• New Report Shows "Sprinkles" are Working to Prevent and Treat Childhood Nutrition Epidemic

investigate gender discrimination cases in education, employment and in the implementation of laws and policies.
Summit talks between the two Koreas last June had opened an era of reconciliation and prosperity which had resulted in increased exchanges between women in North and South Korea.
She believed that Korean women would play a constructive role in the reconciliation process on the Korean Peninsula.
She stated that her Government had withdrawn three out of its four reservations on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and was presently taking steps to withdraw the final reservations and to sign the Optional Protocol in the near future. She informed members that her Government was preparing to host a Conference on the National Machinery on Women's Policies in East Asia in May. The aim of the conference was for States in the region to share perspectives and strengthen their ties in making bold moves towards gender mainstreaming.
LILA SUBIRAN DE VIANA (Argentina) said national legislation had been put in place concerning the prevention and fight against HIV/AIDS in her country, and every aspect had been covered -- groups at risk, discrimination, the right to privacy, testing, organ donation, disease control, blood banks, protection of identities, treatment centres, and preventive education.
She said her country was one of immigrants and thus understood the consequences of intolerance. There were therefore no privileges from the standpoint of blood or birth. Skill and competence were the only factors that influenced employment.
There were also rules and laws against discrimination.
She said people who felt that they were victims of discrimination had been taken care of by the State and had mechanisms to address their grievances. The upcoming World Conference on Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Forms of Intolerance in Durban, South Africa, would open up many international opportunities to fight racism.
Argentina intended to play its part.
SHEN GUOFANG (China) said the aggravation of the feminization of poverty, the serious threats of HIV/AIDS to the livelihood of women and children, persistent stereotypes and discrimination against women, as well as the lack of basic health care and education had seriously impeded the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action and the outcome document. Those factors had also prevented women from fully enjoying their human rights and their participation in development in many developing countries.
His Government however, attached great importance to the rights, progress and advancement of women and therefore had taken concrete steps to implement the Platform for Action and the outcome document. After five years of hard work,
11 major objectives set in the country's programme for the Development of Chinese Women had been achieved. These included the adoption of policies and measures designed to accelerate development and solve the problems of poverty, unemployment, education and training. The Government had also formulated and revised laws and regulations, such as the Land Contracting Law for Farmers and the Marriage Law, to eliminate their negative effects on women and girls.
He further stated that the Government had also formulated a Programme of Development for Chinese Women from 2001 to 2010. The new programme took as its basis the safeguarding of women's rights, and priority areas and major targets and strategies had been identified to make it effective.
YOSEPHA STEINER (Israel) said grass roots organizations in her country were among the first to raise their voices against violence against women. That experience had demonstrated that the optimum way to deal with that issue was to treat both women and men and to coordinate action by both non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the Government.
That strategy had achieved notable results. Today there were country-wide centres for the treatment of abuse and violence, irrespective of whether the victims and other involved parties were Christian, Moslem or Jewish. Those institutions were managed by women's organizations but received extensive financial support from the Israeli Government.
She said NGOs had paved the way for the establishment of the Authority on the Status of Women in the Office of the Prime Minister. That entity was dedicated to advancing and empowering women in Israel. The Authority's mission was based on the belief that the most effective way to counter violence against women was ensure their empowerment and to begin that process as soon as possible. A project on the advancement of youth had a component to push gender equality forward as well.
She concluded by informing the Commission that for the first time since Israel's establishment, three female Government Ministers had been appointed. Another, Dalia Rabin-Pelossof, daughter of the late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, had been appointed as Deputy Minister of Defence. Those appointments represented a major step forward for women in Israeli society.
LILLY CARAVANTES (Guatemala) said that 51.2 per cent of her country's population were women. Seventy per cent them lived in poverty. For all those reasons and more, the improvement of their situation in every sphere constituted one of the prime objectives of the Peace Agreements. The reference in the Peace Agreement to Guatemalan women and their development "compels us to recognize their cultural, linguistic, socio-economic, religious and political diversity". That diversity, which was a clear reflection of the social organization prevailing in Guatemala, was the central factor in an evaluation of women's interests, needs, demands and expectations.
She said one of the many initiatives embodied in the Peace Agreements was the Forum for Women which sought to strengthen the participation of women at all levels in the formulation, implementation and monitoring of public policies. Another body that had been set up was the Agency for the Defence of the Indigenous Woman. The creation of that Agency was unprecedented in her country, inasmuch as it constituted a body that safeguarded the rights of women, who had historically been the object of discrimination and social exclusion.
MARIA LUIZA RIBEIRO VIOTTI (Brazil) said the Brazilian constitution upheld the principle of non-discrimination based on race and gender. However, to ensure that this principle was translated into practice, the Government had put in place a series of initiatives designed to promote gender and race equality. These included the Sickle Cell Anemia Programme which was being implemented in several Brazilian municipalities. Other measures included financial support for clinical research undertaken in former fugitive slave communities, in the States of Bahia and Sergipe.
On the issue of HIV/AIDS, she said that the Brazilian programme on combating the disease had established that this could not only be done by prevention but must also be accomplished through treatment. Since 1996, everyone living with HIV/AIDS had received universal and free access to anti-retroviral therapy. About 95,000 people were currently taking these drugs. The death rate had fallen by 50 per cent while hospitalization had fallen by 75 per cent. The therapy had also reduced transmission rates, and follow-up treatment had kept people living with the disease in touch with public health services.
She concluded that the task facing the international community concerning HIV/AIDS could only be accomplished through partnerships between governments, international institutions, NGOs and the private sector. Further, the representation and participation of women living with HIV/AIDS should be encouraged in all international fora. Since 1997, Brazil had been implementing cooperation programmes on HIV/AIDS with Portuguese-speaking countries in Africa and was now extending this programme to other countries on the Continent.
NORASMAH SAMSUDIN (Malaysia) said her country's continuous effort to strengthen the national machinery for the advancement of women was an expression of its commitment to the issue. The lead Government agency had been relocated to the Prime Minister's department and the department had been upgraded to a ministry with a cabinet minister responsible for the development of women and the family.
Women accounted for more than 48 per cent of the total population and 44 per cent of the work force, she said. In the public sector, they held 14 per cent of the decision-making posts in the year 2000. The country continued to take measures to improve female participation in the labour market, which included encouraging employers to provide such facilities as those concerning housing, childcare, transport and health care as well as those dealing with protection against sexual harassment.
At the secondary school level, girls accounted for 66 per cent of the total enrolment, and the intake of female students into public universities had significantly expanded.
Women also had equal access to health care services, and, as result, the female life expectancy rate had increased from 74 years in 1995 to 74.7 in 2000. The Government had also intensified its efforts to eliminate violence against women by adopting a comprehensive and integrated programme.
She expressed hope that the Commission would continue to play a crucial role in accelerating the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action, and welcomed the opportunity to exchange views and share experiences and best practices.
SOMAIA S. BHARGHOUTI (Observer for Palestine) said the major task ahead was translating the goals of the outcome documents into tangible results aimed at the promotion of women's rights worldwide. The international community must explore and find innovative resources to overcome the continuing challenges to women in the new millennium. Despite gains mentioned in the report of the Secretary-General on Palestinian Women, since September 2000 the situation of those women had deteriorated in the occupied territories including Jerusalem due to the bloody Israeli campaign. Israel's aggression had caused great destruction to the Palestinian economy and infrastructure. Palestinian people continued to suffer under Israeli actions, and this in turn had created great hardship for Palestinian women, preventing their advancement and empowerment.
She appealed to the international community to continue to shoulder its responsibility towards the question of Palestine until the issue was resolved in all its aspects, and to urge Israel to observe the relevant resolutions of the Organization. The rights of Palestinian women could not be achieved under an occupying power. The empowerment of Palestinian women was linked to the peace process, to which Palestine was committed and to which it was ready to adhere.
((M2 Communications Ltd disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data prepared by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to [e-mail])).
Document mtpw000020010712dx38007cg
Country Report - Nigeria.
1,593 words

19 February 2001

Barclays Bank Country Report

QEDBBC

1

English

(c) 2001 BY Janet Matthews Information Services, Sidcup, UK. JMIS and publishers assume no liability for the consequence of reliance upon any opinion or statement contained in this database
SUMMARY
* An upsurge in religious and ethnic violence last year heightened political tension and triggered calls for a national constitutional conference.
* Relations between the executive and legislature have been under strain.
* Real growth in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is set to strengthen over the forecast period.
* Inflation is likely to pick up slightly, but will remain in single figures.
* The weakness in the naira is expected to continue over the medium term.
* Stronger oil revenues helped to narrow the budget deficit. A further deficit is anticipated this year.
* The current account has strengthened significantly, helped by a wider trade surplus, and should remain in surplus this year. Foreign exchange reserves have risen.
* The IMF approved a short-term stand-by facility in August after lengthy negotiations. The news reflected much-improved relations with the donor community.
* In December the Paris Club of official western creditors approved debt rescheduling but made it conditional on progress on economic reform.
Key Variables

Average Forecasts

1994-98 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
Growth (%) 2.6 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.0

Inflation (%) 35.9 6.7 5.0 7.0 8.5 10.5
Trade Balance ($bn) 4.3 4.3 11.2 6.0 3.2 0.8

Current Account ($bn) -1.0 0.5 6.3 1.7 -1.1 -3.5


International Reserves ($bn) 4.3 5.5 9.4 10.0 8.8 7.5


Import Cover (Months) 6.6 7.8 10.7 9.4 7.6 7.6
Foreign Debt ($bn) 31.5 30.1 30.6 31.2 31.4 31.6

Debt Service/Exports (%) 14.0 10.3 6.0 6.4 7.0 7.0
Exchange Rate (NN/$) 70.7 98.0 104.0 118.0 130.0 142.0

(NN/o) 112.4 157.8 158.1 185.3 210.6 227.2


POLITICS


President Obasanjo's civilian government, approaching the mid-term of its four year rule, is facing a series of challenges and problems. Difficulties are being fuelled by deteriorating social services, a fall in living standards and a surge in crime, vandalism and insecurity aggravated by poverty and unemployment.


Matters were inflamed last February by an upsurge in religious and ethnic violence following plans by Kaduna state to adopt Sharia law as the legal penal code. Although the federal government quelled the issue, the subsequent announcement that Kano state would adopt Sharia law may encourage other northern muslim-dominated states to follow. Further violence in Lagos in October between warring ethnic groups maintained the political tension.


Meanwhile, southern states are concerned at the concentration of power and financial resources by the federal government and are pushing for a looser federation which would give greater political autonomy and allow more resources to be returned to the oil-producing southern states. So far, Obasanjo has resisted pressures to call a sovereign national conference, preferring instead to await the deliberations of a constitution review committee that is presently revisiting the 1999 military-influenced constitution.


Despite his party, the People's Democratic Party, having majorities in the bicameral legislature, Obasanjo's relations with the National Assembly have been under considerable strain, delaying the legislative process. An anti-corruption law was passed last June while efforts are being made to return from abroad funds misappropriated by the former military regime. Following a corruption scandal involving senior Senate members, the National Assembly is seeking an enquiry into government finances. In January the president undertook his first significant cabinet reshuffle. Externally, the president has travelled widely in an endeavour to rebuild international goodwill, and has sought to involve himself in Pan African issues.


STRUCTURAL FEATURES


Nigeria is the most populous state in Africa with many ethnic groups and large Christian and Muslim communities.


There is a considerable wealth of natural resources but the petroleum industry, concentrated in the Niger River delta region, is dominant. Following a series of recent quota adjustments, Nigeria has an OPEC production target of 2.075 million barrels per day (b/d). Despite supply disruptions, production last year averaged slightly above 2 million b/d and there are plans to expand production this decade. There is interest in exploiting the large reserves of natural gas and the gas sector is expected to grow in importance and provide a valuable source of export revenue.


Agriculture, dominated by subsistence small-holdings, is a leading economic activity. A variety of cash crops is grown although only cocoa makes any contribution to exports.


The manufacturing sector, largely composed of light consumer goods, is heavily dependent on imported inputs. Non-oil industrial output has suffered from a number of constraints and capacity utilisation rates are running at around 30%.


The services sector is built around transport, trade and government activities.


1980 1996 2000
GDP ($bn) 93 35 41

GDP per Capita ($) 1314 357 387


GDP by Sector (%)


Agriculture 27 34 35

Industry 40 30 29

Services 33 36 36
Dom.Saving/GDP (%) 15 8 4


Dom. Investment/GDP (%) 22 17 15


Exports/GDP (%) 30 49 56


The services sector is built around transport, trade and government


activities.


RECENT TRENDS


Economic activity, already under strain from a debilitated infrastructure, corruption and weak policy implementation, ran into further difficulties last year from heightened political violence and industrial strife. Even so, increased oil prices alongside further activity in the buoyant energy sector have raised economic growth. Based on a higher oil price which has given a considerable boost to federal oil revenues, last year's delayed 2000 budget is estimated to have recorded a small deficit. Debt-service limitations remain. Inflation is low, although there was a notable rise towards year-end and the Central Bank loosened monetary policy through a series of interest rate cuts.


Concern over the economy has underpinned strong foreign exchange demand and the naira weakened further. In the present political climate the government has been reticent in tackling many of its outlined reforms, notably the privatisation of the larger parastatals including power, oil refining and telecoms. Efforts to deregulate the domestic fuel market were upset last June when the government was forced to amend price increases in the face of industrial action.


Despite some concern, the donor community has been anxious to support the government's efforts and in August after lengthy negotiations the IMF approved a one-year stand-by credit. The World Bank has also committed funds. In December the authorities negotiated an agreement with the Paris Club on debt rescheduling to help tackle the external debt burden and which under a 'burden-sharing' agreement included commercial debts. Last year's oil price recovery widened the trade surplus and despite a large services deficit boosted the current account surplus. The improved external position allowed foreign exchange reserves to recover.


OUTLOOK


Developments will be boosted by the further expansion of the energy sector, debt relief and relatively firm oil prices. Structural and other impediments will persist while fears of further ethnic violence remain.


Inflation is expected to pick up, partly due to increased government spending, and the naira is expected to weaken further. Although a budget surplus has been projected for this year, this may prove optimistic and a further deficit is likely. Despite donor pressure, the authorities may find it difficult to deepen the reform process and adhere to fiscal restraint. As a consequence much-needed investment could be delayed and there may be doubts over the chances of receiving a longer-term credit from the IMF and further debt relief. Even so, there is considerable international goodwill and donors are likely to remain engaged for the time being. Although the trade surplus should narrow, the current account will remain in surplus and further strengthen foreign exchange reserves.


Top Ten Trade Partners 1999


Exports to: Imports from:

$mn % $mn %
USA 4220 36.2 UK 819 11.0
India 1005 8.6 Germany 740 9.9

Spain 877 7.5 USA 709 9.5

Brazil 738 6.3 France 630 8.4

France 691 5.9 China 436 5.8

Ghana 439 3.8 Netherlands 374 5.0

Portugal 286 2.5 Italy 366 4.9

Cote d'Ivoire 282 2.4 Japan 271 3.6

Canada 261 2.2 Thailand 258 3.5

Italy 224 1.9 Brazil 249 3.3

Others 2645 22.7 Others 2617 35.1
World 11668 100 World 7469 100


Source: IMF, Direction of Trade Statistics 1998


UK Trade With Nigeria 1999


Exports Imports UK

(#mn) (#mn) Bal
0. Food 31 49 -18

1. Drink & Tobacco 8 1 7

2. Commodities excl. fuels 4 7 -3

3. Oil and other fuels 14 38 -24

4. Animal & vegetable oils 5 1 4

5. Chemicals 71 1 70

6. Manufactured Goods 70 6 64

7. Mach. & Trans. Equip. 188 20 168

8. Misc. Manufactures 37 2 65

9. Other Items 4 3 1
Total All Products 462 128 334


Source: ONS, SITC Classification


Barclays in Nigeria


Mr P M Rayner, Representative, Barclays Bank Group Representative Office (Nigeria) Limited, Muson Centre, 8/9 Marina, Lagos, Nigeria. Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]


Useful contacts


Export Promotion Division, DTI-Nigeria Desk, Kingsgate House, 68-74 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6SW, Tel: [phone]


Nigeria High Commission, 9 Northumberland Avenue, London, WC2N 5BX, Tel: [phone] Copyright: Barclays Bank PLC Economics Department. All rights reserved. These views are given without responsibility on the part of Barclays Bank. Barclays Bank and JMIS assume no liability for the consequence of reliance upon any opinion or statement.

Document qedbbc0020010714dx2j00003

Matav Announces 2001 Fixed Line Telephone Tariffs
1,378 words

24 January 2001

11:52 AM

Business Wire

BWR

English

(Copyright (c) 2001, Business Wire)
BUDAPEST, Hungary--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 24, 2001--Matav (NYSE: MTA.N and BSE: MTAV.BU), the leading Hungarian