US, EU pressure Putin to save shaky Ukraine truce

KIEV: US and EU leaders have heaped pressure on Russian president Vladimir Putin to help his Western-backed counterpart in Ukraine end a separatist insurgency, as the clock ticks down on a shaky truce.

US President Barack Obama warned Wednesday that additional sanctions would be in store if Russia does not move swiftly to reduce tensions in restive eastern Ukraine.

In a telephone call with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, Obama also vowed he would press Russia to persuade separatist groups to abide by the fragile ceasefire agreement and "stop the flow of weapons and militants across the border", the White House said.

Kiev and Washington still accuse Putin of covertly arming the rebels in retaliation for the February ouster of a pro-Russian administration.

US Secretary of State John Kerry echoed Obama Wednesday, saying at NATO talks in Brussels that Russia must take "many concrete" steps to de-escalate the worst East-West standoff since the Cold War.

Rebel commanders had agreed Monday to a temporary ceasefire set by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.

However Poroshenko on Tuesday night threatened to unleash a powerful new military campaign after the downing by a pro-Russian militia of an army helicopter, killing nine servicemen outside the rebel bastion of Slavyansk, and the loss of two troops in sporadic attacks.

The 48-year-old chocolate tycoon´s ominous warning dented hopes of the sides mediating an end to 11 weeks of guerrilla warfare that has killed more than 435 people and brought the nation of 46 million to the brink of collapse.

The truce is set to end Friday after just two rounds of inconclusive talks. Poroshenko joined German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande for an urgently-agreed conference call with Putin Wednesday, which Paris said lasted more than an hour.

The French presidency said Hollande and Merkel "encouraged" Putin and Poroshenko to "work together, especially in order to put in place a mechanism to oversee the truce".

Poroshenko´s office added that the four agreed to continue the talks on Thursday in order to discuss a series of proposals made by Merkel that may be difficult for the Kremlin to accept.

World media body warns of taking Geo issue to UN, EU

 

PARIS: International organisation Reporters Without Borders has expressed grave concern over the illegal closure of Geo TV in different cities of Pakistan, warning that if the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) did not stop unilateral action against Jang and Geo, they would raise the issue at the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU).
The Reporters Without Borders Asia Desk in-charge has said that a remedy must be found to counter the dangers faced by the staff of Jang and Geo.

“In our view, the prime minister and the government must take some solid steps to provide protection to journalists. We have already reacted to the notice issued by Pemra to Geo,” he said.

In an interview with this correspondent in Paris, he said, “In Pakistan there are laws and an authority to regulate the media and they should work in accordance with the prescribed rules, and the rules should be implemented in accordance with democratic principles. It is totally against principles if five members of Pemra recommend the closure of Jang and Geo. Moreover, it is never commendable to threaten the media on one pretext or the other. We are reviewing the situation in the wake of pressure on Geo and the Jang Group from different angles.”

He said: “It is more than one month but no progress seems to have been made in the assassination bid on senior anchorperson Hamid Mir. People should be kept on board in this connection. We are waiting for the report of the commission in this regard.”

He said that he was confident that the Supreme Court would provide justice to Jang and Geo. He said that they were much concerned with the situation.

EU warns against ban on Geo

ISLAMABAD: Amidst efforts to shutdown the Geo TV, the Brussels-based European Union Trade Commission has warned that it was monitoring Pakistan’s situation, and the country’s GSP Plus status could be withdrawn in case of serious restrictions on the freedom of speech.

John Clancy, the EU Trade spokesman, was officially responding to a query regarding a sustained campaign against Pakistan’s largest TV channel Geo after an assassination bid on the channel’s most famous anchor Hamid Mir last month. Mir was shot six times by unknown assailants in the port city of Karachi on April 19.

Under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP+) scheme, Pakistan is allowed duty-free exports to the EU which has resulted in an annual increase in revenue of around €574 million (Rs78 billion).Clancy said Pakistan was granted the GSP+ preferences because it complies with the EU criteria of ratification.

“Nevertheless, this compliance is continuously monitored by the EU and, in case it is established that restrictions on freedom of speech constitute a serious violation of those conventions, the GSP+ could be removed by the EU as a result of an investigation,” Clancy told The News in an email from Belgium’s capital.

The EU is Pakistan’s single largest trade partner.The spokesman further added that apart from GSP, respect for the freedom of speech is also a key element of powerful regional bloc’s agenda.

“GSP is primarily a trade tool; the respect of human rights is relevant not only in the GSP context but is also a key element in the broader political agenda of the EU-Pakistan relations,” Clancy added.

Under the GSP+ scheme, Pakistan is bound to uphold the freedom of expression as it has signed a “binding undertaking” with the EU to effectively implement 27 core international conventions. One of these conventions is International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 1966, which calls for complete freedom of expression in the country.

There is a strict and effective mechanism devised by the EU to monitor the implementation of these conventions. In 2010, the EU revoked Sri Lanka’s GSP+ status over its human rights record.

Earlier this month, the EU had expressed concerns over attack on journalists in Pakistan, including serious attempts on lives of Hamid Mir and Raza Rumi.Michael Mann, a spokesperson for the High Representative/ European External Action Service, had informed ‘The News’ that the matter would be taken up during the EU’s 2014 human rights dialogue with Pakistan.

“Although, the biggest threat to Pakistani journalists is armed groups, there are also allegations of abuses committed by the military against journalists who report critically on their actions,” Mann said.He said that the EU delegation in Islamabad had and would continue to raise concerns with the Pakistani authorities about the freedom of expression in Pakistan.

Pak govt must defend media freedom: US, UK, EU

ISLAMABAD: The United States, the United Kingdom and Delegation of the European Union on Friday called upon the Government of Pakistan to resolutely defend the media freedom in the country, adding that gags on the media and attacks on journalists were not acceptable.
While marking the World Press Freedom Day today, May 3, and supporting freedom of expression, they have also made mention of the recent assassination bid on Geo’s top anchor Hamid Mir and called upon the government to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The European Union Delegation, in agreement with the EU Heads of Mission in Pakistan, expressed in a statement its deep concern over the steadily deteriorating environment for media freedom in Pakistan.

“The recent attacks on well-known journalists Raza Rumi and Hamid Mir are only the latest in a large number of incidents. Since 2008, thirty-four members of the media have been killed, making Pakistan one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists,” says the EU, while underlining that freedom of expression is a fundamental principle in a democratic society given its essential role for the realisation of other human rights. The EU Delegation and EU Member States Missions, while welcoming the commitment of the Government of Pakistan to investigate the case of Hamid Mir, expects that similar attention will be paid to all other cases. They note that in many cases the offenders have not been brought to trial.

“The EU Delegation and EU Member States Missions therefore call upon the Government of Pakistan to ensure that all abuses committed against journalists are duly investigated and that appropriate action is taken against perpetrators while the public is provided with information on the outcome of enquiries,” adds the statement.

A strong appeal was also made to the government to resolutely defend the media freedom, this being an important component of freedom of expression as defined in Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Pakistan is party and has already made a strong commitment to uphold as part of the GSP Plus scheme.

“The EU Delegation and EU Member States Missions reiterate their call on the Government of Pakistan to create an environment where the media can work freely, effectively and without fear. The Delegation and Member States Missions stand ready to assist Pakistan in developing the necessary conditions for this,” adds the statement.

The US Embassy, which earlier gave two statements in support of Hamid Mir, on Friday while marking the World Press Freedom Day, said it recognises, honours and underscores the essential role of independent media in fostering and protecting freedom of expression and democratic principles.

“The United States values freedom of the press as a key component of democratic governance. Democratic societies are not infallible, but they are accountable, and the exchange of ideas is the foundation for accountable governance. In the United States and in many places around the world, the press fosters active debate, provides investigative reporting, and serves as a forum to express different points of view, particularly on behalf of those who are marginalised in society,” said the statement.

British High Commissioner in Pakistan Philip Barton, in a hard hitting statement, said: “It is hard to escape the fact that 2014 has so far been a particularly bloody year for journalism in Pakistan. A range of media houses from across the political spectrum have been attacked. Journalists and their support staff have been targeted and in some cases, tragically, killed.”

Saying that Pakistan remains one of the world’s most dangerous places to be a journalist, the high commissioner adds: “Since my arrival in Pakistan at the beginning of the year, I have been struck by the vibrancy of the country’s media. This breadth and diversity is striking and is proof of how far the industry has come since 2008’s deregulatory reforms.”

Calling on “all” in Pakistan to support a free and fair press, where journalists can go about their vital work without fear, intimidation or harassment, the high commissioner noted: “Journalists, bloggers, media organisations and individuals must be allowed to operate and to express themselves freely and safely in line with international standards. The recent surge in violence against journalists in Pakistan highlights the need for action in this area.”

Pakistani journalists, he added, have played a central role in embedding public support for democratic values – “witnessed so clearly in last year’s historic elections”. Freedom of expression, he says, is fundamental to a strong democracy.

“An open and effective press serves to improve the environment for long-term social, political and economic stability. Journalists are crucial to this work,” he adds.

EU calls on Pak government to protect media freedom

BRUSSELS: The European Union (EU) has called on the Pakistani government to protect media freedom in a statement issued here on Friday.

In its statement the EU said an atmosphere should be created in the country in which the media can operate with freedom and it was ready to assist Pakistan in this regard. Expressing concern over media freedom in Pakistan, the EU in its statement said freedom of expression was essential in a democratic society.

The EU welcomed the Pakistani government’s investigation on the attack on senior Geo News anchor Hamid Mir, stating that people should be kept aware of probes conducting into attacks on journalists.

According to the EU 34 journalists had been killed since 2008 and Pakistan was the most dangerous country for journalists. The EU said that trials were not held in several cases of attacks on journalists and the Pakistani government should investigate them.

EU names 15 new Ukraine crisis targets for sanctions

BRUSSELS: The European Union has released the names of 15 new targets of sanctions because of their roles in the Ukraine crisis.

The list released Tuesday includes Gen. Valery Gerasimov, chief of the Russian General Staff, and Lt. Gen. Igor Sergun, identified as head of GRU, the Russian military intelligence agency.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak and pro-Russian separatist leaders in Crimea and the eastern Ukrainian cities of Lugansk and Donetsk were also on the list.

EU chief diplomat Ashton arrives in Iran

TEHRAN: EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton, who coordinates nuclear talks between Iran and world powers, arrived Saturday in Tehran, media reported, amid a thaw in ties between Iran and the European bloc.
"Ashton and her political and economic delegation arrived in Tehran and were officially welcomed by Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi," official IRNA news agency said.
Ashton's visit is the first to Iran by an EU policy chief since 2008.

Exports to EU to get a boost: fiscal year 2014 revised cotton target almost achieved

Pakistan has almost achieved the revised estimated cotton production target of 12.33 million bales set for the current season 2013-14, which would positively affect the country's exports, especially to EU countries under the GSP Plus, official sources told Business Recorder.

The Cotton Crop Assessment Committee (CCAC) initially projected cotton production estimates at 13.22 million bales and later twice revised them downward to 11.95 million bales. However, in the last meeting cotton production was estimated at 12.33 million bales according to which Punjab was expected to produce 8.7 million bales of cotton against the initial projection of 9.6 million bales, Sindh 3.15 million bales against 3.5 million bales, Balochistan 0.108 against 0.18 million bales and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 0.00043 million bales.

According to officials during 2013-14, cotton was planted on an area of 5.40 million acres against the target of 6 million acres, showing 9 percent decrease from the set target and 5.2 percent decrease from the last year's area sown in Punjab where rain and floods damaged about 120,000 acres of land. The officials attributed the decline in sowing to the lower prices of cotton seed during last two-three years and farmers' preference towards maize, sugarcane and rice crops due to monetary advantages over cotton. Further, rains delayed harvesting of potato crop in upper Punjab, which also resulted in late/less sowing of cotton crop in those areas.

The officials maintained that about 1.41 million acres of land was sown in Sindh province against 1.60 million acres of land during last year, depicting 13 percent decrease in sowing. Early sown cotton crop in lower Sindh was attacked by pink bollworm and mealy bug while 5-10 percent of kacha area was damaged due to floods in upper Sindh as well.

According to the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) fortnightly report around 13.32 million cotton bales were sourced to the country's ginners by March 1, depicting an increase of 4.43 percent against last year figure at 12.76 million bales during the same period. About 11.96 million cotton bales were sold to the textile units and exporters bought 0.36 million bales. Thus, overall 12.32 million bales were traded so far. Officials maintained that CCAC cotton crop assessment is based on an average weight of 170-kg per bale whereas the PCGA places their estimates at an average weight of 155-kg per bale.

The government has fixed cotton production target for the next season (2014-15) at 15.10 million bales from an area of 3.128 million hectare according to which Punjab will produce 10.5 million cotton bales from 2.428 million hectare, Sindh will covered 0.650 million hectare land and would produce 4.200 million cotton bales, Balochistan will grow cotton on 0.050 million hectare and will produce 0.400 million cotton bales, KP will cover 0.00035 million hectare land and would produce 0.0015 million cotton bales.

EU to give Rs10 billion for poverty reduction in Sindh

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah has appreciated the offer of Rs 10 billion by European Union (EU) for extending Sindh Union Council Based Poverty Reduction Programme (SUCBPR) from 12 Sindh districts to all.
The offer was given by the EU delegation during a meeting with the chief minister here on Friday.
Matters relating to Sindh Rural Support Organization (SRSO) also came under discussion.
According to proposed 5-year plan for extending the (SUCBPR) Programme which initially started in Shikarpur and Kashmore in 2011 through Sindh Social Relief Fund and later on extended up to 12 districts including Jacobabad and Tharparkar, Sindh Government would have to bear Rs. 17 billion more to execute it in entire Sindh province.
The chief minister appreciated the interest shown by the European Union for empowerment of women folk and social development in the province.
He was of the view that empowerment of women, eradication of poverty, providing employment and over all development were the main objectives of his government.
He asked the Additional Chief Secretary Development and Secretary Finance to co-ordinate, examine and evaluate the feasibility report of the plan and submit to him with their recommendation so that these could be included in the future development porgamme.

EU freezes assets of ousted Ukrainian leader, Yanukovych and 17 others

European Union (EU), a 28-nation bloc on 6 March 2014 froze the assets of Viktor Yanukovych, the ousted Ukrainian leader and Mykola Azarov, the ex-premier. The assets of other 16 former ministers, businessmen and security chiefs were also frozen. The assets were frozen on grounds of fraud as the Ukrainian officials suspected the misuse of state funds and violation of human rights.

This decision was taken by the leaders of European Union during an emergency summit held in Brussels. The summit was held to discuss the crisis in Ukraine’s Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, which at present is under de-facto control of pro-Russian forces.

Earlier, the foreign ministers of EU on 20 February 2014 decided to apply sanctions to any Ukrainian officials who were deemed as responsible for violence against protesters. But the final decision was made during the emergency talks.

These 18 people were listed in the official journal of European Union and these people have been targeted as the people who are subject to criminal proceedings in Ukraine to investigate crimes in connection with the embezzlement of Ukrainian state funds and their illegal transfer outside Ukraine.

These sanctions will be in effect for an initial period of 12 months with an aim to enable Ukraine’s new authorities to recover the frozen funds. Similar moves were also announced by Austria. Swiss authorities have also ordered freeze of assets of all the 18 people including Yanukovych and Oleksandr. Liechtenstein has also frozen the bank accounts of the same officials.

In another movement, MPs in the southern Ukrainian region of Crimea have also voted to formally become part of the Russian Federation.