December 2003

Investigations into November bombings that claimed 62 lives indicated al Qaeda financing. Around 30 arrested including individual suspected of making four bombs used in attacks..

Authorities cracking down on NGOs. Har- assment of staff reportedly increasing, and new law gives state effective control over all NGO activities. President Niazov runs region’s most repressive regime, limiting population’s access to information, restricting travel abroad, and stifling dissent.

Human rights situation remains bleak. In latest move to muzzle dissent, government forced cancellation of conference on death penalty. President Islam Karimov appointed hardline governor of Samarkand region, Shavkat Mirziyoev, as new PM, replacing Utkir Sultanov. Move seen as serious setback for political and economic reform.

Leftist rebel group ELN rejected conditional offer by government to open peace talks. ELN released remaining 5 foreign hostages kidnapped September. One of alleged leaders of FARC rebel group captured by police. FARC and ELN rebels attacked paramilitary village 30 December, killing 40.

Striking teachers clashed with police in protests on 10 December – police used tear gas to quell 5000 strong protest. Indigenous groups, including umbrella organization CONAIE, planning large January protests aimed at ousting President. Gutierrez.

Former mayor of Guatemala City, Oscar Berger, elected president 28 December in peaceful run-off election – in contrast to violence and intimidation of November first round election. Less than half registered voters cast votes.

Demonstrators protested against Aristide government throughout December, in lead up to 200th anniversary of independence on 1 January. Pro-Aristide gang attacked student protesters 5 December, injuring 20. Eight reported killed in protests 22 December, President Aristide’s supporters blamed. At least 41 killed during protests since mid September. Aristide’s offer to end confrontation rejected by opposition. Some Haitian police, sent to protect demonstrators, reportedly joined protests.

Prime Minister Beatriz Moreno resigned 15 December at request of President Toledo, claiming she was victim of smear campaign. Toledo reshuffled cabinet, appointed Carlos Ferrero as PM. One of new ministers resigned within days after accused of corruption. Toledo claims mafia backed by ex- President Fujimori attempting to destabilise government by making unfounded allegations in media.

Opposition claims 3.6m signed November petition calling for referendum to recall President Chavez - well above 2.4m signatures required. Government claimed many signatures fraudulent. Electoral Commission has 30 days from 5 January to determine validity of signatures. Chavez likely to continue to oppose referendum. Chavez met with Cuba’s Fidel Castro in Venezuela 22 December. Border clashes between Venezuelan troops and Colombian paramilitaries raise tensions between the countries – Venezuela tightens security on border.

Court froze activities of main political party after split in party earlier in 2003. U.S. Sec. State Colin Powell, during two-day visit to region, praised Algeria for cooperation in war on terror but urged that April 2004 elections be free and fair. Powell comments bring into question status of Islamic Salvation Front party, currently banned.