http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20070421/sc_space/meteorshowerpeaksbeforedawnsunday
The sky will be dark and moonless for at least three hours before the first light of dawn on Sunday morning, April 22, when the annual Lyrid meteor shower is due to reach its peak.
Hundreds dead as Mogadishu war escalates http://www.swissinfo.org/eng/international/ticker/detail/Hundreds_dead_as_Mogadishu_war_escalates.html?siteSect=143&sid=7739273&cKey=1177166314000
Shells pounded Mogadishu on Saturday, killing at least 73 people to swell a death-toll already in the hundreds from this week's battles between militant Islamists and allied Somali and Ethiopian troops. The escalating war has also sent more than 321,000 residents -- nearly a third of Mogadishu's total population -- fleeing in the biggest refugee movement in Somalia since the 1991 fall of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre ushered in 16 years of anarchy. Even by Somali standards, Saturday's carnage was shocking. The week's final death-toll is expected to soar and may come close to the estimated 1,000 casualties from a similar four-day flare-up at the end of March. Most of the victims are civilians. The Islamists ruled most of south Somalia for the second half of 2006, before being defeated in a brief war over the New Year. But Islamist fighters -- backed by some disgruntled Hawiye clan elements -- have regrouped to rise up against President Abdullahi Yusuf's administration and his Ethiopian backers. The United Nations and aid agencies say the massive refugee exodus is also creating a looming humanitarian catastrophe, with diseases already striking. Many refugees are living under trees and beside roads, short of food, water and any basic amenities. Inside the city, residents described a terrifying night of near-constant shelling mixed with thunder from a storm. The United States, Ethiopia and Somali government say the rebels are linked to al Qaeda, but Islamist leaders deny that, saying they are being deprived of a say in Somalia's future.
U.S. will offer a deal to Russia on missile shield
http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/04/21/news/missile.php
At the urging of European allies, the Bush administration is offering Russia a new package of incentives to drop its harsh opposition to U.S. missile defense sites in Poland and the Czech Republic, including an invitation to link American and Russian antimissile systems, according to senior administration and military officials. The package also includes American offers to share intelligence about common threats, and to permit Russian officials to inspect the future missile bases. U.S. officials said the initiatives reflected an acknowledgment at the highest levels of the Bush administration that it had not been agile in dealing with Russia - and with some European allies - on its missile defense plans. The initiatives include offers that are "deeper, more specific and concrete" than any previous proposal for cooperation from the Bush administration to Kremlin leaders, according to a senior official involved in planning upcoming talks. The offers of cooperation will be laid out for top Russian officials over coming weeks in a series of high-level meetings being scheduled by senior Americans, in particular Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. If those talks go well, they would be continued over the summer and the autumn between President Bush and President Vladimir Putin.
Bush to visit Czech Republic, Poland in June over missile shield http://en.rian.ru/world/20070421/64110797.html
The president of the United States will visit the Czech Republic June 4-5 and Poland June 8 for negotiations on Washington's missile shield plans, the local media said. The Czech government decided March 28 to start the negotiations with the United States over the issue. Preparations for Bush's visit were discussed at a Friday meeting between Czech Foreign Minister Karl Schwarzenberg and U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Washington, the Czech news agency CTK said. At the meeting, Rice told Schwarzenberg that the U.S. was also conducting bilateral talks over the missile shield with Poland, NATO and Russia. Bush will fly to Poland after attending a summit of the world's leading industrial nations, the Group of Eight, in Germany June 6-8. Following a meeting of the Russia-NATO Council in Brussels Thursday, NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer moved to allay Russia's anxiety and said the placement of the U.S. missile shield would not change the strategic balance because Washington proposed to deploy only ten missile interceptors. Lt. Gen. Henry Obering, head of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, said Tuesday that Washington was ready to allow Russian experts to inspect the likely missile site in Poland to show that it posed no threat to Moscow. U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates will visit Moscow and Warsaw next week, and Secretary of State Rice will be in Russia in May. Czech President Vaclav Klaus is expected in Russia April 26-29 at the invitation of President Putin, the Kremlin press service said Friday.
Moscow court delays hearing on tsar family exoneration
http://en.rian.ru/russia/20070420/64047736.html
A Moscow court postponed until May 11 hearings of an appeal by a descendant of the Romanov family requesting that the murder of the last Russian tsar and his family be declared political repression. Both the Prosecutor General's Office and lawyers for Grand Duchess Maria have appealed against a November ruling of the Tverskoy Court, which ordered prosecutors to revise Maria Romanov's request to rehabilitate the tsar and his family, killed in 1918, as victims of political repressions rather than murder victims. Nicholas II, his wife Alexandra, their teenage son Alexei and four daughters were executed together with a doctor and three servants in Yekaterinburg, the Urals, a year after the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917. The nation's last monarch, Nicholas II and his family were reburied in the former imperial capital St. Petersburg in 1998, 80 years after being massacred by the Bolsheviks.
Coca-Cola Pours Out onto Street
http://www.kommersant.com/p760901/workers_protest/
Workers of Coca-Cola corporation’s factory in St. Petersburg held a protest rally in front of its building on Friday, demanding a 30-percent wage raise. Coca-Cola said that wages at the factory are competitive, adding that the rally was caused by the trade union leaders’ wish to fulfill “personal and political ambitions”. The rally was joined by the workers of Heineken brewery, where an ‘Italian strike’ is going on for the second week already.
Several tens of Coca-Cola factory workers in St. Petersburg demanded on Friday to raise the wages by 30 percent. The decision to hold a protest rally was made after the workers’ last meeting with the management on April 12, where the latter accused dissatisfied workers of “unsanctioned activity” and refused to fulfill their demands. Coca-Cola workers were joined by several employees of St. Petersburg meat factory Samson, members of APK Rossii trade union organization, of the International Union of Food Industry Workers, and by several workers of Heineken brewery in St. Petersburg. Heineken is having the so-called ‘Italian strike’ since April 13 (workers do not leave their workplace, but their labor productiveness may fall by half).
China, U.S. ink document to facilitate cooperation on farm chemical pollution control
http://english.people.com.cn/200704/20/eng20070420_368377.html
China and the United States have inked a letter of intent to facilitate cooperation in improving the quality of farm chemicals as well as its pollution control, a U.S. official said on Friday. The document was signed between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Institute for the control of farm chemicals under the Ministry of Agriculture. As China is a big consumer and producer of farm chemicals, EPA assistant administrator Granta Nakayama said the document helps to facilitate U.S.-China cooperation in farm chemical management. The two countries will cooperate closely to control pollution of agrochemicals and reduce its side-effects to the users. He also appreciated the rapid progress that the Chinese government has achieved in environmental protection and pollution prevention. Nakayama visited China from April 12 to 20 and met with officials of the State Environmental Protection Administration of China, and General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine. His current trip aims to explore future cooperation areas with China in environmental protection, and share experience in regulation enforcement.
BFA Annual Conference 2007 opens, focusing on Asian integration
http://english.people.com.cn/200704/21/eng20070421_368533.html
With the world moving closer to multipolarization and economic globalization gaining momentum, regional cooperation in Asia will be steadily enhanced, said China's top legislator Wu Bangguo. Wu defined "harmony" as fundamental to Asia's development, saying that harmony is a good tradition and should be carried forward. Despite the robust economic growth among Asian nations, the region is worried about how to achieve sustainable development in face of pollution and energy shortage. Wu called for Asian nations to pursue a new strategy for industrialization which is high-tech driven, resources-efficient and environment-friendly and fully taps the strengths of human resources. During the two-day conference, more than 1,400 of the most influential politicians, business leaders and intellectuals from Asia and around the globe will discuss topics concerning the Asian economic community, Asian values, corporate social responsibility and innovation in the banking and telecommunications sectors.
China to host first ever int'l forum on Dao De Jing
http://english.people.com.cn/200704/21/eng20070421_368490.html
More than 300 delegates from 19 countries and regions will attend the six-day forum which will be held in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, and in Hong Kong from April 22, according to the Taoist Association of China, one of the sponsors of the forum. "Dao De Jing is not only the central text of Taoism, but also a precious spiritual and cultural treasure of the Chinese nation," said Qi Xiaofei, vice president of the China Religious Culture Communication Association. "The harmonious philosophy of Dao De Jing transcends history, religion and national boundaries. A classic text, it nevertheless resonates with the aspirations of the contemporary world," Qi said. There are more than 5,000 Taoist temples on the Chinese mainland.
Petrobras denies protests interrupt its natural gas production in Bolivia
According to Bolivia's national oil and gas company YPFB, the protests in the southern Gran Chaco province damaged part of the pipeline system, which transports natural gas from Bolivia to Brazil, causing a reduction of 20 percent in product supply to the Brazilian and Argentine markets. However, Petrobras said the volume of natural gas imports from Bolivia remains at a regular level. YPFB also said the production in the San Alberto field dropped from 10 million cubic meters of natural gas per day to 3.4 million cubic meters. Gas pumping stations were invaded by protesters, who were fighting for a share in the revenues obtained from the exploitation of the fields. This week, the movement threatened to interrupt production in Gran Chaco, from which most of the 26 million cubic meters of natural gas was imported by Brazil every day. Bolivian Vice President Ivaro Garcia Linera warned on Friday that there is a huge risk of tragedy due to the vandalism in the plant.
Hawaii aims to deter volcano offerings http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070421/ap_on_re_us/volcano_offerings;_ylt=Aq54aP7lA5DJ2ZUiP5mbCZRI2ocA
Visitors leave 45 pounds of offerings from Halemaumau Crater each week, including flowers, bottles, money, incense, candles and crystals. But food offerings are the most problematic, park rangers say. The rotting offerings pose a hazard to the endangered nene goose, the state bird endemic to the islands, the park service said. People also burn fake money which in Chinese culture is meant to aid people in the afterlife. Such fires are illegal, the park statement said. Some Hawaiians believe lava is the physical representation of the fire goddess Pele, making the volcano summit sacred. Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, has been in continuous eruption since Jan. 3, 1983.
Transgender student runs for prom king
When school officials announce the name of the Fresno High School prom king on Saturday, Cinthia Covarrubias will be wearing a tuxedo just like the six boys vying for the honor. Administrators agreed to reverse a district protocol this week that limited males to compete for the title after Covarrubias was nominated by her classmates. Covarrubias, who wears black-and-white Vans, baggy shorts and close-cropped brown hair, sometimes identifies herself as Tony. Her date, a close female friend, plans to wear a black dress and red corsage to the prom at an outdoor reception hall surrounded by man-made waterfalls. On Wednesday, officials at the school of 2,700 students shifted course, saying the district's lawyers had recommended adding Covarrubias' name to the ballot to comply with a 2000 state law protecting students' ability to express their gender identity on campus.
War Dead Exhumed Over Prostitutes http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2007/04/20/014.html
The remains of World War II pilots have been exhumed from a monument along a highway heading toward Sheremetyevo Airport to widen the road and prevent prostitutes from desecrating the site, authorities said Thursday. Several lawmakers accused authorities of desecrating the memory of the six Red Army pilots, who were shot down during the war, and drew a parallel between the exhumations and Estonia's recent decision to remove a Soviet war monument. The remains were dug up near Leningradskoye Shosse in Khimki on Tuesday and will be reburied at a local cemetery on May 9, the Victory Day holiday, said Yevgeny Zaporozhets, deputy head of the Khimki administration. He linked the decision to the upcoming reconstruction of Leningradskoye Shosse and said war veterans had asked for the reburial due to the prostitutes who gathered in the area at night. A local resident and worker at a nearby clinic, Irina Rodionova, 42, agreed that the monument needed to be moved. "Prostitutes have been gathering behind the monument to change their clothes or relieve themselves," Rodionova said. "Many times they left their underwear and condoms there."
Report sets out Switzerland's main challenges http://www.swissinfo.org/eng/politics/detail/Report_sets_out_Switzerland_s_main_challenges.html?siteSect=111&sid=7736842&cKey=1177089030000
Drawn up by the federal administration's strategy unit, the report - published every four years - aims to identify what are likely to be the most important topics for the government in the years to come. Globalisation was high on the report's agenda. To respond to this, political harmonisation across the sectors was necessary, it recommended. The pace of world development and an increase in international competitiveness were major challenges for the country, added the report. Switzerland must therefore maintain its competitiveness and continue its policy of economic growth in order to keep up, said the authors. The report suggested that productivity could be increased through know-how and added that salaries and jobs needed to be guaranteed. It pointed out three groups most at risk – older workers, people trying to balance family and work, and those with low income. A further challenge was social cohesion, which the report said was being shaken by the ageing population and by integration questions. By 2050, it is estimated there will be one older person for every two people of working age. At present this figure stands at one to four. The report therefore called for the social security system to be amended to take into account demographic changes and to avoid placing too much of a burden on future generations. The integration of foreigners was flagged up as an extremely important topic. It added that factors hindering integration needed to be identified, with particular attention paid to foreigners being integrated into the working world. Efforts should be made to promote national language learning and end discrimination. Environment was the final worry for the future. The report called for a stop to environmental destruction, as well as for a reduction in the use of non-renewable sources of energy and the risks from natural disasters. It also urged sustainable use of resources and the countryside. The federal administration said the government had taken note of the report's proposals. The cabinet will present its political priorities during the next legislative period at the beginning of 2008.
Renewable energy attracts investors http://www.swissinfo.org/eng/top_news/detail/Renewable_energy_attracts_investors.html?siteSect=106&sid=7732781&cKey=1177050320000
Last year they poured SFr18 billion ($14.8 billion) into sustainable investments in Switzerland - an increase of 70 per cent over 2005. This impressive growth mirrors the boom in companies active in environmental technology. Meyer Burger and 3S Swiss Solar Systems, both based in canton Bern, are two companies that have embraced the sustainability ideal. 3S is world market leader in the production of manual and semi-automatic solar panels while Meyer Burger produces specialised machines for cutting hard, brittle material used primarily in solar power technology. Both companies were very successful last year. Meyer Burger's earnings doubled to SFr5.6 million, with its turnover up 40 per cent to around SFr83 million. The company share price has risen nearly 200 per cent since its launch on the Swiss exchange in November. For its part, 3S saw black for the first time, making a SFr700,000 profit and almost trebling its turnover to SFr11.6 million. The company's share price has gone up 35 per cent.
Gadgets and gizmos bring invention to Geneva http://www.swissinfo.org/eng/science_technology/detail/Gadgets_and_gizmos_bring_invention_to_Geneva.html?siteSect=511&sid=7729723&cKey=1177063206000
A sushi-rolling machine, underwear for pets, a sure-shot golf putter and even a flying man are all looking to strike it lucky at the 35th Geneva inventions fair. The event, which opened on Wednesday, is said to be the world's leading showcase for inventions, this year drawing around 1,000 gadgets from more than 40 countries. The exhibits – among them a new aphrodisiac – should provide plenty of food for thought for the 75,000 visitors, but it is commercial success that is foremost on the minds of the 700 exhibitors. Global turnover from last year's fair is estimated to have exceeded SFr40 million ($33 million) and the promise of riches lures inventors, distributors and "talent scouts" from all around the world. Gérard Sermier, chief spokesman for the fair, told swissinfo that around 45 per cent of inventors pocketed a deal in 2006. The countries best represented this year are Russia, Malaysia and Iran, which has brought more than 50 exhibitors. Over 100 were registered to come but the Swiss embassy in Tehran failed to grant sufficient visas, much to the annoyance of the fair's organisers. One of the stars of this year's fair is former Swiss air force pilot Yves "Fusionman" Rossy – the first man to fly strapped to a wing equipped with four jet engines. The daredevil's high-speed antics originally sent the country's aviation authorities into a tailspin but they have attracted the attention of both the United States and German military.One gadget catching the eye of journalists, if not yet distributors, is Easy-sushi, a device that rolls the perfect maki sushi. Developed by Lausanne-based inventor Franck Rolland, it operates in a similar way to a cigarette-rolling machine and is having its world premiere in Geneva. Rolland, who works for canton Vaud's roads department, believes Europe and the US are two potential markets but is not so sure about the home of sushi, Japan. Proof of the long reach of the fair is provided by Léonard Louhouassou who has brought his driving simulator all the way from Congo-Brazzaville. The aim of the device is to help novice motorists get a feel for driving before they get behind the wheel of a car. Louhouassou, an inventor of 25 years' standing, insists that once a beginner has mastered the simulator, which features foot pedals and a gear stick, they are more than ready for the open road.
Swiss Alps resorts cool with ‘global warming’ http://www.swissinfo.org/eng/swissinfo.html?siteSect=21251&sid=7476109&cKey=1170666251000
There are nearly 6,000 hotels and health spas in Switzerland yet only 20 of them – or less than half of one per cent – are recognised as environmentally friendly. The average Swiss hotel produces 93 tons of carbon dioxide emissions a year, well above recommended norms. The accommodation sector is now making efforts to improve its record. A joint study completed by the hotel and hospitality schools in Lausanne and Lucerne in 2004 concluded that there was "significant energy-saving potential in the Swiss hotel economy". The detailed report found that the average hotel consumed 20 per cent more heating oil and 45 per cent more electricity than stipulated by Swiss norms, and that six per cent of a tourist accommodation's annual turnover goes towards energy costs. More worryingly, the study, "Energy efficiency and CO2 emissions in the Swiss hotel economy", found that few hotel owners surveyed expressed an interest in addressing the issue. Many felt they could not afford to make the required investments. While improving a building's insulation or installing heating systems to take advantage of renewable energy sources can be costly, the report pointed out that a ten per cent reduction of CO2 emissions could be achieved through simple measures, which would also save money. Hotels are advised to turn off devices and appliances when not in use and to avoid using stand-by modes, and install water-saving fittings on taps and showers. The umbrella organisation, the Swiss Tourism Federation, has joined the chorus calling on hotels to realise their energy-saving potential. Along with the Federal Environment Office, the federation has introduced the European Union "Eco-label" for tourist accommodation.
While Austrian resort is hot for climate change http://www.swissinfo.org/eng/swissinfo.html?siteSect=21251&sid=7487799&cKey=1170681003000
The Austrian mountain resort of Werfenweng has discovered that sustainability is not only good for the environment but for the economy as well. In summer the pioneering resort puts a fleet of electric vehicles at the disposal of its guests, from battery-powered bicycles to three-wheeled scooters and even a hybrid Toyota Prius car for trips beyond the village. While no restrictions are placed on motorised traffic in the resort, Werfenweng does manage to convince many visitors who come by car to leave them parked. Car owners who hand over their keys for the duration of their stay are eligible for many free perks. The sustainable concept introduced a decade ago has put the modest village of only 800 inhabitants on the map, thanks to the numerous European awards it has received for its efforts – and the accompanying media coverage. It's been a win-win – even a win-win-win – situation: good for the economy, the visitor and the environment. Nights spent in holiday accommodation have increased from 98,000 in 1998 to 210,000 five years later – nearly double the average increase of resorts in Salzburg. What's more, about 25 per cent of visitors to Werfenweng come by train. With such an impressive transport concept, it's easy to overlook Werfenweng's efforts to tap into renewable energy sources. A photovoltaic system provides the power not only for its electric vehicles but also for more than half of the village's households. Some of the streetlights have been replaced by energy-efficient lamps, each topped by a small solar panel. Since they are also equipped with motion sensors, they are only activated when people pass by, thereby also reducing light pollution.
Is Switzerland really a land of sex and love? http://www.swissinfo.org/eng/front/detail/Is_Switzerland_really_a_land_of_sex_and_love.html?siteSect=105&sid=7736340&cKey=1177145431000
The Swiss are not shy when it comes to lovemaking – 123 times a year, according to a global sex survey. The worldwide average is 103. But some experts have doubts about whether the report reveals what is really going on between the sheets in Switzerland. The first part of the Sexual Wellbeing Global Survey, by condom maker Durex, was released earlier this week. The online survey questioned more than 26,000 adults of all orientations in 26 countries about their sexual activities and experiences. In all, 557 people answered in Switzerland. Topping the list of those who had the most sex were the Greeks at 164. Following the land of Aphrodite were the Brazilians (145). The most modest were the Japanese, where kimonos only come off 48 times a year. Switzerland's score of 123 meant it did better than neighbouring Latin lovers Italy (121), France (120). Swiss lovers were also ahead of other neighbours Germany (117), the United States (85) and Britain (92). The Swiss were also found to have good stamina. At 19 minutes, the Swiss made love one minute longer than the world average. World champions in this respect were the Nigerians at 24 minutes, with the fun only lasting 13 minutes in India. However, despite all this good news, the Swiss were still found to be unhappy with their love lives, with only 42 per cent saying they were totally satisfied. The happiest were the Nigerians at 67 per cent and at the bottom of the league were – again – the poor old Japanese at 15 per cent. Around half of the Swiss surveyed said that less stress and tiredness would mean more frolicking in the bedroom. They thought a bit more fun and romance would not go amiss as well. Durex said the disparity between wanting more fun, but not being willing to experiment – only 45 per cent said they wanted to do so - may have contributed to the low figure. But including those "largely satisfied", the figure rose to around 72 per cent.
Russians Making Whoopee http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2007/04/20/031.html
Russians have the third most active sex lives, behind Greeks and Brazilians, according to a survey of 26 countries conducted by a condom maker. The Durex survey found that 80 percent of respondents in Russia had sex weekly, trailing Brazil at 82 percent and Greece at 87 percent. The survey questioned 26,028 people, of which 22,040 were not virgins, in 26 countries. Only 34 percent of those in Japan reported having sex weekly, behind only the United States at 53 percent.
Atomstroyexport puts Chinese NPP's first unit to full capacity
The first power unit of a Chinese nuclear power plant has been put to full capacity, the press service of Russia's nuclear equipment export monopoly said Friday. Atomstroyexport is building the Tianwan NPP in eastern China's port city of Lianyungang. The plant, which is being built under a 1992 bilateral agreement, features improved VVER-1000 reactors and K-100-6/3000 turbo-generators. "The reactor installation of the Tianwan NPP's first power unit operates to 100% of heating capacity. The reactor installation's electric output is 1,055 MW. The output increase was carried out gradually, with all required tests being conducted successfully," Atomstroyexport said. The company said the first power unit will be put into commercial operation after all tests have been conducted. The first unit of the Tianwan NPP went on line in early January, but was then suspended for maintenance work.
Iran officials in Moscow for nuclear talks on Bushehr
Iranian nuclear officials arrived in Moscow last night to discuss completion of the Bushehr nuclear power plant that Russia is building in the Islamic Republic, the IRNA news agency said. The project built under a 1995 contract was put in jeopardy after Atomstroyexport accused Tehran in February of failing to make payments for the construction since mid-January. Moscow said the project had only received 60% of the required funding by the fourth quarter of 2006. Iran said in April that only 8% of the work remained to be done and that "this year its construction will be completed." Moscow and Tehran continued talks over the issue last month until the Russian contractor said in late March that Iran had made part of the payments but still had to cover the arrears. The Bushehr project implemented under the supervision of the UN nuclear watchdog was originally to be commissioned in July 1999, but the deadline has been revised five times since then.
2 studies link hormone use to higher risk for breast and ovarian cancer
http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/04/19/news/cancer.php
Training Iraqi troops no longer driving force in U.S. policy
http://www.realcities.com/mld/krwashington/17104704.htm
Evidence has been building for months that training Iraqi troops is no longer the focus of U.S. policy. Pentagon officials said they know of no new training resources that have been included in U.S. plans to dispatch 28,000 additional troops to Iraq. The officials spoke only on the condition of anonymity because they aren't authorized to discuss the policy shift publicly. Defense Secretary Robert Gates made no public mention of training Iraqi troops on Thursday during a visit to Iraq. U.S. officials don't say that the training formula - championed by Gen. John Abizaid when he was the commander of U.S. forces in the Middle East and by Gen. George Casey when he was the top U.S. general in Iraq - was doomed from the start. But they said that rising sectarian violence and the inability of Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki to unite the country changed the conditions. Military leaders in Baghdad planned to train 325,000 Iraqi security forces. Once that was accomplished, those forces were to take control. Military officials say there's no doubt that the November U.S. elections, which gave Democrats control of both houses of Congress, helped push training down the priority list. The elections, they said, made it clear that voters didn't have the patience to wait for Iraqis to take the lead.
Intelligence Budget Estimated At $44 Billion In Taxpayer Money, But Amount Still Secret http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7007106034
Pres. George W. Bush's threatened veto of the 2007 intelligence budget authorization bill unless Congressional oversight was stripped out was effective enough that his Republican supporters managed to stop the bill from coming to a vote earlier this week. After allegations that the Central Intelligence Agency had taken suspected terrorists to secret prisons that it operated and that the National Security Agency conducted surveillance without court warrants there was a bipartisan call by Congress to give it more information on intelligence matters. But Bush has resisted that so far. The proposed legislation would require Bush to tell Congress about interrogation techniques, make public the intelligence budget - estimated at $44 billion annually - and introduce stiff penalties for disclosing an intelligence officer's identity. But the real reason to disclose the intelligence budget might be to find out how much money is going to private contractors. It is rumored that anywhere from 50 percent to 60 percent of the CIA workforce is comprised of private contractors rather than government employees.
Russia rejects US 'blackmail' over Kosovo's independence http://www.serbianna.com/news/2007/01567.shtml
Russia's foreign minister on Friday rejected U.S. warnings there could be renewed violence in Kosovo if the province is not granted independence soon. "That very much resembles blackmail and cannot be a reason to dismember a sovereign state," Sergei Lavrov said, reiterating Russia's opposition to a U.S.-backed plan that would allow the majority Muslim province to split from Serbia. U.S. Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns said this week that delaying Kosovo's independence "would lead to more violence, rather than less." He did not elaborate, but there were fears in the West that if Kosovo does not become independent soon, majority Kosovo Albanians could respond with attacks against minority Kosovo Serbs. Russia has repeatedly expressed support for the Serb position on Kosovo, which has been a U.N. protectorate since 1999 when NATO-led airstrikes stopped a Serbian crackdown against separatist Kosovo Albanians. The province's Albanians have been seeking independence, but Belgrade wants to retain at least formal control over the area. Lavrov was visiting Montenegro, a tiny Adriatic Sea state that last year peacefully split from Serbia, after talks in Belgrade.
Black Sea States, Neighbors Plan To Boost Cooperation http://www.serbianna.com/news/2007/01558.shtml
The countries sharing the shores of the Black Sea and a few neighboring states announced plans Thursday to bolster economic and other cooperation in their region, including a construction of a "ring road" around the sea. The foreign ministers of Russia, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine convened in Belgrade along with counterparts from Greece, Albania and the host country - all members of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization, or BSECO. The participants signed a "memorandum on mutual understanding" to launch projects for the more than 2,000 kilometer-long highway whose cost is yet to be determined, possibly at BSECO summit scheduled for June 25 in Istanbul, Turkey.
‘Mistrust between EU, Russia worst since Cold War’ http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=109037
Relations between the EU and Russia "contain a level of misunderstanding or even mistrust we have not seen since the end of the Cold War," EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson will tell a conference scheduled to begin next Friday, in Bologna, Italy, according to prepared remarks distributed by his office. "Each suspects the other of double standards. Both believe the other is using the energy weapon as an instrument of politics. Neither thinks they enjoy the respect and goodwill from the other they are entitled to expect," he said. The only long-term solution for Russia was to push ahead with reforms to implement the rule of law in a transparent, impartial manner, he said, repeating the EU's call for Russia to open up its market to foreign traders. He called again for rules to govern global energy trading, saying Europe and Russia would both benefit from removing the political dimension. That would help calm Europe's worries over the security of its supplies and spur investors to put much-needed money into Russian infrastructure. "We should seek to explain why the rule of law must be the highest goal in Russia if the country is not to become trapped in the false strength of a petro-state," Mandelson said. But this goes both ways, he said, and Europe should not give the impression that it is determined to avoid becoming dependent on Russia oil and gas at all costs. Europe must also be open to investment from Russia, he said, referring to state gas monopoly OAO Gazprom's interest in supplying European customers directly. Rules that allow investment to flow both ways would interlock markets and deepen stability, he said. Russia should be drawn into the international trading system to diversify its economy away from its reliance on lucrative oil and gas revenues, he said, describing World Trade Organization membership as something that would strengthen Russia's economy, boost investment and trade and help depoliticize and calm trade disputes with Europe. "Russia needs to be in the WTO and we have a duty to assist this, which is why I am frustrated by our continuing bilateral disagreement on a number of issues," he said.
Turkey rejects ‘Kyoto’ http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=109074
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Hilmi Güler has announced that Turkey has declined to sign the Kyoto Protocol for the sake of the country's national interests, in particular because certain parts of the protocol would hinder Turkey's infrastructure development. At a meeting sponsored by the Marmara Group, he said it is necessary to be cautious when it comes to energy issues, pointing out the binding nature of international agreements, according to the Anatolia news agency. Remarking that oil had been king for the past 100 years but that natural gas is the heir to the throne, Güler asserted that Russia, which has both gas and oil, has lately been using its energy potential as a means of power in international politics. He added Russia is establishing energy trade connections with countries only if it is strategically important for it. Underlining Turkey’s growing importance in the region, Güler recalled that throughout its history the country has served as a bridge between East and West. Since the Bakü-Tiblisi-Ceyhan pipeline started operation, Turkey’s position has become even more significant, Güler said. He noted one of the most important projects being implemented in Turkey under the EU was the Nabucco project. “We will become a major transit point,” he said, adding that he wants Turkey to grow in its role as an energy corridor. Turkey is pursuing a policy to reduce dependence on foreign energy sources and use more local resources, Güler said, adding that in addition to oil and natural gas exploration, Turkey has also started looking more closely at coal. Pointing out that the government considers the issue of renewable energy very important, Güler noted that they have initiated activities aiming at more intensive exploitation of water, wind and geothermal resources. When asked a question regarding the Kyoto Protocol, Güler said Turkey had reasons for not signing it. Explaining that the protocol wasn’t signed for the sake of national interests, Güler remarked that the same protocol also wasn’t signed by highly developed economies such as the US and China. “We don’t want the world to become more polluted; however, the protocol is against the construction of dams. We have decided to take this action for the sake of our national interests,” he said.
U.S. losing patience with Chinese currency http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/business/story.html?id=0891878b-1de0-420b-9f18-f69079b9ce62
U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said Friday that China isn't moving quickly enough on currency reform, and said he hopes high-level talks next month will produce results. Paulson has been pushing China to move more rapidly to allow its currency to rise in value against the U.S. dollar as the Bush administration seeks to ward off a protectionist backlash in Congress over rising U.S. trade deficits. Last year, the United States reported a record $232.5-billion trade gap with China. The two countries hold their next high-level talks in Washington May 23-24, the second round of what is known as the Strategic Economic Dialogue. Paulson began those talks in China in December. In recent weeks, the Bush administration has filed two new complaints against China at the World Trade Organization -- over copyright policy and restrictions on the sale of American movies, music and books -- and announced sanctions against Chinese paper imports. Paulson also said the overall economy is "healthy and well-balanced" and the housing market has transitioned to a more sustainable growth rate than the boom of 2003-05.
Taiwan shows model missiles to strike China http://in.today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=worldNews&storyID=2007-04-21T143955Z_01_NOOTR_RTRJONC_0_India-295070-1.xml&archived=False
During five days of annual drills conducted this past week, , Taiwan’s military simulated a battle via computer featuring weapons that could hit targets on China's coast but not kill civilians, a spokesman said. The Ministry of Defence has not decided whether to develop the weapons, the spokesman said. China has seen self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory since the civil war of the 1940s and sometimes threatens military force to make the island return. Taiwan now has Patriot anti-aircraft missiles and anti-ship missiles that could strike China, which is 160 kilometres away, but officials say these would not go far enough in a war. China is aiming 988 missiles at Taiwan, the Taiwan government believes, and pro-independence President Chen Shui-bian has said that by 2010 China would be capable of a large-scale invasion.
Bhutan stages dress rehearsal for democratic vote http://in.today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2007-04-21T195337Z_01_NOOTR_RTRJONC_0_India-295049-4.xml&archived=False
The people of the isolated Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan streamed into polling stations on Saturday for a "mock election" designed as a dress rehearsal for the country's first truly democratic polls next year. The poll, with dummy parties and imaginary manifestos, takes mainly Buddhist Bhutan a step closer towards ending a century of royal rule, a prospect which has produced a mixture of enthusiasm and trepidation in a country which lived in a mediaeval world a generation ago. As recently as the 1960, Bhutan had no roads and practically no schools or hospitals. Today education and healthcare are free, and life expectancy has risen to 66 years, from less than 40, a fact most people attribute to the monarch's rule. Former King Jigme Singye Wangchuck decided to hand power to an elected government, against the will of his advisers and many subjects, before passing his crown to his 26-year-old Oxford-educated son last December. Wangchuck took the throne as a 16-year-old boy in 1972. Not long afterwards he drew inspiration from Buddhism and Bhutanese culture to propose that gross national happiness was more important than gross national product. He also began to prepare his people for democracy, devolving power to elected local bodies in the 1980s and to a council of ministers in 1998. Nevertheless, with conflicts and corruption in Bangladesh, Nepal and India, many Bhutanese worry about what democracy might bring.
Elections in Nigeria a shambles http://story.malaysiasun.com/index.php/ct/9/cid/b8de8e630faf3631/id/243409/cs/1/
The presidential and legislative election in Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, has taken a slow and troubled turn. Many voting centers were without ballots for hours Saturday, while police said they had foiled an attack on election headquarters in Abuja. Tempers flared as hundreds of voters waited in the muggy heat amid open sewage, with no sign of ballot papers. Voting started in a few places on time, but in many cases ballot papers for the legislative election were missing. Officials said there were mistakes on some of them, prompting possible re-votes next week. Presidential ballots had to be reprinted to include current vice president and opposition candidate Atiku Abubakar, who was reinstated by a Supreme Court decision, but his party said old ballots were still being used. Meanwhile, firefights which began overnight in southern Bayelsa state, including at the hotel where the ruling vice presidential candidate was staying, continued on voting day. In Abuja, police said a tank laden with explosives crashed into a poll near election headquarters, but did not explode. In the presidential election, more than 20 candidates are competing to replace President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was denied a chance to run for a third term by the outgoing parliament. The main contenders are the ruling party's Umaru Musa Yar'Adua and former military general Muhammadu Buhari.
Alarm at South Africa's UN votes http://www.serbianna.com/news/2007/01555.shtml
Nelson Mandela's South Africa projected an image of a virtuous nation reconciling with a brutal white minority government and serving as an enduring symbol of resistance to political oppression. But South Africa's brief debut this year on the UN Security Council has tattered its reputation. It has prompted human rights activists to condemn President Thabo Mbeki for abandoning the human rights principles that defined the anti-apartheid movement and for routinely siding with some of the world's worst human rights abusers. In just over three months, South Africa has used its position on the council to try to block discussion of human rights abuses in Myanmar and Zimbabwe. It initially backed Iran's efforts to evade sanctions for defying UN demands to subject its nuclear program to greater scrutiny. And it reacted coolly to Kosovo's bid for independence, lending its backing to a Russian effort to deny Kosovo's president the right to address the UN Security Council in its formal chambers. South Africa's approach has bolstered its standing among the Third World bloc - including the influential Group of 77 and the Non-Aligned Movement - that has long bridled at the power of the council's five heavyweights. It has strengthened its case within Africa for a permanent security council seat if the council is ever expanded. But it has also set Pretoria on a collision course with the US and its closest European allies, undercutting their efforts to use the UN to constrain Iran's nuclear program and highlight human rights abuses. South Africa's more assertive approach has alienated some of its traditional allies in the human rights community and earned praise from countries accused of committing large-scale atrocities. South Africa "is a great nation; it's a role model for us", said Sudan's UN ambassador Abdalmahmood Abdalhaleem Mohamad.
Ice Still Grips Canada Seal Hunt Boats http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/fn/4735054.html
Commercial seal hunters off the eastern coast of Canada faced food and fuel shortages Friday as their vessels remained stuck in dense ice. The boats were trapped when strong northeast winds generated by a powerful low-pressure system pushed ice toward the coast of northeastern Newfoundland and southern Labrador earlier this week. An easing of the wind Friday morning allowed 10 vessels to make it into port, but Penny said the other 90 boats probably would stay immobilized at least until Saturday. Thick slabs of ice have lift some vessels out of the water, causing them to tip on their sides.
Train service paralyzed in eastern Ontario as Mohawks barricade rail crossing http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=89635fac-df5b-45c9-9ec7-580aa0297621&k=39535
Train service on one of the country's busiest rail corridors was paralyzed Friday as a long-simmering aboriginal land dispute erupted into a full-scale blockade, sending thousands of passengers scrambling onto buses to reach their destinations. Tensions near the eastern Ontario town of Deseronto culminated around midnight Thursday with a school bus parked across a rail crossing - shutting down all freight and passenger service from Toronto eastward to Ottawa and Montreal. The latest aboriginal standoff to hit Ontario comes on the one-year anniversary of a provincial police raid against an occupation in the southern Ontario town of Caledonia. Aboriginal groups had warned that a lack of political will to settle that claim had protesters considering further standoffs in Ontario. On Friday, that warning proved all too prescient. Despite being served an injunction ordering their immediate removal from the site, members of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte vowed to maintain their planned 48-hour blockade.
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