Political News – Newsletter for December 15, 2010

Malaysian parties prepare for snap polls

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian political parties, including those that represent ethnic Indians, have begun preparing for likely snap polls.

The Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), the oldest and the largest party of ethnic Indians, has just had a change of guard that analysts say was prompted by the talk that polls may take place next summer, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Malaysian parties prepare for snap polls.

BJD refuses to join NDA rally

BHUBANESWAR – Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said Wednesday that his Biju Janata Dal (BJD) would not be joining the rally against corruption planned by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in New Delhi next week.

“The BJD will not be attending that rally,” Patnaik told reporters here.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a major constituent … Read : BJD refuses to join NDA rally.

`Asia big enough ambitions of China, India’

BEIJING – Tolerance is required in the China-India relationship, a Chinese daily says, observing: “Asia is big enough to accommodate the ambitions of both emerging powers.”

The editorial appeared in Global Times Wednesday, on the day Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in India on a three-day visit.
“As two emerging Asian powers, China and …. Original source  : `Asia big enough ambitions of China, India’.

Bengal minister goes hi-tech against Mamata

KOLKATA – In a country where politicians are known for their rambling speeches and predictable media interactions, a West Bengal Marxist minister Tuesday surprised journalists by making an elaborate slideshow presentation against Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee.

Under attack from the Trinamool for alleged coercion of marginal sections to acquire lands for a satellite …. Source  : Bengal minister goes hi-tech against Mamata.

Tibetans protest as Wen arrives

NEW DELHI – Hundreds of young and elderly Tibetans protested noisily here Wednesday demanding freedom for Tibet as Chinese Premier Wen Jiabo arrived on a three-day visit to India.

Carrying hand-written placards and waving Tibetan flags, the Tibetans gathered outside the Parliament Street police station in the heart of the city.
“Free Tibet Wen, Free … Read : Tibetans protest as Wen arrives.

Post office, food courts, tented township – all set for Congress plenary

NEW DELHI – Food courts resembling airport hangars, a conference hall large enough for a sprint race, rows of neatly laid out tents and even a post office – an elaborate, makeshift township on the outskirts of the capital awaits the 20,000 Congress members who arrive here for the three-day plenary beginning Saturday.

Prime Minister … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Post office, food courts, tented township – all set for Congress plenary.

Richard Holbrooke Dead

WASHINGTON (GaeaTimes.com)- Veteran US Diplomat Richard Holbrooke passed away at George Washington Hospital owing to his complications after his heart surgery. State Office spokesperson P.J. Crowley said that Richard Holbrooke was concerned about restoring peace in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The spokesperson said that the US envoy said that someone needs to stop war … Original article on : Richard Holbrooke Dead.

Chinese premier arrives in India

NEW DELHI – Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived here Wednesday afternoon on a three-day visit to India.

The aircraft carrying the Chinese leader, who is accompanied by a large business delegation, landed at the Indian Air Force station near the main airport at 1.45 p.m.
Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jyotiraditya …. Read the original article  : Chinese premier arrives in India.

ICWA to do live webcast of Chinese premier’s address

NEW DELHI – For the first time, the Indian Council for World Affairs (ICWA) will webcast live the address of visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Thursday.

“We are very privileged to have the Chinese premier to speak at the Council. The speech will be webcast live for the first time here,” ICWA director general Sudhir …. Original article  : ICWA to do live webcast of Chinese premier’s address.

Government committed to strong public sector: Manmohan Singh

NEW DELHI – The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on Wednesday said that the Central Government is committed to a strong public sector in many areas of the economy.

Presenting the MoU Excellence and SCOPE awards here, Dr. Singh said: “Our Government is committed to a strong public sector in many areas of our economy. In … Original source on Gaea Times at : Government committed to strong public sector: Manmohan Singh.

Slight improvement in Karunakaran’s condition

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – The condition of former Kerala chief minister K. Karunakaran, hospitalised since last week, improved Wednesday morning, according to a medical bulletin.

The 92-year-old Congress leader is warded at the Ananthapuri hospital after an attack of fever and breathlessness. He was put on ventilator Monday. On Wednesday, he was only on partial ventilation, doctors …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Slight improvement in Karunakaran’s condition.

Jagan’s tour to coastal Andhra sends ripples in Congress

HYDERABAD – Former Congress MP Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy’s tour of coastal Andhra is sending ripples in the ruling Congress party, with some legislators coming out openly to support him.

After his visit to Krishna district triggered cracks in the ruling party, late chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy’s son Wednesday began the tour of East Godavari … Read : Jagan’s tour to coastal Andhra sends ripples in Congress.

Over 100 former Bihar legislators to vacate bungalows

PATNA – It has been less than a month since the Bihar assembly election results were declared, but the trappings of power for those who lost are already fading away. More than 100 former legislators are set to vacate their official residences and return the laptops issued to them by the government.

They have …. Source  : Over 100 former Bihar legislators to vacate bungalows.

India seeks UNSC expansion, suggests key elements of reform

UNITED NATIONS – Days before taking an elected seat on the UN Security Council, India has suggested six key elements of reform, including expansion of the Council in both its permanent and non-permanent categories.

The “overwhelming majority of UN member-states have expressed their clear preference” for such expansion, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Hardeep … Original article on : India seeks UNSC expansion, suggests key elements of reform.

Over 100 injured in Rome riots

ROME – At least 100 people were injured in clashes between Italian police and demonstrators who exploded firecrackers and attempted to storm parliament buildings, Italian media reported.

The protests targeted cuts by the government to the education budget.
Shop windows were smashed and several police vehicles were set alight in the riots which took place … Original source on Gaea Times at : Over 100 injured in Rome riots.

Readout of the Vice President and National Security Advisor’s Meeting with General Austin

Release Time: 

For Immediate Release

Vice President Biden and National Security Advisor Tom Donilon met today with General Lloyd Austin III, Commanding General of the United States Forces-Iraq (USF-I), …. Read the original article  : Readout of the Vice President and National Security Advisor’s Meeting with General Austin.

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 12/14/2010

Release Time: 

For Immediate Release

2:15 P.M. EST

MR. GIBBS:  Good afternoon.  Let’s — let me do a quick readout from the President’s Afghanistan meeting — Pakistan meeting this morning.

President …. Original source  : Press Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, 12/14/2010.

Frank Ruggiero replaces Holbrooke as acting US special envoy

WASHINGTON – Career civil servant Frank Ruggiero has taken over as the acting US special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan following the death of Richard Holbrooke, the State Department has said.

“He will lead the SRAP (special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan) structure that Richard Holbrooke constructed and will really serve as one of his …. Read the original article  : here.

President Obama Announces Members of the White House Council for Community Solutions

Release Time: 

For Immediate Release

WASHINGTON – Today, President Barack Obama signed an Executive Order establishing the White House Council for Community Solutions.  The Council will provide advice to … Read more >>>.

Statement by the Press Secretary

Release Time: 

For Immediate Release

On Tuesday, December 14, 2010, the President signed into law:
H.R. 4387, which designates the Federal building in Pensacola, Florida, as the Winston E. Arnow … Read more : Statement by the Press Secretary.