February 2009
Sadness at Samoan adoption scandal sentencing
Updated 27/02/2009 19:55:27
It's been one of the saddest stories to come out of the Pacific in recent years.
Massive relocation displaces Phnom Penh's poor
Updated 27/02/2009 19:55:28
As the price of land has soared in Cambodia in recent years, tens of thousands of urban and rural poor have been evicted from their land and their homes.
Pakistan unrest over court ruling barring Sharif
Updated 27/02/2009 19:55:28
In Pakistan, there has been further unrest after the Supreme Court barred the main opposition leader, Nawaz Sharif, from public office.
East Timor in good economic shape, says Minister
Updated 27/02/2009 19:55:28
The United Nations Security Council has unanimously approved East Timor's request to keep its peace keeping force there for another year.
Australia signs ASEAN free trade area deal
Updated 27/02/2009 19:55:28
Australia has signed a free trade area deal with the Association of South East Asian Nations and New Zealand in what is Australia's biggest free trade agreement.
Calls for urgent non military aid for Pakistan
Updated 26/02/2009 16:08:07
Two leading American senators are calling on the United States and Europe to give Pakistan immediate non military aid to ensure that the nuclear armed country does not slip into chaos. The call comes at the same time as foreign ministers from the US, Afghanistan and Pakistan meet in Washington to draft a new strategy to combat terrorism.
Philippines posts biggest deficit since 2004
Updated 26/02/2009 16:08:07
The Philippines government is the latest to expand its budget deficit and cut its forecast for economic growth. In an effort to avoid the recession that has gripped other Asian economies, the government will post its biggest deficit since 2004 as it increases spending.
New UN ambassador to advance Australia's multilateral diplomacy
Updated 26/02/2009 16:08:07
After a year in office the Australian government has made a few key diplomatic appointments. Gary Quinlan will now represent Australia as its ambassador to the United Nations. And part of his brief will be to push for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council. The Australian government sees engagement with the multilateral system as a pillar of its foreign policy.
Art sale strains ties between France and China
Updated 26/02/2009 16:08:02
China has demanded the cancellation of an auction of two historic bronze sculptures, which are set to go under the hammer at Christie's auction house in Paris as part of a sale by the estate of the late French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. Yves Saint Laurent bought the two bronze sculptures legally. But they were originally stolen from Beijing's Summer Palace by invading French and British forces in 1860. And China wants them back.
Thailand's 'Red Shirts' rally in Bangkok
Updated 26/02/2009 16:08:02
Some 20,000 anti-government demonstrators and supporters of the former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra have again rallied in Bangkok, blockading the government's main administrative building.
Terrorism 'first order issue' for Australia: security analyst
Updated 26/02/2009 21:37:38
An Australian security expert says terrorism should be a first order issue for Australia, as the Rudd government works to finish a new defence policy paper.
Fears East Timor court ruling could promote culture of impunity
Updated 26/02/2009 21:37:38
East Timor's president Jose Ramos-Horta was in New York recently asking the United Nations Security Council to extend its mission in the nation.
Bangladesh mutiny tests new government
Updated 26/02/2009 21:37:38
In Bangladesh, a mutiny by paramilitary troops has put the country's new government to the test and dashed hopes of a return to political stability.
Fiji feels effects of global financial crisis
Updated 26/02/2009 21:37:37
Fijian businesses are preparing for an expected rough year ahead.
Sri Lanka blazes legal trail on internet
Updated 26/02/2009 21:37:37
More often than not the only news on Sri Lanka deals with the civil war between the Government and Tamil Tiger rebels.
Sri Lankan army probe into Tamil Tiger airforce capability
Updated 24/02/2009 20:58:26
Sri Lanka's military says it's trying to establish how the Tamil Tigers managed to buy foreign planes and smuggle them into the country to establish an air force. The probe comes after an air assault by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam on the capital, Colombo, using two apparently Czech-made aircraft.
Presenter: Sonja Heydeman
Speakers: Dr Palitha Kohona, Secretary, Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ban Ki Moon, United Nations Secretary General; Dr Victor Rajakulendran, Secretary, Australasian Federation of Tamil Associations
Indonesia optimistic about a post Kyoto deal
Updated 24/02/2009 21:16:42
As the Australian government battles to introduce a carbon trading scheme into parliament, Indonesia's environment minister says he hopes Australia will deepen its proposed cuts to carbon emissions. But Rachmat Witoelar is optimistic about achieving a new meaningful agreement to replace the existing Kyoto Protocol now that the United States seems to be on board.
North Korea says it intends to launch satellite
Updated 24/02/2009 20:58:26
North Korea says it's planning to launch a rocket that could carry a communication satellite soon. China says it's taken note. And Japan says it's ready for any emergency. Many in the region think this latest move by Pyongyang could be a signal that it's about to test fire another long range missile.
Politics of sleaze hits Malaysia
Updated 24/02/2009 20:58:22
As Malaysia's ruling coalition prepares for a transition of power the politics of sleaze seems to have taken over. Naked pictures of Elizabeth Wong, an opposition state assemblywoman and human rights activist have been circulated on mobile phones.
Australia expects drop in migrants as economy slows
Updated 24/02/2009 20:58:22
The Australian government is resisting calls to slash its immigration intake. But it says there may be a slight drop in the number of people allowed to migrate to the country because demand is falling. Skilled migrants, however, will remain vital to fill the gaps in Australia's workforce and as the government spends on infrastructure to help sustain the economy.
Slumdog Millionaire storms Hollywood to take eight Oscars
Updated 23/02/2009 21:51:28
Slumdog Million has hit the jackpot again. The British film, which is set in India's financial capital of Mumbai, has taken eight awards at the Oscars in Hollywood. That includes Best Film, Best Director, and a double Oscar for the Indian composer A.R. Rahman, who has been recognised for the best original score and the best song statuette. The feeling is that with Slumdog Millionaire now a success at the Oscars as well as at the box office this could be the start of a new era for Indian cinema.
Financial meltdown could hit funds for fighting HIV/AIDS
Updated 23/02/2009 21:51:28
There are concerns that global financial crisis could make governments more cautious about spending the large sums necessary that are needed for fighting HIV/AIDS. The last ten years have seen a war declared on HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. But it's only been possible because rich nations have pledged vast sums of money. Now, the managers of the Global Fund say the combined US$600million in assistance to the Pacific and Indonesia is far from enough.
UN says Asia needs to cooperate to help refugees
Updated 23/02/2009 21:51:28
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees is pleading for more cooperation in Asia on refugees and has cited the ongoing plight of the Rohingya people. Commissioner Antonio Gutteres is in Australia and, while thanking Canberra for providing extra funding, he's also noted how much money governments have found to salvage banks but not people.
Organic farming methods revive ancient traditions in India
Updated 23/02/2009 21:51:27
India has the highest consumption of pesticides in the world. But it's also home to a strong environmental movement which is trying to revive ancient farming methods to produce crops with a high export potential.
Asian finance ministers agree on initiatives to protect region
Updated 23/02/2009 21:51:28
Asian finance ministers have agreed on a number of initiatives to strengthen regional economic cooperation and to protect the region against the financial crisis. The proposals, negotiated between finance ministers from ASEAN nations, China, Japan and Korea, will now be discussed by their leaders when they meet this week at the Thai resort town of Hua Hin.
Debate intensifies over Chinese firms investing in Australia
Updated 20/02/2009 15:55:24
With many traditional European and American sources of investment now dry, China's financial might has come into play. But there's a big divide between those who say China can help Australia through the global financial crisis, and those who say that some investment deals are giving Chinese companies too much influence in Australia.
Australia and Indonesia celebrate ties, but irritations remain
Updated 20/02/2009 15:55:27
Australia's relationship with Indonesia is at an all time high. Both governments point to Indonesia's assistance in the aftermath of the Victorian bushfires, a record number of tourists, and a decision made on Thursday to pursue a free trade agreement. But there's a hangover from the time of the Bali bombings that continues to cause irritation.
Clinton talks tough on North Korea
Updated 20/02/2009 20:06:24
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has told North Korea to stop being provocative and return to six party nuclear talks.
Premier detects quiet optimism over Japan economy
Updated 20/02/2009 20:06:25
Japan may be reeling under the worst economic news in 40 years, but the leader of Australia's mineral rich state of Western Australia says he detects quiet optimism.
Indonesia calls for crisis fund for developing nations
Updated 20/02/2009 20:06:25
Mr Wirajuda's visit coincided with a decision by the two nations to begin negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement.
Indonesian foreign minister defends security, ASEAN
Updated 20/02/2009 20:06:25
Bilateral government talks between Australia and Indonesia have wrapped up in Sydney.
Samoan PM questions Bainimarama's state of mind
Updated 20/02/2009 20:06:22
Samoa's prime minister, Tuilaepa Sailele, has questioned the state of mind of Fiji's interim prime minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama.
AIDS virus now China's top killer disease
Updated 20/02/2009 20:06:22
China's Ministry of Health says the AIDS virus is now the nation's top killer disease.
Australia and Indonesia celebrate their ties, but irritations remain
Updated 19/02/2009 21:46:52
Australia's relationship with Indonesia is at an all time high. Both governments point to Indonesia's assistance in the aftermath of the Victorian bushfires, a record number of tourists, and a decision made on Thursday to pursue a free trade agreement. But there's a hangover from the time of the Bali bombings that continues to cause irritation.
Fears that women candidates will lose out in Indonesian elections
Updated 19/02/2009 21:46:51
As Indonesia prepares for general elections in April, women candidates are working hard to make a difference in politics. Some women candidates fear that amending the 2008 Legislative Election Law could lead to fewer female MPs in parliament.
Seasonal workers scheme brings a new language to Australia
Updated 19/02/2009 21:46:51
Australia's experiment with a new Pacific islander seasonal labour force has finally begun. After months of delays, the first group of 50 labourers has started work near Robinvale, on the Murray River in Victoria. This first group was supposed to be picking stone fruit, but with that harvest now over, the men have been required to learn a whole different set of skills.
Thai Police cadets promote safe sex message
Updated 19/02/2009 21:46:52
Thailand is likely to face as many as 12-thousand new HIV infections this year. Health ministry officials say that among the most vulnerable are the wives of infected men and homosexuals. But police in Thailand have now been receiving training from a non-government organisation working in the gay sex worker community to help them promote safe sex.
Presenter: Ron Corben
Speakers: Sub. Lt. Natcharapol Rayayol, police cadet; Surang Janyam, director, Service Workers In Group (SWING); Patrick Benny, UNAIDS country coordinator, Thailand
'Nothing can salvage' the prime ministership of Japan's Taro Aso
Updated 18/02/2009 21:19:16
Japan's government is under renewed pressure following the resignation of Finance Minister Shoichi Nakagawa. The finance minister resigned after an incident at a key international conference in Rome, where appeared to be dozy and drunk while fielding reporters' questions. It's another blow to the already battered administration of Prime Minister Taro Aso.
Unemployment in Asia to jump to almost 100 million
Updated 18/02/2009 21:19:16
The number of people out of work this year in Asia is expected to jump by another seven million, taking the total figure to almost 100 million. This latest estimate from the International Labour Organisation is its best case scenario. The reality could be much worse.
Australia welcomes new US troop deployment to Afghanistan
Updated 18/02/2009 21:19:16
The deteriorating situation in Afghanistan has prompted the US President Barack Obama to preempt several ongoing reviews of US strategy there and deploy an extra 17,000 troops. Australia has welcomed the Afghanistan deployment. But what the extra US troops will be doing is likely to be made clearer when defence ministers from NATO countries meet in Poland over the next two days.
Renaissance in Indonesian film industry
Updated 18/02/2009 21:19:13
Indonesia's film industry is emerging from hibernation. It had for years, struggled against the tough rules and censorship of the authoritarian Suharto regime. Today, young filmmakers are banding together to challenge their creative abilities. They are also challenging audiences with topics once considered sensitive or taboo.
Hong Kong debates how to give prisoners the vote
Updated 18/02/2009 21:19:13
The people of Hong Kong are debating proposals from the government to deny the vote to people in prison, who are serving sentences of over ten years. This comes two months after Hong Kong's High Court threw out the current complete ban on prisoners voting. Hong Kong also has its wider issues about voting, in particular its struggles to achieve universal suffrage.
Fiji PM says deposed PM may not be allowed out again
Updated 17/02/2009 21:22:12
Fiji's deposed prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, may not be allowed out of Fiji again once he returns from his current visit to Australia. The man who deposed him, Fiji's current interim prime minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, has accused Mr Qarase of lying to get a visa to leave Fiji.
Australia's Qantas cuts routes in Asia and the Pacific
Updated 17/02/2009 21:22:12
Australia's biggest airline, Qantas, says some jobs will be lost when it axes all its domestic flights in New Zealand. Qantas is shifting its entire New Zealand domestic business to its low budget subsidiary Jetstar. The announcement comes just weeks after Qantas reported a big fall in its first half profit, and includes cuts to its China and India services.
First defendant goes on trial at Khmer Rouge Tribunal
Updated 17/02/2009 21:22:12
The first defendant has gone on trial in Cambodia's genocide trials. A total of five people will be tried on war crimes and crimes against humanity, with the hope that perhaps six more will be charged later. But with so many who carried out torture and murder still living in the community, there are questions about whether justice is really being done.
Mental health concerns for China's new unemployed
Updated 17/02/2009 21:22:09
China faces great economic challenges in the coming year, including rising unemployment. Local government officials have been urged to devise a plan to focus on the mental health of people caught up in the growing financial crisis.
Islamic conference promotes equity and justice for women
Updated 17/02/2009 21:22:09
A meeting of over 250 Muslim scholars in Malaysia has demanded equality and justice in the Muslim family. The Musawah conference, named after the Arabic word for 'equality' is discussing why equity and justice for women are possible within Islam.
UN envoy makes second visit to Burma
Updated 16/02/2009 20:54:33
The United Nations' human rights envoy to Burma is in the country for a six-day visit to evaluate the current rights situation. Tomas Quintana is making his second visit to Burma since taking on the job in May last year.
US Secretary of State includes Indonesia on first tour of Asia
Updated 16/02/2009 20:54:33
Hilary Clinton is on her first trip to Asia as the new United States Secretary of State. Observers have welcomed a decision to include Indonesia on the tour. Some say it could be a precursor to the US President Barack Obama visiting Indonesia himself, which could signal a significant shift in American foreign policy.
Japan's latest economic slump possibly not the last
Updated 16/02/2009 20:54:33
Japan looks set become the worst performer of all major economies this year. With its growth well and truly in the red, and getting worse, Asia's largest economy is forecast to plunge into one of the worst recessions on record.
Pre-election tensions surface in Indonesian coalition
Updated 16/02/2009 20:54:31
As Indonesia heads towards legislative and presidential elections later this year, the ruling Democrat-Golkar partnership is under a cloud. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is unwilling to endorse his current Vice President Jusuf Kalla as his running mate in the presidential elections in July.
Cambodia's Khmer Rouge Tribunal to start after years of delay
Updated 16/02/2009 20:54:31
Thirty years ago Vietnamese forces overran the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh and ended the terrorising reign of the Khmer Rouge, which had left as many as two million people dead. The regime's leader, Pol Pot, has been dead for more than a decade. But on Tuesday a trial against the first defendant will begin in the UN-backed Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia. Kaing Guek Eav, or Comrade Duch, headed the notorious S-21 prison and now faces charges of crimes against humanity.
Some optimism as Chinese lending surges
Updated 13/02/2009 21:38:22
New lending in China has surged at a record pace in January as Chinese banks heeded the government's call to extend more credit to support the economy. Following grim trade figures showing plunging imports and exports, the latest lending data has revived some optimism.
Japan PM's approval falls to new low
Updated 13/02/2009 21:38:22
The political fortunes of Japan's prime minister Taro Aso continue to look bleak his popularity tumbling to a low of 14 percent.
Language barrier hurts Australia's relationship with Asia
Updated 13/02/2009 21:38:22
For two decades, Australia has sought to deepen its relationship to Asia, in part because of the logic of location, in part for trade reasons, but also pulled by a global shift of power to the Asia-Pacific region. But culturally it appears Australia is still not making the progress it should in Asia, and a lack of language capability is key. And though China, Japan and the ASEAN block are powerful economic partners for Australia, its more about trade and less about investment. They're some of the findings from a new index on Australia's engagement with the region.
India welcomes Pakistan's admission on Mumbai attacks
Updated 13/02/2009 21:38:22
The Pakistani goverment has admitted for the first time that the Mumbai attacks were partly planned inside Pakistan. Islamabad has filed a case against eight people suspected of having a role in the deadly attacks, and six of them are in custody. India's government has welcomed the admission but urged Pakistan to do more crack down on terrorist networks within its borders.
Indian protest group defends Valentine's Day
Updated 13/02/2009 21:38:19
In India, a conservative Hindu group is planning to demonstrate against Valentine's Day in India's IT capital, Bangalore. But it's meeting resistance from a group calling itself The Pink Panties, which is organising an unusual counter-protest in defence of the day which many in the West have dedicated to romance.
Broadcaster apologises to Chinese envoy for walkout
Updated 13/02/2009 21:38:19
The Commonwealth Broadcasting Association has confirmed sending a letter of apology to China's ambassador to Tonga. The Secretary-General of the Association Elizabeth Smith says the apology is for the disruption to the social occasion. China's Ambassador Fan Guijing walked out of the official opening of the association's conference in Nuku'Alofa on Tuesday. It was in protest at remarks by the CBA vice president, who said China had suppressed stories about the melamine contamination scandal to avoid disrupting the Bejing olympics.
East Timor's foreign minister says security report 'unfair'
Updated 12/02/2009 17:47:13
A new International Crisis Group report says East Timor's security has improved, but adds some threats still remain. East Timor's foreign minister Zacarias da Costa is in Australia and has held talks with his Australian counterpart and Portugal's foreign minister too.
International operation should rein back ambition in Afghanistan
Updated 12/02/2009 17:47:13
Australia's defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon says the international operation in Afghanistan needs to rein in its ambitions. He says the International Security Assistance Force needs to focus on the core goal of building a government that can take care of its own security. His comments come as the Taliban has claimed responsibility for three attacks on government offices in the Afghan capital, Kabul, in which at least eight citizens and five suicide attackers were killed.
Bushfires continue to burn in Australia's southeast
Updated 12/02/2009 17:47:13
Fire fighting crews continue to battle devastating blazes in Australia's southern state of Victoria. It's now been five days of some of the most extreme fire threats the country has ever known.
Japan's Crown Prince on goodwill visit to Vietnam
Updated 12/02/2009 17:47:12
It's being hailed as a celebration of 35 years of diplomatic ties. Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito is on an official visit to Vietnam. The goodwill tour is a chance to build some diplomatic bridges, after Japan suspended foreign aid to Vietnam over a corruption scandal.
More Indonesians divorcing polygamous husbands
Updated 12/02/2009 17:47:12
Indonesia's Islamic courts show that Muslim women are increasingly opting for divorce rather than continuing in polygamous marriages.
Oscar Temaru French Polynesia's president again
Updated 12/02/2009 22:11:20
For the third time since 2004 Oscar Temaru has been elected President of French Polynesia. Mr Temaru won the presidency after a second round of voting and will have a workable majority of 37 votes in the 57 seat Assembly. Since 2004, Mr Temaru, Gaston Flosse and Gaston Tong Sang have between them been elected and ousted as president a total of eight times.
Thai monarchy manipulated by govt: 'exiled' professor
Updated 12/02/2009 22:11:20
From the security situation in Afghanistan, to the political volatily of Thailand which later this month hosts the ASEAN summit.
Australia commemorates apology, one year on
Updated 12/02/2009 22:11:20
It was an intensely emotional moment in the life of Australia when, a year ago Friday, the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd rose in Parliament and said sorry to the Stolen Generations. They are the Aboriginal children taken from their families under government policies that lasted from the late 1800s until the late 1960s and even into the 1970s in some places.
National Day of Mourning for Australia's bushfire victims
Updated 12/02/2009 22:11:20
The Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has declared a national day of mourning for the Victorian bushfire victims.
Young Indian Catholics turn away from vocations
Updated 12/02/2009 22:11:19
With India modernizing at breakneck speed, more young men and women are choosing financial gain over spiritual vocations. So why are youngsters moving away from a career in the church?
Rio Tinto - Chinalco deal confirmed
Updated 12/02/2009 22:11:19
The much anticipated deal between Australian miner Rio Tinto and China's Chinalco has been confirmed. The Chinese aluminium producer will inject almost $US20 billion into the world's second biggest mining company, doubling its shareholding.
International operation should reign back ambition in Afghanistan
Updated 11/02/2009 20:45:59
Australia's defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon says the international operation in Afghanistan needs to reign in its ambitions. He says the International Security Assistance Force needs to focus on the core goal of building a government that can take care of its own security. His comments come as the Taliban has claimed responsibility for three attacks on government offices in the Afghan capital, Kabul, in which at least eight citizens and five suicide attackers were killed.
Bushfires countine to burn in Australia's southeast
Updated 11/02/2009 20:45:59
Fire fighting crews continue to battle devastating blazes in Australia's southern state of Victoria. It's now been five days of some of the most extreme fire threat the country has ever known.
Japan's Crown Prince on good will visit to Vietnam
Updated 11/02/2009 20:45:57
It's being hailed as a celebration of 35 years of diplomatic ties. Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito is on an official visit to Vietnam. The goodwill tour is a chance to build some diplomatic bridges, after Japan suspended foreign aid to Vietnam over a corruption scandal.
Rise in Indonesians seeking divorce from polygamous husbands
Updated 11/02/2009 20:45:57
Indonesia's Islamic courts show that Muslim women are increasingly opting for divorce rather than to continue in polygamous marriages.
Indon government issues first islamic bond
Updated 10/02/2009 21:00:26
The world's largest Muslim nation has released its first Islamic bond for individual or retail investors. Indonesia has lagged behind its neighbours in offering Islamic finance products but the government hopes demand will be strong for the new bonds. Jakarta will use the issue to raise part of the US$6billion it plans to spend on stimulating the economy.
Security 'fragile' one year after Ramos-Horta shooting
Updated 10/02/2009 21:00:26
A year after the near fatal shooting of East Timor's president, Jose Ramos Horta, the International Crisis Group says security has improved. But the group says there are some big challenges still ahead.
Authorities start examining why they were unprepared for bushfires
Updated 10/02/2009 21:00:26
Fire authorities and government officials in Victoria are looking at why they were so unprepared for the bushfires which have ravaged the Australian state this week. On Saturday, some the highest temperatures on record led to Australia's most devastating bushfires ever.
Government website to crack down on dissent
Updated 10/02/2009 21:00:22
Protecttheking.com is a new government website in Thailand that urges people to inform on others, who are found to be criticising the monarchy. The Thai government has been accused of using the country's lese-majeste laws as a political tool. Two writers, including a prominent academic, have faced the threat of prison terms on charges of lese-majeste. Harry Nicolaides was last month sentenced to three months in jail. Now, the Thai-British professor, Giles Ungpakorn, has fled to Britain, saying he would not have received a fair hearing.
Calls for Anwar Ibrahim to quit
Updated 10/02/2009 21:00:22
There have been calls for the Malaysian opposition leader, Anwar Ibrahim, to quit after his opposition alliance lost control of a key state. The ruling Barisan Nasional was given control of Perak by state's sultan after the defection of four lawmakers.
Indonesia criticises Burma over Rohingya abuse
Updated 09/02/2009 21:32:46
Indonesia's foreign minister has surprised many people by attacking regional neighbours for their abuse of Rohingya, a Muslim minority group from western Burma. Almost 400 Rohingya refugees have been rescued off the coast of Sumatra in the last month and many claim they've been abused by Thai authorities.
Victoria one of the most bushfire prone regions in the world
Updated 09/02/2009 21:32:46
The bushfires in the Australian state of Victoria are the most deadly bushfires in Australian history. They are much worse than other fires that have left their mark on Australians such as the Ash Wednesday fires in 1983. Victoria is one of the most bushfire prone regions in the world.
Offers of help from around the world as bushfires burn in Victoria
Updated 09/02/2009 21:32:46
There's been a strong international response to the bushfires which have ripped through much of southeastern Australia. A number of massive fires have been burning since Saturday, destroying many hundreds of homes and killing over 130 people.
Confidential human rights dialogue criticised as too secretive
Updated 09/02/2009 21:32:45
Australia's confidential human rights dialogue with China is being criticised for not being transparent and for lacking accountability. Australian and Chinese delegations are meeting for the latest round of talks in Canberra.
Temasek appoints former BHP Billiton boss as CEO
Updated 09/02/2009 21:32:45
Singapore's controversial sovereign wealth fund Temasek Holdings has got a new boss. The American, Chip Goodyear, replaces Ho Ching, the wife of Singapore's Prime Minister, as the chief executive of the US$130billion giant.
Corrupt elite threaten Cambodia's development
Updated 06/02/2009 21:59:33
The anti-corruption non government organisation Global Witness says a corrupt elite in Cambodia is taking over the nation's emerging oil and mineral sectors, while international donors turn a blind eye.
Guam hosts Raptor fighter squadron
Updated 06/02/2009 21:59:33
A squadron of state of the art advanced United States supersonic fighter aircraft has been redeployed to Guam, 12 F-22 Raptors from Alaska will be based in the US Pacific territory for three months.
Australia's defence budget could be cut
Updated 06/02/2009 21:59:34
As Australia's government seeks Parliamentary approval for a major economic stimulus package, it's also in the process of preparing a new national budget due in May and funding for defence could be in the firing line.
Loss for Toyota predicted to be three times worse
Updated 06/02/2009 21:59:34
Japan's Toyota Motor Corporation is forecasting a full year loss of $US 4.95 billion, three times its prediction six weeks ago.
China declares drought emergency
Updated 06/02/2009 21:59:32
China has declared an emergency over a drought, three provinces have been hit by a prolonged dry period, affecting four million farmers and around a two fifths of China's winter wheat crop.
Search continues for Solomons flood victims
Updated 06/02/2009 21:59:32
In Solomon Islands, the search continues for survivors of this week's flooding on Guadacanal with up to 1800 families believed to be homeless.
Opposition members defect to Malaysia's ruling party
Updated 05/02/2009 22:02:02
Malaysia's coalition government says it's poised to take control of a key state, after several defections from the Opposition, which held it by a narrow margin.
Thaksin threatens to return to Thailand
Updated 05/02/2009 22:02:02
Thailand will deploy more than three thousand police in the coastal resort of Hua Hin, in anticipation of anti-government protests at an ASEAN summit in three weeks' time.
Concern at environmental costs of development in China
Updated 05/02/2009 22:02:02
There's concern serious human and environmental costs have been occurring in China's as a result of its rapid economic development over the past few decades.
UN inquiry to be held into Benazir Bhutto assassination
Updated 05/02/2009 22:02:03
The UN Secretary General Ban ki-moon says he will be launching a UN inquiry into the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
Sri Lankan conflict continues despite international pressure
Updated 05/02/2009 22:02:03
Asia's longest running conflict is resisting international pressure for a ceasefire and negotiations, with Sri Lanka's government insisting complete victory is imminent and refusing to lay down arms and talk.
Flood death toll reaches ten
Updated 05/02/2009 22:02:02
The death toll from the flash-floods on Northeast Guadalcanal in Solomon Islands has now risen to 10 and 11 more people are still missing, presumed dead.
Reports of North Korea preparing to fire missile
Updated 04/02/2009 21:45:02
There are reports in Seoul and Tokyo, quoting intelligence officials, that North Korea is preparing to fire an intercontinental missile.
Plenty of funding but deadliest diseases still neglected
Updated 04/02/2009 21:45:02
The developing world's cruellest and deadliest diseases remain severely neglected, a survey has found.
Guadalcanal is declared disaster area
Updated 04/02/2009 21:45:02
Most of the flood ravaged island of Guadalcanal in Solomon Islands has been declared a disaster area.
Indonesia and Singapore agree on western part of border
Updated 04/02/2009 21:45:02
Officals in Indonesia and Singapore say they have agreed on a new maritime borderline between Indonesia's Pulau Nipah and Singapore's Sultan Shoal.
Some LDP members suggest govt print money
Updated 04/02/2009 21:45:02
With the global crisis worsening, some members of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party having lost confidence in the Bank of Japan have suggested the government print its own money from its vast reserves.
Polio still a threat in India
Updated 03/02/2009 21:56:11
The polio virus was eradicated in most parts of the world decades ago, but in India, polio is still a threat, especially in the country's poorest regions.
Samoan PM wants Fiji army dissolved
Updated 03/02/2009 21:56:11
Samoa's prime minister has called on Fiji's leaders to reconsider having a standing army.
Claims India's outsourcing industry is fundamentally strong
Updated 03/02/2009 21:56:11
At the start of this year, India was rocked by revelations that the huge software and outsourcing group Satyam had overestimated its profits to the tune of around $US1 billion. Before his arrest, chairman Ramalinga Raju said he'd been "riding a tiger, not knowing how to get off... without being eaten". But while the massive fraud threw India's name-brand outsourcing industry into disrepute, analysts say the industry's fundamentals remain strong.
Prediction of economic recovery for Asia
Updated 03/02/2009 21:56:11
The International Monetary Fund says Asia could make a rapid economic recovery next year once the world economy regains its footing.
Japan's aid pledge to its Asian neighbours
Updated 03/02/2009 21:56:11
Japan's Prime Minister Taro Aso is pledging 17 billion US dollars over three years in aid to its Asian neighbours as part of overseas development assistance.
Australian efforts to stave off economic woes
Updated 03/02/2009 21:56:11
Facing what it calls a global recession, Australia's government is going deep into defecit as tax receipts plummet and the government spends Billions to try to stave off the worst. In its second stimulus package in just four months, the Rudd Labor government has unveiled a package of spending worth 42-Billion dollars.
Calls for regional conference on plight of Rohingyas
Updated 02/02/2009 21:18:26
Thailand has called for a regional conference to address the plight of the Rohingyas. The Thai navy has been accused of towing around one thousand Rohingyas out to sea and leaving them to drift. But the country now wants a regional resolution to the problem of the Rohingyas.
International protest grows against the fighting
Updated 02/02/2009 21:18:26
International protest against the conflict in Sri Lanka has grown. The Tamil diaspora has demonstrated in support of Tamil civilians trapped by the fighting in Sydney, London, and in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, home to 62 million Indian Tamils.
Hospital hit by two shells in Tamil Tiger stronghold
Updated 02/02/2009 21:18:26
The United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross say a hospital in Sri Lanka's northeast has been hit by two shells, killing two people and wounding five. It's unclear who fired the shells but the government blames the Tamil Tigers. Part of the hospital has in the past received Australian funding, including aid money to build a blood bank.
Civil servants afraid to spend stimulus package
Updated 02/02/2009 21:18:22
Indonesia has announced a US$6bn stimulus package. But some civil servants are afraid to use the new money because they are worried that they could be investigated by the anti-corruption commission.
Protectionism a growing concern, Australian trade minister
Updated 02/02/2009 21:18:22
Australia says a free trade agreement between ASEAN member nations will finally be signed at a leaders and trade ministers meeting on February 27 in Thailand. It's been delayed since December. But news of the planned signing comes as a sentiment grows against free trade because of the global economic meltdown.
