CHINA OFFERS MEDIATION BETWEEN NORTH & SOUTH SUDAN

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi speaks

to the press as Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Karti (R)

listens on following their meeting in Khartoum

on August 8, 2011 (AFP)

China is prepared to mediate between North and South Sudan in order to bridge difference in views regarding outstanding post-secession issues, a visiting official said today.

The Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi made the offer at the conclusion of his two-day visit which took him to Khartoum and Juba.

Sudanese foreign minister Ali Karti speaking to reporters along with Jiechi at Khartoum airport welcomed China’s initiative saying that Beijing is qualified to play this role given the acceptance and appreciation it enjoys from both sides.

This is the first visit by a senior Chinese official to the region since South Sudan became an independent state in early July. The people of Southern Sudan voted last January almost unanimously in favor of splitting from the North.

China owns multi-billion dollar investments in Sudan that are mainly concentrated in the oil sector. Sudan is one of China’s main oil suppliers.

The breakup of Sudan presents a dilemma for China as most of the oil reserves lie in the South while the pipelines, refineries and related infrastructure are in the North.

Khartoum and Juba are still negotiating the oil transit fees that should be assessed. Last week the North blocked an oil shipment belonging to the South and would not let it sail unless custom duties are paid. It was released a day later.

The Chinese top diplomat vowed to help both in developing their economies.

"Our two economies are there for each other and we want to see good cooperation in such areas like agriculture, infrastructure construction, oil production," Jiechi told reporters after meeting South Sudan President Salva Kiir.

"And we will give aid to the Sudanese people within our capacity to help uplift their living standards," he added, without being specific.

In an interview with South Sudan’s Al-Masier newspaper, posted on the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s website on Tuesday, Jiechi said his visit "gives testimony to the importance China attaches to cultivating friendship and cooperation with South Sudan".

He said that he conveyed an invitation from President Hu Jintao to Kiir to visit China in the near future.

Asked by Al-Masier how China would balance its relationship with the two, Jiechi said it has consistently supported and contributed to the peace process.

"We have always believed that the north and the south are interdependent, and we hope to see that - proceeding from the fundamental interests of their peoples and the stability of the region - they stick to the peace option and address the issues through dialogue," he said.

During the visit, Sudan and China signed an agreement for constructing of a railway line linking Sudan and Chad and Central African Republic (CAR).

Sudan Tribune 

SAM LOCO'S DEATH A GREAT LOSS TO NOLLYWOOD, JONATHAN, OTHERS

President Goodluck Jonathan,

President Goodluck Jonathan, Monday, extended his condolences to the family of renowned stage and screen actor, Sam Loco Efe, who passed away yesterday.

In a condolence message signed by the presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati, the president joins millions of Nigerians who have received immense entertainment, joy, and edification from Mr Efe's performances over the past five decades.

The president also said he believes Mr Efe's professional accomplishments helped to raise the profile of the Nigerian actor on the contemporary stage. He urged members of the late actor's family, his fans across Nigeria, members of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, and the entire Nollywood family, to take solace in the knowledge that he was a most accomplished artiste.

Sam Loco Efe

Popular comedian, Chika Okpala (Zebrudaya), described the death of Mr Efe as a great loss to the Nollywood industry and Nigeria in general. He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday that he received the news of Efe's death with great shock and surprise.

Mr Okpala, one of the actors in New Masquerade television soap opera, said, "I was transfixed to the ground for about 10 minutes speechless when I got the message. I am confused because I did not hear that he was sick, only to suddenly get a call that he is dead," he said.

"The Nollywood industry has lost a veteran with many years of experience. He was like a father to me because I learnt much from him," Mr Okpala added.

He urged Nigerians to always be close to God "because nobody knows when death will come. Nigerians should be in peace with their neighbours, friends, and everyone else so that when death comes, no one will speak bad of you," he said.

Mr Efe, a veteran stage and film artiste, died on Sunday in his hotel room in Owerri at the age of 71 years.

The Imo State commissioner of police, Muhammed Abubakar, who confirmed Efe's death, said that he had been ill before, treated, and discharged from a hospital in the state capital. He said that the actor had been on bed rest for some weeks in Owerri, in adherence to the doctor's instruction.

Mr Abubakar added that when the state police command got the report on Sunday, some policemen were sent to the hotel and they confirmed him dead and removed the body to a private hospital.

Steve Ogundele, secretary of the Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), described it as sad news. He eulogised Efe's artistic prowess and described him as a multi-linguist whose artistic creativity cuts across all genre, both in the commercial and academic society.

Life of acting

Efe played the role of young Akara Ogun in the premier of the 2nd Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC) at the National Arts Theatre in Lagos in 1977 and in Nigeria's entry play ‘Lamgbodo' written by Wale Ogunyemi and directed by Dapo Adelugba at the festival.

"‘Uncle Sam', as he was fondly called, will be remembered for his unique natural comic role interpretations in stage and movie productions," Ozi Okoli, national director of publicity, NANTAP, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday.

Reacting also, Duro Oni, the dean, faculty of Arts, University of Lagos, described Efe's death as a big loss to the arts sector. He said Efe was one of the country's best and committed actors.

Sam Loco Efe was one of the most talented actors in the Nigerian movie industry. For many years, he distinguished himself as a rare talent for both television and stage drama. Born in Enugu, Efe was from Benin where his name, Efeeimwonkiyeke, means wealth has no time limit.

In his lifetime, he said ‘Langbodo' was his first truly well paid job. He said being a national production, he was well paid and treated like an egg because he played the lead role.

Educated at the University of Ibadan, Efe formed the Overamwem National Theatre Group which won laurels on stage plays in 1969.

In his young days, he worked for Michelin Tyre Company in Ijora, Lagos, and also for Dunlop, a rival group after he left Michelin.

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MAZABUKA-MAGOYE CANDIDATES ENGAGE IN FACE TO FACE DEBATE

Aspiring parliamentary candidates from the UPND and PF vying for Mazabuka central and Magoye constituencies were on Friday engaged in a face to face debate at Royal Laricio Lodge in Mazabuka.

At a Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia organised "Town Hall Debate", which was also aired live on Mazabuka Community Radio, PF  Mazabuka central parliamentary aspiring candidate Ruth Mwiinde observed that parliament without women cannot be parliament because women play a pivotal role in the society.

Ms Mwiinde said that once voted as MP she will ensure that piped water is installed in townships that have no running water adding that she knows the needs of Mazabuka dwellers.

Ms Mwiinde stressed that PF is the best party to run the country as it is an open party and its manifesto covers all aspects of the economy to satisfy people’s aspirations.

Meanwhile PF district chairperson Sylvester Simayaba charged that Mazabuka central is lagging behind in development as there is no feasible development that can be talked about .

However UPND adopted Mazabuka central aspiring parliamentary candidate Garry Nkombo said that he is seeking to be re – elected back to parliament owing to the effective representation he has delivered to  the people of Mazabuka central stating that it is a calling from God to work as a servant for the people of mazabuka central.

Nkombo who is immediate former PF and also UPND Mazabuka central contender noted that some of the developments that are feasible did not come by accident but due to his initiatives citing water in Kapufi and Kabobola townships.

And UPND Magoye aspiring parliamentary hopeful Eugene Muyiama stressed that UPND was the best party to run Zambia’s economy as it is the party that is people driven and listens to people’s demands.

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