Political News – Newsletter for February 19, 2011

Eight injured in Jordan protests

AMMAN – At least eight people were injured in clashes between pro and anti-government demonstrators in Jordan’s capital Amman, a media report said Saturday.

Anti-government protests continued Friday as Jordanians took to the streets demanding constitutional reform and more say in decision-making, Al Jazeera reported.
About 2,000 pro-democracy protesters were holding their peaceful weekly …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Eight injured in Jordan protests.

National Conference to take on ‘anti-peace’ forces

JAMMU – The ruling National Conference (NC) will take on the “anti-peace” forces in Jammu and Kashmir and push for a result-oriented India-Pakistan dialogue while simultaneously seeking an end to the era of confusion on Kashmir, a top committee of the party resolved Saturday.

Holding its first Central Working Committee meet in months, the National … Original source on Gaea Times at : National Conference to take on ‘anti-peace’ forces.

Factionalism widens in Chhattisgarh Congress after bypoll loss

RAIPUR – The rivalry within the Chhattisgarh unit of the Congress has escalated after it suffered a crushing defeat in an assembly by-poll where senior party leader Ajit Jogi pulled out from the poll campaign due to an alleged rift with the party organisation.

The Congress suffered a humiliating defeat in the Sanjari Balod assembly …. Original source  : Factionalism widens in Chhattisgarh Congress after bypoll loss.

Telling POTUS to do without TOTUS

WASHINGTON – Someone surely does not like US President Barack Obama’s beloved teleprompter that he famously relies on to make a speech.

An opposition Republican targeted the teleprompter of the President of the United States (POTUS) in a blizzard of House amendments aimed at cutting $100 billion from the federal budget.
The mover, Representative Steve …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Telling POTUS to do without TOTUS.

Vilasrao Deshmukh lashes out at media (Lead, superseding earlier story)

LATUR – Union Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh has lambasted the media for sensationalising trivial issues and giving out half-baked stories.

“Media channels just sit in their offices and hold panel discussions to bring down political leaders,” said Deshmukh, a former Maharashtra chief minister, at a function in the state’s Latur district …. Original article  : Vilasrao Deshmukh lashes out at media (Lead, superseding earlier story).

Congress-Trinamool seat-sharing talks for Bengal soon

NEW DELHI – The Congress wants a “respectable” alliance with the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal to end decades of Left rule, and seat sharing talks for assembly polls will begin within a fortnight, says Congress leader K. Keshava Rao.

“We want a respectable alliance based on our strength and winnability. The cadres should not … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Congress-Trinamool seat-sharing talks for Bengal soon.

Manmohan Singh directs CBI to act against Doordarshan DG, Lalli

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has directed reverting Doordarshan Director General Aruna Sharma to her parent cadre and also seeking explanation from her and the Chief Executive Officer of Prasar Bharati BS Lalli on the allegations made against them.

Dr. Singh referred the Shunglu Committee Report on Host Broadcasting issues relating to the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Manmohan Singh directs CBI to act against Doordarshan DG, Lalli.

Vilasrao Deshmukh lashes out at media

LATUR – Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Vilasrao Deshmukh has lambasted the media for sensationalising trivial issues and giving out half-baked stories.

“Media channels just sit in their offices and hold panel discussions to bring down political leaders,” said Deshmukh, a former Maharashtra chief minister, at a function in the state’s Latur … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Vilasrao Deshmukh lashes out at media.

84 killed in Libya protests, says Human Rights Watch

NEW YORK – At least 84 protesters have been killed by Libyan security forces during three days of protests against the regime of Muammer Gaddafi, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said.

The casualty estimate was based on phone interviews with hospital staff and witnesses, the New York-based group said on its website late Friday.
…. Original source  : 84 killed in Libya protests, says Human Rights Watch.

66 injured as troops fire at protesters in Bahrain

MANAMA/LONDON – Troops fired at anti-government protesters in Manama, wounding at least 66 as Bahrain’s king Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa asked his eldest son to start a national dialogue to resolve the worsening political crisis, media reports said.

According to BBC, Crown Prince Sheikh Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa, who earlier called on protesters to [..] Read the original article: here.

Guests were naked at Berlusconi’s bunga-bunga parties: Belly dancer

LONDON – A teenage belly dancer at the center of Silvio Berlusconi sex scandal has claimed that guests were naked at the Italian Prime Minister’s infamous bunga bunga parties.

Moroccan born Karima El Mahroug was only 17 when Berlusconi paid her for sex and gave cash and jewellery in return, after attending one of his parties, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Guests were naked at Berlusconi’s bunga-bunga parties: Belly dancer.

Jammu and Kashmir defers police bill to seek public opinion

JAMMU – After a deluge of protests on social networking websites against the proposed Jammu and Kashmir Police Reforms Bill that was to be tabled in the budget session, the state government has deferred the move, an official said Saturday.

The bill will not be presented in the coming budget session of the state legislative … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Jammu and Kashmir defers police bill to seek public opinion.

US asks India, Pakistan to support Afghan political process

WASHINGTON – The United States has urged India and Pakistan to support a political process in Afghanistan, saying reconciliation in Afghanistan will depend on the participation and support of its neighbours, particularly Pakistan.

“Indeed, we are encouraged by news that India and Pakistan are re-launching a dialogue aimed at building trust, and we encourage them … Read more : US asks India, Pakistan to support Afghan political process.

Freed Indian fishermen reach home

CHENNAI – All the 136 Indian fishermen released by Sri Lanka reached Tamil Nadu’s Nagapattinam district in 25 boats to a rousing reception Saturday.

The relatives of the freed fishermen shed joyous tears while receiving them.
The fishermen were detained by the Sri Lankan Navy early this week for straying into their waters and were … Read more »».

PM’s Teflon image will wear thin unless guilty punished

It is a measure of the respect which Prime Minister Manmohan Singh continues to inspire that he was able to get away without any serious damage to his credibility with admissions at his press conference that would have been politically disastrous for any other politician.

Considering that he acknowledged the governance and ethical “deficits” of …. Source article  : PM’s Teflon image will wear thin unless guilty punished.

Obama urges Bahrain king to show restraint, begin reforms

WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama spoke by telephone with Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, condemning violence against demonstrators and urging “meaningful reform”, the White House said.

Obama Friday evening “reiterated his condemnation of the violence used against peaceful protesters, and strongly urged the government of Bahrain to show restraint, and to hold those …. Source  : Obama urges Bahrain king to show restraint, begin reforms.

27 dead in fresh protests in Libya: Opposition

CAIRO/TRIPOLI – Renewed protests turned violent across Libya, with opposition activists saying dozens were shot dead during funerals and marches for those killed in anti-government demonstrations earlier this week.

The protests against the rule of Libyan leader Muammer Gaddafi had spread to the capital Tripoli by Friday night. Witnesses reported people taking to the streets … Read more »»».

President Obama Signs New York Disaster Declaration

Release Time: 

For Immediate Release

The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of New York and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery …. Read the original article  : President Obama Signs New York Disaster Declaration.

Yemen protesters hit government buildings

SANAA – About 7,000 protesters stormed into two government buildings and a police station in Yemen’s southern port city of Aden and set them on fire, an official said.

The protesters gathered in the neighbouring Shaikh Othman town Friday, rushed to the two local council buildings and a police station and set them on fire, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Yemen protesters hit government buildings.

Statement by the President on Senator Jeff Bingaman’s Retirement

Release Time: 

For Immediate Release

WASHINGTON – Below please find a statement by President Obama on Senator Jeff Bingaman’s retirement:
“From his time in the Army, to his service as …. Original source  : Statement by the President on Senator Jeff Bingaman’s Retirement.