Politics

1, July 2017

Biya receives Cameroonian-born Burkinabe envoy ⁰

The Cameroonian dictator, Paul BIYA has held talks with a special envoy of President Roch Marc Christian KABORE. Biya met with Cameroonian-born Thierry Hot, Special Adviser to the Burkinabe President on Thursday 29 June 2017 at the Unity Palace.

Thierry Hot was bearer of a fraternal message linked to ongoing measures to bolster bilateral ties between Yaounde and Ouagadougou.

President Paul BIYA and his Burkinabe counterpart initially met on Friday 23 September 2016. The meeting was on the side-lines of the 71st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Thus, Thierry Hot’s stay at the Unity Palace is a continuation of consultations based on the engagements taken by both leaders to enhance cooperation.

Source: PRC

29, June 2017

Yaounde: National Assembly grants Biya regime sweeping new powers to jail soldiers ⁰

Francophone members of parliament at the National Assembly on Wednesday the 28th of June 2017 adopted a bill on the code of military justice in Cameroon clearing the way for the Biya regime to jail the 30 soldiers who recently staged a demonstration over unpaid bonuses in the Far North.

CRTV reported that debates on the bill lasted only 5 hours and centered on the recent protest, the rights of detainees and atrocities caused by military officers. A segment of the CPDM bill also highlighted the arbitrary arrest of people linked to the upheavals rocking Southern Cameroons.

The bill including that which punishes offences against Civil Aviation safety were defended by the Minister Delegate at the Presidency of the Republic in charge Defense Joseph Beti Assomo, and the Minister of State, Justice and Keeper of the Seals, Laurent Esso.

The only finger raised against the bill came from the SDF- Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Joseph Mbah Ndam who observed that section 14 of the intentional covenant for political and civil right- a UN instrument, prescribes that civilians should not be tried in the military tribunal. However, Joseph Beti Assomo pointed out that justice, equity and disciplines are the army’s priorities.

The defense minister made a surprise announcement that the regime is on deck to increase performance and targets the recruitment of 5000 soldiers and 2500 Gendarme officers in the coming days.

By Sama Ernest with files from CRTV

28, June 2017

Scotland postpones 2nd independence referendum until after Brexit ⁰

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says she will postpone plans for a second independence referendum until after negotiations over Britain’s exit from the European Union have concluded next year. Sturgeon made the announcement in the Scottish parliament on Tuesday, saying that she was putting on hold her plans to introduce legislation that would demand a second referendum until autumn 2018 when Brexit terms are supposedly clear.

“The Scottish government remains committed strongly to the principle of giving Scotland a choice at the end of this [Brexit] process but I want to reassure people that our proposal is not for a referendum now, or before there is sufficient clarity about the options, but rather to give them a choice at the end of the Brexit process when that clarity has emerged,” Sturgeon said.

“We will not seek to introduce the legislation for an independence referendum immediately,” she added. “The Scottish government will reset the plan I set out.” Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) noted that the “uncertainty” of the Brexit process is now her priority and her party is focused on getting “the best deal out of Brexit – the best deal for Scotland.”

“Instead, we will – in good faith – redouble our efforts and put our shoulder to the wheel in seeking to influence the Brexit talks in a way that protects Scotland’s interests,” she noted. The pro-independence Scottish Greens called on the SNP leader not to back down on her bid to have a second referendum and to “continue fighting” for another vote on the issue.

Source: Presstv

26, June 2017

Morocco recalls ambassador from Netherlands ⁰

Morocco has summoned its ambassador to the Netherlands over a dispute about the extradition of an alleged drug trafficker who is also accused of funding anti-government protests in northern Morocco.

The Moroccan Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Sunday that it had been in talks with the Dutch government in the past two days urging Amsterdam to extradite “a notorious drug trafficker,” whom Rabat said also funded “some groups in northern Morocco.”

The ministry named the man as Said Chaaou, a 50-year-old former parliamentarian from Morocco’s northern Rif region. In the Sunday statement, the ministry suggested that Chaaou had been involved in supporting unrest in Rif.

“Specific information has been provided to the Dutch authorities for several months regarding the involvement of this trafficker in financing and providing logistical support to certain sectors in northern Morocco,” the Foreign Ministry said.

“It was made clear to the Dutch authorities that it is imperative that concrete and urgent measures be taken.” A Moroccan court issued two arrest warrants against Chaaou, in 2010 and 2015, for criminal association and international drug trafficking.

The Netherlands, however, dismissed Morocco’s decision to recall its ambassador as “incomprehensible and unnecessary.” Morocco’s Rif region has been the scene of protests since late last year, when a fishmonger was killed in circumstances potentially implicating authorities.

Meanwhile, a lawyer who is among a group of 300 lawyers detained for anti-government activities, said that Chaaou had no ties with the protest movement in Rif. Abdessadak Elbouchattaoui dismissed as “rumors” reports that Chaaou provided funding and logistical support to Hirak al-Chaabi, or the Popular Movement, which has spearheaded popular protests in Rif.

Source: Presstv

25, June 2017

‘Build bridges, not walls,’ British Labour leader tells Donald Trump ⁰

British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has asked US President Donald Trump to, “Build bridges, not walls.” Corbyn made the remarks during a speech he delivered at England’s famous, huge Glastonbury Festival on Saturday.

“Look on the wall right over there that surrounds this wonderful festival. And there’s a message on that wall for President Donald Trump,” the liberal politician said as the crowd booed at the mention of Trump. “And you know what it says? Build bridges, not walls,” Corbyn said. The Labour leader was referencing to Trump’s plan to construct a wall along the US-Mexico border to stop immigrants.

Building a wall on the US-Mexico border to stop the influx of refugees and undocumented migrants coming from Central and Latin America was a hallmark of Trump’s presidential campaign. During his campaign, Trump also characterized Mexican migrants living in the US as murderers and rapists and pledged to build a wall that he said Mexico would pay for.

Source: Presstv

24, June 2017

Yaounde: National Assembly has essentially made political corruption legal ⁰

With only 6 out of the 150 members still alive, the so-called Economic and Social Council paradoxically has seen its budget increase over the years. What is the real essence of the Economic and Social Council? Indeed millions of Cameroonians are not even aware of the existence of this body in the Cameroon government’s structure. Many do not even understand the role of this institution which is the 4th in the nation’s protocol.

To be sure, the Economic and Social Council was established on the 5th of July 1986 and according to the substantive texts that accompanied its creation, the organ is suppose to be consulted by the President of the Republic on matters relating to studies or opinions concerning program bills or economic plans.

After it went operational in 1986, President Biya and his Beti Ewondo gang abandoned the Ahmadou Ahidjo tradition of the Five-year Development plans and started the implementation of the IMF’s structural adjustment program. Consequently, the Economic and Social Council immediately after it was created, was made irrelevant by the same regime. Of the 150 founding members, only 6 are still there enjoying billions of FCFA Cameroonian tax payer’s money.

Interestingly, the boss of the Economic and Social Council, Ayang Luc some few years ago, initiated the construction of a building not far from the presidency in Yaoundé which he revealed will host the members and staff. Cameroon Concord News sources hinted that the CPDM regime approved a trifle sum of 44 billion FCFA for the project. Luc Ayang’s organ has grown exponentially over the years including its budgetary allocation that moved From CFAF 413 million in 1986 to 2 billion CFA francs in 2007.

Recently in the current June plenary session of the Lower House, the Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization, René Emmanuel Sadi defended before the MPs a draft law fixing the powers, organization and operation of the Economic and Social Council. The bill was passed on June 21st. The Luc Ayang institution will now function fully.

A Southern Cameroon member of parliament for the Bafut-Tubah Constituency in Mezam North West region, Hon Fusi Namukong has strongly advocated for a complete shut down of the Economic and Social Council saying that the members have been wasting Cameroon’s financial resources. His appeal met with a stone wall erected by National Assembly Speaker, Cavaye Yeguie Djibriel. The SDF Member of Parliament said the remaining six members from over 150 who have all died, are given a yearly budget of FCFA 2 billion with no accountability.

By Sonne Peter
Cameroon Concord News

23, June 2017

Spain: MPs vote down Catalan independence plebiscite ⁰

Spanish lawmakers on Thursday as expected threw out a Catalan bid to hold an independence referendum which a court had already ruled illegal. Pro-separatist regional president Carles Puigdemont presented a bill calling on Madrid to “respect” the wealthy northeastern region’s attempt to hold a vote in October.

But 250 out of 350 lawmakers, led by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s conservatives and backed by the main opposition Socialists and centrist Ciudadanos, voted down the move. Regionalist and pro-independence parties as well as the far-left Podemos group cast 92 votes in favor of a referendum.

Backed by a majority of pro-separatists in the Catalan regional assembly, Puigdemont wants to hold a referendum asking voters if they want their region, population 7.5 million, to be an independent republic.

Madrid has rejected the move as unconstitutional. Catalans appear divided on the issue, with 48.5 percent against and 44.3 percent in favor according to latest polls, although some three-quarters back holding a referendum.

(Source: AFP)

22, June 2017

UK: Queen lays out May’s policies amid tumult ⁰

UK Queen Elizabeth II has presented Prime Minister Theresa May’s policies to the new Parliament, at a tumultuous time for Britain and as May’s future in power remain uncertain. The queen took to Westminster on Wednesday to read out a list of the government’s intentions for the lawmakers on their first day in office, following the June 8 snap general election that saw May’s Conservative Party lose its narrow majority.

The legislative program that the monarch laid out on behalf of May was a pared-down version of her party manifesto for the election and dropped some key promises to instead focus on Britain’s exit from the European Union (EU). “My government’s priority is to secure the best possible deal as the country leaves the European Union,” said Elizabeth II. “My ministers are committed to working with Parliament, the devolved administrations, business and others to build the widest possible consensus on the country’s future outside the European Union.”

Eight of the 27 bills that were included in the agenda revolved around Brexit, while the rest were focused on other issues such as the recent wave of terror attacks that hit Britain as well as the deadly apartment block fire in Grenfell Tower last week. Absent on the list, however, were May’s manifesto pledges to tax the elderly more heavily for their own care and slash free lunches for schoolchildren, the very unpopular policies that were blamed for May’s uninspiring election performance.

Faced with growing calls to step down since the vote, May has been struggling to save her reign by striking a deal for a minority government with the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). The deal plunged into new jeopardy on Wednesday after the DUP handed in an expensive £2 billion list of demands to the Tories, including £1 billion pumped into the health service in Northern Ireland and a similar figure for infrastructure projects, according to the BBC.

If true, this would make it impossible to get a deal on Thursday, the new deadline that was announced after a series of similar delays. Notwithstanding the uncertain future she faces, May has decided to press ahead with the previous schedule for the EU talks. UK Brexit Secretary David Davis held the first round of talks with EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier on Monday. Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn, who managed to win many seats for his party in the election against all odds, took the opportunity on Wednesday to attack May and pitch himself as her replacement.

The opposition leader, who refused to bow to the queen, said at the beginning of the parliamentary session that the government has “apparently run out of ideas altogether.” While noting that Labour was “a government in waiting,” Corbyn said people in many traditionally Tory areas had chosen “hope over fear” by voting for his party. The so-called Queen’s Speech was marred by “Day of Rage” protests outside Westminster, where hundreds of Londoners had gathered to call for May’s resignation.

Source: Presstv

21, June 2017

Saudi Arabia: King relieves Nayef as crown prince ⁰

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has replaced Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud with his own son, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, the deputy crown prince and defense minister.

According to a royal decree, Mohammed bin Salman, 31, was also named deputy prime minister, and shall maintain his post as defense minister, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Wednesday.

Saudi media say King Salman has called for a public pledge of allegiance to the new crown prince in the holy city of Mecca on Wednesday night.

The SPA also confirmed that 31 out of 34 members of Saudi Arabia’s succession committee chose Mohammed bin Salman as the crown prince.

Just days ago, the Saudi king stripped Nayef of his powers overseeing criminal investigations and designated a new public prosecution office to function directly under the king’s authority.

In a similar move back in 2015, the Saudi king had appointed his nephew, then deputy crown prince Mohammed bin Nayef as the heir to the throne after removing his own half-brother Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz Al Saud from the position.

Under the new decree, King Salman further relieved Mohammed bin Nayef of his duties as the interior minister. He appointed Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef as the new interior minister and Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Salem as deputy interior minister.

Mohammed bin Salman is already in charge of a vast portfolio as chief of the House of Saud royal court and chairman of the Council for Economic and Development Affairs, which is tasked with overhauling the country’s economy.

The young prince was little known both at home and abroad before Salman became king in January 2015.

However, King Salman has significantly increased the powers of Mohammed, with observers describing the prince as the real power behind his father’s throne.

Power struggle in the House of Saud

There had long been speculations that Mohammed’s rise to power under his father’s reign might also accelerate his ascension to the throne.

On Wednesday, a well-known Saudi online activist, known on Twitter as @mujtahidd, predicted that King Salman would renounce power in favor of his son.

The whistleblower has already leaked documents indicating high-level corruption inside the Saudi royal family.

The power struggle inside the House of Saud came to light earlier this year when the Saudi king began to overhaul the government and offered positions of influence to a number of family members.

In two royal decrees in April, the Saudi king named two of his other sons, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and Prince Khaled bin Salman, as state minister for energy affairs and ambassador to the United States, respectively.

Mastermind of brutal, futile war

As the defense minister, Mohammed bin Salman has faced strong international criticism for the bloody military campaign he launched against neighboring Yemen in 2015 amid his rivalry with bin Nayef, the then powerful interior minister.

The file photo shows Mohammed bin Salman attending a military briefing.

The campaign was launched with the aim of restoring the former Yemeni government, a close Riyadh ally, and crushing the country’s Houthi Ansarullah movement. On the domestic political stage, the offensive was also viewed as an attempt by Mohammed bin Salman to steal the show and sideline the then crown prince.

However, despite spending billions of petrodollars, the Riyadh regime has achieved none of its goals during the campaign, which has killed over 12,000 civilians, left much of Yemen in ruins and empowered the Takfiri terror groups operating there.

On the economic front, Mohammed has been a key backer of the kingdom’s so-called Vision 2030 program, under which the Saudi leaders seek to reduce reliance on oil exports.

The plan is known as the most extensive and jarring economic shake-up of the country in decades, with economy experts describing it as too ambitious.

Mohammed bin Salman, according to analysts, appears to have orchestrated the Persian Gulf diplomatic crisis, which has seen a Saudi-led bloc of countries cutting ties with Qatar and imposed an economic siege on the country.

The diplomatic spat broke out days after a summit in Riyadh attended by US President Donald Trump, a staunch supporter of Saudi rulers and, in particular, Mohammed bin Salman.

Culled from Presstv

21, June 2017

UK: May talks with DUP to stay in power not going as expected ⁰

British Prime Minister Theresa May’s negotiations on staying in power with the support of the Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) have not proceeded as expected. “Talks are ongoing with the DUP and we continue to work towards a confidence and supply arrangement,” a Conservative source told Reuters on Tuesday.
“As we have said, both parties are committed to strengthening the Union (between the UK’s member nations), combating terrorism, delivering Brexit and delivering prosperity across the whole United Kingdom.” “While our discussions continue it is important the government gets on with its business.” DUP sources also complained of the lack of “negotiating experience” on the Conservative side, a day after the separate Brexit talks also got underway. “The negotiations haven’t proceeded in a way that DUP would have expected,” a source told Sky News.

May had called for a snap election in April in hopes of getting an increased parliamentary majority that could have strengthened her position before going into two years of intense negotiations with the European Union about Britain’s departure from the bloc. However, May’s election gamble spectacularly backfired. British voters dealt her a devastating blow last Thursday, wiping out her parliamentary majority and throwing the country into political turmoil.

Now, the premier has been trying to save herself by forming a coalition government with the DUP, which won 10 seats. May and DUP leader Arlene Foster have met to discuss a plan to form the government. The DUP has been urging May’s government to give “greater focus” to the negotiations and that the DUP “can’t be taken for granted.” May’s office announced on Saturday that the DUP had agreed to support her government on the basis of a “confidence and supply” arrangement in parliament.

The so-called confidence and supply agreement means that the supporting party will back the government in motions of confidence by either voting in favor or abstaining, while retaining the right to vote otherwise in matters of conscience. “Supply”, on the other hand, refers to bills required for a minority government to receive funds to allow it to enact its policies.

Tory MPs have threatened they would object to a formal coalition, citing the DUP’s position on abortion, climate change and gay rights. A total of 326 seats is needed for a majority in the Commons, as efforts to run a minority government are usually doomed to fail because of the inability to get any legislation through the parliament, which means that an arrangement with another political party is essential.

Source: Presstv