Vietnamese State President Nguyen Minh Triet’s recently concluded trip to the US is continuing to receive prominent coverage from the world's media outlets.Japanese media in particular ran stories calling talks between Vietnamese President Triet and US President George W.Bush at the White House on June 22 a new step in the countries relationship, as both sides look to the future and brush aside any residual bitterness from the Viet Nam War. The “Yomiuri” daily said that during the meeting, President Bush welcomed increasingly warming relations with Viet Nam, and spoke highly of Viet Nam’s transformation into one of the world's fastest growing economies.Hong Kong’s respected “Tai Yang” newspaper also published an article on June 24 stating that the Viet Nam-US relations have been on the rise and are expected to be cemented further as Viet Nam is striving to speed up its "open policy" in order to gain higher growth rate.Thailand’s “The Nation” wrote an editorial piece on the vastly changed landscape of political relations between the two countries stating that talks are now held in an atmosphere of openness that was reflected by Viet Nam's willingness to discuss and hold future dialogue with the US on human rights issues.Entitled “Welcome Viet Nam,” a commentary on Italy’s “IPS” news agency said that the signing of the Viet Nam-US Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) between the two would usher in a new era of increased US investment into the Southeast Asian country.-Enditem
Copyright, Vietnam News Agency (VNA)
Monday, June 25, 2007
Sunday, June 24, 2007
'Chemical Ali' sentenced to hang
An Iraqi court on Sunday sentenced Saddam Hussein's cousin known as "Chemical Ali" and two other former regime officials to death by hanging for their roles in a 1980s scorched-earth campaign that led to the deaths of 180,000 Kurds.
Ali Hassan al-Majid, Saddam's cousin and the former head of the Baath Party's Northern Bureau Command, earned his nickname for his use of chemical weapons against the ethnic minority during efforts to crush a rebellion in the north.
The judge, Mohammed Oreibi al-Khalifa, said al-Majid was convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes for ordering army and security services to use chemical weapons in a large-scale offensive that killed or maimed thousands.
Former defense minister Sultan Hashim Ahmad al-Tai also was sent to the gallows after the judge ruled that he had ordered a large-scale attack against civilians and used chemical weapons and deportation against the Kurds.
Al-Tai, who was wearing a traditional Arab robe and a white headdress, stood in silence as the verdict was read but insisted he was innocent afterward.
"I will not say anything new, but I will leave you to God. I'm innocent," al-Tai said as a guard escorted him out of the room after the verdict.
The former deputy director of operations for the Iraqi Armed Forces, Hussein Rashid Mohammed, also was sentenced to death after he was convicted of drawing up military plans and other allegations against the Kurds.
Two other former regime officials -- Farhan Mutlaq Saleh, former head of military intelligence's eastern regional office, and former director of military intelligence under Saddam Hussein, Sabir al-Douri, were sentenced to life in prison.
The judge said the charges were dropped against Taher Tawfiq al-Ani, the former governor of Mosul and head of the Northern Affairs Committee, because of insufficient evidence. That decision had been expected as the prosecutor had requested that al-Ani be released.
Ali Hassan al-Majid, Saddam's cousin and the former head of the Baath Party's Northern Bureau Command, earned his nickname for his use of chemical weapons against the ethnic minority during efforts to crush a rebellion in the north.
The judge, Mohammed Oreibi al-Khalifa, said al-Majid was convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes for ordering army and security services to use chemical weapons in a large-scale offensive that killed or maimed thousands.
Former defense minister Sultan Hashim Ahmad al-Tai also was sent to the gallows after the judge ruled that he had ordered a large-scale attack against civilians and used chemical weapons and deportation against the Kurds.
Al-Tai, who was wearing a traditional Arab robe and a white headdress, stood in silence as the verdict was read but insisted he was innocent afterward.
"I will not say anything new, but I will leave you to God. I'm innocent," al-Tai said as a guard escorted him out of the room after the verdict.
The former deputy director of operations for the Iraqi Armed Forces, Hussein Rashid Mohammed, also was sentenced to death after he was convicted of drawing up military plans and other allegations against the Kurds.
Two other former regime officials -- Farhan Mutlaq Saleh, former head of military intelligence's eastern regional office, and former director of military intelligence under Saddam Hussein, Sabir al-Douri, were sentenced to life in prison.
The judge said the charges were dropped against Taher Tawfiq al-Ani, the former governor of Mosul and head of the Northern Affairs Committee, because of insufficient evidence. That decision had been expected as the prosecutor had requested that al-Ani be released.
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
EU chiefs 'satisfied' with treaty
EU leaders have expressed measured approval of a draft treaty to reform EU systems agreed at a summit in Brussels.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel hailed a good compromise with Poland over planned changes to voting rights, which proved the key to the final agreement.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Europe was moving again, while British PM Tony Blair said the EU could now concentrate on issues of real concern.
The treaty, to be finalised later this year, will come into force in mid-2009.
Following marathon discussions which were at times on the brink of failure, leaders from the 27-member bloc emerged smiling at dawn on Saturday to announce the results. Having led the negotiations and brokered the compromise, Ms Merkel, the current EU president, said: "We are very, very satisfied with what we have been able to conclude."
Poland's President Lech Kaczynski, whose objections to proposed voting rights almost de-railed the summit, said his country would now be able to co-operate better with its partners.
"We really were fighting but we also encountered solidarity. The striving for success was something that was observed on everybody's part and Poland understood this," he said.
The new treaty preserves much of the planned EU constitution, which was rejected by French and Dutch voters during referendums in 2005.
It will need to be ratified by each of the EU's member states.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel hailed a good compromise with Poland over planned changes to voting rights, which proved the key to the final agreement.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Europe was moving again, while British PM Tony Blair said the EU could now concentrate on issues of real concern.
The treaty, to be finalised later this year, will come into force in mid-2009.
Following marathon discussions which were at times on the brink of failure, leaders from the 27-member bloc emerged smiling at dawn on Saturday to announce the results. Having led the negotiations and brokered the compromise, Ms Merkel, the current EU president, said: "We are very, very satisfied with what we have been able to conclude."
Poland's President Lech Kaczynski, whose objections to proposed voting rights almost de-railed the summit, said his country would now be able to co-operate better with its partners.
"We really were fighting but we also encountered solidarity. The striving for success was something that was observed on everybody's part and Poland understood this," he said.
The new treaty preserves much of the planned EU constitution, which was rejected by French and Dutch voters during referendums in 2005.
It will need to be ratified by each of the EU's member states.
Tony Blair said that the arduous process had shown why the treaty was needed - to streamline EU mechanisms which were not designed for the current number of states.
Mr Sarkozy said the treaty was crucial for the future, adding that there were no winners or losers.
"The mandate is clear and precise and the dates are fixed. And you will now have a Europe with institutions. This is a very important message," he said.
Mr Sarkozy said the treaty was crucial for the future, adding that there were no winners or losers.
"The mandate is clear and precise and the dates are fixed. And you will now have a Europe with institutions. This is a very important message," he said.
BBC News
Friday, June 22, 2007
Senate passes energy bill, boosting mileage standards
The Senate passed an energy bill late Thursday that includes an increase in automobile fuel economy, new laws against energy price-gouging and a requirement for huge increases in the production of ethanol.
In an eleventh-hour compromise fashioned after two days of closed-door meetings, an agreement was reached to increase average fuel economy by 40 percent to 35 miles per gallon for cars, SUVs and pickup trucks by 2020.
But the fuel economy issue threatened to topple the legislation up to the last minute. Majority Leader Harry Reid held off the vote until late into the evening so several senators could be called back to Capitol Hill to provide the 60-vote margin needed to overcome a threatened filibuster from pro-auto industry senators.
Shortly before midnight, senators voted 62-32 to cut off debate, and followed by passing the bill 65-27. The measure now awaits action by the House, which is expected to take it up next week. But attempts to combine the two bills and send legislation to President Bush probably won't be possible until later this year.
It would be the first increase in vehicle fuel efficiency since the current 22.7 mpg for cars was put in place in 1989 and the first time Congress has imposed a new auto efficiency mandate in 32 years.
Supporters said the new requirement would save 2.5 million barrels of oil a day by 2025, when large numbers of the more fuel-stingy cars will be on the road.
Republicans complained that the energy bill is tilted too much toward renewables and fuel efficiency and does nothing to boost domestic oil or natural gas production.
But its supporters said it reflects a shift to new energy priorities, away from promoting fossil fuels to supporting other energy sources such wind and biomass to make electricity and ethanol to power cars and trucks.
"This bill starts America on a path toward reducing our reliance on oil," declared Reid.
But Democrats didn't get all that they wanted.
Republicans blocked Democratic efforts to pass a $32 billion package of tax incentives for renewable energy and clean fuels, objecting to increasing taxes on oil companies by $29 billion over 10 years to pay for it.
Democrats also were unable to include in the bill a requirement for electric utilities to produce at least 15 percent of their electricity from renewable fuels such as wind and biomass. Senators from the South objected, saying the region couldn't meet such a standard, and Republicans refused to let the measure come up for a vote.
But the legislation provides a bonanza to farmers and the ethanol industry. It requires ethanol production to grow to at least 36 billion gallon a year by 2022, a sevenfold increase of the amount of ethanol processed last year.
The legislation also calls for:
• Price gouging provisions that make it unlawful to charge an "unconscionably excessive" price for oil products including gasoline and give the federal government new authority to investigate oil industry market manipulation.
• New appliance and lighting efficiency standards and a requirement that the federal government accelerate use of more efficient lighting in public buildings.
• Grants, loan guarantees and other assistance to promote research into fuel efficient vehicles, including hybrids, advanced diesel and battery technologies. percent ethanol or biodiesel fuels.
In an eleventh-hour compromise fashioned after two days of closed-door meetings, an agreement was reached to increase average fuel economy by 40 percent to 35 miles per gallon for cars, SUVs and pickup trucks by 2020.
But the fuel economy issue threatened to topple the legislation up to the last minute. Majority Leader Harry Reid held off the vote until late into the evening so several senators could be called back to Capitol Hill to provide the 60-vote margin needed to overcome a threatened filibuster from pro-auto industry senators.
Shortly before midnight, senators voted 62-32 to cut off debate, and followed by passing the bill 65-27. The measure now awaits action by the House, which is expected to take it up next week. But attempts to combine the two bills and send legislation to President Bush probably won't be possible until later this year.
It would be the first increase in vehicle fuel efficiency since the current 22.7 mpg for cars was put in place in 1989 and the first time Congress has imposed a new auto efficiency mandate in 32 years.
Supporters said the new requirement would save 2.5 million barrels of oil a day by 2025, when large numbers of the more fuel-stingy cars will be on the road.
Republicans complained that the energy bill is tilted too much toward renewables and fuel efficiency and does nothing to boost domestic oil or natural gas production.
But its supporters said it reflects a shift to new energy priorities, away from promoting fossil fuels to supporting other energy sources such wind and biomass to make electricity and ethanol to power cars and trucks.
"This bill starts America on a path toward reducing our reliance on oil," declared Reid.
But Democrats didn't get all that they wanted.
Republicans blocked Democratic efforts to pass a $32 billion package of tax incentives for renewable energy and clean fuels, objecting to increasing taxes on oil companies by $29 billion over 10 years to pay for it.
Democrats also were unable to include in the bill a requirement for electric utilities to produce at least 15 percent of their electricity from renewable fuels such as wind and biomass. Senators from the South objected, saying the region couldn't meet such a standard, and Republicans refused to let the measure come up for a vote.
But the legislation provides a bonanza to farmers and the ethanol industry. It requires ethanol production to grow to at least 36 billion gallon a year by 2022, a sevenfold increase of the amount of ethanol processed last year.
The legislation also calls for:
• Price gouging provisions that make it unlawful to charge an "unconscionably excessive" price for oil products including gasoline and give the federal government new authority to investigate oil industry market manipulation.
• New appliance and lighting efficiency standards and a requirement that the federal government accelerate use of more efficient lighting in public buildings.
• Grants, loan guarantees and other assistance to promote research into fuel efficient vehicles, including hybrids, advanced diesel and battery technologies. percent ethanol or biodiesel fuels.
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Thai ex-PM accused of corruption
Thai prosecutors have filed corruption charges against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
He is accused of illegally helping his wife buy government-owned land at a bargain price four years ago.
The former Thai leader, who was overthrown in a bloodless military coup last September, denies any wrongdoing.
He currently lives abroad, mainly in London, and has just launched a £81.6m ($163m) bid to buy English premier football club Manchester City.
Land deal
The charges relate to the purchase of a plot of land in Bangkok by Mr Thaksin's wife Pojaman, for 772m baht ($24m; £12m).
The land, owned by a government agency, had earlier been valued at 2.1bn baht.
He is accused of illegally helping his wife buy government-owned land at a bargain price four years ago.
The former Thai leader, who was overthrown in a bloodless military coup last September, denies any wrongdoing.
He currently lives abroad, mainly in London, and has just launched a £81.6m ($163m) bid to buy English premier football club Manchester City.
Land deal
The charges relate to the purchase of a plot of land in Bangkok by Mr Thaksin's wife Pojaman, for 772m baht ($24m; £12m).
The land, owned by a government agency, had earlier been valued at 2.1bn baht.
Mr Thaksin is accused of illegally influencing the deal.
The Supreme Court said it would decide on 10 July if it would hear the case.
If it goes ahead, Mr Thaksin and his wife would reportedly be required to attend opening arguments.
The BBC's Jonathan Head in Bangkok says that since they took power, the Thai military authorities have been under sustained public pressure to prove their accusations of corruption and abuses of power against Mr Thaksin.
Now for the first time prosecutors say they have a strong-enough case to file formal charges.
Besides the land deal, investigations into 12 other cases are under way.
Around 53bn baht of his assets have been frozen.
Earlier this week, Thai police said they wanted to question Mr Thaksin over another case of alleged graft involving a property company owned by his family.
There were initial reports Mr Thaksin would be required to go to a Bangkok police station, but police later said his lawyers could appear on his behalf.
He has repeatedly insisted that the moves against him are politically motivated.
The Supreme Court said it would decide on 10 July if it would hear the case.
If it goes ahead, Mr Thaksin and his wife would reportedly be required to attend opening arguments.
The BBC's Jonathan Head in Bangkok says that since they took power, the Thai military authorities have been under sustained public pressure to prove their accusations of corruption and abuses of power against Mr Thaksin.
Now for the first time prosecutors say they have a strong-enough case to file formal charges.
Besides the land deal, investigations into 12 other cases are under way.
Around 53bn baht of his assets have been frozen.
Earlier this week, Thai police said they wanted to question Mr Thaksin over another case of alleged graft involving a property company owned by his family.
There were initial reports Mr Thaksin would be required to go to a Bangkok police station, but police later said his lawyers could appear on his behalf.
He has repeatedly insisted that the moves against him are politically motivated.
BBC News
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Microsoft agrees to change Vista desktop search
update Microsoft agreed Tuesday to make changes to the desktop search feature in Windows Vista in an effort to assuage Google and head off a further antitrust battle with U.S. regulators.
In a filing made jointly with the Justice Department on Tuesday night, Microsoft said it would change the search feature as part of the first service pack to Windows Vista. In the filing, Microsoft talked for the first time about when that service pack would arrive, saying a beta version will come by the end of the year. Under the agreement, Microsoft will create a mechanism whereby both computer makers and individuals will be able to choose a default desktop search program, much as they can choose a rival browser or media player, even though those technologies are built into Windows.
"Plaintiffs are collectively satisfied that this agreement will resolve any issues the complaint may raise under the Final Judgments, provided that Microsoft implements it as promised," regulators said in the filing made with the Judge overseeing Microsoft's consent decree.
Microsoft said it too, was glad to reach an accord.
"We're pleased we were able to reach an agreement with all the states and the Justice Department that addresses their concerns so that everyone can move forward," Microsoft General Counsel Brad Smith said in a statement.
A federal prosecutor said that the move satisfied the U.S. government as well as 17 state attorneys general and that the software maker was adequately addressing antitrust concerns raised by Google.
"In addition to reaching an agreement with Microsoft to resolve any issues about desktop search under the final judgments, the (Justice Department) has worked to ensure that Microsoft fully discloses and provides complete technical documentation for all protocols covered by the decrees," Thomas O. Barnett, assistant attorney general in charge of the Justice Department's Antitrust Division, said in a statement.
California Attorney General Jerry Brown said Tuesday that he had become concerned with allegations that the desktop search feature in Vista was in violation of the antitrust accord Microsoft reached in 2002. In a statement, he offered qualified praise for the agreement.
"This agreement--while not perfect--is a positive step towards greater competition in the software industry. It will enhance the ability of consumers to select the desktop search tool of their choice," Brown said.
In a statement, Google Chief Legal Officer David Drummond said that "Microsoft's current approach to Vista desktop search clearly violates the consent decree and limits consumer choice.
"We are pleased that as a result of Google's request that the consent decree be enforced, the Department of Justice and state attorneys general have required Microsoft to make changes to Vista," he said. "These remedies are a step in the right direction, but they should be improved further to give consumers greater access to alternate desktop search providers."
Details of the agreement began to dribble out ahead of the filing on Tuesday.
Google first expressed concern over Vista's desktop search feature last year. Earlier this month, The New York Times reported that the U.S. Justice Department was siding with Microsoft, while some state regulators, including Connecticut's attorney general, said they wanted to look further into Google's concerns.
Last week, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer dismissed Google's complaints, saying at the Detroit Economic Club that the rival's objections were "baseless."
"We continue to comply with the consent decree we signed with the U.S. government in recognition to the findings around our position with Windows," Ballmer said, according to Reuters. "We think all claims to the contrary are baseless."
This is not the only antitrust skirmish going on involving Microsoft and Google, which have become increasingly fierce rivals. Microsoft has sought to get regulators to take a closer look at Google's planned acquisition of DoubleClick. However, the Federal Trade Commission is also reportedly evaluating Microsoft's planned $6 billion purchase of Aquantive.
In a filing made jointly with the Justice Department on Tuesday night, Microsoft said it would change the search feature as part of the first service pack to Windows Vista. In the filing, Microsoft talked for the first time about when that service pack would arrive, saying a beta version will come by the end of the year. Under the agreement, Microsoft will create a mechanism whereby both computer makers and individuals will be able to choose a default desktop search program, much as they can choose a rival browser or media player, even though those technologies are built into Windows.
"Plaintiffs are collectively satisfied that this agreement will resolve any issues the complaint may raise under the Final Judgments, provided that Microsoft implements it as promised," regulators said in the filing made with the Judge overseeing Microsoft's consent decree.
Microsoft said it too, was glad to reach an accord.
"We're pleased we were able to reach an agreement with all the states and the Justice Department that addresses their concerns so that everyone can move forward," Microsoft General Counsel Brad Smith said in a statement.
A federal prosecutor said that the move satisfied the U.S. government as well as 17 state attorneys general and that the software maker was adequately addressing antitrust concerns raised by Google.
"In addition to reaching an agreement with Microsoft to resolve any issues about desktop search under the final judgments, the (Justice Department) has worked to ensure that Microsoft fully discloses and provides complete technical documentation for all protocols covered by the decrees," Thomas O. Barnett, assistant attorney general in charge of the Justice Department's Antitrust Division, said in a statement.
California Attorney General Jerry Brown said Tuesday that he had become concerned with allegations that the desktop search feature in Vista was in violation of the antitrust accord Microsoft reached in 2002. In a statement, he offered qualified praise for the agreement.
"This agreement--while not perfect--is a positive step towards greater competition in the software industry. It will enhance the ability of consumers to select the desktop search tool of their choice," Brown said.
In a statement, Google Chief Legal Officer David Drummond said that "Microsoft's current approach to Vista desktop search clearly violates the consent decree and limits consumer choice.
"We are pleased that as a result of Google's request that the consent decree be enforced, the Department of Justice and state attorneys general have required Microsoft to make changes to Vista," he said. "These remedies are a step in the right direction, but they should be improved further to give consumers greater access to alternate desktop search providers."
Details of the agreement began to dribble out ahead of the filing on Tuesday.
Google first expressed concern over Vista's desktop search feature last year. Earlier this month, The New York Times reported that the U.S. Justice Department was siding with Microsoft, while some state regulators, including Connecticut's attorney general, said they wanted to look further into Google's concerns.
Last week, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer dismissed Google's complaints, saying at the Detroit Economic Club that the rival's objections were "baseless."
"We continue to comply with the consent decree we signed with the U.S. government in recognition to the findings around our position with Windows," Ballmer said, according to Reuters. "We think all claims to the contrary are baseless."
This is not the only antitrust skirmish going on involving Microsoft and Google, which have become increasingly fierce rivals. Microsoft has sought to get regulators to take a closer look at Google's planned acquisition of DoubleClick. However, the Federal Trade Commission is also reportedly evaluating Microsoft's planned $6 billion purchase of Aquantive.
Copyright ©2007 CNET Networks, Inc. All rights reserved
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
RIVALS WILL SPEND MOUR, WARNS JOSE
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes the club will be outspent by their three big Barclays Premier League rivals this summer.
The Londoners have spent huge sums of money on transfer fees and wages to attract some of the top players in the world since Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich bought the club in July 2003, but Mourinho expects Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal to all spend more than the Blues in the summer transfer market.
He hopes that will force the media to put as much pressure on those teams to challenge for domestic and European honours as Mourinho feels they do on Chelsea.
He told Chelsea magazine: "People ask Chelsea, 'Last season you won two trophies; why did you not win four?' But not many journalists ask Rafael Benitez and Arsene Wenger, 'Why zero?' And not many people ask Manchester United, 'Why only the Premiership?'
"Is it about money? If it is, I hope that next season the media put pressure on the big spenders because the big spenders for sure will not be Chelsea.
"The spenders will be Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham and maybe Arsenal. I don't know, but it won't be Chelsea for sure. So maybe at the beginning of next season they will say that Chelsea are not the favourites any more because the club did not spend so much money."
Mourinho also insisted that the "reality of modern football" made it unlikely any club would be able to achieve the quadruple of trophies which Chelsea were on course for at one stage last season.
The Blues ultimately finished with the FA Cup and Carling Cup, finishing second in the Premiership to Manchester United and reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League.
"We have the experience of the small details making the big difference," the Portuguese added.
"It is difficult to always have those details on your side and so it is very difficult to win every competition."
Copyright ? TEAMtalk Media Group 2006
Monday, June 18, 2007
EU plans direct Palestinian aid
The EU has said it will resume direct aid to the Palestinian Authority to support the new Fatah-led government.
The decision came after Israel and the US both publicly backed the new emergency cabinet, set up after Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip.
Israel says it will release tax revenues frozen since Hamas won elections in January 2006.
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has spoken to US President George W Bush, urging him to push for new peace talks.
Mr Bush called the Palestinian Authority president to offer his support for the new government, said Mr Abbas's office.
Mr Abbas reportedly told the US leader that without Hamas in government, the time was now right for a new peace effort.
The decision came after Israel and the US both publicly backed the new emergency cabinet, set up after Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip.
Israel says it will release tax revenues frozen since Hamas won elections in January 2006.
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has spoken to US President George W Bush, urging him to push for new peace talks.
Mr Bush called the Palestinian Authority president to offer his support for the new government, said Mr Abbas's office.
Mr Abbas reportedly told the US leader that without Hamas in government, the time was now right for a new peace effort.
Israeli leaders offered strong public support for Mr Abbas' new government.
Speaking in New York, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said he would consider the new Palestinian government as a "genuine partner".
Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni confirmed the decision to release tax revenues at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg.
"We are willing to work with those who support the two-state solution - those who understand and accept the right of Israel to exist," she said.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, there were reports that the territory's 1.3 million residents could face shortages of food and other essential supplies once current Israeli supplies run out.
But an Israeli fuel company, Dor Alon, said it had restored normal fuel supplies to the Gaza Strip after Palestinians protested against an earlier suspension.
Speaking in New York, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said he would consider the new Palestinian government as a "genuine partner".
Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni confirmed the decision to release tax revenues at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg.
"We are willing to work with those who support the two-state solution - those who understand and accept the right of Israel to exist," she said.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, there were reports that the territory's 1.3 million residents could face shortages of food and other essential supplies once current Israeli supplies run out.
But an Israeli fuel company, Dor Alon, said it had restored normal fuel supplies to the Gaza Strip after Palestinians protested against an earlier suspension.
'Direct relationship'
The EU and US imposed an embargo on the previous government after Hamas won a surprise election victory 18 months ago.
Speaking in Luxembourg, Mr Solana said the EU would be prepared to make some direct payments to the government of the new Palestinian Prime Minister, Salam Fayyad, in the future. Mr Fayyad, widely respected among international organisations and donors, served as finance minister in the previous administration.
"It is very important that he is able to construct a budget, and through that budget he will be able to help both people in Gaza and the West Bank," Mr Solana said.
Mr Solana added that the EU also planned to deliver economic aid to Palestinians in Gaza but for the moment would continue to channel money through a temporary mechanism that bypasses Hamas.
"In order to help the Palestinian people in Gaza, we will need some mechanism that cannot be direct support," he said.
The EU, the biggest donor to the Palestinians, continued humanitarian aid during the ban on contact with the former Hamas-led government.
The EU and US imposed an embargo on the previous government after Hamas won a surprise election victory 18 months ago.
Speaking in Luxembourg, Mr Solana said the EU would be prepared to make some direct payments to the government of the new Palestinian Prime Minister, Salam Fayyad, in the future. Mr Fayyad, widely respected among international organisations and donors, served as finance minister in the previous administration.
"It is very important that he is able to construct a budget, and through that budget he will be able to help both people in Gaza and the West Bank," Mr Solana said.
Mr Solana added that the EU also planned to deliver economic aid to Palestinians in Gaza but for the moment would continue to channel money through a temporary mechanism that bypasses Hamas.
"In order to help the Palestinian people in Gaza, we will need some mechanism that cannot be direct support," he said.
The EU, the biggest donor to the Palestinians, continued humanitarian aid during the ban on contact with the former Hamas-led government.
BBC News
Sunday, June 17, 2007
New Palestinian cabinet sworn in
Prime Minister Salam Fayyad is seen as a reformerPalestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has sworn in a new emergency government that excludes his Islamist rivals, Hamas, who have seized control of Gaza.
Mr Abbas also issued decrees enabling new Prime Minister Salam Fayyad to rule without parliamentary approval and outlawing all of Hamas's armed forces.
Mr Fayyad's predecessor, Ismail Haniya, has said the new government is illegal.
Israel's government said a non-Hamas administration would create a fresh opportunity for a partnership in peace.
The US has also said there will be no obstacles to re-engaging with the new Palestinian government. Mr Abbas sacked Mr Haniya, a Hamas leader, on Thursday after factional fighting left more than 100 people dead in Gaza.
Shortly afterwards, the Hamas movement said it had taken over full control of Gaza, as its gunmen ransacked Fatah offices and arrested or killed its fighters.
Mr Abbas also issued decrees enabling new Prime Minister Salam Fayyad to rule without parliamentary approval and outlawing all of Hamas's armed forces.
Mr Fayyad's predecessor, Ismail Haniya, has said the new government is illegal.
Israel's government said a non-Hamas administration would create a fresh opportunity for a partnership in peace.
The US has also said there will be no obstacles to re-engaging with the new Palestinian government. Mr Abbas sacked Mr Haniya, a Hamas leader, on Thursday after factional fighting left more than 100 people dead in Gaza.
Shortly afterwards, the Hamas movement said it had taken over full control of Gaza, as its gunmen ransacked Fatah offices and arrested or killed its fighters.
'Dishonourable events'
The new government took the oath of office before Mr Abbas, the leader of Fatah, in the presidential compound in the West Bank city of Ramallah.
The new government took the oath of office before Mr Abbas, the leader of Fatah, in the presidential compound in the West Bank city of Ramallah.
Mr Fayyad, an independent who served as finance minister in the previous administration, pledged to protect the interests of the Palestinian people.
"I swear by God that I will be faithful to the homeland and its sanctities, to the people and its national heritage, to respect the constitution and the law, and to fully protect the interests of the Palestinian people," he said.
The former World Bank official is well respected by the international community for his past efforts in combating corruption and promoting transparency.
After the ceremony, Mr Fayyad called for unity within the Palestinian Territories.
"We insist on organic unity, both administrative and political, of the two parts of the homeland - the Gaza Strip and the West Bank," he said.
He also said his cabinet would work to "put an end to the anomaly of the dishonourable events", referring to Hamas taking control of Gaza.
"I swear by God that I will be faithful to the homeland and its sanctities, to the people and its national heritage, to respect the constitution and the law, and to fully protect the interests of the Palestinian people," he said.
The former World Bank official is well respected by the international community for his past efforts in combating corruption and promoting transparency.
After the ceremony, Mr Fayyad called for unity within the Palestinian Territories.
"We insist on organic unity, both administrative and political, of the two parts of the homeland - the Gaza Strip and the West Bank," he said.
He also said his cabinet would work to "put an end to the anomaly of the dishonourable events", referring to Hamas taking control of Gaza.
BBC News
Friday, June 15, 2007
Vice President attends Viet Nam-Germany Business Forum
Vice President Truong My Hoa has attended a Viet Nam-Germany Business Forum in Berlin before joining in the 17th Global Summit of Women slated for June 14-16.Addressing the forum, Vice President Hoa stressed that despite their geographical distance, Viet Nam and Germany have enjoyed long-term economic cooperation that has developed constantly in recent years fuelled by visits of senior leaders of the two nations.Germany is currently one of Viet Nam’s important trade partners, she said, noting that its investment in the Southeast Asian country remained modest in terms of both the number of projects and volume of capital, which is incommensurate with their potential and relations. The Vice President hoped that the forum would open up opportunities for Vietnamese and German businesses to expand cooperation, thus raising the bilateral economic and trade ties to a new plane.Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Tran Duc Mau urged enterprises of the two countries to be more active in seeking partners. He also emphasised the need to work out a proper mechanism for their cooperation.The forum saw the attendance of representatives from the German Federal Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Economics, and Agriculture, as well as more than 100 businesses from Viet Nam and Germany.-Enditem
Copyright, Vietnam News Agency (VNA)
Copyright, Vietnam News Agency (VNA)
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Fiji expels New Zealand diplomat
Fiji's post-coup leadership has expelled New Zealand's top diplomat, accusing him of interfering in the country's domestic affairs.
The interim government said "provisions remain open" for New Zealand to replace Michael Green as high commissioner.
But Wellington reacted with fury at the expulsion, and warned Fiji that there would be repercussions.
New Zealand was one of dozens of nations to strongly criticise last December's bloodless coup in Fiji.
It imposed sanctions following military leader Cmdr Frank Bainimarama's move to topple elected Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and his government.
Media reports suggested Mr Green, who had been high commissioner in Fiji since December 2004, had upset the government by meeting members of the deposed government.
The interim government said "provisions remain open" for New Zealand to replace Michael Green as high commissioner.
But Wellington reacted with fury at the expulsion, and warned Fiji that there would be repercussions.
New Zealand was one of dozens of nations to strongly criticise last December's bloodless coup in Fiji.
It imposed sanctions following military leader Cmdr Frank Bainimarama's move to topple elected Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and his government.
Media reports suggested Mr Green, who had been high commissioner in Fiji since December 2004, had upset the government by meeting members of the deposed government.
"The practice of quiet diplomacy was foremost given all the chances to prevail by Fiji authorities in our efforts to seek understanding and co-operation of... Mr Green to stop interfering in Fiji's domestic affairs, " the Fijian government statement said.
It also went on to say that Fiji's own diplomat in Wellington had "continuously been snubbed" by the New Zealand authorities, "and the attitude of his counterpart in Fiji has done little to help the situation". The statement ended by saying Fiji considered this a "purely bilateral matter", and should not have any implications for its relations with other countries.
New Zealand said it would now be assessing what next steps to take. It has already suspended military ties with Fiji and imposed travel bans on the new leadership since the coup in December.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters told the BBC that New Zealand was "looking at every aspect of our bilateral relations" and may impose measures as early as next week.
He said the action could involve issuing new travel advisories or putting a freeze on New Zealand bank accounts held by Fiji's leadership.
But he insisted aid would not be affected. "We regard the Fijian people as innocent in this matter. We would not want to act in a way that would seem to be a mirror image of the country we are dealing with, in terms of the government."
Cmdr Bainimarama said he had no choice in carrying out the coup on 5 December 2006 because Mr Qarase's government was corrupt.
He was also angered by a government plan to offer amnesties to those involved in a 2000 coup that he had helped put down.
But he has come under huge pressure from overseas since the coup, and lifted a state of emergency in the country at the end of last month.
It also went on to say that Fiji's own diplomat in Wellington had "continuously been snubbed" by the New Zealand authorities, "and the attitude of his counterpart in Fiji has done little to help the situation". The statement ended by saying Fiji considered this a "purely bilateral matter", and should not have any implications for its relations with other countries.
New Zealand said it would now be assessing what next steps to take. It has already suspended military ties with Fiji and imposed travel bans on the new leadership since the coup in December.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters told the BBC that New Zealand was "looking at every aspect of our bilateral relations" and may impose measures as early as next week.
He said the action could involve issuing new travel advisories or putting a freeze on New Zealand bank accounts held by Fiji's leadership.
But he insisted aid would not be affected. "We regard the Fijian people as innocent in this matter. We would not want to act in a way that would seem to be a mirror image of the country we are dealing with, in terms of the government."
Cmdr Bainimarama said he had no choice in carrying out the coup on 5 December 2006 because Mr Qarase's government was corrupt.
He was also angered by a government plan to offer amnesties to those involved in a 2000 coup that he had helped put down.
But he has come under huge pressure from overseas since the coup, and lifted a state of emergency in the country at the end of last month.
BBC News
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
ASEAN looks to bridge development gap
The second Initiative for the ASEAN Integration (IAI) Development Cooperation Forum kicked off in Ha Noi on June 12, aimed at narrowing the development gap between ASEAN's original members and the more recent additions to the regional bloc. Speaking to delegates from ASEAN member countries, ASEAN Secretariat, and international organisations, the current chairman of the IAI Task Force, Lao Deputy Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith said that to achieve the "ASEAN Community" by 2015, the grouping would give priority to assisting new members, namely Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Viet Nam (CLMV). Deputy PM Sisoulith, who is also Lao Foreign Minister, said the decision is an ASEAN strategic objective that would bring benefits to the region and would reflect ASEAN’s firm commitment to promote and maintain peace and stability in the region. Addressing the two-day forum, entitled “Towards developing new strategies for narrowing the development gap in ASEAN,” Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem said that the implementation of the IAI had significantly progressed over the past few years, particularly in terms of human resources development, capacity building and regional integration. However, Deputy PM Khiem said, the rich-poor divide within ASEAN remains wide and more work is needed to assist CLMV in fully integrating into the mainstream of ASEAN development. According to the Vietnamese Deputy PM, the ASEAN Community would not be achieved if the development gap among member countries remains so large and bridging the divide must remain a long-term priority in order to build a dynamic, cohesive and integrated ASEAN. He suggested that IAI projects should focus on the urgent needs of CLMV in their efforts to improve national soft infrastructure; that IAI projects should be conducted in a coordinated and effective manner that brings sustained and long-term impacts on regional integration; and that adequate funding for IAI initiatives would needed. Topping the agenda of the forum's talks included narrowing the development gap, the role of sub-regional frameworks such as Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS) and Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), the role of ASEAN 6 (six ASEAN old members) and dialogue partners, as well as the role of supporting ASEAN entities and the private sector. ASEAN groups Brunei , Cambodia , Indonesia , Laos , Malaysia , Myanmar , the Philippines , Singapore , Thailand , and Viet Nam.-Enditem
Copyright, Vietnam News Agency (VNA)
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