News on Agreement processing betwen India & Bangladesh,Iraqi Journalist,Barl Obama,Drug Trafficing in Mexico,Gender Equality,Election in El salavaor

Dhaka, Delhi sign investment protection, 'framework' trade deals
Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said in Dhaka Monday New Delhi looked forward to working with the new government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the ties between two countries took an "upward shape in the recent past", report agencies.

"India welcomes the (return of) multi-party democracy in Bangladesh", Mukherjee told a press conference at the Sheraton Hotel following talks with his counterpart Dr Dipu Moni and Home Minister Advocate Shahara Khatun as he arrived in Dhaka on a one-day goodwill visit.

Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni and State Minister for Foreign Ministry Dr Hassan Mahmud were also present at the press conference held.

Mukherjee earlier signed two treaties -- Bilateral Investment Development and Protection Agreement and renewal of a 1980 trade agreement -- with Commerce Minister Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Faruk Khan and Industries Minister Dilip Barua.

He said development of trade relations for mutual benefit was a major part of the agenda of his tour.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's cabinet gave clearance last week for signing two trade and economic deals with India.

The agreement on mutual investment promotion and protection will gives the most favoured nation (MFN) status to each country.

The other accord relates to a renewal of an old deal, originally signed in 1980, which includes a clause dealing with water, rail and road transit.

India has for long enjoyed water transport facility through the Bangladesh territory, but the part relating to road and rail transit has never been activated.

Commerce Minister Faruk Khan said the government signed a 'basic agreement' with India in line with the 2006 Indo-Bangla Trade Deal.

"The eighth clause of the deal allows both countries to transport goods through each other's road, rail and waterways, but a separate agreement or protocol has to be signed for that," the commerce minister said Monday.

"Experts from both countries will discuss the details before finalising the protocol," he told reporters at his ministry after the framework deal had been signed at a local hotel earlier in the day.

About the pact, the commerce minister said the Indo-Bangla trade deal was first signed in 1980 and its 13th clause requires the signatories to renew it every three years.

"This condition was fulfilled until 2001 before some changes to the contract were made. The pact was last renewed in 2006."

"In the light of the three-year contract, there are options for talks to expand business, but that too, will need signing of a fresh protocol on the basis of recommendations by the experts."

"But there will be no contract at the cost of nation's interests or security," he clarified.

About the newly signed 'framework agreement', Faruk said, "Transportation of commodities through roads, rail and waterways are allowed in it."

"Stoppages, customs check-posts and transportation charges are fixed in the deal and approved types of goods are also defined clearly," he added.

The commerce minister said trade deficit, duty-free access for, and non-tariff barriers to Bangladeshi products and assistance for boosting trade with Bhutan and Nepal figured in, in the bilateral talks with the Indian minister.

"The Indian minister has assured us of help in those areas," he said.

About the opposition parties opposing the deal, Faruk said, "We are not signing a new deal and trade should not used as a political tool.

"We have stayed backward over the last 38 years, seeing the trade gap only widen."

About the criticism of the proposed Trade & Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) with the US, South Asian anti-terrorism taskforce and transit deal with India by the opposition, the minister said, "We believe they (opposition) are concerned about the welfare of the country and the government will not do anything against the country's interests."

"There are still a lot to discuss about TIFA."

"And the South Asian anti-terrorism taskforce would not be confined to Bangladesh and India only, that will be a joint force of all eight SAARC members," he said.

The volume of two-way trade between India and Bangladesh, two next-door neighbours, was recorded at US$ 3.76 billion in fiscal year (FY) 2007-08. India enjoys a huge trade surplus with Bangladesh as Bangladesh imported Indian goods worth US$ 3.37 billion in that fiscal when its exports to the vast Indian market totalled US$ 358 million.

The Indian external affairs minister said at the press conference that security, border management, connectivity and investment and people-to-people relations were major issues of his discussions with the Bangladesh leaders at the bilateral talks.

"We are hopeful, his (Mukherjee's) visit will open a new phase in Bangladesh-India relations . . . it came at a crucial juncture of Bangladesh history following the landmark (December 29) general elections," Dipu Moni said.

Moni said during the talks they explained the Dhaka's proposal for formation of a regional anti-terrorism task force to fight terrorism or militancy as the security issue was a major part of the agenda of the talks alongside the prospects of enhanced connectivity for mutual benefit maintaining Bangladesh's interests.

Answering a question relating to India's response to the proposal, Mukherjee, however, said international and regional mechanisms already existed while more such mechanisms could be evolved at regional or bilateral levels.

"But the problem arises when someone becomes incapable or unwilling to fight the menace. No security architecture works if this happens so," Mukherjee said, adding that Bangladesh reassured him that it would not allow its territory to be used to anybody "inimical to India".

The Bangladesh foreign minister said she discussed the matter with India and would discuss the idea with other neighbours. "All the countries have their national mechanisms but cross-border and regional cooperation is needed to fight the menace".

Replying to a question by an Indian newspaper on allegations of sponsored activities by anti-Indian elements in Bangladesh, Moni said, "I would like to reiterate that Bangladesh won't allow anybody whoever wants to use its territory against any other country".

"If you have any specific information (provide it to us). . . we will definitely act upon it," she said.

Replying to a question about trade relations, Mukherjee said India in the past two years waived tariff ad non-tariff barriers relating to many items and the negative list of items was shortened, paving the way for exports of such items by Bangladesh to India.

"Now we can further reduce the size of the negative list," he said.

To a question on border firing and killing of the Bangladesh villagers in the frontiers, Mukherjee said the issue was a major ingredient in the "plan of action" of paramilitary frontier guards of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) and Border Security Force (BSF) of India during their chiefs' talks and they were expected to find the way to avoid the recurrence of such incidents.

At the post-talks joint press conference, Mukherjee and Moni said they had fruitful and comprehensive discussions on a wide range of bilateral issues.

The Indian foreign minister listed the issues they talked as security, border management, strengthening connectivity, promoting trade and investment, and people-to-people contact.

Dipu Moni said they had comprehensive discussions on how Bangladesh and India can move forward. She said they discussed practical ways of promoting economic relations, two-way trade, reduction of the trade gap and increasing investment.

"Discussion on connectivity was held specifically focusing on national interests," said Foreign Minister Moni.

Besides, matters of security and anti-people activities by fundamentalists and extremists were also discussed. In this context, the two sides shared views on Bangladesh's proposal on South Asian Anti-Terrorism Task Force.

Dipu Moni said she categorically assured Pranab Mukherjee that Bangladesh wouldn't allow its territory to be used by any anti-Indian elements to carry out activities against India.

She also sought Indian cooperation against elements who are trying to harm the interests of Bangladesh (from the other side).

At the comprehensive talks, Dhaka requested New Delhi to revive the stalled talks on the long-standing issues like the sharing the waters of common rivers and the demarcation of land and maritime boundaries.

The Indian foreign minister said at the press conference he had signed two scheduled trade deals with Bangladesh after meeting with Dipu Moni and home minister Sahara Khatun during a hectic day-long visit.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni received Mukherjee at the VVIP tarmac at 10:30am on the day as a special aircraft carried the Indian External Affairs Minister on a day-long visit to Bangladesh.

Visiting Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee Monday called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Jamuna, when they discussed issues of bilateral interest of the two countries.

Hasina received the Indian foreign minister as he arrived at the Jamuna at 5 PM after official talks with his Bangladesh counterpart, Dr Dipu Moni.

Pranab Mukherjee was accompanied by Indian foreign secretary Shiv Shankar Menon and Indian ambassador in Dhaka Pinak Ranjan Chakrabarty.

Foreign Minister Dr. Dipu Moni, State Minister Hasan Mahmud, State Minister for Home Affairs Tanjim Ahmed Sohel Taj, Foreign Secretary M Touhid Hossain, Secretary of the PM's Office Kazi Aminul Islam and PM's Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad were also present.

UNB adds: Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni kept silent at the joint press conference about an Indian journalist's remark about Pakistan being in a proxy war using Bangladesh as 'buffer state' and importing terrorists from there to carry out terror strikes against India.

Bangladeshi journalists covering the joint press conference of Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and his Bangladeshi counterpart Dipu Moni thought that she would speak out to deflate the word 'buffer state'.

But without refuting the invention of 'buffer state', Dipu Moni stated her government stance--that Bangladesh will not allow its soil to be used by any element or terrorist outfit to conduct terrorist activities against India.

Meanwhile, Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee in a statement to the press upon his arrival in Dhaka said: "Allow me at the outset to convey warm greetings and congratulations to the people of Bangladesh for the successful conduct of a free, fair and peaceful election".

"I hope to cover ... the entire gamut of our relations including security, connectivity, trade and investment and other important areas," he said about his visit.

"We'll also be signing the agreements relating to bilateral trade and investment promotion to further strengthen the framework for investors of both countries."









JOURNALISM IN THE AMERICAS

Ahead of National Elections, El Salvador's Ruling Party Accepts Blame for Attacking Journalists
Only days before Sunday's (Mar. 15) presidential elections, San Salvador's mayor-elect, Norman Quijano, has named three members of his party, ARENA, who were involved in attacking journalists and destroying their equipment, DiarioCoLatino reports.
The aggression last week took place after the swearing-in ceremony of local officials. Journalists from several media documented the confusion between activists of ARENA and the opposition party (FMLN). The violence continued outside the hotel lobby, resulting in physical attacks and insults, La Prensa Gráfica reports.
The incidents occurred amid growing tension leading to Sunday's highly polarized presidential elections. Former TV journalist Mauricio Funes was leading polls for the leftist FMLN—the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front, Reuters reports. (See stories about Funes and the election by The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, NPR, and Fox News.)
---Juliana Lima
***********************************************


IAPA Takes New Action on Missing Mexican Journalist; Opens Mid-year Meeting in Paraguay
The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) announced in Asunción that it will submit the case involving the disappearance of Alfredo Jiménez Mota to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). The 2005 disappearance of Jiménez, of El Imparcial newspaper in Sonora state, led IAPA to intensify its battle against violence and impunity.
The gathering of newspaper owners and executives from throughout the hemisphere opened Friday (March 13). IAPA Vice President Gonzalo Marroquin observed that most Latin American presidents "end up being enemies of the independent press," in an attempt to undermine credibility," El Universal reports, citing the AFP news service.
IAPA is also marking the 15th anniversary of the Chapultepec Declaration. The Declaration lists 10 principles that are fundamental for freedom of expression and the press.
***********************************************************************************************

Journalist Federation Campaigns for Gender Equality
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) recently marked International Women's Day by releasing a booklet about gender equality, "Getting the Balance Right." IFJ urges media professionals and activists to join the campaign against discrimination.
(Download the booklet in PDF in English, Spanish, or French).
IFJ says the booklet describes the status of women media professionals, the level and areas of inequality, and measures that are used to address them. It also examines how the media's portrayal of women reinforces or breaks down stereotypes, and it defines the role of unions and professional organizations in promoting gender equality.
The initiative forms part of this year's UNESCO campaign “Gender Equality Policies in Media Organizations." The campaign invites media professionals to share experiences and best practices for ensuring equality for women journalists.

***********************************************************************
Knight Center Offers New Online Course In Spanish: Covering Drug Trafficking
The Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas will offer the online course "Covering Drug Trafficking," to Latin American and Caribbean journalists from April 7 to May 5, 2009. The course, which is free of charge, was designed specifically for the Knight Center and is being offered for the first time. Applications for the four-week class taught by Colombian journalist Álvaro Sierra will be accepted online until March 22.

Knight Center Offers New Online Course In Spanish: Covering Drug Trafficking

The Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas will offer Latin American and Caribbean journalists the online course "Covering Drug Trafficking," from April 7 to May 5, 2009. Applications for the four-week class taught by Colombian journalist Álvaro Sierra will be accepted online until March 22.

The course, which is free of charge, was designed specifically for the Knight Center and is being offered for the first time. It combines conceptual problems and practical elements that will help journalists understand and provide responsible coverage of the complex topic of drug trafficking.

Applicants who are selected for the limited spaces will be journalists who:

are from Latin America or the Caribbean currently work full time for print, broadcast, or online news media report on or edit coverage of drug trafficking can commit to participating consistently in an intensive course that demands 10-15 hours a week.

The course will explore the following questions:

Is the business of illegal drugs adequately covered in the media? Is it possible to report on drug trafficking, despite the threat to journalists in countries such as Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil? How is drug trafficking covered in other countries with lower risk? How does one manage relationships with dangerous sources? What are the characteristics of illegal drug trafficking? Why are some drugs prohibited?

The class will be conducted entirely online. Each week's course will consist of a video lecture and transcription. Students will be expected to participate in weekly online discussion forums and chat sessions. Homework will include written and virtual assignments, and group work will be assigned.

Students will be able to work on the course according to their own schedule, and at their own pace, but they will be expected to meet weekly deadlines. One class per week will take place via Skype.

Participants will also analyze articles, conduct online research, view and discuss videos, and visit online sites. The class will also explore how new technologies such as blogs help journalists cover drug trafficking and also assist traffickers themselves.

Students who are interested in digging deeper into the weekly topic will have access to both required and suggested lectures. At the end of the course, they will be able to access a bibliography and source list and be able to save the materials from the four weeks.

Applications will be accepted until March 22 by 5 P.M (Austin, Texas time) here: http://knightcenter.utexas.edu/blog/?q=en/node/3219.

Those who are selected to participate will be notified the week of March 30. Journalists who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate of participation from the Knight Center.

Álvaro Sierra is a renowned journalist and instructor, and editor of the editorial page of El Tiempo newspaper. He was a correspondent in Russia (1990-1997) and China (1998-2000) and has been based in Colombia since 2000. He has extensive experience covering armed conflicts as a local reporter and a foreign correspondent.

Sierra will be assisted by two employees of the Knight Center who are graduate students at the University of Texas at Austin. Rachel Barrera, instructional and technical assistant, is a doctoral student at the School of Education. Robin Schwartz is a student in the dual Masters program in Journalism and Latin American Studies, specializing in the topic of immigration.

The Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas was created by Professor Rosental Calmon Alves at the University of Texas at Austin School of Journalism in August 2002 thanks to a generous donation from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

Added Mar 12, 16:47, 2009


***********************************************************************

Re-Edited by :MUKTI MAJID