March 2008
Mekong leaders pledge to boost transport links
Updated 31/03/2008 20:50:54
The last remaining section of a road linking Singapore to Beijing has been officially opened by the Premiers of China, the Lao Republic and Thailand. The new all-weather highway will significantly boost tourism and trade through the Mekong region.
Climate change talks begin in Bangkok
Updated 31/03/2008 20:50:59
More than 160 nations are meeting in Bangkok this week for the latest round of UN sponsored talks on global warming.
They're in the Thai capital to try and agree on a battle plan to stop the world's temperatures from rising.
Australia chastised over Japan snub
Updated 31/03/2008 20:51:17
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is winding up the U-S leg of his first big international trip since coming to power.
And while he may be making an impression in Washington, Kevin Rudd is under fire for failing to make Japan part of his itinerary.
Indians rarely treated for depression
Updated 31/03/2008 20:50:49
In India, as in much of the developing world, depression and anxiety are rarely diagnosed or treated. But with a population of more than one billion, India has fewer than four thousand psychiatrists, that's one-tenth of the United States total.
Pacific economic growth picks up
Updated 31/03/2008 20:50:49
Economic growth in the Pacific has picked up and is forecast to reach a high of four-point-five percent this year. That's the conclusion of AusAid's first annual Pacific Economic Survey launched in Vanuatu.
US recession will impact Asian economies: UN
Updated 28/03/2008 21:18:47
The annual United Nations report on Asia's economy says a United States recession will have a harsh impact on the region.
ETimor president accuses Australian woman over plot
Updated 28/03/2008 21:18:47
East Timor's President Jose Ramos-Horta has accused an Australian woman of being partially responsible for inciting the assassination attempt.
North Korea test fires missiles
Updated 28/03/2008 21:18:47
North Korea test-fired a battery of short-range missiles today in what's seen as as a show of anger at Washington and the new conservative government in Seoul.
Australians bring skateboarding to streets of Kabul
Updated 28/03/2008 21:18:46
Three skateboarders from the Australian city of Melbourne have big plans for a new skatepark to be built in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul.
Philippines says marijuana crops funding terror
Updated 28/03/2008 21:18:46
The Philippines' anti drug agency says it has received intelligence the Islamic militant group, the Abu Sayyaf, could be involved in the production of marijuana to raise funds.
Rice shortage threatens Asia-Pacific
Updated 27/03/2008 21:23:44
Asian governments are becoming concerned about food security with the supply and price of rice becoming critical.
Australia joining NATO talks on Afghanistan
Updated 27/03/2008 21:23:44
Australia's Defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon joins Prime Minister Rudd in Romania next week, when the heads of government from 26 NATO countries meet to discuss the war in Afghanistan.
Australia strives to be 'creative middle world power'
Updated 27/03/2008 21:23:44
Australia's new Prime Minister sets out on his first overseas tour today pledging a stronger international role for Australia as a creative middle power.
Islamic romance storms Indonesian box office
Updated 27/03/2008 19:06:47
Indonesia is currently experiencing a movie phenomenon not seen since the theatre-filled days of Titanic, with locally-written and produced "Ayat-Ayat Cinta" set to eclipse the box office any day now, and in under a month.
Grisly murders threaten Thailand's tourism
Updated 27/03/2008 21:23:43
In Thailand, there is concern over the impact on the country's tourism industry of the brutal murder of three foreigners in the past month.
Former Australian Foreign Minister says Taiwan 'bribing' Pacific
Updated 26/03/2008 21:17:28
Australia's previous Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, says Taiwan has been paying political bribes in the South Pacific; and says Taiwan's President-elect, Ma Ying-Jeou, has promised him that the new government will stop "dollar diplomacy" in the Pacific.
South Korea signals tougher stance against North
Updated 26/03/2008 21:17:28
Barely a month into the job, South Korea's new president has signalled he'll be taking a much tougher line against North Korea than his liberal predecessors.
China calls for politics to stay out of Olympics
Updated 26/03/2008 21:17:28
China's Vice President has called for politics to stay out of the Olympics, amid mounting pressure on his government over the unrest in Tibet.
Concerns water crisis looming in Indonesia
Updated 26/03/2008 21:17:26
There is concern in Indonesia about a looming water crisis and conservationists are concerned a reliance on underground water will ruin the quality of these supplies and the fertility of land.
Australian government urged to reconsider Indian uranium ban
Updated 26/03/2008 21:17:26
One of India's most experienced diplomats says his country is puzzled by Australia's attitude to its nuclear status; he says the government is out of step with the rest of the world in not recognising India's right to nuclear energy and weapons.
Bhutan becomes world's newest democracy
Updated 25/03/2008 21:27:19
Voters in Bhutan's first democratic elections have delivered what could best be described as a ringing endorsement of the status quo.
Australia, NZ pressure Fiji for elections
Updated 25/03/2008 21:27:19
Australia and New Zealand say they will continue to pressure the interim government in Fiji for elections to be held in March next year.
Australia urged to engage with Central Asian power bloc
Updated 25/03/2008 21:27:19
China's crackdown in Tibet is confronting Australia's new Government with its first diplomatic test in relations with Beijing; and a government-funded think tank has published a study suggesting Australia should seek functional engagement with the first multilateral body created by China - the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Nepal government 'won't tolerate' Tibet protests
Updated 25/03/2008 21:27:20
A Nepal government spokesman says it will not tolerate continued rallies by Tibetan activists; the United Nations has expressed deep concern over the arrest of almost 500 Tibetan protesters in the capital, Kathmandu.
China state media slams foreign reporting on Tibet
Updated 25/03/2008 21:27:20
While the protest at the lighting of the Olympic torch in Greece was big news throughout the world, state media in China virtually ignored the incident; but it has run stories this week criticising foreign media reports on the unrest in Tibet, calling Western coverage biased.
East Timor's displaced people consider return home
Updated 25/03/2008 21:27:18
It's been two years since violence in East Timor forced 150,000 people to flee their homes; now some are opting to return, to rebuild their homes and their lives.
Pakistan to elect new prime minister
Updated 24/03/2008 21:18:07
Pakistan's parliament will today elect a new prime minister, with the PPP's Yousuf Raza Gilani a virtual certainty to win.
Taiwan market applauds Ma election win
Updated 24/03/2008 21:18:07
Investors have welcomed Taiwan's election outcome; the share market jumped more than five per cent in early trade, to close on 8,865 points or almost four per cent stronger.
Taiwan's opposition candidate wins presidential polls
Updated 24/03/2008 21:18:08
Taiwan's opposition candidate Ma Ying-jeou has emerged victorious from the weekend's presidential elections, taking nearly 60 percent of the vote.
Australian PM on first international tour as leader
Updated 24/03/2008 21:18:05
Australia's Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, is about to head off out on his first international tour as leader - visiting the United States, Europe and China.
Nauru's government and opposition fight for control of parliament
Updated 24/03/2008 21:18:05
The Pacific Island Nation of Nauru has been thrown into political crisis, with its government and opposition fighting for control of the country's parliament.
Asia and West to clash on running international order
Updated 21/03/2008 19:35:10
An Australian Opposition Senator has published a new paper saying the Asia Pacific will face a clash of interests over globalisation, American dominance and Western ideas about running the international order.
Skilled temporary foreign workers in Australia earn more: study
Updated 21/03/2008 19:35:11
New figures show temporary skilled workers being brought into Australia are earning above average wages, but Australian unions say many workers being brought in to Australia, mainly from Asia, are still being underpaid and exploited.
Thai opposition leader slams bombing probe
Updated 21/03/2008 19:35:11
Thailand's opposition leader has criticised Thai authorities for giving up their investigations into deadly bombings across Bangkok on New Year's Eve in 2006.
Tibet unrest impacts on Taiwan elections
Updated 21/03/2008 19:35:11
The unrest in Tibet continues to command the attention of the international community, with new calls for China to show restraint; meanwhile, the Tibetan crisis is also likely to have an impact on Saturday's presidential election in Taiwan.
Facial expressions determined by culture: study
Updated 21/03/2008 19:35:10
Researchers in Canada and the US say they have proof that culture heavily influences the way in which a person will recognise emotion in another.
Reading disparity in rural and urban Vietnam
Updated 21/03/2008 19:35:10
Participants of a book fair in Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City have been told on average Vietnamese people read less than one book a year.
Thai PM rules out peace talks with insurgents
Updated 20/03/2008 21:20:31
Thailand's Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej says he has ruled out holding future peace talks with separatist militants in the country's Muslim-dominated south.
Japan growth at risk with stalemate over bank governor
Updated 20/03/2008 21:20:31
Japan's Opposition-controlled Upper house has rejected two nominations by the Government in the past week to replace the head of the Bank of Japan who retires Thursday.
China ramps up security to quell Tibet unrest
Updated 20/03/2008 21:20:31
China has ramped up security as it tries to quell the Tibetan uprising, with hundreds of military convoys seen pouring into the remote region.
Philippines faces major rice shortage
Updated 20/03/2008 21:20:29
The Philippines is facing a major rice shortage, thanks to floods and typhoons in rice producing nations in South East Asia and changes in farming trends.
Indonesian labour activist slams SBY over poverty
Updated 20/03/2008 21:20:29
An Indonesian labour rights activist says the government of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has done nothing to alleviate poverty.
Asian economies show fewer effects of US slump
Updated 19/03/2008 21:24:18
Stock markets around the region have rebounded after the US central bank cut its main interest rate.
East Timor president shares memories of attack
Updated 19/03/2008 21:24:18
East Timor's President Jose Ramos Horta has shared memories of the failed assassination attempt against him five weeks ago.
Tourists provide eyewitness accounts of Tibet unrest
Updated 19/03/2008 21:24:18
Tourists who arrived in Nepal from Tibet have told Radio Australia of their experiences of the rioting and crackdown which followed.
Japan parents turn to international schools
Updated 19/03/2008 21:24:18
Parents in Japan are becoming increasingly frustated about the quality of education on offer - with many turning to international schools, including a kindergarten run by teachers mainly from India.
Fate of RAMSI envoy still unknown.
Updated 19/03/2008 21:24:18
The Solomon Islands' government envoy to the Regional Assistance Mission RAMSI, Michael Maina, says he has yet to be officially informed of his dismissal from the position.
Malaysia's PM unveils new-look cabinet
Updated 18/03/2008 21:23:05
Malaysia's Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi has unveiled a new-look cabinet. Analysts say it's a way of responding to the electorate's clear demands for change following the disappointing election results.
Australian says Tibet crackdown shouldn't threaten Olympics
Updated 18/03/2008 21:23:05
There has been a muted response from the international community to the latest events in Tibet. The Australian Government says China's crackdown in Tibet should not threaten the Beijing Olympics.
Beijing says Dalai Lama 'masterminded' Tibet unrest
Updated 18/03/2008 21:23:05
China's premier Wen Jiabao has accused the Dalai Lama of orchestrating Tibet's biggest protests against Chinese rule in almost two decades. His comments came after a deadline passed for Tibetan protestors to hand themselves in or face harsh consequences.
Malaysian 'zero energy' building sets new benchmarks
Updated 18/03/2008 21:23:04
The world plans to turn out the lights at the end of this month. But what about a building that never needed to turn on the light at all?
Indonesia's Adam Air facing possible closure
Updated 18/03/2008 21:23:04
Indonesia's low cost airline Adam Air is facing closure just a year after announcing major expansion plans. It appears the troubled carrier has just two days to meet financial obligations or be closed down.
Timor police need more training says rights official
Updated 17/03/2008 22:05:59
The man appointed by East Timor's parliament to promote and protect human rights has called for much better training for the country's police, accusing some members of the force of behaving worse than their counterparts during the Indonesian occupation.
Asia markets hit by US financial uncertainty
Updated 17/03/2008 22:05:59
Share prices have fallen dramatically across Asia as the global credit crisis worsens.
China responds to Tibet crisis
Updated 17/03/2008 22:05:59
The Chinese Government has issued its first offical reponse to the conflict in Tibet.
Tibetan exiles protest in Nepal
Updated 17/03/2008 22:05:59
There's been a violent crackdown by police in Nepal on Tibet exiles who have joined their counterparts across the world including in Tibet, India and Australia to protest against China's rule of Tibet.
Malaysian govt accused of stirring racial tensions
Updated 17/03/2008 22:05:59
Malaysia's opposition figurehead Anwar Ibrahim has accused the government of stoking racial tensions.
Expert on East Timor says police need cultural change
Updated 17/03/2008 22:05:59
Dr Damian Kingsbury an expert in East Timor politics and society from Deakin University says claims by Sebastiao Dias Ximenes, East Timor's human rights monitor, that Timor's police are worse than the Indonesians during occupation are 'drawing a long bow'.
Cambodia's Khmer Rouge tribunal at risk
Updated 14/03/2008 22:02:53
Cambodia's top administrator to the Khmer Rouge tribunal has told his staff of around 200 that after April they risk not being paid.
Fiji concerns could mar Australia's 'new Pacific era'
Updated 14/03/2008 22:02:53
Australia is starting to confront what "a new era" in relations with the South Pacific might actually mean.
Crackdown on monks protesting in Tibet
Updated 14/03/2008 22:02:53
Fears are mounting of a severe crackdown against monks protesting in the Tibetan capital Lhasa.
High level business delegation from Vietnam in Sydney
Updated 14/03/2008 22:02:53
Australia has been host to a high level diplomatic and business delegation from Vietnam the second in a month.
Japan scientists working on a nasal spray bird flu vaccine
Updated 14/03/2008 22:02:53
Researchers in Japan say they are close to developing a painless bird flu vaccine that can be sprayed into the nose instead of being injected.
Cambodia court upholds life sentences
Updated 13/03/2008 21:49:42
The Cambodian Supreme Court has upheld the life sentences of three men convicted of plotting terror attacks on the country's UK embassy and UNICEF offices.
Schools closed in Hong Kong flu outbreak
Updated 13/03/2008 21:49:42
Two weeks off school would normally be a welcome holiday for most children in Hong Kong but the next two weeks at home could save their lives because of a flu outbreak.
East Timor rebel leader won't surrender yet
Updated 13/03/2008 21:49:42
East Timor's prosecutor general has revealed that rebel leader Gastao Salsinha was ready to surrender to authorities last Monday, but now wants to wait until President Jose Ramos-Horta returns from Darwin where he is recovering from gunshot wounds.
PNG excited about natural gas project
Updated 13/03/2008 21:49:41
Papua New Guinea is aiming at annual growth rates of more than 10 per cent in the next decade, based on a giant natural gas project.
PAS enjoys success in Malaysian elections
Updated 13/03/2008 21:49:42
Malaysia's Islamic party PAS made huge gains during last weekend's general elections, taking over several state governments, and for the first time pushing into urban middle class areas.
Sri Lanka Tamil party wins local elections
Updated 12/03/2008 22:01:19
A pro-government militia of Tamil Tiger defectors has won the first local elections in Sri Lanka's restive east in 14 years.
Tibet monks take to the streets
Updated 12/03/2008 22:01:19
Monks in Tibet have again taken to the streets of the Tibetan capital, Lhasa, despite earlier arrests by Chinese authorities.
Thailand's deposed PM makes first court appearance
Updated 12/03/2008 22:01:19
Thailand's deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has made his first court appearance on corruption charges.
Malaysia voters turn to web
Updated 12/03/2008 22:01:18
The mainstream media was marginalised in Malaysia this weekend, when even the Election Commission turned off their television sets and logged on to local website Malaysiakini.com to watch the results come in.
Fiji deposed PM in court for coup challenge
Updated 12/03/2008 22:01:19
In Fiji, the deposed prime minister, Laisenia Qarase, has spent most of the day in the High Court witness box in relation to a case he has filed to determine the legality or otherwise of the December 2006 coup.
UN envoy's Burma visit 'destined to fail', says analyst
Updated 11/03/2008 21:15:13
The United Nations special envoy Ibrahim Gambari has ended a five-day mission to Burma, without any tangible concessions from the military government.
Malaysian Indians embrace new representatives
Updated 11/03/2008 21:15:13
Malaysia's parliament is set to ring with the voices of activists from the minority Indian community.
Australia advises cricket team to stay at home
Updated 11/03/2008 21:15:13
The upcoming tour of Pakistan by Australia's cricket team - the first in a decade, has been called off because of the unstable security situation.
Pakistan blasts pose challenge to new government
Updated 11/03/2008 21:15:13
In Pakistan, two suicide car bombings have killed at least 25 people in the city of Lahore, posing a fresh challenge to the incoming coalition government.
Fears Thailand the latest hideout for notorious criminals
Updated 11/03/2008 21:15:10
The recent arrest of high profile Russian arms dealer, Viktor Bout, in Bangkok has raised concerns that Thailand is fast becoming a hideout haven for some of the world's most notorious criminals.
Australia's opposition supports Iraq withdrawal
Updated 11/03/2008 21:15:10
One of the great recent controversies of Australia politics - the withdrawal of Australian troops from Iraq - has been defused as an issue in Canberra, with the opposition Coalition now supporting the Labor government's plan to pull-out combat troops from Southern Iraq in June.
No political will to improve Pacific women's status: activist
Updated 10/03/2008 18:13:50
A leading women's rights advocate says Pacific's leaders have not shown enough commitment to improving the status of women.
Pakistan political process in limbo another week
Updated 10/03/2008 18:13:51
Pakistan went to the polls more than two weeks ago, but still remains in limbo as it waits for its parliament to resume and for the majority party to determine the next Prime Minister.
Malaysian opposition hopeful of denting government's majority
Updated 10/03/2008 18:13:51
Given that Barisan Nasional is likely to return again to dominate parliament, what do Saturday's polls mean for Malaysians?
Malaysians set to go the polls
Updated 10/03/2008 18:13:51
Malaysians go to the polls on Saturday, with voters concerned about rising prices, corruption and race issues.
East Timor military threatens force unless rebel surrenders
Updated 10/03/2008 18:13:52
East Timor's military commander has given rebel leader Gastao Salsinha an ultimatum - surrender by the end of the day or face military capture.
East Timor advocate calls for women's inclusion in peace-making
Updated 10/03/2008 18:13:49
As the latest crisis in East Timor unfolds, East Timor's women are increasingly calling for inclusion in the peace-making process.
Claims East Timor police using emergency to settle scores
Updated 10/03/2008 21:30:54
East Timor's military has started new operations to capture the rebels responsible for last month's attack on the country's leaders; meanwhile, allegations are emerging that since the February 11 attacks, police and military have used the state of emergency as an excuse to perpetrate human rights abuses.
Pakistan's opposition parties sign coalition deal
Updated 10/03/2008 21:30:55
The leaders of Pakistan nation's two main opposition parties have agreed to form a coalition government, after a deal to reinstate judges sacked by President Pervez Musharraf.
Malaysian PM defies calls to resign after election drubbing
Updated 10/03/2008 21:30:55
Malaysian prime minister Abdullah Badawi has publicly defied calls to quit after his ruling coalition recorded its worst ever election result on Saturday.
Indian economy slowing, some job losses possible
Updated 10/03/2008 21:30:53
The outlook for the world's second fastest growing economy - India - is not as rosy as it was, but the reviews are mixed on how quickly it might slow down.
Political motivations behind violence in Nauru
Updated 10/03/2008 21:30:53
A weekend of violence on the Pacific island nation of Nauru has left the country's main police station destroyed, and the country's main government offices nearly burnt down, and the unrest has also taken on a political angle.
Pakistan political process in limbo another week
Updated 07/03/2008 21:12:11
Pakistan went to the polls more than two weeks ago, but still remains in limbo as it waits for its parliament to resume and for the majority party to determine the next Prime Minister.
More Australian aid to curb HIV in PNG
Updated 07/03/2008 21:12:09
Wrapping up his two day visit to Papua New Guinea before heading to Solomon Islands, Australia's prime minister has promised PNG more money to fight HIV AIDS.
Malaysian opposition hopeful of denting government's majority
Updated 07/03/2008 21:12:11
Given that Barisan Nasional is likely to return again to dominate parliament, what do Saturday's polls mean for Malaysians?
Malaysians set to go the polls
Updated 07/03/2008 21:12:12
Malaysians go to the polls on Saturday, with voters concerned about rising prices, corruption and race issues.
East Timor military threatens force unless rebel surrenders
Updated 07/03/2008 21:12:12
East Timor's military commander has given rebel leader Gastao Salsinha an ultimatum - surrender by the end of the day or face military capture.
UN envoy returns to Burma
Updated 06/03/2008 21:23:13
United Nations special envoy Ibrahim Gambari has returned to Burma to try to press the military government to allow opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to take part in its promised elections.
Chinese police defend shooting hostage-taker
Updated 06/03/2008 21:23:13
China's police have justified their actions in shooting a man who took ten Australians hostage in the north west city of Xi'an, while the head of the company running the tour has said these incidents are rare in China.
Australian former PM warns against sharia law
Updated 06/03/2008 21:23:14
In his first major speech since losing government, Australia's former prime minister John Howard has attacked the idea of introducing Islamic Sharia law into Western societies.
PNG, Australia sign aid, carbon deals
Updated 06/03/2008 21:23:14
There was talk of a new era of co-operation between Australia and Papua New Guinea as their prime ministers met in Port Moresby, signing new agreements on Australia's aid program and on a forest carbon partnership.
Mixed response to Thai casino plan
Updated 06/03/2008 21:23:10
Thailand's new prime minister Samak Sundaravej's proposal to introduce casinos to the Kingdom has received a mixed response.
Questions over Cambodia's oil wealth
Updated 06/03/2008 21:23:10
When US energy giant Chevron announced it had discovered oil in the waters off Cambodia's western coast, hopes were high the revenue could help one of the world's poorest countries.
Beijing says Pentagon has 'cold war mentality'
Updated 05/03/2008 18:14:19
Drop the cold war mentality - that's the message China's given the United States, in rejecting a Pentagon report that raised concerns about China's military power. The Pentagon report warned that a lack of transparency about China's growing military might posed a risk to regional and international stability.
Indonesian prosecutor investigated over bribery allegations
Updated 05/03/2008 18:14:18
Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is hailing the detention of a special prosecutor for alleged bribery as a win for his anti-corruption campaign. But anti-corruption activists say the case against one prosecutor is hardly a win for President Yudhoyono while the alleged crimes of banking tycoons go unpunished.
Newmont in another stoush with Jakarta
Updated 05/03/2008 18:14:18
The Indonesian Government and the world's biggest gold miner, Newmont are heading for the courts, and it's not the first time. Both have agreed to international arbitration to resolve a dispute over the partial sale of one of the company's mines in the country.
Dust storms sweep North Asia region
Updated 05/03/2008 18:14:18
A blanket of yellow dust has descended on North Asia, again - an annual choking haze that sweeps in from the Gobi Desert and the semi-arid areas of northern China. Every year, for at least one month, people in Taiwan, China, the Korean peninsula and Japan don their face masks and heed respiratory warnings.
Asian commodity boom powers on
Updated 05/03/2008 18:14:18
Despite an economic crunch in the United States and the global credit crunch, Asian demand will again push up Australia's mineral earnings by one third in the coming financial year. The forecast of a continuing Asian boom has been given at the key commodity conference in Australia.
Rabuka says Fiji Intelligence Service revival not necessary
Updated 05/03/2008 18:14:18
The man who was once Fiji's prime minister and responsible for two coups in 1987 says reviving the Fiji Intelligence Services is not necessary. Fiji's interim government says the Intelligence Services need to be revived to monitor Australia and New Zealand.
Police optimistic rebels will be arrested
Updated 05/03/2008 18:14:18
United Nations police in East Timor say they are optimistic that the surrender of a rebel leader suspected of being involved in the assassination attempt on the country's President will lead to the arrests of those behind last month's attacks.
Bhutan refugee resettlement could be setback by camp fire
Updated 05/03/2008 15:07:18
Emergency relief is pouring into a refugee camp in Nepal destroyed by fire on Sunday, leaving 12,000 homeless. The refugees are ethnic Nepalese who were forced from Bhutan by Government policies in the 1990's.
Thai government signals revival of 'war on drugs'
Updated 05/03/2008 18:14:17
In Thailand, the new prime minister has flagged the possibility of tackling the country's drug problem through a police and military crackdown. It's not the first time such a program has been initiated - but the last time, under former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, more than 2,500 people died.
Arms deal with Russia on hold
Updated 05/03/2008 21:17:03
A one billion dollar arms deal between Indonesia and Russia has been put on hold. Jakarta has tightened its belt as rising oil prices put pressure on the national budget.
Concerns rebel negotiations creates impunity
Updated 05/03/2008 21:17:03
It has been three weeks since a group of rebels attacked East Timor's president and prime minister. But as the government seeks a peaceful resolution with the rebels, some analysts are concerned that their tactics are creating a climate of impunity.
Minister denies manipulation of elections
Updated 05/03/2008 21:17:03
A Malaysian government minister has strongly denied claims by Human Rights Watch that Saturday's elections will not be free or fair. The rights group has issued a scathing report which says the elections are being manipulated by the ruling Barisan Nasional coalition.
Premier vows to tackle inflation, carbon emissions
Updated 05/03/2008 21:17:04
In Beijing, 3,000 delegates to the annual National People's Congress have heard the country's number two leader decrying the pitfalls of their overheated economy. Premier Wen Jiabao said Chinese growth must be slowed in order to rein in inflation and reduce the country's massive carbon emissions.
Govt denies plans to boycott Fiji teams
Updated 05/03/2008 21:17:01
The Australian government has moved quickly to deny reports it wants an international boycott on Fijian sporting teams. The proposal was raised in an Australian newspaper, as a means of forcing Fij's interim prime minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama to hold elections early next year.
Hopes raised for revival of Doha Round
Updated 05/03/2008 21:17:01
Australia and the United States say the terms of a multilateral trade deal amongst 151 countries could be agreed in the next two months. Canberra and Washington are again talking of the chance to revive the Doha Round, the stalled negotiations in the World Trade Organisation.
NORTH ASIA: Dust storms sweep region
Updated 04/03/2008 21:38:34
A blanket of yellow dust has descended on North Asia, again - an annual choking haze that sweeps in from the Gobi Desert and the semi-arid areas of northern China. Every year, for at least one month, people in Taiwan, China, the Korean peninsula and Japan don their face masks and heed respiratory warnings.
AUSTRALIA: Asian commodity boom powers on
Updated 04/03/2008 21:38:34
Despite an economic crunch in the United States and the global credit crunch, Asian demand will again push up Australia's mineral earnings by one third in the coming financial year. The forecast of a continuing Asian boom has been given at the key commodity conference in Australia.
INDONESIA: Prosecutor investigated over bribery allegations
Updated 04/03/2008 21:38:34
Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is hailing the detention of a special prosecutor for alleged bribery as a win for his anti-corruption campaign. But anti-corruption activists say the case against one prosecutor is hardly a win for President Yudhoyono while the alleged crimes of banking tycoons go unpunished.
INDONESIA: Newmont in another stoush with Jakarta
Updated 04/03/2008 21:38:35
The Indonesian Government and the world's biggest gold miner, Newmont are heading for the courts, and it's not the first time. Both have agreed to international arbitration to resolve a dispute over the partial sale of one of the company's mines in the country.
NEPAL: Bhutan refugee resettlement could be setback by camp fire
Updated 03/03/2008 21:20:35
Emergency relief is pouring into a refugee camp in Nepal destroyed by fire on Sunday, leaving 12,000 homeless. The refugees are ethnic Nepalese who were forced from Bhutan by Government policies in the 1990's.
THAILAND: Govt signals revival of 'war on drugs'
Updated 03/03/2008 21:20:35
In Thailand, the new prime minister has flagged the possibility of tackling the country's drug problem through a police and military crackdown. It's not the first time such a program has been initiated - but the last time, under former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, more than 2,500 people died.
FIJI: Rabuka says Fiji Intelligence Service revival not necessary
Updated 03/03/2008 21:20:35
The man who was once Fiji's prime minister and responsible for two coups in 1987 says reviving the Fiji Intelligence Services is not necessary. Fiji's interim government says the Intelligence Services need to be revived to monitor Australia and New Zealand.
EAST TIMOR: Police optimistic rebels will be arrested
Updated 03/03/2008 21:20:35
United Nations police in East Timor say they are optimistic that the surrender of a rebel leader suspected of being involved in the assassination attempt on the country's President will lead to the arrests of those behind last month's attacks.
INDONESIA: Gamelan out of favour with youth
Updated 03/03/2008 21:20:33
In Indonesia concerns are being raised about the popularity of one of its traditional musical instruments - the Gamelan. There are reports that workshops across Java are being forced to shut down in the wake of dwindling interest among Indonesia's younger generation.
JAPAN: Political deadlock over central bank chief
Updated 03/03/2008 21:20:34
Japan's prime minister is calling for talks with the opposition in an effort to resolve a political deadlock over the country's next central bank chief. The Democratic Party of Japan is furious after the LDP government rammed a budget bill through the lower house despite their objections.
