Russia vetoed a U.N. resolution extending the presence of a U.N. peacekeeping mission in Abkhazia. At issue was the language used to describe the mission. Georgian leaders wanted it to continue to be called the "United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia," while Russian officials wanted the description to reflect Abkhazia's independence. Russian ambassador to the United Nations Vitaly I. Churkin had this to say to the Washington Post:"The Sakaashvili regime put an end to the territorial integrity of his country, and on the world map two new states emerged, the Republic of Abkhazia and the Republic of South Ossetia." Alexander Lomaia, Georgia's ambassador to the United Nations, told the New York Times:"It is very unfortunate and alarming that the Secretariat has submitted to Russian blackmail."Of the 15 Security Council members, the 10 who voted in favor ...

Source: The Gold Report  05/29/2009
Gold investors know all too well the psychological importance of $1,000 gold. The yellow metal’s been hovering frustratingly near that level for weeks after briefly surpassing it in February. According to John Kaiser, editor of the Kaiser Bottom-Fishing Report, “we’re getting very close.” In this exclusive interview with The Gold Report, John shares his “modest” price forecast of $1,300 – $1,400 within the next six months and presents strategies for gold companies looking to create value.

The Gold Report: John, you have said that you believe gold may go up to $1,300 to $1,400, but probably not higher. Can you give our readers an overview of how you achieved those targets?

John Kaiser: I think we’re ready for a real increase in the price of gold, which is why I am looking at more modest targets, such as $1,300 to $1,400, happening …

The Silk Invest Magreb team spent a very constructive day visiting existing and potential investment in Cassablanca. The whole economy is still growing strongly and optimism is in start contrast to developed markets. The purchasing power of the lage farming sector has been boosted by record rains and hence crop yiels. Morocco's production of soft wheat, durum wheat and barley has doubled. br /br /At the same time, Morocco is still seeing direct investment from Gulf countries and asset sales by the government. Indeed, the whole Silk route theme is very strong. Firms like Maroc Telekom and Attijariwafa bank, the two largest companies, are expanding into Africa. For example, Maroc Telekom owns majority stakes in Gabon Telekom and Burkina Faso's Onatel.br /br /We did witness some weaknesses. These include the high unemployment, rapid growth in banking loan books and the 'informal' sector of the economy. ...

Guinea's constitution has been suspended following the death of President Lansana Conte in a military coup. The self styled National Council for Democracy and Development claim they will put in place a government of national unity.br /br /The military officers criticized the government’s inability to revise contracts with mining companies. Guinea is a big Bauxite producer. Guinea is a member of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) established in January 1994, and comprising eight West African countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo, including Guinea) and capital markets are covered by the Regional Stock Exchange (BRVM) in Abidjan.