As of the 1 January 2005 introduction of the new German Immigration Act, foreigners need only obtain a German residence permit, which gives them the right to work, rather than separate residence and work permits. Citizens of the US, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, and Switzerland may apply for their residence and work permit while remaining in Germany as visitors. Citizens of these countries, however, are not allowed to work in Germany until after their work and residence permit application is approved.
Citizens of most other countries are required to apply for and obtain a residence and work permit prior to entering Germany at their German consulate.
The procedure as of 1 January 2005 is as follows:
Stage 1: The residence permit application (which also provides access to the labour market) for the candidate is received by the German embassy in the country where the candidate lives.
Stage 2: The Embassy passes the application to the immigration office (the Auslaenderbehoerde) in the place where the job is to take place for initial approval. The immigration office, in cooperation with the local employment office (the Arbeitsamt) that issues the permission, makes its decision.
Stage 3: If the candidate's application has been approved, the Embassy provides an entry visa to the candidate.
Stage 4: Upon arriving in Germany, the foreign national and any accompanying family members must apply for their work and residence permits at the local foreigners authority.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Immigration to Germany
Starting in 2005, Germany is making a greater attempt to encourage highly skilled workers to move to Germany. While low skilled workers will still find it difficult to gain permission to work in Germany, highly skilled workers should find it easier to gain permanent residency. The professions most in need are natural scientists (biologists, chemists, physicists) engineers, professors and scientific personnel in high technology areas. Because of the great difficulty of obtaining work permission for unskilled workers, we only cover the procedure for skilled workers.
The new German Immigration Act, which came into force on 01 January 2005, provides for highly qualified persons to be granted permanent residence and permission to work from the outset, rather than five-year work permits as was previously the case. They must have a concrete job offer and get permission from the German Employment Agency. The new law also makes an attempt to reduce bureaucracy. Would-be immigrants will now report to one central place, most likely the German embassy in their home country, to receive work and residency permission.
Family members who enter Germany with highly skilled workers who have obtained a visa, or family members who join them later in Germany, can obtain the right to work in Germany as well, which should also make it easier for families to decide to move to Germany.
Another entirely new development in Germany will be regarded positively by foreign students. Foreign graduates of German universities will have a year to look for a job if they wish to stay in the country. Previously it was quite difficult for foreign students to remain in Germany upon completion of their studies.
Self-employed immigrants will also feel more welcomed under the new law, provided they invest one million euro and create ten new German jobs.
It should also be noted that Germany is a member of the Schengen Agreement. With a Schengen Visa, you can entry one Schengen country and travel to other Schengen visa countries freely.
The new Immigration Act has replaced the former German Green Card Initiative, which made it easier for foreign IT specialists to work in Germany. It is generally agreed that the Green Card was unsuccessful, in that it did not succeed in bringing about the additional IT workers as was expected. This new provision of the Immigration Act is not limited to IT specialists.
The new German Immigration Act, which came into force on 01 January 2005, provides for highly qualified persons to be granted permanent residence and permission to work from the outset, rather than five-year work permits as was previously the case. They must have a concrete job offer and get permission from the German Employment Agency. The new law also makes an attempt to reduce bureaucracy. Would-be immigrants will now report to one central place, most likely the German embassy in their home country, to receive work and residency permission.
Family members who enter Germany with highly skilled workers who have obtained a visa, or family members who join them later in Germany, can obtain the right to work in Germany as well, which should also make it easier for families to decide to move to Germany.
Another entirely new development in Germany will be regarded positively by foreign students. Foreign graduates of German universities will have a year to look for a job if they wish to stay in the country. Previously it was quite difficult for foreign students to remain in Germany upon completion of their studies.
Self-employed immigrants will also feel more welcomed under the new law, provided they invest one million euro and create ten new German jobs.
It should also be noted that Germany is a member of the Schengen Agreement. With a Schengen Visa, you can entry one Schengen country and travel to other Schengen visa countries freely.
The new Immigration Act has replaced the former German Green Card Initiative, which made it easier for foreign IT specialists to work in Germany. It is generally agreed that the Green Card was unsuccessful, in that it did not succeed in bringing about the additional IT workers as was expected. This new provision of the Immigration Act is not limited to IT specialists.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Elementary / Secondary Schools
Welcome to the StudyinCanada.com Elementary/Secondary School Section. Elementary (or public) schools and secondary (or high) schools are the first step in Canadian education. The age of children in public school ranges from 3 - 13. The age of children in secondary school ranges from 14 - 18. In order to continue on to university or college, students in Canada must finish secondary school.
Public Secondary School (Public High School) - A secondary school funded by the provincial government run public organizations called boards of education or district school boards.
Private Secondary School (Private High School) - A secondary school funded through student tuition payments and run as a private organization which conforms to government guidelines and standards.
Public Secondary School (Public High School) - A secondary school funded by the provincial government run public organizations called boards of education or district school boards.
Private Secondary School (Private High School) - A secondary school funded through student tuition payments and run as a private organization which conforms to government guidelines and standards.
Immigration and Nationality Act
Reflecting Amendments by IIRAIRA (Pub. L. 104-208, 110 Stat. 3009 (September 30, 1996)) Original Text Includes Changes Made by Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-132, 110 Stat. 1214 (April 24, 1996))
This site is hosted by ITA, makers of IMMIGRATION SOFTWARE.
Contact the Webmaster with your comments and suggestions.
Translators - All Language Translations
This document was prepared to assist in implementing the transition to a new system based on major changes to the INA enacted in the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 and the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. Although every effort has been made to assure accuracy in this document, it is not an official codification or publication of the law. Thus, all citations to the INA should be verified by reference to Public Law 104-208. If you find any errors in this document or have any suggestions please contact INS Legislative Counsel. This version was last updated on 11/1/96 and supercedes all previous versions.
Please note the following savings provisions of IIRIRA which are not codified in the INA:
Sec. 308 * * * *
(g) CONFORMING REFERENCES TO REORGANIZED SECTIONS.-
(1) REFERENCES TO SECTIONS 232, 234, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242A, AND 244A.-Any reference in law in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act to section 232, 234, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242A, or 244A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (or a subdivision of such section) is deemed, as of the title IIIA effective date, to refer to section 232(a), 232(b), 233, 234, 234A, 237, 238, or 244 of such Act (or the corresponding subdivision of such section), as redesignated by this subtitle. Any reference in law to section 241 (or a subdivision of such section) of the Immigration and Nationality Act in an amendment made by a subsequent subtitle of this title is deemed a reference (as of the title IIIA effective date) to section 237 (or the corresponding subdivision of such section), as redesignated by this subtitle.
******
Sec. 309. ******
(d) TRANSITIONAL REFERENCES.-For purposes of carrying out the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended by this subtitle-
(1) any reference in section 212(a)(1)(A) of such Act to the term "inadmissible" is deemed to include a reference to the term "excludable", and
(2) any reference in law to an order of removal shall be deemed to include a reference to an order of exclusion and deportation or an order of deportation.
******
Acronyms used:
VCCLEA is the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994.
INTC is the Immigration and Naturalization Technical Corrections Act of 1994.
MTINA is the Miscellaneous and Technical Immigration and Naturalization Amendments of 1991.
AEDPA is the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104-132, 110 Stat. 1214 (April 24, 1996).
IIRIRA is the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE I
101 definitions
102 applicability of title ii to certain nonimmigrants
103 powers and duties of the attorney general and the commissioner
104 powers and duties of the secretary of state
105 liaison with internal security officers
TITLE II -- Immigration
Chapter 1 -- Selection System
201 worldwide level of immigration
202 numerical limitation to any single foreign state
203 allocation of immigrant visas
204 procedure for granting immigrant status
205 revocation of approval of petitions
206 unused immigrant visas
207 annual admission of refugees and admission of emergency situation refugees
208 asylum
209 adjustment of status of refugees
210 special agricultural workers
210A determination of agricultural labor shortages and admission of additional special agricultural workers
Chapter 2 -- Qualifications for Admission of Aliens; Travel Control of Citizens and Aliens
211 documentary requirements
212 general classes of aliens ineligible to receive visas and ineligible for admission; waivers of inadmissibility
213 admission of certain aliens on giving bond
213A requirements for sponsor's affidavit of support
214 admission of nonimmigrants
215 travel documentation of aliens and citizens
216 conditional permanent resident status for certain alien spouses and sons and daughters
216A conditional permanent resident status for certain alien entrepreneurs, spouses, and children
217 visa waiver pilot program for certain visitors
218 admission of temporary h-2a workers
Chapter 3 -- Issuance of Entry Documents
221 issuance of visas
222 applications for visas
223 reentry permits
224 immediate relative and special immigrant visas
Chapter 4 -- Inspection; Apprehension; Examination; Exclusion; and Removal
231 lists of alien and citizen passengers arriving or departing; record of resident aliens and citizens leaving permanently for foreign country
232 detention of aliens for physical and mental examination
233 entry through or from foreign territory and adjacent islands; landing stations
234 designation of ports of entry for aliens arriving by civil aircraft
235 inspection by immigration officers; expedited removal of inadmissible arriving aliens; referral for hearing
236 apprehension and detention of aliens
237 general classes of deportable aliens
238 expedited removal of aliens convicted of committing aggravated felonies
239 initiation of removal proceedings
240 removal proceedings
240A cancellation of removal; adjustment of status
240B voluntary departure
240C records of admission
241 detention and removal of aliens ordered removed
242 judicial review of orders of removal
243 penalties related to removal
244 temporary protected status
Chapter 5 -- adjustment and change of status
245 adjustment of status of nonimmigrant to that of person admitted for permanent residence
245A adjustment of status of certain entrants before january 1, 1982, to that of person admitted for lawful residence
246 rescission of adjustment of status
247 adjustment of status of certain resident aliens to nonimmigrant status
248 change of nonimmigrant classification
249 record of admission for permanent residence in the case of certain aliens who entered the united states prior to july 1, 1924 or january 1, 1972
250 removal of aliens who have fallen into distress
Chapter 6 -- Special Provisions Relating to Alien Crewman
251 lists of alien crewmen; reports of illegal landings
252 conditional permits to land temporarily
253 hospital treatment of alien crewmen afflicted with certain diseases
254 control of alien crewmen
255 employment on passenger vessels of aliens afflicted with certain disabilities
256 discharge of alien crewmen
257 bringing alien crewmen into united states with intent to evade immigration laws
258 limitations on performance of longshore work by alien crewmen
Chapter 7 -- Registration of Aliens
261 aliens seeking entry into the united states
262 registration of aliens in the united states
263 provisions governing registration of special groups
264 forms and procedure
265 notices of change of address
266 penalties
Chapter 8 --General Penalty Provisions
271 prevention of unauthorized landing of aliens
272 bringing in aliens subject to denial of admission on a health-related ground
273 unlawful bringing of aliens into united states
274 bringing in and harboring certain aliens
274A unlawful employment of aliens
274B unfair immigration-related employment practices
274C penalties for document fraud
274D civil penalties for failure to depart
275 entry of alien at improper time or place; misrepresentation and concealment of facts
276 reentry of removed alien
277 aiding or assisting certain aliens to enter the united states
278 importation of alien for immoral purpose
279 jurisdiction of district courts
280 collection of penalties and expenses
Chapter 9 -- Miscellaneous
281 nonimmigrant visa fees
282 printing of reentry permits and blank forms of manifests and crew lists
283 travel expenses and expense of transporting remains of immigration officers and employees who die outside of the united states
284 members of the armed forces
285 disposal of privileges at immigrant stations
286 disposition of moneys collected under the provisions of this title
287 powers of immigration officers and employees
288 local jurisdiction over immigrant stations
289 American Indians born in Canada
290 central file; information from other departments and agencies
291 burden of proof
292 right to counsel
293 deposit of and interest on cash received to secure immigration bonds
294 undercover investigation authority
295 transportation of remains of immigration officers and border patrol agents killed in the line of duty
TITLE III
Chapter 1 -- nationality at birth and by collective naturalization
301 nationals and citizens of the united states at birth
302 persons born in Puerto Rico on or after April 11, 1899
303 persons born in the canal zone or republic of Panama on or after February 26, 1904
304 persons born in Alaska on or after march 30, 1867
305 persons born in Hawaii
306 persons living in and born in the virgin islands
307 persons living in and born in Guam
308 nationals but not citizens of the united states at birth
Chapter 2 -- nationality through naturalization
310 naturalization authority
311 eligibility for naturalization
312 requirements as to understanding the English language, history, principles, and form of government of the united states
313 prohibition upon the naturalization of persons opposed to government or law, or who favor totalitarian forms of government
314 ineligibility to naturalization of deserters from the armed forces of the united states
315 alien relieved from training and service in the armed forces of the united states because of alienage barred from citizenship
316 requirements as to residence, good moral character, attachment to the principles of the constitution, and favorable disposition to the united states
317 temporary absence of persons performing religious duties
318 prerequisites to naturalization; burden of proof
319 married persons and employees of certain nonprofit organizations
320 child born outside of united states of one alien and one citizen parent at time of birth; conditions under which citizenship automatically acquired
321 child born outside of united states of alien parent; conditions under which citizenship automatically acquired
322 child born outside the united states; application for certificate of citizenship requirements
324 former citizens of united states regaining united states citizenship
325 nationals but not citizens of the united states; residence within outlying possessions
326 resident Philippine citizens excepted from certain requirements
327 former united states citizens losing citizenship by entering the armed forces of foreign countries during world war ii
328 naturalization through service in the armed forces of the united states
329 naturalization through active-duty service in the armed forces during world war i, world war ii, the korean hostilities, the vietnam hostilities, or in other periods of military hostilities
329A posthumous citizenship through death while on active-duty service in the armed forces during world war i, world war ii, the korean hostilities, the vietnam hostilities, or in other periods of military hostilities
330 constructive residence through service on certain united states vessels
331 alien enemies; naturalization under specified conditions and procedure
332 procedural and administrative provisions; executive functions
333 photographs
334 application for naturalization; declaration of intention
335 investigation of applicants; examinations of applications
336 hearings on denials of applications for naturalization
337 oath of renunciation and allegiance
338 certificate of naturalization; contents
339 functions and duties of clerks and records of declarations of intention and applications for naturalization
340 revocation of naturalization
341 certificates of citizenship or u.s. non-citizen national status; procedure
342 cancellation of certificates issued by the attorney general, the commissioner or a deputy commissioner; action not to affect citizenship status
343 documents and copies issued by the attorney general
344 fiscal provisions
346 authorization granted for publication and distribution of citizenship textbooks from naturalization fees
347 compilation of naturalization statistics and payment for equipment
Chapter 3 -- loss of nationality
349 loss of nationality by native-born or naturalized citizen
351 restrictions on loss of nationality
356 nationality lost solely from performance of acts or fulfillment of conditions
357 application of treaties; exceptions
Chapter 4 -- miscellaneous
358 certificate of diplomatic or consular officer of the united states as to loss of American nationality under chapter iv, nationality act of 1940, or under chapter 3 of this title
359 certificate of nationality for a person not a naturalized citizen for use in proceedings of a foreign state.
360 judicial proceedings for declaration of united states nationality in event of denial of rights and privileges as national
361 cancellation of united states passports and consular reports of birth
TITLE IV (omitted -- no changes by AEDPA, there are changes by IIRIRA)
TITLE V -- ALIEN TERRORIST REMOVAL PROCEDURES
501 Definitions
502 establishment of removal court
503 removal court procedure
504 removal hearing
505 appeals
506 custody and release pending removal hearing
507 custody and release after removal hearing
Appendices
Appendix A -- Section 309 of IIRIRA -- Effective dates for Title III and transition rules
Appendix B -- Requirement for Study and Report on Implementation of Removal Procedures
Appendix C -- Transition Rules Regarding Custody
Appendix D -- Effective Dates for Judicial Review Amendments
Appendix E -- Public Law 104-302
Appendix F -- sections affected in title 18 of the united states code by IIRIRA
Public Radio Interview of ITA President Translators on the World Wide Web www.immigration-usa.com
Deutsch | Español | Chinese | Russian | Polish Free Home Pages
The IMMIGRATION Superhighway(TM) | DOT Call for Papers | LAWYERS
Thank you for making this an award winning site
Please put this page in your BOOKMARKS
MAIN MENU
REFERENCE - U.S. Immigration Law, Regulations and Procedures
SELF HELP - Books, Periodicals and Computer Software
PRACTITIONERS - Immigration Lawyers, Consultants and ancillary Services
ORGANIZATIONS
Other LISTS of Immigration Resources on the Internet
This site is hosted by ITA, makers of IMMIGRATION SOFTWARE.
Contact the Webmaster with your comments and suggestions.
Translators - All Language Translations
This document was prepared to assist in implementing the transition to a new system based on major changes to the INA enacted in the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 and the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. Although every effort has been made to assure accuracy in this document, it is not an official codification or publication of the law. Thus, all citations to the INA should be verified by reference to Public Law 104-208. If you find any errors in this document or have any suggestions please contact INS Legislative Counsel. This version was last updated on 11/1/96 and supercedes all previous versions.
Please note the following savings provisions of IIRIRA which are not codified in the INA:
Sec. 308 * * * *
(g) CONFORMING REFERENCES TO REORGANIZED SECTIONS.-
(1) REFERENCES TO SECTIONS 232, 234, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242A, AND 244A.-Any reference in law in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act to section 232, 234, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242A, or 244A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (or a subdivision of such section) is deemed, as of the title IIIA effective date, to refer to section 232(a), 232(b), 233, 234, 234A, 237, 238, or 244 of such Act (or the corresponding subdivision of such section), as redesignated by this subtitle. Any reference in law to section 241 (or a subdivision of such section) of the Immigration and Nationality Act in an amendment made by a subsequent subtitle of this title is deemed a reference (as of the title IIIA effective date) to section 237 (or the corresponding subdivision of such section), as redesignated by this subtitle.
******
Sec. 309. ******
(d) TRANSITIONAL REFERENCES.-For purposes of carrying out the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended by this subtitle-
(1) any reference in section 212(a)(1)(A) of such Act to the term "inadmissible" is deemed to include a reference to the term "excludable", and
(2) any reference in law to an order of removal shall be deemed to include a reference to an order of exclusion and deportation or an order of deportation.
******
Acronyms used:
VCCLEA is the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994.
INTC is the Immigration and Naturalization Technical Corrections Act of 1994.
MTINA is the Miscellaneous and Technical Immigration and Naturalization Amendments of 1991.
AEDPA is the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104-132, 110 Stat. 1214 (April 24, 1996).
IIRIRA is the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE I
101 definitions
102 applicability of title ii to certain nonimmigrants
103 powers and duties of the attorney general and the commissioner
104 powers and duties of the secretary of state
105 liaison with internal security officers
TITLE II -- Immigration
Chapter 1 -- Selection System
201 worldwide level of immigration
202 numerical limitation to any single foreign state
203 allocation of immigrant visas
204 procedure for granting immigrant status
205 revocation of approval of petitions
206 unused immigrant visas
207 annual admission of refugees and admission of emergency situation refugees
208 asylum
209 adjustment of status of refugees
210 special agricultural workers
210A determination of agricultural labor shortages and admission of additional special agricultural workers
Chapter 2 -- Qualifications for Admission of Aliens; Travel Control of Citizens and Aliens
211 documentary requirements
212 general classes of aliens ineligible to receive visas and ineligible for admission; waivers of inadmissibility
213 admission of certain aliens on giving bond
213A requirements for sponsor's affidavit of support
214 admission of nonimmigrants
215 travel documentation of aliens and citizens
216 conditional permanent resident status for certain alien spouses and sons and daughters
216A conditional permanent resident status for certain alien entrepreneurs, spouses, and children
217 visa waiver pilot program for certain visitors
218 admission of temporary h-2a workers
Chapter 3 -- Issuance of Entry Documents
221 issuance of visas
222 applications for visas
223 reentry permits
224 immediate relative and special immigrant visas
Chapter 4 -- Inspection; Apprehension; Examination; Exclusion; and Removal
231 lists of alien and citizen passengers arriving or departing; record of resident aliens and citizens leaving permanently for foreign country
232 detention of aliens for physical and mental examination
233 entry through or from foreign territory and adjacent islands; landing stations
234 designation of ports of entry for aliens arriving by civil aircraft
235 inspection by immigration officers; expedited removal of inadmissible arriving aliens; referral for hearing
236 apprehension and detention of aliens
237 general classes of deportable aliens
238 expedited removal of aliens convicted of committing aggravated felonies
239 initiation of removal proceedings
240 removal proceedings
240A cancellation of removal; adjustment of status
240B voluntary departure
240C records of admission
241 detention and removal of aliens ordered removed
242 judicial review of orders of removal
243 penalties related to removal
244 temporary protected status
Chapter 5 -- adjustment and change of status
245 adjustment of status of nonimmigrant to that of person admitted for permanent residence
245A adjustment of status of certain entrants before january 1, 1982, to that of person admitted for lawful residence
246 rescission of adjustment of status
247 adjustment of status of certain resident aliens to nonimmigrant status
248 change of nonimmigrant classification
249 record of admission for permanent residence in the case of certain aliens who entered the united states prior to july 1, 1924 or january 1, 1972
250 removal of aliens who have fallen into distress
Chapter 6 -- Special Provisions Relating to Alien Crewman
251 lists of alien crewmen; reports of illegal landings
252 conditional permits to land temporarily
253 hospital treatment of alien crewmen afflicted with certain diseases
254 control of alien crewmen
255 employment on passenger vessels of aliens afflicted with certain disabilities
256 discharge of alien crewmen
257 bringing alien crewmen into united states with intent to evade immigration laws
258 limitations on performance of longshore work by alien crewmen
Chapter 7 -- Registration of Aliens
261 aliens seeking entry into the united states
262 registration of aliens in the united states
263 provisions governing registration of special groups
264 forms and procedure
265 notices of change of address
266 penalties
Chapter 8 --General Penalty Provisions
271 prevention of unauthorized landing of aliens
272 bringing in aliens subject to denial of admission on a health-related ground
273 unlawful bringing of aliens into united states
274 bringing in and harboring certain aliens
274A unlawful employment of aliens
274B unfair immigration-related employment practices
274C penalties for document fraud
274D civil penalties for failure to depart
275 entry of alien at improper time or place; misrepresentation and concealment of facts
276 reentry of removed alien
277 aiding or assisting certain aliens to enter the united states
278 importation of alien for immoral purpose
279 jurisdiction of district courts
280 collection of penalties and expenses
Chapter 9 -- Miscellaneous
281 nonimmigrant visa fees
282 printing of reentry permits and blank forms of manifests and crew lists
283 travel expenses and expense of transporting remains of immigration officers and employees who die outside of the united states
284 members of the armed forces
285 disposal of privileges at immigrant stations
286 disposition of moneys collected under the provisions of this title
287 powers of immigration officers and employees
288 local jurisdiction over immigrant stations
289 American Indians born in Canada
290 central file; information from other departments and agencies
291 burden of proof
292 right to counsel
293 deposit of and interest on cash received to secure immigration bonds
294 undercover investigation authority
295 transportation of remains of immigration officers and border patrol agents killed in the line of duty
TITLE III
Chapter 1 -- nationality at birth and by collective naturalization
301 nationals and citizens of the united states at birth
302 persons born in Puerto Rico on or after April 11, 1899
303 persons born in the canal zone or republic of Panama on or after February 26, 1904
304 persons born in Alaska on or after march 30, 1867
305 persons born in Hawaii
306 persons living in and born in the virgin islands
307 persons living in and born in Guam
308 nationals but not citizens of the united states at birth
Chapter 2 -- nationality through naturalization
310 naturalization authority
311 eligibility for naturalization
312 requirements as to understanding the English language, history, principles, and form of government of the united states
313 prohibition upon the naturalization of persons opposed to government or law, or who favor totalitarian forms of government
314 ineligibility to naturalization of deserters from the armed forces of the united states
315 alien relieved from training and service in the armed forces of the united states because of alienage barred from citizenship
316 requirements as to residence, good moral character, attachment to the principles of the constitution, and favorable disposition to the united states
317 temporary absence of persons performing religious duties
318 prerequisites to naturalization; burden of proof
319 married persons and employees of certain nonprofit organizations
320 child born outside of united states of one alien and one citizen parent at time of birth; conditions under which citizenship automatically acquired
321 child born outside of united states of alien parent; conditions under which citizenship automatically acquired
322 child born outside the united states; application for certificate of citizenship requirements
324 former citizens of united states regaining united states citizenship
325 nationals but not citizens of the united states; residence within outlying possessions
326 resident Philippine citizens excepted from certain requirements
327 former united states citizens losing citizenship by entering the armed forces of foreign countries during world war ii
328 naturalization through service in the armed forces of the united states
329 naturalization through active-duty service in the armed forces during world war i, world war ii, the korean hostilities, the vietnam hostilities, or in other periods of military hostilities
329A posthumous citizenship through death while on active-duty service in the armed forces during world war i, world war ii, the korean hostilities, the vietnam hostilities, or in other periods of military hostilities
330 constructive residence through service on certain united states vessels
331 alien enemies; naturalization under specified conditions and procedure
332 procedural and administrative provisions; executive functions
333 photographs
334 application for naturalization; declaration of intention
335 investigation of applicants; examinations of applications
336 hearings on denials of applications for naturalization
337 oath of renunciation and allegiance
338 certificate of naturalization; contents
339 functions and duties of clerks and records of declarations of intention and applications for naturalization
340 revocation of naturalization
341 certificates of citizenship or u.s. non-citizen national status; procedure
342 cancellation of certificates issued by the attorney general, the commissioner or a deputy commissioner; action not to affect citizenship status
343 documents and copies issued by the attorney general
344 fiscal provisions
346 authorization granted for publication and distribution of citizenship textbooks from naturalization fees
347 compilation of naturalization statistics and payment for equipment
Chapter 3 -- loss of nationality
349 loss of nationality by native-born or naturalized citizen
351 restrictions on loss of nationality
356 nationality lost solely from performance of acts or fulfillment of conditions
357 application of treaties; exceptions
Chapter 4 -- miscellaneous
358 certificate of diplomatic or consular officer of the united states as to loss of American nationality under chapter iv, nationality act of 1940, or under chapter 3 of this title
359 certificate of nationality for a person not a naturalized citizen for use in proceedings of a foreign state.
360 judicial proceedings for declaration of united states nationality in event of denial of rights and privileges as national
361 cancellation of united states passports and consular reports of birth
TITLE IV (omitted -- no changes by AEDPA, there are changes by IIRIRA)
TITLE V -- ALIEN TERRORIST REMOVAL PROCEDURES
501 Definitions
502 establishment of removal court
503 removal court procedure
504 removal hearing
505 appeals
506 custody and release pending removal hearing
507 custody and release after removal hearing
Appendices
Appendix A -- Section 309 of IIRIRA -- Effective dates for Title III and transition rules
Appendix B -- Requirement for Study and Report on Implementation of Removal Procedures
Appendix C -- Transition Rules Regarding Custody
Appendix D -- Effective Dates for Judicial Review Amendments
Appendix E -- Public Law 104-302
Appendix F -- sections affected in title 18 of the united states code by IIRIRA
Public Radio Interview of ITA President Translators on the World Wide Web www.immigration-usa.com
Deutsch | Español | Chinese | Russian | Polish Free Home Pages
The IMMIGRATION Superhighway(TM) | DOT Call for Papers | LAWYERS
Thank you for making this an award winning site
Please put this page in your BOOKMARKS
MAIN MENU
REFERENCE - U.S. Immigration Law, Regulations and Procedures
SELF HELP - Books, Periodicals and Computer Software
PRACTITIONERS - Immigration Lawyers, Consultants and ancillary Services
ORGANIZATIONS
Other LISTS of Immigration Resources on the Internet
Foreign Secretary David Miliband issued a statement 26 April 2009 on the latest developments in Sri Lanka.
We reiterate and maintain our call for a ceasefire for humanitarian reasons. I have noted the LTTE's announcement of a unilateral ceasefire earlier today. I therefore urge the Government of Sri Lanka to reinstate their own ceasefire, so that those civilians who remain trapped in the conflict zone can move to safety. The safety of civilians is of paramount importance and both sides must comply fully with international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians at all times.
I welcome the current visit to Sri Lanka by Sir John Holmes, UN Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs. As discussed by the Prime Minister and President Rajapaksa earlier today, I will be visiting Sri Lanka on Wednesday, 29 April, together with my French and Swedish counterparts. My priority will be to address the humanitarian situation in northern Sri Lanka and the continuing grave risk to civilians in the conflict zone.
I urge the Government of Sri Lanka to allow civilian oversight of all Internally Displaced Persons as soon as they have left the conflict zone; and to fulfil the commitments it has made to improve conditions in the IDP camps, including: better access to medical facilities; transparent registration processes; international monitoring; and freedom of movement in and out of the camps.
I welcome the current visit to Sri Lanka by Sir John Holmes, UN Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs. As discussed by the Prime Minister and President Rajapaksa earlier today, I will be visiting Sri Lanka on Wednesday, 29 April, together with my French and Swedish counterparts. My priority will be to address the humanitarian situation in northern Sri Lanka and the continuing grave risk to civilians in the conflict zone.
I urge the Government of Sri Lanka to allow civilian oversight of all Internally Displaced Persons as soon as they have left the conflict zone; and to fulfil the commitments it has made to improve conditions in the IDP camps, including: better access to medical facilities; transparent registration processes; international monitoring; and freedom of movement in and out of the camps.
Mexico Travel Advice (26/04/2009)
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office updated its Travel Advice for Mexico, 26 April 2009. This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary and Health section (outbreak of influenza). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
The relevant summary points now read:
Visitors to Mexico should be aware of an outbreak of influenza. The Federal Health Ministry issued a nationwide alert on 22 April after learning that a number of people had died from what appears to be a new form of influenza.
Cases have been reported in Mexico City, together with the states of Oaxaca, San Luis Potosi, Mexicali and Baja California. Travellers should consult a doctor immediately if they show signs of flu-like symptoms.
The Mexican Secretariat of Health has advised people to avoid large crowds, shaking hands, kissing people as a greeting, or using the subway. Maintaining a distance of at least six feet from other persons and frequent hand washing may decrease the risk of exposure.
The relevant summary points now read:
Visitors to Mexico should be aware of an outbreak of influenza. The Federal Health Ministry issued a nationwide alert on 22 April after learning that a number of people had died from what appears to be a new form of influenza.
Cases have been reported in Mexico City, together with the states of Oaxaca, San Luis Potosi, Mexicali and Baja California. Travellers should consult a doctor immediately if they show signs of flu-like symptoms.
The Mexican Secretariat of Health has advised people to avoid large crowds, shaking hands, kissing people as a greeting, or using the subway. Maintaining a distance of at least six feet from other persons and frequent hand washing may decrease the risk of exposure.
Information for Immigrants
Immigration & Citizenship Tutorials
Introduction to the different types of visas for immigrants and nonimmigrants including information on how to apply for U.S. Citizenship as well as guidelines and procedures for applications, exams, and the interview procedures.
U.S. Immigration Basics
Helpful information every immigrant should know.
Resources for Immigrants
Important procedures and links for new immigrants that make the adjustment easier.
U.S. Embassies & Consulates
Worldwide offices with addresses and telephone numbers
U.S. Immigration Blog
Voice your opinion, share your thoughts and experiences with others.
Temporary Visa List
Introduction to the different types of visas for immigrants and nonimmigrants including information on how to apply for U.S. Citizenship as well as guidelines and procedures for applications, exams, and the interview procedures.
U.S. Immigration Basics
Helpful information every immigrant should know.
Resources for Immigrants
Important procedures and links for new immigrants that make the adjustment easier.
U.S. Embassies & Consulates
Worldwide offices with addresses and telephone numbers
U.S. Immigration Blog
Voice your opinion, share your thoughts and experiences with others.
Temporary Visa List
ISLAMABAD: British High Commission warns visa applicants against fraudsters
ISLAMABAD: The British High Commission (BHC) on Tuesday warned visa applicants against unscrupulous individuals trying to defraud people.
“Evidence has emerged that networks of bogus agents and consultants have been operating scams targeted at UK visa applicants,” said a statement issued by the BHC.
It said these scams often involved people claiming to be able to influence or speed up a decision on a visa application, for a fee. “Some also claim falsely to work in the visa section. None of these individuals can speed up or affect the final decision,” it said.
“We’re urging all our visa applicants to be on their guard against these sorts of scams. Our visa service is one of the quickest of any Western mission in Islamabad, and no one except the Entry Clearance Officer has any influence over the decision to grant or refuse a visa application,” said British High Commissioner Robert Brinkley.
He said any applicant approached by someone claiming to be able to secure a visa decision in return for payment should inform the high commission immediately by e-mail to rauisb@fco.gov.uk or phone 051 201 2487.
The statement said the BHC took the integrity of the visa system extremely seriously and recently it announced that any applicant found trying to cheat the system with forged documents or by lying on their application would be refused, and barred from applying for a UK visa for up to ten years.
“We will take swift action against anyone trying to cheat the UK visa system,” Brinkley said, adding, “Mostly, that means agents providing false documents, or applicants trying to use them in their application. But we will also act where we find instances of internal fraud.”
He also said that following a recent investigation into allegations of corruption within the visa section, some staff resigned and several others faced disciplinary action.
“Evidence has emerged that networks of bogus agents and consultants have been operating scams targeted at UK visa applicants,” said a statement issued by the BHC.
It said these scams often involved people claiming to be able to influence or speed up a decision on a visa application, for a fee. “Some also claim falsely to work in the visa section. None of these individuals can speed up or affect the final decision,” it said.
“We’re urging all our visa applicants to be on their guard against these sorts of scams. Our visa service is one of the quickest of any Western mission in Islamabad, and no one except the Entry Clearance Officer has any influence over the decision to grant or refuse a visa application,” said British High Commissioner Robert Brinkley.
He said any applicant approached by someone claiming to be able to secure a visa decision in return for payment should inform the high commission immediately by e-mail to rauisb@fco.gov.uk or phone 051 201 2487.
The statement said the BHC took the integrity of the visa system extremely seriously and recently it announced that any applicant found trying to cheat the system with forged documents or by lying on their application would be refused, and barred from applying for a UK visa for up to ten years.
“We will take swift action against anyone trying to cheat the UK visa system,” Brinkley said, adding, “Mostly, that means agents providing false documents, or applicants trying to use them in their application. But we will also act where we find instances of internal fraud.”
He also said that following a recent investigation into allegations of corruption within the visa section, some staff resigned and several others faced disciplinary action.
Please do not send the appeals to British High Commission Islamabad or the Visa Application Centres (VAC’s)
Service standards - complaints and compliments
The UK Border Agency aims to offer a fair and professional service to all our customers. We welcome feedback which helps us to focus on where we need to improve.
If you have any comments, or are concerned about the standard of service you received, please let us know. We investigate all complaints fully and will send you a reply within 20 working days:
If you wish to complain about the service you received from UKvisas at this High Commission, please address your complaint in writing to the Deputy Director Visa Services at Visa Section, British High Commission, Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, PO Box 1122, Islamabad. If you wish to complain about the service you received from Gerry’s, you may submit it direct to their website, in person, or to the Deputy Director Visa Services at this High Commission in writing. Visa comments and complaints
If you wish to complain about the service you received from visa staff at this High Commission, please address your complaint in writing to
The UK Border Agency aims to offer a fair and professional service to all our customers. We welcome feedback which helps us to focus on where we need to improve.
If you have any comments, or are concerned about the standard of service you received, please let us know. We investigate all complaints fully and will send you a reply within 20 working days:
If you wish to complain about the service you received from UKvisas at this High Commission, please address your complaint in writing to the Deputy Director Visa Services at Visa Section, British High Commission, Diplomatic Enclave, Ramna 5, PO Box 1122, Islamabad. If you wish to complain about the service you received from Gerry’s, you may submit it direct to their website, in person, or to the Deputy Director Visa Services at this High Commission in writing. Visa comments and complaints
If you wish to complain about the service you received from visa staff at this High Commission, please address your complaint in writing to
Visas for the UK
How to apply for a UK visa in Pakistan
Where can I get information?
The UK Border Agency and the British High Commission Islamabad work in partnership with a commercial organisation: Gerry’s International. You can find out whether you need a visa and how to apply through Gerry’s website. Gerry’s also provides information through an e-mail and telephone enquiry service. The numbers are: 090010411 (PTCL land lines) or 8865 (short code for all mobile providers) and cost PKR 10 /min. All the information provided is supplied and approved by The UK Border Agency.
"Please note that the British High Commission Islamabad is unable to provide visa information to personal callers. Please contact Gerry's as described above."
Do I have to pay?
Website and email information is free of charge but there is a charge for using the telephone service.
Where can I get advice?
Gerry’s and its staff cannot give you advice on how to complete your application, or what type of visa you should apply for. If you need help with your application, or advice about the UK’s immigration rules and requirements, you should contact a qualified professional immigration adviser or lawyer. You can also contact the Immigration Advisory Service (IAS) for advice. The IAS is a voluntary organisation independent of government, and can provide confidential advice for you and your representatives. In the UK, these are immigration advisers regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (www.oisc.gov.uk) or legally qualified professionals regulated by designated professional bodies. Their websites are:
Law Society of England and Wales Law Society of Scotland Law Society of Northern Ireland Institute of Legal Executives How do I submit my application?
Gerry’s manages Visa Application Centres in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore where you should submit your application and your biometric fingerscans.
Who decides whether I will get a visa?
Your visa application will be processed and decided by the UK Border Agency staff. Neither Gerry’s, nor any of its staff play any part in, nor can they influence the outcome of your visa application. If any member of staff employed by Gerry’s claim to be able to influence your application you should inform the British High Commission.
Where to send appeals
You may send appeals by post to:
Asylum and Immigration Tribunal
PO Box 7866
Loughborough LE11 2 XZ
United Kingdom
Alternatively, you may fax them to: 0044 (0)15 09 221 699
Where can I get information?
The UK Border Agency and the British High Commission Islamabad work in partnership with a commercial organisation: Gerry’s International. You can find out whether you need a visa and how to apply through Gerry’s website. Gerry’s also provides information through an e-mail and telephone enquiry service. The numbers are: 090010411 (PTCL land lines) or 8865 (short code for all mobile providers) and cost PKR 10 /min. All the information provided is supplied and approved by The UK Border Agency.
"Please note that the British High Commission Islamabad is unable to provide visa information to personal callers. Please contact Gerry's as described above."
Do I have to pay?
Website and email information is free of charge but there is a charge for using the telephone service.
Where can I get advice?
Gerry’s and its staff cannot give you advice on how to complete your application, or what type of visa you should apply for. If you need help with your application, or advice about the UK’s immigration rules and requirements, you should contact a qualified professional immigration adviser or lawyer. You can also contact the Immigration Advisory Service (IAS) for advice. The IAS is a voluntary organisation independent of government, and can provide confidential advice for you and your representatives. In the UK, these are immigration advisers regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (www.oisc.gov.uk) or legally qualified professionals regulated by designated professional bodies. Their websites are:
Law Society of England and Wales Law Society of Scotland Law Society of Northern Ireland Institute of Legal Executives How do I submit my application?
Gerry’s manages Visa Application Centres in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore where you should submit your application and your biometric fingerscans.
Who decides whether I will get a visa?
Your visa application will be processed and decided by the UK Border Agency staff. Neither Gerry’s, nor any of its staff play any part in, nor can they influence the outcome of your visa application. If any member of staff employed by Gerry’s claim to be able to influence your application you should inform the British High Commission.
Where to send appeals
You may send appeals by post to:
Asylum and Immigration Tribunal
PO Box 7866
Loughborough LE11 2 XZ
United Kingdom
Alternatively, you may fax them to: 0044 (0)15 09 221 699
Germany and UK to help more young people get job skills (07/04/2009)
Germany and UK announced a new commitment to Pakistan’s youth that will lead to better employment and income opportunities for young men and women across the country. With less than 1% of the population currently receiving technical training, this initiative which supports the government of Pakistan’s new National Skills Strategy, is vital for improving the choices for young people in Pakistan.
Supporting young people with the relevant skills and training they need to access jobs is vital for economic development. Responding to young people’s needs also addresses longer term inequalities to improve the country’s stability and security.
The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the UK Department for International Development (DFID) have joined forces to support the government’s own priorities in line with strengthening international donor coordination as set out in the Paris Declaration principles and the EU Code of Conduct. Within a multidonor fund of approximately Euros 53 million, DFID is proposing a contribution of up to £30 million over 5 years that will hope to benefit 500,000 young people.
The 5 year programme, developed with the Pakistan National Vocational Technical Education Commission (NAVTEC) in collaboration with German Technical Cooperation (GTZ), DFID and the EU - will, it is proposed, be implemented by GTZ through Delegated Cooperation Agreements between the Germany, the UK and the EU.
“This proposed joint programme on Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is a very good example of how development partners should coordinate their activities, use their comparative strengths and make use of each other's instruments and capacities for implementation and political dialogue.”, says Federal Minster for Economic Cooperation and Development, Heidemarie Wiezcorek-Zeul.
Eric Hawthorn, Head of DFID Pakistan, says: “With 1 million young people entering the labour market each year, DFID is committed to supporting a future for young men and women in Pakistan. The UK and Germany, in working with the government, are helping to give Pakistan’s youth the skills and training they need to thrive in today’s economy.”
Notes for Editors
The Department for International Development (DFID) is the UK Government department responsible for promoting sustainable development and reducing poverty. The central focus of DFID is a commitment to the internationally agreed Millennium Development Goals to be achieved by 2015.
DFID’s objectives in Pakistan are to work in partnership with the Government of Pakistan, provincial Governments, the international community and other donors to bring enduring and sustainable benefits to the poor.
DFID has launched its new Country Plan for its work in Pakistan over
the next five years in which its priorities are: giving people access to
better health and education; making government more effective; ensuring
growth works for everyone and ensuring the international community works better together.
In November 2006, the UK and Pakistan signed a 10-year Development Partnership Arrangement and the UK announced a doubling of aid to Pakistan to £480 million for the period 2008-2011.
Supporting young people with the relevant skills and training they need to access jobs is vital for economic development. Responding to young people’s needs also addresses longer term inequalities to improve the country’s stability and security.
The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the UK Department for International Development (DFID) have joined forces to support the government’s own priorities in line with strengthening international donor coordination as set out in the Paris Declaration principles and the EU Code of Conduct. Within a multidonor fund of approximately Euros 53 million, DFID is proposing a contribution of up to £30 million over 5 years that will hope to benefit 500,000 young people.
The 5 year programme, developed with the Pakistan National Vocational Technical Education Commission (NAVTEC) in collaboration with German Technical Cooperation (GTZ), DFID and the EU - will, it is proposed, be implemented by GTZ through Delegated Cooperation Agreements between the Germany, the UK and the EU.
“This proposed joint programme on Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is a very good example of how development partners should coordinate their activities, use their comparative strengths and make use of each other's instruments and capacities for implementation and political dialogue.”, says Federal Minster for Economic Cooperation and Development, Heidemarie Wiezcorek-Zeul.
Eric Hawthorn, Head of DFID Pakistan, says: “With 1 million young people entering the labour market each year, DFID is committed to supporting a future for young men and women in Pakistan. The UK and Germany, in working with the government, are helping to give Pakistan’s youth the skills and training they need to thrive in today’s economy.”
Notes for Editors
The Department for International Development (DFID) is the UK Government department responsible for promoting sustainable development and reducing poverty. The central focus of DFID is a commitment to the internationally agreed Millennium Development Goals to be achieved by 2015.
DFID’s objectives in Pakistan are to work in partnership with the Government of Pakistan, provincial Governments, the international community and other donors to bring enduring and sustainable benefits to the poor.
DFID has launched its new Country Plan for its work in Pakistan over
the next five years in which its priorities are: giving people access to
better health and education; making government more effective; ensuring
growth works for everyone and ensuring the international community works better together.
In November 2006, the UK and Pakistan signed a 10-year Development Partnership Arrangement and the UK announced a doubling of aid to Pakistan to £480 million for the period 2008-2011.
Parliamentary Statement by RT. Hon. Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary. (21/04/2009)
With permission, Mr. Speaker, I would like to make a statement on the 12 arrests, which took place in the north-west of England on 8th April under the Terrorism Act 2000. On Wednesday 8th April, the North West Counter-Terrorism Unit, arrested 12 men under the Terrorism Act. Of those 12 individuals, 11 remain in custody and have had their detention extended to 22 April. 10 of the individuals are Pakistani nationals and one is a British citizen.
The arrests were pre-planned as the result of an ongoing joint police and Security Service investigation. The priority at all times has been to act to maintain public safety.
I would also like to express my thanks to members of the public in the communities most immediately affected by these arrests, including those at education institutions, for their patience and measured response to events. The police, with support from local authorities and elected representatives, are working closely with local communities to discuss issues or concerns linked to the operation.
Last month the Government published our revised strategy to counter the threat to this country and to our interests overseas from international terrorism. A key theme in that strategy, CONTEST, is the need to coordinate our work with our international partners. The Prime Minister has already made very clear that we need to continue to enhance cooperation on counter-terrorism with Pakistan. He has spoken to President Zardari and they have agreed that our two countries must continue to work together as closely as possible to counter this threat.
We are working with the Government of Pakistan to bolster their efforts to build civic society, tackle violent extremism, and help build resilience in Pakistani society against radicalisation - just as we seek to do here in the UK. That work includes support for the modernisation of Pakistan's security apparatus, support for governance and the rule of law, and work to undermine extremist ideology.
Our counter terrorism programme with Pakistan is worth approximately £10 million a year and is our largest such programme. In addition, to help the Government of Pakistan reduce poverty, the UK has doubled its aid programme to £480 million during 2008-2011.
I do not wish to compromise an ongoing investigation by discussing the specifics of this case. However, there has been some speculation that the investigation raises wider questions about the criteria for obtaining student visas.
We are currently delivering the biggest reform of border security and the immigration system for a generation. Last year, we completed the roll-out of biometric visas across the world. Fingerprints are checked against counter-terrorism and crime databases, as well as UK Border Agency records.
In posts that we have classified as high risk, such as Pakistan, we have a risk management network, that helps ensure that the right visa decisions are made, for example by working with local authorities to ensure that the qualifications of prospective students are independently verified. The impact of those changes is demonstrated in the increased refusal rate for visa applications from Pakistan nationals.
Under tier 4 of the Points Based System, educational institutions that wish to bring in international students for more than six months must now be accredited by an independent body and licensed by the UK Border Agency. Any student who does not bring themselves within the new PBS regime or leave the country when their leave expires will be subject to appropriate enforcement action.
Where there is evidence of criminal activity, we will prosecute. Where colleges have decided that the requirements of our new, tougher, regime are too onerous, we will not allow them to bring in international students.
The threat level to the United Kingdom from international terrorism is still assessed as SEVERE. A terrorist attack is considered highly likely, so I would like to repeat my thanks to the police and the security agencies for their work in relation to this investigation and for everything that they do to protect this country and the people who live in it from the threat of terrorist attacks.
The arrests were pre-planned as the result of an ongoing joint police and Security Service investigation. The priority at all times has been to act to maintain public safety.
I would also like to express my thanks to members of the public in the communities most immediately affected by these arrests, including those at education institutions, for their patience and measured response to events. The police, with support from local authorities and elected representatives, are working closely with local communities to discuss issues or concerns linked to the operation.
Last month the Government published our revised strategy to counter the threat to this country and to our interests overseas from international terrorism. A key theme in that strategy, CONTEST, is the need to coordinate our work with our international partners. The Prime Minister has already made very clear that we need to continue to enhance cooperation on counter-terrorism with Pakistan. He has spoken to President Zardari and they have agreed that our two countries must continue to work together as closely as possible to counter this threat.
We are working with the Government of Pakistan to bolster their efforts to build civic society, tackle violent extremism, and help build resilience in Pakistani society against radicalisation - just as we seek to do here in the UK. That work includes support for the modernisation of Pakistan's security apparatus, support for governance and the rule of law, and work to undermine extremist ideology.
Our counter terrorism programme with Pakistan is worth approximately £10 million a year and is our largest such programme. In addition, to help the Government of Pakistan reduce poverty, the UK has doubled its aid programme to £480 million during 2008-2011.
I do not wish to compromise an ongoing investigation by discussing the specifics of this case. However, there has been some speculation that the investigation raises wider questions about the criteria for obtaining student visas.
We are currently delivering the biggest reform of border security and the immigration system for a generation. Last year, we completed the roll-out of biometric visas across the world. Fingerprints are checked against counter-terrorism and crime databases, as well as UK Border Agency records.
In posts that we have classified as high risk, such as Pakistan, we have a risk management network, that helps ensure that the right visa decisions are made, for example by working with local authorities to ensure that the qualifications of prospective students are independently verified. The impact of those changes is demonstrated in the increased refusal rate for visa applications from Pakistan nationals.
Under tier 4 of the Points Based System, educational institutions that wish to bring in international students for more than six months must now be accredited by an independent body and licensed by the UK Border Agency. Any student who does not bring themselves within the new PBS regime or leave the country when their leave expires will be subject to appropriate enforcement action.
Where there is evidence of criminal activity, we will prosecute. Where colleges have decided that the requirements of our new, tougher, regime are too onerous, we will not allow them to bring in international students.
The threat level to the United Kingdom from international terrorism is still assessed as SEVERE. A terrorist attack is considered highly likely, so I would like to repeat my thanks to the police and the security agencies for their work in relation to this investigation and for everything that they do to protect this country and the people who live in it from the threat of terrorist attacks.
Statement by the British High Commission on the arrest of ten Pakistani students in the United Kingdom (24/04/2009)
It is reported in today’s media that the UK Government should apologise for the bringing of “false charges of terrorism” against 10 Pakistani nationals. Since this significantly misrepresents the facts, the High Commission wishes to make a number of points clear:
In the course of any investigation the British police may act on information or intelligence that suggests that an individual may be involved in terrorist related activity. Following a police investigation, the Crown Prosecution Service will then determine whether there is sufficient admissible evidence to place an individual before a criminal court. In such cases, if the police and prosecutors conclude that there is insufficient admissible evidence to proceed with a criminal trial, the Home Secretary (Interior Minister) will consider whether other action is appropriate. In the case of foreign nationals, the Home Secretary will consider whether, based on all available material, there are sufficient grounds to conclude that the individual’s continued presence in the United Kingdom poses a threat to national security. If so, the Home Secretary may order his or her deportation. The decision to deport is based on a careful assessment of the threat. The detainees can challenge this decision in the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) and are entitled to legal aid in order to do so. HMG must demonstrate that the appellant poses a threat to national security. Individuals continue to enjoy the right to consular access whilst in immigration detention. They are free to contact their Embassy or High Commission either directly or through their legal representatives. It is up to the individual whether or not they wish to involve their embassy or High Commission. Enquiries by the UK Border Agency continue as to whether all 10 individuals were attending courses of study at UK institutions. In at least one case, the college in question had no record of the individual having registered for the course of study and did not actually offer such a course.
In the course of any investigation the British police may act on information or intelligence that suggests that an individual may be involved in terrorist related activity. Following a police investigation, the Crown Prosecution Service will then determine whether there is sufficient admissible evidence to place an individual before a criminal court. In such cases, if the police and prosecutors conclude that there is insufficient admissible evidence to proceed with a criminal trial, the Home Secretary (Interior Minister) will consider whether other action is appropriate. In the case of foreign nationals, the Home Secretary will consider whether, based on all available material, there are sufficient grounds to conclude that the individual’s continued presence in the United Kingdom poses a threat to national security. If so, the Home Secretary may order his or her deportation. The decision to deport is based on a careful assessment of the threat. The detainees can challenge this decision in the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) and are entitled to legal aid in order to do so. HMG must demonstrate that the appellant poses a threat to national security. Individuals continue to enjoy the right to consular access whilst in immigration detention. They are free to contact their Embassy or High Commission either directly or through their legal representatives. It is up to the individual whether or not they wish to involve their embassy or High Commission. Enquiries by the UK Border Agency continue as to whether all 10 individuals were attending courses of study at UK institutions. In at least one case, the college in question had no record of the individual having registered for the course of study and did not actually offer such a course.
Parliamentary Appearances by the Governor and the Senior Deputy Governor of the Bank of Canada
OTTAWA – The Governor of the Bank of Canada, Mark Carney, will appear before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance and the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce. He will be accompanied by Senior Deputy Governor Paul Jenkins.
House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance
Date: Tuesday, 28 April 2009
Time: 15:30 (Eastern Time)
Place: Parliament, Centre Block, Room 253-D
Note: There will be no media activity following the Governor's appearance.
Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce
Date: Wednesday, 6 May 2009
Time: 16:00 (Eastern Time)
Place: Victoria Building, Room TBD
140 Wellington Street
Note: A scrum will take place following the Governor's appearance.
House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance
Date: Tuesday, 28 April 2009
Time: 15:30 (Eastern Time)
Place: Parliament, Centre Block, Room 253-D
Note: There will be no media activity following the Governor's appearance.
Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce
Date: Wednesday, 6 May 2009
Time: 16:00 (Eastern Time)
Place: Victoria Building, Room TBD
140 Wellington Street
Note: A scrum will take place following the Governor's appearance.
Government of Canada is Working Closely with Provinces and Territories and International Partners to Address Swine Flu
OTTAWA – Minister of Health Leona Aglukkaq and Chief Public Health Officer Dr. David Butler-Jones today assured Canadians that the federal government is working closely with the provinces and territories and international partners to protect the health and safety of Canadians, following confirmation of the first cases of human swine influenza in Canada.
The Public Health Agency of Canada's National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg has confirmed four cases of A, H1N1 swine flu from Nova Scotia. The British Columbia Centre for Disease Control identified two additional cases from British Columbia. All six cases are same strain of human swine influenza that has been found in the U.S. and Mexico. These first cases were detected as a result of the increased surveillance the federal government initiated with the provinces and territories and health professionals given concerns over the spread of swine flu in Mexico and the United States.
"The federal government will continue to monitor the situation closely to detect any illness as early as possible and ensure Canadians are protected. I have been in frequent contact with my counterparts in the provinces and territories. I'm having discussions regularly with our international partners, including the World Health Organization, officials from Health and Human Services in the United States, as well as the Mexican health minister," said Minister Aglukkaq. "Although we are relieved to hear that the Canadians who have been diagnosed with swine influenza exhibited mild symptoms, we will remain vigilant and continue to monitor the situation closely."
The Government of Canada is working in close co-ordination with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Mexican Department of Health, the World Health Organization and the Pan-American Health Organization and other partners. Two Canadian epidemiologists are in Mexico, assisting with testing at that country's request.
"Canada's public health system has worked quickly to identify and confirm these cases," said Dr. David Butler-Jones, Canada's Chief Public Health Officer. "Canada is well-positioned to deal with this issue. We have a national plan for emerging disease outbreaks and we are following it."
There are simple measures to minimize the risk of being infected. These steps include simply washing your hands, controlling coughs and sneezes, staying home when sick, and talking to a health professional if you experience flu-like symptoms.
Minister Aglukkaq re-iterated that federal officials will continue to update Canadians with accurate information at regular intervals over the coming days and weeks.
The Public Health Agency of Canada's National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg has confirmed four cases of A, H1N1 swine flu from Nova Scotia. The British Columbia Centre for Disease Control identified two additional cases from British Columbia. All six cases are same strain of human swine influenza that has been found in the U.S. and Mexico. These first cases were detected as a result of the increased surveillance the federal government initiated with the provinces and territories and health professionals given concerns over the spread of swine flu in Mexico and the United States.
"The federal government will continue to monitor the situation closely to detect any illness as early as possible and ensure Canadians are protected. I have been in frequent contact with my counterparts in the provinces and territories. I'm having discussions regularly with our international partners, including the World Health Organization, officials from Health and Human Services in the United States, as well as the Mexican health minister," said Minister Aglukkaq. "Although we are relieved to hear that the Canadians who have been diagnosed with swine influenza exhibited mild symptoms, we will remain vigilant and continue to monitor the situation closely."
The Government of Canada is working in close co-ordination with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Mexican Department of Health, the World Health Organization and the Pan-American Health Organization and other partners. Two Canadian epidemiologists are in Mexico, assisting with testing at that country's request.
"Canada's public health system has worked quickly to identify and confirm these cases," said Dr. David Butler-Jones, Canada's Chief Public Health Officer. "Canada is well-positioned to deal with this issue. We have a national plan for emerging disease outbreaks and we are following it."
There are simple measures to minimize the risk of being infected. These steps include simply washing your hands, controlling coughs and sneezes, staying home when sick, and talking to a health professional if you experience flu-like symptoms.
Minister Aglukkaq re-iterated that federal officials will continue to update Canadians with accurate information at regular intervals over the coming days and weeks.
Pleasures of Seeking Knowledge
The rise of Muslims to the zenith of civilization in a period of four decades was based on lslam's emphasis on learning. This is obvious when one takes a look at the Qur'an and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad which are filled with references to learning, education, observation, and the use of reason. The very first verse of the Qur'an revealed to the Prophet of Islam on the night of 27th of Ramadan in 611 AD reads:
"Recite: In the name of thy Lord who created man from a clot. Recite: And thy Lord is the Most Generous Who taught by the pen, taught man that which he knew not." (Quran, 96:1-5)
"And they shall say had we but listened or used reason, we would not be among the inmates of the burning fire." (Quran, 67:10)
"Are those who have knowledge and those who have no knowledge alike? Only the men of understanding are mindful. " (Quran, 39:9)
The Qur'an encourages people towards scientific research:.
"And whoso brings the truth and believes therein such are the dutiful." (Quran, 39:33)
Every Muslim man's and every Muslim woman's prayer should be:
"My Lord! Enrich me with knowledge.." (Quran, 20:114)
The pursuit of knowledge and the use of reason, based on sense and observation is made obligatory on all believers.
The following traditions of the Prophet supplement the foregoing teachings of the Qur'an in the following way:
Seek knowledge "even though it be in China."
"The acquisition of knowledge is compulsory for every Muslim, whether male or female."
"The ink of the scholar is more sacred than the blood of the martyr."
"Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave."
"God has revealed to me, 'Whoever walks in the pursuit of knowledge I facilitate for him the way to heaven.'
"The best form of worship is the pursuit of knowledge."
"Scholars should endeavor to spread knowledge and provide education to people who have been deprived of it. For, where knowledge is hidden it disappears."
Some one asked the Prophet : "Who is the biggest scholar?" He replied: "He who is constantly trying to learn from others, for a scholar is ever hungry for more knowledge."
"Seek knowledge and wisdom, or whatever the vessel from which it flows, you will never be the loser."
"Contemplating deeply for one hour (with sincerity) is better than 70 years of (mechanical) worship."
"To listen to the words of the learned and to instill unto others the lessons of science is better than religious exercises."
"Acquire knowledge: it enables its possessor to distinguish right from the wrong, it lights the way to heaven; it is our friend in the desert, our society in solitude, our companion when friendless - it guides us to happiness; it sustains us in misery; it is an ornament among friends and an armor against enemies."
The Islamic Empire for more than 1,000 years remained the most advanced civilization in the world. The main reasons for this was that Islam stressed the importance and respect of learning, forbade destruction, cultivated a respect for authority, discipline, and tolerance for other religions. The teachings of Qur'an and Sunnah inspired many Muslims to their accomplishments in science and medicine.
By the tenth century their zeal and enthusiasms for learning resulted in all essential Greek medical and scientific writings being translated into Arabic in Damascus, Cairo, and Baghdad. Arabic became the international language of learning and diplomacy. The center of scientific knowledge and activity shifted eastward, and Baghdad emerged as the capitol of the scientific world. The Muslims became scientific innovators with originality and productivity.
For example Islamic medicine is one of the most famous and best known facets of Islamic civilization in which the Muslims excelled. The Muslims were the great torchbearers of international scientific research. Some of the best and most eloquent praises of science came from the pens of Muslim scientists who considered their work to be acts of worship. The same motives led to the establishment of Al-Azhar (800 AD) the first university in the world. They hit the "source ball of knowledge" over the fence to Europe. In the words of Campbell, "The European medical system is Arabian not only in origin but also in its structure. The Arabs are the intellectual forbearers of the Europeans."
Learning is a natural pleasure. This pleasure is inborn and instinctive. The pleasure of learning is one of the essential pleasures of the human race. Without learning, survival itself is threatened.
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Advertisements not controlled by IslamiCity
The process of learning starts right after birth. It is true that babies who can barely talk investigate problems with all the zeal and excitement of explorers, make discoveries with the passion and absorption of dedicated scientists. At the end of each successful investigation, one can see on the tiny face an expression of innocent and pure heartfelt pleasure. The process of physical growth stops when a boy or girl reaches puberty, that is with the on set of menarche in the girls and with the change in the voice and growth of moustache and beard in boys. After puberty it is impossible to increase the height both in boys and girls.
On the other hand the mental faculties grow from birth until death. At some point in our lifetime, the physical body becomes sick or ill and gradually dies; even the emotions become duller. But the mind continues to live, and even grows more lively and active, enjoys itself more, works and plays with more expansion and delight. I have seen grandparents obtaining Bachelors, Masters and Ph. D. degrees at the ages of 70, 80 or 90.
There are many examples in the history of Art, Music and Science, of both men and women who significantly contributed and lead mentally productive lives at their ripe old ages. Learning extends our lives into new dimensions. It is cumulative. Instead of diminishing in time, like health and strength, its dividends go on increasing, provided one continues to learn throughout life and integrate the thoughts and make learning harmonious. One should make it a point to learn at least one piece of new information each day.
The pleasure of learning is not confined to learning from textbooks, which are too often tedious. But it does include learning from book magazines (periodicals), newspapers, movies, television, radio and traveling.
When you stand in a big library in front of thousands of books do not think they are lumps of lifeless paper, but minds alive on the shelves. Each has its own voice, which is as inaudible as the radiobroadcast waves falling directly on ears. Just as one switches on the radio to listen, similarly a person needs to open a book to hear the voice far distant in time and space. One can hear the voice speaking, mind to mind, and heart to heart. Reading of books gives you two different delights. One is the pleasure of understanding the unknown and the unexpected. The other pleasure is of deepening one's knowledge of a specified field.
Apart from books, learning means keeping the mind open and active to receive all kinds of experience. As pointed out earlier there is great emphasis on learning and seeking knowledge in Islam. The Prophet Mohammed ordered Muslims to be active in their search for learning, crossing oceans and continents if necessary. " Seek knowledge even in China" he said. Learning also means learning to practice one' s own professional skills - that of a physician, engineer, musician or craftsman.
Crafts and hobbies lead you into fresh fields of enjoyment and give you relaxation and activity without tension. One should know that tension is the prime cause of heart attacks, ulcers, hypertension, and most of the human diseases.
Traveling is an important activity in the pleasures of learning. There are many examples of exceptionally informed people who never read books and newspapers, but acquire knowledge through traveling. One should travel with an open mind, an alert eye and a wish to understand other people and other places.
A saying of Prophet Muhammad is ... With knowledge man rises to the heights of goodness and to a noble position, associated with sovereigns in this world, and attains the perfection of happiness in the next.
It is fitting here to mention the story of Diogenes, the great Greek philosopher who lived during the time of Alexander the Great. Diogenes was a very learned man who shunned both power and wealth. He was known to have wandered around searching for an honest man carrying a lantern during day and night. He gave up everything he possessed, except a coconut shell for drinking water. One day he saw a man drinking water forming a cup with his hand. After seeing this Diogenes threw away his last possession, the coconut shell.
The name of Diogenes spread throughout Greece. Alexander the Great heard about Diogenes and one day decided to see him. Mounted on horseback, Alexander the Great went to Diogenes who was sitting on the ground. Alexander said ' Oh Diogenes, I have heard a great deal about you and your life. I am very much impressed by your life and it is my earnest desire to help you in whatever way I can. Please let me know your desires so that I can fulfill them". To which Diogenes replied "Your Excellency my only request is that you get aside and allow the sun's rays to fall on my body." Alexander the Great was deeply moved by Diogenes's reply and said "If I were not Alexander the Great. I would be Diogenes." Now the point I want to make here is that Diogenes never went to Alexander the Great, but that Alexander the Great came to Diogenes for he was such a learned philosopher.
There are many people in this world who have played themselves to death, or eaten and drunk themselves to death. Nobody ever died because of thinking or learning. People who avoid learning, or abandon it, find no joy in life, find that life is dry. No learner has ever run short of subjects to explore. The pleasures of learning lead to happiness. One can live a long, healthy and rewarding life by attaining and preserving the happiness of learning. Learning is everyone's birthright. Everyone - young or old, rich or poor, male or female, has access to learning. Exercise your birthright. Remember what you have learned cannot be taken away by others.
"Recite: In the name of thy Lord who created man from a clot. Recite: And thy Lord is the Most Generous Who taught by the pen, taught man that which he knew not." (Quran, 96:1-5)
"And they shall say had we but listened or used reason, we would not be among the inmates of the burning fire." (Quran, 67:10)
"Are those who have knowledge and those who have no knowledge alike? Only the men of understanding are mindful. " (Quran, 39:9)
The Qur'an encourages people towards scientific research:.
"And whoso brings the truth and believes therein such are the dutiful." (Quran, 39:33)
Every Muslim man's and every Muslim woman's prayer should be:
"My Lord! Enrich me with knowledge.." (Quran, 20:114)
The pursuit of knowledge and the use of reason, based on sense and observation is made obligatory on all believers.
The following traditions of the Prophet supplement the foregoing teachings of the Qur'an in the following way:
Seek knowledge "even though it be in China."
"The acquisition of knowledge is compulsory for every Muslim, whether male or female."
"The ink of the scholar is more sacred than the blood of the martyr."
"Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave."
"God has revealed to me, 'Whoever walks in the pursuit of knowledge I facilitate for him the way to heaven.'
"The best form of worship is the pursuit of knowledge."
"Scholars should endeavor to spread knowledge and provide education to people who have been deprived of it. For, where knowledge is hidden it disappears."
Some one asked the Prophet : "Who is the biggest scholar?" He replied: "He who is constantly trying to learn from others, for a scholar is ever hungry for more knowledge."
"Seek knowledge and wisdom, or whatever the vessel from which it flows, you will never be the loser."
"Contemplating deeply for one hour (with sincerity) is better than 70 years of (mechanical) worship."
"To listen to the words of the learned and to instill unto others the lessons of science is better than religious exercises."
"Acquire knowledge: it enables its possessor to distinguish right from the wrong, it lights the way to heaven; it is our friend in the desert, our society in solitude, our companion when friendless - it guides us to happiness; it sustains us in misery; it is an ornament among friends and an armor against enemies."
The Islamic Empire for more than 1,000 years remained the most advanced civilization in the world. The main reasons for this was that Islam stressed the importance and respect of learning, forbade destruction, cultivated a respect for authority, discipline, and tolerance for other religions. The teachings of Qur'an and Sunnah inspired many Muslims to their accomplishments in science and medicine.
By the tenth century their zeal and enthusiasms for learning resulted in all essential Greek medical and scientific writings being translated into Arabic in Damascus, Cairo, and Baghdad. Arabic became the international language of learning and diplomacy. The center of scientific knowledge and activity shifted eastward, and Baghdad emerged as the capitol of the scientific world. The Muslims became scientific innovators with originality and productivity.
For example Islamic medicine is one of the most famous and best known facets of Islamic civilization in which the Muslims excelled. The Muslims were the great torchbearers of international scientific research. Some of the best and most eloquent praises of science came from the pens of Muslim scientists who considered their work to be acts of worship. The same motives led to the establishment of Al-Azhar (800 AD) the first university in the world. They hit the "source ball of knowledge" over the fence to Europe. In the words of Campbell, "The European medical system is Arabian not only in origin but also in its structure. The Arabs are the intellectual forbearers of the Europeans."
Learning is a natural pleasure. This pleasure is inborn and instinctive. The pleasure of learning is one of the essential pleasures of the human race. Without learning, survival itself is threatened.
Ads by Google:
Advertisements not controlled by IslamiCity
The process of learning starts right after birth. It is true that babies who can barely talk investigate problems with all the zeal and excitement of explorers, make discoveries with the passion and absorption of dedicated scientists. At the end of each successful investigation, one can see on the tiny face an expression of innocent and pure heartfelt pleasure. The process of physical growth stops when a boy or girl reaches puberty, that is with the on set of menarche in the girls and with the change in the voice and growth of moustache and beard in boys. After puberty it is impossible to increase the height both in boys and girls.
On the other hand the mental faculties grow from birth until death. At some point in our lifetime, the physical body becomes sick or ill and gradually dies; even the emotions become duller. But the mind continues to live, and even grows more lively and active, enjoys itself more, works and plays with more expansion and delight. I have seen grandparents obtaining Bachelors, Masters and Ph. D. degrees at the ages of 70, 80 or 90.
There are many examples in the history of Art, Music and Science, of both men and women who significantly contributed and lead mentally productive lives at their ripe old ages. Learning extends our lives into new dimensions. It is cumulative. Instead of diminishing in time, like health and strength, its dividends go on increasing, provided one continues to learn throughout life and integrate the thoughts and make learning harmonious. One should make it a point to learn at least one piece of new information each day.
The pleasure of learning is not confined to learning from textbooks, which are too often tedious. But it does include learning from book magazines (periodicals), newspapers, movies, television, radio and traveling.
When you stand in a big library in front of thousands of books do not think they are lumps of lifeless paper, but minds alive on the shelves. Each has its own voice, which is as inaudible as the radiobroadcast waves falling directly on ears. Just as one switches on the radio to listen, similarly a person needs to open a book to hear the voice far distant in time and space. One can hear the voice speaking, mind to mind, and heart to heart. Reading of books gives you two different delights. One is the pleasure of understanding the unknown and the unexpected. The other pleasure is of deepening one's knowledge of a specified field.
Apart from books, learning means keeping the mind open and active to receive all kinds of experience. As pointed out earlier there is great emphasis on learning and seeking knowledge in Islam. The Prophet Mohammed ordered Muslims to be active in their search for learning, crossing oceans and continents if necessary. " Seek knowledge even in China" he said. Learning also means learning to practice one' s own professional skills - that of a physician, engineer, musician or craftsman.
Crafts and hobbies lead you into fresh fields of enjoyment and give you relaxation and activity without tension. One should know that tension is the prime cause of heart attacks, ulcers, hypertension, and most of the human diseases.
Traveling is an important activity in the pleasures of learning. There are many examples of exceptionally informed people who never read books and newspapers, but acquire knowledge through traveling. One should travel with an open mind, an alert eye and a wish to understand other people and other places.
A saying of Prophet Muhammad is ... With knowledge man rises to the heights of goodness and to a noble position, associated with sovereigns in this world, and attains the perfection of happiness in the next.
It is fitting here to mention the story of Diogenes, the great Greek philosopher who lived during the time of Alexander the Great. Diogenes was a very learned man who shunned both power and wealth. He was known to have wandered around searching for an honest man carrying a lantern during day and night. He gave up everything he possessed, except a coconut shell for drinking water. One day he saw a man drinking water forming a cup with his hand. After seeing this Diogenes threw away his last possession, the coconut shell.
The name of Diogenes spread throughout Greece. Alexander the Great heard about Diogenes and one day decided to see him. Mounted on horseback, Alexander the Great went to Diogenes who was sitting on the ground. Alexander said ' Oh Diogenes, I have heard a great deal about you and your life. I am very much impressed by your life and it is my earnest desire to help you in whatever way I can. Please let me know your desires so that I can fulfill them". To which Diogenes replied "Your Excellency my only request is that you get aside and allow the sun's rays to fall on my body." Alexander the Great was deeply moved by Diogenes's reply and said "If I were not Alexander the Great. I would be Diogenes." Now the point I want to make here is that Diogenes never went to Alexander the Great, but that Alexander the Great came to Diogenes for he was such a learned philosopher.
There are many people in this world who have played themselves to death, or eaten and drunk themselves to death. Nobody ever died because of thinking or learning. People who avoid learning, or abandon it, find no joy in life, find that life is dry. No learner has ever run short of subjects to explore. The pleasures of learning lead to happiness. One can live a long, healthy and rewarding life by attaining and preserving the happiness of learning. Learning is everyone's birthright. Everyone - young or old, rich or poor, male or female, has access to learning. Exercise your birthright. Remember what you have learned cannot be taken away by others.
Dr. Hassan Hathout an example of love and compassion
Always smiling, always optimistic, always cheerful, always humble, always first to greet and always first to seek Allah's blessings for whomever he met, always ready to serve His cause no matter how seriously ill he was and always willing to contribute to the cause of Islam and humanity with all the resources that he had. That was Dr. Hassan Hathout, a renowned figure in the 21st century Muslim community.
A saying of Prophet Muhammad is, "With knowledge man rises to the heights of goodness and to a noble position, associated with sovereigns in this world, and attains the perfection of happiness in the next." Dr. Hassan Hathout was such a man of knowledge.
I had heard of Dr. Hassan Hathout in London, from Dr. Fathi Osman, the editor-in Chief of Arabia, the Islamic World Review, where I was working as a junior editor. Dr. Osman had introduced him as a leading Muslim intellectual of the past century, a freedom fighter, a human rights activist and a down to earth Islamic scholar. A few accounts about Dr. Hassan Hathout that circulated in the Arabia's office show the character of this great man. An incident of Dr. Hathout's life that was often told in the office was that he saved a Jewish soldier from near death in the battlefield in 1948 during the first war between the Arabs and the Israeli despite the fact that he was serving on the Palestinian side. The episode when he performed a critical surgery on his patient even after getting the news of then his only six year old daughter in a car accident in Scotland spoke of the high moral ethics he held. The story that he had decided to call off his successful medical practice in Kuwait to migrate to the USA to serve Islam was touching to those who were skeptical about the Muslim presence in the West.
To Allah we belong and
to Him is our return.
I got the opportunity to meet Dr. Hassan Hathout in the summer of 1989 when I joined the Minaret magazine. He was larger than the life stories that I had heard about him. He was more humble than the standards of humility that people usually set for them and others. He was more pleasant than one can imagine the extent of pleasantries. He was eager to pass on his legacy to the younger generations. Always looking for younger people who could dedicate them to serve humanity, he would hold special training sessions for them and invite them to his home to spend as much time as they could afford. He would not refuse speaking engagements in any gathering no matter how small or large was the audience as long as it served the cause of peace and justice.
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He was always optimistic about the future of Islam in America. He always exhorted his students to pay back to America what it had given to them in terms of freedom and equality. He always explained that the Divine values coupled with the American commitment to freedom could create one of the best societies human civilization has ever witnessed. As a champion of non-violence, he would always emphasize on the necessity and usefulness of dialogue. He participated in the movement of a nuclear free world and was instrumental in bringing the Muslim community closer to the movement of world peace.
During the first Iraq war, he was the first one in the country who had mobilized an interfaith community to stand for peace in one of the biggest interfaith gatherings that took place at the Islamic Center of Southern California. Even in the worst situation, when the tempers of people would be running high, he would always ask others to have patience and be ready to forgive and forget and move forward with the spirit of brotherhood.
He never showed anger to even those who had hurt him. He never showed any hatred to even those who could be termed as the open enemies of the cause he was espousing.
Dr. Hassan belonged to that generation of Muslim activists who had spent time with stalwarts like Hassan Banna Shaheed of Egypt and scholars like Hudhibi and others. He was tortured, imprisoned and persecuted for his beliefs, but he never wavered from his path wherever he went.
He was a fighter. When he confronted cancer, he fought like a general. Even in the midst of his painful treatment, he compiled his book, the Reading of Muslim Mind, one of the best selling Muslim books in America. He did not stop there. He wrote six more books during that period of serious illness.
He had become frail and weak. Yet, he would use every single ounce of his strength to either teach, or give a lecture or to write an article or to advice those who would seek his advice. He was a remarkable example of Muslim leadership who silently served the cause without seeking any fame or popularity. He devoted his entire life, his resources and his work to the cause of God. What else can one expect from those who are described by Allah in the Quran as Muhsineen. Indeed, Dr. Hassan Hathout was among the Mohsineen.
We thank God for giving us Dr. Hathout. We thank God for inspiring him to be our teacher and guide. We thank Allah for all that Dr. Hassan Hathout and his life was about. May Allah accept him among those who hold the noblest position in the eternal realm.
Dr. Aslam Abdullah is editor of the Detroit based English weekly, Muslim Observer, director of the Islamic Society of Nevada, Las Vegas and the recently elected General Secretary of the World Council of Muslims for Interfaith Relation. He is also the vice President of the Muslim Council of America, MCA.
A saying of Prophet Muhammad is, "With knowledge man rises to the heights of goodness and to a noble position, associated with sovereigns in this world, and attains the perfection of happiness in the next." Dr. Hassan Hathout was such a man of knowledge.
I had heard of Dr. Hassan Hathout in London, from Dr. Fathi Osman, the editor-in Chief of Arabia, the Islamic World Review, where I was working as a junior editor. Dr. Osman had introduced him as a leading Muslim intellectual of the past century, a freedom fighter, a human rights activist and a down to earth Islamic scholar. A few accounts about Dr. Hassan Hathout that circulated in the Arabia's office show the character of this great man. An incident of Dr. Hathout's life that was often told in the office was that he saved a Jewish soldier from near death in the battlefield in 1948 during the first war between the Arabs and the Israeli despite the fact that he was serving on the Palestinian side. The episode when he performed a critical surgery on his patient even after getting the news of then his only six year old daughter in a car accident in Scotland spoke of the high moral ethics he held. The story that he had decided to call off his successful medical practice in Kuwait to migrate to the USA to serve Islam was touching to those who were skeptical about the Muslim presence in the West.
To Allah we belong and
to Him is our return.
I got the opportunity to meet Dr. Hassan Hathout in the summer of 1989 when I joined the Minaret magazine. He was larger than the life stories that I had heard about him. He was more humble than the standards of humility that people usually set for them and others. He was more pleasant than one can imagine the extent of pleasantries. He was eager to pass on his legacy to the younger generations. Always looking for younger people who could dedicate them to serve humanity, he would hold special training sessions for them and invite them to his home to spend as much time as they could afford. He would not refuse speaking engagements in any gathering no matter how small or large was the audience as long as it served the cause of peace and justice.
Ads by Google:
Advertisements not controlled by IslamiCity
He was always optimistic about the future of Islam in America. He always exhorted his students to pay back to America what it had given to them in terms of freedom and equality. He always explained that the Divine values coupled with the American commitment to freedom could create one of the best societies human civilization has ever witnessed. As a champion of non-violence, he would always emphasize on the necessity and usefulness of dialogue. He participated in the movement of a nuclear free world and was instrumental in bringing the Muslim community closer to the movement of world peace.
During the first Iraq war, he was the first one in the country who had mobilized an interfaith community to stand for peace in one of the biggest interfaith gatherings that took place at the Islamic Center of Southern California. Even in the worst situation, when the tempers of people would be running high, he would always ask others to have patience and be ready to forgive and forget and move forward with the spirit of brotherhood.
He never showed anger to even those who had hurt him. He never showed any hatred to even those who could be termed as the open enemies of the cause he was espousing.
Dr. Hassan belonged to that generation of Muslim activists who had spent time with stalwarts like Hassan Banna Shaheed of Egypt and scholars like Hudhibi and others. He was tortured, imprisoned and persecuted for his beliefs, but he never wavered from his path wherever he went.
He was a fighter. When he confronted cancer, he fought like a general. Even in the midst of his painful treatment, he compiled his book, the Reading of Muslim Mind, one of the best selling Muslim books in America. He did not stop there. He wrote six more books during that period of serious illness.
He had become frail and weak. Yet, he would use every single ounce of his strength to either teach, or give a lecture or to write an article or to advice those who would seek his advice. He was a remarkable example of Muslim leadership who silently served the cause without seeking any fame or popularity. He devoted his entire life, his resources and his work to the cause of God. What else can one expect from those who are described by Allah in the Quran as Muhsineen. Indeed, Dr. Hassan Hathout was among the Mohsineen.
We thank God for giving us Dr. Hathout. We thank God for inspiring him to be our teacher and guide. We thank Allah for all that Dr. Hassan Hathout and his life was about. May Allah accept him among those who hold the noblest position in the eternal realm.
Dr. Aslam Abdullah is editor of the Detroit based English weekly, Muslim Observer, director of the Islamic Society of Nevada, Las Vegas and the recently elected General Secretary of the World Council of Muslims for Interfaith Relation. He is also the vice President of the Muslim Council of America, MCA.
Pakistan: Pak Army determined to make society safe from terrorists: Gen. Tariq
RAWALPINDI, (The News): Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Tariq Majeed has said that the national threats would have to be foiled by national efforts.
Addressing Kakul Academy passing-out parade, General Tariq said that the country presently was passing though a critical phase and the Army would come up to the expectations of the nation. He said that the armed forces was discharging it responsibilities practically, while the armed forces need to play the key-role.
General Tariq Majeed said that Pakistan was desirous of cordial relations with all the countries and especially, the neighbour, but the national rights, interests and dignity could not be bargained. He said that the country’s sovereignty was not negotiable.
General Tariq said that Pakistan was passing through the most difficult phase of its history and Pakistan army would ensure safe society from terrorists.
Addressing Kakul Academy passing-out parade, General Tariq said that the country presently was passing though a critical phase and the Army would come up to the expectations of the nation. He said that the armed forces was discharging it responsibilities practically, while the armed forces need to play the key-role.
General Tariq Majeed said that Pakistan was desirous of cordial relations with all the countries and especially, the neighbour, but the national rights, interests and dignity could not be bargained. He said that the country’s sovereignty was not negotiable.
General Tariq said that Pakistan was passing through the most difficult phase of its history and Pakistan army would ensure safe society from terrorists.
West Bank, Palestine: Six Palestinian injured by settlers south of Nablus
By Saed Bannoura
IMEMC & Agencies:
Palestinian medical sources reported on Friday evening that at least six Palestinians were injured when settlement guards of the Yitzhar settlement opened fire at Palestinian who reportedly entered a vineyard belonging to the settlement.
Ghassan Daghlas, in Charge of the Settlements File at the Palestinian Authority, stated that six masked settlers from Yitzhar settlement, south of Nablus, opened fire at Palestinians who were some 20 meters away from Orif School, adjacent to the settlement.
Meanwhile, Israeli sources reported that settlement guards claimed that they observed two Palestinians trying to infiltrate into the settlement vineyard, and opened fire at them.
Fawzi Shihada, head of the Orif village council, told the Maan News Agency that Israeli settlers and soldiers opened fire towards the village, and that the army imposed a curfew barring the residents from leaving their homes.
Shihada added that he and a number of international peace activists were surrounded by the settlers and the soldiers in one of the homes in the village.
Six Palestinians were moved to Rafidia hospital in Nablus; their injuries were described as mild to moderate.
They were identified as Saddam Abdul-Karim, Maher Ghassan, Nour Mustafa Safadi, Mahmoud Abdul-Rahim Safadi, Isam Najih Safadi, and Ibrahim Sabah.
Later on, a group calling itself Jerusalem Army issued a press release claiming responsibility for opening fire at the settlement guards.
Meanwhile, Israeli military sources reported that five settlers were lightly wounded during the clashes, one of the wounded settlers required hospitalization.
The sources added that Israeli soldiers also in invaded Orif village and clashes with dozens of youths.
Local sources in the Orif reported that the settlers attacked the village at hurled stones at its homes.
Army sources said that soldiers entered the village to stop clashes that erupted between the settlers and the residents, and fired rubber-coated bullets and teargas canisters.
IMEMC & Agencies:
Palestinian medical sources reported on Friday evening that at least six Palestinians were injured when settlement guards of the Yitzhar settlement opened fire at Palestinian who reportedly entered a vineyard belonging to the settlement.
Ghassan Daghlas, in Charge of the Settlements File at the Palestinian Authority, stated that six masked settlers from Yitzhar settlement, south of Nablus, opened fire at Palestinians who were some 20 meters away from Orif School, adjacent to the settlement.
Meanwhile, Israeli sources reported that settlement guards claimed that they observed two Palestinians trying to infiltrate into the settlement vineyard, and opened fire at them.
Fawzi Shihada, head of the Orif village council, told the Maan News Agency that Israeli settlers and soldiers opened fire towards the village, and that the army imposed a curfew barring the residents from leaving their homes.
Shihada added that he and a number of international peace activists were surrounded by the settlers and the soldiers in one of the homes in the village.
Six Palestinians were moved to Rafidia hospital in Nablus; their injuries were described as mild to moderate.
They were identified as Saddam Abdul-Karim, Maher Ghassan, Nour Mustafa Safadi, Mahmoud Abdul-Rahim Safadi, Isam Najih Safadi, and Ibrahim Sabah.
Later on, a group calling itself Jerusalem Army issued a press release claiming responsibility for opening fire at the settlement guards.
Meanwhile, Israeli military sources reported that five settlers were lightly wounded during the clashes, one of the wounded settlers required hospitalization.
The sources added that Israeli soldiers also in invaded Orif village and clashes with dozens of youths.
Local sources in the Orif reported that the settlers attacked the village at hurled stones at its homes.
Army sources said that soldiers entered the village to stop clashes that erupted between the settlers and the residents, and fired rubber-coated bullets and teargas canisters.
Pakistan: ISPR terms Taliban threat to Islamabad as rubbish, ridiculous
ISLAMABAD, (The News): Director General Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Athar Abbas has out rightly rejected the (baseless) fears that Taliban could storm Islamabad.
Talking to a US news agency, he said it is impossible for a band of only 200 Taliban, who had come to Buner, to storm the capital also. No doubt Buner is situated within a radius of 100 miles from the federal capital. The threat could not be measured in terms of distance, rather it has to be measured in terms of capability and counter capabilities, he said.
There is a huge presence of law enforcement agencies in the aforementioned area. It is only ridiculous and rubbish to say that Taliban are threatening Islamabad, he added.
There are some splinter groups, not even in control of Maulana Fazlullah or Sufi Muhammad, are creating problems. But the government is very confident that it would be able to deliver and enforce the peace agreement. He said there are not more than 50 Taliban in Buner district, who have been recruited by Swati Taliban, left behind after the pulling out of Taliban. After the agreement they were supposed to lay down their arms. If remained adamant the trouble-makers would be expelled from the area by the security forces, he said.
The government and Army were trying its best to honour the peace deal inked with Tehrik Nifaz Shariat Muhammadi (TNSM). Hopefully, some problems would be overcome and militants would lay down their arms and stop fighting. The law enforcement agencies are also determined to bring peace and normalcy in the valley.
Talking to a US news agency, he said it is impossible for a band of only 200 Taliban, who had come to Buner, to storm the capital also. No doubt Buner is situated within a radius of 100 miles from the federal capital. The threat could not be measured in terms of distance, rather it has to be measured in terms of capability and counter capabilities, he said.
There is a huge presence of law enforcement agencies in the aforementioned area. It is only ridiculous and rubbish to say that Taliban are threatening Islamabad, he added.
There are some splinter groups, not even in control of Maulana Fazlullah or Sufi Muhammad, are creating problems. But the government is very confident that it would be able to deliver and enforce the peace agreement. He said there are not more than 50 Taliban in Buner district, who have been recruited by Swati Taliban, left behind after the pulling out of Taliban. After the agreement they were supposed to lay down their arms. If remained adamant the trouble-makers would be expelled from the area by the security forces, he said.
The government and Army were trying its best to honour the peace deal inked with Tehrik Nifaz Shariat Muhammadi (TNSM). Hopefully, some problems would be overcome and militants would lay down their arms and stop fighting. The law enforcement agencies are also determined to bring peace and normalcy in the valley.
Women’s ‘sports clubs’ face the ax
By Najah Alosaimi
RIYADH, (Arab News):
The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs will close women’s unlicensed sports clubs in the Kingdom unless they are operated by medical organizations.
Hamad Al-Omar, the ministry spokesman, said the present women’s independent sports clubs do not have commercial registration for the provision of sport and health services.
The General Presidency of Sport and Youth Welfare, which provides licenses to men’s sports clubs, does not do the same for women’s clubs. No other government department has the authority to give licenses to establish women’s clubs. This is a major factor that has led to the emergence of unlicensed sports clubs for women.
According to Saleh bin Nasir, deputy director in the Presidency, a request has been submitted to the appropriate authorities asking for permission to establish women’s clubs. “We are waiting for a decision from the authorities,” he said.
The lack of a licensing authority for women’s sports clubs has forced investors either to abandon their project or find ways to circumvent the rules.
Two years ago, businessman Bader Al-Shibani wanted to open a women’s sports club along with the one he runs for men in Jeddah. “I ran into a stone wall at every turn. Every department I visited denied that they had the authority to give permission to establish a women’s club,” he said, adding, “In the end, I just abandoned the project.”
Meanwhile, others get around the difficulty by deciding to register their businesses as “beauty salons” and then provide — in addition to beauty services — a full complement of fitness, health and weight-loss programs.
Attorney and community activist Abdulaziz Al-Qasim thinks that every department has preferred to turn a blind eye to the matter of sports clubs for women in order to avoid social fuss and “random fatwas, which would most likely appear once women’s sports are recognized.”
“It’s clear that one department is now taking the decision to put an end to the increasing number of unlicensed clubs, which other departments have created by their refusal to give them approval instead of coordinating with one another,” he said.
The ministry began implementing its decision in Jeddah by taking action against two women’s clubs from 15 unlicensed ones and one in Dammam, according to Al-Madinah newspaper.
Raja’a is a supervisor in one of the clubs, which is officially listed as a beauty salon but provides swimming lessons, sauna, massage and a fitness gym. She said that a female inspector from the municipality had asked them to move the fitness facilities away from the salon.
“Since our sports club receives about 150 visitors every day, we decided to rent another location and open a natural treatment clinic,” Raja’a said.
Raja’a’s case illustrates how business owners can still get around the rule and open sports clubs described as natural treatment clinics.
Saudi social worker Bolger Eman Al-Nafjan, sees this reaction as “natural,” especially when the rules obstruct their work instead of facilitating it.
She supports the ministry’s decision to close unauthorized women’s clubs, but added that such steps should be taken only after clarifying which department is responsible for licensing the clubs.
Some Saudis believe that there is a lack of enthusiasm for allowing sports clubs for women or allowing them to operate officially in the Kingdom. Perhaps, they said, the religious scholars’ antipathy to women’s sports further complicates the issue.
The ministry’s decision coincides with a recent statement by a Saudi scholar describing women who participate in sport as “shameless.” On his official website Abdulrahman Al-Barak, the scholar, wrote about the consequences of opening women’s sports clubs, saying the clubs would encourage women all over the Kingdom to leave their homes.
Similarly, in an interview with Al-Eqtisadiah television last year, Grand Mufti Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh said: “Women should be housewives; there is no need for them to engage in sports. Such practices don’t serve society.”
Halimah Muzaffar, a Saudi writer who highlights the importance of women’s sports in her columns, said sport should not be regulated. “It’s like any other natural activity that every human being — regardless of their sex — should pursue in accordance with our Islamic values.”
The ministry’s decision was greeted with disappointment by many sports club directors and clients. They said that the decision would impact their businesses as well as the new culture among women for staying fit through sports.
Leena Hamamy, director of a fitness center at Al-Khalidia Towers, believes that the lack of licensed clubs is the direct result of poor services in the existing clubs. “Our visa applications for bringing qualified trainers are rejected because women’s clubs are not listed to operate,” she said.
Leena said she could not understand the need for a campaign to close women’s clubs which help women stay healthy while shisha cafés are all over the country. “Clubs here are operated by women and for women and we only offer activities that coincide with our values, including strict regulations on dress code.”
Fitness trainer So’ad Katab said Saudi society had an urgent need to increase the number of women’s clubs “because as kids, women were prevented from practicing sport at school and when they grow up they don’t have a place to watch their health and socialize.” She added that many women come to her clubs on doctor’s advice.
The new regulation has not yet been applied to any club in Riyadh. Eight months ago Bodoor Al-Naemy, 34, joined an expensive club in Riyadh to exercise. “Working out with a group motivates me,” she said, adding that closing women’s clubs would frustrate many because “health and fitness clubs in medical centers have high subscription fees compared to private ones.”
RIYADH, (Arab News):
The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs will close women’s unlicensed sports clubs in the Kingdom unless they are operated by medical organizations.
Hamad Al-Omar, the ministry spokesman, said the present women’s independent sports clubs do not have commercial registration for the provision of sport and health services.
The General Presidency of Sport and Youth Welfare, which provides licenses to men’s sports clubs, does not do the same for women’s clubs. No other government department has the authority to give licenses to establish women’s clubs. This is a major factor that has led to the emergence of unlicensed sports clubs for women.
According to Saleh bin Nasir, deputy director in the Presidency, a request has been submitted to the appropriate authorities asking for permission to establish women’s clubs. “We are waiting for a decision from the authorities,” he said.
The lack of a licensing authority for women’s sports clubs has forced investors either to abandon their project or find ways to circumvent the rules.
Two years ago, businessman Bader Al-Shibani wanted to open a women’s sports club along with the one he runs for men in Jeddah. “I ran into a stone wall at every turn. Every department I visited denied that they had the authority to give permission to establish a women’s club,” he said, adding, “In the end, I just abandoned the project.”
Meanwhile, others get around the difficulty by deciding to register their businesses as “beauty salons” and then provide — in addition to beauty services — a full complement of fitness, health and weight-loss programs.
Attorney and community activist Abdulaziz Al-Qasim thinks that every department has preferred to turn a blind eye to the matter of sports clubs for women in order to avoid social fuss and “random fatwas, which would most likely appear once women’s sports are recognized.”
“It’s clear that one department is now taking the decision to put an end to the increasing number of unlicensed clubs, which other departments have created by their refusal to give them approval instead of coordinating with one another,” he said.
The ministry began implementing its decision in Jeddah by taking action against two women’s clubs from 15 unlicensed ones and one in Dammam, according to Al-Madinah newspaper.
Raja’a is a supervisor in one of the clubs, which is officially listed as a beauty salon but provides swimming lessons, sauna, massage and a fitness gym. She said that a female inspector from the municipality had asked them to move the fitness facilities away from the salon.
“Since our sports club receives about 150 visitors every day, we decided to rent another location and open a natural treatment clinic,” Raja’a said.
Raja’a’s case illustrates how business owners can still get around the rule and open sports clubs described as natural treatment clinics.
Saudi social worker Bolger Eman Al-Nafjan, sees this reaction as “natural,” especially when the rules obstruct their work instead of facilitating it.
She supports the ministry’s decision to close unauthorized women’s clubs, but added that such steps should be taken only after clarifying which department is responsible for licensing the clubs.
Some Saudis believe that there is a lack of enthusiasm for allowing sports clubs for women or allowing them to operate officially in the Kingdom. Perhaps, they said, the religious scholars’ antipathy to women’s sports further complicates the issue.
The ministry’s decision coincides with a recent statement by a Saudi scholar describing women who participate in sport as “shameless.” On his official website Abdulrahman Al-Barak, the scholar, wrote about the consequences of opening women’s sports clubs, saying the clubs would encourage women all over the Kingdom to leave their homes.
Similarly, in an interview with Al-Eqtisadiah television last year, Grand Mufti Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh said: “Women should be housewives; there is no need for them to engage in sports. Such practices don’t serve society.”
Halimah Muzaffar, a Saudi writer who highlights the importance of women’s sports in her columns, said sport should not be regulated. “It’s like any other natural activity that every human being — regardless of their sex — should pursue in accordance with our Islamic values.”
The ministry’s decision was greeted with disappointment by many sports club directors and clients. They said that the decision would impact their businesses as well as the new culture among women for staying fit through sports.
Leena Hamamy, director of a fitness center at Al-Khalidia Towers, believes that the lack of licensed clubs is the direct result of poor services in the existing clubs. “Our visa applications for bringing qualified trainers are rejected because women’s clubs are not listed to operate,” she said.
Leena said she could not understand the need for a campaign to close women’s clubs which help women stay healthy while shisha cafés are all over the country. “Clubs here are operated by women and for women and we only offer activities that coincide with our values, including strict regulations on dress code.”
Fitness trainer So’ad Katab said Saudi society had an urgent need to increase the number of women’s clubs “because as kids, women were prevented from practicing sport at school and when they grow up they don’t have a place to watch their health and socialize.” She added that many women come to her clubs on doctor’s advice.
The new regulation has not yet been applied to any club in Riyadh. Eight months ago Bodoor Al-Naemy, 34, joined an expensive club in Riyadh to exercise. “Working out with a group motivates me,” she said, adding that closing women’s clubs would frustrate many because “health and fitness clubs in medical centers have high subscription fees compared to private ones.”
Somali pirates hijack German ship after NATO extends naval mission
Somali pirates have seized a 31,000-ton German grain carrier in the Gulf of Aden but the ship's 17 crew members are unhurt, according to a Kenyan maritime official.
The US Navy's 5th Fleet confirmed that the ship "Patriot" was seized 300 kilometers south-east of the Yemeni coastal city Muqalla. The freighter was sailing under under the flag of Malta.
"I hear it was taken early this morning," said Andrew Mwangura, director of the Mombasa-based East African Seafarers Assistance Program, in a statement released on Saturday.
Ministry officials in Berlin could not confirm the reports but said investigations were under way.
Piracy attacks off the eastern African coast have escalated in the past few weeks despite the presence of a flotilla of foreign navy warships in the region.
Pirates there are holding more than 250 hostages and have made millions of dollars through ransoms, driving up insurance costs. Some shipping lines now opt to use a longer and more expensive route around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid capture.
NATO extends anti-piracy mission
The attack comes just a day after NATO decided to extend its anti-piracy work off the coast of Somalia.
"NATO has decided to continue the counter-piracy activities off Somalia in the Gulf of Aden," said a spokesman for the transatlantic alliance at its Brussels headquarters.
Four vessels from NATO's Standing Naval Maritime Group One have been conducting anti-piracy work and escorting merchant ships, including some carrying food aid for Somalia, since last month.
The naval ships were due to make courtesy port visits to Karachi in Pakistan, Singapore and Perth in Western Australia, but the last two visits have been cancelled, the spokeswoman said.
They now will break off to visit Karachi on April 26-27 but will return to continue their counter-piracy work until June 6.
"With the great increase in pirate attacks and the ensuing international attention, NATO's recent contribution to counter-piracy has been significant," the spokeswoman said.
Pirates attacked over 130 merchant ships in the Gulf of Aden last year – more than double last year's total, according to the International Maritime Bureau.
Attacks increased tenfold in the first three months of 2009 compared to the same period last year.
The US Navy's 5th Fleet confirmed that the ship "Patriot" was seized 300 kilometers south-east of the Yemeni coastal city Muqalla. The freighter was sailing under under the flag of Malta.
"I hear it was taken early this morning," said Andrew Mwangura, director of the Mombasa-based East African Seafarers Assistance Program, in a statement released on Saturday.
Ministry officials in Berlin could not confirm the reports but said investigations were under way.
Piracy attacks off the eastern African coast have escalated in the past few weeks despite the presence of a flotilla of foreign navy warships in the region.
Pirates there are holding more than 250 hostages and have made millions of dollars through ransoms, driving up insurance costs. Some shipping lines now opt to use a longer and more expensive route around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid capture.
NATO extends anti-piracy mission
The attack comes just a day after NATO decided to extend its anti-piracy work off the coast of Somalia.
"NATO has decided to continue the counter-piracy activities off Somalia in the Gulf of Aden," said a spokesman for the transatlantic alliance at its Brussels headquarters.
Four vessels from NATO's Standing Naval Maritime Group One have been conducting anti-piracy work and escorting merchant ships, including some carrying food aid for Somalia, since last month.
The naval ships were due to make courtesy port visits to Karachi in Pakistan, Singapore and Perth in Western Australia, but the last two visits have been cancelled, the spokeswoman said.
They now will break off to visit Karachi on April 26-27 but will return to continue their counter-piracy work until June 6.
"With the great increase in pirate attacks and the ensuing international attention, NATO's recent contribution to counter-piracy has been significant," the spokeswoman said.
Pirates attacked over 130 merchant ships in the Gulf of Aden last year – more than double last year's total, according to the International Maritime Bureau.
Attacks increased tenfold in the first three months of 2009 compared to the same period last year.
Brown may get lukewarm welcome in Islamabad
ISLAMABAD, (Dawn): British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is likely to get a lukewarm reception when he lands here on Monday on his second trip to Pakistan in about four months amid an aggravating diplomatic row between London and Islamabad in the aftermath of a botched terror probe involving Pakistani students.
The diplomatic tension between the two countries sparked by Prime Minister Brown’s statement disparaging Pakistan for not doing enough against terrorism is said to have risen to a point where British Foreign Secretary David Miliband could not speak to his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi over the past few days despite repeated requests for telephonic conversation.
Moreover, visas were not given by Pakistan’s High Commission in London to a British team intending to visit Pakistan for negotiations on the deportation pact.
Diplomatic sources said that while Mr Brown during his last trip in December rudely accused Pakistan of exporting terrorism, this time he may be up to hard talk by the Pakistani leadership.
Observers are attaching immense importance to Mr Brown’s unscheduled dash to Islamabad and say it points to the gravity of the situation.
During his day-long stay here he would be meeting Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and President Asif Ali Zardari.
The sources said that although Prime Minister Brown would not be apologising for his shocking statements following the arrests, he would try to explain Britain’s position to his interlocutors.
He is likely to put pressure on Pakistan to sign the proposed pact on deportation.
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-newspaper/front-page/brown-may-get-lukewarm-welcome-in-islamabad
The diplomatic tension between the two countries sparked by Prime Minister Brown’s statement disparaging Pakistan for not doing enough against terrorism is said to have risen to a point where British Foreign Secretary David Miliband could not speak to his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi over the past few days despite repeated requests for telephonic conversation.
Moreover, visas were not given by Pakistan’s High Commission in London to a British team intending to visit Pakistan for negotiations on the deportation pact.
Diplomatic sources said that while Mr Brown during his last trip in December rudely accused Pakistan of exporting terrorism, this time he may be up to hard talk by the Pakistani leadership.
Observers are attaching immense importance to Mr Brown’s unscheduled dash to Islamabad and say it points to the gravity of the situation.
During his day-long stay here he would be meeting Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and President Asif Ali Zardari.
The sources said that although Prime Minister Brown would not be apologising for his shocking statements following the arrests, he would try to explain Britain’s position to his interlocutors.
He is likely to put pressure on Pakistan to sign the proposed pact on deportation.
http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/the-newspaper/front-page/brown-may-get-lukewarm-welcome-in-islamabad
West Bank, Palestine: Two Elderly Palestinian farmers brutally attacked by Israeli settlers
Beyt Anyn, West Bank, (26th April 2009 1:15 pm, The International Solidarity Movement):
Israeli settlers beat two elderly Palestinian farmers with stones and sticks while they were working their lands close to Bet Ayn settlement, located in the southern West Bank. The attack occurred shortly after Israeli soldiers, having observed the two farmers, left the area. They did not reappear even after the attack.
Both farmers are from the village of Beit Ommar, with lands in Saffa, close to the illegal Israeli settlement.
Abdullah Soleiby, aged 80, sustained two hair-line fractures and received ten stitches to the top of his head after three settlers held him down and repeatedly smashed his head with stones.
His brother, Hamad Soleiby, aged 72, was also beaten though he managed to put his brother on the back of a donkey and take him to the village, where he was briefly treated before being transferred to the hospital in Hebron.
This is not the first time this family has been the victim of vicious attacks by settlers from Beit Ayn. In 2006, Hamad’s head was also fractured by masked settlers while farming in the same area.
Israeli settlers beat two elderly Palestinian farmers with stones and sticks while they were working their lands close to Bet Ayn settlement, located in the southern West Bank. The attack occurred shortly after Israeli soldiers, having observed the two farmers, left the area. They did not reappear even after the attack.
Both farmers are from the village of Beit Ommar, with lands in Saffa, close to the illegal Israeli settlement.
Abdullah Soleiby, aged 80, sustained two hair-line fractures and received ten stitches to the top of his head after three settlers held him down and repeatedly smashed his head with stones.
His brother, Hamad Soleiby, aged 72, was also beaten though he managed to put his brother on the back of a donkey and take him to the village, where he was briefly treated before being transferred to the hospital in Hebron.
This is not the first time this family has been the victim of vicious attacks by settlers from Beit Ayn. In 2006, Hamad’s head was also fractured by masked settlers while farming in the same area.
Code of Practice for Halal Slaughter (Dhabh / Zabiha)
This draft Halal Code of Practice has been developed with the Muslim Organisations Working Group of the Food Standards Agency.
It is now available for wider consultation. If you have any comments you are invited to send them by Friday, 29th May 2009.
Ideally by email to: msshafi1@gmail.com / food@mcb.org.uk
OR by post to:
Dr Shuja Shafi
Food Standards Committee
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB)
P.O.Box 57330
London E1 2WJ
A consultation meeting is being organised in June to discuss the matter with Islamic scholars and Ulama before it is finalised.
It is now available for wider consultation. If you have any comments you are invited to send them by Friday, 29th May 2009.
Ideally by email to: msshafi1@gmail.com / food@mcb.org.uk
OR by post to:
Dr Shuja Shafi
Food Standards Committee
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB)
P.O.Box 57330
London E1 2WJ
A consultation meeting is being organised in June to discuss the matter with Islamic scholars and Ulama before it is finalised.
Barack Obama has declared that the US "is not at war with Islam", in a major speech during his first visit as president to a mainly Muslim country.
Addressing the Turkish parliament, Mr Obama called for a greater partnership with the Muslim world and said the US would soon launch outreach programmes.
"America's relationship with the Muslim world cannot and will not be based on opposition to al-Qaeda," he said.
Mr Obama also said Washington supported Turkey's efforts to join the EU.
Earlier, at a news conference with his Turkish counterpart, Abdullah Gul, he urged Turkey to help bridge the gap between the Muslim and Western worlds.
OBAMA SPEECH
Barack Obama's adress to Turkish Parliament [85.9 KB]
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Download the reader here
'Signals of interest' to Muslims
He said his visit was a "statement about the importance of Turkey, not just to the United States, but to the world".
The US president began his visit to Turkey on Monday morning by laying a wreath at the tomb of the founder of modern Turkish state, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, whose "vision and courage" he praised.
He then travelled to the presidential palace in Ankara for talks with President Abdullah Gul, before giving an address to the Turkish Grand National Assembly.
Mr Obama devoted much of his speech to calling for a greater bond between Americans and Muslims, admitting that "the trust that binds us has been strained".
"Let me say this as clearly as I can: the United States is not and will never be at war with Islam," he stated.
Mr Obama's remarks were welcomed by Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan
"In fact, our partnership with the Muslim world is critical in rolling back a fringe ideology that people of all faiths reject."
He said: "The United States has been enriched by Muslim Americans. Many other Americans have Muslims in their family, or have lived in a Muslim-majority country - I know, because I am one of them."
"And when people look back on this time, let it be said of America that we extended the hand of friendship," he said.
"There is an old Turkish proverb: 'You cannot put out fire with flames.'"
BBC North America editor Justin Webb in Ankara says there are some back in the US who wonder if Mr Obama is going too far, but his intention seems clear.
He is on a mission to charm with the hope that in years to come, there is a tangible benefit for America and the world, our correspondent says.
'Crucial ally'
In his speech, Mr Obama said the US considered Turkey a "critical ally", despite the deterioration of their relations over the war in Iraq.
He said that while they had not always agreed on everything, the two states were stronger when they worked together.
Obama is a seducer, in the nicest possible way of course. He smiles and refers to himself as Hussein and does all the other things that make Europeans swoon. Then he has his way. Or does he...?
Justin Webb
BBC North America editor
Webb's America: Seducer-in-chief
Mark Mardell: Ideal backdrop
Send us your comments
"That is why we must listen to one another, and seek common ground," he said.
The president also reiterated that the US government strongly supported Turkey's bid to become a member of the European Union.
"Europe gains by diversity of ethnicity, tradition and faith - it is not diminished by it," he said to a round of applause from the audience. "And Turkish membership would broaden and strengthen Europe's foundation once more."
The EU agreed to open accession talks with Ankara in 2004, but in recent years Turkey has made little progress with democratic reforms which would improve its chances of membership, correspondents say.
Later in his address, Mr Obama said the US strongly supported the full normalisation of relations between Turkey and Armenia.
At his earlier news conference with President Gul, he had stood by his 2008 assertion that the killing of Armenians by Ottoman Turks in 1915 constituted "genocide" - without repeating the word.
Several groups have been demonstrating against the visit
The issue remains highly sensitive between the governments of Armenia and Turkey, which denies those killed were victims of systematic genocide, and has prevented normal relations between them for many years.
During his election campaign, Mr Obama said the "Armenian genocide is not an allegation, a personal opinion, or a point of view, but rather a widely documented fact supported by an overwhelming body of historical evidence".
After his speech, Mr Obama was due to meet Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The US leader will then leave Ankara for Istanbul, where he will attend the Alliance of Civilizations forum.
"America's relationship with the Muslim world cannot and will not be based on opposition to al-Qaeda," he said.
Mr Obama also said Washington supported Turkey's efforts to join the EU.
Earlier, at a news conference with his Turkish counterpart, Abdullah Gul, he urged Turkey to help bridge the gap between the Muslim and Western worlds.
OBAMA SPEECH
Barack Obama's adress to Turkish Parliament [85.9 KB]
Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader
Download the reader here
'Signals of interest' to Muslims
He said his visit was a "statement about the importance of Turkey, not just to the United States, but to the world".
The US president began his visit to Turkey on Monday morning by laying a wreath at the tomb of the founder of modern Turkish state, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, whose "vision and courage" he praised.
He then travelled to the presidential palace in Ankara for talks with President Abdullah Gul, before giving an address to the Turkish Grand National Assembly.
Mr Obama devoted much of his speech to calling for a greater bond between Americans and Muslims, admitting that "the trust that binds us has been strained".
"Let me say this as clearly as I can: the United States is not and will never be at war with Islam," he stated.
Mr Obama's remarks were welcomed by Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan
"In fact, our partnership with the Muslim world is critical in rolling back a fringe ideology that people of all faiths reject."
He said: "The United States has been enriched by Muslim Americans. Many other Americans have Muslims in their family, or have lived in a Muslim-majority country - I know, because I am one of them."
"And when people look back on this time, let it be said of America that we extended the hand of friendship," he said.
"There is an old Turkish proverb: 'You cannot put out fire with flames.'"
BBC North America editor Justin Webb in Ankara says there are some back in the US who wonder if Mr Obama is going too far, but his intention seems clear.
He is on a mission to charm with the hope that in years to come, there is a tangible benefit for America and the world, our correspondent says.
'Crucial ally'
In his speech, Mr Obama said the US considered Turkey a "critical ally", despite the deterioration of their relations over the war in Iraq.
He said that while they had not always agreed on everything, the two states were stronger when they worked together.
Obama is a seducer, in the nicest possible way of course. He smiles and refers to himself as Hussein and does all the other things that make Europeans swoon. Then he has his way. Or does he...?
Justin Webb
BBC North America editor
Webb's America: Seducer-in-chief
Mark Mardell: Ideal backdrop
Send us your comments
"That is why we must listen to one another, and seek common ground," he said.
The president also reiterated that the US government strongly supported Turkey's bid to become a member of the European Union.
"Europe gains by diversity of ethnicity, tradition and faith - it is not diminished by it," he said to a round of applause from the audience. "And Turkish membership would broaden and strengthen Europe's foundation once more."
The EU agreed to open accession talks with Ankara in 2004, but in recent years Turkey has made little progress with democratic reforms which would improve its chances of membership, correspondents say.
Later in his address, Mr Obama said the US strongly supported the full normalisation of relations between Turkey and Armenia.
At his earlier news conference with President Gul, he had stood by his 2008 assertion that the killing of Armenians by Ottoman Turks in 1915 constituted "genocide" - without repeating the word.
Several groups have been demonstrating against the visit
The issue remains highly sensitive between the governments of Armenia and Turkey, which denies those killed were victims of systematic genocide, and has prevented normal relations between them for many years.
During his election campaign, Mr Obama said the "Armenian genocide is not an allegation, a personal opinion, or a point of view, but rather a widely documented fact supported by an overwhelming body of historical evidence".
After his speech, Mr Obama was due to meet Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The US leader will then leave Ankara for Istanbul, where he will attend the Alliance of Civilizations forum.
Muslim leaders have condemned the terror attacks on London and called for full co-operation with police.
Muslim Council of Britain spokesman Inayat Bunglawala called on worshippers to pray for victims at Friday prayers.
And Ahmed Sheikh, president of the Muslim Association of Britain, said he feared a backlash and added that the Muslim community would feel less safe.
He warned that Muslims, especially women in headscarves, might fall prey to vigilante attacks.
Government relationship
Home Secretary Charles Clarke said he would be working closely with different groups to prevent any attacks on British ethnic minorities.
"I'm hoping to meet faith leaders later today [Friday] to discuss some of these questions and the police are looking very, very carefully at any organisations that might try and attack particular ethnic minorities," he told BBC Radio Five Live.
Muslim News editor Ahmed Versi noted one of London's biggest Muslim areas, around Aldgate, had been targeted.
Mr Sheikh said the unique good relationship Muslims had with the government and society was threatened.
"The person who did this was targeting along with wider British society the Muslim community, ruining the good relationship we have."
Muslims have to be vigilant now, especially the mosques, and I hope the police will increase security
Ahmed Versi
Muslim News
London rocked by terror attacks
He said the police should consider extra protection for mosques and Islamic schools and said Muslims, particularly women in headscarves, should be vigilant and avoid unnecessary journeys.
"It is scary. A tiny element of the community will make use of this. It is a blow to us, to all of us. It is a moment of sadness and we send our condolences to the families of those who have been killed or injured."
Sir Iqbal Sacranie of the Muslim Council of Britain said he utterly condemned the attacks.
"We are simply appalled and want to express our deepest condolences to the families.
"These terrorists, these evil people want to demoralise us as a nation and divide us.
"All of must unite in helping the police to hunt these murderers down."
Attack aftermath
Mr Sacranie admitted "there may well be elements who want to exploit this tragedy and incite hatred".
Faith leaders in the East End have prepared for the aftermath of a terror attack in London.
The Bishop of Stepney, Stephen Oliver and Dr Mohammed Abdul Bari, the chairman of the East London Mosque, spoke together outside the Royal London Hospital saying the East End and London must remain united in the face of terror.
When something like this happens people are at first afraid, and then people get angry
Stephen Oliver
Bishop of Stepney
Dr Bari said "We're just shocked and horrified by what has happened. I spoke to the congregation at the mosque and tried to calm their fears and told them they must remain vigilant.
"We have worked together with the communities in the East End for many years and we must continue doing so."
Bishop Oliver said: "When something like this happens people are at first afraid, and then people get angry.
"There's a great deal of speculation in this atmosphere. We are determined that whatever the reaction it is one that unites the different faith communities."
Attacks danger
Mr Versi said he had already received one threatening e-mail about the blasts.
"There might be some increase in attacks on the Muslim community especially visible aspects of Islam like mosques, community centres and women with headscarves.
"Recently there have been a lot of attacks on Muslim women on buses in London, it has increased during the last few months."
But he said the immediate Muslim revulsion at the attacks could help calm the situation.
"I don't think there'll be as high a number of attacks as after 11 September because Muslims have come out very strongly, especially Muslim leaders, condemning the attacks.
"I'm sure many Muslims will have been injured as well... one of the bombs - at Aldgate - was near to the east London mosque, it's a very heavy Muslim area.
"Muslims have to be vigilant now, especially the mosques, and I hope the police will increase security on mosques and Islamic centres."
'Terrible events'
Other religious leaders also offered their condolences and condemned the attack.
Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks said: "These terrible events have brought home to us the full evil that terror represents.
"It is not the weapon of the weak against the strong but the rage of the angry against the defenceless and innocent. It is an evil means to an evil end."
The Sikh Federation said: "We totally condemn the terrorist attacks targeting innocent civilians in London. These are the acts of cowards and a challenge to the international world. Those responsible have no respect for human life."
The federation is cancelling a demonstration due to be held on Friday outside the Indian High Commission.
And Ahmed Sheikh, president of the Muslim Association of Britain, said he feared a backlash and added that the Muslim community would feel less safe.
He warned that Muslims, especially women in headscarves, might fall prey to vigilante attacks.
Government relationship
Home Secretary Charles Clarke said he would be working closely with different groups to prevent any attacks on British ethnic minorities.
"I'm hoping to meet faith leaders later today [Friday] to discuss some of these questions and the police are looking very, very carefully at any organisations that might try and attack particular ethnic minorities," he told BBC Radio Five Live.
Muslim News editor Ahmed Versi noted one of London's biggest Muslim areas, around Aldgate, had been targeted.
Mr Sheikh said the unique good relationship Muslims had with the government and society was threatened.
"The person who did this was targeting along with wider British society the Muslim community, ruining the good relationship we have."
Muslims have to be vigilant now, especially the mosques, and I hope the police will increase security
Ahmed Versi
Muslim News
London rocked by terror attacks
He said the police should consider extra protection for mosques and Islamic schools and said Muslims, particularly women in headscarves, should be vigilant and avoid unnecessary journeys.
"It is scary. A tiny element of the community will make use of this. It is a blow to us, to all of us. It is a moment of sadness and we send our condolences to the families of those who have been killed or injured."
Sir Iqbal Sacranie of the Muslim Council of Britain said he utterly condemned the attacks.
"We are simply appalled and want to express our deepest condolences to the families.
"These terrorists, these evil people want to demoralise us as a nation and divide us.
"All of must unite in helping the police to hunt these murderers down."
Attack aftermath
Mr Sacranie admitted "there may well be elements who want to exploit this tragedy and incite hatred".
Faith leaders in the East End have prepared for the aftermath of a terror attack in London.
The Bishop of Stepney, Stephen Oliver and Dr Mohammed Abdul Bari, the chairman of the East London Mosque, spoke together outside the Royal London Hospital saying the East End and London must remain united in the face of terror.
When something like this happens people are at first afraid, and then people get angry
Stephen Oliver
Bishop of Stepney
Dr Bari said "We're just shocked and horrified by what has happened. I spoke to the congregation at the mosque and tried to calm their fears and told them they must remain vigilant.
"We have worked together with the communities in the East End for many years and we must continue doing so."
Bishop Oliver said: "When something like this happens people are at first afraid, and then people get angry.
"There's a great deal of speculation in this atmosphere. We are determined that whatever the reaction it is one that unites the different faith communities."
Attacks danger
Mr Versi said he had already received one threatening e-mail about the blasts.
"There might be some increase in attacks on the Muslim community especially visible aspects of Islam like mosques, community centres and women with headscarves.
"Recently there have been a lot of attacks on Muslim women on buses in London, it has increased during the last few months."
But he said the immediate Muslim revulsion at the attacks could help calm the situation.
"I don't think there'll be as high a number of attacks as after 11 September because Muslims have come out very strongly, especially Muslim leaders, condemning the attacks.
"I'm sure many Muslims will have been injured as well... one of the bombs - at Aldgate - was near to the east London mosque, it's a very heavy Muslim area.
"Muslims have to be vigilant now, especially the mosques, and I hope the police will increase security on mosques and Islamic centres."
'Terrible events'
Other religious leaders also offered their condolences and condemned the attack.
Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks said: "These terrible events have brought home to us the full evil that terror represents.
"It is not the weapon of the weak against the strong but the rage of the angry against the defenceless and innocent. It is an evil means to an evil end."
The Sikh Federation said: "We totally condemn the terrorist attacks targeting innocent civilians in London. These are the acts of cowards and a challenge to the international world. Those responsible have no respect for human life."
The federation is cancelling a demonstration due to be held on Friday outside the Indian High Commission.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Obama, "Respect" and Muslims
included no less than seven references to respect:
"what I've said, and I think Hillary Clinton has expressed this in her confirmation, is that if we are looking at the region as a whole and communicating a message to the Arab world and the Muslim world, that we are ready to initiate a new partnership based on mutual respect and mutual interest, then I think that we can make significant progress."
"my job is to communicate the fact that the United States has a stake in the well-being of the Muslim world that the language we use has to be a language of respect."
"the same respect and partnership that America had with the Muslim world as recently as 20 or 30 years ago, there's no reason why we can't restore that."
"I'm not going to agree with everything that some Muslim leader may say, or what's on a television station in the Arab world—but I think that what you'll see is somebody who is listening, who is respectful."
"you've already seen a commitment, in terms of closing Guantanamo, and making clear that even as we are decisive in going after terrorist organizations that would kill innocent civilians, that we're going to do so on our terms, and we're going to do so respecting the rule of law that I think makes America great."
"our administration be very clear in distinguishing between organizations like al Qaeda—that espouse violence, espouse terror and act on it—and people who may disagree with my administration and certain actions, or may have a particular viewpoint in terms of how their countries should develop. We can have legitimate disagreements but still be respectful. I cannot respect terrorist organizations that would kill innocent civilians and we will hunt them down."
Comments:
(2) Obviously, Obama has adopted the notion of respect as his key way to differentiate himself from his predecessor, George W. Bush, and to improve the popularity of the United States in the Muslim world.
(3) In fact, Bush "respected" Muslims as well; from White House iftar dinners to praising Islam as a "religion of peace," he consistently went out of his way to show deference. It is hard to imagine what more Obama can do in this regard.
today and again used the word "respect" seven times, though only four of them in connection with Muslims:
"I've sent a clear message to the leaders and peoples of Iran that while we have real differences, we also have mutual interests, and we seek new engagement based on mutual respect. And it is in that spirit that America and Europe must reach out to the vast majority of Muslims in our nations and in all nations."
"We know that transformational change is possible. We know this because of three reasons: First, because, for all our differences, there are certain values that bind us together and reveal our common humanity: the universal longing to live a life free from fear, and free from want; a life marked by dignity and respect and simple justice."
"Al Qaeda is still bent on carrying out terrorist activity. It is—don't fool yourselves—because some people say, well, you know, … if we were more respectful towards the Muslim world, suddenly these organizations would stop threatening us. That's just not the case. It is true that we have to change our behavior in showing the Muslim world greater respect, and changing our language and changing our tone."
Comment: The last statement is the most interesting, suggesting that Obama realizes that "respect" in itself does not solve every problem.
"At the end of World War I, Turkey could have succumbed to the foreign powers that were trying to claim its territory, or sought to restore an ancient empire. But Turkey chose a different future. You freed yourself from foreign control, and you founded a republic that commands the respect of the United States and the wider world."
"In the last several years, you've abolished state security courts, you've expanded the right to counsel. You've reformed the penal code and strengthened laws that govern the freedom of the press and assembly. You've lifted bans on teaching and broadcasting Kurdish, and the world noted with respect the important signal sent through a new state Kurdish television station."
"I have made it clear to the people and leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran that the United States seeks engagement based on mutual interest and mutual respect."
"I also want to be clear that America's relationship with the Muslim community, the Muslim world, cannot, and will not, just be based upon opposition to terrorism. We seek broader engagement based on mutual interest and mutual respect. We will listen carefully, we will bridge misunderstandings, and we will seek common ground. We will be respectful, even when we do not agree."
"I came to Turkey on my first trip overseas as President for a reason …. out of my respect to Turkey's democracy and culture and my belief that Turkey plays a critically important role in the region and in the world. And I came to Turkey because I'm deeply committed to rebuilding a relationship between the United States and the people of the Muslim world—one that's grounded in mutual interest and mutual respect."
"I believe we can have a dialogue that's open, honest, vibrant, and grounded in respect. And I want you to know that I'm personally committed to a new chapter of American engagement. We can't afford to talk past one another, to focus only on our differences, or to let the walls of mistrust go up around us. Instead we have to listen carefully to each other. We have to focus on places where we can find common ground and respect each other's views, even when we disagree. And if we do so I believe we can bridge some of our differences and divisions that we've had in the past."
"what I've said, and I think Hillary Clinton has expressed this in her confirmation, is that if we are looking at the region as a whole and communicating a message to the Arab world and the Muslim world, that we are ready to initiate a new partnership based on mutual respect and mutual interest, then I think that we can make significant progress."
"my job is to communicate the fact that the United States has a stake in the well-being of the Muslim world that the language we use has to be a language of respect."
"the same respect and partnership that America had with the Muslim world as recently as 20 or 30 years ago, there's no reason why we can't restore that."
"I'm not going to agree with everything that some Muslim leader may say, or what's on a television station in the Arab world—but I think that what you'll see is somebody who is listening, who is respectful."
"you've already seen a commitment, in terms of closing Guantanamo, and making clear that even as we are decisive in going after terrorist organizations that would kill innocent civilians, that we're going to do so on our terms, and we're going to do so respecting the rule of law that I think makes America great."
"our administration be very clear in distinguishing between organizations like al Qaeda—that espouse violence, espouse terror and act on it—and people who may disagree with my administration and certain actions, or may have a particular viewpoint in terms of how their countries should develop. We can have legitimate disagreements but still be respectful. I cannot respect terrorist organizations that would kill innocent civilians and we will hunt them down."
Comments:
(2) Obviously, Obama has adopted the notion of respect as his key way to differentiate himself from his predecessor, George W. Bush, and to improve the popularity of the United States in the Muslim world.
(3) In fact, Bush "respected" Muslims as well; from White House iftar dinners to praising Islam as a "religion of peace," he consistently went out of his way to show deference. It is hard to imagine what more Obama can do in this regard.
today and again used the word "respect" seven times, though only four of them in connection with Muslims:
"I've sent a clear message to the leaders and peoples of Iran that while we have real differences, we also have mutual interests, and we seek new engagement based on mutual respect. And it is in that spirit that America and Europe must reach out to the vast majority of Muslims in our nations and in all nations."
"We know that transformational change is possible. We know this because of three reasons: First, because, for all our differences, there are certain values that bind us together and reveal our common humanity: the universal longing to live a life free from fear, and free from want; a life marked by dignity and respect and simple justice."
"Al Qaeda is still bent on carrying out terrorist activity. It is—don't fool yourselves—because some people say, well, you know, … if we were more respectful towards the Muslim world, suddenly these organizations would stop threatening us. That's just not the case. It is true that we have to change our behavior in showing the Muslim world greater respect, and changing our language and changing our tone."
Comment: The last statement is the most interesting, suggesting that Obama realizes that "respect" in itself does not solve every problem.
"At the end of World War I, Turkey could have succumbed to the foreign powers that were trying to claim its territory, or sought to restore an ancient empire. But Turkey chose a different future. You freed yourself from foreign control, and you founded a republic that commands the respect of the United States and the wider world."
"In the last several years, you've abolished state security courts, you've expanded the right to counsel. You've reformed the penal code and strengthened laws that govern the freedom of the press and assembly. You've lifted bans on teaching and broadcasting Kurdish, and the world noted with respect the important signal sent through a new state Kurdish television station."
"I have made it clear to the people and leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran that the United States seeks engagement based on mutual interest and mutual respect."
"I also want to be clear that America's relationship with the Muslim community, the Muslim world, cannot, and will not, just be based upon opposition to terrorism. We seek broader engagement based on mutual interest and mutual respect. We will listen carefully, we will bridge misunderstandings, and we will seek common ground. We will be respectful, even when we do not agree."
"I came to Turkey on my first trip overseas as President for a reason …. out of my respect to Turkey's democracy and culture and my belief that Turkey plays a critically important role in the region and in the world. And I came to Turkey because I'm deeply committed to rebuilding a relationship between the United States and the people of the Muslim world—one that's grounded in mutual interest and mutual respect."
"I believe we can have a dialogue that's open, honest, vibrant, and grounded in respect. And I want you to know that I'm personally committed to a new chapter of American engagement. We can't afford to talk past one another, to focus only on our differences, or to let the walls of mistrust go up around us. Instead we have to listen carefully to each other. We have to focus on places where we can find common ground and respect each other's views, even when we disagree. And if we do so I believe we can bridge some of our differences and divisions that we've had in the past."
Call for check on private health concerns
KARACHI, April 23: The provincial minister for health, Dr Sagheer Ahmad, has said that there is a dire need to ensure that private sector healthcare facilities contribute to the public good and are not violating the norms of ethics and morality.
With the government currently having no records on private hospitals, clinics, dispensaries and other related establishments, it is impossible for it to have a system to monitor the quality of care and treatment at these facilities, Dr Ahmed said.
He added that the provincial health department is in the process of making laws in this regard, in consultation with private sector hospitals and health establishments. The laws will deal with areas such as staffing, the standard of clinical care, quality of services and will also set the standard of medical practice.
The minister was responding to questions at a press conference held to announce the holding of the first Health Expo at the Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), which is scheduled to be held from October 3-5, 2009.
The attention of the minister was drawn to news reports stating that a young student had recently been refused emergency medical care at a private hospital after a road traffic accident. The girl was later declared dead on arrival at Abbasi Shaheed hospital.
The minister said that the Sindh governor had already ordered an inquiry into the death of the university student and action would be taken in the light of the recommendations made.
“However, at this point I will let everyone know that private hospitals are bound to treat patients reporting to them, irrespective of their caste, creed and financial status,” he added, saying that no hospital was allowed to refuse patients reporting to the casualty department on the pretext of the matter being a “police case”.
Dr Ahmad was of the opinion that private hospitals had taken advantage of the fact that government sector health establishments have failed to live up to the public’s expectations. He said the government needs to invest significantly in public health sector facilities, particularly in primary and basic healthcare. He said that unless this was done, the burden of patients on tertiary care and teaching hospitals would continue to increase.
Dr Ahmad said he wished the government could have a system of appointing doctors on a nontransferable, facility-based and contractual basis.
‘Prevention better than cure’ expo Speaking on the health expo, which is titled ‘Prevention is better than cure’, health minister Ahmad said it was a positive development, as the major burden of Sindh’s healthcare system currently comes from diseases which are largely preventable. He said it was logical to focus on creating awareness of the matter.
The vice-chancellor of DUHS, Prof Dr Masood Hameed Khan, said that the university’s Health Expo was another step in the continuous efforts of the university to bring together members of the health industry of the country for the common objective of increased health awareness amongst the general public.
“The masses in Pakistan are facing many problems,” he said, “like mental and physical illnesses, tuberculosis, diarrhea, diabetes, viral hepatitis, HIV/Aids and other illnesses due to poverty and lack of awareness.” Prof Khan said that he and his team of faculty members had planned the expo to help create greater awareness of the available resources and prevention programmes.
He said that the exhibition was being held with the collaboration of various public and private agencies and organisations on a “no profit and no loss basis” and would also incorporate a number of academic and public awareness symposia and workshops involving the general public, who will be allowed free access to the venue of the expo. There will also be stalls introducing products and services available from local and international providers.
karachi, april 23: the pro- vincial minister for health, dr sagheer ahmad, has said that there is a dire need to ensure that private sector healthcare fa- cilities contribute to the public good and are not violating the norms of ethics and morality. with the government current- ly having no records on private hospitals, clinics, dispensaries and other related establish- ments, it is impossible for it to have a system to monitor the quality of care and treatment at these facilities, dr ahmed said. he added that the provincial health department is in the proc- ess of making laws in this regard, in consultation with private sec- tor hospitals and health estab- lishments. the laws will deal with areas such as staffing, the standard of clinical care, quality of services and will also set the standard of medical practice. the minister was responding to questions at a press confer- ence held to announce the hold- ing of the first health expo at the dow university of health sciences (duhs), which is scheduled to be held from october 3-5, 2009. the attention of the minister was drawn to news reports stat- ing that a young student had re- cently been refused emergency medical care at a private hospital after a road traffic accident. the girl was later declared dead on arrival at abbasi shaheed hospi- tal. the minister said that the sindh governor had already or- dered an inquiry into the death of the university student and ac- tion would be taken in the light of the recommendations made. “however, at this point i will let everyone know that private hospitals are bound to treat pa- tients reporting to them, irre- spective of their caste, creed and financial status,” he added, say- ing that no hospital was allowed to refuse patients reporting to the casualty department on the pretext of the matter being a “police case”. dr ahmad was of the opinion that private hospitals had taken advantage of the fact that gov- ernment sector health establish- ments have failed to live up to the public’s expectations. he said the government needs to in- vest significantly in public health sector facilities, particularly in primary and basic healthcare. he said that unless this was done, the burden of patients on tertiary care and teaching hospi- tals would continue to increase. dr ahmad said he wished the government could have a system of appointing doctors on a non- transferable, facility-based and contractual basis. ‘prevention better than cure’ expo speaking on the health expo, which is titled ‘prevention is bet- ter than cure’, health minister ahmad said it was a positive de- velopment, as the major burden of sindh’s healthcare system cur- rently comes from diseases which are largely preventable. he said it was logical to focus on creating awareness of the mat- ter. the vice-chancellor of duhs, prof dr masood hameed khan, said that the university’s health expo was another step in the continuous efforts of the univer- sity to bring together members of the health industry of the country for the common objec- tive of increased health aware- ness amongst the general public. “the masses in pakistan are facing many problems,” he said, “like mental and physical illness- es, tuberculosis, diarrhea, diabe- tes, viral hepatitis, hiv/aids and other illnesses due to poverty and lack of awareness.” prof khan said that he and his team of faculty members had planned the expo to help create greater awareness of the availa- ble resources and prevention programmes. he said that the exhibition was being held with the collabo- ration of various public and pri- vate agencies and organisations on a “no profit and no loss basis” and would also incorporate a number of academic and public awareness symposia and work- shops involving the general pub- lic, who will be allowed free ac- cess to the venue of the expo. there will also be stalls introduc- ing products and services availa- ble from local and international providers.
With the government currently having no records on private hospitals, clinics, dispensaries and other related establishments, it is impossible for it to have a system to monitor the quality of care and treatment at these facilities, Dr Ahmed said.
He added that the provincial health department is in the process of making laws in this regard, in consultation with private sector hospitals and health establishments. The laws will deal with areas such as staffing, the standard of clinical care, quality of services and will also set the standard of medical practice.
The minister was responding to questions at a press conference held to announce the holding of the first Health Expo at the Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), which is scheduled to be held from October 3-5, 2009.
The attention of the minister was drawn to news reports stating that a young student had recently been refused emergency medical care at a private hospital after a road traffic accident. The girl was later declared dead on arrival at Abbasi Shaheed hospital.
The minister said that the Sindh governor had already ordered an inquiry into the death of the university student and action would be taken in the light of the recommendations made.
“However, at this point I will let everyone know that private hospitals are bound to treat patients reporting to them, irrespective of their caste, creed and financial status,” he added, saying that no hospital was allowed to refuse patients reporting to the casualty department on the pretext of the matter being a “police case”.
Dr Ahmad was of the opinion that private hospitals had taken advantage of the fact that government sector health establishments have failed to live up to the public’s expectations. He said the government needs to invest significantly in public health sector facilities, particularly in primary and basic healthcare. He said that unless this was done, the burden of patients on tertiary care and teaching hospitals would continue to increase.
Dr Ahmad said he wished the government could have a system of appointing doctors on a nontransferable, facility-based and contractual basis.
‘Prevention better than cure’ expo Speaking on the health expo, which is titled ‘Prevention is better than cure’, health minister Ahmad said it was a positive development, as the major burden of Sindh’s healthcare system currently comes from diseases which are largely preventable. He said it was logical to focus on creating awareness of the matter.
The vice-chancellor of DUHS, Prof Dr Masood Hameed Khan, said that the university’s Health Expo was another step in the continuous efforts of the university to bring together members of the health industry of the country for the common objective of increased health awareness amongst the general public.
“The masses in Pakistan are facing many problems,” he said, “like mental and physical illnesses, tuberculosis, diarrhea, diabetes, viral hepatitis, HIV/Aids and other illnesses due to poverty and lack of awareness.” Prof Khan said that he and his team of faculty members had planned the expo to help create greater awareness of the available resources and prevention programmes.
He said that the exhibition was being held with the collaboration of various public and private agencies and organisations on a “no profit and no loss basis” and would also incorporate a number of academic and public awareness symposia and workshops involving the general public, who will be allowed free access to the venue of the expo. There will also be stalls introducing products and services available from local and international providers.
karachi, april 23: the pro- vincial minister for health, dr sagheer ahmad, has said that there is a dire need to ensure that private sector healthcare fa- cilities contribute to the public good and are not violating the norms of ethics and morality. with the government current- ly having no records on private hospitals, clinics, dispensaries and other related establish- ments, it is impossible for it to have a system to monitor the quality of care and treatment at these facilities, dr ahmed said. he added that the provincial health department is in the proc- ess of making laws in this regard, in consultation with private sec- tor hospitals and health estab- lishments. the laws will deal with areas such as staffing, the standard of clinical care, quality of services and will also set the standard of medical practice. the minister was responding to questions at a press confer- ence held to announce the hold- ing of the first health expo at the dow university of health sciences (duhs), which is scheduled to be held from october 3-5, 2009. the attention of the minister was drawn to news reports stat- ing that a young student had re- cently been refused emergency medical care at a private hospital after a road traffic accident. the girl was later declared dead on arrival at abbasi shaheed hospi- tal. the minister said that the sindh governor had already or- dered an inquiry into the death of the university student and ac- tion would be taken in the light of the recommendations made. “however, at this point i will let everyone know that private hospitals are bound to treat pa- tients reporting to them, irre- spective of their caste, creed and financial status,” he added, say- ing that no hospital was allowed to refuse patients reporting to the casualty department on the pretext of the matter being a “police case”. dr ahmad was of the opinion that private hospitals had taken advantage of the fact that gov- ernment sector health establish- ments have failed to live up to the public’s expectations. he said the government needs to in- vest significantly in public health sector facilities, particularly in primary and basic healthcare. he said that unless this was done, the burden of patients on tertiary care and teaching hospi- tals would continue to increase. dr ahmad said he wished the government could have a system of appointing doctors on a non- transferable, facility-based and contractual basis. ‘prevention better than cure’ expo speaking on the health expo, which is titled ‘prevention is bet- ter than cure’, health minister ahmad said it was a positive de- velopment, as the major burden of sindh’s healthcare system cur- rently comes from diseases which are largely preventable. he said it was logical to focus on creating awareness of the mat- ter. the vice-chancellor of duhs, prof dr masood hameed khan, said that the university’s health expo was another step in the continuous efforts of the univer- sity to bring together members of the health industry of the country for the common objec- tive of increased health aware- ness amongst the general public. “the masses in pakistan are facing many problems,” he said, “like mental and physical illness- es, tuberculosis, diarrhea, diabe- tes, viral hepatitis, hiv/aids and other illnesses due to poverty and lack of awareness.” prof khan said that he and his team of faculty members had planned the expo to help create greater awareness of the availa- ble resources and prevention programmes. he said that the exhibition was being held with the collabo- ration of various public and pri- vate agencies and organisations on a “no profit and no loss basis” and would also incorporate a number of academic and public awareness symposia and work- shops involving the general pub- lic, who will be allowed free ac- cess to the venue of the expo. there will also be stalls introduc- ing products and services availa- ble from local and international providers.
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