Villeworth Security Services Ltd

week 33

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PORT HARCOURT AND ENVIRONS

Bakassi Finally Ceded To Cameroon

Nigeria, Thursday, handed over the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon, amidst tight security owing to threats by different bodies. Tears flowed freely from Nigerians who have been displaced by the handover. The ceremony was witnessed by representatives of both nations, as well as the international community. Meanwhile, the National Economic Council (NEC) has called on neighbouring state governments to Cross River to watch provide aides for Bakassi returnees who may flock their states, just as Indigenes of Bakassi commenced contempt proceedings against the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Mr Michael Aondoakaa, for violating a court order stopping the ceding of Bakassi to Cameroun.

RSG Orders Demolition of Illegal Refinery

Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, penultimate Sunday, ordered the immediate demolition of an illegal refinery located in Gokana LGA of the State. The demolition commenced on Monday while the over 3-kilometer stretch of land surrounding some creeks in the mangrove would be used for fish farming to be owned between the State government, the local government and the local people. Twelve suspects were arrested.

NDDC Presents N’Delta Master plan To UN

Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Timi Alaibe, has presented the Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan to the United Nations to show the world that it is committed to the development of the region.

JTF Arrests Suspected Kidnappers

Four persons suspected to members of a robbery and kidnapping syndicate in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State were, Monday, nabbed by men of the Joint Task Force (JTF) during a routine stop and search along the Agudama-Epie area of the Mbiama-Yenagoa road.

Bakassi: Gendarmes fire at in-coming Nigerian Boats

The gendarmes at Bakassi Peninsula seem to have an order to shoot any Nigerian who got close to the waters. While Nigerian boats were allowed out, none was allowed to re-enter.

Gunmen Kidnap Female Lawyer, 4 Kids

Unidentified gunmen, Thursday, kidnapped a female lawyer in Akwa Ibom state with four of her kids while returning from Church in Uyo, the state capital. The hoodlums are demanding for a N7 million ransom before the release of the woman and her kids whose husband, Mr. Michael Udofia, is said to be the Chief Executive Officer, Fens Oil limited.

Shell Signs $10m Contract with Dorman Long

To promote local content in the oil and gas sector, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), has signed a one-year contract worth $10million with Dorman Long Engineering Limited, an indigenous company. General Manager, Offshore, SNEPCo, Mr Ruud Schrama, said the contract is for the maintenance and Brownfield engineering services on Bonga Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Vessel.

MEND Frees Kidnapped Julius Berger Workers

Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta MEND has said it had successfully rescued the two Julius Berger workers kidnapped about some weeks ago in Rivers State. MEND said that it carried out the rescue operation to prove that they were not on the same pedestal with those who took hostages for ransom, adding that the hostages would be delivered to their employers. They said their threat to the company was to put the kidnappers off guard as if they were actually taking action against them, but warned that the JTF must keep off from the point of handing over.

Police Nab Robbers As They Fight Over Loot

Police in Rivers State have arrested members of a 5-man robbery gang, who, after robbing their victim N6 million, engaged themselves in free-for-all-fight over sharing arrangement. It was during the fracas that they were rounded up by the police.

NSCDC Foils Crude Oil Theft

Boats carrying crude oil and adulterated fuel were during the week arrested by members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence (NSCDC), Anambra State command, while off-loading the products into six trailers at the Onitsha end of the River Niger and along Okpoko, Odoekpe and Osamala area of the River Niger.

SPDC Moves to Indigenise Operations

Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has unfolded plans to fullyindigenise its operations in Nigeria. It had initially handed over contracts worth $1 billion or N120 billion to Nigerian contractors in 2007 to test-run the new initiative. This represented 96 percent of all contracts awarded by SPDC in that same year. The managing director, Mutiu Sunmonu, presented a new general manager for the Nigerian Content Development unit of SPDC, Simbi Wabote, saying the appointment represents a huge step towards the effort to make Nigerians the drivers of oil exploration and fabrication.

Illegal Gun Factory Discovered in Enugu

An illegal gun-factory was recently discovered at Oji River LGA in Enugu State. The proprietor of the factory, along with his equipment, was instantly relocated to the new site of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the state command.

Kidnapper Returns 3-Yr-Old Victim

Barely 24 hours after she was kidnapped from their Oyigbo residence near Port Harcourt, three- year-old Miss Purity Ogu, has regained her freedom. The little girl was dumped at the Port Harcourt terminus of a Transport Company, Agofure Motors, on Monday Morning.

Seven Arrested Over Alleged Killing of Policemen

Seven suspects have been arrested by the Imo Police Command in connection with the killing of three policemen during a robbery operation. The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Linus Nwaiwu, said that said quick response and painstaking investigation by the Police led to the arrest of the suspects.

Amaechi Votes Military Action against Cultism and Militancy

Governor Rotimi Amaechi has strongly advocated for the use of force to tackle criminality in Rivers state. He said that it is the responsibility of government to protect lives and property, and such government should not be afraid to take decisions considered as harsh if it is for the good of all.  Amaechi had requested the deployment of more military troops for the state, an act that was strongly criticized by the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND), which claims that no matter the number of troops sent, they would still confront the Nigeria Army.

Nigerian Ship Seized By Somali Militants

Somali militants have highjacked a Nigerian merchant ship, holding its captain, Graham Egbegi, and its crew hostage. The militants are demanding a ransom of $1 million for their release. The captain was allowed to contact his family after five days in captivity. The ship, Yenagoa Ocean, belonging to ESL Integrated Services, coming back from Dubai, had berthed in Mogadishu to seek medical attention for some crew members.

Two Women Fight Robbers to Standstill

Two young ladies on Monday afternoon engaged armed robbers in a fight which led to the arrest of one of the robbers in Port Harcourt. Two locally-made pistols were also recovered from the six-man robbery gang. However, five of them fled when commercial bike-riders and passers-by joined to assist the ladies.  One of the ladies was shot in the process.

Repented Cultists in Abia Poly Get Scholarships, Jobs

For denouncing cultism, 27 students of Abia state Polytechnic have been awarded scholarships to complete their academic programmes and upon graduation be assisted to get jobs. This was announced by the Rector of the Polytechnic Elder Allwell Onukaogu.

Prosecution of NDDC Boss: MEND Tasks FG, Police

Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, (MEND), has condemned the sluggish stance of the Nigeria Police to prosecute the suspended Chairman of Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Ambassador Sam Edem in connection with failed assassination attempts on the lives of Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa-Ibom State and the Managing Director of the NDDC, Mr. Timi Alaibe.

Nembe Creek Attack Sets Federation Account Back By N79bn

Recent attacks by militants on the Nembe Creek Trunk in Bonny and Tebidaba delivery pipeline set the Federation Account back by N80 billion. The Accountant-General of the Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo, disclosed that as a result, N78.1 billion was provided from the Domestic Excess Crude proceeds as to augment the budget for August.

FG Loses N260bn to Indigenous Oil Firm

The House of Representatives is trying to unravel the circumstances that made the Federal Government lose about N260 billion ($2.3 billion), in a transaction involving Oil Mining License (OML) 130. It was also discovered that OML 130 emanated from Operational Production License (OPL) 246 after oil was struck.

JTF Explains Attack on Agge Community

The Joint Task Force (JTF) has justified its burning down of Agge community in Bayelsa state. The Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre of the JTF, Lt. Col. Rabe Abubakar explained that it was in a bid to apprehend the perpetrators of the attack on its base at Bomadi, Delta state that they went to Agge.  He claimed that the militants hiding in the village opened fire on JTF troops and that the soldiers only returned fire in defence.

Chevron Reinstates Commitment To Oil Production In Nigeria

Chevron Nigeria Limited has said that the coming on stream of Agbami FPSO is to demonstrate that the company was ready to increase the nation's oil production level and generate more revenue for the Federal Government.

Kidnappers, Herbalist, Robbers, Arrested

Members of a syndicate in Akwa Ibom that allegedly kidnaps people and demand ransoms, before releasing them, have been arrested by the police. A native doctor, who allegedly prepared charms that could make the kidnappers evade police arrest, was also picked up. Arrested also is a fake mobile policeman, who confessed to belonging to a robbery gang.

20 Corpses of Militants Recovered From Bonny River

Rescuers during the week picked 20 bodies suspected to be those of militants killed in a fight with the Joint Task Force (JTF) on Bonny River on Friday. JTF spokesman, Lt-Col. Sagir Musa, said that three boats belonging to the militants were destroyed in the clash, while AK 47 rifles were also recovered.

Shell Stays In Nigeria, Pays N2.9 Trillion Tax

Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has again refuted claims that it plans to leave Nigeria. The management, which unfolded several projects it is executing in the country, said that in the last three years, it had paid N2.9 trillion to the FG as taxes and royalties. Chairman, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Basil Omiyi, also disclosed that Shell would next month generate 640 megawatts (MW) of electricity from the AFAM plant into the national grid to boost power supply in the country.

BENIN/WARRI/ESCRAVOS

N/Delta: JTF Hunts For Illegal Bunkering Suspect

The Joint Task Force (JTF) is on the trail of a prominent citizen of Delta State suspected to be behind the 14 Filipinos arrested for illegal bunkering over a month ago in the Niger Delta. It was also revealed that a man suspected to be fronting for the illegal bunkering baron has been distributing monies to calm down those concerned in the investigation.

Police Corporal Arrests Assassin

A Police Corporal in Delta State, Vincent Ebong, successfully disarmed a gunman who shot dead his victim, a retired staff of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in a bush in Ovwian town in Delta State. Ebong was on a routine patrol with a motor-bike when he sighted a vehicle heading towards the bush and he became suspicious. He then laid ambush for the suspected assassins and overpowered one of them. The other escaped.

Edo Police Parade 22 Suspects

The Edo state police command, Monday, paraded 22 suspected criminals, nabbed for various offences in the state. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, Peter Ogboi (ASP) disclosed that the arrests were made possible by the combined efforts of vigilante groups who partnered with the police to track–down the suspects.

N200m 'Paid' For Delta SSG'S Father's Release

Indications have emerged that N200million was allegedly paid to the abductors of the father of the Delta State Secretary to Government (SSG), Pa Okorie Okowa. His son, the SSG, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has however, maintained that no money was paid for his release. The abductors had demanded a N600 million ransom.

Student Kills Lover, Commits Suicide

A 200 level student of a tertiary institution in Delta State, Mr Ndubisi Mowete, has committed suicide after stabbing his girlfriend, Vivian Obioma, to death over a minor disagreement.   Ndubisi was said to have been enraged upon discovering that his lover, Vivian, was allegedly dating another student within the campus.

LAGOS AND ENVIRONS

Nine Captives Regain Freedom in Ondo after 10 Days

Nine persons kidnapped two weeks ago in Ondo state by a group that claims to be the state chapter of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) regained their freedom, after 10 day in captivity. The group said they released the captives after the intervention of prominent Ijaw leaders.

Woman Arrested For Killing Husband

A Lagos housewife, Mrs. Remi Badmus, was arrested for stabbing her husband, Hakeem, to death. The alleged offence was committed on Tuesday after the couple got into a fight when Hakeem accused his wife of carelessness that led to the loss of his mobile phone.

Ex-UME Highest Scorer in Police Net For Alleged Robbery

The Oyo State police command is now faced with the task of establishing the veracity of the claims by a 2002 highest scorer of the University Matriculation Examination, Adio Kolawole, that he is not an armed robber. Kolawole is alleged to be the kingpin of the gang that had on many occasions tormented the University of Ibadan community.

Child Sexual Abuse on Increase — Expert

Cases of Child sexual abuse are said to be on the increase in Nigeria because affected people prefer to treat the issue as top secret. Making the observation, the Media Concern Initiative (MCI) called on Nigerians to report to the police to bring perpetrators to book.

Rape of Students: Red Cross, Residents Blame Oyo Govt

The Nigerian Red Cross Society and some residents of Ibadan on Thursday blamed the Oyo State Government for not providing adequate security at the St. Anne’s Secondary School in Ibadan, where four female students were raped on Tuesday. They said that the girls, aged 12 to 16, would not have been defiled by the hoodlums who invaded their hostel if adequate security measures had been provided. Meanwhile, the state police command paraded five suspected rapists caught in different parts of the state. Investigation into the Tuesday incident is open, but no arrest has been made.

Police Dislodge 40 Robbery Suspects

The Oyo state police command has arrested 40 suspected criminals from their different hideouts in the state. Also arrested were a fake female medical doctor, who impersonated a staff of World Health Organisation (WHO) and a fake police officer. The state commissioner of police, Mr. Bashiru Azeez, said most of the suspects were notorious armed robbers, who had been on the police wanted list.

Oshodi Boils As Officials Raid  Hemp-Joint

Commercial activities came to a standstill last Wednesday in Oshodi, Lagos as hoodlums “area-boys” and Lagos State Task Force were engaged in a free-for-all fight. Dangerous weapons were freely wielded by the “area-boys” who were enraged at the task force officials who allegedly came on a mission of dislodging and chasing away street-traders from the Agege motor Road. No fatality was recorded. The Lagos State Police Command said the men were on a mission to raid a notorious Indian-hemp joint in Oshodi.

Antonio Oil To Build N5bn Refinery, Inaugurates Filling Station

Antonio Oil Company Limited, a major player in the downstream sector of Nigeria oil and gas industry, said it has concluded plans to build a refinery in Ogun State. Mr Anthony Effedua, managing director, of the company said the foundation will be laid in the first week of September this year adding that the company has earmarked about N5 billion for the project. The refinery he further said is fully owned by the company.

W/Bank Approves Request by Communities over W/African Gas Pipeline

The World Bank has approved measures to address complaints by 12 Nigerian communities over the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) project. Following complaints by the communities that the project would damage their land, a panel was set-up to probe possible violations of bank procedures around its funding for the project operated by Chevron Corporation.

Security is a Collective Task - SSS Chief

The Lagos State Director of the State Security Service (SSS), Mr. Ibrahim Audu, has said that security is a collective responsibility. Audu said that they were ready to assist the media in the pursuit of a better society.

GENERAL

Nigeria To Cease Crude Oil Export, To Go Into Production

A recent resolve by the Federal Government indicates that Nigerian may soon, literally, cease to export crude oil. The country will rather go into full-fledged oil production. President Yar'Adua is expected to submit to the National Assembly a draft proposal for this, even as the country’s refineries’ current production barely meets National demand.

Navy Deploys Pilots To Man NIMASA's Helicopters

The Nigeria Navy has deployed its pilots and aircrew to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) as part of efforts to safeguard the nation's maritime sector. Nigeria has been consistently ranked three in the world in terms of insecurity of her territorial waters. The deployments followed the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations.

Allied Energy to Go Public

An indigenous upstream firm, Allied Energy Resources Nigeria Limited, has secured the nod of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) to be quoted on its floor. Allied Energy, a subsidiary of Lawal's CAMAC, has for several years been on the top of US companies owned by blacks. The company was the first indigenous, independently owned oil and gas producer, to hold interests in a Nigerian deep-water license in 1992.

850 Nigerian Peacekeepers for Somalia

Nigeria will, in the next few weeks, deploy a battalion of 850 officers and soldiers to Somalia as part of an African Union peacekeeping force. Defence spokesman, Brigadier – Gen. Emeka Onwuamaegbu said the initial plan was for the troops, who will help an under-strength AU force support Somalia's U.N.-backed interim government in its struggle against Islamist rebels, to leave for Mogadishu by the end of this month. Fighting in Somalia has killed thousands of civilians and displaced about a million since early last year.

Domestic Excess Crude Account Hits N405bn

Nigeria’s domestic excess crude account as at June 2008 stood at N404.92 billion, while the foreign account as at the month under review was $15.3billion, as disclosed by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

NLC Flays FG over State of Refineries

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Thursday, expressed displeasure over the apparent lack of improvement in the country's domestic refining capacity due to the continued poor state of the nation’s four refineries.  NLC General Secretary, Mr. John Odah, challenged the Minister of State for Petroleum, Mr. Odein Ajumogobia, to explain to Nigerians the extent of progress made to revive the refineries and to address other issues hindering the improvement of domestic refining capacity.

Nigeria: Ghana, Togo, Benin Parley over Bird Flu

Ghana's Veterinary Services Directorate, alarmed at the resurgence of avian influenza (bird flu) in Nigeria, is seeking a meeting with its eastern neighbours, Togo and Benin Republic to discuss measures to prevent it from spreading to their countries. The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has warned that a new strain of avian influenza never before reported in Africa has been identified in Nigeria.

Cabotage Policy Suffers Setback

The implementation of the six-year old National Inland and Coastal Policy (Cabotage) may have suffered severe setback with the arrest of about three vessels shipped into the country by some Nigerian ship owners following refusal by the Federal Government to grant Customs duty and other tariffs waiver on them. Investigations revealed that the ship owners imported the vessels to boost their Inland and Coastal Shipping operations and to take over the country Inland Shipping from their foreign counterparts.

DPR Closes 15 Fuel Stations In The North-West

About 15 filling stations in Zamfara, Kebbi and Sokoto states were reported sealed by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) for committing various offences, which include selling the commodity above the price and hoarding.

Senate Demands NLNG Account For Gas Sales

The Senate Committee on Gas has vowed that it would not allow the Nigeria Liquidated Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) to move into the train seven at the Bonny NLNG until it accounts for previous trains, stressing that lots of money was recovered from the six trains, which were used to export gas to America and Europe.

FG Seeks More From Non-Oil Revenue

A discovery by the House of Representatives committee on finance of the non-remittance of revenue by government agencies, that government could generate more income from non-oil revenue, has prompted the house towards amending the laws that empowered some agencies to spend monies they generated. The committee's deputy chairman, Leo Daika, on Monday, said that last year, Government recovered N400 billion from the non-oil revenues. He maintained that despite the fact that some of these agencies generated a lot of money, they still go to the National Assembly to request for fund in the budget.

EFCC To Monitor Government Contractors

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is poised to keep a tab on contractors handling government projects. This is a follow-up to discoveries by the various probes that multi-million naira contracts were awarded to contractors who were neither registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) nor the awarding government ministries or parastatals.

Navy Alleges Plot to Destabilise Nigeria Naval Barrack

The Nigerian Navy on Monday said it had uncovered a plot by a group of retired officers to destabilize the Navy from one of its barracks in Lagos. The naval authorities did not reveal details of the threat but said that the group, allegedly led by two retired naval officers in Lagos, had been going round some naval formations, particularly, the Nigerian Navy Town, Ojo, Lagos, to “poison” the minds of other naval personnel. This, it alleged, could lead to serious security breach if not checked.

Oil Marketers Ask For Total Deregulation Or Subsidy For Diesel

As the issue of scarcity of diesel persists, oil marketers have advised the Federal Government to either totally deregulate the product’s price or subsidise it to improve supply.

Student Kidnapped At Abuja, Rescued at Lokoja

Hostage-taking, reared its ugly head at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, on Monday as a female student of the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), Aisha Babayo Shehu, was kidnapped by yet-to-be persons who had demanded N10 million for her freedom. She was however rescued same day at Lokoja, Kogi State by operatives of the State Security Services (SSS).

Nigeria To Build World's First Floating LNG Plant

Nigeria is set to make history as the first country in the world to build a floating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant. The plant, known as Progress LNG, is to be built by Flex LNG Ltd and Peak Petroleum. Mitsubishi Corporation, Japan's largest trading company announced that it has agreed to buy LNG from the plant to meet rising demand for cleaner-burning fuels.

Gunmen Kill Katsina Govt Official

Suspected assassins, Monday, stormed the official residence of a director with the Katsina State Government, Alhaji Muntari Mohammed, and murdered him. The Police has commenced investigation.

FG Moves To Save 13 Nigerians In Saudi Jail

Federal Government has taken steps to save 13 Nigerians detained at Briman Prison in Saudi Arabia since 2002. Foreign Affairs Minister, Ojo Maduekwe, who gave this indication, however, did not give details of the intervention. The 13 Nigerians were said to be working in Saudi Arabia as car washmen when they were arrested on September 29, 2002 by immigration operatives.

Okiro Redeploys Demoted CPs, Top Officers Kick Over Postings

Two of the five commissioners of police recently demoted to the rank of deputy commissioner have been relieved of their offices and redeployed in accordance with their new ranks. Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mike Okiro approved the deployment of the two ex-police commissioners, just as disquiet pervaded the Force Headquarters in Abuja over alleged politicization of recent postings by the IGP.

50-Year-Old Man Killed for Alleged Blasphemy

A 50-year-old Muslim man, who allegedly made a ‘blasphemous statement’ against Prophet Muhammad, was beaten to death in Kano, penultimate Saturday. Witnesses said the man, though a Muslim, made a statement considered as blasphemous against the Holy Prophet after his relatives denied him his share of the estate of their late father.

Addax, Chrome Gas Utilisation Initiative Gets Nod From FG

The integrated gas utilisation project proposed by the Consortium of Addax and Chrome, approved by the Federal Government is intended to include the exploration and development of gas fields in Nigeria, including the Addax’s Oil Mining Lease (OML)137, to secure the gas reserves necessary to commercialise a new LNG production facility of up to 10 million tons per annum to be sited on Brass Island in Bayelsa State and to provide domestic power generation capacity of up to 1,000 megawatts and feedstock for the development of petrochemical facilities.

Human Trafficking, Third Highest Profit Earning Industry -NAPTIP

Mrs Carol Ndaguba, the Executive Secretary of National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and other Related Matters (NAPTIP), said that trafficking in persons is now the third highest profit earning industry. Ndaguba said the global illicit trade grosses more than $9.5 billion annually after drugs and arms.

Nigerian Killed By A Nigerian In South Africa Over N150

A Nigerian, Emeka Ani, has allegedly stabbed his compatriot, Joe, to death in South Africa over 10 rand (N150) gambling fee dispute. Investigation revealed that Joe rented gambling cards from Ani at the cost of N150, but refused to pay. This degenerated into a fight, leading to the stabbing of the deceased.

Labour Rejects Planned Increase In Fuel Prices

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected the planned increase in fuel prices by the Federal Government. According to the NLC, the current prices of petroleum products are making life difficult for the Nigerians therefore any hike will be "most unbearable." The Minister of State for Petroleum, Odein Ajumogobia, had recently announced plans to increase the prices of petroleum products.

Shell Paid Other Agencies for OPL 245 – DPR

Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has declared that the $209 million paid by Shell for the oil prospecting lease on the deepwater block 245 was paid into an escrow account arranged with former Minister of State for Finance in 2003. The remaining $1million, according to the agency which should ordinarily receive the money, was paid to the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) directly by Shell. Assistant Director of DPR, Mrs Balema Osibodu, stated that while Shell paid the full signature bonus of $210 million for the block, nothing was paid to the DPR.

INTERNATIONAL

Georgia Withdraws Troops From South Ossetia

Georgian troops, overwhelmed by Russia’s superior firepower on Monday withdrew from the province of South Ossetia on Monday, in the recent bombings between both Nations. The Georgian government is pressing for a truce. In yet another sign that the conflict could widen, Ukraine warned Russia on Monday that it could bar Russian navy ships from returning to their base in the Crimea because of their deployment to Georgia's coast. President Bush of the US has called for an immediate halt to the violence.

Iran Rejects UN, EU Sanctions on Nuclear Activities

Days after the European Union (EU) tightened trade restrictions on Tehran, and the West threatened a fourth round of sanctions over its refusal to halt uranium enrichment, Iran on Sunday affirmed readiness to confront the sanctions over its disputed nuclear programme, saying that its nuclear policies would not change, and that the country would manage "under any circumstances." Iran says its nuclear programme is for electricity generation.

Libya, U.S. Settle Terror-Related Lawsuits

In a move to clear the way for full restoration of diplomatic relations, Libya and The United States (US) have signed a compensation deal for American victims of Libyan attacks and US reprisals. The US victims include those who died in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland and the 1986 bombing of a Berlin disco. Libyans who were killed in 1986 when U.S. warplanes bombed Tripoli and Benghazi are also covered by the payout, Libyan officials added.

Israel Stages War Games On Golan Heights

Large scale military exercises have been launched by Israel on the occupied Golan Heights along the Syrian border. Israel is of the belief that the Lebanese Shiite Moslem militia Hezbollah, has been rearming with help from Syria and Iran since the 2006 Lebanon war.

Mauritania Suspended From AU Over Coup

Mauritania has been suspended from the African Union (AU) following the recent coup in the northwest African nation. "The AU has suspended Mauritania's membership until the country returns to constitutional government," said Tanzanian Foreign Minister Bernard Membe.  On Wednesday last week, the former head of Mauritania's presidential guard, Gen. Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, led a coup against President Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi after he tried to make changes in the military leadership. The coup has been widely condemned by the international community. There are also protests against the coup by citizens of the country. Such protests were dislodged by the police.

Somalia “Threat” To Kenya Peace

‘Kenya’s struggle with terrorism will continue as long as neighbouring Somalia remains lawless’, the prime minister has said. Kenya and Tanzania are marking the 10th anniversary of the US embassy bombings in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam.  Prime Minister Raila Odinga joined relatives and survivors at the site of the attack in Nairobi.  More than 220 people died in the first major al-Qaeda attack on US targets.

Bush Urges China's Pressure On Sudan Over Darfur

United States (U.S.) President George W. Bush has disclosed that he used talks with China's leaders during the Beijing Olympics to press them to use their influence with Sudan to help end the humanitarian crisis in Darfur.

Russian Jets Raid Georgia As Moscow-Washington Tensions Worsen

Dozens of Russian warplanes, Monday, staged air raids in Tbilisi, while Georgian forces shelled the South Ossetia capital, as European ministers shuttled between the two warring nations' capitals to end the worsening crisis which Russia said had left 2,000 dead.  The development came as Prime Minister Vladimir Putin accused the United States (U.S.) of trying to undermine Russia's military offensive. U.S. President George W. Bush, Georgia's biggest western ally, had earlier told Russia's influential Prime Minister that the bombing of Georgia was "unacceptable."

3 Women Killed In Afghan Attack

Gunmen wielding assault rifles in Afghanistan ambushed a U.S. aid organization's vehicle on Wednesday, killing three female aid workers.The three women worked for the New York-based International Rescue Committee. More than 3,200 people have died in insurgency related violence this year in Afghan.

Air Force Helicopter Crash Kills Ten

A Thai air force helicopter crashed on Wednesday in the country’s’ troubled south, killing all 10 aboard. The air craft, Bell UH-1H, hit a jungle-clad hill in the southern province of Yala, Colonel Acra Tiproch said. Four senior army and air force officers were among the dead.

34 Die in Indian Building Collapse, Lebanon Attack

About 34 people, Wednesday, died and several others were wounded after a five-story building in a crowded residential neighbourhood of an Indian collapsed and a bomb blast rocked Lebanese northern city of Tripoli. The bombing came few hours before President Michel Sleiman began a landmark visit to Syria and the day after Lebanon's new national unity cabinet won parliamentary approval.

Sudanese Army Attacks Rebels in North Darfur

A massive operation to wipe out rebel bases in Darfur's far north has been launched by Sudan's army, according to two Darfur rebel factions. The army, they said, attacked with more than 200 vehicles in Wadi Atron, near the Sudanese-Libyan border on Tuesday and took control of areas which had for years been under the control of rebels who want more autonomy for the region. The army spokesman declined to immediately comment. One army source confirmed there were operations under way but could not give details.