Zintan militia leader to be named as Libyan defense minister: sources
A militia leader from Zintan has been named as the defense minister of Libya's coming interim government, local revolutionary council sources told Xinhua Tuesday.
"Osama el-Joily has been nominated as the new defense minister by the interim Prime Minster Abdel Rahim el-Keeb," said the sources, who required anonymity.
"He has a long experience in the army and has a good reputation nationwide. We respect him very much," said the sources.
"And now his men caught (Gaddafi's son) Saif al-Islam. No one can compete with him," they said.
Keeb is supposed to announce the line-up of the interim government Tuesday. The announcement has been delayed for several times due to lack of consensus.
English.news.cn 2011-11-22 16:58:29 FeedbackPrintRSS
TRIPOLI, Nov. 22 (Xinhua)
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Cote d'Ivoire to deploy 25,000 security forces for Dec. 11 legislative election
Cote d'Ivoire to deploy 25,000 security forces for Dec. 11 legislative election
At least 10,000 police officers, 10,000 gendarmes and 5,000 soldiers supported by the peacekeepers from the United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (ONUCI) and the French Licorne Forces will be deployed across the West African country to provide security during the Dec. 11 parliamentary elections.
The planned deployment was revealed on Monday during a meeting to discuss security for the electoral process at the headquarters of Cote d'Ivoire's Independent Electoral Commission (CEI).
Colonel Moussa Fofana and Hortense Late Kouassi, both in charge of security at CEI, said the 25,000-strong deployment will provide security "before, during and after" the elections.
They will specifically provide security for the teams that will be putting up the voters' lists, the local electoral commissions, the polling stations and the candidates. They will also protect the results during the voting day.
"Issues of security are important if we are to organize these elections in a peaceful way," CEI President Youssouf Bakayoko said.
He asked the senior military officers to ensure that security is provided during the forthcoming elections across the entire national territory.
The different forces attending Monday's meeting affirmed that a security plan for the elections already exists and that the only remaining thing is to implement it.
Editor: Deng Shasha
English.news.cn 2011-11-22 16:46:25 FeedbackPrintRSS
ABIDJAN, Nov. 22 (Xinhua)
At least 10,000 police officers, 10,000 gendarmes and 5,000 soldiers supported by the peacekeepers from the United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (ONUCI) and the French Licorne Forces will be deployed across the West African country to provide security during the Dec. 11 parliamentary elections.
The planned deployment was revealed on Monday during a meeting to discuss security for the electoral process at the headquarters of Cote d'Ivoire's Independent Electoral Commission (CEI).
Colonel Moussa Fofana and Hortense Late Kouassi, both in charge of security at CEI, said the 25,000-strong deployment will provide security "before, during and after" the elections.
They will specifically provide security for the teams that will be putting up the voters' lists, the local electoral commissions, the polling stations and the candidates. They will also protect the results during the voting day.
"Issues of security are important if we are to organize these elections in a peaceful way," CEI President Youssouf Bakayoko said.
He asked the senior military officers to ensure that security is provided during the forthcoming elections across the entire national territory.
The different forces attending Monday's meeting affirmed that a security plan for the elections already exists and that the only remaining thing is to implement it.
Editor: Deng Shasha
English.news.cn 2011-11-22 16:46:25 FeedbackPrintRSS
ABIDJAN, Nov. 22 (Xinhua)
Tunisian main parties sign power-sharing deal
Tunisian main parties sign power-sharing deal
Tunisia's three main political parties signed a power-sharing deal late Monday, the official press agency TAP reported.
According to the deal, Moncef Marzouki of the Congress for the Republic party will be the president of the country, Hamadi Jebali of the Islamist party Ennahdha will be the prime minister, while Ettakatol's Mustapha Ben Jaafar will chair the Constituent Assembly.
The 217-member assembly will meet for the first time on Tuesday to confirm the three posts and discuss candidates for the rest positions in the new cabinet.
The mandate of the newly-elected Constituent Assembly will not exceed 12 months from the date of its first plenary session, TAP said.
The Constituent Assembly is tasked with drafting a new constitution in the 12 months, as well as running the country pending the new parliamentary and presidential elections in 2012.
Editor: Deng Shasha
English.news.cn 2011-11-22 15:43:25 FeedbackPrintRSS
TUNIS, Nov. 22 (Xinhua)
Tunisia's three main political parties signed a power-sharing deal late Monday, the official press agency TAP reported.
According to the deal, Moncef Marzouki of the Congress for the Republic party will be the president of the country, Hamadi Jebali of the Islamist party Ennahdha will be the prime minister, while Ettakatol's Mustapha Ben Jaafar will chair the Constituent Assembly.
The 217-member assembly will meet for the first time on Tuesday to confirm the three posts and discuss candidates for the rest positions in the new cabinet.
The mandate of the newly-elected Constituent Assembly will not exceed 12 months from the date of its first plenary session, TAP said.
The Constituent Assembly is tasked with drafting a new constitution in the 12 months, as well as running the country pending the new parliamentary and presidential elections in 2012.
Editor: Deng Shasha
English.news.cn 2011-11-22 15:43:25 FeedbackPrintRSS
TUNIS, Nov. 22 (Xinhua)
UN mission in Gabon to mulls fight against piracy in Gulf of Guinea
UN mission in Gabon to mulls fight against piracy in Gulf of Guinea
A UN mission is in the Gabonese capital Libreville to evaluate ways to fight against piracy in the oil-rich Gulf of Guinea, according to an official statement obtained by Xinhua on Tuesday.
The mission held talks after its arrival on Monday with officials of the Economic Community of Central African States (CEEAC) and all other parties taking part in the fight against maritime piracy.
Piracy is carried out within a geographical space that specifically covers four Gulf of Guinea countries in the Atlantic Ocean, including Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Sao Tome and Principe and Gabon.
Another Atlantic country in West Africa Benin is affected by the negative consequences of this phenomenon.
The number of ships moving along Benin's coast have considerably reduced from 150 to fewer than 50 per month.
The UN team began its mission last week in Benin, then to neighboring Nigeria, where it held talks with leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
After Gabon, the UN experts are expected to head to Angola, which hosts the headquarters of the Gulf of Guinea Commission.
Editor: Bi Mingxin
English.news.cn 2011-11-22 15:20:56 FeedbackPrintRSS
LIBREVILLE, Nov. 22 (Xinhua)
A UN mission is in the Gabonese capital Libreville to evaluate ways to fight against piracy in the oil-rich Gulf of Guinea, according to an official statement obtained by Xinhua on Tuesday.
The mission held talks after its arrival on Monday with officials of the Economic Community of Central African States (CEEAC) and all other parties taking part in the fight against maritime piracy.
Piracy is carried out within a geographical space that specifically covers four Gulf of Guinea countries in the Atlantic Ocean, including Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Sao Tome and Principe and Gabon.
Another Atlantic country in West Africa Benin is affected by the negative consequences of this phenomenon.
The number of ships moving along Benin's coast have considerably reduced from 150 to fewer than 50 per month.
The UN team began its mission last week in Benin, then to neighboring Nigeria, where it held talks with leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
After Gabon, the UN experts are expected to head to Angola, which hosts the headquarters of the Gulf of Guinea Commission.
Editor: Bi Mingxin
English.news.cn 2011-11-22 15:20:56 FeedbackPrintRSS
LIBREVILLE, Nov. 22 (Xinhua)
Somali gov't says no Ethiopian troops on its soil
Somali gov't says no Ethiopian troops on its soil
The Somali government on Tuesday said no Ethiopian forces have crossed into its territory to fight Al-Shabaab militants and that such a move would require its consent.
"We know of no troops from Ethiopian coming into tour side of the border between our two countries. Such deployment requires our consent and we have not such request," Abdirahman Omar Osman, Somali government spokesman, told Xinhua.
Osman, however, said his government welcomes international backing of its own fight against rebel fighters in Somalia.
Residents in the central Somali provinces of Hiran and Galgaduud said dozens of trucks full of Ethiopian troops have crossed the common border with Somalia and set up a base in the town of Guriel.
Ethiopia denies the allegations, saying such a decision has not been taken by Addis Ababa.
Al-Shabaab earlier vowed to fight both Ethiopian and Kenyan troops, calling on people in areas under their control to take up arms against what they termed as "invading foreign crusaders."
Reports from central Somalia say that the rebel fighters have begun abandoning their bases and melting away in the general population as Ethiopian troops were increasingly moving along the long and porous border between the two countries.
"The fighters have vanished. They left their checkpoints in and around the town but the Ethiopians have not arrived here yet," said resident Ilyas Muse in Beledweyne town in central Somalia.
Ethiopian troops have been reported around the Kalabayrka area on the outskirts of the border town of Beledweyn, which is run by rebels, but has been fiercely contested by opposing groups.
Ethiopian troops ended two-year presence in 2009 after crushing warlords in southern Somalia who opposed the weak Somali government. The rebels have attempted to make a comeback ever since.
Al-Shabaab is currently facing a joint military operation by Somali and Kenyan troops in the southern part of the Horn of Africa country. A number of towns have been taken from the group in the offensive launched in October. The advance is now hampered by heavy rains and subsequent muddy terrain.
Editor: Bi Mingxin
English.news.cn 2011-11-22 15:13:33 FeedbackPrintRSS
MOGADISHU, Nov. 22 (Xinhua)
The Somali government on Tuesday said no Ethiopian forces have crossed into its territory to fight Al-Shabaab militants and that such a move would require its consent.
"We know of no troops from Ethiopian coming into tour side of the border between our two countries. Such deployment requires our consent and we have not such request," Abdirahman Omar Osman, Somali government spokesman, told Xinhua.
Osman, however, said his government welcomes international backing of its own fight against rebel fighters in Somalia.
Residents in the central Somali provinces of Hiran and Galgaduud said dozens of trucks full of Ethiopian troops have crossed the common border with Somalia and set up a base in the town of Guriel.
Ethiopia denies the allegations, saying such a decision has not been taken by Addis Ababa.
Al-Shabaab earlier vowed to fight both Ethiopian and Kenyan troops, calling on people in areas under their control to take up arms against what they termed as "invading foreign crusaders."
Reports from central Somalia say that the rebel fighters have begun abandoning their bases and melting away in the general population as Ethiopian troops were increasingly moving along the long and porous border between the two countries.
"The fighters have vanished. They left their checkpoints in and around the town but the Ethiopians have not arrived here yet," said resident Ilyas Muse in Beledweyne town in central Somalia.
Ethiopian troops have been reported around the Kalabayrka area on the outskirts of the border town of Beledweyn, which is run by rebels, but has been fiercely contested by opposing groups.
Ethiopian troops ended two-year presence in 2009 after crushing warlords in southern Somalia who opposed the weak Somali government. The rebels have attempted to make a comeback ever since.
Al-Shabaab is currently facing a joint military operation by Somali and Kenyan troops in the southern part of the Horn of Africa country. A number of towns have been taken from the group in the offensive launched in October. The advance is now hampered by heavy rains and subsequent muddy terrain.
Editor: Bi Mingxin
English.news.cn 2011-11-22 15:13:33 FeedbackPrintRSS
MOGADISHU, Nov. 22 (Xinhua)
News Analysis: Somali military conflict turns into regional war against Al-Shabaab
News Analysis: Somali military conflict turns into regional war against Al-Shabaab
What began a month ago as a temporary military expedition into Somalia by Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) to repulse a militia group is transforming rapidly into a major regional war against the Al-Shabaab after two other Horn of Africa states joined the fray.
The prospect of a major regional war looming is in the offing following revelations that the African Union is rallying more member-states to donate 20,000 troops to bolster its peacekeeping force in Somalia, whose mandate changed to peace-enforcers following repeated fatal attacks by the Al-Shabaab militia group.
With the United Nations and the African Union unable to provide a clear roadmap to securing lasting peace, Ethiopia has reportedly rolled its military tanks into Somalia to prop a one-month old campaign by its southern neighbor Kenya against the militia group.
AU now wants to build on the presence of Kenyan army in Somalia that seeks to root out Al Qaeda-backed Al-Shabaab militia that fights to unseat the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) led by President Sheikh Ahmed Sharif.
However, the entry into fray of the Ethiopia and Djibouti came earlier than had been expected.
Deputy Special Representative of the African Union Chairperson Wafula Wamunyinyi who prior to the excursions had told Xinhua that the AU had given the three states the nod to move their troops into Somalia in a joint regional military offensive.
The special envoy said the Ethiopian military operation had been timed for December, while Djibouti would have come on board in January.
Wamunyinyi revealed further that West African nation Sierra Leone had agreed to contribute 3,000 troops by next January.
Rwanda and Tanzania have too indicated willingness to send troops to Somalia to rein the Islamic insurgents, who in twin bombings that killed 80 people in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, in reprisal attacks for the latter's support of President Sharif's government.
"Kenya is targeting areas where the militants are in control. And whether this is a conventional war or repulsion of a guerrilla group, it is important that the atrocities committed by Al-Shabaab must be brought to an end.
"Even if the operation is short term, there has to be an 'end- state' to ensure the terror group is checked," Wamunyinyi, who has a background in military operations, said. End state is a military jargon for an exit strategy from a war or operation.
However, the move by AU to support Somalia's neighbours' military operations is precipitating a fresh challenge: who takes credit once Al-Shabaab threat is eliminated?
The three frontline states – Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti -- had initially been kept out of the initial peace roadmap lest their inclusion escalate the insurgency in the volatile, terrorist infested Horn of Africa nation that has historically waged war against its neighbors with aim of establishing a borderless Islamic caliphate.
Instead the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD), a grouping of seven Horn of Africa and East African states that have been mediating in the 21-year old Somali crisis petitioned AU to provide 8,000 -12,000 peacekeeping force to oversee the transition to a democratically elected government five years since the coming into force of the charter that gave birth to the fragile Transitional Federal Government in 2005.
Wamunyinyi said Kenya's military operation in Somalia has so far been effective in containing Al-Shabaab, but the "end state" of the operation needed to be backed strongly to deny the militiamen a chance to regroup.
It is against this backdrop, Wamunyinyi said, the AU initially hesitant to allow regional governments to be drawn in the Somali crisis lest it spirals out of control, is backing Kenyan, Ethiopian, and Djibouti intervention to stem what is universally accepted an international security threat.
The East African Community, whose two member-states – Uganda and Burundi – are the only ones that donated roughly 9,000 troops to the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom), are also expected to priorities Somalia in their heads of summit scheduled for Zanzibar (Tanzania), later this month.
Kenya Minister for EAC Affairs Musa Sirma said in an interview that Nairobi was aiming to "decapitate" the supply chain with the capture and blockading of Kismayu, the Indian ocean port widely believed to the conduit for drugs, counterfeit goods and the launching pad of piracy. Sirma said cutting off supply lines will require a long-term strategy to sustain it.
The minister said the need to cut off permanently the supply lines of terrorism persuaded the usually disharmonious cabinet to agree unanimously to strike at Al-Shabaab.
"We have compromised our country with insecurity. The target of Al-Shabaab is Kenya. We resolved not to sit back and wait for the terrorists to come and wipe us out. Insecurity must be put to rest permanently," said Sirma.
He said multipronged strike on Al-Shabaab will take center- stage at the upcoming EAC council of ministers and heads of heads of summit in Zanzibar.
However, even as Kenya and Ethiopian attempt to push back the Somali militants, their belated attempts have not been without criticism at home and abroad – particularly the West.
In its latest report on the Somali conflict, a U.S.-based Consultancy Africa Intelligence said: "Violence and lawlessness along the border have thrived not only on the complete and prolonged collapse of the Somali state and Kenya's chronic failure to establish an effective administration in its vast, remote and arid northern border areas, but also on environmental stress and poverty, the hardening of ethnic identity, cross-border trade and economy, contested urban spaces, crime, arms proliferation, and the lack of border control."
The report says Somalia's neighbors paying the price of neglecting vast bastions of their territories that over time slipped into abject poverty, giving rise to insurgency.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-11-22 06:03:32 FeedbackPrintRSS
by David Musyoka and Chrispinus Omar
NAIROBI, Nov. 21 (Xinhua)
What began a month ago as a temporary military expedition into Somalia by Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) to repulse a militia group is transforming rapidly into a major regional war against the Al-Shabaab after two other Horn of Africa states joined the fray.
The prospect of a major regional war looming is in the offing following revelations that the African Union is rallying more member-states to donate 20,000 troops to bolster its peacekeeping force in Somalia, whose mandate changed to peace-enforcers following repeated fatal attacks by the Al-Shabaab militia group.
With the United Nations and the African Union unable to provide a clear roadmap to securing lasting peace, Ethiopia has reportedly rolled its military tanks into Somalia to prop a one-month old campaign by its southern neighbor Kenya against the militia group.
AU now wants to build on the presence of Kenyan army in Somalia that seeks to root out Al Qaeda-backed Al-Shabaab militia that fights to unseat the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) led by President Sheikh Ahmed Sharif.
However, the entry into fray of the Ethiopia and Djibouti came earlier than had been expected.
Deputy Special Representative of the African Union Chairperson Wafula Wamunyinyi who prior to the excursions had told Xinhua that the AU had given the three states the nod to move their troops into Somalia in a joint regional military offensive.
The special envoy said the Ethiopian military operation had been timed for December, while Djibouti would have come on board in January.
Wamunyinyi revealed further that West African nation Sierra Leone had agreed to contribute 3,000 troops by next January.
Rwanda and Tanzania have too indicated willingness to send troops to Somalia to rein the Islamic insurgents, who in twin bombings that killed 80 people in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, in reprisal attacks for the latter's support of President Sharif's government.
"Kenya is targeting areas where the militants are in control. And whether this is a conventional war or repulsion of a guerrilla group, it is important that the atrocities committed by Al-Shabaab must be brought to an end.
"Even if the operation is short term, there has to be an 'end- state' to ensure the terror group is checked," Wamunyinyi, who has a background in military operations, said. End state is a military jargon for an exit strategy from a war or operation.
However, the move by AU to support Somalia's neighbours' military operations is precipitating a fresh challenge: who takes credit once Al-Shabaab threat is eliminated?
The three frontline states – Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti -- had initially been kept out of the initial peace roadmap lest their inclusion escalate the insurgency in the volatile, terrorist infested Horn of Africa nation that has historically waged war against its neighbors with aim of establishing a borderless Islamic caliphate.
Instead the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD), a grouping of seven Horn of Africa and East African states that have been mediating in the 21-year old Somali crisis petitioned AU to provide 8,000 -12,000 peacekeeping force to oversee the transition to a democratically elected government five years since the coming into force of the charter that gave birth to the fragile Transitional Federal Government in 2005.
Wamunyinyi said Kenya's military operation in Somalia has so far been effective in containing Al-Shabaab, but the "end state" of the operation needed to be backed strongly to deny the militiamen a chance to regroup.
It is against this backdrop, Wamunyinyi said, the AU initially hesitant to allow regional governments to be drawn in the Somali crisis lest it spirals out of control, is backing Kenyan, Ethiopian, and Djibouti intervention to stem what is universally accepted an international security threat.
The East African Community, whose two member-states – Uganda and Burundi – are the only ones that donated roughly 9,000 troops to the African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom), are also expected to priorities Somalia in their heads of summit scheduled for Zanzibar (Tanzania), later this month.
Kenya Minister for EAC Affairs Musa Sirma said in an interview that Nairobi was aiming to "decapitate" the supply chain with the capture and blockading of Kismayu, the Indian ocean port widely believed to the conduit for drugs, counterfeit goods and the launching pad of piracy. Sirma said cutting off supply lines will require a long-term strategy to sustain it.
The minister said the need to cut off permanently the supply lines of terrorism persuaded the usually disharmonious cabinet to agree unanimously to strike at Al-Shabaab.
"We have compromised our country with insecurity. The target of Al-Shabaab is Kenya. We resolved not to sit back and wait for the terrorists to come and wipe us out. Insecurity must be put to rest permanently," said Sirma.
He said multipronged strike on Al-Shabaab will take center- stage at the upcoming EAC council of ministers and heads of heads of summit in Zanzibar.
However, even as Kenya and Ethiopian attempt to push back the Somali militants, their belated attempts have not been without criticism at home and abroad – particularly the West.
In its latest report on the Somali conflict, a U.S.-based Consultancy Africa Intelligence said: "Violence and lawlessness along the border have thrived not only on the complete and prolonged collapse of the Somali state and Kenya's chronic failure to establish an effective administration in its vast, remote and arid northern border areas, but also on environmental stress and poverty, the hardening of ethnic identity, cross-border trade and economy, contested urban spaces, crime, arms proliferation, and the lack of border control."
The report says Somalia's neighbors paying the price of neglecting vast bastions of their territories that over time slipped into abject poverty, giving rise to insurgency.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-11-22 06:03:32 FeedbackPrintRSS
by David Musyoka and Chrispinus Omar
NAIROBI, Nov. 21 (Xinhua)
Some world-famous celebrities to attend UN climate conference
Some world-famous celebrities to attend UN climate conference
Some world-famous celebrities will attend the upcoming UN climate change conference scheduled to start in Durban later this month, organizers said on Monday.
These celebrities include former California governor and Hollywood star Arnold Schwarzenegger and British billionaire Sir Richard Branson.
Other celebrities also planning to attend include Leonardo DiCaprio, Angelina Jolie and U2 frontman Bono.
The celebrities to be present at the summit are all known for their environmental and political activism, the local newspaper Daily News said.
DiCaprio both co-wrote and narrated a climate change documentary The 11th Hour, while Bono has been an active member of Greenpeace since 1993.
Jolie, a UN High Commissioner for Refugees ambassador, founded the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict, which funds education programs for children affected by man-made and natural disasters.
The 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the 7th Session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the parties (CMP7) to the Kyoto Protocol, will be held in Durban from Nov. 28 to Dec. 9.
The Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UNFCCC have been meeting annually since 1995 to assess progress in dealing with climate change.
Also on Monday, the Airports Company of SA (ACSA) said it is ready to handle thousands of people who will converge on Durban for the conference.
"We would like to reassure all those that will be passing through our airports that we are prepared and ready to receive them," said King Shaka International Airport spokesperson Colin Naidoo.
Thousands of people were expected to arrive in Durban for the United Nations climate change conference, the 17th Conference of Parties (COP 17).
There was chaos at King Shaka International Airport during the soccer world cup last year when there was not enough space for some planes to land.
Naidoo said a sharp rise in passenger volumes at the time of the conference was expected.
"ACSA has made some changes at King Shaka Airport that will come into effect from 1 November 2011 and will remain in place until 14 December," Naidoo said.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-11-22 06:03:09 FeedbackPrintRSS
CAPE TOWN, Nov. 21 (Xinhua)
Some world-famous celebrities will attend the upcoming UN climate change conference scheduled to start in Durban later this month, organizers said on Monday.
These celebrities include former California governor and Hollywood star Arnold Schwarzenegger and British billionaire Sir Richard Branson.
Other celebrities also planning to attend include Leonardo DiCaprio, Angelina Jolie and U2 frontman Bono.
The celebrities to be present at the summit are all known for their environmental and political activism, the local newspaper Daily News said.
DiCaprio both co-wrote and narrated a climate change documentary The 11th Hour, while Bono has been an active member of Greenpeace since 1993.
Jolie, a UN High Commissioner for Refugees ambassador, founded the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict, which funds education programs for children affected by man-made and natural disasters.
The 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the 7th Session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the parties (CMP7) to the Kyoto Protocol, will be held in Durban from Nov. 28 to Dec. 9.
The Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UNFCCC have been meeting annually since 1995 to assess progress in dealing with climate change.
Also on Monday, the Airports Company of SA (ACSA) said it is ready to handle thousands of people who will converge on Durban for the conference.
"We would like to reassure all those that will be passing through our airports that we are prepared and ready to receive them," said King Shaka International Airport spokesperson Colin Naidoo.
Thousands of people were expected to arrive in Durban for the United Nations climate change conference, the 17th Conference of Parties (COP 17).
There was chaos at King Shaka International Airport during the soccer world cup last year when there was not enough space for some planes to land.
Naidoo said a sharp rise in passenger volumes at the time of the conference was expected.
"ACSA has made some changes at King Shaka Airport that will come into effect from 1 November 2011 and will remain in place until 14 December," Naidoo said.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-11-22 06:03:09 FeedbackPrintRSS
CAPE TOWN, Nov. 21 (Xinhua)
Zimbabwe parliament thanks China for technical assistance
Zimbabwe parliament thanks China for technical assistance
Zimbabwe Senate President Edna Madzongwe on Monday thanked China for its technical assistance to the Parliament of Zimbabwe and pledged to advance cooperation between the legislative bodies of the two countries.
Madzongwe was speaking during a meeting with Liu Guchang, a member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) who is leading a six-member delegation on a five-day visit to the country.
"We have received a lot of assistance in the form of (computer and computer accessories) donations from China and we are very grateful for that," Madzongwe said.
"The last delegation pledged assistance to the Senate and we should be receiving that donation soon."
The delegation, led by Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress Zhou Tienong, was in the country from Nov. 7 to 11 of this month and donated computer accessories and equipment worth 1 million Chinese Yuan to the Zimbabwe Senate.
In his remarks, Liu hailed the flourishing bilateral relations between China and Zimbabwe and expressed the hope that his visit would open a new page in the development of ties between Zimbabwe' s Senate and the CPPCC.
He also commended the social, economic and political stability in Zimbabwe and said China would continue to support Zimbabwe in its efforts to develop the economy.
"China will continue to support Zimbabwe in its efforts to maintain social stability and economic development," he said.
While acknowledging the smooth development of bilateral ties, Liu urged the two countries to strengthen cooperation on regional and international issues.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-11-22 05:55:15 FeedbackPrintRSS
HARARE, Nov. 21 (Xinhua)
Zimbabwe Senate President Edna Madzongwe on Monday thanked China for its technical assistance to the Parliament of Zimbabwe and pledged to advance cooperation between the legislative bodies of the two countries.
Madzongwe was speaking during a meeting with Liu Guchang, a member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) who is leading a six-member delegation on a five-day visit to the country.
"We have received a lot of assistance in the form of (computer and computer accessories) donations from China and we are very grateful for that," Madzongwe said.
"The last delegation pledged assistance to the Senate and we should be receiving that donation soon."
The delegation, led by Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress Zhou Tienong, was in the country from Nov. 7 to 11 of this month and donated computer accessories and equipment worth 1 million Chinese Yuan to the Zimbabwe Senate.
In his remarks, Liu hailed the flourishing bilateral relations between China and Zimbabwe and expressed the hope that his visit would open a new page in the development of ties between Zimbabwe' s Senate and the CPPCC.
He also commended the social, economic and political stability in Zimbabwe and said China would continue to support Zimbabwe in its efforts to develop the economy.
"China will continue to support Zimbabwe in its efforts to maintain social stability and economic development," he said.
While acknowledging the smooth development of bilateral ties, Liu urged the two countries to strengthen cooperation on regional and international issues.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-11-22 05:55:15 FeedbackPrintRSS
HARARE, Nov. 21 (Xinhua)
Tunisia-Libya border post closed for hours after gunfire by Libyans
Tunisia-Libya border post closed for hours after gunfire by Libyans
Tunisia closed a border post with Libya for two hours after some armed Libyans fired in the air at the post, Tunisian official news agency TAP reported Monday.
A group of armed Libyans fired shots in the air with their automatic weapons at the Ras El Jedir border post after being prevented from entering Tunisia with the weapons, TAP said.
Following the incident, the Tunisian side of the border post was closed for two hours.
The border areas between Tunisia and Libya have seen frequent gunfire recently due to the absence of officials in charge on the Libyan side of the border and the climate of insecurity prevailing in the area, TAP said.
Over the past days, Tunisian authorities have stepped up road blocks in an effort to curb drug and weapons trafficking along the borders with Libya.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-11-22 00:53:51 FeedbackPrintRSS
TUNIS, Nov. 21 (Xinhua)
Tunisia closed a border post with Libya for two hours after some armed Libyans fired in the air at the post, Tunisian official news agency TAP reported Monday.
A group of armed Libyans fired shots in the air with their automatic weapons at the Ras El Jedir border post after being prevented from entering Tunisia with the weapons, TAP said.
Following the incident, the Tunisian side of the border post was closed for two hours.
The border areas between Tunisia and Libya have seen frequent gunfire recently due to the absence of officials in charge on the Libyan side of the border and the climate of insecurity prevailing in the area, TAP said.
Over the past days, Tunisian authorities have stepped up road blocks in an effort to curb drug and weapons trafficking along the borders with Libya.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-11-22 00:53:51 FeedbackPrintRSS
TUNIS, Nov. 21 (Xinhua)
Gaddafi's youngest son still alive: NTC source
Gaddafi's youngest son still alive: NTC source
Libyan fallen leader Muammar Gaddafi's youngest son Khamis is still alive, Libyan defense ministry source told Xinhua on Monday.
According to the high-ranking official who requested anonymity, Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam told ruling National Transitional Council's (NTC) forces that his little brother Khamis is still alive.
The NTC forces have located Khamis' whereabout in Terhouna, a city 90km southeast of Tripoli, and are expected to capture him in the coming hours, the defense ministry official said.
Gaddafi's second son Saif al-Islam, who had been wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of crimes against humanity, was arrested in Sebha in southern Libya on Saturday. His confession has led to the capture of former intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi, another key figure in Gaddafi's regime.
Khamis' death was announced several times since Libya's conflict erupted. The NTC fighters claimed Khamis' death in the southeast of Tripoli on Aug. 29, an allegation later "confirmed" by a pro-Gaddafi Syrian television station.
English.news.cn 2011-11-22 00:09:14 FeedbackPrintRSS
BENGHAZI, Nov. 21 (Xinhua)
Libyan fallen leader Muammar Gaddafi's youngest son Khamis is still alive, Libyan defense ministry source told Xinhua on Monday.
According to the high-ranking official who requested anonymity, Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam told ruling National Transitional Council's (NTC) forces that his little brother Khamis is still alive.
The NTC forces have located Khamis' whereabout in Terhouna, a city 90km southeast of Tripoli, and are expected to capture him in the coming hours, the defense ministry official said.
Gaddafi's second son Saif al-Islam, who had been wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of crimes against humanity, was arrested in Sebha in southern Libya on Saturday. His confession has led to the capture of former intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi, another key figure in Gaddafi's regime.
Khamis' death was announced several times since Libya's conflict erupted. The NTC fighters claimed Khamis' death in the southeast of Tripoli on Aug. 29, an allegation later "confirmed" by a pro-Gaddafi Syrian television station.
English.news.cn 2011-11-22 00:09:14 FeedbackPrintRSS
BENGHAZI, Nov. 21 (Xinhua)
Libyan authority verifying discovery of Gaddafi's unfinished nuclear reactor
Libyan authority verifying discovery of Gaddafi's unfinished nuclear reactor
The Libyan authority is verifying the discovery of an uncompleted nuclear reactor believed to be built under the former leader Muammar Gaddafi's rule, chief of the Tripoli Revolutionary Council Abdullah Naker said Monday.
Naker told Xinhua that a force of the Libyan authority in Zintan said the nuclear reactor was found in an unknown area in southern Libya.
The Zintan force is still verifying the exact location of the reactor in cooperation with a force in the south, the official said.
English.news.cn 2011-11-21 23:01:41 FeedbackPrintRSS
TRIPOLI, Nov. 21 (Xinhua)
The Libyan authority is verifying the discovery of an uncompleted nuclear reactor believed to be built under the former leader Muammar Gaddafi's rule, chief of the Tripoli Revolutionary Council Abdullah Naker said Monday.
Naker told Xinhua that a force of the Libyan authority in Zintan said the nuclear reactor was found in an unknown area in southern Libya.
The Zintan force is still verifying the exact location of the reactor in cooperation with a force in the south, the official said.
English.news.cn 2011-11-21 23:01:41 FeedbackPrintRSS
TRIPOLI, Nov. 21 (Xinhua)
Sudan agrees to resume talks with South Sudan over outstanding issues
Sudan agrees to resume talks with South Sudan over outstanding issues
Sudan on Monday agreed to resume talks with South Sudan to resolve outstanding issues between the two countries under the African Union mediation.
Chairman of the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel on Sudan (AUHIP) Thabo Mbeki on Monday held talks with Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on arrangements for the coming round of negotiations between Khartoum and Juba, which are hosted by the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa.
"The president has confirmed that indeed the delegation of the government of Sudan will be travelling to Addis Ababa so that we will continue with these negotiations on all those outstanding issues," Mbeki told reporters following his talks with al-Bashir Monday.
Mbeki further explained that the coming round of talks between Khartoum and Juba would kick off in Addis Ababa in this week, without specifying a date, reiterating commitment of both sides to participate in the talks.
"We have come to discuss with President al-Bashir outstanding issues with regard to the negotiations. We have proposed both to the government of Sudan and the government of South Sudan that we should resume these negotiations on all the outstanding matters in Addis Ababa this week," said Mbeki.
He added that the AUHIP delegation would travel to Juba to present a report to South Sudan President Salva Kiir about the preparations for the negotiations, saying that the government of South Sudan has already confirmed that they also would be participating in the negotiations.
The negotiations between Sudan and South Sudan were supposed to resume last Saturday but were postponed due to differences between the two sides.
Sudan and South Sudan are discussing many issues, including oil revenues sharing, border and the dispute over affiliation of Abyei area.
The two sides exchanged accusations regarding the armed conflicts in the Blue Nile and South Kordofan areas where the Sudan People's Liberation Army's (SPLA) northern sector is launching military attacks that Khartoum says were backed by South Sudan at a time when Juba accuses Khartoum of supporting South Sudan rebels.
Editor: Bi Mingxin
English.news.cn 2011-11-21 21:31:48 FeedbackPrintRSS
KHARTOUM, Nov. 21 (Xinhua)
Sudan on Monday agreed to resume talks with South Sudan to resolve outstanding issues between the two countries under the African Union mediation.
Chairman of the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel on Sudan (AUHIP) Thabo Mbeki on Monday held talks with Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on arrangements for the coming round of negotiations between Khartoum and Juba, which are hosted by the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa.
"The president has confirmed that indeed the delegation of the government of Sudan will be travelling to Addis Ababa so that we will continue with these negotiations on all those outstanding issues," Mbeki told reporters following his talks with al-Bashir Monday.
Mbeki further explained that the coming round of talks between Khartoum and Juba would kick off in Addis Ababa in this week, without specifying a date, reiterating commitment of both sides to participate in the talks.
"We have come to discuss with President al-Bashir outstanding issues with regard to the negotiations. We have proposed both to the government of Sudan and the government of South Sudan that we should resume these negotiations on all the outstanding matters in Addis Ababa this week," said Mbeki.
He added that the AUHIP delegation would travel to Juba to present a report to South Sudan President Salva Kiir about the preparations for the negotiations, saying that the government of South Sudan has already confirmed that they also would be participating in the negotiations.
The negotiations between Sudan and South Sudan were supposed to resume last Saturday but were postponed due to differences between the two sides.
Sudan and South Sudan are discussing many issues, including oil revenues sharing, border and the dispute over affiliation of Abyei area.
The two sides exchanged accusations regarding the armed conflicts in the Blue Nile and South Kordofan areas where the Sudan People's Liberation Army's (SPLA) northern sector is launching military attacks that Khartoum says were backed by South Sudan at a time when Juba accuses Khartoum of supporting South Sudan rebels.
Editor: Bi Mingxin
English.news.cn 2011-11-21 21:31:48 FeedbackPrintRSS
KHARTOUM, Nov. 21 (Xinhua)
Tunisia's Popular Petition party to suspend political activities
Tunisia's Popular Petition party to suspend political activities
Hechmi Hamdi, head of the controversial Popular Petition party, announced late Sunday his decision to suspend the party's political activities in Tunisia, the state-run press agency TAP reported Monday.
During the announcement, which was aired on Hamdi's London- based TV channel El Mustakilla, Hamdi said that his decision was justified as he did not receive any excuses from a number of political parties and media outlets in Tunisia, who allegedly launched what he qualified as "a hate and exclusion campaign" against himself and his party.
According to a statement released by Hamdi, the country's new Constituent Assembly, which was tasked with drafting a new constitution, is "devoid of moral and political legitimacy," TAP reported.
The Popular Petition party created a surprise in the polls last month when 26 of its candidates were elected into the country's 217-member Constituent Assembly. But Hamdi was later suspected of strong links with the former ruling Constitutional Democratic Party, and with ousted President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and his wife.
The heads of both the country's main Islamist party Ennahdha and the Congress for the Republic have said earlier this month that they would refuse to deal with Popular Petition representatives.
Hamdi did not request his party's representatives in the assembly to withdraw from the assembly or to show solidarity with him. However, nine of the party's representatives decided recently to leave the Popular Petition party to form independent lists, relegating Hamdi's party to the fourth place in the assembly's makeup.
A final agreement on a new government will be announced later on Monday, Tunisian radio said.
The inaugural meeting of the country's Constituent Assembly is due to take place on Tuesday at the former Chamber of Deputies at le Bardo in the capital city of Tunis.
Editor: Bi Mingxin
English.news.cn 2011-11-21 21:31:48 FeedbackPrintRSS
TUNIS, Nov. 21 (Xinhua)
Hechmi Hamdi, head of the controversial Popular Petition party, announced late Sunday his decision to suspend the party's political activities in Tunisia, the state-run press agency TAP reported Monday.
During the announcement, which was aired on Hamdi's London- based TV channel El Mustakilla, Hamdi said that his decision was justified as he did not receive any excuses from a number of political parties and media outlets in Tunisia, who allegedly launched what he qualified as "a hate and exclusion campaign" against himself and his party.
According to a statement released by Hamdi, the country's new Constituent Assembly, which was tasked with drafting a new constitution, is "devoid of moral and political legitimacy," TAP reported.
The Popular Petition party created a surprise in the polls last month when 26 of its candidates were elected into the country's 217-member Constituent Assembly. But Hamdi was later suspected of strong links with the former ruling Constitutional Democratic Party, and with ousted President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and his wife.
The heads of both the country's main Islamist party Ennahdha and the Congress for the Republic have said earlier this month that they would refuse to deal with Popular Petition representatives.
Hamdi did not request his party's representatives in the assembly to withdraw from the assembly or to show solidarity with him. However, nine of the party's representatives decided recently to leave the Popular Petition party to form independent lists, relegating Hamdi's party to the fourth place in the assembly's makeup.
A final agreement on a new government will be announced later on Monday, Tunisian radio said.
The inaugural meeting of the country's Constituent Assembly is due to take place on Tuesday at the former Chamber of Deputies at le Bardo in the capital city of Tunis.
Editor: Bi Mingxin
English.news.cn 2011-11-21 21:31:48 FeedbackPrintRSS
TUNIS, Nov. 21 (Xinhua)
Monday, November 7, 2011
Mongolian president marks 90th anniversary of ties with Russia
Mongolian president marks 90th anniversary of ties with Russia
President Tsakhia Elbegdorj on Monday sent a congratulatory message to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to mark the 90th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In the message, Elbegdorj expressed satisfaction with the strategic partnership between Mongolia and Russia, and highlighted Medvedev's contributions to bilateral cooperation.
Elbegdorj conveyed his best wishes to Russia and the Russian people.
The two countries established a strategic partnership in 2009 in a bid to further the bilateral relations.
In recent years, cooperation in agriculture, animal husbandry, natural disaster alleviation, mineral resources exploitation and infrastructure construction between the two countries have also been strengthened.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-11-07 19:53:33 FeedbackPrintRSS
ULAN BATOR, Nov. 7 (Xinhua)
President Tsakhia Elbegdorj on Monday sent a congratulatory message to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to mark the 90th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In the message, Elbegdorj expressed satisfaction with the strategic partnership between Mongolia and Russia, and highlighted Medvedev's contributions to bilateral cooperation.
Elbegdorj conveyed his best wishes to Russia and the Russian people.
The two countries established a strategic partnership in 2009 in a bid to further the bilateral relations.
In recent years, cooperation in agriculture, animal husbandry, natural disaster alleviation, mineral resources exploitation and infrastructure construction between the two countries have also been strengthened.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-11-07 19:53:33 FeedbackPrintRSS
ULAN BATOR, Nov. 7 (Xinhua)
African students arrive in Turkey's Van to help quake victims
African students arrive in Turkey's Van to help quake victims
A group of African university students arrived Monday in Turkey's eastern province of Van to help the victims of a recent massive earthquake, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported.
The African students, studying in Turkish universities, arrived in Ercis town of Van, bringing humanitarian aid to the quake victims, according to the report.
The students were quoted as saying that they were representing nearly 2,000 African students who were studying in Turkey's largest city of Istanbul. The students visited quake victims staying in tents, handing out meat and other aid.
Van was hit by an earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale on Oct. 23, claiming the lives of 601 people, while 4,152 others were wounded and 188 were pulled alive out of the debris.
Editor: Zhang Xiang
English.news.cn 2011-11-07 18:51:42 FeedbackPrintRSS
ANKARA, Nov. 7 (Xinhua)
A group of African university students arrived Monday in Turkey's eastern province of Van to help the victims of a recent massive earthquake, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported.
The African students, studying in Turkish universities, arrived in Ercis town of Van, bringing humanitarian aid to the quake victims, according to the report.
The students were quoted as saying that they were representing nearly 2,000 African students who were studying in Turkey's largest city of Istanbul. The students visited quake victims staying in tents, handing out meat and other aid.
Van was hit by an earthquake measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale on Oct. 23, claiming the lives of 601 people, while 4,152 others were wounded and 188 were pulled alive out of the debris.
Editor: Zhang Xiang
English.news.cn 2011-11-07 18:51:42 FeedbackPrintRSS
ANKARA, Nov. 7 (Xinhua)
Greeks await new unity gov't, early elections possible in Feb.
Greeks await new unity gov't, early elections possible in Feb.
Greeks awaited on Monday the announcement of the new unity government that will continue efforts to save the country from default, as outgoing Prime Minister George Papandreou and main opposition conservative New Democracy party leader Antonis Samaras are due to hold fresh consultations to finalize its composition.
Late on Sunday night, under heavy pressure from international lenders and within the country, with the mediation of the President of the Greek Republic Karolos Papoulias, the two reached an agreement to form a coalition government.
The new government will hold early general elections in a few months, following the implementation of the vital October 26 EU agreement over the release of further bailout loans to the debt-ridden country. Without it, Greece could go bankrupt by the end of the year.
Under Sunday's deal, Papandreou will resign. As the two sides continue negotiations on the choice of his successor and members of the new cabinet, according to media reports citing sources from the two parties, the elections could be called most probably on February 19.
Current Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos who was due to represent Greece in a euro zone Finance ministers meeting in Brussels on Monday, is amongst the candidates for the top post or a Vice Presidency in the new team, according to Greek media reports.
The favourite candidate was Lucas Papademos, current financial advisor to Papandreou and former European Central Bank Vice President.
Other potential heads of the coalition government included Stavros Dimas, current New Democracy Vice President and former European Commissioner for the Environment and European Ombudsman Nikiforos Diamandouros.
The political uncertainty in Greece that added to the acute debt crisis since last week alarmed Greek people, European partners and the international community, since a Greek default could hit global economy.
The political crisis erupted when Papandreou made a surprise call for a referendum on the EU aid pact, triggering fears of a possible Greek exit from the euro zone.
Sunday's agreement was met with reserved optimism by politicians, analysts, media commentators and ordinary Greeks in Athens that the new unity cabinet will take all the needed steps in coming months to avert a financial meltdown.
Editor: Zhang Xiang
English.news.cn 2011-11-07 18:48:22 FeedbackPrintRSS
ATHENS, Nov. 7 (Xinhua)
Greeks awaited on Monday the announcement of the new unity government that will continue efforts to save the country from default, as outgoing Prime Minister George Papandreou and main opposition conservative New Democracy party leader Antonis Samaras are due to hold fresh consultations to finalize its composition.
Late on Sunday night, under heavy pressure from international lenders and within the country, with the mediation of the President of the Greek Republic Karolos Papoulias, the two reached an agreement to form a coalition government.
The new government will hold early general elections in a few months, following the implementation of the vital October 26 EU agreement over the release of further bailout loans to the debt-ridden country. Without it, Greece could go bankrupt by the end of the year.
Under Sunday's deal, Papandreou will resign. As the two sides continue negotiations on the choice of his successor and members of the new cabinet, according to media reports citing sources from the two parties, the elections could be called most probably on February 19.
Current Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos who was due to represent Greece in a euro zone Finance ministers meeting in Brussels on Monday, is amongst the candidates for the top post or a Vice Presidency in the new team, according to Greek media reports.
The favourite candidate was Lucas Papademos, current financial advisor to Papandreou and former European Central Bank Vice President.
Other potential heads of the coalition government included Stavros Dimas, current New Democracy Vice President and former European Commissioner for the Environment and European Ombudsman Nikiforos Diamandouros.
The political uncertainty in Greece that added to the acute debt crisis since last week alarmed Greek people, European partners and the international community, since a Greek default could hit global economy.
The political crisis erupted when Papandreou made a surprise call for a referendum on the EU aid pact, triggering fears of a possible Greek exit from the euro zone.
Sunday's agreement was met with reserved optimism by politicians, analysts, media commentators and ordinary Greeks in Athens that the new unity cabinet will take all the needed steps in coming months to avert a financial meltdown.
Editor: Zhang Xiang
English.news.cn 2011-11-07 18:48:22 FeedbackPrintRSS
ATHENS, Nov. 7 (Xinhua)
5 U.S. Occupy protesters arrested in Atlanta for defying curfew
5 U.S. Occupy protesters arrested in Atlanta for defying curfew
Police in Atlanta of the U.S. state of George arrested five Occupy Atlanta protesters early Monday in a downtown park for defying a curfew order issued by city authorities, local media reports said.
A woman protester was arrested in the Woodruff Park, the site of the Occupy Atlanta protests, for refusing to obey an 11 p.m. curfew. Four others on bicycles were arrested near the park for either traffic violations or obstruction of law enforcement, Atlanta police were quoted as saying.
The protesters chanted slogans "We're hungry! We're poor!" at the police, who tried to impose the curfew that started since Saturday night after the city revoked an earlier order to allow the protesters to stay in the park at night, the reports said.
Nineteen people related to the Occupy Atlanta protests, which originated from New York's Occupy Wall Street movement, were already arrested on Saturday night for defying the curfew. This was in addition to about two dozens of arrests made by the police in Woodruff Park last month.
U.S. civil rights leader Jesse Jackson visited Occupy Atlanta protesters in early Saturday evening to show his support, praising the movement as an extension of former great civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.'s Poor People's Campaign.
The arrests in Atlanta came after the Occupy movement across the U.S. becomes increasingly violent due to police intervention. The Occupy protesters have found a member, injured on Oct. 25 in Oakland, California, as their symbol. Scott Olsen, a former U.S. Marine who served in Afghanistan, received a head wound from a projectile at the demonstration.
About 30 people were arrested last Thursday in Oakland, when police in riot gear fired tear gas and flash grenades to clear a downtown street, where the Occupy protesters gathered.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-11-08 00:21:34 FeedbackPrintRSS
WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 (Xinhua)
Police in Atlanta of the U.S. state of George arrested five Occupy Atlanta protesters early Monday in a downtown park for defying a curfew order issued by city authorities, local media reports said.
A woman protester was arrested in the Woodruff Park, the site of the Occupy Atlanta protests, for refusing to obey an 11 p.m. curfew. Four others on bicycles were arrested near the park for either traffic violations or obstruction of law enforcement, Atlanta police were quoted as saying.
The protesters chanted slogans "We're hungry! We're poor!" at the police, who tried to impose the curfew that started since Saturday night after the city revoked an earlier order to allow the protesters to stay in the park at night, the reports said.
Nineteen people related to the Occupy Atlanta protests, which originated from New York's Occupy Wall Street movement, were already arrested on Saturday night for defying the curfew. This was in addition to about two dozens of arrests made by the police in Woodruff Park last month.
U.S. civil rights leader Jesse Jackson visited Occupy Atlanta protesters in early Saturday evening to show his support, praising the movement as an extension of former great civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.'s Poor People's Campaign.
The arrests in Atlanta came after the Occupy movement across the U.S. becomes increasingly violent due to police intervention. The Occupy protesters have found a member, injured on Oct. 25 in Oakland, California, as their symbol. Scott Olsen, a former U.S. Marine who served in Afghanistan, received a head wound from a projectile at the demonstration.
About 30 people were arrested last Thursday in Oakland, when police in riot gear fired tear gas and flash grenades to clear a downtown street, where the Occupy protesters gathered.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-11-08 00:21:34 FeedbackPrintRSS
WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 (Xinhua)
Indonesia to explore new markets in upcoming ASEAN summit
Indonesia to explore new markets in upcoming ASEAN summit
Indonesian government is planning to explore new markets for its commodities from countries attending in the upcoming ASEAN summit in Bali, an Indonesian senior official said here on Monday.
"We would explore new markets other than countries that have ' traditionally' set trade ties with until now," Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan said here.
The minister said that in the upcoming summits, Indonesia would focus its efforts improving trade and investments by seeking new markets and enticing investors from other countries to invest in Indonesia.
He said countries that have been 'traditionally' became Indonesia's export destination countries were China, Japan, the United States, South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia.
Besides delegations from those countries, other delegations from India, Australia, New Zealand, US and Russia would also attend the ASEAN Summit.
"We would explore to those countries through officials attending the event,"the minister said.
He said that increasing trade to countries, particularly to those grouped in South-South pact, is possible as it tends to improve in the last 10 to 15 years.
"Trades among South-South countries have grown 7 percent during those years, up to 18 to 19 percent from global trades," the minister said.
Indonesia has initially set a target of 200 billion US dollars worth of trade this year, a record high that has never been reached before.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-11-07 20:52:30 FeedbackPrintRSS
JAKARTA, Nov.7 (Xinhua)
Indonesian government is planning to explore new markets for its commodities from countries attending in the upcoming ASEAN summit in Bali, an Indonesian senior official said here on Monday.
"We would explore new markets other than countries that have ' traditionally' set trade ties with until now," Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan said here.
The minister said that in the upcoming summits, Indonesia would focus its efforts improving trade and investments by seeking new markets and enticing investors from other countries to invest in Indonesia.
He said countries that have been 'traditionally' became Indonesia's export destination countries were China, Japan, the United States, South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia.
Besides delegations from those countries, other delegations from India, Australia, New Zealand, US and Russia would also attend the ASEAN Summit.
"We would explore to those countries through officials attending the event,"the minister said.
He said that increasing trade to countries, particularly to those grouped in South-South pact, is possible as it tends to improve in the last 10 to 15 years.
"Trades among South-South countries have grown 7 percent during those years, up to 18 to 19 percent from global trades," the minister said.
Indonesia has initially set a target of 200 billion US dollars worth of trade this year, a record high that has never been reached before.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-11-07 20:52:30 FeedbackPrintRSS
JAKARTA, Nov.7 (Xinhua)
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Australia stands ready to offer financial support for IMF: treasurer
Australia stands ready to offer financial support for IMF: treasurer
Australian federal Treasurer on Sunday reaffirmed Australia's financial support to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to stop the spread of the debt crisis.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard earlier said the Group of 20 nations, including Australia and China, are committed to ensuring IMF is properly resourced amid the Greek debt crisis, and added that Australia would contribute more money to the fund if it is required.
While Opposition frontbencher Eric Abetz warned the move will increase Australia's exposure to the debt crisis and any loan defaults, Swan said determined, consistent and continuing action is required to deal with the debt crisis and restore growth.
He said any money that Australia provided would be a loan that would be repaid in full with interest.
"That means it doesn't affect the budget bottom line," he said in a economic note on Sunday.
Federal Finance Minister Penny Wong, who stands firm behind the government's decision, said Gillard's pledge is about safeguarding Australian jobs.
"We're not funding Greece. What the Prime Minister has said is we stand ready, as do the G20, and that was something G20 leaders agreed - to increase the resources to the IMF, that the IMF could call on," she told ABC News on Sunday.
"What that does is bolster market confidence. Market confidence is good for the global economy, that's good for Australian jobs."
Last week the European Union gave Greece a financial lifeline, agreeing on a 130 billion euro bailout plan designed to keep the nation afloat.
Senator Wong said Greece had "stepped back from the brink" of defaulting, at least for now.
"But on the European plan generally there is more work that needs to be done," she said.
"There's a lot of implementation that needs to get underway and whilst it was extremely good and important that the G20 back that plan in, I think the eyes of the world are still focused on the Europeans to get on and implement the plan that they set up just about a week ago."
G20 finance ministers, including Swan, are set to meet as early as December to flesh out the details of how much the IMF's resources will be bolstered.
Editor: Yang Lina
English.news.cn 2011-11-06 14:56:49 FeedbackPrintRSS
CANBERRA, Nov. 6 (Xinhua)
Australian federal Treasurer on Sunday reaffirmed Australia's financial support to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to stop the spread of the debt crisis.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard earlier said the Group of 20 nations, including Australia and China, are committed to ensuring IMF is properly resourced amid the Greek debt crisis, and added that Australia would contribute more money to the fund if it is required.
While Opposition frontbencher Eric Abetz warned the move will increase Australia's exposure to the debt crisis and any loan defaults, Swan said determined, consistent and continuing action is required to deal with the debt crisis and restore growth.
He said any money that Australia provided would be a loan that would be repaid in full with interest.
"That means it doesn't affect the budget bottom line," he said in a economic note on Sunday.
Federal Finance Minister Penny Wong, who stands firm behind the government's decision, said Gillard's pledge is about safeguarding Australian jobs.
"We're not funding Greece. What the Prime Minister has said is we stand ready, as do the G20, and that was something G20 leaders agreed - to increase the resources to the IMF, that the IMF could call on," she told ABC News on Sunday.
"What that does is bolster market confidence. Market confidence is good for the global economy, that's good for Australian jobs."
Last week the European Union gave Greece a financial lifeline, agreeing on a 130 billion euro bailout plan designed to keep the nation afloat.
Senator Wong said Greece had "stepped back from the brink" of defaulting, at least for now.
"But on the European plan generally there is more work that needs to be done," she said.
"There's a lot of implementation that needs to get underway and whilst it was extremely good and important that the G20 back that plan in, I think the eyes of the world are still focused on the Europeans to get on and implement the plan that they set up just about a week ago."
G20 finance ministers, including Swan, are set to meet as early as December to flesh out the details of how much the IMF's resources will be bolstered.
Editor: Yang Lina
English.news.cn 2011-11-06 14:56:49 FeedbackPrintRSS
CANBERRA, Nov. 6 (Xinhua)
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