December 2008
Taiwan's year of living democracy
Updated 26/12/2008 11:47:24
Summer Special: With its fourth direct democratic presidential election, Taiwan - the self-governing island that China considers part of its territory - saw its second fully democratic change in power in 2008. An election year would usually see an escalation in tensions between China and Taiwan. But this time, China let democracy take its course and the Taiwanese people obliged by installing a China-friendly leadership.
The path through Uzbek culture
Updated 26/12/2008 11:47:18
For centuries, the Central Asian republic of Uzbekistan has seen people come from far and wide. It is on the famed Silk Road, an important trade route. Among those to fall in love with Uzbekistan is Professor Guy Petherbridge, an Australian who is trying to ensure Uzbek culture continues to have a place not only in its homeland but in the eyes of the world.
Beyond China's boomtowns
Updated 25/12/2008 11:47:18
Summer Special: As the full force of the global financial crisis sweeps around the world, optimism has turned to pessimism even in booming China. Millions of migrant workers are losing their jobs and moving back to provincial cities and farms, and China's great capitalist experiment threatens to break under the strain. Radio Australia's Karon Snowdon travelled beyond the boomtowns of the east coast to investigate China's latest experiment in social and economic engineering.
Islamic parties prepare for 2009 election
Updated 24/12/2008 09:45:28
As Indonesia prepares to go to the polls in 2009, the popularity of the nation's Islamic parties appears to be declining. Islamic organisations say voters are more concerned about the economy, health and education, than religion and values.
Indonesian business told to back anti-corruption drive
Updated 24/12/2008 09:45:28
An Indonesian government minister has become known as the "iron lady". Sri Mulyani's hardline stance against the misuse of government funds has attracted attention, in particular a call to the business community to help the government reduce corruption on the ports.
Ad men take on the birth of Christ
Updated 24/12/2008 09:45:28
A group of advertising executives in Britain has come up with a novel approach to educating the country about the story of Christmas. They have launched an international competition to see who can tell the story of the birth of Christ in less than 30 seconds.
High-level defamation case against respected Timor newspaper
Updated 23/12/2008 22:05:04
A respected newspaper in East Timor has been charged with defamation over a series of stories which it published accusing the country's Minister of Justice of corruption, collusion and nepotism. The newspaper's director, Jose Belo, says the government isn't serious about tackling corruption, and says he's prepared to go to jail to defend his publication.
New Zealand's acting High Commissioner expelled from Fiji
Updated 23/12/2008 22:05:04
Fiji's military backed government has expelled New Zealand's acting High Commissioner, Caroline McDonald. Ms McDonald is now the second top New Zealand diplomat to be forced out of Fiji since the expulsion of High Commissioner Michael Green in June last year. It marks the lowest point in relations between Fiji, New Zealand and Australia since the 2006 coup.
Inquiry finds Australian police wrongfully charge terrorism suspect
Updated 23/12/2008 22:05:04
The Australian government has accepted ten recommendations from an inquiry into the now infamous case of Indian-born doctor Mohamed Haneef. He was arrested last year in Queensland, detained at length and wrongly charged on suspicion of links to bomb attacks in Britain. But one of Australia's top law experts says the recommendations from the inquiry into the case do not go far enough.
Renewed talks to preserve Indonesia's traditional communities
Updated 23/12/2008 22:05:03
The future of Indonesia's traditional communities is back on the public agenda and could even become a platform during next year's presidential elections in July. The main issue is how to preserve their cultural status. Although many of the communities still have royal palaces, some lack the financial and cultural support to survive.
Philippines to boost military spending in Mindanao
Updated 23/12/2008 22:05:03
The Philippines government says it will boost military funding next year in a renewed effort to end the 40 year old Maoist-led insurgency in the southern island of Mindanao. President Gloria Arroyo says the government will spend more than $US200 million to buy new equipment. But few are expecting anything to change.
Thailand's new cabinet in place
Updated 22/12/2008 21:38:43
In the space of a month Thailand has gone from mass blockades and street protests to some semblance of political order, with the new cabinet of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva now in place. The 36 member cabinet includes 24 ministers who will serve in government for the first time. And there are those who say some of the new ministers lack the experience to revive the Thai economy at this critical time.
Online writer causes a stir in South Korea
Updated 22/12/2008 21:38:42
In South Korea, an online writer known as "Minerva" has created a stir, after making some disconcertingly correct predictions in online forums about the economy, including the fall of Lehmann Brothers. Some Korean internet users are calling the writer the 'Oracle' but the government accused him of spreading fear with his gloomy predictions.
Call for mandatory pre-marital HIV testing
Updated 22/12/2008 21:38:43
Malaysia's deputy premier Najib Tun Razak says he wants pre-marital HIV testing to become mandatory nationwide for Muslim couples from next year, and more voluntary testing for non-Muslims. Although health experts have welcomed the government's commitment to reducing HIV infection levels, some see the proposals as a waste of money.
Multi-billion dollar Chinese cash boost for Taiwanese investors
Updated 22/12/2008 21:38:43
In a further sign of warming ties between China and Taiwan Beijing has pledged a $US19 billion cash injection for Taiwanese investors over the next three years. The offer is part of a ten-point plan announced during a weekend summit in Shanghai. But some are suspicious of the offer and think it's just a new chapter in China's efforts to regain control of Taiwan.
Bollywood spotlight targets Mumbai attacks
Updated 22/12/2008 21:38:42
Three weeks after it was severely damaged in terrorist attacks on India's financial capital Mumbai, the iconic Taj Hotel has reopened. Meanwhile several Bollywood producers have already registered film titles about the Mumbai attacks.
Japan, Australia sign new security pact
Updated 19/12/2008 20:36:54
Japan and Australia have taken yet another step towards expanding their security, economic and strategic partnerships. Signing a new security pact in Tokyo, the foreign ministers from both countries say the agreement will also expand cooperation on disaster prevention and fighting terrorism. Australia's defence minister also travelled to Japan for the signing of the agreement.
Pacific shanty towns on the rise
Updated 19/12/2008 20:36:54
Nearly every Pacific island nation has squatter settlements in, and around, its cities and larger towns. Many of those, like Port Moresby in PNG, Suva in Fiji and Port Villa in Vanuatu, have more than one. In recent years, the number of people in those settlements, and the actual number of settlements, has gone up signficantly, driven by poor economies, and the desire of people to take advantage of better job and education opportunities.
Indonesia holds anti-terror drill
Updated 19/12/2008 20:36:54
Indonesia's military and police have launched a four-day drill simulating sea-based attacks in the Malacca Strait .. as part of a nationwide series of anti-terror exercises.
Talks on Australia's Maritime Force
Updated 19/12/2008 20:36:54
Australia's Prime Minister has again said he wants a stronger navy, fuelling expectations of a boost to Australia's maritime force in a coming defence White Paper.
Festive cheer beyond the means of many a tourist in Indonesia
Updated 19/12/2008 20:36:54
Indonesia may be the world's most populous Muslim nation, but that doesn't mean it's immune from the Christian festive season. Hotels and department stores in Jakarta and Bali embrace the commercial spirit of Christmas. But Christmas cheer may be harder to find: a new anti-corruption drive is making imported alcohol prohibitively expensive.
Land mine clearing continues in Cambodia
Updated 18/12/2008 20:33:17
Cambodia is seeking further international support to extend its land mine-clearing operations until 2020. According to the Ottawa Convention, Cambodia was supposed to clear its land mines and unexploded ordnance by January 2010 .. 10 years after it signed the convention.
Fiji economy still suffering
Updated 18/12/2008 20:33:17
When Fiji's interim Government expelled New Zealand journalist Barbara Dreaver earlier this week it gave as a reason, her coverage of the state of the country's economy, and conditions for some of its poorest people. But as the year comes to an end there are few signs of an improvement. Many of the jobs in industries like tourism have gone, and the sugar industry, which once employed a quarter of the people in rural Fiji has continued to shrink.
Indonesian migrant workers stung by economic downturn
Updated 18/12/2008 20:33:18
Today is International Migration Day, but Indonesians working abroad have little reason to celebrate. Authorities predict at least 250,000 of the 5 million registered migrant workers will be forced to return home as overseas job dry up in the due to the economic down turn.
End of West's overconsumption spells trouble for China
Updated 18/12/2008 20:33:18
China's economic slowdown poses a political challenge to the nation's leaders, as factories close and millions of migrants from the countryside face unemployment.
Indigenous football in Australia
Updated 18/12/2008 20:33:17
One of the rising stars of Indigenous football in Australia is about to make a very big leap. Melbourne Football Club has welcomed into its ranks Liam Jurrah, a traditional man from thousands of kilometres and an entire lifestyle away in the central Australian desert.
Companies urged to protect migrant workers
Updated 17/12/2008 20:47:29
A two year study has found the abuse of migrant workers is on the rise. The global Business for Social Responsibility network is planning to tackle the problem in a different way. It wants its 250 member companies to take more responsibility for the fate of workers who produce goods for them ... often at arm's length, and far away.
Plans to protect Vietnam's Thi Vai River
Updated 17/12/2008 20:47:29
Vietnamese leaders and environmental agencies have declared the Thi Vai river would not be sacrificed to economic growth.
Charity closure halts Pakistan relief efforts
Updated 17/12/2008 20:47:29
The closure of a Pakistan charity - listed as a terrorist group - has brought relief operations in some of the areas worst hit by October's devastating earthquake to a halt. The Pakistan government this week moved to shut down Jamaat-ud-Daawa, after the United Nations said it was a front for the group accused of orchestrating the Mumbai attacks.
North Korea food aid concern
Updated 17/12/2008 20:47:29
A decision by North Korea to place a ban on free markets and food stalls in has aid groups worried food security problems in the country could worsen.
Education review recommends significant change
Updated 17/12/2008 20:47:29
The Bradley report is the most significant review of Australian higher education in more than two decades.
Election of new Thai prime minister marred by protest
Updated 16/12/2008 01:56:52
Thailand has a new prime minister Dr Abhisit Vejjajiva from the opposition Democrat Party. But even as parliamentarians were voting in their new leader hundreds of pro-government protesters from a group calling itself the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship or UDD put up metal barriers against the exits of the parliament compounds.
ASEAN chief hails signing of Charter
Updated 16/12/2008 20:29:24
Thailand will host the 14th summit of the Association of South East Nations from February 24th to 26th. Newly elected Thai prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva says he wants to move the delayed summit from the earlier propsed date in March to febrruary in order to regain regional confidence in the kingdom. The announcement comes at a time when the grouping itself moved a step forward with the signing of the ASEAN Charter in Jakarta on monday.
Britian pledges more aid to Pakistan
Updated 16/12/2008 01:56:51
Britain has pledged nine million dollars to fight terrorist groups and provide technical assistance to increase security in Pakistan. Prime Minister Gordon Brown says seventy-five percent of terrorist plots investigated by British authorities have links to Al Queda in Pakistan. Although the amount of money promised by Mr Brown won't go very far it's a good indication Britain realises the need for a joint effort to tackle terrorism.
China criticised for its hard stance on human rights
Updated 16/12/2008 20:29:24
Last week, a diverse group of 303 Chinese individuals including lawyers, academics, and peasants signed an open letter calling for legal reforms, democracy and protection of human rights. The open letter called the "08 Charter" coincided with the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Day. Chinese authorities responded by immediately detaining two of the signatories.
Diplomatic standoff between Fiji and New Zealand continues
Updated 16/12/2008 20:29:24
The diplomatic standoff between Fiji and New Zealand continues. New Zealand's High Commissioner in Suva Caroline McDonald looked like she was about to be the country's second diplomat in 18 months to be expelled from Fiji. Interim prime minister Frank Bainimarama is unhappy that visas for children of senior diplomats have been refused by New Zealand's department of immigration. But earlier in the day a TV New Zealand correspondent was expelled from Nadi.
Malaysia to set up new anti corruption body
Updated 16/12/2008 20:29:24
Malaysia is setting up a new anti corruption body to fight worsening graft in the country. It would be totally independent and have the powers to prosecute the criminals.
Election campaigning starts in Bangladesh
Updated 16/12/2008 20:29:24
Campaigning for elections to restore democratic rule in Bangladesh has begun, amid expectations the military-backed government will lift a state of emergency tomorrow. The International Crisis Group has warned the situation remains "complex and fragile", while others say Bangladeshis are looking forward to polling day.
Asia affected by the crisis within the automotive industry
Updated 16/12/2008 21:35:51
The world financial crisis looks set to claim more victims in the region's automotive industry. Newspaper reports are predicting a 1 point 1 billion dollar loss for the world's largest car-maker, Toyota. While they say this won't affect jobs or investment in India or Australia, there's much speculation on where predicted production cuts will hit.
Australian carbon cuts to be limited
Updated 16/12/2008 01:56:51
After a long debate, Australia has set its target to cut carbon pollution at a low five per cent by the year 2020. Should the world agree on global action .. Australia would cut deeper, to fifteen percent. The Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says international economic conditions are making a global deal very hard and he wants to balance taking the initiative and protecting Australia's economy.
ASEAN members sign their Charter
Updated 16/12/2008 01:56:51
What's being touted as a significant turning point in the history of South East Asia took place today at a hastily-convened meeting in Jakarta. Foreign Ministers from the 10 ASEAN countries gathered to mark the coming into force of their new charter, which promises to make the grouping a full, rules-based legal entity, able to sanction member nations which depart from the grouping's core policies. While some observers compare the new body to an infant European Union, others say the new charter is simply form over substance.
Democrats leader a frontman for Thai barons: Analyst
Updated 16/12/2008 01:56:51
Despite Abhisit Vejjajiva's optimism he is going to face intense pressure form the People's Alliance for Democracy, the pro Thaksin movement and the deteriorating Thai economy.
Thailand's new PM confident of success
Updated 16/12/2008 01:56:52
Dr Abihist has a very slender majority winning only 235 votes in parliament. He will lead a government made up of members of his Democrat Party, and a whole range of other parties including a breakaway faction of the Puea Thai party which replaced the People Power Party after it was banned by the consitutional court. Given the deep schisms many predict that the turmoil of the last three years will continue. But Dr Abihisit is not fazed.
Australia takes tough line with Fiji
Updated 12/12/2008 19:27:25
Australia has toughened its tone with Fiji after regional ministers admitted the March 2009 deadline for democratic elections won't be met.
Qatar 'bans' Vietnamese migrant labourers
Updated 12/12/2008 19:27:25
Vietnamese officials have headed off on a damage-control mission to the Gulf state of Qatar - which has reportedly banned migrant labourers from Vietnam.
Santos exits Lapindo but locals still angry
Updated 12/12/2008 19:27:25
Australian oil and gas exploration company Santos has announced it's transferring its 18 per cent interest in the Brantas production sharing contract to a company tied to the contract operator, Lapindo Brantas.
PNG province reeling from huge wave impact
Updated 12/12/2008 19:27:25
The Papua New Guinea province of New Ireland is still reeling from the huge seas that destroyed coastal homes and villages earlier this week.
Indigenous education experts converge on Melbourne
Updated 12/12/2008 19:27:21
Educators, academics, students and communities from across the world are meeting here in Melbourne to look at the future of indigenous education. The World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education has crammed more than 350 presentations into four days of talks.
Overseas troops in East Timor graduate from Tetum course
Updated 12/12/2008 19:27:21
In East Timor, seven soldiers from Australia and New Zealand have graduated from the first Tetum- language course run in the country for foreign troops. Alongside Portuguese, Tetum is East Timor's other official language, and is spoken by the majority of East Timorese. The course is part of a bid by the Australian military to strengthen soldiers' language skills, and help them work with members of the Timorese army and local community.
China's economy squeezed faster than expected by global slowdown
Updated 11/12/2008 21:43:54
The unexpected fall in China's exports in November is another demonstration of how quickly the economy is being squeezed by the global financial crisis.
Rich world must do more on climate: Indonesia
Updated 11/12/2008 21:43:54
With more than 17,000 islands, many at risk from rising sea levels, Indonesia is watching developments at the United Nations climate talks in Poznan carefully.
Ex Indonesian Foreign Minister dies
Updated 11/12/2008 21:43:54
Indonesia's former Foreign Minister Ali Alatas has died at a hospital in Singapore.
US strike mistakenly kills 7 Afghans
Updated 11/12/2008 21:43:53
In yet another setback to the US-led campaign in Afghanistan, coalition forces have killed six Afghan policemen and one civilian, in a case of mistaken identity. Thirteen others were wounded in the incident in Zabul province, southwest of the capital Kabul, after a Taliban commander bombed a nearby police station. The Taliban over the past week has done some serious damage to Nato's supply lines in Afghanistan, including attacks on supply vehicles by the militants in neighbouring Pakistan.
Troops quell violence in Maluku Islands
Updated 11/12/2008 21:43:54
Indonesia has sent hundreds of troops to its eastern Maluku Islands to quell violence that broke out between Christians and Muslims, leaving at least six people injured and dozens of buildings torched.
Australian troops kill top Taliban commander
Updated 11/12/2008 21:43:53
The Australian Defence Force says that Australian troops in Afghanistan killed a high level Taliban commander in a recent attack on a compound in Uruzgan province.
The ADF says the man is one of 12 key Taliban commanders either killed or captured since April last year. Dozens more lower level Taliban soldiers have been killed in that time, and a further 180 captured and handed over to the Afghanistan Government. The Defence Force says that all adds up to a dramatic reduction in the activity of Taliban forces. And they insist that the assault won't let up over the Afghanistan winter.
Tokyo to pump tens of billions into saving jobs.
Updated 10/12/2008 21:40:24
With the Japanese economy officially in recession for the first time in seven-years, the government in Tokyo is planning to pump tens of billions of dollars into saving jobs.
People smuggler to be extradited to Australia
Updated 10/12/2008 21:40:24
At a forum in Bali designed to promote democracy in the Asia region, Australia and Indonesia have announced that for the first time an alleged people smuggler will be extradited to faces charges in Australia.
Charity vows to fight in Security Council against Mumbai accusations
Updated 10/12/2008 21:40:24
Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has confirmed the arrest of two leaders of the Lashkar E Toiba group accused by India as responsible for the Mumbai attacks.
Senior UN official urges greater rights protection for children
Updated 10/12/2008 21:40:23
Today is United Nations Human Rights Day, marking 60 years since the adoption of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.
Rights activists face challenges in Asia Pacific
Updated 10/12/2008 21:40:23
When the Universal Declaration of Human Rights came into effect sixty years ago today even it's founders conceded that the declaration was a non-binding document largely based on the power of moral persuasion.
"Climate mitigation": A rich country excuse to do nothing
Updated 10/12/2008 21:40:24
Industrialised nations have been accused of deliberately ignoring the need for ways to deal with population displacement caused by sea level rise.
Pakistan arrests Mumbai attacks 'mastermind'
Updated 09/12/2008 21:48:02
One of the suspected planners of last month's attacks on Mumbai has been arrested in Pakistan, along with five other suspects. Pakistani troops stormed the camp linked to the militant group, Lashkar-e-Taiba, near Muzaffarabad, in Pakistani-administered Kashmir. It's been confirmed that Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi was among those arrested in the raid. Lashkar-e-Taiba has consisently denied involvement in the Mumbai attacks.
Presenter: Sen Lam
Speaker: Sajjan Gohel, director of international security, Asia Pacific Foundation, London
Looming North Korean food crisis unless aid increased
Updated 09/12/2008 21:48:02
In North Korea, nine million people or forty per cent of the population are going hungry.
Economic crisis puts graduate careers 'on hold'
Updated 09/12/2008 21:48:01
The economic slowdown is putting the career plans of many university graduates on hold. Last year the Australian government granted student visas to over 228,000 international students and many of them are paying big fees to help achieve their dreams. But the financial crisis has added to the uncertainty of those graduating this year.
Presenter: Anna Lumbangaol
Speaker: Judi Green, Monash University, Melbourne
Australia warns Fiji to hold elections
Updated 09/12/2008 21:48:01
Australia has warned of unspecified consequences if Fiji does not honour a pledge to hold democratic elections early next year.
Taliban tightens grip on Afghanistan: report
Updated 09/12/2008 21:48:01
An independent report on Afghanistan has found that Taliban forces have dramatically increased their control of the country in the last year and are now closing in on Kabul.
Abhisit Vejjajiva close to being next Thai PM
Updated 09/12/2008 21:48:02
Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of Thailand's Democrats, appears close to becoming the country's next Prime Minister.
Democrats claim the numbers to form Thai government
Updated 08/12/2008 22:10:51
Thailand's Democrat Party has announced a bold move to secure support as the core party in a new coalition government.
Concern over HIV rate in Indonesia
Updated 08/12/2008 22:10:50
Indonesia's government has come under fire for its failure to stem the growing tide of HIV infections.
Australia accused in climate talks
Updated 08/12/2008 22:10:51
Australia's government says it will play its part in the global effort to alleviate climate change.
Sri Lankan forces near Tamil headquarters
Updated 08/12/2008 22:10:51
Sri Lankan government troops are poised to finally capture the political headquarters of the rebel Tamil Tigers after months of fierce fighting.
State poll results in India
Updated 08/12/2008 22:10:51
India's ruling Congress party is on track to win a number of key state polls, bucking predictions of a backlash from voters stung by the attacks in Mumbai and an economic downturn.
Presenter: Sonja Heydeman
Speakers: MD Nalapat Professor of Geo-political studies and UNESCO Peace Chair at Manipur University in India
PAKISTAN: reports of Lahkar e Toiba arrests
Updated 08/12/2008 22:10:52
In unconfirmed reports, Pakistani security forces are said to have arrested members of a group suspected of planning the Mumbai terrorist attacks.
Thai 'ladyboy' beauty contest cancelled amid protests
Updated 05/12/2008 20:29:24
Even before last week's protests shut Thailand's main international airport, the ongoing political crisis had led to a dramatic fall in tourist numbers. It's forced the cancellation of several high-profile - including an annual beauty contest for transgendered people, who had been hoping to compete for the title of Miss International Queen.
Rich countries snap up agricultrual lands in poor nations
Updated 05/12/2008 20:29:24
Rich countries worried about food and fuel supplies are snapping up agricultural land in poorer nations. The land grabs have sparked off accusations of neo-colonialism and fears that the practice could worsen poverty. Saudi Arabia is leasing land in Thailand, China in Africa, South Korea in Madagascar and the list to invest in south east Asian countries is begining to grow.
Bougainville goes to the polls
Updated 05/12/2008 20:29:24
On the small island of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea, a population of 200 thousand will tomorrow elect a new president to replace the late Joseph Kabui who died earlier this year from a heart attack. Mr Kabui was elected Boungainville's first president when the island was granted partial autonomy by PNG's national government following civil war over mining in the 1980's and 1990's. His sudden death has forced a by-election to be held just 18 months out from the next presidential election.
East Timor's PM criticised for spending too much
Updated 05/12/2008 20:29:24
East Timor's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao has been widely criticised for his government's heavy expenditure on certain sections of the community, including internal refugees and petitioning soldiers. Mr Gusmao says he is "paying for peace", but the opposition says the policy is unsustainable.
Job "stampede" in China as graduates desperately seek work
Updated 05/12/2008 20:29:24
A recruitment seminar for graduates run by company employers in the Chinese city of Zhenzou turned into a stampede yesterday, as tens of thousands of young graduates turned up, desperate for work. Many were injured in crush, after security officials lost control of the unexpected crowd. China's economic slowdown and the ever-rising number of university graduates has also led to record numbers of graduates competing for civil service jobs. More than 800,000 young people sat the national civil service exam last weekend.
Presenter: Lily Yan
Speakers: Wu Yue and Jia Weiwei, Chinese university graduates
Cambodia a crowd favourite at the Homeless World Cup
Updated 05/12/2008 20:29:24
In Melbourne, the sixth Homeless World Cup is underway, with several Asian teams among the 56 squads competing for the street soccer championship. The fast-paced four-a-side football is attracting thousands of spectators, but for the players the competition can be a life-changing experience. Cambodia's squad may be younger and smaller than most of their competitors but they are quickly becoming a crowd favourite in a contest that likes to see the little guy win.
Presenter: Liam Cochrane
Speakers: Cambodian footballer Ou Tola; Steve Persson, CEO Homeless World Cup, spectator Novel Uch
Pacific Island countries unfairly perceived as corrupt
Updated 04/12/2008 21:39:27
Fiji's media has had a very complex role to play in anti-corruption campaigns in that country. And an Australian academic says corruption is virtually impossible to eradicate in a democracy. Associtate professor Peter Larmour who has been investigating corruption in the Pacific for many years says graft means different things to different people.
Anger in East Timor over judge's treatment
Updated 04/12/2008 21:39:27
In East Timor, civil society groups and the opposition are voicing concern over a government decision not to renew the contract of a foreign judge who's made a series of decisions against the leadership. Critics say the decision not to renew Judge Ivo Nelson Rosa's contract is un-democratic, and sends a dangerous message to East Timor's judiciary and ordinary citizens.
World leaders pressure UN on Burmese prisoners
Updated 04/12/2008 21:39:27
More than 100 former government leaders including Australia's John Howard, have petitioned the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, to try to secure the release of Burma's pro-independence leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners. .
They're urging Mr Ban to personally travel to Rangoon before the end of the year to secure the release of over two-thousand political prisoners. Last month, over 100 Burmese monks, journalists, lawyers and relief workers were each given long sentences in prison.
Presenter: Sen Lam
Speaker: Jared Genser, US-based human rights lawyer and founder of "Freedom Now", New York
More evidence links Pakistan to Mumbai attacks
Updated 04/12/2008 21:39:27
India has put all its major airports on high alert following warnings of possible attacks using hijacked airlines. The alert comes the week after militants launched a coordinated attack on India's economic capiltal Mumbai which left nearly 200 dead. With more evidence linking the Mumbai terrorist attacks with a Pakistani group, pressure's mounting on Islamabad to confront terrorism inside its borders.
Australia's PM outlines National Security Statement
Updated 04/12/2008 21:39:27
Australia is still linking its security policy very closely to the U-S while acknowledging that the region's stability will also depend very much on China and increasingly the rise of India. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd today laid out the first ever National Security Statement to the parliament which looked at not just the traditional areas of security but topics which go beyond the normal question of conflict between states.
Japan wary of Hillary Clinton as new US Secretary of State
Updated 04/12/2008 21:39:27
The appointment of Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State in Barack Obama's upcoming US government has received a mixed response in Japan, with some commentators concerned about her focus on China. Last year, Hillary Clinton said China should be the main priority for the United States and some Japanese wonder whether the poor relations Japan had with President Bill Clinton might repeat.
Thai opposition party says government must heed public sentiment
Updated 03/12/2008 20:31:39
Standing on the sideline of Thai politics is the opposition Democratic party. Dr Abhisit Vejjajiva its leader says the government needs to take note of the public sentiment.
New negotiator for southern Philippine peace talks
Updated 03/12/2008 20:31:38
The Philippine government says it will rebuild the shattered peace process in the country's troubled south, by appointing a new chief negotiator. President Gloria Arroyo has appointed foreign under-secretary Rafael Seguis as the government's top negotiator with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the MILF. Already, the MILF has dismissed the move as "nothing substantive" saying it was part of the government's "piece-by-piece" approach.
Bangaldesh goes to the polls on Dec.29
Updated 03/12/2008 20:31:38
Nearly 2,500 candidates have submitted nominations to contest parliamentary elections in Bangladesh on December 29. Elections for the 300-seat parliament will end nearly two years of emergency rule.
WORLD: two weeks of talks to save planet
Updated 03/12/2008 20:31:39
Eleven-thousand climate experts from all over the world are attending the latest United Nations meeting on climate change, in the Polish city of Poznan.
The 12-day meeting is meant to lay the groundwork for a deal to succeed the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in four years. With one participant missing the meeting is not likely to come up with any major announcement.
Singapore shuns treaty banning cluster bombs
Updated 03/12/2008 20:31:39
Singapore has announced it will NOT sign up to an international ban on cluster bombs that's being finalised in Norway this week, but says it WILL stop exporting the weapons. More than one hundred other countries have said they will sign the treaty, but the major producers and users of the bombs, the US, China and Russia have refused to come on board.
Thai protestors warn politicians to choose next PM carefully
Updated 03/12/2008 20:31:39
Jubilant Thai protestors have ended their eight day occupation of the Suvarnabhumi airport and say they are ceasing all other protests. The decision comes in the wake of the constitutional court ruling which banned the ruling People Power Party and two of its coaltion partners for vote fraud. But PAD warns the politicains to be careful when selecting the next prime minister.
Australia plays host to Iraqi parliamentarians
Updated 03/12/2008 20:31:38
Australia's parliament may at times be described as rough and tumble as politicians from both sides of politics enage in debate but its a long way from Iraq where politicians are guarded and spend a large part of their time in the Green Zone where security is intense. Currently eight Iraqi politicians including one woman are in Canberra to observe the environment in which their Australian counterparts operate in.
Violence erupts between Urdu and Pashtun speakers in Pakistan
Updated 02/12/2008 21:39:57
Amid escalating tensions with India over last week's bomb attacks in Mumbai, Pakistan has said it may move forces to the Indian border if relations continue to worsen. That would mean pulling Pakistani troops away from operations on the Afghan border, where it is fighting al Qaeda and Taliban insurgents. The growing brinkmanship with India may not go down well in Pakistan where the city of Karachi has been engulfed in riots in recent days, in which at least 30 people have died. Locals blame the violence on militants from the Afghan border region
Thailand postpones ASEAN Summit
Updated 02/12/2008 21:39:57
Thailand has postponed a summit of the Association of South East Asian Nations, ASEAN scheduled for mid-December. News of the delay came shortly after the country's constitutional court dissolved Thailand's ruling party.
Presenter: Sonja Heydeman
Speaker: Surin Pitsuwan, Asean Secretary General; Pavin Chachavalpongpun, Visiting Research Fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies
Thai court bans ruling People Power Party
Updated 02/12/2008 21:39:57
Thailand is once again in political limbo with the Constitutional Court ruling the People Power Party of prime minister Somchai Wongsawat be disbanded for vote fraud. Two other parties in the ruling coalition the Chart Thai and Matchima were also banned. Top party leaders including Mr Wongsawat were also banned from politics for five years.
Malaysia's deputy PM promises to address minority concerns
Updated 02/12/2008 21:39:57
Malaysia's deputy prime minister Najib Tun Razak says he'll do more to address complaints by Chinese and Indians in the country. Speaking to the foreign media in Kuala Lumpur, Datuk Seri Najib promised to take further measures to ease concerns of the minority races, particularly laws which favour the Malays or Bumiputras in business and education. Datuk Seri Najib is expected to take office in March, when Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi steps down. After over thirty years of pro-Malay policies, is the Malay-dominated government finally taking steps to address the imbalance?
Australian government urged to limit detention time of illegals
Updated 02/12/2008 21:39:57
The Australian government is under pressure to place a time limit of twelve months on detaining illegal immigrants, unless it can be proved they are a health or security risk to the country.
ASIA : markets fall as US recession confirmed
Updated 02/12/2008 21:39:57
Stock markets have been the first to react but governments around the world will be a little more worried today on the news the United States is in recession. Japan's Prime Minister Taro Aso has urged business leaders to save jobs. In Australia the Reserve Bank has cut official interest rates by one percentage point, its fourth aggressive rate cut since September.
Burmese dying of AIDS 'needlessly' warns charity
Updated 01/12/2008 22:06:34
Today is World AIDS Day. As the world continues to count the cost of the global epidemic, the medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres says many people continue to die needlessly, because they can't access anti-AIDS drugs. In Burma, where nearly a quarter of a million people are believed to be HIV-positive, MSF says less than a fifth of those most in need of anti-retroviral therapy are getting the drugs they need. MSF wants the government, and international donor organisations, to start taking more responsibility.
Australia's government accused of copping out on climate change
Updated 01/12/2008 22:06:34
The Australian Labour Government has made a lot of noise promising action on climate change and emission targets -- now it is being accused of a cop out. The Labor administration is now delaying announcing its 2020 emissions cuts target till after the UN Climate Change talks in Poland.
Japanese prime minister's popularity plummets
Updated 01/12/2008 22:06:34
Just two months in office and the support for Japan's prime minister Taro Aso has tumbled to a low 31 percent. A survey published in the Nikkei business daily claims that more than half the respondents want Mr Aso to hold the early elections he had earlier promised.
Relations between India, Pakistan nosedive
Updated 01/12/2008 22:06:34
Relations between India and Pakistan are set to nose-dive after the Mumbai attacks in which 195 people died. India's Government says all the terrorists in last week's attacks were from Pakistan. Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari has promised his country's full cooperation. It might not be enough to save the peace process between the neighbours who have fought three wars since 1947.
HIV infections rising in Indonesia
Updated 01/12/2008 22:06:34
The World Health Organisation has warned that HIV-infection rates are again rising in Asia. One country where that's happening is Indonesia, where there are rising numbers of infection especially in isolated provinces such as Papua, and tourist destinations like Bali and Surabaya. Getting treatment and being accepted by the wider community remains a constant battle for many.
Thai protestors allow airlines to move empty planes out
Updated 01/12/2008 22:06:30
Following a request by Thai authorities anti government protestors have allowed 37 empty airliners to leave Bangkok's beseiged main airport . The remaining 51 planes are expected to leave soon. The protestors are not allowing any passengers to leave from Suvarnabhumi airport forcing tens of thousands to find alternative ways out of Thailand. Australia's national carrier Qantas is putting on a special flight in the early hours of tomorrow morning from the southern tourist town of Phuket.
