FCO Minister for Africa, Mark Simmonds, arrives in Nairobi later today for his second visit to Kenya. His visit will focus on Kenya's 50th anniversary of Independence celebrations, at which he will represent the United Kingdom.

During the visit Mr Simmonds will attend the Nairobi Governor's Ball, the 50th anniversary celebrations at the Safaricom Stadium Kasarani, and a luncheon at Statehouse.

Speaking ahead of the visit, Mr Simmonds said:

“I am delighted to be returning to Kenya to represent the British Government, and very much look forward to joining the 50th anniversary celebrations. I am bringing with me the warmest of wishes from the British people to the people of Kenya, including a message from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

“The UK and Kenya have a long shared history. We will continue to work together to make it a long shared future of mutual benefit.”

The forward-looking report by the UN Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO)* in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) examines human rights violations documented by the UN from 1 October 2011 to 31 January 2012 in the context of the presidential and legislative elections. It stresses the importance of prosecuting those responsible for these violations before the next local, provincial and national elections, due to take place between 2014-2016, to prevent such crimes from being repeated.

The November 2011 elections in the DRC were marked by a large number of acts of violence between members of political parties in almost all of the provinces of the country. In addition to acts of violence committed by civilians against other civilians, serious human rights violations were perpetrated by the defense and security forces throughout the country.

The UNJHRO registered 345 human rights violations committed during the above-mentioned period, affecting at least 769 victims. In particular, the UNJHRO confirmed that at least 41 individuals were killed, 168 people were victims of violations of their right to physical integrity, and almost 400 were victims of violations of their right to liberty and personal security. The UNJHRO also registered 26 cases of violations of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, 48 cases of violations to freedom of expression as well as 18 cases of violations to freedom of the press. The defense and security forces were responsible for more than half of the registered violations and the most serious violations were committed in Kinshasa and in Kasai Oriental province.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay stressed the need to expedite investigations leading to the criminal prosecution of perpetrators suspected of all human rights violations committed in the context of the elections and reiterated the importance of the fight against impunity for the stabilization of the DRC.

“I welcome all measures aimed at ending impunity. Unfortunately, the efforts made by Congolese authorities to address the human rights violations committed during the 2011 electoral period have not yet produced results. Impunity for the perpetrators of these human rights violations prevails even now, two years after the elections were held,” she said.

“I am particularly concerned about the human rights violations reportedly committed by security forces against supporters of political parties,” Pillay added. “Every threat, every act of violence, every arbitrary arrest of an opponent by the authorities constitutes a serious setback, not only for the protection of human rights in the DRC, but also for reconciliation for Congolese society.”

In the report, the UN recommends that Congolese authorities carry out independent, credible and impartial investigations into the human rights violations and bring the alleged perpetrators to justice, regardless of their rank or position. It also calls for disciplinary measures against State officials and agents who have abused their privileges for partisan reasons, and for the authorities to firmly condemn incitement to violence and racial hatred.

The UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the DRC, Martin Kobler, stressed the importance of the lessons learned from the 2011 elections. He called on the Congolese Government to take advantage of the recommendations of the report, notably with regard to the next electoral cycle, and to take all necessary preventive measures to ensure the smooth and peaceful holding of presidential, legislative, provincial, and local elections which are scheduled to take place over the next three years.

A prompt implementation by Congolese authorities of the recommendations contained in the report is of particular importance, Mr. Kobler said, in light of the Peace, Security, and Cooperation Framework Agreement for the DRC and the region signed in Addis-Ababa, Ethiopia, on 24 February 2013. Under this agreement, the Congolese state committed itself to promoting the goals of national reconciliation, tolerance, and democratization.

“The renewal of the National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI) is already a decisive and positive step in preparing for the next electoral cycle”, affirmed Mr. Kobler. “The views expressed by the representatives of the Commission in favor of impartial, independent, transparent and fair elections are very encouraging. We call on the Congolese authorities and their international partners to work towards the effective implementation of the recommendations made in the report, particularly with regard to the fight against impunity, and to provide appropriate support and training to the civil, military and police authorities.”

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The project aims at opening up the country's Bandundu and West Kasaï Provinces with a view to improving the service level of the transport logistics chain on the Kinshasa-Tshikapa road as well as the living conditions of people in these areas.

It involves the development of a 56-kilometre portion of the Batshamba-Tshikapa road between Lovua and Tshikapa on the National Road 1 (NR1), including the construction of a new bridge over the Kasaï River which crosses Tshikapa town.

The project supplements previous Bank interventions on the same road such as the Nsele-Lufimi (93+850 km) and Kwango-Kenge (70+34 km) stretches completed in 2011 with a UA 52.45-million grant; and the Loange and Lovua (63 km) roads financed by an ADF grant of UA 53.55 million approved in 2012. The entire road covers 433 km towards Mbuji-Mayi and beyond Tshikapa. Thus, the Bank's involvement in the current project will help to strengthen its previous and ongoing operations on the road axis and extend its support to other key provinces in the country (Bandundu, West and East Kasaï).

It is consistent with the pillars of the Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (GPRSP) 2011-2015 of the Democratic Republic of Congo, whose main thrusts include the improvement of access to basic social services. The project aligns with the DRC's transport policies framework whose action plan is considered as a reference framework for the country's 2002-2015 transport sector reforms. The plan proposes massive transport infrastructure investments and the consolidation of sustainable development with three key pillars: (i) rehabilitation of old asphalted roads and the construction of new ones; (ii) traffic restoration by re-opening the earth-roads network; and (iii) protection and maintenance of roads in good state of repair.

The project is consistent with the Bank's new Country Strategy (2013-1017) for the DRC, which builds on two pillars: (i) Development of Private Investment, Rural Integration and Support Infrastructure; and (ii) Building Central Government's Capacity to Increase Public Revenue and Create an Enabling Framework for Private Investment. The project is aligned to the Regional Integration Strategy (RISP 2011-2015), also built on two pillars: (i) Regional Infrastructure Development; and (ii) Institutional and Human Capacity Building.

Aligned to the key objectives of the Bank's Ten Year Strategy (2013-2022), namely, inclusive growth and gradual transition to green growth, the project also fits with its accompanying operational priorities, including infrastructure development, private sector development, governance and accountability, skills and technology, gender, fragile States, agriculture and food security.

It is noteworthy that the project is in line with the interventions of the Bank and other donors (European Union and World Bank) as part of the gradual development of NR1. Actually, the Bank, through a grant of UA 52.45 million, financed the rehabilitation of the road sections between Nsele-Lufimi (93.85 km) and Kwango-Kenge (70.34 km). Similar works between Loange and Lovua (63 km) also benefited from an ADF grant of UA 53.55 million, approved in 2012.

The population of the project's target area is estimated at 1,750,000, including 892,000 women representing nearly 51 per cent of the population. It comprises the urban centre of Tshikapa and four major villages (Mukala, Katanga, Kayateshia and Kabunlongo). The planned road is the nearest motorway of national importance to which it can be connected.

The main direct beneficiaries of the project are: (i) people living the project areas; (ii) road transporters through the provision of adequate infrastructure and substantial reduction of vehicle operating expenses; (iii) the extractive industries sector for transportation of inputs and evacuation of products; and (iv) the Congolese State. The other project beneficiaries are businesses and other service providers involved in the project's implementation and monitoring.

Scheduled to be implemented from December 2013 to December 2018, the project will be jointly co-financed by the UK Department for International Development (DFID) (UA 55.56 million) and African Development Fund (ADF) as lead donor with UA 13.92 million. The contributions of DFID and ADF represent 79.97 per cent and 20.03 per cent, respectively, of the project's total cost estimated at UA 69.48 million. DFID resources will be managed and disbursed through the Fragile States Facility (FSF), pursuant to Bank Rules and Procedures. Both institutions will sign a specific agreement defining the terms of the co-financing.

The total cost of the project, net of taxes and customs duty, is estimated at UA 69.48 million, equivalent to US $105.26 million. The project is jointly financed by: (i) the ADF to the tune of UA 13.98 million through a loan of UA 0.66 million, derived from a cancellation, and a grant of UA 13.92 million, of which UA 0.28 million is derived from a cancellation; and (ii) DFID, to the tune of EUR 63.61 million, equivalent to UA 55.56 million, to be disbursed through the Fragile States Facility (FSF). The contributions of ADF and DFID represent 20.03 per cent and 79.97 per cent, respectively, of the total project cost. This cost includes compensations owed project-affected persons, borne exclusively by ADF resources.

* As of 10 December 2013, 1 UA (Unit of Account) = 1.53521 United States Dollars (USD)

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

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Economic growth, exponential urbanization and a growing middle class are hampering the provision of adequate housing in Africa. The construction industry is growing at 20 per cent per annum, but this cannot sufficiently address the rising demand for housing partly due to a wide financing gap for construction and building materials. The public and private sectors have so far been unable to deliver sufficient resources to meet this expanding working capital requirement. Where funding is available, pricing remains prohibitive.

SHAF is the only pan-African organization devoted to financing the development of proper housing and human settlements in Africa. Created in 1982 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, this pan-African housing finance and development institution addresses acute shortage of housing by providing financial and technical resources for sustainable housing and urban development. SHAF's current shareholding comprises 44 African countries, AfDB and Africa Reinsurance Corporation (Africa Re). It is worth noticing that AfDB played a key role in the establishment of SHAF as the vehicle for supporting sustainable housing and urban development in Africa.

The AfDB's four-year facility will allow SHAF to expand its Trade Finance Program, launched in June 2011, under a product diversification strategy to address the acute financing shortage facing real estate developers in Africa. SHAF will also partner with other financial institutions offering TF services to SMEs in real estate construction and building industry and those involved in trading/leasing of building materials and equipment. Through this contribution, AfDB would leverage SHAF's market knowledge and networks across the continent and hence assist to alleviate some of the structural financing inefficiencies encumbering Africa's real estate growth.

This facility, boosting the availability of affordable housing in Africa through financial institutions and SMEs involvement, will thereby enhance inclusive growth and private sector development as espoused in the AfDB Long Term Strategy for 2013-2022. Trade facilitation is one of the three strategic objectives of the Bank's Regional Integration Strategy 2009-2012 as the AfDB seeks to mainstream and institutionalize its engagement in Trade Finance development in Africa.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Contacts:

Sabrina Hadjadj Aoul, Senior Communications Officer, T. +216 71 10 26 21 / C. +216 98 70 98 43 / s.hadjadjaoul@afdb.org

Yaw Kuffour, Lead Trade Finance Specialist, T. +216 71 10 22 85 / y.kuffour@afdb.org

Press releases are also available on the Bank's website at http://j.mp/AfDB_Media

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AfDB Director for the Eastern Africa Resource Centre (EARC) Gabriel Negatu pointed out the timeliness of the information center, saying the opportunity to use the sector to accelerate national development and promote economic growth requires careful planning at this critical stage.

According to government estimates, extractives currently contribute just one per cent to Kenya's national income, and less than two per cent of export earnings. This contribution is set to grow significantly. Current estimates suggest the sector may grow to 10 per cent of GDP.

“AfDB supports the Africa Mining Vision, which sets out how mining can be used to drive continental development. We believe that, as stakeholders, we has a special role to play in promoting knowledge-sharing in Kenya, given our proven track record as a trusted convener and facilitator of Africa's sustainable development agenda. In order to assist all those who will be affected by extractive industries – citizens, civil society organizations, businesses, development partners and donors – the AfDB has set up the Information Center for the Extractive Sector,” he said.

Housed by the AfDB, the information center will be supported by the United Nations Development Programme and Governments of Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

About the African Development Bank

The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group (http://www.afdb.org) is a multi-lateral development finance institution established to contribute to the economic development and the social progress of African countries. The Bank Group comprises three entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF).

As the premier development finance institution on the continent, the AfDB's primary objective is to assist African countries – individually and collectively – in their efforts to achieve economic development and social progress. The Bank Group finances projects, programs and studies in multiple sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, higher education and training, public utilities, environment, climate change, gender, telecommunications, industry and the private sector.

Media contact: Mercy Randa Tel: +254 771 048 558 / m.randa@afdb.org

"One of our main concerns is to ensure that the injured and the sick are able to obtain care. Most health-care facilities in Bangui are closed," said Bonaventure Bazirutwabo, the ICRC's health coordinator in the city. "In addition, because some medical staff do not feel secure enough to go to work, there is a real risk that the sick could be left to fend for themselves at the very time the crisis is unfolding."

For the capital's inhabitants, especially those who have taken refuge at designated sites, it has become very difficult to obtain health care. The community hospital is the only functioning care facility. "We are calling on the authorities and on all armed men to spare the wounded and medical staff and facilities," said Arnaud de Baecque, deputy head of the ICRC delegation in the Central African Republic. Since the start of the crisis, the ICRC and the Central African Red Cross have taken six pregnant women and 51 injured people to Bangui's community hospital.

"There is still considerable tension and fear in the capital," said Mr de Baecque. "Thousands of people taking refuge in places of worship or with host families are living in harsh conditions. They have no idea what tomorrow will bring."

Since 7 December, the ICRC has provided maize, beans, cooking oil, salt, rice and kitchen utensils for 35,000 displaced people in the city, including 12,000 at the Don Bosco centre and 9,000 at the Boy-Rabe monastery. In addition, it has installed tap stands to distribute water and built latrines at the monastery and for 40,000 people at the airport displacement site.

The ICRC, which has 40 expatriate and 200 local staff in the country, is continuing its dialogue with the authorities and with all forces on the ground in Bangui. It is insisting that civilians be spared and that Red Cross personnel and medical staff be allowed to carry out their work unimpeded.

Most of the ICRC's humanitarian activities in the country have been taking place in close cooperation with the Central African Red Cross, which had more than 200 volunteers in the field at the peak of the crisis.

Since 5 December, the ICRC has also:

● delivered food to detainees and guards – 50 people in all – in a detention centre in Bangui;

● provided logistical and financial support enabling the Central African Red Cross to bury 263 bodies;

● assessed the needs of 78,000 people at five sites in Bangui.

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The extensive review of a broad set of development indicators over the past two decades and the establishment of a combined single score for measuring “inclusive growth” for individual countries shows that, in the decade prior to the Arab Spring, North Africa fared relatively well in terms of crises compared to many other regions.

Moreover, the same decade saw other encouraging achievements: life expectancy rose, educational and health indicators improved, the number and proportion of slum dwellers declined, and more people enjoyed access to services such as improved drinking water and sanitation.

The main area where the region has noticeably lagged behind the rest of the world in recent years is its demographic momentum. Taking population size and growth into account qualifies some of the positive economic achievements of the region in the past decade. GDP growth in per capita terms appears much more modest. Strong supply-side demographic pressures will no doubt continue to persist for years and will accentuate the challenge of achieving inclusive growth in North Africa.

This leads the economic brief to conclude that no matter the notion of inclusive growth we adopt for the region, generating high quality employment will be an essential element and will pose one of the main challenges to prospects for achieving truly inclusive growth.

To download the full paper, “The Search for Inclusive Growth in

North Africa: A Comparative Approach”: http://www.afdb.org/fileadmin/uploads/afdb/Documents/Publications/Economic%20Brief%20-%20The%20Search%20for%20Inclusive%20Growth%20in%20North%20Africa-%20A%20Comparative%20Approach.pdf

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Contact:

Vincent Castel, tel. +216 7110 3981, v.castel@afdb.org

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

December 3, 2013

Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region of Africa and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (D.R.C.) Russell D. Feingold will travel to Kigali and Paris to meet with government representatives and Great Lakes heads of state this week. He intends to discuss next steps in the implementation of the Peace, Security, and Cooperation Framework, including the possibility of a regional mediated dialogue aimed at resolving the root causes of conflict in the region. The United States stands ready to support the region in launching such a dialogue and advancing the Framework peace process.

Marie Harf

Deputy Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

December 4, 2013

The United States is appalled by today's reports of the murder of innocent women and children outside of Bangui. This horrifying account is the latest in a string of reports that illustrate the deteriorating humanitarian and security situation in the Central African Republic (CAR) that could lead to an escalation in violence and further atrocities.

We are working with our partners in the international community, including through our efforts on the United Nations Security Council, to find the swiftest and most effective vehicle for stabilizing the situation. We recently announced $40 million in assistance to the African Union-led stabilization mission (MISCA), to help protect civilians, and provide security throughout the country. We welcome France's decision to reinforce its military presence in the Central African Republic.

The United States remains committed to supporting the international community's efforts to find a solution that protect civilians, restores security, ensures greater humanitarian access, and puts CAR on a path back to democratic governance.

John Kerry

Secretary of State

Washington, DC

December 11, 2013

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the people of Kenya as you celebrate your Golden Jubilee on December 12.

Jamhuri Day is a testament to the strength of the Kenyan people. The United States applauds Kenya for holding a peaceful national election this year and for implementing its new constitution.

The devastating Nairobi airport fire and the tragic terrorist attack at the Westgate Mall tested the nation's strength, but Kenyans united in the face of adversity to overcome these challenges with courage and resolve.

The United States and Kenya have been friends for half a century. We celebrate all that we have accomplished together, and we remain committed to working with Kenya to meet the challenges and seize the common possibilities that lie ahead.

The second edition of the forum - the world's leading platform focusing on sport as a driver for social change and economic progress - was attended by 1,500 participants from 70 countries, including 150 speakers and 30 sporting champions with star names including Michael Johnson, Boris Becker, Nadia Comaneci, Tony Hawk, Hicham el Guerrouj and Dame Kelly Holmes.

International media gathered en masse in Doha with over 250 media and press delegates in attendance, with 30 countries and 110 media outlets represented. 400 students from 20 universities and high schools also joined the forum.

Concluding today, the three day forum hosted the first ever Sports Ministers Summit where 16 Sports Ministers and senior representatives of government from over 20 countries gathered in Qatar's capital to discuss the important role played by sport to promote innovation, economic growth, social inclusion and cohesion.

The discussion, hosted by H.E. Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser Al Ali, Qatar's Minister of Youth and Sports, co-hosted by H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Mubarak Al-Thani, executive director, and Richard Attias, executive producer Doha GOALS, and facilitated by Lord Mandelson, chairman of Global Counsel, saw the participants consider how sport can play an important role in addressing some of the most important economic, social and political challenges facing the world today, including youth unemployment, corruption and poor health.

The outcomes of the Summit were summarised in the Doha GOALS Accord, which will be combined with the 100 recommendations from participants during the Forum. Attias announced at the closing session that, following dialogue with the Australian government, the new host nation of the G20, the outcomes of Doha GOALS will be heard by the G20.

H.E. Minister Al Ali said: “This has been an important step towards better and stronger collaboration between Ministers of Sport so that we can build a case for sport to be given higher priority at a policy level.”

H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Mubarak Al Thani said: “Important discussions have been had about how sport can be used as a bridge for cultures, as well a way to promote peace and fight prejudice.”

Attias confirmed: “I am delighted to be able to say that we will be here again next year to ensure we continue to act upon the many interested and varied discussions that we have had here this year. Hundreds of ideas were discussed in the task forces and these will be brought to G20 in 2014 ahead of the third edition of Doha GOALS 2014 in December, which will also see the second Sports Ministers Summit take place.”

Four life-changing initiatives were announced at the opening session of Doha GOALS, and MoUs were signed by H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Mubarak Al Thani, Executive Director of Doha GOALS with Afghanistan, Gabon and Palestine. They included a Sport Fields Initiative, a program to give children around the world access to prosthetics, the Sport Solidarity Fund ‘from the athletes to the athletes' to support them and their families when suffering from sustained injuries as well as during post-retirement, and an international U15s football championships to take place in Qatar.

In a headline conversation with Francois Moriniere, director general of L'Equipe group, Hassan Al-Thawadi, secretary general of Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee, declared that Qatar will be ready to stage the World Cup - whether it's held in winter or summer. “From the beginning, we've always said we can stage the World Cup in summer. If the football world or FIFA want it to be staged in the winter then we are happy and ready. If they want it in summer, then we are still ready.”

Al Thawadi also underlined how the 2022 FIFA World Cup was a boost not only for Qatar but also for the entire Middle East. “There are so many misconceptions about the Middle East and the World Cup in 2022 will go a long way to showing the world the friendliness, hospitality and sense of humour of the Middle East. It is a great opportunity for us all to come together."

Visit www.dohagoals.com for more information and to download the official Doha GOALS app or join the discussion: facebook.com/dohagoals or @dohagoals

For media enquiries, contact Tom Rubashow, Pitch, tom.rubashow@pitch.co.uk, telephone +44 (0)207 494 1616.

For all other enquiries, email dohagoals@richardattiasassociates.com. www.dohagoals.com

EDITORS' NOTES

About Aspire Zone Foundation

Having been established in 2003 as a Sports City project, Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) today works to develop sports champions, promote healthy lifestyles, provide sports medicine services, and galvanize the sports economy of today and of the future. Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) is a pioneering international sports project, thanks to its member organization which embraces Aspire Academy, Aspetar and Aspire Logistics. All these corporate entities were unified by Emiri decree in 2008.

Located in Doha, Aspire Zone Foundation (AZF) boasts international- standard services and hosts global sports events - all of which contribute to the vibrant sports economy of Qatar. Aspire Zone is home to some of the world's finest sport amenities and services offering an impressive integration of sport, sports medicine and research, and sport education. It is a perfect setting to combine sport and leisure.

Moreover, AZF was voted the World's Leading Sports Tourism Development Project for the World Travel Awards 2011 - an award that is deserved indeed. In 2011 alone, Aspire Zone was honored with the successful hosting of high profile events, such as the opening ceremony of the AFC Asian Cup 2011, some of the tournament games, and some competitions of the regionally-renowned Arab Games.

About Richard Attias & Associates

Richard Attias & Associates is a strategic communications firm that provides private consultancy and creates ideas initiatives. Its mission is to help leaders, corporations and nations build their global influence, catalyze innovation, and mobilize communities around the global exchange of ideas focusing on economic and social challenges. Headquartered in New York, and with offices in Paris, Dubai, Rabat and Beijing, Richard Attias & Associates' mission is a "call to action" to all global leaders, by creating borderless communities, and facilitating business opportunities for economic growth and job creation through the New York Forum Institute, a not-for-profit Foundation.

Some of the work that Richard Attias & Associates has created or produced recently includes: New York Forum® and New York Forum® AFRICA; Doha GOALS; the Global Food Security Forum; The New York Times Schools for Tomorrow, Energy for Tomorrow and DealBook conferences; the annual meetings for the African Development Bank; and will be organizing the African Games in Brazzaville in 2015.www.richardattiasassociates.com

Visit www.dohagoals.com for more information and to download the official Doha GOALS app or join the discussion: facebook.com/dohagoals or @dohagoals

For media enquiries, contact Tom Rubashow, Pitch, tom.rubashow@pitch.co.uk, telephone +44 (0)207 494 1616.

For all other enquiries, email dohagoals@richardattiasassociates.com. www.dohagoals.com

The ECF arrangement for Liberia for the equivalent of SDR 51.68 million (about US$79.7 million) was approved by the IMF's Executive Board on November 19, 2012

(see Press Release No. 12/449).

Following the Executive Board's discussion, Mr. Naoyuki Shinohara, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, issued the following statement:

“Liberia's economic growth remains strong and the medium-term outlook is positive, provided new projects in the mining and plantation sectors come on stream. Non-resource real GDP growth is expected to continue to pick up in 2014–15, as the authorities continue to press ahead with the implementation of large energy and road infrastructure projects, in line with their Agenda for Transformation.

“While the authorities remain fully committed to reforms underpinned by the ECF arrangement, institutional and capacity constraints have affected recent program performance. Deviations on government revenue and domestic financing were minor, but foreign reserves fell below the program floor reflecting in part higher intervention in the foreign exchange market to mitigate depreciation pressures. The authorities are taking appropriate action to rebuild an adequate reserves buffer, including by strengthening the foreign exchange auction and enhancing liquidity management.

“Action is being taken to strengthen budget execution while scaling up public investment. The authorities have identified savings in the FY2014 budget to be able to meet their deficit target while protecting capital spending. They are also enhancing cash management, including through establishing a Treasury Single Account. Timely approval of annual budgets, together with careful prioritization and preparation of investment projects, would help remove implementation bottlenecks.

“Financial sector reforms will continue to focus on addressing high credit risks and strengthening the legal and institutional environment to promote intermediation. Enhancing the credit reference system and establishing the collateral registry would directly help reduce credit risk. Other credit initiatives should be market-based, efficient, and recognized as fiscal initiatives financed by the government or donors.

“In light of the recent rapid debt accumulation and large remaining external financing needs, maintaining debt sustainability will require adhering to sound debt management principles, enshrined in the new medium-term debt strategy.”

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

December 11, 2013

In an important symbol of our friendship and bilateral relationship with the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Under Secretary for Management Patrick F. Kennedy, and U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Equatorial Guinea Mark L. Asquino presided over the dedication of the new U.S. Embassy complex in Malabo today.

The new multi-building complex provides embassy employees with a safe, secure, and modern workplace. Situated on a 12.5-acre site in the Malabo Dos section of the capital, the complex includes a chancery building, a service/utility building, an access pavilion, Chief of Mission residence, Deputy Chief of Mission residence, staff housing, and a recreational facility.

The $71 million project incorporates numerous sustainable features to conserve resources and reduce operating costs, including an energy recovery unit that reduces the need for heating and cooling, water-conserving plumbing fixtures, and the use of regional and recycled materials. The new Embassy is registered with the U.S. Green Building Certification Institute as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) facility.

The facility was designed by Karn Charuhas Chapman & Twohey (KCCT) of Washington, DC, and constructed by Caddell Construction Co. of Montgomery, Alabama.

Since 1999, as part of the Department's Capital Security Construction Program, the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) has completed 108 new diplomatic facilities and has an additional 36 projects in design or under construction.

OBO's mission is to provide safe, secure, and functional facilities that represent the U.S. Government to the host nation and support our staff in the achievement of U.S. foreign policy objectives. These facilities should represent American values and the best in American architecture, engineering, technology, sustainability, art, culture, and construction execution.

The holding of parliamentary elections in the Republic of Guinea was the last milestone of the road map set out by the Council in July 20091concerning the conclusion of consultations with the Republic of Guinea under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement.

Following the military coup on 23 December 2008, the EU partially suspended development cooperation with Guinea. To accompany the return to constitutional order and democracy, a roadmap for gradual resumption of EU aid was set out.

The holding of inclusive and peaceful parliamentary elections on 28 September 2013 marked a very important step for the return to constitutional order and the consolidation of democracy in the Republic of Guinea and made it possible to lift the appropriate measures adopted by the European Union under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said:

"I welcome the holding of these peaceful and inclusive elections and the imminent installation of the National Assembly. It is important that the Guinean authorities now commit themselves to wide-ranging discussions on the electoral framework with a view to speedy introduction of the reforms necessary for the forthcoming elections to be held. The new Assembly will provide an appropriate institutional framework for the organisation of this democratic debate between the different political parties."

1

Decision 2009/618/EC of 27 July 2009, repeatedly amended and extended, most recently by Council Decision 2013/386/EU of 15 July 2013.

A European Union electoral observation mission was in Guinea from 22 August 2013 and until the conclusion of the electoral dispute on 15 November 2013, with instructions to observe the course of the elections with complete impartiality and provide an overall assessment of the electoral process.

Dr. Chambas said he welcomed the willingness of the participants to move forward into a peaceful and negotiated settlement of the conflict. “We are ready to continue engaging with all the non-signatory movements to bring them on board the peace process and find a durable solution for the Darfur conflict,” he said. “The only way forward is through dialogue, not violence.”

The workshop, which concluded on 11 December, was co-organized by the AU-UN Joint Mediation Support Team and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and was designed to discuss issues related to international humanitarian law and human rights.

In a press statement, JEM/Gibril and SLA/MM emphasized the importance of creating a conducive environment for peace talks through confidence-building measures to pave the way for a comprehensive, inclusive, just and durable peace.

In their jointly released statement, the two movements expressed their appreciation for the relentless efforts of the Joint Chief Mediator in search of comprehensive peace, and their commitment to respect and promote the principles of international humanitarian law and human rights.

The Steering Committee agreed at its third ministerial session in Yamoussoukro on 10th December 2013, that the money would help fund preparatory activities and provide further evidence of commitment by the countries for public and private sector operators interested in investing in the project, a six-lane highway expected to carry some 75 per cent of goods transported in the region, linking most of its major ports.

The Committee, comprising Ministers of the Road Infrastructure and Works of Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and Togo, also mandated the ECOWAS Commission to engage with partners to submit proposals for transaction advisory services and the mobilization of external funding for the project.

In addition, it mandated the Commission to finalise a joint funding request for the five countries to the African Development Bank (AfDB) to be signed by their Ministers of finance.

The one-day meeting was convened to review the rules of procedure, which defines the institutional framework for the project, an integral part of its Treaty, particularly the options for funding to fast track the project, as well as the joint request to the AfDB and the signing of the Treaty.

Speaking during the opening session, Cote d'Ivoire's Minister of Economic

Infrastructure, Mr Patrick Achi praised the road infrastructure, works and legal experts for the diligent finalisation of the working documents during their three-day preceding meeting also held in Yamoussoukro.

He highlighted the importance of the project, the first phase of the Lagos-Dakar highway project to link the eastern and western coastal extremes of the region, as a veritable road artery that would contribute to strengthening the implementation of the region's integration programme.

The minister pledged the commitment of the country to the realisation of the project, conscious of the determination of regional leaders for its success because of its importance to the economic wellbeing of the region.

In the same vein, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Mr Ebrima Njie said the project's realisation would facilitate intra-community movement of goods and persons, the bedrock of the region's integration project. It would also contribute to stimulating the regional economy and help reduce impediments to intra-community movement of goods and persons through greater efficiency, he affirmed.

In his speech, Nigeria's Minister of Works, Architect Mike Onolememen, who chairs the Committee, stressed the need for the countries to continue to demonstrate cohesion so as to realise the resolve of their Heads of State and Government towards the project which has attracted remarkable donor interest.

The ministers of Benin, Ghana and Togo also addressed the meeting, renewing their countries' commitment to the project.

Previous meetings of the Committee were held in Abuja, Nigeria and Accra, Ghana with the fourth now scheduled to be held in Cotonou, Benin Republic.

A minute's silence was observed at the meeting's opening ceremony in honour of South Africa's first black President, Dr. Nelson Mandela, who died last week.

The Chairperson of the IFC, His Excellency Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud, the Deputy Prime Minister of Qatar, will brief the press on the outcome of meeting after its conclusion at approximately 12:30 hours.

The Commission, chaired by the State of Qatar, is the major mechanism for monitoring implementation of the DDPD. Commission membership includes the Government of the Sudan, the Liberation and Justice Movement, the Justice and Equality Movement-Sudan (JEM/Bashar), representatives of Burkina Faso, Canada, Chad, China, Egypt, France, Japan, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States of America, the African Union, the European Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and UNAMID, which is also facilitating the meeting.

For further details on the DDPD and on previous IFC meetings, please visit:

http://unamid.unmissions.org/Default.aspx?tabid=11060&language=en-US

2. Japan welcomes and expects continuous efforts for peace and stability in the Central African Republic made by countries and organizations in the region, in particular the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of the Central African States (ECCAS). Moreover, Japan welcomes the support by French troops that assist the efforts made by the nations and organizations in the region to avoid escalation of violence in the Central African Republic through the mandate authorized in the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2127.

3. Japan expects such actions will lead to restoration of security in the Central African Republic. In addition, Japan expects that such restoration of security will lead to realization of free, fair and transparent democratic elections.

The aircraft are expected to fly to Burundi tomorrow morning to transport a Burundian light infantry battalion to Bangui, Central African Republic, a Pentagon official said.

A second small team of Air Force logisticians is on the ground in Burundi to prepare equipment for loading, and a third team is in the Central African Republic to assist in security operations at the airfield, the official said.

French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian requested limited assistance from the United States military to support this international effort, Assistant Pentagon Press Secretary Carl Woog said in a Dec. 9 statement. “In the near term,” he said, “France has requested airlift support to enable African forces to deploy promptly to prevent the further spread of sectarian violence in the Central African Republic.”

The United States is deeply concerned about “the shocking and horrific atrocities that have been committed by government-affiliated armed groups and independent militias against innocent civilians in the Central African Republic” in recent weeks, the defense official said.

In an audio message released Dec. 9, President Barack Obama called on the transitional government to arrest those who are committing crimes.

“Individuals who are engaging in violence must be held accountable -- in accordance with the law. Meanwhile, as forces from other African countries and France work to restore security, the United States will support their efforts to protect civilians,” Obama said.

Yesterday, the president authorized the State Department to use up to $60 million in defense services and articles for countries that contribute forces to the African Union-led International Support Mission in the Central African Republic. The assistance could include logistical support -- including strategic airlift and aerial refueling -- and training for French and African forces deploying to the Central African Republic.

“The United States is joining the international community in this effort because of our belief that immediate action is required to avert a humanitarian and human rights catastrophe in the Central African Republic, and because of our interest in peace and security in the region,” Woog said in his statement. “We continue to work to identify additional resources that might be available to help address further requests for assistance to support the international community's efforts in CAR.”

Catherine M. Russell

Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues

National Democratic Institute (NDI) Offices

Washington, DC

December 12, 2013

Thank you Ken for opening up NDI to us today, and thank you Lorne for your kind introduction.

I'd like to thank IRI and NDI for the work that you do every day — promoting democracy, supporting democratic institutions and practices, safeguarding elections, and promoting citizen participation. Your work is critical. It also showcases our bipartisan, mutual commitment to democracy, to peaceful democratic transitions and to the engagement of women and men in shaping the futures of their countries.

I'd like to congratulate IRI and NDI for doing this hard and important work every day for 30 years. I know that you each had events earlier this week to mark those anniversaries and I'd like to add my personal congratulations on this important anniversary.

Finally, I'd like to thank you for your commitment to women's political participation, and the amount of time, resources and staff that you devote to achieving women's full participation in politics.

You both have well-respected and effective programs that help women acquire the tools they need to participate successfully in all aspects of the political process.

Let me commend specifically the important work that you are doing in the hard places. To IRI, thank you for the work you have done with your Women's Democracy Network — to build the capacity of Syrian women in negotiation, leadership, advocacy, and other skills at this critical time for their country.

To NDI, thank you for the work you are doing in Afghanistan to help Afghan women be competitive in the upcoming elections -- through women's campaign schools, one-on-one consultations with women candidates and developing policy working groups.

My job as Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's issues is to promote the status of women and girls as a critical element of our diplomatic efforts. We believe that peace, security, prosperity, and economic growth cannot be achieved without the full participation of women, and that men and boys are important partners in this effort.

Whether we are striving to advance women's political or economic participation; end the scourges of gender-based violence, sexual violence in conflict, or human trafficking, or reduce the rates of maternal and child mortality — we must work together, at all levels, and across all sectors, to protect the rights of women and girls and achieve lasting gender equality.

We know that that investing in women and girls — helping them unleash their potentia l— is the right thing to do morally – and the wise thing to do strategically.

I've seen firsthand how women's involvement in public and political life makes a difference.

Last month, I traveled to Afghanistan, where I met with women in government at both the provincial and national levels. I spent time with women leaders in Kabul and Mazar-e-Sharif, and discussed a number of issues, including their critical role in the upcoming elections--as voters, and as candidates, searchers and observers. They were all committed to an increased role for women.

I've also just returned from a trip to Japan, where the current government is working to increase the percentage of women in leadership roles across society from single digits to 30 percent. There seems to be a growing recognition that the only way to ensure Japan's emergence from its decades long recession is to ensure that women are finally given the tools to participate in the political, economic and social spheres.

This is a daunting challenge, given long established cultural norms that result in the majority of women to leaving the workplace after starting families. Just 2.6 percent of managers in Japan's civil service; about 8 percent of the members of the country's lower house of the diet, and 18 percent of the members of the upper house are women. But I met with some dynamic Japanese women members of parliament and government ministers who are committed to the effort to increase those figures. I met with the female mayor of Yokahama (just 1 percent of mayors in Japan are women) who in the space of a few short years managed to reduce the child care waiting list in her city from several thousand to zero.

Despite comprising over 50 percent of the world's population, women continue to be underrepresented in every aspect of political and public life. Today, as you all well know, only 21 percent of the world's parliamentarians are women. There are 21 women either serving as head of state or head of government. Only 17 percent of government ministers are women, with the majority serving in the fields of education and health. Since 1992, women have represented fewer than 3 percent of mediators and 8 percent of negotiators to major peace processes. These numbers are too small. These are the places where decisions get made, and simply put, there aren't enough women in them.

There is still much work to be done, and what IRI and NDI do is critical to progress in this arena, and to ensuring that this progress moves quickly.

All of my work is based on our belief that countries are more peaceful and prosperous when women are accorded full and equal rights and opportunity. All around the world, people and countries are beginning to accept this very basic truth. There is increased focus by policy makers and governments on the need for women's participation and contribution to build stronger societies.

My office is one example of the U.S. government's commitment to women's central role in foreign policy. So is USAID's Senior Coordinator for Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment. Through initiatives like the Equal Futures Partnership we are encouraging other countries to expand the political and economic participation of women and girls. And women across the globe are rightfully demanding their place in public life.

Increasing women's meaningful participation in political and public life is about changing cultural norms about women and changing the culture of politics. It's about building and sustaining representative societies. It is essential to ensuring that laws, regulations and policies reflect the reality of women's everyday lives. Women often raise issues that others have overlooked, reach out to constituencies that others ignore and have unique knowledge that stems from their societal roles and responsibilities. For my office, the goal of parity in political participation is an integral underpinning to our other goals in the arenas of women/peace/security, economic empowerment and key development outcomes, especially in the areas of education health, climate change and food security. We see women's political participations as one of the key foundations for women's overall empowerment and inclusion across sectors. We know that women's expertise, experiences and knowledge must be brought into to every decision making table, and to every forum. Women's participation affects the types of policy issues that are debated and decided in parliaments, local councils and government ministries. It also affects the solutions debated and decided. Women's experiences and expertise – and men's experiences and expertise — must both inform policy.

An OECD study of 19 countries found that when countries had an increase in the number of women legislators, there was an increase in funds spent on education in those countries. In India, research showed that West Bengal villages with greater representation of women in local councils called panchayats (pan-chai-ats) saw an investment in drinking water facilities double that of villages with fewer women on local councils.

Finally, we know that women's unique perspective is critical to peace-building and post-conflict reconstruction. Women often suffer disproportionately during armed conflict. They often advocate most strongly for stabilization, reconstruction and the prevention of further conflict. Peace agreements, post-conflict reconstruction and governance have a better chance of long-term success when women are involved.

According to research conducted by the International Crisis Group in Sudan, Congo and Uganda, women who participate in peace talks often raise issues like human rights, security, justice, employment, education and health care that are fundamental to reconciliation and rebuilding and therefore to lasting and sustainable peace.

So we know the path forward. We only need to keep committing ourselves and recruiting others to join us. Martin Luther King, Jr. famously said that the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice … I believe this is true for women worldwide. Our work, and the work we do together, is integral in these efforts. Thank you.