I’ve had a vasectomy, admits Kiwi PM

WELLINGTON – New Zealand Prime Minister John Key stunned reporters at a recent press conference when he revealed that he has had a vasectomy.

The premier disclosed the personal information while providing a new slant on questions about Budget cuts at his post-Cabinet meeting press conference.

Key … Original source on Gaea Times at : I’ve had a vasectomy, admits Kiwi PM.

Glenn Beck Malia Obama Fiasco Heats Up!

WASHINGTON (GaeaTimes.com)- It is quite commonplace to see popular Radio Jockeys mimicking eminent political personalities and entertaining the listeners but there are limits for that and some of them cannot remember that. That is precisely what happened to well known radio host Glenn Beck. Last week he, along with his co-host imitated President Barack …. Source article  : Glenn Beck Malia Obama Fiasco Heats Up!.

JMM, BJP condemn president’s rule in Jharkhand

RANCHI – The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may have parted ways to trigger a crisis that saw the union cabinet approve president’s rule in Jharkhand Tuesday, but both parties were in sync in condemning the move. The Congress, however, said the central government had no other …. Read the original article  : JMM, BJP condemn president’s rule in Jharkhand.

Tribal policy will be placed before cabinet soon

NEW DELHI – The much-delayed national tribal policy, which aims to give tribals greater control over forest resources, will be placed before the cabinet for approval soon, Tribal Affairs Minister Kantilal Bhuria said Tuesday.

“It will be placed before the cabinet soon,” Bhuria said at a function of the tribal affairs ministry. “The policy has … Original article on : Tribal policy will be placed before cabinet soon.

Mamata Banerjee skips Cabinet meet

NEW DELHI – Railway Minister and Trinamool Congress president Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday skipped the Cabinet meeting which was convened to take a decision on recommending imposition of President’s rule in Jharkhand.

According to sources, Banerjee was in Delhi when the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Security Council calls for impartial investigation of Israel’s deadly raid on flotilla

UN calls for impartial probe of Israeli raid

UNITED NATIONS – The U.N. Security Council called early Tuesday for an “impartial” investigation of Israel’s deadly commando raid on ships taking humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and condemned the “acts” that resulted in the loss of at least nine lives.
After an emergency meeting and marathon negotiations …. Source  : Security Council calls for impartial investigation of Israel’s deadly raid on flotilla.

Republicans awaiting release of documents detailing Kagan’s time in Clinton White House

Senators await Kagan papers from Clinton library
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Researchers at the William J. Clinton Presidential Library are working overtime to produce more than 160,000 documents – some of them possibly holding clues to the record of Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan.
Senate Republicans have questioned whether dumping all that material three weeks …. Original article  : Republicans awaiting release of documents detailing Kagan’s time in Clinton White House.

BJP prefers Sai, Congress struggles for Rajya Sabha selection

RAIPUR – Chhattisgarh’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is all set to give tribal leader Nand Kumar Sai another term in the Rajya Sabha while the Congress is yet to finalise its candidate for the elections to the upper house of parliament June 17.

The mineral-rich state has two vacancies in the Rajya Sabha with BJP’s …. Source article  : BJP prefers Sai, Congress struggles for Rajya Sabha selection.

PM nominates 14 members for National Advisory Council

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has appointed 14 members to the National Advisory Council in consultation with its chair Sonia Gandhi, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced Tuesday.
The members of the high-profile NAC include eminent scientists, academics, intellectuals and civil society activists. While four members of the previous NAC … Read more >>>.

US-India talks this week offer US chance to settle anxiety about ties

US tries to show India it cares
WASHINGTON – Terrorism and climate change will top discussions at high-level U.S.-India meetings this week. But the real diplomatic test will be whether the United States can ease India’s hurt feelings.
Nearly a year and a half into Barack Obama’s presidency, Indians still worry their country is taking …. Source article  : US-India talks this week offer US chance to settle anxiety about ties.

Party’s given me go-ahead for rally, says Jagan

NEW DELHI – The Congress leadership has given the “go ahead” to his controversial rally in Andhra Pradesh in memory of his father, the late Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, party MP Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy said Tuesday after a meeting with Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily.
The Kadapa MP, known as Jagan, had defied the party …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Nepal Maoists begin fresh campaign to topple PM

KATHMANDU – After a brief respite when they buried the hatchet and bailed the government out of a dire constitutional crisis, Nepal’s opposition Maoist party Tuesday stepped up their campaign to topple Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, warning that the peace agreement would crumble unless he stepped down by Wednesday.

Declaring that they would not engage … Original source on Gaea Times at : Nepal Maoists begin fresh campaign to topple PM.

President’s rule imposed in Jharkhand

NEW DELHI – President’s rule was imposed in Jharkhand Tuesday, two days after Shibu Soren stepped down as chief minister and none of the three major political parties in the state showing willingness to form an alternate government.
The cabinet committee on political affairs chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh met Tuesday …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : President’s rule imposed in Jharkhand.

Manmohan Singh to present UPA-II report today

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will present the UPA-II report to the people on Tuesday evening.
The report card will list the achievements of various ministries and departments.
The Women’s Reservation Bill and the Right to Education Act is also expected to be highlighted in the … Read more >>.

Cabinet approves president’s rule n Jharkhand

NEW DELHI – The central government approved president’s rule in Jharkhand Tuesday, two days after Shibu Soren stepped down as chief minister. The Soren government had been reduced to a minority after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) withdrew support.
…. Original article  : Cabinet approves president’s rule n Jharkhand.

Japanese leader faces growing calls to resign over handling of US base issue, falling support

Japanese leader faces mounting calls to step down
TOKYO – Japan’s embattled prime minister faced growing pressure Tuesday from within his own party to resign ahead of July elections over his broken campaign promise to move a U.S. Marine base off the southern island of Okinawa.
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama’s approval ratings have plummeted …. Source article  : Japanese leader faces growing calls to resign over handling of US base issue, falling support.

Aide: Palestinian president says there’s no need to quit peace talks over ship intercept

Aide: Abbas says no need to quit peace talks
RAMALLAH, West Bank – An adviser to Mahmoud Abbas says the Palestinian president sees no need to quit indirect Mideast peace talks over Israel’s interception of a Gaza-bound ship.
The killing of nine pro-Palestinian activists in Monday’s Israeli raid has raised concern that U.S.-led efforts to … Read : Aide: Palestinian president says there’s no need to quit peace talks over ship intercept.

Former US ambassador on Gaza aid ship seized by Israelis heading home, wife says

Wife: Israel sending American on seized ship home

WASHINGTON – A former U.S. ambassador aboard a Gaza aid ship seized by Israeli commandos is on his way home, his wife said Monday evening.
Edward Peck, 81, of Chevy Chase, Md., a Washington suburb, was among activists in the flotilla trying to get humanitarian aid to Gaza, Ann …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Frontunner in Colombia’s presidential race hopes to fix ties with Venezuela, Ecuador

Colombia frontrunner seeks better ties with Chavez

BOGOTA, Colombia – The former defense minister who emerged from weekend voting as the front-runner in next month’s presidential runoff election said Monday he hopes to restore good relations with Venezuela and Ecuador if he wins.
Juan Manuel Santos, who directed the military under President Alvaro Uribe before making his … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Frontunner in Colombia’s presidential race hopes to fix ties with Venezuela, Ecuador.

After Illinois rain-out, Obama delivers Memorial Day speech back home at Andrews Air Base

After rain-out, Obama delivers speech back home
ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. – President Barack Obama said Monday that the meaning of Memorial Day is found in the story of ordinary Americans who become extraordinary for one simple reason: love of country.
Obama, speaking to dozens of troops at Andrews Air Force Base outside Washington …. Source article  : After Illinois rain-out, Obama delivers Memorial Day speech back home at Andrews Air Base.

CPI-M arrogance caused Left defeat: Forward Bloc

NEW DELHI – The Forward Bloc Wednesday blamed the “arrogance and bureaucratic attitude” of the leaders of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) for the worst performance of the Left Front coalition in the West Bengal civic polls.

Forward Bloc general secretary Debabrata Biswas also urged the CPI-M’s middle level leaders in the state to shed …. Original article  : CPI-M arrogance caused Left defeat: Forward Bloc.

Rizwanur’s brother rejected by voters

KOLKATA – Even as the Trinamool Congress swept the Kolkata municipal polls, one of its star candidates, Rukbanur Rahman – brother of Rizwanur whose mysterious death shocked the city – was defeated.

Javed Khan, a Trinamool legislator and one of the party’s mayoral candidates, also lost to a lesser known candidate.
Rukbanur, in the forefront of … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Rizwanur’s brother rejected by voters.

Municipal Election Results West Bengal Favor TMC

KOLKATA, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The Municipal election results of West Bengal are going to be out within a few hours. The TMC led by Union Railway minister Mamata Banerjee is going to emerge the winner in Kolkata as the early results suggest. TMC has won in a whopping 97 wards out of …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Municipal Election Results West Bengal Favor TMC.

Gazans cross border after Egypt eases blockade over deadly Israeli flotilla raid

Gazans cross border after Egypt lifts blockade

RAFAH, Egypt – Egyptian officials say more than 100 Gazans have crossed the border into Egypt after the government temporarily eased its blockade of the Palestinian territory over Israel’s deadly raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla.
The officials say two buses with 150 Palestinians crossed the border in the town …. Source article  : Gazans cross border after Egypt eases blockade over deadly Israeli flotilla raid.

A look at the short terms of recent Japanese prime ministers

A look at Japan’s recent prime ministers
Japan’s fickle politics make prime minister a tough job to hold on to. Yukio Hatoyama said Wednesday he would resign after just eight months, becoming the fourth prime minister to step down in as many years. A list of the most recent to serve:
- Junichiro Koizumi’s five-year …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Left has lost right to govern Bengal: Mamata

KOLKATA – The Left Front has lost the right to rule West Bengal, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee said Wednesday, after her party came on top in municipal elections held three days ago.
“We congratulate the people of Bengal. The state government has lost all right to be in power and assembly elections should …. Source article  : Left has lost right to govern Bengal: Mamata.

West Bengal civic polls: Trinamool sweeps Kolkata(Update)

KOLKATA – The Trinamool Congress had won 98 out of 141 seats in Kolkata Municipal Corporation.

The Left Front managed to win 31 wards, while the Congress won six wards.

In Bidhannagar municipality, the Trinamool Congress was well ahead of the Left Front leading in … Read : West Bengal civic polls: Trinamool sweeps Kolkata(Update).

Thai PM survives no-confidence vote after months of protests killed 89, cost economy billions

Thai PM survives no-confidence vote after turmoil

BANGKOK – Thailand’s beleaguered prime minister survived a no-confidence vote Wednesday called after months of anti-government protests crippled the capital and street battles left nearly 90 people dead.
Opposition lawmakers accused Prime Minister Vejjajiva of brutally supressing the protests. Abhisit, defending himself during debate in Parliament on Tuesday, promised there … Original article on : Thai PM survives no-confidence vote after months of protests killed 89, cost economy billions.

Warship sinking expected to help South Korea’s conservative ruling party win local elections

South Koreans vote amid North Korea tensions
SEOUL, South Korea – The deadly sinking of a South Korean warship blamed on North Korea overshadowed local elections Wednesday seen as a gauge of public sentiment toward the pro-American president’s handling of the security crisis.
Outrage over the sinking, which killed 46 sailors, bolstered support for President …. Read the original article  : Warship sinking expected to help South Korea’s conservative ruling party win local elections.

Electoral angst creates crowded ballots: About 2,300 running for Congress, the most in decades

Electoral angst creates crowded ballots
WASHINGTON – Discontent with incumbents and anti-Washington anger are adding up to a potentially record-breaking crowd of congressional challengers this election year.
More than 2,300 people are running for the House and Senate in the midterms, the highest number in at least 35 years, according to data provided to The … Read more »»».

Israel expels detained activists in deadly Gaza raid, orders diplomats’ families out of Turkey

Israel deports activists from Gaza-bound flotilla

JERUSALEM – Israel on Wednesday quickened the pace of expelling detained activists from a Gaza-bound flotilla as the diplomatic fallout from its deadly raid on the ships widened. With relations with Turkey at a new low, Israel ordered families of its diplomats out of that country.
About 200 Turkish activists were … Read more »».

Trinamool stuns Left in Bengal, set to win in Kolkata

KOLKATA – The Trinamool Congress was Wednesday set to take power in the prestigious Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) as it worsted the ruling Left Front in civic polls held across West Bengal Sunday.

Trinamool candidates had won or were in the lead in more than 90 of the 141 wards in the KMC, leaving the Left … Read more >>>.

Pranab congratulates Mamata for ‘excellent performance’

NEW DELHI – Senior Congress leader and Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee Wednesday congratulated Trinamool Congress chief and Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee for the “excellent performance” of her party in the West Bengal civic polls.
Pranab, who is also the chief of the Congress in the state, accepted the failure of his party in … Read : Pranab congratulates Mamata for ‘excellent performance’.

Japanese PM resigns amid plunging approval ratings

TOKYO – Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama announced Wednesday that he would step down after eight months in office as his party prepares for a July election amid a steady decline in approval ratings for his government.
The plunge in support for his cabinet came after he reneged on a campaign promise to move … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Japanese PM resigns amid plunging approval ratings.

I have full faith in people: Mamata

NEW DELHI – With the Trinamool Congress headed for victory in the West Bengal civic polls ahead of next year’s crucial assembly polls, party chief Mamata Banerjee Wednesday said she had full faith in the people of the state.
Before leaving for Kolkata, where the party swept a majority of the seats in the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : I have full faith in people: Mamata.

I’m ashamed, says British secretary who quit following scandal

LONDON – David Laws, former British chief secretary to the treasury who quit after barely 18 days in office after an expenses scandal, has said he feels “a bit ashamed not to have set a better example to people”.

Laws is repaying the expenses of 40,000 pounds he claimed for rent to long-term partner and landlord … Original article on : I’m ashamed, says British secretary who quit following scandal.

Alabama Primary Election Results 2010 Out

ALABAMA (GaeaTimes.com) — The much anticipated Alabama Primary Election results are out! It’s Ron Sparks of Democratic party who has been nominated for the governor of Alabama. The runoff candidate is Rep. Artur Davis.
The Alabama Primary Elections held today throughout the state. In accordance with the previous records of primaries, this election saw less …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Alabama Primary Election Results 2010 Out.

US, South Korea military exercise to snub North Korea

Seoul, June 2 (IANS/RIA Novosti) The US and South Korea will hold military exercises in the Yellow Sea next week to send a “strong signal” to North Korea, a media report said Wednesday.

The drills, to be held June 8-11, are intended to show North Korea a “firm combined defence posture” of Washington and Seoul, South …. Source  : US, South Korea military exercise to snub North Korea.

Nepal minister forces Mumbai temple marriage to end: Report

KATHMANDU – Under growing public fire for conferring state honours on controversial security personnel, Nepal’s coalition government Wednesday caused fresh outrage when the official media reported that a minister had fuelled caste discrimination by forcibly separating a couple from different communities.

Dan Bahadur Chaudhary, the state minister for industry, had forced a young woman to be …. Read the original article  : Nepal minister forces Mumbai temple marriage to end: Report.

Gunfire heard near Afghan peace conference in Kabul

Gunfire heard near Afghan peace conference

KABUL, Afghanistan – Police and witnesses have reported gunfire near the venue of a national peace conference in the Afghan capital.
An Associated Press reporter heard five or six bursts of gunfire coming from the south of the venue, soon after Afghan President Hamid Karzai completed his opening address on Wednesday.
Police … Original article on : Gunfire heard near Afghan peace conference in Kabul.

CPI-M to dissect debacle, speculation on Kolkata mayor

KOLKATA – The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) meets here Thursday to deliberate on the reasons for the ruling Left Front’s dismal performance in the West Bengal civic polls even as speculation is rife on who will be Kolkata mayor.
The CPI-M state secretariat, which is meeting at 5 p.m. at the Muzaffar …. Original source  : CPI-M to dissect debacle, speculation on Kolkata mayor.

Karunanidhi, veteran of Indian politics, turns 87

CHENNAI – DMK leader and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, one of India’s most senior politicians, turned 87 Thursday.
A key prop of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Karunanidhi began the day by cutting a birthday cake at his residence in Gopalapuram area here as close aides and family members cheered him.
A … Read more »»».

Israel won’t apologize for defending itself, says Netanyahu

TEL AVIV – Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has said that “Israel won’t apologize for defending itself” and described criticism of the commando attack on six flotilla heading towards the Gaza Strip with humanitarian … Read : Israel won’t apologize for defending itself, says Netanyahu.

White House again faces questions on jobs for Democrats challenging favored candidates

White House faces more questions over dealmaking
WASHINGTON – The White House faced fresh questions over back-room dealmaking after a Colorado Democrat acknowledged he had been encouraged by one of President Barack Obama’s top advisers to apply for an international development job instead of challenging the candidate whom the president favored in a Senate …. Original article  : White House again faces questions on jobs for Democrats challenging favored candidates.

Obama also getting criticism from opponents of Arizona governor and immigration law she signed

Anger over Obama’s meeting with Ariz. governor
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama’s planned meeting Thursday with Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer faces a protest from opponents of Arizona’s new immigration law.
Opponents say the law, which Brewer signed, is discriminatory and say Obama isn’t doing enough on immigration reform.
Brewer is to meet Obama at …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Supreme Court nominee Kagan’s quotes on Senate confirmation process in book review

Kagan quotes on Senate confirmation process

Excerpts from Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan’s review of Stephen Carter’s book “A Confirmation Mess,” in which she talks about the Senate’s Supreme Court confirmation process:
- “It is an embarrassment that the president and Senate do not always insist, as a threshold requirement, that a nominee’s previous accomplishments evidence an …. Original source  : Supreme Court nominee Kagan’s quotes on Senate confirmation process in book review.

‘The Kagan standard’: Supreme Court nominee sets a high bar for her own confirmation

In old article, Kagan invites tough questioning

WASHINGTON – Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan’s review of the book “A Confirmation Mess” is creating a confirmation mess of its own.
Kagan’s 1995 commentary on Stephen Carter’s book rendered a harsh judgment on how lawmakers question Supreme Court nominees, and that has some senators preparing to interrogate her about …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Delegates at Afghan peace conference mull talks with Taliban leaders, shrug off attack

Afghan peace conference mulls talks with Taliban

KABUL, Afghanistan – Delegates to an Afghan peace conference worked to overcome differences Thursday over whether the government should negotiate with top Taliban leaders to seek an end to almost nine years of war.
The deliberations involve about 1,500 religious, tribal, provincial and other leaders picked by the government to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Delegates at Afghan peace conference mull talks with Taliban leaders, shrug off attack.

Left on its way out in West Bengal, admits leader (Interview)

NEW DELHI – The drubbing in the municipal elections is a clear pointer that the Left Front that has ruled West Bengal continuously since 1977 is set to be voted out next year, a party leader said Thursday.
Speaking frankly about the Left’s prospects in the 2011 assembly elections, the leader of the Communist … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Left on its way out in West Bengal, admits leader (Interview).

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi turns 87

CHENNAI – The DMK was in a celebratory mood Thursday as their leader and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi turned 87.

Karunanidhi was kept busy right from morning. In the morning, after cutting a birthday cake at his Gopalapuram residence here, he visited the memorials of DMK founder and former chief minister C.N. Annadurai, …. Source  : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi turns 87.

Nepal PM faces new hurdle

KATHMANDU – Saved from a dire constitutional crisis last month by the opposition Maoist party but now at loggerheads with it once more, Nepal’s government faces a fresh hurdle next month when it again needs help to pass the new budget.

With a fresh quarrel erupting between Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal and the former guerrillas …. Source  : Nepal PM faces new hurdle.

Tagore plaques in China shine again thanks to Patil

SHANGHAI – “The world talks to me with its pictures and I reply with the music from my soul.” A plaque containing these immortal lines by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore has for long lain hidden from the public eye in this Chinese commercial hub.

It has now got a new lease of life thanks to President …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Tagore plaques in China shine again thanks to Patil.

President George W. Bush says he’d waterboard accused 9/11 mastermind again “to save lives”

Bush defends waterboard Khalid Sheik Mohammed

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Former President George W. Bush says if he had it to do over, he would still waterboard the self-professed mastermind of the Sept. 11 attacks.
Waterboarding is a simulated drowning technique that the Obama administration considers torture. Bush acknowledged Wednesday that the U.S. used the harsh interrogation …. Read the original article  : here.

Japan’s ruling party seaches for new leader with finance minister seen as likely next PM

Finance chief Kan seen as Japan’s likely next PM
TOKYO – Finance Minister Naoto Kan, a straight-talker known for standing up to Japan’s powerful bureaucrats, won the support of key potential rivals in the ruling party and emerged the only major candidate Thursday to become the country’s next prime minister.
Kan, 63, who is …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Federal nuclear officials discuss plant contract reforms in Amarillo

Nuclear Security officials discuss contracts

AMARILLO, Texas – Federal officials say they don’t yet have a timeframe for releasing the details on the single management contract for the Pantex nuclear plant near Amarillo and a Tennessee facility.
National Nuclear Security Administration officials were in Amarillo Wednesday to hold a public briefing on contract reform.
According to contract reforms … Read more >>>.

Colo. candidate confirms White House spoke to him about 3 potential jobs amid Senate race

Senate candidate says White House discussed 3 jobs
WASHINGTON – One of President Barack Obama’s top advisers suggested to a Colorado Democrat that he forgo a primary challenge to Sen. Michael Bennet and instead apply for one of three international development jobs.
The disclosure came just days after the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Colo. candidate confirms White House spoke to him about 3 potential jobs amid Senate race.

South Korea’s ruling party wins Seoul race, upset in other key polls in local election

South Korean ruling party upset in vote
SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea’s ruling party won the key Seoul mayoral poll but suffered upsets in several other local elections held amid tensions over North Korea’s alleged torpedoing of a navy ship, officials said Thursday.
Before Wednesday’s vote, opinion polls and analysts said outrage …. Read the original article  : South Korea’s ruling party wins Seoul race, upset in other key polls in local election.

Romanoff confirms White House spoke to him about potential jobs amid Colorado US Senate race

Romanoff confirms job discussions with White House
DENVER – Colorado U.S. Senate candidate Andrew Romanoff says the White House spoke to him about potentially taking a job in President Barack Obama’s administration if he wouldn’t challenge incumbent Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet.
Romanoff said in a statement Wednesday that Obama’s deputy chief of staff, Jim Messina, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Romanoff confirms White House spoke to him about potential jobs amid Colorado US Senate race.

California Assembly passes bill requiring placement agent disclosure, sends it to Senate

Calif Assembly OKs placement agent regulation bill

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The state Assembly passed a bill Wednesday that would limit the influence of people hired by money management firms to win business from the state’s public pension funds.
The bill, passed 56-9 with bipartisan support, would require so-called “placement agents” to register as lobbyists and report gifts. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : California Assembly passes bill requiring placement agent disclosure, sends it to Senate.

Turkish activists who were on Gaza-bound boats return to hero’s welcome in Istanbul

Turkish activists land in Istanbul following raid

ISTANBUL – Hundreds of activists deported from Israel following a bloody raid by Israeli commandos on a pro-Palestinian flotilla returned to a hero’s welcome in Turkey early Thursday. Nine bodies were on the first plane.
Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc and several Turkish lawmakers welcomed them at the airport after …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

We are India’s ideal partner in Indian Ocean: Seychelles president

NEW DELHI – Seychelles is India’s ideal partner in efforts to establish peace and stability in the Indian Ocean, which is currently plagued by piracy, James Michel, president of the archipelago nation said here.

“I think Seychelles and India have an important role to play in establishing peace, stability in the region,” Michel, who was on … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : We are India’s ideal partner in Indian Ocean: Seychelles president.

Buddhadeb summoned for CPI-M Delhi meet, may not attend

NEW DELHI – West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has been asked to attend a two-day CPI-M meeting here during the weekend after the Left Front’s shocking debacle in civic polls, but he is unlikely to attend, says a senior party leader.

Bhattacharya has cited “law and order problems” in his state to tell the Communist …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

US, S Korea postpone joint naval drill

SEOUL – The United States and South Korea Friday postponed a joint naval drill scheduled for next week, citing the need for more preparation on the part of the US forces.

Deputy Defence Minister Chang Kwang Il made the announcement on the sidelines of an Asian security conference in Singapore, South Korea’s KBS radio said. … Read more >>>.

India pays tribute to Buddha’s bard in Nepal

KATHMANDU – Chittadhar Tuladhar, one of Nepal’s best-loved ethnic authors who wrote an epic on Gautam Buddha, will receive a fresh lease of life nearly two decades after his death, with India funding a museum on him here.

On Friday, Indian ambassador Rakesh Sood inaugurated the spruced-up Nepal Bhasha Parishad Building in Naradevi in Kathmandu, renovated … Read more »»».

Soni in Congress list of six for Rajya Sabha

NEW DELHI – The Congress Friday announced six names for the coming elections to the Rajya Sabha, with Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni renominated from Punjab.
A Congress statement said the others are Mohsina Kidwai from Chhattisgarh, Dhiraj Prasad Sahu (Jharkhand), E.M.S. Natchiappan (Tamil Nadu) and Vijay J. Darda and Avinash Pande … Read more >>>.

Archives set to release records from Supreme Court nominee Kagan’s time in Clinton White House

Senators await Clinton-era files on Kagan
WASHINGTON – Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan’s paper trail is about to get a lot longer.
The William J. Clinton Presidential Library is expected Friday to release the first batch of a 160,000-page trove of records from Kagan’s service in the former president’s White House.
Kagan, who is …. Original article  : Archives set to release records from Supreme Court nominee Kagan’s time in Clinton White House.

Fla. GOP Senate candidate Rubio faces test of politics, ethnicity in courting Hispanic vote

Fla. Senate candidate tests politics, ethnicity
MIAMI – At a boutique hotel in Miami’s upscale Coral Gables neighborhood, members of a Republican women’s group smile and gush as Senate candidate Marco Rubio enters the room. A Spanish-language television reporter approaches with a microphone.
What is his stance on the Arizona immigration law? Does he favor …. Original article  : Fla. GOP Senate candidate Rubio faces test of politics, ethnicity in courting Hispanic vote.

Naoto Kan chosen Japan’s new PM

TOKYO – Naoto Kan was chosen as Japan’s next prime minister by parliament Friday after he won an overwhelming victory in the ruling Democratic Party of Japan’s presidential election.
Emperor Akihito is to appoint Kan Japan’s 94th premier later Friday.
Kan served as finance minister and deputy prime minister in outgoing …. Original article  : Naoto Kan chosen Japan’s new PM.

Trash piles up in nation’s biggest cooperative housing complex as NYC labor dispute escalates

Trash piles up in nation’s biggest co-op complex

NEW YORK – New Yorkers living in the nation’s biggest cooperative housing complex are carrying about 40 tons of garbage daily from high-rises as a labor dispute escalates at Co-op City in the Bronx – along with fears of an urban rat infestation.
On Thursday, garbage piles rose as …. Read the original article  : Trash piles up in nation’s biggest cooperative housing complex as NYC labor dispute escalates.

Jury selection to resume on second day of former Ill. Gov. Blagojevich’s corruption trial

Jury selection to resume at Blagojevich trial
CHICAGO – Jury selection is set to resume at the corruption trial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
U.S. District Judge James Zagel says that on Friday he’ll begin to hear objections from attorneys about potential jurors questioned so far. That could lead to some being sent home.
On … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Jury selection to resume on second day of former Ill. Gov. Blagojevich’s corruption trial.

Obama calls off Australia trip

SYDNEY – US President Barack Obama has postponed his visit to Australia and Indonesia due to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico that has caused an environmental disaster.
Obama telephoned Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Indonesian President S.B. Yodhoyono, expressing his deep regret over his decision, The Age reported Friday.
The …. Original article  : Obama calls off Australia trip.

Japan’s Finance Minister takes over as PM

TOKYO – Japanese Finance Minister Naoto Kan will become his country’s sixth prime minister in five years later today after being overwhelmingly elected as his party’s leader to replace Yukio Hatoyama, who resigned on Wednesday.
According to The Australian, Kan, 63, defeated the only other … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Japan’s Finance Minister takes over as PM.

Tiananmen Square quiet as another anniversary of bloody crackdown passes

21 years later, quiet day on Tiananmen Square

BEIJING – Tourist throngs and kite-flyers milled around Tiananmen Square on Friday under the watchful eye of security forces on alert for any attempt to commemorate the 21st anniversary of the bloody crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrations.
In the semiautonomous Chinese territory Hong Kong, thousands were expected to attend a … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Tiananmen Square quiet as another anniversary of bloody crackdown passes.

Naoto Kan chosen as Japan’s next PM

TOKYO – Naoto Kan was chosen as Japan’s next prime minister by the lower house of parliament Friday after he won in the Democratic Party of Japan’s presidential election.
…. Source  : Naoto Kan chosen as Japan’s next PM.

PM’s visit not linked to dialogue with separatists: Omar

SRINAGAR – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to the Kashmir Valley June 7 is not linked to the resumption of a dialogue with separatist leaders, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said Monday.
“The prime minister is not coming here to start the dialogue process. He is coming here to attend the convocation … Original source on Gaea Times at : PM’s visit not linked to dialogue with separatists: Omar.

Afghan peace conference hashes out statement, likely to seeks talks with Taliban

Afghan delegates hash out peace statement
KABUL, Afghanistan – Delegates reconvened Friday for the planned final day of a national peace conference, hashing out details of a communique likely to endorse negotiations with the Taliban to try to end Afghanistan’s years of war.

With violence running at record levels, President Hamid Karzai wants to offer rank-and-file insurgents …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Afghan peace conference hashes out statement, likely to seeks talks with Taliban.

No headway on high technology exports to India

WASHINGTON – India’s demand to liberalise high technology exports to it has not found favour with the US.
A joint statement issued after the first ever India-US strategic dialogue said the two countries were “committed to approach the issue of export controls (in high technology) in the spirit of the strategic partnership between the … Original article on : No headway on high technology exports to India.

Bengal verdict: Left has only itself to blame (Comment)

The West Bengal poll results may well mark the beginning of the end for the Left. Even the most optimistic among its supporters can no longer expect the Communists to win next year’s assembly elections.
The series of setbacks for the comrades – from the panchayat polls of 2008 through last year’s parliamentary elections … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Bengal verdict: Left has only itself to blame (Comment).

I am proud to go to India: Obama

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama says he has to go to India to experience “all that India and its people and its incredible ancient culture have to offer”.
Announcing his plans to visit India in early November at a reception hosted by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna at … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : I am proud to go to India: Obama.

India-US will shape the rest of this century: Clinton (Repeating for all needing)

WASHINGTON – Fight against terrorism and nuclear security topped the agenda of India and the US as they set out shape a global partnership that US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said “will shape the rest of this century.”
“The global nature of the security challenges that we face today, particularly the threat posed … Original source on Gaea Times at : India-US will shape the rest of this century: Clinton (Repeating for all needing).

Goa tourism minister resigns

PANAJI – Goa Tourism Minister Mickky Pacheco, accused by his wife of bigamy and embroiled in a controversy over the death of his third companion, resigned Saturday, an official said here.

Pacheco, who is being probed by the Crime Branch in connection with the mysterious death of his 28-year-old girlfriend Nadia Torrado, was not traceable since …. Original article  : Goa tourism minister resigns.

Ansari heads to Prague Sunday, UN reforms high on agenda

NEW DELHI – Vice President Hamid Ansari leaves Sunday on a week-long visit to the Czech Republic and Croatia, two East European countries that are negotiating their way out of recession and are looking at closer economic ties with India.
Ansari arrives in Prague Sunday evening to begin a three-day visit. He will meet … Original article on : Ansari heads to Prague Sunday, UN reforms high on agenda.

EU welcomes resumption of India-Pakistan talks

BRUSSELS – The European Union (EU) has welcomed the resumption of talks between India and Pakistan and hoped this would help resolve their outstanding issuess, EuAsiaNews reported.

“The EU reiterated the importance of Pakistan and India normalising their relations and welcomed the resumption of a dialogue process. It expressed hope that this would help to … Original source on Gaea Times at : EU welcomes resumption of India-Pakistan talks.

Obama to nominate Pentagon’s top intelligence officer to oversee the nation’s spy agencies

Obama to name new intelligence chief
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is set to nominate James Clapper, the Pentagon’s top intelligence, official to oversee the nation’s 16 spy agencies.
Obama was expected to announce the nomination of Clapper, a retired Air Force three-star general, as national intelligence director in a Rose Garden ceremony … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Obama to nominate Pentagon’s top intelligence officer to oversee the nation’s spy agencies.

No question of Buddhadeb resigning: Biman Bose

NEW DELHI – Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) West Bengal secretary Biman Bose Saturday rejected media reports that Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee had offered to step down as chief minister following the party’s dismal show in the civic polls.

“The question does not arise,” said Bose, who is in the capital to attend a two-day CPI-M politburo meeting. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : No question of Buddhadeb resigning: Biman Bose.

Gilani doublespeak: From peace overtures, now tells NATO fears war with India

BRUSSELS – Just when things were starting to get back on track between India and Pakistan, and a ‘positive’ outcome from the upcoming Foreign Ministerial level talks was expected, Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani’s tirade over New Delhi’s conventional war strategy has once again put light on Islamabad’s obstinate attitude concerning resolving long …. Source article  : Gilani doublespeak: From peace overtures, now tells NATO fears war with India.

Enigmatic Rahul Gandhi preparing for his political future: NYT

AHRAURA – Despite his established political credentials and an aura of inevitability about his future, Rahul Gandhi, the great-grandson of India’s first prime minister (Jawaharlal Nehru), the grandson of India’s fourth prime minister (Indira Gandhi) and the son of India’s seventh prime minister (Rajiv Gandhi), largely remains an enigma.
He remains deliberately aloof …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Enigmatic Rahul Gandhi preparing for his political future: NYT.

Israeli military says forces have not taken over new Gaza-bound aid ship

Israel says forces have not taken over aid boat

JERUSALEM – The Israeli military says it has not taken over a Gaza-bound aid ship.
A military spokeswoman said, “At this minute, there’s no takeover.”
The ship is trying to breach Israel’s three-year-old blockade of the Gaza Strip.
Nine people were killed in the military’s takeover of another aid ship … Read more >>.

US rebukes China for suspending military ties

SINGAPORE – US Defence Secretary Robert Gates Saturday rebuked China for suspending military ties over US arms sales to Taiwan, saying Beijing’s rationale made little sense.

“Chinese officials have broken off interactions between our militaries, citing US arms sales to Taiwan as the rationale,” he said.
“This makes little sense,” Gates said, adding that interruptions in …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : US rebukes China for suspending military ties.

Gaza-bound aid vessel tailed by Israeli warships as it nears Gaza’s shores

Gaza-bound aid vessel tailed by Israeli warships

JERUSALEM – Israeli warships were tailing a Gaza-bound aid boat Saturday just a few dozen miles (kilometers) from the blockaded Palestinian territory, determined not to let it reach Gaza despite international outrage over Israel’s deadly takeover of another aid ship earlier this week.
The 1,200-ton Rachel Corrie, which is carrying …. Original source  : Gaza-bound aid vessel tailed by Israeli warships as it nears Gaza’s shores.

Activist: Gaza-bound aid ship nearing blockaded Palestinian territory

Activist: Aid ship nears Palestinian territory

JERUSALEM – A pro-Palestinian activist tells The Associated Press that a Gaza-bound aid ship is just a few dozen miles (kilometers) from the the blockaded Palestinian territory and is being tailed by three Israeli naval boats.
The activists’ latest attempt to crack the blockade will test Israel’s resolve as it faces …. Original article  : Activist: Gaza-bound aid ship nearing blockaded Palestinian territory.

US defense chief says sinking of ally’s ship does not reveal a weakness in US defenses

Gates: Ship sinking reveals no hole in US forces

SINGAPORE – U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates says the sinking of a South Korean warship doesn’t show gaps in the security that U.S. forces in the Pacific are supposed to provide for allies.
Gates says what the fatal sinking shows is simply that a surprise attack can be … Read more >>>.

Defense chief Gates calls ship sinking part of North Korea’s pattern of ‘reckless behavior’

Gates accuses NKorea of reckless aggression

SINGAPORE – The sinking of a South Korean warship is part of a reckless pattern of aggression by North Korea, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Saturday, as the U.S. and its allies turned up the rhetorical heat on the communist country.
“This sinking is far more than a single, isolated … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Defense chief Gates calls ship sinking part of North Korea’s pattern of ‘reckless behavior’.

AP sources: Obama chooses Pentagon veteran Clapper as next national intelligence director

AP sources: Pentagon official pick as intel chief
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama intends to nominate the Pentagon’s top intelligence official, James Clapper, as the next national intelligence director despite some objections from Capitol Hill, two senior administration officials said Friday.
Obama will announce his nomination of Clapper, a retired Air …. Original source  : AP sources: Obama chooses Pentagon veteran Clapper as next national intelligence director.

Police call: Maryland governor’s teen daughter ‘passed out’, likely had alcohol poisoning

Police. Md. gov’s daughter had alcohol poisoning

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – A Baltimore police officer suspected Gov. Martin O’Malley’s unconscious 18-year-old daughter had alcohol poisoning and called for medical help, according to police calls released Friday.
A dispatcher questioned if alcohol poisoning was the reason the officer needed an ambulance for Tara O’Malley at Inner Harbor on May …. Original source  : Police call: Maryland governor’s teen daughter ‘passed out’, likely had alcohol poisoning.

Former AP correspondent Fred Zusy dies; once banned in Egypt, tangled with Truman

Former AP correspondent Fred Zusy dies
WASHINGTON – Fred Zusy, whose short-lived expulsion from Egypt by that country’s government while serving as Cairo bureau chief for The Associated Press raised questions about government censorship in the name of national security, has died. He was 96.

He also tangled with former President Harry Truman about the accuracy of … Read more >>>.

Biographical information on James R. Clapper Jr.

Biographical information on James R. Clapper Jr.

NAME – James R. Clapper Jr.
EXPERIENCE – Defense undersecretary for intelligence, 2007-present; director, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, 2001-06; after military retirement, served as an executive in private industry for companies including Vredenburg, Booz Allen Hamilton and SRA International; retired from the Air Force as a lieutenant general, 1995; director, Defense … Read more : Biographical information on James R. Clapper Jr..

Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs Aboard Air Force One En Route Louisiana

1:51 P.M. EDT
MR. GIBBS:  Hey, guys.  So let’s go through a little of the schedule so we have a bit of a sense what we’re working on.  I think that Ms. Hogan gave you guys the bait and tackle place — it’s an OTR stop, so please hold that location until we arrive there — …. Source  : Press Gaggle by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs Aboard Air Force One En Route Louisiana.

Pacquiao accepts third Fighter of the Year award; Roach, Izenberg also honored at BWAA awards

Pacquiao again honored as Fighter of the Year

NEW YORK – Manny Pacquiao seems to win something, whether it’s a fight or an award, just about every time he makes the long trip to the United States.
The pound-for-pound king and newly elected congressman from the Philippines accepted his third Fighter of the Year award Friday night …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Statement on the Gaza Flotilla by National Security Council Spokesman Mike Hammer

The Government of Israel has stated its desire to avoid a confrontation and a repeat of Monday’s tragic events on the Mavi Marmara.  It remains a U.S. priority to provide assistance to the people of Gaza.  In the interest of the safety of all involved, and the safe transmission of assistance to the people of …. Original article  : Statement on the Gaza Flotilla by National Security Council Spokesman Mike Hammer.

Gordon Brown ’signed pay cut for his successor at Downing Street’

LONDON – In his final days as the British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown deprived David Cameron of hundreds of thousands of pounds – the Labour politician accepted a pay cut for his successor at 10 Downing Street.

On Brown’s orders, the Prime Minister’s remuneration package …. Source article  : Gordon Brown ’signed pay cut for his successor at Downing Street’.

Former presidential candidate McCain battling for his political life against GOP conservative

McCain in fierce fight to hold onto Arizona seat

LAKE HAVASU CITY, Ariz. – A serious re-election fight wasn’t what Republican John McCain expected when he returned to the Senate after losing the presidency.
But the four-term senator is battling for his political life in a race that embodies the volatility of an unpredictable election year. He’s … Original source on Gaea Times at : Former presidential candidate McCain battling for his political life against GOP conservative.

Abu Sayyaf gunmen in Philippines kill 2 villagers after slaying 3 hostages

Philippine militants kill 2 more villagers

MANILA, Philippines – Muslim militants killed two villagers after fatally shooting three hostages, apparently to avenge the deaths of comrades in a government assault in the southern Philippines, a military commander said Sunday.
The bodies of the hostages and the villagers were found separately Saturday by residents in a mountainous hinterland … Read : Abu Sayyaf gunmen in Philippines kill 2 villagers after slaying 3 hostages.

Deportation of Gaza aid ship passengers delayed

TEL AVIV – The deportation of passengers and crew seized on board a Gaza-bound aid ship from Israel has been delayed because some of them refuse to sign waivers not to initiate legal proceedings, Israel Radio reported Sunday.

All potential deportees have been transported to Ben Gurion Airport, the report added.
The aid ship, the Rachel … Original article on : Deportation of Gaza aid ship passengers delayed.

New Japan premier reaffirms US alliance in phone call with Obama as Cabinet takes shape

New Japan PM affirms US ties in call with Obama
TOKYO – Japan’s new prime minister made his diplomatic debut Sunday in a telephone call with President Barack Obama, reaffirming his country’s alliance with Washington and promising to work hard on an agreement to relocate a contentious U.S. Marine base.
Naoto Kan, a straight-talking populist, …. Read the original article  : New Japan premier reaffirms US alliance in phone call with Obama as Cabinet takes shape.

Major changes ahead in Malaysian Indian Congress

KAJANG – The Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) will undergo “major changes in the next six months”, its chief S. Samy Vellu announced here Sunday.

He would overhaul the party machinery, including at the state level, before stepping down in the third quarter of next year, Vellu said at the opening of the 64th Selangor MIC … Original article on : Major changes ahead in Malaysian Indian Congress.

Residents of Kargil hopeful of PM’s visit

KARGIL – Residents of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kargil district are looking forward with expectation towards the proposed visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Singh will be on a two-day visit to the state from Monday and is expected to visit Kargil district.

The residents are demanding that a tunnel should be built across the …. Read the original article  : Residents of Kargil hopeful of PM’s visit.

Israel says UN chief moving ahead with international investigation of deadly Israeli raid

UN chief moving ahead with probe of Israeli raid

JERUSALEM – An Israeli official said Sunday that U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon is moving ahead with plans for an international commission to investigate Israel’s deadly raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla.
Ban wants former New Zealand Prime Minister Geoffrey Palmer, a maritime law expert, to head the panel, … Original article on : Israel says UN chief moving ahead with international investigation of deadly Israeli raid.

Didigiri hits Karat, is Yechury next Red boss? (Capital Buzz)

NEW DELHI – ‘Didigiri’ appears set to shatter the ‘dadagiri’ of the Red bosses after the battering they got from Cyclone Mamata in the West Bengal civic polls. The buzz is that CPI-M top man Prakash Karat is seriously thinking of handing over the baton to Sitaram Yechury.
Party insiders say although he … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Didigiri hits Karat, is Yechury next Red boss? (Capital Buzz).

BJP to abstain from Rajya Sabha poll in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Sunday said it will abstain from voting for the Rajya Sabha poll in Orissa as it wants to maintain equal distance from both the ruling Biju Janata Dal and the Congress party, a BJP leader said.

“We will abstain from voting to keep equal distance from BJD and Congress,” …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Bangladesh opposition parties to launch stir against Hasina

DHAKA – Bangladesh’s principal opposition parties have decided to launch a joint stir against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government whose policies they say are “anti-national”.
The decision was taken by leaders of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its key political ally Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) who met here Saturday evening.
JeI said … Read : Bangladesh opposition parties to launch stir against Hasina.

Dhaka, Delhi to talk boundary disputes next month

DHAKA – The Joint Boundary Working Group of Bangladesh and India is expected to meet next month to comprehensively address long-pending land boundary disputes, a media report quoting officials said here.
Both sides are working to implement various decisions and fulfil commitments made by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh … Read more : Dhaka, Delhi to talk boundary disputes next month.

North Korean defiance obstacle to effective sanctions: US

SINGAPORE – US Defence Secretary Robert Gates Sunday said any efforts to make North Korea accountable over the sinking of a South Korean warship may have little effect given Pyongyang’s defiant attitude.

North Korea’s stance was an obstacle for finding the adequate measures short of military options, Gates told the BBC on the sidelines of … Read more : North Korean defiance obstacle to effective sanctions: US.

Obama calls on Japan’s new PM

WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama Saturday called Naoto Kan to congratulate him on being chosen Japan’s new prime minister, and pledged to work together on issues like Iran and the Korean Peninsula.
“The two leaders agreed to work very closely together to address the many issues facing both nations and the global community, …. Original source  : Obama calls on Japan’s new PM.

Another opposition candidate barred from running in Venezuela legislative elections

Chavez opponent barred from elections in Venezuela

CARACAS, Venezuela – Another opponent of President Hugo Chavez has been barred from running in congressional elections by Venezuela’s top anti-corruption official.
Gustavo Azocar, a journalist-turned-politician who had planned to run in September, is the latest in a series of candidates kept out of the race by Comptroller General Clodosbaldo … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Another opposition candidate barred from running in Venezuela legislative elections.

Venezuela government takes over archive of independence hero Simon Bolivar’s documents

Venezuela government takes over Bolivar archive

CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela’s government on Saturday began to take control of an archive of documents that belonged to independence hero Simon Bolivar.
The letters and other documents are being moved to the National Archives from an institution led by historians who have often criticized President Hugo Chavez.
The transfer is part … Read more : Venezuela government takes over archive of independence hero Simon Bolivar’s documents.

Halter and Lincoln on statewide hunt for remaining votes as Democratic Senate runoff nears

Halter, Lincoln on hunt for votes as runoff nears

NEWPORT, Ark. – Sen. Blanche Lincoln and Lt. Gov. Bill Halter are on a statewide hunt for any undecided votes remaining as Tuesday’s runoff for the Senate Democratic nomination nears.
They traveled around Arkansas on Saturday in their bitter and expensive fight for Lincoln’s Senate seat. Lincoln is … Read more »»».

Thousands rally in Phoenix heat to support Arizona’s new illegal immigration law

Immigration law supporters rally at Ariz. Capitol

PHOENIX – Hundreds of people supporting Arizona’s new law cracking down on illegal immigration gathered near the state Capitol Saturday afternoon as temperatures reached 105 degrees.
The Pennsylvania-based group Voice of the People USA organized the demonstration, which it touted as a grassroots effort. Attendees traveled from every region of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Thousands rally in Phoenix heat to support Arizona’s new illegal immigration law.

White House dealmaking looks like politics as usual in efforts to lure candidates from race

Obama dealmaking look like politics as usual
WASHINGTON – Barack Obama, being from Chicago, knows there are two basic ways to play foul in politics.
One is to break the law.
The other is to keep it legal, if shadily close to the line. It may not stink to high heaven, but it smells a little.
In …. Source article  : White House dealmaking looks like politics as usual in efforts to lure candidates from race.

In phone call, Obama welcomes Naoto Kan, Japan’s new prime minister

Obama congratulates new Japanese leader
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama telephoned Naoto Kan on Saturday to congratulate Japan’s new prime minister and promised to consult with him on the nuclear programs in North Korea and Iran.
“The two leaders agreed to work very closely together,” a White House statement said, adding they share … Original source on Gaea Times at : In phone call, Obama welcomes Naoto Kan, Japan’s new prime minister.

Official: US asks for Israeli investigation after citizen lost eye in pro-Palestinian protest

US asks for Israel to investigate wounded citizen

JERUSALEM – A spokesman for the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv says it has asked Israel to investigate an incident where an American woman lost her eye during a pro-Palestinian demonstration.
Kurt Hoyer said on Monday the embassy has asked for details “as soon as possible.”
Emily Henochowicz, a 21-year-old …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Official: US asks for Israeli investigation after citizen lost eye in pro-Palestinian protest.

Japan’s ruling party names new leadership ahead of Cabinet inauguration

Japan ruling party names new leaders
TOKYO – Japan’s ruling party selected a fresh leadership lineup Monday, clearing the way for Prime Minister-elect Naoto Kan to name a new Cabinet and begin tackling a host of delicate issues left over after the abrupt resignation of his predecessor.
Kan, who was elected prime minister in a … Original article on : Japan’s ruling party names new leadership ahead of Cabinet inauguration.

Thai PM offers promise of early election

HO CHI MINH CITY – Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has told participants and media at the World Economic Forum on East Asia here that if Thailand pursues its reconciliation plans, elections could be held in the country sooner than later.

“If we pursue the reconciliation plan, if we get good cooperation, especially from people in the … Read more »».

Turkey calls on Israel to accept international probe into deadly flotilla raid

Turkey calls on Israel to accept probe into raid

ISTANBUL – Turkey’s foreign minister has called on Israel to accept an international probe into the deadly raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla that killed nine Turks.
Ahmet Davutoglu said Israel should declare it accepts the probe proposed by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. He said: “Otherwise it means …. Original source  : Turkey calls on Israel to accept international probe into deadly flotilla raid.

NKorean leader Kim Jong Il appears in rare Parliament session

Report: NKorea leader meets Parliament
SEOUL, South Korea – North Korean leader Kim Jong Il attended a rare second parliamentary session of the year Monday that involved a major leadership reshuffle that included the post of premier and a key defense position, state-run media reported.

The changes, which weren’t explained, came amid worsening economic woes, pressing succession …. Read the original article  : NKorean leader Kim Jong Il appears in rare Parliament session.

Netanyahu rebuffs UN probe of Gaza flotilla raid

WASHINGTON – Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rebuffed a proposal from United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to have an international panel investigate last week’s deadly Gaza flotilla raid.

UN Secretary General Ban ki Moon proposed a panel headed by former New Zealand Prime Minister Jeffrey Palmer, along with Israeli and Turkish representatives, but Netanyahu expressed …. Read the original article  : Netanyahu rebuffs UN probe of Gaza flotilla raid.

Ark. Sen. Lincoln, Democratic challenger Halter focus on black voters as runoff election nears

Ark. Democrats vie for black voters in Senate race
WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. – African-American voters couldn’t help the man who became the nation’s first black president win Arkansas in 2008. But the Democratic candidates for the Senate here, incumbent Blanche Lincoln and Lt. Gov. Bill Halter, believe black voters could decide their race, … Read more »».

Turkey, Pakistan, Afghanistan to discuss war on terror

ISTANBUL – The foreign ministers of Turkey, Pakistan and Afghanistan will meet here Monday to discuss the war on terrorism.

A Turkish Foreign Ministry official told Xinhua Sunday that three foreign ministers would discuss means to promote cooperation among the three countries on security and counterterrorism.
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and his Pakistani and Afghan … Read more »».

India to discuss Sri Lanka reconciliation with Rajapaksa

NEW DELHI – India, heavily involved in the reconstruction of Sri Lanka’s northeast, will discuss the process of political reconciliation in the country when President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrives here Tuesday on a state visit.
On the agenda of the official discussion will be how and what kind of plans Rajapaksa has in his mind … Original source on Gaea Times at : India to discuss Sri Lanka reconciliation with Rajapaksa.

Congress playing votebank politics for Telangana: Gadkari

HYDERABAD – Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Nitin Gadkari has accused the Congress of indulging in votebank politics for establishing its influence in the Telangana region.

Addressing media persons here on Sunday, Gadkari said: “The Congress party has declared the decision. They are creating the problems. If they don’t want to execute it, why did they …. Source  : Congress playing votebank politics for Telangana: Gadkari.

Tight security, restrictions in Srinagar for PM visit

SRINAGAR – Security was heightened and restrictions imposed in parts of Jammu and Kashmir’s summer capital Srinagar to prevent violence as a general shutdown against Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit Monday affected life across the city.
Police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were deployed in strength to thwart violence in five police …. Original article  : Tight security, restrictions in Srinagar for PM visit.

Mamata Banerjee asks local councillors to work for people

KOLKATA – Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee has asked councillors elected in the recent civic body polls to work for the common people and win their trust.
Talking to reporters here on Sunday, Banerjee said: “You have not only won because of your individual capacity, but you have won with the blessings … Read more : Mamata Banerjee asks local councillors to work for people.

Scottish councillors cautioned about rash twittering

LONDON – With Twittergate becoming the Waterloo of many a politician across the world, former Indian minister Shashi Tharoor for instance, Scotland has taken a tentative step to avoid the pitfall by advising its councillors on how to use social networking sites.

An 11-page brief, published by the local government body Improvement Service, has been issued … Read more >>>.

Restrictions to prevent violence ahead of PM’s Kashmir visit

SRINAGAR – Restrictions were imposed in parts of Jammu and Kashmir’s summer capital Srinagar to prevent violence as a general shutdown against Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit Monday affected life across the city.
Police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were deployed in strength to thwart violence in five police station areas of … Read : Restrictions to prevent violence ahead of PM’s Kashmir visit.

Summit of security group for Asia opens, Turkey seeks to condemn Israel

Turkey seeks to condemn Israel in security summit

ISTANBUL – A summit for a 20-member security group for the Asian region kicked off Monday in Istanbul with Turkey seeking to condemn Israel for a raid that killed nine Turks on a pro-Palestinian aid flotilla that had attempted to break the blockade on Gaza.
Turkey, the most important …. Original article  : Summit of security group for Asia opens, Turkey seeks to condemn Israel.

Sri Lanka’s only Tamil chief minister visits India

NEW DELHI – Formerly a Tamil Tiger child soldier, Sri Lanka’s only Tamil chief minister is visiting India to learn a little more about how to run local self government.

Sivanesathurai Chanthirakanthan, better known by his former nom de guerre Pillayan, says he would be happy to pick up points that can help him tone up … Original source on Gaea Times at : Sri Lanka’s only Tamil chief minister visits India.

Former Labour ministers to get paid for losing jobs

LONDON – In Britain, ministers are paid compensation even if they are booted out of office – over a 100 former Labour ministers have been named to receive a total of 1.2 million pounds in redundancy payments.

Topping the list is ex-attorney general Baroness Scotland, entitled to 27,815 pounds. She is the one who got caught …. Original source  : Former Labour ministers to get paid for losing jobs.

Manmohan Singh to visit Kashmir today

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh will undertake a two-day visit to Kashmir from today.
Dr. Singh is likely to renew the Central Government’s offer for talks for those who are outside the mainstream politics and also review the progress in the Round Table peace initiative and development work being … Read more : Manmohan Singh to visit Kashmir today.

Hunger striker’s health worsening in Venezuela; daughter calls for Red Cross to intervene

Venezuelan hunger striker’s health deteriorating

CARACAS, Venezuela – The daughter of a Venezuelan farmer who has repeatedly staged hunger strikes over a land dispute with the government says his condition is worsening. She wants hospital authorities to let him be seen by the Red Cross.
Angela Brito said Sunday that her father is barely able to speak … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Hunger striker’s health worsening in Venezuela; daughter calls for Red Cross to intervene.

Official: Fla.-bound flight delayed in NY, inspected after man makes ‘comment about a bomb’

Man’s bomb comment delays Fla.-bound flight in NY

RONKONKOMA, N.Y. – Authorities say a man “made a comment about a bomb” on a flight from Chicago to New York’s MacArthur Airport, forcing passengers to get off the plane while authorities inspected the aircraft.
No devices were found. The man was taken into custody after the Sunday afternoon …. Source article  : Official: Fla.-bound flight delayed in NY, inspected after man makes ‘comment about a bomb’.

After India, US, Pak now admits to ‘trust deficit’ within its territory

QUETTA – After conceding that there was a trust deficit between Pakistan and India, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has now said that there is a sense of mistrust between the Federal Government and the Baloch people, which he is trying to bridge with ‘concrete measures’.

Gilani said the trust deficit could not be … Read more »».

China, Norway to boost military ties

BEIJING – Visiting Norwegian Chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Haakon Bruun-Hassen Tuesday met Chief of the General Staff of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Chen Bingde here to discuss military ties, Xinhua reported.

“The military relationship is an important part of China-Norway relations, and in recent years, the two sides have maintained frequent high-level …. Original article  : China, Norway to boost military ties.

Japan’s new PM will honor accord with US over contentious Marine base on Okinawa

Japan’s new PM says he’ll honor base deal with US
TOKYO – Prime Minister-elect Naoto Kan says Japan will honor an agreement with Washington to move a key Marine base to a less crowded part of Okinawa – an issue that led to the downfall of his predecessor.
In a press conference after he named … Read more »»».

Yemeni official says constitution bans extradition of radical US-born cleric tied to al-Qaida

Official: Yemen won’t extradite US radical cleric

SAN’A, Yemen – A Yemeni official says the government would not hand over to the U.S. a radical American-born cleric tied to al-Qaida because the constitution bans extradition of Yemeni citizens.
The Yemeni-American cleric, Anwar al-Awlaki, is believed to be hiding in Yemen since 2004.
Islamic Affairs Minister Hamoud al-Hitar said …. Original article  : Yemeni official says constitution bans extradition of radical US-born cleric tied to al-Qaida.

Benigno Aquino III wins Philippine presidential election by a landslide, count shows

Benigno Aquino III wins Philippine president race

MANILA, Philippines – A final count by the Philippine Congress shows that Benigno Aquino III has won last month’s presidential elections by a landslide.
Aquino, the son of Philippine democracy icons, promised to battle corruption in his campaign against his closest opponent, ousted leader Joseph Estrada.
Congressional leaders who counted results … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Benigno Aquino III wins Philippine presidential election by a landslide, count shows.

Mehbooba Mufti wants revocation of Special Powers Act for Kashmir

SRINAGAR – Mehbooba Mufti, the President of People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to withdraw the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) deployed to tackle militancy in the valley.
Talking to reporters here after meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who is on a two-day visit to state, Mufti said: …. Source article  : Mehbooba Mufti wants revocation of Special Powers Act for Kashmir.

India, Canada may ink civil nuke deal on G-20 sidelines

NEW DELHI – India and Canada are likely to ink a civil nuclear agreement during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s three-day visit to Toronto.
Dr. Singh will be in Toronto from June 26 to 28 for the G-20 Summit, and according to sources, the agreement will be signed after a bilateral meeting between him … Read this article on Gaea Times at : India, Canada may ink civil nuke deal on G-20 sidelines.

Voters to pick Senate challengers for Reid, Boxer; Lincoln looks for lifeline

Voters to pick Senate challengers for Reid, Boxer

WASHINGTON – With frustrated voters poised to punish the party in power, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Sen. Barbara Boxer will find out their Republican opponents this fall. Fellow Democratic Sen. Blanche Lincoln will learn whether she’ll even be on the November ballot.
Their states – Nevada, California …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Calif. GOP voters consider wealthy businesswomen to challenge Democratic icons Brown, Boxer

Wealthy businesswomen energize Calif. GOP voters

LOS ANGELES – A Republican primary season marked by a blistering campaign spending spree comes to an end with two wealthy businesswomen poised to make history for the GOP.
Former eBay chief executive Meg Whitman and former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina have become the front-runners to lead the Republican Party this …. Source  : Calif. GOP voters consider wealthy businesswomen to challenge Democratic icons Brown, Boxer.

Obama renews health care bill pitch to a reluctant constituency, the elderly

Obama pitching seniors on health bill
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is turning his attention back to the massive health care bill he signed earlier this year, and trying to win over the most skeptical constituency: seniors.
Obama is set to pitch the bill at a senior center in Wheaton, Md., on Tuesday. …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Frustrations are building in Congress over delays in choosing internal watchdog at CIA

CIA goes 14 months without internal watchdog
WASHINGTON – More than a year after the CIA’s inspector general stepped down, frustrated members of Congress are urging the White House to fill the internal watchdog position that was central in uncovering abuses inside the spy agency.
Several possible candidates have fallen by the wayside despite assurances …. Read the original article  : here.

In busy primary, voters pick Senate challengers for Reid, Boxer; Lincoln looks for lifeline

Voters choose fall matchups, decide Lincoln’s fate

WASHINGTON – With frustrated voters poised to punish the party in power, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Sen. Barbara Boxer will find out their Republican opponents this fall. Fellow Democratic Sen. Blanche Lincoln will learn whether she’ll even be on the November ballot.
Their states – Nevada, California and …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : In busy primary, voters pick Senate challengers for Reid, Boxer; Lincoln looks for lifeline.

India, Sri Lanka to discuss Tamil settlement, sign pacts

NEW DELHI – Sri Lanka will brief India on the post-war political reconciliation plan and sign a slew of pacts to expand cooperation in areas ranging from counter-terrorism to development when leaders of the two countries hold talks here Wednesday.
Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrives here Tuesday evening on a four-day state …. Read the original article  : India, Sri Lanka to discuss Tamil settlement, sign pacts.

New Japan government names Cabinet, maintains key minister posts

New Japan government names familar Cabinet
TOKYO – Japan’s incoming government named its new Cabinet on Tuesday, keeping core members in place to address the country’s deep economic and foreign policy issues but adding several fresh faces to win back voters ahead of upcoming elections.
Prime Minister-elect Naoto Kan, whose administration will officially be sworn …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : New Japan government names Cabinet, maintains key minister posts.

Japan names new Cabinet, maintains key ministerial posts

Japan names new Cabinet with familar faces

TOKYO – Japan’s incoming government has named a new Cabinet with key ministers keeping their seats.
New Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihito Sengoku said Tuesday that the country’s foreign and defense ministers will remain from the previous administration.
There are new faces too. He says Prime Minister-elect Naoto Kan’s new administration will … Read more >>.

Obama looking for ‘ambitious results’ from India visit

WASHINGTON – The United States says President Barack Obama is looking forward to “ambitious results” from his India visit as he sees relations with India “as one of the most consequential and indispensable.”
The Obama visit to India in November will also highlight the “unprecedented new levels of cooperation” to which US-India relations had …. Original source  : Obama looking for ‘ambitious results’ from India visit.

Mexico’s president calls stun gun death of migrant at US border near San Diego ‘unacceptable’

Mexican prez slams death of migrant at US border

MEXICO CITY – President Felipe Calderon said Monday that the death of a Mexican migrant after being shot with a stun gun by a U.S. immigration officer was an unacceptable human rights violation.
Migrant Anastasio Hernandez was shocked by a Customs and Border Protection agent May 31 at …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Mexico’s president calls stun gun death of migrant at US border near San Diego ‘unacceptable’.

Bolivian President Evo Morales re-elected head of country’s largest coca-growers union

Bolivia’s president re-elected head of coca union

LA PAZ, Bolivia – President Evo Morales has been re-elected as head of Bolivia’s largest coca-growers union, a post he has held for more than two decades.
Morales was sworn in late Monday as head of the Six Federations of the Tropic of Cochabamba, which represents more than 40,000 growers. …. Original article  : Bolivian President Evo Morales re-elected head of country’s largest coca-growers union.

Wis. set to launch media blitz ahead of statewide smoking ban

Wis. to launch statewide smoking ban ad blitz

SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. – Wisconsin health officials will launch a public relations campaign this week to promote the state’s smoking ban, state Department of Health Services Secretary Karen Timberlake said Monday.
The ban generally prohibits smoking in all workplaces in Wisconsin. However, it does permit smoking in rooms with … Read : Wis. set to launch media blitz ahead of statewide smoking ban.

Australian Parliament House trashes 200 misspelt mugs that commemorated Obama’s canceled visit

Australian Parliament House trashes Obama mugs
CANBERRA, Australia – Australia’s Parliament House gift shop trashed 200 Barack Obama commemorative mugs – though not because the U.S. president has twice canceled visits.
The mugs were destroyed Monday after a customer pointed out the president’s name had been misspelt “Barrack.”
A government official, who declined to be named …. Source  : Australian Parliament House trashes 200 misspelt mugs that commemorated Obama’s canceled visit.

Come out clean on flood relief funds: Yeddyurappa to Congress

BANGALORE – Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa Wednesday demanded that Congress give the people a true picture of how it had utilized over Rs.20 million it collected from the public last year for flood relief in north parts of the state.

“People are losing faith in their representatives already and if it is proved that Congress …. Original source  : Come out clean on flood relief funds: Yeddyurappa to Congress.

India has right to join SCO, not Pakistan: Russian envoy (Interview)

NEW DELHI – As the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a grouping involving Eurasian countries, begins its 10th annual summit in Tashkent, Russian ambassador Alexander M. Kadakin says India “has a right to be the permanent member” of the regional intergovernmental grouping but Pakistan does not.
“Our (Russian) position has all along been that …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Remarks by Vice President Joe Biden to University Students in Nairobi, Kenya

Kenyatta International Conference Center
Nairobi, Kenya
10:58 A.M. (local)

VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN:  Hello, my name is Joe Biden.  I work for Barack Obama.  (Laughter and applause.)
Now, I know no one in Kenya is familiar with Barack Obama, but I can tell you although for years as a United States senator, I had — I was on a committee …. Read the original article  : here.

Rajnath Singh protests against village dumping ground

GHAZIABAD – Former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president and local MP Rajnath Singh along with other leaders Wednesday staged a sit-in here to protest a proposal to dump solid waste from Ghaziabad at nearby Galand village.

The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister staged a sit-in at the collector’s office along with leaders of other political … Original article on : Rajnath Singh protests against village dumping ground.

Kamala Harris wins nomination in California attorney general race

WASHINGTON – Daughter of an Indian mother and an African American father, San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris has won the Democratic primary for attorney general of California.

Harris easily outdistanced her main rival, Facebook executive Chris Kelly, and five other candidates in Tuesday’s primary. Kelly had sunk more than $12 million into the campaign.
“We … Read : Kamala Harris wins nomination in California attorney general race.

India, Sri Lanka sign seven pacts to boost bilateral cooperation

New Delhi, June 9 (ANI): The visiting Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa met Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh here on Wednesday, and the duo witnessed the signing of seven pacts to boost bilateral cooperation across a range of areas, including security, energy, railways and cultural exchange.

It has been reported that Dr Singh held wide-ranging delegation-level … Read more »».

PM presses for meaningful devolution, Rajapaksa assures action

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday urged Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa to initiate a “meaningful devolution package” and called for “urgent steps” to resettle displaced Tamil civilians who continue to remain in relief camps, said Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao.
Manmohan Singh held wide-ranging delegation-level talks with Rajapaksa and conveyed India’s …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : PM presses for meaningful devolution, Rajapaksa assures action.

Home ministry asks people to keep census slip

NEW DELHI – The union home ministry has asked people to retain slips given by enumerators as acknowledgement of submission of their census form to the officials as it would be needed for data collection for a nation-wide population register, a statement said Wednesday.

Minister of State for Home Ajay Maken made this request to people …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

LF asks partners to review civic poll debacle independently

KOLKATA – West Bengal’s ruling Left Front (LF) at its meeting Wednesday skirted the controversial issue of its debacle in the civic polls and said it would be discussed only after all its nine constituents review the results independently.

The Left Front would discuss its civic poll performance at its next meeting after receiving the report … Original source on Gaea Times at : LF asks partners to review civic poll debacle independently.

Withdraw civil nuclear liability bill: BJP

NEW DELHI – Alleging that the civil nuclear liability bill aims to “please Americans”, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Wednesday asked the government to withdraw it in the wake of the Bhopal gas tragedy verdict that handed out a meagre penalty to the accused, 25 years after the incident.

“Government should withdraw the nuclear liability … Original article on : Withdraw civil nuclear liability bill: BJP.

Two ex-bureaucrats appointed advisor to Jharkhand governor

NEW DELHI – The central government Wednesday appointed two former bureaucrats as advisors to Jharkhand Governor M.O.H. Farook.

The two new advisors are Wilfred Lakara, 1973-batch Indian Administrative Service officer of Chhattisgarh cadre, and Rajiv Ranjan Prasad, a 1970-batch Indian Police Service officer of Bihar cadre, said the union home ministry in an official statement.
Lakara …. Original source  : Two ex-bureaucrats appointed advisor to Jharkhand governor.

Sharron Angle Wins Nevada Republican Primary

NEVADA (GaeaTimes.com)- One of the most favorite member of the Tea Party and an ex member of the Reno Assembly, Sharron Angle made it real big at the Nevada Republican Primary Race For Senate. With her win at the primaries Sharron Angle shall take on Harry Reid who happens to be the Senate Majority … Read more >>.

Left Front invokes Mamata’s slogan of ma-mati-manush

KOLKATA – West Bengal’s ruling Left Front Wednesday invoked its bete noire Mamata Banerjee’s catchy slogan of “ma-mati-manush” (mother-land-people) as it appealed to all MPs from the state to oppose the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Bill.
Left Front chairman Biman Bose’s appeal came in the wake of a Madhya Pradesh court’s verdict Monday …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Meira Kumar leads delegation to Hungarian National Assembly

NEW DELHI – An Indian parliamentary delegation led by Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar is in Hungary to witness the proceedings of its national assembly, a Lok Sabha Secretariat release here Wednesday.
“The delegation witnessed the proceedings of the (Hungarian) National Assembly where Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Paul Schmitt welcomed Meira …. Original source  : Meira Kumar leads delegation to Hungarian National Assembly.

At 85, veteran British politician turns innovator

LONDON – He met Mahatma Gandhi as a child, replaced Sir Stafford Cripps of the controversial Cripp’s Mission to India to begin his first term in the British parliament, was a member of the cabinet. Now, at 85, he has designed a travel seat that costs 30 pounds and can be used on planes and …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : At 85, veteran British politician turns innovator.

Diplomats say US, Russia and France dismiss Turkish-Brazilian proposal on Iranian nuclear deal

Diplomats say US, Russia, France dismiss Iran deal

VIENNA – The head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency says U.S., Russia and France have replied to a proposal by Iran to swap some of its enriched uranium for reactor fuel.
Three diplomats familiar with the replies say they contain a series of questions that in effect stall …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Diplomats say US, Russia and France dismiss Turkish-Brazilian proposal on Iranian nuclear deal.

Swiss envoy summoned over US ‘abduction’ of Iranian scientist

TEHRAN – Iran has summoned the Swiss ambassador to express objection to the abduction of an Iranian scientist allegedly by US intelligence agencies and called for his immediate release, a media report said.

The documents proving abduction of Shahram Amiri, a university researcher working for Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation, were also shown to the Swiss ambassador …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Swiss envoy summoned over US ‘abduction’ of Iranian scientist.

Carly Fiorina Wins GOP Nomination

CALIFORNIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Carly Fiorina, the former CEO of IT giant Hewlett-Packard has become the first Republican woman in the state of California to get the GOP nomination for the US senate. She will lock horns with Sen. Barbara Boxer, a hardcore Democrat and is likely to give the three-term incumbent her toughest …. Original source  : Carly Fiorina Wins GOP Nomination.

Suspected militants in Pakistan attack trucks carrying NATO goods to Afghanistan; 7 killed

Suspected militants attack NATO goods in Pakistan

SANGJANI, Pakistan – Suspected militants attacked trucks ferrying vehicles for Western troops in Afghanistan early Wednesday outside Pakistan’s capital, a bold assault that killed seven people, police and witnesses said.
The attack near Islamabad followed clashes between the Pakistani military and insurgents in the northwest tribal belt bordering Afghanistan that … Original article on : Suspected militants in Pakistan attack trucks carrying NATO goods to Afghanistan; 7 killed.

Fakelakegate: Canada accused of not living up to its claim of fiscal prudence for summits

Canada derided for plan to build costly fake lake

TORONTO – Canada’s spending of a mind-boggling $900 million to protect the two global summits it’s hosting this month was bad enough.
Now, planners of the the G-8 and G-20 summits are running into howls of derision for trying to showcase Canada’s tourist appeal by building a $2 …. Original article  : Fakelakegate: Canada accused of not living up to its claim of fiscal prudence for summits.

Which minister accompanied Anderson, asks BJP

NEW DELHI – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Thursday demanded to know which Congress minister accompanied then Union Carbide chief Warren Anderson when he fled Bhopal and went to the US four days after the Bhopal gas leak.

“We want to know who was the minister who accompanied Anderson when he fled from Bhopal (after the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Which minister accompanied Anderson, asks BJP.

North Korea vows to punish killers of Chinese nationals

BEIJING – North Korea has expressed sorrow for the shooting of Chinese nationals on its border with China and pledged to punish those responsible.

China has demanded that North Korea “severely punish” its border guards who shot dead three Chinese nationals and wounded another last week, Xinhua quoted Chinese authorities as saying.
The incident took place …. Read the original article  : here.

Minneapolis among US cities looking to bike-sharing programs to get commuters out of cars

New wave of US cities look at bike-sharing plans

MINNEAPOLIS – The new message to commuters in Minneapolis: hit a bicycle pedal instead of a gas pedal.
Minneapolis is joining Denver in a new wave of cities in car-crazy America trying to cut down on obesity, traffic jams and air pollution with bike-sharing programs. It was debuting … Read more >>.

Trinamool MP warns government against the use of army to fight Maoists

KOLKATA – Trinamool Congress MP Kabir Suman has said that if Central government uses army against the Maoists, it could be one short of a war.

Talking to reporters here on Wednesday, Suman said: “If the government deploys the army then they will see what a war is. I have that faith in the people … Read more »»».

Wilder Publication Faces Heat!

WASHINGTON (GaeaTimes.com)- Wilder Publications, a small publishing company has been heavily criticized by the American public for putting a warning label of important historical documents that include the Constitution and Declaration Of Independence. The disclaimer says that since the documents were written more than a hundred years ago, they are different in terms of …. Source  : Wilder Publication Faces Heat!.

Sri Lankan president tours Shimla

SHIMLA – After wrapping up official talks in New Delhi, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa Thursday began a one-and-a-half day sojourn in this Himachal Pradesh state capital.
“Rajapaksa along with his wife reached Shimla this (Thursday) morning on a private visit,” state Health Minister Rajeev Bindal told IANS.
The president would stay in Oberoi … Read : Sri Lankan president tours Shimla.

British deputy PM’s wife to take up new job

LONDON – Miriam Gonzalez Durantez is not happy just being the wife of British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg. The career lawyer has now accepted a position in a Spanish company.

Gonzalez, the daughter of a Spanish senator and currently a partner in a London-based law firm, has accepted a position as non-executive director of Spanish …. Source article  : British deputy PM’s wife to take up new job.

Barbara Boxer Hairstyle Under Scanner

CALIFORNIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Former HP CEO Carly Fiorina who has become the Republican Senate candidate from California has gone on offensive attacking her democratic opponent Barbara Boxer over her hairstyle. Carly Fiorina is the first female candidate to challenge the three time incumbent Barbara Boxer and she managed to race ahead of several veteran …. Source  : Barbara Boxer Hairstyle Under Scanner.

Report: Iran’s parliament plans to revise relations with UN nuclear watchdog over sanctions

Iran plans to review relations with IAEA
TEHRAN, Iran – Iran’s state TV says the country’s parliament plans to revise relations with the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency in response to the latest round of U.N. sanctions.

The announcement Thursday by parliament National Security and Foreign Policy Committee head Alaeddin Boroujerdi comes after the U.N. Security Council approved … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Report: Iran’s parliament plans to revise relations with UN nuclear watchdog over sanctions.

Fiorina says she was quoting a friend when microphone caught her poking fun at rival’s hair

CA Senate candidate says hair jab came from friend

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Carly Fiorina says she was quoting a friend when she was caught on an open microphone making fun of an opponent’s hairstyle, just hours after clinching the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate.
Fiorina was prepping for an interview with Sacramento’s KXTV on Wednesday morning when [..] Read the original article: here.

Mamata – stormy petrel matures into chief minister-in-waiting

KOLKATA – Once dubbed a rabble rouser incapable of doing anything constructive, Mamata Banerjee has matured. Today the union railway minister and Trinamool Congress chief is widely accepted as West Bengal’s chief minister-in-waiting. Her ascendancy into the state secretariat, called Writers’ Building, is now seen to be just months away.
‘Didi’s’ transformation is seen …. Read the original article  : here.

Voters topple Dutch government

THE HAGUE – Dutch voters opted for a change of government in the parliamentary elections Wednesday, official projections showed in the first national elections to take place in Europe since the Greek debt crisis hit the continent.

The liberal People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and the social democratic Labour Party lead the pack, each … Original article on : Voters topple Dutch government.

Questions about intelligence nominee’s independence could delay Senate confirmation vote

Senate vote on intelligence chief could be delayed
WASHINGTON – A Senate vote on President Barack Obama’s choice for national intelligence director could be delayed into the fall because of questions about whether the nominee, a retired Air Force general, would be too close to the Pentagon.
The White House had hoped to have nominee … Read more >>>.

US, Japan navy leaders discuss alliance on 50th anniversary of security treaty

US, Japan navy leaders discuss security alliance

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii – The commanders of the U.S. and Japanese navies met Wednesday to discuss the 50th anniversary of their security alliance and its importance to each nation and regional security.
U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Gary Roughead and Adm. Keiji Akahoshi, chief of staff of Japan’s navy, met … Read : US, Japan navy leaders discuss alliance on 50th anniversary of security treaty.

Open mic catches GOP Senate nominee Fiorina poking fun at rival Boxer’s hair

Calif Senate candidate takes jab at Boxer’s hair

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Just hours after clinching the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate, Carly Fiorina was caught on an open microphone making fun of her opponent Barbara Boxer’s hairstyle.
While prepping for an interview with Sacramento’s KXTV on Wednesday morning, Fiorina was recorded laughing loudly as she described the …. Original source  : Open mic catches GOP Senate nominee Fiorina poking fun at rival Boxer’s hair.

Utah judge denies restraining order sought by condemned man set for firing squad execution

Utah judge denies motion for condemned inmate

SALT LAKE CITY – A federal judge has denied a request for a temporary restraining order that would have blocked a hearing in the death sentence of Ronnie Lee Gardner, who is scheduled to go before a firing squad on June 18.
Gardner’s attorneys wanted the court to block the … Read more >>.

San Francisco mayor plans ballot measure for November after supes reject sit/lie sidewalk ban

SF mayor plans sit/lie ballot measure for November

SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom wants voters to decide on a proposal to make sitting or lying on city sidewalks illegal, a spokesman said Wednesday.
Newsom spokesman Tony Winnicker said the mayor plans to keep a promise that he would put the “sit/lie” ordinance on the …. Source article  : San Francisco mayor plans ballot measure for November after supes reject sit/lie sidewalk ban.

Michigan prison spokesman: Detroit ex-mayor eligible for boot camp that could cut prison time

Detroit ex-mayor could get boot camp, cut prison

DETROIT – The Michigan Department of Corrections says imprisoned ex-Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is eligible for a 90-day boot camp program that could cut his time in prison.
It’s up to Wayne County Circuit Judge David Groner to decide if Kilpatrick will go.
Corrections spokesman Russ Marlan said Wednesday that … Original article on : Michigan prison spokesman: Detroit ex-mayor eligible for boot camp that could cut prison time.

NJ Sen. Frank Lautenberg says he feels ‘terrific’ after completing chemotherapy treatments

NJ Sen. Frank Lautenberg finishes chemotherapy

TRENTON, N.J. – U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (LOW’-tuhn-burg) of New Jersey says he has completed his chemotherapy treatments for lymphoma.
But the 86-year-old Democrat says he won’t know until later this month if the cancer is gone.
Lautenberg, who returned to work shortly after being diagnosed, told The Record on Wednesday that …. Read the original article  : NJ Sen. Frank Lautenberg says he feels ‘terrific’ after completing chemotherapy treatments.

Giannoulias fixes campaign website claim that he served on banking group’s board of directors

Bankers group says Giannoulias wasn’t on its board
CHICAGO – A banking group says a candidate for President Barack Obama’s old Senate seat didn’t serve on its board of directors like he’s claimed on his campaign website.
The Community Bankers Association of Illinois said Wednesday that Democrat Alexi Giannoulias (jeh-NOO’-lee-ehs) served on its Committee on … Original source on Gaea Times at : Giannoulias fixes campaign website claim that he served on banking group’s board of directors.

Dutch politician Rutte visits queen after election, wants to be prime minister

Dutch election winner visits queen before talks

AMSTERDAM – The head of the free-market VVD party, which placed first in Dutch elections, is taking the first step of consulting Queen Beatrix in his quest to become prime minister.
Mark Rutte is informing the monarch of the possibilities he sees for building a majority coalition after a split … Original article on : Dutch politician Rutte visits queen after election, wants to be prime minister.

Putin more trustworthy than Medvedev: Poll

Moscow, June 11 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is considered “more trustworthy” than President Dmitry Medvedev, even though the trust levels of both leaders dropped by almost 10 percent over the past six months, a survey has found.
A total of 61 percent Russians trust their prime minister, a drop of eight … Original article on : Putin more trustworthy than Medvedev: Poll.

Medvedev to discuss missile issues with US

Moscow, June 11 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russian President Dmitry Medvedev will discuss US plans of setting up missile defence systems in Europe with top American leaders during his upcoming visit to the US, the Russian foreign minister said Friday.
Medvedev, who will visit the US in June, is aiming to boost Russian-US cooperation in various … Original article on : Medvedev to discuss missile issues with US.

Modi’s pro-Muslim ad in Bihar dailies questioned

PATNA – A full page colour advertisement in local dailies in Bihar projecting Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as being ‘Muslim friendly’ has been questioned by the people, activists and opposition parties.

The advertisement, with a big smiling pictrure of Modi and ‘indisputable’ facts about Muslims in Gujarat, was published in Hindi, English and Urdu dailies … Read more : Modi’s pro-Muslim ad in Bihar dailies questioned.

As court moves to settle 9/11 health lawsuits, conflict seen with proposed federal bill

Conflict seen between 2 deals for 9/11 responders

NEW YORK – Thousands of 9/11 rescue and recovery workers suing New York City over their exposure to clouds of pulverized glass and cement at the World Trade Center site may have a tough choice between two deals in the weeks ahead.
Do they take a share of a … Original source on Gaea Times at : As court moves to settle 9/11 health lawsuits, conflict seen with proposed federal bill.

Library to release thousands more pages from Supreme Court nominee Kagan’s past

Release set for more of Kagan’s Clinton-era files
WASHINGTON – Senators are mining Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan’s work as an aide to former President Bill Clinton for clues about her opinions and legal approach.
The William J. Clinton Presidential Library is set Friday to release more than 40,000 pages of notes, memos and other … Read more »»».

Bill Clinton, in interview, advises Democratic incumbents to embrace record, never give up

Interview: Bill Clinton to Dems, ‘Never give up’
LAS VEGAS – Bill Clinton says Democratic incumbents can’t run away from their records, so they might as well embrace them. “Tell your story,” the former president advised Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and other embattled Democrats.
“Never give up,” he added.
Clinton, considered one of …. Source  : Bill Clinton, in interview, advises Democratic incumbents to embrace record, never give up.

Tea party movement shapes GOP and fall choices, while Democrats push for a less-potent purity

Tea party shaping Republican Party, fall faceoffs
WASHINGTON – The tea party movement shows some growing pains, but it still wields remarkable powers to shape the Republican Party and set up a fall election with unconventional candidates and stark choices for voters.
In two high-profile primary elections Tuesday, establishment GOP candidates were stunned by come-from-behind … Original article on : Tea party movement shapes GOP and fall choices, while Democrats push for a less-potent purity.

In interview, Bill Clinton advises Democratic incumbents to embrace record, never give up

Bill Clinton’s advice to Dems: ‘Never give up’
LAS VEGAS – Bill Clinton says Democratic incumbents can’t run away from their records, so they might as well embrace them. “Tell your story,” the former president advised Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and other embattled Democrats.
“Never give up,” he added.
Clinton, considered one of the sharpest …. Read the original article  : here.

Sri Lankan president ends Shimla visit

SHIMLA – Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa Friday left for New Delhi after a one-and-a-half-day private visit to this Himachal Pradesh state capital.

“President Mahinda Rajapaksa, his wife Shiranthi, their family members, and ministers and other dignitaries accompanying him left in choppers of the Indian Air Force for Chandigarh this (Friday) morning, from where he …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Sri Lankan president ends Shimla visit.

Mayawati to give land holdings to poor dalits

LUCKNOW – After prolonged upper caste baiting, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati is back to focussing on her core support base of dalits.

She has begun the exercise by issuing directives to allot ‘pattas’ (small land holdings) to landless and homeless dalits in the vast rural expanse of the state.
In a circular issued by … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Mayawati to give land holdings to poor dalits.

Trinidad PM invited for law conference in India

Port-of-SPAIN – Trinidad and Tobago’s newly elected Indian-origin Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has been invited to attend an international law conference to be held in New Delhi next year, an advocate from India said.

Persad-Bissessar would be the guest of honour at the 17th Commonwealth Law Conference Feb 5-9, 2011 if she accepts the invitation. Some … Original source on Gaea Times at : Trinidad PM invited for law conference in India.

At least 14 people killed, 140 injured in riots in southern Kyrgyzstan

14 killed in new wave of unrest in Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan – Riots in south Kyrgyzstan killed at least 14 people and injured more than 140, officials said Friday, as fears grew of a new cycle of violence in the Central Asian nation.
Witnesses in Osh, the country’s second-largest city, reported hearing sustained gunfire late Thursday and …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : At least 14 people killed, 140 injured in riots in southern Kyrgyzstan.

Japanese minister resigns over postal reform bill

TOKYO – Three days after Prime Minister Naoto Kan’s cabinet took office, a Japanese minister stepped down Friday to protest the government’s failure to enact legislature on postal reform.
Shizuka Kamei, the leader of the People’s New Party (PNP), resigned as postal reform and financial services minister, accusing the senior coalition partner, the …. Source article  : Japanese minister resigns over postal reform bill.

Officials: US missile strike kills 15 suspected militants in northwestern Pakistan

Officials: US missiles kill 15 in NW Pakistan

DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan – A volley of U.S. missiles killed 15 alleged militants in an extremist stronghold in northwestern Pakistan on Friday, the second such strike in less than 12 hours, officials said.
The Obama administration regards missile attacks from drone aircraft as a key weapon against al-Qaida … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Officials: US missile strike kills 15 suspected militants in northwestern Pakistan.

UK PM Cameron’s flight to Helmand abandoned following ‘assassination plot’

LONDON – British Prime Minister David Cameron was forced to abandon a visit to a British base in Helmand, Afghanistan, on Thursday after military intelligence uncovered a possible plot to assassinate him.

According to The Telegraph, Cameron was scheduled to fly to Helmand when intelligence learnt of a plan to fire on his helicopter.

Cameron …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : UK PM Cameron’s flight to Helmand abandoned following ‘assassination plot’.

12 killed in clashes in Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK – At least 12 people were killed and over 100 injured in overnight clashes in southern Kyrgyzstan, a health ministry official said Friday.

Armoured vehicles have been sent in to stabilise the situation after hundreds of youths smashed windows, looted shops and set fire to cars in the city.
Earlier, the Kyrgyzstan interim government declared …. Source  : 12 killed in clashes in Kyrgyzstan.

Berlusconi embarrasses Spanish PM by walking out of press conference

LONDON – Silvio Berlusconi is known for his diplomatic gaffes, so this one doesn’t really come as a surprise. This time, the victim was Spain’s prime minister, Jose Luis Zapatero.

Berlusconi apparently left the stage abruptly, following a press conference, refusing to answer any of the journalist’s questions turning his counterpart red in the face.

Both leaders …. Original source  : Berlusconi embarrasses Spanish PM by walking out of press conference.

Whitman says she’s offended by comments attributed to rival Jerry Brown in Calif. gov’s race

Whitman offended by comments in Calif. gov’s race

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – California GOP gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman on Thursday criticized remarks attributed to rival Jerry Brown that made a comparison between her campaign and a Nazi propagandist.
The comments attributed to Brown were posted Wednesday in a blog by a reporter for KCBS radio in San Francisco. …. Source  : Whitman says she’s offended by comments attributed to rival Jerry Brown in Calif. gov’s race.

Obama survives test vote on climate change authority

WASHINGTON – The US Senate Thursday voted down a Republican-led effort to strip President Barack Obama of the ability to regulate greenhouse-gas emissions blamed for global warming.
But the narrow 53-47 vote, which attracted the support of some prominent Democrats, sent a signal to Obama over how difficult it will be to get major …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Obama survives test vote on climate change authority.

Kyrgyzstan’s interim leader asks Russia to send troops to quell ethnic violence

Kyrgyzstan invites Russian troops to end unrest

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan – Kyrgyzstan’s interim president says her government has asked Russia to send troops to quell ethnic violence that has killed more than 50 people and wounded about 700.
Roza Otunbayeva says without outside help the provisional authorities can’t end violence that has raged since Friday in the southern …. Read the original article  : Kyrgyzstan’s interim leader asks Russia to send troops to quell ethnic violence.

Troops battle to stop raging ethnic clashes in Kyrgyzstan with 51 dead, about 700 wounded

Ethnic clashes rage in Kyrgyzstan, 51 dead

OSH, Kyrgyzstan – Police and soldiers struggled Saturday to stop ethnic clashes in this Central Asian country that have killed more than 50 people, as gangs of armed young Kyrgyz men marched on Uzbek neighborhoods and fires raged throughout the city.
The official death toll has climbed to at least …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Troops battle to stop raging ethnic clashes in Kyrgyzstan with 51 dead, about 700 wounded.

Indian envoy Sood calls on Nepal PM, discusses Meghalaya incidents

KATHMANDU – Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Rakesh Sood met Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal here on Friday and discussed the recent incidents of reported violence against Nepali speaking persons in Meghalaya.

The meeting comes at the time when the state government has been accused of remaining silent over the atrocities against the Nepali speakers in Meghalaya.

They … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Indian envoy Sood calls on Nepal PM, discusses Meghalaya incidents.

Troops battle to stop raging ethnic clashes in Kyrgyzstan with 49 dead, 650 wounded

Ethnic clashes rage in Kyrgyzstan, 49 dead

OSH, Kyrgyzstan – Police and soldiers struggled Saturday to stop deadly ethnic clashes in this Central Asian country as gangs of armed young Kyrgyz men marched on Uzbek neighborhoods where houses were already burning.
The official death toll climbed to at least 49, with more than 650 people wounded, the …. Read the original article  : here.

Nepal’s ruling parties recruit private armies

KATHMANDU – Fourteen years after Nepal’s Maoist party formed its own army and waged a decade-long war on the government, the republic’s ruling parties have now begun to recruit their own private armies, triggering a fresh controversy bound to impact the fragile peace process.

The Nepali Congress (NC), the biggest party in the ruling alliance, is … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Nepal’s ruling parties recruit private armies.

BJP national executive meets in Patna

PATNA – A two-day National Executive meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) began here Saturday with an address by party president Nitin Gadkari.

The meeting, at the Maurya Hotel, is expected to kickstart the party’s campaign for assembly elections in the state this year.
Party leaders L.K. Advani, Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, Murli Manohar Joshi, … Read more >>>.

North Korea threatens to destroy South’s ‘propaganda’ loudspeakers

SEOUL – North Korea Saturday said it would destroy loudspeakers spreading South Korean propaganda and threatened to turn the capital Seoul into a “sea of flame”, a media report said.

Earlier in the week, South Korea began readying loudspeakers at 11 sites along the demilitarised zone in response to the sinking of one of its warships … Read more »».

Queen Noor Against Nuclear Weapons

LOS ANGELES (GaeaTimes.com)- Queen Noor of Jordan graced Hollywood with her royal presence for the first time. The graceful royalty addressed a small group of reporters over lunch at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills. Queen Noor is a special consultant in the upcoming documentary ‘Countdown To Zero’ which is directed by Lucy Walker.
She …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Queen Noor Against Nuclear Weapons.

BJP national executive meet begins

PATNA – The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) two-day national executive meeting began here Saturday with a speech by party president Nitin Gadkari.

Posters, banners and saffron flags of the BJP dotted many roads of the Bihar capital as the meet began amid tight security at the Maurya Hotel. The party is to deliberate on a …. Read the original article  : BJP national executive meet begins.

67,000 policemen to guard Russia Day festivities

Moscow, June 12 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Some 67,000 policemen will be deployed during the countrywide Russia Day festivities Saturday, an official said.
“Over 67,000 policemen, 7,700 military servicemen as well as staff of non-governmental security bodies and public organisations will be on duty in order to provide public order and security during Russia Day,” said …. Source article  : 67,000 policemen to guard Russia Day festivities.

BJP national executive meet begins today

PATNA – The two-day meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) national executive committee will begin here today.

Besides party president Nitin Gadkari, senior leaders including Lal Krishna Advani, Narenrdra Modi, Arun Jaitley, Rajnath Singh, Sushma Swaraj and Murli Manohar Joshi are expected to participate in the meeting

Political strategy for the coming state assembly elections … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : BJP national executive meet begins today.

All set for BJP national executive meet in Patna

PATNA – Posters, banners and saffron flags of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) dotted many roads of the Bihar capital with the party’s two-day national executive meet set to begin Saturday, where it would deliberate on a strategy for the coming state assembly polls.

BJP president Nitin Gadkari, party veteran L.K. Advani, senior leaders Sushma Swaraj, …. Original article  : All set for BJP national executive meet in Patna.

Mamata as chief minister? Jury still out (Comment)

Mamata Banerjee’s ascent is based on an unrehearsed, inchoate, impulsive political movement, which has surged ahead of other parties in recent years in acquiring close grassroots links. As the name of her party, Trinamool (or grassroots) Congress, shows, she did not bank on any ideological conviction or organisational strength to reach her present …. Original source  : Mamata as chief minister? Jury still out (Comment).

Health and Human Services Secretary Sebelius promotes anti-childhood obesity plan to mayors

Sebelius stumps for anti-childhood obesity plan

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Obama administration is calling on mayors to help in the fight against childhood obesity because the effort won’t work if communities don’t engage in it, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius told a conference Friday.
Sebelius touted first lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign against childhood …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Health and Human Services Secretary Sebelius promotes anti-childhood obesity plan to mayors.

Arizona governor, attorney general seek dismissal of challenge to new immigration law

Arizona seeks dismissal of lawsuit over new law

PHOENIX – Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer and Attorney General Terry Goddard asked a judge on Friday to dismiss a lawsuit that seeks to overturn the state’s new immigration law.
Lawyers for both officials say the lawsuit by Washington-based researcher Roberto Frisancho should be thrown out because his claim is …. Read the original article  : Arizona governor, attorney general seek dismissal of challenge to new immigration law.

President, first lady catch performance of ‘Thurgood’ at Kennedy Center

First couple catch performance of ‘Thurgood’
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama and the first lady are watching a sold-out play about a former Supreme Court justice at the Kennedy Center.
The president and Michelle Obama were seen in the president’s box at the Kennedy Center, where they are taking in a performance of “Thurgood,” a … Read : President, first lady catch performance of ‘Thurgood’ at Kennedy Center.

In Nevada primary, ‘none’ finishes 2nd to Harry Reid, reflecting voter dissatisfaction

For Nevada voters, ‘none’ is 2nd to Harry Reid

CARSON CITY, Nev. – Harry Reid faces one wild-card factor in November’s election: None of the above.
Nearly 11 percent of voters in Nevada’s Democratic primary last week chose “none” over Reid, reflecting a sense of frustration within his own party over the Senate majority leader’s performance.
The 12,335 …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : In Nevada primary, ‘none’ finishes 2nd to Harry Reid, reflecting voter dissatisfaction.

Reno Republican mayor says GOP Senate candidate Angle vs. Reid is “ultra-right winger”

Reno GOP mayor backs Sen. Reid for re-election

RENO, Nev. – The Republican mayor of Reno says the U.S. Senate candidate chosen this week by the Nevada GOP to take on Democrat Harry Reid is an “ultra right-winger” whom he cannot support.
Mayor Bob Cashell says former state Assemblywoman Sharron Angle is “just too far to the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts, 6/11/10

WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key administration posts:
Anne M. Harrington, Deputy Administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, National Nuclear Security Administration, Department of Energy
Laurence D. Wohlers, Ambassador to the Central African Republic, Department of State
President Obama said, “I am pleased that such talented and …. Read the original article  : President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts, 6/11/10.

Kagan wrote in 1999 that judicial nomination was ‘the greatest honor of my life’

Kagan to Clinton in ‘99: Thanks for the nomination
WASHINGTON – Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan wrote former President Bill Clinton a thank-you note after he nominated her the federal appeals court in 1999, saying it was the greatest honor of her life.
That was long before President Barack Obama nominated Kagan to … Original article on : Kagan wrote in 1999 that judicial nomination was ‘the greatest honor of my life’.

Lawmakers, in final drive for Wall Street rules, must overcome final hurdles

A few final hurdles for new Wall Street rules

WASHINGTON – From complex trades by big banks to the plastic in people’s wallets, a few contentious issues could undo months of work as lawmakers try to blend House and Senate bills into a single rewrite of banking regulations.
The final bill is intended to prevent another financial …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Arab League chief tours Gaza, meets with Hamas leader, in push to help end 3-year blockade

Top Arab diplomat in Gaza for push to end blockade

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – The Arab world’s top diplomat visited Gaza on Sunday, as part of a growing international push to end a 3-year-old blockade of the Hamas-ruled territory.
Arab League chief Amr Moussa’s visit was the first by a senior Arab official to Gaza since … Original article on : Arab League chief tours Gaza, meets with Hamas leader, in push to help end 3-year blockade.

Gilani rules out military operation in South Punjab

LAHORE – While reiterating that the government would take action wherever its writ is challenged in the country, Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has ruled out any military operation in South Punjab, saying there is no need for it at the time.

Interacting with media persons on the sidelines of convocation of a … Read more »»».

Nitish should snap ties with BJP: growing murmurs in JD-U

PATNA – A day after Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar voiced displeasure over newspaper advertisements showing him with Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, pressure was building within his Janata Dal-United (JD-U) party Sunday to snap ties with alliance partner Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Two JD-U MPs — Monazir Hasan and Rajiv Ranjan — suggested that the … Read : Nitish should snap ties with BJP: growing murmurs in JD-U.

Raid at ad office which drew Bihar chief minister’s ire

PATNA – Police Sunday raided the office of an agency that incurred the wrath of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for releasing full page advertisements in vernacular dailies, showing him with Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi.

Kumar had threatened legal action against the agency Saturday.
The advertisement, published in the name of dozens of people of … Read more >>>.

Shahla Muzaffar Demands Apology

LUCKNOW, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Shahla Muzaffar has unwillingly transformed herself to be the new face of Gujarat government and its political campaign. When asked about it she called the whole affair to be “a sick joke”. It was in Aligarh Shibli National College where Shahla Muzaffar had appeared for her for Post Graduate entrance test and … Read : Shahla Muzaffar Demands Apology.

Ethnic rioting spreading across southern Kyrgyzstan, 80 dead and 1,000 wounded

Ethnic rioting spreads in Kyrgyzstan, with 80 dead

OSH, Kyrgyzstan – Ethnic rioting spread Sunday in southern Kyrgyzstan, where at least 80 people have been killed and more than 1,000 wounded. Thousands of Uzbeks fled after their homes were torched by roving mobs of Kyrgyz men.
Fires destroyed much of Osh, the second-largest city in a Central … Read more >>>.

Bihari Babu to boycott BJP’s Bihar Swabhiman rally

PATNA – Miffed at not being given a prominent position in the party, Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) MP Shatrughan Sinha has said that he would not attend the party’s Bihar Swabhiman rally here Sunday.

“I am not going to attend the rally because my role has not been defined,” Sinha said.
The actor-turned politician, however, attended … Read : Bihari Babu to boycott BJP’s Bihar Swabhiman rally.

Busy port town hub to usher in Bangladesh’s digital voting

CHITTAGONG – Jamalkhan, this port town’s busy area housing colleges, hospitals and consulates of foreign missions, will be part of Bangladesh’s history when its 25,000 electors cast their votes digitally Thursday.
Numbered ward 21 and having 14 polling stations, Jamalkhan will mark the advent of the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Busy port town hub to usher in Bangladesh’s digital voting.

Afghan President Karzai seeks support for Kandahar security operation

Karzai seeks support for Kandahar operation

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – President Hamid Karzai called Sunday on community leaders in Kandahar to support a NATO campaign to bolster security in this Taliban stronghold, urging people to work with his government to “bring dignity back.”
NATO has already begun an operation to ramp up security in Kandahar, and the campaign … Original article on : Afghan President Karzai seeks support for Kandahar security operation.

Nearly complete results: Center-right opposition is winning in Slovak parliamentary election

Opposition winning Slovakia parliamentary election
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia – Nearly complete results show the center-right opposition has won a parliamentary election in Slovakia.
The Statistics Office says the governing left-leaning party of Prime Minister Robert Fico was the clear overall winner with 35.3 percent of the vote, or 63 seats in the 150-seat Parliament with votes …. Read the original article  : Nearly complete results: Center-right opposition is winning in Slovak parliamentary election.

Sheriff’s deputies raid Sizzler steak houses in Phoenix, detain 9 in fraudulent document probe

Authorities raid Sizzler restaurants in Phoenix

PHOENIX – Sheriff’s deputies raided two Sizzler steak house restaurants in Phoenix on Saturday, arresting nine employees who are suspected of being illegal immigrants and using fraudulent documents to get jobs.
The raids were part of a yearlong investigation into whether the operators of the two Sizzler locations broke a civil …. Read the original article  : here.

US, Cuba to hold new round of immigration talks next week in Washington

US, Cuba to hold immigration talks next week
HAVANA – The United States and Cuba have agreed to hold immigration talks in Washington within days, a U.S. official said Saturday, the first since a similar meeting in Havana in February.
The talks scheduled for Friday are intended to monitor adherence to a 16-year-old … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : US, Cuba to hold new round of immigration talks next week in Washington.

Letter from the President to Speaker Pelosi, Senator Reid, Senator McConnell and Representative Boehner

Attached is a letter President Obama sent today to Speaker Pelosi, Senator Reid, Senator McConnell and Representative Boehner.

Read the letter (pdf). (www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/rss_viewer/president_letter_6-12-10.pdf)
… Original article on : Letter from the President to Speaker Pelosi, Senator Reid, Senator McConnell and Representative Boehner.

US, Cuba to hold new round of migration talks next week in Washington

US, Cuba to hold migration talks next week
HAVANA – The United States and Cuba have agreed to hold immigration talks in Washington within days, a U.S. official said Saturday, the first since a similar meeting in Havana in February.
The talks scheduled for Friday are intended to monitor adherence to a 16-year-old agreement under … Read more »».

Exit poll: center-right opposition appears to be winning in Slovak parliamentary election

Exit poll: opposition winning Slovak election
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia – An exit poll suggests the center-right opposition appears to be winning a parliamentary election in Slovakia.
The poll indicates the governing left-leaning party of Prime Minister Robert Fico may finish first but that three center-right parties might be able to form a governing coalition with the … Original article on : Exit poll: center-right opposition appears to be winning in Slovak parliamentary election.

Indiana Republicans pick state senator to replace former US Rep. Souder on November ballot

Indiana GOP picks state senator to replace Souder

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. – Republican officials in northeast Indiana have selected state Sen. Marlin Stutzman to replace former U.S. Rep. Mark Souder on the November ballot.
Fifteen Republicans sought the chance to replace Souder, who resigned last month after admitting an extramarital affair with a staffer.
Stutzman was picked at …. Original source  : Indiana Republicans pick state senator to replace former US Rep. Souder on November ballot.

Brown, Whitman come from different worlds, offering stark choice in Calif. gubernatorial race

Calif. gov candidates come from different worlds

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – She’s chartered jet, he’s Southwest. Her mentor was Mitt Romney, he worked for Mother Teresa. She pays her chief campaign consultant $90,000-a-month, his worked for free most of last year.
Meg Whitman and Jerry Brown are fighting for the same job, but that’s where the similarities end … Original article on : Brown, Whitman come from different worlds, offering stark choice in Calif. gubernatorial race.

Readout of the President’s Call with Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe

Today, the President called Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe to offer condolences for the tragic loss of life during the horrible flooding in Arkansas and express his concern for those who remain missing.  President Obama assured Governor Beebe that FEMA will remain in close contact with Arkansas Emergency Management and report back any unmet needs.  The … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Readout of the President’s Call with Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe.

Readout of the President’s Call with Prime Minister Cameron of the United Kingdom

The President and British Prime Minister David Cameron spoke today by telephone in their first substantive conversation since the President’s congratulatory call on May 22, 2010.  The President looks forward to seeing Cameron in Canada later this month and in Washington on July 20.  The President affirmed his deep commitment to the special and historic … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Readout of the President’s Call with Prime Minister Cameron of the United Kingdom.

Israel ready to soften blockade on Gaza: EU

LUXEMBOURG – Israel is ready to soften its blockade on the Gaza Strip by opening up to two land crossings into Hamas-controlled Palestinian territory, European Union (EU) diplomats said Monday.

Israel has been under increasing international pressure to reverse its embargo policy since late May, when its navy raided a flotilla bringing in aid to Gaza, … Read : Israel ready to soften blockade on Gaza: EU.

Iraq’s new parliament convenes 3 months after inconclusive national elections

Iraq’s new parliament convenes 3 months after vote

BAGHDAD – Iraq’s new parliament convened Monday but postponed a decision on a new president as the country remains in political limbo three months after inconclusive national elections.
The sides remain divided over the formation of a new government, and analysts and some lawmakers have warned that a decision … Read more >>>.

Iran closes office of late dissident cleric after raid by hard-liners, his son says

Son: Iran closes office of late dissident cleric

TEHRAN, Iran – The son of a renowned Iranian dissident cleric says authorities shut down his late father’s office after it was stormed by hard-liners.
Ahmad Montazeri says the office of Hossein Ali Montazeri in the holy city of Qom was sealed on Monday.
The son says hard-liners earlier on …. Read the original article  : here.

116 Indians stranded in Kyrgyzstan, India assures all help

NEW DELHI – The Indian mission in Kyrgyzstan was doing its best to ensure the well-being of 116 Indians, mostly students, trapped in the Central Asian republic’s Osh and Jalalabad towns after ethnic riots, the government said Monday.

The external affairs ministry clarified in a statement that the Indians in southern Kyrgyzstan included 15 students …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 116 Indians stranded in Kyrgyzstan, India assures all help.

PM asks GoM on Bhopal gas disaster to meet immediately

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Monday asked the Group of Ministers (GoM) on Bhopal gas tragedy to meet immediately to take stock of the situation.

The GoM, headed by Home Minister P Chidambaram has also been asked to submit a report within ten days.

“The Prime Minister has directed that the … Read more : PM asks GoM on Bhopal gas disaster to meet immediately.

Russia to consider military aid for Kyrgyzstan

MOSCOW/BISHKEK – Russian President Dmitry Medvedev will consider military aid for Kyrgyzstan, after rejecting an initial request on the weekend, Russia’s Echo Moskwy radio reported Monday.

The members of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, a military alliance of seven former Soviet republics of which Kyrgyzstan is a member, plans to meet in Moscow to discuss …. Original source  : Russia to consider military aid for Kyrgyzstan.

Ties to Mike Tyson, Heidi Fleiss and subprime crisis don’t slow billionaire’s Fla. Senate bid

Dem rises in Fla. Senate race despite odd baggage

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Boxer Mike Tyson was the best man at his wedding. Hollywood madam Heidi Fleiss lived in his guest house. And the television ads for Jeff Greene’s out-of-nowhere bid for Florida’s Senate seat are financed by a fortune made from betting on the fall … Read more »»».

Renewed gunbattles erupt, buildings torched in Kyrgyzstan, scarred by ethnic violence

Fresh ethnic violence erupts in Kyrgyzstan

OSH, Kyrgyzstan – Sporadic gunfire continued through the night and fresh fires raged in southern Kyrgyzstan on Monday, as the deadliest ethnic violence to hit the Central Asian nation for decades forced thousands to flee and showed no signs of abating.
The official death toll reached 117 with 1,500 hurt, the … Read : Renewed gunbattles erupt, buildings torched in Kyrgyzstan, scarred by ethnic violence.

Jharkhand governor permits action against engineers

RANCHI – Jharkhand Governor M.O.H. Farook Saturday granted permission to initiate proceedings against nine engineers, including a chief engineer, accused of irregularities in executing an irrigation project, an official statement said Saturday.

“Governor has ordered departmental actions against chief engineer Umesh Kumar Sinha, executive engineer Arjun Prasad and others for irregularities found in remodeling and construction … Read more »».

Israel names committee to probe aid flotilla seizure (Lead, Changing Dateline)

JERUSALEM – Israel is to set up an independent commission to investigate the seizure of six ships carrying aid and pro-Palestinian activists to the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced.

In a meeting Sunday with his Likud Party in Jerusalem, Netanyahu appointed retired Supreme Court judge Yakov Tirkel, 75, to head the commission, which …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Sarah Brown writing her memoirs

LONDON – Sarah Brown, wife of former British prime minister Gordon Brown, is publishing her memoirs of life inside 10, Downing Street.

Publishers Ebury Press said it will tell her story about “what it is like to be a woman, wife and mother in somewhat exceptional circumstances”.
It will be a “very personal memoir… intimate, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Sarah Brown writing her memoirs.

End row over maritime boundary, Dhaka tells Delhi

DHAKA – Bangladesh is open to “an amicable settlement” of its maritime boundary disputes with India and Myanmar though it has sought UN involvement, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni has said.
“We have kept open options for an amicable settlement through bilateral discussions of the maritime boundary disputes with India and Myanmar,” the minister said … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : End row over maritime boundary, Dhaka tells Delhi.

Getting trained in India to lead their nations

NEW DELHI – It’s a wing of the Indian parliament that has been quietly giving invaluable lessons on the working of India’s democratic institutions to young foreign MPs, particularly from Asia and Africa, for 25 years now.

You may not have heard of the Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training (BPST), but it conducts capacity-building programmes …. Source  : Getting trained in India to lead their nations.

Michelle Obama vows to help Camp Pendleton troops, asks for community support of military

Michelle Obama vows to help Camp Pendleton troops
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – First lady Michelle Obama is launching a national challenge for every American to find ways to make life easier for the families of U.S. troops.
Obama spoke to 3,500 troops and their families at the Marine base Sunday as part of [..] Read the original article: here.

Colombia rescues 3 hostages held by rebels since 1998; fate of 4th freed hostage uncertain

Colombian soldiers free long-held rebel hostages

BOGOTA, Colombia – Colombian soldiers freed two high-ranking police officers and an army sergeant who were among the longest-held rebel captives during a raid Sunday in the South American nation’s southern jungle.
Six months in the planning, the rescue operation freed police Gen. Luis Mendieta and Col. Enrique Murillo, both captured … Read : Colombia rescues 3 hostages held by rebels since 1998; fate of 4th freed hostage uncertain.

Michelle Obama addresses Camp Pendleton troops, asks for community support of military

Michelle Obama speaks to Camp Pendleton troops
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – After meeting with wounded Marines, first lady Michelle Obama told thousands of troops and their families Sunday that she is launching a national challenge to Americans to find ways to support them.
Since her husband took office, Obama has been visiting bases across the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Michelle Obama addresses Camp Pendleton troops, asks for community support of military.

US urges ‘prompt’ inquiry of Gaza flotilla raid

WASHINGTON – The US has urged Israel to “promptly” conduct a probe into its military raid on an international aid flotilla bound for the Gaza Strip, a media report said.

“While Israel should be afforded the time to complete its process, we expect Israel’s commission and military investigation will be carried out promptly,” Xinhua reported Sunday … Read : US urges ‘prompt’ inquiry of Gaza flotilla raid.

Riot police disperse hundreds of protesters outside World Cup stadium after match

Riot police break up World Cup wages demonstration

DURBAN, South Africa – Armed riot police have charged into hundreds of stewards at a World Cup stadium who were protesting about not getting paid enough for their work.
Police appeared to set off two percussive grenades, causing loud bangs, to drive the protesters out of a parking lot … Original article on : Riot police disperse hundreds of protesters outside World Cup stadium after match.

Swiss man held in Libya leaves for home after governments reach deal to end 2-year dispute

Swiss man leaves Libya as 2 nations end dispute

GENEVA – Libya said Sunday that Switzerland has paid $1.5 million for mistreating Moammar Gadhafi’s son during his arrest there in 2008, and a Swiss citizen who had been held in Tripoli left for home as the countries ended a two-year diplomatic row.
The two nations struck a … Read more : Swiss man held in Libya leaves for home after governments reach deal to end 2-year dispute.

How Kyrygyzstan was plunged into its deadliest ethnic chaos in 20 years

The path to Kyrgyzstan’s deadly ethnic chaos

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan – Kyrgyzstan, an impoverished former Soviet republic hosting U.S. and Russian military bases, is engulfed by the worst ethnic conflict the country has seen in two decades. The violence, which follows just weeks after a public revolt toppled widely despised President Kurmanbek Bakiyev, has killed scores of …. Original source  : How Kyrygyzstan was plunged into its deadliest ethnic chaos in 20 years.

Assam government to present white paper on development

GUWAHATI – Accused by the opposition of failure to bring in development, the ruling Congress party in Assam Tuesday said it will table in the assembly session next month a white paper on the state’s development activities and move a special motion to discuss the progress card of the government.

This was decided at the Business … Original article on : Assam government to present white paper on development.

UN, EU say unrest in Kyrgyzstan must not derail referendum or election as death toll rises

UN urges Kyrgyz vote despite deadly unrest

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan – The United Nations and the European Union on Tuesday urged Kyrgyzstan not to allow deadly ethnic unrest to derail a key constitutional referendum and parliamentary elections.
The southern part of the impoverished Central Asian nation has been convulsed by days of ethnic rioting targeting minority Uzbeks, which … Read : UN, EU say unrest in Kyrgyzstan must not derail referendum or election as death toll rises.

Court-ordered election in NY suburb gives residents 6 votes each after discrimination lawsuit

Residents get 6 votes each in suburban NY election

PORT CHESTER, N.Y. – Arthur Furano voted early – five days before Election Day. And he voted often, flipping the lever six times for his favorite candidate.
Furano cast multiple votes on the instructions of a federal judge and the U.S. Department of Justice as part of a … Read : Court-ordered election in NY suburb gives residents 6 votes each after discrimination lawsuit.

Bhopal tragedy: BJP accuses Congress for letting Anderson flee

BHOPAL/NEW DELHI – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has continued to trade charges with the Congress party for letting former Union Carbide Chairman Warren Anderson, the prime accused in the 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy, flee to the United States after the catastrophe.

Veteran BJP leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Sunderlal Patwa said …. Source article  : Bhopal tragedy: BJP accuses Congress for letting Anderson flee.

UN, EU say unrest in Kyrgyzstan must not derail referendum, elections, as death toll rises

UN calls for Kyrgyz democracy despite unrest

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan – The United Nations is urging Kyrgyzstan not to allow deadly ethnic unrest to derail a key referendum and subsequent parliamentary elections.
The impoverished Central Asian nation has suffered days of widespread violence attributed to rival ethnicities attacking each other in the wake of a bloody uprising that … Original article on : UN, EU say unrest in Kyrgyzstan must not derail referendum, elections, as death toll rises.

FBI files show Sen. Edward M. Kennedy lived with threats for decades after brothers’ murders

Files show threats against Ted Kennedy were common
WASHINGTON – Sen. Edward M. Kennedy became a magnet for extremist rage in the decades after his brothers were gunned down, living under constant, chillingly specific assassination threats of his own, according to newly released FBI documents.
Five years after President John F. Kennedy was killed and … Read more »»».

Black Sunday report to be released

LONDON – The outcome of an inquiry into the 1972 killing of 13 people in Northern Ireland, a blood-soaked event that came to be dubbed Black Sunday, is to be made public Tuesday.

Soldiers from the British Parachute Regiment opened fire on a civil rights march in Derry Jan 30, 1972. It marked the effective end … Original article on : Black Sunday report to be released.

Palin may meet ex-UK PM Thatcher during London visit

WASHINGTON – Former Alaska Governor and ex-US vice presidential hopeful Sarah Palin has revealed an offer to meet one of her political idols – former British Prime Minister Baroness Margaret Thatcher.
“Following an article in a British publication on Sunday, I’ve received questions about a possible trip to the United Kingdom,” the Huffington … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Palin may meet ex-UK PM Thatcher during London visit.

Naga students to consider lifting of Manipur economic blockade

NEW DELHI – The Naga Students Federation (NSF) on Monday said they would consider temporary suspension of the two-month long economic blockade of Manipur following a meeting with the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh.

The students said they had decided to consider suspension of the blockade after Dr Singh agreed to look into their grievances with …. Original source  : Naga students to consider lifting of Manipur economic blockade.

Pakistan brings home 136 students from Kyrgyzstan

ISLAMABAD – A Pakistani military aircraft Tuesday brought the first group of 136 students from violence-hit Kyrgyzstan home, a Pakistan minister said, adding that another plane had left to bring the others still stranded.

Information Minister Qamar-uz-Zaman Kaira, who received the students at a military airbase in Rawalpindi, said the government will take all measures … Read more »»».

All Indians safe in Kyrgyzstan, to return to India soon

NEW DELHI – All the 116 Indian nationals, who were stranded in riot-hit southern Kyrgyzstan, have been safely evacuated and will return to India over the next few days, the government said here Tuesday.

The Indians stranded in the southern Kyrgyz towns of Osh and Jalal-Abad were safely evacuated last night by air to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : All Indians safe in Kyrgyzstan, to return to India soon.

Post-Soviet bloc to offer aid to Kyrgyzstan

Moscow, June 15 (IANS/RIA Novosti) The post-Soviet security bloc Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) will offer emergency assistance to law-enforcement agencies in Kyrgyzstan, where more than 138 people have died in four days of ethnic clashes.

“They have enough strength for today, but do not have enough equipment, helicopters, ground transportation, logistics and even gasoline, oil … Read more : Post-Soviet bloc to offer aid to Kyrgyzstan.

UN Security Council calls for calm in Kyrgyzstan

NEW YORK – The UN Security Council has condemned the violence in southern Kyrgyzstan and called for the restoration of law and order.

The president of the 15-member Security Council, Claude Heller, said Monday night that it was time to send food and other aid to the crisis-hit region.
The fighting between ethnic Kyrgyz majority and … Read more »».

5 Indian ministers coming to US next week

WASHINGTON – Five Indian ministers are set to hold a series of talks with their American counterparts here next week underscoring “the energy and enthusiasm both sides attach” to strengthen the US-India partnership.
“The visit of the five ministers, following closely on the inaugural meeting of the US-India Strategic Dialogue in Washington, underscores the …. Read the original article  : 5 Indian ministers coming to US next week.

Malaysian Indian party elects new chief

KUALA LUMPUR – A party espousing the cause of ethnic Indians in Malaysia has elected new office bearers, ending the uncertainty following the election of its last chief being held invalid by the Registrar of Societies in 2008.

M. Sambanthan was elected Indian Progressive Front (IPF) president. He polled 326 votes to defeat his nearest …. Original source  : Malaysian Indian party elects new chief.

Report: Obama administration’s policy on NKorea’s nuclear ambitions halfhearted

Report: US policy on NKorea nukes halfhearted

WASHINGTON – A muddled U.S. strategy on confronting North Korea’s nuclear ambitions could lead to acceptance of the North as an atomic power, according to a report being released Tuesday by a leading American think tank.
The Center on Foreign Relations report calls the Obama administration’s efforts to rid North …. Source article  : Report: Obama administration’s policy on NKorea’s nuclear ambitions halfhearted.

Overdiagnosed: Some cancers found too early are posing a dilemma in choosing best treatment

Overtreating earliest cancers _ but which ones?

WASHINGTON – D.J. Soviero wanted the least treatment that would beat back her small, early-stage breast cancer, but her first doctor insisted she had only one option: tumor removal followed by radiation and chemotherapy.
Then she found a novel program at the University of California, San Francisco, that gave her … Read more >>>.

2 people in SUV full of weapons detained at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa; no word on motive

2 people detained with weapons at MacDill AFB

TAMPA, Fla. – The military says two heavily armed people are in custody after trying to enter MacDill Air Force Base outside of Tampa.
The base is home to U.S. Central Command, which runs the U.S. wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Base public affairs officer Senior Airman Katherine B. Holt … Original article on : 2 people in SUV full of weapons detained at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa; no word on motive.

Arizona commission won’t ask judge to clarify ruling invalidating matching funds

Arizona won’t ask for matching funds clarification

PHOENIX – A state commission said Monday it will not ask a federal judge to clarify her ruling invalidating a key portion of Arizona’s public campaign finance system – a setback for Republican Gov. Jan Brewer, who is being outspent by a wealthy opponent.
The decision Monday follows a U.S. …. Source  : Arizona commission won’t ask judge to clarify ruling invalidating matching funds.

Angered by lack of diversity among Democratic candidates, NYC councilman to challenge Cuomo

Black NYC councilman to challenge Cuomo for gov.

NEW YORK – A black New York City councilman says there’s not enough diversity on the state’s Democratic ticket and he’ll run for governor to protest.
Charles Barron says he’s angry over Democrat Andrew Cuomo’s selection of a white, male running mate, Rochester Mayor Robert Duffy. All the Democrats … Original source on Gaea Times at : Angered by lack of diversity among Democratic candidates, NYC councilman to challenge Cuomo.

Advani takes Uma Bharti in special plane

RAIPUR – Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L.K. Advani Wednesday took estranged colleague Uma Bharti in his special plane from New Delhi to Chhattisgarh in a sign that she may be returning to party fold.

As the plane touched down at Raipur’s Mana airport around 10 a.m., reporters spotted Uma Bharti stepping out from the plane … Read more >>>.

Malaysian Indian leader calls for anti-defection law

KUALA LUMPUR – A Malaysian opposition leader has called for enacting an anti-defection law after one of his party legislators switched sides to be ‘friendly’ to the ruling coalition.

Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Karpal Singh urged the government to consider enacting anti-hopping legislation or a code of ethics for politicians to ensure that elected representatives …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

How the poll on cong. elections was conducted

How the poll on cong. elections was conducted

The Associated Press-GfK Poll on the congressional elections was conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate Communications from June 9-14. It is based on landline and cell phone telephone interviews with a nationally representative random sample of 1,044 adults. Interviews were conducted with 732 respondents on landline … Read : How the poll on cong. elections was conducted.

Iran parliament speaker says assembly backs nuclear program despite latest UN sanctions

Iran speaker says parliament backs nuclear program

TEHRAN, Iran – Iran’s parliament speaker says lawmakers are backing the government’s push to move ahead with the country’s nuclear program.
The remarks by Ali Larijani come in defiance of the latest U.N. sanctions imposed over Iran’s refusal to halt uranium enrichment – a process that can be used to [..] Read the original article: here.

Sydney man waiting since 5yrs for Kevin Rudd to buy him a drink!

MELBOURNE – A Sydney man has revealed that Aussie Prime Minister Kevin Rudd owes him a beer, five years after they had a late-night drinking bout in the CBD.

Wine writer Nick Ryan said that the premier is five years late buying a round of drinks-a rather un-Australian behaviour after accepting drinks from others.

Speaking in the …. Original source  : Sydney man waiting since 5yrs for Kevin Rudd to buy him a drink!.

Democratic concession to NRA on disclosure bill reaps revolt from liberal groups

Democrats face criticism from customary allies

WASHINGTON – House Democrats face a revolt by traditional allies angered over the special treatment given to the National Rifle Association in legislation requiring tougher disclosure on political advertising by independent groups.
The president of the Alliance for Justice, Nan Aron, called the NRA concession “undemocratic and dangerous” in a letter … Read more »»».

Bangladesh’s political rivals woo China

DHAKA – Setting aside their political rivalry, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and opposition leader Khaleda Zia have urged the visiting Chinese vice president to forge stronger economic ties and military cooperation with Dhaka.
Meeting Xi Jinping separately Tuesday, they covered similar issues, seeking a bridging of trade gap that is several times in …. Original source  : Bangladesh’s political rivals woo China.

United States asks citizens to avoid travel to Nepal because of protests, violence

United States warns against traveling to Nepal

KATMANDU, Nepal – The United States has warned its citizens not to travel to Nepal after months of street protests and political turmoil in the Himalayan nation.
The warning, issued by the State Department, said the United States remains concerned about the security situation in Nepal.
The Maoist former rebels shut …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

President Obama Oval Office Address Draws Mixed Response

WASHINGTON (GaeaTimes.com)- The Oval office address of President Barack Obama has drawn missed response from the political circles of the USA and countrymen. He delivered the speech on Tuesday and came down heavily on the UK based oil firm BP which is still unable to control the oil spill at the Gulf of Mexico. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : President Obama Oval Office Address Draws Mixed Response.

Poll: 86 percent of Germans dissatisfied with government, Merkel’s ratings slide

Poll: 86 pct dissatisfied with German government

BERLIN – A new survey finds that 86 percent of Germans are dissatisfied with Angela Merkel’s government and the chancellor’s own popularity has hit a new low.
The ARD television poll Wednesday found only 12 percent satisfied with Merkel’s center-right government – the worst showing for an administration since 2004.
It …. Read the original article  : Poll: 86 percent of Germans dissatisfied with government, Merkel’s ratings slide.

Wisconsin’s Democrats have got the blues as they fend off resurgent Republicans

Wisconsin’s Democrats have got the blues
MADISON, Wis. – The Democratic stronghold of Wisconsin is suddenly flush with strong Republican challengers.
Until recently, the state seemed to be a Democratic strategist’s dream – a blue state getting bluer.
Its two U.S. senators were well-established liberal Democrats. The governor’s office and both houses of the Legislature were …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Wisconsin’s Democrats have got the blues as they fend off resurgent Republicans.

Officials say top Israeli Cabinet ministers to vote on easing Gaza blockade

Israeli ministers to vote on easing Gaza blockade

JERUSALEM – Israel will significantly ease its bruising blockade of the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, officials said, in an effort to blunt the widespread international criticism that has followed a deadly Israeli commando raid on a blockade-busting flotilla.
Senior Cabinet ministers were meeting to limit restrictions to a short … Original article on : Officials say top Israeli Cabinet ministers to vote on easing Gaza blockade.

US opposes China-Pakistan nuke deal

WASHINGTON – The United States has said it would oppose a proposed nuclear deal between China and Pakistan as it requires a specific exemption from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) like the US deal with India.

“This appears to extend beyond cooperation that was grandfathered when China was approved for membership” state department spokesman P. J. [..] Read the original article: here.

President Obama Speech Aimed At British Petroleum

WASHINGTON (GaeaTimes.com)- Yesterday Barack Obama the President of the USA gave a speech from Oval Office in which he came down heavily on British Petroleum for its inefficiency and lack of prompt actions to stop oil spill at the Deepwater Horizon rig situated at the Gulf of Mexico. The president tried to assure … Read more >>>.

Laurie David Denies Affair With Al Gore

WASHINGTON (GaeaTimes.com)- After a poplar tabloid came up with a report that Al Gore’s 40 years of marriage with Tipper Gore ended due to his relationship with Laurie David, the ex-wife of Larry David has come up clear about her relationship with Al Gore. Both she and her agent have repeatedly mentioned to …. Source  : Laurie David Denies Affair With Al Gore.

Hispanic apparent winner in election in NYC suburb where residents got 6 votes each

Hispanic apparent winner in unusual NY election

PORT CHESTER, N.Y. – An unusual election in a New York City suburb, in which voters could cast six ballots for one candidate, apparently resulted Wednesday in the first Hispanic elected to the village Board of Trustees.
Luis Marino, a school district maintenance director, was in fourth place among 13 …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Obama Speech: Presidential Address indicates strong action against BP Oil Spill

New York (GaeaTimes.com) President Barack Obama’s first Oval Office address on Tuesday night indicated new urgency to the Gulf Oil Spill and he accused BP of their recklessness in the incident. Obama swore not to rest until the company has paid for the damages that have been caused to the lives, business and … Original source on Gaea Times at : Obama Speech: Presidential Address indicates strong action against BP Oil Spill.

Botswana vice president in India for four-day visit

NEW DELHI – Botswana Vice President Mompfati Merafhe arrived in India late Tuesday for a four-day visit, during which he will meet Indian leaders, businesspersons as well as members of the Bollywood fraternity.
The visit is a reciprocal one after the Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari visited Botswana as part of a three-nation …. Source  : Botswana vice president in India for four-day visit.

Canada’s Sikh MP denies supporting motion on 1984 riots

TORONTO – Gurbax Malhi, Canada’s longest-serving Indo-Canadian member of parliament and the first turbaned Sikh MP in the West, has denied signing the motion on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots which was tabled last week in the Canadian parliament.

Reportedly signed by 10,000 people, the motion by Indo-Canadian MP Sukh Dhaliwal – and supported by MP Andrew … Read more »»».

Owner of anti-Chavez TV channel flees Venezuela, leaving station to uncertain future

Owner of anti-Chavez TV channel flees Venezuela

CARACAS, Venezuela – The majority owner of Venezuela’s only opposition-aligned TV station has left the country to avoid an arrest warrant as multiple cases brought by authorities leave Globovision facing an uncertain future.
Associates of Guillermo Zuloaga confirmed Tuesday that he had left the country but didn’t say where he … Original source on Gaea Times at : Owner of anti-Chavez TV channel flees Venezuela, leaving station to uncertain future.

2 Sudanese rebels charged with attack on African peacekeepers appear at war crimes court

2 Sudanese rebels appear at war crimes court

AMSTERDAM – Two men suspected in a deadly 2007 attack against African Union peacekeepers in Darfur are appearing before war crimes judges in The Hague.
Abdallah Banda Abakaer Nourain and Saleh Mohammed Jerbo Jamus voluntarily surrendered to the International Criminal Court. They are accused of commanding a 1,000-strong rebel … Read more : 2 Sudanese rebels charged with attack on African peacekeepers appear at war crimes court.

GoM on Bhopal to meet Friday

NEW DELHI – The reconstituted Group of Ministers (GoM) on the Bhopal gas tragedy will meet Friday to discuss how best to reach out to those victims who have not yet been adequately compensated, a senior minister said Thursday.
“Two hours have been allocated for discussion. Various issues will be discussed, including the issue … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : GoM on Bhopal to meet Friday.

Paswan, Rudy win Rajya Sabha polls from Bihar

PATNA – Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) supremo Ram Vilas Paswan and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Rajeev Pratap Rudy on Thursday won their respective Rajya Sabha seats from Bihar.

It has been reported that the BJP and its partner Janata … Original article on : Paswan, Rudy win Rajya Sabha polls from Bihar.

British MPs tinkering with expenses may be fined

LONDON – British Members of Parliament are angry with the punitive proposals of a parliamentary watchdog to fine MPs and force them to explain themselves in public if they tinkered with their expenses in future.

In a bid to prevent the MPs’ expenses scandal once again, the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) has suggested MPs …. Source  : British MPs tinkering with expenses may be fined.

US, South Korea discuss UN resolution against North Korea

SEOUL – A senior US diplomat met with high-level officials in Seoul Thursday to discuss how to respond to the sinking of a South Korean warship in March, news reports said.

Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell arrived in the South Korean capital late Wednesday, according to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency, amid diplomatic steps by …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : US, South Korea discuss UN resolution against North Korea.

Obama to meet with former Miss. governor picked to oversee Gulf Coast Restoration Plan

Obama to meet with man heading up restoration plan
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is preparing to meet with the man he’s put in charge of developing a recovery plan for the oil-devastated Gulf Coast.
Obama and the secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus (MAY’-buhs), plan to discuss Mabus’ role in developing a long-term Gulf …. Source article  : Obama to meet with former Miss. governor picked to oversee Gulf Coast Restoration Plan.

Euro champ Spain loses to Switzerland 1-0 at World Cup, Chile, Uruguay win

Spain loses to Switzerland, Chile beats Honduras

JOHANNESBURG – Spain’s potent attack couldn’t score a goal. South Africa fell desperately close to elimination. Chile did something for the first time in 48 years.
It was a wild Wednesday at the World Cup.
Spain’s 1-0 loss to Switzerland ended a 12-match winning streak for the European Champions, who have …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Euro champ Spain loses to Switzerland 1-0 at World Cup, Chile, Uruguay win.

China endorses Bangladesh-Myanmar road project

DHAKA – Beijing has agreed to implement a Bangladeshi proposal for a road link via Myanmar, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced after the visit of Chinese vice president Xi Jinping.
She told parliament Wednesday that a project financed by Bangladesh government called “Study and Design for Bangladesh-Myanmar link road” was underway. The road …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : China endorses Bangladesh-Myanmar road project.

Mirwaiz Farooq arrested in Srinagar

SRINAGAR – Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, chairman of the moderate Hurriyat group, was Thursday arrested while leading a protest march to the UN Military Observer Group headquarters here.

Mirwaiz Farooq was taken into custody along with his supporters outside the building of Radio Kashmir while proceeding towards Sonawar area to denounce alleged human rights violation in Jammu … Read : Mirwaiz Farooq arrested in Srinagar.

AP-Gfk poll shows rising support for health care law even as Americans still divided on impact

AP-Gfk poll shows gains for health care overhaul
WASHINGTON – A new Associated Press-Gfk poll finds public support for President Barack Obama’s health care law has risen to its highest point to date.
Yet the nation remains divided over the new law, with 45 percent in favor and 42 percent opposed.
Still, that’s a significant … Read more : AP-Gfk poll shows rising support for health care law even as Americans still divided on impact.

EU leaders set to endorse further sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program

EU set to approve new sanctions on Iran
BRUSSELS – EU leaders are set to adopt a new set of sanctions against Iran in a fresh effort to stall its disputed nuclear program.

The additional sanctions to be approved Thursday will target Iran’s oil industry, shipping and air cargo operators, and dual-use items that could be utilized …. Read the original article  : EU leaders set to endorse further sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program.

Republicans split over backing Nikki Haley

WASHINGTON – While national Republicans are busy advancing Indian American lawmaker Nikki Haley’s bid for governor of South Carolina, much of the state party establishment seems to be working furiously to torpedo her chances in the June 22 runoff.
Gresham Barrett, the Republican congressman “backed by a high-priced team of veteran consultants, has launched … Read more : Republicans split over backing Nikki Haley.

Voting in Bihar for Rajya Sabha seats

PATNA – Voting was under way Thursday in Bihar to elect five Rajya Sabha members amid fear of cross-voting because of the presence of an independent candidate.

Both the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition led by the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) are hopeful of winning three and two …. Source  : Voting in Bihar for Rajya Sabha seats.

Ethiopia seeks Indian help in agriculture, health

NEW DELHI – A group of Ethiopian ministers and officials are in India to study the Indian experience in healthcare, agriculture, and small and medium enterprises.

Over the last one week, Minister for Capacity Building Tefera Walwa and Addis Ababa Minister for Health Fontu Tsegaye have travelled around India to look at the best practices of … Read more »».

191 killed in Kyrgyzstan violence

Bishkek, June 17 (IANS/RIA Novosti) At least 191 people have been killed and thousands injured in the ethnic clashes in southern Kyrgyzstan since last week, Kyrgyz health ministry said Thursday.

“As of Thursday morning, the number of people killed in clashes in the south of the republic has risen to 191. A total of 1,971 people …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 191 killed in Kyrgyzstan violence.

Speculations rife about Uma Bharti’s return to BJP

RAIPUR/ KAWARDHA – Expelled Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Uma Bharti’s move to travel with senior BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani in a special plane to Raipur on Wednesday has fuelled speculation about her possible return to the party.

Bharti travelled along with Advani, former BJP President Rajnath Singh and … Read more : Speculations rife about Uma Bharti’s return to BJP.

Private donors have given $20K to help Ariz. governor fight lawsuits targeting immigration law

Donors give $20K to help defend AZ immigration law

PHOENIX – Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer’s office has received nearly $20,000 in private donations to help the state mount a legal defense against lawsuits related to its tough new immigration law.
Nearly 440 people in 46 states and the District of Columbia have contributed to the fund. According …. Source article  : Private donors have given $20K to help Ariz. governor fight lawsuits targeting immigration law.

9/11 rescue workers suing NYC attend forum on proposed $713 million health settlement

9/11 workers attend NYC forum on health settlement
NEW YORK – More than a hundred Sept. 11 rescue and recovery workers suing the city were urged Wednesday at a town hall meeting to accept a settlement drafted by their lawyers and not wait for the federal government to help them.
Kenneth Feinberg, who oversaw payouts …. Read the original article  : 9/11 rescue workers suing NYC attend forum on proposed $713 million health settlement.

Lawyers in gay marriage case argue whether matrimony is a right or way to promote childbearing

Lawyers give final arguments in gay marriage case

SAN FRANCISCO – Lawyers arguing a landmark federal case involving California’s same-sex marriage ban made their final arguments Wednesday, with supporters describing matrimony as an institution intended to promote childbearing and opponents saying the U.S. Supreme Court had recognized it as a fundamental right.
Former U.S. Solicitor General Theodore … Read more >>.

NM governor presides over Harrison Ford-Flockhart marriage in New Mexico

NM gov: Ford and Flockhart tie the knot
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart finally have tied the knot – in a wedding presided over by New Mexico’s governor.

Gov. Bill Richardson confirmed to The Associated Press on Wednesday that the couple, who have been together for several years and got engaged last year, were … Read : NM governor presides over Harrison Ford-Flockhart marriage in New Mexico.

Outsiders dominate Jharkhand Rajya Sabha members

RANCHI – Jharkhand may have been carved out to promote the local population, but the state is largely represented by outsiders in the Rajya Sabha.

Of the six Rajya Sabha MPs, four are from outside the state.
While two Rajya Sabha MPs each are from the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), one belongs …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Outsiders dominate Jharkhand Rajya Sabha members.

Russian newspaper cites Kyrgyzstan’s interim leader as saying unrest death toll could be 2,000

Interim pres: Kyrgyz violence likely kills 2,000

MOSCOW – A respected Russian daily quotes Kyrgyzstan’s interim president as saying the death toll from the ethnic unrest that has rocked the country’s south could be near 2,000.
Kyrgyz Health Ministry figures place the number of killed in the rampages led mainly by ethnic Kyrgyz at 191.
Roza Otunbayeva is … Read : Russian newspaper cites Kyrgyzstan’s interim leader as saying unrest death toll could be 2,000.

Ousted king still a threat to Nepal’s ruling parties

KATHMANDU – More than two years after the abolition of monarchy in Nepal, deposed king Gyanendra is still regarded as a threat by the ruling parties, who have sacked an influential regional leader for inviting him to inaugurate a Hindu temple.

Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal’s Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (UML) sacked Amar Yadav, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Ousted king still a threat to Nepal’s ruling parties.

Iran’s top security body riles against UN sanctions, says they show double standard

Iran says UN sanctions show double standard

TEHRAN, Iran – Iran’s top security body has riled against the latest U.N. sanctions imposed over Tehran’s controversial nuclear program, saying they show world powers are applying a double standard.
The Supreme National Security Council says the U.S. and other nuclear-armed powers have punished Iran even though it doesn’t have … Read more »»».

RJD expels two for cross-voting in Rajya Sabha polls

PATNA – The opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Friday expelled two legislators for six years for voting for the ruling Janata Dal-United (JD-U) during the Rajya Sabha elections Thursday in Bihar.

Rajesh Kumar Singh and Pappu Yadav were expelled for violating the party whip.
“The party has expelled two legislators for cross-voting in favour of the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : RJD expels two for cross-voting in Rajya Sabha polls.

Opposition candidate is Chittagong mayor

CHITTAGONG – Mohammed Manjur Alam, backed by the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, will be the mayor of Chittagong, the country’s principal port town, it was announced Friday.

This marked a setback for the ruling Awami League that had backed A.B.M. Mohiuddin Chowdhury in a bitterly-fought election marked by violence.
The election victory could …. Original article  : Opposition candidate is Chittagong mayor.

Kyrgyz interim leader visits Osh, vows to restore city partially destroyed by ethnic violence

Kyrgyz interim leader in Osh, vows to restore city

OSH, Kyrgyzstan – Kyrgyzstan’s interim president on Friday made her first visit to the riot-hit southern town of Osh, vowing to restore the battered city and work for the return of hundreds of thousands of Uzbek refugees who fled deadly ethnic violence.
And U.S. Assistant Secretary of State …. Source article  : Kyrgyz interim leader visits Osh, vows to restore city partially destroyed by ethnic violence.

Last batch of Kagan’s Clinton-era files, her e-mails, set to be released as hearings approach

Kagan’s e-mails to go public as hearings approach

WASHINGTON – Ever wish you could rifle through a public figure’s e-mail? Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan’s e-mails are about to go public as part of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s preparations for her confirmation hearings in a little more than a week.
The William J. Clinton Presidential Library in … Read more »».

Air India explosion report a ‘damning indictment’: Canadian PM

TORONTO – Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has described a federal report inquiring into the 1985 terrorist attack on the Air India plane “Kanishka” as a “damning indictment of many things that occurred before and after the tragedy”.

Harper on Thursday promised that his government would respond “positively” to the recommendations made by the Justice John [..] Read the original article: here.

Don’t let sanctions hinder Iran ties, CPI-M

NEW DELHI – The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) has accused the government of backing out of the Iran gas pipeline under US pressure and urged New Delhi to continue economic and energy ties with Tehran despite the latest UN sanctions.

“India had gone on record that it does not think sanctions are the way to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Don’t let sanctions hinder Iran ties, CPI-M.

US gives more aid to Sri Lanka refugees

COLOMBO – The US will contribute an additional $2.25 million to support people displaced by the Sri Lanka conflict as they return to their homes and villages in the country’s north.

The money will enable some 9,000 families to receive the shelter cash grant provided to returning families by the Sri Lanka office of the …. Read the original article  : US gives more aid to Sri Lanka refugees.

Kamat’s office accused of curbing media freedom

PANAJI – Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat’s office has been accused of interfering with media freedom by a newspaper editor.

Prabhakar Dhage, resident editor of Marathi daily Pudhari, told IANS that Suresh Walve, media advisor to the chief minister, pressurised him not to publish those letters to the editor which were critical of Kamat. … Original article on : Kamat’s office accused of curbing media freedom.

SC Dem Party nixes protest of US Senate primary, upholds nomination of unknown, unemployed vet

SC Dems uphold US Senate primary shocker
COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina Democratic Party officials on Thursday upheld a surprising U.S. Senate primary win by an unemployed military veteran, nixing a protest lodged by their favored candidate that could have required a new vote.

The party’s executive committee decided there was not enough evidence of impropriety to …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : SC Dem Party nixes protest of US Senate primary, upholds nomination of unknown, unemployed vet.

Colorado casino city bans bike riding through town; believed to be only such ban in nation

Colo. casino city bans riding bikes through town

DENVER – The Colorado gambling town of Black Hawk is not backing down from its ban on bicyclists pedaling their two-wheelers on its narrow streets.
The city in the foothills west of Denver began enforcing its ordinance and issuing $68 tickets on June 5, five months after the city [..] Read the original article: here.

Hillary Clinton’s interview about immigration law angers Arizona governor who signed it

Clinton comment on immigration law riles Ariz. gov
PHOENIX – Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer said Thursday she’s angry over comments by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton that the Obama administration will sue the state over its new immigration law.
In a June 8 media interview in Ecuador that began circulating Thursday in the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Hillary Clinton’s interview about immigration law angers Arizona governor who signed it.

UAE establishes diplomatic ties with Saint Kitts and Nevis

New York, June 18 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saint Kitts and Nevis have established diplomatic relations at ambassador level.

Both nations signed a joint communique Wednesday at the UN headquarters establishing the diplomatic relations.
Ahmed Al-Jarman, UAE’s permanent representative to the UN, and Delano Frank Bart QC, Saint Kitts and Nevis’ permanent representative … Read this article on Gaea Times at : UAE establishes diplomatic ties with Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Nearly 500 little-known Cuban dissidents oppose US proposal to lift travel ban to Cuba

Dissidents decry US bill to end Cuba travel ban

HAVANA – Five days after his release for health reasons, a former Cuban political prisoner added his name to a letter signed by nearly 500 opposition activists decrying proposed legislation that would lift the U.S. travel ban to their country.
The letter, e-mailed to foreign reporters in Havana … Original article on : Nearly 500 little-known Cuban dissidents oppose US proposal to lift travel ban to Cuba.

Notice from the President on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Russian Highly Enriched Uranium

NOTICE
- – - – - – -
CONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY WITH RESPECT
TO THE RISK OF NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION CREATED BY THE
ACCUMULATION OF WEAPONS-USABLE FISSILE MATERIAL IN THE
TERRITORY OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

 On June 21, 2000, the President issued Executive Order 13159 (the "order") blocking property and interests in property of the Government of the Russian Federation …. Source article  : Notice from the President on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Russian Highly Enriched Uranium.

Message from the President on the Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Russian Highly Enriched Uranium

TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:
 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 … Read more »».

Press Briefing by the Vice President and Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 6/17/2010

2:12 P.M. EDT
MR. GIBBS:  Good afternoon, folks.  Is this working?  All right.  You recognize our special guest.  I want to turn this over to Vice President Biden.

THE VICE PRESIDENT:  You act surprised.  (Laughter.)  Well, I’m glad to see the reverence for the vice presidency still exists.  (Laughter.) 
Hey, folks, I’m here to talk about the Recovery … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Press Briefing by the Vice President and Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 6/17/2010.

Rahul Gandhi’s 40th birthday grand affair in Uttar Pradesh

LUCKNOW – The Congress in Uttar Pradesh Saturday took out marches and organised blood-donation camps, besides distributing sweets, fruits and medicines amongst the poor on the occasion of party general secretary Rahul Gandhi’s 40th birthday.

Congress workers also used the occasion to garner support for the party for the 2012 assembly elections in the state … Read more »»».

Ensure end use of Indian funds for Lankan Tamils: Jayalalithaa

CHENNAI – AIADMK general secretary J. Jayalalithaa Saturday wondered about the status of Rs.500 crore given by India for resettling Sri Lankan Tamils and listed out the steps needed to ease the sufferings of the minority community in the island nation.
In a statement issued here, Jayalalithaa said: “The Indian government has announced payment … Read : Ensure end use of Indian funds for Lankan Tamils: Jayalalithaa.

‘No locus standi’ on Anderson’s release: Arjun Singh

NEW DELHI – Breaking his silence, former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Arjun Singh has said he has “no locus standi” on the issue of then Union Carbide chief Warren Anderson being allowed to leave India after the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy.

“I have no locus standi on the issue,” Arjun Singh, a senior Congress leader, told … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : ‘No locus standi’ on Anderson’s release: Arjun Singh.

Cameron to meet Manmohan in Toronto before Delhi visit

LONDON – British Prime Minister David Cameron is expected to finalise details of his visit to India, that will be preceded by a string of ministerial and high-level visits from London, when he formally meets Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Toronto, Canada on June 27 on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit.
Both …. Source  : Cameron to meet Manmohan in Toronto before Delhi visit.

Gunmen kill 3 anti-al-Qaida Sunni fighters south of Baghdad, Iraqi officials say

Gunmen kill 3 anti-al-Qaida Sunni fighters in Iraq

BAGHDAD – Gunmen sped up to a checkpoint and opened fire Saturday, killing three anti-al-Qaida Sunni fighters south of Baghdad, officials said.
The attack occurred a day after more than 30 people were killed in a wave of violence targeting government officials, Iraqi security forces and those seen as …. Original article  : Gunmen kill 3 anti-al-Qaida Sunni fighters south of Baghdad, Iraqi officials say.

US envoy in riot-hit Kyrgyzstan, meets interim leader about getting refugees safely back home

US envoy in riot-hit Kyrgyzstan for talks
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan – A top U.S. envoy has arrived in Kyrgyzstan to meet officials a day after the interim leader said up to 2,000 people may have died in the ethnic clashes that have rocked the country’s south.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Robert Blake is holding meetings with Interim …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Angry Nitish returns flood relief money to Gujarat

PATNA – Miffed over advertisements featuring him and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and referring to the aid provided by Gujarat during the 2008 Kosi floods, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Saturday returned the Rs.5 crore that had been given for the purpose.

Exactly a week ago, Nitish Kumar had threatened to return the “unutilised money” …. Original article  : Angry Nitish returns flood relief money to Gujarat.

Poor Bihar’s ministers spent Rs.47 lakh on petrol

PATNA – Fourteen ministers in Bihar, one of India’s poorest and most economically backward states, spent a whopping Rs.47.34 lakh on petrol in about 19 months, a querry under the Right to Information (RTI) Act has revealed.

The details of expenses by 14 ministers were made public Saturday by the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). … Original source on Gaea Times at : Poor Bihar’s ministers spent Rs.47 lakh on petrol.

Chittagong loss creates rift in Bangladesh’s ruling Awami League

DHAKA – Bangladesh’s ruling Awami League’s loss in the all important Chittagong city corporation polls has triggered differences within the party with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina congratulating the opposition-backed winner, calling it a “victory of democracy”.
Hasina’s arch rival and opposition leader Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) scored a major upset when its … Original source on Gaea Times at : Chittagong loss creates rift in Bangladesh’s ruling Awami League.

High court nominee’s e-mails show flair for politics, but little tolerance for lofty rhetoric

Kagan’s e-mails show dry wit, political savvy

WASHINGTON – Newly released e-mails from Elena Kagan’s time as an aide to President Bill Clinton portray the Supreme Court nominee as a driven and opinionated person with a flair for political tactics and little tolerance for high-flying rhetoric.
The e-mails – among tens of thousands of pages of her … Read this article on Gaea Times at : High court nominee’s e-mails show flair for politics, but little tolerance for lofty rhetoric.

GoM on Bhopal begins second day meeting

NEW DELHI – The Group of Ministers (GoM) on the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy began its second day of deliberations here Saturday to discuss the legal, environmental and health issues relating to the world’s worst industrial disaster.
The GoM is scheduled to have two sessions Saturday and discussions will continue Sunday. It is expected …. Read the original article  : GoM on Bhopal begins second day meeting.

Nitish snubs Modi, returns Kosi flood aid

The Bihar government today returned Rs 5 crore aid to the Gujarat government given to the flood victims during the 2008 Kosi disaster, indicating further coldness in relations between the JD-U and the BJP.

Both are coalition partners in the ruling Nitish Kumar-led NDA government in Bihar.
“The whole issue was against our secular image, so we … Original article on : Nitish snubs Modi, returns Kosi flood aid.

Labor MPs ‘mutiny on the bounty’ against Oz PM Kevin Rudd’s leadership

MELBOURNE – To make way for Julia Gillard as early as next week, key Labor MPs are reportedly preparing to move against Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s leadership.

Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard however said on Friday, that she had not been approached to run for the leadership and that Rudd had made it clear he …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Labor MPs ‘mutiny on the bounty’ against Oz PM Kevin Rudd’s leadership.

BJP has to grapple with old friends, sulking allies (Comment)

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is in the throes of change. While several former members like Jaswant Singh and Ram Jethmalani are returning to the party, some of its allies are showing signs of restiveness.

The latest person who seems to have become somewhat edgy in the BJP’s company is one of the major figures … Read this article on Gaea Times at : BJP has to grapple with old friends, sulking allies (Comment).

Rahul Gandhi Turns 40

NEW DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Rahul Gandhi, the general secretary of the Congress party and the son of party President Sonia Gandhi turns 40 today. Although many might presume that Rahul Gandhi’s birthday would be marked by extensive celebrations in the national capital, it is said to be unclear whether the Congress general secretary would …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Rahul Gandhi Turns 40.

Abbas’ Fatah Party in disarray, afraid of election even with main rival, Hamas, out of picture

Canceled West Bank vote affirms Fatah decline

RAMALLAH, West Bank – The Palestinian party expected to help deliver a Mideast peace deal is in such disarray these days, it’s afraid to compete in an election even with its main rival out of the picture.
Next month’s municipal balloting in the West Bank should have handed an easy …. Read the original article  : here.

Record number of Indian-Americans seeking political office _ and a balance between old and new

Record number of Indian candidates seeking office

A new wave of Indian-American candidates are running for high-profile office across the country. At least eight children of Indian immigrants are running for Congress, governor or attorney general – the most ever.
The star of this trend is Nikki Haley, born Nimrata Nikki Randhawa (nim-RAH’-tah NICK’-ee rahn-DAH’-wah). She’s favored …. Original source  : Record number of Indian-Americans seeking political office _ and a balance between old and new.

Myanmar democracy icon marks 65th birthday in confinement amid global calls for her freedom

Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi turns 65 in confinement
YANGON, Myanmar – Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi marked her 65th birthday Saturday locked in her dilapidated lakeside compound as calls for her freedom erupted around the world.
President Barack Obama and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon demanded …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Myanmar democracy icon marks 65th birthday in confinement amid global calls for her freedom.

Canadian PM to host Manmohan Singh after G-20 summit

TORONTO – In an acknowledgement of India’s rising importance, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced Friday he will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after the end of the G-20 summit here June 27.
Singh, who is the first Indian prime minister to visit Canada in more than a decade, will …. Original article  : Canadian PM to host Manmohan Singh after G-20 summit.

UN seeks over $71 mn for relief in Kyrgyzstan

NEW YORK – The UN has asked governments for more than $71 million to provide life-saving assistance to over one million people displaced or affected by the fighting in Kyrgyzstan.

An estimated 300,000 people have been displaced by the conflict in southern Kyrgyzstan in the past week and up to 765,300 others are otherwise affected, including …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Cameron cabinet’s happy marriages record blemished

LONDON – The record of British Prime Minister David Cameron’s cabinet as a group of happily married members with the least number of divorcees took a beating as Energy and Climate Change Secretary Chris Huhne confirmed he is separating from his wife of 25 years and is in a relationship with another woman.

The …. Original article  : Cameron cabinet’s happy marriages record blemished.

Bhopal panel meets for third day, discusses environmental issues

NEW DELHI – The ministerial panel on the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy met here for the third day Sunday to deliberate on the areas that require attention to provide relief to people affected by the world’s worst industrial disaster.
The Group of Ministers (GoM), headed by Home Minister P. Chidambaram met once Friday and …. Read the original article  : Bhopal panel meets for third day, discusses environmental issues.

Nitish should sever ties with BJP: CPI

NEW DELHI – The Communist Party of India (CPI) Sunday backed Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s decision to return to Gujarat the Rs.5 crore given for flood relief, terming it an act of “self-respect of Bihar”.

S. Sudhakar Reddy, deputy general secretary of the CPI, said it was high time that Nitish Kumar and his Janata Dal-United … Read more »».

BJP flays Nitish Kumar over Gujarat aid money

LUCKNOW – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Sunday condemned Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for returning Rs.5 crore aid money to Gujarat, saying it shows “narrow-mindedness and petty politics”.

“It is unfortunate. Nitish Kumar should accept his mistake,” senior BJP leader Kalraj Mishra told reporters here.
He said by returning the aid money that Gujarat had … Original source on Gaea Times at : BJP flays Nitish Kumar over Gujarat aid money.

Utah GOP Senate candidates struggle to differentiate themselves following Bennett’s defeat

GOP Senate opponents struggle to differentiate

SALT LAKE CITY – After ending Sen. Bob Bennett’s bid for a fourth term, Utah’s two remaining GOP Senate candidates are struggling to differentiate themselves.
Businessman Tim Bridgewater and attorney Mike Lee vaulted from political obscurity by running to Bennett’s right at the GOP state convention May 8. Their strategy – …. Original article  : Utah GOP Senate candidates struggle to differentiate themselves following Bennett’s defeat.

Dhaka to start parliament TV channel

DHAKA – Bangladesh will this year-end join select democracies worldwide to have a separate television channel to telecast parliament proceedings.

The dry run would start next month for the new satellite TV channel, Information Minister Abul Kalam Azad said.
Called “Sangsad Bangladesh”, it would begin digital terrestrial test transmission in December in Dhaka, the national capital, … Read more >>.

Publication of former China premier’s Tiananmen diary halted

HONG KONG – Publication of a diary by China’s former premier Li Peng detailing events leading up to the 1989 Beijing crackdown on democracy activists has been halted, a news report said Sunday.
Twenty thousand copies of the book were due to go into shops in Hong Kong on June 22 but publisher New …. Read the original article  : Publication of former China premier’s Tiananmen diary halted.

Pressure on Malaysian Indian politicians to quit party posts

KUALA LUMPUR – Two of Malaysia’s veteran Indian politicians are being nudged to quit their top party posts ahead of the 2013 elections. Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak has said he wants new leaders to take over constituent parties.

S. Samy Vellu, who heads the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) since 1979, had retained his post …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Pressure on Malaysian Indian politicians to quit party posts.

Sushil Kumar Modi stays away from Nitish’s people’s march

PATNA – Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi stayed away from Nitish Kumar’s ‘Vishwash Yatra’ Sunday, a day after the chief minister returned the Rs.5 crore aid given by the Gujarat government during floods in 2008.

Modi, who is believed to be close to Nitish Kumar, was scheduled to join the Vishwash … Original source on Gaea Times at : Sushil Kumar Modi stays away from Nitish’s people’s march.

Vice president is a diplomatic favourite (Capital Buzz)

NEW DELHI – Guess who is fast becoming a favourite of the diplomatic circuit, not to speak of India’s own foreign office? Vice President Hamid Ansari. The reason is he is rather well versed in delicate art of international diplomacy.

Foreign ministry officials who travel with him find he knows much more than they can tell … Read more >>.

Kyrgyzstan extends state of emergency to June 25

Bishkek, June 20 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Kyrgyzstan has extended a state of emergency in a number of districts in the Osh region to June 25, an official statement of the interim government said.

The emergency, imposed after ethnic clashes which claimed about 200 lives, was due to expire Sunday.
Violent clashes between ethnic Kyrgyz and Uzbek …. Original source  : Kyrgyzstan extends state of emergency to June 25.

Mexican ruling party leader says federal police needed to secure local elections in 14 states

Mexico ruling party: Federal police for elections

MEXICO CITY – The leader of President Felipe Calderon’s conservative party said Saturday he wants federal police to patrol 14 Mexican states that are holding local elections this year.
National Action Party leader Cesar Nava charged that state governors from the old ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party are planning to use … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Mexican ruling party leader says federal police needed to secure local elections in 14 states.

UNHCR goodwill envoy Angelina Jolie meets with Haitian, UN officials on low-profile visit

Angelina Jolie makes low-profile visit to Haiti

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Actress Angelina Jolie has quietly returned to Haiti for meetings with Haitian and U.N. officials.
The weekend visit by the “goodwill ambassador” for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was not announced to keep it low-profile.
U.N. officials confirmed the visit when asked by The Associated Press. … Read this article on Gaea Times at : UNHCR goodwill envoy Angelina Jolie meets with Haitian, UN officials on low-profile visit.

Carlos Monsivais, renowned Mexican journalist, social critic, leftist activist, dies at 72

Mexican author Carlos Monsivais dies at age 72

MEXICO CITY – Renowned Mexican journalist, critic and political activist Carlos Monsivais died Saturday at 72.
Examining his own country like a pop anthropologist, Monsivais chronicled Mexico’s historic upheavals, social trends, and literature for over 50 years. He was also known as a tireless and ubiquitous activist for leftist … Read more : Carlos Monsivais, renowned Mexican journalist, social critic, leftist activist, dies at 72.

Yemeni militants bust prisoners out of high security intelligence headquarters, killing 11

Yemeni militants kill 11 in brazen jailbreak

SAN’A, Yemen – Four suspected al-Qaida gunmen blasted their way into the intelligence headquarters of Yemen’s second largest city Saturday and freed several detainees in the group’s most spectacular operation since a U.S.-backed government crackdown began late last year.
The attack on the heavily protected security complex killed 11 and … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Yemeni militants bust prisoners out of high security intelligence headquarters, killing 11.

CPI-M asks Bengal ministers to speed up work

KOLKATA – The West Bengal secretariat of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) Saturday asked its ministers to speed up development work ahead of next year’s assembly polls.

“We discussed the reports given by various departments. We have also discussed ways for better coordination between various departments and ensure work is completed within targeted deadlines,” said … Read more »».

Cameron pays birthday tribute to Aung San Suu Kyi

LONDON – British Prime Minister David Cameron paid tribute Saturday to Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi on her 65th birthday and promised London would do everything it could to help Myanmar achieve democracy.

In an open letter, Cameron said the thoughts of Britain and of the world were with her in which it was … Original source on Gaea Times at : Cameron pays birthday tribute to Aung San Suu Kyi.

Legislatures’ presiding officers’ meet starts Sunday

New Delhi, 19 June (IANS) Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar will Sunday inaugurate the 75th conference of presiding officers of legislative bodies at the Jammu and Kashmir assembly.
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman K. Rahman Khan, Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker Karia Munda and presiding officers from all legislative bodies in India will attend the two-day … Read more >>.

Bhopal ministerial panel looking at legal options (Night Lead)

NEW DELHI – A Group of Ministers (GoM) on the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy Saturday said all issues regarding the health of the victims and legal options before the government were discussed and a final report on the corrective measures to be taken will be submitted to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Monday.
“We discussed …. Source  : Bhopal ministerial panel looking at legal options (Night Lead).

Afghanistan’s movie stars: defying the Taliban, one (bad) movie at a time

Defying the Taliban, one (bad) movie at a time

JALALABAD, Afghanistan – In real life he’s a pharmacist, a polite young man who dispenses antibiotics and advice in a tiny Jalalabad shop barely 40 miles from where Osama Bin Laden disappeared into the mountains.
But when evening falls, when Zhaid Khan shuts the pharmacy’s gates and sends … Read more : Afghanistan’s movie stars: defying the Taliban, one (bad) movie at a time.

Will wait, watch Nitish moves: Paswan

NEW DELHI – In view of the rift between Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) leader Ram Vilas Paswan has adopted a wait-and-watch approach on the developments in the poll-bound state.

“We have to see whether Nitish Kumar is enacting an electoral drama. Otherwise, why this sudden …. Original source  : Will wait, watch Nitish moves: Paswan.

Talks with PM on ULFA now Monday evening (Second Lead)

GUWAHATI – A meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the Assam-based Citizen’s Forum to explore possibilities for peace talks with the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has been rescheduled for Monday evening.
“The meeting is now rescheduled at 6.45 p.m. We have been conveyed about the fresh timing from the Prime …. Source article  : Talks with PM on ULFA now Monday evening (Second Lead).

Chhattisgarh to install GPS devices to ensure food reaches poor

RAIPUR – Chhattisgarh will install GPS devices to track the movement of vehicles carrying subsidised rice for the poor in efforts to ensure effective implementation of the Rs.1,000 crore annual food security scheme, an official said Monday.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) devices will be installed in about 600 vehicles that supply subsidised rice for …. Original source  : Chhattisgarh to install GPS devices to ensure food reaches poor.

Bhopal report ready with Anderson extradition recommendation

NEW DELHI – The ministerial panel on the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy has recommended in its report to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that former Union Carbide chief Warren Anderson’s extradition be sought from the US, Home Minister P. Chidambaram, who heads the group, said Monday.
“We have dealt with all the issues, compensation, legal … Read more »»».

Nitish Kumar, Sushil Modi avoid each other at function

PATNA – Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi avoided each other at an official function Monday, though the Janata Dal-United (JD-U) leader later chose to play down the rift between the two parties.

Both Nitish Kumar and Sushil Modi were present a function organised for the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Pak arrests TTP mastermind behind Benazir’s 2007 Karachi rally bomb blast

ISLAMABAD – Pakistani security officials have claimed arresting a Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operative who is said to be the mastermind of the suicide attack which targeted former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto’s rally in Karachi in October 2007.

An Interior Ministry spokesman confirmed Azmatullah’s arrest, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Bhopal gas tragedy: More money for victims, clean-up by state govt

NEW DELHI – The reconstituted Group of Ministers (GoM) headed by Home Minister P Chidambaram on Bhopal gas tragedy on Monday concluded its meeting after finalising recommendations for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s review

According to sources, the ministers have decided that Rs ten lakh will be given to those who lost their lives in …. Source article  : Bhopal gas tragedy: More money for victims, clean-up by state govt.

Report: Iran bans 2 IAEA inspectors from entering Iran over ‘false’ report

Iran bans 2 IAEA inspectors from entering Iran

TEHRAN, Iran – Iran said Monday it has banned two U.N. nuclear inspectors from entering the country because they disclosed to the media the contents of a “false” report on the country’s disputed nuclear program before the U.N. nuclear watchdog reviewed it.
A report posted on the Web site … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Report: Iran bans 2 IAEA inspectors from entering Iran over ‘false’ report.

Bhopal panel to submit report Monday

NEW DELHI – The ministerial panel on the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy is due to submit its report to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh later Monday with key recommendations on addressing the wrongs in the 25-year-old disaster that killed thousands.
The Group of Ministers (GoM), led by Home Minister P. Chidambaram, met for four sessions … Original article on : Bhopal panel to submit report Monday.

Dodd negotiates Wall Street regulation bill with both eyes on crucial 60 votes

Dodd: Defending a Senate bill against all comers
WASHINGTON – It was near the end of a long day and Sen. Christopher Dodd, in his shirt sleeves with 1,900 pages of proposed financial regulations stacked in front of him, had been scanning the hearing room of the House Financial Services Committee.
There were … Read more »»».

West Bengal Left Front begins 34th year in power

KOLKATA – Routed in a series of elections that have raised questions about its future, West Bengal’s Communist-led Left Front government Monday stepped into the 34th year of its uninterrupted reign.
The 33rd anniversary comes two days after Front major Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) pressed its ministers to speed up development work and … Read more »»».

Alliance with JD-U will be intact: BJP

NEW DELHI – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Monday said its alliance with the Janata Dal-United (JD-U) will be “intact” despite differences with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

“We are meeting today (Monday) to sort out the issues with the JD-U and not to aggravate it. Our alliance with the JD-U would be intact,” party spokesman …. Read the original article  : Alliance with JD-U will be intact: BJP.

GoM on Bhopal gas tragedy to submit its report to PM today

NEW DELHI – The reconstituted Group of Ministers (GoM) headed by Home Minister P Chidambaram will submit its report on Bhopal gas tragedy to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today.
The final report will decide on recommending the government on the nature of compensation package that should be handed out to the victims of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : GoM on Bhopal gas tragedy to submit its report to PM today.

India-China martial arts meet at Shaolin temple

BEIJING – Martial arts experts from China and India met at the Shaolin Temple, famous as one of the holy sites of the art of Kung fu, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Twelve Indian martial arts experts from the Nithya Chaithanya Kalari Indian martial arts training centre, founded in …. Read the original article  : India-China martial arts meet at Shaolin temple.

Conservative candidate wins Colombia presidential poll

BOGOTA – Conservative candidate Juan Manuel Santos won Colombia’s presidential runoff by a landslide Sunday.

With nearly 60 percent of the vote counted, he had 69 percent of the vote, against fellow finalist Antanas Mockus, a former Bogota mayor who had been a huge underdog in the second-round vote.
Santos, 58, a former defence minister, had …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Conservative candidate wins Colombia presidential poll.

No winner in Polish presidential elections: Exit poll

WARSAW – Exit polls suggested that there would be no clear winner in Sunday’s Polish presidential election, requiring a second round of voting.

None of the candidates got above 50 percent support as needed to win outright Sunday.
Bronislaw Komorowski of the centre-right Civic Platform party got nearly 46 percent support, exit polls conducted by TVN …. Source  : No winner in Polish presidential elections: Exit poll.

Protesters stop Israeli ship from unloading at Port of Oakland in picket against blockade

Protesters at Port of Oakland picket Israeli ship

OAKLAND, Calif. – Hundreds of protesters condemning Israel’s recent raid on an international flotilla bound for Gaza are picketing at the Port of Oakland, where an Israeli ship is due to arrive.
The demonstrators gathered Sunday to prevent the incoming ship from being unloaded. The dock’s day shift of …. Source article  : Protesters stop Israeli ship from unloading at Port of Oakland in picket against blockade.

Ex-defense minister wins Colombia presidential runoff in route over eccentric outsider

Ex-defense minister wins Colombia vote in a rout

BOGOTA, Colombia – Juan Manuel Santos, who as defense minister badly weakened leftist rebels, has won Colombia’s presidential runoff in a rout.
With 75 percent of polling stations reporting, Santos has 69 percent of the votes against 28 percent for former Bogota Mayor Antanas Mockus, an eccentric outsider and … Read more : Ex-defense minister wins Colombia presidential runoff in route over eccentric outsider.

Fearing for their lives, ethnic Uzbeks in Kyrgyzstan refuse calls to return to their homes

Ethnic Uzbeks refuse to go home in Kyrgyzstan

SURATASH, Kyrgyzstan – Thousands of ethnic Uzbeks massed on the border between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan refused to return home Sunday, saying they feared for their lives after violent pogroms and didn’t trust Kyrgyz troops to protect them.
Associated Press reporters saw some 50 Kyrgyz troops, many in armored transport …. Source  : Fearing for their lives, ethnic Uzbeks in Kyrgyzstan refuse calls to return to their homes.

Obama sets White House meetings with Saudi king, Israeli prime minister in upcoming weeks

Obama sets meetings with Saudi, Israeli leaders
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama’s latest White House meeting with Israel’s prime minister is set for July 6 – more than a month after their last one was scuttled at the last minute.
Obama and Benjamin Netanyahu (neh-ten-YAH’-hoo) had planned talks on June 1. But that fell apart …. Original source  : Obama sets White House meetings with Saudi king, Israeli prime minister in upcoming weeks.

With history, cultural ties, Haiti wraps itself in Brazilian green and yellow for World Cup

Haitians rival Brazilians in love for the Selecao

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Screams of joy sweep through the broken Haitian capital and a few celebratory gunshots echo off the rubble. Is it a new president? A returning hero? No, Brazil just scored in the World Cup.
Haitians love Brazilian soccer like almost nothing else, a half-century-old histoire d’amour …. Source article  : With history, cultural ties, Haiti wraps itself in Brazilian green and yellow for World Cup.

BJP ministers likely to boycott cabinet meeting

PATNA – With the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) set to meet in New Delhi to decide its future with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, BJP ministers are likely to boycott a cabinet meeting here Tuesday.

A day after the BJP said its alliance with the Janata Dal-United (JD-U) was intact, the BJP ministers in Bihar are … Read more >>>.

Security forces patrol near Thai Buddhist temple as slain Thai protest leader mourned

Police patrol as slain Thai protest leader mourned

BANGKOK – Security forces converged on a Buddhist temple in Thailand’s capital where thousands of mourners were expected to pay their final respects Tuesday to a renegade general assassinated at the height of last month’s anti-government protests.
Police feared the cremation of Maj. Gen. Khattiya Sawasdiphol, shot in the …. Read the original article  : here.

Tea party movement split on which candidate to support in Utah Republican Senate primary

Tea party split in Utah Republican Senate primary
SALT LAKE CITY – Utah tea party supporters united in May to achieve one goal: defeat three-term U.S. Sen. Bob Bennett at the Republican state convention.
They succeeded in that, but settling on his successor has proved harder.
Illustrating how fractured the tea party movement is … Read more >>.

Jerry Brown’s campaign tale of frugality overlooks his $1.8 million home, with view of SF Bay

Brown’s tale of frugality omits $1.8 million home

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – When he takes to the campaign trail in California, Jerry Brown is fond of reminding voters that he shunned the governor’s mansion in Sacramento in favor of a rented apartment during his first tour in the executive office.
Brown also likes to say he lived in …. Source  : Jerry Brown’s campaign tale of frugality overlooks his $1.8 million home, with view of SF Bay.

Correction: Thailand Politics story

Correction: Thailand Politics story
BANGKOK – In a June 8 story about Red Shirt protest leaders, The Associated Press erroneously reported the name of one of men who was granted bail. He is Karun Hosakul, not Karun Hongsakul.
…. Source  : Correction: Thailand Politics story.

France’s ex-1st lady holds NY forum on women’s causes from sex slavery to prisoners’ babies

Remade in NY: French ex-1st lady has new life
NEW YORK – As first lady of France, Cecilia Sarkozy sat in a desert tent with Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi, winning the release of five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor sentenced to death on charges of injecting children with HIV.
Three years later, she’s a …. Read the original article  : here.

Obama expanding shes incremental changes for gays, finds tepid response from activists

Obama inches toward gay agenda
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is chipping away at his long list of promises to gay voters but has yet to earn the full-throated backing of the reliably Democratic voting bloc.
The Obama White House has accomplished more than any other on gay rights, yet has drawn sharp criticism from …. Read the original article  : Obama expanding shes incremental changes for gays, finds tepid response from activists.

Obama meeting with gay activists at White House in bid to win gay community’s support

Obama meeting with gay activists at White House
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is meeting with grass-roots gay activists in the White House to remind them of all the things his administration has accomplished for them.
Obama and Vice President Joe Biden planned to meet Tuesday evening in the East Room with the group. Obama … Original article on : Obama meeting with gay activists at White House in bid to win gay community’s support.

Neb. city’s new ban on hiring illegal immigrants could be costly even if it never takes effect

Neb. city votes to restrict illegal immigration

FREMONT, Neb. – The eastern Nebraska city of Fremont will likely join Arizona at the center of the national debate about immigration regulations after voters approved a ban on hiring or renting property to illegal immigrants, but an expected court challenge could keep the measure from ever taking effect.
The … Read more >>.

CPI-M, Congress activists clash for regional supremacy in West Bengal

ISLAMPUR – Activists of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) and the Congress party clashed at Sujali village near Islampur in West Bengal in a bid to assert their influence in the area.

The violent clash took place on Monday in which rival supporters even resorted to firing at each other and the police.

Kamal Nath … Read more »».

Assam delegation urges PM to revive peace talks with ULFA

NEW DELHI – A six-member delegation of All Assam Convention for Revival of Talks’ has met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and asked him to revive peace talks between the Government and the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA).

The delegation also discussed the possible release of jailed ULFA leaders to boost peace talks.

Addressing … Read : Assam delegation urges PM to revive peace talks with ULFA.

BJP disappointed with Bhopal panel report

NEW DELHI – Bharatiya Janata Party has expressed its displeasure over the Group of Ministers (GoM) report on the 1984 Bhopal gas disaster.

Party spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain demanded an explanation from the Congress on the safe passage given to former Union Carbide chief Warren Anderson.

‘There is no mention of who helped Anderson get …. Source  : BJP disappointed with Bhopal panel report.

Top US general in Afghan war apologizes for profile in which he accused ambassador of betrayal

Top general in Afghan war apologizes for profile
WASHINGTON – The top U.S. war commander in Afghanistan apologized Tuesday for an interview in which he said he felt betrayed by the man the White House chose to be his diplomatic partner, Ambassador Karl Eikenberry.
The article in this week’s issue of Rolling …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Top US general in Afghan war apologizes for profile in which he accused ambassador of betrayal.

US commander in Afghanistan apologizes for article that paints him as critical of White House

US commander in Afghanistan apologizes for article

KABUL, Afghanistan – The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan has apologized for a magazine profile in which he criticizes the U.S. administration.
An article out this week in “Rolling Stone” magazine depicts Gen. Stanley McChrystal as a lone wolf on the outs with many important figures in the Obama administration … Original source on Gaea Times at : US commander in Afghanistan apologizes for article that paints him as critical of White House.

UN Security Council reform inevitable: Brazil

RIO DE JANEIRO – The structure of United Nations Security Council reflects the reality of 65 years ago and a reform in the world body is inevitable, Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim has said.

The UN Security Council should make changes to reflect the current global situation as its structure reflects the reality of 65 …. Source  : UN Security Council reform inevitable: Brazil.

Colombia president-elect gets congratulations from Venezuela, Ecuador, hinting at better ties

Correa warms to Colombia’s president-elect

BOGOTA, Colombia – Colombia’s president-elect was congratulated by Venezuela on Monday while a friendly phone call from Ecuador’s president suggested the prospect of re-established ties between the neighbors.
Juan Manuel Santos won Sunday’s runoff by the largest margin in modern Colombian history: 69 percent against 28 percent for Antanas Mockus, an eccentric …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Colombia president-elect gets congratulations from Venezuela, Ecuador, hinting at better ties.

Neb. town, angered by influx of meatpacking workers, approves illegal immigration restrictions

Neb. town votes to restrict illegal immigration

FREMONT, Neb. – Voters in the eastern Nebraska city of Fremont on Monday approved a ban on hiring or renting property to illegal immigrants, the latest proposal in a series of immigration regulations taken up by communities around the country.
About 57 percent of voters in Fremont supported the proposal, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Neb. town, angered by influx of meatpacking workers, approves illegal immigration restrictions.

Preliminary results show Neb. city supporting illegal immigration restrictions

Neb. city voting on illegal immigration rules

FREMONT, Neb. – Preliminary results show many voters in the eastern Nebraska city of Fremont support a ban on hiring or renting property to illegal immigrants.
With about 50 percent of votes counted, about 59 percent of residents were supporting the measure in Monday’s special election. Full results were not …. Read the original article  : here.

Nevada Senate candidate Sharron Angle hires national media firm for Sen. Harry Reid race

Nevada’s Angle campaign hires national media firm

LOS ANGELES – Nevada Senate candidate Sharron Angle has hired another key player for her campaign against Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
Angle’s TV and radio ads will be crafted by national Republican media firm BrabenderCox.
Angle is a tea party favorite and the firm has a record of working with … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Nevada Senate candidate Sharron Angle hires national media firm for Sen. Harry Reid race.

Former union minister Digvijay Singh dies in London

NEW DELHI – Former union minister and Lok Sabha MP from Bihar Digvijay Singh passed away in a hospital in London, a member of his personal staff said here Thursday. He was 54.

“He died at the St. Thomas Hospital London,” his aide S.K. Mishra said.
Digvijay Singh, a former Janata Dal-United (JD-U) leader, won …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Former union minister Digvijay Singh dies in London.

Manali-Leh highway to shut June 28

SHIMLA – The Manali-Leh highway will be closed June 28 when United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi visits Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district, an official said Thursday.
“Sonia Gandhi is coming to lay the foundation stone of Rohtang Tunnel in the Solang Valley,” Deputy Commissioner B.M. Nanta told IANS on telephone from Kullu town. …. Read the original article  : Manali-Leh highway to shut June 28.

2 damaged candidates in Illinois Senate race after revelation of exaggerated military claims

Navy exaggerations damage Ill. Senate candidate

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Republican Mark Kirk has stepped on a political landmine of his own creation, leaving him as damaged as his Democratic opponent in the race for an Illinois Senate seat once held by President Barack Obama.
Kirk, a 21-year veteran in the Navy Reserve, was caught exaggerating his military … Read : 2 damaged candidates in Illinois Senate race after revelation of exaggerated military claims.

Complicated portrait of Blagojevich emerges from FBI tapes played at corruption trial

Shades of Blagojevich come through in FBI tapes
CHICAGO – A complicated picture of Rod Blagojevich is emerging from FBI tapes being played at the former Illinois governor’s corruption trial.
His former chief of staff, John Harris, has been on the stand all week and is expected to be called again Thursday. But it’s the … Read more >>.

Relief greets Obama’s choice of Gen. Petraeus as new Afghanistan war commander

Relief greets Obama pick for new war commander
KABUL, Afghanistan – America’s Afghan and international allies embraced the choice of Gen. David Petraeus to run the war in Afghanistan, hoping the architect of the Iraq surge will seamlessly pursue the strategy laid down by his predecessor and smooth over divisions that led to his …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Canadian PM issues unqualified apology to kin of Air India victims

TORONTO – Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Wednesday issued an unqualified apology to the relatives of the victims of the Air India plane bombing of 1985.

The powerful and emotional apology was issued on the 25th anniversary of the tragedy in Toronto.

“I will make no attempt to make any sense of it. This was …. Read the original article  : here.

PM Harper’s Kanishka crash apology stirs strong emotions among Indo-Canadians

Surrey (British Columbia, Canada)/TORONTO – Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s apology about the Air India disaster reverberated across the country, stirring strong emotions among a new generation of Indo-Canadians.

“It means a lot,” said Romy Jassal, who was only seven at the time of the terrorist bomb explosion.

“I respect it, just in memory of those who [..] Read the original article: here.

Not in wildest dreams, says dad of new Australian PM

SYDNEY – The father of Julia Gillard, who became Australia’s first female prime minister Thursday, said he was elated but he had not anticipated “anything like this” in his wildest dreams.

John Gillard told reporters at his Adelaide home Thursday that he was “elated, excited, mindful of the enormous job ahead of binding the party together”. …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Hong Kong passes Beijing-backed electoral reforms that critics say will delay democracy

Hong Kong passes Beijing-backed electoral reforms

HONG KONG – Hong Kong legislators have approved Beijing-backed electoral reforms that critics say will delay democracy in this former British colony.
The proposals that expand Hong Kong’s 800-member leader selection committee to 1,200 people received 46 votes for and 13 against. Pro-democracy legislators who oppose the bill say the changes … Read more »».

Geelani booked under Public Safety Act

SRINAGAR – The crackdown on separatists in Jammu and Kashmir continued Thursday as hardliner Syed Ali Geelani was booked under the Public Safety Act while moderate Mirwaiz Umer Farooq was put under house arrest.

“Geelani has been booked for provocative speeches inciting youths to violence. We have booked him under the Public Safety Act. I have … Read more >>>.

Julia Gillard becomes Australia’s first female Prime Minister

CANBERRA J – Julia Gillard became Australia’s first female Prime Minister after Kevin Rudd stepped down in tears as the ruling Labour Party’s leader at the ballot meeting.

Governor-General Quentin Bryce will swear her in as the Prime Minister at 12.30pm (AEST).

Ms. Gillard was unanimously elected to the post.

Kevin Rudd became emotional as … Original source on Gaea Times at : Julia Gillard becomes Australia’s first female Prime Minister.

Jaswant Singh to rejoin BJP

NEW DELHI – Lok Sabha MP and former external affairs minister Jaswant Singh will rejoin the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) later Thursday, a party spokesman said.

He will be admitted into the party in the presence of senior leader L.K. Advani and party president Nitin Gadkari, spokesman Ramnath Kovind told IANS.
Jaswant Singh’s reinduction into the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

CEOs of Disney, Boeing, Hewlett-Packard join NYC mayor to advocate for immigration reform

NYC mayor, major CEOs lobby for immigration reform

NEW YORK – Chief executives of several major corporations such as Boeing, Disney and Hewlett-Packard are joining New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg to form a coalition advocating for immigration reform.
Their goals include a path to legal status for all undocumented immigrants now in the United States.
The group includes …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : CEOs of Disney, Boeing, Hewlett-Packard join NYC mayor to advocate for immigration reform.

Thousands of Palestinians live in fear of being expelled as Israel tightens rules on movement

Fearing expulsion, Palestinians stay home
JENIN, West Bank – The Helou family is so worried about getting expelled to Gaza by Israeli authorities that they’re all but trapped in this West Bank town. They couldn’t even leave to get their disabled son the best possible surgery to let him walk.

Some 20,000 Palestinians in the West Bank …. Source  : Thousands of Palestinians live in fear of being expelled as Israel tightens rules on movement.

India to press Pakistan for anti-terror action

ISLAMABAD – The foreign secretaries of India and Pakistan will Thursday hold talks on all issues, including terrorism and Kashmir, the first such effort at their level after the Bhutan thaw to explore trust-building steps to revive the bilateral dialogue.
Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao will have delegation-level talks with her Pakistani counterpart Salman … Read more >>>.

Homeland Security to use unmanned surveillance aircraft along US-Mexico border

Homeland Security to use drones along border

WASHINGTON – The Homeland Security Department will use unmanned surveillance aircraft and other technological upgrades in its ongoing effort to protect the southern border of the United States.
The department said Wednesday it has obtained Federal Aviation Administration permission to operate unmanned planes along the Texas border and throughout the … Original article on : Homeland Security to use unmanned surveillance aircraft along US-Mexico border.

Divisions in Hong Kong pro-democracy camp widen in political reform debate

Hong Kong Democrats split in political reform vote

HONG KONG – A second Hong Kong Democrat defied his party Thursday and said he will vote against Beijing-backed political reforms, as divisions among the former British colony’s political opposition widened on the second day of debate on an election bill.
With the Chinese government preferring gradual changes to … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Divisions in Hong Kong pro-democracy camp widen in political reform debate.

We are sorry, says Canada 25 years after Air India bombing

TORONTO – In a historic step on the 25th anniversary of the Air India bombing Wednesday, Canada formally accepted blame for the tragedy and apologised to the victim families.

“We are sorry… your pain is our pain… as you grieve so we grieve,” Prime Minister Stephen Harper told the victim families at a memorial service here. …. Original source  : We are sorry, says Canada 25 years after Air India bombing.

Australia’s ruling party ousts Kevin Rudd, installs first woman prime minister

Australia gets its 1st female PM as Rudd ousted

CANBERRA, Australia – A sudden revolt within Australia’s ruling party gave the country its first woman prime minister, who promised Thursday to safeguard her government’s reforms in education, health and industrial law.
Julia Gillard had been deputy to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd since their Labor Party swept to … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Australia’s ruling party ousts Kevin Rudd, installs first woman prime minister.

Tulalip Tribes member Tracie Stevens to head National Indian Gaming Commission

Senate confirms new Indian gaming commission chair

WASHINGTON – The Senate has confirmed a member of the Tulalip Tribes in Washington state as chairwoman of the National Indian Gaming Commission.
Tracie Stevens most recently served as senior adviser to Assistant Interior Secretary for Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk. She also has worked in various capacities for her … Read more >>>.

Details of British-US Cold War intelligence-sharing pact made public

Details of Cold War intelligence pact published

LONDON – Details of the sweeping intelligence sharing pact struck between the United States and Britain at the dawn of the Cold War were made public for the first time Friday, laying bare the details of an unprecedented espionage arrangement.
The 1946 UKUSA agreement – a secret deal to not … Read more : Details of British-US Cold War intelligence-sharing pact made public.

Hundreds of Romanians try to storm palace presidential palace to protest austerity measures

Hundreds of Romanians try to storm palace
BUCHAREST, Romania – Dozens of Romanians have tried to storm the presidential palace to protest austerity measures.

Anti-riot police repelled those who tried to force their way past barricades into the 17th century palace.
Some 600 Romanians staged the protest Friday as the country’s top court was expected to rule whether … Original article on : Hundreds of Romanians try to storm palace presidential palace to protest austerity measures.

125,000 Bangladesh freedom fighters to get higher allowance

DHAKA – The Bangladesh government has announced higher allowance for 125,000 people who participated in the country’s freedom movement against Pakistan in 1971.
The amount is being raised from Taka 1,500 ($21.50) to Taka 2,000 from July 1, beginning of the next fiscal, State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Captain (retd) A.B. Tajul Islam …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 125,000 Bangladesh freedom fighters to get higher allowance.

Hong Kong passes 2nd set of electoral changes critics say boost undemocratic political system

Hong Kong votes to add elected legislative seats

HONG KONG – Hong Kong’s legislature on Friday agreed to add 10 elected seats, completing a set of Beijing-backed electoral changes that critics say reinforce the territory’s undemocratic political system.
The legislators approved the proposed changes by a vote of 46-12, concluding a three-day marathon debate. On Thursday, they … Read more : Hong Kong passes 2nd set of electoral changes critics say boost undemocratic political system.

Ex-Detroit Mayor Kilpatrick’s legal troubles could burden mother’s re-election bid to Congress

Congresswoman balances son’s troubles, campaign

DETROIT – U.S. Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick of Detroit is waging another re-election campaign while her son, Detroit’s former mayor, faces big legal trouble.
Already jailed for a probation violation, Kwame Kilpatrick was indicted this week on federal fraud and tax charges.
His problems could make his mother vulnerable in the Aug. 3 …. Read the original article  : here.

World leaders agree to disagree on best economic strategy to focus on other issues at summit

Leaders differ on how to nurture a global recovery

TORONTO – World leaders are having serious differences over the best way to nurture a fragile global economic recovery, so much so that they are agreeing to disagree in a variety of key areas to move on to other subjects.
Three days of talks are set to begin …. Read the original article  : World leaders agree to disagree on best economic strategy to focus on other issues at summit.

With jobs agenda stymied, congressional Democrats settle for short term fix for Medicare

Dems settle for Medicare fix as jobs bill falters

WASHINGTON – Congressional Democrats are looking for ways to salvage their election-year jobs agenda after the Senate failed to pass a bill extending unemployment payments.
Senate Democrats cut billions from the bill to attract enough Republican votes, but they fell three votes short Thursday of the 60 required …. Original article  : With jobs agenda stymied, congressional Democrats settle for short term fix for Medicare.

Arizona law revives immigration issue politicians had hoped to avoid in election year

Arizona law revives dormant immigration issue
TUCSON, Ariz. – With the scrawl of a pen, Republican Gov. Jan Brewer awakened a dormant – but politically explosive – issue of illegal immigration, sending shock waves across the political spectrum in an election year when both parties had hoped to sidestep …. Original article  : Arizona law revives immigration issue politicians had hoped to avoid in election year.

Majority of Australians blame Kevin Rudd for historic change

CANBERRA – A poll has revealed that one in two Australian people surveyed blamed former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd for the historic change in the country, while another one-third pointed a finger at the Labor Party.

Rudd stepped down as Prime Minister after Julia Gillard was unanimously elected to the post on Thursday.

The poll further … Read more : Majority of Australians blame Kevin Rudd for historic change.

G-20 Summit to deliberate on strong, sustainable and balanced growth: PM

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Friday said the G- 20 Summit is expected to deliberate on a framework for strong, sustainable and balanced growth.

Prior to his departure to Canada, Dr Singh said: “India will participate in this exercise and project our expectations from the global economic and financial system, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : G-20 Summit to deliberate on strong, sustainable and balanced growth: PM.

Gillard assures Obama of Australia’s support for military campaign in Afghanistan

SYDNEY – On the first day as the Prime Minister of Australia, Julia Gillard telephoned US President Barack Obama to assure him that Australia will continue to support the military campaign in Afghanistan.

She assured Obama that Australia’s approach to the NATO-led coalition’s campaign would be the same as it was under former Prime … Read : Gillard assures Obama of Australia’s support for military campaign in Afghanistan.

Bihar bids goodbye to muscle-men, says Nitish

PATNA – Bihar is changing, and its youth no longer look up to ‘Bahubalis’ (muscle-men) as their role models, says Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

Instead, the young admire people with clean records and those who have contributed positively to the society, the chief minister said on his blog.
The veteran politician said he had observed the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Bihar bids goodbye to muscle-men, says Nitish.

Sushil Modi joins Nitish’s ‘Vishwash Yatra’

PATNA – Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi joined Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s ‘Vishwash Yatra’ Friday, indicating an end to the rift between their parties.

Nitish Kumar and Modi left for Aurangabad district as part of the programme ahead of assembly elections in October. The two are also slated to visit Gaya district later Friday, …. Source  : Sushil Modi joins Nitish’s ‘Vishwash Yatra’.

Gillard not to move into Australian PM residence

MELBOURNE – Australia’s new Prime Minister Julia Gillard, who lives in a simple brick bungalow near an Indian take-away, will not be moving into her official residence — for now.

Gillard said she would not move into the prime minister’s residence, The Lodge, till she was elected by the people. “I am very happy in my … Original source on Gaea Times at : Gillard not to move into Australian PM residence.

Manmohan to pitch for durable, balanced growth at G20

NEW DELHI – India will pitch for “durable, balanced and sustainable” global growth at the G20 summit in Toronto to meet its developmental goals, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Friday ahead of his departure for Canada where he will meet a host of world leaders.
“The (June 26-27) summit is expected to deliberate on …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Manmohan to pitch for durable, balanced growth at G20.

Chidambaram clears release of four Pakistani prisoners

NEW DELHI – Ahead of his visit to Islamabad Friday, Home Minister P. Chidambaram set a positive tone by clearing the release of four Pakistanis in Indian prisons, reciprocating a goodwill gesture by Islamabad.
“The home minister has approved the release of four Pakistani prisoners as a gesture of goodwill,” the home ministry …. Source  : Chidambaram clears release of four Pakistani prisoners.

Tight security ahead of Gandhi’s visit

SHIMLA – Security has been tightened in Himachal Pradesh ahead of United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s trip to Kullu district Monday.
Gandhi, who also heads the Congress party, will lay the foundation stone of Rohtang Tunnel beneath the Rohtang Pass (13,050 feet), the gateway to Lahaul and Spiti district. She will then …. Original article  : Tight security ahead of Gandhi’s visit.

Left should not have withdrawn support to UPA on n-deal: Bardhan (Interview) (Repeating for all needing)

NEW DELHI – Communist Party of India (CPI) general secretary A.B. Bardhan now says the Left should not have withdrawn support to the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) in 2008 over the Indo-US nuclear deal and instead thought of a more “popularly convincing reason” for parting ways with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s government.
He also …. Source article  : Left should not have withdrawn support to UPA on n-deal: Bardhan (Interview) (Repeating for all needing).

Malaysia bans political cartoons critical of government; artist vows to keep drawing

Malaysia bans political cartoons critical of gov’t

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Malaysia banned three works of political cartoons that criticize the government, but one of the artists said Friday he was obligated to highlight issues other cartoonists would not.
The government said the cartoons in two books and a magazine posed a security threat.
Malaysia has banned dozens … Read more >>.

US visas pose ‘appallingly pervasive problem’

WASHINGTON – A day after India raised the issue of visas for Indian professionals and skilled workers, a senior US official acknowledged that visas posed an “appallingly pervasive problem” in science and technology cooperation.
“Visas have been an appallingly pervasive problem in science and technology cooperation,” said Dr John P Holdren, advisor to the … Read more >>>.

Most Aussies want to have beer with Oz PM Julia Gillard: Study

MELBOURNE – A survey has found that a majority of Australians would rather have a beer with new Prime Minister Julia Gillard than Opposition Leader Tony Abbott.

The exclusive Galaxy poll conducted nationwide showed that Gillard, 48, came way ahead of Abbott, 52, where personality traits were concerned.

“By a factor of around two to one she …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Most Aussies want to have beer with Oz PM Julia Gillard: Study.

Dick Cheney Hospitalized After Illness

WASHINGTON (GaeaTimes.com)- Dick Cheney, the former Vice President of United States who is counted among one of the most influential and strong Vice Presidents ever in the history of the United States politics, has once again been admitted to the hospital on Friday. The spokesman of Dick Cheney, Peter Long has said to …. Read the original article  : Dick Cheney Hospitalized After Illness.

AP Interview: US diplomat warns Turkey of eroding support, urges show of commitment to West

US: Turkey must demonstrate commitment to West
WASHINGTON – The United States is warning Turkey that it is alienating U.S. supporters and needs to demonstrate its commitment to partnership with the West.
The remarks by Philip Gordon, the Obama administration’s top diplomat on European affairs, were a rare admonishment of a crucial NATO ally.
“We think … Read more : AP Interview: US diplomat warns Turkey of eroding support, urges show of commitment to West.

World leaders moving to discussions of nuclear threats posed by Iran and North Korea

World summit turning attention to nuclear threats
HUNTSVILLE, Ontario – After failing to resolve their differences on economic strategy, world leaders are turning their attention to grappling with some of the globe’s toughest foreign policy problems.
President Barack Obama and other leaders of the Group of Eight countries meeting in Canada were to open their …. Read the original article  : World leaders moving to discussions of nuclear threats posed by Iran and North Korea.

SAARC meet begins

ISLAMABAD – Home ministers of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) began a meeting here Saturday.
The issue of counter-terrorism will top the conference agenda along with implementation of recommendations to enhance cooperation among member countries, Geo news reported.
Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik is chairing the conference, attended by Indian Home …. Read the original article  : SAARC meet begins.

Manmohan Singh leaves for Toronto to packed schedule

FRANKFURT – Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh left for Toronto for the G-20 Summit Saturday and Sunday where he is also set to hold talks with a host of world leaders, including US President Barack Obama, and sign a bilateral nuclear cooperation pact with Canada.
The prime minister’s special aircraft Air India One had …. Source  : Manmohan Singh leaves for Toronto to packed schedule.

In NYC, Britain’s Prince Harry to visit UNICEF, throw out 1st pitch at Mets-Twins game

UNICEF, Mets on tap for British prince in NYC

NEW YORK – Britain’s Prince Harry showed he can shoot. On the second day of his U.S. visit, New Yorkers get to see his arm.
After firing an M4 rifle during a training exercise Friday at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Harry was scheduled to throw … Read more »»».

Pak asks Afghanistan to stop use of its soil for fanning insurgency in Balochistan

ISLAMABAD – In an apparent reference to India’s alleged role in fanning insurgency in Balochistan, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has asked Afghanistan to ensure that its territory is not used by any other country to destabilise Pakistan.
Talking to Afghan Foreign Minister Zalmai Rassoul, Gilani said both countries must work together to … Read more : Pak asks Afghanistan to stop use of its soil for fanning insurgency in Balochistan.

Now Russian president creates buzz with Twitter

TORONTO – “Met with David Cameron. Have agreed that we’ll continue to speak in person, not just online @number10gov…” It is no buddy chat online, but Russian President Dmitry Medvedev tweeting about his day’s engagements with world leaders at the G-8 summit Friday.

The Russian head of state, who was huddled with other G-8 leaders on …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Now Russian president creates buzz with Twitter.

Afghanistan’s government reports explosion in the capital near embassies, offices

Afghan gov’t: Blast rocks Kabul’s diplomatic area

KABUL, Afghanistan – An explosion hit the Afghan capital Saturday morning in an area that is home to foreign embassies and government offices.
Zemeri Bashary, a spokesman for the Afghan Interior Ministry, said the blast occurred near the Afghan Foreign Ministry. A number of foreign embassies and offices of international …. Source  : Afghanistan’s government reports explosion in the capital near embassies, offices.

NKorea to elect new party leaders in possible campaign to elevate Kim Jong Il’s son as heir

NKorea to elect leaders amid succession campaign

SEOUL, South Korea – North Korea said Saturday it will elect new party leaders at a rare meeting in September in what analysts say could be a move to strengthen a campaign to hand over power from supreme leader Kim Jong Il to his youngest son.
Kim, who suffered an … Read : NKorea to elect new party leaders in possible campaign to elevate Kim Jong Il’s son as heir.

Obama to host African leaders in August

TORONTO – US President Barack Obama will host African leaders from countries celebrating 50 years since independence in August, an administration official said.
Obama, whose father was from Kenya, announced the White House celebration during a meeting with African leaders at the Group of Eight (G8) summit in Huntsville, Canada.
“I’ll be 49 in …. Read the original article  : here.

India pleased yet guarded on nuke group’s stand

NEW DELHI – Indian officials noted with satisfaction the statement issued by the Nuclear Suppliers’ Group (NSG) on the prospect of civil nuclear cooperation with it but were wary about the stance taken by the 46-member body on the proposed China-Pakistan nuclear deal,
Indian officials, who were closely watching the developments of … Original source on Gaea Times at : India pleased yet guarded on nuke group’s stand.

We endorse India-Pakistan dialogue: US

WASHINGTON – The United States has expressed its appreciation for the increasing dialogue between Pakistan and India, saying it’s in their self-interest and larger US interest to reduce tensions through talks.
“Just as we’ve said many, many times, we appreciate and certainly endorse increasing dialogue between Pakistan and India,” State Department spokesman Phillip … Original source on Gaea Times at : We endorse India-Pakistan dialogue: US.

Publicly funded elections starting in Hawaii despite potential legal questions

Big Island launching publicly funding elections

HONOLULU – Hawaii is moving forward with its test run of publicly funded political campaigns this election year, despite a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling against a similar setup in Arizona.
The state’s experiment with publicly funded elections starts with this fall’s Hawaii County Council contest.
According to the Campaign Spending Commission, …. Original article  : Publicly funded elections starting in Hawaii despite potential legal questions.

Ecuadorean President Correa offers to mediate guerrilla conflict in Colombia

Correa offers to mediate Colombia conflict
OTAVALO, Ecuador – Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa said Friday that he would be happy to try to mediate an end to Colombia’s long-running conflict with leftist rebels.
He also said in an interview with The Associated Press that he’d be pleased to attend the Aug. 7 inauguration of Colombian …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Appeals court panel upholds decision against German Tennis Federation in lawsuit against ATP

Court rejects ATP appeal by German Tennis group

DOVER, Del. – A federal appeals court on Friday rejected a challenge from the German Tennis Federation to a court decision that cleared the way for the ATP Tour’s tournament restructuring.
A three-judge panel of the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia affirmed a 2008 federal jury … Read more : Appeals court panel upholds decision against German Tennis Federation in lawsuit against ATP.

The G-8 Muskoka Summit: Saving Lives Through the New G-8 Maternal and Child Health Initiative

The Muskoka Initiative:  Under Canada’s leadership, the G-8 has launched the Muskoka Initiative on maternal and child health (MCH), a comprehensive and integrated approach to accelerate progress towards Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5, which seek to reduce by two-thirds the under-five child mortality rate, and reduce by three quarters the maternal mortality ratio, respectively.  …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Memorandum from the President to the Secretary of Health and Human Services Regarding H.R. 3962

SUBJECT:Providing Stability and Security for Medicare Reimbursements
I have today signed into law H.R. 3962, the "Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010", which averts a 21.3 percent reduction in the Medicare physician fee schedule and replaces it with a 2.2 percent increase through November 2010.  By this memorandum, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Memorandum from the President to the Secretary of Health and Human Services Regarding H.R. 3962.

G8 pledges $7.3 bn for poor countries

HUNTSVILLE – World leaders and donor groups have pledged $7.3 billion in aid by 2015 to reduce child mortality and save women in poor countries from dying in childbirth, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Friday.

The leaders of the Group of Eight (G8) industrial economies have pledged $5 billion, while non-members such as New Zealand, …. Source article  : G8 pledges $7.3 bn for poor countries.

Home ministers’ meeting ‘immensely promising’: Pakistani media

ISLAMABAD – The Pakistani media have welcomed the bonhomie between India and Pakistan following the meeting of their home ministers, but expressed apprehension that the warmth may fizzle out if both countries do not move beyond their entrenched demands.

Indian Home Minister P. Chidambaram reached Pakistan Friday to attend the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Home ministers’ meeting ‘immensely promising’: Pakistani media.

Sudarsanam seventh lawmaker to die in 13th Tamil Nadu assembly

CHENNAI – Congress lawmaker D. Sudarsanam is the seventh member of the 13th Tamil Nadu assembly to have died during the tenure (2006-2011) of the state legislature.

The Congress Legislative Party leader died in a hospital in Coimbatore Saturday night following cardiac arrest. He was attending the first World Classical Tamil Conference there.
Besides Sudarsanam, …. Source article  : Sudarsanam seventh lawmaker to die in 13th Tamil Nadu assembly.

Guinea holds first free election after era of army rule

Guinea holds first free election
CONAKRY, Guinea – Guinea on Sunday held its first free election since independence more than half a century ago, a vote many hope will finally end decades of harsh military rule and launch a new democratic era.

On the eve of the ballot, the country’s powerful junta leader vowed to ensure fairness … Read more >>.

Yeddyurappa faces tough assembly session from Monday

BANGALORE – Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa faces the most difficult assembly session in his two-year rule as it starts Monday in the backdrop of the Lok Ayukta (ombudsman) resigning over “the government’s indifference to fighting corruption”.

The resignation by N. Santosh Hegde, a retired Supreme Court judge, a year ahead of completion of his five-year …. Source article  : Yeddyurappa faces tough assembly session from Monday.

Honour killings: Chickens of identity politics come home to roost (Comment)

Even a decade ago, khap panchayats – the caste-based village councils with their kangaroo courts functioning mainly in Haryana – were virtually unknown, and sporadic “honour killings” were reported only from northwest Pakistan. Now, these make headline news in India almost every day.

To understand this regressive phenomenon, it may be necessary to go back to … Read more >>.

Carla Bruni may get to see Taj Mahal later this year

TORONTO – When French President Nicolas Sarkozy visited the Taj Mahal in 2008, he was overawed by the monument of love, but could not show it to his then friend and now First Lady Carla Bruni.
This cherished moment is likely to be realised later this year, as Sarkozy has accepted Prime Minister Manmohan …. Source  : Carla Bruni may get to see Taj Mahal later this year.

G20 heads for compromise on budget cuts and growth

TORONTO – The leaders of the world’s 20 most powerful developed and developing economies (G20) looked to be heading for agreement on how to strike a balance between cutting their budget deficits and boosting growth, at a summit Saturday in Toronto.
Ahead of the summit, diplomats had said that the US, European Union and … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : G20 heads for compromise on budget cuts and growth.

Manmohan Singh meets UK PM, seeks assurances to ensure global fiscal recovery

TORONTO – The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, met his British counterpart David Cameron on Saturday, and told him that India would like to see the international community make continued and concerted efforts to ensure global economic recovery.

The bilateral meeting, which took place …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Manmohan Singh meets UK PM, seeks assurances to ensure global fiscal recovery.

Tamil Nadu Congress lawmaker Sudarsanam dead

CHENNAI – Congress lawmaker D. Sudarsanam died following a cardiac arrest Saturday night in Coimbatore, where he was attending the first World Classical Tamil Conference, hospital authorities said. He was 67.

The Tamil Nadu Congress Legislative Party leader was admitted to the Kovai Medical Centre and Hospital in Coimbatore, some 500 km from here, after he …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Kyrgyzstan votes in key referendum that interim government hopes will legitimize its power

Kyrgyzstan votes in key referendum after violence

OSH, Kyrgyzstan – The people of violence-wracked Kyrgyzstan voted Sunday on a new constitution that the interim government hopes will legitimize the power it seized after a deadly uprising.
The Central Asian nation was on high security alert for the vote, deploying almost 8,000 police officers and an equal number … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Kyrgyzstan votes in key referendum that interim government hopes will legitimize its power.

US extends wartime shield over South Korea

TORONTO – The US agreed Saturday that it would take command of South Korean forces in the case of an outbreak of war until at least 2015, a nod to growing tensions on the Korean peninsula.
The decision came during a meeting between US President Barack Obama and South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak on … Read : US extends wartime shield over South Korea.

Statement by the President on the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

Today we celebrate the anniversary of the United Nations’ Convention Against Torture, one of the foremost international human rights documents.  The United States was a leader in the document’s drafting, and remains dedicated to supporting its principles at home and abroad. 

I continue to believe that brutal methods of interrogation are inconsistent with our values, undermine …. Original source  : Statement by the President on the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

Conference Call Briefing by Ben Rhodes, Mike Froman, Ambassador Jeff Bader, and Danny Russel

PRESS BRIEFING
BY BEN RHODES, DEPUTY NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR
FOR STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS;
MIKE FROMAN, DEPUTY NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR
FOR INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS;
AMBASSADOR JEFF BADER, SENIOR DIRECTOR FOR
ASIAN AFFAIRS AT THE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL;
AND DANNY RUSSEL, DIRECTOR FOR ASIAN AFFAIRS
AT THE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
 
Via Conference Call

6:10 P.M. EDT
 
     MR. HAMMER:   Thank you, everybody, for holding on.  I know …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Armed mob breaks up political rally in Mexico; 3 dead, 6 wounded

Attack on Mexico political rally kills 3, wounds 6

ZINACANTAN, Mexico – A mob armed with clubs, stones and guns attacked a political rally in southern Mexico on Saturday, sparking hours of clashes that left three people dead and six more wounded.
Municipal police officer Mario Lopez said the attack in the town of Nachig, in Chiapas …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Armed mob breaks up political rally in Mexico; 3 dead, 6 wounded.

Fiorina courts Latino voters but key supporter differs with her on immigration policy

Fiorina courts Latinos in California Senate race

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Republican Senate candidate Carly Fiorina is making a new pitch to Latino voters with a Spanish-language website.
But her chief supporter at a Saturday launch, former U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, has sharply differing views from Fiorina on immigration.
Fiorina supports Arizona’s immigration law, which Gutierrez called an … Read more : Fiorina courts Latino voters but key supporter differs with her on immigration policy.

Europe proposes UN Security Council reforms: Sarkozy

TORONTO – Europe’s most powerful states have proposed concrete reforms to the UN Security Council to give developing powers more say, the French president said Saturday at a Group of Eight (G8) summit in Canada.

The council has five permanent members with veto powers: Britain, China, France, Russia and the US. Other major states, such as … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Europe proposes UN Security Council reforms: Sarkozy.

Oil spill cast shadow over Obama-Cameron meet

TORONTO – US President Barack Obama and new British Prime Minister David Cameron held their first bilateral meeting Saturday in Canada, overshadowed by tensions over BP Plc’s ongoing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
The leaders flew together by helicopter from the secluded resort of Huntsville, Ontario, site of the Group of Eight … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Oil spill cast shadow over Obama-Cameron meet.

Remarks by President Obama and President Hu Jintao of the People’s Republic of China Before Bilateral Meeting

Intercontinental Downtown Hotel
Toronto, Canada
 
4:45 P.M. EDT
 
     PRESIDENT HU:  (As translated.)  Your Excellency, Mr. President, I am very pleased to see you again.  If I remember correctly, this is our sixth meeting. 
 
In April this year, you and I had a very good meeting in Washington, D.C., and reached important agreement on growing the China-U.S. relationship.  … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Remarks by President Obama and President Hu Jintao of the People’s Republic of China Before Bilateral Meeting.

Washington state authorities search for father, toddler after car found on remote logging road

Father, toddler daughter reported missing in Wash.

PORT ANGELES, Wash. – Washington state authorities say they’re searching for a 21-year-old man and his toddler daughter after finding their abandoned car stuck on a remote logging road.
Clallam County Undersheriff Ron Peregrin says Jared Egnew took 1-year-old Madison Egnew for a drive Friday night to calm her down. …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Washington state authorities search for father, toddler after car found on remote logging road.

Remarks by President Obama and President Lee Myung-Bak of the Republic of Korea After Bilateral Meeting

Intercontinental Downtown Hotel
Toronto, Canada
4:16 P.M. EDT
 
     PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Well, I just had an excellent discussion with President Lee and his team.  Obviously we are marking the 60th anniversary of the Korean War and the extraordinary friendship and alliance between our two countries.  And when I last visited the Republic of Korea, President Lee shared with … Read : Remarks by President Obama and President Lee Myung-Bak of the Republic of Korea After Bilateral Meeting.

Intl observers praise Kyrgyz referendum as transparent and peaceful, legitimizing govt

Int’l observers praise Kyrgyz referendum
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan – International observers on Monday praised Kyrgyzstan’s constitutional referendum, saying the vote was conducted in a transparent and remarkably peaceful manner despite a lingering climate of fear after ethnic purges.

While the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe recognized some shortcomings in the vote, its approval was the final …. Source article  : Intl observers praise Kyrgyz referendum as transparent and peaceful, legitimizing govt.

BJD legislators ride bicycles to protest fuel price hike

BHUBANESWAR – At least 40 legislators of Orissa’s ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Monday took out a cycle rally here to protest the hike in fuel prices.

Carrying posters, banners and placards, legislators and party workers pedalled to the state assembly from the BJD office.
“The fuel price hike will affect the common man. It … Read more >>.

In Senate appearance, Petraeus expected to carry hopeful view of progress in Afghanistan war

Pentagon to argue that war in Afghanistan on track
WASHINGTON – The Pentagon this week will try to convince the nation that the war in Afghanistan remains on track, despite a shake-up in military leadership.
Gen. David Petraeus, head of U.S. Central Command, was expected to testify Tuesday before a Senate committee. It would be …. Original source  : In Senate appearance, Petraeus expected to carry hopeful view of progress in Afghanistan war.

Australia’s first woman prime minister makes minimal changes to cabinet ahead of elections

Australia’s new leader makes few cabinet changes

CANBERRA, Australia – Australia’s first woman prime minister on Monday announced minimum changes to her cabinet in a reshuffle that analysts say points to an election within weeks.
Buoyed by opinion polls endorsing her new leadership, Prime Minister Julia Gillard promoted no fresh ministers to her cabinet ahead of an [..] Read the original article: here.

Kagan set to speak to Senate panel as hearings begin, confirmation chances bright

Kagan to break silence as marathon vetting begins
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama’s nominee for the Supreme Court, Elena Kagan, is preparing to make the argument of her professional life when she faces a Senate panel on her confirmation to the high court.
Kagan’s chances for confirmation are bright as she heads into a marathon … Read more »»».

Report: Turkish PM says Turkey has closed its airspace to Israeli flights

Report: Turkish airspace closed to Israel
ANKARA, Turkey – Turkey has closed its airspace to Israeli military flights following a deadly raid on a Gaza-bound aid ship, the Turkish prime minister and officials said Monday.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters in Toronto that Turkey imposed the ban after the May 31 raid on a Turkish ship that … Read more »».

Kyrgyzstan approves new constitution after deadly ethnic violence

Kyrgyzstan OKs constitution after ethnic unrest

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan – International observers are praising the constitutional referendum in Kyrgyzstan as a remarkably peaceful and largely transparent process, despite the climate of fear created by recent ethnic violence.
The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe said in a statement Monday that Sunday’s vote, in which the public overwhelmingly … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Kyrgyzstan approves new constitution after deadly ethnic violence.

When Manmohan Singh speaks, people listen: Obama

TORONTO – Praising the statesmanship of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the rise of India, US President Barack Obama Sunday said he was “looking forward” and “excited” about visiting India with First Lady Michelle later this year.
Personally thanking Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and wife Gurcharan Kaur for their friendship , Obama … Read this article on Gaea Times at : When Manmohan Singh speaks, people listen: Obama.

Omar Abdullah cancels visit to Rohtang

JAMMU – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday cancelled his visit to Rohtang in Himachal Pradesh, where Congress president Sonia Gandhi is to lay the foundation stone for a mega tunnel, in view of tension in north Kashmir’s Sopore town, an official said.
“The chief minister has decided to stay put in … Read more : Omar Abdullah cancels visit to Rohtang.

Separatist leaders detained in Kashmir

SRINAGAR – Many separatist leaders, including Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, were detained Monday in summer capital Srinagar to thwart the proposed separatist march to Jammu and Kashmir’s Sopore town where a youth was killed in firing Sunday.

Farooq was placed under house arrest in his uptown Nigeen residence where pro-independence Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chairman Yaseen …. Read the original article  : Separatist leaders detained in Kashmir.

Obama slams China’s ‘blindness’, North Korea attack

TORONTO – US President Barack Obama Sunday demanded that China acknowledge North Korea’s role in an attack on a South Korean naval vessel earlier this year.
An international inquiry found that North Korea torpedoed and sank the South Korean warship the Cheonan March 26. North Korea has denied it was behind the attack, and … Original source on Gaea Times at : Obama slams China’s ‘blindness’, North Korea attack.

Former Democratic Texas Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr. dies at 87 following long illness, family says

Former Texas Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr. dies at age 87

UVALDE, Texas – Former Texas Gov. Dolph Briscoe’s family says the two-term conservative Democrat has died at his Uvalde, Texas home at the age of 87.
Family spokeswoman Ann Arnold says the rancher and banker died Sunday after a lengthy illness. Arnold says Briscoe had been hospitalized … Read : Former Democratic Texas Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr. dies at 87 following long illness, family says.

Manmohan praises Indo-Canadian community

TORONTO – The 1.1-million-strong Indo-Canadian community received lavish praise from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who particularly acknowledged their contribution during the difficult times between the two countries.
“The community constitutes a bridge between our two countries that has remained strong and unshakeable even in the most difficult circumstances,” the prime minister said in an … Read more >>>.

Palin: Obama administration selling out US allies, willing to surrender superpower status

Palin: Obama administration selling out allies
NORFOLK, Va. – Sarah Palin on Sunday painted President Barack Obama’s administration as a cowering giant intent on surrendering the nation’s mantle as a superpower and willing to sell out its allies.
The former John McCain running mate addressed a paying audience of several hundred people in Norfolk and …. Source article  : Palin: Obama administration selling out US allies, willing to surrender superpower status.

Manmohan announces year-long festival of India in Canada

TORONTO – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday announced a year-long festival of India in Canada, showcasing not just New Delhi’s rise in the global strategic and economic sphere but also its rich and vibrant soft power.
“To foster close cultural bonds between India and Canada, I am happy to announce that we will organise …. Source  : Manmohan announces year-long festival of India in Canada.

Manmohan assures peaceful use of nuclear technology

TORONTO – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Sunday assured that the nuclear technology and material supplied to India under civil atomic energy pacts will only be used for peaceful purposes.
“There is absolutely no scope whatsoever of the nuclear materials or nuclear equipment in India being used for unintended purposes,” Singh said at a joint … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Manmohan assures peaceful use of nuclear technology.

Iran could have nuclear weapons in two years: CIA

WASHINGTON – Leon Panetta, director of the CIA, said Sunday that Iran could have nuclear weapons within two years.

International nuclear experts believe Iran has enough low-enriched uranium for two weapons, but it would have to be further enriched “to get there”, Panetta noted in remarks to ABC TV news.
Panetta noted that there was “continuing … Read : Iran could have nuclear weapons in two years: CIA.

Obama says looking forward to India visit

TORONTO – US President Barack Obama, who met with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here, Sunday said he looked forward to visiting India with his family, schedule sometime early November this year.
The two leaders met for around 30 minutes after the G20 Summit, where both had articulated about the dangers of sudden withdrawal of … Read : Obama says looking forward to India visit.

SUMMIT NOTEBOOK: Sarkozy left in the dark; soccer alleviates ‘exhausting’ summit

SUMMIT NOTEBOOK: Sarkozy left in the dark
TORONTO – Was it a nefarious Canadian plot that left French President Nicolas Sarkozy standing silently at a microphone in the dark?
At the end of two back-to-back summits hosted by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the French leader ignored protocol, which dictates that meeting hosts get to …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : SUMMIT NOTEBOOK: Sarkozy left in the dark; soccer alleviates ‘exhausting’ summit.

Obama, Japanese PM talk North Korea, oil spill and green tea ice cream in first meeting

Obama, Japanese PM meet for first time
TORONTO – Meeting for the first time, President Barack Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan discussed issues ranging from North Korea to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
Obama said the international community must stand behind South Korea and send a clear signal to North Korea that … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Obama, Japanese PM talk North Korea, oil spill and green tea ice cream in first meeting.

Britain’s National Identity Register, ID cards set to go

LONDON – The British parliament’s public bills committee Tuesday meets for the first time to consider the new coalition government’s proposal to abolish the controversial Identity Cards for all citizens and the National Identity Register.

The Cameron-Clegg government had earlier this month introduced a pubic bill to repeal the Identity Cards Act 2006, which provides the …. Original source  : Britain’s National Identity Register, ID cards set to go.

OZ PM defends partner Tim Mathieson’s pro-Israel lobbyist group job

MELBOURNE – Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has defended the right of her partner Tim Mathieson to work for a property group owned by a pro-Israel lobbyist.

Mathieson is employed as a real estate salesman at a company owned by Melbourne developer Albert Dadon.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Gillard said that her public condemnation … Read more »».

Only members will decide when to expand BRIC: PM

ONBOARD AIR INDIA ONE – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said expansion of the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) membership was a matter that the group would itself discuss, and that it was no proper for him to comment on the issue in isolation
He also said that BRIC is an entity where …. Source  : Only members will decide when to expand BRIC: PM.

Subcontinent’s divisive politics must not derail Indian Diaspora’s achievements: PM

ONBOARD AIR INDIA ONE – The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, said on Monday that the Indian Diaspora living abroad must not allow the divisive politics of the subcontinent to derail their cohesiveness and that they must remain united and take pride in their achievements as a community.
Interacting with the media onboard Air … Read more >>>.

India looking forward to Obama visit: PM

ONBOARD AIR INDIA ONE – Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Monday said that he was looking forward to the visit of US President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and their children in November this year, while adding that he was quite satisfied with the way Indo-US relations were progressing.
“Our … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : India looking forward to Obama visit: PM.

Interaction with Pak must be based on trust, which must be verified: PM

ONBOARD AIR INDIA ONE – The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on Monday said that interaction with the Pakistani leadership in connection with the 26/11 terror attack case would have to be based on trust, but a trust that would have to be verified from time to time.
Responding to a … Read : Interaction with Pak must be based on trust, which must be verified: PM.

Decontrolling of fuel prices necessary for good of country: PM

ONBOARD AIR INDIA ONE – The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, said that the deregulation of petrol prices was a much needed reform, and suggested that a similar exercise could be considered for the prices of kerosene and liquified petroleum gas (LPG) with adjustment.
Interacting with media onboard Air India One while enroute … Read more »».

No talks with Obama on Chinese reactors being given to Pakistan: PM

ONBOARD AIR INDIA ONE – The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, said on Monday that he had not discussed India’s concerns about China allegedly building two more civil nuclear reactors for Pakistan in the Chashma region of that country.
He said he spent his meeting with US President Barack Obama essentially working … Read more »».

‘Brilliant’ Obama doing a better job than he’s given credit for: Bill Clinton

WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama’s Democratic Party predecessor Bill Clinton has said that Obama is doing a “better job than he’s given credit for.”

Speaking in Cape Town, Clinton said that public perception of the president has lagged behind what he has done to benefit the country.

“I think he’s done a … Read : ‘Brilliant’ Obama doing a better job than he’s given credit for: Bill Clinton.

Toronto G-20, a preparatory exercise for Seoul Summit: Manmohan Singh

ONBOARD AIR INDIA ONE – The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on Monday said that the recently concluded Group of Twenty (G-20) Summit was in some ways, a preparatory exercise for the fifth summit to be held in November in Seoul, South Korea.

Interacting with media persons onboard Air India One while on his …. Read the original article  : Toronto G-20, a preparatory exercise for Seoul Summit: Manmohan Singh.

Bhopal Gas Tragedy: PM says India to convince US to extradite Anderson

ONBOARD AIR INDIA ONE – The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on Monday said that he and his government would try to convince the United States to favourably consider the extradition of former Union Carbide Chairman Warren Anderson for his role in the December 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy.

“We will try to ensure … Read : Bhopal Gas Tragedy: PM says India to convince US to extradite Anderson.

Supreme Court ruling dooms longstanding Chicago handgun ban, but mayor vows to fight on

Chicago gun ban on way out, but mayor vows fight

CHICAGO – A Supreme Court ruling finding that Americans have the right to bear arms anywhere they live almost certainly means the end of Chicago’s decades-old handgun ban, but it may not make handgun ownership there much easier if the city’s powerful mayor has his way.
Shortly … Original article on : Supreme Court ruling dooms longstanding Chicago handgun ban, but mayor vows to fight on.

Kagan writings show a sharp wit, acid tongue that won’t be on display at confirmation hearing

Kagan to hide sharp wit at confirmation hearing

WASHINGTON – A Supreme Court nomination hearing is not the place for a would-be justice to display a sharp tongue or a biting wit.
Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan has both, and some of her snarkiness over the years has been directed at the same senators who will be … Read more : Kagan writings show a sharp wit, acid tongue that won’t be on display at confirmation hearing.

Supreme Court nominee Kagan pledges modest approach to judging, echoing other nominees

Kagan pledges modest approach as justice
WASHINGTON – Facing questions from skeptical Republicans, President Barack Obama’s nominee for the Supreme Court, Elena Kagan, is likely to be pressed to say just how deferential she might be to lawmakers as a justice on the high court.
Kagan’s confirmation hearing resumes Tuesday morning before the Senate Judiciary …. Read the original article  : Supreme Court nominee Kagan pledges modest approach to judging, echoing other nominees.

Petraeus’ next mission: convincing Congress he can turn things around in Afghanistan war

Petraeus faces questions from war-weary lawmakers
WASHINGTON – Gen. David Petraeus is on a mission to convince a war-weary Congress that he’s the man to turn around the war in Afghanistan and mend the military’s tattered relations with civilian leaders.
Lawmakers say he’s a shoo-in to replace Gen. Stanley McChrystal, who was fired last week …. Original article  : Petraeus’ next mission: convincing Congress he can turn things around in Afghanistan war.

Time will tell how Pakistan turns: Manmohan

ON BOARD AIR INDIA ONE – Not willing to sound overtly optimistic on India’s ties with Pakistan, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday said time alone will tell how the peace talks pan out.
“The home minister has been in Pakistan earlier last week,” the prime minister said, referring to P. Chidambaram’s meeting with his …. Source  : Time will tell how Pakistan turns: Manmohan.

My partner has a right to live his life: Australian PM

MELBOURNE – Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard says that her partner, who works as a real estate salesman for a property group owned by a pro-Israel lobbyist, has “a right to live his life too”.

Gillard’s partner Tim Mathieson is employed at a firm by Melbourne developer Albert Dadon, a pro-Israel lobbyist.
She said her public … Original article on : My partner has a right to live his life: Australian PM.

We are not hiding anything on Bhopal disaster: Manmohan

ON BOARD AIR INDIA ONE – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday said his government was hiding nothing on the aftermath of the Bhopal gas disaster and hoped the US will extradite then Union Carbide chief Warren Anderson.
“We are where we stand. We will try to ensure that the US government takes a more …. Read the original article  : We are not hiding anything on Bhopal disaster: Manmohan.

Preparatory meetings from July for Obama’s India visit

ON BOARD AIR INDIA ONE – US National Security Advisor James L. Jones is visiting India next month to start the preparatory work for President Barack Obama’s maiden official visit to India.
“We have a really ambitious agenda,” Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told journalists Tuesday on his way back from the G20 Summit in …. Source article  : Preparatory meetings from July for Obama’s India visit.

In departure from the past, Palestinian president courts American Jews

Palestinians seek new partner: American Jews
JERUSALEM – The Palestinians have long feared the Jewish lobby in Washington. Now, they are embracing it.
During a swing through the U.S. capital this month, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was the guest of honor at a dinner with a small but influential gathering of more than …. Original article  : In departure from the past, Palestinian president courts American Jews.

PM calls meeting on Kashmir

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday called an emergency meeting to review the situation in Jammu and Kashmir where street protests have left eight people dead in five days.
A senior official in the Prime Minister’s Office said the meeting will be held at 5.30 p.m. at Manmohan Singh’s 7 Race Course …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : PM calls meeting on Kashmir.

Taiwan’s ‘Grand’ thaw with China

TAIPEI – This is a story of cross-strait camaraderie that is enacted in the Grand Hotel in the Taiwanese capital every day. Once a symbol of defiance to Communist China, the red-pillared hotel built in the style of a grand temple now welcomes hundreds of Chinese tourists and serves as the stage for tearful family … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Taiwan’s ‘Grand’ thaw with China.

CNN seeks replacement for Larry King, who’s stepping down from his nightly show after 25 years

After 25 years, CNN seeks Larry King’s replacement
NEW YORK – CNN is preparing for a summertime search to find the successor to Larry King, who announced suddenly that he’s leaving the show that has been the centerpiece of the news network’s lineup for 25 years.
Even though the …. Original article  : CNN seeks replacement for Larry King, who’s stepping down from his nightly show after 25 years.

Democrats, making patches to secure Senate votes, move banking overhaul bill closer to passage

Bank bill gets patched up, moves closer to passage

WASHINGTON – Congressional Democrats are inching closer to passage of a major rewrite of financial industry regulations, making fixes along the way.
House and Senate negotiators hope for a vote in the House on Wednesday. A Senate vote is not likely until after Congress’ weeklong July 4 break.
The … Original article on : Democrats, making patches to secure Senate votes, move banking overhaul bill closer to passage.

Cool and clever, Kagan prepares for more questions during Supreme Court confirmation hearing

High court nominee faces another day of questions
WASHINGTON – Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan is expected to move one step closer Wednesday to succeeding Justice John Paul Stevens, barring a major gaffe.
During her Senate Judiciary Committee hearing Tuesday, Kagan displayed a cool demeanor and a sense of humor. She faces what is likely [..] Read the original article: here.

Major events in the life of new Philippine President Benigno Aquino III

Major events in new Philippine president’s life

A look at major events in the life of Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, who took his oath Wednesday as the 15th Philippine president.
- Feb. 8, 1960: Born as the only son and third of five children of Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. and Corazon “Cory” Cojuangco Aquino, who will … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Major events in the life of new Philippine President Benigno Aquino III.

Benigno Aquino III sworn in as new Philippine president, promises to fight graft and poverty

Benigno Aquino III sworn in as Philippine leader
MANILA, Philippines – Benigno Aquino III was sworn in Wednesday as the Philippines’ 15th president, leading a Southeast Asian nation his late parents helped liberate from dictatorship and which he promises to deliver from poverty and pervasive corruption.
Hundreds of thousands of people, many of them clad …. Original article  : Benigno Aquino III sworn in as new Philippine president, promises to fight graft and poverty.

Democrats add money for hiring teachers, border security to war funding bill

Democrats add teacher money to war funding bill
WASHINGTON – House Democrats, who are trying to pass a long-stalled war funding bill this week, have attached $10 billion to help local school districts avoid teacher layoffs when schools reopen.
The approximately $70 billion measure is anchored by President Barack Obama’s $30 billion request …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Benigno Aquino III sworn in as Philippines’ president

MANILA – Benigno Aquino III was sworn in Wednesday as the Philippines’ 15th president before hundreds of thousands of cheering supporters.

Aquino, 50, took his oath of office shortly before noon (0400 GMT) at Rizal Park in central Manila after leading Filipinos in bidding farewell to his predecessor Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
He is to serve the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Benigno Aquino III sworn in as Philippines’ president.

Nevada GOP nominee backs away from remark linking 2nd Amendment, need to ‘take Harry Reid out’

Nevada’s Angle retracts comment to ‘take out’ Reid

LOS ANGELES – Nevada Senate candidate Sharron Angle says she doesn’t want to “take out” Sen. Harry Reid after all.
The Republican nominee backed away Tuesday from a statement she made earlier this year in which she referred to the Second Amendment “remedies” and the need to “take Harry …. Source article  : Nevada GOP nominee backs away from remark linking 2nd Amendment, need to ‘take Harry Reid out’.

US calls accusations it was behind Honduras coup ‘absurd’

US slams accusations it was behind Honduras coup

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras – The U.S. Ambassador to Honduras says accusations by former President Manuel Zelaya that the United States was behind the coup that ousted him are “absurd.”
Ambassador Hugo Llorens says the United States had nothing to do with the coup on June 28, 2009, when the Honduran … Read : US calls accusations it was behind Honduras coup ‘absurd’.

Palin warns health care overhaul amounts to ‘hefty tax hike’ for special needs families

Palin warns health overhaul hurts special needs
DULUTH, Ga. – Former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is warning that President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul would hurt those with special needs by raising insurance costs.
Palin said Tuesday at a fundraiser for a ministry serving special needs children that new rules that raise $13 … Original source on Gaea Times at : Palin warns health care overhaul amounts to ‘hefty tax hike’ for special needs families.

Haitian president sets Nov. 28 election for voters to choose successor

Haitian presidential election set for Nov. 28

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Haitian President Rene Preval set Nov. 28 as the date voters will choose his successor as leader of the earthquake-shattered Caribbean nation.
The much-anticipated decree setting the election date was signed Tuesday beside Port-au-Prince’s collapsed national palace, bearing the signatures of the president, prime minister and Cabinet. … Read more »».

Mexico declares official end to swine flu alert after 14 months, and 1,289 deaths

Mexico declares end to 14-month swine flu scare

MEXICO CITY – The government of Mexico lifted the alert for swine flu Tuesday, officially ending the health emergency in the country where the illness first appeared 14 months ago.
Secretary of Health Jose Angel Cordova said that as recently as October, 90 percent of influenza cases in Mexico … Read more »».

Obama, Hispanic Congress members discuss immigration; Obama to speak on immigration Thursday

Obama, Hispanic lawmakers discuss immigration
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is following up two days of meetings on U.S. immigration policy with a speech Thursday on the need for a comprehensive solution to what he and others have said is a broken system.
Obama discussed immigration and the speech at a White House … Read more : Obama, Hispanic Congress members discuss immigration; Obama to speak on immigration Thursday.

Message from the President Regarding the Treaty with Bermuda

TO THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES:
With a view to receiving the advice and consent of the Senate to ratification, I transmit herewith the Treaty between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Bermuda relating to Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, signed at Hamilton on January 12, 2009.  I …. Original source  : Message from the President Regarding the Treaty with Bermuda.

Clock ticking for government to accept gift of 420-acre lakefront property in Vermont

Vt. man bequeaths lakefront property to government

DERBY, Vt. – The clock is ticking on the U.S. government’s acceptance of a 480-acre lakefront estate on the U.S.-Canadian border.
When Michael Dunn died in 2007, he stipulated that his Eagle Point Farm be sold if the federal government fails to take ownership of it within three years for … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Clock ticking for government to accept gift of 420-acre lakefront property in Vermont.

US accepts international help for oil cleanup

WASHINGTON – The US agreed Tuesday to accept help from the dozens of nations and international groups that have for weeks offered their assistance to collect oil in the Gulf of Mexico, the State Department said.

The US said it will accept offers from 22 countries and 12 international bodies for containment booms to halt the … Read more >>.

Readout of the President’s Meeting with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus

Today, President Obama met with members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus about the need to fix our nation’s broken immigration system. The President discussed his upcoming speech on comprehensive immigration reform with the members, and his desire to see a bipartisan process based on the proposal presented in the Senate and building on the Schumer-Graham … Read : Readout of the President’s Meeting with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

President Obama Announces Presidential Delegation to Shanghai, China to attend U.S.A. National Day at Expo 2010 Shanghai

WASHINGTON, DC–President Barack Obama today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to Shanghai, China to attend U.S.A. National Day at Expo 2010 Shanghai on July 2, 2010.  The Honorable Madeleine K. Albright, Chair of Albright Stonebridge Group and former Secretary of State, will lead the delegation.
Members of the Presidential Delegation:
The Honorable Christopher … Read more >>>.