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			    <title>Africa News.. | Nigeria News24:Nigeria Latest  News</title> 
				<link>http://www.nigerianews24.com/africa-news</link> 
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			<title>EU signs new agreement to boost agriculture and promotes access to energy in Zambia</title>
			<link>http://www.nigerianews24.com/articles/eu-signs-new-agreement-to-boost-agriculture-and-promotes-access-to-energy-in-zambia</link>
			<description><![CDATA[BRUSSELS, Kingdom of Belgium, June 18, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- European Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs, is about to sign a new agreement to support smallholder farmers and promote agricultural conservation in Zambia, during his first ever visit to the country (18-20 June). Thanks to this partnership, which will be signed with the UN&#039;s Food and Agriculture organisation (FAO), local farmers will benefit from an average increase of 40% in household revenue. This new initiative will receive €11.1 million in EU funding.

The Commissioner will also discuss future cooperation between the EU and Zambia on renewable energy, as well as a possible cooperation agreement which will promote access to sustainable energy in the country. As a member of the &#039;UN High Level Group on Sustainable Energy for All&#039;, Commissioner Piebalgs will attend an energy seminar (Seminar on Energy future of Zambia: Sustainable Energy Sources and Hydro Power Potential), where he will express the strong support the EU intends to provide to Zambia&#039;s energy sector.

Commissioner Piebalgs said: &quot;In recent years, Zambia has made huge progress in development; particularly in mining and agriculture. Yet despite its remarkable economic growth, Zambia is one of the most unequal countries in the world. I hope that today&#039;s agreements will help to make sure that from now on, the country&#039;s growth benefits the whole population; not just the few.”

As part of the visit, the following new agreements will also be signed:

A project on Non-State Actors (NGOs), to provide capacity building support (for example setting up training in project management; helping local NGOs to share expertise and experience with relevant government institutions; as well as promoting the importance of gender awareness) to NGOs in Zambia. The programme has a specific focus on organisations active in promoting access to justice and the media. The project will receive €5 million.
Three contracts for the rehabilitation of the great East Road (one of the main roads in Zambia, and a link between Malawi and Mozambique) for a total amount of €118 million. As a vast land-locked country, Zambia&#039;s trade with neighbouring countries suffers from high transport costs and long, costly border crossing procedures. Investment in its roads is therefore vital.
During the visit, Commissioner Piebalgs will visit the following ongoing EU-funded projects:

A health centre in Kafue which will benefit from EU support, as part of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Initiative programme.
A commercial farm in Mazabuka
A Conservation Agriculture project in Mazabuka financed by the EU and implemented by the UN&#039;s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)
The Commissioner will also meet with a group of representatives of EU businesses that are visiting Zambia with a view to investing there; in order to discuss the possible opportunities and challenges.

EU Development Cooperation with Zambia
The EU is providing €489.7 million between 2008 and 2013 to Zambia. The main areas of cooperation include agriculture (conservation agriculture, nutrition, and private sector competitiveness), governance (democratic checks and balances, justice, economic governance) and energy (including improving access to clean and sustainable energy).

In addition, through the Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund, the EU provides grant support of interest rate subsidies of €25 million on the European Investment Bank (EIB) loan, €13.7 million on the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) loan, and €1 million for EIB Technical Assistance to the Great East Road project.

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			<pubDate>Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:57:01 BST</pubDate>
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			<title>Statement at the Conclusion of an IMF Mission to The Gambia</title>
			<link>http://www.nigerianews24.com/articles/statement-at-the-conclusion-of-an-imf-mission-to-the-gambia</link>
			<description><![CDATA[BANJUL, Gambia, June 18, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by David Dunn visited The Gambia during June 4-17, 2013 to conduct discussions for the 2013 Article IV consultations. The members of the mission met with the Ministers of Finance and Economic Affairs, Energy, and Information and Communication Infrastructure, the Governor of the Central Bank of The Gambia (CBG), other senior government and CBG officials, as well as representatives from civil society organizations, labor unions, the business and banking sectors, and development partners.
At the conclusion of the mission, Mr. Dunn issued the following statement:
“The Gambian economy is still recovering from the severe drought of 2011. In 2012, real growth in gross domestic production (GDP) is estimated to have been just over 5 percent, driven by a strong performance in tourism and a partial rebound in agriculture. However, with crop production still well below normal, the balance of payments has remained weakened and the Gambian dalasi has continued to face depreciation pressures. In late May, the Central Bank of The Gambia acted to tighten monetary policy, which has helped to stem the rate of depreciation.
“The mission endorses the authorities&#039; tight monetary stance and decision to refrain from the CBG&#039;s financing of the fiscal deficit. This will likely lead to higher Treasury bill yields, which should also help stabilize the dalasi. However, reducing Government&#039;s domestic borrowing to 1½ percent of GDP in 2013—as previously planned—will be critical to eventually ease the current pressure on inflation and interest rates. The mission is encouraged by the government&#039;s immediate actions to achieve the necessary fiscal discipline.
“Despite current tensions surrounding the exchange rate, The Gambia&#039;s economic outlook is generally positive, as long as the authorities implement prudent policies. Real GDP growth is expected to rise to about 8-9 percent a year during 2013-14, driven by a projected continuation of the recovery in agriculture. Although inflation has picked up during 2013, it is projected to stabilize at around 5 percent a year by 2014. In the mission&#039;s view, reducing Government&#039;s net domestic borrowing further during this period will be critical to ensure confidence.
“Over the medium term, the main challenges for The Gambia are to strengthen economic and financial stability, enhance growth prospects, and reduce poverty, in line with the authorities&#039; Programme for Accelerated Growth and Employment (PAGE). The mission believes that tax reforms with a view to broadening the base and simplifying the tax system could play an important role in creating room for growth-enhancing expenditures, while also improving the business environment by allowing for lower tax rates over time. Large commitments of support by development partners for investments in the agriculture and transportation sectors offer the promise of higher and more inclusive growth going forward. Also with assistance from development partners, the mission encourages the authorities to act expeditiously to formulate strategic plans for the energy and telecom sectors to ensure that infrastructure supports high growth and employment, especially for the youth.
“The mission welcomes progress by the CBG in its efforts to improve access to financial services and strengthen banking supervision. To enhance oversight of the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation through greater transparency, the mission recommends that the authorities make the annual report of the external auditor more widely available, such as by posting it on a government website.
“The IMF Executive Board is expected to conclude the Article IV consultation discussions in late August 2013.
“The mission thanks the authorities for candid and constructive discussions and expresses its appreciation for the excellent cooperation during its visit.”
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			<pubDate>Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:57:01 BST</pubDate>
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			<title>Communiqué of the AU PSC on the implementation of the Regional Cooperation Initiative for the Elimination of the Lord&#039;s Resistance Army (LRA)</title>
			<link>http://www.nigerianews24.com/articles/communique-of-the-au-psc-on-the-implementation-of-the-regional-cooperation-initiative-for-the-elimination-of-the-lords-resistance-army-lra</link>
			<description><![CDATA[ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, June 18, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), at its 380th meeting, held on 17 June 2013, adopted the following decision on the implementation of the Regional Cooperation Initiative for the Elimination of the Lord&#039;s Resistance Army (LRA):
Council,
 
Takes note of the report of the Chairperson of the Commission on the implementation of the Regional Cooperation Initiative for the Elimination of the Lord&#039;s Resistance Army [PSC/PR/3.(CCCLXXX)] and the briefing made by the Commissioner for Peace and Security, as well as of the statements made by the representatives of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),  South Sudan and Uganda, as member countries of the RCI-LRA, and Rwanda. Council also takes note of the statements made by the representatives of the European Union (EU), the United Nations (UN) and the United States;
 
Welcomes the progress made in the implementation of the RCI-LRA, notably the operationalization of the various components of the Initiative and the generation of troops for the Regional Task Force (RTF), as well as the increasing military pressure being exerted on the group, which led to the capture of key commanders and the surrender of a number of its elements;
 
Commends the member countries of the RCI-LRA and the Commission for their efforts, notes with satisfaction the close collaboration and coordination between the AU Special Envoy for the LRA Issue, Francisco Madeira, and the UN Special Representative for Central Africa and Head of the UN Office in Central Africa (UNOCA), Abou Moussa, and the adoption of the UN Regional Strategy to address the threat and impact of the activities of the LRA, and expresses gratitude to the partners extending support to the implementation of the RCI-LRA, notably the EU, the UN and the US;
 
Expresses deep concern at the aggravation of the negative impact of the illegal seizure of power in the CAR on the operations of the RCI-LRA in that country, as well as at the continued provocations by elements of the Seleka rebellion against the RTF contingent in the Obo sector, and notes that this situation is creating space for the LRA to regenerate its forces and intensify its attacks against the civilian populations.  Council reiterates its demand for the de facto CAR authorities to comply scrupulously with CAR&#039;s international commitments under the RCI-LRA and facilitate the resumption of counter-LRA operations in the CAR. Council warns all those impeding the implementation of the mandate of the RCI-LRA in the CAR, and stresses that they will be held accountable for their actions;
 
Notes the continued threat posed by the LRA and the need for the pursuit of the ongoing efforts under the RCI-LRA to address this situation. Accordingly, Council decides to renew the mandate of the RCI-LRA for one additional year, until 22 May 2014;
 
Calls on the concerned countries of the RCI-LRA to take steps to provide the required logistical support to their contingents, as agreed during the 3rd meeting of the Joint Coordination Mechanism (JCM), held in Addis Ababa, on 24 April 2013;
 
 Reiterates its appeal to the AU Member States and partners to strengthen their support to the RCI-LRA and, in this respect, welcomes the efforts being exerted by the Commission, notably the convening of the 1st Support Forum for the RCI-LRA, in Addis Ababa, on 24 April 2013. Council calls on the United Nations Security Council to take the necessary steps to facilitate the provision of enhanced support to the RCI-LRA, including the RTF headquarters and the operational Sectors, by the concerned UN peacekeeping missions and offices. Council requests the Chairperson of the Commission to actively follow-up on this matter;
 
Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

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			<pubDate>Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:57:01 BST</pubDate>
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			<title>Communique of the 380th PSC meeting on the situation in the Central African Republic (CAR)</title>
			<link>http://www.nigerianews24.com/articles/communique-of-the-380th-psc-meeting-on-the-situation-in-the-central-african-republic-car</link>
			<description><![CDATA[ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, June 18, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Peace and Security of the African Union (AU), at its 380th meeting, held on 17 June 2013, adopted the following decision on the situation in the Central African Republic (CAR):
Council,
1.  Takes note of the Report of the Chairperson of the Commission on the situation in the CAR [PSC/PR/2. (CCCLXXX)] and the briefing by the Commissioner for Peace and Security, as well as of the statements made by the representatives of Chad, in its capacity as the Chair of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), South Africa, Rwanda, Togo, France, the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU);  
2.    Recalls Declaration Assembly/AU/Decl.1 (XXI) on the Report of the Peace and Security Council on its Activities and the State of Peace and Security in Africa adopted by the 21th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government, held in Addis Ababa, from 26 to 27 May 2013, in particular, paragraph 10 which &quot;endorses the decisions of the Peace and Security Council on the issue and requests that efforts be intensified to restore security and ensure return to constitutional order.” Council also recalls its previous communiqués and press statements on the CAR, notably its communiqué PSC/PR/COMM.1(CCCLXXV) adopted at its 375th meeting held on 10 May 2013;
3.    Reiterates its deep concern at the continuing violations of human rights and insecurity in the CAR, including pillaging, both in Bangui and in the country side. Council also notes with deep concern the very limited progress made with respect to the cantonment and disarmament of the Seleka elements, as well as in the reconstitution of a core force of police and gendarmerie to protect civilians;
4.   Recalls the Roadmap adopted by the 4th Extraordinary Summit of the ECCAS Heads of State and Government held in Ndjamena, on 18 April 2013, and the conclusions of the 1st meeting of the International Contact Group on the CAR (ICG-CAR), which took place in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, on 3 May 2013. In this regard, Council reiterates the need for the CAR transitional institutions to be truly inclusive, and for the scrupulous respect of the prerogatives of the Prime Minister of the transition. Council also calls for sustained international support to facilitate the transition in the CAR and, in this respect, commends the Economic and Monetary Community of Central African States (CEMAC) for the decision taken, at its Summit of 14 June 2013, to extend financial assistance in support of the stabilization efforts in the CAR;
5.    Takes note of the conclusions of the Military Assessment Mission of the Mission for the Consolidation of Peace in the CAR (MICOPAX), which visited Bangui from 2 to 7 May 2013, under the leadership of the Commission and with the participation of representatives of the ECCAS General Secretariat, the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) and the EU. Council welcomes the recommendations of the Mission, particularly with regard to the need for enhanced international security presence to ensure the protection of civilians and carry out other related tasks, as contained in paragraphs 18 to 20 of the report of the Chairperson of the Commission;
6.     Supports, in principle, the establishment of an African-led International Support Mission for the Central African Republic (AFISM-CAR), whose core elements will be constituted by the contingents serving under the MICOPAX, augmented, as necessary and within a maximum strength of 3,500 uniformed personnel, including police, by contingents provided by other Member States, as indicated in the report of the Military Assessment Mission of MICOPAX, in order to contribute to: (i) the protection of civilians and the restoration of security and public order, through the implementation of appropriate measures, (ii) the stabilization of the country and the restoration of state authority, (iii) the reform and restructuring of the defense and security sector, and (iv) the creation of conditions conducive to the provision of humanitarian assistance to the needy populations. Council requests the Commission to develop, in consultation with ECCAS and other potential troop and police contributing countries, as well as with relevant international partners, notably the EU the UN and La Francophonie, a concept of operations and a concept of logistical support, and to submit to it a detailed report, within 30 days from the date of this communiqué, to enable it to take the required decision on the envisaged AFISM-CAR;
7.     Requests the Commission, in the meantime, to actively consult with ECCAS, including the Planning Element (PLANELM) of its Regional Standby Force, to agree on urgent modalities for the restructuring and strengthening of MICOPAX within the envisaged new security arrangements referred to in paragraph 6 above;
8.    Further requests the Commission to continue and intensify its efforts towards the mobilization of support from the UN, the EU and La Francophonie, as well as from bilateral partners, toward the strengthening of MICOPAX and the effective operationalization of the envisaged AFISM-CAR, as will be decided by Council;
9.    Reiterates its support for the efforts being deployed on the ground by the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the Commission in the CAR, Hawa Ahmed Youssouf, and encourages her to continue to her efforts. Council expresses its deep appreciation for the work of the United Nations Integrated Office in the CAR (BINUCA) and its Head, Maragret Vogt. Council pays tribute to Mrs. Vogt for her outstanding commitment and contribution to the efforts aimed at addressing the situation in the CAR throughout her tenure at the helm of BINUCA. Council takes note of the appointment of General Babacar Gaye as the new Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of BINUCA, and emphasizes the need for continued close cooperation between the AU and the UN in the CAR;
10.    Decides to remain actively seized of the matter.

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			<pubDate>Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:57:01 BST</pubDate>
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			<title>Donors pledge new support for Lake Victoria basin projects</title>
			<link>http://www.nigerianews24.com/articles/donors-pledge-new-support-for-lake-victoria-basin-projects</link>
			<description><![CDATA[KAMPALA, Uganda, June 18, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Regional and International Development Partners have pledged new support to fund the implementation of projects and programmes for the Lake Victoria Basin. The commitment was made during the two-day 3rd Lake Victoria Basin Donors&#039; Conference, hosted by the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) at Protrea Hotel in Entebbe, Uganda.

The Conference was meant to strengthen relationships and solidify plans with development partners in the implementation of the Lake Victoria Basin Commission&#039;s Strategic Plan (2011-2016.  It was co-sponsored by the government of Sweden, the government of Finland and the Infrastructure Consortium for Africa (ICA).  

The Conference was attended by representatives of various international Development Partners, including the African Development Bank, the Embassy of Japan, the Embassy of Belgium, NORAD, USAID, IFAD, UNEP, PACKARD Foundation, the World Meteorological Organisation, the International Finance Corporation, the French Development Agency, DfID, FAO, European Union, and SNV.

In his statement during the opening of the Conference, the Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, His Excellency Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, expressed concern about the degradation of the natural vegetation in the Lake Victoria Basin region as well as the rising population density putting pressure on the Basin. ”All these issues have social and economic implication for our people and nations,” he said.

The Minister of Water and Environment of the Republic of Uganda and Chairperson of the Sectoral Council of Ministers for Lake Victoria Basin, Hon. Ephraim Kamuntu, thanked development partners for supporting all the projects and programmes coordinated by LVBC and added that the Lake Victoria Basin was still in need of more similar initiatives to allow for sustainable eradication of poverty. 

“My appeal, therefore, goes to the Development Partners that have already invested in the ongoing initiatives as well as those who wish to partner with the East African Community states in their struggle of lifting the forty million people of the Lake Victoria Basin out of poverty, to give consideration to the 22 Project Concept Notes presented before you today. It is through such concepts that the Partner States of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda will be able to jointly address the key challenges of the Basin,” Hon. Kamuntu said. 

LVBC presented, for consideration, 22 project project concept notes in three thematic areas: environmental stewardship and natural resource management; economic and infrastructure development; as well as improvement of health status and promotion of access to water and sanitation. During discussions with Development Partners, LVBC received new promises of specific support based on the project concept notes.   The issue of institutional strengthening and capacity building for the LBC was considered as a cross-cutting issue across the three technical themes.  Swedish government officials articulated the importance of supporting LVBC build it&#039;s capacity and generally strengthen the institution.

The Infrastructure Consortium for Africa (ICA); a co-sponsor of the conference – is a membership organisation of G8 members.  ICA is dedicated to mobilising resources for infrastructure projects in Africa– and was represented in Entebbe by several professionals, including their Water Platform Specialist and Coordinator, Mr. Mohamed Hassan.  In his remarks at the end of the conference, ICA Coordinator, Mohamed Hassan said,  ”… We at the Infrastructure Consortium for Africa are happy to have started you on this journey … we [all] came here because of the need to mobilise resources … we have been successful in this endeavor … we encourage you to keep up the momentum … and to follow-up with the new professional friends and colleagues you have made here.   These relationships are valuable … like the Lake Victoria Basin itself, these relationships have tremendous potential …”

While closing the Conference, the Governor of Kisumu County, Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Jakton Ranguma, hailed LVBC for putting forward “overwhelming evidence” of the need for new support to bridge the gaps identified by the East African Community Partner States.  
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			<pubDate>Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:57:01 BST</pubDate>
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			<title>IMF Executive Board Concludes 2013 Article IV Consultation with Ghana</title>
			<link>http://www.nigerianews24.com/articles/imf-executive-board-concludes-2013-article-iv-consultation-with-ghana</link>
			<description><![CDATA[ACCRA, Ghana, June 18, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- On June 12, 2013, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with Ghana.1
Background
Economic growth continued at a robust pace of 8 percent in 2012 amid rising fiscal and external imbalances. Fiscal pressures came to the fore in a mounting public sector wage bill and costly energy subsidies that pushed the deficit close to 12 percent of GDP. The fiscal expansion led to a significant deterioration in the public debt ratio and contributed to a widening deficit in the external current account, with the latter also reflecting sizeable foreign direct investment (FDI).
The policy mix deteriorated in the course of 2012. While fiscal policy became increasingly expansionary, the Bank of Ghana tightened monetary policy in the second quarter of the year to arrest a rapid depreciation of the cedi. The currency subsequently stabilized, with recent depreciations in line with inflation differentials, but at the cost of high real interest rates. Consumer price inflation stayed in the single digits in 2012, helped in part by low food and repressed domestic fuel prices. With rising core inflation (excluding food and energy) and recent increases in fuel prices, inflation has moved back above 10 percent.
The growth momentum continues into 2013, with increased oil production projected to keep overall GDP growth close to 8 percent. Non-oil growth is likely to decelerate, however, as a result of energy disruptions and high real interest rates. Survey-based inflation expectations remain elevated at above 10 percent. The current account deficit is projected to stay high at 12 percent of GDP, despite a moderation in import growth, reflecting a weaker outlook for cocoa and gold exports. Staff projects a small reduction in the fiscal deficit to 10 percent of GDP this year, about 1 percent of GDP higher than the authorities&#039; budget projections, mainly reflecting higher cost of energy subsidies.
While Ghana benefits from strong democratic institutions and favorable prospects for oil and gas, a reduction in macroeconomic imbalances over the medium-term is contingent on strengthened policies. Non-oil growth is projected to stabilize at a still robust level of 5–6 percent, and inflation should gradually decline as policies are rebalanced. A planned reduction in the fiscal deficit to about 6 percent of GDP is feasible by 2015, if measures are implemented as envisaged. This, together with increased oil and gas production from new fields, would reduce the current account deficit to about 7½ percent of GDP by 2018, financed in large part by strong FDI.
Executive Board Assessment
Executive Directors commended the great strides Ghana has made in reducing poverty and reaching lower middle income status. With favorable prospects for oil and gas production and a supportive business environment, Directors saw strong potential for sustained and inclusive growth, provided current macroeconomic vulnerabilities are addressed decisively.
Directors were concerned about the reemergence of a large fiscal deficit in 2012, widening external imbalances, and rising domestic debt, which expose the economy to risks from weaker terms of trade or reduced capital inflows. In addition, high domestic interest rates, due to excessive government borrowing, could curtail Ghana&#039;s growth momentum.
Directors underscored the need for decisive action to rebuild fiscal and external buffers and reduce public debt, and in particular, stressed the importance of regaining control over the public wage bill. They welcomed the decision to remove fuel subsidies and called for similar action to adjust electricity prices, as a crucial step to tackle Ghana&#039;s energy supply problems. Improving revenue mobilization, including implementation of envisaged tax policy measures, is also a priority. The mid-term policy review would be an opportunity to identify additional measures to secure the fiscal targets.
Directors saw a need for more ambitious fiscal consolidation over the medium term to ensure sustainable debt dynamics, allow the buildup of official reserves, and lower the current account deficit. Realigning public spending from subsidies and wages to investment would also support future growth. Given the growing reliance on nonconcessional financing, Directors welcomed the authorities&#039; efforts to strengthen debt management and investment planning.
Directors supported the maintenance of a tight monetary stance until inflationary pressures subside and fiscal consolidation is firmly established. They recommended containing monetary financing of the fiscal deficit, and saw scope for further improvements in the inflation targeting framework to enhance the effectiveness of monetary policy. This could involve improved forecasting, enhanced communication to the public, and rolling one to two year inflation targets, to better anchor expectations.
Directors noted that the banking system has grown rapidly and is competitive. They recommended higher minimum capital buffers to contain vulnerabilities, including the risk of increasing nonperforming loans. Directors encouraged the authorities to follow through on the 2011 FSAP recommendations by further upgrading financial sector legislation and supervision, and deepening cooperation with regional counterparts. They also stressed the need to address the issues pertaining to the remaining weak banks, and advised the Bank of Ghana to divest its financial stake in the banking sector.

Ghana: Selected Economic and Financial Indicators, 2010-131
 
 	2010	2011	2012	2013
 	Act. 	Act. 	 Est.	 Proj.
 
 	(Annual percent change ; unless otherwise specified)
National account and prices
 	 	 	 
GDP at constant prices 1
8.0 	15.0	7.9	7.9
Real GDP (nonoil)
6.5 	9.4	7.8	5.9
Real GDP per capita
5.3 	12.1	5.2	5.2
GDP deflator
16.5 	13.0	13.3	13.7
Consumer prices
 	 	 	 
Consumer price index (annual average)
107 	8.7	9.2	10.3
Consumer price index (end of period)
8.6 	8.6	8.8	10.8
 
 	 	 	 
Money and credit
 	 	 	 
Net domestic assets2
27.1 	28.7	51.9	44.8
Credit to the private sector2
25.7 	29.0	32.9	38.4
Broad money (M3, including foreign currency deposits)
34.6 	32.2	24.3	27.8
Velocity (GDP/M2, end of period)
3.3 	3.1	3.0	2.9
Base money
45.0 	31.1	36.0	24.0
Banks&#039; lending rate (weighted average; percent)
…	25.9	25.7	…
Policy rate (in percent, end of period)
13.5 	12.5	15.0	…
 	(Percent of GDP)
External sector
 	 	 	 
Current account balance
 	 	 	 
(including official grants)
-8.6 	-9.1	-12.2	-11.9
(excluding official grants)
-9.2 	-9.7	-12.8	-12.4
Foreign direct investment (net)
7.9	8.3	8.1	7.3
External public debt (including IMF)
20.0 	21.0	21.9	22.5
NPV of external debt outstanding
8.4 	11.5	10.8	9.4
percent of exports of goods and services
28.6 	30.6	26.0	26.9
Gross international reserves (mn. of US$)
4,680 	5,383	5,349	4,927
Months of prospective Imp. of goods services
2.9 	2.9	2.8	2.5
Total donor support (millions of US$)
1,595 	1,597	1,272	1,869
percent of GDP
3.5 	2.7	3.1	4.1
Central government budget
 	 	
`
 
Total revenue
 14.5	17.3	17.7	19.1
Grants
 2.4	2.0	1.6	1.4
Total expenditure
 22.8	20.7	27.7	28.0
Arrears clearance and VAT refunds
 1.1	2.1	0.1	0.9
Overall balance (financing basis)
 -7.2	-4.0	-11.8	-10.0
Net domestic financing
 4.7	3.3	9.3	7.1
Central government debt (gross)
 46.4	43.7	50.2	51.4
Domestic debt
 26.3	22.8	28.3	29.0
External debt
 20.1	21.0	21.9	22.5
Central government debt (net)
 43.2	39.9	48.0	49.5
Memorandum items:
 	 	 	 
Nominal GDP (millions of GHc)
46,043 	59,816	73,109	89,689
GDP per capita (millions of U.S. dollars)
1,358 	1,594	1,622	1,786
 
Sources: Ghanaian authorities; and IMF staff estimates and projections.
1 Based on new national accounts rebased to 2006.
2 Percent of broad money (including foreign currency deposits) at the beginning of the period.
1 Under Article IV of the IMF&#039;s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country&#039;s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board. At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chairman of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country&#039;s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summings up can be found here: http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.
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			<pubDate>Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:57:01 BST</pubDate>
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			<title>Soitec Develops the First CPV Training Program in South Africa to Stimulate Employment of Local Population in Growing Solar-Energy Industry</title>
			<link>http://www.nigerianews24.com/articles/soitec-develops-the-first-cpv-training-program-in-south-africa-to-stimulate-employment-of-local-population-in-growing-solarenergy-industry</link>
			<description><![CDATA[TOUWSRIVIER, South Africa June 18, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Soitec (http://www.soitec.com), a world leader in generating and manufacturing revolutionary semiconductor materials for the electronics and energy industries, announced that the first students in its concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) technology training program have successfully completed the initial part of the curriculum. This CPV training program is the first one implemented in South Africa. Thanks to this initiative, students from the local community can acquire skills needed to work in the country&#039;s growing solar industry.

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/soitec.jpg

Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&amp;id=530 (Soitec CPV Solar Pilot Plant in Aquila, South Africa)

The CPV training program was created by an agreement signed in 2011 by Soitec, the University of Cape Town and Northlink College, a nationally registered Further Education &amp; Training Institution with a head office in Bellville.

As one of the successful companies selected by the South African Ministry of Energy at the end of its first Independent Power Producers (IPP) bid, Soitec is building a 44-MWp utility-scale CPV power plant in Touwsrivier, near the Aquila Private Game Reserve (Western Cape). Along with other projects currently under development in South Africa through the IPP program, Soitec&#039;s project is creating a new workforce demand at the local level.

“With this CPV training program, our aim is to prepare applicants from the local community for employment during the construction, operation and maintenance phases of our Touwsrivier power plant,” explained Gaetan Borgers, executive vice president of Soitec Solar Division. “This training program is intended to open new career paths for South Africans as, according to the IPP program, 1,450 MW of photovoltaic power should be in operation by 2016.”

Funded by Soitec Solar RSA and DEG, a German investment and development corporation that finances private-sector investments in developing countries, the CPV training program is taking place at a facility within the town of Touwsrivier. It includes a basic course covering electricity, photovoltaics, power plants and CPV basics, facilitated by Northlink College lecturers from the Belhar Campus, followed by a more advanced and specialized course on electricity and mechanics.

“Out of 300 applicants, 18 students started the basic course at the beginning of January, after having passed the entry tests. All graduated in May and are now starting the second part of the CPV training program. We are proud of this success, as this program is a concrete example of our local commitment in South Africa. We are convinced the development of CPV in this country can contribute to more sustainable development, protecting the environment while creating new job opportunities,” concluded Gaetan Borgers.

Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of Soitec.


About Soitec&#039;s CPV technology
Soitec&#039;s CPV technology uses triple-junction cells mounted on a glass plate. Fresnel lenses, manufactured using silicone on glass, concentrate sunlight 500 times before it reaches the cells, which convert it into electricity. A metal frame holds two glass plates to form highly robust, durable and resilient modules. By combining several modules on biaxial trackers, which use a proprietary algorithm to automatically optimize their position based on the path of the sun, Soitec&#039;s technology maximizes energy generation throughout the day. 

With yields of 30 percent from its CPV modules, Soitec achieves at least twice the performance of conventional photovoltaic technologies. Combined with low installation and maintenance costs, this industry-leading efficiency is making CPV technology the most cost-effective solution for high-volume power generation in regions with high direct normal irradiation (DNI).

About Soitec
Soitec (http://www.soitec.com) is an international manufacturing company, a world leader in generating and manufacturing revolutionary semiconductor materials at the frontier of the most exciting energy and electronic challenges. Soitec&#039;s products include substrates for microelectronics (most notably SOI: Silicon-on-Insulator) and concentrator photovoltaic systems (CPV). The company&#039;s core technologies are Smart Cut™, Smart Stacking™ and Concentrix™, as well as expertise in epitaxy. Applications include consumer and mobile electronics, microelectronics-driven IT, telecommunications, automotive electronics, lighting products and large-scale solar power plants. Soitec has manufacturing plants and R&amp;D centers in France, Singapore, Germany and the United States. For more information, visit: http://www.soitec.com.


Media Contacts:

Trade press :
Camille Darnaud-Dufour
+33 (0)6 79 49 51 43 
camille.darnaud-dufour@soitec.com

Business press :
Marylen Schmidt
+33 (0) 4 76 92 87 83
marylen.schmidt@soitec.com
            





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			<pubDate>Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:57:01 BST</pubDate>
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			<title>Report of the Chairperson of the Commission on the situation in the Central African Republic</title>
			<link>http://www.nigerianews24.com/articles/report-of-the-chairperson-of-the-commission-on-the-situation-in-the-central-african-republic</link>
			<description><![CDATA[ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, June 18, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Report of the Chairperson of the Commission on the situation in the Central African Republic 
INTRODUCTION
1. This report is being submitted as part of the regular consideration, by Council, of the situation in the Central African Republic (CAR) and in accordance with the communique adopted during the 375th meeting of Council on 10 May 2013 [PSC/PR/COMM.3 (CCCLXXV)]. The report, which covers the period from May to June 2013, provides an update on the current situation on the ground and the related regional and international initiatives. It also provides an update on the results of the Military Assessment Mission undertaken by the Commission to the CAR, from 2 to 7 May 2013. It concludes with observations on the way forward.
II. MAJOR DEVELOPEMENTS IN CAR
2. The entry of the Seleka rebel elements into Bangui, on 24 March 2013, and its illegal seizure of power, resulted in large-scale pillaging, summary executions, rape and other gross violations of human rights. The level of incidents has reduced, but the situation remains precarious, characterized by weariness among the population, poor functioning of government services, lack of cohesion within Seleka, absence of a strategic vision for the country and a growing humanitarian crisis.
3. The civilian population continues to live in fear of the Seleka elements. The CAR authorities claim that there is currently a process to regroup and canton Seleka forces in the Roux and Kassai camps in Bangui, as well as in Bouar and Bria, in the interior of the country. However, this process is slow to materialize. Seleka elements have reinstated illegal roadblocks on the main roads and are demanding payments from road-users. Incidents of summary execution, abduction and pillaging continue to be reported. On a more encouraging note, Seleka has handed over child soldiers to the United Nations Children&#039;s Fund (UNICEF).
4. In another incident, on 24 May 2013, a group of armed men attempted to seize control of the town of Obo, where the Ugandan contingent of the Regional Task Force (RTF) is currently deployed as part of the Regional Cooperation Initiative for the Elimination of the Lord&#039;s Resistance Army (RCI-LRA). Elements of the local defense forces, personnel from the CAR gendarmerie and the RTF intervened to stop the attack and arrested forty three (43) assailants. Seven (7) of the twenty nine (29) detainees held by the gendarmerie died due to poor detention conditions. As a consequence, all of the remaining detainees were transferred to the RTF. On 3 May and 7 June 2013, my Special Envoy on the LRA Issue, Francisco Madeira, and the United Nations Special Representative for Central Africa, Abou Moussa, conducted missions to Bangui to meet with the Head of the Transitional Government, Michel Djotodia, to discuss the fight against the LRA and to emphasize the importance of respect by the CAR of its commitments under the RCI-LRA.
5. On the political front, the Prime Minister, Mr. Nicolas Tiangaye, and the Government of National Unity have taken a number of steps in accordance with the Roadmap adopted by the 4th Extraordinary Summit of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), held in Ndjamena on 18 April 2013. The timeline of all the activities to be undertaken by the Government was presented during the inaugural meeting of the International Contact Group on CAR (ICG-CAR), held in Brazzaville on 3 May 2013. The Prime Minister also attended a meeting of the UN Security Council on 15 May 2013, in New York, where he briefed this organ on the situation in the CAR. In addition, the Prime Minister consulted with Central African political entities with a view to forming an inclusive Government in conformity with the recommendations of the 4th ECCAS Summit. These consultations resulted in the formation of a Government, on 13 June 2013.
6. The Head of the Government of the Transition, Michel Djotodia, visited Chad on 15 May, Gabon, on 16 and 17 May, Equatorial Guinea, on 18 May, and the Republic of Congo, on 31 May 2013. With a view to preserving inter-religious cohesion, he met, from 27 to 30 May 2013, with the representatives of various religious groups. During those exchanges of views, he stressed the secular nature of the State of the CAR and instructed the Minister Counselor of Religious Affairs and Ethnic Minority to organize an Inter-religious Dialogue. Furthermore, he signed a decree to establish a Joint Commission of Inquiry to shed light on crimes committed from 2005 until the unconstitutional change of government in March 2013, thus leaving aside the massive abuses committed by the Seleka rebellion after their entry into Bangui. On 29 May 2013, the CAR judiciary issued an arrest warrant against former President Francois Bozize, charging him with summary executions, assassinations, arbitrary arrests and the destruction of property.
7. The National Transitional Council (NTC), which was reconstituted and expanded to comprise 135 members on 12 May 2013, pursuant to the communiqué of the ECCAS Summit of 18 April 2013, met in an extraordinary session from 6 to 24 May 2013. The NTC adopted its Rules of Procedure and the Draft Electoral Code and considered the Charter of the Transition. The consideration of the Charter of the Transition gave rise to divisions over the inclusion of a motion of censure by the NTC in the Rules of Procedure, on the basis of paragraph 8 of the Declaration of the 3rd Summit of the Heads of State of ECCAS, held in N&#039;Djameina on 3 April 2013, which specified that “the National Transition Council has full legislative powers”. The Libreville Agreements of 11 January 2013, on the other hand, state that the Prime Minister cannot be removed from power during the period of the Transition. The debate on the issue was deferred to the next session of the NTC, in July 2013.
III. REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS
8. The period under consideration was marked by continued efforts at the regional, continental and international levels to address the crisis in the CAR. At its 4th Extraordinary Summit, at which the AU was represented, ECCAS adopted a Roadmap on the composition and functioning of the NTC and the priority areas of Government actions during the Transition period. It decided to reactivate the Libreville Agreements Follow-up Committee. It also decided to increase the size of the ECCAS Peace building Mission in the CAR (MICOPAX) to 2,000 troops and to give it an adequate mandate to support the efforts of the Government of the Transition, both in maintaining security and in the restructuring of the National Defense and Security Forces. Finally, the Summit demanded that the Government of the Transition honor all the international commitments of the CAR, particularly those related to the RCI-LRA.
9. The Summit adopted the N&#039;Djamena Declaration which affirms that the Libreville Agreements remain the fundamental core of the political arrangements during the period of the Transition. The Declaration provides further details on the powers of the Prime Minster, stressing that the Head of State cannot remove him during the Transition period; the duration of the Transition, which will be 18 months; the nature of the Government of National Unity and its main tasks; the role of the NTC; and the establishment of a Constitutional Court for the Transition. The Declaration stipulates that the Head of State, the Prime Minister and the members of the Government of the Transition, as well as the Chairman and the members of the NTC Bureau, cannot stand for the forthcoming elections. Furthermore, the Declaration urges the CAR Government, ECCAS, the AU, the European Union (EU) and the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) to hold consultations, as soon as possible, on the security arrangements that should support the Transition period, including those likely to enhance the effectiveness of MICOPAX. In this regard, the Summit requested the AU Commission to take the necessary measures to assess the needs of MICOPAX in terms of strength, equipment and financing, as well as force generation, on the basis of a Concept of Operations and a Concept of Logistics Support, enjoying support from Africa and the rest of the international community.
10. Council will recall that, at its 366th meeting held on 16 April 2013, it requested me to initiate the necessary consultations with all the stakeholders concerned, particularly ECCAS and other African actors, with a view to establishing an International Contact Group on the CAR, so as to mobilize the broadest possible support for the continental efforts aimed at restoring constitutional order, on the basis of the relevant AU instruments, and promoting lasting peace, security, stability and good governance in the CAR. At its 4th Extraordinary Summit, ECCAS also called for the establishment of an International Contact Group to mobilize the necessary support for the success of the Transition.
11. Pursuant to these decisions, the AU Commission and the Republic of the Congo, in its capacity as the Chairman of the ECCAS Follow-up Committee, organized the inaugural meeting of the ICG-CAR, in Brazzaville on 3 May 2013, under the auspices of President Denis Sassou Nguesso, with the participation of President Jacob Zuma of the Republic of South Africa. In the Brazzaville Appeal adopted at the end of the meeting, the participants reaffirmed their commitment to support the CAR so that the country could break away definitively from the recurrent cycles of instability and unconstitutional change of government affecting it. They requested all the Central African stakeholders scrupulously to honor the commitments made under the Libreville Agreements and stressed the criminal responsibility of individuals involved in serious violations of human rights. They also requested the authorities of the Transition to respect and implement all the regional, continental and international legal instruments to which the CAR is party, as well as all other international commitments, including those relating to the RCI-LRA. They appealed to the international community to provide multifaceted support to the Transition, including through the establishment of a Trust Fund for the reactivation of the administrative and public services, as well as the financing of the preparation and organization of the electoral operations. In the communiqué adopted at its 375th meeting, Council welcomed the convening of the meeting of the ICG-CAR and encouraged President Denis Sassou Nguesso to pursue his efforts to implement the Roadmap of the Transition.
12. During the period that followed, the ECCAS Member States and the Secretariat intensified their efforts to strengthen the progress made on the ground. Chad and the Republic of the Congo dispatched additional troops to the CAR (170 troops in January 2013, and 180 in May 2013, respectively). The ECCAS Secretariat convened an extraordinary session of the Defense and Security Committee (DSC) in Libreville, from 13 to 18 May 2013, to agree on the modalities for the strengthening of MICOPAX. The Commission participated in that meeting. For its part, Council, at its meeting of 10 May 2013, requested the speeding up of the cantonment process of the Seleka elements, as well as the reestablishment of the core of the police and gendarmerie forces. Council requested the Commission to ensure the necessary follow up for the operationalization of the envisaged security arrangements as soon as possible. Finally, Council expressed satisfaction at the dispatch of an AU-led military assessment mission to the CAR and looked forward to the recommendations that the Commission would submit to it.
13. During the period under consideration, my Special Representative for the CAR, Hawa Ahmed Youssouf, maintained close contacts with the Central African actors, as well as with the international partners, particularly the Special Representative and Head of the UN Integrated Office in the CAR (BINUCA), Margaret Vogt. Under her direction, BINUCA continued to play a crucial role in the ongoing efforts.
IV. MILITARY ASSESSMENT MISSION OF MICOPAX
14. As mentioned above, the Military Assessment Mission of MICOPAX dispatched by the Commission to the CAR was undertaken from 2 to 7 May 2013, as a follow-up to the measures contained in the Declaration of the 4th Extraordinary Summit of ECCAS. In addition to the AU, which led the Mission, it included representatives of ECCAS, the UN and OIF.
15. The Mission noted that, in spite of the numerous efforts and initiatives taken so far, the security and humanitarian situation remains a matter of concern. In this regard, the Mission identified a number of factors that contribute to the present state of affairs:
- the disintegration of the Central African Armed Forces (FACA): Estimated at about 6,000 men, the FACA were composed mainly of units concentrated in Bangui, from where they can be projected to other areas. Demoralized and fearful of the abuses and acts of retaliation by the forces of Seleka, they have sought refuge among the population since the arrival of the rebels in the capital. Only about 10% of the Force has resumed work, despite the numerous appeals made by the de facto authorities calling on them to return to work. The same situation applies to the police force. The security void that resulted from their dislocation must be urgently addressed;
- the absence of cohesion within Seleka: The Mission is of the view that the Seleka force, which brought Michel Djotodia to power, comprises, in addition to several Central African groups, many foreign elements. With a strength ranging, according to estimates, from 10,000 to 20,000 troops, of which 4,000 are in Bangui, Seleka is disorganized and lacks a unified command structure, as each of its factions continues to respond to its respective commanders. Seleka has become notorious for the many incidents of rape and cases of violation of human rights and pillaging by its elements, including in the churches. The possibility of clashes between the different Seleka factions cannot be ruled out;
- the emergence of self-defense groups and anti-Seleka militias: The emergence of anti-Seleka groups is likely to complicate further the security situation and the process of stabilization that the region, the AU and the rest of the international community are calling for;
- the proliferation of small arms and light weapons: Another factor of insecurity which can contribute significantly to instability in the country is the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. Some of the FACA elements fled with their weapons and ammunition. Furthermore, President Bozize had distributed weapons to his supporters to counter the Seleka forces. Seleka had also distributed weapons on its entry in Bangui, particularly in the “Combatants” and “PK 5” neighborhood. This arsenal, combined with the weapons in the hands of the uncontrolled elements of Seleka, significantly increased the number of small arms and light weapons which are outside official control, thereby creating an environment conducive to the perpetuation of violence; and
- the disorganization of the economy and the deterioration of the humanitarian situation: Many companies have closed down, and the economic activities have stalled. The Central African part of the transport corridor linking the CAR to Cameroon, through which most of the import and export products transit, is not secure. The traders who ventured there have been looted and, in some cases, assassinated. As a result, the cost of living has risen. Insecurity has also disrupted the farming season, causing food shortages. Hence, the humanitarian situation is of great concern.
16. MICOPAX was deployed by ECCAS in 2008. It took over from the Multinational Force of Central Africa (FOMUC) which operated under the authority of the Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC). With an initial force strength of 730 troops, MICOPAX is composed of forces from the DRC, the Republic of Congo, Cameroon and Gabon, deployed in Bangui and in the localities of Kaga-Bandoro, Ndele and Paoua. The principal objectives of MICOPAX are to ensure the security of the capital and the rest of the country, as well as support to humanitarian actions and DDR process. Its financing is provided by the countries of the region and the EU through the African Peace Facility. France also provides logistical support to the Mission.
17. MICOPAX has made sustained efforts and the troop contributing countries should be commended for their commitment and sacrifices. However, the Mission faces many challenges, related particularly to the inappropriateness of its mandate within the present security context, the lack of clarity in its chain of command, the lack of logistics and financial resources, the lack of clarity in the security plan for Bangui and the disproportionate size of its headquarters compared to the size of the Mission.
18. Considering the deteriorating security situation in the whole of the Central African Republic territory, particularly in Bangui, the Military Assessment Mission stressed the need to restore public order and security, in order to protect the civilian population against violence, abuse, rape and other forms of sexual violence. The Mission also proposed the strengthening of the international presence within MICOPAX. The objective would be to support the Government of the Transition in the restoration of peace and security in the whole territory of the CAR within the framework of a robust mandate aimed, initially, at restoring public order and security in Bangui.
19. More specifically, the tasks to be carried out would be, within the limits of its capacities and in the agreed areas of operation, to:
- contribute to the protection of the civilian population and properties;
- conduct robust patrols to prevent acts of violence and all other forms of illicit activities;
- contribute to the protection and security of national institutions;
- assist, as necessary, in the protection of diplomatic representations and international institutions;
- monitor and observe the implementation of the agreement on cessation of hostilities;
- establish a security perimeter around the city of Bangui;
- facilitate the free movement of persons and goods;
- conduct police and mentoring actions for the Central African police force;
- facilitate the humanitarian operations;
- support, at the appropriate time, the Security Sector Reform (SSR) and the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) process; and
- support the reorganization, instruction and training of the new defense and security forces.
20. The initial force level of the proposed mission is estimated at 3,437 uniformed personnel, including 1,025 police. However, this force level and distribution may be revised following further assessment and analysis and depending on the evolution of the security situation in the CAR. Initially, the international force will limit its operations to Bangui, in order to accelerate the return to normalcy in the capital, before being sent outside the capital.
V. OBSERVATIONS
21. Nearly three months after the illegal seizure of power by Seleka, the situation in the CAR remains particularly alarming. Security is far from being restored and the risks of further deterioration of the situation cannot be ruled out. Hence the need for sustained efforts to speed up the restoration of normalcy and facilitate the restoration of constitutional order.
22. In this context, I would like to reiterate the appreciation of the Commission for the efforts made by the leaders of the region, who mobilized themselves in an exemplary manner to facilitate a negotiated solution to the crisis. I would, in particular, like to point out the commitment of President Idriss Deby Itno of Chad, Current Chairman of ECCAS, and President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo, who chairs the ECCAS Follow-up Committee on the CAR. I also wish to pay tribute to all the countries of ECCAS which contributed troops to MICOPAX and to those which, among them, host, in a spirit of African brotherhood, Central African refugees.
23. In the coming months, African efforts should continue to prioritize the political, humanitarian and security aspects of the situation. At the political level, efforts should be pursued to conclude successfully the process of the restoration of constitutional order. The successive Summits of ECCAS and the conclusions of the inaugural meeting of the ICG-CAR provide useful benchmarks. The full implementation of commitments made by the Central African actors should continue to mobilize the region and the continent.
24. With regard to the humanitarian situation, it is important that Member States mobilize themselves further to support the populations affected by the crisis. In this regard, I make an urgent appeal to all Member States to contribute to the current efforts. I also call upon our international partners to increase their assistance. In a related manner, the Commission will continue to pay the necessary attention to the particularly worrisome state of human rights situation in the CAR. Pursuant to the press statement of Council, adopted at its 366th meeting, held on 16 April 2013, the African Commission on Human and Peoples&#039; Rights is planning to launch a Commission of Inquiry on the abuses perpetrated since the resumption of hostilities in the CAR in December 2012, at the initiative of the Seleka rebellion.
25. Finally, at the security level, it is critically important to enhance the international presence in the CAR. Based on the conclusions and recommendations of the Military Assessment Mission, led by the AU, I intend to hold consultations with ECCAS and other international actors, especially the UN and the EU, to agree on the modalities for a strengthened international presence that would include the ECCAS forces and contributions from other African States which are in a position to assist in the restoration of security and carry out other related tasks. On the basis of these consultations, the Commission will develop a Concept of Operations and submit detailed recommendations on the mandate, the modus operandi, and the command and control structure of the proposed strengthened mission, as well as on the financing modalities. In this context, I recommend that Council decides to establish an African-led international support mission to the CAR (AFISM-CAR).
26. All of the above planned actions will require the support of the international partners. In this regard, the ICG-CAR will continue to play a crucial role in the mobilization of the international community to support the African efforts. In particular, it is hoped that the UN and other international partners, including the EU, will work to mobilize the necessary financial and logistical support to ensure a reinforced international security presence on the ground. I welcome the sustained action of BINUCA in the field and the outstanding commitment of its Head, Ms. Margaret Vogt, who has performed remarkably well throughout her term in the CAR. I also welcome the persevering action of the AU Liaison Office in Bangui, under the leadership of my Special Representative, Mrs. Hawa Ahmed Youssouf.

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			<pubDate>Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:35:00 BST</pubDate>
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			<title>Report of the Chairperson of the Commission on the implementation of the African Union-led Regional Cooperation Initiative for the elimination of the Lord&#039;s Resistance Army</title>
			<link>http://www.nigerianews24.com/articles/report-of-the-chairperson-of-the-commission-on-the-implementation-of-the-african-unionled-regional-cooperation-initiative-for-the-elimination-of-the-lords-resistance-army</link>
			<description><![CDATA[ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, June 18, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Report of the Chairperson of the Commission on the implementation of the African Union-led Regional Cooperation Initiative for the elimination of the Lord&#039;s Resistance Army 

I. INTRODUCTION
1. The present report is submitted pursuant to communiqué PSC/PR/COMM. (CCCXXI) adopted by Council at its 321st meeting held on 22 May 2012. In that communiqué, Council renewed the mandate of the Regional Cooperation Initiative for the Elimination of the Lord&#039;s Resistance Army (RCI-LRA) for one additional year. The report provides an update on the steps taken towards the operationalization of the RCI-LRA, the operations of its various components, the activities of the African Union (AU) Special Envoy for the LRA Issue and interaction with the United Nations (UN), as well as on efforts to mobilize international support. It concludes with observations on the way forward.
II. OPERATIONALIZATION OF THE RCI-LRA
2. During the reporting period, the Commission continued to make sustained efforts towards the implementation of the RCI-LRA. As Council is aware, the RCI-LRA brings together the countries affected by the activities of the LRA, namely the Central African Republic (CAR), the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan and Uganda. Its components include the Joint Coordination Mechanism (JCM), chaired by the AU Commissioner for Peace and Security and comprising the Ministers of Defense of the affected countries, to ensure strategic level coordination; the Regional Task Force (RTF) composed of units provided by the affected countries, with a brigade-size strength of 5,000 troops; and the RTF Headquarters (HQs), including the Joint Operation Centre (JOC), based in Yambio, South Sudan.
3. At its first meeting, held in Addis Ababa, on 8 May 2012, the JCM agreed on a number of steps to operationalize the RCI-LRA. These related to the adoption of the command and control architecture of the RTF, the timelines for the commencement of critical activities, the deliniation of Sectors and the development of a concept of operations (CONOPS), as well as to the coordination between the RTF and international stakeholders, notably UN missions and offices on the ground.
4. During the period under review, significant progress was made in generating the troops required for the operations of the RTF. So far, the member countries have been able to generate a total of 3,350 troops, contributed as follows: CAR, 350 soldiers; Uganda, 2,000; South Sudan, 500; and DRC, 500. These troops operate in the three following Sectors: Dungu, in the DRC; Nzara, in South Sudan; and Obo, in the CAR. The RTF HQs, including the JOC, is fully operational since February 2013. Comprising 29 officers from the CAR, DRC, South Sudan and Uganda, the RTF HQs operates under the command of Brigadier General Dick Prit from Uganda. Over the past months, the RTF-HQs has coordinated a number of activities to track the LRA elements, mainly in CAR, within the Obo Sector. Furthermore, the RTF HQs inspected troops earmarked for the Initiative in South Sudan and the DRC, to verify their operational readiness, including their equipment and logistical capabilities.
5. However, the evolution of the situation in the CAR since the resumption of hostilities by the Seleka rebel group, in December 2012, has negatively impacted on the implementation of the RCI-LRA. The CAR Armed Forces (FACA) Unit that was deployed in Obo as part of the RTF disintegrated. In addition, since the the unconstitutional change of government in the CAR, on 24 March 2013, there have been incessant threats and provocation by Seleka elements against the RTF Unit in the Obo Sector. This situation compelled the RTF troops to suspend counter-LRA operations and regroup in defensive positions, while awaiting the outcome of consultations between the Commission and the de facto CAR authorities.
6. Another worrying development relates to the attack in Obo town, on 24 May 2013, by an armed group originating from South Sudan. A combined force of the RTF and CAR gendarmerie neutralized the attackers, capturing 43, seven of whom later died while in the custody of the gendarmerie. The incident generated tension in Bangui, as Seleka forces are agitating to deploy in Haut Mbomu, while the previous Government had authorized the RTF to conduct counter-LRA operations and protect the local population in that area. Likewise, there is tension between the CAR population in Obo and their neighbors from the Western Equatoria State of South Sudan as a result of the same incident.
7. The process of developing and finalising the mission documents of the RCI-LRA has been completed. Following a review of the documents during the meeting of the Chiefs of Defense Staff of the affected countries held in Bangui on 20 December 2012, the 2nd meeting of the JCM, held in Addis Ababa on 15 January 2013, approved the Strategic Directives, the CONOPS, the Rules of Engagement (RoE) and the Standing Operational Procedures (SOPs) for the handling of persons suspected of involvement in LRA activities. This effectively marked the completion of phase 1 of the operationalization of the RTF and paved the way for phase 2, which is devoted to the enhancement of the ongoing military operations against the LRA.
8. On 24 April 2013, in Addis Ababa, the Commission convened the 3rd meeting of the JCM, to review the implementation status of the RCI-LRA. The meeting was held against the background of the above-mentioned developments in the CAR. In this respect, the JCM expressed grave concern over the volatility of the situation in CAR and its impact on the RCI-LRA operations, as well as at the likelihood of confrontations between the RTF contingent in the Obo Sector and Seleka rebel elements, due to provocations from the latter. The JCM noted that phase 1 of the RCI-LRA had been completed, as the RTF forces were deployed and the key mission documents adopted. The JCM further noted the difficulties facing some of the RTF contingents, particularly in the area of logistics. It urged the Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) to demonstrate further commitment by providing critical minimum support to their respective contingents. It also urged the Commission, with the support of partners, to fast track the setting up of the requisite infrastructure to facilitate coordination between the RTF HQs and the Sectors, as well as coordinate information collection, analysis and sharing through the deployment of intelligence officers from the RTF HQs to the Joint Intelligence Operations Center (JIOC) in Dungu and the Counter-LRA Operation Fusions Centers (COFCs) established by the US Military Advisors in Nzara and Obo.
9. Steps have been taken to follow up on the conclusions of the 3rd JCM meeting. The JIOC in Dungu is now providing information to the RTF-HQs on a regular basis. However, the logistical support pledged by some of the RCI-LRA member countries to enhance the effectiveness of their contingents is yet to materialize. For its part, the Commission has submitted to the European Union (EU) a new request for funding under the African Peace Facility (APF). At the time of finalizing this report, the EU was reviewing the request.
III. ACTIVITIES OF THE SPECIAL ENVOY AND COOPERATION WITH THE UNITED NATIONS
10. Over the past months, my Special Envoy for the LRA Issue, Francisco Madeira, has continued his interaction with the different stakeholders in order to enhance the effectiveness of the RCI-LRA. In this respect, he has continued to work closely with the UN Special Representative for Central Africa and Head of the Libreville-based UN Office in Central Africa (UNOCA), Abou Moussa, who is coordinating UN efforts on the LRA issue.
11. In June 2012, the Special Envoy briefed the UN Security Council, in New York, on the progress in the implementation of the RCI-LRA. He seized the opportunity of his presence in New York to attend the meeting of the International Working Group on the LRA, which is a consultative forum bringing together the AU, the UN , the EU and some of its Member States, the USA and the World Bank, in order to harmonise and coordinate international efforts on the issue of the LRA. In July 2012 and February 2013, a joint technical meeting involving LRA focal points and experts in the AU and UN system was held at Entebbe, Uganda, under UNOCA auspices, to develop a regional strategy on the LRA. The focal points/experts finalized work on the programmatic document, implementation matrix and a communication strategy.
12. In October 2012, the Special Envoy undertook a mission to Khartoum. The objective was to seek the cooperation of Sudan in the implementation of the AU-led RCI-LRA, notably through measures to prevent any attempt by the LRA to enter the Sudanese territory. The Sudanese authorities expressed their commitment to extend the necessary support and cooperation to the AU-led efforts. The Special Envoy is planning to undertake a follow-up mission to Sudan.
13. In November 2012, the Special Envoy led an AU delegation to Washington to participate in a Global Summit on the LRA organized and hosted by Invisible Children, in collaboration with two US international NGOs, Enough and Resolve. The Summit helped to enhance international momentum against the LRA. It also strenghtened collaboration between the Commission and the above-mentioned NGOs on counter-LRA issues.
14. Following the unconstitutional change of Government in the CAR, my Special Envoy and the UN Special Representative undertook a joint mission to South Sudan, DRC, and Uganda, from 26 March to 4 April 2013, to re-evaluate progress on the implementation RCI-LRA and the way forward concerning the commencement of operations by the RTF. The mission received strong support from the concerned Governments and international partners in those countries.

15. In early May 2013, and as a follow-up to the conclusions of the 3rd meeting of the JCM, the Special Envoy visited Bangui, where he met with the de facto authorities to discuss the continuation of the RCI-LRA operations in the CAR. The de facto authorities pledged to respect the CAR obligations under the RCI-LRA and to not interfere with the operations of the RTF. Further to the 24 May incident referred to above, the Special Envoy and the UN Special Representative undertook another visit to Bangui, from 6 to 7 June 2013. They met again with the de facto authorities and re-emphasized the need for them to respect their commitments to not interfere in the RTF operations and threaten its troops in the Obo Sector.
IV. INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT TO THE RCI-LRA
16. The implementation of RCI-LRA is made possible thanks to the support received from a number of partners. From the very start of the Initiative, the EU provided funding under the APF. These resources are used for the operations of the RTF HQs, the functioning of the JCM Secretariat in Bangui and the activities of the Special Envoy, as well as for other related tasks. Furthermore, the US military advisors in the region have been actively supporting RTF operations in the Obo Sector, in terms of logistics, information-sharing and operational planning, through the COFCs in Obo and Nzara.
17. The RCI-LRA also benefits from UN Support. At strategic level, and as indicated above, the AU and UN are collaborating closely in the overall coordination of the counter-LRA operations, particularly through the joint initiatives of the AU Special Envoy and the UN Special Representative. At operational level, the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) provides logistical support to the RTF HQs staff, particularly in terms of air transportation to and from Juba and Yambio, while the UN Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) is extending operational support to RTF contingent in the Dungu Sector. The RTF and Commission are also working closely with the UN Office to the AU (UNOAU) in the planning and support process for the RTF and on related issues. The Commission continues to make efforts to mobilize further support from the UN pursuant to the relevant Council&#039;s decisions and conclusions of the JCM meetings. Hence, in February 2013, the Commission submitted a formal request to the UN to seek assistance for critical requirements for the RTF. The Commission continues to engage the UN on the issue.
18. Since the inception of the RCI-LRA, the Commission has made sustained efforts to mobilize the broadest possible support in order to effectively operationalize its various components and facilitate the operations on the ground. In its communiqué PSC/PR/COMM. (CCCXXI), Council welcomed the efforts by the Commission to mobilize resources for the RCI-LRA from AU member states, as well as bilateral and multilateral partners. It is against this background that the Commission convened a Support Forum for the RCI-LRA in Addis Ababa, on 24 May 2013. The meeting provided an opportunity to sensitize participants on the efforts undertaken and the challenges encountered. The Commission is planning to further engage Member States and partners in order to mobilize additional financial and logistical support to enhance the RCI-LRA.
V. OPERATIONS AGAINST THE LRA
19. As stressed by the 3rd meeting of the JCM, the RCI-LRA is facing a number of challenges. Notably, mention should be made here of the persistent difficulties being experienced by some of the RCI-LRA member countries in providing logistical support, including mobility (air and ground), medical support, rations and effective communications, to their contingents operating under the RTF. Furthermore, the funding for the RTF HQs and the JCM Secretariat lacks the required level of predictability and sustainability.
20. Despite these logistical and financial challenges, the RCI-LRA has made it possible to increase military pressure on the LRA, resulting in a reduction in the group&#039;s capability. In May 2012, the RTF operations led to the capture of a senior member of the LRA, Maj. Gen. Caesar Acellam, and the subsequent surrender of many additional fighters. In August 2012, a raid was carried out on the hide-out of Maj. Gen Dominic Ongwen during which the latter was wounded. In January 2013, Joseph Kony&#039;s former Chief of Security, Brig. Vincent Okumu Binany, was killed in south-eastern CAR, while leading a group of LRA elements who were transporting ivory to an LRA base. The RTF troops recovered six (6) pieces of ivory.
21. Unfortunately, the current situation in the CAR risks being exploited by the LRA. The group is trying to re-generate its forces and increase atrocities in the region. The de facto authorities in Bangui have limited the operations of the RTF troops to the Haut Mbomu Prefecture, leaving out other major LRA operational areas along the rivers of Chinko and Vovodo, all the way to the confluence of the CAR border with Sudan and South Sudan. These areas had been part of RTF operations areas until March 2013. This presents a serious challenge to the continued implementation of the RCI-LRA in that country.
22. Currently, the LRA, with an estimated strength of about 500 fighters, is poaching and trading ivory from the Garamba National Park, in the north-eastern part of the DRC. The LRA elements are also conducting raids on villages and along major trade routes in the north-eastern DRC to loot food stuffs, batteries, clothes and pharmaceutical products. They have continued to abduct civilians in north-eastern DRC and south-eastern CAR to serve as porters, fighters and sex-slaves. The humanitarian consequences of the LRA activities in these countries are of utmost concern.
VI. OBSERVATIONS
23. Since May 2012, considerable progress has been made in the counter-LRA operations. Military pressure on the LRA has significantly increased, resulting in the surrender of some of its elements and the neutralization of key commanders. However, this terrorist group is far from being neutralized and, consequently, renewed efforts are needed to strengthen the effectiveness of the RCI-LRA.
24. I welcome the achievements made so far and express appreciation to the RCI-LRA member countries for their commitment. I urge them to pursue and intensify their efforts. In this respect, I would like to reiterate the AU&#039;s deep concern at the prevailing situation in the CAR and its negative impact on the RCI-LRA operations in that country. I would like, once again, to stress the imperative need for the de facto authorities in the CAR to comply with the international obligations of their country, notably those relating to the RCI-LRA. I strongly condemn the provocations by Seleka elements against the RTF Unit in Obo.
25. I thank the EU, the UN and the United States for their assistance to the RCI-LRA. I welcome the close coordination and collaboration between my Special Envoy and the UN Special Representative. I call on them to continue their support and appeal to other international stakeholders to join the ongoing efforts in order to help in swiftly ending the atrocities of the LRA and in addressing the needs of the affected areas and populations. The Commission, building on the outcome of the first Support Forum, will step up its efforts and engagement with international stakeholders. It is equally important that Member States contribute financial and logistical support to the RTF operations. I would like to echo the numerous calls made to this end by Council and other AU relevant policy organs.
26. In view of the continued atrocities of the LRA and the need to effectively bring them to an end, it is critical that the operations of the RCI-LRA be supported and enhanced. Accordingly, I recommend to Council to extend the mandate of the RCI-LRA for one additional year, along the parameters spelt out in its communiqué PSC/PR/COMM (CCXCIX).

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			<pubDate>Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:35:00 BST</pubDate>
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			<title>ATNS Joins the Aviation Community in the Caribbean</title>
			<link>http://www.nigerianews24.com/articles/atns-joins-the-aviation-community-in-the-caribbean</link>
			<description><![CDATA[WILLEMSTAD, Curacao June 18, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) Company of South Africa (http://www.atns.com) is part of the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) member states and global Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) that are gathered in the Caribbean island city of Willemstad, to discuss the future of Air Traffic Management (ATM).

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/atns.jpg

Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/index.php?level=picture&amp;id=527 (L–R: Ms Micilia Albertus-Verboom, Director General, Dutch Caribbean Air Navigation Service Provider (DC ANSP) and Mr. Thabani Mthiyane, CEO (Acting) Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) Company of South Africa, at the opening of the CANSO Global Air Traffic Management (ATM) Summit, in Willemstad, Curacao, South America)

The four-day CANSO Global ATM Summit and Annual General Meeting (AGM) started on Sunday and ends on Tuesday, 18th June 2013.

Actively participating in this event, ATNS is conscious of the key issues such as the difficult times the aviation industry is going through. The company continues to implement measures that will reduce the costs of doing business in South Africa and in the continent. This is done by supporting CANSO&#039;s vision of interoperability and seamless operations between sectors and countries, through being part of the continental collaborative efforts of working toward a single airspace, among others. 

ATNS recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Swaziland, which is an example of regional cooperation and collaboration, said Mr. Thabani Mthiyane, ATNS Acting CEO. “In advancing safety in the region, we have implemented the very small aperture terminal (VSAT) satellite network which has provided and invaluable service in enhancing safety in the Southern African Development Community and the North East Africa (NAFISAT) region. The network provided by ATNS in partnership with another global organisation, namely the International Air Transport Association (IATA), provides a communication platform that allows for air traffic services (ATS) direct contact between countries and the digital transfer of flight plans and related information, which serves as a catalyst for the safety of flight operations”.

Referring to the World ATM Congress held in Spain early this year (in February), Mr. Jeff Poole, the CANSO Director General, said - in his opening address - that Airline companies, Airport operators and the International Civil Aviation Organisation, made it very clear that the air traffic management cannot and will not stand still. “Our stakeholders are looking for our active engagement to be able to address key issues and drive the necessary changes to achieve significant performance improvements. During this Summit, this is yet another opportunity to take positive and deliberate steps to drive forward - our vision for the future” stated Mr. Poole boldly.

Ms Milicia Albertus-Verboom, the Director General of the Dutch Caribbean Air Navigation Services Provider (DC ANSP), welcoming the aviation community in her country said “we are working towards diligently towards a seamless, global coordinated system of air navigation system in order to cope with the traffic growth in the Latin America and Caribbean region”. She further stated that “DC ANSP continues to strengthen cooperative and collaborative ties with local, regional and international organisations in the aviation industry”.  

ATNS has implemented operational efficiency interventions such as continuous descent and climb operations, known as Performance Based Navigation (PBN). These coordinated exercises reduce the fuel burn by aircrafts and indirectly reduce gas emissions which are detrimental to the environment.
   
Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of The Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS).


Enquiries:

Percy Morokane
External Corporate Communications  
Marketing and Communications Department
Air Traffic and Navigation Services Company 
Landline:  +27(0) 11 607 1234 
Fax:  +27(0) 11 607 1725      
Mobile: +27(0)71 445 9812  
email:  percymo@atns.co.za


ATNS CELEBRATES 20 YEARS (1993 – 2013)

The Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) Company of South Africa&#039;s Aviation Training Academy (ATA) puts people and safety first - by rigorously training and upgrading safety knowledge and skills, and is committed to upholding aviation safety standards, legislation and practices. ATNS is celebrating twenty (20) years of selfless and distinguished Air Navigation and Aviation Training service provision in Africa.


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			<pubDate>Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:35:00 BST</pubDate>
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			<title>WorldVentures Rewards Its Members Around the World</title>
			<link>http://www.nigerianews24.com/articles/worldventures-rewards-its-members-around-the-world</link>
			<description><![CDATA[PLANO, TX, June 18, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- WorldVentures™ (http://www.worldventures.com), the leading direct seller of vacation club memberships, with presence in Botswana, South Africa and Kenya, is proud to introduce DreamTrips™ Rewards to its international DreamTrips Members. The program provides loyal members with a way to experience unique curated group vacations more often and has been available exclusively to U.S. members until today―from now on DreamTrips Rewards is available to all WorldVentures DreamTrips Members.

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/worldventure.png 

New members joining now through September 30 will be rewarded back the money spent on membership fees in 2013 in the form of DreamTrips Points redeemable toward the cost of DreamTrips, one-of-a-kind, curated group vacation experiences. Upon enrollment, new DreamTrips Members will receive up to 200 DreamTrips Points available for immediate use, plus their DreamTrips Points accumulate each month and are ready for redemption after one year.  

“The success of DreamTrips Rewards in the U.S. exceeded our expectations,” WorldVentures Co-Founder and Chief Visionary Officer Wayne Nugent said. “Our international members have been eager for the rollout of the program so they could experience more vacations with family and friends than ever before. Now, after launching DreamTrips Rewards internationally, our Singaporean members can play a round of golf at a safari resort in South Africa, while our Greek members can relax on the breathtaking tropical beaches of a Thai resort―these and many more unique global travel experiences are available using their DreamTrips Points.” 

The DreamTrips vacation club offers various levels of membership depending upon budget and consumer preferences. At all levels, members enjoy a calendar of one-of-a-kind, curated group vacations; take advantage of exclusive pricing at some of the most desirable locations and resorts in the world; and have access to daily travel and entertainment experiences around the globe.

Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of WorldVentures.


About WorldVentures:
WorldVentures (http://www.worldventures.com) is a social commerce, peer-to-peer marketing pioneer and one of the direct-selling industry&#039;s largest sellers of vacation club memberships. With a network of more than 100,000 Independent Representatives in 23 countries, the company&#039;s DreamTrips vacation club offers vacationers access to some of the most unique global and local travel and entertainment experiences available anywhere at any price. The privately held company is headquartered in Plano, Texas.
		
For inquiries, contact: 
Hadas Sasson-Zitomer 
Email: press@worldventures.com 

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			<pubDate>Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:35:00 BST</pubDate>
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			<title>Schneider Electric Pledges for Smarter Energy in Africa at the Africa Energy Forum 2013</title>
			<link>http://www.nigerianews24.com/articles/schneider-electric-pledges-for-smarter-energy-in-africa-at-the-africa-energy-forum-2013</link>
			<description><![CDATA[BARCELONA, Spain, June 18, 2013/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Schneider Electric SA (Euronext: SU)  (http://www.schneider-electric.com), a Global Fortune 500 company and market leader in the field of energy management, is pledging for smarter energy in Africa, at the Africa Energy Forum 2013, which opens today at the Barcelona International Convention Centre (CCIB), Spain.

Logo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/logos/schneider_electric.jpg 

Photo: http://www.photos.apo-opa.com/plog-content/images/apo/photos/mohammed_saad_president_africa_schneider_electric.jpg (Mohammed Saad, President Africa, Schneider Electric)

The Africa Energy Forum (AEF) (http://www.africa-energy-forum.com) is the annual meeting place where global players from the energy industry meet with African governments, utilities and regulators to engage in dialogue aimed at collectively driving forward the development of Africa&#039;s power sector. 

According to UN HABITAT, the African urban population will grow to one billion by 2040 and to 1.23 billion by 2050, at which point 60 per cent of all Africans will be living in cities. As African growth will be driven mainly by existing and new cities, electricity will be a key factor to sustain urbanization and growth on the continent.

&quot;The challenge is not only to produce more electricity but to produce intelligent energy in order to enable smart growth in Africa. Schneider Electric&#039;s solutions aim at increasing the electricity available in Africa with limited investments,&quot; Mohammed Saad, President Africa, Schneider Electric.

With its Smart Cities solution (http://www.schneider-electric.com/smartcities), Schneider Electric unites the technologies required to improve the efficiency of urban systems and deliver &quot;urban efficiency&quot;.

&quot;By modernizing the existing grid, developing renewable energy, exploiting the huge solar potential Africa receives every day, and helping companies, industries and public authorities to be more energy efficient, Smart Cities approach delivers the short-term, visible, measurable, low-investment results that cities need,&quot; added Saad.

The Smart Cities solution allows up to 30% energy savings, 15% reduction of water losses, 20% reduction of travel time and traffic delays, as well as tremendous social and economic benefits.

&quot;As a market leader in the fields of energy management and renewable energies, Schneider Electric is the only company able to provide a comprehensive solution allowing the production of intelligent energy that enables smart growth in Africa,&quot; comments Jean-Marc Darboux, President Schneider Electric International.

Visit Schneider Electric at AEF 2013 - Barcelona, Spain, from June 18-20 - stands 44 &amp; 45

Distributed by the African Press Organization on behalf of Schneider Electric SA.


Media contact:
APO for Schneider Electric
schneider@apo-opa.com
+41 22 534 96 75

About Schneider Electric

As a global specialist in the field of energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric (http://www.schneider-electric.com) offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including leadership positions in Utilities &amp; Infrastructure, Industries &amp; Machines Manufacturers, Non-residential Building, Data Centres &amp; Networks and in Residential. Focused on making energy safe, reliable, efficient, productive and green, the Group&#039;s 140,000 plus employees achieved sales of 24 billion euros in 2012, through an active commitment to help individuals and organizations make the most of their energy. For more information please visit, http://www.schneider-electric.com


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			<pubDate>Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:35:00 BST</pubDate>
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