Two more European countries have expressed support for international investigations into human rights abuses in Burma, following protests in London targeting six European countries. Latvia stated it supports a UN Commission of Inquiry; ‘in principle’, while Denmark stated it; ‘supports in principle the establishment of an international investigation into human rights abuses in Burma… a Commission could be a possible model for an international investigation.”
One-hundred people joined protests today at the Swedish, Latvian, Luxembourg, Norwegian and German Embassies. The protest at the Danish Embassy was cancelled following their expression of support for a Commission. The protests were led by Wai Hnin, Campaigns Officer at Burma Campaign UK, and daughter of Ko Mya Aye, whose 44th birthday is today. Burma Campaign UK today also published a briefing on how the detention and treatment of political prisoners in Burma constitutes crimes against humanity.
The Danish Ambassador Birger Riis-Jorgensen wrote to Burma Campaign UK on the eve of a planned protest at the Danish Embassy. He stated in his letter:
“Denmark supports in principle the establishment of an international investigation into human rights abuses in Burma/Myanmar. This can be an important element in a national reconciliation process. As noted in your letter, the idea of a Commission of Inquiry was first expressed by the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Burma/Myanmar, Mr Quintana, in March 2010. Such a Commission could be a possible model for an international investigation. Before steps are taken we need, however, to establish broad international support in order to make sure that an investigative commission will be able to conduct its work in the most effective way.”
A government representative from the Latvian Embassy, who met with the delegation from Burma Campaign UK, Wai Hnin, Zoya Phan and Jacqueline San, this morning, stated that the Latvian government ‘supports in principle a UN Inquiry’.
The Swedish Deputy Ambassador met with the delegation, pledged strong support for human rights and democracy in Burma, and promised a response on Sweden’s position on a UN Inquiry soon. The Luxembourg and Norwegian Embassies also promised a response at a later date.
The generally polite and warm reception at these Embassies was in stark contrast to the reception at the German Embassy. The German Embassy at first refused to allow the delegation of three into the Embassy to deliver the letter, only backing down when the delegation pointed out all the other Embassies had been happy to have three people in the meeting. However, a German Embassy Security Officer stayed in the room while the meeting took place. The Embassy also told protesters outside to move across the road. When they refused, as the German Embassy does not have the right to tell people where they can stand in a public street, the German Embassy called the police. The police declined to tell the protesters to move. The German government representative refused to express support for a UN Inquiry, and told the delegation to go and protest at the French, American and Chinese Embassies instead.
“Today we made sure European governments could not ignore the situation of political prisoners in Burma, which is a crime against humanity”, said Wai Hnin. “I am very pleased that two more European countries are supporting a Commission into crimes against humanity in Burma. The European Union must now officially support a UN Commission of Inquiry.”
Friday, March 11, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Morocco to vote for new constitution
Morocco's King Mohammed VI announced a "comprehensive constitutional reform" to be put to the people in a referendum, in his first speech following uprisings across the Arab world.Less than a month after protests erupted in Morocco demanding more social justice and limits on his powers, the king pledged to draw up a new draft constitution by June."We have decided to undertake a comprehensive constitutional reform," King Mohammed said Wednesday, underlining his "firm commitment to giving a strong impetus to the dynamic and deep reforms... taking place."
The monarch announced the formation of a commission to work on the constitutional revisions, with proposals to be made to him by June. A referendum would be held on the draft constitution, he added.The live broadcast was the first time the king has delivered an address to the nation since thousands of people demonstrated in several cities on 20th February demanding political reform and limits on his powers.They were the first protests in the country since the start of the uprisings across the Arab world that toppled the presidents of Tunisia and Egypt this year.There have been other peaceful rallies since then, including in the capital Rabat and the country's biggest city Casablanca, with young activists campaigning for greater democracy using the Facebook social network to call for new demonstrations on 20th March.Six people were killed in unrest that erupted after the 20th February demonstrations, including five found burned to death in a bank set ablaze by people whom officials labelled vandals.Another 128, including 115 members of the security forces, were wounded in the violence and 120 people were arrested, the interior ministry said. Dozens of vehicles and buildings were also damaged or set alight.Media Agencies
The monarch announced the formation of a commission to work on the constitutional revisions, with proposals to be made to him by June. A referendum would be held on the draft constitution, he added.The live broadcast was the first time the king has delivered an address to the nation since thousands of people demonstrated in several cities on 20th February demanding political reform and limits on his powers.They were the first protests in the country since the start of the uprisings across the Arab world that toppled the presidents of Tunisia and Egypt this year.There have been other peaceful rallies since then, including in the capital Rabat and the country's biggest city Casablanca, with young activists campaigning for greater democracy using the Facebook social network to call for new demonstrations on 20th March.Six people were killed in unrest that erupted after the 20th February demonstrations, including five found burned to death in a bank set ablaze by people whom officials labelled vandals.Another 128, including 115 members of the security forces, were wounded in the violence and 120 people were arrested, the interior ministry said. Dozens of vehicles and buildings were also damaged or set alight.Media Agencies
Postal services to be more people friendly: Sibal
Union minister for communications and information technology Kapil Sibal today said the government is committed to make the postal services more people friendly. Inaugurating an e-post office in New Delhi, Mr. Sibal said the e-post office is an ambitious project of India post. E-post office is the e-commerce portal of India Post. The portal will enable the customers to transact postal business any time and from anywhere using either debit card or credit card through the medium of internet.
Mr. Sibal said it would enable its customers to carry out postal transactions through the internet, from customers homes or offices. One of the focus areas of the first phase of e-post office is on the money order service.
AIR correspondent reports the first phase of the e-post office launched will now offer electronic money order, instant money order, sale of philatelic stamps and tracking of express and international shipments. India post has collaborated with agencies in the public and private sector to make the e-post office a reality.
Mr. Sibal said it would enable its customers to carry out postal transactions through the internet, from customers homes or offices. One of the focus areas of the first phase of e-post office is on the money order service.
AIR correspondent reports the first phase of the e-post office launched will now offer electronic money order, instant money order, sale of philatelic stamps and tracking of express and international shipments. India post has collaborated with agencies in the public and private sector to make the e-post office a reality.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
EU Calls Burma For Reform
EU asked four key demands to the Burma rulers Summarized, for genuine dialogue, credible free and fair elections, more engagement with the international community to work towards a peaceful transition to democracy, and to end violations of international law. Are these demands were met, and in some instances the situation actually got worse.Official position is that the EU will; ‘revise, amend or reinforce the measures it has already adopted in light of developments on the ground.’
“Given that human rights abuses and violations of international law have increased, rather than decreased, and that the dictatorship is trying to consolidate, not end its rule, if the EU were to follow its own policy it would be discussing increasing, not decreasing, the sanctions,’ said Zoya Phan, Campaigns Manager at Burma Campaign UK.
The briefing paper also calls on the European Union to engage with the NLD on how sanctions can be modified, as requested in its sanctions policy review. The paper argues that by setting clear benchmarks which must be met before sanctions are lifted, it will not only make better use of those sanctions as a tool for promoting change, but also help end some of the divisions over sanctions within the EU, enabling a focus on other important areas.
Briefing paper calls on the European Union to announce its support for a UN Commission of Inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Burma. The failure of the EU to support such an Inquiry contributes to the dictatorship having a sense of impunity, which in turn encourages it to continue its abuses.
“Without genuine progress and change in Burma there is no justification for the EU weakening its current sanctions on Burma”, said Zoya Phan. “We want sanctions to be smart and well-targeted, but the EU must engage with the NLD on how any sanctions should be changed, and setting clear benchmarks, such as the release of all political prisoners.
European Parliamentary Caucus on Burma calls on the European Union to announce support for a UN Commission of Inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity. The establishment of such an inquiry must be included in the draft UN General Assembly Resolution on Burma for 2011.
Members of the European Burma Network (EBN) met in Prague, Czech Republic, on 12th and 13th February, 2011. The European Burma Network brings together organisations promoting human rights and democracy in Burma, and works in solidarity with Burma’s democracy movement.Members of the EBN remain deeply concerned about the lack of any improvement in the situation of human rights in Burma, and the lack of any progress towards genuine democratisation.Elections held in Burma in November 2010 had no credibility. They did not meet any internationally accepted standards of being free and fair.
Media Agencies
“Given that human rights abuses and violations of international law have increased, rather than decreased, and that the dictatorship is trying to consolidate, not end its rule, if the EU were to follow its own policy it would be discussing increasing, not decreasing, the sanctions,’ said Zoya Phan, Campaigns Manager at Burma Campaign UK.
The briefing paper also calls on the European Union to engage with the NLD on how sanctions can be modified, as requested in its sanctions policy review. The paper argues that by setting clear benchmarks which must be met before sanctions are lifted, it will not only make better use of those sanctions as a tool for promoting change, but also help end some of the divisions over sanctions within the EU, enabling a focus on other important areas.
Briefing paper calls on the European Union to announce its support for a UN Commission of Inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Burma. The failure of the EU to support such an Inquiry contributes to the dictatorship having a sense of impunity, which in turn encourages it to continue its abuses.
“Without genuine progress and change in Burma there is no justification for the EU weakening its current sanctions on Burma”, said Zoya Phan. “We want sanctions to be smart and well-targeted, but the EU must engage with the NLD on how any sanctions should be changed, and setting clear benchmarks, such as the release of all political prisoners.
European Parliamentary Caucus on Burma calls on the European Union to announce support for a UN Commission of Inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity. The establishment of such an inquiry must be included in the draft UN General Assembly Resolution on Burma for 2011.
Members of the European Burma Network (EBN) met in Prague, Czech Republic, on 12th and 13th February, 2011. The European Burma Network brings together organisations promoting human rights and democracy in Burma, and works in solidarity with Burma’s democracy movement.Members of the EBN remain deeply concerned about the lack of any improvement in the situation of human rights in Burma, and the lack of any progress towards genuine democratisation.Elections held in Burma in November 2010 had no credibility. They did not meet any internationally accepted standards of being free and fair.
Media Agencies
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Saturday, March 5, 2011
A civil war in Libya 74 killed
Libya Saturday plunged into a civil war with see-saw battles going on between Muammar Gaddafi loyalists and rebels for territorial gains, leaving 74 dead in one of the bloodiest day of fighting as the country's opposition held its first conclave apparently to form a parallel government.The efforts to form a self-declared national-council comes as US and western countries as well as world bodies have virtually derecognised the Gaddafi regime and interpol has issued warrants against him and his family for genocide.
Rebels says that they have formed local councils in cities they control in the eastern region with an aim to lead the nation into election, local media reports said.As ding-dong heavy battles and explosions continue across the country, the US and NATO forces warships and fighters were positioned of the strife torn country's coast.
US President Barack Obama has said that the primary mission of the task force is to undertake humanitarian evacuation, "but all options were on the table."While Gaddafi's forces using tanks and heavy artillery tried to retake towns in the country's oil-rich east, where the rebellion has left them without space, the rebels beat back attacks on the key town of al-Zawiyah, close to the capital Tripoli and overran oil town of Ras Lanuf.
At least 10 people have been killed and 20 injured in Ras Lanuf, where Libyan rebels are locked in intense fighting with the forces loyal to 68-year-old-Gaddafi.
Media reports said rebels were witnessed manning the oil-compounds, police stations and army-barracks in the oil-rich town.More than 20 people were injured in Ajdabiya where fresh fightings between the rebels and Gaddafi forces have erupted.In another development, explosions at a military arms depot outside the rebel-held city of Benghazi, which took place minutes apart, left at least 34 people dead and dozens injured, reports reaching here said.
Residence living upto 10 kms from the main weapons depot said windows shook and an inferno lit up the sky. The cause of the explosion was not immediately known, but rebels said it could have been caused by air-raids or enemy agents.
Eyewitnesses quoted by al-Jazeera said that Gaddafi's forces in their desperate bid to widen the security belt around Tripoli made three advances to capture al-Zawiyah, even training tanks on residential buildings.Conflicting reports were coming in about the battle, with the town reported changing hands twice.
BBC said more than 30 people were killed when 15 tanks and lorry loads of Gaddafi loyalists swarmed into the town, getting into street fighting with the rebels.
"They came from the east and west and occupied high rise buildings," BBC quoted a rebel fighter as saying, who claimed that Gaddafi's forces have been repelled.
"There tanks almost reached the city-square before they were bombed off," the fighter said.The rebellion in al Zawiyah - the closest rebel-held territory to Gaddafi's bastion of Tripoli and also the site of an oil refinery - has been an embarrassment to the Libyan authorities who are trying hard to demonstrate that they control at least the west of the country.
Eastern regions of the country, around the city of Benghazi, have already fallen out of Gaddafi's control after a popular revolt against his 41-year rule which began in mid-February. Amid the heavy fighting the Libyan opposition announced that it held its first formal meeting at a secret location apparently to announce a parallel government.Gaddafi's warplanes had earlier attacked military bases overrun by rebels, though they had missed their targets.
Earlier Friday, clashes briefly erupted after the Friday prayers in the capital Tripoli.Braving the large presence of gun-totting security personnel and mercenaries, over 1,000 protesters hit the streets in large numbers after the Friday prayers, demanding ouster of the Libyan ruler and chanting slogans like "Gaddafi is the enemy of God", witnesses said.They were tear-gassed and fired upon by the forces loyal to Gaddafi.Media reports said the protesters tore down posters of the Libyan leader and spray-painted walls with graffiti such as: "Down with Gaddafi" and "Tajoura will dig your grave."
For the first time since the uprising began on February 15, Interpol issued an Orange Notice against Gaddafi and 15 other Libyans, including members of his family and close associates. The Interpol alert is aimed at ensuring that law enforcement agencies in each of the world police bodies in 188-member countries take all necessary measures to enforce travel ban against the Libyan leader and others.
Fierce fighting was also reported outside Ras Lanuf town, with the sound of multiple explosions and heavy artillery being heard after opposition fighters advanced on the city, BBC said. Pro-Gaddafi forces withdrew to Ras Lanuf two days ago after a battle.
Rebels at Ras Lanuf later told the media they had taken complete control of the town, but there was no independent confirmation.There were also conflicting reports about the situation in Brega. Some government sources were quoted as saying that the town was in rebel hands, while others insisted it was not.
Earlier Friday, Libyan forces carried out an air strike near a military base on the western outskirts of Ajdabiya, a town that fell in the hands of the anti-Gaddafi rebels. However, media reports said there were no casualties or damage.In Caracas, Venezuela's Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro said that Libya has given go-ahead to his country to form a mission to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis in the North African country, a day after the US and France rejected the Venezuelan mediation offer.Meanwhile, the United States dispatched its two military aircraft under a code-name 'Operation Odyssey Dawn' -- to Tunisia border last evening with relief supplies for thousands of foreigners fleeing Libya.
A day after US President Barack Obama made the announcement, the State Department and Pentagon said two C-130 military transports have landed in Djerba, Tunisia, delivering humanitarian supplies from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).The Pentagon, which has sent considerable air and naval assets to the region along with 400 marines, said it is closely monitoring the situation in Libya."We have seen very clearly broadcast reports showing effects of air power being used. Whether or not those were used on rebels, I can't say but ... there is evidence they have used air assets and dropped ordnance," Pentagon spokesman, Col Dave Lapan, told reporters in Washington.Over one lakh people have fled Libya, where the violence in the uprising against Gaddafi has killed at least 1,000, according to UN estimates.Media agencies
Rebels says that they have formed local councils in cities they control in the eastern region with an aim to lead the nation into election, local media reports said.As ding-dong heavy battles and explosions continue across the country, the US and NATO forces warships and fighters were positioned of the strife torn country's coast.
US President Barack Obama has said that the primary mission of the task force is to undertake humanitarian evacuation, "but all options were on the table."While Gaddafi's forces using tanks and heavy artillery tried to retake towns in the country's oil-rich east, where the rebellion has left them without space, the rebels beat back attacks on the key town of al-Zawiyah, close to the capital Tripoli and overran oil town of Ras Lanuf.
At least 10 people have been killed and 20 injured in Ras Lanuf, where Libyan rebels are locked in intense fighting with the forces loyal to 68-year-old-Gaddafi.
Media reports said rebels were witnessed manning the oil-compounds, police stations and army-barracks in the oil-rich town.More than 20 people were injured in Ajdabiya where fresh fightings between the rebels and Gaddafi forces have erupted.In another development, explosions at a military arms depot outside the rebel-held city of Benghazi, which took place minutes apart, left at least 34 people dead and dozens injured, reports reaching here said.
Residence living upto 10 kms from the main weapons depot said windows shook and an inferno lit up the sky. The cause of the explosion was not immediately known, but rebels said it could have been caused by air-raids or enemy agents.
Eyewitnesses quoted by al-Jazeera said that Gaddafi's forces in their desperate bid to widen the security belt around Tripoli made three advances to capture al-Zawiyah, even training tanks on residential buildings.Conflicting reports were coming in about the battle, with the town reported changing hands twice.
BBC said more than 30 people were killed when 15 tanks and lorry loads of Gaddafi loyalists swarmed into the town, getting into street fighting with the rebels.
"They came from the east and west and occupied high rise buildings," BBC quoted a rebel fighter as saying, who claimed that Gaddafi's forces have been repelled.
"There tanks almost reached the city-square before they were bombed off," the fighter said.The rebellion in al Zawiyah - the closest rebel-held territory to Gaddafi's bastion of Tripoli and also the site of an oil refinery - has been an embarrassment to the Libyan authorities who are trying hard to demonstrate that they control at least the west of the country.
Eastern regions of the country, around the city of Benghazi, have already fallen out of Gaddafi's control after a popular revolt against his 41-year rule which began in mid-February. Amid the heavy fighting the Libyan opposition announced that it held its first formal meeting at a secret location apparently to announce a parallel government.Gaddafi's warplanes had earlier attacked military bases overrun by rebels, though they had missed their targets.
Earlier Friday, clashes briefly erupted after the Friday prayers in the capital Tripoli.Braving the large presence of gun-totting security personnel and mercenaries, over 1,000 protesters hit the streets in large numbers after the Friday prayers, demanding ouster of the Libyan ruler and chanting slogans like "Gaddafi is the enemy of God", witnesses said.They were tear-gassed and fired upon by the forces loyal to Gaddafi.Media reports said the protesters tore down posters of the Libyan leader and spray-painted walls with graffiti such as: "Down with Gaddafi" and "Tajoura will dig your grave."
For the first time since the uprising began on February 15, Interpol issued an Orange Notice against Gaddafi and 15 other Libyans, including members of his family and close associates. The Interpol alert is aimed at ensuring that law enforcement agencies in each of the world police bodies in 188-member countries take all necessary measures to enforce travel ban against the Libyan leader and others.
Fierce fighting was also reported outside Ras Lanuf town, with the sound of multiple explosions and heavy artillery being heard after opposition fighters advanced on the city, BBC said. Pro-Gaddafi forces withdrew to Ras Lanuf two days ago after a battle.
Rebels at Ras Lanuf later told the media they had taken complete control of the town, but there was no independent confirmation.There were also conflicting reports about the situation in Brega. Some government sources were quoted as saying that the town was in rebel hands, while others insisted it was not.
Earlier Friday, Libyan forces carried out an air strike near a military base on the western outskirts of Ajdabiya, a town that fell in the hands of the anti-Gaddafi rebels. However, media reports said there were no casualties or damage.In Caracas, Venezuela's Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro said that Libya has given go-ahead to his country to form a mission to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis in the North African country, a day after the US and France rejected the Venezuelan mediation offer.Meanwhile, the United States dispatched its two military aircraft under a code-name 'Operation Odyssey Dawn' -- to Tunisia border last evening with relief supplies for thousands of foreigners fleeing Libya.
A day after US President Barack Obama made the announcement, the State Department and Pentagon said two C-130 military transports have landed in Djerba, Tunisia, delivering humanitarian supplies from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).The Pentagon, which has sent considerable air and naval assets to the region along with 400 marines, said it is closely monitoring the situation in Libya."We have seen very clearly broadcast reports showing effects of air power being used. Whether or not those were used on rebels, I can't say but ... there is evidence they have used air assets and dropped ordnance," Pentagon spokesman, Col Dave Lapan, told reporters in Washington.Over one lakh people have fled Libya, where the violence in the uprising against Gaddafi has killed at least 1,000, according to UN estimates.Media agencies
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Oil surges ahead due to Middle East unrest
Oil prices pushed higher in Asia on Thursday as a Japanese minister fretted about the effects of Middle East unrest, stock markets were mostly underwhelmed by a strong session on Wall Street.Japan's economy minister voiced disquiet about oil supplies to his energy-poor country after violent clashes in Middle Eastern countries from Bahrain to Libya, with tensions also heightened following moves by Iran to send naval ships into the Mediterranean.
"Stability in the Middle East has important implications for Japan because the region is a big supplier of crude, which is a lifeline for our economy," economy minister Kaoru Yosano said at a regular press conference, quoted by Dow Jones Newswires.Brent North Sea crude for April delivery rose two cents to $102.61 in Asian trade, while New York's main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in March, gained a cent to $86.37.
Media agencies
"Stability in the Middle East has important implications for Japan because the region is a big supplier of crude, which is a lifeline for our economy," economy minister Kaoru Yosano said at a regular press conference, quoted by Dow Jones Newswires.Brent North Sea crude for April delivery rose two cents to $102.61 in Asian trade, while New York's main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in March, gained a cent to $86.37.
Media agencies
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
200 dead in south Sudan massacre
More than 200 people were killed in a massacre in south Sudan last week. The south's Humanitarian Affairs Minister James Kok, today said that 201 people, had been killed in what he termed a massacre.He said they were chased into a river by rebels and nearly 160 of the dead were civilians, such as children, the elderly and refugees.
Previous estimates said that about 100 people had died when fighters loyal to rebel leader George Athor attacked. The deaths come as the region prepares for independence from the north after last month's referendum. Some 99 per cent of people voted to secede from the north.
Previous estimates said that about 100 people had died when fighters loyal to rebel leader George Athor attacked. The deaths come as the region prepares for independence from the north after last month's referendum. Some 99 per cent of people voted to secede from the north.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
Lieutenant General Myint Aung declines to be defense minister
Lieutenant General Myint Aung, who was on a list to be appointed defense minister on Friday has reportedly declined the cabinet post and was placed under house arrest in Naypidaw on Thursday.Lieutenant General Myint Aung, once thought to be an heir apparent to Than Shwe, was reportedly under house arrest on Thursday after he refused a ministerial post.Lieutenant General Myint Aung, once thought to be an heir apparent to Than Shwe, was reportedly under house arrest on Thursday after he refused a ministerial post. Unconfirmed reports said Myint Aung, who previously served as the adjutant general, is thought to have refused the ministerial position because he perceived it as a demotion.
Prior to his rejection of the post, the Than Shwe loyalist was thought by many observers to be next in line to replace Burma’s reclusive dictator at the helm of the nation’s armed forces. The future for Myint Aung, 55, remains unclear but his military career appears to have come to a screeching halt.
Sources said the defense minister position is now expected to go Lieutenant General Ko Ko.Lieutenant General Min Aung Hlaing is now expected to be named commander in chief of the Armed Forces, with Major General Soe Win taking the vice commander in chief position, sources said.Soe Win was until very recently leading the Northern Command and was a junior to Myint Aung.Both Min Aung Hlaing and Soe Win are considered to be from the Maung Aye faction, giving Burma’s No. 2 general a significant boost in power.Experts in Naypidaw said that Myint Aung’s apparent rejection is just the latest bump in Than Shwe’s plan to impose a parliamentary façade on the government.
Prior to his rejection of the post, the Than Shwe loyalist was thought by many observers to be next in line to replace Burma’s reclusive dictator at the helm of the nation’s armed forces. The future for Myint Aung, 55, remains unclear but his military career appears to have come to a screeching halt.
Sources said the defense minister position is now expected to go Lieutenant General Ko Ko.Lieutenant General Min Aung Hlaing is now expected to be named commander in chief of the Armed Forces, with Major General Soe Win taking the vice commander in chief position, sources said.Soe Win was until very recently leading the Northern Command and was a junior to Myint Aung.Both Min Aung Hlaing and Soe Win are considered to be from the Maung Aye faction, giving Burma’s No. 2 general a significant boost in power.Experts in Naypidaw said that Myint Aung’s apparent rejection is just the latest bump in Than Shwe’s plan to impose a parliamentary façade on the government.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Buddhist pray with hope for Karmapa
A prayer in the name of His Holiness 17th Karmapa Lama is being held by the hundreds of Buddhist devotees from across India near Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
No shouting. No crying. No burning of effigies. No jamming national highways. At a place, where demonstration is the order of the day (Jantar Mantar in New Delhi), this is no Dharna (demonstration) but a prayer meet. At a nearby demonstration being held on price rise, the atmosphere is tense and the police on toes. But here, as Buddhist devotees keep coming from across the Delhi, there is hardly any police personnel visible. Kudos to the Lamas and Buddhist community for the restraint it has shown to convince a government which is brutally suppressing the agitation for Gorkhaland in nearby Darjeeling.
Children, young, old, men, women and common people, the devotees are silently praying in the national capital among chants of monks in red robes. The patience and methodology adopted by the Buddhist community despite unwarranted allegations against their most revered religious leader, deserves praise and attention.
The participants in the demonstration are from Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, West Bengal (Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri) and Arunachal Pradesh. The prayer will continue for three days till 11th of February from morning till evening at the same venue.
The three major objectives underlined for the prayer are:
For the long life and good health of the spiritual gurus, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His Holiness the Karmapa lama;
For the speedy elimination of all the obstacles being encountered by His Holiness the Karmapa Lama at the present time; and
For the long life and good health of all leaders at the Centre and in the states, and for the peace and prosperity of India and all her people.
The prayer is also a reaffirmation of the Buddhist community’s faith and trusts in His Holiness the Karmapa Lama.
The press release issued laments it to be a matter of deep grief that a religious leader of the eminence of HH the 17th Karmapa should face allegations like being a Chinese agent and indulging in financial improprieties. It raises suspicion that that despite the continued hospitality of Government of India and HH 17th Karmapa’s appreciation of India’s generosity on several occasion, elements in the Intelligence departments do not have the same regard for His Holiness the 17th Karmapa Lama.
Underlining the role played by Buddhist in standing with Indian soldiers as sentinels in a sensitive region being challenged by unfriendly neighbour, the prayer beseeches: Do not hurt our religious sentiments. It also requests greater freedom of movement for His Holiness the Karmapa Lama so that he can visit the border states of Sikkim and Arunchal.
The press release answers all the allegations from financial frauds being alleged on His Holiness the 17th Karmapa Lama by the media and elements of the government. It assures that HH the Karmapa, who regards India as his “second homeland”, will have no truck with the Chinese. It quotes what HH the Karmapa told his devotees on February 3, 2011, “The Indian government, in contrast to Communist China, is a free country, a democratic country that is based on the rule of law. The truth will become clear in time.”
No shouting. No crying. No burning of effigies. No jamming national highways. At a place, where demonstration is the order of the day (Jantar Mantar in New Delhi), this is no Dharna (demonstration) but a prayer meet. At a nearby demonstration being held on price rise, the atmosphere is tense and the police on toes. But here, as Buddhist devotees keep coming from across the Delhi, there is hardly any police personnel visible. Kudos to the Lamas and Buddhist community for the restraint it has shown to convince a government which is brutally suppressing the agitation for Gorkhaland in nearby Darjeeling.
Children, young, old, men, women and common people, the devotees are silently praying in the national capital among chants of monks in red robes. The patience and methodology adopted by the Buddhist community despite unwarranted allegations against their most revered religious leader, deserves praise and attention.
The participants in the demonstration are from Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, West Bengal (Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri) and Arunachal Pradesh. The prayer will continue for three days till 11th of February from morning till evening at the same venue.
The three major objectives underlined for the prayer are:
For the long life and good health of the spiritual gurus, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and His Holiness the Karmapa lama;
For the speedy elimination of all the obstacles being encountered by His Holiness the Karmapa Lama at the present time; and
For the long life and good health of all leaders at the Centre and in the states, and for the peace and prosperity of India and all her people.
The prayer is also a reaffirmation of the Buddhist community’s faith and trusts in His Holiness the Karmapa Lama.
The press release issued laments it to be a matter of deep grief that a religious leader of the eminence of HH the 17th Karmapa should face allegations like being a Chinese agent and indulging in financial improprieties. It raises suspicion that that despite the continued hospitality of Government of India and HH 17th Karmapa’s appreciation of India’s generosity on several occasion, elements in the Intelligence departments do not have the same regard for His Holiness the 17th Karmapa Lama.
Underlining the role played by Buddhist in standing with Indian soldiers as sentinels in a sensitive region being challenged by unfriendly neighbour, the prayer beseeches: Do not hurt our religious sentiments. It also requests greater freedom of movement for His Holiness the Karmapa Lama so that he can visit the border states of Sikkim and Arunchal.
The press release answers all the allegations from financial frauds being alleged on His Holiness the 17th Karmapa Lama by the media and elements of the government. It assures that HH the Karmapa, who regards India as his “second homeland”, will have no truck with the Chinese. It quotes what HH the Karmapa told his devotees on February 3, 2011, “The Indian government, in contrast to Communist China, is a free country, a democratic country that is based on the rule of law. The truth will become clear in time.”
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
In China's map website Arunachal, Aksai
PTI News : China today officially launched its state-run mapping website that rivals Google Earth, showing Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin in Jammu and Kashmir -- two key areas of dispute with India -- as part of its territory.The map called 'Map World' displayed on the Internet in Chinese language is already being used in I phone and other mobile and Internet user applications in China.It shows Arunachal Pradesh that China has always claimed as "southern Tibet" as part of its territory. The map makes no specific mention of southern Tibet but its shows China's borders covered up to Arunachal Pradesh.Disputed the Aksai Chin area, which India asserts as part of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir has been included by the map as part of China's Xinjiang province.Media agencies
Sunday, January 16, 2011
One crore rupees for the Rajasthan Ranji team.
Rajasthan have won their maiden Ranji trophy title beating Baroda on the basis of their first innings lead yesterday. Resuming their second innings at 201 for 4, Rajasthan amassed 341 in 129.1 overs and then reduced Baroda 228 for 4 in 14 overs.
The scores:
Rajasthan - 394 in first innings & 341 in the second innings.
Baroda - 361 in the first innings and 228 for 4 in the second innings.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot announced a cash reward of one crore rupees for the state Ranji team.
The scores:
Rajasthan - 394 in first innings & 341 in the second innings.
Baroda - 361 in the first innings and 228 for 4 in the second innings.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot announced a cash reward of one crore rupees for the state Ranji team.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Awards 2011
President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil gave away Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Awards to the eminent Overseas Indians which included Sir Anand Satyanand from New Zealand, Prof. Veena Harbhagwan Sahajwalla from Australia, Ms. Lata Pada from Canada, Mr. Harindrapal Singh Banga from Hong Kong, Mr. Mohammad Munir Nazir Hassan Ansari from Israel, Mr. Upjit Singh Sachdeva from Liberia, Tan Sri Dato’ Ajit Singh from Malaysia, Mr. Saleh Wahid from Netherlands, Indian Community Benevolent Forum of Qatar, Dr. Mohiaddin Syed Karimuddin from Saudi Arabia, Mr. Mano Selvanathan of Sri Lanka, Mr. Mohan Jashanmal from UAE, Baroness (Dr.) Sandip Verma from UK, Mr. Ashook Kumar Ramsaran from USA and Dr. Rajiv Shah from USA.
The Union Minister for Development of North-East Region(DoNER) and Mines, Shri B.K. Handique, the Secretary, Ministry of DoNER, Ms Jayati Chandra, the Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs Dr. A. Didar Singh were also present on the occasion.
The Union Minister for Development of North-East Region(DoNER) and Mines, Shri B.K. Handique, the Secretary, Ministry of DoNER, Ms Jayati Chandra, the Secretary, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs Dr. A. Didar Singh were also present on the occasion.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Monday, December 27, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Sonia Gandhi inaugural address two-day plenary
19.12.2010 09:33:46 Nksagar Sagar Media Inc.New Delhi:
Sonia Gandhi inaugural address two-day Congress plenary held at Burari in North Delhi. Four resolutions on political, economic, foreign affairs and 125 years of the Congress party will be adopted at this Plenary.
(live-PR.com) - Congress looks all set to adopt a tough posture on corruption in the plenary corruption in high places is rogue in the system its dimension has reached the apex heights.The Plenary session in Delhi is being held at a time when the party is facing opposition onslaught on the issue of corruption.
(PTI) Congress today amended its constitution to extend its party president's term to five years from the current three years.An amendment to this effect was passed at the 83rd Congress plenary which began in Burari on the fringes of the national capital.The resolution was moved by senior leader Oscar Fernandes and approved by other party leaders, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Defence Minister A K Antony and party general secretary Rahul Gandhi, senior ministers and scores of party leaders gathered here.The amendment comes at a time when Sonia Gandhi is serving as Congress president for the fourth straight term the longest-serving chief of the 125-year-old party.Another key amendment pertained to meeting of the AICC at least once every year.Earlier, the party constitution mandated that AICC should meet "not less than twice" every year.
The Delhi Plenary is the first such meet of the party after it came to power for the second time along with other UPA partners in the Lok Sabha elections last year. The plenary also marks the completion of the 125 years of Congress, which is the oldest political party in the country.The election for the party president's post with this amendment to be held after every five years instead after every three years.
Sonia Gandhi the longest-serving chief of the 125-year-old party.In her address she has mentioned that Congress Party with its centurion history is oldest party to bring the nation with success to 21 st Century.Congress is committed to bring people from all section in the mainstream of development. Congress party has gone through various changes but stands with its value on its own and is here we all not to celebrate the event but to pass various resolution and for the self introspection for the sake of progress for all.Those who are governing at higher post needs to give heed to the party workers who hail from each corners and are active. Congress president Sonia Gandhi further added that the party is opposed to fundamentalism of all shades whether by majority or minority organisations. "Both are dangerous and should be tackled," she said party to organise brainstorming sessions soon on the lines of Pachmarhi and Shimla in the past.
Gandhi and Dr. Singh also felicitated freedom fighters for their contribution to the independence struggle.Both the leaders came down from the dais to honour the veteran freedom fighters, some of whom broke down as they narrated their struggles to Gandhi and Dr. Singh.
Contact information:
Sagar Media Inc
Sonia Gandhi inaugural address two-day Congress plenary held at Burari in North Delhi. Four resolutions on political, economic, foreign affairs and 125 years of the Congress party will be adopted at this Plenary.
(live-PR.com) - Congress looks all set to adopt a tough posture on corruption in the plenary corruption in high places is rogue in the system its dimension has reached the apex heights.The Plenary session in Delhi is being held at a time when the party is facing opposition onslaught on the issue of corruption.
(PTI) Congress today amended its constitution to extend its party president's term to five years from the current three years.An amendment to this effect was passed at the 83rd Congress plenary which began in Burari on the fringes of the national capital.The resolution was moved by senior leader Oscar Fernandes and approved by other party leaders, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Defence Minister A K Antony and party general secretary Rahul Gandhi, senior ministers and scores of party leaders gathered here.The amendment comes at a time when Sonia Gandhi is serving as Congress president for the fourth straight term the longest-serving chief of the 125-year-old party.Another key amendment pertained to meeting of the AICC at least once every year.Earlier, the party constitution mandated that AICC should meet "not less than twice" every year.
The Delhi Plenary is the first such meet of the party after it came to power for the second time along with other UPA partners in the Lok Sabha elections last year. The plenary also marks the completion of the 125 years of Congress, which is the oldest political party in the country.The election for the party president's post with this amendment to be held after every five years instead after every three years.
Sonia Gandhi the longest-serving chief of the 125-year-old party.In her address she has mentioned that Congress Party with its centurion history is oldest party to bring the nation with success to 21 st Century.Congress is committed to bring people from all section in the mainstream of development. Congress party has gone through various changes but stands with its value on its own and is here we all not to celebrate the event but to pass various resolution and for the self introspection for the sake of progress for all.Those who are governing at higher post needs to give heed to the party workers who hail from each corners and are active. Congress president Sonia Gandhi further added that the party is opposed to fundamentalism of all shades whether by majority or minority organisations. "Both are dangerous and should be tackled," she said party to organise brainstorming sessions soon on the lines of Pachmarhi and Shimla in the past.
Gandhi and Dr. Singh also felicitated freedom fighters for their contribution to the independence struggle.Both the leaders came down from the dais to honour the veteran freedom fighters, some of whom broke down as they narrated their struggles to Gandhi and Dr. Singh.
Contact information:
Sagar Media Inc
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
LG Masters of PGTI 2010
Nksagar Sagar Media Inc New Delhi:
LG&Aircel PGTI announce LG Masters of PGTI 2010:
LG Masters of PGTI to be the Year-Ending Championship of the Aircel Professional Golf Tour of India 2010 event to carry an increased prize purse of Rs.10 million. Only top 60 players on the Rolex Rankings to be eligible.72 hole stroke play event. No cut after 36 holes will be held in New Delhi, 14th December 2010: Consumer durables giant LG Electronics and the Aircel Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), today announced the LG Masters of PGTI 2010. The tournament will be staged at the esteemed Delhi Golf Club from December 15th – 18th, 2010. A select field Pro-Am will be played on December 19th, 2010.
The event will see the top 60 players from the Rolex Rankings 2010 compete over 72 holes for a prize purse of INR 10 million. The tournament will be a 72 hole stroke play championship and there will be no cut applied after 36 holes. All players will be guaranteed prize money.The cream of Indian professional golf will tee it up at the LG Masters of PGTI. The field boasts of big names such as Jyoti Randhawa, Gaganjeet Bhullar, C Muniyappa, defending champion Ashok Kumar, Mukesh Kumar, Gaurav Ghei, Vijay Kumar, Shamim Khan, Manav Jaini, Mandeo Singh Pathania, Sujjan Singh, Chiragh Kumar, Raju Ali Mollah, Shankar Das, Gurki Shergill, Gaurav Pratap Singh, Vishal Singh, Digvijay Singh, Harendra Gupta and Harmeet Kahlon, to name a few.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. L.K Gupta CMO of LGEIL, said, “We are pleased to be associated with the niche game of golf as we stand here for technologically superior products which blend perfectly with the game. Our Partnership with PGTI aims at developing high quality strategic golf opportunities for the growth of the sport in India , LG Masters of PGTI 2010, the year-end championship will serve as the perfect finale for a highly-competitive PGTI season 2010. Our endeavor to promote the spirit of the game in India will bring many more attractions in the coming years.”
Announcing the event, Mr. Padamjit Sandhu, Director, PGTI, said, “The LG Masters of PGTI serves as the perfect finale for a highly-competitive Aircel PGTI season. I would like to thank LG for their tremendous support to professional golf, and for helping stage the flagship year-ending championship. The LG-PGTI partnership will continue to build on the LG Masters of PGTI, and help create new champions in the coming years.”
PGTI:Formed in 2006, Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) is the recognized official body of professional golf in India . PGTI’s objective is to promote professional golf in the country as well as give players an opportunity to be involved in decision making for all aspects of the game. Headed by Mr. Gautam Thapar (President), PGTI’s governing body comprises of leading Indian golf professionals. PGTI currently has over 300 members.
LG&Aircel PGTI announce LG Masters of PGTI 2010:
LG Masters of PGTI to be the Year-Ending Championship of the Aircel Professional Golf Tour of India 2010 event to carry an increased prize purse of Rs.10 million. Only top 60 players on the Rolex Rankings to be eligible.72 hole stroke play event. No cut after 36 holes will be held in New Delhi, 14th December 2010: Consumer durables giant LG Electronics and the Aircel Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), today announced the LG Masters of PGTI 2010. The tournament will be staged at the esteemed Delhi Golf Club from December 15th – 18th, 2010. A select field Pro-Am will be played on December 19th, 2010.
The event will see the top 60 players from the Rolex Rankings 2010 compete over 72 holes for a prize purse of INR 10 million. The tournament will be a 72 hole stroke play championship and there will be no cut applied after 36 holes. All players will be guaranteed prize money.The cream of Indian professional golf will tee it up at the LG Masters of PGTI. The field boasts of big names such as Jyoti Randhawa, Gaganjeet Bhullar, C Muniyappa, defending champion Ashok Kumar, Mukesh Kumar, Gaurav Ghei, Vijay Kumar, Shamim Khan, Manav Jaini, Mandeo Singh Pathania, Sujjan Singh, Chiragh Kumar, Raju Ali Mollah, Shankar Das, Gurki Shergill, Gaurav Pratap Singh, Vishal Singh, Digvijay Singh, Harendra Gupta and Harmeet Kahlon, to name a few.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. L.K Gupta CMO of LGEIL, said, “We are pleased to be associated with the niche game of golf as we stand here for technologically superior products which blend perfectly with the game. Our Partnership with PGTI aims at developing high quality strategic golf opportunities for the growth of the sport in India , LG Masters of PGTI 2010, the year-end championship will serve as the perfect finale for a highly-competitive PGTI season 2010. Our endeavor to promote the spirit of the game in India will bring many more attractions in the coming years.”
Announcing the event, Mr. Padamjit Sandhu, Director, PGTI, said, “The LG Masters of PGTI serves as the perfect finale for a highly-competitive Aircel PGTI season. I would like to thank LG for their tremendous support to professional golf, and for helping stage the flagship year-ending championship. The LG-PGTI partnership will continue to build on the LG Masters of PGTI, and help create new champions in the coming years.”
PGTI:Formed in 2006, Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) is the recognized official body of professional golf in India . PGTI’s objective is to promote professional golf in the country as well as give players an opportunity to be involved in decision making for all aspects of the game. Headed by Mr. Gautam Thapar (President), PGTI’s governing body comprises of leading Indian golf professionals. PGTI currently has over 300 members.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Two bomb blasts in Iraq
Iraq, ten people were killed and 56 others wounded today in two bomb blasts in downtown Ramadi and Diyala yesterday. According to Iraq news agency, eight people killed and 53 injured in first incident when a suicide bomber blew up his car outside government offices. The killed include six policemen and one woman. In a separate bomb attack in Diyala, two civilians have been killed and three others wounded when a suicide bomber wearing an explosive belt blew himself up amid a Shiite procession.Iraq police have dismantled twelve “terrorist” cells that were planning armed operations targeting pilgrims heading for Karbala for the Ashuraa. The chief of Operations Commands, General Othman al-Ghanimi said in a press conference that these cells comprised 60 gunmen and they confessed to their plans for attacks targeting pilgrims to Karbala. He added that the security personnel also defused four improvised explosive devices on the Babel-Karbala highway.
AIR correspondent Dhirendra Ojha reports that Government offices were targeted in Ramadi while Shia procession was the target at Baquba in Diyala. Police officials say, security agencies are working within a pre-emptive plan to foil any attempt by terrorists ahead of Ashura, which is observed by a large number people from Shiite faith. Apart from intelligence elements 30,000 security men have been deployed on the ways leading to Karbala. The attacks highlight the serious power vacuum that exists in the country as political parties are struggling to form a new government more than eight months after parliamentary elections.
AIR correspondent Dhirendra Ojha reports that Government offices were targeted in Ramadi while Shia procession was the target at Baquba in Diyala. Police officials say, security agencies are working within a pre-emptive plan to foil any attempt by terrorists ahead of Ashura, which is observed by a large number people from Shiite faith. Apart from intelligence elements 30,000 security men have been deployed on the ways leading to Karbala. The attacks highlight the serious power vacuum that exists in the country as political parties are struggling to form a new government more than eight months after parliamentary elections.
Friday, December 10, 2010
International Human Rights Day being observed today
International Human Rights Day being observed today
Today is International Human Rights Day. Several functions, seminars are being organised across the country to mark the occasion. Human Rights Day 2010 will highlight the achievements of human rights defenders and to inspire a new generation of defenders to speak up and take action to end discrimination in all of its forms whenever and wherever it is manifested.
This year a well known human rights activist from India Dr. Lenin Raguvanshi will be presented the 2010 Human Rights Award of the city of Weimar in Germany. Dr. Raguvanshi the founder of People Vigilance Committee on Human Rights has been chosen for the award for his efforts to protect the rights of disadvantaged section of the society such as women, Children, Dalit and minorities.
Today is International Human Rights Day. Several functions, seminars are being organised across the country to mark the occasion. Human Rights Day 2010 will highlight the achievements of human rights defenders and to inspire a new generation of defenders to speak up and take action to end discrimination in all of its forms whenever and wherever it is manifested.
This year a well known human rights activist from India Dr. Lenin Raguvanshi will be presented the 2010 Human Rights Award of the city of Weimar in Germany. Dr. Raguvanshi the founder of People Vigilance Committee on Human Rights has been chosen for the award for his efforts to protect the rights of disadvantaged section of the society such as women, Children, Dalit and minorities.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
AirAsia will offer direct flights to Balikpapan , East Kalimantan Indonesia
SEPANG, 8 December 2007 – AirAsia will offer direct flights to Balikpapan , East Kalimantan Indonesia from January 12, 2011. This new service from Kuala Lumpur will be AirAsia’s 11th destination in Indonesia . AirAsia will begin servicing the new route with three (3) flights weekly departing from LCC Terminal, Kuala Lumpur to Sepinggan Airport , Balikpapan on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
AirAsia has the most extensive service in Indonesia with plying Bali, Banda Aceh, Bandung , Jakarta , Medan , Padang , Pekan Baru, Solo, Surabaya , Makassar, Yogyakarta and now Balikpapan . The introduction of this new destination will see AirAsia have 126 flights weekly from Kuala Lumpur to the various points in Indonesia .
Balikpapan, a city on the island of Borneo , in Indonesia is the second largest city in the province of East Kalimantan . Mostly surrounded by sea, Balikpapan is an important center of the petroleum, mining, and timber industries. There are myriad of attractions in Balikpapan such as the beautiful Melawai and Manggar Segarasari beaches, Bekapai Park , Wanawisata Garden , Agro Tourism Garden , Crocodile Teritip Breeding Farm and shopping centers.
In addition to that, tourists can also visit neighboring attractions such as the Orang Utan sanctuary at Semboja Lodge, floating market at Banjarmasin , diving at Derawan islands, canoeing while witnessing species of monkeys and caves along Kandilo River and many more.
Kathleen Tan, Regional Head of Commercial, AirAsia says “We are delighted to extend our AirAsia network to include an emerging market like Balikpapan . We hope this new service will enable Malaysians who are working in the oil palm and coal mining industry to return home more often and provide expatriates with the opportunity to use LCCT as a hub for onward travel into other AirAsia destinations throughout ASEAN. We also believe that his new service will stimulate Visiting Friends and Relatives crowd and fuel AirAsia’s aggressive growth in Indonesia .”
AirAsia has the most extensive service in Indonesia with plying Bali, Banda Aceh, Bandung , Jakarta , Medan , Padang , Pekan Baru, Solo, Surabaya , Makassar, Yogyakarta and now Balikpapan . The introduction of this new destination will see AirAsia have 126 flights weekly from Kuala Lumpur to the various points in Indonesia .
Balikpapan, a city on the island of Borneo , in Indonesia is the second largest city in the province of East Kalimantan . Mostly surrounded by sea, Balikpapan is an important center of the petroleum, mining, and timber industries. There are myriad of attractions in Balikpapan such as the beautiful Melawai and Manggar Segarasari beaches, Bekapai Park , Wanawisata Garden , Agro Tourism Garden , Crocodile Teritip Breeding Farm and shopping centers.
In addition to that, tourists can also visit neighboring attractions such as the Orang Utan sanctuary at Semboja Lodge, floating market at Banjarmasin , diving at Derawan islands, canoeing while witnessing species of monkeys and caves along Kandilo River and many more.
Kathleen Tan, Regional Head of Commercial, AirAsia says “We are delighted to extend our AirAsia network to include an emerging market like Balikpapan . We hope this new service will enable Malaysians who are working in the oil palm and coal mining industry to return home more often and provide expatriates with the opportunity to use LCCT as a hub for onward travel into other AirAsia destinations throughout ASEAN. We also believe that his new service will stimulate Visiting Friends and Relatives crowd and fuel AirAsia’s aggressive growth in Indonesia .”
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Limited freedom of speech for lawmakers
Burma’s ruling military junta has failed to inform political parties about its restrictions on freedom of speech for lawmakers, party spokesmen said:
On Saturday that the laws signed by junta chief Than Shwe the day before said parliamentarians would be allowed freedom of expression unless their speeches endangered national security, the unity of the country or violated the constitution. Anyone who staged protests in the parliament compound would be sentenced to two years in prison.Assemblies must convene within 90 days of November 7, the day the election was held, but parties that won seats remained uninformed about the regulation, they said.“If they want to impose a law, we should be informed. So the law is still unofficial,” 88-Generation Student Youths (Union of Myanmar) chairman Ye Tun told Mizzima.A candidate of that party has won the States and Divisions Assembly seat of Hlaingtharyar Township constituency No. (1).
Shan Nationals Democratic Party (SNDP), aka the White Tiger Party, said that if the law was really imposed, MPs would lose freedom of speech, but offered absence as another form of protest.
“If we need to protest, a thing we can do is to be absent from the parliament. The potential law did not say that we can’t be absent,” SNDP vice-chairman Sai Saung Si told Mizzima. Fifty-seven SNDP candidates won assembly seats in the election.
National Democratic Party for Development vice-chairman Hla Thein said: “We don’t know it. We have not been informed.” His party won two parliamentary seats in Buthidaung Township, Arakan State, in Burma’s west.
Kayin People’s Party spokesman confirmed the lack of information provided to parties about the rule. It won six assembly seats.The first election in 20 years held on November 7 was severely criticized as neither free nor fair after the junta, its Union Election Commission, and the parties it backed contravened almost every known principle that defines the running of just polls.
Rights think tank Altsean-Burma (Alternative Asean Network on Burma) said in its extensive report on the polls titled Burma 2010 Election Recap that “widespread evidence of electoral fraud, irregularities, threats, harassment and lack of independent monitoring characterized election day and the days leading up to it”.
While the state-run media have gradually announced the electoral results, the observers have estimated that the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party won more than 76 per cent of all seats. The USDP won 76.52 per cent of the 1,154 seats at stake in the election, Altsean said.
On Saturday that the laws signed by junta chief Than Shwe the day before said parliamentarians would be allowed freedom of expression unless their speeches endangered national security, the unity of the country or violated the constitution. Anyone who staged protests in the parliament compound would be sentenced to two years in prison.Assemblies must convene within 90 days of November 7, the day the election was held, but parties that won seats remained uninformed about the regulation, they said.“If they want to impose a law, we should be informed. So the law is still unofficial,” 88-Generation Student Youths (Union of Myanmar) chairman Ye Tun told Mizzima.A candidate of that party has won the States and Divisions Assembly seat of Hlaingtharyar Township constituency No. (1).
Shan Nationals Democratic Party (SNDP), aka the White Tiger Party, said that if the law was really imposed, MPs would lose freedom of speech, but offered absence as another form of protest.
“If we need to protest, a thing we can do is to be absent from the parliament. The potential law did not say that we can’t be absent,” SNDP vice-chairman Sai Saung Si told Mizzima. Fifty-seven SNDP candidates won assembly seats in the election.
National Democratic Party for Development vice-chairman Hla Thein said: “We don’t know it. We have not been informed.” His party won two parliamentary seats in Buthidaung Township, Arakan State, in Burma’s west.
Kayin People’s Party spokesman confirmed the lack of information provided to parties about the rule. It won six assembly seats.The first election in 20 years held on November 7 was severely criticized as neither free nor fair after the junta, its Union Election Commission, and the parties it backed contravened almost every known principle that defines the running of just polls.
Rights think tank Altsean-Burma (Alternative Asean Network on Burma) said in its extensive report on the polls titled Burma 2010 Election Recap that “widespread evidence of electoral fraud, irregularities, threats, harassment and lack of independent monitoring characterized election day and the days leading up to it”.
While the state-run media have gradually announced the electoral results, the observers have estimated that the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party won more than 76 per cent of all seats. The USDP won 76.52 per cent of the 1,154 seats at stake in the election, Altsean said.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
UN envoy meet Aung San Suu Kyi
Nambiar, was appointed special envoy to Myanmar by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon this year, envoy held talks with Myanmar pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Saturday but there was no indication for his visit to the capital city Naypyitaw, seat of power to government ministers and the junta top brass. Vijay Nambiar to leave Myanmar on Monday.She welcomed the Indian diplomat's visit and called for more engagement with the U.N."We were able to tell him what we wanted to do, while we got a chance to know the secretary general's feelings," Suu Kyi told reporters.
Ban told reporters last month in New York that the Burmese regime had blocked his envoy Nambiar from visiting Burma since he was appointed interim replacement for Nigerian diplomat Dr. Ibrahim Gambari in January this year.
Suu Kyi and colleagues will raise the NLD’s concerns about the continuing situation in Burma, including “the human rights of ethnic nationalities”, he said. He added that he would request that “Mr. Nambiar meets leaders of ethnic nationalities so that he can understand their situation”.
In an interview with Mizzima last month, Win Tin expressed extreme disappointment that Ban’s 2010 report to the UN General Assembly on Burma’s human rights situation failed to seriously address violations against ethnic minorities.
He is Ban's chief of staff and has replaced Ibrahim Gambari, who served as the U.N.'s envoy to Myanmar for four years but was widely criticized as being ineffective.
Media agencies
Ban told reporters last month in New York that the Burmese regime had blocked his envoy Nambiar from visiting Burma since he was appointed interim replacement for Nigerian diplomat Dr. Ibrahim Gambari in January this year.
Suu Kyi and colleagues will raise the NLD’s concerns about the continuing situation in Burma, including “the human rights of ethnic nationalities”, he said. He added that he would request that “Mr. Nambiar meets leaders of ethnic nationalities so that he can understand their situation”.
In an interview with Mizzima last month, Win Tin expressed extreme disappointment that Ban’s 2010 report to the UN General Assembly on Burma’s human rights situation failed to seriously address violations against ethnic minorities.
He is Ban's chief of staff and has replaced Ibrahim Gambari, who served as the U.N.'s envoy to Myanmar for four years but was widely criticized as being ineffective.
Media agencies
Pakistan win back hockey gold
Fired-up Pakistan annexed the Asian Games men's hockey gold medal after 20 years with a convincing 2-0 win over Malaysia in the final on Thursday.Veteran Sohail Abbas put Pakistan ahead with his team's first penalty corner in the 26th minute, before striker Rehan Butt increased the margin three minutes after half-time.
It was Pakistan's eighth Asiad hockey gold, ending a drought that stretched back to Beijing in 1990, and handed them their first major title since winning the World Cup in Sydney in 1994.Pakistan ended the year on a high after a disappointing eight-month period in which they finished a humiliating 12th out of 12 at the World Cup in March and took sixth place at the Commonwealth Games in October.
The Pakistanis kneeled in prayer after the final whistle, before lifting their Dutch coach Michel van den Heuvel over their shoulders to loud applause from the stands.Malaysia, often dubbed the sport's perennial under-achievers, had to settle for silver in their maiden appearance in the title clash after winning the bronze medal six times.
The entire Malaysian team, barring Sikh player Baljit Singh, shaved their heads in a practice called 'nazar' to ward off evil spirits in the final, but failed to produce the spark that won them the semi-final against India.Amin Rahim, whose two late goals sank India, faltered in all three penalty corners his team earned in the second half.
Malaysia had gone into the final as the only unbeaten team in the competition with four wins and a draw.Meanwhile, India returned to the Asiad podium after missing out in Doha four years ago when they defeated favourites South Korea 1-0 in the bronze medal play-off.
Tushar Khandekar netted the winner four minutes into the second session as India dominated the lacklustre Koreans through the 70-minute encounter.India had not won an Asiad hockey medal for the first time in Doha and paid the price when they failed to qualify for the Beijing Olympics two years ago.
The Indian players were involved in a heated argument with Pakistani umpire Haider Rasool over a disputed penalty corner in the second half, which the South Koreans ultimately wasted.India's Spanish coach Jose Brasa, whose contract is up for renewel after this match, said the bronze medal was not a just reward for his team."I think we were the best side in the competition, winning five of our six matches," said Brasa. "I can't say I am happy, but at least the boys will not return home empty-handed."
India, who won all their four league matches, were knocked out by a Malaysian golden goal in the semi-final.South Korea, winners at the last two editions in Busan and Doha, were denied a hat-trick when they lost to Pakistan in a penalty shoot-out in the other semi-final.The last time the Koreans finished fourth was in Beijing in 1990.
It was Pakistan's eighth Asiad hockey gold, ending a drought that stretched back to Beijing in 1990, and handed them their first major title since winning the World Cup in Sydney in 1994.Pakistan ended the year on a high after a disappointing eight-month period in which they finished a humiliating 12th out of 12 at the World Cup in March and took sixth place at the Commonwealth Games in October.
The Pakistanis kneeled in prayer after the final whistle, before lifting their Dutch coach Michel van den Heuvel over their shoulders to loud applause from the stands.Malaysia, often dubbed the sport's perennial under-achievers, had to settle for silver in their maiden appearance in the title clash after winning the bronze medal six times.
The entire Malaysian team, barring Sikh player Baljit Singh, shaved their heads in a practice called 'nazar' to ward off evil spirits in the final, but failed to produce the spark that won them the semi-final against India.Amin Rahim, whose two late goals sank India, faltered in all three penalty corners his team earned in the second half.
Malaysia had gone into the final as the only unbeaten team in the competition with four wins and a draw.Meanwhile, India returned to the Asiad podium after missing out in Doha four years ago when they defeated favourites South Korea 1-0 in the bronze medal play-off.
Tushar Khandekar netted the winner four minutes into the second session as India dominated the lacklustre Koreans through the 70-minute encounter.India had not won an Asiad hockey medal for the first time in Doha and paid the price when they failed to qualify for the Beijing Olympics two years ago.
The Indian players were involved in a heated argument with Pakistani umpire Haider Rasool over a disputed penalty corner in the second half, which the South Koreans ultimately wasted.India's Spanish coach Jose Brasa, whose contract is up for renewel after this match, said the bronze medal was not a just reward for his team."I think we were the best side in the competition, winning five of our six matches," said Brasa. "I can't say I am happy, but at least the boys will not return home empty-handed."
India, who won all their four league matches, were knocked out by a Malaysian golden goal in the semi-final.South Korea, winners at the last two editions in Busan and Doha, were denied a hat-trick when they lost to Pakistan in a penalty shoot-out in the other semi-final.The last time the Koreans finished fourth was in Beijing in 1990.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Annual Puri Beach Festival begins
Annual Puri Beach Festival, showcases cultural events, classical and folk dance performances, sand sculptures, handicrafts, food festivals, rock concerts and fashion shows.
Orissa Tourism Minister Debi Prasad Mishra has said the 16th International Annual Puri Beach Festival is a boost to the tourism sector of Orissa:
Mishra who inaugurated the five-day-long festival earlier this week, said: “In this festival, over 3,000 artists are participating. This year, a troupe from Austria is also participating here. This festival represents the culture and tradition of our country and also contributes to the tourism economy.”
This time organizers have included rowing and beach volleyball, besides handlooms, handicrafts, sand art, gas balloon rides and a kite-flying exhibition in the festival.
“I came here to watch the festival. It is absolutely wonderful night and we have just seen a beautiful performance from India ladies. They were dancing and singing so it was very nice and this is a quality festival. The weather is very nice and the atmosphere is beautiful,” said Asokpai, a Hungarian tourist.
Renowned Bollywood singers Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik are scheduled to perform during the last two days of the festival.
Orissa Tourism Minister Debi Prasad Mishra has said the 16th International Annual Puri Beach Festival is a boost to the tourism sector of Orissa:
Mishra who inaugurated the five-day-long festival earlier this week, said: “In this festival, over 3,000 artists are participating. This year, a troupe from Austria is also participating here. This festival represents the culture and tradition of our country and also contributes to the tourism economy.”
This time organizers have included rowing and beach volleyball, besides handlooms, handicrafts, sand art, gas balloon rides and a kite-flying exhibition in the festival.
“I came here to watch the festival. It is absolutely wonderful night and we have just seen a beautiful performance from India ladies. They were dancing and singing so it was very nice and this is a quality festival. The weather is very nice and the atmosphere is beautiful,” said Asokpai, a Hungarian tourist.
Renowned Bollywood singers Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik are scheduled to perform during the last two days of the festival.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Released Suu Kyi maiden speech post General election
Aung San Suu Kyi today appearing in a moss-green eingyi and roses in her hair, the pro-democracy leader and beacon of hope for millions said: “I’ve always believed in national reconciliation.
world leaders and human rights groups across the world welcomed her release, not to mention her Burmese and international supporters worldwide.
After meeting party members and foreign diplomats, Suu Kyi then greeted the crowd, people chanted “We love Suu”, amid thunderous applause, the BBC reported.
She reiterated the call for unity that she made yesterday, telling the ecstatic crowds from the balcony of the office today: “Nothing can be achieved without the people’s participation. Without it, we can do nothing” she said. “I want to work alongside the people. I don’t want to work alone. A one-woman show is not a democracy.”“I don’t hate the people who detained me.”In an allusion to the military regime that denied Suu Kyi freedom for so long, she showed her unique strength of character, stating to the crowd that she bore no resentment.“I have no personal grudge or hatred against anyone else. I believe in the rule of law. I place a high value on apology. My thanks go to thanks due,” Suu Kyi said.
She went on to thank her captors for treating her well, and asked them to do the same for the Burmese people. “Those who took my security [detail] treated me well. I would like to thank them well for their kind treatment. I think it would be better if they treated all the people well too.”
She also called for the further release of Burma’s 2,200 other prisoners who remain in jails or labour camps, many sent to prisons far from home, which makes family visits nearly impossible.
“I’d like to honour my colleagues and my colleagues from the democratic struggle who remain languishing in prisons. I wish their immediate release,” she said.
“We can achieve victory if, and only if, we work with courage and determination for what we want.”
Her speech appeared aimed at giving hope to the thousands of supporters who gathered to see and hear her as she spoke of a future Burma.
“I’ve always believed in national reconciliation. I’ve said time and again that I’ve worked by depending on the strength of the people. But that will be effective only when we can use this strength systematically. Please let me say to the people again: We cannot achieve victory by merely hoping for it. We can achieve victory if and only if we work with courage and determination for what we want. We also need to explore the best path to achieve victory too.”
“We demand our just rights.” A symbol of the fight for democracy and human rights worldwide, Suu Kyi cited the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, recognised the uphill struggle ahead, repeatedly stressed the theme of unity and urged the people to work together to achieve change in Burma.
“In the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, every paragraph starts with the word ‘everyone’. We must respect that concept. Everyone must fulfil their responsibilities and everyone must be duty-conscious. Only through following these principles will our country progress and develop. The people know well whether our country is progressing and developing. The blame game among us for not progressing is useless. I’d like to say please give us authority to do this job. I know well our people will not beg for this right. We demand our just rights.”
She ”delivered her first scheduled public address at National League for Democracy (NLD) headquarters in Bahan Township, Rangoon in her addressed thousands of supporters following her release from years of house arrest."I want to hear the voice of the people, after that we will decide what we want to do," she told a sea of followers outside her party headquarters. "I want to work with all democratic forces. I believe in human rights and I believe in the rule of law." The daughter of Burma’s independence hero carries a weight of expectation among supporters for a better future for the nation after almost half a century of military dictatorship.
Public marched in thousand on to congested roads to gather in front of the opposition party’s office, filling all space of pavement anywhere in the vicinity.The visible outpouring of support caused one Burmese in attendance to remark that the country’s generals miscalculated in releasing Suu Kyi so close to the election date, which was marred by transgressions and assessed to have merely provided fresh evidence to the Burmese electorate of the impending need for change.
Appearing slightly past 11 a.m. (local time), Daw Suu, as millions affectionately know her, addressed the enthusiastic crowd in a green shirt adorned with an off-yellow garland. She voiced her support for the Burmese people and thanked them in return for their support.
Towards the close of the gathering, which lasted well past the noon finish time originally announced, she displayed a placard reading “Aung San Suu Kyi loves the Burmese people.” Next to the text was a check mark, a clear slight to Burma’s military and their stage-managed general election held on November 7.
She would later inform a press conference, “I don’t believe in one party or one person dominating the government. That is not democracy.” The junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has been announced to have captured over 80 per cent of available seats, benefitting from enormous structural advantages throughout the electoral process.
While the front and centre portions of those gathered remained relatively calm throughout Suu Kyi’s public address, the outlying viewing areas were the scene of a constant battle between those who turned out hoping to gain the best vantage point possible. According to one NLD senior member, as well as a youth member, they were surprised by how many turned out to witness the event, with the size of the crowd catching them unawares. Those who attended her last release in 2000 said the outpouring of interest this time surpassed that year’s.
Following the general speech, Suu Kyi held a press conference inside party headquarters. Dozens of foreign correspondents covered the event alongside scores of Burmese journalists, greatly testing the physical capacity of the venue.
The opposition leader appeared confident and spoke quickly in response to questions.
She told those gathered, “We [Burma] had elections in 1990, [and] at that time we won. And then now they [the ruling regime] try to make elections again. Why do they make another election? Elections are made according to independence and freedom of choosing as voters like … With this election, what were they thinking?”
Responding to a question about the founding principles and orientation of her movement, Daw Suu expressed: “I didn’t found the NLD as a party but as an organisation for change for the people of Burma. And as long as the people want change for Burma, this organisation … will continue to exist.”
She also lamented the country’s continuing trend to look to solve differences via military force, stipulating that it has never been her opinion that force can provide the requisite salve for Burma’s wounds.
Prior to greeting the general public, Suu Kyi held a closed-door meeting incorporating various members of the international diplomatic community.
According to ‘The Lady’ herself, her plans of public appearances in the days ahead as yet remain undetermined.
Media agencies
world leaders and human rights groups across the world welcomed her release, not to mention her Burmese and international supporters worldwide.
After meeting party members and foreign diplomats, Suu Kyi then greeted the crowd, people chanted “We love Suu”, amid thunderous applause, the BBC reported.
She reiterated the call for unity that she made yesterday, telling the ecstatic crowds from the balcony of the office today: “Nothing can be achieved without the people’s participation. Without it, we can do nothing” she said. “I want to work alongside the people. I don’t want to work alone. A one-woman show is not a democracy.”“I don’t hate the people who detained me.”In an allusion to the military regime that denied Suu Kyi freedom for so long, she showed her unique strength of character, stating to the crowd that she bore no resentment.“I have no personal grudge or hatred against anyone else. I believe in the rule of law. I place a high value on apology. My thanks go to thanks due,” Suu Kyi said.
She went on to thank her captors for treating her well, and asked them to do the same for the Burmese people. “Those who took my security [detail] treated me well. I would like to thank them well for their kind treatment. I think it would be better if they treated all the people well too.”
She also called for the further release of Burma’s 2,200 other prisoners who remain in jails or labour camps, many sent to prisons far from home, which makes family visits nearly impossible.
“I’d like to honour my colleagues and my colleagues from the democratic struggle who remain languishing in prisons. I wish their immediate release,” she said.
“We can achieve victory if, and only if, we work with courage and determination for what we want.”
Her speech appeared aimed at giving hope to the thousands of supporters who gathered to see and hear her as she spoke of a future Burma.
“I’ve always believed in national reconciliation. I’ve said time and again that I’ve worked by depending on the strength of the people. But that will be effective only when we can use this strength systematically. Please let me say to the people again: We cannot achieve victory by merely hoping for it. We can achieve victory if and only if we work with courage and determination for what we want. We also need to explore the best path to achieve victory too.”
“We demand our just rights.” A symbol of the fight for democracy and human rights worldwide, Suu Kyi cited the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, recognised the uphill struggle ahead, repeatedly stressed the theme of unity and urged the people to work together to achieve change in Burma.
“In the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, every paragraph starts with the word ‘everyone’. We must respect that concept. Everyone must fulfil their responsibilities and everyone must be duty-conscious. Only through following these principles will our country progress and develop. The people know well whether our country is progressing and developing. The blame game among us for not progressing is useless. I’d like to say please give us authority to do this job. I know well our people will not beg for this right. We demand our just rights.”
She ”delivered her first scheduled public address at National League for Democracy (NLD) headquarters in Bahan Township, Rangoon in her addressed thousands of supporters following her release from years of house arrest."I want to hear the voice of the people, after that we will decide what we want to do," she told a sea of followers outside her party headquarters. "I want to work with all democratic forces. I believe in human rights and I believe in the rule of law." The daughter of Burma’s independence hero carries a weight of expectation among supporters for a better future for the nation after almost half a century of military dictatorship.
Public marched in thousand on to congested roads to gather in front of the opposition party’s office, filling all space of pavement anywhere in the vicinity.The visible outpouring of support caused one Burmese in attendance to remark that the country’s generals miscalculated in releasing Suu Kyi so close to the election date, which was marred by transgressions and assessed to have merely provided fresh evidence to the Burmese electorate of the impending need for change.
Appearing slightly past 11 a.m. (local time), Daw Suu, as millions affectionately know her, addressed the enthusiastic crowd in a green shirt adorned with an off-yellow garland. She voiced her support for the Burmese people and thanked them in return for their support.
Towards the close of the gathering, which lasted well past the noon finish time originally announced, she displayed a placard reading “Aung San Suu Kyi loves the Burmese people.” Next to the text was a check mark, a clear slight to Burma’s military and their stage-managed general election held on November 7.
She would later inform a press conference, “I don’t believe in one party or one person dominating the government. That is not democracy.” The junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) has been announced to have captured over 80 per cent of available seats, benefitting from enormous structural advantages throughout the electoral process.
While the front and centre portions of those gathered remained relatively calm throughout Suu Kyi’s public address, the outlying viewing areas were the scene of a constant battle between those who turned out hoping to gain the best vantage point possible. According to one NLD senior member, as well as a youth member, they were surprised by how many turned out to witness the event, with the size of the crowd catching them unawares. Those who attended her last release in 2000 said the outpouring of interest this time surpassed that year’s.
Following the general speech, Suu Kyi held a press conference inside party headquarters. Dozens of foreign correspondents covered the event alongside scores of Burmese journalists, greatly testing the physical capacity of the venue.
The opposition leader appeared confident and spoke quickly in response to questions.
She told those gathered, “We [Burma] had elections in 1990, [and] at that time we won. And then now they [the ruling regime] try to make elections again. Why do they make another election? Elections are made according to independence and freedom of choosing as voters like … With this election, what were they thinking?”
Responding to a question about the founding principles and orientation of her movement, Daw Suu expressed: “I didn’t found the NLD as a party but as an organisation for change for the people of Burma. And as long as the people want change for Burma, this organisation … will continue to exist.”
She also lamented the country’s continuing trend to look to solve differences via military force, stipulating that it has never been her opinion that force can provide the requisite salve for Burma’s wounds.
Prior to greeting the general public, Suu Kyi held a closed-door meeting incorporating various members of the international diplomatic community.
According to ‘The Lady’ herself, her plans of public appearances in the days ahead as yet remain undetermined.
Media agencies
Friday, November 12, 2010
Burma to release Aung San Suu Kyi
Burma military authorities have signed an order authorizing the release of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.Nobel laureate has been detained for 15 of the past 21 years, and her house arrest term expires on Saturday.“We are all busy working to welcome Daw Suu back, preparing a secretariat room for her at party headquarters,” said Win Tin, secretary of the NLD and a close associate with Suu Kyi.
Win Tin said: “It is not my decision, but I believe she will focus on politics and we will also urge her to resume her leadership, especially when our country's politics is in a state of emergency.”
Win Tin said Suu Kyi has always kept the door open to dialogue with the junta and he believes she will remain open to such dialogue.He even hoped her release would come today because the generals who believe in astrology may think the date 11/11 (Nov. 11) would be auspicious for her release.
Aung San Suu Kyi’s detention expires on Saturday 13 November and under Burmese law she should be released.There is much speculation about whether or not Aung San Suu Kyi is about to be released. Burma’s generals may be calculating that by releasing Aung San Suu Kyi they will receive so much positive publicity it will counter the negative attention on the election.
Many hope that Aung San Suu Kyi will be released. if she is released, the international community must not make the same mistake it has made in the past, hoping that this is a sign of change. Aung San Suu Kyi has been released twice before without there being any political change in the country. It is more likely that the dictatorship will try to use her release to try and persuade the international community to relax pressure on them.
Bura State radio on Thursday night announced results 147 constituencies in the Lower House, USDP winning 133. The USDP won 81 of 86 races newly announced for the Upper House.The new and previously announced results show the USDP gained majorities in both houses of Parliament: 190 of the 219 seats announced for the 330-seat Lower House, and 95 out of 107 seats announced for the 168-seat Upper House.
Top members of the ruling junta were among those who won seats. They include Prime Minister Thein Sein who also heads the USDP, a proxy for the junta.
Win Tin said: “It is not my decision, but I believe she will focus on politics and we will also urge her to resume her leadership, especially when our country's politics is in a state of emergency.”
Win Tin said Suu Kyi has always kept the door open to dialogue with the junta and he believes she will remain open to such dialogue.He even hoped her release would come today because the generals who believe in astrology may think the date 11/11 (Nov. 11) would be auspicious for her release.
Aung San Suu Kyi’s detention expires on Saturday 13 November and under Burmese law she should be released.There is much speculation about whether or not Aung San Suu Kyi is about to be released. Burma’s generals may be calculating that by releasing Aung San Suu Kyi they will receive so much positive publicity it will counter the negative attention on the election.
Many hope that Aung San Suu Kyi will be released. if she is released, the international community must not make the same mistake it has made in the past, hoping that this is a sign of change. Aung San Suu Kyi has been released twice before without there being any political change in the country. It is more likely that the dictatorship will try to use her release to try and persuade the international community to relax pressure on them.
Bura State radio on Thursday night announced results 147 constituencies in the Lower House, USDP winning 133. The USDP won 81 of 86 races newly announced for the Upper House.The new and previously announced results show the USDP gained majorities in both houses of Parliament: 190 of the 219 seats announced for the 330-seat Lower House, and 95 out of 107 seats announced for the 168-seat Upper House.
Top members of the ruling junta were among those who won seats. They include Prime Minister Thein Sein who also heads the USDP, a proxy for the junta.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Myanmar holds sham Election
Burma junta did not announce when the results would be announced, saying only that they could come "in time".However the state media declaring official results trickled out over state media, exhibiting the military and its proxy parties ahead, but when a clear picture of who won control of parliament - the state media could take a day or longer in the reclusive country where press timely release of information is rare. This was certain, that through shabby pre-election engineering the junta-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party would emerge victorious despite widespread popular opposition to 48 years of military rule.The streets of Yangon, Myanmar's largest city,unusually quiet and early voter turnout appeared light at many polling stations.
Many residents said they were staying home as rumours circulated that bombs would explode.Riot police were deployed at many road junctions, but no soldiers were seen near the balloting sites.
The USDP is fielding 1,112 candidates for a total of 1,159 seats in the two-house national parliament and 14 regional parliaments.Its closest rival, the National Unity Party backed by supporters of Myanmar's previous military ruler, has 995 candidates.
The largest opposition party, the National Democratic Force, is contesting just 164 spots.Election rules were written to benefit the USDP, and hundreds of potential opposition candidates, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, whose party won a landslide victory in the last elections in 1990 but was barred from taking office, are under house arrest or in prison.
Several parties have complained that voters have been strong-armed into voting for the pro-junta party.Whatever the results, the constitution sets aside 25 percent of parliamentary seats for military appointees.Voters expressed both fear and defiance. "I cannot stay home and do nothing," said Yi Yi, a 45-year-old computer technician."I have to go out and vote against the USDP. That's how I will defy them.""I voted for the (democracy party) in 1990. This is my second time to vote," said a 60-year-old man, Tin Aung, when asked which party he had voted for. He then looked around and added, "I am really scared."
Others said they had abstained from voting because that would legitimise the elections. President Barack Obama called the elections "anything but free and fair" and urged people to speak out for human rights in countries like Myanmar, also called Burma."For too long, the people of Burma have been denied the right to determine their own destiny," he told students in Mumbai, India, on his first stop on an Asian trip.
Earlier, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called the elections a reflection of "heartbreaking" repressive conditions in the country.
Yangon-based diplomats from the US, Britain, France, Germany and Italy turned down a government invitation to take "exploratory tours" of the voting on Sunday due to rules applying to the visits.
The junta earlier banned foreign journalists and international poll monitors from the elections.
"These elections are going to be neither free, nor fair, or inclusive. There is nothing in these elections that could give us grounds for optimism," British Ambassador Andrew Heyn said on the eve of the balloting, which he described as a "badly missed opportunity" for democratic change.
Despite the storm of criticism, some voters and experts on Myanmar said the election could herald a modicum of change from the decades of iron-fisted rule and gross economic mismanagement of the resource-rich nation.
"The elections, for all their farcical elements, have already achieved something: Burmese people are listening and talking more about politics than they have for a long time," said Monique Skidmore of the Australian National University.
"It seems likely that the very small public political space will be widened and this is probably the best outcome we can hope for from the election."
Democracy advocates are also hopeful that Suu Kyi will be freed from house arrest sometime after the election, perhaps as early as 13th November.
Although among the country's 29 million eligible voters, the Noble Peace Prize laureate said she would not cast a ballot.
Suu Kyi has been locked up in her Yangon villa on-and-off since the ruling generals ignored the 1990 poll results. They also hold some 2,200 political prisoners.
The junta has also been criticised for its brutal treatment of ethnic minorities seeking greater autonomy.
Amid rising tension before the elections, the junta cancelled voting in 3,400 villages in ethnic minority areas and increased its military presence in the countryside.
About 1.5 million of the country's 59 million people were thereby disenfranchised.
Some ethnic minority groups, like the Karen, have been fighting the government since the country gained independence from Britain in 1948.
Others, including the powerful Wa and Kachin, had forged cease-fire agreements that now appear in jeopardy amid fears that the constitution activated by the elections will quash their hopes for a federal system.
Many residents said they were staying home as rumours circulated that bombs would explode.Riot police were deployed at many road junctions, but no soldiers were seen near the balloting sites.
The USDP is fielding 1,112 candidates for a total of 1,159 seats in the two-house national parliament and 14 regional parliaments.Its closest rival, the National Unity Party backed by supporters of Myanmar's previous military ruler, has 995 candidates.
The largest opposition party, the National Democratic Force, is contesting just 164 spots.Election rules were written to benefit the USDP, and hundreds of potential opposition candidates, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, whose party won a landslide victory in the last elections in 1990 but was barred from taking office, are under house arrest or in prison.
Several parties have complained that voters have been strong-armed into voting for the pro-junta party.Whatever the results, the constitution sets aside 25 percent of parliamentary seats for military appointees.Voters expressed both fear and defiance. "I cannot stay home and do nothing," said Yi Yi, a 45-year-old computer technician."I have to go out and vote against the USDP. That's how I will defy them.""I voted for the (democracy party) in 1990. This is my second time to vote," said a 60-year-old man, Tin Aung, when asked which party he had voted for. He then looked around and added, "I am really scared."
Others said they had abstained from voting because that would legitimise the elections. President Barack Obama called the elections "anything but free and fair" and urged people to speak out for human rights in countries like Myanmar, also called Burma."For too long, the people of Burma have been denied the right to determine their own destiny," he told students in Mumbai, India, on his first stop on an Asian trip.
Earlier, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called the elections a reflection of "heartbreaking" repressive conditions in the country.
Yangon-based diplomats from the US, Britain, France, Germany and Italy turned down a government invitation to take "exploratory tours" of the voting on Sunday due to rules applying to the visits.
The junta earlier banned foreign journalists and international poll monitors from the elections.
"These elections are going to be neither free, nor fair, or inclusive. There is nothing in these elections that could give us grounds for optimism," British Ambassador Andrew Heyn said on the eve of the balloting, which he described as a "badly missed opportunity" for democratic change.
Despite the storm of criticism, some voters and experts on Myanmar said the election could herald a modicum of change from the decades of iron-fisted rule and gross economic mismanagement of the resource-rich nation.
"The elections, for all their farcical elements, have already achieved something: Burmese people are listening and talking more about politics than they have for a long time," said Monique Skidmore of the Australian National University.
"It seems likely that the very small public political space will be widened and this is probably the best outcome we can hope for from the election."
Democracy advocates are also hopeful that Suu Kyi will be freed from house arrest sometime after the election, perhaps as early as 13th November.
Although among the country's 29 million eligible voters, the Noble Peace Prize laureate said she would not cast a ballot.
Suu Kyi has been locked up in her Yangon villa on-and-off since the ruling generals ignored the 1990 poll results. They also hold some 2,200 political prisoners.
The junta has also been criticised for its brutal treatment of ethnic minorities seeking greater autonomy.
Amid rising tension before the elections, the junta cancelled voting in 3,400 villages in ethnic minority areas and increased its military presence in the countryside.
About 1.5 million of the country's 59 million people were thereby disenfranchised.
Some ethnic minority groups, like the Karen, have been fighting the government since the country gained independence from Britain in 1948.
Others, including the powerful Wa and Kachin, had forged cease-fire agreements that now appear in jeopardy amid fears that the constitution activated by the elections will quash their hopes for a federal system.
Burma General Elections
Burma's Real power will lie with the President, the Commanderin- Chief and the new National Defense and Security Council.Burma’s election has largely been on the
Parliament, but is fact this is a largely powerless body which will be dominated by the military The run-up to the election The election on 7th November will be the first in Burma for 20 years. At the last election the National League for Democracy, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, won 82 percent of the seats in Parliament, but the generals refused to hand over power.
Salient features:
*Assembly/Parliament with one Upper
House and one lower house
• 14 regional and state assemblies
(Parliaments)
• 25% of seats (110) in People Assembly
(Lower House) reserved for military
• 25% of seats (56) in Upper House
reserved for military
• 25% of seats in state and regional
assemblies reserved for the military
• 1,163 seats available by vote (but voting
banned in at least 6 seats in ethnic areas)
• 37 parties alllowed to participate
• Dictatorship linked parties only ones
which can afford to stand in almost every
constituency
• 2,203 political prisoners unable to take
part
• New National Defense and Security
Council where real power lies – not
Parliament
Parliament, but is fact this is a largely powerless body which will be dominated by the military The run-up to the election The election on 7th November will be the first in Burma for 20 years. At the last election the National League for Democracy, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, won 82 percent of the seats in Parliament, but the generals refused to hand over power.
Salient features:
*Assembly/Parliament with one Upper
House and one lower house
• 14 regional and state assemblies
(Parliaments)
• 25% of seats (110) in People Assembly
(Lower House) reserved for military
• 25% of seats (56) in Upper House
reserved for military
• 25% of seats in state and regional
assemblies reserved for the military
• 1,163 seats available by vote (but voting
banned in at least 6 seats in ethnic areas)
• 37 parties alllowed to participate
• Dictatorship linked parties only ones
which can afford to stand in almost every
constituency
• 2,203 political prisoners unable to take
part
• New National Defense and Security
Council where real power lies – not
Parliament
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Myanmar Election ends counting begins
General election in Myanmar, on dawn of Sunday, conduced peacefully as polling booths closed at 4 p.m, and the counting of votes to be followed immediately in the presence of the public.Polling at many booths even closed earlier with counting of votes already started as the designated number of electorates had completely finished casting of votes ahead of closing hours, polling stations said, citing sources with Shan state's capital of Taunggyi.
The ballots include advance ballots cast days ahead for persons with inconvenience as stipulated in the election law.The counting of votes by the township election subcommissions took place in the presence of parliamentary candidates or their election agents and the public.As per the election law, the township election subcommissions are to submit the valid votes to the region or state commissions at higher level which is expected to declare the elected parliamentary candidates later.The first-in-two-decade multi-party general election began across Myanmar at 6 a.m. on Sunday and a total of 29 million qualified voters across the country cast ballots at 60,000 polling stations under secret polling system.
Nationally, a total of over 3,000 parliamentary candidates from 37 political parties including 82 independents took part in the competition across the country's seven regions and seven ethnic states for 1,159 parliamentary seats, of which 326 are reserved for the house of representatives, 168 for the house of Nationalities and 665 for region or state parliament.
The house of representatives and the house of nationalities make up the Union Parliament.In Yangon region's 45 townships, 15 political parties and 26 independent delegates totaling 459 candidates took part in the contest.
In Nay Pyi Taw's eight townships, four parties and two independents with a total of 25 candidates contest.Parties running popular are the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), led by Prime Minister U Thein Sein, National Unity Party (NUP), led by U Tun Yi, and National Democratic Force (NDF), led by U Than Nyein.
USDP is transformed from the government-backed biggest social organization the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA), and the NUP is reorganized from the previous government's disbanded ruling Myanmar Socialist Program Party and the NDF is a break-away party from the disbanded National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi.Others are Democratic Party (Myanmar), National Political Alliance League (NPAL), Rakhine Nationalities Development Party, National Democratic Party for Development, Democracy and Peace Party, and 88 Generation Student Youths (Union of Myanmar).
Burmese people started voting at 6 a.m. for a new government for the first time in 20 years, amid extensive reports of vote-rigging and coercion by the main junta-backed party, in collusion with electoral authorities.
polling-7
People wait to vote outside a polling station in South Okkalapa Township, Rangoon, on Sunday, November 7, 2010. Exit interviews show an early swing to the National Democratic Force party and independents, away from Rangoon Mayor and regime-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party candidate, Aung Thein Lin. Photo: Mizzima
Early voter turnout in the former capital of Rangoon and major cities has been high, but in rural and ethnic areas, voters have been noticeably slower to appear at polling stations.
In South Okkalapa Township, indications are that the National Democratic Force party and independents were gathering more support than Rangoon Mayor and regime-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) candidate Aung Thein Lin, judging by early exit interviews conducted by Mizzima correspondents.
The Burmese have not had the chance of electing their own government since 1990, when Nobel Peace Prize laureate and pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her party the National League for Democracy (NLD) won with an overwhelming 80 per cent of seats. The junta however never relinquished power a military regime has been ruling the country since.
But this time around, the NLD is boycotting the elections and has been dissolved for failing to re-register by a May deadline as a political party.
The State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) has said these elections were going to be free and fair and would lead to the transition to a civilian and democratic government, but international observers, governments, human rights groups and advocates of the boycott inside Burma have denounced the polls as a “sham” and a “farce” designed to reinstate military rule.
State-media in Burma has warned against a boycott and has stated via its mouthpiece, the New Light of Myanmar, that if a boycott crippled elections today, the junta would have no choice but to continue to reign all-powerful, and that another election could “take a very long time”.
The junta-funded USDP is understandably confident of victory amid innumerable accounts of vote-buying, voter-harassment and intimidation.
US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said the elections “expose the abuses of the military junta”, the BBC reported today.
The Australian government said it had “very grave reservations about the elections” and condemned the “patently unfair election laws that place severe restrictions on political parties”.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s government said it welcomed the more forthright comments from Asean members the Philippines and Indonesia regarding the elections. Both countries also called for the immediate release of all political prisoners including Suu Kyi.
Despite criticism of the military regime, Australian officials had said it would be increasing the aid it sends Burma from US$29.1 million in 2009-2010, to US$48.6 million this year.
Voting would not be taking place in many ethnic areas because of junta-imposed bans, the regime said, citing danger in “black” areas controlled by armed ethnic ceasefire and non-ceasefire militias.
The junta said that conditions in areas in Kachin, Karenni, Karen, Mon and Shan states were insufficient for the holding of a free and fair vote, an order that sidelined millions of ethnic minority people from voting.
The armed non-ceasefire group, the Karen National Union (KNU), made a statement today that the election was designed to perpetuate military rule and would bring neither change nor peace to Burma.
It said the polls were merely being held for a “cosmetic change of direct rule by the generals from a military council [SPDC] to military rule behind a civilian façade to legally continue the oppressive military rule and human rights violations against the ethnic nationalities”.
Reports of legal and ethical flaws in polling conditions have been pouring in all morning. A government official from Mayangone Township told Mizzima early today that, “Currently, there are more than 100 voters in the polling station. The poll staff did not check the ID cards of voters so how do they know whether [they] are real eligible voters or not?”
Amid concerns about the potential for electoral fraud, he said: “They gave voters tickets that were numbered. Everyone who had the tickets could vote so it’s not systematic. They arranged everything carelessly.” Media Agencies
The ballots include advance ballots cast days ahead for persons with inconvenience as stipulated in the election law.The counting of votes by the township election subcommissions took place in the presence of parliamentary candidates or their election agents and the public.As per the election law, the township election subcommissions are to submit the valid votes to the region or state commissions at higher level which is expected to declare the elected parliamentary candidates later.The first-in-two-decade multi-party general election began across Myanmar at 6 a.m. on Sunday and a total of 29 million qualified voters across the country cast ballots at 60,000 polling stations under secret polling system.
Nationally, a total of over 3,000 parliamentary candidates from 37 political parties including 82 independents took part in the competition across the country's seven regions and seven ethnic states for 1,159 parliamentary seats, of which 326 are reserved for the house of representatives, 168 for the house of Nationalities and 665 for region or state parliament.
The house of representatives and the house of nationalities make up the Union Parliament.In Yangon region's 45 townships, 15 political parties and 26 independent delegates totaling 459 candidates took part in the contest.
In Nay Pyi Taw's eight townships, four parties and two independents with a total of 25 candidates contest.Parties running popular are the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), led by Prime Minister U Thein Sein, National Unity Party (NUP), led by U Tun Yi, and National Democratic Force (NDF), led by U Than Nyein.
USDP is transformed from the government-backed biggest social organization the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA), and the NUP is reorganized from the previous government's disbanded ruling Myanmar Socialist Program Party and the NDF is a break-away party from the disbanded National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung San Suu Kyi.Others are Democratic Party (Myanmar), National Political Alliance League (NPAL), Rakhine Nationalities Development Party, National Democratic Party for Development, Democracy and Peace Party, and 88 Generation Student Youths (Union of Myanmar).
Burmese people started voting at 6 a.m. for a new government for the first time in 20 years, amid extensive reports of vote-rigging and coercion by the main junta-backed party, in collusion with electoral authorities.
polling-7
People wait to vote outside a polling station in South Okkalapa Township, Rangoon, on Sunday, November 7, 2010. Exit interviews show an early swing to the National Democratic Force party and independents, away from Rangoon Mayor and regime-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party candidate, Aung Thein Lin. Photo: Mizzima
Early voter turnout in the former capital of Rangoon and major cities has been high, but in rural and ethnic areas, voters have been noticeably slower to appear at polling stations.
In South Okkalapa Township, indications are that the National Democratic Force party and independents were gathering more support than Rangoon Mayor and regime-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) candidate Aung Thein Lin, judging by early exit interviews conducted by Mizzima correspondents.
The Burmese have not had the chance of electing their own government since 1990, when Nobel Peace Prize laureate and pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her party the National League for Democracy (NLD) won with an overwhelming 80 per cent of seats. The junta however never relinquished power a military regime has been ruling the country since.
But this time around, the NLD is boycotting the elections and has been dissolved for failing to re-register by a May deadline as a political party.
The State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) has said these elections were going to be free and fair and would lead to the transition to a civilian and democratic government, but international observers, governments, human rights groups and advocates of the boycott inside Burma have denounced the polls as a “sham” and a “farce” designed to reinstate military rule.
State-media in Burma has warned against a boycott and has stated via its mouthpiece, the New Light of Myanmar, that if a boycott crippled elections today, the junta would have no choice but to continue to reign all-powerful, and that another election could “take a very long time”.
The junta-funded USDP is understandably confident of victory amid innumerable accounts of vote-buying, voter-harassment and intimidation.
US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said the elections “expose the abuses of the military junta”, the BBC reported today.
The Australian government said it had “very grave reservations about the elections” and condemned the “patently unfair election laws that place severe restrictions on political parties”.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s government said it welcomed the more forthright comments from Asean members the Philippines and Indonesia regarding the elections. Both countries also called for the immediate release of all political prisoners including Suu Kyi.
Despite criticism of the military regime, Australian officials had said it would be increasing the aid it sends Burma from US$29.1 million in 2009-2010, to US$48.6 million this year.
Voting would not be taking place in many ethnic areas because of junta-imposed bans, the regime said, citing danger in “black” areas controlled by armed ethnic ceasefire and non-ceasefire militias.
The junta said that conditions in areas in Kachin, Karenni, Karen, Mon and Shan states were insufficient for the holding of a free and fair vote, an order that sidelined millions of ethnic minority people from voting.
The armed non-ceasefire group, the Karen National Union (KNU), made a statement today that the election was designed to perpetuate military rule and would bring neither change nor peace to Burma.
It said the polls were merely being held for a “cosmetic change of direct rule by the generals from a military council [SPDC] to military rule behind a civilian façade to legally continue the oppressive military rule and human rights violations against the ethnic nationalities”.
Reports of legal and ethical flaws in polling conditions have been pouring in all morning. A government official from Mayangone Township told Mizzima early today that, “Currently, there are more than 100 voters in the polling station. The poll staff did not check the ID cards of voters so how do they know whether [they] are real eligible voters or not?”
Amid concerns about the potential for electoral fraud, he said: “They gave voters tickets that were numbered. Everyone who had the tickets could vote so it’s not systematic. They arranged everything carelessly.” Media Agencies
Monday, November 1, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Brazil to elect new president
Nksagar-Sagar Media Inc :Brazil to elect new president
Ruling party candidate Dilma Rousseff goes into Sunday's second-round run-off with double-digit poll lead her double digit lead over rival Jose Serra on the last day of campaigning.Rousseff to become Brazil's first woman president. In her address on Saturday, she exhibited confident tone, after double digit lead over Serra in the final polls published before the vote and said "I will govern for all Brazilians. There will be no discrimination of parties. I won't govern only for my coalition," a beaming Rousseff told reporters in the state capital Belo Horizonte. There were four opinion polls released on Saturday which gave Rousseff a lead of between 10 and 12 percentage points, following a televised debate between the candidates late on Friday."We should win with a minimum advantage of 10 percentage points and a maximum of 15 points," said Andre Vargas, communications secretary of Rousseff's Workers' Party. Dilma Rousseff, 62, Lula's former chief of staff, whom the president handpicked to succeed him. She calls Lula's two terms a "true revolution" and tells Brazilians that a vote for her in Sunday's run-off presidential election is a vote for continuity. Fernando Henrique Cardoso,says his administration created the economic stability that allowed the country to eventually flourish."To be frank, the novelty, the change in terms of the orientation of the Brazilian society and government, was done in my period," Cardoso said in an interview last week. "Of course, Lula did a series of good things, too. The way he managed the recent international crisis was correct. But I started it." Cardoso regarded an intellectual and a prolific writer whose books on his two-term presidency, which ended in 2002. An academic who once dabbled with Marxism and spent years in exile during Brazil's military dictatorship, he is seen by political observers as a gentleman politician who has largely avoided public tussles since leaving office. Reports Media agencies:
Brazil Second oil well -the Libra well located 183 kilometers off the coast of Rio de Janeiro in the Santos Basin holds between 3.7 and 15 billion barrels of oil is comparable to the giant Tupi discovery announced in 2007 thus stage among top fuel energy producers :
Brazil’s Ground oil reserves up to 29 billion barrels, in line with one of the top ten petroleum producers in the world.Brazil discovered billions of barrels of oil in offshore reserves in the past two years, pre-salt fields off at its southeast coast.
Petrobras subscribed $42.5bn value shares to the government in exchange for the rights to 5bn barrels of pre-salt oil last month: Media agencies
Ruling party candidate Dilma Rousseff goes into Sunday's second-round run-off with double-digit poll lead her double digit lead over rival Jose Serra on the last day of campaigning.Rousseff to become Brazil's first woman president. In her address on Saturday, she exhibited confident tone, after double digit lead over Serra in the final polls published before the vote and said "I will govern for all Brazilians. There will be no discrimination of parties. I won't govern only for my coalition," a beaming Rousseff told reporters in the state capital Belo Horizonte. There were four opinion polls released on Saturday which gave Rousseff a lead of between 10 and 12 percentage points, following a televised debate between the candidates late on Friday."We should win with a minimum advantage of 10 percentage points and a maximum of 15 points," said Andre Vargas, communications secretary of Rousseff's Workers' Party. Dilma Rousseff, 62, Lula's former chief of staff, whom the president handpicked to succeed him. She calls Lula's two terms a "true revolution" and tells Brazilians that a vote for her in Sunday's run-off presidential election is a vote for continuity. Fernando Henrique Cardoso,says his administration created the economic stability that allowed the country to eventually flourish."To be frank, the novelty, the change in terms of the orientation of the Brazilian society and government, was done in my period," Cardoso said in an interview last week. "Of course, Lula did a series of good things, too. The way he managed the recent international crisis was correct. But I started it." Cardoso regarded an intellectual and a prolific writer whose books on his two-term presidency, which ended in 2002. An academic who once dabbled with Marxism and spent years in exile during Brazil's military dictatorship, he is seen by political observers as a gentleman politician who has largely avoided public tussles since leaving office. Reports Media agencies:
Brazil Second oil well -the Libra well located 183 kilometers off the coast of Rio de Janeiro in the Santos Basin holds between 3.7 and 15 billion barrels of oil is comparable to the giant Tupi discovery announced in 2007 thus stage among top fuel energy producers :
Brazil’s Ground oil reserves up to 29 billion barrels, in line with one of the top ten petroleum producers in the world.Brazil discovered billions of barrels of oil in offshore reserves in the past two years, pre-salt fields off at its southeast coast.
Petrobras subscribed $42.5bn value shares to the government in exchange for the rights to 5bn barrels of pre-salt oil last month: Media agencies
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Eves sparks in Delhi CWG
Nksagar-Sagar Media - New Delhi:
Eves sparkled in Indian sport arena today when Athletics, completely surprise the nation when Krishna Poonia of India won the gold in women's discuss but believe it or not the hosts won all the three medals Gold silver and bronze-India swept the event with Harwant Kaur and national record holder Seema Antil too winning the silver and bronze respectively.
Poonia's gold, which she won by throwing the discus to 61.51m, was the first gold after 'Flying Sikh' Milkha Singh's 440 yard race gold in the 1958 edition of the Games in Cardiff, Wales.Harwant came up with an effort of 60.61m, a tad below her season's best of 60.66m, while national record holder Seema Antil threw the discus to a distance of 58.46m.
The first medal of the day for the hosts came in shooting as Tejaswini sawant and Meena Kumari won bronze in women's 50 meter Rifle Prone pairs.Tejaswini Sawant said she had hoped to win more than a bronze in the competition.In Skeet pairs shooting, Mairaj Ahmad Khan and P Allan Danials finished fifth. The Gold in this event was won by Cyprus.
Monday Events as unfolded in the day:
Badminton, India's Saina Nehwal and Aditi Mutatkar have advanced to the quarter-finals of the Women's Singles event. Saina defeated Caroline Black of Nigeria, 21-0,21-2 while Aditi defeated Kirsty Gilmour of Scotland 21-11, 21-17.
Rugby, India lost its Rugby sevens match against Wales by 7-53.
Weightlifting, one gold will be decided today, in men's 105 plus Kilogram weight category. Sarabjit carries the Indian medal hopes in this event.
Women's Hockey, India defeated Canada 3-nil in a final classification match.
Table-Tennis, Indian duo, Sharad Kamal and Shubhjeet Saha have entered the Men's Doubles quarter-finals by defeating Australia's Justin Henn and Shimon Gerreda.
With five more bronze today India continues in second position with 30 Gold, 23 Silver and 28 Bronze. Australia continues to head the table with a total haul of 62 gold, 40 silver and 39 Bronze. England has 26 gold, 47 Silver and 34 bronze.
Doping Controversy:
Alas! New Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games has been hit by a doping controversy in the same 100 meter Women's event that earlier saw the disqualification of Australia's Sally Pearson who was stripped off her medal for a false start.
Second on the list A Nigerian gold medalist of women's 100 meters Oludamola Osayomi was tested positive in dope Examination. In the dope test methyle hexalimine stimulate was found.
Press conference at Main Press Center, the President of the Games Federation Mr Michael Fennel said the athlete tested positive has requested for ‘B’ sample test and the hearing will be held later today.
Athletics Federation of Nigeria, President Solomon Ogba told a website that, the Nigerian athlete took medication for her toothache and they strongly suspect that it was the reason that led to her failed drug test.
Suresh Kalmadi
The Organizing Committee Chairman, Suresh Kalmadi today said Big video Screens will be put up during road events including Marathon and Cycling events along with the route. He said cycling events will be held at Noida- Greater Noida Expressway and all arrangements have been completed.
Indian players will also be seen in action in Table-tennis and Squash tonight.
Shooting
On the eighth Day of the Commonwealth Games, first medal for India came in shooting, as Tejaswini Sawant and Meena Kumari won bronze in women's 50 meter Rifle Prone pairs event with 1168 points. Scotland
won gold while England earned the Silver. Both Scotland and England were at 1169 points but Scotish duo clinched the top spot hitting the Bull's eye.
Tejaswini Sawant said she had hoped to win more than a bronze in the competion.Meenakumari also said she was not happy with the bronze.
Army today said it had selected people with abilities to win gold medals in the 19th Commonwealth Games. Army chief General V K Singh said this while talking to newsmen in New Delhi today. Army personnel have won 16 medals, including 7 gold in the ongoing games.Pointing out that sports was an important part of Army, he said his personnel have achieved success in almost all the disciplines in which they were fielded.Flagging-in the motorcycles expedition, the Army chief congratulated the team for covering more than 7,500 kms on motorcycles to pay homage to India martyrs, who lost their lives in the battlefields of Europe during World War I and World War II.
Contact information:
Sagar Media
Contact Information:
Sagar Media
Eves sparkled in Indian sport arena today when Athletics, completely surprise the nation when Krishna Poonia of India won the gold in women's discuss but believe it or not the hosts won all the three medals Gold silver and bronze-India swept the event with Harwant Kaur and national record holder Seema Antil too winning the silver and bronze respectively.
Poonia's gold, which she won by throwing the discus to 61.51m, was the first gold after 'Flying Sikh' Milkha Singh's 440 yard race gold in the 1958 edition of the Games in Cardiff, Wales.Harwant came up with an effort of 60.61m, a tad below her season's best of 60.66m, while national record holder Seema Antil threw the discus to a distance of 58.46m.
The first medal of the day for the hosts came in shooting as Tejaswini sawant and Meena Kumari won bronze in women's 50 meter Rifle Prone pairs.Tejaswini Sawant said she had hoped to win more than a bronze in the competition.In Skeet pairs shooting, Mairaj Ahmad Khan and P Allan Danials finished fifth. The Gold in this event was won by Cyprus.
Monday Events as unfolded in the day:
Badminton, India's Saina Nehwal and Aditi Mutatkar have advanced to the quarter-finals of the Women's Singles event. Saina defeated Caroline Black of Nigeria, 21-0,21-2 while Aditi defeated Kirsty Gilmour of Scotland 21-11, 21-17.
Rugby, India lost its Rugby sevens match against Wales by 7-53.
Weightlifting, one gold will be decided today, in men's 105 plus Kilogram weight category. Sarabjit carries the Indian medal hopes in this event.
Women's Hockey, India defeated Canada 3-nil in a final classification match.
Table-Tennis, Indian duo, Sharad Kamal and Shubhjeet Saha have entered the Men's Doubles quarter-finals by defeating Australia's Justin Henn and Shimon Gerreda.
With five more bronze today India continues in second position with 30 Gold, 23 Silver and 28 Bronze. Australia continues to head the table with a total haul of 62 gold, 40 silver and 39 Bronze. England has 26 gold, 47 Silver and 34 bronze.
Doping Controversy:
Alas! New Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games has been hit by a doping controversy in the same 100 meter Women's event that earlier saw the disqualification of Australia's Sally Pearson who was stripped off her medal for a false start.
Second on the list A Nigerian gold medalist of women's 100 meters Oludamola Osayomi was tested positive in dope Examination. In the dope test methyle hexalimine stimulate was found.
Press conference at Main Press Center, the President of the Games Federation Mr Michael Fennel said the athlete tested positive has requested for ‘B’ sample test and the hearing will be held later today.
Athletics Federation of Nigeria, President Solomon Ogba told a website that, the Nigerian athlete took medication for her toothache and they strongly suspect that it was the reason that led to her failed drug test.
Suresh Kalmadi
The Organizing Committee Chairman, Suresh Kalmadi today said Big video Screens will be put up during road events including Marathon and Cycling events along with the route. He said cycling events will be held at Noida- Greater Noida Expressway and all arrangements have been completed.
Indian players will also be seen in action in Table-tennis and Squash tonight.
Shooting
On the eighth Day of the Commonwealth Games, first medal for India came in shooting, as Tejaswini Sawant and Meena Kumari won bronze in women's 50 meter Rifle Prone pairs event with 1168 points. Scotland
won gold while England earned the Silver. Both Scotland and England were at 1169 points but Scotish duo clinched the top spot hitting the Bull's eye.
Tejaswini Sawant said she had hoped to win more than a bronze in the competion.Meenakumari also said she was not happy with the bronze.
Army today said it had selected people with abilities to win gold medals in the 19th Commonwealth Games. Army chief General V K Singh said this while talking to newsmen in New Delhi today. Army personnel have won 16 medals, including 7 gold in the ongoing games.Pointing out that sports was an important part of Army, he said his personnel have achieved success in almost all the disciplines in which they were fielded.Flagging-in the motorcycles expedition, the Army chief congratulated the team for covering more than 7,500 kms on motorcycles to pay homage to India martyrs, who lost their lives in the battlefields of Europe during World War I and World War II.
Contact information:
Sagar Media
Contact Information:
Sagar Media
Monday, October 11, 2010
Air Asia named The Best Asian Low cost carrier
KUALA LUMPUR, 11 OCTOBER 2010 – AirAsia was named the Best Asian Low-Cost Carrier by TTG, Asia Pacific’s leading travel news publisher.
AirAsia was unanimously named Best Asian Low-Cost Carrier by the readers of TTG Asia, TTG China, TTGmice, TTG-BTmice China and ttgasia eDaily who cast 48,000 votes in a poll held from June to August this year. The award reflects the airline’s popularity among travel trade insiders and the traveling public.
Dato’ Aziz Bakar, chairman of AirAsia, received the award at the 21st Annual TTG Travel Awards 2010 Ceremony & Gala Dinner in Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Bangkok. More than 700 travel industry professionals attended the event.
Dato’ Aziz said, “We are proud to be named the best low-cost airline again. This award reflects AirAsia’s commitment to excellence and to growing travel and tourism in the region. We have flown 100 million guests in only eight years of operations as a low-cost airline that has made it truly possible for everyone to fly.”
“The innovation that is AirAsia will go on serving the region with low fares, an extensive network of destinations, great flight frequencies and friendly ASEAN service,” he added.
Dato’ Aziz thanked the almost 8,000-strong AirAsians who have been instrumental in the success of the airline across all fronts.
In 2009, TTG’s editorial board also named AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes the Travel Personality of the Year for being the “most outstanding individual for taking proactive steps to develop the travel industry and for demonstrating innovation in his field.” Tony has led the airline in revolutionizing air travel and popularizing low fares that now allow everyone to fly.
The airline has invested millions of dollars in quality improvement measures that include the running of its world-class training center, the AirAsia Academy. Technology is integrated in operations across the airline’s entire network to improve operational efficiency, and training programs are in place to ensure high quality service.
***END***
About AirAsia
AirAsia, the leading and largest low-cost carrier in Asia, services the most extensive network with approximately 136 routes covering destinations in Asia, Australia and Europe. In 8 plus years of operations, AirAsia has carried more than 100 million guests and grown its fleet from just two aircraft to approximately 96. The airline today is proud to be a truly Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) airline with established operations based in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, servicing a network stretching across all Asean countries, China, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Australia. This is further complemented by AirAsia X, its low-cost long-haul affiliate carrier that currently flies to destinations in China, Australia, Taiwan, India, Iran, Japan, Korea and the UK. AirAsia is the regional carrier with the largest destination network and highest flight frequencies. AirAsia was named World’s Best Low Cost Airline in the annual World Airline Survey by Skytrax for two consecutive years in 2009 and 2010.
For more information, contact AirAsia Communications
Qastury Jawawi
Office No : +603 8660 4277
Email : qasturyjawawi@airasia.com
AirAsia was unanimously named Best Asian Low-Cost Carrier by the readers of TTG Asia, TTG China, TTGmice, TTG-BTmice China and ttgasia eDaily who cast 48,000 votes in a poll held from June to August this year. The award reflects the airline’s popularity among travel trade insiders and the traveling public.
Dato’ Aziz Bakar, chairman of AirAsia, received the award at the 21st Annual TTG Travel Awards 2010 Ceremony & Gala Dinner in Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld, Bangkok. More than 700 travel industry professionals attended the event.
Dato’ Aziz said, “We are proud to be named the best low-cost airline again. This award reflects AirAsia’s commitment to excellence and to growing travel and tourism in the region. We have flown 100 million guests in only eight years of operations as a low-cost airline that has made it truly possible for everyone to fly.”
“The innovation that is AirAsia will go on serving the region with low fares, an extensive network of destinations, great flight frequencies and friendly ASEAN service,” he added.
Dato’ Aziz thanked the almost 8,000-strong AirAsians who have been instrumental in the success of the airline across all fronts.
In 2009, TTG’s editorial board also named AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes the Travel Personality of the Year for being the “most outstanding individual for taking proactive steps to develop the travel industry and for demonstrating innovation in his field.” Tony has led the airline in revolutionizing air travel and popularizing low fares that now allow everyone to fly.
The airline has invested millions of dollars in quality improvement measures that include the running of its world-class training center, the AirAsia Academy. Technology is integrated in operations across the airline’s entire network to improve operational efficiency, and training programs are in place to ensure high quality service.
***END***
About AirAsia
AirAsia, the leading and largest low-cost carrier in Asia, services the most extensive network with approximately 136 routes covering destinations in Asia, Australia and Europe. In 8 plus years of operations, AirAsia has carried more than 100 million guests and grown its fleet from just two aircraft to approximately 96. The airline today is proud to be a truly Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) airline with established operations based in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, servicing a network stretching across all Asean countries, China, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Australia. This is further complemented by AirAsia X, its low-cost long-haul affiliate carrier that currently flies to destinations in China, Australia, Taiwan, India, Iran, Japan, Korea and the UK. AirAsia is the regional carrier with the largest destination network and highest flight frequencies. AirAsia was named World’s Best Low Cost Airline in the annual World Airline Survey by Skytrax for two consecutive years in 2009 and 2010.
For more information, contact AirAsia Communications
Qastury Jawawi
Office No : +603 8660 4277
Email : qasturyjawawi@airasia.com
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Possible Release of Suu Kyi
Nksagar - Sagar Media - RANGOON — UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that Burma's ensuing election, in two decades, will not be lend credible unless the military rulers release Opposition leader and Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.
"This is essential for the elections to be seen as credible and to contribute to Myanmar's stability and development," Ban said following a high-level meeting of the "Group of Friends on Myanmar" held on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York on Monday.
Further Moon said the coming months leading to the November 7 vote would be crucial, and called on the military junta to ensure the polls were as "inclusive, participatory and transparent as possible." The U.N. Chief said participants at the meeting, held at the Foreign Minister level, "expressed their encouragement, concerns and expectations regarding the current process."
"At this critical stage in Myanmar's transition, it is all the more important that the Group, and especially Myanmar's neighbors, encourages Myanmar to engage meaningfully with my good offices. The Group encourages the Government of Myanmar to adopt a more constructive and forward-looking approach in its response to the international community's call for engagement," he said.
Detention of Burma's democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi will expires early next month,officials said Friday that only the ruling junta chief knows exactly when she will be granted freedom. Aung San Suu, Nobel Peace laureate locked for 15 of the past 21 years, ever since her opposition party swept the country's last elections in 1990, and the military refused to cede power.Now her latest term of house arrest ends Nov. 13, just days after the junta plans to hold the first elections since those ignored polls—timing that analysts say is hardly coincidental. There is wide speculation the junta will release her as an olive branch to the international community after its expected win in elections that many observers have decried as so rigged as to be meaningless. Suu Kyi's detention is considered a matter of national security and officials say any decision to release her would be made at the last-minute by Snr-Gen Than Shwe, the junta chief."We can assume that she will be released on Nov. 13, but we cannot say with certainty that it will happen. Only the junta chief will know if or when the release can happen," said one of two officials interviewed. "It is too early to say that she will be released on Nov. 13."
Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy opposition party is boycotting the elections, which it calls unfair and undemocratic. As a result of not registering for the polls, the party has been dissolved, leaving no group that can effectively challenge the junta-backed party, which is expected to sweep the polls.
Critics call the country's first elections in two decades a sham and say the military shows no sign of genuinely relinquishing power.
The London-based rights group Burma Campaign UK issued a statement to express caution over recent reports about Suu Kyi's imminent freedom.
"We'll believe it when we see it," said Mark Farmaner, the group's director. "Regime officials have said similar things in the past, and Aung San Suu Kyi has remained in detention."
If Suu Kyi is released, it would be wrong to attach too much political significance to it, Farmaner said.
"She has been released twice before without there being any political change in the country," he said. "It is more likely that the dictatorship will try to use her release to attempt to persuade the international community to relax pressure on them."The international community has long demand the release of Suu Kyi and more than 2,100 political prisoners.
Media agencies
"This is essential for the elections to be seen as credible and to contribute to Myanmar's stability and development," Ban said following a high-level meeting of the "Group of Friends on Myanmar" held on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York on Monday.
Further Moon said the coming months leading to the November 7 vote would be crucial, and called on the military junta to ensure the polls were as "inclusive, participatory and transparent as possible." The U.N. Chief said participants at the meeting, held at the Foreign Minister level, "expressed their encouragement, concerns and expectations regarding the current process."
"At this critical stage in Myanmar's transition, it is all the more important that the Group, and especially Myanmar's neighbors, encourages Myanmar to engage meaningfully with my good offices. The Group encourages the Government of Myanmar to adopt a more constructive and forward-looking approach in its response to the international community's call for engagement," he said.
Detention of Burma's democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi will expires early next month,officials said Friday that only the ruling junta chief knows exactly when she will be granted freedom. Aung San Suu, Nobel Peace laureate locked for 15 of the past 21 years, ever since her opposition party swept the country's last elections in 1990, and the military refused to cede power.Now her latest term of house arrest ends Nov. 13, just days after the junta plans to hold the first elections since those ignored polls—timing that analysts say is hardly coincidental. There is wide speculation the junta will release her as an olive branch to the international community after its expected win in elections that many observers have decried as so rigged as to be meaningless. Suu Kyi's detention is considered a matter of national security and officials say any decision to release her would be made at the last-minute by Snr-Gen Than Shwe, the junta chief."We can assume that she will be released on Nov. 13, but we cannot say with certainty that it will happen. Only the junta chief will know if or when the release can happen," said one of two officials interviewed. "It is too early to say that she will be released on Nov. 13."
Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy opposition party is boycotting the elections, which it calls unfair and undemocratic. As a result of not registering for the polls, the party has been dissolved, leaving no group that can effectively challenge the junta-backed party, which is expected to sweep the polls.
Critics call the country's first elections in two decades a sham and say the military shows no sign of genuinely relinquishing power.
The London-based rights group Burma Campaign UK issued a statement to express caution over recent reports about Suu Kyi's imminent freedom.
"We'll believe it when we see it," said Mark Farmaner, the group's director. "Regime officials have said similar things in the past, and Aung San Suu Kyi has remained in detention."
If Suu Kyi is released, it would be wrong to attach too much political significance to it, Farmaner said.
"She has been released twice before without there being any political change in the country," he said. "It is more likely that the dictatorship will try to use her release to attempt to persuade the international community to relax pressure on them."The international community has long demand the release of Suu Kyi and more than 2,100 political prisoners.
Media agencies
Friday, October 1, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Indian journalists ‘to closely monitor pro-democracy movement
Indian government should ‘grant the benefits of democracy, humanity and prosperity to the peoples of India's origin and take a critical stance on the fairness and inclusiveness of the upcoming elections in Burma and their results.This call was made by the more than 20 journalists and civil society activists who participated in a media workshop on the November 7 Burma election as well as the situation of Burmese refugees living in India, held at the Press Club of India.
India allows refugees to stay in the country as they await UNHCR refugee status, it could do much more in providing security to this vulnerable group. The participants reminded the government that the influx of refugees in India is the result of bad governance in Burma.“India would benefit from a democratic Burma with respect to its economic and security interests in that country, while supporting the current regime simply plays into the hands of China,” said Nava Thakuria, senior journalist from Assam.
The day-long event, organized by Burma Center Prague and Burma Centre Delhi, was inaugurated by His Excellency Miloslav Stasek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Republic of India.“The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs supports the transition to democracy in Burma through projects such as the Indian Base for the Transformation of Burma, being carried out by Burma Center Prague with the help of Burma Centre Delhi,” he explained.
As part of this project, three Czech journalists came to New Delhi to share their experience in covering elections and at the same time learn more about the work of Burmese independent media and see first-hand the situation of Burmese refugees living in the city.The workshop featured several experts on the Burmese issue including Dr. Tint Swe, Member of Parliament of the Burmese government in exile, Soe Myint, Editor-in-Chief of Mizzima News, Nava Thakuria, journalist from Assam, K. Yhome, Observer Research Foundation, Ro Mawi, Chin Refugee Committee, and Sangte, Editor of Khonumthung News.
The workshop was followed by a press conference with prominent Indian panelists including Vijay Jolly, joint convener, All India BJP Overseas Cell, Sumit Chakravarty, Editor of Mainstream and Jyoti Malhotra, senior journalist based in New Delhi.The media workshop also made an appeal to the mainstream Indian media that it should objectively report about the situation in Burma on the basis of all available sources while critically reviewing information provided by the Burmese military junta and its civilian successors and proxies.
It was also urged the Indian journalists ‘to closely consult with Burmese independent media and the Burmese pro-democracy movement in order to obtain a complete picture of the situation inside Burma and if possible provide training to them’.
India allows refugees to stay in the country as they await UNHCR refugee status, it could do much more in providing security to this vulnerable group. The participants reminded the government that the influx of refugees in India is the result of bad governance in Burma.“India would benefit from a democratic Burma with respect to its economic and security interests in that country, while supporting the current regime simply plays into the hands of China,” said Nava Thakuria, senior journalist from Assam.
The day-long event, organized by Burma Center Prague and Burma Centre Delhi, was inaugurated by His Excellency Miloslav Stasek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Republic of India.“The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs supports the transition to democracy in Burma through projects such as the Indian Base for the Transformation of Burma, being carried out by Burma Center Prague with the help of Burma Centre Delhi,” he explained.
As part of this project, three Czech journalists came to New Delhi to share their experience in covering elections and at the same time learn more about the work of Burmese independent media and see first-hand the situation of Burmese refugees living in the city.The workshop featured several experts on the Burmese issue including Dr. Tint Swe, Member of Parliament of the Burmese government in exile, Soe Myint, Editor-in-Chief of Mizzima News, Nava Thakuria, journalist from Assam, K. Yhome, Observer Research Foundation, Ro Mawi, Chin Refugee Committee, and Sangte, Editor of Khonumthung News.
The workshop was followed by a press conference with prominent Indian panelists including Vijay Jolly, joint convener, All India BJP Overseas Cell, Sumit Chakravarty, Editor of Mainstream and Jyoti Malhotra, senior journalist based in New Delhi.The media workshop also made an appeal to the mainstream Indian media that it should objectively report about the situation in Burma on the basis of all available sources while critically reviewing information provided by the Burmese military junta and its civilian successors and proxies.
It was also urged the Indian journalists ‘to closely consult with Burmese independent media and the Burmese pro-democracy movement in order to obtain a complete picture of the situation inside Burma and if possible provide training to them’.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
'Magnificent Mary'Five times World Champ back home
'Magnificent Mary'Five times World Champ back home
22.09.2010 07:01:18 Nksagar-Sagar Media -
22 Sept,2010 New Delhi:
Herbalife,IBF,IOS Felicitate Five times World Boxing Champion MC Marykom on 21 Sept 2010 at Hotel Park New Delh. Media and MP from Manipur and sports authorities were present to congratulate the boxing champion for fifth time. On Answering questions on her motherhood and being Five-times world boxing champion MC Mary Kom said her strong will and determination helped her to stay in the sport even after attaining motherhood.
(live-PR.com) - Manipur government has announced a cash prize of 10 lakh rupees for star women boxer M C Mary Kom, who achieved a rare feat of five consecutive world titles in Bridgetown last week.The 27year old, mother of two clinched the fifth gold medal at the World Championships on Saturday by thrashing old foe Steluta Duta of Romania 16-6 in the light flyweight 48kg finals.An official release said that Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh announced purse in recognition of her historic achievement.
She began boxing in 2000 and was a quick learner who preferred to be put through the same paces as the boys around her. She initially tried to keep her interest from her father, M. Tonpu Kom, and mother Saneikham Kom, but winning a 2000 state championship got her photograph in the newspaper.After winning her first title and Best Boxer at the First State Level Invitation women's boxing championship in Manipur in 2000, Merykom went on to win the gold in the Seventh East India Women’s Boxing Championship held in West Bengal and five subsequent Indian National Championships from 2000 to 2005.
Mary Kom, a mother of two, came back from a two-year sabbatical to clinch her fourth successive World Amateur boxing gold in 2008, a feat that prompted the AIBA to describe her as 'Magnificent Mary.
Herbalife, Indian Boxing Federation, Olympic gold quest, Infinity Optimal Solutions felicitated Mary Kom in her honour for her achievements at Hotel Park in New Delhi after her return from concluded Women's World Boxing Championship in Bridgetown.In her addressing to the media, Mary Kom thanked the Media along with IBF, IOS, Herbalife and Manipur Government.
Marykom said "My aim in the near future is to win the 2012, London Olympic" .Globally named " Magnificent Mary" addressed Col PKM Raja, Secretary General of the Indian Boxing Federation, he is confident Mary will win the 2012 Olympic gold.
Little shy to speak about her achievements Mary looked confident said I am very happy and thanking Herbalife second my boxing federation and others.She was ongraultaed by M Manipur and Union Sports Minister MS Gill. In Facilitation function she was awarded Rs 1 lakh and 2 lakhs by the Boxing Federation and Herbalife respectively.
To a question of the non-inclusion of women boxing championship in the Common Wealth Games 2010, Marykom,world champion said, "It hurts me a lot, we are trying to ensure its inclusion and would have been very good to have the women boxing championship in the CWG – Delhi".Intervening at this IBF secretary, Col PKM Raja said "it is unfortunate, but the women boxing championship will be included only in the next CWG".
Mary praised her husband for her achievement for his enouragement to remain in the profession and told the media its difficult journey especially after she became a mother with family members,her well wishers teling her to give up boxing."It was due to the encouragement from my husband that I could return to the ring in a positive frame of mind," said the diminutive boxer.
Media asking her message to the global plus Indian youth and the women of Manipur and the country at large,she said, "I am an example of "nothing is impossible"further said that seeing her, many of her seniors had returned to sports after marriage. She said "people learn from me".Her pivotal role now to win London Olympic gold in women boxing for the nation and therafter her future after 2012 she plans to retire and would be a coach.
Her achievements are difficult to tread for another boxer in decades to come, IBF secretary Col Raja said " to find a successor will take a long time".
Mary will be undergoing trial selection tomorrow in the capital for the upcoming Asian Games to be held in Guangzhou, China in November.She is also working toward weight increase from 48 kg in the world Championship for the coming Asian games that requires 51 kg. She noted "Women and Boxing is very admirable".In the morning the Kom received warm welcome as students in Delhi received Mary Kom at the airport on her arrival to congratulate and welcome her.
Contact information:
Sagar Media
22.09.2010 07:01:18 Nksagar-Sagar Media -
22 Sept,2010 New Delhi:
Herbalife,IBF,IOS Felicitate Five times World Boxing Champion MC Marykom on 21 Sept 2010 at Hotel Park New Delh. Media and MP from Manipur and sports authorities were present to congratulate the boxing champion for fifth time. On Answering questions on her motherhood and being Five-times world boxing champion MC Mary Kom said her strong will and determination helped her to stay in the sport even after attaining motherhood.
(live-PR.com) - Manipur government has announced a cash prize of 10 lakh rupees for star women boxer M C Mary Kom, who achieved a rare feat of five consecutive world titles in Bridgetown last week.The 27year old, mother of two clinched the fifth gold medal at the World Championships on Saturday by thrashing old foe Steluta Duta of Romania 16-6 in the light flyweight 48kg finals.An official release said that Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh announced purse in recognition of her historic achievement.
She began boxing in 2000 and was a quick learner who preferred to be put through the same paces as the boys around her. She initially tried to keep her interest from her father, M. Tonpu Kom, and mother Saneikham Kom, but winning a 2000 state championship got her photograph in the newspaper.After winning her first title and Best Boxer at the First State Level Invitation women's boxing championship in Manipur in 2000, Merykom went on to win the gold in the Seventh East India Women’s Boxing Championship held in West Bengal and five subsequent Indian National Championships from 2000 to 2005.
Mary Kom, a mother of two, came back from a two-year sabbatical to clinch her fourth successive World Amateur boxing gold in 2008, a feat that prompted the AIBA to describe her as 'Magnificent Mary.
Herbalife, Indian Boxing Federation, Olympic gold quest, Infinity Optimal Solutions felicitated Mary Kom in her honour for her achievements at Hotel Park in New Delhi after her return from concluded Women's World Boxing Championship in Bridgetown.In her addressing to the media, Mary Kom thanked the Media along with IBF, IOS, Herbalife and Manipur Government.
Marykom said "My aim in the near future is to win the 2012, London Olympic" .Globally named " Magnificent Mary" addressed Col PKM Raja, Secretary General of the Indian Boxing Federation, he is confident Mary will win the 2012 Olympic gold.
Little shy to speak about her achievements Mary looked confident said I am very happy and thanking Herbalife second my boxing federation and others.She was ongraultaed by M Manipur and Union Sports Minister MS Gill. In Facilitation function she was awarded Rs 1 lakh and 2 lakhs by the Boxing Federation and Herbalife respectively.
To a question of the non-inclusion of women boxing championship in the Common Wealth Games 2010, Marykom,world champion said, "It hurts me a lot, we are trying to ensure its inclusion and would have been very good to have the women boxing championship in the CWG – Delhi".Intervening at this IBF secretary, Col PKM Raja said "it is unfortunate, but the women boxing championship will be included only in the next CWG".
Mary praised her husband for her achievement for his enouragement to remain in the profession and told the media its difficult journey especially after she became a mother with family members,her well wishers teling her to give up boxing."It was due to the encouragement from my husband that I could return to the ring in a positive frame of mind," said the diminutive boxer.
Media asking her message to the global plus Indian youth and the women of Manipur and the country at large,she said, "I am an example of "nothing is impossible"further said that seeing her, many of her seniors had returned to sports after marriage. She said "people learn from me".Her pivotal role now to win London Olympic gold in women boxing for the nation and therafter her future after 2012 she plans to retire and would be a coach.
Her achievements are difficult to tread for another boxer in decades to come, IBF secretary Col Raja said " to find a successor will take a long time".
Mary will be undergoing trial selection tomorrow in the capital for the upcoming Asian Games to be held in Guangzhou, China in November.She is also working toward weight increase from 48 kg in the world Championship for the coming Asian games that requires 51 kg. She noted "Women and Boxing is very admirable".In the morning the Kom received warm welcome as students in Delhi received Mary Kom at the airport on her arrival to congratulate and welcome her.
Contact information:
Sagar Media
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
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