Headines for Friday, August 7, 2009

Senator Mel Martinez will resign
Florida Republican Senator Mel Martinez announced today that he is resigning, and hopes not to return to Congress after its August recess, as long as a replacement is chosen by then.  Martinez had already announced he was running for election next year, but had insisted he would finish out his term.  Now, the only Latino Republican Senator says he wants to spend more time with his family.

“The next phase of my life is going to be in the private sector. However, as a private sector citizen I do hope that I can have a voice to speak on issues that I consider important.”

Florida Governor Charlie Crist will appoint a replacement to fill the remainder of Martinez’ term.  Former Governor Bob Martinez, former Senator Connie Mack and former Secretary of State Jim Smith, all Republicans, are among the likely replacements.  Governor Crist had already announced his own plans to run for Martinez’ sent in 2010, but said today that he will not use his power to appoint himself to the interim position.

NATO chief wants more troops in Afghanistan/ Seven U.S., British troops killed
Four US soldiers have been killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, and 3 British troops have been killed, as a step up in violence continues less than two weeks before national elections.  July was the deadliest month of the 8 year-long war, with 76 foreign troops killed.  This month 15 soldiers have already died, including 11 Americans.  Last week, Stanley McChrystal, the top NATO commander in Afghanistan, indicated that he plans to ask President Obama for more troops; and today, the Newly appointed NATO Secretary-General, who is currently visiting the war-torn country, told the BBC he also believes an increased foreign military presence is necessary to stem the violence and defeat the Taliban.

Bombings kill at least 36 in Iraq
A string of attacks in Baghdad, and a bombing in Mosul have left 36 dead and more than 100 injured.  The attacks seemed to primarily target Shiites heading to or from Friday services; 3 roadside bombs hit vans carrying religious pilgrims, and the largest, a bomb in Mosul, was outside a Shiite mosque.  Last Friday, several bomb attacks targeting Shiite Mosques killed at least 29 people.

Vestas wind turbine factory occupation ends
The occupation of the Vestas wind turbine factory in the United Kingdom has come to an end after eighteen days.  The workers have pledged to continue their campaign, but it appears that despite their efforts, the factory will now be closed, with the loss of six hundred green sector jobs.  Tom Allan reports.

The occupation of the Vestas wind turbine factory in the United Kingdom has come to an end after eighteen days.  The workers have pledged to continue their campaign, but it appears that despite their efforts, the factory will now be closed, with the loss of six hundred green sector jobs.  Tom Allan reports.

In the end, the eviction was a peaceful affair. Bailiffs reportedly shook hands with the 6 remaining protesters and expressed sympathy with their stand. Jonathan Neil of the Campaign Against Climate Change paid tribute to the men.

"These are ordinary working people who have become extraordinary people really, who are determined to fight for their jobs, and also to fight for the planet. And they keep saying so."

Although the workers have not prevented the factory from closing, the occupation has been embarrassing for the UK Government, which just weeks ago announced a massive new program of renewable energy investment, including thousands of new wind turbines. If nothing else, the protests have seen workers, unions and environmental activists co-operating in a way that may prove influential in the future. Their first march together will take place tomorrow on the Isle of White, before taking the campaign to the National stage next week.  Tom Allan, FSRN, Southern England.

Tamil Tiger leader arrested
Sri Lankan authorities say they have arrested the current head of the Tamil Tigers, as they government continues to dismantle the LTTE.  The Tigers long standing leaders were killed in fighting in May, as the government drove the rebel group out of its stronghold in the north of the country.  Now they say they have captured Selvarasa Pathmanathan, who was hiding in South-East Asia, and brought him to Sri Lanka for questioning.

1-Year anniversary of Georgia-Russia war
One year ago today, the former Soviet republic of Georgia began a five-day war with Russia, with disastrous results for civilians on both sides caught in the crossfire. Tensions between the two countries remain high, but as Jacob Resneck reports, today, the atmosphere is calm.

Georgia commemorated last summer's war with a minute of silence at 3 p.m. local time. The scars of the war remain visible; more than 400 Georgian and 160 Russian troops were killed, AND 30,000 civilians were permanently displaced.  Both Russia and Georgia blame each other for starting last year's conflict, which was largely fought over the breakaway region of South Ossetia.  A European Union fact-finding report on the conflict was due to be released last month, but now has been postponed until September.  Fears of a new conflict between Moscow and Tbilisi still exist, though European Union monitors on the ground released a statement yesterday saying the “overall situation remains broadly calm.”  Last month President Mikheil Saakashvili appealed to the United States to sell Georgia arms designed to deter Russia from a new conflict, but the US has so far refused, saying it prefers to focus on education and training for the Georgian military.  The country's political opposition has stepped up attacks on the president, blaming his handling of the war. Russian troops are now permanently stationed in the two self-declared republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia – just a few yards from the Georgian military's front line.  Jacob Resneck, FSRN.

Niger’s President can stay in power after winning referendum
The President of Niger has won a referendum that will change the country’s constitution and allow him to stay in power. President Mamadou Tandja was supposed to step down this coming December after serving his second term; critics say the move to stay in power is a way to enrich himself and his family.  President Tandja dissolved the parliament and the constitutional court in order to push through the referendum.  The European Union has threatened Niger with ‘serious consequences if the President does extend his time in office, and has already suspended aid payments to the central African country.