My Press Review

Lessons of war

What happens to child soldiers from a losing army?

Egyptian-Israeli marriage ruling

A Cairo court upholds a ruling urging the cabinet to consider revoking the citizenship of Egyptian men married to Israelis.

Pakistan raises defence spending

Pakistan announces a 17% increase in defence spending in the coming year as it battles to combat Islamic militants.

UK 'to approve £19m of Gaza aid'

The government is expected to announce it has approved £19m of aid money to be given to the UN operation in Gaza.

Sydney Opera House hosts concert for dogs

Hundreds of dogs descend on the Sydney Opera House for a concert specifically for canines.

Noda 'to be Japan finance chief'

Japan's new Prime Minister Naoto Kan is to choose Yoshihiko Noda as his next finance minister, Kyodo news agency reports.

Cyclone Phet death toll rises

Death toll from the Omani cyclone reaches double digits as rescuers find more bodies - including one of their own number.

Abu Dhabi makes Pisa sit up straight

The Capital Gate has been named the 'World’s Furthest Leaning Manmade Tower', surpassing Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Oren: Turkey has embraced the leaders of Iran and Hamas

Erdogan: Hamas is not a terrorist organization.

Sweden to boycott Israel cargo

Dockworkers to launch week-long effort due to 'Mavi Marmara' incident.

Smart clothes offer emotional aid

Smart clothes could soon be helping their wearers cope with the stresses of modern life. The prototype garments monitor physiological states including temperature and heart rate

Gordon Brown accepts a pay cut (for David Cameron)

Gordon Brown's last act was to deprive David Cameron of hundreds of thousands of pounds

Titan: Nasa scientists discover evidence 'that alien life exists on Saturn's moon'

 Evidence that life exists on Titan, one of Saturn's biggest moons, appears to have been uncovered by Nasa scientists.

Bullfighting makes Spain see red

Until a few years ago, there was little opposition to bullfighting in Spain. Now, the time-honoured bloody spectacle risks being outlawed in Catalonia. Is the game up for la corrida?

Cash crisis for nuclear fusion dream

A £15bn international bid to harness the fusion process that powers the Sun is facing a major funding crisis. Scientists have revealed that the cost of the International Thermonuclear Experiment Reactor (Iter) has trebled from its original £5bn price tag in the past three years. At the same time, financial crises have beset all the nations involved in the project.

G20 shifts from stimulus to austerity in final communiqué

A meeting of G20 finance ministers ended in South Korea today with a clear call on governments around the world to put their fiscal houses in order as the global economy remains in the grip of deepening market turmoil and uneven growth.

Israeli attack written into history with chilling survivor accounts

With most survivors back in their home countries, details are continuing to emerge about exactly what happened during the course of a bloody Israeli military attack on a humanitarian aid convoy heading to the blockaded Gaza Strip.

Half of large properties in London bought by foreigners

More than half of large properties on the market in London are being bought by foreigners, according to data from one of Britain's largest estate agents.

Vote on border dispute leaves Slovenes divided

Nestled on the Slovenian coast, the town of Koper with its winding cobbled streets, Venetian mansions and Gothic cathedral, is a picturesque and unassuming place. But it is at the centre of a battle raging in the Balkans, which could bring down Slovenia's government and sour already prickly relations with Croatia.

Israel admits it altered flotilla audio

The Israeli military admitted on Saturday that it had released a misleadingly altered audio recording of a radio transmission with the "Freedom Flotilla" aid convoy in which activists are allegedly heard telling Israeli soldiers to "shut up, go back to  Auschwitz."

India's Rent-a-Womb Industry Faces New Restrictions

India has proven fertile ground for foreigners seeking a "womb-for-hire," but a new government bill threatens to complicate the country's lucrative surrogacy trade

---

Notice: This email is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above and may contain information that is confidential and privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this email is strictly prohibited. Opinions, conclusions and other information in this message that do not relate to the official business of our firm shall be understood as neither given nor endorsed by it.

Posted via email from luay's posterous

Sunday 6 June - What's Happening

Japan: Final day of APEC trade ministers' meeting on the northern island of Hokkaido.

Vietnam: First day of World Economic Forum meeting.  

 

South Korea: Following up on measures taken by the European Union, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund - including a $1 trillion bailout to help countries deal with the fallout from unsustainably high debt.

 

Pakistan: Authorities in coastal regions of Pakistan are preparing for high winds and possible flooding and destruction from an approaching tropical storm. The National Disaster Management Authority said Saturday that 7,000 people have been moved to safety from low-lying areas close to the southern city of Karachi.

 

Iran: German Chancellor Angela Merkel said sanctions could be approved by the UN Security Council in the near future, and added that the European Union, the United States, Russia and China share a common position on the issue.

 

Iraq: Jabar Yawar, a deputy minister in the Kurdish autonomous region in northern Iraq, says Iranian troops have crossed the Iraqi border in pursuit of Iranian Kurdish rebels. Yawar said 35 Iranian soldiers remain in the Iraqi village of Perdunaz after crossing the border June 3.

 

Iraq: Iraq's military withdrew the right to carry weapons from 10,000 ex-Sunni insurgents, which threatened to cause a rift between security forces and Sunni fighters credited with helping stem violence in Iraq, Reuters reported. Leaders of the "Sons of Iraq" responded with a warning that they would stop cooperating with security forces in Diyala province if their weapons permits were taken from them.

 

Iraq: Gunmen killed a third candidate from the Sunni-backed coalition that won the most seats in Iraq's March parliamentary election. The alliance said the slaying of Faris Jassim al-Jubouri was part of a politically motivated campaign of assassinations

 

Turkey: Thousands expected to get together at "Freedom for Palestine" demonstrations organised by NGO groups to protest Israeli raid on an aid flotilla.

 

Yemen: Yemeni Colonel Mohammed Saleh al-Shaief and two of his bodyguards were killed in an attack by suspected members of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula near the city of Marib

 

Cyprus: On the final day of his visit to Cyprus Pope Benedict delivers mass for the Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East, with thousands expected to watch the proceedings on giant screens outside.

 

Slovenia: National  referendum on whether a border arbitration agreement with Croatia should be enforced.

 

Germany: French President Nicolas Sarkozy prepares to travel to Berlin tomorrow to coordinate France's financial position with Germany, Europe's biggest economy, ahead of the forthcoming G-20 and G-8 summits later this month in Canada.

 

France: Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili meets French President Nicolas Sarkozy to discuss developments following the 2008 war with Russia.

 

US: BP has collected 6,000 barrels of oil in the first 24 hours of pumping it from a ruptured well up to a drill ship, CNN reported

 

US: Robert Gates called for free access to the resource-rich South China Sea, saying Washington objected to any moves to "intimidate" U.S. energy firms in the region

 

US: The White House plans to nominate US Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence James Clapper as the new Director of National Intelligence, CBS News reported

 

US: Arab-American Anti-Discrimination Committee holds convention to mark 30 years of its formation. Panelists include Dr. Karen AbuZayd, retired Under-Secretary-General of United Nations and Commissioner-General of United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), Ambassador Maen Rashid Areikat, PLO Representative to the United States and Dr. Asa'd Ghanem, senior lecturer at the School of Political Science at the University of Haifa. Dr. Clovis Maksoud, and Dr. Azmi Bishara, former member of the Israeli Knesset will attend, and the Rachel Corrie Award will be presented at the Luncheon to Free Gaza Movement activist Ramzi Kysia and Jennifer Loewenstein.

 

Peru: Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly (to June 8). 

 

Posted via email from luay's posterous

Sunday 6 June - What's Happening

Japan: Final day of APEC trade ministers' meeting on the northern island of Hokkaido.

Vietnam: First day of World Economic Forum meeting.

South Korea: Following up on measures taken by the European Union, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund - including a $1 trillion bailout to help countries deal with the fallout from unsustainably high debt.

Pakistan: Authorities in coastal regions of Pakistan are preparing for high winds and possible flooding and destruction from an approaching tropical storm. The National Disaster Management Authority said Saturday that 7,000 people have been moved to safety from low-lying areas close to the southern city of Karachi.

Iran: German Chancellor Angela Merkel said sanctions could be approved by the UN Security Council in the near future, and added that the European Union, the United States, Russia and China share a common position on the issue.

Iraq: Jabar Yawar, a deputy minister in the Kurdish autonomous region in northern Iraq, says Iranian troops have crossed the Iraqi border in pursuit of Iranian Kurdish rebels. Yawar said 35 Iranian soldiers remain in the Iraqi village of Perdunaz after crossing the border June 3.

Iraq: Iraq's military withdrew the right to carry weapons from 10,000 ex-Sunni insurgents, which threatened to cause a rift between security forces and Sunni fighters credited with helping stem violence in Iraq, Reuters reported. Leaders of the "Sons of Iraq" responded with a warning that they would stop cooperating with security forces in Diyala province if their weapons permits were taken from them.

Iraq: Gunmen killed a third candidate from the Sunni-backed coalition that won the most seats in Iraq's March parliamentary election. The alliance said the slaying of Faris Jassim al-Jubouri was part of a politically motivated campaign of assassinations

Turkey: Thousands expected to get together at "Freedom for Palestine" demonstrations organised by NGO groups to protest Israeli raid on an aid flotilla.

Yemen: Yemeni Colonel Mohammed Saleh al-Shaief and two of his bodyguards were killed in an attack by suspected members of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula near the city of Marib

Cyprus: On the final day of his visit to Cyprus Pope Benedict delivers mass for the Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for the Middle East, with thousands expected to watch the proceedings on giant screens outside.

Slovenia: National  referendum on whether a border arbitration agreement with Croatia should be enforced.

Germany: French President Nicolas Sarkozy prepares to travel to Berlin tomorrow to coordinate France's financial position with Germany, Europe's biggest economy, ahead of the forthcoming G-20 and G-8 summits later this month in Canada.

France: Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili meets French President Nicolas Sarkozy to discuss developments following the 2008 war with Russia.

US: BP has collected 6,000 barrels of oil in the first 24 hours of pumping it from a ruptured well up to a drill ship, CNN reported

US: Robert Gates called for free access to the resource-rich South China Sea, saying Washington objected to any moves to "intimidate" U.S. energy firms in the region

US: The White House plans to nominate US Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence James Clapper as the new Director of National Intelligence, CBS News reported

US: Arab-American Anti-Discrimination Committee holds convention to mark 30 years of its formation. Panelists include Dr. Karen AbuZayd, retired Under-Secretary-General of United Nations and Commissioner-General of United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), Ambassador Maen Rashid Areikat, PLO Representative to the United States and Dr. Asa'd Ghanem, senior lecturer at the School of Political Science at the University of Haifa. Dr. Clovis Maksoud, and Dr. Azmi Bishara, former member of the Israeli Knesset will attend, and the Rachel Corrie Award will be presented at the Luncheon to Free Gaza Movement activist Ramzi Kysia and Jennifer Loewenstein.

Peru: Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly (to June 8).

---

Notice: This email is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above and may contain information that is confidential and privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this email is strictly prohibited. Opinions, conclusions and other information in this message that do not relate to the official business of our firm shall be understood as neither given nor endorsed by it.

Posted via email from luay's posterous

My Press Review

Lessons of war

What happens to child soldiers from a losing army?

Egyptian-Israeli marriage ruling

A Cairo court upholds a ruling urging the cabinet to consider revoking the citizenship of Egyptian men married to Israelis.

Pakistan raises defence spending

Pakistan announces a 17% increase in defence spending in the coming year as it battles to combat Islamic militants.

UK 'to approve £19m of Gaza aid'

The government is expected to announce it has approved £19m of aid money to be given to the UN operation in Gaza.

Sydney Opera House hosts concert for dogs

Hundreds of dogs descend on the Sydney Opera House for a concert specifically for canines.

Noda 'to be Japan finance chief'

Japan's new Prime Minister Naoto Kan is to choose Yoshihiko Noda as his next finance minister, Kyodo news agency reports.

Cyclone Phet death toll rises

Death toll from the Omani cyclone reaches double digits as rescuers find more bodies - including one of their own number.

Abu Dhabi makes Pisa sit up straight

The Capital Gate has been named the 'World’s Furthest Leaning Manmade Tower', surpassing Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Oren: Turkey has embraced the leaders of Iran and Hamas

Erdogan: Hamas is not a terrorist organization.

Sweden to boycott Israel cargo

Dockworkers to launch week-long effort due to 'Mavi Marmara' incident.

Smart clothes offer emotional aid

Smart clothes could soon be helping their wearers cope with the stresses of modern life. The prototype garments monitor physiological states including temperature and heart rate

Gordon Brown accepts a pay cut (for David Cameron)

Gordon Brown's last act was to deprive David Cameron of hundreds of thousands of pounds

Titan: Nasa scientists discover evidence 'that alien life exists on Saturn's moon'

 Evidence that life exists on Titan, one of Saturn's biggest moons, appears to have been uncovered by Nasa scientists.

Bullfighting makes Spain see red

Until a few years ago, there was little opposition to bullfighting in Spain. Now, the time-honoured bloody spectacle risks being outlawed in Catalonia. Is the game up for la corrida?

Cash crisis for nuclear fusion dream

A £15bn international bid to harness the fusion process that powers the Sun is facing a major funding crisis. Scientists have revealed that the cost of the International Thermonuclear Experiment Reactor (Iter) has trebled from its original £5bn price tag in the past three years. At the same time, financial crises have beset all the nations involved in the project.

G20 shifts from stimulus to austerity in final communiqué

A meeting of G20 finance ministers ended in South Korea today with a clear call on governments around the world to put their fiscal houses in order as the global economy remains in the grip of deepening market turmoil and uneven growth.

Israeli attack written into history with chilling survivor accounts

With most survivors back in their home countries, details are continuing to emerge about exactly what happened during the course of a bloody Israeli military attack on a humanitarian aid convoy heading to the blockaded Gaza Strip.

Half of large properties in London bought by foreigners

More than half of large properties on the market in London are being bought by foreigners, according to data from one of Britain's largest estate agents.

Vote on border dispute leaves Slovenes divided

Nestled on the Slovenian coast, the town of Koper with its winding cobbled streets, Venetian mansions and Gothic cathedral, is a picturesque and unassuming place. But it is at the centre of a battle raging in the Balkans, which could bring down Slovenia's government and sour already prickly relations with Croatia.

Israel admits it altered flotilla audio

The Israeli military admitted on Saturday that it had released a misleadingly altered audio recording of a radio transmission with the "Freedom Flotilla" aid convoy in which activists are allegedly heard telling Israeli soldiers to "shut up, go back to  Auschwitz."

India's Rent-a-Womb Industry Faces New Restrictions

India has proven fertile ground for foreigners seeking a "womb-for-hire," but a new government bill threatens to complicate the country's lucrative surrogacy trade

---

Notice: This email is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above and may contain information that is confidential and privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this email is strictly prohibited. Opinions, conclusions and other information in this message that do not relate to the official business of our firm shall be understood as neither given nor endorsed by it.

Posted via email from luay's posterous

Thursday 3rd June - What's Happening

Japan: Following up on Japan's political future after Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama resigns. Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) demanding a general election be called  

 

Taiwan: Tests new missile, designed to hit targets up to 2,000 kilometers away, from Chiupeng, a base in southern Taiwan.

 

Myanmar: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao pays official visit to Myanmar, the highest ranking Chinese official to visit the country since then-President Jiang Zemin in 2001.

 

India: Hillary Clinton and Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna chair the opening day of the first U.S-India Strategic Dialogue (NB India’s government is committed to moving forward with a civil nuclear cooperation accord with the United States) 

 

India: Russia will transfer its Nerpa nuclear-powered attack submarine for a 10-year lease to India later this year

 

Pakistan: Governor of the State Bank Of Pakistan Salim Raza resigned “for personal reasons”

 

Russia: Volunteer Cosmonauts go into the 'container' to start their 500 days training, simulating time on a trip to Mars at the Institute of Biomedical Research.

 

Afghanistan: Afghanistan holds second day of Jirga to discuss ways to end a nine-year war now in its deadliest phase.

 

Kyrgyzstan: Uzbekistan has begun to withdraw its armored personnel carriers and military vehicles from the Uzbek enclave of Sox, Kyrgyzstan, AKIpress reported.

 

Iran: Follow up on the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) new major plan for converting 45 billion of its euro reserves into dollar and gold ingots, Press TV

 

Iran: Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will give a speech at Ayatollah Khomeini shrine to mark the 21st anniversary of the death of the leader of the Islamic revaluation.

 

Iran: Iran officially denied a claim in the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) report on Iran that important nuclear equipment was missing from a Tehran facility, Iranian ambassador to the IAEA Ali Asghar Soltanieh said

 

Iran: Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei pardoned 81 jailed opposition supporters who  had been found guilty of participating in the unrest following the June 2009 presidential election.

 

Armenia: Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian said Turkey's involvement in settling the conflict over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh is not welcome, and that Russia’s involvement is preferred.

 

Turkey: A group of experts from State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) travels to Turkey to prepare for an Azerbaijani-Turkish gas agreement ready to sign by the time Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev visits Turkey on June 7.

 

Turkey: Turkey's top court will decide whether to hear an appeal by the opposition to stop government plans for constitutional change from going to a referendum in September.

 

Turkey: International Istanbul Music Festival

 

Oman: Authorities evacuate the off shore island of Masirah as Tropical cyclone Phet barrells toward the coast of the Gulf Arab state of Oman, strengthening quickly on its way to becoming a powerful category five storm.

 

Jordan: Jordanian Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communication Nabil Sharif said the Jordan Hashimite Charity Organization will send an aid convoy carrying food and medical supplies to the Gaza Strip

 

Gaza: Stratfor reports a Turkish patrol ship is circling the area near the Gaza coast, but is not entering territorial waters. However, there is no sign of readiness on the part of the Turkish navy to provide escorts to aid ships making their way to the Gaza coast.

 

Gaza: The humanitarian aid ship MV Rachel Corrie is still making its way to Gaza. It's unclear when the ship will reach its destination. The ship has a total of 19 people on board - six Malaysians, five Irish (including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mairead Maguire) and eight crew members.

 

Egypt: The Muslim Brotherhood will support an effort by Mohamed ElBaradei to reform Egyptian politics, according to Mohamed Saad el-Katatni, who said the Muslim Brotherhood would help ElBaradei get signatures on a petition to amend the constitution and emergency law in Egypt.

 

“Southern Sudan”: Nine people were killed in clashes between the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) and tribesmen in Unity state. The clashes occurred in the Mayom district between the SPLA and fighters loyal to Galwak Gai.

 

Ukraine: President Viktor Yanukovich gives state of nation speech (now 100 days in office)

 

Cyprus: Cypriot President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu hold latest meeting in reunification talks. Also, huge secrurity measure as Cyprus prepares for a visit by Pope Benedict  

 

Greece: Greek Chapter of the "Gaza Freedom Movement" which organized the "freedom flotilla" stage protest rally against Israel.

 

Greece: Public transport workers go on 24 hour strike over government economic austerity measures which affect pensions and income.

 

Germany: There are plans to discuss reducing Germany's budget deficit at a government meeting from June 6-7 by reducing the size of the army.

 

EU: European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso warned Portugal it must bring down its deficit and said the 750 billion euro fund set up by the European Union and International Monetary Fund was created as a preventative measure

 

UK: British Prime Minister David Cameron called the raid on the Gaza-bound aid flotilla "completely unacceptable" and said Israel should end its blockade of the Gaza Strip, as the blockade strengthens Hamas' influence there

 

Spain: Secretive annual conference meets in Sitges, Spain. World's top industrialists, European royalty and politicians gather, as they have for more than half a century, to, it is alleged, discuss international policy behind closed doors and away from the world's media.

 

US: Israel's right to self-defense justifies an Israeli raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla, House of Representatives Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said. Hoyer also said the Obama administration and Congress will try to prevent any condemnation of Israel by the U.N. Security Council.

Canada: Appeal hearing is held in the case of the Bil'in village in the West Bank who are trying to hold Canadian companies accountable for building settlements on their land. The villagers of Bil’in launched a lawsuit against two companies registered in Quebec - Green Mount International and Green Park

Posted via email from luay's posterous

Thursday 3rd June - What's Happening

Japan: Following up on Japan's political future after Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama resigns. Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) demanding a general election be called

Taiwan: Tests new missile, designed to hit targets up to 2,000 kilometers away, from Chiupeng, a base in southern Taiwan.

Myanmar: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao pays official visit to Myanmar, the highest ranking Chinese official to visit the country since then-President Jiang Zemin in 2001.

India: Hillary Clinton and Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna chair the opening day of the first U.S-India Strategic Dialogue (NB India’s government is committed to moving forward with a civil nuclear cooperation accord with the United States)

India: Russia will transfer its Nerpa nuclear-powered attack submarine for a 10-year lease to India later this year

Pakistan: Governor of the State Bank Of Pakistan Salim Raza resigned “for personal reasons”

Russia: Volunteer Cosmonauts go into the 'container' to start their 500 days training, simulating time on a trip to Mars at the Institute of Biomedical Research.

Afghanistan: Afghanistan holds second day of Jirga to discuss ways to end a nine-year war now in its deadliest phase.

Kyrgyzstan: Uzbekistan has begun to withdraw its armored personnel carriers and military vehicles from the Uzbek enclave of Sox, Kyrgyzstan, AKIpress reported.

Iran: Follow up on the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) new major plan for converting 45 billion of its euro reserves into dollar and gold ingots, Press TV

Iran: Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will give a speech at Ayatollah Khomeini shrine to mark the 21st anniversary of the death of the leader of the Islamic revaluation.

Iran: Iran officially denied a claim in the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) report on Iran that important nuclear equipment was missing from a Tehran facility, Iranian ambassador to the IAEA Ali Asghar Soltanieh said

Iran: Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei pardoned 81 jailed opposition supporters who  had been found guilty of participating in the unrest following the June 2009 presidential election.

Armenia: Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian said Turkey's involvement in settling the conflict over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh is not welcome, and that Russia’s involvement is preferred.

Turkey: A group of experts from State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) travels to Turkey to prepare for an Azerbaijani-Turkish gas agreement ready to sign by the time Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev visits Turkey on June 7.

Turkey: Turkey's top court will decide whether to hear an appeal by the opposition to stop government plans for constitutional change from going to a referendum in September.

Turkey: International Istanbul Music Festival

Oman: Authorities evacuate the off shore island of Masirah as Tropical cyclone Phet barrells toward the coast of the Gulf Arab state of Oman, strengthening quickly on its way to becoming a powerful category five storm.

Jordan: Jordanian Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communication Nabil Sharif said the Jordan Hashimite Charity Organization will send an aid convoy carrying food and medical supplies to the Gaza Strip

Gaza: Stratfor reports a Turkish patrol ship is circling the area near the Gaza coast, but is not entering territorial waters. However, there is no sign of readiness on the part of the Turkish navy to provide escorts to aid ships making their way to the Gaza coast.

Gaza: The humanitarian aid ship MV Rachel Corrie is still making its way to Gaza. It's unclear when the ship will reach its destination. The ship has a total of 19 people on board - six Malaysians, five Irish (including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mairead Maguire) and eight crew members.

Egypt: The Muslim Brotherhood will support an effort by Mohamed ElBaradei to reform Egyptian politics, according to Mohamed Saad el-Katatni, who said the Muslim Brotherhood would help ElBaradei get signatures on a petition to amend the constitution and emergency law in Egypt.

“Southern Sudan”: Nine people were killed in clashes between the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) and tribesmen in Unity state. The clashes occurred in the Mayom district between the SPLA and fighters loyal to Galwak Gai.

Ukraine: President Viktor Yanukovich gives state of nation speech (now 100 days in office)

Cyprus: Cypriot President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu hold latest meeting in reunification talks. Also, huge secrurity measure as Cyprus prepares for a visit by Pope Benedict

Greece: Greek Chapter of the "Gaza Freedom Movement" which organized the "freedom flotilla" stage protest rally against Israel.

Greece: Public transport workers go on 24 hour strike over government economic austerity measures which affect pensions and income.

Germany: There are plans to discuss reducing Germany's budget deficit at a government meeting from June 6-7 by reducing the size of the army.

EU: European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso warned Portugal it must bring down its deficit and said the 750 billion euro fund set up by the European Union and International Monetary Fund was created as a preventative measure

UK: British Prime Minister David Cameron called the raid on the Gaza-bound aid flotilla "completely unacceptable" and said Israel should end its blockade of the Gaza Strip, as the blockade strengthens Hamas' influence there

Spain: Secretive annual conference meets in Sitges, Spain. World's top industrialists, European royalty and politicians gather, as they have for more than half a century, to, it is alleged, discuss international policy behind closed doors and away from the world's media.

US: Israel's right to self-defense justifies an Israeli raid on a Gaza-bound flotilla, House of Representatives Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said. Hoyer also said the Obama administration and Congress will try to prevent any condemnation of Israel by the U.N. Security Council.

Canada: Appeal hearing is held in the case of the Bil'in village in the West Bank who are trying to hold Canadian companies accountable for building settlements on their land. The villagers of Bil’in launched a lawsuit against two companies registered in Quebec - Green Mount International and Green Park

---

Notice: This email is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above and may contain information that is confidential and privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this email is strictly prohibited. Opinions, conclusions and other information in this message that do not relate to the official business of our firm shall be understood as neither given nor endorsed by it.

Posted via email from luay's posterous