Political News – Newsletter for February 26, 2011

Rulers and their reigns in Middle East and North Africa

CAIRO – Here is a list of leaders in Middle East and North Africa who have been in power for years:

Libya: Ruled by Muammar Gaddafi who came to power in 1969 after a bloodless coup against the then ailing King Idris. Population: About 6.5 million.
Bahrain: King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifah has …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Rulers and their reigns in Middle East and North Africa.

Why the accidental PM is becoming irreplaceable (Comment)

A curious feature of the scams affecting the government is that they haven’t undermined Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s position as much as may have been expected.

Instead, there have been words of praise for him from political adversaries like Nitish Kumar and Subramanian Swamy and a neutral admirer like Nobel laureate Amartya Sen. …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Christchurch quake death toll rises to 123

WELLINGTON – With the death toll in earthquake-hit Christchurch rising to 123, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has asked all New Zealanders observe a two minute silence for the victims.

“This may be New Zealand’s single most tragic event. I am calling on New …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Christchurch quake death toll rises to 123.

Krishna calls on Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister

KUWAIT – External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna, who is presently in Kuwait on a three-day visit to represent India during the oil-rich Gulf state’s 50th independence Day celebration, met Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Al-Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah here on Friday.

Krishna’s visit is seen as very important, since it will give India a first-hand account of the … Read more »»».

Moscow motorists protest abuse of sirens by officials

Moscow, Feb 26 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Motorists in Moscow have launched a protest against what they call the abuse of flashing lights and sirens on top of official cars, saying only emergency vehicles should be allowed to use it.

The Blue Bucket Society, a grassroots group formed last year to direct public anger over the disregard …. Source article  : Moscow motorists protest abuse of sirens by officials.

UN Security council to decide on sanctions against Libya

UNITED NATIONS – The UN Security Council Saturday may adopt sanctions against Libya aimed at stopping the bloodshed in the country, Brazil’s Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti said.

Brazil holds the monthly presidency of the 15-member global body for February.
According to RIA Novosti, Viotti said the Council has agreed to meet Saturday to consider …. Source  : UN Security council to decide on sanctions against Libya.

US imposes sanctions on Libya; Obama cites rights abuses

WASHINGTON – The US late Friday imposed unilateral economic and weapons sanctions on Libya’s government for its ongoing crackdown on protesters.

US President Barack Obama cited the Libyan government’s “continued violation of human rights, brutalisation of its people and outrageous threats”.
“By any measure, (leader Moammar Gaddafi’s) government has violated international norms and common decency … Read more »».

I am the best, says Berlusconi

Rome, Feb 26 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has expressed confidence that he is the best possible national leader.

“I believe, no one can rule better than me,” Berlusconi said during a press conference Friday when asked by a journalist about his government’s future.
Berlusconi, 74, assumed the office of prime minister in … Read : I am the best, says Berlusconi.

Statement by the President on Anniversaries Being Observed in Kuwait

Release Time: 

For Immediate Release

On behalf of the people of the United States, I congratulate the government and people of Kuwait on the 50th anniversary of their independence … Read more »».

Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 2/25/2011

Release Time: 

For Immediate Release

Location: 

James S. Brady Press … Read : Press Briefing by Press Secretary Jay Carney, 2/25/2011.

Notice from the President regarding the the annual renewal of the Cuba emergency

Release Time: 

For Immediate Release

NOTICE

CONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY WITH RESPECT TO CUBA AND OF THE EMERGENCY AUTHORITY RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF THE ANCHORAGE AND MOVEMENT OF … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Notice from the President regarding the the annual renewal of the Cuba emergency.

Message from the President regarding the the annual renewal of the Cuba emergency

Release Time: 

For Immediate Release

TEXT OF A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE

February 24, 2011

Dear Mr. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Message from the President regarding the the annual renewal of the Cuba emergency.

Statement by the Press Secretary on H.R. 514

Release Time: 

For Immediate Release

On Friday, February 25, 2011, the President signed into law:
 
H.R. 514, the “FISA Sunsets Extension Act of 2011,” which extends certain surveillance authorities included …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Statement by the Press Secretary on H.R. 514.

Exiled Chinese leader sees hope in ‘jasmine’ movement

BEIJING – China’s first small “jasmine” gatherings could escalate into widespread democracy protests that the ruling Communist Party would be unlikely to crush with military force, said an exiled former student leader of China’s 1989 democracy movement.

“I think the fear factor is fading out,” Wu’er Kaixi told DPA on telephone.
“You know, the Chinese … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Exiled Chinese leader sees hope in ‘jasmine’ movement.

UN security council to meet on Libya

UNITED NATIONS – The UN Security Council will hold a closed door meeting Friday to decide upon its response to the prevailing situation in Libya.

The Security Council is expected to kick off the closed door meeting at 3 p.m. local time to discuss the issues on peace and security in Libya, Xinhua reported.
UN … Read more »»».

White House Announces Jeremy Bernard as Social Secretary

Release Time: 

For Immediate Release

The White House today announced Jeremy Bernard has been named Special Assistant to the President and Social Secretary.  He joins the White House staff … Original source on Gaea Times at : White House Announces Jeremy Bernard as Social Secretary.

Congress-DMK seat-sharing talks inconclusive

CHENNAI – Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK and its ally Congress Friday held their second round of seat-sharing discussions ahead of the ensuing assembly elections but talks remained inconclusive and it was decided to meet again later.

Speaking to IANS, Tamil Nadu Congress chief K.V. Thangkabalu said: “The talks went off well. We have put forward …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Congress-DMK seat-sharing talks inconclusive.

US returns stolen historical documents to Russia

Moscow, Feb 25 (IANS/RIA Novosti) The US Friday returned to Russia 21 historical documents that were recovered by authorities after being smuggled from Russia to America.

The documents, which were stolen from Russian national archives in Moscow and St. Petersburg between 1994 and 2002, include two decrees signed by Catherine the Great and a decree …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : US returns stolen historical documents to Russia.

Gaddafi appears in public, greets supporters

TRIPOLI – Embattled Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi Friday made an unexpected appearance in Tripoli’s Green Square, greeting a crowd of his supporters in a show of strength that he still had control over the capital.

“We will die here on the soil of Libya. We will defeat foreign attempts as we did the former Italian … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Gaddafi appears in public, greets supporters.

Situation in Libya very grave: S.M. Krishna

KUWAIT – Describing the situation in Libya as very grave, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna Friday said India was closely watching the developments in the region hit by unrest and advocated democracy in the fast-changing scenario.

Replying to questions on board his special aircraft to Kuwait, Krishna also reiterated that India does not interfere in … Read : Situation in Libya very grave: S.M. Krishna.