OUR REACTION TO SO-CALLED DR. HENRY LARTEY’S ALLEGATIONS

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Goodmorning Ladies and Gentlemen

Thank you for honouring our invitation to set the record straight.

If you will recall, we made a press release just last week to declare our support for the Progressive People’s Party-PPP but this has received needless foul language from Henry Lartey, the late Dan Lartey’s son on several media platforms. We want to remind Ghanaians that all the accusations made by Henry Lartey are unfounded, without foundation and a waste of time.

We want to put on record that since 1998, Alhassan Saeed and Gilbert Barnor together with several other GCPP National Executives served the late Dan Lartey and the GCPP with all our heart as we were accordingly elected as National Education Secretary and National 2nd Vice Chairman respectively at Ho.

In the year 2004, when we all decided to go to congress, the late Dan Lartey decided to select people from the Kokomba market in Accra to represent the Northern Region. I was the same person who objected to that wrong move by Dan Lartey. In that very year, we organized a fund raising activity at La Palm Beach Hotel and the money realized from that event was eventually stolen by Henry Lartey according to what Dan Lartey told us. As a result of this, we could not hold any congress in 2004 because the money meant for the congress was in the unlawful custody of Henry Lartey. I took the case to court and the court placed an injunction on the party.

We are not ashamed to say that in 2008 when the GCPP decided to hold its congress in Kumasi, we had left the party but, even at that congress, the electoral commission did not recognize the congress due to the poor organizational work that preceded the congress.

We want to inform Ghanaians that Mr. Dan Lartey could not contest the 2008 elections due to the frustration he experienced from Ali Adam, who squandered the Ghc 5,000,000 old cedis (Ghc500 new cedis) which was meant to transport him to all the regions to collect signatures from all the districts to facilitate Mr Dan Lartey’s bid as presidential candidate.

The late Dan Lartey invited Alhassan Saeed, Gilbert Barnor, together with Edward Lajagla (running mate), Richard Holzdze (Organizing Secretary) and Mrs Ansarikta Sulemana (Acting National Women Organizer) to help reorganize the party to regain its lost notoriety.

Four weeks after we re-joined the GCPP, Mr Dan Lartey died, but just after his death, Henry Lartey surfaced, fighting everybody by imposing himself as chairman and Leader with the view that the GCPP is his father’s party thereby defying the caution made to them by Mr. Sarfo Kantanka of Electoral Commission that political parties are not inheritance and that one man does not run a party. This brought about the fall out between Henry Lartey, Thompson, Ali and his group.

Ladies and Gentlemen, as elders of the party, we advised Henry Lartey several times to allow due process to prevail but he objected and still wanted to impose himself on us as the chairman and leader of GCPP. Similarly, there were accusations and counter accusations of stolen money President Kufour donated to the party during the funeral of the late Dan Lartey. A decision was reached as advised by Mr. Sarfo Kantanka to constitute an interim committee which the GCPP constitution allows and copies of the names of the interim executives were distributed to the EC, IEA, GNA whiles the Daily Graphic also published it.

When the interim executives were constituted, Mr. Alhassan Saeed was made the Acting General Secretary, Mr. Gilbert Barnor as Acting National 1st Vice Chairman while Henry Lartey was made the Acting Chairman but because of greed, Henry wanted to be seen as the leader and this was rejected. Per the GCPP Constitution, Ali Adam is only a member and not the General Secretary of GCPP as Henry Lartey wants Ghanaians to believe.

In the first place, Ali Adam and Thompson did not want to be part of the interim National Executives, they claim they were elected in Kumasi and should be respected regardless of the fact that the electoral commission did not recognize their position.

When we started serious grassroot activity, it paved way for the maiden Inauguration of Interim Regional Executives at Takoradi and Pastor Harry Mettle, Mr Alhassan Saeed, Henry Lartey, Mr Gilbert Barnor as well as media houses like Metro Tv, Tv3, Tv Africa, Skyyfm were all present. We were mortified at Takoradi when after the inauguration, Mr Henry Lartey could not pay for the food which was provided and it had to take the effort of Pastor Mettle and Mr. Gilbert Barnor to save the situation.

Ladies and Gentlemen, who is counterfeit at this juncture?

We organized a meeting at Osu Clottey in the year 2010 where we supplied Jersey and Footballs to the youth in the Osu community. I, Alhassan Saeed addressed the gathering as the Acting General Secretary of GCPP in the presence of Henry Lartey, Acting Chairman and Mr Gilbert Barnor, Actiing National 1st Vice Chairman. Were we imposters of GCPP at this function?

Ladies and Gentlemen, if there is anybody who is morally bankrupt, an imposter, charlatan and a pathological liar, it is Henry Lartey and no one else. Henry Lartey should tell us what he was doing when he was in London? We are challenging Henry Lartey to provide evidence to Ghanaians that he has a degree, masters degree and a Ph.D. Which institution did Henry Lartey acquire those qualifications?

As for the Kofi Wayo allegations, the least said about it the better. All the allegations are unfounded and it is simply an attempt to deceive the Ghanaian public. Kofi Wayo is only a talkative and not a politician. The good people of Ghana know Kofi Wayo better that man better than any of us. Ghanaians should treat all the allegations made by Henry Lartey with disdain. Henry Lartey is a confused opportunistic selfish individual who is seeking to sell the GCPP to the highest political party. We are not interested in such move.

We want to reiterate that we have defected from the GCPP to the PPP with clear conscience and our decision has become necessary because we want to be part of the newly and yet to be outdoored Progressive People’s Party (PPP), which is currently the only political party in Ghana whose thinking is in line with the domestication concept of the GCPP which is about using the purchasing power of the state to ensure that we eat what we grow and use what we produce in Ghana.

We are interested in a political party which believes in inclusiveness and inclusiveness does not only mean serving in government. More importantly, it means providing equal opportunity to all Ghanaians without regard to political, ethnic or religious affiliation. We encourage Ghanaians to embrace the idea that individuals from different political parties must work together for the benefit of all Ghanaians. If we do not, political parties will continue to be stores for their party members alone as opposed to change agents for all Ghanaians.

We are by this defection, appealing to all GCPP sympathizers’, our friends and some of our members who believe in us as their leaders to join hands with the Progressive People’s Party.

AWAKE ALL PROGRESSIVES

Long Live the Progressive People’s Party

Long Live Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom

Long Live Ghana

 

Spokespersons:

Alhassan Saeed – GCPP AG. General Sec.

0208914411/0241272298

Gilbert Barnor – GCPP 1st National Vice Chairman

0248535423

Politics: Could Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo’s daughter Lawyer Adwoa Safo become Ghana’s first female President?

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“I am aware of the grave sacrifice and courage involved in electing me as the Parliamentary Candidate of the Constituency and I sincerely appreciate the efforts of all and sundry…… However this is merely the beginning of the struggle that must continue into Next Year – 2012, when the Parliamentary and Presidential Elections will take place…. I have noted the growth in participation by the public in such political activities. I intend to boost our public information and education programmes so that the constituents engagement in this struggle for democracy, good governance, development and progress will strengthen in the constituency.   At the end of the day, success will be for the NPP.”  
Lawyer Adwoa Safo 

A beautiful young mother and lawyer and the NPP parliamentary candidate for Dome-Kwabenya, -Lawyer Adwoa Safo is a tour de force -and Ghana Rising is watching. As you all know, I find Ghanaian politics very disappointing, thus don’t support any party in particular -but I’m watching this lady and hope she stays true to her words with regards to the promises made to the people of Dome-Kwabenya …-and who knows, -maybe Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo’s daughter, Lawyer Adwoa Safo -may yet become Ghana’s first female President? 

You can read all about Lawyer Adwoa Safo’s political happenings via her website at:http://adwoasafo4domekwabenya.com/index.html
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adwoa-Safo-for-Dome-Kwabenya-MP/150728161653232?v=info

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Apostle Kwadwo Safo kantanka -God’s Inventor gives hope and employment to the people of Ghana…

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If all I’m reading about Kwadwo Safo kantanka is true -then he is probably the greatest Ghanaian -that ever lived!! I can’t believe what I’m seeing above!!! Is it possible that if we [Ghana] get behind this man…can …build our own cars and aeroplanes etc? 

The thing is……past experiences have unfortunately left me feeling that Ghanaians -no ,make that African …men and women (of God) don’t really care about people, never mind their own (mostly poor) congregation etc and certainly never do much to help trhem apart from collecting their monies… but Kwadwo Safo kantanka (my goodness) is bucking this trend and is actually helping.. He’s not only an inventor (see above clips), investor or teacher but has founded numerous businesses as a means of helping people and his congregation. He also appears to be a fun and loving eccentric -my favourite kind of people!!!! But mostly, he helps and gives to the poor, providing work, medicine and places of learning especially with regards to science etc …I don’t know why but he and his various organizations -have left me speechless and quiet emotional!!!!!!! 

I can’t believe that after years of reading about caring foreigners who set up various NGO’s and children‘s homes, and the numerous young students from abroad who volunteer at said places in Ghana etc —-its only now that I‘m I reading about a Ghanaians doing the same… thus, we must celebrate him and encourage others to do the same… 

The following are just a few of the businesses founded by Kwadwo Safo kantanka as a means of helping his people and his congregation: 

Safo Nyame Coldstore Limited 
Safo Nyame Coldstore Limited is a dealer in frozen food in Ghana. Established in 1999 with a workforce of 5, and resgistered as a limited liability company in 2007, under the Ghana company registration law with registration number CA-33407, the company has grown tremendously over the years and has become the main supply hub of frozen food within the Ashanti regions and the northen part of Ghana. It currently has a total workforce of 70 personnel.

With the existing 2,000 metric tons storage facility plus 4,000 tons expandable area, Safo Nyame Cold Store has the capacity to supply frozen meat products to the ever increasing population in Kumasi and the northern sector of the country.

We have a number of refrigerated chambers which are constructed under very hygienic subscturcural conditions and that have enabled our storage room to chill, freeze and store any perishable product. 

Our location, Asafo Market, is in the heart of the Garden City, Kumasi, and it is accessible by road to all walks of life in the metropolis. The facility is on a terrain of good erosion resistance without problem of surface water run, good supply of portable and industrial water, electricity and drainage facilities. We have a robust standby generator which takes care of our electricity needs in case of power cut.

We have taken into accounts the general operations of our cold rooms with particular attention to the storage requirements of our products, rules for loading, maintenance and hygiene, and the running and maintenance of the refrigeration equipment. As well, the local availability of labour (technical personnel, skilled labour for maintenance and general labourers) has contributed to the successful running, maintenance and expansion of our business and this has made Safo Nyame Cold Store the best in the frozen food industry in the metropolis.

We deal in fish, chicken, cow meat, mutton, pork and other frozen food products. We do import these products from other countries and have agents at the Tema Fishing Harbour who supply us constantly with our products.

We operate both retail and wholesale sales and have a wide clientele base in the metropolis. We have efficient management and stock control system that allows loading and unloading operation to be obviously recorded on the control table including all relevant data. Forklifts are used in loading and unloading pallets and refrigerated distribution trucks are always available for our clients.

We do care about the environment as we do our best to remain cognizance to the environmental imperatives of our operations. Our cold chambers are kept in a strictly hygienic condition to avoid microbial invasion. We maintain hygiene before and after storage, during transport and distribution. Transports over long distances are carried in refrigerated vehicles which are cleaned and disinfected after every day’s duty.

For purchases and any other information contact:
SAFO NYAME COLD STORE 
Plot No. 36, Asafo Market, Kumasi
Box T178, Old-Tafo, Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana
Tel / Fax: +233 322 083 313
Mobile: +233 244 831 939

Email: [email protected]
[email protected]

The Great Kosa Clinic 
The Great Kosa Clinic was established in 1987 to respond to the health needs of the society and to treat common diseases using African healing methods and traditions in a modern clinical environment.

Apostle Safo School of Arts and Sciences 
Apostle Safo School of Arts and Sciences (GREAT ASSAS) was established to provide excellent education with achievable outcome to the community. ASSAS in patrnership with parents and the community, is dedicated to educating students from a variety of backgrounds through the collaboration of highly qualified teachers, rigorous data-driven instruction and student-centered activities. These initiatives enable students to acquire knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in an ever-challenging society in a safe and orderly environment and a climate of high expectations. 

You can read more about the impressive Kwadwo Safo kantanka -God’s inventor by visiting his website at: http://www.kantanka.com/

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Perpetrators of �heinous’ attacks in Nigeria must be brought to justice – Security Council

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Security Council in session. UN Photo/Ryan Brown

The Security Council has strongly condemned the multiple terrorist attacks that occurred in Kano, Nigeria, in recent days, causing numerous deaths and injuries, and underlined the need to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The 15-member body expressed its deep sympathy and condolences to the victims of these ?heinous crimes? and their families, and to the people and Government of Nigeria, in a statement issued to the press last night.

Multiple attacks across Kano last week resulted in large-scale casualties and massive destruction to property, with media reports saying that some 150 people were killed during a series of explosions targeting police buildings and immigration centMultiple attacks across Kano last week resulted in large-scale casualties and massive destruction to property, with media reports saying that some 150 people were killed during a series of explosions.res around the northern city.

?The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of its motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed, and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group,? said the statement.

?The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism to justice, and urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with the Nigerian authorities in this regard.?

By: UN

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UN official calls for mechanism to address problems facing Africa’s Sahel region

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Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs B. Lynn Pascoe. UN Photo/Evan Schneider

The United Nations political chief today called for the establishment of a mechanism to address the myriad challenges facing countries in West Africa?s Sahel region, which, he said, include a humanitarian crisis, lack of socio-economic development, insecurity and the threat of terrorism.

?To be able to deal with the challenges in the Sahel region and to have a comprehensive, long- lasting impact, we need to put in place a mechanism that would bring together all the affected countries and major outside actors in a coordinated manner to discuss the issues and devise solutions,? B. Lynn Pascoe, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, told the Security Council.

Briefing the Council on the findings of the United Nations-led mission that visited Mali, Niger, Chad and Mauritania last month to look into the impact of last year?s crisis in Libya on the Sahel region, Mr. Pascoe said that it was clear that most of the challenges pre-date the Libyan conflict.

?On the question of the returnees from Libya, the topmost priority for the countries visited was to feed and reintegrate the vulnerable returnees and to help the affected communities cope with the loss of remittances,? he said.

?Compounding these immediate problems are underlying structural challenges and a looming food crisis in the area. There were strong appeals for the United Nations, working in tandem with the African Union and others, as well as with the new authorities in Libya, to find a mutually satisfactory framework for rebuilding relationships between the Sahel region and the countries of transit and destination,? Mr. Pascoe told the Council.

Recent developments in the region reinforce the concerns consistently made to the mission by its interlocutors in the countries visited.

The security situation in Mali has significantly worsened following heavy fighting on 17 and 18 January between Government forces and ethnic Tuareg militias in the north, an area close to the borders with Niger and Algeria.

Mr. Pascoe told the Council that Tuareg fighters, who are members of the self-proclaimed ?Azawad National Liberation Movement,? have asserted that they are seeking to drive the Government out of several towns where Tuareg communities are dominant.

In neighbouring Niger, President Mahamadou Issoufou, voiced concern on Sunday over the danger of similar violence occurring in his country, and affirmed his Government?s determination to avert the spread of Tuareg attacks.

?The security equilibrium in the northern regions of Niger and Mali is especially volatile due to the enhanced presence and heightened activity there of the Al Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb group and other criminal networks who use these vast, poorly guarded and largely desert territories as safe havens and training ground for their illicit operations,? said Mr. Pascoe.

He said that despite the structural challenges that international and regional efforts to address the Sahel problems would face, the readiness of all the countries inside and outside the region, as well as regional organisations and the UN system, to work together to develop a more comprehensive and coherent approach is encouraging.

?It is critical that the international community responds to the strong and consistent calls by the concerned countries to support ongoing initiatives.

?Some of the problems are directly related to the fall of the [Muammar] al-Qadhafi regime in Libya, but the mission?s interlocutors emphasized that most of the problems are long-standing ones, and current drought conditions make it obvious that the overall situation could deteriorate quickly,? said Mr. Pascoe.

He told the Council that a ministerial-level meeting is planned to review the situation in Sahel during the Africa Union Summit next weekend and develop approaches to deal with the problems. The report of the UN-led mission, which was headed by Sam Ibok, the Deputy Director of the UN Department of Political Affairs? Africa II Division, will be discussed at that meeting.

By: UN

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UN agency honours Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu as champion against hunger

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Archbishop Desmond Tutu. UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferr?

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today is honouring Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and activist Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu for his efforts in the battle against hunger and his advocacy on behalf of the world?s most vulnerable people.

?I can think of no more worthy individual as a recipient of this honour, than a man who has confronted tyranny and defended the weak and the hungry, armed with nothing but the strength of his faith and the unwavering belief in upholding the rights of the oppressed,? said WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran.

WFP will present its Global Champion Against Hunger award to Archbishop Emeritus Tutu of South Africa during a dinner at the I can think of no more worthy individual as a recipient of this honour, than a man who has confronted tyranny and defended the weak and the hungry, armed with nothing but the strength of his faith and the unwavering belief in upholding the rights of the oppressed.World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, later today.

The Archbishop Emeritus has been a ?staunch advocate? for universal human rights, including the right to food, as well as the rights to clean water, shelter, hygiene, sanitation and health care, the agency noted in a news release.

?There are some problems so big and so entrenched it is easy to believe they will never be solved. Hunger is one of these problems,? Archbishop Emeritus Tutu said last year. ?Yet a lifetime of experience has taught me that there is no problem so great it cannot be solved, no injustice so deeply entrenched it cannot be overcome. And that includes hunger.?

He is the fourth recipient of the Global Champion Against Hunger award, whose past recipients include former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, and Peter Bakker, former CEO of global logistics company TNT and WFP Ambassador Against Hunger.

During tonight?s dinner, WFP will also launch its commemoration of 50 years as the UN?s frontline agency in the fight against hunger.

In a related development, the UN expert on the right to food, Olivier De Schutter, today urged ministers gathered in Davos to acknowledge the relationship between globalization and human rights, saying that ?globalization should serve human rights and sustainable development, rather than being a process blind to its impacts on the individuals affected.?

Referring to the theme of this year?s Forum, ?The Great Transformation,? the expert stated in a news release that the real great transformation must go beyond rectifying the imbalances in developed world debt to gross domestic product (GDP) ratios.

?We must finally pay attention to the wider imbalances that are the symptoms of unfettered globalization. All around the world people have fallen foul of economic processes that consign whole regions to abandonment or degradation and trap whole population groups in perpetual poverty,? said Mr. De Schutter, who reports to the UN Human Rights Council in an independent and unpaid capacity.

By: UN

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Return of UN political presence to Mogadishu �historic’ step, says envoy

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Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the UN Political Office in Somalia (UNPOS) Augustine Mahiga stands at the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) headquarters in Mogadishu. UN Photo/Stuart Price

The re-establishment of the United Nations political presence in Mogadishu will allow the world body to work more closely with Somalia during a crucial period in its peace process, the UN envoy to the country said today.

On Tuesday Augustine P. Mahiga, the Secretary-General?s Special Representative, moved to the capital of the Horn of Africa nation from Nairobi along with a number of his core staff from the UN Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS).

The move comes one and half months after Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced during his visit to Mogadishu that the UN office will relocate to the city to provide further assistance at what he called a ?critical juncture? for the It is now up to us to make up for lost time.future of the Somali people.

?This is a historic step,? Mr. Mahiga wrote in a letter to the Somali people today. ?It is now up to us to make up for lost time.?

The last Special Representative of the Secretary-General to be based in Mogadishu was James Victor Gbeho, who worked with the now defunct UN Operations in Somalia II (UNOSOM II), and left in early 1995. UNPOS was established shortly afterwards and has since been based in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.

?Being on the ground will allow us to be closer to all the stakeholders ? the Transitional Federal Institutions and other administrations, civil society, NGOs [non-governmental organizations], business people, journalists and ordinary Somalis,? stated Mr. Mahiga.

?Daily interaction will help us understand each other and to work together in a more imaginative and constructive manner at this crucial period in the peace process.?

He cited the need to move ahead with the roadmap that was agreed in September and which spells out priority measures to be implemented before the current transitional governing arrangements end next August, in the areas of security, the drafting of a new constitution and reconciliation.

?We also are faced with a parliamentary crisis and a continuing terrorist threat from insurgents,? Mr. Mahiga noted. ?There is a lot of ground to be covered in the next seven months.?

He stressed that finalizing the draft constitution before the May deadline must be a top priority, and also underlined the need to resolve the ongoing impasse within the Parliament.

By: UN

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Outgoing UN envoy stresses importance of reconciliation for Liberia

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Special Representative for Liberia Ellen Margrethe L?j (right), speaks with voters outside a polling station during the run-off election. UN Photo/Staton Winter

The outgoing United Nations envoy in Liberia today stressed the need for reconciliation in the country, adding that this is an essential step to consolidate stability and to ensure that the progress achieved by the democratic elections held last year can continue.

?Last year, Liberia passed an historic milestone in conducting its second democratic elections since the end of the conflict. This was an important undertaking which, once again, demonstrates the will of the Liberian people,? said Ellen Margrethe L?j, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the UN peacekeeping mission in Liberia (UNMIL).

?However, peace cannot be complete without reconciliation. Experiences from around the world have shown us than an incomplete peace is often a prelude to renew conflict,? she told reporters in Monrovia during her last press briefing as Special Representative.

Ms. L?j emphasized that a lot more needs to be done to ensure that Liberia?s future is inclusive, and stressed the role of young people in reconciliation as well as the importance of Liberians initiating this process.

?I have said it many times that true reconciliation has to be home grown. It cannot be imposed from abroad. I cannot tell three or four of you Liberian how to reconcile…you will not even listen to me. You have to get together and talk and be willing on how to reconcile and deal with what has to be dealt with for that reconciliation to take place.

?Through dialogue and inclusion, I am highly confident that Liberia will continue its work towards lasting peace,? she added, while reiterating that UNMIL would continue to provide support to the population, while simultaneously encouraging and providing advice for national initiatives.

?Liberians have demonstrated that they can be in the driver?s seat and that they have chosen the path to sustainable development. And progress is reflected in the way UNMIL supports Liberia today. From being first in line with a robust military and police presence, the Mission is today standing second in line focusing on providing advisory support to security and rule of law institutions,? Ms. L?j said.

She expressed her gratitude to the people of Liberia and appreciation for the warmth and generosity during the four years of her tenure.

By: UN

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ICC prosecutor hails ruling on Kenya as crucial step for country’s future

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The recent ruling by the International Criminal Court (ICC) requiring four prominent Kenyans to stand trial for crimes against humanity allegedly committed in late 2007 represents a significant step towards a peaceful future in the country, the Court?s prosecutor said today.

?Yesterday?s decision is establishing individual responsibility for the post-electoral violence but also for a peaceful Kenya,? stressed Luis Moreno-Ocampo, adding that the ruling also holds international significance as it reiterates that no country has sovereignty to attack civilians.

Mr. Moreno-Ocampo said the Court was appreciative of the fact that Kenyan judges explained the decision in a public session and that there have been no reports of violence since the result.

?We also appreciate the fact that the accused appeared voluntarily before the court. This goes to show Kenya is managing its transition to a less violent future. President Kibaki yesterday committed to solve the problems of victims of violence still displaced. Victims do not have to wait for a conviction before they receive any help. The Government of Kenya has a responsibility to help its citizens,? Mr. Moreno-Ocampo said.

The ICC confirmed charges against Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; William Samoei Ruto, former Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology; Francis Kirimi Muthaura, Head of the Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet; and Joshua arap Sang, Head of Operations for KASS FM radio station, who are accused of being responsible for the deaths of hundreds of civilians.

Mr. Moreno-Ocampo stressed the prosecution is already preparing for trial, but its start could be delayed if judges accept the appeal that has been put forward by some of the accused.

According to the ICC, more than 1,100 people were killed, 3,500 injured and up to 600,000 forcibly displaced in the violence that followed the December 2007 elections. There were also hundreds of rapes, possibly more, and at least 100,000 properties were destroyed.

By: UN

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C�te d’Ivoire: Security improving but root causes of unrest remain – UN envoy

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Special Representative Bert Koenders. UN Photo/Evan Schneider

The security situation in C?te d?Ivoire is stabilizing nine months after the end of the violence that shook the country following presidential elections in late 2010, but the underlying causes of instability and unrest have not been fully addressed, the United Nations top official in the West African country told the Security Council today.

?The security situation is stabilizing, those displaced have started to return, the economy is starting to show resilience and the legislative elections were held successfully,? Bert Koenders, the Secretary-General?s Special Representative and head of the UN Operation in C?te d?Ivoire (UNOCI), told the Council in a briefing.

The post-electoraImportant challenges and issues relating to security and national reconciliation should not be underestimated and require the political attention of the Council.l crisis erupted in C?te d?Ivoire when former president Laurent Gbagbo refused to step down after he lost a UN-certified election to Alassane Ouattara, who was eventually sworn in after Mr. Gbagbo surrendered in April last year.

?The root causes of instability and potential triggers of violence have remained,? said Mr. Koenders. ?Important challenges and issues relating to security and national reconciliation should not be underestimated and require the political attention of the Council,? he said.

Mr. Koenders underscored that the Ivorian Government still needed UNOCI?s support, to restore stability, through the reform of institutions, facilitating disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former combatants, protection of civilians and aiding in the return of refugees and internally displaced persons.

Mr. Koenders told the Council that the holding of legislative elections last month in a relatively peaceful atmosphere was a significant achievement for C?te d?Ivoire, and marked a major step forward in the restoration of constitutional order and the introduction of more inclusive governance.

He is mandated by the Council to certify that all stages of the electoral process were held in accordance with international standards, and promised to do so after the national institutions have evaluated the process.

Overall, the security situation has remained relatively calm, but incidents of insecurity in the western areas of the country, including criminal activity and the threat of cross-border movement of armed groups has continued to pose a threat to C?te d?Ivoire?s stability, Mr. Koenders added.

By: UN

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