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May 2008 Vol. 27 No. 455 Brazil’s president is limited to two four-year terms and the incumbent has given no indication that he would make an exception for himself. Last month, he said that he has not given any thought to who would succeed him in 2009. Now a group of legislators of the governing Workers’ Party (PT) are talking about a third term which has drawn a sharp rebuttal from the president of the Superior Election Tribunal (TSE) on 11 April who said that Brazil needs public men who observe the law. Not every official in the People’s Republic belongs to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) which should not lead to the assumption that non-communists occupy powerful positions or are accorded extraordinary influence. Nevertheless, government and party lately are stressing the presence of those who hold responsible jobs at different levels and who are not party members. There are more than 31,000 non-communists working as officials at or above the county level, including some 6,000 in government and judicial bodies, reported the People’s Daily on 12 April. At the provincial level, 205 non-communists hold positions of vice governor or vice chairman of provincial People’s Congress Standing Committees. Over half of them were elected earlier this year. The perception from the French presidency places the head of state Nicolas Sarkozy at the top of the government leaving his Prime Minister François Fillon to take care of details, except for occasional presidential interest in the nitty-gritty of diplomacy, education and the like. The prime minister’s job is also to keep the administration running and the ministers in line. Lately, the latter has not been easy and even National Assembly members of the governing Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) and the UMP itself have gone off in different directions on courts, juveniles, neighborhoods, the Olympic Games, railroad family discounts, schools and others. So, on 15 April, at the beginning of the customary Wednesday cabinet meeting, i.e. the Council of Ministers, the president opened with an appeal or what appeared to be a call to order to his ministers, the government, and the party: He demanded loyalty, solidarity, the “need to have a well-bonded team around him and the government.” While the main opposition and national Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is sensing victory at India’s polls next year, the political future of the son of Sonia Gandhi, leader of the governing Indian National Congress (INC), briefly reappeared in April. Rahul Gandhi (born 19 June 1970) is being talked about by some Congress leaders as future prime minister but on 26 April he made it clear that Manmohan Singh is his leader. Not surprisingly, while respecting her son’s stand, Ms. Gandhi has taken strong issue with the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), who started a campaign to become the next prime minister. Although she was elected with the help of Congress, the UP government is now being blamed for not providing enough aid to poor people in her state. Before the cabinet reshuffle in April, Rahul Gandhi was offered a ministerial position—his mother would have liked him to be in government—but he turned it down since he is already serving as General Secretary of the party with responsibility for the Youth Congress and the National Student Union (NSU). The BJP which calls him “yuvraj” or prince, a term he finds insulting, says the self-denial of the son to turn down a ministerial position is nothing but an attempt to build up his image. Although named presidential adviser before being dismissed as Iran’s Minister of Economic Affairs & Finance, Davud Danesh-Jafari, took the opportunity on 23 April, his last day in office, to speak about the country’s chief economic problems of high inflation and unemployment. He blamed the president for not listening to the experts and lowering interest rates. Earlier, the president had apologized for the economic conditions but blamed Finance Ministry and Central Bank for not carrying out his government’s instructions. He also said officials and corruption were responsible for the problems. Cabinet and defense changes in Japan are not imminent. The prime minister on 26 April ruled out any cabinet change before the Group of Eight summit although there is pressure to boost his public acceptance. Likewise there is considerable opposition within the newly designated Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) of the minister’s reported plan to assume direct command of the SDF. A draft plan on reorganizing defense will be presented to a government panel, reported The Japan Times on 9 April. Its main feature would remove the head of the Joint Staff Office, i.e., the military staff, and the commanders of the three SDF branches from the chain of command, and make them assistants of the minister. Newly independent Kosovo will proclaim its new constitution on 15 June. The Assembly unanimously approved the draft on 9 April. The document of 40 chapters and 160 articles defines the nation as a parliamentary secular republic and “an independent, sovereign, democratic, unique, and indivisible state.” It will be headed by the president with highest powers who will also be the commander in chief of a future army. Official languages are Albanian and Serbian. It has become customary in some African countries to prevent candidates for high office, especially those who have served before, by accusing them of corruption or question their citizenship. Without prejudging the case of Malawi’s Bakili Muluzi (born 17 March 1943) whose charges for corruption and fraud were dropped before, his intent to enter the next presidential race prompted authorities to say just a week later that he would be prosecuted for diverting donor funds. Muluzi served two five-year terms as President from 21 May 1994-20 May 2004. On 24 April, the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) nominated him candidate for the presidential elections in 2009. Another complication may be the two-term ban although it is supposed to apply to consecutive terms The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) (CPN-M) gained the greatest number of the 601 seats in the Constitutional Assembly on 10 April but not a majority. The Assembly is to draft the kingdom’s next constitution but nevertheless the leader of CPN-M is saying that he would lead the next government. Since the constitutional body does not elect the president, Prachanda (born 11 December 1954) is premature in his announcement. But he is on track to fulfill his goal to make the country a republic next month. The king who has been asked by the CPN-M to step down voluntarily and go into exile, rejected such demands on 21 April although the Maoists have threatened him with a trial and severe sentence. Turkey’s Republican People’s Party (CHP) and its allies in the military are quick to take offense when they feel that the state or “Turkishness” do not receive deference but when it comes to the choice of the voters, a president or a government that is not theirs, discourtesy seems to be acceptable. This happened at the reception for the newly inaugurated president and now on 23 April on the occasion of the National Sovereignty and Children’s Day. The president invited political party leaders to help ease tension but Deniz Baykal, CHP leader refused to meet with president or prime minister. Likewise, a parliamentary reception on the following day was also boycotted by Baykal and the top military leaders.
viewing the world Probably the overriding issue of concern in April was the awareness of a growing global food crisis, coupled with galloping speculation on the price of rice and the rising price of gasoline. Rice suddenly became scarce because of growing demand and curbing of exports to prevent domestic protests by China, India, Japan, and Vietnam. Most importantly, the shortage of grain causes not only thousands of people to starve but also could push millions of people deeper into poverty. That in turn will also have political and security implications, the UN Secretary General warned on 14 April. Some 33 countries around the world face potential social unrest because of the acute hike in food and energy prices, estimates the World Bank. To further complicate matters, ballooning population and immigration further cut into available food stockpiles. According to the Director of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) this can stoke extremism and civil unrest, especially in the world’s most fragile states in Africa. While the US Administration is dead set against talking to opponents, two voices of reason arose from the United Kingdom. The former chief of staff of the former British prime minister told the Guardian daily that ultimately a political solution would need to be developed with al-Qa’ida and said there should be talks with the Islamic Resistance Movement (HAMAS). The Secretary of State for Defence said on 29 March that the UK should talk to elements of the Taliban militia to win them over. Representatives of China and Tibet talked and agreed to meet again but neither has unrest in Tibet stopped—new fighting was reported on 5 April--nor Beijing’s vilification of the Dalai Lama. The US president has ruled out further drawdown of troops in Iraq on 11 April while the Iraqi government and the main Sunni political bloc continue arguing about returning to the government. On 24 April, there was agreement but by month’s end the outcome had become less certain. The newly elected president of the Republic of Korea announced on 17 April that he was planning to reach out to the northern state. Ukraine’s prime minister asked the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on 16 April to recognize the famine in 1932-1933 as an act of genocide perpetrated by the Soviet government. Russia has repeatedly rejected such characterization and noted that Russia too suffered from famine as a result of the ordered completion of collectivization of individual agriculture in January 1930. Political rights and civil liberties were set back in 2007 Any survey of the progress of liberty in these troubled times remains skewed. Even governments in the free world are resorting to measures to fight extremist militants which are at best applied arbitrarily, especially against Arabs and Muslims, and often clash with democratic values and international law. In some states of the not-so-free world, application of these measures is even worse. The year 2007 was marked by a notable setback for political rights and civil liberties, reflected in reversals in one-fifth of the world’s countries. Most pronounced in South Asia, it also reached significant levels in the former Soviet Union, the Middle East and North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa, reported Freedom House of Washington in its annual survey*. A substantial number of politically important countries whose declines have broad regional and global implications—including Russia, Pakistan, Kenya, Egypt, Nigeria, and Venezuela—were affected. The number of electoral democracies dropped by two and totals 121. One country, Mauritania, qualified to join the world’s electoral democracies in 2007. Developments in three countries—Philippines, Bangladesh and Kenya—disqualified them from the electoral democracy list. The not-for-profit research and advocacy organization, reports that in 2008 the scores of 33 countries declined while only 18 improved: 90 (90) countries were judged free, accounting for nearly half of the world’s population. Those judged partly free number 60 (58), while about 36 percent of the world’s population live in not free countries—43 (45). About one-half of those in last group inhabit one country: China. (2007 findings are shown in parentheses). Countries receiving the lowest rating for lack of political rights or civil liberties comprise the following: Belarus, Burma, Chad, China, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ivory Coast, Korea (PDRK), Laos, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe. Except for Chad and Tunisia, the list is the same as last year’s. *Freedom in the World 2008, Washington DC: Freedom House, January 2008.
Australia looks to the future with huge ‘brain trust’ The government took a bold and unusual step to gather innovative ideas and to involve the public. On 19-20 April, the “best and brightest” 1,000 Australians were invited to Australia 2020 in the Great Hall in Sydney for a brainstorming session. Food for the session were some 9,000 e-mail messages from citizens across the continent carrying ideas, suggestions as well as some unusual or trivial remarks. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd who had extended the invitations did not promise that every submission would be taken up or every idea accepted. “If we get a dozen or so good ideas for the future out of this, it will be a weekend well spent,” he said. While the break with the British monarchy reappeared again, it is not at the top of the agenda but there is a notion that it is inevitable. Dealing with discrimination against Aborigines is one of the long-term challenges confronting Australia, as are alcohol and health, drought and rural communities. The summit was not entirely free-wheeling but was organized into 10 so-called streams or themes which were co-chaired by 11 community and 10 ministerial co-chairs:
Soon after the discussions, an initial summit report was issued but the final summary is not expected before the end of the year. Not every idea will see acceptance but the organizers say that the discussions over the weekend should not be the conclusion of the national conversation that has begun to develop over the past 10 weeks, but rather a stimulus to engage an even larger number of Australians on the questions that were debated. updates significant events April United Nations (UN): The Secretary General asked members to support proposals to reform management (8). Delegates from 162 countries, attending the Bangkok Climate Change Talks 2008 within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC), agreed on a timetable for post-Kyoto Agreement (4). The Security Council approved Resolution 1810 extending the so-called 1540 Committee to halt proliferation of weapons of mass destruction until 25 April 2011 (25). Americas: Presidents of Bolivia, Nicaragua, Venezuela and the vice president of Cuba held an emergency meeting in Caracas to discuss demands by Bolivian departments, especially Santa Cruz, for autonomy (23). Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSECO): The United Kingdom was granted observer status (17). Central Asia: Presidents of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan decided to create a free trade zone (23). European Union (EU): The EU Council decided to extend sanctions against the leadership of Belarus for another year (8). North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO): Albania and Croatia were invited to join the organization and Macedonia will be admitted as soon its dispute with Greece over its name is resolved (The Greek foreign minister had said on 31 March that Greece would veto the membership unless Macedonia changed its name). A petition in Croatia to hold a referendum on NATO membership failed to obtain needed signatures (14). Assembled heads of state agreed that Georgia and Ukraine will become members. (3) NATO approved a vision for its engagement in Afghanistan, guided by four principles: long-term commitment; support for Afghan leadership; bringing together civilian and military efforts; and increased cooperation and engagement with Afghanistan’s neighbors, especially Pakistan (03). China: The vice president and the vice president of Taiwan met at the Boao Forum for Asia and held a brief talk, the first such high-level contact since 1949 (12). Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO): The admission of Iran which has observer status may be decided at the next summit meeting in August, the SCO Secretary General said. Pakistan, another state with observer status, is also interested in joining (15). Australia: Under an agreement with the United Nations, control of the continental shelf was expanded by nearly one million square miles, the Australian resources minister announced (21). Austria: The legislature, the National Council, ratified the European Union Treaty of Lisbon (10) and was followed by the Federal Council against the opposition from two parties (24).. Belarus: The government expelled 10 members of the US Embassy in Minsk (3). It repeated its call for a reduction of staff (23). China: The state archives published historical records giving “indisputable” proof of Chinese central rule of Tibet since 1271 (Yuan Dynasty) (7). Czech Republic: The foreign minister has called for recognition of Kosovo, supported by the prime minister, but the president postponed a decision (2). The Senate decided to refer the European Union Treaty of Lisbon to the Constitutional Court for review before proceeding with legislative ratification (24). Denmark: Parliament ratified the European Union Treaty of Lisbon by a vote of 90 against 23 (24). Ecuador: The Constitutional Assembly approved the government’s decree of revoking 3,100 of 4,112 mining concessions and some 1,200 requests (18). Egypt: The opening of an embassy in Baghdad was delayed until there is better security, it was announced (19). Ethiopia: Diplomatic relations with Qatar were cut because of the amirate’s alleged strong ties with opposition groups and militants in Somalia (21). Georgia-South Ossetia: The disputed territory opened an embassy in the capital of the other disputed entity of Georgia, Abkhazia (15). Germany: The Bundestag ratified the European Union Treaty of Lisbon by a vote of 514 against 58 and one abstention (24). Kosovo: UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) prohibited Serbia from holding communal elections in Kosovo (11). Slovakia’s foreign minister repeated his country’s opposition to extend diplomatic recognition of the newly independent country (22). Burkina Faso and Nauru recognized Kosovo which now has diplomatic relations with 30 states (24). Korea (DPRK): South Korea is threatened with war after its military chief said it would attack nuclear installations in the North if the DPRK should try to attack with nuclear arms (3). Moldova: President met the leader of disputed Transdniester for the first time since 2001 and both agreed on the need to restart peace talks (11). Nepal: The leader of the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (CPN-M) said the king must abandon the palace in the capital or he would be “punished.” (4). Poland: The Diet ratified the European Union Treaty of Lisbon by 384 against 56 votes (1). Portugal: The Assembly of the Republic ratified the European Union Treaty of Lisbon (23). Russia: The president said Russia will support Abkhazia and South Ossetia (3). Geologists announced they would prove that the Sea of Okhotsk central enclave and other parts are Russian territory (7). The foreign minister said Russia will do everything to prevent Georgia and Ukraine from becoming NATO members (8). The United States of America urged Russia to abandon plans to strengthen ties with the two territories (18). The trade embargo against Georgia will be ended, it was announced (18). A first deputy minister said that the legal recognition of the country’s rights to the continental shelf in the Arctic is as important as the economic aspect (18). Serbia: After the prime minister had rejected the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) with the European Union (EU) unless the EU would declare that Kosovo is a part of Serbia (16), the president signed the agreement in Luxembourg (29). Slovakia: The legislature, the National Council, ratified the European Union Treaty of Lisbon by 103 of 109 members attending (10). Turkey: The High Criminal Court in the capital of Diyarbakir province convicted all but three of 56 mayors for praising the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in a letter to Denmark’s prime minister. A three-month prison sentence was lowered to a fine for good behavior. All but two of the majors belong to the Democratic Society Party (DTP) (16). Ukraine: The legislature, the Supreme Council, ratified the accession protocol to the World Trade Organization (WTO) by a vote of 411 of 450 (10). new government leaders Armenia: Serzh Azali Sarkisyan, President on 9 April. Armenia: Tigran Sarkisyan, Prime Minister on 9 April. Australia: Ms. Quentin Alice Louise Bryce, named Governor General, on 13 April. Bhutan: Lyonpo Jigme Thinley, Prime Minister, on 9 April. Botswana: Vice President Seretse Khama Ian Khama, President, on 1 April Botswana: (Lieutenant General) Mompati Sebogodi Merafhe, Vice President, on 1 April. Chad: Youssouf Saleh Abbas , Prime Minister, on 16 April.
Czech Republic: Jiri Cunek, Deputy Prime Minister, on 2 April. Haiti: Ericq Pierre, Prime Minister, on 27 April. Kenya: Raila Amolo Odinga, Prime Minister (new position), on 17 April. Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, Deputy Prime Minister, on 13 April. Wycliffe Musalia Mudavadi, Deputy Prime Minister, on 13 April. San Marino: Ms. Rosa Zafferani and Federico Pedini Amati, Captains Regent, on 1 April.
bio briefs info Calendar: Turkmenistan returned the names of months and days to international standards on 24 April after the president abolished the calendar renamed by his predecessor. literature Surveys and Documentation: Government and Leader Changes China: State Council of Wen Jiabao, 2nd Term (Issue contains 24 pages.) |