Ethiopia's Special Envoy Talks Cooperation and AU Affairs with President Jammeh

By Abdou Njie, GRTS

The special envoy dispatched to Banjul by the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, H.E. Meles Zanawi has met with the President H.E. Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya Jammeh Wednesday at  the State House.

Mulugeta Wuletaw who is also Ethiopia's State Minister of Federal Affairs told journalists shortly after meeting the Gambian leader that he has travelled to the country to deliver to President Jammeh a special message from Prime Minister Meles Zanawi but also discussed with him other issues relating to cooperation with focus on some new areas such as trade, experience sharing and most especially irrigation. Their discussions, according to the envoy also touched on the upcoming African Union General Assembly slated for the end of January in Addis Ababa.

Government in Consultation with Gambians in the Diaspora

By Alhagie Ceesay & Fatou Samba, Department of Information Services

The Government of The Gambia Tuesday held a consultative meeting with some Gambians in the Diaspora at the Kairaba Beach Hotel.

With the theme 'Harnessing Diaspora Engagement in Support of Enhanced Socio-economic Development in The Gambia', the forum brought together representatives of Gambians in the Diaspora, including Gambian ambassadors abroad, civil society organizations, NGO's, members of the private sector, among others.

In a statement read by the Vice President and Minister of Women's Affairs, Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy, the Gambian leader, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya AJJ Jammeh stated that his government has always created the enabling environment for Gambians both inside and outside the country. He said it is his belief that Gambians in the diaspora also have a significant role to play in our collective desire to overcome the various challenges that face our development process. He made particular reference to their substantial role in development strategies such as poverty eradication, job creation and economic growth, in our bid to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and Vision 2020.

The Executive Announces Death of Deputy Agriculture Minister

His Excellency The President of the Republic of The Gambia, Sheikh Professor Alh. Dr. Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh, The Vice President of The Gambia and Minister for Women's Affairs, Madam Dr. Isatou Njie-Saidy, Cabinet Ministers and the entire Government

Regret to announce the death of their dear colleague and brother, the late Hon. Khalifa Kambi, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, which sad event occurred at the MRC, Fajara, on Tuesday, 20th December, 2011.

Please be informed that his body will be laid at the National Assembly today Tuesday, 20th December, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. and, in this regard, the general public is duly and kindly informed to pay their last respects.

Fidaw will be held at the Independence Drive Mosque at 2:00 p.m. prompt and, Burial at 3:00 p.m. at the Old Jeshwang Cemetery.

We pray to Allah to bless and grant the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

May Allah (SWT) grant his gentle soul perfect peace and, eternal rest in Heaven – Ameen.

President Jammeh Receives More Letters of Credence from Foreign Diplomats

By Alagie Ceesay,

Dept. of Information Services

The Gambian leader, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr. Yahya AJJ Jammeh Thursday received various ambassadors at State House, who were there to present letters of credence.

First to hand over his credential was the new Taiwanese Ambassador to The Gambia, His Excellency Samuel Chen. Speaking to reporters after a lengthy discussion with the Gambian leader, Honourable Chen congratulated the President on his landslide victory, before assuring that the relations between Taiwan and Gambia will continue to remain fruitful. He promised to continue promoting agriculture, particularly the Taiwanese rice project and aquaculture; health; training and education. The new Taiwanese ambassador hailed The Gambia for doing better in the area of education than other African countries.

Next to present his letter was the new Canadian High Commissioner to The Gambia, Calderwood. He told journalists that he had a fruitful conversation with President Jammeh in many areas of potential cooperation including security, education and training of Gambia's military and police officers.

Other ambassadors that presented letters of credence were their Excellencies Hesham Muhammed Maher, Ambassador of Egypt; and Alhadji Mandifing Diane of Guinea Conakry.

Gambia Takes Pride in the Election of Fatou Bom Bensouda As ICC Prosecutor

The Government of The Gambia is pleased to announce for the information of the general public the unanimous election of Mrs. Fatou Bom Bensouda our Gambian compatriot, to the high office of Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) based in The Hague, Kingdom of the Netherlands.   This is the first time a Gambian is occupying such a high position in a global organization and is therefore a great pride for this country.  In the first place, we give thanks to Allah Subhannahu wa Ta'ala for His blessing for this country and for the election of Mrs. Bensouda.

Consequently, the Government of The Gambia on behalf of all Gambians and friends of The Gambia would like to express our profound gratitude and appreciation to all those countries, organizations and individuals whose efforts and sincere support made the election of Mrs.  Bensouda possible.

Our special thanks go to the following:

His Excellency, Sheikh Professor Ahaji Dr. Yayha A.J.J Jammeh for being the driving force behind Mrs.Bensouda's nomination and election.

The 70 countries which co-sponsored with the Government of The Gambia the candidature of Mrs. Bensouda.

Those countries like Britain and Canada which withdrew their candidates in favour of Mrs. Bensouda.

                All the ECOWAS Members States for their overwhelming support.

                The African Union for endorsing Mrs. Bensouda as the African Candidate.

                The European Union.

                 The Asian countries.

                 CARICOM countries and

                 Everyone else including Gambian officials and individuals for their unified support and efforts.

We request the Supreme Islamic council, the Christian Council and individual Muslims and Christians to offer special prayers in our Mosques and Churches for Allah Subhanahu wa  Ta'ala to continue to bless The Gambia with more accolades and also to pray for Mrs. Fatou Bom Bensouda for divine guidance in the discharge of her duties as ICC Prosecutor.