NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell talks during a press conference at the Hilton Hotel on Sept. 19, 2014 in New York City. Goodell spoke about the NFL's failure to address domestic violence, sexual assault and drug abuse in the league.; Credit: Elsa/Getty Images

Update 1:04 p.m. Goodell: 'Same mistakes can never be repeated'

Commissioner Roger Goodell says the NFL wants to implement new personal conduct policies by the Super Bowl. At a news conference Friday, Goodell made his first public statements in more than a week about the rash of NFL players involved in domestic violence. He did not announce any specific changes, but said he has not considered resigning.

"Unfortunately, over the past several weeks, we have seen all too much of the NFL doing wrong," he said. "That starts with me."

The league has faced increasing criticism that it has not acted quickly or emphatically enough concerning the domestic abuse cases.

The commissioner reiterated that he botched the handling of the Ray Rice case.

"The same mistakes can never be repeated," he said.

Goodell now oversees all personal conduct cases, deciding guilt and penalties.

He said he believes he has the support of the NFL's owners, his bosses.

"That has been clear to me," he said.

The Indianapolis Colts' Darius Butler was among those who tweeted criticism of the press conference:

Colts tweet 1

Colts tweet 2

The commissioner and some NFL teams have been heavily criticized for lenient or delayed punishment of Rice, Adrian Peterson and other players involved in recent domestic violence cases. Less than three weeks into the season, five such cases have made headlines, the others involving Greg Hardy, Ray McDonald and Jonathan Dwyer.

Vikings star running back Peterson, Carolina defensive end Hardy and Arizona running back Dwyer are on a special commissioner's exemption list and are being paid while they go through the legal process. McDonald, a defensive end for San Francisco, continues to practice and play while being investigated on suspicion of domestic violence.

As these cases have come to light, such groups as the National Organization of Women and league partners and sponsors have come down hard on the NFL to be more responsive in dealing with them. Congress also is watching to see how the NFL reacts.

In response to the criticism, the NFL announced it is partnering with a domestic violence hotline and a sexual violence resource center.

Goodell also said in a memo to the clubs late Thursday that within the next 30 days, all NFL and team personnel will participate in education sessions on domestic violence and sexual assault. The memo said the league will work with the union in providing the "information and tools to understand and recognize domestic violence and sexual assault."

The league will provide financial, operational and promotional support to the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.

12:07 p.m. Roger Goodell to break silence on domestic abuse and the NFL

Roger Goodell will make his first public statements in more than a week about the rash of NFL players involved in domestic violence when he holds a news conference Friday.

The NFL commissioner will address the league's personal conduct policy. The league has faced increasing criticism it has not acted quickly or emphatically enough concerning the domestic abuse cases.

His last public appearance was at a high school in North Carolina on Sept. 10.

The commissioner and some NFL teams have been heavily criticized for lenient or delayed punishment of Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson and other players involved in recent domestic violence cases. Less than three weeks into the season, five such cases have made headlines, the others involving Greg Hardy, Ray McDonald and Jonathan Dwyer.

Vikings star running back Peterson, Carolina defensive end Hardy and Arizona running back Dwyer are on a special commissioner's exemption list and are being paid while they go through the legal process. McDonald, a defensive end for San Francisco, continues to practice and play while being investigated on suspicion of domestic violence.

As these cases have come to light, such groups as the National Organization of Women and league partners and sponsors have come down hard on the NFL to be more responsive in dealing with them. Congress also is watching to see how the NFL reacts.

In response to the criticism, the NFL announced it is partnering with a domestic violence hotline and a sexual violence resource center.

Goodell also said in a memo to the clubs late Thursday that within the next 30 days, all NFL and team personnel will participate in education sessions on domestic violence and sexual assault. The memo said the league will work with the union in providing the "information and tools to understand and recognize domestic violence and sexual assault."

The league will provide financial, operational and promotional support to the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.

"These commitments will enable both the hotline and NSVRC to help more people affected by domestic violence and sexual assault," Goodell said in the memo.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides domestic violence victims and survivors access to a national network of resources and shelters. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in 170 languages. Goodell noted that the hotline received 84 percent more calls from Sept. 8-15, and the organization said more than 50 percent of those calls went unanswered because of lack of staff.

"The hotline will add 25 full-time advocates over the next few weeks that will result in an additional 750 calls a day being answered," he said.

NSVRC supports sexual violence coalitions across the United States. The NFL's initial support will be directed toward state coalitions to provide additional resources to sexual assault hotlines.

This story has been updated.

THE HAGUE, 20 April 2016 - Education is in many ways the space where issues of equality, national identity and the concept of nationhood are being negotiated, said OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors today as she opened a high-level conference to mark 20 years of The Hague Recommendations Regarding the Education Rights of National Minorities.

Underlining how education can contribute to preventing conflicts and to peace-building efforts, Thors said it is crucial that governments and education ministries analyse and anticipate tensions that may arise from competing demands placed on the education system such as questions on the language of instruction. These tensions often reflect the widespread societal debates about the place of national minorities as a whole, she added.   

Thors was addressing the start of a two-day conference, which brings together 180 government representatives, experts, teachers, education professionals, non-governmental actors and other local and international stakeholders active in the field of education, conflict prevention and peace-making to discuss the challenges in adapting education systems to ethnically diverse societies.

Gernot Erler, Special Representative of the Federal Government of Germany for the 2016 OSCE Chairmanship, highlighted how challenges in this area have evolved in the two decades since The Hague Recommendations were launched.

“Today, we should realize more and more how crucial the right treatment of minorities by ensuring equal rights, tolerance and cross-border dialogue, is for preventing conflicts,” he said.

In his keynote speech, Fernand de Varennes, Dean of the Law Faculty of the University of Moncton in Canada underlined that the first HCNM recommendations - The Hague Recommendations - are the building block, the foundation upon which latest, The Ljubljana Guidelines on integration, must be understood. When it comes to education in minority language, he pointed out that to an increasing degree it is already perceived as an internationally recognised human right.

During a panel discussion, Srđan Verbić, Minister of Education, of Serbia, Ketevan Tsikhelashvili, First Deputy State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality of Georgia as well as leading human rights academics, Sia Spiliopoulou Åkermark and Jan de Groof discussed what role education should have when building stable multi-ethnic societies. .    

At the margins of the conference, HCNM premiered its film charting the story of the founding of the Bujanovac Department of Economics as the first multilingual and multi-ethnic higher education institution in southern Serbia. The Department has been supported by the HCNM since its inception. To learn more about the project, watch the film here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsiKoZKtZhU

HCNM also screened the winning entries from its first-ever video contest, “Our school, our diversity” during the conference. School pupils across the OSCE region were invited to shoot and script a video of no longer than 60 seconds illustrating why diversity matters in the classroom. Having received 101 submissions from 15 OSCE participating States, HCNM carefully reviewed each entry to select the winning films. Watch the movies at: www.osce.org/hcnm/234801

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OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors visited Washington DC and New York City from 25 to 29 April 2016, where she explored opportunities to strengthen co-operation in conflict prevention, implementing early action policies and in fostering inclusion within diverse societies.

Thors met with officials from the United States and representatives of international organizations, including the United Nations Secretariat, Funds, Programmes and Agencies, as well as members of the academia, think tanks and human rights organizations.

During her visit, Thors welcomed the adoption by the United Nations Security Council of the Resolution 2282 (2016) on the Review of United Nations Peacebuilding Architecture as renewed meaningful support to conflict prevention worldwide. In discussions, it was also noted that the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and the data provided during their implementation are very relevantpertinent for building just and inclusive societies.

“I am pleased with the strengthened partnerships with the wider international community achieved during my trip, in particular in thematic areas such as access to justice and education, both highly relevant to national minorities and conflict prevention,” Thors concluded.

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OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors visited Croatia from 9 to 10 May 2016. During her visit, Thors focused on promoting the effective implementation of the Constitutional Act on the Rights of National Minorities, in particular the provisions regarding languages and scripts; on education matters; and, on issues pertaining to national minorities and good neighbourly relations.

Concerned that marginalizing or stigmatizing national minorities poses a threat to the cohesion of society and to bilateral relations, Thors urged the systematic condemnation of discriminatory rhetoric or conduct.

“Divisive rhetoric has proven a dangerous path. The more diversity, the richer a society is, as different cultures are the shared wealth of all,” Thors said. “It is crucial to foster a sense of belonging for all members of society in order to effectively promote the integration process,” she added. Thors called for ensuring the protection of the rights of national minorities whilst avoiding polarization of the society along ethnic lines, consistent with The Ljubljana Guidelines on the Integration of Diverse Societies, published by HCNM in 2012.

The High Commissioner also emphasized the need for a renewed dialogue between all political and social actors to overcome difficulties, including those related to the protection of minority rights, in a consultative manner. In this context, Thors welcomed the thorough process of the curricular reform and reiterated her support to teaching of a common curriculum, regardless of the instruction language, as an effective way to integrate diverse societies and provide for common points of understanding.

Thors was encouraged by the prospect of further co-operation with Croatian institutions. She also welcomed the attention given to the existing joint bilateral inter-governmental commissions. “Co-ordination of efforts with neighbouring countries in this field and the active role played by all ministries under the auspices of the State Office of Croats Abroad could consolidate the shared European aspirations in the neighbourhood,” Thors noted.

The High Commissioner met a variety of key interlocutors in Zagreb. These included Zdravka Bušić, Deputy Foreign Minister; Dubravka Jurlina Alibegović, Minister of Public Administration; Predrag Šustar, Minister of Science, Education and Sports; Furio Radin, Milorad Pupovac, Ivan Radić, and Marko Sladojev, Chairperson and members of the Parliamentary Committee on Human and National Minority Rights, respectively; Aleksandar Tolnauer, President of the Council for National Minorities; Lora Vidović, Ombudsman; Branko Sočana, Director of the Government Office for Human Rights and Rights of the National Minorities; and Zvonko Milas, Head of the State Office for Croats Abroad.

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OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) Astrid Thors visited Moldova from 23 to 25 May 2016 to discuss issues including the draft integration strategy developed with HCNM’s assistance to the Bureau for Interethnic Relations, relations between Chisinau and the autonomous territorial unit of Gagauzia, and the education of national minorities. The High Commissioner also visited Tiraspol.

In Chisinau, the High Commissioner discussed the draft integration strategy with Prime Minister Pavel Filip and other interlocutors and encouraged the Government to fulfil without delay its commitment to adopt the strategy. “Adoption of the integration strategy will underscore the Government’s commitment to promoting an inclusive, diverse society,” said Thors. “Even more important will be the strategy’s implementation. I am ready to assist the Bureau for Interethnic Relations in this process.”

The High Commissioner praised the parliamentary decision in November 2015 to establish a permanent joint working group between the Moldovan Parliament and the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia. She discussed the functioning of the working group with its co-chairs, Member of Parliament Elena Bacalu and People’s Assembly Member Gheorghii Leichu, Speaker of Parliament Adrian Candu, and the Bashkan of Gagauzia Irina Vlah. Thors encouraged the working group to be fully utilized as the primary platform for discussing issues related to the functioning of the autonomy so that questions that may contribute to tensions can be successfully addressed.

With Minister of Education Corina Fusu, the High Commissioner discussed implementation of the Education Code and the effect of education reforms on schools teaching in minority languages, including optimization of the school network and new procedures for the selection of school directors. “Having heard from national minority representatives that education is a primary concern, I encouraged the Minister to ensure that national minorities are consulted when implementing reforms,” she said. The High Commissioner noted with interest the adoption of a new programme to improve teaching of the State language in minority-language schools, remarking that it provides an opportunity to expand multilingual education as a tool for integration.

The High Commissioner met members of the Council of Ethno-Cultural Organizations in Chisinau and with the Transdniestrian de-facto authorities and civil society representatives in Tiraspol. She visited the Theoretical Lyceum Alexandru cel Bun in Bender and learned about the practical difficulties the school faces in maintaining its operations as a Moldovan-administered school teaching in the Latin script. Thors welcomed the active efforts of the OSCE Mission to Moldova and the German Chairmanship of the OSCE to find sustainable solutions for the Latin-script schools among other issues as part of the Transdniestrian Settlement Process, and noted the anticipated resumption of talks in the 5+2 format, which she discussed with Deputy Prime Minister on Reintegration Gheorghe Balan and Transdniestrian Chief Negotiator Vitaly Ignatiev.

The High Commissioner also met with Deputy Prime Minister on Social Issues Gheorghe Brega, Director General of the Bureau for Interethnic Relations Oleg Babenco, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Lilian Darii, and representatives of civil society and the international community.

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Addressing the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on 2 June 2016, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors described country engagement and highlighted the disturbing increase in hate speech.

The statement covered the High Commissioner’s activities since her last statement to the Permanent Council in November 2015. During this period Thors visited Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia and Moldova.

The High Commissioner expressed concern about the increase in hate speech targeting national minorities. Thors called for renewed efforts to tackle hate speech in order to prevent tensions and to promote integration with respect for diversity.

Thors also informed the Permanent Council about the work her institution is doing together with researchers to identify best practices that highlight the bridge building potential of national minorities in diverse societies.

The full statement can be found here.

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During her visit to Kosovo from 7 to 10 June 2016, the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors focused on education, implementation of the framework of language rights and access to justice.

The High Commissioner continues to urge for the adoption of the Strategy for the Protection and Promotion of Language Rights, contending that it will make the implementation of legislation more efficient and improve the quality and the consistency of different language versions of legal acts. “When in place, the strategy will lead to positive results quickly,” said Thors.

The visit included Prishtinë/Priština, Mitrovicë/Mitrovica, Prizren, Janjevë/Janjevo and Gračanica/Gracanicë where Thors met with ministers, local authorities, media representatives, judges, university professors and students, as well as representatives of the international community. The High Commissioner was joined in several meetings by the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo Jean-Claude Schlumberger.

Thors commended the recent adoption of an administrative instruction of the Ministry of Education Science and Technology, which will make it easier for members of non-majority communities to pursue studies at universities in Kosovo as it, among others issues, improves the functioning of the existing quota system.

Whilst visiting the University of Prizren, the High Commissioner expressed concern that courses taught in Turkish and Bosnian have not yet received official accreditation for the next academic year. Such courses cater to the fundamental needs of non-majority communities in Kosovo. “I encourage relevant authorities to take urgent measures so that these options remain available also the next academic year,” said Thors.

High Commissioner Thors discussed extensively with a number of stakeholders the prospective establishment of the Association/Community of Serb majority municipalities as well as ways to overcome the current stalemate in the process. She heard views on the need to respect the relevant legal framework but also to meet the expectations of concerned communities, in north Kosovo as elsewhere. Thors also noted the concerns expressed by Serbs living outside Serb majority municipalities, as well as non-Serb non-majority communities, who fear they will not benefit from the process.

In several meetings Thors pointed to the need to improve access to justice for all non-majority communities, to thoroughly follow up on crimes targeting them, as well as to fully enforce their property rights. “When such crimes are investigated and prosecuted, it sends a powerful and reassuring message to non-majority communities that their rights will be effectively protected by the authorities.”

On the last day of her visit, Thors attended a class of Serbian language instruction for Kosovo Albanian officials from the municipality of Prishtinë/Priština, part of a flagship partnership project on language acquisition by municipal officials sponsored by the Office of the Language Commissioner and the HCNM, with German funding, and implemented by the ECMI Kosovo.

The visit served to underline the importance attached by the High Commissioner to language learning as a key building block for integrated societies: “Speaking more than one language is beneficial, both for the person who speaks them and for society as a whole; it is even more important for local government officials, who regularly engage with members of public, to be able to communicate with every person in their community.”

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THE HAGUE / TBILISI, 1 July 2016 – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier today awarded a certificate of participation to eight interns from Georgia’s national minority communities in Tbilisi. The certificate recognizes the immersive and proactive involvement of the young professionals in their mid-twenties in the day-to-day life of Georgia’s political parties during an intensive one-month internship programme in May-June 2016.

This programme is part of a two-year project, jointly implemented by the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) and the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy, which aims to encourage the participation of minority communities in mainstream politics and to promote multiparty dialogue.

“All diverse societies face the immense challenge of involving ethnic communities fully in the political arena. Engaging young people from national minority communities in the day-to-day work of political parties gives them a deeper insight into political life. The inclusion of minority communities in political life and their fair and equal representation in the public sector is a key ingredient for the successful integration of diverse societies,” said Steinmeier.

Now in its final phase, the Multiparty Dialogue – Strengthening the Participation of National Minorities in Political Life project has been in operation since its launch in September 2014 to encourage and support the involvement of national minorities in politics as a conflict prevention measure to make Georgia a more cohesive, integrated and resilient State. At the same time it has also helped to strengthen the Georgian political system in its efforts to reach out to, and engage with, national minorities.  

This pioneering project − the first of its kind in Georgia – provided young people from regions of Georgia with significant ethnic Armenian and ethnic Azeri populations with a unique opportunity to have first-hand experience of the work involved in running a political party. Furthermore, in addition to giving parliamentary and non-parliamentary parties the chance to work closely with young people from national minority communities, it also provided them with the necessary tools and insights to develop their own Action Plans on Minority Participation. These plans are now being finalized in time for preparations for the parliamentary elections in October 2016. Television also played an innovative role in this project, culminating in the production of five topical talk shows related to essential issues that affect national minorities such as integration and political participation. In addition, four policy papers will be published in August 2016.

Following on from her visit earlier this year to Tbilisi, High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors said: “The project activities in Georgia are an inspiring example of the effective promotion of the HCNM Lund Recommendations on the Effective Participation of National Minorities in Public Life. In this regard, I hope our project has helped to encourage these interns to actively participate in political life and also encourage others of their generation to do so.” 

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A week-long regional summer school on multilingual and multicultural education was held from 10 July to 16 July 2016 in Cholponata in Kyrgyzstan - the fifth regional summer school organized as part of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities’ (HCNM) Central Asia Education Programme.

Organized by the HCNM in co-operation with Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Education and Science, UNICEF and the Office of the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights in Kyrgyzstan, the summer school brought together 86 participants representing education institutions of the Central Asian States and of the wider region, including teacher trainers, methodological experts, university and pilot school managers and teachers, as well as international experts.

The summer school was aimed at providing practical expert support to further develop the capacity of education authorities and practitioners within multilingual and multicultural education.

Opening the summer school, Deputy Minister of Education of Kyrgyzstan Toktobubu Ashymbaeva highlighted the important role of the teacher in multilingual education programmes.

During the week, participants discussed pre-service and in-service teacher training, as well as facilitating the implementation of multilingual education programmes. Participants also developed training materials aimed at monitoring and evaluating multilingual and multicultural education programmes. As a result, eleven thematic materials were developed with the aim to further adapt them for practical use within the education institutions of the region.

Flera Saifulina, Head of the National Education Department of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tatarstan in the Russian Federation, found that the diverse forms of activities enabled participants to express their opinions, raise concerns and receive comprehensive answers from fellow experts. She also expressed satisfaction to see how education is used for the integration of societies in the Central Asian countries.

Tatiana Aderikhina, Co-ordinator of Education and Child Protection Issues at UNICEF Kazakhstan, said: “I am glad that the cooperation between HCNM and UNICEF Kyrgyzstan continues as it brings synergies and benefits the target country.”

Zaiyrbek Ergeshev, representative of the Department of the Ethnic and Religious Issues of the Presidential Administration of Kyrgyzstan, concluded that multilingual and multicultural education is an important factor for forming a civic identity.

Since 2012, the High Commissioner has been implementing the Central Asia Education Programme, aimed at promoting multilingual and multicultural education and developing bilateral and multilateral co‑operation in the region to improve the education of national minorities and promote the integration of society.

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THE HAGUE, 20 April 2016 - Education is in many ways the space where issues of equality, national identity and the concept of nationhood are being negotiated, said OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors today as she opened a high-level conference to mark 20 years of The Hague Recommendations Regarding the Education Rights of National Minorities.

Underlining how education can contribute to preventing conflicts and to peace-building efforts, Thors said it is crucial that governments and education ministries analyse and anticipate tensions that may arise from competing demands placed on the education system such as questions on the language of instruction. These tensions often reflect the widespread societal debates about the place of national minorities as a whole, she added.   

Thors was addressing the start of a two-day conference, which brings together 180 government representatives, experts, teachers, education professionals, non-governmental actors and other local and international stakeholders active in the field of education, conflict prevention and peace-making to discuss the challenges in adapting education systems to ethnically diverse societies.

Gernot Erler, Special Representative of the Federal Government of Germany for the 2016 OSCE Chairmanship, highlighted how challenges in this area have evolved in the two decades since The Hague Recommendations were launched.

“Today, we should realize more and more how crucial the right treatment of minorities by ensuring equal rights, tolerance and cross-border dialogue, is for preventing conflicts,” he said.

In his keynote speech, Fernand de Varennes, Dean of the Law Faculty of the University of Moncton in Canada underlined that the first HCNM recommendations - The Hague Recommendations - are the building block, the foundation upon which latest, The Ljubljana Guidelines on integration, must be understood. When it comes to education in minority language, he pointed out that to an increasing degree it is already perceived as an internationally recognised human right.

During a panel discussion, Srđan Verbić, Minister of Education, of Serbia, Ketevan Tsikhelashvili, First Deputy State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality of Georgia as well as leading human rights academics, Sia Spiliopoulou Åkermark and Jan de Groof discussed what role education should have when building stable multi-ethnic societies. .    

At the margins of the conference, HCNM premiered its film charting the story of the founding of the Bujanovac Department of Economics as the first multilingual and multi-ethnic higher education institution in southern Serbia. The Department has been supported by the HCNM since its inception. To learn more about the project, watch the film here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsiKoZKtZhU

HCNM also screened the winning entries from its first-ever video contest, “Our school, our diversity” during the conference. School pupils across the OSCE region were invited to shoot and script a video of no longer than 60 seconds illustrating why diversity matters in the classroom. Having received 101 submissions from 15 OSCE participating States, HCNM carefully reviewed each entry to select the winning films. Watch the movies at: www.osce.org/hcnm/234801

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• Our school, our diversity

OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors visited Washington DC and New York City from 25 to 29 April 2016, where she explored opportunities to strengthen co-operation in conflict prevention, implementing early action policies and in fostering inclusion within diverse societies.

Thors met with officials from the United States and representatives of international organizations, including the United Nations Secretariat, Funds, Programmes and Agencies, as well as members of the academia, think tanks and human rights organizations.

During her visit, Thors welcomed the adoption by the United Nations Security Council of the Resolution 2282 (2016) on the Review of United Nations Peacebuilding Architecture as renewed meaningful support to conflict prevention worldwide. In discussions, it was also noted that the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and the data provided during their implementation are very relevantpertinent for building just and inclusive societies.

“I am pleased with the strengthened partnerships with the wider international community achieved during my trip, in particular in thematic areas such as access to justice and education, both highly relevant to national minorities and conflict prevention,” Thors concluded.

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OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors visited Croatia from 9 to 10 May 2016. During her visit, Thors focused on promoting the effective implementation of the Constitutional Act on the Rights of National Minorities, in particular the provisions regarding languages and scripts; on education matters; and, on issues pertaining to national minorities and good neighbourly relations.

Concerned that marginalizing or stigmatizing national minorities poses a threat to the cohesion of society and to bilateral relations, Thors urged the systematic condemnation of discriminatory rhetoric or conduct.

“Divisive rhetoric has proven a dangerous path. The more diversity, the richer a society is, as different cultures are the shared wealth of all,” Thors said. “It is crucial to foster a sense of belonging for all members of society in order to effectively promote the integration process,” she added. Thors called for ensuring the protection of the rights of national minorities whilst avoiding polarization of the society along ethnic lines, consistent with The Ljubljana Guidelines on the Integration of Diverse Societies, published by HCNM in 2012.

The High Commissioner also emphasized the need for a renewed dialogue between all political and social actors to overcome difficulties, including those related to the protection of minority rights, in a consultative manner. In this context, Thors welcomed the thorough process of the curricular reform and reiterated her support to teaching of a common curriculum, regardless of the instruction language, as an effective way to integrate diverse societies and provide for common points of understanding.

Thors was encouraged by the prospect of further co-operation with Croatian institutions. She also welcomed the attention given to the existing joint bilateral inter-governmental commissions. “Co-ordination of efforts with neighbouring countries in this field and the active role played by all ministries under the auspices of the State Office of Croats Abroad could consolidate the shared European aspirations in the neighbourhood,” Thors noted.

The High Commissioner met a variety of key interlocutors in Zagreb. These included Zdravka Bušić, Deputy Foreign Minister; Dubravka Jurlina Alibegović, Minister of Public Administration; Predrag Šustar, Minister of Science, Education and Sports; Furio Radin, Milorad Pupovac, Ivan Radić, and Marko Sladojev, Chairperson and members of the Parliamentary Committee on Human and National Minority Rights, respectively; Aleksandar Tolnauer, President of the Council for National Minorities; Lora Vidović, Ombudsman; Branko Sočana, Director of the Government Office for Human Rights and Rights of the National Minorities; and Zvonko Milas, Head of the State Office for Croats Abroad.

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OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities (HCNM) Astrid Thors visited Moldova from 23 to 25 May 2016 to discuss issues including the draft integration strategy developed with HCNM’s assistance to the Bureau for Interethnic Relations, relations between Chisinau and the autonomous territorial unit of Gagauzia, and the education of national minorities. The High Commissioner also visited Tiraspol.

In Chisinau, the High Commissioner discussed the draft integration strategy with Prime Minister Pavel Filip and other interlocutors and encouraged the Government to fulfil without delay its commitment to adopt the strategy. “Adoption of the integration strategy will underscore the Government’s commitment to promoting an inclusive, diverse society,” said Thors. “Even more important will be the strategy’s implementation. I am ready to assist the Bureau for Interethnic Relations in this process.”

The High Commissioner praised the parliamentary decision in November 2015 to establish a permanent joint working group between the Moldovan Parliament and the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia. She discussed the functioning of the working group with its co-chairs, Member of Parliament Elena Bacalu and People’s Assembly Member Gheorghii Leichu, Speaker of Parliament Adrian Candu, and the Bashkan of Gagauzia Irina Vlah. Thors encouraged the working group to be fully utilized as the primary platform for discussing issues related to the functioning of the autonomy so that questions that may contribute to tensions can be successfully addressed.

With Minister of Education Corina Fusu, the High Commissioner discussed implementation of the Education Code and the effect of education reforms on schools teaching in minority languages, including optimization of the school network and new procedures for the selection of school directors. “Having heard from national minority representatives that education is a primary concern, I encouraged the Minister to ensure that national minorities are consulted when implementing reforms,” she said. The High Commissioner noted with interest the adoption of a new programme to improve teaching of the State language in minority-language schools, remarking that it provides an opportunity to expand multilingual education as a tool for integration.

The High Commissioner met members of the Council of Ethno-Cultural Organizations in Chisinau and with the Transdniestrian de-facto authorities and civil society representatives in Tiraspol. She visited the Theoretical Lyceum Alexandru cel Bun in Bender and learned about the practical difficulties the school faces in maintaining its operations as a Moldovan-administered school teaching in the Latin script. Thors welcomed the active efforts of the OSCE Mission to Moldova and the German Chairmanship of the OSCE to find sustainable solutions for the Latin-script schools among other issues as part of the Transdniestrian Settlement Process, and noted the anticipated resumption of talks in the 5+2 format, which she discussed with Deputy Prime Minister on Reintegration Gheorghe Balan and Transdniestrian Chief Negotiator Vitaly Ignatiev.

The High Commissioner also met with Deputy Prime Minister on Social Issues Gheorghe Brega, Director General of the Bureau for Interethnic Relations Oleg Babenco, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Lilian Darii, and representatives of civil society and the international community.

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Addressing the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on 2 June 2016, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors described country engagement and highlighted the disturbing increase in hate speech.

The statement covered the High Commissioner’s activities since her last statement to the Permanent Council in November 2015. During this period Thors visited Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, Ukraine, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia and Moldova.

The High Commissioner expressed concern about the increase in hate speech targeting national minorities. Thors called for renewed efforts to tackle hate speech in order to prevent tensions and to promote integration with respect for diversity.

Thors also informed the Permanent Council about the work her institution is doing together with researchers to identify best practices that highlight the bridge building potential of national minorities in diverse societies.

The full statement can be found here.

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During her visit to Kosovo from 7 to 10 June 2016, the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Astrid Thors focused on education, implementation of the framework of language rights and access to justice.

The High Commissioner continues to urge for the adoption of the Strategy for the Protection and Promotion of Language Rights, contending that it will make the implementation of legislation more efficient and improve the quality and the consistency of different language versions of legal acts. “When in place, the strategy will lead to positive results quickly,” said Thors.

The visit included Prishtinë/Priština, Mitrovicë/Mitrovica, Prizren, Janjevë/Janjevo and Gračanica/Gracanicë where Thors met with ministers, local authorities, media representatives, judges, university professors and students, as well as representatives of the international community. The High Commissioner was joined in several meetings by the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo Jean-Claude Schlumberger.

Thors commended the recent adoption of an administrative instruction of the Ministry of Education Science and Technology, which will make it easier for members of non-majority communities to pursue studies at universities in Kosovo as it, among others issues, improves the functioning of the existing quota system.

Whilst visiting the University of Prizren, the High Commissioner expressed concern that courses taught in Turkish and Bosnian have not yet received official accreditation for the next academic year. Such courses cater to the fundamental needs of non-majority communities in Kosovo. “I encourage relevant authorities to take urgent measures so that these options remain available also the next academic year,” said Thors.

High Commissioner Thors discussed extensively with a number of stakeholders the prospective establishment of the Association/Community of Serb majority municipalities as well as ways to overcome the current stalemate in the process. She heard views on the need to respect the relevant legal framework but also to meet the expectations of concerned communities, in north Kosovo as elsewhere. Thors also noted the concerns expressed by Serbs living outside Serb majority municipalities, as well as non-Serb non-majority communities, who fear they will not benefit from the process.

In several meetings Thors pointed to the need to improve access to justice for all non-majority communities, to thoroughly follow up on crimes targeting them, as well as to fully enforce their property rights. “When such crimes are investigated and prosecuted, it sends a powerful and reassuring message to non-majority communities that their rights will be effectively protected by the authorities.”

On the last day of her visit, Thors attended a class of Serbian language instruction for Kosovo Albanian officials from the municipality of Prishtinë/Priština, part of a flagship partnership project on language acquisition by municipal officials sponsored by the Office of the Language Commissioner and the HCNM, with German funding, and implemented by the ECMI Kosovo.

The visit served to underline the importance attached by the High Commissioner to language learning as a key building block for integrated societies: “Speaking more than one language is beneficial, both for the person who speaks them and for society as a whole; it is even more important for local government officials, who regularly engage with members of public, to be able to communicate with every person in their community.”

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A week-long regional summer school on multilingual and multicultural education was held from 10 July to 16 July 2016 in Cholponata in Kyrgyzstan - the fifth regional summer school organized as part of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities’ (HCNM) Central Asia Education Programme.

Organized by the HCNM in co-operation with Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Education and Science, UNICEF and the Office of the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights in Kyrgyzstan, the summer school brought together 86 participants representing education institutions of the Central Asian States and of the wider region, including teacher trainers, methodological experts, university and pilot school managers and teachers, as well as international experts.

The summer school was aimed at providing practical expert support to further develop the capacity of education authorities and practitioners within multilingual and multicultural education.

Opening the summer school, Deputy Minister of Education of Kyrgyzstan Toktobubu Ashymbaeva highlighted the important role of the teacher in multilingual education programmes.

During the week, participants discussed pre-service and in-service teacher training, as well as facilitating the implementation of multilingual education programmes. Participants also developed training materials aimed at monitoring and evaluating multilingual and multicultural education programmes. As a result, eleven thematic materials were developed with the aim to further adapt them for practical use within the education institutions of the region.

Flera Saifulina, Head of the National Education Department of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tatarstan in the Russian Federation, found that the diverse forms of activities enabled participants to express their opinions, raise concerns and receive comprehensive answers from fellow experts. She also expressed satisfaction to see how education is used for the integration of societies in the Central Asian countries.

Tatiana Aderikhina, Co-ordinator of Education and Child Protection Issues at UNICEF Kazakhstan, said: “I am glad that the cooperation between HCNM and UNICEF Kyrgyzstan continues as it brings synergies and benefits the target country.”

Zaiyrbek Ergeshev, representative of the Department of the Ethnic and Religious Issues of the Presidential Administration of Kyrgyzstan, concluded that multilingual and multicultural education is an important factor for forming a civic identity.

Since 2012, the High Commissioner has been implementing the Central Asia Education Programme, aimed at promoting multilingual and multicultural education and developing bilateral and multilateral co‑operation in the region to improve the education of national minorities and promote the integration of society.

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COP 29, Day 3: Small islands reaffirm commitments, and Climate Action Commissioner EU's leadership

Councillors narrowly voted to terminate David Boghosian’s employment contract with the city after several around the council table expressed dissatisfaction with his reports and investigations.

In this report, Peter Dada writes on the forthcoming Ondo governorship election, highlighting the controversy that has trailed INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner for the poll On Saturday, over two million registered voters would go to the polling centres to cast their votes for the governorship candidates of their choice, to decide who will steer the

RAVINDER DUDEJA, J.

1. The instant appeal, at the instance of the Revenue, impugns order dated 28.05.2018 passed by the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ["ITAT"], whereby, the ITAT ruled in favour of the respondent/Assessee and dismissed the appeal preferred against the order passed by Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) ["CITA"]. The appeal has been admitted on the following substantial questions of law:-

"A. Did the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal ["ITAT"] fall into error in holding that the entity assessed was no longer in existence having regard to the circumstance that M/s. Infovision Information Services Pvt. Ltd. merely underwent a name change and had responded to the Revenue's notices, having regard to Section 292B of the Income Tax Act, 1961 ["Act"]?

These cross appeals are filed by the Revenue and Assessee against order dated 12.03.2020 passed by the CIT(A)-1, Ahmedabad for the Assessment Year 2012-13.

2. The Revenue has raised the following grounds of appeal :-

ITA Nos.345 & 383/Ahd/2020 Assessment Years: 2012-13 "(1) The ld. CIT(A) has erred in facts and law in deleting the transfer pricing adjustment made in respect of Corporate guarantee fees of Rs.60,83,440/-

(2) The id. CIT(A) has erred in facts and law in deleting the interest disallowance of Rs.1,64,86,560/- u/s.36(1)(iii) of the Act.

These cross appeals are filed by the Revenue and Assessee against order dated 12.03.2020 passed by the CIT(A)-1, Ahmedabad for the Assessment Year 2012-13.

2. The Revenue has raised the following grounds of appeal :-

ITA Nos.345 & 383/Ahd/2020 Assessment Years: 2012-13 "(1) The ld. CIT(A) has erred in facts and law in deleting the transfer pricing adjustment made in respect of Corporate guarantee fees of Rs.60,83,440/-

(2) The id. CIT(A) has erred in facts and law in deleting the interest disallowance of Rs.1,64,86,560/- u/s.36(1)(iii) of the Act.

IN THE INCOME TAX APPELLATE TRIBUNAL, RAJKOT BENCH, RAJKOT BEFORE DR. ARJUN LAL SAINI, ACCOUNTANT MEMBER AND SHRI DINESH MOHAN SINHA, JUDICIAL MEMBER आ.(खो और ज).सं./IT(SS)A Nos.103 -108/RJT/20 17 ( नधारण वष /Assessment Years: (2007-08 to 20 12 -13) Deputy Commissioner of Income Karim K. Makhani Tax, Central Circle-1, "Amruta Vs. Flat No.201, Block No.37, Race Estate", 2nd Floor, M.G. Road, Course Park, Rajkot Rajkot-360001 थायीले खासं . /जीआइआरसं . /P AN/GIR No.: AMBPM 6370 J (अपीलाथ /Assessee) ( यथ /Respondent) आ.(खो और ज). सं./IT(SS)A Nos.1 25-130/RJT/20 17 ( नधारणवष / Assessment Years: (2007-08 to 20 12 -13) Karim K. Makhani Assistant Commissioner of Income C/o SADP & Co. Chart ered Vs. Tax, Central Circle-1, 2nd Floor, Accountants, BB House, 5- Amruta Estate, Room No.215, M.G Collegewadi, Near Kathiyawad Road, Rajkot-360001 Gymkhana, R ajkot-360001 थायीले खासं . /जीआइआरसं . /P AN/GIR No.: AMBPM 6370 J (अपीलाथ /Assessee) ( यथ /Respondent) आयकर अपील सं./ITA Nos.210 -213/RJT/2018 ( नधारण वष /Assessm ent Years: (2 008-09 to 20 09 -10, 2011-12 & 2013-14) Deputy Commissioner of Income Karim K. Makhani Tax, Central Circle-1, "Amruta Vs. 37/301, Race Course Park, Airport Estate", 2nd Floor, M.G. Road, Road, Rajkot Rajkot-360001 थायीले खासं . /जीआइआरसं . /P AN/GIR No.: AMBPM 6370 J (अपीलाथ /Assessee) ( यथ /Respondent) IT(SS)A Nos.103-108/Rjt/2017, 125-130/Rjt/2017 & ITA Nos.210-

IN THE INCOME TAX APPELLATE TRIBUNAL, RAJKOT BENCH, RAJKOT BEFORE DR. ARJUN LAL SAINI, ACCOUNTANT MEMBER AND SHRI DINESH MOHAN SINHA, JUDICIAL MEMBER आ.(खो और ज).सं./IT(SS)A Nos.103 -108/RJT/20 17 ( नधारण वष /Assessment Years: (2007-08 to 20 12 -13) Deputy Commissioner of Income Karim K. Makhani Tax, Central Circle-1, "Amruta Vs. Flat No.201, Block No.37, Race Estate", 2nd Floor, M.G. Road, Course Park, Rajkot Rajkot-360001 थायीले खासं . /जीआइआरसं . /P AN/GIR No.: AMBPM 6370 J (अपीलाथ /Assessee) ( यथ /Respondent) आ.(खो और ज). सं./IT(SS)A Nos.1 25-130/RJT/20 17 ( नधारणवष / Assessment Years: (2007-08 to 20 12 -13) Karim K. Makhani Assistant Commissioner of Income C/o SADP & Co. Chart ered Vs. Tax, Central Circle-1, 2nd Floor, Accountants, BB House, 5- Amruta Estate, Room No.215, M.G Collegewadi, Near Kathiyawad Road, Rajkot-360001 Gymkhana, R ajkot-360001 थायीले खासं . /जीआइआरसं . /P AN/GIR No.: AMBPM 6370 J (अपीलाथ /Assessee) ( यथ /Respondent) आयकर अपील सं./ITA Nos.210 -213/RJT/2018 ( नधारण वष /Assessm ent Years: (2 008-09 to 20 09 -10, 2011-12 & 2013-14) Deputy Commissioner of Income Karim K. Makhani Tax, Central Circle-1, "Amruta Vs. 37/301, Race Course Park, Airport Estate", 2nd Floor, M.G. Road, Road, Rajkot Rajkot-360001 थायीले खासं . /जीआइआरसं . /P AN/GIR No.: AMBPM 6370 J (अपीलाथ /Assessee) ( यथ /Respondent) IT(SS)A Nos.103-108/Rjt/2017, 125-130/Rjt/2017 & ITA Nos.210-

IN THE INCOME TAX APPELLATE TRIBUNAL, RAJKOT BENCH, RAJKOT BEFORE DR. ARJUN LAL SAINI, ACCOUNTANT MEMBER AND SHRI DINESH MOHAN SINHA, JUDICIAL MEMBER आ.(खो और ज).सं./IT(SS)A Nos.103 -108/RJT/20 17 ( नधारण वष /Assessment Years: (2007-08 to 20 12 -13) Deputy Commissioner of Income Karim K. Makhani Tax, Central Circle-1, "Amruta Vs. Flat No.201, Block No.37, Race Estate", 2nd Floor, M.G. Road, Course Park, Rajkot Rajkot-360001 थायीले खासं . /जीआइआरसं . /P AN/GIR No.: AMBPM 6370 J (अपीलाथ /Assessee) ( यथ /Respondent) आ.(खो और ज). सं./IT(SS)A Nos.1 25-130/RJT/20 17 ( नधारणवष / Assessment Years: (2007-08 to 20 12 -13) Karim K. Makhani Assistant Commissioner of Income C/o SADP & Co. Chart ered Vs. Tax, Central Circle-1, 2nd Floor, Accountants, BB House, 5- Amruta Estate, Room No.215, M.G Collegewadi, Near Kathiyawad Road, Rajkot-360001 Gymkhana, R ajkot-360001 थायीले खासं . /जीआइआरसं . /P AN/GIR No.: AMBPM 6370 J (अपीलाथ /Assessee) ( यथ /Respondent) आयकर अपील सं./ITA Nos.210 -213/RJT/2018 ( नधारण वष /Assessm ent Years: (2 008-09 to 20 09 -10, 2011-12 & 2013-14) Deputy Commissioner of Income Karim K. Makhani Tax, Central Circle-1, "Amruta Vs. 37/301, Race Course Park, Airport Estate", 2nd Floor, M.G. Road, Road, Rajkot Rajkot-360001 थायीले खासं . /जीआइआरसं . /P AN/GIR No.: AMBPM 6370 J (अपीलाथ /Assessee) ( यथ /Respondent) IT(SS)A Nos.103-108/Rjt/2017, 125-130/Rjt/2017 & ITA Nos.210-

IN THE INCOME TAX APPELLATE TRIBUNAL, RAJKOT BENCH, RAJKOT BEFORE DR. ARJUN LAL SAINI, ACCOUNTANT MEMBER AND SHRI DINESH MOHAN SINHA, JUDICIAL MEMBER आ.(खो और ज).सं./IT(SS)A Nos.103 -108/RJT/20 17 ( नधारण वष /Assessment Years: (2007-08 to 20 12 -13) Deputy Commissioner of Income Karim K. Makhani Tax, Central Circle-1, "Amruta Vs. Flat No.201, Block No.37, Race Estate", 2nd Floor, M.G. Road, Course Park, Rajkot Rajkot-360001 थायीले खासं . /जीआइआरसं . /P AN/GIR No.: AMBPM 6370 J (अपीलाथ /Assessee) ( यथ /Respondent) आ.(खो और ज). सं./IT(SS)A Nos.1 25-130/RJT/20 17 ( नधारणवष / Assessment Years: (2007-08 to 20 12 -13) Karim K. Makhani Assistant Commissioner of Income C/o SADP & Co. Chart ered Vs. Tax, Central Circle-1, 2nd Floor, Accountants, BB House, 5- Amruta Estate, Room No.215, M.G Collegewadi, Near Kathiyawad Road, Rajkot-360001 Gymkhana, R ajkot-360001 थायीले खासं . /जीआइआरसं . /P AN/GIR No.: AMBPM 6370 J (अपीलाथ /Assessee) ( यथ /Respondent) आयकर अपील सं./ITA Nos.210 -213/RJT/2018 ( नधारण वष /Assessm ent Years: (2 008-09 to 20 09 -10, 2011-12 & 2013-14) Deputy Commissioner of Income Karim K. Makhani Tax, Central Circle-1, "Amruta Vs. 37/301, Race Course Park, Airport Estate", 2nd Floor, M.G. Road, Road, Rajkot Rajkot-360001 थायीले खासं . /जीआइआरसं . /P AN/GIR No.: AMBPM 6370 J (अपीलाथ /Assessee) ( यथ /Respondent) IT(SS)A Nos.103-108/Rjt/2017, 125-130/Rjt/2017 & ITA Nos.210-

IN THE INCOME TAX APPELLATE TRIBUNAL, RAJKOT BENCH, RAJKOT BEFORE DR. ARJUN LAL SAINI, ACCOUNTANT MEMBER AND SHRI DINESH MOHAN SINHA, JUDICIAL MEMBER आ.(खो और ज).सं./IT(SS)A Nos.103 -108/RJT/20 17 ( नधारण वष /Assessment Years: (2007-08 to 20 12 -13) Deputy Commissioner of Income Karim K. Makhani Tax, Central Circle-1, "Amruta Vs. Flat No.201, Block No.37, Race Estate", 2nd Floor, M.G. Road, Course Park, Rajkot Rajkot-360001 थायीले खासं . /जीआइआरसं . /P AN/GIR No.: AMBPM 6370 J (अपीलाथ /Assessee) ( यथ /Respondent) आ.(खो और ज). सं./IT(SS)A Nos.1 25-130/RJT/20 17 ( नधारणवष / Assessment Years: (2007-08 to 20 12 -13) Karim K. Makhani Assistant Commissioner of Income C/o SADP & Co. Chart ered Vs. Tax, Central Circle-1, 2nd Floor, Accountants, BB House, 5- Amruta Estate, Room No.215, M.G Collegewadi, Near Kathiyawad Road, Rajkot-360001 Gymkhana, R ajkot-360001 थायीले खासं . /जीआइआरसं . /P AN/GIR No.: AMBPM 6370 J (अपीलाथ /Assessee) ( यथ /Respondent) आयकर अपील सं./ITA Nos.210 -213/RJT/2018 ( नधारण वष /Assessm ent Years: (2 008-09 to 20 09 -10, 2011-12 & 2013-14) Deputy Commissioner of Income Karim K. Makhani Tax, Central Circle-1, "Amruta Vs. 37/301, Race Course Park, Airport Estate", 2nd Floor, M.G. Road, Road, Rajkot Rajkot-360001 थायीले खासं . /जीआइआरसं . /P AN/GIR No.: AMBPM 6370 J (अपीलाथ /Assessee) ( यथ /Respondent) IT(SS)A Nos.103-108/Rjt/2017, 125-130/Rjt/2017 & ITA Nos.210-

IN THE INCOME TAX APPELLATE TRIBUNAL, RAJKOT BENCH, RAJKOT BEFORE DR. ARJUN LAL SAINI, ACCOUNTANT MEMBER AND SHRI DINESH MOHAN SINHA, JUDICIAL MEMBER आ.(खो और ज).सं./IT(SS)A Nos.103 -108/RJT/20 17 ( नधारण वष /Assessment Years: (2007-08 to 20 12 -13) Deputy Commissioner of Income Karim K. Makhani Tax, Central Circle-1, "Amruta Vs. Flat No.201, Block No.37, Race Estate", 2nd Floor, M.G. Road, Course Park, Rajkot Rajkot-360001 थायीले खासं . /जीआइआरसं . /P AN/GIR No.: AMBPM 6370 J (अपीलाथ /Assessee) ( यथ /Respondent) आ.(खो और ज). सं./IT(SS)A Nos.1 25-130/RJT/20 17 ( नधारणवष / Assessment Years: (2007-08 to 20 12 -13) Karim K. Makhani Assistant Commissioner of Income C/o SADP & Co. Chart ered Vs. Tax, Central Circle-1, 2nd Floor, Accountants, BB House, 5- Amruta Estate, Room No.215, M.G Collegewadi, Near Kathiyawad Road, Rajkot-360001 Gymkhana, R ajkot-360001 थायीले खासं . /जीआइआरसं . /P AN/GIR No.: AMBPM 6370 J (अपीलाथ /Assessee) ( यथ /Respondent) आयकर अपील सं./ITA Nos.210 -213/RJT/2018 ( नधारण वष /Assessm ent Years: (2 008-09 to 20 09 -10, 2011-12 & 2013-14) Deputy Commissioner of Income Karim K. Makhani Tax, Central Circle-1, "Amruta Vs. 37/301, Race Course Park, Airport Estate", 2nd Floor, M.G. Road, Road, Rajkot Rajkot-360001 थायीले खासं . /जीआइआरसं . /P AN/GIR No.: AMBPM 6370 J (अपीलाथ /Assessee) ( यथ /Respondent) IT(SS)A Nos.103-108/Rjt/2017, 125-130/Rjt/2017 & ITA Nos.210-

IN THE INCOME TAX APPELLATE TRIBUNAL, RAJKOT BENCH, RAJKOT BEFORE DR. ARJUN LAL SAINI, ACCOUNTANT MEMBER AND SHRI DINESH MOHAN SINHA, JUDICIAL MEMBER आ.(खो और ज).सं./IT(SS)A Nos.103 -108/RJT/20 17 ( नधारण वष /Assessment Years: (2007-08 to 20 12 -13) Deputy Commissioner of Income Karim K. Makhani Tax, Central Circle-1, "Amruta Vs. Flat No.201, Block No.37, Race Estate", 2nd Floor, M.G. Road, Course Park, Rajkot Rajkot-360001 थायीले खासं . /जीआइआरसं . /P AN/GIR No.: AMBPM 6370 J (अपीलाथ /Assessee) ( यथ /Respondent) आ.(खो और ज). सं./IT(SS)A Nos.1 25-130/RJT/20 17 ( नधारणवष / Assessment Years: (2007-08 to 20 12 -13) Karim K. Makhani Assistant Commissioner of Income C/o SADP & Co. Chart ered Vs. Tax, Central Circle-1, 2nd Floor, Accountants, BB House, 5- Amruta Estate, Room No.215, M.G Collegewadi, Near Kathiyawad Road, Rajkot-360001 Gymkhana, R ajkot-360001 थायीले खासं . /जीआइआरसं . /P AN/GIR No.: AMBPM 6370 J (अपीलाथ /Assessee) ( यथ /Respondent) आयकर अपील सं./ITA Nos.210 -213/RJT/2018 ( नधारण वष /Assessm ent Years: (2 008-09 to 20 09 -10, 2011-12 & 2013-14) Deputy Commissioner of Income Karim K. Makhani Tax, Central Circle-1, "Amruta Vs. 37/301, Race Course Park, Airport Estate", 2nd Floor, M.G. Road, Road, Rajkot Rajkot-360001 थायीले खासं . /जीआइआरसं . /P AN/GIR No.: AMBPM 6370 J (अपीलाथ /Assessee) ( यथ /Respondent) IT(SS)A Nos.103-108/Rjt/2017, 125-130/Rjt/2017 & ITA Nos.210-

IN THE INCOME TAX APPELLATE TRIBUNAL, RAJKOT BENCH, RAJKOT BEFORE DR. ARJUN LAL SAINI, ACCOUNTANT MEMBER AND SHRI DINESH MOHAN SINHA, JUDICIAL MEMBER आ.(खो और ज).सं./IT(SS)A Nos.103 -108/RJT/20 17 ( नधारण वष /Assessment Years: (2007-08 to 20 12 -13) Deputy Commissioner of Income Karim K. Makhani Tax, Central Circle-1, "Amruta Vs. Flat No.201, Block No.37, Race Estate", 2nd Floor, M.G. Road, Course Park, Rajkot Rajkot-360001 थायीले खासं . /जीआइआरसं . /P AN/GIR No.: AMBPM 6370 J (अपीलाथ /Assessee) ( यथ /Respondent) आ.(खो और ज). सं./IT(SS)A Nos.1 25-130/RJT/20 17 ( नधारणवष / Assessment Years: (2007-08 to 20 12 -13) Karim K. Makhani Assistant Commissioner of Income C/o SADP & Co. Chart ered Vs. Tax, Central Circle-1, 2nd Floor, Accountants, BB House, 5- Amruta Estate, Room No.215, M.G Collegewadi, Near Kathiyawad Road, Rajkot-360001 Gymkhana, R ajkot-360001 थायीले खासं . /जीआइआरसं . /P AN/GIR No.: AMBPM 6370 J (अपीलाथ /Assessee) ( यथ /Respondent) आयकर अपील सं./ITA Nos.210 -213/RJT/2018 ( नधारण वष /Assessm ent Years: (2 008-09 to 20 09 -10, 2011-12 & 2013-14) Deputy Commissioner of Income Karim K. Makhani Tax, Central Circle-1, "Amruta Vs. 37/301, Race Course Park, Airport Estate", 2nd Floor, M.G. Road, Road, Rajkot Rajkot-360001 थायीले खासं . /जीआइआरसं . /P AN/GIR No.: AMBPM 6370 J (अपीलाथ /Assessee) ( यथ /Respondent) IT(SS)A Nos.103-108/Rjt/2017, 125-130/Rjt/2017 & ITA Nos.210-

IN THE INCOME TAX APPELLATE TRIBUNAL, RAJKOT BENCH, RAJKOT BEFORE DR. ARJUN LAL SAINI, ACCOUNTANT MEMBER AND SHRI DINESH MOHAN SINHA, JUDICIAL MEMBER आ.(खो और ज).सं./IT(SS)A Nos.103 -108/RJT/20 17 ( नधारण वष /Assessment Years: (2007-08 to 20 12 -13) Deputy Commissioner of Income Karim K. Makhani Tax, Central Circle-1, "Amruta Vs. Flat No.201, Block No.37, Race Estate", 2nd Floor, M.G. Road, Course Park, Rajkot Rajkot-360001 थायीले खासं . /जीआइआरसं . /P AN/GIR No.: AMBPM 6370 J (अपीलाथ /Assessee) ( यथ /Respondent) आ.(खो और ज). सं./IT(SS)A Nos.1 25-130/RJT/20 17 ( नधारणवष / Assessment Years: (2007-08 to 20 12 -13) Karim K. Makhani Assistant Commissioner of Income C/o SADP & Co. Chart ered Vs. Tax, Central Circle-1, 2nd Floor, Accountants, BB House, 5- Amruta Estate, Room No.215, M.G Collegewadi, Near Kathiyawad Road, Rajkot-360001 Gymkhana, R ajkot-360001 थायीले खासं . /जीआइआरसं . /P AN/GIR No.: AMBPM 6370 J (अपीलाथ /Assessee) ( यथ /Respondent) आयकर अपील सं./ITA Nos.210 -213/RJT/2018 ( नधारण वष /Assessm ent Years: (2 008-09 to 20 09 -10, 2011-12 & 2013-14) Deputy Commissioner of Income Karim K. Makhani Tax, Central Circle-1, "Amruta Vs. 37/301, Race Course Park, Airport Estate", 2nd Floor, M.G. Road, Road, Rajkot Rajkot-360001 थायीले खासं . /जीआइआरसं . /P AN/GIR No.: AMBPM 6370 J (अपीलाथ /Assessee) ( यथ /Respondent) IT(SS)A Nos.103-108/Rjt/2017, 125-130/Rjt/2017 & ITA Nos.210-

These cross appeals are filed by the Assessee and the Revenue as against separate appellate orders both dated I.T.A No. 198 & 199/Ahd/2023 & Ors. A.Ys. 2016-17 & 2017-18 Page No 2 Suzlon Engergy Ltd. vs. DCIT 28.02.2023 passed by the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals), National Faceless Appeal Centre, Delhi, (in short referred to as "CIT(A)"), arising out of the separate assessment orders passed under section 143(3) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 (hereinafter referred to as 'the Act') relating to the Assessment Years 2016-17 and 2017-18. Since common issues are involved in both the years namely disallowance u/s.14A rwr 8D and Depreciation on Goodwill, the same are disposed of by this common order for the sake of convenience. Asst. year 2016-17 is taken as the lead case.

These cross appeals are filed by the Assessee and the Revenue as against separate appellate orders both dated I.T.A No. 198 & 199/Ahd/2023 & Ors. A.Ys. 2016-17 & 2017-18 Page No 2 Suzlon Engergy Ltd. vs. DCIT 28.02.2023 passed by the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals), National Faceless Appeal Centre, Delhi, (in short referred to as "CIT(A)"), arising out of the separate assessment orders passed under section 143(3) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 (hereinafter referred to as 'the Act') relating to the Assessment Years 2016-17 and 2017-18. Since common issues are involved in both the years namely disallowance u/s.14A rwr 8D and Depreciation on Goodwill, the same are disposed of by this common order for the sake of convenience. Asst. year 2016-17 is taken as the lead case.

These cross appeals are filed by the Assessee and the Revenue as against separate appellate orders both dated I.T.A No. 198 & 199/Ahd/2023 & Ors. A.Ys. 2016-17 & 2017-18 Page No 2 Suzlon Engergy Ltd. vs. DCIT 28.02.2023 passed by the Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals), National Faceless Appeal Centre, Delhi, (in short referred to as "CIT(A)"), arising out of the separate assessment orders passed under section 143(3) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 (hereinafter referred to as 'the Act') relating to the Assessment Years 2016-17 and 2017-18. Since common issues are involved in both the years namely disallowance u/s.14A rwr 8D and Depreciation on Goodwill, the same are disposed of by this common order for the sake of convenience. Asst. year 2016-17 is taken as the lead case.

Washington – Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission Chairman Thomasina Rogers retired on April 27.

Washington — President Donald Trump on Oct. 17 re-nominated Cynthia Attwood for a third term on the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, another step toward filling all three commissioner seats.

Washington – Cynthia Attwood has been confirmed for her second term as a commissioner of the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

A Portland City Council discussion that could've ended a collaborative agreement, without a backup plan in place, has been scrapped a day after the election. The move would've cost the city more than $40M. by Courtney Vaughn

Update: Nov. 6- This story has been updated to note that this week's Council discussion has been canceled.

A day after an election showing Portland City Commissioners Mingus Mapps and Rene Gonzalez losing their bids for mayor, a plan to revisit an intergovernmental agreement on homelessness between the city and Multnomah County has been canceled. 

An agenda item scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 7 to consider terminating the homeless services agreement was pulled from the agenda Wednesday afternoon, just 26 hours before it was slated to be considered by Council.

The proposal, which came from Commissioners Mapps, Gonzalez, and Dan Ryan, was a divisive move that could've upended the city's collaboration with the county on the most pressing issue impacting the region.

In a joint statement Wednesday, Gonzalez, Ryan and Mapps said pulling the plug on their plans "will allow space for the new City Council, Mayor, and County Commissioners to renegotiate the Homelessness Response Services Intergovernmental Agreement if they choose."

"The Commissioners remain steadfast in their conviction that the City of Portland, Multnomah County, and Metro can build a better system to address homeless services and pave a better path forward," the statement reads.

Three weeks ago, while presiding over a Council meeting in Mayor Ted Wheeler’s absence, Commissioner Gonzalez directed the city attorney to draft up a contract termination ordinance that would dissolve the intergovernmental agreement (IGA) dictating homelessness response and collaboration. He got a nod of support from Mapps and Ryan. 

The trio then introduced a proposal to formally end the contract between the governing agencies, citing “insufficient progress” to meet key milestones and deadlines. A contract termination proposal on Thursday’s agenda suggests the current arrangement lacks the right framework and governance structures to tackle the homelessness crisis “with the urgency, collaboration, and effectiveness required.”

Gonzalez, Ryan, and Mapps pitched the proposal as an orderly wind-down to make way for an improved agreement. But one day after an election showing Gonzalez and Mapps losing their bids for mayor, the proposal was abandoned.

The proposal drew swift backlash from the mayor and Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson. Following Portland’s Oct. 16 Council meeting, Vega Pederson issued a statement admonishing Gonzalez, Ryan, and Mapps. 

The majority of City Council says they don't want to work with the County to end homelessness.

Its clear these officials - candidates desperately vying for your vote this month - have their eyes on their own future and not our collective one.

Disappointing. pic.twitter.com/sZwkoQBiF2

— Jessica Vega Pederson (@jvegapederson) October 17, 2024

Last Friday, when the item officially appeared on a Council agenda, she spoke out again.

“The City Council deciding to end this agreement after just a few months is a short-sighted decision that will harm our community’s future,” Vega Pederson wrote November 1 in a lengthy explanatory statement released by the county. “We don’t need more talking–this community cannot afford it. That will not lead to better outcomes or fewer people on the street, and I do not believe it is a good use of taxpayer resources when we have a collaborative plan we are already putting into action. No single government can [solve] this issue alone. The County is taking action on homelessness every day and that work is best when we work in partnership.”

Vega Pederson previously called the move a “political stunt” by Gonzalez, Ryan, and Mapps just before the election. If the Council voted to end the contract, it wouldn't take effect for 90 days, when a new City Council is in place. 

Margaux Weeke, communications director for Commissioner Ryan, says the commissioner isn't opposed to working with the county under a modified arrangement, but it needs to be substantially different.

“Dan Ryan knows the players. He knows the game," Weeke says. "And he wants to expand the amount of seats at the table and pave a better path forward for homeless services."

The current IGA, which was just renewed in July, essentially lays out a division of labor, funding, and responsibilities between the city and the county with regard to homeless services and shelters. It also identifies goals and milestones for reducing the number of unsheltered people in the county. 

Vega Pederson said the county now spends all of its homeless services funds, and more, while providing clear data and public dashboards. She also noted the homelessness response plan lays out 120 action items, each assigned to a responsible party.

The county has issued data on spending and progress summaries.

If city estimates are accurate, ending the agreement would place a significant financial burden on the city as it heads into a tight fiscal year. Portland and Multnomah County currently share financial responsibility for the region’s homelessness response. 

The city would no longer have to send $32 million in general fund money to Multnomah County, but it would take on more than $40 million in costs to permanently manage the Safe Rest Villages and Temporary Alternative Shelter Sites. 

The roughly $40 million expense doesn’t include costs for wraparound services that the county currently provides at the shelter sites. The city doesn’t know how much it would cost to provide those services, and there is no alternative plan in place for maintaining services and shelter beds if the contract goes away.

Welcome Home Coalition, a nonprofit focused on affordable housing and universal access to housing, warned the termination proposal was dangerous.

“They are presenting this action without a clearly articulated new plan of how the city will serve people experiencing homelessness,” an email sent from the coalition reads. “Backing out of the Intergovernmental Agreement without an understanding of how this would impact service provision will have rippling consequences that will no doubt result in more harm to those in the most need of services.”

In a joint letter released last week, the three commissioners explained their decision to introduce the agenda item, saying the city needs to see a different way of managing services.

“As Portland City Commissioners with years of experience with the Joint Office of Homeless Services, we are resolute that we can no longer afford to maintain the status quo,” the joint letter states. “We are also united in our repeated calls for accountability, efficiency, and improved governance to enhance our homeless services. …And despite our repeated requests for clear and useful data, operational alignment for short-term shelters, and a shared vision for the homeless services system, we have faced significant challenges in implementing these necessary changes.”

Ending the IGA would further deteriorate an already strained relationship between the city and county. Mayor Wheeler previously said the working relationship between both governments had improved over the past year, but recent IGA renewals have been met with reluctance from Mapps, Ryan, and Gonzalez.

Texas Workers' Compensation Commissioner Jeff Nelson has announced the appointment of Dan LaBruyere as DWC's new Deputy Commissioner for Compliance and Investigations, which includes Audits and Investigations, Enforcement, the Fraud Unit, and the Fraud Prosecution Unit.

Texas Workers' Compensation Commissioner Jeff Nelson has announced the appointment of Matthew Posey as DWC's new Deputy Commissioner of Operations and External Relations.

Commissioner Barger was recognized as �a leader with insight and determination� and a person of �trust, integrity, responsibility, and concern for fellow citizens� in a Distinguished Public Service Award presented to him during the meeting.

The agenda for the next meeting of the Catawba County Board of Commissioners, 9:30 a.m., Monday, April 4, 2011, 1924 Courthouse, Newton, is now available.

County programs which developed QR (Quick Response) codes for building permits; reach families affected by economic distress, and serve as an ongoing, immediate source of food for students during weekends and extended breaks from school; and promote healthy, sustainable policies that improve physical activity and nutrition in schools were honored.

Lori A. Mathes was appointed by the Catawba County Board of Commissioners as the County�s new Tax Collector, based upon staff�s recommendation, at the Board�s meeting on February 18, 2013. Mathes served as Chief Financial Officer for Mental Health Partners of Hickory for eight years, responsible for overseeing the agency�s expenditures and revenues, its accounting policies and procedures.

Synopsis of Catawba County Board of Commissioners meeting of December 16, 2013.

Catawba County Board of Commissioners adopts resolution supporting citizen participation in government through elections in Catawba County.

The National Association of State Chief Administrators (NASCA) announced that Christi Branscom, Tennessee's Department of General Services Commissioner, has been awarded the association's 2023 National Ray Walton Leadership Award.