27 October 2011 — Stop NATO
- Bodies Of 267 Libyan Loyalists Found In Sirte Mass Graves
- Bacchanal of Blood: Putin Condemns World Media’s Coverage Of Gaddafi Killing
- Might Is Right: Libya, New NATO Model For Syria And Beyond
- America’s Pastime Is War: After Libya, Syria…Iran
- Venezuela Won’t Recognize Libyan Regime NATO Has Installed
- Military Partner: NATO Validates Tunisian Election
- Ukraine: NATO Wants To Oversee Legal System, Dictate Verdicts
- U.S. Aegis Class Guided Missile Ship Visits Bulgaria
- Georgian Defense Conference: NATO Agenda From Lisbon To Chicago
- Azerbaijan, Turkey Finalize Caspian-EU Direct Energy Route
- Canada, U.S. Jointly Host NATO’s Largest-Ever International Non-Lethal Capabilities Technology Showcase
Bodies Of 267 Libyan Loyalists Found In Sirte Mass Graves
http://en.ria.ru/world/20111027/168149469.html
Russian Information Agency Novosti
October 27, 2011
Bodies of 267 Gaddafi loyalists found in Sirte
The bodies of 267 people have been found buried in mass graves in Sirte…Fox News said.
Most of the dead were supporters of Gaddafi and had been executed, Fox News reported late on Wednesday citing a Red Cross source who spoke with an online Libyan newspaper.
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The discovery of mass graves in Sirte and its surroundings comes a day after Gaddafi and one of his sons were buried at a secret location in the Libyan desert.
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Bacchanal of Blood: Putin Condemns World Media’s Coverage Of Gaddafi Killing
http://en.rian.ru/world/20111026/168144832.html
Russian Information Agency Novosti
October 26, 2011
Putin condemns footage showing Gaddafi death
MOSCOW: Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Wednesday condemned the way world media covered the death of ousted Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
‘Nearly the entire Gaddafi family was killed. His corpse was shown on all world TV channels. It’s impossible to look at it without disgust!’ Putin said at a meeting of the coordination council of the All-Russian People’s Front.
Gaddafi, who ruled Libya for 42 years, died shortly after being captured alive by National Transitional Council fighters near his hometown of Sirte last week.
Putin said journalists should be aware of what they are doing when they show such footage.
‘Inside of their community, people should realize what they are doing and bear moral responsibility,’ he said.
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Might Is Right: Libya, New NATO Model For Syria And Beyond
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/indepth/2011-10/26/c_131214016.htm
Xinhua News Agency
October 26, 2011
Syria next?
By Li Hongmei
Media worldwide have been bent on speculation since Colonel Gaddafi was dragged out of a drainpipe and met a violent end: the killing of Gaddafi would send shivers down the spine of Syria’s al-Assad regime.
This coincided with the tit-for-tat ambassador withdrawal between Damascus and Washington.
The U.S. withdrew its ambassador to Syria on October 24 over ‘fears for his safety’ in the face of what the U.S. said was a growing campaign of incitement against him being orchestrated by the Syrian regime.
The Syrian government gave a quick response the same day, ordering home its envoy to Washington for the sake of consulting on its relations with Washington, actually raising the diplomatic stakes.
With NATO operations in Libya coming to an end, which is said to conclude on October 31, some NATO members somewhat suggested Syria could be the next target.
France, which started the air strikes on Libya, is currently pushing for the UN to take ‘responsibilities’ and sanction the ‘bloody repression’ in Syria.
French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe was cited as saying, ‘France is asking the UN Security Council to assume its responsibilities and [enforce] sanction[s against] the bloody repression.’
‘I hope we will soon reach an agreement on multilateral action that can step up pressure on the Syrian regime,’ Juppe said.
U.S. vice-president, Joe Biden, last week triggered the speculation by saying that the military model used in Libya – US air power in support of rebels on the ground backed by French and British special forces – could be used elsewhere.
Further, U.S. senator and former Republican presidential candidate John McCain has also hinted that there is a real chance of intervention in Syria.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum, he said: ‘Now that military operations in Libya are ending, there will be renewed focus on what practical military operations might be considered to protect civilian lives in Syria.’
It seems that NATO, especially the U.S., finally relished and so cherished the rare victorious fruit from its battle fronts on foreign soils, and Libya acts as an outlandish model which has satisfied the appetite of the powers involved for the unchallenged position of super-military might, as well as its logic: Might is Right.
But, whether or not NATO would recalibrate its focus upon Syria is not merely a question of its willingness and ambition to sweep away all the ‘anti-West regimes’, but more of a question whether or not the Libya military model could be replicated elsewhere, and how far the proxy war can go.
At least, one thing needs pondering: To launch operations is to ‘protect civilian lives’ from ‘bloody repression’, but is ‘friendly casualties’ – civilians killed through mistaken bombing, accident and negligence – any less bloody?
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America’s Pastime Is War: After Libya, Syria…Iran
http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2011/10/26/after-libya-syria
Asian Tribune
October 27, 2011
By S.H. Moulana
Riyadh: On a recent visit to Jordan, US Republican Senator John McCain stopped short of referring to striking Syria by US or NATO, but said, ‘there will be renewed focus on what practical military operations might be considered’ against President Bashar Assad’s regime.
McCain said that military action to protect civilians in Syria might be considered now that NATO’s air campaign in Libya is ending.
The US seem to be having a very busy schedule. It started with Afghanistan, then it moved to Iraq, followed by Libya and now eying Syria with the intention of having a go at Iran too. The senator, who is a Vietnam War veteran, has said, ‘No issue unifies the American people more than the need to protect our friends, our allies — Israel — from the comprehensive threat posed by the Iranian regime.’ It looks that the US will never get fed up with war; in short, it has become a pastime for it. However, all these wars are fought not to protect its own borders but thousands of miles away in foreign countries.
The excuse being fighting a ‘threat to American security’! In the meantime, one wonders why it does not worry about the Yemeni people as much as it worried about the Libyans and the Syrians. The region has become a happy hunting ground for the warmongers because of the two impotent organizations, namely the Arab League and the OIC in which these affected or threatened countries are members.
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Venezuela Won’t Recognize Libyan Regime NATO Has Installed
Associated Press
October 26, 2011
Venezuela’s Chavez says he won’t recognize new government in Libya
CARACAS, Venezuela: Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said Wednesday that he won’t recognize Libya’s new government and predicted more war in the country.
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‘For us, there is no government in Libya,’ Chavez told reporters at the presidential palace.
‘We don’t recognize the government that NATO has installed. It’s installed a government through bombs in Libya and through a genocide…and an assassination,’ Chavez said.
‘Independently of who the president was, whether you or others didn’t like him…he was the president of Libya,’ Chavez said.
He said the conflict has left behind a shattered country, and he predicted that it isn’t over.
‘Libya isn’t under anyone’s control. A war will start there now,’ Chavez said. ‘Well, it already started, imposed by NATO and the United Nations Security Council.’
‘They destroyed that country, and now there’s chaos there, violence everywhere,’ he added.
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Military Partner: NATO Validates Tunisian Election
http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-0EB95426-F45A5B10/natolive/news_79860.htm
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
October 24, 2011
NATO Secretary General statement on the Tunisian elections
I congratulate the Tunisian people who participated in the country’s first free and fair elections for the Constituent Assembly. They showed their firm commitment to freedom and democracy. This is a historic achievement for the country that opened the way for the Arab Spring and another important milestone for the whole region.
Tunisia is a valued partner in NATO’s Mediterranean Dialogue and I look forward to enhancing our partnership.
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Ukraine: NATO Wants To Oversee Legal System, Dictate Verdicts
http://www.interfax.com.ua/eng/main/83658/
Interfax-Ukraine
October 26, 2011
NATO member-states may discuss situation in Ukraine while assessing implementation of annual national plan, says Appathurai
-The official…said that during their work in Ukraine they would hold meetings not only with Ukrainian authorities, but also with representatives of the country’s opposition.
NATO member-states may discuss the latest political developments in Ukraine in the context of the country’s implementation of its annual national program for 2011, NATO’s Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy James Appathurai said at a press conference in Kyiv on Wednesday
The latest political events in Ukraine cannot but cause concern and the alliance has already expressed its position, Appathurai said. He stressed the importance of the observance of the law in Ukraine.
Appathurai didn’t rule out that these issues would be considered by the member-states during the assessment of the implementation of the annual national program for 2011, since it has a political aspect.
‘The national annual plan has a section on legal reform – the reform of the judicial system. Thus, I cannot rule out the possibility that it will also be discussed when we put up this issue (the implementation of the annual national plan) for general discussion by the NATO countries,’ he said.
The official said that the alliance’s delegation arrived in Ukraine to assess the implementation of the annual national program for 2011. Appathurai recalled that the national program deals with the reforms that Ukraine itself put on the plan.
The official also said that during their work in Ukraine they would hold meetings not only with Ukrainian authorities, but also with representatives of the country’s opposition.
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U.S. Aegis Class Guided Missile Ship Visits Bulgaria
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=63460
U.S. Navy
October 26, 2011
USS Philippine Sea Visits Bulgaria
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gary A. Prill, Navy Public Affairs Support Element-East Detachment Sigonella
BURGAS, Bulgaria: Guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) arrived in Burgas, Oct. 25, for a regularly scheduled port visit as part of U.S. 6th Fleet’s strategy to enhance regional stability in the Black Sea by strengthening maritime partnerships.
During their visit to Burgas, the first by a U.S. Navy ship in 12 years, the crew will host a reception for local military and civilian officials.
‘We have a very busy schedule to include a formal dinner with local military and civilian leaders,’ said Capt. Stephen Shinego, commanding officer of Philippine Sea…
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Georgian Defense Conference: NATO Agenda From Lisbon To Chicago
http://www.mod.gov.ge/index.php?page=77&lang=1&type=&Id=1178
Ministry of Defence of Georgia
October 26, 2011
Georgian Defence and Security Conference
On October 27-28 the Georgian Defence and Security Conference will be held at the Radisson Blu Iveria hotel. Georgian and international representatives will discuss the new challenges of the global security sphere, ongoing defence reforms of Georgia and achieved progress at the conference organized by the Ministry of Defence of Georgia…
Duirng two days the participants of the conference will discuss important issues such as the NATO Agenda from Lisbon to Chicago, Georgia’s NATO membership perspectives, the Black Sea Region in the Euroatlantic security dimension, challenges of the security sphere, the ongoing reform in the Georgian defence sphere, main trends in military education, view of civil society and its contribution, democratic control and existing challenges and the way ahead for the ISAF mission.
Along with the forum, the participants of the conference will also hold bilateral meetings with foreign visitors.
10:00 – opening remarks – Vice Prime Minister of Georgia and State Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Giorgi Baramidze;
(During 10 minutes photo and video shooting are allowed)
10:45 – Vice Prime Minister of Georgia and State Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, Giorgi Baramidze meets with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Celeste Wallander;
(At the beginning of the conference cameramen will be allowed only for 3 minutes)
14:30 Minister of Defence of Georgia Bacho Akhalaia meets with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Celeste Wallander.
(At the beginning of the conference cameramen will be allowed only for 3 minutes)
After the end of the meeting, official statements will be made for media.
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Azerbaijan, Turkey Finalize Caspian-EU Direct Energy Route
http://en.trend.az/capital/viewpoint/1949697.html
Trend News Agency
October 26, 2011
Europe becomes closer to Azerbaijani gas
Trend Agency expert Seymur Aliyev
BAKU: Azerbaijan and Turkey have recently agreed on a package of documents in the gas sector. This has historical importance for these countries, Europe and Caspian Basin countries. In essence, these agreements, including the most important document on gas transit via Turkey, opened a direct route for Azerbaijani gas to Europe.
Moreover, by signing this agreement, Azerbaijan removed the last obstacles to implement several major energy projects, such as the development of the second stage of the giant field Shah Deniz and the construction of major export gas pipelines (Nabucco, ITGI, TAP). However, this agreement will facilitate the implementation of such projects as the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline, the development of new gas fields in the Caspian Sea and, especially, in Azerbaijan.
The agreement on gas transit allows Baku to determine the route of transporting gas to Europe. Earlier, the Nabucco, ITGI, and TAP pipelines, included in the Southern Gas Corridor submitted their proposals to the Shah Deniz partners. A route will be chosen in the nearest future. Afterwards, a sanction will be given to implement the Shah Deniz second stage (before the end of this year).
Gas, produced from the field, is considered as the main source for the projects of the Southern Gas Corridor. It is one of the priority energy projects for the EU. It intends to diversify the routes and sources of energy supplies and thereby increase EU ***energy security***.
Azerbaijan plans to supply 10 billion cubic meters of gas to Europe from 2017 within the Shah Deniz 2 project.
Another 6 billion cubic meters will be delivered to Turkey in addition to 6.6 billion cubic meters within the Shah Deniz first stage of development.
The contract to develop the offshore Shah Deniz field was signed June 4, 1996. Participants in the agreement are: BP (operator) – 25.5 percent, Statoil Hydro – 25.5 percent, NICO – 10 percent, Total – 10 percent, LukAgip – 10 percent, TPAO – 9 percent, SOCAR-10 percent.
Reserves of the Shah Deniz field are estimated at 1.2 trillion cubic meters of gas.
Presently gas has been transported to Georgia and Turkey via the South Caucasus gas pipeline.
Peak production at the field is projected at 9 billion cubic meters in the first phase.
According to forecasts, gas production will be brought up to 24 billion cubic meters per year within the second stage of field development.
However, gas supplies to Europe may begin much earlier. Today, Turkey re-exports part of Azerbaijani gas to Greece. The signing of the transit agreement will allow transporting direct gas supplies to this country. There is an agreement between the countries participating in this process.
The transit agreement between Azerbaijan and Turkey actually connected Europe and the Caspian region by an energy chain. This agreement opens the way to Europe not only for gas from the Shah Deniz field. Gas from such big Azerbaijani gas fields as Umid, Absheron and other prospective structures may be delivered through this way in the future.
This corridor will also transport natural gas from other countries of the Caspian region.
One can say that after signing the transit agreement, Europe has become even closer to Azerbaijan. Brussels is closer to Baku. It is explained by the necessity to diversify energy supplies to the EU to ensure energy security. This is also explained by the fact that Azerbaijan is the only real supplier of natural gas in this direction today. It has large proven gas reserves worth 2.6 billion cubic meters.
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http://en.trend.az/capital/energy/1949881.html
Trend News Agency
October 26, 2011
Shah Deniz partners hail signing of gas agreements package between Azerbaijan and Turkey
BAKU: The partners in the development of the Azerbaijani Shah Deniz field welcome the signing of an agreement to purchase Azerbaijani gas, its transit and an intergovernmental agreement between Azerbaijan and Turkey signed on Oct. 25, BP-Azerbaijan Foreign Relations Department head Tamam Bayatli told Trend on Wednesday.
‘The signed agreements will contribute to BP and its partners’ efforts on the development of the Shah Deniz field, making a final investment decision on the implementation of the second phase of its development, as well as the implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor projects,’ Bayatli said.
She said the signing of these documents will allow the Shah Deniz consortium to continue choosing a pipeline for gas export to Europe, as well as approve agreement on gas sale with potential buyers.
The transit agreement is necessary for the implementation of projects of Azerbaijani gas transportation to Europe within the Southern Gas Corridor.
The gas produced during the second stage of Shah Deniz field development is regarded as the main source for the Southern Gas Corridor project. Within Shah Deniz-2 project, Azerbaijan is planning to deliver 10 billion cubic meters of gas to Europe.
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Canada, U.S. Jointly Host NATO’s Largest-Ever International Non-Lethal Capabilities Technology Showcase
Department of National Defence
October 26, 2011
Canada and U.S. Jointly Host NATO’s Largest Ever International Non-Lethal Capabilities Technology Showcase
OTTAWA, ONTARIO: The 2011 North American Technology Demonstration (NATD) being held at the Ottawa Convention Centre is bringing together a thousand of the world’s leaders in defence and security. NATO’s three-day technology demonstration is hosted jointly by the Department of National Defence (DND) and the United States Department of Defence’s Non-Lethal Weapons Program and is expected to attract military and civilian members from over 30 different countries. The 2011 NATD will showcase non-lethal capabilities that can be acquired and fielded quickly in support of NATO and counter-terrorism operations.
‘Non-lethal capabilities provide operating forces with an important capability that reduces casualties and collateral damage, and saves lives in situations where distinguishing between adversaries and innocent civilians is difficult,’ said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. ‘In hosting this year’s conference, we are injecting over $1.5 million dollars into the Canadian economy.’
Canada is the chairman of the NATO Defence Against Terrorism (DAT) programme of work’s 11th Initiative on non-lethal capabilities. The programme of work for the DAT’s 11th initiative serves to provide NATO forces with better response capabilities that minimize collateral damage.
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The schedule for the 2011 NATD includes NATO and Allied Working Group Meetings on 25 October, a conference and static display on 26 October, and a dynamic demonstration of non-lethal capabilities on 27 October.
The New Dark Age 