US: Americans to Light a Candle to Stand Up for the Bullies of the Gun Lobby for there is No Season of Peace from Gun Violence

Dennis A. Henigan: No Season of Peace from Gun Violence: "No one who hears the stories of the victims -- those who survived the gunshots and those who did not -- can possibly believe that gun violence is an issue to be determined by the politics of the moment. No one who hears these stories can escape the conclusion that the unnecessary loss of life and untold suffering from easy access to deadly weaponry presents not a political issue but a moral issue. The politicians are not hearing, because they are not listening.

That's why, on Jan. 8, 2012, a year to the day after the Tucson shooting, Americans will join together to ensure that the voices of the victims are honored and are heard. From San Francisco to New York, from Austin to Duluth, Americans will light a candle in remembrance of those struck down, and in protest against the callous inaction of those in power who seem able to find every flimsy excuse for national policies that guarantee that the deadly drumbeat of gun violence will go on and on. The Too Many Victims Candlelight Vigil campaign allows ordinary Americans to make a simple yet powerful statement that our country deserves more than cowering politicians afraid to stand up to the bullies of the gun lobby."

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Israel: Palestinians offer to renew Israel peace talks without settlement freeze, official says

Palestinians offer to renew Israel peace talks without settlement freeze, official says - Haaretz Daily Newspaper | Israel News: "PA reportedly submits new Quartet offer to restart negotiations, demand Israel releases 100 Palestinian prisoners; Israel rejects offer fearing renewal of only low-grade talks."

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Vatican: Pope expresses sadness over ‘senseless’ violence against Christians in Nigeria

Channel 6 News » UPDATE 1 — Pope expresses sadness over ‘senseless’ violence against Christians in Nigeria: "According to Nigerian media reports, the Boko Haram Islamist militant group has claimed responsibility for the deadly Christmas Day attacks. The group has been blamed for most of the region's terrorist attacks and seeks the imposition of an extremist stance of the Shariah law, which is a Muslim code of conduct. The group's name, in the local language of Hausa, roughly translates as 'Western religion is sacrilegious' or 'non-Islamic religion is a sin.'

In early November, a series of bomb and shooting attacks targeting police stations, mosques and churches in northeastern Nigeria left at least 82 people killed and more than 100 injured. The attacks, also claimed by Boko Haram, happened just before the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha."

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EU: Moments of Margaret Thatcher in Meryl Streep Film and EU Debates

Meryl Streep Film and EU Debates Bring Maggie Thatcher's Moment - The Daily Beast: "A British Prime Minister, splendidly isolated, faces down a phalanx of scowling European leaders, all harrumphing censure in accents that are German, French, Italian. We've witnessed the scene before. Decades ago Margaret Thatcher warred with her European counterparts just as David Cameron did this month in refusing to yield control of national budgets to Brussels. The difference is that the Iron Lady did not speak softly when she wielded a big stick. She lambasted ambitious bureaucrats; the artificial Utopian megastate you want to build, she told them, will be a "tower of Babel" dominated by Germany and riven by economic crises. Though she was ousted in 1990 over her refusal to join the monetary union, her skepticism seems to be vindicated with every euro crisis. December 2011 is very much Maggie's moment, and with serendipitous timing, she's there on the big screen in a biopic, The Iron Lady, portrayed with preternatural realism by Meryl Streep."

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Guatemala & El Salvador: U.S. government suspends training for new Peace Corps volunteers while it assesses security concerns

US Nixes Peace Corps Class For Guatemala, Salvador - From the Wires - Salon.com: "A Peace Corps statement says a training course for volunteers scheduled for January will not take place, but those already serving in the two countries are “safe and accounted for.” The corps said Wednesday that “due to ongoing security concerns, the agency is enhancing operational support to currently serving volunteers.” Corps spokeswoman Kristina Edmunson says the corps will try to place volunteers who planned to serve in Guatemala or El Salvador in other countries. Both countries have suffered waves of violent crime and drug-related violence."

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India: Parenting is no kidding- We have moved fr joint families to nuclear families & single parenthood, leaving young parents w/more responsibilities

Parenting is no kidding : North News - India Today: "Family structures have changed over the years. "We have moved from joint families to nuclear families and single parenthood, leaving young parents with more responsibilities," says Komal Mathur, counselor, transaction analysis. "Juggling between careers and home makes it increasingly difficult for parents to keep tabs on their children," admits parent-child counselor, Jessina Merchant. The multiple distractions and options available to kids these days make a parent's job even harder. The influence of the peers is not limited to school and neighborhood any more. "While parents want to keep track of their kids' activities at school, they don't want to intrude too much either," says Reena Nath, family therapist. "

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North Korea: China continued to express support for Mr. Kim's son and apparent successor, Kim Jong Un

Clinton: North Korea Should Follow ‘Path of Peace’ Following Kim’s Death « VOA Breaking News: "In New York, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon offered condolences to the North Korean people and reaffirmed his long-standing commitment to peace and security in the region. The official gesture came as the U.N. General Assembly condemned human rights abuses in North Korea – a vote taken annually by the world body.
In London, British Foreign Secretary William Hague said Mr. Kim's death could be a turning point for North Korea. He also said Pyongyang's engagement with the international community offers the North its best hope for improving the lives of ordinary North Koreans.
French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said France is wary about the consequences of a power transfer in the secretive communist state. He voiced hope that North Korean citizens will gain expanded freedoms."

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Pakistan: Pak critical to peace talks in Afghanistan as it’s Taliban’s hub: Karzai | Firstpost

Pak critical to peace talks in Afghanistan as it’s Taliban’s hub: Karzai | Firstpost:

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Facebook Makes Peace With Greenpeace - Hardware - Data centers - Informationweek

Facebook Makes Peace With Greenpeace - Hardware - Data centers - Informationweek: "Greenpeace in April rated Facebook's data the second dirtiest in a group of IT companies that also included Akamai, Amazon.com, Apple, Google, HP, IBM, Microsoft, Twitter, and Yahoo. Apple's energy usage was deemed to be the most reliant on coal (the source of 54.5% company energy usage) and Facebook followed, with 53.2% of its energy coming from coal. Yahoo fared best in the report, with only 18.3% of its energy usage supported by coal.
Faced with the objections of some 700,000 Facebook users, not to mention petitions, videos, and even an airship above its headquarters promoting renewable energy sources, Facebook has agreed to collaborate with Greenpeace. The social utility, as Facebook refers to itself, will be giving serious thought to how it uses electric utilities."

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UN chief, Security Council urge Cypriot rivals to accelerate peace talks - The Washington Post

UN chief, Security Council urge Cypriot rivals to accelerate peace talks - The Washington Post: "In a resolution extending the U.N. peacekeeping force in Cyprus until July 19, 2012, the Security Council also called on Cypriot President Dimitris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu to intensify the momentum of negotiations and try to resolve key outstanding issues before the meeting.

Ban noted that Cyprus takes over the EU presidency in July 2012 and will be heavily involved in other European issues, “so the window of our opportunities for further progress in negotiation is very much limited.”"

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Syria: Death toll mounts as the international community stalls over what to do with Bashar al-Assad

"The United Nations' human rights commissioner says that more than 5,000 people have now been killed by forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. That number, which includes civilians, army defectors, and soldiers executed for refusing to follow orders, comes as clashes between Syrian security forces and civilian protesters continue to claim casualties today, with at least 11 killed and 26 wounded in a fight in the city of Iblis. The 5,000 is also a sharp revision from the 4,000 offered just last week by Navi Pillay, the rights commissioner, suggesting that violence in the Middle Eastern country is only ramping up nine months into the uprising. The Syrian government says an additional 1,100 soldiers, police, and other regime members have been killed in the clashes. Pillay has urged the UN Security Council to issue war crimes warrants against Assad and his regime, but the council has been reluctant to pass harsh measures against Assad due to opposition from Russia and China." 'via Blog this' Canada News, Commentary, Analysis, Blogs | The Mark:

Norway & Swededen: "Peace prize helps grow the community of peace makers and "give them a platform that is just as strong as the corrupters"

Royals, Mirren honor Nobel Peace Prize winners - Celebrity Circuit - CBS News: "The concert honored this year's Nobel Peace prize winners, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and women's right activist Leymah Gbowee, also of Liberia, and democracy activist Tawakkul Karman of Yemen. Together, the three have boosted the number of women who have received the peace prize from 12 to 15. Sweden's Queen Silvia, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Crown Princess Victoria attended the Nobel Prize ceremony at the Concert Hall in Stockholm on Saturday. Also attending the Nobel Peace Prize events were Norway's King Harald V, Queen Sonja, Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Crown Prince Haakon. British actress Helen Mirren co-hosted the Nobel Peace Prize concert on Sunday with actress Rosario Dawson. Performers included David Gray, Jill Scott, Evanescence and Sugarland."

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Yemen: On Friday of Dignity, people marched saying “peace, peace”, even though they were being shot at, they did not stop but continued marching...

Yemen's Alsaidi: We cannot follow Atatürk's secular model: "Yes, about 1,200 civilians were killed. There is a supposition that (a revolution) in Yemen would have been bloodier than in other (countries) because Yemen is heavily armed and the Yemenis are tribal people. Yes, there are a lot of arms in Yemen, but this issue of tribalism is questionable. Those people have one definition of tribalism and apply it to every case. Yemen went through different stages in history. And don't forget that Yemen is older than the Roman Empire. Yemenis are law-abiding citizens. They are not tribal people who like fighting. There are tribes, but they do not fight among each other, as is wrongly perceived. They intermarry and live in harmony with one another; they rarely clash. On the “Friday of Dignity,” held on March 18, when 52 people were killed by sharpshooters, people marched saying “peace, peace.” Even though they were being shot at, they did not stop but continued marching and at the same time said “peace, peace.” You'd cry if you had seen that scene from the protest. They did not resort to arms." said, Abdullah M. Alsaidi

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Abdullah M. Alsaidi, Yemen's ambassador to the UN who quit from his post after the regime killed peaceful protesters.

Currently a senior fellow at the New York-based International Peace Institute (IPI), Ambassador Alsaidi was the permanent representative of Yemen to the United Nations from 2002 until his resignation in March 2011 in response to the killings of dozens of demonstrators by pro-government forces in Sana'a. He held important government positions, including deputy minister for foreign affairs from 1999 to 2002 and member of the National Arbitration Committee with Eritrea over the Hanish Islands from 1996 to 2002. He received his BA degree in political science from Long Island University in 1975 and his MA in political science from Columbia University in 1982. Ambassador Alsaidi was also a co-chair of the IPI's task force on strengthening multilateral security capacity in 2008.

In his words: “He [Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh] used to call me at night to ask for my opinion, and when I disagreed with him -- about Iraq and Kuwait -- he said: ‘You know what? I think you're right.' Around 2005, that sort of thing stopped. Last year, when I wrote in a report to him that the UN was thinking of contingency plans for Yemen in the event of an uprising, the administration phoned me five times to say, ‘The president is not happy with your report because it isn't true'.”

US: District of Colombia: Tops Peace Corps rankings @ 8.4 Peace Corps volunteers per 100,000 residents, the highest rate of any area

"DC-Arlington-Alexandria vicinity has 372 Peace Corps volunteers, which means it trails only the New York-New Jersey-Long Island metro area (with 393) in the sheer number of folks who serve in the corps. Peace Corps volunteers even rank among the town’s boldfacers. Former Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), who now heads the Motion Picture Association of America; and California Democratic Reps. SamFarr , Mike Honda and Steve Garamendi are among the organization’s alums."

'via Blog this'D.C. tops Peace Corps rankings - In the Loop - The Washington Post

Durban, South Africa: Nobel-Winning IPCC Chair Rajendra Pachauri Urges Obama to "Listen to Science" on Global Warming

"Pachauri is chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize along with Al Gore. "What we have done is we have increased the concentration of these greenhouse gases in the atmosphere far beyond what has taken place over the last 650,000 years," Pachauri says. "As a result, during the 20th century, we had average warming of about 0.74 degrees Celsius, sea-level rise of about 17 centimeters, and a whole range of impacts, as I mentioned, on human health, on agriculture, on ecosystems... The IPCC Fourth Assessment Report had clearly brought out that if we want to limit temperature increase to two degrees or thereabouts, two to 2.4 degrees Celsius, and if we want to do it at least cost, then emissions will have to peak no later than 2015. And we are now talking about 2020. That means the world will incur a much larger expense in reducing emissions. And in the meantime, we’ll also suffer far more serious impacts of climate change." "

'via Blog this'Nobel-Winning IPCC Chair Rajendra Pachauri Urges Obama to "Listen to Science" on Global Warming:

Colombia: No more war! Yes to life, yes to peace

"President Juan Manuel Santos, who backed the march, is facing increased pressure from Colombians to seek an end to the conflict that has killed tens of thousands over the decades. Responsible for some of the harshest blows against the FARC, including killing the group's leader Alfonso Cano last month, Santos has expressed willing to hold peace talks if the Marxist rebels stop kidnapping, lay down their weapons and cease attacks on civilians and the military. While the FARC has refused, Cano had hinted before his death that dialogue was the only way forward. "It's not just the government calling for peace, it's all of Colombia," Santos said at the start of the demonstration. "The people are sick of violence." More than a decade of U.S.-backed strikes against the FARC has severely weakened the rebels and limited their ability to launch attacks on the nation's economic infrastructure, attracting billions of dollars in foreign investment. But the group remains a formidable part of the conflict, which strips as much as 1 percent from the economy each year."

'via Blog this' read more: Colombians protest at FARC executions, call for peace | Reuters:

Update: Afghanistan: French human rights activist trying a new way to break the cycle of violence thru yoga and meditation

""In thirty years of war, we've tried everything and nothing has worked," said Amandine Roche, who believes it is better to try to rid the mind of vengeful thoughts than to disarm a fighter at gunpoint. Her organization, the Amanuddin Foundation, aims to promote nonviolence by teaching techniques of calm. Volunteering since February as she searches for funds, she has given classes at which she demonstrates yoga and meditation to men, women, children, police officers, soldiers and former Taliban insurgents. "It's a new solution to an old problem. War starts in the minds of men, so peace starts in the minds of men. You cannot bring peace with the means of war, it's as simple of that." The most recent conflict, which started with the U.S.-led overthrow of the Taliban government in 2001, has killed thousands of soldiers and civilians, and cost tens of billions of dollars. According to United Nations figures, 2011 is the most violent year since the war began: all signs, Roche argues, that the Western military and diplomatic effort isn't working."

'via Blog this' Can yoga and meditation help bring peace to Afghans? | Reuters:

Philippines: It is Mindanao where the barangay justice system is most important

At the gathering called BJP End of Congress held the other day in Davao City, the LGUs of Maguindanao, Tawi-tawi, Davao del Sur, Cotabato, Saranggani, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay have donated almost P8 million pesos for the expansion of BJP activities, especially in the barangays where the impact is still not felt. BJP is a 2-year program under the Mindanao Peace and Development Program of US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), and is implemented by the Gerry Roxas Foundation. It aims to reduce violent conflicts in Mindanao barangays and strengthen alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in the barangays. After two years, the program was able to train and mobilize not less than 3,000 barangay justice advocates all over their target municipalities and cities, and have resolved roughly 11,000 community conflicts. Gloria Steele, USAID Mission Director expressed her appreciation for the commitments made by the LGUs representatives to sustain and replicate the program."

'via Blog this'[PIA News] Mindanao LGUs commit to bring community peace in more barangays:Gloria Steele, USAID Mission Director expressed her appreciation for the commitments made by the LGUs representatives to sustain and replicate the program.

“I have worked for USAID for almost 30 years, and we have always wondered if anything that we have started will ever be sustained. This is the first time that I hear, straight from the officials that they will continue a project,” Steel said.

Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo also noted during the congress that in the entire Philippines, it is Mindanao where the barangay justice system is most important.

“A peaceful nation can move forward faster, we hope that more barangays can benefit from this kind of program,” he added.

One of the highlights of the congress is the oath taking of the Mindanao Consortium for Barangay Justice Advocates, which serves the sustainability strategy of the BJP program. This consortium was organized by the Gerry Roxas Foundation in partnership with the 8 LGU partners.

“Let us rally behind each other to achieve piece. They have already started something, let’s continue it,” encouraged MinDA Chair Luwalhati Antonino.

Antonino said that programs such as BJP is a beautiful legacy that people, especially government officials should support and replicate. (MinDa)

UN: Security Council will hold Session on Kosovo and Metohija in New York on Tuesday; it will be attended by Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremić

"In the report released early November, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed concern over the deterioration of the security situation in Kosovo, stressing that the number of violent incidents affecting Serbs increased after the attempt by Kosovo authorities to assert control at the administrative crossings in north Kosovo. He said that the Kosovo authorities attempted to deploy their unit ROSU at two administrative checkpoints in northern Kosovo, "Gate 1 (Jarinje) and Gate 31 (Brnjak)", adding that this attempt was not coordinated with the international presences. The developments in northern Kosovo during the reporting period serve as a strong reminder that the underlying, unresolved issues constitute a threat to the region's peace and stability. I am concerned not only about the deterioration of the security situation on the ground as a result of the recent developments, but also about the deterioration of inter-ethnic relations throughout Kosovo, the polarization of political positions and the widening of the gap between the communities north and south of the Ibar River, the UN secretary general said. "

'via Blog this'B92 - News - UN Security Council to discuss Kosovo:

Update: Ukraine: John La Plante now 80yrs old became Peace Corps volunteer at 77yrs old & wrote his own book about the experience

A Peace Corps Adventure At 80 - New London, CT Patch: "self-published book 27 Months in the Peace Corps: My Story, Unvarnished. LaPlante has also authored Around the World at 75; Alone, Dammit! and Around Asia in 80 Days; Oops, 83! about his other travels. LaPlante said he was interested in the Peace Corps when the organization was established in 1961 to have volunteers represent the United States and promote peace and friendship in other countries. However, a relationship and a career kept him from making the commitment. At age 77, after a career working in journalism and public relations, an ad in the newspaper caught LaPlante’s eye. The Peace Corps was looking for older volunteers. LaPlante lives in Deep River for part of the year, but was spending the winter in California when he saw the notice. He paid a visit to a local Peace Corps recruiter to learn more about the organization and volunteer requirements. After that, he had to go through a rigorous inspection process complete with fingerprinting and waiver forms, and was still unsure where he would end up if accepted. “When you join the Peace Corps, you agree to go anywhere and do anything,” he said."

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Egypt: Arab Women Seek a Place in the Spring

According to the International Parliamentary Union, 6.5 percent of parliamentarians in the Arab world in 2005 were women, compared to 4 percent in 2000. Egypt, whose population of about 85 million constitutes a third of the Arab world and which hosts the MENA region’s largest parliament, had only 4 percent female representation in 2005. In an effort to facilitate women’s entry into politics, Egyptian women’s rights advocates encouraged a group of rural women to have a say in what a new domestic violence law should entail. "

'via Blog this'Arab Women Seek a Place in the Spring - IPS ipsnews.net: "

Israel & Palestine: Letter of Intention to Negotiate a Process of Reconciliation that would lead to Reunification of West Bank & Gaza into one

"Hamas and Fatah just ended another round of talks in Cairo on what they call reconciliation. Both sides are reporting that progress was made, but they have not yet reached the point of agreement on several key issues. In May of this year Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas politburo chief Khaled Mashaal signed an agreement orchestrated by Egyptian intelligence. Initially the deal was described as a landmark reconciliation pact aimed at ending their bitter four-year rift. In fact, the deal was essentially a letter of intention to negotiate a process of reconciliation that would lead to the reunification of the West Bank and Gaza into one territorial unit under one governing power – as was designated in the Oslo agreements. They agreed to negotiate the establishment of a government of technocrats in which there would be neither Fatah nor Hamas representation. The job of that government would be to begin the process of the reconstruction of Gaza and to prepare for new national elections for president and parliament within one year."

'via Blog this'Further from peace, closer to rec... JPost - Opinion - Columnists:

PHL: Awards may validate efforts on Peace Works, but with or without awards, we will carry on to continue because it is what makes us happy

For all their efforts and contributions, Dr. Tom and Yolanda Stern have been awarded the Gusi Peace Prize for Social Services & International Humanitarianism. "Receiving the Gusi Peace Prize has been a very pleasant experience for us," relates Dr. Yolanda, "because my husband and I have been working so hard for so many years in the conflict areas particularly in Mindanao where peace is so elusive."

"We are really honored and particularly happy about receiving the award because it is an indigenous Philippine project, we just love the country and receiving this honor is a sort of validation for all our efforts," added Dr. Tom. "I am delighted by the Gusi Peace Prize because it is a very positive thing. It exudes a lot of positive energy, and projects a very good image for the Philippines at a time when it is currently being subject to some negative publicity."

Asked if they were not discouraged by all the negative things being said about the country, Dr. Tom replied, "I don't even listen to negative. I know much of the (negative) stuff is really exaggerated and we are not discouraged by the news. I believe your culture has so much to offer to the world.""

'via Blog this'Dr. Thomas and Yolanda Stern: Crusaders of peace: "

Myanmar: Government Launched a New Round of Peace Talks with Ethnic Insurgent Leaders

"The talks began in recent weeks and included meetings with ethnic rebel leaders over the past weekend in an undisclosed location along the Thai-Myanmar border, according to ethnic leaders and others familiar with the meetings. The government's goal is to convince the insurgent groups, which have long lobbied for more political rights in Myanmar, to fully recognize the country's new government and possibly lay down their arms, these people said. In return, the government is offering more economic development and other potential incentives, they said."

'via Blog this'Myanmar Tackles Ethnic Conflicts - WSJ.com:

President Obama signed the Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act

Obama Signs Kate Puzey Peace Corps Volunteer Protection Act - ABC News: "The act, which passed earlier this month in Congress, is designed to protect Peace Corps whistleblowers and improve the treatment of victims of violence and sexual assault. The law is named for 24-year-old Kate Puzey of Georgia, who was murdered in Benin in 2009 after telling superiors she believed a fellow Peace Corps employee was molesting female students. In an investigation that aired on "20/20," ABC News told the story of Kate's murder and examined what critics say has been a "blame-the-victim" culture within the Peace Corps when volunteers are assaulted or attempt to report problems. "It's such a wonderful thing. We're really, really happy this is happening," Kate's mother, Lois Puzey told ABC News of the signing today. "It really has restored my faith in humankind and the fact that government can work.""

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It is Time to Heal - After So Much Pain: PEACE!

"A Native American tradition is sparking hope in Chicago's Back of the Yards neighborhood. The area is a community facing gangs, guns and violence, but with the help of a Catholic priest, peace is the message this week. "We want to walk for peace and justice," one person said. Dozens gather to join in the efforts. "So often we hear that Back of the Yards is violent. Tonight it's a place of peace," another said Friday night. The peace is considered a Native American way by those gathered. There were many drums but one beat. "The drum represents the beat of the earth, of Mother Earth, Tonantzin," said drum instructor Josie Dykas. "We're going to pray for Tonantzin because the healing has to come from the inside to come out." Marchers hope it is time to heal - after so much pain. Since August, five young people have been killed in the neighborhood. Fr. Bruce Wellems of Holy Cross/ Immaculate Heart of Mary officiated three of the funerals. "We are not going to lay down and die," he said. "We're going to be a people of hope. They're showing me how to do that.""

'via Blog this'Back of the Yards residents drum for peace | abc7chicago.com:

Update: Chicago: Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced the "12th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates" on April 23-25, 2012 to be held in Chicago

"All former Nobel Peace Laureates will be invited to attend. It will be co-chaired by former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev and Walter Veltroni, the former mayor of Rome. Emanuel will serve as an honorary co-chair.

This event "has been held in Paris, it's been held in Berlin, it's been held in Rome," Emanuel said. "And they picked, in my view the most American city in America, Chicago." Chicago was chosen "due to its rich heritage and international profile," organizers said Thursday. President Barack Obama is among the Nobel Peace Prize winners who hail from the Windy City.

The Nobel meeting will come a month before Chicago is in the international spotlight for the simultaneous G-8/NATO summits, which also are expected to attract throngs of protesters."

'via Blog this'Nobel Peace Prize laureates to hold summit here - chicagotribune.com:

Philippines: Unfazed by Asean Foreign Ministers to refer its proposed creation of Zone of Peace, Freedom, Friendship, and Cooperation

"While on the other hand, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton yesterday said the US will help boost the external defense capabilities of the Philippines but will not take a position in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) dispute. Clinton, in a joint press conference with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario after her meeting with President Aquino in Malacañang, said the territorial dispute should be resolved peacefully. She added US does not take the position on any territorial claim because any nation with a claim has a right to assert it. But they do not have a right to pursue it through intimidation or coercion," she said. She further noted the claimant countries to the West Philippine Sea should follow the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and other international law. Clinton said the US welcomes China’s rise to power but it wants to make sure that there is a balanced growth in the region and that no country should dominate."

'via Blog this'Clinton to Pinoys: We’re in your corner | MALAYA Business Insight News Online:

Iraq: Kurdish Leaders Mediating between Turkey & Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) Separatists to Bring their Conflict to End

Iraq's President Jalal Talabani and Iraqi Kurdistan regional president Massud Barzani "are leading mediation efforts between the Turkish government and the PKK, to end the battles in the border area between Iran, Turkey and Kurdistan," said a spokesman for Talabani's Patriotic Union of Kurdistan. "The Turkish government expressed its desire to end the fighting during Massud Barzani's last visit to Turkey," said spokesman Azad Jundiany. Barzani criticised Turkish military operations against the PKK during an early-November visit to Turkey, saying a political solution was needed. "Honestly, I disapprove of all these operations ... I don't think that one can achieve the result with the military option", Barzani told Turkey's Hurriyet newspaper.
"The fighting should happen in parliament," he told the Anatolia news agency."

'via Blog this'Iraqi Kurd leaders head Turkey-PKK mediation - Yahoo! News: "

Burma: "Thein Sein committed to reforms. He's prime minister under the long-ruling military junta and is considered a moderate", Suu Kyi

"Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi said Monday that Myanmar's government has taken positive steps toward reform in the year since she was released from house arrest but more needs to be done, including freeing hundreds more political prisoners. The Nobel peace laureate, speaking to more than 100 journalists on the anniversary of her release, cited her meetings with minister Aung Kyi and President Thein Sein as progress. "Looking back at the past year, I think I can say that it has been eventful, energizing and to a certain extent encouraging," said Suu Kyi, who was detained most of the past two decades by Myanmar's former military government.

The international community's hopes were not high after the country carefully orchestrated the Nov. 7, 2010, election. As expected, the polls brought to power a proxy party for the military, which ran the country since a 1962 coup. But that perception has changed in recent months, as the new government eased censorship, legalized labor unions, suspended an unpopular, China-backed dam project and began talks with Suu Kyi's pro-democracy movement."

'via Blog this'Suu Kyi: Myanmar Has Made Progress, More Is Needed - ABC News:

New Delhi: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met Union Defence Minister A.K. Antony

"During his meeting with Mr. Antony, Mr. Abdullah presented his case for removal of the AFSPA from at least four districts, two each in Kashmir and Jammu, official sources said. While Mr. Antony conveyed the reservations of the Army over such a move, Mr. Abdullah emphasised the need to translate the promises made by the National Conference-Congress alliance on the ground and reward the people of the State for maintaining a peaceful year, the sources said. The Chief Minister is scheduled to meet the Prime Minister, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, and Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Monday to present the case of the State government."

'via Blog this'The Hindu : News / National : Omar meets Antony, Army Chief:

Update: Philippines: Growth and Equity in Mindanao (GEM) eased trading activities in some conflict-affected areas in Mindanao

"With its latest completed boat landing project in Zamboanga Sibugay, local traders experience comfortable deals and transportation of their products, Nikki Meru, GEM media liaison officer said in a statement. Meru said the depressed town showed increased economic movement because of the project that was built through a partnership between the Municipal Government and the US Agency for International Development (USAid), through GEM, now hosts over 100 cargo, fishing and passenger boats daily."

'via Blog this'Growth and Equity in Mindanao eased trades in Mindanao-conflicted areas | Sun.Star: USAid has constructed more than 1,300 such projects in Mindanao's conflict-affected areas, 89 of these are located in Zamboanga Sibugay. The GEM Program is funded by the USAid and is implemented under the oversight of the Mindanao Development Authority. (PR)

Published in the Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro newspaper on November 14, 2011.

Update: Yemen: UN pushes peace plan - U.N. envoy Jamal Benomar met Saleh Sunday to push for a transfer of power

10 militants killed in Yemen; UN pushes peace plan - Boston.com: "Months of violence have forced more than 100,000 residents of Zinjibar to flee to neighboring provinces, where some have sought refuge in schools.In the Arhab region, north of the capital Sanaa, Yemeni forces shelled positions held by armed anti-government tribesmen, killing two, another security official said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief reporters. Months of international diplomacy has failed to resolve the crisis. Saleh has refused numerous times to follow through on a U.S.-backed proposal crafted by Yemen's powerful Gulf Arab neighbors, under which he would transfer power to his vice president in exchange for immunity from prosecution. In Sanaa, U.N. envoy Jamal Benomar met Saleh Sunday to push for a transfer of power. The U.N. said Benomar's weeklong visit to Yemen was intended to encourage the Gulf-backed proposal, which the Security Council has endorsed."

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Update: India: Jammu and Kashmir: Called for Phased Rollback of AFSPA on a Test Basis to Improve Law & Order Situation

The Army's top commander in Jammu and Kashmir has said the country could be compelled to grant the State independence by 2016 if government plans to lift the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act from some areas go ahead, highly-placed security sources have told "The Hindu" newspaper. The assertion was made on Wednesday in an over hour-long presentation to the Unified Headquarters, the State's top coordination body for security, by Lieutenant-General Syed Ata Hasnain, who commands the Srinagar-based XV Corps. Army officials would not confirm the contents of the presentation, but three officials present at the meeting separately provided The Hindu with the same account of what was said. The presentation also included a slide, which asserted that while the State people were seeking bijli, sadak, paani (electricity, roads, water), calls for lifting the AFSPA were coming from four categories: Pakistan, the Inter-Services Intelligence Directorate, terrorists and secessionists."

'via Blog this'The Hindu : News / National : Army raises ‘secession' spectre to counter plan to lift AFSPA: "

Peace means children will not know the feeling of having five seconds to run to bomb shelter &/or not worry about suicide bomber on a bus...

"In recent years, the Palestinian economy has prospered in the West Bank. Undeniably, increased cooperation between Palestinians and the Israeli and American governments is important. Moreover, other foreign investors and governments have also begun to heavily invest in the West Bank. These investments have benefited both Palestinians and Israelis and are part of the infrastructure of a future Palestinian state. Prime Minister Salam Fayyad should be praised for his economic reform efforts within the Palestinian Authority.

Peace between Israel and the Palestinians would mean greater prosperity for both. Peace would mean easier access between the two nations, resulting in a situation where a person could live in Ramallah and work in Jerusalem. Peace would allow collaboration in major industries such as tourism, high tech, and agriculture. Researchers from the Peres Center for Peace in Israel have concluded that greater economic cooperation between Israel and the Palestinian Authority could yield an increase in Palestinian GDP by $8 billion in five to ten years. "

'via Blog this'Only Negotiations Will Bring Peace to the Middle East | StarTribune.com:

Philippines:“The road to peace is long and difficult. However, in the face of adversities and challenges, we should remain focused on the objective,”

Army chief: Peace, justice can be pursued at the same time - The Philippine Star » News » Headlines: "The Philippine Army remains fully supportive of the peace process. We will continue to reach out to our brothers, to choose the peaceful path and those who do so merit our unwavering support.” Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista

However, Bautista said the Army would apply “legitimate force” against those who insist on using arms to threaten public safety. “Yes, we will seek justice against those who commit atrocities through appropriate calibrated and focused response, without necessarily jeopardizing the peace process and within the bounds of human rights, international humanitarian law and rule of law,” he said. “After all, the use of legitimate force within the government’s overall framework of achieving peace and security is within the ambit of the IPSP (internal peace and security plan) Bayanihan.” Bayanihan seeks to implement programs that address the roots of armed rebellion like poverty. It also encourages the private sector and civil society to join efforts aimed at improving the rural communities’ access to basic services."

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Rwanda: Leaders & diplomats of nine African countries, Haiti & Int'l Org find talked to find ways to build lasting peace

African Conference Discusses Peacebuilding | Africa | English: "Seventeen years ago last spring, Rwanda was the most violent place on earth. Today, Kigali parks are neatly manicured and people travel safely at any time of night. This week in Kigali, leaders from Sierra Leone, Liberia, Burundi, Central African Republic, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Haiti, South Sudan and Timor Leste traveled to Rwanda to learn how it’s done. Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza said that before peace can be sustainable, a country needs to maintain stability on the streets. Hundreds of thousands people were killed in the Burundian conflict that ended more than six years ago. Burundi remains one of the poorest countries on earth, and conflict remains a threat. "A multitude of Burundians were killed," said Nkurunziza. "Others were forced into exile. Property was looted, stolen. Infrastructure was destroyed and the government was also not spared.""

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Liberia Elections: Leaders Agree No More Violence on Election Day

"Distraught over the violence that marred the eve of Liberia’s elections, a tearful Leymah Gbowee, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and the author of ‘Mighty Be Our Powers: How Sisterhood, Prayer, and Sex Changed a Nation at War,’ risked her life to force a meeting with Liberia’s leaders to help broker peace.

Today Liberians go to the polls in what will be a defining moment for their tenuous democracy. In a region bristling with weapons and tension, Liberia has managed eight years of peace and economic growth. The last five of them have been under the leadership of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first democratically elected woman serving as a head of state in Africa, and one of last month’s Nobel Peace Prize laureates. She is heavily favored to win the country’s runoff election today. And to everyone’s great relief, the atmosphere surrounding the election season has been mostly peaceful."

'via Blog this'Leymah Gbowee, Nobel Laureate, Brokers Peace for Liberia Elections - The Daily Beast: "

Sports is not about being champion. You can be champion of your community, you can be champion of your life - Legendary Runners Promote Peace & Sport

Legendary Runners Promote Peace And Sport At New York City Marathon - Forbes: "Three legendary runners—Paula Radcliffe, the current marathon world record holder; Tegla Loroupe, the first African woman to win the New York City marathon; and Wilson Kipketer, a triple 800-meter world champion–are using the 2011 New York City marathon to bring attention to Peace and Sport, a global group that aims to reconcile divided communities through sport."

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Update: Yemen: U.N. Security Council urged President Ali Abdullah Saleh to sign a deal requiring him to step down in exchange for immunity

UPDATE 2-Heavy fighting in Yemen after U.N. resolution - The Washington Post: "Witnesses also said at least five people were killed in overnight clashes between forces loyal to Saleh and soldiers led by Ali Mohsen al-Ahmar, a general who broke ranks with Saleh after protests began in January. Gunmen loyal to tribal leader Sadiq al-Ahmar were also involved in the fighting.

Responding to the decision made by the U.N. Security Council, a Yemeni government source said Saturday that Sanaa remains committed to the gulf council’s peace plan and called for international help to ensure its implementation.

“The government of the Republic of Yemen is willing to deal positively with U.N. Security Council resolution 2014, for it conforms with the Yemeni government efforts to put an end to the political crisis on the basis of the Gulf Cooperation Council initiative,” a Yemeni government source said in a statement.

Saleh has backed down three times from signing the gulf initiative, which came after months of protests."

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Philippines, Muslim rebels agree to continue peace talks despite clashes - The Washington Post

Philippines, Muslim rebels agree to continue peace talks despite clashes - The Washington Post: "The rebel and government negotiators on Thursday also agreed to have Malaysian-led international monitors and the joint cease-fire committee investigate the Oct. 18 clash. Despite the rebel’s claim of Asnawi’s being cleared, the military said Wednesday it would continue to hunt for the guerrilla commander, who escaped from Basilan provincial jail in 2009. Col. Dickson Hermoso, head of the military office monitoring the peace talks, said the 11,000-strong Moro front would not be targeted itself, only rebels “who provide sanctuary or coddle these lawless elements.” Moro front vice chairman Ghazali Jaafar welcomed the international investigation into the Oct. 18 clash. “That means it will be an impartial investigation. That’s what we have been calling for all the while,” he told The Associated Press. Marvic Leonen described Thursday’s meeting as “a candid exchange where both sides cleared the air about pressing issues.” “We agreed to move forward on the substantive agenda and meet again very soon,” he said, without elaborating."

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Arab League: Syria agreed to terms of peace plan ending 7 months of bloodshed & opening dialogue w/ gov't opponents on ways to move toward democracy

Under the terms of the deal, Syria will withdraw the army from cities and towns, release all political prisoners and permit access to media, human rights groups and Arab monitors, according to a statement issued by the League. “We are happy to have reached this agreement, and we will be even happier when it is implemented immediately,” Qatari Prime Minister Sheik Hamad Bin Jasim al-Thani told a news conference after a ministerial meeting in Cairo. It was also unclear whether Syria had agreed to the Arab League’s demand that the negotiations with the opposition should be held in Cairo. President Bashar al-Assad’s government has in the past insisted that any talks should be held in Syria’s capital, Damascus, which his opponents say would put them at risk of detention. Under the plan, the dialogue is to begin in two weeks.

Arab League announces peace plan for Syria - The Washington Post: ""

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Nepal Maoists ended a long-running insurgency. Peace moves had stalled over the future of former rebel fighters and a new constitution

BBC News - Nepal parties agree final part of landmark peace deal: "The Maoists gave up their decade-long armed revolt in 2006 and joined a peace process. Their decade-long insurgency left 15,000 people dead and caused massive damage to the economy. They agreed to confine their fighters to UN-monitored camps and locked up their weapons, in addition to taking part in mainstream politics and contesting elections. But there were strong disagreements among the main parties over the future of the former rebel fighters. In 2009, Maoist leader Prachanda resigned as prime minister after his efforts to sack the country's army chief - who he accused of hampering his efforts to integrate former Maoist fighters in the army - were blocked by the president. But the situation improved in September 2011 with the election of Maoist Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai. Shortly after he was sworn in, most Maoist weapons were handed over to a multi-party committee tasked with overseeing the peace process. Mr Bhattarai is the fifth in the five years since the peace process started. He has been described by some as the country's last hope."

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The first step to United Nations admission is admission to UNESCO. Of the 135 UNESCO members, 104 voted to admit Palestine

Palestine Wins First Step Toward U. N. Admission | Lez Get Real: " The principal block to the peace process, in this round, is the Israeli settlements in the West Bank. These pre-fab towns occupied mainly by the most ardent Zionists, have turned the West Bank into Swiss cheese. A half-million Israelis are now living in the West Bank and expect to stay there as part of Israel. The Israeli government has refused to halt the building of settlements while peace is negotiated. Israel insists that it will not negotiate with terrorists, meaning the members of the Palestinian government who are members of Hamas.

The Palestinian Authority ostensibly administers the West Bank, but Israel maintains fairly thorough control. President Abbas has threatened to dissolve the Authority and leave the more mundane aspects of Palestinian administration to the Israelis.

The UNESCO vote is more a measure of the world’s attitude toward the West Bank and Gaza than anything with substance. By a 7.4 to l ratio, the nations of the world believe that the West Bank and Gaza deserve independence and statehood. They have been occupied by Israel since 1967."

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Occupy Philadelphia protesting in peace | Philadelphia Inquirer | 10/27/2011

Occupy Philadelphia protesting in peace | Philadelphia Inquirer | 10/27/2011: "Occupy Philadelphia, entering its 23d day on Dilworth Plaza, remains one of the most peaceful demonstrations of its kind in the country.

In contrast to Oakland, Calif., where a protester was critically injured, and Baltimore, where police clashed with demonstrators this week, Philadelphia has been a model of restraint.

Police, city officials, and the movement's members are praising one another for their civility and respect.

"The city government is sympathetic," says Joshua Hupp, an Occupy activist. "They haven't tried to get rid of us like in other cities. That's saying something."

Farrell, who is working with the growing population of homeless people who are gravitating to the movement's tent city, says the police have been nothing but helpful. "Their presence alone is deterring some people from acting out.""

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Pope invites Hindus, Jews, Buddhists for peace pilgrimage, but no common peace prayer - The Washington Post

Pope invites Hindus, Jews, Buddhists for peace pilgrimage, but no common peace prayer - The Washington Post: "Benedict will welcome the various delegations at the Vatican on Thursday morning and they will travel by papal train to Assisi, the town known for the peace-loving message of its native son St. Francis.

There will be remarks and a shared light lunch, followed by the time for individual reflection and prayer. The delegates will walk together in a pilgrimage for a bit before coming together for concluding remarks and the train ride back to Rome.

The guest list includes the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I and representatives from Greek, Russian, Serbian and Belarusian Orthodox churches. Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams is coming for the Anglican church, and representatives from Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist and other Christian denominations are on the list as well.

Several rabbis will be joined by some 60 Muslims, a similar number of Buddhists, three Taoists, a half-dozen Hindus, three Jains and a Zoroastrian. Also invited for the first time are four intellectuals who profess no faith at all — part of Benedict’s efforts to reach out to atheists."

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"you either get out of the way & align w/ the people to engage in a process of change or if you try to hold onto power,in the end you will be removed"

Arab Spring may endanger Mideast peace: Tony Blair | Reuters: " Arab pro-democracy uprisings spell more regional instability that could complicate peace efforts between Israel and the Palestinians but also make it necessary to get the process back on track, envoy Tony Blair said on Sunday.

Blair will sit down separately with Israeli and Palestinian officials this week in Jerusalem to try to revive a peace process that broke down more than a year ago because of a dispute over Jewish settlement expansion.

"It is a great thing that people are wanting democracy, but in the short term there is reduced stability in the region so that can pose problems for Israel and the peace process," said Blair.

"Because of the instability and uncertainty in the region, it's right that we grip the peace process and put it back on track again."

"We need strong, clear commitments that both parties will produce comprehensive proposals on borders and security within 90 days," he said." (click link above to read full article)

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UN General Assembly scheduled to elect five countries to serve in the UN Security Council beginning 2012

The council, which makes decisions on issues of peace and security worldwide, has five veto-wielding permanent members - the United States, Russia, China, France and Britain - and 10 members elected for two years, five of which exit the council each year.

The five elected members that will remain until December, 2012, are Colombia, Germany, India, Portugal and South Africa. - Sapa-dpa"

'via Blog this'UN to elect five new Security Council members - World News | IOL News | IOL.co.za: "The newly elected members will replace five countries that will leave the 15-nation council after completing two-year terms at the end of December. The outgoing countries are Bosnia, Brazil, Gabon, Lebanon and Nigeria, which represent the world's five regions.

Guatemala is the only candidate from Latin America and the Caribbean, seeking to replace Brazil.

Mauritania, Morocco and Togo are competing for the two seats for Africa on the council, now occupied by Gabon and Nigeria.

Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan are competing for the Asian seat now occupied by Lebanon.

Azerbaijan, Hungary and Slovenia of Eastern Europe are competing for the seat now occupied by Bosnia.

Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeou has said that he will not engage in peace talks with China unless voters give their approval in a referendum

Mr Ma made the comments after being criticised for proposing earlier this week that the two former enemies try to reach a peace deal in 10 years.Taiwan and China stopped fighting in the 1960s, but never signed a formal peace treaty. Ties have improved to their best level in decades since Mr Ma was elected. But so far, the two sides have discussed mostly trade and economic co-operation, not politics.

Permanent peace
On Monday, Mr Ma surprised many by suggesting a peace deal should be signed within 10 years. It was the first time a timetable had been given. Mr Ma's remarks raised fears in Taiwan that he may be trying to lead the island toward eventual unification with China. Beijing still considers Taiwan to be one of its provinces, and has not renounced the use of force to bring it back under Chinese rule. But analysts close to the president say he wants to use the current good relations to build a permanent peace between the two sides."
BBC News - Taiwan's Ma: No China peace talks without referendum: "
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"Former Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi has been killed, Libyan Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril says

His death was announced after transitional forces claimed control of Sirte, Col Gaddafi's birthplace, following weeks of fierce fighting. There are unconfirmed reports that Col Gaddafi's son Saif is in a convoy fleeing Sirte and is under attack; his brother Mutassim is reportedly dead"

read more:
BBC News - As it happened: Libya's Col Gaddafi killed:
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Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will discuss possible peace talks and the handover of security to Afghan forces

"Clinton will meet Karzai and Foreign Minister Zalmai Rassoul on Thursday, U.S. officials said, and hold a round-table meeting with non-government leaders and civil society activists.

She is expected to discuss U.S. strategic relations with Afghanistan and ties between Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as preview plans for conferences on the future of Afghanistan due to be held in Istanbul in November and Bonn in December.

Ties between Kabul and Islamabad have been particularly strained since the assassination of Rabbani, who was killed by a suicide bomber posing as a Taliban reconciliation envoy.

Many Afghans, including senior officials, have accused the Pakistan government of having links to the killing, and accused their neighbor of fomenting instability to further its own political interests. Pakistan denies this."
Clinton arrives in Kabul, show of commitment | Reuters:
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"One" China Peace Accord faces opposing views in Taiwan

"President Ma proposed on Tuesday that Taiwan could negotiate a peace accord with China within 10 years on the preconditions of strong domestic support, the needs of the country and legislative supervision.

A DPP Central Standing Committee resolution yesterday said the proposal exposed Taiwanese to four serious risks — the sacrifice of Taiwan’s sovereignty, a change in the “status quo” across the Taiwan Strait, the jeopardizing of Taiwan’s democratic values and damage to the nation’s strategic depth in bilateral negotiations — Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chairperson Tsai said.

The initiative could make the cross-strait situation a “domestic” issue by agreeing to the “one China” principle, she said, as well as going to the negotiating table without a public mandate and a national consensus. She cited the 1951 peace deal between Tibet and China as an example of Beijing’s lack of credibility as a signatory. “China is not a democratic country to this day. We cannot afford to overlook the potential risks and instability [when signing a peace accord with China],” she said."

Peace proposal puts Taiwan at risk: Tsai - Taipei Times:
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Committee considering the Palestinian request for full UN membership

The Security Council president, Nigeria’s Ambassador Joy Ogwu, “will give an update on the progress done so far,” said another diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The discussions within the 15-member Security Council could last until the end of the October or beyond before the Palestinian request goes to a vote, diplomats say.

It takes nine votes in favor and no vetoes to approve a recommendation to the General Assembly for the admission of a new state.

The United States has said it would veto a vote in favor of admitting Palestine to the United Nations, arguing that a real two-state solution can only come from a deal reached with Israel through direct talks.

Washington has deployed intensive diplomatic efforts to prevent the Palestinians from getting nine favorable votes, so as to avoid having to cast a veto that would be damaging to US interests in the Muslim world.

If the Security Council bid fails, the Palestinians are expected to go to the UN General Assembly to seek observer state membership of the UN. They would almost certainly get a majority in favor."
Security Council meets on Palestinian membership: "
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On October 26th, Middle East "Quartet" (Russia, the U.S., the U.N. and the E.U.) will meet with the leaders of Israel and the Palestinian Authority

The negotiations will be held in Jerusalem during which the mediators will try, yet again, to build a direct dialogue between the conflicting parties. The representatives of the Quartet will also hold separate meetings with the Israelis and the Palestinians. Peace talks between the two were suspended for over a year ago due to the resumption by Israeli of settlement activity in East Jerusalem and the West Bank."

Oct 18, 2011 01:03 Moscow Time

Middle East Quartet. Photo: RIA Novosti

Quartet to update talks: Voice of Russia: "'via Blog this'

World faiths, "a common path" to peace...

Two hundred non-Christian religious leaders will join the pope for a ceremony on October 27 that is being boycotted however by the influential Al-Azhar mosque in Cairo, the Vatican said.

Pope Benedict XVI is hosting the event in favour of world peace, which was started by his predecessor John Paul II in Assisi, the birthplace of St Francis, and a variety of faiths will be represented including Islam. Among the spiritual leaders attending will be Baha'i, Buddhists, Confucianists, Hindus, Jains, Jews, Sikhs, Taoists and Zoroastrians, joining 100 Christian leaders, Vatican officials said at a news conference on Tuesday. A total of 69 Muslim leaders will also be present from 19 countries including Iran and Saudi Arabia, said Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, head of the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace."
AFP: World faiths to attend Vatican ceremony: "
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“In many instances where there is an ongoing conflict, you are fighting and looking to talk,” Hillary Clinton

South Asian News Agency | US open to Afghan peace deal including Haqqani: "US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday signaled the United States remains open to exploring a peace deal including the Haqqani network, the group that US officials blame for a campaign of high-profile violence that could jeopardize Washington’s plans for withdrawing smoothly from Afghanistan.

“Where we are right now is that we view the Haqqanis and other of their ilk as, you know, being adversaries and being very dangerous to Americans, Afghans and coalition members inside Afghanistan, but we are not shutting the door on trying to determine whether there is some path forward,” Clinton said when asked whether she believed members of the Haqqani network might reconcile with the Afghan government.

“It’s too soon to tell whether any of these groups or any individuals within them are serious,” she said in an interview .

Inclusion of the Haqqani network in a hoped-for peace deal — now a chief objective in the Obama administration’s Afghanistan policy after a decade of war — is a controversial idea in Washington."

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"War Redefined," includes interviews with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her predecessors Madeleine Albright and Condoleezza Rice

The brutally powerful PBS documentary "Women, War & Peace" is not easy to watch, but it is an important testament to unthinkable events in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Colombia and Liberia. And to positive steps being taken in the name of humanity, justice and peace.

A recurring theme of the series is that modern wars are not fought by trained national armies so much as by gangs, undisciplined insurgent groups, armed with improvised weapons and reduced to barbaric behavior. Women have become primary targets, being systematically raped, and ultimately "emerging as critical partners in brokering peace and as leaders in forging new international laws governing conflict.""
PBS airs "Women, War & Peace" - The Denver Post: "
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Pakistan Taliban considers peace talks: report | Reuters

Pakistan Taliban considers peace talks: report | Reuters: "Pakistani leaders said after an all-party meeting attended by top military and intelligence officials last month they would seek reconciliation with militants to end an insurgency.

And Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani was quoted by newspapers as saying the government was ready to talk peace.

"Our shura (council) will decide whether and when can we enter into talks with the government, with the military," the Express Tribune quoted Maulvi Wali-ur-Rehman Mehsud, deputy leader of the Pakistani Taliban, as saying.

"But I think we would like to involve countries we trust ... they are in the Arab world. Let's say Saudi Arabia."

Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, or Taliban Movement of Pakistan (TTP), which is close to al Qaeda, was formed in December 2007 as an alliance of Pakistani militant groups to attack the Pakistani state.

It has been blamed for many of the suicide bombings across Pakistan.

Several army offensives against the group's strongholds on the Afghan border have failed to weaken its campaign. Thousands of Pakistani soldiers, policemen and civilians have been killed in the conflict."

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Re: Israelis & Palestinians...- there is a strong belief from int'l community that now is the time to get back to negotiations without pre-conditions

The Brussels talks among members of the Middle East Quartet - the United States, Russia, the United Nations and the European Union - follow its call in September for stalled peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians to resume within 30 days. The Quartet wants the two sides to reach a deal next year.

The Middle East peace process was top news at the United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York last month, when Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas formally applied to the Security Council for full U.N. membership. The United States has threatened to veto the bid, arguing that Palestinian statehood can only be achieved through direct peace talks with Israel. But in a September interview with the BBC, the Quartet's special representative Tony Blair sounded an optimistic note. "
Mideast Quartet Discusses Way Forward on Peace Process | Middle East | English: "Blair said the Quartet members are close to agreeing on details of peace negotiations. He said that would make it easier to bridge differences between Palestinians and Israelis once they actually sit down for talks.
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Ms. Zara Jane Juan, UN Ambassador for the International Day o... on Twitpic

Ms. Zara Jane Juan, UN Ambassador for the International Day o... on Twitpic:

@casupm

CAS UP Manila September 21, 2011

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Ms. Zara Jane Juan, UN Ambassador for the International Day of Peace 2011, speaks on "Wellness, Climate Change and Peace.""

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