November 16, 2010

Banyak Kali Cakap Kau Gayus, Jangan Pojokkan Institusi Polri & Kejaksaan


Gayus Halomoan Tambunan (kanan) saat menyamar berpergian ke Bali

Dimuat juga di KATAKAMI.WORDPRESS.COM

Oleh : Mega Simarmata, Pemimpin Redaksi KATAKAMI.COM



Jakarta 16/11/2010 (KATAKAMI) — Barangkali yang tidak dimiliki oleh media lain adalah kesempatan untuk bisa masuk sampai ke bagian dalam Rutan Cipinang Cabang Mako Brimob, Kelapa Dua, Depok.

KATAKAMI.COM adalah satu dari sangat sedikit media yang beruntung bisa masuk sampai ke bagian dalam Rutan ini.

Tidak semua tahu bahwa sebenarnya Rutan di Mako Brimob ini adalah perpanjangan-tangan dari LP Cipinang.

Sehingga dalam penulisannya harus disebutkan Rutan Cipinang cabang Mako Brimob, Kelapa Dua, Depok.
Begitu juga yang ada di Kejaksaan Agung.

Rutan yang ada disana adalah Rutan Cipinang Cabang Kejaksaan Agung.



Foto : Terdakwa kasus mafia pajak, Gayus Halomoan Tambunan saat menonton pertandingan tenis di Bali

Gayus ( mantan pegawai Ditjen. Pajak ) diketahui sudah tidak ada di tahanan sejak Rabu 3 November 2010. Polri baru mengetahui hal ini hari Minggu 7 November.

Gayus berhasil ditangkap di rumah mewahnya berharga miliaran rupiah di Kelapa Gading pada Minggu (7/11/2010) malam.

Kasus Gayus makin heboh setelah muncul foto pria mirip Gayus dan mirip istrinya sedang menonton tenis di Nusa Dua Bali pada 5 November pukul 21.00 WIB.

Wartawan foto dari harian KOMPAS bernama Agus Susanto adalah jurnalis yang sangat beruntung bisa mendapatkan kesempatan memotret keberadaan Gayus saat menonton pertandingan tenis antara petenis.
Bahkan wartawan KOMPAS lainnya berhasil juga memvideokan saat Gayus menonton pertandingan tenis antara petenis Jepang Kimiko Date Krumm melawan petenis Cina, Li Na di Hotel Westin, Bali.

Hal ihwal keberadaan Gayus di Pulau Dewata (Bali) adalah :


Hari Kamis pagi, Gayus terbang ke Denpasar dengan menggunakan pesawat Lion Air dan menginap di Hotel Westin. 

Di sana ia bukan hanya menginap tetapi juga menyaksikan pertandingan tenis yang kebetulan digelar di hotel tersebut. 

Gayus bahkan menyaksikan pertandingan dua hari berturut-turut sebelum kembali ke Jakarta pada hari Sabtu.

Pada hari Sabtu malam, Gayus masih sempat pergi untuk menghadiri resepsi perkawinan.

Di resepsi itu,  sosok keberadaan Gayus terlihat langsung oleh Wakil Kepala Kepolisian RI Komjen Jusuf Manggarabani, yang kemudian memerintahkan Kepala Badan Reserse dan Kriminal Mabes Polri Komjen Ito Sumardi untuk mengecek keberadaan Gayus. 

Hasil inspeksi mendadak ke Rutan Mako Brimob itulah terungkap Gayus keluar dari tahanan dan Kabareskrim memerintahkan tim Detasemen Khusus 88 untuk mengembalikan Gayus ke Rutan Mako Brimob.



Foto : Terdakwa kasus mafia pajak, Gayus Halomoan Tambunan saat memotret menggunakan handphone-nya pertandingan tenis di Hotel Westin, Bali.

Kasus kaburnya Gayus Tambunan dari tahanan Mako Brimob makin panas dan mulai terkuak serentetan sogokan duitnya.

Seperti yang dimuat dalam website Komisi Kepolisian Nasional (Kompolnas) yang mengutip pemberitaan Tribun News (11/11/2010),  Mantan Kepala rutan Mako Brimob yang kini dinonaktifkan Kompol Iwan Siswanto mengaku kepada penyidik dirinya menerima “siraman” dari Gayus.

Iwan kepada penyidik direktorat tindak pidana korupsi Bareskrim Polri mengaku mendapatkan uang sekitar Rp 370 juta dari Gayus.

Jumlah sebesar itu diperolehnya sejak Juli hingga Oktober 2010.

Gayus menurut Iwan, sudah mulai melakukan aksi menyuap dirinya dan anak buahnya (Iwan) untuk dapat mengirup udara kebebasan sejak Juli lalu.

Sejak itu pula Gayus tak pernah berada di rutan Mako Brimob kecuali dirinya hendak menjalani sidang keesokan harinya. “

Juli dia dapat Rp 3,5 juta perminggu dan Rp 50 juta perbulan,” ujar sumber Tribunnews, Rabu (10/11).
Gayus memang mengelompokkan “sogokan” kepada Iwan dalam dua bentuk.

Mingguan dan bulanan.

Uang untuk Iwan itu bertambah pada Agustus 2010. Kala itu, Iwan mendapatkan uang sebesar Rp 5 juta perminggu dan Rp 100 juta perbulannya.

Sementara Iwan yang ditemui di tahanan mengakui dirinya memang mendapatkan uang sekitar Rp 300 juta dari Gayus Tambunan.

Plt Sekretaris Satgas anti mafia hukum Yunus Husein membenarkan informasi tersebut. “Ada transaksi Rp 50 juta perbulan,” tutur Yunus yang ditemui selepas acara Seminar Nasional UU Pencegahan dan Pemberantasan Tindak Pidana Pencucian Uang, di Hotel Sultan, Rabu
(10/11/2010) siang.


Selain kepada Iwan, Gayus juga memberikan sejumlah uang kepada para penjaga rutan lainnya termasuk 8 orang yang menjadi terperiksa untuk mempermulus “kebebasannya” itu.
 
Kepada para penjaga rutan bawahan Iwan, Gayus memberi masing-masing Rp 1 juta hingga Rp 1,5 juta perminggunya. Gayus sengaja tidak memberi “jatah” bulanan karena sistem tugas penjaga-penjaga rutan itu yang shift-shiftan.

Menurut sumber, atas perbuatannya itu Iwan kini berstatus tersangka dalam kasus suap.

Sebelumnya dia juga mendapat status terperiksa dalam pelanggaran disiplin dan kode etik profesi Polri bersama Briptu BH, Briptu DA, Briptu DS, Briptu AD, Bripda ES, Bripda JP, Bripda S, Bripda B. “Pelanggaran disiplinnya adalah Pasal 3 huruf g, Pasal 4 huruf d dan f, Pasal 5 huruf a, Pasal 6 huruf q dan w dari peraturan pemerintah nomor 2 tahun 2003 tentang peraturan disiplin anggota Polri,” ungkap Karo Penmas Humas Polri Brigjen Pol Ketut Untung Yoga Ana.

“Dipersangkakan juga sebagai terperiksa dalam pelanggaran kode etik profesi Polri yaitu Pasal 5 huruf a, Pasal 7 ayat 1 peraturan Kapolri nomor 7 tahun 2006 tentang kode etik profesi Polri,” katanya lagi. 

Mereka dijerat pasal-pasal tersebut karena dipastikan telah melanggar kode etik profesi dan disiplin dan lalai dalam menjalankan tugasnya dalam menjaga Gayus Tambunan.



Foto : Terdakwa kasus mafia pajak Gayus Halomoam Tambunan menangis saat ia mengakui kepada Ketua Majelis Hakim Albertina Ho di Pengadilan Negeri Jakarta Selatan (15/11/2010) bahwa ia memang pergi ke Bali. Sambil mencucurkan air mata, Gayus mengaku menyesal atas perbuatannya itu. ( Foto : DETIK )
 

Yang menarik untuk di bahas dalam tulisan ini adalah “keluguan” Gayus yang nyanyi di persidangan bahwa memang betul ia berpergian ke Bali.

Dan ternyata setelah diusut, keluar masuknya Gayus dari Rutan di Mako Brimob sejak Juli 2010 sampai November 2010 adalah sebanyak 68 kali.
 
Pertanyaannya, mengapa baru (di) bocorkan kepada media setelah Gayus keluar untuk yang ke 68 kalinya ?

Pertanyaan selanjutnya (kali ini lebih tepat kalau Gayus sendiri yang menjawab), apakah dia tidak tahu bahwa di setiap sudut Rutan Mako Brimob itu terpasang sejumlah alat penyadap dan kamera dari beberapa institusi.

Paling tidak, patut dapat diduga ada alat penyadap dan kamera pemantau dari Mabes Polri sendiri ( sebagai institusi yang diberi kepercayaan oleh Departemen Hukum dan HAM untuk menjadi cabang LP Cipinang).

Kemudian, patut dapat diduga disitu juga adalah kamera pemantau dan alat penyadap dari Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi ( KPK) karena sejak beberapa tahun terakhir ini KPK sangat banyak menitipkan tahanan mereka di rutan ini. 

Sehingga sangat wajar kalau misalnya patut dapat diduga, KPK memasang sejumlah perangkat teknologi mereka di sana.

Lalu pihak ketiga yang paling SPEKTAKULER peralatannya di Rutan Mako Brimob adalah DETASEMEN KHUSUS 88 ANTI TEROR POLRI. 

Sebab sudah sejak beberapa tahun yang lalu, Rutan di Mako Brimob ini adalah tempat penahanan dari hasil-hasil tangkapan Tim Anti Teror Polri.

Dan barangkali karena “keluguan” Gayus itu jugalah, bisa jadi ia tidak tahu bahwa sebenarnya para petugas yang menjaga Rutan yang satu ini mayoritas berasal dari DETASEMEN KHUSUS 88 ANTI TEROR POLRI ( Densus ).

Mungkin, Gayus perlu di ingatkan ketika KPK menghadirkan rekaman penyadapan antara Artalyta Suryani yang ditahan di Rutan Bareskrim Polri dengan mantan jaksa Urip Tri Gunawan yang ditahan di Rutan Polda Metro Jaya.

(Urip Tri Gunawan hanya sebentar di tahan di Polda Metro Jaya, selanjutnya ia jauh lebih lama di tahan di Rutan Mako Brimob, Kelapa Dua, Depok).

Sehingga, jangan heran kalau percakapan antar kedua terdakwa kasus korupsi yang masing-masing berada dalam tahanan pun, tetap tersadap dengan “baik” berkat kecanggihan teknologi.



Foto : Salah satu jenis " GSM INTERCEPTOR" ( Alat Penyadap GSM )


Kalau KPK, mereka pasti hanya akan menyadap pada orang-orang yang memang patut dapat diduga melakukan tindak pidana korupsi dalam kasus-kasus yang memang sedang mereka tangani.
Penyadapan memang diizinkan dalam UU Nomor 30 Tahun 2002 tentang KPK. 

Pasal 12 ayat 1 huruf a UU itu menyebutkan, dalam melaksanakan penyelidikan, penyidikan dan penuntutan, KPK berwenang melakukan penyadapan dan merekam pembicaraan.

Tapi bagaimana dengan Tim Anti Teror Polri ?

Sistem penyadapan dalam urusan pemberantasan terorisme, melebar bagaikan gurita yang memang sangat jauh menjangkau siapapun yang secara logika tak ada kaitannya dengan aksi terorisme itu sendiri.

Sumber KATAKAMI.COM dari kalangan perwira tinggi di Mabes Polri pernah memberitahukan bahwa untuk mengungkapkan kasus peledakan bom di Hotel JW Marriot tahun 2003 saja, ada sekitar 2 juta nomor telepon yang tersadap oleh Tim Anti Teror Polri untuk memantau para tersangka pelaku kasus peledakan bom ini.

Masih menurut sumber KATAKAMI.COM dari kalangan perwira  tinggi di Mabes Polri, gembong teroris Noordin M. Top sudah sangat mengetahui bagaimana kecanggihan perangkat penyadapan yang digunakan oleh Tim Anti Teror Polri ini.

Sehingga, Noordin M. Top harus berpindah-pindah dari satu tempat ke tempat yang berbeda-beda setiap kali ia hendak melakukan pembicaraan telepon, mengirim sms, menerima atau membaca sms dan ( atau ) melakukan kegiatan lainnya.

Maksudnya, lokasi tempat Noordin menerima panggilan telepon tidak akan sama dengan lokasi tempat dimana Noordin akan mengirim atau membaca sms.

Jadi kalau berbicara soal sistem penyadapan di lingkungan Rutan Mako Brimob Kelapa Dua, patut dapat diduga siapapun yang ada disana harus mengetahui bahwa tidak akan ada satupun dari mereka yang bisa lepas dari aksi penyadapan yang dilakukan secara rahasia.

Undang Undang memang mengizinkan dan membenarkan upaya penyadapan dalam kasus-kasus korupsi, terorisme dan kriminalitas.

Tetapi mengutip pernyataan Mantan Kabareskrim Komjen. Polisi Susno Duadji ( saat heboh kasus Cicak – Buaya tahun 2009 ), aksi penyadapan bisa dilakukan secara diam-diam.



Foto : Blok B Rutan di Mako Brimon, di Blok B inilah tahanan kasus korupsi titipan KPK ditahan, termasuk para tersangka kasus-kasus terorisme. Gayus Halomoan Tambunan juga di tahan di Blok B ini.


Yang ingin dikritik disini adalah masih rendahnya tingkat kesejahteraan dari para anggota TNI / POLRI / KEJAKSAAN ( khususnya anggota kepolisian karena tulisan ini terfokus pada perilaku para anggota kepolisian terkait kasus Gayus Tambunan).

Presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono harus membuka mata hati dan kedua matanya tentang realita kehidupan dari para aparat yang tingkat kesejahteraan hidupnya memang masih sangat minim.

Kebijakan tentang RENUMERASI hanya diperuntukkan bagi para anggota ( TNI / POLRI / KEJAKSAAN ) yang memang mendapat kesempatan menangani kasus-kasus atau tugas-tugas tertentu.
Kesempatan untuk mendapatkan rezeki lewat kebijakan RENUMERASI ini sangat tidak merata.

Dan walaupun disebut sangat tidak merata, realisasi dari RENUMERASI ini sendiripun sangat lamban dan seakan-akan tetap jauh di awang-awang.

Kami sangat concern tentang perlunya pemerintah memperhatikan dan mulai mementingkan pembahasan tentang keseriusan meningkatkan kesejahteraan anggota TNI, POLRI dan KEJAKSAAN.

Bagi kalangan luas, barangkali tidak merasakan bagaimana pahit getirnya hidup sebagai aparat TNI, POLRI atau Kejaksaan dengan tingkat kesejahteraan yang sangat minim.

Dengan dalih bahwa kemampuan negara masih sangat terbatas, negara seakan memaksa para abdi negara ini untuk NRIMO atas nasib mereka yang sangat mengenaskan.

Tingginya harga-harga kebutuhan pokok, biaya transportasi, biaya sekolah anak, ongkos berobat, anggaran hiburan untuk keluarga ( khususnya anak-anak), semuanya ini tidak mengenal istilah NRIMO dan KOMPROMI terhadap keterbatasan negara dalam meningkatkan kesejahteraan rakyat Indonesia.

Terutama para abdi negara yang mengorbankan jiwa raganya untuk kepentingan bangsa, negara dan rakyat Indonesia.

Gaji para anggota TNI, POLRI dan KEJAKSAAN ini di tingkat bawah ( take home pay ) hanya sekitar Rp. 1 sampai 2 juta.

Presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono juga tidak perlu “kebakaran jenggot” alias marah besar tentang keluar masuknya Gayus Tambunan di Rutan Mako Brimob, Kelapa Dua.

Barangkali karena segan, takut dan tetap menjunjung tinggi prinsip EWUH PAKEWUH maka fakta tentang bagaimana perilaku besan presiden (Aulia Pohan) saat masih ditahan di Rutan Mako Brimob ini tidak dibocorkan.



Foto: Jenderal Timur Pradopo diambil sumpahnya di hadapan Presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono untuk menjadi Kapolri yang baru di Istana Merdeka ( 22/10/2010)


Kini, semua dikembalikan kepada Kapolri yang baru Jenderal Timur Pradopo.


Beliau harus mampu secara tegas melakukan pembenahan di dalam internal Mabes Polri.

Tidak berarti karena gaji anggota kepolisian sangat amat rendah maka masalah moralitas dan integritas dikorbankan demi lembaran-lembaran uang.

Pengabdian memang tidak mengenal batas ruang dan waktu.

Pengabdian para anggota kepolisian memang patut diacungi jempol tetapi jagalah moralitas dan integritas.

Kapolri harus memerintahkan Wakapolri Komjen. Jusuf Manggabarani untuk “mengikuti” secara dekat proses pembenahan internal secara radikal.

Ada apa dengan Densus 88 Anti Teror Polri yang tidak melaporkan hasil penyadapan mereka secara informal kepada pimpinan tertinggi jika dari kecanggihan teknologi sudah dideteksi bahwa tahanan kelas kakap bisa 68 kali keluar masuk dari Rutan Mako Brimob yang dianggap layak menjadi penjara bagi para tersangka TERORIS.

Berdasarkan RESTRUKTURISASI maka posisi Densus 88 Anti Teror berada lansgung di bawah Kapolri.

Maka Densus 88 Anti teror, WAJIB HUKUMNYA tunduk, patuh, loyal dan sepenuhnya memberikan laporan yang transparan tentang apapun juga yang diketahui oleh Densus 88 Anti Teror Polri.
Hormati pimpinan tertinggi yang kini sudah berganti di dalam INSTITUSI POLRI.

Dan jangan ada siapapun juga didalam internal Polri ( termasuk barangkali perwira tinggi Polri yang bertugas di luar institusi Polri tetapi masih bisa mengakses teknologi Tim Anti Teror Polri), yang berkeinginan mempermalukan Jenderal Timur Pradopo.

Begitu juga dengan Pelaksana Tugas (Plt) Jaksa Agung DARMONO.

Kejaksaan Agung juga harus melakukan introspeksi diri sebab kaburnya Gayus dari Pengadilan Negeri Jakarta Selatan ke Bandara untuk terbang ke Bali adalah saat berada dalam pengawasan Tim JAKSA PENUNTUT UMUM (JPU).

Secara fisik, proses persidangan yang dijalani Gayus yaitu urusan antar jemput para terdakwa dari lokasi rutan ke pengadilan ( PP ) ada di tangan para JAKSA.

Mengapa “baik hati” sekali kalangan JAKSA yang ada di ring satu Gayus Halomoan Tambunan dalam tragedi “WESTIN” ini ?

Peran JAKSA kurang disorot media karena semua sedang fokus menghantam POLRI secara institusi.
Padahal bobot kesalahan yang paling besar dalam urusan tragedi “WESTIN” ini ada di tangan JAKSA, bukan POLISI.

Walaupun misalnya polisi mengizinkan tetapi kalau JAKSA yang ada di ring satu GAYUS saat dalam perjalanan pulang dari Pengadilan (yang harusnya langsung kembali ke Rutan Mako Brimob), mengapa justru Tuan Muda Gayus diantar dan dibiarkan melenggang kangkung ke tempat manapun yang mau dia datangi.

Hei JAKSA, bobot kesalahan terbesar dan terberat dalam kasus WESTIN ini ada di tangan kalian.



Foto : Slogan Ditjen Pajak, "APA KATA DUNIA, HARE GENE TAK BAYAR PAJAK ?" tetapi ternyata pegawai Pajak sendiri menjadi terdakwa kasus mafia pajak yang paling kontroversial


Dan khusus untuk Gayus Halomoan Tambunan.

Mengikuti gaya bicara orang Medan, yang bisa dikatakan kepada terdakwa kasus mafia pajak ini adalah :
“BANYAK KALI CAKAP KAU, GAYUS !”

Kau tak perlu menyeret-nyeret nama para tahanan lain.

Berkacalah pada dirimu sendiri.

Jangan gunakan lagi kata atau istilah “SEMUA (TAHANAN)” bisa keluar masuk dari rutan dengan budaya setor-menyetor uang.

Mantan Kapolri Rusdiharjo dan Mantan Deputi Badan Intelijen Negara (BIN) Mayjen Muchdi Pr saja pernah ditahan di Mako Brimob, Kepala Dua.

KATAKAMI.COM berulang kali masuk ke dalam Rutan Mako Brimob selama berbulan-bulan pada periode tahun 2008 untuk melakukan investigasi dalam kasus suap mantan jaksa Urip Tri Gunawan.
Kami tahu persis bahwa Mantan Kapolri Rusdiharjo dan Mayjen. Muchdi Pr tertib untuk tetap berada didalam tahanan.

Keduanya bahkan selalu rutin melaksanakan ibadah sholat jumat bersama di Mesjid yang ada di Mako Brimob ( dengan dikawal oleh petugas bersenjata ).

Memang masing-masing tahanan akan merasa stres bila dikurung dalam penjara.

Itu sebabnya, pernah pada suatu ketika ( di tahun 2008 ) ada seorang tahanan KPK yang sedang ditahan di Rutan Mako Brimob keluar di siang bolong untuk lari di lapangan dengan menggunakan busana olahraga lengkap dan sepatu olahraga.

Yang dimaksud oleh Gayus Halomoan Tambunan bahwa Komjen. Susno Duadji dan Kombes Wiliardi Wizard juga “keluar masuk” tahanan, jangan juga disalah-artikan.

Yang namanya atasan, komandan atau senior, di institusi manapun pasti akan sangat murah hati pada anggota atau bawahan mereka.

Sepanjang yang kami ketahui, patut dapat diduga Komjen Susno Duadji dan Kombes Wiliardi Wizard “dibiarkan” pulang ke rumah pribadi mereka adalah untuk penyaluran kebutuhan biologis terkait “keharmonisan keluarga”.

Dengan situasi dan kondisi dimana masing-masing ruangan / sel yang telah terpasang dengan kamera pemantau serta alat penyadap, apakah tega para petugas penjaga di Rutan itu membiarkan para “komandan” haus kasih sayang isteri mereka ?

Dan apakah mereka tega membiarkan para “komandan” bermesraan pada pasangan mereka terpantau dan terekam di kamera dari sekian banyak elemen yang berkepentingan untuk memasang peralatan teknologi pemantau mereka disana ?

Jadi sekali lagi, yang paling tepat untuk disampaikan kepada mantan pegawai Ditjen. Pajak yang sangat kontroversial ini adalah :

“BANYAK KALI CAKAP KAU, GAYUS !”

Kau tak perlu terus menerus memojokkan institusi POLRI dan KEJAKSAAN.

Jangan karena kau merasa memiliki banyak uang maka kau bisa membeli (untuk merusak) moralitas dan integritas dari aparat penegak hukum di negeri ini.

Atau jangan-jangan, Gayus Halomoan Tambunan ini paling cocok kalau ditahan di LP Batu, Nusa Kambangan ( tempat dulu terpidana kasus terorisme AMROZI CS ditahan).

Pertimbangkanlah mengirim Gayus ke Nusa Kambangan sana.

Daripada terus menerus bikin onar yang sangat murahan dan kotor !


(MS)

November 15, 2010

Prime Minister David Cameron welcomes release of Paul and Rachel Chandler


British Prime Minister David Cameron

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November 14, 2010 (KATAKAMI / NUMBER 10.GOV.UK) --- Prime Minister David Cameron has welcomed the release of kidnapping victims Paul and Rachel Chandler.

The Chandlers, from Kent, left Somalia today after more than a year in captivity. They were taken hostage in October last year when their yacht was stormed by armed men.

The PM said:
“Paul and Rachel Chandler’s release is tremendous news. Their long captivity is over at last.
We will ensure that they are reunited with their family as quickly as possible. I unreservedly condemn the actions of those that held the Chandlers for so long. Kidnapping is never justified.
“I am grateful to all those who have worked so hard to bring the Chandlers safely out.”  (*)

After 388 days, Somali pirates free British couple


British sailors Paul and Rachel Chandler, left, talk with a local leader after the two were released from captivity on Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010 in Adado town, Somalia. The British couple kidnapped off their private yacht by Somali pirates more than a year ago were set free Sunday, ending one of the most drawn-out and dramatic hostage situations since the rash of piracy began off East Africa. Pirates boarded the Chandler's 38-foot yacht the night of Oct. 23, 2009, while sailing from the island nation of Seychelles. The couple, married for almost three decades, took early retirement about four years ago and were spending six-month spells at sea (AP)

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November 15, 2010 NAIROBI, Kenya (KATAKAMI / AP)  – The retired British couple were sailing the world on a 38-foot-yacht that represented most of their life savings when Somali pirates captured them last year, demanding the sort of huge ransom a multimillionaire or a multinational company might cough up.

The fact that Paul and Rachel Chandler couldn't pay a big ransom helped stretch out their ordeal 388 agonizing days — until Sunday, when they were released thin and exhausted, but smiling. It was one of the longest and most dramatic hostage situations since the Somali piracy boom began several years ago.

The Chandlers were welcomed by the Somali community close to where they had been held, and later met with the Somali prime minister in Mogadishu. A private jet then flew them to Nairobi's military airport, where they were whisked away in a British Embassy vehicle.

"We are happy to be alive, happy to be here, desperate to see our family, and so happy to be amongst decent, everyday people, Somalis, people from anywhere in the world who are not criminals, because we've been a year with criminals and that's not a very nice thing to be doing," Rachel Chandler said at a news conference in Mogadishu.

She also said in a BBC interview that their captors beat them during their captivity after deciding to separate the couple.

"We were really distraught, very frightened at that point," Chandler said. "We refused to be separated and we were beaten as a result. And that was very traumatic."

When asked about their health, she said "we're OK."

Pirates boarded the Chandlers' yacht the night of Oct. 23, 2009, while the couple were sailing from the island nation of Seychelles. The couple, married for almost three decades, took early retirement about four years ago and were spending six-month spells at sea. They had sailed to the Greek islands, Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Oman, Yemen, India and the Maldives.

They could not make it through the dangerous waters of East Africa, where pirate attacks have spiked the last several years. Despite an international flotilla of warships and aircraft, pirates continue to prowl the Indian Ocean seemingly at will, pouncing on pleasure craft, fishing vessels and huge cargo ships using small skiffs, automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenades.

Somali pirates still hold close to 500 hostages and more than 20 vessels. The pirates typically only release hostages for multimillion-dollar ransoms. But unlike the companies who own large transport ships, the Chandlers are far from rich. Paul Chandler has been identified in the British media as a retired construction site manager, while Rachel has been described as an economist.

Pirates had initially sought a $7 million ransom. The Chandler family said in a statement Sunday that during protracted discussions with pirates that it was "a difficult task" to convey that Paul and Rachel were "two retired people on a sailing trip on a small private yacht and not part of a major commercial enterprise."

Repeated efforts to free the couple by the Somali diaspora, the weak Mogadishu-based government and Britain had failed over the last year until, the family said, "common sense finally prevailed." The family said it would not comment on questions about payment to the pirates, so as not to encourage the capture of other private individuals.

Conflicting reports from Somali officials about the Chandlers' release said there was either a $300,000 ransom for "expenses" or a $1 million ransom that the Somali diaspora helped pay. A spokeswoman for Britain's Foreign Office said the ministry wasn't immediately able to comment on the release, but it has always insisted that the British government never pays ransom.

British Prime Minister David Cameron called the Chandlers' release "tremendous news."
"Their long captivity is over at last," he said. "I unreservedly condemn the actions of those that held the Chandlers for so long. Kidnapping is never justified."

The pirates set the couple free about 4 a.m. Sunday, said Mohamed Aden, the leader of the government administration in Adado, a stifling hot region of central Somali near the Ethiopia border. When they arrived in Adado they were taken to a safe house, took a shower and changed clothes. They then took about a 90-minute nap, Aden said. When they awoke they had what he called a "British" breakfast of fried eggs.

The couple attended a ceremony with several dozen people seated in blue plastic chairs. Rachel Chandler wore a bright red dress and red scarf. Paul Chandler wore a mauve-colored short shirt and a green patterned sarong. Both appeared thin, suggesting they ate little while in the control of pirates in a sweltering region near the Ethiopia border.

"The community expressed their sorrow over their captivity and they told them that the pirates don't represent all Somalis but they represent a fringe part of the community," Aden told AP. "The Chandlers thanked the community in return and they said they are grateful for anyone who played a role in their release."

In the Somali capital, the couple walked across the airport tarmac, smiling and thanking people. Paul Chandler had a large camera around his neck and was taking photos.

Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed met the two and said the government had "exerted every humanly possible effort to bring you back to your loved ones."

Somalia, however, has been without a functioning government since clan-based warlords toppled dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991. Pirates, meanwhile, have made tens of millions of dollars there over the last several years, fueling a building boom in Somali neighborhoods of Nairobi and a spending spree on cars, women and guns in pirate towns.

The Chandlers were to get medical checkups in Nairobi and fly back to Britain shortly afterward. A statement from their family in Britain said that Paul and Rachel were in good spirits although tired and exhausted.

Abdi Mohamed Elmi, a Somali doctor who has regularly attended to the couple and was involved in efforts to free them, said the Chandlers will now need more specialized attention.

"They need counseling and rest to recover from the situation they have been living in for the last 13 months," Elmi said. "But now they seem OK and were happy this morning. They had showers, changed clothes and had breakfast with us smiling."

A serious attempt to free the Chandlers had been made in June, according to a Nairobi-based Western official. Roughly $450,000 was dropped from a plane to free the couple, but pirates had been negotiating with different groups of people, and the effort to free the couple fell through, said the official, spoke on condition of anonymity because of the nature of his work.

International navies have taken a more aggressive approach this year to stop the pirates, and vessels often employ armed, private security on board. But the hijackings have persisted because the sea is so vast, and because piracy offers Somalis high pay in a country where few economic opportunities exist. (*)

Suu Kyi's message to Myanmar's junta: 'Let's meet and talk'


Aung San Suu Kyi holds a sign reading "I love the public too" while addressing supporters outside her National League for Democracy party headquarters in Yangon November 14, 2010. The pro-democracy leader called for freedom of speech in army-ruled Myanmar on Sunday and urged thousands of supporters to stand up for their rights and not lose heart, indicating she might pursue a political role. (Getty Images / REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun )

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November 15, 2010 YANGON, Myanmar  (KATAKAMI / NATION.COM.PK) --- – Pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi called on Sunday for freedom of speech in army-ruled Myanmar, urged thousands of supporters to stand up for their rights, and indicated she may urge the West to end sanctions.

Suu Kyi’s first major speech since being freed from seven years of house arrest a day earlier left little doubt she would resume an influential political role in one of the world’s most isolated and oppressive countries.

“The basis of democratic freedom is freedom of speech,” she said to roaring cheers from thousands of supporters crammed into a cordoned-off street in front of her party’s headquarters. “Even if you are not political, politics will come to you.”
The 65-year-old Nobel peace laureate, who had lost none of her ability to rouse and mesmerize crowds, offered an olive branch to the military junta, saying she had no antagonism for those who kept her detained for 15 of the past 21 years.

Asked by a reporter what message she had for supreme leader Senior General Than Shwe, she replied, “let’s meet and talk.” The two last met in secret talks in 2002 at the encouragement of the United Nations.

Suu Kyi said she bore no grudge against those who had held her in detention for more than 15 of the last 21 years, adding that she had been well-treated.

“I hope they (the military) won’t feel threatened by me. Popularity is something that comes and goes. I don’t think that anyone should feel threatened by it,” she said.

Suu Kyi thanked her well-wishers and asked them to pray for those still imprisoned by the junta. Human rights groups say the government holds more than 2,200 political prisoners.

‘Stand up for what is right’

The address, given in an informal style in contrast to the usual stuffy military speeches that dominate state media, illustrated the strength of Suu Kyi’s pro-democracy voice at a critical time, just a week after an election widely condemned as rigged to prolong military power behind a facade of democracy.

“You have to stand up for what is right,” Suu Kyi added, urging supporters to be more politically assertive in the former British colony formerly known as Burma, where the army controls nearly every facet of life. “A one woman show is not a democracy.”

Later, speaking with reporters, she declined to comment directly on whether she would urge the West to roll back sanctions that many say hurt ordinary people by allowing the junta to monopolize the country’s resource-rich economy.  (*)

Photostream : Remembrance Day 2010 at London's Cenotaph war memorial


Queen Elizabeth II waits to lay a wreath as Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Prince Andrew, Duke of York and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh look on at the Cenotaph during Remembrance Sunday in Whitehall, on November 14, 2010 in London, England. Remembrance Sunday tributes were carried out across the nation to pay respects to all who those who lost their lives in current and past conflicts, including the First and Second World Wars. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II (R) walks in front of Britain's Prime Minister, David Cameron (2nd R) Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg (3rd R) and Leader of the Labour Party, Ed Miliband (L) during the Remembrance Sunday service in Whitehall, London, on November 14, 2010. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images)

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II prepares to lay a wreath during the Remembrance Sunday service in Whitehall, London, on November 14, 2010. It marks the armistice to end the First World War. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images)

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II lays a wreath on the Cenotaph during the Remembrance Sunday service in Whitehall, London, on November 14, 2010. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images)

Britain's Prime David Cameron (R) and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg attend the annual Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, in central London November 14, 2010. (Getty Images / REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth )

Britain's Prime Minister, David Cameron lays a wreath on the Cenotaph during the Remembrance Sunday service in Whitehall, London, on November 14, 2010. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images)

Samantha Cameron (R), wife of British Prime Minister David Cameron (not pictured) and his mother Mary Cameron (L) attend the Remembrance Sunday service in Whitehall, London, on November 14, 2010. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images)

November 14, 2010

Photostream : Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visits Bulgaria


Bulgaria's Prime Minister Boiko Borisov, left, and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin lighting candles during their visit in golden-domed "Alexander Nevski" cathedral in Sofia, Saturday, Nov. 13 2010. Putin is in Bulgaria on a one day working visit. (Getty Images / AP Photo/ Bulgarian Government Press Office/Handout)

Bulgaria's Prime Minister Boiko Borisov (L) and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin look at a box containing bones, believed to be the relics of John the Baptist, during their visit in golden-domed "Alexander Nevski" cathedral in Sofia November 13, 2010. Putin is in Bulgaria on a one day working visit. Bulgaria's main Orthodox cathedral displayed on Friday jaw and arm bones and a tooth said to be relics of John the Baptist. (Getty Images / REUTERS / Bulgarian Government Press Office/Handout )

Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin kisses a religious icon as he visits the Alexander Nevsky cathedral in Sofia, November 13, 2010. Putin is in Bulgaria on a one day working visit. (Getty Images / REUTERS / Alexey Nikolsky / Ria Novosti/Pool )Bulgaria's President Georgi Parvanov (R) and Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin greet before their meeting in Sofia November 13, 2010. (Getty Images / REUTERS/Stoyan Nenov )

Bulgaria's Prime Minister Boiko Borisov reacts as Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (L) hugs a Bulgarian shepherd dog presented by Borisov as a gift in Sofia, November 13, 2010. Putin is in Bulgaria on one day working visit. (Getty Images / REUTERS / Oleg Popov )

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin hugs a Bulgarian shepherd dog, a present from his Bulgarian counterpart Boyko Borisov after their press conference in Sofia on November 13, 2010. Bulgaria's state energy holding BEH and Russian gas giant Gazprom set up on Saturday a joint venture to build and operate the Bulgarian stretch of the South Stream gas pipeline from Russia to southern Europe. (Getty Images / AFP PHOTO / NIKOLAY DOYCHINOV )

Russia to host APEC summit on September 8-9, 2012

Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev

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November 14, 2010 (KATAKAMI / RIA NOVOSTI) — Russia will host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit on September 8-9, 2012, a source in the APEC secretariat said on Sunday.

“Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said at a working meeting of the APEC forum today that Russia will host the summit on the Russian Island on September 8-9, 2012,” the official said.  (*)


YOKOGAMA, November 14

PM Netanyahu asks ministers to back 90-day settlement freeze


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

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November 14, 2010 (KATAKAMI / YNET) — Netanyahu convenes top government ministers for late-night session on American proposal, asks them to approve construction moratorium in West Bank in exchange for US veto on anti-Israel initiatives in UN.

The forum of top seven government ministers convened Saturday night at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem to discuss the latest American proposal for renewing direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians. 

Just a month after he vowed that construction in the West Bank would continue until the Palestinian Authority recognizes Israel as a Jewish state, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked his ministers to approve a 90-day settlement construction freeze. 

Netanyahu apparently succumbed to the ongoing US pressure following a lengthy meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

The US proposal presented to the ministers is premised on a construction moratorium extension for another three months. PM Netanyahu apparently reached an understanding with Washington that the building freeze would not apply to Jerusalem, and that no further moratorium would be sought following the 90-day period. 

Earlier Saturday, a close associate of PM Netanyahu hinted at the proposal, declaring that he wouldn’t “bet on a full freeze” extension to be implemented.

20 advanced fighter jets

In exchange for a freeze extension, the US would object to international attempts to force a diplomatic agreement on Israel in the UN and in other global forums, while utilizing the American veto power in the UN Security Council. 

According to the proposal, the US would also boost its resistance to the de-legitimization campaign against Israel and to attempts by Arab states to deprive Israel’s right to self-defense.

Moreover, the US Administration would ask Congress to approve the sale of another 20 advanced fighter jets to Israel worth some $3 billion. This would supplement a comprehensive future Israeli-American security agreement, to be signed alongside a peace deal, in the aims of addressing Israel’s security needs in any future treaty. (*)

U.K. Foreign Secretary urges Palestinians to rejoin peace talks


Israeli PM Benyamin Netanyau meets British Foreign Minister William Hague on November 4, 2010 in Tel Aviv, Israel. Willian Hague is on a two-day official visit to Israel his first as foreign secretary. Diplomatic tension rose after a high-level security and defence meeting was cancelled on November 3, 2010 due to a row over universal jurisdiction legislation in the UK. (Photo Moshe Milner/GPO/Getty Images)

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November 13, 2010 (KATAKAMI / HAARETZ) --- Ahead of trip to U.S. next week, William Hague calls on Mahmoud Abbas to return to stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace talks as soon as possible.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague has urged Palestinians to rejoin Middle East peace talks, before discussions in the U.S. next week. 

Hague said he told Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in a phone call on Saturday that he was disappointed by Israeli plans to build new Jewish homes in East Jerusalem. 

But he urged Abbas to return to the stalled talks as soon as possible. He said he would discuss the situation with U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton during a visit to Washington next week. 

U.S.-sponsored direct Israeli-Palestinian peace talks broke down on September 26 when a 10-month Israeli freeze on West Bank settlement construction expired. Abbas has said he would not conduct peace talks with Israel while settlement construction is taking place. 

Earlier this month, Hague visited Israel and the Palestinian territories in his first visit to the region since taking office in May. (*)

U.K. Foreign Secretary Statement on Aung San Suu Kyi’s release

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November 13, 2010 (KATAKAMI / FCO.GOV.UK) --- "Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's arbitary detention for most of the last 20 years has been deeply unjust. Her fortitude in the face of this outrage has been inspirational."
"I welcome news of her release.  She must now be allowed to assume a role of her choosing in the political life of her country without further hindrance or restriction."

"Last week's sham elections will not bring peace and prosperity to Burma.  The regime now needs to release the other 2,100 political prisoners and begin a genuine dialogue with Aung San Suu Kyi and all opposition and ethnic groups.  These remain the crucial first steps to solving Burma's many problems and addressing the pressing needs of its people."  (*)

British Prime Minister David Cameron has welcomed the release of Aung San Suu Kyi


British Prime Minister David Cameron

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November 13, 2010 (KATAKAMI / NUMBER 10.GOV.UK) --- The Nobel Peace Prize winner has been detained for 15 of the past 21 years.

The PM said:
“This is long overdue. Aung San Suu Kyi is an inspiration for all of us who believe in freedom of speech, democracy and human rights.
Her detention was a travesty, designed only to silence the voice of the Burmese people.
Freedom is Aung San Suu Kyi’s right. The Burmese regime must now uphold it.”  (*)

Bulgarian prime minister adds puppy to Putin's pet collection


Bulgarian prime minister adds puppy to Putin's pet collection
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November 13, 2010 (KATAKAMI / RIA NOVOSTI) --- A fluffy puppy was added to Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's menagerie after talks with Bulgarian Premier Boyko Borisov on Saturday in Sofia.

Borisov gave Russia's "man of action" a Bulgarian Karakachan puppy after sealing a gas deal. Putin accepted the new family member, hugging it close to his chest and kissing it on its nose.

A Siberian tiger cub was given to Putin for his 56th birthday two years ago. The young tigress, named Mashenka, lives in a zoo.

His most famous pet, however, still remains his Labrador Connie, given to him when he was president by Russian Emergencies Minister Sergei Shoigu on New Year's Eve in 2001. Some people say this is the reason why Shoigu is still in his job.

He is also the owner of a cat (who is reported to be living within the Kremlin walls), two poodles, one she-goat and her offspring given by former Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov (some people say it's the reason why he lost his job).

The Russian premier, though, seems to like horses most of all: shots of a horse-riding Rambo-like Putin emerge in media outlets every now and again.

Last but not least, the former KGB agent is also in possession of two rare creatures: a Persian gazelle given to him by Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev in 2002 and named Vlada after Putin; and a crystal crocodile given by former Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin in the same year.

"The crocodile is the only animal that doesn't back off," Voronin famously said.

MOSCOW, November 13

Israel's Netanyahu unveils U.S. plan for new talks


Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a Likud party meeting at parliament in Jerusalem October 25, 2010.
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November 13, 2010 (KATAKAMI / Reuters) - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu showed senior ministers a U.S. plan for resuming peace talks with Palestinians, including a 90-day settlement freeze, a diplomatic source told reporters Saturday.


The plan also includes a pledge not to seek any extension to the settlement freeze after the 90-day period, a vow to veto any attempts at the United Nations to force a unilateral peace deal and an agreement on supplying Israel with more war planes.

Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, renewed under Washington's sponsorship on September 2, broke down a few weeks later when Israel balked at renewing a settlement moratorium.

Netanyahu met his top "Forum of Seven" ministers a day after returning from a week-long U.S. tour that included talks on Thursday with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at which she unveiled the plan he showed his cabinet, the source said.

Netanyahu hopes he may win approval for the plan from his pro-settler cabinet later this week, political sources said.

Among the pledges offered to Israel by Washington, was a guarantee to veto any resolutions brought to the United Nations Security Council that seek "to impose a political settlement on Israel," the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had no immediate comment. Officials speaking on condition of anonymity said the Palestinian leader was likely to wait to see whether Israel approved the ideas before issuing any comment.

AN ADDITIONAL FREEZE

Under the plan Israel would "declare an additional suspension of construction" in the West Bank, land it captured from Jordan in a 1967 war, for 90 days. Building begun since a moratorium ended in September, would be halted, the source said.

The proposed construction freeze would not include East Jerusalem, an area Israel has annexed as part of its capital in a move never recognized internationally and which Palestinians want as capital of any future state.

Washington would also undertake to veto resolutions deemed anti-Israel in the U.N. Security Council and other international organizations, the source said, a pledge that could make Israel less vulnerable to threats made by some Palestinians to declare statehood unilaterally in the event that peace talks fail.

The Obama Administration would also ask Congress to approve the supply of $3 billion worth of warplanes to Israel "to maintain its qualitative edge" in the region, the source said.

The United States would further sign a more comprehensive deal to enhance its substantial security aid to Israel as part of any agreement concluded with the Palestinians.

Israeli officials said Netanyahu, who faces a tough political sell within his own coalition on the settlement issue, had pushed Clinton for the broad understandings.

"The chances of reaching a peace agreement will be improved significantly by achieving comprehensive security understandings between Israel and the United States," Netanyahu said in New York before his talks with Clinton began. (*)

Netanyahu associate: Don't bet on full freeze


Israeli PM Benyamin Netanyahu (R) meets U.S. Vice President Joe Biden on November 7, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Netanyahu is on a five day visit to the U.S. to discuss the ongoing Mideast peace process. (Photo Avi Ohayon/GPO via Getty Images)

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Top seven government ministers scheduled to convene Saturday night, hear about PM's meeting with Clinton.

November 13, 2010 (KATAKAMI / YNET) --- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to convene the forum of top seven ministers Saturday night in order to present US proposals and agreements secured during his meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

The US is pressing Israel to resume direct talks with the Palestinians and extend the settlement freeze, yet a Netanyahu associate said "I won't bet on a full freeze."  


Following the US midterm elections, Administration officials have renewed the pressure on Israel, but for the time being Netanyahu has refused to extend the building moratorium.

The PM is arguing that recent construction permits issued in the territories would not affect a future peace deal.

Over the weekend, a senior opposition official told Ynet that despite rumors about progress during talks with the Americans, "Netanyahu did not finalize any agreement with us and did not engage in any negotiations in order to ensure the coalition's stability." 


A senior government official closely familiar with peace contacts told Ynet that "it's not at all certain that we'll see a breakthrough vis-à-vis the Americans – the more things progress, the more complex they become."
 
Elsewhere, the Peace Now movement is saying that the pace of construction in the territories since the end of the freeze is higher than previously reported. The group said it registered construction work on 1,649 housing units, with infrastructure already built for 1,126 such units.  

According to Peace Now, in the past month and a half the settlers almost closed the construction gap created by the freeze, and that most construction is being undertaken in isolated, relatively small settlements.   (*)

U.S. offers Israel incentives package in exchange for 3 month settlement freeze


U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton (L) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pose for photographers before their meeting in New York, November 11, 2010. Getty Images / REUTERS / Brendan McDermid

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Security cabinet meets on Saturday night, receives update from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on proposed U.S. incentives package.

November 13, 2010 (KATAKAMI / HAARETZ) --- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's seven-member inner cabinet will discuss Saturday an offer by the United States to reinstate a freeze on West Bank Settlement construction in return for a package of incentives.

Netanyahu presented Saturday the U.S. offer, which was discussed by Netanyahu and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Thursday, to the forum of seven.

According to the offer Israel would stop construction in the West Bank for 90 days. The freeze includes construction that began after the end of the first settlement moratorium on September 26.

The moratorium would not apply to construction in East Jerusalem. The U.S. will not ask Israel to extend the new moratorium when it expires.

In return, the U.S. government would ask Congress to authorize the delivery of 20 F-35 fighter jets to Israel, a deal worth $3 billion. Moreover, if an Israeli-Palestinian agreement is achieved, the U.S. would sign a comprehensive security agreement with Israel. The U.S. and Israel are to discuss the nature of the new security arrangements in the next few weeks.

According to "The Cable" blog, White House Middle East adviser Dan Shapiro told a group of American Jewish leaders on Friday that the incentives package includes commitments to oppose anti-Israel diplomatic efforts in the international arena.

The U.S. incentives package would also include: curbing actions by the United Nations on the Goldstone Report; blocking anti-Israel UN resolutions concerning the Gaza flotilla raid; defeating international resolutions aimed at exposing Israel's nuclear program at the International Atomic Energy Agency; and strengthening pressure on Iran and Syria in regards to their nuclear and proliferation activities.

U.S.-sponsored direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority broke down on September 26 when a 10-month Israeli freeze on settlement construction in the West Bank expired. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has said he would not restart negotiations with Israel while settlement construction continues. (*)