59 Issue | Zarb-e-Jamhoore- Newspaper | 19-25 Feb, 2012 by Worldwide Events WWE

Birthday of King Harald V NORWAY - F e b 2 1

Mother Language Day Worldwide - F e b 2 1

Harald V (born 21 February 1937) is the king of Norway. He succeeded to the throne of Norway upon the death of his father Olav V on 17 January 1991. The son of the thenCrown Prince Olav and of Princess Märtha of Sweden, Harald was born at the Crown Prince Residence at Skaugum, Akershus, Norway. A member of the House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg, originally from Northern Germany, Harald became the first Norwegian-born prince since Olav IV, who was born in 1370. Harald V is the formal head of the Church of Norway and the Norwegian Armed Forces. He has two children, Crown Prince Haakon and Princess Märtha Louise. His grandchildren are Maud Angelica (2003), Leah Isadora (2005), Tallulah (2008), Emma Princess Ingrid Alexandra (2004), and Prince Sverre Magnus (2005). Harald has two older sisters: Princess Ragnhild of Norway, Mrs. Lorentzen, (Ragnhild Alexandra, born Oslo, 9 June 1930), who lives in Brazil, and Princess Astrid of Norway, Mrs. Ferner, (Astrid Maud Ingeborg, born Oslo, 12 February 1932), who lives in Oslo. He is 8th in line in the line of succession to the headship of the House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg. He is the great-grandson of Edward VII of the United Kingdom, and 68th in line to the British throne. He is a paternal second cousin to Elizabeth II and the late Princess Margaret and also a maternal first cousin to Baudouin of Belgium and his successor Albert II of Belgium.

n e na ona Mo he Language Day s an obse vance he d annua y on 21 Feb ua y wo dw de o p omo e awa eness o ngu s c and cu u a d ve s y and mu ngua sm was s announced by UNESCO on 17 Novembe 1999 s obse vance was a so o ma y ecogn zed by he Un ed Na ons Gene a Assemb y n s eso u on es ab sh ng 2008 as he n e na ona Yea o Languages n e na ona Mo he Language Day o g na ed as he n e na ona ecogn on o Language Movemen Day wh ch has been commemo a ed n Bang adesh o me y Eas Pak s an s nce 1952 when a numbe o s uden s nc ud ng he s uden s o he Un ve s y o Dhaka we e k ed by he Pak s an po ce n Dhaka du ng Benga Lan guage Movemen p o es s

History On 21 Ma ch 1948 Mohammed A

J nnah ohe Gove no gene a o Pak s an dec a ed Shaheed M nar or he Mar yr s monumen ha U du wou d be he on y o c a an ca ed a Dhaka Un vers y Campus Bang adesh guage o bo h Wes and Eas Pak s an commemora es he sacr ce or Bang a LanThe peop e o Eas Pak s an now guage on 21 February 1952 Bang adesh hav ng mo he anguage Bang a s a ed o p o es aga ns h s On 21 Feb ua y 1952 8 h Fa gun 1358 n he Bang a ca enda s u den s n he p esen day cap a c y o Dhaka ca ed o a p ov nc a s ke The gove nmen nvoked a m ed cu ew o p even h s and he p o es s we e amed down so as o no b eak he cu ew The Pak s an po ce ed on he s uden s desp e hese peace u p o es s and a numbe o s uden s we e k ed Fou o hem we e Abdus Sa am Ra q Udd n Ahmed Abu Ba ka and Abdu Jabba

International observances

The L nguapax P ze s p esen ed annua y on n e na ona Mo he Language Day UNESCO se s he heme o each n e na ona Mo he Language Day and ho ds e a ed even s a s head qua e s n Pa s on o a ound 21 Feb ua y each yea n 2008 he n e na ona Yea o Languages was o ma y aunched on n e na ona Mo he Language Day

Independence Day St. LUCIA - F e b 2 2

Childhood and education Prince Harald was born in

Skaugum. The young prince was baptised in the Royal Chapel in the Royal Palace in Oslo on 31 March by Bishop Johan Lunde. In 1940 the entire royal family had to flee their homes because of the German invasion. The dramatic journey northbound was marked by the Germans' repeated attempts to kill the King through bombing. It was deemed safer for the family to split up. The King and Crown Prince Olav would remain in Norway and the Crown Princess was to make her way to Sweden with the three children. The latter party reached Sweden on the night of 10 April, but although Crown Princess Märtha was Swedish-born, they encountered problems at the border station. According to Princess Astrid and others who were present, they were admitted only after the driver threatened to ram the border gate. Another account does not describe the escape so dramatically. However when the King and Crown Prince inquired of Swedish foreign minister Christian Günther whether they could sleep one night in Sweden without being interned, they were denied. Prince Harald spent the following days in Sälen before relocating to Prince Carl Bernadotte's home in Frötuna on 16 April. On 26 April the group moved to Drottningholm in Stockholm. Accounts tell us that King Gustaf V had an amicable relationship with his Norwegian guests, but the topic of the war in Norway was not to be raised. However, influential Swedish politicians including Minster of Justice Westman wanted the Crown Princess and Prince Harald to be sent back to Norway so he could be proclaimed King by the Germans. After the King and Crown Prince had to leave Norway on 7 June they felt Sweden might not be the best place for the rest of the family. They started planning for them to be relocated to the USA. On 17 August the Crown Princess and her children left for the USA from Petsamo, Finland, aboard the ship American Legion. Harald and his mother and sisters lived in Washington, D.C., during the war, while his father, Prince Olav, and his grandfather, King Haakon, stayed in London with the Norwegian government-in-exile. One of the notable events he remembers from that time is standing behind Franklin D. Roosevelt when he was sworn in for his fourth term on the South Portico of the White House in 1945. Such childhood experiences are reflected in a trace of an American accent when he speaks English. The Doris Kearns Goodwin book No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and the Home Front in World War II contains a picture of the King (Then Prince) playing with FDR's dog, Fala, on the North Lawn of the White House in 1944. Prince Harald visited Norwegian servicemen on training in the United States. The prince also visited outside America, travelling north to visit Norwegians training in Canada's "Little Norway" in Ontario, Canada. He attended The White Hall Country School from 1943. Prince Harald returned to Norway along with his family at the war's end in 1945. In the autumn of 1945 he was enrolled in third grade of Smestad skole as the first royal to attend a public school. In 1955 he graduated from Oslo katedralskole and in the autumn of that year, Harald began studies at the University of Oslo. Later he attended the Cavalry Officers' Candidate School at Trandum, followed by enrollment at the Norwegian Military Academy, from which he graduated in 1959. In 1960, Harald entered Balliol College, Oxford where he studied history, economics and politics. He was a keen rower during his student days at Oxford. In 1960 he also made his first official journey abroad, visiting the United States in connection with the fiftieth anniversary of the American Scandinavian Foundation.

life Adult The Crown Prince

of served as Norway deputy of the King from the day he was 18 years of age. Crown Prince Harald attended Council of State for the first time on 27 September 1957 and took the oath to the Constitution of Norway on 21 February 1958. In the same year, he also served as regent in the King's absence for the first time. Harald married a commoner, Sonja Harat Oslo aldsen, Domkirke in Oslo on 29 August 1968, a marriage that sparked much pub- 15 February The K ng and Queen are presen ed w h he Governlic controversy. The couor he r 75 h ann versar es a ser es o exh b ons en ple have two children, men s g Princess Märtha Louise ed and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon, heir to the Norwegian throne. The King heads the government meetings at Oslo Palace every Friday (Council of State). He also has weekly meetings with the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister. He receives foreign envoys, and opens parliament every September. According to the Norwegian constitution, he appoints his government. Since 1884 parliamentarism has been in place in Norway, so the government has to have support from Parliament. The King appoints the leader of the parliamentary block with majority as prime minister. When the parliamentary situation is unclear the king relies on the advice of the president of Parliament and the sitting prime minister. He travels extensively throughout Norway and makes official state visits to other countries. An avid sailor, Harald represented Norway in the yachting events of Olympic Games in Tokyo in 1964 and in Mexico City in 1968 and the Munich 1972. The Crown Prince carried the Norwegian flag at the opening parade of the 1964 Summer Olympics. In 1994, both the King and Crown Prince Haakon played roles during the opening ceremony of the Lillehammer Olympics. The King declared opened the games, while the Crown Prince lit the cauldron, paying tribute to both the King and his grandfather as Olympians. The King has also represented Norway at opening ceremonies of Olympic Games, among them Torino and Beijing. However, he wasn't present in Vancouver, the Crown Prince attended instead. With his sailing crew he won World Championship bronze, silver and gold medals, in 1988, 1982, and 1987, respectively. In July 2005, the King and his crew aboard the royal sailboat Fram XV won the gold medal at the European Championships in Sweden. In the 2007 World Championship the King obtained a sixth place. Twice during recent years King Harald has been absent as ruler owing to hospitalization and convalescence: in December 2003 to mid-April 2004 due to urinary bladder cancer, and in April to early June 2005 due to aortic stenosis (for details see "The King's health", below). Crown Prince Haakon served as the country's regent on both occasions.

Positions as King of Norway and honorary titles As King of Norway:

The King is the nominal head of the Church of Norway. He is a Four-star General, an Admiral and formally the Supreme Commander of the Norwegian Armed Forces. The infantry battalion His the King's Majesty Guard are considered the King's and the Royal Family's bodyguards, they guard the Royal residences, including the Royal Palace and the Crown Prince Residence at Skaugum, as well as the Royal Mausoleum at Akershus Castle.

Honorary tles:

ti-

29 January K ng Hara d a ends he consecra on o A e Sommer-

In the British Army, the e d he new B shop o he b shopr c o Borg (Pho o L nn Ca hr n King was the final O sen / Scanpx) Colonel-in-Chief of the Green Howards. It remains to be seen whether there will continue to be an active association between the 2nd Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards) and the Norwegian Royal Family. He is also an honorary Colonel in the British Royal Marines. The King is a Knight of the Garter, and is The Grand Master of the Order of St. Olav. He is also a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order, and a recipient of the Royal Victorian Chain as well as numerous other orders of chivalry. The King is patron of the Anglo-Norse Society in London, together with Queen Elizabeth II. He is also patron of the Norwegian-American Foundation (Norge-Amerika Foreningen) and the Norse Federation(Nordmanns-Forbundet) in the United States. He received the honorary degree Doctor of Civil Law from Oxford University in 2006 (as did his father, King Olav, in 1937, and his grandfather, King Haakon, in 1943). The King has earlier been appointed an honorary doctor of law by the University of Strathclyde (1985) in 26 January K ng Hara d a ends he Norweg an champ onsh ps n and by Nord c d c p nes a Voss Scotland University Waseda (2001) in Japan (2001). He is also an honorary fellow at Balliol College, Oxford. King Harald V is Honorary President of the Offshore Racing Congress and also the Co-President of Honour of the International Sailing Federation with the King Constantine II of Greece. He holds the degree of Prince of the Holy Roman Empire due to his old German ancestry.

Other honours:

Norway - Grand Master of the Royal Norwegian Order of St Olav Grand Cross with collar of the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav Norway - Grand Master of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit - Grand Cross Norway - St Olav's medal Norway - Defence Service Medal with Laurel Branch Norway - The Royal House Centenary Medal Norway - Haakon VIIs Commemorative Medal 1. October 1957 Norway - Haakon VIIs Jubilee Medal 1905–1955 Norway - Haakon VIIs Centenary Medal Norway - Olav Vs Commemorative Medal of 30. January 1991 Norway - Olav Vs Jubilee Medal Norway - Olav Vs Centenary Medal Norway - Defence Service Medal with three stars Norway - Army National Service Medal with three stars Norway - Krigsdeltakerforbundet Badge of Honour Norway - Norwegian Red Cross Badge of Honour Norway - Norwegian Reserve Officers Federal Badge of Honour Norway - The Naval Society Medal of Merit in gold Norway - Norwegian Shooting Society Badge of Honour Norway - The Norwegian Confederation of Sports Centenary Medal Norway - Norwegian Shooting Society Commemorative Medal in gold Norway - Oslo Military Society Badge of Honour in Gold United Kingdom - Knight of the Order of the Garter Commonwealth realms - Royal Victorian Chain Commonwealth realms - Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order United Kingdom - Honorary Freedom of Newcastle upon Tyne 14 - 15 January K ng Hara d Denmark - Grand Commander of the Order of the Dannebrog and Queen Son a a end he Denmark - Knight with Collar of the Elephant 40 h ann versary o Queen MarFinland - Commander Grand Cross of the Order of the White Rose gre he as Regen o Denmark Iceland - Grand cross with Collar of the Order of the Falcon Here hey arr ve or he ga a Sweden - Knight with Collar of the Order of the Seraphim Sweden - Gustaf Vs 90th Anniversary Medal banque a Chr s ansborg Sweden - HM King Carl XVI Gustaf 50th Anniversary Medal Austria - Decoration of Honour for Merit Belgium - Grand Cross of the Order of Leopold Brazil - Grand Collar of the Order of the Southern Cross Bulgaria - Grand Cross of the Order of Stara Planina Estonia - The Collar of the Cross of Terra Mariana France - Grand Cross of the Légion d'honneur Germany - Grand Cross 1. class of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany Greece - Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Redeemer Greece - The Royal House of Greece Centenary Medal Hungary - Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Hungarian Republic IOC - The Golden Olympic order Italy - Grand Cross with Collar of the Italian Order of Merit Japan - Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the Chrysanthemum Jordan - Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of al-Hussein bin Ali Yugoslavia - Order of the Yugoslav Great Star Latvia - Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of the Three Stars Lithuania - Grand Cross of the Order of Vytautas the Great Luxembourg - Grand Cross of the Order of Adolph of Nassau Luxembourg - Grand Cross of the Order of the Gold Lion of the House of Nassau Luxembourg - Medal to commemorate the wedding of Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Josephine-Charlotte Netherlands - Grand Cross of the Order of the Netherlands Lion Netherlands Grand Cross of the Order of the Crown Netherlands - The Order of the Golden Ark Netherlands - Medal to commemorate the enthronement of Queen Beatrix Poland - Grand Cross of the Order of the White Eagle Portugal - Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of St. James of the Sword Portugal - Grand Cross of the Order of Aviz Portugal - Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Infante Dom Henrique Romania - Grand Cross of the Order of the Star of Romania Spain - 1,192nd Knight and Collar of the Order of the Golden Fleece in 1995 Spain - Grand Cross Collar of the Order of Charles III South Africa - Grand Cross of the Order of Good Hope Thailand - Knight Grand Cordon of the Order Chula Chom Klao (First Class) Ireland - Freedom of the City of Cork. A 230 000 km² area in Antarctica is named Prince Harald Coast in his honour. In 2007 King Harald was awarded the Holmenkollen medal with Simon Ammann, Frode Estil, Odd-Bjørn Hjelmeset, and his wife Queen Sonja.

Health  On 1 December 2003, King Harald was announced to be suffering from bladder cancer. A successful

operation took place on 8 December at Norway's National Hospital, Rikshospitalet, in Oslo: his bladder was removed and a new one constructed. The King was then on sick leave from all official duties. Crown Prince Haakon was Norway's regent during King Harald's illness and convalescence. The King resumed his duties on 13 April 2004. The King was once known to be a chain-smoker, but quit that habit entirely when he was diagnosed  with cancer. On 1 April 2005 Harald underwent successful heart surgery, an aortic valve replacement, correcting  his aortic stenosis. It had been known for some time that he had this condition; however, until early 2005 it had only been of a moderate degree. During the three-hour operation atRikshospitalet the doctors also performed a coronary bypass procedure on the King. On 10 April it was announced that the King had also undergone a pericardiocentesis to treat a complication of surgery, a pericardial effusion (an accumulation of fluid around the heart). After the two operations in the spring of 2005, King Harald remained on sick leave for almost two  months, Crown Prince Haakon again substituting as the country's regent. The King returned to work on 7 June, a date which carried particular significance in 2005, with Norway celebrating the centennial of the dissolution of the 1814–1905 union with Sweden. The King recuperated well enough to win the European Championships in ocean sailing just three months after his latest operation. Following advice from his personal physician, King Harald finally decided in late 2005 to scale down  his official duties, primarily effected by taking Wednesdays off and trying to keep weekends free as much as possible. However, he planned to continue attending weekend sports events of interest, and to lead Friday Cabinet meetings and carry out other constitutional duties.

Patronages The Royal Norwegian Society of Sciences and Letters

                              

The National Rifle Association of Norway The Norwegian Association of UN Veterans The Norwegian Reserve Officers’ Federation Norges Militære Kameratforeningers Forbund ("The Norwegian Federation of Military Associations") The Norse Federation The Norway-America Association Det Nasjonale Aldershjem for Sjømenn ("The Norwegian Seamen’s Retirement Home") Norsk Anchorite Klubb ("The Norwegian Anchorite Club") The Norwegian Association of Hunters and Anglers The Norwegian Bible Society The Norwegian Seamen’s Church – Church of Norway Abroad The Offshore Northern Seas Foundation The Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra The Norwegian Academy of Technological Sciences Bergen International Festival The Norwegian Cancer Society Lions Clubs International – Norway Nasjonalforeningen for folkehelsen ("The National Association for Public Health") The Norwegian Olympic Committee and Confederation of Sports The Norwegian Choir Association The Norwegian Forestry Society Friends of the Earth Norway/Norwegian Society for the Conservation of Nature Ridderrennet ("The Knights’ Race", a Norwegian skiing event for the blind and mobility impaired) The Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue The Sons of Norway Foundation The American-Scandinavian Foundation The Anglo-Norse Society The Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota Skogfjorden, the Norwegian language program of Concordia Language Villages, Bemidji, Minnesota Oslo Militære Samfund

Patrilineal descent

Harald's patriline is the line from which he is descended father to son. Patrilineal descent is the principle behind membership in royal houses, as it can be traced back through the generations - which means that if Harald V were to choose an historically accurate house name it would be Oldenburg, as all his male-line ancestors have been of that house.

House of Oldenburg:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27.

Egilmar I of Lerigau, dates unknown Egilmar II of Lerigau, d. 1142 Christian I of Oldenburg, d. 1167 Moritz of Oldenburg, d. 1209 Christian II of Oldenburg, d. 1233 John I, Count of Oldenburg, d. 1275 Christian III, Count of Oldenburg, d. 1285 John II, Count of Oldenburg, d. 1314 Conrad I, Count of Oldenburg, 1300–1347 Christian V, Count of Oldenburg, 1340–1423 Dietrich, Count of Oldenburg, 1398–1440 Christian I of Denmark, 1426–1481 Frederick I of Denmark, 1471–1533 Christian III of Denmark, 1503–1559 John II, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg, 1545–1622 Alexander, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg, 1573–1627 August Philipp, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Beck, 1612–1675 Frederick Louis, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Beck, 1653–1728 Peter August, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Beck, 1696–1775 Prince Karl Anton August of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Beck, 1727–1759 Friedrich Karl Ludwig, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Beck, 1757–1816 Friedrich Wilhelm, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg, 1785–1831 Christian IX of Denmark, 1818–1906 Frederick VIII of Denmark, 1843–1912 Haakon VII of Norway, 1872–1957 Olav V of Norway, 1903–1991 Harald V of Norway, b. 1937

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How it started

Th nk ng Day was s c ea ed n 1926 a he ou h G Gu de G Scou n e na ona Con e ence he d a G Scou s o he USA s Camp Ed h Macy now ca ed Ed h Macy Con e ence Cen e Con e ence a en dees dec ded ha he e shou d be a spec a day o G Scou s and G Gu des om a ound he wo d o h nk o each o he and g ve hanks and app ec a on o he s s e G Scou s The de ega es chose Feb ua y 22 as he da e o Th nk ng Day because was he mu ua b hday o Lo d Baden Powe ounde o he Boy Scou movemen and h s w e O ave who se ved as Wo d Ch e Gu de To emphas ze he g oba aspec o Th nk ng Day membe s a he 30 h Wo d Con e ence he d n e and n 1999 changed he name om Th nk ng Day o Wo d Th nk ng Day

Republic Day GUYANA - F e b 2 3

Mash aman o en abb ev a ed o Mash s an an nua es va ha ce eb a es Guyana becom ng a Repub c n 1970 The es va usua y he d on 23 Feb ua y – Guyanese Repub c Day – nc udes a pa ade mus c games and cook ng and s n ended o commemo a e he B h o he Repub c The wo d Mash aman s de ved om an Ame nd an an guage and n ans a on means he ce eb a on o a ob we done s p obab y he mos co ou u o a he coun y s es va s The e a e spec acu a cos ume compe ons oa pa ades masque ade bands and danc ng n he s ee s o he accompa n men o s ee d um mus c and ca ypsos Masque ades equen he s ee s pe o m ng ac oba c dance ou nes a v v d em nde o Guyana s A can he age Ca ypso compe ons w h he w y soc a commen a es a e ano he n eg a pa o Mash and h s cu m na es n he co ona on o a K ng o Queen o he pa cu a yea

Origin

The Jaycees o L nden had s nce Guyana became ndependen n 1966 been o gan z ng an ndependence Ca n va n Mackenz e When Guyana became a Repub c n Feb ua y 1970 hey o med a Jaycees Repub c Ce eb a ons Comm ee Bas Bu che was se ec ed as Cha man bu due o h s be ng se ec ed o ou Aus a a w h he Wes nd es C cke Team J m B ackman was appo n ed as he Depu y o ca y on A b oad based comm ee nc ud ng esou ce pe sonne such as Wo dswo h McAnd ew A hu Seymou and Ad an Thompson began he o gan za on o he Ca n va ac v es The sea ch o a name o ep ace Ca n va began and was sugges ed by Bas Bu che ha an Ame nd an name be chosen Th s was ag eed o and seve a nd v dua s nc ud ng M A an F ed kou an Ame nd an we e con ac ed M F ed kou he d d scus s ons w h h s g and a he who exp a ned a ype o Fes va ha was he d by Ame nd ans wheneve hey ga he o ce eb a e a spec a even Th s even he sa d was ke Mus e Many o Mash meh n Ame nd an and sounded n A awak ke Mash aman S eps we e aken o con m h s Ad an Thompson conc uded ha s nce no one cou d have con med o den ed ha he A awak wo d o Fes va was Mash aman hen he Fes va cou d be ca ed Mash aman On 23 Feb ua y 1970 he Fes va ca ed Mash aman was a huge success w h peop e d awn om a Reg ons o Guyana o L nden we com ng Guyana s s a us as a epub c w h ove h ee days o o c and un A e w ness ng he mass ve c owds g e and eve o compe on M Dav d S ngh a Gove nmen O c a he d d scuss on w h he Jaycees Comm ee abou b ng ng he even o Geo ge own he na on s cap a App ova was a so g ven by he hen P es den Fo bes Bu nham o Mash o be a Na ona Even o he Repub c ce eb a on Mash ac v es we e o a ed n L nden Be b ce and Geo ge own bu due o sponso sh p he Cos ume Bands con es ema ned n Geo ge own

Celebration

W h Guyana be ng as a ge as s peop e ave om m es ou o own o be a pa o he ce eb a ons ch d en ood and a because hey see h s day as a day o ce eb a on The Mash Day dep c s a h ve o ac v y om V ss ngen and v ng s ee s a he way o he Na ona Pa k w h an a o expec ancy Thou sands o peop e summon o he s ee s o pa c pa e n he annua Mash aman ce eb a ons wh ch has been a pa o Guyanese cu u e o ove 30 yea s Mash aman Day s cons de ed o be he u ma e pa y and you day Bo h men and women a ke d ess up n cos umes ha a e b gh and co o u When comes o cos umes on Mash Day eve y s he name o he game he mo e es ve and ve y he cos ume he be e

Defender of the Fatherland Day RUSSIA - F e b 2 3

De ende o he Fa he and Day s a ho day ob se ved n Russ a Uk a ne Be a us and seve a s ce o he o me epub cs o he Sov e Un on eb a ed on Feb ua y 23

History The ho day ma ks he da e n 1918 du ng he Russ

an C v Wa when he s mass d a n o he Red was A my occu ed n Pe og ad and Moscow o g na y known as Red A my Day n 1949 was enamed Sov e A my and Navy Day Fo ow ng he a o he Sov e Un on n 1991 he ho day was g ven s cu en name

Celebrations O c a y as he name sugges s

he ho day ce eb a es peop e who a e se v ng o we e se v ng he Russ an A med Fo ces bo h men and women bu uno c a y na ona y has a so mo e ecen y come o nc ude he ce eb a on o men as a who e and o ac as a coun e pa o n e na ona Women s Day on Ma ch 8 The ho day s ce eb a ed w h pa ades and p ocess ons n hono o ve e ans and women a so g ve sma g s o he Russ an men n he ves espec a y husbands o boy ends a he s and sons As a pa o he wo kp ace cu u e women o en g ve g s o he ma e co wo ke s Consequen y n co oqu a usage he ho day s o en e e ed o as Men s Day

Variations n Ta k s an he ho day s known as Ta k Na ona A my Day

n Chechnya and ngushe a h s ho day s ce eb a ed w h m xed ee ngs because Feb ua y 23 1944 s he da e o he mass depo a ons o Chechens and ngush o Cen a As a See a so Ope a on Len Pop u a on ans e n he Sov e Un on The en e ho day s ex eme y con ove s a o Chechens and ngush because o he da e

Día de la Bandera MEXICO - F e b 2 4

D a de a Bande a F ag Day s a na ona ho day n Mex co F ag Day s ce eb a ed eve y yea on Feb ua y 24 s nce s mp emen a on n 1937 was es ab shed by he P es den o Mex co Gen e a Láza o Cá denas be o e he monumen o Gene a V cen e Gue e o s o p edge a eg ance o he Mex can ag on Ma ch 12 1821 When he P edge s ec ed s cus oma y o sa u e he ag w h he a sed a m Be amy Sa u e wh e speak ng When he ag s be ng pa aded he a m s he d ac oss he ches pa m pa a e o he g ound

Independence Day (1918) ESTONIA - F e b 2 4

o a he Repub o E on a E on an Ee Vaba a a e n he Ba eg on o E on a E on an Ee bo de ed o he no h b he Gu o F n and o he we b he Ba Sea o he ou h b La a No he n Eu ope 343 m and o he ea b La e Pe p and he Ru an Fede a on 338 6 m A o he Ba Sea e Sweden n he we and F n and n he no h The e o o E on a o e 45 227 m2 17 462 q m and n uen ed b a empe a e ea ona ma e The E on an a e a F nn peop e and he o a anguage E on an o e e a ed o F nn h Ta nn W h a E on a a demo a pa amen a epub d ded n o 15 oun e The ap a and a ge one o he ea popu ou membe o he Eu opean Un on Eu o one and NATO popu a on o 1 34 m on E on a ed a a H gh n ome E onom E on a ha he h ghe GDP pe pe on among o me So e epub an OECD mem b he Wo d Ban a an ad an ed e onom b he n e na ona Mone a Fund and he oun E on a a a de e oped oun w h a be The Un ed Na on a o an ed Human De e opmen nde o Ve H gh The oun eedom e onom eedom demo a and po a h gh o p e eedom and edu a on

Ev dence has been ound o hun ng and sh ng commun es ex s ng a ound 6500 BC nea he own o Kunda n no he n Es on a Bone and s one a e ac s s m a o hose ound a Kunda have been d scove ed e sewhe e n Es on a as we as n La v a no he n L huan a and n sou he n F n and The Kunda cu u e be ongs o he m dd e s one age o Meso h c pe od The end o he B onze Age and he ea y on Age we e ma ked by g ea cu u a changes The mos s gn can was he ans on o a m ng wh ch has ema ned a he co e o he economy and cu u e Be ween he 1s o 5 h cen u es AD es den a m ng was w de y es ab shed he popu a on g ew and se emen ex panded Cu u a n uences om he Roman Emp e eached Es on a The s men on o he peop e nhab ng p esen day Es on a s by he Roman h s o an Tac us who n h s book Ge man a ca AD 98 desc bes he Aes be Tac us men ons he e m o ambe n an appa en y La n sed o m g esum c La v an g sas Th s s he on y wo d o he anguage eco ded om an qu y n sp e o h s po n he Aes a e gene a y cons de ed he ances o s o he a e Ba c peop es A mo e oub ed and wa dden m dd e on Age o owed w h ex e na dange s com ng bo h om he Ba c bes who a acked ac oss he sou he n and bo de and om ove seas Seve a Scand nav an sagas e e o e a a o y campa gns aga ns Es on a Es on an p a es conduc ed s m a a ds aga ns he V k ngs The pagan a de s who sacked he Swed sh own o S g una du ng he ea y M dd e Ages n 1187 we e Es o n ans n he 1s cen u es AD po ca and adm n s a ve subd v s ons began o eme ge n Es on a Two a ge subd v s ons appea ed he p ov nce Es on an k he kond and he and Es on an maakond The p ov nce comp sed seve a e de sh ps o v ages Nea y a p ov nces had a eas one o ess The de ense o he oca a ea was d ec ed by he h ghes o c a he k ng o e de By he 13 h cen u y he o ow ng ma o ands had deve oped n Es on a Reva a Ha umaa Saa emaa H umaa Läänemaa A empo s Saka a Ugand Jogen agana Soopoo se Va ga Mõhu Nu mekund Jä vamaa and V umaa Es on a e a ned a pagan e g on cen ed a ound a de y ca ed Tha ap a The Ch on c e o Hen y o L von a men ons Tha ap a as he supe o god o Oese ans nhab an s o Saa emaa s and a so we known o V on an bes n no he n Es on a A he beg nn ng o he 13 h cen u y Lemb u o Leho a a ch e a n o Saka a sough o un y he Es on an peop e and hwa Dan sh and Ge man c conques du ng he L von an C usade He managed o assemb e an a my o 6 000 Es on an men om d e en coun es bu he was k ed du ng he Ba e o S Ma hew s Day n Sep embe 1217 n 1228 n he a e ma h o he L von an C usade o he 1560s Es on a became pa o Te a Ma ana es ab shed on 2 Feb ua y 1207 as a p nc pa y o he Ho y Roman Emp e and p oc a med by pope nnocen n 1215 as a sub ec o he Ho y See The sou he n pa s o he coun y we e conque ed by L von an B o h e s o he Swo d who o ned he Teu on c O de n 1237 and became s b anch known as L von an O de The Duchy o Es on a was o med n he no he n pa s o he coun y as a d ec dom n on o he K ng o Denma k om 1219 un 1346 when was so d o he Teu on c o de and became pa o he O dens aa n 1343 he peop e o no he n Es on a and Saa emaa ebe ed aga ns he Ge man u e n he S Geo ge s N gh Up s ng wh ch was pu down by 1345 Reva known as Ta nn s nce 1918 ga ned Lübeck R gh s n 1248 and o ned an a ance o ad ng gu ds ca ed he Hansea c League a he end o he 13 h cen u y A e he Teu on c O de e n o dec ne o ow ng s de ea n he Ba e o G unwa d n 1410 and he de ea o he L von an O de n heBa e o Sw en a on 1 Sep embe 1435 he L von an Con ede a on ag eemen was s gned on 4 Decembe 1435 The G and Duchy o Moscow and Tsa dom o Russ a a emp ed unsuc cess u nvas ons n 1481 and 1558 The L von an Con ede a on ceased o ex s du ng he L von an Wa 1558–82 The wa s had educed he Es on an popu a on om abou 250–300 000 peop e be o e he L von an Wa o 120–140 000 n he 1620s The Re o ma on n Eu ope o c a y began n 1517 w h Ma n Lu he 1483–1546 and h s 95 Theses The Re o ma on esu ed n g ea change n he Ba c eg on deas en e ed he L von an Con ede a on ve y qu ck y and by he 1520s hey we e we known Language educa on e g on and po cs we e g ea y ans o med The Chu ch se v ces we e now g ven n he oca ve nacu a ns ead o La n as was p ev ous y used Du ng he L von an Wa n 1561 no he n Es on a subm ed o Swed sh con o Sou he n Es on a n 1560s o med an au onomous Duchy o L von a n he Po sh L huan an Commonwea h unde o n con o o he Po sh C own and he G and Duchy con a n ng wo vo vodesh ps o p esen day Es on a Do pa Vo vodesh p Ta u eg on and Pa nawa Vo vodesh p Pä nu eg on n 1629 ma n and Es on a came en e y unde Swed sh u e Es on a was adm n s a ve y d v ded be ween he p ov nces o Es on a n he no h and L von a n sou he n Es on a and no he n La v a a d v s on wh ch pe s s ed un he ea y 20 h cen u y n 1631 he Swed sh k ng Gus a Ado o ced he nob y o g an he peasan y g ea e gh s a hough se dom was e a ned K ng Cha es X w hd ew a ge nob e es a es o he Swed sh C own e ec ve y u n ng se s o axpay ng a me s n 1632 a p n ng p ess and un ve s y we e es ab shed n he c y o Do pa known as Ta u s nce 1918 Th s pe od s known n Es on an h s o y as he Good O d Swed sh T me The s eady g ow h o he popu a on con nued un he ou b eak o he p ague n 1657 The G ea Fam ne o 1695–97 k ed some 70 000 peop e – a mos 20% o he popu a on

Russ an Emp re

Fo ow ng he Cap u a on o Es on a and L von a du ng he G ea No he n Wa he Swed sh emp e os Es on a o Russ a by he T ea y o Nys ad Howeve he uppe c asses and he h ghe m dd e c ass ema ned p ma y Ba c Ge man The wa devas a ed he popu a on o Es on a bu ecove ed qu ck y A hough he gh s o peasan s we e n a y weakened se dom was abo shed n 1816 n he p ov nce o Es on a and n 1819 n L von a A e he Russ an evo u on o 1917 Ta nn ema ned unde Sov e con o un 24 Feb ua y 1918 when Es on an ndependence was dec a ed

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TRADITIONS, CUSTOMS AND ACTIVITIES E D m D N w w D m

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Feb ua y 22 s Wo d Th nk ng Day o us Th nk ng Day o G Gu des and G Scou s a ound he s a day o h nk abou he mean ng o wo d Gu d ng and Scou ng and abou Scou s and Gu des n a he coun es o he wo d Many oops use as an oppo un y o s udy abou o he coun es and cu u es Dona ons a e co ec ed o he Th nk ng Day Fund wh ch suppo s p o ec s o he p Gu des and Scou s a ound he wo d Feb u a y 22 was chosen as was he b hday o Scou ng ounde Robe Baden Powe and o O ave Baden Powe h s w e and Wo d Ch e Gu de On he nea es weekend o Wo d Th nk ng Day G Gu des and G Scou s om ac oss he wo d come oge he on Scou L nk o cha w h each o he and ce eb a e he Founde s O he s a e n vo ved w h Th nk ng Day on he A TDOTA us ng ama eu ad o Some Wo d Assoc a on o G Gu des and G Scou s membe o gan za ons use as an oppo un y o do p o ec s w h he w n o gan za on such as Canada and Dom n ca One ad on s ha eve y Scou o Gu de ex Scou o ex Gu de p aces a cand e n he w ndow ha e Gu d ng L gh m n gh a dusk Th s s my s a so a ad on o send e e s o pos ca ds o o he Scou and Gu des be o e Th nk go ng o e sh ne ng Day n 2009 2010 and 2011 a pos ca d campa gn was o gan zed by he R ng deu sche P ad nde ve bände R ng Deu sche P ad nde nnenve bände Lë zebue ge Gu den a Scou en Sw ss Gu de and Scou Movemen P ad nde und P ad nde nnen L ech ens e ns and P ad nde und P ad nde nnen Ös e e chs

Dec ara on o ndependence

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National Democracy Day NEPAL - F e b 1 9 m

World Thinking Day Worldwide - F e b 2 2

Re orma on and Swed sh Es on a

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Background and History

Fe d nand Ma cos was e ec ed p es den n 1965 de ea ng ncumben D osdado Macapaga by a ve y s m ma g n Du ng h s me Ma cos was ve y ac ve n he n a on o pub c wo ks p o ec s and he n ens ca on o ax co ec ons Ma cos and h s gove nmen c a med ha hey bu mo e oads han a h s p edeces so s comb ned and mo e schoo s han any p ev ous adm n s a on Am ds cha ges o vo e buy ng and a audu en e ec on Ma cos was ee ec ed n 1969 h s me de ea ng Se g o Osmeña J Ma cos s second e m o he p es dency howeve was ma ed by a ega ons o w desp ead g a and co up on The n c eas ng d spa y o wea h be ween he ve y wea hy and he ve y poo wh ch made up he ma o y o he coun y s popu a on ed o he se o c me and c v un es a ound he coun y These ac o s nc ud ng he o ma on o he New Peop e s A my an a med evo ha ca ed o he ed s bu on o wea h and and e o m n he Ph pp nes and a b oody Mus m sepa a s movemen n he sou he n s and o M ndanao ed by he Mo o Na ona L be a on F on con bu ed o he ap d se o c v d scon en and un es n he Ph p p nes Ma cos was ba ed om unn ng o a h d e m as p es den n 1973 so on Sep embe 23 1972 by v ue o a p es den a p oc ama on No 1081 he dec a ed ma a aw c ng s ng c v d sobed ence as us ca on Th ough h s dec ee Ma cos se zed eme gency powe s g v ng h m u con o o he Ph pp ne m a y and he au ho y o supp ess he eedom o speech he eedom o he p ess and many o he c v be es Ma cos a so d sso ved he Ph pp ne Cong ess and shu down med a es ab shmen s c ca o he Ma cos gove nmen Ma cos a so o de ed he mmed a e a es o h s po ca opponen s and c cs Among hose a es ed we e Sena e P es den Jov o Sa onga Sena o Jose D okno and Sena o Ben gno Aqu no J he s aunches o h s c cs and he man who was g oomed by he oppos on o bea Ma cos n he 1973 e ec ons Ma cos wou d a so abo sh he Ph pp nes 1935 cons u on and ep ace w h a pa amen a y s y e gove nmen he Ba asang Pambansa a ong w h a new cons u on w en by h m W h p ac ca y a o h s po ca opponen s a es ed and n ex e Ma cos p e emp ve dec a a on o ma a aw n 1972 and he a ca on o h s new cons u on h ough po ca coe c on enab ed h m o e ec ve y eg m ze h s gov e nmen and ho d on o powe o ano he 14 yea s beyond h s s wo e ms as p es den A a pe od when he Co d Wa was s a po ca ea y Ma cos s d c a o sh p ensu ed he po ca suppo o he Un ed S a es by Ma cos p om se o s amp ou commun sm n he Ph pp nes and by assu ng he Un ed S a es o s con nued use o m a y and nava bases n he Ph pp nes Th oughou h s p es dency Fe d nand Ma cos had se up a eg me n he Ph pp nes ha wou d g ve h m u ma e powe ove he m a y and he na ona easu y as we as se up a pe sona y cu Fo ow ng h s dec a a on o ma a aw on Sep embe 21 1972 Ma cos mmed a e y began o embezz e money om he gove nmen and o de he m a y o k any po ca compe on aga ns h m As a esu he Ph pp ne economy began o umb e g ea y and he na on os s compe ve edge n Sou heas As a He a so o de ed many s o es ho e s schoo s un ve s es and o he pub c p aces o p ace h s P es den a p c u e p om nen y o o he w se he ac es we e shu down The med a equen y eu og zed Ma cos h ough pub c se v ce announcemen s and news epo s Even b boa d adve semen s ac oss he coun y we e ep aced w h h s p opaganda messages on us y ng h s eg me s ac ons Ma cos a so o de ed he shu down and akeove s o bus nesses n he coun y hen pu hese bus nesses e he unde he gove nmen con o o unde he con o o Ma cos c on es Seve a g oups o peop e howeve even w h n he gove nmen consp ed h oughou he e m o he Ma cos eg me o ove h ow h m They we e ed by he popu a pub c gu e nca ce a ed oppos on sena o Ben gno N noy Aqu no J who Ma cos accused as ean ng o a e w ng so u on Wh e ga n ng popu a y amongs he F p no peop e o h s s ance aga ns Ma cos Aqu no was even ua y o ced o seek ex e n he Un ed S a es o hea h and sa e y easons Howeve n 1983 N noy Aqu no announced o h s p ans o e u n o he Ph p p nes as a cha enge o Ma cos s gove nmen W h n he m a y and he po ce d s us oned un o o ce s s en y conveyed he g evances Th s ed o he o ma on o he Re o m he A med Fo ces Movemen RAM So d e o he F p no Peop e SFP and Young O ce s Un on YOU RAM wh ch was ead by g ad ua es o he Ph pp ne M a y Academy C ass o 71 L Co G ngo Honasan L Co V c o Ba ac and L Co Edua do Kapunan ound an a y and men o n he De ense Sec e a y Juan Ponce En e

Preh s ory

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The Peop e Powe Revo u on a so known as he EDSA Revo u on and he Ph pp ne Revo u on o 1986 was a se es o popu a nonv o en evo u ons and p aye u mass s ee demons a ons n he Ph pp nes ha occu ed n 1986 wh ch ma ked he es o a on o he coun y s democ acy became a subsequen nsp a on o he Revo u ons o 1989 ha ended commun s s some d c a o sh ps n Eas e n Eu ope mes e e ed o as he Ye ow Revo u on due o he p esence o ye ow bbons du ng he a va o Ben gno Aqu no J These p o es s we e he cu m na on o a ong campa gn o c v es s ance by he peop e aga ns he 20 yea unn ng au ho a an ep ess ve eg me o hen p es den Fe d nand Ma cos and made news head nes as he evo u on ha su p sed he wo d The ma o y o he demons a ons ook p ace a Ep an o de os San os Avenue known mo e common y by s ac onym EDSA n Quezon C y Me opo an Man a and nvo ved ove 2 000 000 F p no c v ans as we as seve a po ca m a y and e g ous gu es such as Ca d na Ja me S n The p o es s ue ed by a es s ance and oppos on o yea s o co up gove nance by Ma cos occu ed om Feb ua y 22–25 1986 when Ma cos ed Ma acañang Pa ace o he Hawa and conceded o Co azon Aqu no as he eg ma e P es den o he Ph pp nes

M dd e Ages

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People Power Day PHILIPPINES - F e b 2 2

History

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he Ca bbean The s and was s se ed by he F ench who s gned a ea y w h he oca Ca bs n 1660 L ke he Eng sh and Du ch he F ench began o deve op he s and o he cu va on o suga cane on ex ens ve p an a ons A e he seven yea wa be ween G ea B a n and he F ance Span sh coa on was b ough o an end by he ea y o Pa s 10 Feb ua y 1763 n wh ch he s gna o es ag eed o an exchange o co on a e o es When he B sh acqu ed he s and y ng o use he Ca bs as abou e s hey mpo ed ens aved A cans as wo ke s Many o he Ca bs d ed because o ack o mmun y o Eu as an d seases such as sma pox and meas es and as a esu o be ng ove wo ked and ma ea ed by he Eu opeans Ca bbean cond ons we e ha d and many s aves d ed as we The B sh con nued o mpo s aves un hey abo shed he ade due o he s ave and Ca b evo u ona y wa s aga ns hem By ha me peop e o e hn c A can and Ca b descen g ea y ou numbe ed hose o e hn c Eu opean backg ound The ea e Sa n Luc a was much con es ed by he wo Eu opean powe s un he B sh secu ed n 1814 was pa o he B sh W ndwa d s ands co ony o ned he Wes nd es Fede a on 1958–62 when he co ony was d sso ved n 1967 Sa n Luc a became one o he s x membe s o he Wes nd es Assoc a ed S a es w h n e na se gove nmen n 1979 ga ned u ndependence unde S John Comp on Comp on o he conse va ve Un ed Wo ke s pa y UWP was aga n p me m n s e om 1982 o 1996 when he was succeeded by Vaughn Lew s Kenny An hony o he Labou Pa y was p me m n s e om 1997 o 2006 when he UWP aga n ed by Comp on won con o o pa amen n May 2007 a e Comp on su e ed a se es o m n s okes F nance and Ex e na A a s M n s e S ephenson K ng became ac ng p me m n s e He became p me m n s e a e Comp on d ed n Sep embe 2007

om he Aes desc bed by he Roman h s o an Tac us n h s Ge man a ca 98 AD On he o he hand anc en Scand nav an sagas e e o a and ca ed E s and c ose o heDan sh Ge man Du ch Swed sh and No weg an e m Es and o he coun y Ea y La n and o he anc en ve s ons o he name a e Es a and Hes a Es hon a was a common a e na e Eng sh spe ng p o o ndependence

National Day KUWAIT - Feb 25

History Eu opeans s anded on he s and n e he 1492 o 1502 du ng Spa n s ea y exp o a on o

Etymology One heo y s ha he mode n name o Es on a o g na ed

Her Highness Princess Märtha Louise, born on 22 September 1971. She was married to Ari Behn, born on 30 September 1972, on 24 May 2002. They have 3 daughters:  Maud Angelica Behn, born 29 April 2003  Leah Isadora Behn, born 8 April 2005  Emma Tallulah Behn, born 29 September 2008  His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon Magnus, born on 20 July 1973. He married Mette-Marit Tjessem Høiby, born 19 August 1973, on 25 August 2001. She has a son from a previous relationship, Marius Borg Høiby, born 13 January 1997. They have 2 children:  Her Royal Highness Princess Ingrid Alexandra, born 21 January 2004, Hereditary Princess of Norway  His Highness Prince Sverre Magnus, born 3 December 2005

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Sa n Luc a s an s and coun y n he eas e n Ca bbean Sea on he bounda y w h he A an c Ocean Pa o he Lesse An es s oca ed no h no heas o he s and o Sa n V ncen no hwes o cov Ba bados and sou h o Ma n que e s a and a ea o 620 km2 238 sq m and has an es ma ed popu a on o 173 765 2009 census s cap a s Cas es The s and na on has been he home o wo Nobe au ea es A hu Lew s and De ek s he na on w h he second Wa co mos such hono ees pe cap a a e he Fa oe s ands One o he W ndwa d s ands was named a e Sa n Lucy o Sy acuse by he F ench he s Eu opean co on ze s They s gned a ea y w h he na ve Ca b peop es n 1660 Eng and ook con o o he s and om 1663 o 1667 n ensu ng yea s was a wa w h F ance 14 mes and u e o he s and changed e quen y 7 mes F ench and B sh each n 1814 he B sh ook de n ve con o o he s and Because sw ched so o en be ween B sh and F ench con o Sa n Luc a was a so known as he He en o he Wes nd es Sa n Luc a has a ega sys em based on B sh common aw The ud c a y s ndependen and conduc s gene a y a pub c a s The nanc a sec o has wea he ed he g oba nanc a c s s bu he ecess on has hu ou sm Rep esen a ve gove nmen came abou n 1924 w h un ve sa su age om 1953 F om 1958 o 1962 he s and was a membe o he Fede a on o he Wes nd es F na y on Feb ua y 22 1979 Sa n Luc a became an ndependen s a e o he Commonwea h o Na ons The s and na on ce eb a es h s eve y yea s a so a membe o La F ancophon e w h a pub c ho day

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As a esu o he abo on o se dom and he ava ab y o educa on o he na ve Es on an speak ng pop u a on an ac ve Es on an na ona s movemen deve oped n he 19 h cen u y began on a cu u a eve esu ng n he es ab shmen o Es on an anguage e a u e hea e and p o ess ona mus c and ed on o he o ma on o he Es on an na ona den y and he Age o Awaken ng Among he eade s o he movemen we e Johann Vo dema Jannsen Jakob Hu and Ca Robe Jakobson S gn can accomp shmen s we e he pub ca on o he na ona ep c Ka ev poeg n 1862 and he o gan za on o he s na ona song es va n 1869 n esponse o a pe od o Russ ca on n a ed by he Russ an emp e n he 1890s Es on an na ona sm ook on mo e po ca ones w h n e ec ua s s ca ng o g ea e au onomy and a e comp e e ndependence om he Russ an Emp e Fo ow ng he Bo shev k akeove o powe n Russ a a e he Oc obe Revo u on o 1917 and Ge man v c o es aga ns he Russ an a my be ween he Russ an Red A my s e ea and he a va o advanc ng Ge man oops he Comm ee o E de s o he Maapäev ssued he Es on an Dec a a on o ndependence n Pä nu on 23 Feb ua y and n Ta nn on 24 Feb ua y 1918 A e w nn ng he Es on an Wa o ndependence aga ns bo h Sov e Russ a and he Ge man F e ko ps and Ba sche Landesweh vo un ee s he Ta u Peace T ea y was s gned on 2 Feb ua y 1920 The Repub c o Es on a was ecogn sed de u e by F n and on 7 Ju y 1920 Po and on 31 Decembe 1920 A gen na on 12 Janua y 1921 and by he Wes e n A es on 26 Janua y 1921 Es on a ma n a ned s ndependence o wen y wo yea s n a y a pa amen a y democ acy he pa amen R g kogu was d sbanded n 1934 o ow ng po ca un es caused by he g oba econom c c s s Subse quen y he coun y was u ed by dec ee by Kons an n Pä s who became P es den n 1938 he yea pa amen a y e ec ons esumed

George Washington's Birthday US - F e b 2 2

George Washington (February 22, 1732 – December 14, 1799) was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander in chief of the Continental Army in 1775–1783, and he presided over the writing of the Constitution in 1787. As the unanimous choice to serve as the first President of the United States (1789–1797), he developed the forms and rituals of government that have been used ever since, such as using a cabinet system and delivering an inaugural address. As President, he built a strong, well-financed national government that avoided war, suppressed rebellion and won acceptance among Americans of all types, and Washington is now known as the "Father of his country". In Colonial Virginia, Washington was born into the provincial gentry in a wealthy, well connected family that owned tobacco plantations using slave labor. He was home schooled by his father and older brother, but both died young, and he became attached to the powerful Fairfax clan, who promoted his career as a surveyor and soldier. Strong, brave, eager for combat and a natural leader, young Washington quickly became a senior officer of the colonial forces, 1754–58, during the first stages of the French and Indian War. Indeed, his rash actions helped precipitate the war. Washington's experience, his military bearing, his leadership of the Patriot cause in Virginia, and his political base in the largest colony made him the obvious choice of the Second Continental Congress in 1775 as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army to fight the British in the American Revolution. He forced the British out of Boston in 1776, but was defeated and nearly captured later that year when he lost New York City. After crossing the Delaware River in the dead of winter, he defeated the enemy in two battles, retook New Jersey, and restored momentum to the Patriot cause. Because of his strategy, Revolutionary forces captured two major British armies at Saratoga in 1777 and Yorktown in 1781. Negotiating with Congress, governors, and French allies, he held together a tenuous army and a fragile nation amid the threats of disintegration and invasion. Historians give the commander in chief high marks for his selection and supervision of his generals, his encouragement of morale, his coordination with the state governors and state militia units, his relations with Congress, and his attention to supplies, logistics, and training. In battle, however, Washington was repeatedly outmaneuvered by British generals with larger armies. Washington is given full credit for the strategies that forced the British evacuation of Boston in 1776 and the surrender at Yorktown in 1781. After victory had been finalized in 1783, Washington resigned rather than seize power, and returned to his plantation at Mount Vernon, proving his opposition to dictatorship and his commitment to republican government. Washington presided over the Constitutional Convention that drafted the United States Constitution in 1787 because of his dissatisfaction with the weaknesses of Articles of Confederation that had time and again impeded the war effort. Washington became the first President of the United States in 1789. He attempted to bring rival factions together to unify the nation. He supported Alexander Hamilton's programs to pay off all state and national debt, implement an effective tax system, and create a national bank, despite opposition from Thomas Jefferson. Washington proclaimed the U.S. neutral in the wars raging in Europe after 1793. He avoided war with Britain and guaranteed a decade of peace and profitable trade by securing the Jay Treaty in 1795, despite intense opposition from the Jeffersonians. Although never officially joining the Federalist Party, he supported its programs. Washington's "Farewell Address" was an influential primer on republican virtue and a stern warning against partisanship, sectionalism, and involvement in foreign wars. Washington had a vision of a great and powerful nation that would be built on republican lines using federal power. He sought to use the national government to improve the infrastructure, open the western lands, create a national university, promote commerce, found a capital city (later named Washington, D.C.), reduce regional tensions and promote a spirit of nationalism. "The name of American," he said, must override any local attachments. At his death, Washington was hailed as "first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen". The Federalists made him the symbol of their party, but for many years the Jeffersonians continued to distrust his influence and delayed building the Washington Monument. As the leader of the first successful revolution against a colonial empire in world history, Washington became an international icon for liberation and nationalism. His symbolism especially resonated in France and Latin America. Historical scholars consistently rank him as one of the two or three greatest presidents.

Early life (1732–1753)

The first child of Augustine Washington (1694–1743) and his second wife, Mary Ball Washington (1708–1789), George Washington was born on their Pope's Creek Estate near present-day Colonial Beach in Westmoreland County, Virginia. According to the Julian calendar (which was in effect at the time), Washington was born on February 11, 1731 (O.S.); according to the Gregorian calendar, which was adopted in Britain and its colonies in 1752, he was born on February 22, 1732.[Note 1] Washington's ancestors were from Sulgrave, England; his great-grandfather, John Washington, had immigrated to Virginia in 1657.George's father Augustine was a slave-owning tobacco planter who later tried his hand in iron-mining ventures. In George's youth, the Washingtons were moderately prosperous members of the Virginia gentry, of "middling rank" rather than one of the leading families. Washington was the first-born child from his father's marriage to Mary Ball Washington. Six of his siblings reached maturity including two older half-brothers, Lawrence and Augustine, from his father's first marriage to Jane Butler Washington and four full-siblings, Samuel, Elizabeth (Betty), John Augustine and Charles. Three siblings died before becoming adults: his full-sister Mildred died when she was about one, his half-brother Butler died while an infant and his half-sister Jane died at the age of 12 when George was about 2. George's father died when George was 11 years old, after which George's half-brother Lawrence became a surrogate father and role model. William Fairfax, Lawrence's father-in-law and cousin of Virginia's largest landowner, Thomas, Lord Fairfax, was also a formative influence. Washington spent much of his boyhood at Ferry Farm in Stafford County near Fredericksburg. Lawrence Washington inherited another family property from his father, a plantation on the Potomac River which he later named Mount Vernon. George inherited Ferry Farm upon his father's death, and eventually acquired Mount Vernon after Lawrence's death. The death of his father prevented Washington from crossing the Atlantic to receive an education at England's Appleby School, as his older brothers had done. He attended school in Fredericksburg until age 15. Talk of securing an appointment in the Royal Navy was dropped when his mother Th s 1772 pa n ng by Pea e o learned how hard that would be on him. Thanks to Lawrence's connection to the powerful Fairfax family, at age 17 George was appointed official surveyor for Culpeper County in 1749, a well-paid Wash ng on as co one o he V rposition which enabled him to purchase land in the Shenandoah Valley, the first of his many land g n a Reg men s he ear es acquisitions in western Virginia. Thanks also to Lawrence's involvement in the Ohio Company, a land investment company funded by Virginia investors, and Lawrence's position as commander known por ra of the Virginia militia, George came to the notice of the new lieutenant governor of Virginia, Robert Dinwiddie. Washington was hard to miss: at about six feet two inches (188 cm; estimates of his height vary), he towered over most of his contemporaries. In 1751, Washington traveled to Barbados with Lawrence, who was suffering from tuberculosis, with the hope that the climate would be beneficial to Lawrence's health. Washington contracted smallpox during the trip, which left his face slightly scarred, but immunized him against future exposures to the dreaded disease. Lawrence's health did not improve: he returned to Mount Vernon, where he died in 1752. Lawrence's position as Adjutant General (militia leader) of Virginia was divided into four offices after his death. Washington was appointed by Governor Dinwiddie as one of the four district adjutants in February 1753, with the rank of major in the Virginia militia. Washington also joined the Freemasons in Fredericksburg at this time.

French and Indian War (1754–1758)

In 1753, the French began expanding their military control into the "Ohio Country", a territory also claimed by the British colonies of Virginia and Pennsylvania. These competing claims led to a war in the colonies called the French and Indian War (1754–62), and contributed to the start of the global Seven Years' War (1756–63). Washington was at the center of its beginning. The Ohio Company was one vehicle through which British investors planned to expand into the territory, opening new settlements and building trading posts for the Indian trade. Governor Dinwiddie received orders from the British government to warn the French of British claims, and sent Major Washington in late 1753 to deliver a letter informing the French of those claims and asking them to leave. Washington also met with Tanacharison (also called "Half-King") and other Iroquois leaders allied to Virginia at Logstown to secure their support in case of conflict with the French; Washington and Tanacharison became friends and allies. Washington delivered the letter to the local French commander, who politely refused to leave. Governor Dinwiddie sent Washington back to the Ohio Country to protect an Ohio Company group building a fort at present-day Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania but before he reached the area, a French force drove out the company's crew and began construction of Fort Duquesne. A small detachment of French troops led by Joseph Coulon de Jumonville, was discovered by Wash ng on en arged he house a Tanacharison and a few warriors east of present-day Uniontown, Pennsylvania. Along with their Moun Vernon a er h s marr age Mingo allies, Washington and some of his militia unit then ambushed the French. What exactly happened during and after the battle is a matter of some controversy, but the immediate outcome was that Jumonville was injured in the initial attack and then was killed...whether tomahawked by Tanacharison in cold blood or somehow shot by another onlooker with a musket as the injured man sat with Washington is not completely clear. The French responded by attacking and capturing Washington at Fort Necessity in July 1754. However, he was allowed to return with his troops to Virginia. Historian Joseph Ellis concludes that the episode demonstrated Washington's bravery, initiative, inexperience and impetuosity. These events had international consequences; the French accused Washington of assassinating Jumonville, who they claimed was on a diplomatic mission. Both France and Britain were ready to fight for control of the region and both sent troops to North America in 1755; war was formally declared in 1756.

Braddock disaster 1755:

In 1755, Washington was the senior American aide to British General Edward Braddock on the ill-fated Monongahela expedition. This was the largest British expedition to the colonies, and was intended to expel the French from the Ohio Country. The French and their Indian allies ambushed Braddock, who was mortally wounded in the Battle of the Monongahela. After suffering devastating casualties, the British retreated in disarray; however, Washington rode back and forth across the battlefield, rallying the remnants of the British and Virginian forces to an organized retreat.

Commander of Virginia Regiment:

Governor Dinwiddie rewarded Washington in 1755 with a commission as "Colonel of the Virginia Regiment and Commander in Chief of all forces now raised in the defense of His Majesty's Colony" and gave him the task of defending Virginia's frontier. The Virginia Regiment was the first full-time American military unit in the colonies (as opposed to part-time militias and the British regular units). Washington was ordered to "act defensively or offensively" as he thought best. In command of a thousand soldiers, Washington was a disciplinarian who emphasized training. He led his men in brutal campaigns against the Indians in the west; in 10 months units of his regiment fought 20 battles, and lost a third of its men. Washington's strenuous efforts meant that Virginia's frontier population suffered less than that of other colonies; Ellis concludes "it was his only unqualified success" in the war. In 1758, Washington participated in the Forbes expedition to capture Fort Duquesne. He was embarrassed by a friendly fire episode in which his unit and another British unit thought the other was the French enemy and opened fire, with 14 dead and 26 wounded in the mishap. Washington was not involved in any other major fighting on the expedition, and the British scored a major strategic victory, gaining control of the Ohio Valley, when the French abandoned the fort. Following the expedition, Washington retired from his Virginia Regiment commission in December, 1758. He did not return to military life until the outbreak of the revolution in 1775.

Lessons learned:

Forens c recons ruc on o Washng on a age 45

Although Washington never gained the commission in the British army he yearned for, in these years the young man gained valuable military, political, and leadership skills. He closely observed British military tactics, gaining a keen insight into their strengths and weaknesses that proved invaluable during the Revolution. He demonstrated his toughness and courage in the most difficult situations, including disasters and retreats. He developed a command presence—given his size, strength, stamina, and bravery in battle, he appeared to soldiers to be a natural leader and they followed him without question. Washington learned to organize, train, drill, and discipline his companies and regiments. From his observations, readings and conversations with professional officers, he learned the basics of battlefield tactics, as well as a good understanding of problems of organization and logistics. He gained an understanding of overall strategy, especially in locating strategic geographical points. Historian Ron Chernow is of the opinion that his frustrations in dealing with government officials during this conflict led him to advocate the advantages of a strong national government and a vigorous executive agency that could get results; other historians tend to ascribe Washington's position on government to his later American Revolutionary War service.[Note 2] He developed a very negative idea of the value of militia, who seemed too unreliable, too undisciplined, and too short-term compared to regulars. On the other hand, his experience was limited to command of at most 1000 men, and came only in remote frontier conditions that were far removed from the urban situations he faced during the Revolution at Boston, New York, Trenton and Philadelphia.

Between the wars: Mount Vernon (1759–1774)

On January 6, 1759, Washington married the wealthy widow Martha Dandridge Custis. Surviving letters suggest that he may have been in love at the time with Sally Fairfax, the wife of a friend. Nevertheless, George and Martha made a compatible marriage, because Martha was intelligent, gracious, and experienced in managing a slave plantation. Together the two raised her two children from her previous marriage, John Parke Custis and Martha Parke Custis, affectionately called "Jackie" and "Patsy" by the family. Later the Washingtons raised two of Mrs. Washington's grandchildren, Eleanor Parke Custis and George Washington Parke Custis. George and Martha never had any children together — his earlier bout with smallpox in 1751 may have made him sterile. Washington proudly may not have been able to admit to his own sterility while privately he grieved over not having his own children. The newly wed couple moved to Mount Vernon, near Alexandria, where he took up the life of a planter and political figure. Washington's marriage to Martha greatly increased his property holdings and social standing, and made him one of Virginia's wealthiest men. He acquired one-third of the 18,000 acre (73 km²) Custis estate upon his marriage, worth approximately $100,000, and managed the remainder on behalf of Martha's children, for whom he sincerely cared. He frequently bought additional land in his own name and was granted land in what is now West Virginia as a bounty for his service in the French and Indian War. By 1775, Washington had doubled the size of Mount Vernon to 6,500 acres (26 km2), and had increased the slave population there to more Wash ng on ra y ng h s roops a e o Pr nce on than 100 persons. As a respected military hero and large landowner, he held local office and he Ba was elected to the Virginia provincial legislature, the House of Burgesses, beginning in 1758. Washington lived an aristocratic lifestyle—fox hunting was a favorite leisure activity. He also enjoyed going to dances and parties, in addition to the theater, races, and cock fights. Washington also was known to play cards, backgammon, and billiards. Like most Virginia planters, he imported luxuries and other goods from England and paid for them by exporting his tobacco crop. Extravagant spending and the unpredictability of the tobacco market meant that many Virginia planters of Washington's day were losing money. (Thomas Jefferson, for example, would die deeply in debt.) Washington began to pull himself out of debt by diversifying his business interests and paying more attention to his affairs. By 1766, he had switched Mount Vernon's primary cash crop from tobacco to wheat, a crop that could be sold in America, and diversified operations to include flour milling, fishing, horse breeding, spinning, and weaving. Patsy Custis's death in 1773 from epilepsy enabled Washington to pay off his British creditors, since half of her inheritance passed to him. A successful planter, he was a leader in the social elite in Virginia. From 1768 to 1775, he invited some 2000 guests to his Mount Vernon estate, mostly those he considered "people of rank." As for people not of high social status, his advice was to "treat them civilly" but "keep them at a proper distance, for they will grow upon familiarity, in proportion as you sink in authority.". In 1769 he became more politically active, presenting the Virginia Assembly with legislation to ban the importation of goods from Great Britain. In 1754 Lieutenant Governor Dinwiddie had promised land bounties to the soldiers and officers who volunteered to serve during the French and Indian War. Washington tried for years to get the lands promised to him and his men. Governor Norborne Berkeley finally fulfilled that promise in 1769-1770, with Washington subsequently receiving title to 23,200 acres near where the Kanawha River flows into the Ohio River, in what is now western West Virginia.

American Revolution (1775–1787)

Although he expressed opposition to the 1765 Stamp Act, the first direct tax on the colonies, he did not take a leading role in the growing colonial resistance until protests of the Townshend Acts(enacted in 1767) became widespread. In May 1769, Washington introduced a proposal, drafted by his friend George Mason, calling for Virginia to boycott English goods until the Acts were repealed. Parliament repealed the Townshend Acts in 1770. However, Washington regarded the passage of the Intolerable Acts in 1774 as "an Invasion of our Rights and Privileges". In July 1774, he chaired the meeting at which the "Fairfax Resolves" were adopted, which called for the convening of a Continental Congress, among other things. In August, Washington attended the First Virginia Convention, where he was selected as a delegate to the First Continental Congress.

Commander in chief:

After the Battles of Lexington and Concord near Boston in April 1775, the colonies went to war. o Washington appeared at the Second Continental Congress in a military uniform, signaling that Dep c on by John Trumbu he was prepared for war. Washington had the prestige, military experience, charisma and mil- Wash ng on res gn ng h s comm sitary bearing of a military leader and was known as a strong patriot. Virginia, the largest colony, on as commandern-ch e s deserved recognition, and New England—where the fighting began—realized it needed Southern support. Washington did not explicitly seek the office of commander and said that he was not equal to it, but there was no serious competition. Congress created the Continental Army on June 14, 1775. Nominated by John Adams of Massachusetts, Washington was then appointed Major General and Commander-in-chief. Washington had three roles during the war. In 1775-77, and again in 1781 he led his men against the main British forces. Although he lost many of his battles, he never surrendered his army during the war, and he continued to fight the British relentlessly until the war's end. He plotted the overall strategy of the war, in cooperation with Congress. Second, he was charged with organizing and training the army. He recruited regulars and assigned General von Steuben, a German professional, to train them. He was not in charge of supplies, which were always short, but kept pressuring Congress and the states to provide essentials. Washington had the major voice in selecting generals for command, and in planning their basic strategy. His achievements were mixed, as some of his favorites (like John Sullivan) never mastered the art of command. Eventually he found capable officers, like General Nathaniel Greene, and his chief-of-staff Alexander Hamilton. The American officers never equaled their opponents in tactics and maneuver, and consequently they lost most of the pitched battles. The great successes, at Boston (1776), Saratoga (1777) and Yorktown (1781), came from trapping the British far from base with much larger numbers of troops. Third, and most important, Washington was the embodiment of armed resistance to the Crown—the representative man of the Revolution. His enormous stature and political skills kept Congress, the army, the French, the militias, and the states all pointed toward a common goal. By voluntarily stepping down and disbanding his army when the war was won, he permanently established the principle of civilian supremacy in military affairs. And yet his constant reiteration of the point that well-disciplined professional soldiers counted for twice as much as erratic amateurs helped overcome the ideological distrust of a standing army.

Victory at Boston:

Washington assumed command of the Continental Army in the field at Cambridge, Massachusetts in July 1775, during the ongoing siege of Boston. Realizing his army's desperate shortage of gunpowder, Washington asked for new sources. American troops raided British arsenals, including some in the Caribbean, and some manufacturing was attempted. They obtained a barely adequate supply (about 2.5 million pounds) by the end of 1776, mostly from France. Washington reorganized the army during the long standoff, and forced the British to withdraw by putting artillery on Dorchester Heights overlooking the city. The British evacuated Boston in March 1776 and Washington moved his army to New York City. Although highly disparaging toward most of the Patriots, British newspapers routinely praised Washington's personal character and qualities as a military commander. These articles were bold, as Washington was enemy general who commanded an army in a cause that many Britons believed would ruin the empire.

Defeat at New York City and Fabian tactics:

In August 1776, British General William Howe launched a massive naval and land campaign designed to seize New York. The Continental Army under Washington engaged the enemy for the first time as an army of the newly independent United States at the Battle of Long Island, the largest battle of the entire war. The Americans were badly outnumbered, many men deserted, and Washington was badly beaten. Subsequently, Washington was forced to retreat across the East River at night. He did so without loss of life or materiel. Washington retreated north from the city to avoid encirclement, enabling Howe to take the offensive and capture Fort Washington on November 16 with high Continental casualties. Washington then retreated across New Jersey; the future of the Continental Army was in doubt due to expiring enlistments and the string of losses. On the night of December 25, 1776, Washington staged a comeback with a surprise attack on a Hessian outpost in western New Jersey. He led his army across the Delaware River to capture nearly 1,000 Hessians in Trenton, New Jersey. Washington followed up his victory at Trenton with another over British regulars at Princeton in early January. The British retreated back to New York City and its environs, which they held until the peace treaty of 1783. Washington's victories wrecked the British carrot-andstick strategy of showing overwhelming force then offering generous terms. The Americans would not negotiate for anything short of independence. These victories alone were not enough to ensure ultimate Patriot victory, however, since many soldiers did not reenlist or deserted during the harsh winter. Washington and Congress reorganized the army with increased rewards for staying and punishment for desertion, which raised troop numbers effectively for subsequent battles. Historians debate whether or not Washington preferred a Fabian strategy to harass the British, with quick shark attacks followed by a retreat so the larger British army could not catch him, or whether he preferred to fight major battles. While his southern commander Greene in 1780-81 did use Fabian tactics, Washington, only did so in fall 1776 to spring 1777, after losing New York City and seeing much of his army melt away. Trenton and Princeton were Fabian examples. By summer 1777, however, Washington had rebuilt his strength and his confidence and stopped using raids and went for large-scale confrontations, as at Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth and Yorktown.

1777 campaigns:

Forens c recrea on o Wash ng on a he me o h s rs naugura on as pres den

In the late summer of 1777 the British under John Burgoyne sent a major invasion army south fromQuebec, with the intention of splitting off rebellious New England. General Howe in New York took his army south to Philadelphia instead of going up the Hudson River to join with Burgoyne near Albany. It was a major strategic mistake for the British, and Washington rushed to Philadelphia to engage Howe, while closely following the action in upstate New York. In pitched battles that were too complex for his relatively inexperienced men, Washington was defeated. At the Battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777, Howe outmaneuvered Washington, and marched into the American capital at Philadelphia unopposed on September 26. Washington's army unsuccessfully attacked the British garrison at Germantown in early October. Meanwhile, Burgoyne, out of reach from help from Howe, was trapped and forced to surrender his entire army at Saratoga, New York. It was a major turning point militarily and diplomatically. France responded to Burgoyne's defeat by entering the war, openly allying with America and turning the Revolutionary War into a major worldwide war. Washington's loss of Philadelphia prompted some members of Congress to discuss removing Washington from command. This attempt failed after Washington's supporters rallied behind him.

Valley Forge:

Washington's army of 11,000 went into winter quarters at Valley Forge north of Philadelphia in December 1777. Over the next six months, the deaths in camp numbered in the thousands (the majority being from disease), with historians' death toll estimates ranging from 2000 to 2500 to over 3000 men. The next spring, however, the army emerged from Valley Forge in good order, thanks in part to a full-scale training program supervised by Baron von Steuben, a veteran of the Prussian general staff. The British evacuated Philadelphia to New York in 1778, shadowed by Washington. Washington attacked them at Monmouth, fighting to an effective draw in one of the war's largest battles. Afterwards, the British continued to head towards New York, and Washington moved his army outside of New York.

Victory at Yorktown:

In the summer of 1779 at Washington's direction, General John Sullivan carried out a scorched earth campaign that destroyed at least 40Iroquois villages throughout present-day central and upstate New York; the Indians were British allies who had been raiding American settlements on the frontier. In July 1780, 5,000 veteran French troops led by General Comte Donatien de Rochambeau arrived at Newport, Rhode Island to aid in the war effort. The Continental Army having been funded by $20,000 in French gold, Washington delivered the final blow to the British in 1781, after a French naval victory allowed American and French forces to trap a British army in Virginia. The surrender at Yorktown on October 17, 1781, marked the end of major fighting in continental North America.

Demobilization:

Washington could not know that after Yorktown the British would not reopen hostilities. They still had 26,000 troops occupying New York City, Charleston and Savannah, together with a powerful fleet. The French army and navy departed, so the Americans were on their own in 1782-83. The treasury was empty, and the unpaid soldiers were growing restive, almost to the point of mutiny or possible coup d'état. Washington dispelled unrest among officers by squelching the Newburgh Conspiracy in March 1783, and Congress came up with the promise of a five years bonus. By the Treaty of Paris (signed that September), Great Britain recognized the independence of the United States. Washington disbanded his army and, on November 2, gave an eloquent farewell address to his soldiers. On November 25, the British evacuated New York City, and Washington and the governor took possession. At Fraunces Tavern on December 4, Washington formally bade his officers farewell and on December 23, 1783, he resigned his commission as commander-in-chief. Historian Gordon Wood concludes that the greatest act in his life was his resignation as commander of the armies—an act that stunned aristocratic Europe. King George III called Washington "the greatest character of the age" because of this.

1787: Constitutional Convention

Washington's retirement to Mount Vernon was short-lived. He made an exploratory trip to the western frontier in 1784, was persuaded to attend the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787, and was unanimously elected president of the Convention. He participated little in the debates (though he did vote for or against the various articles), but his high prestige maintained collegiality and kept the delegates at their labors. The delegates designed the presidency with Washington in mind, and allowed him to define the office once elected. After the Convention, his support convinced many to vote for ratification; the new Constitution was ratified by all thirteen states.

Presidency (1789–1797)

The Electoral College elected Washington unanimously as the first president in 1789, and again in the 1792 election; he remains the only president to have received 100 percent of the electoral votes. John Adams, who received the next highest vote total, was elected Vice President. At his inauguration, Washington took the oath of office as the first President of the United States of America on April 30, 1789, at Federal Hall in New York City. The 1st United States Congress voted to pay Washington a salary of $25,000 a year— a large sum in 1789. Washington, already wealthy, declined the salary, since he valued his image as a selfless public servant. At the urging of Congress, however, he ultimately accepted the payment, to avoid setting a precedent whereby the presidency would be perceived as limited only to independently wealthy individuals who could serve without any salary. The president, aware that everything he did set a precedent, attended carefully to the pomp and ceremony of office, making sure that the titles and trappings were suitably republican and never emulated European royal courts. To that end, he preferred the title "Mr. President" to the more majestic names suggested. Washington proved an able administrator. An excellent delegator and judge of talent and character, he talked regularly with department heads and listened to their advice before making a final decision. In handling routine tasks, he was "systematic, orderly, energetic, solicitous of the opinion of others but decisive, intent upon general goals and the consistency of particular actions with them." Washington reluctantly served a second term. He refused to run for a third, establishing the customary policy of a maximum of two terms for a president.

Domestic issues:

Eques r an s a ue (1860 C ark M s) nWash ng on C rc e Wash ng on D C

Washington was not a member of any political party and hoped that they would not be formed, fearing conflict that would undermine republicanism. His closest advisors formed two factions, setting the framework for the future First Party System. Secretary of Treasury Alexander Hamilton had bold plans to establish the national credit and build a financially powerful nation, and formed the basis of the Federalist Party. Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, founder of the Jeffersonian Republicans, strenuously opposed Hamilton's agenda, but Washington typically favored Hamilton over Jefferson, and it was Hamilton's agenda that went into effect. The Residence Act of 1790, which Washington signed, authorized the President to select the specific location of the permanent seat of the government, which would be located along the Potomac River. The Act authorized the President to appoint three commissioners to survey and acquire property for this seat. Washington personally oversaw this effort throughout his term in office. In 1791, the commissioners named the permanent seat of government "The City of Washington in the Territory of Columbia" to honor Washington. In 1800, the Territory of Columbia became the District of Columbia when the federal government moved to the site according to the provisions of the Residence Act. In 1791, Congress imposed an excise tax on distilled spirits, which led to protests in frontier districts, especially Pennsylvania. By 1794, after Washington ordered the protesters to appear in U.S. district court, the protests turned into full-scale defiance of federal authority known as the Whiskey Rebellion. The federal army was too small to be used, so Washington invoked the Militia Act of 1792 to summon the militias of Pennsylvania, Virginia, and several other states. The governors sent the troops and Washington took command, marching into the rebellious districts. The rebels dispersed and there was no fighting, as Washington's forceful action proved the new government could protect itself. These events marked the first time under the new constitution that the federal government used strong military force to exert authority over the states and citizens.

Foreign affairs:

In 1791, shortly after the Haitian Revolution broke out, Washington's administration, at French request, agreed to send money, arms, and provisions to the French colony of Saint-Domingue (present-day Haiti) to assist distressed colonists. This aid formed part of the US repayment of Revolutionary War loans, and eventually amounted to about $400,000. In spring 1793 a major war broke out between conservative Britain and its allies and revolutionary France, launching an era of large-scale warfare that engulfed Europe until 1815. Washington, with cabinet approval, proclaimed American neutrality. The revolutionary government of France sent diplomat Edmond-Charles Genêt, called "Citizen Genêt," to America. Genêt was welcomed with great enthusiasm and propagandized the case for France in the French war against Britain, and for this purpose promoted a network of new Democratic Societies in major cities. He issued French letters of marque and reprisal to French ships manned by American sailors so they could capture British merchant ships. Washington demanded the French government recall Genêt, and denounced the societies. Hamilton and Washington designed the Jay Treaty to normalize trade relations with Britain, remove them from western forts, and resolve financial debts left over from the Revolution. John Jay negotiated and signed the treaty on November 19, 1794. The Jeffersonians supported France and strongly attacked the treaty. Washington's strong support mobilized public opinion and proved decisive in securing ratification in the Senate by the necessary twothirds majority. The British agreed to depart from their forts around the Great Lakes, subsequently the U.S.-Canadian boundary had to be re-adjusted, numerous pre-Revolutionary debts were liquidated, and the British opened their West Indies colonies to American trade. Most importantly, the treaty delayed war with Britain and instead brought a decade of prosperous trade with Britain. The treaty angered the French and became a central issue in many political debates.

Farewell Address:

Washington's Farewell Address (issued as a public letter in 1796) was one of the most influential statements of republicanism. Drafted primarily by Washington himself, with help from Hamilton, it gives advice on the necessity and importance of national union, the value of the Constitution and the rule of law, the evils of political parties, and the proper virtues of a republican people. He called morality "a necessary spring of popular government". He said, "Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle." Washington's public political address warned against foreign influence in domestic affairs and American meddling in European affairs. He warned against bitter partisanship in domestic politics and called for men to move beyond partisanship and serve the common good. He warned against "permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world", saying the United States must concentrate primarily on American interests. He counseled friendship and commerce with all nations, but warned against involvement in European wars and entering into long-term "entangling" alliances. The address quickly set American values regarding foreign affairs.

Retirement (1797–1799)

After retiring from the presidency in March 1797, Washington returned to Mount Vernon with a profound sense of relief. He devoted much time to farming and other business interests, including his distillery which produced its first batch of spirits in February 1797. As Chernow (2010) explains, his farm operations were at best marginally profitable. The lands out west yielded little income because they were under attack by Indians and the squatters living there refused to pay him rents. However most Americans assumed he was truly rich because of the well-known "glorified façade of wealth and grandeur" at Mount Vernon. Historians estimate his estate was worth about $1 million in 1799 dollars, equivalent to about $18 million in 2009 purchasing power. On July 4, 1798, Washington was commissioned by President John Adams to be lieutenant general and Commander-in-chief of the armies raised or to be raised for service in a prospective war with France. He served as the senior officer of the United States Army between July 13, 1798, and December 14, 1799. He participated in the planning for a Provisional Army to meet any emergency that might arise, but did not take the field. His second in command, Hamilton, led the army.

Death:

On Thursday December 12, 1799, Washington spent several hours inspecting his farms on horseback, in snow, hail and freezing rain - later that evening eating his supper without changing from his wet clothes. Friday morning, he awoke with a severe sore throat (either quinsy or acute epiglottitis) and became increasingly hoarse as the day progressed. Sometime around 3 am that Saturday morning, he awoke his wife and said he felt ill. The illness progressed until Washington's death at home around 10pm on Saturday December 14, 1799, aged 67. His last words were "'Tis well." Throughout the world, men and women were saddened by Washington's death. Napoleon ordered ten days of mourning throughout France; in the United States, thousands wore mourning clothes for months. To protect their privacy, Martha Washington burned the correspondence between her husband and herself following his death. Only three letters between the couple have survived. On December 18, 1799, a funeral was held at Mount Vernon, where his body was interred. Congress passed a joint resolution to construct a marble monument in the United States Capitol for his body, supported by Martha. In December 1800, the United States House passed an appropriations bill for $200,000 to build the mausoleum, which was to be a pyramid that had a base 100 feet (30 m) square. Southern opposition to the plan defeated the measure because they felt it was best to have his body remain at Mount Vernon. In 1831, for the centennial of his birth, a new tomb was constructed to receive his remains. That year, an attempt was made to steal the body of Washington, but proved to be unsuccessful. Despite this, a joint Congressional committee in early 1832 debated the removal of Washington's body from Mount Vernon to a crypt in the Capitol, built by Charles Bullfinch in the 1820s. Yet again, Southern opposition proved very intense, antagonized by an ever-growing rift between North and South. Congressman Wiley Thompson of Georgia expressed the fear of Southerners when he said: Remove the remains of our venerated Washington from their association with the remains of his consort and his “ ancestors, from Mount Vernon and from his native State, and deposit them in this capitol, and then let a severance of the Union occur, and behold the remains of Washington on a shore foreign to his native soil. ” This ended any talk of the movement of his remains, and he was moved to the new tomb that was constructed there on October 7, 1837, presented by John Struthers of Philadelphia. After the ceremony, the inner vault's door was closed and the key was thrown into the Potomac.

Legacy

First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen, he was second to none in humble and enduring scenes of private life. Pious, just, humane, temperate, and sincere; uniform, dignified, and commanding; his example was as edifying to all around him as were the effects of that example lasting...Correct throughout, vice shuddered in his presence and virtue always felt his fostering hand. The purity of his private character gave effulgence to his public virtues...Such was the man for whom our nation mourns. Lee's words set the standard by which Washington's overwhelming reputation was impressed upon the American memory. Washington set many precedents for the national government, and the presidency in particular, and was called the "Father of His Country" as early as 1778. Washington's Birthday (celebrated on Presidents' Day), is a federal holiday in the United States. During the United States Bicentennial year, George Washington was posthumously appointed to the grade ofGeneral of the Armies of the United States by the congressional joint resolution Public Law 94-479 passed on January 19, 1976, with an effective appointment date of July 4, 1976. This restored Washington's position as the highest-ranking military officer in U.S. history.

Cherry tree:

Apocryphal stories about Washington's childhood include a claim that he skipped a silver dollar across the Potomac River at Mount Vernon, and that he chopped down his father's cherry tree, and admitted the deed when questioned; "I can't tell a lie, Pa." The anecdote was first reported by biographer Parson Weems, who after Washington's death interviewed people who knew him as a child. The Weems version was very widely reprinted throughout the 19th century, for example in McGuffey Readers. Moralistic adults wanted children to learn moral lessons from the past from history, especially as taught by great national heroes like Washington. After 1890 however, historians insisted on scientific research methods to validate every story, and there was no evidence apart from Weems' report. Joseph Rodman in 1904 noted that Weems plagiarized other Washington tales from published fiction set in England; no one has found an alternative source for the cherry tree story, but Weems' credibility is questioned.

U.S. postage issues:

George Washington appears on contemporary US currency, including the one-dollar bill and the US quarter. On US postage stamps however, Washington appears numerous times and in many different denominations. He appears on one of the first postage stamps issued by the U.S. Post Office in 1847, along with Benjamin Franklin. Beginning in 1908, the US Post Office issued the longest running series of definitive stamps in the history of the US Post office when it issued the WashingtonFranklin Issues, a series of more than 250 postage stamps bearing Washington's and Franklin's engravings. Washington has been depicted on U.S. postage stamps more than all other notable Americans combined, including Abraham Lincoln and Benjamin Franklin.

Monuments and memorials:

Starting with victory in their Revolution, there were many proposals to build a monument to Washington. After his death, Congress authorized a suitable memorial in the national capital, but the decision was reversed when the Republicans took control of Congress in 1801. The Republicans were dismayed that Washington had become the symbol of the Federalist Party; furthermore the values of Republicanism seemed hostile to the idea of building monuments to powerful men. Further political squabbling, along with the North-South division on the Civil War, blocked the completion of the Washington Monument until the late 19th century. By that time, Washington had the image of a national hero who could be celebrated by both North and South, and memorials to him were no longer controversial. Predating the obelisk on the National Mall by several decades, the first public memorial to Washington was built by the citizens of Boonsboro, Maryland, in 1827. Today, Washington's face and image are often used as national symbols of the United States. He appears on contemporary currency, including the one-dollar bill and the quarter coin, and on U.S. postage stamps. Along with appearing on the first postage stamps issued by the U.S. Post Office in 1847, Washington, together with Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson, and Lincoln, is depicted in stone at the Mount Rushmore Memorial. The Washington Monument, one of the most well known American landmarks, was built in his honor. The George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia, was constructed between 1922 and 1932 with voluntary contributions from all 52 local governing bodies of the Freemasons in the United States. Many places and entities have been named in honor of Washington. Washington's name became that of the nation's capital, Washington, D.C., one of two national capitals across the globe to be named after an American president (the other is Monrovia, Liberia). The state of Washington is the only state to be named after a United States President. George Washington University and Washington University in St. Louis were named for him, as was Washington and Lee University(once Washington Academy), which was renamed due to Washington's large endowment in 1796.Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland (established by Maryland state charter in 1782) was supported by Washington during his lifetime with a 50 guineas pledge and with service on the college's Board of Visitors and Governors until 1789 (when Washington was elected President). Countless American cities and towns feature a Washington Street among their thoroughfares. The Confederate Seal prominently featured George Washington on horseback, in the same position as a statue of him in Richmond, Virginia. London hosts a standing statue of Washington, one of 22 bronze identical replicas. Based on Jean Antoine Houdon's original marble statue in the Rotunda of the State Capitol in Richmond, Virginia, the duplicate was given to the British in 1921 by the Commonwealth of Virginia. It stands in front of the National Gallery at Trafalgar Square.

Papers of George Washington

The serious collection and publication began with the pioneer work of Jared Sparks in the 1830s, Life and Writings of George Washington (12 vols., 1834–1837). The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799 (1931–44) is a thirty-seven volume set edited by John C. Fitzpatrick. It contains over 17,000 letters and documents and is online. The definitive letterpress edition was begun by the University of Virginia in 1968, and today comprises 52 published volumes, with more to come. It contains everything written by Washington, or signed by him, together with most of his incoming letters. The collection is online.

Personal life

heir Bushrod Washington, son of George's younger brother John Augustine Washington. After his uncle's death, Bushrod became an Associate Justice on the US Supreme Court. George's relationship with his mother, Mary Ball Washington, however, was apparently somewhat difficult and strained. As a young man, Washington had red hair. A popular myth is that he wore a wig, as was the fashion among some at the time. W w w w w w G S W m m w H w w w w m m P A m m m m B m m w w m m H m m m G w C w m mw T m w m P w m m w T w w m w D m W w m T m m w w

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PAKISTAN HUNGARY Viktor Orbán proposes Hungary’s membership of the fiscal compact (Online February 13, 2012) On the first day of the spring parliamentary session Prime Minister Viktor Orbán urged the National Assembly to adopt the European Treaty on Stability, Coordinaand tion Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union, and also stressed that the future of is Hungary within the European Union. In his speech the Prime Minister recalled that last December at the European Council meeting of EU Prime Ministers there had been an attempt to develop a fiscal compact, but fur-

ther preparation had been decided on, instead of an immediate decision. At that time the Government of Hungary had not taken a position, wishing to leave the decision to the National Assembly.

The Government of Hunnow gary believes that every obstacle to Hungary’s accession to the Treaty has overbeen come, as two conditions been have met: new common budgetary rules will only be binding on countries which are now members of the eurozone, and on other countries only once they join the eurozone; and the Treaty makes no reference to tax harmonization. As a result, the Prime Minister urged the National Assembly to adopt the Treaty.

Getting Closer to Each Other (Online February 16, 2012) The common road we have walked down with the faraway Japan shows that it is worth meeting each other, and it is worth working together in the spirit of recognition and mutual respect”, stressed Dr. Csaba Hende. The Defence Minister opened the day of Japanese culture in the MoD Military History Institute and Museum on February 11, which has been the first stage in the new program series aimed at introducing foreign cultures. “Customs vary” – Dr. Csaba Hende started his speech with this saying which is well-known everywhere, including Japan, and thereby pointed to the special importance of getting to know each other these days. “The common road we have walked down with the faraway Japan shows that it is worth meeting each other and it is worth working together in the spirit of recognition and mutual respect”, the Minister pointed out. Speaking about the distant past, he went on recalling the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Turning to the present, he stated that “science and technology have de-

feated the distance between us, and I hope we are getting closer and closer to each other. A remarkable sign of this is the fact that our relations have significantly strengthened and deepened since the 1989

change of regime.” The Defence Minister noted the outstanding performance of the large Japanese companies operating in Hungary, and its beneficial effect on Hungary’s economic life. Dr. Csaba

Hende pointed out that the day was a good occasion for getting closer to each other, as Japan is a country which respects Kodály’s and Bartók’s heritage the same way as we do. Here in Hungary, more and more young people master the various Japanese martial arts, which helps them shape their bodies, sharpen their minds and learn a way of thinking that is useful for all of us. “This day is for meeting history, our common past, the Japanese culture and art which offer a lot of beauty to all of us”, Dr. Csaba Hende said. In his speech, Ito Tecuo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan pointed out that since his taking office in Hungary two and a half years ago, he has constantly been experiencing the Hungarians’ growing interest in the history, culture, art and language of Japan and the life of Japanese people. The ambassador expressed hope that the day would help the Hungarians find out more about Japan, and that learning more about each other would bring us closer to each other.

Assisting the Peace Process (Online February 16, 2012) The Chief of Police of Baghlan Province rec e n t l y submitted an reunusual Gen. quest. Asadullah reSherzad the quested HDF Provincial Reconstruction (HUN Team PRT) to help the reintegration of former insurgents into society. The general requested assistance from the HUN PRT in supporting the reintegration of ex-combatants into the Afghan society at a village of Jadid District, Baghlan Province, as part of the roadmap to peace announced by the Afghan government, which is a priority for ISAF. An allied task force was set up, reinforced with the units of the Afghan National Police (ANP), the Afghan National Army (ANA) and the Afghan Local Police (ALP). The persons in-

volved in the reintegration handed in their weapons to the authorized Afghan policemen, so that 50 insurgents turned in 48 weapons. The people to be reintegrated had opportunity to personally meet the HUN PRT commander, Col. Dr. Romulusz Ruszin and Gen. Asadullah Sherzad. Concurrent with the negotiations, the medical section of the HUN PRT, led by Lt.-Col. Dr. István Toperczer, the head of the section and his deputy, 1st Lt. Dr. Éva Zsíros, set up medical

aid stations on two sites, in cooperation with the German medical staff. At these aid stations, they treated 150 patients in the short time available, mainly people who had not received basic-level medical treatment before. were They only able to give on-thespot treatment, but they got a comprehensive picture of the public health situation of the region. They shared their experience with the health care office of Baghlan Province. In support of the operation, the CivilMilitary Cooperation (CIMIC) cell of the HUN PRT provided immediate assistance to the leaders of the village in the form of a relief supply that may be needed for protection against the winter weather.

Hungary has sent its answers to the European Commission sues person(Online Februally with Comary 17, 2012) m i s s i o n The Hungarian President José Government Manuel Barsubmitted to the roso. The letEuropean Comters reflect the mission today, of outcome within the rethese consulquested deadThe tations. its line, next step in the responses in procedure is the three inthe evaluation fringement proby the Comc e d u r e s mission of the initiated in Janresponses prouary (the indevided. of pendence Previous expethe Hungarian rience shows National Bank that we can and of the Naexpect an obtional Data Prot e c t i o n Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is making notes in jective, imparAuthority and the studio of Magyar Rádió (Hungarian Radio) pior to his t i a l , professionally the mandatory legally and retirement age interview with public radio mr1-Kossuth sound analysis for judges) and The Hungarian authorities were conalso to the two additional questions tinuously in contact with the Euro- from the Commission. The Hungarian raised by the European Commission pean Commission and its Government is committed to Euro(concerning the functioning of the ju- Directorates General, and Prime Min- pean values and remains open to diciary and the situation of the ister Viktor Orbán discussed the is- continue the dialogue with all institutions of the European Union. media).

Commentary to the Hungarian Constitution published in English (Online February 17, 2012) Hungary's Institute of Public Administration has published a volume of commentaries by legal experts to Hungary's new constitution in English, state for secretary justice Bence Retvari said at the book's presentation at the Hungarian of Academy on Sciences Friday. The Basic Law of Hungary - A First Commentary is a study compiled by 18 law professors from Hungary and abroad, and it aims to give the clear facts on the much-debated text, Norbert Kis, a former director of the institute, said.

Retvari said the book was written purely from a professional perspective and is hoped to help the international community to get accurate, non-partisan information about Hungary's basic law. He highlighted that

constitution puts a cap on public debt as a first in Europe, and that enhances it legal protection for vulnerable groups as well as raising environmental rights. H u n g a r y adopted a new constitution in which 2011 came to effect on January 1, 2012. Criticism from abroad included the European Parliament, which in a resolution of July 2011 called on the Hungarian government to address the issues and concerns raised by the Venice Commission regarding the basic law.

Agreement with the organizers of One Million for Freedom of the Press in Hungary (Online February 17, 2012) Hungary's Institute of Public Administration has published a volume of commentaries by legal experts to Hungary's new constitution in English, state for secretary justice Bence Retvari said at the book's presentation at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences on Friday. The Basic Law of Hungary - A First Commentary is a study compiled by 18 law professors from Hungary and abroad, and it aims to give the clear facts on the much-debated text, Norbert Kis, a former director of the institute, said.

Agreement with the organizers of One Million for Freedom of the Press in Hungary (Online February 15, 2012) "Hungarian foods of excepquality tional are highly competitive in Russia" – said for Minister Rural Development Sándor F a z e k a s , rounding up his experiences on the first day of visit to his Moscow. The Head of the Ministry is in Moscow for one Europe's of most important Agricultural trade fairs, the Prodexpo, and is also holding meetings with his Russian counterparts. Sándor Fazekas described Hungarian-Russian relations as being very important, and stated that cooperation in a wide range of fields were extremely successful. He accentuated the importance of food exports, saying that the figure of 230 million Euros of Hungarian exports to Russia in 2010 speaks for itself. Exports to Hungary during this period were minimal. Final figures for 2011 are not yet available, but an export increase of ten percent is expected. The Minister of Rural Development drew attention to the fact that the Russian market is a dependable partner, but is also extremely demanding, with stringent food surveillance. For this reason, Hungary is primarily able to import its so-called "premium products", Hungarian foods of exceptional quality, to Russia, even in the current, extremely competitive market conditions. We are also very competitive in terms of quantity. "Hungarian foods hold a great respect and prestige in Russia, and this is an opportunity we must seize" – said Sándor Fazekas, summing up his experiences. Of the 2200 companies exhibiting their wares at the large-scale Moscow trade fair, which runs until February 17, thirteen Hungarian companies are also taking part. These include several well-known wineries and wane producers, as well as Merian Foods and Fit-Food Ltd., who distribute goose liver products. "In view of the fact that hundreds of companies export to Russia, it is important that were be present at the

highest level. This is part of the active agricultural diplomacy that we conduct here also. The whole world is standing in line in Moscow at the Ministry of Agriculture, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the President, and the Prime Minister. If we surrender our place in the queue to someone else, someone else will take our place. This is the task faced by Hungarian agricultural diplomacy. We must be present and available to discuss issues and negate administrative barriers." – stressed the Minister for Rural Development, who was accompanied to his Moscow meetings by State Secretary for Food Chain Control Supervision and Agricultural Administration. On Tuesday, Sándor Fazekas held a meeting with Russian Deputy Minister of Agriculture Aleksandr Solovjov, which was also attended by Aleksey Saurin, Deputy Director of the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance, the Rosselkhoznadzor. The Minister announced that although talks are still underway, it seems that the way will be opened for the export of Hungarian mutton and goat meat to Russia. This sector is experiencing difficulties at present, and requires new export markets. Various animal health and food safety regulations need to be reviewed, but the Russian party is also very optimistic with regard to this opportunity. Animal husbandry is also a very important element in Hungarian-Russian agricultural cooperation. The Ministry strives to bring partners together. The success of this policy is evident in view of the fact that the volume of Hungarian-Russian com-

merce is inby creasing 10-20 percent each year – said Sándor Fazekas. Discussions with our Russian partners on touched several issues, including opportunities for cooperation in exchanging technology the within fields of water management, water purification and irrigaIn tion. addition to the agricultural seed market, there are also opportunities for the export of tree saplings. Ornamental plants are the prime exports to Russia within this sector. Hungarian expert knowledge in the fields of horticulture, garden and park design, and forest planting may also be validated in Russia. In the view of Sándor Fazekas, the Hungarian agriculture industry and Hungarian research and development will be able to play a role in the large scale Russian agriculture development programme aimed at selfsufficiency. There are opportunities for realising proven Hungarian technologies within the modernisation of harvesting, storage, transport and drying activities. Hungarian manufacturers of food industry machinery and equipment, such as production lines for processing sweet corn, tomatoes and bell peppers, and for manufacturing dairy products, are taking part in this year's trade fair in Moscow, and are certainly competitive. The practical application of an earlier agreement means new opportunities for cooperation between Hungarian and Russian agrarian universities. Preparations are underway for the post-gradual training of ten foreign students each at the Saint Stephen University in Gödöllő, and the Timiryazev Agricultural University in Moscow, announced the Minister of Rural Development. Sándor Fazekas also announced that he had invited his counterpart, Russian Minister of Agriculture Yelena Skrynnik, to Hungary, and that according to plans she will be visiting the country with a delegation of Russian businessmen.

National Energy Strategy 2030 published (Online February 15, 2012) The National Energy Strategy 2030 was published by the Ministry of National DevelAs opment. from 14 February 2012, the is document also available in an electronic format in Hunand garian English on the Government’s website. The National Energy Strategy, based on foundanew tions, will enthe sure longterm sustainability, secuand rity economic competitiveness of energy supply in Hungary. Serving primary national interests, guaranteeing the security of supply, taking into account the least cost principle and asserting environmental considerations, it enables Hungary to contribute to resolving

global issues to an extent proportionate to its international weight and as far as its resources allow. In order to achieve the objectives set in the Strategy, five significant efforts are drawn up: increasing energy sav-

ings and energy efficiency, increasing the share of renewable energ i e s , integrating the Central European grid netand work constructing the required crossborder capacities, maintaining existing the nuclear capacities and utilisthe ing domestic coal and lignite resources in an ecofriendly for manner power generation. Thinking responsibly, the Government considers it to be of critical importance in terms of energy policy to rebuild those Government positions that were given up in previous years due to short-term fiscal considerations or even less transparent or meaningful reasons.

Prodexpo Food Exhibition – Intensive Hungarian Presence in Moscow (Online February 13, 2012) Agricultural Administration Endre Kardeván both attended one of the most important international agricultural trade fairs held in Moscow. Hungary was represented by its own national pavilion and by thirteen companies. During the exhibition, Sándor Fazekas will hold talks with the Russian Deputy Minister of Agriculture. 2100 exhibitors from 55 countries are attending the event; food producers, processors, distributors and retail chains present their various products. Hungary is also present at the Prodexpo with a 156 square metre pavilion. The wide spectrum of wares exhibited by Hungarian producers includes Tokaji wine, fresh and canned mushrooms, peas and beans, as well as duck and goose products. At the official opening ceremony of

the exhibition, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Aleksandr Aleksandrovich Solovjov told those present: the intensive development of Russian agriculture and its consumer interest in high quality foods is demonstrated by the fact that more exhibitors than ever before are attending the timehonoured Prodexpo trade fair. In an interview to representatives of the Russian press, State Secretary Endre Kardeván emphasised: Russia has always been an important market for Hungarian agricultural exports. Cooperation reached its peak in the 90s, but we continue to support the uninterrupted presence of high quality, premium category Hungarian products traditionally present on the Russian market, and the reinforcement of the image of "Hungarian goods – Hungarian quality". Endre

Kardeván also noted that within the field of foreign trade with Russia, exports of meat and meat products, dairy products, grain and oil-seeds have recently increased significantly. The State Secretary explained that one important goal is the development of Hungarian-Russian cooperation in production and manufacturing. Minister Sándor Fazekas is also attending the event, and will be holding talks with Russian Deputy Minister of Agriculture Aleksandr Aleksandrovich Solovjov, as well as with the Deputy Director of Rosszelkhoznadzor, the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance, and the Import Director of the Magnit supermarket chain.

Safe and cheap nuclear energy may promote combating climate change (Online February 13, 2012) Representing Hungary, Minister of State for C l i m a t e Change and Energy Pál Kovács addressed the inf o r m a l discussion of the European Union’s energy ministers, held on nuclear energy in Paris on 10 February 2012. The heads responsible for this specialisation in the Member States discussed energy policy challenges, and the appropriate ratio and sustainability of nuclear energy. Regarding energy policy goals, Pál Kovács made it clear that the successful implementation of efforts at creating a low-carbon economy requires an overall approach to the management of this issue. For this reason the European Union and its Member States should use all available means to increase the efficiency of international conciliations. Mr Kovács drew the attention to the fact that the measures planned in the interest of setting the economy on a low carbon path must be developed in due regard to the risks related to various economic factors, competition and social considerations.

Fourteen countries, more than half of the 27 Member States of the European Union, have got operating nuclear powers, and still, nearly 30 percent of Europe’s total electricity demand is provided from nuclear energy. Being the cheapest low carbon technology, nuclear energy may have a pivotal role in combating climate change in the future. In Hungary, nuclear energy will contribute significantly to the sustainability of energy supply, and due to its favourable costs, also to economic competitiveness. Pál Kovács stressed that the decisions on the desirable energy mix must be left within the competence of the Member States. “Hungary is definitely in favour of the technology neutral approach”, he

said. The National Energy Strategy approved by Parl i a m e n t expects to maintain the current role of nuclear energy in the next decades. Mr Kovács added: in full agreement with the European Union’s position, the Hungarian Government was interested in the utilisation of nuclear energy with enforcement of the highest standard security requirements. In a final national report the Hungarian Atomic Energy Authority informed the European Commission of the results of the stress test performed in the Paks Nuclear Power Plant. According to the report, no problem requiring prompt action was mentioned. However, the test revealed certain intervention opportunities that may effectively increase the safety of the power plant at the cost of a realistic investment. The nuclear power plant will take the necessary measures to this end. For every decision adopted on and action taken in connection with the extension of the operating time of the Paks Nuclear Power Plant, the Government pays special attention to the safety of operation.

The Hungarian govt is committed to cooperating with the EU (Online February 10, 2012) Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Public Administration Tibor Navracsics participated in the hearing called by the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) on Thursday where he reinforced that the Hungarian government intended to continue dialogue with the EU and was committed to freedom, democracy and the rule of law. He asked representatives not to judge according to prejudices, superficial knowledge and political interest, but to state their opinion based on accurate information, in the providing of which the government gives every possibility. The minister, referring to the negotiations regarding the modification of the media law last year, reminded that there was a continuous cooperation between the LIBE Committe and the Hungarian government, as he stated, ’this is an intensive procedure which ahd its results int he past as well.’ As regards to the Act on data protection, Tibor Navracsics said that the government agrees with the commit-

tee that the independence of the data protection authority and ombudsman has to be increased. The body text has already b e e n drafted which the government will consult with the committee and if they reach an agreement, the Act may finally be modified. Speaking of the amendments to the Act on the retirement age of judges, he confirmed that the government did not regard it as a matter of jurisdiction but as an issue of the reform of the pension system. There is an onging

reform of the pension system in Hungary, in the course of which the government and Parliament seek to create a regulation that is as general as possible and free from exceptions. Thus the general retirement age will be applied in jurisdiction as well.

Pakistan won’t help US attack Iran, says Zardari (Online February 18, 2012) ISLAMABAD - Pakistan will not assist the US if it attacks Iran, Islamabad Friday a s s u r e d Tehran. Pakistan will not provide Americans airbases to launch attack on its neighbour, President Asif Ali Zardari said after the third trilateral summit of Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan. At the summit the three states expressed their resolve to work collectively for peace and stability in the region and enhancement of mutual cooperation in different sectors, particularly economy and trade. Addressing a joint news conference, along with his Iranian and Afghan counterparts Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Hamid Karzai, President Zardari emphatically stated that Pakistan’s relationship with the brethren countries cannot be undermined by the international pressure of any kind. “Pakistan and Iran need each other and no foreign pressure can hinder their ties.” This is the first categorical assurance of support to Tehran from the highest echelons of Islamabad, whose own ties with the Washington came under a severe strain in November last year after Nato airstrikes on two Pakistani Army checkposts in Mohmand Agency killed over two dozen soldiers prompting Islamabad to take steps including stopping the passage of Nato supplies through the country and boycott of an international conference on Afghanistan. About international pressure on IranPakistan gas pipeline project, the head of the state facing chronic energy shortages, said Pakistan is lobbying the world and our point of view has been looked at and accepted. A private TV channel reported that Tehran has offered Islamabad to double the gas supply promised under Iran-Pakistan gasline project. Zardari said Iran and Pakistan are neighbours and both the countries need to inter-depend on each other for prosperity of the region. Iranian President Mehmood Ahmadinejad said several of the problems have been imposed on the region by outside forces. “There are countries which have targeted our region for their dominance.” He advocated for enhancing regional cooperation and putting in use all resources to address these problems. Ahmadinejad also said that nucleararmed nations were not superior to others, a day after his sanctions-hit government told world powers it was ready to resume stalled atomic talks. “(The) nuclear bomb is not going to bring about superiority,” he told while addressing the predominantly English-speaking audience through a translator. Ahmadinejad said Iran’s relationship with nuclear-armed Pakistan was an example of an alliance that “is not because of nuclear bomb or weapons… The foundation of our political relationship is humanitarian and is based on common cultural values… Promoting peace and fraternity are the common goals of the three countries and our nations. We have got hopes to a victory in future.” Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who

reportedly adopted a hard line during Thursday’s delegation-level talks between Islamabad and Kabul, appeared to be toned down during the joint press conference. However, he said the impediments in the way of Pakistan-Afghanistan cooperation need to be removed sooner than later and stressed the need for evolving an actionable policy to deal with all the confronting issues. Karzai also said the recent engagements between the two countries have been fruitful and deep in understanding each other’s point of view. Expressing satisfaction over his meetings with Pakistani leadership, Hamid Karzai said the tripartite summit was futuristic, recognising the opportunities and dangers that surround the region. President Zardari denied that Pakistan’s military played a double game in the 10-year war in Afghanistan, but admitted that private Pakistanis may be involved. “I deny this notion that any of our armed forces are directly or indirectly involved,” he said when asked about the alleged involvement of Pakistani spies and officials in the “war on terror”. “Yes I cannot deny that there is a residue in Pakistan of the war that was fought against the Soviet Union,” he said referring to Pakistan’s involvement in the 1980s war in Afghanistan that gave rise to the Taliban and al-Qaeda. “We cannot deny may be there are people among our population who are involved in this, but this is a world problem,” Zardari said, adding, “The three presidents you see sitting together, we shall fight this menace. Nobody is more concerned or more involved in it than me personally,” he said. President Zardari thanked the visiting presidents for coming to Pakistan to attend the trilateral summit. He invited the Iranian president to make a bilateral visit to Pakistan at the earliest. The Iranian president said Thursday’s summit in Islamabad and the next to be held in Kabul are going to have very positive impacts for people of the three countries. He said Iranian people greatly value their brotherly relations with Pakistan and hoped these will further augment in future. Earlier the three presidents held wide-ranging talks on cooperation in diverse fields focusing on cooperation in counter terrorism and transnational organised crimes including drug and human trafficking, border management and trade. In a joint statement issued at the end of the summit, the three countries pledged to develop framework of comprehensive cooperation and to take pragmatic steps for realising mutually beneficial cooperation to pro-

mote stability, peace and shared prosperity. The joint statement, signed by President Zardari and his Iranian and Afghan counterparts at the conclusion of the summit, resolved to ensure respect for their countries sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity, as enshrined in the UN Charter. They agreed to commence a process of trilateral consultations for an agreement pledging not to allow any threat emanating from their respective territories against each other. They resolved to strengthen cooperation for eradicating extremism, terrorism and militancy and to address the root causes of these menaces, condemning the killings of civilians as well as any kind of assassinations. The three leaders also agreed to broaden cooperation in political, security, economic, cultural, social and educational fields and enhance people-to-people contacts including exchange visits of parliamentarians, academicians and journalists. The summit mandated foreign ministers of the three countries to prepare and coordinate a Road Map for Trilateral Cooperation for submission to the next Summit. It also mandated the interior ministers to develop a framework of trilateral cooperation particularly in the areas of counter terrorism, counter-narcotics and border management within six months. The three countries agreed to enhance three-way trade by facilitation measures, including preferential tariff and free trade arrangements as well as barter trade. Commerce ministers would outline steps for enhancing three-way economic cooperation. They also expressed commitment to expand trade in transit and encourage the private sector to invest in the three countries. The joint statement said Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan would cooperate in combating the problems of narcotic drugs production and trafficking and in combating transnational organised crimes. They agreed to enhance connectivity through road and rail links; develop mutually beneficial cooperation in the energy, mining and minerals, agriculture and cooperate for the safe, voluntary and early return of Afghan refugees to their homeland in honour and dignity. They emphasised the need for enhancing their cooperation at international level, especially within the United Nations system. The summit mandated senior officials to meet regularly to monitor the implementation of the decisions taken by the Trilateral Summit. The Fourth Trilateral Summit would be held in Kabul by the end of this year. Earlier in his opening remarks at the summit, President Zardari said connectivity among the three countries is imperative. He tasked the foreign ministers of the three countries to prepare a roadmap for trilateral cooperation for consideration at the next summit meeting. “We must work together to realise peace and prosperity in our region. To face the difficult times ahead we should solidify our relationships,” he added.

First Time AOSpine Symposium was held in Pakistan (By Health Reporter) World known famous Spine Surgeons participated in this symposium including Mr. Max Aibie from Switzerland, Mr. Zambighe from UAE, Mr. Ufuk Andilyne from Turkey and more than fifty Pakistani Orthopedics and Spine surgeons. Mr. Max Aibie President of AOSPINE has accepted Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital for the Fellowship in AOSPINE, which is the second center in Middle East. Ghurki Hospital is a trust hospital

cific region. I am pleased to have Ghurki hospital join the AOSpine center network and I hope that other hospitals in Pakistan will join too, so as to provide specialized spine care to a greater number of patients said Prof Amer Aziz. I am confident that this Spine Center will continue to offer the patients a high standard of surgical and medical care said Firas Atallah, AOSME Regional Board member for Spine

ics to engage in this rewarding method of sharing their expertise and knowledge of spine care with each other. Once again I congratulate Prof Aziz and his team and wish them continued success with their work. Prof. Dr. Zafar Ullah Khan President of College of Physician & Surgeons Pakistan was Chief Guest of the Symposium and he also declared Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital for the Post Graduate Degree Program

which was established back in 1991. Haji Muhammad Asghar Ghurki donated the land for first specialized spine surgery facility in Pakistan. Since 2005, Ghurki Hospital has been arranging its own annual Transpedicular screw fixation handson cadaver workshop, which is very popular with the younger surgeons. They have also received spine fellows since 2006, from Pakistan as well as from countries in the Asia Pa-

Centers & Fellowships. A high standard of training will be delivered by expert surgeons who are renowned in the field of spine surgery. I have told before the Middle East Clinical Spine Network is one of my goal, so I am pleased to see it finally taking off, and I welcome Prof Amer Aziz and his spine team to be part of the most prestigious scientific spine organization in the world. I encourage other hospitals and clin-

FCPS in Spine Surgery. It's a big achievement for Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital and Prof. Amer Aziz, Orthopedic & Spine Surgeon. Its first time in the history of Pakistan, a hospital awarded FCPS in Spine Surgery. Amer Aziz was joined by Shahzad Javed, Naeem Ahmad, Ijaz Ahmad, Rizwan Akram, and Atiq uz Zamanof who are all dedicated to promoting the education of spine care at their hospital.

Senate elections: ECP rejects papers of 18 candidates (Online February 18, 2012) The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Friday rejected the nomination papers of 18 candidates for a variety of reasons. Interestingly, half of them intended to contest the Senate elections independently. Officials said they failed to fulfill the legal requirements for qualifying to contest the elections under the ECP’s electoral rules. The ECP also issued a final list of all candidates after completing the scrutiny process, held from February 16 to 17. There are 166 candidates in the fray against 54 seats in the Senate. The nomination papers of Dr Mazhar Hussain Mirza of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Waqas Qayyum Gill of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl were rejected because they failed to provide complete credentials. The ECP also rejected the nomination papers of Muhammad Mohsin Khan Leghari of Pakistan Muslim LeagueQuaid, who was aspiring to contest from Punjab for a general seat. Nomination papers of independent candidates Sarfraz Ahmed, Najma Ahmed Jorge Pall, Manzoor Ahmed, Mungal Das Arwani, Neik Muhammad Khan, Muhammad Tahir, Ammar Ahmed Khan and Hussain Khan were rejected. Papers of Muttahida Qaumi Movement leader Umar Khan Ali Sherzai were rejected on the grounds that he has not completed the mandatory two-year period after his retirement as senator. Under ECP’s laws, nobody can contest elections until he/she has completed a period of two years after his/her term. Four candidates of Pakistan People’s Party also failed to submit complete documents and ECP’s presiding officers rejected their nomination pa-

pers. These include Fouzia Tabassum and Hina Bibi of PPP. The ECP will conduct hearings on appeals filed by the candidates, whose nomination papers were rejected, on February 22 and 23. The complete board of ECP will hear their appeals. Candidates who wish to withdraw can contact the ECP on February 24, and a final list of candidates will be published. Members National Assembly (NA) will elect one member to the Senate against the general seat and another on the seat reserved for technocrats including Ulemas from the federal capital. National Assembly members from FATA will elect to Senate four members against the general seats. MPAs from Punjab, Sindh, KhyberPakhtunkhwa and Balochistan will elect one member each on seats reserved for non-Muslims. A total of 50 senators will retire in March after completing their respective terms. 25 candidates approved by Balochistan The Election Commission (ECB), Balochistan, accepted the nomination papers of 25 candidates for the upper-house election for Ulema, technocrats, minorities and reserved women seats. It rejected the nomination papers of five candidates for not having party tickets or failing to appear before the commission during the scrutiny process. As many as 12 out of 13 nomination papers were accepted for seats reserved for women. The papers of Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani, Rubina Irfan and MPA Nasreen Rehman Khethran were accepted by the ECB. All three candidates belong to PMLQ. The PPP gave party tickets to two candidates, Parveen Akhtar Mengal and Hina Gulzar, for seats reserved

for women. Gulzar had also submitted nomination papers for a minority seat, which were rejected by the commission. Others whose nomination papers were accepted include independent candidates Agha Pari Gul and Farah Azeem Shah; Sabina Rauf of JUI-F, Naseema Bibi of Balochistan National Party-Awami (BNP-A), Mehrun Nisa of Awami National Party (ANP) and Kishwar Ahmed of PML-N. The nomination papers of Mufti Abdul Satar and Kamran Murtaza of JUI-F, Abdul Jabbar Khan Kakar of ANP, Agha Faisal of PML-N, Rozi Khan Kakar of PPP, Malik Taj Muhammad Bazai and Basant Lal Gulshan of PML-Q were accepted for seats reserved for ulema and technocrats. The nomination papers of Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, Ashok Kumar, Heman Dass of JUI-F, Benish Sikandar Masih of ANP and Gulshan of PML-Q were accepted for seats reserved for minorities. Independent candidate Kumar raised objections against the nomination of former Sindh MPA Vankwani, stating that he cannot contest from Balochistan since he was a permanent citizen of Sindh and was a member of the Sindh Assembly from 2002 to 2007. “Vankwani was enrolled in Sindh’s voter list and had transferred his name to Quetta after the announcement of the senate elections. It is a violation of section 20 of the Election Rules,” Kumar said. JUI-F, ANP and BNP-A have formed an alliance under the Islamic National Democratic Alliance to field their candidates. There also have been meetings between PPP, JUI-F, PML-N and PML-Q leaders for the forthcoming upper-house election.

Pakistan’s Supreme Court indicts prime minister (Online February 18, 2012) Paki s t a n ’ s Supreme Court indicted Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani on contempt of court charges last Monday, having rejected his appeal on February 10. The ruling has intensified the country’s political crisis by further weakening the unp o p u l a r government led by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). The court charged Gilani that he had “wilfully flouted, disregarded and disobeyed” its order to re-open corruption cases against the country’s President Asif Ali Zardari. Gilani pled not guilty on Monday and his trial begins on February 27. If convicted, he could be dismissed from office and imprisoned for six months. The Supreme Court had ordered the government to re-open the corruption cases against Zardari in 2009. The accusations stem from money-laundering charges against Zardari and his wife, the late Prime Minister Benazir Ali Bhutto. Swiss courts tried them in absentia in 2003. In 2007, however, the former military strongman dictator Pervez Musharraf granted amnesties to Zardari, Bhutto and thousands of others through a National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO). The NRO was arraigned in Washington by the George W. Bush administration as part of its plans to return Bhutto to Pakistan to replace the unpopular Musharraf regime and muster support for the US war in Afghanistan. Gilani and his lawyers argued that Zardari as president had “constitutional immunity” in Pakistan. While the anti-democratic NRO and constitution are certainly designed to protect the ruling elites, the court’s decision to target Zardari is entangled with the country’s political turmoil. Pakistani analyst Hasan Askari Rizvi told Reuters: “This will not be good news for democracy… Once again, non-elected institutions are trying to re-formulate the elected institutions. Previously, the military was doing it, now it is the judiciary.” The government protected Zardari and ignored the Supreme Court order as any re-opening of the corruption cases would further undermine its position. The opposition Pakistani Muslim League (PML-N), headed by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf backed the court decision and are aggressively seeking to exploit the issue. The ruling PPP cannot afford to have

a long-running corruption scandal featured in the media. Senate elections are due to begin next month and general elections next year. The government is desperately hoping to boost its stocks in these elections. Gilani has branded the charges against Zardari as “politically motivated.” The court’s decision to indict Gilani also strengthens the hands of the army. Relations between the government and the military deteriorated sharply after the unearthing of a secret memo in October. Allegedly dictated by Zardari, it sought US help in dissuading the military from mounting a coup following the killing of Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan. The Supreme Court backed the call made by army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and military intelligence chief Lieutenant General Ahmed Pasha for an investigation into the memo. Gilani denounced the move as “unconstitutional and illegal.” The army responded by warning of “potentially grievous consequences” for the government. The standoff escalated in January when Gilani dismissed Defence Secretary Nareem Khalid Lodhi, a former general and close ally of Kayani. Amid mounting speculation of a coup, the Supreme Court heard a petition filed against a “possible move by the government” to replace Kayani and Pasha. At the end of January, however, Gilani backed down and retracted his opposition to an investigation into memo. As a result, tensions eased somewhat. The Supreme Court is continuing its examination of the “memogate” affair and is hearing a petition against government’s attempt to remove Kayani and Pasha. At the same time, the Supreme Court has attempted to distance itself from the military. On the day of Gilani’s indictment, the court compelled the milpowerful agency—the itary’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)—to produce seven men who were still in custody despite being acquitted of terrorism charges in 2010. The ISI is notorious for its anti-democratic methods. The seven were

emaciated and sickly. Several limped or had to be supported as they walked. Chief Justice Chaudhry ordered that they receive immediate medical treatment and that a medical board report on their state of health on March 1. Chaudhry’s willingness to cross both the government and the military has led to sections of the media hailing him as a democrat and upholder of legal processes. In reality, Chaudhry’s decisions reflect the depth of the country’s political crisis. Sections of the ruling class are backing Chaudhry as a means of heading off another political coup, refashioning the deeply unpopular government and putting on a show of ending corruption in order to attract desperately needed foreign investment. Chaudhry is notorious for helping to legitimise Musharraf’s military coup in 1999 and was appointed chief justice as a result. He later fell out with Musharraf as political opposition to his regime mounted and was sacked after handing down several judgments that cut across Musharraf’s agenda. Behind the current political turmoil is the country’s mounting economic and social crisis, which will only worsen as the International Monetary Fund demands greater taxes and the further winding back of social spending. This is compounded by widespread opposition to the government’s backing for the US-led occupation of Afghanistan and tacit support for US attacks on tribal border areas inside Pakistan. The Gilani government shut down NATO supply routes through Pakistan to Afghanistan after a deadly US drone attack on a Pakistani border patrol in November. All the signs are that Islamabad is about to end its posturing and again cave in to sustained pressure from Washington. The New York Timesrecently reported Pakistani officials saying that the supply routes would “probably” be re-opened. The Times quoted American officials who said unofficial relations between the CIA and the ISI had resumed. General James N. Mattis, head of the US Central Command, is expected in Pakistan this month to meet Kayani. The first US drone strike inside Pakistan since the November attack took place last month. The resumption of Pakistani cooperation with the criminal US war inside Afghanistan and Pakistani tribal areas will only fuel the deep political crisis in Islamabad.

Pakistan troops 'kill 17 Taliban in clash' (Online) PESHAWAR Pakistani troops killed 17 Taliban on Friday in a clash in the country's troubled northwest, with one soldier and three militiamen also dying, security officials said. Fighting erupted after Pakistani troops and a governmentbacked local m i l i t i a launched a joint operation against the Taliban in the Spindand area of Khyber tribal district, which borders Afghanistan. "At least 17 militants have been killed in the clash while one Pakistani soldier and three members of the militia embraced martyrdom," a security official told AFP. Two security personnel and four mili-

tia members were wounded, he said. "The number of injured from the Taliban side is unknown," he added. A local administration official in Khyber, Mutahir Zeb Khan, confirmed the clash. "The target of the operation was a local Taliban group, Lashkar-e-Islam.

The fighting started on T h u r s d a y evening and the exchange of fire continued at short intervals," Khan told AFP. Some 18,000 people fled their homes in Khyber in October last year amid fears of a fresh onslaught of fighting between the army and Islamist militants linked to the Pakistani Taliban. Pakistan's seven tribal districts near the Afghan border are rife with homegrown insurgents and are strongholds of Taliban and Al-Qaeda operatives. Islamist militants have killed more than 4,800 people across Pakistan since government troops raided an extremist mosque in Islamabad in July 2007.

Pakistan, Afghanistan to develop co-operation framework (Online 17 Feb 2012) ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and Afghanistan February 17 vowed to develop a framework for comprehensive co-operation and to take steps to advance stability‚ peace and shared prosperity. In a statement signed by President Asif Ali Zardari and Afghan President Hamid Karzai, the leaders pledged not to allow any threat arising from their respective territories against each other. According to the statement, the lead-

ers also agreed to strengthen cooperation in counter-extremism‚ terrorism and militancy and to tackle the root causes of these menaces. The summit mandated the interior ministers to build a mutual co-operation framework particularly in combating terrorism‚ narcotics and border management within six months. Pakistan and Afghanistan would also join hands in fighting illegal narcotics production and trafficking and in combating transnational organised crime,

according to the joint statement. Another summit will be held in Kabul before the end of 2012. Earlier, addressing a joint news conference, Zardari said Pakistani armed forces were not involved with militants in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Karzai said Afghanistan will determine where to meet for talks with the Taliban, adding that they could be held in Turkey or Saudi Arabia.

AJK can produce 20,000MW for Pakistan: Yaqub (Online 17 Feb 2012) LAHORE – The Nation Editorin-Chief and Nazaria-iPakistan Trust Chairman Majid Nizami has asked the people of Pakistan to vote for those who can wage Jihad on India to free Kashmir, to make Pakistan as dreamt by Quaid-eA z a m Muhammad Ali Jinnah and A l l a m a Muhammad Iqbal. Speaking at various sessions of the ongoing 4th Nazaria-i-Pakistan Conference under the aegis of Nazaria-i-Pakistan Trust here on Friday, Mr Nizami advocated that even an atomic war against India was not out of the question if it was needed to free the jugular vein of Pakistan. Four sessions were held on the second day of the NPC which attracted large a number of people from all walk of life. Azad Jammu Kashmir President Sardar Muhammad Yaqub Khan and former finance minister Shaukat Tareen were invited as chief guests to the NPC sessions on the second day of the conference. The 3day conference proceedings will end on Saturday. Terming the recommendations made during Friday proceedings of the NPC as a solution for the country’s problems, Majid Nizami regretted that the rulers were not willing to act in right direction. “They (rulers) are mum on the Indian act of blocking Pakistan’s water flowing through Kashmir which has severely affected agriculture and made our fields barren.” Majid Nizami observed. He warned that if Kashmir was not freed from Indian occupancy, the country would turn into desert. He added that he had strong sentiments towards Kashmir because his wife was of Kashmiri origin and recalled the days when he had visited Kashmir in 1947. AJK President Sardar Muhammad Yaqub said that there can be no

threat to the Kashmir cause and Pakistan as long as people like Majid Nizami are there. While talking about the ongoing energy crisis, Sardar Yaqub said AJK could generate 18 to 20 thousand megawatts of electricity, however the government has only employed the valley’s resources to generate 100 MW of electricity. The AJK President portrayed a the true picture of Indian atrocities in the held valley saying that there was no peace as the bodies of Kashmiri men killed by Indian forces keep floating to this side with the Neelam river. He asserted that Kashmiris are not terrorists; in fact their struggle is to secure their right to self-determination under the UN resolutions. The AJK President said that dialogue between India and Pakistan on the resolution of Kashmir dispute cannot succeed unless Kashmiris are made a part of the discussion. He opposed Indian efforts to become a permanent member of the UNSC, asking “How a terrorist state could get that status?” Sardar Yaqub applauded the contributions of the people of Pakistan for the rehabilitation of quake victims in Kashmir. He also invited the members of Nazaria Pakistan Trust to visit Kashmir to hold such a conference. Speaking on the occasion, former federal minister for finance Shaukat Tareen, called to increase the tax to GDP ratio for the ultimate economic welfare of the public. He was delivering a lecture at NPC on the topic of “The steps needed to bring Pakistan out of current economic crisis”. He

briefed the audience about his Nine Points Agenda and the actions he and his team had taken for the revival of industry and agriculture sectors in the country. He said a broader but rational and balanced tax structure was needed, but it requires a strong political will on part of the government. He underlined the need for enhancing tax to GDP ratio to 15 to 20 percent to achieve 7 to 8 percent growth in the economy. He added that rising economies like China, Turkey and India have enhanced their tax to GDP ratio beyond 20 percent to maintain higher GDP growth. Shaukat Tareen said his ministry had devised a five-year plan for shifting from indirect to direct taxes, expanding the tax base and taxing the untaxed sectors. However, he faced resistance in implementing his ninepoint agenda and finally he was shown the door by powerful lobbies. Talking about the ongoing power crisis in the country, Shaukat Tareen said that the government should build hydro-power generation units, to fulfil the energy needs of the country. He told the audience that he had serious reservations over rental power projects. He added that the constitution of Pakistan places agriculture within the provincial purview. However, provincial tax collection efforts are weak, with low compliance, numerous exemptions, and special treatment regimes. Thus, the revenue generated from agriculture is negligible although it is technically subject to income tax and accounts for 21 per cent of GDP. At the end of the session Majid Nizami presented Shields to Sardar Yaqub, Shaukat Tareen, Col (retd) Jamshed Ahmad Tareen, Mian A Majid, Naeem Hussain Chattha, Brig (retd) Zafar Iqbal, Col (retd) Ikramullah, Muhammad Aslam Kamboh and Dr MA Soofi.

We will make Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline: Gilani (Online Feb18, ruary 2 0 1 2 ) KARACHI: Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani asserted on Saturday that Pakistan will make the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, while speaking to the in media Karachi. is Pakistan currently facing mounting pressure from the US to the shelve Iran pipeline project, while Pakistan and Iran have already signed a sovereign-guarantee agreement on the project. The prime minister said that a rise in oil prices in Pakistan was due to a rise in the international prices and the global recession, and gave his

assurance that the Speaker had formed a committee on the issue and will hold talks with the finance minister. Premier Gilani also commented on the US Congressman’s resolution in

the House on the Balochistan issue, and said that it was against the sovereignty of the country. “We strongly condemn the US Congressman’s move,” he said. In view of the on-going trilateral meeting between Pakistan, and Iran Afghanistan, Gilani said that it was “extremely important” for the stability of the region that all the neighbouring countries were in a good relationship with each

other. “We want to have good relations with all our neighbours, be it China, Afghanistan, Iran or India,” he added.

Wean from Iranian crude, US tells India, Pakistan (Online February 18, 2012) Washington has said it was talking to India, Pakistan, Russia, and China about what they can do to "wean themselves" from Iranian crude as the US imposed new sanctions against Tehran. "We are engaged in conversations with all of these governments with regard to the importance of implementing existing international sanctions, national sanctions," State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland told reporters Friday when asked about several countries still doing business with Iran. It was also talking to them about "doing what they can to increase sanctions, particularly to wean themselves from Iranian crude. So this is a process, it's still going on", she said. But as Secretary of State Hillary

Clinton said Friday, "we do assess that the pressure, economic and diplomatic, on Iran is beginning to pinch. And you see the fruit of that, and the fact that we - after many months, have Iran suggesting that we go back to the table", Nuland said. Asked about Pakistan saying that it is going ahead with the construction of the gas pipeline between Iran and Pakistan, she said: "We have issues of concern and we've been very clear about those with the government of Pakistan." "We think it's a bad idea; we've made that clear. But I'm not going to predict where this might go." Asked about Israel blaming Iran's Quds Force for a string of attacks on Israeli diplomats in India, Georgia and Thailand, Nuland said: "I think, we are still where we are, that we

wouldn't be surprised if the fingerprints and the trail lead back to Iran but we're not in a position to assess until the investigations of the host governments are complete." In response to another question, she said the US had offered help in the investigations but could not say if any of the countries had taken up the offer. Nuland's comments came as the US imposed three new separate sanctions actions against Iran's primary intelligence agency, the Ministry of Intelligence and Security. Iran is under a few sets of UN Security Council sanctions. Western countries led by the US suspect that the Islamic Republic is seeking to build nuclear weapons, but Tehran insists it needs nuclear power solely for civilian purposes.

India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan can produce 200GW power: Sharma (Online February 18, 2012) Islamabad (SANA) Indian Commerce Minister Anand Sharma says, “India, Nepal, Bhutan and Pakistan have a combined hydropower potential of 200GW, of which more than threequarters is yet to be harnessed.” India has made a strong pitch for setting up a $300-billion trans-national power grid in South Asia which would enable the region to trade in electricity. Addressing the sixth SAFTA (South Asia Free Trade Agreement) ministerial council here on Thursday, Commerce Minister Anand Sharma said, “India, Nepal, Bhutan and Pakistan have a combined hydropower potential of 200GW, of which more than three-quarters is yet to be harnessed.” “We need to work together to harness this potential not only for following the path of sustainable development but also as a source of cost-effective power supply to retain our competitiveness in manufacturing,” he added.

Sharma said a trans-national power grid across South Asia will not only ensure energy security in the region but also result in substantial cost saving. Sharma pointed out that countries of South Asia, which include Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Maldives, have a huge infrastructure deficit, which will need massive capital flows. “We need to work in a policy environment that permits easier cross-border investment flows, which perhaps is even more important than crossborder trade,” he said. In the last decade, outbound foreign direct investment (FDI) from India has been $120 billion and yet more than 90 per cent of this was directed out of South Asia. “We believe that greater capital flows within our countries will have a transformational impact for growth and development of our economies,” he said. The minister said the SAARC agreement on trade and services could serve as a catalyst for cross-border investment in several sectors, in-

cluding energy, tourism, telecom, IT enabled services, education and health. “This agreement should be expedited to private commercial capital flows,” he added. India also brought up the issue for a better arrangement to enable crossborder movement of cargo vehicles in the region through a multilateral motor vehicle agreement. Sharma also pointed out that India has addressed concerns of all leastdeveloped countries of South Asia as all items of their interest are now allowed for import into the country at zero duty. He added that many other countries in the region need to reciprocate this policy. In an oblique reference to Pakistan, Sharma lamented that many nations of the region import substantially from India and “we do not get trade preference under SAFTA”. However, he said Pakistan had initiated steps to grant most-favoured nation status to India and the fact that it was playing host to the SAFTA conference showed a positive spirit.

Pakistan slams US Congressman for having tabled resolution for Balochistan independence (Online February 18, 2012) Pakistan has slammed US Congressman Dana Rohrabacher for having tabled a resolution in the US Congress, calling for the independence of Balochistan. The Pakistan Foreign Office described the mover of the bill as being 'oblivious to the ground situation' and expressed the hope that the move would never succeed, the Daily Times reports. It said that presentation of the bill was in violation of the international laws and showed a 'highly irresponsible attitude' on the part of Congressman Rohrabacher. A week after he chaired a Congressional committee's hearing on Congressman Balochistan, Rohrabacher said that the Baloch should be given their right of self-determination and to their own sovereign country, The Express Tribune reports. The House Concurrent Resolution

in the US House of Representatives has been co-sponsored by Representatives Louie Gohmert and Steve King. It highlights the history of Balochistan, and says that revolts in 1958, 1973 and 2005 "indicate continued popular discontent against rule by Islamabad, and the plunder of its vast natural wealth while Baluchistan remains the poorest province in Pakistan." The text says that there is also an insurgency underway in SistanBalochistan, which is being repressed by Iran. Congressman Rohrabacher's resolution says that it is the US policy to "oppose aggression and the violation of human rights inherent in the subjugation of national groups as currently being shown in Iran and Pakistan against the aspirations of the Baloch people." According to the resolution, the people of Balochistan that are "currently divided between Pakistan, Iran, and

Afghanistan, have the right to selfdetermination and to their own sovereign country and they should be afforded the opportunity to choose their own status among the community of nations, living in peace and harmony, without external coercion." In a statement from his office, Rohrabacher, who is also the Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, said, "The Baluchi, like other nations of people, have an innate right to self-determination. The political and ethnic discrimination they suffer is tragic and made more so because America is financing and selling arms to their oppressors in Islamabad." The press release further added that Balochistan is "rich in natural resources, but has been subjugated and exploited by Punjabi and Pashtun elites in Islamabad, leaving Baluchistan the country's poorest province."

Sherry seeks US investment in Pakistan (Online Feb18, ruary 2012) WASHINGTON Pakistan's ambassador to the United States Sherry Rehman has urged American investors to benefit from enhanced business opportunities Pakistan offers in several potential areas. Speaking to members of US-Pakistan Business Council, the envoy cited the example of fast-growing telecommunication sector, saytelecom companies are ing aggressively bidding for a market of 100 million mobile users and others should follow the suit. She highlighted the fact that a number of American companies are already successfully doing business in the country and contributing to better economic relations. "The Council can greatly help in dispelling adverse perceptions in the US by relating to their business success stories in Pakistan to their fellow investors, political leaders and opinion makers," she said at the US Chamber of Commerce. Islamabad, she said, is committed to provide enabling environment and a level-playing field to international investors and has been rated at the top in South Asia for ease in doing business. The ambassador said one of the key priorities during her assignment in Washington would remain promoting

stronger linkages between the private sectors of the two countries. "The government gives priority to investments in social sectors, programs that promote justice, development and strengthening of infrastructure, industrialization, economic reforms and trade facilitation." Despite the continuing global financial crisis and regional situation, Pakistan last year achieved a 28 per cent increase in exports, which were worth $ 25 billion. "The positive trends have continued in the last seven months, and other macro economic indicators are showing hopeful signs." "We recognize that we have work to do on infrastructure and we seek your assistance on energy investment," she added. Ambassador Rehman also reiterated Pakistan's interest towards concluding a Bilateral Investment Treaty with the United States. "A free trade agreement with the US is an important priority for Pakistan .

I am sure many people present here are fervent of advocates market open and realize the benefits to be achieved from an FTA between the two countries." Pakistan and United the States had a robust trading relationship and the current volume of bilateral trade has doubled to $ 5.50 billion. "While this may be a source of some satisfaction on both sides, we firmly believe that the potential for enhancing trade relations between the two countries is far greater than what has been achieved so far." Welcoming the Pakistani ambassador on behalf of members of the USBusiness Council, Pakistan Chairman Miles Young said that despite international financial difficulties, the American companies have made substantial profits and continue to prosper. He committed to advancing joint business goals together with the Pakistani embassy while recounting several good news stories on Pakistan's business potential. The meeting was attended by leaders and cheif executive officers of companies including Shell, Procter & Gamble, Northrop Grumman, Harris Corporation,GE Transportation, Global Edison Corporation, MetLife, J.E. Austin Associates Inc. The Coca-Cola Company and Caterpillar Inc.

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January 27, 2012. Thousands of demonstrators filled Egypt’s Tahrir Square to mark the first anniversary of the Friday of Rage, a key day in the 2011 uprising that led to the fall of President Hosni Mubarak.

We want a stable Pakistan, says Danish ambassador (Online 17 Feb 2012) Karachi – Despite some rough patches in the relationship between Denmark and Pakistan, the ambassador Danish said that there was space in this multifaceted world for all of us. He added that his country was ready, willing and able to work with Pakistan. While speaking at an event organised by the English-speaking Union of Ambassador Uffe Pakistan, Wolffhechel said that he knew it was a difficult time for Pakistan and Denmark wanted to strengthen the bond with it by contributing towards development and stability of the country. He added that the Danish government had decided to give $28 million for democratic development, regional

stability, human rights and gender equality. In response to a question on the 2008 bombing at the Danish embassy in Islamabad, the ambassador said that the attack was carried out by individuals – not Pakistan. “The country’s government was always there to help us,” he said. “It [the attack] did not affect our relationship

with Pakistan.” He added that there should be a stronger focus on education as extremism was a complex issue. There are around 21,000 Pakistanis living in Denmark and their first generation has to a large extent integrated in Danish society. The vice president of the union and chairman of the Avari Group of Companies, Byram Dinshawji Avari, shared a story about his first trip to Denmark. At the age of nine, Avari went to Copenhagen in 1951 with his family and after an exhausting day of sightseeing went back to the hotel to order six sandwiches. He said that when the food got to his room he was pleasantly surprised to see six trays of six foot-long sandwiches.

The Hungarian FM’s meetings in Berlin focused on issues of foreign affairs highlighted in (Online Februthe press conary 13, 2012) ference that On 7 February the Hungarian 2012 János situation was Martonyi negobetter than tiated with Gergenerally conman Foreign sidered, havMinister Guido ing enormous Westerwelle in surplus in the Berlin about balance of current issues trade and payof the Euroments. “We pean Union, the have competiMiddle East, tive industry and Hungarianand export (… German bilat), which is eral relations. among others On the invitadue to Gertion of his German-owned m a n companies in counterpart, the Hungary exHungarian Forporting comeign minister petitively to all arrived in Gerthe many for a two- János Martonyi and Guido Westerwelle at the press con- over world.” Conday visit to ference in Berlin cerning the mark the 20th budget deficit, he made it clear again anniversary of the signing of the our bilateral relations too,” he said. Agreement between the Federal Re- The Hungarian Foreign Minister con- that the government keeps it under public of Germany and the Republic gratulated the German Government, 3% this year and in 2013: “In the folof Hungary on Friendly Cooperation the German diplomacy for the suc- lowing days we send further docucess which had after all been ments to the European Commission, and Partnership in Europe. On the press conference following achieved by Europe agreeing to sign clearly supporting that the Hungarian the fiscal pact, an intergovernmental budget deficit of 2013 will also be the meeting in the capital of Germany, Guido Westerwelle empha- agreement: “For the time being, only under 3%.” Mr Martonyi noted it was a political agreement was reached, good news for Hungary as well that sised that for opening the borders in September 1989 and for the solidar- but a vast majority of Member States the German economy had recently – in all probability including eight non- given positive signs. ity manifested in this act, Hungary “will always have a special place in eurozone countries – seem to sign it.” The infringement procedures against János Martonyi affirmed Hungary’s Hungary were also mentioned on the the hearts of the German people”, and the agreement signed in 1992 intention to join; in a few days the press conference in Berlin. The GerGovernment proposes that the Par- man Foreign Minister explained that had laid new foundations for the relations between the two countries. liament should authorise the Prime “the doubts, criticisms and concerns” Minister in a decision to sign the surrounding certain laws “should be “We will never forget the brave Hungarian nation” contributing to the agreement, which is later to be rati- taken seriously”, and it was also in fied by the Parliament. He added: Hungary’s interest to adjust the critiunity of Germany and, therefore, to “We might say this does not cost cised laws to EU law, if necessary. the unity of Europe, he said. János Martonyi highlighted that the much for us, as these obligations cur- Concerning the controversial issues, visit “is well-timed to celebrate the rently do not apply to us. This is true, János Martonyi emphasised that the 20th anniversary, to look back and but we really hope that these obliga- Hungarian government would settle ponder what was successful and tions will bind us from the moment them as soon as possible: “We have what was not”. He added that Ger- Hungary joins the eurozone. This solutions for basically all the quesmany “continues to be Hungary’s agreement is essential; I believe all tions, and we really hope that these most important partner in economy, of Europe can be grateful to Ger- will be acceptable without excepculture and on a human level as many and to all supporting it from the tions”. “We are open in all the other well”. The Minister stated that Hun- beginnings. We would have preferred issues as well; we listen to each gary considered the German Govern- the amendment of the Treaties, but – friend of ours; moreover, we await ment’s position in various issues of as we all know – we did not manage their comments”, added the Hungarinternational politics to be extremely to achieve this; however, it remains ian Foreign Minister. “We are ready important for several reasons includ- our aim to include this agreement in to dispute, talk about, and correct all the matters; the only thing we cannot ing Hungary’s similarly active partici- the Treaties.” pation in the Common Foreign and In the negotiations the participants accept is the expression of doubt Security Policy. “We have many prob- spoke about the question of the can- about our commitment to fundamenlems; I would not like to list them. didate status of Serbia as well, the tal values, democracy, the rule of law, With regard to these as well, it is very support of which is of utmost impor- and human rights.” much important to be in continuous tance to Hungarian foreign policy. communication in the framework of Turning to economy, János Martonyi

January 30, 2012. Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney carries a surprise birthday cake for Los Angeles Times reporter Maeve Reston on his campaign plane in Jacksonville, Florida.

January 31, 2012. A narrow-gauge railway makes its way through a snow covered forest at the Harz national park near Schierke, central Germany. After a period of relatively mild weather a cold spell has reached central and eastern Europe.

January 31, 2012. Supporters shake hands with Myanmar pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi as she arrives in Bagan on her way to Pakokku in Bagan Township.