Russia launches Proton-M rocket with Mexican satellite
Russia launched a Proton-M carrier rocket carrying a Mexican satellite on Thursday, according to TV reports.
Russian television showed the rocket with the QuetzSat-1 satellite blasted off from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan at 10:32 p.m. Moscow time (1832 GMT).
According to the Russian Space Agency Roscosmos, the rocket is scheduled to separate with the satellite at 7:45 a.m. Moscow time (0345 GMT) on Friday.
The launch of the Proton-M rocket was the second one since a series of setbacks of Russian rocket launch in August.
On Aug. 18, a Proton-M carrier rocket failed to deliver a communication satellite Express-AM4 to the orbit. After the failure, Russia decided to suspend launches of rocket Proton-M pending the outcome of a probe into the accident.
On Aug. 24, a Progress M-12M cargo ship also failed to reach the orbit due to a rocket malfunction. Later, Russia delayed the launch of next manned spaceship to the International Space Station (ISS).
On Sept. 21, Russia resumed the launch of the Proton-M rocket.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-09-30 05:21:51 FeedbackPrintRSS
MOSCOW, Sept. 29 (Xinhua)
Thursday, September 29, 2011
France sets to open bureau in Pyongyang
France sets to open bureau in Pyongyang
France is set to open an office in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to deal with some bilateral issues, a French foreign ministry spokesman said Thursday.
According to Benard Valero, the spokesman, the office is due to start function in the next few days with missions covering "the cultural and humanitarian domains."
French diplomat Olivier Vaysset will lead the bureau which focuses on humanitarian assistance and cooperation in language, education and cultural exchanges.
This will be the first official link between the DPRK and France though its mission did not include diplomatic ties.
France's former special envoy to Pyongyang Jack Lang said France had proposed to establish cultural links by setting up a standing organization in the DPRK following his visit in November 2009.
France and Estonia are the only two European Union members without full diplomatic relations with DPRK.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-09-29 23:16:15 FeedbackPrintRSS
PARIS, Sept. 29 (Xinhua)
France is set to open an office in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to deal with some bilateral issues, a French foreign ministry spokesman said Thursday.
According to Benard Valero, the spokesman, the office is due to start function in the next few days with missions covering "the cultural and humanitarian domains."
French diplomat Olivier Vaysset will lead the bureau which focuses on humanitarian assistance and cooperation in language, education and cultural exchanges.
This will be the first official link between the DPRK and France though its mission did not include diplomatic ties.
France's former special envoy to Pyongyang Jack Lang said France had proposed to establish cultural links by setting up a standing organization in the DPRK following his visit in November 2009.
France and Estonia are the only two European Union members without full diplomatic relations with DPRK.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-09-29 23:16:15 FeedbackPrintRSS
PARIS, Sept. 29 (Xinhua)
Belarus invites Chinese, Indian investors to join in privatization
Belarus invites Chinese, Indian investors to join in privatization
Belarus wants investors from China and India to take part in the privatization of big companies, State Property Committee First Deputy Director Piotr Lukyanov said Thursday.
"We are considering investment proposals especially from India and China," said Piotr Lukyanov, the State Property Committee first deputy director.
The final decision on the privatization of big companies will be made by the President, Lukyanov said.
The official said the inflow of foreign investments has a positive impact on enterprises as well as on the economy in general.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-09-29 23:15:46 FeedbackPrintRSS
MINSK, Sept. 29 (Xinhua)
Belarus wants investors from China and India to take part in the privatization of big companies, State Property Committee First Deputy Director Piotr Lukyanov said Thursday.
"We are considering investment proposals especially from India and China," said Piotr Lukyanov, the State Property Committee first deputy director.
The final decision on the privatization of big companies will be made by the President, Lukyanov said.
The official said the inflow of foreign investments has a positive impact on enterprises as well as on the economy in general.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-09-29 23:15:46 FeedbackPrintRSS
MINSK, Sept. 29 (Xinhua)
Ukraine interested in developing ties with South Korea: PM
Ukraine interested in developing ties with South Korea: PM
Ukraine wants to develop bilateral ties with the Republic of Korea (ROK), Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said Thursday.
"It's time to negotiate about launching a direct flight between Kiev and Seoul and develop our relations in a visa-free area. We are interested in simplifying the visa regime between our countries as much as possible," Azarov said when meeting his ROK counterpart, Kim Hwang-sik.
Azarov said bilateral trade should be enhanced, expressing Kiev's interest in the flow of high-tech ROK investment into the Ukrainian economy, particularly in agriculture, energy and metallurgy.
Azarov suggested holding the first meeting of Ukraine-ROK Intergovernmental Commission on Bilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation in December.
The prime minister also said Ukraine appreciated cooperation with ROK in culture, education and sports and suggested the two countries hold cultural exchange activities.
Kim, who is on a three-day visit to Ukraine, was positive about the development of bilateral relations.
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-09-29 19:50:53 FeedbackPrintRSS
KIEV, Sept. 29 (Xinhua)
Ukraine wants to develop bilateral ties with the Republic of Korea (ROK), Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said Thursday.
"It's time to negotiate about launching a direct flight between Kiev and Seoul and develop our relations in a visa-free area. We are interested in simplifying the visa regime between our countries as much as possible," Azarov said when meeting his ROK counterpart, Kim Hwang-sik.
Azarov said bilateral trade should be enhanced, expressing Kiev's interest in the flow of high-tech ROK investment into the Ukrainian economy, particularly in agriculture, energy and metallurgy.
Azarov suggested holding the first meeting of Ukraine-ROK Intergovernmental Commission on Bilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation in December.
The prime minister also said Ukraine appreciated cooperation with ROK in culture, education and sports and suggested the two countries hold cultural exchange activities.
Kim, who is on a three-day visit to Ukraine, was positive about the development of bilateral relations.
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-09-29 19:50:53 FeedbackPrintRSS
KIEV, Sept. 29 (Xinhua)
New Israeli settlement plan concerns Russia
New Israeli settlement plan concerns Russia
Russia hopes that Israel could revise its plans to build 1,100 more houses in East Jerusalem, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Wednesday.
"We are particularly concerned that the decisions on such a sensitive issue are taken at a very responsible period for a future peace process, when the world community represented by the Middle East mediating Quartet is taking every effort to resume Palestinian-Israeli direct talks," the foreign ministry said in a statement.
Israel approved the project on Tuesday to build new houses in the Gilo neighborhood in East Jerusalem.
"Now, as never before, the sides need steps to meet each other halfway, rather than unilateral actions seeking the construction of new settlements in the location. We hope that the housing construction plans will be altered in East Jerusalem," the Russian foreign ministry said.
The Israeli settlement plan has drawn wide condemnation, including from the European Union and the United States.
English.news.cn 2011-09-28 21:55:00 FeedbackPrintRSS
MOSCOW, Sept. 28 (Xinhua)
Russia hopes that Israel could revise its plans to build 1,100 more houses in East Jerusalem, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Wednesday.
"We are particularly concerned that the decisions on such a sensitive issue are taken at a very responsible period for a future peace process, when the world community represented by the Middle East mediating Quartet is taking every effort to resume Palestinian-Israeli direct talks," the foreign ministry said in a statement.
Israel approved the project on Tuesday to build new houses in the Gilo neighborhood in East Jerusalem.
"Now, as never before, the sides need steps to meet each other halfway, rather than unilateral actions seeking the construction of new settlements in the location. We hope that the housing construction plans will be altered in East Jerusalem," the Russian foreign ministry said.
The Israeli settlement plan has drawn wide condemnation, including from the European Union and the United States.
English.news.cn 2011-09-28 21:55:00 FeedbackPrintRSS
MOSCOW, Sept. 28 (Xinhua)
EU-facilitated Serbia-Kosovo talks called off
EU-facilitated Serbia-Kosovo talks called off
The Serbia-Kosovo dialogue sponsored by the European Union (EU) has been called off because the Serbian delegation was not ready to participate, an EU official said on Wednesday.
"The dialogue did not take place because the Serbian delegation was not ready to proceed with discussions today," Robert Cooper, the EU facilitator of the dialogue, said.
A day earlier, at least six Kosovo Serbs and four NATO troops were injured in clashes along a disputed section of the Serbia-Kosovo border.
"The situation at the gates in northern Kosovo is not part of the dialogue nor the subject of any separate negotiations with Serbia," Cooper said.
He noted the Serbia-Kosovo dialogue would only focus on energy, telecommunications and Kosovo participation in regional fora. "The parties would also discuss the implementation of previous agreements," Cooper added.
"The dialogue will continue when the Serbian side is ready to reengage," he said, stating the purpose of the process remains to discuss issues that are aimed at improving lives of people and bringing the parties closer to the EU.
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-09-28 19:46:38 FeedbackPrintRSS
BRUSSELS, Sept. 28 (Xinhua)
The Serbia-Kosovo dialogue sponsored by the European Union (EU) has been called off because the Serbian delegation was not ready to participate, an EU official said on Wednesday.
"The dialogue did not take place because the Serbian delegation was not ready to proceed with discussions today," Robert Cooper, the EU facilitator of the dialogue, said.
A day earlier, at least six Kosovo Serbs and four NATO troops were injured in clashes along a disputed section of the Serbia-Kosovo border.
"The situation at the gates in northern Kosovo is not part of the dialogue nor the subject of any separate negotiations with Serbia," Cooper said.
He noted the Serbia-Kosovo dialogue would only focus on energy, telecommunications and Kosovo participation in regional fora. "The parties would also discuss the implementation of previous agreements," Cooper added.
"The dialogue will continue when the Serbian side is ready to reengage," he said, stating the purpose of the process remains to discuss issues that are aimed at improving lives of people and bringing the parties closer to the EU.
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-09-28 19:46:38 FeedbackPrintRSS
BRUSSELS, Sept. 28 (Xinhua)
Portugal revokes extradition of Indian underworld don
Portugal revokes extradition of Indian underworld don
Portugal has revoked extradition of an Indian underworld don, accusing Indian probe agencies of violating the conditions for the extradition, reported local daily Indian Express Wednesday.
The Portugal High Court has ordered revocation of the extradition of underworld don Abu Salem, who was permitted to be taken to India in November 2005 to face trial in eight cases, including the 1993 Mumbai blasts.
The newspaper quoted sources in the government as saying India will challenge the order in the Portuguese Supreme Court.
At the time of Salem's extradition six years ago, India had given an assurance to Portugal that he would not be given death penalty or charged with any section of law which entails jail for more than 25 years.
In its operative order the Portugal High Court stated, "The Indian Union while accusing and judging Abu Salem Qayum Ansari has violated the principle of specialty as it is understood in the Portuguese legal system reason. For which we consider these acts as illegal and decide to terminate authorization of grant of extradition of Abu Salem Qayum Ansari."
The order came after Salem's lawyer moved the Portuguese court to challenge a designated special court's decision to frame additional charges against Salem for his involvement in the 1993 Mumbai blasts, in addition to the other grave charges for which he was extradited to face trial in India.
Editor: Chen Zhi
English.news.cn 2011-09-28 14:22:25 FeedbackPrintRSS
NEW DELHI, Sept. 28 (Xinhua)
Portugal has revoked extradition of an Indian underworld don, accusing Indian probe agencies of violating the conditions for the extradition, reported local daily Indian Express Wednesday.
The Portugal High Court has ordered revocation of the extradition of underworld don Abu Salem, who was permitted to be taken to India in November 2005 to face trial in eight cases, including the 1993 Mumbai blasts.
The newspaper quoted sources in the government as saying India will challenge the order in the Portuguese Supreme Court.
At the time of Salem's extradition six years ago, India had given an assurance to Portugal that he would not be given death penalty or charged with any section of law which entails jail for more than 25 years.
In its operative order the Portugal High Court stated, "The Indian Union while accusing and judging Abu Salem Qayum Ansari has violated the principle of specialty as it is understood in the Portuguese legal system reason. For which we consider these acts as illegal and decide to terminate authorization of grant of extradition of Abu Salem Qayum Ansari."
The order came after Salem's lawyer moved the Portuguese court to challenge a designated special court's decision to frame additional charges against Salem for his involvement in the 1993 Mumbai blasts, in addition to the other grave charges for which he was extradited to face trial in India.
Editor: Chen Zhi
English.news.cn 2011-09-28 14:22:25 FeedbackPrintRSS
NEW DELHI, Sept. 28 (Xinhua)
NATO troops, Serbs wounded in Kosovo border clashes
NATO troops, Serbs wounded in Kosovo border clashes
Four NATO soldiers and seven Serb protesters were wounded on Tuesday in clashes at the disputed Kosovo northern border crossing with Serbia known as Gate 1 (Jarinje).
"Four soldiers were injured in explosions of pipe bombs. Three have minor injuries, while the fourth who has serious injuries will be evacuated," said NATO spokesman Kai Gudenoge.
According to him, NATO-led troops in Kosovo (KFOR) were forced to fire rubber bullets and tear gas in self-defense to Serb protesters after being attacked at the border crossing.
Hospital officials in northern Kosovo said seven Serb protesters were wounded from gunfire which erupted in the afternoon in Jarinje.
Head of Mitrovica hospital Milan Jakovljevic said the seven injured were brought there for medical treatment.
"We can't say if anyone has life threatening injures at this moment, since we are assessing their current extent of the injuries," said Jakovljevic.
Minor clashes in the disputed crossing Gate 1 started in the morning after local Serbs tried to set up a new barricade in the main road, hours after KFOR troops removed one.
Serb protesters threw stones to soldiers, drawing tear gas response from KFOR. Five Serbs were arrested initially and released later on.
Local Serbs were furious after KFOR blocked an alternative crossing that Serbs established for traveling from Kosovo to Serbian territory.
They strongly oppose Pristina's authorities and fiercely reject Kosovo's custom and police officers deployed at two crossings with Serbia, a move that has prompted Serbs to block main roads close to the crossing points.
Kosovo's ruling authority said it was in coordination with KFOR and EULEX (EU Rule of Law mission) with the aim to unblock barricaded roads in the north.
Local media in Serb-dominated northern Mitrovica say two EULEX vehicles are set on fire in the town.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-09-28 04:37:57 FeedbackPrintRSS
PRISTINA, Sept. 27 (Xinhua)
Four NATO soldiers and seven Serb protesters were wounded on Tuesday in clashes at the disputed Kosovo northern border crossing with Serbia known as Gate 1 (Jarinje).
"Four soldiers were injured in explosions of pipe bombs. Three have minor injuries, while the fourth who has serious injuries will be evacuated," said NATO spokesman Kai Gudenoge.
According to him, NATO-led troops in Kosovo (KFOR) were forced to fire rubber bullets and tear gas in self-defense to Serb protesters after being attacked at the border crossing.
Hospital officials in northern Kosovo said seven Serb protesters were wounded from gunfire which erupted in the afternoon in Jarinje.
Head of Mitrovica hospital Milan Jakovljevic said the seven injured were brought there for medical treatment.
"We can't say if anyone has life threatening injures at this moment, since we are assessing their current extent of the injuries," said Jakovljevic.
Minor clashes in the disputed crossing Gate 1 started in the morning after local Serbs tried to set up a new barricade in the main road, hours after KFOR troops removed one.
Serb protesters threw stones to soldiers, drawing tear gas response from KFOR. Five Serbs were arrested initially and released later on.
Local Serbs were furious after KFOR blocked an alternative crossing that Serbs established for traveling from Kosovo to Serbian territory.
They strongly oppose Pristina's authorities and fiercely reject Kosovo's custom and police officers deployed at two crossings with Serbia, a move that has prompted Serbs to block main roads close to the crossing points.
Kosovo's ruling authority said it was in coordination with KFOR and EULEX (EU Rule of Law mission) with the aim to unblock barricaded roads in the north.
Local media in Serb-dominated northern Mitrovica say two EULEX vehicles are set on fire in the town.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-09-28 04:37:57 FeedbackPrintRSS
PRISTINA, Sept. 27 (Xinhua)
Putin appoints replacements for resigned Kudrin
Putin appoints replacements for resigned Kudrin
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Tuesday appointed replacements for former Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin, who resigned on Monday after a brief but defiant confrontation with President Dmitry Medvedev over " principal disagreement."
At a governmental meeting, Putin named 48-yuear-old Anton Siluanov, an official from the Finance Ministry, as acting finance minister.
Siluanov, who was seen by Putin as a "good specialist," has been working at the Finance Ministry for 26 years. Currently, he is charged with overseeing budgets belonging to Russian regions and managing federal budget subsidies for the regions.
Putin also asked First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov, a well-known political figure, to take over Kudrin's duties as deputy prime minister to oversee financial issues in the government.
According to Putin, the appointments were "joint decisions" of the president and the prime minister.
"I'm asking all of you to worthily fulfill your duties until the moment when a new government is formed and to increase discipline and responsibility," Putin told officials at the meeting.
Also on Tuesday, Kudrin released a resignation statement, saying his remarks on his reluctance to work in President Dmitry Medvedev's government in the future was "thought through."
Kudrin on Sunday told reporters in Washington that he would decline a job in a future Russian government to be headed by Medvedev because of "principal disagreement" between the two men over financial issues.
His remarks came only one day after Putin announced his decision to rerun for president in 2012 and suggested Medvedev would become prime minister if he wins the presidency.
On Monday, Medvedev called Kudrin's remarks "indecent" and offered him chances to tender resignation. Later on the day, Kudrin, who has been serving as financial minister since 2000, finally resigned.
In his statement, Kudrin said his remarks were not spontaneous. "On Sept. 24, the long-term structure of government in our country became clear and I stated my position," Kudrin said.
"This has absolutely nothing to do with emotions," he added.
Kudrin also declined a proposal to lead Russia's Right Cause, saying "I have never considered the possibility of becoming involved in an artificial project that in fact discredits the idea of liberal democracy."
According to Kudrin, the bone of contention between him and the state leader has been economic policy, primarily concerning high military spending which Medvedev supported.
Kudrin insisted that Russia's budget, which is based on the assumption that oil prices would not fall below 100 U.S. dollars per barrel, has been risky as it left the government with no " safety airbag."
For his calls for austerity measures and less populism social policy, Kudrin has earned respect among the center-right wing of Russia's political spectrum.
Local analysts believed Medvedev's strong reaction to Kudrin's recent defiant remarks was unexpected but understandable, because the president wanted to demonstrate that he was not a "lame duck."
Also, analysts said Russia's ruling tandem -- Medvedev and Putin -- tried to uphold unity by sacrificing Putin's long-time heavyweight ally Kudrin.
After Kudrin's resignation, some market analysts said the move might cause a negative response from investors, as Kudrin's reputation in the international investment community was an attractive factor for foreign investors.
However, some other analysts believed there would be no changes in the Russian financial market as the country maintains enormous investment potentials compared with poor performances in Europe and the United States.
During Kudrin's tenure, the Russian government has paid off most of its substantial foreign debt and created oil wealth to soften the blow of the global economic slump.
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-09-27 22:01:00 FeedbackPrintRSS
MOSCOW, Sept. 27 (Xinhua)
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Tuesday appointed replacements for former Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin, who resigned on Monday after a brief but defiant confrontation with President Dmitry Medvedev over " principal disagreement."
At a governmental meeting, Putin named 48-yuear-old Anton Siluanov, an official from the Finance Ministry, as acting finance minister.
Siluanov, who was seen by Putin as a "good specialist," has been working at the Finance Ministry for 26 years. Currently, he is charged with overseeing budgets belonging to Russian regions and managing federal budget subsidies for the regions.
Putin also asked First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov, a well-known political figure, to take over Kudrin's duties as deputy prime minister to oversee financial issues in the government.
According to Putin, the appointments were "joint decisions" of the president and the prime minister.
"I'm asking all of you to worthily fulfill your duties until the moment when a new government is formed and to increase discipline and responsibility," Putin told officials at the meeting.
Also on Tuesday, Kudrin released a resignation statement, saying his remarks on his reluctance to work in President Dmitry Medvedev's government in the future was "thought through."
Kudrin on Sunday told reporters in Washington that he would decline a job in a future Russian government to be headed by Medvedev because of "principal disagreement" between the two men over financial issues.
His remarks came only one day after Putin announced his decision to rerun for president in 2012 and suggested Medvedev would become prime minister if he wins the presidency.
On Monday, Medvedev called Kudrin's remarks "indecent" and offered him chances to tender resignation. Later on the day, Kudrin, who has been serving as financial minister since 2000, finally resigned.
In his statement, Kudrin said his remarks were not spontaneous. "On Sept. 24, the long-term structure of government in our country became clear and I stated my position," Kudrin said.
"This has absolutely nothing to do with emotions," he added.
Kudrin also declined a proposal to lead Russia's Right Cause, saying "I have never considered the possibility of becoming involved in an artificial project that in fact discredits the idea of liberal democracy."
According to Kudrin, the bone of contention between him and the state leader has been economic policy, primarily concerning high military spending which Medvedev supported.
Kudrin insisted that Russia's budget, which is based on the assumption that oil prices would not fall below 100 U.S. dollars per barrel, has been risky as it left the government with no " safety airbag."
For his calls for austerity measures and less populism social policy, Kudrin has earned respect among the center-right wing of Russia's political spectrum.
Local analysts believed Medvedev's strong reaction to Kudrin's recent defiant remarks was unexpected but understandable, because the president wanted to demonstrate that he was not a "lame duck."
Also, analysts said Russia's ruling tandem -- Medvedev and Putin -- tried to uphold unity by sacrificing Putin's long-time heavyweight ally Kudrin.
After Kudrin's resignation, some market analysts said the move might cause a negative response from investors, as Kudrin's reputation in the international investment community was an attractive factor for foreign investors.
However, some other analysts believed there would be no changes in the Russian financial market as the country maintains enormous investment potentials compared with poor performances in Europe and the United States.
During Kudrin's tenure, the Russian government has paid off most of its substantial foreign debt and created oil wealth to soften the blow of the global economic slump.
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-09-27 22:01:00 FeedbackPrintRSS
MOSCOW, Sept. 27 (Xinhua)
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
People's Charter for Change enhancing Fiji's international relations: PM
People's Charter for Change enhancing Fiji's international relations: PM
Fiji has formalized relations with 114 countries, including the 37 countries that Fiji has newly established diplomatic ties with since the end of last year.
Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama revealed that while speaking on the theme "the role of mediation in the settlement of disputes by peaceful means" at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Saturday, says a media release by the Ministry of Information.
This was all part of the People's Charter for Change especially the enhancing of Fiji's international relations. Bainimarama was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, the Fijian prime minister offered his Pacific island nation's support to the work of the UN in safeguarding world peace including all international counter terrorism efforts.
He stressed that the people of Fiji needed the understanding, space and assistance from all trading and development partners, to ensure that true and sustainable democracy took root in Fiji.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-09-24 15:40:32 FeedbackPrintRSS
SUVA, Sept. 24 (Xinhua)
Fiji has formalized relations with 114 countries, including the 37 countries that Fiji has newly established diplomatic ties with since the end of last year.
Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama revealed that while speaking on the theme "the role of mediation in the settlement of disputes by peaceful means" at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Saturday, says a media release by the Ministry of Information.
This was all part of the People's Charter for Change especially the enhancing of Fiji's international relations. Bainimarama was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, the Fijian prime minister offered his Pacific island nation's support to the work of the UN in safeguarding world peace including all international counter terrorism efforts.
He stressed that the people of Fiji needed the understanding, space and assistance from all trading and development partners, to ensure that true and sustainable democracy took root in Fiji.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-09-24 15:40:32 FeedbackPrintRSS
SUVA, Sept. 24 (Xinhua)
Australian politicians welcome Queen's upcoming visit
Australian politicians welcome Queen's upcoming visit
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and politicians on Saturday said they welcome Queen Elizabeth II and her 90-year-old husband Prince Philip's upcoming visit to Australia in October.
Buckingham Palace on Saturday confirmed the Queen and Prince Philip will visit Canberra, Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne of Australia in October.
The royal couple is scheduled to arrive in Canberra on Oct. 19 and will have a side-trip to Brisbane of Queensland on Oct. 24. On Oct. 26, they will have a quick stop in Melbourne of Victoria before traveling to Perth of Western Australia to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) meeting. The pair will then head home on Oct. 29.
Gillard said she will welcome the Queen and Prince Philip back to Australia "with great honor."
"Visits by the Queen are etched into the collective memory of the Australian people," she told reporters in Canberra on Saturday. "Many Australians can recall her majesty's previous visits as landmarks in their own lives."
Earlier this year, Prince William, the Queen's grandson and the second in line to the throne, visited Queensland of Australia, which was hit by massive floods and then by Cyclone Yasi.
Queensland State Premier Anna Bligh said the visit was "great news" for the state, which is still recovering from a summer of disasters.
She said Prince William's visit has given Queenslanders a shot in the arm after the terrible disasters, and she is sure that people will feel the same when they see Queen Elizabeth in the state in late October.
She added that the royal visit would also be a boost for the tourism industry, by putting Queensland "back on the international stage, gives us some international spotlight, and it is a very clear message from her majesty that Queenslanders have not been been forgotten."
Victorian State Premier Ted Baillieu said he looks forward to welcoming the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to Melbourne, and Victorians are delighted that the royal pair have chosen to visit Melbourne.
The royal couple's last visit to Australia was in 2006 to attend the opening of the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. The upcoming October visit will be the Queen's 16th visit of Australia as monarch.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-09-24 14:36:07 FeedbackPrintRSS
CANBERRA, Sept. 24 (Xinhua)
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and politicians on Saturday said they welcome Queen Elizabeth II and her 90-year-old husband Prince Philip's upcoming visit to Australia in October.
Buckingham Palace on Saturday confirmed the Queen and Prince Philip will visit Canberra, Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne of Australia in October.
The royal couple is scheduled to arrive in Canberra on Oct. 19 and will have a side-trip to Brisbane of Queensland on Oct. 24. On Oct. 26, they will have a quick stop in Melbourne of Victoria before traveling to Perth of Western Australia to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) meeting. The pair will then head home on Oct. 29.
Gillard said she will welcome the Queen and Prince Philip back to Australia "with great honor."
"Visits by the Queen are etched into the collective memory of the Australian people," she told reporters in Canberra on Saturday. "Many Australians can recall her majesty's previous visits as landmarks in their own lives."
Earlier this year, Prince William, the Queen's grandson and the second in line to the throne, visited Queensland of Australia, which was hit by massive floods and then by Cyclone Yasi.
Queensland State Premier Anna Bligh said the visit was "great news" for the state, which is still recovering from a summer of disasters.
She said Prince William's visit has given Queenslanders a shot in the arm after the terrible disasters, and she is sure that people will feel the same when they see Queen Elizabeth in the state in late October.
She added that the royal visit would also be a boost for the tourism industry, by putting Queensland "back on the international stage, gives us some international spotlight, and it is a very clear message from her majesty that Queenslanders have not been been forgotten."
Victorian State Premier Ted Baillieu said he looks forward to welcoming the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh to Melbourne, and Victorians are delighted that the royal pair have chosen to visit Melbourne.
The royal couple's last visit to Australia was in 2006 to attend the opening of the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. The upcoming October visit will be the Queen's 16th visit of Australia as monarch.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-09-24 14:36:07 FeedbackPrintRSS
CANBERRA, Sept. 24 (Xinhua)
UAE holds second-ever national council elections
UAE holds second-ever national council elections
About 130,000 voters of the United Arab Emirates Saturday began casting their ballots to elect half of the 40-member Federal National Council (FNC), the second election in the emirates' 40-year history.
The size of the electoral population has expanded significantly compared with that of 7,000 voters in 2006, when the first-ever election was held since the FNC was formed in 1972, a year after the federation's independence.
Around 450 candidates, including more than 80 women, are running for the 20 seats in the FNC, which acts as an advisory body. The other half will be appointed by the Federal Supreme Council, the country's highest governing body.
Polling stations will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the UAE's National Elections Committee has said it expects to announce the initial results within an hour of the polls closing.
Forty-six per cent of the electorate is female, more than double the percentage in the 2006 election, said the Abu Dhabi- based English language daily The National.
UAE President, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan urged all eligible citizens Tuesday to vote in the elections. The FNC continues to be the main platform for political participation and positive impact on the decision-making process in the country, he said.
The FNC is responsible for examining all proposed federal legislation, and is empowered to summon and question any federal minister regarding ministry performance. Not all UAE nationals are allowed to vote or run for office. According to the law, voters are chosen by the authorities on a quota system based on historic tribes and the size of the constituent states.
Despite complaints that the voters are picked by the authority and the elections will do little to loosen the ruling of the royal families, government supporters say this a major step in the right direction to gradually introduce representation in the country.
English language daily Gulf News hailed the election day as "a historic day for the UAE."
"Every vote counts as it will determine the future of the FNC," the paper said in its today's editorial. "The FNC election is part of a long-term process that will enhance its role in decision- making."
Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Chairman of the National Election Committee, said the voter turnout would offer the UAE leadership an indication about how society perceives the importance of public participation in the decision-making process.
"If the turnout is low, the message will be that the FNC election is important but not a priority. I am sure the level of participation will decide the speed of the development of the election program in the future," the Gulf News quoted him as saying.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-09-24 14:17:39
About 130,000 voters of the United Arab Emirates Saturday began casting their ballots to elect half of the 40-member Federal National Council (FNC), the second election in the emirates' 40-year history.
The size of the electoral population has expanded significantly compared with that of 7,000 voters in 2006, when the first-ever election was held since the FNC was formed in 1972, a year after the federation's independence.
Around 450 candidates, including more than 80 women, are running for the 20 seats in the FNC, which acts as an advisory body. The other half will be appointed by the Federal Supreme Council, the country's highest governing body.
Polling stations will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the UAE's National Elections Committee has said it expects to announce the initial results within an hour of the polls closing.
Forty-six per cent of the electorate is female, more than double the percentage in the 2006 election, said the Abu Dhabi- based English language daily The National.
UAE President, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan urged all eligible citizens Tuesday to vote in the elections. The FNC continues to be the main platform for political participation and positive impact on the decision-making process in the country, he said.
The FNC is responsible for examining all proposed federal legislation, and is empowered to summon and question any federal minister regarding ministry performance. Not all UAE nationals are allowed to vote or run for office. According to the law, voters are chosen by the authorities on a quota system based on historic tribes and the size of the constituent states.
Despite complaints that the voters are picked by the authority and the elections will do little to loosen the ruling of the royal families, government supporters say this a major step in the right direction to gradually introduce representation in the country.
English language daily Gulf News hailed the election day as "a historic day for the UAE."
"Every vote counts as it will determine the future of the FNC," the paper said in its today's editorial. "The FNC election is part of a long-term process that will enhance its role in decision- making."
Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Chairman of the National Election Committee, said the voter turnout would offer the UAE leadership an indication about how society perceives the importance of public participation in the decision-making process.
"If the turnout is low, the message will be that the FNC election is important but not a priority. I am sure the level of participation will decide the speed of the development of the election program in the future," the Gulf News quoted him as saying.
Editor: Fang Yang
English.news.cn 2011-09-24 14:17:39
India, Iran back Palestinian bid for UN membership
India, Iran back Palestinian bid for UN membership
India and Iran backed Palestinian bid for UN membership during a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in New York on Friday, reported local media Saturday.
The reports quoted Indian Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai as saying besides bilateral ties, the two leaders "reiterated their support for the Palestinian attempt to seek membership of UN."
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 66th session of UN General Assembly, which Singh and Admadinejad were attending.
Singh also accepted in principle Ahmadinejad's renewed invitation to visit Iran. The dates of prime minister's visit are to be worked out, but Lok Sabha (Lower House of Indian Parliament) speaker Meira Kumar will be visiting Iran shortly, the reports said.
The two leaders also discussed a whole series of economic projects between the two countries, including potential cooperation in the field of hydrocarbons, said the reports.
India is a major importer of petrol and gas products as the country's economy is growing at about 8 percent annually.
But a plan to build an oil pipeline from Iran to India through Pakistan has been in suspense.
English.news.cn 2011-09-24 12:43:36 FeedbackPrintRSS
NEW DELHI, Sept. 24 (Xinhua)
India and Iran backed Palestinian bid for UN membership during a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in New York on Friday, reported local media Saturday.
The reports quoted Indian Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai as saying besides bilateral ties, the two leaders "reiterated their support for the Palestinian attempt to seek membership of UN."
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 66th session of UN General Assembly, which Singh and Admadinejad were attending.
Singh also accepted in principle Ahmadinejad's renewed invitation to visit Iran. The dates of prime minister's visit are to be worked out, but Lok Sabha (Lower House of Indian Parliament) speaker Meira Kumar will be visiting Iran shortly, the reports said.
The two leaders also discussed a whole series of economic projects between the two countries, including potential cooperation in the field of hydrocarbons, said the reports.
India is a major importer of petrol and gas products as the country's economy is growing at about 8 percent annually.
But a plan to build an oil pipeline from Iran to India through Pakistan has been in suspense.
English.news.cn 2011-09-24 12:43:36 FeedbackPrintRSS
NEW DELHI, Sept. 24 (Xinhua)
Fijians hold rally for raising awarness on climate change
Fijians hold rally for raising awarness on climate change
Fijians held rallies on Saturday to mark the global day of action in raising awarness on climate change, under the theme this year of "A Day to Move Beyond Fossil Fuels"..
The marchers took to the streets on bikes, skates, skateboards, or just foot to show their support for the theme.
The "Moving Planet Fiji"event in the capital saw a march take place from Suva Point to Suva Grammar School and back again before speeches and activities will be held at Suva Point.
The organizor was delighted to express that the reigning, 2011 Hibiscus (national traditional culture festival in Fiji) Queen, Alisi Rabukawaqa had also come on board to show her support for our home and our planet, which is threatened by the climate crisis.
Rabukawaqa with the Moving Planet Pacific Coordinator Ewan Cameron were guest speakers of the action day.
"We are also calling on all walkers, runners, cyclists, paddlers and any other non fossil fuel powered movers to join us and become part of a global voice and to tackle climate change," Rabukawaqa said.
Cameron said while it is a new initiative, they are looking at raising awareness on how small countries like Fiji need to speak out.
Moving Planet is a worldwide rally to demand solutions to the climate crisis and Sept. 24 is a single day to move away from fossil fuels.
Lai Koto, a participant, told Xinhua, said it was relevant that Fiji was part of this considering that the effects of climate change was directly felt in the Pacific.
"Fiji being the hub of the Pacific should be a part of this global campaign. We should teach the younger generation to resort to the way of life our ancestors were known for," she said, adding "they preserved not only our culture, our marine life, forests and our resources."
"Moving Planet Fiji" said: "For too long, our leaders have denied and delayed, compromised and caved. That era must come to an end: it's time to get moving on the climate crisis."
Editor: Tang Danlu
English.news.cn 2011-09-24 12:13:06 FeedbackPrintRSS
SUVA, Sept. 24 (Xinhua )
Fijians held rallies on Saturday to mark the global day of action in raising awarness on climate change, under the theme this year of "A Day to Move Beyond Fossil Fuels"..
The marchers took to the streets on bikes, skates, skateboards, or just foot to show their support for the theme.
The "Moving Planet Fiji"event in the capital saw a march take place from Suva Point to Suva Grammar School and back again before speeches and activities will be held at Suva Point.
The organizor was delighted to express that the reigning, 2011 Hibiscus (national traditional culture festival in Fiji) Queen, Alisi Rabukawaqa had also come on board to show her support for our home and our planet, which is threatened by the climate crisis.
Rabukawaqa with the Moving Planet Pacific Coordinator Ewan Cameron were guest speakers of the action day.
"We are also calling on all walkers, runners, cyclists, paddlers and any other non fossil fuel powered movers to join us and become part of a global voice and to tackle climate change," Rabukawaqa said.
Cameron said while it is a new initiative, they are looking at raising awareness on how small countries like Fiji need to speak out.
Moving Planet is a worldwide rally to demand solutions to the climate crisis and Sept. 24 is a single day to move away from fossil fuels.
Lai Koto, a participant, told Xinhua, said it was relevant that Fiji was part of this considering that the effects of climate change was directly felt in the Pacific.
"Fiji being the hub of the Pacific should be a part of this global campaign. We should teach the younger generation to resort to the way of life our ancestors were known for," she said, adding "they preserved not only our culture, our marine life, forests and our resources."
"Moving Planet Fiji" said: "For too long, our leaders have denied and delayed, compromised and caved. That era must come to an end: it's time to get moving on the climate crisis."
Editor: Tang Danlu
English.news.cn 2011-09-24 12:13:06 FeedbackPrintRSS
SUVA, Sept. 24 (Xinhua )
ISAF Commander inspects new rocket system in east Afghanistan
ISAF Commander inspects new rocket system in east Afghanistan
The commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), Gen. John R. Allen, visited troops Thursday in eastern Afghanistan and inspected a newly deployed rocket system there, an ISAF press release issued on Friday said.
General Allen's visit "included a capabilities brief and readiness inspection of the emplaced High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS," said the statement. "The HIMARS is a light multiple rocket launcher capable of long-range precision fire, which results in a low chance of injuring innocents who are endangered by terrorists operating or living close by."
The HIMARS, produced by Lockheed Martin, is estimated to have been acquired by the U.S. troops since 2002 while fielding began in 2005.
"Offering Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) firepower on a wheeled chassis, the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is the newest member of the MLRS launcher family," the Lockheed Martin's website introduces the system and claims that the system "was successfully combat-tested in Operation Iraqi Freedom."
In Afghanistan, the HIMARS has been reported to be used in the south, while the press release said "HIMARS has been used to great effect in Afghanistan."
"The HIMARS is a very discriminating and impressive weapon," said Gen. Allen. "Being an all-weather, day or night capability allows our forces to strike at targets very precisely and without warning, as necessary."
Gen. Allen's visit to east Afghanistan also included meetings to receive updated briefings, the inspection of the readiness of weapon systems, and to visit personnel.
"I am continually reminded as to the superior quality of our ISAF personnel assigned throughout Afghanistan," said Gen. Allen. "And the men and women of ISAF are capable of taking on any task assigned to protect the peace-loving citizens of this country from insurgent threats."
"General Allen conducts battlefield circulation throughout Afghanistan, visiting ISAF and Afghan National Security Force personnel, provincial government leaders and village elders. These missions provide necessary on-the-ground awareness for the coalition commander," the release said.
ISAF is comprised of 49 Allied and other contributing nations, totaling approximately 130,000 personnel, the press release updated the number of the ISAF troops in Afghanistan. Since July, parts of the ISAF troops have started withdrawing procedure from Afghanistan.
According to the press release, the ongoing ISAF mission in Afghanistan includes "conducting population-centric counterinsurgency operations in partnership with Afghan National Security Forces and providing support to the government and international community in security sector reform, including mentoring, training and operational support to the Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police."
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-24 00:15:04 FeedbackPrintRSS
KABUL, Sept. 23 (Xinhua)
The commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), Gen. John R. Allen, visited troops Thursday in eastern Afghanistan and inspected a newly deployed rocket system there, an ISAF press release issued on Friday said.
General Allen's visit "included a capabilities brief and readiness inspection of the emplaced High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS," said the statement. "The HIMARS is a light multiple rocket launcher capable of long-range precision fire, which results in a low chance of injuring innocents who are endangered by terrorists operating or living close by."
The HIMARS, produced by Lockheed Martin, is estimated to have been acquired by the U.S. troops since 2002 while fielding began in 2005.
"Offering Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) firepower on a wheeled chassis, the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is the newest member of the MLRS launcher family," the Lockheed Martin's website introduces the system and claims that the system "was successfully combat-tested in Operation Iraqi Freedom."
In Afghanistan, the HIMARS has been reported to be used in the south, while the press release said "HIMARS has been used to great effect in Afghanistan."
"The HIMARS is a very discriminating and impressive weapon," said Gen. Allen. "Being an all-weather, day or night capability allows our forces to strike at targets very precisely and without warning, as necessary."
Gen. Allen's visit to east Afghanistan also included meetings to receive updated briefings, the inspection of the readiness of weapon systems, and to visit personnel.
"I am continually reminded as to the superior quality of our ISAF personnel assigned throughout Afghanistan," said Gen. Allen. "And the men and women of ISAF are capable of taking on any task assigned to protect the peace-loving citizens of this country from insurgent threats."
"General Allen conducts battlefield circulation throughout Afghanistan, visiting ISAF and Afghan National Security Force personnel, provincial government leaders and village elders. These missions provide necessary on-the-ground awareness for the coalition commander," the release said.
ISAF is comprised of 49 Allied and other contributing nations, totaling approximately 130,000 personnel, the press release updated the number of the ISAF troops in Afghanistan. Since July, parts of the ISAF troops have started withdrawing procedure from Afghanistan.
According to the press release, the ongoing ISAF mission in Afghanistan includes "conducting population-centric counterinsurgency operations in partnership with Afghan National Security Forces and providing support to the government and international community in security sector reform, including mentoring, training and operational support to the Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police."
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-24 00:15:04 FeedbackPrintRSS
KABUL, Sept. 23 (Xinhua)
UN approves Vietnam Common Country Program for 2012-2016
UN approves Vietnam Common Country Program for 2012-2016
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Vietnam released here on Friday a press communique in which the Executive Boards of UNDP, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the United Nations Children' s Fund (UNICEF) have approved the Vietnam Common Country Program Document (CCPD) for the 2012-2016 period, reported Vietnam News Agency.
According to UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam Eamonn Murphy, this is the first time that UNDP, UNFPA and UNICEF together built a common document for cooperation with Vietnam, which is considered a milestone in the renewal process of the UN in Vietnam.
That is resulted from the role and strong commitment of the Vietnamese government, which would contribute to the success of renewal by the UN in Vietnam on the global and national scale, said Murphy.
CCPD is based on the draft plan about the One UN for the 2012- 2016 period, in areas of priority by the UN agencies in Vietnam and within the context of the Delivering As One (DaO) initiative.
The One UN document meets with Vietnam's new requirements as a middle-income country. It focuses in three major areas including sustainable growth and insurance for everybody to benefit results of development and accessible to social allowances and essential high-quality services, and enhancement of the state management, said the report.
CCPD emphasized in such issues as high-quality technical support and development of capability at central and local levels; the role of UN in cooperating with partners and expanding relations with partners. It aims to enhance the efficiency and coordination, as well as simplify procedures of the UN in Vietnam.
Built on the tri-party structure including the government, UN country team and donors, CCPD goes in lines with Vietnam's national programs, especially its socio-economic development plan for 2011-2015, said the report.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-23 23:04:19 FeedbackPrintRSS
HANOI, Sept. 23 (Xinhua)
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Vietnam released here on Friday a press communique in which the Executive Boards of UNDP, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the United Nations Children' s Fund (UNICEF) have approved the Vietnam Common Country Program Document (CCPD) for the 2012-2016 period, reported Vietnam News Agency.
According to UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam Eamonn Murphy, this is the first time that UNDP, UNFPA and UNICEF together built a common document for cooperation with Vietnam, which is considered a milestone in the renewal process of the UN in Vietnam.
That is resulted from the role and strong commitment of the Vietnamese government, which would contribute to the success of renewal by the UN in Vietnam on the global and national scale, said Murphy.
CCPD is based on the draft plan about the One UN for the 2012- 2016 period, in areas of priority by the UN agencies in Vietnam and within the context of the Delivering As One (DaO) initiative.
The One UN document meets with Vietnam's new requirements as a middle-income country. It focuses in three major areas including sustainable growth and insurance for everybody to benefit results of development and accessible to social allowances and essential high-quality services, and enhancement of the state management, said the report.
CCPD emphasized in such issues as high-quality technical support and development of capability at central and local levels; the role of UN in cooperating with partners and expanding relations with partners. It aims to enhance the efficiency and coordination, as well as simplify procedures of the UN in Vietnam.
Built on the tri-party structure including the government, UN country team and donors, CCPD goes in lines with Vietnam's national programs, especially its socio-economic development plan for 2011-2015, said the report.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-23 23:04:19 FeedbackPrintRSS
HANOI, Sept. 23 (Xinhua)
News Analysis: U.S. harsh tone against Pakistan's spy agency plunges ties to new low
News Analysis: U.S. harsh tone against Pakistan's spy agency plunges ties to new low
Pakistan was quick on Friday to come up with a public condemnation of remarks by top U.S. defense officials that the country's main intelligence agency has connections with an al-Qaida-linked militant group and that both were behind the last week brazen attack on the U.S. embassy and the NATO headquarters in Kabul.
The U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta had blamed Haqqani network days after the Sept. 13 attack in the heart of Kabul and highly-secured zone, which had killed five Afghan policemen and 10 civilians in a 20-hour gun-battle. Panetta had warned unilateral action against the Haqqani network, which the U.S. intelligence says operates from Pakistan's North Waziristan tribal region.
Pakistan insists that the Haqqani group, led by Sirajuddin Haqqani, known as Khalifa, had been the products of the 1979-89 Jehad or Holy War against the erstwhile Soviets and is no more on Pakistani soil. But U.S. officials are not convinced by Pakistan's notion and the Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen in his blunt remarks on Thursday called the Haqqani network a "veritable arm" of Pakistan's intelligence service and accused Pakistan of "exporting" violent extremism to Afghanistan.
"The Haqqani network ... acts as a veritable arm of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Agency," Mullen told a U.S. Senate panel in Washington, which was aired across the world.
"With ISI support, Haqqani operatives planned and conducted ( Sept. 11) truck bomb attack, as well as the assault on our embassy, " Mullen said.
The U.S. ambassador in Islamabad Cameron Munter offered similar comments in an interview with Pakistan's state radio this week.
Pakistani government had either avoided reaction or expressed mild words in reaction by the country's Interior Minister and the Foreign Ministry spokesperson who both on Thursday just denied the U.S. claims of Pakistan's links with the Haqqani network.
But Islamabad's tone was changed and Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, which usually avoids media interviews, showed furious reaction to Mike Mullen's remarks.
"We have strong reservations about the U.S. accusations and we condemn this. Anything which is said about an ally, about a partner publicly to recriminate, to humiliate is not acceptable," she told Geo Television in an interview in New York and aired across Pakistan. She is in New York to lead Pakistan's delegation to the UN General Assembly.
"I have very strong reservations with all of these allegations because these are nothing more than allegations right now and this is not in the spirit of partnership," the foreign minister said and warned that the United States will loose partner in the war on terror and it has been clearly conveyed to the American officials.
There had been several meetings between the top Pakistani and U. S. leaders both in Pakistan and the United States to bridge the trust deficit but Mullen's remarks and Pakistan's befitting response shows the ties plunged to a new low.
Hina Rabbani Khar had a three-and-half-hour meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in New York on Sunday, Pakistan 's Army chief met Mike Mullen at Spain on the sidelines of NATO military officials, ISI chief met the CIA head in Washington this week and the FBI director met Pakistan's interior minister in Islamabad this week and all the meetings focused on Haqqani network and how to restore confidence.
But series of statements from the U.S. top defense and intelligence officials have annoyed Pakistani leaders. Pakistani foreign affairs experts believe that the United States has failed to check Taliban attacks in the Afghan capital and is mounting pressure and shifting blame on Pakistan.
There are no signs of improvement in bilateral relationship despite high level meetings and there was another serious setback for ties as the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Thursday passed a bill that makes "all" U.S. financial assistance to the Government of Pakistan privy to conditions of cooperation against the Hqqani network and other terror groups associated with al- Qaida.
Some opposition parties and experts in Pakistan express that it is time to reject the conditional U.S. aid and to preserve sovereignty of the country. Many Pakistanis view Pakistan's alliance with the United States as unnatural and want a review of the relationship and demand shifting focus to regional and neighbouring countries.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-23 22:49:27 FeedbackPrintRSS
By Tahir Khan
ISLAMABAD, Sept. 23 (Xinhua)
Pakistan was quick on Friday to come up with a public condemnation of remarks by top U.S. defense officials that the country's main intelligence agency has connections with an al-Qaida-linked militant group and that both were behind the last week brazen attack on the U.S. embassy and the NATO headquarters in Kabul.
The U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta had blamed Haqqani network days after the Sept. 13 attack in the heart of Kabul and highly-secured zone, which had killed five Afghan policemen and 10 civilians in a 20-hour gun-battle. Panetta had warned unilateral action against the Haqqani network, which the U.S. intelligence says operates from Pakistan's North Waziristan tribal region.
Pakistan insists that the Haqqani group, led by Sirajuddin Haqqani, known as Khalifa, had been the products of the 1979-89 Jehad or Holy War against the erstwhile Soviets and is no more on Pakistani soil. But U.S. officials are not convinced by Pakistan's notion and the Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen in his blunt remarks on Thursday called the Haqqani network a "veritable arm" of Pakistan's intelligence service and accused Pakistan of "exporting" violent extremism to Afghanistan.
"The Haqqani network ... acts as a veritable arm of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Agency," Mullen told a U.S. Senate panel in Washington, which was aired across the world.
"With ISI support, Haqqani operatives planned and conducted ( Sept. 11) truck bomb attack, as well as the assault on our embassy, " Mullen said.
The U.S. ambassador in Islamabad Cameron Munter offered similar comments in an interview with Pakistan's state radio this week.
Pakistani government had either avoided reaction or expressed mild words in reaction by the country's Interior Minister and the Foreign Ministry spokesperson who both on Thursday just denied the U.S. claims of Pakistan's links with the Haqqani network.
But Islamabad's tone was changed and Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, which usually avoids media interviews, showed furious reaction to Mike Mullen's remarks.
"We have strong reservations about the U.S. accusations and we condemn this. Anything which is said about an ally, about a partner publicly to recriminate, to humiliate is not acceptable," she told Geo Television in an interview in New York and aired across Pakistan. She is in New York to lead Pakistan's delegation to the UN General Assembly.
"I have very strong reservations with all of these allegations because these are nothing more than allegations right now and this is not in the spirit of partnership," the foreign minister said and warned that the United States will loose partner in the war on terror and it has been clearly conveyed to the American officials.
There had been several meetings between the top Pakistani and U. S. leaders both in Pakistan and the United States to bridge the trust deficit but Mullen's remarks and Pakistan's befitting response shows the ties plunged to a new low.
Hina Rabbani Khar had a three-and-half-hour meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in New York on Sunday, Pakistan 's Army chief met Mike Mullen at Spain on the sidelines of NATO military officials, ISI chief met the CIA head in Washington this week and the FBI director met Pakistan's interior minister in Islamabad this week and all the meetings focused on Haqqani network and how to restore confidence.
But series of statements from the U.S. top defense and intelligence officials have annoyed Pakistani leaders. Pakistani foreign affairs experts believe that the United States has failed to check Taliban attacks in the Afghan capital and is mounting pressure and shifting blame on Pakistan.
There are no signs of improvement in bilateral relationship despite high level meetings and there was another serious setback for ties as the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Thursday passed a bill that makes "all" U.S. financial assistance to the Government of Pakistan privy to conditions of cooperation against the Hqqani network and other terror groups associated with al- Qaida.
Some opposition parties and experts in Pakistan express that it is time to reject the conditional U.S. aid and to preserve sovereignty of the country. Many Pakistanis view Pakistan's alliance with the United States as unnatural and want a review of the relationship and demand shifting focus to regional and neighbouring countries.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-23 22:49:27 FeedbackPrintRSS
By Tahir Khan
ISLAMABAD, Sept. 23 (Xinhua)
Pakistan slashes U.S. accusation against its intelligence agency
Pakistan slashes U.S. accusation against its intelligence agency
Pakistan on Friday quickly comes up with a public condemnation of the top U.S. defense officials' remarks that the country's main intelligence agency has connections with an al-Qaeda-linked militant group and that both were behind last week's brazen attack on the U.S. embassy and the NATO headquarters in Afghan capital Kabul.
U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta blamed Haqqani network after the Sept. 13 attack in the heart of Kabul and highly-secured zone which had killed five Afghan policemen and 10 civilians in a 20-hour gun-battle. Panetta had warned unilateral action against the Haqqani network, which the U.S. intelligence says operates from Pakistan's North Waziristan tribal region.
Pakistan insists that the Haqqani group, led by Sirajuddin Haqqani, known as Khalifa, is the product of the 1979-89 Jehad, or Holy War, against the erstwhile Soviets and is no more on Pakistani soil. But the U.S. officials are not convinced by Pakistan' s notion and the Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, in his blunt remarks on Thursday called the Haqqani network a "veritable arm" of Pakistan's intelligence service and accused Pakistan of "exporting" violent extremism to Afghanistan.
"The Haqqani network ... acts as a veritable arm of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence Agency, (ISI)" he said to a U.S. Senate panel in Washington, which was aired across the world.
"With ISI support, Haqqani operatives planned and conducted ( Sept. 11) truck bomb attack, as well as the assault on our embassy, " Mullen said.
U.S. ambassador in Islamabad Cameron Munter gave similar comments in an interview with Pakistan's state radio this week. Pakistani government had either avoided reaction or expressed mild words in reaction by the country's Interior Minister and the Foreign Ministry spokesperson who both on Thursday just denied the U.S. claims of Pakistan's links with the Haqqani network.
But Islamabad's tone was changed and Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, which usually avoids media interviews, showed furious reaction to Mike Mullen's remarks.
"We have strong reservations about the U.S. accusations and we condemn this. Anything that is said about an ally, about a partner publicly to recriminate, to humiliate is not acceptable," she told Geo Television in an interview in New York and aired across Pakistan. She is in New York to lead Pakistan's delegation to the UN General Assembly.
"I have very strong reservations with all of these allegations because these are nothing more than allegations right now and this is not in the spirit of partnership," the Foreign Minister said and warned that the U.S. will loose partner in the war on terror and it has been clearly conveyed to the American officials.
There had been several meetings between the top Pakistani and U. S. leadership both in Pakistan and the U.S. to bridge the trust deficit but Mullen's remarks and Pakistan's befitting response shows the ties have plunged to a new low.
Hina Rabbani Khar had a three-and-half-hour meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in New York on Sunday. Pakistan ' s Army Chief met Mike Mullen at Spain on the sidelines of NATO military officials, and ISI chief met with the CIA head in Washington this week and the FBI Director met Pakistan's Interior Minister in Islamabad this week. All the meetings focused on Haqqani network and how to restore confidence. But series of statements from the U.S. top defense and intelligence officials have annoyed Pakistani leaders. Pakistani foreign affairs experts believe that the U.S. has failed to check Taliban attacks in the Afghan capital and is mounting pressure and shifting blame on Pakistan.
There are no signs of improvement in bilateral relationship despite high level meeting and there was another serious setback for ties as the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday passed a bill that makes "all" U.S. financial assistance to the Government of Pakistan privy to conditions of cooperation against the Hqqani network and other terror groups associated with al Qaeda. Some opposition parties and experts are asking Pakistan it is time to reject the conditional U.S. aid and to preserve sovereignty of the country. Many Pakistanis view Pakistan's alliance with the U.S. as unnatural and want a review of relationship with the U.S. and to shift focus to regional and neighboring countries.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-09-23 22:02:13 FeedbackPrintRSS
by Tahir Khan
ISLAMABAD, Sept. 23 (Xinhua)
Pakistan on Friday quickly comes up with a public condemnation of the top U.S. defense officials' remarks that the country's main intelligence agency has connections with an al-Qaeda-linked militant group and that both were behind last week's brazen attack on the U.S. embassy and the NATO headquarters in Afghan capital Kabul.
U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta blamed Haqqani network after the Sept. 13 attack in the heart of Kabul and highly-secured zone which had killed five Afghan policemen and 10 civilians in a 20-hour gun-battle. Panetta had warned unilateral action against the Haqqani network, which the U.S. intelligence says operates from Pakistan's North Waziristan tribal region.
Pakistan insists that the Haqqani group, led by Sirajuddin Haqqani, known as Khalifa, is the product of the 1979-89 Jehad, or Holy War, against the erstwhile Soviets and is no more on Pakistani soil. But the U.S. officials are not convinced by Pakistan' s notion and the Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, in his blunt remarks on Thursday called the Haqqani network a "veritable arm" of Pakistan's intelligence service and accused Pakistan of "exporting" violent extremism to Afghanistan.
"The Haqqani network ... acts as a veritable arm of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence Agency, (ISI)" he said to a U.S. Senate panel in Washington, which was aired across the world.
"With ISI support, Haqqani operatives planned and conducted ( Sept. 11) truck bomb attack, as well as the assault on our embassy, " Mullen said.
U.S. ambassador in Islamabad Cameron Munter gave similar comments in an interview with Pakistan's state radio this week. Pakistani government had either avoided reaction or expressed mild words in reaction by the country's Interior Minister and the Foreign Ministry spokesperson who both on Thursday just denied the U.S. claims of Pakistan's links with the Haqqani network.
But Islamabad's tone was changed and Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar, which usually avoids media interviews, showed furious reaction to Mike Mullen's remarks.
"We have strong reservations about the U.S. accusations and we condemn this. Anything that is said about an ally, about a partner publicly to recriminate, to humiliate is not acceptable," she told Geo Television in an interview in New York and aired across Pakistan. She is in New York to lead Pakistan's delegation to the UN General Assembly.
"I have very strong reservations with all of these allegations because these are nothing more than allegations right now and this is not in the spirit of partnership," the Foreign Minister said and warned that the U.S. will loose partner in the war on terror and it has been clearly conveyed to the American officials.
There had been several meetings between the top Pakistani and U. S. leadership both in Pakistan and the U.S. to bridge the trust deficit but Mullen's remarks and Pakistan's befitting response shows the ties have plunged to a new low.
Hina Rabbani Khar had a three-and-half-hour meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in New York on Sunday. Pakistan ' s Army Chief met Mike Mullen at Spain on the sidelines of NATO military officials, and ISI chief met with the CIA head in Washington this week and the FBI Director met Pakistan's Interior Minister in Islamabad this week. All the meetings focused on Haqqani network and how to restore confidence. But series of statements from the U.S. top defense and intelligence officials have annoyed Pakistani leaders. Pakistani foreign affairs experts believe that the U.S. has failed to check Taliban attacks in the Afghan capital and is mounting pressure and shifting blame on Pakistan.
There are no signs of improvement in bilateral relationship despite high level meeting and there was another serious setback for ties as the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday passed a bill that makes "all" U.S. financial assistance to the Government of Pakistan privy to conditions of cooperation against the Hqqani network and other terror groups associated with al Qaeda. Some opposition parties and experts are asking Pakistan it is time to reject the conditional U.S. aid and to preserve sovereignty of the country. Many Pakistanis view Pakistan's alliance with the U.S. as unnatural and want a review of relationship with the U.S. and to shift focus to regional and neighboring countries.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-09-23 22:02:13 FeedbackPrintRSS
by Tahir Khan
ISLAMABAD, Sept. 23 (Xinhua)
ASEAN, Germany sign agreement to address food security, climate change
ASEAN, Germany sign agreement to address food security, climate change
ASEAN and a German institute signed an implementation agreement to address food security and impact of climate change, a statement issued by the ASEAN Secretariat said here on Friday.
The "ASEAN-German Program on Response to Climate Change: Agriculture, Forestry and related Sectors (GAP-CC)", which signed by the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Economic Community S. Pushpanathan and the Country Director of German Company for International Cooperation (GIZ) Sabine Markert, aims to strengthen ASEAN's capacity to advance the implementation of regional policies and strategies within ASEAN member states in contributing to food security, climate change adaptation, and mitigation in agriculture and forestry.
"With the current development on climate change, ASEAN and Germany have the same concern in addressing the adverse impact of climate change on food security," said Pushpanathan.
In November 2009, the 31st Meeting of ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) had agreed that there is an urgent need to find solutions to the growing impact of climate change in agriculture and forestry sectors.
As a result, the ministers responsible for agriculture and forestry endorsed the ASEAN Multi-Sectoral Framework on Climate Change: Agriculture and Forestry towards Food Security (AFCC).
The goal of AFCC is to contribute to food security through sustainable, as well as efficient and effective use of land, forest, water and aquatic resources.
In July 2010, Germany committed to support the implementation of the AFCC with three million euro for three years (2011-2013).
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-09-23 20:49:35 FeedbackPrintRSS
JAKARTA, Sept. 23 (Xinhua)
ASEAN and a German institute signed an implementation agreement to address food security and impact of climate change, a statement issued by the ASEAN Secretariat said here on Friday.
The "ASEAN-German Program on Response to Climate Change: Agriculture, Forestry and related Sectors (GAP-CC)", which signed by the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Economic Community S. Pushpanathan and the Country Director of German Company for International Cooperation (GIZ) Sabine Markert, aims to strengthen ASEAN's capacity to advance the implementation of regional policies and strategies within ASEAN member states in contributing to food security, climate change adaptation, and mitigation in agriculture and forestry.
"With the current development on climate change, ASEAN and Germany have the same concern in addressing the adverse impact of climate change on food security," said Pushpanathan.
In November 2009, the 31st Meeting of ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) had agreed that there is an urgent need to find solutions to the growing impact of climate change in agriculture and forestry sectors.
As a result, the ministers responsible for agriculture and forestry endorsed the ASEAN Multi-Sectoral Framework on Climate Change: Agriculture and Forestry towards Food Security (AFCC).
The goal of AFCC is to contribute to food security through sustainable, as well as efficient and effective use of land, forest, water and aquatic resources.
In July 2010, Germany committed to support the implementation of the AFCC with three million euro for three years (2011-2013).
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-09-23 20:49:35 FeedbackPrintRSS
JAKARTA, Sept. 23 (Xinhua)
Australia economic fundamentals remain strong despite market slump: PM
Australia economic fundamentals remain strong despite market slump: PM
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Friday moved to soothe investors nerve after a slump in share market, saying that Australia has strong economic fundamentals.
Local share market closed firmly in the red following tumbles on Wall Street and European bourses overnight, with the benchmark ASX 200 index down 61.7 points, or 1.56 percent, at 3,903, while the broader All Ordinaries index was down 66.2 points (1.64 percent) at 3,978.
The Australian dollar also tumbled to a 10-month low below 97 U. S. cents, before making a partial recovery as one global credit rating agency affirmed Australia's AAA rating, and the central bank gave the nation's banks a relatively clean bill of health.
Gillard said she understands people are concerned when they see volatility in the markets.
"Whether it's today or yesterday or the day before or whether it's tomorrow, whatever we see on international markets in the time in between, the fundamentals of the Australian economy are strong," she told reporters in Canberra.
"Low unemployment, low public debt, a strong banking system, growth, employment prospects, record terms of trade, hundreds of billions of dollars in the investment pipeline.
"So, if you go back 48 hours, if you go forward 48 hours, those fundamentals are there throughout. People should remember that even as they see this turmoil on international markets."
However, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott warned that fears of a global double dip recession are growing.
"This is hardly the time for the government to be congratulating itself on its economic management or complacently assuming that the Australian economy can readily cope with more debt and higher taxes," he said.
Global rating agency Standard & Poor's affirmed Australia's long-term AAA credit and stable outlook.
"The ratings on Australia reflect Standard & Poor's view of the country's ample fiscal and monetary policy flexibility, economic resilience, public policy stability and its sound financial sector, " credit analyst Kyran Curry said in a statement on Friday, adding that these factors demonstrate Australia's strong ability to absorb large economic and financial shocks, such as the global recession in 2009.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-09-23 17:00:23 FeedbackPrintRSS
CANBERRA, Sept. 23 (Xinhua)
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard on Friday moved to soothe investors nerve after a slump in share market, saying that Australia has strong economic fundamentals.
Local share market closed firmly in the red following tumbles on Wall Street and European bourses overnight, with the benchmark ASX 200 index down 61.7 points, or 1.56 percent, at 3,903, while the broader All Ordinaries index was down 66.2 points (1.64 percent) at 3,978.
The Australian dollar also tumbled to a 10-month low below 97 U. S. cents, before making a partial recovery as one global credit rating agency affirmed Australia's AAA rating, and the central bank gave the nation's banks a relatively clean bill of health.
Gillard said she understands people are concerned when they see volatility in the markets.
"Whether it's today or yesterday or the day before or whether it's tomorrow, whatever we see on international markets in the time in between, the fundamentals of the Australian economy are strong," she told reporters in Canberra.
"Low unemployment, low public debt, a strong banking system, growth, employment prospects, record terms of trade, hundreds of billions of dollars in the investment pipeline.
"So, if you go back 48 hours, if you go forward 48 hours, those fundamentals are there throughout. People should remember that even as they see this turmoil on international markets."
However, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott warned that fears of a global double dip recession are growing.
"This is hardly the time for the government to be congratulating itself on its economic management or complacently assuming that the Australian economy can readily cope with more debt and higher taxes," he said.
Global rating agency Standard & Poor's affirmed Australia's long-term AAA credit and stable outlook.
"The ratings on Australia reflect Standard & Poor's view of the country's ample fiscal and monetary policy flexibility, economic resilience, public policy stability and its sound financial sector, " credit analyst Kyran Curry said in a statement on Friday, adding that these factors demonstrate Australia's strong ability to absorb large economic and financial shocks, such as the global recession in 2009.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-09-23 17:00:23 FeedbackPrintRSS
CANBERRA, Sept. 23 (Xinhua)
Earthquake prosecution does not make sense: Australian experts
Earthquake prosecution does not make sense: Australian experts
The prosecution of the six Italian scientists for manslaughter over Italy's L'Aquila earthquake in 2009 is likely to silence experts from openly communicate with the public in the future, Australian experts warned on Friday.
Six leading Italian scientists and one government official are standing trial for manslaughter for alleged negligence that led to the deaths of over 300 people when a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck the Italian city of L'Aquila in March 2009.
Dr Kevin McCue, a spokesperson for the Australian Earthquake Engineering Society, said the case does not make sense because it is not possible to predict earthquakes.
According to Professor Paul Somerville, Deputy Director of Risk Frontiers at Australia's Macquarie University, the prosecution of the scientists, especially if it is successful, is likely to imperil the very need that this incident has highlighted: for open and clear communication between the scientists and the public.
"In a further irony, no action has yet been taken against the engineers who designed modern buildings that collapsed and caused fatalities, or the government officials who were responsible for enforcing building code compliance," he told Xinhua in an email note.
"It has occurred to some observers that the local government officials may be scapegoating the scientists to avoid prosecution themselves."
The defendants in the Italian trial were members of a panel that had met six days before the April 6 quake, to assess risks after hundreds of tremors had shaken the medieval university city. At that meeting, a committee analyzed data from the low-magnitude tremors and determined that the activity was not a prelude to a major earthquake.
However, Professor Somerville defended the scientists saying that the government's objective in holding the meeting was to debunk unreliable but alarming earthquake predictions that were being made by L'Aquila resident Giampaolo Giuliani, who is not a seismologist.
"The scientists were distracted in this direction instead of focusing on information about earthquake risk that the citizens needed," he said.
"Further, it appears that the scientists found themselves answering questions (during the meeting) about deterministic prediction of earthquakes (which they acknowledge is not currently possible) instead of probabilistic forecasting of earthquakes (which they can do)."
Dr McCue also pointed out that an Italian civil servant was sued in 1985 for advising people to leave their homes following a swarm of earthquake, and that fear of being sued could scare off seismologists from developing earthquake hazard maps and advising on building codes, unless they are indemnified by the government.
"Given the limited knowledge we do our best, but maybe that's not enough for the public. And if they are willing to sue us, then we won't be doing it at all," McCue said.
Following the announcement of the trial in May, Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) published a letter of support for the scientists, signed by over 5,000 researchers worldwide, including 77 Australians.
The letter said the scientific community involved in earthquake science urges the Italian government, local authorities and decision makers in general, to be proactive in establishing and carrying out local and national programs to support earthquake preparedness and risk mitigation, rather than prosecuting scientists for failing to do something they cannot do yet, as to predict earthquakes.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-09-23 16:54:55 FeedbackPrintRSS
by Vienna Ma
CANBERRA, Sept. 23 (Xinhua)
The prosecution of the six Italian scientists for manslaughter over Italy's L'Aquila earthquake in 2009 is likely to silence experts from openly communicate with the public in the future, Australian experts warned on Friday.
Six leading Italian scientists and one government official are standing trial for manslaughter for alleged negligence that led to the deaths of over 300 people when a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck the Italian city of L'Aquila in March 2009.
Dr Kevin McCue, a spokesperson for the Australian Earthquake Engineering Society, said the case does not make sense because it is not possible to predict earthquakes.
According to Professor Paul Somerville, Deputy Director of Risk Frontiers at Australia's Macquarie University, the prosecution of the scientists, especially if it is successful, is likely to imperil the very need that this incident has highlighted: for open and clear communication between the scientists and the public.
"In a further irony, no action has yet been taken against the engineers who designed modern buildings that collapsed and caused fatalities, or the government officials who were responsible for enforcing building code compliance," he told Xinhua in an email note.
"It has occurred to some observers that the local government officials may be scapegoating the scientists to avoid prosecution themselves."
The defendants in the Italian trial were members of a panel that had met six days before the April 6 quake, to assess risks after hundreds of tremors had shaken the medieval university city. At that meeting, a committee analyzed data from the low-magnitude tremors and determined that the activity was not a prelude to a major earthquake.
However, Professor Somerville defended the scientists saying that the government's objective in holding the meeting was to debunk unreliable but alarming earthquake predictions that were being made by L'Aquila resident Giampaolo Giuliani, who is not a seismologist.
"The scientists were distracted in this direction instead of focusing on information about earthquake risk that the citizens needed," he said.
"Further, it appears that the scientists found themselves answering questions (during the meeting) about deterministic prediction of earthquakes (which they acknowledge is not currently possible) instead of probabilistic forecasting of earthquakes (which they can do)."
Dr McCue also pointed out that an Italian civil servant was sued in 1985 for advising people to leave their homes following a swarm of earthquake, and that fear of being sued could scare off seismologists from developing earthquake hazard maps and advising on building codes, unless they are indemnified by the government.
"Given the limited knowledge we do our best, but maybe that's not enough for the public. And if they are willing to sue us, then we won't be doing it at all," McCue said.
Following the announcement of the trial in May, Italy's National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) published a letter of support for the scientists, signed by over 5,000 researchers worldwide, including 77 Australians.
The letter said the scientific community involved in earthquake science urges the Italian government, local authorities and decision makers in general, to be proactive in establishing and carrying out local and national programs to support earthquake preparedness and risk mitigation, rather than prosecuting scientists for failing to do something they cannot do yet, as to predict earthquakes.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-09-23 16:54:55 FeedbackPrintRSS
by Vienna Ma
CANBERRA, Sept. 23 (Xinhua)
ASEAN parliamentary assembly ends, adopting resolutions
ASEAN parliamentary assembly ends, adopting resolutions
The 32nd General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-32) concluded here on Friday with the passage of a number of resolutions to strengthen regional cooperation and to promote peace, stability, harmony, economic growth and poverty reduction in the region.
One of the adopted resolutions was the strengthening of the ASEAN political-security community through intensifying regional cooperation and integration, according to a joint communique signed by the heads of all parliaments in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Friday after the conclusion of the AIPA-32.
"The AIPA member parliaments encourage their governments to support the ASEAN in strengthening the mutually beneficial relations between the ASEAN and its dialogue partners and friends," it said.
"The AIPA also pledges to support the continuing efforts of ASEAN member states to deepen and broaden cooperation in the political and security fields, including defense, maritime security and trans-national crimes, both within the ASEAN and between ASEAN and external partners, in order to effectively cope with security issues in the region," added the joint statement.
The meeting also called on all disputes to be settled in a peaceful and amicable manner.
On the economic issues, the meeting agreed to promote economic growth and sustainable development toward narrowing development gaps in the ASEAN between the old and new member states.
It said the contribution of ASEAN-6 in providing technical assistance and capacity building measures to address the needs of the new member states: Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Myanmar will pave the way for future growth and development gap narrowing.
The statement said that climate change was posing a severe concern for economic growth, so the meeting urged ASEAN member states to ensure food security in the ASEAN region through multilateral and bilateral cooperation.
In terms of social issues, the meeting agreed to urge the ASEAN member states to strengthen law enforcement to combat human trafficking and drug menace. Also, the meeting called for law harmonization together with ASEAN mechanisms to promote the respect of the rights of migrant workers.
On the matter of women's affairs, the meeting adopted a resolution to urge member parliaments and ASEAN member states to redouble their collaborative efforts in resource mobilization and policy development to ensure that all ASEAN member states will be able to achieve the Millennium Development Goal 5 on Maternal Health by the year 2015.
In addition, the meeting passed the resolution on increasing economic opportunities for women as family income earners, especially women in the agricultural and informal sectors, in order to eradicate poverty.
The AIPA-32 was held from Sept. 18, participated in by the heads of all parliaments in the ASEAN and a number of observer countries including Australia, Canada, China, the European Parliament, Japan, South Korea, India, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Russia and the United States.
The ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Enditem
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-09-23 16:15:19
The 32nd General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-32) concluded here on Friday with the passage of a number of resolutions to strengthen regional cooperation and to promote peace, stability, harmony, economic growth and poverty reduction in the region.
One of the adopted resolutions was the strengthening of the ASEAN political-security community through intensifying regional cooperation and integration, according to a joint communique signed by the heads of all parliaments in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Friday after the conclusion of the AIPA-32.
"The AIPA member parliaments encourage their governments to support the ASEAN in strengthening the mutually beneficial relations between the ASEAN and its dialogue partners and friends," it said.
"The AIPA also pledges to support the continuing efforts of ASEAN member states to deepen and broaden cooperation in the political and security fields, including defense, maritime security and trans-national crimes, both within the ASEAN and between ASEAN and external partners, in order to effectively cope with security issues in the region," added the joint statement.
The meeting also called on all disputes to be settled in a peaceful and amicable manner.
On the economic issues, the meeting agreed to promote economic growth and sustainable development toward narrowing development gaps in the ASEAN between the old and new member states.
It said the contribution of ASEAN-6 in providing technical assistance and capacity building measures to address the needs of the new member states: Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Myanmar will pave the way for future growth and development gap narrowing.
The statement said that climate change was posing a severe concern for economic growth, so the meeting urged ASEAN member states to ensure food security in the ASEAN region through multilateral and bilateral cooperation.
In terms of social issues, the meeting agreed to urge the ASEAN member states to strengthen law enforcement to combat human trafficking and drug menace. Also, the meeting called for law harmonization together with ASEAN mechanisms to promote the respect of the rights of migrant workers.
On the matter of women's affairs, the meeting adopted a resolution to urge member parliaments and ASEAN member states to redouble their collaborative efforts in resource mobilization and policy development to ensure that all ASEAN member states will be able to achieve the Millennium Development Goal 5 on Maternal Health by the year 2015.
In addition, the meeting passed the resolution on increasing economic opportunities for women as family income earners, especially women in the agricultural and informal sectors, in order to eradicate poverty.
The AIPA-32 was held from Sept. 18, participated in by the heads of all parliaments in the ASEAN and a number of observer countries including Australia, Canada, China, the European Parliament, Japan, South Korea, India, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Russia and the United States.
The ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Enditem
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-09-23 16:15:19
Australia's Qantas flight returns to Perth airport after birdstrike
Australia's Qantas flight returns to Perth airport after birdstrike
A birdstrike has forced a Qantas passenger plane return to Western Australia's Perth airport soon after take-off, the airline said on Friday.
A Qantas spokeswoman said the Melbourne-bound Airbus A330, which hit the bird just after 12:30 p.m.(local time) on Friday and landed "safe and sound" at Perth's domestic airport.
All passengers were transferred onto another flight.
Eye witnesses said they heard the birds hitting the plane.
"It was making a different noise to what other aircraft make and it sounded like a Russian tank," a local resident told Australia's Fairfax Radio.
"I looked up and as I looked up there was a big flame shooting out the back."
The Qantas spokeswoman denied there were any flames.
Editor: An
English.news.cn 2011-09-23 15:21:38 FeedbackPrintRSS
SYDNEY, Sept. 23 (Xinhua)
A birdstrike has forced a Qantas passenger plane return to Western Australia's Perth airport soon after take-off, the airline said on Friday.
A Qantas spokeswoman said the Melbourne-bound Airbus A330, which hit the bird just after 12:30 p.m.(local time) on Friday and landed "safe and sound" at Perth's domestic airport.
All passengers were transferred onto another flight.
Eye witnesses said they heard the birds hitting the plane.
"It was making a different noise to what other aircraft make and it sounded like a Russian tank," a local resident told Australia's Fairfax Radio.
"I looked up and as I looked up there was a big flame shooting out the back."
The Qantas spokeswoman denied there were any flames.
Editor: An
English.news.cn 2011-09-23 15:21:38 FeedbackPrintRSS
SYDNEY, Sept. 23 (Xinhua)
Australia, Indonesian Islamic community cement ties through futsal
Australia, Indonesian Islamic community cement ties through futsal
The Australian Embassy in Indonesia and Muhammadiyah, the second largest Islamic organization in the country, on Thursday tightened their ties through futsal match, a press statement said here.
The Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Greg Moriarty warmly welcomed Minister for Law and Human Right Patrialis Akbar and Prof Din Syamsuddin at the friendly futsal match between the Australian Embassy and the Muhammadiyah team.
"I am very pleased to host the first futsal match between the Australian Embassy and one of the largest Islamic organizations in Indonesia. This match is a demonstration of our friendship and our long standing relationship with Muhammadiyah," said Moriarty.
The Australian government values the partnership it has with Muhammadiyah. It is based on a joint commitment to enhance the development of Indonesia and fostering good relations between the two countries.
Australia has worked with Muhammadiyah since 2005 to improve the quality of basic education in Madrasah.
"Muhammadiyah has a long history of providing basic services such as health and education to Indonesian people and Australia is proud to have the opportunity to work with Muhammadiyah in many sectors including disaster preparedness and education," Moriarty said.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-22 22:43:50 FeedbackPrintRSS
JAKARTA, Sept. 22 (Xinhua)
The Australian Embassy in Indonesia and Muhammadiyah, the second largest Islamic organization in the country, on Thursday tightened their ties through futsal match, a press statement said here.
The Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Greg Moriarty warmly welcomed Minister for Law and Human Right Patrialis Akbar and Prof Din Syamsuddin at the friendly futsal match between the Australian Embassy and the Muhammadiyah team.
"I am very pleased to host the first futsal match between the Australian Embassy and one of the largest Islamic organizations in Indonesia. This match is a demonstration of our friendship and our long standing relationship with Muhammadiyah," said Moriarty.
The Australian government values the partnership it has with Muhammadiyah. It is based on a joint commitment to enhance the development of Indonesia and fostering good relations between the two countries.
Australia has worked with Muhammadiyah since 2005 to improve the quality of basic education in Madrasah.
"Muhammadiyah has a long history of providing basic services such as health and education to Indonesian people and Australia is proud to have the opportunity to work with Muhammadiyah in many sectors including disaster preparedness and education," Moriarty said.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-22 22:43:50 FeedbackPrintRSS
JAKARTA, Sept. 22 (Xinhua)
Australia releases inquiry to save declining Koala
Australia releases inquiry to save declining Koala
Speed limits should be lowered, wild dog controls tightened and research funding has to be boosted in a move to stop the decline of Koala numbers across Australia, a senate inquiry recommended on Thursday.
In a 10-month investigation, the Senate Committee heard from scientists and advocacy groups about the status, health and sustainability of the protected animal. It has delivered 19 recommendations.
The report, The koala - saving our national icon, said there is no question koala numbers are falling, but the issue is much more complex than that fact alone.
For instance, it said in some areas in Queensland the koala population is in sharp decline, but in other parts of Australia their numbers have to be managed because of over-population.
It recommended federal Environment Minister Tony Burke to consider listing the koala as a vulnerable species in areas where numbers have significantly declined.
Another recommendation was for a dedicated program to monitor the population of koalas, lower speed limits on roads near koala habitats and more control over wild dogs.
"The committee recommends that local and state governments . . . introduce appropriate speed limits in priority koala areas; and, where appropriate, build or retrofit underpasses or overpasses," the report said.
It also said money should be pumped into possible protection measures, such as koala fencing, disease research and even highway upgrades.
Burke said he is considering whether to list the koala as a nationally threatened species, and he welcomed the new information.
"Koalas are an iconic Australian animal. They hold a special place in the hearts of Australians," he told reporters in Canberra on Thursday, adding that the government had already spent at least 6.16 million U.S. dollars on koala conservation efforts during the past 15 years.
Greens Leader Bob Brown, who called for the inquiry, said the recommendations were important and strong action was needed now to stop the koala from going on the endangered list.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-22 22:43:38 FeedbackPrintRSS
CANBERRA, Sept. 22 (Xinhua)
Speed limits should be lowered, wild dog controls tightened and research funding has to be boosted in a move to stop the decline of Koala numbers across Australia, a senate inquiry recommended on Thursday.
In a 10-month investigation, the Senate Committee heard from scientists and advocacy groups about the status, health and sustainability of the protected animal. It has delivered 19 recommendations.
The report, The koala - saving our national icon, said there is no question koala numbers are falling, but the issue is much more complex than that fact alone.
For instance, it said in some areas in Queensland the koala population is in sharp decline, but in other parts of Australia their numbers have to be managed because of over-population.
It recommended federal Environment Minister Tony Burke to consider listing the koala as a vulnerable species in areas where numbers have significantly declined.
Another recommendation was for a dedicated program to monitor the population of koalas, lower speed limits on roads near koala habitats and more control over wild dogs.
"The committee recommends that local and state governments . . . introduce appropriate speed limits in priority koala areas; and, where appropriate, build or retrofit underpasses or overpasses," the report said.
It also said money should be pumped into possible protection measures, such as koala fencing, disease research and even highway upgrades.
Burke said he is considering whether to list the koala as a nationally threatened species, and he welcomed the new information.
"Koalas are an iconic Australian animal. They hold a special place in the hearts of Australians," he told reporters in Canberra on Thursday, adding that the government had already spent at least 6.16 million U.S. dollars on koala conservation efforts during the past 15 years.
Greens Leader Bob Brown, who called for the inquiry, said the recommendations were important and strong action was needed now to stop the koala from going on the endangered list.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-22 22:43:38 FeedbackPrintRSS
CANBERRA, Sept. 22 (Xinhua)
Palestinian leadership considering French proposals on peace process: official
Palestinian leadership considering French proposals on peace process: official
The Palestinian leadership is studying ideas proposed by French President Nicolas Sarkozy to revive peace talks with Israel, a senior official said Thursday.
Sarkozy's ideas, revealed Wednesday in a speech at the United Nations General Assembly, aim at defusing an increasing tension between the United States and the Palestinian National Authority ( PNA) over the latter's plan to request a full UN membership.
"We are studying Sarkozy's ideas and we will be as positive as possible in dealing with them," Yasser Abed Rabbo, an official of the Palestine Liberation Organization, told the Voice of Palestine radio from New York.
Instead of requesting the full membership through the UN Security Council, where the U.S. administration has threatened to veto the request, Sarkozy suggested that the UN General Assembly upgrade the status of the Palestinian to a nonmember state.
To meet the U.S. hope, Sarkozy also proposed resuming peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians with a precise timetable that doesn't exceed a year.
Abed Rabbo said the Palestinians still lack enough details about Sarkozy's plan, especially what level of support it will enjoy among other European nations.
However, Abed Rabbo said he did not expect the French initiative to succeed, "because earlier proposals did not work though they were in favor of Israel."
The Palestinians plan to submit the request to the Security Council Friday, shortly after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addresses the General Assembly.
Abed Rabbo denied reports that a deal to postpone the Palestinian bid for the UN membership was underway.
English.news.cn 2011-09-22 19:31:31 FeedbackPrintRSS
RAMALLAH, Sept. 22 (Xinhua)
The Palestinian leadership is studying ideas proposed by French President Nicolas Sarkozy to revive peace talks with Israel, a senior official said Thursday.
Sarkozy's ideas, revealed Wednesday in a speech at the United Nations General Assembly, aim at defusing an increasing tension between the United States and the Palestinian National Authority ( PNA) over the latter's plan to request a full UN membership.
"We are studying Sarkozy's ideas and we will be as positive as possible in dealing with them," Yasser Abed Rabbo, an official of the Palestine Liberation Organization, told the Voice of Palestine radio from New York.
Instead of requesting the full membership through the UN Security Council, where the U.S. administration has threatened to veto the request, Sarkozy suggested that the UN General Assembly upgrade the status of the Palestinian to a nonmember state.
To meet the U.S. hope, Sarkozy also proposed resuming peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians with a precise timetable that doesn't exceed a year.
Abed Rabbo said the Palestinians still lack enough details about Sarkozy's plan, especially what level of support it will enjoy among other European nations.
However, Abed Rabbo said he did not expect the French initiative to succeed, "because earlier proposals did not work though they were in favor of Israel."
The Palestinians plan to submit the request to the Security Council Friday, shortly after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addresses the General Assembly.
Abed Rabbo denied reports that a deal to postpone the Palestinian bid for the UN membership was underway.
English.news.cn 2011-09-22 19:31:31 FeedbackPrintRSS
RAMALLAH, Sept. 22 (Xinhua)
Philippine gov't soldier killed, 6 others wounded in NPA ambush
Philippine gov't soldier killed, 6 others wounded in NPA ambush
A government soldier died and six others were wounded in an ambuscade staged by New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Sorsogon province Thursday morning, several hours after a 24-hour military ceasefire with the rebels ended, the military said.
Maj. Angelo Guzman, spokesman of the military's 6th Infantry Division, said the ambushed troops from the 49th Infantry Battalion were on an anti-insurgency operation when they were waylaid around 9:30 a.m at Cadandanan village, Magallanes town.
The rebels, numbering about 20 men, ambushed the soldiers aboard a military truck, said Guzman.
"The troops courageously engaged the rebels in a 30-minute firefight before the rebels withdrew in fear of government reinforcements. The encounter left one soldier dead and six wounded," said Guzman, adding the wounded were given prompt medical attention and pursuit operations were continuing.
The NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has been waging a guerrilla campaign in the countryside for more than four decades. The Philippine military estimates that there are over 4,000 NPA guerrilla fighters scattered in more than 60 provinces throughout the country.
Editor: Yang Lina
English.news.cn 2011-09-22 18:02:02 FeedbackPrintRSS
MANILA, Sept. 22 (Xinhua)
A government soldier died and six others were wounded in an ambuscade staged by New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Sorsogon province Thursday morning, several hours after a 24-hour military ceasefire with the rebels ended, the military said.
Maj. Angelo Guzman, spokesman of the military's 6th Infantry Division, said the ambushed troops from the 49th Infantry Battalion were on an anti-insurgency operation when they were waylaid around 9:30 a.m at Cadandanan village, Magallanes town.
The rebels, numbering about 20 men, ambushed the soldiers aboard a military truck, said Guzman.
"The troops courageously engaged the rebels in a 30-minute firefight before the rebels withdrew in fear of government reinforcements. The encounter left one soldier dead and six wounded," said Guzman, adding the wounded were given prompt medical attention and pursuit operations were continuing.
The NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has been waging a guerrilla campaign in the countryside for more than four decades. The Philippine military estimates that there are over 4,000 NPA guerrilla fighters scattered in more than 60 provinces throughout the country.
Editor: Yang Lina
English.news.cn 2011-09-22 18:02:02 FeedbackPrintRSS
MANILA, Sept. 22 (Xinhua)
S. Korea, U.S. hold talks over deterrence against DPRK
S. Korea, U.S. hold talks over deterrence against DPRK
South Korea and the United States launched the latest round of talks Thursday in Seoul over deterring potential provocations by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the South Korean defense ministry said.
During the 29th Security Policy Initiative (SPI) talks, the two sides are expected to discuss ways to jointly deter potential provocations by the DPRK and other security issues including the relocation of some 28,500 U.S. forces stationed in South Korea, according to the ministry.
Leading the discussions are South Korean deputy defense minister Lim Kwan-bin and U.S. deputy assistant secretary of defense for East Asia, Michael Schiffer.
The defense ministry said the two allies will assess the level of threat posed by Pyongyang's weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and discuss staging joint anti-WMD drills in the second Extended Deterrence Policy Committee meeting on the sidelines of the SPI talks.
They will also review progress in the scheduled 2015 transfer of wartime operational control from Washington to Seoul in a spate committee meeting, according to the defense ministry.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-09-22 17:09:28 FeedbackPrintRSS
SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Xinhua)
South Korea and the United States launched the latest round of talks Thursday in Seoul over deterring potential provocations by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the South Korean defense ministry said.
During the 29th Security Policy Initiative (SPI) talks, the two sides are expected to discuss ways to jointly deter potential provocations by the DPRK and other security issues including the relocation of some 28,500 U.S. forces stationed in South Korea, according to the ministry.
Leading the discussions are South Korean deputy defense minister Lim Kwan-bin and U.S. deputy assistant secretary of defense for East Asia, Michael Schiffer.
The defense ministry said the two allies will assess the level of threat posed by Pyongyang's weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and discuss staging joint anti-WMD drills in the second Extended Deterrence Policy Committee meeting on the sidelines of the SPI talks.
They will also review progress in the scheduled 2015 transfer of wartime operational control from Washington to Seoul in a spate committee meeting, according to the defense ministry.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-09-22 17:09:28 FeedbackPrintRSS
SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Xinhua)
Taliban local leader killed, 2 NATO drone crashed in E. Afghanistan
Taliban local leader killed, 2 NATO drone crashed in E. Afghanistan
Afghan and NATO-led forces killed a significant Taliban leader in Sayyidabad district of Wardak province, some 35 km west of capital city of Kabul, NATO said Thursday.
"In Sayyidabad district, Wardak province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force killed a significant Taliban leader and one of his associates during a security operation Tuesday," said a statement issued by NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) here.
"A precision air strike killed a significant Taliban leader, Qari Tahir, after the security force located Tahir and an associate in a dry riverbed in Sayyidabad district," it said.
Tahir was the Taliban's top leader in Tangi Valley and was the target of a previous combined operation on Aug. 5, 2011, that resulted in the loss of the CH-47 Chinook last month. He led a group of insurgent fighters throughout the valley and was known to use roadside bombs and rockets to intimidate the local populace, the statement added.
A total of 30 U.S. soldiers, seven Afghan army commandos and an Afghan translator were killed when insurgents shot down the CH47 Chinook in Sayyidabad district on Aug. 5.
Afghan and the ISAF forces have conducted more than 40 security operations in the Sayyidabad district and killed 35 insurgents and detained more than 80 suspected insurgents since beginning this year, according to the statement.
In another development, two NATO drones have crashed in eastern Afghanistan over the past 24 hours, ISAF's Regional Command-East confirmed in a separate statement on Thursday morning.
"Two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) crashed in the Pul-E-Alam District of Logar Province and the Behsud District of Nangarhar Province because of mechanical problems. Both UAVs were recovered and there was little to no enemy activity in the area prior to the crash," the statement said.
The Taliban stepped up their attacks on Afghan and NATO-led troops since a spring rebel offensive was launched in May this year in the war-ravaged country.
English.news.cn 2011-09-22 15:10:36 FeedbackPrintRSS
KABUL, Sept. 22 (Xinhua)
Afghan and NATO-led forces killed a significant Taliban leader in Sayyidabad district of Wardak province, some 35 km west of capital city of Kabul, NATO said Thursday.
"In Sayyidabad district, Wardak province, a combined Afghan and coalition security force killed a significant Taliban leader and one of his associates during a security operation Tuesday," said a statement issued by NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) here.
"A precision air strike killed a significant Taliban leader, Qari Tahir, after the security force located Tahir and an associate in a dry riverbed in Sayyidabad district," it said.
Tahir was the Taliban's top leader in Tangi Valley and was the target of a previous combined operation on Aug. 5, 2011, that resulted in the loss of the CH-47 Chinook last month. He led a group of insurgent fighters throughout the valley and was known to use roadside bombs and rockets to intimidate the local populace, the statement added.
A total of 30 U.S. soldiers, seven Afghan army commandos and an Afghan translator were killed when insurgents shot down the CH47 Chinook in Sayyidabad district on Aug. 5.
Afghan and the ISAF forces have conducted more than 40 security operations in the Sayyidabad district and killed 35 insurgents and detained more than 80 suspected insurgents since beginning this year, according to the statement.
In another development, two NATO drones have crashed in eastern Afghanistan over the past 24 hours, ISAF's Regional Command-East confirmed in a separate statement on Thursday morning.
"Two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) crashed in the Pul-E-Alam District of Logar Province and the Behsud District of Nangarhar Province because of mechanical problems. Both UAVs were recovered and there was little to no enemy activity in the area prior to the crash," the statement said.
The Taliban stepped up their attacks on Afghan and NATO-led troops since a spring rebel offensive was launched in May this year in the war-ravaged country.
English.news.cn 2011-09-22 15:10:36 FeedbackPrintRSS
KABUL, Sept. 22 (Xinhua)
Australia Greens urges gov't to withdraw troops from Afghanistan
Australia Greens urges gov't to withdraw troops from Afghanistan
Australian Greens leader Bob Brown on Thursday urged federal government to accelerate Australian troops' withdrawal from Afghanistan, as the assassination of former Afghan president Burhanuddin Rabbani has been portrayed as a big blow to the peace process in Afghanistan.
Senator Brown was responding to comments by former senior Defense Department official Hugh White, who described Australia's military campaign in Afghanistan as a policy failure with "no serious prospect of achieving."
Senator Brown said staying another three years would not make a difference in the strife-torn nation.
"I agree with those analysts who think there will be very little difference between now and 2014 in Afghanistan," he told reporters in Canberra. "I am worried about what will happen in Afghanistan. But ... keeping our troops there for another three years is not going to make one difference to that diffidence or very great concern (that) the Afghani people will settle their own affairs."
Senator Brown expressed concerns that the mission in Afghanistan will be more dangerous following the assassination of Rabbani, and that Australian Defense Force personnel should be brought home now.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan ambassador to Australia, Nasir Ahmad Andisha, has disputed claims that the high-profile assassinations, and the rising death toll among coalition soldiers were evidence that the Taliban was gaining the upper hand.
He also called on the federal government to boost its training mission in Afghanistan before most Australian troops pull out in 2014.
Australia currently has 1,500 troops in Afghanistan, mainly based in Oruzgan Province. So far, 29 Australian soldiers have died and 194 others have been wounded in Afghanistan since 2001.
English.news.cn 2011-09-22 11:39:08 FeedbackPrintRSS
CANBERRA, Sept. 22 (Xinhua)
Australian Greens leader Bob Brown on Thursday urged federal government to accelerate Australian troops' withdrawal from Afghanistan, as the assassination of former Afghan president Burhanuddin Rabbani has been portrayed as a big blow to the peace process in Afghanistan.
Senator Brown was responding to comments by former senior Defense Department official Hugh White, who described Australia's military campaign in Afghanistan as a policy failure with "no serious prospect of achieving."
Senator Brown said staying another three years would not make a difference in the strife-torn nation.
"I agree with those analysts who think there will be very little difference between now and 2014 in Afghanistan," he told reporters in Canberra. "I am worried about what will happen in Afghanistan. But ... keeping our troops there for another three years is not going to make one difference to that diffidence or very great concern (that) the Afghani people will settle their own affairs."
Senator Brown expressed concerns that the mission in Afghanistan will be more dangerous following the assassination of Rabbani, and that Australian Defense Force personnel should be brought home now.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan ambassador to Australia, Nasir Ahmad Andisha, has disputed claims that the high-profile assassinations, and the rising death toll among coalition soldiers were evidence that the Taliban was gaining the upper hand.
He also called on the federal government to boost its training mission in Afghanistan before most Australian troops pull out in 2014.
Australia currently has 1,500 troops in Afghanistan, mainly based in Oruzgan Province. So far, 29 Australian soldiers have died and 194 others have been wounded in Afghanistan since 2001.
English.news.cn 2011-09-22 11:39:08 FeedbackPrintRSS
CANBERRA, Sept. 22 (Xinhua)
Mongolia to send 850 peacekeepers to South Sudan
Mongolia to send 850 peacekeepers to South Sudan
The Mongolian government would send 850 soldiers to South Sudan as peacekeepers, Mongolian Defense Minister Luvsanvandan Bold said Wednesday.
"Sending soldiers to South Sudan, which is a newly independent country with civil war, is a matter of honor," the minister said.
Mongolia had been engaged in U.N. peacekeeping missions since 2002 and was now seeking a bigger role in U.N. peacekeeping missions around the world, he said, adding a total of 5671 Mongolian soldiers had served in peacekeeping missions worldwide.
The skills and capacity of Mongolian troops had improved rapidly, he said.
In the past, Mongolian peacekeepers had served in conflict zones such as Iraq, Sierra Leone, Chad, Sudan, Kosova and Afghanistan, according to the defense minister.
"The responsibilities of Mongolian soldiers are also increasing. Previously, our soldiers were guarding military bases. Now they are guarding airports," he said.
In the past few years, Mongolian armed forces increased international relations and military cooperation by signing agreements with some 20 countries, Bold said, citing two military peacekeeping exercises with Chinese soldiers as an example.
Significant progress had been made in renovating military equipment. Mongolia had purchased 100 million U.S. dollars worth of military hardware from Russia in the past three years, Bold said.
The country is upgrading its military rehabilitation center, with the assistance of China and cooperating with U.S., Germany, South Korea and Turkey, he said.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 23:21:41 FeedbackPrintRSS
ULAN BATOR, Sept. 21 (Xinhua)
The Mongolian government would send 850 soldiers to South Sudan as peacekeepers, Mongolian Defense Minister Luvsanvandan Bold said Wednesday.
"Sending soldiers to South Sudan, which is a newly independent country with civil war, is a matter of honor," the minister said.
Mongolia had been engaged in U.N. peacekeeping missions since 2002 and was now seeking a bigger role in U.N. peacekeeping missions around the world, he said, adding a total of 5671 Mongolian soldiers had served in peacekeeping missions worldwide.
The skills and capacity of Mongolian troops had improved rapidly, he said.
In the past, Mongolian peacekeepers had served in conflict zones such as Iraq, Sierra Leone, Chad, Sudan, Kosova and Afghanistan, according to the defense minister.
"The responsibilities of Mongolian soldiers are also increasing. Previously, our soldiers were guarding military bases. Now they are guarding airports," he said.
In the past few years, Mongolian armed forces increased international relations and military cooperation by signing agreements with some 20 countries, Bold said, citing two military peacekeeping exercises with Chinese soldiers as an example.
Significant progress had been made in renovating military equipment. Mongolia had purchased 100 million U.S. dollars worth of military hardware from Russia in the past three years, Bold said.
The country is upgrading its military rehabilitation center, with the assistance of China and cooperating with U.S., Germany, South Korea and Turkey, he said.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 23:21:41 FeedbackPrintRSS
ULAN BATOR, Sept. 21 (Xinhua)
WFP starts multi-million-euro food distribution in DPRK
WFP starts multi-million-euro food distribution in DPRK
The United Nations' World Food Program (WFP) says it has started distributing food funded by the European Commission's Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO) in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
The 8.5 million euro (11.6 million U.S. dollar) emergency operation would feed mainly young children and women threatened by rising malnutrition in the DPRK, WFP said in a press release.
The first tranche of food purchased with ECHO funding -- more than 5,500 metric tons of wheat -- would go mainly to children under five years of age and pregnant and nursing mothers in a bid to protect the most vulnerable from the threat of malnutrition, it said.
"The European Union has shown its true humanitarian heart in supporting our vital work, helping the youngest and weakest - the people who are least able to fend for themselves," said WFP DPRK Country Director Claudia von Roehl.
"Our in-country stocks have been at an historic low, so the arrival of this food means we can make good on our plan to deliver vital supplies to those most in need," she said.
The bulk of the wheat is being distributed in four provinces considered to be among the most chronically food-insecure - North Hamgyong, South Hamgyong, Ryanggang and Kangwon.
The balance is being sent to WFP's networking factories around the country where it will be used to produce specialized nutritious food products to give children a nutritional boost of the vitamins and minerals frequently lacking in their regular diets.
These products would be ready for distribution by early October, WFP added.
WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. Each year, on average, WFP feeds more than 90 million people in more than 70 countries. The European Union is WFP's second largest donor.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 23:19:42 FeedbackPrintRSS
PYONGYANG, Sept. 21 (Xinhua)
The United Nations' World Food Program (WFP) says it has started distributing food funded by the European Commission's Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO) in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
The 8.5 million euro (11.6 million U.S. dollar) emergency operation would feed mainly young children and women threatened by rising malnutrition in the DPRK, WFP said in a press release.
The first tranche of food purchased with ECHO funding -- more than 5,500 metric tons of wheat -- would go mainly to children under five years of age and pregnant and nursing mothers in a bid to protect the most vulnerable from the threat of malnutrition, it said.
"The European Union has shown its true humanitarian heart in supporting our vital work, helping the youngest and weakest - the people who are least able to fend for themselves," said WFP DPRK Country Director Claudia von Roehl.
"Our in-country stocks have been at an historic low, so the arrival of this food means we can make good on our plan to deliver vital supplies to those most in need," she said.
The bulk of the wheat is being distributed in four provinces considered to be among the most chronically food-insecure - North Hamgyong, South Hamgyong, Ryanggang and Kangwon.
The balance is being sent to WFP's networking factories around the country where it will be used to produce specialized nutritious food products to give children a nutritional boost of the vitamins and minerals frequently lacking in their regular diets.
These products would be ready for distribution by early October, WFP added.
WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. Each year, on average, WFP feeds more than 90 million people in more than 70 countries. The European Union is WFP's second largest donor.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 23:19:42 FeedbackPrintRSS
PYONGYANG, Sept. 21 (Xinhua)
APEC works on innovation policy for digital era
APEC works on innovation policy for digital era
High-level policy discussions on innovation and trade in communications and technology sectors continued here Tuesday among the 21 member economies of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).
The discussions focused on the elements needed to create a thriving innovation ecosystem, particularly the balance between implementing institutional policies and encouraging entrepreneurial initiatives.
Delegates from member economies and private sector executives discussed fostering an innovative culture in a global economy that is increasingly shifting from the manufacturing of goods to services and knowledge-based processes.
Representatives from states like Singapore repeatedly emphasized the growing importance of human capital and the need to provide the right platform for growth through cross-industry innovations.
"Innovation is successful only if a number of things are right, not just policy. Looking at things like business environment, infrastructure, the competency of technology and policy -- it really is a holistic view," said Dr. Sarah Muttitt, chief information officer of Singapore's Ministry of Health Holdings.
However, delegates also cautioned against government over-regulation, particularly after the initial phases of a venture.
Companies were unwilling to see the government actively engaged in directing where innovation should go because it lacked the knowledge of markets and could not help them achieve success, said Alexey Sitnikov, director of international development with the Skolkovo Foundation.
The foundation is an initiative of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to create a new science and technology city in the Moscow suburb of Skolkovo.
On the infrastructure front, cloud computing remained many governments' key initiative in transforming critical sectors like healthcare and education, providing them with opportunities to share and access large datasets to identify pivotal trends.
"I think one of the biggest things the healthcare world is going to see in the next decade is people using large, large datasets to understand use and frequency patterns," said Dr. Robert Atkinson, president of the Washington D.C.-based Information Technology and Innovation Foundation.
Atkinson used cancer statistics gathered by the U.S. National Institutes of Health as an example of the possibilities that would come with the ability to examine data across 21 markets.
In regard to the benefits of cloud computing for consumers, Ambassador Philip Verveer, the U.S. Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy, said: "You don't get a lot of employment, but you do get the opportunity for small and medium enterprises."
However, policymakers expressed concerns about security and privacy challenges that went with the migration of data from a physical location to a virtual database.
Especially when shifting sensitive information like healthcare records, governments needed to ensure protection of the integrity of personal data, representatives said.
The conference concluded with closing remarks from Alberto Savoia, Google's chief innovation agitator, who cited patent legislation as the single highest barrier to innovation.
Savoia also encouraged the representatives to see innovation as a process of trial and error.
Representatives from both private and public sectors will have opportunities to reconvene at November's APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, the largest forum of this kind to group policymakers and business leaders.
Similar topics will be covered, such as the workforce of the 21st century and the ability to deal with disruptive technological changes.
"The whole idea is that people can meet each other and interact with each other," said Michael Michalak, former U.S. ambassador to Vietnam, a member of the APEC 2011 USA Host Committee and a key organizer of the CEO Summit.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 22:44:35 FeedbackPrintRSS
by Wendy Qi
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 21 (Xinhua)
High-level policy discussions on innovation and trade in communications and technology sectors continued here Tuesday among the 21 member economies of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).
The discussions focused on the elements needed to create a thriving innovation ecosystem, particularly the balance between implementing institutional policies and encouraging entrepreneurial initiatives.
Delegates from member economies and private sector executives discussed fostering an innovative culture in a global economy that is increasingly shifting from the manufacturing of goods to services and knowledge-based processes.
Representatives from states like Singapore repeatedly emphasized the growing importance of human capital and the need to provide the right platform for growth through cross-industry innovations.
"Innovation is successful only if a number of things are right, not just policy. Looking at things like business environment, infrastructure, the competency of technology and policy -- it really is a holistic view," said Dr. Sarah Muttitt, chief information officer of Singapore's Ministry of Health Holdings.
However, delegates also cautioned against government over-regulation, particularly after the initial phases of a venture.
Companies were unwilling to see the government actively engaged in directing where innovation should go because it lacked the knowledge of markets and could not help them achieve success, said Alexey Sitnikov, director of international development with the Skolkovo Foundation.
The foundation is an initiative of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to create a new science and technology city in the Moscow suburb of Skolkovo.
On the infrastructure front, cloud computing remained many governments' key initiative in transforming critical sectors like healthcare and education, providing them with opportunities to share and access large datasets to identify pivotal trends.
"I think one of the biggest things the healthcare world is going to see in the next decade is people using large, large datasets to understand use and frequency patterns," said Dr. Robert Atkinson, president of the Washington D.C.-based Information Technology and Innovation Foundation.
Atkinson used cancer statistics gathered by the U.S. National Institutes of Health as an example of the possibilities that would come with the ability to examine data across 21 markets.
In regard to the benefits of cloud computing for consumers, Ambassador Philip Verveer, the U.S. Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy, said: "You don't get a lot of employment, but you do get the opportunity for small and medium enterprises."
However, policymakers expressed concerns about security and privacy challenges that went with the migration of data from a physical location to a virtual database.
Especially when shifting sensitive information like healthcare records, governments needed to ensure protection of the integrity of personal data, representatives said.
The conference concluded with closing remarks from Alberto Savoia, Google's chief innovation agitator, who cited patent legislation as the single highest barrier to innovation.
Savoia also encouraged the representatives to see innovation as a process of trial and error.
Representatives from both private and public sectors will have opportunities to reconvene at November's APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, the largest forum of this kind to group policymakers and business leaders.
Similar topics will be covered, such as the workforce of the 21st century and the ability to deal with disruptive technological changes.
"The whole idea is that people can meet each other and interact with each other," said Michael Michalak, former U.S. ambassador to Vietnam, a member of the APEC 2011 USA Host Committee and a key organizer of the CEO Summit.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 22:44:35 FeedbackPrintRSS
by Wendy Qi
SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 21 (Xinhua)
Malaysian Int'l Trade minister to lead trade mission to Europe
Malaysian Int'l Trade minister to lead trade mission to Europe
Malaysian International Trade and Industry Minister, Mustapa Mohamed, is scheduled to lead a trade and investment mission to Europe from next week in a bid to promote trade and investment in Malaysia, strengthen business networking and exploring potential ventures.
His ministry said in a statement on Wednesday that the mission will cover three major cities Milan, Stockholm and Oslo from September 25 to October 1.
The minister will meet his counterparts in the three cities during the mission, inviting investors and captains of industry for discussions.
"Through the mission, Malaysia aims to invite investors from various sectors in particular knowledge-based and high-tech industries including ICT, renewable energy, industrial technology, oil and gas, food processing, healthcare, chemical industries, telecommunications as well as machinery and equipment," the ministry said.
Mustapa was also due to co-chair the first Malaysia-Italy Joint Economic Committee Meeting with Italy's Economic Development Minister, Paolo Romani, discussing areas which both countries can cooperate in.
Italy, Sweden and Norway are important trading partners and sources of foreign investment for Malaysia.
The three markets accounted for 9.9 per cent of the country's trade with Western Europe and 613.2 million euros worth of investment projects in Malaysia.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 19:26:16 FeedbackPrintRSS
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 21 (Xinhua)
Malaysian International Trade and Industry Minister, Mustapa Mohamed, is scheduled to lead a trade and investment mission to Europe from next week in a bid to promote trade and investment in Malaysia, strengthen business networking and exploring potential ventures.
His ministry said in a statement on Wednesday that the mission will cover three major cities Milan, Stockholm and Oslo from September 25 to October 1.
The minister will meet his counterparts in the three cities during the mission, inviting investors and captains of industry for discussions.
"Through the mission, Malaysia aims to invite investors from various sectors in particular knowledge-based and high-tech industries including ICT, renewable energy, industrial technology, oil and gas, food processing, healthcare, chemical industries, telecommunications as well as machinery and equipment," the ministry said.
Mustapa was also due to co-chair the first Malaysia-Italy Joint Economic Committee Meeting with Italy's Economic Development Minister, Paolo Romani, discussing areas which both countries can cooperate in.
Italy, Sweden and Norway are important trading partners and sources of foreign investment for Malaysia.
The three markets accounted for 9.9 per cent of the country's trade with Western Europe and 613.2 million euros worth of investment projects in Malaysia.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 19:26:16 FeedbackPrintRSS
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept. 21 (Xinhua)
Over 200,000 Lao flood victims benefit from WFP, U.S. donation
Over 200,000 Lao flood victims benefit from WFP, U.S. donation
More than 200,000 people in Laos' flood-hit central and southern provinces have received donations of rice and vegetable oil to cover their basic nutritional needs from the World Food Programme (WFP) through the United States Embassy to Laos.
Cornelia Paetz, Public Information Officer of the WFP in Laos, told Xinhua on Wednesday that the contribution was officially made on Sep. 20 in the central province of Khammuane, explaining that " the food moved from the U.S. in May and arrived in Laos in early September, and is now being distributed."
She said that the donations aim to reach those people whose crops were destroyed by recent floods following tropical storm Nock-Ten in late July.
Eri Kudo, WFP Representative to Laos, said a large number of communities across Khammuane province were struck twice by disaster, as many lost their 2010 harvest in flash floods and are facing the same issue again this year.
"The food ration we give today will ensure they can take care of the immediate food and nutrition needs of their families while they rebuild their lives," she said.
Through the U.S. Embassy, the United States Agency for International Development has provided 1,460 metric tons of rice and 100 metric tons of vegetable oil, worth a total value of 1.5 million U.S. dollars, to the WFP to assist families affected by adverse weather conditions in 2010 and 2011.
The contribution enables the WFP to assist about 60,000 people in provinces affected by adverse weather conditions in 2010.
In total, the WFP is assisting over 200,000 people in five provinces to ensure their food and nutrition security until the next harvest in November 2011.
In Khammuane, 409 out of a total of 588 villages were affected by recent flooding. Throughout the province, 37,000 hectares of paddy fields, or 63 percent of the overall paddy area, were damaged or completely destroyed.
In 2010, WFP to Laos provided close to 17,500 metric tonnes of food to 665,900 people throughout the country.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 19:26:16 FeedbackPrintRSS
VIENTIANE, Sept. 21 (Xinhua)
More than 200,000 people in Laos' flood-hit central and southern provinces have received donations of rice and vegetable oil to cover their basic nutritional needs from the World Food Programme (WFP) through the United States Embassy to Laos.
Cornelia Paetz, Public Information Officer of the WFP in Laos, told Xinhua on Wednesday that the contribution was officially made on Sep. 20 in the central province of Khammuane, explaining that " the food moved from the U.S. in May and arrived in Laos in early September, and is now being distributed."
She said that the donations aim to reach those people whose crops were destroyed by recent floods following tropical storm Nock-Ten in late July.
Eri Kudo, WFP Representative to Laos, said a large number of communities across Khammuane province were struck twice by disaster, as many lost their 2010 harvest in flash floods and are facing the same issue again this year.
"The food ration we give today will ensure they can take care of the immediate food and nutrition needs of their families while they rebuild their lives," she said.
Through the U.S. Embassy, the United States Agency for International Development has provided 1,460 metric tons of rice and 100 metric tons of vegetable oil, worth a total value of 1.5 million U.S. dollars, to the WFP to assist families affected by adverse weather conditions in 2010 and 2011.
The contribution enables the WFP to assist about 60,000 people in provinces affected by adverse weather conditions in 2010.
In total, the WFP is assisting over 200,000 people in five provinces to ensure their food and nutrition security until the next harvest in November 2011.
In Khammuane, 409 out of a total of 588 villages were affected by recent flooding. Throughout the province, 37,000 hectares of paddy fields, or 63 percent of the overall paddy area, were damaged or completely destroyed.
In 2010, WFP to Laos provided close to 17,500 metric tonnes of food to 665,900 people throughout the country.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 19:26:16 FeedbackPrintRSS
VIENTIANE, Sept. 21 (Xinhua)
Myanmar to extend five more years of anti-human trafficking program
Myanmar to extend five more years of anti-human trafficking program
The Myanmar authorities will extend its ending five-year anti-human trafficking program (2007- 2011) to five more years (2012-2016), a local media reported Wednesday.
Based on achievement on the present five-year anti-human trafficking program (2007-2011), the authorities will step up crackdown on human trafficking in 40 more townships in the country with new strategies covering knowledge dissemination work such as distributing pamphlets containing information on human trafficking, erecting billboards, sticking stickers on city buses, said the Pyi Myanmar.
"As part of the efforts to bring down human trafficking cases in the country, it will be effective if we block all the areas where human trafficking cases mostly occur," the anti-human trafficking authority at the central level was quoted as saying.
According to official figures, Myanmar exposed 731 human trafficking cases from September 2001 to September 2005, punishing 2,043 human traffickers and rescuing 1,298 victims.
Shan state-North, Kachin state and Yangon and Mandalay region stood the areas where most of the human trafficking cases occurred with children and women being mainly trafficked.
Over the past several years, through the arrangement of the Social Welfare Department, thousands of trafficked Myanmar people were repatriated from neighboring Thailand, China, Malaysia, Japan, Bangladesh, Jamaica and Singapore as well as China's Macao and China's Taiwan.
The Myanmar authorities have formed more anti-human trafficking squads to crack down on human trafficking and the total number of the squads, scattered in Nay Phi Taw, Chin, Kayah and Bago regions and states increased to 26 from 22.
Myanmar promulgated the anti-human trafficking law in 2005 and has also been cooperating with the international community in combating human trafficking and carrying out rescue and rehabilitation programs for trafficked victims.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 19:26:16 FeedbackPrintRSS
YANGON, Sept. 21 (Xinhua)
The Myanmar authorities will extend its ending five-year anti-human trafficking program (2007- 2011) to five more years (2012-2016), a local media reported Wednesday.
Based on achievement on the present five-year anti-human trafficking program (2007-2011), the authorities will step up crackdown on human trafficking in 40 more townships in the country with new strategies covering knowledge dissemination work such as distributing pamphlets containing information on human trafficking, erecting billboards, sticking stickers on city buses, said the Pyi Myanmar.
"As part of the efforts to bring down human trafficking cases in the country, it will be effective if we block all the areas where human trafficking cases mostly occur," the anti-human trafficking authority at the central level was quoted as saying.
According to official figures, Myanmar exposed 731 human trafficking cases from September 2001 to September 2005, punishing 2,043 human traffickers and rescuing 1,298 victims.
Shan state-North, Kachin state and Yangon and Mandalay region stood the areas where most of the human trafficking cases occurred with children and women being mainly trafficked.
Over the past several years, through the arrangement of the Social Welfare Department, thousands of trafficked Myanmar people were repatriated from neighboring Thailand, China, Malaysia, Japan, Bangladesh, Jamaica and Singapore as well as China's Macao and China's Taiwan.
The Myanmar authorities have formed more anti-human trafficking squads to crack down on human trafficking and the total number of the squads, scattered in Nay Phi Taw, Chin, Kayah and Bago regions and states increased to 26 from 22.
Myanmar promulgated the anti-human trafficking law in 2005 and has also been cooperating with the international community in combating human trafficking and carrying out rescue and rehabilitation programs for trafficked victims.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 19:26:16 FeedbackPrintRSS
YANGON, Sept. 21 (Xinhua)
Philippine gov't calls for stricter security measures inside malls
Philippine gov't calls for stricter security measures inside malls
The Philippine government called on Wednesday for stricter implementation of security measures inside the malls amid the recent shooting incidents in two SM establishments.
Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that "malls are quasi-public place" where the public usually converges.
"It's privately-owned but the public is always there so we hope that they will be aware of the safety of the public patronizing their malls," he said.
Lacierda said that security personnel should be stricter in frisking the bags and the persons' belongings when entering the malls.
"So we would like to ask mall agencies, mall management to be more firm in enforcing security within their premises," he added.
Two shooting incidents occurred recently in separate SM malls where a teenager and a woman, respectively, managed to bring inside the establishments gun without being detected by the security guards.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 19:12:50 FeedbackPrintRSS
MANILA, Sept. 21 (Xinhua)
The Philippine government called on Wednesday for stricter implementation of security measures inside the malls amid the recent shooting incidents in two SM establishments.
Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that "malls are quasi-public place" where the public usually converges.
"It's privately-owned but the public is always there so we hope that they will be aware of the safety of the public patronizing their malls," he said.
Lacierda said that security personnel should be stricter in frisking the bags and the persons' belongings when entering the malls.
"So we would like to ask mall agencies, mall management to be more firm in enforcing security within their premises," he added.
Two shooting incidents occurred recently in separate SM malls where a teenager and a woman, respectively, managed to bring inside the establishments gun without being detected by the security guards.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 19:12:50 FeedbackPrintRSS
MANILA, Sept. 21 (Xinhua)
Half U.S. dollar per day "adequate" for Indian villager: gov't body
Half U.S. dollar per day "adequate" for Indian villager: gov't body
India's main planning panel, the Planning Commission, has said that half-a-dollar a day is " adequate" for a person living in a village to spend on food, education and health, local media reported Wednesday.
According to official figures, 37 percent of the 1.21 billion population live below the poverty line in India which is struggling to contain inflation.
The Planning Commission has told the country's highest judiciary, Supreme Court, that an individual income of 25 rupees ( 0.5 U.S. dollar) per day would help provide for adequate "private expenditure on food, education and health" in villages.
In the cities, it said, individual earnings of 32 rupees a day (0.66 U.S. dollar) were adequate, the reports said.
The Planning Commission was responding to a direction from the court to update its poverty line figures to reflect rising prices.
The inflation rate in India now stands at an average of 10 percent per month.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 19:04:31 FeedbackPrintRSS
NEW DELHI, Sept. 21 (Xinhua)
India's main planning panel, the Planning Commission, has said that half-a-dollar a day is " adequate" for a person living in a village to spend on food, education and health, local media reported Wednesday.
According to official figures, 37 percent of the 1.21 billion population live below the poverty line in India which is struggling to contain inflation.
The Planning Commission has told the country's highest judiciary, Supreme Court, that an individual income of 25 rupees ( 0.5 U.S. dollar) per day would help provide for adequate "private expenditure on food, education and health" in villages.
In the cities, it said, individual earnings of 32 rupees a day (0.66 U.S. dollar) were adequate, the reports said.
The Planning Commission was responding to a direction from the court to update its poverty line figures to reflect rising prices.
The inflation rate in India now stands at an average of 10 percent per month.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 19:04:31 FeedbackPrintRSS
NEW DELHI, Sept. 21 (Xinhua)
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Brazil to place 800,000 more families under aid program
Brazil to place 800,000 more families under aid program
Brazil will extend a project, which offers financial aid to poor families, to reach 800,000 more families in the next two years, Social Development Minister Tereza Campello said on Monday.
The Bolsa Familia program provides a monthly stipend to families with an income less than 140 reais (78 U.S. dollars) per capita per month.
The amount of money granted to those families is partly fixed and partly variable depending on the number of children in the household. The fund offers aid to at most five children in a family, granting each child with 32 reais (18 dollars) a month.
The minister said that 180,000 families were recently included in the program. With the help of local governments, the program intends to include a total of 320,000 families by the end of this year.
Pregnant and nursing women will also benefit from the program.
The government lowered the threshold to the program, granting immediate entrance for families whose income fell under the program's qualifications again for reasons such as unemployment after they stopped receiving the aid due to income increases.
According to the government, 5 million families have left the program since 2003.
The expansion of the program will add another 728 million reais (411.3 million dollars) to the current program budget of 16 billion reais (9 billion dollars).
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-09-20 11:10:52 FeedbackPrintRSS
RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 20 (Xinhua)
Brazil will extend a project, which offers financial aid to poor families, to reach 800,000 more families in the next two years, Social Development Minister Tereza Campello said on Monday.
The Bolsa Familia program provides a monthly stipend to families with an income less than 140 reais (78 U.S. dollars) per capita per month.
The amount of money granted to those families is partly fixed and partly variable depending on the number of children in the household. The fund offers aid to at most five children in a family, granting each child with 32 reais (18 dollars) a month.
The minister said that 180,000 families were recently included in the program. With the help of local governments, the program intends to include a total of 320,000 families by the end of this year.
Pregnant and nursing women will also benefit from the program.
The government lowered the threshold to the program, granting immediate entrance for families whose income fell under the program's qualifications again for reasons such as unemployment after they stopped receiving the aid due to income increases.
According to the government, 5 million families have left the program since 2003.
The expansion of the program will add another 728 million reais (411.3 million dollars) to the current program budget of 16 billion reais (9 billion dollars).
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-09-20 11:10:52 FeedbackPrintRSS
RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 20 (Xinhua)
Mexico holds mass drill to mark quake anniversary
Mexico holds mass drill to mark quake anniversary
An estimated six million Mexicans Monday participated in an earthquake drill on the 26th anniversary of a deadly quake that rocked the Mexican capital.
About 15,000 buildings in Mexico City and seven other states were involved in the drill, which simulated the quake and the events that followed in the quake's immediate aftermath, according to the capital district government.
The drill began at 10:00 local time (15:00 GMT), and in the following 2 to 4 minutes, people left public and private buildings in a gradual and orderly manner.
Earlier on Monday, President Felipe Calderon and a number of his cabinet ministers organized a guard of honor, which included a minute of silence to honor the victims and lowering the national flag at half-mast to remember the people who died in the 1985 quake.
An 8.1-magnitude earthquake struck Mexico City in 1985, killing at least 10,000 people and leaving a quarter of a million homeless.
Speaking at the ceremony, Interior Minister Francisco Blake Mora said the earthquake prompted Mexico to make Sept. 19 "National Civil Protection Day" in an effort to improve national prevention efforts in the event of earthquakes, tsunamis or other natural disasters.
So far in 2011, Mexico has spent some 12 million U.S. dollars on preventive activities through collaboration agreements between key ministries and educational organizations.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-09-20 10:46:16 FeedbackPrintRSS
MEXICO CITY, Sept. 19 (Xinhua)
An estimated six million Mexicans Monday participated in an earthquake drill on the 26th anniversary of a deadly quake that rocked the Mexican capital.
About 15,000 buildings in Mexico City and seven other states were involved in the drill, which simulated the quake and the events that followed in the quake's immediate aftermath, according to the capital district government.
The drill began at 10:00 local time (15:00 GMT), and in the following 2 to 4 minutes, people left public and private buildings in a gradual and orderly manner.
Earlier on Monday, President Felipe Calderon and a number of his cabinet ministers organized a guard of honor, which included a minute of silence to honor the victims and lowering the national flag at half-mast to remember the people who died in the 1985 quake.
An 8.1-magnitude earthquake struck Mexico City in 1985, killing at least 10,000 people and leaving a quarter of a million homeless.
Speaking at the ceremony, Interior Minister Francisco Blake Mora said the earthquake prompted Mexico to make Sept. 19 "National Civil Protection Day" in an effort to improve national prevention efforts in the event of earthquakes, tsunamis or other natural disasters.
So far in 2011, Mexico has spent some 12 million U.S. dollars on preventive activities through collaboration agreements between key ministries and educational organizations.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-09-20 10:46:16 FeedbackPrintRSS
MEXICO CITY, Sept. 19 (Xinhua)
Barack Obama, Merkel discuss Eurozone financial crisis
Obama, Merkel discuss Eurozone financial crisis
U.S. President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke by phone on Monday to discuss the ongoing Eurozone sovereign debt crisis and recent developments in financial markets.
The two leaders agreed that "concerted action would be needed in the coming months to address current economic challenges and assure global economic recovery", according to a statement released by the White House.
The discussion was at a moment when global financial markets are highly volatile.
Latest news showed that Greece is on the edge of default, which will damage the prospect of the European common currency.
The U.S., also facing heavy debt challenge, is closely connected with its European partners through financial sections.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-20 06:59:47 FeedbackPrintRSS
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 (Xinhua)
U.S. President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke by phone on Monday to discuss the ongoing Eurozone sovereign debt crisis and recent developments in financial markets.
The two leaders agreed that "concerted action would be needed in the coming months to address current economic challenges and assure global economic recovery", according to a statement released by the White House.
The discussion was at a moment when global financial markets are highly volatile.
Latest news showed that Greece is on the edge of default, which will damage the prospect of the European common currency.
The U.S., also facing heavy debt challenge, is closely connected with its European partners through financial sections.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-20 06:59:47 FeedbackPrintRSS
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 (Xinhua)
U.S. allows F-22 fighter jets back in service
U.S. allows F-22 fighter jets back in service
The U.S. Air Force on Monday ended a four-month stand down for its F-22 Raptors fleet, allowing the jets to return to the service.
According to an Air Force statement, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Chief of Staff Norton Schwartz have approved a plan developed by Air Combat Command officials that will allow the F-22 Raptor to resume flight operations.
Air Combat Command directed a stand-down of the fleet on May 3 as a safety precaution, following 12 separate reported incidents where pilots experienced hypoxia-like symptoms. The incidents occurred over a three-year period beginning in April 2008. The return-to-flight plan implements several risk mitigation measures, including rigorous inspections, training on life support systems, and continued data collection.
"We now have enough insight from recent studies and investigations that a return to flight is prudent and appropriate, " Schwartz said. "We're managing the risks with our aircrews, and we're continuing to study the F-22's oxygen systems and collect data to improve its performance."
The entire fleet will undergo an extensive inspection of the life support systems before returning to flight, with follow-on daily inspections, officials said. The aircraft is capable and authorized to fly above 50,000 feet. Pilots will use additional protective equipment and undergo baseline physiological tests. The return-to-fly process will begin with instructor pilots and flight leads regaining their necessary proficiency, then follow with other F-22 wingmen.
The F-22 Raptor entered service in 2005. As of May 2011, the Air Force has fielded 170 of the aircraft. The F-22 are deployed on a rotational basis to the Pacific region and Southwest Asia.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-20 06:23:05 FeedbackPrintRSS
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 (Xinhua)
The U.S. Air Force on Monday ended a four-month stand down for its F-22 Raptors fleet, allowing the jets to return to the service.
According to an Air Force statement, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Chief of Staff Norton Schwartz have approved a plan developed by Air Combat Command officials that will allow the F-22 Raptor to resume flight operations.
Air Combat Command directed a stand-down of the fleet on May 3 as a safety precaution, following 12 separate reported incidents where pilots experienced hypoxia-like symptoms. The incidents occurred over a three-year period beginning in April 2008. The return-to-flight plan implements several risk mitigation measures, including rigorous inspections, training on life support systems, and continued data collection.
"We now have enough insight from recent studies and investigations that a return to flight is prudent and appropriate, " Schwartz said. "We're managing the risks with our aircrews, and we're continuing to study the F-22's oxygen systems and collect data to improve its performance."
The entire fleet will undergo an extensive inspection of the life support systems before returning to flight, with follow-on daily inspections, officials said. The aircraft is capable and authorized to fly above 50,000 feet. Pilots will use additional protective equipment and undergo baseline physiological tests. The return-to-fly process will begin with instructor pilots and flight leads regaining their necessary proficiency, then follow with other F-22 wingmen.
The F-22 Raptor entered service in 2005. As of May 2011, the Air Force has fielded 170 of the aircraft. The F-22 are deployed on a rotational basis to the Pacific region and Southwest Asia.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-20 06:23:05 FeedbackPrintRSS
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 (Xinhua)
U.S.-Pakistan ties undergo "rough year", says U.S. envoy
U.S.-Pakistan ties undergo "rough year", says U.S. envoy
U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter said on Monday that the U.S.-Pakistan ties have undergone a "rough year" and difficulties of the relations will remain in the future.
"I want to be straightforward about this. This has been a rough year for our time with Pakistan and the difficulties that we've faced, the difficulties in the relationship, are going to continue, " Munter said when he addressed the Asia Society in New York.
Speaking of the soured bilateral relations, Munter cited the tensions following the killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden and the arrest of a CIA employee who killed two Pakistanis in the city of Lahore.
He revealed that the U.S. will increase the portion of American aid that goes to civilian projects, with a priority on Pakistan's energy supply.
Currently, the Untied States currently gives about two billion dollars of military assistance and 1.5 billion dollars of civilian aid to Pakistan every year.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-20 05:29:34 FeedbackPrintRSS
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 (Xinhua)
U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter said on Monday that the U.S.-Pakistan ties have undergone a "rough year" and difficulties of the relations will remain in the future.
"I want to be straightforward about this. This has been a rough year for our time with Pakistan and the difficulties that we've faced, the difficulties in the relationship, are going to continue, " Munter said when he addressed the Asia Society in New York.
Speaking of the soured bilateral relations, Munter cited the tensions following the killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden and the arrest of a CIA employee who killed two Pakistanis in the city of Lahore.
He revealed that the U.S. will increase the portion of American aid that goes to civilian projects, with a priority on Pakistan's energy supply.
Currently, the Untied States currently gives about two billion dollars of military assistance and 1.5 billion dollars of civilian aid to Pakistan every year.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-20 05:29:34 FeedbackPrintRSS
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 (Xinhua)
Obama, Merkel discuss European economic crisis, concerted action
Obama, Merkel discuss European economic crisis, concerted action
U.S. President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday spoke over phone about the European economic crisis, agreeing that "concerted action would be needed," said the White House.
"The two leaders agreed that concerted action would be needed in the months ahead to address the current economic challenges and to assure global economic recovery," the White House said in a statement.
The two also discussed the Middle East peace, and Obama thanked Merkel for "her commitment to the peace process and her personal engagement with the parties to facilitate a return to direct talks, " according to the statement.
On Monday afternoon, Obama is expected to travel to New York to attend the UN General Assembly.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-20 04:56:17 FeedbackPrintRSS
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 (Xinhua)
U.S. President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday spoke over phone about the European economic crisis, agreeing that "concerted action would be needed," said the White House.
"The two leaders agreed that concerted action would be needed in the months ahead to address the current economic challenges and to assure global economic recovery," the White House said in a statement.
The two also discussed the Middle East peace, and Obama thanked Merkel for "her commitment to the peace process and her personal engagement with the parties to facilitate a return to direct talks, " according to the statement.
On Monday afternoon, Obama is expected to travel to New York to attend the UN General Assembly.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-20 04:56:17 FeedbackPrintRSS
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 (Xinhua)
U.S. Treasury Secretary Geithner rejects accusations of ignoring presidential order
U.S. Treasury Secretary Geithner rejects accusations of ignoring presidential order
U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner on Monday fought back against accusations made in a new book that he ignored President Barack Obama's order to consider dissolving Citigroup, saying the book bears no relation to reality.
Geithner, who participated in the White House press briefing on Monday, said that the accusations made in the book by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ron Suskind were "sad little stories," while he "lived the original, and the reality...bears no relation" to the content of the book.
According to Suskind, a former Wall Street Journal reporter, Geithner ignored Obama's order to consider dissolving Citigroup in 2009, and the president's authority was "systematically undermined or hedged by his seasoned advisers."
"I would never contemplate doing that," Geithner told reporters of the allegation.
According to reports, Obama didn't deny the Citigroup anecdote in an interview with the author of the book Confidence Men: Wall Street, Washington, and The Education of a President, which hits bookstores on Tuesday.
White House Spokesman Jay Carney, however, denied the allegations, saying "what we know is that very simple things, facts that could be ascertained - dates, titles, statistics, quotes - are wrong in this book."
"Based on that, I would caution anyone to assume that if you can't get those things that you suddenly get the broader analysis right. That analysis is wrong," said Carney.
In Feb. 2009, after Citigroup was rescued in a massive federal bailout, it was announced that the Obama administration would take more than a third of the firm's equity stake in the company by turning billions in emergency aid into common shares, in an effort to prevent the bank's bankruptcy.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-20 04:04:01 FeedbackPrintRSS
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 (Xinhua)
U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner on Monday fought back against accusations made in a new book that he ignored President Barack Obama's order to consider dissolving Citigroup, saying the book bears no relation to reality.
Geithner, who participated in the White House press briefing on Monday, said that the accusations made in the book by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ron Suskind were "sad little stories," while he "lived the original, and the reality...bears no relation" to the content of the book.
According to Suskind, a former Wall Street Journal reporter, Geithner ignored Obama's order to consider dissolving Citigroup in 2009, and the president's authority was "systematically undermined or hedged by his seasoned advisers."
"I would never contemplate doing that," Geithner told reporters of the allegation.
According to reports, Obama didn't deny the Citigroup anecdote in an interview with the author of the book Confidence Men: Wall Street, Washington, and The Education of a President, which hits bookstores on Tuesday.
White House Spokesman Jay Carney, however, denied the allegations, saying "what we know is that very simple things, facts that could be ascertained - dates, titles, statistics, quotes - are wrong in this book."
"Based on that, I would caution anyone to assume that if you can't get those things that you suddenly get the broader analysis right. That analysis is wrong," said Carney.
In Feb. 2009, after Citigroup was rescued in a massive federal bailout, it was announced that the Obama administration would take more than a third of the firm's equity stake in the company by turning billions in emergency aid into common shares, in an effort to prevent the bank's bankruptcy.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-20 04:04:01 FeedbackPrintRSS
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19 (Xinhua)
U.S. President Obama unveils deficit reduction plan
U.S. President Obama unveils deficit reduction plan
U.S. President Barack Obama vowed on Monday to restore the country's fiscal credibility by announcing a new deficit plan which will raise taxes on the rich and reduce government spending on other programs.
The plan, which is the president's fourth package of deficit- reduction ideas this year, also serves as Obama recommendations to a bipartisan congressional debt reduction committee to pay for a 447-billion-dollar jobs bill that he announced on Sept. 8.
Job creation and debt reduction are the two top priorities of the Obama administration as the 2012 presidential election battle is on its way. "Washington has to live within its means," Obama said from Rose Garden of the White House, urging two parties of the Congress to take their responsibility to address the country's debt challenge.
According to a fact sheet released by the White House, Obama's plan will produce approximately 4.4 trillion dollars in deficit reduction, including 1.1 trillion dollars in presumed savings from winding down the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The provision has been part of Democratic and Republican budget proposals in the past.
The center piece of the new plan is a 1.5 trillion dollars tax increase over the next decade. This part is also most controversial and caused strong opponent from the Republicans.
Besides tax increase, the deficit cut plan will include 1.2 trillion dollars from the discretionary cuts and 580 billion dollars reduction and reform of a wide range of mandatory programs. Moreover, it will save 430 billion dollars in additional interest payments.
"This will be the biggest spending cut in (U.S.) history," he said, adding that everyone must pay a "fair share" including the wealthy and big corporations.
The White House expects that the U.S. deficit to GDP ration, currently about 9 percent, to fall to 2.3 percent of GDP in 2021.
Obama said that his administration will reform the social welfare programs, but it will not abandon the fundamental basis of the country.
Facing a sluggish economic growth and stubbornly high unemployment, Obama unveiled a job plan on Sept. 8 including measures like payroll tax cuts for employers and employees as well as new investment in infrastructure projects.
The newly proposed deficit reduction plan is considered as a sister plan of the Obama administration's job plan.
A 12-member Congressional committee, formally named the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, which was created by a bipartisan debt reduction deal inked last month, will consider Obama's plan and propose their solution later this year.
The so called "super committee" needs to reach an agreement and send to the Congress for approval by Dec. 23. Otherwise, 1.2 trillion dollars in cuts to defense and entitlement programs would take effect automatically in January 2013.
Obama said that he would veto any debt-reduction bill that cuts spending but does not raise taxes.
Again, he renewed a "balanced approach" to trim the deficit with a mix of tax increases and budget cuts, emphasizing on "the values of shared responsibility and shared sacrifice".
However, the new plan is believed to have little chance of getting through the Congress in one piece.
Republicans have consistently opposed any measures resembling tax hikes, saying they will hurt the struggling U.S. economy.
The Heritage Foundation, a Washington-based think tank said that Obama's idea on tax increase is "war on job creators".
House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, a Republican, said that "if you tax job creators more, you get less job creation." Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell argued that the President's plan is "a bad thing to do in the middle of an economic downturn."
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-20 03:31:48
U.S. President Barack Obama vowed on Monday to restore the country's fiscal credibility by announcing a new deficit plan which will raise taxes on the rich and reduce government spending on other programs.
The plan, which is the president's fourth package of deficit- reduction ideas this year, also serves as Obama recommendations to a bipartisan congressional debt reduction committee to pay for a 447-billion-dollar jobs bill that he announced on Sept. 8.
Job creation and debt reduction are the two top priorities of the Obama administration as the 2012 presidential election battle is on its way. "Washington has to live within its means," Obama said from Rose Garden of the White House, urging two parties of the Congress to take their responsibility to address the country's debt challenge.
According to a fact sheet released by the White House, Obama's plan will produce approximately 4.4 trillion dollars in deficit reduction, including 1.1 trillion dollars in presumed savings from winding down the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The provision has been part of Democratic and Republican budget proposals in the past.
The center piece of the new plan is a 1.5 trillion dollars tax increase over the next decade. This part is also most controversial and caused strong opponent from the Republicans.
Besides tax increase, the deficit cut plan will include 1.2 trillion dollars from the discretionary cuts and 580 billion dollars reduction and reform of a wide range of mandatory programs. Moreover, it will save 430 billion dollars in additional interest payments.
"This will be the biggest spending cut in (U.S.) history," he said, adding that everyone must pay a "fair share" including the wealthy and big corporations.
The White House expects that the U.S. deficit to GDP ration, currently about 9 percent, to fall to 2.3 percent of GDP in 2021.
Obama said that his administration will reform the social welfare programs, but it will not abandon the fundamental basis of the country.
Facing a sluggish economic growth and stubbornly high unemployment, Obama unveiled a job plan on Sept. 8 including measures like payroll tax cuts for employers and employees as well as new investment in infrastructure projects.
The newly proposed deficit reduction plan is considered as a sister plan of the Obama administration's job plan.
A 12-member Congressional committee, formally named the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, which was created by a bipartisan debt reduction deal inked last month, will consider Obama's plan and propose their solution later this year.
The so called "super committee" needs to reach an agreement and send to the Congress for approval by Dec. 23. Otherwise, 1.2 trillion dollars in cuts to defense and entitlement programs would take effect automatically in January 2013.
Obama said that he would veto any debt-reduction bill that cuts spending but does not raise taxes.
Again, he renewed a "balanced approach" to trim the deficit with a mix of tax increases and budget cuts, emphasizing on "the values of shared responsibility and shared sacrifice".
However, the new plan is believed to have little chance of getting through the Congress in one piece.
Republicans have consistently opposed any measures resembling tax hikes, saying they will hurt the struggling U.S. economy.
The Heritage Foundation, a Washington-based think tank said that Obama's idea on tax increase is "war on job creators".
House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, a Republican, said that "if you tax job creators more, you get less job creation." Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell argued that the President's plan is "a bad thing to do in the middle of an economic downturn."
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-20 03:31:48
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