with spectacular New Years Eve fireworks in London, and best of all they're free, guaranteeing you see the New Year in with style.New Years Eve Fireworks in LondonWith Bonfire Night a fading memory there’s one last chance to see a spectacular fireworks display in London on New Years Eve. The skies of the capital will be alive with light and colour on 31st December 2007 with a grand fireworks display at the London Eye, promising something special for New Years Eve and the beginning of 2008.World class fireworks for a night to rememberThis year’s New Years Eve fireworks in London will be produced by the team responsible for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. As a result, the area around London Eye and along South Bank will be a vibrant place to see in 2008. The 2006 fireworks were even awarded the Public event of the Year 2006 at the Eventia UK Awards, just showing you how good these puppies are.Travel around town for freeThe crowds will be out in force but getting where you need to go shouldn’t be too much trouble on New Years Eve, rumour has it that there'll be free tube travel again from 11.45pm – 4.30am on New Years Day.The New Years Eve fireworks in London will take place at the London Eye, South Bank on 31st December 2007, and is due to begin shortly before midnight. The event is free to attend.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
This blog and our TV program Swahili diaries on BEN TELEVISION sky 194 wishes all our well wishers and supporters a happy new year .Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters in kenya especially during this difficult and turbulent time of political transition.Stay blessed.Ayoub mzee
Monday, 31 December 2007
Kenyans riot over president's re-election - Haroon Siddique and agencies Monday December 31, 2007
The UK Government Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice on Kenya has been updated 31 December 2007 'This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary (continuing serious unrest).
The overall level of the advice has not changed.' Source: http://www.fco.gov.uk/
speeches:
CHOGM closing executive ceremony
Opening Ceremony, Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
Opening ceremony, Commonwealth Business Forum
'Transforming Societies, Changing Lives' is the title of the 2007 Report by the Commonwealth Secretary-General. The report is prepared biennially for Commonwealth Heads of Government, outlining the current work of the Commonwealth Secretariat and its vision for the future.
Download PDF
Transforming Societies, Changing Lives - Report of the Commonwealth Secretary-General 2007
Commonwealth Secretary-General condemns assassination of Benazir Bhutto
27 December 2007
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Don McKinnon, has strongly condemned the killing of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in Rawalpindi earlier today, and expressed his deep shock and sorrow. The following is the text of his statement:
“This is a heinous and cowardly act of violence, and an utterly senseless tragedy. My heart goes out to Ms Bhutto’s husband and children, to other members of the bereaved family, and to all her followers and admirers. On behalf of the Commonwealth, I convey my deepest sympathy at the loss they and the people of Pakistan have suffered. My condolences go also to the families of the many others killed in this attack.
This is a dark day for Pakistan and the Commonwealth. I strongly condemn this outrageous act. Violence can serve no useful purpose in any society, especially in one that is seeking to rebuild democracy and reconcile deep divisions. Such an act can only strengthen the hands of those who seek to repudiate the path of democracy and dialogue.
Benazir Bhutto was a woman of charisma and courage. Barely two months ago, on the very day of her return to Pakistan, she escaped narrowly in another appalling attack on her convoy, which claimed 150 innocent lives. She still pursued her political and public life, as she wanted to make a contribution to her country.
I hope that this terrible tragedy will make crystal clear the folly of violence and the importance of restraint and reconciliation as the only way of consolidating the democratic process. The Commonwealth stands by Pakistan in that effort.”
Note to Editors
On 22 November 2007, on the eve of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kampala, Pakistan was suspended from the councils of the Commonwealth over “the serious violation of the Commonwealth’s fundamental political values”.
The Commonwealth has pledged to remain closely engaged with Pakistan, as a valued member of the Commonwealth, in the restoration of democracy and the rule of law. It promised in Kampala to review progress following the conduct of scheduled parliamentary elections in January 2008. The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group underlined its support for and solidarity with the people of Pakistan, “who have a right to enjoy the provisions and protections of its Constitution, with fundamental freedoms of expression and assembly, and the rule of law”.
For media inquiries, please contact Eduardo del Buey, Official Spokesperson and Director of Communications on telephone number +44(0)20 7747 6380 or by email: e.delbuey@commonwealth.int
ISSUED BY THE COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIVISIONCommonwealth Secretariat Marlborough House Pall Mall London SW1Y 5HX United KingdomTel: +44 (0)20 7747 6385/6 Fax: +44 (0)20 7839 9081 Email: info@commonwealth.int
Opening Ceremony, Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
Opening ceremony, Commonwealth Business Forum
'Transforming Societies, Changing Lives' is the title of the 2007 Report by the Commonwealth Secretary-General. The report is prepared biennially for Commonwealth Heads of Government, outlining the current work of the Commonwealth Secretariat and its vision for the future.
Download PDF
Transforming Societies, Changing Lives - Report of the Commonwealth Secretary-General 2007
Commonwealth Secretary-General condemns assassination of Benazir Bhutto
27 December 2007
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Don McKinnon, has strongly condemned the killing of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in Rawalpindi earlier today, and expressed his deep shock and sorrow. The following is the text of his statement:
“This is a heinous and cowardly act of violence, and an utterly senseless tragedy. My heart goes out to Ms Bhutto’s husband and children, to other members of the bereaved family, and to all her followers and admirers. On behalf of the Commonwealth, I convey my deepest sympathy at the loss they and the people of Pakistan have suffered. My condolences go also to the families of the many others killed in this attack.
This is a dark day for Pakistan and the Commonwealth. I strongly condemn this outrageous act. Violence can serve no useful purpose in any society, especially in one that is seeking to rebuild democracy and reconcile deep divisions. Such an act can only strengthen the hands of those who seek to repudiate the path of democracy and dialogue.
Benazir Bhutto was a woman of charisma and courage. Barely two months ago, on the very day of her return to Pakistan, she escaped narrowly in another appalling attack on her convoy, which claimed 150 innocent lives. She still pursued her political and public life, as she wanted to make a contribution to her country.
I hope that this terrible tragedy will make crystal clear the folly of violence and the importance of restraint and reconciliation as the only way of consolidating the democratic process. The Commonwealth stands by Pakistan in that effort.”
Note to Editors
On 22 November 2007, on the eve of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kampala, Pakistan was suspended from the councils of the Commonwealth over “the serious violation of the Commonwealth’s fundamental political values”.
The Commonwealth has pledged to remain closely engaged with Pakistan, as a valued member of the Commonwealth, in the restoration of democracy and the rule of law. It promised in Kampala to review progress following the conduct of scheduled parliamentary elections in January 2008. The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group underlined its support for and solidarity with the people of Pakistan, “who have a right to enjoy the provisions and protections of its Constitution, with fundamental freedoms of expression and assembly, and the rule of law”.
For media inquiries, please contact Eduardo del Buey, Official Spokesperson and Director of Communications on telephone number +44(0)20 7747 6380 or by email: e.delbuey@commonwealth.int
ISSUED BY THE COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIVISIONCommonwealth Secretariat Marlborough House Pall Mall London SW1Y 5HX United KingdomTel: +44 (0)20 7747 6385/6 Fax: +44 (0)20 7839 9081 Email: info@commonwealth.int
photo: Ayoub mzeeThe Ghana president Kuafor Arriving at the closing ceremony retreat at CHOGM
New Year Honour for Commonwealth Secretary-General
31 December 2007
McKinnon receives New Zealand’s highest award
Rt Hon Don McKinnon, Commonwealth Secretary-General, has been made a member of the Order of New Zealand, his country’s highest honour.
The award marks 30 years of public service to New Zealand, including the past eight years at the helm of the Commonwealth.
“I have had a fantastically interesting and inspiring time. The work is always demanding, occasionally it is frustrating but more often it is possible to make a real and positive difference to people’s lives,” Mr McKinnon said.
He added that during his eight years as Secretary-General, he had seen the very best and the very worst of what people can do to and for each other.
“I think the expression ‘humbled’ is usually employed when accepting an honour. For me the word was redefined on a visit to war torn Sierra Leone in 2001. At a rehabilitation camp, I was greeted by smiling children, from babies, toddlers, bright-eyed six and seven year-olds, to those a bit older.
“After my warm welcome they then offered a prayer for me -- this from children, all of whom were missing hands, arms, or their legs -- victims of frenzied violence in which their parents were also murdered. That is a truly humbling experience.
“I have encountered many acts of cruelty but even greater examples of courage among people from all parts of the Commonwealth. Sometimes it takes courage and nerve simply to continue working steadily in seemingly hopeless situations.”Mr McKinnon added that he wanted to share his honour with those who had worked with him to help others, including Presidents and Prime Ministers, his staff over the past 30 years, and NGO workers.
Mr McKinnon was a member of New Zealand’s Parliament from 1978 to 2000 and served as Foreign Minister from 1990 to 1999, as well as Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the House.
He thanked his family for their support, especially his wife, Clare de Lore “who makes me laugh, and also keeps my feet on the ground.”
KENYA ELECTIONS-KIBAKI TENA
By Vision reporter and agencies
KENYA'S President Mwai Kibaki was last evening declared winner of a disputed election that triggered deadly riots by tens of thousands of opposition supporters. Pushing the stakes still higher, his opposition rival Raila Odinga rejected the results as rigged and announced an alternative inauguration for today in Nairobi’s Uhuru Park. To curb spreading chaos in a country known as a haven of stability in the region, the government sent trucks of police onto the streets and banned live TV transmissions. According to the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK), Kibaki won with 4,584,721 votes, while Odinga got 4,352,993. As smoke billowed from protests in Nairobi’s slums, Kibaki was sworn in on the lawn of State House just an hour after the result was announced, his hand on the Bible. The 76-year-old Kibaki urged Kenyans to put aside election “passions” and promised a corruption-free government to forge unity. “I urge all of us to set aside the divisive views and opinions we held during the campaign period, and instead embrace one another as brothers and sisters.” In a sharp contrast to the chaos and violence caused by the delay in releasing the results and allegations of fraud, Kibaki continued: “The freedom of choice, the openness and integrity of the electoral process, and the peaceful manner in which we conducted ourselves as people has raised Kenya’s democratic profile throughout the world.” Some Kibaki supporters celebrated in the streets. But they were quickly outnumbered by furious Odinga supporters. Nation Television reported that 10 people were killed in Kisii, in Odinga’s ethnic Luo homeland. Police shot into a crowd in Kisumu, killing another three people, residents said. A Reuters reporter was attacked in Kisumu. In Kibera, Nairobi’s biggest shantytown, witnesses said protesters burned shacks as they chanted pro-Odinga slogans. “There’s a lot of heat over here. People are out in their thousands,” Kibera resident Joshua Odutu said against a backdrop of gunshots, whistles and shouting. Earlier in the evening, the head of the electoral commission, Samuel Kivuitu, had to be escorted to safety by paramilitary police amid chaotic scenes at the main vote tallying centre. The chaos erupted when the release of the results of Molo constituency were immediately challenged by the returning officer, who claimed the number of votes for Kibaki had been inflated by 20,000. At a subsequent press conference, an official of the Electoral Commission stunned the media when he declared there had been “shameless, blatant and open alterations” of the presidential results at the commission’s headquarters. Results in his constituencies in Coastal Province and Upper Eastern had been inflated by up to 20,000 votes in favour of Kibaki, he said. Calling the electoral commissioners “Kibaki cronies”, Odinga estimated the extent of rigging at 300,000 votes. “One wonders why Kibaki called these elections if he wanted to continue and rule by decree”, Odinga told journalists. “Kenyans will not accept the results of a rigged election. Nothing will prevent the people of Kenya from achieving what they want.” His party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), said it was planning its own alternative inauguration ceremony of its leader at Nairobi’s Uhuru Park. “We are inviting Kenyans to Uhuru Park, Monday at 2:00pm for the presentation to the nation of the people’s President, elected Honourable Raila Amolo Odinga,” the party said in a statement. Chief European Union observer Alexander Graf Lambsdorff said doubts remained about the accuracy of the final count. “We believe that, at this time, the Electoral Commission, despite the best efforts of its chairman, has not succeeded in establishing the credibility of the tallying process to the satisfaction of all parties and candidates,” he said in a statement. “We regret that it has not been possible to address irregularities about which both the EU and the ECK have evidence. Some doubt remains as to the accuracy of the result of the presidential election as announced today (Sunday).” Britain has expressed concern over the reported irregularities. “We have real concerns at the irregularities reported by the EU observers and others,” said Foreign Secretary David Miliband in a statement. “We call on all Kenya’s political leaders and democratic institutions to work together to address those concerns...” Britain looked forward to working with a “legitimately elected government of Kenya, which commands the support of the Kenyan people.” The election was a pivotal moment for Kenya and its outcome had to be seen by Kenyans to be fair, Miliband said. Violence that had marred the election must not be repeated, he said, urging all sides to “pursue their disputes peacefully through dialogue and the appeals process.” Business leaders said the riots were costing over $30 million a day in lost taxes, not to mention looting damage, and threatened investment and tourism in Kenya. The few supermarkets and food shops that opened in Nairobi yesterday were packed with nervous customers. Shelves of meat, milk, beer, bottled water and other provisions emptied fast. Reactions Koki Muli, Institute of Education in Democracy “This is the saddest day in the history of democracy in this country. It is a coup d’etat. It is not about who wins, it is about the legitimacy and the credibility of the process.” Alexander Lambsdorff, head of EU observers “We regret that it has not been possible to address irregularities about which both the EU and the ECK have evidence... some doubt remains as to the accuracy of the result of the presidential election as announced today.” George Ogola, UK-based political analyst “The voting was fine but the tallying was a bit suspect. The ECK did not handle the situation in the best possible way. They were under pressure from both sides. The post-election parliament needs to look into the independence of the ECK. I don’t think Raila will concede defeat in the short term.” Robert Shaw, economic analyst and businessman “From all the evidence there is, the presidential poll was very flawed and there is no real confirmation that Kibaki is the winner. We are in for a period of violence and turbulence, without doubt.” Mwalimu Mati, Anti-Corruption Mars Group “If the president wanted to have himself announced as president, he should have done that five months ago. He has no right, legal or constitutional, to accept a verdict that says he is president when he knows very, very, very well that he has actually lost the election.” Razia Khan – Africa economist, Standard Chartered Bank “Given the controversy that accompanied the announcement of results by the Electoral Commission of Kenya, and the outbreak of unrest, a relief rally by markets is unlikely. Near term, if the unrest does not subside, the Kenya shilling is likely to come under pressure. Colin Bruce – Country Director World Bank “The results are a very forceful appeal to the government to strengthen programmes that directly benefit the poor in areas such as education, health and employment; continue sound private sector-led growth policies; and massively scale up the fight against corruption.”
