Progress? Hague 3 talks continue as afternoon sessions begin

By G. Raver
July 22, 2015

THE HAGUE – This morning members of the international community met to begin initial talks regarding the transition of Beladusham after the recent ceasefire between the military government and members of the opposition.  The United Nations session began with the following remarks from the United Nation & Arab League Envoy to Beladusham Elysa Hogg.

It is a pleasure to have you all here this morning, although I wish that we were meeting under different circumstances. I don’t need to reiterate the significance of the conflict in Beladusham, or of the importance of these talks. I will say this though: we are in the Hague for one purpose, the Beladushami people. At the core of our discussions, our agreements and our disagreements, must be their concerns and the long-term well being of their state. As a former freedom fighter myself, I know all too well how quick fixes and unnecessary intervention can do harm. I also know the damage that can be done when the international community stands by and does nothing.

In a brief interview after the morning’s session, Special Envoy Hogg remarked that she was pleased by the progress made by the Arab League and Foreign Minister talks.  She expressed disappointment in UN Ambassador talks and hopes that the afternoon meetings will bring further cooperation in order to determine and focus on shared priorities.

Additionally, the Special Envoy also remarked that while the attack in Palmyra was unfortunate and will continue to be investigated, the violent incident should not derail the productivity of the current talks.

Interview with FFB Chief of Staff Ojo Osaigbovo

As the initial Hague 3 talks break for the morning session, I had the opportunity to talk to the Freedom Fighters of Beladusham Chief of Staff, Mr Ojo Osaigbovo.  In the interview below Mr. Osaigbovo comments on the competing interests of the opposition factions, his thoughts on the recent attack outside of Palmyra as well as stresses the important role of the international community in Beladusham’s transition.

BREAKING NEWS: Individuals dressed as Beludashami Army execute 3 Sunni Beludashami

By G. Raver
July 22, 2015
12:44 PM

BREAKING NEWS: Reports are coming in that several individuals dressed as Beludashami army entered a small village on the outskirts of Palmyra.  Claiming to be rogue Hazzobi fighters and speaking the Hazzobi dialect, they lined up and executed 3 Sunni Beludashamis leaving the village to think that the Hazzobi government killed their kinfolk.  Some informants on the ground believe the soldiers may have been Rashidun Front martyrs, though no trace of RF involvement has been found.  Investigations are ongoing.

Exclusive Interview with Beladushami Minister of Economics

By G. Raver
July 22, 2015

THE HAGUE – For the past three years, the BBC has been following the violent civil war in Beladusham.  With the ousting of President Alkier by military coup last month and continued bloody stalemate near the capital of Ras Shamra, last week both the Beladushami government and opposition leaders agreed to a ceasefire.  Leading up to the talks, I had the opportunity to talk to Beladushami Minister of Economic Affairs Matthew Graham.

The interview is inline with sentiments shared through a press release from the Beladushami government earlier this morning.  The government maintains that it sees the Hague 3 as the opportunity to bring an end to violence in the region and engage in a dialogue in matters concerning justice, economic and public relations within the State of Beladusham.  Furthermore, the government emphasized its commitment to the tradition in moderation and denounced the grave humanitarian situation.

Leaders in the opposition as well as some members of the international community continue to express concern over the humanitarian situation including alleged humans rights abuses by the Beladushami government.

Beladushami and opposition leaders to convene in Hague

By G. Raver
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
11:52 PM

Above British UN Ambassador James Bond Arrives in Hague

THE HAGUE – Beladushami government officials and opposition leaders head to the Netherlands on Wednesday to begin a new series of Peace Talks following this week’s ceasefire.  Commonly referred to as “The Hague 3,” these talks will be the first time leaders from both sides will meet since a military coup removed President Samer Alkier from power last month.

Large losses of life have been reported on each side since the civil unrest began three years ago.  To date, it is estimated that the regime has had 30,000 deaths and the opposition over 75,000.  Increasing concerns over continued violence and alleged use of chemical weapons by the Beladushami regime has drawn much attention from the international community.

In a brief statement to the press, Ambassador James Bond of the UK Mission to the UN stated that the common interest of the international community is to support the integrity of Beladasham.  Amid reports that there is a lack of cohesion among leaders of both the regime and the opposition, Ambassador Bond stated that the UK will support the voice of the Beladashami people.