Fee at Pawars' school for poor: Rs 2,800 a month

When the Pawar Public Charitable Trust wrote to Mumbai municipal commissioner Subodh Kumar on May 4, 2011 seeking to rent space for a school, it identified itself as working for the poor. The letter, signed by trustee Sadanand Sule, son-in law of Union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar, claimed the Trust provided affordable, quality education. Within 48 hours, the BMC agreed to lease for 11 months part of a building whose possession it received a day earlier, for a rent of Rs 90,000 a month.

Sule had written that the construction of the school's original premises at Chandivali had been delayed due to unforeseen circumstances and that it had taken in more than 550 students. "To avoid loss of a term for these students we request you to grant us permission to use 22 rooms at the BMC Training Centre, at Raheja Vihar, Chandivali," reads the document procured under the Right to Information Act. Part of the institute — 18 rooms — is leased from May15, 2011 to April 14, 2012.

But the Pawar Public School (nursery to Class X) which has an ICSE curriculum, charges Rs 2,800 per month as tuition fees besides other expenses. Asked what category of people the Trust considers 'underprivileged', Supriya Sule, MP and managing trustee, said in an SMS, "I appreciate your concern. We have only taken this for a few months. Rest assured we are paying rent and will be moving out as soon as possible."

Documents reveal on May 5, the estates department got possession of the building from the developer and handed over its physical possession to the school education department. On May 6, the latter agreed to rent out part of the building, which is a ground plus three structure spread over 40,330sq ft, for a year only.

Asked about the speedy clearance, additional municipal commissioner Mohan Adtani said it was not the only file to move swiftly. "Other files move equally fast," he said.

Fee at Pawars' school for poor: Rs 2,800 a month

When the Pawar Public Charitable Trust wrote to Mumbai municipal commissioner Subodh Kumar on May 4, 2011 seeking to rent space for a school, it identified itself as working for the poor. The letter, signed by trustee Sadanand Sule, son-in law of Union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar, claimed the Trust provided affordable, quality education. Within 48 hours, the BMC agreed to lease for 11 months part of a building whose possession it received a day earlier, for a rent of Rs 90,000 a month.

Sule had written that the construction of the school's original premises at Chandivali had been delayed due to unforeseen circumstances and that it had taken in more than 550 students. "To avoid loss of a term for these students we request you to grant us permission to use 22 rooms at the BMC Training Centre, at Raheja Vihar, Chandivali," reads the document procured under the Right to Information Act. Part of the institute — 18 rooms — is leased from May15, 2011 to April 14, 2012.

But the Pawar Public School (nursery to Class X) which has an ICSE curriculum, charges Rs 2,800 per month as tuition fees besides other expenses. Asked what category of people the Trust considers 'underprivileged', Supriya Sule, MP and managing trustee, said in an SMS, "I appreciate your concern. We have only taken this for a few months. Rest assured we are paying rent and will be moving out as soon as possible."

Documents reveal on May 5, the estates department got possession of the building from the developer and handed over its physical possession to the school education department. On May 6, the latter agreed to rent out part of the building, which is a ground plus three structure spread over 40,330sq ft, for a year only.

Asked about the speedy clearance, additional municipal commissioner Mohan Adtani said it was not the only file to move swiftly. "Other files move equally fast," he said.

Over 900 executive officer posts lying vacant in CBI

Country's premier investigating agency CBI is grappling with acute shortage of manpower as over 900 posts of executive officers, including that of special directors, joint directors and DIGs, are lying vacant for many years.

Besides this, a huge number of technical staff, law officers, support staff and others are needed.

According to CBI data, out of the 4,490 sanctioned posts at executive officers level, about 3,575 are filled.

Among the 915 vacancies, 211 are at the sub-inspector level. The agency also needs 199 inspectors, 177 constables, 97 deputy superintendents of police and 96 head constables.

Other than these, the agency requires 35 superintendents of police, 10 deputy inspectors general of police, four senior superintendents of police, two special directors/additional directors and two joint directors. There are 82 other vacant posts in the category.

A total of 149 posts of law officer, including additional legal adviser, deputy legal adviser, senior public prosecutor, out of the sanctioned strength of 302 are vacant in the agency, the data said.

However, 46 special prosecutors/assistant special prosecutors have been engaged on contract basis for a period of three years as a stop gap arrangement against the vacant posts of prosecutors.

Over 900 executive officer posts lying vacant in CBI

Country's premier investigating agency CBI is grappling with acute shortage of manpower as over 900 posts of executive officers, including that of special directors, joint directors and DIGs, are lying vacant for many years.

Besides this, a huge number of technical staff, law officers, support staff and others are needed.

According to CBI data, out of the 4,490 sanctioned posts at executive officers level, about 3,575 are filled.

Among the 915 vacancies, 211 are at the sub-inspector level. The agency also needs 199 inspectors, 177 constables, 97 deputy superintendents of police and 96 head constables.

Other than these, the agency requires 35 superintendents of police, 10 deputy inspectors general of police, four senior superintendents of police, two special directors/additional directors and two joint directors. There are 82 other vacant posts in the category.

A total of 149 posts of law officer, including additional legal adviser, deputy legal adviser, senior public prosecutor, out of the sanctioned strength of 302 are vacant in the agency, the data said.

However, 46 special prosecutors/assistant special prosecutors have been engaged on contract basis for a period of three years as a stop gap arrangement against the vacant posts of prosecutors.

ED may file case against Amar Singh, wife for money laundering

Enforcement Directorate (ED) is likely to register a case against Rajya Sabha MP Amar Singh and his wife Pankaja under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Sources in the ED said they will also probe Singh's investments into Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Limited and may seek clarifications from the Bollywood icon.

If a case is filed against him, Singh will become only the fourth political figure to have been booked under the PMLA. Former Jharkhand chief minister Madhu Koda, sacked telecom minister A Raja and DMK MP Kanimozhi are already being probed for violations of the money laundering law.

Last week, the Allahabad HC rejected Singh's petition seeking the quashing of an FIR registered against him for alleged diversion of Rs 400 crore through a maze of shell companies. A division bench of the HC also asked the Enforcement Directorate to take up investigation of the matter within two weeks. The court also asked the agency to submit a status report within a month.

Singh dismissed the charge that he was laundering money through these shell companies as alleged in the FIR. An FIR lodged with UP police -- the basis for HC order for probe against Singh --- alleges that the shell companies executed projects which they were not equipped to do. In some other cases, the companies in question showed huge profits even though they were not doing business on a corresponding scale.

Singh denied the charge that he received any illegal money. He said he has nothing to hide, and ED is welcome to investigate the case. He expressed satisfaction that it is a central agency, and not the Mayawati government in UP, which will be probing the case.

Singh said UPDC was a non-profit organization which had other distinguished members such as Amitabh Bachchan, Anil Ambani, then MD of Reliance, Pratap Reddy and Kumar Manglam Birla were the other people associated with it.

Five companies – Eastern Exim Scrips Pvt Ltd, Shyambaba Merchant Pvt Ltd and HP Videotech Pvt Ltd — were merged with Pankaja Art and Credit Pvt Ltd. and Mercury Merchants Pvt Ltd and SKJ Consultants Pvt Ltd. The last one merged with Sarvottam Caps Ltd and shares were offered at a premium in the accounting year 2003-04 when the petitioner had become chairman of the UPDC.

A division bench of the HC had said in its order that the matter required extensive investigation since shell companies to whom money was allegedly transferred were registered in different states, and ED was the right agency to probe the case.

According to an FIR registered against him at the Babupurwa police station in Kanpur on October 15, 2009, Singh had received money illegally as chairman of the UP Development Council (UPDC) during the SP regime and this money was invested in 43 companies by oversubscribing their shares. Later on these companies were allegedly amalgamated with the companies in which Singh and his family members were main shareholders.

While the case was being investigated by the UP Police, it was later referred to the ED on the direction of the Allahabad HC. Last year when at the direction of the court ED Delhi Zone had begun probing the case, the former SP general secretary had alleged harassment, and subsequently the case was shifted to the ED headquarters.

ED may file case against Amar Singh, wife for money laundering

Enforcement Directorate (ED) is likely to register a case against Rajya Sabha MP Amar Singh and his wife Pankaja under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Sources in the ED said they will also probe Singh's investments into Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Limited and may seek clarifications from the Bollywood icon.

If a case is filed against him, Singh will become only the fourth political figure to have been booked under the PMLA. Former Jharkhand chief minister Madhu Koda, sacked telecom minister A Raja and DMK MP Kanimozhi are already being probed for violations of the money laundering law.

Last week, the Allahabad HC rejected Singh's petition seeking the quashing of an FIR registered against him for alleged diversion of Rs 400 crore through a maze of shell companies. A division bench of the HC also asked the Enforcement Directorate to take up investigation of the matter within two weeks. The court also asked the agency to submit a status report within a month.

Singh dismissed the charge that he was laundering money through these shell companies as alleged in the FIR. An FIR lodged with UP police -- the basis for HC order for probe against Singh --- alleges that the shell companies executed projects which they were not equipped to do. In some other cases, the companies in question showed huge profits even though they were not doing business on a corresponding scale.

Singh denied the charge that he received any illegal money. He said he has nothing to hide, and ED is welcome to investigate the case. He expressed satisfaction that it is a central agency, and not the Mayawati government in UP, which will be probing the case.

Singh said UPDC was a non-profit organization which had other distinguished members such as Amitabh Bachchan, Anil Ambani, then MD of Reliance, Pratap Reddy and Kumar Manglam Birla were the other people associated with it.

Five companies – Eastern Exim Scrips Pvt Ltd, Shyambaba Merchant Pvt Ltd and HP Videotech Pvt Ltd — were merged with Pankaja Art and Credit Pvt Ltd. and Mercury Merchants Pvt Ltd and SKJ Consultants Pvt Ltd. The last one merged with Sarvottam Caps Ltd and shares were offered at a premium in the accounting year 2003-04 when the petitioner had become chairman of the UPDC.

A division bench of the HC had said in its order that the matter required extensive investigation since shell companies to whom money was allegedly transferred were registered in different states, and ED was the right agency to probe the case.

According to an FIR registered against him at the Babupurwa police station in Kanpur on October 15, 2009, Singh had received money illegally as chairman of the UP Development Council (UPDC) during the SP regime and this money was invested in 43 companies by oversubscribing their shares. Later on these companies were allegedly amalgamated with the companies in which Singh and his family members were main shareholders.

While the case was being investigated by the UP Police, it was later referred to the ED on the direction of the Allahabad HC. Last year when at the direction of the court ED Delhi Zone had begun probing the case, the former SP general secretary had alleged harassment, and subsequently the case was shifted to the ED headquarters.

Govt biggest 'thug': Mulayam

Samajwadi Party on Sunday criticised the police breaking up Baba Ramdev's hunger strike accusing the Congress-led UPA government of being the "biggest thug".

" Ramdev was carrying out his agitation in a peaceful manner. Still, this kind of action was taken against him", SP president Mulayam Singh Yadav said.

"What has happened to the government? The Congress-led government is the biggest thug?" he alleged.

Govt biggest 'thug': Mulayam

Samajwadi Party on Sunday criticised the police breaking up Baba Ramdev's hunger strike accusing the Congress-led UPA government of being the "biggest thug".

" Ramdev was carrying out his agitation in a peaceful manner. Still, this kind of action was taken against him", SP president Mulayam Singh Yadav said.

"What has happened to the government? The Congress-led government is the biggest thug?" he alleged.

Democracy throttled: Anna Hazare

Gandhian activist Anna Hazare on Sunday called the police crackdown on yoga guru Baba Ramdev and his supporters "a throttling of democracy".

NEW DELHI: Gandhian activist Anna Hazare Sunday called the police crackdown on yoga guru Baba Ramdev and his supporters "a throttling of democracy".

"To protest is not a crime. It only strengthens democracy," Hazare told reporters here, referring to Ramdev's hunger strike against corruption and black money that began at the Ramlila ground here Saturday morning.

"But what was the need to send police at the dead of night and beat up people?" he asked, hours after hundreds of police personnel swooped on the protest site and forcibly removed Ramdev and his supporters.

"This is a blot on democracy," he said.

In an apparent reference to some of those backing Ramdev, Hazare said the yoga guru's campaign "may have had some weaknesses".

"But this does not mean that police will beat up people. What crime did the demonstrators commit? Why crack down at night? Women and children were there too."

Hazare, whose own five-day fast in April had forced the government to announce a panel to frame a Lokpal bill, said people all over the country should protest the way Ramdev was forced to end his fast.

"All the people should protest. Don't look for support from political parties. The future movement should be so big that the government should be taught a lesson."

Democracy throttled: Anna Hazare

Gandhian activist Anna Hazare on Sunday called the police crackdown on yoga guru Baba Ramdev and his supporters "a throttling of democracy".

NEW DELHI: Gandhian activist Anna Hazare Sunday called the police crackdown on yoga guru Baba Ramdev and his supporters "a throttling of democracy".

"To protest is not a crime. It only strengthens democracy," Hazare told reporters here, referring to Ramdev's hunger strike against corruption and black money that began at the Ramlila ground here Saturday morning.

"But what was the need to send police at the dead of night and beat up people?" he asked, hours after hundreds of police personnel swooped on the protest site and forcibly removed Ramdev and his supporters.

"This is a blot on democracy," he said.

In an apparent reference to some of those backing Ramdev, Hazare said the yoga guru's campaign "may have had some weaknesses".

"But this does not mean that police will beat up people. What crime did the demonstrators commit? Why crack down at night? Women and children were there too."

Hazare, whose own five-day fast in April had forced the government to announce a panel to frame a Lokpal bill, said people all over the country should protest the way Ramdev was forced to end his fast.

"All the people should protest. Don't look for support from political parties. The future movement should be so big that the government should be taught a lesson."

BJP to organise 24-hour Satyagraha today

Condemning the police action to disrupt Ramdev's agitation, BJP on Sunday sought to hold Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi for it and announced a 24-hour stir across the country to protest it.

BJP president Nitin Gadkari said the "police crackdown" was reminiscent of the Emergency days and alleged that Congress was not ready to discuss corruption issue through democratic means like that period.

"The crackdown by police came on the orders of the Prime Minister and Sonia Gandhi. We strongly condemn it...The Prime Minister and Sonia Gandhi must apologise to the people," Gadkari said addressing a press conference here.

The BJP chief also announced a 24-hour agitation at district level across the country in protest against the "police high-handedness."

Detailing the programme for the agitation, he said the party workers will hold satyagrah at Rajghat in Delhi whether or not government gives permission.

Replying to questions, he said the issue of corruption should not be politicised.

At the same time, he said it was BJP which had raised the issue of black money and corruption first and that it will support the organisations fighting against it.

BJP to organise 24-hour Satyagraha today

Condemning the police action to disrupt Ramdev's agitation, BJP on Sunday sought to hold Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi for it and announced a 24-hour stir across the country to protest it.

BJP president Nitin Gadkari said the "police crackdown" was reminiscent of the Emergency days and alleged that Congress was not ready to discuss corruption issue through democratic means like that period.

"The crackdown by police came on the orders of the Prime Minister and Sonia Gandhi. We strongly condemn it...The Prime Minister and Sonia Gandhi must apologise to the people," Gadkari said addressing a press conference here.

The BJP chief also announced a 24-hour agitation at district level across the country in protest against the "police high-handedness."

Detailing the programme for the agitation, he said the party workers will hold satyagrah at Rajghat in Delhi whether or not government gives permission.

Replying to questions, he said the issue of corruption should not be politicised.

At the same time, he said it was BJP which had raised the issue of black money and corruption first and that it will support the organisations fighting against it.

Nigerian president sworn in for new term

Goodluck Jonathan, the Nigerian president, has been sworn in following elections last month that were seen as the country's fairest in two decades.

Heads of state from across Africa, foreign dignitaries, religious leaders and traditional rulers gathered on Sunday in Eagle Square in Abuja, the capital, for the ceremony and a military parade to mark the start of his four-year term.
Just hours after the swearing-in ceremony, officials said a bomb blast rocked a popular drinking spot by an army barracks in Bauchi, in Nigeria's north, killing a dozen people.
A rescue worker who asked not to be identified told the Reuters news agency his colleagues had counted 12 dead bodies and that around 25 people had been wounded by Sunday's blast.
Jonathan faces a divided nation after deadly post-election riots killed more than 800 people.

The rioting and massacres spread across the north of Africa's most populous nation and largest oil producer, with victims hacked, burnt and shot to death.

Mosques and churches were burned and people beaten after being pulled from cars.
'Powerful explosion'
Sunday's explosion in Bauchi hit the Mamy market on the city's edge, at around 8pm local time (19:00 GMT), Muhammed Indabawa, the police commissioner, said.
He said it was not clear who was responsible and that no arrests had yet been made.
"It was a very strong and powerful explosion," Yushua Shuaib, the spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), told Reuters. He said the wounded had been taken to hospital but declined to comment on the death toll.

Al Jazeera's Yvonne Ndege says the country remains divided over Goodluck Jonathan's leadership

A second, smaller explosion hit a beer parlour in Zuba on the outskirts of Abuja, although the cause was unknown and there were only three minor injuries, Shuaib said.
Bauchi neighbours Plateau state in Nigeria's "Middle Belt" where the mostly Muslim north meets the predominantly Christian south, a region beset by years of sectarian violence.
Hundreds of people were killed in northern towns last month in riots and reprisal killings after Jonathan, a Christian from the south, was declared winner of a presidential election, beating Muhammadu Buhari, a northern Muslim and former army ruler.
There were several bomb blasts at campaign rallies in the run-up to the April elections, most of them using home-made improvised devices and carried out by unknown assailants.
Jonathan, who is the first president from the oil-producing Niger Delta region, will be seeking to put the violence behind him.

However, in the north, suspicion remains as many accuse Jonathan's party of election-rigging and reject reports from observers calling the election a step forward for the country.
Fairness doubted
Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, who runs a think-tank in the northern city of Zaria where the home of the vice-president was torched in the riots, said: "Jonathan does not have legitimacy".

He said that he personally witnessed numerous cases of ballot fraud, and called election observers' claims of fairness lies.

Buhari alleged fraud in the election, but disassociated himself from the violence and did not make strong public statements against the riots as they unfolded.

Some of the distrust of Jonathan stems from the overturning of an internal ruling party arrangement that saw it rotate its candidate between the north and south every two terms.

Jonathan is serving what would have been the second term of late northern president Umaru Yar'Adua, and there is an expectation among the northern elite that at the next elections in four years, a northern candidate will take the ruling party ticket.

But should Jonathan succeed with his reform plans, particularly in privatising the power sector and ending chronic power shortages, popular opinion could again swing in his favour.

Nigerian president sworn in for new term

Goodluck Jonathan, the Nigerian president, has been sworn in following elections last month that were seen as the country's fairest in two decades.

Heads of state from across Africa, foreign dignitaries, religious leaders and traditional rulers gathered on Sunday in Eagle Square in Abuja, the capital, for the ceremony and a military parade to mark the start of his four-year term.
Just hours after the swearing-in ceremony, officials said a bomb blast rocked a popular drinking spot by an army barracks in Bauchi, in Nigeria's north, killing a dozen people.
A rescue worker who asked not to be identified told the Reuters news agency his colleagues had counted 12 dead bodies and that around 25 people had been wounded by Sunday's blast.
Jonathan faces a divided nation after deadly post-election riots killed more than 800 people.

The rioting and massacres spread across the north of Africa's most populous nation and largest oil producer, with victims hacked, burnt and shot to death.

Mosques and churches were burned and people beaten after being pulled from cars.
'Powerful explosion'
Sunday's explosion in Bauchi hit the Mamy market on the city's edge, at around 8pm local time (19:00 GMT), Muhammed Indabawa, the police commissioner, said.
He said it was not clear who was responsible and that no arrests had yet been made.
"It was a very strong and powerful explosion," Yushua Shuaib, the spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), told Reuters. He said the wounded had been taken to hospital but declined to comment on the death toll.

Al Jazeera's Yvonne Ndege says the country remains divided over Goodluck Jonathan's leadership

A second, smaller explosion hit a beer parlour in Zuba on the outskirts of Abuja, although the cause was unknown and there were only three minor injuries, Shuaib said.
Bauchi neighbours Plateau state in Nigeria's "Middle Belt" where the mostly Muslim north meets the predominantly Christian south, a region beset by years of sectarian violence.
Hundreds of people were killed in northern towns last month in riots and reprisal killings after Jonathan, a Christian from the south, was declared winner of a presidential election, beating Muhammadu Buhari, a northern Muslim and former army ruler.
There were several bomb blasts at campaign rallies in the run-up to the April elections, most of them using home-made improvised devices and carried out by unknown assailants.
Jonathan, who is the first president from the oil-producing Niger Delta region, will be seeking to put the violence behind him.

However, in the north, suspicion remains as many accuse Jonathan's party of election-rigging and reject reports from observers calling the election a step forward for the country.
Fairness doubted
Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, who runs a think-tank in the northern city of Zaria where the home of the vice-president was torched in the riots, said: "Jonathan does not have legitimacy".

He said that he personally witnessed numerous cases of ballot fraud, and called election observers' claims of fairness lies.

Buhari alleged fraud in the election, but disassociated himself from the violence and did not make strong public statements against the riots as they unfolded.

Some of the distrust of Jonathan stems from the overturning of an internal ruling party arrangement that saw it rotate its candidate between the north and south every two terms.

Jonathan is serving what would have been the second term of late northern president Umaru Yar'Adua, and there is an expectation among the northern elite that at the next elections in four years, a northern candidate will take the ruling party ticket.

But should Jonathan succeed with his reform plans, particularly in privatising the power sector and ending chronic power shortages, popular opinion could again swing in his favour.

US group says Sudan army committed war crimes

Humanitarian groups are worried about civilians caught in the renewed north-south Sudanese conflict [AFP]

New satellite images provide evidence that northern Sudanese troops have committed war crimes, including ethnic cleansing, in the contested border town of Abyei where the forces took over more than a week ago, according to an advocacy group.
The Satellite Sentinel Project said in a statement on Sunday that satellite images by DigitalGlobe show that the Sudanese army burned about one-third of all civilian buildings in the north-south border town, used disproportionate force and indiscriminately targeted civilians.
"The totality of evidence from satellites and ground sources points to state-sponsored ethnic cleansing of much of the contested Abyei region,'' the group said.
The Satellite Sentinel Project said the evidence is being sent to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the UN Security Council for assessment.
Omar al-Bashir, Sudan's president, is already wanted by the ICC for war crimes in the Darfur region.
Northern Sudanese tanks rolled into the town of Abyei on May 21, scattering southern troops that were there as part of a joint security unit.
Thousands displaced
The seizure of Abyei followed an attack on a convoy of northern soldiers by southern forces on May 19 and two days of aerial bombardment of the area by the north.
The northern takeover has displaced tens of thousands of civilians who now live in squalid conditions in southern villages.
On Sunday, Save The Children's UK office warned that a new wave of violent conflict has displaced up to 35,000 children.
The group said in a statement on Sunday that children who have been separated from their families since fighting broke out are at "grave risk'' of being targeted for sexual and physical abuse or recruited into the armed conflict.
Save the Children said it is "desperately worried about those children currently beyond the reach of humanitarian assistance".
George Clooney, the Hollywood actor, urged the UN to protect civilians in Abyei, saying the north's takeover was meant to disrupt the south's upcoming independence in July.
"We now have undeniable proof of the Khartoum regime's war crimes in Abyei. We've captured visual evidence of the Sudan Armed Forces ransacking and razing Abyei town," Clooney said.
Clooney initiated the Satellite Sentinel Project along with John Prendergast, co-founder of the Enough Project, after they travelled to Southern Sudan in October 2010.
Visual evidence
The Satellite Sentinel Project was established to use satellite images and on-the-ground reports to help deter the resumption of full-scale civil war between Sudan's north and south.
In its statement, the group said the new visual evidence shows that the government of Sudan has committed grave violations of the Geneva Conventions and other war crimes, some of which may also constitute crimes against humanity.
North and south Sudan ended more than two decades of civil war in 2005 with a peace deal that promised both Abyei and the south a self-determination vote.
The south voted overwhelmingly in January to secede and will become an independent nation July 9. Abyei's vote never happened, so its future is being negotiated by the north and south.
Prendergast on Sunday urged Obama administration to punish Sudan by isolating it diplomatically and denying it debt relief. He also asked the Abyei matter to be referred to the ICC.
"What is happening in Abyei is what the international community feared would happen in Benghazi, Libya," he said.
"We're not advocating military intervention, but we do think the Responsibility to Protect doctrine requires more assertive action in support of ongoing emergency diplomacy."

US group says Sudan army committed war crimes

Humanitarian groups are worried about civilians caught in the renewed north-south Sudanese conflict [AFP]

New satellite images provide evidence that northern Sudanese troops have committed war crimes, including ethnic cleansing, in the contested border town of Abyei where the forces took over more than a week ago, according to an advocacy group.
The Satellite Sentinel Project said in a statement on Sunday that satellite images by DigitalGlobe show that the Sudanese army burned about one-third of all civilian buildings in the north-south border town, used disproportionate force and indiscriminately targeted civilians.
"The totality of evidence from satellites and ground sources points to state-sponsored ethnic cleansing of much of the contested Abyei region,'' the group said.
The Satellite Sentinel Project said the evidence is being sent to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the UN Security Council for assessment.
Omar al-Bashir, Sudan's president, is already wanted by the ICC for war crimes in the Darfur region.
Northern Sudanese tanks rolled into the town of Abyei on May 21, scattering southern troops that were there as part of a joint security unit.
Thousands displaced
The seizure of Abyei followed an attack on a convoy of northern soldiers by southern forces on May 19 and two days of aerial bombardment of the area by the north.
The northern takeover has displaced tens of thousands of civilians who now live in squalid conditions in southern villages.
On Sunday, Save The Children's UK office warned that a new wave of violent conflict has displaced up to 35,000 children.
The group said in a statement on Sunday that children who have been separated from their families since fighting broke out are at "grave risk'' of being targeted for sexual and physical abuse or recruited into the armed conflict.
Save the Children said it is "desperately worried about those children currently beyond the reach of humanitarian assistance".
George Clooney, the Hollywood actor, urged the UN to protect civilians in Abyei, saying the north's takeover was meant to disrupt the south's upcoming independence in July.
"We now have undeniable proof of the Khartoum regime's war crimes in Abyei. We've captured visual evidence of the Sudan Armed Forces ransacking and razing Abyei town," Clooney said.
Clooney initiated the Satellite Sentinel Project along with John Prendergast, co-founder of the Enough Project, after they travelled to Southern Sudan in October 2010.
Visual evidence
The Satellite Sentinel Project was established to use satellite images and on-the-ground reports to help deter the resumption of full-scale civil war between Sudan's north and south.
In its statement, the group said the new visual evidence shows that the government of Sudan has committed grave violations of the Geneva Conventions and other war crimes, some of which may also constitute crimes against humanity.
North and south Sudan ended more than two decades of civil war in 2005 with a peace deal that promised both Abyei and the south a self-determination vote.
The south voted overwhelmingly in January to secede and will become an independent nation July 9. Abyei's vote never happened, so its future is being negotiated by the north and south.
Prendergast on Sunday urged Obama administration to punish Sudan by isolating it diplomatically and denying it debt relief. He also asked the Abyei matter to be referred to the ICC.
"What is happening in Abyei is what the international community feared would happen in Benghazi, Libya," he said.
"We're not advocating military intervention, but we do think the Responsibility to Protect doctrine requires more assertive action in support of ongoing emergency diplomacy."

Deaths as blasts hit Nigeria towns

Bystanders in Zaria, Nigeria, look on at the scene of a bomb blast on Monday morning [Reuters]

At least 12 people are thought to have been killed and several others injured following a series of blasts that hit cities mainly in northern Nigeria.
Police on Monday were investigating the blasts, which came less than 24 hours after the inauguration of Goodluck Jonathan, the Nigerian president.
The most deadly incident was in the northern city of Bauchi, where three blasts tore through a beer garden in a military barracks on Sunday night.
An emergency source speaking on condition of anonymity said that at least 10 people were killed in the blast, while the AFP news agency quoted an army officer as saying that at least 20 people were killed.
"By my estimation ... the number of people killed could not be less than 20. Scores of others were injured in the blasts which occurred at five-second intervals," the unnamed officer was quoted as saying.
At least 2,000 people were thought to have been attending the "mammy market" when the blasts went off.
Such markets, which include beer gardens and eateries, are commonly found at Nigerian barracks and are open to civilians.
Separate blasts
Another blast at a beer parlour in Zuba, on the outskirts of Abuja, killed at least two people and wounded 11, according to Yushau Shuaib, the spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency.
Two other blasts hit the northern town of Zaria, home to Namadi Sambo, Jonathan's vice-president, leaving several people injured, including two children.
"There have been two separate blasts in Zaria: one at a beer parlour on Sunday night where two people were injured, and another one Monday morning in the old part of the city in which two children were injured," Aminu Lawal, a Kaduna state police spokesperson, said.
"It is not clear who is behind the two blasts. But we have cordoned off the two areas and our forensic experts have taken samples from the scenes for analysis."
No one has yet claimed responsibility for the blasts.
Bauchi state was among the hardest-hit during rioting last month in the wake of an election that saw Jonathan, a southern Christian, claim victory over Muhammadu Buhari, a Muslim from the north.
Tensions in Nigeria are fuelled by poverty, unemployment and religious differences in a country where an unreliable power supply has closed factories and caused the loss of tens of thousands of jobs in the textile industry alone over the last few years, especially in the north.

Deaths as blasts hit Nigeria towns

Bystanders in Zaria, Nigeria, look on at the scene of a bomb blast on Monday morning [Reuters]

At least 12 people are thought to have been killed and several others injured following a series of blasts that hit cities mainly in northern Nigeria.
Police on Monday were investigating the blasts, which came less than 24 hours after the inauguration of Goodluck Jonathan, the Nigerian president.
The most deadly incident was in the northern city of Bauchi, where three blasts tore through a beer garden in a military barracks on Sunday night.
An emergency source speaking on condition of anonymity said that at least 10 people were killed in the blast, while the AFP news agency quoted an army officer as saying that at least 20 people were killed.
"By my estimation ... the number of people killed could not be less than 20. Scores of others were injured in the blasts which occurred at five-second intervals," the unnamed officer was quoted as saying.
At least 2,000 people were thought to have been attending the "mammy market" when the blasts went off.
Such markets, which include beer gardens and eateries, are commonly found at Nigerian barracks and are open to civilians.
Separate blasts
Another blast at a beer parlour in Zuba, on the outskirts of Abuja, killed at least two people and wounded 11, according to Yushau Shuaib, the spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency.
Two other blasts hit the northern town of Zaria, home to Namadi Sambo, Jonathan's vice-president, leaving several people injured, including two children.
"There have been two separate blasts in Zaria: one at a beer parlour on Sunday night where two people were injured, and another one Monday morning in the old part of the city in which two children were injured," Aminu Lawal, a Kaduna state police spokesperson, said.
"It is not clear who is behind the two blasts. But we have cordoned off the two areas and our forensic experts have taken samples from the scenes for analysis."
No one has yet claimed responsibility for the blasts.
Bauchi state was among the hardest-hit during rioting last month in the wake of an election that saw Jonathan, a southern Christian, claim victory over Muhammadu Buhari, a Muslim from the north.
Tensions in Nigeria are fuelled by poverty, unemployment and religious differences in a country where an unreliable power supply has closed factories and caused the loss of tens of thousands of jobs in the textile industry alone over the last few years, especially in the north.

Civilians killed in Somalia clashes

Somali government forces and their 8,000 strong AU backers have taken up positions around the market [AFP]

At least 17 civilians have been killed in Mogadishu, Somalia's capital, while caught in the crossfire between government security forces backed by African Union (AU) troops and al-Shabab fighters, officials have said.
"At least 17 civilian dead have been counted so far and nine of them were killed after artillery fire struck a bus station near Arafat hospital," Ali Muse, head of the Mogadishu ambulance service, told the AFP news agency on Thursday.
Forty six other civilians were injured by stray artillery fire in the clashes over control for the city's main market.
Tension has been building around Bakara market, which has long been a stronghold of al-Shabab, for the past 10 days and the vast majority of business owners there moved their wares out several days ago.
The opposition fighters had been digging in trenches inside the market, while government forces and their 8,000 strong AU backers in Mogadishu took up positions around the market.
Al Jazeera's Mohammed Adow said the Bakara market is the capital's main commercial hub and represents an important point of control for both sides.
"It is a source of revenue for al-Shabab, who has been cash-strapped for a while now. Shabab have been taxing traders and shopkeepers (in the market)," he said.
"And they (Shabab) have also been using the market to conduct attacks targeting the parliament, the presidential palace, as well as the AU forces' headquarters."
Government 'advancing'
Somali officials confirmed the fighting and said they were advancing onto new positions previously held by the rebel fighters, but declined to give details about the casualties.
"We have beaten the enemy back and our forces are now advancing onto new positions very close to their last stronghold in Bakara. The fighting started last night and is still continuing sporadically around some positions," Yusuf Dhegobadan, Somalia's deputy chief of military staff, told reporters.
"We took control of some key positions this morning and penetrated deep into their big trenches," he added.

Innocent Oula, the chief of staff of the African Union force in Somalia (AMISOM), said the government forces and their AMISOM allies were trying to avoid any clashes within the actual market.
"While our joint forces are indeed close to the market, we have left a clear route open to the extremists to withdraw. We urge them to take advantage of this and spare the Somali people any more suffering," Oula said.
"What happens now is in their hands. If they refuse to leave, however, we will be left with no option other than to force them out," he said adding that "any plans to do so will be undertaken with the greatest care to ensure minimal harm and damage to lives and property".

South Africa approves Wal-Mart deal

Walmart took control of Massmart, which runs wholesale and retail chains in 14 African countries [Reuters]

South Africa has cleared the way for Wal-Mart to gain its first foothold in Africa, approving the company's $2.4bn bid for control of retailer Massmart with minimal conditions.

South Africa's competition tribunal on Tuesday gave Wal-Mart the go-ahead to buy a 51 per cent stake in Massmart provided the US retailer does not lay off any workers for two years.
The condition is designed to placate organised labour, which has accused the world's largest retailer of union-bashing.

"We have decided to approve the merger subject to the undertakings made by the parties becoming conditions for the approval," the tribunal said in a statement.

"The merged entity must ensure that there are no retrenchments, based on the merged entity's operational requirements in South Africa, resulting from the merger, for a period of two years."

Wal-Mart in January signed a $2.5 bn offer for a controlling stake in Massmart, which runs nine wholesale and retail chains with 288 stores in 14 African countries.

'Mother of all boycotts'

But the deal has been slammed by South Africa's politically powerful unions.

The country's largest labour federation, Cosatu, initially threatened "the mother of all boycotts" if the merger went through.

The tribunal has ordered Wal-Mart to honour all existing labour agreements and not challenge the position of the country's largest retail-sector labour union, the South Africa Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union.

But Mike Abrahams, a spokesman for SACCAWU, told the Reuters news agency that the union might consider appealing to the Competition Appeals Court.

"We are meeting with our legal representatives to explore legal possibilities," he said.

The deal will for the first time give Arkansas-based Wal-Mart a foothold in Africa and increase its market share in emerging countries, which have been driving its profits as US retail sales have slowed.

The company believes South Africa is a key market for growth, accounting for some 20 per cent of consumer spending on the African continent.

The tribunal acknowledged the merger was likely to have losers, as Wal-Mart's entry might displace small businesses and reduce the market share of some of the country's major retailers.

"That is an inevitable consequence of the competitive process," it said.

Cheap imports

Unions had raised concerns that Wal-Mart would flood the local market with cheap imports, resulting in job losses at local manufacturers.

Cosatu also accused the retail giant of being "one of the worst union-bashing employers in the world".

The labour federation pledged on Tuesday to continue its anti-Wal-Mart campaign.

"Overall we think that (the tribunal's approval) is a victory for Wal-Mart and we shall be continuing our campaign against the takeover of the Massmart stores," Cosatu spokesman Patrick Craven told eNews television.

"We believe all the reasons for that campaign are still absolutely valid."

The government, which has prioritised job creation in its policies, had also voiced concern about the deal, saying South Africa stood to lose jobs to China if the cost-cutting giant boosted imports.

South Africa is struggling with a 25 per cent unemployment rate.

Ayo Akanbi, an economist at Pan African Investments told the AFP news agency that the investment was a positive development for the country's economy but its impact would only be felt if it contributed to job creation.

"The net effect of the deal will only be favourable for South Africa if it can create jobs and stimulate local industries," Akanbi said.

Civilians killed in Somalia clashes

Somali government forces and their 8,000 strong AU backers have taken up positions around the market [AFP]

At least 17 civilians have been killed in Mogadishu, Somalia's capital, while caught in the crossfire between government security forces backed by African Union (AU) troops and al-Shabab fighters, officials have said.
"At least 17 civilian dead have been counted so far and nine of them were killed after artillery fire struck a bus station near Arafat hospital," Ali Muse, head of the Mogadishu ambulance service, told the AFP news agency on Thursday.
Forty six other civilians were injured by stray artillery fire in the clashes over control for the city's main market.
Tension has been building around Bakara market, which has long been a stronghold of al-Shabab, for the past 10 days and the vast majority of business owners there moved their wares out several days ago.
The opposition fighters had been digging in trenches inside the market, while government forces and their 8,000 strong AU backers in Mogadishu took up positions around the market.
Al Jazeera's Mohammed Adow said the Bakara market is the capital's main commercial hub and represents an important point of control for both sides.
"It is a source of revenue for al-Shabab, who has been cash-strapped for a while now. Shabab have been taxing traders and shopkeepers (in the market)," he said.
"And they (Shabab) have also been using the market to conduct attacks targeting the parliament, the presidential palace, as well as the AU forces' headquarters."
Government 'advancing'
Somali officials confirmed the fighting and said they were advancing onto new positions previously held by the rebel fighters, but declined to give details about the casualties.
"We have beaten the enemy back and our forces are now advancing onto new positions very close to their last stronghold in Bakara. The fighting started last night and is still continuing sporadically around some positions," Yusuf Dhegobadan, Somalia's deputy chief of military staff, told reporters.
"We took control of some key positions this morning and penetrated deep into their big trenches," he added.

Innocent Oula, the chief of staff of the African Union force in Somalia (AMISOM), said the government forces and their AMISOM allies were trying to avoid any clashes within the actual market.
"While our joint forces are indeed close to the market, we have left a clear route open to the extremists to withdraw. We urge them to take advantage of this and spare the Somali people any more suffering," Oula said.
"What happens now is in their hands. If they refuse to leave, however, we will be left with no option other than to force them out," he said adding that "any plans to do so will be undertaken with the greatest care to ensure minimal harm and damage to lives and property".

South Africa approves Wal-Mart deal

Walmart took control of Massmart, which runs wholesale and retail chains in 14 African countries [Reuters]

South Africa has cleared the way for Wal-Mart to gain its first foothold in Africa, approving the company's $2.4bn bid for control of retailer Massmart with minimal conditions.

South Africa's competition tribunal on Tuesday gave Wal-Mart the go-ahead to buy a 51 per cent stake in Massmart provided the US retailer does not lay off any workers for two years.
The condition is designed to placate organised labour, which has accused the world's largest retailer of union-bashing.

"We have decided to approve the merger subject to the undertakings made by the parties becoming conditions for the approval," the tribunal said in a statement.

"The merged entity must ensure that there are no retrenchments, based on the merged entity's operational requirements in South Africa, resulting from the merger, for a period of two years."

Wal-Mart in January signed a $2.5 bn offer for a controlling stake in Massmart, which runs nine wholesale and retail chains with 288 stores in 14 African countries.

'Mother of all boycotts'

But the deal has been slammed by South Africa's politically powerful unions.

The country's largest labour federation, Cosatu, initially threatened "the mother of all boycotts" if the merger went through.

The tribunal has ordered Wal-Mart to honour all existing labour agreements and not challenge the position of the country's largest retail-sector labour union, the South Africa Commercial, Catering and Allied Workers Union.

But Mike Abrahams, a spokesman for SACCAWU, told the Reuters news agency that the union might consider appealing to the Competition Appeals Court.

"We are meeting with our legal representatives to explore legal possibilities," he said.

The deal will for the first time give Arkansas-based Wal-Mart a foothold in Africa and increase its market share in emerging countries, which have been driving its profits as US retail sales have slowed.

The company believes South Africa is a key market for growth, accounting for some 20 per cent of consumer spending on the African continent.

The tribunal acknowledged the merger was likely to have losers, as Wal-Mart's entry might displace small businesses and reduce the market share of some of the country's major retailers.

"That is an inevitable consequence of the competitive process," it said.

Cheap imports

Unions had raised concerns that Wal-Mart would flood the local market with cheap imports, resulting in job losses at local manufacturers.

Cosatu also accused the retail giant of being "one of the worst union-bashing employers in the world".

The labour federation pledged on Tuesday to continue its anti-Wal-Mart campaign.

"Overall we think that (the tribunal's approval) is a victory for Wal-Mart and we shall be continuing our campaign against the takeover of the Massmart stores," Cosatu spokesman Patrick Craven told eNews television.

"We believe all the reasons for that campaign are still absolutely valid."

The government, which has prioritised job creation in its policies, had also voiced concern about the deal, saying South Africa stood to lose jobs to China if the cost-cutting giant boosted imports.

South Africa is struggling with a 25 per cent unemployment rate.

Ayo Akanbi, an economist at Pan African Investments told the AFP news agency that the investment was a positive development for the country's economy but its impact would only be felt if it contributed to job creation.

"The net effect of the deal will only be favourable for South Africa if it can create jobs and stimulate local industries," Akanbi said.

Ouattara's forces under new scrutiny

Both Ouattara and Gbagbo forces are accused of heinous crimes against civilians in the Ivory Coast [EPA]

Troops loyal to Alassane Ouattara, the Ivorian president, have killed at least 149 real or suspected supporters of Laurent Gbagbo in Abidjan since the capture and arrest of the former leader, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW).

At least 95 unarmed people mostly from ethnic groups aligned to Gbagbo were executed in operations in late April and May, HRW said in findings that will raise further questions over the behaviour of soldiers already suspected of abuses elsewhere.

"The hope of a new era following President Ouattara's inauguration will fade fast unless these horrible abuses against pro-Gbagbo groups stop immediately," Corinne Dufka, senior West Africa researcher at the New York-based group, said on Thursday.

"The president has repeatedly promised credible, impartial investigations and prosecutions. Now is the time to keep those promises."
The findings were based on interviews with 132 victims and witnesses violence by both sides during the battle for Abidjan and just after Gbagbo's April 11 arrest.

Pro-Gbagbo fighters were found to have killed at least 220 men.

Gbagbo's refusal to accept defeat in a November 28 election triggered a four-month conflict in which at least 3,000 civilians were killed, the economy collapsed and cocoa exports from the world's top grower suspended.

Ouattara has insisted justice must apply to all sides and promised to launch a truth and reconciliation process aimed at healing wounds in a country where tensions between northerners and southerners have fuelled a decade of instability.

Hundreds were killed in a massacre in inter-ethnic violence in the western town of Duekoue as forces loyal to Ouattara advanced towards Abidjan in late-March.

A report by the London-based rights group Amnesty International last month said pro-Ouattara troops were involved in the massacre and were responsible for other abuses.

Ouattara's forces under new scrutiny

Both Ouattara and Gbagbo forces are accused of heinous crimes against civilians in the Ivory Coast [EPA]

Troops loyal to Alassane Ouattara, the Ivorian president, have killed at least 149 real or suspected supporters of Laurent Gbagbo in Abidjan since the capture and arrest of the former leader, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW).

At least 95 unarmed people mostly from ethnic groups aligned to Gbagbo were executed in operations in late April and May, HRW said in findings that will raise further questions over the behaviour of soldiers already suspected of abuses elsewhere.

"The hope of a new era following President Ouattara's inauguration will fade fast unless these horrible abuses against pro-Gbagbo groups stop immediately," Corinne Dufka, senior West Africa researcher at the New York-based group, said on Thursday.

"The president has repeatedly promised credible, impartial investigations and prosecutions. Now is the time to keep those promises."
The findings were based on interviews with 132 victims and witnesses violence by both sides during the battle for Abidjan and just after Gbagbo's April 11 arrest.

Pro-Gbagbo fighters were found to have killed at least 220 men.

Gbagbo's refusal to accept defeat in a November 28 election triggered a four-month conflict in which at least 3,000 civilians were killed, the economy collapsed and cocoa exports from the world's top grower suspended.

Ouattara has insisted justice must apply to all sides and promised to launch a truth and reconciliation process aimed at healing wounds in a country where tensions between northerners and southerners have fuelled a decade of instability.

Hundreds were killed in a massacre in inter-ethnic violence in the western town of Duekoue as forces loyal to Ouattara advanced towards Abidjan in late-March.

A report by the London-based rights group Amnesty International last month said pro-Ouattara troops were involved in the massacre and were responsible for other abuses.

Bodies of African refugees recovered

Refugees have fled Libya amid more than three months of fighting between Gaddafi loyalists and opponents [AFP]

The United Nations refugee agency says some 150 bodies have been recovered from the wreck of a ship that capsized off Tunisia carrying migrants fleeing the conflict in Libya.

The Geneva-based UNHCR said on Friday that at least 578 of the estimated 850 people on board survived the sinking on Wednesday.

"We know that many women and children are among the 150," Adrian Edwards, the UNHCR spokesman, said.

Edwards said that the survivors are being taken to refugee camps where they will receive counselling and assistance.

He says the incident "appears to be one of the worst and the deadliest incidents in the Mediterranean so far this year.''

The passengers are migrants from Africa and Asia who planned to enter Italy illegally, according to the Tunisian news agency.

Refugees have fled Libya amid more than three months of fighting between troops loyal to Muammar Gaddafi and opponents of his four-decade rule.

The conflict has prompted a Nato-led air assault against pro-government forces and has left thousands dead. The unrest in Libya erupted after revolts unseated the leaders of Egypt and Tunisia.
At least 16 people were confirmed dead among as many as 600 migrants heading to Italy who went missing when their ship sank soon after leaving the Libyan capital, Tripoli, last month, according to the United Nations.

Bodies of African refugees recovered

Refugees have fled Libya amid more than three months of fighting between Gaddafi loyalists and opponents [AFP]

The United Nations refugee agency says some 150 bodies have been recovered from the wreck of a ship that capsized off Tunisia carrying migrants fleeing the conflict in Libya.

The Geneva-based UNHCR said on Friday that at least 578 of the estimated 850 people on board survived the sinking on Wednesday.

"We know that many women and children are among the 150," Adrian Edwards, the UNHCR spokesman, said.

Edwards said that the survivors are being taken to refugee camps where they will receive counselling and assistance.

He says the incident "appears to be one of the worst and the deadliest incidents in the Mediterranean so far this year.''

The passengers are migrants from Africa and Asia who planned to enter Italy illegally, according to the Tunisian news agency.

Refugees have fled Libya amid more than three months of fighting between troops loyal to Muammar Gaddafi and opponents of his four-decade rule.

The conflict has prompted a Nato-led air assault against pro-government forces and has left thousands dead. The unrest in Libya erupted after revolts unseated the leaders of Egypt and Tunisia.
At least 16 people were confirmed dead among as many as 600 migrants heading to Italy who went missing when their ship sank soon after leaving the Libyan capital, Tripoli, last month, according to the United Nations.

Libyan 'rape' victim deported from Qatar

The US government has expressed concern for the safety of the deported Libyan woman [GALLO/GETTY]

A Libyan woman who said she was raped by Muammar Gaddafi's troops has been deported from Qatar where she sought refuge, and is now in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi, a UN official has said.
Iman Al-Obeidi flew via Qatari military jet to the opposition-held city of Benghazi, where she is now staying in a hotel, Vincent Cochetel, the UNHCR representative in Washington, told the AFP news agency on Friday.
Jalal el-Gallal, an opposition spokesman, told the Associated Press news agency that al-Obeidi was welcome to stay.
"This is her country," el-Gallal said.
The UN refugee agency said Obeidi had refugee status and should have been allowed to stay in Qatar. It said her deportation runs contrary to international law.
Obeidi "is a recognised refugee, and we don't consider there is any good reason for her deportation," agency spokeswoman Sybella Wilkes told the AP.
'Gang-raped'
Obeidi made headlines in March when she rushed into the Rixos Hotel in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, where most foreign correspondents stayed, and narrated her story of being stopped at a checkpoint, dragged away and gang-raped by soldiers loyal to Gaddafi.
She disappeared for several days, then turned up in Tunisia and later Qatar. She was heard from little until Thursday, when she was suddenly expelled from Qatar.

Obeidi has maintained that she was targeted by Gaddafi's troops because she is from Benghazi. The US government has expressed concern for the safety of al-Obeidi.

Mark Toner, the US state department spokesman, said the US was "monitoring the situation" and working to ensure her safety.
"We're concerned for her safety, given all that's happened to her. And we're going to work to make sure that she's kept safe, first and foremost, and that she finds appropriate asylum," Toner said.
Human rights violations are one aspect of the Libyan opposition's complaints against the Gaddafi regime.
This week, a report by a UN body said it found evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity by Gaddafi's government, and also charged that the opposition has committed abuses.

Libyan 'rape' victim deported from Qatar

The US government has expressed concern for the safety of the deported Libyan woman [GALLO/GETTY]

A Libyan woman who said she was raped by Muammar Gaddafi's troops has been deported from Qatar where she sought refuge, and is now in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi, a UN official has said.
Iman Al-Obeidi flew via Qatari military jet to the opposition-held city of Benghazi, where she is now staying in a hotel, Vincent Cochetel, the UNHCR representative in Washington, told the AFP news agency on Friday.
Jalal el-Gallal, an opposition spokesman, told the Associated Press news agency that al-Obeidi was welcome to stay.
"This is her country," el-Gallal said.
The UN refugee agency said Obeidi had refugee status and should have been allowed to stay in Qatar. It said her deportation runs contrary to international law.
Obeidi "is a recognised refugee, and we don't consider there is any good reason for her deportation," agency spokeswoman Sybella Wilkes told the AP.
'Gang-raped'
Obeidi made headlines in March when she rushed into the Rixos Hotel in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, where most foreign correspondents stayed, and narrated her story of being stopped at a checkpoint, dragged away and gang-raped by soldiers loyal to Gaddafi.
She disappeared for several days, then turned up in Tunisia and later Qatar. She was heard from little until Thursday, when she was suddenly expelled from Qatar.

Obeidi has maintained that she was targeted by Gaddafi's troops because she is from Benghazi. The US government has expressed concern for the safety of al-Obeidi.

Mark Toner, the US state department spokesman, said the US was "monitoring the situation" and working to ensure her safety.
"We're concerned for her safety, given all that's happened to her. And we're going to work to make sure that she's kept safe, first and foremost, and that she finds appropriate asylum," Toner said.
Human rights violations are one aspect of the Libyan opposition's complaints against the Gaddafi regime.
This week, a report by a UN body said it found evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity by Gaddafi's government, and also charged that the opposition has committed abuses.

NATO air raids rock Libyan capital

NATO warplanes have launched intensive air raids on Tripoli and its eastern suburbs, where several explosions were heard, an AFP reporter and witnesses said. Four blasts shook the Libyan capital at around 2:30 am (0030 GMT) on Sunday, according to an AFP journalist who was unable to identify the targets. Earlier, two powerful but distant blasts were felt in the centre of the capital at around 6:30 pm (1630 GMT) on Saturday, followed by several others a few minutes later. Witnesses said the explosions came from Tajura, a suburb that has often been targeted by NATO since an international coalition began military operations against Libyan regime on March 31. "For as long as Gaddafi continues to abuse his people, we will continue and intensify our efforts to stop him" William Hague, Britain's foreign secretary Earlier on Saturday, William Hague, Britain's foreign secretary, and Andrew Mitchell, the development secretary, met with leaders of the Interim National Council (INC) in Benghazi, eastern Libya. "We are here today for one principal reason - to show our support for the Libyan people and for the National Transitional Council, the legitimate representative of the Libyan people," Hague said in a statement. Hague, accompanied by Mitchell, held talks with chief of the rebel National Transitional Council Mustafa al-Jalil. He also toured Benghazi's landmark seafront as well as a medical centre treating war wounded. "Gaddafi should leave immediately," Hague said. He told reporters Britain would also support demining efforts in Misurata, the main rebel-held city in western Libya, and deliver "more equipment, uniforms, bullet-proof jackets" to rebel fighters. "We have no combat troops in Libya," he added. But Britain, he said, would stand with the Libyan people "for as long as it takes". "We could not and did not turn a blind eye when Gaddafi turned his forces against innocent civilians. For as long as Gaddafi continues to abuse his people, we will continue and intensify our efforts to stop him." Hague's trip to the rebel capital came just hours after British Apache helicopters attacked forces loyal to Gaddafi. Rebel gains The NATO offensive came as Libyan opposition fighters made a major advance towards the capital, Tripoli, after claiming victory in western Libyan towns against forces loyal to Gaddafi. Shashank Joshi, an associate fellow at RUSI in London, discusses the Apache's pros and cons An opposition military leader said on Friday that local fighters won control of four towns in the Nafusa mountain range, where government forces had besieged and randomly shelled rebel-held areas for months. Fighters who had fled then used their knowledge of the area to chip away at the government forces, Colonel Jumaa Ibrahim of the region's rebel military council told the Associated Press news agency via Skype. "They know all the hills and valleys, so they were able to trick the brigades and destroy some of their vehicles," he said. Opposition fighters have also pushed government troops from Shakshuk and Qasr al-Haj, two towns near a key road that runs along the mountain range's northern edge, Ibrahim, the rebel officer, said. After a siege by pro-Gaddafi forces, Misurata, Libya's third largest city, is now in opposition hands. Opposition fighters there have now pushed halfway to the town of Zlitan, on the way to Tripoli, after taking control of Zintan. At one stage, their advance came to within 60km of Sirte, but the government troops held their line and repelled the attack. China-rebels talks On Friday, the Chinese foreign ministry said that China's ambassador to Qatar recently met the head of Libya's opposition council, the first known meeting between the two sides. A Chinese foreign ministry statement said Zhang Zhiliang, Beijing's ambassador to Qatar, had met and "exchanged views on developments in Libya" with Mustafa Abdel Jalil, the chairman of the INC. The ministry gave no details of the talks, but the meeting itself was an indication that Beijing wants to keep open lines of communication with the rebel forces. China abstained in the UN Security Council vote authorising NATO military action in Libya. Gaddafi's government has been slowly crumbling from within. A significant number of army officers and several cabinet ministers have defected, and most have expressed support for the opposition. Rebels have turned down initiatives calling for ceasefires, insisting that Gaddafi and his sons must relinquish power and leave the country.

NATO air raids rock Libyan capital

NATO warplanes have launched intensive air raids on Tripoli and its eastern suburbs, where several explosions were heard, an AFP reporter and witnesses said. Four blasts shook the Libyan capital at around 2:30 am (0030 GMT) on Sunday, according to an AFP journalist who was unable to identify the targets. Earlier, two powerful but distant blasts were felt in the centre of the capital at around 6:30 pm (1630 GMT) on Saturday, followed by several others a few minutes later. Witnesses said the explosions came from Tajura, a suburb that has often been targeted by NATO since an international coalition began military operations against Libyan regime on March 31. "For as long as Gaddafi continues to abuse his people, we will continue and intensify our efforts to stop him" William Hague, Britain's foreign secretary Earlier on Saturday, William Hague, Britain's foreign secretary, and Andrew Mitchell, the development secretary, met with leaders of the Interim National Council (INC) in Benghazi, eastern Libya. "We are here today for one principal reason - to show our support for the Libyan people and for the National Transitional Council, the legitimate representative of the Libyan people," Hague said in a statement. Hague, accompanied by Mitchell, held talks with chief of the rebel National Transitional Council Mustafa al-Jalil. He also toured Benghazi's landmark seafront as well as a medical centre treating war wounded. "Gaddafi should leave immediately," Hague said. He told reporters Britain would also support demining efforts in Misurata, the main rebel-held city in western Libya, and deliver "more equipment, uniforms, bullet-proof jackets" to rebel fighters. "We have no combat troops in Libya," he added. But Britain, he said, would stand with the Libyan people "for as long as it takes". "We could not and did not turn a blind eye when Gaddafi turned his forces against innocent civilians. For as long as Gaddafi continues to abuse his people, we will continue and intensify our efforts to stop him." Hague's trip to the rebel capital came just hours after British Apache helicopters attacked forces loyal to Gaddafi. Rebel gains The NATO offensive came as Libyan opposition fighters made a major advance towards the capital, Tripoli, after claiming victory in western Libyan towns against forces loyal to Gaddafi. Shashank Joshi, an associate fellow at RUSI in London, discusses the Apache's pros and cons An opposition military leader said on Friday that local fighters won control of four towns in the Nafusa mountain range, where government forces had besieged and randomly shelled rebel-held areas for months. Fighters who had fled then used their knowledge of the area to chip away at the government forces, Colonel Jumaa Ibrahim of the region's rebel military council told the Associated Press news agency via Skype. "They know all the hills and valleys, so they were able to trick the brigades and destroy some of their vehicles," he said. Opposition fighters have also pushed government troops from Shakshuk and Qasr al-Haj, two towns near a key road that runs along the mountain range's northern edge, Ibrahim, the rebel officer, said. After a siege by pro-Gaddafi forces, Misurata, Libya's third largest city, is now in opposition hands. Opposition fighters there have now pushed halfway to the town of Zlitan, on the way to Tripoli, after taking control of Zintan. At one stage, their advance came to within 60km of Sirte, but the government troops held their line and repelled the attack. China-rebels talks On Friday, the Chinese foreign ministry said that China's ambassador to Qatar recently met the head of Libya's opposition council, the first known meeting between the two sides. A Chinese foreign ministry statement said Zhang Zhiliang, Beijing's ambassador to Qatar, had met and "exchanged views on developments in Libya" with Mustafa Abdel Jalil, the chairman of the INC. The ministry gave no details of the talks, but the meeting itself was an indication that Beijing wants to keep open lines of communication with the rebel forces. China abstained in the UN Security Council vote authorising NATO military action in Libya. Gaddafi's government has been slowly crumbling from within. A significant number of army officers and several cabinet ministers have defected, and most have expressed support for the opposition. Rebels have turned down initiatives calling for ceasefires, insisting that Gaddafi and his sons must relinquish power and leave the country.

Inside Story: Sudan divided

In 2005, Africa's longest running civil war came to an end, but 22 years of violence have ripped Sudan apart with 2 million people killed and another 4 million displaced.
And now, just 48 days before South Sudan is due to secede from the north it looks like the country could, once again, be on the brink of war.

The conflict now is focused on the town of Abyei. The North Sudanese army has taken control of the town after days of fighing against southern forces. Khartoum accuses the south of attacking one of its convoys escorted by UN troops on Thursday, killing 22 northern soldiers. Both sides have recently deployed forces in and around Abyei, but this is in breach of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). Western officials say the escalation has the potential of igniting all out civil war.

Just what is really behind the latest escalation and will this turn into another protracted civil war?

Inside Story, with presenter Jane Dutton, discusses with Rabie Abdul Atti, member of the NCP and advisor to Sudan's information minister; Eddie Thomas, author of Against a gathering; securing Sudan's comprehensive peace agreement; and Barnaba Benjamin, minister of information for the government of Southern Sudan.

This episode of Inside Story aired from Sunday, May 22, 2011.

Omar al-Bashir

Al Jazeera takes a closer look at  Omar al-Bashir, the Sudanese president and popular leader enjoying support in Sudan's north.

Inside Story: Sudan divided

In 2005, Africa's longest running civil war came to an end, but 22 years of violence have ripped Sudan apart with 2 million people killed and another 4 million displaced.
And now, just 48 days before South Sudan is due to secede from the north it looks like the country could, once again, be on the brink of war.

The conflict now is focused on the town of Abyei. The North Sudanese army has taken control of the town after days of fighing against southern forces. Khartoum accuses the south of attacking one of its convoys escorted by UN troops on Thursday, killing 22 northern soldiers. Both sides have recently deployed forces in and around Abyei, but this is in breach of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). Western officials say the escalation has the potential of igniting all out civil war.

Just what is really behind the latest escalation and will this turn into another protracted civil war?

Inside Story, with presenter Jane Dutton, discusses with Rabie Abdul Atti, member of the NCP and advisor to Sudan's information minister; Eddie Thomas, author of Against a gathering; securing Sudan's comprehensive peace agreement; and Barnaba Benjamin, minister of information for the government of Southern Sudan.

This episode of Inside Story aired from Sunday, May 22, 2011.

Omar al-Bashir

Al Jazeera takes a closer look at  Omar al-Bashir, the Sudanese president and popular leader enjoying support in Sudan's north.

Abyei residents flee takeover

Salva Kiir, the leader of the South Sudanese government, says he has no intention of going to war with the North after the recent takeover of Abyei.
But he did call on northern forces to withdraw from the region so that tens of thousands of people who were forced to flee could return home.
Sherine Tadros reports from Juba, the capital of South Sudan.

Abyei residents flee takeover

Salva Kiir, the leader of the South Sudanese government, says he has no intention of going to war with the North after the recent takeover of Abyei.
But he did call on northern forces to withdraw from the region so that tens of thousands of people who were forced to flee could return home.
Sherine Tadros reports from Juba, the capital of South Sudan.

Bashir says Abyei belongs to the north

Omar Hassan al-Bashir, the president of Sudan, has said that Abyei belongs to the north and that his forces will not withdraw from the disputed region. "Abyei is northern Sudanese land," Bashir said in a speech in the capital Khartoum on Tuesday. "We will not withdraw from it." He said he had given the green light to the northern army to respond to any possible "provocation" by the army of south Sudan which also claims the region and plans to become independent on July 9. The latest remarks marked a dramatic shift from his earlier statement that a "peaceful resolution" for Abyei would be found. Northern forces took control of Abyei by moving tanks into the main settlement on the weekend after weeks of tensions, forcing tens of thousands to flee and sparking an international outcry. Southern officials on Monday accused the north of trying to provoke a new civil war. Sudan's last north-south civil war ended in a 2005 peace deal that allowed southerners to vote overwhelmingly for independence in a referendum in January. The deal also promised Abyei residents their own referendum over whether to join the north or south, but that never took place as neither side could agree who was qualified to vote. Fleeing conflict "We have a rough estimate of 15,000 people displaced in and around Agok [in South Sudan]," Elisabeth Byrs, a spokeswoman for the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs said earlier on Tuesday. Khartoum's capture of Abyei set off violent chaos in the region, with parts of the Abyei town being set on fire by looters. Peacekeepers belonging to UNMIS, the UN mission in Sudan, said on Monday that the burning and looting was perpetrated "by armed elements" but it was not clear whether they were from the north or the south. The US special envoy to the country has said Washington would not drop Sudan from a terrorism list if it continued occupying the oil-rich district. Princeton Lyman said the "occupation" of Abyei by northern troops was "an extremely disproportionate response by the government of Sudan" to an attack on a UN convoy escorting the troops last week. But Lyman added that there was still hope of the two sides resolving the crisis. "I am optimistic in this sense: These two entities - Sudan and soon-to-be independent South Sudan - need each other," he told Al Jazeera. "They have to collaborate for their own good, and while we're now facing a major crisis in Abyei, we're hopeful that the leadership, particularly president al-Bashir [in the north] and vice-president Kiir [in the south] will re-establish the spirit that they talked about ..." Sudanese government officials in the north said their troops moved into Abyei - inhabited by two tribes backed by the south and north respectively - to drive out the south's Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA), who they said had been occupying Abyei since last December.   The nomadic Misseriya tribe, which is backed by the north, grazes its cattle in Abyei while the Dinka Ng'ok, backed by the south, lives in Abyei year round.