Justice for Serbia, the unwillingness of the UN obstructing an investigation on organ trafficking in Kosovo

According to Bruno Vekaric, Deputy Prosecutor of the Republic of Serbia to investigate war crimes, the UN would have partially masked the truth about his investigation into allegations of organ trafficking by Liberation Army Kosovo (UCK) at the end of the Kosovo war (1999). As proof, the exchange of letters between the Serbian Prosecutor's Office and United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) obtained by FRANCE 24.

The remarks by Bruno Vekaric follow the publication by FRANCE 24 of a confidential document showing that the UN investigation had been opened in 2003 by the UN about the crimes committed by the KLA after the war.But the result of research, which reported a traffic of organs taken from Serb victims, was never communicated to EULEX police mission and justice of the European Union in Kosovo.

These allegations were recently the subject of a report by the Council of Europe in December 2010 led by Swiss MP Dick Marty.

FRANCE 24 - You are investigating organ trafficking in Kosovo since 2008. Where's your investigations?

Bruno Vekaric - We have made great progress, although I can not disclose details of our work. I can only say that we could easily collaborate on an international investigation.Even if we are not yet able to apportion blame, we can demonstrate that these crimes took place on Albanian soil.

F24 - How did the cooperation with the UN and the Albanian authorities?

BV - For six months in 2008, the UN mission in Kosovo, UNMIK, has concealed the existence of documents that we have obtained informally by a journalist. We asked to get officially, but the UN have assured us he knew nothing about an alleged organ trafficking. We then sent a second letter, accompanied by a photocopy of the documents we have.The UN office in Pristina has not responded, and we finally received the official documents directly from the UN headquarters in New York.

We could also have evidence that our Albanian colleagues have lied about the nature of the clues found in the Yellow House [the alleged secret clinic in the Albanian territory, where the harvesting of organs took place, Ed].

Finally, we have faced obstruction of the Albanian authorities. As the Albanian prosecutor Ina Rama promised us his assistance, the Ministry of Justice of Tirana hastily canceled all cooperation.

Also ask ourselves about a number of issues.Some people they try to obstruct the investigation? The UN did they really sent the EULEX all documents available to them? The conditions for a fair investigation are they met in Albania and Kosovo?

F24 - What role did other institutions?

BV - We have good relations with the International Criminal Tribunal (ICTY) in The Hague, which gave us access to its database.

As for EULEX, I do not doubt his good intentions. Today, it investigates the clandestine prison camps were established at the time in northern Albania.But why does it look only on the issue now? It's been a while since we know the existence of these camps, we determined that it was there that selected the victims. It is obvious that at one time these crimes were taboo.

F24 - Many countries, including the U.S., want the investigation into the alleged organ trafficking should be entrusted to EULEX, which the Serbian government denies the legitimacy yet. What do you think is the institution best able to lead the investigation?

BV - We support the creation of a new tribunal which is not based in the region but which can cooperate with EULEX.This would be the best way to investigators without the pressures and ensure the protection of witnesses from Kosovo. It would not be reasonable to let the investigation solely in the hands of EULEX, Justice Albanian and Serbian justice. But it is necessary for this, the UN showed more goodwill. And for now, this is not the case.

F24 - Do you think the witness protection can be achieved in Kosovo?

BV - As regards the protection of witnesses, we had a bad experience at the first trial of Ramush Haradinaj [former leader of the guerrillas of the KLA and former Prime Minister of Kosovo] to the ICTY. Of persons to testify for the prosecution during the trial have been killed.Others, once at the helm, have radically changed the meaning of their testimony. Ramush Haradinaj was finally released, and the murders of witnesses have never been elucidated [Haradinaj to appear again in The Hague because the ICTY prosecutor has appealed].

F24 - The case she made you think a political turn?

BV - There is a real political conflict about these crimes. Some leaders in the region, and the rest of the world, are afraid that their elucidation will slow recognition by the international community about the independence of Kosovo [Kosovo's independence is recognized by 75 countries including the United States and 22 members of the EU, but not by Serbia and Russia].But a crime is a crime.

More politics will interfere in this case, the more it will hurt the investigation. The facts mentioned go against the values of civilization. The political cause can not justify the silence that has long prevailed in this case. There is concern also that the pressures exerted by the Kosovo government will end up jeopardizing the existence of EULEX.

TUNISIA: Mouldi Kefi Ahmed Ounaïes replaces the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

AFP - The transitional government of Tunisia has appointed a career diplomat, Mouldi Kefi, as Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced the official news agency TAP quoted an authoritative source in the presidency.

"Mouldi Kefi was appointed foreign minister in the transitional government," according to the TAP citing an authoritative source in the presidency. M. Kefi was sworn in Monday morning before Mr. Fouad Mebazaa, President of Tunisia interim, the agency said.

Mr.Kefi, who served under the presidency of Habib Bourguiba and Zine El Abidine Ben Ali has worked as a diplomat in Prague, Moscow and East Berlin, before moving the positions of ambassador to Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone and Indonesia, according to an official biography.

M. Kefi, 65, married with four children, succeeds Ounaïes Ahmed, 75, who resigned in mid-February on the eve of the visit to Tunisia by the head of European diplomacy Ashton.

Former ambassador to retirement, Mr. Ounaïes was appointed Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in the first government of national unity, January 17.He became a minister in the transitional government revised 27 January by Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi.

But a visit to France since February 4, he had hardly taken up his duties, according to diplomatic sources.

The Independent was heckled on February 7 by Foreign Affairs officials who were demonstrating in front of and within the confines of his department by claiming he leaves immediately after his remarks in Paris. He then took his belongings and left his office.

Visiting Paris whose rallying late to the revolution of jasmine cringe in Tunis, Mr. Ounaïes had no praise for his counterpart Michele Alliot-Marie."I like to listen to Ms Alliot-Marie in all circumstances and in all fora", "he said.

He hailed it "above all a friend of Tunisia," while "MAM" was summoned to explain himself at the same time in France for having benefited from the generosity of a great boss Tunisian business related to the clan and Ben Ali for proposing to the tottering regime "expertise" of the French police, while repression was in full swing.

He had been pinned to "denial of revolution" after statements to the Tunisian private TV Nesma.

COTE D'IVOIRE: Gbagbo intends to take control of two subsidiaries of French banks

AFP - Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo outgoing announced Thursday his intention to "take control" of Ivorian subsidiaries of French banks BNP Paribas and Societe Generale, while the country's banking system hangs due to post-election crisis.

After the closure of several banks since Monday, Mr. Gbagbo "has issued decrees that the State of Côte d'Ivoire take control by taking a full and complete participation in the capital of some of these banks," said a official statement read on state television RTI.

"These include the SGBCI and Biçici" respectively subsidiaries of Societe Generale and BNP Paribas, he said.

Mr.Gbagbo intended "to preserve jobs and ensure the access of Ivorians and traders to their assets" in "as soon as possible."

At least five international banks, including French and American, had suspended operations Thursday, and whose leaders Biçici SGBCI.

This is the result of the dramatic showdown between Laurent Gbagbo and Alassane Ouattara, President-elect acknowledged by much of the international community. With its external allies, attempts to asphyxiate Ouattara Gbagbo regime to force it out from.

The origin of these closures in series: the break in January between Abidjan and the Central Bank of African States (BCEAO), which recognizes Mr.Ouattara.

Since then the Gbagbo government, isolated and financially deprived tap CFA, has worked to build a viable banking system across Ivory Coast.Including, according to several banking sources, applying "enormous pressure" on the subsidiaries of large foreign banks.

But with the lack of liquidity, technical difficulties and legal risks, and the threat of sanctions wielded by the BCEAO against banks working with the Gbagbo government, the BICICI SGBCI and gave the signal for withdrawal.

"Other banks will close," predicted one senior industry told AFP.

For the economy, already undermined by the sanctions of the EU imposing such a ban on the two ports, the country's lung, the effect of blocking bank will be "cataclysmic," said a source familiar with the matter.

Contracts canceled social plans draconian layoffs: "all sectors, including transport and industry", are being beaten, says a player in the agro-industry.

If the strategy practiced by choking the camp Ouattara produced its first effects, which the very large crisis that threatens she will benefit?

The wall, the Gbagbo government first wants to ensure payment of officials and soldiers, whose loyalty is vital to him, and overwhelms the former French colonial power through its banks.

France has defended the temporary bank closures, seeing "the consequence of the refusal of Laurent Gbagbo" to leave.

Guillaume Soro, Prime Minister Mr.Ouattara, also ruled out the responsibility of this "chaos" and advocated "revolution" to make him give as Egypt and Tunisia.

However, for bank customers is the time to worry.

The district of Plateau, Abidjan, housing the headquarters of banks, has seen during the week pouring account holders.

Thursday, before the League Ivorian bank (SIB group Moroccan Attijariwafa Bank) of Abidjan had waited in a line in the early hours of the morning to withdraw money.

"The fear is the contagion effect, so we just remove a little about our savings," explained Ms. Koffi, an entrepreneur. "I'd rather have my money on me, it is unclear what will happen," let out a military.

Frontex, a system unsuited to the Tunisian migrants in Lampedusa?

In five days, 5,000 Tunisians were able to enter the European territory by landing on the Italian island of Lampedusa. Following these arrivals, Rome has declared a state of humanitarian emergency.

On the antenna chain TG5, the Italian Interior Minister Roberto Maroni, has attacked the European Union (EU), pointing to his inaction on this issue: "Europe does nothing . I am very concerned and asked for the urgent intervention of the EU because the Maghreb is exploding. As usual, we were left alone. We manage the humanitarian emergency with only the civil protection .Intervention is essential for Europe. "

In Brussels, the European Commission has ensured that the Italian government was considering a series of measures to curb the phenomenon. Among these include, in particular, enhanced the action of the European Agency for the Management of Operational Cooperation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union (Frontex). On Monday, in fact, several European countries insist on the need to reassess the increasing involvement of the agency in the region.The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called for strengthening of Frontex operational and development cooperation with countries of origin and transit. " "A shared priority with Italy," the Quai d'Orsay.

A one-time influx

According to Mehdi Lahlou, a specialist in migration dynamics of the Mediterranean and professor of economics at the National Institute of Statistics and Applied Economics (INSEE) in Rabat, Morocco, such a decision would be disproportionate in the short term: "It must understand that this is an exceptional flow, probably related to recent events in Tunisia, not a sustainable trend.These people, who managed to slip through the cracks, are likely complicity in Italy and were able to negotiate their passage. "

In a report published by the French Institute for International Relations (IFRI) in February 2011, Mehdi Lahlou is also underscored the fact that, according to figures from Frontex, the "irregular arrivals by sea borders Europe - mainly from Southern Mediterranean coast - have decreased by 43% between 2008 and 2009 from 84,900 in 2008 to 48,700 in 2009. "

For him, reinforcing the structure would be mostly a proof of the concern of the EU in the face of rising popular movements in the Arab world: "If Brussels is taking this decision is that European leaders expect a flashover in the region that will lead to new influxes of migrants.In this case, this increase would finally a step in a process that would see the massive mobilization of numerous other entities, including naval forces in the southern countries of Europe. "

A controversial entity

Since 2007, Frontex, in partnership with several countries in northern and southern Mediterranean, organizing joint patrols in the joint operations of border surveillance.

Claire Rodier, lawyer in the Group Information and support for immigrants (GIST) and President of the European Migreurop, the fact that 5,000 migrants were able to slip through the net would be a deeper explanation: "The breach recent days in the control of the Mediterranean area could be related to voluntary relaxation of vigilance by the Libyan authorities, working closely with Italy in this area [the two countries signed a treaty of "friendship and Cooperation "in June 2009, Ed].This would then not be the first time [Muammar] Gaddafi would open the floodgates of illegal migration to Europe to influence the course of negotiations in progress with the EU, in particular on the strengthening of the southern border of Libya ".

A thesis which does not believe Mehdi Lahlou: "The assumption that Libya would have facilitated the passage of Tunisian migrants to Europe is, in my view, implausible. The only thing that could push the Gaddafi regime to open valves would implicitly threaten the European Union with a massive influx of migrants if it continues to support popular movements.A scenario that seems, however, too convoluted and too risky. "

He concluded: "It is rather the question of the identity of these migrants, who I believe could be linked by various people through the old Tunisian administration.

JUSTICE: The death of the former chef of Osama bin Laden reported to 2 years in prison

REUTERS-The imprisonment of the former chef of Osama bin Laden, held at Guantanamo, was reduced Wednesday from 14 to two years under an agreement with American justice, says the Pentagon.

This reduction of sentence was expected since al Qosi Ibrahim, who was also a bodyguard for bin Laden, has agreed in July to plead guilty in court of the U.S. naval base in Cuba in charge of war crimes.

The Sudanese, who met with the leader of Al Qaeda in its home country before following in Afghanistan, admitted helping him escape U.S. forces in the mountains of Tora Bora in 2001.

His sentence to 14 years imprisonment imposed in August did not include the eight and a half years he spent in Guantanamo.

According to Lieutenant-Colonel Tanya Bradsher, spokesman for the Pentagon, he pledged to give up any activity or complicity of activity hostile to the United States and its allies.

Egypt: Wael Ghonim, an official of Google is based in Cairo, was released

AFP - An Egyptian part of the internet giant Google, arrested during anti-government protests that shook Egypt for nearly two weeks, was released on Monday, told AFP a security source.

Wael Ghoneim, chief marketing officer of Google in the Middle East and Africa, according to his page on the LinkedIn social network for professionals, had not been heard from since Jan. 28 after a huge rally in Cairo, said his brother had Wall Street Journal.

"They released him.He is en route to Tahrir Square, "the epicenter of protest in Cairo, said the security source.

The organization of human rights Amnesty International had expressed concern Sunday that could suffer torture in detention M. Ghoneim.

According to Amnesty, quoting eyewitnesses, Wael Ghoneim was arrested by plainclothes people, probably members of the Egyptian security services during demonstrations in Cairo.

M. Ghoneim had left Dubai where he lives, for Egypt on January 23 two days before the beginning of mass protests demanding the departure of President Hosni Mubarak, according to Amnesty.

The perpetrator of a cartoonist Muhammad found guilty of terrorism

The Somali Geele Mohamed was found guilty of attempted "terrorism" and murder against the Danish Mohammed cartoonist Kurt Westergaard said Thursday the judge of the court in Aarhus.

"The Court finds that a murder attempt at his home on January 1, 2010 against Kurt Westergaard, a man who personifies the cartoons of Muhammad should be seen as an attempt to frighten the population and a high degree of destabilization structures of society, "said the magistrate Ingrid Thorsboe.

This verdict has been "made unanimously by the jury," she said.

The sentence of up to life imprisonment must be imposed Friday.

In the evening of 1 January 2010, Mohamed Geele now aged 29, had burst into the home of the draftsman in Viby, near Aarhus, armed with a hatchet and a knife, shouting that he wanted to kill him because he had insulted the Prophet and Muslims.

Kurt Westergaard, 75, had taken refuge in a bathroom safe, forcing the attacker to give up his project before being shot by the police arrived on the scene.