Press Release Archive: 2011

Dec. 18, 2011 
Carter Center Preliminary Statement on the Second Round of Voting in Egypt's People's Assembly Elections (عربي)
Carter Center witnesses observing the People's Assembly elections in Egypt reported progress in several aspects of polling during the second round of voting on Dec. 14-15, but found that there are numerous areas where procedures need further improvement.

Dec. 15, 2011 
New Report Published on Drug Policy Alternatives in Latin America and the United States (en español y en inglés )
A report published today - Drug Policy in the Andes: Seeking Humane and Effective Alternatives - proposes innovative policy changes to address drug trafficking in Latin America and the United States.

Dec. 14, 2011
The Carter Center Notes Peaceful Elections in a Fragile Political and Social Context (En anglais et en français)
Côte d'Ivoire's 2011 legislative elections represent an essential step in re-establishing the constitutional order in Cote d'Ivoire and achieving a key goal of the peace process laid out by the Political Accord of Ouagadougou. The Carter Center highlights the generally peaceful voting environment and the absence of major security incidents during the polls, which took place in the fragile political and social context of the post-electoral crisis of 2010-2011.

Dec. 10, 2011
Carter Center: Democratic Republic of the Congo Presidential Election Results Lack Credibility
(En Français-PDF)
The Carter Center finds the provisional presidential election results announced by the Independent National Election Commission (CENI) on Dec. 9 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to lack credibility. CENI results point to the re-election of incumbent President Joseph Kabila with 49 percent of the vote followed by Etienne Tshisekedi with 32 percent and Vital Kamerhe with 7.7 percent.  Voter turnout was 58 percent.

Dec. 8, 2011
Carter Center Statement on Egypt's Election Results and Complaints Management Process (عربي)
The Carter Center has closely observed the first round of Egypt's parliamentary elections, witnessing polling and counting Nov. 28-30 and the runoffs Dec. 5-6, and notes that conducting runoffs amid a multiphase election poses distinct challenges requiring extra efforts in key areas. The Center offers the following observations and suggestions to help address the main challenges of electoral complaints resolution and the timely announcement of results.

Dec. 2, 2011
Carter Center Preliminary Statement on the First Round of Voting in Egypt's People's Assembly Elections 
(عربي)
The Carter Center deployed witnesses to observe two days of polling on Nov. 28-29 in the first of three rounds of Egypt's parliamentary elections, as well as the preceding election preparation period. Carter Center witnesses visited more than 300 polling stations in all nine active governorates, and followed the process through to the counting exercise.

Nov. 30, 2011
Carter Center Preliminary Statement on the Democratic Republic of the Congo Election (En Français)
The Carter Center welcomes the conduct of presidential and legislative elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Nov. 28; voters participated in large numbers with few major incidents that disrupted the peaceful conduct of the polls. The results tabulation process is underway.

Nov. 29, 2011
The Carter Center Launches Election Observation Mission to Côte d'Ivoire (En anglais et en français)
Following an invitation from the Independent Electoral Commission, The Carter Center has launched an international election observation mission to Côte d'Ivoire to monitor preparations and the conduct of legislative elections anticipated on Dec. 11.

Nov. 22, 2011
Former Zambia President Rupiah Banda to Lead Carter Center Delegation to DRC's Election (En anglais et en français)
The Carter Center announced today that former Zambia President Rupiah Banda and Carter Center Vice President for Peace Programs Dr. John Stremlau will co-lead the Center's 70-person delegation representing 27 nations to observe the Democratic Republic of the Congo's Nov. 28 elections.

Nov. 21, 2011
Carter Center Statement on Egypt's Pre-election Environment (عربي)
The Carter Center is greatly concerned about the ongoing violence at Tahrir Square and elsewhere in Egypt that has resulted in more than 30 casualties.  As events continue to unfold, we urge the authorities to act with restraint and for all involved to continue to advance a meaningful democratic transition in Egypt through peaceful political participation and respect for the rule of law.

Nov. 21, 2011
Carter Center Statement on Liberia's Tally Process and Post-Electoral Environment
The Carter Center reports that the tally process for the Nov. 8 presidential run-off election was conducted transparently and in general accordance with Liberia's obligations for democratic elections. Tallying was carried out smoothly throughout the country, with greater adherence to procedures and fewer irregularities than in the first round of the elections.

Nov. 16, 2011
Carter Center Commends South Sudan on Inclusive Approach to Foundational Democratic Laws, Emphasizes Key Issues for Consideration by Assembly
The Carter Center commends the government of the Republic of South Sudan (RoSS) for the inclusive and consultative approach it has taken thus far in its drafting of the National Elections Act of 2011 and Political Parties Bill 2011. With a new transitional constitution in place, it is critical that the spirit of inclusiveness continues as the Republic of South Sudan takes additional steps to form the foundation of its legal system as a sovereign country.

Nov. 14, 2011
Carter Center Announces International Delegation for Egypt's Parliamentary Elections (عربي)
Following approval from the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and accreditation by the Supreme Judicial Commission for Elections, The Carter Center announced today the deployment of an international delegation to 'witness' Egyptian Parliamentary Elections scheduled to start on Nov. 28, 2011.

Nov. 11, 2011
The Carter Center Congratulates Latin American Countries for Major Strides Toward the Elimination of River Blindness
The Carter Center and its Onchocerciasis Elimination Program for the Americas (OEPA) are pleased to congratulate three Latin American countries on their recent progress toward eliminating river blindness (onchocerciasis). Today at the sixteenth annual InterAmerican Conference on Onchocerciasis – sponsored by The Carter Center, the Pan American Health Organization, the Lions Clubs International Foundation, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation – three of the six countries in the Americas that have historically suffered from river blindness announced the good news. Read more on the Carter Center's blog>
Read the Nov. 10, 2011, press release issued by Merck (PDF) >

Nov. 10, 2011
The Carter Center Highlights Shortcomings in Tunisia's Post-polling Period; Outlines Issues to be Addressed in Future Electoral Processes (عربي) (En français)
After a successful day of polling in Tunisia on Oct. 23, The Carter Center notes that several key areas related to the tabulation of results and appeals procedures did not receive sufficient attention of the High Independent Authority for the Elections (ISIE). The ISIE has published results at the district level number by the number of seats won by parties and independent lists.  

Nov. 10, 2011
Trip Report by Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter to Tunisia Elections: Oct. 18-25, 2011
When Melissa Montgomery, my assistant, and I arrive at the Mövenpick Hotel in Gammarth, Tunisia, a short distance outside of Tunis, late in the afternoon of Oct. 19, 2011, I am agog! This site could be on the French Riviera. It is beautiful, looking out over the Gulf of Tunis to the Mediterranean Sea — not what I had expected at all.

Nov. 10, 2011
Carter Center Preliminary Statement on the Liberia Presidential Run-Off Election
The Carter Center's election observation mission finds that Liberia's Nov. 8 presidential run-off election was conducted in general accordance with Liberia's legal framework and its international obligations for democratic elections. Regrettably, the election was marred by an opposition boycott, violence on the eve of the election, and low voter turnout.

Nov. 9, 2011
Carter Center Expert Group Statement on the Nicaragua Elections (En Español)
We acknowledge the strong electoral support given to President Ortega in Sunday's election.  Nevertheless, we are troubled by the reports of significant deficiencies in the 2011 electoral process in Nicaragua and their implications for democratic governance. It is perplexing that a country that is showing social and economic improvement has at the same time permitted an erosion of democratic institutions.

Nov. 6, 2011
Carter Center Statement on Boycott of Liberia's Nov. 8 Run-Off Election
The Carter Center notes that it is an international obligation of states to ensure that the will of the people, as expressed in periodic elections, serves as the basis for democratic government.

Nov. 3, 2011
The Carter Center Welcomes Agreement by Nepal's Political Parties कृपया नेपालीमा पढ्नुहोस्
The Carter Center welcomes the recent agreement by Nepal's political parties to address key outstanding issues in the peace process, including the integration and rehabilitation of Maoist combatants, drafting of the constitution, and other important points.

Nov. 1, 2011
Carter Center Announces Delegation to Observe Liberia's Presidential Run-Off Election
The Carter Center announced today that it will deploy a delegation of international observers to monitor Liberia's presidential run-off election scheduled for Nov. 8, 2011. The delegation again will be led by His Excellency General Dr. Yakubu Gowon, former head of state of Nigeria, and will include more than 50 observers from 20 countries across Africa and around the world.

Oct. 31, 2011
Carter Center Launches Website Detailing Katanga Mining Sector in DRC (En anglais et en français)
Mining operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) generate huge profits but impoverished local communities receive few of the benefits. A website launched today by The Carter Center (www.congomines.org) aims to close that gap by providing detailed information and maps of industrial mines in Katanga Province, increasing transparency and accountability around mining in the nation's rich Copper Belt.

Oct. 25, 2011
Carter Center Reports Peaceful and Enthusiastic Participation in Tunisia's Landmark Elections (عربي) (En français)
In a statement released today, Carter Center observers monitoring the landmark Oct. 23 Constituent Assembly elections in Tunisia reported that the voting process was marked by peaceful and enthusiastic participation, generally transparent procedures, and popular confidence about Tunisia's democratic transition.  Tunisian voters waited patiently in very long lines, determined to take part in the historic first election of the Arab Spring movements of 2011.

Oct. 21, 2011
Declaration of the Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter on the Venezuelan Decision Regarding the Ruling of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (English and Spanish)
We, the undersigned, regret the announcement of the Venezuelan Supreme Court that it will not be feasible to comply with the decisions of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in the case of Leopoldo Lopez vs. Venezuela issued on Sept. 1, 2011.  

Oct. 20, 2011
Carter Center Statement on Liberia's Tally Process
Carter Center observers monitoring the tally and the tabulation of final results in Liberia report a largely transparent process with no evidence of systematic fraud or manipulation of results.

Oct. 17, 2011
Carter Center Calls for Urgent Steps by DRC's Election Commission to Prepare for Nov. 28 Elections (En anglais et en français)
In a pre-election report released today, The Carter Center called for urgent steps by the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC) election commission in order to be credibly prepared for Nov. 28 elections. The report is based on findings from the Center's long-term observers, who have been deployed throughout the DRC since August.

Oct. 16, 2011
Former Mauritius President Cassam Uteem to Co-Lead Carter Center Delegation to Observe Tunisia's Oct. 23 Elections (عربي) (En français)
The Carter Center announced today that former President of Mauritius and Club of Madrid member Cassam Uteem and Carter Center President and CEO Dr. John Hardman will co-lead the Center's international election observation delegation to Tunisia's National Constituent Assembly elections on Oct. 23. Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter will also participate in the delegation.

Oct. 14, 2011
The Carter Center Congratulates the Cherokee Nation on the Completion of the Vote Counting Process
The Carter Center commends the Cherokee Nation Election Commission (CNEC) on the completion of the extended special election for Principal Chief.   Voting took place over 10 days and counting over three (Oct. 9-11, 2011).  The extra days of voting and the counting process were conducted transparently.

Oct. 13, 2011
Preliminary Statement:  Carter Center Reports Open and Transparent Voting Process; Encourages Liberians to Await Final Results
The Oct. 11, 2011, presidential and legislative elections mark an important test for Liberia's transition from civil war to democratic, constitutional government.

Oct. 12, 2011
The Carter Center Calls For an Inclusive Solution to Conflicts in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile
The Carter Center calls on all stakeholders to work for a sustainable solution to the conflicts in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile states. The popular consultations could facilitate a long-term settlement in both states if implemented in a credible way. However, this requires a security environment conducive to open dialogue and the inclusion of all stakeholders in the process.

Oct. 12, 2011
Carter Center Group to Visit Nicaragua During Nov. 6 Elections (En Español)
A small delegation from The Carter Center will visit Nicaragua during the upcoming presidential and legislative elections in Nicaragua on Nov. 6. The delegation of five persons consists of members and advisers to the group of Friends of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, an informal group of eminent persons from the hemisphere, with secretariat at The Carter Center in Atlanta, Ga., who advocate for constructive international support to strengthen all democracies in the hemisphere.

Oct. 6, 2011
General Yakubu Gowon to Lead Carter Center Delegation to Observe Liberia's Oct. 11 Elections
The Carter Center announced today that His Excellency General Dr. Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria's former head of state, will lead the Center's international election observation delegation to Liberia.

Oct. 5,  2011
Britain to Help Carter Center Secure Funding For Worldwide Eradication of Worm Disease
Britain today announced it will provide major support to a new project that will make Guinea worm the second human disease ever to be eradicated in human history.

Oct. 3, 2011
The Carter Center Calls on Tunisian Election Authorities to Finalize Critical Procedures and Intensify Voter Outreach (عربي) En français (PDF) >
With the launch of the electoral campaign period on Oct. 1, Tunisia has entered the final leg of the National Constituent Assembly elections, scheduled for Oct. 23, 2011. While electoral preparations are progressing, key issues such as the allocation of voters to polling stations and the system for the tabulation of results require final decisions and publication by election authorities.

Oct. 3, 2011
Carter Center Reports Vibrant and Generally Peaceful Campaigning in Liberia; Urges Steps to Level Playing Field
Liberia's upcoming 2011 presidential and legislative elections represent a critical test for the country's transition from war to democratic and constitutional government. Carter Center observers report that campaigning has been vibrant and generally peaceful, and that political parties and independent candidates have been able to move freely and to convey their message to potential voters.

Sept. 30, 2011
Media Alert:  Closing the Gap on Guinea Worm Disease - Major Announcement Set for Oct. 5 (En Français)
Jimmy Carter and Margaret Chan to announce major new funding campaign to wipe out Guinea worm disease.

Sept. 27, 2011
Carter Center Commends Successful Cherokee Nation Voting Day and Highlights the Need for Patience and Transparency as Process Unfolds
The Carter Center congratulates the election commission, candidates, and voters of the Cherokee Nation on a successful election day. Sept. 24 was the only day for voters to cast ballots at 38 precincts in the Nation, but there will be additional opportunities for citizens to cast a ballot at the election commission and for Freedmen to vote by absentee ballot to determine who will be the next principal chief.

Sept. 27, 2011
The Carter Center Rejects Fake Opinion Poll
An opinion poll currently circulating in Liberia by email is being falsely attributed to The Carter Center. We reject such efforts to mislead the public and call on all stakeholders to be vigilant in assessing information about the electoral process.

Sept. 22, 2011
Statement From Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on Troy Anthony Davis
Rosalynn and I are deeply saddened by the execution of Troy Anthony Davis by the State of Georgia.

Sept. 20, 2011
Statement from President Jimmy Carter and The Carter Center on the Passing of George Price
We lament the passing of George Price, founding father of Belize and good friend of The Carter Center. His humble personality belied the stature of his statesmanship.

Sept. 15, 2011
Carter Center Announces Election Observation Mission to Liberia
The Carter Center today deployed teams of long-term observers to launch an international election observation mission for Liberia's presidential and legislative elections on Oct. 11, 2011.
 

Sept. 14, 2011
Carter Center Announces Election Observation Mission to Cherokee Nation
At the invitation of the Cherokee Nation Election Commission, The Carter Center will deploy a small observation mission for the Sept. 24, 2011, special election for principal chief. Carter Center observers will interview the election commission, political contestants, and others to assess the electoral process. In addition, the Center will observe early voting, as well as election day polling, counting, and tabulation processes.

Sept. 9, 2011         
Carter Center Statement on the Nov. 6 Elections in Nicaragua (En Español)
In light of the Nicaraguan Supreme Electoral Council's (CSE) publication of the Electoral Accompaniment Regulations on Aug. 16, 2011, The Carter Center wishes to explain its conditions for observing the Nicaraguan elections in 2011.  They are the same conditions under which we were invited and agreed to observe the elections in 1990, 1996, 2001, and 2006.

Sept. 1, 2011
The Carter Center Welcomes Completion of Tunisia's Voter Registration; Highlights Additional Steps Needed to Ensure Successful Polling (En français - PDF) (عربي)
A Carter Center statement released today noted that Tunisia's voter registration process was conducted smoothly, but important operational challenges remain for the High Independent Authority for the Elections (ISIE), particularly the allocation of voters to polling stations and a campaign to disseminate voter information to the public. The Center recommends intensified public outreach by the ISIE and other bodies to assist Tunisians in the electoral process.

Aug. 26, 2011
The Carter Center Calls for a Peaceful Resolution of the Stalemate in the Blue Nile Popular Consultations
The Carter Center calls on stakeholders in Blue Nile to use dialogue and inclusive negotiations to solve the current standstill around the popular consultations and to recommit to the spirit of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) by reaching a peaceful settlement.

Aug. 17, 2011
Carter Center Announces Election Observation Mission to DRC (En français - PDF)
At the invitation of the Independent Electoral Commission (CENI) and the welcome of political parties, The Carter Center has launched an international election observation mission for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) elections on Nov. 28, 2011.

Aug. 12, 2011
The Carter Center Congratulates Liberia on Graduation of Inaugural Class of Mental Health Clinicians
Today, during a ceremony attended by Liberian government officials, community and religious leaders, and other partners, The Carter Center celebrated the graduation of Liberia's first class of locally trained mental health clinicians.

Aug. 4, 2011
Carter Center Announces Election Observation Mission to Tunisia (عربي) (En Français - PDF)
In response to an invitation from the Tunisian electoral commission, The Carter Center formally launched an international observation mission to monitor preparations for the country's Constituent Assembly elections anticipated on Oct. 23. The mission is supported by an office in Tunis, which is led by Field Office Director Sabina Vigani.

Aug. 4, 2011
Political Space in Nepal has Improved Since Constituent Assembly Election but Challenges Remain, Sustainability Still in Question
In a report released today, Carter Center observers found broad consensus that political space has opened across Nepal since the 2008 Constituent Assembly election. Improvements in the behavior of Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) cadres at the local level and a decline in armed group activity in parts of the Tarai were frequently cited as the main reasons for this change.

July 28, 2011
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter Congratulates People of Ghana for Halting Guinea Worm Disease Transmission, Urges Remaining Endemic Countries to Wipe Out Ancient Affliction as Soon as Possible
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and The Carter Center congratulate Ghana on becoming the world's newest country to stop transmission of Guinea worm, a water-borne parasitic disease poised to be the second human disease in history to be eradicated.

July 15, 2011
Sudan:  The Carter Center Calls for Formal Extension of the Blue Nile Popular Consultations
In a report issued today, The Carter Center recognized the announcement of Sudan President Omar al-Bashir to extend the Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan popular consultations, and urged the National Assembly to formalize this extension, creating a specific timetable to consider issues raised in public hearings and opening discussions on a national level as deemed necessary.

July 15, 2011
The Carter Center Awards 2011-2012 Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism
The Carter Center announced the recipients of the 2011-2012 Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism today, one of the only journalism fellowship programs exclusively focused on mental health issues. Selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants, the 15th annual class of fellows includes six from the United States and two from Romania. (See below for a full list of fellows and their project topics.)

July 8, 2011
Statement From President and Mrs. Carter on the Passing of  Former First Lady Betty Ford
Rosalynn and I are saddened by the passing of Betty Ford, a close personal friend and our frequent partner in bipartisan efforts to improve mental health and substance abuse care in our nation.

July 7, 2011
Carter Center Commends Election Commission of Nepal on Progress in Voter Registration, Encourages Efforts to Increase Citizen Turnout (नेपालीमा पढ्नुहोस)
In a report released today, The Carter Center commended the Election Commission of Nepal (ECN) for registering nearly eight million Nepali citizens to date and encouraged the ECN to undertake additional efforts to reach out to millions more who have yet to participate in the process.

July 2, 2011
The Carter Center Urges Meaningful Deliberation of Draft Transitional Constitution (عربي)
As Southern Sudan prepares for independence in the face of recent armed conflict with the North, it is critically important that the Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) and the ruling Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) take steps to demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusive and participatory governance. In the short time remaining before independence on July 9, the GoSS should make efforts to review previous citizen input on the draft transitional constitution, and both before and after its entry into force take greater steps to inform citizens about the transition process.

May 31, 2011
Carter Center Appoints New Members to Board of Councilors
The Carter Center, a not-for-profit organization advancing peace and health worldwide, recently appointed 18 new members to the Board of Councilors, bringing its total membership to 233.

May 30, 2011
Statement by The Carter Center on the Extension of Nepal's Constituent Assembly (कृपया नेपालीमा पढ्नुहोस्)
The Carter Center welcomes the recent agreement by Nepal's political parties as well as their decision to extend the Constituent Assembly tenure by three months.

May 23, 2011
Carter Center, American College of Physicians, and Health Experts Release Report Detailing Solutions for Reinvigorating Primary Care System: Five Prescriptions for Ensuring the Future of Primary Care
A new report from The Carter Center and the American College of Physicians (ACP), "Five Prescriptions for Ensuring the Future of Primary Care," argues that an overhaul of the primary care education system—including adopting more rigorous training in mental illness diagnosis and treatment—is necessary to fully implement reform of the U.S. health care system.

May 18, 2011
Vote in South Kordofan is Peaceful and Credible, Despite Climate of Insecurity and Some Irregularities
Despite a climate of heightened insecurity and instances of procedural irregularities that removed an important safeguard of the process, South Kordofan's elections were generally peaceful and credible. The voting, counting, and results aggregation processes were conducted in a nonpartisan and transparent manner under intense scrutiny from leading political parties.

May 10, 2011
Carter Center: Local Peace Committee Functioning Has Improved, But Overall Effectiveness Remains Unclear (कृपया नेपालीमा पढ्नुहोस्)
In a report released today, Carter Center observers found that although the overall functioning of Local Peace Committees (LPCs) has improved since November 2009, their effectiveness remains unclear and they continue to face serious challenges.

May 9, 2011
Carter Center Calls For Calm As Parties Await Electoral Results - South Kordofan Gubernatorial And State Legislative Elections (عربي)
The Carter Center urges calm during the aggregation of results for the South Kordofan gubernatorial and legislative elections. The Carter Center calls on all contesting parties and candidates to continue to observe the results aggregation peacefully, to ask their supporters to remain calm and to seek recourse to potential electoral disputes through established legal channels.

April 29, 2011
Carter Center Statement on Palestinian Reconciliation
The Carter Center congratulates the Government of Egypt for their success in brokering the historic intra-Palestinian reconciliation agreement announced on April 27.

April 28, 2011
The Carter Center Notes Concerns With Security in South Kordofan, Progress in Polling Preparations
The Carter Center is concerned by recent deteriorations in South Kordofan's security environment and calls on all sides to promote a genuine and credible polling process for the state. Although the recently concluded candidate nomination period was largely conducted transparently, efficiently, and peacefully, there have been worrying developments during the campaign period.

April 19, 2011
Carter Center Notes Progress in Nepal's Ongoing Voter Registration Process, Offers Suggestions to Address Key Challenges Ahead
In a report released today, Carter Center observers found that overall the Election Commission of Nepal's (ECN) voter registration process is moving forward, despite delays.

April 6, 2011
Human Rights and Religious Leaders Call on Religious Leadership to Stand for Equal Rights for Girls and Women
A group of human rights defenders and religious leaders representing more than 20 countries gathered at The Carter Center today called on faith leaders to reassess the role religions play in continuing discrimination against women worldwide.

March 31, 2011
The Carter Center Celebrates Transfer of Ethiopia Public Health Training Initiative to Ethiopia Ministry of Health and Federal Ministry of Education
After 13 years training more than 26,000 public health workers to help fill the gap in rural health services for 75 million Ethiopians, The Carter Center- assisted Ethiopia Public Health Training Initiative (EPHTI) officially has been transferred to Ethiopia's  Federal Ministries of Health and Education. Established in 1997 at the invitation of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, EPHTI worked in partnership with seven Ethiopian universities and the Ethiopian government to improve the public health education system.

March 28, 2011
The Carter Center Notes Concerns with Low Voter Registration Turnout in South Kordofan, Highlights Steps Needed for Credible Polling Process
In a statement released today, The Carter Center welcomed the completion of the voter registration process in South Kordofan. The process was conducted in a generally peaceful environment and the majority of registration centers operated without major problems. However, the Center notes several shortcomings that hurt the inclusiveness and integrity of voter registration and resulted in low turnout.

March 25, 2011
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Former First Lady to Visit Cuba
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, will arrive in Havana, Cuba, Monday, March 28, for a visit, at the invitation of the Cuban government.

March 21, 2011
Carter Center Urges Political Parties and Blue Nile Popular Consultation Commission to Ensure Genuine  Dialogue on Key Issues in Blue Nile State
In a statement issued today, The Carter Center reports that the first phase of the popular consultation in Blue Nile produced notable accomplishments, but that state legislative assembly members, political parties, and consultation authorities should work collaboratively to ensure a more transparent and genuine dialogue on the key issues in remaining phases of the process in Blue Nile.

March 17, 2011
Carter Center Urges Inclusive Transition Process in Southern Sudan
Distrust between the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) and opposition parties is a critical challenge that undermines the unity of Southern Sudan on the eve of its independence.  To ensure a successful transition, The Carter Center urges all Southern Sudanese political leaders to agree on genuinely inclusive processes for reviewing and adopting the transitional constitution and planning for the transition.

Feb. 28, 2011
Carter Center: Clashes Between Nepal's Political Party Youth Wings Have Decreased But YCL and UML Youth Force Continue to Seek Financial Gain (कृपया नेपालीमा पढ्नुहोस्)
In a report released today, Carter Center observers found that overall clashes between Nepal's political party youth wings appear to have decreased. However, many activities of the Maoist-affiliated Young Communist League (YCL) and, to a lesser extent, the CPN-UML Youth Force remain targeted toward financial gain, and youth wing activity continues to have a negative impact on security in many districts.

Feb. 28, 2011
Forum Identifies Solutions to Improve Cooperation Among Andean Countries and the United States (English and En Español)
The Andean-U.S. Dialogue Forum, a citizens' forum created to identify and contribute solutions to multilateral problems and tensions among the Andean countries (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela) and the United States, issued a report today outlining a common agenda to improve cooperation among the nations.

Feb. 27, 2011
Winter Weekend Auction Raises $841,750 for Carter Center Peace and Health Programs
The Carter Center's annual Winter Weekend auction, held Feb. 26 at Port St. Lucie, Fla., raised $841,750.00 to benefit the not-for-profit Center's initiatives to advance peace and health worldwide.

Feb. 17, 2011
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter Announces Three Countries Left in Guinea Worm Eradication Campaign: Nigeria and Niger Honored as Most Recent Nations to Halt Disease Transmission (En anglais et en français)
Former U.S. President and Carter Center Founder Jimmy Carter announced today that only three endemic countries remain in the fight against Guinea worm disease, poised to be only the second disease in history—after smallpox—to be eradicated.

Feb. 14, 2011
Carter Center Congratulates Success of Southern Sudan Referendum, Encourages Steps to Strengthen Future Elections
The Carter Center congratulates the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission, the Southern Sudan Referendum Bureau, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement partners, and the Sudanese people on the announcement of the final results of the referendum on the self-determination of Southern Sudan. The results indicate overwhelming popular support for the secession of Southern Sudan, and their announcement marks the successful conclusion of the referendum process. The Center's observation mission finds that the referendum provided a credible expression of the will of the Southern Sudanese people and has been broadly consistent with international standards.

Feb. 14, 2011
Ann Cramer Appointed Chair of Carter Center Board of Councilors
Ann Cramer, director for IBM Corporate Citizenship & Corporate Affairs for the Americas, has been appointed chair of the Carter Center's Board of Councilors for 2011. The board is comprised of 212 members, who serve as a leadership advisory group that promotes understanding among opinion leaders and the broader community of The Carter Center and its activities.

Feb. 11, 2011
Statement From The Carter Center on Democratic Transition in Egypt
The Carter Center congratulates the people of Egypt on their courageous steps toward a new era of democratic legitimacy and respect for human rights.

Feb. 10, 2011
Rare Presidential and Sports Memorabilia to Be Auctioned to Benefit Carter Center - General Public Invited to Bid Online
Original artwork by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, a baseball signed by four presidents, a behind-the-scenes tour of Delta Air Lines, and historic memorabilia from the Carter presidential campaign and White House years are among more than 150 items up for public auction in Port St. Lucie, Fla., on Feb. 26, 2011, during the Carter Center's annual Winter Weekend event. The auction, held for the past 18 years, is a critical source of support for the not-for-profit Center's international work advancing peace and health.

Feb. 7, 2011
Applications Being Accepted for the 2011-2012 Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism
Applications from U.S. residents are now being accepted for six one-year journalism fellowships with the Carter Center's Mental Health Program. These fellowships aim to enhance public understanding of mental health issues and reduce stigma and discrimination against people with mental illnesses through balanced and accurate reporting.

Jan. 19, 2011
Carter Center and JPC Expand Liberian Community Legal Advice Services Into Nine Counties
The Carter Center, in partnership with the Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (JPC), is expanding its Community Legal Advisor (CLA) program to provide legal support services in nine rural Liberian counties.  With support from USAID and Humanity United, the services will be continued and expanded for the next two years.  The program gives rural Liberians access to free community-based legal services and knowledge of their rights. Since 2007, more than 3,000 cases have been opened by community legal advisors.

Jan. 17, 2011
Carter Center Finds Sudanese Referendum Peaceful and Credible (عربي)
The Carter Center observation mission congratulates the people of Sudan for the successful conduct of the historic referendum on self-determination, which was marked by an overwhelming turnout of enthusiastic voters during a peaceful and orderly seven-day voting period.

Jan. 3, 2011
Jimmy Carter, Kofi Annan, Joseph Warioba, and John Hardman to Lead Carter Center Delegation to Observe Referendum on Self-Determination of Southern Sudan (عربي)
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan, former Tanzania Prime Minister Joseph Warioba, and Dr. John Hardman, Carter Center president and CEO, will lead the Carter Center's international observation delegation for the January 2011 referendum on the self-determination of Southern Sudan.  The Center will deploy more than 100 observers across Sudan and the overseas voting locations to assess the referendum process and observe polling, counting, and tabulation.