Development and Cooperation


	Contributions from the Column Monitor Peacekeeping: No reason to fear of civilian-military cooperation BMZ budget increases USA approves Indian three-in-one AIDS pill D+C author under pressure in Togo Genetic modifications: Uganda: in search of pest-resistent bananas Liberia: timber embargo lifted UN budget released German government assesses crisis-prevention policy Gender-related violence: Good governance includes protection for women A single roof for GTZ and KfW Poor countries lack tax revenues 8-9/2006		UN lift Liberian timber embargo At the end of June, the UN Security Council lifted the trade embargo against tropical timber from Liberia. In its resolution, the Security Council acknowledged the Liberian government’s efforts to transparently manage the timber industry for the benefit of the people. The diamond embargo, however, was extended by another six months. The Security Council reserved its right to monitor developments for 90 days and to re-impose the timber embargo if necessary. The government is told to pass, within that time span, the legislation it needs to gain full control of the timber industry. Global Witness, an advocacy group specialising in war economies and the illegal exploitation of natural resources, criticised the decision, asserting that by prematurely lifting the embargo, the Security Council was risking predatory practices taking hold in the Liberian timber industry before safeguards were put in place (see also D+C/E+Z 7/2006, p. 271). The Analyst, a daily paper from Monrovia, Liberia’s capital city, doubted that the government will succeed in passing the laws required within only 90 days. (ell)