Worldwide events; zarb e jamhoor newspaper; 142 issue; 22 28 sep, 2013

Birthday of Princess Martha Louise Norway - Sep 22

HUNGARY

Princess Märtha Louise of Norway (born 22 September 1971 in Oslo) is the only daughter of King Harald V and Queen Sonja. She is fourth in the line of succession to the Norwegian throne, after her brother and his two children.

life Early Princess Märtha Louise was born on 22 September 1971 to the then Crown

PM Orbán discuss the expansion of trade between Vietnam President

Prince Harald and Crown Princess Sonja. At birth, she was not in line to the throne, because until 1990, only males could inherit the Norwegian throne (Salic law). She was christened a few months after her birth. Her godparents are King Olav V of Norway, Princess Margaretha of Sweden, Count Flemming of Rosenborg, Princess Ragnhild of Norway, Dagny Haraldsen, Haakon Haraldsen, Nils Jørgen Astrup and Ilmi Riddervold.

In 1973, Märtha Louise was joined by a younger brother Haakon Magnus. In 1990 the Norwegian constitution was altered, granting full cognatic primogeniture to the Norwegian throne, meaning that the eldest child, regardless of gender, takes precedence in the line of succession. This change only affects those born in 1990 or later. Females born between 1971 and 1990 (i.e. only Märtha Louise), were given succession rights, but their brothers would be before them in the line of succession, meaning that Prince Haakon still took precedence over Märtha Louise in the line of succession.

After the births of her brother's two children, Ingrid Alexandra and Sverre Magnus, Märtha Louise was relegated to fourth in line. The princess is also 71st in the line of succession to the throne of each of the sixteen Commonwealth Realms, as a great-great-granddaughter of King Edward VII.

Hungary to become frontrunner in region in 2013-2014: PM Orbán

Education and career Princess Märtha Louise is a certified physiotherapist, following education in Oslo

and internship in Maastricht, the Netherlands. She has not practised her profession, however, choosing instead, from her fascination in traditional Norwegian folk tales as well as a love of music, to establish her own commercial entertainment business based on giving public and televised performances reciting folk tales and singing with well-known Norwegian choirs. In December 2003, she took part in Oslo Gospel Choir's Christmas concert with a solo performance, included on the companion CD album.

On 1 January 2002, after Princess Märtha Louise started her own business, in order to work with more freedom from her constitutional role as a princess, she began paying income tax, and the King, after consulting her, issued a royal edict which removed Princess Märtha Louise's style of Royal Highness (she is entitled to the style Highness when abroad). However, she retains her place in the line of succession, and, though her activities were reduced, she still carries out some public duties on behalf of the King.

After several postponements due to family births and her father's illness, during which the princess took on some representation duties, Princess Märtha Louise and her husband moved to New York City in October 2004. In 2004, her first book, a children's story about the first royal family of Norway was released – Why Kings and Queens Don't Wear Crowns. Accompanying the book is a CD version of the Princess reading her story aloud.

Princess Märtha Louise has studied physiotherapy, trained as a Rosen therapist and studied at an academy for holistic medicine. She claims she can communicate with animals and angels and has started her own alternative medical school named Astarte Education, after one of the oldest goddesses in the Middle East.

On 2 October 2007, Princess Märtha Louise became the first member of the Norwegian Royal Family to ever appear in a court of law as she wanted to halt sales of a book entitled Martha's angels.

In 2007 the Princess was editor of the book "Prinsesse Märtha Louises eventyrlige verden, Eventyr fra jordens hjerte, Rodinia" containing 67 fairy tales from 50 countries.

Princess Märtha Louise's Fund

Her Royal Highness Princess Märtha Louise's Fund was founded on 15 September 1972 and awards funds to projects carried out by non-governmental organisations in order to provide assistance to disabled children under the age of 16 in Norway. Princess Märtha Louise is the fund's chairperson. In 2005 the fund had assets of approximately NOK 13,285,000, and total annual allocations came to about NOK 500,000.

Patronages On 18 January 2006 Princess Martha Louise (along with the rest

of the Norwegian Royal Family) revised her patronage list, and will no longer be a royal patron of any cultural groups including the annual Bjørnson literary festival; her brother Crown Prince Haakon will take over that position. She will only retain six patronage roles, all of them health related. They include the country's foundations for the blind, deaf and those with epilepsy. "With these changes, we want to eliminate possible doubt about role conflicts for the princess." palace spokesman Astrid Versto told newspaper VG. The Norwegian Sports Organisation for the Disabled • The Norwegian Association of the Deaf • Norway Muscular Dystrophy Association • The Norwegian Epilepsy Association • The Norwegian Rheumatism Association • The Norwegian Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted •

Honours • Norway Grand Cross with Collar of the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav

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M r. H a v a s i s a i d t h a t a t the meeting held in the Parliament, Hungarian the Prime Minister and the Vietnamese President had determined the priority goal of establishing a Joint Economic Committee to develop for exopportunities panding trade between the two countries. The main opportunities for expansion are within the fields of water management, healthcare and agriculture, it was decided at the meeting.

Both Viktor Orbán and Tr u o n g Ta n S a n g c a l l e d cooperation between the two countries on nuclear outstanding, training adding that they considered it important for more Vietnamese students to study in Hunwithin the gary Stipendium Hungaricum Program, Scholarship which forms part of the Government's policy of towards the opening East – Bertalan Havasi told the press.

Heritage Day South Africa - Sep 24

Heritage Day, 24 September, is a Public Holiday on which South Africans across the spectrum are encouraged to celebrate their cultural heritage and the diversity of their beliefs and traditions, in the wider context of a nation that belongs to all its people.

Background In KwaZulu-Natal, the 24th of September was known as Shaka Day, in com-

Norway The Royal House Centenary Medal Norway Haakon VIIs Centenary Medal Norway Olav Vs Commemorative Medal of 30. January 1991 Norway Olav Vs Jubilee Medal 1957-1982 Norway Olav Vs Centenary Medal Norway Royal Family Order of King Olav V of Norway Norway Royal Family Order of King Harald V of Norway Denmark Knight of the Elephant Finland Grand Cross of the Order of the White Rose Iceland Grand cross of the Order of the Falcon Jordan Grand Cross of the Order of Al-Kawkab Al Urdoni (Order of the Star of Jordan) Portugal Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Infante Dom Henrique Spain Grand Cross of the Spanish Order of Merit Sweden Grand Cross of the Order of the Polar Star Sweden King Carl XVI Gustaf's 50th Anniversary Medal

memoration of the Zulu King, Shaka. Shaka was the legendary Zulu King who played an important role in uniting disparate Zulu clans into a cohesive nation.

The Public Holidays Bill presented to the Parliament of South Africa at the time did not have the 24th of September included on the list of proposed public holidays. As a result of this exclusion, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), a South African political party with a large Zulu membership, objected to the bill. Parliament and the IFP reached a compromise and the day was given its present title and seen as a public holiday.

of Heritage Day Celebration South Africans celebrate Heritage Day by remembering the cultural heritage of the many cultures that make up the

population of South Africa. Various events are staged throughout the country to commemorate this day.

Former Western Cape Provincial Premier Ebrahim Rasool addressed the public at a Heritage Day celebration at the Gugulethu Heritage trail in 2007 in Gugulethu.

In Hout Bay, there is an army procession and a recreation of the battle fought there.

In 2005, a media campaign sought to "re-brand" the holiday as National Braai Day, in recognition of the South African culinary tradition of holding informal backyard barbecues, or braais.

On September 5, 2007, Archbishop Desmond Tutu celebrated his appointment as patron of South Africa's Barbecue (Braai) Day, affirming it to be a unifying force in a divided country (by donning an apron and tucking into a boerewors sausage). At the end of 2007 National Braai Day changed its name to Braai4Heritage and the initiative received the endorsement of South Africa's National Heritage Council (NHC).

Organiser Jan Scannell announced that the aim is not to have a mass braai, but smaller ones with friends and family.

from birth Titles Here is a list of titles Princess Märtha Louise held from birth in chronological order:

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Photo: Gergely Botár

Photo: Gergely Botár (Online 16 Sep) Both the Hungarian and the Vietgovernments namese would like to improve trade turnover between the two countries, which is currently 120 million dollars, Head of the Prime Minister ’s Press Office Bertalan Havasi Hungarian news told agency MTI following the meeting between Presid e n t o f V i e t n a m Tr u o n g Ta n S a n g a n d P r i m e M i n ister of Hungary Viktor Orbán on Monday in Budapest.

Her Royal Highness Princess Märtha Louise of Norway (1971–2002) Her Highness Princess Märtha Louise of Norway (Since 2002)

Business Women's Day U.S. - Sep 22

New Caledonia Day New Caledonia - Sep 24

American Business Women's Day is an American holiday, nationally recognized on September 22.

September 22 marks the 1949 founding date of the American Business Women's Association, the mission of which is "to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership; education, networking support and national recognition".

This holiday was recognized in 1983 and 1986 by Congressional resolution and a proclamation issued by President Ronald Reagan. It commemorates the important legacy and contributions of the more than 68 million American working women and 7.7 million women business owners.

Moreover, it provides an opportunity for ABWA chapters and individual businesswomen to celebrate their accomplishments within the American and global marketplace.

New Caledonia is a “sui generis collectivity” of France located in the region of Melanesia in the southwest Pacific. It comprises a main island (Grande Terre), the Loyalty Islands, and several smaller islands. Approximately half the size of Taiwan, it has a land area of 18,575.5 square kilometres (7,172 sq mi). The population was estimated in January 2009 to be 249,000. The capital and largest city of the territory is Nouméa. The currency is the CFP franc.

New Caledonia became the overseas territory of France on September 24, 1853. The Day is celebrated as a national holidays in New caledonia since then.

History

Independence Day Mali - Sep 22

Mali officially the Republic of Mali is a landlocked country in Western Africa. Mali borders Algeria on the north, Niger on the east, Burkina Faso and the Côte d'Ivoire on the south, Guinea on the south-west, and Senegal and Mauritania on the west. Its size is just over 1,240,000 km² with a population of 14.5 million. Its capital is Bamako. Mali consists of eight regions and its borders on the north reach deep into the middle of the Sahara, while the country's southern region, where the majority of inhabitants live, features the Niger and Sénégal rivers. The country's economic structure centers around agriculture and fishing. Some of Mali's natural resources include gold, uranium, and salt.

Present-day Mali was once part of three West African empires that controlled trans-Saharan trade: the Ghana Empire, the Mali Empire (from which Mali is named), and the Songhai Empire. In the late 19th century, during the Scramble for Africa, France seized control of Mali making it a part of French Sudan. French Sudan (then known as the Sudanese Republic) joined with Senegal in 1959, achieving independence in 1960 as the Mali Federation. Shortly thereafter, following Senegal's withdrawal from the federation, the Sudanese Republic declared itself the independent Republic of Mali. After a long period of one-party rule, a 1991 coup led to the writing of a new constitution and the establishment of Mali as a democratic, multi-party state. About half the population live below the international poverty line of US$1.25 a day.

Whalers operated off New Caledonia during the nineteenth century. Sandalwood traders were welcome but as supplies of sandalwood diminished, the traders became abusive. The Europeans brought new diseases such as smallpox, measles, dysentery, influenza, syphilis, and leprosy. Many people died as a result of these diseases. Tensions developed into hostilities, and in 1849 the crew of the American ship Cutter were killed and eaten by the Pouma clan.

As trade in sandalwood declined, it was replaced by a new form of trade, “Blackbirding”. Blackbirding was a euphemism for enslaving people from New Caledonia, the Loyalty Islands, New Hebrides, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands to work in sugar cane plantations in Fiji and Queensland. The trade ceased at the start of the twentieth century. The victims of this trade were called Kanakas, a label later shortened to Kanak and adopted by the indigenous population after the French annexation.

New Caledonia was made a French possession in late 1853, a part of an attempt by Napoleon III to rival the British colonies in Australia and New Zealand. Auguste Febvrier Despointes led the expedition that seized the island. Following the example set by the United Kingdom in parts of nearby Australia, France sent a total of 22,000 convicted felons to penal colonies along the south-west coast of New Caledonia between 1864 and 1922. This number included regular criminals as well as political prisoners such as Parisian socialists and Kabyle nationalists.

Towards the end of the penal colony era, free European settlers (including former convicts) and Asian contract workers by far outnumbered the population of forced workers. The indigenous Kanak populations declined drastically in that same period due to introduced diseases and an apartheid-like system called Code de l’Indigénat which imposed severe restrictions on their livelihood, freedom of movement and land ownership.

Celebrations

On the September 24 every year, a parade is held in New Caledonia to mark the day when it became as overseas Territory of France and Admiral Despointes took possession of New Caledonia for France. Other than parade, various events are held mainly in the glamorous capital of New Caledonia.

Armed Forces Day Mozambique - Sep 25

History Mali was once part of three famed West African empires which controlled trans-Saharan tradein gold, salt, slaves,

and other precious commodities. These Sahelian kingdoms had neither rigid geopolitical boundaries nor rigid ethnic identities. The earliest of these empires was the Ghana Empire, which was dominated by the Soninke, a Mandespeaking people. The nation expanded throughout West Africa from the 8th century until 1078, when it was conquered by the Almoravids.

The Mali Empire later formed on the upper Niger River, and reached the height of power in the 14th century. Under the Mali Empire, the ancient cities of Djenné and Timbuktu were centers of both trade and Islamic learning. The empire later declined as a result of internal intrigue, ultimately being supplanted by the Songhai Empire. The Songhai people originated in current northwestern Nigeria. The Songhai had long been a major power in West Africa subject to the Mali Empire's rule.

In the late 14th century, the Songhai gradually gained independence from the Mali Empire and expanded, ultimately subsuming the entire eastern portion of the Mali Empire. The Songhai Empire's eventual collapse was largely the result of aMoroccan invasion in 1591, under the command ofJudar Pasha. The fall of the Songhai Empire marked the end of the region's role as a trading crossroads. Following the establishment of sea routes by the European powers, the trans-Saharan trade routes lost significance.

One of the worst famines in the region's recorded history occurred in the 18th century. According to John Iliffe, "The worst crises were in the 1680s, when famine extended from the Senegambian coast to the Upper Nile and 'many sold themselves for slaves, only to get a sustenance', and especially in 1738–56, when West Africa's greatest recorded subsistence crisis, due to drought and locusts, reportedly killed half the population of Timbuktu."

In the colonial era, Mali fell under the control of the French beginning in the late 19th century. By 1905, most of the area was under firm French control as a part of French Sudan. In early 1959, French Sudan (which changed its name to the Sudanese Republic) and Senegalunited to become the Mali Federation. The Mali Federation gained independence from France on 20 June 1960. Senegal withdrew from the federation in August 1960, which allowed the Sudanese Republic to become the independent Republic of Mali on 22 September 1960. Modibo Keïta was elected the first president. Keïta quickly established a one-party state, adopted an independent African and socialist orientation with close ties to the East, and implemented extensive nationalization of economic resources.

In November 1968, following progressive economic decline, the Keïta regime was overthrown in a bloodless military coup led by Moussa Traoré. The subsequent military-led regime, with Traoré as president, attempted to reform the economy. However, his efforts were frustrated by political turmoil and a devastating drought between 1968 to 1974, which killed thousands of people from famine. The Traoré regime faced student unrest beginning in the late 1970s and three coup attempts. However, the Traoré regime repressed all dissenters until the late 1980s.

The government continued to attempt economic reforms, and the populace became increasingly dissatisfied. In response to growing demands for multi-party democracy, the Traoré regime allowed some limited political liberalization, but refused to usher in a full-fledged democratic system. In 1990, cohesive opposition movements began to emerge, and was complicated by the turbulent rise of ethnic violence in the north following the return of many Tuaregs to Mali.

Anti-government protests in 1991 led to a coup, a transitional government, and a new constitution. In 1992, Alpha Oumar Konaré won Mali's first democratic, multi-party presidential election. Upon his reelection in 1997, President Konaré pushed through political and economic reforms and fought corruption. In 2002, he was succeeded in democratic elections by Amadou Toumani Touré, a retired general, who had been the leader of the military aspect of the 1991 democratic uprising. Today, Mali is one of the most politically and socially stable countries in Africa.

Car Free Day Worldwide - Sep 22

A Car Free Day encourages motorists to give up their car for a day. Organized events are held in some cities and countries. September 22 is World Car Free Day. According toThe Washington Post, the event "promotes improvement of mass transit, cycling and walking, and the development of communities where jobs are closer to home and where shopping is within walking distance".

The events, which vary by location, give motorists and commuterists an idea of their locality with fewer cars. While projects along these lines had taken place from time to time on an ad hoc basis starting with the 1973 oil crisis, it was only in October 1994 that a structured call for such projects was issued in a keynote speech by Eric Britton at the International Ciudades Accesibles (Accessible Cities) Conference held in Toledo (Spain). Thursday: A Breakthrough Strategy for Reducing Car Dependence in Cities Within two years the first Days were organized in Reykjavík (Iceland), Bath (Britain) and La Rochelle (France), and the informal World Car Free Days Consortium was organized in 1995 to support Car-Free Days world wide. The first national campaign was inaugurated in Britain by the Environmental Transport Association in 1997, the French followed suit in 1998 as In town, without my car! and was established as a Europe-wide initiative by the European Commission in 2000. In the same year the Commission enlarged the program to a full European Mobility Week which now is the major focus of the Commission, with the Car-Free Day part of a greater new mobility whole. Also in 2000, car free days went global with a World Carfree Day program launched by Carbusters, now World Carfree Network, and in the same year the Earth Car Free Day collaborative program of the Earth Day Network and the World Car Free Days collaborative.

While considerable momentum has been achieved in terms of media coverage, these events turn out to be difficult to organize to achieve real success (perhaps requiring significant reorganization of the host city's transportation arrangement) and even a decade later there is considerable uncertainty about the usefulness of this approach. The sine qua non of success is the achievement of broad public support and commitment to change. By some counts by advocates (disputed), more than a thousand cities worldwide organized “Days” during 2005. The results have been extremely uneven.

Currently Bogotá holds the world's largest car-free weekday event covering the entire city. The first car-free day was held in February 2000 and became institutionalised through a public referendum.

In September 2007 Jakarta held its Car-Free Day that closed the main avenue of the city from cars and invited local pedestrian to exercise and having their activities on the streets that normally full of cars and traffic. Along the road from the Senayan traffic circle on Jalan Sudirman, South Jakarta, to the "Selamat Datang" Monument at the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle on Jalan Thamrin, all the way north to National Monument Central Jakarta, cars are cleared out for pedestrians. Today the Car-Free Day in Jakarta's main avenue is held every two weeks on Sunday . It is held on the main avenue of the city; Jalan Sudirman and Jalan Thamrin, from Senayan area to Monas (Monumen Nasional) from 6 AM to 12 AM.

National Day Saudi Arabia - Sep 23

Autumnal Equinox Day Japan - Sep 23

Autumnal Equinox Day (秋分の日 Shūbun no hi) is one of the public holidays in Japan that usually occurs on September 22 or 23, at the date of autumnal equinox in Japan Standard Time(autumnal equinox can occur on different dates for different timezones). Due to the necessity of recent astronomical measurements, the date of the holiday is not declared official until February of the previous year. Autumnal Equinox Day became a public holiday on 1948. In 1947 and before, it was the date of Shūki kōreisai ( 秋季皇霊祭), an event relating to Shintoism. Like other holidays, this holiday was repackaged as a non-religious holiday for the sake of separation of religion and state in Japan's postwar constitution.

national independence against the Portuguese. The struggle was initiated by the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique and continued during the 1960s and early 1970s. Independence came not as a result of the armed struggle but only after a socialist-inspired coup took place in Portugal in 1974.

After World War II, while many European nations were granting independence to their colonies, Portugal maintained that Mozambique and other Portuguese possessions were overseas territories of the metropole (mother country), and emigration to the colonies soared. Calls for Mozambican independence developed apace, and in 1962 several anti-colonial political groups formed the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO), which initiated an armed campaign against Portuguese colonial rule in September 1964. However, Portugal had ruled Mozambique for more than four hundred years; not all Mozambicans desired independence, and fewer still sought change through armed revolution.

FRELIMO was founded in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on 25 June 1962, when three regionally based nationalist organizations – the Mozambican African National Union (MANU), National Democratic Union of Mozambique (UDENAMO), and the National African Union of Independent Mozambique (UNAMI) merged into one broad based guerrilla movement. Under the leadership of Eduardo Mondlane, elected president of the newly formed Mozambican Liberation Front, FRELIMO settled its headquarters in 1963 in Dar-es-Salaam.

The Rev.Uria Simango was its first vice-president. Headquartering the movement in Mozambique would not have been practicable because of the intolerance of the Portuguese for nationalist movements and the strength of the police. (The three founding groups had also operated as exiles.) Tanzania and its president, Julius Nyerere, were sympathetic to the Mozambican nationalist groups. Convinced by recent events, such as the Mueda massacre, which peaceful agitation would not bring about independence, FRELIMO contemplated the possibility of armed struggle from the outset, although it did not launch its first attack until September 1964.

Celebrations

Armed force day is one those days, which is celebrated in many countries in order to respect their military organizations together. On this day, all the divisions of the defense together are respected for their huge devotion and dedication towards the country. Though different military organization have their own day, such as Army Day, Air Force Day, Navy Day etc, but the Armed forces Day together celebrates the achievement of all these branches of defense.

Kamarampaka Day Rwanda - Sep 25

Kamarampaka Day commemorates the anniversary of the abolition of the monarchy in 1961 and is marked yearly with the National Assembly. Rwanda is know as the “Land of the Thousand Hills” because of the numerous hills, peaks and valleys.

History

In 1918, Rwanda was mandated by Belgium which implemented of direct rule of the country which caused friction among the tribes of Rwanda. Kamarampaka is a referendum in Rwandan politics that defined if Rwanda was going to develop a Republican political structure or a monarchy political structure.

In 1962, under Prime Minister Gregoire Kayibanda became an independent Republic. In 1973, Major General Juvenal Habyarimana ousted the repressive Kayibanda regime and over the next couple decades Rwanda’s political situation became ever more complicated. The same year brought a society security program providing old-age benefits and workers’ compensation, but was proved to be ineffective. The attempt showed the determination of establishing a modern-day country.

While 1962 remains a far distance memory for the Rwanda population, it was an important date in the country’s history none-the-less.

Celebrations

Food and alcohol consumption is very common special occasions – full meals are never served. For example, a social gathering celebration a sorghum beer – a cereal native to warm regions, grown for grain and animal feed – is placed in the center of the room with multiple straws.

Rwanda has numerous types of dance and music to celebrate special occasions – many dancers also show their bravery and courage through specific dances.

Visitors who are fortunate to see “The Chosen Ones” by the Intore dance Troupe. Guests are often treated with respect and hospitality. The host will taste the food first to ensure you it is not poisoned. Since Rwandans only eat meat one or twice a month, Kamarampaka Day would call for such a meal.

Niklaus of Flüe Day Switzerland - Sep 25

of Chapter 1 of Part 1, Section 2 "The Profession of the Christian Faith" under subheading IV "The implications of faith in one God" an aspect of which is making good use of created things.

My Lord and my God, take from me everything that distances me from you.

My Lord and my God, give me everything that brings me closer to you.

My Lord and my God, detach me from myself to give my all to you.

As a layman with family responsibilities who took his civic duties as an ancestral landowner seriously, Brother Klaus is a model of heroic manhood for many concerned with the flourishing of local communities and sustainable use of open land. He is the patron saint of the German-language association KLB (Katholischen Landvolkbewegung), the Catholic Rural Communities Movement.

El Grito de Lares (The Cry of Lares)— also referred as the Lares uprising, the Lares revolt, Lares rebellion or even Lares Revolution—was the first major revolt against Spanish rule and call for independence in Puerto Rico. The shortlived revolt, planned by Ramón Emeterio Betances and Segundo Ruiz Belvis and carried out by various revolutionary cells established in Puerto Rico, occurred on September 23, 1868, and began in the town of Lares, Puerto Rico.

Seeds for revolt In the 1860s, the government of Spain

was involved in several conflicts across Latin America. It became involved in a war with Peru and Chile, and had to address slave revolts in Cuba. Puerto Rico and Cuba also suffered at the time a severe economic crisis due to increasing tariffs and taxes imposed by a mercantilist Spain on most import and export goods—the Spanish crown badly needed these funds to subsidize its troops in an effort to regain control of the Dominican Republic.

In the mid 19th century in Puerto Rico, many supporters of independence from Spain and others who simply called for liberal reforms were jailed or exiled. However, in 1865 Spain attempted to appease the growing discontent of the citizens of its remaining colonies in the continent by setting up a board of review that would receive complaints from representatives of the colonies and attempt to adjust legislation that affected them. This board, the "Junta Informativa de Reformas de Ultramar" (Overseas Informative Reform Board) would be formed by representatives of each colony, in proportion to their collective population, and would meet in Madrid. The Junta would report to the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Emilio Castelar.

The Puerto Rican delegation was freely elected by those eligible to vote (male Caucasian property owners), in a rare exercise of political openness in the colony. Segundo Ruiz Belvis was elected to the Junta representing Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, something that horrified the then governor general of the island. To the frustration of the Puerto Rican delegates, including their leader, José Julián Acosta, the Junta had a majority of Spanish-born delegates, which would vote down almost every measure they suggested. However, Acosta could convince the Junta that abolition could be achieved in Puerto Rico without disrupting the local economy (including its Cuban members, who frowned upon implementing it in Cuba because of its much higher numbers of slave labor). Once he became prime minister in 1870, Castelar did approve an abolition bill, praising the efforts of the Puerto Rico members, sincerely moved by Acosta's arguments.

However, beyond abolition, proposals for autonomy were voted down, as were other petitions to limit the unlimited power the governor general would have upon virtually all aspects of life in Puerto Rico. Once the Junta members returned to Puerto Rico, they met with local community leaders in a famed meeting at the Hacienda El Cacao in Carolina, Puerto Rico in early 1865. Ramón Emeterio Betances, who supported independence from Spain and had been exiled by the Spanish government twice by that time, was invited by Ruiz and did attend. After listening to the Junta members' list of voted-down measures, Betances stood up and retorted: "Nadie puede dar lo que no tiene" (You can't give away what you don't have.), a phrase that he would constantly use through the rest of his life when referring to Spain's unwillingness to grant Puerto Rico or Cuba any reforms. He would then suggest setting up a revolt and proclaim independence as soon as possible. Many of the meeting's attendants sided with Betances, to Acosta's horror.

Frustrated by the lack of political and economic freedom, and enraged by the continuing repression on the island, an armed rebellion was staged by the pro-independence movement soon after.

Rebellion

Planning stage:

The Lares uprising, commonly known as the "Grito de Lares" occurred on September 23, 1868, but was planned well before that date by a group led by Dr. Ramón Emeterio Betances and Segundo Ruiz Belvis, who on January 6, 1868 founded the "Comité Revolucionario de Puerto Rico" (Revolutionary Committee of Puerto Rico) from their exile in the Dominican Republic. Betances authored several "Proclamas" or statements attacking the exploitation of the Puerto Ricans by the Spanish colonial system and called for immediate insurrection. These statements soon circulated José Julián Acosta throughout the island as local dissident groups began to organize.

That same year, poetess Lola Rodríguez de Tió, inspired by Ramón Emeterio Betances's quest for Puerto Rico's independence, wrote the patriotic lyrics to the existing tune of La Borinqueña.

Secret cells of the Revolutionary Committee were established in Puerto Rico by Mathias Brugman, Mariana Bracetti and Manuel Rojasbringing together members from all sectors of society, to include landowners, merchants, professionals, peasants, and slaves. Most were "criollos" (born on the island). The critical state of the economy, along with the increasing repression imposed by the Spanish, served as catalysts for the rebellion. The stronghold of the movement were towns located on the mountains of the west of the island.

On September 20, Francisco Ramírez Medina held a meeting at his house in which the insurrection was planned and set to begin in Camuyon September 29. The meeting was attended by Marcelino Vega, Carlos Martínez, Bonifacio Agüero, José Antonio Hernández, Ramón Estrella, Bartolomé González, Cesilio López, Antonio Santiago, Manuel Ramírez, Ulises Cancela. Cancela instructed Manuel María González to deliver all of the acts and important papers in regard to the meeting to Manuel Rojas.Template:Unreliabe source On the night of September 19 a Spanish captain stationed in Quebradillas, Juan Castañón, overheard two cell members commenting that on September 29 the troop at Camuy would be neutralized by poisoning the bread rations. Given the fact that September 29 would be a holiday for most laborers, simultaneous uprisings would occur, beginning with the cell in Camuy, and following with the ones in various other points; reinforcements would come in through a ship, "El Telégrafo", and the cells would be reinforced by more than 3,000 mercenaries. Castañón and his men then entered González's residence and confiscated the documents of Medina's meeting and alerted his commanding officer in Arecibo. The cell leaders at the Lanzador del Norte cell in Camuy were soon arrested.

The rebels decided to move up the date of the revolution after the authorities on the island discovered the plan.

Proclamation of the Republic of Puerto Rico:

It was then agreed to first strike at the town of Lares on September 24.

Some 400–600 rebels gathered on that day in the hacienda of Manuel Rojas, located in the vicinity of Pezuela, on the outskirts of Lares. Poorly trained and armed, the rebels reached the town by horse and foot around midnight. They looted local stores and offices owned by "peninsulares" (Spanish-born men) and took over the city hall. Spanish merchants and local government authorities, considered by the rebels to be enemies of the fatherland, were taken as prisoners. The revolutionaries then entered the town's church and placed the revolutionary flag knitted by Bracetti on the High Altar. The flag was divided in the middle by a white Latin cross, the two lower corners were red and the two upper corners were blue. A Roman Catholic Church of white star was placed in the upper left blue corner. According to Puerto Lares and Monument to the Rican poet Luis Llorens Torres the white cross on it stand for the yearning Grito at the Plaza de la Revfor homeland redemption; the red squares, the blood poured by the heroes olución of the rebellion and the white star in the blue solitude square, stands for liberty and freedom. By placing the flag on the High Altar, the revolutionists were giving a sign that the revolution had begun. The Republic of Puerto Rico was proclaimed at (2:00 am local time) under the presidency of Francisco Ramírez Medina at the church and the revolutionaries offered freedom to the slaves who joined them.

Trials and amnesty:

Some 475 rebels, among them Manuel Rojas and Mariana Bracetti were imprisoned in Arecibo. On November 17, a military court imposed the death penalty, for treason and sedition, on all the prisoners. Meanwhile, in Madrid, Eugenio María de Hostos and other prominent Puerto Ricans were successful in interceding with President Francisco Serrano, who had himself just led a revolution against the monarchy in Spain. In an effort to appease the already tense atmosphere on the island, the incoming governor, José Laureano Sanz, dictated a general amnesty early in 1869 and all prisoners were released. Betances, Rojas, Lacroix, Aurelio Méndez, and many more were sent into exile. Juan Ríus Rivera, who as a young man, met and befriended Betances, had joined the pro-independence movement in the island. He became a member of the Mayagüez revolutionary cell "Capá Prieto" under the command of Brugman. Ríus, who had not participated directly in the revolt because at the time he was studying law in Spain, was an avid reader about information pertaining to theAntilles and learned about the failed revolt. He interrupted his studies and traveled to the United States where immediately went to the Cuba Revolutionary "Junta" and offered his services. Juan Ríus Rivera went to Cuba and became the Commanderin-Chief of the Cuban Liberation Army of the west after General Antonio Maceo's death. Mariana Bracetti moved to the town of Añasco, where she died in 1903.

Aftermath Even though the revolt in itself failed, its overall outcome was positive, since Spain

granted more political autonomy to the island.

Spanish journalist José Pérez Morís (sometimes credited incorrectly as Perez Morris) wrote an extensive book against the Grito and its participants that, while biased heavily against them, served as the most accurate account of the events from an historical perspective. From an ideological standpoint, Pérez's editorializations are still widely used by opponents of Puerto Rican independence to denounce what they perceive as the over-glorification of a minor revolt. However, studies published recently point out that the Grito had far more sympathizers—and its logistics were more widespread within Puerto Rico—than the event's duration suggested. During the years immediately following the Grito, there were minor pro-independence protests and skirmishes with the Spanish authorities in Las Marías, Adjuntas, Utuado, Vieques, Bayamón, Ciales and Toa Baja (Palo Seco). Historians also point to the length of Pérez's comments versus his actual reporting of events in his book as a clue: had the event really been the minor revolt he asserted it to be, it would not deserve such an extensive, General Rivera negative treatment.

The Grito de Lares as a holiday:

horse, which he recognized as indicating that the cares of his worldly life (the draft horse pulling a plough) was swallowing up his spiritual life (the lily, a symbol of purity) he decided to devote himself entirely to the contemplative life. In 1467, he left his wife and his ten children with her consent and set himself up as a hermit in the Ranft chine in Switzerland, establishing a chantry for a priest from his own funds so that he could assist at mass daily. According to legend, he survived for nineteen years with no food except for the eucharist. His reputation for wisdom and piety was such that figures from across Europe came to seek advice from him, and he was known to all as "Brother Klaus." In 1470,Pope Paul II granted the first indulgence to the sanctuary at Ranft and it became a place of pilgrimage, since it lay on the Jakobsweg (English: Way of St. James), the road pilgrims travelled on to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. His counsel prevented a civil war between the cantons meeting at the Diet of Stans in 1481 when their antagonism grew. The advice he gave them remains a secret to this day. Despite being illiterate and having limited experience with the world, his is honored among both Protestants and Catholics with the permanent national unity of Switzerland. Letters of thanks to him from Berne and Soleure still survive. When he died, he was surrounded by his wife and children.

He was beatified in 1669. After his beatification, the municipality of Sachseln built a church in his honour where his body was interred. He was canonized in 1947 by Pope Pius XII. His feast day in the Roman Catholic Church is 21 March, except in Switzerland and Germany where it is 25 September.

Prayer citation The new Catechism of the Catholic Church cites a brief personal prayer of St. Nicholas of Flue in paragraph #226

Grito de Lares Puerto Rico - Sep 23

Visionary images Of the many spiritual insights Nicholas received in his visions, one in particular is reproduced often in a reduced log-

ographic format, as a mystical wheel. Nicholas described his vision of the Holy Face at the center of a circle with the tips of three swords touching the two eyes and mouth, while three others radiate outwards in a sixfold symmetry reminiscent of the Seal of Solomon. A cloth painted with the image, known as the meditation prayer cloth associates the symbol with six episodes from the life of Christ: the mouth of God at the Annunciation, the eyes spying Creation both in its prelapsarian innocence and redemption from the Fall at Calvary, while in the inward direction the betrayal by his disciple Judas in the Garden of Gethsamene points to the crown of the Pantocrator sitting in the judgment seat, the glad tidings of the Nativity scene's "Glory to God in the Highest and Peace to his people on Earth" echoes in ear on the right of the head, while the memorial of the Lord's Supper "This is my body, which will be given for you" at the prayers of consecration in the Divine Liturgy of the Mass echoes to the ear on the left of the head.

These six medallions contain additional symbols of acts of Christian kindness: two crutches suggest Visiting the sick as a work of mercy A. hiker's walking stick with travel pouch suggests Hospitality to strangers B. a loaf of bread, fish and a pitcher of water and wine represent Feed the hungry, quench the thirsty C. chains indicate Care for the incarcerated D. Christs garments evoke Clothe the naked E. a coffin reminds us to Bury the dead F. This visual interpretation encapsulates the personal piety of rural peasants, many illiterate, for whom salvation history was expressed in these crucial aspects of God's loving relationship with us and the Christian duty to love of neighbor.

Sanctifying grace flows from the Pascal Victim on the Cross, an image Nicholas described in his vision by the stream, where the Tabernacle sits atop a spring that flows forth covering the earth, echoing the rivers flowing from the Temple in Ezekiel's visions. Such profound insights on the allegorical, anagogical and tropological senses of scripture are often lost in modern biblical exegesis that focuses too narrowly on the literal sense, the historical-critical method.

National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims U.S. - Sep 25

In 2007, Congress designated Sept. 25th as the National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims. Robert and Charlotte Hullinger, of Cincinnati, formed Parents of Murdered Children following the 1978 murder of their 19-year-old daughter, Lisa, while she was studying in Germany. The annual day of observance is on the date Lisa was murdered. The annual National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims gives us all the opportunity to remember those lost to homicide, and honor their memories. The purpose of this day of remembrance is to focus on the impact of murder on families, and communities, and ways to support and serve survivors.

The September Revolution Yemen - Sep 26

Yemen’s September 26, 1962, revolution is a national holiday. The revolution led to the overthrow of the xenophobic and oppressive Imamate that ruled North Yemen for much of the 20th century, ultimately setting the stage for the creation of the modern Republic of Yemen.This day is also known as September Revolution Day.

Ríus

Commemorating the Grito de Lares as a holiday was outlawed by both Spanish and American. authorities in Puerto Rico, during different time periods. The Spanish prohibition lasted until its colonial rule over Puerto Rico formally ended in 1899. Consequently, besides minor yearly events by the people of Lares celebrated afterwards, the Grito was almost forgotten by most people. However, pro-independence supporters such as José de Diego and Luis Lloréns Torres intended to popularize the idea of commemorating the event as a holiday. De Diego, for instance, requested the foundation of the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (which he proposed to the Puerto Rican Legislative Assembly) to occur on 23 September 1911, to coincide with the Grito's anniversary.

In the late 1920s members of the Nationalist Party of Puerto Rico staged minor celebrations in the town of Lares as both historical and fund-raising efforts. When Pedro Albizu Campos gained control over the party, "frivolous" activities related to the Grito (such as the yearly fundraising dance) were terminated, and a series of rituals to commemorate the event in a dignified manner were instituted. One of Albizu's better known quotes is: "Lares es Tierra Santa, y como tal, debe entrarse a ella de rodillas" ("Lares is Sacred Ground, and as such, it must be entered on your knees").

Key to the rituals associated with the Grito is the gift, given by Chilean writer Gabriela Mistral to Albizu's family, of a tamarind tree obtained from Simón Bolivar's estate in Venezuela. The tree was planted at the Plaza de la Revolución with soil taken from the eighteen other Spanish-speaking Latin American countries. Albizu meant to give the Plaza a living symbol of solidarity with the struggle for freedom and independence initiated by Bolivar (who, while visiting Vieques, promised to assist the Puerto Rico independence movement, but whose promise never materialized due to the power struggles surrounding him), as well as a symbol of the bittersweet (as the trees' fruit) hardships needed to reach Puerto Rico's independence. As such, the Tamarindo de Don Pedro was meant to resemble the Gernikako Arbola in theBasque Country between Spain and France.

In 1969, under the administration of Governor Luis A. Ferré, a statehood supporter, Lares was declared a Historic Site by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, and is known as the birthplace of Puerto Rican Nationalism. The Grito is not a national holiday in Puerto Rico , although it is considered as such by the University of Puerto Rico.

Hungary boosts trade ties with Tu n i s i a (Online 20 Sep) State Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Economic Relations Péter Szijjártó held talks on the continuation of the Hungarian-Tunisian Economic Action Plan on Thursday in Budapest, the State Secretary's press chief said.

According to the statement by Éva

Varga, negotiations between representatives of the two countries' education authorities have also begun on the acceptance of 100 Tunisian students to Hungarian universities.

Talks are also underway regarding the modernisation of Tunisian rail stock with Hungarian participation

and on an agricultural product exchange programme, she added. The parties have agreed to hold the next session of the two countries' Joint Economic Committee before the end of this year.

H unga r y c ont r ols Eur ope a n a ut om ot iv e indus tr y : Pé t e r Szijjá r t ó (Online 20 Sep) Hungary has become the stronghold of the European automotive industry thanks to the measures introduced over the last three years, including the restructuring of the tax system, the creation of a flexible Labour Code and the reform of vocational training, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Economic Relations Péter Szijjártó said on Thursday in Szolnok at the inauguration ceremony of the F. Segura Spanish car parts manufacturing factory.

Mr. Szijjártó pointed out that approximately 600 automotive businesses operate in Hungary today, 54 percent of which are domestically owned.

They provide employment to more than 100 thousand people and the value of their production exceeds EUR 15 billion. Audi, Mercedes, Opel and Suzuki all operate and produce in Hungary, Mr. Szijjártó said, listing the major companies present in the country.

The automotive industry is also important to the national economy because an investment of this kind is never stationary, it always generates more and more investments, Mr. Szijjártó said.

President of the Segura Group Francisco Segura Hervás recalled that the company decided to enter the international market in 2005. They chose Szolnok, which they still hold was a good decision, for the great logistics, and especially rail capabilities, the well-trained work force and the support of the state and the local government. The new car parts factory built with a greenfield investment of EUR 23 million provides employment for 120 people. The company is a supplier to the Ford, the Audi and the Volkswagen brand.

Mayor of the city Ferenc Szalay (Fidesz) said that the large stateowned enterprises that provided jobs to tens of thousands of people such as the chemical plants, the furniture

factory, the paper mill and the sugar factory all closed down in the riverside town following the Hungarian regime change, so the foundations of a new industrial structure had to be created. In this spirit, the city has successfully attracted many foreign businesses in recent years, such as Swiss Stadler, American Eagle Ottawa and Irish McHale, and now the Spanish Segura company too, he said.

The Spanish Grupo F. Segura announced in November 2007 in Szolnok that it would be building a car parts manufacturing factory in the city's industrial park. F. Segura Hungária Ltd. will primarily produce stamped and welded car parts.

The Valencia-based company operates as a family business and was founded 44 years ago. It has four factories in Spain and representations in Poland, Portugal and Turkey. However, their first foreign production plant was built in Szolnok.

H unga r y, Finla nd a gr e e EU s hould s t a y int a c t , s a y s Zs olt N é m e t h (Online 19 Sep) Hungary and Finland have an interest in maintaining European Union unity since otherwise fuintegration would be ture compromised, Zsolt Németh, state secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Hungary said in Helsinki on 19 September.

Zsolt Németh held talks in the Finnish capital on the previous day, meeting Eero Heinaluoma, the Finnish parliamentary speaker and head of the Hungarian-Finnish friendship chapter, and other senior officials. He also held talks on bilateral relations at the Finnish foreign ministry.

Finnish lawmakers appeared interested in declaring the third Saturday of October the day of Finno-Ugric

people.This will provide an opportunity to nurture ties between Hungarians and Finns, he said.

Hungary's parliament decided in April to join an Estonian move and designate a day for Finno-Ugric relations to recognise the importance of their culture and language. In the age of globalisation it is more important than ever to support such initiatives, he said, adding that Finland, as the third state with a parliament of Finno-Ugric people, has been invited to follow suit.

Németh said Hungary and Finland are driven by many similar interests, including the position that the Ukraine-EU association agreement should be signed at the next Vilnius

summit in November, organised by the Eastern Partnership Initiative. The two countries are also in agreement that the EU28 should be kept unified, Németh said.

He added that it would not be desirable for a division to be created among euro-zone members and states outside the zone, or northern and southern states or NATO members and non-members. This would be detrimental for the future of the EU, he said.

Németh will continue his trip with a visit to the autonomous region of the Swedish-speaking Aland islands, which are a part of Finland, on 20 September.

Hungary agress agriculture cooperation with Russia

Photo: Gergely Botár (Online 19 Sep) At the meeting of the Hungarian-Russian Joint Economic Committee on Wednesday in Budapest, it was agreed that the agriculture ministries of the two countries would begin preparations for the establishment of joint enterprises in order to increase agricultural trade, State Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Economic Relations of the Prime Minister’s Office Péter Szijjártó said at the press conference following the meeting.

State Secretary Szijjártó, who is also Government Commissioner for Hungarian-Russian Relations, negotiated with Russian Agriculture Minister Nikolai Fyodorov about, amongst others, joint enterprises, roaming charges and visa issues.

Mr. Szijjártó also reported that a strategic agreement has been concluded between the Hungarian Export-Import Bank (Eximbank) and Sberbank of Russia, and also between Eximbank and OTP Bank’s Russian subsidiaries, as a result of which more sources will be available for financing joint venture businesses than ever before. Last year, Eximbank facilitated Hungarian exports to Russia with loans totalling EUR 67.4 million.

Mr. Szijjártó emphasised that the success of Government's policy of opening toward the East, the main pillar of which is the continuous strengthening of Russian-Hungarian relations, is of key importance to Hungary. He recalled that Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in January and agreed that foreign trade turnover between the two countries should be increased such that the current negative balance (from a Hungarian

viewpoint) is equalled out.

Trade between Hungary and Russia totalled USD 11.6 billion last year, consisting of USD 3.3 billion in Hungarian exports and USD 8.3 billion in Hungarian imports, mainly due to the import of energy products. The State Secretary pointed out that trade between the two countries increased significantly in the first five months of this year, by 8 percent between January and May, and Hungarian exports grew by 11 percent, meaning the negative balance decreased somewhat.

Food and agricultural exports, determined as the source for the increase in exports overall, grew by more than 20 percent exceeding USD 125 million – Mr. Szijjártó added.

The State Secretary indicated that agriculture and the food industry currently have only an 8 percent share of exports from Hungary to Russia, so these two areas are the most important sources for increasing Hungarian exports.

Mr. Szijjártó explained that the stateowned Hungarian National Trading House Zrt. is negotiating with the company group that has opened a trading house in Moscow about partial state acquisition of the trading house, in order to better help Hungarian small and medium-sized enterprises to succeed on the Russian market.

He also mentioned that parallel to the meeting of the Joint Committee, negotiations about amendments to the two countries’ aviation agreement have also begun. Wizz Air launches its Budapest-Moscow flight next week, which will take off daily from 23 September, he added.

It was also decided that the two governments would begin negotiations

immediately about decreasing roaming charges and also on increasing the number of Russian university students studying in Hungary with scholarships from 54 to 200; negotiations on the related memorandum are already in progress.

With relation to tourism, Mr. Szijjártó said Russia is the fourth country in terms of the number of tourists that visit Hungary.

Cooperation between the two countries in the construction industry is still active but the State Secretary asked the Minister to help so that more Hungarian companies can participate in the infrastructure projects leading up to the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Nikolai Fyodorov recalled the agreement according to which new momentum should be given to economic relations. He pointed out that the Hungarian trading house has already opened in Moscow and the establishment of more is planned throughout Russia. Cooperation on higher education is also strong between the two countries: 12 agricultural universities are in regular contact with Hungarian higher education institutions.

Russia is trying to help those businessmen and interested parties who see Russia as a partner – Mr. Fyodorov stressed.

Following the press conference and after signing the minutes of the meeting, Rector of the Southwest State University of the Russian Federation Sergey Yemelyanov signed a Memorandum of Understanding with International Vice-Rector of the Budapest University of Technology and Economics Péter Moson on details regarding cooperation on education and science between the two institutions and student exchanges.

H unga r y e s t a blis he s t he D a nube C oor dina t ion C e ntr e (Online 18 Sep) It is high time the Danube Coordination Centre was set up - said Minister of Interior, Sándor Pintér at the opening conference of the Danube River Forum in Budapest. The establishment of the centre and the definition of operation principles is a common task – added the Minister of Interior.

Nine invited countries – Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Moldova, Germany, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia an Ukraine along with numerous EU organizations participate at the two-day conference.

According to Minister Pintér the Danube is a great treasure for Hungary but it can be dangerous as well.

Referring to the winter ice and the

floods of summer, he recalled that the river covered more than 10 thousand acres of land and in Germany and Austria taking several victims as well.

Minister Pintér mentioned that according to a 2011 Europol study the Danube is highly endangered by human trafficking, illegal migration, smuggling and trafficking of drug and weapons. According to the Minister, the European Commission made an appropriate decision by adding the battle against organized crime to the priorities of the Danube Strategy.

As a part of this strategy Hungary establishes the Danube Coordination Centre that has to encompass several fields including water police cooperation, disaster management, civil

protection, common law enforcement, border protection and water traffic management.

The Minister of Interior emphasized that after the financial crisis the increase of passenger traffic and trade can be expected, however this does not only include tourists, but criminals as well. Minister Pintér also added that the South-East border of Hungary has been crossed by 18 thousand people illegally – plenty of them arrived on the rivers. The criminal deeds in the Danube region can be cut back by the appropriate flow of information, cooperation in law enforcement and joint actions – he stressed.

Wa te r c oope r a tion a gr e e m e nt s igne d wit h Vie tna m (Online 17 Sep) Minister for Rural Development Sándor Fazekas and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Cao Duc Phat have signed an agreement on water cooperation.

At the press conference following the signing ceremony, Minister Fazekas said that relations concerning fisheries development, food safety, animal health and training between Vietnam and the Fisheries and Irrigation Research Institute in Szarvas have been in existence for over a decade, and this relationship has now been supplemented with a new field: cooperation on water. Mr. Fazekas expressed his hope that, similarly to previous treaties, the document

signed today would mean the beginning of a long-term partnership between the two countries.

Cooperation on agriculture between Hungary and Vietnam is supported by several inter-ministerial treaties relating to agricultural research and development, crop production, animal husbandry and feed production, water management and forest management.

The Institute for Small Animal Research and Co-ordination Centre for Gene Conservation (KÁTKI) and the Association of Hungarian Small Animal Breeders for Gene Conservation (MGE) have been building excellent professional relations with their Vietnamese partner institutions (including the National Institute of Animal Hus-

bandry in Hanoi) within the field of animal husbandry, and especially poultry and rabbit farming, since 1998.

Also of special importance is the cooperation established between the Hungarian Forest Research Institute and the Forest Science Institute of Vietnam (FSIV), which predominantly concerns the fields of breeding, gene preservation, climate selection and adaptation. Furthermore, at the meeting of the Hungarian-Vietnamese Joint Economic Committee in November 2012 it was also decided that the Research Institute for Animal Breeding and Nutrition (ÁTK) was ready to provide highly advanced technology and professional knowledge to enable Vietnam to begin industrial pig farming.

H unga r y s uppor t s de m oc r a t ic tr a ns ition in My a nm a r (Online 16 Sep) It is important that Burma’s democratic transformation is successfully, Zsolt completed Németh, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said after meeting Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel-prize Laureate member of the Burmese opposition September 13, 2013.

State Secretary Németh told a press conference after the meeting that Burma (Myanmar) should see through its constitutional reform, re-

lease political prisoners and hold free elections in 2015.

He said it was an honour to receive Suu Kyi in Hungary, whose achievements in international politics were a rare example of the force of non-violence that can be likened to Gandhi or Martin Luther King. Hungary will gladly share its experiences in democratic transition with Myanmar and will set up scholarships for Burmese students to study in Hungary.

Suu Kyi said that the democratic tran-

sition is not complete in her country and urged Western democracies to objectively monitor developments in Myanmar. She said the present constitution of Myanmar is not democratic thus democracy is not possible as yet.

Suu Kyi’s two-day visit to Budapest included talks with President János Áder, Minister of Foreign Affairs János Martonyi. She will also held a lecture at Budapest’s Corvinus University.

H unga r y we lc om e s U S– R us s ia a gr e e m e nt on S y r ia (Online 16 Sep) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Hungary welcomes the recent agreement between the US and Russia concerning the elimination of Syria’s chemical weapons, the Ministry announced it in a statement September 14, 2013.

The document labels the deal as an „extremely positive development”, which could lend momentum to political settlement. The Hungarian Gov-

ernment does not see a military solution to the Syria conflict; the crisis should be settled through political means in the long run, the document said. Hungary’s diplomacy welcomes the agreement because it offers a possibility to avoid direct military intervention and fully eliminate Syria’s chemical weapons through diplomatic means.

The statement said that multilateral

forums such as the United Nations or the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons will be instrumental in implementing the agreement, and offered Hungary’s contribution to actual steps following up the deal.

The Hungarian Government expects the UN Security Council to confirm provisions of the deal in a resolution, to be fully implemented by the Syrian regime.

The V4 be gins ne w c oope r a t ion with We s t e r n B a lk a n c ountr ie s (Online 16 Sep) The Visegrád countries (Hungary, Slovakia, Poland and the Czech Republic, the V4) play an important role in cooperation within the region and are now initiating constructive discussions with the countries of the Western Balkans, Minister for Public Administration and Justice Tibor Navracsics announced at a seminar in Budapest on Monday.

At the meeting entitled "For the public administration development of the Western Balkan countries", which Hungary has organised within the framework of its V4 Presidency programme, the Minister emphasised that cooperation within an EU framework poses an excellent opportunity for the Visegrád countries. However, it is also clear that the incorporation of the Western Balkan states - Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia into this advocacy group would further expand horizons. "Our region will only thrive if our cooperation is strong and efficient", Mr. Navracsics said.

The Euro-Atlantic integration of the countries of the Western Balkans requires stability, development and prosperity, and this can only be

achieved through excellent governance, the Minister stressed, adding that the global economic crisis has caused similar problems for most countries, as a result of which national economies are today increasingly reliant on the state. Supporting the EU expansion process remains one of the top priorities of the Hungarian Presidency of the V4, he pointed out.

Hungary took over as President of the Group in July, for a period of one year. In relation to the European Union's expansion policy, Minister Navracsics said that funding is available for member states to hold joint events with the participation of the countries of the Western Balkans and Turkey, which was also represented at the seminar in Budapest. The goal of the seminar was to present the public administration development programmes of the Visegrád Group countries and the three main elements of the Zoltán Magyary Plan launched in summer 2011: human resource management, e-governance and regional public administration.

The Minister also mentioned that the long-term goal of the seminar was the

establishment of a network of experts within which professionals could share their experiences to help shape the public administration of the countries involved. "He who teaches, also learns", Mr. Navracsics said. In his lecture, KIM Minister of State for Public Administration Marcell Bíró presented the Zoltán Magyary Public Administration Development Plan, which publishes a report each year on the work completed and results achieved in the interests of realising better governance (the Good State index).

With relation to the renewal of public administration staff, Mr. Bíró also spoke about performance evaluation practices and the planned, work.based system, as well as about the establishment of the National University of Public Administration. The Minister of State also explained the design of the Good State index, which incorporates several indices that together provide a complex picture of both the state of development of public administration and of public satisfaction.

Coloplast expansion in Hungary creates 700 new jobs

History During the rule of Imam Yahia on the northern part of Yemen,

many attempts to end the rule of Al-Hamiduddine family were staged but they failed until the revolution of 26 September 1962.

The revolution aimed at ending backwardness and isolation, in addition to its six objectives characterized by clear perspective and deep awareness, and determining with precision and objectivity the features of the radical changes in Yemen’s reality in all aspects of life, socially, economically, developmentally, militarily and politically.

The northern part of Yemen became known as “The Arab Republic of Yemen”. The 26th of September Revolution also aimed at mustering up the national forces to free the southern part of Yemen from British occupation. Through purposeful struggle and great sacrifices, the independence of the southern part was achieved on 30 November 1967 and the government of what is called “the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen” was then established there.

As the Yemen people was one and the same in terms of territory, faith and people, national forces worked to attain the goals of the 26th of September Revolution. Dialogue started on Yemen unity as the inevitable fate of Yemenis.

Dialogue continued between the leaders of the two parts of Yemen for more than two decades until the will of the people won and unity of land and man was achieved for the Yemeni people. The unified State was called “The Republic of Yemen”. This historic event was celebrated on 22 May 1990 by the Arab and Islamic worlds. Yemen thus became one, as in the past, and the time of partition was over. With this great achievement and momentous event, Yemen became a democratic State with a new Constitution which guarantees liberties, equality before the law and formation of parties. A new experience started in Yemen, based on multi-party system and free economy.

Celebrations

Celebrations of the Yemeni 26 September Revolution start with litting of a torch at Al-Tahrir Square in downtown of the capital Sana’a. Lighting the torch represents the beginning of the next year of the Yemeni Revolution. The ministers of defense and youth lit the torch in the middle of Al-Tahrir Square at the same spot where the first signal of the revolution of 26 September was launched in September 1962. The torch-lighting festival is attended by Yemeni youth who pour into the capital from various parts of Yemen.

French Community Holiday Belgium - Sep 27

The Belgian French Community Holiday (French: Fête de la Communauté française) is a holiday on September 27, held only in the French Community of Belgium. It is also variously translated as Day of the French Community, French Community Day, Feast Day of the French Community , Festival of the French Community or other variants.

This date was chosen by the French Community of Belgium after an important episode in the Belgian Revolution.

Origin of the date

The Belgian Revolution from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands erupted on the night of August 25, 1830, following a performance of Daniel Auber's sentimental and patriotic opera La Muette de Portici, a tale suited to fire National Romanticism, for it was set against Masaniello's uprising against the Spanish masters of Naples in the 17th century. The play caused a riot, and the crowd poured into the streets after the performance, shouting patriotic slogans, and swiftly took possession of government buildings.

The affable and moderate Crown Prince William, who represented the monarchy in Brussels, was convinced by the Estates-General on September 1 that the administrative separation of north and south was the only viable solution to the crisis. His father rejected the terms of accommodation that he proposed.

King William I attempted to restore the establishment order by force, but the royal army under Prince Frederik was unable to retake Brusselsin bloody street fighting, September 23 to 26. A provisional government was declared in Brussels on September 26, and during the night of the 26-27, the Dutch troops retreated.

Fernand Massart, a Walloon politician active in the 1960s and 1970s, proposed Walloons celebrate on September 27 in commemoration of the victory. On June 24, 1975, the date was chosen by the French Community as French Community Day, and it was first celebrated that same year.

Modern celebrations

Juan

tion, Mr. Orbán said that Hungary would keep the banking tax, which is above the average European level.

Orbán said that the higher-than-average levy was part of the new Hungarian system of sharing public burdens, adding that the Government's goal was to raise the proportion of Hungarian-owned financial institutions in the country, especially important being the reinforcement of OTP Bank, an independent bank that is the country's largest commercial lender, and integrating savings cooperatives.

He added that integration could triple the market share of savings cooperatives to 15 percent. He told a participant from New Zealand that 350,000 people had left Hungary over the past ten years seeking temporary work abroad, which, in proportion to the population, is a relatively low figure in central Europe. He said for instance that more people had migrated from Austria last year than from Hungary.

History It is a public holiday that commemorates the armed struggle for

Political mystic Celebrations The National Day in Saudi Arabia is a celebrated event which holds an important place in the History of Saudi Arabia. After receiving a mystical vision of a lily eaten by a

It is indeed among the most significant events of the 20th century and symbolizes the genesis of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Celebrated on the 23rd of September each year, the National Day in Saudi Arabia represents the identity of the nation and is greatly associated with the unification of the country by the late King Abdul Aziz Bin Abdul Rahman alFaisal al-Saud in the year1932.

In the words of the Minister of Culture and Information of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Dr Fouad Al Farsy "it (National Day in Saudi Arabia) marks the start of the greatest political and social changes the region has ever witnessed".

The day imbibes all the Customs and Traditions in Saudi Arabia and signifies the true spirit of the Saudi Arabian nation.

National Day of Saudi Arabia is truly one of the major events among all the Saudi Arabia Festivals and Events Saudi Arabia's National Day laid the foundation of the nation and its constitution. The Islamic Sharia, was formally accepted as the country's constitution. The Saudi Arabian nation came into existence and Saudi Arabia saw an immense growth in all fields. Based on the principals of Arabic solidarity, Islamic jurisprudence, economic progress, the nation witnessed phenomenal growth and security. The National Day of Saudi Arabia is a day for jubilation and merry making, and also symbolizes the rich Culture of Saudi Arabia.

is why Hungary is opening towards the east. Hungary's Fundamental Law creates a balance between the interests of the individual and the community; the Hungarian government is building a work-based economy instead of a welfare state, he said, adding that there were four million taxpayers in the country now as opposed to only 1.8 million in 2010.

On the subject of relations with the European Union, the Prime Minister said Hungary was not a eurosceptic country and should not be regarded as one, but instead represented a euro-realist approach, and as such Hungary does not plan to join the states which believe that "everything is going well on the continent," as Europe is still unable to find answers to mounting challenges, he said. Hungary will not turn a blind eye to unfavourable trends, but is fully committed to European values and the European community, he insisted.

In response to a participant's ques-

Several nations of the world hold an annual Armed Forces Day to recognize, venerate, and honor their military forces. September 25, 1964: Mozambique Celebrates the formation of the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) by anti-Portuguese groups who then began their armed campaign against colonial rule. This is also known as Revolution Day or the Liberation Forces Day. An Armed Force Day is a day when all people of a nation come together to appreciate and support the armed forces for a day to pay homage to the armed forces.

Saint Nicholas of Flüe (German: Niklaus von Flüe) (21 March 1417 – 21 March 1487) was a Swiss hermit and ascetic who is the patron saint of Switzerland. He is sometimes invoked as "Brother Klaus."

He was born in the canton of Unterwalden, the son of wealthy peasants, and made himself distinguished as a soldier in action against the canton of Zurich, which had rebelled against the confederation. At around the age of 30, he married Dorothy Wiss, a farmer's daughter. They farmed in the municipality of Flüeli in the alpine foothills, above Sachseln on theLake Sarnen. He also continued in the military to the age of 37, rising to the position of captain, reportedly fighting with a sword in one hand and a rosary in the other. After serving in the military, he became a councillor and judge for his canton in 1459 and served as a judge for nine years. He declined the opportunity to serve as Landamman (governor) of his canton.

Following the unification of the Kingdoms of Hejaz and Nejd, the new state was named al-Mamlakah al-ʻArabīyah as-Suʻūdīyah by royal decree on 23 September 1932 by its founder, King Abdul Aziz Al Saud. This is normally translated as "the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia" in English, although it literally means "the Saudi Arab Kingdom".

The word "Saudi" is derived from the element as-Suʻūdīyah in the Arabic name of the country, which is a type of adjective known as a nisba, formed from the dynastic name of Al Saud. Its inclusion indicated that the country's ruler viewed it as the personal possession of the royal family. Al Saud is an Arabic name formed by adding the word Al, meaning "family of" or "House of", to the personal name of an ancestor. In the case of the Al Saud, this is the father of the dynasty's 18th century founder, Muhammad bin Saud (Muhammad, son of Saud).

(Online 17 Sep) Hungary may again become one of the regions frontrunners in 2013-2014, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said at a conference of honorary consuls in Budapest on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Orbán said economic growth this year could surpass "conservative forecasts" of 0.5 percent and the Government has drawn up the 2014 budget with expectations of 2 percent growth. The extensive economic restructuring achieved over recent years should facilitate continued growth after 2014, he added. With growth projected to exceed that of other countries in the region, Hungary may regain the leading position it held in the region before 2002, he said.

Hungary's natural competitors in the next 15-20 years will not be European countries but rather more competitive, emerging markets from Brazil to China, the Prime Minister continued, adding that more balanced export and trade relations are needed, which

All schools are closed for the holiday, though many business remain open. The festival is celebrated with many free concerts featuring francophone acts. These take place throughout the French Community, in cities such as Mons, Namur, Huy, Liège Charleroi and Brussels. Theatrical performances and sporting events also take place in some areas.

The Flemish Community has a parallel holiday called the Flemish Community Holiday, held on July 11. It commemorates the Battle of the Golden Spurs in 1302. It is worth noting that the French Community Holiday celebrates the victory of French speaking Belgians over the Dutch army, while the Flemish Community Holiday celebrates the victory of Dutch speaking Belgians over the French army.

Teacher's Day Taiwan - Sep 28

The Republic of China uses this day to honor teachers' virtues, struggles, and contribution not only to their own students but also to society in general. People often make use of the day to express their gratitude to their teachers, such as paying them a visit or sending them a card. This date was chosen to commemorate the birth of Confucius, believed to be the model master educator in ancient China. In 1939, the Ministry of Education established the national holiday as August 27, the attributed birthday of Confucius.

In 1952, the Executive Yuan changed it to September, stating that it was calculated to be the precise date in the Gregorian calendar. The festival celebration occurs in the temples of Confucius around the island, known as the "Grand Ceremony Dedicated to Confucius" (祭孔大典). The ceremony begins at 6 AM with drum beats. 54 musicians dress in robes with blue belts, 36 (or 64) dancers dress in yellow with green belts. They are led by Confucius's chief descendant (currently Kung Tsui-chang) and followed by ceremonial officers. Three animals—the cow, the goat, and the pig—are sacrificed. The hairs plucked from these sacrificed animals are called the Hairs of Wisdom. In addition, local education institutes and civil offices award certain teachers for their excellence and positive influence.

Photo: Gergely Botár (Online 16 Sep) Danish medical supplies company Coloplast will expand its production capacities in Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Coloplast Vice President Allan Rasmussen announced on Monday.

The investment, totalling HUF 21 billion (EUR 70 million) will create 701 jobs, 426 at Coloplast’s base in the eastern Hungarian town of Nyírbátor and 275 in Tatabánya, north-west of Budapest. The government has contributed 2 billion forints to the project, an amount it will recoup in five years.

Coloplast has been present in Hun-

gary since 2001, employing more than two thousand people, two thirds of whom are women. Its two plants present in the country manufacture 65 per cent of the Coloplast products sold worldwide. Vice President Allan Rasmussen said the recent decision on expanding the Hungarian centres of operation can be explained by the company’s 12 year-long positive experience in the country, in relation to which he praised in particular the performance and expertise of Hungarian workers.

In the past months, Hungary has

been home to a large number of significant international investments, attracted to a great extent by the excellent international reputation of the Hungarian workforce. Car manufacturing companies like Suzuki, Opel, Audi as well global enterprises such as Hewlett-Packard or Procter&Gamble have recently all decided to expand their capacities in Hungary, thus boosting the production sector and creating thousands of new jobs in the country.

H unga r y s igns St r a t e gic Pa r t ne r s hip A gr e e m e nt wit h Sa m s ung (Online 19 Sep) A Strategic Partnership Agreement was signed today by Minister for National Economy Mihály Varga and President of Samsung Electronics Hungary Ltd Lee Kyu-Jin at the company’s Jászfényszaru headquarters. After the signing ceremony, the participants planted a tree as a symbol for the foundation-stone of the new Samsung production facility.

Speaking before the signing ceremony, Mihály Varga said that the new, 22 thousand square-metre production hall – valued at some 30 million US dollars – will create one hundred new jobs. “The Government’s cooperation with Samsung Electronics Hungary has been a good example for the successful harmonization of an adequate Government policy and the goals of

economic stakeholders,” the Minister said. As he stressed, one key economic policy objective of the Government is to boost employment and investment, and improve competitiveness.

The investment programme of Samsung has been sending a positive message about Hungary and the Hungarian economic environment, Mihály Varga pointed out.

South Korea’s Ambassador to Hungary Nam Gvan Pjo welcomed the Partnership Agreement and added that as soon as diplomatic relations between the two countries had been restored, Samsung launched investment projects in Hungary.

President and CEO of Samsung Li Kju Dzsin emphasised that the television factory, to which a new unit was added today, will celebrate its

24th anniversary and a history which has become a success story of Hungarian electronics and television production: the company employs almost 3000 people and its investments total some 160 billion forints. “This facility is one of Europe’s largest television factories and one of the most modern production sites in the world,” he stressed.

President of Samsung Electronics Hungary István Facskó underlined the importance of corporate social responsibility. In November, the Samsung Smart School is scheduled to open in Jászfényszaru, which will provide up-to-date education for primary school pupils and unemployed people aged 18-25 years, whose labour market prospects will be thus improved.

PM Vik t or Or ba n ina gur a t e s Swis s v e ge ta ble oil pla nt (Online 19 Sep) Prime Minister Vi k t o r O r b a n a t t e n d e d t h e i n a u g u ra ti o n c e re mo n y o f a n e w vegetable oil factory built by the Swiss Glencore group in Fo k tő .

The Prime Minister called the 40-billion-forint (EUR 134m) investment a sign of recognition for Hungary's agriculture, and stressed that the new fa-

c i l i ty w o u l d o ffe r 1 2 8 n e w j o b s to th e l o c a l w o rk fo rc e .

Ta l k i n g a b o u t t h e H u n g a r i a n e c o n o m y i n g e n e r a l , Vi k t o r Orbán pointed out that his government had announced new p o l i c i e s i n 2 0 1 0 b a se d o n p ri n c i p l e s o f a l a b o u r-d r i v e n e c o n omy rather than one generated by services, and this is now b e a ri n g fru i t.

Opening one of central Europe's largest vegetable oil plants in Hungary demonstrates that "the country is doing better and is worthy of i n v e s tme n t", h e s a i d .

Gl e n c o re o p e n e d i ts fi rs t p l a n t in Hungary in 1996 and curr e n tl y e mp l o y s a s ta ff o f 3 0 0 .