World Woman Day

Every year the world observes 8 March as Women Day. Regardless of race, ethnicity group or habits, women all over the world mark the day as a symbol of solidarity among peoples.
On that day we need to express our highest esteem to women for the tremendous effort they are making amid crucial international changes. Arab women, for example, are suffering from double discrimination, once on grounds of gender as a result of obsolete laws and societal norms, and the other as a result of the situation in the region involving tension and the Arab-Israeli conflict, foreign presence in the region, and the threat to launch pre-emptive wars on some Arab countries. As a result, the Arab countries are opting for programs and policies in favor of expenditure on armament more than on improving the societal institutional infrastructure concerned with improving the status of women and the prevailing conditions in society as a whole.
This year the Afro-Asian Peoples Solidarity Organization is dedicating that day to the Iraqi women for their heroic role in liberating their homeland from colonialism and dictatorship in the past, and who are now valiantly carrying out their role for the formation of a new Iraqi government with strong institutions and with an agenda that has as first priority demanding the withdrawal of the occupation forces from their land within a time framework and completing the drafting of an Iraqi constitution that insures the rights of all Iraqis without discrimination on grounds of ethnicity or gender.
Within the framework of the convening of the Beijing women conference during that period, AAPSO calls on governments and governmental and non-governmental organizations to support women in their march as a partner to community development and to improving women's status where they are suffering from a flagrant violation and where the violation is expected to further increase with the deterioration of economic, political and social conditions in the world despite all the charters and conventions which provide for equality among humankind and insure their freedom, safety and dignity.

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Embassy of the
Kingdom of Morocco
Dr. Morad Ghaleb
President of AAPSO - Cairo

It gives me pleasure to inform you that the High Commission for Veterans and Liberation Army of Morocco will organize with the University of Al Kadi Eyad in Marrakech an African Seminar in Marrakech on 25,26 March 2005 entitled “Al Jamei al Rabieya” on the support extended by Morocco to African liberation movements.
The seminar aims at discovering new areas and finding circumstantial details of Morocco’s relations with the African continent during a critical and difficult period in its history. This in addition to document certain facts and answer certain questions that are still obscure for historians and those concerned with the history of Morocco.
In view of the historical importance of this meeting, the Embassy invites you to participate in this event. Could you kindly propose names of personalities, and representatives of liberation movements to attend and partake with their Moroccan counterparts in one of the topics annexed herewith.
Kindly accept our highest consideration.

Ambassador Mohamed Farag

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Press Release
Bandung Conference
and Women’s Celebration

AAPSO held a conference on “Looking at Bandung after 50 years - Confronting New Challenges”. Numerous delegations from different countries in the world participated such as: China, Cyprus, Senegal, Tanzania, Ghana, Cuba, Sri Lanka, Morocco, Palestine, Sudan, Jordan, Tunisia, England as well as representatives of 20 Arab and foreign embassies in Egypt.
Dr. Morad Ghaleb, President of AAPSO inaugurated the meeting. Discussions focused on the following topics:
1- The historic significance of Bandung.
2 - The end of the bipolar world.
3 - Unilateralism and its impact - Iraq - Palestine - Sudan.
4 - Environmental threat - Kyoto and world temperatures.
5 - Proliferation of nuclear weapons- Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and Treaty on the Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
6 - To establish a strong global solidarity movement (to strengthen and support the Solidarity Organization).
7 - To revive the Non Aligned Movement.
8 - The expected role of the United Nations Organization.
Celebrations will take place in India, Japan and Indonesia in order to revive the spirit of Bandung and reactivate national forces to confront hegemony, new liberalization, military invasions and violation of peoples’ sovereignty and to ensure building true democracy in order to achieve development and prosperity.
Certain researchers and thinkers participated in the discussions and enriched the dialogue.
This was followed by a celebration in solidarity with Iraqi women entitled, “The Memory of Iraq” on the occasion of Women's Day in which numerous popular associations and organizations participated.

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Arab Women’s Cultural and Social Rights
Challenges of the 21st Century

Organizers: AAPSO
Humanitarian Forum for Women’s Rights
First: Objectives:
* To sensitize women’s rights as incorporated in international conventions and charters .
* To review the position of Arab governments vis a vis international conventions related to women.
* To assess the impact of joining international conventions and how this affects the status of Arab women.
* To highlight the work and tasks of UN agencies concerned with women’s rights.
Second: Conference topics
* International legitimacy for human rights conventions and charters on women.
* Obligations of countries to implement conventions and charters on women.
* The status of Arab women in light of international conventions and charters.
Third: Duration of conference - 3 days during August as proposed.
* Directives for action by regional groups:
National policies and legislations required to activate economic, social and cultural rights.
Working session:
The role of the UN system in securing women’s rights.

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Vietnam Committee for Asian-African-Latin American
Solidarity and Cooperation
Hanoi, February 1st, 2005
- Dr. Morad Ghaleb, President
- Mr. Nouri Abdul Razzak, Secretary General
- Afro-Asian Peoples’ Solidarity Organization

Dear Friends,
It is with great pleasure that we have received your letter of invitation for the international conference in celebration of the 5oth anniversary of the Bandung Conference, scheduled for March 1-3/2005 in Cairo. We welcome this initiative and are planning to send one or two representatives to this event .
For its part, the Vietnam Committee for Asian, African and Latin American Solidarity and Cooperation has the intention to hold, in coordination with some other Vietnamese people’s organizations, somewhere during the second half of 2005 in Hanoi a seminar at which local and foreign participants could share experiences on poverty alleviation and sustainable development. Invited to the event will be the Afro-Asian Peoples’ Solidarity Organization and, given our financial constraints, a limited number of its affiliates. At the present preliminary stage of planning, we would very much appreciate your advices and suggestions concerning first its relevance, then its contents (theme, sub-themes, etc.) and other details.
We look forward to hearing from you soon and thank you in advance.
Yours sincerely
Pham Van Chuong, President

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Embassy of the
Socialist Republic of Vietnam

To: The Permanent Secretariat of AAPSO
Cairo
The Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in Cairo presents its compliments to the Permanent Secretariat of the Afro-Asian Peoples’ Solidarity Organization (AAPSO) and has the honour to inform the Latter that concerning the Conference “Vision of Bandung after 50 years-Facing New Challenges” which will be held in Cairo from 1-3 of March, 2005, the Vietnamese side will send a delegation to attend the conference. Following is the composition of the delegation:
- Mr. PHAM VAN CHUONG, President of the Committee and Head of the delegation;
- Mr. DO BA KHOA, Director of the Asia, Africa and Latin America Department, the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations.
From the Embassy of Vietnam in Cairo, H.E. Mr. DUONG HUYNH LAP, Ambassador will attend the opening session of the Conference on March 1, 2005.
Mr. LE VAN LICH and Mr. TONG QUANG THANG, two Vietnamese journalists in Cairo, will attend the Conference for news coverage.
The Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Permanent Secretariat, the Afro-Asian Peoples’ Solidarity Organization the assurances of its highest consideration.
Cairo, February 23, 2005

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Japan - Tokoy
- Mr. Nouri Abdul Razzak, Secretary-General
- Premanent Secretariat of AAPSO

Dear Comrade Mr. Nouri Abdul Razzak,
I have received your fax message prompting out reply.
As I have sent you my message we cannot send our delegation to Cairo this time.
It is truly a regret because I am very aware that it is quite worthwhile sending our representative.
All our Committee is preparing for the great success of “Commemorative lecture for the 50th Anniversary of Asia Africa Conference in Bandung and the Establishment of Japan Asia Africa Lantin America Solidarity Committee - From the 20th toward the 21st Century, the World and Japan - “with Mr. FUWA Tetsuzo, Chairperson of the Central Committee of Japanese Communist Party, as main speaker to be held after one month or so.
Actually it is the background of regrettable absence at your important Conference.
At the same time we are sincerely hoping that you may achieve a great success in your Conference.
Wishing good health of you, Dr. Ghaleb, and other friends at the Permanent Secretariat.

Toshio Akiniwa, President of Japan AALA

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International conference
40 years since the abduction and assassination of Al Mahdi Ben Baraka
“From the Three Continents Conference to the Alternative Movement of Globalization”
Paris 29, 30 October 2005
Belfort 25 October 2005

Sir/
The forthcoming months on the 29th October 2005 will bear witness to the 40th anniversary of the abduction and disappearance of Al Mahdi Ben Baraka, the Moroccan opposition leader and head of the preparatory committee of the Three Continents Conference which was held in January 1966 in Havana.
Al Mahdi Ben Baraka played a fundamental role to unite the African, Asian and Latin American peoples. He exerted utmost efforts to strengthen popular liberation resistance for freedom, social development and democracy.
Convening an international conference in Paris 40 years after his abduction and assassination aims at condemning political assassination and reviving his ideas and his activities. Moreover, to reconfirm the need for developing new means of solidarity among peoples. In fact, it constitutes the most appropriate form of appreciation to the memory of this revolutionary militant, namely Al Mahdi Ben Baraka.
In order to render to this celebration an international and cultural aspect, we hope that you will participate in the quartet committee with other prominent personalities. Annexed herewith is a list of their names.
Organizers
Bashir Ben Baraka
Head of the Mahdi Ben Baraka Institute

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International African and Arab Studies Association
African and Arab PUGWASH

Dr. Morad Ghaleb
We wish to inform you that the Association will convene its annual conference in the African Studies Center on “Internationalization of Arab and African Crises - Positive and Negative Aspects” at 9.30 am Wednesday 20 April 2005.
In view of your sharp views and holistic vision, we would be honored if you are one of the main speakers in addressing this challenge.
Kindly accept our highest considerations.

Dean of the African Studies Institute
Dr. El Sayed Felefal
Head of the Association
Dr. Essam Eddin Gallal
30/1/2005

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Malaysian Studies Programme
To the Head of AAPSO
Invitation

The Malaysian Studies programme in the Asian Studies Center invites to attend its second annual conference which will be held at: The political thinking of Mahathir Mohamed. The inaugural speech will be given by Dr. Mahathir Mohamed, former Prime Minister of Malaysia, at 9.30 am to 11.30 am on Thursday 10 March 2005,Faculty of Economics and Political Sciences, Cairo University.
Director of Center
Dr. Hoda Metkis
Programme Director
Dr. Gaber Awad

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The Egyptian Foreign Affairs Council

Dr. Morad Ghaleb
We wish to inform you that Mr. Kheir Eddin Hassib, Arab intellectual and Head of the Studies Center Areej Unit will be hosted by the Council in a meeting in which he will address Arab issues particularly on “Another look at Iraq”.
This meeting will take place on Saturday 12 March 2005 at 6 pm in the Egyptian Diplomatic Club.
We hope you will be able to attend.
Ambassador Amin Shalabi
Executive Director

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Progressive National Tagamo Party
Women’s Progressive Association

Dr. Morad Ghaleb, AAPSO President
The Women’s Progressive Association in the Tagamo party invites you to attend a celebration on the occasion of International Women’s Day on Saturday 12 March 2005 at 6 pm in the Party’s headquarters - 1 Karim El Dawla Street - Talaat Harb Square.

Secretary of the Women’s Progressive Association
Fatheya El Assal

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Arab Lawyers Union
Dr. Morad Ghaleb

The Arab Lawyers Union condemns
The dubious American initiative to
Establish the so-called “Legal Network for Arab Women”

In a dangerous development within the framework of the so-called “Partnership Initiative with the Broader Middle East” and the direct support of the American State Department - a preparatory meeting will be held in the Dead Sea, Jordan on 17/18 February 2005. It aims at establishing the so-called “Legal Network for Arab Women” targeting a number of female lawyers, jurists and those working with the law in the Arab region.
The Arab Lawyers Union declares its implicit and explicit rejection of this project and deems that it is part of a scheme to penetrate the Arab elite and reshape it to serve American objectives in the region. Moreover, it is a strategic development in the methods of the American administration that is not confined to using individual agents or infiltrating certain institutions by financing programmes linked to hegemony and passing its American/Zionist projects in the region. In fact, it goes beyond to establishing group organizations targeting labour, professions and grass roots categories with declared vocational and political objectives that are similar to political parties which draw their direct legitimacy and capabilities from the American government over any legal or sovereign frameworks of regional countries and parallel to Arab unions and organizations that refused to be contained owing to their national principles.
The Arab Lawyers Union declares its total opposition to this dubious initiative and calls upon Arab Lawyers Union as well as Arab Labour Unions to confront this new scheme and sensitize the masses of its threats and abort all efforts of infiltration. The Union equally urges Arab Ministers of Justice through the Arab League to block any infiltration of judicial authorities in Arab countries through participation of female jurists. The Union also calls upon Arab professions and labour unions to strengthen their structures and face dubious schemes hatched against its members. They should bear the responsibility of leading the democratic reform movement based on national will in order to confront immense challenges to which our Arab masses are exposed.

General Secretariat
of the Arab Lawyers Union

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Arab Lawyers Union
Dr. Morad Ghaleb, AAPSO President

Statement

Saber Ammar the Assistant Secretary General of the Arab Lawyers Union stated the the General Secretariat of the Union follows with great concern the developments that touch unionist entity and professional activity of the Lawyers Union and others in Jordan. Such a matter contradicts the independence of these unions and true democratic concepts which organize unionist labour, professional and popular activities.
The Union confirms the solidarity of the General Secretariat with the courageous and honorable stance taken by the head of the Jordanian lawyers as well as candidates to that position by their withdrawal from these nominations so that unionist action does not fall within the control of the governments.
The Union appeals to the Jordanian government to withdraw the draft law on professional unions in Jordan and to give Jordanian professionals the opportunity to discuss it and give their views bearing in mind the will of speakers.

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National Planning Institute
Invitation
Dr. Morad Ghaleb

The National Planning Institute takes pleasure in inviting you to its 6th session of the annual scientific season known as Seminar on Tuesday 22nd April 2005 at 10 am until 2 pm in the Dr. Ibrahim Helmy Abdel Rahman Hall, 7th floor in the Institute premises in Nasr City.
The title will be : “Encouraging Investment and Development Priorities” The speakers are Dr. Maha Zeitoun, Economics Professor, Faculty of Commerce, Al Azhar University, member of the General Council for Investment and Free Zones - Dr. Mahmoud Salah, Director of the National Planning Institute.
This will be followed by an open discussion. We look forward to your valuable participation.
Seminar Coordinator
Dr. Ashraf El Arabi

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National Planning Institute
Invitation
Dr. Fakhri Labib

The Institute takes pleasure in inviting you to attend the 7th session of the annual scientific season known as Seminar on Tuesday 8th March 2005 at 10 am until 1 pm in
Dr. Helmi Abdel Rahman Hall in the premises of the Institute in Nasr City.
The meeting will discuss “Alternative energy”. The speakers are Dr. Reda Bata, Energy expert and director of the natural gas project for improving the atmosphere in Cairo, and Dr. Engineer Mohamed Mounir Megahed, Nuclear Stations Authority.
This will be followed by an open discussion. We look forward to your valuable participation.
Seminar Coordinator
Dr. Ashraf El Arabi

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Egyptian Women’s Issues Center
Invitation
Miss Hamsa

Within the framework of the concerns of the Center pertaining to women’s issues, the Center will publish a book on rural women which will be followed by a conference on “Rural women - Forgotten women”.
Discussions will be carried out on all diverse dimensions related to the rural women’s issue in Egypt and their problems. This will be held on Thursday 24 February 2005 in the Nefertiti Hall, Shepeards Hotel from 10 am to 2 pm.
We look forward to your valuable participation.

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Philadelphia University
Faculty of Law

Miss Hamsa Abdel Hamid El Genedi
Responsible for the International and Women Section
AAPSO
Cairo - Egypt
I wish to inform you that the Faculty of Law, Philadelphia University - Amman/Jordan will convene the 1st Legal Philadelphia Conference on “Achieving equality between the sexes and promoting the role of women” in the University premises on Wednesday and Thursday 4 - 5 Ayar 2005.
A special bulletin on the conference is annexed herewith that includes the topics on the agenda as well as information for participation.
It gives me pleasure to convey an official invitation to you on behalf of Philadelphia University and Faculty of Law to attend the Conference and present a research paper.
I hope you will accept and reply not later than 10/3/2005.
Dean of the Faculty of Law
Dr. Ghazi Sabarini

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The Humanitarian Forum for Women’s Rights
Miss Hamsa Abdel Hamid, Responsible for the Women’s Section - AAPSO
Subject: The joint Arab conference on “Cultural Social and Economic
Rights of Arab Women : Challenges of 21st Century”

I thank you for your cooperation efforts with the Humanitarian Forum for Women’s Rights. I annex herewith a concept paper on the subject of the Conference. I look forward to meeting you in Cairo on 16/3/2005 to discuss the details of the Conference in terms of number of participants, countries and financing sources as well as other matters.
Lamis Nasser, President of the
Humanitarian Forum For Women’s Rights

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National Association for Human Rights and Human Development

The Association takes pleasure in inviting you to delegate two youth to participate in the youth forum programme, one of the activities of the Association that aims at sensitizing youth awareness in diverse branches of knowledge about the concept of human rights and development.
The programme will organize its first seminar during this year on: “International economic fora and future challenges” This will be held in the premises of the Saeed Association for Development, 65 Kasabgi Street - off Ramses Street - Al Zaher on Tuesday 1 March 2005 at 5pm.
The youth forum programme since its inception in March 2003 aims at reconfirming the values of free opinion and speech as well as the rights of youth to participate positively in the nation’s issues.
Hoping for more fruitful cooperation.

Director of the Association
Amir Salem

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The Palestinian Center for Human Rights
Weekly report on Israeli violations in the occupied Palestinian territories
3 - 9 February 2005

The Israeli occupation forces continued during last week to perpetrate war crimes in the occupied Palestinian territories totally disregarding the understanding reached between them and the Palestinian side regarding the cease fire. These crimes culminated in the martyrdom of four Palestinian civilians including a child and others were injured. The forces invaded Palestinian cities and towns particularly in the West Bank and bombarded indiscriminately residential areas. They continued the construction of the separation wall inside the West Bank territories as well as imposing siege on all housing compounds.
In Gaza, the Israeli occupation forces killed three Palestinian civilians and one child was martyred on 3/2/2005 from previous wounds. A child of seventeen years was martyred in the town of Beit Lahya from wounds sustained last month when the occupation forces fired a missile on a group of children in one of the fields of the said town. Seven children were martyred, three of them were brothers. This child is their fourth brother. On 4/2/2005, the occupation forces used excessive force killing two Palestinian civilians near the borderline with Israel. On 9/2/2005 one day following the Sharm El Sheikh Summit in which both Palestinians and Israelis agreed to a cease fire, the occupation forces killed a Palestinian civilian in Rafah after bombarding houses in the district of Tel Sultan, south of the city for no reason. These forces continued to fire haphazardly at housing districts in which two civilian Palestinians were injured in the Rafah camp, one was a child of three years.
On the other hand, the occupation forces attacked this week twice the Marasi Khan Yuni area on the coast that is under siege since the Al Aqsa Intifada and subjected to Israeli domination. Houses were searched, seven civilian Palestinians were detained and were taken to an unknown destination.
In the West Bank, the occupation forces continued their incursions in the districts and according to investigations, these forces committed ten such operations. They detained eleven citizens as well as five others around the road blocks and were taken to unknown destinations. During these incursions, a child was injured in El Farea Palestinian refugee camp, south east of Jenin and an Israeli jeep ran over a child in the town of Dura, south west of Al Khalil. The child was severely wounded. Moreover, the occupation forces raided a boys secondary school south of Bethlehem and harassed the students.
This week was marked by settlement activities either those carried out by the occupation forces or by settlers protected by the latter. These activities varied from seizure of property of Palestinian civilians in terms of agricultural lands and trees, and threats to kill them. Some were run over by the occupation vehicles and orders were decreed to sequestrate their land. Settler crimes were committed in the villages of Bardala, Geit, Ematin, Deir Estia, north of the West Bank and Saeer Weeta in the south.
Concerning construction of the separation (annexation) wall was undertaken in the depth of the West Bank territories. The Israeli Court of Justice on 8/2/2005 spelled out two new decisions in compliance with the policies of the occupation forces in the occupied territories. The first demanded the renovation of all construction works in the annexation wall (separation) in the area north west of Jerusalem, and the second obliges the Palestinians in Kherna El Noeman village, north east of Bethlehem, to come to an understanding with the Israeli occupation forces to build the passage of the wall on the eastern side of the village. During this week the occupation forces broke up peaceful demonstrations by the use of force against the continuation of the wall’s construction.
On the other hand, the Israeli occupation forces continued during this week their total siege of all the Palestinian territories including occupied Jerusalem.
In Gaza, despite the allegations of the media that freedom of movement was facilitated, nonetheless the occupation forces did not alleviate restrictions imposed on movement and transportation by Palestinians in Gaza. According to what is happening in the field, movement on crossings that link Gaza to the outside world, Israel and the West Bank are totally or partly closed up to date. Furthermore, the movement of civilians is restricted and they are subjected to humiliation on the internal borders that link cities and towns in the sector. These forces also blocked all roads and crossings that were closed since the current Intifada.
In the West Bank, the Israeli occupation forces continued to impose more obstacles on the movement of Palestinian civilians in all governorates in addition to the inhuman practices perpetrated against them in the fixed military barriers. They erected tens of such borders without notice along the West Bank. The Center's researchers informed that the occupation forces closed at an early hour on 8/2/2005 all military barriers erected in the entrances of Nablus. Citizens included the sick were not permitted to cross on both directions with specifying any reasons.

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Conference defending the Palestinian Question

North America
Al-Awda - The Palestine Right to Return Coalition will hold its third annual international conference from 15 to 17 April 2005 in Los Angels. The objective of the conference is to develop a proactive agenda and campaigns for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, in particular the refugees' right of return.
Canadian-Palestinian Educational Exchange (CEPAL) is calling for participants in its ninth Summer Volunteer Programme to be commenced on 1 July 2005 at Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon. Volunteers will learn about life at the refugee camps, while working with children and adults to improve their English and French skills.
The Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR) will send an Interfaith Peace Builders Delegation to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory from 5 to 19 March 2005. Participants will examine the effects of US foreign policy on the Israeli Palestinian conflict and will support non-violent initiatives for peace. After returning, participants will work to raise the public's awareness about the conflict.
A group of NGOs will organize an International Day of Action against Caterpillar on 13 April 2005, to protest sales of the company's bulldozers to Israel that are used to demolish Palestinian homes.
The Palestine Center held, in Washington, D.C. on 28 January 2005, a briefing “Challenges Facing the Palestinian National Movement and the New Abbas Presidency” by Dr. Khalil Shikaki, Director of the Palestinian Center.

Europe
The Danish - Palestinian Friendship Association will organize an International Conference “Palestinian Refugees: International Law, Human Rights Conventions, UN Resolutions” in Copenhagen on 28 and 29 May 2005.
The Palestine Return Centre in London and The Palestine Media Association in Vienna will organize, in London on 7 March 2005, a conference for Palestinian institutions and communities in Europe, entitled "Palestine: Land and People a Single Indivisible Unit. No to the Apartheid Wall in Palestine."

Asia/Pacific
Peace Malaysia, a coalition of 1,100 Malaysian NGOs, will organize an international conference entitled "Peace in Palestine" in Kuala Lumpur from 28 to 30 March 2005. The event aims to establish a global network of civil society organizations for a just and peaceful solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israel/Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Jerusalem
Médecins du Monde, The Palestine Red Crescent Society and Physicians for Human Rights - Israel launched a joint campaign to highlight the separation barrier’s impact on health.
The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) organized a colloquium entitled “Palestinian Elections and Their Implications” on 12 February 2005. Representatives of the Palestinian Central Elections Commission (CEC), journalists, civil society organizations and others discussed the implications and legal framework of elections.

United Nations
The United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People will hold a United Nations International Meeting on the Question of Palestine on 8 and 9 March 2005 at the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland. The theme of the Meeting will be "Implementing the ICJ Advisory Opinion on the Legal Consequences of the Construction of the Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory ? The role of Governments, intergovernmental organizations and civil society." Civil society organizations are being invited to participate in the Meeting as observers.

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Al Meezan Center deplores the UN resolution on not renewing
the term of the High Commissioner of UNRWA.

The Meezan Center for Human Rights received with much regret the decision of the UN Secretary General not to renew the mission of the High Commissioner of UNRWA, Mr. Peter Hansen. The Center expresses its strong regrets for such a decision and deems that it is an evident response to pressures exerted by Israel, the State that continues in its occupation. For it failed to take revenge from Peter Hanson’s professionalism and his neutral commitment adopted towards Israel’s practices against Palestinian refugees in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The Center deplores that the occupier country succeeded in removing Peter Hanson and requests the UN Secretary General to review his decision due to Mr. Hansen’s high qualities that guarantee the credibility of UNRWA’s honesty and neutrality. This as well as the experience, working modality and knowledge of the refugees issue and its complications, all indicate that Mr. Hanson’s replacement will need time to learn the task before him.
The Center emphasizes the importance of the continuity of UNRWA’s neutrality and that it should not comply to pressures exerted by the stances of countries as this will destroy the professional foundations of the Agency’s activities.

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The World Punjabi Congress
International Conference on Peace-Culture, Art and Literature
Respected E.A Vidyasekera

The World Punjabi Congress is organizing a 3- Day International Conference on Peace-Culture, Art and literature in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, from April 17th to 19th, 2005. WPC has already held Eleven World Conferences in Pakistan, India, UK, Canda and U.S.A. The April Conference, will be the culminating moot of the series announced in 1986 when WPC was established.
We expect that around 400 distinguished personalities from 70 countries will participate in this biggest ever assembly of luminaries.
We have the honour to invite you to Lahore, 2005 Conference. We will be pleased to extend hospitality for the Conference Days.
Please confirm your participation by 15th of March, 2005.
Yours sincerely,
Fakhar Zaman
Chairman

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American Kashmir Council
New York Declaration
24-25th, February 2005

4th International Kashmir Peace Conference United Nations, New York, New York “Peace Initiative in South Asia: Exploring Possible Options for Kashmir”, 24-25 February 2005. And made a declaration that included:
The Fourth International Kashmir Peace Conference, organized by the International Educational Development and the Kashmiri American Council welcomes the latest agreement between India and Pakistan to start a bus service between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad.
The Conference notes with satisfaction that such confidence building measures (CBM) will create an atmosphere that ultimately leads to a fair and lasting settlement of the Kashmir issue according to the wishes and aspirations of 14 million people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Conference hopes that the leadership of both India and Pakistan recognize that there can be no settlement, negotiated or otherwise, without the active and full participation of the people of Jammu and Kashmir living on both sides of the Ceasefire Line as well as those belonging to the Jammu and Kashmir diaspora.
The Conference contends that the rights of all members of minorities in Jammu and Kashmir should be protected at all costs. All those persons who have been displaced from Jammu and Kashmir since 1947 should be encouraged to return. The members of the Pandit community displaced in the recent past should be facilitated to return and their rehabilitation guaranteed.
The Conference expresses its grave concern over continued violations of human rights - by state and non-state actors, in Jammu and Kashmir and urges all stake-holders to ensure the human rights are upheld in full measure.

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A statement by the Asian Human Rights Commission
Independence Day: An opportunity for fundamental change in Sri Lanka

This year's Independence Day is celebrated amidst a complex background. The disastrous consequences of the 26 December 2004 tsunami have merely added to the burdens faced by Sri Lanka’s political and legal systems due to the authoritarian model of governance introduced through the 1978 constitution, which gave rise to conflicts in the south, north and east.
The prevalent situation can be described as one of an exceptional collapse of the rule of law. All the basic institutions of society are in a state of crisis. The totalitarian political model, which was established in 1978, was continued by all major political parties in power since then. Under this model of governance, democracy became a façade while all the basic institutions of democracy, such as the parliament, courts, government bureaucracy and law enforcement agencies significantly disintegrated and lost much of their credibility. The result has been a situation of anarchy, where in almost every sphere of life effective systems of decision making came to a standstill.
Despite the incredible amount of foreign assistance that poured into the country following the tsunami, basic documentation of those who suffered loss and destruction does not exist. Nor is there even a tentative plan for the rehabilitation of those worst affected due to their proximity to the sea, such as the fisher-folk. There is no proper attempt to even get the tsunami affected children back to school. While money for such plans is available, an effective decision making system is absent.
Impact of such totalitarian rule has been felt most seriously within the framework of Sri Lanka's justice system.
The major defects of the justice system include the absence of any witness protection and the unreasonable delays faced by complainants.
The near collapse of the policing system is another crucial defect of the justice process. The National Police Commission itself is unable to undertake its mandate with the puny staff it has and is furthermore under constant pressure to not assert disciplinary control upon police officers. Meanwhile, torture, corruption and abuse of power occur within the police department with impunity. Those who complain against the police may be killed.
What then are people's prospects as they arrive at another Independence Day? It is most likely that hundreds of thousands of tsunami victims will face intense poverty despite the massive contributions from compassionate people, outside and inside the country.
This bleak picture can be changed only if more courageous voices rise against the widespread anarchy, corruption and lack of the rule of law. The only way out is by ending the authoritarian style of rule introduced through the 1978 constitution.

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A statement by the Asian Human Rights Commission

Malaysia should be more humane on migrants and the crackdown must stopped.
The Government of Malaysia has announced that it will crackdown on approximately 800,000 undocumented migrant workers and asylum seekers currently based in the country. The crackdown was to begin on 1 February 2005 following the government's announcement that it would deploy about 500,000 law enforcement officials (police and immigration) and “civilian volunteers” to hunt down migrants and asylum seekers, who originate from Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar, Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka.
The legal process to obtain redress has been a lengthy one and the immigration authorities in Malaysia have refused to provide legal permission to stay for those who pursue such cases. All this has contributed to many documented migrant workers becoming undocumented.
The crackdown is unfairly inconsiderate to the workers and asylum seekers who have gone to Malaysia due to the enormous difficulties they face in their own countries.

The use of civilian groups, especially after arming them with firearms, to crackdown on migrant workers and asylum seekers is unprecedented in recent history. From a legal point of view this amounts to giving powers of arrest, use of force and detention to civilians. Due to their civilian status, these groups may enjoy anonymity and impunity. These civilian groups are not trained to carry out such operations.
It must be remembered that many Asian countries are trying to overcome great human and infrastructural losses incurred in the aftermath of the recent tsunami. Malaysia, as a neighbor to many of these countries and with a developed and stable economy, has a moral obligation to assist in this critical time.
It is welcomed news that the Malaysia have refused to provide legal permission to stay for those who pursue such cases. All this has contributed to many documented migrant workers becoming undocumented.
The crackdown is unfairly inconsiderate to the workers and asylum seekers who have gone to Malaysia due to the enormous difficulties they face in their own countries.
The use of civilian groups, especially after arming them with firearms, to crackdown on migrant workers an asylum seekers is unprecedented in recent history. From a legal point of view this amounts to giving power of arrest, use of force and detention to civilians. Due to their civilian status, these groups may enjoy anonymity and impunity. These civilian groups are not trained to carry out such operations.
It must be remembered that many Asian countries are trying to overcome great human and infrastructural losses incurred in the aftermath of the recent tsunami.
Malaysia, as a neighbor to many of these countries and with a developed and stable economy, has a moral obligation to assist in this critical time.
It is welcomed news that the Government of Malaysia has temporarily halted the crackdown. The Asian Human Rights Commission, however, calls for a permanent halt to the crackdown and urges the Government of Malaysia to address the deeper issues affecting migrant workers and asylum seekers.

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The Arab Programme for Human Rights Activists
Urgent declaration - Sudan

The Darfur crisis continues to affect the situation of human rights in Sudan accompanied by the persistence of the Sudanese security forces to perpetuate its rigorous and coercive action against civil society’s activists. Moreover, its police mentality dominates and restricts all humanitarian activities. In this respect, the authorities arrested Dr. Mudwi Ibrahim, the prominent activist for the second time in a few months as he was celebrating Eid Al Adha in Darfur as well as Salah Mohamed Abdullah, activist in SUDO Organization and detained them in premises of the security forces in Khartoum.
In Port Sudan, twenty citizens were shot by the security forces when they protested peacefully for being laid off unfairly from their jobs in the port of Port Sudan.
The Arab Programme for Human Rights Activists condemns the hegemony of the Sudanese security organs over all civil society peaceful activities and their confrontation of human rights activists and those demanding their rights either by shooting them or detaining them repeatedly. Such actions confirm the violation of all relevant international conventions and charters, in particular the two international covenants which Sudan signed. Consequently they have become part of its legislation which should be upheld and applied according to international commitments.
The Arab Programme demands the Sudanese authorities:
First: To release the two activists, Mudwi Ibrahim and Salah Mohamed Abdullah unconditionally.
Second: To open a just investigation with those who caused the death of twenty citizens in Port Sudan and to promptly bring them to trial for violating the right of human beings to life and congregate peacefully. The results should be propagated to internal public opinion.
The Programme equally calls upon all Arab and international organizations to support human rights activists in Sudan especially detainees so that they may be set free. Moreover, to pressure the Sudanese authorities to alleviate their control over civil society institutions and to advocate rights and freedoms and ensure their practice by all citizens.

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Third World Network

Agriculture negotiations 7-11 February focus on preferences, conversion to AD valorem tariffs, reduction of domestic support levels. Negotiations on agriculture took place at the WTO in the week of 7-11 February.
The main issues discussed included how to (or whether) treat the erosion of preferences, how to convert specific tariffs to their and valorem equivalents, the reduction of domestic supports, and the Green Box, and export credits.
There was considerable differences of views and positions on these topics.
The WTO members are targeting to have modalities for the agriculture negotiations ready by the time of the Hong Kong ministerial in December 2005.

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Invitation
Geneva seminar pre-NPT

Dear colleagues
Please find attached an invitation to a pre-NPT Review seminar, to be held at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva on the afternoon of Monday April 11, followed by a morning session for NGOs on Tuesday April 12. This event is co-organized by the NGO Committee for Disarmament and the World Council of Churches. The purpose is to bring together diplomats, civil society advocates and experts to explore the crucial issues that will come up at the NPT Review Conference in May.
I would be grateful if you could pass this on to those who may be interested.
Best wishes
Colin Archer
NGO Committee Secretariat, Geneva

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2nd International Forum on Partnerships for Sustainable Development:
Advancing Implementation on Water and Energy
(21-23 March 2005, Marrakesh, Morocco)

You are warmly invited to attend the 2nd International Forum on Partnerships for Sustainable Development: Advancing Implementation on Water and Energy.
The Forum is being organized by the Moroccan Ministry of Territory Planning, Water and Environment (MATEE) in cooperation with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN/DESA).

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UNESCO
Urban Public Policies
and The Right to the City

Under the Auspices of UNESCO, ISSC and UN_Habitat
Mr. Pierre Sané, Assistant Director-General for Social And Human Sciences, UNESCO and Dr. Anna Tibaïjuka, Executive Director of UN_Habitat, cordially invite you to a public debate on “Urban Public Policies and The Right to the City” Friday, March 18, 2005.

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Dialogue with Counselor Pak Song Do in the
Peoples Democratic Republic of Korea
by Maha Salam.

Q - What is your position towards continuous American threats?

A - We as a people feel rancor and anger towards the American administration. Transforming the Korean peninsula into a zone free from weapons of mass destruction is one of our fundamental objectives which we will continue to strive for.
The possession of nuclear weapons by North Korea is but the result of American aggressive policy towards us. America occupied South Korea in 9/8/1945 and up to date nearly 40 thousand American troops are deployed there. America also spread nearly one thousand nuclear warheads to threaten us constantly. We established our nuclear potential at first with peaceful intentions, namely production of energy. However, in view of the possibilities of American aggression against us and naming us as the axis of evil, and America’s open declarations to overthrow our regime and our ideology, we decided to produce nuclear weapons and announced that we possess them in a statement by the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 10 February 2005. Our objective to produce nuclear weapons is intended to safeguard our regime and ideology chosen by the people.

Q - Do you really strive to resolve the nuclear issue in the Korean peninsula?

A- Negotiations were carried out equally in the past two years in which North Korea, USA, China, Russia, Japan and South Korea participated in a bid to resolve this issue. Several constructive and practical proposals were made to establish the Korean peninsula as a peaceful region.

Q - What about the unification of the Korean peninsula?

A - The reason for the division of Korea was basically due to American occupation of South Korea and its flagrant interference in Korean affairs. We have our principles and bases for the unification of Korea, both Koreas, to be undertaken by the people and by peace without resorting to military force or war in accordance with the quest for national unification.

Q - What are your views on American threats to Iran?

A - We oppose any form of interference whether political or military into the affairs of countries. The IAEA is mandated to deal with such matters. I hope that it will make a decision in favour of the friendly Iranian people America has no right to raise such an issue.

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