Former Jockey From India Lands In Trouble

ANTANANARIVO, MADAGASCAR (GaeaTimes.com)- Marc Ravalomanana, the ex-President of Madagascar who is now living in exile in South Africa, issued a statement on Saturday saying that he was not responsible for the mutiny which had taken place in the country back in the year 2009. On the other hand Andry Rajoelina, formerly a disc …. Source article  : Former Jockey From India Lands In Trouble.

Nuclear swap deal, opportunity for dialogue: Iran

TEHRAN – Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Sunday termed the nuclear agreement with Brazil and Turkey as “opportunity for understanding and dialogue”.

Iran will forward the nuclear agreement to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Monday. It calls for Iran to ship its low-enriched uranium to Turkey for storage until it receives medium-enriched fuel for its medical … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Nuclear swap deal, opportunity for dialogue: Iran.

Cabinet differences are not to be aired: Mukherjee

NEW DELHI – Falling short of directly criticising Home Minister P. Chidambaram for his remark that he had a “limited mandate” to fight Maoists, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has said that any differences in the union cabinet “are not to be shared in public”.
“I don’t want to make any comment on what … Read more »»».

On UPA-II’s first anniversary, prices dampen ratings, women’s bill earns praise

NEW DELHI – The ordinary Indian seems largely dissatisfied with the ruling United Progressive Alliance-II (UPA) in its first year because of rising prices and Maoist violence. But pushing ahead with the women’s reservation bill and implementing the rural jobs scheme have not gone unnoticed by the ‘aam admi’, a nationwide sample survey by IANS …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : On UPA-II’s first anniversary, prices dampen ratings, women’s bill earns praise.

In crisis, CPI-M battles the rot within

NEW DELHI – For a party ideologically opposed to a lavish lifestyle, the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) has declared an unprecedented war on comrades who have fallen in love with Mammon. Faced with make-or-break elections in its long-time citadel West Bengal next year, the CPI-M has admitted that corruption has seeped …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : In crisis, CPI-M battles the rot within.

Politics eclipses civic issues in Bengal municipal polls

KOLKATA – Political issues and not civic problems of immediate concern to the common man are taking centrestage in the upcoming West Bengal municipal polls, considered the last trial of strength for the contesting parties ahead of the assembly election showdown next year.

The May 30 polls for control of 80 municipalities and the Kolkata Municipal …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Politics eclipses civic issues in Bengal municipal polls.

Ethiopia opposition bloc complains of intimidation in election, say they may reject results

Ethiopia opposition bloc claims voter intimidation

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – Ethiopia’s largest opposition bloc said they have evidence of voter intimidation and vote-rigging that may lead them to reject the results of Sunday’s national election.
The vote is being closely watched by international observers and by critics who say the U.S.-allied ruling party has harassed voters and …. Source article  : Ethiopia opposition bloc complains of intimidation in election, say they may reject results.

Thailand’s PM says fresh elections only after violence, protests by Red Shirts end

Thai PM: No early elections until violence ends

BANGKOK – Thailand’s leader said Sunday that new elections can be considered only after violence and protests by anti-government activists end completely, after two months of turmoil left at least 85 people dead and deeply divided the country.
The comments by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva indicated that he will … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Thailand’s PM says fresh elections only after violence, protests by Red Shirts end.

Kamat’s sexist remarks draw flak from women’s rights groups

PANAJI – Goa chief minister Digambar Kamat’s sexist remarks about women joining politics and his public appeal to women asking them to desist from taking up the “33 percent reservation” bait, Sunday invited criticism from the women’s rights lobby in the state.
Sabina Martins, former member of the Goa State Commission for Women and … Original source on Gaea Times at : Kamat’s sexist remarks draw flak from women’s rights groups.

Sonia Gandhi to visit Jammu-Kashmir May 29

JAMMU – Congress President Sonia Gandhi will visit Jammu and Kashmir May 29, a party spokesperson said here Sunday.
She will visit the capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar, the spokesperson said.
Sonia will inaugurate a tribal cultural centre in Jammu and address a function organised by the Gujjar community. Her family has …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Malaysian Indian Congress faces internal conflict

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) President S Samy Vellu’s announcement to quit the post late next year has triggered a crisis in the party.

A movement is building up within the party even as Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, who heads ruling alliance Barisan Nasional (BN), of which the MIC is a key constituent, … Read more >>.

Cleanup drive launched in Bangkok, curfew extended

BANGKOK – Bangkok authorities Sunday launched a massive cleanup of the central district, left smoldering and filthy after the departing rampage of protesters who occupied it for five weeks.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Authority (BMA) mobilised about 3,000 city workers and volunteers to sweep clean streets most affected. Soldiers dispersed the protesters Wednesday.
The crackdown incensed hardcore …. Source  : Cleanup drive launched in Bangkok, curfew extended.

Ethiopia’s ruling party expected to win five more years as voters cast ballots in election

Ethiopia votes, with ruling party favored to win

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – Ethiopians began voting in national elections Sunday, in a vote closely watched by international observers and by critics who say the U.S.-allied ruling party has intimidated voters and challengers to secure an easy victory.
Opposition members and the ruling party’s critics say the poll will …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Honolulu councilman Charles Djou wins Hawaii congressional vote, giving GOP a midterm victory

GOP wins House seat in Obama’s home district
HONOLULU – Republican Charles Djou (duh-JOO’) has won a Democratic-held House seat in Hawaii in the district where President Barack Obama grew up.
The special election is the latest triumph for the GOP as it looks to take back control of Congress.
Djou’s victory was also a blow … Read more »»».

Japanese prime minister woos disgruntled Okinawa on US military base relocation

Japan leader apologizes over US base on Okinawa
TOKYO – Japan’s embattled prime minister apologized Sunday to the people of Okinawa for ditching his campaign promise to move a U.S. military base off the island, a concession that is likely to further erode his grip on power.
During his party’s campaign for …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Mexican authorities halt investigation into ex-candidate’s disappearance at family’s request

Mexico suspends search for missing ex-candidate

MEXICO CITY – Mexican authorities have suspended their investigation into the disappearance of a former presidential candidate at his family’s request.
The Attorney General’s Office says the investigation in the disappearance of Diego Fernandez de Cevallos has been has been halted “out of respect for the family’s wishes.”
The 69-year-old politician was …. Original article  : Mexican authorities halt investigation into ex-candidate’s disappearance at family’s request.

Colorado front-runners and incumbents go down at Democratic and Republican party assemblies

Colorado party activists boost outsider candidates
BROOMFIELD, Colo. – The Republican front-runner to win the party’s nomination in the Colorado governor race and the state’s Democratic senator were dealt setbacks in party assemblies on Saturday.
Republicans voted to place businessman Dan Maes ahead of former congressman Scott McInnis on the August primary ballot … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Colorado front-runners and incumbents go down at Democratic and Republican party assemblies.

Analysts: Calif. bill targeting child molesters for long prison terms would cost many millions

Calif. bill aimed at molesters would cost millions

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A corrections department analysis of a bill being considered by California lawmakers found that mandating life sentences for some child molesters and lifetime parole for others would cost tens of millions of dollars annually after the first decade.
The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst puts the ultimate tab …. Source  : Analysts: Calif. bill targeting child molesters for long prison terms would cost many millions.

German Foreign Minister says Nefertiti bust wanted by Egypt could be in danger if transferred

German FM: Nefertiti bust should stay in Berlin

CAIRO – Germany’s foreign minister says the 3,300-year-old bust of Queen Nefertiti that has been in a Berlin museum for decades is in Germany legally and could break if moved to Egypt.
Egypt’s antiquities chief had said he will formally demand the return of the bust of the 14th … Original article on : German Foreign Minister says Nefertiti bust wanted by Egypt could be in danger if transferred.

A confident Hezbollah promotes itself through ‘jihadi tourism’ in its strongholds

Hezbollah promotes itself through ‘jihadi tourism’

SOJOD, Lebanon – The students clapped and cheered as a Hezbollah fighter perched on a rocket launcher paraded past. Later, they snapped photographs with guerrila fighters, getting a firsthand account of the group’s tactics against Israel on the battlefield.
Excursions like the one more than 400 Lebanese university students took Saturday …. Source  : A confident Hezbollah promotes itself through ‘jihadi tourism’ in its strongholds.