Azerbaijan secures Security Council seat

For the first time, Azerbaijan has secured a seat on the UN Security Council for the 2012–13 session, along with Pakistan, Morocco, Guatemala and Togo. After an unusual 17 rounds of voting, Azerbaijan beat Slovenia on 25th October to the coveted seat.

In Baku, the victory is being seen as a major diplomatic coup, and a validation of the country’s attempts to become a significant player on the world stage. It is especially satisfying because arch-rival Armenia withdrew its bid early on. President Ilham Aliev set the tone, saying that Armenia was “forced to admit that they were losing to Azerbaijan and the international community condemns their aggressive policy against Azerbaijan”.

Azerbaijani politicians and analysts have already begun ruminating on the significance of the victory and how Azerbaijan can use the seat to advance its national interests. Naturally the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will be high on the agenda, and Baku will – at the least – try to prompt the Security Council into making a statement condemning the presence of Armenian forces in the conflict zone. Although its too early to say what else will be a priority by the time Azerbaijan takes its seat, the ongoing international pressure against Iran will probably remain an important issue for the Security Council. Any new vote on sanctions or other forms of pressure will be sensitive for Baku, particularly if their bilateral relationship continues to head into choppy waters.

For more news and expert analysis about the Caspian region, please see Caspian Focus.


© 2011 Menas Associates

Brazil to withdraw troops from Haiti

Brazil's Defence Minister Celso Amorim has said that the country plans to withdraw its troops from the UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti. He said the gradual process of withdrawal would be co-ordinated with the UN and other South American nations.

Speaking to the BBC Amorim added: “We can't have a disorganised exit that creates a situation of chaos."

The situation in Haiti has improved since the mission began in 2004 following the overthrow of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Amorim noted that there had been two democratic elections since the force was deployed. He said: “Political science manuals teach that the second election shows that democracy has been established… In the medium and long term, it is not good for Haiti and it is not good for those who are there that the mission be perpetuated."

A timetable for the withdrawal is yet to be drawn-up. As Amorim noted the process would be gradual especially because Brazil's troops have responsibility for the capital city of Port-au-Prince.

There are more than 2,000 Brazilian troops in Haiti, out of a total UN force of around 12,000. Brazil was keen to take lead of the UN mission in a bid to play a greater role in regional security and gain a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

Sources: BBC News, Reuters, WSJ

For more news and expert analysis about Brazil, please see Brazil Focus.

Sudan refers Kordofan border clashes to UN

Following intensive clashes in the border region between Sudan and newly-independent South Sudan, the Khartoum government has filed a complaint with the UN Security Council accusing its neighbour of fomenting instability.

The clashes in South Kordofan began in June, a month before the formal declaration of South Sudanese independence, but have flared up recently, with the Sudanese government accused of indiscriminate aerial bombing of civilian areas. Around 200,000 are believed to have fled their homes. An unexpected government ceasefire announced on 23rd August does not appear to have ended the fighting.

Sudanese government forces are seeking to neutralise armed rebels from the Nuba ethnic group. Although now located north of the border, many of the Nuba sided with the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army during the southern group's 20 year war against Khartoum. Non-Arab like most of South Sudan's population, the Nuba community also complained of discrimination and oppression by the Arab-dominated government in Khartoum.

Sudan now views the pro-southerners which are left within its territory as a potential fifth column for the new government in Juba. In its complaint to the UN, the Sudanese government has accused South Sudan of arming and instructing the rebels in the Nuba Mountains. A Sudanese government spokesman said on 30th August that Khartoum has “documented proof” that the insurrection is being orchestrated by Juba.

The complaint also cited numerous alleged border violations by South Sudan, including the deployment of military forces in the disputed, oil-rich area of Abyei (which borders South Kordofan) in violation of the 2005 peace deal, and failing to withdraw forces from a disputed border strip. Juba has denied all the accusations.

This new international element to the long-simmering rebellion increases risks for the wider border situation between Sudan and South Sudan. South Kordofan is adjacent to Abyei, a focal point of north-south tensions because of its oil wealth.

An uptick in fighting between the Sudanese army and the rebels, or cross-border raids, could raise the prospect of the southern Sudanese military – at this point still a cobbled-together force of former rebels – becoming involved.

Sources: BBC, Reuters, Sudan Tribune

For more news and expert analysis about the Sahara region, please see Sahara Focus.

Sudan leaders agree “full demilitarisation” of Abyei

Leaders from north and south Sudan signed an agreement pledging to end fighting in the disputed border region of Abyei, on Monday 20th June.

The agreement was reached after days of mediation by former South African president, Thabo Mbeki, in the Ethopian capital of Addis Ababa.

The deal requires both northern and southern troops to leave Abyei, to be replaced by Ethiopian peacekeepers, in an agreement that Mbeki has said will provide for the "full demilitarisation" of Abyei.

Both north and South Sudan claim the oil-rich border region of Abyei, and northern forces seized the town last month, causing over one hundred thousand people to flee, mostly to the south.

Violence in the northern border state of Southern Kordofan has also led to 60,000 people being displaced.

Some 4,000 Ethiopian troops are expected to be brought in after the Sudanese army has left, although the UN will determine the exact troop numbers and their mandate.

With South Sudan planning to declare independence on 9th July, 2011, Mbeki said in his announcement of the deal, it was crucial that the peacekeepers were brought in as soon as possible. He urged the UN Security Council to authorise their deployment without delay.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the agreement and pledged “the full support of the United Nations to the parties in facilitating its implementation.”

Ban also urged the two sides to resolve "all outstanding issues related to the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement and post-secession arrangement, and to reach an immediate cessation of hostilities in Southern Kordofan State and provide their full co-operation to humanitarian agencies in meeting the needs of the affected population."

The violence, which started on 5th June, continues in Southern Kordofan state. US permanent representative to the UN, Susan Rice, spoke of reports that alleged that forces aligned with the north had “searched for southern forces and sympathisers, whom they arrested and allegedly executed.”

Mbeki said political leaders from Southern Kordofan would be arriving shortly in Addis Ababa to hold talks on ending the conflict.

Violence broke out after residents in the state's Nuba Mountains, many of whom fought for the south during the country's decades-long civil war, were ordered to disarm by the new Khartoum-allied governor, Ahmed Haroun, who has been indicted for war crimes in Darfur by the International Criminal Court.

South Sudan voted overwhelming in favour of independence in a January referendum, prescribed by the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) which brought civil war to an end.

Abyei was meant to have its own referendum on whether it would stay in the north or join the south, however the vote was postponed indefinitely over disagreements on voter eligibility, to do with the nomadic, Khartoum-backed Misseriya Arab tribespeople.

Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan states are clearly in the north, however many of their residents fought with the south during the civil war, and tension has been high as the South prepares to separate.

Sources: BBC News, the Guardian, RTT News

For more news and expert analysis about the Sahara region, please see Sahara Focus.

Algeria starts freeze of Qadhafi's assets

The Algerian media has given widespread coverage this week to the government's announcement that it is freezing Libyan assets in compliance with international sanctions against the Qadhafi regime. This announcement, and its prominence in the media, is an immediate and direct response to the US 'deal', which, as we reported last week, firmly directed Algeria to cease its support for the Qadhafi regime.

Finance Minister Karim Djoudi is reported to have sent a 'secret' instruction to the banks, insurance companies and all local and foreign accredited institutions to freeze assets belonging to members of the Libyan government. It is also reported to order all Libyan assets, including real estate, funds and investments in Algeria to be tracked down and frozen.

According to the daily Arab-language newspaper Echourouk last Sunday (5th June) and subsequently widely reported elsewhere, Djoudi's order, in the form of a letter to the banks and other financial institutions was dated 12th May.

According to our sources, however, no such letter was actually sent on 12th May. Djoudi's reference to such a letter is apparently 'untrue' and merely an attempt to divert any attention away from the US 'deal' and to help further its public denial of support for the Qadhafi regime. According to the Echourouk report, the alleged letter of 12th May reminded the banks of sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council on 26th February.

Whether Algeria will actually impose these sanctions is another matter altogether.

or more news and expert analysis about Algeria, please see Algeria Focus and Algeria Politics & Security.

© 2011 Menas Associates

Sudan: Gunmen open fire on UN helicopters

A UN spokesperson, Hua Jiang, has said that gunmen from an Arab tribe fired at four UN helicopters taking off from the disputed town of Abyei. Jiang said the incident occurred late in the evening on Tuesday 24th May, she added that none of the helicopters were hit despite being targeted repeatedly.

Only days ago, the UN reported that Abyei had been set on fire, with looting and violence spreading throughout the area. News of the situation preceded UN's call on Sudan to immediately withdraw its armed forces from the region.

According to several sources, Sudan's President Omar Al-Bashir gave northern troops the "green light" to attack southern forces if provoked.

Both North and South Sudan claim oil rich Abyei but the region's status is yet to be established, after a referendum on its future was shelved.

The seizure of Abyei by the North has confirmed concerns that violence may escalate between the two sides, which fought a twenty year civil war that ended with a peace treaty in 2005. The North said it acted after 22 of its men were killed in a southern ambush earlier this week.

South Sudan is set to become independent in July, after the majority of South Sudanese people voted in favour of secession in January. There are concerns, however, that the transition may be hindered by the on-going political turmoil.

According to the French ambassador to the UN, Gerard Araud, the North army's military operation “threatens to undermine the mutual commitment of the parties to avoid a return to war.”

Sources: AP, The Independent , AFP, Fox News

For more news and expert analysis about the Sahara region, please see Sahara Focus.

Sudan: Abyei on fire

According to the UN, the town of Abyei has been set on fire. Earlier today, the UN Security Council called on North Sudan to immediately withdraw its armed forces from the region. It appears the situation has since deteriorated, with reports of looting and violence spreading throughout the region.

Abyei was granted a special status under the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement that ended the two decade civil war between the North and the South. Terms under the agreement stipulate that both sides have to keep their troops out until a referendum to determine Abyei's future.

The UN Mission in Sudan (Unmis) released a statement saying it "strongly condemns the burning and looting currently being perpetrated by armed elements in Abyei town". Unimis emphasised that the North's troops were "responsible for maintaining law and order in the areas they control", urging Khartoum to "intervene to stop these criminal acts".

Speaking about the situation in Sudan, French ambassador to the UN, Gerard Araud, said the North army's military operation “threatens to undermine the mutual commitment of the parties to avoid a return to war.”

The army, however, remains defiant and has vowed to hold territory it seized in the disputed region, directly ignoring UN's calls for withdrawal.

Sources: BBC News, KBC, AFP, Reuters

For more news and expert analysis about the Sahara region, please see Sahara Focus.

UN tells North Sudan to withdraw troops from Abyei

The UN Security Council has called on North Sudan to immediately withdraw its armed forces from the oil-rich Abyei. South Sudan called the North's seizure of the disputed region an “act of war,” saying it resulted in civilians and southern soldiers being killed.

South Sudan is set to become independent in July, after the majority of South Sudanese people voted in favour of secession in in January. The status of Abyei is yet to be resolved after a referendum on its future was shelved.

According to the French ambassador to the UN, Gerard Araud, the North army's military operation “threatens to undermine the mutual commitment of the parties to avoid a return to war.”

The seizure of Abyei by the North has sparked concern that violence may escalate between the two sides, which fought a two-decade long civil war that ended with a peace treaty in 2005. The North said it acted after 22 of its men were killed in a southern ambush earlier this week.

Araud added: "The members of the Security Council call upon the government of Sudan to halt its military operation and withdraw immediately from Abyei town and its environs….They condemn the escalatory military operation being undertaken by the Sudanese armed forces. This constitutes a serious violation of the CPA (Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005)."

Sources: BBC News, Bloomberg, Al Jazeera, Sudan Tribune

For more news and expert analysis about the Sahara region, please see Sahara Focus.

Libya's Foreign Minister Musa Kusa defects

Libya's Foreign Minister and one of Colonel Mu'ammar Qadhafi's closest allies Musa Kusa has defected, saying he was “no longer willing" to serve the regime. Experts say this might prove to be a momentous turning point for Libya, with further defections to come.

Kusa flew into Britain last night, a move that was supported by Whitehall. A foreign office spokesman said: “We encourage those around Qadhafi to abandon him and embrace a better future for Libya that allows political transition and real reform that meets the aspirations of the Libyan people.”

The spokesman added that in view of the events in Libya, Kusa felt he could no longer “represent the regime internationally” or stand-by Qadhafi's actions.

Kusa arrived from Tunisia where he was said to be on a diplomatic mission. His defection has given hope that the regime may splinter internally thereby weakening Qadhafi's hold on the country. A close confidant of the Leader for over 30 years, and head of Libya's spy agency, Kusa was said to be responsible for masterminding the 1988 Lockerbie bombing, and later for the negotiations in releasing the bomber, Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al–Megrahi.

Speaking about the situation in Libya yesterday [30th March], Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron said he was not “ruling out” arming the rebels despite having previously indicated that this may not be possible under the terms of sanctions imposed on Libya. The Prime Minister noted: "It is an extremely fluid situation but there is no doubt in anyone's mind the ceasefire is still being breached and it is absolutely right for us to keep up our pressure under UN Security Council 1973. As I've told the House, the legal position is clear that the arms embargo applies to the whole territory of Libya.”

Sources: BBC News, The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, Reuters

For more news and expert analysis about Libya, please see Libya Focus and Libya Politics & Security.

South Sudan seeks peacekeeping force for border

The UN Security Council met on Monday 21st March to discuss the situation in Sudan, and Pagan Amum, secretary-general of the South's Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) said he asked the council to consider deploying a new peacekeeping force at the border.

According to AllAfrica, the meeting was an unofficial sitting of the council, held in response to a request from a people's organisation in the US on the disputed Abyei region, although this has not been confirmed.

In a statement to Sudan's SUNA newspaper, Khalid Musa , the spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the request for an unofficial meeting reflects an 'unjustifiable trend towards escalation', resulting from the failure of some circles in South Sudan to solve their own political issues.

Musa said the Sudan's envoy to the UN had made available all the facts for the Security Council and reiterated his government's commitment to the peaceful solution of all issues.

Speaking after the meeting, Amum said that the UN would be involved in investigating the Northern National Congress Party 's aid to the renegade general, George Athor , that the SPLM/A is currently fighting. The south has in recent weeks accused the north of working to destabilise the South, and has recently withdrawn from talks.

The two sides have also bickered over UN Mission in Sudan head Haile Menkerios 's flying to Abyei on a UN helicopter with Ahmed Haroun , an NCP member who is wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes in Darfur.

Amum said that Menkerios was wrong for flying with Haroun, but according to Inner City Press , UN Peacekeeping Assistant Secretary-General Atul Khare criticised the SPLM for not granting it access.

South Sudan is preparing to declare its independence from Sudan in July, following an independence referendum in January, but the transition preparations have been overshadowed by violence in recent weeks. There has been considerable violence in the disputed border area of Abyei, as well as within South Sudan between supporters of rebel general Athor and the SPLA.

Amum said he asked the council to think about deploying a new peacekeeping force to the border, but it is not yet clear how that request was received.

Sources: Canadian Press, Inner City Press, AllAfrica

For more news and expert analysis about the Sahara region, please see Sahara Focus.

Libya declares an immediate ceasefire

Libya has declared an immediate ceasefire after UN Security Council backed a no-fly zone over the country; the resolution also gave UN members permission to take "all necessary measures" to protect civilians. Anti-government protesters in the rebel stronghold of Benghazi greeted the news of UN's resolution with cheers and celebratory fireworks.

Libya's Foreign Minister Musa Kusa said the ceasefire was intended "to protect civilians". The announcement came amid heavy fighting between Colonel Mu'ammar Qadhafi loyalists and rebels.

UN Security Council Resolution 1973 gave broad backing to taking military action against all threats to civilians. Speaking about the resolutions, President of the Justice and Democracy Party of Libya Hadi Shalluf said the anti-government protesters would welcome UN peacekeepers in Libya to help enforce the no-fly zone on the ground. Shalluf said: “All the Libyans now, they are very, very happy even as this resolution is coming very, very late. But we are really glad and then happy. Today, just now in Benghazi where the people go outside singing, and then dancing, and are very, very happy about this resolution.”

Shalluf also thanked both the US and France for their part in making the no-fly zone resolution possible, adding “We would like to say thank you to Mr Obama and then we would like to say thank you to Mr Sarkozy and Mr. (Alain) Juppe, the French president and foreign minister about what they did for the Libyan people.”

Speaking shortly after Libya declared ceasefire, Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron said Britain would judge Qadhafi "by his actions not his words". He added: “What is absolutely clear is the UN Security Council resolution said he must stop what he is doing, brutalising his people. If not, all necessary measures can follow to make him stop…That is what we agreed last night, that is what we are preparing for and we'll judge him by what he does."

Sources: BBC News, Voice of America, Reuters, New York Times

For more news and expert analysis about Libya, please see Libya Focus and Libya Politics & Security.

Libya being shun by most of EU

The situation in Libya has reached a point where the Colonel Qadhafi's regime will no longer be tolerated in any form by the protestors who now make up the majority, but certainly not all, of the Libyan population.

Violence in Tripoli has waxed and waned over the last week. Overall, Qadhafi has tightened his grip on the capital, making public appearances and sending his troops onto the streets. Some estimates suggest that up to 80 per cent of Libya is in anti-government hands.

On 26th February, the UN Security Council issued a statement, demanding an end to the violence. Resolution 1970 called for member States to secure delivery of humanitarian assistance. A committee has been established to monitor the situation. The Resolution also imposed Sanctions comprising of an arms embargo, a travel ban and an asset freeze. The freeze only applies to the Leader and five of his children. The travel ban, however, applies to 16 individuals associated with the regime. The UN has also referred the matter to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Fighting has been ongoing with reports of clashes in the Tripoli suburb of Tajura. Key towns, Zawiya and Misurata, are understood to be surrounded by government forces but remain in rebel control. On 2nd March, it appeared that Brega was re-captured by the regime but has since been lost again with the rebels now in control.

The EU continues to condemn the violence. EU Foreign Policy Chief, Catherine Ashton, confirmed on 28th February that the EU was adopting the UN sanctions including a wider travel ban affecting a total of 26 people connected to the regime.

France was the first country to confirm that it had sent medical aid to Libya. Two planes went into Benghazi, carrying nurses, doctors, medicines and medical equipment. Italy, on the other hand, has suspended its Friendship Treaty with Libya, reasoning that the government with which it signed the treaty no longer exists as an entity. With the lifting of the treaty, Italian bases could now be used for military aircraft including NATO forces to take off for Libya. Under the terms of agreements, Italy had agreed not to allow its territory to be the base for any attack on Libya.

In applying UN sanctions, the UK has frozen substantial assets held inside its borders by the Qadhafi family. Libyan currency, printed in the UK, believed to be in the region of £900 million, has also been affected by the asset freeze. The UK Foreign Office has suspended its embassy in Libya, leaving a sole consular representative and placing consular affairs in the hands of the Turkish embassy.

On 25th February, the US Embassy in Tripoli was closed. It is understood that US$30 billion worth of Libyan assets in the US were then frozen. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, travelled to a meeting of foreign ministers in Geneva on 28th February. She issued a statement claiming that Administration would assist Libyan rebels in any way possible but officials later clarified that this did not mean supplying arms.

The regime is presenting itself as unharmed and unbowed. There have been promises of a US$400 handout for each family, as well as assurances that civil service wages could increase by up to 150 per cent. These would appear to be last ditch attempts to hold on to control as Libyan diplomats around the world continue to resign.

Regime spokesman Mussa Ibrahim and both Sa'adi Qadhafi and Saif Al-Islam Qadhafi have given interviews to foreign press claiming that problems have been grossly exaggerated. In an interview released by the BBC, Colonel Qadhafi demonstrated his determination to remain in power, claiming that he is loved by the Libyan people and condemning foreign governments for interference in the Jamahiriya.

For more news and expert analysis about Libya, please see Libya Focus and Libya Politics & Security.

© 2011 Menas Associates

Qadhafi says he is still in Tripoli

Libya's leader Colonel Mu'ammar Qadhafi has labelled foreign news agencies “dogs”, and dismissed reports that he has fled abroad amid protests sweeping the country. In an interview with State TV, Qadhafi said: "I am in Tripoli and not in Venezuela. Do not believe these channels - they are dogs." Qadhafi's television appearance came shortly after Libyan security forces clashed with the demonstrators in Tripoli for the second day in a row.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon spoke to Qadhafi on Monday 21st February, and shortly after announced that the UN Security Council is to meet in a closed session to discuss Libya. Ban Ki-moon said: "I urged him that the human rights and freedom of assembly and freedom of speech must be fully protected."

Libya's diplomats at the UN called for international intervention to stop the government's brutality against street demonstrations. Criticism over Qadhafi's handling of protesters has come from several senior figures, including Libya's diplomat in the US Ali Aujali who said, he was "not supporting the government killing its people". And, Deputy Permanent Representative Ibrahim Dabbashi who said his countrymen had to be protected from "genocide".

Meanwhile, Libyan State TV denied any unlawful killings, dismissing the reports as "baseless lies" by international media. One statement released by the Libyan broadcasting authority said: "You should know that this is part of the psychological warfare, lies and rumours which you should resist because they are aimed at demolishing your morale, stability and blessings for which they envy you…Rumours are a poison which you should not drink. False news peddled by satellite TVs are arrows which you should deflect towards their throats."

Sources: BBC News, Arab New , Aljazeera, ABC News

For more news and expert analysis about Libya, please see Libya Focus and Libya Politics & Security.

UN commends Southern Sudan's referendum

The UN Security Council has commended Southern Sudan on the relatively peaceful independence referendum expected to result in secession. But it also called on the north and the south to resolve their differences regarding the Abyei region.

The head of the UN mission to Sudan said the recent tensions in Abyei could lead to long-term instability, and urged the leaders to agree on the region's status. The Council also voiced concern about the ongoing violence in Darfur. Clashes between insurgents and security forces in the western region have displaced an estimate 40,000 people over the past month.

The Council held a meeting, on Tuesday 18th January, to discuss the conduct of the referendum which they thought to have been free, fair and credible. Speaking about the meeting, a US representative, Susan Rice said "The people of Southern Sudan, after decades of war, and more than two million killed, have cast their votes peacefully, and expressed their will."

UN envoy to Sudan, Haile Menkarios, said the clashes between the Misseriya Arab nomads from the north and pro-Southern Dinka Ngok have subsided due to a recent agreement between the Northern and Southern governments. But he also noted that an absence of an official settlement would, inevitably lead to more violence.

"These efforts for reducing tensions and preventing violence can contain the situation. However, the continued absence of a final settlement on the future of Abyei leaves open the possibility of further clashes between the communities," he said.

EU mission's Chief Veronique de Keyser said the referendum was conducted peacefully with few isolated “cases of intimidation" by government security officials at voting centres. Speaking to the press in Khartoum, de Keyser said "If I had to summaries the conduct of the referendum, I would say free and peaceful voting took place, with an overwhelming turnout."

Preliminary results are expected by the end of the month and are most likely to be in favour of secession which would make Southern Sudan an independent nation by 9th July - as stipulated in the 2005 peace treaty between the north and the south.

De Keyser also commended the "courageous political leadership" demonstrated by the ruling parties of the north and south Sudan and added that she was "confident that the free will of the Sudanese people would be respected."

Sources: BBC News, Sudan Tribute, Aljazeera, People's Daily Online

For more news and expert analysis about the Sahara region, please see Sahara Focus.

UN in Nigeria to investigate Iranian arms seizure

Nigeria's Foreign Minister Odein Ajumogobia has said that a group of UN experts arrived in Nigeria to inspect an illegal shipment of arms seized in Apapa seaport in Lagos on 27th October 2010. The shipment, sent from an Iranian port, of 13 containers labeled as building materials included rockets, grenades and ammunition.

Ajumogobia told AFP the group was in Nigeria to, "meet with relevant government officials as part of a neutral fact-finding mission following up on the report that we filed with the sanctions committee in November last year".

Nigeria alerted the UN Security Council, in November 2010, after seizing the shipment sent from Iran in an apparent breach of sanctions. It is thought that the shipment would have been reloaded and sent to Gambia. Tehran has since said the cargo was being shipped by a private company to a "West African country" and was the subject of a "misunderstanding" that has now been cleared up.

Ajumogobia met with the six UN members along with intelligence service chiefs, national security personnel and immigration representative, "to clarify several issues that arose from the report we filed".

Last month a Nigerian high court charged an Iranian, identified as a member of the Iran Revolutionary Guard, over the illegal arms cargo. Azim Aghajani was granted a $130,000 bail and ordered to return to court on 31st January. He was charged along with three Nigerians.

Sources: BBC News, AFP, Vanguard, Reuters

For more news and expert analysis about Nigeria, please see Nigeria Focus and Nigeria Politics & Security.

Al-Maliki to unveil new government

Iraqi Prime Minister, Nouri Al-Maliki, is due to unveil his newly selected cabinet today, more than a record braking nine months of political deadlock after inconclusive parliamentary elections. The new cabinet is expected to be divided among all the main factions within the country and will include the Kurds, Shi'a and Sunni Muslims.

All of al-Makliki's nominations will have to be approved by the Iraqi parliament. Speaking about the much anticipated selection, lawmaker of the Shi'a led National Alliance, Kamal al-Saadi, said “Negotiations are still underway this morning over candidates for the different ministries.”

The 37 posts on offer will be divided among Iraq's main ethnic groups, which have been the focus of considerable political wrangling until November when all parties reached a consensus to re-elect President Jalal Talabani, who then appointed al-Maliki as premier for a second term.

The formation of a new Iraqi government will be a big breakthrough for the war-torn country. But only time will tell, whether the new appointees ministers are able to work together to tackle the country's many problems.

Last week, the UN Security Council lifted most of the international sanctions imposed on Iraq during Saddam Hussein's time in power. It also granted Iraq permission to develop a civil nuclear programme.

Following the news of UN Security Council's decision, Kuwait has urged neighbouring Iraq to resolve its outstanding issues and get apply international resolutions in order to get the remainder of the sanctions lifted.

Kuwait's parliament released a statement saying, "commitment to serious and full implementation of Security Council resolutions related to the situation between Iraq and Kuwait will close all files and settle outstanding issues.This will also lay foundations for strong relations based on the respect of sovereignty and independence and the principle of good neighbourly relations and non-interference in internal affairs."

The UN ordered Iraq to pay Kuwait 5 per cent of its annual oil revenue to subsidise war reparations, from the 1990 Iraqi invasion. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon stressed that Iraq must work to agree on a border with Kuwait and settle it's debt with Kuwait if all sanctions are to be lifted.

Sources: Ahram Online, BBC News, Deutsche Presse Agentur

For more news and expert analysis about Iraq, please see Iraq Focus.

UN Security Council concerned for Sudan's oil rich Abyei region

The UN Security Council has expressed concern about the situation in Sudan's oil rich Abyei region, where a referendum on self-determination is expected to take place on January 9th 2011.

In a statement, approved by all its 15 members, the Council urged Sudan to reach an agreement on Abyei and appease the mounting tension in the region. In a separate development, the Council welcomed the conclusion of a peaceful registration process for the referendum in South Sudan. The head of UN peacekeeping, Alain LeRoy, said that although the situation in Southern Sudan appears to have stabilised the region remains fragile. He also noted that the security situation could become compromised during and after the referendum.

"As the Council is aware, we are working on options for a possible augmentation of U.N. troops in Sudan, to prevent any deterioration in the security situation after the referendum, and to increase our capacity to monitor possible ceasefire violations and protect civilians throughout the mission area," said LeRoy.

The US ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice, told the Security Council that a peaceful referendum is essential in order to establish long-term peace and stability in Sudan. She added that if referendum protocol is followed polling will commence on schedule, but said that status of Abyei remains unresolved.

"Any resolution regarding the future of the Abyei area must respect the legally affirmed rights of the people of that region and it must be reached with the consent of both parties. We also face additional upcoming challenges, including the effective conduct of the Southern Sudan referendum itself," said Rice.

Sources: Voice of America, Global Security, UN

For more news and expert analysis about the Sahara region, please see Sahara Focus.

UN lifts Iraq sanctions

The UN Security Council has lifted most of the international sanctions imposed on Iraq during Saddam Hussein's time in power. It also granted Iraq permission to develop a civil nuclear programme and officially discontinued the widely corrupt oil-for-food initiative.

The UN's resolution is in recognition of the political progress made in Iraq, after an eight month delay in the formation of a new government. Speaking about UN's decision, US Vice President Joseph Biden, who chaired the high-level meeting, commended Obama Administration's accomplishments.

UN Dispatch said Biden praised the “withdrawal of 100,000 troops and completion of the combat mission there, which has been accompanied by the transition from a military-led to civilian-led engagement.”

The resolution ending sanctions that were imposed to stop Iraq building nuclear weapons is a big step in granting the country its independence. The 2003 invasion of Iraq was prompted by fears that Saddam Hussein was developing weapons of mass destruction.

The council also voted to return control of Iraq's oil and gas revenue to the government on June 30th and to end all remaining activities of the oil-for-food programme, originally designed to help ordinary Iraqis cope with the sanctions.

Biden also said that violence in the country had reached its lowest levels since 2003 and that the remaining 50,000 troops will continue supporting their Iraqi counterparts in areas of trade, energy, health, security and law enforcement until the end of next year. He also commended the Iraqi leaders for reaching an agreement which will create “a national partnership government and ensure the first peaceful transition of power between elected governments under full Iraqi sovereignty.”

UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon said that in order for all sanctions to be lifted, Iraq must make efforts to agree a border with Kuwait and make war reparations of 5 per cent from its oil sale revenues to assist the neighbouring country with rebuilding itself post the 1990 Iraqi invasion.

Iraq's Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said normalisation of relations with Kuwait is a priority for the new government, as Iraq is keen to make a fresh start after years of "sanctions caused by wars and misdeeds of the former regime."

Sources: BBC News, The New York Times, UN Dispatch, Arabian Business

For more news and expert analysis about Iraq, please see Iraq Focus.

UN lifts sanctions against Iraq

The UN Security Council has lifted most of the international sanctions imposed on Iraq during Saddam Hussein's time in power. It also granted Iraq permission to develop a civil nuclear programme and officially discontinued the widely corrupt oil-for-food initiative.

The UN's resolution is in recognition of the political progress made in Iraq, after an eight month delay in the formation of a new government. Speaking about UN's decision, US Vice President Joseph Biden, who chaired the high-level meeting, commended Obama Administration's accomplishments.

UN Dispatch said Biden praised the “withdrawal of 100,000 troops and completion of the combat mission there, which has been accompanied by the transition from a military-led to civilian-led engagement.”

The resolution ending sanctions that were imposed to stop Iraq building nuclear weapons is a big step in granting the country its independence. The 2003 invasion of Iraq was prompted by fears that Saddam Hussein was developing weapons of mass destruction.

The council also voted to return control of Iraq's oil and gas revenue to the government on June 30th and to end all remaining activities of the oil-for-food programme, originally designed to help ordinary Iraqis cope with the sanctions.

Biden also said that violence in the country had reached its lowest levels since 2003 and that the remaining 50,000 troops will continue supporting their Iraqi counterparts in areas of trade, energy, health, security and law enforcement until the end of next year. He also commended the Iraqi leaders for reaching an agreement which will create “a national partnership government and ensure the first peaceful transition of power between elected governments under full Iraqi sovereignty.”

UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon said that in order for all sanctions to be lifted, Iraq must make efforts to agree a border with Kuwait and make war reparations of 5 per cent from its oil sale revenues to assist the neighbouring country with rebuilding itself post the 1990 Iraqi invasion.

Iraq's Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said normalisation of relations with Kuwait is a priority for the new government, as Iraq is keen to make a fresh start after years of "sanctions caused by wars and misdeeds of the former regime."

Sources: BBC News, The New York Times, UN Dispatch, Arabian Business

For more news and expert analysis about Iraq, please see Iraq Focus.

Algeria and Germany plans closer co-operation

Algeria and Germany have unveiled plans for closer co-operation in the energy sector and socio-economic development. The plans were announced during President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's state visit to Berlin. Speaking about strengthening ties with Germany, Bouteflika said he hoped it would also involve a sharing of skills.

“We expect help with the training of our youth, which Germany is prepared to do. We are interested in a technology transfer, which Germany has also agreed to,” said Bouteflika.

“We are interested in helping with the exploitation of oil and gas reserves, but also to cooperate more closely with Algeria on solar and renewable energy,” said Chancellor Angela Merkel. She also pointed out the importance of the Desertec solar programme, which plans to harness solar energy in North Africa for distribution to Europe and the Middle East.

"I gave my assurance that we have a great interest in implementing Desertec, which is still a vision today," said Merkel.

Merkel commended Algeria for supporting its bid for a permanent representation on the UN Security Council, on which Germany is to begin a two year rotation. Markel also said that Germany planned to work with Algeria on security issues pertaining to the country's borders, curtailing illegal migration through North Africa to Europe.

Source: Deutsche Presse-Agentur

For more news and expert analysis about Algeria please see Algeria Focus and Algeria Politics & Security.