text:
The ongoing story of organ harvesting from live human beings inside mainland China is currently the most popular and sensitive topic. A group of people who are passionate about visual arts have made a movie out of this story called "Organ Supermarket." The Director of the movie, Chi Nongshen, said that this movie does not seek an answer to the issue, but to bring up the question. The shooting of this movie has been finished. The post-production will be done in a month. Then, this movie will be presented to an audience.
To celebrate "Organ Supermarket's" successful shoot, the "Three Friends House Production Team" from New York held a special reception on the afternoon of May 7 at the International Conference Hall of National Taiwan University Hospital, welcoming people of all walks of life to share the story behind "Organ Supermarket."
Chi Nongshen was born in Taiwan and is currently living in Europe and the U.S. Over the past few years, she has been in charge of the "Three Friends House Production Team" in New York. She, as an artist, is well educated in Chinese history, culture, and literature, and is also influenced by German philosophy. She said that when she first read the script, in a free society, she felt it was as marvelous as black humor. It was truly a miracle that the movie was finished, though with difficulties such as a financial shortage and a lack of professional actors.
"Organ Supermarket's" actors and crew are from Taiwan, the U.S., Canada, and New Zealand. From mid-April to May 3, the movie was shot in Taiwan and the post-production will be finished in New York. More than 60 actors and staff members have volunteered to contribute their time and skills without pay.
Synopsis of the 'Organ Supermarket'
There is a new market. In the market, living human beings are being sold. The target customer for this service is anyone from anywhere in the world. These tradees are usually approaching a dead end in their lives. As long as they have money to afford it, the staff of the organ supermarket will help them find whatever they want.
Because this kind of organ trading of living human beings is prohibited and illegal in any country that has a belief in morals and Gods, the people in this business conduct secret trading. Their relatives are not even aware of their business. The trading often occurs in basements and at night. Because of their fast service, a lot of business flows rapidly to the organ supermarket. In this market, the most popular living beings are Falun Gong practitioners. It is said that their bodies are very strong and healthy because they practice Falun Gong.
Since 2000, the business has increased significantly. Nobody knows where the market has been able to get such an ample supply of live organs, although the traders and sellers at the organ supermarket are secretly doing such inhuman business. It is said that no living being who are chosen for the organ supermarket can escape it; even the staff members inside the market will become victims in the end.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
|Department of Public Information • News and Media Division • New York
Security Council
5839th Meeting (PM)
Serbia 's President, Russian Federation Say Declaration Illegal;
United States , United Kingdom, France, Others Favour Recognition of New State
Meeting after Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia yesterday, members of the Security Council were sharply divided in their approach to that action by the province that has been administered by the United Nations since 1999.
At the outset of the meeting, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that recent developments were likely to have significant operational implications for the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). Pending Council guidance, UNMIK would continue to consider resolution 1244 (1999) as the legal framework for its mandate and would continue to implement its mandate. Efforts were aimed at ensuring that the political and security situation in Kosovo and in the wider region remained stable. He urged all to reaffirm and act upon their commitments to refrain from any actions or statements that could endanger peace, incite violence or jeopardize security in Kosovo and the region.
Boris Tadić, President of Serbia, said the illegal declaration of independence by the Kosovo Albanians constituted a flagrant violation of resolution 1244 (1999), which had reaffirmed the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia, including Kosovo and Metohija. "After this act, the world will no longer be the same," he said, and warned that a large number of countries represented in the United Nations were plagued by the problem similar to Serbia's. "The question before you is this: Are we all aware of the precedent that is being set and are we aware of the catastrophic consequences that it may lead to?"
He requested that the Council take effective measures in order to ensure that all the provisions of the Charter and of resolution 1244 (1999) were fully respected. He requested that the Secretary-General issue a clear and unequivocal instruction to his Special Representative to declare the unilateral and illegal act of the secession of Kosovo from Serbia null and void. He also requested the Special Representative to dissolve the Kosovo Assembly. "Here in the Security Council of the United Nations I say clearly and unequivocally: Serbia will never recognize the independence of Kosovo. …Kosovo will forever remain a part of Serbia," he said in conclusion.
The representative of the Russian Federation, who had requested the meeting, insisted that Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence was a "blatant breach" of the norms and principles of international law, above all of the United Nations Charter, and undermined the foundations of the international relations system. The resulting situation posed a threat to peace and security in the Balkans. He demanded that the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Kosovo declare the unilateral declaration of independence null and void.
Representatives of the United Kingdom and United States -– two of the countries that had recognized Kosovo today -- argued that yesterday's events had been a culmination of a long and unique process, caused by the violent break-up of former Yugoslavia. In that connection, the United Kingdom insisted that the legacy of Milosevic's oppression had made it impossible for Kosovo to return to control by Belgrade. The United Nations Mission, European Union and NATO would work to ensure that the commitments made by Kosovo's Prime Minister Thaci on 17 February, and the far-reaching provisions to protect minorities in the Ahtisaari plan, were implemented in full. Kosovo's future would depend on how well she treated her minorities.
The United States' representative said that the interim status was unsustainable. Kosovo's leadership had acted in a mature, non-violent and responsible manner. The declaration of independence by Kosovo was fully consistent with resolution 1244 (1999) and recognized that the resolution would remain in force. The recognition of Kosovo's sovereignty by a substantial number of Governments in the first day since the declaration of independence ensured that the fact was irreversible. Now it was important to focus on working constructively with Kosovo and Serbia. He also confirmed his Government's desire to maintain and strengthen relations with Serbia –- an ally in two world wars.
With some delegations, including Costa Rica's representative, arguing that the brutal treatment of Kosovo's majority ethnic Albanians under the former Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic had led them to recognize the new Sate, others -– such as the representative of Viet Nam -- insisted that Kosovo's declaration of independence was a breach of international law that would encourage other secessionist movements around the world. China's representative warned that unilateral action by Kosovo could rekindle conflicts and turbulence in the region, which would adversely impact the entire region and beyond.
European members of the Council who recognized Kosovo as an independent State -– France and Belgium among them -– underlined that the future of Serbia and the Balkans existed within the European Union and stressed that negotiations, regrettably, had not led to an agreement on Kosovo's future status. Kosovo's declaration of independence had created a new reality. The European Commission's police and justice mission -- EULEX -- would allow the international community to supervise the emergence of a Kosovo that was multi-ethnic and democratic, in which the minorities were protected. France's representative said the common future of the peoples of the western Balkans, including Serbia, in the framework of the European Union was the best guarantee for their reconciliation.
While some speakers intending to recognize the new State underlined the uniqueness of Kosovo's situation, and said the solution would not set a precedent, Indonesia's representative argued that all issues on the Council's agenda had their own unique character. They did share one overriding and fundamental quality, however, namely that dialogue and negotiations must be the preferred option. A mutually acceptable agreement emanating from dialogue and negotiation would better guarantee peace and stability in the region.
The representatives of Belgium, Italy, Libya, Burkina Faso, South Africa, Croatia, Costa Rica and Panama also took the floor.
The meeting started at 3:10 p.m. and ended at 5:33 p.m.
The Security Council met this afternoon in an unscheduled meeting to consider the situation after Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia. The Council convened at the request of the Russian Federation and Serbia in letters from the countries' Permanent Missions to the Council's President (see documents S/2008/103 and 104).
Statement by Secretary-General of United Nations
BAN KI-MOON, Secretary-General of the United Nations, said that, yesterday, his Special Representative had informed him that Kosovo's Provisional Institutions of Self-Government had adopted a declaration of independence. The 10 Kosovo Serb deputies of the Kosovo Assembly had not attended the session. The declaration had stated that Kosovo fully accepted the obligations contained in the Comprehensive Proposal for a Kosovo Status Settlement prepared by his Special Envoy, Martti Ahtisaari.
He said, in much of Kosovo there had been peaceful celebrations of tens of thousands welcoming the declaration. Today, in northern Mitrovice, up to 9,000 people peacefully protested against the declaration. The Kosovo Police Service, including Kosovo Serb members, had provided security. The situation had remained calm throughout Kosovo, although there had been two incidents of note in northern Kosovo.
He had received a letter from the President of Serbia, informing him that Serbia had adopted a decision stating the declaration of independence represented a forceful and unilateral secession of a part of the territory of Serbia, and did not produce any legal effect either in Serbia or in the international legal order. He had also received a letter from Mr. Solana, the European Union's High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, informing him of the decision by the European Union to deploy a rule of law mission, within the framework provided by resolution 1244 (1999), and to appoint a European Union Special Representative for Kosovo.
He said those recent developments were likely to have significant operational implications for the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). Pending Council guidance, UNMIK would continue to consider resolution 1244 (1999) as the legal framework for its mandate and would continue to implement its mandate. "It is my intention to act in an effective, realistic and concrete manner. In doing so, pending Security Council guidance, I might have to adjust to developments and changes on the ground." Efforts were aimed at ensuring that the political and security situation in Kosovo and in the wider region remained stable, and that the population of Kosovo and, in particular, the minority communities were protected.
He urged all to reaffirm and act upon their commitments to refrain from any actions or statements that could endanger peace, incite violence or jeopardize security in Kosovo and the region. Since 1999, the United Nations had overseen the creation and consolidation of Provisional Institutions of Self-Government with minority representation. The organization had created a functional justice system and a multi-ethnic police force, and had successfully organized and overseen five elections. Kosovo now had a vibrant and diversified political party scene. It had made considerable progress through the years on the implementation of standards, and the standards implementation process was now fully integrated into the European approximation process.
The Secretary-General said his overriding objectives in addressing the situation in Kosovo were to uphold international peace and security, while ensuring Kosovo's overall stability and the safety and security of its population.
BORIS TADIĆ, President of Serbia, said the illegal declaration of independence by the Kosovo Albanians constituted a flagrant violation of resolution 1244 (1999), which had reaffirmed the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia, including Kosovo and Metohija. "If a small, peace-loving and democratic country in Europe, a Member State of the United Nations, can be deprived of its territory illegally and against its will, historic injustice will have occurred because a legitimate democracy has never before been punished in this way."
He said some countries at the table kept saying openly that Slobodan Milosevic was the culprit for the situation in Kosovo. However, Slobodan Milosevic was there no more, and Albanians had demanded independence for decades before Mr. Milosevic. In 1999, the citizens of Serbia had been unjustly and severely punished by three months of bombing. Eight years later, a now democratic and peace-loving Serbia was being punished again. "Indeed, this form of logic and this form of justice are impossible to explain or comprehend."
Independence was granted to an ethnic community in the province which had been administered by the United Nations and the Kosovo Provisional Institutions of Self-Government for eight years, and nothing had been done all those years to enable the remaining Serbs and other non-Albanians to live a life worthy of human dignity, he said, continuing, "independence was being conferred upon those who, at the beginning of the twenty-first century, created in Europe Serbian ghettoes girdled with barbed wire and surrounded with cannon barrels and soldiers armed to the teeth." Whoever might support Kosovo's independence must realize that the act legalized the threat of violence as a means of creating new States. "After this act, the world will no longer be the same." Serbia would continue to fight for law and justice in a dignified, peaceful and civilized way. "We shall never give up our legitimate interests and shall continue our peaceful and diplomatic struggle in pursuit of our legitimate European perspective."
He said a large number of countries represented in the United Nations were plagued by the problem similar to Serbia's. "The question before you is this: Are we all aware of the precedent that is being set and are we aware of the catastrophic consequences that it may lead to?" The Council and all Member States were bound by Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia, as provided by resolution 1244 (1999). " Serbia, as a sovereign country, requests that the Security Council abide by international law, the principles of international justice, the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the provisions of this Council's resolution." The Government of Serbia and the National Assembly of Serbia had declared the decision of the Pristina authorities null and void. The Government was taking all diplomatic and political measures to prevent the secession of a part of its territory. It would not resort to force.
The unilateral and illegal declaration of independence ran afoul of the first principle of the Charter -- the sovereign equality of all Member States, he said. "There are dozens of various Kosovos in the world and all of them lie in wait for Kosovo's act of secession to become a reality and to be established as an acceptable norm. I warn you most seriously of the danger of the escalation of many of existing conflict, the flaring up of frozen conflicts and the instigation of new ones."
He requested that the Council take effective measures in order to ensure that all the provisions of the Charter and of resolution 1244 (1999) were fully respected. He requested of the Secretary-General to issue a clear and unequivocal instruction to his Special Representative to declare the unilateral and illegal act of the secession of Kosovo from Serbia null and void. He also requested the Special Representative to dissolve the Kosovo Assembly. Pursuant to paragraph 9 of resolution 1244 (1999), the international security presence in Kosovo, KFOR, must remain status neutral. It must show special care for the most vulnerable, for the Kosovo Serbs, as well as for the clergy of the Serbian Orthodox Church and its churches and monasteries.
The unilateral declaration of independence and the decision of some countries to recognize the illegal establishment of a State on the territory of a sovereign State would have unfathomable consequences. Such a decision legalized the ethnic cleansing carried out against the Serbs in 1999 after the arrival of KFOR and UNMIK in Kosovo. "The States that recognize the independence of the Serbian province would take, by such an act, the responsibility for a possible new ethnic cleansing campaign directed against the Serbs remaining in Kosovo and Metohija."
In conclusion, he said only a peaceful and stable Balkans might bring economic prosperity to all its citizens. Unilateral decisions, like the one taken in Pristina, could not contribute to a legitimate solution and did not favour the perspective of regional peace and security. Serbia threatened violence to no one. Its strength was in powerful arguments. "Here in the Security Council of the United Nations I say clearly and unequivocally: Serbia will never recognize the independence of Kosovo. We shall never renounce Kosovo and we shall not give up the struggle for our legitimate interests. For the citizens of Serbia and its institutions, Kosovo will forever remain a part of Serbia."
VITALY CHURKIN ( Russian Federation) said that his delegation fully understood the reaction of the Serbian leadership to the Kosovo developments expressed by President Boris Tadić and supported Belgrade's legitimate demands to restore the territorial integrity of the country. The Russian Federation continued to recognize the Republic of Serbia within its internationally recognized borders.
Yesterday's declaration of independence by the Serbian province of Kosovo's local Assembly was a blatant breach of the norms and principles of international law, above all of the United Nations Charter, and undermined the foundations of the international relations system, he continued. That illegal act was an open violation of Serbia's sovereignty, the high-level Contact Group accords, Kosovo's Constitutional Framework, resolution 1244 (the basic document for the Kosovo settlement), and other relevant decisions of the Council. The unilateral declaration of independence and its recognition were incompatible with the provisions of the Helsinki Final Act, which clearly specified the principles of inviolability of frontiers and territorial integrity of States, which allowed changes to State frontiers only in accordance with international law, by peaceful means and by agreement.
The situation developing as a result of illegal steps of the province's leadership posed a threat to peace and security in the Balkans, he said. In accordance with resolution 1244 (1999), which remained fully in force, the Secretary-General's Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Mission in Kosovo must continue to carry out the responsibilities of provisional administration of Kosovo assigned to them, not least of all the implementation of the democratic standards approved by the international community. In order to implement their mandates under resolution 1244 (1999), the international presences in Kosovo must take immediate steps to bring the situation in Kosovo back to what had existed prior to the illegal act of the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government.
He also reaffirmed his country's demand that the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of Mission declare the unilateral declaration of independence by the Kosovo Albanian leadership null and void in accordance with his mandate under resolution 1244 (1999) and prerogatives arising from the Kosovo Constitutional Framework for Provisional Self-Government and in order to prevent negative consequences. The Kosovo Force functioning in Kosovo under the aegis of the United Nations must comply strictly with its mandate in accordance with resolution 1244 (1999), under which KFOR had to facilitate and assist UNMIK and the parties to implement resolution 1244 (1999), but not to breach that resolution. KFOR, together with the United Nations Civilian Police, bore the primary responsibility for preventing and stopping violence in the province and for ensuring security of the population and international personnel.
He also expressed serious concern over the situation of the Serb municipalities in Kosovo, above all in its northern part in the area of northern Mitrovica. The Russian Federation regarded as categorically inadmissible and illegal any attempts by the international presences to take repressive measures against non-Albanian minorities and their leaders in case of their expected non-compliance with the "sovereignization" of that Serbian province. He also addressed that warning to the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government.
The so-called European Union Rule of Law Mission had been launched without the necessary decision of the Security Council, he said. The parameters of the European Union Mission in Kosovo, above all from the viewpoint of the mandate given to it in Brussels, did not agree with the provisions of resolution 1244 (1999) and subsequent Security Council decisions on the functions and composition, including the modalities on the "distribution of contributions" among United Nations partners, and most importantly on the mandate of the international civil presence in Kosovo. The Council had not authorized the launching of that operation. Nor could the European Union Rule of Law Mission be part of the international civil presence as defined in resolution 1244 (1999), since according to paragraph 1 of the Secretary-General's report (S/1999/672), UNMIK covered all of the "space" allocated by that resolution to the international civil presence.
The illegal acts of the Kosovo Albanian leadership, and those who supported them, set a dangerous precedent, he continued. They were fraught with an escalation of tension and inter-ethnic violence in the province, and could have destructive consequences for international relations that had taken decades to build. The Russian Federation firmly believed that a durable and sustainable solution to the Kosovo status issue could be achieved only on the basis of a decision to be worked out with the leading role of the Security Council, which would fully comply with the norms of international law and be based on agreements between Belgrade and Pristina. He hoped that, in the Kosovo affairs, reason and the lawful approach would nonetheless prevail. He was convinced that United Nations Member States, which cherished their own territorial integrity, were interested in a legal, not a unilateral solution.
WANG GUANGYA ( China) said that China stood for peaceful resolution of disputes through political and diplomatic means and supported a negotiated and proper settlement of the issue of Kosovo's status. China opposed unilateral action and objected to imposed solution by pressure. The best way to resolve the issue of Kosovo's status was for the two parties concerned to reach a mutually acceptable solution through negotiations. That should be the common goal of all the parties concerned.
Last year, under the auspices of the international contact group/Troika, Serbia and Kosovo had held several rounds of direct negotiations on the status issue, he continued. It was true that no substantive breakthrough had been achieved during months of negotiations. Nevertheless, if negotiations were to be fruitful and successful, all participating parties needed to show sincerity and flexibility, rather than giving up and even shutting the door to negotiations, because of their differences. Instead of doing any good for the settlement of ethnic conflicts, the achievement of a multi-ethnic society and the maintenance of peace, stability and development in the former Yugoslavia, unilateral action by Kosovo could rekindle conflicts and turbulence in the region, which, in turn, would cause a serious humanitarian crisis and adversely impact the entire region and beyond. China was deeply concerned by that possibility.
Safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity was one of the cardinal principles of contemporary international law enshrined in the Charter, he continued. The issue of Kosovo's status did not have its special nature. Nevertheless, to terminate negotiations, give up pursuit of a solution acceptable to both parties and replace such efforts with unilateral action would certainly constitute a serious challenge to the fundamental principles of international law. He called on all relevant parties to take full account of the complexity and sensitivity of the Kosovo status issue and make a sober assessment of the potential adverse implications of unilateral action for peace and stability of the region, act with maximum prudence and do their utmost to preserve peace, security and stability there.
Security Council resolution 1244 (1999) remained the political and legal basis for the settlement of the Kosovo issue, he said. Before the adoption of any resolution by the Council, all efforts and actions for the settlement of the issue should conform to the relevant provisions of resolution 1244 (1999). If a resolution adopted by the Council was not observed and implemented, the resolution in question would become a mere scrap of paper, and the authority and credibility of the Council would be compromised. That was the worry not only of China, but also of the international community. Therefore, his Government hoped that all members would show a responsible attitude and consider and address that issue seriously and prudently.
China agreed that the future of both Serbia and Kosovo lay in their eventual integration into Europe and appreciated the European Union's desire to play an active role on the Kosovo issue, he continued. China hoped that the European Union would take into account, not only the interests of Serbia and Kosovo, but also the concerns of other countries in the region. It needed to uphold the authority and role of the Security Council in resolving the Kosovo issue. He hoped the European Union would make greater efforts to reconcile the positions of Serbia and Kosovo, urge the two parties to continue their dialogue and encourage them to find a way out in the process of seeking integration into Europe. He hoped all parties concerned would keep in mind the long-term interests of peace and security of the Balkan region, Europe and the world at large, and conduct candid negotiations and discussions for a constructive solution to the issue of Kosovo's status. The Council and the international community should encourage Serbia and Kosovo to continue their pursuit of a mutually acceptable solution through political and diplomatic means.
JOHAN VERBEKE ( Belgium) said that, in October 2005, the Council had supported the Secretary-General's proposal to initiate a process in order to produce a definition of Kosovo's future status. That was a process that neither of the two parties could stop unilaterally. Regrettably, despite the commitment of the two parties, the Council and the international community, a negotiated solution could not be found. Realities on the ground could not be ignored. The Kosovo authorities had declared independence and Belgium would recognize Kosovo.
He said one year ago, Martti Athisaari had recommended independence, supervised by the international community. That recommendation had been supported by a wide range of the international community, including the Secretary-General and the European Union. The Athisaari proposal was the only realistic option. The European Union had stated it was ready to accompany the Kosovo authorities in important commitments. The new European Mission -– EULEX -- was a concrete testament to that.
He reaffirmed the Belgium and European Union position that the future of Serbia and the Balkans existed within the European Union. A strong and prosperous Serbia within the European family of nations would contribute to the stability and prosperity of the entire region. He encouraged Belgrade to choose for a European future. Independence of Kosovo could not be considered any type of precedent. The independence of Kosovo was now a reality and it offered the best prospect for peace, stability and prosperity for the region.
ALDO MANTOVANI ( Italy) said that one certainly could not say that yesterday's declaration of independence by Kosovo had caught anyone unprepared. Momentum had been building on the future Kosovo status. Italy had strongly supported extensive negotiations conducted last year and believed that no stone had been left unturned. Continuation of negotiations would be senseless, as all means had been explored. Nothing led him to believe that a few additional months of negotiations would have allowed the parties to reach a shared solution. The fact that negotiations had been exhausted underscored the unsustainability of the unresolved situation and instability that prolonged indecision could cause. There was a profound contradiction between calling for continued negotiations and the fact that the status quo in Kosovo was unsustainable. With growing uncertainties, clarity was needed to benefit all.
Continuing, he deeply regretted the failure to secure a negotiated solution and the fact that the Council could not agree on the way forward. Internationally supervised independence was the only solution, at this point. Kosovo's independence was a new reality that must be acknowledged. Together with other European States, his country intended to quickly recognize the supervised independence of Kosovo and would do its part by continuing to endeavour to develop a European perspective for both Belgrade and Pristina, promoting credible integration of both parties into the European structures. Italy would continue to participate in European Union and NATO missions to maintain regional stability –- an issue closely connected with Italy's security.
In the efforts to promote stability and reinforce the European perspective, the European Union should take an extensive share of responsibilities in the territory, and preparations were under way for a European Union mission there, which would work closely with other partners, he said. Complex administrative arrangements had been worked out for Kosovo, on the basis of the Ahtisaari proposals. The European Union would be able to monitor the implementation of those provisions and contribute to the building of the rule of law. Its actions were fully consistent with the provisions of international law and relevant international documents, as well as resolution 1244 (1999). The goal was to establish a multi-ethnic society, based on the rule of law.
In conclusion, he urged all sides to maintain peace in the region and avoid violence, threats and intimidation. He welcomed the intention of the leadership of Kosovo to protect all minorities, as well as full acceptance of the obligations of Kosovo laid out by Mr. Ahtisaari. He also stressed his country's strong appreciation for the Secretary-General and his Special Representative for their continued efforts and emphasized the need to ensure safe and orderly conditions for all communities in Kosovo. Italy would continue to actively promote regional stability, of which Serbia was an essential factor. Its role was essential to the stability of the region. Membership in the European Union was the goal that Serbia also needed to achieve.
MARTY M. NATALEGAWA ( Indonesia) said the latest political development in Kosovo was a source of profound concern. The Kosovo issue had certain unique qualities, but it could be argued that all issues on the Council's agenda had their own unique character. They did share one overriding and fundamental quality, however, namely that dialogue and negotiations must be the preferred option. He regretted the failure to reach a solution on Kosovo through dialogue and negotiation, resulting in the unilateral declaration of independence. A mutually acceptable agreement emanating from dialogue and negotiation would better guarantee peace and stability in the region.
He said that some contended that the status quo had become untenable. The directly affected parties themselves appeared to recognize that. The direct talks between Belgrade and Pristina were, after all, designed to address that situation. "We do not believe that all avenues for negotiated outcome have been exhausted" and it was difficult to comprehend the readiness to declare the talks as exhausted. "Dialogue, negotiation, reconciliation; not might; have alleviated us from the challenge of prolonged conflicts." The potential implications of the forced decision on final status became especially poignant when set against the principles enshrined in the Charter, namely the principles of sovereign equality and territorial integrity of all Member States. Those paramount principles had to be consistently upheld by all Member States.
He expressed Indonesia's deepest hope that Kosovo's declaration of independence would not cause tension and new open conflict. The tragic history of the Balkan region should provide the Council with the necessary insight to chart its course in a careful and measured manner. The Council should, at the minimum, transmit a clear message to all parties to exercise restraint and remain calm. The Council must inform itself fully and build a common and shared understanding of how that latest development would impact on the work and policy of the current and legal administrator of Kosovo, namely UNMIK. "Uncertainty and lack of clarity on this issue would not be helpful."
He said, time after time, the Council had been able to react in a proportionate and careful manner on various global issues. "This is one of the global issues that we, the Council as a whole, simply don't have the comfort of time to remain indecisive, and to be at the sideline." The Council had to maintain its cohesiveness and exercise its leadership. "Even at this juncture, we will continue to espouse the need for dialogue and negotiated solution within the framework of international law," he said.
JOHN SAWERS ( United Kingdom ) said that a new State had been established in Europe against the wishes of its former parent State and a permanent member of the Council. That new State had been recognized by many countries, including the United Kingdom today. It was important to understand how that had come about and to understand why the events of recent months, of yesterday and today, were inevitable, as well as exceptional. At the heart of today's controversy was a resolution adopted by the Council in 1999, in which the Council had taken an unprecedented step. It had effectively deprived Belgrade of the exercise of authority in Kosovo. It had done so because the then-regime in Belgrade had not just unilaterally deprived Kosovo of its powers of self-government, thereby triggering a rebellion, but had also tried to expel its majority population from Kosovo. The events of 1999 had shaped the events that we saw today.
In resolution 1244 (1999), the Security Council had recognized that the human rights of the people of Kosovo and the stability of the region could be secured only if Serbia did not exercise authority over Kosovo, he continued. It had also established a United Nations mission to serve as Kosovo's interim Government. The Mission had to help Kosovo establish its own institutions of self-government and to pass authority progressively to those institutions; and to facilitate a process to determine Kosovo's future status. The resolution placed no limits on the scope of the status outcome. Paragraph 11 (a) was clear that the substantial autonomy which Kosovo was to enjoy was an interim outcome "pending a final settlement".
Since then, a new democratic Government had come to power in Belgrade. That Government and its successors had wrestled with the legacy of Milosevic's war crimes. They were right to argue that they should not be punished for those crimes, but equally, they had a duty to help resolve the problems and accept that the legacy of Milosevic's oppression had made it impossible for Kosovo to return to control by Belgrade. When, in the middle of the status process, the Government of Serbia had changed its Constitution to exclude any future for Kosovo outside Serbia, it had effectively ended any chance of a negotiated settlement. The international community could not be party to a settlement that was opposed by over 90 per cent of a territory's population. Apart from anything else, it would be contrary to its overriding priority of upholding peace and security.
His Government was convinced that the proposal of the United Nations special envoy for supervised independence that the Kosovo Assembly had embraced was the only way forward, he said. It committed Kosovo to protect its minority populations. Other than the Kosovo Serbs, all of them had endorsed the Ahtisaari plan. The United Kingdom urged the Kosovo Serb population to play a full part in the life of Kosovo. The United Nations Mission, the European Union and NATO would work to ensure that the commitments made by Prime Minister Thaci on 17 February, and the far-reaching provisions to protect minorities in the Ahtisaari plan, were implemented in full. Kosovo's future would depend on how well she treated her minorities.
His Government also expected Serbia and Kosovo Serb leaders to take no action to promote the separation of the north of Kosovo from the rest of the country, he said. Excluding Kosovo's Government from the majority Serb areas of Kosovo would not be accepted. Kosovo Serb leaders should work with the Government in Pristina and with the international presences. Kosovo should also accept continued international supervision. NATO had agreed to continue to provide security in Kosovo, and the European Union had agreed to deploy a rule of law mission to oversee the build-up of Kosovo's capacity.
Continuing, he disagreed with one delegation's argument that the European Union mission could only be deployed with express agreement of the Security Council. The European Union had been part of the international civilian presence in Kosovo from the outset. The United Nations Mission had evolved and developed, adapting to changing circumstances within its original broad mandate, without requiring new decisions of the Council. The European Union was committed to the future of the region as a whole.
He also added that, as the European Council had said in 2007, a stable and prosperous Serbia, integrated into the family of European nations, was important to the region. That was the future open to Serbia, and his Government called on Serbia to look ahead and focus on that prize. He encouraged Serbia to practice restraint and desist from punitive measures or threats against Kosovo. He was concerned over violent demonstrations against some embassies in Belgrade and the attack on international offices in north Mitrovica.
The Council was facing an extraordinary set of circumstances, he said in conclusion. It was not ideal for Kosovo to become independent without the consent of Serbia and without consensus of the Council. The unique circumstances of the violent break-up of former Yugoslavia had made it a sui generis case, which created no precedent.
LUONG MINH (Viet Nam) said that his country had been consistent in its position that any solution to the issue of Kosovo, including its future status, must be based on the fundamental principles of international law, the Charter and resolution 1244 (1999), which had been adopted by the Council with consent of the parties concerned. All the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter were important, because they were fundamental. Among the most important principles was that of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States. Resolution 1244 (1999), while providing for a future status of Kosovo to be negotiated and agreed upon by the parties concerned, did reaffirm the commitments of Member States of the United Nations for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, whose successor now was the Republic of Serbia and other States in the region.
Proceeding from that position, Viet Nam had persistently urged the parties concerned, with the support of the international community, the United Nations and, until recently, the Troika, consisting of the United States, Russian Federation and the European Union, to engage in good-faith dialogue and peaceful negotiations to resolve their differences and arrive at a durable comprehensive solution conforming to the fundamental principles of international law, the Charter and resolution 1244 (1999) –- in the interests of peace and stability, not only in Kosovo, but also of the Balkans, Europe and the world.
In the context of the earnest appeals of the international community, many United Nations Member States, including members of the Council, for the unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo was not in conformity with resolution 1244 (1999) and would only add to tension in Kosovo and the Balkans and deepen divisions in Europe. By creating a dangerous precedent, that development had negative implications for international peace and security. Prompt reactions in the Balkans, in the very heart of Europe and in the world testified to those worries. Viet Nam would continue to follow the situation closely. He called upon the parties concerned to act responsibly, exercise restraint, refrain from acts of violence and undertake measures to protect civilians and United Nations personnel discharging their duties on the ground. He urged UNMIK, in implementation of its mandate, to provide such protection.
GIADALLA A. ETTALHI ( Libya) said he hoped that Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence would not signal a return to the 1990s, when the former Republic of Yugoslavia dissolved in violence. Both parties had reiterated their determination to follow a path of peace and negotiated settlement. He reiterated his call to both parties to refrain from any provocative actions and to remain committed to their pledge to renounce violence. He welcomed the pledge by Kosovo authorities to implement the Ahtisaari plans regarding, among other things, minority rights, to create the conditions for the returns of internally displaced persons and regarding property rights. He called upon Serbia to refrain from any actions that would have a negative impact on the already poor living conditions of the people living in Kosovo.
He said his country would be supportive of the principles of justice and international law that stipulated sovereignty of all States and their territorial integrity. How would the world look like if those principles were forfeited? he asked. It must, however, be recognized that there was an exceptional situation in an exceptional region. His country could not accept that yesterday's events constituted a precedent that could undermine the territorial integrity of States. The Council must state its respect for the territorial integrity of States and must make clear that the situation could not be used as a precedent.
MICHEL KAFANDO ( Burkina Faso) said that the fact that, once again, the Council had been called upon to hold a debate on Kosovo demonstrated the great importance and complexity of the problem and the urgency, because of the events that had been happening since yesterday. His delegation had hoped that, after lengthy talks on all fronts, the management of the issue would lead to a satisfactory outcome and promote understanding among the parties. That would have maintained unity of Serbia and sealed peaceful coexistence of the parties. Such an outcome would have been a victory for the international community and the cause of peace.
That was what his country had advocated, convinced that everything must be attempted to make the dialogue prevail, he said. Unfortunately, that was not what had happened, because of the unilateral decision by Kosovo. Serbs and Kosovars, who had existed together for many years, had been unable to overcome their contradictions and preserve the tolerance, on which they might have built a strong and viable State. He regretted that all United Nations efforts, including those through UNMIK, had not been crowned with success. Burkina Faso could only take note of the new situation. He still felt that there was reason to fear the consequences and called upon the parties concerned to avoid any violence in order to preserve peace and security and secure the basic rights of all the communities. There had already been some violent actions, and he hoped they would not spread.
DUMISANI KUMALO ( South Africa) said that his Government had taken note of the unilateral declaration of independence by the Assembly of the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government of the Serbian Province of Kosovo. He regretted that such a step had not been taken in conformity with a legal and political process envisaged by resolution 1244 (1999). Throughout the debate on Kosovo, South Africa had consistently reiterated the principle of peaceful process in the resolution of conflicts. It was difficult, in light of his country's own national experience, to accept that negotiations, no matter how difficult, could not lead to an amicable conclusion. Even at this late hour, he still believed that there remained space for dialogue and negotiation that could help contribute to long-term peace in the Balkans.
South Africa, as a member of the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement and the African Union, upheld and promoted the principle of the territorial integrity of States, he continued. It was clear that the current developments in Kosovo had serious implications for the international community. South Africa would study the political and legal implications thereof. The unilateral action by the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government of Kosovo presented the international community with a serious challenge. In view of that, South Africa would remain seized on that complex matter.
NEVEN JURICA ( Croatia) said yesterday's events had created a new political reality in the region. Kosovo's declaration of independence, however, could not be seen in isolation. All along, Kosovo had been a unique case that required a unique solution. As Croatia had always expressed the hope for a negotiated solution, it was disappointed that no agreement had been reached. All shared a desire to see a stable and prosperous region. His country took note of Kosovo's commitment to the provisions of the Athisaari proposal.
He said the recognition of independence was a sovereign decision by every individual State. His country would initiate measures to do so. All parties, as well as the international community, should seize the opportunity to welcome a democratic Kosovo as contributing to stability and prosperity in the region as a whole. He supported the wish of the European Union to play a leading role in Kosovo, and the recent launching of its EULEX mission, in conformity with provisions of resolution 1244 (1999), should be seen in that line. There was no doubt that democratic Serbia would be embraced by the international community, in particular by the European Union. The common goal was to speak with one voice of freedom, democracy and a European perspective.
JORGE URBINA ( Costa Rica) said the declaration of independence of Kosovo had been a source of tension in the Council. He would have preferred that the question had been resolved through a process of dialogue. However, today's fait accompli had not come as a surprise to anyone. The international community had known that the day would come. His country had carefully analyzed the legal arguments put forth by both sides. There was no absolute truth in the matter. Recognizing the ethical motivations in both positions, his Government had decided to recognize the independence of Kosovo.
He said his country was responding primarily to the will of the Kosovar people -– a people who found it impossible to live together with a Serbian majority within the same country after a campaign of ethnic cleansing against them in 1998. He sincerely hoped that, by living in two different countries, Serbs and Kosovars would be able to build a relationship of respectful coexistence and cooperation that would bring them mutual benefits. In taking its position, his country believed it was contributing to the progress and welfare of the Kosovar population, which, just as the Serbian population, should find a better future within the realm of the European Union. He stressed that his country's decision could not be invoked as a precedent.
ZALMAY KHALIZAD ( United States) said that, in an exercise of its sovereign rights, the United States had recognized an independent and sovereign Kosovo today. He congratulated Kosovo and welcomed it to the family of nations.
Pondering on "how we got to where we are", he said that Kosovo's independence was a culmination of a long and unique process, caused by the violent break-up of former Yugoslavia. Towards the end of the 1990s, responding to the ethnic cleansing launched by the Government of Slobodan Milosevic, NATO had led a military intervention that had stopped the violence and brought peace to Kosovo. The Security Council had solidified that action in its resolution 1244 (1999), which provided for an interim political framework and called for the determination of Kosovo's final status. Intensive efforts to settle the final status of Kosovo had left no stone unturned, but the parties had been unable to reach agreement.
Last year, Marti Ahtisaari had recommended that Kosovo become independent, subject to a period of international supervision, maintaining that the United Nations Mission in Kosovo had exhausted its potential to facilitate further progress. Only an independent Kosovo could produce the fully mature democratic institutions to realize Ahtisaari's vision. His country continued to accept his wisdom. Regrettably, the Council had been blocked on adopting a resolution endorsing that plan. A series of special representatives and the Secretary-General had told the Council repeatedly that the interim status was unsustainable. Kosovo's leadership acted in a mature, non-violent and responsible manner. The declaration of independence was fully consistent with resolution 1244 (1999) and recognized that the resolution would remain in force. The recognition of Kosovo's sovereignty by a substantial number of Governments in the first day since the declaration of independence ensured that the fact was irreversible. Now it was important to focus on working constructively with Kosovo and Serbia.
He understood the concern that Kosovo's independence would set a precedent, but Kosovo was clearly a special case and had been treated as such by the United Nations since 1999, he said. The actions of Slobodan Molosevic had led the international community to act and, by the adoption of resolution 1244 (1999), Serbia had long been prevented from exercising authority in Kosovo, which had been placed under an interim international administration. Those actions were among the factors that made the situation in Kosovo different from other conflicts and situations and one that did not set a precedent for other regions. His country's recognition of Kosovo was based on the fact that it had not, did not and would not accept Kosovo's example for any other dispute.
Kosovo had the Ahtisaari plan as a blueprint to become a functional multi-ethnic country, he said. The commitment in its declaration of independence was heartening. Kosovo sought to become a peaceful State, and it should take its place in the family of nations. The international community should work together to help it implement the plan, including the commitment to protect the rights of Kosovo's minorities. The European Union had made an extraordinary offer to help implement the reforms required for European Union membership, and the United Nations should welcome that support. A new international presence in Kosovo was needed. The United States would stand with Kosovo as it assumed responsibility for its destiny.
To President Tadić, he confirmed his Government's desire to maintain and strengthen relations with Serbia -– an ally in two world wars. The United States wished to work with Serbia and would be a strong supporter as it sought membership in the European Union. The time for scoring political points was over. Now, it was important to encourage relations between Kosovo and Pristina, and the United States would do its part in that regard.
JEAN-MAURICE RIPERT ( France) said that, according to international law, it was up to every State to decide whether or not to recognize the new State of Kosovo. France had done so, and the great majority of European Union members would likewise do so. The international community was facing a new reality that the Council and the Secretary-General of the United Nations would take into account. He reiterated that the events concerned a unique situation, in that it marked the outcome of a particular historical process, namely the break-up of the former Yugoslavia. The international community must shoulder its responsibilities by seeing to it that the process would take place without any destabilization of the region and with protection of minorities. Calm was prevailing on the ground.
He called upon the Council to give its full support to the Secretary-General. The United Nations, in particular UNMIK and KFOR, would bear the responsibility for the maintenance of order. The European Union had decided to send a potential police and justice mission, in accordance with resolution 1244 (1999). That would allow the international community to supervise the emergence of a Kosovo that was multi-ethnic and democratic, in accordance with the Athisaari plan, in which the minorities were protected. Serbia had reiterated its will to integrate to the European Union. He welcomed that European choice and was convinced that Serbia's progressions towards European Union membership could be accelerated. The common future of the peoples of the western Balkans in the framework of the European Union was the best guarantee for their reconciliation.
President of the Council, RICARDO ALBERTO ARIAS ( Panama), speaking in his national capacity, said that his country would have preferred a negotiated solution to the issue of the status of Kosovo, but accepted what had occurred yesterday. The declaration of independence by Kosovo had created a new reality that several States had accepted as a valid one. His country placed peaceful coexistence over and above political and geographical interests. That was particularly important in today's globalized world, where borders were increasingly less contentious, where countries could not live without one another. That was why the United Nations was promoting various initiatives to promote understanding and rapprochement among various groups. He appealed to Serbia and Kosovo to rise above past conflicts, come to terms with today's reality and seek mechanisms to achieve peaceful coexistence. Panama had always maintained that violence should not be used as a way to resolve differences.
He went on to say that what occurred in Kosovo should not be used as an example in other situations that appeared to be similar. Kosovo had enjoyed autonomy, much like that of the old republics of the former Yugoslavia, and attempts had been made to deprive it of that autonomy. The province had also been administered by the international community under provisional self-government, and many countries had recognized the declaration of independence by Kosovo's leadership. He appealed to the European Union and countries that had supported the declaration to make sure that the issue of political secession was soon resolved through prompt incorporation of both Serbia and Kosovo in the European Union.
As for resolution 1244 (1999), one could not deny that its mandate had been overtaken by the realities on the ground, he added. He also pointed out that, when the text had been adopted, no deadline for its implementation had been set. That should serve as a lesson for the Council that all its resolutions should have a clear deadline, so the mandates, instead of being rolled over, could be modified and readjusted to bring them in line with reality.
Taking the floor for a second time, Mr. TADIĆ, President of Serbia, said the main question now was whether international law, the United Nations Charter and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Member States would be respected -- pillars on which the modern world had rested since World War II. He said he was not only defending the rights of the Serbian people, but also the right of each and every small country whose sovereignty and territorial integrity was threatened. The status process could not be blocked unilaterally. However, the independence declaration was a unilateral act. It was an act that denounced all the principles of international justice, the principles on which the work of the Council and the United Nations was based.
He said some in the Council had stated that Kosovo should have independence, because a large population wished so. The large majority of all secessionist regions of the world, however, wanted independence. Some Council members had said that Kosovo should be granted independence as a consequence of the crimes in the 1990s, criminalizing the present authorities of Serbia. However, the whole region had committed crimes. As President of Serbia, he had extended apologies to all peoples in the former Yugoslavia against whom some of the Serbian people had committed crimes. He had not, however, received apologies for crimes committed against his people.
All Albanians who prior to the war lived in Kosovo continued to live in Kosovo today, whereas 250,000 Serbs who used to live in Kosovo before UNMIK did not live there anymore, but lived in refugee camps, he said. The recognition of independence legalized the expulsion of the Serbians from Kosovo. He called on the Secretary-General to implement clear legal measures to annul the act of adoption by the Provisional Institutions of Kosovo without the participation of Serbs. If Kosovo would become independent in an illegal way, the world would not stay the same. The only question was which country would next be affected by that principle. If regional States would recognize Kosovo, they would commit at the same time the act of non-recognition of the territorial integrity of Serbia. Such recognition would lead to lowering of bilateral relations.
He said it was up to Council members to help integration of the Balkans, and not to instigate new conflicts and disagreements. He warned those Council members that were members of the European Union that, by recognizing Kosovo, they were not helping the European future of Serbia. The entire region would be pushed into instability, as there were many Kosovos. Serbia would not resort to violence. Serbia was a legitimate democracy that had a full right to be a member of the United Nations and the European Union. It requested the right to protect its borders and its territorial integrity.
The Secretary-General, BAN KI-MOON, in his concluding remarks, said that, today, the situation on the ground, as well as in the Security Council, was very different from the earlier period of UNMIK. Within the mandate provided by resolution 1244 (1999), elements of international civil presence had, over the years, evolved to address differing needs and changing circumstances. That had been envisaged within that resolution. The Secretariat continued to operate in Kosovo on the understanding that resolution 1244 (1999) remained in force, unless the Council decided otherwise. He expected everyone in Kosovo to act in a manner consistent with the operational framework for the international civil presence established in accordance with resolution 1244 (1999).
As noted earlier, he had taken note of the European Union's decision to deploy a rule of law mission and a European Union Special Representative, he said. He would consider that an enhanced role of the European Union in Kosovo and would be assessed in the context of the overall concept of operations of UNMIK, the objectives of the United Nations in Kosovo and the objectives of protecting the United Nations legacy in Kosovo and the Balkans.
"The imperative need to ensure peace and security in Kosovo obliges me to address the reality on the ground as it develops and in light of the evolving circumstances," he said. As the international community sought to manage the situation on the ground, he would like to underline to the members of the Council that his principal objectives were to ensure the safety and security of the population in Kosovo, with particular attention to the minority communities, to uphold international peace and security and the overall stability in Kosovo and regional stability, to ensure the safety of United Nations staff, and to safeguard the United Nations achievements and legacy in Kosovo and the Balkans.
* *** *


text:
Burglary increases when the clocks go back; here's what you can do:
There's not long left until the clocks go back on Sunday the 29 October. Download our anti-burglary checklist to see what steps you can take to help protect your home from burglary: www.bit.ly/burglarycheck
What you can do right now to help protect your home:
- Use timer switches to turn on lights early in the evening.
- Keep your front and back doors locked; even when you're home.
- Remove tools, equipment and items from your gardens that could be used to get into your home.
- Keep any gates locked and move your wheelie bin away from them.
- Avoid posting where you are online when you're not at home.
Burglars look for quick and easy targets, often choosing to burgle homes in Gloucestershire between 3pm and 8pm on weekdays. A cheap and simple timer switch could make all the difference in stopping a burglar from choosing your home.If you visit one of our engagement vehicle events and sign up for our new Your Community Alerts service, with a PCSO, we will give you a free timer switch.
For more tips, the location of our engagement vehicle events, and to download our anti-burglary checklist visit: www.bit.ly/burglarycheck
Help us make your community safer: you can also help us improve our intelligence and make your community safer by reporting people you suspect of burglary or, who handle stolen goods, through our new website form: www.bit.ly/reportburglars


text:
Children & Families
So far, the '90s have been a difficult decade for many of America's families. And 1994 was particularly rough for children.
Of six problems affecting Americans younger than 18, four of them-- child abuse, teenage suicide, drug abuse, and the high school dropout rate--worsened during 1994, the most recent year for which data were available, according to the Index of Social Health, an annual assessment of where the nation stands on 16 social indicators.
The data were compared against each preceding year since the index started in 1986.
The Fordham Institute for Innovation in Social Policy at the Fordham Graduate Center in Tarrytown, N.Y., prepares the index.
Infant mortality and child poverty did improve, although the percentage of children in poverty decreased just slightly.
Other areas influencing family well-being offered a mixed picture. Food stamp participation and the gap between rich and poor rose in 1994, while employment rates and average weekly incomes improved.
The researchers note that four of the five worst years of performance on these indicators as recorded by the index occurred during the 1990s.
The study also says that none of the recent presidential administrations has been able to bring about significant improvement in the nation's social health. During the Nixon and Ford years, the average index was 73.3 out of a possible 100. It has fallen during every administration since, standing at 39 under President Clinton.
To get a copy of the report, call the institute at (914) 332-6013.
A Michigan woman who was forced to decide between continuing her education or keeping custody of her young daughter has reached an agreement with the child's father, according to Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Lido Bucci, who handled the widely publicized case.
Jennifer Ireland and Steven Smith, who never married, will share physical and legal custody of 5-year-old Maranda Ireland-Smith. Ms. Ireland will leave the University of Michigan and move closer to the Detroit suburbs, where the child lives with her father. Judge Bucci, however, noted that dropping out of school was not a condition of the settlement, which was reached last month.
Mr. Smith sought custody in 1993 when Ms. Ireland enrolled at the university in Ann Arbor and put her daughter in a licensed family-day-care home. The father claimed the girl would be better off with him because his mother could care for her full time while he worked.
--LINDA JACOBSON [email protected]
Vol. 16, Issue 11
We encourage lively debate, but please be respectful of others. Profanity and personal attacks are prohibited. By commenting, you are agreeing to abide by our user agreement.
All comments are public.


text:
Rescued bear "Reke" released to his outdoor forest enclosure
- Published: 04 January 2017
Rescued from a circus almost a decade ago, Reke is an Andean bear living at the Biodiversidad Rescue Centre near Tarapoto in Peru. Reke had a one hectare enclosure made for him when he was rescued, but it has since fallen into disrepair and he has thus spent most of his life behind rusty iron bars in a small 'temporary' cage. Thanks to a short and very successful social media appeal, Neotropical Primate Conservation (NPC) managed to collect enough money to repair his large outdoor enclosure. With the excellent cooperation and help of the San Martin wildlife authorities and the National University of San Martín we managed to complete all construction work of the enclosure in time and released Reke to his new home on the last day of the year, so he will go into 2017 from within his beautiful new forest enclosure. After so many years of being locked in a tiny cage, Reke was at first very afraid of the outside and was only leaving his cage for very short periods. However, he really enjoyed the time outside, smelled and tasted all the leaves and even started climbing and playing a bit. We are sure he will grow in confidence and be happy in his new home and we wish him a lot of luck.


text:
This week was interesting. I would definitely have to say that it is not a very accurate representation of my internet usage and habits when I have better access to wi-fi and my schedule is not so messed up. What my journal told me this week was that my schedule has been not been conducive at all to staying on top of homework and keeping up with assignments. The combination of heat and storms made it so that the internet signal was spotty at best and completely non-existent at worst. I had to restart my phone multiple times this week so that it would resynchronize, or whatever, with the available cellphone service so that I could have some sort of connectivity rather than none.
Even with such efforts being made, I still did not get as much done as I wanted to when I wanted to because I had to spend most of my time this week in my grandparents' garden picking produce and pulling grass. Due to their conditions, they are unable to take care of the garden as it needs to be taken care of, especially when the rainfall is managing to stay far enough away that absolutely none hits the garden, but it still stays close enough to mess with the cell service and wi-fi connectivity. It has been even more important this week because the fair is on Monday. Every year my grandfather chooses the best produce from his garden to compete with and oftentimes wins numerous blue ribbons. It is a nice hobby for him to have, but it is difficult for him to maintain because his chemotherapy and radiation sap his energy and make him unable to be out in the heat and the sunlight for any extended period of time. He tried to do so last week and got a sunburn that looked like a massive bruise spanning the entirety of his arms.
When I have better connectivity and availability, I tend to stay more up-to-date with current events, I schedule my homework times better and able to stay more focused as I have the freedom to take short breaks and return to my assignments as I need to. Even though the data rolled over while I am staying with my mother, she gets antsy when I use it for any length of time longer than fifteen minutes because the amount is not enough for trying to keep up with a college class. When I get back to Chadron, part of my goal for this upcoming school year is to have a budget that allows me to have internet at my apartment rather than being limited to the internet on campus and at the local library. If that happens, I will definitely need to be mindful of my usage and make sure that I am being moderate and conscientious.


text:
We are delighted to welcome you to our website and to provide you with information about this outstanding professional-level course of study.
One of several graduate programs within the College of Architecture and the Built Environment, the MS in Interior Architecture is a variable length program of interest to both students who have a baccalaureate degree in a field unrelated to design and to those who are looking to advance their knowledge and skills to a higher level. With an emphasis on innovation, design excellence, collaboration, and the intersection between architecture and interior design, graduates are ready to participate in creating sustainable, highly functional, and aesthetically pleasing interior environments for the 21st-century and beyond.
The MSIA curriculum comprises 69 credits that are completed during three academic years, with up to 20 credits and one year of advanced placement available to qualified applicants. Highlights of the program include a study away experience and internship/practicum for credit, and an emphasis on global practice and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Mentored by an outstanding faculty of accomplished practitioners, our students become proficient in the knowledge and skills necessary to creatively solve complex design problems and are ready to productively participate in the field immediately upon graduation.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions that you might have about our program. Also, we would be happy help you schedule a visit so we can meet in person, show you our facilities, and arrange for you to meet some of our students and faculty.
Best wishes,
Lauren Baumbach, IDEC, NCIDQ, IIDA, AIA
Director, B.S. in Interior Design and M.S. in Interior Architecture
Martha Anez
Assistant Director, B.S. in Interior Design and M.S. in Interior Architecture
To request more information fill out our form.
Or reach out to us by calling 215-951-2943 or email us at email@example.com.


text:
Speeze HSF Reviews
Speeze HSF Reviews news post from TweakTown's online news computing and technology content pages
By: TweakTown Staff | Posted: Aug 26, 2001 3:03 am
Comment | Email to a Friend | Font Size: AA
3D Spotlight has some HSF units that are pretty small in the fan department, but they may be in lines of what you're looking for on the kids machine. Check out their take on the Speeze Coolers Review. here's a snip:
The 5E32B3 is a traditional, low cost, all aluminium design. It is a similar sort of build to other overkill coolers such as the FOP3x. However the fan is much smaller. It is a 60 mm 4000 rpm model, outputting 17.1 CFM. This is rather disappointing; especially given the now infamous delta black label (as employed on rival high performance heatsinks) outputs 38 CFM."
Got an opinion on this news? Post a comment below!


text:
Want to grow your blog and gain new readers?
Guest posting
is a great way to do it!
If you have something crafty to share and want to share your talents with a new community of readers, I'd love to have you as a guest writer on ShannonSews!
Simply contact me through ssorensendesigns [at] hot mail [dot] com (sorry I have to write it that way or the email spammers will get me) and I'll share the details with you.
Guest Posting doesn't cost a thing, so think of it as a little free publicity! And in this economy, free is always a plus. Am I right?
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Happy Friday!
Enjoy your weekend my friends! xo
Never miss a post! Subscribe to ShannonSews
Like on facebook.com/SSorensenDesigns
Follow @ShannonSews1 on Twitter
Subscribe to youtube.com/ShannonSews


text:
There's a Twist in This Moving Spot About a KFC Worker in China
Freedom Means Working at the Restaurant in This Spot By Ogilvy Shanghai
Editor's Pick
A lot of Chinese ads use celebrities, and KFC has certainly done its share of that. But this film is about a real person, a manager trainee at an outlet in Shenzhen. The voiceover explains what he loves, like taking trips to the ocean, hiking, being alone to think. About halfway through, there's an unexpected reveal of a major aspect of Li Liang's life and the lives of many of his colleagues.
It's one of eight short movies by Ogilvy & Mather Shanghai that were originally intended for KFC's internal use, though the brand decided to share some online, said Graham Fink, Ogilvy China's chief creative officer. In ads for a range of different clients, he has been trying to showcase more real people and stories, which are "so much better than inventing things," as he says.
KFC was the first foreign fast food player to enter China back in 1987, becoming a symbol of the country's opening up to foreign brands and experiences. (One of KFC's films highlights another common experience in China; customers from the countryside visit KFC for the first time, are unsure of how to order and get some help.)
KFC is the biggest foreign fast food chain in China, with over 5,000 outlets. But the chain has had difficulties there in recent years, including stiff competition from local players and food safety issues. This film and the others in the series seem like a step toward humanizing a big foreign brand and winning back trust.
- Date
- Oct 25, 2016
- Brand:
- Client:
- Agency:
- Ogilvy-Shanghai
Need a credit fix? Contact the Creativity Editors


text:
Gregmli needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 163 designs submitted by 56 freelance designers.
We build legal research software that delivers relevant results with a minimum amount of work from the user.
Our competitors make lawyers construct long boolean queries and forage through results that are at best only generically relevant. We have a new method that allows lawyers to see results highly relevant to their on-going litigation from the get-go without jumping through hoops by building in capabilities to understand the context of their search into the system.
Our users are between the ages of 25-35 with a law degree, and slightly more likely to be female
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


text:
Iran authorities admitted on Sunday that their defence computer have been targeted by a virus called Duqu that is allegedly linked with the Stuxnet "cyber-weapon" discovered last year. The worm is believed to be aimed at sabotaging the Islamic Republic's atomic centrifuges, the devices that enrich uranium to create nuclear fuel.
Iran anti-virus experts said that only an advanced, probably national sabotage programme could have created such a sophisticated virus. It had been reported that Mossad, the Israeli intelligence agency, was responsible.
"We are in the initial phase of fighting the Duqu virus," Gholamreza Jalali, the head of Iran's civil defence programme, said. "The final report which says which organisations the virus has spread to and what its impacts are has not been completed yet.
"All the organisations and centres that could be susceptible to being contaminated are being controlled."
News of Duqu surfaced in October when security software maker Symantec Corp said it had found a mysterious virus that contained code similar to Stuxnet.
Unlike Stuxnet, Duqu is designed to gather data to make it easier to launch future cyber-attacks.
The developments came as the international community is contemplating taking further actions against Iran's nuclear programme after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) released a report last week.
While the UK and Germany have already called for fresh sanctions against Teheran, Russia on Monday repeated its opposition to such actions after Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the IAEA report was old news interpreted in a new way.
On Saturday, a key figure in Iran's missile programme, Brigade General Hassan Moghaddam, was killed along with 16 other Revolutionary guards in an explosion at a military base.
He was described in the obituary as one of the "cornerstones" of the artillery and missile units at the Revolutionary Guards during the Iran-Iraq war. "We will continue in his path and in the paths of the rest of the shahids - a path of courage, advancement and growing deterrence of the regime and the Islamic homeland," the obituary read.
While the Iranian authorities first dismissed allegations the explosion was the result of an act of sabotage, reports saying that Israel was behind the blasts multiplied within hours.
U.S. blogger Richard Silverstein said Saturday that Israel was the mastermind behind the blast.
In his blog, Tikun Olam, he accused Israel of masterminding the explosion and quotes an Israeli expert as saying that the Mossad collaborated with the Iranian militant opposition group Mojahedin-e-Khalq to plan the attack.
Secret Israeli-led operations against Iran were also cited last year after several senior scientists who participated in the country's nuclear programme were killed in bomb assassinations.


text: i am revamping my computer set up and could use some advice, right now i have a 15'MBP w/4gb ram and 320 HD, the plan is to sell the MBP, pick up a refurbed aluminum imac, and then pick up a solid 12' powerbook G4 for grad school, my question is what should i be looking for with regards to the powerbook? i want to spend no more then $500 on it, and would like to upgrade the ram and HD to its limits (what would those limits be?) thanks!


text:
CeMAT 2020,
20 - 24 April
Control View is the new line of digital instrumentation display, fully customizable, designed for medium-high level OEM.
AMA Cabins reflects AMA's ability to supply all the products needed for a vehicleìs cabin interior: seating, steering wheel, electric equipment, instruments, dashboard ...
Seats and steering wheels are some of AMA group's strongest offerings to the manufacturing world. Seats are highly comfortable and functional, as well as being esthetically pleasing.
Stored items


text:
Members of the Third Thursday Book Club were treated to an appearance by Dr. Nancy Hendricks, author of the club's December selection, "Senator Hattie Caraway: An Arkansas Legacy," at the Balboa Lake home of hostess Judy Mitchell.
A surprise visit from Sen. Caraway seemed most authentic when Dr. Hendricks arrived in character, complete with dress, voice and charactaristics, to tell her story, the story of an Arkansas legend who became the first female elected to the U.S. Senate in 1932.
Arkansans can be proud of Hattie Caraway of Jonesboro.
After extensive research, Hendricks has presented this story in a 128-page book available in paperback, Kindle and audio book versions. Coronado Library has a copy.
Hendricks holds a doctorate in education, a master's degree in English, and a bachelor's in English and theater.
Until recently, she was director of alumni communications at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, where she previously taught English.
Following lunch, more surprise visitors arrived via the traditional Hot Springs Village golf cart disguised as a sleigh.
Santa (Walt Mitchell) and his Chief Elf (Dick Brucker) arrived to spread cheer, distribute treat bags and perform a "Santa Clause Jingle" dance.


text:
Dogs reach puberty at about 6-9 months of age and learn the behaviour needed to mate (eg mounting) through play. Dogs are great individuals so bringing a bitch to a dog is probably the best way to do things. Then it saves the time the dog will waste establishing himself in a new territory by cocking his leg on everything in sight.
The female "presents" by showing a receptive posture while the male smells and licks her genital area. She may run a short distance and present again to excite the dog. When in standing oestrus, the dog will mount and gain entry by trial and error. He will then thrust vigorously stepping from one leg to the other. During this time ejaculation occurs.
The dog's penis engorges for about 15-30 seconds in the vagina locking the pair together. The bitch may twist and turn and the pair may end up pointing in different directions for about 10-30 minutes. Throwing water over them will do no good at all! During this locked position a second ejaculation occurs when most of the prostate fluid is expelled.
Great damage can occur by pulling mating dogs apart. So if it's an unplanned mating - be patient. Spend the time placating the bitch's owner! The deed has been done so contact your veterinarian about an early abortion.
A bitch will reach puberty and come into heat first from 6-18 months of age. If not pregnant. she will return to heat every 6-9 months. Bitches spend a long time in "pro-oestrus" or coming into heat. This is annoying as all the dogs in the area think they should stay around, and wait for the great moment when she will stand.
While coming on heat, her vulva will become red and swollen and she passes a sticky mucous. As heat continues she will stand to be mounted before racing away to tease the male.
"Standing heat" occurs about 10 days after the start of coming into season, and lasts anything from 5-12 days. At this most receptive stage the vulval discharge changes to a pale straw colour which will bring dogs for miles away. She also urinates regularly to spread the news and mark her territory. A good sign that she is "right on" is when she urinates in the presence of a male, usually when he smells her genitals. If he doesn't get the message then, he never will!
There are problems with inexperienced males who in all the excitement get things wrong. To avoid this, mate a young dog first to an old bitch, and vice versa. Some of the finer points of sexual behaviour have to be learned. Pregnancy in a bitch lasts from 58-63 days.
Pseudo pregnancy (false pregnancy)
This is an annoying condition as a bitch may appear to be pregnant for 30-90 days. She will show all the signs of a normal pregnancy, make a nest in preparation for birth and even produce milk for up to 60 days. This can be very handy to rear orphan pups but a nuisance if you want to mate her as she may not come in heat again for 3-4 months.
A working bitch will still want to work right up the time before birth, so watch her carefully to make sure she's not injured as she slows up with her extra load! About 12-24 hours before birth she will make a bed of anything around. Make sure she has some straw or rags to chew up, and don't be surprised if she doesn't want to whelp in her kennel. She may sneak off to a hole in the ground somewhere. You'll have to lock her up if you want to dictate the maternity quarters.
She'll become restless and have a reduced appetite prior to birth. Frequent urination and defaecation as well as heavy panting are also good signs of action to come. Labour can last from 2-3 hours up to 12 hours depending on the litter size and any complications. Seek veterinary help at the first sign of problems.
As each pup is born the bitch will chew the birth sac, biting through the umbilical cord in the process. The arrival of the afterbirth is a sign that all the pups have arrived and the bitch will probably eat it too.
The bitch then spends a lot of time licking the pups, especially their lower abdomen and area around the genitals ingesting their faeces and urine. This keeps the nest clean and dry - two important aspects.
Don't disturb the bitch during whelping and keep strangers away. If you need the vet, then make sure you are there to reassure the bitch and stay near her head comforting her.
Pups after birth
Pups are born blind and deaf, and the world of sight and sound only opens up to them at about three weeks of age. So they are very "touch" conscious animals at birth, and this "contact comfort" stays with them for the rest of their lives. This is why the greatest reward you can give a working dog is a reassuring pat!
Pups are quite active soon after birth, but stay near each other and seek out warm surfaces because near these, teats and milk can usually be found. The side-to-side movements of very young pups as they move short distances, show how they are looking for those teats. The bitch often encourages them towards her teats by licking.
If you have an inexperienced bitch, it may be useful to fit a rail around the whelping area as used for sows. to prevent her lying on pups. Strong pups usually get out of the way or make such a noise that she will investigate their cries. Smaller weaker pups may be ignored and squashed.
Just before 4 weeks old, a pup begins to react to its litter mates and its mother. At this stage the pup can see and hear. Play, tail-wagging, barking and other traits of the adult dog are seen now.
For bitches with large litters, make sure they can get away from the pups for short periods, especially as they get older. A shelf to lie on above the pups is ideal. But watch a lactating bitch for roaming in search of food. At this stage she'll have an enormous appetite when she's milking heavily.
Once the bitch has discouraged the pups from sucking, the focus is shifted from her teats to her muzzle. This is because the primitive dog fed her pups by regurgitating food she brought back to the den. The pup licks the muzzle with a crouching posture of a low-ranking pack member. So when a dog licks your face, remember it's asking you to regurgitate your last meal for it!
From 5 weeks of age pups will avoid strangers and this peaks at about 8 weeks. It's an "anxiety" period that nature has designed to protect them from predators. So anything that a pup has not experienced before about 12 weeks will be avoided later with some fear.
So 4 - 12 weeks of age is the most important time in a pup's life. This is the "socialisation" stage when it learns to interact with other dogs, people and anything else it will meet later on. Let the pup experience noises, strangers, children, cats, cars and so on, if you want a happy well-adjusted dog. There is no truth in the belief of some trainers that children can spoil pups - let them play with the kids as much as they want without getting hurt or abused.
Building the bond
Establishing yourself as a pup's pack leader is vital, and it needs to be done before 12 weeks of age. A method used by some dog handlers is simply to lay the pup flat on the ground and hold it down with both hands. If it struggles, shake it (which is what a bitch does) and growl or raise your voice. Then when it settles speak quietly to it and calm it by rubbing your hands all over it, including putting your fingers in its mouth.
Actions used by successful handlers:
· Feed the pup yourself, so you and food become associated.
· Occasionally interrupt the pup's feeding for a few seconds, praise it then let it feed again. If it resists, use the shake-praise technique.
· Never call the dog to you just before disciplining it.
· Don't leave the pup alone for long periods. Take it with you wherever you go.
· Introduce it carefully to frightening experiences where it can get hurt - eg. trampling by sheep.
· Be consistent and don't change the rules. Give plenty of praise. Make sure everyone else near the pup understands the rules and is not breaking them and confusing the pup.
· If a pup shows signs of dominance or develops bad habits, use the "shake-praise" routine.
· Eye contact is very dominating. Hold the pup up to your eye level for periods of 30-90 seconds and stare it out. If it struggles shake-praise it. Praise it softly until it settles. Repeat the exercise often in different places.
|Gentle dominance of a pup by handler


text:
The 8025 by Burkert is a digital flow transmitter for continuous flow measurement. The 8025 transmitter is specially designed for use in neutral and slightly aggressive, solid-free liquids.
We are here to help, try anyone of these options to contact us:
- Request a Quote
- Contact Us
- Call us at 508.203.2400


text:
Since garage sales are not as abundant here in the winter I have been looking on craigslist to make sure we hit some good ones. I hit a fundraiser for a baseball team. No where near the biggest garage sale I have been to but a pretty good size! At this garage sale I bought. A soccer ball, pair of shoes, little buzz lightyear costume, and some laces..... grand total: 3 dollars. I didn't take a picture of the soccer ball but it was in great condition.
I have been looking for some cute flats and I love these. They were $1!
I use lace for SO many things so I always try to have some on hand.
Jaysa LOVES Buzz lightyear. I put this on her when I got home and she kept asking me to call her Buzz.
I also bought these pillows today for .50 cents a piece. I have been looking for pillows like this at stores for the last few months! They are a dark brown burlap fabric. Crazy I found them at a garage sale! Saved myself a lot of money!
Here they are on my bed. I only ended up using two but I am sure I will find a spot to put the others. Took this pic on my iphone so sorry it's not a great one.
I also picked up this boppy for $1. I am going to wash it, get a new cover for it and give it to a friend that is pregnant. You really have to be careful about giving garage sale presents. I ONLY give garage sale gifts to friends who I know don't mind shopping at second hand stores, who have come garage saleing with me or have asked me to pick up things for them while I garage sale. Some people don't like the idea of having something that was previously owned. I don't look at it that way. I see it as being able to have the finer things in life and saving money at the same time. Here is how much I saved. At Target a bobby pillow that comes with a cover was anywhere from $35.00 to $50.00. Click here to see their prices on Boppys. I saved at least $34 dollars. Even after buying a new cover I will still save $24 dollars.
Today my Deal of the day would be this double stroller and car seat that I bought for $20! They had $30 on it which is a great price. However, I went and asked if they would go down and she said she would take $20! This is a really nice double stroller. It's a Baby Trend Sit-n-Stand Plus and has been kept in really good condition. The women said she only used it like 4 times. I looked up stroller at Target.com and something similar runs about $160.00 The car seat sells for $98.00. Thats a $238 savings!!!! Totally worth it to me. Unfortunately I do not need a new double stroller and I for sure do not need a new car seat. I paid $55 for my car seat and stroller. So this was a better deal but I am going to list these on craigslist and see if I can make a profit on it.
When buying car seats from a garage sale you have to be VERY careful. It has to be a recent car seat. If it's too old it may not meet car seat standards these days. Make sure it's only a few years old and that it has not been buckled into a car during an accident. Someone told me that in some places policer officers are starting the cut the straps of car seats that have been in wrecks so that they cannot be used again. I also know that none of the second hand stores will take a car seat if the stickers on the side have been ripped off. To some people I would just suggest they buy a new one. If you can't afford a new one buy one from a second hand stores who have checked out the car seat already. Initially I was just interested in the stroller but the women threw in the car seat for me. It has all its stickers and is a recent model so I knew I could take it to a second hand store and have them buy it from me. In this case it made no sense to leave it behind.
Cute barstools. $5 dollars a piece!
Such a cool old dresser!!!! This was bought when I got there. The lady only paid $10 dollars for it and plans to redo it!
Kids toys. Toys are SOOOOOO expensive in stores!!!! which is why I prefer to buy mine at garage sales. The three little bikes in this picture are $2 dollars a piece. Thats a much more affordable price.
Today I decided to drive out to a neighborhood that was not on my route but that was in an affluent area. Initially I thought it wasn't going to be that far out of my way but I was WRONG. I wasted 30 mins and my gas getting out there and it was not even a garage sale! The couple had the bright idea that they would clean out their garage Saturday morning but list it as a garage sale just in case they wanted to sale anything they didn't want........WHAT?!?!?!?!? Needless to say they had nothing good and had no idea what was for sale and what they were keeping. I was not happy! I had wasted my time and money. Lesson Learned: Just because it is in a nice area doesn't mean they will be selling nice things. Sometimes driving to the nicer areas that may be a little further away doesn't pay off.


text:
Come join us, play along, and you might win a giveaway or two.
Speaking of giveaways, I plan to keep the 2nd giveaway for Amy Tangerine's adorable Mini Book, going along for a few more days. Want to give people some time over the weekend who may have had busy work schedules and couldn't find the time to join in. :)
Remember that you earn extra chances by:
- following me on Twitter @SuzMannecke, Freehand Scraps @Freehand Scraps. Be sure to place the "@SuzMannecke" or "@Freehand Scraps" in the text of your tweet. You could also hash tag #SuzMannecke.
- becoming a follower of mine here on my blog
- liking Freehand Scraps on Facebook
- commenting over on today's posts over @Freehand Scraps and leaving a comment here leatting me know that you have done so
- sharing the scrapping love by referring a friend to "like" Freehand Scraps and "following them" on Twitter (again letting me know that you have done so by leaving a comment here or on Twitter with throw in an extra chance for you.
- If I get to 60 followers of my blog by Monday at midnight, I will through in a few extra goodies to add to the Amy Tangerine mini book. :) :) ;)
Now, here are a few cards I made for World Card Day. One from this months kits. Some others are posted over in the Freehand scraps Designer Gallery.
Thanks for stopping by...have fun crafting and playing along!


text: It's been nearly three years since I first began the journey of writing this book. It started as a simple discipleship study to help my church understand the personalities of each generation and how they interact with each other in a church context. The response was overwhelming. Not only did my church members respond enthusiastically,… Continue reading We Are One – Release