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."

'via Blog this'

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.""

'via Blog this'

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."

'via Blog this'

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."

'via Blog this'

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.""

'via Blog this'

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."

'via Blog this'

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."

'via Blog this'

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."

'via Blog this'

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: ""

'via Blog this'

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."

'via Blog this'