The Speaker News Journal

Least developed countries, despite strong growth and rising export prices, fail to develop due to “LDC Paradox” – UNCTAD

January 26, 2021November 27, 2014 by The Speaker Editors

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Although the world’s poorest countries are thriving in terms of market values–over the past decade they have grown vigorously due to rising developmental aid and export prices–the people of those countries are trapped in a system in which poverty cannot be reversed–a phenomenon newly identified by UNCTAD and termed the “LDC paradox.”

“The world’s 48 least developed countries (LDCs) are the battleground on which the post-2015 development agenda will be won or lost,” stated the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in a newly released report. “Its success will depend on action by the international community and the LDCs to structurally transform their economies and break the vicious circle of human and economic development that has trapped these countries in poverty.”

The poorest 48 countries are failing to meet the UN’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) while growing economically. Growth in the least developed countries exceeded the seven percent target set by the international community. The LDC world even outstripped the rest of the developing world after the 2008 financial crisis, a time when LDCs grew an average of just under six percent per year, despite the uncertainty of export prices and a slowing of aid funding from donor countries facing austerity measures.

Of the MDG target countries, only one is on track to meet all of the MDG goals–the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

This failure to meet MDG targets despite strong growth has been dubbed the “LDC paradox” by UNCTAD.

“The economic performance of developing countries is based on two separate but interrelated processes: increasing labour productivity and productive structural transformation,” the report found. ” Structural transformation has different dimensions, especially changes in the composition of output, employment, exports and aggregate demand.”

“Under favourable economic and institutional conditions, a rise in labour productivity leads to a rise in output, and thus to higher incomes,” the report continued. “However, higher labour productivity also gives rise to trade-offs. For LDCs, the crucial trade-off relates to aggregate employment. Employment growth is limited if faster productivity growth is not accompanied by faster expansion of aggregate demand. Indeed, without strong demand for output, a rise in labour productivity could even reduce employment.”

Although the LDCs are experiencing unprecedented growth, this growth is not accompanied by the creation of decent jobs in higher-productivity activities.

The problem, as UNCTAD identifies it, is that policy makers don’t recognize the need for a framework of upward-tending development that would lead to real transformative growth.

The goal of the UN’s post-2015 development agenda is total eradication of poverty by 2030–zero poverty everywhere within 15 years. According to the report, meeting this goal will depend mostly on LDCs, in which lies the biggest developmental challenges

The report identified three key approaches to meeting MDG targets: mobilizing resources for investment, directing these resources towards transforming economies and establishing macroeconomic policies that promote investment and demand growth.

Diversifying rural economies was also identified as critical to eradicating poverty, and crucial to this was the inclusion of women, who are particularly important contributors to social and economic development in rural areas, according to the report.

The core of the agenda, UNCTAD concluded, should be a virtuous circle between economic and human development, in order to reverse the vicious cycle of the LDC paradox.

“For LDCs, greater progress in economic development will require not only economic growth, but also a dynamic transformation of their economies,” found UNCTAD.

Photos: Rod Waddington, Jeff Attaway

Water in Cambodia getting cleaned up thanks to biosand filters

November 27, 2014 by The Speaker Editors

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Hundreds of paddle-powered boats raced at the Bon Om Touk water festival this month on the Siem Reap River, an occasion in which Cambodians celebrate the Mekong River’s biannual water flow reversal and the beginning of the fishing season. While the river itself wasn’t the main object of attention during the festivities in the Southeastern Asia country, it did serve to highlight the dire need of the country to clean up it’s drinking water after decades of inner turmoil.

There are several reasons for the lack of clean drinking water in the country, according to Nthabeleng Emmel, Programs Manager for Water for Cambodia in Siem Reap, who said that lack of access is a major inhibitor. “Most people in Cambodia have no access to safe drinking water; they use contaminated water sources such as rivers, ponds, [and] wells.” This can lead to many different kinds of complications, such as gastrointestinal diseases like diarrhea, Emmel explained. Also, many of the population, especially in the countryside, use large open jars called cisterns to collect lake, stream and rain water. If not properly treated, this water can contain mosquito larvae, leading potentially to malaria and dengue fever.

Another reason many Cambodians don’t have easy access to clean drinking water is poverty. With the average Cambodian’s annual salary just under three dollars a day, many choose to purchase food as opposed to bottled water, which on average costs about sixty cents for a liter and a half.

While wells can be dug and used to get water, the quality may not be so good, said Mrs. Emmel. “Deep wells are usually said to be clean and some organizations dedicate their time drilling wells for rural communities but the utilization of [these] wells is questionable. Some areas have high content of iron in the water which usually comes with color, smell and [a bad] taste.”

Emmel’s organization builds and installs Biosand Filters for rural populations–the ones which experience the greatest difficulty in obtaining clean drinking water. The filter uses sand and gravel to remove up to 99 percent of the bacteria and protozoa in the water which is poured into it. “Water for Cambodia has adopted a Biosand filter which provides safe drinking water to the rural population,” said Emmel. “By the end of 2014 we will have installed over 14,000 filters reaching out to at least 84,000 individuals.”

Once the filters have been installed, the organization soon returns to test the filtered water in their lab. “We follow up with water testing which we do in our own lab, do quality control by checking all installed filters for any maintenance that may be needed and any other support the families may need,” said Emmel. A part of this support is educating the receivers of the filter on its use. “The challenge which we hope to overcome is getting people to understand the importance of pouring water into this filter on a daily basis and doing proper maintenance which only requires a few minutes.”

Mrs. Emmel is hopeful that the Biosand filter will continue to give rural Cambodians clean drinking water well into the future. “Biosand filters are the best solution for Cambodia as they are easy to use, maintain and they have a long life span [at least 15 years]. Their maintenance is inexpensive as the contents of the filter do not need to be changed but rather cleaned [on a regular basis]”.

By Brett Scott

Photo: Jonna Davis

Ontario’s plan to cut pesticide use proposes to be North American first

November 29, 2014November 27, 2014 by Sid Douglas

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In what would be the first move toward cutting back pesticide use in North America, the Ontario government is planning to curb agricultural pesticides linked with honeybee deaths as part of a comprehensive Pollinator Health Action Plan. The plan seeks to battle the use of neonicotinoid pesticides, which the province’s Environment Commissioner has called the biggest threat to ecological integrity since DDT–which was banned in Canada in 1972.

“Improving pollinator health is not a luxury but a necessity,” said Environment Minister Glen Murray of the move.

“Taking strong action now to reduce the use of neurotoxic pesticides and protecting pollinator health is a positive step for our environment and our economy.”

Bee populations in Ontario and Quebec have plummeted in recent years. According to the Ontario Beekeepers’ Association, which has about 3,100 members, Ontario experienced 58 percent over-winter losses in 2014–three times the average of all other Canadian provinces and about 20 percent more than in 2012-2013.

But the plan is not sitting well with the province’s grain farmers.

“A reduction at this level puts our farmers at a competitive disadvantage with the rest of the country and the rest of North America,” commented Barry Senft, the CEO of Grain Farmers of Ontario, a group that includes corn, soybean and wheat farmers, which has, according to its spokespeople, been investing in multi-year research to mitigate the risks of pesticide use on bee health.

However, a recent Health Canada report found that the majority of the bee deaths in Ontario and Quebec in 2012 had been caused by insecticides, and suggested that this was likely due to pesticide-laced dust during planting.

Ontario’s Environmental Commissioner Gord Miller recently called neonicotinoid pesticide use the biggest threat to ecological integrity since DDT, a pesticide that was banned in Canada in 1972.

“All the science is not done, but everything that I have before me… suggests to me that this is the biggest threat to the structure and ecological integrity of the ecosystem that I have ever encountered in my life, bigger than DDT,” said Miller.

The plan to curb bee killing pesticides is part of a comprehensive Pollinator Health Action Plan. The plan includes an 80 percent reduction in total acres planted with neonicotinoid-treated corn and soybean by 2017. It also plans to cut the over-winter mortality rate for honeybees to 15 percent by 2020.

“The province’s goal to reduce the over-winter honeybee mortality rate to 15 per cent by 2020 will bring the industry back to the pre-neonicotinoid average winter loss and will support a thriving, sustainable beekeeping industry going forward,” said Tibor Szabo, president of the Ontario Bee Keepers’ Association.

Over the next two months, the Ontario government will be seeking information about the new rules from the industry, organizations, researchers and individuals.

If the plan is finally approved, the rules will be in place by the beginning of July.

By Sid Douglas

Photo: Cory Barnes

Chinese shoppers banned from Beijing store

November 29, 2014November 26, 2014 by Cheryl Bretton

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A Beijing clothing shop has drawn the ire of locals by banning Chinese shoppers from patronizing the store. The store has cited the particularly “annoying” character of Chinese shoppers as the reason for the ban, as well as concerns over theft–both material and design.

“Chinese people can not enter (except employees),” read the sign posted in the store’s window on Albemarle Road, Chaoyang District.

The staff emphasized repeatedly to reporters, “We did not want to put up this notice, because it would make others think we look down on our own, but some Chinese customers are too much.”

When asked for an explanation, a clerk stated that the business targeted mostly foreign business, and that they did not want Chinese shoppers to enter.

The staff further explained that Chinese women often come in and try on a lot of clothes, but in the end purchase nothing, to the acrimony of the clerks.

Because the shop has limited manpower, the staff reasoned, it was difficult to gather the energy to deal with these retail business problems, so they just put up a “Chinese people can not enter” sign.

The shop owner also said that he was partially prompted by a concern over designs being copied by competitors.

A shop clerk also cited a recent instance of a Chinese customer stealing a foreigners purse–which was caught on security camera. The victim of the crime claimed that the store was associated with the pickpockets and demanded compensation to the tune of $5,000. The shop owner was distressed by this loss.

According to Chinese reporters, this is the first time people in Albemarle Road have said “no” to Chinese customers.

Legal experts have commented that the shop’s action may constitute discrimination.

China University of Political Science Professor Lixian Dong said that businesses on Albemarle Road may use soft pressure to influence their clientage. This is understandable, said Lixian, because businesses have the right to choose their own business model, but a sign that explicitly says “Chinese people can not enter” is somewhat radical and could be considered discrimination in China, although it is probably not against the law.

“If there is a ban against Chinese people, but these staff are Chinese people, why is it they can enter?” said Lixian. “Although legally the behavior of these businesses may not be illegal, from a cultural point of view this approach may not be appropriate.”

By Cheryl Bretton

Photo by Ling Han

Leading geoengineer is “terrified” of own technology

November 29, 2014November 26, 2014 by Sid Douglas

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A leading geoengineer has admitted that he is “terrified” of geoengineering technology. Dr Matthew Watson, principal investigator for the Spice project, said that humans may have to admit having failed as planetary stewards, commenting on his own and others’ technology–used to reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the earth though manipulation of the atmosphere–science that, experts openly own, is not understood in terms of costs and benefits and which they suspect will be neither “magic bullet or Pandora’s box.”

“Personally, this stuff terrifies me,” said Dr Matthew Watson of University of Bristol, principal investigator for the Spice project (Stratospheric Particle Injection for Climate Engineering), one of several teams at the forefront of geoengineering science.

“It’s a watershed for our relationship with the Earth and with nature. It fundamentally changes the way seven billion people are going to interact with the world, and I’m not sure the system is going to be controllable in the way we want.”

“I’m easily terrified,” qualified Watson. “I think if we ever deploy SRM (Solar Radiation Management) it will be the closest indication yet that we’ve failed as planetary stewards. I believe that.”

SRM is a process by which water droplets or sulphur particles are used to reduce the amount of solar radiation that reaches the Earth, and the Spice project is looking at ways of simulating the cooling effects of volcanoes.

After major volcanic eruptions, the Earth is cooled because rays from the sun do not reach the surface of the planet.

However, the Spice experiment, despite being one of the first projects to take geoengineering out of the laboratory, was cancelled earlier this year over alleged conflicts of interest.

The Spice project was planning to test SRM by deploying a weather balloon that would inject 150 litres of piped water into the atmosphere.

Geoengineering is a science that is not fully understood. Scientists are still working out the potential hazards associated with blocking the sun’s rays from reaching Earth.

Among the hazards being considered is the risk of disturbing the delicate balance of land and sea influences. Disruption can lead to drought and extreme rainfall in different parts of the world.

Risks associated with the use of sulfur particles are also being considered. Sulphur particles have been linked to the destruction of atmospheric ozone. A depleted ozone layer has been associated with increased incidence of skin cancer and damaging effects on plants and animals.

Although Dr Watson did not suspect that SRM would be used within the current decade, he said he believed its use may be inevitable.

“Unless we’re very wrong about climate change or quickly change our ways, at some point we’re going to have to ‘go outside’,” said Watson, commenting on current trends in global warming. It is estimated that by 2100, global temperatures may increase almost 4C.

“That’s going to have a profound effect on the planet,” said Watson.

The Spice project is one of three projects being considered as a tax-funded solution to global warming at an upcoming meeting of experts at the Royal Society in London.

Another proposed solution involves spraying sea salt into low clouds. The brighter, more reflective clouds will capture and bury more carbon underground, raising levels of sea plankton, which absorb carbon. Another proposal involves the use of reflective materials to better bounce the sun’s rays back from the Earth’s deserts.

All of the proposed geoengineering solutions are considered to be too expensive still. Climate Geoengineering Governance (CGG) investigator Professor Steve Rayner, from Oxford University, said of the technology, “Mostly it is too soon to know what any of these technology ideas would look like in practice or what would be their true cost and benefit. But it’s almost certain that geoengineering will be neither a magic bullet nor Pandora’s Box.”

By Sid Douglas

Photos: NASA, University of Leeds

Lammily is Barbie’s new contender

November 26, 2014November 25, 2014 by The Speaker Editors

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A new real-women’s-body inspired doll has been launched in the US. Named after its creator Nickolay Lamm, the Lammily doll is a 11” tall brunette, with a fuller waste and smaller breasts than Barbie’s, thus reflecting the proportions of an average 19 year old woman. The doll can be accessorized with acne, scars, stretch marks and cellulite. Lammily is the latest of a number of dolls which have sought to challenge Barbie’s 50 year sovereignty on our mainstream’s ideal of beauty.

Playing with a normal looking doll may give young girls a truer sense of what normal is, improve their body image and self-esteem, their acceptance of regular occurrences such as acne and cellulite, and therefore help reduce the anxieties that the “perfection” of Barbie can engender.

The growth in eating disorders within younger girls is linked, amongst other things, to an increasing dissatisfaction with their own body image and sense of worth. And a flourishing cosmetic surgery industry involving ever younger people–see some figures here for the UK–shows that the newly born Lammily has quite a lot on her plate already. So can a doll help reverse all this?

Barbie, and now Lammily, don’t exist in a vacuum and those images beaming daily from our TV screens, celebrity magazines and selfies, posters, film and music videos, through which an idealized, unrealistic version of beauty continues to be promoted as normal, will also need to be challenged.

The ubiquity of Barbie and all it represents is of course the result of a decades-long aggressive marketing and cross marketing strategy, and a whole “Barbie infrastructure” has developed–dollhouses and accessories, games, cartoons, books, Dreamhouse Experience events, and so on.

Any rival will need to shout quite loud to be heard above all this. However it seems that newborn Lammily, the creation of which was possible thanks to crowdfunding, may already be winning the hearts of many, with some 19,000 dolls having been preordered. Are those signs of ageing on Barbie’s face?

By Annalisa Dorigo

Lowering interest rates in China lift global markets

November 25, 2014 by The Speaker Editors

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World markets rose following China’s interest rate cuts and comments made by the European Central Bank. China’s Central Bank has cut the interest rate on annual deposits to 2.75 percent from 3.00 percent in an attempt to revive the economy. During the first half hour of opening trading, the Dow Jones industrial average rose to 1.00 percent to new record high at 17,866 points.

In Britain, the mining sector rose three to five percent, driven by economic growth expectations–based on sales of raw materials to China. The six largest rises on the index were for companies in the oil and mining sectors. The Australian and New Zealand dollars also rose, reflecting their adoption on trade with China. China’s rate cut, made Saturday, is the first since 2012 and it has worked.

China also will cut interest on loans for a year to 5.6 from 6.00 percent. Chinese economic data last Thursday showed a drop in industrial output for the first time in six months. China’s growth has dropped to its lowest level in five years (7.3 percent) in the last quarter. The Chinese Central Bank has allowed flexibility for banks through which it can move interest rate on deposits to 1.2 percent of the standard rate instead of 1.1 percent. This is in part a measure to recompense savings owners in China for the cut on interest on deposits.

Meanwhile, European Central Bank (ECB) President Mario Draghi said, “This moves will increase pressures to stimulate the European economy, which faces troubles.” Draghi noted that he is ready to take large-scale actions to stimulate the economy, including buying assets, to make sure the European economy does not face a new crisis. He added, “What we must do is lift inflation expectations as quick as possible.”

Inflation rates in the Euro zone reached 0.4 percent last month and are well below the inflation target which the ECB estimated–2.00 percent. Draghi said that the ECB, if current efforts fail, will expand channels through which it can intervene to remedy the situation. Many experts consider this as an implicit declaration that the ECB will buy government bonds.

Draghi’s comments came amid a state of fragility in the European economy, that recently escaped from falling into a recession. Reading growth in the third quarter ose 0.2 percent compared with the second quarter of this year. Reading growth in Germany–Europe’s strongest economy– rose only 0.1 percent from the third quarter, after a similar contraction in the second quarter.

China has sought to reassure the world that its economy will not see further slowdown. Earlier this month, the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, spoke to Executive Heads of major companies. Within the framework of summit on economic cooperation for Asia and the Pacific, Xi stated that “the risks facing the Chinese economy are not scary. The Government is confident that it will exceed these risks.” He noted that even if Chinese growth reading fell to 7.00 percent, China will remain the most developed economy in the world.

The World Bank commented on the Chinese economy last June, saying that China had conducted important structural changes. Chinese economic growth engines continue to turn from manufacturing sector to service sector, and from investment to consumption in strong demand.

By Ahmed Kotb

First National Bicycling Day in the Philippines

December 13, 2014November 25, 2014 by The Speaker Editors

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The first National Bicycling Day assembly of the Philippines took off in Pasig City in a venue named ‘Tiendesitas’. Bicycle riders of all ages and genders were there to celebrate the love and passion of the cycling outdoor sport. They were about 20,000 who filled the large parking road , and you could see the myriad of bicyclists waiting for the sunrise, all taking their time on a warm Sunday morning. With security surrounding the vast congregation, different cycling groups from all over the city and the provinces gathered for a long grand ride –a first ever to make the National Bicycling Day a momentous occasion.

All types of bikes were present–simple folding bikes, commute bikes, childrens’ bikes, the majority of both mountain bikes, road bikes and vintage bikes were widespread! It was massive to observe the use of all types of electronic gadgets every minute–smartphones, digital point and shoot and professional cameras, tablets, ‘Go Pro’ helmet cameras ( the rage of gratuitous quick focused riders everywhere), The riders of all mixes seemed to know it was a memorable event for all and souvenirs are social media viral topics–both videos and photos are what online “streaming” on the web is all about.

The traffic marshalls were all the required bodyguards of the peloton people. They were quite a horde,to make the entourage free from roadside hazards–accidents are to be avoided as much as possible. As you glide along the highways when the ride already rolled, you’ll see the marshalls yelling to wayward riders who speed on two-way routes, and the guiding of the travellers in detours and sharp turns.

Without them, the cyclists would lose sight of their paths and discipline would have not been enforced.

With all the concerns of the security, the whole trip was brilliantly covered. Participants saw the different virtues of bikes: from expensive bicycles with their ease of maneuvering and lightweight luxury to the cheapest commute bikes looking dirty, heavy and with pretty much old school gears. Some had the latest models–full suspension bikes that could handle the awful terrain on some parts of damaged asphalt while Italian imports displayed high-end components and cut through the throngs of riders like a blur. It wasn’t a race–it was a thrill ride for all, as all viewers would have seen. Joining here was not a Tour de France thing nor some Olympic BMX challenge–it was a pedal to the metal joyride.

The ride ended with a lesser number of riders that reached their destination safe and sound. Others seem to have bailed out due to the 75 kilometer radius of the ride. It didn’t faze the finishers at all–no trophies, no medals nor grand prizes. But the event was a statement to the crowds along the pavements and the vehicles who saw the sweat-drenched riders –that bikes on the road will always be symbols of zero emission machinery. Bicycles are pure human power–no gas stations, no rollbacks, no diesel headaches at all. Despite the trends like electric bikes, pocket bikes (little sportbikes in dwarf sizes) and Chinese so-called “underbone” motorcycles’ which have sold like hotcakes everywhere, the presence of bicycles have shown support from the people. You can ride more races, have more fun rides, more track competitions, and more participants with the pedal-powered citizens. It won’t be until next December when this event will happen again. We all can look forward to another trek with social impact.

By Alberto, Jr. Fernandez Purugganan

Dengue trumps weak immune systems in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

November 27, 2014November 25, 2014 by The Speaker Editors

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While Costa Rica prepares for its annual high-season, store fronts reopen, restaurants become chaotic, and tourists flock to the elegant beachfront hotels of Guanacaste. Despite the surplus of business and affluent tourists, a devil lurks within the most peculiar of places: the Aedes mosquito.

With globalization on the rise, infectious, virulent diseases have become an increasing problem, causing previously extinct diseases to resurface and others to become virtually uncontrollable. Dengue has reemerged in the last decade and has been raving havoc upon the inhabitants of Costa Rica. With over 100 cases seen this week in the Tamarindo area alone, dengue is certainly turning heads and making a name for itself in the viral-borne world. Though dengue has become one of Costa Rica’s most prominent vector-borne diseases, few precautions have been taken to avoid infection.

Although the Ministry of Health (MOH) is the organization that handles, manages, and investigates health complications, they have failed to provide Costa Rican inhabitants with proper preventive measures.

In accordance with Municipality of Santa Cruz, mosquito-preventive sprays are only occurring after a case has been confirmed in an area, leaving thousands of people at risk. A tactic which professional fumigation expert, Leo Perron, find useless, “Personally, I believe it is totally inefficient. That smoke kills almost nothing, it chases the mosquitos away for awhile, but they come back after an hour or so.”

Currently there is no vaccination to protect oneself from exposure, but there are measures that can be used to prevent the disease from consuming a patient’s health. Removing oneself from mosquito vulnerable situations is the first and foremost action one can take to avoid exposure to dengue. Remaining inside a home two hours before sunrises and sunsets, avoiding standing water, and liberally applying mosquito repellent will decrease your chances of a bite.

The incubation period of dengue lasts roughly fifteen days, a period in which patients normally reveal signs of high fever, headaches, weakness, and skin rashes. “When I see these types of symptoms, I immediately administer a blood test. My dengue patients are suffering from a loss of blood platelets and faltering immune systems,” Dr. Amanda Robles said in a recent interview.

According to Dr. Amanda Robles, sustaining a healthy immune system and leading a healthy lifestyle are two of the easiest ways to prevent dengue, “We cannot compete with the fact that mosquitos are present and that they will bite us. If you keep a strong immune system and live a healthy life, your chances of infection are considerably lower.”

Dengue is a vector-born disease, meaning, it can strike at any moment. A disease which was once only detected during the wet season is now appearing year-round. The mass dispersion and mutational perseverance of the Aedes mosquito has allowed it to become permanently relentless.

Unfortunately, the Aedes species of mosquito prefers to dwell in close proximity to human environments. “They’ve adopted an inclination to prefer human blood, and commonly breed in water-bearing containers such as, flower pots, vases, and trash bins,” says Dr. Ivan Mendez.

Admittedly, the number of dengue cases is considerably lower than last year, a number that is a direct reflection of the extreme drought that hit the Guanacaste region earlier this year. There were nearly 50,00 confirmed cases of dengue by the end of 2013, while only 9,692 have been recorded as of November 19, 2014 (Ministerio de Salud, Santa Cruz).

This tremendous decline of dengue is a result of the minimal rainfall seen in Guanacaste this past season. With fewer spawning areas, the Aedes mosquito becomes less threatening to Ticos, ultimately allowing preventive measures to have a greater impact.

As Ticos become more aware of the consequences that accompany a mosquito bite, fewer cases of dengue will surface. “Dengue is a strong virus that humans need to evolve from. Twenty years ago, people didn’t know about it (dengue), but cases were still out there. As information builds and people become more knowledgable, we are seeing less cases. In a decade or so, when our immune systems have become resilient to the virus, there will be significantly fewer infections,’ says Robles.

By Jason Findling

Russia signs deal with Abkhazia, becomes commander of military in that region

November 29, 2014November 24, 2014 by Andrew Stern

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Russia President Vladimir Putin and the leader of Abkhazia have signed an agreement under which Putin will become the commander of a joint military force in the breakaway region.

“I’m sure that cooperation, unity and strategic partnership between Russia and Abkhazia will continue to strengthen,” stated Putin after signing the agreement Monday.

Russia already has a military presence in the territory. Russian troops have served in Abkhazia since it broke away from Georgia in a separatists war in the early 1990s.

The United States issued a statement in response to the deal. “The United States will not recognize the legitimacy of any so-called ‘treaty’ between Georgia’s Abkhazia region and the Russian Federation,” read a press release issued by the US State Department.

The US and other nations strongly suspect Russia is stepping up its attempt to expand in the region, which recently had a change in leadership after the former leader was forced to step down and a former Soviet KGB officer was elected president.

The deal was signed by this president, Raul Khadzhimba.

“The United States’ position on Abkhazia and South Ossetia remains clear,” wrote Jeff Rathke, Director of the Bureau of Public Affairs at the Office of Press Relations for the State Department, “these regions are integral parts of Georgia, and we continue to support Georgia’s independence, its sovereignty, and its territorial integrity.

“We once again urge Russia to fulfill all of its obligations under the 2008 ceasefire agreement, to withdraw its forces to pre-conflict positions, to reverse its recognition of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states, and to provide free access for humanitarian assistance to these regions.

“We renew our full support for the Geneva international discussions as a means to achieving concrete progress on security and humanitarian issues that continue to impact the communities on the ground in Georgia.”

Georgia also condemned the move towards greater Russian involvement in Abkhazia, and called on the international community to speak out against the move.

However, Khadzhimba was more optimistic in his assessment.

“Ties with Russia offer us full security guarantees and broad opportunities for socio-economic development,” said Khadzhimba.

By Andy Stern

China expels 26 nuns using new law

January 26, 2021November 24, 2014 by The Speaker Editors

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Chinese authorities have expelled 26 nuns from a nunnery in Pekar Township, Driru County, Tibet Autonomous Region. The nuns were expelled for refusing to defame their highest spiritual leader. Chinese authorities used a new law regulating religious institutions to expel the nuns legally.

The nuns were expelled from Jhada Gon Palden Khachoe Nunnery by a large number of Chinese “work team” members tasked with removing the nuns from their the religious community.

The work team was following up on the results of a police raid on the monastery, during which many nuns refused to criticize their religious leader, the Dalai Lama, who is considered a splittest and terrorist orchestrator and is a wanted criminal in China. After the refusals, officials examined the registration records of the nunnery to check its population.

The nuns were expelled legally under new Chinese legislation that restricts the number of registered pupils that are permitted in religious institutes in Tibet. In this case the number was set at 140, and the 26 extra nuns were expelled.

This is the first instance of enforcement of a new measures detailing causes for expulsions of monks and nuns from religious institutions. The new Chinese “rectification” drive also warns of the destruction of “illegal” monasteries and mani walls.

Billions of Baht worth of assets found at Thai police chief’s home

November 29, 2014November 24, 2014 by The Speaker Editors

'Billions' of Baht worth of assets found at Thai CIB chief's home (1)

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Billions in banknotes, gold bars, land title deeds, rare images of the Buddha and other religious artifacts were seized from the home of a Thai police chief Sunday. Central Investigation Bureau commander Lt-General Pongpat Chayaphan has been charged with several crimes, including lese majeste–an offense against the dignity of a sovereign or against the state.

The case also involves six other police officers, who are being detained along with Pongpat at seven separate metropolitan police stations, as well as three civilians who are currently on the run.

The officers include Marine Police commander Maj-General Bunsueb Phrai-thuen, Samut Sakhon Immigration Chief Colonel Kowit Muangnual, Senior Sgt Major

Surasak Jan-ngoa and Senior Sgt Major Chattrin Laothong. Malfeasance in office, taking bribes and violating protected species laws were among the charges laid against the officers.

All of the officers have confessed to the crimes, including Pongpat.

In a related incident, Thai police officer Colonel Akkharawut Limrat was killed Friday ago after falling from a height. Akkarawut had reportedly attempted suicide at least three times after he was transferred from a top position along with Pongpat.

The two officers had been transferred from top positions to inactive posts after an urgent transfer order Nov. 11.

According to police officials, Akkharawut had killed himself due to fear of prosecution for criminal activities.

Royal Thai Police spokesman Lt-General Prawut Thawornsiri said that Akkharawut had been cooperative with police in their investigation following a previous suicide attempt. Prawut said, “After giving his statements, he jumped off a building to kill himself out of distress and fear for prosecution.”

Akkharawut had not been charged with any crimes.

A police investigation is currently underway to determine how Pongpat had amassed the cash and goods.

By James Haleavy