My Press Review - Thursday 30 December

Sudan calls time on Darfur talks

Sudan will withdraw from peace talks with Darfur rebels if no deal is reached by Thursday, President Omar Bashir says.

 

Laurent Gbagbo youth supporters 'to seize Alassane Ouattara's headquarters'

Ivory Coast strongman Laurent Gbagbo's most notorious street lieutenant has vowed that the country's youth will rise up from Saturday and seize his rival Alassane Ouattara's headquarters.

 

Obama bypasses Senate, appoints envoy to Syria

Robert Ford to become first US ambassador to Damascus since 2005; opponents say move rewards Syrian regime for bad behaviour.

 

Iraq civilian death toll lowest since invasion: study

The number of Iraqi civilians killed in violence in Iraq this year fell to its lowest level since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, but the decline is slowing as low-level conflict takes root, a study showed on Thursday.

 

Taliban given new start for new year

Dozens of former Taliban are being released from detention in Pakistan to spend the new year with their families.

 

Is Israel a democracy? Five actions in 2010 that fueled the debate.

Recent actions by Israel's religious and right-wing communities have challenged the rights of the country's growing Arab minority.

 

Austria sets 2024 as earliest date for end to Turkey’s EU talks

Austrian Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger has suggested that Turkey’s ongoing negotiations for European Union membership will not be completed before 2024.

 

Officers ordered to send donations for Ergenekon defendants

A unit under the General Staff has reportedly ordered officers to make electronic donations to cover the legal expenses of military people who have been put on trial in the Ergenekon case.

 

Irish gov’t may face no-confidence vote

Irelands opposition Labour Party said on Wednesday it would call a vote of no confidence in the deeply unpopular government if it has not set a date for an election by the end of January.

 

Iranian sentenced to lose eye and ear

Man convicted after mistaking victim for former classmate who had bullied him at school

 

Britain agreed secret deal to back Mujahideen

Britain secretly agreed to back Afghan resistance fighters after the Soviet invasion of their country, some of whom would go on to form al-Qa'eda.

 

Tunisian minister fired after unrest

Tunisia's president fired the country's communications minister Wednesday after protests over unemployment that spread to several towns and led to at least two deaths.

 

Hungary's tough new laws worry other EU countries

For decades Hungary was one of Eastern Europe's most democratic nations, leading former Soviet countries in adopting the political and economic norms of the free world.

 

Comoros islanders pick new leader

Residents of the coup-ridden Comoros islands elect the ruling party's Ikililou Dhoinine as the new president, the electoral commission announces.

 

UK feared Israel would use nuclear weapons, archives reveal

Secret cable from 1980 shows British officials' concern over "Israel's dangerous mood of isolation and defiance"; Thatcher exasperated by Begin.

 

Montenegro names Luksic as new PM

Montenegro's parliament approves Igor Luksic as the country's new prime minister following the resignation of Milo Djukanovic.

 

Seoul's message to North Korea on nukes is mixed

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak on Wednesday hinted at a return to six-party denuclearization talks, but later his point man on North Korea stressed that his key tasks next year include inducing change inside the secretive North and preparing for unification.

 

Border of Afghanistan, Pakistan unsealable

There's no practical way for U.S. troops to seal Afghanistan's vast border with Pakistan and stop all Taliban fighters from slipping through, so they are focusing on defending vulnerable towns and fighting insurgents on Afghan soil, a U.S. military commander said Tuesday.

 

Iran, India oil row escalates; contries' bankers to meet

An oil trading dispute between India and Iran escalated as Tehran refused to sell oil to India under New Delhi's prohibitive new rules, sources on both sides said on Wednesda

 

Falklands oil setback for Desire

Shares in Desire Petroleum fall sharply again after another disappointment over the firm's oil exploration off the Falkland Islands.

 

Russian oil monopoly ends in Serbia

The Serbian government has abolished a Russian-controlled company's monopoly on the import of oil and allowed free pricing of gasoline in the Balkan country

 

Estonia adopts euro as of Jan 1

Estonians will replace their currency, the kroon, with the euro beginning Jan 1 with both joy and hesitation, as Europe's public debt turmoil is more likely to engulf more countries after the crises in Greece and Ireland.

 

Billions to be spent to protect forests

The central government will spend 220 billion yuan ($33 billion) over the next decade to protect China's natural forests.

 

Blizzard delays $1 billion in holiday sales

A blizzard in the Northeast this weekend postponed about $1 billion in holiday retail sales by keeping shoppers out of stores in the days after Christmas, research firm ShopperTrak said on Wednesday.

 

Lawson boss to visit China ahead of expansion

Japanese convenience store chain plans almost 10,000 new outlets

 

The economic forecasts to keep in mind in 2011

Macro policies

 

Pregnant Spanish women pushing to get 'baby cheque' bonus

Pregnant women in Spain are pushing to give birth before January 1st to receive the €2500 (£2130) 'baby cheque' from the government before the scheme ends and are asking to be induced or have caesarean sections.

 

Rabbis' wives call on Jews not to date Arabs

An Israeli group of prominent rabbis' wives has urged Jewish girls not to date or work with Arabs, underscoring the rising power of the religious Right and fuelling fears of growing racism in the cou

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What's Happening Today - Thursday 30 December

Thailand: 

Criminal Court delivers verdict on 85 royalist Yellow Shirt supporters accused of seizing National Broadcasting Service of Thailand (NBT) TV station in August 2008 

India:

The speaker of India's  parliament will meet all political parties to try resolve an impasse that threatens to deadlock the February budget session of parliament.

Afghanistan:

First anniversary of kidnapping of French journalists Herve Ghesquiere, Stephane Taponier; they are reportedly held by Taliban group in Alasay Valley in eastern Kapisa Province, where French troops are based 

Iran: 

Rallies held to mark first anniversary of pro-government demonstrations which followed controversial presidential election in 2009

Egypt:

Cairo offers tender to build a nuclear power station

Sudan: 

President Umar al-Bashir has said his government will withdraw from Darfur peace talks in Doha if agreement not reached with rebels today

Sudan: 

Court rules on objections to voter register ahead of January 2011 referendum on South Sudan's independence (

Israel: 

Verdict in former Israeli President Moshe Katsav's sex crimes trial 

Ghana: 

District assembly elections held in eight regions yesterday and today; postponed from 28th, when polls were only held in Central and Upper West regions

Belarus: 

Minsk city court hears appeals by another two Russian nationals detained during post-election unrest on 19 December 

EU:

The European Union says it will begin to tighten sanctions against Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo, expanding  the list of his supporters 

Cuba: 

Russian State Duma (lower house of parliament) speaker Boris Gryzlov continues visit (-2); meets leaders, counterpart Ricardo Alarcon

US:

Following as Washington will oppose any resolution brought before the U.N. Security Council that calls on Israel to end settlement activity in the West Bank

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What's Happening Today - Monday 27 December

China:

Top leaders speak at a ceremony in the Great Hall of the People to appraise the 2010 Shanghai's Expo.

India: 

Myanmar Deputy Minister for Home Affairs U Phone Swi leads delegation to 16th Home Secretary-level meeting in New Delhi (-28); Home Secretary GK Pillai heads Indian delegation which is likely to call for action 
against Indian insurgent groups operating along India-Myanmar border

Sri Lanka:

Last day of visit by Indian Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar to initiate defence contacts with country post defeat of Tamil Tigers

Pakistan: 

Third anniversary of assassination of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto

Pakistan: 

Local religious leaders hold protest rally in Faisalabad against proposed amendments in blasphemy law

Pakistan: 

Indonesian parliamentary delegation visits (-30)

Russia:

Moscow's Khamovnicheskiy court judge starts reading out verdict in second trial of former Yukos oil company chief Mikhail Khodorkovskiy, his associate Platon Lebedev; may take several days; Khodorkovskiy is already serving eight-year sentence for fraud and tax evasion, now facing fresh charges of money laundering and embezzlement

Russia: 

Newly-appointed Kyrgyz Prime Minister Almazbek Atambayev visits to meet counterpart Vladimir Putin; first foreign trip since appointment on 17 December (-28)

Kazakhstan: 

Central Electoral Commission (CEC) considers initiative group's written application on holding national referendum on prolonging first President Nursultan Nazarbayev's term in office 

Iraq:

Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit to meet with Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari for discussions over the upcoming session for strategic partnership between the two countries, 

Turkey: 

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) secretary-general Abd-al-Rahman Bin-Hamad al-Attiyah begins visit (-29); during visit, to meet President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan 

Yemen:

The Yemeni government is setting up regional anti-terrorism units in suspected al Qaeda strongholds in a bid to uproot extremism in the country, they will operate in four provinces 

Israel: 

TENTATIVE Convoy coming by land from India expected to attempt to break Israeli blockade; involves some 500 activists mostly from 17 Asian countries

Gaza: 

Second anniversary of start of Israel's 22-day attack on Gaza Strip; Operation Cast Lead 

Egypt: 

Last day of ruling National Democratic Party annual conference; follows 28 November parliamentary election which critics say was rigged to benefit party; 6th April Youth opposition movement's annual conference also ends today

Egypt:

Following up as Egypt adopts a stimulus plan in hopes of injecting 10 billion to 20 billion pounds  into the economy in 2011. Effective the week of 2 Jan, 2011, the plan will allow 5.7 million state employees to borrow against their salaries for retail and other purchases, and is expected to increase economic growth by 0.50 to 0.75 of a percentage point, Boutros-Ghali said.

Algeria: 

Tunisian Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi on last day of visit 

Comoros: 

Results expected from yesterday's presidential election 

Nigeria: 

Watching situation in central city of Jos after Christmas Eve bombings that killed 32 were followed by clashes between Christians and Muslims; soldiers are now patrolling streets in effort to prevent further violence

Ivory Coast: 

General strike has been called from today by allies of opposition leader and winner of presidential election Alassane Ouattara to put pressure on President Laurent Gbagbo to leave office

Belarus: 

Russians arrested in Minsk during opposition protests on 19 December appear before Minsk City Court 

Austria: 

Former Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader appears before court in Salzburg; Croatia wishes to extradite him to face charges of abuse of office and criminal conspiracy; Austrians reportedly investigating allegations of money laundering against him

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My Press Review - Monday 27 December

News

 

Ivory Coast challenger calls for general strike to oust Gbagbo as pressure mounts

Ivory Coast presidential claimant Alassane Ouattara has called for a nationwide general strike on Monday that would shut the country down until internationally-isolated incumbent Laurent Gbagbo cedes power.

 

National Front's Marine Le Pen to prove formidable rival to Nicolas Sarkozy

Marine Le Pen has promised to defend France from creeping "Islamisation" days before she is expected to take over from her father as head of the National Front party.

 

More Germans say 'nein' to Islamists

The 200 robed and bearded men gathered at dusk on the market square, rolled out their prayer rugs and intoned Allah's praises as dismayed townspeople looked on.

 

Christmas weekend violence kills 38 in Nigeria

Dozens of armed men attacked the church, dragging the pastor out of his home and shooting him to death. Two young men from the choir rehearsing for a late-night carol service also were slain.

 

Conflict Over Squatters Divides Argentina

As squatters, mostly immigrants, have moved onto public lands in Argentina’s capital, local residents have protested, at times violently.

 

Verdict due in Khodorkovsky trial

A Moscow court is due to read the verdict in the second trial of Russian ex-tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky for theft and money laundering.

 

U.S. presses Sudan as south prepares for independence vote

The Obama administration is stepping up efforts to press northerners and southerners in Sudan to reach a deal on an oil-rich province, warning that a failure to do so will lead to instability

 

Business

AK Party to campaign on new constitution and mega projects

With only around six months left until the parliamentary elections, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) has decided to attract voters with plans to introduce a brand new civilian constitution and at least 500 mega projects to be completed within the next four years all across Turkey.

 

Protest at Bolivia fuel cost rise

Bolivia announces a huge rise in the price of fuel, sparking transport unions to call a strike in protest.

 

Chavez makes first use of new powers

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez made his first use of new decree powers on Sunday to create a $2.3 billion fund for reconstruction after widespread flooding that left more than 130,000 people homeless.

 

Assam tea growers in hot water

Rising temperatures reducing yields and altering distinctive flavour of India's most popular drink

 

Assange to earn £1m from book deals

WikiLeaks founder says he had to sell rights to autobiography to cover legal costs and keep website afloat

 

Feature

3D in class

How technology is bringing lessons to life

 

Ending on a high

Why popular President Lula is leaving Brazil in good shape

 

Political essay tops French bestsellers

Resistance hero Stéphane Hessel stuns publishing world with 30-page work that calls on readers to be outraged about society

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My Press Review - Sunday 26 December

News

 

West African presidents to tell Gbagbo to quit

Three West African presidents will fly to Ivory Coast Tuesday to tell incumbent leader Laurent Gbagbo to quit or face force, Benin said Saturday, a sign of mounting regional determination to force him out.

 

Thousands flee Ivory Coast crisis

About 14,000 people have fled Ivory Coast to neighbouring Liberia following last month's disputed Ivorian presidential election, the UN says.

 

Hizballah Fears 'Qaeda' Type Attacks from Lebanese Sunnis

The Shi'ite movement's dominance of the streets is uncontested, but an extremist Sunni sect that sees Shi'ism as apostasy is a danger they're taking seriously

 

Egypt says not seeking nuclear arms

Egypt is not seeking to acquire nuclear arms and wants to rid the region of such weapons, Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit said on Saturday.

 

Iran urged to halt Kurd execution

Amnesty International appeals to Iran to commute the death sentence of an Iranian Kurdish student who it says is expected to be executed on Sunday.

 

New Mossad chief to apologise for use of UK passports in Dubai killing

The new head of Israel's secret service, Mossad, is ready to apologise for the use of forged British passports during the assassination of a leading Hamas militant in Dubai.

 

London University apologizes for map with no Israel

New Middle East research center at London School of Economics has map of the Middle East that has Beirut and the Gaza Strip but no Israel.

 

Venezuela ex-president Perez dies

Venezuela's former President Carlos Andres Perez dies in Florida at the age of 88, reportedly of a heart attack.

 

Tony Blair makes £710,000 from mysterious web of companies

Tony Blair made made a profit of at least £710,000 last year from a mysterious web of companies set up to further his business interests, it can be revealed.

 

Sri Lanka frees 100 Tamil rebels

Sri Lanka releases some 100 ex-Tamil Tiger rebels to mark Christmas Day, the latest group to be freed from detention camps.

 

We want to make peace with Israel

Speaking on the eve of the return of the 'Mavi Marmara' to Istanbul, Davutoglu says Ankara intends to reconcile with Israel, but accuses Jerusalem gov't. of not reciprocating Turkish overtures.

 

Local authorities provide hundreds of homeless warm shelter in winter

As hundreds of homeless people in Turkey face the danger of freezing to death with the arrival of harsh winter conditions, local authorities across the country have taken the initiative to provide warm shelter for hundreds of those who are without a home.

 

Former Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko could face 10 years in prison

The opposition leader faces new charges of embezzlement, which she claims are the instrument of a conspiracy to boot her out of politics.

 

 

Business

 

Japan approves record draft budget for next year

Japan's Cabinet approved a record 92.4 trillion yen ($1.11 trillion) draft budget, aimed at creating jobs and injecting life into the economy.

 

World economy can withstand $100 oil price: Kuwait

The global economy can withstand an oil price of $100 a barrel, Kuwait's oil minister said on Saturday, as other exporters indicated OPEC may decide against increasing output through 2011 as the market was well supplied.

 

Features

 

Can't stop eating? Try pretend food

A new study finds that imagining eating actually helps people eat less.

 

Zapotec Indians are growing a forest while harvesting jobs

Three decades ago the Zapotec Indians here in the state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico fought for and won the right to communally manage the forest. Before that, state-owned companies had exploited it as they pleased under federal government concessions.

 

Swedish city harnesses power of pig innards

When this city vowed a decade ago to wean itself from fossil fuels, it was a lofty aspiration.

 

Can you say 'Billionaire' in Esperanto?

For a small group of linguists, scholars and dreamers who have become accustomed to having their invitations overlooked, it was no small thing when the billionaire George Soros walked into the room to celebrate with them, The New York Times reported. 

 

Want to Improve Your City? There's An App for That

Want to Improve Your City? There's An App for That

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What's Happening Today - Sunday 24 December

China:

China's central bank interest rate increases take effect, with plans to increase the benchmark lending rate by 25 basis points to 5.81 percent and raise the benchmark deposit rate by 25 basis points to 2.75 percent. It was the second time in just over two months that the People's Bank of China raised rates. 

Philippines: 

Police on high alert on anniversary of founding of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) 

Bangladesh:

Nationwide strike called by Islamic group Ulama Mashayek Parishad, supported by main opposition party BNP, to protest against secular education policy adopted earlier this month 

Pakistan: 

Indonesian parliamentary delegation visits (-30)

Pakistan: 

Watching developments in wake of yesterday's suicide bomb attack on World Food Programme food distribution centre that left 43 dead

Russia:

Liberal opposition plans rally in central Moscow to speak out against racism at a time of heightened ethnic tensions. 0900 GMT.

Russia:

Kyrgyzstan Prime Minister Almazbek Atambayev visits Russia.

Russia

"Moscow for all" rally against xenophobia held following recent spate of violence amid ethnic 

Iran: 

Kurdish student activist Habib Latifi expected to be executed today despite calls by international human rights for Iran to commute death sentence; Latifi was sentenced to death in 2008 for taking part in armed acts in Kordestan; he was found guilty of cooperating with banned Party of Free Life of Kurdistan 

Iran::

Russian Federal Drug Control Service (FDCS) Chief Viktor Ivanov visits (-26) to discuss coordination of two countries' anti-drug trafficking efforts; today, expected to sign joint statement on fight against drugs that will define basic areas of bilateral cooperation

Iraq: 

New cabinet members assume official duties 

Turkey:

One of Freedom Flotilla's ships that was attacked by Israeli commandos returns to Istanbul; nine activists travelling on Mavi Marmara were killed in assault; hundreds of people expected to meet ship

Egypt:

Ruling National Democratic Party holds annual conference (-27), President Husni Mubarak delivered address yesterday; follows 28 November parliamentary election which critics say was rigged to benefit party; postponed from 9-10 November 

Comoros:

Second round of elections for the governors of the semi-autonomous islands and primaries for the presidency of the Union which is due to be held next by Moheli. Under the constitution, the presidency of the Union of Comoros rotates among the three islands of Grande Comore, Anjouan and Moheli.

Ivory Coast: 

Watching situation as standoff between presidential rivals continues

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My Press Review - Thursday 23 December

New Gaza war 'a question of when'

A senior Israeli army officer tells the BBC that as long as Hamas remains in control of the Gaza Strip, another war is "a question of when, not if".

 

Iran recruiting nuclear scientists for weapons programme

Iran is operating a worldwide recruitment network for nuclear scientists to lure them to the country to work on its nuclear weapons programme

 

Ukrainian population shrinks to 45.8 million in October

The population of Ukraine totaled 45.8 million as of Nov. 1, 2010, according to a posting on the Web site of the State Statistics Committee.

 

Saudi king leaves New York hospital

King Abdullah, 86, discharged after two operations amid intense speculation over succession

 

Pakistani police officers arrested over Benazir Bhutto assassination

Two senior Pakistani police officers have been arrested on suspicion of dereliction of duty over the assassination of Benazir Bhutto in 2007

 

Men in black

Resurgent Sadrist power renews fears of violence in Iraq

 

Stark challenges ahead for the new Iraqi government

Iraq seated a freely elected government Tuesday after nine months of haggling, bringing together the main ethnic and religious groups in a fragile balance that could make it difficult to rebuild a nation devastated by war as American troops prepare for their final withdrawal.

 

Congress fails to pass whistle-blower rights bill

Congress failed to pass a bill before adjourning that would have barred most federal departments from punishing employees who report corruption, waste and mismanagement...

 

7 presidential candidates face up to 15 years in prison

Seven presidential candidates who ran against the country's authoritarian leader could face up to 15 years in prison and one was beaten so badly in the election's aftermath he is unable to walk, his lawyer and a human rights organization said.

 

Vote Hurts Obama’s Push to Empty Cuba Prison

Congress voted for strict limits on transferring detainees out of Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.

 

Hariri denies plan to abjure slaying probe

Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri pushed back Wednesday against a report claiming he planned to end his support for the U.N.'s Special Tribunal for Lebanon, the body investigating the 2005 assassination of his father, former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

 

Move over West, Asia is here

The world is entering a new era, an era marked by two major changes. The first is the beginning of the end of Western domination - not the end of the West, though. The second is the Asian "renaissance", because the 21st century will be the century of Chinese and Indian economies. These are the words of Kishore Mahbubani, dean of Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore.

 

Migrant kidnapping reported in Mexico

Armed men kidnapped about 50 Central American migrants in southern Mexico after holding up the cargo train they were riding on, El Salvador’s Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

 

Albania invites organ claim inquiry

Senior officials continue to dismiss claims that Serb captives were smuggled into northern Albania and killed

 

US Senate approves nuclear control treaty with Russia

Obama's key foreign policy legislation, a nuclear arms treaty with Russia, was passed with a Senate majority of 71 to 26 votes

 

Norway trade minister too 'sick' for Nobel

Imprisoned Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo's empty chair was a powerful symbol at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony held in his honour ... but it wasn’t the only empty chair

 

US accuses China over wind power

The US says China is illegally subsidising the production of wind power equipment and has asked the WTO for talks.

 

Iraqis' verdict on new government

Iraqi readers give their verdict on the make-up of their long-awaited new government.

 

In pictures

The struggles of the Khanty people of Siberia

 

Former Afghanistan commander McChrystal is penning a memoir

Retired General Stanley A. McChrystal, the Afghanistan war commander forced out in June after making negative comments about Obama administration officials, is working on a memoir.

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What's Happening Today - Thursday 23 December

Japan: 

Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh wraps up visit after meeting Prime Minister Naoto Kan on 20 December for talks on anti-piracy, health, food security cooperation 

South Korea:

South Korea plans to conduct its largest-ever ground and air live-fire drill near the border with North Korea 

Malaysia:

Malaysia and Singapore finalise agreement to end land dispute

Pakistan:

Lahore High Court resumes hearing petition against Asia Bibi, Christian woman sentenced to death under controversial blasphemy laws; petition requests government should be restrained from pardoning her; hearing may be delayed 

Kyrgyzstan:

The Dzhalal-Abad regional court holds hearing into an appeal by the ousted president's nephew, Sanjar Bakiyev, but could be a mistrial as defence witnesses fail to appear in court. 

Nepal:

"Special session" of parliament for the three major parties to try and forge consensus on the issue of electing new prime minister

Russia:

Sudanese foreign minister visits Moscow

Russia: 

Trial starts in northwestern city of Arkhangelsk of six men accused of hijacking Arctic Sea freighter in 2009; there have been allegations that it was carrying illicit cargo of arms

Russia: 

Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Ahmad Karti visits Moscow; gives news conference focusing on January 2011 referendum on South Sudan independence

Turkey: 

Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinezhad, Afghanistan's Hamed Karzai, Pakistan's Asif Ali Zardari, Tajikistan's Emomali Rahmon, Kyrgyzstan's Roza Otunbayeva visit Istanbul to attend Economic Cooperation Organization summit

Bahrain:

Further hearing in case of 25 Shia accused of terrorism takes place in Bahrain

Israel: 

Right-wing rally held in Jerusalem in support of construction of new Jewish settlements in West Bank

Israel: 

Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius wraps up visit after meeting counterpart Binyamin Netanyahu 

Egypt:

al-Shihab Centre for Human Rights has called on the institutions of the Egyptian state to "comply with the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which prohibits all forms of torture and intrusions carried out by the authorities against the citizens and holds a ceremony to commemorate the death under torture of Khalid Sa'id by two policemen in the Sidi Jabir police station

Ukraine:

Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev visits Kiev, meets counterpart Rayisa Bohatyryova; second and final day

Bulgaria:

Prime Minister Boyko Borisov is planning to submit a proposal to President Georgi Purvanov to recall the Bulgarian ambassadors abroad who used to collaborate with the communist-era secret services.

Romania:

Prime Minister Emil Boc to face a no-confidence vote over a new wage bill required under Romania's 20 billion euro IMF-led bailout - the fourth this year.

Poland: 

Warsaw district court examines Russia's motion for extradition of former head of Chechen government in exile Ahmed Zakayev; he was briefly detained in Warsaw in September on international warrant issued by 
Russia

Hungary:

Parliament Holds Final Vote on 2011 Budget.

France: 

Paris court considers Libya's request for extradition of Nuri al-Mismari, Mu'ammar al-Qadhafi's former head of protocol, wanted on corruption charges

France:

In absentia trials of officials linked to Pinochet regime begins in Paris. Some 13 Chilean military officials and one Argentinian is expected to end after being accused of participating in the 'kidnapping accompanied by torture and other barbarian acts' of French citizens living in South America between 1973 and 1977

UN:

International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance comes into effect (NB The United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and the United States are amongst those that expressed reservation towards the convention.)

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My Press Review - Wednesday 22 December

Iraqi parliament OKs new government

The Iraqi parliament on Tuesday unanimously approved a new government headed by Shiite Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who apparently has appeased the Sunni-backed bloc that bested his own party in the country's March elections.

 

Pentagon slammed for "hyper-secret" $2bn Afghan fuel deals

US Congress investigators have sharply criticised the Pentagon for allowing an "ultra-secretive" business group to control more than $2 billion in crucial Afghan fuel contracts, while turning a blind eye to the alleged elaborate fraud by which it sourced more than half a billion gallons of jet fuel from Russian refineries.

 

Turkey in last-ditch effort to block Armenian resolution

The Turkish government is making a last-ditch effort to prevent a vote by the US House of Representatives on a resolution declaring the World War I-era killings of Armenians a genocide and says it would deal a significant blow to the bilateral relationship between Ankara and Washington -- defined by US President Barack Obama himself as “a model” relationship.

 

Russians to face tougher restrictions on moving

Russians may face new restrictions when trying to move from the provinces to Moscow, St. Petersburg or other large cities, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin signale

 

What If the Palestinians Turn to the U.N.?

Arab diplomats are reportedly preparing a resolution that could put Washington in a tight spot by more forcefully reiterating U.S. demands rebuffed by Israel

 

2010 census says US population at 308.7 million

The Census Bureau says the U.S. population is 308.7 million, reflecting the lowest growth since the Great Depression....

 

Arms treaty with Russia nears Senate approval

President Barack Obama wrapped up enough support on Tuesday to win Senate approval for a strategic nuclear arms pact with Russia later this week, a key step in his drive to improve ties with Moscow and curb atomic weapons proliferation

 

Energy Policy in Iran Leaves Many Gasping

Officials ordered at least five major plants to switch to gasoline, adding to a thick blanket of smog.

 

Neutrality on Net, but not in sphere of politics

Setting the stage for a likely court battle and a showdown with Republicans in the new Congress, a sharply divided Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday approved sweeping Internet regulations designed to promote "net neutrality" and deliver on a key campaign promise of President Obama.

 

Turkey invites Greece to Anatolian Eagle aerial war games

Turkey has invited Greece to the Anatolian Eagle aerial war games set for next year in what is a first in its history, a move that could potentially eradicate the persisting mistrust and confrontation the two countries face in a number of areas, a news report said on Tuesday.

 

Preparing for the Return of Moqtada al-Sadr

The Iran-based cleric remains wildly popular in Iraq, which makes the democratic process a vehicle for his ambitions. Washington may simply have to get used to him

 

Isaf investigating Afghan deaths

The Nato-led International Security Assistance Force says it is investigating the deaths of five civilians in southern Afghanistan.

 

EU newcomers barred from Schengen

France and Germany decide to block Bulgaria and Romania from joining the Europe's Schengen zone in 2011.

 

UN is preparing for worst-case scenarios in Sudan

The UN is already preparing for the potential of significant violence following Sudan's Jan. 9 referendum, which could disrupt food supply and prompt mass migrations.

Rival Gas Producers Russia, Qatar Talk Reindeer Meat

When rival energy producers Russia and Qatar talk business, it's no longer only about natural gas - they're talking reindeer meat, which Russia has promised to export and butcher according to Muslim dietary law

 

Expensive railway set for its maiden journey

The Yichang-Wanzhou railway, which goes through some of the most difficult terrain in the country and is considered one of China's most expensive rail projects, will begin operations on Wednesday, though the line will not become fully operational until Jan 11, said Guo Bing, an official of the Yichang section of the Wuhan Railway Bureau.

 

Reserve ratio may rise to record high

The central government could raise the ratio of reserves it requires banks to hold against their loans to 23 percent in 2011, as it continues to try to curb inflationary credit growth in the financial system, Lu Zhengwei, chief economist at Industrial Bank, said

 

UK deficit reached record £23bn

George Osborne received a blowas it emerged that state borrowing soared to the highest on record for a single month despite the government's austerity measures to rein in the deficit.News that higher spending on defence, the NHS and contribution to the European Union had left Britain in the red by £23.3bn stunned the City, which had been expecting the early fruits from the chancellor's spending restraint to cut the deficit from the £17.4bn recorded in November 2009.

 

Graffiti art brightens war-torn Kabul

A group of women in burqas rises from the sea to symbolize cleanliness, while further down a factory wall a bus with no wheels and crammed with passengers is a stark comment on war-torn Kabul's appalling public transport.

 

Foreign words to be standardized

Chinese media organizations and publishers are banned from randomly mixing foreign languages with Chinese in publications. When it is necessary to use foreign phrases or words, they should be accompanied by a translation or explanation in Chinese, according to a new regulation.

 

St Petersburg's tower to the sky fails to get off the ground

Dreamed up in the heady days of ever-rising oil prices, before the financial crisis struck, it represented the optimism and swagger of the new cash-rich Russi

 

23 percent can't pass military exam

Nearly one-fourth of the students who try to join the military fail its entrance exam, painting a grim picture of an education system that produces graduates who can't answer basic math, science and reading questions.

 

Saudi Arabia girls' schools investigated over 'illegal' sports day

Private Saudi girls' high schools are being investigated by the education ministry for holding an "illegal" sports tournament.

 

Aramaic gets lease of life at Oxford

An Aramaic course offered by Oxford University is drawing scores of scholars from as far afield as Liverpool and London

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My Press Review - Tuesday 21 December

Sarkozy to PM: Israel is not stronger than the Palestinians

WikiLeaks cable reveals French President planned to tell Netanyahu in a June 2009 meeting that Israel doesn't have time and alternative solutions.

 

Egypt uncovers network spying for Israel

Egypt has uncovered a spy ring that included two Israelis and an Egyptian businessman helping them recruit operatives working for telecoms companies, according to a government official and state security documents

 

Turkish Cypriot leader undergoes heart surgery at Ankara hospital

President Abdullah Gül and other senior officials visited the president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC), Derviş Eroğlu, on Monday, who underwent a coronary bypass surgery in Ankara over the weekend.

 

FCC set to OK rules on Internet

With the Obama administration on the verge of embracing new "network neutrality" rules increasing government oversight of the Internet, it's difficult to tell who objects more: Republicans who denounce the move as a federal power grab or Democrats who dismiss the reforms as too weak to do the job.

 

Afghanistan to open parliament on Jan. 20

Afghanistan plans to inaugurate parliament on Jan. 20, President Hamid Karzai’s chief spokesman said on Monday, more than four months after a parliamentary election marked by widespread fra

 

Tymoshenko charged with corruption

Ukraine's former prime minister, Yulia Tymoshenko has been accused of misusing state funds while she was in office. She has rejected the charges, saying they are politically motivated

 

Iran's Khamenei rejects Hariri tribunal as 'kangaroo court'

Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei blasted the Special Tribunal for Lebanon on Monday, as it prepares to issue widely anticipated indictments against Hezbollah members for the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

 

Russia warns US on nuclear treaty

The Russian foreign minister warns US lawmakers that any change to the new nuclear arms treaty between the two countries could destroy the pact.

 

Hugo Chavez's rejection of US diplomat 'has consequences'

President Hugo Chavez's government formally rejected Washington's nominee for ambassador on Monday, and the U.S. State Department said the decision will have consequences on relations with Venezuela.

 

France receives video of hostages in Afghanistan

French authorities have received a video recording showing that two journalists held hostage by the Taliban for almost a year in Afghanistan are alive

 

President Lula of Brazil admits he could run again

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil has admitted that he could seek to lead his country again with comments that threaten to overshadow the inauguration of his successor.

 

Russia ready to finance Egypt's first nuclear plant

Russia confirmed its participation in a tender to build Egypt's first nuclear power plant and said it was willing to help finance the project, Egyptian Trade and Industry Minister Rachid Mohamed Rachid said on Monday.

 

Debt crisis threatens 100 US cities

More than 100 American cities could go bust next year as the debt crisis that has taken down banks and countries threatens next to spark a municipal meltdown, a leading analyst has warned.

 

Russia and India to sign arms deal

Russian President Dimitry Medvedev is expected to sign nuclear and defence deals worth billions of dollars during a two-day visit to India.

 

Former Iraqi prison camp will be commercial center

An Iraqi official has said a sprawling, former prison camp that was run by the US in southern Iraq will be turned into a commercial center with warehouses and offices for aviation and fuel services.

 

Rising land prices

China's land regulators are trying to help cool the property market by reining in the high prices of land sales.

 

Latvian women 'coping with capitalism'

As Latvia prepares to celebrate 20 years of independence, it seems the country's females are dealing with the highs and lows of capitalism better than it's men

 

£33bn high-speed rail plans unveiled

Plans for a £33 billion high-speed rail (HSR) network from London to Birmingham and on to northern England were unveiled today by the Government.

 

Obsolete bill costs $78,000 to print

Last week's aborted $1.1 trillion "omnibus" spending bill ran to 1,926 pages and ended up costing taxpayers more than $78,000 just for the Government Printing Office to print out 650 copies. The size alone helped Republicans sink the measure so ...

 

Beijingers suggest ways to un-jam city

As local government calls for input, residents share ideas to cut congestion

 

Urbanization presents huge challenge for policymakers

China's urbanization rate, showing the number of people leaving the countryside to live in cities and towns, stood at 33.28 percent in 2008, an increase of 0.35 percentage points from 2007.

 

Skywatchers set for lunar eclipse

Skywatchers around the world gear up to observe a rare total lunar eclipse, with some of the best viewing conditions in North and Central America.

 

New York cabbies given bullet-proof vests in pilot scheme

A handful of New York cabbies are to wear bullet-proof vests as part of a pilot programme in response to assaults on drivers

 

More mothers behind bars in US

This year more kids than ever before will have a parent behind bars and African Americans are feeling the greatest brunt

 

Thousands of Germans quit Catholic Church

Thousands of Germans have quit the Catholic Church in the wake of a series of sex and corruption scandals that have left the institution reeling.

 

Exhuming Spain's civil war mass graves

Spain has spent much of the last decade re-examining the past, exhuming mass graves from its devastating civil war.

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