Political News – Newsletter for February 18, 2011

Sexy Russian spy Anna Chapman set to enter politics?

MELBOURNE – Sexy Russian spy Anna Chapman is tipped to run for parliament as a member of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party.

Frants Klintsevich, a senior United Russia official, says that Chapman, praised by Putin for her service to the country, is officially a “party supporter” and will be eligible for full membership in …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Sexy Russian spy Anna Chapman set to enter politics?.

BJP backs demand for separate Telangana state

HYDERABAD – National Democratic Alliance (NDA)-led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday backed the demand for a separate Telangana state.

Addressing a rally here, senior BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani said that party would not rest till Telangana was formed.

“It is resolve of the Bharatiya Janata Party that we will not rest till Telangana is …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : BJP backs demand for separate Telangana state.

Kashmiri youth campaign against police bill on Facebook

JAMMU – The Jammu and Kashmir government’s reported move to introduce legislation replacing the old police act and apparently giving more powers to the state police is becoming a rallying point for the youth on social networking websites.

The government is likely to table the new legislation in the upcoming budget session of the assembly, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Kashmiri youth campaign against police bill on Facebook.

JMM eyes Jameshedpur Lok Sabha seat after Munda victory

RANCHI – The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) Friday congratulated Chief Minister Arjun Munda, of alliance partner Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), for his victory in the Kharsawa assembly by-poll. It also took the opportunity to ask for Munda’s Jamshedpur Lok Sabha seat.

JMM chief Shibu Soren congratulated Munda and, referring to the coalition dharma, spoke of … Original article on : JMM eyes Jameshedpur Lok Sabha seat after Munda victory.

Iran to stage protests against opposition leaders

TEHRAN/BERLIN – The Iranian authorities Friday are to stage a demonstration against the two main opposition leaders.

More than 200 legislators, several clerical groups and government supporters have called for the arrest and execution of Mir-Hossein Moussavi and Mehdi Karroubi for allegedly undermining the Islamic system and collaborating with foreigners.
Those demands are expected to …. Source article  : Iran to stage protests against opposition leaders.

South Korea sees ‘chance of military provocation’ from North

SEOUL – South Korea’s prime minister said Friday that North Korea’s precarious diplomatic and economic position made renewed attacks a real possibility.

“Seeing the situations in North Korea, there is a chance of its military provocation again,” Kim Hwang Sik was quoted as saying by South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency.
Speaking at an annual meeting … Read more »».

45 killed in Libya protests

CAIRO/TRIPOLI – Libyan security forces were expecting violent demonstrations Friday, a day after an estimated 45 people were killed in clashes across the country.

Online postings by opposition groups called for demonstrations against the country’s ruler of 41 years Muammer Gaddafi to start after Friday prayers.
Violent clashes erupted between demonstrators and security forces …. Source  : 45 killed in Libya protests.

Jagan launches weeklong fast on fee reimbursement issue

HYDERABAD – Former Congress MP Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy Friday launched a weeklong hunger strike here demanding that the Andhra Pradesh government immediately release funds for the reimbursement of students’ fees.

After daylong fasts at Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and New Delhi on farmers’ issues over the last two months, the young leader launched his first … Read more »»».

DMK-PMK in pact for Tamil Nadu elections

CHENNAI – Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK and the PMK Friday signed an agreement to jointly fight the coming assembly elections, with the PMK allotted 31 seats.

The pact was signed at the residence of DMK president and Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. PMK will also contest one Rajya Sabha seat.
Karunanidhi told reporters later: “I met …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

TRS stalls Andhra assembly for second day

HYDERABAD – A day after unprecedented chaos was witnessed in Andhra Pradesh assembly, the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) Friday stalled the proceedings, demanding the house to pass a resolution urging the central government to table a bill in parliament for the formation of a Telangana state.

Pandemonium prevailed in the house as TRS legislators trooped …. Source  : TRS stalls Andhra assembly for second day.

PM arriving on two-day visit to Assam

GUWAHATI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrives in Assam Friday on a two-day visit to inaugurate two major educational institutions and also review the progress of development works and the security situation.

The prime minister is expected to arrive at 2.30 p.m. in Guwahati and straightaway visit the premier Arya Vidyapeeth College in the city …. Source  : PM arriving on two-day visit to Assam.

Malaysian Indian Congress has new secretary general

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), the country’s largest Indian-based party, has a new secretary general in S. Murugessan who was appointed with immediate effect amid speculation of early parliamentary polls.

The move by MIC president G. Palanivel may not go well with S. Samy Vellu, who stepped down recently as the party chief … Read : Malaysian Indian Congress has new secretary general.

UN official to Cuba: Heed events in Egypt, Tunisia

Geneva, Feb 18 (IANS/EFE) The rapporteur of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has asked Cuba to take lessons from recent events in the Arab world to carry out democratic reforms on the communist island.

According to Pastor Elias Murillo Martinez, what has occurred in countries like Egypt and Tunisia constitutes, … Original article on : UN official to Cuba: Heed events in Egypt, Tunisia.

Egypt to celebrate first week without Mubarak

Cairo, Feb 18 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Egypt’s opposition youth movement has called on people of Egypt to stage a million-strong demonstration on Cairo’s central Tahrir Square Friday to mark a week without Hosni Mubarak.

“The revolution has not been concluded yet. It will be concluded after all demands [of the Egyptian people] have been met and …. Read the original article  : here.

Only “authorised ministers” to speak about double murder-accused US official: Gilani

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has directed that only “authorised ministers” should speak about the issue of double murder-accused US official Raymond Davis, as the matter remains sub judice.

Gilani made these comments while addressing the first session of the newly formed federal cabinet, the Daily Times reports.

He said that his government had …. Original source  : Only “authorised ministers” to speak about double murder-accused US official: Gilani.

Manmohan Singh on two-day visit to Assam from today

NEW DELHI – The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, will be on a two-day visit to Assam from Friday, where he is expected to review the prevailing situation and the progress of some of the developmental projects.

During his visit, Dr. Singh will also take stock of the law and order situation in the wake of … Read more : Manmohan Singh on two-day visit to Assam from today.

Berlusconi mag claims ‘bunga bunga sex parties never happened’

LONDON – A magazine owned by Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has fought back allegations that he hosted wild ‘bunga bunga’ sex parties in which escort girls and starlets performed pole dances and strip teases.

The fresh details of the Dec 31, 2008, party at his Costa Smeralda home, Villa Certosa, were published by Chi (’Who’), …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Berlusconi mag claims ‘bunga bunga sex parties never happened’.

Bahrain king hails military crackdown on protesters

MANAMA/TEHRAN – Bahrain’s king has praised the military for its crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Manama even as he stressed that the government has widened the scope for “peaceful and legal freedom of expression”.

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa Thursday discussed the raid as well as his government’s ongoing strategy with Commander-in-Chief Marshal Shaikh … Original article on : Bahrain king hails military crackdown on protesters.

Is this the Arab world’s Berlin Wall moment? (Comment)

Over 300 years ago, the English poet John Dryden had warned us against the fury of a patient man. Looks like the anger of the patient Arab is finally beginning to scorch the deserts. From Maghreb in the west to the Levant in the east, raging masses are sweeping the Arabian streets, torching the fortresses … Read : Is this the Arab world’s Berlin Wall moment? (Comment).

CBI raids Kalaignar TV office

CHENNAI – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Friday raided the office of Kalaignar TV, promoted by family members of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, in connection with the 2G spectrum allocation scam, sources said.

While CBI officials were unavailable for comment, the company said it would issue a statement later on. …. Original source  : CBI raids Kalaignar TV office.