France hails German approval of EU bailout fund
France hailed Thursday the vote in German parliament that approved the European Union (EU) bailout fund for debt-ridden peers, urging other EU members to accelerate their process, said a statement by the Elysee Palace.
"This is an important step has been accomplished in the service of stability in the eurozone," French President Nicolas Sarkozy said in the statement and bid his congratulations to German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the approval.
Earlier in the day, a large majority in the lower house of German parliament approved expanded powers for the EU's main bailout fund, which is expected to pass the vote at Germany's upper house of parliament on Friday.
Sarkozy and Merkel underlined that the decision taken on July 21 at the EU summit was very important for the eurozone to overcome current difficulties.
"They urge all partners who have not yet made the parliamentary ratification to complete this process as soon as possible," the statement added.
According to the statement, Sarkozy would receive Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou in Paris on Friday afternoon on the latest situation in Greece.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-09-30 01:52:45 FeedbackPrintRSS
PARIS, Sept. 29 (Xinhua)
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Russia blasts European, Arab countries for arms delivery in Libya
Russia blasts European, Arab countries for arms delivery in Libya
Several European and Arab countries have violated the UN Security Council's arms embargo on Libya, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday.
"We believe the UN Security Council's authority has been damaged because its decisions have never been violated so roughly and openly before," Lavrov told the Rossiya-24 TV channel.
"Even Resolution 1970 adopted by consensus, which envisaged full embargo on arms trade and military services with Libya, has been violated. This is now admitted openly. The arms have been supplied from some European countries and some Arab countries, and the instructors were working on the ground. This is certain," Lavrov added.
Lavrov also mentioned the situation in Syria.
"We cannot back the draft (on Syria) being pushed by Western countries. And this is related, in particular, with the Libyan experience," Lavrov said.
The West's strategy toward Syria is not very reliable, he added.
Moscow has repeatedly stressed that the crises in Libya and Syria could only be resolved by their own peoples.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-09-27 22:39:18 FeedbackPrintRSS
MOSCOW, Sept. 27 (Xinhua)
Several European and Arab countries have violated the UN Security Council's arms embargo on Libya, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday.
"We believe the UN Security Council's authority has been damaged because its decisions have never been violated so roughly and openly before," Lavrov told the Rossiya-24 TV channel.
"Even Resolution 1970 adopted by consensus, which envisaged full embargo on arms trade and military services with Libya, has been violated. This is now admitted openly. The arms have been supplied from some European countries and some Arab countries, and the instructors were working on the ground. This is certain," Lavrov added.
Lavrov also mentioned the situation in Syria.
"We cannot back the draft (on Syria) being pushed by Western countries. And this is related, in particular, with the Libyan experience," Lavrov said.
The West's strategy toward Syria is not very reliable, he added.
Moscow has repeatedly stressed that the crises in Libya and Syria could only be resolved by their own peoples.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-09-27 22:39:18 FeedbackPrintRSS
MOSCOW, Sept. 27 (Xinhua)
Ukraine seeks to restore ties with Moldova: Yanukovych
Ukraine seeks to restore ties with Moldova: Yanukovych
Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych said Tuesday that his country seeks to restore relations with Moldova.
"We commend the fact that we revived the dialogue with Moldova, which is very necessary for our countries and our peoples," Yanukovych told Moldova's acting President and Parliament Speaker Marian Lupu.
Yanukovych expressed the hope that bilateral relations would be strengthened as soon as possible. He said he was willing to discuss inter-parliamentary cooperation and economic and trade relations between the two countries.
Lupu, for his part, said the pause in bilateral relations has brought no positive results to either country.
He said he hoped that his meetings with Ukrainian leaders could give new impetus and open a new page in Ukraine-Moldova ties.
Diplomatic relations between Moldova and Ukraine became strained in 1998 when the two countries had disputes on a part of highway near Palanca village, located on the border. In early June 2011, Chisinau and Kiev agreed on Ukraine's ownership of the road.
Lupu is on a two-day official visit in Ukraine. He met Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn and Prime Minister Mykola Azarov on Monday.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-09-27 22:33:05 FeedbackPrintRSS
KIEV, Sept. 27 (Xinhua)
Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych said Tuesday that his country seeks to restore relations with Moldova.
"We commend the fact that we revived the dialogue with Moldova, which is very necessary for our countries and our peoples," Yanukovych told Moldova's acting President and Parliament Speaker Marian Lupu.
Yanukovych expressed the hope that bilateral relations would be strengthened as soon as possible. He said he was willing to discuss inter-parliamentary cooperation and economic and trade relations between the two countries.
Lupu, for his part, said the pause in bilateral relations has brought no positive results to either country.
He said he hoped that his meetings with Ukrainian leaders could give new impetus and open a new page in Ukraine-Moldova ties.
Diplomatic relations between Moldova and Ukraine became strained in 1998 when the two countries had disputes on a part of highway near Palanca village, located on the border. In early June 2011, Chisinau and Kiev agreed on Ukraine's ownership of the road.
Lupu is on a two-day official visit in Ukraine. He met Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn and Prime Minister Mykola Azarov on Monday.
Editor: Mu Xuequan
English.news.cn 2011-09-27 22:33:05 FeedbackPrintRSS
KIEV, Sept. 27 (Xinhua)
Russia's ruling tandem sacrifices finance minister for unity
Russia's ruling tandem sacrifices finance minister for unity
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's strong reaction to recent defiant remarks of Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin was unexpected but understandable, because the president wanted to demonstrate that he was not a "lame duck," said local analysts.
They also believed that Russia's ruling tandem -- Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin -- tried to uphold unity by sacrificing Putin's long-time heavyweight ally Kudrin, who resigned Monday under pressure from Medvedev.
REASONS BEHIND
Local analysts believed the most reasonable excuse for Kudrin's resignation is to safeguard the stability of the ruling tandem.
Before Putin's Saturday announcement of rerunning for presidency, the stability of the tandem was widely doubted by domestic and international political analysts, but the swap of their roles was full proof that cooperation between the two was not an expedient policy.
Thus, no obstacles are allowed in their way to the elections and safeguarding the tandem was a priority.
Against such a backdrop, Kudrin's remarks would disrupt the morale of the Russian political forces, analysts said.
Alexander Khramchikhin, deputy director of the Moscow Political and Military Analysis Institute, told Xinhua that Putin "by no means is eager to let anybody test Medvedev's ability to rule the country independently."
The expert recalled a similar situation in 2010 when Medvedev dismissed another long-living politician Moscow's mayor Yuri Luzhkov.
Another reason causing Kudrin's departure was his disagreements with the tandem on economic policies.
According to Kudrin, the bone of contention between him and Medvedev has been economic policy, primarily concerning high military spending which Medvedev supported.
Kudrin argued that the 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."
Even Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov admitted that Kudrin, "as a real professional economist," has always defended his viewpoint, which frequently differed from Putin's and Medvedev's on particular economic issues.
Khramchikhin believed that Kudrin deliberately picked up the time to voice his disagreement, as he did not want to share responsibility for an "inevitable" shift to the country's unrestricted financial expenditures on the run-up of the elections.
"Kudrin did not want to be associated with the policy of giving money away," the expert said.
WHO WILL BE NEXT FINANCIAL MINISTER?
The 50-year-old Kudrin has been finance minister since 2000 and during his 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.
For his calls for austerity measures and less populist social policy, Kudrin has earned respect among the center-right wing of Russia's political spectrum.
Local media said Kudrin's resignation was a "big blow" to the Russian economy, and the Vedomosti daily said "experts are already forecasting a new wave of capital flight, a fall in the ruble rate and inflation growth."
After Kudrin's resignation, some market analysts said the move might cause a negative response from investors, as Kudrin's reputation in international investment community was an attractive factor for foreign investors.
However, some other analysts believed there will be no changes in the Russian financial market as the country maintains enormous investment potentials compared with poor performances of Europe and the United States.
According to local media reports, there will be four possible candidates for the post of financial minister: Tatyana Golikova, 45, social development and health minister; Sergei Ignatyev, 63, head of the Central Bank and former deputy financial minister; Mikhail Zadornov, 48, head of VTB-24 retail bank and former financial minister; and Sergei Shatalov, 61, deputy financial minister in charge of taxes.
Khramchikhin believed that whoever replaces Kudrin, the government's financial policy is unlikely to make a U-turn, because the current financial policies have performed well and yielded good results in recent years.
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-09-27 20:57:17 FeedbackPrintRSS
by Zheng Haoning, Igor Serebryany
MOSCOW, Sept. 27 (Xinhua)
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's strong reaction to recent defiant remarks of Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin was unexpected but understandable, because the president wanted to demonstrate that he was not a "lame duck," said local analysts.
They also believed that Russia's ruling tandem -- Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin -- tried to uphold unity by sacrificing Putin's long-time heavyweight ally Kudrin, who resigned Monday under pressure from Medvedev.
REASONS BEHIND
Local analysts believed the most reasonable excuse for Kudrin's resignation is to safeguard the stability of the ruling tandem.
Before Putin's Saturday announcement of rerunning for presidency, the stability of the tandem was widely doubted by domestic and international political analysts, but the swap of their roles was full proof that cooperation between the two was not an expedient policy.
Thus, no obstacles are allowed in their way to the elections and safeguarding the tandem was a priority.
Against such a backdrop, Kudrin's remarks would disrupt the morale of the Russian political forces, analysts said.
Alexander Khramchikhin, deputy director of the Moscow Political and Military Analysis Institute, told Xinhua that Putin "by no means is eager to let anybody test Medvedev's ability to rule the country independently."
The expert recalled a similar situation in 2010 when Medvedev dismissed another long-living politician Moscow's mayor Yuri Luzhkov.
Another reason causing Kudrin's departure was his disagreements with the tandem on economic policies.
According to Kudrin, the bone of contention between him and Medvedev has been economic policy, primarily concerning high military spending which Medvedev supported.
Kudrin argued that the 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."
Even Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov admitted that Kudrin, "as a real professional economist," has always defended his viewpoint, which frequently differed from Putin's and Medvedev's on particular economic issues.
Khramchikhin believed that Kudrin deliberately picked up the time to voice his disagreement, as he did not want to share responsibility for an "inevitable" shift to the country's unrestricted financial expenditures on the run-up of the elections.
"Kudrin did not want to be associated with the policy of giving money away," the expert said.
WHO WILL BE NEXT FINANCIAL MINISTER?
The 50-year-old Kudrin has been finance minister since 2000 and during his 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.
For his calls for austerity measures and less populist social policy, Kudrin has earned respect among the center-right wing of Russia's political spectrum.
Local media said Kudrin's resignation was a "big blow" to the Russian economy, and the Vedomosti daily said "experts are already forecasting a new wave of capital flight, a fall in the ruble rate and inflation growth."
After Kudrin's resignation, some market analysts said the move might cause a negative response from investors, as Kudrin's reputation in international investment community was an attractive factor for foreign investors.
However, some other analysts believed there will be no changes in the Russian financial market as the country maintains enormous investment potentials compared with poor performances of Europe and the United States.
According to local media reports, there will be four possible candidates for the post of financial minister: Tatyana Golikova, 45, social development and health minister; Sergei Ignatyev, 63, head of the Central Bank and former deputy financial minister; Mikhail Zadornov, 48, head of VTB-24 retail bank and former financial minister; and Sergei Shatalov, 61, deputy financial minister in charge of taxes.
Khramchikhin believed that whoever replaces Kudrin, the government's financial policy is unlikely to make a U-turn, because the current financial policies have performed well and yielded good results in recent years.
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-09-27 20:57:17 FeedbackPrintRSS
by Zheng Haoning, Igor Serebryany
MOSCOW, Sept. 27 (Xinhua)
Bulgarian armed forces officially integrated into NATO
Bulgarian armed forces officially integrated into NATO
Bulgarian Chief of Defense General Simeon Simeonov and U.S. Admiral Samuel J. Locklear III, Commander of Joint Force Command Naples, on Tuesday signed a Declaration on the completion of Bulgarian Armed Forces' integration into NATO.
"You have demonstrated the required operational capabilities necessary for inclusion in the NATO Force Structure and Integrated Air Defense System," Locklear said at the signing ceremony.
He said NATO was very pleased with the progress Bulgarian armed forces made in the integration process.
According to Locklear, the inclusion of Bulgarian units into the NATO pool of forces would increase the Alliance's operational capability and "significantly contribute" to global and regional security.
Bulgaria, a NATO member since 2004, has a 610-member contingent in Afghanistan.
In September 2010, Bulgarian Defense Minister Anyu Angelov said the country would provide NATO with a 4,300 to 4,500-strong mechanized brigade for operations under the Washington Treaty. For NATO operations not covered by this treaty, Bulgaria was ready to contribute a 1,000-strong mechanized battalion, he said.
Editor: Deng Shasha
English.news.cn 2011-09-27 18:56:46 FeedbackPrintRSS
SOFIA, Sept. 27 (Xinhua)
Bulgarian Chief of Defense General Simeon Simeonov and U.S. Admiral Samuel J. Locklear III, Commander of Joint Force Command Naples, on Tuesday signed a Declaration on the completion of Bulgarian Armed Forces' integration into NATO.
"You have demonstrated the required operational capabilities necessary for inclusion in the NATO Force Structure and Integrated Air Defense System," Locklear said at the signing ceremony.
He said NATO was very pleased with the progress Bulgarian armed forces made in the integration process.
According to Locklear, the inclusion of Bulgarian units into the NATO pool of forces would increase the Alliance's operational capability and "significantly contribute" to global and regional security.
Bulgaria, a NATO member since 2004, has a 610-member contingent in Afghanistan.
In September 2010, Bulgarian Defense Minister Anyu Angelov said the country would provide NATO with a 4,300 to 4,500-strong mechanized brigade for operations under the Washington Treaty. For NATO operations not covered by this treaty, Bulgaria was ready to contribute a 1,000-strong mechanized battalion, he said.
Editor: Deng Shasha
English.news.cn 2011-09-27 18:56:46 FeedbackPrintRSS
SOFIA, Sept. 27 (Xinhua)
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Pakistan Dengue cases reach 9,781 as WHO team due for help
Pakistan Dengue cases reach 9,781 as WHO team due for help
A team of experts of the World Health Organization (WHO) will be arriving here on Sunday to help Pakistan deal with the fast growing threat from Dengue fever, which has affected 9,781 people and killed up to 100 persons, officials and media said on Saturday.
"A WHO Dengue Fever Expert team will reach Islamabad tomorrow ( Sunday), which will suggest measures to authorities to eliminate breeding sites and vector control measures," the PM office said.
Local TV channel ARY reported that the death toll from the Dengue fever reached 102 as 8 more people including two women died in Lahore, the provincial capital of Punjab, the worst affected region.
Punjab Health Department said that a total of 9,781 suspected cases had been reported over the past two weeks, including 8,769 alone in Lahore. A total of 379 new cases were reported on Saturday, officials said.
The WHO team will visit Lahore to discuss with the health officials and government authorities the measures to control the epidemic.
Another team from Indonesia, one of the affected countries, will also visit Pakistan next week at the invitation of the Pakistani government to help the authorities in controlling the fever.
All hospitals are running short of beds and many suspected people complained about lack of doctors and medical facilities.
At least seven people including two women died of the dengue virus, taking the death toll in Punjab to 83, reported local media Express on Saturday.
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has issued directives for the setting up of field hospitals in Punjab to help with the treatment of dengue patients, officials said.
He presided over a special meeting to evaluate measures taken to combat the virus and directed the authorities to increase the number of technical staff by conducting walk-in interviews. It was also noted in the meeting that more than 600 nurses have been hired and 18 new cell separator machines will be imported.
He said in the long run a hundred dispensaries will be set up to treat dengue patients for free throughout the year.
Director General Health Punjab Aslam Chaudhry said that special units have been established in six major hospitals of Lahore to combat the epidemic in the province.
Chaudhry told reporters that injections were being imported for the treatment of the virus and will be available at all government hospitals soon. He said there are still more than 1,300 patients admitted in hospitals while over 8,000 suspected patients have been released after treatment since the outbreak.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-25 00:12:53 FeedbackPrintRSS
ISLAMABAD, Sept. 24 (Xinhua)
A team of experts of the World Health Organization (WHO) will be arriving here on Sunday to help Pakistan deal with the fast growing threat from Dengue fever, which has affected 9,781 people and killed up to 100 persons, officials and media said on Saturday.
"A WHO Dengue Fever Expert team will reach Islamabad tomorrow ( Sunday), which will suggest measures to authorities to eliminate breeding sites and vector control measures," the PM office said.
Local TV channel ARY reported that the death toll from the Dengue fever reached 102 as 8 more people including two women died in Lahore, the provincial capital of Punjab, the worst affected region.
Punjab Health Department said that a total of 9,781 suspected cases had been reported over the past two weeks, including 8,769 alone in Lahore. A total of 379 new cases were reported on Saturday, officials said.
The WHO team will visit Lahore to discuss with the health officials and government authorities the measures to control the epidemic.
Another team from Indonesia, one of the affected countries, will also visit Pakistan next week at the invitation of the Pakistani government to help the authorities in controlling the fever.
All hospitals are running short of beds and many suspected people complained about lack of doctors and medical facilities.
At least seven people including two women died of the dengue virus, taking the death toll in Punjab to 83, reported local media Express on Saturday.
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has issued directives for the setting up of field hospitals in Punjab to help with the treatment of dengue patients, officials said.
He presided over a special meeting to evaluate measures taken to combat the virus and directed the authorities to increase the number of technical staff by conducting walk-in interviews. It was also noted in the meeting that more than 600 nurses have been hired and 18 new cell separator machines will be imported.
He said in the long run a hundred dispensaries will be set up to treat dengue patients for free throughout the year.
Director General Health Punjab Aslam Chaudhry said that special units have been established in six major hospitals of Lahore to combat the epidemic in the province.
Chaudhry told reporters that injections were being imported for the treatment of the virus and will be available at all government hospitals soon. He said there are still more than 1,300 patients admitted in hospitals while over 8,000 suspected patients have been released after treatment since the outbreak.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-25 00:12:53 FeedbackPrintRSS
ISLAMABAD, Sept. 24 (Xinhua)
Australia is wasting resources in Afghanistan: experts
Australia is wasting resources in Afghanistan: experts
Australia's military campaign in Afghanistan is a serious policy failure with no serious prospect of achieving, defense experts said in an interview with Xinhua recently, adding that the on-going spending on the war will constitute a drain on resource.
The comment came following the assassination of former Afghan president and Afghan peace negotiator, Burhanuddin Rabbani. The killing was the latest high-profile attack by insurgents, who are currently engaged in back-channel peace talks with the U.S. via Pakistani intermediaries.
An Australian foreign and defense policy expert at University of Newcastle, Associate Professor Wayne Reynolds, said the recent assassinations and the rising death toll among coalition soldiers indicated the insurgency is gathering pace and sophistication in Afghanistan.
He said it is possible that there is a much broader and uncoordinated insurgency then applying the Taliban label would suggest, and he expected the coalition force will continue to struggle with insurgents, who are motivated not only by opposition to North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO's) presence, but a plethora of local issues that have been long neglected in the strife-torn nation.
As of the prospects for peace in the country, Professor Reynolds casted a shadow over it, saying that it is considerable diminished by the uncertainty surrounding the profile of the Taliban leadership.
"It is also clear that there is considerable uncertainty about the negotiating framework for peace," he told Xinhua in an interview. "While the elimination by the U.S. and NATO of Taliban leaders suggests a hierarchy it does not seem to extend to intelligence about the chain of command with respect to negotiators."
Meanwhile, former senior Defense Department official and government advisor, Professor Hugh White, said the latest assassination showed that chances of Australian Defense Force completing its objectives in Afghanistan are "very low".
"I don't think we are likely to succeed in preventing the Taliban taking a prominent position. Even if they don't completely overtake Afghan politics, they are going to regain a prominent position there after we leave," he said. "I don't think we are going to succeed in ensuring that Afghanistan doesn't become a kind of destabilizing factor in the wide south Asian strategic balance."
With the barely noticeable process has been done since the coalition force entered Afghanistan in 2001, Professor Reynolds said the occupying force is not only wasting human and financial resources, but also create ongoing co-lateral damage in Afghanistan and increasingly in Pakistan. "The events in Afghanistan suggest that on-going spending on ' boots on the ground' will constitute a drain on resources, and come at the expense of developing other defense options such as aircraft, submarines and industrial infrastructure," he said.
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.
Since Australia scheduled to hand security arrangements back to Afghanistan from 2014, Professor White said based on recent casualty rates, as many as 40 more Australians could lose their lives in the war before it ends.
"If when we leave in 2014 Afghanistan looks just as it looks today, which I think is the most likely outcome, then it is hard to see that any lives we lose between now and then will not have been lost in vain," he said.
English.news.cn 2011-09-24 21:36:46 FeedbackPrintRSS
By Vienna Ma
CANBERRA, Sept. 24 (Xinhua)
Australia's military campaign in Afghanistan is a serious policy failure with no serious prospect of achieving, defense experts said in an interview with Xinhua recently, adding that the on-going spending on the war will constitute a drain on resource.
The comment came following the assassination of former Afghan president and Afghan peace negotiator, Burhanuddin Rabbani. The killing was the latest high-profile attack by insurgents, who are currently engaged in back-channel peace talks with the U.S. via Pakistani intermediaries.
An Australian foreign and defense policy expert at University of Newcastle, Associate Professor Wayne Reynolds, said the recent assassinations and the rising death toll among coalition soldiers indicated the insurgency is gathering pace and sophistication in Afghanistan.
He said it is possible that there is a much broader and uncoordinated insurgency then applying the Taliban label would suggest, and he expected the coalition force will continue to struggle with insurgents, who are motivated not only by opposition to North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO's) presence, but a plethora of local issues that have been long neglected in the strife-torn nation.
As of the prospects for peace in the country, Professor Reynolds casted a shadow over it, saying that it is considerable diminished by the uncertainty surrounding the profile of the Taliban leadership.
"It is also clear that there is considerable uncertainty about the negotiating framework for peace," he told Xinhua in an interview. "While the elimination by the U.S. and NATO of Taliban leaders suggests a hierarchy it does not seem to extend to intelligence about the chain of command with respect to negotiators."
Meanwhile, former senior Defense Department official and government advisor, Professor Hugh White, said the latest assassination showed that chances of Australian Defense Force completing its objectives in Afghanistan are "very low".
"I don't think we are likely to succeed in preventing the Taliban taking a prominent position. Even if they don't completely overtake Afghan politics, they are going to regain a prominent position there after we leave," he said. "I don't think we are going to succeed in ensuring that Afghanistan doesn't become a kind of destabilizing factor in the wide south Asian strategic balance."
With the barely noticeable process has been done since the coalition force entered Afghanistan in 2001, Professor Reynolds said the occupying force is not only wasting human and financial resources, but also create ongoing co-lateral damage in Afghanistan and increasingly in Pakistan. "The events in Afghanistan suggest that on-going spending on ' boots on the ground' will constitute a drain on resources, and come at the expense of developing other defense options such as aircraft, submarines and industrial infrastructure," he said.
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.
Since Australia scheduled to hand security arrangements back to Afghanistan from 2014, Professor White said based on recent casualty rates, as many as 40 more Australians could lose their lives in the war before it ends.
"If when we leave in 2014 Afghanistan looks just as it looks today, which I think is the most likely outcome, then it is hard to see that any lives we lose between now and then will not have been lost in vain," he said.
English.news.cn 2011-09-24 21:36:46 FeedbackPrintRSS
By Vienna Ma
CANBERRA, Sept. 24 (Xinhua)
S. Korea to urge talks with Japan on compensating sex slaves
S. Korea to urge talks with Japan on compensating sex slaves
South Korea's foreign minister will ask his Japanese counterpart to hold talks over compensating Korean women who were exploited as sex slaves under Japan's colonial rule, local media reported Friday.
Kim Sung-hwan plans to raise the issue at a scheduled meeting Saturday with his Japanese counterpart Koichiro Gemba on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Yonhap News Agency said, citing an unspecified diplomatic source.
The move comes after the Constitutional Court in Seoul said the South Korean government violated fundamental rights of the so- called "comfort women" by making no conspicuous efforts to push Japan to compensate them.
Korean wartime sex slaves, whose number the government in the 1990s said stood at 234, were among some 100,000 to 200,000 Asian women forced to provide sexual service to the Imperial Japanese Army.
The foreign ministry called in deputy chief of Japanese embassy in Seoul earlier this month and urged Japan to take "more active and sincere" measures to address the issue, but Japan has yet to officially respond.
Japan claimed that the 1965 Treaty of Basic Relations with South Korea, which formally normalized their ties, already addressed all legal issues concerning the comfort women.
Editor: An
English.news.cn 2011-09-23 14:48:48 FeedbackPrintRSS
SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Xinhua)
South Korea's foreign minister will ask his Japanese counterpart to hold talks over compensating Korean women who were exploited as sex slaves under Japan's colonial rule, local media reported Friday.
Kim Sung-hwan plans to raise the issue at a scheduled meeting Saturday with his Japanese counterpart Koichiro Gemba on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Yonhap News Agency said, citing an unspecified diplomatic source.
The move comes after the Constitutional Court in Seoul said the South Korean government violated fundamental rights of the so- called "comfort women" by making no conspicuous efforts to push Japan to compensate them.
Korean wartime sex slaves, whose number the government in the 1990s said stood at 234, were among some 100,000 to 200,000 Asian women forced to provide sexual service to the Imperial Japanese Army.
The foreign ministry called in deputy chief of Japanese embassy in Seoul earlier this month and urged Japan to take "more active and sincere" measures to address the issue, but Japan has yet to officially respond.
Japan claimed that the 1965 Treaty of Basic Relations with South Korea, which formally normalized their ties, already addressed all legal issues concerning the comfort women.
Editor: An
English.news.cn 2011-09-23 14:48:48 FeedbackPrintRSS
SEOUL, Sept. 22 (Xinhua)
Pakistan rejects U.S. allegations against spy agency
Pakistan rejects U.S. allegations against spy agency
Pakistan Thursday dismissed U.S. accusations that the country's spy agency is using the al-Qaida- linked Haqqani network for a proxy war in neighboring Afghanistan.
U.S. officials have accused Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence (ISI for having links with the Haqqani network, which they blamed for the September 13 attacks on the U.S. embassy and NATO headquarters in Kabul. Five Afghan policemen and 10 civilians were killed in the brazen attack.
Speaking at the regular weekly briefing on Thursday, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Tehmina Janjua said Pakistan has no cooperation with the Haqqani network and was not fighting any war through the Haqqanis in Afghanistan.
Earlier U.S. officials had claimed that there was mounting evidence that the ISI had been encouraging the Haqqani network to attack targets in Afghanistan.
The U.S. leveled the allegations at a time when the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee 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.
According to a press release issued by the committee, the Senate Thursday passed the Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations bill for the fiscal year 2012 by a 28-2 vote in favor.
The bill makes available 161.4 million U.S. dollars for State Department operations in Pakistan, but "does not specify amounts for assistance for Pakistan." The committee also voted to provide one billion dollars for the Pakistan Counterinsurgency Capability Fund.
On the assassination of Afghan peace council head, Prof. Burhanuddin Rabbani, the Foreign Office spokesperson said with Rabbani's death, the people of Afghanistan had "lost a visionary leader and one of the strongest proponents of peace," while Pakistan had "lost a friend and a true partner for peace."
"The people of Pakistan mourn with the Afghan government this tragic loss. Terrorism and violence only reinforce the resolve of the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan to defeat and eliminate terrorism and to continue to work for reconciliation and peace in Afghanistan," she said.
A suicide bomber with explosives hidden in his turban killed Rabbani, the head of the Afghan High Peace Council, at his home in Kabul on Tuesday.
Rabbani was the latest victim in a string of high-profile assassinations in Afghanistan and his death is being seen as a major blow to the nascent effort to begin negotiations with the Afghan Taliban.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-09-22 22:01:50 FeedbackPrintRSS
ISLAMABAD, Sept. 22 (Xinhua)
Pakistan Thursday dismissed U.S. accusations that the country's spy agency is using the al-Qaida- linked Haqqani network for a proxy war in neighboring Afghanistan.
U.S. officials have accused Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence (ISI for having links with the Haqqani network, which they blamed for the September 13 attacks on the U.S. embassy and NATO headquarters in Kabul. Five Afghan policemen and 10 civilians were killed in the brazen attack.
Speaking at the regular weekly briefing on Thursday, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Tehmina Janjua said Pakistan has no cooperation with the Haqqani network and was not fighting any war through the Haqqanis in Afghanistan.
Earlier U.S. officials had claimed that there was mounting evidence that the ISI had been encouraging the Haqqani network to attack targets in Afghanistan.
The U.S. leveled the allegations at a time when the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee 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.
According to a press release issued by the committee, the Senate Thursday passed the Department of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations bill for the fiscal year 2012 by a 28-2 vote in favor.
The bill makes available 161.4 million U.S. dollars for State Department operations in Pakistan, but "does not specify amounts for assistance for Pakistan." The committee also voted to provide one billion dollars for the Pakistan Counterinsurgency Capability Fund.
On the assassination of Afghan peace council head, Prof. Burhanuddin Rabbani, the Foreign Office spokesperson said with Rabbani's death, the people of Afghanistan had "lost a visionary leader and one of the strongest proponents of peace," while Pakistan had "lost a friend and a true partner for peace."
"The people of Pakistan mourn with the Afghan government this tragic loss. Terrorism and violence only reinforce the resolve of the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan to defeat and eliminate terrorism and to continue to work for reconciliation and peace in Afghanistan," she said.
A suicide bomber with explosives hidden in his turban killed Rabbani, the head of the Afghan High Peace Council, at his home in Kabul on Tuesday.
Rabbani was the latest victim in a string of high-profile assassinations in Afghanistan and his death is being seen as a major blow to the nascent effort to begin negotiations with the Afghan Taliban.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-09-22 22:01:50 FeedbackPrintRSS
ISLAMABAD, Sept. 22 (Xinhua)
Cambodia uses helicopters to rescue victims by flooding
Cambodia uses helicopters to rescue victims by flooding
Cambodia began to use three helicopters and a number of other speed boats to rescue victims of flooding in the country's northern province of Siem Reap.
Sou Phirin, governor of Siem Reap Province said Thursday by telephone that at the order of Prime Minister Hun Sen, three helicopters and a number of other speed boats have been used to rescue both Cambodian villagers and foreign tourists from flooding in Banteay Srey Temple area and Varin district, located some 40 kilometers north of Siem Reap provincial town.
He said by 4 p.m. on Thursday, some 200 foreign tourists have been safely rescued to higher places.
It is the first time in Cambodia's recent history that helicopters have been used to rescue victims by flooding.
Bun Tharith, the spokesman of Siem Reap Province said flooding began Thursday morning in the above mentioned area and 198 foreign tourists at whom he could not identify their nationalities yet have been safely rescued to higher places.
The flooding, which is measured between 1.3 to 2 meters at some places, had caused panic to many villagers and foreigners who have visited those sites.
Bun Tharith, however, denied early reports that say at least one woman was drown to death and four others went missing by strong flow of water.
On Thursday morning, Lim Kean Hor, minister of water resource and meteorology told reporters that 56,000 hectares of agricultural land have been inundated throughout the country.
He said the flooding is mainly caused by heavy rains.
Kompong Thom, the country's central province, is the most heavily affected by flooding.
Lim Kean Hor said the rainfalls will continue in the next few days, and therefore, he alerted those living along the Mekong River to take more precaution.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-09-22 19:19:10 FeedbackPrintRSS
PHNOM PENH, Sept. 22 (Xinhua)
Cambodia began to use three helicopters and a number of other speed boats to rescue victims of flooding in the country's northern province of Siem Reap.
Sou Phirin, governor of Siem Reap Province said Thursday by telephone that at the order of Prime Minister Hun Sen, three helicopters and a number of other speed boats have been used to rescue both Cambodian villagers and foreign tourists from flooding in Banteay Srey Temple area and Varin district, located some 40 kilometers north of Siem Reap provincial town.
He said by 4 p.m. on Thursday, some 200 foreign tourists have been safely rescued to higher places.
It is the first time in Cambodia's recent history that helicopters have been used to rescue victims by flooding.
Bun Tharith, the spokesman of Siem Reap Province said flooding began Thursday morning in the above mentioned area and 198 foreign tourists at whom he could not identify their nationalities yet have been safely rescued to higher places.
The flooding, which is measured between 1.3 to 2 meters at some places, had caused panic to many villagers and foreigners who have visited those sites.
Bun Tharith, however, denied early reports that say at least one woman was drown to death and four others went missing by strong flow of water.
On Thursday morning, Lim Kean Hor, minister of water resource and meteorology told reporters that 56,000 hectares of agricultural land have been inundated throughout the country.
He said the flooding is mainly caused by heavy rains.
Kompong Thom, the country's central province, is the most heavily affected by flooding.
Lim Kean Hor said the rainfalls will continue in the next few days, and therefore, he alerted those living along the Mekong River to take more precaution.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-09-22 19:19:10 FeedbackPrintRSS
PHNOM PENH, Sept. 22 (Xinhua)
Pilot, 2 passengers killed in small plane crash in Papua, Indonesia
Pilot, 2 passengers killed in small plane crash in Papua, Indonesia
Rescuer had evacuated the dead bodies of the pilot and two passengers of a small plane after it fell in remote Papua of Indonesia on Thursday, Bambang Ervan, spokesman of Transport Ministry said.
The plane type of Pilatus Porter Pisi 6 operated by Yajasi foundation went down after it lost contact at 13:13 local time (0413 GMT), the spokesman said. "Three bodies, the pilot and two passengers, have been evacuated to a hospital in Sentani of Papua," he told Xinhua by phone.
Papua police spokesman named Wachyono told Xinhua that the pilot, Paul Westlund, was a foreign national, but he could not confirmed yet his nationality.
The plane was on route Pagai to Wamena of Papua and it was carrying products of traditional plantations, he said.
"The plane fell on the Pas Valey at Yahukimo or Yalimo district," said Wachyono.
Plane crash in Papua has been frequent due partly to its extreme geographic condition.
Editor: Yang Lina
English.news.cn 2011-09-22 18:06:34 FeedbackPrintRSS
JAKARTA, Sept. 22 (Xinhua)
Rescuer had evacuated the dead bodies of the pilot and two passengers of a small plane after it fell in remote Papua of Indonesia on Thursday, Bambang Ervan, spokesman of Transport Ministry said.
The plane type of Pilatus Porter Pisi 6 operated by Yajasi foundation went down after it lost contact at 13:13 local time (0413 GMT), the spokesman said. "Three bodies, the pilot and two passengers, have been evacuated to a hospital in Sentani of Papua," he told Xinhua by phone.
Papua police spokesman named Wachyono told Xinhua that the pilot, Paul Westlund, was a foreign national, but he could not confirmed yet his nationality.
The plane was on route Pagai to Wamena of Papua and it was carrying products of traditional plantations, he said.
"The plane fell on the Pas Valey at Yahukimo or Yalimo district," said Wachyono.
Plane crash in Papua has been frequent due partly to its extreme geographic condition.
Editor: Yang Lina
English.news.cn 2011-09-22 18:06:34 FeedbackPrintRSS
JAKARTA, Sept. 22 (Xinhua)
Dawn-to-dusk hartal affects normal life in Bangladesh
Dawn-to-dusk hartal affects normal life in Bangladesh
Normal life is affected in Bangladesh following a dawn-to-dusk hartal Thursday morning launched by the country's main opposition party and its allies in protest against increase in prices of fuel.
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) also showed the government's failure to rein in soaring prices of essentials, safeguard small stock investors' interest and end repression of opposition leaders and activists as the reasons behind its decision to enforce a strike.
Most shops, business establishments and educational institutions remained closed and public transport were off the roads due to the lockdown, which is the seventh of its kind since the incumbent government came into force on Jan. 6, 2009.
The strike also hampered the functioning of offices to a large extent due to thin attendance in the absence of transport. Although inter-district buses stayed off the roads, the authorities claimed that operation of trains, launches and flights was usual.
Man-peddled rickshaws dominated the capital city's usually bustling streets like other hartal days. Some CNG- driven auto- rickshaws and inter-city buses were also seen on the capital streets.
Bangladeshi Home Minister Shahara Khatun had earlier said they would go tough against unruly picketers during Thursday's hartal.
Law enforcers were out in the capital streets early morning much before the hartal convenors and appeared firm not to let the pro-hartal pickets gather anywhere in the city. About 11,000 additional policemen and 3,000 Rapid Action Battalion personnel with 12 mobile courts reportedly deployed in the capital to deal with pickets.
No violence has so far been reported since the beginning of the strike, which was supported by BNP's allies including key Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, the party which is demanding release its top leaders who have been detained on war crimes charges.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ruling party Bangladesh Awami Leagues has vowed to resist main opposition party's hartal and follow-up anti-government agitation programs, labeling those as " BNP's attempt to create anarchic situation in the country."
Hundreds of ruling party activists were seen to bring out anti- hartal procession on many city streets on Thursday morning in different parts of the capital city.
Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's BNP also said the government will be responsible for any untoward incidents if it obstructed the hartal from being observed which is aimed at protesting fuel price hike.
Just a day after raising prices of all kinds of petroleum products for the second time in more than four months, the Bangladeshi government Monday hiked the price of Compressed Natural Gas which analysts say will likely drive up already high inflation rate that leaped to 11.29 percent in August from July's 10.96 percent.
The government said there was no alternative but to increase fuel prices as losses by the state oil firm mounted on the back of rally in global oil prices. It was also necessary to ease the state firm' s subsidy burden, added the government.
BNP acting Secretary General Fakhrul Islam claimed over 300 leaders and activists of the party were arrested across the country ahead of Thursday's hartal which began at 6: a.m. local time.
A Bangladesh police spokesman was not immediately available to justify his claim.
Earlier former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's BNP and its allies had enforced a 48-hour non-stop general strike on July 6-8, demanding the cancellation of the 15th constitutional amendment and reinstatement of a non-party caretaker government system to hold parliament elections.
Bangladesh Parliament on June 30 abolished the non-party caretaker government through constitution amendment which means Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's incumbent Bangladesh Awami League- led government that has two-thirds majority in parliament will stay in power during the next national elections slated for early 2014.
Editor: Chen Zhi
English.news.cn 2011-09-22 14:46:44 FeedbackPrintRSS
By Naim-Ul-Karim
DHAKA, Sept. 22 (Xinhua)
Normal life is affected in Bangladesh following a dawn-to-dusk hartal Thursday morning launched by the country's main opposition party and its allies in protest against increase in prices of fuel.
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) also showed the government's failure to rein in soaring prices of essentials, safeguard small stock investors' interest and end repression of opposition leaders and activists as the reasons behind its decision to enforce a strike.
Most shops, business establishments and educational institutions remained closed and public transport were off the roads due to the lockdown, which is the seventh of its kind since the incumbent government came into force on Jan. 6, 2009.
The strike also hampered the functioning of offices to a large extent due to thin attendance in the absence of transport. Although inter-district buses stayed off the roads, the authorities claimed that operation of trains, launches and flights was usual.
Man-peddled rickshaws dominated the capital city's usually bustling streets like other hartal days. Some CNG- driven auto- rickshaws and inter-city buses were also seen on the capital streets.
Bangladeshi Home Minister Shahara Khatun had earlier said they would go tough against unruly picketers during Thursday's hartal.
Law enforcers were out in the capital streets early morning much before the hartal convenors and appeared firm not to let the pro-hartal pickets gather anywhere in the city. About 11,000 additional policemen and 3,000 Rapid Action Battalion personnel with 12 mobile courts reportedly deployed in the capital to deal with pickets.
No violence has so far been reported since the beginning of the strike, which was supported by BNP's allies including key Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, the party which is demanding release its top leaders who have been detained on war crimes charges.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ruling party Bangladesh Awami Leagues has vowed to resist main opposition party's hartal and follow-up anti-government agitation programs, labeling those as " BNP's attempt to create anarchic situation in the country."
Hundreds of ruling party activists were seen to bring out anti- hartal procession on many city streets on Thursday morning in different parts of the capital city.
Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's BNP also said the government will be responsible for any untoward incidents if it obstructed the hartal from being observed which is aimed at protesting fuel price hike.
Just a day after raising prices of all kinds of petroleum products for the second time in more than four months, the Bangladeshi government Monday hiked the price of Compressed Natural Gas which analysts say will likely drive up already high inflation rate that leaped to 11.29 percent in August from July's 10.96 percent.
The government said there was no alternative but to increase fuel prices as losses by the state oil firm mounted on the back of rally in global oil prices. It was also necessary to ease the state firm' s subsidy burden, added the government.
BNP acting Secretary General Fakhrul Islam claimed over 300 leaders and activists of the party were arrested across the country ahead of Thursday's hartal which began at 6: a.m. local time.
A Bangladesh police spokesman was not immediately available to justify his claim.
Earlier former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's BNP and its allies had enforced a 48-hour non-stop general strike on July 6-8, demanding the cancellation of the 15th constitutional amendment and reinstatement of a non-party caretaker government system to hold parliament elections.
Bangladesh Parliament on June 30 abolished the non-party caretaker government through constitution amendment which means Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's incumbent Bangladesh Awami League- led government that has two-thirds majority in parliament will stay in power during the next national elections slated for early 2014.
Editor: Chen Zhi
English.news.cn 2011-09-22 14:46:44 FeedbackPrintRSS
By Naim-Ul-Karim
DHAKA, Sept. 22 (Xinhua)
Pakistani president condemns Rabbani murder during call with Karzai
Pakistani president condemns Rabbani murder during call with Karzai
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari Wednesday called Afghan President Hamid Karzai and condoled with him in the assassination of former Afghan president and head of the Afghan High Peace Council, Burhanuddin Rabbani, in a suicide attack in Kabul on Tuesday, reported local media on Thursday.
Condemning the assassination as a "senseless and despicable act, " the Pakistani president said that all peace-loving people were shocked and grieved over the assassination.
The president said that he was deeply grieved over the tragic assassination of Prof. Burhanuddin Rabbani who he said was personally known to him and had met him also several times.
He said that the late Professor Rabbani was a friend of Pakistan and the government and the people of Pakistan were with the people of Afghanistan in this hour of distress and agony.
Professor Burhanudin laid down his life in the cause of peace and reconciliation, the President said, adding that his sacrifice will not go in vain. He said that the assassination would not deter peace-loving people from pursuing the path of peace and reconciliation.
"If anything, it should strengthen our common resolve to pursue the path of peace and not let the extremists and militants prevail, " President Zardari said to Hamid Karzai.
President Zardari said that he wanted to personally come for the funeral but was prevented from leaving the country due to the flood havoc in southern Sindh province.
Editor: Chen Zhi
English.news.cn 2011-09-22 14:46:09 FeedbackPrintRSS
ISLAMABAD, Sept. 22 (Xinhua)
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari Wednesday called Afghan President Hamid Karzai and condoled with him in the assassination of former Afghan president and head of the Afghan High Peace Council, Burhanuddin Rabbani, in a suicide attack in Kabul on Tuesday, reported local media on Thursday.
Condemning the assassination as a "senseless and despicable act, " the Pakistani president said that all peace-loving people were shocked and grieved over the assassination.
The president said that he was deeply grieved over the tragic assassination of Prof. Burhanuddin Rabbani who he said was personally known to him and had met him also several times.
He said that the late Professor Rabbani was a friend of Pakistan and the government and the people of Pakistan were with the people of Afghanistan in this hour of distress and agony.
Professor Burhanudin laid down his life in the cause of peace and reconciliation, the President said, adding that his sacrifice will not go in vain. He said that the assassination would not deter peace-loving people from pursuing the path of peace and reconciliation.
"If anything, it should strengthen our common resolve to pursue the path of peace and not let the extremists and militants prevail, " President Zardari said to Hamid Karzai.
President Zardari said that he wanted to personally come for the funeral but was prevented from leaving the country due to the flood havoc in southern Sindh province.
Editor: Chen Zhi
English.news.cn 2011-09-22 14:46:09 FeedbackPrintRSS
ISLAMABAD, Sept. 22 (Xinhua)
Switzerland ready to ratify treaty with India over black money
Switzerland ready to ratify treaty with India over black money
Swiss Ambassador to India Philippe Welti will write a note to the Indian government that his country is ready to ratify the amended double taxation avoidance treaty and share tax information with India, which could facilitate probe into Indian black money in Swiss banks, local daily The Hindustan Times reported Thursday.
Once the two governments decide the date of ratification, India can request the Swiss government for release of bank data, if the Indian side provides names of the persons who have accounts in Swiss banks, Welti told the newspaper.
Such a treaty will be enforceable on Indian black money in Swiss banks after Jan. 1, 2011. It will include cooperation in investigating tax evasion and fraud, while information requirements by the Swiss side for looking into bank data have been reduced, according to the report.
Billions of U.S. dollars of black money from India are reportedly stashed in Swiss banks, according to local media reports.
Editor: Chen Zhi
English.news.cn 2011-09-22 14:38:37 FeedbackPrintRSS
NEW DELHI, Sept. 22 (Xinhua)
Swiss Ambassador to India Philippe Welti will write a note to the Indian government that his country is ready to ratify the amended double taxation avoidance treaty and share tax information with India, which could facilitate probe into Indian black money in Swiss banks, local daily The Hindustan Times reported Thursday.
Once the two governments decide the date of ratification, India can request the Swiss government for release of bank data, if the Indian side provides names of the persons who have accounts in Swiss banks, Welti told the newspaper.
Such a treaty will be enforceable on Indian black money in Swiss banks after Jan. 1, 2011. It will include cooperation in investigating tax evasion and fraud, while information requirements by the Swiss side for looking into bank data have been reduced, according to the report.
Billions of U.S. dollars of black money from India are reportedly stashed in Swiss banks, according to local media reports.
Editor: Chen Zhi
English.news.cn 2011-09-22 14:38:37 FeedbackPrintRSS
NEW DELHI, Sept. 22 (Xinhua)
Australian police seize large amount of ecstasy oil, arrest three Sydney men
Australian police seize large amount of ecstasy oil, arrest three Sydney men
Three Sydney men have been arrested during a police drug bust in Sydney, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said on Wednesday.
The AFP said the three male Australian nationals were arrested during an operation involving more than 50 police officers in Sydney on Wednesday morning.
They have been charged over the seizures and are scheduled to appear in the Sydney Central Local Court on Thursday.
The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and the AFP have dismantled a Sydney organized crime syndicate, potentially stopping more than 2.3 million ecstasy tablets from hitting the nation's streets, the two law enforcement agencies said in a joint statement on Wednesday.
More than 2,800 liters of safrole oil, labeled as liquid hair and cleaning products from China were intercepted in three separate shipments that arrived at Sydney's Port Botany between April and August.
It was Australia's largest seizure of a banned precursor chemical used in making the drug ecstasy, the AFP said.
The banned chemical could have been used to produce almost 235 kg of ecstasy with an estimated street-value of more than 70 million AU dollars (71.78 million U.S. dollars).
"This is a significant blow," AFP Assistant Commissioner Kevin Zuccato told reporters.
"As far as I'm concerned, a lethal blow to this particular syndicate."
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 16:49:33 FeedbackPrintRSS
SYDNEY, Sept. 21 (Xinhua)
Three Sydney men have been arrested during a police drug bust in Sydney, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said on Wednesday.
The AFP said the three male Australian nationals were arrested during an operation involving more than 50 police officers in Sydney on Wednesday morning.
They have been charged over the seizures and are scheduled to appear in the Sydney Central Local Court on Thursday.
The Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and the AFP have dismantled a Sydney organized crime syndicate, potentially stopping more than 2.3 million ecstasy tablets from hitting the nation's streets, the two law enforcement agencies said in a joint statement on Wednesday.
More than 2,800 liters of safrole oil, labeled as liquid hair and cleaning products from China were intercepted in three separate shipments that arrived at Sydney's Port Botany between April and August.
It was Australia's largest seizure of a banned precursor chemical used in making the drug ecstasy, the AFP said.
The banned chemical could have been used to produce almost 235 kg of ecstasy with an estimated street-value of more than 70 million AU dollars (71.78 million U.S. dollars).
"This is a significant blow," AFP Assistant Commissioner Kevin Zuccato told reporters.
"As far as I'm concerned, a lethal blow to this particular syndicate."
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 16:49:33 FeedbackPrintRSS
SYDNEY, Sept. 21 (Xinhua)
Light plane crashes in Philippines, two UAE pilots injured
Light plane crashes in Philippines, two UAE pilots injured
Two nationals of the United Arab Emirates were injured when a light plane they were piloting crash landed on a ricefield in northern Philippines shortly before noon Wednesday, police said.
Philippine National Police spokesman Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. said that the Cessna plane of AMA Air crash landed in Penabatan village, Pulilan town in Bulacan province around 11:50 a.m., local time.
As a result, the two pilots were injured and were rushed to a hospital for medical treatment, he said.
An investigation is ongoing, he added.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 15:30:36 FeedbackPrintRSS
MANILA, Sept. 21 (Xinhua)
Two nationals of the United Arab Emirates were injured when a light plane they were piloting crash landed on a ricefield in northern Philippines shortly before noon Wednesday, police said.
Philippine National Police spokesman Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. said that the Cessna plane of AMA Air crash landed in Penabatan village, Pulilan town in Bulacan province around 11:50 a.m., local time.
As a result, the two pilots were injured and were rushed to a hospital for medical treatment, he said.
An investigation is ongoing, he added.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 15:30:36 FeedbackPrintRSS
MANILA, Sept. 21 (Xinhua)
More New Zealanders move to Australia in past year: statistics
More New Zealanders move to Australia in past year: statistics
New Zealand's immigration growth was its lowest in almost 10 years in the year to the end of August, as more New Zealanders left to live in Australia, the government statistics agency announced Wednesday.
In the year ended August, New Zealand had a net migration gain of 2,300, down from 14,500 the previous year, according to Statistics New Zealand.
The figure was below the average annual net migration gain of 12,000 over the last 20 years and is the lowest since the October 2001 year, when it was 1,700.
"The decrease in net migration, compared with 2010, was mainly due to an increase in departures to Australia," said a report released by the agency.
The net flow of migrants from New Zealand to Australia was 2, 700 in August, the highest recorded for an August month since 2008, when it was 2,900.
The devastating Feb. 22 earthquake in Christchurch continued to result in an exodus of residents. Unadjusted figures showed 700 city residents left to live abroad in August, up from 500 in August last year.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, however, last month saw a net gain of 200 permanent and long-term migrants to New Zealand. Monthly net migration had been negative since March, when departures from Christchurch jumped following the earthquake that left at least 181 people dead.
Editor: Chen Zhi
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 15:04:51 FeedbackPrintRSS
WELLINGTON, Sept. 21 (Xinhua)
New Zealand's immigration growth was its lowest in almost 10 years in the year to the end of August, as more New Zealanders left to live in Australia, the government statistics agency announced Wednesday.
In the year ended August, New Zealand had a net migration gain of 2,300, down from 14,500 the previous year, according to Statistics New Zealand.
The figure was below the average annual net migration gain of 12,000 over the last 20 years and is the lowest since the October 2001 year, when it was 1,700.
"The decrease in net migration, compared with 2010, was mainly due to an increase in departures to Australia," said a report released by the agency.
The net flow of migrants from New Zealand to Australia was 2, 700 in August, the highest recorded for an August month since 2008, when it was 2,900.
The devastating Feb. 22 earthquake in Christchurch continued to result in an exodus of residents. Unadjusted figures showed 700 city residents left to live abroad in August, up from 500 in August last year.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, however, last month saw a net gain of 200 permanent and long-term migrants to New Zealand. Monthly net migration had been negative since March, when departures from Christchurch jumped following the earthquake that left at least 181 people dead.
Editor: Chen Zhi
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 15:04:51 FeedbackPrintRSS
WELLINGTON, Sept. 21 (Xinhua)
Norway provides 70-mln-US-dollar relief to flood victims in Pakistan
Norway provides 70-mln-US-dollar relief to flood victims in Pakistan
Norway will provide 40 million NOK (70 million U.S. dollars) to the flood victims in Pakistan, according to a statement issued by the Norwegian embassy to Pakistan on Wednesday.
About six million people are affected in Sindh and Balochistan provinces. More than one million homes have been completely or partially destroyed.
"The situation is critical and the number of victims keeps rising. The country has been hit by extreme rainfall just one year after the worst flood in its history," the statement quoted Norwegian Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim as saying.
Unusually heavy monsoon rain in Pakistan has again caused floods in many of the same areas as last year. "The situation on the ground is very serious. Several million people are affected in what was already a very poor area. It is always the poorest who are hardest hit," said Solheim.
"It is particularly important to reach the most vulnerable groups. Women, children and the disabled are especially at risk in this chaotic situation. They need help and protection. People have been forced to flee their homes, and there is a great need for tents, food and clean water," he said.
Norway's aid will be channeled through the UN, the Red Cross and other NGOs with experience from Pakistan. Norway has already supported Norwegian Church Aid's efforts to help 2,000 families in Sindh province.
According to the UN, around two billion NOK is needed to help the flood victims. Norway is working with other donor countries and the UN to assist the Pakistani authorities in their emergency relief work.
"The emergency response capacity Pakistan has built up since the terrible flood last year will now come into use. The UN is coordinating efforts and the assistance that is now coming in. This will ensure that emergency relief reaches those who need it most in the shortest possible time," said Solheim.
Editor: Chen Zhi
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 14:42:25 FeedbackPrintRSS
ISLAMABAD, Sept. 21 (Xinhua)
Norway will provide 40 million NOK (70 million U.S. dollars) to the flood victims in Pakistan, according to a statement issued by the Norwegian embassy to Pakistan on Wednesday.
About six million people are affected in Sindh and Balochistan provinces. More than one million homes have been completely or partially destroyed.
"The situation is critical and the number of victims keeps rising. The country has been hit by extreme rainfall just one year after the worst flood in its history," the statement quoted Norwegian Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim as saying.
Unusually heavy monsoon rain in Pakistan has again caused floods in many of the same areas as last year. "The situation on the ground is very serious. Several million people are affected in what was already a very poor area. It is always the poorest who are hardest hit," said Solheim.
"It is particularly important to reach the most vulnerable groups. Women, children and the disabled are especially at risk in this chaotic situation. They need help and protection. People have been forced to flee their homes, and there is a great need for tents, food and clean water," he said.
Norway's aid will be channeled through the UN, the Red Cross and other NGOs with experience from Pakistan. Norway has already supported Norwegian Church Aid's efforts to help 2,000 families in Sindh province.
According to the UN, around two billion NOK is needed to help the flood victims. Norway is working with other donor countries and the UN to assist the Pakistani authorities in their emergency relief work.
"The emergency response capacity Pakistan has built up since the terrible flood last year will now come into use. The UN is coordinating efforts and the assistance that is now coming in. This will ensure that emergency relief reaches those who need it most in the shortest possible time," said Solheim.
Editor: Chen Zhi
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 14:42:25 FeedbackPrintRSS
ISLAMABAD, Sept. 21 (Xinhua)
New Zealand appoints first African Union ambassador
New Zealand appoints first African Union ambassador
New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully announced Wednesday the country's first dedicated ambassador to the African Union and Ethiopia has.
Director of the Ministry's United Nations, Human Rights and Commonwealth Division James Kember is to take the post.
He has previously served ambassador to Vietnam, consul-general in Noumea and Hong Kong, up and high commissioner to Rarotonga.
"Appointing a dedicated ambassador to the African Union and Ethiopia demonstrates our clear intent to increase commercial and diplomatic engagement in a continent of growing economic and political importance," McCully said Wednesday.
"As ambassador, Dr Kember will play a significant role, contributing a New Zealand perspective on security, humanitarian and aid issues, and working to open doors to the African market for New Zealand exporters."
A new High Commissioner to Tuvalu was also announced Wednesday. Both posts will be based in Wellington.
"Accrediting non-resident ambassadors provides us with a flexible and cost-effective means of increasing our diplomatic activity," said McCully.
The high commissioner to Tuvalu will be Gareth Smith, who will return to Wellington from Canberra where he has been serving as First Secretary. He has worked in the ministry's Pacific Division and served in the New Zealand High Commission in Tonga as deputy high commissioner.
Editor: Chen Zhi
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 13:39:15 FeedbackPrintRSS
WELLINGTON, Sept. 21 (Xinhua)
New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully announced Wednesday the country's first dedicated ambassador to the African Union and Ethiopia has.
Director of the Ministry's United Nations, Human Rights and Commonwealth Division James Kember is to take the post.
He has previously served ambassador to Vietnam, consul-general in Noumea and Hong Kong, up and high commissioner to Rarotonga.
"Appointing a dedicated ambassador to the African Union and Ethiopia demonstrates our clear intent to increase commercial and diplomatic engagement in a continent of growing economic and political importance," McCully said Wednesday.
"As ambassador, Dr Kember will play a significant role, contributing a New Zealand perspective on security, humanitarian and aid issues, and working to open doors to the African market for New Zealand exporters."
A new High Commissioner to Tuvalu was also announced Wednesday. Both posts will be based in Wellington.
"Accrediting non-resident ambassadors provides us with a flexible and cost-effective means of increasing our diplomatic activity," said McCully.
The high commissioner to Tuvalu will be Gareth Smith, who will return to Wellington from Canberra where he has been serving as First Secretary. He has worked in the ministry's Pacific Division and served in the New Zealand High Commission in Tonga as deputy high commissioner.
Editor: Chen Zhi
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 13:39:15 FeedbackPrintRSS
WELLINGTON, Sept. 21 (Xinhua)
Australia condemns assassination of former Afghan president
Australia condemns assassination of former Afghan president
Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd on Wednesday condemned the assassination of Burhanuddin Rabbani, an Afghanistan peacemaker and former president of Afghanistan.
Rudd said Professor Rabbani was dedicated to advancing the peace process, and he was appalled at his murder by those seeking to derail the creation of a stable Afghanistan.
"I am confident this cowardly attack will not deter the vital work being done by the High Peace Council to bring about a peaceful and secure Afghanistan," he said in a statement released on Wednesday, adding that Australia offered its condolences to Prof Rabbani's family, friends and the people of Afghanistan.
Rudd reaffirmed that Afghanistan government could continue to count on Australia's strong support for its efforts to achieve a lasting peace.
Australia also offered its sympathies to the Head of the High Peace Council's Secretariat, Massoum Stanekzai, who was injured in the attack.
A suicide bomber on Tuesday night killed Rabbani at his home in Kabula with bomb concealed in a turban, the Afghan capital.
Editor: Lu Hui
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 12:12:43 FeedbackPrintRSS
CANBERRA, Sept. 21 (Xinhua)
Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd on Wednesday condemned the assassination of Burhanuddin Rabbani, an Afghanistan peacemaker and former president of Afghanistan.
Rudd said Professor Rabbani was dedicated to advancing the peace process, and he was appalled at his murder by those seeking to derail the creation of a stable Afghanistan.
"I am confident this cowardly attack will not deter the vital work being done by the High Peace Council to bring about a peaceful and secure Afghanistan," he said in a statement released on Wednesday, adding that Australia offered its condolences to Prof Rabbani's family, friends and the people of Afghanistan.
Rudd reaffirmed that Afghanistan government could continue to count on Australia's strong support for its efforts to achieve a lasting peace.
Australia also offered its sympathies to the Head of the High Peace Council's Secretariat, Massoum Stanekzai, who was injured in the attack.
A suicide bomber on Tuesday night killed Rabbani at his home in Kabula with bomb concealed in a turban, the Afghan capital.
Editor: Lu Hui
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 12:12:43 FeedbackPrintRSS
CANBERRA, Sept. 21 (Xinhua)
Indonesia, Russia move forward in defense cooperation
Indonesia, Russia move forward in defense cooperation
Russia is stepping up its defense cooperation with Indonesia by drafting plans to set up a joint venture of armaments and military vehicles with Indonesian government-run defense industries.
Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Alexander Ivanov has said recently that Russia inches ahead in defense cooperation with Indonesia.
"We had undergone negotiations with PT Pindad, prepare to sign a MoU," Alexander said on Tuesday, referring to the MoU with its Indonesian counterpart in armament joint production. PT Pindad is Indonesia's armament producer, ran by Indonesian army.
Alexander was quoted by local media as saying talks with Indonesian ship and plane builder, PT PAL and PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) "are underway now. We are now preparing the MoU drafts on joint production," adding that a MoU with PAL and PTDI are expected later this year.
Alexander said that through the joint production on defense and strategic industries, transfer of Russian technology to Indonesia can be resumed as Indonesia has long been a Russia's friendly country that massively used Russian technology in the past.
Back in 1960s, during the administration of Indonesia's first President Soekarno, most of Indonesia's defense armaments and vehicles were supplied by Russia that made it the most formidable forces in southern hemisphere.
With the latest models of fighter and bomber planes from Russia, Indonesia had the most modern air force fleet at that time.
Indonesia now resumes using Russian Sukhoi fighter jets and Mi 35 and Mi 17 helicopters with some now have joined Indonesian forces' fleets and some other are expected to be delivered from Russia in the near future.
Indonesian Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro welcomed the Russian initiative to undertake joint production in defense industry with Indonesian firms, saying that there will be more cooperation in defense sector with Russia in the future.
"It was a sweet surprise as Russian has long been known as selective to select partners in joint production of defense equipments," Purnomo said.
He said that besides joint production and military equipment purchases, Indonesia would also sent its military cadets to study in Russia.
Editor: Chen Zhi
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 11:02:34 FeedbackPrintRSS
by Abu Hanifah
JAKARTA, Sept. 21 (Xinhua)
Russia is stepping up its defense cooperation with Indonesia by drafting plans to set up a joint venture of armaments and military vehicles with Indonesian government-run defense industries.
Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Alexander Ivanov has said recently that Russia inches ahead in defense cooperation with Indonesia.
"We had undergone negotiations with PT Pindad, prepare to sign a MoU," Alexander said on Tuesday, referring to the MoU with its Indonesian counterpart in armament joint production. PT Pindad is Indonesia's armament producer, ran by Indonesian army.
Alexander was quoted by local media as saying talks with Indonesian ship and plane builder, PT PAL and PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) "are underway now. We are now preparing the MoU drafts on joint production," adding that a MoU with PAL and PTDI are expected later this year.
Alexander said that through the joint production on defense and strategic industries, transfer of Russian technology to Indonesia can be resumed as Indonesia has long been a Russia's friendly country that massively used Russian technology in the past.
Back in 1960s, during the administration of Indonesia's first President Soekarno, most of Indonesia's defense armaments and vehicles were supplied by Russia that made it the most formidable forces in southern hemisphere.
With the latest models of fighter and bomber planes from Russia, Indonesia had the most modern air force fleet at that time.
Indonesia now resumes using Russian Sukhoi fighter jets and Mi 35 and Mi 17 helicopters with some now have joined Indonesian forces' fleets and some other are expected to be delivered from Russia in the near future.
Indonesian Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro welcomed the Russian initiative to undertake joint production in defense industry with Indonesian firms, saying that there will be more cooperation in defense sector with Russia in the future.
"It was a sweet surprise as Russian has long been known as selective to select partners in joint production of defense equipments," Purnomo said.
He said that besides joint production and military equipment purchases, Indonesia would also sent its military cadets to study in Russia.
Editor: Chen Zhi
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 11:02:34 FeedbackPrintRSS
by Abu Hanifah
JAKARTA, Sept. 21 (Xinhua)
Pakistani leaders condemn killing of Afghan peace council chief
Pakistani leaders condemn killing of Afghan peace council chief
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani have condemned, in the strongest terms, the Taliban attack which has led to the killing of Burhanuddin Rabbani, Chairman of the Afghan High Peace Council and also former Afghan president, said Pakistan's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.
Rabbani was killed in a suicide attack at his residence in Kabul on Tuesday night, reports from Kabul said.
"On behalf of the people and government of Pakistan, the Pakistani leadership has conveyed to the brotherly people and government of Afghanistan, extreme anger and shock on the terrorist attack," the Foreign Ministry said.
"The people of Pakistan stand by their Afghan brothers and sisters in this moment of grief on losing a visionary leader who was actively pursuing peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan," it said.
The Pakistani leaders said Professor Burhanuddin Rabbani was a friend of Pakistan with whom they were working closely within the Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Commission for Reconciliation and Peace on a vision for peace and prosperity in Afghanistan.
"Professor Rabbani has been martyred by the enemies of peace in Afghanistan," the Pakistani President and Prime Minister said.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 02:34:59 FeedbackPrintRSS
ISLAMABAD, Sept. 20 (Xinhua)
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani have condemned, in the strongest terms, the Taliban attack which has led to the killing of Burhanuddin Rabbani, Chairman of the Afghan High Peace Council and also former Afghan president, said Pakistan's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.
Rabbani was killed in a suicide attack at his residence in Kabul on Tuesday night, reports from Kabul said.
"On behalf of the people and government of Pakistan, the Pakistani leadership has conveyed to the brotherly people and government of Afghanistan, extreme anger and shock on the terrorist attack," the Foreign Ministry said.
"The people of Pakistan stand by their Afghan brothers and sisters in this moment of grief on losing a visionary leader who was actively pursuing peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan," it said.
The Pakistani leaders said Professor Burhanuddin Rabbani was a friend of Pakistan with whom they were working closely within the Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Commission for Reconciliation and Peace on a vision for peace and prosperity in Afghanistan.
"Professor Rabbani has been martyred by the enemies of peace in Afghanistan," the Pakistani President and Prime Minister said.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 02:34:59 FeedbackPrintRSS
ISLAMABAD, Sept. 20 (Xinhua)
Australian ABC criticized for airing sex scene involving PM lookalike, national flag
Australian ABC criticized for airing sex scene involving PM lookalike, national flag
Australia's national broadcaster, ABC, has drawn harsh criticism as its TV satire aired a sex scene involving lookalikes of Prime Minister Julia Gillard and her partner Tim Matheson.
An episode of the ABC sitcom "At Home With Julia," which aired nationally, Tuesday night, depicted actress and actors playing Julia Gillard and Tim Matheson draped in the Australian national flag after having sex on the floor of the prime minister's office. The depiction drew cross-spectrum cricitism nationwide.
Speaking to Xinhua, Professor David Flint of the Australian Monarchist League said the ABC production of "At Home With Julia" was beyond mere bad taste.
"Aside from merely being bad television and not very funny, this portrayal denigrates the person of the prime minister -- not to mention her partner -- it denigrates the Australian flag, which although not defended with the same laws as in the United States has its own protocols that should be observed, is still representative of our nation and finally it denigrates the office of the Prime Minister of Australia," he said.
Flint added that the ABC ignored a long-standing protocol that bans flag-hitting, debasement or being used to cover anything other than a coffin during funerals.
In its blurb for the show, the ABC says, "The four-part comedy series takes viewers into the life of PM Julia Gillard and boyfriend Tim Mathieson, behind the closed doors of The Lodge."
Calum McCulloch, a member of the Australian republican movement said the concept was "stupid and offensive."
"The prime minister represents the highest office in the nation and that, as a symbol of Australia..deserves to be persevered from the kind of mockery, disdain, foolishness and downright poor taste that the ABC has shown. I am ashamed, ashamed to be Australian and ashamed for the prime minister," he said.
A spokesman for the ABC and production company, Quail TV refused to make apologies for the scene and described the four part series as "courting controversy."
The prime minister's office refused to comment to Xinhua, stating that while Gillard had seen parts of the show, there would be no official response at the time.
In a reflection of the outrage the sex scene has evoked, the embattled prime minister has received support from strange quarters, including her implacable parliamentary enemies of the National-Liberal Coalition.
Several lawmakers have vented their anger at the "viscous television" with some adding their weight to calls for a cut to the funding of the national broadcaster, the ABC.
Veteran National Bruce Scott told News Ltd he found the program offensive and disrespectful to the office of prime minister -- "no matter who the prime minister is."
"How do parents then tell their children they have to be respectful to their elders and to leaders?" he said.
Editor: Chen Zhi
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 09:43:48 FeedbackPrintRSS
by Christian Edwards
SYDNEY, Sept. 21 (Xinhua)
Australia's national broadcaster, ABC, has drawn harsh criticism as its TV satire aired a sex scene involving lookalikes of Prime Minister Julia Gillard and her partner Tim Matheson.
An episode of the ABC sitcom "At Home With Julia," which aired nationally, Tuesday night, depicted actress and actors playing Julia Gillard and Tim Matheson draped in the Australian national flag after having sex on the floor of the prime minister's office. The depiction drew cross-spectrum cricitism nationwide.
Speaking to Xinhua, Professor David Flint of the Australian Monarchist League said the ABC production of "At Home With Julia" was beyond mere bad taste.
"Aside from merely being bad television and not very funny, this portrayal denigrates the person of the prime minister -- not to mention her partner -- it denigrates the Australian flag, which although not defended with the same laws as in the United States has its own protocols that should be observed, is still representative of our nation and finally it denigrates the office of the Prime Minister of Australia," he said.
Flint added that the ABC ignored a long-standing protocol that bans flag-hitting, debasement or being used to cover anything other than a coffin during funerals.
In its blurb for the show, the ABC says, "The four-part comedy series takes viewers into the life of PM Julia Gillard and boyfriend Tim Mathieson, behind the closed doors of The Lodge."
Calum McCulloch, a member of the Australian republican movement said the concept was "stupid and offensive."
"The prime minister represents the highest office in the nation and that, as a symbol of Australia..deserves to be persevered from the kind of mockery, disdain, foolishness and downright poor taste that the ABC has shown. I am ashamed, ashamed to be Australian and ashamed for the prime minister," he said.
A spokesman for the ABC and production company, Quail TV refused to make apologies for the scene and described the four part series as "courting controversy."
The prime minister's office refused to comment to Xinhua, stating that while Gillard had seen parts of the show, there would be no official response at the time.
In a reflection of the outrage the sex scene has evoked, the embattled prime minister has received support from strange quarters, including her implacable parliamentary enemies of the National-Liberal Coalition.
Several lawmakers have vented their anger at the "viscous television" with some adding their weight to calls for a cut to the funding of the national broadcaster, the ABC.
Veteran National Bruce Scott told News Ltd he found the program offensive and disrespectful to the office of prime minister -- "no matter who the prime minister is."
"How do parents then tell their children they have to be respectful to their elders and to leaders?" he said.
Editor: Chen Zhi
English.news.cn 2011-09-21 09:43:48 FeedbackPrintRSS
by Christian Edwards
SYDNEY, Sept. 21 (Xinhua)
Thai parliament chief pledges to help improve ties with Cambodia
Thai parliament chief pledges to help improve ties with Cambodia
Somsak Kiatsuranont, president of Thailand's National Assembly, promised on Tuesday to help boost bilateral relations and cooperation between Thailand and Cambodia after the two neighbors' ties have been damaged since 2008 due to the border conflict.
Speaking in a meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen at the Phnom Penh's Peace Palace, Somsak Kiatsuranont said now the peoples of Thailand and Cambodia have become "fraternal" again after the Pheu Thai Party won in the general election in July.
He said that both Thailand and Cambodia have the same aspiration to see the disputed border areas becoming markets, so now it should be the time for the two neighbors to boost bilateral trade and investment for the interests of the two peoples.
He said that the nature has provided Cambodia and Thailand to have offshore overlapping areas that are rich in mineral resources, so the two countries should join forces to tap those mineral resources to develop their respective economies.
Meanwhile, Hun Sen said that he was very satisfied with recent improving relations between Cambodia and Thailand, adding that the things that happened in the past were just the nightmare in Cambodian and Thai relations.
Cambodia and Thailand have had sporadic border conflicts over the territorial dispute near Cambodia's Preah Vihear Temple since the UNESCO listed the temple as a World Heritage Site on July 7, 2008 and witnessed fierce border fighting in February and April during the Thai's Democrat-led administration.
But tensions have eased since the Pheu Thai Party, led by former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's youngest sister Yingluck Shinawatra, won a landslide victory in the general elections on July 3.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-20 22:51:58 FeedbackPrintRSS
PHNOM PENH, Sept. 20 (Xinhua)
Somsak Kiatsuranont, president of Thailand's National Assembly, promised on Tuesday to help boost bilateral relations and cooperation between Thailand and Cambodia after the two neighbors' ties have been damaged since 2008 due to the border conflict.
Speaking in a meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen at the Phnom Penh's Peace Palace, Somsak Kiatsuranont said now the peoples of Thailand and Cambodia have become "fraternal" again after the Pheu Thai Party won in the general election in July.
He said that both Thailand and Cambodia have the same aspiration to see the disputed border areas becoming markets, so now it should be the time for the two neighbors to boost bilateral trade and investment for the interests of the two peoples.
He said that the nature has provided Cambodia and Thailand to have offshore overlapping areas that are rich in mineral resources, so the two countries should join forces to tap those mineral resources to develop their respective economies.
Meanwhile, Hun Sen said that he was very satisfied with recent improving relations between Cambodia and Thailand, adding that the things that happened in the past were just the nightmare in Cambodian and Thai relations.
Cambodia and Thailand have had sporadic border conflicts over the territorial dispute near Cambodia's Preah Vihear Temple since the UNESCO listed the temple as a World Heritage Site on July 7, 2008 and witnessed fierce border fighting in February and April during the Thai's Democrat-led administration.
But tensions have eased since the Pheu Thai Party, led by former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's youngest sister Yingluck Shinawatra, won a landslide victory in the general elections on July 3.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-20 22:51:58 FeedbackPrintRSS
PHNOM PENH, Sept. 20 (Xinhua)
Singapore envoy to attend hit-and-run trial in Romania
Singapore envoy to attend hit-and-run trial in Romania
Singapore's special envoy to Romania Anil Kumar Nayar will attend a hearing for the trial of former Romanian diplomat Silviu Ionescu in Bucharest for alleged hit and run on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
The special envoy will be accompanied by a representative from the Attorney-General's Chambers.
Ionescu, a former diplomat who used to be stationed in Singapore, is on trial for culpable manslaughter, fleeing the scene of an accident in Singapore, and giving false statements.
Singapore has been trying to bring Ionescu, who has left Singapore, to the trial, saying that it believes in the legal system of Romania. Witnesses have testified in the trial via video link from Singapore.
Ionescu denied being involved in the incident.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-20 22:50:29 FeedbackPrintRSS
SINGAPORE, Sept. 20 (Xinhua)
Singapore's special envoy to Romania Anil Kumar Nayar will attend a hearing for the trial of former Romanian diplomat Silviu Ionescu in Bucharest for alleged hit and run on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
The special envoy will be accompanied by a representative from the Attorney-General's Chambers.
Ionescu, a former diplomat who used to be stationed in Singapore, is on trial for culpable manslaughter, fleeing the scene of an accident in Singapore, and giving false statements.
Singapore has been trying to bring Ionescu, who has left Singapore, to the trial, saying that it believes in the legal system of Romania. Witnesses have testified in the trial via video link from Singapore.
Ionescu denied being involved in the incident.
Editor: yan
English.news.cn 2011-09-20 22:50:29 FeedbackPrintRSS
SINGAPORE, Sept. 20 (Xinhua)
Explosion heard near U.S. embassy in Kabul
Explosion heard near U.S. embassy in Kabul
A blast was heard near the U.S. embassy in Kabul on Tuesday evening, with casualties feared.
The explosion site is also near the house of Burhanuddin Rabbani, chairman of Afghan High Peace Council.
A police officer near the site said there might be casualties.
English.news.cn 2011-09-20 21:51:32 FeedbackPrintRSS
KABUL, Sept. 20 (Xinhua)
A blast was heard near the U.S. embassy in Kabul on Tuesday evening, with casualties feared.
The explosion site is also near the house of Burhanuddin Rabbani, chairman of Afghan High Peace Council.
A police officer near the site said there might be casualties.
English.news.cn 2011-09-20 21:51:32 FeedbackPrintRSS
KABUL, Sept. 20 (Xinhua)
Over 40 militants killed in Afghanistan
Over 40 militants killed in Afghanistan
Over 40 militants have been killed in an on-going clash in Bargi Matal district of Nuristan province, with Parun as its capital, 180 km east of Kabul, provincial governor Tamim Nuristan said on Tuesday.
"A total of 43 militants have been killed in a clash that broke out since Saturday and is still going on in surrounding areas of Bargi Matal district," governor of Nuristan Tamim Nuristani told Xinhua.
He said an Afghan army soldier was also killed and three policemen were injured in the fighting that occurred in remote Bargi Matal district bordering Pakistan.
Meantime, a purported spokesman of the Taliban, Zabihullah Mujahid in talks with local media via cell phone from an undisclosed location confirmed the incident, saying some of Taliban fighters have been killed in the fighting in the district and claimed that the Taliban also killed nine Afghan policemen in the attacks to gain the control of Bargi Matal district.
In another development, unknown armed men shot and killed a tribal elder in eastern Logar province on Monday night, provincial police chief Ghulam Sakhi Rogh Lewani confirmed on Tuesday.
"Two armed men assassinated Shah Wali, a tribal elder, in Mohammad Agha district late on Monday when Wali was on his way home," Lewani told Xinhua, adding the police has initiated an investigation to find the culprits behind the assassination.
At least six government officials and tribal elders have been killed by insurgents since September.
The insurgent group has 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.
The Taliban also warned people against supporting government and foreign troops.
English.news.cn 2011-09-20 20:05:09 FeedbackPrintRSS
PARUN, Afghanistan, Sept. 20 (Xinhua)
Over 40 militants have been killed in an on-going clash in Bargi Matal district of Nuristan province, with Parun as its capital, 180 km east of Kabul, provincial governor Tamim Nuristan said on Tuesday.
"A total of 43 militants have been killed in a clash that broke out since Saturday and is still going on in surrounding areas of Bargi Matal district," governor of Nuristan Tamim Nuristani told Xinhua.
He said an Afghan army soldier was also killed and three policemen were injured in the fighting that occurred in remote Bargi Matal district bordering Pakistan.
Meantime, a purported spokesman of the Taliban, Zabihullah Mujahid in talks with local media via cell phone from an undisclosed location confirmed the incident, saying some of Taliban fighters have been killed in the fighting in the district and claimed that the Taliban also killed nine Afghan policemen in the attacks to gain the control of Bargi Matal district.
In another development, unknown armed men shot and killed a tribal elder in eastern Logar province on Monday night, provincial police chief Ghulam Sakhi Rogh Lewani confirmed on Tuesday.
"Two armed men assassinated Shah Wali, a tribal elder, in Mohammad Agha district late on Monday when Wali was on his way home," Lewani told Xinhua, adding the police has initiated an investigation to find the culprits behind the assassination.
At least six government officials and tribal elders have been killed by insurgents since September.
The insurgent group has 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.
The Taliban also warned people against supporting government and foreign troops.
English.news.cn 2011-09-20 20:05:09 FeedbackPrintRSS
PARUN, Afghanistan, Sept. 20 (Xinhua)
Thailand approves loan fund for business affected by flood
Thailand approves loan fund for business affected by flood
Thai cabinet on Tuesday approved a two billion baht (about 65 million U.S. dollars) loan to manufacturers affected by the floods, Bangkok Post online reported.
The upper part of Thailand have been inundated for nearly two months as monsoon have prevailed over the country.
The financial assistance for small and medium-sized enterprise (SMEs) was proposed by the Ministry of Finance at the weekly cabinet meeting.
Under the plan, financial assistance in a form of soft loan will be given to SMEs affected by the floods that have inundated several regions since July 25.
The loans are for small and medium-sized manufacturers to repair or refurbish their plants, to rehabilitate their business or for use as operating capital.
Meanwhile, the latest report from the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department said a total of 123 people were confirmed dead and two people were missing.
The floods still prevail in 25 provinces, mostly in the north and central province, except Bangkok.
Altogether about 1.5 million people in 153 districts of the 25 provinces were affected by the floods, the report said.
Editor: Yang Lina
English.news.cn 2011-09-20 18:05:09 FeedbackPrintRSS
BANGKOK, Sept. 20 (Xinhua)
Thai cabinet on Tuesday approved a two billion baht (about 65 million U.S. dollars) loan to manufacturers affected by the floods, Bangkok Post online reported.
The upper part of Thailand have been inundated for nearly two months as monsoon have prevailed over the country.
The financial assistance for small and medium-sized enterprise (SMEs) was proposed by the Ministry of Finance at the weekly cabinet meeting.
Under the plan, financial assistance in a form of soft loan will be given to SMEs affected by the floods that have inundated several regions since July 25.
The loans are for small and medium-sized manufacturers to repair or refurbish their plants, to rehabilitate their business or for use as operating capital.
Meanwhile, the latest report from the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department said a total of 123 people were confirmed dead and two people were missing.
The floods still prevail in 25 provinces, mostly in the north and central province, except Bangkok.
Altogether about 1.5 million people in 153 districts of the 25 provinces were affected by the floods, the report said.
Editor: Yang Lina
English.news.cn 2011-09-20 18:05:09 FeedbackPrintRSS
BANGKOK, Sept. 20 (Xinhua)
Worst affected areas in Sikkim quake totally damaged: Indian army
Worst affected areas in Sikkim quake totally damaged: Indian army
The worst affected Mangan and Singhtam areas in quake-hit Sikkim in northeast India are totally damaged, as army personnel and rescuers are fighting to get into the areas whose roads are blocked by landslides, the Indian army side on Tuesday.
The Press Trust of India quoted army sources as saying that the army personnel and rescuers are still unable to get into these areas, including Mangan, the epicenter of the 6.8 magnitude earthquake which hit Sikkim on Sunday.
But local TV reports said about 200 soldiers and rescuers are already entering these areas.
The areas are believed to be sparsely populated but it is unknown about the casualties there.
So far 58 people are confirmed killed in the earthquake in India, including 41 in Sikkim, and 17 in neighboring West Bengal and Bihar.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-09-20 16:32:11 FeedbackPrintRSS
NEW DELHI, Sept. 20 (Xinhua)
The worst affected Mangan and Singhtam areas in quake-hit Sikkim in northeast India are totally damaged, as army personnel and rescuers are fighting to get into the areas whose roads are blocked by landslides, the Indian army side on Tuesday.
The Press Trust of India quoted army sources as saying that the army personnel and rescuers are still unable to get into these areas, including Mangan, the epicenter of the 6.8 magnitude earthquake which hit Sikkim on Sunday.
But local TV reports said about 200 soldiers and rescuers are already entering these areas.
The areas are believed to be sparsely populated but it is unknown about the casualties there.
So far 58 people are confirmed killed in the earthquake in India, including 41 in Sikkim, and 17 in neighboring West Bengal and Bihar.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-09-20 16:32:11 FeedbackPrintRSS
NEW DELHI, Sept. 20 (Xinhua)
More fire trucks and crews sent to battle bushfire in Australia's Blue Mountains
More fire trucks and crews sent to battle bushfire in Australia's Blue Mountains
More fire trucks and crews have been sent to battle a bushfire in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney as strong winds continue to fan the blaze, the Rural Fire Service (RFS) said on Tuesday.
A blaze at Leura in the Blue Mountains, which has been burning since Monday afternoon, has now scorched five hectares, RFS spokesman Joel Kursawe said.
But the cause of the fire is still unknown, he said.
About 35 fire trucks are on the scene along with 145 firefighters and three helicopters.
"We don't have a threat to houses at the moment but we have adequate crews there to implement that should the need arise," Kursawe told the Australian Associated Press (AAP).
Winds have increased from 40 km an hour to 59 km an hour and are expected to get worse.
"We are continuing to work to bring the fire under control. These winds are obviously making it very hard for us and also making it very hard for the aircraft to work in high winds," Kursawe said.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-09-20 15:40:36 FeedbackPrintRSS
SYDNEY, Sept. 20 (Xinhua)
More fire trucks and crews have been sent to battle a bushfire in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney as strong winds continue to fan the blaze, the Rural Fire Service (RFS) said on Tuesday.
A blaze at Leura in the Blue Mountains, which has been burning since Monday afternoon, has now scorched five hectares, RFS spokesman Joel Kursawe said.
But the cause of the fire is still unknown, he said.
About 35 fire trucks are on the scene along with 145 firefighters and three helicopters.
"We don't have a threat to houses at the moment but we have adequate crews there to implement that should the need arise," Kursawe told the Australian Associated Press (AAP).
Winds have increased from 40 km an hour to 59 km an hour and are expected to get worse.
"We are continuing to work to bring the fire under control. These winds are obviously making it very hard for us and also making it very hard for the aircraft to work in high winds," Kursawe said.
Editor: Wang Guanqun
English.news.cn 2011-09-20 15:40:36 FeedbackPrintRSS
SYDNEY, Sept. 20 (Xinhua)
S. Korea to provide 200,000 USD in aid to flood-hit Pakistan
S. Korea to provide 200,000 USD in aid to flood-hit Pakistan
South Korea will offer emergency relief supplies worth 200,000 U.S. dollars to flood victims in Pakistan, the foreign ministry here said Tuesday.
Heavy rains triggered massive floods in southern Pakistan, which have killed 226, affected some five million people and inundated 40,000 acres of land.
Seoul will deliver relief supplies including tents, blankets and water purification tablets starting on Wednesday, according to the foreign ministry. The supplies are expected to reach Pakistan on Sunday.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-09-20 15:28:43 FeedbackPrintRSS
SEOUL, Sept. 20 (Xinhua)
South Korea will offer emergency relief supplies worth 200,000 U.S. dollars to flood victims in Pakistan, the foreign ministry here said Tuesday.
Heavy rains triggered massive floods in southern Pakistan, which have killed 226, affected some five million people and inundated 40,000 acres of land.
Seoul will deliver relief supplies including tents, blankets and water purification tablets starting on Wednesday, according to the foreign ministry. The supplies are expected to reach Pakistan on Sunday.
Editor: Yamei Wang
English.news.cn 2011-09-20 15:28:43 FeedbackPrintRSS
SEOUL, Sept. 20 (Xinhua)
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