Security News

M23 rebels declare truce for Ban Ki-moon visit

mai 23, 2013 / By Armoured Cars / In security

M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have declared a ceasefire for UN chief Ban Ki-moon’s visit to the conflict-hit area, a spokesman for the group says.

Mr Ban has arrived in the regional capital Goma, where one person was killed in a rocket attack on Wednesday.

He was deeply concerned by the renewed fighting, Mr Ban said.

Earlier, the World Bank unveiled a $1bn (£660m) aid package to help DR Congo and its neighbours.

World Bank head Jim Yong Kim, who is also visiting DR Congo, said the money would be used for health, education, cross-border trade and hydroelectricity projects.

At least 20 people have been killed since Monday in heavy fighting between government and M23 forces.

French court questions IMF chief Christine Lagarde

mai 23, 2013 / By Armoured Cars / In security

French judges in Paris have been questioning IMF chief Christine Lagarde over a controversial payout made to a tycoon when she was finance minister.

She is being asked to explain her handling of a dispute in 2007 which resulted in some 400m euros (£342m; $516m) being paid to Bernard Tapie.

She appeared before the Court of Justice of the Republic (CJR), which investigates ministerial misconduct.

The IMF chief insists the award was the best solution at the time.

She could be placed under formal investigation for the decision to use arbitration, against advice from senior advisers, to settle a long-running court battle between the state and Mr Tapie, a supporter of the then French President, Nicolas Sarkozy.

Saudi Arabia arrests more Iran spy ring suspects

mai 23, 2013 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Saudi Arabia has arrested 10 more suspects in what it says is a spy ring linked to Iran, state media report.

Those detained include eight Saudis, a Turk, and a Lebanese citizen. Eighteen people were arrested in the same case in March.

Saudi Arabia, which is predominantly Sunni Muslim, has recently repeatedly found itself at odds with Iran, an overwhelmingly Shia Muslim nation.

Iran has denied any involvement in spying in Saudi Arabia.

Those arrested in March included an Iranian, a Lebanese and 16 Saudis. The Lebanese suspect has subsequently been released, officials said.

Gunmen kill 12 in Baghdad brothel

mai 23, 2013 / By Armoured Cars / In security

Seven women and five men have been shot dead in a brothel in Baghdad, state and medical officials say.

Unknown armed gunmen are said to have burst into the brothel in the well-to-do eastern district of Zayouna on Wednesday afternoon and opened fire.

Prostitution is prohibited under Islam, the dominant religion in Iraq.

The killings come two days after multiple bombings killed at least 70 people – more died in fresh blasts on Tuesday.

In recent months Iraq has seen a rise in attacks linked to growing political and sectarian tension.

Conservatives publish EU referendum bill

mai 15, 2013 / By Armoured Cars / In security

The Conservatives have published a parliamentary bill setting terms for a referendum on whether the UK should leave the European Union, in the hope of reassuring the party’s MPs.

Many Tories are unhappy plans for an « in-out » vote were not mentioned in the Queen’s Speech, and will try to amend it in a Commons debate on Wednesday.

But the draft bill says it « must be held » before the end of 2017.

David Cameron’s spokesman said this offered a « clear route » towards change.

The draft bill, containing six clauses, would – if passed into law – set out how the Conservatives would deliver their promised referendum if they win the next election, due in 2015.