My Press Review - Wednesday 15 September

Japan Moves to Boost the Dollar

 

Authorities intervened in the foreign currency market to boost the dollar, the first such move in six years.

 

Gold sends the world a worrying message

 

Two years to the day exactly since Lehman Brothers formally applied for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, it seems an appropriate moment to ponder whether the world has put the financial crisis behind it. That the gold price posted an all-time high yesterday suggests the answer is a pretty straightforward "no".

 

Shariah a danger to U.S., security pros say

 

A panel of national security experts who worked under Republican and Democratic presidents is urging the Obama administration to abandon its stance that Is

 

 

Iraqis outraged at payout for US victims of Saddam

 

Americans win $400m as compensation but ordinary locals are shocked as thousands of their own struggle with crippling poverty or injuries sustained since 2003.

 

 

Iran donates $25 million to Turkey's ruling party

 

Iran has agreed to donate $25 million (£16 million) to Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in a move that will increase fears that Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan is preparing to abandon the country's secular constitution.

 

 

Ukraine’s journalist Gongadze was killed on orders of interior minister

 

The opposition Ukrainian journalist Georgy Gongadze was killed in September 2000 on orders from the then Ukrainian Interior Minister Yuri Kravchenko.

 

Women should use bodies to get ahead in politics, says Berlusconi ally

 

A close ally of Silvio Berlusconi has provoked a furious debate on sexism in politics after saying that women wanting to be elected to parliament should use their bodies to kick-start their careers.

 

 

BP boss faces MPs over Gulf spill

 

BP's departing chief executive Tony Hayward is to face questions from MPs about the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

 

 

Bahrain Shiites live in fear of arrests, detention, torture

 

The end of the fasting month of Ramadan is usually a joyous occasion for Muslims, but for many in Bahrain, it has been celebrated in fear, as the Sunni-controlled government has arrested scores of citizens in a crackdown on Shiite activists.

 

 

Why $60 billion in US arms to Saudi Arabia isn't causing an outcry

 

Israel doesn't oppose a US arms deal that would send advanced aircraft to Saudi Arabia, which is increasingly seen as essential to containing Iran's nuclear ambitions.

 

 

South Sudan referendum overshadows Darfur on international stage

 

While the world focuses on the upcoming South Sudan referendum, the Sudanese government is making plans that could worsen the lives of 3 million Darfuris.

 

 

Israel: Gaza dead were civilians

 

The Israeli army admits that three Palestinian men it killed in Gaza on Sunday were civilians, and not terrorists, as previously claimed.

 

 

OPEC Secretary General sees difficult first half of 2011

 

Badri warns of 'a testing period' which could see recession left behind or its return.

 

 

Referendum boycotter files complaint against coup leader Evren

 

Yılmaz Yukarıgöz, who said he did not cast a vote in the Sept. 12 referendum, has filed a criminal complaint against retired general and former President Kenan Evren, the general who engineered the Sept. 12, 1980 coup.

 

 

Israeli flotilla inquiry asks Turkish captain to testify

 

An Israeli commission investigating the storming of a Gaza-bound ship in which nine Turkish activists were killed has announced that it had invited the ship’s captain to testify.

 

 

Ground Zero mosque Imam 'a terrible landlord'

 

The Muslim cleric behind plans to build a mosque near the Ground Zero site in New York is being sued over two properties he owns.

 

 

Five largest Israeli settlements: who lives there, and why

 

The end goal of the current Israeli-Palestinian peace talks is two separate, sovereign states. Palestinians say that the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, deemed illegal by the United Nations, influence the outcome of such talks. With more than 300,000 Israelis now living in such settlements, Israel expects to keep at least some of them under a final peace deal – possibly as part of a land swap.

 

 

French fast-food restaurant describes 14 halal branches as a success

 

The opening of the Hamburger chain fell during Ramadan and comes amid an ongoing debate over the integration of Muslim immigrants and their descendants.

 

 

Peru's wells sucked dry by asparagus

 

Asparagus grown in Peru and sold in the UK is commonly held up as a symbol of unacceptable food miles, but a report has raised an even more urgent problem: its water footprint.

 

Obama may face fury over Chinese currency

 

The Obama administration this week may have to fend off a fight with Democratic allies in Congress who are angry about what they say is China's refusal to end trade-distorting policies and who are threatening reprisals that businesses fear could start a trade war.

 

 

More Trouble Foreseen for Kabul Bank

 

It could take months to bring the bank into compliance with Afghan banking laws, said several officials.

 

 

Egypt church rule absolute to Coptic Christians

 

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt | When Irini Ibrahim, a young Coptic Christian woman, floated the idea of divorce from a husband she said was abusing her, her parents immediately opposed it, reminding her of the biblical injunction, "What God has joined together let no man put asunder.

 

Catholic Britain rejoices, but abuse overshadows Pope's first state visit

 

Plans are being drawn up for the Pope to hold private meetings with people who suffered sexual abuse at the hands of clerics during this week's visit to Britain.

 

 

Real IRA threatens to attack British bankers

 

The group of dissident republican terrorists labelled bankers as "criminals" and threatening to target the workers in London.

 

 

Zambia eyes Chinese funds for power plant

 

BEIJING - Felix Mutati, Zambia's trade minister, said he was hopeful of finalizing Chinese funding for a new $1.5 billion power station in the southern African country.

 

 

Man arrested for announcing engagement to 14-year old on Facebook

 

A 27-year-old man has been arrested and charged with statutory rape after revealing on Facebook that he was engaged to a 14-year-old girl.

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My Press Review - Tuesday 14 September

Egypt hosts Mid-East peace talks

 

Israeli and Palestinian leaders are to hold a second round of peace talks in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.

 

 

Cuba’s Public-Sector Layoffs Signal Major Shift

 

The government plans to lay off more than half a million people, expecting they will move into private businesses.

 

 

Yanukovych quietly downgrades European Union ambitions

 

President Viktor Yanukovych's talks with EU leaders in Brussels steered clear of political controversy, focusing on the dual Ukrainian ambitions of free trade and visa-free travel with the bloc. Both issues will be highlights of the EU-Ukraine summit in Brussels on November 22. Yanukovych met European Council President Herman van Rompuy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso

 

 

New drug-resistant superbugs found in 3 states

 

An infectious-disease nightmare is unfolding: A new gene that can turn many types of bacteria into superbugs resistant to nearly all antibiotics

 

 

Abu Dhabi pupils will be taught in English and Arabic

 

Aim of the New School Model – which is to be introduced tomorrow – is to produce students who are better prepared for tertiary education.

 

 

Why the Israeli 'consensus' on settlements is not so simple

 

Israelis often refer to a 'consensus' that several major settlement blocs should be incorporated into Israel as part of a two-state solution. But some Israelis can't even find them on a map.

 

 

Israeli settlers threaten to bring down Benjamin Netanyahu's government

 

Israeli settlers have pledged to bring down the government of Benjamin Netanyahu if the prime minister backtracked on a firm commitment to allow West Bank construction to resume.

 

 

Somaliland forces 'corner rebels'

 

About 200 suspected ONLF rebels are surrounded by Somaliland's forces near the Ethiopia border, a Somaliland minister says.

 

 

Sarkozy linked to Roma arrests

 

Claims by the French government that it is not targeting Roma camps for destruction and deportations have been challenged by a leaked document suggesting police are following president Nicolas Sarkozy's orders.

 

 

Yemen to relaunch oil offshore licensing round

 

Yemen is planning to relaunch its 2008 offshore licensing round in the hope of restarting exploration in the country,

 

 

Le Monde sues Sarkozy officials

 

French newspaper Le Monde is suing the president's office for spying on its reporters, in the latest twist in a party-funding row.

 

 

Waltzing into crisis

 

How China's pension system is dancing with disaster

 

 

The Arctic oil rush

 

Greenland is a land apart – where many people welcome global warming, dislike Greenpeace, and hope the arrival of Big Oil will transform their lives. But at what price to this pristine wilderness?

 

 

Peru backtracks on 'amnesty law'

 

Peru's president asks Congress to repeal a controversial decree which in effect protects the military from prosecution for abuses, weeks after introducing it.

 

 

Liberty medal awarded to Tony Blair

 

Former British prime minister honoured in Philadelphia for role in conflict resolution, in particular Northern Ireland's Good Friday agreement

 

'Underpants bomber' fires his lawyers and wants to plead guilty

 

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, accused of trying to blow up a plane with explosives in his underpants, has fired his court-appointed lawyers and asked a US judge about the process for him to plead guilty to some of the charges against him.

 

 

Did Japan apologize to US POWs in exchange for Hiroshima visit?

 

In a first, Japan's foreign minister apologized to a group of former US World War II prisoners of war for inhumane treatment. The timing of the apology raises some questions.

 

 

3-D Printing Spurs a Manufacturing Revolution

 

New technology is giving rise to never-before-possible businesses that are selling products like iPhone cases, doorknobs, perfume bottles and architectural models.

 

 

Census-takers feel pressure

 

Two days before the scheduled end of the door-to-door surveying of Beijing households ahead of the latest national population census, many enumerators who have been pounding the pavements are expressing concern that the exercise will not be finished on time.

 

 

The strange and wonderful Hasidic pilgrimage to Uman, Ukraine

 

Last week, approximately 35,000 Hasidim weren't home for Rosh Hashanah. Instead, they were in Uman, participating in the most intense Jewish pilgrimage since the times of the Second Temple

 

 

Plaintiffs file coup d’état charges against ’80 junta leader Evren

 

A number of individuals and civil society groups filed charges on Monday against retired general and former President Kenan Evren, the general who led the Sept. 12, 1980 coup, after a constitutional amendment allowing legal action against members of the 1980 junta was voted in on Sunday.

 

 

Japanese leadership battle todaycould bring new prime minister

 

The Japanese prime minister faces a leadership challenge today from a veteran powerbroker in his own party that could give the country its third premier in a year.

 

 

US $60bn Saudi arms sale close to Congressional notice

 

Congress has 30 days to reject the proposal once it has been formally submit

 

 

Settlers shift pressure from Netanyahu to Obama

 

ZOA director endorses settler's decision to pressure Obama through English-language media campaign.

 

Germany haunted again by Nazi scam of selling gold teeth from the dead

 

German state prosecutors are investigating nine crematorium workers and an accomplice who are suspected of having routinely sold off gold tooth fillings sifted from the ashes of hundreds of corpses in a case that has evoked disturbing memories of the Nazi Holocaust.

 

Young Israelis moving to Berlin in droves despite Nazi past

 

Growing community of Jews see the city from which Hilter unleashed the Holocaust as a place of freedom, tolerance, and an anything-goes spirit.

 

Portuguese official bites traffic policeman for not calling him 'sir'

 

A senior municipal official in Lisbon's Oeiras suburb bit a traffic police officer during a discussion over a fine, apparently enraged by the familiar form used by the officer to address him.

 

Fishermen 'to continue blockades'

 

Scottish fishermen angry at increased Faroes and Iceland mackerel quotas promise to continue blockades.

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What's Happening Today - Tuesday 14 September

OPEC:  

OPEC celebrates 50th anniversary. In Austria, Abdalla Salem El-Badri holds a news briefing

Australia: 

Cabinet ministers sworn in by Governor-General Quentin Bryce (Australian ABC radio)

Australia: 

Defence Department hosts meeting of Asia-Pacific member countries of Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) in Cairns

Japan:

Japan's governing Democratic Party votes in tightly fought leadership election that could deliver country's third prime minister in a year; veteran politician Ichiro Ozawa has challenged Prime Minister Naoto Kan for top job following poor results in upper house elections in July

Taiwan:

Taiwanese coast guard patrol vessels near the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyutai islands in the East China Sea are preparing for a confrontation after two Taiwanese activists in a fishing boat set out for the islands for a confrontation with Japanese patrol vessels

Russia: 

Russia has noted an increase in coordinated violence in the North Caucasus, with nearly 500 terrorist acts committed this year, Russian Interior Minister Rashid Nurgaliyev said 

Afghanistan: 

US General David Petraeus has urged NATO commanders to contract more work to Afghans in an effort to boost Afghanistan's 

Azerbaijan: 

Baku hosts Azerbaijan-Georgia-Romania energy summit attended by presidents Ilham Aliyev, Mikheil Saakashvili, Traian Basescu; agenda focuses on liquefied gas transportation

Iran:

Assembly of Experts (supreme religious institution) begins two-day meeting

Iran: 

Conference in Tehran on Iranian-African economic, media cooperation; attendees include Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade; over 20 ministers of foreign affairs, industry, commerce and health from 30 African countries; first day of two

Iran: 

Armenian Foreign Minister Edvard Nalbandyan visits Iran to discuss bilateral, regional and international issues with President Mahmud Ahmadinezhad, Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani and Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki

Saudi Arabia: 

Barack Obama's administration will soon notify Congress that it authorizes a $60 billion arms package for Saudi Arabia, The Wall Street Journal reported. The Saudis may buy 84 F-15 fighters, upgrade 70 more, and purchase 70 Apache helicopters, 72 Black Hawks and 36 Little Birds, officials said, adding a potential $30 billion package to upgrade Saudi Arabia's naval forces is also being discussed. 

Yemen: 

Tribesmen have attacked a liquefied natural gas (LNG) pipeline in the southern Yemeni province of Marib, which transports LNG to the Belhaf Port Terminal export point in Shabwa province, cutting off the pipeline's LNG supply. 

Israel: 

Mossad security service chief Meir Dagan testifies at inquiry into 31 March raid on Gaza aid flotilla

Egypt: 

Eleven officials from the Egyptian Culture Ministry will appear in court for the first time charged with negligence that led to the theft of a Van Gogh painting worth an estimated 55 million USD.

Egypt:  

A High Administrative court expected to rule in the appeal of Madinaty project land deal.

Egypt: 

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Mahmud Abbas hold second round of direct talks in Sharm al-Shaykh; US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also attends; first round was held in Washington on 2 September

Libya: 

A Libyan naval patrol on the evening of September 12 opened fire on an Italian fishing boat in the Mediterranean Sea, DPA reported. The L'Ariete arrived in the southern Italian island of Lampedusa after escaping a boarding attempt, Captain Gaspare Marrone said. The boat and its 10-man crew say they were in international waters in the Gulf of Sidra, 30 nautical miles from Libya's coast, when the incident occurred.

Kenya: 

The Kenyan government is inviting construction firms to bid on the first phase of the Lamu Port-Southern Sudan-Ethiopia Transport Corridor, which would link the envisaged Port of Lamu with Ethiopia and Southern 
Sudan

Kenya: 

Third African International Radiation Protection Association regional conference held in Nairobi (-17) 

Madagascar: 

National Conference continues (-18) as part of transition process in run-up to 17 November constitutional referendum, next year's presidential, legislative elections; postponed from 30 August

South Africa: 

South Africa will keep a target for 26 percent black ownership of mines by 2014, according the country's new mining. South African mining groups will procure 70 percent of services and 50 percent of consumer goods from black-led companies by 2014.

Greece: 

Greece will receive the second loan installment of the Economic Support Mechanism, the Greek Finance Ministry announced. Eurozone members contributed 6.5 billion euros ($8.4 billion), which was deposited in the Bank of Greece via the European Central Bank and 2.5 billion euros from the International Monetary Fund will arrive today.

Ukraine: 

Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev visits to meet counterpart Viktor Yanukovych for talks on resumption of oil transit across Ukraine

Serbia: 

The European Union will try to move Serbia's EU membership application forward as a reward for softening its stance on Kosovo's declaration of independence, Belgium Foreign Minister Steven Vanackere said 

Switzerland: 

Swiss cement producer Holcim will receive $650 million for its former Venezuelan subsidiary, which Caracas nationalized in 2008, Financial Times reported 

Italy:  

The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation releases new figures on world hunger.

Norway: 

An Iranian diplomat in Belgium has resigned to join the opposition, the former consul of the Iranian Embassy in Norway said, Bloomberg reported. Farzad Farhangian resigned his post and is under police protection in Oslo, the official said.

Holland: 

International Court of Justice (ICJ) holds hearings into Russia's challenge to its jurisdiction in case brought by Georgia; Russia is accused of breaches of International Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (-17)

France: 

Lawmakers take final vote on law banning face-covering veils in public spaces 

Cuba: 

Following up as the Cuban government says its new employment policy calls for the removal of 500,000 workers in the state sector by mid-2011, Spain's ABC reported 

Canada: 

World Energy Congress in Montreal, attended by energy executives (-16) 

UN: 

General Assembly annual session opens; Development Millennium Goals summit held on 20-22 September, general debates on 23-25 and 27-30 September

US: 

Russian Defence Minister Anatoliy Serdyukov visits Washington to meet Secretary of Defence Robert Gates (-16)

Mexico: 

President Felipe Calderon meets Guatemalan counterpart Alvaro Colom; delivers results of ongoing investigation into events resulting in deaths of 72 migrants in Mexico in August, five of whom so far identified as Guatemalan citizens

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My Press Review - Monday 13 September

Afghan election officials 'offered £380,000'

 

Afghan election officials have been offered as much as $500,000 (£380,000) to falsify returns in the forthcoming parliamentary election by supporters of President Hamid Karzai, independent observers have said.

 

 

RAK’s solar islands could power emirate

 

A series of floating, rotating solar islands off the coast of RAK could be the solution to the emirate’s energy woes.

 

 

'World's first' Arabic-speaking robot

 

The UAE University in Abu Dhabi has built the world's first fully automated, Arabic-speaking robot that can have "intelligent" conversations with humans - based on information gathered via the internet and through social networking sites.

 

Egypt bans 149 Chinese exporters

Egypt Minister of Trade and Industry, Rashid Mohammad Rashid issued a decree that bans dealing with 149 Chinese exporters for procuring shipments with falsified licenses to the

 

 

Egypt opens 8 trade zones in six cities for investors

 

In its attempt to upgrade domestic trade, Egypt is putting up eight exclusive investment zones in six cities for investors wishing to do business in the country.

 

 

Pakistani Insurgent Group Expands in Afghanistan

 

Lashkar e-Taiba may be better known for fighting in Kashmir and terror attacks in India, but U.S. and Afghan officials say the group is establishing a dangerous presence in Afghanistan

 

 

Green power- IAEA supports first nuclear program in Egypt

 

The next few days will see several meetings at different levels between Egypt and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) within the framework

 

 

Shia gangs join al Qa’eda in Iraq

 

Officials warn Shia gangs are joining the Sunni extremists of al Qa’eda to form new and dangerous alliances

 

 

Turkey referendum win puts Erdogan in poll for 2011

 

Turkey's ruling AK Party celebrated victory in a referendum on constitutional reform that was seen boosting its chances of winning a third term of single-party rule at an election due within 10 months

 

 

Chinese Remake the ‘Made in Italy’ Fashion Label

 

Chinese laborers have transformed Prato, an Italian textile hub, into a low-end manufacturing capital, stoking resentment.

 

 

Poll: priests should not be celibate

 

The Pope should drop the requirement for priests to remain celibate, said half of the 500 Roman Catholics who took part in a BBC survey.

 

 

French rally for Iranian on death row

 

Philosophers and singers were among those taking part in a demonstration in Paris in solidarity for an Iranian woman on death row.

 

 

Rare North Korea meet delayed due to leader's health: report

 

North Korea's ruling party delayed the start of its biggest meeting in 30 years due to leader Kim Jong-il's health, but his condition is not serious enough to cancel the conference, South Korea's YTN television reported on Monday

 

 

What he knew

 

How the Pope has dealt with paedophile priests

 

 

Justice scheme to be rolled out

 

A scheme allowing victims to decide what kind of punishment criminals should receive is being rolled out across Greater Manchester.

 

 

Railway plan will transport Mongolia into a 21st C economy

 

A largely untapped, mineral-rich country with proven industrial potential, Mongolia is on the verge of huge economic growth.

 

 

'Tea party' members get set for elections in November

 

"Tea party" activists gathered in cities on both coasts and in between Sunday to spread their message of smaller government and focus their political movement on the pivotal congressional elections in November.

 

 

China to zoom past Japan as growth moves pay off

 

Steps needed to improve per capita GDP levels, say analysts

 

 

Mayor seeks release of PKK suspect in Italy

 

Taranto Mayor Ippazio Stefano called on the Italian justice minister to release an alleged member of a terrorist organization, Ali Örgen, detained last month, claiming the suspect is a “good example for immigrants.”

 

 

Petraeus issues guidance for Afghan contracting

 

The NATO command has issued new guidelines for awarding billions of dollars worth of international contracts in Afghanistan, saying that without proper oversight the money could end up in the hands of insurgents and criminals, deepen corruption and undermine efforts to win the loyalty of the Afghan 

 

 

Netanyahu: West Bank settlement curbs won't remain

 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday the current restrictions on West Bank settlements will not remain in place, though there will still be some limits on construction.

 

 

Road deaths rise in poorer nations

 

More schoolchildren are daily being killed by traffic on the highways of the world's poorest nations than by deadly infectious diseases such as Aids, tuberculosis and malaria, prompting campaigners to call for a UN-backed target to halt the spiralling numbers of traffic fatalities by 2015.

 

Medvedev and Putin at odds over Moscow mayor

                             

The Kremlin has unleashed a black propaganda campaign to oust Yuri Luzhkov, the mayor of Moscow and Russia's third most powerful politician, accusing him of trying to drive a wedge between President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

 

 

Former Iceland PM faces trial over bank collapse

 

Icelandic lawmakers have concluded the country's former prime minister ought to be tried for "economic negligence" over the catastrophic failure of its banking system and currency.

 

 

Israel snubs Hague's Gaza aid visit

 

Israel has called off a visit planned for this week by William Hague and a group of European Union foreign ministers after objecting to the bloc's "gross insensitivity".

 

 

New Europe: Tug of war in Ukraine

 

The effects of Ukraine’s turn towards Russia are beginning to be seen in the crucial area of energy security. As the main route of Russian gas into Europe, Ukraine is vital to European and Russian energy security

 

 

Israeli strike in Gaza kills 3 Palestinians

 

Hamas security officials said Sunday that three Palestinians have been killed by Israeli tank fire in the northern Gaza Strip. Five people were wounded.

 

 

Artificial skin developed by scientists

 

A touch-sensitive artificial skin which may one day clothe robots was developed by scientists.

 

 

Qatar gears up to welcome the FIFA inspection team

 

The delegation will assess Qatar's preparedness to host the World Cup finals.

 

 

Clashes in Guinea ahead of poll

 

One person is killed and 50 are injured during clashes in Guinea's capital, Conakry, a week ahead of a presidential run-off election.

 

 

French begin 1994 Rwanda inquiry

 

A French legal team arrives in Rwanda to begin a week-long inquiry into the 1994 killing of President Juvenal Habyarimana.

 

 

No Surprises - Syria Bottom of World Economic Forum Index

 

Syria occupies 97th position in the index of Global Competitiveness Report 2010-2011, released by the World Economic Forum.

 

 

Brazil rescues 'slaves' at farms

 

The Brazilian authorities say they have rescued 95 farm workers who were being kept in slave-like conditions in two south-eastern states, reports say.

 

 

One Man's Fight Against Net Neutrality

 

Forget neutrality. Here's why we should make the Internet less fair and less balanced

 

 

Indian police accuse Kashmiri leader of treason

 

Hundreds of stone-throwing protesters defied a curfew and attacked security forces in two towns in Indian-administered Kashmir on Sunday, injuring nine police officers and four soldiers, police said.

 

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What's Happening Today - Monday 13 September

China: 

Duties on 538 Taiwanese products and 267 Chinese products will be eliminated in three phases between 2011 and 2013 starting from today. 

China: 

World Economic Forum "Summer Davos" in Asia Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2010 (to Sept. 15)

China: 

Sudanese Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Ahmad Karti begins two-day official visit. Expceted to hold talks with Chinese counterpart on progress of relations between Khartoum and Beijing.

South Korea:

Defence Ministry to publish its final report on March sinking of corvette Cheonan with loss of 46 lives; incident has been blamed by Seoul and Washington on a North Korean torpedo attack

Cambodia: 

Around 100,000 garment workers are expected to join the nationwide strike demanding a new round of negotiation on minimum wage at 93 USD per month.

Russia: 

Kyrgyzstan Defence Minister Abibulla Kudayberdiyev visits for talks with Russian counterpart Anatoliy Serdyukov; military cooperation, Russian military base in Kant, plans for Russian military training centre in Osh are on agenda

Russia:  

Russia and Iran to discuss cooperation in agricultural sector.

India: 

The Indian Strategic Forces Command plans to create a fighter force with nuclear capabilities, Press Trust of India reported. The Strategic Forces Command has sent a proposal to the Indian Defence Ministry on forming a force of two squadrons of 40 jets, which will be capable of carrying missiles armed with nuclear warheads. It will be the first time India has possessed a nuclear strike force consisting of fighter jets.

Afghanistan: 

Top US commander in Afghanistan Gen. David Petraeus has issued new guidelines on contracting aimed at improving oversight and ensuring that international funds do not end up in the hands of militants and criminals, worsen corruption or hamper efforts to win the loyalty of the Afghan people

Iran: 

The Iranian parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee sent a letter to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad requesting that he eliminate the positions of special presidential envoys

Iran: 

Tehran has not sent a delegation of officials to Baghdad to hold talks with US officials on the formation of the next Iraqi government, according to an unnamed Iranian source, Al-Sharq reported 

Iran: 

Iran said on Sunday it was ready to release on bail an American woman who was detained near border with Iraq more than a year ago; Sarah Shourd was arrested along with two American men in July last year and accused of spying; watching for developments

Turkey: 

Following developments after voters in Turkey on Sunday gave strong backing to constitutional reforms in referendum seen as trial of strength between government and its secularist opponents

Israel: 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said current restrictions on settlement construction in the West Bank will end

Egypt: 

Arab League foreign ministers meet in Cairo, expected to endorse direct talks between Israel, Palestinians due to be held in Sharm al-Shaykh on 14 September

Madagascar: 

National Conference held as part of transition process in run-up to 17 November constitutional referendum, next year's presidential, legislative elections; postponed from 30 August (-18)

Ukraine: 

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych visits Brussels for talks on association accord, visa-free travel, free-trade zone

Austria: 

The International Atomic Energy Agency's Board of Governors meets 

Finland: 

"Largest-ever" military exercises, involving United States, nine EU countries (-24)

Norway:  

The Challenges of Growth, Employment and Social Cohesion, Joint ILO-IMF Conference. Speakers include IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Spain's Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou, French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde, German deputy labour minister Ralf Brauksiepe, ILO Director-General Juan Somavia.

Luxembourg:  

The General Court, Europe's second highest court, is to rule on a challenge by French TV station TF1 against the European Commission's approval of a French levy on television companies to finance independent productions and an obligation to invest in such productions.

Holland: 

International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague holds hearings into Russia's challenge to its jurisdiction in case brought by Georgia; Russia is accused of breaches of International Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (-17)

UK: 

London court hears extradition case of Russian businessman Yevgeniy Chichvarkin, former owner of mobile phone store chain Yevroset; Chichvarkin is wanted by Russia for complicity in alleged kidnap, extortion

Canada: 

World Energy Congress in Montreal, attended by energy executives (-16) 

US: 

Nigerian national Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab status conference in Detroit court charged with trying to blow up Northwest Airlines flight 253 as it approached Detroit from Amsterdam with almost 300 people on board.

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My Press Review - Sunday 12 September

Iraq to pay for U.S. abuse claims vs Saddam regime

 

Iraq has signed a deal with the United States to settle claims from Americans who say they were mistreated by Saddam Hussein's regime during the 1990-91 Gulf conflict, officials said on Saturday.

 

 

Turkey holds referendum on constitutional reform

 

Turks vote on Sunday in a constitutional referendum seen as a test of support for a government that has pushed liberal reforms.

 

 

China rethinks its controversial one-child policy

China's one-child policy, probably the most audacious exercise in social engineering the world has ever seen, could be up for review, as Beijing policymakers worry about the effects of a population ageing fast, with insufficient numbers of youngsters to support them

 

 

Mexican police neutralize car bomb in border city

Mexican police carried out the controlled detonation of a car bomb in the troubled border city of Ciudad Juarez, across from Texas.

 

 

Egypt discovers underground water reservoir

 

Egyptian President Mubarak will announce soon the discovery of underground water reservoirs in the areas of horizontal expansion of reclaimed lands

 

 

Turkey to decide today on trying coup generals

 

The referendum, being held today on the 30th anniversary of the military coup of Sept. 12, 1980, is considered a turning point in Turkish political history.

 

 

Kuwait: China approves $ 9 billion oil refinery project

 

The Chinese Ministry of Environmental Protection has approved a US dollar 9 billion oil refinery project jointly owned by state-run firms Kuwait Petroleum

 

 

West needs new missile shield against Iranian nuclear threat, Nato chief says

 

Nato's Secretary-General has urged the construction of a new missile defence system to protect Europe from the threat of Iranian nuclear attack.

 

 

The West has made even more mistakes in Afghanistan than us, says Russian envoy to Kabul

 

Britain and America have made a string of strategic blunders which will delay any prospect of successfully withdrawing from Afghanistan, the Russian ambassador to Kabul has said.

 

 

Sarkozy faces new sleaze claims over second billionaire donor

 

France's embattled President Nicolas Sarkozy faces damaging new sleaze claims over his links with a second billionaire donor to his party's campaign funds.

 

 

Succession Gives Army a Stiff Test in Egypt

 

Egypt’s military must decide whether to try to assure its status or to block President Hosni Mubarak’s son Gamal.

 

 

China's top diplomat steps up pressure on Japan

 

China's top-ranked diplomat intensified pressure on Japan over a territorial rift, warning Tokyo Sunday against making "misjudgments" over the seizure of a Chinese fishing boat in disputed seas.

 

 

Saudi diplomats seeks asylum in US

 

A Saudi diplomat in Los Angeles reportedly has asked for political asylum in the United States, claiming his life is in danger if he is returned to Saudi Arabia

 

 

 

New paramilitaries stalk Colombia

 

Colombia's demobilized right-wing paramilitaries have been replaced by a new generation of armed drug trafficking groups, a local think tank says

 

 

Kosovo clash after sport defeat

 

Mobs of Albanian and Serb youths clash in Kosovo following the defeat of Serbia by Turkey in a basketball championship game.

 

 

Bahrain's big experiment with democracy

My arrangement with Khadija was that she would pick me up in her cab outside my hotel in Manama City. I wanted to meet her because women taxi drivers are still a novelty in Bahrain, though not as much as they would be in next-door Saudi Arabia.

 

 

Gypsy wanderers

 

France recently expelled about 1,000 Roma because President Sarkozy says the camps they live in are dens of iniquity. But the Roma say they are paying for the sins of a few.

 

 

Inflation in China Is Rising at a Fast Pace

 

From street markets to corporate offices, consumers and executives alike in China are trying to cope with rising prices. Inflation is also accelerating.

 

 

Greek doctor's shoe-throwing protest

 

Three people have been held after a man threw a shoe at Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou attending a trade fair in the city of Thessaloniki .

 

 

'Turkey more influential globally than any of our members'

Finnish foreign minister highlights Europe's desire to cooperate with Ankara on foreign, security policy at meeting of EU foreign ministers.

 

 

World's first Islamic orientated search engine 'almost viral'

 

Dutch based search engine has seen search queries jump by over 200,000 within a month.

 

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What's Happening Today - Sunday 12 September

China: 

Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo told Japanese Ambassador to China Uichiro Niwa to make a "wise political resolution" and immediately release the Chinese fishermen and fishing boat Japan's coast guard seized September  7 in waters off the Diaoyu Islands

 

Afghanistan: 

Following up after twenty people were killed in a clash with Tajikistan border guards along the border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan

 

Kazakhstan: 

Shanghai Cooperation Organization continues antiterrorism command and staff exercises Peace Mission - 2010; more than 5,000 servicemen from Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan participate (-25)

 

Armenia: 

NATO disaster response exercise Armenia 2010 held in city of Arzni (-17); NATO, partner countries participate, including Turkey which has closed border, strained relations with Armenia

 

Iran: 

Chinese Railways Minister Liu Zhijun visits to clinch deal on construction of segment of railway linking China with Mediterranean through Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran

 

Turkey: 

Referendum on constitutional amendments proposed that would restrict powers of judiciary and military; critics say changes designed to strengthen position of ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP); government says reforms will make Turkey more democratic

 

Iraq: 

The al-Iraqiya List has refused to hold any negotiations with the Iraqi National Alliance (INA) or the State of Law Coalition (SLC) if they insist on pursuing the post of prime minister. Jamal al-Karbuli, a leading figure in the al-Iraqiyah List, said his group would only negotiate with the political blocs that won in the elections as independent blocs and not as alliances.

 

Libya:

Leader Mu'ammar al-Qadhafi visits northern city of Benghazi to mark Id al-Fitr and 41st anniversary of his coming to power; expected to deliver speech which will be broadcast via flat screens across city

 

Rwanda: 

French judges probing 1994 assassination of Rwandan President Juvenal Habyarimana arrive to find out who shot down his official jet; attack considered to have triggered Rwandan

 

South Africa: 

Navies of South Africa, India, Brazil continue trilateral military exercises off Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town, codenamed IBSAMAR (India Brazil South Africa Maritime Exercises)

 

Greece: 

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou holds news conference on sidelines of international trade fair in Thessaloniki, following previous day's economic policy speech

 

Serbia: 

Serbia's war crimes prosecutor has charged nine former paramilitary fighters with killing more than 40 civilians during the war in Kosovo. The nine are accused of looting, intimidation, rape and murder, all with the intent of driving ethnic Albanian civilians from their homes.

 

Finland: 

"Largest-ever" military exercises continue, involving United States, nine EU countries (-24)

 

NATO: 

Secretary General of NATO Anders Fogh Rasmussen has urged full support for a proposed defensive anti-ballistic missile "shield," which he hopes will be accepted in November at a summit of members in Lisbon, promising new SM-3 missiles along the Russian border.

 

Canada: 

World Energy Congress in Montreal, attended by energy executives (-16)

 

US: 

Follow up after President Barack Obama called on Israel to extend a freeze on all Jewish colonies in the West Bank

Posted via email from luay's posterous