What's Happening Today - Tuesday 1 February

Australia:

World's largest short film festival takes place in Australia

Japan:

Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda and Economics minister Kaoru Yosano Holds News Conference.

China:

US Ambassador to China Jon Huntsman resigns effective April 30.

Cambodia:

Verdict expected in case of seven Thai nationalist activists arrested on 29 December on charges of illegal entry, including Democrat MP Panich Vikitsreth 

South Korea:

Resumption of suspended talks between Red Cross officials from South and North in town of Munsan south of demilitarized zone (North Korean news agency KCNA)

Pakistan: 

Anti-terror court indicts Malik Mumtaz Qadri for assassinating Punjab Governor Salman Taseer in early January 

India: 

Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav continues visit for talks with counterpart Pratibha Patil, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh; Nepalese Maj-Gen Daman Bahadur Ghale also visits to meet Chief of Army Staff General V. K. Singh (-5) 

Russia: 

Monument to late first Russian President Boris Yeltsin unveiled in his home city of Yekaterinburg; President Dmitriy Medvedev expected to attend; Communists to protest

Russia:

OSCE chairman visits Moscow  to discuss with the Russian authorities the follow-up to the Astana OSCE summit and the chairmanship’s priorities, including protracted conflicts, transnational threats, energy security, media freedom and ways to strengthen OSCE. [Arrives at Domodedovo airport!]

Kyrgyzstan: 

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan visits for talks on trade, investment; first day of two 

Kyrgyzstan: 

Armed forces continue command-and-staff anti-terror exercises (- 12) 

Iran: 

Anniversary of return of Ayatollah Khomeyni in 1979; beginning of Ten Days of Dawn celebrations marking victory of Iranian revolution (11)

Iran: 

Majlis (parliament) discusses motion to impeach Road and Transport Minister Hamid Behbahani over recent plane crash, increase in number of road accidents

Iran:

Weekly briefing of the Iranian Foreign Ministry takes place

Turkey: 

Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd wraps up visit after meeting counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu 

Israel: 

German Chancellor Angela Merkel visit to attend bilateral government consultations 

Egypt: 

Watching continuing protests; opposition called for "million-man march" to be held today 

Egypt:

Following as Noor Group, Egypt's last working Internet service provider, is shut down, as the country went completely offline. [Is this first ever country to shut all internet activity deliberately and completely?] 

Sudan: 

Watching developments after anti-government protests in Khartoum continued for second day yesterday 

Ukraine: 

Businessmen hold nationwide protest against governments economic policies, particularly new Tax Code

Bosnia:

12 leaders of parties of Bosnia and Herzegovina meet to discuss alliances to meet in Saarajevo. The parties are expected to determine alliances giving them the necessary majority for general and entity voting.  This comes after a similar meeting held in mid January 2011 ended with no breakthroughs. Elections were held in early October 2010.

Switzerland:

New law on assets claimed by Haiti takes effect in Switzerland. It will return assets which the Swiss government regards as being obtained unlawfully. Funds worth some 5.4 billion euros that the deposed dictator Jean-Claude 'Baby Doc' Duvalier took out of the country are expected to be return to Haiti. [Will law affect Tunisian ex-president Zain al-Abideen?]

Germany:

Hearing takes place in Germany in new case of asylum seeker who burned to death at police station

EU: 

New Tunisian Foreign Minister Ahmed Ounais visits Brussels to meet High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton

Belgium:

European Parliament foreign affairs committee meets in Brussels

Belgium:

Foreign minister of Cyprus visits European Commission. Markos Kyprianou,  due to meet the president, José Manuel Barroso

France:

French National Assembly meets in Paris to discuss the impact of Nato strategy on the French armed forces.

UK:

US Central Command Commander Gen James Mattis delivers first major address at Policy Exchange thinktank (1800).

Ireland:

Irish parliament dissolved ahead of election

Canada: 

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Shaykh Hasina visits

US:

Human Rights Watch releases report on Guinea, outlines a human rights agenda for the new government to sustain the positive momentum of reform, a year after the stadium massacre by security forces that left hundreds dead.

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My Press Review - Tuesday 1 February

State TV in Egypt Offers Murky Window Into Power Shift

Viewers state television in Egypt did not see people fleeing the country or the hundreds of thousands of protesters, including one holding up a sign saying, “No to the lying Egyptian media.”

 

As ElBaradei Rises, U.S. Works to Size Him Up

As the opposition coalesces around Mohamed ElBaradei, the Obama administration is trying to figure out whether he is someone with whom the United States can deal.

 

Google launches Twitter workaround for Egypt

Google Inc launched a special service to allow people in Egypt to send Twitter messages by dialing a phone number and leaving a voicemail, as Internet access remains cut off in the country amid anti-government protests.

 

Old tech aids Egyptian protests

Fax machines, ham radio and dial-up modems are helping people get around the net block imposed on Egypt.

 

Why Tunisia's winds of change aren't blowing south to sub-Saharan Africa

The winds of change that swept aside Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali have swiftly blown east to test the long-serving leaders of Egypt, Yemen, and Jordan.

 

Haiti to give Aristide passport

Officials in Haiti say they are ready to issue ex-president Jean-Bertrand Aristide with a diplomatic passport, paving the way for his possible return to the Caribbean nation

 

Pakistani Nuclear Arms Pose Challenge to U.S. Policy

Some American officials and experts say that the steady growth in Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal is more than it needs to deter its regional rival, India.

 

WikiLeaks shows UK briefed Libya on Lockerbie

Middle East Minister Bill Rammell advises his Libyan counterpart in letter "outlining the procedure for obtaining compassionate release."

 

Federal Judge Rules Health Reform Unconstitutional

A second federal judge has declared that the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate is unconstitutional.

 

Turks to stage protest against racist attacks in France

A rally to be held in Strasbourg on Wednesday will protest growing racist attacks against immigrants, including ethnic Turks living in France.

 

Albania opposition to hold new protest

Albanian opposition parties say they will hold a new protest rally on Friday, ignoring international pressure for compromise in the wake of deadly anti-government demonstrations in the country's capital.

 

Paraguay recognizes 'Palestine' with pre-1967 borders

Move adds to number of S. American countries who have recognized Palestinian statehood; comes ahead of summit with Arab leaders in Peru.

 

US hospital finds unknown remains

A mental hospital in the US state of Oregon is trying to identify the cremated remains of 3,500 patients which were hidden in a storage room for decade

 

Hundreds of Russians protest against Putin

About 500 people demonstrated in a central Moscow square Monday to demand the ouster of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and his "rule of thieves

 

Greece Tries to Shut a Back Door to Europe

Immigrants are coming through the border with Turkey at a time when Greece can least afford to be hospitable.

 

Plan to extend Kazakh leader's rule denied

Kazakhstan's constitutional council on Monday rejected a referendum to extend President Nursultan Nazarbayev's rule until 2020, meaning the leader of Central Asia's largest economy is likely to stand for election in 2012.

 

Huckabee evokes right of Jews to live in all of Israel

Possible future US presidential candidate makes statement at cornerstone ceremony in east Jerusalem.

 

Egypt’s Economy Is Near Paralysis

The economy approached paralysis as foreign commerce, tourism and banking all but halted, placing acute pressure on President Hosni Mubarak to find a way out of the chaos.

 

As South Sudan clears another milestone for independence, its capital booms

South Sudan's capital, Juba, is exploding with new construction, incoming foreign residents and new embassies.

 

Japan: Nissan suspends production in Egypt due to rising protests

Japan's second-biggest automaker Nissan Motor Co. said Monday it decided to suspend its production in Egypt

Kabul Bank losses spark fears of huge Afghan corruption and financial crisis

Losses at Afghanistan's largest bank due to a spree of bad loans to government cronies could be three times higher than originally feared and finally total £580 million.

Al Jazeera bids for Cine 5 TV channel

Al Jazeera Turk on Monday placed a $21 million bid in a tender for the sale of a national TV station, which had been seized by Turkey’s savings deposit insurance fund.

Rice planting slumps as US farmers seek higher profits

Growers abandon the crop as prices advance for soybeans and corn

 

Boosting economic ties - France invests $ 1.3 billion in Jordan

Jordanian and French businessmen on Monday met to discuss means of boosting bilateral economic and trade ties and expanding

 

Floating fortress

The runway in the sea that supports troops in Afghanistan

 

Sea change

Can a new public awareness save Taiwan's endangered species?

 

4 mln women still illiterate in Turkey, report finds

A recent report prepared by the General Directorate of Women’s Status (KSSGM) has revealed that nearly 4 million women in Turkey cannot read or write despite recent initiatives to fight illiteracy among women.

 

Offenders 'to do manual labour'

A new law comes into force across Scotland which means low-level criminals can be ordered to do manual labour instead of spending time in jail.

 

Hologram hosts land at Luton airport

London Luton Airport has become the first airport in the world to introduce holographic announcers

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What's Happening Today - Monday 31 January

Japan:

Lawyer of Thai former Thai Thaksin Shinawatra holds press conference on human rights abuses

Myanmar: 

New parliament holds first session, three months after military-ruled nation's first elections in 20 years 

India: 

Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav continues visit for talks with counterpart Pratibha Patil, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. High-level team of Nepal Army (NA) continues week-long visit to study the administrative, training and welfare activities of the Indian military (- 5 Feb)

India: 

Deadline for BlackBerry phone maker Research In Motion (RIM) to allow security agencies to access their encrypted data

India: 

British officials visit to discuss proposals for permanent Indian seat on UN Security Council 

Pakistan:

Confessed killer of Punjab provincial governor scheduled to appear in court to be formally charged.

Russia: 

Monthly opposition demonstration held in Moscow in defence of Article 31 of constitution guaranteeing freedom of assembly; organizers say they will march on Kremlin this time 

Kyrgyzstan: 

Armed forces hold command-and-staff anti-terror exercises (- 12 Feb) 

Turkey: 

Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd continues visit for talks with counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu 

Israel:

German Chancellor Angela Merkel meets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel:

Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee hosts military chief of staff Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi for farewell session. Closed, possible briefing afterward. 1130.

Israel:

INSS think tank conference on Israeli security with Deputy Israeli Prime Minister and Minister of Intelligence and Atomic Energy Dan Meridor, Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fischer and others. 1830.

Israel:

Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee meets with Israeli parliament's Immigrant Absorption Committee. 1100.

Egypt: 

Watching developments after opposition figure Mohammed ElBaradei addressed crowd in central Cairo on fifth day of anti-government protests; authorities have reportedly ordered police to return to the streets

Egypt:

Members of Egypt's pro-democracy April 6 movement called on Egyptians to maintain a general strike that would last until the demands of the people are met

Ethiopia: 

African Union heads of state conclude summit in Addis Abeba; French President Nicolas Sarkozy attends; Kenya likely to bring up issue of withdrawal from International Criminal Court after it accused six prominent Kenyans of being behind violence that followed December 2007 election; more than 34 heads of state and government expected to attend summit 

Niger: 

Presidential election, first round, postponed from 3 January; second round scheduled for 12 March, if required; also, parliamentary elections 

Nigeria: 

Trial resumes in Abuja of Iranian national Azim Aqajani, charged with illicit arms imports after shipment was intercepted in October 2010 

Finland:

Prime Minister Mari Kiviniemi to speak at a Nordic conference on sustainable development 

Switzerland:

WTO holds Afghanistan membership negotiations

Bosnia Hercegovina:

Political leaders meet to discuss the formation of central government (1000).

Holland:

Trial of Bosnian Serb military commander Zdravko Tolimir continues at Hague war crimes court

Belgium:

EU Foreign Affairs Council.

Belgium:

Serbian delegation meets EU enlargement commissioner in Brussels

UK:

Iraq Inquiry holds hearings session with FCO officials

Canada:

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina continues visit

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My Press Review - Monday 31 January

Oman uncovers UAE 'spy ring'

Omani authorities say they have uncovered a spy network working for the United Arab Emirates, though the UAE denies any knowledge of it.

 

 

More than 99 percent in Southern Sudan opt for secession

Southern Sudan’s referendum commission said on Sunday that more than 99 percent of voters in the south opted to secede from the country’s north in a vote held earlier this month.

 

 

Landslide vote in favour of secession rocks Khartoum

The reality of two Sudans was hammered home yesterday as southerners celebrated a near total vote for secession, while riot police battled protesters in Khartoum demanding that the northern government resign.

 

 

The One Person Who May Know What Egypt's Generals Will Do

TIME.com's intelligence columnist weighs the situation in Egypt -- and why it may be futile trying to figure out what the country's military will do next

 

 

ElBaradei urges U.S. to abandon Mubarak

Egyptian opposition figure Mohamed ElBaradei put pressure on the United States on Sunday to support calls for President Hosni Mubarak to step down, saying "life support to the dictator" must end.

 

 

Islamist leader Rachid Ghannouchi returns to Tunisia. What's his next move?

Moderate Islamist leader Rachid Ghannouchi returned to Tunisia from exile Sunday, insisting that he's a democratic Islamist leader and that he will not run for office.

 

Germany – the new mini-superpower

As its economic clout rises, Germany sheds its postwar identity, becoming more assertive in Europe and the world.

Cyprus recognizes 1967 Palestinian state

Cyprus President Christofias sent a letter to Mahmoud Abbas recognizing a Palestinian state with e. J'lem as capital.

 

 

Turkey cites prejudice in delay of bid to join EU

Turkey will press ahead with its bid to join the European Union despite frustrations with delays it sees in part as a byproduct of anti-Muslim prejudice, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's chief adviser told The Washington Times.

 

 

Bangladeshi city buys off its beggars

Officials in Bangladesh's city of Chittagong say they will pay beggars a daily wage to keep them off the streets during next month's Cricket World Cup.

 

Salehi approved as Iran's new FM

Iran's parliament on Sunday narrowly approved President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's choice of Ali Akbar Salehi as foreign minister after his predecessor was abruptly sacked during an official visit to Africa last year.

 

Khmer Rouge leaders due in court

Two of the most senior surviving leaders of the Khmer Rouge will appear in court in Cambodia on Monday to request release from pre-trial detention.

 

Flag row mars Davutoğlu’s visit to Serb region of Bosnia

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu had talks with Bosnian Serb officials during a key visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Serb region to back Bosnia’s unity and stability, but a row over which flags should decorate the meeting venues has highlighted difficulties standing in the way of political reconciliation in the Balkan country.

 

Political Crisis Starts to Be Felt Economically

Shortages of fuel, rising prices for food and a slowdown of many kinds of businesses are increasing the sense of crisis.

 

Losses at Afghan Bank Could Be $900 Million

Fraud and mismanagement have resulted in enormous losses, heightening concerns about wider repercussions.

 

Inflation in China May Limit U.S. Trade Deficit

Inflation is starting to slow China’s export machine as buyers from Western companies balk at higher prices.

 

Talks on Greek debt as IMF flies in

Plans to buy back Greek debt at a discount 'seriously considered'

 

Oman Implements $ 290 Million Water Projects in al Batinah Region

 

Big banks to unveil £24 billion profits

Four of the UK's biggest banks are set to unveil profits of more than £24 billion in what will be taken as the clearest sign to date that the banking sector is back on track after the global financial crisis.

 

Sarkozy sparks row with plan to teach nursery children English

Nicolas Sarkozy has announced a plan to teach English to French three-year olds, sparking howls of protest among linguistic purists.

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My Press Review - Sunday 30 January

Locals in Sharm-el-Sheikh convinced Mubarak is holed up there
Workers in the resort of Sharm-el-Sheikh are convinced Hosni Mubarak is holed up in his winter residence after fleeing rioters in Cairo.

 

Anonymous Internet Users Team Up To Provide Communication Tools For Egyptian People
"Internet not working, police cars burning," sent out one Egyptian. "Today marks a great day for Egypt," sent out another. These messages weren't coming from mobile phones or computers, but from an amateur radio sending out Morse Code somewhere amidst the chaos in Egypt.

Tunisian asks for Canada asylum
The Canadian government says Belhassen Trabelsi, the brother-in-law of former Tunisian President Ben Ali, has requested refugee status in Canada.

Lawlessness on Egypt streets, Mubarak clings on
Looted stores, burned out cars and the stench of blazing tires filled the streets of Cairo early on Sunday as President Hosni Mubarak sought to bargain with angry crowds and security forces struggled to contain looters.

Army protecting Egypt protesters from police (video)
If the Egypt protesters succeed in driving Hosni Mubarak from power, moments like this will be remembered as crucial.

Factbox: Omar Suleiman, new Egyptian vice-president
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, who has not had a vice-president since he took office in 1981, appointed his intelligence chief and confidant Omar Suleiman to the post on Saturday, the official news agency said.

Israel watches Egypt uprising with fear
Behind an official wall of silence, Israel watched nervously Saturday as anti-government unrest worsened in Egypt, fearful that the violent and growing street protests could topple Israel's most important ally in the Arab world. 

Destination Moscow
Why Norway deported its 'Norwegian of the year'

Egyptian Protests Extend to New York
Several hundred people gathered near the United Nations for a demonstration in support of the recent antigovernment protesters in Egypt.

Sunday Talk at Davos Forum
"Our confidence in the Doha Round needs to be practical too. We should all work on this, do not point fingers at each other, we need to cooperate. China will do its utmost." 

Arab Executives Predict Regime Change in Egypt
The consensus among the Arab elite at the World Economic Forum was that the protests in Egypt would end the nation’s near monarchical regime.

Egypt crackdown shows how easily Internet can be silenced
The move by Egyptian authorities to seal off the country almost entirely from the Internet shows how easily a state can isolate its people when telecoms providers are few and compliant.

Ireland's Fine Gael has big poll lead, Martin a hit
Ireland's main opposition party Fine Gael maintained a strong lead over its nearest rival Labour, the first poll taken since the government agreed to bring forward parliamentary elections showed on Saturday.

 

Spectre of currency war rears its head at Davos

A fight is looming between rich and poor countries over the value of the dollar and other key currencies, as governments use monetary tricks to boost their national recovery at the expense of other nations, political and business leaders warned today.

Greece won’t buy arms this year, save cash
Greece will not conclude any major arms deals this year despite ongoing talks with France and Russia as it seeks to save cash to fight its debt crisis

Credit card debt and unpaid mortgages delay retirement
Retiring in comfort is the dream for most of us, but one that is more difficult to reach, with one in five those approaching retirement this year with an average debt of £33,100, according to new research.

Mugabe 'helped by diamond industry'
Zimbabwe's dictator Robert Mugabe is helping to prop up his power base with cash from Chiadzwa diamond auctions

Court case reveals 'AK-47 conspiracy'
US court papers allege that three directors of UK firms tried to break embargo by selling thousands of Chinese assault rifle parts. The shadowy world of Britain's arms dealers has been thrust into the spotlight after the directors of two companies based in York and Kent were charged with conspiring to illegally export to the US hundreds of thousands of rounds of ammunition for AK-47 assault rifles in breach of an American embargo

Afghans Plan to Stop Recruiting Children as Police
An effort to expand the national police force has had the unintended consequence of drawing many under-age boys into service.

Switzerland ponders fate of its aging fortresses
The mountain didn't look quite right. Up close, its rock face was the giveaway, with its fading makeup of camouflage paint that seemed not to have been retouched since the cold war. The guard seemed out of place, too, standing sentry over a quiet clearing near this Swiss ski resort better known for its free-range billionaires.

Sir Elton John, his wealthy neighbours and the fight to keep gipsies out of their village
The wealthy residents of the quiet village of Old Windsor in the grounds of Windsor Castle are up in arms over plans to open a gipsy and traveller camp near their homes

Is the rise of social media killing off the critic?
A refusal to heed the advice of highbrow cultural critics is nothing new. But when the public can quickly share their own - different - views on Twitter, Facebook, myDigg and other social media, is criticism dead?

World's youngest ever women's chess champion: 'I'm just a normal teenager'
Hou Yifan, the 16-year-old chess prodigy, tells Peter Foster about training, travelling - and Oliver Twist.

First free schools given go-ahead
David Cameron rejects concerns of teaching unions, as education secretary says school could be set up at his HQ

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What's Happening Today - Sunday 30 January

India: 

Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav on "goodwill visit" for talks with counterpart Pratibha Patil, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (-5 Feb) 

Kazakhstan:

Kyrgyz President Roza Otunbayeva makes working visit for talks with counterpart Nursultan Nazarbayev on socio-economic issues, prospects for cooperation

Kazakhstan:

Winter Asian Games begin with opening ceremony

Kyrgyzstan: 

Armed forces continue command-and-staff anti-terror exercises (-12 Feb)

Iran:

Majlis holds hearing to confirm acting Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi in his post; President Mahmud Ahmadinezhad attends 

Turkey: 

Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd starts visit for formal talks; meets Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu 

Syria:

US senator John Kerry in Syria.

Jordan:

Jordan's military court hears state witnesses in the trial of the Palestinian-born “mentor” of slain al-Qaida in Iraq leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and three others on charges of recruiting militants in Jordan to join a "terrorist organization" identified as the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Israel:

Weekly Israeli Cabinet session. Prime Minister's statement at opening.

Israel:

6th Ilan Ramon International Space Conference.

Egypt: 

Watching developments after President Hosni Mubarak appointed his first ever deputy and started to form new cabinet amid continuing antigovernment street protests 

Egypt:

Egypt's opposition parties will meet to discuss their ideas for Egypt's future

Egypt:

Following as 6000 prisoners said to have escaped the Abu Zaabel prison

Sudan: 

Preliminary referendum results expected to be announced; final results expected on 14 February 

Tunisia: 

Rached Ghannouchi, leader of banned Islamist movement Ennahdha, expected to return home from London after more than 20 years in exile 

Ethiopia: 

African Union heads of state hold 16th summit in Addis Ababa; expected to discuss political crises in Egypt, Tunisia, Somalia, Ivory Coast; Kenya likely to bring up issue of withdrawal from International Criminal Court after it accused six prominent Kenyans of being behind violence that followed December 2007 election; French President Nicolas Sarkozy also attends (-31) 

Switzerland: 

World Economic Forum in Davos concludes 

Haiti: 

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visits for talks with President Rene Preval on disputed first round of presidential election, cholera epidemic, post-quake reconstruction 

UN:

World Leprosy Day is marked

Canada: 

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina starts visit (-5) 

US:

Defence Department submits an; annual report to Congress on the threat posed to the United States by weapons of mass destruction, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles.

US:

Human Rights Watch publishes report on torture in Egypt

Mexico:

Pacific coast state of Guerrero holds gubernatorial elections, featuring two cousins running against each other.

Argentina:

Brazilian president arrives for talks with counterpart in Buenos Aires

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What's Happening Today - Thursday 27 January

Tonga:

Lord Tu'ilakepa, the former speaker of the Tonga Legislative Assembly, is to appear at the Fasi Magistrates' Court on charges relating to illegal firearms, illegal ammunition and illicit drugs.

China:

Geoffrey Ma Tao-li, the Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, wraps up talks with Beijing judiciary

South Korea:

Officials in Seoul to decide whether captured Somali pirates should be taken back to Seoul when the Samho Jewellery arrives at the Omani port of Muscat. 

Vietnam:

State power utility EVN to open its emergency reservoirs to supply 2.72 billion cubic meters of water to irrigate rice fields as water levels in the Northern region dip drastically. [30% down on this time last year – sluice gates at three reservoirs - Hoa Binh, Thac Ba, and Tuyen Quang to be opened gradually]

Mongolia:

Five-day Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum annual meeting concludes

India:

Nepalese President Dr Ram Baran Yadav is all set to embark on visit to India 

Kyrgyzstan:

The prime minister and Cabinet members will be sworn in in front of President Roza Otunbayeva at a parliament session 

Kyrgyzstan: 

Armed forces hold command-and-staff anti-terror exercises (-12 Feb) 

Turkey:

2011 Winter Universiade or World Student Games (to Feb. 6).

Syria: 

Postponed Visit by French National Assembly (lower house) speaker Bernard Accoyer delayed indefinitely due to volatility in the region, particularly in Lebanon 

Jordan:

King to deliver political speech about the internal affairs and economic and political challenges facing the country

Egypt: 

Watching developments after police clashed with protesters in Cairo and Suez for second day yesterday; opposition leader Muhammad al-Baradai expected to arrive in Egypt today 

Sudan: 

President Umar al-Bashir hosts meeting on contested oil-rich region of Abyei following referendum on South Sudan's independence 

Tunisia: 

Reshuffle of interim government expected in bid to end continuing protests

Tunisia: 

Teachers go on strike calling for dissolution of interim government 

Morocco:

Doha Aboutabit and her French husband, Khalid Etefia, go on trial accused of helping Aboutabit's brother to go to Iraq to "commit acts of terrorism"

Morocco: 

Four trade unions go on strike, hold protest outside Ministry of Modernisation of Public Sector against "unfair decrees"

Ethiopia:

18th Session of the African Union Executive Council (to Jan. 28).

Kenya: 

Visit by Christian Wenaweser, president of Assembly of Rome Statute states, which set up International Criminal Court; follows controversy which erupted after ICC accused six prominent Kenyans of being behind violence that followed December 2007 election; first day of two

Nigeria:

Trial of Charles Okah and others accused of terrorist offences begins in Abuja

Nigeria:

Trial begins for Charles Okah and others accused in October 1 dual car bombing that killed at least 12 people in Nigeria's capital.

Nigeria:

International summit on climate change and food security in Nigeria, organized by the Agriculture Graduates Association of Nigeria (AGAN) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment.

Belarus: 

Parliament approves cabinet nominated by President Alyaksandr Lukashenka following re-election in December 

Austria: 

European Gas Conference continues in Vienna (-28); supporters of rival major European pipeline projects including Nabucco, South Stream and White Stream taking part 

Austria:

Tentative: Next court hearing in extradition of Croatian former PM Ivo Sanader takes place in Vienna

Hungary:

Demonstration against new media law takes place in Hungary; rallies expected in Budapest, Szeged, Pecs, Gyula [the law in question creates powers to monitor and fine the media. It creates the National Media and Communications Authority to keep watch on private and public media outlets]

Germany:

Trial of RAF terrorist Verena Becker over murder of federal prosecutor Siegfried Buback in 1977 resumes in Stuttgart

Switzerland:

Second Day of World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2011.
    
Belgium:

Turkish EU affairs minister visits European Commission in Brussels

Belgium: 

Russia-NATO Council meets in Brussels at level of chiefs of general staff and envoys (-29) 

Belgium: 

Ukrainian Chief of General Staff Hryhoriy Pedchenko takes part in NATO Military Committee meeting, agenda includes missions to Kosovo, Afghanistan; last day of two 

Belgium: 

Kazakh Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev visits Brussels for talks with EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Catherine Ashton on bilateral, multilateral cooperation and regional issues

France:

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso meets French Defence minister Alain Juppe (0930)

UK: 

The Iraq Inquiry into the Iraq war is scheduled to continue with its hearings in the QEII conference centre. Witness for today will be at 14:00 Admiral The Lord Boyce, Chief of the Defence Staff, 2001 to 2003.

UK: 

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visits (-29) 

Cuba:

University students will hold the annual "March of Torches" at the steps of the University of Havana 

UN:

UN mediator in the name talks between Macedonia and Greece, Matthew Nimetz, will meet with countries' representatives - Zoran Jolevski and Adamantios Vassilakis 

US: 

Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Karti visits for talks with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, National Security Adviser Tom Donilon; final day

US: 

Economic Council of West African States (ECOWAS) delegation led by Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma meets UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon; Cote d'Ivoire post-election crisis expected to be discussed

US:

President Barack Obama meets with his national security team for his monthly meeting on Afghanistan and Pakistan in the White House Situation Room

US:

Barack Obama gives press conference and answers questions from the public via YouTube (Questions can be submitted at YouTube.com/askobama or by using the hashtag #askobama on Twitter)

US:

US Senate homeland security committee debates Fort Hood attack in Washington

Ecuador:

Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez meets Ecuador's Rafael Correa at the Ecuador-Venezuela Presidential Meeting to discuss bilateral projects.

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My Press Review - Thursday 27 January

Posted via email from luay's posterous

What's Happening Today - Wednesday 26 January

South Korea:

US Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg visit Seoul as part of his Asian tour following the recent summit between China and the United States

Mongolia: 

Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum annual meeting continues (-27); delegates from 28 countries discuss environmental sustainability, terrorism, natural disasters, financial crises, regional collaboration, energy security, climate change 

India:

Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) youth wing has announced plans to hoist an Indian flag in Srinagar on Republic Day, an act that could once again spark rebellion in the restive region.

India:

India marks its Republic Day with a gala military parade celebration showcasing some of its latest weapons. Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is expected to be the chief guest at this year's parade.

Nepal:

Deadline set by President Dr Ram Baran Yadav to form a consensus government 

Pakistan: 

Regional all-party conference held at Chief Minister House in Karachi to discuss security situation 

Afghanistan:

President Hamid Karzai to inaugurate parliament.

Russia:

Federation Council of Russia votes on New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty

Kazakhstan:

Kazakh Foreign Minister Kanat Saydabayev wraps up visit to US

Turkey: 

Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia holds "senior officials' committee meeting" in Istanbul; second and final day 

Turkey:

US Assistant Secretary of State Jose Fernandez addresses business group Tuskon and holds news conference.

Turkey:

Lord Mayor of London Michael Bear visits Turkey (to Jan 28).

Kuwait: 

Yemeni Foreign Minister Abu-Bakr Abdallah al-Qirbi visits to co-chair meeting of joint ministerial committee with counterpart Muhammad Sabah al-Salim al-Sabah; third and final day 

Syria:

Foreign Ministers of Syria, Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan expected to meet.

Lebanon: 

Watching developments after Hezbollah-backed Najib Miqati was appointed prime minister-designate yesterday, amid violent protests by thousands of people across the country

Egypt: 

Watching situation after protests yesterday left three dead including policeman 

Sudan: 

TENTATIVE Results may be announced following 9-15 January referendum on South Sudan independence; other reports named 31 January as possible date

Sudan:

Al-Sadiq al-Mahdi, leader of the Sudanese opposition Ummah Party, gave the ruling party until 26 January to fulfil the opposition's extensive list of conditions, threatening to join whoever desires the removal of the government [ Al-Mahdi met with Bashir on 22nd -  but not clear whether deadline remains]

Somalia:

Twentieth anniversary of ousting of President Muhammad Siyad Barreh by insurgents; the country has not had an effective national government since then

South Africa:

Trial of man charged with assault after spilling his drink on President Jacob Zuma at horse race to be held.

Nigeria:

Peoples Mandate Party (PMP) asks Court of Appeal in Abuja to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from conducting the election pending the determination of a petition filed by the party candidates challenging the outcome of the 2007 presidential contest.

Nigeria: 

Deputy to Commander of US Africa Command (AFRICOM) J. Anthony Holmes continues visit to meet military, security officials 

Ghana: 

Protesters rally against recent fuel price hike; demonstration organized by Alliance for Accountable Governance 

Albania: 

EU envoy Miroslav Lajcak visits for talks aimed at calming situation following violent protests on 21 Janaury; meets President Bamir Topi, first

Albania:

Postponed: Pro-government rally "against violence" was to have been held in Tirana after violent protests on 21 January left three people dead; postponed to 29 January after pressure from diplomatic corps, but Prime Minister Sali Berisha has said will consider cancelling event 

Austria: 

European Gas Conference continues in Vienna (-28); supporters of rival major European pipeline projects including Nabucco, South Stream and White Stream taking part 

Switzerland:

Senior Greek and Turkish Cypriot officials meet with U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon to discuss future of partitioned island.

Switzerland:

Opening of annual World Economic Forum. (- 30)

Holland: 

Royal Dutch Shell faces serious probing by parliament into its operations in Nigeria; MPs say "fact-finding" exercise which hope will help deepen understanding of situation in Niger Delta where Shell has been extracting oil for over 50 years (Radio Netherlands)

Belgium:

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso meets Hungary's President Pal Schmitt (1400).

Belgium:

The Nato-Russia Council is scheduled to meet in Brussels. Senior Nato and Russian officials are expected to discuss areas of possible missile defence collaboration. 

Belgium: 

Ukrainian Chief of General Staff Hryhoriy Pedchenko takes part in the NATO Military Committee meeting, agenda includes missions to Kosovo, Afghanistan

France:

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos visits France and meets President Nicolas Sarkozy (1200).

France:

Serbian president speaks at Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg

France:

Dick Marty, the Council of Europe's Swiss rapporteur [who revealed a number of terrible facts about organ trafficking] to report on killings and lack of security of witnesses in Kosovo in a separate report]

UK: 

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visits (-30); addresses discussion on world peace organised by Oxford Union today

UK:

Iraq Inquiry holds hearings session with former special representative to Iraq, at 14:00 Sir David Richmond, Deputy United Kingdom Special Representative to Iraq, 2003 to 2004; United Kingdom Special Representative to Iraq, 2004; Director General Defence and Intelligence, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, 2004 to 2007.

Haiti: 

Awaiting confirmation of withdrawal of ruling party candidate Jude Celestin from presidential election 

US:

Barack Obama delivers annual State of the Union address to Congress; watching global reaction 

US:

Barack Obama meets Economic Council of West African States (ECOWAS) delegation led by Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma over post-election crisis in Cote d'Ivoire; ECOWAS team also meets US Secretary of State Senator Hillary Clinton; then head for New York where to meet Ban Ki-moon tomorrow 

US: 

Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Karti visits (-27); holds talks with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, National Security Adviser Tom Donilon 

US:

President Barack Obama visits one day after his State of the Union policy speech to Congress.

Venezuela:

Colombian Defence Minister Rodrigo Rivera visits

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My Press Review - Wednesday 26 January

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What's Happening Today - Tuesday 25 January

Japan:

An independent UN investigator on human rights in North Korea will make a five-day visit to Japan to hold talks with government officials and families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korean agents

China:

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) foreign ministers wrap up meeting in southwestern China's Yunnan Province

Hong Kong: 

Founding chairman Wong Yuk-man and Albert Chan hold press conference to explain decision to quit League of Social Democrats, leaving it with one member in Legislative Council, Leung Kwok-hung 

Thailand: 

Peoples' Alliance for Democracy (PAD) (royalist Yellow Shirt movement which opposes ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra) holds protest against border agreement with Cambodia; pro-Shinawatra United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) (Red Shirt movement) expected to rally as well 

Mongolia: 

Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum annual meeting continues (-27); delegates from 28 countries discuss environmental sustainability, terrorism, natural disasters, financial crises, regional collaboration, energy security, climate change
 
Bangladesh:

Bangladesh parliament TV channel is to go on air. The ruling Awami League has also initiated move to bring the BNP [Bangladesh Nationalist Party] back to parliament for its eighth session 

India: 

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono visits (-26); meets Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in morning prior to signing of 16 memorandums of understanding on cooperation in politics, economy, education, culture and technology; meets other officials, including heads of coalition and opposition; later in day, attends Indo-Indonesian business forum; Yudhoyono is chief guest at India's Republic Day on 26th

Kyrgyzstan:

A military court continues the trial of the ousted president's brother, Akhmat Bakiyev, accused, among other things, of organizing mass disturbances

Russia:

Chinese State Councillor Dai Bingguo wraps up fifth round of China-Russia strategic security talks.

Russia:

State Duma (parliament's lower house) considers Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) with USA in third and final reading; START was ratified by US congress on 22 December 2010 

Russia:

Russia-NATO Council meets in Brussels at level of chiefs of general staff and envoys; Russian Chief of General Staff Nikolay Makarov attends (26)

Russia:

Chinese State Councillor Dai Bingguo ends visit to Moscow; yesterday attended strategic security talks with President Dmitriy Medvedev 

Russia: 

Watching developments after 35 people killed in suspected suicide bombing at Moscow's main Domodedovo airport yesterday; President Dmitriy Medvedev was to leave for Davos forum in Switzerland today, but visit postponed 

Pakistan: 

First opportunity for police to question Mufti Hanif Qureshi and Qari Imtiaz Shah, two clerics suspected of inciting Malik Mumtaz Hussain Qadri to assassinate Punjab Governor Salman Taseer as their pre-arrest bail expires today

Pakistan:

Afghan Foreign Minister Zalmay Rasul visits to hold talks with counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi and other senior Foreign Ministry officials; also expected to meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gillani

Kazakhstan:

Over 1,100 deployed to ensure security during the 7th Asian Winter Games-2011

Georgia: 

Russian-language TV channel Pervyy Interaktivnyy Kavkazskiy (First Interactive Caucasian) re-launched after broadcasts stopped in January 2010; phone-in with President Mikhail Saakashvili to be aired at 1400 gmt

Iraq: 

Events marking Arba'in, 40th day since Ashura commemorations marking death of Imam Husayn ; Shi'i pilgrims flock to Karbala, where they were targeted by extremists in previous years

Kuwait: 

Yemeni Foreign Minister Abu-Bakr Abdallah al-Qirbi visits to co-chair meeting of joint ministerial committee with counterpart Muhammad Sabah al-Salim al-Sabah 

Turkey:

The Organization for Security & Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) will have a senior officials committee meeting in Istanbul 

Jordan:

Engineers union will stage protests over two night-clubs in Amman, known for their bad reputations, which were named Mecca and Medina

Lebanon:

The investigation report on the Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737-800 aircraft that crashed near Beirut in January 2010 is to be released on the first anniversary of the accident

Lebanon:

Last day of President Michel Sulayman's consultations on new prime minister following collapse of unity government earlier in January; Hezbollah-backed candidate Najib Mikati tipped to become new premier, but caretaker Prime Minister Sa'd al-Hariri has said will not serve in administration dominated by Hezbollah; US has also warned of its "great concerns" if Hezbollah play large part

Israel:

Military intelligence chief Aviv Kochavi briefs parliamentary Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee. 0900 GMT. Session is closed, briefing possible afterward.

Palestine:

Fifth anniversary of Hamas election win marked in Palestinian territories

Egypt:

OIC holds meeting of work group on Ten-Year Programme

Egypt:

About 17 political movements, parties in Egypt to take part in protest to call for democracy, justice, fighting poverty– coincides with Police Day. [Includes the Egyptian Movement for Change, Kifayah; the 6 April Youth Movement; the Youth Movement for Justice and Freedom; Hashd; the Popular Campaign for the Support of ElBaradei; the Popular Campaign for the Support of Hamadayn Sabahi; and the Ayman Nur al-Ghadd Party. ] Egypt's opposition Muslim Brotherhood calls for sit-in outside Interior Ministry to protest police brutality, abuse.

Sudan:

Chairman of the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission, Prof Muhammad Ibrahim Khalil, will hold a press conference at Al-Salam Rotana Hotel on the referendum process, the counting phase and announcing the results inside and outside Sudan.

Sudan:

Umar al-Bashir visits River Nile State to inaugurate a number of developmental and service projects and address a public rally at Al-Damar and attend the final night of the National Festival for the Holy Quran.

Libya:

Guinean President Alpha Conde on tour of Burkina Faso, Libya, Angola, Ethiopia; in Addis Ababa, he attends African Union summit on 30-31 January

Tunisia: 

Watching continuing tension; protesters gathered outside government offices yesterday, demanding resignation of Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi

Nigeria: 

Deputy to Commander of US Africa Command (AFRICOM) J. Anthony Holmes continues visit to meet military, security officials (-28) 

Ukraine: 

Final day of visit by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan; meets Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and counterpart Mykola Azarov; with Yanukovych expected to sign joint declaration for establishment of Turkish-Ukrainian High Level Strategic Council; takes part in Turkish-Ukrainian Business Council meeting 

Romania:

An IMF mission will check on Romania's progress in meeting terms of its 20 billion euro bailout (to Feb.8).

Austria:

European Gas Conference kicks off in Vienna (-28); heads and high-level supporters of five major European pipeline projects - including Nabucco, South Stream and White Stream - promises lively debate

Serbia:

Serbian court expected to hand down verdicts against a group of soccer hooligans charged with fatally beating a French Toulouse fan. 1200 GMT.

Switzerland:

The President of Mongolia Ts. Elbegdorj wraps up working visit to the Swiss Confederation and travels to Davos.

Switzerland: 

Kurdish festival expected to take place in Basil.

Switzerland:

Turkish and Greek Cypriot leaders attend tripartite summit with U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (to Jan. 26).
    
Switzerland:

WTO dispute settlement body meeting and Bosnia-Herzegovina membership negotiations

Germany:

A German court hears trial of a genocide suspect Onesphore Rwabukombe, 54, charged with killing some 3,730 Tutsis before fleeing to Germany.

Germany:

Chancellor Angela Merkel meets European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.
    
Holland:

Trial of former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic continues at the Hague

Belgium: 

Russia-NATO Council begins meetings in Brussels at level of chiefs of general staff and envoys; Russian Chief of General Staff Nikolay Makarov attends (26) 

EU:

Council of Europe convenes to discuss the report by Swiss member Dick Marty on illegal organ trafficking trade in Kosovo – some Serb officials say report should be used to prevent Kosovo from integration processes.

France:

Turkish President Abdullah Gul is set to deliver a speech at a General Session meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe [Turkey assumes the rotating helm of the Ministerial Committee of the Council of Europe and Gul served as a member of the PACE between 1992 and 2001]

UK:

Iraq Inquiry holds hearings session with former senior civil servants

UK: 

Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman wraps up visit before heading for Portugal 

UK: 

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina begins visit (-30); due to address discussion on World Peace organised by Oxford Union (26), meets IMO Secretary General Efthimios Mitropoulos (28); also meets Bangladeshi expatriates and attends meeting of Awami League (29) 

US: 

Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Karti visits (-27); holds talks with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, National Security Adviser Tom Donilon 

US: 

International Monetary Fund (IMF) publishes quarterly updates to World Economic Outlook and Global Financial Stability Report 

US:

President Barack Obama gives the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress. 0200 GMT.

US:

Tanzanian Ahmed Ghailani, the first Guantanamo detainee to be convicted in a US civilian court has sentencing hearing after his conviction in the bombing of two U.S. embassies in Africa in 1998. Prosecutors are seeking a life sentence.

US:

Oscar nominations are announced, 8:30 a.m. (1330 GMT).

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My Press Review - Tuesday 25 January

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What's Happening Today - Monday 24 January

Japan: 

Prime Minister Naoto Kan, Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara, Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda, State Minister for Economic and Fiscal Policy Kaoru Yosano deliver policy speeches (0500 gmt) on first day of new Diet session 

Mongolia: 

Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum annual meeting continues (-27); delegates from 28 countries discuss environmental sustainability, terrorism, natural disasters, financial crises, regional collaboration, energy security, climate change 

China: 

Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi hosts meeting of foreign ministers from Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in southwestern Yunnan Province

Thailand:

ASEAN Foreign Ministers to take a 12 hour road trip from Chang Rai through Laos to Jinhong across the China border, part of efforts to show regional "connectivity" and improve infrastructure.

India:

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono arrives in India on a three-day state visit aimed at sealing multi-billion dollar trade deals between the two countries.

Pakistan:

Pakistan and Russia Security talks (to Jan. 25).
   
Pakistan: 

Next hearing in case of Punjab Governor Salman Taseer's assassination held in camera in Rawalpindi

Kyrgyzstan:

The trial over the deadly clashes between police and protestors in Dzhalal-Abad Region's Aksy District in 2002 resumes

Russia: 

Chinese State Councillor Dai Bingguo visits Moscow to attend fifth round of China-Russia strategic security talks (-25) 

Russia:

Federation Council Committee on International Affairs discuss the ratification of the START treaty 

Russia:

Armenian Foreign Minister Edvard Nalbandyan meets with his Russian and Azerbaijani counterparts (Sergei Lavrov and Elmar Mammadyarov) in Moscow on the Karabakh settlement 

Iraq:

Shia pilgrims make a trek to Kerbala for Arbain – attacks highly likely

Iraq:

UNHCR High Commissioner Antonio Guterres visits Iraq.

Kuwait: 

Yemeni-Kuwaiti joint ministerial committee meeting opens (-26); co-chaired by respective foreign ministers 

Syria: 

Iranian caretaker Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi visits Damascus for talks with senior officials on regional issues; today, meets President Bashar al-Asad

Lebanon: 

President Michael Sulayman holds parliamentary consultations on new premier following collapse of unity government earlier in January; delayed from 17 January to allow parties "more time to decide on candidates"

Israel:

President Shimon Peres is due to address the Knesset.

Egypt: 

Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas meets counterpart Husni Mubarak for talks on recent developments in Palestinian territories

Sudan: 

Chairman of Southern Sudan Referendum Commission Muhammad Ibrahim Khalil, his deputy and commission members hold press conference in Khartoum (0800 gmt); will focus on referendum process, counting phase and announcing partial results inside and outside country 

Tunisia:

Main trade union, UGTT, says primary teachers to begin indefinite strike to force dissolution of government.

Tunisia: 

Watching developments as hundreds of people protest in front of prime minister's office in Tunis in support of call for interim government to resign

Ethiopia:

21st Session of the African Union Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) (to Jan. 25)

Uganda: 

High Court War Crimes Division hears application for bail by four men - Mohamed Adan Abdow, Khalif Abdi Mohammed, Ismail Kalule, Abubakari Batematyo - on remand in connection with 11 July 2010 twin bomb blasts in Kampala that killed more than 74 people
    
Nigeria:

Deputy to the Commander of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), Amb. J. Anthony Holmes, begins four day visit with Nigerian military and security officials.

Burkina Faso:

Guinean President Alpha Conde Burkina visits Faso, Libya, Angola and Ethiopia; in Addis Ababa, will take part in African Union summit on 30-31 January

Ukraine:

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan visits to discuss trade, investment 

Switzerland:

UN conference on disarmament session takes place in Geneva

Denmark:

In protest against execution of Hoseyn Khizri and in support of political prisoners in Iranian prisons, PJAK, Democratic Union Party (PYD), Centre of Halabjah against Anfal and Genocide of the Kurds and federation of Kurdish societies, oversee protest in Copenhagen [I expect in front of the Iranian embassy?]

Germany:

Swiss President Micheline Calmy-Rey meets German Chancellor Angela Merkel. News conference at 1445 GMT.

Holland:

The Dutch Parliament is expected to debate this week the proposed police training mission in Afghanistan.
    
Belgium:

Human Rights Watch releases its annual review of human rights situations around the world, this year focusing on what it calls the silence and complicity of the U.S., U.N., EU and major European nations in dealing with rights-abusing developing nations. News confernce at 1001 GMT.

Belgium:

Uzbek President Islom Karimov visits Brussels at the invitation of President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso. Human rights, energy, water on agenda; first visit to Western Europe following 2005 crackdown on protesters in Andijon, which left hundreds of people dead

Belgium:

European Union agriculture ministers meet to discuss how to enforce higher standards in animal feed production after the discovery of the toxic chemical dioxin in feed in Germany.

France:

Tentative: Sarkozy expected to meet with Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea 

France:

French President Nicolas Sarkozy to hold news conference on G20 goals.

UK:

Saudi prince Turki Al Faisal speaks on Middle Eastern regional realities at Westminster

UN:

Human rights team begins examining situation in Tunisia

UN:

Special rapporteur on violence against women conducts fact finding mission in US

US:

Annual march to the Supreme Court to protest the 1973 ruling in Roe v. Wade case that legalized abortion.

US:

Court hearing in the family dispute over where the body of former Venezuelan President Carlos Andres Perez is to be buried

Mexico:

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visits Guanajuato for talks with counterpart Patricia Espinosa; cooperation in fighting drugs, climate change among issues on agenda

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My Press Review - Monday 24 January

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My Press Review - Sunday 23 January

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What's Happening Today - Sunday 23 January

Thailand: 

United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship "Red Shirts" hold next anti-government rally in Bangkok 

Mongolia: 

First day of 19th annual meeting of Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (-27); delegates from 28 countries discuss environmental sustainability, terrorism, natural disasters, financial crises, regional collaboration, energy security, climate change

Afghanistan: 

Government expected to announce inauguration of new parliament now set for 26 January following agreement yesterday between President Hamed Karzai and MPs; inauguration originally scheduled for 24th, but was delayed by Karzai 

Pakistan: 

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) calls nationwide rallies to protest against drone attacks, price hikes and proposed amendments to Blasphemy Law

Russia: 

Final day of Defence Ministry commission visit to Iturup and Kunashir - islands disputed with Japan - to inspect machine-gun and artillery division deployed there 

Russia: 

Chinese State Councillor Dai Bingguo visits Moscow (-25); attends fifth round of China-Russia strategic security talks 

Russia:

FIFA president Sepp Blatter and Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko hold press conference after signing declaration formally awarding the 2018 World Cup to Russia. 0800 GMT.

Jordan: 

French Foreign Minister Michele Alliot-Marie holds talks with King Abdallah on last day of Middle East tour which included Israel, Palestinian Territories including Hamas-controlled Gaza, Egypt 

Israel: 

Turkel Committee - charged with investigating IDF raid on Turkish ship last May during which nine Turkish activists were killed - due to submit first report; expected to rule that IDF did not breach international law and acted in self-defence when firing at activists 

Israel:

Jewish Agency hosts news conference summarizing the Anti-Semitic incidents which took place around the world during the year 2010. 1330 GMT.

Tunisia: 

Fresh protests expected against interim government; also, final day of three days of mourning for those killed in political turmoil that led to ouster of president

Algeria: 

Watching developments following protests in Algiers yesterday calling for greater freedom 

Egypt: 

Gabonese President Ali Ben Bongo Ondimba completes visit which has included bilateral, African, international issues 

Uganda: 

POSTPONED: Kampala was to have hosted meeting of top officials from Nile Basin on 22-23 January; another meeting scheduled to be held in Kenya on 27 January 

Central African Republic: 

Presidential and legislative elections; incumbent strongman Francois Bozize expected to win; if second round required, would be on 20 March

Ivory Coast: 

Pro-Laurent Gbagbo Minister of Youth Charles Ble Goude leads youth rally in support of the country's military at the Champroux Stadium in Abidjan 

Albania: 

Watching developments after arrest warrants issued for six national guardsmen accused of killing three protestors outside prime minister's office during anti-government protests on Friday 

Kosovo: 

Repeat vote being held in municipality of Mitrovica where irregularities were established in majority of polling stations during 12 December general elections 

Belgium: 

Thousands of students expected to demonstrate to call for formation of government more than seven months after elections 

Norway:

Arctic Frontiers holds its fifth annual conference at the University of Tromso in Norway, with the title 'Arctic Tipping Points'. 

Portugal: 

Presidential election; incumbent Anibal Cavaco Silva expected to win

US:

Nasa holds news conference with next three crew to work on international space station

Venezuela: 

Opposition march scheduled to mark 53rd anniversary of ousting of dictator Marcos Perez Jimenez

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What's Happening Today - Tuesday 18 January

Australia:

Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd and Defence Minister Stephen Smith will host their United Kingdom counterparts Foreign Secretary William Hague and Defence Secretary Liam Fox at the third Australia-United Kingdom Ministerial (AUKMIN) consultations 

Japan:

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych visits, meets Prime Minister Naoto Kan, Emperor Akihito

South Korea:

Military drills on Yeonpyeong Island

Taiwan:

Live-fire surface-to-air and air-to-air missile tests held at Jiupeng base on Taiwan's southeast coast 

Hong Kong: 

Fourth Asian Financial Forum concludes 

Vietnam: 

Ruling Communist Party continues five-yearly national congress, where country's new leadership will be selected (-20) 

India:

Russian officials arrive to discuss various aspects of the UN, including reforms, which may lead to India becoming permanent member of Security Council

Azerbaijan:

Georgian Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze visits

UAE: 

Abu Dhabi hosts World Future Energy summit, attended by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (-20) 

UAE: 

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina continues visit (-19) 

Turkey:

Diyarbakir court resumes trial of Kurdish mayors and politicians; defendants reiterated request for permission to address court in Kurdish language; 32 international delegations attend trial 

Qatar: 

Argentinean President Christina Kirchner continues regional tour with "political and commercial" agenda (-22) 

Yemen:

Following as top security officer Colonel Atiq al-Amri killed by suspected al-Qaida rebels in Shabwa province

Jordan:

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is due to visit Jordan and Palestine (to Jan. 19).

Lebanon:

Retired Brigadier-General Fayez Karam goes on trial on charges of spying for Israel

Lebanon: 

POSTPONED President Michael Sulayman was to hold parliamentary consultations on new premier following collapse of unity government last week; delayed until 24 January to allow parties "more time to decide on candidates" 

Sudan:

Following as Sudanese security forces arrest opposition leader Hassan al-Turabi at his home ... again

Algeria:

Another two Algerians attempted to set themselves on fire, a Ghardaia man suffering a chronic illness was hospitalized with burns after setting himself on fire in a dispute over medical costs. Passersby in Mascara stopped a fishmonger who tried to set himself on fire using gasoline.

Nigeria: 

TENTATIVE Eight-member UN team is likely to arrive in Nigeria for three-day visit to look into illegal arms shipment from Iran, which was intercepted in October 

Nigeria:

The Nigerian Federal High Court in Abuja will resume the trial of four suspects, including Charles Okah, concerning the Oct. 1, 2010, bombings in Abuja.

Senegal:

An 18-member coalition of unions will organize a protest against the high cost of living.

Ivory coast

Ouattara calls for renewed general strike until Gbagbo steps down.

Mali:

ECOWAS has a standby troubleshooting force of 6,500 soldiers, which officials have said could be ready to deploy in Ivory Coast. Mali hosts meeting to fine-tune the logistics of any operation 

Greece:

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan will pay a state visit following yesterday’s trip to Cyprus

Belarus:

Russian oil deliveries to Belarus will likely resume by this date, according to the head of Russian oil pipeline monopoly Transneft Nikolai Tokarev.

Poland:

After criticising Russian investigation into plane crash that killed the president, Sejm's Defence Committee will, most likely, reject report formerly

Belgium:

EU Economic & Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) Meeting.

France:

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso answers the questions of the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).

UK:

Iraq Inquiry holds final public evidence sessions, through Feb. 4, with witneses including former prime minister Tony Blair.

Cuba:

Pretrial jurisdictional hearing in military commissions case against Noor Uthman, Sudanese detainee at Guantanamo accused of being an al-Qaida weapons instructor.

US:

Chinese President Hu Jintao visits the United States (to Jan. 21).

US:

China clean energy forum (to Jan. 19).

US:

Iraqi immigrant Faleh Hassan Almaleki goes on trial on charges of killing his 20-year-old daughter because he believed she had become too Westernized.

Venezuela:

The names of Venezuelan political opposition legislators leading legislative commissions will be officially announced.

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