Political News – Newsletter for January 15, 2011

Fast track court will examine Banda rape case, says Mayawati

LUCKNOW – Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, who has been under immense presence to act against her own party MLA, on Saturday said Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA Purshottam Naresh Dwivedi, who has been accused of raping a minor dalit girl will not be spared if the charges against him are proved correct.

Addressing a rally …. Read the original article  : Fast track court will examine Banda rape case, says Mayawati.

Nepal’s king traded Tibetan refugees for US support: WikiLeaks

KATHMANDU – After ordering the closure of the Dalai Lama’s envoy’s office in Kathmandu and taking over absolute power with a military-backed bloodless coup in 2005, Nepal’s King Gyanendra dangled Tibetan refugees as bait before the US in a bid to get American support, whistle-blowing web site WikiLeaks said in its latest revelation.

Ramesh Nath … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Nepal’s king traded Tibetan refugees for US support: WikiLeaks.

Congress-BJP slugfest: duel with no winners (Comment)

As may be expected, the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are targeting each other’s main weak spots in their current political confrontation, but their mutual vulnerabilities are making it some kind of dead heat.

While the BJP has had no difficulty in cornering the Congress on corruption, given the latter’s long flawed history … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Congress-BJP slugfest: duel with no winners (Comment).

Oz deputy PM says flood-ravaged Queensland will need over 2 yrs to recover

SYDNEY – Deputy Australian Prime Minister Wayne Swan has said that Queensland will need more than two years to recover from the widespread and destructive flooding.

Raging floodwaters have swamped thousands of homes and businesses in Queensland, leaving at least 25 people dead and over 100 missing since late November.

Rail …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Oz deputy PM says flood-ravaged Queensland will need over 2 yrs to recover.

Last-minute deal averts crisis in Nepal

KATHMANDU – A last-minute deal between the ruling parties and the opposition Maoists averted chaos and possible violence in Nepal as the UN readied to pull out from the fragile peace negotiations after four turbulent years.

Amidst public fears of a new revolt by the former Maoist guerrillas, President’s Rule and a state of emergency, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Last-minute deal averts crisis in Nepal.

Chidambaram-Buddha letters renewing centre-state war?

KOLKATA – The letter war between union Home Minister P. Chidambaram and West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has prompted many to ask if the old battle between the central government and the Left Front-ruled state is raising its head again.

With seven letters being exchanged between the two since Christmas eve on the law …. Original source  : Chidambaram-Buddha letters renewing centre-state war?.

Japan foreign minister visits South Korea

SEOUL – Japan’s foreign minister called on North Korea to improve relations with the South before any other talks on nuclear and foreign aid issues could begin.

Seiji Maehara arrived in Seoul to meet with South Korean Foreign Minister Kim Sung Hwan and other officials on bilateral and international concerns, particularly security regarding Pyongyang.
The …. Source article  : Japan foreign minister visits South Korea.

Reince Priebus Replaces Michael Steele

MADISON (GaeaTimes.com)- On Friday, the GOP leaders ousted its controversial chairman, Michael S. Steele and selected Reince Priebus. The new chairman previously served as the general counsel of the Republican National Committee. He was voted as the new chairman of the party after Michael Steele lost his bid, after seven rounds of voting, for [..] Read the original article: here.

US Republican Party picks new chairman, ousts Steele

WASHINGTON – Michael Steele, the first African-American to head the Republican Party, was ousted from the post Friday after two years in the job.

Steele was replaced by Reince Priebus as chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC), which coordinates campaigns and fundraising for the conservative party, during a gathering of members in Maryland.
Steele …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Presidential Proclamation???Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday

Release Time: 

For Immediate Release

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., FEDERAL HOLIDAY, 2011

——-

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Half a century ago, America was moved by a …. Source article  : Presidential Proclamation–Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday.

President Obama’s Discussion with President Mikheil Saakashvili of Georgia

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For Immediate Release

President Obama met with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili after the memorial service for Richard Holbrooke.   Vice President Biden joined him for the conversation.  The … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : President Obama’s Discussion with President Mikheil Saakashvili of Georgia.

Presidential Proclamation???Religious Freedom Day

Release Time: 

For Immediate Release

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM DAY, 2011

——-

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION

Our Nation was founded on a shared commitment to the values …. Read the original article  : Presidential Proclamation–Religious Freedom Day.

Press Briefing by Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, National Security Advisor Tom Donilon, and Press Secretary Robert Gibbs Previewing the Upcoming State Visit of President Hu of China

Release Time: 

For Immediate Release

Location: 

James S. Brady Press …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Reaching Out to the Cuban People

Release Time: 

For Immediate Release

Today, President Obama has directed the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and Homeland Security to take a series of steps to continue efforts to reach …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Remarks by the President at a Memorial Service for Richard Holbrooke

Release Time: 

For Immediate Release

AT A MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR RICHARD HOLBROOKE
Kennedy Center
Washington, D.C.

3:33 P.M. EST

     THE PRESIDENT:  To Kati, Anthony, David and Elizabeth, to all the friends and … Original article on : Remarks by the President at a Memorial Service for Richard Holbrooke.

Obama honours Holbrooke as ‘hardheaded’ and ‘clear-eyed’

WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama and other American dignitaries celebrated the life of late diplomat Richard Holbrooke Friday, honouring his endless determination to make the world a better place.

Hundreds turned out at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington to attend the memorial service for Holbrooke, who died suddenly …. Original source  : Obama honours Holbrooke as ‘hardheaded’ and ‘clear-eyed’.

Obama presses Zardari on Afghanistan

WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama met with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari Friday, emphasizing the importance of cooperating to promote stability in Afghanistan, the White House said.

The US has continuously linked a successful outcome to the conflict in Afghanistan with eliminating the ability of the Taliban and Al Qaeda to operate in remote … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Obama presses Zardari on Afghanistan.

Statement by the President on Events in Tunisia

Release Time: 

For Immediate Release

I condemn and deplore the use of violence against citizens peacefully voicing their opinion in Tunisia, and I applaud the courage and dignity of …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Memorandum from the President regarding the Richard C. Holbrooke Award for Diplomacy

Release Time: 

For Immediate Release

December 22, 2010
MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE
SUBJECT:    The Richard C. Holbrooke Award for Diplomacy
To honor the legacy of one of America's greatest diplomats …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Memorandum from the President regarding the Richard C. Holbrooke Award for Diplomacy.

President and First Lady, Vice President and Dr. Biden, Cabinet Secretaries, Senior Administration Officials to Honor Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service

Release Time: 

For Immediate Release

WASHINGTON, DC – In celebration of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service and in honor of Dr. King’s life and legacy, the …. Original article  : President and First Lady, Vice President and Dr. Biden, Cabinet Secretaries, Senior Administration Officials to Honor Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.