Article Archive for June 2009
North Korea is talking about war… Clinton warns of consequences
North Korea’s new in-your-face test of a nuclear weapon poses a grave new challenge to President Barack Obama, one with no clear path to a solution. Obama vowed, May 25, that the international community would “stand up” to North Korea for its belligerent action, and the U.N. Security Council unanimously condemned the North Korean test, calling it a “clear violation” of a 2006 U.N. resolution.
25th anniversary: Multicultural Festival to evolve as a mini Tall Ships event
The 25th Annual RBC Multicultural Festival— will kick off on June 26 at the Events Plaza, Alderney Landing in Dartmouth. This is a three-day event that takes visitors on a tour of the world and ends on June 28. On the opening day, a special concert starring world famous recording artists, including Paula Cole, will take place with gates opening at 4:00 pm and Showtime at 8:00 pm.
Lebanese Special Report: Lebanese well entrenched, engaged in Canadian society
The Lebanese spirit of enterprise has its roots in its history: A political hotspot in the Middle East, Lebanon has had to grapple with conflict since the 1800s. It’s about that time when one saw the trickle of emigration out of the country to new shores out in the West and across other parts of the world. Nova Scotia is home to about 7,000 to 8,000 people of Lebanese heritage. “Overall, it’s a successful community, well entrenched and engaged in our society,” says Wadih M. Fares, the Honorary Consul General of Lebanon as well as President of the construction firm W.M. Fares Group.
YMCA event mulls challenges of newcomers and host societies
Welcoming the World and taking up the Challenge was the focus of a YMCA luncheon workshop on May 21 in Halifax. The event was well attended with academics from the universities, TESL teachers, newcomers and settlement agency staff present. Geoff Regan, M.P. also took a keen interest in the workshop.
NS Human Rights Commission launches a new Employment Equity Partnership
The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission is now partnering with several agencies and organizations in the province to promote equity, inclusion and diversity in the workforce. On May 1, in accordance with that new goal, the Commission introduced a new Employment Equity Partnership project. The NSHRC was founded in 1967 to remove discrimination in the workplace through Affirmative Action Programs. At the time, that involved an agreement between the Minister of Justice, the Human Rights Commission and its employees.
Ethiopian troops cross back into Somalia
Thousands of people have fled five days of fighting between government troops and insurgents in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, a human rights group told IRIN mid- May. At least 27,500 people fled their homes between 07 and 11 May, according to Ali Sheikh Yassin, deputy chairman of the Mogadishu-based Elman Human Rights Organization (EHRO).
Obama’s decision to renew sanctions against Syria dashes hopes of dialogue
President Barack Obama’s decision to renew sanctions against Syria has caused disappointment, dashing hopes that a dialogue might emerge between the two countries. The sanctions, initially imposed by former President George W. Bush in 2004, prohibit American companies from doing business with Syria. In addition, U.S. firms are banned from exporting goods to Syria, with the exception of food and medicine.
