January 2008
VIETNAM: Tet offensive remembered forty years on
Updated 31/01/2008 21:10:27
Forty years ago, Vietnamese Communist forces launched a massive surprise attack against South Vietnamese and foreign forces. The year was 1968 and the the Tet offensive was to turn the tide of Australian and US public sentiment against the war.
INDIA: West Bengal continues battle against birdflu
Updated 31/01/2008 21:10:28
India is continuing to battle its worst outbreak of birdflu since the virus first emerged four years ago. More than two million poultry have been culled in the eastern state of West Bengal, but the virus has now spread to 14 of the state's 19 districts, and there are concerns it may cross over the border into neighbouring Bangladesh. The WHO's representative for India, Dr Salim Habayeb, says the rapid spread of the virus was made worse by the reluctance of many poultry owners to report sick birds to the authorities.
AUSTRALIA: Date set for formal 'Stolen Generation' apology
Updated 31/01/2008 21:11:48
Within days of winning November's general elections, the new Australian government of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd promised to formally say sorry to Australia's so-called Stolen Generation. Now a date has been set for a formal parliamentary apology to members of the Aboriginal community forcibly removed from their parents under government policy until the 1970s. Mr Rudd's predecessor John Howard firmly resisted the recommendation from a 1997 national inquiry to make such an apology and it remains a difficult issue for many Australian politicians.
AFGHANISTAN: Rare protest by Afghan women
Updated 31/01/2008 21:13:11
More than 500 women have held a rare protest in the conservative Southern Afghan city of Kandahar, over the kidnapping of an American aid worker and her Afghan driver. It's not known who abducted Asian Rural Life Development Foundation worker, Cyd Mizell and her driver Abdul Hadi. While kidnappings are common in Afghanistan, abductions of foreigners are rare. The Kandahar rally came a day after the US-based Atlantic Council warned Afghanistan risks becoming a failed state unless more is done to tackle the deteriorating security situation.
CHINA: Millions hit by worst snowfall in 50 years
Updated 31/01/2008 21:16:03
China is enduring its worst snowfalls in half a century. The bad weather has paralysed air, rail and road transport one week ahead of the busy Chinese New Year holiday. The rain and heavy snow over the past two weeks has affected up to 80 million people in 14 provinces from Xinjiang in the Northwest to Fujian in the South. Premier Wen Jianbo rushed to Hunan to calm tens of thousands of angry passengers stranded at the city's main railway station.
PNG: Proposal would sell endangered forests to conservationists
Updated 30/01/2008 20:59:04
An Australian scientist is proposing a scheme where endangered tropical forests in Papua New Guinea might be up for sale to conservationists. Professor Tim Flannery wants to establish an internet scheme where buyers would pay PNG villagers to protect vulnerable forests from logging. So far he's discussed his proposal with the PNG Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare and local villagers, as well as Australia's new climate change advisor, Professor Ross Garnaut.
SINGAPORE: Religious rehabilitation program
Updated 30/01/2008 20:59:37
Late last week Singapore revealed it had detained two Singaporean men into custody for terrorism offences in December. Leaders of the wealthy city-state have repeatedly warned that Singapore is a top target for militant attacks. However, the two arrests were overshadowed by the release of eleven other people the same week, after they underwent a government-sponsored rehabilitation program. The program's run by a so-called Religious Rehabilitation Group, which consists of senior Islamic scholars and teachers, and it's being seen in Singapore as a valuable element in tackling domestic radicalism.
THAILAND: Book banned for dicussing monarchy
Updated 30/01/2008 21:38:47
The author of a book banned in Thailand for allegedly criticising the monarchy says he will fight any charges laid against him. Giles Ungphakhorn's book criticised the 2006 military coup and raised questions about the political role of the Thai monarchy. His is the latest in a series of cases involving the Thai law of lese majeste, under which anyone who threatens or insults the revered monarchy can be jailed for up to fifteen years.
MALAYSIA: Rising prices fuel protests
Updated 30/01/2008 21:38:47
Opposition parties in Malaysia have accused the government of over-reacting to public anger over rising food and fuel prices, after more than 50 people were arrested at the weekend during a protest in the capital Kuala Lumpur. The rally was the latest in a series of street protests over price hikes, and came amid growing signs of government nervousness ahead of general elections expected in March. Some of those detained included senior members of the Islamic opposition party PAS.
BURMA: Prominant pro-democracy leaders charged
Updated 30/01/2008 21:38:53
The jailed Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi has reportedly held her first meeting in three months with members of her National League for Democracy party. The talks were held on Wednesday at a military facility outside Ms Suu Kyi's Rangoon home, where she's spent 12 of the past 18 years under house arrest. Meantime, the military authorities have filed criminal charges against ten activists arrested last August for organising protest rallies. Those rallies turned into mass demonstrations against the regime led by Buddhist monks, to which the military responded with a bloody crackdown. Four months on, the civil rights group Amnesty International says the military has failed to keep its promise to the UN to end its campaign of civilian arrests.
ETIMOR: PM sees mentoring role for Australian troops
Updated 29/01/2008 21:48:32
East Timor's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao took time out to share a meal with Australian troops over the Australia day weekend. He told them he hopes as the security situation continues to improve, they can move away from peacekeeping and towards mentoring and training of East Timor's military.
ETIMOR: Food supply threatened after monsoonal storms
Updated 29/01/2008 21:48:32
East Timor is facing a growing emergency in the wake of monsoonal storms that have ruined crops and damaged buildings and infrastructure. Authorities say three people have died. Their biggest fear now is that communities in the west - left without a proper crop - will soon find themselves with little to eat.
FIJI: Tropical cyclone takes authorities by surprise
Updated 29/01/2008 21:48:33
A tropical cyclone has battered Fiji, causing flooding, blackouts and the deaths of at least three people. After the clean-up will come another assessment - why Tropical Cyclone Gene took authorities by surprise.
INDONESIA: Courts set to continue hunt for Suharto's billions
Updated 29/01/2008 21:48:33
Days after Suharto's death, Indonesian authorities have indicated his children may yet be brought to justice. Prosecutors have been told to name at least one of his children as defendants in a corruption case against him.
CHINA: Fast food giant to open more than 1,000 stores
Updated 29/01/2008 21:48:32
Fast food chain McDonald's is expanding in China, and like China's GDP, the burger company's sales growth rate is recording double-digit figures. McDonalds is close to opening 1,000 restaurants in China and plans to build hundreds more.
SKOREA: Economist and former UN envoy named PM
Updated 29/01/2008 21:48:32
South Korea's president-elect has nominated economist and former UN special envoy Han Seung-Soo as prime minister. President-elect Lee Myung-Bak said Mr Han was chosen for his wide experience in diplomacy, economics and politics.
INDIA: Bird flu outbreak hits West Begal
Updated 28/01/2008 15:17:46
Health officials in India are carrying out a mass cull of more than two million birds and poultry in India's eastern state of West Bengal, as the country battles its worst-ever outbreak of birdflu. Officials are nervously watching for any sign of the virus spreading to poultry in the huge city of Kolkata. Many householders and small farm-owners have resisted the cull, and there've been reports of villagers attacking veterinary workers, or trying to hide poultry to stop their birds from being killed.
AFGHANISTAN: Journalist sentenced to death for blasphemy
Updated 28/01/2008 15:17:46
In Afghanistan, a young journalism student has been sentenced to death for blasphemy, after allegedly distributing an article on why Muslim women can't have more than one husband. Judges in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif accuse 23-year-old Sayed Parwez Kaambakhsh of humiliating Islam by giving copies of the article to his fellow students. But the media advocacy group which employs Mr Kaambakhsh's brother Yacoub says the young student's being targeted to persuade his brother to stop reporting on human rights abuses in Afghanistan.
ETIMOR: Dramatic tax reduction targets foreign investors
Updated 28/01/2008 20:46:07
East Timor's struggle to achieve economic stability has been marred by years of unrest, political turmoil and a lack of foreign investment. The United Nations ranks East Timor as the poorest nation in the Asia Pacific region. But the country's government now hopes to change that. It has devised a plan to lure foreign investors, with a series of incentives that include a dramatic reduction in company tax.
SKOREA: Billions budgeted to increase birthrate
Updated 28/01/2008 20:46:06
South Korea plans to spend more than $US11 billion this year on state programs aimed at increasing its birthrate. The measure aims to balance the country's rapidly ageing population.
INDIA: Tourism industry threaten by spate of attacks
Updated 28/01/2008 20:46:45
India's tourism ministry is finally waking up to growing cases of rapes and molestations against foreign tourists. A meeting with state tourism secretaries took stock of the security measures for foreign travellers especially women.
INDONESIA: Scientists worry bird flu strain is drug resistant
Updated 28/01/2008 20:47:32
A nine-year-old boy has died in Indonesia of birdflu, bringing the national toll to 99. Indonesia has suffered the most human casualties of birdflu since the virus emerged in 2003, and now scientists are trying to find out why. Some believe the anti-virual drug Tamiflu may be less effective against the Indonesian strain of the H5N1 virus.
INDONESIA: State funeral for former President Suharto
Updated 28/01/2008 20:48:36
A state funeral has been held in Central Java for Indonesia's former President and dictator Suharto, who died on Sunday at the age of 86. Earlier this morning Suharto's coffin was taken from Jakarta to his hometown near the eastern city of Solo, where it was farewelled by huge crowds. Indonesians are in a week of mourning for the man who ruled them with an iron fist for 32 years. Despite tributes flowing in from regional and world leaders, Suharto's legacy will receive a mixed review from Indonesia-watchers. While he presided over a flourishing economy before the 1997 Asian financial crisis, the Suharto years were also plagued by corruption, nepotism and brutality.
CHINA: Fifth consecutive year of double-digit economic growth
Updated 25/01/2008 14:12:41
The latest figures on China's surging economy show it expanded by a blistering 11.4 percent last year, its fastest pace in 13 years. It was also China's fifth consecutive year of double-digit growth. But the booming economy's helping send inflation levels dangerously high.
BHUTAN: Bomb blasts highlights Nepali refugee issue
Updated 25/01/2008 20:48:56
The tiny Himalayan nation of Bhutan was rocked by a series of bomb blasts this week, with police blaming militant groups allied to ethnic Nepali refugees from Bhutan who're living across the border in Nepal. The refugees were driven out of Bhutan nearly two decades ago; many are angry they've been denied a vote in forthcoming elections, which will finalise Bhutan's transition to democracy.
PACIFIC: Maori & Polynesian tattoos back in fashion
Updated 25/01/2008 20:46:49
The distinctive tattoos that once adorned the bodies and faces of people from Maori and Polynesian backgrounds went very much out of fashion for many decades, but it appears they're now making a comeback. Known as "ta moko" by Maoris, and "pe'a" and "malu" by Samoans, the designs tell of family ties, history and status.
ETIMOR: Media 'face arrest' over inaccurate reporting, PM warns
Updated 25/01/2008 20:48:48
During a recent press conference in East Timor, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao had been expected to discuss reports of a "stampede" outside a government office earlier this month in which, according to local media, three people were killed and a dozen more were injured. But Mr Gusmao took a very different tack, denying the stampede took place and threatening to arrest members of the press if they publish or broadcast misinformation that might detabilise East Timor.
AFGHANISTAN: Journalist sentenced to death for blasphemy
Updated 25/01/2008 21:04:15
In Afghanistan, a young journalism student has been sentenced to death for blasphemy, after allegedly distributing an article on why Muslim women can't have more than one husband. Judges in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif accuse 23-year-old Sayed Parwez Kaambakhsh of humiliating Islam by giving copies of the article to his fellow students. But the media advocacy group which employs Mr Kaambakhsh's brother Yacoub says the young student's being targeted to persuade his brother to stop reporting on human rights abuses in Afghanistan.
INDIA: Bird flu outbreak hits West Begal
Updated 25/01/2008 21:04:22
Health officials in India are carrying out a mass cull of more than two million birds and poultry in India's eastern state of West Bengal, as the country battles its worst-ever outbreak of birdflu. Officials are nervously watching for any sign of the virus spreading to poultry in the huge city of Kolkata. Many householders and small farm-owners have resisted the cull, and there've been reports of villagers attacking veterinary workers, or trying to hide poultry to stop their birds from being killed.
AUSTRALIA: Few MPs take Asian study trips
Updated 24/01/2008 20:53:44
Australia is often accused by its Asian neighbours of being the region's European enclave - and the latest figures on study trips taken by Australian MPs appears to back that criticism. In the first half of last year 19 MPs went on study trips to Europe and the US, while only three travelled solely to Asia, without an add-on visit to the West. Just one MP visited Australia's main trading partner China. That MP was Labor Senator Trish Crossin, from the Northern Territory.
SOLOMONS: Thieves wanted to sell WWII monument 'for scrap'
Updated 24/01/2008 20:53:44
The National Museum and police in Solomon Islands are monitoring the contents of Malaysian scrap metal barges, following the attempted theft of a Japanese World War Two Monument. The bronze statue was found dumped near its base on Mount Austin, and police believe the thieves were intending to sell it for scrap metal.
AUSTRALIA: 'The Bulletin' closes after 128 years
Updated 24/01/2008 20:58:34
After 128 years in business, the magazine that more than any came to define what it means to be Australian, closed its doors today. The Bulletin was Australia's oldest magazine. It earned respect on the back of some of Australia's most celebrated authors, from Federation-era poets like Henry Lawson and Banjo Patterson, to modern authors like Peter Carey. But it's fallen victim to the power of the internet.
THAILAND: PM nominee's legitimacy to rule under scrutiny
Updated 24/01/2008 21:08:19
Thailand may be in for another period of instability, as the new government seeks to appoint a controversial figure as the nation's next prime minister. Sixteen months after former leader Thaksin Shinawatra was ousted in a bloodless coup, the People Power Party formed with support from Mr Thaksin's allies is now in charge, and it's nominated the former governor of Bangkok as prime minister. Samak Sundaravej's nomination will be confirmed on Friday, but he's being investigated for corruption, while pro-democracy groups accuse him of instigating the brutal crackdowns of past military regimes.
CAMBODIA: Claims union leader's killers were 'innocent scapegoats'
Updated 23/01/2008 18:16:40
Four years after Cambodia's outspoken union leader Chea Vichea was assassinated, many believe his killers are yet to face justice. That's despite the fact two men are currently serving 20-year jail terms for his murder. The Cambodian opposition and human rights groups say the men are innocent scapegoats. They've accused Prime Minister Hun Sen's government of covering up what they've called a politically motivated killing.
EAST TIMOR: UN scaling down food distribution
Updated 23/01/2008 18:16:40
The United Nations is planning to scale down its food distribution program for the tens of thousands of displaced people who are still living in camps throughout East Timor.
NZ: State funeral for Everest hero Hillary
Updated 23/01/2008 18:16:40
New Zealand laid to rest a national hero today, giving Sir Edmund Hillary a state funeral in Auckland. Sir Edmund conquered Mount Everest in 1953 with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, and died last week at the age of 88.
ASIA: Another day of historic market losses
Updated 23/01/2008 18:16:40
Analysts are already calling yesterday "Black Monday" - and there was no respite today for Asian traders, as the region's markets took another dive amid fears of a full-blown US recession. Sydney had its worst day in 20 years; China shed 7 percent - and both the Mumbai and South Korean exchanges were briefly suspended after hefty early losses. At close of play all eyes were nervously on the United States, where a $US150 billion tax-cut package is under consideration, aimed at staving off recession.
CHINA: Hollywood eyes booming film industry
Updated 23/01/2008 20:27:31
The film business, like everything else in China is booming. The Chinese domestic box office grew 26 per cent last year and local films were among the biggest earners of 2007. You could say the potentially huge market has Hollywood lusting after the Chinese market, while Chinese authorities maintain their cautious approach.
INDIA: Army chief hints at conscription
Updated 23/01/2008 20:28:02
India's military, the fourth largest force in the world, is facing a shortage of officers in the wake of India's booming private sector which is competing for the nation's best talent. Military analysts fear that the problem could seriously degrade the armed forces' effectiveness in the event of armed conflicts. And to address the shortage crisis, India's Army Chief, General Deepak Kapoor, has hinted at possible conscription.
ETIMOR: Calls for police, army roles to be clarified
Updated 23/01/2008 20:28:51
In 2006 - four years after East Timor gained independence - the police and army were fighting each other on the streets of the capital, Dili. Now, the government's been urged to carry out a comprehensive review of its security sector, to clarify and distinguish the roles of the police and the army.
AUSTRALIA: Rudd govt promises shift in Pacific relations
Updated 23/01/2008 20:29:17
Australia has begun rebuilding relations with Pacific states, with talks today between Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and the new Solomon Islands leader Derek Sikua. Mr Rudd held a private meeting with the Solomons prime minister in Canberra, during which Dr Sikua offered to help Australia mend fences with Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Vanuatu.
AUSTRALIA: Markets rebound despite higher inflation
Updated 23/01/2008 21:35:10
Asian stock markets rose on Wednesday in response to the US Federal Reserve's biggest interest rate cut in almost a quarter of a century. Japan's Nikkei closed up 2 percent, while the Hang Seng in Hong Kong added 8 percent. But early trading in Europe was more subdued, and many analysts say the new American rate of 3.5 percent isn't low enough to stave off a recession, or restore market confidence. In Australia, the share market recorded its biggest gain since last August, despite inflation figures which may presage another interest rate rise.
INDIA: Low-caste minister reveals PM dream
Updated 22/01/2008 20:48:25
In India, the first member of a lower caste group to win office as a chief minister says she hopes one day to take office as Prime Minister. During lavish birthday celebrations Mayawati Kumari revealed she'd be moving to New Delhi, to transform the Bahujan Samaj party of India's Dalits into a national force.
PAKISTAN: Suspects held over Bhutto murder
Updated 21/01/2008 20:54:26
Police in Pakistan are investigating two suspects in connection with a plot to kill former prime minister Benazir Bhutto. It's alleged Fifteen-year-old Aitezaz Shah told interrogators he had been part of a back-up team of three bombers who were tasked with killing Benazir Bhutto if the original December 27 attack failed.
CHINA: New Zealand trade deal close to completion
Updated 21/01/2008 20:54:26
China and New Zealand are close to finalising a free trade agreement. If it goes through, it will be the first free trade agreement China has negotiated with a developed country.
THAILAND: New coalition refuses to endorse Prime Minister
Updated 21/01/2008 20:54:26
At their news conference on Saturday, the six coalition partners refused to clearly state whether they would all support Samak Sundaravej, leader of People's Power Party, as prime minister. Jakrapob Penkair was deputy secretary to former Prime Minister Thaksin, and is now President of the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship. Adam Connors asked him if he was surprised by the make-up of the new government.
THAILAND: Six party coalition announced
Updated 21/01/2008 20:54:26
The People's Power Party that is linked to the controversial billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra, over the weekend announced a six party coalition government that will take up the reins of power with the formation of a new cabinet. The party has set as their first priority, national reconciliation and the revival of Thailand's economy.
MALAYSIA: Pop star's striptease causes furore
Updated 21/01/2008 20:54:20
A bare chested rock star may be a common sight in stadiums around the world, but it's not something that's tolerated in Malaysia. Musician and TV host Faizal Tahir has apologised for any offence he caused when he finished a live TV performance by ripping off his shirt. His stunt caused a furore and breached government regulations which require performers to cover up.
INDIA: Welfare scheme failing to provide jobs
Updated 21/01/2008 20:54:20
In India a multi-billion-dollar welfare drive is promising 100 days of work to every rural family that signs up with the scheme. But just per cent of households who signed up are getting a jobs.
BHUTAN: Election commission selects 24 March for polls
Updated 18/01/2008 19:02:28
The tiny Buddhist state of Bhutan is poised to complete its long-awaited transformation from an absolute to a constitutional monarchy, with the Election Commission selecting March the 24th for parliamentary elections. Upper-house polls were held last month, and the vote for the lower house will complete the journey towards modernity for Bhutan's million citizens. They've been preparing for the switch in earnest, since former King Jigme Singye Wangchuck decided to hand power to an elected government. Last year mock polls were held in the capital Thimpu, to familiarise voters with the election process. The real campaign starts next week.
EAST TIMOR: Dozens arrested in drug, prostitution crackdown
Updated 18/01/2008 19:02:35
More than 70 people, including a number of foreign nationals, have been arrested in East Timor on prostitution and drug charges. The arrests were carried out out at several bars in Dili, were a joint effort between East Timorese and United Nations police, and follow an earlier round of arrests at the beginning of January. East Timor police officials say most of those taken into custody this week were women, although several men have also been arrested on suspicion of people-trafficking.
BURMA: UN condemns slow progress on democratic reform
Updated 18/01/2008 19:02:44
More than three months after the Burmese junta's brutal crackdown on protestors, the UN Security Council has issued a statement calling the lack of progress towards diplomatic reform in Burma "disappointing". Significantly, it was signed by all fifteen Security Council members - including China, Indonesia and Vietnam. They've urged Burma to give UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari immediate access to the country, after he complained the junta was seeking to delay his next visit.
AUSTRALIA: Rare plants bound for UK seed bank
Updated 18/01/2008 19:02:13
Some rare Australian treasures are on their way to a bank in Britain. But it's not jewels and money the bankers are after. Instead, they're taking seeds from Australian plants, which will be stored in the Millennium Seed Bank at the Royal Botanic Gardens in west London. The bank hopes to have stored seeds from 10 percent of the worlds plants - 24,000 - by 2010. The bank's International Co-ordinator has been working with local collectors in Australia's island state of Tasmania.
JAPAN: Foreign workers may have to sit language tests
Updated 18/01/2008 19:02:20
The Japanese government is considering introducing 'language ability' tests for long-term foreign residents and overseas workers, as part of anti-terrorism initiatives. Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura raised the possibility of testing foreigners earlier this week, and a senior Foreign Ministry official has told Radio Australia his department would move quickly to implement any new requirements. The news hasn't gone down well with foreign nationals living in Japan.
AUSTRALIA: National forum to discuss food 'crisis'
Updated 18/01/2008 13:25:42
Last year global food prices rose by 40 per cent, leading the Food and Agriculture Organisation to warn that 37 countries are now at risk of a food crisis. The slump in Australian wheat production is partly the cause; this week the EU blamed the drought here for helping drive up European food costs. But experts warn three other factors have combined to ensure high prices are here to stay. They say the world's population adds another 100 million new mouths a year, the biofuel industry will stay thirsty for crops, and Asia's growing middle class is keen to spend more disposable income to eat meat.
JAPAN: Aid boost to benefit Mekong nations
Updated 17/01/2008 21:06:41
Japan has announced a new aid package earmarked for dramatically improving infrastructure in Cambodia, Laos, Burma and Vietnam. Japan's foreign minister, Masahiko Komura, says much of the extra money will help build new highways. But human rights groups have urged Japan to use the aid package as leverage, to put more pressure on Mekong states to improve their human rights records.
CHINA: US urges greater transparency on arms build-up
Updated 17/01/2008 21:10:14
High-level talks are underway between China and the United States, which is supporting Beijing's strenuous opposition to plans in Taiwan for a referendum on joining the United Nations. The US Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte is in south-west China for two days of discussions, in which Taiwan is high on the agenda. Speaking ahead of the talks, Mr Negroponte said Taiwan's plans to hold a referendum on UN membership in March were "provocative". But while the US has thrown its weight behind Beijing on Taiwan, Washington remains jittery over China's continued military build-up. Earlier this week the top commander of the United States Pacific Fleet urged Beijing to be more transparent about how it might use its increasingly-sophisticated armed forces.
VANUATU, FIJI: Cyclone expected to bring heavy rains
Updated 17/01/2008 21:10:14
Authorities in Vanuatu warned residents to take precautions and move to higher ground as a tropical cyclone approached the Pacific state. As Tropical Cyclone Funa headed towards Vanuatu, weather centres said it threatened to bring gale force winds and heavy rains, and could also cause flash floods. Fiji is also bracing for bad weather as a result of the storm.
ASIA: Think tanks come under scrutiny
Updated 17/01/2008 21:03:56
They're the staple of current affairs programs and policy advisory bodies, but now the world's think tanks are themselves under scrutiny. A new study has ranked the world's top think tanks - and only one Asian body made the list.
SRI LANKA: Bombing fuels fears civil war may spread
Updated 17/01/2008 13:42:34
Two weeks after the Sri Lankan government announced its formal withdrawal from a 2002 ceasefire with the Tamil Tiger rebels, a roadside bomb attack has left 26 civilians dead and wounded dozens more. Analysts say Sri Lanka's civil war, which first erupted in 1983, is now threatening stability across the country.
FIJI: Interim government convenes council to 'build better Fiji'
Updated 16/01/2008 20:54:17
A little over a year since it ousted the elected government, Fiji's military administration has convened the first meeting of a body it's promised will build a better Fiji. The new national council is expected to produce a people's charter, which the military-led government says will help rid Fiji of its so-called "coup culture".
INDIA: Call for legal reform to fight dowry abuse
Updated 16/01/2008 20:54:17
An Indian women's group has drafted a series of law reforms to crack down on dowry abuse. The move follows a growing trend, over the past decade, for the groom's parents to demand hefty dowries from prospective brides.
ETIMOR: Ex-PM says Gusmao should quit
Updated 16/01/2008 07:34:33
There's been another twist in East Timor's increasingly bitter internal politics, with former Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri demanding that current prime minister Xanana Gusmao resign. Dr Alkatiri's demand follows claims from rebel leader Alfredo Reinado that Mr Gusmao orchestrated deadly unrest in 2006, in which at least 20 people died and hundreds of homes were destroyed. After those riots the then President Gusmao sought Dr Alkatiri's resignation, accusing him and several of his ministers of helping to arm civilian militias during the crisis.
AUSTRALIA: Federal court rules Japanese whaling 'illegal'
Updated 16/01/2008 07:34:33
Australia's Federal Court has ordered a Japanese whaling company to stop killing whales in Australian Antarctic waters. The ruling follows a case brought by Humane Society International, which alleged the Japanese firm Kyodo Senpaku Kaisha killed more than 1,200 minke and nine fin whales in Antarctic waters since the Australian Whale Sanctuary was established seven years ago. The court has no jurisdiction outside Australia, so enforcing its injunction on whaling won't be easy. But the Humane Society says the ruling may bolster Australian government's efforts to have whaling outlawed by an international court.
CHINA: Indian PM winds up three day visit
Updated 16/01/2008 07:34:34
India's prime minister Manmohan Singh has been winding up a three-day visit to Beijing, where he's met with Chinese leaders to discuss strengthening economic ties, and defusing long-standing border issues. One of the outcomes of the talks is the lifting of two-way trade to $US60 billion by 2010. Some of that trade will pass through the tiny Indian state of Sikkim, where the Natha-La Pass through the mountains was once a key part of the Silk Route.
SOUTH ASIA: Pro-Taliban attacks hit Afghanistan, Pakistan
Updated 16/01/2008 07:34:34
The Taliban has claimed responsibility for a suicide bomb attack on a luxury hotel in the Afghan capital Kabul. The Serena Hotel houses the Australian embassy, and Prime Minister Kevin Rudd says Canberra will urgently review security there. Four men have now been arrested in relation to the attack, which comes as the United States considers sending another 3,000 troops to Afghanistan.
INDIA: Harsh conditions for New Delhi's homeless
Updated 16/01/2008 07:34:33
With New Delhi in the grip of a harsh winter, the city's homeless are being forced to brave the chill. Few shelters are available to cater for the Indian capital's estimated 150-thousand homeless people. Aid groups blame the government for failing to prevent the scores of deaths from exposure and illness recorded every winter.
CAMBODIA: Khmer Rouge tribunal allays fears in ex-stronghold
Updated 16/01/2008 20:54:17
Judges and officials from Cambodia's Khmer Rouge tribunal have been making their first visit to Pailin, the last stronghold of the former regime. It's still home to thousands of former low-level Khmer Rouge soldiers and officials. They're reportedly worried that if authorities can come to Pailin and arrest the province's two most famous residents - Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan - then they may be next.
THAILAND: State of emergency extended after brutal attacks
Updated 16/01/2008 20:54:17
Thailand's outgoing army-backed government has extended a state of emergency in the country's restive south for another three months. The decision came amid a fresh spate of brutal killings in the region's long-running Muslim separatist insurgency. On Monday, rebels killed eight Thai soldiers in Narathiwat, while at least 37 people were injured on Tuesday when a bomb exploded in Yala. It's two and a half years since emergency rule was imposed in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat; it's now been broadened to include nearby Songkhla province. Throughout the military junta's time in power, peace in the south has proven elusive -- and it'll continue to be a headache for the new civilian government, which is scheduled to take office next week.
TAIWAN: Hsieh takes over DPP following election defeat
Updated 15/01/2008 13:58:01
Following a crushing defeat in parliamentary elections at the weekend, Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party or DPP has installed its presidential hopeful as the new acting chairman. Frank Hsieh takes over from outgoing President, Chen Shui-bian, who resigned after the DPP's dismal performance in Saturday's polls, in which the nationalist Kuomintang or KMT party secured a two thirds parliamentary majority. Mr Hsieh has a tough job ahead in the leadup to presidential elections on March 22nd -- with opinion polls out today putting him a long way behind the KMT candidate Ma Ying-Jeou.
AUSTRALIA: Ship departs to study Southern Ocean coral
Updated 14/01/2008 20:47:17
Australia's national research vessel, the Southern Surveyor, is on its way for the Southern Ocean after leaving the Tasmanian capital Hobart, on a mission to study coral off the coast of Australia's island state. The ship will send an unmanned submersible up to two-and-a-half kilometres below the surface, to film live and fossilised coral. The mission hopes to gather much-needed information about changes in ocean temperatures over decades and even centuries.
NEW ZEALAND: Everest conqueror Hillary dies aged 88
Updated 14/01/2008 20:47:22
The people of New Zealand and Nepal are today mourning the death of the first man to climb Mount Everest, Sir Edmund Hillary, who's died at the age of 88. Sir Edmund died of a heart attack in an Auckland hospital this morning. Tributes have flooded in for the unassuming explorer who, together with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, conquered the peak of Mount Everest in 1953. New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark called him the "best known New Zealander ever to have lived", while deputy prime minister Michael Cullen said he'd helped define the national identity. The Nepalese government has also called Sir Edmund a great friend of Nepal
CHINA: Nuclear plant deal agreed with US firm
Updated 14/01/2008 21:03:40
For decades the United States has been reluctant to give China access to its civilian nuclear technology, forcing Beijing to invest in Russian, French and Canadian designs instead. But that's all changing. China's newest third-generation nuclear plant will be built to a design developed by the US-based firm Westinghouse.
BANGLADESH: Election doubts on first anniversary of emergency rule
Updated 14/01/2008 21:06:59
Saturday marked one year since Bangladesh's army-backed government seized power and declared a state of emergency. One year on, initial public approval of the caretaker government's promises to crackdown on corruption has soured considerably, as food prices soar and the economy stagnates. Business leaders have praised the caretaker government's tax and institutional reforms. But they say investment's dried up in the atmosphere of fear generated by the arrests of dozens of high-profile figures, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who's now been formally charged with extortion. And there's real uncertainty over when the state of emergency might be lifted.
HONG KONG: Protest over Beijing's delays on democratic reform
Updated 14/01/2008 21:07:56
Up to 22,000 people took to Hong Kong's streets on the weekend in the biggest public display of anger since Beijing decided last month to delay direct elections in Hong Kong until 2017 at the earliest. Ahead of the demonstration, Hong Kong's leader Donald Tsang urged the public not to ask for the impossible. Mr Tsang is due to retire in 2012, and some analysts believe the central government's decision to delay direct elections seeks to give every advantage to a pro-Beijing incumbent.
INDIA: Carmaker Tata launches 'world's cheapest' car
Updated 11/01/2008 14:16:24
It's known as the One Lakh Car, a vehicle costing just 100,000 rupees, or $US2,500, and it was launched in India today. The Nano is the brainchild of Indian motoring giant, Tata, which hopes to convince Indians to ditch their motorbikes in favour of getting behind the wheel of a car.
SKOREA: Court approves criminal probe for President-elect
Updated 11/01/2008 14:16:29
The South Korean constitutional court has given the go-ahead to a special probe into fraud allegations against the President-elect, Lee Myung-bak. Last month Mr Lee won a landslide victory in presidential elections, with pledges to revive the economy. But he faces hard questions over whether he was linked to an investment firm suspected of defrauding investors of millions of dollars - an allegation he's always denied. The court's decision to proceed with an investigation against him went against pleas from members of Mr Lee's family, who claimed it was constitutionally flawed. The court did agree that part of the process -- a clause allowing a special prosecutor to call witnesses without a warrant -- was against South Korea's constitution, but cleared the way for the investigation to get underway on Monday.
ASEAN: New secretary-general seeks charter ratification
Updated 11/01/2008 20:54:00
ASEAN's new secretary-general plans to get all ten members of the bloc to ratify ASEAN's new charter before their next meeting in November. Dr Suri Pitsuwan took the helm of ASEAN on Monday, and says the charter will put the bloc in a better position to counter intense competition from China, India and elsewhere.
PAKISTAN: Security tightened in Lahore after bomb attack
Updated 11/01/2008 20:54:06
In Pakistan, security's been tightened in the eastern city of Lahore, a day after a suicide bomber blew himself outside the High Court, killing at least 24 people and wounding more than 70. The explosion came two weeks to the day since opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was assassinated, and raised tensions already at straining point across the country. Most of those who died in Thursday's explosion were police, who'd gathered outside the High Court as hundreds of lawyers prepared an anti-government protest. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack, although police say militants from Pakistan's tribal regions may be to blame, while the Information Minister says the bombing was intended to disrupt next month's general elections.
NEW ZEALAND: Everest conqueror Hillary dies aged 88
Updated 11/01/2008 21:07:33
The people of New Zealand and Nepal are today mourning the death of the first man to climb Mount Everest, Sir Edmund Hillary, who's died at the age of 88. Sir Edmund died of a heart attack in an Auckland hospital this morning. Tributes have flooded in for the unassuming explorer who, together with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, conquered the peak of Mount Everest in 1953. New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark called him the "best known New Zealander ever to have lived", while deputy prime minister Michael Cullen said he'd helped define the national identity. The Nepalese government has also called Sir Edmund a great friend of Nepal
AUSTRALIA: Many 'too proud' to admit ignorance on word meanings
Updated 11/01/2008 20:53:55
A new study has revealed many Australians bluff their way through conversations because they don't know the meanings of all the words they use. The research, commissioned by a software company, found some people are too proud to admit that they don't know what they're saying.
AUSTRALIA: Ship departs to study Southern Ocean coral
Updated 11/01/2008 20:53:55
Australia's national research vessel, the Southern Surveyor, is on its way for the Southern Ocean after leaving the Tasmanian capital Hobart, on a mission to study coral off the coast of Australia's island state. The ship will send an unmanned submersible up to two-and-a-half kilometres below the surface, to film live and fossilised coral. The mission hopes to gather much-needed information about changes in ocean temperatures over decades and even centuries.
AFGHANISTAN: Red Cross complains of abuses in US military prison
Updated 10/01/2008 21:13:48
The treatment of detainees at Guantanamo Bay has made headlines around the world, and now another American-run detention centre at the Bagram military base in Afghanistan is beginning to come under the same scrutiny. Human rights activists believe conditions at Bagram may be far worse. The New York Times reports that American plans to hand Bagram detainees over to the Afghans have stalled - with Kabul unwilling to accept US demands to hold detainees indefinitely and without trial. This week the Red Cross complained in strong terms to the Pentagon about the centre, which holds more than 600 prisoners - twice the number of inmates as Guantanamo. Now, the US-based Centre for Constitutional Rights has issued a lawsuit on behalf of Bagram's detainees.
LAOS: Tariff reductions due under free trade agreement
Updated 10/01/2008 21:17:58
Laos will soon be reducing tariffs for over 90 per cent of its goods as part of the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement - AFTA. Analysts are concerned about the impacts of the AFTA on the country's largely agrarian economy and its people.
INDONESIA: Earthquake fears for nuclear industry
Updated 10/01/2008 21:22:36
The government of former Australian prime minister John Howard was a strong advocate for nuclear power both at home and in the region. Now one of Australia's closest neighbours, Indonesia, is ramping up its nuclear industry. It's hoping for Australia's continuing technical support and uranium. But there are concerns here over Indonesia's vulnerability to earthquakes, and the threat this could pose to reactor safety.
VIETNAM: Catholics demand return of church properties
Updated 10/01/2008 21:22:42
Hundreds of Vietnamese Catholics have been holding prayer vigils over the past week, seeking the return from the government of Catholic-owned properties. They include land owned by the Thai Ha parish, and an office that once belonged to an Apostolic delegate - both located in Hanoi. Many in the Catholic community are furious at a government refusal to hand the properties back, despite earlier promises from Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung to resolve the disputes during a meeting with the Archbishop of Hanoi last month.
SOUTH ASIA: Food prices soar as supplies dwindle
Updated 10/01/2008 21:22:47
People in several South Asian countries are struggling to cope with a severe shortage of affordable wheat and rice. In Pakistan there have been queues for wheat and flour outside shops in towns across the country, and flour prices have shot up. Last week Afghanistan appealed for foreign help to combat its wheat shortage, and Bangladesh says it's facing a crisis over rice supplies. Even India, with its surging economy, has seen a slump in food production, as millions of poor farmers struggle with high debt and crop failures.
CHINA: 'Humane' injections to replace execution shootings
Updated 09/01/2008 20:39:00
China says it's working towards phasing out the use of shooting to execute convicted criminals, replacing it with lethal injections. China executes more people each year than any other country in the world, and human rights groups have called for greater transparency on this issue. The Vice President of the Supreme People's Court says it'll be more humane putting people to death by lethal injection, but Amnesty International says it wants to see the death penalty abolished there altogether.
AUSTRALIA: 'Public complacency' blamed for skin cancer rise
Updated 09/01/2008 14:00:48
In Australia, despite decades of official warnings to stay out of the sun, levels of the most dangerous form of skin cancer - melanoma - are on the rise. A study by researchers at the University of New South Wales have found melanoma rates in Australian women in particular rose by nearly a quarter in the 10 years to 2005, and that more young Australians are getting skin cancer. The study is part of an international research program designed to confront public complacency around the world to the lethal dangers posed by the sun, and tanning solariums. To promote the message that the bronzed look is neither beautiful nor safe, the researchers are working towards creating a personalised melanoma risk calculator that can be used online.
THAILAND: Ousted PM's wife bailed on return to Bangkok
Updated 09/01/2008 14:17:45
The wife of ousted leader Thaksin Shinawatra has returned to Thailand to fight corruption charges against her. Pojaman Shinawatra was arrested on arrival from a flight from Hong Kong, but was released on bail after appearing at the Supreme Court, where she was greeted by supporters. Pojaman Shinawatra had spent the past six months with her husband in exile, as military-appointed investigators filed a series of corruption charges against their family. She's been charged with using her husband's political influence to buy prime Bangkok real estate from a government agency at one-third of its estimated value. Her return to Thailand comes at a time of political upheaval in the wake of last month's elections, as the People Power Party formed by pro-Thaksin supporters continues its efforts to form a coalition government.
CHINA: Singapore bid for Chinese airline stake falls through
Updated 09/01/2008 20:38:46
A bid by Singapore Airlines to buy a quarter of China's third-largest airline has fallen through at a shareholder's meeting in Shanghai. The deal, worth nearly $US1 billion, came undone amid a series of unexpected moves by domestic Chinese competitors, and many analysts believe the central government took action to block foreign ownership in the booming air sector.
ASIA: Terrorist attacks 'could fall' in 2008
Updated 09/01/2008 20:39:06
South Asia and South East Asia rank just behind Iraq for the sheer volume of terrorist attacks and related fatalities. In 2006 alone more than 14,000 people lost their lives to such attacks in India, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Pakistan and the Philippines. However the forecast for 2008 from the global risk management organisation, International Risk, offers a more optimistic outlook in at least parts of our region.
ASEAN: New chief vows to get charter ratified
Updated 08/01/2008 21:08:07
ASEAN's new secretary-general, the former Thai foreign minister Dr Surin Pitsuwan, has wasted no time in getting down to business. Dr Surin is embarking on a tour of every ASEAN member country, urging them to ratify the bloc's new landmark charter before they next meet in November. The charter aims to commit the region's nations to promoting human rights and democratic ideals. It also transforms ASEAN, 40 years after its creation, into a legal entity, which will give the group greater clout in international negotiations. Singapore's already ratified the charter, but Dr Surin will need all his diplomatic skills to convince more sceptical members to get on board.
MALAYSIA: Panic buying prompts cooking oil rationing
Updated 08/01/2008 21:07:53
The Malaysian government is forcing retailers to ration cooking oil to consumers, after a bout of panic buying led to a shortage in shops. It's believed the recent rush on cooking oil followed rumours of a price hike, although the government also says consumers have been hoarding supplies. The new limits were due to go into force yesterday, but Malaysia's Bernama news agency says retailers began limiting purchases at the weekend.
PAKISTAN: Musharraf admits gunshot may have killed Bhutto
Updated 08/01/2008 14:41:36
Pakistan's president, Pervez Musharraf has for the first time admitted the murdered opposition leader Benazir Bhutto may have been killed by an assassin's bullet. Up to now, Pakistani officials have insisted Ms Bhutto died by banging her head on part of her car's sunroof shortly before it was blown up by a suicide bomber. But President Musharraf has now told a US television news program that a gunshot may have caused her death last month. His about-turn comes amid escalating tension throughout the country.
SAIKAL: I think it is a bit too late and certainly too little. Of course he'd also earlier acknowledged that some serious mistakes had been made in the investigation of the crime because the police had destroyed most of the forensic evidence by washing away the floor where Ms Bhutto had been assassinated. So my feeling is that President Musharraf has known a lot more all along than he has admitted so far, and I think this acknowledgement really goes a long way to show that he's a man who is prepared to hide things if he can, but when he is cornered then he may have no choice but to make some admission.
INDONESIA: Surfers help fund medical training centre
Updated 08/01/2008 14:41:31
Indonesia's famous surf breaks have attracted surfers for decades. The Mentawai Islands on the west Sumatran coast are home to waves with names like Thunders, Telescopes, Rifles and Bank Vaults. Now, the medical aid organisation, SurfAid International is setting up a community health training centre in the Mentawai village of Katiet.
VIETNAM: Police arrest internet human trafficker
Updated 08/01/2008 21:08:00
A man who allegedly befriended Vietnamese women through internet chatrooms, then enticed them to travel to China, has been arrested in Vietnam for people-smuggling. The man, identified as Nguyen Anh Tuan, is one of hundreds of cases cited by Vietnamese police and border guards last year, who say China is emerging as a major human trafficking destination for women and children from the Mekong region.
INDIA: Cricketers to appeal Singh's 'racist' suspension
Updated 07/01/2008 21:06:33
Enthusiasts argue that cricket, especially test cricket, is a gentleman's game. But the fallout from the latest Sydney test has many wondering if the sport's emerged somewhat tarnished after the events of today. India's Harbajan Singh was given a three-match suspension early this morning for racially abusing the Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds. The Indian cricket team was scheduled to travel to Canberra today, but after a standoff the team's now staying in Sydney so it can prepare an appeal.
CAMBODIA: Economy to diversify in 2008
Updated 07/01/2008 11:52:29
Despite adversities, Cambodia has achieved double-digit GDP growth for the last three years. And Commerce Minister Cham Prasidh says the country retains a positive outlook for 2008.
INDONESIA: Bali bombers lose appeal
Updated 07/01/2008 11:52:29
The Indonesian men convicted of the 2002 Bali bombings have lost their final appeals and could now be executed in a matter of weeks. While the bombers have indicated that they will not seek pardons from Indonesia's President, their families still have the right to do so without the prisoners' permission.
SRI LANKA: Heavy fighting as ceasefire breaks down
Updated 07/01/2008 11:52:29
Heavy fighting between government troops and Tamil Tigers broke out on Friday in northern Sri Lanka. The violence erupted just hours after Colombo announced it was pulling out of a tattered ceasefire agreement with the rebels. Now, with the collapse of the fragile 2002 ceasefire agreement, it appears the country is plunging back into civil war.
WORLD: Oil prices spark recession fear
Updated 07/01/2008 11:52:29
Oil prices have now broken 100 US dollars a barrel for two days in a row. The surge is blamed on dwindling inventories, soaring demand from China and India, geopolitical turmoil and a weak dollar.
AUSTRALIA: Whale hunt monitor slow to act
Updated 07/01/2008 14:47:13
The Australian Government is yet to act on its plan to monitor the Japanese whale hunt. The customs vessel which it had assigned to the mission still hasn't left port.
WORLD: High fertiliser prices causing food shortages
Updated 07/01/2008 14:47:13
Food prices have also seen a dramatic spike over the last year, and many countries are facing critical food shortages. The price of fertiliser continues to rise, with demand outstripping supply thanks to a growing population and limited land to grow food crops.
TAIWAN: Parliamentary election race gains momentum
Updated 07/01/2008 21:06:33
On Sunday, Taiwan's parliamentary candidates were out in force. Both President Chen Shui-bian and his opposition counterpart Ma Ying-jeou were out spruiking for votes, in the final stretch of an election campaign that's shaping up as a very tight race. Both leaders are hoping for a strong show of support for their respective parties, to lend momentum for March's presidential polls. Taiwan's electoral reforms in 2005 mean that next weekend's elections could radically reshape the legislature. The new laws re-drew electoral boundaries, and cut by nearly half the number of parliamentary seats.
MALAYSIA: More protests amid election speculation
Updated 07/01/2008 21:06:33
There was more unrest in Malaysia over the weekend, where police used water cannon to break up a human rights rally in the capital, Kuala Lumpur. About 300 people, most of them lawyers, had gathered near the city's main square on Saturday for a candelight vigil, in protest against the government's use of internal security laws to silence dissent. It was a much smaller gathering than the last demonstration in November, which saw tens of thousands take to the streets. The latest anti-government unrest came as Malaysia's Election Commission chairman announced that nationwide polls are just around the corner.
SRI LANKA: Govt decides to end ceasefire
Updated 04/01/2008 09:14:33
The Sri Lankan government has decided to formally end a ceasefire with Tamil Tiger rebels. The government says the ceasefire brokered by Norway in 2002 has been only on paper since fighting escalated in December 2005.
BURMA: Huge increase in price of satellite tv
Updated 04/01/2008 09:14:34
Burma's military government has significantly increased the price of satellite television in the south east Asian nation. Reports from Burma say without warning, the cost of a license for satellite television dishes has increased from five US dollars to 800 dollars.
MALAYSIA: Health Minister resigns over scandal
Updated 04/01/2008 09:50:44
Malaysian Health Minister Chua Soi Lek has resigned, one day after admitting he was the man in a secretly filmed sex video. He had stressed he would not quit when he apologised to Malaysians on New Year's day.
INDONESIA: President tours landslide devastated Java
Updated 04/01/2008 09:14:33
The death toll from the floods and landslides that struck the Indonesian island of Java last week now stands at more than 100 according to latest government figures. Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who toured the worst hit areas has called for better forest management to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
THAILAND: PPP has enough seats to form coalition
Updated 04/01/2008 09:14:33
Thailand's People Power Party or PPP which won the election last month has announced it has enough seats to form a coalition government. The announcement came after three small parties joined the PPP fold giving the pro Thaksin party a slim majority in parliament.
LAOS: Concern about dam's environmental impact
Updated 04/01/2008 09:14:33
Another mega-dam is proposed to be built on the Mekong river of Laos. There are mounting concerns of these dams' impact on the fragile river ecology.
CHINA: Refugees allowed to go to third country
Updated 04/01/2008 09:14:33
There are reports Beijing will soon allow more than 40 North Korean refugees sheltering at foreign missions in China to leave for third countries. China usually forces defectors to return to North Korea, where they face harsh punishment.
PAKISTAN: New date of elections to be announced
Updated 04/01/2008 09:14:33
Pakistan election officials are expected to soon announce the new date of the nation's elections. The Pakistan People's Party has also revealed former leader Benazir Bhutto on the day she was assassinated was about to reveal allegations the ruling party was planning to rig the vote.
INDIA: Soldiers learn yoga
Updated 04/01/2008 09:14:33
High rates of suicide and panic attacks among Indian soldiers in Kashmir have led authorities to promote traditional methods of relieving stress.
AUSTRALIA: Whale hunt monitor slow to act
Updated 04/01/2008 21:21:18
The Australian Government is yet to act on its plan to monitor the Japanese whale hunt. The customs vessel which it had assigned to the mission still hasn't left port.
WORLD: High fertiliser prices causing food shortages
Updated 04/01/2008 21:21:18
Food prices have also seen a dramatic spike over the last year, and many countries are facing critical food shortages. The price of fertiliser continues to rise, with demand outstripping supply thanks to a growing population and limited land to grow food crops.
WORLD: Oil prices spark recession fear
Updated 04/01/2008 21:21:18
Oil prices have now broken 100 US dollars a barrel for two days in a row. The surge is blamed on dwindling inventories, soaring demand from China and India, geopolitical turmoil and a weak dollar.
CAMBODIA: Economy to diversify in 2008
Updated 04/01/2008 21:21:18
Despite adversities, Cambodia has achieved double-digit GDP growth for the last three years. And Commerce Minister Cham Prasidh says the country retains a positive outlook for 2008.
INDONESIA: Bali bombers lose appeal
Updated 04/01/2008 21:21:18
The Indonesian men convicted of the 2002 Bali bombings have lost their final appeals and could now be executed in a matter of weeks. While the bombers have indicated that they will not seek pardons from Indonesia's President, their families still have the right to do so without the prisoners' permission.
SRI LANKA: Heavy fighting as ceasefire breaks down
Updated 04/01/2008 21:21:18
Heavy fighting between government troops and Tamil Tigers broke out on Friday in northern Sri Lanka. The violence erupted just hours after Colombo announced it was pulling out of a tattered ceasefire agreement with the rebels. Now, with the collapse of the fragile 2002 ceasefire agreement, it appears the country is plunging back into civil war.
EAST TIMOR: Government vows reform in 2008
Updated 02/01/2008 12:03:33
East Timor was declared the first new sovereign state of the twenty-first century on the 20th of May 2002. But the small country has since struggled as an independent nation. East Timor's new government has vowed rebuilding the nation is at the top of its agenda for 2008 - as outlined in its budget.
NORTH KOREA: Year-end nuclear deadline lapses
Updated 02/01/2008 12:03:33
North Korea has missed a year-end deadline to disable its atomic plants and disclose details of its nuclear programmes. It's a critical part of a disarmament-for-aid deal struck with regional powers and the United States.
PAKISTAN: Graft allegations hang over Zardari
Updated 02/01/2008 13:07:03
Ms Bhutto's husband Asif Ali Zardari has been dubbed Mr Ten Per Cent over allegations he raided the state coffers while his late wife was in power. He says another party leader, Makhdoom Amin Fahim, will likely be the PPP's candidate for prime minister if they win the next polls.
PAKISTAN: Uncertainty over upcoming elections
Updated 02/01/2008 13:07:03
Pakistan's Election Commission is yet to decide the fate of the country's general election scheduled for the 8th of January. Unrest following Benazir Bhutto's assassination has cast uncertainty over the upcoming polls as the country attempts to overcome the recent crisis:.
CHINA: Social change as Beijing Olympics approaches
Updated 02/01/2008 12:03:33
China's alteration in the leadup to the Olympics is not just physical - the country's social fabric changed when the communist government relaxed reporting restrictions. And Some analysts say Beijing's recent attempt at transparency has spawned an irreversible trend.
INDIA: Soldiers learn yoga
Updated 02/01/2008 22:51:21
High rates of suicide and panic attacks among Indian soldiers in Kashmir have led authorities to promote traditional methods of relieving stress.
LAOS: Concern about dam's environmental impact
Updated 02/01/2008 22:51:21
Another mega-dam is proposed to be built on the Mekong river of Laos. There are mounting concerns of these dams' impact on the fragile river ecology.
CHINA: Refugees allowed to go to third country
Updated 02/01/2008 22:51:21
There are reports Beijing will soon allow more than 40 North Korean refugees sheltering at foreign missions in China to leave for third countries. China usually forces defectors to return to North Korea, where they face harsh punishment.
PAKISTAN: New date of elections to be announced
Updated 02/01/2008 22:51:21
Pakistan election officials are expected to soon announce the new date of the nation's elections. The Pakistan People's Party has also revealed former leader Benazir Bhutto on the day she was assassinated was about to reveal allegations the ruling party was planning to rig the vote.
AUSTRALIA: Volunteer history released
Updated 02/01/2008 22:51:20
In the last half century, more than 8,000 Australians travelled overseas to work as volunteers. Now the organisation which helped send them, Australian Volunteers International has released a history of its work on projects in more than 70 countries.
