ATLANTA, Jan. 24, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Wednesday, January 23, 2019, Vacation Express' first non-stop flight to Punta Cana operated by Sunwing Airlines departed from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) and landed at Punta Cana International Airport. Travelers left the sub-freezing temperatures behind for the sunny Dominican Republic, where the afternoon temperatures in Punta Cana hover in the mid-70s.
All Vacation Express public charter flights from Detroit to Punta Cana are operated by Sunwing Airlines on a Boeing 737-800 series aircraft. All travelers enjoyed in-flight amenities such as in-flight entertainment, a non-alcoholic beverage, a snack, kids packs for young children, a complimentary full-size carry-on bag and the ability to purchase additional food and drink options through Sunwing Cafe. Some travelers chose to upgrade their experience with money-saving bundles starting at $59 for VE Plus which includes advanced seat selection in the front ten rows of the aircraft, a hot meal and snack, two free alcoholic beverages, a free checked bag (up to 50lbs.) and priority check-in and boarding. Other passengers opted to pay $75 for Sunwing Plus which offers all the same perks of VE Plus including advanced seat selection in the first five rows of the aircraft and up to 4" of extra legroom.
While travelers may purchase airfare only for round-trip flights, most travelers are booking vacation packages with air and staying at all-inclusive resorts such as Royalton Bavaro, Grand Memories Punta Cana and Excellence El Carmen. Vacation Express offers 4 weekly flights to Punta Cana on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday with 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7-night value-priced packages. In addition, Vacation Express has also chartered Sunwing Airlines for direct flights to Jamaica twice weekly for 3, 4 and 7-night packages.
Sunwing Airlines is a multi-award-winning leisure carrier based in Toronto, Canada, operating over 40 Boeing 737-800 and Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from over 30 airports across Canada and the United States.
Packages can be booked online at VACATIONEXPRESS.com, by calling 1-800-309-4717 or through a local travel agent.
Additional Notes: Vacation Express public charter flights are operated by Sunwing Airlines. See Operator/Participant Agreement for details.


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WHAT IS THE FinCEN WHISTLEBLOWER PROGRAM?
In 2021, Congress passed the Anti-Money Laundering Act and, in doing so, created a whistleblower program focused on receiving information concerning violations of the anti-money laundering laws. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, a bureau of the United States Department of the Treasury, is tasked with implementing and administering the Program.
Under the FinCEN Whistleblower Program, individuals are eligible for a whistleblower award of up to 30 percent of the monetary sanctions collected when information they provide to their employer, Treasury, or the Department of Justice leads to a judicial or administrative action under the Bank Secrecy Act resulting in more than $1 million in sanctions. Though the Program has yet to issue an award, violations of the anti-money laundering laws that could serve as a basis for a whistleblower report and award may include:
Inadequate "know your customer" (KYC) verification processes
Failure to file suspicious activity reports (SARS)
Ineffective training and enforcement of anti-money laundering compliance programs
In addition to the FinCEN Whistleblower Program, in 2022 Congress established the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Rewards Program. The Program will provide rewards payments to whistleblowers who provide information leading to the seizure, restraint, or forfeiture of "stolen assets" linked to foreign government corruption. The Program will be operated by Treasury's Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence in conjunction with the Department of Justice, Department of State, and federal law enforcement agencies.
Treasury will receive all relevant whistleblower tips; however, it will also advertise certain issues about which the government is particularly interested in receiving information—currently including recent scandals relating to Odebrecht S.A., Braskem S.A., the government of the Russian Federation, and 1MDB. The provision of information concerning these areas or other stolen assets linked to foreign government corruption could lead to a whistleblower award of up to $5 million, and potentially greater than $5 million where the Secretary of the Treasury determines the case warrants such an enhancement, awards the increase, and notifies Congress of her determination.
If you are considering filing a whistleblower complaint under the FinCEN Whistleblower Program or the Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Rewards Program, please fill out our online form or contact us by phone at (267) 551-5240 or via e-mail at zarbitman@feldmanshepherd.com for a free, confidential consultation.
Tags: FinCEN Whistleblower Program

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Microsoft and the BMW Group have announced a new community initiative to enable faster, more cost-effective innovation in the manufacturing sector.
Node4 has announced that CREST has certified the company as a global CREST penetration testing service provider. This certification affirms Node4's expertise to conduct penetration testing for its customers, with the company also being Cyber Essentials and ISO27001 certified.
BlackBerry recently completed its acquisition of Cylance, and the company has been recognised as a leader in five distinct categories at the 2019 Cybersecurity Excellence Awards Best Cybersecurity Company, Most Innovative Cybersecurity Company, Endpoint Detection and Response, Endpoint Security, and Best Cybersecurity Podcast. The acquisition is BlackBerry's largest ever and will see Cylance operate as a separate business unit within BlackBerry's business.
Armour Communications has announced that its solutions, Armour Mobile and Armour Desktop are now available on Nine23's certified enterprise management platform, FLEX.
With 5G looming, many might be considering updating their devices to take advantage of the faster connectivity. If all you want is 5G connectivity, HTC has unveiled the HTC 5G Hub, a new device that will bring these faster speeds to all your devices via Wi-Fi.
Xilinx and Samsung today announced an expanded collaboration that has resulted in the world's first 5G New Radio (NR) commercial deployment. This world-first deployment is in South Korea and will be followed by additional countries globally in 2019 and beyond.


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Is a Casein-Free Diet the Solution to Your Health Issue? Hope for Autism, Digestive Disorders, and More
Casein, a protein found in milk, can cause common digestive issues like stomach pain, gas, nausea, and bloating. Cutting this protein out of the diet may also provide relief for children with neurological disorders, like autism.
If you experience digestive discomfort after drinking milk, lactose intolerance may not be to blame. A large majority of people are unable to digest the milk protein casein, which can trigger symptoms like stomach pain, gas, congestion, and itchy skin.
Although many of us are led to believe that milk does the body good, that may not always be the case. For so many of us, drinking a nice, tall glass of milk can lead to a number of digestive symptoms that include:
The number of children from ages 6 to 21 who receive special education for autism has increased 91% from 2005 to 2010.
As a result, a significant portion of the population today avoids dairy altogether after experiencing a number of the unpleasant symptoms listed above. While many people associate these symptoms with lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy, in most cases, they're caused by a difficulty digesting a protein called casein.
What Is Casein?
Casein is the main protein in milk and can also be found in a number of other food products as a binding agent. In fact, casein is often present in lactose-free foods, advertised as "safe" for individuals avoiding dairy!
Since casein makes up 80% of the protein content in milk, it's no wonder that many people find milk difficult or impossible to digest and decide to cut out dairy altogether. However, for people who believe they are lactose intolerant and must avoid dairy, casein intolerance could be the true root of the issue.
Casein Free Diet |
Casein Free Diet and Autism |
Give Up Dairy for Good?


How would you like to join a great team on the next stage of their exciting journey?
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Right now they have an opportunity for a highly motivated and resourceful Assembly Technician to join their world-class, custom-built site in Broxburn.
We are also looking for someone who is comfortable with working in a fast paced, physically active role. You should be a logical thinker, process focussed and a great team player.
The working hours are Monday to Friday 06:30 – 16:00 or 07:00-16:30 and in addition to a market leading salary of between £20,500 and £28,000 pa, dpending on experience, you will be eligible for the bonus scheme (eligibility applies after successful completion of probation period) which is payable monthly, giving you the opportunity to earn up to £500 each month on top of your basic salary.
If this sounds like the opportunity for you and you have what we are looking for, get in touch with Dan Stewart (01506 517 222 saquip@escaperecruitment.com) for an informal chat or apply online with your current CV.
Escape Recruitment are appointed recruiters for this position and direct applications will be forwarded to Escape for consideration.


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Posts Tagged 'Osama Bin Laden'
Hillary Clinton's 'Hard Choices' Retrospective Part Three Chapter 9 Pakistan: National Honor
Posted in Barack Obama, Foreign Policy, Hard Choices, Hillary Clinton, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State, state department, U.S. Department of State, Uncategorized, tagged Asif Ali Zardari, Barack Obama, Benazir Bhutto, CIA, Hard Choices, Hillary Clinton, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Leon Panetta, Osama Bin Laden, Pakistan, Retrospective on August 20, 2014| Leave a Comment »
Hillary begins this chapter by recalling this historic moment in a room across from the Situation Room in the White House as Navy Seals stealthily entered that now famous compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.
Seen below with then-Governor Pataki and New York City Mayor Guiliani on September 12, 2001, she retraces the air route from D.C. to New York on the only plane in the air that day.
Memories of shuttling back and forth between the two cities, requesting emergency funding, visiting a missing persons center, a family assistance center, and a hospital near her home where burn victims were being treated are revisited as well as her struggle in the Senate to secure health care funding for first responders.
Hillary Clinton: Aid sick 9/11 workers
The campaign to find bin Laden had been long and the special ops mission had been carried out without informing the government of Pakistan. More than once Hillary had said during interviews and town halls in that country that she could not believe that someone in the government did not know where Al Qaeda was. Informing the government might have tipped our hand and spoiled the mission.
Bin Laden Killed Near Islamabad: Hillary Clinton was right!
May 2, 2011 by still4hill |
Speaking about Asif Ali Zardari, she refers to a photo he shows her of his late wife, Benazir Bhutto with her children, Hillary, and Chelsea. This is not the photo, but might have been taken at that same time.
She spends pages reminiscing about Bhutto and what her loss meant to her family, her country, and the world. She mentions that she and Chelsea loved Bhutto's style so much that they wore similar outfits to a dinner in their honor.
Her first trip to Pakistan as secretary of state was just after her birthday in October 2009. I was at a rally where Bill Clinton was speaking, and I saw him tell Rep. Bill Pascrell something. Pascrell whispered a question, and I could read Clinton's lips. He said, "No. She's safe." I tried so hard to get near him as he worked the crowd after the rally, but failed. I so wanted to ask what had happened.
By the next day we all knew that coinciding with her arrival there was a terrible market bombing in Peshawar.
Clinton Reassures Pakistan After Bombing
October 28, 2009 by still4hill
Folks here at this blog liked her relationship with Pakistan's foreign minister at the time.
Secretary Clinton Remarks With Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi
At a town hall in Lahore and in interviews with journalists she took hostile questions about the Kerry-Lugar aid bill. (Why did there have to be strings attached? "You do not have to take any aid from us," she answers.) There were complaints about the drone attacks and the collateral damage they caused.
Secretary Clinton's Town Hall at Government College University Lahore
In media interviews the whereabouts of bin Laden came up along with her suspicions that someone in the government knew where he was.
Secretary Clinton: Interviews Galore!
In February of 2010, Leon Panetta invited her to CIA headquarters in Langley, VA. She refers to the stars on the wall in the lobby of the building that represent those officers killed in the line of duty. We saw that wall last season on Showtime's Homeland.
We saw an enactment, in Kathryn Bigelow's film Zero Dark Thirty, of the bombing she speaks of that, in December 2009, killed seven CIA officers in Afghanistan.
The reason for Panetta's invitation was to ask for her cooperation in improving counterterrorism communications and clarifying our strategy to the Pakistanis. After the barrage of complaints she faced in Pakistan, she was quick to agree.
The hunt for bin Laden began indeed to narrow to Pakistan, and, in March 2011, Panetta visited her at the State Department to tell her that they had a lead. The operation to capture or kill bin Laden was dubbed "Neptune's Spear." She walks us through the deliberations of the small, secret group that met regularly at the White House to plan the mission that was carried out the day following the Correspondents Dinner. Hillary recounts the dramatic event in detail.
When the question of informing Pakistani officials in advance presented itself, some worried about Pakistan's national honor. Hillary countered asking, "What about our national honor?" She remained consistently certain that elements within the government who knew where bin Laden was would inform him.
Of course the president addressed the nation that night.
The following day, Hillary also made a statement.
Secretary Clinton's Remarks on the killing of Usama Bin Ladin
May 2, 2011 by still4hill
She was understandably not looking forward to speaking with the Pakistani officials, and her conversation with President Zardari was heartbreaking, but she remained firm and resolved explaining to him the need for cooperation.
NATO supply lines into Afghanistan were closed after friendly fire killed 24 Pakistani soldiers in November 2011.
Following an apologetic phone call from Hillary (at her suggestion to President Obama) to new Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, the supply lines were reopened and the bottle-neck was broken up.
Hillary Breaks Up Bottleneck – Supply Lines Reopen
July 5, 2012 by still4hill
Part of the communication strategy she put forth with Leon Panetta's CIA involved the establishment of a Center for Strategic Counterterrorism Communications. The approval for that did not come until September 9, 2011. She announced it that same day in New York City.
Hillary Clinton Explains a Smart Power Approach to Counterterrorism
September 9, 2011 by still4hill
Finally, she spoke at UNGA in Spetember 2011 on the inauguration of the Global Counterterrorism Forum.
Remarks on the Global Counterterrorism Forum
This is a painful chapter to read, and must have been even more painful for her to write. Memories of 9/11, even now, remain raw, and, for Hillary, Benazir Bhutto was clearly a personal loss. In her typically well-organized manner, she presents the steps she suggested to combat terrorism, the initiatives she put into place, and the arguments she waged when faced with opposition.
Hillary Clinton's 'Hard Choices' Retrospective: Introduction
Access other chapters of this retrospective here >>>>
Bits and Pieces: Hillary Clinton in the News
Posted in Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Hillary Rodham Clinton, tagged Barack Obama, Beloit Collge Mindset List, Christian Science Monitor, Hillary Clinton, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Osama Bin Laden, Richard Miniter, Ulsterman on August 21, 2012| 5 Comments »
Even while she is enjoying (we hope) a well-deserved, if brief, break away from the woes of the world, Hillary Rodham Clinton cannot evade press exposure. As campuses all over the country welcome the class of 2016, The Christian Science Monitor published the Beloit College Mindset List granting faculty a glimpse into the world in which entering freshmen have grown up. Secretary Clinton rings in as #12 (although she is not named), and President Clinton is #8, but it is Hillary whose picture appears in the article along with Justin Bieber and an iPhone.
This photo combo shows, from left, entertainer Justin Bieber, an iPhone, and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. This year's Beloit College Mindset List, a nonscientific compilation, is meant to remind teachers that college freshmen, born mostly in 1994, see the world in a much different way. (AP Photo)
Beloit College Mindset List: How does the class of 2016 view the world?
Every year, Beloit College in Beloit, Wis., releases its Mindset List to give a snapshot of how the incoming freshmen class views the world.
Most students entering college for the first time this fall were born in 1994. For these students, Kurt Cobain, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Richard Nixon, and John Wayne Gacy have always been "historic" not "contemporary" figures. According to Beloit college officials Ron Nief and Tom McBride, there are 75 ways the freshman of 2016 look at the world differently than their professors.
– Ron Nief and Tom McBride, Beloit College
See the list >>>>
While there remain a full range of attitudes toward the blogger Ulsterman and broad speculation as to the true identity of his Deep Throaty (class of 2016 please see Wikipedia here) informant (including that it is none other than an alternate personality of Ulsterman himself), he has, more often than not reported stories, that later arise in other media vetted by different sources. Such is the case with this story, originally reported by Ulsterman here on May 2, 2011.
Author Richard Miniter cites a source within Joint Operations for this story, thus a completely separate one from Ulsterman's "White House Insider."
Hillary Clinton Pulled The Trigger On Bin Laden Raid, Not Obama [Book]
A new book claims that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, not a reluctant President Obama, was the one who pulled the trigger on the operation that resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden.
In his new book, Leading From Behind: The Reluctant President and the Advisors Who Decide for Him, investigative journalist Richard Miniter says that President Obama axed three operations meant to kill Osama bin Laden before finally caving on the operation that did just that — but only at the behest of Hillary Clinton.
"Obama feared taking responsibility for a risky raid that might go tragically wrong," Miniter alleges, according to NY Daily.
One might project a good deal of nostalgia to come when, in January, this secretary of state steps aside, but one thing we might also predict (and yours truly is exceedingly bad at predictions) is that gone will not be forgotten, and we will continue to see her in the news. Here, for good measure, is that iconic picture.
File handout photo shows U.S. President Barack Obama with members of the national security team in the Situation Room of the White House
Posted in Barack Obama, Foreign Policy, Hillary Clinton, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State, state department, U.S. Department of State, White House, tagged Hillary Clinton, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Joe Biden Michael Mullen, Osama Bin Laden, Robert Gates, Situation Room, White House on May 2, 2011| 24 Comments »
This picture, from the White House photo stream, shows The Situation Room yesterday, 05-01-11 as the National Security Team watched the raid on the Bin Laden compound unfold.
Posted in Foreign Policy, Hillary Clinton, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State, state department, U.S. Department of State, Uncategorized, tagged Foreign Policy, Hillary Clinton, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Osama Bin Laden, Pakistan, Secretary of State, State Department, U.S. Department of State on May 2, 2011| 2 Comments »
On the killing of Osama Bin Laden, posted with vodpod
Remarks on the Killing of Usama bin Ladin
Treaty Room
http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1
Well, good morning. As President Obama said last night, Usama bin Ladin is dead, and justice has been done. And today, I want to say a few words about what this means for our efforts going forward.
First, I want to offer my thoughts and prayers to the thousands of families whose loved ones were killed in Usama bin Ladin's campaign of terror and violence, from the embassy bombings in Africa, to the strike on the U.S.S. Cole, to the attacks of September 11, 2001, and so many more. These were not just attacks against Americans, although we suffered grievous losses; these were attacks against the whole world. In London and Madrid, Bali, Istanbul, and many other places, innocent people – most of them Muslims – were targeted in markets and mosques, in subway stations, and on airplanes, each attack motivated by a violent ideology that holds no value for human life or regard for human dignity. I know that nothing can make up for the loss of the victims or fill the voids they left, but I hope their families can now find some comfort in the fact that justice has been served.
Second, I want to join the President in honoring the courage and commitment of the brave men and women who serve our country and have worked tirelessly and relentlessly for more than a decade to track down and bring Usama bin Ladin, this terrorist, to justice. From our troops and our intelligence experts, to our diplomats and our law enforcement officials, this has been a broad, deep, very impressive effort.
Here at the State Department, we have worked to forge a worldwide anti-terror network. We have drawn together the effort and energy of friends, partners, and allies on every continent. Our partnerships, including our close cooperation with Pakistan, have helped put unprecedented pressure on al-Qaida and its leadership. Continued cooperation will be just as important in the days ahead, because even as we mark this milestone, we should not forget that the battle to stop al-Qaida and its syndicate of terror will not end with the death of bin Ladin. Indeed, we must take this opportunity to renew our resolve and redouble our efforts.
In Afghanistan, we will continue taking the fight to al-Qaida and their Taliban allies, while working to support the Afghan people as they build a stronger government and begin to take responsibility for their own security. We are implementing the strategy for transition approved by NATO at the summit in Lisbon, and we supporting an Afghan-led political process that seeks to isolate al-Qaida and end the insurgency. Our message to the Taliban remains the same, but today it may have even greater resonance: You cannot wait us out. You cannot defeat us. But you can make the choice to abandon al-Qaida and participate in a peaceful political process.
In Pakistan we are committed to supporting the people and government as they defend their own democracy from violent extremism. Indeed, as the President said, bin Ladin had also declared war on Pakistan. He had ordered the killings of many innocent Pakistani men, women, and children. In recent years, the cooperation between our governments, militaries, and law enforcement agencies increased pressure on al-Qaida and the Taliban, and this progress must continue and we are committed to our partnership.
History will record that bin Ladin's death came at a time of great movements toward freedom and democracy, at a time when the people across the Middle East and North Africa are rejecting the extremist narratives and charting a path of peaceful progress based on universal rights and aspirations. There is no better rebuke to al-Qaida and its heinous ideology.
All over the world we will press forward, bolstering our partnerships, strengthening our networks, investing in a positive vision of peace and progress, and relentlessly pursuing the murderers who target innocent people. The fight continues, and we will never waver. Now I know there are some who doubted this day would ever come, who questioned our resolve and our reach. But let us remind ourselves, this is America. We rise to the challenge, we persevere, and we get the job done.
I am reminded especially today of the heroism and humanity that marked the difficult days after 9/11. In New York, where I was a senator, our community was devastated; but we pulled through. Ten years later, that American spirit remains as powerful as ever, and it will continue to prevail. So this is a day, not only for Americans, but also for people all over the world who look to a more peaceful and secure future – yes, with continued vigilance, but more so with growing hope and renewed faith in what is possible.
Thank you all very much.
Posted in Foreign Policy, Hillary Clinton, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State, state department, U.S. Department of State, tagged Foreign Policy, Hillary Clinton, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Osama Bin Laden, Pakistan, Secretary of State, State Department, U.S. Department of State on May 2, 2011| 8 Comments »
I cannot find where she made the original statement, but the following day, on October 30, 2009, the issue of Bin Laden's presence in Pakistan came up in this Townterview with Pakistani women journalists. It was a tough, gutsy thing for her to say on the ground in Pakistan. Tonight we know she was right.
Townterview Hosted by Prominent Pakistani Women Journalists
SECRETARY CLINTON: Hello, everyone. (Applause.)
MODERATOR: The U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, everyone.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you.
MODERATOR: I think you have a mike?
SECRETARY CLINTON: I have a mike on.
MODERATOR: Yeah.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Okay, good.
MODERATOR: Thank you so much for being here.
SECRETARY CLINTON: I apologize for being late. This has been such a busy day, and I got very far behind. So please, accept my apology. I'm very sorry that you had to wait.
MODERATOR: Okay. Thank you. Are we ready?
Well, hello, and welcome to a very special program and slightly unusual to what we're used to here on Pakistani television. I'm Saima Mohsin, your host and moderator for today. Of course, today is not quite a (inaudible), but I'm, of course, from Dawn news. I'm joined today by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Thank you very much, indeed, for being with us today.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you, Saima.
MODERATOR: So, we're going to try and give you all a real 360 perspective in our discussions today. We're joined, of course – I'm joined, of course, on stage today by a panel. And of course, we have an audience which is really unusual for us here in Pakistan. And we'll be giving you the opportunity to ask your questions. Now, the audience, are almost all – almost all women. And of course, Madame Secretary has famously said that women's rights are human rights. So that's something to bear in mind. Now, alongside me, let me introduce the other anchors that are with me on stage today: Asma Shirazi from the late edition on ARY, of course; Sana Bucha who presents (inaudible) on GEO news; and beside me to my right is Meher Bukhari who presents news (inaudible) on Samaa TV.
And with you in the audience somewhere is Quatrina Hossein who is a political talk show host from Express news.
Quatrina.
QUESTION: Thank you, Saima. And welcome, Secretary Clinton, to the town hall meeting, which is a new concept for us in Pakistan. So you have brought us something new. And I think let's go straight to the questions.
Back to you, Saima.
MODERATOR: Thank you. So let's get started. I'd like to start by asking the first question, Madame Secretary. You say you're here to turn the page with Pakistan in terms of past U.S. relations. And everyone is talking about your charm offensive. You're giving so much time to the media here, and we thank you for that. But we can't forget the traditional relationship that Pakistan and the U.S. have had. So how difficult do you think and realistic is it for the U.S. to extricate itself from the military-to-military relationship that the two countries have had? And how delicate a balance do you think it's going to be, who on the one side supports democracy in Pakistan and a democratically elected government, and on the other, keep the military on board as an ally?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, Saima, first let me thank you all for participating in this. It is very important to me, as I spend time here in Pakistan, my fifth trip, which I've so enjoyed, to have this opportunity not only to talk to the press, but talk to the public. So let me thank you all for participating. What we are trying to do is three things. First, we have been longtime friends and allies going back to Pakistan's beginning. Now, there have been high points and low points in our relationship, and we admit that. And what we are trying to do is to put it on a stronger foundation going forward.
But secondly, supporting the democratic institutions of Pakistan, while giving support to your military to deal with the real threats that Pakistan faces is very similar to what we do with many of our friends and countries around the world, where there is a strong democracy, but where there are some serious issues. South Korea comes to mind. We are a very strong supporter of the country. So that means interacting not only with the democratically elected government and not only with the military, but with civil society, with nongovernmental organizations, with higher education, with all of the aspects of society.
And I agree with the thrust of your question, I think over the last eight years, it has been unfortunate that our relationship has been viewed primarily through the security perspective, the war on terrorism, not that those are not important, because they are. We saw again with the terrible bombing in Peshawar how difficult the challenge that Pakistan faces in rooting out these extremists and these terrorists. But that is not what our relation should be. That is not what it will be at its best. So part of what I'm doing is to say, look, we need a broader, more comprehensive relationship, and that's what we're going to work to achieve.
QUESTION: But how delicate is that balance – pleasing the military and a democratically elected government?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, I think that that really depends upon the people of Pakistan, because we will support the democratically elected government because we believe in democracy and we think it's in the best interest of not our – just our relationship, but the people of Pakistan. I spent about three hours last night with the Army Chief of Staff, General Kiyani and also with the head of ISI, General Pasha. And I was very heartened by their strong commitment to democratic civilian government. Now, I know the history of Pakistan, and it's going to take vigilance and it's going to take self-discipline on the part of the institutions. But mostly, it's going to take the people of Pakistan saying, loudly and clearly, we respect our military, we appreciate their sacrifice, but we are committed to a democratic government. So I think that's how we see it, and that's what we want to support.
MODERATOR: Okay. Asma Shirazi, you have a question.
QUESTION: Yes, certainly. The people of Pakistan (inaudible) and actually there are some perceptions, and yours included, within the long history between Pakistan and U.S. relations. Look, Madame Secretary, we are fighting a war that is imposed on us, is not our war, that was your war, and we are fighting that war. But do you think that you are – I mean, are you satisfied with whatever is going on? And you had one 9/11, and we are having daily 9/11s in Pakistan. (Applause.) And do you think that you – (inaudible) we respect you. You are a prestigious lady and you are our guest. You are very prestigious to us. But can you define this trust deficit between the Pakistani people and people of USA or Government of USA?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, I agree with you there is a trust deficit. I regret that it exists, but I acknowledge it exists. And I think your audience knows exactly what I'm talking about. But let me just speak very briefly about some of the aspects of this that have to be overcome.
On the one hand, it is true that we have a common enemy, but I do not think that your enemy is your enemy simply because they are our enemy. I believe that the enemy you are facing has an agenda to control large parts of your country and to challenge the writ of government. I don't know that that has much to do with us, but I believe that it is something we have in common.
I also believe that the extremists and terrorists who you are now fighting are part of what has developed over the last decade a kind of syndicate of terror. I think al-Qaida is at the head of that syndicate. I think they direct, inspire, fund, and equip and train some of the very same people you're fighting. I've read some of the press reports about what your military is encountering in southern Waziristan. They're not just fighting Pakistanis. They're fighting foreign fighters as well who have come here to join with the Taliban in their assault on your government.
But I also think it is absolutely fair to say that over the last eight years, we have not been as either understanding or as helpful in some of what you are facing. We have been focused on what's happening across your border. And we know that Pakistan has a strong ability to fight for itself. At this point, the people of Afghanistan do not. So we want to be more understanding and more cooperative to support you in what you are trying to do. It's not just us. It is us together.
And I think that the relationship we are working on with your government, with other institutions, I believe strongly that Pakistan has so many strengths, so much really going for it, that we want a comprehensive relationship. I don't want to be just talking about security when I come next time. I want to be talking about what we're doing on behalf of women and children and what we're doing on education and electricity and healthcare so that it is clearly seems that we want to make an investment in the people of Pakistan.
MODERATOR: Okay. Meher Bukhari has a question.
QUESTION: Madame Secretary, the reason people need understanding – I think it's very – it's (inaudible) which are still very big with the (inaudible) answer for something. Can you (inaudible)? You spoke about diplomatic immunity. I would like to ask you about two American private security companies have diplomatic immunity in Pakistan, and also (inaudible) director as to what's formerly known as Blackwater, the international – would you like to (inaudible) directly to – yes-or-no answer to that?
SECRETARY CLINTON: The answer is it probably depends upon their status. Some of them do not. And some of them, if they are under the umbrella of diplomatic immunity, do. But I can't answer.
QUESTION: So some of them do?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Some of them would, but most of them probably do not. I think that is the best I can do without the specifics. But it also depends upon whatever the relationship is with the host government. And I understand the sensitivity about this, but I just want to be clear that why do we have any private contractors? Well, because we get dozens and dozens and dozens of threats every month toward our diplomats, toward our public officials who are here who do have diplomatic immunity. And our diplomats don't carry weapons. That would be absolutely unacceptable.
But on the other hand, they want to get out into the country and they need security. So we're trying to work with your government to get the proper definition of how we provide security for the people we are sending to Pakistan to work with the people of Pakistan and the Government of Pakistan. So we want them to be secure and we want them to do the work.
QUESTION: So that we have (inaudible), the international (inaudible) from prosecution?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Again, I – you have – and it's not because – I am not saying because I know. It's because I don't know. It depends upon the individual circumstances.
QUESTION: (Inaudible.)
QUESTION: Madame Secretary, thank you. Ambassador Holbrooke was sitting with us just a while earlier and he said it's a two-way street when you talk about Pakistan and U.S. relationship. It's a two-way street and you give us something and you want something in return, and – I'm sorry.
QUESTION: It's working now.
QUESTION: Okay. I said Ambassador Holbrooke was just telling us that the relationship between United States and Pakistan is a two-way street. And obviously, Pakistan and the United States are not friends, they're not foes, they're not regional partners, and this friendship is not unconditional. What is it that you want from Pakistan?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, I think the – what we want is that Pakistan make a commitment to a democratic future and to the development of the people of Pakistan. But I think that's what the people of Pakistan want. I mean, we have – and I will say this over and over again – we do not have an agenda other than to try to be more supportive of the achievements of whatever goals you set.
Now, we obviously had an opinion about the threat posed by the extremists, and we expressed that, but your government and your military is meeting that threat and we are helping them in whatever way they ask for. But what I think is most important is that we be your partner in trying to improve the lives and the livelihood of most Pakistanis. The other night, I was passing out certificates at the Benazir Income Support Program. I believe investing in women is one of the best investments you can make in any society. And I think investing in the women of Pakistan – (applause) – is a very, very smart strategy.
Well, if that's what the people of Pakistan want, we are ready to help. Over and over again, we hear that the electricity system is not up to the demand that is put on it. So the first day I was here, I announced that we're going to make a very big commitment to helping you help yourselves by improving your electricity system. So we're not coming in and saying, "We think you should improve your electricity system." We're coming in and saying, "What are your biggest needs," and over and over again, electricity came up. So we say, okay, here's help that we can provide you. That's what we're trying to offer.
QUESTION: Okay. Well, let's have some (inaudible).
MODERATOR: The audience is waiting, Asma.
QUESTION: Just one minute. You told yourself that we are making investment toward people of Pakistan. You see, there is another perception that you are micromanaging Pakistan – you are micromanaging Pakistani politics, you are managing an energy sector, you are doing everything. Is this perception true?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, I don't see how it could be true, because what we are offering is in response to what the Pakistani Government, the democratically elected Pakistani Government, has told us that you need. And we are not going to be implementing these programs. But when we say, for example, that we'll be helpful on electricity and your government says we need help repairing turbo wells that are across this country that provide water for irrigation, we say, "Well, we'll sign up for that."
Now are we going to go out there and decide which ones get fixed and how they are going to operate? Absolutely not. But we are going to say if we give you money for turbo wells, we want it to get to the turbo wells. We don't want it to be siphoned off – (applause) – and end up in places that are not the people's needs. That's all we're saying.
MODERATOR: Okay. Let's move on and find out what the people of Pakistan, and particularly, the women of Pakistan want to say. Quatrina Hossein.
QUESTION: Okay. Madame Secretary, we have with us a question from a woman from South Waziristan, which is at the hub of the current operations.
QUESTION: Hi, I'm (inaudible). I'm a lecturer as well. Well, I asked a question regarding scholarship from Mr. Holbrooke and I guess he's getting on with that. I won't ask you a question as such. I would rather have a few suggestions. One, if you could kindly give the youth a chance to represent our area? Because I think the whole globe thinks we're terrorists and we have very educated persons over there. And there's another suggestion: The IDPs, yes, they are getting aid, but if some work can be done in their education and health, specifically women sector, I would really appreciate it, because I think if you want to bring a change, it's going to be through education. So please (inaudible) Madame Secretary.
MODERATOR: (Inaudible) call for a pause here. We need to change tapes (inaudible). It's technical (inaudible).
SECRETARY CLINTON: I'll keep that in mind. I'll answer —
MODERATOR: Okay, please hold the thought, and we'll be right with you. I am going to weave my way through the audience while the tape's being changed. I will try to come to as many people as possible.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Should I go ahead answer it, or should we wait for the tape?
MODERATOR: Please wait.
STAFF: We need that on the tape.
SECRETARY CLINTON: All right, okay.
(Break.)
MODERATOR: That was a question from a young lady from South Waziristan. And I believe Meher Bukhari has a question she'd like to build on that.
QUESTION: (Inaudible) was saying and also (inaudible). I understand that you genuinely want investment development and into the right (inaudible). Just a question so how do you intend on achieving that, because the State Department (inaudible) and Ambassador Holbrooke, especially (inaudible)? What exactly is his role, and how do you intend on working with (inaudible) in Pakistan?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Great questions. Well, let me go to the first questions from the audience and say I agree with you completely that emphasizing outreach to young people, emphasizing education, are the long-term investments that will pay off. So I think we have to operate on sort of two lines at the same time: one, long term investments; and then short-term relief and the kind of aid programs that people can see the benefits of immediately.
And on healthcare, I'll give you a quick example. During the problems with internally displaced people in Swat, in Malakand, one of the requests we got was for female doctors to work with the women who were IDPs. And what we did was to put out a call to Pakistani American doctors and nurses. And so we sent about a dozen Americans – Pakistani Americans – who were doctors to Swat to care for the women. And that led to another idea, so that we're going to create a Pakistani American foundation so that successful Pakistani Americans can invest in projects back home. And we're going to be kicking that off in December. And I think that according to the people working on it, they're most interested in health and education, and they're most interested in women and children. So we're going to have some additional resources.
And then to go to the question about how do we organize this, well, you're right; we sent Ambassador (inaudible) to come here for the purpose of organizing aid, to reaching out and getting the best ideas from the NGOs, from other voices around Pakistan. Because we know we spent billions of dollars on aid to Pakistan, but I bet there aren't 10 percent of the people of Pakistan who know where that money went. They don't know the projects we've done. They don't know the results of our efforts.
So I think that we have a lot of work to do. We have a lot of work to better organize our aid, to be more responsive to the needs of the people that they expressed to work more effectively with your government, and that's what we're committed to doing.
QUESTION: Can you take another —
MODERATOR: And we have another question here. It's going to be (inaudible).
QUESTION: Thank you so much. I'm senior manager skills development from (inaudible) foundation. I have two questions. Number one is that a lot of U.S. aid money is coming to Pakistan, right? But why are there foreign contractors in war, because most of the money – taxpayer money – goes back to America, the management is there, they have their office in America, they have to give the management cost over there, then they set up an office in Pakistan, the management (inaudible) will do it there. And then some of the money goes back to the people, but quite a lot of money goes into the other contractors. Why is it that (inaudible) the contractors, number one? And number two —
MODERATOR: I want to give everybody a chance, so one question. Thank you.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well —
MODERATOR: Yes, Madame Secretary.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, first of all, I share your criticism. And when I became Secretary of State, I asked that there be a review done of all of our aid programs, because I was worried that, number one, not enough of the money was getting to where it was intended, for all kinds of reasons. And number two, we weren't getting the results that we were looking for. We actually stopped a lot of the aid programs until we had a chance to review them. And I am determined to take on this problem that you talked about.
And I'll give you a quick example. After the earthquake a couple of years ago, the Government of Pakistan asked for our help to try to rebuild and build schools, and we said we would. But they adopted a different model, and the different model was that we wanted to hire Pakistani engineers, Pakistani architects, Pakistani contractors, and of course, Pakistani workers, because unlike some countries, we do employ a lot more Pakistanis than some countries do. They bring all their workers from the outside, but we have a mix of workers. But we wanted to try a different approach. And I think of the people that were directly hired – there were 202 and there were only two Americans and there were 200 Pakistanis, so I just got a report about that. That's the kind of model that we are looking to follow now. We want more of the money pushed down to the local level.
Now, we do have to have accountability, and that's not micromanaging. We have to be able to go back to the American taxpayer and the American Congress and say, "You said you wanted money spent to help education, for example, in Pakistan. We put X millions of dollars in, and we can show you the results." So we want to do it both ways: more Pakistanis on the ground delivering the services, but there has to be some accountability so that we know we're getting what you all are trying to achieve.
QUESTION: I have a question based on aid coming to Pakistan. And it's about pledges versus the funds actually coming through. Primarily, when the IDP situation happened, more than 2 million people were displaced in Pakistan. Yes, I visited those camps as many of my colleagues here did. And the people there felt that the international community had forgotten of them. We saw pledges and funds coming through to places like Darfur, so when Pakistan was (inaudible), people weren't listening because they felt that Pakistan had brought the terrorists upon themselves. And there was a lot of pledges that are being made, but funding is not coming through. And the same with the FODP – a lot of pledges, the money is not coming through.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, let me test the audience and ask if any of you know how much money – I can only speak for the United States, but how much money we have already spent – not pledged, but spent – on the IDPs in Swat. Does anybody have any idea?
We have spent $300 million. But I bet hardly anybody knows that. And it's very frustrating for us. Because I agree with you; the international community has to do more, and we are pushing them to do more. At the pledging conference in Tokyo, about $5 billion was pledged, and we pledged about a billion dollars and we have already spent or contributed $400 million of that.
So I hope you understand my concern that we feel like we're doing things and we're not getting through. We're not being very effective, and that's our fault. We are not communicating very effectively to the people of Pakistan. So I want to do a better job of that. And I'm not asking that people applaud us. I just want people to know, because I want to work from a base of facts.
QUESTION: But in terms of the (inaudible), how much pressure or encouragement is the U.S. giving to the international community to follow suit?
SECRETARY CLINTON: We are pushing all the time, and it's a very fair question. We're putting more money into the United Nations High Commission for Refugees for the people displaced out of South Waziristan, and we've gone to the UN, and we've gone to the international community and we said you've got to help Pakistan because they're taking on this threat which is a common threat. And we're going to keep pushing them until we get some more results from them.
QUESTION: Madame —
MODERATOR: (Inaudible.)
QUESTION: Yes, I just wanted to ask you when you say about you are concerned about Pakistan and then you mentioned electricity being one of them and you mentioned education being one of them. And we are also very concerned, and all Pakistanis are concerned about that. We've always had an issue with our budget (inaudible) and we always see a great amount of that going into military spending. So the main concern here is are you addressing Pakistan's main concern, which is across the border – and by that, I mean India – when you are coming here and putting (inaudible) checks and balances and creating this transparency and seeing it through that the money is being utilized, but you are doing it in a (inaudible) situation still, because you're still not sorting or accepting that Pakistan's problem with India still exists, and there's a good chance that money could go – and that it's been reported in newspapers across the globe that Pakistan uses military expenditure – the civilian aid that comes in is used for military purposes.
So if you're so concerned about Pakistan's concerns, this springs from an issue which you have dismissed time and time again as mere paranoia. But even paranoids have enemies, and we have one right across the border, regardless of what it will do or it wants to do is a different story. But it has the potential of causing great danger to Pakistan. That's a threat, and Pakistani military and Pakistani establishment believes that. Until and unless that is sorted, we will always be not sorted.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, I don't think I've ever said that. But what I have said repeatedly is that it is clearly in both Pakistan's and India's best interests to try to resolve the concerns they have which give root to the feelings that people obviously have. And I respect that. So it is not for us to dictate any solutions, because that wouldn't last a minute. But it is up to us, which we do – I did on this trip, I did it when I was in India, we do it every time we talk – to encourage both sides to continue and get back to the composite dialogue that you were engaged in, because some advances were made. There were some positive results of that kind of discussion.
But at the end of the day, we want to be encouraging both countries. We have separate relationships with both countries. Our relationship with Pakistan actually goes back further than our relationship with India, and we value both relationships. And it is very disturbing and very painful to us that what could be, if there were a way to resolve the issues – and that's for you to decide – there could be an extraordinary opportunity for Pakistan.
Yesterday, when I was in Lahore meeting with a group of business executives, a number of them said that they would like to trade with India. There is trade, but it doesn't go direct. It goes through Dubai or somewhere. So there's trade going on, but it's not benefiting the people of Pakistan. And so my answer to them is my answer to you: We would love to see a good relationship, or at least a very peaceful relationship, so that you could get about the business of investing in your people, they could get about the business of investing in theirs, and there could be an opportunity for, over time, more relationships.
QUESTION: Madame Secretary, I liked you when you were (inaudible). It was really impressive for people of Pakistan. But how can you bridge the gap which is already created, especially when you are giving us aid, and which you are showing that you are giving us a lot? It's just a (inaudible), like defense authorization act 2010. You are giving military aid with so many tough conditions. Can you elaborate, because our (inaudible) are being killed on western borders. So can you (inaudible)?
QUESTION: (Inaudible.) I wanted to ask you (inaudible) think about Pakistan (inaudible) the balance of power in the region. How exactly do (Inaudible) Pakistan (inaudible), which is directly (inaudible) talking about (inaudible)?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, I don't think Pakistan is disrupting the balance of power. I think Pakistan is trying very hard to solidify its democratic institutions while fighting a war. That, by definition, is an overwhelming challenge. My only point is, if you look at the map, Pakistan is one of the most strategically located countries in the world – India, China, Iran, Central Asia – and yet you rank 141st in human development. And why is that? Because you have been focused on other issues. And I'm not saying that it was wrong to be, but I'm just asking whether there is a way to begin to say, look, we have a different future we can make for ourselves. But again, that is up to you.
And to go to the question about conditions, I've explained many times that we have conditions in every aid that we give. And I think there was some misunderstanding, which we are going to try to clear up and be more sensitive to how we present the point of view of the United States Congress. But it is, I think, understandable that when the American Congress said we want to help you in your fight, and we think this immediate fight is the first fight to win, to wage and win, so we do have some accountability that we're going to put on our own government to make sure that this aid is being translated into helping you win the priority fight. And I hope that your government and the Indian Government will resume a dialogue. I am a big believer in dialogues. I'm a big believer in negotiations. I think talking absolutely is better than warring. And so I hope that there can be some positive development there.
QUESTION: Madame Secretary, what you mean by (inaudible) adversity, because (inaudible)?
QUESTION: Adversity impacting the balance of power in the region, can you define this? What does this mean?
SECRETARY CLINTON: You know what? I don't know.
QUESTION: Sorry?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Yeah, I know that's in the legislation —
QUESTION: Yes.
SECRETARY CLINTON: — which you just referenced. I don't know what the definition in the bill is. I don't know what they mean by that.
MODERATOR: Okay. We really —
QUESTION: Let's (inaudible) now.
QUESTION: It's not my bill. I don't know.
QUESTION: (Inaudible) the audience for a while. We want to hear from —
MODERATOR: Okay. We are going to —
QUESTION: — in the audience. Quatrina Hossein (inaudible).
MODERATOR: Okay. We are going to keep the flow for a while, Madame Secretary, because everybody here wants to say something. So first, I'm going to take a comment from (inaudible), and then a question. Yes, (inaudible).
QUESTION: (Inaudible). I want to say that this is our war, because we have shared creating this monster with you. And the comment is that the war is on two levels. One is the militancy level which becomes more visible, but the second one is ideological level, which is the ideology that is engulfing us and taking us centuries back. I just want to – (applause) – this is a comment that when you take on your approach, please don't ignore this element. There are incubators where both militancy and this ideology is being created. These are called madrassas and we definitely want to deal with them. (Applause.)
MODERATOR: And one – a couple of questions from here.
QUESTION: My name is (inaudible). I'm director of a women's rights organization, (inaudible). I know that during U.S. aid support to Muslims in Bosnia, huge investments were made to train police and military in human rights programs. How would you ensure that the training programs for police and military in Pakistan would also have a strong component on women's rights and human rights standards?
SECRETARY CLINTON: That's an excellent question, and I think we need to look at how we could do that more effectively, because obviously, I care very much about human rights and women's rights, and I think that it is important to try to make sure that anyone in law enforcement anywhere in the world, and anyone in any military anywhere in the world be sensitized and receive that kind of training and then be held accountable.
So that's something that we will obviously look into, because I think that the comment that was made earlier is a very important one, and I've had numerous conversations about this both before coming and as well as here with Pakistani friends of mine. Because to me, the ideology is foreign to Pakistan, and it is like a cancer that's been introduced into the body of the country that needs to be excised. I mean, you – there can be different interpretations of culture. There can be different kinds of ways of living as long as it's done peacefully.
But once any group decides that they have all the truth and nobody else has any of it, and therefore, they're going to impose their beliefs on other people, that cannot be tolerated because that is so contrary to what a democracy should stand for, what diversity and pluralism should stand for. I mean, we have women from different backgrounds and different places in Pakistan with their own opinions here in this auditorium, and everybody should be free to express that without being somehow characterized as not being right or not being appropriate. So we have to look at this from many different angles.
QUESTION: Let's take some more questions.
MODERATOR: Okay. And we have a question here from a student from the Islamic International University, which was a university that was bombed in Islamabad. And yes, what's your question?
QUESTION: Ma'am, my name is (inaudible) and I would like to draw your attention to the issue of Kashmir and Palestine, and in accordance with the UN ruling, the American stance is that this issue should be resolved in between the two countries where America would just facilitate. But I opine that America being the superpower can exert a pressure and influence generally in resolving this long outstanding issue in the wake of UN resolutions. (Applause.)
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, I want you to know that we are trying very hard to encourage both your government and the Indian Government to work on resolving this. It's a little bit different with the Israelis and the Palestinians. The Palestinians don't yet have their state. I am trying to create conditions for a two-state solution so that the Palestinians will finally have their state, Israel will have security, and they can live side by side. But because it's not two countries, it's a little bit more difficult, and we have to try to push it along.
On India and Pakistan, especially over Kashmir, we know that both of the countries have very strong feelings about this, and we can't dictate any answers despite our position in the world. What we can do is to keep making the case that finding an answer is in the best interests of both. I mean, if you look at the amount of money that is spent on military, which you raised, that money – if there were not the threat that exists and the feeling that you had to keep up and you had to keep making more and more investment, that money could be going for so many more purposes that would help develop the people of Pakistan.
So it's very much in Pakistan's interest. I would argue it's also very much in India's interest. And I say that publicly, I say that privately. We keep pushing and we're going to continue to.
MODERATOR: Madame Secretary, we have some – I have a question myself, and that question is that a United committee – a United Nations committee has just ruled or suggested that drone attacks may constitute a violation of international law, and it constitutes the execution of people without a trial. And the Pakistan parliament, of course, has also requested that these drone attacks be stopped, yet they continue, and the Pakistani people have begun to resent them and associate them with U.S. policy towards Pakistan as a whole. (Applause.)
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, I think what's important here is that there is a war going on, as several of you have said, and I won't comment on that specific matter because of the fact that if you look at what has to be done in this war, the Pakistani military is using what are called S-BEC-C's. These are very powerful planes that drop bombs. And in a war, you go after the people who are your enemies, but sometimes – and regrettably, sometimes that's not the only people who get caught up in it.
But I think that given the nature of this war that is being fought against an enemy that is very hard to find, very hard to pin down, very hard to capture or kill, that engages in activities like the bombing of the women's market in Peshawar, that it is understandable that as Pakistan fights this war, they want whatever help they can get, not just from us, but from others. They buy military equipment from other countries, not just the United States. But I think that winning this war is in Pakistan's national security interests, and we're going to do all we can to help you.
MODERATOR: And Madame Secretary, a question on the nuclear issue.
QUESTION: (Inaudible) but otherwise (inaudible) extrajudicial or indiscriminate killings against international humanitarian law.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, I think that was one report that was written. I don't think that that has been concluded at all, and I think that will be something that has to be looked at in the future.
QUESTION: (Inaudible) has been relentless under the Obama Administration. And do you think, and does the Obama Administration feel that the loss of life and how people feel about them in Pakistan is worth it given the minimal successes you get?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, again, I'm not going to comment on any particular tactic or technology. But I would say that a lot of the masterminds and the leaders of the insurgency are very much in the eye of the Pakistani military, because they know that there are certain people who are orchestrating these attacks. And so there is a great effort to try to use appropriate means to go after those leaders, and I think that that is part of the success in the war that they're waging.
MODERATOR: Can we take some more questions from the audience, Saima? Because we really haven't even done half the auditorium yet.
QUESTION: Okay.
MODERATOR: So let's be fair here. Maria Sultan.
QUESTION: (Inaudible.) Thank you, Quatrina. Dr. Maria Sultan, South Asian Strategic Stability Institute. Thank you, Madame Secretary, for being with us this afternoon. My question relates to the nuclear program and the various certification requirements which are asked from you from the Kerry-Lugar bill. Nuclear weapons program of any country is a classified program, and so are nuclear weapons budget.
The question which I need to ask is how would you ascertain the information vis-à-vis making that certification whether Pakistan has devoted Pakistan's financial resources towards weapons programs? Will that be done through U.S. national technical means if that certification is to be done through you? Or will it be done through the Government of Pakistan? And if it is going to be done with the aid of Government of Pakistan, was it negotiated?
And last but not least, I just wanted to ask, how do you suppose the strategic stability in the region will be maintained considering the fact that United States has bent the rules of international nonproliferation regime by giving the Indo-U.S. nuclear deal?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, first, let me say that I have confidence in the security of the Pakistan nuclear arsenal. I have said that many times, I believe it, and I will continue to say it. So sometimes when you read stories that people are speculating or worrying over what might happen, I do not share those worries or concerns.
What I have talked to the Pakistani Government about is proliferation. The fact that Pakistan has a nuclear program is a fact. And it is something that has been safeguarded and secured by the Pakistani military, and that's appropriate. But the fear that we all have and that I have expressed to the government and the military here is the possibility that nuclear material could fall into the hands of terrorists. So it's not at all unlikely that the efforts that are being taken by the terrorists – and we know it goes on constantly – to try to figure out ways to get fissile material from the former Soviet Union, from some other source, would affect all of us.
And so my strong feeling is that it is Pakistan's interest to work with the rest of the world to prevent proliferation. That is not in any way undermining your nuclear program. Your nuclear program exists. Now, you ask how do you verify and how do you determine if Pakistan were to join, for example, the NPT the way that the rest of us do. We're negotiating a dramatic reduction in our nuclear arsenal with Russia. And in it, we are opening ourselves and they're opening themselves to examination by each of us. So we would send our experts there, they would send their experts here, the International – or to U.S. The International Atomic Energy Agency, they have experts. They go and they consult with people's nuclear programs all over the world.
And finally, the agreement that the Bush Administration entered into with India was for civil nuclear programs to produce energy, and obviously, energy is something that is going to be very much needed in Pakistan. It takes a lot of investment for a nuclear plant. It's very expensive. And I don't know whether that's something that Pakistan could afford to do right now, but that has nothing to do with the nuclear weapons arsenal, which, as you know, has created a deterrent between you and Pakistan.
MODERATOR: And we have a question from —
QUESTION: (Inaudible.) She was referring to rule-bending as far as India was concerned. There was some rule-bending. That's what you were referring to.
QUESTION: Well, how are you going to verify those positions on Pakistan's nuclear program?
SECRETARY CLINTON: We would work with the Pakistani Government. I mean, obviously —
SECRETARY CLINTON: What?
MODERATOR: Okay. And we have some questions here from people who come from Karachi.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, we don't have access to your nuclear programs, and that's something that is within your authority. And we would expect, under the circumstances, to get an accurate certification from the Pakistani Government.
QUESTION: Okay. Let's (inaudible).
MODERATOR: And we have some questions from Karachi. And it's Sassui Palijo, minister for culture from the province of Sindh.
QUESTION: Hello, Madame Secretary. I would like to welcome you here. I belong to Pakistan People's Party, a member of assembly, minister for culture and tourism in government. I would like to welcome you here. And, you know, the way you have been meeting different people and the way, you know, we have been watching you on TV also, I think we must appreciate your efforts, because there are so many challenges, so many fears because of the war against terrorism.
When yesterday I saw you on TV, that reminded me of my great hero and beloved and, you know, (inaudible) Benazir Bhutto, because she fought against terrorism without any fear. I belong to (inaudible) has the light of Sufism. We believe in peace (inaudible) name of love, affection, peace. The question is that we are suffering from severe water shortage because we are agronomist country and we totally depend upon water. The thing is that India is trying its best to stop our water. They are trying to build dams and other mega project. The thing is that I think America can play a vital role, and now I think you will have to play your role so that India can stop all these stupid and mega projects because they are trying to stop our water.
MODERATOR: Okay, let's get an answer to that (inaudible) on the water issue that Pakistan is suffering.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, I have heard about the water issue from every government official that I met with, and Foreign Minister Qureshi and I announced on Wednesday that we're going to resume, but build up, a strategic dialogue between our two countries, and one of the items we will work on is water. And we will try to figure out what can be done to help. And obviously, if there are international issues, we will try to help address those as well, because I think that from everything I've heard everywhere, water is becoming an increasingly urgent concern.
I just wanted to say one quick reflection about Benazir Bhutto. Because she was prime minister the first time I came nearly 15 years ago, and her husband, President Zardari, gave me a wonderful gift, which was a picture of her and her two older children and of me with my daughter when we were here. And it was a very emotional experience for me because I admired her greatly, I considered her a friend, I saw her off and on during the years when I was in the White House, when I was in the Senate. I was extremely upset when she was murdered.
But I really think that, as you said, her martyrdom should be a reminder and a spur to action for all of us to deal with the threats that are posed to civilization and to people who are trying to stand up to terrorism. (Applause.)
MODERATOR: Madame Secretary, a question from a law student here.
QUESTION: Madame Secretary, my name is (inaudible) from Peshawar University. First of all, I would like to admire you to have come to Pakistan in such crucial times. And second, there is a very general question I would like to ask, that what is actually terrorism in U.S. eyes? Is it the killing of innocent people in, let's say, drone attacks? Or is it, again, the killing of – a vengeful killing of innocent people in different parts of Pakistan, like the bomb blast in Peshawar two days ago? Which one is terrorism, do you think?
SECRETARY CLINTON: I only heard your second one about the —
MODERATOR: Okay, basically the question was that victims of drone attacks, is that terrorism, or people being killed in a marketplace in Peshawar, is that terrorism? In the United States – do you perceive both victims as victims of terrorism?
SECRETARY CLINTON: No, I do not. I do not.
MODERATOR: We have to take a break, Quatrina, to sort tapes. There's no tapes so we missed that question, I'm afraid.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Okay.
MODERATOR: Sorry again, everyone. A couple more minutes while we change tapes for the television.
QUESTION: (Inaudible) question, and I'd like to talk about Afghanistan and Pakistan. There's a strategic review going on right now. You're waiting for the results of the Afghan elections. Now, obviously, that impacts both U.S. policy, but Pakistani policy too. And my question refers to not just the fact that Pakistan and the U.S. are allies in the war against militancy, and of course, they're concerns with Afghanistan. But are the aims and objectives, the ultimate goals, the same? I don't think they are. And how are you going to make those two marry up with Pakistan's objective vis-à-vis Afghanistan, and what the U.S. (inaudible)?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, I believe that there is a lot of commonality in the goals. I don't think it is in either Pakistan's interest or the interest of the United States that Afghanistan be unstable, be a breeding ground for militancy and terrorism that can cross the border or cross the ocean. So I do think that we have a common goal. The question is what is the best way to achieve that goal. And that's why the President, President Obama, is doing this review to try to figure out, having consulted with our partners like Pakistan and others, what is the best way to achieve that. I mean, how do we give Afghanistan the support it needs to have its own army? I mean, Pakistan has a very professional army. Afghanistan does not. So it can't defend itself yet. And so how do we get to that point? And I think that's in everybody's interest.
QUESTION: (Inaudible) just the same way that the United States is (inaudible) exactly the same way Pakistani leadership, whether that's military, whether that's our opposition, whether that's the government itself, we see the (inaudible) presence in Afghanistan (inaudible) and financially funding and investing in these (inaudible). . What exactly is the United States doing about this? And the United States – I know you just got all you can say (inaudible), but the fact of the matter is that you are in a position to put pressure. Just today, you came out (inaudible) because of international pressure (inaudible) Pakistan (inaudible). What can you do?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, first of all, I sometimes do believe that pressure is better delivered in private, because people in public might have a reaction, whereas working behind the scenes, working consistently, very often pays off. But I think it's also fair to say that everyone needs to be focused on the same goal, no matter who they are or where they are. It is not in anyone's interest to support these non-state terrorist groups, because, number one, you lose control over them; number two, they often act in ways that cause ripple effects that come back to haunt you; and number three, we can't afford to do that in the 21st century. So we're sending that message to everybody.
QUESTION: (Inaudible) I want to ask a question and it's a supplementary question, in fact. Yesterday, you stated that Usama bin Ladin and Pakistani leadership or Pakistanis know where they are – Pakistani officials. I just want to – there is a need of clarification. Is it (inaudible) from Pakistani Government or Pakistani agencies? What will you say?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, what I said was that I don't know if anyone knows, but we in the United States would very much like to see the end of the al-Qaida leadership. And our best information is that they are somewhere in Pakistan. And we think that it's in Pakistan's interest as well as our own that we try to capture or kill the leadership of al-Qaida, because we think that would be a very severe blow to terrorists everywhere. And my point is let's work together to get that done.
Now, the priority for Pakistan has to be focusing on those who are attacking you. That has to be your priority. You have to protect your people and your territory. But from everything we have learned, al-Qaida is in league with the people who are attacking Pakistan. That might not have been the case before, but they are part of this syndicate of terror and they are in league. So when the initial campaign in Swat and then now in South Waziristan is finished, I think that the Pakistani military will have to go on to try to root out other terrorist groups, or we're going to be back facing the same threats.
SECRETARY CLINTON: I think there's a trust deficit going both directions, and I think that's why we have to talk very openly, which is what I'm trying to do.
QUESTION: Is it military or government?
SECRETARY CLINTON: I don't know.
MODERATOR: I'm sorry, we have to move on, Sana Bucha from GEO.
QUESTION: (Inaudible) security are directly linked to Afghanistan's security and stability. That has been said time and time again. But are we looking for clues everywhere? Does (inaudible) do they not have any nefarious designs of their own carrying out in Afghanistan, and the losses that the United States suffers at the hands (inaudible). And does Iran have a role? Does Russia have a role? I know for a fact that al-Qaida recruits that are coming from the Turkmenistan-Tajikistan border who are Arabs and they are being funded by Russia. And there is no diplomatic presence in Russia by the United States or in Iran itself. You've already said Iran is the "axis of evil". So do you think you need to do something more on diplomatic terms with Iran and Russia, too, to stop exactly what's exacerbating in Afghanistan itself?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, we do have diplomatic – full diplomatic relationships with Russia. I was just in Russia for consultations, and the Russians are helping in Afghanistan. They're providing support. They're providing transit. They're providing the kind of both material and moral support, because they understand the threat that they would face. So Russia I would put in a different category.
With Iran, we are trying to engage Iran. We are working very hard to do that. And it's difficult to know what the outcome will be. But as President Obama said when he was inaugurated, we will reach out our hand to anyone who unclenches their fist. And we are attempting to do that. I can't today tell you whether we will have any success or not. But I think what you saw happen with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard last week, where apparently a group came across the border from Baluchistan, means that Iran has a stake in this, too. I really think the world has a stake, and I'm trying to get everybody to work together. And whatever differences we have – and there will always be differences between India and Pakistan, between us and Iran, we all – that's human nature. But on this big threat of non-state terrorist networks, every country should work together. And that's what I hope we will see.
MODERATOR: Okay, let's move on for one final question from the audience. The final question is going to be from Sonia because I'm right here.
QUESTION: My name is Sonia (inaudible) and I'm the founding president of an NGO think tank. When Saimi Mohsin opened the conversation up, she talked about turning a new page. And in your efforts and in your schedule and your deliberations, Secretary of State, that's clearly evident. We must commend you for that, and we welcome you to our country.
But there is also talk of trust deficit. And indeed, when the former ambassador (inaudible) talked about – said in her opening comment, she talked about a trust deficit, and that's coming again and again from across the floor.
In my opinion, if the United States takes two tangible and very concrete steps, it can make a very significant stride towards overcoming that trust deficit. The first is in the area of external resource transfers. Although the external resource transfers – although we appreciate that the Kerry-Lugar bill will make monies available to us, but the potential within wiping out external indebtedness is very huge, and I want to know to what extent you are committed to working towards that.
My second question and the area where I think you can really bring value to the country is in the area of democracy, because you clearly are committed towards democracy, but I'm sure nobody would know better than yourself that democracy is not about popular vote. It is a set of constitutional devices. It's a set of institutional norms. It is a form of governance and transparency and accountability in institution. I'm just doing that, Quatrina. But I just want to make a point that democracy is about an attitude in government. It is a set of institutions, devices. And most importantly, it's about a set of values enshrined in freedom, liberty, equality, and rights.
To what extent can you consolidate a reform agenda within the country which would make sure that reform outlives administrations and is not held hostage to individual vested interests within our very complicated country? (Applause.)
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, on your first question, we supported very strongly the effort to try to stabilize the Pakistani economy. We have sent a team of financial experts twice now to work with your government so that any way we can help on debt relief, on refinancing, on other aspects of stabilizing the economic and fiscal situation, is something we're committed to helping you do.
But let me just end on your last question, because I think it's a very important one. You are absolutely right; democracy is not just about elections. In fact, there are people around the world who get themselves elected once and then they end elections. So you've got to have an independent judiciary. You've got to have a free press, which Pakistan has. You've got to have protection for minority rights. You have to have all of these institutions working together. But the most important is what Alexis d'Toqueville said back at the very beginning of our country when he came to the United States. He said you have to have the habits of the heart – the habits of the heart that respect other people, that tolerate other viewpoints, because in a democracy there has to be compromise. By definition, you can't have an absolutist approach. That's what you're supposed to do in the parliament. That's what the government is supposed to protect.
So I think inculcating those habits of the heart in the family, in school, in the community, is absolutely essential to the long-term health and stability of the democracy of Pakistan. And we will support the rule of law, we will support the institutions, and we will support efforts to try to plant all those habits of the heart in as many hearts as we can possibly reach.
MODERATOR: Madame Secretary, we've (inaudible).
QUESTION: (Inaudible) I would like to know how damage control you think you've been able to do on this trip.
SECRETARY CLINTON: I don't know. I hope some. I mean, I love coming to Pakistan and I have such a great deal of affection and friendship towards the country and the people. I'm going to try as hard as I can. But ultimately, we have to have actions between the two of us. Words are not enough. We have to build that confidence and build that trust, and we have to listen to each other, and I hope I at least have started that during the last three days. (Applause.)
MODERATOR: Madame Secretary, thank you so much indeed for giving us this time (inaudible) and the opportunity for the audience and us to speak to you. I thank my colleagues, Asma Shirazi, Sana Bucha, Meher Bukhari, and of course, Quatina Hossein. I'm Saima Mohsin. Thanks very much indeed for being with us. (Applause.)


I am a geographer with a Ph.D. in Change and Complexity Management. Since January 2018, I am a Postodoctoral scholar at the Geoinformatics and Earth Observation Laboratory at the Department of Geography and Institute for CyberScience. Since May 2018, I am also part of the Grozinger Lab where I am studying the relationship between climate change and honey bee winter survival.


Sencha Forum > Ext JS Community Forums 4.x > Ext: Q&A > Can EditorGrid and CheckBoxModel work together?
View Full Version : Can EditorGrid and CheckBoxModel work together?
There is a bug reported about using these two together.
oops. I am using 4.0.7. Will this be fixed in 4.0.8?


The Scarlet Empress, the sixth of the collaborations in film of Josef von Sternberg and Marlene Dietrich, was to be the next to last. It was written by Manuel Komroff and Eleanor McGeary, and directed by Sternberg, with cinematography by Bert Glennon. Art direction and set design were again by Hans Dreier, Peter Ballbusch and Richard Kollorsz. Ballbusch was responsible for the gargoyle-like statues that are a feature of the sets. Travis Banton designed the costumes. Dietrich played opposite Sam Jaffe, who portrayed the mentally defective heir to the throne, and John Lodge, a member of the Massachusetts political family who would later serve as a congressman, governor of Connecticut and ambassador to Spain, Argentina and Switzerland. The film finished production in January, 1934. It cost $900,000. It wasn't released in the United States until September of that year, primarily because Alexander Korda had released his own Catherine the Great, starring another emigre German actress, Elisabeth Bergner, in March, 1934.
Sternberg, in his autobiography Fun in a Chinese Laundry, wrote about The Scarlet Empress, "the film was, of course, a relentless excursion into style, which, taken for granted in any work of art, is considered to be unpardonable in this medium." Glib and ironic, this doesn't really tell the whole story. The critic Robin White explained the box office failure of tonight's film thus: "the tone of The Scarlet Empress, conjoining ironic tragedy and a kind of macabre farce so closely that they become inseparable, demanded adjustments beyond anything for which audiences (and, for that matter, critics) were prepared. Rooted in both Expressionism and Surrealism, The Scarlet Empress is essentially 'modernist,' far removed from even Hollywood's notions of realism." White also commented "here, the sense of entrapment that connects most of the director's personal work reaches its extreme of oppressiveness. . .Von Sternberg's idiosyncratic and obtrusive use of décor—objects such as candelabra, lace curtains, nets, statuary intervening between actors and camera—. . .is claustrophobic and stifling, the characters trapped, their physical movement severely restricted." As we have seen before, this film, like the others, is only a frame for Sternberg to place around Dietrich. As Roger Ebert wrote, "When Dietrich is onscreen. . . nothing is too good for her; not only do von Sternberg's lighting and cinematography make her the center and subject of every scene, but he devises extraordinary moments for her, as when, clad in a fur uniform and cape, with an improbable sable military hat, she mounts a horse and leads a cavalry charge up the grand staircase." I hope you enjoy watching this not quite historical drama with me tonight.


ATHENS, OH -- The Ohio Bobcats started walk-on quarterback J.D Sprague and walk-on running back A.J. Ouellette on Saturday afternoon as they defeated the Eastern Illinois Panthers (1-4, 1-0) 34-19 at home. This win marks Ohio's first-ever victory over the Panthers.
Ohio (3-2, 1-0) was able score at least 10 points in each of the first three quarters of action as its ground game rolled up 229 yards and produced all four Bobcat touchdowns.
By the time the game entered its final stanza, the 'Cats had all but wrapped up their fourth straight victory at Peden Stadium and even decided to rest their offensive and defensive starters for the entire fourth quarter.
Much of the Bobcats' success was due to a ground game that has come alive in Ohio's last two games. Head coach Frank Solich decided to change things up this week by giving true freshman running back A.J. Ouellette his first-ever collegiate start.
Solich's decision to start Ouellette came on the heels of the freshman's impressive game last week against Idaho, where he picked up 132 yards rushing and two touchdowns.
Ouellette did not disappoint this week with his 87 yards rushing and two scores, including a 65-yard touchdown run on Ohio's first play of the second quarter.
Quellette was not alone in Ohio's rushing attack as Sprague added 69 yards on 12 carries.
Sprague also had two rushing touchdowns of his own, one of which came in the third quarter when he somehow managed to break several tackles and fought his way through a pile up in the middle of the field by emerging out of the heap after juking to the left, giving him a wide-open lane to the end zone.
Remarkably enough, the Bobcats had three freshman linemen receive significant playing time, in part because the 'Cats were without Mike McQueen, who was suspended from the game for violating the team's code of conduct policy.
McQueen's absence and the presence of three freshman up front did not seem to affect the 'Cats as they finished with 387 yards of total offense, 229 of which came on the ground.
Despite Eastern Illinois having 45 more yards on offense, the Bobcats were able to hold the Panthers to 19 points, nine of which came harmlessly in the fourth quarter.
Ohio's defense showed its resiliency in the first drive of the game when it stopped the Panthers on third and goal from the one-yard line. Eastern Illinois was forced to settle for an 18-yard field goal, which put them up 3-0.
The early field goal would prove to be the Panthers only lead of the game and Ohio wasted no time in responding on offense.
Sprague, in the first start of his career, led his team down the field with a couple of key completions, including a 34-yard connection to Jordan Reid who made an acrobatic catch to put Ohio on Eastern Illinois' seven-yard line.
Ouellette finished off the drive three plays later on third-and-goal with a one-yard touchdown run capping off a 10-play, 78-yard drive.
From there, Ohio went on to score 14 unanswered points with only one slip up by Sprague, who threw his first-career interception to Eastern Illinois defensive back Bradley Dewberry. That resulted in the Panthers' first touchdown of the game.
The touchdown, however, would not be the last score of the first half as Ohio's place kicker Josiah Yazdani was able to connect on a 20-yard field goal with nine seconds remaining before the break.
Yazdani's field goal was made possible by Ohio's Grant Cunningham, who blocked an Eastern Illinois punt with just over a minute left in the second quarter, putting Ohio on the Panthers' 35-yard line.
Cunningham's block was the first time the 'Cats have blocked a punt since 2010.
Yazdani opened the second half for Ohio the same way he ended the first by nailing a 46-yard field goal to put the Bobcats up 27-10. The 46-yarder was a season-high for the Lou Groza Watch List Candidate.
Ohio went on to score its last touchdown in the third quarter, giving it 34 points on the day. This is the second week in a row in which the 'Cats have scored 30 or more points.
Although Sprague threw two interceptions against the Panthers, he performed as well as the Bobcats could have hoped after they lost starting quarterback and captain Derrius Vick to a knee injury last week.
Sprague ended up with 15 completions for 143 yards compared to his counter-part Jalen Whitlow, who completed 30-of-46 passes for 289 yards and a touchdown.
Whitlow also ran for 112 yards on 15 carries after he set the Panthers' school record for quarterback rushing yardage last week with 137 yards rushing against Austin Peay.
Next week, Ohio jumps back into MAC play when it hits the road to take on Central Michigan (2-2, 0-0) at 3:30 p.m. in Mount Pleasant, MI.


Former Bachelorette Ali Fedotowsky and her fiancé Roberto Martinez openly showed their love for one another before they split.
But during the months since the duo"s romance unfolded in 2010 on season 6 of the reality show – which culminated with a romantic seaside proposal on the season finale – there have been some hints of trouble along the way.
• 4. Why wasn"t there a wedding date Fedotowsky had all sorts of reasons. "We had a very short courtship and we only knew each other nine weeks before we got engaged," she said in October, shortly before their final public appearance together on Nov. 3. "We are still figuring out our lives as individuals." Then there was the seasonal excuse: "I had no idea how much would be involved in planning a spring wedding," she said last year.


George Fox Seminary rocked last Friday!
I participated in a panel at George Fox Seminary in Portland last Friday. The panel was titled, "Who Am I? Who are you? A Muslim perspective on the role of faith in identity formation," and consisted of Andy Campbell as the facilitator, Maria Ebrahimji, Muna Idow, Manar Alattar, and myself. We discussed our personal faith journeys, media issues, and women's issues for an Evangelical Christian audience.
I always love to hear how many similarities there are between faiths. I spoke with Loren Kerns, the Director for the Ministry Doctorate Program at George Fox, and we discussed all kinds of similarities between the American Muslim and Christian communities.
On the panel, from left: Andy Campbell, Maria Ebrahimji, Muna Idow, myself, and Manar Alattar. Photo credit: Loren Kerns.
Talking with Evangelical feminists was especially rewarding! I spoke with a few women my age after the panel who shared similar concerns and struggles with faith, feminism, and our place in all of these. It always feels nice to find the people who understand my issues because they have the same ones!
I really enjoyed my time at George Fox Seminary and look forward to doing more interfaith work in the future. Thank you to everyone at the seminary who opened their space and their hearts to us!
← I'll be in the Emirates soon!


Since 2015, Baraka's headquarters have been in a brand new space located on General Etxague Street, in the heart of Donostia. Only a few meters from the Boulevard, it provides easy access to different forms of transportation such as public buses and parking. This spacious and comfortable space has allowed us to expand not only our equipment but to also offer more activities.
We wanted our facilities to be cozy and inviting for everyone who took part in our different activities. Therefore, the centre is harmoniously decorated with light and natural tones to maintain a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere.
The space is 375 m2 divided between two levels.
• Two large rooms, one is 100m2 and the other 85m2. Easily able to convert into a room for 140 people for lectures and debates, which are open to the city.
• Fitted with all the necessary equipment required for the different activities provided.
• Three psychotherapy and body therapy offices with a waiting room.
• A 40m2 art workshop, which opens up onto a charming garden.


Not everyone finds success on Instagram. See, there is more to this platform than uploading images. To expose your brand, you must be willing to put in the hard work. Most importantly, you have to know what you are doing and how to execute it properly. Below is a brief overview of some tactics that will help you take your business to the next level on Instagram.
Yes. This is a new one, right? Well, not really. Any serious business should consider using SocialSteeze to growth their account organically. Apart from helping you boost your follower base, this service will also spearhead your engagement campaign, in a bid to make you stand out when pitted against the competition. Be sure to visit https://socialmediaexplorer.com/content-sections/tools-and-tips/socialsteeze-review-a-game-changer-for-instagram-brands-and-influencers/to read more about SocialSteeze and how it can set you on the right path to becoming an influencer on Instagram.
Your profile has to be attractive. In fact, you can't achieve much on Instagram if you don't fill your profile correctly from the start. Sure, there is no "right" way to complete, but you must abide by the best practices. In other words, your profile has to include a photo, a username, an account name, website and bio. On top of that, make sure that the info you provide can tell any visitor what you all about in a glance.
Instagram attracts more than one billion users every month. Everyone is busy floating photos and getting noticed might seem like an impossible task. On the flipside, however, you don't need millions of followers to stand out. Instead, you should adopt what is known as a tribe mentality. Start small and keep establishing relationships as you grow. Don't forget to engage with others on a one-on-one basis via direct messaging.
Instagram is an excellent social media platform that can come in handy if you want to increase your business's reach. Remember to uncover niche hashtags to find relevant brands and followers. Identify your target audience early on to enable you to develop a well-calculated strategic marketing campaign.
Further, don't miss out on any opportunity to grow your followers. Remember, numbers still count on Instagram as they do on any social media network. Make every activity count. Like as many posts as you can as long as they are adding value to your branding efforts.


Hark the Herald's Angels sing Glory to the Newborn King.
Your angel is beautiful and reminds us all of what the season is about. Thank you for your kind words and for telling me about A Year in the Life. I'm putting it on my Wish List.