LA Times

The president's remarks present a preview with the information the White Residence intends to highlight from the midterm election: Republicans' stubborn refusal to help you fix countrywide issues.

By Peter Nicholas and Christi Parsons, Tribune Washington Bureau

6:19 PM PDT, July 1, 2010

Reporting from Washington
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In his initial big speech about the difficulty considering that getting office, President Obama claimed Thursday how the U.S. immigration procedure "offends our most fundamental American values" and blamed Republican opposition for thwarting crucially desired adjust.

It had been the third time in as a lot of days that Obama singled out Republicans as an obstructionist force, blaming them in his earlier appearances for defending oil giant BP from the aftermath on the Gulf Coast oil spill and for opposing more powerful economic regulatory legislation.

The president's remarks this week represented the clearest preview nevertheless belonging to the concept the White Property intends to highlight with this year's midterm election: Republicans' stubborn refusal to help you resolve country wide troubles.

The theme appeared to galvanize numerous supporters of immigration legislation who had been from the target audience at American University for Obama's speech Thursday.

"I believe it absolutely was a clarion call," reported Samuel Rodriguez, president in the Nationwide Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference. "He implied, 'The ball is as part of your court.'"

Republicans shot back again using a sizzling critique with the president's placement, dismissing Obama's argument how the U.S.-Mexican border was a lot more secure now than in many years.

"Half a million individuals even now illegally enter our region nowadays, most by means of Arizona, and his administration has nevertheless to lay out a approach on how it intends to bring it beneath manage," reported Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.).<br>

The immigration argument continues to be fueled by passage of an Arizona law that makes it possible for police to query individuals they suspect of becoming illegitimate immigrants right after generating an unlawful stop. The Obama administration is anticipated to announce quickly that it'll file a legal challenge to that law.

Speaking to religious and political activists Thursday, Obama recalled congressional measures toward immigration-restructuring beneath President George W. Bush, when a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers supported a detailed answer.

"Unfortunately, reform may be held hostage to political posturing and special-interest wrangling," Obama explained. "Now, below the pressures of partisanship and election-year politics, quite a few on the 11 Republican senators who voted for reform during the past have now backed away from their earlier assistance."

Nonetheless, Obama provided no new solutions, timetables or points of compromise. Instead, he outlined a longstanding prescription for transform that, furthermore to obtaining no help from Republicans in Congress, also has failed to unite his fellow Democrats.

Some activists had asked the president to speak at Ellis Island, the historical New York entry port, around the Fourth of July. But Obama chose to provide his immigration handle ahead in the Independence Working day weekend and previous to a crowd at American University.

In that sense, it had been an innately political speech, aimed by way of television in a Latino and Democratic target audience crucial towards Democratic system within this fall's elections.

"Latinos are a critical component on the equation," Eliseo Medina, worldwide executive vice president belonging to the Support Employees Worldwide Union, reported just after the correct. "We're planning to produce a distinction in Nevada, Arizona, Texas, California and Florida. So in several approaches, the Republicans are playing with fire. Hopefully they'll get that information."

Some immigration advocates who've criticized Obama previously for not treating the immigration concern with adequate urgency reported they were definitely delighted Thursday to determine him devote a countrywide speech towards the topic, even if he created no commitment to pass a bill this calendar year.

"This could be the starting of a brand new phase through this argument," reported Simon Rosenberg, president belonging to the New Democratic Network, a assume tank, who was within the American University viewers. "The Republican Party's placement now is untenable and unsustainable."

The street address came close about the heels of comments by Obama in Wisconsin this week where he referred to as out a Dwelling lawmaker who apologized to BP executives for pressure getting exerted from the White Residence.

The president also criticized Dwelling Republican leader John A. Boehner of Ohio for saying administration-backed economical regulatory legislation aimed at Wall Street practices was like implementing a nuclear weapon to kill an ant.

Throughout a White Property meeting with Latino activists this week, Obama blamed Republicans for your presence of 11 million illegitimate immigrants from the U.S., participants reported, foreshadowing the Thursday speech.

Obama's correct was closely watched across the nation. In Los Angeles, about two dozen workers, students and advocates gathered in a community center to listen. Since the president spoke, a reduced hum of interpretation followed his words.

Olga Gonzalez, 42, explained she was frustrated that an overhaul bill hadn't been enacted however and was skeptical that that would come about in 2010.

"He reported in his primary 12 months he would do it and he didn't," she stated. "Now the November elections are coming."

An illegitimate immigrant with four U.S. citizen kids, Gonzalez mentioned she worried each evening about currently being arrested by immigration agents and separated from her household. About 3 months ago, she took in two American kids of an buddy who was deported.

"Every evening, they ask, 'When is my mommy coming back again?'" she mentioned.

But Myrna Ortiz, a UCLA student and unlawful immigrant, claimed she was inspired because of the speech and had hopes that it would support kick-start the political approach.

Ortiz, 19, mentioned her undocumented status had impacted her education, her work prospects and her healthcare. Her mother and father are also illegitimate immigrants, and she features a younger sister who is known as a U.S. citizen.

"We are heading to maintain pushing," Ortiz reported. "If we do not push for it, it is not intending to come about."

cparsons@latimes.com

peter.nicholas@latimes.com

Times staff writer Anna Gorman in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

http://www.thedenverdailynews.com/article.php?aID=8151

A Wisconsin-based party of atheists and agnostics that won a legal action previous 7 days by which a federal judge ruled that this Nation's Daytime of Prayer is unconstitutional is hoping the fact that selection will help inside a related court action filed towards the governor in Colorado.

The Liberty From Religion Basic is suing Gov. Bill Ritter for displaying “governmental choice for religion” by issuing Country wide Morning of Prayer proclamations in Colorado. The court action — earliest filed in 2008 in Denver District Court and is awaiting summary judgment that may be anticipated in early Might — fees that Ritter violated the express constitution by issuing proclamations about the Nationwide Day time of Prayer in 2007 after which once more in 2008.

Ritter’s proclamation in 2007 was predicated with a belief which the prayer daytime is “intended to be a day time for Americans to celebrate rights purportedly endowed by their Creator,” according on the Liberty From Religion Basic. The class things out that Ritter participated at a prayer evening occasion along at the Capitol in 2007 and once again in 2008. In 2008, he examine a proclamation which includes a theme from Psalm 28:7, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts Him and I'm assisted.”

The Colorado Springs-based Country wide Morning of Prayer Project Force, chaired by Shirley Dobson, wife of Concentrate around the Family members founder Dr. James Dobson, assists in crafting prayer day time proclamations these kinds of since the types examine by Ritter. The Liberty From Religious Foundation’s court action alleges that Ritter has aligned each himself and also the talk about with all the Country wide Evening of Prayer Project Force. They believe that reading this type of proclamations provides established “recognition on the endorsement of religion” and “turns nonbelievers into ‘political outsiders.’”

“The entire message is open public officials telling constituents to pray,” stated Annie Laurie Gaylor, co-founder with the Independence From Religion Basic. “What we argued is which they have no this type of correct below our constitution — Colorado Point out or U.S. — and that it is an affront and also a violation of our the liberty of conscience, you cannot get far more of an affront to an individual who’s an atheist or an agnostic than becoming told by their president they are used to be religious and pray.”

Wisconisin U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb ruled final 1 week that this Nationwide Evening of Prayer “goes past mere ‘acknowledgement’ of religion simply because its sole goal would be to encourage all citizens to engage in prayer, an inherently religious activity that served no secular performance in this context.”

She ruled which the countrywide prayer evening violates the initial Amendment, which bans the generation of your “law respecting an establishment of religion” because of the federal authorities.

This year’s Country wide Morning of Prayer is scheduled for May perhaps 6. The White Home mentioned final few days in a very Tweet that regardless in the ruling, Obama “intends to recognize a Nationwide Morning of Prayer.” Crabb’s ruling won't prohibit the president from issuing an recognized presidential prayer proclamation. However the Country wide Evening of Prayer Activity Force is nevertheless calling on Obama to attractiveness the choice.

yes

A spokesman for Ritter’s place of work was unable to notify the Denver Everyday News yesterday regardless of whether the governor intends to concern an recognized proclamation on this year’s Country wide Evening of Prayer. A number of attempts to have on-the-record comment in the governor’s business office failed.

Gaylor completely expects Ritter to problem an established proclamation, in particular supplied the truth that he’s “under the gun” through the separate legal action in Colorado, she explained. But she expects her team to win the legal action, specially supplied the momentum from past week’s federal ruling.

Four Coloradans are named around the court action as plaintiffs. Among the plaintiffs, David Habecker, gained nation's and neighborhood recognition as an atheist for refusing to recite the Pledge of Allegiance immediately after he was elected as an Estes Park town trustee. In 2005, voters recalled Habecker through the town board for his selection to not recite the pledge.

Habecker claimed with the time and maintains his viewpoint right now that saying the phrase “under God” from the pledge violated separation of church and talk about.

“You cannot use a Nation's Day time of Prayer, an standard day time of prayer, coming from our federal federal government,” proclaimed Habecker. “We’re designed to not be intertwined with religion, and I do not know of anybody which is non-religious that prays; non-religious folks commonly really don't have some imaginary human being within the sky which they pray to.”

Inside a assertion released very last helpless pursuing the ruling in Wisconsin, Shirley Dobson proclaimed she believes the Nation's Daytime of Prayer is a thing that can be supported because of the nation’s Founding Fathers.

“Since the days of our Founding Fathers, the federal government has guarded and encouraged open public prayer along with other expressions of reliance for the Almighty,” proclaimed Dobson. “This is really a concerted energy by a tiny but determined amount of men and women that have tried to prohibit all references towards the Creator within the community square, irrespective of whether it be the Ten Commandments, the Pledge of Allegiance, or even the uncomplicated act of corporate prayer — it is unconscionable for the cost-free community.”

Congressman Doug Lamborn, R-Colorado Springs, agrees with Dobson and her supporters. He also details out the fact that prayer day time is totally voluntary.

“It in no way involves Americans to participate in prayer,” he mentioned inside a assertion past 7 days. “Unfortunately, some in our land are looking for the liberty from religion, instead than the liberty of religion.”

But Habecker factors out that when politicians difficulty proclamations designating a evening of prayer, non-believers really feel like they are performing a thing completely wrong by not participating.

“I am an atheist, that's in numerous areas of the globe, and several areas of this land, that is thought to be typical,” he explained. “I’m not an oddball, I’m a standard particular person. I really do not presume in mythical, invisible folks inside sky and zombies along with elements.”

PC ProSchools

pc pro schooling

Just before I forget about this with all that is planning on, I arrived across a new resource in town when I had been speaking my certification test last week (or was it the week just before?).  I was hunting on the web for any place to take my analyze when the "PC ProSchools" link came up being a achievable experiment site.  It turns out it can be genuinely close to me (I-96 and East Beltline) and is really new (too new for Google Maps - about a calendar year old).

I believed I knew of the majority of the Microsoft exercising facilities in town and had in no way over heard of them.  I got to my experiment about 15 minutes early and they have been completely booked so I began asking about their applications and examining several of their substance.  I ended up getting a tour of the facilities and packages by a guy named Richard Fera (who was truly beneficial).

They had a fantastic education lab (room for 50 at fresh machines, dual projectors, dual stations in the again in the area for more trainers (3 trainers obtainable in a very full school)).  They had an open lab and what looked like a server area / wiring closet (which turned out for being an "advanced lab" location).  Their focus is within the infrastructure side (i.e. the MCSE route) on getting the servers up and operating and all kinds of troubleshooting.  They tend not to provide applications for application development (i.e. the MCPD route).  So they had in no way discovered in the test I'm having but it really was fairly apparent that their testing lab obtained rather a little of use.

They are a Microsoft Platinum Partner provider for education (which says a great deal about volume, graduation rate, certification charge, and placement amount (>70%)).  It really is an exciting product simply because they operate it sort of like some thing among a technical trainer (i.e. giving one school at a time) and a higher education (full-blown multi-year program).  They offer an intense one-year system and that is open to any high-school graduate who meets some basic standards.  The courses are either M/W or T/Th (having a number of Fridays thrown in for test-prep and labs) from five:30-10:30, and that is pretty somewhat of work.  But in the end make sure you have your MCSE.

Add to this that they also do placement and also have projects looking for persons - positioned 48 with the lass course of 50.

Examining this post it sounds form of like an advertisement, nonetheless it actually isn't.  I'd create about any new source class, institution, book, etc. that may very well be valuable to persons accomplishing what I do (or supported the servers I ought to work on) and do that reasonably frequently.  If I knew another person who was thinking about servers and hardware, and hunting for the task without committing 2-4 many years to school, this appears to be like the model of thing you'd need to have to hold you on record and get it completed swiftly.  It's an alternative really worth examining out at smallest.

Do you think you're one of countless numbers who experience as if they’re stuck inside a dead conclusion work? Perhaps you invest numerous several hours each day wondering how it is possible to escape and move on to some thing far better. If not really a productive career, at smallest anything less stressful and far more worthwhile. You’ve witnessed the commercials about all of the chances in IT, but is it available for you? Can you genuinely succeed in this type of field?

The solution is often a resounding yes. It can be currently an example of the speediest growing fields within the job current market. Correct now could be the perfect time to leap in and become an IT expert.  Computer Proschools can aid you get there.

Professionals predict that nearly half of the workforce in the United States will probably be employed in industries where IT products and services are abundant. This can be undoubtedly evident as much businesses today rely on engineering to perform much more efficiently and preserve up with the fierce competition. The IT industry can offer you the power to obtain employment where by you are financially rewarded and respected for ones abilities, one thing we all want and deserve.

Below we now have listed some facts about the IT industry to your review. This information should give you an concept on how you can uncover that prosperous vocation you’ve been searching for.

Careers in IT are anticipated to enhance at a price of 36% above the next ten several years

The IT field accounts for an estimated 25% on the contracts produced from 2002 towards the present day

Computer-related contracts are among the top 20 fastest increasing professions inside United States. This amount is anticipated to increase additional than twice as rapid as other occupations

It’s been reported that IT work provide the highest earnings of every one of the 20 best expanding professions.

It truly is certainly one of the fasted increasing locations of employment in the country. This domain continues to present options to thousands as much with the jobs produced for IT go unfilled as a result of the lack of qualified candidates.

The programs in Information Technologies are endless as this discipline can only boost. Just take a look at what we’ve undoubtedly witnessed so far. In a very brief sum of time, it may just be you reaping the benefits of this booming marketplace. With numerous nearby institutions and online courses like Pc Pro Colleges, receiving started out has in no way been simpler.

Purely hop on the net, confer which has a few pros and consider the first action in direction of establishing your new profession.


What is Guide Cubical?

A Assist Desk occupation provides the foundation to explore other fulfilling careers in computers. You do not require previous personal computer encounter to begin your education and in just ten quick weeks you'll be able to be beginning your new job! If you would like a fast solution…get trained…and get working!

Aid Cubical is often a important department at each and every business that uses computers. Right now that's nearly each organization, making Help Cubical a recession evidence profession! Support Workplace technicians respond to telephone calls and e-mail messages from consumers looking for help with pc issues. Let’s say an accountant suddenly can not entry payroll data which is saved over a pc system. This accountant would make contact with you and it could be your responsibility to troubleshoot and fix this trouble. In responding to these inquiries, help-desk technicians must listen carefully on the purchaser, ask queries to diagnose the dynamics in the difficulty, and then patiently walk the consumer as a result of the problem-solving steps.
Get the appropriate instruction quickly so that you can commence building the suitable income faster.

Our Computer system Help Table system can consider your do the job knowledge in addition to your existing talents, and blend it with an education and learning focused on an example of the best growing occupations in the U.S. in just 10 weeks. As being a Microsoft IT Academy which has a proven and detailed software we can transform you right into a remarkably sought following Aid Cubical Specialist with marketplace regular certifications. This program is 100% on the net to help you carry on to work though in school. And our results speak for themselves.

The U.S. Dept of Schooling National Center for Training Statistics tells us that a 4 12 months college observe now requires 6 years which has a 57% graduation rate and also a 2 yr community college/tech school now will take 3 several years with an alarming 23% graduation price. Unfortunately, many of us really don't have that model of time to begin producing the cash we should survive. And who would like to risk those people odds of completing the program? Our graduation prices are above 80%.
Carry the earliest phase toward having again on observe.

Unemployment costs are hitting record high amounts and our state is struggling out of an financial recession; you can’t afford to wait any longer. Regardless of whether you have by now been laid off, fear the loss of your job or just want in making a transform, a fresh vocation could be yours! It is possible to be in your strategy to the career that provides the earnings and protection you need.

See for yourself by registering for an informational seminar full with routine and tuition facts. Basically click within the “Attend Career Revival” button and you’ll be on your way!

Pc ProSchools Graduation Achievement
Computer ProSchools, a Microsoft Academy, is proud to announce its very first graduating type of 2008. In 2007 around 300 IT Pros graduated from Pc ProSchools' Support Desk/MCSA plan.


FOR Immediate Discharge
PR Log (Press Release) – Apr 18, 2008 – Over 150 graduates and their guests filed in to the State Inn & Suites in Brookfield, WI on a cool spring evening to celebrate a six month journey to becoming an IT specialist.

Last August, students in monitor 183 began their journey at the Brookfield Campus of Computer ProSchools, a Microsoft IT Academy licensed by the Wisconsin Educational Approval Board and accredited by ACCET.   Monitor 183 contained manufacturers, construction workers, secretaries, retail representatives and office workers. All committed to changing their lives and becoming  Assist Receptionist counter Analysts, Network Administrators or Laptop or computer Technicians to name just a couple of and on March 20, 2008 they have been a person action closer.

The Commencement ceremony began with a Welcoming Address from Campus Director Laura Polancich. Polancich, whose primary responsibility at Pc Pro Educational facilities is to provide work placement providers was proud to congratulate the a lot more than 50 percent on the graduating type that had previously secured a employment inside the high paying IT industry and made a commitment to keep on assisting those still searching. Subsequent Vice President of Educational Providers, Kate Pelchat, presented an Executive Address and congratulated the class for their hard do the job and dedication. Pelchat compared the graduates’ journey at Pc Pro Schools towards CAT5 cable they had been given at their initial orientation highlighting the ups and downs and even the knots at times and shared a quote from Ernest Hemmingway that “It is good to have an end to journey in direction of but it is the journey itself that matters inside the conclusion.”

Lead Instructor Mick Brentar stood prior to the type for his final lecture, so to speak. He challenged them to continue learning always and explained how proud he is to now call them colleagues within the IT Sector.
The Keynote Address was delivered by Ricardo Monteen, a Assist Cubical Manager at Manpower Corporation plus a former graduate of Desktop ProSchools from 1 yr ago. He chronicled his journey, sharing how different his life is now. It was a full circle moment for everyone as Monteen explained how he had just hired four Desktop Pro Educational institutions graduates for his Guide Table team.

The mood was high as the evening concluded which has a punch and cake reception wherever families, graduates and faculty shared memories; all knowing that the sum of a journey is a fresh perspective of home and for all that perspective is very different 6 months later.
Graduate Wendy Tokarz shared “Being able to graduate with my class and conquer this kind of challenging goal feels excellent. My family and friends are so proud of me. It’s just fantastic!”

At the time of this publication, a smaller amount than one particular month later, around 75% of these graduates, including Tokarz have been offered IT positions and have begun enjoying the advantages of their new careers.

Personal computer Pro Universities an ally in improving personal computer admittance among individuals with disabilities

Last Spring, New Horizons Un-Limited (NHU) had the good fortune of meeting Laura, the Campus Director of Personal computer Pro Schools’ Brookfield campus, at a Brew City HDI chapter meeting. At the meeting, NHU expressed a will need for volunteer technicians to assist with their computer refurbishing and guide receptionist counter activities. Seeing this opportunity like a way to give again, though also supporting the career goals of her students, Laura speedily recruited students to aid NHU.

More than this past year, NHU has welcomed nearly a dozen Desktop Pro Educational institutions students as volunteers. While all on the student volunteers have had a solid technical foundation, quite a few of them had been lacking that all important professional experience to aid them win their dream job.

What NHU gives in knowledge on the students is exceeded by what they, as volunteers, have contributed to NHU's system. They have expertly refurbished dozens of pcs, which, in turn, have been donated to dozens of individuals with disabilities that would not have otherwise been able to afford a home laptop or computer.

Just like NHU's student volunteers, the individuals that receive the refurbished computers are trying to improve their lives through technologies. A computer means much more to them than the majority of us could ever imagine.

To several of NHU's recipients, a personal computer will be the tool they need to pursue their dream task and ultimately their own financial freedom.

NHU's refurbishing plan is run entirely by volunteer technicians. It simply would not be achievable with no the expertise and dedication of their volunteers.

NHU's most recent group of volunteers will probably be graduating from Desktop Pro Schools in just weeks. It is NHU's hope that the experience the students have received will support the students reach their occupation goals.

NHU would like to extend a special thank you to Craig, Dan, Fred, Jim and Jonathan for their dedication to seeing that all men and women, no matter their income, may have admittance to a home computer.

Computer ProSchools Unveils New Website
Cutting edge technologies illustrates a obvious picture of this state-of-art Microsoft IT Academy. Personal computer ProSchools, Inc. is excited to announce its new website located at www.pcproschools.edu.


FOR Fast Discharge
PR Log (Press Launch) – Apr 23, 2008 – Since 1994 Desktop ProSchools has been providing IT exercising in the Milwaukee place. In excess of the years, Laptop or computer ProSchools expanded operations opening campuses in Green Bay, WI and Madison, WI. In 2006 and 2007 the campuses in Grand Rapids, MI and Indianapolis, IN respectively opened. “As we grow we desire to present a consistent brand image,” explains CEO James Brent. “When you enter a Starbucks, you immediately know in which you happen to be as a result of the colors and décor and their promotional items and website carry this same experience and image.” 

Earlier this year Laptop or computer ProSchools hired InovaOne, a full-service strategic consulting corporation specializing in creative design and production, media delivery and detailed outsourcing providers located in Roswell, GA, to create a whole new branding concept. In addition on the website, InovaOne designed a fresh logo, classes colors and promotional materials to present a consistent image at the five Pc ProSchools’ campuses located throughout the Mid-West.

“The objective of our new website is to provide prospective students while using the initial data so they are excited to take the subsequent stage and schedule a campus visit” shares Vice President of Marketing and Admission, Wendy Mirenda.  “When we first started speaking to InovaOne I'm impressed with how they used high-tech avenues to present their messages. As being a state-of-the art Microsoft IT Academy, I believed we need to be performing that.”  And the new website does just that! www.pcproschools.edu offers interactive videos to highlight all that Computer ProSchools has to offer. In addition, a prospective student can experiment their own IT knowledge through the Computer Knowledge Assessment or sign up to visit a campus correct by means of the website.

Overall, the new website offers general facts about Personal computer ProSchools, a series of student achievement stories shared directly from the students themselves in a video testimonial format, Profession Providers and IT Marketplace Specifics tabs providing insight into how Personal computer ProSchools gives students that winning advantage within the speediest rising business inside the US. Another added benefit stands out as the new Employers page exactly where IT managers and employers can discover out a lot more and contact us directly to hire certainly one of our graduates.

Pc ProSchools also switched towards .edu website address from the preceding .com address. This address is exclusive to educational institutions, requiring evidence of your respective accredited status ahead of even securing the entire address. Soon after achieving accreditation with ACCET last yr Laptop or computer ProSchools certified for this educational based address line. “We’re an accredited institution,” explains VP of Schooling, Kate Pelchat, “we should be letting the general public know that by means of the use with the .edu address.” Visitors familiar with using the original website will now merely be redirected automatically on the www.pcproschools.edu website.
For more information on Desktop ProSchools visit www.pcproschools.edu. For far more details about InovaOne visit www.inovaone.com.

Niger junta names leader after coup

Niger junta names leader after coup

Posted by cabinets in Uncategorized

(UKPA) – 7 hours ago

The junta that seized power in the West African nation of Niger says its leader is squadron chief Salou Djibo.

Armed soldiers stormed the presidential palace, kidnapping the country’s president.

It is not clear where President Mamadou Tandja is.

The soldiers later announced on state TV that the country’s constitution had been suspended and that Niger is now being led by the Supreme Council for the Restoration of Democracy.

In a statement on Friday, the council said Djibo is its leader and that government business would be handled by heads of government ministries and Niger’s regions until a new government is formed.

The junta said it wanted to turn Niger into “an example of democracy and of good governance.”

A diplomat in the region described the coup’s leaders as being part of an army faction that is deeply disillusioned with Tandja for violating his constitutionally mandated term limit.

The uranium-rich country has become increasingly isolated since then, with the 15-nation regional bloc of West African states suspending Niger from its ranks and the US government cutting off non-humanitarian aid and imposing travel restrictions on some government officials.

However, there are also fears that the military group could attempt to cling to power in Niger, as the junta in Guinea did following a December 2008 coup. The coup leader there first promised to hold elections in which he would not run, only to later to suggest he may have changed his mind. Only a year later, he went into voluntarily exile after his aide-de-camp tried to assassinate him.

The African Union’s (AU) top executive, Jean Ping, condemned the coup in Niger and said the AU “demands a quick return to constitutional order”. Meanwhile in Washington, US State Department spokesman PJ Crowley said Tandja may have invited his own fate by “trying to extend his mandate in office.”