Government officials defended the crackdown, saying they are not opposed to democratic rights, but merely want to maintain security.

VOA: standard.2009.03.15

The late president's son had the best-financed campaign, the support of the security services and the political infrastructure of the ruling Gabonese Democratic Party.

VOA: standard.2009.08.30

That 2003 plan calls for an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian state to emerge and exist side by side in peace and security with Israel.

VOA: standard.2009.06.09

The Council will review the measures set forth in this resolution when appropriate, but no later than 30 November 2010, with a view to adjusting them in light of the security situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in particular progress in security sector reform and in integrating the armed forces and reforming the national police and disarming, demobilizing, repatriating, resettling and reintegrating Congolese and foreign armed groups.

UN: Security Council

Carnahan's challenge forced Ashcroft, a conservative Republican, to campaign on Democratic issues like Social Security, health insurance reform and education.

CNN: Carnahan's death shakes Democrats' Senate hopes

Mr Hague said restoring security and democratic rule to Mali after last year's military coup was important for stability in the wider region.

BBC: William Hague in Mali for talks on security talks