By Victoria Moores | Flight Global

Ethiopian Airlines is looking to take a further seven Boeing 787-8s and additionally may order up to 10 787-9s, 777-200LRs or Airbus A350 XWBs this year as it looks to grow its fleet to around 70 jets by 2023.

The Addis Ababa-based carrier’s 2023 fleet vision comprises 23 Boeing 737-700 and -800s, 17 787-8s and 28 aircraft in the 300-plus seat range – a new capacity segment for Ethiopian, which currently has 23 passenger jets: 10 Boeing 767-300ERs, eight 757-200ERs and five 737-700s.

Ethiopian has 10 787s on firm order, which will replace its 10 767s, and the initial seven have already been financed with ExIm Bank guarantees. The first 787 was slated to arrive last September, but programme delays and the Boeing strike pushed it back until 2010.

Speaking to ATI in Addis Ababa, Ethiopian Airlines fleet and equipment planning manager Beza Tesfaye said: “The 787 will represent the majority of our fleet composition by the end of the next 10 years. Over the next 10-15 years we will grow our 787 fleet to 17.”

Ethiopian owns three of its 767s and leases the remaining seven. Tesfaye says the leased aircraft will be phased-out by 2018. In line with Ethiopian’s aim to operate a young passenger fleet, its three owned 767s will ultimately either be placed with other airlines or converted into freighters.

Tesfaye says the 787 order comprises eight 787-8s and two -9s, which are due to arrive by 2014, although she adds that all 10 may be switched to -8s. She clarifies that the 17-strong 787 target does not include the -9s: “It would be on top of that. We intend to grow our fleet. We will start with five [more 787s] and can grow to up to 20 under our initial 15-year outlook, but that could change,” she says.

The 787-9 forms part of Ethiopian’s 300-seat evaluation, alongside the 777-200LR and Airbus A350-900. Tesfaye says the 2023 vision sees Ethiopian operating up to 28 of the chosen type, as it studies new long-haul services to three points in Asia, one in Russia, two in Latin America and three in North America.

Ethiopian Airlines CEO Girma Wake expects to order an initial tranche 350-seat aircraft this year: “If [one manufacturer] is not ready we will go with whoever is ready. It will be a maximum of 10.”

Although Ethiopian has an all-Boeing jet fleet, Wake says Airbus could still win the order: “We are ready to look at their offer. Once you reach a certain size, you can afford to put your eggs in two baskets. We buy aircraft not because they belong to so-and-so, but because it does the job we want it to.”

Ethiopian is planning to keep its 757 fleet at eight aircraft. Tesfaye says: “We own three and the leased ones will be returned. For up to the next five years we will maintain [the 757s]. After that we will phase them out under the current plan.”

Over the next 15 years Ethiopian is strategically looking to expand its African network with the opening 22 of new stations and Tesfaye says four destinations are already under evaluation. She adds that over the 15-year timeframe Ethiopian is planning to double its five-strong 737-700 fleet and introduce up to 13 737-800s – a new variant for the carrier.

“We are trying to lease in two 737-800s. It is likely that we will have them this year and, over the next 15 years, go up to 13,” says Tesfaye.

Kuwaiti lessor Aviation Lease and Finance Company (ALAFCO) is providing the two leased aircraft and Wake says the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding for the deal last week. He adds that Ethiopian’s first two 737-800s should arrive in March and June.

Ethiopian operates five Fokker 50s on its regional network, but these will be replaced by eight Bombardier Q400s which are already on order and slated for delivery over the period 2010-13. Ethiopian was also evaluating a return to ATR operations, but Tesfaye says the Q400 won out because the ATR proved less robust for operations into unpaved airports.

The African carrier’s dedicated freighter fleet comprises two 757s, two 747-400Fs and a recently-acquired Boeing MD-11, with another due to arrive in August.

WASHINGTON, March 4, 2009
The following release was issued today by the Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan

Sudan strongly condemns the decision of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) Judges. We reject this decision on the basis that it has no jurisdiction over us, as we are not a party to the Rome Statute that established it. We reject its pretension to authority over our sovereignty on the same principle that the United States, India, China and many others who aren’t signatories stand on. We reject it because our own judicial institutions are as capable and independent as those of any other well functioning democracies in the world.

We are greatly concerned of the consequences of this politically motivated action and the security implications it portends for our people and country. For how else can such a pronouncement be perceived but as an attempt to derail our efforts? It’s a decision that will only work to escalate the immense suffering in Darfur as it, without a doubt, undermines the essential ongoing peace process in Doha. Compounding to this is the negative impact it will have on significant achievements so far made by the Sudanese, most saliently, on the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. It jeopardizes the current UN-AU Peacekeeping mission. Above all, this decision, to the rebels, is a gesture that only emboldens them to continue employing violence against civilians to achieve political ends. It is a signal of encouragement for them to abandon the current negotiations for peace as clearly illustrated by rebel groups who’ve already stated their intention to storm the capital and now await this decision fully armed and ready to wreak chaos.

Sudan deems the court guilty of double standards in making decisions regarding the cases it goes after. Its pursuits to date are localized in Africa despite the fact that far more egregious crimes are being committed outside the continent. Iraq and Gaza suffice as examples. Some of the more powerful non-signatory countries have gone as far as adopting measures that would allow the use of force to retrieve nationals detained by the Court. This reality alone is worrisome and unfortunate for it renders the ICC as a body that can only pursue cases selectively. Its credibility as an objective and impartial body is instantly weakened. Its case against Sudan is only an exercise of flexing muscles by targeting those it perceives as easy prey, those whose sovereignty, integrity and authority it can violate and override without international bother. It is a reality that exposes the court as a tool of the more powerful countries while typifying the appalling and misguided notion that Africans are incapable and must be patronized.

Sudan reiterates its traditional commitment to protect the UN Mission, diplomats and International community members. We are committed to resolving the outstanding issues and we reach out to those who seek peace in Darfur to support efforts currently underway to bring about a semblance of stability in the country. Security for our citizens is a chief concern and ICC’s decision is an impediment to this agenda. It should be cautious that its actions do not contribute to the suffering of our people. We reiterate that Sudan is not a party to the court. We retain our own very capable and vital institutions that have in the past prosecuted individuals deemed to have acted unlawfully in the course of this tragedy and will continue to render justice in the future. We will steadfastly oppose any attempts to infringe on our sovereignty. The fair minded people of the world standing with us now will continue to stand with us in support of our efforts for Peace and Justice.

CONTACT: Embassy of The Republic of the Sudan – Washington, Information Office, +1-202-338-8565

SOURCE Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan

Sudan revokes aid agency licenses

KHARTOUM (Reuters) – Sudan revoked the licences of at least six foreign aid agencies on Wednesday, hours after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, aid officials said.

They said Sudan’s State Humanitarian Aid Commission in Khartoum had called in managers from the groups, including major Western aid agencies, and told them their operating licences were revoked. They were not told of the reason for the decision. “This is very serious. This will have a major impact on humanitarian work in Darfur,” said one aid official, who declined to be named.

(DW) – International Criminal Court (ICC) judges have issued an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir over alleged atrocities in Sudan’s western Darfur province. It is the first time that the Hague-based war crimes tribunal has sought the detention of a serving head of state.

The court alleged that al-Bashir commited five counts of crimes against humanity, including murder, torture and rape, as well as two counts of war crimes. No charges were filed on genocide. The Sudanese leader has denied all charges.

The United Nations estimates that 300,000 people have died and more than 2.2 million have fled their homes since rebels in Darfur rose up against the Khartoum government in February 2003.

US urges ‘restraint’ in Sudan after Beshir warrant

(AFP) — The US State Department called on Wednesday for “restraint” from all groups in Sudan, after an arrest warrant was issued for President Omar al-Beshir for war crimes in Darfur.

“The United States believes that those who have committed atrocities should be brought to justice as the ICC (International Criminal Court) process continues,” State Department spokesman Robert Wood said.

“We urge restraint on the part of all parties including the government of Sudan. Further violence against civilian Sudanese or foreign interests must be avoided and will not be tolerated.”

He added that Washington was “determined to pursue an immediate ceasefire and a long-term peace in the region,” in a statement to journalists during US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s first official visit to the Middle East.

The State Department also said the US would continue to help the Sudanese people and support UN efforts to end the conflict.

“The United States will continue to support efforts to ease the suffering of the Sudanese people and to promote a just and durable peace,” it said in a statement in Washington.

Convincing evidence needed to charge al-Bashir with genocide

(DPA) Amsterdam – The International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague on Wednesday, did not include a count of genocide against Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir for alleged atrocities in Darfur as had been widely expected.

The ICC listed only five counts of crimes against humanity and two of war crimes, but left the door open for amendments to the charge sheet to include genocide if more evidence is gathered in the case against him.

Speaking after the ICC announcement in The Hague on Wednesday, a Dutch expert on Sudan and the United Nations said it was never going to be easy to bring a charge of genocide against al-Bashir.

Genocide is the most serious charge in international law, requiring convincing and unequivocal evidence, said Dick Leurdijk of Clingendael Institute for International Relations and Diplomacy in The Hague.

“Apparently the evidence ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo presented the court was insufficient to substantiate this allegation,” Leurdijk said.

“Former US secretary of state Colin Powell was the first to refer to a “genocide” in Darfur in September 2004,” he added.

“But the European Union and the United Nations always consistently refrained from using that term. They may have been proven right by the court today,” Leurdijk said.

However, he did not exclude the possibility that the charges against al-Bashir could actually be amended at a later stage.

Leurdijk said it was “too bad” that Moreno-Ocampo did not explain why Sudan would be obliged under international law to arrest al- Bashir even on its own territory.

“After all, Sudan has not recognized the authority of the International Criminal Court,” he noted said.

“The ICC was established through political negotiations, not on the basis of a UN Security Council resolution like the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia,” he said.

Amnesty International Says Sudanese President Must Surrender to Face Trial

In reaction to today’s decision by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al Bashir on charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes, Amnesty International said that President al Bashir must surrender himself immediately to face trial.

“The law is clear. President al Bashir must appear before the ICC to defend himself. If he refuses to do so, the Sudanese authorities must ensure that he is arrested and surrendered immediately to the ICC,” said Irene Khan, Amnesty International’s Secretary General.

Today’s arrest warrant for the Sudanese head of state is an unprecedented move in the history of a conflict that has seen more than 300,000 killed, thousands raped, and millions forcibly displaced.

Amnesty International USA Executive Director Larry Cox said: “For years, the government of President al Bashir has subjected the people of Darfur to horrific human rights abuses. Hundreds of thousands of Sudanese have been slaughtered, starved, tortured, torn from their homes, or otherwise savagely punished and abused. Civilians were attacked, killed or uprooted by the very people meant to protect them. Under international law, these are crimes that require that al Bashir be prosecuted.”

Amnesty International said that should President al Bashir leave Sudan, the government of any country in which he finds himself has an obligation to deny him safe haven by arresting him immediately as a fugitive from justice and surrendering him to the ICC.

“No one is above the law. If you are charged with a crime, you must stand up and face those charges in a court of law. President al Bashir will have the opportunity to do this before the International Criminal Court,” said Irene Khan.

Amnesty International is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning grassroots activist organization with more than 2.2 million supporters, activists and volunteers in more than 150 countries campaigning for human rights worldwide. The organization investigates and exposes abuses, educates and mobilizes the public, and works to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied.

By Vivek Wadhwa | Business Week

As the debate over H-1B workers and skilled immigrants intensifies, we are losing sight of one important fact: The U.S. is no longer the only land of opportunity. If we don’t want the immigrants who have fueled our innovation and economic growth, they now have options elsewhere. Immigrants are returning home in greater numbers. And new research shows they are returning to enjoy a better quality of life, better career prospects, and the comfort of being close to family and friends.

Earlier research by my team suggested that a crisis was brewing because of a burgeoning immigration backlog. At the end of 2006, more than 1 million skilled professionals (engineers, scientists, doctors, researchers) and their families were in line for a yearly allotment of only 120,000 permanent resident visas. The wait time for some people ran longer than a decade. In the meantime, these workers were trapped in “immigration limbo.” If they changed jobs or even took a promotion, they risked being pushed to the back of the permanent residency queue. We predicted that skilled foreign workers would increasingly get fed up and return to countries like India and China where the economies were booming.

Why should we care? Because immigrants are critical to the country’s long-term economic health. Despite the fact that they constitute only 12% of the U.S. population, immigrants have started 52% of Silicon Valley’s technology companies and contributed to more than 25% of our global patents. They make up 24% of the U.S. science and engineering workforce holding bachelor’s degrees and 47% of science and engineering workers who have PhDs. Immigrants have co-founded firms such as Google (GOOG), Intel (INTC), eBay (EBAY), and Yahoo! (YHOO).

Who Are They? Young and Well-Educated

We tried to find hard data on how many immigrants had returned to India and China. No government authority seems to track these numbers. But human resources directors in India and China told us that what was a trickle of returnees a decade ago had become a flood. Job applications from the U.S. had increased tenfold over the last few years, they said. To get an understanding of how the returnees had fared and why they left the U.S., my team at Duke, along with AnnaLee Saxenian of the University of California at Berkeley and Richard Freeman of Harvard University, conducted a survey. Through professional networking site LinkedIn, we tracked down 1,203 Indian and Chinese immigrants who had worked or received education in the U.S. and had returned to their home countries. This research was funded by the Kauffman Foundation.

Our new paper, “America’s Loss Is the World’s Gain,” finds that the vast majority of these returnees were relatively young. The average age was 30 for Indian returnees, and 33 for Chinese. They were highly educated, with degrees in management, technology, or science. Fifty-one percent of the Chinese held master’s degrees and 41% had PhDs. Sixty-six percent of the Indians held a master’s and 12.1% had PhDs. They were at very top of the educational distribution for these highly educated immigrant groups—precisely the kind of people who make the greatest contribution to the U.S. economy and to business and job growth.

Nearly a third of the Chinese returnees and a fifth of the Indians came to the U.S. on student visas. A fifth of the Chinese and nearly half of the Indians entered on temporary work visas (such as the H-1B). The strongest factor that brought them to the U.S. was professional and educational development opportunities.

What They Miss: Family and Friends

They found life in the U.S. had many drawbacks. Returnees cited language barriers, missing their family and friends at home, difficulty with cultural assimilation, and care of parents and children as key issues. About a third of the Indians and a fifth of the Chinese said that visas were a strong factor in their decision to return home, but others left for opportunity and to be close to family and friends. And it wasn’t just new immigrants who were returning. In fact, 30% of respondents held permanent resident status or were U.S. citizens.

Eighty-seven percent of Chinese and 79% of Indians said a strong factor in their original decision to return home was the growing demand for their skills in their home countries. Their instincts generally proved right. Significant numbers moved up the organization chart. Among Indians the percentage of respondents holding senior management positions increased from 10% in the U.S. to 44% in India, and among Chinese it increased from 9% in the U.S. to 36% in China. Eighty-seven percent of Chinese and 62% of Indians said they had better opportunities for longer-term professional growth in their home countries than in the U.S. Additionally, nearly half were considering launching businesses and said entrepreneurial opportunities were better in their home countries than in the U.S.

Friends and family played an equally strong role for 88% of Indians and 77% of Chinese. Care for aging parents was considered by 89% of Indians and 79% of Chinese to be much better in their home countries. Nearly 80% of Indians and 67% of Chinese said family values were better in their home countries.

More Options Back Home

Immigrants who have arrived at America’s shores have always felt lonely and homesick. They had to make big personal sacrifices to provide their children with better opportunities than they had. But they never have had the option to return home. Now they do, and they are leaving.

It isn’t all rosy back home. Indians complained of traffic and congestion, lack of infrastructure, excessive bureaucracy, and pollution. Chinese complained of pollution, reverse culture shock, inferior education for children, frustration with government bureaucracy, and the quality of health care. Returnees said they were generally making less money in absolute terms, but they also said they enjoyed a higher quality of life.

We may not need all these workers in the U.S. during the deepening recession. But we will need them to help us recover from it. Right now, they are taking their skills and ideas back to their home countries and are unlikely to return, barring an extraordinary recruitment effort and major changes to immigration policy. That hardly seems likely given the current political climate. The policy focus now seems to be on doing whatever it takes to retain existing American jobs—even if it comes at the cost of building a workforce for the future of America.

(Wadhwa is senior research associate at the Labor & Worklife Program at Harvard Law School and executive in residence at Duke University. He is an entrepreneur who founded two technology companies. His research can be found at www.globalizationresearch.com.)

Ethiopian regime’s head of propaganda (chief liar) Bereket Simon is among those who are outraged by Tesfaye GebreAb’s tell-all book, “The Journalist Memoir”

There is no doubt that Tesfaye GebreAb’s book, “The Journalist’s Memoir” (YeGazetegnaw Mastawesha), went under the skins of Woyanne regime officials in Ethiopia. The latest reaction is a 24-page letter to Ato Tesfaye from a {www:Woyanne} insider, probably Bereket Simon, who accuses him of attempted murder, among numerous other things.

The writer repeatedly talks about how insignificant Tesfaye GebreAb is, but goes on to write 24 pages full of accusations that are intended to destroy his credibility before the book reaches Ethiopia. Currently the book is available mostly in the U.S. and Europe.

Tesfaye seems not to have been bothered by the letter. He is more interested in showing Woyanne’s outrage by forwarding the letter to Ethiopian Review. Indeed, more than any thing, the letter exposes the Woyanne mindset. Click here to read the letter to Tesfaye GebreAb.