ELEVEN members of the House of Representatives opposed were summarily suspended yesterday, leading to the deepening of the crisis in the troubled lower-chamber parliament.
Consequently, some honourable members threw caution to the wind and openly engaged in a brawl.
Even some journalists were not spared as the aide-de-camp (ADC) to the Speaker seized the camera of Vanguard photographer Gbenga Olamikan while a reporter with Daily Independent Rotimi Akinwunmi lost his camera cellphone to a suspected security detail attached to one of the principal officers.
Those suspended indefinitely at the rowdy session which characterised yesterday’s sitting were Hon Independence Ogunewe (PDP, Imo), Austin Nwachukwu (PDP Imo), Dino Melaye (PDP, Kogi), Ehioge West-Idahosa, (PDP, Edo), Doris Uboh (PDP, Delta), Solomon Awhinawi, (PDP, Delta), Abba Anas Mohammed (PDP, Kebbi), Gbenga Oduwaiye (PDP, Ogun), Kayode Amusan (PDP, Ogun), Gbenga Onigbogi, (PDP, Osun) and Bitrus Kazie (PDP Plateau).
Melaye and the other suspended members however vowed to challenge their suspension in court insisting that they were not given any opportunity to defend themselves.
"Everywhere in the world, it is an international standard to allow an accused the opportunity to defend himself, they passed the resolution without giving us fair hearing", Melaye stated shortly after he was moved out of the chamber.
Trouble began shortly after the Speaker called upon Hon Chile Igbauwa to move a motion under Matter of Privilege and urged the House to invoke Order 5 (1) sub Rules 2 and 3.
Igbauwa had hardly read through his prepared speech when Melaye rose to challenge him insisting that the motion cannot be heard.
"No, this motion cannot be heard, I say this motion cannot be heard", Melaye shouted repeatedly.
Moments later he started blowing a whistle apparently to pass a coded message to his colleagues to prompt them into action.
In the ensuing confusion, Hon Awhinawi moved towards the mace ostensibly to seize the symbol of authority, but was physically prevented by some unidentified federal lawmakers.
The legislators, mostly northerners immediately built human shield around the table where the mace was placed and urged the Speaker to continue with the day’s proceedings.
Elsewhere in the chamber some other unidentified lawmakers swooped on Nwachukwu, dealt several punches on him and then tore his clothes to shreads.
Nwachukwu was alleged to have hit another lawmaker, Hon Chinyere Igwe with a handy fire extinguisher can and badly injured his hands.
Both Nwachukwu and Igwe who sustained injuries in the fracas were rushed to the National Assembly Clinic Abuja for urgent medical attention.
Igwe whose right hand was badly wounded was however referred to the National Hospital Abuja for expert medical attention as the facilities at the National Assembly Clinic were said to be inadequate to handle his case.
As the House degenerated into a rowdy session, Bankole read a portion of the House Rule books to announce suspension of the 11 members.
The lawmakers however defied the speaker and insisted that they would not leave the chamber as their purported suspension was illegal.
There was an intense rowdiness and exchange of blows, as Ishaku Bawa, Chairman Outreach Constituency, Dino Melaye, Austin Nwachukwu, Doris Uboh, and Bitrus Kaze went for each other.
With the help of the Sergeant-at-Arm, Col. Emeka Okere (rtd) all the affected members, especially members of the Progressives, were physically dragged out of the chamber.
In the process, clothes of Reps Dino Melaye, Doris Uboh, Bitrus Kaze, Austin Nwachukwu, all members of the Progressives pushing for the probe of house budgets since 2008, were torn.
Following the forceful ejection of key members of the progressives, the House resumed plenary session at 11.45 am and the Speaker, apologised to all Nigerians.
"Hon. members, I sincerely apologise to Nigerians for this rowdiness. Hon. Chile Igbauwa, kindly conclude your motion for record purpose," Bankole said.
Igbauwa said by the provisions of sections 24 of the Legislative Houses Act, any ``person who publishes any statement, whether in writing or otherwise, which falsely or scandalously defames a legislative house or any committee thereof is guilty of an offence.
"Any person who publishes any act or conduct capable of bringing disrepute, disgrace and dishonour to the House, its Committee or any of its members or officials or which in any way impairs or may likely impair the dignity and power of the legislative house would constitute punishable contempt’’
Igbauwa said the action of Hon. Melaye and his group in the Progressives had embarrassed and cast aspersions on the House, ``as a House incapable of resolving itself. But you know we can’’.
He said while the relevant sections of the 1999 Constitution guarantee the freedom of opinion and expression, such must be done within the context of procedure.
"The recent attacks on the speaker and principal officers of this Honourable House on television and the pages of newspapers, have cast serious dent on the image of this House,’’ he said.
Igbauwa moved that for failing to adhere to provisions of Legislative Houses Act and for taking their matter to the public domain with the view to maliciously bring the image of the House into disrepute, all the affected members should be suspended.
The motion, which was seconded by Hon. Garba Matazu (PDP-Katsina) was referred to the Ethics and Privileges Committee.
Meanwhile, there was a brawl between the journalists covering the proceeding and the security agencies at the National Assembly, which nearly marred the plenary session.
Meanwhile, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, yesterday described the actions taken by a group of lawmakers seeking the resignation of Speaker Bankole as anti-parliamentary.
The group, tagged "Progressives"’, had given the Speaker a seven-day ultimatum to resign for alleged corruption.
The Progressives also submitted a petition to the EFCC on Monday.
But Eyiboh (PDP-Akwa Ibom), who briefed newsmen on the suspension of 11 members of the House, said the actions of the lawmakers warranted the indefinite suspension clamped on them.
He said the House took the decision in consonance with the provisions of the Legislative Houses Act of the federation which regulates the conduct of members.
"The action of the House is premised on the motion before the House, ‘’ he said.
Section 24 of the Legislative Houses Act states that any person who publishes any statement, whether in writing or otherwise, which falsely or scandalously defames a legislative house or any committee will face punishment.
It further states that any act or conduct inflicting or capable of bringing disrepute, disgrace and dishonour to the House, its committee or any of its members or officials or which in any way impairs or may impair the dignity and power of the legislative House would constitute punishable contempt.
Rep. Farouk Lawan (PDP-Kano), who described the situation that led to the suspension of the members as unfortunate, said the actions of the affected lawmakers had become a permanent irritation to the House.
Lawan said the members ought to have petitioned the House on the corruption allegation against the Speaker instead of going to the public domain.
On his part, Minority Whip, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila in his reaction to the events said it was unfortunate that the entire show of shame played out in the presence of secondary school students who were at the gallery on excursion to the House.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Soyinka: Nigeria is at a breaking point
PPARENTLY disturbed by the numerous political and economic crises in the country, Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, yesterday told Nigerians that they must be ready to take their destinies in their hands.
Speaking in Lagos during a rally organised by the Save Nigeria Group (SNG) at the Onikan Stadium, Soyinka said Nigeria was at “a breaking point”, and that the people must decide what to do with their future.
He said Nigerians should no longer expect him and a few other activists to continue to risk their lives while they (Nigerians) are lethargic about the way the country is being run by those elected.
Joined by Professor Pat Utomi, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, Bisi Akande, Lt-Gen. Alani Akinrinade (rtd.), Malam Nasir el-Rufai, Dele Momodu, Mr. Femi Falana and Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, among others, Soyinka called on Nigerians to prevail on President Goodluck Jonathan not to use the 2006 voters register to conduct the 2011 general elections.
“Let this be the last time you (Nigerians) will drag me out to talk about voting and election generally; enough of talking, let’s match it with action; don’t bring me out here again to come and tell you to register and vote in any election; enough of talking, just go out there to register and vote.
“It is not enough to sit here and ask for new voters’ registration; we must all insist on how to do it and decide on what to do so that the people in charge of election will listen to you.”
According to him, the register is made up of synthetic names, names of animals and individuals that have long been dead, wondering why such an antiquated record should be used for the 2011 elections.
He described the register as “a condemnable compilation that contains the names of dogs, goats, cows and even dead people. You must decide not to be hoodwinked. You must decide what to do with those who are in charge of the exercise and what you have to carry out in your own behalf and on behalf of your children,” he said.
The Professor of Literature alluded to the post-apartheid era in South Africa, stressing that he would forever recall the elderly Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa dancing on the podium at the United Nations headquarters in New York, the United States.
“Let me remind you about post-apartheid South Africa. There was an incident in the UN that I will never forget. That was Archbishop Desmond Tutu dancing on the podium of the UN. Why was he dancing? He said that at long last and at an age close to 70, he was finally able to vote. When I can vote, that is when I can say that I have fully and completely become a man, a full human being,” Soyinka said, quoting the Archbishop.
On the appointment of Professor Attahiru Jega as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), he said: “My final word is a message to both Professor Jega and the President. I know Jega, I trust him, I believe him, I believe he represents the masses and I want to say to you that the civil society is behind you. I want you to know that the world is watching and the world is behind you because you have excellent credentials.
“I also want to let the President know that the world is behind you in any endeavour in which you strive to restore to the people their right, the fundamental right to express their will of who they want to govern them. The world is also behind the government in this respect but most important of all, we are watching, we are behind them in so far as you move and proceed in the right direction as you carry out the will of the people.
“And when the next government is installed, it should be an elected government; that government will ensure that we do not go backward in our history and one of the ways to do this is to ensure that those who have violated our fundamental human rights to humanity are put in the gallows, they are rigorously punished.
“No punishment is too heavy for those who have violated our constitution and denied our people the right to choose their leaders. We must go back and bring those people to book, not necessarily for vengeance but in the interest of enough is enough and let us say, no further step backward. We must resolve that the long nightmare is over”.
Utomi said it was unfortunate that the contentious register has foreign names like the former Heavy Weight Champion, Mike Tyson, and that of the late Pop Musician, Michael Jackson, adding that the Nigerian economy has remained stagnant for long since the leaders were never elected by Nigerians. He expressed optimism that Nigeria would rise again only if votes count.
Fashola changed the acronym RSVP to Register, Select, Vote and Protect, stressing that it was unacceptable for anybody to say that it is impossible to have a credible register.
“Even if it requires us to stay at home for 10 days to produce a credible voter’s register, we must do it.”
Bakare said it was time for the youth to rule the country, saying: “Our chance has come.”
But, Falana said he was not optimistic that the 2011 election would be credible.
Speaking in Lagos during a rally organised by the Save Nigeria Group (SNG) at the Onikan Stadium, Soyinka said Nigeria was at “a breaking point”, and that the people must decide what to do with their future.
He said Nigerians should no longer expect him and a few other activists to continue to risk their lives while they (Nigerians) are lethargic about the way the country is being run by those elected.
Joined by Professor Pat Utomi, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, Bisi Akande, Lt-Gen. Alani Akinrinade (rtd.), Malam Nasir el-Rufai, Dele Momodu, Mr. Femi Falana and Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, among others, Soyinka called on Nigerians to prevail on President Goodluck Jonathan not to use the 2006 voters register to conduct the 2011 general elections.
“Let this be the last time you (Nigerians) will drag me out to talk about voting and election generally; enough of talking, let’s match it with action; don’t bring me out here again to come and tell you to register and vote in any election; enough of talking, just go out there to register and vote.
“It is not enough to sit here and ask for new voters’ registration; we must all insist on how to do it and decide on what to do so that the people in charge of election will listen to you.”
According to him, the register is made up of synthetic names, names of animals and individuals that have long been dead, wondering why such an antiquated record should be used for the 2011 elections.
He described the register as “a condemnable compilation that contains the names of dogs, goats, cows and even dead people. You must decide not to be hoodwinked. You must decide what to do with those who are in charge of the exercise and what you have to carry out in your own behalf and on behalf of your children,” he said.
The Professor of Literature alluded to the post-apartheid era in South Africa, stressing that he would forever recall the elderly Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa dancing on the podium at the United Nations headquarters in New York, the United States.
“Let me remind you about post-apartheid South Africa. There was an incident in the UN that I will never forget. That was Archbishop Desmond Tutu dancing on the podium of the UN. Why was he dancing? He said that at long last and at an age close to 70, he was finally able to vote. When I can vote, that is when I can say that I have fully and completely become a man, a full human being,” Soyinka said, quoting the Archbishop.
On the appointment of Professor Attahiru Jega as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), he said: “My final word is a message to both Professor Jega and the President. I know Jega, I trust him, I believe him, I believe he represents the masses and I want to say to you that the civil society is behind you. I want you to know that the world is watching and the world is behind you because you have excellent credentials.
“I also want to let the President know that the world is behind you in any endeavour in which you strive to restore to the people their right, the fundamental right to express their will of who they want to govern them. The world is also behind the government in this respect but most important of all, we are watching, we are behind them in so far as you move and proceed in the right direction as you carry out the will of the people.
“And when the next government is installed, it should be an elected government; that government will ensure that we do not go backward in our history and one of the ways to do this is to ensure that those who have violated our fundamental human rights to humanity are put in the gallows, they are rigorously punished.
“No punishment is too heavy for those who have violated our constitution and denied our people the right to choose their leaders. We must go back and bring those people to book, not necessarily for vengeance but in the interest of enough is enough and let us say, no further step backward. We must resolve that the long nightmare is over”.
Utomi said it was unfortunate that the contentious register has foreign names like the former Heavy Weight Champion, Mike Tyson, and that of the late Pop Musician, Michael Jackson, adding that the Nigerian economy has remained stagnant for long since the leaders were never elected by Nigerians. He expressed optimism that Nigeria would rise again only if votes count.
Fashola changed the acronym RSVP to Register, Select, Vote and Protect, stressing that it was unacceptable for anybody to say that it is impossible to have a credible register.
“Even if it requires us to stay at home for 10 days to produce a credible voter’s register, we must do it.”
Bakare said it was time for the youth to rule the country, saying: “Our chance has come.”
But, Falana said he was not optimistic that the 2011 election would be credible.
The sagging sanctity of sanctions
LOOKING back at the age-long diplomacy and quest to checkmate recalcitrant administrations with economic and other curbs instead of military intervention, the catalogue of all regimes of sanctions by the various world peace stabilizing bodies put together present the picture of jinxed efforts. Of course the reason for this is not far-fetched: orthodoxy and disunity or sheer insincerity of the stakeholders. It is sad that world's comity of nations for decades, seemingly, has been trapped in the straight jack sanction vision, and delaying in blending strategies to match the revolutionary pop ups of dire consequences from different axes.
Over the past decades, same paradigms of resolutions have been hawked around each time the need arose to push for restraint by nations whose ambitions, perceived or confirmed, are capable of derailing global peace. Even where there have been attempts for tailed penalties on nations according to their perceived misdeeds, systematic flaws hampered effective implementation, and end up rubbishing the otherwise potent remedy. It is against this backdrop that one can begin to understand why sanctions against deviant nations, no matter the stringent contents, appear to be losing the desired effect.
The United Nations(UN), Commonwealth, and regional blocs such as European Union(EU) and African Union(AU) and Arab League to mention but a few, have each had a bunch of these botched sanction projects. Examples of these failed sanction projects abound across the continents and key regions. For instance, in Middle East, Asia and Africa, there are some regimes which have stood out as test cases of the phenomenal debasement of sanctions as a peace stabilizing tool. Disturbing nuclear driven rows have seen the international community engaging with North Korea and Iran severally but separately, for diplomatic reasoning to forestall a possible military intervention, which before now remained a not too remote option. In Africa, Zimbabwe is a classic example of a regime with an unenviable record of sanctions, but it shed a portion of the heavy burden by quitting The Commonwealth seven years ago.
In a not too surprising show of resentment over the lingering showdown, the world's peace fostering body, the UN, on June 10 slammed the fourth regime of sanctions on Iran still aiming to dissuade the Islamic republic from furthering its atomic weapon adventurism, though Tehran claims that fuel and relief for cancer patients are the utmost targets for now. Among other curb measures, the UN resolution toughens rules on financial transactions with Iranian banks, and increases the number of Iranian individuals and companies targeted with asset freezes and travel bans; and an expanded arms embargo which prohibits Iran from buying heavy weapons such as missiles and helicopters.
Those blacklisted include Iran's Post Bank, Defence Minister Ahmad Vahidi and the air force and missile command of the Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The UN Security Council voted 12:2 in favour to endorsed the fourth round of sanctions on Iran; Brazil and Turkey were against, while Lebanon abstained.
Iran's allies Russia and China, though favoured the UN action had ensured the measures were watered down.
In what smacks of double standards, the new sanctions are not expected to affect the Russian surface-to-air missiles supplies to Iran.
The deal was sealed several years ago when Russia agreed to supply Iran with S-300 systems but has never delivered the weapons.
The US and Israel are concerned the missiles, designed to counter both aircraft and cruise missiles, might be used to protect Iran's nuclear facilities from possible attack.
Following reports that the S-300 deal would have to be frozen, Russian officials clarified that the missiles were not subject to the new sanctions.
[Ahmadinejad]
Ahmadinejad
They pointed out that the new UN Security Council resolution affects only "missiles or missile systems as defined for the purpose of the UN Register of Conventional Arms".
The register states that this "does not include ground-to-air missiles".
In a swift implementation of the UN resolution, the United States, which is at the forefront of latest campaign to smelt Iran off the nuclear ambition, on Wednesday last week expanded its sanctions against the Islamic state.
Washington in announcing the sanctions claimed that the individuals and institutions targeted were helping Iran to develop its nuclear programme.
The US sanctions prohibit any American business or individual from trading with those named on the blacklist. The sanctions also freeze any assets they may have under US jurisdiction.
"We will continue to target Iran's support for terrorist organizations, we will continue to focus on Iran's Revolutionary Guard, and we will continue to expose Iran's efforts to evade international sanctions," U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner told a White House news briefing on Wednesday.
The list also has a front company for the national shipping line, which is run by the Revolutionary Guards. The U.S. has designated 27 new ships and updated entries for 71 others whose names had been changed.
With the designation of Post Bank there are now 16 Iranian banks under sanctions. Post Bank, U.S. authorities say is a front for Bank Sepah, which was designated in 2007 for providing financial services to the Iranian missile industry.
EU leaders follow the U.S.' lead, on Thursday last week, at a summit in Brussels also approved an expanded new set of sanctions against Iran beyond the UN measures. They placed a ban on investments, technical assistance and technology transfers to Iran's key oil and gas industry.
In a statement, the EU leaders regretted “that Iran has not taken the many opportunities which have been offered to it to remove the concerns of the international community over the nature of the Iranian nuclear programme."
Furthermore, EU banned Iran's shipping and air cargo companies from operating in its territory, while target the Revolutionary Guards with new visa refusal and asset freezes.
While three earlier rounds of sanctions failed to halt Iran's programme, the latest UN action has come almost 18 months U.S. President Barack Obama promised a new strategy of engagement with Tehran on assumption of office.
But President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad despite the gag measures has remained undaunted. The physicist turned politician who appears to have become more daring than the tough leaderships in North Korea, Libya, Israel, and Sudan and of cause his latest paddy and Zimbabwean counterpart, Rpbert Mugabe, responded the UN with his characteristic caustic remarks, instead of mellowing. He dismissed the new UN sanctions as a "used handkerchief" fit for the dustbin. But Barack said it is an unmistakable statement, by implication red a alert.
Though the new regime of sanctions aims to put intensive pressure on Iran, world's fifth-largest oil exporter, which has limited refining capability, concern of the vision's derailment has mounted.
Indeed, the foundation of the sanctions is already fast disintegrating even before commencement of implementation. For instance, Beijing which endorsement of the UN sanctions drew Iranian ire, overnight said it "highly" valued its relations with the Islamic republic.
From Turkey, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has damned the new sanctions describing it as a "mistake," Reuters reported.
The big nuclear superpower, Russia which missiles contract with Iran was shielded from sanctions, has openly chided the U.S. and EU for daring to take a decision towards implement the new sanctions.
"We are extremely disappointed that neither the United States nor the European Union is heeding our calls to refrain from such steps," Russian news agencies quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying.
Now, it would appear the focus has shifted significantly from the arguments for and against the perceived Iranian nuclear weaponry vision to sanctions row. From all indications, the sanctions row if not nipped in the bud, could become explosive and shred the UN. Without prejudice, it is really saddening that key players in the UN should descend to such level of clandestinely scuttling restraint pressures, be it on Iran or any other recalcitrant state. Now with one hand these nations have whipped Tehran while offering it carrots with the other. The impetus derivable from the seeming double-standard disposition of these powers that be is the reason why Iran and its likes are bluffing the international community security watchdog. Until, the world’s superpowers sincerely view issues objectively, and agree to put the popular will above all other selfish considerations, the Security Council could as well save humanity the torment of churning out sanctions that may never work, but rather cast a pall on the relevance of the UN.
Over the past decades, same paradigms of resolutions have been hawked around each time the need arose to push for restraint by nations whose ambitions, perceived or confirmed, are capable of derailing global peace. Even where there have been attempts for tailed penalties on nations according to their perceived misdeeds, systematic flaws hampered effective implementation, and end up rubbishing the otherwise potent remedy. It is against this backdrop that one can begin to understand why sanctions against deviant nations, no matter the stringent contents, appear to be losing the desired effect.
The United Nations(UN), Commonwealth, and regional blocs such as European Union(EU) and African Union(AU) and Arab League to mention but a few, have each had a bunch of these botched sanction projects. Examples of these failed sanction projects abound across the continents and key regions. For instance, in Middle East, Asia and Africa, there are some regimes which have stood out as test cases of the phenomenal debasement of sanctions as a peace stabilizing tool. Disturbing nuclear driven rows have seen the international community engaging with North Korea and Iran severally but separately, for diplomatic reasoning to forestall a possible military intervention, which before now remained a not too remote option. In Africa, Zimbabwe is a classic example of a regime with an unenviable record of sanctions, but it shed a portion of the heavy burden by quitting The Commonwealth seven years ago.
In a not too surprising show of resentment over the lingering showdown, the world's peace fostering body, the UN, on June 10 slammed the fourth regime of sanctions on Iran still aiming to dissuade the Islamic republic from furthering its atomic weapon adventurism, though Tehran claims that fuel and relief for cancer patients are the utmost targets for now. Among other curb measures, the UN resolution toughens rules on financial transactions with Iranian banks, and increases the number of Iranian individuals and companies targeted with asset freezes and travel bans; and an expanded arms embargo which prohibits Iran from buying heavy weapons such as missiles and helicopters.
Those blacklisted include Iran's Post Bank, Defence Minister Ahmad Vahidi and the air force and missile command of the Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The UN Security Council voted 12:2 in favour to endorsed the fourth round of sanctions on Iran; Brazil and Turkey were against, while Lebanon abstained.
Iran's allies Russia and China, though favoured the UN action had ensured the measures were watered down.
In what smacks of double standards, the new sanctions are not expected to affect the Russian surface-to-air missiles supplies to Iran.
The deal was sealed several years ago when Russia agreed to supply Iran with S-300 systems but has never delivered the weapons.
The US and Israel are concerned the missiles, designed to counter both aircraft and cruise missiles, might be used to protect Iran's nuclear facilities from possible attack.
Following reports that the S-300 deal would have to be frozen, Russian officials clarified that the missiles were not subject to the new sanctions.
[Ahmadinejad]
Ahmadinejad
They pointed out that the new UN Security Council resolution affects only "missiles or missile systems as defined for the purpose of the UN Register of Conventional Arms".
The register states that this "does not include ground-to-air missiles".
In a swift implementation of the UN resolution, the United States, which is at the forefront of latest campaign to smelt Iran off the nuclear ambition, on Wednesday last week expanded its sanctions against the Islamic state.
Washington in announcing the sanctions claimed that the individuals and institutions targeted were helping Iran to develop its nuclear programme.
The US sanctions prohibit any American business or individual from trading with those named on the blacklist. The sanctions also freeze any assets they may have under US jurisdiction.
"We will continue to target Iran's support for terrorist organizations, we will continue to focus on Iran's Revolutionary Guard, and we will continue to expose Iran's efforts to evade international sanctions," U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner told a White House news briefing on Wednesday.
The list also has a front company for the national shipping line, which is run by the Revolutionary Guards. The U.S. has designated 27 new ships and updated entries for 71 others whose names had been changed.
With the designation of Post Bank there are now 16 Iranian banks under sanctions. Post Bank, U.S. authorities say is a front for Bank Sepah, which was designated in 2007 for providing financial services to the Iranian missile industry.
EU leaders follow the U.S.' lead, on Thursday last week, at a summit in Brussels also approved an expanded new set of sanctions against Iran beyond the UN measures. They placed a ban on investments, technical assistance and technology transfers to Iran's key oil and gas industry.
In a statement, the EU leaders regretted “that Iran has not taken the many opportunities which have been offered to it to remove the concerns of the international community over the nature of the Iranian nuclear programme."
Furthermore, EU banned Iran's shipping and air cargo companies from operating in its territory, while target the Revolutionary Guards with new visa refusal and asset freezes.
While three earlier rounds of sanctions failed to halt Iran's programme, the latest UN action has come almost 18 months U.S. President Barack Obama promised a new strategy of engagement with Tehran on assumption of office.
But President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad despite the gag measures has remained undaunted. The physicist turned politician who appears to have become more daring than the tough leaderships in North Korea, Libya, Israel, and Sudan and of cause his latest paddy and Zimbabwean counterpart, Rpbert Mugabe, responded the UN with his characteristic caustic remarks, instead of mellowing. He dismissed the new UN sanctions as a "used handkerchief" fit for the dustbin. But Barack said it is an unmistakable statement, by implication red a alert.
Though the new regime of sanctions aims to put intensive pressure on Iran, world's fifth-largest oil exporter, which has limited refining capability, concern of the vision's derailment has mounted.
Indeed, the foundation of the sanctions is already fast disintegrating even before commencement of implementation. For instance, Beijing which endorsement of the UN sanctions drew Iranian ire, overnight said it "highly" valued its relations with the Islamic republic.
From Turkey, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has damned the new sanctions describing it as a "mistake," Reuters reported.
The big nuclear superpower, Russia which missiles contract with Iran was shielded from sanctions, has openly chided the U.S. and EU for daring to take a decision towards implement the new sanctions.
"We are extremely disappointed that neither the United States nor the European Union is heeding our calls to refrain from such steps," Russian news agencies quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying.
Now, it would appear the focus has shifted significantly from the arguments for and against the perceived Iranian nuclear weaponry vision to sanctions row. From all indications, the sanctions row if not nipped in the bud, could become explosive and shred the UN. Without prejudice, it is really saddening that key players in the UN should descend to such level of clandestinely scuttling restraint pressures, be it on Iran or any other recalcitrant state. Now with one hand these nations have whipped Tehran while offering it carrots with the other. The impetus derivable from the seeming double-standard disposition of these powers that be is the reason why Iran and its likes are bluffing the international community security watchdog. Until, the world’s superpowers sincerely view issues objectively, and agree to put the popular will above all other selfish considerations, the Security Council could as well save humanity the torment of churning out sanctions that may never work, but rather cast a pall on the relevance of the UN.
Lagerback: Eagles failed to click
uper Eagles Manager, Lars Lagerback has blamed the #team’s ouster from the 2010 South African FIFA World Cup following its inability to beat South Korea yesterday on failed match plan.
The Eagles posted shambolic performances throughout the tournament where they only win a point following two defeats to Argentina and Greece. But Lagerback believed the team would have qualified for the knockout stages had the team been more fortunate.
Addressing the media after the Super Eagles’ stalemated outing against South Korea in Durban, Lagerback said, “It is just unfortunate that the team failed to click. Our match plan did not work out and that has stopped us from winning our matches at the World Cup.”
The Swede however commended the players for their performance at the mundial saying, “The boys played reasonably well but we are unfortunate not to win and qualify for the second round.”
The Eagles posted shambolic performances throughout the tournament where they only win a point following two defeats to Argentina and Greece. But Lagerback believed the team would have qualified for the knockout stages had the team been more fortunate.
Addressing the media after the Super Eagles’ stalemated outing against South Korea in Durban, Lagerback said, “It is just unfortunate that the team failed to click. Our match plan did not work out and that has stopped us from winning our matches at the World Cup.”
The Swede however commended the players for their performance at the mundial saying, “The boys played reasonably well but we are unfortunate not to win and qualify for the second round.”
Monday, February 22, 2010
Battle For Top Four Finish:Liverpool Battle Manchester City As Rooney Returns To Goodison Park To Face Everton
Wayne Rooney returns to Goodison Park as Manchester United meet Everton while the battle for a top-four finish intensifies when Manchester City lock horns with Liverpool.
Elsewhere, Sunderland aim for a second win over Arsenal this season and their first since November, league leaders Chelsea make the trip to Molineux, bottom-of-the-table Portsmouth entertain Stoke City while Wigan Athletic hope to avoid a repeat of their 9-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur earlier this campaign.
Everton will be wary of Manchester United striker Rooney, who is arguably in the form of his life. The striker, who left Merseyside for United in 2004, scored his 24th and 25th goals of the season in the UEFA Champions League win over AC Milan during midweek as he surpassed his personal strike record for a term. The lunchtime encounter, which can be seen live on Sky Sports HD1 & 1, offers the Red Devils the chance to leapfrog the pace-setters, Chelsea, who play at 3pm. Victory for the Toffees would only lift them one place to eighth, but it would extend a run that has seen them lose just once in their last 11 games.
Arsenal go head-to-head with out-of-form Sunderland. Perhaps the main quandary for manager Arsene Wenger, whose side remain just about in the title race, is his decision of choosing which goalkeeper. Lukasz Fabianski dropped the ball on Wednesday, literally. It was a chance for the Pole to shine in the absence of Manuel Almunia, who too has had a shocker of a campaign.
Now Wenger is faced with the arguable plight that is deciding on the lesser of two evils. For Sunderland, there is some hope. Whilst they have not won in 12 matches, their last victory was against Arsenal. Their increasing woe is that just three points separate them from the drop zone.
West Ham United face a relegation six-pointer with Hull City at Upton Park. Both sides are level on points in the table, with the Hammers' better goal difference keeping them two places apart in 15th and 17th. West Ham earned their first league triumph in six attempts last time out, and Zola will be eager to record the club's first back-to-back wins of the current campaign. Away from the KC Stadium, where Hull have impressed of late, the Tigers have been very poor. Indeed, Phil Brown's charges have not yet won on their travels in the 2009/10 term, with a lack of firepower at the root of their problems.
Wolverhampton Wanderers are in action against Chelsea, with all eyes on Mick McCarthy's team sheet. McCarthy's rotation at Old Trafford has since led to intrigue into which side is named for clashes against the so-called bigger clubs. But perhaps his mind will have been made up from now on, after Wolves were handed a suspended fine of £25,000 for the aforementioned incident on Thursday by the Premier League.
While Wolves received a good hiding when they met Chelsea earlier this season, surely McCarthy has some optimism, especially after his team beat Spurs in their last match. Furthermore, Chelsea have not travelled at all well this term. Indeed, the Blues have won only one of their last six top-flight away games.
Portsmouth's season of drama took its latest twist this week after they handed over their financial statement of affairs to the High Court before requesting they be allowed to sell players outside of the transfer window in a bid to raise cash. Focus now returns to matters on the field, where they play Stoke at Fratton Park on Saturday evening.
It has now got to the point whereby every match is a must-win scenario for Pompey, who sit at the foot of the table and eight points adrift of safety. The Potters have been ropey on the road, and Portsmouth may take heart from this. Stoke head into the match having found the net only once in their last six Premier League away matches, although they have yet to lose this decade.
Blackburn Rovers versus Bolton Wanderers sees Sam Allardyce lock horns with his former club. It is quite the turnaround for the Trotters in terms of leadership and ethos, with Allardyce's long-ball style ousted in the hope that new boss Owen Coyle will bring a more footballing ethos to the club. Nonetheless, Blackburn, having won three of their last five, are positioned 12th in the standings, compared to 18th-placed Bolton, who drew with Wigan on Wednesday. Coyle's main concern is likely to be the lack of attacking threat his side are currently posing.
The Trotters have failed to score in their last four Premier League matches.
Confusion Over Nigeria-Paraguay Friendly
Confusion reigns over Nigeria's proposed friendly with Paraguay on March 3, with the Super Eagles insisting the game is on, but the South Americans having none of it!
The match was scheduled to be played in London at The Valley, the home of English third-tier club Charlton Athletic, and Nigeria insist all documentation has been signed.
But the BBC reports that the Paraguayans say that talks have broken down, and that they will be playing Spanish La Liga side Athletic Bilbao instead.
Two other African sides will be in London on March 3 as Egypt take on England and Cote d'Ivoire play South Korea
Confusion Over Nigeria-Paraguay Friendly
Confusion reigns over Nigeria's proposed friendly with Paraguay on March 3, with the Super Eagles insisting the game is on, but the South Americans having none of it!
The match was scheduled to be played in London at The Valley, the home of English third-tier club Charlton Athletic, and Nigeria insist all documentation has been signed.
But the BBC reports that the Paraguayans say that talks have broken down, and that they will be playing Spanish La Liga side Athletic Bilbao instead.
Two other African sides will be in London on March 3 as Egypt take on England and Cote d'Ivoire play South Korea
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