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How media jumped gun over warship

The Overlooked Loss amid Media Frenzy

Amid the media frenzy and speculation over the disappearance of Air France's ill-fated Flight 447, the loss of two of the world's most prominent figures in the war on the illegal arms trade and international drug trafficking has been virtually overlooked. Pablo Dreyfus, a 39-year-old Argentine who was travelling with his wife Ana Carolina Rodrigues aboard the doomed flight from Rio de Janeiro to Paris, had worked tirelessly with the Brazilian authorities to stem the flow of arms and ammunition that for years has fuelled the bloody turf wars waged by drug gangs in Rio's sprawling favelas.

Unsung Heroes in the Battle against Arms Trade

Also travelling with Dreyfus on the doomed flight was his friend and colleague Ronald Dreyer, a Swiss diplomat and co-ordinator of the Geneva Declaration on Armed Violence who had worked with UN missions in El Salvador, Mozambique, Azerbaijan, Kosovo and Angola. Both men were consultants at the Small Arms Survey, an independent think tank based at Geneva's Graduate Institute of International Studies. The Survey said on its website that Dryer had helped mobilise the support of more than 100 countries to the cause of disarmament and development.

Contributions to Legislation and Advocacy

Buenos Aires-born Dreyfus had been living in Rio since 2002, where he and his sociologist wife worked with the Brazilian NGO Viva Rio. According to the International Action Network on Small Arms Control (IANSA), Dreyfus's work was instrumental in the introduction of landmark small arms legislation in Brazil in 2003. Dreyfus was an advocate of the stringent labelling of ammunition by weapons firms, arguing that by clearly identifying ammunition not only by its producer but also its purchaser, the likelihood of weapons being sourced by criminals from corrupt police or armed forces personnel is greatly reduced.

Tackling Arms Trafficking and Cross-Border Challenges

When Rio agents smashed a cell of drug traffickers who had sourced their weapons from the tri-border area, Dreyfus noted its leaders were prominent businessmen living in apartments in the plush Rio suburbs of Ipanema and São Corrado, "not in the favelas". In a recent report posted on the Brazilian website Comunidade Segura (Safe Community), Dreyfus noted that the Brazilian arms firm CBC (Companhia Brasileira de Cartuchos) had become one of the world's biggest ammunition producers by purchasing Germany's Metallwerk Elisenhutte Nassau (MEN) in 2007, and Sellier & Bellot (S&B) of the Czech Republic in March. This would not be particularly noteworthy but for the fact that CBC's exports had tapered off in recent years due to legislation restricting exports to Paraguay, arms that often found their way back into Brazil and on to the Rio drug gangs - the "boomerang effect", as Dreyfus called it.

Legacy and Ongoing Fight against Weapons Violence

Though his focus was on Latin America, Dreyfus also advised the government of Mozambique and at the time of his death was preparing to do the same for the government of Angola, where stockpiles of weapons left over from the civil war continue to pose a security problem. Dreyfus and Dreyer were on their way to Geneva to present the latest edition of the Small Arms Survey handbook, of which Dreyfus was a joint editor. It was to have been their latest step in their relentless fight against evil.

Hotels: Accommodating the Needs of Travelers

The Importance of Quality Accommodation

When traveling, finding a suitable place to stay is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable trip. Hotels play a vital role in providing accommodation options that cater to the diverse needs of travelers.

Diverse Range of Options

Hotels offer a wide range of options, including luxury resorts, budget-friendly accommodations, boutique hotels, and more. Each type caters to different preferences, budgets, and requirements, ensuring that travelers can find a suitable place to stay regardless of their preferences.

Amenities and Services

One of the main advantages of staying at a hotel is the availability of amenities and services. Hotels often offer facilities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, restaurants, room service, and concierge services. These amenities contribute to a convenient and enjoyable stay, allowing guests to relax and make the most of their trip.

Locations and Accessibility

Hotels are strategically located in various areas, providing easy access to popular tourist attractions, business districts, and transportation hubs. Whether travelers seek a hotel in the heart of a vibrant city or a peaceful retreat in a scenic location, hotels can cater to their desired preferences.

Quality and Comfort

Quality is a significant aspect of hotels, with reputable establishments focused on providing comfortable and well-maintained accommodations. With attention to details such as cozy beds, clean rooms, and attentive staff, hotels aim to create a welcoming environment for their guests.

Catering to Different Travel Needs

Hotels understand that travelers have varying needs, which is why they offer different room types, such as single rooms, double rooms, suites, and family rooms. This allows individuals, couples, and families to find appropriate accommodations that suit their needs and preferences.

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