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Police make arrests, clear Occupy sites

Police attempt to disperse a crowd at Occupy Portland on Sunday.
Police attempt to disperse a crowd at Occupy Portland on Sunday.

  • NEW: More than a dozen arrests made in Portland Sunday
  • Salt Lake City police clear camp, arrest 19 protesters
  • Denver police arrest 17 in clearing right-of-way
  • Oakland police issue third order for protesters to vacate

(CNN) — Numerous arrests took place in several Western cities as police moved in to clear Occupy encampments over the weekend, authorities said.

In Portland, Oregon, unrest continued into Sunday morning as protesters defied a midnight Saturday deadline for the Occupy encampments to close.

Tensions abated later Sunday as police attempted to peacefully close city parks, but flared at one park when protesters refused to leave. Police said on Twitter those refusing to leave Chapman Square were being arrested.

Portland police Sgt. Pete Simpson estimated Sunday afternoon that more than a dozen people were arrested. Chapman Square was the last city park where protesters were gathered, as the others had been vacated as of Sunday afternoon, he said.

Video posted on the website of CNN affiliate KGW showed officers in riot gear holding batons facing off with protesters. Simpson said the officers were in the gear as a precaution, and were joined by other assisting agencies. “We needed the manpower because we used up a lot of resources yesterday (Saturday),” he said.

The operation was “pretty methodical,” although a few demonstrators had scuffled with officers, he said.

Once the parks are cleared, temporary fencing will be erected so repairs can be made, Simpson said. The parks are “pretty beat up,” he added.

One officer was struck in the leg earlier Sunday by a projectile thrown from a crowd, and was taken to a hospital, but the injuries were not life-threatening, authorities said. One protester was arrested in a separate incident overnight, Simpson said.

Another officer was struck but not injured, Portland police said on Twitter, and a fight broke out early Sunday between protesters.

Video from the scene showed masses of protesters on downtown streets. In the early-morning hours Sunday, police told demonstrators to leave the streets or face arrest. All but two of the demonstrators followed that order, retreating into several parks, KGW reported.

“A lot of people packed up and left today,” police Lt. Robert King said. But hundreds of people showed up in the early morning hours — some of whom have not been affiliated with the Occupy movement until now — apparently hoping to witness a police confrontation, King said.

Early Sunday, Mayor Sam Adams praised police for showing professionalism in a “very tense situation.”

Police declared the parks closed as of midnight, Simpson said, “and they’ll remain closed. They’re not going to be open until they’re repaired.”

Police and parks department employees were on the scene for the closures, helping people and removing debris from parks, he said. Those who needed a place to stay were being referred to shelters, Simpson said.

“We’re going to be very patient,” Adams said earlier Sunday. “I’m prioritizing patience … In order for us to do this peacefully, we need the time and folks on the ground need the time to do their work right.”

One member of Occupy Portland, however, said demonstrators were not planning to budge.

“We’re talking about issues that matter to people’s lives,” Kari Koch told CNN. Authorities can order them to leave, but protesters have a right to assembly and a right to free speech, she said. “We’re not going to back down and leave the parks just because it’s inconvenient for the mayor to have us here.”

The Occupy Portland movement, on Twitter, was calling for additional protesters as camps were coming down.

Meanwhile, in Salt Lake City, police said on Twitter 19 people were arrested Saturday night as authorities moved in to clear an Occupy Salt Lake encampment at a downtown park.

Police had ordered protesters to leave the park after a man was found dead late Thursday night. The cause of death was thought to be carbon monoxide poisoning and a drug overdose, CNN affiliate KSTU reported.

“We can no longer tolerate individuals camping on our streets,” Salt Lake City Police Chief Chris Burbank told reporters.

However, “only camping is over,” Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker’s office said on Twitter — protests can continue at the park. KSTU reported authorities said protesters would be allowed to have a 24-hour presence and one building, but the tents had to go.

Since camping began at the park, Becker’s office said in the statement, “local law enforcement has responded to a dramatically increased amount of criminal activity in the park, and has made over 90 arrests in the area since early October.”

A melee involving 30 people on Wednesday night led to four arrests, Becker’s office said, and public safety “has become increasingly questionable. Additionally, the amount of human and animal waste, as well as drug paraphernalia, is an escalating public concern.”

As police moved in Saturday evening, according to video from the scene, protesters chanted, “This is what a police state looks like.”

“Our rights to assembly, which are embodied in the First Amendment, are still being violated,” protester Jesse Fruhwirth told KSTU. “Our forefathers are speaking to us, telling us that this is what assembly looks like. Not being able to camp here severely limits the ability of us to keep our coalition together.”

“Many thanks to all for a peaceful resolution,” Salt Lake City police tweeted late Saturday.

In Denver, police in riot gear arrested 17 people Saturday night as they cleared furniture and tents from an Occupy encampment near the city’s civic center, police spokesman Sonny Jackson told CNN. The main issue, he said, was that the items were blocking a right of way.

“People are welcome to come back and protest, but we don’t want them to do it in a way that’s not safe,” Jackson said.

In Oakland, California, police issued a third notice for demonstrators to vacate city parks on Saturday, police spokeswoman Officer Johnna Watson told CNN. The protesters had not complied with that order, Watson said.

A second notice was issued Saturday morning after a fatal shooting near the camp, according to CNN affiliate KCBS. A man in his early 20s was shot Friday. Authorities said one of the suspects has been “a frequent resident at the encampment over the past several days,” KCBS said.

Also Saturday, 27 protesters were arrested in St. Louis after defying an existing park curfew, authorities said.


Source: http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/cnn_topstories/~3/d4M3TVSrQGY/index.html

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Be the first to comment - What do you think?  Posted by user2 - November 14, 2011 at 12:43 am

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1st look at Japan nuclear plant

The crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station is seen through a bus window Saturday. It was the first time journalists were permitted such a view.
The crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station is seen through a bus window Saturday. It was the first time journalists were permitted such a view.

  • Journalists haven’t been to the Fukushima Daiichi plant since the March 11 quake
  • About 3 dozen traveled there by bus Saturday, seeing the damage and recovery firsthand
  • A Japanese official says, “I feel conditions have improved”
  • The plant’s chief says a cold shutdown is likely, though it’s still dangerous for workers

Tokyo (CNN) — Journalists got their first ground-level glance Saturday around Japan’s stricken Fukushima Daiichi nuclear facility — eying shells of reactor buildings, tons of contaminated water and workers scurrying still to mitigate damage from a crisis that began eight months ago.

An epic 9.0-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami March 11 wreaked havoc around Japan, killing more than 15,000 people. While many of those died instantly, the East Asian nation was on edge for weeks as utility and government employees scrambled to prevent a worsening nuclear catastrophe at the Daiichi plant, located about 150 miles (240 kilometers) north of Tokyo.

Japan’s Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency eventually categorized the accident as a level-7 event on the international scale for nuclear disasters — the highest level — putting it on par with the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.

It took months, but the Tokyo Electric Power Company (the plant’s operator) eventually indicated that its workers were gaining control in the crisis. Throughout the summer and fall, there were no longer reports of explosions, nor stories about new leaks of radioactive material into the ground and sea.

But the facility still remained off-limits to reporters and, for a 20-kilometer radius around the plant, to the general public due to the continued high levels of radiation and ongoing efforts to prevent yet more blasts and leaks.

That temporarily changed Saturday, when about three dozen journalists traveled by bus through abandoned towns en route to the nuclear facility. They passed, for instance, withered plants at an abandoned nursery, a shattered car dealership and a gas station that had been taken over by crows.

Radiation readings rose steadily as they neared the plant, including 6.7 microsieverts in Okuma. There, those on board put on respirator masks, adding to an ensemble of a protective suit, two pairs of gloves, two sets of plastic booties over their shoes and a radiation detector.

At the plant’s gate, the radiation reading was 20 microsieverts. The reading is still well below the threshold to mandate an immediate health risk — 1,000 microsieverts equals 1 millisievert, and South Carolina-based medical physicist G. Donald Frey previously told CNN that radiation workers in the U.S. typically aim to be exposed to less than 5 millisieverts per year. Yet it was the cumulative effect that has prompted the continued evacuations of thousands around the Fukushima Daiichi facility.

A half-dozen large cranes dominated the skyline inside the gates, while the grounds were pockmarked with vessels containing what the Tokyo Electric Power Company has said is 90,000 tons of water laced with radiation. They were visible in tanks that filled a field, as well as dozens of large, four-story tall silver tanks filled with tainted seawater.

U.S., French and Japanese flags hung near a water decontamination facility, which appeared as a cluster of white tents surrounded by black sand bags. The presence of toxins didn’t appear to prevent pine trees from standing, and seemingly thriving, all around the facility.

Last spring was marked by regular reports of explosions, leaks and other problems at the plant. Those accounts, and radiation readings, in June led Japan’s Nuclear Emergency Response Headquarters to confirm that three reactors — Nos. 1, 2 and 3 — had experienced full meltdowns. A meltdown is a catastrophic failure of the reactor core, with a potential for widespread radiation release.

The damage became starkly evident the closer one got to the heart of the nuclear facility.

From afar, a new structure surrounded the No. 1 reactor building, which had lost its roof due to a massive hydrogen explosion related to overheating the day after the quake.

No. 2 appeared to be intact, painted blue and white, despite a reported hydrogen detonation on March 15.

The No. 3 building, meanwhile, had been diminished to a skeletal concrete frame and large pile of rubble, which crews were cleaning up with cranes ahead of it being covered by its own structure.

And the No. 4 building — whose reactor was inactive at the time of the tsunami — also had significant damage, with one side entirely blown out, exposing the nuclear spent fuel pool.

Crumpled trucks and cars, twisted metal, a gutted office building and a huge dented storage tank were visible at the base of the reactor buildings, where radiation readings stood at 1,000 microsieverts (or 1 millisievert) per hour. Some of the debris resembled what swept up elsewhere in Japan by the tsunami, while others — like three white cars, with Tokyo Electric markings — were more distinct to the facility.

Around the plant, crows and dragonflies fluttered in the disarray. So, too, did scores of the 3,200 workers that Tokyo Electric says usually work daily at the plant. They included workers building water tanks, operating cranes, entering buildings used to store highly radioactive waste, and manning the facility’s tightly contained disaster center.

The challenges notwithstanding, Tokyo Electric spokesman Tetsuya Terasawa insisted vast progress has been made in recent months.

He said that temperatures at the three most damaged reactors (Nos. 1, 2 and 3) were below 100 degrees Celsius, or the boiling point, a critical measure. All elements of the nuclear cooling system were perched on grounds 30 meters above the reactors, well out of the reach of any future tsunami, according to Terasawa.

Addressing Fukushima Daiichi workers, Goshi Hosono — the Japanese government’s nuclear crisis manager — said he feels relieved that the facility is becoming increasingly stable.

“Every time I come back, I feel conditions have improved. This is due to your hard work,” Hosono said.

The decommissions of Fukushima Daiichi’s first four reactors will likely take more than 30 years to complete, according to a draft report released late last month by Japan’s Atomic Energy Commission. The report indicated that nuclear fuel should begin to be removed by the end of 2021 — a key, but hardly the last phase in a clean-up effort that is expected to continue for another two decades beyond that.

Masao Yoshida, the man in charge of the plant, said that all the reactors have stabilized and predicted that Tokyo Electric was on track to have a cold shutdown by year’s end.

But he conceded that the danger is still far from over — especially for the thousands still toiling to bring this nuclear nightmare to an end.

“Even saying it’s stabilized doesn’t mean that it is extremely safe,” said Yoshida. “When working, the radiation remains high. So when it comes to working every day, there is still danger.”


Source: http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/cnn_topstories/~3/i3yIaBAr978/index.html

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Be the first to comment - What do you think?  Posted by user2 - November 13, 2011 at 10:43 pm

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Outside pressure builds on Syria

13 November 2011 Last updated at 09:57 ET

Thousands attend a rally in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, 13 NovemberAssad supporters took to the streets of Damascus on Sunday

Syria’s leadership is under mounting pressure from other Arab states to halt its continuing violent repression of pro-democracy protests.

The head of the Arab League, Nabil al-Arabi, said the organisation was “studying mechanisms it could implement to protect civilians in Syria”.

He spoke after the League froze Syria’s membership, a move which sparked riots by Syrian government supporters.

France has joined the condemnation of President Bashar al-Assad’s government.

It summoned the Syrian ambassador to Paris on Sunday to demand an explanation for attacks by Assad loyalists on its diplomatic missions in Syria following Saturday’s suspension.

Turkey has announced it was withdrawing non-essential diplomatic personnel and families of diplomatic staff after its own missions came under attack.

The Saudi and Qatari embassies were stormed during Saturday’s pro-Assad protests, and new mass rallies by loyalists were held on Sunday.

Meanwhile, opposition sources said the repression of dissent continued, with four people reportedly shot dead by security forces in the city of Hama on Sunday.

The UN says more than 3,500 people have died since the start of the protests in March while the Syrian authorities blame the violence on terrorists.

‘UN role’

Speaking on a visit to the Libyan capital Tripoli, the Arab League’s secretary general did not give details of what further action the organisation could take to protect Syrian civilians.


Arab League proposals

  • End to violence and killing
  • Access to Arab and international media
  • Releasing prisoners recently detained
  • Withdrawing all military equipment from Syrian cities
  • Government-opposition dialogue within two weeks

Describing the 22-member League’s decision to suspend Syria as “historic”, Mr Arabi called for “international protection” for civilians as the League lacked the means to act alone.

“There is nothing wrong with going to the UN Security Council because it is the only organisation able to impose” such measures, he added.

The BBC’s Jon Leyne in Cairo says the Arab League’s aim now is to isolate Syria.

Eighteen member states of the League – which is chaired by Qatar – voted for the suspension of Syria, with Syria, Lebanon and Yemen voting against and Iraq abstaining.

The vote was taken after Syria appeared to ignore a League plan – which it had initially accepted – that would involve releasing prisoners, withdrawing security forces from the streets and beginning a dialogue with the opposition.

‘Tails of Obama’

Summoning the Syrian ambassador, the French foreign ministry said Saturday’s attacks on its own diplomatic missions and others’ were “an attempt to intimidate the international community after the Arab League’s courageous decision”.

“The Syrian regime is held entirely responsible for these excesses and will have to give an explanation,” it said.

Thousands attend a rally in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus, 13 NovemberAssad supporters took to the streets of Damascus on Sunday

A Turkish Airlines plane flew to Damascus early on Sunday to pick up Turkish diplomatic staff and families, but Ambassador Omer Onhon and other staff planned to stay on.

Mass rallies in support of Mr Assad took place in Damascus and other Syrian cities on Sunday.

“You Arab leaders are the tails of Obama,” read one banner seen by the Associated Press, accusing the Arab League of bowing to pressure from the US president.

The government called for an urgent Arab summit and invited Arab League officials to visit before its membership suspension takes effect on Wednesday.

“Syria demands an emergency Arab summit to address the crisis and its negative consequences in the Arab world,” state television reported.

In Hama, security forces are said to have opened fire after opposition activists began a counter-protest at a march in support of President Assad.

“They escaped into the alleyways but were followed, and four were killed,” one activist was quoted as saying by Reuters news agency.

The government has restricted foreign journalists from entering the country, making it difficult to confirm events on the ground.

Syria’s anti-government protests, inspired by events in Tunisia and Egypt, first erupted in mid-March after the arrest of a group of teenagers who spray-painted a revolutionary slogan on a wall. The protests soon spread, and human rights activists and opposition groups say 1,700 people have died in the turmoil, while thousands more have been injured.
Although the arrest of the teenagers in the southern city of Deraa first prompted people to take to the streets, unrest has since spread to other areas, including Hama, Homs, Latakia, Jisr al-Shughour and Baniyas. Demonstrators are demanding greater freedom, an end to corruption, and, increasingly, the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad.
President Assad’s government has responded to the protests with overwhelming military force, sending tanks and troops into at least nine towns and cities. In Deraa and Homs – where protests have persisted ? amateur video footage shows tanks firing on unarmed protesters, while snipers have been seen shooting at residents venturing outside their homes.
Some of the bloodiest events have taken place in the northern town of Jisr al-Shughour. In early June, officials claimed 120 security personnel were killed by armed gangs, however protesters said the dead were shot by troops for refusing to kill demonstrators. As the military moved to take control of the town, thousands fled to neighbouring Turkey, taking refuge in camps.
Although the major cities of Damascus and Aleppo have seen pockets of unrest and some protests, it has not been widespread – due partly to a heavy security presence. There have been rallies in the capital – one with an enormous Syrian flag – in support of President Assad, who still receives the backing of many in Syria’s middle class, business elite and minority groups.
The Assad family has been in power for 40 years, with Bashar al-Assad inheriting office in 2000. The president has opened up the economy, but has continued to jail critics and control the media. He is from the minority Alawite sect – an offshoot of Shia Islam ? but the country’s 20 million people are mainly Sunni. The biggest protests have been in Sunni-majority areas.
Although the US and EU have condemned the violence and imposed sanctions, the UN Security Council has been unable to agree on a response. Some fear the country could descend into civil war if the government collapsed, while others believe chaos in Syria ? with its strategic location and its web of regional alliances – could destabilise the entire Middle East.

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Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/world-middle-east-15712876

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Be the first to comment - What do you think?  Posted by user2 - at 9:43 pm

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Legacy: Brashness, debt

Pressure grows on Berlusconi to resign

  • Silvio Berlusconi officially resigns as Italian prime minister
  • Until recently he appeared to be leading a charmed life
  • He has been dogged by many scandals since he entered politics two decades ago
  • Cleared of tax fraud, he still faces charges of paying for sex with an under-age girl

(CNN) — As Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi steps down, the charming billionaire will leave his country with a legacy of colorful brashness and painful debt.

Berlusconi officially resigned on Saturday after the next budget — which imposes harsh austerity cuts on Italy — was approved by both houses of Parliament. The thrice-elected business magnate has said he does not intend to stand again if new elections are called.

Until recently, Berlusconi was leading a charmed life. His vast business empire spanned media, construction and football, making him the 118th-richest person in the world, according to Forbes, with a net worth of $6.2 billion, while this year he become Italy’s longest-serving post-war prime minister.

Then he became embroiled in charges that he had paid for sex with a 17-year-old girl; his coalition government became ever more fragile; and Europe’s financial crisis threatened to embroil Italy.

Despite the many scandals that have dogged Berlusconi since he entered politics nearly two decades ago, the 75-year-old is undisputedly one of life’s survivors. He has faced numerous trials, but no charge against him has ever been proven in court. In Parliament, opponents have tabled 51 confidence votes in him in the past three years alone, but Italians have thrice elected him as prime minister.

Born in Milan in 1936, Berlusconi gave notice early on of his showman side by working as a lounge room crooner aboard a cruise ship to help fund his university tuition — he studied law.

Various low-level commercial enterprises followed before the fledgling entrepreneur enjoyed his first real success in property development in the late 1960s when he was involved in a project to build Milano Two — nearly 4,000 flats — outside Milan.

After amassing a fortune from his property portfolio in the 1970s, he diversified his interests by setting up a TV cable company, Telemilano, and buying two other cable channels in an effort to break the national TV monopoly in Italy. In 1978, these channels were incorporated into his newly formed Fininvest group, which included department stores, insurance companies and even AC Milan — one of the world’s biggest football clubs.

Berlusconi turned his attention to politics in 1993 when he formed the center-right Forza Italia Party and the following year, in a snap election, he won the post of prime minister. However, a dispute with his right-wing coalition partners from the Northern League Party, as well as an indictment for alleged tax fraud, ended Berlusconi’s tenure in the job after barely seven months. He was acquitted on appeal in 2000 after the statute of limitations had expired.

On plan to send troops to police Sardinia’s streets: “We would have to send as many soldiers as there are beautiful girls.”

To those made homeless in 2009 earthquake: “They should see it like a weekend of camping.”

On Barack Obama: “He’s young, handsome and tanned.”

And on himself: I feel like “the Jesus Christ of Italian politics. I’m a patient victim. I put up with everything. I sacrifice myself for everyone.”

After defeat in the 1996 election to his political nemesis, Romano Prodi, he became embroiled in other financial scandals, including a charge of bribing tax inspectors. He denied any wrongdoing and was cleared again on appeal in 2000.

His fortunes turned again in 2001 when he was sworn in as prime minister for a second time. But Prodi — a former European Commission president — ended Berlusconi’s more successful reign with his center-left Union coalition victory in 2006. At that time, the tycoon had presided over the longest-serving post-war Italian government.

Despite having a pacemaker implanted to regulate his heartbeat after he collapsed during a political rally, he refused to slow down. Sporting a hair transplant, cosmetic surgery and a tan, Berlusconi returned to power for a third time in 2008 under the banner of the newly created People of Freedom party.

The next year proved to be one of extremes for the veteran politician. He was praised for his handling of the devastating earthquake that struck the Italian town of L’Aquila in April 2009, and survived criticism after urging survivors to see their plight like “a weekend of camping.”

But the following month, Berlusconi’s second wife, Veronica Lario, filed for divorce — alleging Berlusconi had an inappropriate relationship with an 18-year-old aspiring model whose birthday party he had attended. Berlusconi said she was the daughter of a friend and that he had done nothing wrong.

In December that year, a man with a history of mental illness hit Berlusconi in the face with a replica of Milan’s cathedral at a campaign rally, breaking several of his teeth and fracturing his nose. Defense Minister Ignazio La Russa told the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera that the irrepressible Berlusconi continued to shake hands with supporters for “a couple of minutes” after being hit.

Meanwhile Italian prosecutors expanded their tax fraud investigation into the country’s biggest commercial broadcaster, Mediaset, which Berlusconi controls. He was accused of reducing Mediaset’s tax liabilities by purchasing U.S. movie rights at inflated prices and then creating illegal slush funds, but last month he was cleared of all charges.

With the country’s economy reeling amid the financial crisis — Italy’s debts of $2.7 trillion equal about 150% of its economic output — pressure on Berlusconi grew. Gianfranco Fini — a former party ally — lashed out, accusing him of a lack of attention to the economy and structural reforms that Italy needs. The prime minister survived three votes of confidence in Parliament during 2010 and this year, winning one by just three votes, but his authority continued to ebb.

Economists said Berlusconi commanded neither sufficient political authority to push through spending cuts nor the moral high ground to squeeze more taxes out of Italians while he faced trial on various charges. Other European leaders criticized him for failing to implement economic reform with sufficient urgency.

Economists’ faith in Berlusconi wanes

Meanwhile, Berlusconi faced a serious personal challenge, and one that could yet land him in prison, with charges of sex with an underage nightclub dancer and abuse of power.

Berlusconi had sex 13 times with underage dancer Karima el Mahroug, nicknamed “Ruby the heart-stealer,” say prosecutors who allege the prime minister abused his position when he intervened in May 2010 to get her released from the jail where she was being held on charges of theft. El Mahroug has said she never had sex with Berlusconi and that she lied to him about her age, telling him she was 24.

In September 2011, prosecutors submitted transcripts of approximately 100,000 pages of wiretaps — from 2008 and 2009 — to a court in Bari. The prosecutors have accused eight people of paying young women to attend so-called “bunga bunga” parties at Berlusconi’s home.

Berlusconi denied the charges and accused prosecutors of conspiring against him in a left-wing plot. “Communism never changes in Italy. There are still people who use the penal code as a weapon in their ideological battles,” he said earlier this year.

But, according to the transcripts of the calls, Berlusconi made several controversial remarks, vowing at one point to leave Italy, which he described as a “shitty country” that “sickened” him. When confronted with these remarks, Berlusconi laughed off this and other gaffes.


Source: http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/cnn_topstories/~3/C-czzFl01Mg/index.html

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Be the first to comment - What do you think?  Posted by user2 - at 8:43 pm

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Queen leads remembrance tributes

12 November 2011 Last updated at 23:46 ET

The Queen arrives for the annual Festival of Remembrance at London's Royal Albert HallThe Queen joined veterans and their families at the Festival of Remembrance on Saturday

The Queen will lay a wreath at the Cenotaph in London later as part of Remembrance Sunday events around the UK to honour the country’s war dead.

Other royals, politicians including the prime minister, religious leaders and military chiefs will also attend.

More than 7,000 ex-servicemen and women will march past the Cenotaph, followed by civilians including war widows.

Lt Gen Sir John Kiszely, of the Royal British Legion, said the commemorations this year were “as important as ever”.

“Remembrance Sunday is a time for the nation to unite in its reverence for the British armed forces past and present,” he said.

“When we bow our heads in reflection, we remember those who fought for our freedom during the two World Wars, but we also mourn and honour those who have lost their lives in more recent conflicts.

“Today, with troops on duty in Afghanistan and other trouble spots around the world, remembrance, and the two-minute silence, are as important as ever.”

The two-minute silence will be observed from 11:00 GMT, recalling the end of World War I at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

Ceremonies will be held at the same time across the UK, including in Belfast, Edinburgh and Cardiff.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-15710473

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Italy seeks leader to replace Berlusconi

Berlusconi resigns as Italy’s PM

  • The president is meeting top political leaders after the prime minister resigns, ANSA reports
  • Former EU commissioner Mario Monti is touted as a possible successor
  • Berlusconi is the second European leader to fall this month over the debt crisis
  • Italy passes a raft of reforms to try to bring its debt under control

Rome (CNN) — Italy’s top political leaders are sitting down with the president Sunday, seeking a replacement for Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, the flamboyant politician who resigned Saturday.

President Giorgio Napolitano was scheduled to meet the heads of the Senate and the lower house of Parliament Sunday, among other politicians, during the course of a full day of consultations, his office said.

Berlusconi’s resignation was greeted with cheers and dancing in the streets, as people waved the Italian flag and sang the nation’s anthem.

He is the second prime minister to resign this month over the debt crisis sweeping across Europe. Greece’s George Papandreou was replaced Wednesday by Lucas Papademos, a former European Central Bank official.

It’s not yet clear if Italy will opt for a technocrat as its next leader.

Support appeared to be growing this week for former EU commissioner Mario Monti to take the helm of a technocratic administration. Other names also floated include former Justice Minister Angelino Alfano and Gianni Letta, Berlusconi’s chief of staff.

Berlusconi has said he does not intend to stand again if new elections are called.

The 75-year-old business magnate stepped down just hours after the lower house of parliament approved austerity measures aimed at restoring confidence in Italy’s economy.

Since entering politics nearly two decades ago, Berlusconi has been one of his country’s great survivors, hanging on despite facing numerous trials, on charges ranging from corruption to having sex with an underage prostitute, none of which has resulted in a jail term.

The billionaire was elected for the third time in 2008, under the banner of the newly created People of Freedom party.

In the three and a half years since, his colorful personal life has claimed ever more headlines, as his second wife filed for divorce, he was charged with having sex with an underage nightclub dancer and abusing power, and the so-called “bunga-bunga” parties held at his home gained international notoriety.

On Tuesday, he failed to win a parliamentary majority on a budget vote that should have been routine, and had to face the inevitable: his days at the helm were numbered. In the end, it was his perceived failure to tackle Italy’s debt crisis rather than any private scandal which had brought him down.

On Saturday, the Italian lower house of parliament approved a series of austerity measures demanded by Europe to shore up confidence in the country’s economy. It passed by a vote of 380 for to 26 against.

The package, which includes spending cuts and proposals to boost growth, was approved by the Senate Friday, resulting in a market surge.

The measures include pension reform, with plans to raise the retirement age from 65 to 67, the privatization of state-owned companies and sale of state-owned properties, the liberalization of certain professions, and investment in infrastructure.

Italy is the the third-largest economy using the euro, and a meltdown would have a massive impact on global markets.

Berlusconi had pledged to step down once the austerity measures passed both houses of parliament after losing his majority.

The structural reforms demanded by the European Central Bank and the European Commission must be brought in without delay, said Emma Marcegaglia, head of the Italian employers’ association, Confindustria.

“These reforms are the only thing that can take us out of the current situation,” she said. “We have no choice. We cannot wait for three months for the next elections, this would mean the destruction of Italy. “

She said a rapid solution to the political uncertainty in Italy was essential to put it “firmly back on the road to credibility.”

She added: “We are not Greece, we are a strong economy, we are the world’s eighth largest economy. We have many state assets and have lots of potential. But we have to survive this very difficult situation.”

Italian borrowing costs continued to ease Friday, after spiking above 6.75% Wednesday, giving investors hope that Italy is finally starting to make some progress toward addressing its massive debt problems.

Yields on Italian 10-year bonds were trading at 6.5% Friday after dipping as low as 6.43%. While that’s still stubbornly above 6%, it’s finally moving in the right direction.

It is imperative to keep Italy’s 10-year bond yields well below 7% because that was the level that eventually led to bailouts for Ireland, Portugal and Greece.

Currently, Italy — the biggest bond issuer in Europe — possesses a massive gross debt of roughly ?1.9 trillion and a debt-to-GDP ratio of 120%. The country is widely considered to be too big to fail. But it may also be too big to bail.

CNN’s Laura Smith-Spark contributed to this report


Source: http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/cnn_topstories/~3/3rEJeRb76jw/index.html

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Maker of breast cancer’s pink ribbon dies

Evelyn Lauder, who created the iconic pink ribbon for breast cancer, died Saturday at 75.
Evelyn Lauder, who created the iconic pink ribbon for breast cancer, died Saturday at 75.

  • Evelyn Lauder dies from complications of ovarian cancer
  • Lauder helped create the pink ribbon as a symbol of breast cancer awareness
  • She is survived by her husband, two sons and five grandchildren

New York (CNN) — Evelyn Lauder, a member of the Estee Lauder cosmetic company who helped create the pink ribbon symbol for breast cancer awareness, died Saturday in New York City.

She was 75.

Lauder died from complications of ovarian cancer at her home with her family by her side, the company said.

The Vienna, Austria, native fled Nazi-occupied Europe with her parents, eventually settling in New York City.

As a college freshman, she was introduced to the man she would marry, Leonard A. Lauder, the son of Estee and Joseph Lauder, who co-founded the cosmetics company.

Lauder joined the family business and rose to be senior corporate vice president and head of fragrance development worldwide.

Perhaps best known as an advocate for women’s health, Lauder helped to create the pink ribbon, the now ubiquitous symbol for breast cancer awareness.

She is survived by her husband, two sons and five grandchildren.

“My mother carried the torch of our company heritage and the values that were passed to her by my grandmother, Mrs. Estee Lauder,” her son, William Lauder, said in a statement.

“My mother and father were life partners as well as business partners. They nurtured the culture and growth of the Estee Lauder companies, and as we grew, my mother was our creative compass and pillar of strength. Together my family and the company celebrate the beautiful person she was.”


Source: http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/cnn_topstories/~3/LU7a6ATrlRQ/index.html

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France, Germany: Greece action urgent

  • France’s president and Germany’s chancellor talk with Greece’s new leader
  • Sarkozy and Merkel voice an “urgent need” for Greece to pass a bailout package
  • A statement from Sarkozy says Greece’s next aid payment may be withheld, without action

(CNN) — A day after being sworn in as Greece’s new prime minister, Lucas Papademos talked Saturday with the leaders of France and Germany about efforts to address his nation’s continuing economic woes — including negative ramifications if certain moves aren’t made soon.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel both congratulated Papademos on his ascension when they talked with him on Saturday afternoon, according to a statement from Sarkozy’s office.

Sarkozy and Merkel then expressed an “urgent need” for Greece’s new leader to ensure that his country adheres to its past commitments, including implementation of an Oct. 27 bailout package brokered between former Prime Minister George Papandreou and other European leaders.

Greece will not get its next aid payment until “further steps (are) taken,” the statement from Sarkozy’s office said. Those funds — tied to a separate 2010 deal — are essential to ensure that Greece does not default on its debts in the next few weeks.

Papademos has said that ratifying the bailout deal and implementing austerity measures will be the priority for his government.

Sarkozy and Merkel also talked independently about various developments in the eurozone, including getting prepared to “accelerate the full implementation of the October 27 agreement,” the French leader’s communique said. The two also reaffirmed their determination to defend the euro.

Papademos, a former banker and European Central Bank vice president, became his country’s interim prime minister Friday after several days of political wrangling.

His ministers were also sworn in at a ceremony attended by the president and the head of the Greek Orthodox Church.

A vote of confidence in the new government is expected after debate in the Greek Parliament on Monday. The coalition will then face the challenge of implementing the aforementioned bailout package and austerity measures agreed to with European leaders last month.

The drama in Greece has shaken international markets because investors were afraid the new bailout deal — which has stringent austerity measures attached — might not be implemented.

Papademos previously has stressed Greece’s commitment to the euro, saying its membership in the eurozone, the 17 nations that use the euro as currency, was a guarantee of financial stability.


Source: http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/cnn_topstories/~3/Imkfb7kOESI/index.html

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Congo (Democratic Republic) travel advice

  • We advise against all travel to eastern and north eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This includes entering DRC from Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda. The only exceptions to this are within the town of Bukavu and Goma, where we advise against all but essential travel. You should avoid entering or leaving DRC overland except via Goma or Bukavu. This is due to continued insecurity and lawlessness in these areas.
  • We advise against all but essential travel to the rest of DRC because of continuing tension and insecurity.  The situation can deteriorate at short notice.  See Safety and Security – Local Travel.
  • In the run up to Presidential and parliamentary elections on 28 November, there is an increased risk of political demonstrations and politically-motivated violence. We advise you to be cautious, keep a low profile and avoid any large crowds and demonstrations. Stay alert to local political developments by monitoring local and international media for  information about planned demonstrations or any other events which may affect the local security situation.
  • We strongly advise you to register with the British Embassy in Kinshasa so that we can give you better assistance in the event of an emergency. See General – Registering with the British Embassy.
  • The British Embassy in Kinshasa is withdrawing partners and dependents of UK staff during the election period. This period is expected to last one month, starting shortly before polling day, due on 28 November. British Embassy staff are also limiting official travel within the DRC over this period.
  • You should carefully consider your current security arrangements.  You should ensure that you and/or your organisation have a comprehensive security plan with adequate guarding and other security arrangements.  
  • You should also have a good understanding of your exit routes, factoring in the possibility that, in the event of escalating tensions and civil unrest, commercial flights may be suspended at short notice leaving your ability to depart the DRC severely restricted.
  • You should ensure that your passport and other travel documentation are up to date. You should also ensure you have a stock of food, water, fuel, medicine and other essential items should it be necessary to ?lock down? in a safe location for several days.
  • Military operations by the Congolese army against armed groups in North and South Kivu provinces have led to high numbers of civilians being displaced. See Safety and Security – Local Travel.
  • There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  • An outbreak of measles has been reported across the DRC.  Up to June 2011, over 67,000 cases have been reported.  
  • An outbreak of cholera has been reported in Kinshasa, South Kivu and Bandundu in June 2011.  
  • Polio outbreaks have been reported in both DRC and neighbouring Republic of Congo. Travellers should ensure their vaccinations are up to date.
  • Twelve British nationals required consular assistance in Congo (Democratic Republic) in the period 01 April 2010 – 31 March 2011. See General – Consular Assistance Statistics. Robbery, including by individuals posing as plainclothes police, is also common. You should be aware of gangs promising you cut price gold and diamonds. We have received reports of crime targeting international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Goma.
  • Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General – Insurance.

Safety and Security – Terrorism
There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

See our Terrorism Abroad page.

Safety and Security – Crime
The global economic downturn has resulted in an increase in crime in DRC. Be alert to the risk of street crime and armed robbery at all times, including being targeted by armed gangs when driving. Foreigners are at particular risk of street robbery in Kinshasa, often in the vicinity of hotels and supermarkets, particularly in the centre of town. Robberies by gangs of street children are increasingly common and becoming more aggressive.

Ensure you lock vehicle doors and keep windows closed when driving. Do not drive off the main thoroughfares or park in unsupervised areas. Some gangs and confidence tricksters use girls to lure the unwary into traps; others promise cut-price gold and diamonds or pose as police or security forces to rob foreigners, including in daylight. Westerners have been robbed of money and mobile telephones in Kinshasa and elsewhere in DRC. There is also a risk of arbitrary arrests of foreigners by security authorities who demand payment for release.

There have been violent and well planned attacks on foreign nationals, including aid workers, in Goma. Take security precautions. Do not walk in the streets alone at any time. Safeguard and avoid displaying valuables and cash. Deposit them in a hotel safe, where practical. Keep copies of documents, including your passport, separately.

See our Victims of Crime Abroad page.

Safety and Security – Local Travel
 We advise against all travel to eastern and north eastern DRC. The only exceptions to this are within the towns of Bukavu and Goma, where we advise against all but essential travel. Avoid entering or leaving DRC overland from Uganda, Rwanda or Burundi except via Goma or Bukavu. However, care should still be exercised at these crossing points. Ensure that you have the correct paperwork for entrance. All foreign nationals, including UK nationals, will need a visa issued by the embassy in their country of residence. It is no longer possible to buy a short-term pass to enter the country. See the Entry Requirements section below for more details on applying for a visa.

Although the Congolese insurgent groups in North and South Kivu signed a peace accord with the government in March 2009, some groups remain outside the process and a threat to stability. The Congolese army has been carrying out military operations against armed groups present in North and South Kivu since April 2009. This means that outside of Bukavu and Goma, the security situation remains volatile. Banditry by armed men against NGO convoys travelling out of Goma and Bukavu is a regular occurrence. Even in these two towns, tensions remain and the situation can deteriorate rapidly.

Although gorilla trekking in the Virunga National Park (North Kivu) and Kahuzi Behega National Park (South Kivu) has now re-opened to tourists and Nyiragongo volcano (in Virunga National Park) has also recently re-opened for trekking, we continue to advise against all travel in these areas. Armed groups are still present in both parks. If you do decide to travel, a government permit is essential to enter the Park. You must go through the ICCN (Institute Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature), who monitor the security situation and accompany visitors in the Park. The ICCN may decide to close the Park to visitors at short notice, depending on the security situation. The ICCN in Virunga Park currently provides an armed escort from the outskirts of Goma to the gorilla trekking site.

The north eastern district of Ituri, near the frontier with Uganda, remains an area of continued inter-factional conflict.  Despite the presence of the UN and the Congolese army violence continues sporadically.

The Lord?s Resistance Army (LRA), a rebel group originating in northern Uganda, is currently operating in north eastern DRC. Military action is ongoing and the situation remains unpredictable and dangerous.  We advise against all travel to north eastern DRC.

Safety and Security – Local Travel – Road Travel
An international driving permit is required to drive in DRC. Car hire with international companies is possible in Kinshasa although self-drive options are limited. Most car hire companies will only rent a car with a chauffeur.

There is no reliable public transport system in DRC. Over-crowded and unroadworthy vans serve as buses in Kinshasa. There are few taxis, available from the large hotels, but these do not meet western safety standards.  Outside Kinshasa and other main cities, most roads are barely drivable even with a 4×4, especially during the rainy season (September to May).

In DRC, be aware of vehicle theft and car-jacking, and take sensible precaution. There has been a spate of car-jackings in Goma in June 2011. You are advised to drive with the doors of your vehicle locked and windows closed at all times. DRC?s security forces operate roadblocks, particularly after dark. If you are asked to produce documents for inspection at a check point, remain in your vehicle and show them through closed windows.

See our Driving Abroad page.

Safety and Security – Local Travel – Rail Travel
The dilapidated state of the railways means that rail travel should be avoided.

Safety and Security – Local Travel – Air Travel
The European Commission has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the European Union. This is regularly updated. Check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel – European Commission Transport – Air. The list bans all air carriers certified in the DRC from operations within the EU due to safety concerns. You should avoid flying on these airlines. If you already have a flight booked with any DRC airline you should consult your travel agent.

On 8 July 2011, a Hewa Bora flight crashed on landing at Kisangani airport, killing over 85 people.

On 30 March 2009, the DRC authorities introduced a departure tax of $50 per passenger on international flights and $10 per passenger on domestic flights. Payment of this tax should be made at the time of check-in, before boarding. Passengers and visitors also have to pay $12 to enter the car park at the international airport of N?djili.

For more general information see Airline Security.

Safety and Security – Local Travel – River Travel
The ferry service between Kinshasa and Brazzaville is currently operating, but is subject to cancellation at little notice. It stops running in the late afternoon, and there is no service on Sundays.

Be aware that the boats and ferries, which serve the rivers and lakes, are poorly maintained and often overloaded. Strong currents, shifting sandbanks and poor maintenance contribute to the poor safety record of these services.

See our River and Sea Safety page.

Safety and Security – Political Situation
 Democratic Republic of Congo Country Profile

Five years of civil war in DRC officially ended on 29 June 2003, when the Congolese parties to the conflict signed accords sharing military and political responsibilities in a transitional government.  Democratic elections were held on 30 July and 29 October 2006 and the newly elected President was inaugurated on 6 December 2006. During the election period there was armed conflict in Kinshasa, which resulted in civilian casualties.

In the months following the elections, there were further public demonstrations related to the political process, some of which turned violent . Protests have in the past spilled over into attacks on international targets. Avoid crowds and popular gathering points, and contact the Embassy if there are signs of trouble.

There is a general risk of further political demonstrations and politically motivated violence. An increasing number of political demonstrations are taking place in Kinshasa in the run up to elections on 28 November. These can turn violent and we advise you to be cautious and avoid any large crowds and demonstrations. Monitor local and international media for further information about planned demonstrations or any other events which may affect the local security situation. The BBC world service broadcasts on 92.6 FM in Kinshasa and 92 FM in Kisangani and Lubumbashi. Radio Okapi broadcasts in French on 103.5 FM. You should also register with the British Embassy in Kinshasa so that we can give you better assistance in the event of an emergency. See General – Registering with the British Embassy.

The British Embassy in Kinshasa is withdrawing partners and dependents of UK staff during the election period. This period is expected to last one month, starting shortly before polling day, due on 28 November.

A heavy United Nations peace keeping presence is deployed in eastern DRC. Since April 2009, the Congolese army has been carrying out operations against foreign and armed groups operating in North and South Kivu province. Large numbers of civilians remain displaced as a result of the conflict and the current military operations in the Kivus. Acts of violence, including killing, rape and looting continue against the civilian population.

Taking photographs in public places (particularly of borders or military installations) risks arrest and detention. Journalists should not conduct interviews or film without the necessary local permits.

For more general information for different types of travellers see our Your Trip page.

Entry Requirements – Visas

All British passport holders need a valid visa to travel to DRC. This must be obtained before travelling. To arrange this, contact the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo:

45-47 Great Portland Street
London
W1W 7LD

Telephone no: 0207 580 3931

A Rwandan or Ugandan immigration stamp in your passport should not prohibit admission, but you may still experience difficulties on arrival in the DRC via Kinshasa if you do have them. Visitors arriving from the UK have recently experienced problems on arrival at N?djili airport, Kinshasa.

Political instability in eastern DRC can mean that the DRC?s borders with Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda close at short notice. Consult the British Embassy in Kinshasa or the British High Commissions in Kampala and Kigali if in doubt.

The border with Angola can also be subject to closure at short notice. Obtaining visas for Angola in DRC is difficult. You are advised to arrange them before travelling to DRC.

Entry Requirements – Passport Validity
You must hold a valid passport to enter DRC. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into DRC.

 Entry Requirements – Satellite phones, GPS receivers or Military clothing
Be aware that if you are travelling with satellite phones, GPS receivers or military clothing, this could lead to difficulties with the security authorities.

 Entry Requirements – Yellow Fever vaccination certificate
 A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory and you will be asked to produce one on arrival. You are advised to produce your yellow fever vaccination certificate when applying for your visa to enter DRC.

Medical care in the DRC is extremely limited. The Centre Prive d’Urgence (CPU) clinic in Kinshasa is able to cope with basic health problems and to stabilise a patient after most serious accidents. Outside Kinshasa, western standard medical facilities are practically non-existent. Medical evacuation to South Africa (or elsewhere) is advisable as soon as possible. Ensure that you have comprehensive medical and travel insurance, to include specifically the very high costs of evacuation by air ambulance. Minimum turnaround time for evacuation by air ambulance is 10 hours. If you regularly take medication, bring in a properly-marked supply, sufficient for the time you will be in DRC, with you. You may find it difficult to locate the medicines you need in the country.

Malaria, rabies, polio, meningitis and cholera are common in DRC.  Since June 2011, an outbreak of cholera has been reported in Kinshasa, South Kivu and Bandundu. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to the DRC seek immediate medical attention. Further information can be found on the NaTHNaC website.

Since September 2010, over 67,000 cases of measles have been reported across the DRC including South Kivu, Katanga, Bas-Congo, Equator, Orientale, Kasai Occidental and Kasai Oriental.  

On 7 July 2010, the first case of polio in the DRC for over a year was reported; this case was recorded in the south west of DRC, near the Angolan border. The World Health Organisation verified this report.

An outbreak in of African Sleeping Sickness (Trypansomiasis) has been reported by Medecins Sans Frontieres in the Haute- Uele district of North Eastern DRC. Sleeping Sickness is spread by the Tsetse Fly, insect bite avoidance measures are essential if travelling to North Eastern DRC. The symptoms of sleeping sickness include confusion, poor coordination, and disturbance of the sleep cycle. If left untreated this disease is fatal. Since September 2010, over 300 cases of measles have been reported in South Kivu and Katanga.

Plague is endemic in North Eastern Province Orientale. There have been recent reports of incidents of plague in Djugu territory.

In December 2008 and January 2009, an outbreak of Ebola haemorrhagic fever was reported in West Kasai province (southern DRC).  Ebola is a severe and often fatal disease. The likelihood that you will contract Ebola is low unless there has been direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person, or with objects, such as needles, that have been contaminated with body fluids.  Avoid all contact with infected patients and avoid any contact with ill or dead animals.  

Large numbers of cases of acute watery diarrhoeal syndrome were reported among people living in camps for internally displaced people in North Kivu province (east DRC) since September 2008. In many instances these have been fatal.  

A suspected case of viral haemorrhagic fever has been reported in the Isiro district in March 2011.

Monkey pox occurs in DRC.  The monkey pox virus is usually transmitted to humans from infected ground squirrels and rodents.  Symptoms include a fever, the appearance of pus-filled blisters all over the body, and lymph node swelling. You should avoid contact with people suffering these symptoms and with animals.

You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. See our HIV and AIDS page.

Seek medical advice before travelling to DRC and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland’s Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

See our Travel Health page.

Natural Disasters – Volcanoes
In January 2002, Mount Nyiragongo volcano in the north east of the country (20 km from Goma) erupted.  A lava flow reached populated areas in Goma, killing 47 people and leaving over 120,000 people homeless.  

Mount Nyiragongo is still live and local authorities, the UN and local NGOs continue to monitor its activity. If you are in the area (against our travel advice) then you should follow local advice.

Natural Disasters – Earthquakes
Earthquakes occasionally occur in DRC. The last occurred in Eastern DRC on 9 June 2009 and measured approximately 5.0 on the Richter scale.

General – Insurance

You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. The cost of medical repatriation from DRC to the UK is extremely high. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See our Travel Insurance page.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas see our When Things Go Wrong page.

 General – Consular Assistance
 The lack of reliable air transport and continued insecurity may prevent the British Embassy in Kinshasa from being able to extend normal levels of consular assistance to British nationals anywhere in DRC other than Kinshasa.

If you do decide to visit or work in DRC you should have your own evacuation plan, to regularly review its viability in the light of changing circumstances, and to provide details of it to the British Embassy at ambrit@fco.gov.uk. You should factor in the possibility that, in the event of escalating tensions and civil unrest, commercial flights may be suspended at short notice leaving your ability to depart the DRC severely restricted.

You should carefully consider your current security arrangements. You should ensure that you and/or your organisation have a comprehensive security plan with adequate guarding and other security arrangements.  

You should ensure that your passport and other travel documentation are up to date.  

You should also ensure you have a stock of food, water, fuel, medicine and other essential items should it be necessary to ?lock down? in a safe location for several days.

General – Consular Assistance – Statistics
Twelve British nationals required consular assistance in Congo (Democratic Republic) in the period 01 April 2010  31 March 2011 for the following types of incident; four deaths and three arrests.

General – Registering with the British Embassy
We strongly advise you to register with the British Embassy in Kinshasa if you are visiting or are resident anywhere in the DRC. You can do so in person or, if you prefer, via our secure online registration service at: Consular Online Registration on the FCO website or with our LOCATE service. Notwithstanding our inability to guarantee consular assistance and advice against travel in the east, we would strongly recommend you to register and give us your contact details if you intend to visit DRC, so that we can pass on information that may be of use to you concerning the security situation in your area. You should also consider having a residents visa for the Democratic Republic of Congo if you are planning to stay in the DRC for a considerable period of time. British passport holders do not require a visa for Rwanda.

General – Emergency Passport service

The British Embassy in Kinshasa offers only an Emergency Passport (EP) service. EPs are issued for emergency travel only and are valid for a single journey back to your destination. EPs are not recognised in all countries, so refer to the Embassy for further information. The Embassy provides a full replacement passport service via the British High Commission in Nairobi. This can take up to six weeks, unless you are prepared to meet courier costs. Details on forthcoming changes to passport processing can be found on our website: www.ukindrc.fco.gov.uk.


General – Mobile phones and internet

DRC has a GSM network on which most dual-band (or better) UK mobile phones will work. And 3G coverage in many of the main towns, on which some Blackberries will work. Coverage is not complete. If in doubt, contact your UK service provider. Local ?pay as you go? SIM cards are available.  Internet cafes are common in the main towns and cities, although dependent on electricity supply.

 General – Money
 The British Embassy cannot provide emergency cash advances to UK nationals. You are should have arrangements in place before leaving the UK to have funds sent to you in case of need. Some brands of credit cards are accepted in Kinshasa. If you have a card which can be used in the country, consider bringing it with you. The currency in DRC is the Congolese Franc but US Dollars are widely used. US Dollars should be presented in good condition and issued post-2001 or they will not be accepted or changed at  banks. There are a number of ATMs that dispense US dollars in Kinshasa. Please take normal security precautions when withdrawing money. Western Union and other money transfer agencies are present in most main towns across the DRC.

Source: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/sub-saharan-africa/congo-democratic-republic

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Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea)

The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens about travel to North Korea (Democratic People?s Republic of Korea, or DPRK). The North Korean government will detain, prosecute, and sentence those who enter the DPRK without first having received explicit, official permission and an entry visa from its government. Travel by U.S. citizens to North Korea is not routine, and U.S. citizens crossing into North Korea, even accidently, have been subject to arrest and long-term detention. Since January 2009, four U.S. citizens have been arrested for entering North Korea illegally. In 2010, a fifth U.S. citizen, who had a valid DPRK visa in his U.S. passport, was arrested inside North Korea on unspecified charges.

The Government of North Korea imposes heavy fines and long prison sentences with hard labor on persons who enter the country without a valid passport and a North Korean visa. If you travel unescorted inside North Korea without explicit official authorization, North Korean security personnel may view your actions as espionage. 

Security personnel may view any unauthorized attempt you make to talk to a North Korean citizen as espionage. North Korean authorities may fine or arrest you for unauthorized currency transactions or for shopping at stores not designated for foreigners. 

It is a criminal act in North Korea to show disrespect to the country’s current and former leaders, Kim Jong Il and Kim Il Sung. North Korean authorities have threatened foreign journalists who questioned the policies or public statements of the DPRK or the actions of the current leadership

North Korean government authorities may also view taking unauthorized pictures as espionage, confiscate cameras and film, and/or detain the photographer. DPRK border officials routinely confiscate visitors? cell phones upon arrival, returning the phone only upon departure. Foreign visitors to North Korea may be arrested, detained, or expelled for activities that would not be considered criminal outside the DPRK, including involvement in unsanctioned religious and political activities, engaging in unauthorized travel, or interaction with the local population.

The United States and the DPRK do not have diplomatic and consular relations. Since the United States does not maintain diplomatic or consular relations with North Korea, the U.S. government cannot provide normal consular services to its citizens in North Korea. The Swedish Embassy, the U.S. Protecting Power in the DPRK capital of Pyongyang, provides limited consular services to U.S. citizens traveling in North Korea who are ill, injured, arrested, or who have died while there. However, the Protecting Power cannot get U.S. citizens out of jail or pay their criminal fines.

U.S. citizens who plan to travel to North Korea are strongly encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, China about their trip by enrolling in the State Department?s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. If you have received official permission and are going to visit North Korea by transiting China, please take the time to tell the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, China, about your trip. If you check in, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. You will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to contact you in case of an emergency. Here is the link to the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

China residents can contact U.S.  Embassy Beijing directly:

U. S. Embassy Beijing: The Embassy is located near the Ladies’ Street (Nuren Jie) and Laitai Flower Market, opposite the Kempinski Hotel and Lufthansa shopping Center.

U.S. Embassy Beijing
American Citizens Services Unit
No. 55 An Jia Lou Road
Chaoyang District

Beijing, China 100600
Telephone: (86-10) 8531-4000
Facsimile: (86-10) 8531-3300
Email: amcitbeijing@state.gov
Emergency after-hours telephone: (86-10) 8531-4000

You may also wish to contact the Embassy of Sweden by telephone or email about your trip:

The Embassy of Sweden Pyongyang (U.S. Protecting Power) in North Korea.
Munsu-Dong District
Pyongyang, DPRK
Telephone: (850-2) 3817 485 (reception)
Telephone: (850-2) 3817 904, (850-2) 3817 907 (First Secretary)
Telephone: (850-2) 3817 908, (850-2) 3817 905 (Ambassador)
Facsimile: (850-2) 3817 663
Email: ambassaden.pyongyang@foreign.ministry.se

U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State?s Country Specific Information for North Korea, and the current Worldwide Caution, which are located on the Department?s Internet travel website.  U.S. citizens can obtain current information on safety and security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, from outside the United States and Canada, +1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

 

Source: http://feeds.travel.state.gov/~r/ca/travelwarnings/~3/gWtz2Vt9ZIQ/tw_5601.html

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