THE VATICAN CITY Has Disappointed Its Followers And God, Above All

The Vatican City


In recent years, sexual abuse scandals involving the Catholic Church have been an ugly situation that no apology or remedy could heal the victims who are scarred for life.

Last year, the Catholic Church was under severe pressure over the complaints of victims that allegedly have been sexually abused by the church for several years while services to the church. 

The Vatican City has nothing to cover up the accusations but to apologize. The apology has been made, but new accusations keep appearing every day from many parts of the world.

In Kenya, the authorities are now looking for much evidence to prosecute a retired Dutch Roman Catholic bishop, Cornelius Schilder, for the sexual abuse of an underage boy, eighteen years ago.

The Deetman Commission investigating abuses within the Catholic Church alerted the Dutch authorities to the case. Unfortunately, since the victim did not report the case to the police, the commission is now facing problems in its investigations to prosecute Bishop Schilder.

Bishop Schilder, who is now in the Netherlands, has refused to talk to the press about the case. His lawyer has denied any abuse by the Bishop.

In 2005, the 32 alleged victim, Michael Ole Uka, was treated for the injuries relating to the abuse. He claimed to have been abused by several priests serving the Mill-Hill Missionary, for a very long period, including Bishop Schilder in 1993. 

The missionary paid for his medical treatment but failed to report the case to the Kenyan police, because that type of case, classified as homosexuality, is a crime.

It was, however, reported to the Vatican in Rome, but it took them three years and repeated requests to finally force the Bishop to retire.

As a matter of fact, the Vatican City and all those accused of such crime have totally disappointed God (the Holy Mary) whom they serve, and the followers of the Catholic Church. 

Instead of an apology, they must make sure such a crime shouldn't be repeated. An invisible cloud of shame hangs over the Vatican City now.

NORWAY MOVES ITS EMBASSY FROM ABIDJAN TO ACCRA

HE Ms. Hege Hertzberg, The Ambassador of Norway to Ghana

NORWEGIAN EMBASSY in Abidjan, serving the West African Countries, has been relocated to Accra, Ghana, for strategic reasons, says one of the top mission officials in Abidjan.

The first secretary of the embassy, Mr. Asgeir Stendal, said the decision to relocate was taken in October 2010 by the Norwegian government. 

According to him, the decision is due to political and economic reasons, because of the country's relationship and interests in Ghana.

The decision to relocate the embassy to Ghana was more for political reasons, not because of the Ivorian political crisis. 

The decision had already been taken before the presidential election was held in Côte d'Ivoire last year, said Mr. Stendal.

"The decision was taken because of the Norwegian government's larger interest in Ghana, aiming to establish a diplomatic web with the other countries, including the Ivory Coast. 

We have already said goodbye to our friends in the Ivorian diplomatic circle, as the embassy started its operation in Accra on July 1. He added.

Mr. Stendal said the Norwegian government has approved four million euros to assist the Ivory Coast in reconstruction after the political crisis. 

It will be recalled that the British embassy in the Ivory Coast was also relocated to Accra after the first political crisis between 2002 and 2004.

ANTWERP: TRANSPORT MADE MORE EASY BY BICYCLE

Antwerp city bicycles to enhance easy movement



One of the best transport connection systems and flexibility, facilitating easy movement of workers, school children, students, etc, in Europe, can be found in Antwerp. Yet the city planners are not at rest, always trying their best to improve the transportation system.


For example, a new tram line is under construction. That would run from Mortsel to Boechout, both suburbs of Antwerp. Another new line is from Deurne to Wijnegem Shopping Center. 

In June this year, the city of Antwerp introduced several red and white bicycles to facilitate easy movement in the city during rush hours.

"The bicycle hiring has been successful from the start. The customer service every day gets approximately eighty applications for a year card, and the number is increasing every day," Said Ivon Deden, the head of the customer service. 

According to her, by the end of summer, the cycle network will expand to about 85 stations.

There are many benefits to using bicycles as a regular mode of transport. Personal health benefits are very important. 

Cycling keeps the body in shape, reducing the chances of getting any heart problems. Cost benefits are another advantage as a bicycle doesn't attract any parking fees or petrol filling.

 Finally, regarding environmental benefits, a bicycle never pollutes the atmosphere and can quickly take one to their destination during rush hours. 

In Europe, the bicycle plays an important role as a mode of transport in many countries, such as the Netherlands, Denmark, France, and Norway.