May 2009
Sri Lanka denies Chinese help defeated Tamil Tigers
Updated 29/05/2009 11:42:09
Sri Lanka had a diplomatic victory this week, avoiding a United Nations probe into human rights concerns over the final stages of the war with the Tamil Tigers. Egypt and Cuba, as well as India -- and China helped deliver the outcome, which comes amid closer examination of how the victory was possible after more than a quarter of a century of war.
Chinese authorities crack down ahead of Tiananmen anniversary
Updated 29/05/2009 11:42:09
Next Thursday, will see the 20th anniversary of the violent crackdown on China's democracy movement in 1989. It's an event which remains highly sensitive in China and Government authorities are already rounding up key people seen as possible "trouble makers".
Amnesty stresses link between recession and repression
Updated 29/05/2009 11:42:09
Amnesty International says the world is sitting on a political, economic, and social time bomb.
In its 2009 annual report, the human rights organisation argues the current economic crisis is producing a human rights crisis on a global scale.
Regional security under spotlight in Singapore
Updated 29/05/2009 11:42:09
North Korea's nuclear antics, South Asia's overlapping conflicts and the potential for great power conflict in the region will all be under the spotlight this weekend, when defence ministers and other top brass gather in Singapore for an Asian security summit.
The challenges of studying in Australia
Updated 29/05/2009 11:42:09
Education is Australia's third largest export. Thousands of overseas students are enrolled in courses in schools and universities. We discuss the many challenges, and opportunities available to those who come to this country to study.
East Timor govt denies corruption allegations
Updated 29/05/2009 11:42:09
Corruption allegations continue to be directed at East Timor's Finance Ministry. The latest allegations centre on Finance Minister Emilia Pires' hiring of foreign advisers, including Australians. East Timor's opposition says the advisers are overpaid and are not qualified for the jobs. And East Timor's Deputy Prime Minister says corruption exists throughout government.
Australians told to prepare for increase in swine flu cases
Updated 28/05/2009 12:40:51
The number of swine flu cases in Australia has doubled in one day to more than 60 and Australians are being told to prepare for a large increase still to come. The Australian government says there's no need to panic, though a vaccine is still some months away.
North Korea ratchets up the hostile rhetoric
Updated 28/05/2009 12:40:51
North Korea's has made the dramatic declaration that it's no longer bound by the armistice that ended the Korean War in 1953. North Korea warns that it will attack any force attempting to halt or inspect its ships, after South Korea joined a US-led program to stop and search vessels suspected of transporting weapons of mass destruction to Pyongyang.
Space station gets a population boost
Updated 28/05/2009 12:40:51
A Russian Soyuz craft with three people on board is heading for the International Space Station. However, the crews won't be changing over as usual but working together which will see the station's population double.
Australia under pressure to set climate change example
Updated 28/05/2009 12:40:51
The Australian Labor government's climate change policies are under pressure in the leadup to the global summt in Copenhagen later this year. Australia is one of the biggest carbon emitters per capita, and its targets will help decide what role Canberra can play in negotiations.
Sri Lanka's challenge in winning the peace
Updated 28/05/2009 12:40:51
Sri Lanka's government has relaxed restrictions on motor vehicles going in and out of the largest refugee camp that had hampered aid distribution. The United States and other nations had urged Sri Lanka to grant free access, to ensure the refugees get medical and other assistance.
The rebranding of Thailand's Yellow Shirts
Updated 28/05/2009 12:40:51
Thailand is set to have a new political party soon. The People's Alliance for Democracy, also known as the Yellow Shirts, have voted to form a political party. The party, which has yet to be named, has a platform of justice, anti-corruption and political change.
Australian police embark on mission to India
Updated 28/05/2009 12:40:51
A police officer from the Southern Australian State of Victoria leaves for India this weekend on a mission to meet students planning to study in Australia, to teach them how to stay safe. The visit follows a recent, dramatic upswing in the number of violent attacks against foreign students from the sub-continent in the outer suburbs of the state capital, Melbourne.
Australia defends efforts to get detained citizens out of Papua
Updated 28/05/2009 12:40:51
Australia's government has defended its efforts to release five Australians stranded in Indonesia's Papua province. The five are currently under "city detention" in Merauke, where they have been since September last year, when they were detained for entering Papua without valid visas. The case is still before the courts, but some have suggested the hold-up is partly due to the Australian Government's complacency regarding the case of the five.
Malaysia's detention centres under scrutiny
Updated 28/05/2009 12:40:51
The recent death of another two illegal detainees in one of Malaysia's many detention centres has once again raised the issue of conditions under which people are being held. The death of the two Burmese detainees from Leptospirosis, a disease caused by exposure to contaminated water, shows a continued lack of hygiene and healthcare at detention centres
Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi mounts robust trial defence
Updated 27/05/2009 11:24:59
Burma's military regime has officially ended the house arrest order against pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. However, the Nobel Laureate will remain behind bars, while her trial continues. Ms Suu Kyi's been charged with breaching the rules of her house arrest.
Merauke Five still being held over Papua flying incident
Updated 27/05/2009 11:24:59
Five Australians who have been detained in Indonesia for almost nine months have accused the Australian government of not doing enough to secure their release. The five were arrested in September for allegedly flying into Papua Province without valid visas. In April, they thought they would be on their way home, but their case is still before the courts.
Indonesia extradites accused people smuggler
Updated 27/05/2009 11:24:59
The first alleged people smuggler to be extradited from Indonesia to Australia has been arrested on arrival from Jakarta, in the West Australian capital Perth. Hadi Ahmadi, who has dual Iraqi and Iranian citizenship, will be charged with more than 20 people smuggling offences.
Pakistan's top court lifts political ban on Sharif brothers
Updated 27/05/2009 11:24:59
Pakistan's Supreme Court has overturned an earlier decision banning popular former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his brother, Shahbaz from running for political office.
Efforts to curb cult influence among Japanese students
Updated 27/05/2009 11:24:59
Japan's universities are stepping up measures to curb student involvement in religious cults. Student advisers across 45 universities in Japan have started a campaign to exchange information and to provide tips on ways to combat the groups.
Asia's rubber plantations threaten biodiversity
Updated 27/05/2009 11:24:59
A scientific report just out, has warned that rubber plantations are expanding rapidly in Southeast Asia, especially in the Indo-China region, and that this may have devastating environmental consequences. The report in Science magazine says more than 500-thousand hectares may have been already converted in the uplands of China, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Burma.
North Korea ramps up tensions with more missile tests
Updated 27/05/2009 11:24:59
North Korea has made good of its threat to launch more missiles by firing another two short range missiles on Tuesday and is again warning the US against what it calls 'intimidation'. But the United Nations Security Council has begun work on a new resolution against North Korea, with Australia embarking on a diplomatic push along with the US, Japan and South Korea to tighten the sanctions noose around Pyongyang.
The plight of Sri Lanka's Tamil refugees
Updated 27/05/2009 11:24:59
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillai wants to see an independent investigation into alleged atrocities committed by both sides in Sri Lanka's civil war. The Sri Lankan government has dismissed calls for an inquiry and says it is meeting the needs of more than a quarter of a million displaced civilians.
Australian wanted on Indian child sex charges
Updated 26/05/2009 12:17:29
An Australian man with no medical qualifications has performed surgery and sexually abused dozens of medical trainees in India.
West Australian con man Paul Henry Dean claimed to be a doctor. He amputated the fingers and toes of leprosy patients, and attempted to perform eye surgery.
The challenge of e-waste in the Asia Pacific
Updated 26/05/2009 12:17:29
Australia is about to introduce a new national electronic recycling scheme for TVs, computers and other electronic equipment.
Burma's ethnic rebels continue to resist generals
Updated 26/05/2009 12:17:29
Australia Network television's Norman Hermant travels across the Thai border into Burma to visit a village in territory controlled by the largest army fighting for the Karen people, who've never given up their dream of independence.
Thailand hits recession but the worst could be over
Updated 26/05/2009 12:17:29
Authorities in Thailand have confirmed the country is in recession. The economy shrank a stunning seven per cent in the first quarter, far worse than expectations. Manufacturing and business investment have been hard hit by the combination of the global slowdown and Thailand's domestic political problems. But some say the worst might be over.
South Koreans mourn troubled former president
Updated 26/05/2009 12:17:29
The South Korean government may be expressing its anger at the North Koreans' nuclear test, but ordinary South Koreans appear to be little affected by news. Many are in mourning and still trying to come to terms with the death of former South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun.
North Korea confronts the United Nations, US with its latest blast
Updated 26/05/2009 12:17:29
The latest North Korean nuclear blast has presented a new challenge to both the United States, and the United Nations.
North Korean nuclear blast generates international outrage
Updated 26/05/2009 12:17:29
North Korea's latest nuclear test has met with global condemnation, including only a declaration from the UN Security Council that it was in "clear violation" of a 2006 resolution, passed after Pyongyang's first atomic test.
Australian film suprise winner at Cannes
Updated 26/05/2009 12:17:28
A low budget Australian film 'Samson and Delilah' has taken out a prestigious prize at the Cannes Film Festival. Its 38 year old Aboriginal director, writer and cinematographer won the Camera d'Or for what is his first feature film.
New Nanking massacre film stirs passion in China
Updated 26/05/2009 12:17:28
A new film about World War Two Japanese atrocities in the Chinese city of Nanjing has been released in China, and it's attracted controversy. For the first time, a Chinese film includes the viewpoint of Japanese soldiers.
Reformist leader Zhao Ziyang release memoir from the grave
Updated 25/05/2009 12:48:54
During the 1980s, Zhao Ziyang was Premier of the People's Republic of China, and one of the architects of China's dramatic turn towards a market economy.
Political stability could boost India's economy
Updated 25/05/2009 12:48:54
India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was scheduled to be sworn in on Friday for his second term after winning a resounding victory in elections finalised a week ago.
Pregnant women being trafficked for their babies
Updated 25/05/2009 12:48:54
First world demand to adopt very young babies is driving a new twist in people smuggling, particularly in Asia.
Pregnant British woman avoids Laotian firing squad
Updated 25/05/2009 12:48:55
A pregnant British woman narrowly avoided facing Lao's firing squad.
New Nepali prime minister sworn in
Updated 25/05/2009 12:48:55
Nepal has a new prime minister. Madhav Kumar Nepal of the United Marxist Leninist Party took the mantle on Saturday and has the unenviable task of putting Nepal back on track in achieving reconciliation and writing a new constitution for the republic.
Jail term expected fo Suu Kyi
Updated 25/05/2009 12:48:55
It could be several weeks before Burma's pro-democracy hero, Aung San Suu Kyi, knows her fate but it's a fair assumption she's been found guilty of trumped up charges, and that they will sideline her from next year's national elections.
Former South Korean President in apparent suicide
Updated 25/05/2009 12:48:55
South Koreans are in still shock, following the apparent suicide of former President Roh Moo-hyun on Saturday.
Cambodia releases first ever textbook on Pol Pot era
Updated 25/05/2009 12:48:51
Cambodian education officials have unveiled the country's first textbook on Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge regime.
Ordinary Pakistanis overwhelmed by refugees
Updated 22/05/2009 11:57:21
Another nation in the region close to civil war is Pakistan, where fighting between the military and the Taliban in the Swat Valley has caused almost two-million people to flee their homes.
Tamil diaspora vows to fight on
Updated 22/05/2009 11:57:22
The defeat of the rebels in Sri Lanka, the reported death of Tamil Tiger leader Vellupillai Prabhakaran and the issue of displaced people, have generated emotional protests from Tamil communities across the world.
Sri Lanka refugee children at great risk of abductions and abuse
Updated 22/05/2009 11:57:22
Sri Lanka says it hopes to resettle most of the 280,000 civilians displaced by the civil war, within six months.
Burma allows diplomats to attend Suu Kyi trial briefly
Updated 22/05/2009 11:57:22
After allowing foreign diplomats and media to attend the trial of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday, the Burmese authoritites have closed doors to the trial.
Plans to tackle shrimp virus in Indonesia
Updated 22/05/2009 11:57:17
Shrimp is Indonesia's most valuable fish export, worth close to $1 billion dollars a year.
Foreign workers lives at risk in Singapore
Updated 22/05/2009 11:57:21
Apart from doing the tough jobs that nobody wants, foreign workers in Singapore also face danger getting to and from work.
Military harrassment forces aid group out of Thai camp
Updated 22/05/2009 11:04:06
The international medical NGO, Medecins Sans Frontieres has ended its relief program for refugees in northern Thailand - blaming what it calls the Thai military's scare tactics.
Military harassment forces aid group out of Thai camp
Updated 22/05/2009 11:57:21
The international medical NGO, Medecins Sans Frontieres has ended its relief program for refugees in northern Thailand - blaming what it calls the Thai military's scare tactics.
Teenage Sri Lankan faces beheading in Saudi Arabia
Updated 22/05/2009 11:57:21
A Sri Lankan teenager who was sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia may escape beheading due to the attention her case attracted.
China's growth obscures longer term problems
Updated 22/05/2009 11:57:21
A leading economist is warning Australia against hanging its economic future so prominently on the success of China.
US says its Pacific influence is not waning
Updated 21/05/2009 13:33:48
The United States has hit back at suggestions it's a waning power in the Asia Pacific in the face of China's rise.
China-Australia trade deal worth billions: Report
Updated 21/05/2009 13:33:50
It wasn't that long ago that Japan was Australia's number one trading partner but with its economy now floundering business leaders in Australia are thanking God for China.
Ma succeeds in moving Taiwan closer to China
Updated 21/05/2009 13:33:51
It's been a year, since Taiwan's President Ma Ying-jeou won office, with the China-friendly Kuomintang improving relations with its mainland neighbour.
Pakistan expanding nuclear program: Reports
Updated 21/05/2009 13:33:51
US satellite photos released this week, show Pakistan has expanded two sites crucial to its nuclear program, to bolster its atomic arsenal.
Pakistani militants seek refuge and money in south
Updated 21/05/2009 13:33:51
As Pakistan continues its offensive against the Taliban in the country's north west the developed world is responding to the humanitarian crisis by providing more aid and assistance.
Australia prepares for influx of Tamil asylum seekers
Updated 21/05/2009 13:33:51
The scale of the humanitarian crisis in the war torn areas of Sri Lanka is immense.
Aid agencies frustrated over access to refugee camps
Updated 21/05/2009 13:33:51
International aid agences say the Sri Lankan government is restricting their access to camps for refugees displaced by the just-ended civil war.
UN backs calls for Sri Lanka war crimes probe
Updated 21/05/2009 13:33:51
International calls for a full investigation into allegations of war crimes in Sri Lanka have been backed up by the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon.
Higher education under pressure in Vietnam
Updated 21/05/2009 13:33:48
Vietnam's tertiary education sector is struggling to keep up with the pace of economic change.
Survivor of Hiroshima and Nagasaki backs Obama
Updated 20/05/2009 11:20:47
When US President Barack Obama spoke of a world free of nuclear weapons last month, he won whole-hearted support from the man regarded as the only living survivor of history's two atomic attacks.
America bans Japan rape simulation game
Updated 20/05/2009 11:20:51
A Japanese video game which simulates rape has been banned in America.
Financial crisis could increase corruption
Updated 20/05/2009 11:20:51
As the global financial crisis deepens there are claims the fallout will lead to greater scrutiny of major organisations.
More Australian aid to Pakistan
Updated 20/05/2009 11:20:51
Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, is in Canberra for closed door talks with Australian military and political leaders about the conflict in the Swat Valley where Pakistan forces are engaged in pitched battles with Taliban militants.
China unhappy at levels of investment in Australia
Updated 20/05/2009 11:20:51
China is not satisfied with the level of its foreign investment in Australian companies. China's Ambassador to Australia says there are many opportunites beyond the mining sector where cooperatiion should be expanded.
ASEAN issues statement of 'grave concern' over Suu Kyi trial
Updated 20/05/2009 11:20:51
As the trial of Burmese democracy movement leader Aung San Suu Kyi's continues, the Association of Southeast Asian nations has issued a statement of concern.
Internally displaced Sri Lanka's most pressing problem
Updated 20/05/2009 11:20:51
One of the most pressing tasks facing the Sri Lankan government is nation-building.
UN calls for access to Sri Lanka's war victims
Updated 20/05/2009 11:20:51
The United Nations wants the Sri Lankan government to allow aid groups into war ravaged areas in the north of the island, to help the estimated quarter of a million people who have been displaced.
Indigenous school in Australia changes educational outcomes
Updated 20/05/2009 11:20:47
In Australia, an estimated 20-thousand children, many of them Indigenous, miss out on school, but one school in North Queensland might be showing a way to change that.
Presidential hopefuls get psychological check-up
Updated 19/05/2009 12:06:56
The presidential election in Indonesia will be held next month and all the candidates have been preparing themselves.
Indian students demand more protection from violent crime
Updated 19/05/2009 12:06:59
The past ten years have seen a sharp rise in the number of Indians living in Melbourne, largely through the arrival of students from South Asia, and also through migration.
'Cheque book' judiciary claims in Cambodia
Updated 19/05/2009 12:06:59
Numerous stories of corruption in Cambodia's judicial system are filtering into newspapers in Phnom Penh.
Korean trade minister emphasises shared values with Australia
Updated 19/05/2009 12:06:59
Australian frustration over stalled free trade talks with China has been openly on show for some time now, but at a meeting in the Australian city of Melbourne, between the Australian and Korean trade ministers, the latter has stressed the "shared values" of democracy and a market economy between Canberra and Seoul.
Bangladesh accused of torture and killing of suspects
Updated 19/05/2009 12:07:00
The Bangladesh government is being urged to disband two of the country's security forces over allegations of extrajudicial killings and torture.
Millions flee Swat Valley fighting in Pakistan
Updated 19/05/2009 12:07:00
The head of the United Nations refugee agency says more than two million people have been displaced by fighting in Pakistan's Swat Valley since August last year.
Prison could be Suu Kyi's death sentence: Lawyer
Updated 19/05/2009 12:07:00
Reports from Rangoon say dozens of Ms Suu Kyi's supporters gathered near Insein prison outside Yangon as the hearing got under way, one of whom was arrested by riot police posted behind barbed wire blockades.
Burmese activists protest Suu Kyi trial
Updated 19/05/2009 12:07:00
Burma's opposition leader and Nobel Peace laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi was sent to trial in Rangoon yesterday.
Warnings of more violence in Sri Lankan community
Updated 19/05/2009 12:07:00
There are warnings that the defeated Tamil Tigers may use violence in places such as Australia in retaliation for their military defeat in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka celebrates end of conflict
Updated 19/05/2009 12:07:00
The Sri Lankan government has officially announced the end of its war against the Tamil Tigers.
Google maps go beneath the waves
Updated 19/05/2009 12:06:56
Oceans cover much of the earth's surface yet most people don't ever get to see below the waves.
Convention tackles ship recycling pollution
Updated 18/05/2009 11:20:36
The business of recycling old ships is a big part of several national economies and a core part of the maritime sector.
SBY coasting toward victory in Indonesia
Updated 18/05/2009 11:20:36
With less than two months to go before Indonesia's presidential election, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is shaping up to be a clear favourite, for a second term in office.
Australian aid budget not good enough says Greens leader
Updated 18/05/2009 11:20:36
Australia's veteran Green party leader, Bob Brown, says the Rudd government has failed in its foreign aid responsibilities, despite a slight increase for aid in this week's Federal budget.
Displaced people a humanitarian crisis in Philippines
Updated 18/05/2009 11:20:36
As the world watches the exodus of refugees from Pakistan's Swat Valley and the brutal civil war in Sri Lanka another humanitarian crisis has been slowly unfolding in the southern Philippines.
India's Congress Party surprises with emphatic victory
Updated 18/05/2009 11:20:37
India's Congress party is putting together a government, after steering the ruling alliance to victory in the nation's staggered general election.
No word on whereabouts of Tamil leader
Updated 18/05/2009 11:20:37
In a statement carried on the pro-rebel Tamilnet website, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam said the battle had reached its bitter end and that they have decided to silence their guns.
Tamil Tigers admit defeat
Updated 18/05/2009 11:20:37
After 37 years of battling for an independent homeland for the minority Tamils, Sri Lanka's Tamil Tiger rebels have admitted defeat.
Wimbledon roof consigns rain delays to history
Updated 18/05/2009 11:20:33
One of the world's most famous and historic sporting venues has entered a new era.
Laos allows local NGOs to register
Updated 18/05/2009 11:20:33
Laos has announced plans to loosen restrictions for local non-government organisations.
Tough choice for Indian president
Updated 15/05/2009 13:42:17
India's political parties have started feverish negotiations to form the next government.
US approves massive war budget
Updated 15/05/2009 13:42:18
Still in Washington, and the Democrat-dominated US House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved a 96-billion dollar measure to pay for the war in Afghanistan and its ongoing involvement in Iraq.
US pledges to take 'greater care' with air strikes
Updated 15/05/2009 13:42:18
US Defence Secretary Robert Gates says the military needs to take greater care in choosing air strike targets in Afghanistan, in the wake of a recent spate of civilian deaths.
Burma's opposition leader charged
Updated 15/05/2009 13:42:18
Burmese authorities have charged opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi with breaching the conditions of her house arrest.
Flying doctors winging to the rescue for 81 years
Updated 15/05/2009 13:42:12
On this day in 1928 the Aerial Medical Service took off on its first flight from Cloncurry in Queensland Australia.
Visitors to Cambodia down
Updated 15/05/2009 13:42:17
The number of foreign tourists visiting Cambodia dropped in the first quarter of 2009 as the global economic crisis cuts the number of people travelling.
Singaporeans angry at coach snub
Updated 15/05/2009 13:42:17
The Chinese table tennis coach who helped Singapore win its first Olympic medal in nearly half a century, has been snubbed by local sporting authorities.
First East Timorese district handed over to local police by UN
Updated 15/05/2009 13:42:17
Local police in East Timor have for the first time formally been given control of a district by the United Nations.
Opposition wants to raise cigarette taxes
Updated 15/05/2009 13:42:17
Australia's Budget debate looks set to become a game of political brinkmanship over the government's plan cut private health rebates for the well off by imposing a 'means test'.
Signs of economic recovery may be a mirage
Updated 15/05/2009 13:42:17
A recent spate of encouraging economic statistics around the globe seems to have turned.
Australian government secret negotiations revealed
Updated 15/05/2009 13:42:17
Australia's government is being accused of a massive breach of trust and security with almost a hundred other countries, after a secret list of bilateral negotiations was inadvertendly made public.
Further cuts to skilled migration announced in Aust budget
Updated 14/05/2009 13:33:10
The Australian Government has announced further cuts to its skilled migration program taking effect next year.
Filipino crew refuse to leave port without pay
Updated 14/05/2009 13:33:10
A ship with a 60 thousand tonnes of iron ore destined for China is stranded at a port in Western Australia after the 24-strong crew from the Philippines refused to set sail over what they claim is the owners failure to pay them.
Climate change threatens global health
Updated 14/05/2009 13:33:10
The first major report investigating the effects of climate change on people's health describes the increase in greenhouse gases as the biggest global threat to health in the 21st Century.
Corruption costs Indonesia $US 200 million this year
Updated 14/05/2009 13:33:10
Indonesia lost nearly 200 million US dollars to corruption so far this year.
Japanese opposition leader quits
Updated 14/05/2009 13:33:10
The leader of Japan's main opposition Democratic party Ichiro Ozawa has resigned after months of being implicated through his aide in a scandal.
Aid agencies welcome Australian aid boost
Updated 14/05/2009 13:33:10
A modest increase in Australia's aid budget has been welcomed by aid agencies, but it falls well short of need on the Australian budget's own reckoning.
Security council to address Sri Lanka
Updated 14/05/2009 13:33:10
US President Barack Obama has urged Sri Lanka's military to stop indiscriminate shelling of civilians and for the Tamil Tiger rebels to lay down their arms.
Arsenic winding up in Asian rice crops
Updated 14/05/2009 13:33:10
Less than a decade ago it was thought that people exposed to drinking elevated levels of arsenic in groundwater were confined to those living in West Bengal in India and Bangladesh.
Migration changes make it harder for students to get residency
Updated 14/05/2009 13:33:10
The Australian government has increased the number of family reunion places in its immigration program but cut the number of skilled migrants among fears over worsening unemployment.
Indian election concludes today
Updated 13/05/2009 11:25:05
The fifth and final phase of the keenly fought parliamentary elections in India concludes today with polling in 86 seats.
Scientists warn of economic refugees from Asia Pacific
Updated 13/05/2009 11:25:06
Australian scientists are warning of the possibility of a future wave of economic refugees from south-east Asia and the Pacific if one of the world's most important marine ecosystems is devastated by climate change.
Bank governor firms as SBY's likely running mate
Updated 13/05/2009 11:25:06
Indonesians are waiting to know what team the President will be taking into the Presidential election in July.
Security Council urged to address Sri Lankan conflict
Updated 13/05/2009 11:25:06
Australia has joined Britain and Europe in calling on the United Nations Security Council to address the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the north of Sri Lanka.
Australia pins hopes on Chinese growth
Updated 13/05/2009 11:25:06
Australia's Minister for Trade is Simon Crean has made several visits to China, a nation that Australia is pinning much of its recovery on.
Budget papers reveal dire warnings on regional economies
Updated 13/05/2009 11:25:06
Australia's Treasurer Wayne Swan has delivered the government's 2009 budget which he says sets a path to recovery within two years.
Thai festival goes off with a bang
Updated 13/05/2009 11:25:04
It's planting season in North East Thailand and the festival that marks its beginning could fill some of the world's guerrilla leaders with envy.
Race riots haunt Malaysia, 40 years on
Updated 13/05/2009 11:25:05
In Malaysia, the coalition government dominated by the Malay UMNO party, is grappling with whether or not to dismantle the decades-old "affirmative action policy" favouring the Malays or Bumiputras.
Assistance to combat torture in Thailand
Updated 12/05/2009 12:47:29
Two documents designed to help countries combat the incidence of torture are to be released in Thai translation.
Australia-Indonesia relations need more work says academic
Updated 12/05/2009 12:47:32
Australia's recent defence white paper was notable for its shift in focus toward China and away from Indonesia as a strategic threat.
Beijing rapidly running out of water
Updated 12/05/2009 12:47:32
The Chinese capital of Beijing has announced plans to increase water prices this year.
Little hope of North Korea improving food production
Updated 12/05/2009 10:40:56
North Korea's leader has called for a decisive turning-point this year to end the country's long-running food shortage.
Little hope of North Korea improving food production
Updated 12/05/2009 12:47:32
North Korea's leader has called for a decisive turning-point this year to end the country's long-running food shortage.
Killing if civillians in Sri Lanka labelled a "bloodbath"
Updated 12/05/2009 12:47:33
The United Nations has called the weekend killing of hundreds of civilians in Sri Lanka a "bloodbath".
High Court deals Malaysian government severe blow
Updated 12/05/2009 12:47:32
Malaysia's coalition government has been severely embarrassed by the High Court, after the court ruled that its takeover of a northern state was illegal and that the opposition was still in charge.
Top US general in Afghanistan stood down
Updated 12/05/2009 12:47:32
There's been a dramatic shakeup in how the United States is handling the war in Afghanistan.
Killing of civilians in Sri Lanka labelled a "bloodbath"
Updated 12/05/2009 10:40:56
The United Nations has called the weekend killing of hundreds of civilians in Sri Lanka a "bloodbath".
Australian aid helps solve Indonesian fruit fly problem
Updated 12/05/2009 12:47:29
Every season Indonesia's fruit farmers have to wage a battle with the humble, but very destructive, fruit fly.
Swine flu could be as severe as Asian flu: research
Updated 12/05/2009 12:47:29
The most detailed research so far on swine flu has found the virus has pandemic qualities and could be as severe at the 1957 Asian flu, which killed at least one million.
