadley did not fully condemn Uganda, citing a different pursuit in evangelical Christianity, "chastity before marriage and fidelity afterwards." Hadley claims that it has made a 66% reduction in the rate of AIDS in Uganda, although this is unsubstantiated.

In truth, this law would only find support in the US amongst those in the Westboro Baptist Church. In reading about this law before Ugandan Parliment, one image just kept popping into my thoughts: it's Jesus, doing a facepalm, shouting "WHAT IS SO HARD TO UNDERSTAND ABOUT LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF?!"

-Caleb B. Ray

Uganda and Kenya lead the way in networking for business

According to Business Daily survey, Kenya and Uganda are two of the biggest users of social networking users in Africa. After the anticipated undersea cables are activated, businesses all across African expect a internet and technology revolution to occur. Finally, Africa will be connected to the rest of the world. Once the revolution takes place, Africa's rulers predict that the prices of internet services will drop dramatically as the competition for access will rise, according to the Telecoms Trends in Africa 2010 report, released on Wednesday by World Wide Worx and Database 360. The survey regarding Kenya and Uganda was conducted among 1,100 businesses that are small, medium and large across 20 African countries. The conclusion of the survey indicates that most of the African countries currently rely on slow or expensive forms of internet connections. Soon, the switch to broadband will be made. "Our interviewers encountered tremendous enthusiasm for the internet in all countries we surveyed,” says Louise Robinson, managing director of Database 360. “There is little doubt that, in this new connectivity era, the very nature of most businesses is changing.” World Wide Worx, South Africa’s leading independent technology research organisation, operates a call centre in Cape Town. By: Ivana Miljic

President Museveni to Rebuild Rural Roads

At a celebration for the 75th anniversary of the Kitabi Seminary in Bushenyi, President Museveni publically promised to rebuild the so called "feeder roads" that provide means of transportation throughout rural Uganda. Some of the important priorities on the list of these rural roads are the ones that link Uganda to Tanzania and Uganda to Rwanda. Since most people travel by road in Uganda, the prospect of better roads is an important one. According to New Vision Online, Uganda has about 6,200 miles of "national roads" which connect the country to its neighbors and major populations in cities to each other and handle about 80% of Uganda's traffic. In addition, Uganda has about 15,500 miles of feeder roads. Only about 1300 miles (about 20%) of Uganda's national roads are actually tarmacked. The rest are "murram" which in English is close to gravel. In essence, Museveni is making promises that so that it seems he is helping local rural populations, when, in reality, the roads considered to be "national" are of primary importance. Continuing with the celebration, Museveni laid the foundation of what would be a sh500m multipurpose hall, or $222,000. Museveni himself contributed sh60m or $26,000 to the construction project, and close to $9000 for the party itself. Archbishop Paul K. Bakyenga, 2nd deputy Prime Minister, Henry Kajura and Gen. Kahinda Otafiire attended, men the article writer referred to as "the old boys". Museveni is continuing partisan politics by supporting Christian schools and giving an aura of power and approval to religious and military leaders by attending. The entire celebration served as a reminder that Museveni is still a political candidate, and still has power and influence over many groups in Uganda.

by Margaret Nunne

Micro Enterprises in Uganda

The New Vision reports that Uganda is one of the easiest areas in Eastern Africa in which to start up a small or medium business. As of right now, 99% of the private businesses in Uganda are Small or Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The growth of the number of SMEs has done great things for the Ugandan economy including providing over 3 million jobs (many of these have been created because of the SMEs), contributing to 70% of the country's GDP and the taxes generated from these businesses have led to an economic development for the country overall. According to this report, ever $1 invested into a SME results in a $10 return-on-investment in the local communities.

Even though these SMEs are improving the country's economy, many of them are still failing because of a lack of funding. Most SMEs are only able to operate up to their 'maturity' level, in which revenues begin to level off. These businesses are then unable to further finance themselves so that they can make technological or other improvements to their business to help them expand because these would require additional funding. High interest rates, "lack of credit worthiness" and the lack of options banks give to SMEs for financing is to blame for the problem. According to the report, the banks are not allowing for long term investments in the companies.

This is an issue that Ugandan government is going to address if the country wants to continue growing economically.

By Brianna Howell

Scholarship program hopes to aid shift toward entrepreneurship in Africa

Heriot-Watt University's Edinburgh Business School has opened a new program, offering full scholarships toward an online MBA to 250 African students who demonstrate financial hardship, but have ambitions for how they will use their degree to benefit their communities. Thus, potentially many more will be effected through these scholarships. The Director of the Edinburgh Business School speaks about the new program, "We want to establish an initiative to promote life-long learning across the continent." Current students comment on how practical and applicable the courses are and how they have given them new ideas. This is what Alex Vines likes to hear. He is the director of Africa programs at Chatham House, an institute of international affairs in London, who says entrepreneurship is what Africa needs to stand on its own two feet. The shift from "humanitarianism to entrepreneurship and capacity building, with more business and investment and better management of resources is really good news for Africa."

Lacey Watson

Hope for the Future

HIV/AIDS has been an epidemic ravaging the continent of Africa for years. For the first time ever there has been an actual decrease of new cases. The official reports states that countries who have been hit the hardest in the past have collectively dropped a full 25% in new reported infected individuals. This amazing jump in numbers is primarily due to the spread of sex education and overall increased awareness of HIV/AIDS, how it is transmitted, and how one can protect themselves from contracting the virus. "For the first time change is happening at the heart of the epidemic," Michel Sidibe, UN Aids executive director, said in a statement. However, this progress could be hindered by the 10 million less dollars that will be put into AIDS/HIV campaigning for the coming year. It is truly tragic that the lack of funds could harm the amazing progress already made.

megan smith

Kenyans arrested in Uganda

The response to the July bombing in Uganda during the African World Cup is still underway. Friday, two Kenyans were arrested as they arrived at the airport in Uganda. They are suspected to be involved in the tragedy. The two men are Mureitha Mbugua and Al-Amin Kimathi, one a lawyer and the other a human rights activist. So far 30 people, including 10 Kenyans, are involved in the bombing case, though the Somali group al-Shabab has claimed responsibility. The hearings are currently being held in Kampala's Luzira Prison for security reasons. Mbugua and Kimathi are currently being held by the Ugandan Police Rapid Response Unit. Human Rights Watch claims the Unit has been known to torture or kill its suspects. Other human rights workers have expressed concern over Mbugua and Kimathi's safety. But no matter how fresh the wounds of the recent bombings, hopefully those rumors will not come to fruition and justice will be served to those guilty, especially as this is a case dealing with international defendants.

Abbey Smith

Border Security Talks Begin Between Uganda and DR Congo

The Minister of Defense for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Charles Mwando Nsimba, has arrived in Uganda for a two-day conference on cross-border security between the two nations. While the leaders hope for talks on peace and trade (Uganda sees DR Congo as a potential market for goods), a major point of discussion will be on plans to stop "border insurgency by negative forces." The shared border between the countries has been used as a place of attack for Joseph Kony and the Lord's Resistance Army which has led to massive civilian casualties in both countries.

By: Mary Naset

Corporations or the Global Community

This article reveals how private military contractors business has been booming in the last 15 years. The purpose is to provide equipment for the local governments to ensure peace keeping operations. Interestingly, private contracting, which has had many negative connotations due to Black Water, may be much more successful for supplying equipment to African nations to keep the peace. Private business's will provide warranty and back up equipment when the veichle is damed or breaks down, while the international community does not offer such support. Interestingly too, one of my customers has a relative that works for such a company that is doing similiar bussness in Africa. Contrary to past experiences, this may be a case where the private sector can solve a problem the international community can not.


http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/09/17/south.africa.defense.industry/index.html
Greg Voegtle

Africa's Kings

To to a King in African is to have power. This month Swaziland celebrates its 42nd birthday since Independence as does King Mswati III. However, absolute power as we have seen not only in Swaziland but all over the African continent is very much "out of step with the age of democracy" according to BBC. The King has complete say over all officials hired in his government as well as any actions taken by those officials. When any one individual questions the Kings authority, they simply are arrested and never seen again. This situation is more than known in the Republic of Uganda. Idi Amin Dada declared himself not only as King but all other names possible to an individual. Under his rule, any opponents would be taken away and never seen again, like Duncan's father. Are these Kings of Africa making any progress towards the promised Democracy? Does this involve moving on through justice or simply moving on? By: Ivana Miljic

Rebel LRA attacks in south Sudan 'on the increase'

According to the Deputy governor of Western Equatoria rarely a week goes by without reports of the LRA attacking a village in South Sudan. According to BBC, the LRA has moved its area of focus and attack from Uganda to Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Lexson Wari Amozai, head of Southern Sudan's government humanitarian agency for Western Equatoria, says it is no coincidence that the LRA is attacking at this time of the year. The LRA he says, will not attack during cultivation and planting of the fields in the spring. Since many citizens are now starting to harvest the food they have grown, attacks have increased. The LRA is taking food to feed itself. These attacks will only add to the estimated 25,000 people displaced in South Sudan. According to BBC's Peter Martell in Nzara, hundreds of displaced people have arrived in the town seeking food and medical help. The local vigilante force, the Arrow Boys, had recently been unable to fight off the recent attacks. The LRA might not only be after food in Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo according to allegations by Human Rights Watch. According to the agency, the LRA is going on a massive recruitment campaign in these countries. With this in mind, the LRA has become an international threat, not just a threat to Uganda, as the LRA turns on its former supporters in Sudan, and invades other countries in search of resources. Hopefully this promises more international attention to suppressing Kony's army.

By Margaret Nunne

Radio journalist murdered

Rime Radio news reporter, Dickson Ssentongo, was brutally murdered Wednesday by unknown assailants. Ssentongo was attacked in the district of Mukono, which is west of Uganda's capital city of Kampala. According to AFP, 29-year old Ssentongo was involved in local politics, and was contesting local council polls on an opposition Democratic Party ticket. According to the party's spokesperson, Kenneth Kakande, "... the murder might have been politically motivated." Ssentongo's murder was commited by a group weilding iron-bars, which are known in Uganda as "katayimbwa." The murder of Dickson Ssentongo is now the second killing of a journalist in Uganda in less than a week, the first being Paul Kiggundu, who was lynched by a band of taxi-drivers Saturday. The two slayings do not appear to be linked, but Ugandan journalists still face an ever present threat.

By: Caleb B. Ray

Ruthless Murder

Patrick

A Croatian man named Mladen Sloger was convicted of "ruthless" murder of a young lawyer in 2008. The prosecution alleged that Sloger, who was homeless at the time, killed the 26 year old daughter of a prominent lawyer in retaliation for a job denial. Sloger committed the murder in broad daylight in downtown Zagreb. He obviously was not to concerned about being caught.

Croatia will hold the Davis Cup Quarter Finals against Serbia

According to a news search engine, Earth Times, Croatia will host the Davis cup quarter finals against Serbia, in four months. Both sides have already heated up the pressure over the venue of the match.
Headlines of some news papers include: "Croats: hell is waiting for you; Serbs: we will not play in Split," the Belgrade daily.

Croatia's 2nd largest city and Adriatic port is home of the nation's most intimidating and often violent fans. Serbia's coach Bogdan Obradovic said that he will ask the international Tennis Federation to appoint Zegrab as the venue.

Hina Latif

Croatia Retries Soldiers For War Crimes Against Serbs

By: Erica McCauley

Croatia has decided to retry two former soldiers accused of killing seven Croatian Serb civilians. These civilians were brutally murdered in the town of Novska in 1991, when the Yugoslav National Army was running rampant killing Croatian Serbs. The civilians' murders were described as killings done in their homes. Some of them were tortured and mutilated before their death. The courts claim that these soldiers were seeking revenge upon Croats for the genocide of the Serbs during World War II.
These soldiers have been previously tried in 1992; however, when they were tried, their crimes were not considered war crimes. They were pardoned by the Croatian judge at the time.
Croatia has taken a lot of initiative in trying former war criminals, yet human-rights activists claim that the courts are not putting their full effort into completing these trials, seeing as most trials begin and are never finished. Interestingly, Zoran Pusic of the Citizens Committee for Human Rights witnessed some of the trial, and was quoted, "Two former Tigers who had been present [at the time of the killings] testified today but they said they were outside the house. As usual in cases like this one, there is 'total amnesia.' They heard nothing and saw nothing, although there must have been shooting."
It is interesting that soldiers are still claiming that they had no idea that these crimes were happening, or they claim they were brainwashed. Still, c'mon people, its 2010.

Croatians happy with their current president

According to Croatian Times, 68% of Croatians are satisfied with their new president, Ivo Josipovic. a suvery of 1000 people showed that a majoirty of the contented citizens are from northern part of Croatia and 19% who are not satisfied live mostly in the Captial, Zagreb and Dalmatia. Remember the president was elected in January with a 60.3% popular vote.




Hina Latif

Roncevic, Former Croat Minister, charged for Corruption

Soch Mel

The Former Defense Minister Roncevic and his aid are charged with embezzling 1.4 million euros, about two million US dollars.

Back in 2004, 76 trucks were about to be purchased from Fiat; however the purchase wasn't made. There was not enough funds to purchase all the trucks. Later, it was discovered that the ministry purchased 39 trucks worth 4.7 million euros, 7 million US dollars.

Roncevic was later fired from his post in October of 2008; some mafia-style murders took place in Zagreb.

This small step in fighting corruption will help Croatia's chances of getting into the EU.

Croatia and Macedonia

Jenica Alsip

Croatian and Macedonian foreign ministers report that the two countries political relations are cooperating excellently. Croatia is supporting Macedonia in its attempt to become a member of Nato and is encouraging them to join the EU as well. Both countries view the memberships as being beneficial for themselves as well as the entire balkan area. The only thing that Macedonia and Croatia need to improve is their economical partnerships, which could benefit both countries economies enormously.




http://bsanna-news.ukrinform.ua/newsitem.php?id=12509&lang=en

Forgot the Article

Patrick

http://www.dispatch.co.za/article.aspx?id=386205

We May Have Problems

Patrick

Croatia is all set to hold the Davis Cup in 4 months. However, the cup will be a competition between Croatia and Serbia, most likely in the town of Split, home to the most notoriously violent fans. The article is interesting in the wake of our conversation with Ivanna, Vessna, and Ida (I hope I got their names right) because it just demonstrates that they were not exaggerating. Although this is tennis not soccer, the coach of Serbia's team has already appealed the International Tennis Federation to appointed Zagreb the location. The article is quoted as saying "serbs are afraid of Split." If I were a Serb I might be too

Rent a Croatian Husband!!

By: Gina Fazio

A man recently sacked from his job as a carpenter has put out a personal ad in the paper in Zagreb advertising himself as a "husband for rent". In explaining this he said many women do not have a husband and don't know what to do about fixing things around the house, need help carrying things from the store, or watering the flowers. He did not explain whether or not these services as a husband for rent included other things husbands do.

Serbia and Croatia set for a Davis Cup clash

Nikki Pilic has had a unique history in professional tennis. He refused to play Davis Cup for Yugoslavia in 1973- which he was suspended for. This Pilic Affair turned into the Wimbledon boycott. He then moved to Munich and became, first, coach and then captain of the German Davis Cup team. After the break up of Yugoslavia, he played for his home country, Croatia. Now, Pilic has assumed the role of Supremo on the Serbian Davis Cup squad. In the quarterfinals Serbs play Croatia. This is going to be a very political game.

By: Liz Hasseld

PMs meet Serbian President

According to a Slovenian source, this past Friday Slovenia and Croatia's Prime Ministers (Borut Pahor and Jadranka Kosor) were planned to meet with President of Serbia Boris Tadic to discuss a previously planned conference on EU integration of Balkan states. The conference was devised in January by Croatia and Slovenia to be held March 20 in Ptuj, a Slovenian city near the border of Croatia.

[How comfortable will this placement make Kosovo and Serbia feel? One could suppose the conference is placed there due to the proximity to Europe]

However, problems arose when both Tadic and Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu were both expected to attend the meeting. Serbia's official possition is that if Sejdiu appears as President, it could not be in attendence. But, if Sejdiu comes as a representative of the United Nations' administration in Kosovo (UNMIK), Serbia would be present.

Serbia reported Sejdiu would attend as President. According to Slovenia, it was still up for debate whether Serbia would attend the meeting.

Is this claim true? Or, is Serbia just stirring up trouble . . . as always.


by: Calaya

Trying to "bury the hatchet" between Croatia and Serbia

Jenica Alsip

Croatia's new president looks to "bury the hatchet" with Serbia saying that it is the responsibility of the current generation to not pass on bad thoughts to the next generation.

Both Croatia and Serbia still have complaints filed against eachother for acts of genocide in 1995, but there may be a possibility that those complaints could be withdrawn if both countries can work out a plan of action together.

Josipovic believes that it is in Croatia as well as the other nations best interests to have all the balkans be accepted in to the EU and hopes that all nations will cooperate and work together in order to accomplish that.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/expatnews/7376587/Croatian-president-wants-to-bury-hatchet-with-Serbia.html

Ex-Bosnian Leader Returned to UK Jail

Monday at London's Heathrow International Airport, former President of the Muslim-Croat Federation in Bosnia Ejup Ganic was arrested on request of Serbia; BBC reports. He has traveled freely to and from the country in the recent past, but was arrested on attempt to leave the country Monday.

Ganic is one of 19 people for whom arrests where sent to Interpol last November.

He is currently president at the University of Sarajevo school of science and technology which has a partnership with the University of Buckingham. Ganic's visit to the UK was to attend a degree ceremony at the University.

Although the 63 year old is a friend of Thatcher, his application for bail today was postponed by the High Court. Serbia is after Ganic for murder and war crimes related to the Yugoslav forces siege of Sarajevo during the 1992-1995 Yugoslav war.

"Serbia claims more than 40 soldiers were killed in the so-called Dobrovoljacka Street attack, after Bosnia had declared independence from the Serb-led former Yugoslavia.The soldiers were allegedly withdrawing from Sarajevo in a convoy at the time."

According to family members, Ganic was held for three days with out contact to family, a lawyer, the ambassador and was denied the basic privileged of a phone call. His daughter states, "He had no clue what was going on. We continue to be surprised at the ability of Serbia to have my father arrested and held in prison on a provisional arrest warrant that has no merit."

From March 3, Serbia has 45 days to provide adequate evidence for their claims. Until then, Ganic will remain behind bars--unless Thatcher can work her magic.

by: Calaya

Karadzic's Trial Postponed

By: Erica McCauley

On Tuesday, former leader of Bosnian Serbs, Radovan Karadzic, pleaded before the Hague for a postponement of his trial to further prepare his defense. It is postponed until further notice according to ICTY judge, O-Gon Kwon. When first accused last October, Karadzic worked hard for a postponement of his trial. Karadzic insists on defending himself, yet seems to be struggling with formulating a worthy defense to 11 counts of genocide, war crimes, and general crimes against the people in Bosnia. There was a lawyer appointed to Karadzic in case he decided not to attend his trial. Instead Karadzic decided to define his defense over a two day span, and asked for a further extension of his trial until June 17th. At first the tribunal refused this request, and told Karadzic to be prepared for the first witness to be called to the stand on Wednesday. Diplomatically, judge Kwon allowed Karadzic to appeal this decision, while emphasizing the fairness that this tribunal needs to maintain.

One last gem:
"Arrested on a Belgrade bus in July 2008 after 13 years on the run, Karadzic is charged for his role in the 1992-95 Bosnian war that killed 100,000 people and displaced 2.2 million."

Croatia to sell ten year bonds in euros

Patrick
Croatia plans to sell over 250 euros in ten year bonds. Not much else in the article. Just a bunch of words I don't understand. Just thought it was interesting.

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-03-02/croatia-plans-to-sell-10-year-bonds-in-euros-kuna-banker-says.html

Stone age in Croatia

The Neanderthal Museum was opened last week In Krapina, Croatia. This new museum is introducing new computer simulations and other high tech tools to explain one branch of the evolutionary tree. The museum was built on the site where scientists have found the greatest concentration in Europe of Neanderthal remains, bones, skulls, and tools. The museum has a unique concept, summing up evolution in a 24-hour period. Visitors to the museum can reach out and touch parts of a digital Neanderthal body to get a response of an explanation of their diseases and ailments.

The main display in the museum even recreates the smell of sweat and burning meat to give visitors of taste of what the stone age was really like.

By: Liz Hasseld

Karadzic's trial

Former president of the Republic of Srpska Radovan Karadzic has denied before the Hague Tribunal Serbs’ guilt for the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina; while reminding that before the beginning of the conflict they were the only ones killed. He has rejected the charges that Sarajevo was under the siege by Serbs. The Muslims and Croats were firing at the Serbs from many facilities. Karadzic has also stated that the number of victims in Srebrenica was much smaller.


Hina Latif

Croatia agrees to support Russian backed pipeline

by Jeff Gimm

This week Croatia has signed on to a pipeline originating in Russia that will run under the Black Sea. Serbia, Hungary, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Greece and Italy have already signed on to the deal. This deal is a boon for Croatia, as it imports 40% of its gas from Russia according to the Business Week article. Russian President Vladimir Putin was quoted as saying "The project's benefits to its participants are obvious," Putin said. "First of all, this means stable energy supply for Europe and purely financial gains." The project awaits approval from Turkey before it can begin in earnest.
This is an interesting move for Croatia, as the Croats generally try to portray themselves as European rather than Slavic. However, considering that several European nations have already signed on to the deal, it is not the large of a jump. Also, economically this deal makes sense and may have pushed to the side any concerns about appearing "Slavic".

Croatia Relaxes Visa Rules

Angela Hager

During this summer (2010), Croatia will allow citizens from Russian, Ukrainian and Kazakhstan to enter into Croatia without a visa. They will also be allowed to stay for 90 days. This is a part of Croatia's "Anti-Crisis measures" to help stimulate the economy.

This is not the first time Croatia has done this. Last summer, Croatia allowed Russians Visa-free tourist packages. The tourist sector of the economy had an 11% decline in 2009.

Turkey has already seen results with a looser visa regime, and saw a 7% growth in tourism. Turkey has visa relaxations with Syria, Libya, Lebanon and Jordan.

Karadzic calls Bosnian Serb cause Holy

Radovan Karadzic ceased his boycott of the ICTY Court and resumed trial in the Hague, arguing that the Bosnian Serbs were only acting in defense according to the BBC. Karadzic said that a small group of Muslims, then and now, want all the power, and that the Bosnian Serbs were acting in defense. He claimed his innocence of all eleven charges. In his translated arguments, Karadzic stated "I will defend that nation of ours and their cause that is just and holy." His defense strategy is to attempt to prove that the Bosnians Serbs were only acting in response to the "aggression" of the Bosnian Muslims. Karadzic claimed that the Seige of Sarajevo was nothing more than a trick constructed by enemies to the Bosnian Serbs, and that the Serbs had nothing do with it.

-Jacob

Obama and Josipovic

Patrick

This wasn't much of an article. In fact, it consists of only about five or six lines. It is a White House Press release saying that Barrack Obama is sending a United States Ambassador/Delegate to attend the inauguration of our layed back, conducting-in-his-spare-time, president. It i, however, probably minorly significant, seeing that this must mean that the United States supports our new president. This is usually a good thing.

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