Bill to slash Pakistan president’s powers tabled in parliament

ISLAMABAD – A bill was introduced in the Pakistan parliament Friday to transfer the president’s sweeping powers to the prime minister and effectively reduce him to a titular head of state.
Today is a historic day. Today we have gathered here to mend the follies of the past, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said … Read more >>.

World begins to accept Nepal may fail statute deadline

KATHMANDU – With less than two months left for the promulgation of a new constitution but Nepal’s squabbling parties still unable to start work on the first draft, the world has begun to accept that the Himalayan republic is unlikely to meet the May 28 deadline.

It was indicated by Britain’s special representative for peace-building, Jack … Original source on Gaea Times at : World begins to accept Nepal may fail statute deadline.

Rural protestors, encamped in Bangkok, changing political landscape in Thailand

Farmers set up protest “village” in Bangkok

BANGKOK – It is often said that Thailand’s political destinies – its coups and constitutions – are decided by the Bangkok elite while the rural masses stand at distant sidelines to cheer, boo or yawn. Until now.
The countryside has come to the city, both figuratively and in a very … Read more >>.

Serbia issues international arrest warrant for Nazi war crimes suspect living in US

Serbia issues arrest warrant for suspected Nazi

BELGRADE, Serbia – Serbia has issued an international warrant for the arrest of a naturalized American citizen accused of serving in a Nazi unit that killed thousands of civilians during World War II, a court said Friday.
Peter Egner, 88, who was born in Yugoslavia, is suspected of war crimes …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Serbia issues international arrest warrant for Nazi war crimes suspect living in US.

Pakistan’s National Assembly takes up reforms to strip president’s powers

Pakistani lawmakers take up presidential reforms
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s National Assembly on Friday took up constitutional reforms to strip the president of the power to fire an elected government and reduce it to a more ceremonial role – a move likely to ease political tensions.
The opposition had criticized current President Asif Ali Zardari for …. Original source  : Pakistan’s National Assembly takes up reforms to strip president’s powers.

Despite nuclear treaty success, Obama facing longer odds on test ban treaty ratification

Obama no closer on nuclear test ban ratification
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is expected to claim a major foreign policy success when he signs a nuclear arms reduction treaty with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev next week – but it comes at a cost.
The hard-negotiated pact took so long to conclude it has … Read more >>.

Campaign in support of Jogi’s son for Rajya Sabha

RAIPUR – Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Ajit Jogi’s loyalists in the Congress have launched a campaign so that the party nominates his son Amit Jogi as candidate for the Rajya Sabha from the state.

A Rajya Sabha seat being held by Congress leader Mohsina Kidwai is set to fall vacant soon in the state and several …. Source  : Campaign in support of Jogi’s son for Rajya Sabha.

Dont do deals with Iran: US tells India, Pakistan

WASHINGTON – The United States is “encouraging” India and Pakistan to not conduct transactions like their gas pipeline with Iran at a time when it’s engaged in sensitive negotiations with Tehran over its nuclear programme.

The US “has encouraged our friends in the government of Pakistan to try to seek alternatives,” Assistant Secretary Of State For … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Dont do deals with Iran: US tells India, Pakistan.

Obama talks Chinese leader on runway while Air Force One idles and reporters wonder

Obama talks to Chinese leader while plane idles
ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. – President Barack Obama spoke for an hour with China’s president on the phone from Air Force One Thursday night, welcoming the Chinese leader’s decision to attend a nuclear security summit in Washington and discussing how to deal with … Read : Obama talks Chinese leader on runway while Air Force One idles and reporters wonder.

It’s for India, Pakistan to work out Kashmir, water issues: US

WASHINGTON – Ruling out once again a US role in resolving either Kashmir or water issues between India and Pakistan, a senior official has said it was for the two countries to work things out.

“It’s like water. Kashmir always comes up in everything,” Assistant Secretary Of State For South And Central Asian Affairs Robert Blake …. Read the original article  : It’s for India, Pakistan to work out Kashmir, water issues: US.

India starts counting its 1.2B people, plans pictures and fingerprints for national database

From 1 to 1.2B, India counting and ID’ing citizens

NEW DELHI – India began a yearlong census of its billion-plus population in which it plans to photograph and fingerprint every citizen over the age of 15 to create a national database and then issue its first national identity cards.
About 2.5 million census-takers began traveling across more … Original article on : India starts counting its 1.2B people, plans pictures and fingerprints for national database.

Arizona governor signs bill authorizing her to go around state AG, sue over health overhaul

Ariz. governor signs bill authorizing health suit

PHOENIX – Republican Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer has signed a bill giving her authority to skirt the state’s Democratic attorney general and file a lawsuit challenging federal health care legislation.
Brewer signed the legislation Thursday after requesting last week that lawmakers approve it.
Attorney General Terry Goddard, a Democrat, angered Republicans …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Arizona governor signs bill authorizing her to go around state AG, sue over health overhaul.

Obama calls Rhode Island governor to offer help as state copes with aftermath of flooding

Obama offers help to Rhode Island governor
BOSTON – President Barack Obama on Thursday promised Rhode Island’s governor that the federal government will help the state clean up the damage caused by devastating floods, the governor’s office said.
Obama called Gov. Don Carcieri during the president’s trip to New England, and the two spoke for … Original article on : Obama calls Rhode Island governor to offer help as state copes with aftermath of flooding.

Obama calls Rhode Island governor to discuss flooding in hard-hit state

Obama calls Rhode Island governor about flooding
BOSTON – President Barack Obama has spoken with Rhode Island’s governor about the devastating flooding in his state.
White House spokesman Bill Burton says Obama called Gov. Don Carcieri (kuh-CHEER’-ee) during the president’s trip to New England on Thursday. No other details about the call were immediately available.
Flooding …. Read the original article  : Obama calls Rhode Island governor to discuss flooding in hard-hit state.

Army secretary warns troops they still can be discharged if they admit they’re gay

Army: Gays still can be dismissed if they speak up
WASHINGTON – Reversing course, Army Secretary John McHugh warned soldiers Thursday that they still can be discharged for acknowledging they are gay, saying he misspoke earlier this week when he suggested the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy had been temporarily suspended.
The public … Read : Army secretary warns troops they still can be discharged if they admit they’re gay.

Treasury Sec. Geithner says states will play a ‘crucial role’ in enforcing new consumer rules

Geithner: States ‘crucial’ to enforcing new rules

WASHINGTON – Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner told state attorneys general they would play a “crucial role” under the Obama administration’s proposed overhaul of financial regulations.
Speaking on a conference call Thursday, Geithner told 14 states’ top law enforcement officials that they will take the lead in enforcing new rules designed …. Source article  : Treasury Sec. Geithner says states will play a ‘crucial role’ in enforcing new consumer rules.

US welcomes China’s role in Iran sanctions talks

WASHINGTON – The US has welcomed China’s decision to join discussions at the UN about enacting sanctions on Iran for its refusal to alleviate international concerns about its nuclear activities.
“Its a very important step,” said Bill Burton, a White House spokesman, Thursday.
“The President feels that weve been able to unite the global …. Read the original article  : US welcomes China’s role in Iran sanctions talks.

Fact Sheet: Small Business Health Care Tax Credit

Health reform legislation signed by President Obama includes a Small Business Health Care Tax Credit to help small businesses afford the cost of covering their workers.

Key Facts about the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit
The tax credit, which is effective immediately, can cover up to 35 percent of the premiums a small business pays to …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Fact Sheet: Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.

Gaggle by Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton aboard Air Force One en route Portland, ME

1:50 P.M. EDT
MR. BURTON:  Hello.  Thank you all for joining us on this trip.  So just a little housekeeping at the top here.  Upon arrival in Maine, the President will be greeted by Governor Baldacci and his wife Karen; Mayor Nicholas Mavodones; and Congress — members of Congress Michaud and Pingree.  At the speech he … Original article on : Gaggle by Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton aboard Air Force One en route Portland, ME.

Remarks by the President on Health Insurance Reform in Portland, Maine

3:17 P.M. EDT
THE PRESIDENT:  Hello, Portland!  (Applause.)  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you, Portland. 

AUDIENCE:  Yes we can!  Yes we can!  Yes we can!
 
THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  Thank you, everybody.  Thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you so much.  Thank you.  Thank you, everybody. 
Well, what a wonderful — I guess when the sun comes out around … Read more : Remarks by the President on Health Insurance Reform in Portland, Maine.