| Colombia Prez-ELN Approach in Suspense
Havana, Apr 18 (Prensa Latina) The talks between the Colombian government and the National Liberation Army (ELN) taking place in Havana remain with marked differences and thus an eventual peace process is in suspense. Colombias High Peace Commissioner Luis Carlos Restrepo announced President Alvaro Uribes decision to accept a temporary cease of hostilities, based on one of the points proposed by the guerrilla organization. However, insurgent head Pablo Beltran insisted on defining an agreement as a base for the negotiation agenda, without previous conditions. The new government position establishes the rebel units territorial location, which could hinder progress of the talks that began on Tuesday. An initial half hour meeting was the beginning of the current negotiation round, while the sides planned to continue exchanges with Fr.
Transit Union Sees Merit In Binding Arbitration
CALGARY/AM770CHQR - The head of the Calgary Transit union says there is merit in sending the contract dispute to binding arbitration.
Mike Mahar tells the QR77 morning show he won't rule out arbitration.
But he's not sure the city will be quick to accept the idea. "The city hasn't never been interested in that. They like to be able to determine exactly what happens, and that it happens their way." Transit drivers today launched a work-to-rule job action.
They've been without a contract since last summer.
The city is warning there will likely be impacts on some routes.
The transit department has a shortage of 130 drivers.
Under the work to rule campaign, drivers will refuse overtime.
Most of the disruptions are expected on weekend routes.
Nigeria: ASUU Berates FG Over Agreement
The simmering crisis in the universities over Federal Government's introduction of consolidated salary structure by the federal government has come to a head with the Academic Staff union of Universities (ASUU) warning of dire consequences if the federal government sticks to its present posture of non-negotiation. Zonal coordinator of ASUU, Calabar Zone Dr Victor Emmanuel Osodeke, told a news conference addressed by the zone in Umuahia at the weekend that the union's patience was already exhausted following the breakdown of the parley with the government. .
FG urges ASUU to return to negotiations
Education Minister, Obiageli Ezekwesili has urged striking members of Academic Staff Union of Universities to return to the negotiation table. Ezekwesili, who made the call in Abuja yesterday in an interview with The Tide correspondent said government's team had the full mandate to negotiate on ASUU's demands. She said that as patriots, ASUU members should show greater zeal and commitment to the development of the university system and their students. The minister said government's mandate to its team in negotiating the 2001 agreement with ASUU should not be in doubt because nothing had changed from government's mandate. “This was the basis under which the negotiations began and government has not withdrawn the mandate given to the team," Ezekwesili explained. She added that in any disagreement, “it is always better to talk because with confidence building on both sides, issues are eventually resolved .'' “I call on my comrades to return to negotiation in the interest of our children and long term interest of the nation.
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