http://www.ccd21.org/ All the latest news and activities of the Council for a Community of Democracies community of democracies, democracy, league of democracies, warsaw declaration, democracy education, diplomat's handbook Government & Organizations Non-Profit en Copyright 2008 hollingsworth@ccd21.org (Daniel Hollingsworth) http://www.ccd21.org/images/common/logo.gifhttp://www.ccd21.org/ Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:56:52 GMT Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:56:52 GMT RSS DreamFeeder v 2.2.0 The president of Mongolia has declared a four-day state of emergency following violent protests over claims that the June 29 general election was rigged. The president of Mongolia has declared a four-day state of emergency following violent protests over claims that the June 29 general election was rigged. http://ccd21.org/news/mongolia_election_protests.html Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:55:35 GMT Rosalind Elphick manual:1215097012638:8781570543886256:http://www.ccd21.org/RSSfeed.rss Following Zimbabwe opposition leader Tsvangirai’s withdrawal on June 23 from the run-off election, the UN Security Council has issued a statement condemning the violence in Zimbabwe. The Council statement “condemned the campaign of violence against the political opposition in Zimbabwe and the actions of the Government that had denied its political opponents the right to campaign freely, regretting that the violence and the restrictions on the political opposition had made it impossible to hold a free and fair election on 27 June.” Following Zimbabwe opposition leader Tsvangirai’s withdrawal on June 23 from the run-off election, the UN Security Council has issued a statement condemning the violence in Zimbabwe. The Council statement “condemned the campaign of violence against the political opposition in Zimbabwe and the actions of the Government that had denied its political opponents the right to campaign freely, regretting that the violence and the restrictions on the political opposition had made it impossible to hold a free and fair election on 27 June.” http://ccd21.org/news/zimbabwe_unsc_resolution.html Tue, 24 Jun 2008 18:05:25 GMT Marnie Suss manual:1214417170796:13240478483696372:http://www.ccd21.org/RSSfeed.rss Zimbabwe’s MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai has pulled out of the June 27 run-off election due to increasing violence and intimidation by the Mugabe government. The Times reports that Tsvangirai said, “Given the totality of [the violence and intimidation] we believe a credible election, which reflects the will of the people, is impossible." Zimbabwe’s MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai has pulled out of the June 27 run-off election due to increasing violence and intimidation by the Mugabe government. The Times reports that Tsvangirai said, “Given the totality of [the violence and intimidation] we believe a credible election, which reflects the will of the people, is impossible." http://ccd21.org/news/zimbabwe_tsvangirai_withdraws.html Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:57:15 GMT Marnie Suss manual:1214319504937:21304973366982984:http://www.ccd21.org/RSSfeed.rss In an open letter ahead of the June 27 presidential runoff election in Zimbabwe, former African heads of state, business leaders, academics and leading campaigners, including Kofi Annan, Boutros Boutros-Ghali, and Desmond Tutu, “call for the presidential election to be conducted in a peaceful and transparent manner that allows the citizens of Zimbabwe to express freely their will." In an open letter ahead of the June 27 presidential runoff election in Zimbabwe, former African heads of state, business leaders, academics and leading campaigners, including Kofi Annan, Boutros Boutros-Ghali, and Desmond Tutu, “call for the presidential election to be conducted in a peaceful and transparent manner that allows the citizens of Zimbabwe to express freely their will." http://ccd21.org/news/zimbabwe_elders_letter.html Tue, 17 Jun 2008 18:29:11 GMT Daniel Hollingsworth manual:1213727388348:849116021425752:http://www.ccd21.org/RSSfeed.rss Leaders of the European Union and the United States met in Brdo, Slovenia for the 2008 EU-U.S. Summit. The resulting Summit Declaration identified the Community of Democracies as a multilateral initiative that the parties should encourage. Leaders of the European Union and the United States met in Brdo, Slovenia for the 2008 EU-U.S. Summit. The resulting Summit Declaration identified the Community of Democracies as a multilateral initiative that the parties should encourage. http://ccd21.org/news/eu-us-summit2008.html Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:26:18 GMT Daniel Hollingsworth manual:1213716463458:6497554171348987:http://www.ccd21.org/RSSfeed.rss The Africa Democracy Forum, a network of over 430 democracy and human rights organizations throughout Africa, expresses its deep concern over the worsening political crisis and a large scale of violence against civilians in this pre-presidential runoff election period in Zimbabwe. The Africa Democracy Forum, a network of over 430 democracy and human rights organizations throughout Africa, expresses its deep concern over the worsening political crisis and a large scale of violence against civilians in this pre-presidential runoff election period in Zimbabwe. http://ccd21.org/news/ADF-Zim-statement.html Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:37:01 GMT manual:1213630647161:8819536526040178:http://www.ccd21.org/RSSfeed.rss Two members of the governing coalition in the Ukrainian parliament have left the coalition, leaving the combined blocs of President Viktor Yushchenko and Yulia Tymoshenko without a majority in Parliament. The losses leave the coalition with 225 seats, exactly half of parliament. Two members of the governing coalition in the Ukrainian parliament have left the coalition, leaving the combined blocs of President Viktor Yushchenko and Yulia Tymoshenko without a majority in Parliament. The losses leave the coalition with 225 seats, exactly half of parliament. http://ccd21.org/news/ukraine_coalition_defections.html Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:48:55 GMT Daniel Hollingsworth manual:1212774579844:8327399367610363:http://www.ccd21.org/RSSfeed.rss Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe’s opponent Morgan Tsvangirai was briefly detained on June 4 by Zimbabwe authorities while he was campaigning for a presidential run-off election. The International Herald Tribune writes that Tsvangirai and other party officials had addressed supporters in Lupane without authorization, before being detained at a nearby roadblock. The BBC reports that eight hours later authorities released Tsvangirai without charges. Tsvangirai said, “[this was] nothing but the usual harassment which is totally unnecessary." Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe’s opponent Morgan Tsvangirai was briefly detained on June 4 by Zimbabwe authorities while he was campaigning for a presidential run-off election. The International Herald Tribune writes that Tsvangirai and other party officials had addressed supporters in Lupane without authorization, before being detained at a nearby roadblock. The BBC reports that eight hours later authorities released Tsvangirai without charges. Tsvangirai said, “[this was] nothing but the usual harassment which is totally unnecessary." http://ccd21.org/news/zimbabwe_tsvangirai_detained.html Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:48:25 GMT Marnie Suss manual:1212774579875:6074888127326621:http://www.ccd21.org/RSSfeed.rss June 4 marks the 19th anniversary for the pro-democracy protests in China.The AP estimates that 130 people are still jailed for their participation in the in the protests held in Tiananmen Square. In the 1989 protests, hundreds of people, mostly students, were killed by the military’s attempt to halt opposition. Today, China's college students are more likely to favor nationalistic causes and work within the one-party system. June 4 marks the 19th anniversary for the pro-democracy protests in China.The AP estimates that 130 people are still jailed for their participation in the in the protests held in Tiananmen Square. In the 1989 protests, hundreds of people, mostly students, were killed by the military’s attempt to halt opposition. Today, China's college students are more likely to favor nationalistic causes and work within the one-party system. http://ccd21.org/news/china_tiananmen_anniversary.html Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:23:23 GMT Marnie Suss manual:1212611167731:6977608041502554:http://www.ccd21.org/RSSfeed.rss Five months after the national election in Thailand ended military control, a string of protests have filled the streets. Protestors “want to see the former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, put on trial for corruption” because they feel he is a threat to the position of the monarchy. Five months after the national election in Thailand ended military control, a string of protests have filled the streets. Protestors “want to see the former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, put on trial for corruption” because they feel he is a threat to the position of the monarchy. http://ccd21.org/news/thailand_protests.html Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:14:06 GMT Marnie Suss manual:1212592531824:8784185403115826:http://www.ccd21.org/RSSfeed.rss Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in Zimbabwe and the apparent winner of the March Presidential Elections, has released a letter sent to South African President Thabo Mbeki on May 13, requesting that Mbeki remove himself from his role as exclusive mediator of the crisis in Zimbabwe. Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in Zimbabwe and the apparent winner of the March Presidential Elections, has released a letter sent to South African President Thabo Mbeki on May 13, requesting that Mbeki remove himself from his role as exclusive mediator of the crisis in Zimbabwe. http://ccd21.org/news/tsvangirai_letter.html Mon, 02 Jun 2008 19:49:15 GMT Daniel Hollingsworth manual:1212436180359:4219757427524924:http://www.ccd21.org/RSSfeed.rss A May 30 article in the New York Times details the legal battle between Chee Soon Juan, leader of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) and member of the Nongovernmental International Steering Committee of the Community of Democracies (ISC/CD), reflecting a growing international awareness of the case. A May 30 article in the New York Times details the legal battle between Chee Soon Juan, leader of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) and member of the Nongovernmental International Steering Committee of the Community of Democracies (ISC/CD), reflecting a growing international awareness of the case. http://ccd21.org/news/singapore_nyt_chee_trial.html Fri, 30 May 2008 17:19:11 GMT Daniel Hollingsworth manual:1212167987546:3242490137515829:http://www.ccd21.org/RSSfeed.rss The Washington Post reports an increase of non-profit and grass-roots organizations which have supported the relief efforts of the recent earthquake in China. The decision by the Chinese government to allow non-governmental organizations assist with disaster relief is a departure from previous policy, a shift that has positively impacted the aid effort. The Washington Post reports an increase of non-profit and grass-roots organizations which have supported the relief efforts of the recent earthquake in China. The decision by the Chinese government to allow non-governmental organizations assist with disaster relief is a departure from previous policy, a shift that has positively impacted the aid effort. http://ccd21.org/news/china_quake_relief.html Thu, 29 May 2008 20:08:46 GMT Marnie Suss manual:1212091776515:3759310855229524:http://www.ccd21.org/RSSfeed.rss Soon Juan Chee, leader of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) and Member of the Nongovernmental International Steering Committee of the Community of Democracies (ISC/CD), had an opportunity on May 28 to directly question Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his father, former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, in an ongoing court battle that threatens to bankrupt the SDP. Soon Juan Chee, leader of the Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) and Member of the Nongovernmental International Steering Committee of the Community of Democracies (ISC/CD), had an opportunity on May 28 to directly question Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his father, former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, in an ongoing court battle that threatens to bankrupt the SDP. http://ccd21.org/news/singapore_court.html Wed, 28 May 2008 18:50:59 GMT Daniel Hollingsworth manual:1212000689109:5231661855218449:http://www.ccd21.org/RSSfeed.rss The Central Election Commission of Georgia has verified the results of the May 21 Parliamentary election, confirming that the United National Movement of President Mikhail Saakashvili won a major victory with 59.5% of the vote, with the second place party receiving 17.7%. The Central Election Commission of Georgia has verified the results of the May 21 Parliamentary election, confirming that the United National Movement of President Mikhail Saakashvili won a major victory with 59.5% of the vote, with the second place party receiving 17.7%. http://ccd21.org/news/georgia_ieom_assessment.html Fri, 23 May 2008 18:59:46 GMT Daniel Hollingsworth manual:1211569241247:6586997461109968:http://www.ccd21.org/RSSfeed.rss Exit polls from a Wednesday, May 21 parliamentary vote in Georgia predict a resounding win for the party of President Mikhail Saakashvili. Conflict between Georgia and Russia in recent weeks framed the election as a test of Saakashvili’s pro-Western stance. Exit polls from a Wednesday, May 21 parliamentary vote in Georgia predict a resounding win for the party of President Mikhail Saakashvili. Conflict between Georgia and Russia in recent weeks framed the election as a test of Saakashvili’s pro-Western stance. http://ccd21.org/news/georgia_votes_russian_tensions.html Wed, 21 May 2008 19:36:24 GMT Daniel Hollingsworth manual:1211398649694:9236817737220676:http://www.ccd21.org/RSSfeed.rss Three people, including a Vietnamese national, a Thai and a US citizen were charged and convicted of “terrorism” in Vietnam on Tuesday, May 13. Judge Vu Phi Long presided over the trial that sentenced the three defendants to up to nine months in jail. The court decided that the three defendants were guilty of “inciting riots” and were a “threat to the security of the state.” The court accused the defendants of being a part of the Viet Tan – a “terrorist” organization according to authorities. Three people, including a Vietnamese national, a Thai and a US citizen were charged and convicted of “terrorism” in Vietnam on Tuesday, May 13. Judge Vu Phi Long presided over the trial that sentenced the three defendants to up to nine months in jail. The court decided that the three defendants were guilty of “inciting riots” and were a “threat to the security of the state.” The court accused the defendants of being a part of the Viet Tan – a “terrorist” organization according to authorities. http://ccd21.org/news/vietnam_activists_terrorism.html Tue, 13 May 2008 20:19:05 GMT Marnie Suss manual:1210710020607:6626368185344673:http://www.ccd21.org/RSSfeed.rss With parliamentary elections scheduled for May 21, public confidence in international election monitors to ensure a free and fair vote in Georgia appears to be waning. Both the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and European Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) released statements recently voicing concern over the low level of confidence in Georgia regarding the election process. With parliamentary elections scheduled for May 21, public confidence in international election monitors to ensure a free and fair vote in Georgia appears to be waning. Both the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and European Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) released statements recently voicing concern over the low level of confidence in Georgia regarding the election process. http://ccd21.org/news/georgia_election_concerns.html Wed, 07 May 2008 20:48:48 GMT Joseph Catapano manual:1210279763156:3723650693629378:http://www.ccd21.org/RSSfeed.rss Chinese authorities have made their first admission regarding the death of Tibetans at the hands of government security forces. Tibetan exile groups claim that the Chinese have killed over 200 in crackdowns in the region that has seen violence since shortly after a peaceful protest began on March 10 by Buddhist monks, marking the anniversary of the failed Tibetan uprising. Chinese authorities have made their first admission regarding the death of Tibetans at the hands of government security forces. Tibetan exile groups claim that the Chinese have killed over 200 in crackdowns in the region that has seen violence since shortly after a peaceful protest began on March 10 by Buddhist monks, marking the anniversary of the failed Tibetan uprising. http://ccd21.org/news/china_tibet_deaths.html Thu, 01 May 2008 19:35:15 GMT Joseph Catapano manual:1209756954876:22387182652345210:http://www.ccd21.org/RSSfeed.rss The Washington Post reports that the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party in Zimbabwe has officially won the majority of parliamentary seats after the electoral commission confirmed the results of 10 seats that were under dispute. The Zimbabwe Election Commission (ZEC) has also stated that the results for the presidential election will be released in the next few days unless any of the tallies are challenged. The Washington Post reports that the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party in Zimbabwe has officially won the majority of parliamentary seats after the electoral commission confirmed the results of 10 seats that were under dispute. The Zimbabwe Election Commission (ZEC) has also stated that the results for the presidential election will be released in the next few days unless any of the tallies are challenged. http://ccd21.org/news/zimbabwe_mdc_wins_recount.html Tue, 29 Apr 2008 01:29:24 GMT Jane Clark manual:1209519016281:2452709524018417:http://www.ccd21.org/RSSfeed.rss The first results in a recount of the Zimbabwe Presidential Election have been released; President Robert Mugabe’s Zanu-PF party retained their seat in Goromonzi West, and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) retained their seat in Zaka West according to the Zimbabwe Election Commission (ZEC) in a report by BBC NEWS. The first results in a recount of the Zimbabwe Presidential Election have been released; President Robert Mugabe’s Zanu-PF party retained their seat in Goromonzi West, and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) retained their seat in Zaka West according to the Zimbabwe Election Commission (ZEC) in a report by BBC NEWS. http://ccd21.org/news/zimbabwe_recount.html Wed, 23 Apr 2008 19:09:37 GMT Joseph Catapano manual:1208977809684:73950700173898:http://www.ccd21.org/RSSfeed.rss