December 2007
AUSTRALIA: Hicks free, gagged by control order
Updated 31/12/2007 22:07:54
Former Guantanamo Bay inmate David Hicks, who was released from an Australian prison on the weekend, is obeying the terms of a control order set down by the Australian Federal Police. Former foreign minster, Alexander Downer, says he has no regrets about his handling of the Hicks case, saying the convicted terrorism supporter had commited acts of evil - and it was essential that he be restricted by a control order after his release.
PAKISTAN: President blames al-Qaeda
Updated 31/12/2007 22:07:54
Pakistan's president, Pervez Musharraf, is blaming al-Qaeda for the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. But analysts say her death has exposed massive weaknesses in the government's security capability, and the extent to which military rule has weakened the country's institutions.
PAKISTAN: Bhutto's son to lead party
Updated 31/12/2007 22:07:54
Pakistani electoral officials have held an emergency meeting, and will decide Tuesday whether to postpone a general election scheduled for January 8. A senior government official, however, has told the AFP news agency the vote will 'likely' be delayed several weeks. Meanwhile, Benazir Bhutto's eldest son, Bilawal Zardari, will assume his mother's position as the head of her Pakistan People's Party, which has announced it will contest the Pakistan elections. His father, Asif Ali Zardari, will be co-chairman of the party, and will run it on a daily basis until the 19-year-old finishes his studies at Oxford University. And as rioting over Ms Bhutto's death continues, the family has refused to allow an autopsy on her body and has called instead for a United Nations inquiry into her killing.
THAILAND: Capital on alert after blasts
Updated 31/12/2007 22:07:54
Authorities in the Thai capital, Bangkok, are on alert as two hotels in southern Thailand were targetted in a series of bomb blasts this morning. Police say there were five blasts, and dozens of people were injured. The blasts occured in the town of Sun Ngai Kolok, on the Malaysian border. Police are concerned about a possible repeat of last New Year's Eve, when three people were killed in bomb blasts in the capital.
CAMBODIA: Safari park plan draws fire
Updated 31/12/2007 22:07:46
The Cambodian government is considering a Spanish company's plan to create a hunting park in the country. The Madrid-based safari company wants to use 100,000 hectares of jungle in northeast Cambodia for hunting wildlife. Although some say such a project will bring a range of benefits to Cambodia, others believe it will do more harm than good.
HONG KONG: China says no direct elections for 2012
Updated 31/12/2007 22:07:47
China has announced that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will not attain universal suffrage by the year 2012. The announcement from China's standing committee of the National People's Congress came after Hong Kong's chief executive, Donald Tsang, submitted a report requesting elections in 2012. Beijing's plans have outraged pro-democracy leaders and activists who are demanding an earlier date for democratic reforms. Their frustrations spilled onto the streets on Saturday as they staged a protest march through the former British colony.
PAKISTAN: Former prime minister Bhutto assassinated
Updated 28/12/2007 21:21:06
Pakistan has descended into mourning today with the assasination of the former prime minister and opposition leader Benazir Bhutto. Overnight a suicide bomber struck as she was leaving an election rally, shooting her and then setting off a bomb that killed at least 16 other people.
PAKISTAN: Bhutto party spokesman blames President Musharraf
Updated 28/12/2007 21:21:06
A senior member of the Pakistan People's Party says he blames President Musharraf for Ms Bhutto's killing because he has harboured terrorist supporters in the government and security apparatus.
PAKISTAN: Killing of Bhutto sparks political uncertainty
Updated 28/12/2007 21:21:06
Benazir Bhutto: The assassination that has shaken a country and the world, the end of an era and an uncertain future for Pakistan. In death, as in life, Banazir Bhutto continues to wield immense influence on Pakistan's political landscape.
PAKISTAN: Bhutto's controversial political career
Updated 28/12/2007 21:21:05
Benazir Bhutto inspired passionate support but she was also a controversial political figure who battled corruption allegations throughout her career.
PAKISTAN: World condemns Bhutto murder
Updated 28/12/2007 21:21:05
World leaders expressed outrage at the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, condemning it as a frontal attack on democracy in the Islamic republic.
CAMBODIA: Religious groups demand speedier Khmer Rouge trials
Updated 27/12/2007 21:14:48
Hundreds of Buddhist monks and nuns have marched to the UN-backed genocide court in Cambodia, demanding the special court speed up the trials of detained former Khmer Rouge leaders.
AFGHANISTAN: Envoy expulsion triggers fierce diplomatic effort
Updated 27/12/2007 21:14:49
Fierce diplomatic efforts are underway to overturn Afghanistan's decision to expel two European envoys from the country, accused of making contact with the Taliban.
SOLOMON IS: Former Attorney General extradited to Australia
Updated 27/12/2007 21:14:49
Former Solomon Islands Attorney General, Julian Moti, has been extradited to Australia to face child sex charges.
THAILAND: Life imitates art in Thai political puppet show
Updated 27/12/2007 21:14:43
A Thai puppet show is bearing a startlingly resemblance to what's happening in the local political scene. After Sunday's national vote, there's a scramble for power by the People Power Party, a party with close ties to ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
CAMBODIA: Government under fire for land evictions
Updated 27/12/2007 21:14:43
The Cambodian Government continues to face allegations of involvement in the forceable removal of the poor from their land to make way for development. Human rights groups say the number of people being evicted by big businesses is rising.
WORLD: Two years of tough climate negotiations ahead
Updated 26/12/2007 14:09:41
After two weeks of wrangling on the Indonesian island of Bali, some 200 nations have agreed to begin talks on how to tackle global warming. The White House is already voicing its objections to the final mandate, saying the deal doesn't do enough to commit major emerging economies like India and China to cuts their emissions.
THAILAND: Pro-Thaksin party wins most seats in national elections
Updated 26/12/2007 14:09:41
Thailand's exiled Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, has come out the winner in yesterday's national elections. The party favoured by his many supporters, the People Power Party, has won the most seats in the poll and is expected to try to form a coalition government in the coming weeks.
CHINA: Christmas trees banned in Zhuhai
Updated 26/12/2007 14:09:40
The same day that Chinese president Hu Jintao on Wednesday reiterated a policy of free religious belief, China's southern city of Zhuhai announced a ban on Christmas trees from public places.
NEPAL: Maoists rejoin the government
Updated 26/12/2007 14:09:40
Nepal looks set to abolish its centuries old monarchy after former Maoist rebels agreed to rejoin the government in a deal set to end a long-running deadlock.
INDONESIA: Boxing Day tsunami remembered
Updated 26/12/2007 20:18:32
It's three years since a tsunami devastated the coastline of the Indonesian province of Aceh. In the aftermath, many local and foreign volunteers in many capacities, went to the aid of those affected. One of them was business consultant Dennis Heffernan.
THAILAND: Election win shows support for Thaksin Shinawatra
Updated 26/12/2007 20:18:32
Thai voters sent a very clear message in Sunday's election - that they had had enough of the military which has ruled the country since last year's coup. It seems that most of them want the man ousted in the coup, Thaksin Shinawatra, to return.
PAKISTAN: Reports US military aid being misused
Updated 26/12/2007 20:18:32
Concern is mounting in the United States that billions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan might be being mis-used. The US has given Pakistan nearly $US6 billion to tackle the terrorist groups, but the officials claim a lot of it isn't reaching front-line troops.
MALAYSIA: Reports say racial mediation committees planned
Updated 26/12/2007 20:18:31
Malaysia is reportedly planning to introduce community-level mediation committees to deal with racial disputes.
ASIA: IMF to discuss government investment funds
Updated 26/12/2007 20:18:31
The dramatic rescue of the world's second biggest investment bank by a Chinese government company has highlighted the growing power of so-called sovereign funds.
SKOREA: New foreign policy directions under conservative government
Updated 21/12/2007 19:25:52
The United States and Japan have welcomed the election of conservative President-elect Lee Myung-Bak, after ten years of liberal rule in South Korea. So what foreign policy imperatives might we expect of a new conservative presidency in Seoul?
INDIA: Joint war games with India
Updated 21/12/2007 19:28:49
Earlier this week China and India embarked on their first ever joint military exercises. The week-long drill - code named 'Hand-in-Hand 2007' - and involving the world's two largest armies - comes amid improving diplomatic relations between the two nations
CAMBODIA: Formal complaint to UN over rights envoy
Updated 21/12/2007 19:30:27
Cambodian prime minister Hun Sen has escalated his long-running dispute with the country's UN human rights envoy, Yash Ghai. Cambodia has made a formal complaint to the UN Secretary General over what he said was Professor Ghai's arrogant behaviour during a recent ten day visit.
CAMBODIA: PM calls for more diversity to strengthen economy
Updated 21/12/2007 19:35:44
Cambodia's prime minister is calling for an end to the country's dependence on the garment industry and tourism. The prime minister warns an economic slowdown in the West could damage exports and the economy needs to diversify.
JAPAN: Biography explores the man behind Godzilla
Updated 21/12/2007 19:38:52
Back in the 1950s in Japan, a 150-foot tall lizard came out of the ocean and set about destroying Tokyo. It was Godzilla, an irradiated mutant monster that came via the imagination and movie magic of special effects legend Eiji Tsuburaya.
JAPAN: Humpback whale kill plans in doubt
Updated 20/12/2007 21:57:41
It is still not confirmed if Japan will abandon its plans to kill up to 50 humpback whales this season. Wuestions are now being asked as to whether it ever planned to go through with the highly provocative plan.
SOLOMON IS: New government as opposition candidate elected PM
Updated 20/12/2007 21:57:41
In Solomon Islands there's a new government with the election yesterday of Opposition candidate Derek Sikua as Prime Minister. The North East Guadalcanal MP defeated the outgoing government's candidate, Patteson Oti, 32 votes to 15.
THAILAND: Weekend polls likely to favour pro-Thaksin party
Updated 20/12/2007 21:57:41
Thais go to the polls on Sunday after what's been a tight and tense election campaign. The poll will restore democratic rule after 15 months of military rule, but many voters may be rushing back to support the man the generals pushed out, former Prime Minister, Thaksin Shinawatra.
INDIA: Expat doctors lured home
Updated 20/12/2007 21:57:40
Ten years ago, doctors in India were finding ways to work in the UK, US or Australia, where they could get better hospital equipments and better pay. Now, as India's health services are booming, there's an influx of Indian doctors returning home.
CHINA: Russian retirees eyeing Chinese wealth
Updated 20/12/2007 21:52:06
The two massive neighbouring nations of China and Russia have a shared history of distrust, annexation fears and ethnic differences. Now China's new wealth is becoming an attraction for retirees in the former Soviet nation.
AUSTRALIA: Changing foreign policy under new government
Updated 20/12/2007 22:03:48
Australia is starting to see the first outlines of the new foreign policy to be followed by the Labor Government elected four weeks ago. The Rudd Government has ratified the Kyoto protocol, started talks with the United States on withdrawal of Australian combat troops from Iraq, and is now risking diplomatic damage with Japan by confronting it over whaling.
PAKISTAN: Reports of secret detentions and disappearances
Updated 19/12/2007 21:34:25
Human rights groups have accused the Pakistani government of an elaborate system of secret detentions and disappearances. Lawyers and activists say nearly 500 Pakistanis have disappeared into the hands of the Pakistani intelligence services.
SKOREA: North Koreans refugees vote with full rights
Updated 19/12/2007 21:34:31
As expected, South Korean voters appear to have handed a landslide victory to the opposition Grand National Party's Lee Myung Bak - who will shortly be proclaimed the country's next President. Joining their Southern cousins in exercising a basic democratic right, were thousands of North Koreans.
SOLOMON IS: Anxious wait for election of new prime minister
Updated 19/12/2007 21:35:19
Solomon Islands Opposition leader, Fred Fono, says with the defection of four more government members, they are confident their candidate, Derek Sikua will be the next prime minister.
MALAYSIA: Security crackdown on public protests
Updated 19/12/2007 21:36:19
Over the past two months Malaysian authorities have used riot gear and tear gas to quell a number of large-scale, but mostly peaceful protests. Some of the more recent protesters have ended up behind bars with no rights to a trial, and facing two year's possible detention.
EAST TIMOR: Policy challenges over oil and gas revenue
Updated 19/12/2007 21:39:37
The East Timor Parliament's vote on the government budget next month will be one answer to a large question - Can East Timor beat the curse posed by its its own resource wealth? East Timor has set up a Petroleum Fund to handle oil and gas revenue, and the policy choice for Timor's politicians is whether the discipline of the fund can be maintained.
INDONESIA: Radical new approach to illegal fishing
Updated 19/12/2007 21:39:49
Indonesia is deporting more than 400 Thai and Vietnamese crew members of illegal fishing boats that have been caught poaching in Indonesian waters. Indonesia is about to deploy some radical new methods which may entice foreign poachers to contribute to Indonesia's economy.
AUSTRALIA: Promises 'long haul' military commitment to Afghanistan
Updated 18/12/2007 21:11:40
Australia's new government is starting to define the meaning of its promise of a long-term military commitment to Afghanistan. The Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, has emphasised the difficulties confronting the allies in Afghanistan and the danger of growing instability.
SKOREA: New scandal, extra probe into Presidential candidate
Updated 18/12/2007 21:11:40
South Korea's opposition leader, Lee Myung-bak, has consistently denied any connection with a finance company at the centre of a fraud case involving his former business partner. But the release of video evidence showing the opposite might be true, has cast a cloud over his campaign for tomorrow's presidential election.
INDONESIA: US Congressman angry over Papua visit
Updated 18/12/2007 21:15:20
American Samoa's Congressman has written a letter to Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, complaining about the way he was treated during a recent visit to Papua. Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin, who chairs the Asia and Pacific subcommittee of the US House of Representatives Foreign Relations Committee, was allowed to visit the province for three days earlier this month, after being denied permission to do so last July.
BURMA: Observers say September death toll 'much higher'
Updated 18/12/2007 21:23:48
International Buddhist observers who've just visited Burma say the official death toll from the crackdown on the September peace marches is far higher than the official count of 31. Delegation members spoke with members of the Buddhist community and reported that the situation for the majority of Burmese people was even worse since the September peace marches.
NAURU: Detention centre closure threatens revenue, jobs
Updated 18/12/2007 21:24:59
The decision by the new Australian government to close its asylum seeker processing centre on Nauru has been hailed as an important step by international human rights activists. But for Nauru, still reeling from the loss of its phosphate mining wealth, the closure will mean a massive decrease in revenue and an increase in unemployment.
PAKISTAN: Child soldier numbers rising
Updated 18/12/2007 21:27:37
Human rights groups believe the number of child soldiers in Pakistan is rising. Rights activists meeting in Islamabad say poverty, a culture of weapons and a reliance on religious schools has led to an increase in child militants in the country.
INDONESIA: Swiss teacher unveils solar taxi at Bali summit
Updated 17/12/2007 21:08:11
Many environmentalists say using renewable energy like solar and wind is the best way to combat climate change. Now Swiss school teacher Louis Palmer has put words into action, building the world's first solar taxi.
INDONESIA: UN climate conference agrees to 'roadmap'
Updated 17/12/2007 21:08:11
The talks were difficult, they were dramatic and they went on well into the night, but after two weeks a climate change declaration was finally agreed on in Bali.
It commits parties to hold negotiations aimed at working out a post-Kyoto deal by 2009.
ETIMOR: UN chief meets leaders, displaced residents
Updated 17/12/2007 21:12:47
In between attending sessions at the climate change talks in Bali, the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon made a brief visit to East Timor. He said he would encourage the UN Security Council to keep a UN presence in East Timor after the current mandate expires in February next year.
AUSTRALIA: New govt plans to monitor Japanese whaling
Updated 17/12/2007 21:14:11
Australia's Prime Minister has dismissed Japan's claim that it is killing whales for scientific purposes. Mr Rudd says Australia will make a detailed announcement later this week of how it will use the military to monitor Japanese whaling ships.
MALAYSIA: Govt drops attempted murder charges against activists
Updated 17/12/2007 21:16:28
The Malaysian government has dropped attempted murder charges against five ethnic Indian activists, in what some see as a bid to diffuse growing outrage in the Indian community. But with elections approaching, community leaders are warning the government's crackdown could threaten its traditional support among Indian voters.
THAILAND: Hopes for stability after December 23 polls
Updated 17/12/2007 21:19:48
Thailand goes to the polls on December the 23rd to elect a new government. It is hoped that this time, the military's generals will not intervene as they have 18 times in recent history by staging coups against a sitting government.
INDONESIA: Illegal fishing in Australian waters
Updated 14/12/2007 20:42:19
The Australian coast guard maintains constant vigilance on its maritime boundaries to stop illegal fishing .. often by Indonesian fishermen straying into Australian waters. 16 Indonesians, who were plucked from the Timor sea, as they made their way to claim asylum in Australia will be repatriated. They were members of an ethnic minority group, known as Bajo laut, or sea gypsies who for decades have led a mobile life roaming regional waters in search of fresh fishing. And many Bajo Laut don't even know where Australian waters begin and end.
SOLOMONS:Calm follows PM's removal
Updated 14/12/2007 20:42:19
There's been a calm response in Solomon Islands to the ousting of Prime Minister Manessah Sogavare who was removed from office on Thursday in a vote of no confidence. Solomon Islands' new Prime Minister will be appointed late next week - however Manasseh Sogavare will stay as caretaker leader until then. There are 25 MPs making up the opposition group which took power - members from six different political parties.
TIMOR: Australian PM visits
Updated 14/12/2007 20:42:19
The Australian Prime Minister has visited East Timor to lend his support to efforts to stabilise and rebuild the nation after last year's violence. More than 2,000 Australian-led international forces and UN police remain on patrol, deployed to restore and maintain calm after unrest flared on Dili's streets. The violence left 37 people dead and forced 150 thousand people from their homes. The Australian Prime Minister travelled to East Timor after attending talks on climate change in Bali.
AUSTRALIA: Rebuilding relations with PNG
Updated 14/12/2007 20:42:20
Australia's new Prime Minister is reaching out to rebuild damaged relations with Papua New Guinea. But Kevin Rudd says the Moti affair is not over with Solomon Islands, and Canberra will press to have the Solomons Attorney-General extradited to face child sex charges in Australia. Mr Rudd is also putting diplomatic pressure on Japan, threatening to use the Australian Navy to shadow Japanese whaling ships.
INDIA: Business embracing philosophy
Updated 14/12/2007 20:42:19
Multinational corporations are turning to eastern philosophies to counter work related stress. Vedanta, an Indian philosophy, is now being taught at institutions such as Colombia Business School and London Business School.
CHINA: Rise in youth crime
Updated 14/12/2007 20:42:19
The number of juvenile criminals in China has doubled to 80 thousand over the past ten years. China's state media reports two-thirds of the criminal cases handled annually by Chinese courts involved minors. Some say it's the fault of China's one-child policy, creating a generation of single children, who are spoiled, self-centred but unable to respond to social challenges. But experts in Chinese studies argue that rather than the family planning policy - the education system and social environment should be blamed.
ASIA: impact of US recession in Asia and Australia
Updated 13/12/2007 21:32:53
The jury is still out on whether the unusual measures announced by the US Federal Reserve to pump money into the global financial system will work. The US Federal Reserve is being joined by the central banks of England, Europe, Canada and Switzerland in a coordinated intervention. The hope is to avert a crisis in credit markets which could tip the US and the world into recession. A special lending facility is being set up to make it easier for banks to get loans, beginning with an injection of 40-billion dollars as soon as next week.
BALI: UN climate change talks
Updated 13/12/2007 21:32:53
Time is running out at the UN climate change talks in Bali. The United Nations has warned unless there's a breakthrough before midday Friday, the talks will collapse. Representatives from 180 nations are meeting behind closed doors to find a so-called roadmap towards a new climate change agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol when it expires in 2012.
SOLOMONS: PM ousted
Updated 13/12/2007 21:32:53
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manessah Sogavare has been thrown out of office. After a month of uncertainty the island nation's parliament has met and voted on his political future, deciding 25 votes to 22 to end his time in office.
Mr Sogavare's time in power is best known for the conflict and fights he picked with the regional assistance mission RAMSI, and the Australia Government over his support for fugitive Julian Moti, the man he appointed as Attorney General.
BEIJING: Child sex tourism conference
Updated 13/12/2007 21:32:53
Child sex tourism - a major problem in the Asia Pacific - is being addressed at a meeting of regional governments in Beijing. With tourism booming, the spin off has been the increase in predators marking Asia and the Pacific as markets to engage in under-age sex. In 2004, 119 million tourists headed to the Asia Pacific region with 17.8 million travelling to countries around the Mekong. A meeting is being held this week in Beijing to discuss progress on ending child sex tourism and human trafficking.
BURMA: US to step up sanctions
Updated 13/12/2007 21:32:53
The United States will lead a global campaign to step up sanctions against Burma's military regime if it continues to ignore calls for a transition to democracy. At least 31 people were killed and hundreds more missing, after the military cracked down on demonstrations in September led by Buddhist monks. President George Bush also called for the release of Nobel laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, as the House of Representatives adopted sanctions against Burma's multi-million dollar gem and natural gas exports.
INDONESIA: Jakarta wants to lead world in reducing deforestation
Updated 12/12/2007 21:12:04
Indonesia says it wants to make a difference to climate change by saving the world's tropical forests. Jakarta says it wants to take the lead in helping to reduce deforestation.
INDONESIA: UN chief calls for 'breakthrough' in climate talks
Updated 12/12/2007 21:12:04
As politicians deliver their national statements to the floor of conference, the UN secretary general has told leaders they must come to a climate breakthrough before they leave Bali on Friday. Australia, the United States, Japan and Canada are resisting calls to embrace a global short term emissions target.
ETIMOR: Australian PM heads to Dili for talks
Updated 12/12/2007 21:13:38
A key issue for the Australian prime minister's talks in East Timor will be the future of nearly 800 Australian troops in East Timor since last year's political crisis.
INDON: Hostile takeover to buy back the 'farm'
Updated 12/12/2007 21:16:02
In a reversal of fortunes, an Australian mining company finds itself the subject of a takeover bid by an Indonesian rival. Bumi Resources, Indonesia's largest coal producer has set its sights on Perth-based Herald Resources.
VIETNAM: Pro democracy activist deported
Updated 12/12/2007 21:17:35
Vietnam has deported a Vietnamese-American pro-democracy activist after his arrest last month with a group of other dissidents triggered protests from the United States. Last week, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom reported that Vietnam's overall human rights record remained very poor, and has deteriorated in the last year.
INDONESIA: Kyoto's birthday celebrations dampened by divisions
Updated 11/12/2007 21:10:40
World leaders and government ministers are beginning to deliberate over the final text of a UN climate declaration. But Japan, Australia, Canada and the US have been accused of stalling by refusing to agree to cut their short term emissions.
JAPAN: China military-diplomatic split over US ships
Updated 11/12/2007 21:17:34
A top Japanese diplomat says a split seems to opening between China's military and diplomats in the refusal to allow United States Navy ships into Hong Kong. The ambassador has also given an account of Japan defeating China's opposition to get Australia and India accepted as a member of the East Asia summit.
INDONESIA: Rights group to probe Soeharto-era abuses
Updated 11/12/2007 21:17:21
Indonesia's leading human rights group wants to reopen six cases of alleged human rights violations during former president Soeharto's era. Human rights activists say while the investigations may not ultimately bring Soeharto to trial, it's still an encouraging sign that the victims are not being neglected.
TAIWAN: President renews pledge not to declare independence
Updated 11/12/2007 21:21:15
Taiwan's President Chen Shui-bian has renewed his pledge not to declare independence during his last six months in office. US-Taiwan relations are at a low, over President Chen's push for a referendum on whether the island should apply for UN membership, under the name "Taiwan" instead of "the Republic of China."
AUSTRALIA: Investment industry angry at special treatment for Singapor
Updated 11/12/2007 21:22:09
A new regulation allowing Singaporean investment companies to operate more freely in Australia has angered the local industry. Fund managers feel disadvantaged because the move has been all one way.
SOUTH KOREA: 'Peace train' to NKorea makes first trip
Updated 11/12/2007 21:25:51
From December 11, freight trains loaded with cargo will make daily round trips between South and North Korea - the first regular train traffic between the two Cold War enemies in more than half a century.
INDONESIA: Bali summit sees opposition to short term emissions cuts
Updated 10/12/2007 21:07:09
Already some countries are trying to water down the key text of the United Nations climate declaration. The sticking point for Australia is the call for developed countries as a whole to agree to short term emissions cuts.
UNITED STATES: Expert says US can afford binding carbon cuts
Updated 10/12/2007 21:10:30
While the United States government continues to oppose binding targets, a leading economist says there's no good economic argument to back it up. Professor Richard Vietor says the US can afford to make substantial carbon cuts for a cost of less than one per cent of GDP growth.
INDONESIA: Children address Bali climate conference
Updated 10/12/2007 21:11:52
As the Bali talks hot up, delegates, governments and participants continue to jockey for position. But on Monday the talks heard from those who will inherit the consequences of global warming - children.
AUSTRALIA: New directions in foreign policy
Updated 10/12/2007 21:12:48
Just over two weeks after being elected, Australia's new Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, is heading overseas -- to Indonesia for the UN climate conference and then to East Timor on his way home. Already, the commentary is starting on the sort of the foreign policy approach that will be adopted by the new Labor Government.
AUSTRALIA: New government sets out foreign policy agenda
Updated 10/12/2007 21:20:40
Just over two weeks after being elected, Australia's new Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, is heading overseas -- to Indonesia for the UN climate conference and then to East Timor on his way home. Already, the commentary is starting on the sort of the foreign policy approach that will be adopted by the new Labor Government.
NEPAL: Nepalese battle to join British Army Gurkhas
Updated 10/12/2007 21:20:48
A record number of young Nepalese men have applied to join the British Army's Brigade of Gurkhas this year. Despite the chance of being deployed to Afghanistan within a year of recruitment, more than 17,000 young Nepalese men are currently battling it out for 230 coveted jobs.
NZ: Researchers use honey to treat cancer
Updated 07/12/2007 17:40:32
Researchers at the University of Waikato in New Zealand are studying the uses of honey in the treatment of cancer patients. The researchers have found that honey made from the flowers of the manuka bush, a native of New Zealand, has antibacterial properties over and above those of other honeys.
AUSTRALIA: Australia slips in OECD education report
Updated 07/12/2007 17:41:43
An OECD study has put Taiwan at the top of the rankings in mathematical ability, well ahead of much wealthier countries. Meanwhile, a drop in reading skills in Australia has prompted concern from the new Labor government, which promised an "education revolution" as part of its election platform.
INDONESIA: President calls for pedal power
Updated 07/12/2007 17:43:16
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called for Indonesians to reduce their use of private vehicles and plastic goods in an effort to reduce the country's carbon emissions.
CHINA: New HIV tests for returning citizens
Updated 07/12/2007 17:44:18
Beijing says Chinese citizens who have lived abroad for more than a year face a compulsory HIV test when they return. Charity organisations say it could lead to discrimination against people infected by HIV.
ETIMOR: UN delegation recommends extending UN mission
Updated 07/12/2007 17:45:16
The East Timor government has welcomed a visiting UN Security Council delegation's pledge to provide ongoing support to the country. But the visiting delegation also stressed that East Timor's government must eventually take over responsibility for maintaining law and order.
SOLOMONS: Convicted former PM maintains innocence
Updated 07/12/2007 17:46:04
Former Solomon Islands Prime Minister Sir Allan Kemakeza has been sentenced to five months in jail. The Honiara Magistrates Court found Sir Allan guilty of ordering an attack on a Honiara law firm in 2002 while he was prime minister.
BURMA: Junta expels UN head for criticism
Updated 07/12/2007 21:11:08
The military junta in Burma has shown defiance to world opinion this week, spurning suggestions to speed up its democracy process. They've also followed through on expelling the UN's country head, Charles Petrie for comments he made about the poor ecnoomic management of the country in the wake of mass protests in September, and the violent crackdown that followed.
NEPAL: EU mission concerned over widespread 'lawlessness'
Updated 07/12/2007 21:11:08
The European Union has warned that the peace process in Nepal will be under serious threat, if the people's desire for change is unfulfilled. Its four-member mission to Nepal has just ended a three-day visit to the Himalayan kingdom, which struck a peace deal a year ago, with Maoist rebels, following a 10-year conflict, which claimed over 13,000 lives.
CHINA: Economy heading for overheating despite tighter policies
Updated 07/12/2007 21:14:56
China's leadership could be forced to make a significant policy shift next year and let the currency strengthen. It's a sign the leadership and economic planners could be running out of options to contain price rises and prevent the economy from overheating.
PHILIPPINES: Media activists angry over government warning
Updated 07/12/2007 21:23:03
There's trouble brewing between the Philippine government and the country's media outlets over last week's siege at the Peninsular Hotel. This week the Interior Secretary warned that any media personnel who ignore orders to leave crime scenes will be charged with obstruction of justice and willful disobedience.
ASIA: Droughts may force switch from rice to potatoes
Updated 07/12/2007 21:25:47
Climate change, water shortages and the demands on land are putting new pressures on Asia's rice-growing societies. One answer to the growing difficulties with rice production may come in the form of a potato.
INDONESIA: Indonesian, Malaysian dispute over traditional dance
Updated 07/12/2007 21:28:08
Malaysia's Ambassador to Indonesia has weighed in on a controversy over the use of traditional songs and dances in a tourism campaign. Dato Zainal Abidin Zain has denied that Malaysian tourism officials tried to claim Indonesian traditional culture.
BURMA: United international sanctions needed to pressure junta
Updated 05/12/2007 21:08:09
There are renewed calls this week for extra international pressure against Burma's military junta following its dismissal of September's protests as "trivial". In a "business as usual" snub to international opinion, the Generals continue to pursue their discredited "roadmap to democracy" and the drafting of a new constitution aimed at excluding the opposition.
MALAYSIA: Ethnic Indians charged over Nov 25th protests
Updated 05/12/2007 21:08:54
Malaysia has charged 26 ethnic Indians with attempted murder, in connection with an anti-discrimination protest last month. The government has denied the case has anything to do with race, but Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi has ordered a fresh look at recruitment levels of non-Malays, over growing concerns on both sides of politics over Malaysia's growing ethnic divide.
FIJI: Reflections on the military coup one year on
Updated 05/12/2007 21:10:22
In Fiji, it's one year since the military led by Commodore Frank Bainimarama staged a coup ousting the Qarase goverment from office. Commodore Bainimarama has said repeatedly since the 5th December 2006 that he has embarked on a "clean up campaign".
INDONESIA: Minister to unveil deforestation carbon trading scheme
Updated 05/12/2007 21:13:41
Indonesia's forestry minister is set to unveil the much-anticipated REDD program at the Bali climate conference. Indonesia wants to pilot the scheme, in which developing countries will be paid to preserve their forest land, but so far the scheme is short on detail.
CHINA: Coal plants to get cleaner technology
Updated 05/12/2007 21:16:31
China has pledged to cut emissions of major pollutants by 10 percent over the next three years. It's hoping to achieve that at least in part by installing what's known as "ultra-supercritical technology" in its power plants.
THAILAND: Monarch's 80th birthday celebrations underway
Updated 05/12/2007 21:20:17
More than 100,000 Thais lined the streets around Bangkok's Grand Palace to cheer their revered King as he celebrates his 80th birthday. His Majesty used his birthday address to stress the need for unity as Thais prepare for an election later this month.
BALI: Poor countries appeal for help to tackle global warming
Updated 04/12/2007 20:55:24
Representatives from some of the world's poorest nations have appealed for help in dealing with crippling floods, droughts and other extreme weather caused by climate change. Delegates from Cambodia, Papua New Guinea and Bangladesh have told the United Nations conference in Bali that they don't have enough money to adapt to changing conditions. And they want rich countries to provide meaningful financial and technical support.
PAKISTAN: Opposition unites and makes vote demands
Updated 04/12/2007 20:55:28
The Pakistan Election commission has barred the former prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, from participating in next January's general election, citing his ciminal record. Mr Sharif has responded by calling a meeting with his fellow opposition leader, Benazir Bhutto. They've agreed to present the government with a list of demands to ensure a fair election, and have threatened to renew boycotts if their demands aren't met.
BURMA: Junta rules out NLD reform role
Updated 04/12/2007 20:55:32
Burma's military junta says it will continue with its own timetable for democracy, dismissing calls from the international community to move more quickly. The junta has further angered the world community by describing September's anti-government protests as trivial, accusing bogus monks of conspiring to topple the government.
INDIA: Kipling home to be turned into museum
Updated 04/12/2007 20:55:21
The home and birth place of legendary Indian writer Rudyard Kipling is being converted into an art museum. Kipling's dilapidated bungalow in Mumbai will be restored and will feature famous works of art.
ASIAPAC: Water crisis needs leadership
Updated 04/12/2007 20:55:21
The first Asia Pacific water summit is winding up in Japan and regional leaders are being urged to take water as seriously as global warming. There are calls for new leadership in Asia and the Pacific if 700 million people are to get access to a basic human right - clean water.
ETIMOR: calls for Reinado to surrender as trial begins
Updated 03/12/2007 21:32:03
In East Timor the trial of rebel soldier Alfredo Reinado has begun in Dili despite his failure to appear. The former commander of the military police remains on the run after escaping from custody at the height of East Timor's crisis last year. His criminal trial on various charges of murder, attempted murder and revolt was scheduled to begin today.
In his absence the panel of judges heard from security forces why an arrest warrant has not been enforced.
NKOREA: United States imposes new terrorism list conditions
Updated 03/12/2007 21:32:08
North Korea has been told it will have to meet a number of new conditions if it wants to be taken off Washington's list of states that sponsor terrorism. The United States says Pyongyang will now need to disclose more information about its nuclear capabilities and program management. The US also wants North Korea to reveal any transfer of nuclear technology to other countries. The new conditions came as a top US State Department official declared that Pyongyang was on track to complete its disarmament process.
FIJI: Anti-coup groups still divided on goals and strategy
Updated 03/12/2007 21:32:14
The Coalition for Democracy in Fiji says groups trying to remove the military installed interim government of Commodore Frank Bainimarama have so far been ineffective. The New Zealand based group's spokesman, Nick Naidu says NGO groups and civil society organisations in Fiji and overseas are still badly divided over strategy.
BALI:Climate Conference underway
Updated 03/12/2007 21:31:52
First to the Bali Climate Conference ... Indonesia's chief negotiator has begun the first day of the gathering saying he opposes mandatory emissions targets for Indonesia and other developing countries, including China and India. Dr Emil Salim is Indonesia's former environment minister and a member of the presidential advisory council, advising on environment and sustainable development. He says he wants to see the parties at Bali uphold the Kyoto principle of common but differentiated responsibilities between rich and poor nations.
AUST:Climate change in the tropics
Updated 03/12/2007 21:31:57
The Bali Climate Conference comes as American researchers warn that the Earth's tropical belt has been expanding in recent decades. Writing in the journal Nature Geoscience, they say climate change is pushing the tropics north and south, driving the drier SUB-tropical zones ahead of them. For Australia, it's likely to mean big changes in rainfall patterns... and could make it possible for a host of mosquito-borne diseases to become endemic in the country.
