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LETTER N° 27

From 01 to 07 July

01
Northem Irland

David Trimble the leader of the moderate loyalist (pro-United Kingdom) party, the Ulster Unionists, has pledged to resign as first minister of the new cross-border executive by Jul. 1 if the Irish Republican Army has not advanced on decommissioning of its arms. If David Trimble makes good on the threat, the assembly of loyalist and nationalist parties that has governed the troubled region under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement is likely to collapse.

01
Northem Irland

Sir Reg Empey becomes acting first minister.

Sir Reg Empey profil : born Belfast 26 October 47. Royal School, Armag Queens University Belfast. Independent Retailer. Elected to Northern Ireland Convention 1975. Elected to Belfast City Council 1985. Served as Lord Mayor 1989 and 1993. Member of the Ulster Unionist Party Negotiating Team in Brooke-Mayhew Talks 1991. Member of the European Committee of the Regions since 1994. Member of the Ulster Unionist Negotiating Team at Castle Buildings Talks 1996-98. Member of the New Northern Ireland Assembly 1998. Vice President Ulster Unionist Council since 1996.

01
UE

Belgium assumes EU presidency.

Priorities for Belgian presidency : Reform of EU Institutions ; Social security and pensions reform ; Harmonising defense and security policy ; Tackling illegal immigration and Overseeing introduction and euro notes and coins.

01
Mexico

In a surprise ceremony at the presidential residence, President Vicente Fox married his press spokeswoman, Martha Sahagun, a government official confirmed.

Born on April 10, 1953 in Zamora, Michoacán. From the University of Cambridge in Dublín, Ireland, M.A in English. Also studied business administration and accountancy for which she received various degrees: Business Creation, Polítics and Management, Public and Municipal Administration and Polítical Development for Women. Member of the Partido Acción Nacional since 1988. Secretary of the Organization in the State Executive Comittee in Guanajuato and candidate to the Municipal Presidency of Celaya in 1994. General Coordinator in Social Communication for the State of Guanajuato, under Vicente Fox administration (1995-1999). Later she was a Coordinator in Social Communication during Fox's presidential campaign and in the Transition Team.

01
India

The Indian government decided to dismiss the Tamil Nadu Governor Fathima Beevi for having "failed" to discharge her Constitutional obligations in the wake of arrest of former chief minister Karunanidhi and two Union ministers in Chennai.

At an emergency cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, it was decided that President K.R. Narayanan be advised to recall the governor who had defended the police action in a report she sent this morning to central government.

01
Switzerland

(Basel-Land)

Peter Schmid becomes president of the government of Basel-Land.

Peter Schmid-Scheibler, was born in 1951, social worker. Member since 1979 of the Evangelisch-reformierten Kirchgemeinde Muttenz, training dealing with religion teaching. in 1975 officer at Bâle's sous-préfet. Also chaired the Trade Survey Commission, Begnadigungskommission and of the Commission on public transportation issues. From 1983 to 1987 chaired the fraction of democrat sous-préfet and Gewerkschafter. In 1987 elected chairman of the Kantonalpartei sP, 1989 to the council of the government . Ruled the cultural and educationnal dep. in Basel Land. Since 1991 leader of the foundation for environnement of human society (MGU).Since 1994, in the directory board of thze swiss conference of the cantonal directors for education (EDK), since 1995, federal Commission against racism.

01
Switzerland

(Nidwalden)

Paul Niederberger becomes Landammann of Nidwalden.

Paul Niederberger was born on December 5,1948. Accountancy degree. Council of the government since 1996.

01
Switzerland

(Obwalden)

Josef Nigg becomes Landammann of Obwalden.

Josef Nigg was born on April 18, 1940. Lawyer Council of the Government, section de sécurité. Dans le bureau depuis 1990. Landammann 1997/98 et 1999/2000.

01
Switzerland

(Sankt Gallen)

Kathrin Hilber becomes president of the government of Sankt Gallen.

Kathrin Hilber was born on 26.03.1951 in Degersheim, Sankt Gallen. Teacher in primary schools ; then she studied social and psychology at the university Zurich, B.A degree 1981-Mehrjaerige she served in various sectors of social work; from 1988 - to 1996 Rektorin Higher Vocationnal School for Social Work in St. Gallen. Profession : Regierungsraetin in St. Gallen, Vorsteherin for home and military departments. Since 1980, a member sP. Kantonsraetin -from1986 - to 1996. Chairperson of the fraction from 1995 - to 1996. Nationalraetin -1995 - to 1996

01/03
European Economic Summit

European Economic Summit - Salzburg

The start of the World Economic Forum's (WEF) sixth annual European Economic summit, attended by some 15 heads of state and government as well as ministers and hundreds of business executives, was not disrupted by the clashes.

The Summit will focus on four key dimensions : The European Union Enlargement, Russia and Europe, the Northern Region and South-East Europe. The key issues addressed will be all those of concern to our members and constituents : EU enlargement and EU relations with non-accession countries, regulation and competition, immigration and social contracts, innovation and European competitiveness, labour markets and pension reforms. Through workshops and task forces, we will also cover technology issues : corporate governance, intellectual property, viability of "European Silicon Valleys", biotechnologies, ethics.

02
Montenegro

The Montenegrin parliament has approved the country's new government.

The minority administration led by Filip Vujanovic relies on the support of the small Liberal party which has demanded urgent moves towards independence from the Yugoslav federation. A referendum is expected within the next eight months.

03
Mali

Former Malian prime minister Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has created a new political party after severing his connection with the ruling 'Alliance pour la democratie au Mali. Ex-education minister Issa Ndiaye, the political secretary of the new ' Rassemblement pour le Mali,' (RPLM) told RFI "we are not sworn enemies of the ruling party but we are proposing a new alternative, a new way of playing politics and governing". The RPLM is Mali's 74th political party.

03
Lithuania

Parliament approves former president Algirdas Brazauskas as prime minister (84-45).

03
Switzerland

(Ticino)

Luigi Pedrazzini takes office as president of the government of Ticino.

Luigi Pedrazzini was born in Locarno on March 4,1953. Following a bacalaureate from the Liceo Papio in Ascona, in 1977 he joined the University of Zurich. Lawyer, he first worked as manager of the daily " Popolo e libertà" then from 1986to 1999, he ruled the Società Elettrica Sopracenerina. Elected to the Council of State on April 18, 1999 ; he is at the head of the Department of Institutions.

04
Tanzania

The vice president since 1995 (and chief minister of Zanzibar 1988-95) Dr. Omar Ali Juma dies.

Dk. Omar Ali Juma was born in Chake Chake Pemba in June 26th, 1941 and attended primary school education between 1949 and 1957 at Chake Chake Boys School. Between 1957 and 1960 he was at EUAN Smith Madrasa where he attained an Ordinary School Level Certificate. In 1960 he joined the University State University and and was awarded with an Advanced Level Certficate in 1962 and seven years later, at the same college, he attained a course in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. For a year from 1969 he was at Cairo University for a post graduate certificate in Animal Production and Health. In 1976 he attended a one year course for a Post Graduate Diploma in Tropical Vetenary Medicine at Edinburgh University. In 1982 he joined the University of Florida in the USA for a short course in Vetenary Science and two years later he was at Reeding University, UK, for a Livestock Economics course from which he joined the Kivukoni Idiological College (Tanzania). 1967 - 1969 : Assistant Vetenary Officer, Zanzibar. Appointments : 1969 - 1970 : Vetenary Officer in charge of Pemba. 1970 - 1971 : Senior Vetenary Officer. 1971 - 1972: Livestock Officer. 1972 - 1978 : Chief Vetenary Officer. 1978 - 1984 : Director, Livestock Department. 1984 - 1988: Principal Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. 1988 - 1995 : Chief Minister, Zanzibar Revolutionary Government. November 1995 : Elected Vice President of The United Republic of Tanzania.

06/08
Southern Africa Economic Summit

Southern Africa Economic Summit 2001 - Durban

The World Economic Forum's annual economic Summit in Southern Africa is the leading platform through which the business and political leaders of the region define and advance Southern Africa's agenda. The continued and regular participation of the region's heads of state and top business executives has made the 2001 Summit a critical gathering as the African continent is confronted more than ever with the task of creating wealth and competing for investments in an accelerating global economy.

07
Czech Republic

Hana Marvanova isn't the only one celebrating her election as the first female leader of a Czech political party. Leader of the Czech Republic's right-wing libertarian Freedom Union Party.

07
G7

(Roma)

Finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations gathered for a one-day meeting in Rome amid divisions between the United States and Europe over who is most to blame for the ailing global economy. Ministers, convening in the 16th-century Villa Madama overlooking Rome, will map out the economic and financial agenda for the July 20-22 summit of G7 leaders in Genoa. Europeans are determined not to be singled out for criticism while the United States insists it has done nearly all it can to revive global activity.

THIS WEEK'S STORY

July 04 1776

U.S. DECLARES INDEPENDENCE

On July 2, 1776, in Philadelphia, the Continental Congress adopted the resolution, introduced by Richard Henry Lee and John Adams, which actually declared independence from Great Britain. [It declared, in part, "that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved." The Declaration, which explained why the Colonies (now States) declared their independence, was adopted by the Continental Congress July 4, 1776. The leading draftsman was Thomas Jefferson, assisted by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert R. Livingston, and Roger Sherman.]

01 Northem Irland		David Trimble the leader of the moderate loyalist (pro-United Kingdom) party, the Ulster Unionists, has pledged to resign as first minister of the new cross-border executive by Jul. 1 if the Irish Republican Army has not advanced on decommissioning of its arms. If David Trimble makes good on the threat, the assembly of loyalist and nationalist parties that has governed the troubled region under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement is likely to collapse.
01 Northem Irland		Sir Reg Empey becomes acting first minister. Sir Reg Empey profil : born Belfast 26 October 47. Royal School, Armag Queens University Belfast. Independent Retailer. Elected to Northern Ireland Convention 1975. Elected to Belfast City Council 1985. Served as Lord Mayor 1989 and 1993. Member of the Ulster Unionist Party Negotiating Team in Brooke-Mayhew Talks 1991. Member of the European Committee of the Regions since 1994. Member of the Ulster Unionist Negotiating Team at Castle Buildings Talks 1996-98. Member of the New Northern Ireland Assembly 1998. Vice President Ulster Unionist Council since 1996.
01 UE		Belgium assumes EU presidency. Priorities for Belgian presidency : Reform of EU Institutions ; Social security and pensions reform ; Harmonising defense and security policy ; Tackling illegal immigration and Overseeing introduction and euro notes and coins.
01 Mexico		In a surprise ceremony at the presidential residence, President Vicente Fox married his press spokeswoman, Martha Sahagun, a government official confirmed. Born on April 10, 1953 in Zamora, Michoacán. From the University of Cambridge in Dublín, Ireland, M.A in English. Also studied business administration and accountancy for which she received various degrees: Business Creation, Polítics and Management, Public and Municipal Administration and Polítical Development for Women. Member of the Partido Acción Nacional since 1988. Secretary of the Organization in the State Executive Comittee in Guanajuato and candidate to the Municipal Presidency of Celaya in 1994. General Coordinator in Social Communication for the State of Guanajuato, under Vicente Fox administration (1995-1999). Later she was a Coordinator in Social Communication during Fox's presidential campaign and in the Transition Team.
01 India		The Indian government decided to dismiss the Tamil Nadu Governor Fathima Beevi for having "failed" to discharge her Constitutional obligations in the wake of arrest of former chief minister Karunanidhi and two Union ministers in Chennai. At an emergency cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, it was decided that President K.R. Narayanan be advised to recall the governor who had defended the police action in a report she sent this morning to central government.
01 Switzerland (Basel-Land)		Peter Schmid becomes president of the government of Basel-Land. Peter Schmid-Scheibler, was born in 1951, social worker. Member since 1979 of the Evangelisch-reformierten Kirchgemeinde Muttenz, training dealing with religion teaching. in 1975 officer at Bâle's sous-préfet. Also chaired the Trade Survey Commission, Begnadigungskommission and of the Commission on public transportation issues. From 1983 to 1987 chaired the fraction of democrat sous-préfet and Gewerkschafter. In 1987 elected chairman of the Kantonalpartei sP, 1989 to the council of the government . Ruled the cultural and educationnal dep. in Basel Land. Since 1991 leader of the foundation for environnement of human society (MGU).Since 1994, in the directory board of thze swiss conference of the cantonal directors for education (EDK), since 1995, federal Commission against racism.
01 Switzerland (Nidwalden)		Paul Niederberger becomes Landammann of Nidwalden. Paul Niederberger was born on December 5,1948. Accountancy degree. Council of the government since 1996.
01 Switzerland (Obwalden)		Josef Nigg becomes Landammann of Obwalden. Josef Nigg was born on April 18, 1940. Lawyer Council of the Government, section de sécurité. Dans le bureau depuis 1990. Landammann 1997/98 et 1999/2000.
01 Switzerland (Sankt Gallen)		Kathrin Hilber becomes president of the government of Sankt Gallen. Kathrin Hilber was born on 26.03.1951 in Degersheim, Sankt Gallen. Teacher in primary schools ; then she studied social and psychology at the university Zurich, B.A degree 1981-Mehrjaerige she served in various sectors of social work; from 1988 - to 1996 Rektorin Higher Vocationnal School for Social Work in St. Gallen. Profession : Regierungsraetin in St. Gallen, Vorsteherin for home and military departments. Since 1980, a member sP. Kantonsraetin -from1986 - to 1996. Chairperson of the fraction from 1995 - to 1996. Nationalraetin -1995 - to 1996
01/03 European Economic Summit		European Economic Summit - Salzburg The start of the World Economic Forum's (WEF) sixth annual European Economic summit, attended by some 15 heads of state and government as well as ministers and hundreds of business executives, was not disrupted by the clashes. The Summit will focus on four key dimensions : The European Union Enlargement, Russia and Europe, the Northern Region and South-East Europe. The key issues addressed will be all those of concern to our members and constituents : EU enlargement and EU relations with non-accession countries, regulation and competition, immigration and social contracts, innovation and European competitiveness, labour markets and pension reforms. Through workshops and task forces, we will also cover technology issues : corporate governance, intellectual property, viability of "European Silicon Valleys", biotechnologies, ethics.
02 Montenegro		The Montenegrin parliament has approved the country's new government. The minority administration led by Filip Vujanovic relies on the support of the small Liberal party which has demanded urgent moves towards independence from the Yugoslav federation. A referendum is expected within the next eight months.
03 Mali		Former Malian prime minister Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has created a new political party after severing his connection with the ruling 'Alliance pour la democratie au Mali. Ex-education minister Issa Ndiaye, the political secretary of the new ' Rassemblement pour le Mali,' (RPLM) told RFI "we are not sworn enemies of the ruling party but we are proposing a new alternative, a new way of playing politics and governing". The RPLM is Mali's 74th political party.
03 Lithuania		Parliament approves former president Algirdas Brazauskas as prime minister (84-45).
03 Switzerland (Ticino)		Luigi Pedrazzini takes office as president of the government of Ticino. Luigi Pedrazzini was born in Locarno on March 4,1953. Following a bacalaureate from the Liceo Papio in Ascona, in 1977 he joined the University of Zurich. Lawyer, he first worked as manager of the daily " Popolo e libertà" then from 1986to 1999, he ruled the Società Elettrica Sopracenerina. Elected to the Council of State on April 18, 1999 ; he is at the head of the Department of Institutions.
04 Tanzania		The vice president since 1995 (and chief minister of Zanzibar 1988-95) Dr. Omar Ali Juma dies. Dk. Omar Ali Juma was born in Chake Chake Pemba in June 26th, 1941 and attended primary school education between 1949 and 1957 at Chake Chake Boys School. Between 1957 and 1960 he was at EUAN Smith Madrasa where he attained an Ordinary School Level Certificate. In 1960 he joined the University State University and and was awarded with an Advanced Level Certficate in 1962 and seven years later, at the same college, he attained a course in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. For a year from 1969 he was at Cairo University for a post graduate certificate in Animal Production and Health. In 1976 he attended a one year course for a Post Graduate Diploma in Tropical Vetenary Medicine at Edinburgh University. In 1982 he joined the University of Florida in the USA for a short course in Vetenary Science and two years later he was at Reeding University, UK, for a Livestock Economics course from which he joined the Kivukoni Idiological College (Tanzania). 1967 - 1969 : Assistant Vetenary Officer, Zanzibar. Appointments : 1969 - 1970 : Vetenary Officer in charge of Pemba. 1970 - 1971 : Senior Vetenary Officer. 1971 - 1972: Livestock Officer. 1972 - 1978 : Chief Vetenary Officer. 1978 - 1984 : Director, Livestock Department. 1984 - 1988: Principal Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. 1988 - 1995 : Chief Minister, Zanzibar Revolutionary Government. November 1995 : Elected Vice President of The United Republic of Tanzania.
06/08 Southern Africa Economic Summit		Southern Africa Economic Summit 2001 - Durban The World Economic Forum's annual economic Summit in Southern Africa is the leading platform through which the business and political leaders of the region define and advance Southern Africa's agenda. The continued and regular participation of the region's heads of state and top business executives has made the 2001 Summit a critical gathering as the African continent is confronted more than ever with the task of creating wealth and competing for investments in an accelerating global economy.
07 Czech Republic		Hana Marvanova isn't the only one celebrating her election as the first female leader of a Czech political party. Leader of the Czech Republic's right-wing libertarian Freedom Union Party.
07 G7 (Roma)		Finance ministers of the Group of Seven nations gathered for a one-day meeting in Rome amid divisions between the United States and Europe over who is most to blame for the ailing global economy. Ministers, convening in the 16th-century Villa Madama overlooking Rome, will map out the economic and financial agenda for the July 20-22 summit of G7 leaders in Genoa. Europeans are determined not to be singled out for criticism while the United States insists it has done nearly all it can to revive global activity.