Afghan officials: At least 30 militants killed in allied raids; 5 security guards die in east

At least 30 militants dead in Afghan, NATO raids

KABUL – Afghan and coalition forces conducted sweeps across Afghanistan that left at least 30 militants dead, while insurgents in the east killed five security guards in an ambush on a vehicle convoy, officials said Saturday.
Before dawn on Friday, international and Afghan forces carried out an operation … Original source on Gaea Times at : Afghan officials: At least 30 militants killed in allied raids; 5 security guards die in east.

AP-GfK Poll: Voters tilt back slightly toward Democrats, but sourness toward incumbents grows

AP-GfK Poll flashes mixed signals for parties
WASHINGTON – Americans want Democrats to control Congress after this fall’s elections, a shift from April, according to an Associated Press-GfK poll released Saturday. But the margin is thin and there’s a flashing yellow light for incumbents of both parties: Only about a …. Original source  : AP-GfK Poll: Voters tilt back slightly toward Democrats, but sourness toward incumbents grows.

Former vice president Bhairon Singh Shekhawat is dead

NEW DELHI – Former vice president Bhairon Singh Shekhawat died at a hospital here Saturday, Bharatiya Janata Party officials said. He was 86.

Shekhawat, who was three-time Rajasthan chief minister, was admitted to the Sawai Man Singh Hospital here Thursday after he complained of breathing problems caused by his lung infection.
The BJP stalwart was …. Read the original article  : Former vice president Bhairon Singh Shekhawat is dead.

Sonia Gandhi to visit Rae Bareli Monday

LUCKNOW – Congress president Sonia Gandhi will undertake a three-day tour of her parliamentary constituency Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh starting Monday to review developmental schemes, a party official said Saturday.
“Sonia-ji’s main objective behind the tour is to evaluate and monitor welfare schemes and developmental work in Rae Bareli. She is expected to … Read more : Sonia Gandhi to visit Rae Bareli Monday.

New clashes in central Bangkok as troops, anti-government protesters face off

Clashes, blasts for 3rd day in besieged Bangkok

BANGKOK – Thai troops clashed with protesters for a third day in Bangkok on Saturday, as streets in the center of the Asian metropolis became battlegrounds and authorities struggled to contain Red Shirt demonstrators demanding the prime minister’s resignation.
Explosions and street fighting have killed 16 people and wounded … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : New clashes in central Bangkok as troops, anti-government protesters face off.

Former vice president Bhairon Singh Shekhawat dead

JAIPUR – Former vice president Bhairon Singh Shekhawat died at a hospital here Saturday, Bharatiya Janata Party officials said. He was 86.

Shekhawat was admitted to the Sawai Man Singh Hospital here Thursday after he complained of breathing problems.
He was declared dead at 11.10 a.m., hospital sources said.
He is survived by his wife Suraj …. Read the original article  : Former vice president Bhairon Singh Shekhawat dead.

British NRIs expect immigration cuts, pro-rich policies (Comment)

NRIs may well grit their teeth at the new Conservative-Lib Dem government. The new British government will probably come down hard on immigration and introduce economic policies that help the rich. Plus, the Tories usually have cool relations with India.

Never mind that many of the estimated 2.5 million Asians voted for the Tories and Lib … Read : British NRIs expect immigration cuts, pro-rich policies (Comment).

NCP demands Meghalaya CM’s resignation

SHILLONG – The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Saturday demanded Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma’s resignation over Friday’s firing incident at the disputed Langpih village on the Meghalaya-Assam border.

“The chief minister has failed the people of the state and he should, therefore, take moral responsibility for what happened. We demand the immediate resignation of the … Original source on Gaea Times at : NCP demands Meghalaya CM’s resignation.

US closely watching Krishna visit to Iran

WASHINGTON – The United States would be watching closely Indian External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna’s visit to Iran over the weekend, but does not expect Tehran to change course on its nuclear programme.
So “We believe that it is time to apply more pressure to Iran and that, we think, is the best …. Read the original article  : US closely watching Krishna visit to Iran.

Immigration debate rages at town-hall forum by Spanish-language broadcaster Univision

Univision forum held on Arizona’s immigration law

MIAMI – Detractors and defenders of Arizona’s crackdown on illegal immigration are airing their views in a lively town-hall style meeting broadcast by the Spanish-language network Univision.
The forum was held Friday in the wake of Arizona passing a law some fear could lead to racial profiling. The measure requires …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Hong Kong activists make final appeal for special election touted as referendum on reform

HK democracy activists make final appeal for votes

HONG KONG – Five Hong Kong democracy activists made a final appeal to voters Saturday before a special election they triggered as an attempt to pressure Beijing to make political reforms in this former British colony.
Beijing opposes Sunday’s election as a challenge to its authority, and Hong Kong’s …. Original source  : Hong Kong activists make final appeal for special election touted as referendum on reform.

Manmohan Singh’s second term: Drift, disunity, unfulfilled expectations (Comment)

Expectations about the Manmohan Singh government performing better in its second term as the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) completes a year since it returned to power are yet to be fulfilled. It was hoped that a more secure majority in parliament and the absence of an obstructionist Communist bloc would enable …. Original source  : Manmohan Singh’s second term: Drift, disunity, unfulfilled expectations (Comment).

Hugo Chavez confirms he won’t go to Madrid summit, because Honduran leader will attend

Hugo Chavez says he won’t go to Madrid summit

CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez confirmed Friday he will not be in Spain next week when leaders of the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean meet, because Honduras’ president will be there.
Chavez had warned earlier that he might stay away from the Madrid conference …. Source article  : Hugo Chavez confirms he won’t go to Madrid summit, because Honduran leader will attend.

At UN treaty conference, ambitious draft report sees timetable for abolishing nuke arms

At UN, deadline aired for abolishing nuke weapons
UNITED NATIONS – The United States, Russia and other nuclear powers would agree to a global conference in 2014 to negotiate a timetable for abolishing nuclear arms, under a draft committee report submitted Friday, halfway through a monthlong conference reviewing the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT).
The highly … Read this article on Gaea Times at : At UN treaty conference, ambitious draft report sees timetable for abolishing nuke arms.

US extends Myanmar sanctions

WASHINGTON – The US has extended its sanctions on Myanmar for another year, the White House said.

“Because the actions and policies of the government of Burma (Myanmar) continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the US,” the sanctions imposed on Burma will continue in effect beyond … Read more : US extends Myanmar sanctions.

No ring, maybe no King: Cleveland rocked by Cavs playoff collapse, LeBron’s free agency

Cavs, LeBron’s futures uncertain after loss

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio – The Cavaliers’ season of seasons, the one supposed to end Cleveland’s tortured 46-year title drought, ended without a parade or King James’ coronation as a champion.
It’s over.
The pain endures, though. And it may only worsen.
Superstar LeBron James hasn’t bolted as a free agent for New York or …. Read the original article  : No ring, maybe no King: Cleveland rocked by Cavs playoff collapse, LeBron’s free agency.

Notice from the President on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Burma

On May 20, 1997, the President issued Executive Order 13047, certifying to the Congress under section 570(b) of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1997 (Public Law 104-208), that the Government of Burma had committed large-scale repression of the democratic opposition in Burma after September 30, 1996, thereby invoking the prohibition …. Original source  : Notice from the President on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Burma.

Presidential Proclamation – Armed Forces Day, 2010

ARMED FORCES DAY, 2010
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

America’s Armed Forces represent the very best of our national character. They have answered the call to defend our Nation, and their service and sacrifice humble us all. On Armed Forces Day, we pay tribute to these patriots who risk their lives, sometimes … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Presidential Proclamation — Armed Forces Day, 2010.

Presidential Proclamation – World Trade Week

A PROCLAMATION
For our Nation to compete and win in the 21st century, we must rebuild our economy on a stronger, more balanced foundation.  Part of that effort will require us to boost our exports, which are critical for our long-term prosperity and which support millions of American jobs.  World Trade Week is an opportunity for … Original source on Gaea Times at : Presidential Proclamation – World Trade Week.

Message from the President on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Burma

Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, prior to the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Message from the President on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Burma.