July 2007
VIETNAM: Police jail 6 for trafficking women
Updated 31/07/2007 20:10:34
Police in Vietnam say they have broken up the country's largest network responsible for trafficking women out of the country. A Taiwanese man and five Vietnamese have been jailed for trafficking more than 120 women to Malaysia, where a new law designed to combat the trade has recently come into force. The women had been told they would married to Malaysian men, but many were tricked into prostitution. But the successful convictions are a small victory in the fight against Southeast Asia's thriving trade in human beings.
BANGLADESH: High Court grants bail to Sheikh Hasina
Updated 31/07/2007 20:10:40
Bangladesh's former prime minister Sheikh Hasina has been granted bail by the High Court, less than two weeks after being detained on extortion charges. The court's given Bangladesh's interim government two weeks to justify the legality of using emergency laws to prosecute the Awami League leader -- rather than pursuing the case through ordinary legal processes. The government has filed a second extortion charge against Sheikh Hasina, meaning it may take some time before she's released from custody. But the High Court decision suggests the interim government's plans of eradicating corruption before holding elections next year may bring it into conflict with the judiciary.
CAMBODIA: Former Khmer leader engages famous French lawyer
Updated 31/07/2007 20:10:46
In Cambodia, the Chief Khmer Rouge inquisitor Duch has appeared before the UN-backed tribunal investigating killings committed during the Pol Pot regime. Duch, also known as Kang Kek Ieu, has confessed to committing multiple atrocities during his time as head of the notorious Tuol Sleng, or S-21, interrogation centre. Duch is expected to be a key witness in the trial of other senior Khmer Rouge leaders. Among others expected to stand trial is the former Khmer Rouge leader Khieu Samphan; this week he told reporters he's engaged the services of the French lawyer Jacques Verges. Verges has become well-known for defending highly controversial figures including the Nazi war criminal Klaus Barbie and the Marxist terrorist known as "Carlos the Jackal".
AUSTRALIA: New evidence emerges in Haneef case
Updated 31/07/2007 20:10:52
There's been a significant development in the case of Dr Mohamed Haneef, who returned to India this week after terrorism-related charges against him were dropped by the Australian authorities. The Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews has now released some of the previously secret information he used to cancel the doctor's visa. Mr Andrews said the Solicitor General David Bennett QC had endorsed his decision to cancel the visa, and told the media of evidence Mr Bennett quoted in his opinion. It included an Australian Federal Police trace of an internet chatroom conversation between Dr Haneef and his brother back in India, the day before the doctor tried to leave Australia several weeks ago. That conversation showed Dr Haneef's brother urging him to leave the country quickly - and suggested using the premature birth of his baby daughter as a reason.
PACIFIC: Concerns over economic partnership with EU
Updated 31/07/2007 20:10:21
The Pacific Islands Forum has for the first time publicly admitted there have been problems in sealing an economic partnership agreement with the European Union. Peter Forau, deputy secretary general of the Forum, has addressed trade ministers of the Pacific countries who are members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of states. He says there's a strong possibility that some Pacific countries may not sign the agreement by the deadline of December the 31st.
VANUATU: Deputy PM sacked over fraud allegations
Updated 31/07/2007 20:10:27
Vanuatu's deputy prime minister Sato Kilman has been sacked over the alleged involvement of his staff and members of his People's Progress Party in a multi-million-dollar fraud. Mr Kilman was removed from office and stripped of his Foreign Affairs portfolio by Prime Minister Ham Lini. Two other ministers have also been thrown out of the government over the scandal.
JAPAN: Abe government faces political gridlock
Updated 30/07/2007 20:03:41
Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe has ruled out resigning or calling for a fresh election following his Liberal Democratic Party's landmark defeat in Sunday's elections. For the first time in nearly a decade, the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan is in control of the upper house. Mr Abe has insisted he will stay on, to push forward with his agenda for reform.
INDONESIA: Military role in Papua challenged
Updated 30/07/2007 20:03:49
Indonesia is under pressure for posting a colonel indicted for crimes against humanity in East Timor, to the province of Papua. The move comes as the Indonesian military and Indonesian-backed militia are reportedly stepping up their activities in Papua -- which is home to simmering separatist movement. Human rights groups have appealed to Indonesia's president, and called for international intervention.
EAST TIMOR: UN threatens to boycott truth commission
Updated 30/07/2007 20:03:55
The United Nations says it may boycott East Timor and Indonesia's Commission of Truth and Friendship. Jakarta and Dili set up the commission two years ago, to look into hundreds of killings carried out during East Timor's independence vote in 1999. But the UN says it won't allow staff members who were based in the region to testify, if the commission grants amnesties to people found to have committed human rights crimes.
CHINA: Film to tell story of Mao's Last Dancer
Updated 30/07/2007 20:03:28
The story of Li Cunxin is familiar to many readers from his best-selling book - Maos Last Dancer. Born into poverty in China, Li went on to become one of the world's finest ballet dancers, and now lives here in Melbourne with his Australian dancer wife. Now his journey will be told on film.
ASEAN: Progress on Charter includes human rights.
Updated 30/07/2007 20:03:35
South East Asia is to have its own regional human rights commission. ASEAN foreign ministers meeting in the Philippines say they've overcome opposition from Burma during negotiations for an ASEAN Charter. The Charter aims to transform the diverse region into a European-style community, and marks a historic shift from the consensus model, to a rules-based system.
CHINA: State owned bank in China's biggest overseas investment
Updated 27/07/2007 19:12:17
In a dramatic sign of China's increasing financial influence, a government-owned bank is helping fund one of the biggest global mergers in the financial services sector. The China Development Bank is contributing to the $US90 billion bid by British bank Barclays for the Dutch banking giant ABN-AMRO. The bid also involves Singapore's government-linked company Temasek.
CHINA: Discussions with US on currency, trade tensions
Updated 27/07/2007 19:12:25
A senior Bush Administration official is heading to Beijing to deal with economic and trade tensions between the United States and China. US Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson will discuss the valuation of the Chinese currency, along with energy and environment issues during his three day trip. His visit comes as the US Congress contemplates legislation to curb growing Chinese trade imbalances.
JAPAN: Abe's ruling coalition faces tough elections
Updated 27/07/2007 19:12:34
Japan's government has vowed that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will not resign, no matter how poorly the ruling coalition fares in Sunday's parliamentary elections. After just 10 months in office, Mr Abe's personal approval rating has plummeted to just 30 percent. But chief government spokesman Yasuhisa Shiozaki, has said upper house elections aren't the occasion to choose a new administration. His statement comes amid widespread media speculation that the ruling Liberal Democratic Party will suffer big losses. But regardless of Sunday's results, Prime Minister Abe is likely to remain as leader, because only the Lower House can decide his fate.
AUSTRALIA: Terrorism-related charge dropped against Indian doctor
Updated 27/07/2007 19:12:41
The Indian doctor locked up as a terrorism suspect for the last three and a half weeks in Australia has been released from prison. Late on Friday evening, immigration officials ended Mohamed Haneef's 25 days in detention. Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews -- while not reinstating Dr Haneef's visa -- says it's possible Mr Haneef will go to a safe house at a mutually agreed location. In the Magistrates' court in Brisbane today the prosecutor admitted to a number of errors in the case and conceded that several allegations made against Dr Haneef had been wrong. But the Federal Police, the Prosecutor Damian Bugg and the Attorney General have refused to apologise to Dr Haneef at this stage; Australian Federal Police chief Mick Kelty says the doctor is still under investigation.
ASIA: Sharp market drop after US tumbles
Updated 27/07/2007 19:12:03
Asian markets have suffered heavy falls in the wake of Thursday's 2.25 percent drop on Wall Street. The Dow had its biggest drop since February, amid concerns over the US mortgage and corporate lending markets. Share markets fell sharply in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines, as international investors pulled out of riskier assets -- including Asian emerging markets. Here in Australia the sharemarket lost $A41 billion, closing 2.8 per cent down -- the biggest one-day drop since September 2001. The Philippines had its biggest percentage drop in 10 years, falling nearly 4 percent, while in Tokyo the Nikkei shed 418 points, or 2.36 percent. South Korea's KOSPI index closed down 80.32 points or 4.1 percent, the largest single day loss since mid- 2004. And Hong Kong stocks had their worst one-day percentage fall since March, as investors unloaded shares across the board.
PNG: Sir Michael 'has numbers' to form govt
Updated 27/07/2007 19:12:11
In Papua New Guinea Sir Michael Somare has declared he has the numbers to form the next government. The Prime Minister beat ten other candidates to take the seat of Wewak in East Sepik province by a margin of nine-thousand votes. Sir Michael has been holding talks with leaders of smaller parties and independent candidates in an attempt to gather enough seats for his National Alliance party to form a coalition government. But he'll face challenges on that front.
ASIA: Humanitarian agency blames climate change for record floods
Updated 26/07/2007 14:46:27
This year's deadly floods in China, Britain, and much of the subcontinent are forcing humanitarian agencies to change the way they respond to climate-related disasters. That's been the experience of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The federation is an umbrella group representing the world's national Red Cross and Red Crescent groups, which together represent the world's largest humanitarian network.
EAST TIMOR: Australian PM to make flying visit
Updated 26/07/2007 14:46:26
Australian Prime Minister John Howard is due to make a flying visit to East Timor on Thursday. He will meet President Jose Ramos-Horta and former president Xanana Gusmao, the leader of the new CNRT political party. Mr Howard's visit comes at a time of uncertainty for East Timor, where almost a month after national elections, the main rival parties have yet to agree on a new government.
INDONESIA: Dramatic constitutional changes hailed by legal experts
Updated 26/07/2007 20:01:17
In a move seen as a blow to the powerful elite, Indonesia's Constitutional court has ruled that independent candidates can stand for local elections. It follows another ruling last week which scrapped parts of the criminal code banning comments critical of the government. Both judgements are being hailed as important steps along Indonesia's path to democracy and free speech.
ASEAN: No US presence at key security forum
Updated 26/07/2007 20:01:25
ASEAN is putting a good face on the decision by US Secretary of State Condeleeza Rice not to attend a key Southeast Asian security forum. It is the second time she's failed to attend the meeting of the ASEAN Regional Forum, a 27-nation high-level security group which includes Russia, India, China, the European Union and China. Dr Rice's announcement that she wouldn't be attending the meeting next week comes a week after the White House said President George Bush would postpone talks with ASEAN leaders originally scheduled for September.
ETIMOR: Plea for Australian troops to stay on
Updated 26/07/2007 20:01:32
Australian Prime Minister John Howard has made a brief visit to East Timor for talks with newly elected president, Jose Ramos-Horta. President Horta has asked Mr Howard to keep Australia's troops in the country until at least the end of next year. The talks took place against a backdrop of political uncertainty in East Timor, where - nearly a month after national elections - there's still no agreement on a new government.
INDIA: Jails to offer poetry to inmates
Updated 26/07/2007 20:01:07
India's prison systems have a notorious reputation. Overcrowding and violence are commonplace, and human rights groups claim a lack of transparency has contributed to the abuse of detainees in jails and detention centres. Now, in an attempt at reform, prison authorities in southern India are introducing inmates to poetry, literature and music.
AUSTRALIA: Govt defends tough new visa regulations
Updated 26/07/2007 20:01:07
Australia has defended its tougher visa regulations, saying they're based on advice from the security intelligence agency, ASIO. However, one Islamic council has called on the government to explain why it's introduced a requirement for people of Arabic descent to provide the names of their parents and paternal grandfather. Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews has refused to rule out the possibility that Australia could follow Britain in requiring all visa applicants to be fingerprinted and provide digital photos. But the minister says he has asked police to review information he used to cancel the visa of Indian doctor Mohamed Haneef, whose charge of "reckless" support for a terrorist organisation, in relation to failed terror attacks in Britain, has been questioned by civil liberties groups.
INDIA: Harry Potter book pirate racket cracked
Updated 25/07/2007 20:09:13
Indian police have discovered thousands of illegal copies of the final Harry Potter novel in the southern city of Bangalore, ready for distribution in India and abroad. One man has been arrested after officers raided a printing press, a storage depot and a private home. Publisher Bloomsbury and Indian distributor Penguin Books are believed to have begun an anti-piracy drive to coincide with the Harry Potter launch.
PNG: Alliance to challenge Somare for leadership
Updated 25/07/2007 20:09:19
In Papua New Guinea, the political scene is hotting up in the wake of the general election. The current prime minister, Sir Michael Somare, the leader of the National Alliance, says he's confident of forming a coalition government with smaller parties, once full elections results are announced on Monday. But he'll face stiff competition, now it's been confirmed that an alliance has been formed by PNG Party leader and former prime minister Sir Mekere Morauta, and New Generation Party leader Bart Philemon.
INDONESIA: Bad weather hampers landslide rescuers
Updated 25/07/2007 20:09:36
More rain has brought further misery to the survivors of landslides and floods that have killed around 60 people on Indonesia's Sulawesi island. Heavy rain is continuing to fall as rescue teams and villagers dig into the mud to search for bodies or survivors, while thousands have fled to higher ground.
CAMBODIA: Weapons still flowing to Tamil Tiger rebels
Updated 25/07/2007 14:41:38
A new report by the prestigious Jane's Intelligence Review in Britain has found Cambodia remains one of the main sources of weapons for Sri Lanka's Tamil Tiger rebels. The Tamil Tigers have been fighting for an independent homeland for nearly four decades, in a conflict that has so far claimed more than 60,000 lives. Cambodia's interior ministry has responded to the report, saying it's attempting to fully eradicate the illegal movement of weapons, huge caches of which remain in the country after decades of civil war.
INDIA: Campaign launched to stop female infanticide
Updated 25/07/2007 14:41:38
In recent days India has been shaken by several horrific cases of alleged female infanticide. Many Indian families still regard a daughter as a financial burden because of the dowry that must be paid to her husband's family when she marries, and there's also a widespread preference for sons. The Indian government is now cranking up an education campaign aimed at eradicating the deliberate killing of girl babies and foetuses.
THAILAND: Major public test of tsunami warning system
Updated 25/07/2007 20:09:25
Thailand has carried out a comprehensive test of its tsunami warning system. Analysts say Wednesday's drill along the Andaman coastline -- which was devastated by the 2004 earthquake and tsunami -- is the largest so far conducted in south-east Asia.
THAILAND: Police seek Bangkok protest leaders
Updated 24/07/2007 20:18:14
Thai police are seeking the arrest of the leaders of what they're referring to as "an anti-government movement", after violent protests in the capital Bangkok on Sunday. Several people have already been charged over the protests, in which thousands of people clashed with police outside the home of former prime minister Prem Tinsulanonda. Some of the demonstrators allege that General Prem, who's also a former army commander, instigated last September's coup, ousting former leader Thaksin Shinawatra.
SOUTH KOREA: Tough education made easier with theatre
Updated 24/07/2007 20:17:33
For more than a century now, western children have been encouraged to make the most of their childhood -- with games, stories, toys and even theatre. It's a sharp contrast to South Korea - where education is highly competitive - and students are often pushed to continue their studies even during the school holidays. Now the common practice of sending children to hakwons, or private tuition, is being challenged -- by the growing use of theatre, which advocates say can be educational as well as entertaining.
SOUTH KOREA: Dangers faced by missionaries in trouble spots
Updated 24/07/2007 13:31:58
The kidnap drama involving 23 South Koreans taken hostage by Taliban rebels in Afghanistan demonstrates the dangers that missionary groups court in the region's trouble spots. The seizure of the group, most of them women, came just days after 14 Philippino soldiers lost their lives searching for the kidnapped Catholic priest Giancarlo Bossi -- who was ultimately released unharmed. The drama has been watched closely by the non-governmental organisation, the International Crisis Group.
COOK ISLANDS: Former PM Sir Tom Davis dies aged 90
Updated 24/07/2007 20:17:50
The former prime minister of Cook Islands, Sir Tom Davis, has died at the age of 90 in a hospital in the capital, Rarotonga. Sir Tom served as prime minister of the Cook Islands for most of the years between 1978 and 1987. He came to office after following a medical career in the United States, where he took part in research into the biological effects of the US space program. Sir Tom returned to the Cook Islands in 1971, and set up the Democratic Party, becoming opposition leader a year later.
NEW CAL/FRENCH POL:Uncertain political future
Updated 24/07/2007 20:17:59
France's two Pacific territories are facing uncertain political futures. The president of New Caledonia has resigned -- and in French Polynesia the current government is facing yet another no-confidence motion.
AUSTRALIA: Cash boost to monitor illegal logging
Updated 24/07/2007 13:33:45
Australia is planning to set up a global carbon accounting scheme to fund closer monitoring of countries illegally logging timber. It includes plans to use satellite imagery to track changes in forest cover in countries like Indonesia. The announcement was made at an international ministerial meeting on forests and climate change in Sydney. It follows a $AU200 million fund launched by Canberra earlier this year to help developing nations reduce the amount of greenhouse gas pollution caused by deforestation.
ASIA: Australia threatens to ban prawn imports
Updated 23/07/2007 20:16:33
There's growing pressure in Australia to ban some prawn imports from China, Thailand and Vietnam. Australians are keen consumers of seafood, and more than half of their prawns are imported. Local prawn farmers warn their industry could be wiped out if diseases enter Australia. But seafood importers say Australia is heading to a costly World Trade Organisation dispute if the proposed tougher quarantine regime goes ahead. A decision by Australia's quarantine watchdog is due in less than 24 hours.
PHILIPPINES: President Arroyo pledges stronger economy
Updated 23/07/2007 20:18:57
The Philippines President Gloria Arroyo has given her annual state of the union address in the capital Manila, as thousands of protestors gathered outside the House of Representatives. President Arroyo's address focused on security and the economy, laying out an ambitious an agenda for the remainder of her term, which ends in 2010.
ASIA PACIFIC: Australia announces HIV/AIDS cash boost
Updated 23/07/2007 20:18:44
Australia's foreign minister Alexander Downer has announced Canberra will pledge another $AU400 million to fight HIV/Aids, with a special focus on the Asia Pacific region. That brings Australia's total contribution to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria to $AU1 billion. The announcement was made during the 3rd Ministerial Meeting on HIV/AIDS, which is being held alongside another major international conference on tackling the epidemic being held in Sydney.
FRENCH POLYNESIA: Stability warning from France
Updated 23/07/2007 20:16:39
The French government has warned that any future support it provides to French Polynesia will rely on the Pacific state remaining politically stable. The call comes as the French Collective's President looks like facing a no-confidence motion, less than 12 months after taking over government.
NORTH KOREA: Key talks extended in Beijing
Updated 20/07/2007 16:24:56
High level talks aimed at firming up North Korea's commitment to declare and wind down its nuclear program will now run into a third day in Beijing. The past week has seen Pyongyang close down its main nuclear reactor and four supplementary sites, under a denuclearisation deal agreed back in February. The reactor's closure was originally scheduled for April, but US negotiator Christopher Hill says even if deadlines are moved, he's confident the talks will achieve their ultimate aim of ending North Korea's ability to make nuclear weapons.
CAMBODIA: Government bans Christian door-knocking
Updated 20/07/2007 20:06:51
Cambodia has banned Christian groups from evangelising and is cracking down on the activities of other non-Buddhist organisations. The Ministry of Cults and Religions says groups like these are disrupting Cambodian society.
ASIA: Socceroos to face Asia Cup favourites
Updated 20/07/2007 20:06:30
On Saturday, Australia's Socceroos will have to pull out all the stops to beat Asian Cup favourites Japan, in the quarter-finals.
AUSTRALIA: Low marks for Canberra on international policy
Updated 20/07/2007 20:06:41
The United Nations Association of Australia has issued Australia with a "report card" on ten international policy areas. It gives the government some pretty poor marks, especially on the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers, and on its approach to climate change. But the Government has hit back, dismissing it as a political exercise.
NZ: Defence minister criticises Honiara riot report
Updated 20/07/2007 20:07:25
New Zealand's defence minister has criticised a Solomon Islands report into riots in the capital Honiara, which followed elections last year and left parts of the city in ruins. Phil Goff says his government expected the report to find out who instigated the violence, and who took part. The report, commissioned by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and published on Thursday, said Australian-led police should have foreseen the election would cause trouble. Mr Goff says those responsible for the violence should be brought to justice.
BURMA: Special assembly consults on new constitution
Updated 20/07/2007 20:07:04
Burma's military rulers are holding a special assembly in Rangoon, aimed at finalising a new constitutional charter. Democracy advocates say the charter's expected to cement the army's control over the government -- with serious implications for Burma's economy -- and for the country's ethnic minorities.
PNG: Electoral Commission says counting too slow
Updated 20/07/2007 20:07:14
Papua New Guinea's former prime minister Sir Mekere Morauta has comfortably won his Port Moresby seat, as counting continues in the national elections. Sir Mekere led the country until losing out to current prime minister Sir Michael Somare in 2002. His return to Parliament will guarantee Sir Michael stiff competition for the prime ministership when the new government forms. Sir Mekere and Bart Philemon -- the former treasurer and leader of the PNG Party have pledged to challenge Sir Michael for the top job.
INDIA: Delhi considers introducing law against sexual harrassment
Updated 19/07/2007 20:07:03
For the first time, India is considering new laws against sexual harrassment to protect female workers. The bill's been welcomed by women's rights groups and economists -- who say women are an important part of India's economic boom. But there's been a less enthusiastic reception from other quarters.
SOLOMONS: Inquiry publishes election riots report
Updated 19/07/2007 20:07:20
In Solomon Islands, the government has released the first interim report into the cause of election riots last year, which destroyed most of the business district of the capital Honiara.
USA: US engagement still strong in Asia
Updated 19/07/2007 20:09:19
The US Chamber of Commerce's representative to Asia is on a tour of the region, and says the US remains committed to a strong relationship with Asia. Myron Brilliant says President George Bush's decision to cancel a landmark meeting with ASEAN leaders this year wasn't intended as a snub. He also has a strong message for China's regulators over a string of food-safety incidents.
CAMBODIA: First Khmer Rouge cases filed at tribunal
Updated 19/07/2007 20:09:53
Nearly thirty years after Cambodia's genocide, prosecutors at an international tribunal have filed their first cases against the former Khmer Rouge leaders who're accused of presiding over mass killings. It's the first significant judicial step taken since the tribunal was set up a year ago, and follows years of stalled attempts. As many as two-million people died in the so-called "killing fields" between 1975 and 1979, under the Khmer Rouge marxist state. The names of the first defendants have not been revealed.
PNG: Former PM Namaliu loses seat
Updated 18/07/2007 20:18:49
The former Papua New Guinea prime minister, Sir Rabbie Namaliu, has become one of the first high-profile MPs to lose a seat in the national election. Sir Rabbie, who served as treasurer in the last government, was the country's Prime Minister in 1988. He's also held several senior positions including the foreign minister post. He is the second sitting MP to lose his seat.
THAILAND: Opposition to tough security act growing
Updated 18/07/2007 20:18:56
There is mounting opposition in Thailand to a new security law being proposed by the military government. Cabinet approved the Internal Security Act last month but it has yet to be sent to Parliament. The Act would give the army almost unlimited powers of arrest and detention, and the right to declare emergency rule without consulting the prime minister. With the debate hotting up, it's possible the bill might be revised, or even delayed until after general elections due to be held by January next year.
MALAYSIA: Conservationists' last-ditch bid to save giant turtles
Updated 18/07/2007 20:18:36
An urgent meeting is underway in Malaysia to try to save the giant leatherback turtle. Tens of thousands of the massive turtles used to delight tourists as they inched laboriously up the beaches of Malaysia, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and other nations to lay their eggs. But today barely 5,000 of the turtles survive in the wild. This week's meeting in Malaysia is a desperate bid to save the leatherbacks from disappearing altogether.
AUSTRALIA: WTO proposes big protection cuts in next Doha round
Updated 18/07/2007 20:18:36
Free trade negotiators have urged the 150 member countries of the World Trade Organisation to make some "very painful" cuts to tariffs and subsidies, in a bid to end the impasse in the Doha round of global trade talks. The latest proposal from Geneva is an attempt to get the major players back to the negotiating table after India and Brazil walked out of talks last month. Australia says the new proposal offers poor countries a good deal, but forces developed states to make unfair concessions on protection.
MALAYSIA: Education is key to end Muslim poverty
Updated 18/07/2007 20:21:18
Education is under the spotlight in Malaysia as a means of revitalising the Islamic world and eradicating poverty. An international conference underway in Kuala Lumpur is looking at the role of Islamic states in a globalised world, and has education as its particular focus.
PAKISTAN: Al-Qaeda sheltering near Afghan border, US report
Updated 18/07/2007 20:21:28
In Pakistan, a new American intelligence report says Al-Qaeda is regrouping in the country's tribal regions. The US report coincides with a string of suicide bomb attacks, including one in the capital Islamabad, and another near the Afghan border. The attacks may be reprisals for last week's storming of Islamabad's Red Mosque by special forces, but they also follow the breakdown of a 10-month-old treaty between Islamist rebels and the government. Jim Walsh is an international security expert at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the US. He saus the growing influence militant groups like Al Qaeda are having in Pakistan is causing alarm in Washington.
INDIA: Under fire for planned helicopter sale to Burma
Updated 17/07/2007 20:07:34
The European Union's arms embargo against Burma is under threat, with plans by India to sell an attack helicopter to the Burmese military regime. The proposed sale is criticised in a new report by Amnesty International and other human rights organisations. They say although India owns the Advanced Light Helicopter it plans to sell, the aircraft was made with technology and parts from EU countries which have banned arms sales to Burma for nearly 20 years.
INDIA: Climate change plan short on emissions targets
Updated 17/07/2007 20:07:53
India's announced a new national plan to tackle climate change, but it's not expected to set targets on greenhouse gas emissions. The late prime minister Indira Gandhi once said, "poverty is the ultimate polluter", underlining India's need to balance conservation and the environment with ending poverty. 750 million Indians currently live on two dollars or less per day, and India's overiding priority remains economic growth:
CHINA: Beijing worried migrant workers vulnerable
Updated 17/07/2007 20:08:00
Huge numbers of people from China are leaving the country to work abroad, both for foreign businesses, and for Chinese enterprises setting up overseas. The vast movement of people includes both short-term contract workers and permanent migrants, and it's creating a new problem for Beijing - how to protect its nationals from anti-Chinese sentiment and attacks.
AUSTRALIA: Travel ban on Solomons ministers to stay
Updated 17/07/2007 20:07:19
Ministers of the Solomon Islands government will find themselves routinely refused entry to Australia until the new Attorney-General Julian Moti is handed over and tried in Australia on child sex charges. Foreign Minister Alexander Downer says Honiara's ministers will have to apply for entry to Australia every time they want to visit. Several ministers have sought to enter Australia in recent days; one was directly blocked by Mr Downer, while the others were forced to alter their travel plans. Mr Downer made the comment during a brief visit to Nauru and Tonga, where he's been canvassing views in the Pacific about continuing the Regional Support Mission to Solomon Islands, and how to deal with post-coup Fiji.
THAILAND: Violent insurgency 'worsened' by extra-judicial attacks
Updated 17/07/2007 20:07:27
At least two people have died and up to 20 others have been injured, in a twin bomb attack in the southern Thai province of Yala. Both bombs were hidden in a motorcycle. The first exploded during the morning rush hour, while the second was detonated shortly afterwards as police rushed to the scene. The anonymous attacks were typical of the insurgency in Thailand's Muslim-majority south. The violence is often anonymous, and analysts believe several groups are involved, united only in their opposition to regional control by Bangkok. Now the US-based agency Human Rights Watch says the violence is being compounded by extra-judicial attacks being carried out by the Thai security forces. It says the attacks are undermining efforts by Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont to adopt a more reconciliatory approach, and to seek talks with insurgent groups.
PHILIPPINES: New terror law targets militants in south
Updated 16/07/2007 20:07:15
A new anti-terrorism law has been introduced in the Philippines, designed to combat al-Qaida-linked militants largely based in the country's south. The move's been well received by Australia and the United States. The two countries fear terrorism-training camps in the Philippines are producing militants capable of launching attacks anywhere in the world. But human rights groups have voiced strong opposition to the legislation. They believe the law endangers the civil liberties Filipinos finally won when they ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986.
AUSTRALIA: New financial measures on money laundering
Updated 16/07/2007 20:07:20
Australia is introducing comprehensive new rules on money laundering and the financing of terrorists. The rules require companies to stringently monitor their staff and clients, and provide tough penalties for non-compliance.While initially covering the usual financial services and gambling sectors, a second phase will draw accountants, real-estate agents and even jewellers into the reporting net.
AUSTRALIA: Indian terror suspect returned to detention
Updated 16/07/2007 20:07:24
The Australian government has ordered that an Indian doctor be placed in immigration detention, just hours after a court granted him bail on a charge connected to Britain's failed bomb attacks. 27-year-old Mohammed Haneef was working as a doctor in Queensland when he was arrested earlier this month. At the weekend he was charged with "recklessly" support for a terrorist organisation, relating to a mobile-phone SIM card he gave a cousin, Kafeel Ahmed, who drove a flaming jeep into Glasgow Airport last month. Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews says he's satisfied that returning Mr Haneef to custody and cancelling his visa are in the national interest. However Mr Haneef's 12-day detention without charge has concerned some members of the Australian legal community.
BANGLADESH: Former PM Sheikh Hasina arrested
Updated 16/07/2007 20:07:28
The former Bangladeshi prime minister and leader of the main opposition Awami League, Sheikh Hasina, has been arrested and jailed. Her arrest by more than 400 police on Monday is the highest-profile action so far by the interim government of Fakhruddin Ahmed. He has pledged to eradicate corruption before elections are held next year. Sheikh Hasina already faces a string of criminal allegations, including the murder of four people who died in protests organised by the Awami League. However her arrest relates to one of two extortion cases filed against her last month, which together involve around $US1.6 million.
PACIFIC: One woman's bid to row solo across Pacific
Updated 16/07/2007 20:07:06
This week Englishwoman Roz Savage plans to embark on a perilous journey -- in a bid to become the first woman to row solo across the Pacific Ocean to Australia. Her 10,500 kilometre journey will begin in San Francisco, and she hopes to reach the eastern Australian coast late next year. Last year 39-year-old Roz rowed across the Atlantic Ocean; but her decision to tackle the Pacific was based on more than the desire to conquer another ocean. She wants to raise awareness about the devastating effect pollution is having on our oceans and marine life.
FIJI: Another high-profile Fijian banned from travel
Updated 16/07/2007 20:07:11
Another high-profile Fijian on the interim government's travel ban list has been stopped from leaving the country. Suva-based solicitor Graham Leung has lodged a court action challenging the military-led government's decision to stop him from flying out of Nadi on Monday morning. Mr Leung is one of several prominent Fijians who've been stopped from leaving the country in recent weeks, including the pro-democracy and anti-coup activist, Laisa Digitaki. Mr Leung says he didn't learn he'd been banned from travel until he arrived at the airport, and told Radio Australia's Geraldine Coutts he has learned that the order preventing him from leaving was given by the Interim Home Affairs Minister and prime minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama.
CHINA: New censorship fears as web newsletter shut down
Updated 13/07/2007 20:27:55
There are signs the Chinese Government is stepping up its censorship of media outlets. The editors of a 12 year old online newsletter have been told they are acting unlawfully and to cease publishing immediately. Both local and foreign publications dealing with social and environmental issues appear to have been targetted.
KOREA: Lawsuits fly in Presidential race
Updated 13/07/2007 20:28:02
In South Korea, primaries for the Presidential race have turned into all-out political war. The major rivals to lead the Grand National Party into the December election are Park Geun-hye, daughter of South Korea's former dictator Park Chung-hee, and Seoul's former mayor, the popular Lee Myung-bak. They've been trading insults and lawsuits. However the mudslinging may damage both their chances when the GNP chooses a final candidate next month.
HONG KONG: Consultation paper on democratic reform
Updated 13/07/2007 20:28:07
The Hong Kong government has released its long-awaited consultation paper on political reform, which includes the option of universal suffrage in five years' time. The so-called Green Paper will undergo a three-month consultation process, seeking what the authorities promise will be a broad consensus for political change. But pro-democracy groups say the document fails to put forward any concrete models for reform, and they're concerned, too, that Chief Executive Donald Tsang says there are no guarantees. Instead he echoed Beijing's call for "gradual and orderly" political change. So just how meaningful is the Green Paper?
PAKISTAN: Hardline Islamists threaten Mosque siege reprisals
Updated 13/07/2007 20:28:11
Security has been boosted across Pakistan ahead of a threatened wave of protests by hardline Islamists - a day after President Pervez Musharraf vowed to root out extremism from every corner of the country. 10,000 police have been deployed to the main city of Karachi, and thousands more officers are on alert in major cities after a series of suicide attacks in the north-west of the country. The two latest attacks took place in North Waziristan on the border with Afghanistan, and in northeast Pakistan in the town of Swat.
PALAU: Pacific Islands Forum focuses on labour
Updated 13/07/2007 20:27:51
Economic ministers of island countries belonging to the Pacific Islands Forum have concluded their annual meeting in the small island of Palau, in the northern Pacific. As in previous meetings, the ministers discussed a wide range of issues including labour mobility and a regional customs agency.
JAPAN: Soaring levels of Japanese investment in Australia
Updated 12/07/2007 20:23:08
Australia has become the second most popular place for Japanese investment in offshore funds. Both Japan and Australia have large numbers of retirement-age investors, known as "baby boomers" who are looking for the best returns. In recent years, Japan's baby boomer investments in Australia have grown ten-fold - to about $AU30 billion today. Now the Australian funds management industry is taking notice and wants to extend the relationship further.
CHINA: Senior analyst urges defence policy rethink
Updated 12/07/2007 20:23:14
China's former head of military intelligence says it is time his country took a different approach to its defence policy. In a speech delivered in Germany, Xiong Guangkai suggested China pay more attention to non-conventional threats.
CHINA: Flood-hit provinces battle rat invasion
Updated 12/07/2007 20:23:19
Severe flooding is continuing in the central and eastern Chinese provinces of Henan, Anhui and Jiangsu. Almost half a milllion people have been evacuated amid what's developing into the worst floods from the region's Huai River in half a century. More than 130 people have died and around four-million hectares of crops have been lost since major rivers broke their banks two weeks ago. One of them is the massive Yangtze - and floods from that river have led to an invasion of up to two billion rats into Hunan province.
SOLOMONS: Church leaders angered over Moti appointment
Updated 12/07/2007 20:23:24
In Solomon Islands a former MP has warned the appointment of Australian fugitive lawyer Julian Moti as the country's new prime minister could lead to outbreaks of fresh violence in the Pacific nation. Charles Brown Beu was a minister in the Mamaloni government in the 1990's. He says Prime Minister Manasseh Sogovare risks fomenting civil unrest if he continues to ignore public opinion about Mr Moti. There are signs that churches, too, are angered by Mr Moti's appointment.
AUSTRALIA: Pacific communities furious over kava ban
Updated 12/07/2007 20:23:08
Australia's Pacific Island community is furious at a federal government decision to ban the commercial importation of the drug kava. The changes were brought in two weeks ago as part of the Commonwealth's intervention plan in remote indigenous communities. Kava comes from the kava plant and is usually ground into a powder before being mixed with water to become a drink. Because of the new laws, tens of thousands of Pacific Islanders who live in Australia won't be able to drink kava, an activity they say is a crucial part of their social fabric.
CHINA: Construction to start on aircraft carrier
Updated 11/07/2007 19:57:53
In a sign of its strategic ambitions China is set to begin construction on its first aircraft carrier. Chinese media has reported several companies have already received contracts on the development of systems and components for the future aircraft carrier.
CHINA: Growth forecast to continue for another decade
Updated 11/07/2007 19:58:03
China's super-charged growth could continue until late in the next decade. That assessment of China's economic prospects comes from the latest China update - a collaborative work of Australian and Chinese researchers.
PAKISTAN: Final stages to flush out Red Mosque militants
Updated 11/07/2007 19:58:15
Pakistan's army is in the final stages of operations to flush militants out of Islamabad's Red Mosque. Troops spent Wednesday clearing a residential area of the sprawling complex belonging to rebel leader Abdul Rashid Ghazi, who died earlier in the assault.
INDONESIA: Forest clearing to accelerate
Updated 11/07/2007 19:57:40
Indonesia is one of the world's largest greenhouse gas emitters, largely because of deforestation. However, the latest survey of developments in Indonesia says the problem will get worse, before it gets better.
SOLOMON ISLANDS: Australian fugitive becomes Attorney General
Updated 10/07/2007 19:37:57
Controversial Australian lawyer, Julian Moti has been sworn in as Solomon Islands' Attorney General. Mr Moti is wanted in Australia for child sex offences. Last October, he absconded while on bail and took refuge in the Solomon Islands diplomatic office in Port Moresby before fleeing to Solomon Islands on a PNG Defence Force plane. Australia's Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, says Julian Moti's appointment is "extremely insensitive" and "offensive" to Solomon Islanders and Australians.
INDONESIA: Police detain dancers after Papuan congress
Updated 10/07/2007 19:38:01
In Indonesia, the newly-elected head of the Papuan Tribal Council has reiterated calls for independence from Jakarta. Forkorus Yoboisembut was speaking at the end of a four day Papuan Tribal Congress meeting in Jayapura. After the meeting, police detained - and later released - a group of eight Papuans who had used the West Papuan flag, the Morning Star, during an opening ceremony dance performance. Papuan rights groups say the arrests are part of a "campaign of intimidation".
INDONESIA: Moves to recover Suharto billions
Updated 10/07/2007 19:38:05
Prosecutors in Indonesia have filed a civil lawsuit against former dictator, Suharto. They want the disgraced former President to repay almost $2-billion US dollars in stolen finds and in damages. It revives efforts to retrieve some of the many billions in state funds thought to have been siphoned off by Suharto and his family during his 32 years in power. It signals an admission by the current administration that there's no chance of pursuing a criminal case.
PAKISTAN: Dozens dead as security forces storm mosque
Updated 10/07/2007 19:38:10
In Pakistan, dozens of people are dead after security forces began storming a radical mosque compound in the capital Islamabad. Reporters at the scene say forty to fifty militants and four Pakistani soldiers were killed in the initial raid. Several others have been killed throughout the day.
The operation to secure the Red Mosque has now resumed and government officials are hopeful of ending the standoff within hours, rather than days.
ASIA-PACIFIC: World's first global health treaty targets tobacco
Updated 10/07/2007 19:37:52
The world's first global health treaty has formally come into effect - aimed at substantially reducing the number of tobacco-related deaths. Countries from the Asia Pacific region are among the 148 nations which have signed the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The treaty, signed in Bangkok, agrees to push for tougher regulations in relation to smoking in public places and in work environments. It also includes moves to ban tobacco advertising and increase warnings on cigarette packaging.
EAST TIMOR: Xanana Gusmao says he's ready to form a government
Updated 09/07/2007 13:08:38
It has been an extraordinary 24 hours in East Timorese politics. A coalition of parties headed by Xanana Gusmao is preparing to form a government after claiming victory in parliamentary elections, held last weekend. If he succeeds, Mr Gusmao will become the next Prime Minister - leading a coalition including his CNRT party, an alliance of social democrats and the Democratic Party. However, hours before CNRT's claim that it can form a government, the Fretilin party maintained that it also had the ability to govern, even WITHOUT the minority parties.
AUSTRALIA: Calls for foreign worker crackdown resisted
Updated 09/07/2007 19:27:30
Australia is resisting a call to crack down on foreign workers after arresting an Indian doctor in connection with the botched terrorist attacks in Britain. However the government is stepping up border protection, fast-tracking a high-tech program to detect possible terrorists by checking the background of all applicants for a visa to Australia. However, one of Australia's foremost terrorism experts says if Australia relies on overseas databases, there could be problems with mis-identifications or poor security records.
EAST TIMOR: Competition to form coalition
Updated 09/07/2007 19:27:41
A week after the general elections, a coalition of four parties says it can form a government to run the country for the next five years. But the coalition leaves Fretilin, the party which won the most votes, out in the cold.
PAKISTAN: Mosque hostages prepare for second week
Updated 09/07/2007 19:27:47
In Pakistan, hundreds of women and children are preparing to spend their second week being held hostage inside Islamabad's besieged Red Mosque. Reporters at the scene believe the army and government are growing impatient with the radical Islamists, who are holding up to 800 people against their will. 21 people have been killed since the stand-off began.
NEPAL: King's birthday marred by protests
Updated 09/07/2007 19:27:24
Nepal's King Gyanendra celebrated his 60th birthday over the weekend, but the festivities were marred by protests and a boycott from Kathmandu's diplomats and most politicians.
CHINA: Promises to end Taihu Lake's algae blooms
Updated 09/07/2007 19:27:24
China's latest example of too much industry and too little accompanying regulation is being played out in Taihu Lake in the east of the country. Towards the end of May the normally steel-grey water of China's third-largest lake went a disturbing shade of blue-green, thanks to an algal bloom. The algae thrives on pollutants being pumped into the lake from surrounding industries. Jiangsu's provincial governor says reversing the green tide is now an urgent priority - one he's wiling to sacrifice up to 15 pecent of the province's gross domestic product to achieve.
ASIA: Japan told not to fear China as regional power
Updated 06/07/2007 19:34:38
A distinguished Asia expert says he's surprised at how fearful Japan is about China's re-emergence as a regional power. Professor Wang Gungwu, who heads the East Asian Institute at the National University of Singapore, says history suggests China will remain a regional power and wants to see countries such as Australia and India help Japan to adjust and overcome what he calls a "loss of confidence".
EAST TIMOR: New amnesty law under fire
Updated 06/07/2007 19:34:52
A controversial new law in East Timor, which would provide amnesty for crimes committed in the 12 months from April last year, has been sent to the Court of Appeal to decide whether it is constitutional. The law, which includes amnesty for manslaughter, firearms possession and larceny, was passed by parliament last month.
EAST TIMOR: Xanana Gusmao says he's ready to form a government
Updated 06/07/2007 19:35:24
First, it's been an extraordinary 24 hours in East Timorese politics. A coalition of parties headed by Xanana Gusmao is preparing to form a government after claiming victory in parliamentary elections, held last weekend. If he succeeds, Mr Gusmao will become the next Prime Minister - leading a coalition including his CNRT party, an alliance of social democrats and the Democratic Party. However, hours before CNRT's claim that it can form a government, the Fretilin party maintained that it also had the ability to govern, even WITHOUT the minority parties.
ASIA: Fans await start of month-long soccer festival
Updated 06/07/2007 19:34:28
The Asian Cup, played across the four ASEAN countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, starts on Saturday and runs for a month.
The 16 team tournament kicks off with hosts, Thailand playing Iraq at the newly refurbished Rajamangala National Stadium, Bangkok.
CAMBODIA: Khmer minority group claims rights abuse
Updated 06/07/2007 19:34:28
A minority group in Vietnam and Cambodia says its people are being subjected to human rights abuses and they're living in fear. The Khmer Krom in Vietnam want religious freedom and say 19 Khmer Krom monks have been detained since February. Meanwhile, the Khmer Krom in Cambodia say Phnom Penh has been heavy handed in its response to protests they've held outside the Vietnamese embassy.
THAILAND: Government plans to reverse YouTube ban
Updated 05/07/2007 20:32:00
Thailand's military government says it is planning to remove a ban on the popular video website 'YouTube'. The government is also considering handing the power to ban websites over to the judiciary. The minister with the power to make such decisions says he is not comfortable with it.
AUSTRALIA: APEC trade heads try to revive trade reform
Updated 05/07/2007 20:32:06
Trade ministers from Asia and the Pacific are meeting over the next two days in Australia, in crisis talks on world trade reform. Ministers representing half of the world's economy believe they can exert enough pressure to revive the failing Doha Round of world trade talks but their optimism might be misplaced.
AUSTRALIA:Labor's new approach to the Pacific and beyond
Updated 05/07/2007 20:33:04
Australia's Opposition leader, Kevin Rudd, has unveiled a new approach to development assistance and security for the Pacific Islands, East Timor and Indonesia, if his Labour party wins office later this year. The new approach includes, big increases to the aid budget, a comprehensive strategy for tackling social problems, a series of partnerships with Island governments and a new stance on climate change.
AUSTRALIA: Oil ensures military presence in Iraq
Updated 05/07/2007 20:33:11
For the first time, Australia has listed oil as one of the reasons for a continued military presence in Iraq. As the government argues it has no plans to withdraw Australian troops from Iraq, the Prime Minister, John Howard, has launched the latest defence update, saying Australia and its most important economic partners have crucial interests in the Middle East. But four years ago, Mr Howard insisted oil had NOTHING to do with the conflict in Iraq.
PAKISTAN: Students urged to surrender as mosque crisis continues
Updated 05/07/2007 20:32:46
The captured leader of Pakistan's besieged Red Mosque has urged an estimated 800 students still inside the compound to give themselves up. In an unusual TV interview, Maulana Abdul Aziz spoke to reporters still wearing a woman's burkha he used to try to escape detection on fleeing the mosque. He says he tried to persuade students, some of whom have automatic weapons, to leave with him, and says they can't withstand government forces for much longer. There are also reports several children are among the 800 people still inside the mosque.
EAST TIMOR: Fretilin negotiating with minor parties
Updated 05/07/2007 20:32:54
East Timor's ruling Fretilin party is negotiating with minor several parties in the hope of forming government. Official preliminary results shows Fretilin has secured the highest vote from Saturday's poll, at around 29 per cent. But it will be unable to form a government without the support of minor parties. Fretilin's nearest rival, Xanana Gusmao's CNRT has come in second with just over 24 per cent of the vote.
AUSTRALIA: Market unhappy with largest corporate takeover
Updated 04/07/2007 20:50:42
The takeover bid by the Wesfarmers Corporation for the country's second biggest retailer Coles sent the share price of both companies falling sharply the day after the announcement. The stock market had trouble digesting the offer worth $US18 billion, given the task of turning Coles around. The deal comes after almost a year of manoeuvering and with several bidders pulling out at the last minute.
AUSTRALIA: PNG urged to publish Julian Moti report
Updated 04/07/2007 20:50:46
The Australian Government has called for Papua New Guinea's Defence Force Board of Inquiry report into the Julian Moti affair, to be made public. Mr Moti fled to the Solomon Islands last September on a flight arranged by the PNG military to avoid extradition to Australia to face child sex charges. The findings of the report have been leaked by Prime Minister Michael Somare's political rival, Sir Mekere Morauta.
ASIA PAC: Environment outranks AIDS as many nations' biggest threat
Updated 04/07/2007 20:50:38
The latest Pew global survey of 47 nations has found the environment is now ranked as the first or second biggest threat in surveyed countries. Just five years ago, AIDS and other infectious diseases, nuclear proliferation, and religious and ethnic hatred were topping the list. But in countries as diverse as Canada, Sweden, Spain, Peru, Ukraine, China and India it is now pollution and environmental problems that are causing the most concern.
CHINA: Friction over Nanjing massacre as new movie is released
Updated 04/07/2007 20:50:38
An American documentary is set to create friction between Japan and China over the countries' conflicting versions of history. The film about Japan's mass slaughter of Chinese citizens in 1937 premiered in Beijing earlier this week. It comes amid renewed tensions between Japan and China over the event often referred to as the "Rape of Nanking".
AUSTRALIA: Canberra proposes regional trade group
Updated 03/07/2007 19:38:11
As APEC trade ministers prepare to meet in Australia later this week, Canberra is proposing a new regional trade group. Australia's Trade Minister, Warren Truss, says the DOHA round of the World Trade Organisation's negotiations is dead, after emergency talks last week between the US, EU, Brazil and India broke down. Now, as APEC considers whether to admit India, Australia is urging the rising economic power to make a "more constructive contribution".
AUSTRALIA: British experience helps APEC security measures
Updated 03/07/2007 19:38:18
Unprecedented security measures planned for the APEC summit in Sydney in September have caused concern amongst businesses and residents. Terror attacks in Britain, however, has shown that the willingness to attack soft targets makes the job of deterrence not only harder, but more intrusive into the lives of ordinary people.
INDONESIA: Safety concerns prompts changes in aviation industry
Updated 03/07/2007 19:37:45
Indonesia has signed a pact with the International Civil Aviation Organisation, vowing big changes to improve the safety of its airline industry. It comes after both the United States and the European Union expressed concerns about safety standards in Indonesia's aviation industry.
ASIA PAC: Climate change to impact on regional stability
Updated 03/07/2007 19:37:51
The Australian Government's defence think-tank says climate change will multiply the threats in the Asia Pacific - from climate refugees to natural disasters to military patrols to stop illegal fishing. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute says climate change could cause greater instability in Asia and the South Pacific because of resource conflict, changes in food production patterns, higher temperatures and variable rainfall. The author of the study, Dr Anthony Bergin, says the Australian Defence Force, ADF, will need to do more planning on confronting the military problems that will be created by global warming.
ASIA: Have lessons been learned from 1997 financial crisis?
Updated 02/07/2007 18:57:32
Ten years ago, a chain reaction beginning in Thailand, became the Asian financial crisis. At the time, fortunes were lost, banks closed, a government fell and millions lost their jobs. Most of Asia has now recovered but the recovery has been uneven. Have the lessons been learned?
HONG KONG: Democracy would ensure stability: Anson Chan
Updated 02/07/2007 18:57:37
Former Hong Kong chief secretary, Anson Chan, is dubbed by many to be the "conscience of Hong Kong." She spoke to Connect Asia's Sen Lam about the current chief executive Donald Tsang and what he needs to do to convince Beijing that Hong Kong's people deserve to get the vote.
HONG KONG: Annual protest marks anniversary handover
Updated 02/07/2007 18:57:41
Thousands turned out in Hong Kong on Sunday to mark the 10th anniversary of the handover to Chinese rule. It was a chance for many people in the one-time British territory, to air their concerns about a range of issues - including universal suffrage.
PNG: Peaceful start to election process
Updated 02/07/2007 18:57:27
Nearly four million people in Papua New Guinea have begun voting in general elections, with no immediate reports of the violence which marred the last poll in 2002. Voting is being staggered across the country to allow officials and security personnel time get to each area.
EAST TIMOR: Fretilin takes early lead in elections
Updated 02/07/2007 18:57:28
The ruling Fretilin party has taken the early lead after the relatively peaceful parliamentary elections held on Saturday.
