The World Cup, which begins in South Africa in 45 days has placed increasing amounts of emphasis on it’s security. On Tuesday, according to a security expert from Germany’s parliament, “the security precautions taken by South Africa in the run up to the football World Cup meet the highest standards. We are very impressed by the professionalism of the security forces, especially at the leadership level, as well as by the preparations for the World Cup in general.”
Frank Hofmann, the security expert said that fans from all around the world should, especially Europe, should not be deterred by the purportedly high security threat to visitors, which he believes has no factual basis and blames on the British tabloids that continually run and report the stories.
The politician has particularly been impressed with how well South Africa has worked in conjunction with security forces from the countries participating in the World Cup as well as the smoothness of the security arrangements that have been made. He said everything has pretty much gone on without a hitch.
South Africa’s frequent violent crime problem has been a major reason for the lack of ticket sales, especially in Europe. Out of the 2.2 million tickets sold so far, Germans, who are normally extremely passionate fans, have bought only just over 32 thousand, while fans in the United States (where soccer isnt as popular) have bought just shy of 120 thousand tickets. British fans have bought just 67 thousand tickets while the hometown South Africans have bought nearly one million.
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4:44 pm on September 7th, 2010
COMESA defends Kenya for hosting Sudanese president
September 4th, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) release a statement saying that the overall criticism leveled against Kenya for hosting Sudan ‘s President Omar El Bashir, during the new constitution ceremony is unwarranted. The COMESA region is Kenya’s largest trading bloc. Entering their fourteenth year, COMESA’s current membership stands at 19 countries with a combined population of over 400 million people. Last year Kenya exported goods worth 1.3 billion U.S. dollars to COMESA member countries.
Kenya plays as a guarantor of the Sudan Peace Process under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). They welcomed the progress made towards consolidating peace in the Great Lakes Region and called on the international community to support efforts by the Governments of Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo in peace consolidation and developments towards long term stability within the Great Lakes Region. The Summit commended the African Union, African regional economic communities and other regional mechanisms for the sustained efforts in addressing conflicts and insecurity in the continent. Emilio Mwai Kibaki, 3rd president of the Republic of Kenya, returned and enforced the fragility of the situation of Sudan and act proactively instead of isolating the people of Sudan. He emphasized that the people of Sudan should be encouraged to play their rightful role in the community of nations. Emilio Mwai Kibaki also applauded the leaders of Sudan for agreeing to work together for a peaceful and prosperous country.
It is good to see peaceful negotiations and attempts to progress in an area that has constant difficulties developing. With new thought and tolerance, Emilio Kibaki shows by example with his ability to cross, reach, and affect beyond his countries boarders. With COMESA’s backing, Kenya creates a comfort within Kenyans, Sudanese and other member nations to COMESA. Kibaki is working towards a future that integrates peace, prosperity and development of all African Nations.