September 2007
BURMA: Asian neighbours under pressure to act
Updated 28/09/2007 14:37:04
At least four deaths have been reported from the violence in Burma, as security forces continue their crackdown on mass protests. Burma's close economic friends, China and India, are facing growing international pressure to exert some influence, and ASEAN is also coming under new pressure to take action against its most troublesome member.
BURMA: Protests continue despite security build-up
Updated 28/09/2007 14:37:04
Hundreds of monks and their supporters apparently ignored the security build up in Rangoon to continue their campaign today.
MALAYSIA: Lawyers protest over judicial fixing charges
Updated 28/09/2007 10:37:28
A video in which a prominent lawyer appears to be fixing judicial appointments has scandalised Malaysia's legal community. Amid a heavy police presence, lawyers took to the streets of the administrative capital Putrajaya in a rare protest.
BURMA: Pro-democracy politicians call for soldiers to defect
Updated 28/09/2007 20:18:24
There are unconfirmed reports that eighteen or nineteen soldiers have gone missing, and possibly deserted their station, on the city's outskirts. Rumours of defections trigger memories of the 1988 uprising, where some individuals and units, especially in the navy and air forces, joined the pro-democracy movement.
EAST TIMOR: Locals hold alternative Truth Commission
Updated 28/09/2007 20:18:29
In East Timor, the Truth and Friendship Commission has wound up its public hearings. Local people are unhappy with the closed door testimonies given to the Commission and have been holding their own alternative meeting in Dili.
NEPAL: Nepali Congress party agrees to republic ahead of elections
Updated 28/09/2007 20:20:27
A decision by Nepal's main party to end its support for the monarchy has opened the way to put the peace process back on track. The Nepali Congress party has now agreed to declare Nepal a republic ahead of constituent assembly elections intended to decide the matter on November 22.
CHINA: Extradition treaties sought with Western states
Updated 28/09/2007 20:23:14
Over the past twenty years, China has signed extradition treaties with more than 20 nations, most of them from developing countries. Now, Beijing is seeking to forge similar arrangements with Western states, with a view to repatriating and prosecuting corrupt officials.
ASIA: Singapore remains top spot for doing business
Updated 28/09/2007 20:24:04
Singapore has been declared the best place in the world to do business for the second year running, in an annual joint survey by the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation. While Singapore has kept its first place, other strong performers include Hong Kong, which was placed fourth, Thailand at number 15, and Malaysia, 24th.
CHINA: Worldwide interest in contemporary Chinese art
Updated 27/09/2007 20:19:49
Modern contemporary artists in China are now gaining international recognition for their works - as painters in Beijing are now laughing all the way to the bank, selling their works for as much as $US5 million. Auction house Sotheby's is expecting world record prices for contemporary Chinese artworks in upcoming art auctions in the region.
ASIA: World Bank admits mistakes, says progress now possible
Updated 27/09/2007 20:17:43
The World Bank says it has been too absolutist in its policies in South Asia and must share some blame for past failures. But the Bank's top official for South Asia says new approaches are being tried and says the region is within reach of the dream of eliminating poverty within a generation.
BURMA: Police fire teargas, warning shots at protestors
Updated 27/09/2007 14:00:05
In Burma, international anger is mounting over the military junta's crackdown on anti-government protests today. It's the ninth straight day of protests against the ruling junta, which has imposed a curfew and a ban on public gatherings.
AUSTRALIA: New funding announced for Mekong River Basin
Updated 27/09/2007 14:00:48
The Australian Government has announced new funding for the Mekong River Basin, home to many of Asia's poorest people. An extra $US140 million is to go to new roads, rural electricity and water management programs.
ETIMOR: China to invest $100m in coming decade
Updated 26/09/2007 20:15:02
A delegation of Chinese investors has expressed interest in investing up to $US100 million in East Timor over the coming decade. Whilst they say their focus is to help strengthen the fragile state, some China watchers suggest Beijing is keen to secure a stake in East Timor's lucrative oil and gas reserves.
INDIA: Companies begin outsourcing jobs
Updated 26/09/2007 20:18:40
Over the past ten years, India has become the world's favorite outsourcing destination, especially in the field of information technology. But now, with wages on the rise, and with a growing shortage of trained professionals to fill vacancies, India is itself looking to outsource to other countries.
INDONESIA: Government urged to probe West Papuan deaths
Updated 26/09/2007 14:14:45
The Coalition of West Papuan people is asking the Indonesian government to investigate the mysterious deaths of scores of people in the past month. A Yale University lecturer claims people have been dying after eating and drinking poisoned alcohol and food.
JAPAN: New PM warns LDP could lose government
Updated 26/09/2007 20:09:14
To Japan, where the newly-elected prime minister Yasuo Fukuda has taken over the reins, after his confirmation by parliament's Lower House. The ruling LDP last weekend voted in Mr Fukuda in a much-anticipated ballot. Prime Minister Fukuda has warned the LDP risks losing government if his administration does not perform.
BURMA: UN diplomatic blitz on Burma
Updated 26/09/2007 14:05:27
The United States is to impose new sanctions on the Burmese military regime and its financial backers in a bid to support pro-democracy protesters. Australia has joined the campaign calling for Burma's military junta to open dialogue with its own people.
BURMA: Junta threatens military action against protestors
Updated 25/09/2007 20:10:21
Burma's military leaders are under increasing pressure to negotiate with furious civilians and members of the country's Buddhist clergy, as protests in the isolated country gather momentum. The military warned it would take action unless the monks withdrew from the streets and returned to their temples.
PAKISTAN: Police round up Musharraf opponents
Updated 25/09/2007 20:12:52
Tension is rising in Pakistan, over President Pervez Musharraf's decision to NOT to step down as military chief, until after he gets re-elected for another five-year term. Police have also detained key opposition figures who had vowed to disrupt General Musharraf's bid for re-election next month.
INDONESIA: Sharia law is not extensive despite perceptions
Updated 25/09/2007 20:18:44
The influential non-governmental organisation, the Asia Foundation, says concerns that Indonesia may be moving towards the full-scale adoption of Islamic sharia law are unfounded. According to research by The Asia Foundation, some sharia regulations are in force in 52 of Indonesia's 440 districts, and many of those regulations pertain to anti-vice and morality issues which most Indonesians support.
BURMA: Protests draw international concern
Updated 24/09/2007 14:39:01
There's growing international concern over the political turmoil in Burma. Buddhist monks have been leading peaceful demonstrations against the military junta since August 19, and there appears no sign they intend to stop.
EAST TIMOR: Ramos-Horta due to appear before Truth Commission
Updated 24/09/2007 14:44:32
East Timor's President Jose Ramos-Horta was expected today to appear before the Indonesia-East Timor Truth and Friendship Commission. The United Nations and human rights bodies object to the commission because of its plan to offer amnesties to those who co-operate and provide testimony.
BURMA: Protests against junta gain momentum
Updated 24/09/2007 20:08:32
The most serious popular challenge to Burma's military junta in nearly two decades is gaining momentum. The protests that began a month ago over a big rise in fuel prices are now being led by monks who, at the weekend, drew thousands of civilians into the streets of Rangoon.
TAIWAN: Ruling party chairman steps down
Updated 24/09/2007 20:09:42
Yu Shyi-kun, the chairman of Taiwan's ruling party, has resigned following his indictment on charges of corruption and forgery. Mr Yu, who insists he's innocent, allegedly claimed nearly $US73,000 in special expenses with false receipts while serving in various posts, including that of premier, between 2000 and 2005.
PHILIPPINES: President may pardon Estrada
Updated 24/09/2007 20:14:58
A spokesman for Philippine president Gloria Arroyo says she's aiming to pardon and release convicted former leader Joseph Estrada by Christmas. Joseph Estrada says he'll reject any pardon deal that requires him to admit guilt to the corruption charges which saw him sentenced to life in prison.
CHINA: Hosts international solar energy congress
Updated 24/09/2007 20:15:04
Last week, China hosted the International Solar Energy Society's Solar World Congress for the first time since it was initiated more than two decades ago. Hosting the event was part of China's commitment of late to adopt renewable energy to fuel its booming economy and improving its image as the world's second largest polluter.
INDIA: Pakistan angry over Siachen glacier treks
Updated 24/09/2007 20:21:11
Despite protests from Pakistan, India has allowed adventure trekkers to visit the Siachen glacier in the disputed Kashmir region. Islamabad has warned that the move may lead to further setbacks in slow-moving peace talks taking place between the two countries.
ASIA: Scientists create flood-resistant rice strain
Updated 24/09/2007 20:21:57
Researchers have developed a new strain of rice that may be able to survive the floods that can destroy crops in flood-prone places like Bangladesh and India. The International Rice Research Institute says the new type of rice can survive for up to two weeks when submerged in water.
CHINA: Price freeze ordered to control inflation
Updated 21/09/2007 15:44:31
The Chinese government has frozen the prices of some goods and services in an effort to limit rising inflation. Last month's inflation figure of 6.5 per cent was the highest in a decade, prompting the Central Bank to increase interest rates for the fifth time this year.
AUSTRALIA: Inquiry endorses Pacific seasonal labour
Updated 21/09/2007 15:46:44
An Australian parliamentary inquiry has called for a special investment scheme in the South Pacific and given the tick to the idea of Pacific workers doing seasonal jobs in Australia.
BURMA: Protests draw international concern
Updated 21/09/2007 20:13:13
There's growing international concern over the political turmoil in Burma. Buddhist monks have been leading peaceful demonstrations against the military junta since August 19, and there appears no sign they intend to stop.
BURMA: Protests a sustained challenge to military junta
Updated 21/09/2007 20:13:22
These latest protests in Burma are the most sustained challenge against the repressive regime since a major popular uprising was brutally crushed two decades ago.
INDONESIA: Gus Dur announces presidential candidacy
Updated 21/09/2007 20:14:25
Indonesia's presidential elections are not due till 2009, but the leadership race is already gathering steam, with former president Abdurahman Wahid, or Gus Dur making a surprise bid for the post. But analysts are already playing down his chances of success, saying the former leader's aim is to establish himself as a power broker for the 2009 polls.
EAST TIMOR: Ramos-Horta due to appear before Truth Commission
Updated 21/09/2007 20:18:11
East Timor's President Jose Ramos-Horta was expected today to appear before the Indonesia-East Timor Truth and Friendship Commission. The United Nations and human rights bodies object to the commission because of its plan to offer amnesties to those who co-operate and provide testimony.
AUSTRALIA: Campaign against cluster bombs
Updated 21/09/2007 20:23:03
Australia says it wants to be a global leader in the campaign to ban cluster bombs. The controversial weapons consist of a canister which breaks apart when it hits the ground, releasing many smaller bombs.
INDIA: Boy's killing prompts calls to fight 'cyber criminals'
Updated 21/09/2007 20:24:13
The murder of a 16-year-old Indian boy by people who befriended him on a social networking website has led to calls in India for tighter online safety measures. The Information Technology Ministry says it will spend nearly $US1 million to help police upgrade their monitoring software and other tools to fight cyber crime.
AUSTRALIA: Senior diplomat to head UN Democracy Fund
Updated 20/09/2007 17:08:16
An Australian diplomat is about to take the job of heading the new United Nations Democracy Fund, describing democracy as a concept that's still being contested in international relations. On October 1, Roland Rich will become the executive head of the Fund, which was created for the UN World Summit in 2005.
THAILAND: Moderate choice for new army chief
Updated 20/09/2007 20:19:02
A man of brains and brawn: that's how Thailand's outgoing army chief, General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, described the man who was named today as his successor. General Anupong Paojinda is a career soldier who is seen as a safe political choice who will help stabilise the country in the lead up to the December elections.
CHINA: Constitution change to reflect Hu Jintao's new directions
Updated 20/09/2007 20:19:08
China's ruling Communist Party will amend its constitution when its seventeenth party congress convenes next month. Beijing observers say the move will reflect President Hu Jintao's new directions for the party, including a more equitable spread of economic growth, during his second five-year term.
MALAYSIA: Stronger laws to tackle illegal logging
Updated 20/09/2007 20:24:05
Malaysia's deputy prime minister Najib Razak has promised to beef up the country's laws aimed at curbing illegal logging. Datuk Seri Najib, who also heads Malaysia's National Forestry Commission, says logging firms will now be required to provide proof their timber is legitimate.
INDONESIA: Plan for ban on giving to beggars
Updated 20/09/2007 20:26:43
City authorities in Jakarta have proposed a ban on residents giving money to beggars, street musicians and food vendors operating in the Indonesian capital. Under a law passed by Jakarta City Council, residents who are caught buying goods or giving money to beggars, hawkers and buskers could be fined or jailed.
CAMBODIA: Khmer Rouge leader arrested
Updated 20/09/2007 17:05:15
After long delays, Cambodia's genocide tribunal proceedings are gaining momentum. Pol Pot's number two lieutenant and the most senior surviving leader, Nuon Chea, has been arrested and will soon face charges.
NEPAL: Former Maoists quit interim government
Updated 19/09/2007 20:07:57
Nepal's Maoist former rebels have quit the interim government, over a dispute on abolishing the monarchy. The move is a major setback to last year's peace agreement, in which the rebels ended a ten year old insurgency, and agreed on elections for a special assembly to decide the fate of the monarchy.
THAILAND: Interim PM calls for 'free and fair' Dec elections
Updated 19/09/2007 20:09:56
Today marks one year since Thailand's military took power, ousting the popularly elected but autocratic Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Yet despite charges of corruption and tax evasion against Mr Thaksin, he still enjoys strong support in Thailand.
SRI LANKA: Defence secretary vows to 'defeat' Tamil rebels
Updated 19/09/2007 20:10:56
Sri Lanka's Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapakse has called for a comprehensive defeat of the island's Tamil Tiger rebels ahead of any political settlement. The defence secretary's hawkish comments in Colombo comes despite a policy of negotiating with the rebels while keeping up defensive operations.
ASIA: Less affected by US credit crunch
Updated 19/09/2007 15:15:18
The Head of Australia's central bank says Asia is in good shape to cope with a future global economic slowdown. Reserve Bank Governor Glen Stevens says Asia and Australia are weathering the credit crunch sparked by the mortgage crisis in the United States reasonably well.
INDIA: Thousands still homeless after 2004 tsunami
Updated 19/09/2007 15:15:18
It has been almost three years since the 2004 Asian Tsunami hit parts of India. While the reconstruction in going apace in Indonesia, thousands of tsunami victims from India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands are still living in temporary shelters as development efforts continue to be delayed by bureaucratic ineptitude, corruption and natural hurdles.
ASIA: Tour bus heads overland from London to Sydney
Updated 18/09/2007 20:20:30
A group of travellers have set off from London bound for Sydney -- by bus! While those on board hope to enjoy the journey of a lifetime, the tour's operators say they're offering an environmentally friendly way to cross the globe.
PHILIPPINES: Population and fishing problems 'tied together'
Updated 18/09/2007 20:15:41
In poor coastal areas of Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, a strong link has been drawn between over-fishing and over-population. With population pressures driving the over-exploitation of fishing grounds, the two problems have to be dealt with together.
PAKISTAN: President's bid to head off constitutional crisis
Updated 18/09/2007 20:09:33
Pakistan's government has declared that General Pervez Musharraf will sacrifice his powerful position as Armed Forces Chief once re-elected as President, early next month. The decision was announced to head off a constitutional crisis, as the judges of Pakistan's Supreme Court were already in session considering banning President Musharraf from holding both positions.
THAILAND: Political instability one year after military coup
Updated 18/09/2007 20:12:05
One year since Thailand's military seized power in a bloodless coup, even coup supporters concede that the military junta have not restored political stability. A new constitution and elections set for December the 23rd may not be enough to end the stalemate.
PAKISTAN: Spokesman says President will resign as army chief
Updated 18/09/2007 15:11:24
A spokesman for Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf has just announced the president will stand down as army chief after being re-election by the parliament next month. It is unlikely to offer much comfort to his critics, who maintain that the constitution prevents the election of a president in uniform.
INDIA: Korea's Poscao says massive steel plant on track
Updated 18/09/2007 15:11:44
In India work is set to begin on a controversial steel plant that is worth 18,000 jobs but has faced strong local opposition. South Korea's Posco Steel company plans to invest $12 billion in the development in the eastern state of Orissa making it the biggest foreign investment deal yet in India.
INDIA: TV sting operation backfires on reporter
Updated 17/09/2007 20:13:48
A sensational sting operation shown on Indian television where a schoolteacher forced her students into prostitution has backfired, with the reporter in question arrested for running a personal vendetta campaign. The airing of the television programme came as the government began considering legislation to rein in news channels staging "sting operations" using hidden cameras.
PACIFIC: Tonga beats Samoa in rugby union world cup
Updated 17/09/2007 20:14:49
Tonga has recorded an historic win over rivals Samoa at the Rugby Union World Cup in France. It is the first time the teams have met at a World Cup since the tournament began 20 years ago.
EAST TIMOR: Controversy over energy revenue plan
Updated 17/09/2007 22:02:20
East Timor's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao has said he will use oil and gas revenue from the Timor Sea to promote economic growth and fight poverty, as part of his government's five year development plan. The main opposition Fretilin party has long opposed the use of such revenue for development, saying the money should be kept in a long-term investment fund.
CAMBODIA: Opposition to stock market plans
Updated 17/09/2007 16:54:48
There has been intense opposition criticism of Cambodian government plans to set up a stock market. The government says it wants an exchange set up within two years and has enlisted the help of the South Koreans to achieve its end.
THAILAND: Worst air disaster in a decade
Updated 17/09/2007 20:07:16
To Thailand, where air crash investigators in Thailand are scouring the debris for clues, after the country's worst air disaster in a decade. About 90 people died when a jet operated by the budget carrier, One-Two-Go crashed on the resort island of Phuket.
JAPAN: Two frontrunners emerge for prime ministership
Updated 14/09/2007 20:16:30
In Japan, the contest for the country's prime ministership is in full swing. One favourite to emerge is Yasuo Fukuda, a ruling party veteran seen as a moderate. Also throwing his hat in the ring is Taro Aso, the Liberal Democratic Party's hawkish former foreign minister.
MALAYSIA: Violent protests over electoral laws
Updated 14/09/2007 20:16:30
There's rising political tension in Malaysia after an opposition rally in Terengganu last weekend ended in violent clashes with police. The authorities say they dispersed the crowd because they were gathering without the valid permit required under Malaysian law.
CAMBODIA: Opposition to stock market plans
Updated 14/09/2007 20:17:54
There has been intense opposition criticism of Cambodian government plans to set up a stock market. The government says it wants an exchange set up within two years and has enlisted the help of the South Koreans to achieve its end.
CHINA: Suicide rate among highest in the world
Updated 14/09/2007 20:24:05
A report by health officials in Beijing has found that China has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. China is now the only country where suicide rates among women outnumber that of men.
INDIA: Hindu groups protest canal project
Updated 14/09/2007 20:24:14
A proposed shipping canal project between India and Sri Lanka has triggered protest rallies across India. Hindu opponents to the project say it will destroy a group of sacred islands - the so-called "Lord Ram's bridge."
UN: Declaration on Indigenous rights adopted
Updated 14/09/2007 20:25:37
The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a declaration protecting the rights of the world's indigenous people. The Declaration is non-binding and was strongly opposed by four countries - Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Canada.
JAPAN: Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigns
Updated 13/09/2007 19:45:02
Japanese prime minister, Shinzo Abe, has announced his resignation. Pressure had been mounting on Mr Abe to resign since his party's crushing defeat in the July elections. Mr Abe says it was the opposition's refusal to allow him to extend Japan's mission in Afghanistan that triggered his exit.
BURMA: Pressure mounts on military junta
Updated 13/09/2007 19:45:02
Pressure is mounting on Burma's military regime to improve on its human rights record and restore democracy, as the United Nations has confirmed that it will send its special envoy to the Southeast Asian nation in October.
JAPAN: LDP looks for new leader
Updated 13/09/2007 20:02:59
Japan's Prime Minister has been taken to hospital, just a day after he announced his plans to quit. While Mr Abe recuperates, his Liberal Democratic Party is trying to work out who its next leader should be.
INDONESIA: Time vows to fight Suharto defamation suit
Updated 13/09/2007 20:03:32
Lawyers for Time Magazine are vowing to fight an Indonesian Supreme Court ruling that it defamed former president Suharto. Activists the ruling is a fresh blow to freedom of the press and public confidence in the judiciary.
CHINA: Inflation at ten year high
Updated 13/09/2007 20:07:29
China's inflation is now running at its highest rate for more than a decade. There's now growing speculation that China's central bank will lift interest rates for a fifth time soon in an effort to rein in the inflationary surge.
AUSTRALIA: Nuclear weapons risk in Asia
Updated 13/09/2007 20:07:34
The head of a Australian environmental group says any move to build nuclear power plants in Australia will risk nuclear weapons proliferation in Southeast Asia. The president of the Australian Conservation Foundation, Ian Lowe, says Australia has to weigh the danger of nuclear bombs being introduced into the region.
CHINA: Move to demolish low-income housing
Updated 13/09/2007 20:08:39
China's eastern city of Shanghai is pushing to modernise living standards by knocking down so-called cubicle homes, or "pigeon cages" as they're called by locals. But the government faces a dilemma, as the people living in these cubicle homes are too poor to afford Shanghai's surging property prices.
NZ: Could cyber-attacks target Pacific governments?
Updated 12/09/2007 20:21:06
A worldwide attempt to use the internet to get military secrets from Western nations has apparently also affected Australia and New Zealand. If this is happening to developed western nations with well-developed defences against electronic eavesdropping, could smaller Pacific island nations be even more at risk from espionage?
JAPAN: Limited market reaction to PM's resignation
Updated 12/09/2007 20:14:06
News of Shinzo Abe's departure saw the Japanese stockmarket rise, but those gains were short-lived with the Nikkei ending the day 80 points, or half a per cent down, at around 15,800.
PHILIPPINES: Life prison for Joseph Estrada
Updated 12/09/2007 20:17:03
He might have been sentenced to life in prison, but no one is prepared to count Joseph Estrada out of Philippines politics. A special court has found the movie-star and singer turned politician guilty of plundering $100 million during his time as President.
AUSTRALIA: APEC cautiously endorses Free Trade Area
Updated 12/09/2007 15:01:39
The Asia Pacific summit at the weekend gave a cautious endorsement to the United States call to create a Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific. The long term aim to create an Asia Pacific trade bloc would change the nature of the 18-year-old APEC, which was formed as a voluntary, consensus organisation promoting open regionalism.
SINGAPORE: Tiger Air plans to expand in Asia
Updated 12/09/2007 14:51:20
Low cost airline Tiger Airways has announced a restructure the company says will help it to expand further throughout Asia. The Singapore based company is forming a parent with wholly owned carriers and the flexibility to create new joint ventures.
CHINA: Films on show at Hollywood festival
Updated 11/09/2007 20:20:16
China will be sending ten films to be screened at the third Hollywood China Film Festival, in Los Angelese in November. Festival organisers hope the event will expose Chinese movies to a wider audience.
FIJI: EU considers suspending aid
Updated 11/09/2007 20:17:49
The European Union is considering suspending millions of dollars in aid to Fiji. But Fiji may have already found an alternative source of funds through a $US500 million loan from the US-based Asia bank.
PAKISTAN: President set for showdown with judiciary
Updated 11/09/2007 20:13:31
Pakistan is set for another showdown between its judiciary and its president and army chief, Pervez Musharraf. Following the deportation of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Mr Sharif's supporters are vowing to take their fight to the Supreme Court.
AUSTRALIA: Indonesia, Australia must overcome mutual suspicions, says
Updated 10/09/2007 20:44:13
Indonesia's President says Indonesia and Australia have to deal with mutual suspicions, prejudices and fears about each other. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was speaking in Sydney after the Asia Pacific summit about what he calls the phobias the two neighbours have about each other.
JAPAN: PM Abe fights for political life
Updated 10/09/2007 20:44:18
Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe could be fighting for his political life this week. Two days ago he indicated he would resign if he failed to extend Japan's support for the US-led operations in Afghanistan.
INDONESIA: Megawati considers 2009 presidential bid
Updated 10/09/2007 20:44:25
It is a case of back to the future in Indonesia with the news that former president Megawati Soekarnoputri is considering whether to run for president in 2009. Megawati was roundly defeated by President Yudhoyono in the first direct presidential elections in 2004 - so why is her party wanting her to run again?
PAKISTAN: Former PM returned to exile
Updated 10/09/2007 20:44:02
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has been sent back into exile, only hours after his plane touched down in Islamabad. Mr Sharif had returned vowing to topple President Pervez Musharraf, the man who ousted him eight years ago.
SOUTH KOREA: Confirmation of first astronaut boosts space programme
Updated 10/09/2007 20:44:30
South Korea's space programme received a much needed boost after it announced its first astronaut will go to space next year after more than a year of delay. The announcement comes as Seoul is working to complete its first space centre by the end of the year.
AUSTRALIA: Howard, Hu announce strategic dialogue
Updated 07/09/2007 15:28:20
China's President, Hu Jintao, and Australia's Prime Minister, John Howard, have announced the creation of a strategic dialogue between their countries. Mr Howard assured Mr Hu that Australia's three-way security dialogue with Japan and America is not directed against China.
AUST: Climate change unity recedes at APEC
Updated 07/09/2007 15:23:50
The gaps between developed and developing nations in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation group have been on show in Sydney this week. A watered down statement on climate change is the best that can be expected with the 21 economies unable to reconcile their differences.
AUSTRALIA: US calls for Asian democracy partnership
Updated 07/09/2007 21:04:12
The United States is calling for an Asia Pacific Democracy Partnership as well as a Free Trade Area covering the whole region. The Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific is to be endorsed by the APEC leaders as a long-term goal, but the democracy partnership represents a challenge to China.
AUSTRALIA: China has 'legitimate concerns' over trilateral talks
Updated 07/09/2007 21:05:12
The first three-way alliance summit between the United States, Japan and Australia will happen in Sydney on Saturday - feeding what one Washington analyst calls real worries in China. A leading US China analyst says Beijing has legitimate concerns about the trilateral security talks - worrying about a containment policy and a resurgent military in Japan.
INDONESIA: Person to person bird flu transmission
Updated 07/09/2007 21:06:26
The World Health Organisation says it is likely that bird flu was transmitted from person to person in Sumatra. They say there is no cause for alarm and no need to raise the current level of pandemic alert.
AUSTRALIA: APEC endorses anti-corruption code
Updated 07/09/2007 21:05:42
APEC has endorsed an anti-corruption code of conduct for business and public officials. Research by the World Bank indicates the paying of bribes costs more than one-trillion dollars globally every year.
FIJI: NGO calls for more sanctions against Fiji
Updated 07/09/2007 21:06:05
The international community has responded very strongly against the Fiji interim government's reimposition of emergency regulations. Now a Fiji-based regional non-government organisation has called for further international sanctions to be imposed on Fiji.
BURMA: Monks take security forces hostage
Updated 06/09/2007 20:52:27
Hundreds of Buddhist monks in Burma took around 20 members of the country's security forces hostage inside their monastery. The monks took the action after recent protests turned violent over fuel prices.
AUSTRALIA: Foreign Minister condemns Fiji emergency laws
Updated 06/09/2007 20:51:58
Australia's foreign minister Alexander Downer has described Fiji interim prime minister Commodore Bainimarama's talk of a military threat from Australia as a fantasy. Mr Downer says there is no justifcation for the military regime to reimpose emergency regulations.
FIJI: Interim government reimposes emergency laws
Updated 06/09/2007 20:10:47
Fiji is once again in turmoil, with a new state of emergency declared only days after ousted prime minister Laisenia Qarase returned from exile to the capital, Suva. The interim government says the month-long emergency law is aimed at Mr Qarase and his spokesman for the former ruling SDL party.
AUST: Climate change unity recedes at APEC.
Updated 06/09/2007 20:21:18
The gaps between developed and developing nations in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation group have been on show in Sydney this week. A watered down statement on climate change is the best that can be expected with the 21 economies unable to reconcile their differences.
AUSTRALIA: Howard, Bush to upgrade defence ties
Updated 05/09/2007 21:11:59
The United States and Australia have announced an upgrading of their defence relationship and the US President has signalled America's interests in Asia, from China to Burma.
AUSTRALIA: Business wants climate change response from APEC
Updated 05/09/2007 21:11:59
Business leaders have told the APEC heads of government they must come up with a clear response to climate change as an urgent priority.
INDONESIA: Vice President promotes batik
Updated 05/09/2007 21:12:24
The Malay textile, Batik has long had a cultural significance in Indonesia. Now Indonesia's vice president Jusuf Kalla is calling for more Indonesians to wear Batik on formal occasions and batik supporters hope his comments will preserve Batik's traditional design technique.
SOUTH KOREA: Hostages receive mixed homecoming
Updated 05/09/2007 21:12:10
The nineteen South Korean aid workers freed after being taken hostage by the Taliban in Afghanistan are facing a mixed reception on their return home.
WORLD: Fuel companies developing safer biofuels
Updated 05/09/2007 21:12:19
Fuel companies are looking for new ways to make biofuels which will not harm food stocks, or take up land needed for food production.
TAIWAN: Envoy warns against placating Beijng on UN bid
Updated 04/09/2007 21:04:48
With Taiwan's government renewing its push for UN membership,Taiwan's ambassador to Australia has appealed to democratic governments to stand up to China and ease his country's international isolation. He warns that by placating China, the international community is creating more risk of conflict in the Taiwan Straits, not less.
INDIA: Climate change not a concern yet
Updated 04/09/2007 21:04:52
India is the world's biggest coal producer, but its growth rate means its energy demands are outstripping supply. As a developing country it is exempt from the Kyoto Protocol on climate change, despite its growing contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.
AUSTRALIA: No consensus on India's APEC membership
Updated 04/09/2007 21:04:56
Australia says there is no consensus on allowing India entry to APEC, even though Australia says it is a good idea. While calling for progress in the world trade round, Australia has also pointed to growing interest in the idea of creating a free trade area of the Asia Pacific.
FIJI: Judiciary in turmoil as six judges resign
Updated 04/09/2007 21:04:44
Fiji no longer has a functioning judicial system, according to the Law Council of Australia. This follows the resignation of six expatriate judges on the court of appeal, five from New Zealand and one Australian.
PAKISTAN: Two bomb blasts hit Rawalpindi
Updated 04/09/2007 21:04:44
Two suicide bombers have struck near the heart of the Pakistani military in Rawalpindi. The bombings threaten to further destabilise President Musharraf, as he tries to secure a power sharing deal with ex-premier Benazir Bhutto.
PNG: Patients evacuated after Tarvurvur eruption
Updated 03/09/2007 16:23:24
In Papua New Guinea, Mt Tarvurvur has been erupting all this week, forcing the evacuation of around 50 patients from Nonga Hospital in Rabaul. Encroaching dirt, volcanic ash and gas emissions have forced the authorities to reduce the number of services the hospital can offer.
MALAYSIA: Celebrations to mark 50 years of independence
Updated 03/09/2007 16:23:24
Malaysia has held lavish celebrations to mark 50 years of independence from Britain. Back then the founding fathers wanted peace and harmony for all Malaysians, regardless of ethnicity or religion. The country has prospered economically, but divisions remain between Muslims and non-Muslims, and between the Indian, Chinese and Malay communities.
BANGLADESH: Former PM on corruption charges
Updated 03/09/2007 20:47:37
In Bangladesh, security forces today detained former prime minister Khaleda Zia and her son on charges of extortion and corruption over a tender for a state contract. It follows the army-backed interim government's promise - after the state of emergency declared in January - to stamp out corruption and hold fresh elections by the end of next year.
AUSTRALIA: Free trade area on APEC agenda
Updated 03/09/2007 20:47:43
The Sydney summit is preparing to deal with the drama of demonstrations, but also the intricate detail of trade liberalisation. The 21 APEC leaders, foreign and trade ministers and business leaders are to focus on the possibility of a free trade area of the Asia Pacific and how to make their economies grow more efficiently.
AUSTRALIA: Enhanced security cooperation with US
Updated 03/09/2007 20:47:47
US President George Bush will be bearing gifts when he arrives in Sydney on Tuesday. He will announce enhanced security arrangements when he meets Prime Minister John Howard for the APEC summit.
INDONESIA: President vows to change crime-ridden image
Updated 03/09/2007 20:47:32
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called for efforts to improve what he calls his country's crime-ridden image overseas. His call comes amid increasing robberies, attacks, murders and kidnappings in the world's fourth most populated country.
NAURU: Australian rights body barred from detention centre
Updated 03/09/2007 20:47:33
The Australian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, HREOC, has been refused entry to inspect Australia's immigration detention centre on Nauru. The Human Rights Commissioner, Graeme Innes, has disputed Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews' claims that HREOC has no jurisdiction over the centre.
