Foreign Service Updates

Albania govt removed visa regime to Albania for Kuwait + UAE citizens {90 day stay within a period of 6 months} *official candidate for accession to European Union since June 2014 http://www.balkans.com/open-news.php?uniquenumber=203086 Poland Warsaw, campaigning militantly to remove all references  to "Nazi Poland" from pop culture, articles, or even historical discourse http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/194547 Poland Mattel offers apology after 'Nazi Poland' card game outrage http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/mattel-offers-apology-after-nazi-poland-card-game-outrage-1498426 Italy / Sardinia Terrorist network Pakistani nationals since 2005 18 arrested / financing al-Qaeda http://www.brecorder.com/top-stories/0/1179546/ Italy  /   Milan ‘Expo Milan 2015’ May 1 to Oct. 31 140 countries participating likely to attract 20 million visitors http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/737861 Italy Milan  - Lombardy region >capital of fashion + design >industrial hub >national stock XCH >financial centre http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/737861 Germany - India German Embassy does Bollywood, starring German Ambassador Michael Steiner Title:  Lebe jetzt - Kal Ho Naa Ho VIDEO - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XK3BVXbVsU Sweden Swedish companies bullish on India's investment climate / increased companies / increased investment http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/swedish-companies-bullish-on-indias-investment-climate-115042400928_1.html ==========================================  Israel South Africa expressed outrage after Israel decision to deny a visa to Higher Education Min. Blade Nzimande Palestine Embassy in South Africa described decision as "racist" BDS-South Africa wants to expel Israel ambassador to SA However:  "Nzimande has been a vocal critic of Israel" ['vocal critic' probably explains the Israeli decision] http://allafrica.com/stories/201504241940.html Israel Israeli tanks fire at Hamas in Gaza rocket launched on Israel Biden promises  F-35 Joint Strike jets Israel bought  Lockheed Martin x19 F-35s in 2010 for $2.75 billion signed a contract in Feb to buy additional x14 for abt $3 billion x2 delivery = end 2016 balance = by 2021 https://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2015/Apr-25/295680-israeli-tanks-strike-gaza-after-rocket-fired.ashx Syria - Sweden - Palestine Palestinian intel operatives helped free Sweden al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front Syria hostages held 17 mths http://www.nujournal.com/page/content.detail/id/836484/Official--Palestinian-operatives-helped-free-Syria-hostages.html?isap=1&nav=5033 Syria - Sweden - Palestine Palestinian Intel Reveal Their Role in Releasing x2 Swedish Monk Hostages in Syria Thomas Olson (50 years) + Martin Rein (33) arrived to Sweden on Saturday. http://english.pnn.ps/index.php/international/9582-palestinian-intelligence-reveal-their-role-in-releasing-swedish-hostages-in-syria [ This is very intriguing.  Were these guys really monks?  Would it be cynical to wonder whether Sweden's recent recognition of Palestine might have helped things along in the hostage freeing exercise?  I don't know the answer to those questions; I'm just taking some wild guesses here. ] Palestine – Human Rights Islam Hamed, Brazilian-Palestinian hunger strike in Palestine prison https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/americas/18272-brazilian-on-hunger-strike-in-palestine-gets-support-from-social-media Kuwait - KSA - Yemen Saudi Arabia Embassy in Kuwait filed request to FM calling for prosecuting Shia Kuwaiti lawmaker for "repeated insults" to SA re Yemen Strongly critical of SA handling of the Yemen situation https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/middle-east/18273-riyadh-wants-kuwaiti-mp-prosecuted-over-insults ========================================== Pakistan January CIA drone strikes killed: 1) US doctor Warren Weinstein & 2) Italian aid worker Giovanni Lo Porto http://english.eastday.com/auto/eastday/world/u1ai8485176.html Pakistan - US Consulate Lahore Police say Pakistan guard shoots, kills himself in front of US Consulate in city of Lahore FS Trivia:  US diplomatic posts worldwide use armed local police + private guards for external security. US Marines = security on grounds. http://www.dailyjournal.net/view/story/08a2e9228cd446c3bd235457e3792e0f/AS--Pakistan-US-Consulate-Shooting/ Pakistan - 1951 Murder First PM Previously declassified docs of US State Dept disclosed that USA murdered first elected PM of Pakistan in 1951 http://www.milligazette.com/news/12191-pakistan-s-first-prime-minister-liaquat-ali-khan-was-assassinated-by-america [Found this very interesting.] ========================================== Vietnam South Swedish Ambassador Camilla Mellander promotes helmet safety http://tuoitrenews.vn/society/27702/hundreds-of-children-join-swedish-embassys-event-on-traffic-safety Philippines US embassy Manilla - protesters clash with the police over US troops, calling for withdrawal US troops US military biggest joint exercises with Philippines in15 years on April 20, 2015 over 6,600 American forces, 61 Australian US efforts to increase its presence in region Philippines protests re foreign military {incl. Aussie troops} http://www.spyghana.com/philippines-protesters-clash-with-the-police-over-us-troops/ PHL - Canada Philippines dropped demand on Canada govt to take back trash that was illegally shipped 2 years ago. 50 containers of trash arrived from Canada in 6 batches 2013 household waste incl. adult diapers passed off as scrap materials Canadian Embassy subject of demonstrations & petitions, refuses to take back Canada trash http://globalnation.inquirer.net/121534/ph-gives-in-to-canada-over-garbage-dispute/ [So disrespectful.  Canadian authorities should be ashamed.] Philippines President Aquino state visit to Canada - May 7 to 9 bilateral: labour, development, infrastructure Philippines President Aquino 1-day working visit to USA  - May 10th http://globalnation.inquirer.net/121534/ph-gives-in-to-canada-over-garbage-dispute/ Malaysia - US Embassy NGOs hand US Embassy Kuala Lumpur memo demanding extradition of sex blogger Alvin Tan to Malaysia http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/04/25/Sex-blogger-just-wants-to-stir-up-trouble-says-Wee/ Malaysia can convict of sedition in absentia & demand extradition from US *has sedition prior* http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/alvin-tan-can-be-convicted-of-sedition-though-in-us-umno-youth-exco-claims China Canada national - Uyghur ethnic claims: harshly interrogated & pressured to spy on Uyghur China via US propaganda channel: Radio Free Asia Origin: USA govt funded source, Radio Free Asia http://www.bignewsnetwork.com/index.php/sid/232263121 [ US propaganda or the real deal? ] ========================================== South Africa Xenophobia in SA: Zimbabwe man attacked - buttocks sliced off & had penis skinned   http://nehandaradio.com/2015/04/26/xenophobia-in-sa-zimbo-has-manhood-skinned/ South Africa Nigeria recalls envoy to South Africa over attacks on foreigners 7 killed in attacks since 20 March South Africa deployed troops to quell violence criticism by nations including China & Zimbabwe for failing to protect citizens v. mobs http://www.globalpost.com/article/6528486/2015/04/25/nigeria-recalls-envoy-south-africa-over-attacks-foreigners South Africa Somalis under xenophobic intimidation over 100 killed last few years / merciless SA gangs http://www.raxanreeb.com/2015/04/untold-story-somalis-in-south-africa-under-xenophobic-intimidation/ [ South Africa looks scary.  The riots aren't people just smashing up shops, or something like that.  They're actually attacking other people with lethal intent:   bricks, rocks, massive knives, tomahawks etc, going by the photos of mobs on the streets. ] South Sudan US Donates Additional $16 Million For Humanitarian Aid US emergency assistance now exceeds $1 billion USAID invested an additional $700 million in long-term assistance South Sudan http://www.gurtong.net/ECM/Editorial/tabid/124/ctl/ArticleView/mid/519/articleId/16548/US-Donates-Additional-16-Million-For-Humanitarian-Assistance-South-Sudan.aspx Nigeria Nigeria recalls ambassador to South Africa re xenophobic armed mobs SA significant bus. interests in Nigeria http://www.gbooza.com/group/crime/forum/topics/xenophobic-attacks-nigeria-recalls-ambassador?xg_source=activity Somaliland {autonomous region Somalia} postponement of Somaliland presidential & parliamentary elections visiting British delegation from UK Embassy in Addis Ababa Ethiopia led by deputy ambassador Ms Cate Evan current administration extended 1 year. extension / now elections due: 26th June 2016. http://somalilandsun.com/index.php/politics/7296-somaliland-uk-diplomats-and-guurti-elders-brainstorm-postponed-elections [ Why is UK interfering in Somaliland's domestic affairs? ] Tanzania - China economic cooperation has reached unprecedented scale surpassed US$4 billion over 500 Chinese cos. http://www.touch.dailynews.co.tz/index.php/local-news/44187-chinese-firms-invest-trillions ========================================== USA - Bangladesh - Injured Workers Wal-Mart Stores Inc. + J.C. Penney Co. Inc. & ors lawsuit Bangladesh 2013 building collapse victims http://www.nationallawjournal.com/legaltimes/home/id=1202724527483/WalMart-JC-Penney-Sued-Over-Bangladesh-Factory-Collapse?mcode=1202615432600&curindex=0&back=NLJ&slreturn=20150324231410 USA - Human Rights USA:  Stop deporting people to places they never lived http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/end-this-pattern-stop-deporting-people-to-places-they-never-lived/ USA - Pakistan - CIA flexi drone program Yemen - both CIA + US military drone strikes campaign Somalia  - US military targeted killing Pakistan - CIA drone program exempt from “imminent threat” CIA can do signature strikes + more targeted drone attacks US EMBASSY - Uruguay day 2 protests. x4 former Guantanamo detainees want more assistance http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2015/04/25/4260410/former-guantanamo-detainees-keep.html [ So if the US isn't deporting those in USA who have fallen foul of the law to places they've never lived (after a prison stint); they're forcibly settling Guantanamo prison detainees in places they've never lived - without adequate compensation.   So much for the US govt as human rights 'champions'.  ] ========================================== New Zealand -  John Key in Saudi Arabia free trade deal b/w Gulf states NZ "very close" $1.5-billion bilateral trade Gulf states import 90% of food http://www.brecorder.com/business-a-economy/189/1180918/ ========================================== Colombia - Monsanto Military defends use of controversial weed-killer in US-backed coca fumigation program Since 2000, US has spent between $1 billion & $2 billion on fumigation program alone. http://www.nasdaq.com/article/colombia-health-minister-wants-spraying-of-coca-plants-suspended--2nd-update-20150428-01652 El Salvador US threatens aid over support for Venezuela US pressure to force fall into line https://www.greenleft.org.au/node/58861 Lat Am Alliance for Prosperity in the Northern Triangle US funding social & economic projects in Guatemala, Honduras + ElSalvador GUATEMALA HONDURAS EL SELVADOR Alliance for Prosperity in the Northern Triangle US $1-billion funding US protection commercial & security interests Alliance for Prosperity pouring money into & uplifting successful corporates not innovation & domestic economic growth Alliance for Prosperity = opportunity for large businesses, US owned corporations, & local elites monopolizing $1 billion plan Alliance for Prosperity has potential to spur investment & market opportunities for US + interl firms http://www.internationalpolicydigest.org/2015/04/20/u-s-alliance-for-prosperity-program-could-deepen-troubles-in-central-america/ El Salvador - abortion rights 4 activists arrested Friday at El Salvador’s embassy in WA http://www.ticotimes.net/2015/04/24/four-arrested-in-protest-against-el-salvador-abortion-laws COMMENT Just recent things that caught my attention - including trivia I found interesting, or even amusing (eg the Germans going Bollywood video). Couldn't sleep, even though I'm super tired and sort of cranky. Lying in bed I kept thinking how detached or alienated I feel from my 'real' life (as opposed to the things that absorb my interest). Lying between sleep and wakefulness, I felt a freaky floating away, bobbing or elevator type of feeling (like motion but obviously not really being in motion).  That put an end to trying to sleep.  Guessing that's anxiety. Thought I'd mess around on here to relax and it's worked.  I'm feeling pretty chilled out now.

Foreign Service Updates

While this is getting a bit stale now, this is some news that recently caught my attention: Zimbabwe  Lawyers for Human Rights petition Police Comm-General Augustine Chihuri re:  anti-riot  police /assaulted HR activist Sydney Chisi video 20 police indiscriminately bashing Chisi w. batons excessive force on peaceful protest https://www.newsday.co.zw/2015/04/24/civic-society-petitions-chihuri-over-activists-assault/ Turkey NYT Declines to Run Turkish Ad on 1915  b/c no recognition Armenian Genocide Ad run by WaPo instead On April  24 Turkish-American community to march WA DC  White House to Turkish  Embassy 100th anniversary of 1915 atrocities NYT contended Ad depicts 1915 events as civilian tragedy costing lives Ottoman citizens incl. Armenians, Turks, Kurds & Arabs. NYT do not accept ads denying history generally accepted as fact, incl Armenian Genocide, Holocaust + WTC bombing Ad says: >no academic consensus on incidents. >number of international scholars declined to label atrocities as genocide *The 'no consensus' argument reminds me of the global warming / climate change method of rebuttal.  LOOK-UPS  The Washington Post =  Nash Holdings LLC Jeff Bezos = founder & CEO Amazon bought WaPo 2013 for  $250 million in cash  [wp] WaPo Jeff Bezos member of Bilderberg Group 17th wealthiest person in world with est. net worth of $32.3 billion [2012] [wp] http://massispost.com/2015/04/the-new-york-times-declines-to-run-turkish-ad-on-1915/ Zimbabwe 16th Harare International Festival of the Arts (Hifa) donors & corporates sponsor Norwegian Embassy active Norway Ambassador to Zimbabwe Bård Hopland  ... Norway gives biggest bilateral contribution to festival. Other sponsors: British Council Osisa, Prohelvetia Australian govt Finland Emb. Lusaka & Zimbabwe German Society + others LOOK-UPS Zimbabwe = rich in natural resources produces over 40 types of metals & minerals. est 40% of foreign exchange = such export where there is mining, there is also need for infrastructure. more in resources:  http://www.zimbabwe.8m.com/zimmin.html https://www.newsday.co.zw/2015/04/24/donors-corporates-hail-hifa/ Philippines 40 members of specialist British military unit 77 Brigade in PHL to conduct training exercises on urban earthquake response part of an annual training exercise in different parts of the world http://www.rappler.com/nation/90982-british-troops-manila-drills Argentina Antonio Stiusso suspect in death of Alberto Nisman fled Argentina & is in USA not attending court Stiusso travelled from Argentina to USA with Italy passport interl arrest warrant issue = an Argentina justice issue (vs govt issue) Stiusso, also charges of: >money laundering >false info to authorities >contraband >dereliction of duty >hiding evidence + >illicit enrichment (among others) Likely to seek USA political asylum strong relationship US embassy in Buenos Aires http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Argentine-Ex-Intelligence-Chief-Will-Not-Attend-Bomb-Inquiry-20150423-0029.html Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif visited Saudi Arabia to mend relations after Pakistani lawmakers rejected a Saudi request for military in Yemen Meeting took place April 23: PM Sharif, accompanied by army chief + Defence Min. http://www.bignewsnetwork.com/index.php/sid/232239773 Nigeria Super Rich Nigerians, Others Spend $900m On Luxury Property In UK Africa big spenders having impact on London property market = >Nigeria >Ghana >Congo >Gabon >Cameroon >Senegal http://leadership.ng/news/428137/super-rich-nigerians-others-spend-900m-on-property-in-uk Czech Hynek Kmonícek, head Pres Office foreign affairs section praised by US Ambassador to Prague Andrew Schapiro http://www.praguepost.com/czech-news/47231-u-s-ambassador-praises-zeman-s-man-as-skilful-diplomat Obama broke 2008 campaign promise to recognize Armenia genocide by refusing to use term “genocide” on 100th anniv. http://www.breitbart.com/big-journalism/2015/04/23/mainstream-media-refuses-to-condemn-obama-for-broken-promise-on-armenian-genocide/ Poland US ambassador to Poland apologized for FBI director’s comments about Poles being accomplices in the Holocaust http://www.ijn.com/ijn-news/international/5367-ambassador-to-poland-apologizes-for-fbi-comments Turkey Seven world capitals now without Turkish ambassadors >Syria >Egypt >Israel >Libya >Yemen >Vatican >Austria List could be added to, following expected parliamentary declarations on 1915 killings of Anatolian Armenians as “genocide” http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/seven-world-capitals-now-without-turkish-ambassadors.aspx?PageID=238&NID=81488&NewsCatID=510  Row in Bulgaria over proposal for Parliament to recognise Armenia Genocide EU member states who lawmakers have adopted recognitions, in some cases with prison or fines for denying the event: Austria Belgium Cyprus Czech Republic France Greece Italy Lithuania Netherlands Poland Slovakia Sweden. April 25 - European Parliament commended the statement pronounced by the Pope and encouraged Turkey to recognise the genocide and so pave the way for a “genuine reconciliation between the Turkish and Armenian peoples”. Ankara vehemently denies the charge of genocide, saying the deaths occurred in a civil war, in which many Turks died, too. http://sofiaglobe.com/2015/04/23/row-in-bulgaria-over-proposal-for-parliament-to-recognise-armenian-genocide/ US sends New Charge d' Affaires to Gambia to run US Embassy in Banjul Joseph D. Stafford replaces George Staples Experience incl. "In Washington, his assignments included teaching at the faculty of the National War College and serving as the State Department's Deputy Director of Maghreb Affairs." http://allafrica.com/stories/201504231126.html North Korea   Russia is still expecting North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un to visit Moscow in May AFP / thepeninsulaqatar  - http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/news/latest-news/334018/russia-still-expecting-n-korea-s-kim-in-may-diplomat Ukraine US embassy in Kiev surrounded in protest over interference / At least 500 ppl attend rally chanting slogans Protest decisions: eg appointment of foreigners incl. former US State Dept official to senior position in new govt. Ukraine Protest US embassy Kiev US interference = more violence Condemned:  US troops training national guard units Ukraine So far, Washington has provided US$75 million worth of military aid to fascist Ukraine puppet regime http://axisoflogic.com/artman/publish/Article_70124.shtml Bahrain Received:  US Military Attaché and Chief Liaison Officer of US Embassy to Bahrain, Colonel Scott W Rizer  http://www.bna.bh/portal/en/news/665318 Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) aim: eliminating chemical weapons EU support for OPCW Countries that have not agreed to OPCW terms: Egypt South Sudan North Korea Angola Not ratified convention: >Myanmar >Israel http://bioprepwatch.com/news/latvian-official-pledges-support-to-chemical-weapons-ban/341646/ Norway Ambassador Leif H Larsen announces embassy opening: Norway consulate begins operations in Lahore Pakistan http://tribune.com.pk/story/874645/norwegian-consulate-begins-operations-in-lahore/ Sweden Internet Tech Social Good Nigeria PopUp Incubator Project Nigeria developing techie skills http://techcabal.com/2015/04/24/social-good-for-nigeria-unveils-an-incubator-project-for-techies/ British Embassy Tokyo hosts same-sex staff marriage http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/04/24/national/social-issues/british-embassy-hosts-sex-marriage-staff/ Poland Presidential Election:   May 10 Parliamentary & PM Election:  by October 30 [RussianInsider] Poland Radoslaw Sikorski under investigation "for fiddling state budget funds for personal expenses" http://russia-insider.com/en/so-long-siklebaum-poland-under-us-pressure-over-failure-war-against-eastern-ukraine-russia/5962

Foreign Service Updates

Cuba relations thaw: 1) leverage to promote US trade interests & cleaner energy in LatAm 2) deprived LatAm govts (eg  Venezuela) of criticism opportunity re issues Being pals w/ Cuba makes ppl less receptive to Venezuela accusations of Yankee bullying less effective Cuba thaw buys US credibility when bullying other LatAm states US has: insisted on ability of US diplomats to travel freely around the island {to document HR abuses ... lol & stir up a bit of dissent, no doubt} http://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/editorials/2015/04/21/thaw-cuba-relations/eexslqwmqwn4xjv7wsBi9N/story.html The strong man in SaudiArabia Prince Mohammed bin Salman in charge Yemen bombing http://www.dawn.com/news/1177394/the-young-prince-who-led-saudi-arabias-war-in-yemen SaudiArabia orders National Guard on ground incursion into Yemen US + Gulf Arab backed campaign vs Houthi rebels Saudi ground attack & airstrikes have pushed Yemen (Arab world's poorest country) to the brink of collapse. SaudiArabia bombings flattened houses & sent villagers fleeing Saudis accuse Iran of arming Houthis Iran accuses SaudiArabia of supporting Sunni militants, incl. ISIL ISIS {Islamic State} Iran President Hassan Rouhani said: Saudi Arabia a country with dashed dreams in Iraq, Syria + Lebanon Iraq President Rouhani says: All Saudi failures have accumulated & caused mental & emotional imbalance of SaudiArabia US Navy beefing up presence in Gulf of Aden & southern Arabian Sea aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt sent US aircraft carrier to join other US ships prepared to intercept any Iranian vessels carrying weapons to Houthi rebels Army Colonel Steve Warren, Pentagon spox, denied US aircraft carrier was sent to block Iranian arms shipments. More interference in domestic affairs of Yemen UN Security Council resolution imposed arms embargo on Houthi leaders Yemen x9 US warships in region incl. cruisers & destroyers carrying teams that can board & search other vessels. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/saudi-arabia-king-salman-national-guard-yemen-iran-houthi-rebels/ Aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt & escort guided missile cruiser USS Normandy deployed to join 10 other US warships waters near Yemen USA acting as UNSC enforcer re arms embargo on Houthis in Yemen & backer of SaudiArabia aggression http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2015/04/21/iran-signals-ceasefire-in-yemen-after-us-nears-more-ships-to-yemens-shores/ Communist Party of Bohemia & Moravia Czech Vojtech Filip promo ties with Vietnam trade:   USD$670 million 2014 http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/government/128843/government-news-22-4.html Czech supports Vietnam stance re:  Bi?n Ðông (East Sea, aka East China Sea, aka Sea of Japan - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_of_Japan_naming_dispute) East Sea = name dispute maps show 'Sea of Japan' but 'East Sea' used 2,000 years by Korea reference to SoJ emerged late 18thC International Hydrographic Org + UN involved in naming dispute 1929 IHO naming SoJ, Korea cut out of IHO b/c under Japan rule 2012 - IHO announced that it had decided to use only 'Sea of Japan' * 2017 IHO due to reconvene & issue to be revisited. UN using SoJ the term most widely used, until the parties resolved the disagreement UN no authority to determine. Vietnam + Azerbaijan trade at USD$422.4 million 2014 Oil & gas is the key pillar in bilateral co-op http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/government/128843/government-news-22-4.html Switzerland interested in further intensifying its relations with ASEAN + its member states, esp. economic co-op http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/government/128843/government-news-22-4.html Greece US designates Greek guerilla members, Christodoulos Xiros & Nikolaos Maziotis, as terrorists Maziotis associated w. series of attacks by Revolutionary Struggle group, incl. firing a rocket-propelled grenade at US emb. http://nation.com.pk/international/22-Apr-2015/us-designates-greek-guerrilla-members-as-terrorists US embassy strips US-born Yemenis of passports, leaving them stranded in war-zone Yemen >> Suing State Dept.  http://sfist.com/2015/04/21/yemeni-american_man_from_san_franci.php Iran has arrested reporter from WaPo accused of espionage - 9mths ago WaPo Tehran bureau chief, Jason Rezaian WaPo's Jason Rezaian incarcerated in Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison where political prisoners are held & interrogated http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/post-reporter-jailed-in-iran-faces-4-charges-including-espionage/2015/04/20/3ea79ac8-e757-11e4-aae1-d642717d8afa_story.html Qatar-US bilateral trade increases 5-fold increase in decade:  nearly $7bn US exports to Qatar in 2014 = $5.17bn Qatar’s foreign direct investment (FDI) in US was about $3.2bn in 2014. {higher w private business investment} Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Gulf CoOperation Council (GCC)  - incl. Qatar - ON HOLD for some time Qatar’s ‘Golden Pass LNG Terminal in Texas (US) can now be used to distribute gas to other countries in region USA - world's largest consumer of energy, no longer requires Qatar gas b/c shale gas boom / US energy self-reliant USAhas become world’s largest producer of energy & soon to be largest net EXPORTER Golden Pass LNG in Texas (US) - joint venture = >Qatar Petroleum 70% >ExxonMobil 17.6% US >ConocoPhillips 12.4% US note:  majority state = Qatar  {Qatar Petroleum} http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/business/qatar-business/333904/qatar-us-bilateral-trade-increases Singapore Maritime Week 'Norway Night' hosted Norway embassy 240 senior execs fm global maritime industry attend http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/all-on-board-for-norway-night/ Singapore Norway Singapore is home to over 250 Norwegian companies, many focused on maritime +  offshore business {1 of 2} Leading Norway maritime sector businesses: >DNB Bank >Thome Group >Wilhelmsen Maritime Services >DNV GL {2 of 2} >BW Offshore >Norwegian Shipowners’ Association >Norwegian Business  Association, Singapore http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/all-on-board-for-norway-night/ Kuwait - Popular Action Movement (PAM) deported a prominent opposition figure (Saad Al-Ajmi) to SaudiArabia months after revoking his citizenship Citizenship revoked / article in nationality law that bans dual citizenship. Secret police on Tuesday. Dozens targeted. http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/215025/t/Ajmi-deported/Default.aspx Japan small drone, low levels of radioactive cesium found on roof of the Japanese PM’s office in Tokyo Stand by for legislation re sophisticated toy drones / unmanned aerial vehicles Note prior attacks -  Toy-based technology: 1) Red Army faction 1980s US Embassy & 2) 1995 sarin gas cult attack http://atimes.com/2015/04/drone-with-radiation-found-on-roof-of-japan-prime-ministers-office/ Pakistan negotiating Prisoners Exchange Agreement w/ China 260 Paks imprisoned China 193 sentenced / majority drug trafficking & serious Pakistan embassy in China seeks consular access. Source:  http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=262523 Hungary joined Poland in denouncing remarks by FBI dir. James Comey re Holocaust roles / FBI no public response Polish American Congress representing abt 10 million Americans of Polish descent called for FBI dir, James Comey resignation. http://www.officer.com/news/11927324/countries-call-fbi-directors-remarks-insensitive Denmark ambassador to Islamabad Jesper Moller Sorensen said  Pak playing key role in countering terrorism Ambassador Denmark visiting military college. UK & Denmark sponsoring training program to counter IEDs (C-IED). UK-led training schedule / UK initiative since 2006 Denmark since 2013 Danish contribution USD$1.5 million for 2 years Denmark’s Defence attaché, Colonel Thor Hilton says program well received by the Pakistan military. http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=262522 Marie Harf passed over for promotion Rear Admiral John Kirby (Pentagon spox) shifting over to State Dept. http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2015/04/marie_harf_passed_over_for_promotion_in_favor_of_white_male.html  OTHER Israel Iran Efraim Halevi - Ex-Mossad Chief: Iranians Will Regret Attacking Israel  / Israel is indestructible No such thing as a “good agreement.” Iranians will uphold an agreement only if it is worth their while. http://jpupdates.com/2015/04/22/ex-mossad-chief-iranians-will-regret-attacking-israel/

Foreign Service Updates

US embassy in Kyrgyzstan denying reports re colour revolution 152 tons of "unknown cargo" on Ukrainian aeroplane cargo flew under "diplomatic pouch" mail diplomats can send mail without inspection by receiving country Press speculation: 1) small denominations cash to pay protesters "Maidan" in Bishkek. 2) espionage equipment US embassy says it's building materials for the new embassy building Report of US GAO: In 2008 US State Dept shipped 55 million pounds of cargo via diplomatic pouch Uh-oh! http://www.eng.24.kg/bigtiraj/175386-news24.html Vietnam antiques Joining UNESCO convention =  legal foundation to claim back antiques from other countries http://tuoitrenews.vn/lifestyle/27573/royal-rickshaw-comes-home-to-be-displayed-in-central-vietnam Kuwait National Security Apparatus chief talks with ambass of France + Australia (Warren Hauck) re co-op relations http://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2436677&language=en Israel Iran spy {Belgian national}   sentenced to 7 years in Israeli court for espionage / Ali Mansouri Shin Bet alleges Mansouri setting up companies in Israel for Iran intel services to undermine Israeli / Western interests. caught with: photos of a top-secret installation, US Embassy & Ben-Gurion Airport, + review of  security Ben-Gurion airport http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Iranian-spy-sentenced-to-seven-years-after-being-found-guilt-of-espionage-398813 UAE x5 Gulf Cooperation Council nationals { security officials } in court accused of setting up site that mocks UAE leaders 'libellous images' also accusation of import of spy chips / prohibited audio analytical devices "The lawyer added that the defendant did not cause any damage in the relations between the UAE and the USA or China, where the items were imported from, and that he did not use UAE soil to store the devices because he was exporting them through ships directly to the Studies and Research Centre in his home country." https://en-maktoob.news.yahoo.com/five-gcc-nationals-court-mocking-leaders-095100296.html Hague Netherlands British Embassy fire in The Hague - 7.30am Tue Man held. No further info. http://www.euronews.com/2015/04/21/man-held-over-british-embassy-fire-in-the-hague/ Libya Bomb explodes near Spanish Embassy in Tripoli after ISIL attacks foreign nationals, oil fields & diplomatic posts also follows killing of Libya 30 Christians http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/04/21/407271/Tripoli-blast-hits-near-Spanish-Embassy Qatar plans $350bn in development projects over next 15 years announcement re Project Qatar 2015 to attract 50,000 http://www.tradearabia.com/news/CONS_280262.html 24th April - Turkish Embassy 25th April - 100 on hunger strike on Downing Street to commemorate Armenian Genocide http://www.armradio.am/en/2015/04/21/100-people-go-on-hunger-strike-on-downing-street-to-commemorate-the-armenian-genocide/ Lithuania going after Japan tourism Lithuanian paganism a draw card Japanese fast growing sector http://www.baltic-course.com/eng/tourism/?doc=105220' Singapore 300 Danish co. currently set up in Singapore / many in shipping 20% of the shipping register abt 200 vessels = Danish carriers competition leadership in maritime field, focus is on education & environment {green shipping} http://shippingwatch.com/carriers/article7641969.ece Singapore a significant port:  2nd largest port in world + junction for traffic in Southeast Asia will be expanded by 50% UAE has attracted maritime companies concentrated Dubai region Danish-based bunker firms have established business http://shippingwatch.com/carriers/article7641969.ece 'bunker' is bins or containers for storing fuel on-board ships  {I think} Denmark Singapore Martime Nov 2014 Denmark's 3rd largest bunker fuel /ship fuel supplier OW Bunker goes bankrupt discovered suspected fraud by senior employees in Singapore-based subsidiary co. owes 13 banks & cannot survive w/out new credit Singapore based Dynamic Oil Trading subsid. =  fraud by senior employees OW Bunker publicly listed 2014 est $150m trade loss Singapore Alleged fraud at:  Dynamic Oil Trading = biggest financial market scandal to hit Singapore in last decade http://www.bbc.com/news/business-29961566

Foreign Service Updates

North Korea warns US envoy Mark Lippert of ‘bigger mishap’ than a knife attack if he continues insulting NorK NorK says Lippert has: "bad habit of rashly engaging in scheming chatter distorting the truth and instigating war" http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=262264 Iran Protest outside SaudiArabia embassy re Yemen invasion http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2015/04/18/406799/Iranians-slam-Saudi-war-on-Yemen China Journalist Gao Yu, a Chinese news veteran & critic of Communist Party / 7yr sentence leaking state secrets sentence denounced Fmr law professor says:  political party’s internal documents cannot be regarded as a ‘state secret. http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/1324846-chinese-regime-sentences-senior-journalist-to-7-years-on-charges-of-leaking-state-secrets/ IRAQ Friday: Irbil - capital semi-autonomous Kurdistan region - car-bomb explodes outside US consulate & compound *common in Iraq, but rare in Ibril* http://www.dw.de/is-targets-us-consulate-in-irbil-suicide-attack/a-18390760 Ireland  / Venezuela Venezuela – Dublin solidarity rally at US Embassy 2pm Sunday http://www.anphoblacht.com/contents/24913  Canada Officials In Hungary To Seek Information On Roma Exodus From Miskolc 40-50 local Roma families emigrated http://hungarytoday.hu/cikk/canadian-officials-budapest-seek-information-roma-exodus-miskolc-44835 Ukraine Zaporizhstal CEO Rostyslav Shurma Ukraine 4th largest steel maker {Rinat Akhmetov} invested abt $120 million in production modernisation William H. "Chip" Laitinen Economic Officer, Office of US Ambassador to Ukraine, approves http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/economic/261154.html India India appointments / Ambassadors to: > Egypt > Venezuela http://netindian.in/news/2015/04/17/00033396/sanjay-bhattacharyya-appointed-ambassador-egypt UK Ugandan High Commission in London worker sentenced to 6yrs prison /£4.8 million tobacco duty evasion http://en.starafrica.com/news/ugandan-jailed-in-uk-for-tax-evasion.html NZ New Snowden docs reveal NZ spies & America's top govt hackers cooked up plan to spy on China http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/snowden-documents-reveal-attempt-to-spy-on-china/ Op "Frostbite" NZ intel plan to spy on China GCSB worked with the NSA's hacker team - TAO 2013 doc = plan had verbal approval same month PM John Key was in China pledging NZ friendship China is NZ largest trading partner bilateral trade =  $20-billion pa Greens Russel Norman says spy revelations put that at risk Spying on Chinese diplomatic communications in NZ to curry favour with US govt  spy agencies = pointless & reckless "The fact that John Key must have personally approved this operation will add insult to injury ..."  "John Key is willing to subvert NZs broader international economic & political interests to please the US Government" http://www.odt.co.nz/source/nzme/339554/leaked-papers-show-plan-spy-china SouthAfrica President Jacob Zuma cancelled trip to Indonesia to deal with xenophobic violence Jan 2015: Soweto violence = 6 killed / looters rampaged South Africa violence sparked angry responses in other African nations http://en.prothom-alo.com/international/news/64223/Zuma-seeks-to-reassure-foreigners Canada Canadians rally nationwide against Bill C-51 anti-terrorist bill PM office picketed / protests scheduled aim to protect & maintain democratic freedoms NDP & Green party oppose the bill 3rd reading Mon, then law http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2015/04/18/22351896.html Pakistan Scholars of Islamic law attend dinner at  Saudi Embassy updates on Yemen Pakistan ready to lay down life to defend Saudi Arabia Pakistan SaudiArabia Yemen Sounds like they're wanting to wage religious war? Saudi Consul says support to Houthis considered attack on sovereignty of SaudiArabia Claims it is 'joint war' SA + Yemen vs rebels http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-13-37083-Troops-should-be-sent-for-protection-of-S-Arabia-whenever-necessary-Ulema India Shaken by Corporate Espionage Scandal, Defence Ministry issued a series of security alerts &  directives Yikes! Cell phone can be used as effective, unobtrusive, listening device for eavesdropping even when switched off http://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/Spy-Alert-Cellphones-Banned-at-South-Block-Meetings/2015/04/19/article2771047.ece Poland / FBI Poland’s ambassador to US sent letter of protest to FBI Director James Comey over alleged historical revisionism  FBI director Comey:  suggested that Poland shared responsibility for the Holocaust http://sptnkne.ws/eqT USA - Domestic FBI forensic overstated hair 'match' evidence in 95% of 268 trials prior 2000 14 of 32 executed or died prison Note:   pattern-based forensic techniques in question eg hair & bite-mark comparisons = 25% of 329 cases DNA-exoneration http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crime/fbi-overstated-forensic-hair-matches-in-nearly-all-criminal-trials-for-decades/2015/04/18/39c8d8c6-e515-11e4-b510-962fcfabc310_story.html COMMENT Odds and ends that caught my attention. Best is probably the New Zealand spying outed by Snowden documents. FBI 'overstated' evidence story is pretty shocking. Didn't realise you can 'uptalk' science.  Imagined science was sure thing.

Foreign Service Updates

Iran Hundreds protest outside Saudi embassy in Tehran  /alleged sexual harassment Iran youths by Saudi police http://www.dawn.com/news/1175390/hundreds-protest-outside-saudi-embassy-in-tehran -- Somalia “White Widow” reportedly escapes from Somalia to Aden WANTED by US + UK intel, Interpol & Kenya low-level recruiter with Al Qaeda DarkNet promotion & recruiting of young girls {sounds like bull to me} http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/569861/White-Widow-Samantha-Lewthwaite-alive-recruiting-female-suicide-bombers -- Egypt court confirms death sentence for Brotherhood head, Mohamed Badie & 11 others  / life terms to 23 detained http://www.brecorder.com/top-stories/0/1172542/ Accused of plotting unrest after:  military overthrow Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013. -- US Nominates Ex-Envoy,  Glyn Davies , For North Korea Policy As Ambassador To Thailand  http://www.ibtimes.com/us-nominates-ex-envoy-north-korea-policy-ambassador-thailand-after-6-month-hiatus-1880728 -- First secretary of North Korea's Embassy in Bangladesh 27kg gold bars update / no security lapse http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/no-lapse-screening-envoy-gold-bars -- Saudi Arabia Iraq appoints ambassador to Baghdad after 25 years / ending stand-off b/w the two http://www.arabnews.com/saudi-arabia/news/732866 -- Cuba Obama Endorses Removing Cuba From Terrorism List US targets also on list = Iran, Sudan & Syria http://www.nytimes.com/2015/04/15/world/americas/obama-cuba-remove-from-state-terror-list.html_r=0 -- Germany = 4th largest economy and Europe's largest PM Modi in Berlin India wants FTA, investment, business http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150415/jsp/nation/story_14682.jsp -- South Korea moves embassy staff from Libya to Tunisia after attack 2 guards killed / 32 SK nationals remain Libya http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/index.cfmmethod=home.regcon&contentid=20150415240454 -- USA officials twice denied refuge to one of the girls who escaped Chibok mass abduction Nigeria   http://www.worldmag.com/2015/04/u_s_reportedly_denies_visa_to_chibok_schoolgirl -- HILARIOUS BULLSH*T "With tension high in the Baltic States over possibility of a Russian invasion ..." Estonia asks 4 perma. NATO force. Estonia - German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen visiting Estonia, has assured Estonia of quick response. Looks like  Ursula used to be:  Federal Minister for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth  / Ursula a one-time Junior Doctor at the Gynaecological Clinic  -- Estonia President Toomas Hendrik Ilves doing the rounds of propaganda / doubts even NATO could fend off attack. Estonia Embassy in WA:  “There was no question whether the U.S. & NATO troops were necessary.” http://townhall.com/tipsheet/vivianhughbanks/2015/04/14/germany-assures-estonia-of-nato-support-against-russians-n1985130 --- Norway Govt Ordered to pay $270K plus $2.1M in attorney's fees, federal judge rules | Minneapolis consulate employee http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/employer_who_nixed_400k_settlement_now_owes_270k_plus_2.1m_in_attorneys_fee -- UKraine Porkkky dismisses UKR ambassador to US:  Oleksandr Motsyk {career diplomat /served under Yanukovych}  No reason given [RFE/RL] -- US embassy Amman, Jordan provided Jordan w. Mobile Vehicle & Cargo Inspection System (Mobile VACIS) to boost security @ border crossings article: http://www.petra.gov.jo/Public_News/Nws_NewsDetails.aspxSite_Id=1&lang=2&NewsID=191327&CatID=13&Type=Home&GType=1 VACIS http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/media/facts-faits/038-eng.html -- Myanmar survivors of a Russia trawler sinking awaiting embassy Moscow to process passports 4 repatriation Illegal fishing allegations loom 117 people were lifted from the water / 54 of them dead and 63 alive http://www.undercurrentnews.com/2015/04/14/survivors-of-sunken-trawler-face-illegal-work-charges-in-russia/ -- Thought police calling on Dutch foreign min. to fire Diplomat Bregje Wijsenbeek / Emb. Pretoria re comments on Iran http://canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/71178 -- Hollande stand-off Pope Francis accused of nixing France’s ambassadorial candidate to the Holy See b/c he is gay http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/04/14/remember-who-am-i-to-judge-vatican-silent-on-france-s-gay-appointee.html -- Palestine College in occupied East Jerusalem is top Israel recipient of EU science grants http://electronicintifada.net/blogs/david-cronin/top-israeli-recipient-eu-grants-based-occupied-east-jerusalem -- Russia WWII Photo Exhibition, London War Museum, Brit. Emb. promo in Yekaterinburg - CANCELLED ... blame FSB when not blaming Putin. Good job, Kremlin.  Weren't there for Victory Parade.  Tell them to f*ck right off.  -- Egypt sends aid to Syria refugees in Lebanon medical, tents, blankets http://www.sis.gov.eg/En/Templates/Articles/tmpArticleNews.aspxArtID=92028 -- Benin vs Gabon  Africa Unrest re announcement Gabonese opposition leader died. Benin Embassy torched in Gabon .. Benin wants answers. Gabon protesters accused Gabon's govt of casting "spells" on Mba Obame, who died on Sunday. http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Benin-demands-answers-after-embassy-gets-torched-in-Gabon-20150414 -- South Korea's foreign ministry came under criticism for allegedly lying re whereabouts of its ambassador to Libya South Korea said ambassador was in Tunisia er, ... nope:  in SKor. But, hey, it was a 'mistake'. http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/news/2015/04/14/63/0200000000AEN20150414005151315F.html -- Notebook belonging to gay codebreaker Alan Turing sells for $1 million >chemically castrated, barred fm working for GCHQ /suicide Enigma machine also sold: $269k http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2015/04/14/notebook-belonging-to-gay-codebreaker-alan-turing-sells-for-1-million/ -- India Jawaharlal Nehru, former PM from India independence in 1947-1964 Cambridge graduate *wanted to model India as secular country* Jawaharlal Nehru on religion: blind belief & reaction dogma & bigotry superstition exploitation & preservation of vested interests -- COMMENT Sounds like India's Jawaharlal Nehru was a sensible man.

FOREIGN SERVICE UPDATES

-- #Libya Diplomatic row arrest & detention of Sudan’s Consul-General in Libya / unauthorised visits to military prison #Libya Relations with #Sudan have been strained since Libya Dawn forced the Thinni givt to quit Tripoli #Libya Sudan publicly supports Thinni govt (Tobruk) BUT may quietly support Libya Dawn (Tripoli) accused of: arms + supplies provision Ban on Sudanese visiting #Libya lifted 6 wks ago {ban b/c fear visiting 'terrorists'} 2wks ago:  attaché at Sudanese embassy in Tripoli briefly kidnapped. Reason unknown. http://www.libyaherald.com/2015/04/09/diplomatic-row-over-detention-of-sudanese-consul/ -- #Libya rival forces warn Thinni govt against independent oil sales / will seize oil ports + facilities by force any attempt by Thinni to sell oil bypassing central bank + National Oil Corporation (NOC) will trigger military action. http://uk.reuters.com/article/2015/04/08/uk-libya-security-idUKKBN0MZ0EX20150408 -- #Libya Mar 15 al-Thinni accused #Turkey of sending weapons to Islamist rivals / terrorist militias in #Tripoli http://nationalinterest.org/feature/turkeys-secret-proxy-war-libya-12430 #Libya Mar 2015 proxy war > Egypt & UAE reportedly backing  al-Thinni (Tobruk, West recog.) >#Qatar + #Turkey back opposition NOTE Thinni govt = Tobruk (the West-backed interim govt - lost control) http://nationalinterest.org/feature/turkeys-secret-proxy-war-libya-12430 VIDEO Putin: Who gave NATO right to kill Gaddafi? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iw5Ij_RFJ1Q ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ VIDEO Gaddafi: From Popular Hero to Isolated Dictator https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4JbOlakWZo -- Qatar Bangladesh ambassador to Qatar / recalled http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2015/apr/11/ambassador-qatar-pays-conflicts-among-ruling-party-leaders -- Qatar Capital: Doha Pop: 2.169 million 2013 GDP per capita: 93,714.06 USD 2013 accepted 90,000 #Bangladesh workers in 2014 [dhakatribune] Qatar 2013 - foreign workers total:  1,449,234 Labour market info:  http://cadmus.eui.eu/bitstream/handle/1814/32431/GLMM_ExpNote_08-2014.pdf?sequence=1 #Qatar - oil / gas+ low pop. = high GDP. One of world's biggest LNG exporters in past decade Diversification *INFRASTRUCTURE*  Qatar Qatar's non-hydrocarbon sector fuels 2015 economy http://www.constructionweekonline.com/article-31809-qatars-non-hydrocarbon-sector-fuels-2015-economy/ COMMENT Still have trouble remembering the two governments, so there's more than my standard look ups.  But I'm not keeping a close watch on Libya and just take an interest as random articles come up, so it's easy to forget where things fit. Massive number of foreign workers in Qatar.  Massive GDP.  Small population.  Economy has broadened its base, which is a bonus now that oil prices have plunged ... but it's not like Qatar would go broke.  From prior checks, their economy is in substantial surplus.  Loads of expenditure on infrastructure, which means foreign companies are probably making big money there. I like looking at Putin and I find Gaddafi fascinating, so I've thrown in a couple of the videos I've viewed.  Had no idea Gaddafi's family were Bedouin.  Knew that there was some kind of IRA link and I was surprised by that because Ireland's such a long way from his desert oasis.  Don't know a whole lot about that.  Arms supply, I think it was.  ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ PS  .... that video didn't show enough of Putin.  And, as usual, we can't hear him properly!  I don't care if I can't understand; I want to hear him speaking without the volume turned down and commentary laid over the top.  Can't be that hard to do a few basic written translations at the bottom of the screen.

Foreign Service Updates

--   INDIA - GEN. (RETD) VK SINGH - 'PRESSTITUTES' #India Min State - Gen (retd) VK Singh referred to media as 'presstitutes' / upset press - calling for removal of Singh Broadcast Editors' Association /BEA condemned Min State - Gen (retd) VK Singh controversial comments re media http://www.firstpost.com/politics/presstitute-comment-vk-singh-can-hate-media-but-govt-should-intervene-on-foul-language-2189647.html Broadcast Editors’ Association (BEA) the apex body of editors of news TV channels 15-member executive committee -- PANAMA - LatAm 7th Summit of the Americas - 35  Cuba delegation stormed out of event { think this was because of presence of Cuban dissenters  } Bill Clinton speaking @ civil society forum Nicaraguan delegation protested proposed inter-oceanic canal #Venezuela protesters in unions w #Cuba counterparts shout protest at  US sanctions on Venezuela Cuba dissidents, incl.  Leticia Herreria, Ladies in White, Orlando Gutierrez, Cuban Democracy & Resistance Directorate /  assaulted laying  flowers bust of Cuban indy hero Jose Marti http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2015/04/08/4230835/cuba-venezuela-tensions-rise-in.html  -- North Korea NorK says:  #Mexico has "forcibly detained" SHIP mths after ship ran aground off Mexico's Gulf coast 2014 blames US preventing rel. UN panel says: ship, Mu Du Bong, is owned by a NorK company under UN sanctions & should be "frozen" alleged ship owner - Ocean Maritime Management Co - sanctioned {claim that x2 Cuban fighter jets, missiles & live munitions in cargo of sugar found} OMM responded by simply renaming 13 of its 14 vessels to avoid detection NorthKorea - DENIES Mu Du Bong strictly a commercial ship not carrying anything prohibited by UN sanctions No relation to OMM http://www.bonnercountydailybee.com/news/world/article_f192aa05-49ad-52f3-a4a8-a192b4bdad5b.html -- CANADA KILLS TWITTER GUY Newfoundland man shot dead after perceived threat tweeted at premier http://www.torontosun.com/2015/04/05/man-shot-killed-by-officer-investigating-threat-against-nl-premier-report -- TURKEY - ATTACK ON JOURNALISTS Diyarbakır in Turkey  Dutch journalist Frederike Geerdink for propaganda re Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) charge of “membership of a terrorist organization” widely used in an arbitrary manner against journalists critical of authorities. source: http://en.rsf.org/spip.php?page=article&id_article=47770 TURKEY - 40 journalists are currently being prosecuted   source: http://en.rsf.org/spip.php?page=article&id_article=47770 Leading TV presenter Sedef Kabaş to stand trial for criticizing a prosecutor on Twitter.  Charged w exposing a official as TO target.  Maybe #Turkey needs to attend to terrorist problems & not persecute the press?  http://en.rsf.org/spip.php?page=article&id_article=47770 #Turkey #Germany Photographer Andy Spyra, flew to Istanbul to cover anniversary of Armenia  massacre, DENIED ENTRY https://cpj.org/2015/04/in-turkey-photographer-denied-entry-and-freelance-.php WARNING #Turkey:  increasingly hostile to international journalist -- LIBYA authorities take #Sudan general consul in Benghazi Abdel-Halim Omer into custody - unspecified location #Sudan demands swift & unconditional release of consul, describing actions as violation of  international customs. http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article54557 -- May Michael Bloomberg - Honorary Knighthood Former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg named an honorary knight of British Empire.  (British Embassy) http://7online.com/politics/fmr-mayor-bloomberg-named-honorary-knight-of-british-empire/642943/ -- NORTH KOREA - DEPORTATION #NorthKorea deports American for 'plot-breeding and propaganda'   / secret videos made during humanitarian trips http://www.valleycentral.com/news/story.aspx?id=1188516 -- ROMAN SELEZNEV - KIDNAPPED BY US SECRET SERVICE US Secret Service overstepped authority / arrest of Roman Seleznev in Maldives Violated USA, Maldives & interl law illegal “abduction”  - Seleznev lawyers seek dismissal  USA Secret Service knew Seleznev in Russia in 2013 DID NOT use Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty b/w USA + Russia ABDUCTED Seleznev US has no extradition treaty with Maldives / no court order Seleznev’s abduction sets a terrible precedent Will put US citizens travelling or residing in other countries at greater risk USA Secret Service disregarded Maldives’ sovereign rights concocted scheme to kidnap Seleznev outside legal system  http://www.elkharttruth.com/news/national/2015/04/08/Russian-man-s-lawyers-hacking-charges-should-be-dismissed.html -- SCAM - LEBANON Internet scammers pretend to be US ambassador to #Lebanon Tried to con Lebanese ppl out of money using social media http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2015/Apr-09/293814-online-scammers-impersonate-us-ambassador-to-lebanon.ashx ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ OTHER NEWS -- COPYRIGHT Singapore: Singtel provides subscriber details after court order #iiDallas http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/singtel-turn-over-details-over-100-subscribers-over-illegal-dallas-buyers-club-downloads SEE 2014 - Torrent Freak Copyright infringement defence IP address does not necessarily identify a PERSON http://tinyurl.com/lj8eofl