Top UN envoy visits Myanmar
Top United Nations special envoy to Myanmar Vijay Nambiar arrived here Monday on a five-day visit to Myanmar, diplomatic sources said.
It is the second visit of Nambiar, chief of staff to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, after a new government was set up in Myanmar on March 30.
Nambiar will meet with Myanmar Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin and Home Affairs Minister Lieutenant-General Ko Ko shortly after his arrival Monday, according to schedule.
During his visit, Nambiar will also attend the international Green Economy and Green Growth Forum in Nay Pyi Taw where he will meet the central level Peace-Making Group of the government and Speaker of the House of Nationalities U Khin Aung Myint.
Calling on the government leadership, he will proceed to Mandalay, Mawlamyine and Yangon where he is expected to meet with noted political figure Aung San Suu Kyi and leaders of some political parties.
Nambiar said at the end of his last Myanmar visit in May that he received encouraging signals from the government.
Nambiar, an Indian diplomat who was appointed U.N. special envoy to Myanmar in 2010, has been Ban Ki-moon's chief of staff since January 2007.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 16:50:54 FeedbackPrintRSS
YANGON, Oct. 31 (Xinhua)
Monday, October 31, 2011
4 S. Korean officials arrested for alleged surveillance on civilian
4 S. Korean officials arrested for alleged surveillance on civilian
South Korea's defense ministry said Monday four officials at the ministry's intelligence agency were arrested for breaking into a university professor's e-mail account, local media reported.
The four Defense Security Command (DSC) officers, based in Seoul and Gwanju, are charged with hacking an e-mail account of 48- year-old professor Ki Gwang-seo at Gwangju-based Chosun University, who the counterintelligence officials thought might leak confidential military information, according to Yonhap News Agency.
Ki was once arrested for violating the National Security Law that bans the vaguely defined "anti-state acts."
Investigators have reportedly said they found no evidence the four men, who also attempted to destroy evidence of the hacking, followed orders of their superiors.
Suspicious of a possible involvement of higher-ranking military officials in the incident, opposition parties here have claimed that the military is trying to cover up its illegal surveillance activities targeting civilians.
The DSC is an intelligence unit tasked with collecting and protecting military intelligence.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 16:50:39 FeedbackPrintRSS
SEOUL, Oct. 31 (Xinhua)
South Korea's defense ministry said Monday four officials at the ministry's intelligence agency were arrested for breaking into a university professor's e-mail account, local media reported.
The four Defense Security Command (DSC) officers, based in Seoul and Gwanju, are charged with hacking an e-mail account of 48- year-old professor Ki Gwang-seo at Gwangju-based Chosun University, who the counterintelligence officials thought might leak confidential military information, according to Yonhap News Agency.
Ki was once arrested for violating the National Security Law that bans the vaguely defined "anti-state acts."
Investigators have reportedly said they found no evidence the four men, who also attempted to destroy evidence of the hacking, followed orders of their superiors.
Suspicious of a possible involvement of higher-ranking military officials in the incident, opposition parties here have claimed that the military is trying to cover up its illegal surveillance activities targeting civilians.
The DSC is an intelligence unit tasked with collecting and protecting military intelligence.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 16:50:39 FeedbackPrintRSS
SEOUL, Oct. 31 (Xinhua)
Vietnam, Venezuela promote legislative ties
Vietnam, Venezuela promote legislative ties
Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung met with his Venezuelan counterpart Fernando Soto Rojas here on Monday during the latter's visit to Vietnam.
Vietnam has implemented consistently policies of expanding cooperation with countries all over the world, for peace and development. Vietnam and Venezuela share many similarities and both sides had experienced a long fight for national independence and national construction. Vietnam has highly appreciated Venezuela's support and assistance, said Hung.
The Vietnamese top legislator said the Vietnamese NA would do its utmost to promote friendship and cooperation between the two countries and national assemblies. Both sides should further increase the exchange of visits at different levels so as to boost implementation of projects and programs, especially cooperation between the two legislative bodies.
Rojas highly spoke of achievements obtained by the Vietnamese people in the fight for national liberation in the past and in social and economic development at present.
Vietnam and Venezuela should bring into full play their potentials, especially in oil and gas exploration, exploitation and processing, and promote cooperation in political, economic, trade and investment fields, for the interest of both sides, said Rojas.
Rojas is paying a visit to Vietnam at the invitation of his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Sinh Hung.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 16:43:24 FeedbackPrintRSS
HANOI, Oct. 31 (Xinhua)
Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung met with his Venezuelan counterpart Fernando Soto Rojas here on Monday during the latter's visit to Vietnam.
Vietnam has implemented consistently policies of expanding cooperation with countries all over the world, for peace and development. Vietnam and Venezuela share many similarities and both sides had experienced a long fight for national independence and national construction. Vietnam has highly appreciated Venezuela's support and assistance, said Hung.
The Vietnamese top legislator said the Vietnamese NA would do its utmost to promote friendship and cooperation between the two countries and national assemblies. Both sides should further increase the exchange of visits at different levels so as to boost implementation of projects and programs, especially cooperation between the two legislative bodies.
Rojas highly spoke of achievements obtained by the Vietnamese people in the fight for national liberation in the past and in social and economic development at present.
Vietnam and Venezuela should bring into full play their potentials, especially in oil and gas exploration, exploitation and processing, and promote cooperation in political, economic, trade and investment fields, for the interest of both sides, said Rojas.
Rojas is paying a visit to Vietnam at the invitation of his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Sinh Hung.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 16:43:24 FeedbackPrintRSS
HANOI, Oct. 31 (Xinhua)
Philippine gov't assures no foreign intervention in peace talks with Muslim rebels
Philippine gov't assures no foreign intervention in peace talks with Muslim rebels
The Philippine government assured on Monday that it will not allow foreign governments to intervene in the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that Malaysia's role is strictly the one as a facilitator in the peace talks.
"We can assure that we will not allow foreign intervention in the substantive issues between the peace panels," she said, adding that both the government and the MILF peace panels have yet to discuss the substantive issues of the peace process.
A Philippine lawmaker has proposed that peace talks with the MILF should be held in the country to avoid intervention from foreign governments.
Peace negotiation between the government and the MILF has been stalled since August this year due to huge differences on the proposed comprehensive peace compact of the two parties.
The government has been offering enhanced autonomy to the MILF, while the rebels have been seeking for a creation of a substate that will end the decades-old conflict in Mindanao.
The MILF has been fighting government troops for decades to establish a self-rule Muslim sub-state in the south of the predominantly Catholic country. Peace talks between the government and the MILF stalled in August 2008 following the aborted signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain.
A final peace deal with the government will touch the issues of autonomy and the civil settlement of the rebel group's 11,800- strong guerrilla fighters.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 16:40:03 FeedbackPrintRSS
MANILA, Oct. 31 (Xinhua)
The Philippine government assured on Monday that it will not allow foreign governments to intervene in the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that Malaysia's role is strictly the one as a facilitator in the peace talks.
"We can assure that we will not allow foreign intervention in the substantive issues between the peace panels," she said, adding that both the government and the MILF peace panels have yet to discuss the substantive issues of the peace process.
A Philippine lawmaker has proposed that peace talks with the MILF should be held in the country to avoid intervention from foreign governments.
Peace negotiation between the government and the MILF has been stalled since August this year due to huge differences on the proposed comprehensive peace compact of the two parties.
The government has been offering enhanced autonomy to the MILF, while the rebels have been seeking for a creation of a substate that will end the decades-old conflict in Mindanao.
The MILF has been fighting government troops for decades to establish a self-rule Muslim sub-state in the south of the predominantly Catholic country. Peace talks between the government and the MILF stalled in August 2008 following the aborted signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain.
A final peace deal with the government will touch the issues of autonomy and the civil settlement of the rebel group's 11,800- strong guerrilla fighters.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 16:40:03 FeedbackPrintRSS
MANILA, Oct. 31 (Xinhua)
ASEAN common currency issue too premature: experts
ASEAN common currency issue too premature: experts
The ASEAN common currency issue is too premature for the region as it has to deal with more important issues and has to learn from European Union, experts said here on Monday.
"For ASEAN, although it is an intriguing idea, I think common currency is a premature one. There is a great risk to go along with the idea," said Jon D. Mills, manager of Harvard University of Asia Center.
He said that ASEAN should learn from the European Union before implementing such a regime.
"We still have more important issues here than common currency, " said Mills.
Djauhari Oratmangun, director general for ASEAN Cooperation at the Indonesian Foreign Ministry, said that ASEAN thinks that the issue is not a prioritized one.
"We must learn from European experience before we enter to the issue," he said.
Bagus Santoso, lecturer at Department of Economics at the University of Gajah Mada in Yogyakarta province, said that the idea is a possible one but could not be implemented in a short term.
"We should move step-by-step. It is different with the EU that puts the policy in the first place. ASEAN puts it in the last one. It is important that if the regime was implemented some day, we could run it smoother than the EU," he said Santoso.
Fukunari Kimura, chief economist at the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia that ASEAN needs time to adopt the policy, considering the whole macro economy within member states.
"We must study the advantages and disadvantages," he said.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 16:39:46 FeedbackPrintRSS
JAKARTA, Oct. 31 (Xinhua)
The ASEAN common currency issue is too premature for the region as it has to deal with more important issues and has to learn from European Union, experts said here on Monday.
"For ASEAN, although it is an intriguing idea, I think common currency is a premature one. There is a great risk to go along with the idea," said Jon D. Mills, manager of Harvard University of Asia Center.
He said that ASEAN should learn from the European Union before implementing such a regime.
"We still have more important issues here than common currency, " said Mills.
Djauhari Oratmangun, director general for ASEAN Cooperation at the Indonesian Foreign Ministry, said that ASEAN thinks that the issue is not a prioritized one.
"We must learn from European experience before we enter to the issue," he said.
Bagus Santoso, lecturer at Department of Economics at the University of Gajah Mada in Yogyakarta province, said that the idea is a possible one but could not be implemented in a short term.
"We should move step-by-step. It is different with the EU that puts the policy in the first place. ASEAN puts it in the last one. It is important that if the regime was implemented some day, we could run it smoother than the EU," he said Santoso.
Fukunari Kimura, chief economist at the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia that ASEAN needs time to adopt the policy, considering the whole macro economy within member states.
"We must study the advantages and disadvantages," he said.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 16:39:46 FeedbackPrintRSS
JAKARTA, Oct. 31 (Xinhua)
Four injured in separate bombings in south Thailand
Four injured in separate bombings in south Thailand
Four people were injured in a series of bombings that rocked south Thailand's Narathiwat and Yala province, the Bangkok Post reported Monday.
The first bomb in Narathiwat was covered under a tree truck and went off around 6:30 a.m. local time when a village defense volunteer on duty stepped onto it.
The volunteer was badly injured with a broken right leg. Another bomb was hidden in a rubber plantation and ignited accidentally by two teenage boys. They were seriously wounded and one of them lost his left foot. A third bomb rock another district of the province and caused no casualties.
Later in Yala, a bomb hidden on a highway was ignited and seriously damaged a nearby police patrol car. One of the two officers in the car was injured in the face and rushed to a hospital.
It was reported that about 14 bombings had rocked Narathiwat from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday and fortunately nobody was hurt. CCTV cameras showed that some newly recruited youths of local insurgency movement were behind the spree.
Southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat have frequently experienced violent incidents instigated by suspected secessionists since the resurgence of insurgency movement in January 2004, leaving over 4,500 people killed and more than 7,200 injured.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 16:24:43 FeedbackPrintRSS
BANGKOK, Oct. 31 (Xinhua)
Four people were injured in a series of bombings that rocked south Thailand's Narathiwat and Yala province, the Bangkok Post reported Monday.
The first bomb in Narathiwat was covered under a tree truck and went off around 6:30 a.m. local time when a village defense volunteer on duty stepped onto it.
The volunteer was badly injured with a broken right leg. Another bomb was hidden in a rubber plantation and ignited accidentally by two teenage boys. They were seriously wounded and one of them lost his left foot. A third bomb rock another district of the province and caused no casualties.
Later in Yala, a bomb hidden on a highway was ignited and seriously damaged a nearby police patrol car. One of the two officers in the car was injured in the face and rushed to a hospital.
It was reported that about 14 bombings had rocked Narathiwat from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday and fortunately nobody was hurt. CCTV cameras showed that some newly recruited youths of local insurgency movement were behind the spree.
Southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat have frequently experienced violent incidents instigated by suspected secessionists since the resurgence of insurgency movement in January 2004, leaving over 4,500 people killed and more than 7,200 injured.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 16:24:43 FeedbackPrintRSS
BANGKOK, Oct. 31 (Xinhua)
S. Korea's rival parties compromise on controversial clause in trade deal with U.S.
S. Korea's rival parties compromise on controversial clause in trade deal with U.S.
South Korea's rival parties have reached a tentative compromise over a controversial clause in the free trade agreement with the United States, possibly clearing a hurdle for the agreement on the way to legislative approval, local media reported Monday.
Opposition parties have demanded the Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISD) clause, which allows U.S. investors to settle disputes with the South Korean government at international courts, be removed before the South Korean parliament votes on the long- pending trade deal.
The opposition camp said the clause will allow U.S. investors to sue the South Korean government over issues even including its public policies, and that the court decision will favor Washington.
Following discussions Sunday, the floor leaders of the ruling Grand National Party and the main opposition Democratic Party agreed that Seoul and Washington start negotiations over the clause within three months after the pact takes effect, according to local broadcaster MBC.
The ruling party also agreed to draw up measures to protect vulnerable domestic industries, giving in to calls by the opposition camp.
While the Grand Nationals seek to pass the bill through the parliamentary trade committee as soon as possible, it remains to be seen whether the Democrats would agree to the tentative compromise between the floor leaders, according to media reports.
In response to the growing controversy over the ISD clause, the trade ministry issued a statement Monday, saying "some media outlets and civic groups claim that the Investor-State Dispute Settlement clause in the free trade agreement with the U.S. would incapacitate South Korea's public policy. This is not true."
The trade pact does ensure South Korea's sovereignty in its public policy decisions, the ministry added.
Seoul's two-way free trade agreement with Washington has been one of the most polarizing political issues here since it was signed in 2007, with opposition parties vowing to block what they see as a lopsided agreement in favor of Washington.
Resistance against the trade pact grew last year, after Seoul and Washington supplemented it to fix the imbalance in auto trade, a move designed to soothe U.S. auto industry skepticism.
The revised agreement allows the U.S. to keep its 2.5 percent tariff on South Korean cars for four years after the deal takes effect, while South Korea is to immediately halve its eight percent tariff on U.S. cars.
It also allows 25,000 cars per U.S. automaker -- almost four times the number permitted under the original pact -- to be sold to South Korea as long as they meet U.S. federal safety standards, addressing U.S. industry concerns Seoul's stricter safety regulations have virtually operated as a nontariff barrier.
The newly negotiated deal gained U.S. Congressional approval earlier this month, which coincided with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak's state visit there.
Policy think tanks here say the bilateral trade deal will create 350,000 new jobs and increase South Korea's gross domestic product by 5.66 percent, but critics dispute the estimate.
Meanwhile, South Korean trade minister Kim Jong-hoon and his U. S. counterpart Ron Kirk agreed to establish a working group on small- and medium-sized enterprises to help them benefit from the trade agreement after it takes effect.
The two sides also agreed to set up a committee on service and investment to help oversee the implementation of the trade pact in the services and investment areas, according to the foreign ministry.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 16:12:41 FeedbackPrintRSS
SEOUL, Oct. 31 (Xinhua)
South Korea's rival parties have reached a tentative compromise over a controversial clause in the free trade agreement with the United States, possibly clearing a hurdle for the agreement on the way to legislative approval, local media reported Monday.
Opposition parties have demanded the Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISD) clause, which allows U.S. investors to settle disputes with the South Korean government at international courts, be removed before the South Korean parliament votes on the long- pending trade deal.
The opposition camp said the clause will allow U.S. investors to sue the South Korean government over issues even including its public policies, and that the court decision will favor Washington.
Following discussions Sunday, the floor leaders of the ruling Grand National Party and the main opposition Democratic Party agreed that Seoul and Washington start negotiations over the clause within three months after the pact takes effect, according to local broadcaster MBC.
The ruling party also agreed to draw up measures to protect vulnerable domestic industries, giving in to calls by the opposition camp.
While the Grand Nationals seek to pass the bill through the parliamentary trade committee as soon as possible, it remains to be seen whether the Democrats would agree to the tentative compromise between the floor leaders, according to media reports.
In response to the growing controversy over the ISD clause, the trade ministry issued a statement Monday, saying "some media outlets and civic groups claim that the Investor-State Dispute Settlement clause in the free trade agreement with the U.S. would incapacitate South Korea's public policy. This is not true."
The trade pact does ensure South Korea's sovereignty in its public policy decisions, the ministry added.
Seoul's two-way free trade agreement with Washington has been one of the most polarizing political issues here since it was signed in 2007, with opposition parties vowing to block what they see as a lopsided agreement in favor of Washington.
Resistance against the trade pact grew last year, after Seoul and Washington supplemented it to fix the imbalance in auto trade, a move designed to soothe U.S. auto industry skepticism.
The revised agreement allows the U.S. to keep its 2.5 percent tariff on South Korean cars for four years after the deal takes effect, while South Korea is to immediately halve its eight percent tariff on U.S. cars.
It also allows 25,000 cars per U.S. automaker -- almost four times the number permitted under the original pact -- to be sold to South Korea as long as they meet U.S. federal safety standards, addressing U.S. industry concerns Seoul's stricter safety regulations have virtually operated as a nontariff barrier.
The newly negotiated deal gained U.S. Congressional approval earlier this month, which coincided with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak's state visit there.
Policy think tanks here say the bilateral trade deal will create 350,000 new jobs and increase South Korea's gross domestic product by 5.66 percent, but critics dispute the estimate.
Meanwhile, South Korean trade minister Kim Jong-hoon and his U. S. counterpart Ron Kirk agreed to establish a working group on small- and medium-sized enterprises to help them benefit from the trade agreement after it takes effect.
The two sides also agreed to set up a committee on service and investment to help oversee the implementation of the trade pact in the services and investment areas, according to the foreign ministry.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 16:12:41 FeedbackPrintRSS
SEOUL, Oct. 31 (Xinhua)
World first symbolic 7 billionth citizen born in India
World first symbolic 7 billionth citizen born in India
India Monday welcomed the world' s first symbolic "seven billionth" citizen, named Nargis, born to a family in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.
The girl baby was born to 23-year-old Vinita and her husband Ajay at a community health centre about 7:20 a.m. near the state capital Lucknow, according to Bhagyeshwari, executive director of NGO Plan India, which is conducting the exercise.
Statistics show that 51 babies are born every minute in India and of these 11 babies are born in Uttar Pradesh alone. So, the United Nations Population Fund also estimated that the world's seven billionth inhabitant would be born in this state.
But the number is only symbolic, as the Philippines also has reported the birth of the seven billionth girl baby early Monday in Manila.
Prior to the advent of the seven billionth world citizen, UN Population Fund's Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin has called for actions now to decide whether the future of the seven billionth baby will be healthy, sustainable and prosperous or marked by inequalities, environmental decline and economic setbacks.
"The world must seize the opportunity to invest in the health and education of its youth to reap the full benefits of future economic development or else face a continuation of the sorry state of disparities in which hundreds of millions of people in developing nations lack the most basic ingredients for a decent life," he said.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 15:32:57
India Monday welcomed the world' s first symbolic "seven billionth" citizen, named Nargis, born to a family in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.
The girl baby was born to 23-year-old Vinita and her husband Ajay at a community health centre about 7:20 a.m. near the state capital Lucknow, according to Bhagyeshwari, executive director of NGO Plan India, which is conducting the exercise.
Statistics show that 51 babies are born every minute in India and of these 11 babies are born in Uttar Pradesh alone. So, the United Nations Population Fund also estimated that the world's seven billionth inhabitant would be born in this state.
But the number is only symbolic, as the Philippines also has reported the birth of the seven billionth girl baby early Monday in Manila.
Prior to the advent of the seven billionth world citizen, UN Population Fund's Executive Director Babatunde Osotimehin has called for actions now to decide whether the future of the seven billionth baby will be healthy, sustainable and prosperous or marked by inequalities, environmental decline and economic setbacks.
"The world must seize the opportunity to invest in the health and education of its youth to reap the full benefits of future economic development or else face a continuation of the sorry state of disparities in which hundreds of millions of people in developing nations lack the most basic ingredients for a decent life," he said.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 15:32:57
India remembers Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her death anniversary
India remembers Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on her death anniversary
India Monday paid tributes to the nation's first woman Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, who served for three consecutive terms from 1966 to 1977, and a fourth term from 1980 till her assassination in 1984 by bodyguards.
Indian President Pratibha Patil led the nation in paying floral tributes to the late Prime Minister at her memorial in Shakti Sthal.
Also present on the occasion were Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament) Speaker Meira Kumar, ruling Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi and Nehru- Gandhi scion Rahul Gandhi among leaders cutting across party lines.
Gandhi, who was well known for her charismatic authority and political astuteness, was born in 1917.
She was killed on Oct. 31, 1984, when two of her Sikh bodyguards, Satwant Singh and Beant Singh, shot her with their service weapons in the garden of her official residence.
It's the same year when she had launched Operation Blue Star to crush secessionist movement in Punjab and sent troops into the Golden Temple of Amritsar, the holy temple of Sikhs in northern India.
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 15:27:49 FeedbackPrintRSS
NEW DELHI, Oct. 31 (Xinhua)
India Monday paid tributes to the nation's first woman Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, who served for three consecutive terms from 1966 to 1977, and a fourth term from 1980 till her assassination in 1984 by bodyguards.
Indian President Pratibha Patil led the nation in paying floral tributes to the late Prime Minister at her memorial in Shakti Sthal.
Also present on the occasion were Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament) Speaker Meira Kumar, ruling Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi and Nehru- Gandhi scion Rahul Gandhi among leaders cutting across party lines.
Gandhi, who was well known for her charismatic authority and political astuteness, was born in 1917.
She was killed on Oct. 31, 1984, when two of her Sikh bodyguards, Satwant Singh and Beant Singh, shot her with their service weapons in the garden of her official residence.
It's the same year when she had launched Operation Blue Star to crush secessionist movement in Punjab and sent troops into the Golden Temple of Amritsar, the holy temple of Sikhs in northern India.
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 15:27:49 FeedbackPrintRSS
NEW DELHI, Oct. 31 (Xinhua)
S. Korea seeks talks with China, Japan over DPRK's nuclear program
S. Korea seeks talks with China, Japan over DPRK's nuclear program
South Korea is seeking to hold a trilateral meeting with the foreign ministers of China and Japan in November over the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)' s nuclear program, local media reported Monday.
The three countries can meet on the sidelines of an upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Russia or an East Asia Summit in Indonesia for policy coordination on the DPRK, Seoul's semi-official Yonhap News Agency quoted an unnamed official as saying.
The meeting, if held, would be the second such trilateral meeting since July.
South Korea is separately seeking to hold a third round of rare denuclearization talks with the DPRK, following two rounds of similar talks between the DPRK and the United States, according to the official.
The remarks came amid a flurry of regional diplomatic efforts aimed at resuming multilateral negotiations, stalled since 2008, over ending Pyongyang's nuclear program.
Pyongyang declared the six-party aid-for-denuclearization talks "dead" in 2009 but recently expressed its wish to return to the negotiating table.
Kim Jong ll, top leader of the DPRK, told visiting Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang last week that DPRK hopes the six-party talks should be restarted as soon as possible.
South Korea is demanding its northern neighbor abandons its uranium enrichment program and allow inspectors to verify the disarmament process.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 13:29:59 FeedbackPrintRSS
SEOUL, Oct. 31 (Xinhua)
South Korea is seeking to hold a trilateral meeting with the foreign ministers of China and Japan in November over the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)' s nuclear program, local media reported Monday.
The three countries can meet on the sidelines of an upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Russia or an East Asia Summit in Indonesia for policy coordination on the DPRK, Seoul's semi-official Yonhap News Agency quoted an unnamed official as saying.
The meeting, if held, would be the second such trilateral meeting since July.
South Korea is separately seeking to hold a third round of rare denuclearization talks with the DPRK, following two rounds of similar talks between the DPRK and the United States, according to the official.
The remarks came amid a flurry of regional diplomatic efforts aimed at resuming multilateral negotiations, stalled since 2008, over ending Pyongyang's nuclear program.
Pyongyang declared the six-party aid-for-denuclearization talks "dead" in 2009 but recently expressed its wish to return to the negotiating table.
Kim Jong ll, top leader of the DPRK, told visiting Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang last week that DPRK hopes the six-party talks should be restarted as soon as possible.
South Korea is demanding its northern neighbor abandons its uranium enrichment program and allow inspectors to verify the disarmament process.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 13:29:59 FeedbackPrintRSS
SEOUL, Oct. 31 (Xinhua)
India reports thousands of cases of rape, murder against children in 2010
India reports thousands of cases of rape, murder against children in 2010
India experienced thousands of cases of violence, including rape and murder, against children last year, as 5,484 children were sexually assaulted and 1,408 others killed in different parts of the country, reported local daily The Times of India Monday.
The report quoted the latest National Crime Records Bureau data as saying that 10,670 children were also kidnapped or abducted during the year.
In the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, 315 children were killed while 1,182 children were sexually assaulted in the central state Madhya Pradesh during the period - the highest in the two categories of crimes.
There were 211 incidents of murder of children in the western state Maharashtra, another 200 such cases in eastern state of Bihar and 124 victims in Madhya Pradesh.
Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and the southern state of Andhra Pradesh recorded 747, 451 and 446 cases of sexual assault against children respectively last year. Similarly, 382 and 369 such incidents came to light in the central state Chhattisgarh and western state Rajasthan.
In the capital Delhi, 29 children were murdered and 304 others were raped in 2010.
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 13:18:41 FeedbackPrintRSS
NEW DELHI, Oct. 31 (Xinhua)
India experienced thousands of cases of violence, including rape and murder, against children last year, as 5,484 children were sexually assaulted and 1,408 others killed in different parts of the country, reported local daily The Times of India Monday.
The report quoted the latest National Crime Records Bureau data as saying that 10,670 children were also kidnapped or abducted during the year.
In the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, 315 children were killed while 1,182 children were sexually assaulted in the central state Madhya Pradesh during the period - the highest in the two categories of crimes.
There were 211 incidents of murder of children in the western state Maharashtra, another 200 such cases in eastern state of Bihar and 124 victims in Madhya Pradesh.
Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and the southern state of Andhra Pradesh recorded 747, 451 and 446 cases of sexual assault against children respectively last year. Similarly, 382 and 369 such incidents came to light in the central state Chhattisgarh and western state Rajasthan.
In the capital Delhi, 29 children were murdered and 304 others were raped in 2010.
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 13:18:41 FeedbackPrintRSS
NEW DELHI, Oct. 31 (Xinhua)
South Korean President Lee Myung-bak orers aides to canvass views on policy
S Korean president orers aides to canvass views on policy
South Korean President Lee Myung-bak on Monday ordered his aides to form a new team to canvass public views on various policy issues, a presidential spokesman said.
In a meeting at the presidential office earlier in the day, Lee told his aides to collect opinions of all social standings on various policy issues and reflect them in the future policymaking process, according to presidential spokesman Park Jeong-ha.
Lee said the team should comprise presidential and government officials and outside experts, Park said, adding the plan is aimed at enhancing communication between policymakers and the public.
The president's apparent attempt at better communication with the public comes after the ruling party's defeat in the Seoul mayoral election last week, which Lee said shows younger generations' "yearning for change."
The rare victory of an independent candidate, who enjoyed overwhelming support from young voters, was seen as a blow to Lee and his ruling Grand National Party ahead of the parliamentary and presidential elections in 2012.
Critics have accused Lee, nicknamed "the bulldozer" for his can-do attitude, of turning a blind eye to dissenting voices in the public.
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 12:05:10 FeedbackPrintRSS
SEOUL, Oct. 31 (Xinhua)
South Korean President Lee Myung-bak on Monday ordered his aides to form a new team to canvass public views on various policy issues, a presidential spokesman said.
In a meeting at the presidential office earlier in the day, Lee told his aides to collect opinions of all social standings on various policy issues and reflect them in the future policymaking process, according to presidential spokesman Park Jeong-ha.
Lee said the team should comprise presidential and government officials and outside experts, Park said, adding the plan is aimed at enhancing communication between policymakers and the public.
The president's apparent attempt at better communication with the public comes after the ruling party's defeat in the Seoul mayoral election last week, which Lee said shows younger generations' "yearning for change."
The rare victory of an independent candidate, who enjoyed overwhelming support from young voters, was seen as a blow to Lee and his ruling Grand National Party ahead of the parliamentary and presidential elections in 2012.
Critics have accused Lee, nicknamed "the bulldozer" for his can-do attitude, of turning a blind eye to dissenting voices in the public.
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 12:05:10 FeedbackPrintRSS
SEOUL, Oct. 31 (Xinhua)
South Korea's unification minister to pay first U.S. visit
S Korea's unification minister to pay first U.S. visit
South Korea's Unification Minister Yu Woo-ik will leave for the United States on Wednesday for a six- day visit involving meetings with U.S. officials, the ministry, overseeing relations with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), said Monday.
In his first U.S. tour since taking office last month, Yu is expected to meet with key U.S. officials including Deputy Secretary of State William Burns and Senator Joe Lieberman, chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, according to the ministry.
Yu is also scheduled to visit the Council on Foreign Relations, a nonpartisan think tank in Washington, to meet with experts to discuss South Korea's DPRK policy.
The minister will then travel to New York to sit down with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to discuss inter-Korean relations and humanitarian issues, according to the ministry.
Yu, a dovish former ambassador to China, replaced his hard-line predecessor Hyun In-taek in a sign Seoul is seeking more dialogue with Pyongyang.
"The visit is aimed at increasing Washington's understanding of unification and other inter-Korean issues and enhancing mutual cooperation in terms of policy coordination," Choi Bo-sun, spokesman for the unification ministry, said.
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 10:57:27 FeedbackPrintRSS
SEOUL, Oct. 31 (Xinhua)
South Korea's Unification Minister Yu Woo-ik will leave for the United States on Wednesday for a six- day visit involving meetings with U.S. officials, the ministry, overseeing relations with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), said Monday.
In his first U.S. tour since taking office last month, Yu is expected to meet with key U.S. officials including Deputy Secretary of State William Burns and Senator Joe Lieberman, chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, according to the ministry.
Yu is also scheduled to visit the Council on Foreign Relations, a nonpartisan think tank in Washington, to meet with experts to discuss South Korea's DPRK policy.
The minister will then travel to New York to sit down with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to discuss inter-Korean relations and humanitarian issues, according to the ministry.
Yu, a dovish former ambassador to China, replaced his hard-line predecessor Hyun In-taek in a sign Seoul is seeking more dialogue with Pyongyang.
"The visit is aimed at increasing Washington's understanding of unification and other inter-Korean issues and enhancing mutual cooperation in terms of policy coordination," Choi Bo-sun, spokesman for the unification ministry, said.
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 10:57:27 FeedbackPrintRSS
SEOUL, Oct. 31 (Xinhua)
Philippines greets world's possible symbolic 7 billionth baby
Philippines greets world's possible symbolic 7 billionth baby
The Philippines greeted with excitement one of the symbolic 7 billionth babies in the world shortly after midnight Sunday in a hospital in Manila, local media reported Monday.
It's a baby girl with 5.5-pound. Philippine Health Secretary Enrique Ona said they will submit the baby's name and time of birth to the World Health Organization to see if the baby is indeed the world's seventh billionth.
The Philippines is the 12th most populous country in the world with 94.9 million people, according to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA)'s State of the World Population Report.
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 10:40:16 FeedbackPrintRSS
MANILA, Oct. 31 (Xinhua)
The Philippines greeted with excitement one of the symbolic 7 billionth babies in the world shortly after midnight Sunday in a hospital in Manila, local media reported Monday.
It's a baby girl with 5.5-pound. Philippine Health Secretary Enrique Ona said they will submit the baby's name and time of birth to the World Health Organization to see if the baby is indeed the world's seventh billionth.
The Philippines is the 12th most populous country in the world with 94.9 million people, according to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA)'s State of the World Population Report.
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 10:40:16 FeedbackPrintRSS
MANILA, Oct. 31 (Xinhua)
Vice defense chiefs of S Korea, Japan to hold talks
Vice defense chiefs of S Korea, Japan to hold talks
The vice defense ministers of South Korea and Japan are scheduled to hold talks later this week to discuss expanding bilateral defense ties, the defense ministry here said Monday.
South Korean Vice Defense Minister Lee Yong-gul will meet with his Japanese counterpart Kimito Nakae in Seoul on Tuesday to discuss regional security and defense cooperation between the two countries, according to the ministry.
Nakae's two-day Seoul trip will also involve a meeting with South Korean Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin and a visit to the truce village of Panmunjom, which sits between South Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
The meeting comes after Kim and his Japanese counterpart Toshimi Kitazawa agreed in January to regularize meetings between vice defense ministers of Seoul and Tokyo.
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 10:33:53 FeedbackPrintRSS
SEOUL, Oct. 31 (Xinhua)
The vice defense ministers of South Korea and Japan are scheduled to hold talks later this week to discuss expanding bilateral defense ties, the defense ministry here said Monday.
South Korean Vice Defense Minister Lee Yong-gul will meet with his Japanese counterpart Kimito Nakae in Seoul on Tuesday to discuss regional security and defense cooperation between the two countries, according to the ministry.
Nakae's two-day Seoul trip will also involve a meeting with South Korean Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin and a visit to the truce village of Panmunjom, which sits between South Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
The meeting comes after Kim and his Japanese counterpart Toshimi Kitazawa agreed in January to regularize meetings between vice defense ministers of Seoul and Tokyo.
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 10:33:53 FeedbackPrintRSS
SEOUL, Oct. 31 (Xinhua)
South Korean President Lee Myung-bak vows to accommodate yearnings of younger generations
S Korea's Lee vows to accommodate yearnings of younger generations
The ruling party's defeat the Seoul mayoral election last week demonstrated younger generations' yearning for change, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak said Monday.
"Last week, we had by-elections. Looking at the results, I was able to reaffirm the aspirations of young people for change," Lee said in his biweekly radio address.
Park Won-soon, a lawyer-turned-civic activist backed by opposition parties, defeated Na Kyung-won of the ruling Grand National Party in the closely watched race that many say will be a prelude to the parliamentary and presidential elections in 2012.
Park, a political neophyte, enjoyed overwhelming support among voters under the age of 40, indicating the younger generations' disillusionment with old partisan politics here.
"With two global crises that descended one after the other over the past years, many young people feel deep anxieties about their future as well as the present. As a society, we should give much thought to how we can provide stability and give hope to young people," the president said in a speech.
To address the problem, the government is "giving special consideration to creating jobs for high school graduates," the president added, vowing to raise its mandatory quota of new recruits among high school graduates and build more vocational high schools.
"(The) excessively high academic inflation is a huge waste in social and economic terms and the main culprit behind the recent youth unemployment," the president said, referring to a situation where eight out of 10 South Korean high school graduates go to college.
"I hope that we will work together to carve out a society where there is no discrimination based on academic degrees and where high school graduates, too, can pursue their dreams to the fullest and receive decent treatment," Lee said.
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 10:10:55 FeedbackPrintRSS
SEOUL, Oct. 31 (Xinhua)
The ruling party's defeat the Seoul mayoral election last week demonstrated younger generations' yearning for change, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak said Monday.
"Last week, we had by-elections. Looking at the results, I was able to reaffirm the aspirations of young people for change," Lee said in his biweekly radio address.
Park Won-soon, a lawyer-turned-civic activist backed by opposition parties, defeated Na Kyung-won of the ruling Grand National Party in the closely watched race that many say will be a prelude to the parliamentary and presidential elections in 2012.
Park, a political neophyte, enjoyed overwhelming support among voters under the age of 40, indicating the younger generations' disillusionment with old partisan politics here.
"With two global crises that descended one after the other over the past years, many young people feel deep anxieties about their future as well as the present. As a society, we should give much thought to how we can provide stability and give hope to young people," the president said in a speech.
To address the problem, the government is "giving special consideration to creating jobs for high school graduates," the president added, vowing to raise its mandatory quota of new recruits among high school graduates and build more vocational high schools.
"(The) excessively high academic inflation is a huge waste in social and economic terms and the main culprit behind the recent youth unemployment," the president said, referring to a situation where eight out of 10 South Korean high school graduates go to college.
"I hope that we will work together to carve out a society where there is no discrimination based on academic degrees and where high school graduates, too, can pursue their dreams to the fullest and receive decent treatment," Lee said.
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 10:10:55 FeedbackPrintRSS
SEOUL, Oct. 31 (Xinhua)
Kyrgyzstan's presidential election ends, with no reports of major violations
Kyrgyzstan's presidential election ends, with no reports of major violations
Kyrgyzstan's sixth presidential election wrapped up at 7 p.m. local time (1300 GMT) on Sunday, with no reports of major violations across the country.
The turnout rate is 57.90 percent, Central Election Committee (CEC) Chairman Tuigunaly Abdraimov said at a press conference.
According to the Interior Ministry and Department of Emergency Situations, the situation in the country was stable during the voting process, and no major violations occurred.
International observers and the CEC said there have been a few irregularities during the voting process. It added that some residents were not included in the electoral lists, but no large-scale fraud has been found.
An official with the CEC said the preliminary result may be announced on Monday morning.
According to Kyrgyzstan's new electoral law, there is no limit in the election's voter turnout rate. The election will be recognized as valid regardless of the turnout rate.
Abdraimov told Xinhua that the state treasury allocated 410 million soms (around 9 million U.S. dollars) for the presidential election, of which 149 million soms will be used in case of a runoff.
Sixteen candidates, including incumbent Prime Minister Almazbek Atambayev, United Kyrgyzstan party leader Adakhan Madumarov and Kamchibek Tashiyev, the Ata-Zhurt party leader, contended for the republic's highest post.
Besides 2,289 domestic polling stations, 29 polling stations were also opened to Kyrgyz voters living abroad. According to the CEC, 3.03 million people have registered for the vote.
In line with the country's law, a candidate will be declared the outright winner if he garners more than 50 percent of the vote.
If none of the candidates receives a clear majority, the commission will call a second round for the two candidates who have received most votes in the first round.
This election was the country's first since former President Kurmanbek Bakiyev was ousted in April last year.
The country's outgoing interim President Roza Otunbayeva will step aside for the eventual winner at the end of this year.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 00:03:46 FeedbackPrintRSS
BISHKEK, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
Kyrgyzstan's sixth presidential election wrapped up at 7 p.m. local time (1300 GMT) on Sunday, with no reports of major violations across the country.
The turnout rate is 57.90 percent, Central Election Committee (CEC) Chairman Tuigunaly Abdraimov said at a press conference.
According to the Interior Ministry and Department of Emergency Situations, the situation in the country was stable during the voting process, and no major violations occurred.
International observers and the CEC said there have been a few irregularities during the voting process. It added that some residents were not included in the electoral lists, but no large-scale fraud has been found.
An official with the CEC said the preliminary result may be announced on Monday morning.
According to Kyrgyzstan's new electoral law, there is no limit in the election's voter turnout rate. The election will be recognized as valid regardless of the turnout rate.
Abdraimov told Xinhua that the state treasury allocated 410 million soms (around 9 million U.S. dollars) for the presidential election, of which 149 million soms will be used in case of a runoff.
Sixteen candidates, including incumbent Prime Minister Almazbek Atambayev, United Kyrgyzstan party leader Adakhan Madumarov and Kamchibek Tashiyev, the Ata-Zhurt party leader, contended for the republic's highest post.
Besides 2,289 domestic polling stations, 29 polling stations were also opened to Kyrgyz voters living abroad. According to the CEC, 3.03 million people have registered for the vote.
In line with the country's law, a candidate will be declared the outright winner if he garners more than 50 percent of the vote.
If none of the candidates receives a clear majority, the commission will call a second round for the two candidates who have received most votes in the first round.
This election was the country's first since former President Kurmanbek Bakiyev was ousted in April last year.
The country's outgoing interim President Roza Otunbayeva will step aside for the eventual winner at the end of this year.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-10-31 00:03:46 FeedbackPrintRSS
BISHKEK, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
3 killed, 2 wounded in south Thailand shootings
3 killed, 2 wounded in south Thailand shootings
At least three people were killed and two others injured in two separate shootings in south Thailand 's Narathiwat Province on Sunday, local media reported.
Three people were shot dead by insurgents in a grocery store in Narathiwat, Thai media The Nation quoted police as saying.
Four insurgents came to the store on two motorcycles, pretending to buy goods. They shot a woman in front of her 8-year- old son. They killed the woman's father-in-law and a customer in the store, according to the report.
In a separate case, a gunman on a motorcycle shot at two government employees in Narathiwat's Rueso district, injuring both of them. The injured were sent to hospital.
The shootings followed a series of bomb attacks last week.
Last Tuesday, at least three people were killed in seven bombings in Yala Province, neighboring Narathiwat. Last Sunday, a shooting and two bombings killed at least seven people, including two soldiers.
More than 4,800 people have died in conflicts in southern Thailand for the past eight years.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 23:01:58 FeedbackPrintRSS
BANGKOK, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
At least three people were killed and two others injured in two separate shootings in south Thailand 's Narathiwat Province on Sunday, local media reported.
Three people were shot dead by insurgents in a grocery store in Narathiwat, Thai media The Nation quoted police as saying.
Four insurgents came to the store on two motorcycles, pretending to buy goods. They shot a woman in front of her 8-year- old son. They killed the woman's father-in-law and a customer in the store, according to the report.
In a separate case, a gunman on a motorcycle shot at two government employees in Narathiwat's Rueso district, injuring both of them. The injured were sent to hospital.
The shootings followed a series of bomb attacks last week.
Last Tuesday, at least three people were killed in seven bombings in Yala Province, neighboring Narathiwat. Last Sunday, a shooting and two bombings killed at least seven people, including two soldiers.
More than 4,800 people have died in conflicts in southern Thailand for the past eight years.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 23:01:58 FeedbackPrintRSS
BANGKOK, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
Pakistan hopeful to revive Int'l sports events at home with Chinese team' s arrival
Pakistan hopeful to revive Int'l sports events at home with Chinese team' s arrival
After a long struggle of two and half years by Pakistan to revive international sports events at home a ray of hope has emerged in the country' s sports and public circles as they believe that the international teams will reconsider their plans with the arrival of Chinese hockey team in December, this year.
Officials of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) looked optimistic to restore international hockey actions in the country by urging other nations to send their teams to Pakistan after the successful visit of China hockey team.
"We are confident that other teams will also come to Pakistan after we successfully host four-match series against China this year," said PHF secretary Asif Bajwa on Sunday.
Chinese hockey team is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi on December 19 from Beijing to play four matches test series against the hosts.
"This is a great opportunity for us to soften the image of Pakistan in international sports community and hopefully pave the way for more international sports event here," Bajwa said.
During the last five years the international sports events suffered badly in Pakistan because of the terrorist attacks at public places in which at least 35,000 people were killed including over 5,000 security personnel.
Due to the restive situation in the country other nations refused to send their teams to Pakistan. In these circumstances all Pakistani sports event got affected but Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was suffering the most losses.
Then PCB officials, by using government' s diplomatic channels, succeeded to convince Sri Lanka to send its national cricket team to visit Pakistan in early 2009.
But unluckily on March 3, 2009 the Sri Lankan team came under terrorist attack when some unknown gunmen attacked their bus on its way from hotel to stadium in Pakistan' s eastern city of Lahore where they were to play a match against the hosts.
In the result of the attack eight Pakistanis including six policemen were killed and six Sri Lankan players and two officials were injured. Quickly after the incident the Sri Lankan team was airlifted from the Qadafi Stadium Lahore and was sent back to Sri Lanka.
Due to this grave incident, all the international sports activities were stopped and country suffered millions of dollars revenue loss annually.
In spite of all efforts Pakistan failed to persuade any single country to send its teams of any sports for a tour so resultantly only a few low-profile and indoor sports event could be arranged after the attack.
Since the start of this year, Pakistani authorities have been claiming that the law and order situation is fully controlled and that they will arrange security arrangements for the players if any country sends its team to Pakistan in future.
"We have made our preparations to provide maximum protection to Chinese hockey team during their visit in December and besides this all international teams will be treated like this in future," federal interior minister Rehman Malik said while talking to media.
According to officials, Chinese hockey team will start their week-long trip with opening hockey test match at Hockey Club of Pakistan (HCP) ground on Dec. 20 and will play last match on Dec. 25 in Lahore.
Pakistan team will also pay a return visit to China next year on a similar assignment.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 22:44:51 FeedbackPrintRSS
ISLAMABAD, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
After a long struggle of two and half years by Pakistan to revive international sports events at home a ray of hope has emerged in the country' s sports and public circles as they believe that the international teams will reconsider their plans with the arrival of Chinese hockey team in December, this year.
Officials of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) looked optimistic to restore international hockey actions in the country by urging other nations to send their teams to Pakistan after the successful visit of China hockey team.
"We are confident that other teams will also come to Pakistan after we successfully host four-match series against China this year," said PHF secretary Asif Bajwa on Sunday.
Chinese hockey team is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi on December 19 from Beijing to play four matches test series against the hosts.
"This is a great opportunity for us to soften the image of Pakistan in international sports community and hopefully pave the way for more international sports event here," Bajwa said.
During the last five years the international sports events suffered badly in Pakistan because of the terrorist attacks at public places in which at least 35,000 people were killed including over 5,000 security personnel.
Due to the restive situation in the country other nations refused to send their teams to Pakistan. In these circumstances all Pakistani sports event got affected but Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was suffering the most losses.
Then PCB officials, by using government' s diplomatic channels, succeeded to convince Sri Lanka to send its national cricket team to visit Pakistan in early 2009.
But unluckily on March 3, 2009 the Sri Lankan team came under terrorist attack when some unknown gunmen attacked their bus on its way from hotel to stadium in Pakistan' s eastern city of Lahore where they were to play a match against the hosts.
In the result of the attack eight Pakistanis including six policemen were killed and six Sri Lankan players and two officials were injured. Quickly after the incident the Sri Lankan team was airlifted from the Qadafi Stadium Lahore and was sent back to Sri Lanka.
Due to this grave incident, all the international sports activities were stopped and country suffered millions of dollars revenue loss annually.
In spite of all efforts Pakistan failed to persuade any single country to send its teams of any sports for a tour so resultantly only a few low-profile and indoor sports event could be arranged after the attack.
Since the start of this year, Pakistani authorities have been claiming that the law and order situation is fully controlled and that they will arrange security arrangements for the players if any country sends its team to Pakistan in future.
"We have made our preparations to provide maximum protection to Chinese hockey team during their visit in December and besides this all international teams will be treated like this in future," federal interior minister Rehman Malik said while talking to media.
According to officials, Chinese hockey team will start their week-long trip with opening hockey test match at Hockey Club of Pakistan (HCP) ground on Dec. 20 and will play last match on Dec. 25 in Lahore.
Pakistan team will also pay a return visit to China next year on a similar assignment.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 22:44:51 FeedbackPrintRSS
ISLAMABAD, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
Philippine military to deploy more forces in Basilan: spokesman
Philippine military to deploy more forces in Basilan: spokesman
The Philippine military said on Sunday that it is planning to deploy more forces in the southern island province of Basilan where 19 Army Special Forces soldiers were killed on Oct. 18.
Western Mindanao Command spokesman Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang confirmed the plan though he said this initiative was initially discussed long before the tragic Al Barka incident.
The Army Special Forces troops were going after lawless elements, composed of Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels, under Dans Asnawi, and Abu Sayyaf terrorists, on Oct. 18. As the fighting ensued, hundreds of MILF rebels reinforced, walloping the soldiers.
Cabangbang said the plan calls for the deployment of a command group of an infantry brigade or a brigade headquarters.
He said the plan first came out during the first quarter of the year. "We have been long planning to deploy an infantry brigade in Basilan but it's only a headquarters brigade, not a brigade with three battalions."
Last week, the military mounted air, ground and naval operations at the camp of MILF leader Waning Abdusalam and about 100 of his men. Elite troops seized the lair last Wednesday but Abdusalam was nowhere to be found.
Military officials said at least 27 lawless elements died in the operation while the military lost two men. The enemy fatalities included those believed buried in at least 15 freshly- dug graves at the lair.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 20:57:02 FeedbackPrintRSS
MANILA, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
The Philippine military said on Sunday that it is planning to deploy more forces in the southern island province of Basilan where 19 Army Special Forces soldiers were killed on Oct. 18.
Western Mindanao Command spokesman Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang confirmed the plan though he said this initiative was initially discussed long before the tragic Al Barka incident.
The Army Special Forces troops were going after lawless elements, composed of Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels, under Dans Asnawi, and Abu Sayyaf terrorists, on Oct. 18. As the fighting ensued, hundreds of MILF rebels reinforced, walloping the soldiers.
Cabangbang said the plan calls for the deployment of a command group of an infantry brigade or a brigade headquarters.
He said the plan first came out during the first quarter of the year. "We have been long planning to deploy an infantry brigade in Basilan but it's only a headquarters brigade, not a brigade with three battalions."
Last week, the military mounted air, ground and naval operations at the camp of MILF leader Waning Abdusalam and about 100 of his men. Elite troops seized the lair last Wednesday but Abdusalam was nowhere to be found.
Military officials said at least 27 lawless elements died in the operation while the military lost two men. The enemy fatalities included those believed buried in at least 15 freshly- dug graves at the lair.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 20:57:02 FeedbackPrintRSS
MANILA, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Myanmar gov't official, Aung San Suu Kyi meet for 4th round of talks
Myanmar gov't official, Aung San Suu Kyi meet for 4th round of talks
Myanmar Minister of Labor U Aung Kyi and noted political figure Aung San Suu Kyi met for the fourth round of talks at the Sein Lei Kan Tha State Guest House here on Sunday for nearly an hour.
They had discussions on the country's requirements, rights of free trade and free flow of monetary for national economic development, U Aung Kyi told the press after the talks.
They also discussed the undertakings of the state on ethnic armed groups for getting eternal peace as well as amnesty to more prisoners, U Aung Kyi said, adding that they agreed to continue the dialogue based on the previous talks.
U Aung Kyi and Aung San Suu Kyi last met for the third time on Sept. 30.
Meanwhile, Myanmar President U Thein Sein had also met Aung San Suu Kyi in Nay Pyi Taw for the first ever time on Aug. 19 having discussions on prospect of cooperation for the common interest of the nation and the people, while putting aside the disagreements as claimed then.
Myanmar released 6,359 prisoners on Oct. 12 under the president 's amnesty order, the second in a year after the new government took office on March 30 this year. The first release in May covered 14,758 prisoners nationwide.
Editor: Tang Danlu
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 17:15:31 FeedbackPrintRSS
YANGON, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
Myanmar Minister of Labor U Aung Kyi and noted political figure Aung San Suu Kyi met for the fourth round of talks at the Sein Lei Kan Tha State Guest House here on Sunday for nearly an hour.
They had discussions on the country's requirements, rights of free trade and free flow of monetary for national economic development, U Aung Kyi told the press after the talks.
They also discussed the undertakings of the state on ethnic armed groups for getting eternal peace as well as amnesty to more prisoners, U Aung Kyi said, adding that they agreed to continue the dialogue based on the previous talks.
U Aung Kyi and Aung San Suu Kyi last met for the third time on Sept. 30.
Meanwhile, Myanmar President U Thein Sein had also met Aung San Suu Kyi in Nay Pyi Taw for the first ever time on Aug. 19 having discussions on prospect of cooperation for the common interest of the nation and the people, while putting aside the disagreements as claimed then.
Myanmar released 6,359 prisoners on Oct. 12 under the president 's amnesty order, the second in a year after the new government took office on March 30 this year. The first release in May covered 14,758 prisoners nationwide.
Editor: Tang Danlu
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 17:15:31 FeedbackPrintRSS
YANGON, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
9 Thai army men charged with murdering 13 Chinese sailors on Mekong River
9 Thai army men charged with murdering 13 Chinese sailors on Mekong River
Thai police have pressed charges against a group of Thai army men in connection with the killing of 13 Chinese sailors on the Mekong River earlier this month, the Bangkok Post reported Sunday.
The suspects, who were servicemen of a task force of the Third Army, reportedly turned themselves in on Friday after the issue of a arrest warrant by the police. They have been questioned by the police and are facing charges of murder and tampering of evidence. But they denied all the charges, according to the report.
Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung, who is in charge of security affairs and overseas national police, said that "solid evidence" suggested that the cargo ships where the 13 Chinese sailors were aboard were attacked by weapons fired from the Thai side. Meanwhile, a background check on the Chinese victims showed that they didn't have any convictions for drugs offences, he said.
Thai police chief Pol Gen Priewpan Damapong on Friday revealed the identities of the nine suspects and insisted that the army and the government were not behind the killing. He said further investigation is still underway.
Two cargo ships, Huaping and Yu Xing 8, were attacked on Oct. 5 on Mekong River near the golden triangle area and 13 Chinese sailors were killed.
Editor: Tang Danlu
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 17:14:41 FeedbackPrintRSS
Video>> 9 confess to killing Chinese sailors on Mekong River
BANGKOK, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
Thai police have pressed charges against a group of Thai army men in connection with the killing of 13 Chinese sailors on the Mekong River earlier this month, the Bangkok Post reported Sunday.
The suspects, who were servicemen of a task force of the Third Army, reportedly turned themselves in on Friday after the issue of a arrest warrant by the police. They have been questioned by the police and are facing charges of murder and tampering of evidence. But they denied all the charges, according to the report.
Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung, who is in charge of security affairs and overseas national police, said that "solid evidence" suggested that the cargo ships where the 13 Chinese sailors were aboard were attacked by weapons fired from the Thai side. Meanwhile, a background check on the Chinese victims showed that they didn't have any convictions for drugs offences, he said.
Thai police chief Pol Gen Priewpan Damapong on Friday revealed the identities of the nine suspects and insisted that the army and the government were not behind the killing. He said further investigation is still underway.
Two cargo ships, Huaping and Yu Xing 8, were attacked on Oct. 5 on Mekong River near the golden triangle area and 13 Chinese sailors were killed.
Editor: Tang Danlu
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 17:14:41 FeedbackPrintRSS
Video>> 9 confess to killing Chinese sailors on Mekong River
BANGKOK, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
Better to end Kyrgyzstan presidential election in the first round: PM
Better to end Kyrgyzstan presidential election in the first round: PM
The front-runner presidential candidate in Kyrgyzstan, current Prime Minister Almazbek Atambayev, said Sunday that it would be better to end election by one round of vote.
"Electing a president in the first round would be the best prospect," Atambayev said after voting at No.1209 polling station in Bishkek, adding that stability will hopefully set in Kyrgyzstan after the election.
Atambayev also said he had never used the administrative resource for his election campaigns, while "the Central Election Commission will count ballots and no one will engage in vote rigging."
He added losers would have to accept their defeats with dignity, rather than leading people to streets.
He said the parliamentary system would hopefully continue as "this system better matches our national spirit. But powers must be divided clearly between the branches of authority."
Kyrgyzstan held its latest presidential election on Sunday, with a total of 3.03 million registered voters expected to cast ballots across the country.
Up to 19 presidential candidates -- eight from political parties and 11 independents -- were registered for the presidential race, but three of them dropped out three days before the election day.
Analysts saw the current prime minister as the front-runner, with Adakhan Madumarov, leader of the United Kyrgyzstan party, and Kamchibek Tashiyev, leader of the nationalist Ata-Zhurt party, as his two main challengers.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 16:41:08
The front-runner presidential candidate in Kyrgyzstan, current Prime Minister Almazbek Atambayev, said Sunday that it would be better to end election by one round of vote.
"Electing a president in the first round would be the best prospect," Atambayev said after voting at No.1209 polling station in Bishkek, adding that stability will hopefully set in Kyrgyzstan after the election.
Atambayev also said he had never used the administrative resource for his election campaigns, while "the Central Election Commission will count ballots and no one will engage in vote rigging."
He added losers would have to accept their defeats with dignity, rather than leading people to streets.
He said the parliamentary system would hopefully continue as "this system better matches our national spirit. But powers must be divided clearly between the branches of authority."
Kyrgyzstan held its latest presidential election on Sunday, with a total of 3.03 million registered voters expected to cast ballots across the country.
Up to 19 presidential candidates -- eight from political parties and 11 independents -- were registered for the presidential race, but three of them dropped out three days before the election day.
Analysts saw the current prime minister as the front-runner, with Adakhan Madumarov, leader of the United Kyrgyzstan party, and Kamchibek Tashiyev, leader of the nationalist Ata-Zhurt party, as his two main challengers.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 16:41:08
Thailand's northbound train services resume
Thailand's northbound train services resume
Train services to the North from Bangkok have resumed but southbound train services still remain suspended due to flooding of the railway tracks, local media reported Sunday.
According to State Railway of Thailand (SRT), the first Bangkok- Chiang Mai express train departed the capital Saturday morning, same as the Chiang Mai-Bangkok express train. Both trains would re- route via the east to avoid flooded areas, resulting in few-hours delay.
The northern trains had been suspended for a month after floods covered the tracks in some northern and central regions.
The SRT suspended the southern train services and refunded money to those who had already bought tickets, after railway tracks in some central provinces were submerged.
The country's worst floods have also crippled some 75 highways and roads in 18 provinces. Although floodwaters have subsided, 26 provinces with about 2 million are still suffering from the ongoing floods which have battered the country since late July.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 16:40:00 FeedbackPrintRSS
BANGKOK, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
Train services to the North from Bangkok have resumed but southbound train services still remain suspended due to flooding of the railway tracks, local media reported Sunday.
According to State Railway of Thailand (SRT), the first Bangkok- Chiang Mai express train departed the capital Saturday morning, same as the Chiang Mai-Bangkok express train. Both trains would re- route via the east to avoid flooded areas, resulting in few-hours delay.
The northern trains had been suspended for a month after floods covered the tracks in some northern and central regions.
The SRT suspended the southern train services and refunded money to those who had already bought tickets, after railway tracks in some central provinces were submerged.
The country's worst floods have also crippled some 75 highways and roads in 18 provinces. Although floodwaters have subsided, 26 provinces with about 2 million are still suffering from the ongoing floods which have battered the country since late July.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 16:40:00 FeedbackPrintRSS
BANGKOK, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
Gov't troops kill 3 Abu Sayyaf militants in Southern Philippines
Gov't troops kill 3 Abu Sayyaf militants in S. Philippines
Three Abu Sayyaf militants were killed as they clashed with government forces Sunday morning in the southern province of Sulu, police and military said.
Chief Superintendent Bienvenido Latag, regional police director in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said that the fighting between the soldiers and Abu Sayyaf militants erupted in Indanan town as early as at 06:30 a.m. local time.
"The bodies of slain militants have been recovered along with their weapons," said Latag.
Randolph Cabangbang, spokesperson of the military's Western Mindanao Command, said the three killed militants wore assorted military-style uniforms.
The Abu Sayyaf, active in southern Philippines, was founded in the 1990s and has perpetrated a number of high-profile attacks, including kidnapping, bombing and beheading. The Philippine military estimates the group, which has links with external terrorist organizations such as al-Qaeda, currently has less than 400 members.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 16:39:12 FeedbackPrintRSS
COTABATO CITY, the Philippines, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
Three Abu Sayyaf militants were killed as they clashed with government forces Sunday morning in the southern province of Sulu, police and military said.
Chief Superintendent Bienvenido Latag, regional police director in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said that the fighting between the soldiers and Abu Sayyaf militants erupted in Indanan town as early as at 06:30 a.m. local time.
"The bodies of slain militants have been recovered along with their weapons," said Latag.
Randolph Cabangbang, spokesperson of the military's Western Mindanao Command, said the three killed militants wore assorted military-style uniforms.
The Abu Sayyaf, active in southern Philippines, was founded in the 1990s and has perpetrated a number of high-profile attacks, including kidnapping, bombing and beheading. The Philippine military estimates the group, which has links with external terrorist organizations such as al-Qaeda, currently has less than 400 members.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 16:39:12 FeedbackPrintRSS
COTABATO CITY, the Philippines, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
U.S. drone strike kills 6 in NW Pakistan
U.S. drone strike kills 6 in NW Pakistan
A U.S. pilotless aircraft fired six missiles on a house in Pakistan's North Waziristan tribal region on Sunday, killing at least 6 people, local media reported.
The Express TV reported that the U.S. pilotless aircraft struck a house and a vehicle at Datta Khel area, just few km from Miranshah, the center of North Waziristan.
It was not clear as to who were targeted in the strike, the third attack in Waziristan tribal region within four days.
Residents in Miranshah said that a U.S. unmanned aircraft had been flying over the area since Sunday morning and launched the strike at around 11:45 a.m. local time. The local tribesmen said that they could not approach the strike site because of fear of another strike.
They said that armed Taliban arrived at the scene and removed the bodies.
It was the third U.S. attack in Waziristan region within four days. At least ten people, including two Taliban commanders, were killed in both strikes in South and North Waziristan on Thursday.
The U.S. has stepped up drone strikes in recent days despite opposition by top Pakistani leaders.
Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani said on Saturday in Australia that no permission had been granted to the United States to launch drone attacks on targets inside Pakistan.
"There is no such permission,"Gilani, who is in Australia, for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), told a group of Pakistani expatriates.
Gilan said that drone attacks were counter-productive because they caused collateral damage and undermined the government's efforts to garner support against extremists and terrorists.
He said that the drone attacks were one of the reasons why relations between Pakistan and the U.S. had deteriorated in recent months.
Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, who is also in Australia, termed the U.S. drone attacks inside its territory as "unjustified" saying these were counterproductive and decreased space for creating support against extremists.
"Our leadership has always condemned these in the strongest terms and unjustified," Hina Rabbani Khar told students at University of Western Australia.
Hundreds of tribesmen staged a rally in Islamabad on Friday and called for immediate halt to the American drone strikes in the tribal regions. They said that innocent people are killed in the strikes.
The U.S. spy aircraft routinely fires missiles in the Pakistani tribal regions, claiming that they target suspected al-Qaeda and Taliban militants.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 15:36:52 FeedbackPrintRSS
ISLAMABAD, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
A U.S. pilotless aircraft fired six missiles on a house in Pakistan's North Waziristan tribal region on Sunday, killing at least 6 people, local media reported.
The Express TV reported that the U.S. pilotless aircraft struck a house and a vehicle at Datta Khel area, just few km from Miranshah, the center of North Waziristan.
It was not clear as to who were targeted in the strike, the third attack in Waziristan tribal region within four days.
Residents in Miranshah said that a U.S. unmanned aircraft had been flying over the area since Sunday morning and launched the strike at around 11:45 a.m. local time. The local tribesmen said that they could not approach the strike site because of fear of another strike.
They said that armed Taliban arrived at the scene and removed the bodies.
It was the third U.S. attack in Waziristan region within four days. At least ten people, including two Taliban commanders, were killed in both strikes in South and North Waziristan on Thursday.
The U.S. has stepped up drone strikes in recent days despite opposition by top Pakistani leaders.
Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani said on Saturday in Australia that no permission had been granted to the United States to launch drone attacks on targets inside Pakistan.
"There is no such permission,"Gilani, who is in Australia, for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), told a group of Pakistani expatriates.
Gilan said that drone attacks were counter-productive because they caused collateral damage and undermined the government's efforts to garner support against extremists and terrorists.
He said that the drone attacks were one of the reasons why relations between Pakistan and the U.S. had deteriorated in recent months.
Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, who is also in Australia, termed the U.S. drone attacks inside its territory as "unjustified" saying these were counterproductive and decreased space for creating support against extremists.
"Our leadership has always condemned these in the strongest terms and unjustified," Hina Rabbani Khar told students at University of Western Australia.
Hundreds of tribesmen staged a rally in Islamabad on Friday and called for immediate halt to the American drone strikes in the tribal regions. They said that innocent people are killed in the strikes.
The U.S. spy aircraft routinely fires missiles in the Pakistani tribal regions, claiming that they target suspected al-Qaeda and Taliban militants.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 15:36:52 FeedbackPrintRSS
ISLAMABAD, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
Sri Lanka to give citizenship to returning refugees
Sri Lanka to give citizenship to returning refugees
Sri Lanka said on Sunday that it would offer citizenship to thousands of refugees who are scheduled to return back from India over the next several months.
Deputy Minister of Resettlement Vinayagamoorthi Muralitharan said that thousands of Sri Lankan refugees who fled to southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu during the country's 30 year war against Tamil Tiger rebels would be registered upon their arrival and be given the necessary documents.
Muralitharan said that while most of these refugees have been living in Tamil Nadu for the past 20 or 30 years, they will be resettled in their original homes.
Even children who have been born in refugee camps in India, will be given Sri Lankan nationalities once they arrive, Muralitharan said.
"We welcome all these refugees back to Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan government together with other agencies has made all arrangements to bring these refugees back home via sea transport," he said.
Since the conflict ended in May 2009, Sri Lankan refugees have been steadily returning back to the country, mainly from India.
According to Indian government figures, some 69,000 Sri Lankan refugees are living in 112 camps in Tamil Nadu.
The UN's refugee agency said that there are 141,063 Sri Lankan refugees in 65 countries, with the majority in India, followed by France, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Australia, Malaysia, the United States and Italy.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 15:16:54 FeedbackPrintRSS
COLOMBO, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
Sri Lanka said on Sunday that it would offer citizenship to thousands of refugees who are scheduled to return back from India over the next several months.
Deputy Minister of Resettlement Vinayagamoorthi Muralitharan said that thousands of Sri Lankan refugees who fled to southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu during the country's 30 year war against Tamil Tiger rebels would be registered upon their arrival and be given the necessary documents.
Muralitharan said that while most of these refugees have been living in Tamil Nadu for the past 20 or 30 years, they will be resettled in their original homes.
Even children who have been born in refugee camps in India, will be given Sri Lankan nationalities once they arrive, Muralitharan said.
"We welcome all these refugees back to Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan government together with other agencies has made all arrangements to bring these refugees back home via sea transport," he said.
Since the conflict ended in May 2009, Sri Lankan refugees have been steadily returning back to the country, mainly from India.
According to Indian government figures, some 69,000 Sri Lankan refugees are living in 112 camps in Tamil Nadu.
The UN's refugee agency said that there are 141,063 Sri Lankan refugees in 65 countries, with the majority in India, followed by France, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Australia, Malaysia, the United States and Italy.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 15:16:54 FeedbackPrintRSS
COLOMBO, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
At least 4 killed in U.S. drone strike in NW Pakistan
At least 4 killed in U.S. drone strike in NW Pakistan
At least four persons were killed on Sunday in a U.S. drone strike in Pakistan's northwestern tribal region bordering Afghanistan, local Urdu TV ARY reported.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 15:08:46 FeedbackPrintRSS
ISLAMABAD, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
At least four persons were killed on Sunday in a U.S. drone strike in Pakistan's northwestern tribal region bordering Afghanistan, local Urdu TV ARY reported.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 15:08:46 FeedbackPrintRSS
ISLAMABAD, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
11 insurgents killed, 12 injured in Afghanistan
11 insurgents killed, 12 injured in Afghanistan
Eleven insurgents have been killed and 12 others injured when Afghan and NATO-led Coalition forces launched 12 joint operations in different Afghan provinces over the past 24 hours, Afghan Interior Ministry said on Sunday.
"Afghan National Police (ANP), Afghan army and Coalition forces carried out 12 joint operations in Kandahar, Helmand, Uruzgan, Zabul, Logar, and Paktika province over the past 24 hours, killing 11 armed insurgents and wounding 12 other armed insurgents," the ministry said in a statement.
ANP also detained 18 suspected militants besides seizing a handful of weapons and ammunition in the same operations, the statement added.
Separately, ANP also discovered and defused 15 anti-vehicle mines and 25 mortar mine fuses as a result of separate operations in southern Zabul and eastern Paktia province.
Afghan officials often use the word "insurgents" referring to Taliban, however, Taliban militants have yet to make comments.
Taliban militants claimed of responsibility for a suicide car bomb on a coalition convoy in capital city of Kabul on Sunday that left 13 U.S. soldiers and civilian employees with the NATO-led Coalition forces and four Afghans dead in a deadliest attack on foreign troops in Afghan capital of Kabul.
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 14:34:16 FeedbackPrintRSS
KABUL, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
Eleven insurgents have been killed and 12 others injured when Afghan and NATO-led Coalition forces launched 12 joint operations in different Afghan provinces over the past 24 hours, Afghan Interior Ministry said on Sunday.
"Afghan National Police (ANP), Afghan army and Coalition forces carried out 12 joint operations in Kandahar, Helmand, Uruzgan, Zabul, Logar, and Paktika province over the past 24 hours, killing 11 armed insurgents and wounding 12 other armed insurgents," the ministry said in a statement.
ANP also detained 18 suspected militants besides seizing a handful of weapons and ammunition in the same operations, the statement added.
Separately, ANP also discovered and defused 15 anti-vehicle mines and 25 mortar mine fuses as a result of separate operations in southern Zabul and eastern Paktia province.
Afghan officials often use the word "insurgents" referring to Taliban, however, Taliban militants have yet to make comments.
Taliban militants claimed of responsibility for a suicide car bomb on a coalition convoy in capital city of Kabul on Sunday that left 13 U.S. soldiers and civilian employees with the NATO-led Coalition forces and four Afghans dead in a deadliest attack on foreign troops in Afghan capital of Kabul.
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 14:34:16 FeedbackPrintRSS
KABUL, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
Thai flood death toll hits 381
Thai flood death toll hits 381
A total of 381 people were confirmed dead and two people were missing in Thailand's worst floods that have inundated many provinces since July 25, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department said on Sunday.
Floods which affected 62 of 77 provinces started receding in some provinces. Currently, the deluge still prevails in 144 districts of 26 provinces in northeastern and central regions, affecting 2,035,119 people, the department said.
Bangkok, the country's capital city, is on the edge of flooding as its outer areas were inundated and one of the airports swamped this week. In the eastern part of Bangkok, a total of 27 communities outside floodwalls were inundated by the northern runoff. People along Chao Praya River have been warned of overflow.
Bangkokians have rushed out of the city during the five-day special holiday from October 27-31 declared by the cabinet on last Tuesday.
Since the most severe floods in over half a century caused by heavy monsoon rains and tropical storms have lashed the country, over 9.4 million people affected and hundreds of roads and highways were under water, some 75 out of these were so damaged that they became impassable. Ten thousands of factories inundated, putting over 600,000 employees at the risk of loosing their jobs.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 14:11:55 FeedbackPrintRSS
BANGKOK, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
A total of 381 people were confirmed dead and two people were missing in Thailand's worst floods that have inundated many provinces since July 25, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department said on Sunday.
Floods which affected 62 of 77 provinces started receding in some provinces. Currently, the deluge still prevails in 144 districts of 26 provinces in northeastern and central regions, affecting 2,035,119 people, the department said.
Bangkok, the country's capital city, is on the edge of flooding as its outer areas were inundated and one of the airports swamped this week. In the eastern part of Bangkok, a total of 27 communities outside floodwalls were inundated by the northern runoff. People along Chao Praya River have been warned of overflow.
Bangkokians have rushed out of the city during the five-day special holiday from October 27-31 declared by the cabinet on last Tuesday.
Since the most severe floods in over half a century caused by heavy monsoon rains and tropical storms have lashed the country, over 9.4 million people affected and hundreds of roads and highways were under water, some 75 out of these were so damaged that they became impassable. Ten thousands of factories inundated, putting over 600,000 employees at the risk of loosing their jobs.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 14:11:55 FeedbackPrintRSS
BANGKOK, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
Sri Lanka war commission says report ready
Sri Lanka war commission says report ready
A Sri Lankan war commission said Sunday that its final report is ready and going through the final touches before it is handed over to the president.
The Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) said its report will be handed over to President Mahinda Rajapaksa before November 15 as scheduled.
Media coordinator of the LLRC Lakshman Wickramasinghe told Xinhua that a draft of the final report is now being analyzed before the final document is completed.
He also said that the report will not be placed in the public domain and instead will be directly handed over to the president.
Sri Lanka has been accused of committing human rights abuses during the final stages of the war against the rebels, an allegation the government has rejected.
The Sri Lankan president appointed the eight member Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission in May last year to report on the lessons to be learnt from the events which took place in the Sri Lankan conflict between February 2002 to May 2009.
The commission has been charged with reporting whether any person, group or institution directly or indirectly bears responsibility over some of the incidents which took place before the defeat of the Tamil Tiger rebels two years ago.
It was also tasked with reporting on measures to be taken to prevent the recurrence of such concerns in the future and promote further national unity and reconciliation among all communities.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 14:10:56 FeedbackPrintRSS
COLOMBO, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
A Sri Lankan war commission said Sunday that its final report is ready and going through the final touches before it is handed over to the president.
The Lessons Learned and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) said its report will be handed over to President Mahinda Rajapaksa before November 15 as scheduled.
Media coordinator of the LLRC Lakshman Wickramasinghe told Xinhua that a draft of the final report is now being analyzed before the final document is completed.
He also said that the report will not be placed in the public domain and instead will be directly handed over to the president.
Sri Lanka has been accused of committing human rights abuses during the final stages of the war against the rebels, an allegation the government has rejected.
The Sri Lankan president appointed the eight member Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission in May last year to report on the lessons to be learnt from the events which took place in the Sri Lankan conflict between February 2002 to May 2009.
The commission has been charged with reporting whether any person, group or institution directly or indirectly bears responsibility over some of the incidents which took place before the defeat of the Tamil Tiger rebels two years ago.
It was also tasked with reporting on measures to be taken to prevent the recurrence of such concerns in the future and promote further national unity and reconciliation among all communities.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 14:10:56 FeedbackPrintRSS
COLOMBO, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Armed men attack opposition party offices in Pakistan
Armed men attack opposition party offices in Pakistan
Armed men attacked and ransacked offices of main opposition party in Pakistan two days after the opposition staged a big anti-government rally, police and the party leaders said Sunday.
The offices of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) were attacked in different cities and towns of southern Sindh province and set them ablaze late Saturday night, police said.
No one was hurt in the attacks as all offices were closed at the time of overnight attacks.
No group claimed responsibility for the attacks. The PML-N leaders blamed the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and its allies for the attacks.
Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Home Minister in Sindh Province, Manzoor Wasan condemned the attacks and ordered an inquiry.
PML-N leaders said that unknown men attacked three PML-N offices in an hour. They said the first attack was carried out in the town of Kandhkot at around 12 midnight and later fled.
Shortly after the first attack, armed men set on fire the PML-N office in Hyderabad, the second main city after Karachi. General Secretary PML-N in Hyderabad said that PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif's posters and pictures were also being burnt in different parts of the city.
According to the watchman of the building four attackers opened fire and escaped after setting the building alight.
The PML-N office in the city of Nawabshah was also attacked and burnt, police said.
Residence of PML-N district chief's brother in Sukker city was also attacked with a petrol bomb, however no casualty was reported, the party leaders said.
Sindh Home Minister Manzoor wasan ordered for the judicial inquiry of the incidents and asked the provincial police chief to submit report on priority basis. He also suspended a police officer for failure to protect the offices. He said the government has also increased security for the offices if opposition party.
A central PML-N leader Saad Rafiq described the attacks as ' political terrorism' and said the party would stage peaceful protest against the incidents. He said the PML-N leaders will visit the ransacked offices later on Sunday and chalk out protest plan.
Editor: An
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 13:11:50 FeedbackPrintRSS
ISLAMABAD, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
Armed men attacked and ransacked offices of main opposition party in Pakistan two days after the opposition staged a big anti-government rally, police and the party leaders said Sunday.
The offices of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) were attacked in different cities and towns of southern Sindh province and set them ablaze late Saturday night, police said.
No one was hurt in the attacks as all offices were closed at the time of overnight attacks.
No group claimed responsibility for the attacks. The PML-N leaders blamed the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and its allies for the attacks.
Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Home Minister in Sindh Province, Manzoor Wasan condemned the attacks and ordered an inquiry.
PML-N leaders said that unknown men attacked three PML-N offices in an hour. They said the first attack was carried out in the town of Kandhkot at around 12 midnight and later fled.
Shortly after the first attack, armed men set on fire the PML-N office in Hyderabad, the second main city after Karachi. General Secretary PML-N in Hyderabad said that PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif's posters and pictures were also being burnt in different parts of the city.
According to the watchman of the building four attackers opened fire and escaped after setting the building alight.
The PML-N office in the city of Nawabshah was also attacked and burnt, police said.
Residence of PML-N district chief's brother in Sukker city was also attacked with a petrol bomb, however no casualty was reported, the party leaders said.
Sindh Home Minister Manzoor wasan ordered for the judicial inquiry of the incidents and asked the provincial police chief to submit report on priority basis. He also suspended a police officer for failure to protect the offices. He said the government has also increased security for the offices if opposition party.
A central PML-N leader Saad Rafiq described the attacks as ' political terrorism' and said the party would stage peaceful protest against the incidents. He said the PML-N leaders will visit the ransacked offices later on Sunday and chalk out protest plan.
Editor: An
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 13:11:50 FeedbackPrintRSS
ISLAMABAD, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
S. Korea's police chief meets with skepticism over gun use
S.Korea's police chief meets with skepticism over gun use
South Korea's police chief has come under fire recently not only from human rights organizations but also from his organization after he urged police officers to take sterner measures against gangs, including the active use of firearms.
"Police will fight a war against organized gangsters by the end of this year," Cho Hyun-oh, commissioner general of the National Police Agency, said in a regular press meeting earlier this week.
"I will allow all kinds of equipment and gear (to be used) in the process of suppressing gangsters," Cho said in an apparent reference to the use of guns.
Cho's demand came after police had faced increased criticism for their tepid handling of a violent fight between two rival gang factions in Incheon, west of Seoul, last week.
About 130 gangsters from the rival groups violently clashed outside a hospital in downtown Incheon, with one gang member severely injured from being stabbed.
Witnesses reported that some 70 police officers were present at the crime scene but did not intervene for two hours.
Why do the officers carry guns? The police should have boldly used their pistols at the scene," said Cho as he reprimanded Incheon police for their failure to respond strongly to the clash.
He then said he would not approach the war against gangs from the perspective of human rights as such approach would inflict huge damage on the public.
This was the third time this year that Cho ordered police officers to use firearms more actively.
Following an incident in May, in which an officer got injured while defending himself unarmed against a drunken man with a knife at a police station, Cho called on officers to use guns more aggressively.
He reiterated his support for more gun use in August by saying, "what's important is to help police officers use guns in the right way at the right moment. That's to protect citizens."
However, his firm stance on the active use of guns by police officers has brought about negative responses not only from human rights activists but also from officers on the frontlines.
"The rules and regulations in using firearms is so strict that when time calls for use of a firearm, it's not that easy to make the judgment," an unnamed senior officer was quoted by Yonhap news agency as saying. "Who can draw a gun easily when it' s one's own responsibility when an accident happens?"
Human rights organizations have also warned that it is not always easy to discern the culprit in a situation and that the number of firearm misuse could only rise.
Editor: An
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 13:08:55 FeedbackPrintRSS
SEOUL, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
South Korea's police chief has come under fire recently not only from human rights organizations but also from his organization after he urged police officers to take sterner measures against gangs, including the active use of firearms.
"Police will fight a war against organized gangsters by the end of this year," Cho Hyun-oh, commissioner general of the National Police Agency, said in a regular press meeting earlier this week.
"I will allow all kinds of equipment and gear (to be used) in the process of suppressing gangsters," Cho said in an apparent reference to the use of guns.
Cho's demand came after police had faced increased criticism for their tepid handling of a violent fight between two rival gang factions in Incheon, west of Seoul, last week.
About 130 gangsters from the rival groups violently clashed outside a hospital in downtown Incheon, with one gang member severely injured from being stabbed.
Witnesses reported that some 70 police officers were present at the crime scene but did not intervene for two hours.
Why do the officers carry guns? The police should have boldly used their pistols at the scene," said Cho as he reprimanded Incheon police for their failure to respond strongly to the clash.
He then said he would not approach the war against gangs from the perspective of human rights as such approach would inflict huge damage on the public.
This was the third time this year that Cho ordered police officers to use firearms more actively.
Following an incident in May, in which an officer got injured while defending himself unarmed against a drunken man with a knife at a police station, Cho called on officers to use guns more aggressively.
He reiterated his support for more gun use in August by saying, "what's important is to help police officers use guns in the right way at the right moment. That's to protect citizens."
However, his firm stance on the active use of guns by police officers has brought about negative responses not only from human rights activists but also from officers on the frontlines.
"The rules and regulations in using firearms is so strict that when time calls for use of a firearm, it's not that easy to make the judgment," an unnamed senior officer was quoted by Yonhap news agency as saying. "Who can draw a gun easily when it' s one's own responsibility when an accident happens?"
Human rights organizations have also warned that it is not always easy to discern the culprit in a situation and that the number of firearm misuse could only rise.
Editor: An
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 13:08:55 FeedbackPrintRSS
SEOUL, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
Cambodia celebrates 20th anniversary of ex-King's return
Cambodia celebrates 20th anniversary of ex-King's return
Cambodia on Sunday celebrated the 20th anniversary of ailing former retired King Norodom Sihanouk's return from exile and his 89-year-old birthday turning to 90 on Oct. 31.
The auspicious ceremony was held in front of the Royal Palace with the high presence from King Norodom Sihamoni, Sihanouk's son, Senate acting-President Prince Sisowath Chivan Monirak, President of the National Assembly Heng Samrin, Prime Minister Hun Sen, and foreign diplomatic corps.
In his first public appearance since his abdication in October 2004 in favour of his son Norodom Sihamoni, the former King was warmly greeted by throng of about 40,000 people from all walks of life.
Traditional dance has been performed to bless the former King with good health and longevity.
In his remarks, Sihanouk said he was very happy to have an honor to address to his beloved compatriots and highly appreciated Prime Minister Hun Sen for his tireless efforts and achievements to develop the country.
"Also, I admire the government of Cambodia and the parliament for their joint efforts to develop the nation," he said in a speech and live televised by the state-owned National Television of Cambodia.
The former King and Queen returned to Cambodia on November 14, 1991 from their exile in China's Beijing at the invitation of the ruling Cambodian People's Party, said Prime Minister Hun Sen in a speech during the celebration.
He said the celebration was to reflect the sincere hearts of Cambodian people towards the former King Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Norodom Monineath for their tireless efforts and achievements in national construction.
"We, all Cambodian people, wish the king father for good health and longevity in order to stay as a cold shadow for peace, political stability and prosperity of Cambodia and Cambodian people," he said.
Hun Sen said in the history of Cambodian Kings, there have never had any ex-kings who had as long life as the former King Norodom Sihanouk.
"In the past and in the future, the government of Cambodia vows to protect monarchic regime, constitutional law, full peace, political stability and national unification," he said.
During the celebrations, there is an exhibition displaying former King Norodom Sihanouk's royal crusades and achievements in his efforts to develop the nation.
Also, at the night of Oct. 30, there will be fireworks and concerts.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 12:31:35 FeedbackPrintRSS
PHNOM PENH, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
Cambodia on Sunday celebrated the 20th anniversary of ailing former retired King Norodom Sihanouk's return from exile and his 89-year-old birthday turning to 90 on Oct. 31.
The auspicious ceremony was held in front of the Royal Palace with the high presence from King Norodom Sihamoni, Sihanouk's son, Senate acting-President Prince Sisowath Chivan Monirak, President of the National Assembly Heng Samrin, Prime Minister Hun Sen, and foreign diplomatic corps.
In his first public appearance since his abdication in October 2004 in favour of his son Norodom Sihamoni, the former King was warmly greeted by throng of about 40,000 people from all walks of life.
Traditional dance has been performed to bless the former King with good health and longevity.
In his remarks, Sihanouk said he was very happy to have an honor to address to his beloved compatriots and highly appreciated Prime Minister Hun Sen for his tireless efforts and achievements to develop the country.
"Also, I admire the government of Cambodia and the parliament for their joint efforts to develop the nation," he said in a speech and live televised by the state-owned National Television of Cambodia.
The former King and Queen returned to Cambodia on November 14, 1991 from their exile in China's Beijing at the invitation of the ruling Cambodian People's Party, said Prime Minister Hun Sen in a speech during the celebration.
He said the celebration was to reflect the sincere hearts of Cambodian people towards the former King Norodom Sihanouk and Queen Norodom Monineath for their tireless efforts and achievements in national construction.
"We, all Cambodian people, wish the king father for good health and longevity in order to stay as a cold shadow for peace, political stability and prosperity of Cambodia and Cambodian people," he said.
Hun Sen said in the history of Cambodian Kings, there have never had any ex-kings who had as long life as the former King Norodom Sihanouk.
"In the past and in the future, the government of Cambodia vows to protect monarchic regime, constitutional law, full peace, political stability and national unification," he said.
During the celebrations, there is an exhibition displaying former King Norodom Sihanouk's royal crusades and achievements in his efforts to develop the nation.
Also, at the night of Oct. 30, there will be fireworks and concerts.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 12:31:35 FeedbackPrintRSS
PHNOM PENH, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
Australia remains committed despite 3 soldiers killed in Afghanistan: PM
Australia remains committed despite 3 soldiers killed in Afghanistan: PM
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Defense Minister Stephen Smith on Sunday described the shooting deaths of three Australian soldiers in Afghanistan as a "terrible blow to our nation", but said Australia remains committed.
Three Australian soldiers - a corporal, captain and lance corporal - were killed and seven others were wounded in the incident at Shah Wali Kot in the southern province of Kandahar in Afghanistan on Saturday morning. An Afghan interpreter was also killed in the incident.
"Today is a bitter day for Australia," Gillard said in a press conference in Perth. "Our dead will come home with honor, we will mourn their loss."
Smith said the incident was the single worst loss of Australian life involving firearms or gunshots since Australian troops began operations in Afghanistan in 2001. It was also the first occasion on which Australian members of the mentoring and training taskforce have been killed outside Uruzgan province.
Troops in Afghanistan are in shock, but they are tough and resilient, Smith said, adding that they will find the strength and determination to continue their mission and honor their mates.
While there have been 11 Australian deaths and 43 soldiers wounded in Afghanistan this year, Smith agreed that the incident would naturally prompt the public to question Australia's role in Afghanistan, but said Australia would stay the course.
Gillard also acknowledged that public support for Australia's mission in Afghanistan could waver as a consequence of Saturday's incident, but urged people not to judge the progress Australian forces were making on the one incident alone.
"Despite the gravity of this incident, and the horror of this incident, we are making progress in training members of the Afghan National Army..." she said, "Our mission is a defined one..."
She also said Australia remains committed to the war in Afghanistan, and the mission in Afghanistan was in Australia's "clear national interest" because it was a nation that had been used as a terrorist training base and Australian lives had been lost in terrorist attacks.
If Australia was to pull out, it would leave a vacuum that would be filled by terrorists and the Taliban, the prime minister said.
Of the seven wounded soldiers, Defense Chief General David Hurley said one was being treated for life-threatening wounds, four for serious wounds and two for minor wounds.
General Hurley said it was likely the most seriously wounded soldier would be moved to Germany for further treatment.
General Hurley said an "extensive investigation" would be launched into the attack.
The latest deaths bring to 33 the number of Australian fatalities since the start of the Afghan operation, and 209 have been wounded.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 12:17:11 FeedbackPrintRSS
CANBERRA, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Defense Minister Stephen Smith on Sunday described the shooting deaths of three Australian soldiers in Afghanistan as a "terrible blow to our nation", but said Australia remains committed.
Three Australian soldiers - a corporal, captain and lance corporal - were killed and seven others were wounded in the incident at Shah Wali Kot in the southern province of Kandahar in Afghanistan on Saturday morning. An Afghan interpreter was also killed in the incident.
"Today is a bitter day for Australia," Gillard said in a press conference in Perth. "Our dead will come home with honor, we will mourn their loss."
Smith said the incident was the single worst loss of Australian life involving firearms or gunshots since Australian troops began operations in Afghanistan in 2001. It was also the first occasion on which Australian members of the mentoring and training taskforce have been killed outside Uruzgan province.
Troops in Afghanistan are in shock, but they are tough and resilient, Smith said, adding that they will find the strength and determination to continue their mission and honor their mates.
While there have been 11 Australian deaths and 43 soldiers wounded in Afghanistan this year, Smith agreed that the incident would naturally prompt the public to question Australia's role in Afghanistan, but said Australia would stay the course.
Gillard also acknowledged that public support for Australia's mission in Afghanistan could waver as a consequence of Saturday's incident, but urged people not to judge the progress Australian forces were making on the one incident alone.
"Despite the gravity of this incident, and the horror of this incident, we are making progress in training members of the Afghan National Army..." she said, "Our mission is a defined one..."
She also said Australia remains committed to the war in Afghanistan, and the mission in Afghanistan was in Australia's "clear national interest" because it was a nation that had been used as a terrorist training base and Australian lives had been lost in terrorist attacks.
If Australia was to pull out, it would leave a vacuum that would be filled by terrorists and the Taliban, the prime minister said.
Of the seven wounded soldiers, Defense Chief General David Hurley said one was being treated for life-threatening wounds, four for serious wounds and two for minor wounds.
General Hurley said it was likely the most seriously wounded soldier would be moved to Germany for further treatment.
General Hurley said an "extensive investigation" would be launched into the attack.
The latest deaths bring to 33 the number of Australian fatalities since the start of the Afghan operation, and 209 have been wounded.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 12:17:11 FeedbackPrintRSS
CANBERRA, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
Qantas cancels all its flights at Singapore airport
Qantas cancels all its flights at Singapore airport
Australian flag carrier Qantas, hit by labor disputes, canceled all its flights to and from Singapore's Changi Airport on Saturday evening, local media reported on Sunday.
Changi Airport Group advised affected passengers not to go to the airport and check the website of Qantas for options available.
Qantas Airways grounded all aircraft and canceled its domestic and international flights on Saturday as an intensifying labor dispute disrupted travel for tens of thousands of passengers. Qantas announced that it had locked out workers represented by three of its employee unions, including those that represent pilots and baggage handlers.
The decision of Qantas to ground all aircraft affects 108 planes at 22 airports.
Changi Airport Group said that it was working closely with Qantas to help affected passengers and that "the airline will try to put affected passengers on other airlines as far as possible, on a case-by-case basis. Unfortunately the situation is very tight. "
The labor dispute is the worst Qantas has faced since 2008.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 10:59:33 FeedbackPrintRSS
SINGAPORE, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
Australian flag carrier Qantas, hit by labor disputes, canceled all its flights to and from Singapore's Changi Airport on Saturday evening, local media reported on Sunday.
Changi Airport Group advised affected passengers not to go to the airport and check the website of Qantas for options available.
Qantas Airways grounded all aircraft and canceled its domestic and international flights on Saturday as an intensifying labor dispute disrupted travel for tens of thousands of passengers. Qantas announced that it had locked out workers represented by three of its employee unions, including those that represent pilots and baggage handlers.
The decision of Qantas to ground all aircraft affects 108 planes at 22 airports.
Changi Airport Group said that it was working closely with Qantas to help affected passengers and that "the airline will try to put affected passengers on other airlines as far as possible, on a case-by-case basis. Unfortunately the situation is very tight. "
The labor dispute is the worst Qantas has faced since 2008.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 10:59:33 FeedbackPrintRSS
SINGAPORE, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
Kyrgyz presidential election kicks off
Kyrgyz presidential election kicks off
The sixth Kyrgyz presidential election kicked off Sunday morning, with a total of 3.03 million registered voters expected to cast ballots in more than 2,000 polling stations nationwide.
Among the 16 candidates, current Prime Minister Almazbek Atambayev, Adakhan Madumarov, leader of the United Kyrgyzstan party, and Kamchibek Tashiyev, head of the nationalist Ata-Zhurt party, are regarded as the main contenders.
Besides the 2,289 domestic polling stations, there are also 29 stations abroad, the country's Central Election Committee said.
At the No. 1258 polling station, people cast their votes one by one while security officials and volunteers helped maintain order.
The polling station gave a small gift -- a box of chocolate pies -- to the first voter. Twelve voters arrived before the station opened and waited in the chilly weather.
Aliya, a 28-year-old middle school teacher, said she voted for the country's future. "I hope and believe that Kyrgyzstan will be prosperous in the near future," she said.
A total of 926 international observers from 56 countries will monitor the election, the first since former President Kurmanbek Bakiyev was ousted in April last year.
According to the country's law, a candidate will be declared the outright winner if he garners more than 50 percent of the votes. If none of the candidates receives a clear majority, the commission will call a second round for the two candidates who receive the most votes in the first round.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 10:04:56 FeedbackPrintRSS
Backgrounder: Kyrgyzstan's presidential election
BISHKEK, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
The sixth Kyrgyz presidential election kicked off Sunday morning, with a total of 3.03 million registered voters expected to cast ballots in more than 2,000 polling stations nationwide.
Among the 16 candidates, current Prime Minister Almazbek Atambayev, Adakhan Madumarov, leader of the United Kyrgyzstan party, and Kamchibek Tashiyev, head of the nationalist Ata-Zhurt party, are regarded as the main contenders.
Besides the 2,289 domestic polling stations, there are also 29 stations abroad, the country's Central Election Committee said.
At the No. 1258 polling station, people cast their votes one by one while security officials and volunteers helped maintain order.
The polling station gave a small gift -- a box of chocolate pies -- to the first voter. Twelve voters arrived before the station opened and waited in the chilly weather.
Aliya, a 28-year-old middle school teacher, said she voted for the country's future. "I hope and believe that Kyrgyzstan will be prosperous in the near future," she said.
A total of 926 international observers from 56 countries will monitor the election, the first since former President Kurmanbek Bakiyev was ousted in April last year.
According to the country's law, a candidate will be declared the outright winner if he garners more than 50 percent of the votes. If none of the candidates receives a clear majority, the commission will call a second round for the two candidates who receive the most votes in the first round.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 10:04:56 FeedbackPrintRSS
Backgrounder: Kyrgyzstan's presidential election
BISHKEK, Oct. 30 (Xinhua)
Advent of 7 billionth baby expected in northern India
Advent of 7 billionth baby expected in northern India
Non-governmental organizations have zeroed in on seven expectant mothers in a village near Lucknow, capital of the northern Indian state Uttar Pradesh, for advent of the world's 7 billionth baby on Monday, reported Indo- Asian News Service Saturday.
A UN report said that the world's 7 billionth baby is expected to be born in the country's most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday. Even though United Nations Population Fund has not pinpointed where the landmark baby would be born, experts have identified a particular area in the vicinity of Lucknow, said the report.
Plan India, the Indian branch of the Britain-based children's welfare NGO, Plan, has organized a major event at the Community Health Center in Mal village, 23 km from Lucknow.
Plan India zeroed in on seven expectant mothers in the village, where a special ceremony will be held to accord a grand reception to the first of the seven children to be born between the midnight of Oct. 30 and Oct. 31 noon, with the new-born being instantly issued birth certificate.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 02:09:52 FeedbackPrintRSS
NEW DELHI, Oct. 29 (Xinhua)
Non-governmental organizations have zeroed in on seven expectant mothers in a village near Lucknow, capital of the northern Indian state Uttar Pradesh, for advent of the world's 7 billionth baby on Monday, reported Indo- Asian News Service Saturday.
A UN report said that the world's 7 billionth baby is expected to be born in the country's most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday. Even though United Nations Population Fund has not pinpointed where the landmark baby would be born, experts have identified a particular area in the vicinity of Lucknow, said the report.
Plan India, the Indian branch of the Britain-based children's welfare NGO, Plan, has organized a major event at the Community Health Center in Mal village, 23 km from Lucknow.
Plan India zeroed in on seven expectant mothers in the village, where a special ceremony will be held to accord a grand reception to the first of the seven children to be born between the midnight of Oct. 30 and Oct. 31 noon, with the new-born being instantly issued birth certificate.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-10-30 02:09:52 FeedbackPrintRSS
NEW DELHI, Oct. 29 (Xinhua)
Stocks run out in Pakistan's flood-hit area: UN
Stocks run out in Pakistan's flood-hit area: UN
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Saturday that needs of flood-hit Pakistani people are rising as winter approaches and reported outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
Heavy monsoon rains in August caused floods in southern Sindh province and affected over five million people. Nearly 300 people had been killed and nearly 1 million homes had been destroyed and 72 percent of crops ruined in the worst-affected areas,
In southern Sindh, stagnant water remains a major environmental and health hazard, and water-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue are on the rise, OCHA said.
OCHA has warned that funding for humanitarian assistance in the country remains low, with stocks of some relief items severely depleted.
Access to clean drinking water remains critical and the onset of winter in mid-November in most parts of flood-affected areas means that people will require more winterized shelter, OCHA said.
Although receding water levels have allowed some displaced people to return to their villages, relief needs continue because of poor sanitation in areas where homes, crops and livestock were lost to the floods, it said.
Since the beginning of the latest floods, about 1.8 million people or 50 percent of those in need have been provided with food, while 700,000 received essential medical services, according to OCHA.
An estimated 375,000 people (76 percent) have emergency shelter and 870,000 of the affected population (35 percent) received clean water.
The rapid response plan launched on 18 September is only 23 percent funded, with only 80 million of the requested 357 million U.S. dollars received so far.
Unless additional resources are made available, UN agencies warn that most relief stocks are likely to run out, according to OCHA.
Pakistan has been severely affected by floods for the second consecutive year, leaving more than five million people in need of safe drinking water, sanitation services, food, shelter materials and other essential support.
Pakistan was hit by the worst floods in its history in 2010, with 21 million people affected.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-10-29 20:21:49 FeedbackPrintRSS
ISLAMABAD, Oct. 29 (Xinhua)
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Saturday that needs of flood-hit Pakistani people are rising as winter approaches and reported outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
Heavy monsoon rains in August caused floods in southern Sindh province and affected over five million people. Nearly 300 people had been killed and nearly 1 million homes had been destroyed and 72 percent of crops ruined in the worst-affected areas,
In southern Sindh, stagnant water remains a major environmental and health hazard, and water-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue are on the rise, OCHA said.
OCHA has warned that funding for humanitarian assistance in the country remains low, with stocks of some relief items severely depleted.
Access to clean drinking water remains critical and the onset of winter in mid-November in most parts of flood-affected areas means that people will require more winterized shelter, OCHA said.
Although receding water levels have allowed some displaced people to return to their villages, relief needs continue because of poor sanitation in areas where homes, crops and livestock were lost to the floods, it said.
Since the beginning of the latest floods, about 1.8 million people or 50 percent of those in need have been provided with food, while 700,000 received essential medical services, according to OCHA.
An estimated 375,000 people (76 percent) have emergency shelter and 870,000 of the affected population (35 percent) received clean water.
The rapid response plan launched on 18 September is only 23 percent funded, with only 80 million of the requested 357 million U.S. dollars received so far.
Unless additional resources are made available, UN agencies warn that most relief stocks are likely to run out, according to OCHA.
Pakistan has been severely affected by floods for the second consecutive year, leaving more than five million people in need of safe drinking water, sanitation services, food, shelter materials and other essential support.
Pakistan was hit by the worst floods in its history in 2010, with 21 million people affected.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-10-29 20:21:49 FeedbackPrintRSS
ISLAMABAD, Oct. 29 (Xinhua)
4 killed in suicide car bomb on NATO troops in Afghan capital
4 killed in suicide car bomb on NATO troops in Afghan capital
At least four people were killed on Saturday morning when a suicide car bomb targeted a NATO convoy in western part of Afghan capital of Kabul, Afghan Interior Ministry said.
"At around 11:30 a.m. local time (0700 GMT) Saturday a suicide car bombing targeted the Coalition Forces convoy in Darul Aman Street, Police District 6th area, Kabul City. As a result three Afghan civilians and an Afghan policeman were killed," the ministry said in a statement.
There is no exact number of casualties on NATO-led forces immediately, however, the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) forces in a statement confirmed the incident.
"Initial reports indicate several ISAF service member and local Afghan casualties," the NATO-led ISAF said the statement.
"A vehicle-born improvised explosive device (IED) detonated today in Kabul, causing a number of casualties and severely damaging an International Security Assistance Force vehicle," the ISAF said in the statement, adding "more information will be released as it becomes available."
Meantime, a local private TV channel -- Tolo News quoted an unknown security source that at least three NATO soldiers have been killed in the blast.
The explosion area, near the Afghan parliament building, is cordoned off by ISAF and Afghan police and army forces in precautionary measures.
Local TV footage shows the damaged vehicles burning in fire sending a thick black smoke on the blast site.
Meantime, Taliban insurgents claimed of responsibility for the attack.
A Taliban purported spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, in a short message to local media said the a outfit fighter have targeted a foreign troop's bus killing several foreign forces in Darul Aman locality.
The Taliban-led insurgency has been rampant since the militant group announced to launch spring offensive from May 1 against Afghan and NATO-led troops stationed in Afghanistan.
The Taliban outfit has also warned the civilians to stay away from official gatherings, military convoys and centers regarded as the legitimate targets by militants.
A total of six NATO soldiers and 12 Afghan civilians were killed when a suicide car bomb targeted a NATO convoy in the same locality on May 18, 2010.
English.news.cn 2011-10-29 18:20:26 FeedbackPrintRSS
KABUL, Oct. 29 (Xinhua)
At least four people were killed on Saturday morning when a suicide car bomb targeted a NATO convoy in western part of Afghan capital of Kabul, Afghan Interior Ministry said.
"At around 11:30 a.m. local time (0700 GMT) Saturday a suicide car bombing targeted the Coalition Forces convoy in Darul Aman Street, Police District 6th area, Kabul City. As a result three Afghan civilians and an Afghan policeman were killed," the ministry said in a statement.
There is no exact number of casualties on NATO-led forces immediately, however, the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) forces in a statement confirmed the incident.
"Initial reports indicate several ISAF service member and local Afghan casualties," the NATO-led ISAF said the statement.
"A vehicle-born improvised explosive device (IED) detonated today in Kabul, causing a number of casualties and severely damaging an International Security Assistance Force vehicle," the ISAF said in the statement, adding "more information will be released as it becomes available."
Meantime, a local private TV channel -- Tolo News quoted an unknown security source that at least three NATO soldiers have been killed in the blast.
The explosion area, near the Afghan parliament building, is cordoned off by ISAF and Afghan police and army forces in precautionary measures.
Local TV footage shows the damaged vehicles burning in fire sending a thick black smoke on the blast site.
Meantime, Taliban insurgents claimed of responsibility for the attack.
A Taliban purported spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, in a short message to local media said the a outfit fighter have targeted a foreign troop's bus killing several foreign forces in Darul Aman locality.
The Taliban-led insurgency has been rampant since the militant group announced to launch spring offensive from May 1 against Afghan and NATO-led troops stationed in Afghanistan.
The Taliban outfit has also warned the civilians to stay away from official gatherings, military convoys and centers regarded as the legitimate targets by militants.
A total of six NATO soldiers and 12 Afghan civilians were killed when a suicide car bomb targeted a NATO convoy in the same locality on May 18, 2010.
English.news.cn 2011-10-29 18:20:26 FeedbackPrintRSS
KABUL, Oct. 29 (Xinhua)
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