Scientists Complete Sequencing of the Chromosome Linked to Early Dementia
Scientists Decrypted the Sequence of a Chromosome Crucial to Symptoms of Early Disorders
Scientists Set Sequence For Chromosome Linked To Early-Stage Low IQ
Scientists Completed the Study on the Order of Chromosomes Critical to Early Arzhermes Syndrome
(AFP, Paris, January 2)  An international team of scientists said that they have completed the sequencing of human Chromosome 14 that is linked to many diseases, including the early-onset Alzheimer's that may strike people in their 30s.
(Agence France-Presse, Paris, 2nd) - An international consortium of scientists said that they have decrypted the sequence of the fourteenth pair of human chromosome, which is linked to a broad range of diseases, including an early onset of Alzheimer that can strike people in their 30s.
(AFP report from Paris, January 2) A group of international scientists said that they had set the sequence for human being's Chromosome 14, which is linked to many diseases including the early-stage Alzheimer people in their 30s may have.
(AFP, Paris, Thursday) A group of international scientists said that they had completed the study on the order of the 14th pair of chromosomes of human beings. The pair of chromosomes are related to many diseases, including early Arzhermes Syndrome which can possibly contracted to people in their 30s.
This is the fourth chromosome whose sequence has been completed to date.  It comprises more than 87 million pairs of DNA.
This is the fourth chromosome to be fully sequenced up till now and it comprises of over 87 million pairs of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA).
This is so far the fourth chromosome to be fully sequenced, which is made up of over 87 million DNA.
They are the 4th pair of chromosomes whose order have been identified. They consist more than 8700 pairs of DNAs.
This study published in the weekly British scientific journal Nature illustrates that the sequence of Chromosome 14 comprises 1,050 genes and gene fragments.
The research, which was published in the weekly British science journal Nature, said the sequence of Chromosome 14 is made up by 1,050 genes and gene fragments.
The study on the British Science Weekly shows that Chromosome 14 comprises of 1,050 genes and gene segments.
The research result published on the British weekly magazine, Nation and Science, shows that the 14th pairs of chromosomes are formed by 1050 genes or gene fragments.
The goal of geneticists is to provide diagnostic tools to identify defective genes that cause diseases so as to arrive eventually at treatments that can prevent those genes from malfunctioning.
The goal of gene scientists is to provide diagnostic tools to identify flawed genes that cause illness, and ultimately to provide treatments, which can stop these genes from malfunctioning.
The aim of gene scientists is to offer diagnostic tools to discover flawed genes that lead to diseases and finally provide treatments that can prevent the genes from malfunctioning.
The goal of the gene scientists is, to provide diagnostic tools to find the defective genes that causes illness and ultimately find cures preventing these genes from coming into being.
The international scientists led by Genoscope, a French gene research center, said that Chromosome 14 contains two clusters of genes that are linked to the function of our immune system and more than 60 disease genes.
The international consortium of scientists led by French gene research center Genoscope said Chromosome 14 has two clusters of genes, which are vital for the immune system, as well as more than 60 disease genes.
Scientists led by French Gene Research Center, GENOSCOPE, said that Chromosome 14 has two groups of gene linked to immune system and over 60 kinds of disease gene.
International scientists led by GENOSCOPE in France said, the 14th pair of chromosomes are critical to Liangcong genes of the immune system and over 60 diseased genes.
Chromosome 14 has been identified in earlier studies on a great number of diseases such as spastic paraplegia that afflicts young children, missing teeth, several forms of vision and hearing impairments and early-onset Alzheimer's.
Chromosome 14 has been identified in a wide range of diseases during previous studies, which include a form of spastic paraplegia that strikes young children; missing teeth; several kinds of vision and hearing impairments; and early onset of Alzheimer disease.
Chromosome 14 has been identified in earlier researches on many diseases, which include children's spastic paraplegia, missing teeth, several kinds of sight and hearing damages and the early-stage Alzheimer.
In early researches to many diseases, the 14th pairs of chromosome are quite prominent. These diseases include a kind of convulsive anesthesia during enfant period, teeth default and some eyesight and hearing damages as well as the early Arzhermes Syndrome.
About 200,000 Americans suffer from early-onset Alzheimer's, accounting for 5% of Alzheimer's patients in the entire United States.
Around 200,000 Americans have early onset of Alzheimer disease, which accounted for five percent of all Alzheimer sufferers in America.
There are about 200,000 people with Alzheimer in the early state in the United States, accounting for 5% of all the Alzheimer patients in the country.
There are 200,000 Americans suffer from early Arzhermes Syndrome, that accounts for 5% of the total Arzhermes population.
Humans have a total of 23 pairs of chromosomes.
Human beings have 23 sets of chromosomes.
Human beings have 23 pairs of chromosomes.
Human beings have 23 pairs of chromosomes.
In the past three years, the sequencing of three chromosomes has been completed, including Chromosomes 20, 21, and 22.
In the past three years, three other chromosomes have been fully sequenced and they are pair 20, 21 and 22.
Over the past three years, three pairs of chromosomes have been sequenced including the 20th, 21st and 22nd.
In the past 3 years, 3 pairs of chromosomes have been identified with their orders, including the 20th, 21st and 22nd.
Australia Reopens Embassy in Manila
Australia Reopened Manila Embassy
Australia Reopens Embassy In Manila
Australia Reopens Its Embassy to Manila
(AFP, Manila, January 2)  Australia reopened its embassy in the Philippines today, which was shut down about seven weeks ago due to what was described as a specific threat of a terrorist attack.
(Agence France-Presse, Manila, 2nd) - Australia reopened its embassy in the Philippines today.  The embassy was closed seven weeks ago after what was described as a specific threat of a terrorist attack.
(AFP report from Manila, January 2) Australia reopened its embassy in the Philippines today. Seven weeks ago, the embassy was shut down due to so-called confirmed terrorist attack threats.
(AFP, Manila, Thursday) Australia reopens its embassy to Manila, which was closed for the so-called "clear" threat of terrorist attack 7 weeks ago.
The Philippine Foreign Department said in a statement that Pearce, Australian ambassador to Manila, has telephoned the Philippine Foreign Secretary Ople to announce the resumption of full operations of the embassy.
Philippine foreign department said in a statement that Australian Ambassador to Manila Ruth Pearce phoned Philippine Foreign Secretary Blas Ople to announce the resumption of full operations of the embassy.
The Philippine Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Australian ambassador to Manila Pearce called Philippine Foreign Minister Ople to announce the resumption of all embassy operations.
The Philippine Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Australian ambassador Pierce called Philippine FM Aobo, announcing resuming all work of the embassy.
Like Australia, Canada and the European Union closed their embassies on November 28 and reopened them earlier this week.
Canada and the European Union, which both shut down their embassies like Australia on November 28, have reopened their embassies earlier this week.
Canada and the European Union along with Australia shut down their embassies on November 28 and reopened them earlier this week.
Canada and the EU also closed their embassies on Nov. 28th as Australia and reopened early this week.
Ople said that all three ambassadors are satisfied with the heightened security measures the Philippine government has taken.
Ople said all three ambassadors expressed satisfaction with the enhanced security measures adopted by the Philippine government.
Ople said that all the three ambassadors expressed their satisfaction with the strengthened measures taken by the Philippine government.
According to Aobo, all three ambassadors were satisfied with strengthened security measures taken by the Philippine government.
The closure of the embassies had angered the Philippine government, which said the alleged threat was exaggerated and the closure of the embassies harmed the image of the Philippines.
The closure of the embassies had angered the Philippine government, which said that the alleged threats were exaggerated and the closure of embassies harmed the image of Philippines.
The closing of the embassies had angered the Philippine government, which said that the so-called threats were exaggerated and the closing had tarnished Philippine's image.
Embassy closing used to infuriate the Philippine government. The government said the so-called threat was excessively exaggerated and embassy closing hurt the state image of the Philippines.
Manila fired the police intelligence official because he leaked the unverified intelligence about terrorist threats upon the Australian and Canadian embassies.
Manila had once relieved the duty of a police intelligence official because he leaked unverified intelligence about terrorist threats on Australian and Canadian embassies.
Manila had sacked a police intelligence officer because he disclosed the unconfirmed information about the terrorist threats to the Australian and Canadian embassies.
Manila removed an intelligence officer from the police, for he had released unconfirmed intelligence about the terrorist threat to the Australia and Canadian embassies.
The EU office and the Australian embassy are housed in the same building.
The European Union office is in the same building as the Australian embassy.
The European Union's office and the Australian embassy are both located in the same building.
The EU's mission is in the same building with the Australian embassy.
Around the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the United States, Western diplomatic missions across Southeast Asia shut down one after another because they received threats linked to Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda network and its regional allies.
At the time around the anniversary of the 911 terrorist attacks in United States, western diplomatic missions across southeast Asia have closed their doors one after the other because of threats related to Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda organization and its regional allies.
Around the anniversary of the 9.11 terrorist attacks in the US, western diplomatic missions in Southeast Asian nations closed due to threats from Osama bin Laden's Al-Qaeda network and its local alliances.
Around the anniversary of the "9.11" terrorist attack to the US, western missions to South-eastern Asian regions successively closed, for they have been threatened by the Al-Qaida and other local terrorist groups.
Australian Foreign Minister Says North Korea's Bad Behaviors Will not Gain More Aid
Australian Foreign Minister: North Korea's Bad Behavior Could Not Win More Aid
Australian Foreign Minister Says North Korea Will Not Get More Aid For Disgusting Acts
Australian FM: DPRK Cannot Get More Aide for Its Bad Behavior
(AFP, Sydney, January 2)  Australia has called on the international community to work together to convince North Korea that holding Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in contempt or other "bad behaviors" will not gain it more aid or other concessions.
(Agence France-Presse, Sydney, 2nd) - Australia called for a concerted international effort to convince North Korea that it cannot win more aid or other concessions by defying the nuclear non-proliferation agreement or through other "bad behavior".
(AFP report from Sydney, January 2) Australia has called for international concerted efforts to convince North Korea that the defiance of the Treaty Banning Nuclear Proliferation or other "disgusting acts" will make it impossible to obtain more aid or other compromises.
(AFP, Sydney, Thursday) Australia has called the international community to make the DPRK believe that defiance to non-proliferation agreement and other bad behavior would prevent it from more aide or other concessions.
Australian Foreign Minister Downer noted today that Pyongyang's decisions to reactivate a controversial nuclear facility and to expel UN monitors are obviously aimed at forcing the international community into making aid and trade concessions.
Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said today that Pyongyang's decision to restart a controversial nuclear facility and expel United Nations inspectors was obviously aimed at forcing international community to make concessions in aid and trade.
Australian Foreign Minister Downer said today that Pyongyang decided to renew a controversial nuclear facility and expel UN monitoring personnel, which was obviously aimed at forcing the international community to make compromises in aid and trade.
Australian FM Donald said today, that Pyongyang's decision to restart a controversial nuclear facility and expel UN supervisors obviously intended to compel the international community to make concession in terms of aide and trade.
Australia is one of the few countries that have diplomatic relations with North Korea.
Australia is one of the several countries that have diplomatic relations with North Korea.
Australia is one of a few of countries that have diplomatic relations with North Korea.
Australia is one of the few countries still having diplomatic ties with North Korea.
Downer said: "We think what North Korea wants to do is to gain concessions, aid and trade, etc. from the rest of the world, including the United States, by violating the agreed framework signed in 1994."
"We believe what North Korea wants to do is to violate the agreed framework put into place in 1994, such as to obtain concessions, aid and trade etc. from other countries in the world, including the United States," Downer said.
"We think what North Korea wants to do is to violate the framework of the 1994 agreement in an attempt to gain compromises, aid and trade from the world's other countries including the United States," said Downer.
Donald said, "we think, what the DPRK wants is to violate the framework of the 1994 agreement, so as to obtain concessions, aide and trade, etc, from other countries in the world, including the US."
In an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Cooperation, Downer said: "One point we'd like to make to North Korea and a very important one at that, is that bad behaviors will not be rewarded."
"We want to raise a point to North Korea and it is a very important point.  Bad behavior is not going to be rewarded," Downer said during an interview by Australia Broadcasting Corporation.
Talking in an interview by Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Downer said: "Our point of view presented to North Korea, which is also quite important, is that disgusting acts will not win rewards."
Donald told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, "The point that we proposed to North Korea is that bad behavior would never get rewards."
Downer pointed out: "Such behaviors as expelling UN monitors and reactivating the nuclear facility at Yongbyon are going to prevent the international community from providing support."
"The kind of behavior, like expelling United Nations inspectors and reactivating the Yongbyon nuclear facility, will only cause the international community to hold back their supports," he said.
"The expulsion of UN monitoring personnel and the renewal of nuclear facilities in Yongbyon, all these acts will prevent international aid," Downer pointed out.
Donald added, "To expel UN supervisors and to restart Ningbian nuclear facility would prevent the international community from providing aide."
"It's going to produce the reverse effect.  We hope these diplomatic measures will be effective."
"It is going to create an opposite effect.  We hope that diplomatic measures are going to be effective."
"It will result in negative effects and we hope that these diplomatic measures will be effective."
"This will make negative effects. We hope all these diplomatic measures are effective."
"On the other hand, if we overreact, we will fall for North Korea's trick.
"On the other hand, if we are to overreact, we will fall into North Korea's trap.
"On the other hand, if our reaction is excessive, we will be trapped by North Korea.
"On the other hand, if we over reacted, we would swallow the bait of the DPRK."
We don't want to do that."
We do not want to do that."
We don't want to do this."
We do not want this."
Downer indicated that Australia is working closely with the United States and other major allies to pressure North Korea to cancel its recent steps to reactivate the frozen nuclear program.
Downer said Australia is working closely with the United States and other key allies to force North Korea to revoke its recent steps for restarting a previously frozen nuclear program.
Downer said that Australia is closely cooperating with the US and other alliances to force North Korea to give up its recent steps to resume an already frozen nuclear program.
Donald said, Australia and the US and other important allies are seeking close cooperation in urging the DPRK to cancel recent moves to resume an already freezed nuclear program.
Downer said: "What we want to do is to ensure that the international community make concerted efforts.  We don't want to take any uncoordinated special countermeasures."
"What we want to do is to ensure that international community adopts a common countermeasure.  We do not want any uncoordinated and ad hoc responses," he said.
"What we want to do is to ensure that the international community will take joint measures and we don't expect special steps that lack coordination," said Downer.
Donald said, "What we want is, to guarantee common countermeasures of the international community. We are not expected to take special countermeasures without coordination."
Bush Defends his Economic Stimulus Package
Bush Defends His Economic Stimulus Plan
Bush Defends His Economic Promotion Plan
Bush Defends His Economic Boost up Plan
(AFP, Washington, January 6)  US President Bush vowed that the economic stimulus package he is going to unveil will benefit the "working people," and not just the wealthy.  It is generally believed that the wealthy can expect to benefit the most from this plan that urges dramatic tax cuts.
(Agence France-Presse, Washington, 6th) - U.S. President George W. Bush vowed that his upcoming economic stimulus plan would benefit the "working class" and not just the wealthy.  People generally believe the wealthy ones will benefit most from Bush's plan, which pushes for a substantial cut in taxes.
(AFP report from Washington D.C., January 6) US President Bush has vowed that his upcoming economic promotion plan will be in the interests of "the ordinary people," not just for the rich, who are generally expected to obtain the most benefits from the plan that urges a dramatic cut in tax.
(AFP, Washington, Saturday) US President Bush vowed that his on-going plan to boost the economy would benefit not only the rich, but also the "working public". It is commonly expected that the rich are hopeful to get the biggest interests from this huge tax cut plan.
Bush told reporters who are expecting him to officially announce this package in Chicago: "Tomorrow, all of you will hear me saying: the US economy is one of the strongest in the world.
Bush told reporters in anticipation of the formal unveiling of his plan in Chicago, "Tomorrow, ladies and gentlemen, you will hear me say: the U.S. economy is one of the strongest economies in the world.
Bush told reporters expecting him to unveil the plan in Chicago: "Tomorrow you will hear me say that the US economy is one of the strongest ones in the world.
Bush told reporters waiting for his release of this plan, "Tomorrow, you will hear me saying that the US economy is the one of the strongest economies in the world."
However, we believe the US economy can be even stronger than it is now."
However, we believe the U.S. economy can be stronger than what it is now."
However, we believe that the US economy can still be more stronger than now."
But, we believe the US economy could be more stronger than what at present."
Bush is expected to unveil an economic stimulus package that carries a 10-year price tag of 600 billion US dollars, half of which will be used towards eliminating taxes on dividends paid to shareholders.  He will also call for accelerating the tax rate cuts approved by the US Congress in 2001.
It is expected that President Bush is to unveil a 10-year, US$600 billion economic stimulus plan.  About half of the amount will be used to absorb the effect on elimination of dividend taxes payable by shareholders.  The plan also calls for accelerated implementation of the tax-rate cuts approved by members of U.S. Congress in 2001.
President Bush is expected to unveil a 10-year and $600-billion economic promotion plan. Half of the money will be used to absorb the abolished stock profit tax of shareholders. He urges the speeding up of tax-rate cuts approved by US Congressmen.
It is expected that President Bush will issue a ten year 600 billion dollar plan to boost the economy, half of which will be used to absorb tax on dividends of the share holders and urge to speed up implementing the tax cut program passed by the US congress in 2001.
Whether the package can be smoothly promoted is viewed as the front battle of the 2004 US presidential election.  The Democrats attacked Bush's blueprint as an additional bonus to the wealthy, unlike the Democratic proposal which is intended as an aid to the most needy.
Whether the plan can go through smoothly is generally viewed as a foretaste of the battle in the 2004 U.S. presidential election.  Democrats accused that President Bush's blueprint will only give the rich additional splendor and is unlike the Democrat's proposed plan, which tries to send the poor charcoals during a snowy weather.
Whether the plan will be smoothly pushed is seen as a prelude war of the 2004 presidential election. The Democrats accused Bush's plan as perfecting the perfection, instead of the Democrats' plan of providing timely help.
Whether the program is successfully pushed forward is regarded as warming up battle of the president election in 2004. The democrats denounce Bush's plan as giving more wealth to the already wealthy, but not as the plan giving necessities to the poor proposed by the democrats.
The eight-point proposal put forward by the Democrats centers around an incentive measure of 136 billion US dollars to stimulate consumer spending which will cost 100 billion US dollars over a period of ten years.
The eight-point Democratic proposal revolved around a US$136 billion incentive package to stimulate consumer spending.  Over 10 years, the Democratic plan would cost US$100 billion.
The eight-point proposal raised by the Democrats focuses on a $136-billion reward measure to promote consumer spending, with a total of $100 billion spent within 10 years.
The democrats proposed an eight-point plan to mainly build a 136 billion dollar awarding measure to promote consumption, which results in 100 billion expansions in 10 years.
House Democratic leader Pelosi said at a joint press conference with other opposition lawmakers: "This is a fair, fast-acting, and fiscally sound plan."
"This is a fair, fast-acting and fiscally sound plan," said Nancy Pelosi, the Democratic leader in the House of Representatives, during a joint press conference with other opposition congress members.
Speaking at a joint press conference with other opposition lawmakers, House Democrats' leader Pelosi said: "This is a fair, fast effective and accounting-healthy plan."
The leader of Democrats in the House of Representatives Peiluoxi and other representatives said at joint news conference, "This is a fair, quickly effective and completely accounted plan".
Bush led the White House in refuting the accusation from the media that his package only benefits the wealthy, claiming that the economic stimulus package he is going to unveil is chiefly targeted at "revving up economic vitality and growth."
Bush led the White House to retort outsiders' allegations that the plan only benefits the rich.  Bush said the economic stimulus plan, that he is going to unveil, focuses on "stimulating economic vitality and growth".
Bush led the White House to refute the accusation that the plan is only in the interest of the rich people. Bush said that his upcoming economic plan focused on "improving economic vitality and growth".
Bush's White House defended that the plan was not only benefit the rich. He said, the economy-boosting program he is going to release mainly took a view on "promoting economic vitality and growth".
Bush said: "This package will provide tax relief to the working people.
Bush said, "This plan will provide tax cuts and concessions to the working class.
Bush said: "The plan will offer preferential tax-cut to the ordinary people.
Bush said, "this plan would provide the working people with favorable tax policies.
The idea behind the package is that when people have extra money, they are likely to spend it, which can create more jobs."
The plan recognizes that people can only spend money when they have more money to spare.  It is only then will more jobs be created."
The plan holds that people with surplus money are likely to spend it and thus it will create more job opportunities."
This plan acknowledges that only if people have more money, can they spend more and can more job opportunities be created."
US Willing to Negotiate with North Korea but Not to Pay More Compensation
U.S. Willing to Talk to North Korea, but Will Not Pay Any Rewards Again
The United States Willing To Talk To North Korea But Refuses To Pay Again
The US Willing to Talk with North Korea but Refuses to Pay More
(AFP, Washington, January 7)  The United States expressed today its willingness to negotiate with North Korea, a hostile nation on the "axis of evil," but will not provide any fresh inducements to this financially struggling communist nation so as to make it abandon its nuclear program.
(Agence France-Presse, Washington, 7th) - The United States said today it was willing to talk to North Korea, its "axis of evil" enemy, but would not offer any new incentives to cause the cash-strapped communist state to cancel its nuclear programs.
(AFP report from Washington D.C., January 7) The United States said today that it was willing to talk to one of the hostile "evil axis", North Korea, but would not offer new rewards to the financially difficult communist country in an effort to spur it to revoke its nuclear program.
(AFP, Washington, Jan. 7th) The US said today that it was willing to talk with North Korea, listed as "evil axis", but would not give this financially destitute communist country new award to urge it giving up its nuclear program.
US President Bush's administration is currently facing a double crisis with Iraq and North Korea.  The Bush administration officials issued a statement after their talks with senior Japanese and South Korean diplomats, saying that this signals "a step forward" in the US policy toward Pyongyang.
U.S. President Bush's administration is facing twin crises over Iraq and North Korea.  After talks with senior Japanese and South Korean diplomats, officials of Bush administration issued a statement, which said United States was taking a "step forward" in its policy towards Pyongyang.
The US Bush administration is facing two crisis involving Iraq and North Korea. Officials from the Bush administration and senior diplomats from Japan as well as South Korea said in a statement after talks that it meant that US policy toward Pyongyang had "stepped forward".
The Bush administration now faces with a dilemma between Iraq and North Korea. Officials from the Bush Administration made a statement after met with Japanese and South Korean senior diplomatic officials that this meant that US policy to Pyongyang had taken "one step forward".
The statement said: "The US delegation is willing to talk with North Korea about how it should meet its obligation to the international community.
"The U.S. delegation explained that the United States is willing to talk to North Korea about how it can meet its obligations to the international community," the statement said.
The statement said: "The US delegation says it is willing to hold talks with North Korea on how it should abide by international obligations.
The statement said, "the US delegation indicates its willingness to talk with the DPRK about how it fulfils its international responsibilities.
However, the US delegation emphasized that the United States will not provide any compensation for North Korea to live up to its existing obligation."
"However, the U.S. delegation stressed that the United States will not provide any rewards to North Korea for its fulfillment of existing obligations."
However, the US delegation stressed that the United States will not offer any rewards in return for North Korea's fulfilling current obligations."
However, the US delegation stresses that the US will not pay the DPRK for its fulfillments of its current responsibilities."
The US officials insisted with carefully worded diplomatic rhetoric that although they are willing to negotiate with North Korea, they will not consider any negotiation procedures before North Korea abides by various agreements on banning nuclear weapons.
In a carefully worded language full of diplomatic terms, U.S. officials insisted that they were willing to talk to North Korea.  However, they would not contemplate a negotiating process until Pyongyang complied with the various agreements prohibiting the production of nuclear weapons.
With excessive attention to their diplomatic wordings, US officials held that although they were willing to hold talks, they would not consider carrying out negotiation procedures before North Korea abides by various kinds of agreements that ban nuclear weapons.
The US official insisted with diplomatic verbalism that although they were willing to talk with North Korea, but before the DPRK abiding various agreements concerning nuclear weapons, they would not consider starting negotiation process.
The State Department spokesman Boucher said: "We are not willing to pay again for the agreements that have been reached already."
"We are not willing to pay again for the same agreements that have been reached before," said State Department spokesman Richard Boucher.
State Department spokesman Boucher said: "We are not willing to pay a price for our earlier agreements once again."
State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said, "We won't pay for the already reached agreements again."
Before that, the Bush administration indicated that the United States will refuse to have talks with North Korea before this Stalinist nation abandons its nuclear program based on enriched uranium and plutonium.
Previously, Bush administration said U.S. would refuse to talk to the Stalinism state until North Korea abandoned its nuclear programs based on enriched uranium and plutonium.
Earlier, the Bush administration said that before North Korea gives up its nuclear program based on enriched uranium and plutonium, the United States refuses to talk to the Stalinist country.
Before this, the Bush administration indicated that the US refused to talk with the Stalinist country before the DPRK gave up its nuclear program based on contracted uranium and cymbals.
Former Executive of a US Online Real Estate Company to Plead Guilty to Fraud Charges
Former Executive of a U.S. Online Real Estate Business Pleaded Guilty to Fraud
Former AOL Real-Estate Chief To Plead Guilty to Fraud Charge
Former Executive of US Online Real Estate Firm to Plead to Fraud
(AFP, Los Angeles)  Prosecutors said that a former chief executive of "Homestore," a US online real estate company, has agreed to plead guilty to fraud charges and reached a settlement over the lawsuit that originated from the insider trading scandal.
(Agence France-Presse, Los Angeles) - Prosecutors said a former executive of Homestore Inc., a U.S. online real estate and nice home business, agreed to plead guilty to a fraud charge and settled out of court a lawsuit stemming from an insider trading scandal.
(AFP report from Los Angeles) Prosecutors said that a former chief of AOL's Homestore had agreed to plead guilty to the fraud charge and to settle the lawsuit resulted from inside trading scandals.
(AFP, Los Angeles) According to the prosecutor, a former executive of a US online real estate firm, "Homestore", had agreed to plead guilty to fraud charges and made settle claims from an insider trading scandal.
Special Assistant US Attorney Wilner said that Kalina, Homestore's former senior manager of mergers and acquisitions, has entered a plea bargain deal and agreed to plead guilty to one count of securities fraud involving insider trading.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Wilner said that Jeffrey Kalina, Homestore's former senior manager of mergers and acquisitions, agreed in a pleas bargain deal to plead guilty on a securities fraud charge in the form of insider trading.
Federal assistant prosecutor Werner said that Homestore's former veteran manager of mergers and acquisitions Kalina had agreed to plead guilty to a securities fraud charge linked to inside trading.
Special US assistant Attorney Wilner said, former senior merger and acquisition manager Kalina had agreed to plead guilty to a securities fraud charge involving insider trading in a pleas bargain deal.
Fuchs, another prosecutor, said that Kalina also agreed to pay 70,000 US dollars to settle a civil lawsuit against him by the US Securities and Exchange Commission.
Another prosecutor Douglas Fuchs said Kalina agreed to pay US$70,000 to settle a civil case brought against him by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Another prosecutor Fox said that Kalina also agreed to pay 70,000 US dollars to settle a civil complaint raised by US Securities Exchange.
Another prosecutor Fuchs said, Kalina agreed to repay 70,000 dollars to settle a civil case brought against him by the US Securities and Exchange Commission.
Wilner said that the maximum sentence for securities fraud can be ten years of imprisonment.  However, according to the plea bargain deal, the aforementioned term is expected to be "dramatically shortened."
Wilner said the maximum penalty for securities fraud is 10 years imprisonment.  However, the sentence is expected to be "significantly shorter" under the plea deal.
Werner said that the maximum prison term for securities fraud was 10 years but according to pleading agreement, the prison term was expected to be "dramatically shortened".
The maximum sentence for the securities fraud is 10 years imprisonment, but the pennalty is expected to be "significantly lower" considering the plea deal.
The prosecutors and investigators pointed out, in the financial fraud scheme in which Kalina was involved, Homestore's chief executives misled investors by overstating the 2001 revenues.
Prosecutors and investigators said that Kalina took part in a financial fraud scheme in which Homestore executives misled investors by inflating revenues in the financial reports of 2001.
According to prosecutors and investigators, in the securities fraud schemes involving Kalina, the Homestore's chief misled investors with inflated 2001 earnings report.
In the financial fraud plot Kalina involved in, Homestore executives misled investors by overstating revenues for 2001, according to prosecutors and investigators.
Fuchs said, when Kalina became aware of the artificially inflated stock price, he dumped his Homestore shares to make a profit.  "The Wall Street wasn't aware that the key portion of Homestore's revenues was bogus."
Fuchs said Kalina knew the price of the stock was artificially inflated and he sold his own stock in Homestore for profits when "Wall Street was not aware that a key portion of Homestore's revenue was falsified".
Fox said that after Kalina learnt about the fraudulent stock prices, he sold his Homestore's shares to make a profit and "the Wall Street did not notice that Homestore's key earning part was fraudulent."
Kalina made profits by selling his own stocks in Homestore after he knew the price of the stock is deliberately inflated and "the Wall Street wasn't aware that a key portion of the revenue of Homestore was fake", said Fuchs.
Desimone, Homestore's former vice president who has been charged with similar insider trading, has pleaded guilty.  The court is scheduled to announce sentencing on April 21.
John DeSimone, a former vice president of Homestore, has pleaded guilty to a similar insider trading charge.  The court is expected to hand out a sentence on April 21.
Homestore's former vice president Desimone on charges similar to inside trading has already pleaded guilty. The court is expected to give the verdict on April 21.
John DeSimon, vice president of Homestore has pleaded guilty to a similar insider trading charge and the court is expected to sentence on April 21.
Homestore's Chief Operating Officer Giesecke and former Chief Financial Officer Joseph Shew have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud.
Homestore's chief operating officer John Giesecke and ex-chief financial officer Joseph Shew have also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud.
Homestore's former chief operating officer Giesecke and former chief financial officer Joseph Shew have already pleaded guilty to the securities fraud charges.
Chief operating officer John Giesecke and ex-chief financial officer Joseph Shew both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud.
Prosecutors said that Giesecke and Joseph Shew, together with other company chief executives, have been charged with overstating revenues by falsifying Homestore's accounting.
Prosecutors said Giesecke and Shew, along with other executives of the company, are suspected to have manipulated the books of Homestore to inflate revenue numbers.
Prosecutors said that Giesecke and Joseph Shew as well as other company chiefs were suspected of falsifying Homestore's accounts and inflating the earnings.
According to the prosecutors, Giesecke and Joseph Shew and other executive of the company were allegedly manipulated Homestore's books to revise the revenue figure.
Days of Heavy Snow in Europe Left Many Dead and Transportation Disrupted
Several Days of Heavy Snowfall in Europe Have Caused Several Deaths and Disruptions in Traffic
Big Snow Hits Europe For Days, Causing Several Deaths And Blocking Traffic
Snows for Days in Europe, Many Died and Transportation Broke off
(AFP, Vienna, January 8)  Days of heavy snow, low temperatures from Siberia as well as high winds across Europe have caused many deaths while disrupting road, rail, air and sea traffic.
(Agence France-Presse, Vienna, 8th) - Several days of heavy snowfall, Siberian low temperatures and high winds across Europe have caused a number of deaths and disruption in highway, rail, air and sea traffic.
(AFP report from Vienna, January 8) Days of big snow, low temperature in Siberia and strong winds in various parts of Europe have caused several deaths while blocking road, railway, air and sea traffic.
(AFP, Vienna, Jan. 8th) It snows for quite many days. Low temperature from Siberia and strong winds in European regions has caused many deaths and the road, railway, air and sea transportation have been cut off.
The temperatures in Moscow, capital of Russia, dropped to such low levels last night that even locals felt freezing cold.  Six people died as a result, bringing up the death toll due to coldness this year to 239.  Most of the dead were the homeless and the elderly, including many who were drunk.
In the Russian capital city of Moscow, temperatures plunged to levels considered cold even for local residents last night and six people died.  That brings this year's death toll, due to cold weather, to 239 people.  Most of the people died were homeless and seniors, but it also included many who were drunk.
Temperatures in the Russian capital of Moscow last night fell to a degree that even local people felt chilly, causing six people dead and bringing the number of people dying from the cold this year to 239, most of whom were vagrants and the old including many drunks.
In Russian Capital Moscow, the temperature decreased to the level that even Russians feel cold last night. 6 people died, which makes death from freezing weather increases to 239. Among them, many were homeless people and the elderly, including lots of drunkards.
Three people died last night in Lithuania, and many others had to have their legs and fingers amputated due to frost bites.
In Lithuania, three people died last night and a number of people had to have legs and fingers amputated because of frost injury.
Three people died last night in Lithuania while many people had to have their legs and fingers amputated for frostbites.
There were 3 deaths in Lithuania last night, and many need amputation on the leg or the finger because of frostbite.
The temperatures in Varena region in the south of the country plummeted to a new low of minus 32.6 degrees Celsius in 16 years.
Temperatures plunged to a 16-year low of minus 32.6 degrees Celsius in the south region of Varena.
In the country's southern Warner region temperatures hit a new low in 16 years, falling to -32.6 degrees.
The temperature in the south Valuna region of Lithuania hit the lowest in 16 years, down to -32.5 centigrade.
In Slovakia, three illegal immigrants from India also died of cold and exhaustion on Monday when the local temperatures dropped to minus 20 degrees Celsius.
In Slovakia, three illegal immigrants from India died on Monday because of cold and fatigue.  Local temperatures dropped to minus 20 degrees Celsius.
In Slovakia, three illegal Indian immigrants also died from the cold and fatigue on Monday with the local temperature falling to -20 degrees.
There were also 3 illegal Indian immigrants to Slovak died from cold and exhaustion. The local temperature decreased to -20 centigrade.
In the meantime, civil defense services across the European continent and beyond all indicated that snowfalls have blocked roads, delayed trains and paralyzed airports.
Meanwhile, civil defense services in countries all across Europe and beyond said that roads were closed, trains delayed and airports paralyzed because of the snowfall.
Meanwhile, civilian authorities in and out of the European continent all said that the snow had blocked road traffic, delaying railway and paralyzing airports.
At the same time, civil security agencies in various regions on the European continent and other places out of Europe all indicated that snow had blocked off roads, making trains late and airports no longer function.
Frozen railroad points and road accidents in Britain have paralyzed transportation in some areas.  Heavy snow, after covering the eastern region, is now moving westward.
In Britain, railways were frozen along the line and road accidents paralyzed traffic in some regions.  Heavy snow has hit the eastern regions and is now moving westwards.
Traffic in some regions of Britain was paralyzed after the freezing of railways and road traffic accidents. Big snow has hit the eastern part and the snow is now moving to the west.
Frost and accidents along British railways and roads have made terrible traffic jam in many areas. It snows a lot in the eastern region and the snow is moving to the west now.
In the Czech Republic, which was ravaged by serious floods last summer, the temperatures in its border region adjacent to neighboring Slovakia plunged to minus 18 degrees Celsius.
The Czech Republic, which was hard hit by severe flooding last summer, recorded temperatures as low as minus 18 degrees Celsius in areas near the Slovakian border.
In the Republic of Czech that saw severe flood last summer, the temperature has fallen to -18 degrees in its border region with Slovakia.
The weather along the borders between Slovak and Czech Republic that suffered serious floods last summer is as low as -18 centigrade.
Worldwatch Institute Praises Environmental Revolution
Worldwatch Institute Applauds the Environmental Revolution
Worldwatch Institute Hails Environmental Revolution
Worldwatch Institute Praise the Environmental Revolution
(AFP, Washington, January 9)  In its annual report "State of the World," Worldwatch Institute, an environmental research organization, praised with unusual optimism the advent of "environmental revolution," pointing out that many countries are successfully curbing or solving environmental, health and social problems.
(Agence France-Presse, Washington, 9th) - In an unusually optimistic stance, Worldwatch Institute, an environmental research organization, applauds the arrival of the "environmental revolution" in its annual State of the World report.  The Institute pointed out that many countries have successfully curbed and are solving environmental, health and social problems.
(AFP report from Washington D.C., January 9) In its annual report "the World's Current Situation", Environmental research organization Worldwatch Institute hails the "environmental revolution" in an unusual approach, pointing out that many countries are now successfully preventing and solving environmental, health and social problems.
(AFP, Washington, Jan. 9th) Environmental research organization "Worldwatch Institute" praises the coming of the "environmental revolution" with unusual optimism in its annual report, namely "World Condition At Present". It points out that many countries are successfully check and resolve environmental, health and social problems.
Flavin, head of Worldwatch Institute, said on the 9th: "Building a world that not only meets our needs but also allows future generations to enjoy a healthy society is no longer a day dream."
"Building a world that meets our own needs and, at the same time, allows our next generation to enjoy a healthy society is no longer a daydream," said Worldwatch Institute President Christopher Flavin on the 9th.
Worldwatch Institute chief Flavin said on January 9: "It is no longer a daydream to establish a world that meets our needs while enables the next generation to enjoy a healthy society."
"Worldwatch Institute" chief Fleven said today, "to build a world of our needs and a healthy society sharing with our young generation are no longer day dream."
This edition of State of the World report points out that one of the encouraging achievements is the increasing use of renewable energies such as "solar energy and wind power" in Germany, Japan and Spain.
The State of the World report pointed out that the increased use of renewable energy sources, such as solar energy and windmills, in Germany, Japan and Spain was one of the encouraging achievements.
The World Current Situation points out that one of the encouraging successes is that the use of recyclable resources, for example the use of solar energy and windmills, is getting increasingly popular in Germany, Japan and Spain.
It is quite an inspiring achievement that there are more and more cases as Germany, Japan and Spain use renewable energies such as solar energy and windmills, said this report on the current situation of the world.
Speaking about the success of promoting the strategy of renewable energies, Flavin said: "We're entering a new era."
"We are entering a new era," Flavin said, when he talked about the success in promotion of renewable energy policies.
Talking about the success of popularizing recyclable resources, Flavin said: "We are entering a new era."
Fleven said when he was talking about the success of program on dissemination of renewable energy, "we are stepping into a new era."
The above-mentioned report says that in the 1990s, the worldwide production of chlorofluorocarbons, "the No. 1 culprit in destroying the ozone layer," has decreased by 81%.
The aforesaid report said that the global production of chlorofluorocarbons, a prime culprit that depletes our ozone, has reduced by 81 percent during the 90s.
The above-mentioned report says that in 1990s the use of freon that is mainly blamed for destroying the ozonosphere decreased by 81%.
According to the above report, in the 1990's, the prime reason of reduction of the ozone layer, chlorine, fluorine and carbon compound produced globally decreased 81%.
In addition, the anti-polio campaigns promoted by the World Health Organization have reduced polio cases globally from 350,000 in 1988 to 480 in 2001.
In addition, the World Health Organization's campaign against infantile paralysis has reduced the number of cases worldwide from 350,000 in 1988 to 480 cases in 2001.
In addition, the World Health Organization's anti-polio program has reduced polio cases in the world to 480 in 2001 from 350,000 in 1988.
Besides, the movement against infantile paralysis promoted by WHO have reduced the case to 481 in 2001 from 350,000 in 1988.
This Washington-based environmental research organization also praised local successes in environmental protection.  For example, the Netherlands has achieved an 86 percent recycling rate for automobiles; Denmark has totally banned the use of aluminum cans in favor of recyclable glass bottles; and Brazil has been using renewable energies since 2001.
The Washington based environmental research organization also praised regional achievements in environmental protection.  For example, Netherlands have a 86 percent recycling rate for cars; Denmark has banned the usage of aluminum cans and opted for reusable glass bottles; and Brazil started to use renewable energy in 2001.
The Washington-based environmental research organization also hails local environmental protection achievement, for example, vehicles' recycling rate reaching 86% in Holland; the comprehensive ban of aluminum cans to use recyclable bottles in Denmark; Brazil's use of recyclable resources starting in 2001.
This environmental research organization headquartered in Washington also praises local environmental achievements, such as the Netherlands' automobile reclaiming rate hits 86%; Demark completely bans aluminum cans and changes to reclaimable glass bottles; and Brazil has begun to use renewable energy since 2001 as well.
The organization's report says that the past achievements have brought hopes for relieving serious global threats, which include malaria that claims 7,000 lives every day, and the food, air, and water pollution that leads to the untimely deaths of 5,500 children every day.
The organization's report also said that past successes have brought hope to other serious global threats, such as, malaria, which claims 7,000 lives every day, and pollution of air, food and water, which kills 5,500 children every day.
The organization's report says that previous achievement brings hope to eliminating severe threats to the world, including malaria that claims 7,000 people's lives everyday and the pollution of air, food and water that kills 5,500 children everyday.
Past progress brings hopes to resolve serious global threat, which includes malaria, killing 7,000 lives daily and the air, food and water pollution causing 5,500 children to die.
AOL Time Warner Chairman Case to Resign in May
Chairman of AOL Time Warner to Resign in May
AOL Time Warner Chairman Case To Resign In May
AOL-Times Warner President Kess to Resign in May
(AFP, Washington, January 12)  AOL Time Warner Chairman Case announced tonight that he will resign in May, saying that this move is "the best for the company."
(Agence France-Presse, Washington, 12th) - Steve Case, Chairman of AOL Time Warner Inc., announced tonight that he will resign in May.  He said that his move is "in the best interest of the company".
(AFP report from Washington D.C., January 12) Chairman of American Online Time Warner Case announced tonight that he would resign in May, saying that the move "is in the best interests of the company".
(APF, Washington, Jan. 12th) AOL-Times Warner Kess announced this evening that he would resign in May. This is "the best for the company", he said.
While explaining his decision, Case said that he has decided on the steps to take in order to prevent shareholders' criticism of him from "hindering our ability to cooperate as a team and to focus fully on our businesses."
In an explanation of the decision, Case said he decided to adopt steps to avoid the criticisms of shareholders "from hindering our ability to cooperate as a team and focus fully on our businesses".
Explaining his decision, he said that he had decided to take steps to prevent criticism from shareholders and "the blocking of our team-work cooperation ability and to focus on our business completely."
Kess explained about his decision that I had already decided measures he should take to avoid criticisms from the shareholders. That is "hindering our teamwork cooperation, but focusing completely on our business."
Case, who oversaw America Online's merger with Time Warner which was approved by the US Federal Trade Commission in January 2001, will remain as a board member of AOL Time Warner.
Upon approval by U.S. Federal Trade Commission, Case oversaw America Online's merger with Time Warner in January 2001.  The intention was that he would remain as a director in the board of AOL Time Warner.
Case, who supervised the merger of AOL and Time Warner approved by the US Federal Commission in January 2001, will still be a member of AOL and Time Warner's board of directors.
Kess, supervisor of the merge between AOL and Times Warner approved by US Federal Commission in Jan. 2000, is till a trustee of AOL-Times Warner.
The merger was valued at 155 billion US dollars when it was announced in January 2000.  The merger was approved by the European policy makers later that year.
The merger had a value of US$155 billion when it was announced in January 2000.  Later in that year, European policy makers approved the merger.
The merger was worth $155 billion when announced in January 2000, which was approved by the decision-makers in Europe later in the year.
The merger was worth of 155 billion dollars when announced in Jan. 2000 and was approved by European policy makers.
Case said in a statement: "As you expected, this decision is personally very difficult for me, because I hoped to serve as chairman of this conglomerate for years to come.  And as an architect of the merger, I have always thought it was important that I stay as chairman and help get things back on track."
Case said in a statement, "As you might expect, this decision was personally very difficult for me.  I have hoped that I can serve as Chairman for this large company in the next few years as I was the architect of the merger.  I have felt it was important that I stay as Chairman and help get things on track."
Case said in a statement: "As you have expected, personally speaking, the decision is really hard for me as I'd like to serve as the big company's chairman in years to come and as a maker of the merger, I always think that it is very important for me to stay as chairman and help things go to the right tracks."
Kess said in a statement, "As what is expected, this decision is very difficult to me personally. Yet, I am the maker of the merger. I always think that I stay as the president and see everything on the way are very important."
He stressed: "First of all, this company does not need uneasiness at this critical moment.  As some shareholders still focus their dissappointment with the company's post-merger performance on me personally, I have decided that we should take steps now to prevent it from hindering our cooperation as a team and to focus fully on our businesses."
Case stressed, "First, this company does not need distractions at this critical time.  Since some shareholders continue to focus their disappointment with the company's post-merger performance on me personally, I have decided that we should take steps now to avoid any obstruction to our cooperation as a team and focus fully on our businesses."
He stressed: "First of all, the company does not need instability in crucial moment and as many shareholders still focus disappointment on me following the merger I decide that we need to take actions to prevent the blocking of our team-work cooperation and focus on our business completely."
He stressed, "Firstly, this company doesn't need turbulence at this critical moment, and since some shareholders blamed me alone of their disappointment over the operation of the company after the merger, I decide that we should take actions now to avoid hindering our teamwork cooperation and focusing completely on our business."
AOL Time Warner's Internet arm, America Online, said that it expects its advertising and commerce sales for 2002 to drop to between 1.5 to 1.6 billion US dollars from  2.7 billion in 2001.
America Online, the Internet arm of AOL Time Warner conglomerate, said it expects advertising and commerce revenue to decline from US$2.7 billion in 2001 to US$1.5-1.6 billion in 2002.
AOL, the online company under AOL Time Warner, said that it expected its advertisements and business sales in 2002 would reduce to 1.5-1.6 billion US dollars from the 2.7 billion in 2001.
Online company of AOL-Times Warner, American Online said, it expects its advertisement and commercial sales would be cut to 1.5-1.6 billion US dollars in 2002 from 2.7 billion in 2001.
Whereas, the total revenue will be between 8.8 to 9 billion US dollars against the 8.718 billion US dollars in the preceding year.
Whereas, the total sales revenue will be around US$8.8-9.0 billion and it was US$8.718 billion the year before.
While the total sales volume would reach 8.8-9 billion US dollars against 8.718 billion in the previous year.
The total sales volume will be 8.8 billion dollars to 9 billion, but it was 8.718 billion dollars a year before.
The company estimates that America Online's total revenue for 2003 will remain about the same as that in 2002, while revenues from advertising and commerce sales will drop by 40-50%.
The conglomerate further expects that America Online's sales revenue in 2003 will be about the same as 2002, while advertising and commerce revenue will decrease by 40-50 percent.
The company predicted that there were almost no changes in AOL's total sales volume between 2003 and 2002 while the advertisement and business sales will fall 40% to 50%.
AOL's total sales volume in 2003 is more or less the same with that in 2002, but its advertisement and commercial revenue will decrease 40-50% as the company estimates.
North Korea Withdraws from Nuclear Non-Poliferation Treaty to Defy the Entire World
North Korea Withdrew from Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and Becomes a Foe of the World
North Korea Quits Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty To Become World's Enemy
Quitting Nonproliferation Treaty, North Korea to be Enemy of the World
(AFP, Washington, January 15)  The showdown between the United States and North Korea has escalated from such peripheral issues as "the axis of evil" to an international crisis, threatening to ruin decades of global efforts at nuclear non-proliferation.
(Agence France-Presse, Washington, 15th) - The showdown between United States and North Korea has elevated from a side issue of "axis of evil" to an international crisis.  It appears that the global efforts for nuclear non-proliferation in the past several decades are likely to fall short of success for lack of a final effort.
(AFP report from Washington D.C., January 15) The US-North Korean showdown has developed from a minor issue of "evil axis" to an international crisis. Dozens of years of world efforts on nuclear non-proliferation may fall short of success at last.
(AFP, Washing, Jan. 15) The US and North Korea's face-off is upgraded from nonessentials of the "evil axis" to international crisis. Global efforts for dozens of years on nonproliferation may possibly fail at last.
Pyongyang declared its withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty on the 10th of this month, resulting in a stand-off with Washington.
Pyongyang announced its withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty on the 10th of this month and is poised to confront with Washington.
Pyongyang announced to quit the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty on 10th this month, confronting itself with Washington.
Pyongyang announced to quit the nonproliferation treaty on 10th of Jan., casting a confronting situation with the US.
Analysts said that at present, the global efforts aimed at nuclear non-proliferation are threatened with failure.  The treaty has already been seriously undermined when the non-signatories India and Pakistan joined the nuclear club in 1998.
Analysts said the global endeavor and attempt to curb nuclear proliferation have the fear of a failure.  The treaty was already seriously damaged when non-treaty countries, Pakistan and India, joined the nuclear club in 1998.
Analysts said that now the world's efforts to prevent proliferation of nuclear weapons were likely to fail. The treaty was already severely damaged when non-signatories, India and Pakistan, entered the nuclear club in 1998.
According to analysts, the global efforts to prevent proliferation may possibly fail. The nonproliferation treaty was seriously damaged when India and Pakistan, the two countries not signing on the treaty, entered the nuclear club in 1998.
Four days after Pyongyang made the above move, five permanent members of the UN Security Council have all taken preventive diplomatic actions on this crisis.
Four days after Pyongyang adopted the aforesaid action, the five permanent members of United Nations Security Council have all taken preemptive diplomatic actions for the crisis.
After Pyongyang took the above-mentioned action, all the five permanent members of the UN Security Council conducted preventive diplomatic steps to deal with the crisis.
On the 4th day after Pyongyang took the above-mentioned act, 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council all took diplomatic precautions for this crisis.
Russia said it will send a special envoy to Pyongyang to suggest an end to this stalemate, while China proposed that the United States and North Korea hold a dialog to reach a compromise.
Russia said it would send a special envoy to Pyongyang with a proposal to end the stalemate.  On the other hand, China suggested to host dialogues for a possible compromise between United States and North Korea.
Russia said that it would send a special envoy to Pyongyang, suggesting ending the deadlock but China proposed to host the US-North Korean talks.
Russia said, it would send a special envoy to Pyongyang, suggesting ending the deadlock, and China suggested to make concession and dialogue between the US and North Korea.
Meanwhile, in London, Britain and France are discussing this crisis.
Britain and France discussed the crisis in London.
Meanwhile, Britain and France discussed the crisis in London.
Britain and France consulted with each other about this crisis in London.
International Atomic Energy Agency has warned that if North Korea refuses to abandon its nuclear program, the agency may request the Security Council to take actions.
International Atomic Energy Agency warned that it might demand actions by the Security Council if Pyongyang refuses to abandon its nuclear plan.
The International Atomic Energy Agency warned that if North Korea refused to give up the nuclear program, it would ask the Security Council to take actions.
The IAEA has warned that if Pyongyang refused to give up its nuclear program, it might ask the Security Council to take action.
As far as Russia's and China's moves are concerned, many US observers think such talks may force Moscow and Beijing to decide whether or not to vote against North Korea.
As to the actions of Russia and China, many U.S. observers believed this kind of talks might force Moscow and Beijing to decide whether to cast a veto vote for North Korea.
Talking about Russia and China's actions, many US observers thought that the talks might force Moscow and Beijing to decide whether they would use their vetoes concerning North Korea.
Viewing Russia's and China's attitude, many US observers think that this kind of meeting might force Moscow and Beijing to veto North Korea.
Other countries with nuclear capabilities, such as Iran and Libya, will surely be on close watch for the development of North Korea crisis.
Other countries that might have nuclear capability, for example, Iran and Libya, are certainly monitoring closely the development of the North Korea crisis.
Other nations that may have nuclear capability, for example Iran and Libya, are sure to pay close attention to the development of the North Korean crisis.
Other countries probably having nuclear capabilities, such as Iran and Libya, are sure to closely watch the development of North Korea crisis.
They would notice that North Korea withdraws from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty with impunity, or gets huge sums of funds from the United States in exchange that it stop developing nuclear weapons.
They would be interested to know whether North Korea can withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty without any penalty, or would United States offer huge sums to North Korea in exchange for a cessation in nuclear weapon development.
They will notice that North Korea quitted the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty without being punished, or obtaining a large sum of money from the United States in return for an end to the development of nuclear weapons.
They would note that the DPRK's withdrawal from the non-proliferation treaty would not be punished or trade ceasing of developing nuclear weapons for large amount of US funds.
Einhorn, a former arms control official of the State Department, said: "If North Korea is considered capable of withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, they may figure they can make the same move without paying any cost."
"If North Korea is considered to have the ability to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, then these countries may contemplate that they could also adopt the same action without paying any price," said Robert Einhorn, former assistant secretary of state for weapon non-proliferation.
Former State Department arms control official Enhon said: "If North Korea is considered to have the ability to quit the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, they will think that they can take the same actions without paying any cost."
Former Weapon Controlling Official of the State Department said, "If North Korea were deemed as capable of quitting the non-proliferation treaty, they might calculate that they could do the same without pay any price."
Noland from the Institute for International Economics believes that North Korea may have made a tactical mistake because its decision to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty will make the international community more determined than ever to resolve this issue.
Marcus Noland of the Institute for International Economics believed that North Korea might have committed a tactical mistake.  It is because the decision to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty may strengthen the determination of the international community to solve this problem.
Norand from the International Economy Research Institution believed that North Korea might have made a tactical mistake because the decision to quit the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty would make the international resolution to settle the issue much firmer.
Roland from the International Economic Research Institute believes that North Korea might make a tactic mistake, for its decision to quit the non-proliferation treaty would further reinforce the determination of the international community to solve this problem firmer than ever.
Japanese Court Rejects Multi-million-yen Compensation Lawsuit by Former Chinese Slave Laborers
Japanese Court Rejected Compensation Claims by Former Chinese Slave Laborers
Japanese Court Rejects Former Chinese Slave Workers' Lawsuit for Huge Compensation
Japanese Court Overrules Chinese Slave Laborers' Enormous Compensation Lawsuit
(AFP, Tokyo, January 15)  A Japanese court today rejected a 132 million yen (1.1 million US dollars) compensation lawsuit filed by six Chinese who were forced to work as slave laborers in a nickel mine in Japan during World War II.
(Agence France-Presse, Tokyo, 15th) - A Japanese court today rejected compensation suits for a total amount of 132 million yen (US$1.1 million).  Six Chinese people brought up the suits because they were forced into slave labor in a nickel mine in Japan during World War II.
(AFP report from Tokyo, January 15) A Japanese court today rejected a 132-million Yen (1.1 million US dollars) lawsuit, raised by six Chinese who were forced to work as slaves in a Japanese nickel deposit during the Second World War.
(AFP, Tokyo, Jan. 15th) A Japanese court overrules a 1.32 billion yen compensation suit brought by 6 Chinese, who were forced to be miners in a Japanese nickel mine.
Kyoto District Court Judge Shin Kusumoto said that although what the government and Nippon Yakin Kogyo Co. did in 1944 jointly was illegal, he rejected this lawsuit based on the Civil Law that allows a 20-year statute of limitations.
Kyoto District Court judge Shin Kusumoto said the government and Nippon Yakin Kogyo Co., Ltd. had both acted illegally in 1944.  However, he rejected the demand for compensation because there is a 20-year statute of limitation for compensation claims under civil law.
Judge Shin Kusumoto of the Kyoto Local Court said that although the Japanese government and Japan's Metallurgical Company conducted the same illegal acts, he rejected the lawsuit in accordance with civil law's compensation limitation period of 20 years.
Local judge of Kyoto Nanmu Xin said, although the government and Japanese Metallurgical Company jointly committed unlawful acts in 1944, he overrules this charge because the term of validity of compensation is 20 years according to the Civil Law.
Kusumoto said: "The defendants' obligation has expired."
"The defendants' obligations had exhausted," Kusumoto said.
"The defendants' responsibility has expired," Kusumoto said.
Nanmu said, "the obligation of the defendants has been terminated."
Five former Chinese slave laborers, including the 72-year-old Liu Zonggen and a family member of a deceased slave laborer, have sought unpaid wages, compensations and apologies from the Japanese government and Nippon Yakin Kogyo Co.
Five former slave laborers, including Liu Zonggen, 72, and the family of a deceased man, were demanding unpaid wages, compensation and an apology from the Japanese government and Nippon Yakin Kogyo Co., Ltd.
The five former Chinese slave workers, including 72-year-old Liu Zhonggen and a slave worker's descendant, are seeking unpaid salaries, compensation and apologies from the Japanese government and Japan's Metallurgical Industry Company.
5 former Chinese slave laborers, including 72-year-old Liu Zonggen and a child left by one of the slave laborers, asked for their unpaid wage, compensation and apology from the Japanese government and Japan Metallurgical Industry Company.
The six people worked as slave laborers for Nippon Yakin for a period of one year during which they were often beaten up and poorly fed and clad.
The six men had worked as slave laborers in Nippon Yakin Kogyo Co., Ltd. for one year.  During that period, they were often beaten; not given enough food; and not enough clothing to keep warm.
The six people worked as slaves for Japan's metallurgical industry for one year, during which they were often beaten and without sufficient food and clothes.
These six people were doing slave work in Japanese metallurgical industry for a year, and in that period, they were frequently beaten, starved and without clothes.
Nippon Yakin argued that the company was in no position to oppose the national policy, while the Japanese government, on the other hand, said it has no need to provide compensation to the plaintiffs according to the constitution at that time.
Nippon Yakin Kogyo Co., Ltd. argued that the Company had no power to resist policies implemented by the State.  The Japanese government said that it had no obligation to compensate the plaintiffs under the Constitution back then.
Japan's metallurgical industry claimed that the company had no power to resist the country's policy while the Japanese government said that according to then constitution it did not need to offer the compensation to the plaintiffs.
The Japanese Metallurgical Industry defended that the company could not confront government policy, and the Japanese government said that it need not to compensate the plaintiff according to the Constitution at that time.
Jiji Press reported that after the court announced its ruling, Liu Zonggen said at a press conference: "This is an inhumane ruling."
Jiji News reported that in a press conference after the court announced the decision, Liu Zonggen said, "The ruling is lack of humanity".
Jiji News reported that following the court's ruling, Liu Zhonggen said in a press conference: "This is a verdict lacking humanity."
According to Jiji Press reports, Liu Zonggen told a news conference after the verdict, "This is a verdict of little humanity."
He said they will file an appeal.
He said that the plaintiffs would appeal.
He said that they would appeal to a higher court.
They would appeal, they said.
Liu Zonggen said: "I've got the support from many Japanese friends.  I'll fight to the end."
"I have received a lot of support from friends in Japan and I will fight to the end, " Liu Zonggen said.
"We have won many friendly Japanese people's support and we will fight till the end," said Liu Zhonggen.
Liu Zonggen said, "I am supported by many Japanese friends. I will fight until the end."
The plaintiffs' attorney pointed out that this ruling "violates the historical record," and demanded that the Japanese government and Nippon Yakin pay compensations and offer apologies to resolve the issue.
The plaintiffs' lawyers said the ruling is an "unprecedented in history".  They demand the Japanese government and Nippon Yakin Kogyo Co., Ltd. to pay the compensation and make an apology to solve the problem.
The plaintiffs' lawyer pointed out that the verdict "violates historical records", and asked the Japanese government and Japan's Metallurgical Industry to pay the compensation and apologize to settle the issue.
This verdict was "against the record of the history", said the plaintiff lawyer, and demand the Japanese government and Japanese Metallurgical Industry to pay the compensation and apologized in order to solve the problem.
Kyodo News reported that this is the first time such argument has been rejected in lawsuits involving war compensation.
According to Kyodo News, it is the first occasion that this kind of defenses were rejected by court in lawsuits for War related compensations.
Kyodo News reported that in war compensation lawsuits, this was the first appeal of its kind to be rejected.
As Kyoto Press Agency reports, this is the first suit that is overruled in all war compensation case.
In 1944, the Japanese military abducted about 200 Chinese and then sent them to work as slave laborers in Oe Mountain Nickel Mine in Kaya Cho, Kyoto Prefecture.
In 1944, the Japanese army arrested about two hundred Chinese people and brought them to a nickel mine in Kaya, Kyoto Prefecture to work as slave labor.
In 1944, the Japanese army arrested about 200 Chinese and sent them to Kyoto's Hokkaido nickel mine to work as slaves.
In 1994, Japanese troops arrested about 200 Chinese and sent they to do slave work in the nickel mine in Jiayueding of the Kyoto prefecture.
Alcatel Says Sales in Fourth Quarter Last Year Grew Nearly 30%
Alcatel: Sales Surged Nearly 30 Percent in the Fourth Quarter of Last Year
Alcatel Says Last Fourth Quarter's Sales Grow Nearly 30%
Alcatel: Growth in the 4th Season Last Year Reach about 30%
(AFP, Paris)  Alcatel, the French telecommunication equipment manufacturing giant hit hard by the downturn in the telecom sector, said that its sales in the fourth quarter of 2002 should show a growth of nearly 30% over the preceding quarter.
(Agence France-Presse, Paris) - Alcatel, the French giant that makes telecommunication equipment, has been hard hit by the low prosperity in the telecommunication industry.  Nevertheless, Alcatel said the sales for the fourth quarter of 2002 should rise close to 30 percent over the previous quarter.
(AFP report from Paris) French telecom equipment giant Alcatel, which was hit by a sluggish telecom industry, said that Alcatel's sales volume in the fourth quarter of 2002 grew nearly 30% compared with the previous quarter.
(AFP, Paris) Striked by depression in the telecommunication business, French giant producer of telecommunication equipment, Alcatel said, its sales statistics in the 4th season in 2002 shows an expected 30% growth than the last season.
The sales growth reflects the stronger-than-expected seasonal factors as well as the sustained sales of the broadband and mobile infrastructure equipment.
The growth in sales reflected a stronger than expected seasonal factor, as well as the unfailing sales of broadband and mobile infrastructure equipment.
The sales growth showed a better than expected strong seasonal factor and the continuous sales of broadband and mobile infrastructure facilities.
This sales growth indicates a stronger seasonal factor than what was expected, as well as the continuous sales of wide frequency and mobile infrastructure equipment.
Alcatel noted that after taking into account reserves on inventories of 150 million euros (158.4 million US dollars), the fourth quarter income from operations will be around the break-even point.
Alcatel said the company should achieve a breakeven in the fourth quarter after making a reserve of 150 million euro (US$158.4 million) for inventory.
Alcatel said that plus the 150 million Euros (158.4 million US dollars) of reserves the fourth quarter saw a balanced turnover.
Taking into account of the 0.15 billion Euros (0.1584 billion US dollars) reserve funds, the sales revenue of the 4th season can reach around the balance between income and loss.
Alcatel issued a statement saying that cost-cutting measures are being carried out as planned.
Alcatel released a statement, which said the cost cutting measures are proceeding as planned.
Alcatel said in a statement that the cost-cut steps were underway on schedule.
According to Alcatel's statement, measures to cut cost is on the way according to set program.
The stock market in Paris welcomed Alcatel's announcement, and Alcatel shares surged by 16.91% to 6.5 euros in the early afternoon trading.
The Paris stock market welcomes Alcatel's announcement.  Stock price of Alcatel surged 16.91 percent to 6.5 euro a share at the opening of afternoon trading.
Paris' stock market welcomed Alcatel's announcement with Alcatel's stock price rising sharply 16.91% in early noon trading.
Paris stock exchange welcomed Alcatel's statement. Alcatel stock rallied 16.19% at the opening of the afternoon trade, hitting 6.5 Euros each stock.
Balcon, an analyst with Global Equities, said: "The upward revision in the fourth-quarter sales figures came particularly unexpected."
"The upward revision in fourth quarter sales is especially surprising," said Laurent Balcon, an analyst with Global Equities.
Global Equities analyst Bark said: "The fourth quarter sales figures are especially surprising."
Analyst Bacco from Global Equities said, "this upsurge of 4th season figure is especially surprising."
Alcatel's Chairman Serge Tchuruk said he still expects Alcatel to reduce the break-even point to 3 billion euros by the end of 2003, which means profitability can be achieved with less sales.
Alcatel Chief Executive Serge Tchuruk said he expects Alcatel to lower its breakeven point to 3 billion euro before the end of 2003.  This means a smaller amount of sales is sufficient to make the company profitable.
Alcatel's Chairman Tchuruk said that he still predicted that Alcatel could lower the breakeven point to 3 billion Euros, meaning profits could be made with relatively little sales.
Alcatel President Serge Tchuruk said that he expected that Alcatel could cut the balance point of income and lost to 3 billion Euros by the end of 2003, which meant smaller sales could profit.
Alcatel added that the company's annual income will be announced on February 4.
Alcatel further said that the company would announce the profit and loss for the full year on February 4.
Alcatel added that the company's whole year earnings would be announced on February 4.
The total revenue of the whole year would be released in April, added Alcatel.
Japan Unlikely to Expect a Real Growth of 1.5% until 2006
Japan Has to Wait Till 2006 to Achieve a Real Growth of 1.5 Percent
Japan Not To See An Actual Growth Rate of 1.5% Until 2006
Japan is Expected to Reach a Real Growth Rate of 15% not Until 2006
(AFP, Tokyo)  Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported today the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy (CEFP) of the Japanese government has deferred the estimated time for Japan's economy to reach a real growth of over 1.5% by two years to fiscal 2006.
(Agence France-Presse, Tokyo) - Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported today that the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy (CEFP) of the Japanese government has pushed back the date it forecasts a possible real growth of more than 1.5 percent in the Japanese economy by two years to the fiscal year of 2006.
(AFP report from Tokyo) Japanese Economic News reported today that Japanese government's Economy and Finance Consultancy Meeting had extended two years to the 2006 fiscal year when the Japanese economy was expected to see an actual growth rate of 1.5%.
(AFP, Tokyo) Nihon Kenzai News reports today, financial consultation conference of the Japanese government has delayed the expected time when Japanese economy could reach the growth rate of 15% to 2006 fiscal year.
CEFP also forecasts that in the next five years the total issuance of annual government bonds will reach 40 trillion yen due to the longer-than-expected time it takes to reduce budget deficits.
CEFP also forecasts the issuance of government bonds will amount to 40 trillion yen each year in the next five years because it is taking longer than expected to reduce budget deficits.
The Economy and Finance Consultancy Meeting also predicted that the total state bonds issued every year would reach 40 trillion Yen in the next five years because more time than expected was needed to reduce the budget deficit.
The Economic and Financial Consultation Conference also expects the total volume of national bond in the next 5 years will hit 40 trillion yen, for the time to cut budget deficit is longer than expected.
The report said that the mid-term economic outlook that aims at mapping out the guidelines for the economic and fiscal operations for the next five years is scheduled to be finalized on the 20th of this month.
The newspaper report said the Medium Term Economic Outlook, which is aimed at outlining the economic and fiscal policies for the next five years, would be finalized by the 20th of this month.
The report said that the mid-term economic outlook report that was aimed at outlining the economic and financial operation policies in the next five years was expected to be finalized on 20th of this month.
According to the report, the Interim Economic Prospect Report aiming at drafting economic and financial operation policies in the next 5 years will be completed on the 20th this month.
The mid-term economic outlook report was worked out in early January last year, and CEFP is currently working on its revision which is expected to be approved at the Cabinet meeting by the end of this month.
The Medium Term Economic Outlook was originally prepared in January last year.  CEFP is now making amendments.  It is hoped that a cabinet meeting can approve the report before the end of the month.
The mid-term economic outlook report was drawn up last January. The Economy and Finance Consultancy Meeting is currently revising it and it is expected to be approved by the cabinet meeting by the end of this month.
The Interim Economic Prospect Report was sketched out last January and the Economic and Financial Consultation Conference is revising it. It is expected to be approved by the cabinet by the end of this month.
It is reported that the current edition of the mid-term economic outlook report and a test calculation done by the Cabinet expect a real growth of 1.5% for fiscal 2004 and a nominal growth of 2.7% for fiscal 2005.
The newspaper said the current version of the Medium Term Economic Outlook as well as a test calculation prepared by the cabinet, both forecasted a real growth of 1.5 percent in 2004 and a nominal growth of 2.7 percent in 2005.
The report said that the current mid-term economic outlook report and a cabinet prediction expected that 2004 would see an actual growth rate of 1.5 while the broad growth rate would reach 2.7% in 2005.
The current version of the Interim Economic Prospect Report and a calculation of the cabinet expect the real growth rate in 2004 will be 1.5% and nominal growth rate in 2005 2.7%.
However, the revised edition projects the real growth rate in 2004 will be only 0.9% and the nominal growth rate only 0.8%.
However, the revised outlook forecasts a real growth of 0.9 percent and a nominal growth of 0.8 percent in 2004.
However, the revised report predicted that 2004's actual growth rate would only reach 0.9% with the broad growth rate of 0.8%.
But the revised version of the report forecasts the real growth rate in 2004 to be 0.9%, the nominal growth 0.8%, the report says.
The report said the revised edition also forecasts that a real growth rate of 1.5% or over will not materialize until fiscal 2006.
The newspaper said the revised outlook further forecasts a real growth of 1.5 percent or more is feasible only in the fiscal year 2006.
The report said that the revised report also predicted that the actual growth rate would not reach 1.5% or more until the 2006 fiscal year.
According to the report, the revised version of the Report predicts that not until fiscal year 2006, would the real growth reach 1.5% or higher.
A nominal growth rate of 2.5% or more will not occur until fiscal 2007, postponing the original dates by two years.
It takes until fiscal year 2007 before a nominal growth of 2.5 percent or more can be realized, which is two years later than the original estimation.
The broad growth rate would not go up to 2.5% or more until the 2007 fiscal year, two years later than expected.
Only in fiscal year 2007, nominal growth rate over 2.5% will appear, which is 2 years more than that used to be expected.
The report pointed out the revised outlook also extends the timetable to end deflation by two years.
The newspaper report pointed out the revised economic outlook has also extended the timeline for Japan to get out of deflation by two years.
The report pointed out that the revised outlook report would also extend the timetable by two years for elimination of deflation.
The revised Prospect Report also delays the time table of breaking off deflation for another 2 years.
Australia Faces Most Devastating Bush Fires in 50 Years; 1 Feared Dead
Australia Faces the Worst Bushfire in 50 Years; One Man Feared Dead
Australia Faces Severest Forest Fires in 50 Years, One Feared Dead
Australia Faces Most Serious Forest Fire in 50 Years: Probably One Dead
(AFP, Sydney, January 18)  Bush fires are ravaging Australia, having destroyed nearly 40 homes as of today, and are threatening residential houses in the suburbs around the capital city of Canberra.  With gusty winds and rising temperatures, the fires are expected to spread further.
(Agence France-Presse, Sydney, 18th) - Widespread bushfire destroyed nearly forty homes in Australia.  The fire is now threatening homes in the suburban areas of Canberra, Australia's capital city.  It is expected that the fire will spread further with the help of strong wind and soaring temperatures.
(AFP report from Sydney, January 18) Forest fires are wreaking havoc on Australia, destroying nearly 40 houses today and threatening the households near the capital, Canberra; the fires are expected to spread with strong winds and increasing temperatures.
(AFP, Sydney, Jan. 18) Forest fire indulges willfully in Australia. 40 houses have been erased until today and residents around suburb of the capital city of Canberra were threatened. Along with strong winds and continuously rising temperature, this fire is expected to scale-up further.
Australian officials said that according to unconfirmed reports, the blaze that has spread to dozens of suburban towns of Canberra and other areas in the ACT has already left one person dead and several missing.
An Australian official said unconfirmed reports indicated one dead and several people missing in the huge fire, which is now spreading to dozens of rural villages and counties on the outskirt of Canberra, as well as to some other areas in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
Australian officials said that unconfirmed report pointed out that one person had been killed and several others missing in big fires spreading to dozens of counties and towns in suburban Canberra as well as other areas of the Australian capital's ACT.
Australian official said, unconfirmed report said that the fire, which has been spread to dozens of suburban towns around Canberra and the ACT or other areas, has made one dead and several missing.
Brown, an officer with the Federal Police, said that the police are trying to verify the report that at least one person has died in the inferno, but some people have already been confirmed missing.
Federal police, Mr. Brown said the police are currently trying to verify the information about a man died in the fire, but the police are sure that some people are missing.
Federal police Brown said that police was trying to confirm the report that at least one person had been killed in the fire but the missing people had been confirmed.
Federal police officer Brown said, the police is trying to confirm weather at least one were burnt, but there were some missing.
As strong winds have fanned the bush fires out of control in the northern, southern and western mountainous areas in Canberra, the ACT authorities have declared a state of emergency today for the entire region.
Bushfire in mountain areas on the north, south and west of Canberra become out of control due to the strong winds.  ACT authority has declared a state of emergency for the whole region today.
The capital's ACT authorities have declared a state of emergency after forest fires in north, south and west of Canberra have gone out of control due to strong winds.
Strong winds make fires in the mountainous regions to the north, south and west of Canberra out of control. Therefore the ACT authority announced emergency throughout the region today.
On the other hand, fire service authorities said as bush fires are approaching heavily populated areas, the military has been called in to join thousands of firefighters in putting out the fires.
On the other hand, the fire department said the bushfire is now approaching densely populated areas and hence, they have called up the army to join the several thousands of firemen to put out the fire.
On the other hand, the fire-fighting authorities said that as the forest fires were nearing densely populated regions, the army had been called up to join thousands of fire fighters.
On the other hand, according to the fire-fighting agency, since the forest fire is approaching the residential areas, army has been recruited to be thousands of firemen.
Threatened by the bush fires that some officials described as the most devastating in 50 years, rural town residents in the mountainous regions within the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales and Kosciuszko National Park have all been immediately evacuated.
Some officials described the fire as the worst bushfire in 50 years.  Under such threat, the public living in small towns around the Kosciuszko National Park and in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales was forced to evacuate.
People from cities and towns in New South Wales Province's snow capped mountains and Kosciuszko National Park have been evacuated in emergency under what some officials called the severest forest fires in 50 years.
Under the threat of the most serious forest fire in past 50 years as officials described, town dwellers in the snow mountain in New South Wales and Kosciuszko National Park region have been all evacuated.
Rural Fire Service Commissioner Koperberg said: "It is a serious situation.  The Snowy Mountains may be facing the most serious threat in 50 years."  Over a thousand firefighters are fighting a losing battle, unable to prevent the blaze from engulfing the 80,000 hectares of bushland in New South Wales.
"The situation is really severe and the Snowy Mountains might be facing the worst threat in 50 years," said Phil Koperberg, Commissioner of Rural Fire Services.  More than a thousand firemen have been fighting a losing war; they failed to stop the fire from swallowing up the 80 thousand hectares of bushes inside New South Wales and they were retreating steadily.
Chief of the suburban fire-fighting office Kobelburg said: "The situation is very severe and the snow mountains may be facing the most grim threat in 50 years"; over one thousand fire fighters are keeping on retreating and have no way to prevent the big fire to engulf the 80,000 hectares of forest in New South Wales Province.
The town's fire agency chief Kepburg said, "This is quite a severe situation. The snow mountain are facing the most severe threat in 50 years." Over 1,000 firemen are fighting a retreating battle step by step. They cannot prevent the fire to lick up 80,000 hectares of forests in New South Wales.
Japanese Emperor Akihito's Surgery to Remove Cancerous Prostate Gland Successful
Japanese Emperor Akihito Successfully Completed a Surgery to Remove the Cancerous Prostate Gland
Japanese Emperor Undergoes Operation to Smoothly Remove Prostate Gland With Cancer
Japanese Emperor Akihito Has Surgery to Remove Cancerous Prostate Gland
(AFP, Tokyo, January 18)  Japanese Emperor Akihito underwent surgery today to have his cancerous prostate gland removed.  Doctors of the imperial household said the operation went smoothly and the cancer cells didn't seem to have spread to other organs.
(Agence France-Presse, Tokyo, 18th) - Japan's Emperor Akihito has successfully completed a surgery today to remove the cancerous prostate gland.  Doctors of the Imperial family said the operation went really well and cancer cells did not seem to have spread to other organs.
(AFP report from Tokyo, January 18) Japanese emperor Akihito underwent an operation today to remove the prostate gland with cancer. Imperial doctors said that the operation went smoothly and it seemed that the cancer had not spread to other organs.
(AFP, Tokyo, Jan 18) Japanese Emperor's cancerous prostate gland was removed by surgery on Saturday. The operation went successfully and cancer did not seem to expand to other organs, said the royal doctors.
Ichiro Kanazawa, medical supervisor of the Imperial Household, said at a press conference held at University of Tokyo Hospital: "The operation went smoothly as planned and was successfully completed.
"The surgery was conducted as scheduled and was successfully completed," said Ichiro Kanazawa, medical director of the Imperial Household Agency, in a press conference held at the University of Tokyo Hospital.
Imperial Household Agency chief Ichiro Kanazawa said in a press conference in a hospital affiliated with Tokyo University: "The operation goes smoothly on schedule and is successful.
Imperial household agency chief official Jinze Yilang told news conference at the University of Tokyo Hospital, "The operation was performed on time and successfully."
His Majesty has waked up from anesthesia and had a few words with Empress Michiko and Princess Sayako."
The Emperor has woken up from the effect of anesthesia and talked with the Empress and Princess Sayako, who were accompanying him.
His Majesty has regained consciousness from anesthesia and has talked to Princess Kikuko."
His majesty woke up from anesthetic state, and talked to the Empress and Princess Sayako companying him.
He added: "Judging from appearances, we don't think the (cancer) has spread."
"Judging from the exterior appearance, we believe it (cancer) has not spread," he added.
"From the appearance we think (the cancer) has not spread," he added.
He added, "Judging from our observation, we think the cancer hasn't expanded."
Kanazawa said that doctors will perform additional tests to make sure that the cancer is limited to prostate gland only.
Kanazawa said doctors would perform further tests to confirm the cancer is limited to prostate gland.
Ichiro said that doctors would conduct further tests to confirm the cancer was limited only to the prostate gland.
The doctors would do further examination to ensure that the cancer only stay in the prostate gland.
The surgery, jointly performed by six doctors, lasted 3 hours and 40 minutes and removed Akihito's entire prostate gland.
The surgery was carried out by six doctors together and took 3 hours and 40 minutes for the complete removal of Akihito's prostate gland.
Six doctors took part in the operation, which cost three hours and forty minutes. Akihito's all prostate gland was removed.
This operation was jointly performed by 6 doctors, lasting for 3 hours and 40 minutes, and removing the whole prostate glands of Emperor Akihito.
The 69-year-old Akihito assumed the throne in 1989, and this is the first time ever that an emperor has undergone an operation at a hospital other than the Hospital of the Imperial Household.
The 69-year old Akihito acceded to the throne in 1989.  It is the first time in history for an Emperor to undergo a surgery outside the Hospital of the Imperial Household.
Sixty-nine-year-old Akihito succeeded to the throne in 1989. It was the first time that a Japanese emperor underwent an operation in an outside hospital instead of the one under the Imperial Household Agency.
The 69-year-old Emperor Akihito ascended the throne in 1989, received the first time operation in hospital other than the imperial hospital.
Doctors said that Akihito is scheduled to recuperate for about a month.
Doctors said Akihito is expected to take about one month to recuperate.
Doctors said that Akihito was expected to recuperate for one month.
Akihito is expected to spend a month recuperating, doctor said.
Kanazawa indicated as Akihito did not bleed much during the operation, the doctors used his own blood for transfusion.
Kanazawa said Akihito did not lose a lot of blood during the surgery.  Actually, doctors had only used the blood drawn from him for transfusions.
Ichiro said that Akihito did not lose much blood during the operation and doctors used his own in blood transfusion.
Jinze said, the Emperor had only bleed a little during the operation, and the doctors just used his own blood prepared for the operation.
Prior to the operation, the doctors stored Akihito' blood in advance.  The quantity is not specified.
Before the surgery, doctors had accumulated an unidentified amount of blood drawn from Akihito.
Before the operation, doctors had stored some of Akihito's blood but the amount was not available.
Before this operation, doctors had collected unspecified amount of blood from the Emperor.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda said that the government is relieved with the emperor's successful surgery and hopes for his recovery at the earliest time.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda said the government is delighted by the Emperor's successful surgery and wishes him a quick recovery.
Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yasuo Fukuda, said that the government was pleased that the operation was successful and expected him to recover in an early date.
Cabinet minister Futian Kangfu said that the government was very gratified with success of the surgery and wish the Emperor could be well as soon as possible.
Shortly before Akihito was admitted to hospital, government officials said, the 42-year-old Crown Prince Naruhito had assumed the emperor's constitutional duties on a temporary basis.
Government officials said the 42-year old Prince Naruhito has temporarily assumed the Emperor's constitutional duties shortly before Akihito was admitted hospital.
Government officials said that shortly before Akihito was admitted into the hospital, 42-year-old Crown Prince Takamado had already taken over Japanese emperor's constitutional responsibility.
According to government officials, shortly after Akihito was hospitalized, the 42-year-old crowned prince Narhito assumed the constitutional duties of the Japanese Emperor temporarily.
This is the first time that a Japanese emperor has transferred his duties due to hospitalization.
This is also the first time for an Emperor to transfer his duties because of illness.
This was the first time that a Japanese emperor transferred his responsibility due to illness.
This is the first time the Japanese Emperor's duty is transferred due to illness.
Philippines Masses Troops to Combat Threats of Communist Guerrilla
Philippine Masses Troops to Combat the Threats of Communist Guerillas
Philippine Masses Troops to Fight Against Communist Guerrilla Group's Threat
The Philippines Masses up Troops to Confront Threat from Communist Guerrillas
(AFP, Manila, January 20)  The Philippine security forces are massing various units in order to combat the numerous attacks by the communist guerrilla in some areas of this Southeast Asian archipelago.
(Agence France-Presse, Manila, 20th) - Philippine security forces are massing units to fight communist guerillas' widespread attacks in a number of islands across Southeast Asia.
(AFP report from Manila, January 20) Philippine security forces are massing to fight against communist guerrilla group's large number of attacks in many areas of the Southeast Asian islands.
(AFP, Manila, Jan. 20) Filipino security troops are massing up to confront great number of attacks by communist guerrillas in southeastern Philippine islands.
Brigadier General Purificacion said today that the New People's Army is "attempting to mass troops in some areas," including the northern Philippines, provinces south of Manila and some central islands.
A brigade commander said the New People's Army (NPA) is "attempting to mass troops in certain areas", including the northern Philippines, the various provinces south of Manila and also in a number of Islands at central areas.
Brigade Commander Privet Carson said today that the New People's Army is "attempting to mass troops in some areas", including northern Philippines, provinces south of Manila and several central islands.
Brigade commander Feikasen said today that the New People's Army is "attempting to mass up in certain regions", including northern Philippines, provinces south to Manila and several central islands, etc.
He added: "They are intensifying attacks on some areas that they think are weak in military strength," or "attacking and harassing the troops in scarcely populated areas."
He added that "the guerillas are stepping up attacks on certain areas they believe do not have a strong military strength"; or "attack, invade and harass troops stationed in sparsely populated areas".
He added: "They have strengthened attacks on areas that they consider weak in defense" or "attack or harass troops in scarcely-populated regions".
He added, "they strengthened to attack those areas they think are militarily weak", or "attacked and harassed troops in sparsely populated areas".
Other officials said that the NPA has intensified attacks on the so-called "soft" targets such as telecommunications and power facilities.
Other officials said NPA has stepped up their attacks on "soft" targets like telecommunications and electric power facilities.
Other officials said that the New People's Army had strengthened attacks against the so-called "soft" targets, for example, the telecommunication and power facilities.
The New People's Army has enhanced to attack the so-called "soft" targets, such as telecommunication and electricity facilities, other officials said.
Last week, the national police chief Ebdane required the telecommunications firms to invest hundreds of millions of US dollars in security protection to guard against the NPA attacks.
Last week, Hermogenes Ebdane, Chief of Philippine National Police, urged telecommunications firms to spend hundreds of millions of U.S. dollars on security investments in order to prevent the attacks by NPA.
Last week, National Police Chief Ebdane asked telecommunication companies to make security investment worth hundreds of millions of US dollars to prevent New People's Army's attacks.
Last week, state police chief Aibudan demanded telecommunication companies to invest billions of dollars in security fields to defend against attacks of the New People's army.
Purificacion said: "The armed forces have redeployed more troops in areas most prone to threats."
"The armed forces have redeployed more troops to areas that most probably be threatened," the commander said.
Privet Carson said: "The military forces have redeployed more troops in areas that are most likely to be threatened."
Pulifeikasen said, "armed forces have deployed more troops in the areas that might be threatened most probably."
Purificacion said the number of the NPA troops has declined at least 23% to about 9,000 from 12,000 to 13,000 two years ago.
According to the commander, the number of NPA has decreased from the 12,000-13,000 people two years ago to about 9,000 people, which is a drop of 23 percent.
Privet Carson said that the number of the New People's Army had reduced at least 23% to around 9,000 from 12,000 to 13,000 two years ago.
Number of the New People's Army has been cut 23%, from about 12,000 to 13,000 two years ago to 9,000, Pulifeikasen said.
At least 5,000 of them are "armed regulars," which were about 6,000 in early 2001.
Among them, at least 5 thousand are "armed regular" while there were about 6 thousand of them back in 2001.
Among them at least 5,000 were "armed regular troops" while there were about 6,000 in early 2001.
Amongst them, at least 5,000 are "armed regular army", which were 6,000 in early 2001.
He said the government forces repelled them from more than 400 villages where the NPA frequented.
He said government troops are defeating the NPA in more than 400 villages at which they frequently appear.
He said that government troops defeated the New People's Army in over 400 villages that they frequented.
The government army is defeating the New People's Army in 400 villages where they frequently appeared, he said.
He said: "We're slowly but steadily winning back people's confidence."
"We are slowly but definitely winning the confidence of the people," he said.
"We are slowly but certainly winning back people's confidence," he said.
He said, "We are slowly, but doubtlessly win back people's confidence."
National security advisor Golez said last week that the serious political and military setbacks the NPA suffered would force it and its mother organization, the Communist Party of the Philippines, back to the negotiation table.
Last week, National Security Advisor Roilo Golez said NPA encountered serious defeats on both the military and political front, which forced them and their origination, the Philippine Communist Party, back to the negotiation table.
National Security Advisor Golez said last week that the New People's Army suffered serious military and political defeats, forcing them and their boss, the Philippine Communist Party, to return to the negotiating table.
National Security Adviser Gaolizi said last week that the New People's Army is crucially defeated both militarily and politically, that it is forced to return to negotiation with its source, the Filipino Communist Party.
After the rebels assassinated two Philippine legislators, Philippine President Arroyo ceased negotiations with the communist party in mid 2001.
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo suspended talks with the communists in mid-2001 after the rebel assassinated two members of the Philippine parliament.
Philippine President Arroyo suspended the talks with the communist party in mid 2001 after the rebels assassinated two Philippine parliamentary members.
After the rebels assassinated 2 Filipino parliament members, the Philippine President Arroyo halted negotiations with the communists in the middle of 2001.
Last year, the United States included the NPA and the CPP in its international blacklist of "foreign terrorist organizations."
Last year, United States designated NPA and the Philippine Communist Party as a "foreign terrorist organization" in its international blacklist.
The United States blacklisted the New People's Army and the Philippine Communist Party as "foreign terrorist groups" last year.
The US listed the New People's Army and the Philippine Communist Party into its blacklist of "foreign terrorist organizations".
Washington, Canada, and many Western European governments also agreed to track down and stop the foreign funding sources of the rebel troops and freeze their overseas assets.
Washington, Canada and many governments in Western Europe have agreed to trace and end the finance sources of the rebels from overseas as well as freeze the rebels' overseas assets.
Washington, Canada and many western European governments also agreed to investigate and cut the rebels' overseas financial sources and freeze their overseas assets.
Washington, Canada and many western European governments also agree to further investigate and cut foreign fund sources of the rebels as well as freezing its overseas assets.
Growth of Mobile Phone Users in Mainland China to Slow Down
Mainland China: Slower Growth in Number of Mobile Phone Users
Growth of Mobile Phone Users' Numbers in Chinese Mainland to Slow Down
Growth of Mobile Phone Users in Mainland China will Slow Down
(AFP, Beijing, January 21)  This year, the number of new mobile phone users in mainland China is expected to decrease to 52 million.
(Agence France-Presse, Beijing, 21st) - The number of new mobile phone users in Mainland China is expected to decrease to 52 million new users this year.
(AFP report from Beijing, January 21) This year, the number of new mobile phone users in the Chinese mainland is expected to fall to 52 million.
(AFP, Beijing, Jan. 21st) This year, new mobile users in Mainland China are expected to decrease to 52 million.
It was 61.9 million last year.
Last year, there were 61.9 million new users.
The number was 61.9 million last year.
The number last year was 61.9 million.
However, Beijing Morning Post, citing the forecast by the Ministry of Information Industry, said that the target may be underestimated.
However, Beijing Morning Post quoted the forecast by Ministry of Information Industry, which said the target might have been underestimated.
However, the Beijing Morning Post today quoted the Ministry of Information Industry as predicting that the target was likely to be underestimated.
However, Beijing Morning Post quotes forecast of the Ministry of Information Industry that this number may be underestimated.
In January last year, the Ministry of Information Industry forecast that there would be 55 million new mobile subscribers that year, but the actual figure turned out to be 61.9 million.
In January last year, the Ministry of Information Industry forecasted that new mobile phone users for last year would be 55 million.  However, the actual number was 61.9 million.
Last January, the Ministry of Information Industry predicted that new mobile phone users' number in the year was 55 million but the actual number was 61.9 million.
Last January, the Ministry of Information Industry forecasted new users of mobiles were 55 million, but the real number was 61.9 million.
There were 206.6 million mobile phone users in mainland China at the end of last year, up 42.7% from the previous year.
As at end of last year, Mainland China had 206.6 million mobile phone users, which was a growth of 42.7 percent over the previous year.
By the end of last year, there were 206.6 million mobile phone users in the Chinese mainland, up 42.7% from the previous year.
By the end of last year, there have been 206.6 million mobile phone users in the Mainland China, up 42.7% than the year before last.
Beijing noted that mainland China became the largest fixed-line and mobile phone market in the world in July last year.
Beijing said Mainland China has become the biggest market in the world for both landlines and mobile phones since July last year.
Beijing said that last July the Chinese mainland had become the world's largest fixed line and mobile phone market.
Last July, Mainland China became the largest market of fixed network and mobile phones in the world, Beijing said.
The year before that, the number of mobile phone users alone already topped the world.
One year before that, it had the largest number of mobile phone users in the world.
During the previous year, the number of mobile phone users alone had ranked the first in the world.
A year before this, number of single mobile users in China has rank first in the world.
The report said that in the meantime, Wu Jichuan, minister of Information Industry, projected that the decline of investment in the fixed assets in post and telecommunication industry last year will come to an end this year, but the amount of investment may remain the same.
The report said Wu Jichuan, Minister of Information Industry, forecasted that last year's decline in fixed asset investments in the mail and telecommunications industry might come to an end by the middle of this year.  He expected the amount of investment to show a flat trend.
Reports said that, meanwhile, the Minister of the Information Industry, Wu Jichuan, predicted that the investment decline in post and telecom industry's fixed assets that happened last year would stop this year but the investment volume might keep unchanged.
According to reports, Minister of Information Industry Wu Jichuan forecasts that investment in stable assets of post and telecommunication would stop this year, but the investment volume could be the same.
Last year, the investment in the fixed assets of post and telecommunication industry fell by 20% to 210.6 billion yuan.
Last year, fixed asset investments in the mail and telecommunications industry declined by 20 percent to 210.6 billion Renminbi.
Last year, the fixed assets investment in the post and telecom industry fell 20% to reach RMB210.6 billion.
Last year, the investment in stable assets in post and telecommunication decreased 20%, down to 210.6 billion RMB.
Investment by telecom companies accounted for 97% of the total investment.
Investment by telecoms accounted for 97 percent of the total investment.
Telecom operators' investment accounted for 97% of the total investment.
The investment in telecommunication accounts for 97% of the total.
Wu Jichuan predicted that this year, investment in the fixed assets of post and telecommunication industry will reach 210 billion yuan, slightly less than that of last year.
Wu Jichuan expected fixed asset investments in the mail and telecommunications industry to reach 210 billion Renminbi this year, which is slightly lower than last year.
Wu Jichuan predicted that this year the fixed asset investment in the post and telecom industry will reach RMB210 billion, slightly lower than that of last year.
According to Wu Jichuan's forecast, stable investment to post and telecommunication would be 210 billion RMB, a bit lower than that in last year.
The report said that the Ministry of Information Industry forecasts that the number of new fixed-line phone users this year will be 33 million, below the 35.40 million last year.
The report said that the Ministry of Information Industry expected the number of new landlines this year to be 33 million lines, which is lower than the 35.4 million lines last year.
Reports said that the Ministry of Information Industry predicted that new fixed line users will reach 33 million this year, lower than last year's 35.4 million.
The Ministry of Information Industry expects new users of fixed telephone this year will be 33 million, lower than 35.4 million last year.
At the end of December last year, the number of the fixed-line phone users in mainland China reached 214.4 million, up 35 million from the previous year.
As at end of December last year, the number of landline telephone users in Mainland China was 214.4 million lines, which was an increase of 35 million lines over the previous year.
By the end of last December, fixed line users in the Chinese mainland reached 214.4 million, an increase of 35 million from the previous year.
By the end of last December, fixed telephone users reached 214.4 million, 35 million more than the year before last.
Wu Jichuan also pledged to boost competition and speed up the establishment of a telecom regulator.
Wu Jichuan pledged to strengthen free competition and accelerate the establishment of an institution to supervise telecommunications.
Wu Jichuan also promised to promote competition and speed up the establishment of a telecom administration agency.
Wu Jichuan also promises to promote competition and speed up building a telecommunication inspection institution.
He said: "The optimization of telecom regulations has become the most crucial issue in the industry.
He said, "The enhancement of telecommunications supervision has become the most important issue for the telecommunications industry.
He said: "The streamlining of the telecom administration has become a top priority in the telecom industry.
He said, "Optimization of inspection of telecommunication industry has become the most important issue of the telecommunication industry.
We will accelerate the drafting of telecommunications laws and revise the postal laws and the regulations on wireless telecommunications."
We will accelerate the drafting of telecommunications legalization; amend the law of post and the regulations governing wireless telecommunications."
We will speed up drawing up a Telecom Law, revising the Postal Law and wireless telecommunication regulations."
We will accelerate the drafting of telecommunication law, revising post law and regulations of wireless communication."
WHO Starts to Elect New Director-General
World Health Organization to Nominate a New Director-General
World Health Organization Begins to Elect New Director-General
WHO Begins to Elect New Councilor
(AFP, Geneva, January 21)  The nomination for the World Health Organization's new director-general will unfold in the coming week.  Mocumbi, prime minister of Mozambique, Piot, the Belgian who heads the UN AIDS prevention agency, and Jong-Wook Lee, a tuberculosis specialist of South Korea, are the three most likely people to come through.
(Agence France-Presse, Geneva, 21st) - The nomination process of a new Director-General for World Health Organization (WHO) will start next week.  The three most prominent candidates are Dr. Pascoal Manuel Mocumbi, Prime Minister of Mozambique; Dr. Peter Piot of Belgium, the head of United Nations programme against HIV/AIDS; and Dr. Jong Wook Lee (transliteration), a tuberculosis expert from South Korea.
(AFP report from Geneva, January 21) The nomination procedures for the World Health Organization's new director-general will begin next week. Mozambique's Prime Minister Mocumbi, Chief of the UN's program against AIDS, Piot from Belgium and South Korean TB expert Lee Jong-Wook are most likely to win.
(AFP, Geneva, Jan. 21st) The nomination of WHO's new councilor will begin in the future week. Mozambique Prime Minister Mokangbi, Belgium chief of UNAIDS and South Korean tuberculosis expert Li Zhongwu are the most possible candidates.
The WHO executive board meeting will start from today to eliminate the number of candidates to five and nominate one person on January 28 to succeed Ms. Brundtland, the Norwegian who will soon leave her post as director-general.
Starting from today, the Executive Board of WHO will meet and try to shortlist candidates to five.  The Board will then nominate one candidate on January 28 to replace Ms. Gro Harlem Brundtland of Norway, who is about to leave her post.
The WHO's Executive Council meeting will from today cut short the list of the candidates to five people and nominate one to succeed outgoing Director-General Brundtland of Norway on January 28.
Executive Council of WHO will begin from today to cut the list of candidates to 5 people, and nominate one of them to replace the Norwegian Councilor Ms. Buluntelande on Jan. 28th, who is going to leave office.
However, the nominee will still need to be finally confirmed by the WHO's 192 member states in May.
However, the nominated candidate still has to be officially confirmed by the 192 member nations of WHO in May.
However, the nominee will have to be approved by WHO's 192 member countries in May.
But the nomination of candidate still needs to be finally recognized by 192 member countries of WHO in May.
Diplomatic officials said that of the candidates running for the director-general, three are most promising: Mocumbi, prime minister of Mozambique, Piot, UNAIDS executive director, and Jong-Wook Lee, director of WHO's Stop TB program.
Diplomats said among the candidates running for the office of Director-General, three candidates have the best chances and they are: Dr. Pascoal Manuel Mocumbi, the Prime Minister of Mozambique; Dr. Peter Piot, the head of the United Nations programme against HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS); and Dr. Jong Wook Lee, the head of WHO's Stop Tuberculosis programme.
Diplomats said that among the candidates three were most likely to win: Mozambique's Prime Minister Mocumbi, Chief of the UN's program against AIDS, Piot and Chief of WHO's TB Prevention Program Lee Jong-Wook.
According to diplomatic source, in the potential candidates of the councilor, the most hopeful ones are the following three: Mozambique PM Mokangbi, UNAIDS chief Piao and chief of Tuberculosis Proliferation Prevention Program of WHO, Li Zhongwu.
According to an unofficial rule, the United Nations always tries its best to let people from different parts of the world serve as directors of its chief agencies.
According to an unwritten regulation, the United Nations will try its best to ensure that its major organizations are headed by people from different regions in the world.
According to a traditional rule, the UN will try its best to choose chiefs for its major agencies from different parts of the world as possible.
According to an unwritten rule, the UN should try its best to let the chiefs of all its organs to be taken by people from various regions in the world.
Some Western diplomats admit that Piot, as a European, has been at a disadvantage from the very beginning.
Some western diplomats admitted that Piot is in an unfavorable position from the outset because he is a European.
Some western diplomats admitted that as a European, Piot was in a disadvantageous position from the very beginning.
Some western diplomats admit that Piao, as a European, is at the negative side at the beginning.
A diplomat said: "Now it's time for people from southern nations to take the lead."
"It is now the turn for a figure from a southern nation to emerge," a diplomat said.
One diplomat said: "Now it is turn for people from the southern countries."
A diplomat said, "now, it is the time from the South."
Robert Redford Calls on Independent Filmmakers to Help Protect Freedom of Speech
Robert Redford Urged Independent Film Producers to Help Protect the Freedom of Expression
Robert Redford Calls on Independent Producers to Help Safeguard Freedom of Speech
Robert Redford Calls for the Independent filmmakers to Help Maintain Freedom of Speech
(AFP, Park City, Utah, January 20)  Amid the US-led war against terror, Robert Redford, the screen icon, called on independent filmmakers to help prevent the freedom of speech from being eroded.
(Agence France-Presse, Park City, Utah, 20th) - While the United States is leading the war on terrorism, the movie idol Robert Redford urged independent film producers to collaborate to prevent the erosion of freedom of expression.
(AFP report from Park City, Utah, January 20) During the US-led war against terrorism film idol Robert Redford has called on independent film producers to help prevent the freedom of speech being eroded.
(AFP, Utah Park City, Jan. 20th) In the US led anti-terrorism war, screen icon Robert Redford called on independent filmmakers to help prevent erosion of the freedom of speech amid the US-led war against terrorism.
Yesterday, at his Sundance Independent Film Festival, Redford spoke out candidly for the freedom of citizens both at home and abroad.  His remark was obviously an indirect attack on the Bush administration's policies.
Yesterday, Redford spoke boldly to uphold civil liberty inside and outside America in his Sundance Independent Film Festival.  His speech was clearly an indirect criticism on the policies of Bush's administration.
Redford spoke out for the civil freedom both at home and abroad at his Sundance Independent Film Show. His words were obviously indirectly attacking Bush administration's policies.
Redford fights for the civil liberty at home and abroad at his Sundance Independent Film Festival yesterday in an apparent but indirect onslaught to policies of the Bush Administration.
Redford warned that the US freedom of speech and other basic rights are under threat, but independent movies can help keep alternative artistic and political views alive.
Redford warned that the freedom of expression and other basic rights are being threatened in the Untied States.  Films produced by independent filmmakers can help to protect alternative arts and political viewpoints.
Redford warned that America's freedom of speech and other basic rights were facing threats and independently produced films could help safeguard alternative artistic and political views.
Redford warned that the freedom of speech in the US as well as other basic rights were being threatened, and the independently made films could help protect alternative artistic and political views.
He said: "One of the virtues of independent filmmaking is that it is not only unburdened by commercial dogmas but it also is not restricted in expressing different points of view."
"The advantage of independent films is that they are not burdened by commercial doctrines and hence, they are not restricted when coming to express different points of view," he said
"One of the strong points of the independent produced films is free from commercial restrictions and also free to express different points of views," he said.
He said, "One of the virtues of independent films is not only that they need not be burdened by commercial doctrines, but that they should not be hindered in expressing different points of views."
Redford, founder of the Sundance Film Festival, said that he is planning to revise the rules for this annual independent filmmakers' festival so that their works can be shown in major US cities.
Robert Redford is the founder of the Sundance Film Festival.  He is preparing to amend the regulations of this distinguished annual gathering of independent filmmakers and let their creations to be shown in big American cities.
Robert Redford, founder of the Sundance Show, said that he prepared to revise rules of the annual independent film producers' grand gathering to allow their films to be screened in major American cities.
Founder of the Sundance Film Festival Robert Redford said that he wanted to change the rules of this annual festival for independent filmmakers to allow their films be released in major US cities.
Park City, Utah, has been hosting this film festival for 22 years.
The film festival has been held in the Park City of Utah in the past 22 years.
The film show has already had a history of 22 years in the Park City of Utah.
This film festival has been held annually in the Park City of the Utah State for 22 years.
Redford, who starred in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "All The President's Men," said: "Freedom of speech is our most precious virtue, and we must keep it in mind to guard it well."
"Freedom of expression is our most precious virtue and we must remember to protect it sensibly," said Redford, who played a leading role in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "All the President's Men".
Redford, who played "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "All the President's Men", said: "Freedom of speech is our most valuable virtue and we must keep safeguarding it."
Redford, starring in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "All the President's Men" said, "Freedom of expression is our most precious virtue. We must keep it in mind and carefully maintain it."
OPEC Founder: War on Iraq will Cause Oil Price to Soar up to 100 Dollars
OPEC Founder: Oil Price Could Top $100 If There Is a War Against Iraq
OPEC Founder: Iraqi War Will Push Oil Prices To Top $100
OPEC Founder: Iraq War Might Cause Oil Price Up to 100 Dollars
(AFP, Doha, January 21)  According to Yamani, former minister of oil of Saudi Arabia, if Iraq sets the oil fields on fire in the event of a US-led war, the price of crude oil will soar up to 100 US dollars a barrel.
(Agence France-Presse, Doha, 21st) - Sheikh Ahmed Zaki Yamani, the former Saudi Arabia oil minister, said oil price could surge to US$100 a barrel if Iraq burns its oil fields during a war led by United States.
(AFP report from Doha, January 21) According to former Saudi Arabian Oil Minister Yamani, if Iraq sets fire on its oil fields during the US-led war, it will push crude oil prices to rocket to $100 per barrel.
(AFP, Doha, Jan. 21) According to former oil minister Yamanni of Saudi Arabia, if Iraq burns oil fields in a US-led war, oil price will upsurge to 100 dollars.
This OPEC co-founder said last night that Hussein "will destroy Iraqi oil wells, which will lead to the decline of the strategic oil reserve and cause the oil price per barrel to soar up to anywhere between 80 and 100 US dollars."
He was one of the co-founder of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).  He said last night that Saddam Hussein "will destroy oil fields in Iraq; hence, the strategic oil reserve will fall and at the same time, oil price could surge to US$80-100 a barrel.
As one of the founders of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), he said last night that Hussein "will destroy Iraq's oil wells; strategic oil reserves will therefore decrease while oil prices may reach $80 to $100 per barrel."
Mr. Yamanni, one of the founders of OPEC said last night that Hussein "would destroy oil field in Iraq, and strategic oil reserve would decrease, and oil price per barrel would jump to 80 to 100 dollars at the same time."
He said at a press conference in Doha, capital of Qarta, that if the United States "attacks Iraq, it may trigger a global disaster."
"If Iraq is attacked, I am afraid that will trigger a global catastrophe," he said in a press conference held at Doha, the capital city of Qatar.
He said in a press conference in the Qatari capital of Doha that "if the United States attacks Iraq, it may bring about a world disaster."
He told a news conference in Qatari capital Doha that if the US "attacked Iraq, a global disaster might be roused."
He further pointed out: "Bombing the oil reserve and oil industry in Iraq may lead to a dramatic rise in crude oil price to the range of 80-100 US dollars."
He further pointed out that "the bombing of oil reserves and the petroleum industry inside Iraq could cause oil price to surge to US$80-100".
He further pointed out "bombing oil reserves and the industries in Iraq is likely to raise crude oil prices dramatically to $80-$100."
He further pointed out, "Bombing oil reserve and oil industry in Iraq could lead the oil price to jump to 80 to 100 dollars per barrel."
Yamani said: "(The US) military actions against Iraq will destroy the oil wells and cause serious turmoils in Iraq.  Consequently, the oil price will surge, which will lead to a global recession."
"(United States) anti-Iraq military action will damage oil wells and causes serious unrest across Iraq, which in turn will push up the oil price severely and causes a global recession," Yamani said.
"The (US) anti-Iraq military operation will destroy oil wills and result in turmoil in Iraq, causing oil prices to rocket and put the world economy in recession," Yamani said.
Yamanni said, "(the US) anti-Iraqi operation would destroy oil fields and make serious turbulence throughout Iraq; the oil price would thus abruptly jump up, causing world economic recession."
North Korean Delegation: North Korea has no Intention of Making Nuclear Weapons
North Korea Delegation: North Korea Has No Intention to Produce Nuclear Weapons
North Korean Delegation: North Korea Not to Make Nuclear Weapons
North Korean Delegation: North Korea No Intension to Make Nuclear Weapons
(AFP, Seoul)  South Korean officials said that the North Korean delegation to the inter-Korean ministerial talks indicated today that North Korea has no intention of making nuclear weapons.
(Agence France-Presse, Seoul) - South Korea officials said the North Korea delegation attending the South-North Korea Ministerial Meeting indicated today that North Korea has no intention to produce nuclear weapons.
(AFP report from Seoul) South Korean officials said that the North Korean delegation attending the South-North Korean ministerial-level meeting said that North Korea was not willing to make nuclear weapons.
(AFP, Seoul) According to South Korean official, North Korean delegation attending the South-North ministerial meeting said today that the DPRK didn't intend to make nuclear weapons.
Rhee Bong-Jo, a spokesman for the South Korean delegation, said: "North Korea emphatically pointed out that it has no intention of making nuclear weapons."
"North Korea has stressed that it has no intention to produce nuclear weapons", said Lee Bong-jo, spokesman of South Korea delegation.
South Korean delegation spokesman Rhee Bong-Jo said: "North Korea stressed that it was not willing to make nuclear weapons."
Spokesman of the South Korean delegation Li Fengzhao said, "North Korean emphasizes that it has no intension to make nuclear weapons."
While briefing on the first official talks that lasted an hour, Rhee Bong-Jo noted that the North Korean delegation made the above remark after South Korea urged the Pyongyang regime to abandon its nuclear ambition.
When making a summary report on the first official meeting lasted for 1-hour, Lee Bong-jo said the North Korea delegation made the aforesaid indication after the South Korea side urged the Pyongyang regime to discard its nuclear ambition.
Briefing on the one-hour first formal meeting, Rhee Bong-Jo said that North Korea made the above-mentioned statement after South Korea urged Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear ambition.
Li Fengchao said when briefing on the first formal meeting which lasted for an hour that after the South urged the Pyongyang authority to give up its nuclear ambitions, the North delegation made above statement.
Rhee Bong-Jo said: "South Korea stressed there will be no further progress in the entire inter-
"The South Korea side stressed that if the subject of nuclear weapon cannot be resolved, then the whole South-North Korea relation cannot move forward," Lee Bong-jo said.
"The South Korean side stressed that if the nuclear issue was not resolved, the entire South-North Korean ties would not further proceed," said Rhee Bong-Jo.
Li Fengchao said, "South Korea stresses, if the issue of nuclear weapons did not resolve, the whole South-North relation could not further move forward."
Rhee Bong-Jo added: "Through this round of talks, we hope to persuade North Korea to take more concrete steps," and reverse its decision to reactivate the nuclear facility that is capable of producing weapons-grade plutonium.
"We hope that we can convince North Korea to adopt more specific steps through this round of talks," Lee Bong-jo said.  South Korea is trying to reverse North Korea's decision to restart a facility that can produce weapon-grade plutonium.
Rhee Bong-Jo added that "we expect to persuade North Korea to take more tangible measures through the negotiation" to give up its decision to reuse its facilities that can produce weapons-grade plutonium.
Li Fengchao added, "We hope to persuade North Korea to take more concrete steps through this round of talks", to reverse its decision to restart facilities capable of producing cymbals that could be used in nuclear weapons.
The focus of this inter-Korean ministerial talk is on peaceful reconciliation and humanitarian issues, but South Korea, as a traditional US ally, has already indicated that Seoul authorities have decided to use this opportunity of inter-Korean talks to express the international concern over the nuclear stand-off.
The focal point of the South-North Korea Ministerial Meeting is reconciliation and humanity.  However, South Korea, as a traditional ally to United States, said the Seoul authority decided to use the opportunity of a South-North Korea talk to express concerns of international community over the nuclear stalemate.
The focus of the South-North Korean ministerial-meeting is reconciliation and humanitarian issues. However, as a traditional US alliance, South Korea has said that Seoul decided to use the South-North Korean talk to express the international community's concern over the nuclear deadlock.
The focus of this South-North ministerial meeting is reconciliation and humanitarian issues. But as traditional ally of the US, the Seoul authority decides to use this opportunity of South-North meeting to express concerns of the international community to the nuclear deadlock on the peninsula.
North Korea claimed that the nuclear stand-off is a bilateral issue involving only the United States, and the intervention of other nations will only make the issue more complicated.
North Korea said the nuclear stalemate is a bilateral topic of discussion with United States only.  The interference of other countries will only complicate the issue.
North Korea pointed out that the nuclear deadlock was only a bilateral issue involving the US, and that other countries' interference would only complicate the issue.
The DPRK said that the nuclear deadlock only involved its bilateral issues with the US. Any interference of the third country could only complicate the situation.
Largest US Chain Retailer Kmart May See Profit Sooner
U.S. Biggest Retail Chain Store Kmart May Return to Profits Earlier Than Expected
US Largest Chain Retailer K-Mart Expected to Make Profits Ahead of Plan
KMART, the Biggest Chain Retailer in the US Hopeful of Profit in Advance
(AFP, Troy, Michigan, January 26)  Kmart Corp, the largest chain retailer in the United States, said that after a year of restructuring, the company will get out of bankruptcy and return to profitability by 2004.
(Agence France-Presse, Troy, Michigan, 26th) - After a year of reorganization, Kmart Corporation, the biggest retail chain store in United States, said it could break away from the difficult position of bankruptcy and returns to profits in 2004.
(AFP report from Troy, Michigan, January 26) US largest chain retailer K-Mart said that after one-year reshuffle the company would come out of bankruptcy and resume making profits in 2004.
(AFP, Troy, Michigan, Jan. 26) The largest retailer in the US said, after a year's transition, the company will shake off the shadow of bankrupt in 2004 and return to profitability.
The reorganization plan that Kmart Corp. proposed the day before yesterday mainly relies on two investment firms, ESL Investments Inc. controlled by the millionaire Lampert of Connecticut and Third Avenue Value Fund of New York.  The two investment firms are going to invest 352 million US dollars to bail out Kmart Corp.
Kmart proposed a plan of reorganization the day before yesterday, which depends mainly on two investment companies - ESL Investments, Inc., a company controlled by Edward Lampert, and the Third Avenue Funds of New York.  The two investment companies are prepared to invest US$352 million to save the Kmart Corporation.
The reshuffle plan K-Mart presented the day before yesterday mainly depends on two investment companies, ESL Investment Company controlled by millionaire Lampert of Connecticut and New York's Third Avenue Value Fund. The two companies are ready to invest 352 million US dollars to save K-Mart.
The reorganization plan that Kmart filed 2 days ago mainly relies on 2 investment companies-- ESL Investment, owned by millionaire Edward Lampert of Connecticut, and Third Avenue Value Fund of New York-- that are prepared to put up as much as 352 million dollars for rescuing Kmart
However, the reorganization plan is not yet approved by the creditor banks, investors and suppliers.
However, the reorganization plan failed to secure the approval of creditors, including banks, investors and suppliers.
However, the reshuffle plan has not been approved by the investment banks, investors and suppliers.
But this plan of reorganization has not been approved by creditor banks, investors and suppliers.
The chain retailer with a history of a century said that it will continue to communicate with the creditor's committee and hope to emerge from bankruptcy before April 30.
The century-old retail chain store said it would continue dialogues with the creditors' committee and hopes to break away from the difficult position of bankruptcy before April 30.
The one-century-old retailer chain store said that it would continue talks with the creditors' committee and hopes to go out of bankruptcy before April 30.
The century-old retailer said that it would continue to negotiate with its creditors committee and hopes to come out of bankruptcy by April 30.
US FBI, the SEC and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce are investigating Kmart Corp. on grounds that its top executives are suspected of financial fraud.
U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Securities and Exchange Commission, House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee are currently investigating Kmart Corporation because the top executives are suspected to have embezzled money.
US Federal Bureau of Investigation, Securities Administration Committee and the House's Energy and Commerce Committee are currently investigating K-Mart on charges of senior chiefs' embezzlement.
US FBI, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the House Energy and Commerce Committee are investigating Kmart, for the allegation that its top executives have swindled money.
The company's board of directors is also conducting internal investigations and noted the night before that it has found "reliable and convincing evidence" that show ten chief executives violated management responsibilities.
The company's board of directors also launched an internal investigation.  On the night before yesterday, the board said it had found "credible and persuasive evidence", which showed 10 executives had violated their management responsibilities.
The company's board is also carrying out an investigation and said last night that it had found "reliable and convincing evidence" to show that 10 executive chiefs had violated their administrative responsibilities.
The company's board also launched an internal investigation and said late Friday that it had found "credible and persuasive evidence" that 10 executives had violated their managerial responsibilities.
Kmart Corp. declared bankruptcy a year ago after losing 2.4 billion US dollars in 2001.
Kmart went into bankruptcy a year ago after losing US$2.4 billion in 2001.
K-Mart announced bankruptcy one year ago after losing 2.4 billion US dollars in 2001.
Kmart announced bankruptcy a year ago, after it lost 2.4 billion US dollars in 2001.
It estimates a loss of 3.26 billion US dollars in 2002, and said the night before that the company will lose another 286 million US dollars this year.
The retailer expects to lose US$3.26 billion in 2002, and said on the night before yesterday that it projected to lose another US$286 million this year.
It was expected to lose 3.26 billion US dollars in 2002 and said last night that the company would lose another 286 million US dollars this year.
It is expected to lose 3.26 billion dollars in 2002 and said on Friday evening that the company would lose 286 million dollars this year.
Kmart Corp. has already closed 283 stores and laid off 22,000 employees.  At present, it plans to close 300 more stores and lay off 37,000.
Kmart had already closed 283 stores and lay off 22,000 workers.  The retailer is planning to shut down another 300 stores and lay off another 37,000 workers.
K-Mart has closed 283 shops and cut 22,000 employees at the same time. It now plans to close another 300 shops and cut another 37,000 people.
Kmart has closed 283 shops and laid off 22,000 employees and it prepared to close another 300 shops and fire 37,000 employees.
Powell: US Gets Support from over Ten Allies for its Strikes on Iraq
Powell: Over 10 Allies Support U.S. War Against Iraq
Powell: US War With Iraq Wins Support From A Dozen Allied Countries
Powell: the US Has a Dozen Allies to Back Attack on Iraq
(AFP, Davos, Switzerland, January 25)  US Secretary of State Powell said that the US plan to attack Iraq has got the support of over ten allies.
(Agence France-Presse, Davos, Switzerland, 25th) - U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said over 10 allies support U.S. plan to attack Iraq.
(AFP report from Davos, Switzerland, January 26) US Secretary of State Powell said that US plan to attack Iraq had won support from a dozen allied countries.
(AFP, Davos, Switzerland, Jan 25) Secretary of State Powell said that the US had a dozen allies to back its attack on Iraq.
At this time, he is preparing his speech on the US policy for his attendance at the World Economic Forum.
At this moment, he is preparing a draft speech covering related U.S. policy for his upcoming presence in the World Economic Forum.
He was now preparing a speech concerning the US policy for the upcoming World Economic Forum.
He is now preparing speech concerning US policies ahead of attending the World Economic Forum.
Under tight security measures, Powell arrived at the Swiss ski resort of Davos to address the annual meeting of the global political and business leaders on Sunday.
Powell arrived in the famous Swiss ski resort Davos under tight security.  He is going to delivery a speech to political and commercial leaders across the world in the annual meeting on Sunday.
Under tightened security measures, Powell arrived in the Swiss ski resort of Davos to give a speech in the annual summit of world political and business leaders.
Powell arrived at Swiss ski resort Davos under tight security to make a speech on Sunday toward political and business leaders gathering annually here from all over the world.
In the meantime, anti-globalization protesters are also gathering here.
Meanwhile, protesters against globalization are also assembling here.
Meanwhile, anti-globalization protesters were also gathering here.
At the same time, protestors against globalization are also gathering here.
Concerns about a possible Iraqi war have cast a shadow over this year's meeting.
The concerns about the outbreak of a war with Iraq cast a shadow over this year's meeting.
The concern over the war on Iraq has shadowed this year's meeting.
The forum this year is shadowed by concerns over the looming Iraq war.
The participating OPEC nations are trying today to ease the concern that the world oil supply may be disrupted once the United States attacks Iraq.
Member nations of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries attending the meeting tried today to alleviate the fears about disruptions to world oil supply in event of an U.S. attack on Iraq.
OPEC member states today were trying to ease the concern that the world's oil supply might be suspended in the event of a US attack on Iraq.
Member countries of OPEC at the forum tries to relieve the worry over possible interruption of world oil supply once the US attacks Iraq.
Powell told reporters who traveled with him to Davos for coverage: "Quite a number of countries have already indicated ... (they) will act with us in unison;" even if the UN Security Council does not back the war, he added, these countries will not change their stances.
"A lot of countries had already said ... they will take action with us," Powell told reporters traveling with him to Davos.  He further said even if the United Nations Security Council does not support a war, the stance of these countries would not change.
Powell told reporters who went with him to Davos that "many countries have expressed ... they will take actions with us"; he added that even if the UN Security Council would not support the war, these countries would not change their minds.
Powell told reporters accompanying him to Davos, "Quite a number of countries have indicated... they will be with us"; he added that although the UN Security Council does not support war on Iraq, attitudes of these countries won't change.
Powell said: "We'd not be alone; that's for sure.
Powell said, "We will not be alone and that is for sure.
Powell said: "We are not alone. This is certain.
Powell said, "We will not be alone, that's for sure.
I can name over ten countries just by memory, and I think more countries will show their support."
I can name you over 10 countries just from my memory.  In addition, I believe there will be more countries showing their support soon."
I can recall a dozen countries and I also think that there will be more countries to express their support."
I could list at least dozen from memory, and I think there will be more countries that indicate their support."
US officials said Powell will talk respectively with Turkish Prime Minister Gul and Australian Prime Minister Downer during the meeting in Davos.
U.S. officials said Powell would hold talks with Turkish Prime Minister Abdullah Gul and Australian Prime Minister John Howard during the course of the meeting in Davos.
US officials said that during the meeting in Davos Powell would hold separate talks with Turkish Prime Minister Gul and Australian Prime Minister Downer.
According to US officials, Powell will hold meetings with Turkish Prime Minister Abdullah Gul and Australian Prime Minister Donald respectively during the Davos session.
Turkey, the most important NATO ally of the United States, is resisting pressure so that it can join the US-led war against Iraq.
Turkey is an important NATO ally to United States and it is now resisting pressure such as to join a U.S. led war against Iraq.
Turkey is an important US ally in NATO. It is now resisting pressures to join the US-led war against Iraq.
Turkey is a strong NATO ally of the US, which is now fight with internal pressure to joint the US-led war on Iraq.
Whereas, the Australian government has pledged to send troops to join the war regardless of domestic opposition.
The Australian government has sworn to ignore opposition within Australia and dispatch troops to join the war.
As for the Australian government, it has vowed to send troops to join the war despite of domestic opposition.
As to the Australian government, it vows to send troops to take part in the war in spite of domestic opposition.
Daschle Says President Bush Should Come Forward with Solid Proof of Hussein's Violations
Daschle Said President Bush Should Provide Concrete Proof of Saddam's Wrong Doings
Daschle Urges President Bush to Provide Hard Evidence to Show Hussein Violating Rules
Daschle: the President Should Present Proof on Hussein's Violation of International Law
(AFP, Washington, January 28)  Senate Democratic leader Daschle challenged President Bush's way of proving Iraq has weapons of mass destruction.  He went on to doubt whether the White House has already had a "guiding principle" to prove attacks on Husseins are justified.
(Agence France-Presse, Washington, 28th) - Democratic Senate leader Tom Daschle brought up a dissenting view and challenged President George W. Bush to present proof that Iraq has weapons of mass destruction.  He also questioned whether the White House has a "guiding principle" to justify a war against Saddam Hussein.
(AFP report from Washington D.C., January 28) Senate Democrats' leader Daschle expressed his objection to President Bush's evidence to show that Iraq owns weapons of mass destruction, suspecting that the White House had a set of "guiding principles" to justify its attack on Hussein.
(AFP, Washington, Jan 28) Democratic Senate leader Tom Daschle challenged President Bush to present proof that Iraq has weapons of mass destruction and doubted whether the White House has a "guided principle" to justify the war against Saddam Hussein.
Daschle asked: "If we hold the proof that Iraq possesses nuclear and biological weapons, why don't we show that proof to the world ? - just as President Kennedy did 40 years ago when he held the photographs of offensive missiles in Cuba and immediately instructed Stevenson, the US ambassador to the United Nations to announce them at the UN General Assembly."
"If we have proof that Iraq possesses nuclear and biological weapons, why are we not showing them to the world?  Just like President Kennedy did 40 years ago when he instructed U.S. Ambassador to United Nations (UN) Adlai Stevenson to show photographs of offensive missiles in Cuba to the world during a UN meeting," Daschle asked.
Daschle asked: "If we've got evidence that Iraq has nuclear and biological weapons, why not show it to the world? Just like 40 years ago when President Kennedy had photos showing Cuba had missiles and ordered the ambassador to the UN Stevenson to show them at the UN Assembly."
Daschle asked, "If we have proof that Iraq has nuclear and biological weapons, why don't we show it to the world? Just as President Kennedy sent Adlai Stevenson the then US ambassador to the UN to show US photographs of offensive missiles in Cuba to the general assembly 40 years ago?"
It was during the time when the UN arms inspectors were reporting to the UN Security Council on Iraqi compliance with arms reduction orders that Daschle vehemently assailed President Bush in his report at the National Press Club.
In a presentation at the National Press Club in Washington, Daschle launched his fierce criticism on President Bush at a time when UN weapons inspectors submitted a report to UN Security Council as to whether Iraq has complied with the disarmament orders.
Daschle harshly attacked President Bush in a speech to the National Journalist Club in Washington when UN arms inspectors presented their reports to the UN Security Council on whether or not Iraq had abided by the disarmament requirements.
Daschle vehemently criticized President Bush when addressing the national journalists' club in Washington, while the UN Weapons' Inspection Personnel is reporting on whether Iraq abided the arms reduction order.
He said: "At a time when we have begun to fight the war on terror, the American people have the right to know why thousands of the US troops are sent to the battlefield at the risk of their lives and why the United States wants to spend billions of dollars, risk offending allies and inflame adversaries to attack Iraq."
"At a time when we have just begun to fight the war on terrorism, the American people have the right to know why we should risk the lives of thousands of American soldiers and send them to the battle field.  Why U.S. has to spend billions of dollars, spare nothing to offend our allies and provoke our adversaries to attack Iraq," he said.
"When we begin to launch a war against terrorism, people in the United States have the right to know why thousands of US troops will be sent to the battlefields to risk their lives. The United States will spend billions of dollars while at the cost of offending the alliance to enrage the opponents to attack Iraq," he said.
He said, "At the time when we just begin to fight the war on terror, the US citizens are entitled to be aware of why thousands of US men and women should be sent to battle fields regardless of risks of their lives, why our country should spend billions of dollars, risk to offend our allies and inflame our adversaries to attack Iraq."
Daschle said: "In a democratic country, the president should do all he can to clear people's doubts, which is very important."
"In a democracy, it is very important that the president should do everything possible to answer those questions and address the people's doubts," Daschle said.
"In a democratic country, the president should do his best to clear up people's doubts and this is very important," said Daschle.
Daschle said, "In democratic countries, the President should try his best to answer people's questions and remove people's doubts, which is essential."
He was referring to the polls that show a decreasing support of the American public for President Bush.
He referred to public opinion polls, which showed the American people's support to President Bush declined steadily.
He referred to the American people's declining support for President Bush in a public opinion poll.
What he refers is that surveys show that dwindling support to President Bush of the US people every day.
White House has been rotating all kinds of reasons to explain the urgency of overthrowing Hussein, including its threat to the neighboring countries, poisoning of the Kurds, attempt to kill the former President Bush, alleged involvement in the Sept. 11 attacks, manufacturing weapons of mass destruction and so on, making people wonder which one is to believe.
The White House has given so many rotating reasons to illustrate the urgency to overturn Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, which included a threat to neighbor countries; poisoned Kurds; attempted to kill former president George Bush; alleged involvement in September 11 attacks; and manufacturing of weapons of mass destruction.  It makes people wonder which one is the real one.
The White House, in turn, justifies the urgency to overthrow Hussein with various kinds of excuses, including threats to neighbors, persecution of the Kurds, attempting to kill President Bush, linking to the 9.11 attacks, making weapons of mass destruction, which confuse people who don't know which one they should believe.
The White House give various rotating reasons for the pressing need to overthrow Saddam Hussein, including threatening neighboring country, torturing Kurds and attempting to assassinate former President Bush, alleged involvement in September 11 attack, manufacturing weapons of mass destruction, etc. These makes people wonder which is the real one."
He said: "It makes people doubt the government has already had a supreme guiding principle."
"It makes people doubt that the government already has a highest guiding principle," he said.
"It makes people to suspect that the government has already had the supreme guiding principles," he said.
He said, "It makes people doubt the Bush administration has its highest guiding principle."
Parts of Northwestern Australia Devastated by Floods
Some Areas in Northwest Australia Face floods
Parts of Northwestern Australia Flooded
Part of North-western Australia Suffers Floods
(AFP, Townsville, Australia, January 28)  While many areas in Australia are being ravaged by droughts and forest fires, parts of the remote northwestern region are devastated by floods.
(Agence France-Presse, Townsville, Australia, 28th) - When many areas in Australia are facing devastating drought and bushfires, some areas in the remote northwest are experiencing floods.
(AFP report from Dunce, Australia, January 28) While many parts in Australia are suffering from drought and forest fires, some areas of the remote northwest are being flooded.
(AFP, Townsville, Australia, Jan 28) When many parts of Australia fights against devastating drought and bushfire, parts of the remote North-west suffers another menace-- floods.
Today, disaster relief authorities must send fresh food supplies to Burketown in Gulf of Carpentaria area in Queensland.  The area has been marooned by floods for nearly three weeks.
Today, the disaster relief authorities have to send fresh food supplies to the isolated community of Burketown in Queensland's Gulf of Carpentaria region.  Floods have marooned the area for almost three weeks.
Today, the disaster relief authorities must deliver fresh food supplies to the town of Burk in Queensland Province's Karbentaria Bay District, which has been flooded for nearly three weeks.
Today, the disaster relieving authorities must transport first food supplies to Burketown in Queensland's Gulf of Carpentaria region, trapped by floods for almost 3 weeks.
Burketown has seen frequent flooding and once lost contact with the outside world for months due to floods.
Burketown is used to flooding, which in the past has cut the town's links to outside world for as long as several months.
Flooding frequents the town of Burk, which was once cut off with the outside for several months in past floods.
Burketown is used to flooding, which in the past has cut all links to the outside world for several month.
However, the local council chief executive Turnour said that this year's flooding came upon the town all of a sudden.
However, the chief executive of local council, Craig Turnour, said the unexpected flooding has caught the town this year.
However, chief of the local parliament Tenor said that this year's flood came suddenly.
But the chief executive of local council Turnour said that Burketown did not prepare for such sudden floods.
He said: "No fresh milk, fruits or vegetables; the supply of bread is also limited.  There are only a few foods left in stock before the roads are reopened."
"There is no fresh milk, fruit or vegetables and not much bread as well.  Before the roads are re-opened, we have only a limited amount of supplies left," he said.
"There are no fresh milk, fruits or vegetables and a shortage of bread too. Before the road is reopened, there is only some food left," he said.
He said, "There is no fresh milk, fruit or vegetables and bread is also very limited. So there are only a little stocked food before the roads open again."
"The flood came with such suddenness that the last freight truck entering town also got stranded.  The truck came into town on the 22nd, and we were cut off from the outside world the very same night."
"The flood has come all of a sudden.  The last truck into town is stuck here too.  It came into the town on the 22nd and we were cut off from the outside world from that night."
"The floods came all of a sudden. The last truck that entered the town of Burk was also trapped. It went to the city on January 22 and we were cut off with the outside that night."
"The floods have caught everybody unaware. The last truck entering the town was stuck here too. The truck entered the town on the 22nd. We were cut off from the outside that evening."
Turnour said the water level has fallen in the past few days; if no more rain keeps coming, the roads should become accessible this week.
Turnour said water level has receded over the past few days.  If there is no more continuous raining, the roads should be accessible this week.
Tenor said that over the past few days the water level had fallen and if the rain would not continue, the road would be open to traffic this week.
In the past few days, the water levels has fallen, and the roads should be accessible without rain this week, Turnour said.
Trad, a bar owner in Burketown, said he has been careful to ensure the supply of beers because people, unable to work due to floods, flocked to his bar for drinking.
Trad, a pub owner in Burketown, said he had been careful to ensure his pub did not run out of beer because many people go for a drink when they are unable to work due to the flood.
Tarred, boss of a cafe in the town of Burk, said that he has been very careful to ensure beer supply because those who were kept away from work by the flood like to stay at the cafe.
Burketown publican Trad said that he had taken care not to let beer run out of supply, as many people cannot work due to floods and stay in the bar drinking.
Trad said: "They're drinking, playing cards and fishing to while away the time."
"They are drinking, playing cards and fishing to kill time," Trad said.
"They kill time by drinking wine, playing cards and fishing," said Tarred.
Trad said, "They are drinking, playing cards and fishing to kill time."
"The expanse of water is now replaced by mud.  So even if water is receding from the roads, they are still impassable."
"The sea of water has now been replaced by mud.  Hence, even though water receded gradually from the roads, they are still impassable."
"Large areas of flood have been replaced by silt so even if the water on the road disappears, traffic remains impossible."
"Large water surface has been replaced by mud, thus even though there is not as much water around the roads are still impassable."
Thousands of Century-old Olive Trees to Adorn Olympic Venues in Athens
Athens Olympic Site to be Decorated By Thousands of Olive Trees
Thousands of Olive Trees to Decorate Athens Olympic Venues
Thousands of Century-old Olive Trees would be Decorating Athens Olympic Venues
(AFP, Athens, January 28)  About 4,000 century-old olive trees will be transplanted to line the 2004 Olympic Marathon route and other Olympic Games venues.
(Agence France-Presse, Athens, 28th) - Four thousand or so mature olive trees will be transplanted to the 2004 Marathon route and other Olympic competition arenas.
(AFP report from Athens, January 28) About four thousand hundreds of year-old olive trees will be transferred to the 2004 Olympic marathon course and other Olympic venues.
Athens, January 28, AFP--Around 4000 century-old olive trees will be replanted along the 2004 Olympics marathon course and other Olympic Games venues.
These olive trees will be transplanted from the remote islands of Crete and Zakynthos.
The olive trees are to be transplanted from the remote islands of Zakynthos and Crete.
These olive trees will be replanted from remote islands of Crete and Zakynthos.
These trees will be transported from the remote islands of Crete and Zakynthos.
According to the Athens Olympics Organization Committee (ATHOC), these trees would have been uprooted sooner or later anyway due to local construction projects.
According to the Athens Olympic Organizing Committee, these trees will sooner or later be eradicated because of local construction works.
According to the Athens Olympic Organizing Committee, these trees will have to be removed sooner or later due to local construction projects.
According to the Athens Olympic Organization Committee, these trees would be destroyed sooner or later due to local construction works.
ATHOC said that at present these olive trees are temporarily stored; 1,500 century-old ones will be replanted in the future along the 42.2-kilometer Marathon course.
The Athens Olympic Organizing Committee said the trees are temporarily stored at this moment.  In future, 1,500 of these hundred-year old olive trees will be replanted along the 42.2-kilometer long Marathon route.
The Athens Olympic Organizing Committee said that currently these olive trees would be stored temporarily. 1,500 hundreds of year-old olive trees would be replanted along the 42.2 kilometer-long marathon course.
ATHOC said that the olive trees are stored for the time being, and about 1500 century-old olive trees will be replanted along the 42.2-kilometer marathon course in the future.
The rest of the old trees will be planted at other Olympic Games venues.
The rest of the mature trees will be replanted in other Olympic competition arenas.
Other old trees would be planted in other Olympic venues.
The rest old trees will be planted in other Olympic venues.
Olive trees are common of the Greek landscape.  The shape of the recently unveiled Olympic torch is exactly that of an olive leaf as inspired by the tree.
Olive tree is a common landscape in Greece.  The latest release of the Olympic torch actually has the shape of an olive leaf and is an inspiration of the olive tree.
Olive tree is a familiar feature in Greek. The recently unveiled Olympic torch is in the shape of the olive leaf with inspiration from the olive tree.
The olive tree is a familiar feature of the Greek scenery, and the olive leaf shaped Olympic torch recently unveiled has been inspired by it.
An official from the Olympics Organization Committee said: "This proposal represents the committee's sensitivity to environmental protection."
"The initiative signifies the sensitivity of the Organizing Committee to environmental issues," an official of Olympic Organizing Committee said.
An Olympic Organizing Committee official said: "This proposal shows the organizing committee's environmental sensitivity."
An ATHOC official said, "This initiative is sign of organizers' environmental sensitivity."
3 million euros will be spent on landscaping along the marathon course.
The greening of Marathon route will cost 3 million euros.
Three million Euros will be used for the afforestation work along the marathon course.
Three million euros are to be spent on greenery works along the marathon course.
Protesters and people from adjacent communities say the marathon course mars the local environment as some of the roads on the route will be broadened, which will destroy the pristine scenery still unspoiled today.
Protesters and people from neighboring communities said the Marathon route spoiled the local environment.  Many roads along the competition route have to be widened and that is going to destroy the original scenery preserved till now.
Protesters and people from nearby communities said that the marathon course would destroy local environment as the course would be expanded in some areas to wreck the intact scenery.
Protesters and adjacent communities claim that the marathon course upsets the local environment, as some of the areas it will pass along will be widened, destroying hitherto unspoiled scenery.
Environmental protesters also complain that many trees have been uprooted in some parts of Athens due to the project of the Olympic Games-related tram route.
Environmentalists also protested that many trees were uprooted because of an electric tram project related to the Olympic now taking place in some parts of Athens.
Environmental protesters also complained that many trees would be removed to make way for an Olympic-related tramway project in some parts of Athens.
Protesting environmentalists also complain that many trees have been uprooted to make way for an Olympics-related tramway project.
Exit Polls: Sharon-led Likud Party Wins Israeli General Election
Exit Polls: Sharon's Likud Party Wins the Israeli Election
Exit Public Poll: Sharon's Alliance Party Wins Israeli Election
Exit Poll--Likud Party led by Sharon Won Israeli General Election
(AFP, Jerusalem, January 28)  Israel held its general election today.  According to the results of exit polls, the right-wing Likud Party led by the incumbent Prime Minister Sharon has secured a victory, taking 32-36 seats in the 120-seat parliament.
(Agence France-Presse, Jerusalem, 28th) - According to exit polls, current Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's right-wing Likud party has secured a convincing victory in today's general election, winning between 32 and 36 of the 120 seats in parliament.
(AFP report from Jerusalem, January 28) Israel held a parliamentary election today. According to the public opinion at polls' exits, the rightist alliance party led by incumbent Prime Minister Sharon was sure to win, grabbing 32-36 seats of the 120-seat parliament.
Jerusalem, January 28, AFP--Parliament election was held in Israel today. Estimated according to the results of polls carried out at the exits of the voting stations, the Likud Party led by the current Prime Minister Sharon will definitely win, taking 32 to 36 seats among the 120 Knesset seats.
Sharon's office said that, Mitzna, leader of the main opposition Labor Party, has conceded the election and telephoned Sharon for congratulation.
Sharon's office said the opposition Labor Party leader Amram Mitzna admitted defeat and had congratulated Sharon over phone.
Sharon's office said that leader of the major opposition Labor Party Mitzna had admitted defeat and called Sharon to congratulate him.
Sharon's office said that the leader of the major opposition Labor Party Mitzna has admitted defeat, and called Sharon for congratulations.
It is estimated that the Labor Party will get 17 to 19 seats, fewer than the original 25 seats, the worst election result for the Labor Party since Israel established itself as a country in 1948.
According to estimates, the Labor Party may win between 17 and 19 seats, which is less than the 25 seats it had before and is also its worst result since the founding of the Israel state in 1948.
It is estimated that the Labor Party will win 17-19 seats, fewer than its previous 25, which is the Labor Party's worst election result since the founding of Israel in 1948.
It is estimated that the Labor Party will win 17 to 19 seats, less than the original 25. This will be the worst election result for the Labor Party ever since the founding of Israel in 1948.
The centrist Shinui Party is expected to gain a substantial number of seats, from the mere 6 in the last parliament to between 14 to 17 seats, threatening the Labor Party's position as the second largest party.
The centrist Shinui Party is likely to enjoy a big boost in seats - from six seats in the last assembly to between 14 and 17 seats and that will threaten the Labor's position as the second biggest party.
The central Reformist Party will win more seats, up to 14-17 from its previous 6, challenging Labor Party's second position.
The Centrist Shinui Party is expected to get more seats, increased to 14 to 17 seats from the 6 seats in the last Knesset, threatening the position of the Labor Party as the second largest party.
The Shas is expected to win between 9 to 13 seats, fewer than the current 17 seats.
The Shas Party may win between 9 and 13 seats, which is less the 17 seats that they have now.
The Religious Party is expected to win 9-13 seats, fewer than the current 17.
The ultra-Orthodox Shas Party is expected to win 9 to 13 seats, fewer than the current 17 seats.
The above estimated results are released after polling stations were closed at 10:00 p.m. by the public TV station and the privately-run Channel 2.
The aforesaid estimated results were announced by the public television and the private-owned Channel Two after the polling stations closed at 10:00 p.m.
The estimated results above were announced by the Public TV Station and the private Channel 2 following the closure of the polls at 10pm.
The above results were announced by the state-run TV station and the privately-run second channel TV station after the closing of the voting stations at 10 pm.
The Labor Party leaders said talks have been started in the hope of forming a workable coalition.  However, the Labor Party leader Mitzna has ruled out the possibility of joining the Sharon administration.
Likud officials said talks to form a workable coalition government have already started.  However, the Labor leader Amram Mitzna has already ruled out the possibility of joining a Sharon government.
Alliance Party's officials said that talks were underway in hope of establishing an alliance government that can work. However, Labor Party's chief Mitzna has ruled out the possibility to join Sharon's government.
Officials from the Likud Party said that negotiations have been held with a view to form an operative joint government, but the head of Labor Party Mitzna has excluded the possibility of joining the Sharon government.
US Senators Plan to Reorganize USOC Torn by Internal Bickering
Members of Congress Plan to Revamp U.S. Olympic Committee as Its Leaders Squabble
Disputes Rise in US Olympic Committee; Lawmakers Plan Reshuffle
US Senators Plan to Restructure USOC Due to its Inner Squabbling
(AFP, Washington, January 29)  US senators reprimanded the bickering leaders of the US Olympic Committee and vowed to reorganize this world's best funded national Olympic organization.
(Agence France-Presse, Washington, 29th) - United States Senators denounced the leaders of the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC), who are feuding among themselves, and vowed to reorganize the world's richest national Olympic group.
(AFP report from Washington D.C., January 29) US Senators denounced disputing leaders of the country's Olympic Committee and vowed to reshuffle the state-level Olympic Committee with the most sufficient funds in the world.
Washington, January 29, AFP--United States Senators scolded bickering leaders of the US Olympic Committee, vowing to reorganize the world's richest national Olympic committee.
The USOC has been doing a poor job and been recently torn by fierce internal bickering.
The U.S. Olympic Committee is dysfunctional because of fierce internal feuds earlier.
The US Olympic Committee has not been functioning well with intense internal disputes earlier.
The dysfunctioning USOC has shown serious inner squabbling.
The Senate plans to hold a hearing in February to study relevant measures while the senators who founded the USOC in 1978 will now start about its reorganization so as to inspire faith in the US athletes, supporters, and business sponsors.
U.S. Senate planned to call a hearing in February to consider options.  The members of the congress who created the USOC in 1978 will start a revamp in order to restore confidence of U.S. athletes, supporters and sponsor firms.
The Senate plans to hold a hearing in February to study relevant measures while lawmakers who set up the US Olympic Committee in 1978 are now beginning to reshuffle it in an effort to build up the confidence of American athletes, supporters and sponsors.
The Senate plans to launch a hearing in February to consider relevant measures, and the US lawmakers who created the USOC in 1978 will seek changes to inspire faith from US athletes, supporters and sponsor firms.
Sen. McCain, chairman of the relevant Senate committee, said: "If we want to rebuild the public's confidence in the USOC, we must restructure the organization.
"If we are to restore the public's confidence in USOC, we must restructure and reform the organization," said John McCain, chairman of the related Senate committee.
Chairman of the Senate's Relevant Committee Miken said: "If we want to rebuild people's confidence in US Olympic Committee, we must carry out reform and reshuffle.
Chairman of the related committee of the Senate McCain said, "If we are to restore the public's belief in the USOC, we must restructure the organization.
We must propose ways to reorganize the USOC so as to prevent the current problems from resurfacing."
"We must come up with a way to reorganize the USOC and prevent the current problem from happening again."
We must put forward ways to reform the US Olympic Committee to prevent the current problems from occurring."
We must come up with a way for the USOC to be reorganized to prevent this from happening again."
Fierce and childish bickerings broke out among Ward, the scandal-embroiled USOC chief executive, Mankamyer, the USOC president, and Rodgers, the former USOC compliance officer who resigned last week.
The scandal-tainted USOC chief executive officer Lloyd Ward, USOC president Marty Mankamyer and Patrick Rodgers, the former USOC ethics compliance officer who quitted last week, had serious disputes among themselves just like a group of children.
There has been an acute and childlike quarrel among scandal-troubled US Olympic Chief Executive Ward, Olympic Committee Chairman Mankamyer and former Olympic Committee Ethics Officer Rodgers who resigned last week.
Scandal-tainted USOC chief executive officer Ward, USOC president Mankamyer and Rodgers, the former USOC ethics compliance officer who quit last week, squabbled fiercely like children.
Republican Senator Campbell said: "If there were a gold medal for bickering, the USOC officials involved in this bickering would deserve the award."
"If gold medals were given for quarreling, most of those involved in the dispute would definitely be qualified," said Republican Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell.
Republican Senator Campbell said: "If a quarrel can earn a gold, Olympic officials involving in this dispute must be qualified to win it."
Republican Senator Campbell said, "If gold medals were given for bickering, the USOC officials involved would be in line for them."
8 European Countries Sign Joint Letter in Support of US Strategy against Iraq
Eight European Countries Support U.S. Iraq Policy
Eight European Countries Write a Joint Letter to Support US Policy towards Iraq
Eight European Countries Jointly Support America's Stand against Iraq
(AFP, London, January 29)  Leaders of eight European countries, excluding France and Germany, have signed an open letter published in the Times today, calling for Europe to form a united front with the United States in an effort to disarm Iraq of its weapons of mass destruction.
(Agence France-Presse, London, 29th) - The Times newspaper today published a joint open letter from the leaders of eight European countries, with the absence of France and Germany.  The letter urged Europe to unite with U.S. and endeavor to disarm Iraq from weapons of mass destruction.
(AFP report from London, January 29) Leaders of 8 European countries, except France and Germany, wrote a joint letter today in the Times Newspaper calling on Europe to unite with the United States to disarm Iraq's weapons of mass destruction.
London, January 29, AFP--Leaders of eight European countries except for France and Germany combined to make a public appeal in The Times today, calling for the unity between Europe and America to disarm Iraq of its weapons of mass destruction.
Leaders from Britain, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Hungary, Poland, Denmark and the Czech Republic said that the United Nations must force Iraqi President Hussein to abandon weapons of mass destruction, warning the UN credibility is being tested.
The leaders of Britain, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Hungary, Poland, Denmark and the Czech Republic said the United Nations must force Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to give up weapons of mass destruction.  They warned that the credibility of the United Nations is under test.
Leaders of Britain, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Hungary, Poland, Denmark and Czech said that the United Nations must force Iraqi President Hussein to give up weapons of mass destruction, warning that the credibility of the UN was being tested.
The leaders of Britain, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Hungary, Poland, Denmark and the Czech Republic say that the UN must compel Iraqi President Hussein to give up weapons of mass destruction, while warning that the credibility of the UN is on the line.
The letter published in the Times said: "Our strength comes from unity," and pointed out that the report submitted by the UN weapons inspectors on the 27th testifies that Hussein has been consistently "cheating, denying and failing to cooperate."
The letter, published in the Times, said: "Our strength lies in unity".  It further said United Nations weapons inspectors' report on the 27th confirmed Saddam's consistent "deception, denial and non-compliance".
The letter published in the Times Newspaper said: "Our strength comes from unity," adding that UN arms inspectors' report on January 27 proved that Hussein had been "deceiving, defying and short of cooperation."
The letter published on The Times reads, "Our strength lies in unity", adding that UN weapons inspectors' report on Jan 27 confirmed Hussein's long-established pattern of "deception, denial and non-compliance".
The letter was signed by Blair of Britain, Aznar of Spain, Berlusconi of Italy, Barroso of Portugal, Medgyessy of Hungary, Miller of Poland, Rasmussen of Denmark and Havel of the Czech Republic.
The letter came from and was signed by Tony Blair of Britain, Jose Maria Aznar of Spain, Silvio Berlusconi of Italy, Jose Manuel Durao Barroso of Portugal, Peter Medgyessy of Hungary, Leszek Miller of Poland, Anders Fogh Rasmussen of Denmark and Vaclav Havel of Czech Republic.
The letter was signed by Britain's Blair, Spain's Aznar, Italy's Berlusconi, Portugal's Barroso, Hungary's Medgyessy, Poland's Miller, Denmark's Rasmussen and Czech's Havel.
This letter was signed by Blair of Britain, Aznar of Spain, Berlusconi of Italy, Barroso of Portugal, Medgyessy of Hungary, Miller of Poland, Rasmussen of Denmark and Havel of the Czech Republic.
They affirm that Hussein's weapons of mass destruction are obvious threats to the world security.
They insisted that Saddam's weapons of mass destruction represent a clear threat to world security.
They firmly held that Hussein's weapons of mass destruction were an obvious threat to the world's stability.
They stress that Hussein's weapons of mass destruction are a clear threat the world security.
"We must keep united and insist that the Hussein regime be disarmed.
"We must remain united in insisting that Saddam Hussein's regime to disarm.
"We should keep unity and firmly require Hussein's regime to disarm.
"We must remain united in insisting that Hussein's regime is disarmed.
The solidarity, cohesion and determination of the international community are where lies our hope of achieving this goal peacefully."
The solidarity, cohesion and determination of the international community are our best hope of achieving this peacefully."
The international community's unity, cohesion and resolution are the hope that we can achieve the aim through peaceful means."
The solidarity, cohesion and determination of the international community are our hope of achieving this goal peacefully."
Thai Authorities Sent Planes to Evacuate Thai Nationals from Cambodia
Thai Authority Dispatched Planes to Evacuate Thai Nationals From Cambodia
Thai Authority Sends Airplanes to Evacuate Thais in Cambodia
Thai Authorities Airlift Nationals from Cambodia
(AFP, Bangkok, January 30)  Due to an anti-Thai clash that broke out in Phnom Penh, the Thai authorities have sent military transport planes to Phnom Penh to evacuate about 560 Thai nationals.  Today a few hundred Thais have arrived in Bangkok by plane.
(Agence France-Presse, Bangkok, 30th) - As anti-Thai conflicts broke out in Phnom Penh, Thai authority dispatched military transport planes to Phnom Penh to evacuate an estimated 560 Thai nationals.  Several hundred Thai nationals arrived in Bangkok today via planes.
(AFP report from Bangkok, January 30) As anti-Thailand riots broke out in Phnom Penh, the Thai authority had sent military cargo planes to Phnom Penh to evacuate about 560 Thai nationals. Hundreds of Thais returned to Bangkok by plane today.
Bangkok, January 30, AFP--As anti-Thai conflicts broke out in Phnom Penh, the Thai authorities have begun its evacuation of an estimated 560 citizens from Phnom Penh by military transport planes.  Several hundreds of Thai nationals arrived in Bangkok by plane today.
Military officials said that Thai Prime Minister Thaksin and top military officials welcomed the first C-130 Hercules plane at Bangkok's military airport as it arrived from Phnom Penh with 170 Thai nationals on board.
Military officials said Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and high-ranking military officers greeted the first C-130 Hercules plane, carrying back 170 Thais from Cambodia.
Military officers said that Thai Prime Minister Thaksin and senior officers welcomed the first giant C-130 plane from Phnom Penh carrying 170 Thais in a military airport in Bangkok.
Prime Minister Thaksin and high-ranking military personnel greeted the first C-130 Hercules plane, carrying 170 Thais, as it arrived at Bangkok's military airport, Thai military officials said.
The second plane followed, carrying 150 Thais back home.
A second plane arrived shortly afterwards carrying another 150 Thais home.
The second plane carried another 150 Thais to return home.
A second plane arrived shortly afterwards carrying another 150 Thais.
Two more planes are scheduled to bring another 170 in total back to the country.
Another two planes were scheduled to carry another 170 Thais home.
Another two planes are expected to carry another total of 170 home.
Two more planes were scheduled to land carrying another 170 in total.
Diplomatic staff will take the fifth plane home.
Diplomatic staff would go home in a fifth plane.
Diplomats are to come back home aboard the fifth plane.
Diplomatic staff would be airlifted on a fifth plane.
Thailand's supreme Commander in Chief Surayud told reporters at the airport: "We're going to evacuate all of them by this afternoon."
"We expect to evacuate all of them by this afternoon," Thailand's supreme commander Surayud Chulanont told reporters at the airport.
Commander-in-Chief of Thailand Somdhat told reporters at the airport: "We will evacuate all of them this afternoon."
"We expect to evacuate all of theme by this afternoon," Thailand's supreme commander Surayud told reporters at the airport.
Surayud said five Thais, who suffered minor burns, have already been sent to the hospital near the airport for treatment.
Surayud said Five Thais had minor burns and were sent to a military hospital near the airport for treatment.
Somdhat said that five Thais were slightly burned and had been admitted to the hospital near the airport.
Surayud said that five of the Thais had minor burns and had been sent to hospitals near the airport for treatment.
In Cambodia, hundreds of protesters attacked and torched the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh on the 29th.
Hundreds of Cambodian protesters attacked the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh and set it on fire on the 29th.
Hundreds of protesting people attacked and set fire on the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh on January 29.
Hundreds of Cambodian protesters stormed the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh on Jan 29, setting it on fire.
This incident of Cambodians attacking Thais that broke out in Phnom Penh was ignited by a popular Thai actress, who claimed that Cambodia's famous ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat was stolen by Cambodians from their neighboring country.
The trigger of the outbreak of an attack on Thais in Phnom Penh was the accusation by a popular Thai actress that Cambodians stole the famous ancient temple remains of Angkor Wat from its neighbor country.
The attacks against Thais in Phnom Penh was sparked after a popular Thai actress made an accusation that Cambodia's famous Angkor Wat Temple was stolen from its neighbor by the Cambodians.
The attacks on Thais by Cambodians broke out in Phnom Penh were triggered out when a popular Thai actress accused Cambodians of stealing the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat from its neighbor.
Angry protesters looted Thai-owned stores in Phnom Penh.  The Royal Phnom Penh Hotel owned by Thais reportedly has been reduced to ashes.
Angry protesters looted Thai businesses in Phnom Penh.  It was also reported that the Thai-owned Royal Phnom Penh Hotel was burnt to ashes.
Angry protesters looted Thai shops in Phnom Penh and the Thai-owned Royal Phnom Penh Hotel has been reportedly burned down.
Furious protesters looted Thai stores in Phnom Penh, with the Thai-owned Royal Phnom Penh Hotel said to be burnt to ground.
Ethnic Chinese in Asia Celebrate Year of Goat and Hope for Economic Prosperity in New Year
Asian Chinese Celebrate the Arrival of the Year of Sheep and Wish a Prosperous New Year
Asian Chinese Happily Welcome the Year of Goat, Expecting Economic Prosperity in New Year
Asian Chinese Happily Welcomed Year of the Goat, Praying for Prosperity in the New Year
(AFP, Hong Kong, February 1)  As Asia ushered in the Lunar New Year today, tens of thousands of people swarmed into the temples to pray for a turn of better luck and prosperity after having weathered one more year of economic downturn.
(Agence France-Presse, Hong Kong, 1st) - Asia welcomed the Lunar New Year today.  After went through another year of a sluggish economy, thousands upon thousands of the people streamed into temples to pray for an upturn in opportunities and prosperity.
(AFP report from Hong Kong, February 1) Asia today ushers in the Lunar New Year. Hundreds of thousands of people go to temples to pray for good luck and prosperity after seeing one more year of economic depression.
Hong Kong, February 1, AFP--After another year of economic gloom, Asia welcomed the Lunar New Year today, and millions of people streamed into temples to pray for more prosperous times.
In Hong Kong's famous Wong Tai Sin temple, thousands of people poured into the temple as soon as the clock struck midnight, vying to be first to offer prayers on the Year of the Goat.
As soon as midnight was over, thousands and thousands of faithful followers poured into Hong Kong's famous Wong Tai Sin Temple and vied to be the first one to offer joss sticks in the year of sheep, an act considered to bring good luck.
At the renowned Huangdaxian Temple in Hong Kong, when it came to the mid-night hundreds of thousands of devotees crowded into the temple in the hope of presenting the first incense of the Year of Goat to get good luck.
At Hong Kong's famous Wong Tai Sin temple, on the stroke of midnight thousands of people poured in, vying to be the first to offer prayers on the Year of the Goat, which is regarded as a sign of good luck.
A middle-aged man, after squeezing through the heaving crowds to offer joss sticks, said: "I prayed for world peace and for the Hong Kong people to make more money."
"I prayed for peace in the world and I hope Hong Kong people can make more money," one middle-aged man said, after squeezing himself through the stream of people to offer his bundle of joss sticks.
A middle-aged man, after pushing his way in the crowd, said: "I pray for world peace and Hong Kong people can earn more."
"I prayed for world peace, and that Hong Kong people can make more money," one middle-aged man said after battling through the heaving masses to offer his bundles of joss sticks.
His female companion said: "I prayed for good health, and no more wage cuts for workers."
"I prayed for good health and no more wage cuts for workers," his female companion said.
His female partner said: "I pray for good health and no more cuts of workers' wages."
"I prayed for good health, and no more wage cuts for workers," his female companion added.
In Taiwan, about 20,000 people waited in a line of several kilometers to get the red packets of NT$200 from President Chen Shui-bian when he returned to his home town to give out red packets.
In Taiwan, President Chen Shui-bian went back to his hometown Tainan to distribute red packets.  Some 20,000 people formed a queue of several kilometers long waiting to receive a 200 Taiwan dollar red packet from the President.
In Taiwan, President Chen Shui-bian returned his home in southern Taiwan to give out little red bags of money as gifts. About 20,000 people waited for the red bags of 200 dollars each given by the president in a several kilometer long queue.
In Taiwan, President Chen Shui-bian returned to his southern home town to offer "red bags".  Some 20,000 people queued for miles to receive 200 Taiwan dollars from the President.
As the Presidential Office had prepared only 15,000 red packets, thousands had to go home disappointed.
However, thousands were disappointed because the Presidential Office only prepared 15,000 red packets.
Thousands of people left disappointedly because the presidential palace had only got 15,000 red bags of money.
As the Presidential Office only prepared 15,000 "red bags", thousands went home disappointed.
In China, three quarters of the entire population of 1.3 billion reportedly celebrated the Spring Festival by watching television.
In China, three-quarters of the 1.3 billion population were reported to have celebrated the New Year by watching television.
In China, reports said that 3/4 of the total 1.3 billion population watched TV to celebrate the Spring Festival.
In China, three-quarters of the 1.3 billion population were reported to have celebrated the new year by watching television.
State-run CCTV claimed that its four-hour Spring Festival special program attracted as many as  975 million viewers.
The state-run China Central Television said the station's four-hour long Spring Festival eve special program attracted 975 million viewers.
The state-run CCTV claimed that its special four-hour-long Spring Festival Eve program attracted up to 975 million audiences.
State-run CCTV claimed a staggering 975 million viewers tuned in to its four-hour Spring Festival Eve special program.
Of those who were able to tear themselves away from the TV screen, many celebrated the New Year by eating dinners at their cities' restaurants.  Many famous restaurants were reported to be fully packed.
Many of those who could get away from the television welcomed the New Year with dinners at cities' restaurants.  Most famous restaurants were reported to be completely full.
Most of those who were free from the TV had their dinners in city restaurants to celebrate the new year, with many restaurants fully packed with people.
For those who could tear themselves away from the television, many welcomed in the new year with dinner at the city's restaurants, the most famous of which reported full tables.
In Indonesia, this is the first time that the Lunar New Year has been designated as a national holiday, a victory of the ethnic Chinese's fight against the extensive discrimination they have long suffered.  Now they can celebrate the Spring Festival with joy.
It is the first time that Indonesia made the Lunar New Year a national holiday.  This is viewed as a victory to Indonesian Chinese, who are fighting widespread and continuing discrimination.  Now, they can celebrate the Spring Festival happily.
Indonesia, for the first time, designated the Lunar New Year as a national holiday this year, a victory won by the Chinese after their long-term fight against the comprehensive discrimination. They now can celebrate the Spring Festival.
Indonesia sets the Lunar New Year as a national public holiday for the first time this year, a victory in ethnic Chinese's battle against widespread and continuing discrimination.  Now they can celebrate the Spring Festival happily.
Russian Experts: Space Shuttle Disaster May Lead to Temporary Suspension of ISS
Russian Expert: Space Shuttle Disaster Might Lead to Temporary Suspension of Operations in the Space Station
Russian Expert: Space Shuttle Disaster May Lead to Suspension of Space Station's Operation
Russian Expert: Space Shuttle Disaster May Lead to Suspension of Space Station
(AFP, Moscow)  A Russian space expert pointed out that the tragedy of the US space shuttle Columbia's disintegration on its way back to Earth may lead to the temporary suspension of manned missions on the International Space Station which rely on the US space shuttles and Russian spacecraft.
(Agence France-Presse, Moscow) - A Russian space expert said the unfortunate event of the disintegration of U.S. Space Shuttle Columbia during its re-entry to earth could lead to the temporary suspension of manned missions in the International Space Station (ISS), because the station depends on U.S. shuttles and Russian space craft.
(AFP report from Moscow) A Russian space expert pointed out that US space shuttle Columbia's tragedy during its return to the earth may lead to the temporary suspension of US and Russian space shuttle missions in the International Space Station.
Moscow, AFP--A Russian space expert said that the tragic disintegration of the US Space Shuttle Columbia as it was returning to earth could lead to the temporary suspension of manned missions to the International Space Station (ISS), which depends on US shuttles and Russian space craft.
This Russian space expert, who did not wish to be named, told the Russian media Interfax that the accident of Columbia's disintegration on its re-entry of the earth's atmosphere will force the astronauts on the ISS to return to Earth and switch the ISS to automatic pilot operation for some period of time.
The Russian space expert, who declined to be named, told Russian Interfax news agency the disintegration accident of the Columbia as it re-entered the earth's atmosphere could force astronauts on board the space station to return to earth; switch on the station's automatic systems and let it run on itself for a period of time.
The Russian space expert who required not to be named told the Russian Interfax News Agency that Columbia's accidental deintegration during its return to the atmospheric layer would force astronauts in the space station to return to the earth and open the space station's automatic system to let it operate itself for some time.
The Russian space expert who did not wish to be named told the Russian Inter Fax news agency that the disintegration of the Columbia as it re-entered the earth's atmosphere could force the return of the crew on the ISS to earth and the switching of the station to automatic pilot for a certain period.
He noted if the age of the space shuttle is confirmed as the cause of the accident, the United States will freeze all space shuttle missions to prevent similar diasters from happening again.
He said if it is determined that the cause of the accident was the age of the space shuttle, U.S. will freeze shuttle flights in order to avoid another catastrophe.
He said that if the old age of the space shuttle was blamed for the accident, the US side would freeze all shuttles' missions to avoid similar tragedies.
He said that if it is determined that the accident was due to the age of the craft; it will cause the Americans to freeze flights of all the shuttles to avoid another similar catastrophe.
He further pointed out it is very likely that the United States will not send astronauts again to the ISS until 2007 or 2008 and must build new spacecraft.
He further pointed out that means U.S. must build new spacecraft and it will take until 2007-2008 before U.S. can send astronauts again to the space station.
He further pointed out that the United States would not, most likely, send astronauts to the space station until after 2007 or 2008 and it must build new space crafts.
He added that it is probable that the US will not send astronauts to the station until 2007-2008, and the construction of new spacecraft would be necessary.
If the US space shuttles stop operation, only Russia can send astronauts to the space station by its spacecraft Soyuz.  However, as the Russian Space Agency is currently having severe financial problems, the United States and Russia may reach an agreement to use Soyuz to maintain manned missions on the space station while using Progress cargo vessels to send supplies to the ISS.
If space shuttles are grounded, then Russia is the only country that could send astronauts to the space station using its Soyuz spacecraft.  However, the Russian space agency is currently facing severe financing problems.  Hence, United States and Russia may reach an agreement to use Soyuz spacecraft to keep the space station manned.  The Progress spacecraft can be used to carry cargos and keep the space station supplied.
If US space shuttles are suspended, Russia's spaceship the United will be the only one left to send astronauts to the space station. However, the Russian Space Agency is now facing severe financial difficulty so the United States and Russia may reach agreements to use the United to keep the operation of the space station's mission, using the Progress cargo shuttle to provide supplies to the International Space Station.
The grounding of the US shuttles would leave Russia as the only country which could send astronauts to the station on its Soyuz craft, but Russia's space agency faces severe financing problems now.  Therefore, a deal could possibly be worked out between the US and Russian to use Soyuz craft to keep manned missions going in the ISS, supplying the station by Russian Progress cargo vessels.
According to the Russian expert, the astronauts currently at the ISS were originally scheduled to take the US space shuttle Atlantis back to Earth on March 1 and should now be expected to continue their stay at the space station.
The Russian expert believed the current crew on board the ISS were due to return to earth on board the U.S. Space Shuttle Atlantis on March 1 but now, they might have to extend their stay in the station.
The Russian expert said that the astronauts currently on the International Space Station were scheduled to return to the earth on March 1 aboard the US space shuttle Atlantis but now they would have to stay in the space station.
The Russian expect thought that the current crew in the ISS that were due to return to earth on board the US Space Shuttle Atlantis on March 1 should count on extending its stay in the station.
The participants of the ISS program include 16 countries such as the United States, Russia, Japan, Canada and France.
Sixteen countries participate in the ISS project, including the United States, Russia, Japan, Canada and France.
The International Space Station program involves 16 countries including the United States, Russia, Japan, Canada and France.
Sixteen countries are part of the ISS project, including the United States, Russia, Japan, Canada and France.
The Russian expert pointed out the tragedy on the 1st illustrated the unreliability of the space shuttle.  Russia had an accident too in 1971 when a Soyuz-11 craft crashed while returning to Earth, killing the three astronauts on board.
The Russian expert also pointed out the accident on the 1st revealed the unreliability of the shuttles.  Russia also had an accident in 1971 and it lost three astronauts on board the Soyuz-11 spacecraft during a re-entry to earth.
Russian experts pointed out that the tragedy on January 1 showed that the space shuttles were unreliable. Accidents also occurred in 1971 when Russia's space shuttle, the United 11, was on its way to the Earth, killing three astronauts aboard the spaceship.
The Russian expert said that the tragic accident on March 1 shows the unreliability of the shuttles, as Russia's last accident with a craft was in 1971 when it lost three astronauts in a Soyuz-11 craft on re-entry.
Havel Steps down as Czech President with New President not yet in Sight
Czech President Havel Steps Down But His Successor Has Yet to Be Chosen
Czech President Havel Leaves Office; New President Still Undecided
Czech President Havel Steps Down While New President Still not Chosen
(AFP, Prague, February 2)  Havel, the playwright who became a democracy movement hero during the reign of the Czech communist party, said farewell to his public service job today and stepped down from his democratically elected presidential post which he has held for 13 years.
(Agence France-Presse, Prague, 2nd) - Vaclav Havel, a playwright and hero of the democracy movement during the communist regime in Czechoslovakia, leaves office today after serving as a elected president in the past 13 years.
(AFP report from Prague, February 3) Havel, then playwright who became a democratic movement hero during Czech's communist rule, left office today, ending his 13-year presidential tenure through election.
Prague, February 2, AFP--Havel, playwright and hero of the democracy movement during the communist regime in Czechoslovakia, bid farewell to public life today after 13 years as the democratic president.
In a televised address, Havel thanked the people for their trust in him, saying: "Without your understanding and goodwill, I wouldn't have been able to stay in office for a brief moment."
In a televised speech, the president thanked his people for their trust.  "Without your understanding and good faith in me, I would not be able to stay in office for even a few moments," he said.
Speaking in a TV show, Havel thanked the people for their trust in him. He said: "Without your understand and goodwill I can't stay in office even for a while."
In a television address, Havel thanked his people for their trust, saying, "Without your understanding and goodwill I would not have been able to stay in office for even a few moments."
Although suffering from serious health problems, Havel still withstood the great pressure of the top position and stepped down as his term ended even if no successor has yet been chosen.
Despite serious health problems, Havel still held up to the stresses in his important office.  He now steps down as scheduled even though a successor has yet to be found.
Despite of severe health problems Havel still endured great pressures. He stepped down on schedule though no successor has yet been decided.
Havel, who braved the stresses of high office despite serious health problems, stepped down as scheduled even though a successor has not yet been found.
Havel took office on December 29, 1989 and made his first speech to the public on the balcony of Prague Castle on the very same day.  Earlier today he also greeted hundreds of well-wishers on the same spot, saying: "I bid all of you farewell after being your president for 13 years."
Speaking earlier at the same balcony of Prague Castle from which he first addressed crowds on assuming office on December 29, 1989, he thanked hundreds of well-wishers, "I say farewell to you after 13 years as president."
Havel came into office on December 29, 1989 when he gave his first speech to the people on a balcony in Prague. Earlier today he sent his greetings to hundreds of people at the same place, saying: "I'd like to say goodbye to you after being the president for 13 years."
Speaking earlier today from the same balcony of Prague Castle from which he first addressed crowds on assuming office on December 29, 1989, he thanked hundreds of well-wishers, "I say farewell to you after 13 years as president."
The 66-year-old playwright is a dissident-turned-world-class politician, which itself symbolizes the triumph of democracy over totalitarianism in Europe.
The 66-year old writer was a dissident.  He later turned a world-class politician, which actually symbolized the victory of democracy over totalitarianism in Europe.
The 66-year-old playwright was a former dissident who became one of the world's politicians, which also shows that democracy has defeated totalitarianism in Europe.
The 66-year-old writer used to be a dissident, but later turned into a world statesman, which also symbolized the victory of democracy over totalitarianism in Europe.
After revolution broke out in Czechoslovakia, Havel, once a prisoner under the communist regime, became the president.
After the revolution in Czechoslovakia, Havel, who was a prisoner under the communist regime, became president.
Following the revolution in Czech, Havel, then a prisoner under the communist rule, became president.
When revolution broke out in Czechoslovakia, Havel, who used to be a prisoner in communist jails, became president.
Three years later, Czechoslovakia split into two countries, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.  Havel continued to be the president of the Czech Republic.
Three years later, the country split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and Havel remained as President of Czech Republic.
Three years later Czech was split into the Republic of Czech and Slovakia and Havel continued to be president of the Republic of Czech.
Three years later, Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and Havel remained president of the Czech Republic.
Today, Havel handed over the presidential seal to Prime Minister Spidla and Zaoralek, the speaker of the Parliament's lower chamber.  They two are scheduled to share the presidential power temporarily starting from tomorrow until a new president is elected.
Today, Havel handed over the seals of office to Prime Minister Vladimir Spidla and Lower House Speaker Lubomir Zao-ralek.  The two are set to share to share the temporary presidential powers from tomorrow pending the election of a new president.
Havel transferred the presidential seal to Prime Minister Pithart and House Speaker Zaoralek, both of whom are scheduled to take over the presidential power temporarily starting tomorrow until a new president is elected.
Today Havel handed over the seals of offices to Prime Minister Spidla and Lower House Speaker Zaoralek, both of whom set tomorrow to share temporary presidential powers pending election of a successor.
The Czech Parliament convened to elect a new president last month, but neither of the voting on January 15 and January 24 yielded any result.
Czech parliament met last month to choose a new president but failed to find one despite two votes on January 15 and 24.
Czech's parliament held a meeting last month to elect the new president but no results came out during the two polls on January 15 and 24.
The Czech Parliament met last month to choose a new president, but failed despite two votes on January 15 and 24.
Britain Expects Chirac to Eventually Support Security Council Resolution Authorizing Military Attacks on Iraq
Britain Anticipates Chirac to Support a Security Council Authorization to Attack Iraq
Britain Predicts Chirac Will Finally Support Security Council Resolution Authorizing Attacks on Iraq
Britain Predicts Chirac Will Finally Back Security Council Resolution Authorizing an Attack on Iraq
(AFP, London, February 3)  The British government is confident that the French President Chirac will eventually support the UN Security Council's second resolution authorizing military attacks on Iraq.
(Agence France-Presse, London, 3rd) - The British government believes French President Jacques Chirac will ultimately support a second resolution for an United Nations Security Council authorization to attack Iraq.
(AFP report from London, February 3) The British government believes that French President Chirac will finally support a second UN Security Council resolution authorizing attacks against Iraq.
London, February 3, AFP--The British government believes French President Chirac will finally back a second UN Security Council resolution authorizing an attack on Iraq.
The British media reported today that Chirac and the British Prime Minister Blair will meet in Le Touquet in northern France tomorrow to exchange views on the latest development on the Iraqi crisis.
British media report said today Chirac would meet with British Prime Minister Tony Blair tomorrow in Le Touquet at northern France.  The two are to exchange opinion on the latest development in the Iraq crisis.
British press reported today that Chirac and British Prime Minister Blair would hold talks tomorrow in northern France's Le Touquet to exchange views on the latest development of the Iraqi crisis.
The British press reported today that Chirac and British Prime Minister Blair are to discuss the latest developments on the Iraq crisis when they meet tomorrow in Le Touquet, northern France.
The headline of the left-wing newspaper The Guardian reads: "Downing Street predicts Chirac will change stance on Iraq."  The Guardian also quoted sources from the office of the British Prime Minister as saying that there are four factors which will influence Chirac into accepting the British way of thinking.
The headline of the left-wing Guardian Newspaper said: "Downing Street predicts Chirac to change his stance".  The Guardian quoted an informed source closed to British Prime Minister Office, who said there are four factors that might influence Chirac to accept the British thinking.
The leftist Guardian's headline reads: "The Downing Street predicts that Chirac will change his position on Iraq". The Guardian quoted sources from British Prime Minister's office as saying that there were four factors that would let Chirac to accept Britain's views.
The headline of the left-wing Guardian reads, "Chirac will change line on Iraq, predicts Downing Street", and Guardian also quoted sources at the British premier's office as citing four factors that would make the French president move over to Britain's way of thinking.
The center-right The Times also reported, citing British top officials, that Chirac has realized his anti-war position has "gone too far," as he was taken by surprise that seven European countries sided with Britain and signed a pro-US letter on the issue of Iraq published by the international media last week.
The Central but slightly right-wing Times newspaper also quoted the words of a British high ranking official, who said Chirac understand his anti-war stance "might have deviated too far".  Chirac was surprised to find seven European countries adopted the same stance as Britain and signed the pro-America letter on the Iraq problem, which was published in international media last week.
The central-rightist Times newspaper quoted senior British officials as saying that Chirac had known that his anti-war approach had "gone too extreme". He surprisingly found that seven European countries shared the same stand with Britain, signing a pro-US letter on the Iraqi issue, which was published in the international press last week.
The center-right The Times, also quoting senior British officials, said that Chirac knew that he had already "gone too far" in his anti-war stance and he was amazed to find that seven other European countries had joined Britain in signing a pro-US letter on Iraq published last week in the international press.
Quoting a British diplomat, the Times reported that Chirac likes to be in the spotlight and to be coaxed with sweet words, but he is far from dumb.  It may be too much to expect Chirac to make a 180 degree change tomorrow, but it is still hoped that the summit meeting between the two countries may see signs of Chirac's attitude change.
Times newspaper quoted the words of a British diplomat, who said Chirac likes to be the focus of attention.  He likes to be induced by sweet words but he is not stupid.  If one expects Chirac would make a 180-degree change in his stance tomorrow, then that is too much of a request.  However, it is still hoped that the summit between the two leaders might reveal traces to show that Chirac is changing his attitude.
The Times newspaper quoted a British diplomat as saying that Chirac wanted to be the focus of world attention and liked flatteries but he wasn't foolish. Perhaps it is undue for Chirac to make a U-turn tomorrow but there was still possibility to see a sign of his change of attitude at the two countries' summit.
The Times quoted a British diplomat as saying that Chirac loves being at the center of attention and being coaxed, but he is not a fool; it may be too much of a volte-face for Chirac to change his position tomorrow, but it is hopeful to see that there will be signs that he may move at the summit meeting of heads of state of the two countries.
US Freezes Transfer of Nearly 3,000 Troops in South Korea
Transfer of Three Thousand U.S. Soldiers in South Korea Frozen
Nearly 3,000 US Army in South Korea Ordered to Freeze Transfer
Nearly 3000 Troops Stationed in South Korea Are Ordered to Freeze Transfer
(AFP, Seoul, February 3)  The US military claimed that the transfer of some 2,900 US officers and soldiers scheduled to leave South Korea in the coming three months has been frozen so that the stationed troops can maintain readiness for war.
(Agence France-Presse, Seoul, 3rd) - U.S. military said orders have been issued to freeze the scheduled transfer of about 2,900 U.S. army officers and soldiers out of South Korea in the next three months such that the resident army can maintain combat readiness.
(AFP report from Seoul, February 3) US army said that about 2,900 US officers and soldiers who were scheduled to leave South Korea had been ordered to freeze the transfer in order to maintain combat readiness.
Seoul, February 3, AFP--The transfer of about 2900 US army officers and soldiers, slated to leave South Korea in the next three months, has been frozen to maintain combat readiness, US military authorities said.
The freeze on this military order of transfer has no direct links with the nuclear crisis in North Korea, but it illustrated the inadequacy of the United States in tackling both Iraq and North Korea.
The freeze order is not directly linked to the North Korea nuclear crisis but it does highlight the difficult position of the United States having to cope with problems from Iraq and North Korea at the same time.
The transfer freeze order is not directly linked to the North Korean nuclear crisis but it shows the difficulty that the United States will have to deal with the Iraqi and North Korean issues at the same time.
The stop-movement order was not directly linked to the nuclear crisis in North Korea, but highlights the difficult balance the United States faces between Iraq and North Korea.
The US 8th Army stationed in Seoul said today that they have received the rotation freeze order  to maintain the scale of the US troops in South Korea; while similar military deployments are being carried out near Iraq and Afghanistan, the suspension of replacement from US-based military units has also been announced.
The U.S. 8th Army in Seoul said today that they have received rotation freeze orders such as to maintain troop levels in South Korea.  Meanwhile, replacement plan for units based in U.S. were also suspended because of military deployments near Iraq and in Afghanistan.
The US 8th Army in Seoul said today that they had received the transfer freeze order to maintain the number of US troops in South Korea; while US army's replacements at home are also suspended when similar troops deployments are taking place in Iraq and near Afghanistan.
The US 8th Army in Seoul said today that the rotation freeze was ordered to maintain troop levels in South Korea while replacements from US-based units were also being held back amid simultaneous deployments near Iraq and in Afghanistan.
The US 8th Army commander Lieutenant General Campbell said in a statement that the freeze of transfer order is intended to ensure the US military strength in South Korea.
U.S. 8th Army commander Lieutenant General Charles Campbell said in a statement that the freeze-transfer order would ensure U.S. military strength in South Korea.
US 8th Army Commander Lieutenant General Campbell said in a statement that the transfer freeze order was to maintain US army's strength in South Korea.
US 8th Army commander Lieutenant General Campbell said in a statement that the stop-movement order would help US troops keep their strength in South Korea.
Under a defense assistance treaty signed between South Korea and the United States, currently some 37,000 US troops are stationed in South Korea.  The US military in South Korea has been on alert ever since North Korea's ambition to develop nuclear programs was disclosed in December last year.
U.S. has about 37,000 soldiers in South Korea pursuant to the U.S.-South Korea joint defense treaty.  U.S. soldiers in South Korea have been on alert since December last year when North Korea's nuclear development ambition came to light.
According to a South Korean-US defense pact, the number of US army in South Korea is currently about 37,000. US troops in South Korea have been on the alert since North Korea's ambitious nuclear program was unveiled last December.
Some 37000 US troops stationed in South Korea under a mutual defense pact between South Korea and the US have already been on alert since the exposure of North Korea's nuclear ambitions in December last year.
Suspected Space Shuttle Debris also Spotted in California and Arizona in Western US
Debris Found in Western U.S. of California and Arizona That Could Be Remains of the Space Shuttle
Suspected Space Shuttle Debris Found in California and Arizona in Western US
Suspected Space Shuttle Debris Also Discovered in California and Arizona in West US
(AFP, Houston)  NASA said that suspected debris from the disintegrated space shuttle Columbia have also been spotted in the states of California and Arizona in western United States, which may provide important clues to why the space shuttle broke up in the air.
(Agence France-Presse, Houston) - U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said debris have been found in the western United States of California and Arizona, which could be the remains of space shuttle Columbia, and these debris might provide crucial clues to the space shuttle's disintegration in the air.
(AFP report from Houston) US National Aerospace and Space Administration (NASA) said that suspected debris of the Columbian space shuttle were found in western US' California and Arizona, which might provide key clues to explain why the space shuttle disintegrated in the air.
Houston, AFP--America's National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said that suspected debris from the doomed spacecraft Columbia has been spotted in the western states of California and Arizona too, possibly offering key clues to why the spacecraft broke up in the air.
NASA's Associate Administrator Kostelnik said: "We have received quite a few reports that debris have been found in California and Arizona."
"We have received quite a number of reports from California and Arizona about debris found," NASA Deputy Associate Administrator Michael Kostelnik said.
NASA's deputy chief Kostelnik said: "We have received many reports that debris have been found on the ground in California and Arizona."
"We've had a number of reports about pieces found on the ground in California and Arizona," said Kostelnik, an associate administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
He said a team of experts has been dispatched to various locations in those states to examine the debris yet pointed out cautiously that so far it is not clear what those pieces are.
He said an expert team has been ordered to go to different spots in these states to examine the debris.  However, he also cautioned that it is not clear at this moment what the debris are.
He said that an expert panel had been dispatched to the spots of the states to examine the debris and pointed out that they still didn't know what they were.
He said a team of experts had been dispatched to various sites in those states to examine the wreckage, but cautioned that it was not clear what the material is at this point.
Dittemore, the space shuttle program manager, said on the 3rd that NASA has formed a special team to search for debris in areas west of Texas and Louisiana where most of the space shuttle Columbia's wreckage has been found.
Shuttle program manager Ron Dittemore said on the 3rd that NASA has already set up a special team, which is responsible to search areas west of Texas and Louisiana, where the bulk of debris from space shuttle Columbia were found.
Space shuttle program manager Dittemore said on February 3 that NASA had formed a special task group to search for Columbia space shuttle's debris, which was mostly found west of Texas and Louisiana.
Shuttle program manager Dittemore said on February 3 that NASA had assembled a special team to search for debris west of the parts of Texas and Louisiana where most of Columbia's remains have been found.
Dittemore pointed out such debris can be crucial because it may provide the critical missing part about the cause of the accident.
Dittemore pointed out the debris could be crucial because they might provide the vital missing link to the cause of the disaster.
Dittemore pointed out that the debris were quite important because they might be the key lost parts that could explain the cause of the accident.
Dittemore pointed out that such debris could be significant because it could provide the vital missing link to the disaster.
The space shuttle Columbia was preparing to land at Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 9:16 a.m. (10:16 p.m. Taipei time) on the 1st when it broke up in the air into pieces of burning wreckage.  The seven astronauts on board the space shuttle were all killed.
Space shuttle Columbia prepared to descend at 9:16 a.m. (Taipei time 10:16 p.m.) on the 1st for landing in Florida before the Kennedy Space Center but it disintegrated into many burning pieces in the air.  All of the seven astronauts on board the space shuttle died in the line of duty.
Columbia space shuttle disintegrated in flames at 9:16am on February 1st (10:16pm Taipei time) when it descended for a landing at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, killing 7 astronauts on board.
Columbia broke into pieces of flaming debris on February 1 as it descended toward a scheduled 9:16 am landing at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  All seven astronauts aboard were killed.
Investigators are trying to understand why there was a sharp rise of temperature to as high as 16 degrees Celsius on the left side of the space shuttle minutes before the communication broke off while about simultaneously an unusual drag resistance occurred on the left side of the space shuttle, causing the space shuttle to lose control.
Investigators are trying to understand why the left side of the shuttle showed a sharp temperature spike of 16 degrees just a few minutes before communication was cut off.  At about the same time, there was an unusual drag on the left side of the space shuttle, which caused it to lose control.
Investigators are trying to find why temperature rose 16 degrees on the space shuttle's left side while unusual tension appeared causing it uncontrolled a few minutes before the communication was cut off.
Investigators are trying to understand why temperatures on Columbia's left side spiked as much as 16 degrees Celsius in the minutes before contact was lost with the spacecraft about the time an unusual amount of drag on the left side caused the shuttle to lose control.
Kostelnik indicated that the possibility of finding debris in locations farther west than originally expected can be crucial in determining the cause of the accident.
Kostelnik said the possibility of finding debris at spots west of the expected areas is viewed as crucial for finding the cause of the accident.
Kostelnik said that the possibility to search for the debris further west was considered very crucial to finding the cause of the accident.
The potential discovery of debris further west than earlier expected is seen as important to understand what destroyed the shuttle, Kostelnik said.
He said: "It's of critical importance to examine the debris in the early stage of the accident."
"Inspection of debris from the early stage of the accident is most crucial," he said.
"It is quite important to examine the debris found during the early stage of the accident," he said.
"It would be important to see the material early in the sequence," he said.
South Korea's Special Envoy Calls for Dialogs between US and North Korea
South Korea Envoy Urged Dialogue Between U.S. and North Korea
South Korean Special Envoy Urges the US to Hold Talks with North Korea
South Korean Envoy Calls for US and North Korea Dialogue
(AFP, Washington, February 4)  US President Bush is faced with strong demands from the next government of South Korea and important allies in the US Congress to urge Washington to hold direct talks with North Korea so as to prevent the nuclear crisis from going out of control.
(Agence France-Presse, Washington, 4th) - U.S. President Bush is facing strong demands from South Korea's next government and key congressional allies for direct talks between Washington and North Korea before the nuclear crisis becomes out of control.
(AFP report from Washington D.C., February 4) US President Bush is facing strong calls from South Korea's upcoming government and important allies of the US Congress, urging Washington to hold direct talks with North Korea to avert a nuclear crisis.
Washington, February 4, AFP--President Bush faced urgent calls from South Korea's next government and a key congressional ally for direct talks with North Korea before a nuclear crisis spins out of control.
One day after giving the order to have heavy bombers on alert and ready for deployments, which inflamed North Korea, Bush's senior aides has to defend Washington's policy toward North Korea.
One day after Bush ordered heavy bombers on alert for deployment, an act that provoked North Korea, his senior aides were forced to defend Washington's policy towards North Korea.
Bush's senior assistants had to defend Washington's policy towards North Korea one day after the order of heavy bombers to be put on alert for deployment at anytime enraged North Korea.
A day after stoking the ire of North Korea by putting heavy bombers on alert for deployment, senior Bush aides were forced to defend Washington's policy towards North Korea.
After his talks with Secretary of State Powell, Chyung Dai-Chul, a special envoy for South Korea's President-elect Roh Moo-Hyun, emphasized South Korea's position, saying: "We hope the United States will play a more active role and have dialogs with North Korea."
Chyung Dai-Chul (transliteration), an envoy for South Korea's incoming president Roh Moo-Hyun, held talks with Secretary of State Colin Powell.  Chyung stressed South Korea's stance, "We hope that the United States will take a more active role in dialogue with North Korea."
Following his talks with Secretary of State Powell, Chyung Dae-chul, special envoy of South Korea's president-elect Roh Moo-hyun, stressed South Korea's stand: "We hope the United States will play an even more active role to hold talks with North Korea."
Chyung Dai-Chul, envoy for South Korea's incoming president Roh Moo-Hyun, stressed the position of South Korea after meeting Secretary of State Powell, saying, "We hope that the United States will take a more active role in engaging in dialogue with North Korea."
He added that dialogs between the United States and North Korea should be conducted multilaterally in an international setting.
He further said that dialogue should be conducted in an international setting with a multilateral approach.
He added that the United States and North Korea should carry out a multilateral talk.
He also said that dialogue should be in an international setting with a multilateral approach.
In the meantime, Lugar, the Republican senior senator on foreign affairs, also urgently called for the United States to engage in dialogs with North Korea.
Meanwhile, Republican senior foreign policy senator Richard Lugar also called for dialogue between U.S. and North Korea.
Meanwhile, veteran Republican Senator in foreign relations Lugar also strongly called on the United States to talk to North Korea.
Meanwhile, the Republican Party's senior foreign policy Senator Lugar issued a striking call for dialogue between the US and North Korea as well.
Lugar said: "In my opinion, the US officials should have talks with North Korean officials to discuss how to end North Korea's nuclear weapons program through an agreement to a complete international inspection."
"I personally believe that United States officials should talk to North Korean officials and discuss how to end the North Korean nuclear weapons programs through an agreement on comprehensive international inspection," Lugar said.
"I think US officials should hold talks with North Korean officials to discuss how to end North Korea's nuclear weapons program through a comprehensive international inspection agreement," said Lugar.
"I believe that United States officials should talk to North Korean officials about ending North Korean nuclear weapons programs with provisions of comprehensive international inspection," Lugar said.
Powell's deputy Armitage told Lugar's Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the US talks with North Korean officials are just a matter of time, not whether to have or not have talks.
Powell's deputy, Richard Armitage told Lugar's Senate Foreign Relations Committee that it is a question of when, and not whether U.S. and North Korean officials will talk.
Powell's deputy Armitage told Lugar's Senate Foreign Relations Committee that it was only a matter of time for US and North Korean officials to hold talks instead of the one of holding talks or not.
Powell's number two, Armitage told Lugar's Senate Foreign Relations committee that it was a question of when, and not if, US and North Korean officials meet.
Armitage said: "Of course we'll have direct talks with North Korea; there's no question about that."
"Of course we are going to have direct talks with North Korean -- there is no question about that," said Armitage.
"Of course, we will hold direct talks with North Korea and this is absolute," said Armitage.
"Of course we are going to have direct talks with North Korea.  There is no question about that," said Armitage.
However, he said that dialogs will take place only when Washington is convinced that a "strong international opinion" in support of ending Pyongyang's nuclear program has been established.
However, he said that the dialogue would only take place when Washington was confident that it had built up a "strong international public opinion" backing the termination of Pyongyang's nuclear program.
However, he said that Washington would only hold such talks after being convinced that there was a "strong international opinion" that supported ending Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program.
But he said that the dialogue would only take place when Washington was confident that a "strong international platform" of backing and support for ending Pyongyang's nuclear program had been built.
Germany's Unemployment Rate in January Climbs to New High in 5 Years
January Unemployment Surged to Five-Year High in Germany
German Unemployment Rate in January Hits New High in Five Years
German Unemployment Surges to 5-Year High in January
(AFP, Frankfurt, February 5)  Official statistics show that the bad weather in winter and the prolonged economic downturn have pushed the January unemployment rate in Germany to a new high in five years, dealing another heavy blow to German Chancellor Schroder, who has been just over 100 days into his second term in office.
(Agence France-Presse, Frankfurt, 5th) - According to official data, the bad winter weather and the prolonged weakness in the economy have pushed up German unemployment rate in January to a five-year high.  This is another heavy blow to German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, who is just over 100 days into his second term.
(AFP report from Frankfurt, February 5) According to official data, bad weather in the winter coupled with a long-term sluggish economy pushed up Germany's unemployment rate in January to hit a new high in five years, dealing another big blow to German Chancellor Schroeder who was just re-elected 100 days ago.
Frankfurt, February 5, AFP--Official data shows that bad winter weather and the chronically ailing economy pushed German unemployment up to a five-year high in January, dealing another heavy blow to Chancellor Schroder just over 100 days into his second term in office.
In addition, the threat of a possible war in Iraq further dimmed the economic outlook in Germany, the biggest economy in the euro-zone.
Furthermore, the threat of a possible war in Iraq has deepened the economic gloom in euro zone's biggest economy.
In addition, the threat of a possible war in Iraq has cast more shadow on Germany, the largest economy in the Euro area.
Further more, the threat of war in Iraq further deepened the economic gloom over Germany, the euro zone's biggest economy.
It seems likely the hiring freeze in Germany's labor market will continue for months to come.
A freeze in the German labor market is likely to continue in coming months.
The freeze of Germany's job market seems to continue in the next few months.
The freeze on the German labour market looks set to continue in the coming months.
Statistics released by Germany's Federal Labor Office in Nuremberg show that the number of people looking for jobs in Germany jumped to 4.623 million, or 11.1% of the German working population.  The unemployment rate in January hit a new high of monthly unemployment rate in five year since March 1998.
According to data published by German Federal Labor Office in Nuremberg, the number of people looking for a job in Germany surged to 4.623 million -- or 11.1 percent of the working population in Germany.  The January unemployment rate is the highest since March 1998 and is the highest January level in five years.
Information released by the Federal Labor Division in Germany's Nurnberg shows that job hunters shot up to 4.623 million, or 11.1% of Germany's labor population, with January's unemployment population hitting a new high in a single month within five years since March 1998.
Data published by the Federal Labour Office in Nuremberg showed that the number of people looking for work in Germany surged to 4.623 million, or 11.1 percent of the working population in January, the highest monthly level in five years since March 1998.
Last December, the total number of the jobless people reached 4.225 million at an unemployment rate of 10.1%.
In December last year, the number of unemployed was 4.225 million, which was equivalent to an unemployment rate of 10.1 percent.
Last December, the total unemployed population reached 4.225 million with an unemployment rate of 10.1%.
In December, the jobless total had stood at 4.225 million, equivalent to a jobless rate of 10.1 percent.
The unemployment in winter months in Germany usually increases for seasonal reasons as most of companies, especially those in the construction industry, lay off employees due to bad weather.
Due to seasonal factors, unemployment usually increases in winter months in Germany, as companies, particularly the construction industry, lay off employees because of the bad weather.
Due to seasonal reasons, Germany's unemployed population in winters usually rises as companies, construction industries in particular, sack employees because of bad weather.
Unemployment usually increases during the winter months for seasonal reasons, as companies, particularly in sectors such as the construction industry, lay off employees because of bad weather.
However, even after taking this reason into account, the lines for unemployment benefits application last month still continued to grow longer.
However, even after taking such factors into account, the queue applying for unemployment benefits continued to lengthen in last month.
Even taking this reason into consideration, the queue applying for unemployment relief fund still kept getting longer last month.
But even after taking such factors into account, the dole queues continued to lengthen last month.
Seasonally adjusted data released separately by Germany's Frankfurt Central Bank show the total number of the unemployed in January surged to 4.274 million from 4.212 million last December.
Seasonally adjusted data published separately by the Bundesbank in Frankfurt showed that the number of unemployed surged to 4.274 million in January from the 4.212 million in December last year.
The seasonally adjusted data released by Germany's Frankfurt Central Bank shows that January's total unemployed population shot up to 4.274 million from last December's 4.212.
Seasonally adjusted data published separately by the Bundesbank in Frankfurt showed that the jobless total shot up to 4.274 million in January from 4.212 million in December.
Meanwhile, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 10.3% from 10.1%.
Meanwhile, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 10.3 percent from 10.1 percent.
Meanwhile, seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 10.3% from 10.1%.
And the seasonally adjusted jobless rate rose to 10.3 percent from 10.1 percent.
Gerster, the head of the Federal Labor Department, attributed the sharp rise in the number of people looking for work to two factors, the common effect of the winter weather and the poor state of economy.
Federal Labor Office chief Florian Gerster attributed the sharp rise in number of job seekers to both the usual winter weather and the poor state of the economy.
Federal Labor Bureau Chief Kaschke attributed the rising number of job hunters to the usual winter weathers and a difficult economy.
Federal Labour Office chief Gerster attributed the sharp rise in the number of job seekers to both the usual winter break and the poor state of the economy.
Singapore's Economic Review Committee: Economy Expected to Fully Recover by 2004
Singapore Economic Review Committee: a fully economic recovery in 2004
Singapore Economic Review Committee: Economy Expected to See Complete Recovery in 2004
Singapore ERC: Full Economic Recovery Expected in 2004
(AFP, Singapore, February 6)  Singapore's Economic Review Committee said that due to the global geo-political and economic tensions and uncertainties, Singapore's economy will have to wait till 2004 for a full recovery.
(Agence France-Presse, Singapore, 6th) - Singapore Economic Review Committee (ERC) said Singapore has to wait till 2004 for a full economic recovery due to global geopolitical and economic uncertainties.
(AFP report from Singapore, February 6) Singapore's Economic Review Committee said that Singapore's economy was not expected to see a complete recovery until 2004 due to the world's geopolitical and economic tensions and instability.
Singapore, February 6, AFP--Singapore Economic Review Committee said that due to global geopolitical and economic uncertainties, the economy in Singapore will not make a full recovery until 2004.
Singarpore's ERC said in its annual economic review report: "Singapore's economy has not yet completely recovered from the recession in 2001.  The short-term economic prospect in Singapore is dimmed by too much instability in the region, the economic slowdown in Europe, the United States and Japan, the imminent Iraqi war and the trememdous challenges from China."
"The Singapore economy has not fully recovered from the 2001 recession.  There are too many uncertainties in the region.  The economies in U.S., Europe and Japan are slow.  The prospect of a war in Iraq and the significant challenges from China have all cast a shadow over Singapore's short term economy," ERC said in its annual economic review report.
Speaking in its annual economic review report, Singapore's Economic Review Committee said: "Singapore's economy has not completely gone out of the depression to recover since 2001, with too many regional instability elements, sluggish economies in Europe, the US and Japan, an upcoming war in Iraq as well as the Chinese mainland's big challenges casting shadows on Singapore's recent economic prospect."
In its annual report of economic review, the ERC said,"The Singapore economy has still not fully recovered from the 2001 recession.  Our immediate prospects are clouded by uncertainties in the region, the slowdown in the US, European and Japanese economies, the prospect of war in Iraq and the significant challenges posed by China."
However, Singapore's economy this year still has reasonable chances of growth, though a full recovery may not be expected until 2004.
However, there is still a reasonable chance of a growth in the Singaporean economy this year but one must wait until 2004 for a full recovery.
However, Singapore's economy still has reasonable chances to grow this year, but full recovery will not come until 2004.
But there are still reasonable chances of development for the Singapore economy, while full recovery may not appear until 2004.
Singapore government estimates that following a 2.2% economic growth rate of last year, this year may see a growth rate of between 2% to 5%, though still far below the average annual growth rate of 7.3% that Singapore has enjoyed since 1985.
The Singapore government has forecasted an economic growth between two and five percent this year after the economy expanded 2.2 percent last year.  However, that is still far lower than the annual average growth of 7.3 percent that Singapore has experienced since 1985.
The Singapore government predicts that this year's economic growth rate is expected to reach 2% to 5% following last year's 2.2%, but still much lower than the annual average growth rate of 7.3% since 1985.
The Singapore government estimated that this year may achieve an economic growth of 2% to 5%, after last year's 2.2%, but is still far lower than the average annual growth rate of 7.3% since 1985.
ERC also recommends that the government defer the restoration of the Central Provident Fund  contribution rate for employers and consider no raise of the CPF contribution rate for two years to avoid burdening employers during the current difficult time and to help reduce unemployment rate and send a strong message to foreign investors.
ERC recommended the government to defer the restoration of cuts in employers' contribution rate to the employment pension fund.  Any increase in the rate of pension fund contribution is to be considered again two years later.  The idea is not to overburden employers in a difficult period of time; help reduce the unemployment rate and pass on a strong message to foreign investors.
The Economic Review Committee also suggested that the government delay the plan for resuming the rate of allocation for employers' public reserve fund and consider the issue of raising the rate of allocation for employers' public reserve fund in two years, so as to avoid further burden on employers during current difficult times, to help lowering the unemployment rate and to communicate a strong message to foreign investors.
The ERC also recommended that the restoring of the Central Provident Fund Project be postponed for two years before raising the percentage of contribution, so as to avoid adding to the burden on wages for employers at a difficult time, help reducing unemployment, and send a strong signal to foreign investors.
Yao Ming Feels NBA Stardom Comes Too Fast
Yao Ming Sighed With Emotion That the NBA Idol Status Comes Too Soon
Yao Ming Feels Too Fast in Becoming NBA Idol
Yao Ming Finds NBA Stardom Comes Too Soon
(AFP, Atlanta, Georgia, February 8)  After signing a contract to advertise for the beverage product Gatorade by shooting a commercial with the baseball star Jeter and the American football star Manning, Yao Ming, the Chinese giant who has become the newest US basketball icon, was met with more than a hundred reporters trying to capture his every word and movement.  He could not but feel all this has come too fast though he managed to carry himself amidst such chaos with the composure and wisdom of a Confucius.
(Agence France-Presse, Atlanta, Georgia, 8th) - Yao Ming, the Chinese giant who has become America's newest basketball idol, exhibited the calmness and wisdom of the Confucius amid the confusion when more than 100 journalists straining to capture his every word and movement.  However, he could not help but sighed with emotion that everything comes so fast.  Yao was meeting the press after he signed up a deal to make commercials for Gatorade and the filming a commercial together with baseball star Derek Jeter and American football star Peyton Manning.
(AFP report from Atlanta, Georgia, February 8) China's big man Yao Ming, who has become the newest idol of American basketball, could not help saying that everything came too fast when he faced over 100 reporters who were trying to capture his words and actions after he signed a contract with beverage producer Gatorade to film a commercial with baseball star Jeter and American football star Manning. However, in big chaos, Yao Ming still showed Confucius-style calmness and wisdom.
Atlanta, Georgia, February 8, AFP--Yao Ming, the Chinese giant who has become America's newest basketball icon, facing more than 100 journalists straining to capture his every word and movement when he met the media after signing a deal to endorse Gatorade and filming a commercial with baseball star Jeter and American football star Manning, sighed that everything came too soon.  However, amid the confusion, Yao Ming still showed the calm wisdom of Confucius.
The 22-year-old Huston Rockets center will be the starter in the 52nd NBA All-Star Game to be held here tomorrow and become the first Asian NBA star.
The 22-year old Houston Rockets center will play as a starting player in the 52nd National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star Game to be held here tomorrow.  Yao will be the first Asian player in NBA All-Star.
The 22-year-old Houston Rockets center will start in tomorrow's 52nd National Basketball Association All-Star Game here, becoming the first Asian player in NBA's All-Star history.
The 22-year-old Houston Rockets center will start here in tomorrow's 52nd National Basketball Association All-Star Game, becoming Asia's first NBA All-Star.
Other NBA stars such as Duncan and Iverson all suffered considerable loneliness by comparison with this Chinese giant who has drawn the attention of a global crowd of fans.
The Chinese giant has already attracted the attention of basketball fans around the world and other NBA stars like Tim Duncan and Allen Iverson appeared relatively lonely by comparison.
Other NBA stars, such as Duncan and Iverson, seemed much isolated in contrast to the Chinese big man who attracted the attention of fans worldwide.
Other NBA stars such as Duncan and Iverson seemed positive lonely by comparison with this Chinese giant who has attracted a global throng.
Yao Ming said: "The attention I received is obvious.  This is only one aspect of the pressure I've got.  This is something very special.
Yao Ming said, "It is obvious that I have the attention.  This is only one aspect of the pressure on me.  This is something special.
Yao Ming said: "The attention is obvious. This is only one side of my pressure and it is very special.
Yao Ming said, "The attention is obvious.  This is only one aspect of the pressure I'm in.  This is something special.
I wish to stay in my hotel room, but as a basketball player, this might be the luxury I can't have."
I want to keep myself in my hotel room.  However, as a basketball player, that is probably a luxury I can never have."
I'd like to stay in the hotel room but as a basketball player this might probably be a luxury I can never get."
I want to keep myself in my hotel room.  But as a basketball player, that is probably a luxury I can never have."
Well, it might be indeed a luxury to wish for when most people can usually only see your tummy at eye level and your face frequently appears in TV commercials.
However, when most people can only see your belly at eye level and your face appears in television commercials unceasingly, then this is very likely to be an excessive request.
However, when most people can only see your belly and your face keeps appearing on TV commercials, this is most likely an extravagant wish.
Not when your tummy is at most people's eye level and your face is flashed across television commercials.
When you are making money by the millions and replacing Air Jordan to become the chief pitchman of basketball, your life is inevitably a hustle and bustle.
When you are making millions of dollars and replace Michael Jordan as the leading salesman of basketball, life is necessarily muddle and blur.
Life will inevitably be messed up when you are earning millions of dollars and replacing Jordan to become basketball's major promoter.
When you are making millions of dollars and replace flying Jordan as the leading pitchman of your game, life is a blur.
Yao Ming said: "All this is happening too rapidly, too fast.
"Everything is happening too rapidly, too fast," Yao said.
Yao Ming said: "Everything happens so fast, too fast.
"Everything is happening too rapidly, too fast." Yao Ming said.
You don't want to get everything at the very beginning, you want to slowly merge into NBA, not like this.
"You do not want to have everything at the beginning.  You want to get yourself into the NBA gradually instead of like this.
You never expect to own everything from the very beginning. You expect to take a while to be part of NBA but things have been different.
"You don't want to get everything at the beginning.  You want to get yourself into the NBA gradually instead of like this.
But all this is beyond your control."
However, you cannot choose yourself."
However, not everything is up to you to decide."
But you can't choose that."
Content with Life, Hingis Has No Desire to Return to Tennis
Martina Hingis Happy With Life And Has No Intention to Return to the Tennis Court
Hingis Not Willing to Return to Tennis Court with Leisurely Life
Hingis Lives Leisurely and Has no Intention to Return to Circuit
(AFP, Paris, February 7)  Hingis, the Swiss female athlete who was formerly ranked No. 1 worldwide in women's tennis after winning 5 Grand Slam singles championships and 8 doubles championships between 1997 and 2000, indicated today that she has no desire to return to tennis.
(Agence France-Presse, Paris, 7th) - Former world number one Martina Hingis said today she has no intention to return to the tennis court.  The Swiss player dominated women tennis after winning five Grand Slams in singles and eight championships in doubles during 1997 to 2000.
(AFP report from Paris, February 7) Former world number one Swiss Hingis, who won five Grand Slam singles and eight doubles titles from 1997 to 2000, said today that she was not willing to return to the tennis court.
Paris, February 7, AFP--Hingis, former world number one Swiss tennis player who dominated the women's circuit from 1997 to 2000 by winning five Grand Slam singles crowns and eight doubles titles, said today that she had no desire to return to the circuit.
However, the 21-year-old Serena Williams believes that Hingis, who started her career at 14, peaked too early and got burned out both physically and mentally.
However, the 21-year old Serena Williams believes Hingis' body and mind becomes weary because she got rich too early after turning professional at the age of 14.
However, 21-year-old Serena Williams believed that Hingis, who began her career at the age of 14, reached success too early so she felt tired.
But 21-year-old Serena Williams believes that Hingis is just suffering from burnout because of her early domination after turning professional aged just 14.
Younger Williams said after she made the top four in Paris indoor tennis tournament: "I don't think Hingis has officially retired from tennis.  She is just tired.  She had been around in the tennis world for years while I was still goofing around before I was 17.  Sometimes I felt tired of it too, and I could really understand how she felt."
"I do not think Hingis is officially retired from tennis.  She is just a bit tired.  I was muddled and ignorant before the age of seventeen, but she had been in tennis for several years at seventeen.  Sometimes, I also feel tired myself and so I can appreciate her feelings," said Serena Williams after advancing to the semi-finals of the Paris Indoor Open.
Speaking after entering the final four in Paris' Indoor Tennis tournament, junior Williams said: "I don't think Hingis has formally retired from tennis and she is only tired. When I didn't know much before the age of 17, she had been active in tennis for years. Sometimes I also feel tired and I understand her feelings."
"I don't think she is officially retired. I think she just wants to take a break.  I didn't get serious until I was 17 and she'd already been around a long time at 17. Sometimes I'm tired too, and I can only imagine how she feels." said Williams after advancing to the semi-finals of the Paris Indoor Open.
Hingis has recovered from an ankle ligaments surgery she took last year.  The operation left her unable to participate in the French Open and the Wimbledon tennis tournament, but she was eliminated by Seles in the third round at the US Open after her comeback.
Hingis has recovered from a surgery last year on damaged ankle ligaments.  She missed the French Open and Wimbledon because of the operation.  She returned for the U.S. Open but Monica Seles defeated her in the third round.
Hingis has recovered from an operation on her ankle ligaments last year. The operation kept her away from the French Open and Wimbledon but following her recovery she was beaten by Seles in the third round of the US Open.
Hingis has recovered from surgery on damaged ankle ligaments last year. This operation caused her to miss the French Open and Wimbledon, but she returned for the US Open where she lost to Seles in the third round.
Her last match was at Filderstadt in Germany on October 10, 2002, where she was beaten
Her last match was at Filderstadt in Germany on October 10 last year, where Russia's Elena Dementieva beat her.
Her last appearance was on October 10 last year in Germany's Filderstadt where she was defeated by Russia's Dementieva.
Her last match was at Filderstadt in Germany on October 10 last year, where she was beaten by Russia's Dementieva.
Younger Williams, who has won 4 straight Grand Slam titles, frankly admitted that Hingis has been a big encouragement for all she has achieved today.
Serena Williams, who has won four consecutive Grand Slams, frankly admitted that her achievement today was greatly inspired by Hingis.
Williams, who has won four consecutive Grand Slam titles, admitted that Hingis has been an encouragement for her to achieve today's success.
Williams, fresh from her fourth consecutive Grand Slam win, admitted that Hingis had been inspirational to her own success today.
Bush Vows to Disarm Iraq One Way or the Other
Bush Vowed to Use All Means to Disarm Iraq
Bush Vows to Disarm Iraq by All Means
Bush Vows to Disarm Iraq "One Way or the Other"
(AFP, Washington, February 14)  US President Bush vowed today to disarm Iraqi President Hussein's regime "one way or the other."
(Agence France-Presse, Washington, 14th) - U.S. President George W. Bush vowed to disarm Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's regime "one way or the other".
(AFP report from Washington D.C., February 14) US President Bush vowed today to disarm Iraqi President Hussein's regime by "all means".
Washington, February 14, AFP--US President Bush vowed today that Iraqi President Hussein's regime would be disarmed "one way or the other".
He said: "Hussein has weapons of mass destruction, and he has used them.  He is used to deceiving the world, and continues to do so.
Bush charged, "Saddam Hussein has weapons of mass destruction and he had used them; Saddam Hussein is used to deceive the world and continues to do so.
He made the accusation by saying: "Hussein has weapons of mass destruction and has used them; Hussein is used to deceiving the world and continues doing so.
"Hussein has got weapons of mass destruction and he's used them; Hussein is used to deceiving the world and continues to do so," he charged.
Hussein has also formed ties to terrorist networks."
Saddam Hussein has also established ties to terrorist networks."
Hussein has also established ties with terrorist networks."
"Hussein has got ties to terrorist networks too."
In his speech at the FBI headquarters, explaining various kinds of efforts to prevent terrorist attacks such as those on Sept. 11, 2001, Bush sternly declared: "Hussein is a danger, and that's why he shall be disarmed -- one way or the other."
"Saddam Hussein is a dangerous element, and that is why he will be disarmed in one way or the other," Bush said sternly during a speech at U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation headquarters explaining the efforts taken to prevent terrorist attacks like those of September 11, 2001.
Delivering a speech at FBI's headquarters to explain all kinds of efforts to prevent terrorist attacks like the one on September 11, 2001, Bush stressed: "Hussein is a dangerous man and this is why he should be disarmed by all means."
"Hussein is a danger, and that's why he will be disarmed one way or the other," Bush said sternly as he made a speech at FBI headquarters to lay out efforts to thwart terrorist attacks like those of September 11, 2001.
This is the first public response Bush has made to the UN Security Council meeting held today in New York.
It was Bush's first public reaction to a United Nations (UN) Security Council meeting in New York today.
This was Bush's first response to today's UN Security Council meeting in New York.
This was Bush's first public reaction to a UN Security Council meeting held in New York today.
The meeting is mainly intended to hear the UN arms inspection chief's report on whether Iraq has complied with the UN Security Council Resolution 1441 passed on November 8 last year, which orders Iraq to disarm.
The meeting focused on hearing the report from the chief of weapons inspectors as to whether Iraq has compiled with resolution 1441 adopted by the Security Council on November 8 last year, which requires Iraq to disarm.
The meeting was briefed by chief UN arms inspectors on whether Iraq had abided by Resolution 1441 requiring its disarmament, which was approved by the Security Council on November 8 last year.
The meeting was centered on a report by weapons inspectors overseeing Iraq's compliance with No. 1441 UN disarmament resolution passed on November 8 last year.
White House Spokesman Fleischer said Blix hasn't provided any reason for people to believe that Iraq is complying with the Security Council Resolution 1441.
White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said Hans Blix has not provided any reason to convince any one that Iraq is complying with UN Security Council resolution 1441.
White House spokesman Fleischer said that Blix had not provided any proof to convince people that Iraq was abiding by UN Security Council Resolution 1441.
White House spokesman Fleischer said that Blix had not given any reason to make people believe that Iraq is complying with No. 1441 UN Security Council resolution.
He told reporters: "Today the world hasn't got any relief from the news coming from New York, convinced that Hussein has shown arms inspectors that he is disarming.
He told reporters, "The world did not hear any comfortable news from New York today, which would lead us to believe Saddam Hussein has shown the inspectors that he is disarming.
He told reporters: "Today the whole world has not been relieved by news from New York to believe that Hussein has convinced arms inspectors that he is disarming.
"Nowhere did the world receive any comfort today in New York that Hussein has shown the inspectors that he is disarming," he told reporters.
The situation is exactly the opposite."
The situation is quite the contrary."
It is on the contrary."
"Quite the contrary."
Asked when the United States will propose a follow-up resolution aimed to implement the Security Council Resolution 1441, Fleischer indicated "it's too early to tell," but the United States will discuss with its allies on its content and terms.
When Fleischer was asked about the timing for Washington to propose a resolution aimed at enforcing resolution 1441, he said it was "too soon to say" but Washington would consult its allies on the language to be used in its content.
Asked when the United States would bring out a subsequent resolution of Resolution 1441, Fleischer said: "It's too early to talk about it", but the United States would discuss the wording with its allies.
Asked when the US would unveil a follow-up resolution aimed at enforcing No. 1441 UN Security Council resolution, Fleischer said it was "too soon to say" but that America would consult with its allies on the content and language.
Countries such as France, Russia and China still propose tougher arms inspection for Iraq instead of a US-led war against Iraq.
Countries such as France, Russia and China etc. are still calling for more stringent inspections rather than a U.S. led war against Iraq.
Countries like France, Russia and China still insisted on strengthening arms inspections in Iraq instead of a US-led war against the country.
Countries such as France, Russia and China are still calling for beefed-up inspections as an alternative to US-led war.
Fleischer noted that President Bush also considers military actions as the "last resort."
Fleischer said Bush shares the view that military action is the "last resort".
Fleischer said that President Bush also thought that military operations were the "last resort".
Fleischer said that Bush shares the view that military action is a "last resort".
However, he insisted on the timetable Bush has set, saying that the United Nations has got only "a few weeks not months" to test peaceful disarmament with Iraq, which will then be followed by military actions.
However, he insisted on the timetable laid down by Bush.  That is UN only has "weeks but not months" to try to disarm Iraq peacefully and it would be military action thereafter.
However, insisting on Bush's timetable, he said that the UN has only "several weeks instead of months" to try to disarm Iraq peacefully and then a military operation would follow.
But he stuck by Bush's timetable of "weeks not months" before UN efforts to drive Iraq to disarm peacefully must give way to military action.
New York Times: White House Studies Sanctions against North Korea
New York Times: White House Drafting North Korea Sanction
New York Times: White House Studying Sanctions to Be Imposed on North Korea
New York Times: White House Developing Plans for Sanctions against North Korea
(AFP, Washington)  Citing US officials, the New York Times today reported that White House is studying sanctions against North Korea once Pyongyang fails to abandon its development of nuclear weapons.
(Agence France-Presse, Washington) - New York Times today quoted an U.S. official, who said White House is drafting sanction measures for use in event that the Pyongyang authority does not abandon its nuclear weapon initiative.
(AFP report from Washington D.C.) The New York Times today quoted US officials as saying that the White House was studying sanctions to be imposed on Pyongyang once its authority would not give up its nuclear weapons program.
Washington, AFP-- The White House is developing plans for sanctions against North Korea in the event that Pyongyang fails to abandon its efforts to develop nuclear weapons, the New York Times reported today, citing US officials.
The report pointed out that these sanctions will include interdicting North Korea's arms shipment and cutting off the channels through which North Koreans in Japan send money to North Korea.
According to the report, the sanction measures will include the prohibition of weapon delivery to North Korea and cut off remittance by Koreans residing in Japan to North Korea.
The report pointed out that these measures would include the cut-off of North Korea's arms transportation and channels for North Koreans living in Japan to remit money back to North Korea.
The sanctions would include halting North Korea's weapons shipments and cutting off money sent there by Koreans living in Japan, according to the report.
The report pointed out that the Pentagon and the State Department are working on the detailed plans for sanctions so that the United States can respond promptly any time when North Korea takes its new steps to pursue the development of nuclear weapons.
The report pointed out that Pentagon and State Department officials are drafting a detailed sanction plan such that U.S. can make a response at any time when North Korea moves towards new measures in the research and development of nuclear weapons.
The report pointed out that officials of the Pentagon and the State Department were drawing up detailed plans for the US to respond at anytime to any new step by North Korea to develop its nuclear weapons.
Pentagon and State Department officials are developing detailed plans for sanctions so that the United States can have a ready response in the event North Korea takes new steps toward developing nuclear weapons, the report said.
According to the New York Times report, the first step will be to urge the UN Security Council, perhaps in the next two weeks, to denounce North Korea's recent measures to develop nuclear weapons such as withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and reactivating its frozen nuclear facility at Yongbyon that is capable of producing weapons-grade plutonium.
According to the report in New York Times, the first step is to urge United Nations Security Council to condemn North Korea's recent moves towards nuclear weapons, including its withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty and the restart of the sealed Yongbyon nuclear facility, which is capable of producing weapon-grade plutonium.  The timing is likely to be the next two weeks.
The New York Times reported that the first step would urge the UN Security Council to condemn North Korea for its measures to develop nuclear weapons including its recent withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the reuse of the frozen nuclear facilities in Yongbyon that could make weapons-grade plutonium.
The first step, according to the New York Times, would be to urge the United Nations Security Council, perhaps in the next two weeks, to condemn North Korea's recent steps toward nuclear weaponry, which have included withdrawing from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and restarting a mothballed reactor at Yongbyon that can produce weapons-grade plutonium.
Yet, the Pacific allies of Washington authorities are still opposed to the idea of sanctioning against North Korea, while the UN Security Council may still focus on the issue of Iraq for the next few weeks.
However, Washington's Pacific allies are still against the concept of a sanction on North Korea.  Furthermore, United Nations Security Council may have to focus on the Iraq problem in the next several weeks.
However, Washington authorities' Pacific allies still opposed plans to impose sanctions on North Korea and the UN Security Council would still focus on the Iraqi issue in the next few weeks.
However, Washington's Pacific allies still oppose the idea of sanctions against North Korea, and the UN Security Council is likely to remain focused on Iraq for weeks.
In the meantime, the New York Times report pointed out, many US officials are concerned if the United States launches attacks against Iraq, North Korea may use the opportunity to promote its weapons production.
New York Times also pointed out that many U.S. officials worry that should U.S. starts an attack on Iraq, North Korea may take the opportunity to advance its weapon production.
The New York Times report pointed out that meanwhile, many US officials feared that if the United States launched attacks against Iraq, North Korea might seize the opportunity to advance its weapons production.
Meanwhile, many US officials worry that if the United States attacks Iraq, North Korea will use the opportunity to push forward with weapons production, the New York Times pointed out.
US Troops to Conduct Training on Philippine Hostage Island
U.S. Troops to Launch Training Exercise on Philippines' Hostage Island
US Troops to Launch Exercise Operation on Filipino Hostage Island
US Troops to Train on Philippines Hostage Island
(AFP, Manila, Philippines, February 17)  The US military trainers will be sent to the hostage island of Jolo in the Philippines this year to assist the country in coping with the terrorist threat from the rebel Islamic groups.
(Agence France-Presse, Manila, Philippines, 17th) - United States military trainers are to be sent to Philippines' hostage island - Jolo Island, this year to help Philippine deal with terrorists threats associated with a Muslim rebel group.
(AFP report from Manila, Philippines, February 17) US army would send training personnel to Philippine's hostage island, the Hulu Island, to help the Philippines to deal with Muslim rebel groups' threats.
Philippines, Manila, February 17, AFP--United States troops are to be sent to the Philippines' island of Jolo, which is notorious for hostage taking, to help Philippines fight against terrorist threats posed by a Muslim rebel group.
Bunye, a spokesperson for Philippine President Arroyo, said: "This military exercise will be part of overall and ongoing defense and security cooperation activities between the Philippines and the United States, and will continue to focus on enhancing our ability to combat terrorist threats and defend ourselves."
"The training maneuver will form part of Philippine's overall and ongoing defense and security cooperation activities with the United States.  It will continue to focus on improving our ability to protect ourselves against terrorist threats," President Gloria Arroyo's spokesman Ignacio Bunye said.
Philippine President Arroyo's spokesman Bunye said: "The exercise operation will be part of the Philippine-US defense and security cooperation and will focus on improving our ability to defend ourselves against terrorist threats."
"The exercise will form part of Philippines' overall and ongoing defense and security cooperation activities with the United States, which continue to focus on increasing our ability to protect ourselves against terrorist threats," Philippine President Arroyo's spokesman Bunye said.
He pointed out in a statement: "The detailed numbers of the US personnel and supporting troops as well as the timeframe of the military exercise are still to be discussed and decided by the Philippine government and the United States."
He pointed out in a statement that "the number of U.S. soldiers, supporting troops as well as the training maneuver schedules will be decided by the Philippine government after consultation with U.S."
He pointed out in a statement: "As for the detailed number of US officers and soldiers and the reinforcement troops as well as the exercise schedule, they will be decided through discussion between the Philippines and the US."
"The Philippine government and US have yet to set the duration of the operation and the specific number of US soldiers and support troops to be deployed," he said in a statement.
Philippine Defense Secretary Reyes told media reporters that the US Major General Weber will arrive in the Philippines soon to "discuss all kinds of conditions and details regarding the operation in Sulu."
Philippine Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes told reporters that U.S. Major General Joseph Weber is going to arrive Philippines shortly "to discuss status and other details of the Sulu operation".
Philippine Defense Minister Reyes told reporters that US officer Webber would arrive in the Philippines soon to "discuss the details of the operation in Sulu".
The Philippine Defense Secretary Reyes told reporters that US Major General Weber was to arrive in the Philippines shortly "to discuss dynamics and details of the operation in Sulu".
Sulu, the archipelago in the southern Philippines, includes the island of Jolo.
Sulu is a southern Philippines island group that includes the Jolo Island.
Sulu is an archipelago in southern Philippines, including the Hulu Island.
Sulu is a southern Philippine island group that includes Jolo.
Golez, Arroyo's national security advisor, said that the military exercise in Sulu will "give the Philippine armed forces the maximum training in counter-terrorism."
Arroyo's National Security Advisor Roilo Golez said the training exercise in Sulu would provide "maximum training to the Philippine armed forces in the area of anti-terrorism".
Arroyo's National Security Advisor Golez said that the exercise operation in Sulu would "offer the largest training for the Philippine armed forces in anti-terrorism."
Arroyo's National Security Adviser Golez said that the exercise in Sulu would "give the Philippine armed forces the most training in anti-terrorism".
Since the terrorist attacks on the United States in 2001, the US government has been increasing its military assistance to the Philippine government, concerned that the al Qaeda Islamic militants driven out by the US-led military actions in Afghanistan may have established their base in Southeast Asia.
Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, U.S. government has been boosting military aid to Philippines on worries that some al-Qaeda Islamic militants, who were flushed out by the U.S. led military action in Afghanistan, could have set up bases in Southeast Asia.
Since the terrorist attacks against the United States in 2001 the US government has been strengthening its military aid to the Philippine government for fear that the Al-Qaeda group which was driven out of Afghanistan in a US-led war and Muslim militants might have set up bases in southeast Asia.
The US government has been boosting military aid to the Philippines since the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States, worried that al-Qaeda Islamic militants flushed out by the US-led campaign in Afghanistan could have set up bases in Southeast Asia.
The above concern has been fully confirmed by the bombing incident in the resort island of Bali in Indonesia last year, which killed nearly 200 people.
The bombing of the Bali resort in Indonesia last year, which killed nearly 200 people, evidenced the aforesaid doubt.
The above-mentioned concerns have been proved by last year's bombings in Indonesia's resort of Bali Island, killing nearly 200 people.
Such suspicion was bolstered by the bombing of the Bali resort in Indonesia last year that killed nearly 200 people.
Most of those who died in the Bali bombing were Western tourists.
Most of those killed in Bali were western tourists.
Most of the killed in the Bali bombings were western visitors.
Most of the killed in the bombing of the Bali resort were western tourists.
Schmid, Founder of German Telephone Operator MobilCom, Declares Bankruptcy
German Telecommunications Industry: Schmid, Founder of MobilCom, Declares Bankruptcy
Founder of German Telecom MobilCom Schmid Announces Bankruptcy
Founder of German Telephone Operator MobilCom Schmid Declares Bankruptcy
(AFP, Hamburg, February 18)  Schmid, the founder and also the former chairman of German telephone operator MobilCom, has declared himself insolvent today due to the sharp decline in the value of his shares and has filed the application with Flensburg Court in northern Germany.
(Agence France-Presse, Hamburg, 18th) - Gerhard Schmid, the founder and former chairman of German telecommunications company MobilCom, said today that he had applied to a court in Flensburg, northern Germany, to declare himself bankrupt because of a sharp fall in the value of his MobilCom shares.
(AFP report from Hamburg, February 18) Founder and also former chairman of German telecom's MobilCom Schmid today announced bankruptcy due to the significant shrinking of the stock's par value, and he had filed for bankruptcy to the Flensburg Court in northern Germany.
Hamburg, February 18, AFP--Schmid, founder and former chairman of German telephone operator MobilCom, said today that he had declared himself insolvent as a result of the sharp decline in the value of his shares, and that he had filed for insolvency at a court in Flensburg, northern Germany.
Schmid holds about 40% of this company that he founded.  Over the past year, the company has been financially struggling on the brink of bankruptcy, which led to the sharp drop of its share price.
Schmid is holding about 40 percent of the company that he found.  However, the price of MobilCom shares has fallen sharply over the last year because of financial problems inside the company, which pushed it to the brink of bankruptcy.
Schmid held a 40% stake of the company he established, which was on the verge of bankruptcy due to financial difficulty over the past year, causing a big slump of MobilCom's stocks.
Schmid holds just under 40 percent of the company he set up, but the price of MobilCom shares has fallen sharply in view of the company's financial troubles last year, which pushed it to the brink of bankruptcy.
The statement pointed out that Schmid's personal assets and properties are also affected.
Schmid's statement said his personal assets and real estates are also involved.
The statement pointed out that Schmid's personal properties and real estate would be affected.
The statement said that Schmid's private assets and property are also involved.
The court has appointed accountant Gellert to be in charge of his bankruptcy case.
The court had appointed accountant Otto Gellert to deal with his bankruptcy.
The court has designated Kateler to take charge of his bankruptcy.
The court had appointed auditor Gellert as administrator.
Schmid has been spending so much on the next generation UMTS network development over the time that he was ousted last year by France Telecom, the major shareholder of MobilCom.
Schmid spent huge amount of money in the construction of a new generation of mobile phone networks, known as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and was removed from office last year by MobilCom's major shareholder France Telecom.
In order to establish a new generation UMTS, Schmid has spent a lot of money and was sacked by MobilCom's major shareholder France Telecom.
Schmid was ousted last year by MobilCom's major shareholder France Telecom in a long running spat over the huge costs of setting up new generation mobile phone networks, dubbed Universal Mobile Telecommunications System, or UMTS.
MobilCom said in a statement later today that Schmid's personal bankruptcy has no effect on the company's operation or contract.
In a statement issued later in the day, MobilCom said that Schmid's personal insolvency had no effect on the company's businesses or contracts.
MobilCom said in a statement later today that Schmid's bankruptcy would have no influence on the company's businesses or contracts.
In the statement issued by MobilCom later today, the company said that "the personal insolvency of Schmid had no effect on MobilCom's activities or contracts."
The statement added that there will be no change on the rescue plan of about 7 billion euros undertaken by France Telecom.  According to this rescue plan, the German government and financial institutions will provide about 100 million euros of financing to MobilCom, which currently employs about 5,000 people.
MobilCom's statement further said that there is no change to a rescue plan, under which France Telecom would assume around seven billion euros in liabilities.  The rescue plan also foresees the German government and banks providing about 100 million euros in loans to MobilCom, which employs about 5,000 people at this moment.
The statement added that there would be no changes to an about 7 billion-Euro relief plan by the France Telecom; The relief plan expects that the German government and financial organizations will provide about 100 million Euros to MobilCom which currently employs some 5,000 people.
The statement also said that a rescue plan, under which France Telecom would assume around seven billion euros in debts, would remain unchanged.  The plan also foresees the German government and banks providing about 100 million euros in loans to MobilCom, which employs about 5000 people.
US-South Korean Military Exercise to be Held in March; North Korea Threatens to Quit Armistice Agreement
U.S. and South Korea to Launch Military Exercise in March and North Korea Threatens to Withdraw from the Armistice Agreement
US, South Korea to Hold Military Exercise in March with North Korea Threatening to Withdraw from the Armistice
North Korea Threatens to Pull out of Armistice Agreement as US and South Korea Launch Military Exercises in March
(AFP, Seoul, February 18)  South Korea and the United States are going to conduct a large-scale military exercise starting from early March, that will last nearly a month.  North Korea, in response, threatens to quit the Armistice Agreement that ended the Korean war.
(Agence France-Presse, Seoul, 18th) - South Korea and U.S. are preparing to launch a large scale military exercise in early March, which will last for about one month.  North Korea's response is a threat to pull out from the armistice agreement, which ended the Korean War.
(AFP report from Seoul, February 18) South Korea and the United States are planning to hold a nearly one-month large-scale military exercise starting in early March. In response to this North Korea has threatened to withdraw from the armistice that ended the Korean War.
Seoul, February 18, AFP--North Korea threatened to pull out of the armistice that ended the Korean War as South Korea and the United States prepared to launch major military exercises for nearly one month from the beginning of March.
At a time when the tensions caused by the nuclear stand-off on the Korean Peninsula have continued for four months and showed no sign of easing off, North Korea's threat to quit the Armistice Agreement can be generally interpreted as Pyongyang authorities' response to the announcement made by the United States and South Korea yesterday of the joint military exercise to be held in March.
As the tensions in the nuclear stalemate over the past four months has no sign of any alleviation, the general interpretation for North Korea's threatened pull out from the armistice agreement is that Pyongyang tries to make a response to the March joint military maneuver between U.S. and South Korea announced yesterday.
As the four-month tensions of the Korean Peninsula's nuclear deadlock are still high, North Korea's threats to withdraw from the armistice is generally considered Pyongyang authority's response to the US and South Korean announcement yesterday that they would hold a joint military exercise in March.
While the tension of nuclear deadlock on the Korean Peninsula is still not eased, North Korea threatens to pull out of the armistice agreement, which is generally interpreted as a response from Pyongyang towards yesterday's announcement of joint military exercises in March by the US and South Korea.
The statement issued by the North Korean military accuses the United States of repeatedly violating the Armistice Agreement: "If the US side continues violating and misusing the Armistice Agreement as it pleases, there will be no need for North Korea to remain bound to the Armistice Agreement uncomfortably.
North Korea military has charged the United States for repeated violation of the armistice agreement.  It said in a statement, "If the U.S. side continues to violate and misuse the armistice agreement at will, North Korea has no need to observe the armistice agreement under an uncomfortable situation.
The statement issued by the North Korean army accused the US of repeatedly violating the armistice, "if the US side continues violating and misusing the armistice wantonly, North Korea will be free from the armistice.
A statement made by North Korea military accused the US of breaking up the armistice agreement time and again, saying, "If the US side continues violating and misusing the armistice agreement as it pleases, there will be no need for the DPRK to remain bound to it uncomfortably.
The future development will depend entirely on the US attitude."
The future development will depend entirely on the attitude of the U.S. side."
The future development is up to the approach of the US side."
The future development will entirely depend on the attitude of the US side."
However, the US top military officials said that North Korea had said they would no longer be bound to the Armistice Agreement as early as in 1994.
However, a U.S. high level military official said North Korea had indicated that they were no longer abided by the armistice agreement as early as 1994.
However, senior US military officials said that back to 1994 North Korea said that they were no longer bound by the Korean War Armistice.
However, senior US military officials say that North Korea declared that it would not be bound by the armistice agreement of the Korean war as early as in 1994.
US authorities announced yesterday that the United States and South Korea will hold their annual joint military exercise on the Korean Peninsula from March 4 to April 2.
U.S. authority announced yesterday that U.S. and South Korea would conduct their annual joint military exercise in the Korean Peninsula.  The timing is between March 4 and April 2.
The US authority announced yesterday that the United States and South Korea would hold an annual joint military exercise on the Korean Peninsular from March 4 to April 2.
US authorities declared yesterday that the United States and South Korea would launch the annual joint military drills on the Korean peninsula from March 4 to April 2.
A South Korean government official said that South Korea issued an invitation to North Korea yesterday, asking them to send observers to watch this military exercise.
A South Korea government official said South Korea had already sent an invitation to North Korea yesterday asking them to send observers to view and learn from the military exercise.
A South Korean government official said that South Korea offered an invitation to North Korea yesterday to send their observers to watch the military exercise.
A South Korean official said that South Korea sent invitation to North Korea yesterday, asking it to send observers to the drills.
The official, who did not want to be named, said: "North Korea's statement to quit the Armistice Agreement is obviously a response to the upcoming joint military exercise by the United States and South Korea."
"North Korea's statement about pulling out from the armistice agreement is clearly made in response to the joint military exercise between South Korea and U.S.," said the official, who declined to be named.
The official who declined to be named said: "North Korea's statement on withdrawing from the armistice is an obvious response to the upcoming South Korean-US joint military exercise."
The official who did not want to be named said, "The statement of North Korea about pulling out of the armistice agreement is obviously a response to the coming joint military exercises between the US and South Korea."
Earlier, the United States ordered 12 B-52 bombers and the same number of B-1 bombers to get ready to go to areas around the Korean Peninsula.  North Korea strongly denounced this move.
The United States has ordered twelve B-52 bombers and an equal number of B-1 bombers to prepare to move to the Korean Peninsula in earlier times.  North Korea severely condemned the move.
Earlier, the United States had ordered 12 B-52 bombers and the same number of B-1 bombers to get ready for the deployment near the Korean Peninsular, which North Korea had harshly condemned.
The United States has already ordered 12 B-52 bombers and an equal number of B-1 bombers to prepare to move to the Korean Peninsula, of which has been sternly accused by North Korea.
In addition, the Japanese media reported yesterday that the United States has planned to step up its military deployment in Northeast Asia in order to guard against the concerns triggered by North Korea's nuclear weapons program.
Furthermore, Japanese media reported yesterday that U.S. is planning to strengthen its military force in the northeast Asia as a precaution against doubts arising as a result of North Korea's nuclear weapon plan.
In addition, Japanese media reported yesterday that the United States had planed to reinforce its military deployment in northeast Asia to ease the fear of North Korea's nuclear weapons program.
Moreover, Japanese media reported yesterday that the United States is planning to boost its military forces in northeast Asia with fears rising over North Korea's nuclear weapons program.
Indonesian Authorities Reject Proposal to Increase Security Protection of US Embassy
Indonesian Authority Rejected U.S. Embassy Security Upgrade Plan
Indonesian Authority Rejects US Embassy's Security-Tightening Plan
Indonesian Authorities Reject Plan for US Embassy Security Upgrade
(AFP, Jakarta, February 19)  The US embassy in Jakarta proposed to Indonesian authorities that a 3-meter-high surrounding wall be built to increase the security of the embassy, but the proposal was rejected.
(Agence France-Presse, Jakarta, 19th) - U.S. embassy in Jakarta has proposed to Indonesian authority the construction of a three-meter-high perimeter wall to upgrade embassy security but the plan was rejected.
(AFP report from Jakarta, February 19) The US embassy in Jakarta has brought to the Indonesian authority a security-tightening plan for the embassy to build a three-meter high wall but the plan was rejected.
Jakarta, February 19, AFP--US embassy in Jakarta requested the Indonesian authorities to build a three-meter-high perimeter wall to upgrade security of the embassy, but the plan is rejected.
"The Jakarta Post" and the state-owned "Antala" News Agency both reported today that Jakarta authorities rejected this proposal to build a wall to replace the fence that now separates the embassy and the residences from the outside on grounds that it is aesthetically unacceptable.
Both the "Jakarta Post" and the state-owned "Antara" news agency reported today that Jakarta authority rejected the request to replace the existing fence, which separates the embassy and the ambassador's residence from the outside world, with a wall because of aesthetic reasons.
Jakarta Post and the state-run Antara News Agency reported today that the Jakarta authority rejected the plan, which required to replace the current fence with a wall to separate the embassy and the ambassador's residence from the outside, citing the reason of damaging the scenery.
The request to replace the existing fence with a wall at the mission and at the ambassador's residence was turned down on aesthetic grounds by the Indonesian authorities, the Jakarta Post and the state-run Antara news agency both reported today.
Jakarta officials, quoting Mayor Sutiyoso, pointed out that the wall can be built, provided that it be built five meters away from the existing fence inside the embassy compound.
A Jakarta official quoted city governor Sutiyoso as saying a wall could be built, but the prerequisite is to build it three meters from the current fence inside the embassy compound.
Jakarta officials quoted Mayor Sudiyoso as saying that a wall could be built but it must be built in the embassy area three meters within the current fence.
A Jakarta official quoted city governor Sutiyoso as saying a wall could be built but it must stand inside the embassy compound, three meters from the current fence.
In addition, the embassy must put sod and plant flowers in between the two fences to improve the look of the embassy compound.
In addition, the embassy should lay turf and plant flowers between the two barriers to improve the appearance of the embassy compound.
In addition, the embassy must plant grass and flowers between the two fences to improve the image of the embassy area.
In addition, the embassy should lay out gardens and flower beds between the two barriers to improve the appearance of the compound.
Sutiyoso indicated that landscaping can reduce the feeling of the US embassy as a citadel.
Sutiyoso said gardening and landscaping could reduce the impression that the U.S. embassy is a fort.
Sudiyoso said that the gardenlike scenery could make people feel less that the US embassy was a fortress.
Sutiyoso said that gardens and flower beds would reduce the impression that the US embassy is a fort.
Since around the time the United States led the military actions in Afghanistan aimed to overthrow the Taliban regime in 2001, its embassy in Indonesia has been endlessly confronted with protesting activities.
The U.S. embassy in Jakarta had faced frequent protests before and after the U.S. led military actions in Afghanistan aimed at ousting the Taliban regime in 2001.
Before and after the US-led military operation in Afghanistan aimed at overthrowing the Taliban regime in 2001, its embassy in Indonesia faced continued demonstrations.
The embassy was the scene of frequent protests before and after the start in 2001 of the US-led military campaign in Afghanistan to oust the Taliban leadership.
That year, when the former ambassador protested against the Jakarta police for failing to effectively stop the threat from the hardline Islamic groups on the safety of the Americans, the relevant authorities increased the security protection of the embassy.
At that year, the related authority had stepped up security at the embassy after the previous ambassador protested that the police failed to curb the hard-line Islamic groups, which had been threatening the safety of Americans.
During the year, relevant authorities tightened the embassy's security after the former ambassador protested that Jakarta's police was unable to prevent hard-line Muslim groups' threats to American people's safety.
Authorities stepped up security at the mission that year after the previous ambassador accused the Jakarta police of failing to act against hardline Islamic groups which had been threatening the safety of Americans.
It is generally expected that large-scale protests will become inevitable if the United States launches military actions against Iraq.
The general expectation is that large-scale protests are unavoidable if U.S. launches a war against Iraq.
It is generally expected that if the United States launched a war against Iraq, it cannot avoid large-scale protests.
It is generally expected that major protests are inevitable if the US launches a war against Iraq
Sony to Actively Promote PlayStation 2 to Cyber World
Sony Aggressively Pushes the PlayStation 2 Towards the Internet World
Sony Actively Pushes PlayStation 2 to Network World
Sony Makes Effort to Push PlayStation 2 Online
(AFP, Tokyo)  Japan's electronics giant Sony Corp said that it will start the sales of broadband  connection units for the family PlayStation 2 in retail stores across Japan in May to promote the all-popular Sony game console further to cyber world.
(Agence France-Presse, Tokyo) - Japanese electronics giant Sony Corp. said it would begin selling PlayStation 2 broadband connectivity devices for home use at retail stores nationwide in May.  The move is to push its popular game console a step further to the Internet World.
(AFP report from Tokyo) Japan's electronics giant Sony Corp. says Sony will begin selling household PlayStation 2 broadband connector starting in May in retail shops nationwide, further pushing Sony's popular PlayStation to the network world.
Tokyo, AFP--Japanese electronics giant Sony said that it would begin selling PlayStation 2 broadband connectivity devices at stores nationwide in May to further move its hugely popular Sony game console online.
As of the end of December, seven months after Sony promoted its online gaming service in the home market of Japan, Sony has only sold 190,000 broadband connection units.
As of end of December, seven months after launching its online gaming service in Japan, Sony had sold only 190,000 of its PlayStation broadband connectivity device.
By the end of December since Sony presented online gaming service in Japan seven months before, Sony only sold 190,000 broadband connectors.
By December, seven months after starting its online gaming service in Japan, Sony had sold only 190,000 of its broadband connectivity units.
The broadband connection unit, which consists of a hard drive and an adapter, is currently available for purchase only through Internet service providers.
The broadband connectivity device consists of a hard drive and a broadband adapter and is currently offered only through Internet service providers (ISP).
The broadband connector, consisting of disc player and adaptor, is currently sold only by Internet service providers (ISP).
The broadband connectivity units, consisting of a hard drive and an adapter, are sold solely through Internet service providers.
The aforementioned actual sales figure is disproportional, considering there are 12.5 million PlayStation 2 users in Japan and as many as 50.4 million users worldwide.
The aforesaid sales result is obviously disproportional to the 12.5 million PlayStation 2 users base in Japan and 50.4 million worldwide.
The sales volume is far fewer than Japan's 12.5 million PlayStation 2 users and a much larger number of 50.4 million around the world.
Comparing to the 12.5 million PlayStation 2 users in Japan and 50.4 million worldwide, the above sales achievements are truly out of proportion.
Starting sales of connection kits in retail stores in tandem with promotion of more online games is part of Sony's strategy to encourage users to use PlayStation to play online games.
The launch of connectivity kits at retail outlets, which will be accompanied by the release of more online games, is part of Sony's strategy to encourage users to play Internet games with its machines.
The sales of connectors and the presentation of more online games are part of Sony's strategy to encourage its users to play online games with its PlayStations.
The launch of sales of the adapter sets at retail outlets, which will be accompanied by the release of more online titles, is part of the company's drive to encourage use of its machines for Internet gaming.
A spokeswoman for Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE), a Sony subsidiary, said: "We'll sell connection kits in stores so that more users can enjoy the fun of online games."
"We will be selling connectivity kits at stores so that more users can enjoy our online games," said a spokeswoman of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary company of Sony.
A spokeswoman of Sony's subsidiary, Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE), said: "We sell connectors in shops to let more users enjoy the fun of online gaming."
"We will be selling the adapters at stores so that more users can enjoy our online games," said a spokeswoman for subsidiary Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
The spokeswoman noted that of the 874 PlayStation 2 games currently available, only one is authentic online game.  Two online games will be added in the coming few months.
The spokeswoman said out of the existing 874 PlayStation 2 game titles, only one is fully online-based but two more will be added in the next few months.
The spokeswoman said that among the 874 kinds of PlayStation 2 games, there was only one true online game and two more online games would be presented in the next few months.
Of the 874 PlayStation 2 game titles, only one is fully online-based but two others will be added in the next few months, the spokeswoman said.
About 20 games sold in Japan have some online capabilities.
About 20 games selling in Japan have some sort of online capability.
About 20 Japan-sold games can be played online.
Nearly 20 games sold in Japan have some sort of online capability.
The price of the broadband connection kit is not yet decided, but the one sold through ISPs is priced at 18,000 yen (150 US dollars) per kit.
The price of the connectivity kit has yet to be determined, but sales through ISP have been priced at 18,000 yen (US$150) a set.
The price of the broad connector is yet to be decided but the ISP prices 18,000 yen (150 US dollars) for one unit.
The price of the broadband connectivity units has not been determined, but sales through Internet service providers have been priced at 18,000 yen (150 dollars) each.
Sony has already sold about 570,000 units of narrowband connection kits in North America at the price of about 39 US dollars and some 20 compatible games.
In North America, Sony has sold some 570,000 narrowband online connectivity kits at about US$39 each and there are about 20 compatible games available.
Sony has sold out about 570,000 units of narrow band network connectors with a price of 39 US dollars per unit, which is compatible with about 20 games.
In North America, Sony has sold some 570,000 narrowband online adapter units for about 39 dollars each which are compatible with some 20 game titles.
Asia to Have Largest Number of Programmers in the World in 2 Years
Asia Will Have the Biggest Population of Programmers in the World in Two Years Time
Asia to Have World's Largest Population of Computer Program Designers in Two Years
Asia will Boast Most Program Designers in the World Two Years Later
(AFP, Singapore, February 24)  A report released by International Data Corp. today pointed out that in the coming two years, there will be more computer programmers and other professional developers in the Asia-Pacific Region than in North America.
(Agence France-Presse, Singapore, 24th) - International Information Corp. said in a report released today that the Asia Pacific region will have more computer programmers and other professional researchers than North America within the next two years.
(AFP report from Singapore, February 24) The International Information Company issued a report today, saying that in the next two years the Asian-Pacific region will have more computer program designers and other professional research and development personnel than North America.
Singapore, February 24, AFP--International Information Co. published a report today, saying that in the coming two years, there will be more computer program writers and other professional research personnel in the Asia-Pacific region than in North America.
In 2001, North America had the largest concentration of professional developers, while the Asia-Pacific Region replaced Europe to become the area with the second largest number of professional developers.
North America had the largest concentration of researchers in 2001.  The Asia Pacific had replaced Europe and became the region possessing the second largest researcher population in the world.
North America had the largest number of research and development personnel in 2001, with the Asian-Pacific region replacing Europe to have the second largest research and development population.
North America was where most research personnel gathered in the year 2001, and the Asia-Pacific region replaced Europe as the region with second largest research population in the world.
However, the IDC report said that the strong growth in China and India is expected to push the Asia-Pacific Region to the top by 2005.
International Information's report said the strong growth in China and India could push Asia Pacific to the number one position by 2005.
However, the "International Information" report said that China and India's strong growth is expected to push the Asian-Pacific region to the first place in 2005.
But the report of International Information said that the rapid growth of China and India would push the Asia-Pacific region to the first place in 2005.
Asian regions, especially India, are the main source of IT professionals in North America.
The Asia Pacific region, especially India, has been a main source of information technology professionals for North America.
Asian areas especially India is North America's major source of information professional personnel.
Asia, India in particular, is where most of the IT professionals in North America came from.
IDC said: "In five years, the growth in the Asia-Pacific Region, especially in those big countries such as China and India, is expected to be much stronger than in North America."
"Within the next five years, it is expected that the growth in Asia Pacific will be much faster than North America, especially in those big countries like China and India," International Information said.
The "International Information" said: "In the next five years, Asian-Pacific areas' growth is expected to be much stronger than that of North America, especially large countries such as China and India."
International Information said, "In the next five years, the growth in Asia-Pacific region is expected to be more fast than in North America, those big nations in particular, such as China and India."
IDC said that there were 7.8 million professional developers in 2001, and the number is expected to grow to 13.3 million by 2006.
International Information said there were 7.8 million researchers in 2001 and that number may reach 13.3 million in 2006.
The "International Information" said there were 7.8 million research and development personnel in 2001. The number is expected to reach 13.3 million in 2006.
International Information said that there were 7.8 million researchers in 2001, and that number may be added to 13.3 million in 2006.
The report pointed out that by the end of 2001, there were 1.7 million professional developers in Asia.
The report pointed out that Asia had 1.7 million researchers in the information technology industry as at end of 2001.
The report pointed out that by the end of 2001 Asia had 1.7 million information research and development personnel.
The report pointed out that there were 1.7 million IT researchers in Asia by the end of 2001.
IDC noted that the drop in the number of IT professionals in North America is partly due to the decline of technology sector in the region.
International Information said North America's population of information technology professionals had declined, partly because of the recession in technology industries in that region.
The "International Information" attributed the decline of North America's information population to the recession of the region's science and technology industries.
International Information said that the reduction in the population of IT professionals in North America was partly due to the recession in science and technology industry in that region.
Study Shows Father's Genes May Affect Timing of Birth
Research Indicates a Father's Genes May Influence the Timing of His Child's Birth
Research Finds Father's Gene May Affect Timing of Child's Birth
Research Shows A Father's Genes May Influence the Timing of His Child's Birth
(AFP, Paris, February 28)  According to a report of a Danish study to be published on Saturday's "British Medical Journal," a father's genes may affect the timing of a child's birth.
(Agence France-Presse, Paris, 28th) - According to a Danish research to be published in coming Saturday's issue of the weekly British Medical Journal, a father's genes may influence the timing of his child's birth.
(AFP report from Paris, February 28) According to a Denmark research report published on Saturday's British Medical Weekly, father's gene may affect the timing of a child's birth.
Paris, February 28, AFP--A father's genes may influence the timing of his child's birth, according to a Danish study published in next Saturday's issue of the weekly British Medical Journal.
About 5% of pregnant women go past their term, with a gestational length of 294 days.
About five percent of the expectant mothers experienced a post-term delivery, which is a pregnancy with a length of 294 days or more.
About 5% pregnant women may have prolonged pregnancy, or to say the pregnancy reaches 294 days.
About five percent of births are late, which means a pregnancy lasts 294 days or more.
At present, this problem is known to have effects on the health of both mother and child, but what causes it remains a mystery.
At present, it is known that the problem may cause health complications for mother and child, but why it happens is an enigma.
It is now known that the problem will have negative effects on the health of the pregnant women and their children. However, what is the real reason is still unknown.
The problem is known to cause health complications for mother and child, but exactly why it happens is an enigma.
The Danish researchers tracked 43,000 cases of birth from 1980 to 1992.  The targeted women have at least two children and had a post-term pregnancy for the first delivery.
Danish researchers tracked 43,000 births between 1980-92.  Women with at least two children and, whose first pregnancy was a post-term delivery, were listed as targets.
Researchers in Denmark followed 43,000 birth cases from 1980 to 1992. All the surveyed pregnant women had at least two children and had prolonged pregnancy when they gave the first birth.
The Danish researchers looked at 43,000 births between 1980-92 among women who had had two children or more and whose first pregnancy had gone into extra time.
Only the data of their first two deliveries are used for analysis.
Only the first two deliveries were used in the analysis.
Analysis were only based on their previous two-birth information.
Only their first two deliveries were used in the analysis.
Overall, of those women who had a prolonged pregnancy for the first delivery, nearly 20% had the same experience for their second pregnancy.
In general, nearly 20 percent of the women who came through a prolonged first pregnancy had the same experience in their second pregnancy.
In general, among the women who had prolonged pregnancy when giving first birth, nearly 20% had the same experience when they were pregnant for the second time.
Overall, nearly 20 percent of the women who had had a prolonged first pregnancy had the same experience for their second child.
However, when the first and the second child had different fathers, the rate dropped to just a little bit over 15%.
However, this figure fell to just over 15 percent when the first and second child had different fathers.
However, when the first and second child's father was not the same person, the rate declined to slightly over 15%.
But this figure fell to just over 15 percent when the first and second child had different fathers.
Olesen, the lead author of the research report, told AFP: "This is already a lot.
Annette Wind Olesen, the lead author of the research report, told Agence France-Presse, "That is a lot.
Major writher of the research report Ellison told AFP: "This is already very high.
Lead author of the research Olesen told AFP, "That's a lot.
This means if you (with the second child) have the same partner, then compared with those who change their partners, your chance of having a prolonged pregnancy will be over 30%."
That means if you have the same partner (for your second child), you have a 30-percent greater likelihood of a prolonged pregnancy compared with someone who has changed partner."
This shows that if you have the same partner (when giving birth to the second child) then the possibility for you to have a longer pregnancy is 30% higher than those who have changed their partners."
It means that if you have the same partner (for your second child), you have a 30-percent greater likelihood of a prolonged pregnancy compared with someone who changes partner."
The research report said: "If a woman changes her partner every time she gets pregnant, it may reduce the risk of reoccurrence of post-term delivery.
The research report said, "The risk of recurrence of post-term delivery was reduced when women changed partner between pregnancies.
The research report says: "If women change their partners for pregnancy, they can reduce the danger of repeated prolonged pregnancy.
"Women had a reduced risk of recurrent post-term delivery if they changed partner between pregnancies," the study says.
We believe this is a new finding.
We believe this is a new observation.
We think that this is a new discovery.
"We believe that this is a new observation.
But the result means the timing of birth may be decided by a father's genes."
This result suggests that the timing of birth may, in part, be determined by the father's genes."
And this means that the timing of the birth may be decided by the father's gene."
This result suggests that the timing of birth may be determined by paternal genes."
Belgium Demands Prompt Pumping of Fuel Oil from Anchored Oil Tanker
Belgium Demands Broken-Down Oil Tanker to Have Fuel Oil Pumped Out Urgently
Belgium Urges Anchored Oil Tanker to Pump up Fuel on Board
Belgium Demands Tanker Anchoring off to Pump out Heavy Fuel Oil on Board
Xinhua News Agency, Brussels, January 4 (Reporter Liu Saijun)  Belgian authorities issued an ultimatum on the 4th to the owner of the Vicky, a Turkish ship that anchored in the Belgian waters, demanding that he start pumping the 700 to 1,000 tons of fuel oil carried on the tanker at the latest from 8:00 a.m. on the 5th.
Xinhua News Agency, Brussels, January 4 (Reporter: Liu Saijun) - Belgian authorities issued an ultimatum on the 4th to the owner of 'Vicky', the Turkish oil tanker broken down in Belgian waters.  The tanker has to pump out the 700 to 1000 tons of fuel oil that it is carrying by 8:00 a.m. on the 5th at the latest.
Xinhua News Agency report of January 4 from Brussels (by staff reporter Liu Saijun) - The Belgian authority gave an ultimatum on January 4 to the owner of Turkish tanker Vicky anchored in the Belgian waters to pump up the 700-1,000 tons of oil it carried not later than 8:00am on January 5.
(Xinhua, Brussels, Jan 4, Liu Saijun reports) Belgium offered an ultimatum today to the owner of Turkish tanker "Vicky" anchoring off in Belgian seas, demanding him to begin pump out the 700 to 1000 tons of heavy fuel oil on board before 8:00 a.m. tomorrow.
The Belgian media quoted the head of a relevant agency as saying that the fuel oil carried on the Vicky is the same as the fuel oil on the Prestige, which has polluted the coastal areas off Spain, and that the owner of the tanker must ensure prompt pumping of the fuel oil to prevent a vast area of the Belgian waters from being polluted.
Belgian media quoted an official of the related department as saying, the 'Prestige' had polluted the Spanish waters with the same type of fuel oil that 'Vicky' is now carrying.  Hence, the tanker's owner must undertake to have the fuel oil removed as soon as possible in order not to pollute a massive area of Belgian waters.
Belgian press quoted relevant authorities as saying that the fuel Vicky was carrying was same to that of the Prestige's, which caused pollution in the Spanish waters. The tanker owner must ensure that the fuel will be pumped up to prevent a large-scale pollution in the Belgian waters.
Belgian press quotes officials from department concerned that tanker "Vicky" carries as much fuel oil as tanker "Prestige", which made large surface pollution on the Spanish sea. Its owner must ensure to pump out all the fuel oil as soon as possible, avoiding spreading pollution on the Belgian seas.
Belgian authorities said that if the owner of the Vicky does not meet the above demand, Belgium will seize the fuel oil on the ship and contract a professional firm at its own discretion to pump the oil at the owner's cost.
Belgian authorities said that they would detain the carriage of fuel oil and arrange a professional company to do the pumping job at the owner's expenses, should the owner of 'Vicky' not comply with the aforesaid demand.
The Belgian authorities said that if Vicky's owner doesn't accept the above-mentioned requirements, Belgium will detain the fuel it carries and will entrust professional companies to pump up the fuel and the tanker's owner will pay the cost.
Belgian government said, if the owner of "Vicky" did not fulfill the above request, Belgian would detain oil on board and do it itself and all expense should be covered by the owner of "Vicky"
Bound for New York, the Vicky started out in Antwerp of Belgium on the 1st and anchored about 30 kilometers off the Ostend Coast in northern Belgium after it ran into the freighter Tricolor that had sunken last month while sailing through the Dover Strait.
Oil tanker 'Vicky' was bound for New York after departing from Ostend in Belgium on the 1st.  However, while passing through Dover Straits, it collided with Norwegian cargo ship 'Tricolor', which sank there the previous month.  After the collision, 'Vicky' anchored at coastal waters some 30 kilometers off Ostend, northern Belgium.
Oil tanker Vicky left Belgium's Antwerp on January 1 to New York. When passing the Dover Strait it collided with the Norwegian Tricolor that sank last month and then was anchored 30 kilometers off Belgium's Ostend.
The "Vicky" left Antwerp of Belgium for New York on Jan 1st. When passing through the Dover Channel, it collided with a sunken Norwegian carrier, the "Tricolor", and anchored off 30 kilometers from Ostend coast in North Belgium afterwards.
Parts of Europe Battered by Floods
Floods Hit Many Areas in Europe
Parts of Europe Hit by Floods
Parts of Europe Hit by Floods
Xinhua News Agency, Berlin, January 4  Some areas in several European countries such as Germany, Belgium and the Czech Republic are recently hit by hurricanes and floods, which killed at least 7 people.
Xinhua News Agency, Berlin, January 4 - Hurricane winds and floods hit many areas in some European countries, including Germany, Belgium and the Czech Republic etc., and killed at least 7 people.
Xinhua News Agency report of January 4 from Berlin - Germany, Belgium and Czech as well as some other European countries have been hit recently by hurricane and floods, which have killed at least seven people.
(Xinhua, Berlin, Jan 4)  Hit by storm and floods, at least 7 were dead in European countries as Germany, Belgium and the Czech Republic.
With water levels rising in many rivers, traffic on some of the major waterways are disrupted; and highway and rail transportation are also affected.
Many rivers swelled, forcing barge traffic to a halt on some key waterways, and also disrupted both highway and railway traffic.
Water levels in some rivers rose up, suspending shipping on some major rivers. Road and railway transportation were also affected.
Water in many rivers rises, navigation in some important rivers is suspended, and roads and railway transportation are badly affected.
In the state of Bavaria in Germany, floods overflowed the river banks and inundated the adjacent areas on the 4th, forcing residents to wade through the waist-high water.
In Bavaria of Germany, floods swept across riverbanks on the 4th and flooded the nearby areas.  Residents had no choice but waded through waist-deep water.
In the German State of Bavaria, floods overflowed the banks, inundating surrounding areas. Residents had to walk in the water up to their waist.
In Bavaria, Germany, the floods flew over the banks, submerged surrounding areas. Residents had to move forward in waist high water.
The small town of Wertheim is expected to experience the highest water level in 80 years.
The small town Wertheim is expecting the highest water level in 80 years.
The little town of Wertheim is expected to see the highest water level in 80 years.
The water level in the small town Welthem is expected to experience the highest level in 80 years.
Volunteers ferried local residents in rubber boats to the stores for shopping.
Volunteers used rubber dinghies to help local residents to go shopping.
Volunteers are shipping local residents to do shopping with pneumatic boats.
Volunteers use rubber boat to transport local residents to shops.
In addition, the government officials have platforms built in the old town areas to make it easier for people to get around.
Government officials even built platforms in the old town district to help people getting around.
Government officials have built a platform in the old city for people to walk.
Government officials build platforms in some old district of the cities to facilitate transportation.
The famous historic city of Cologne also narrowly escaped the disaster in the heavy rains.
Notwithstanding the heavy rain, the historic city of Cologne managed to get through without a calamity.
The historical city of Koln has also survived the downpour.
Historically prestigious city Kolong survived the storm.
The traffic on the 144-kilometer-long Rhine south of Cologne has to be suspended.
On the south side of Cologne, barge traffic on a 144-kilometer long section of river Rhine was interrupted.
Shipping on the 144-kilometer-long Rhein River, south of Koln, has been suspended.
Navigation on the 144-kilometer Rein River south of Kolong was halted.
However, government officials said as the river water is continuously receding, the worst time is over.
However, government officials said that the worst situation is over because water level is now receding.
However, government officials said that the worst period had gone with the declining water level.
But government officials said, as river water falls, the worst time has passed.
The floods in the small Belgian town of Ninove, however, remain serious.  Two people are already missing.
Nevertheless, the situation in Leubingen, a small town in Belgian, remains critical and 2 people are missing this far.
However, flooding in the little town of Nivelles in Belgium is still severe with two people already missing.
However, floods in small Belgian town Nover are still serious, and 2 people has been missing.
The Belgian government has decided to call on the military to build sandbag embankments to prevent the villages and roads from further ravages.
Belgian Government has decided to enlist military personnel to reinforce dikes and dams with sandbags to protect villages and roads from further swamping.
The Belgian government has decided to call up military personnel to build banks with sand bags to prevent further flooding of villages and roads.
Belgian government has decided to recruit troops to build sand bag banks to prevent further flood invasion to villages and roads.
Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Calls on the People to Work together for Permanent Peace
Sri Lanka Prime Minster Appeals to Nationals to Strive for Permanent Peace
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Calls for People's Joint Effort to Realize Lasting Peace
Sri Lanka PM Calls the Nation to Make Common Efforts to Realize Permanent Peace
Xinhua News Agency, Colombo, January 6 (Reporter Zhang Yadong)  On the 5th, Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe called on the people to work together to end the 19-year ethnic conflict in the country and bring about permanent peace.
Xinhua News Agency, Colombo, January 6 (Reporter: Zhang Yadong) - Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe appealed to nationals on the 5th to strive together to end the 19-year long ethnic conflicts, and realize permanent peace in the nation.
Xinhua News Agency report of January 6 from Colombo (by staff reporter Zhang Yadong) - Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on January 5 called on people's joint efforts to end the country's 19-year-long ethnic conflicts to realize a lasting peace.
(Xinhua, Colombo, Jan 6, Zhang Dongya reports) Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe called the Sri Lanka People to make common efforts to put an end to the 19-year ethnic conflicts in the country and realize permanent peace.
On the very same night, Wickremasinghe said in a national televised address that the negotiations between Sri Lankan government and the anti-government Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have entered a decisive stage where nothing could keep them away from the negotiation table as it is now the time to start a journey to permanent peace.
In a nationally televised speech on that evening, Ranil Wickremasinghe said that negotiations between Sri Lanka Government and the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LLTE) have come to a decisive stage.  No matter what lies ahead, both parties should not leave the negotiation table because it is now the time to move on to the path of permanent peace.
Wickremesinghe said in a televised speech during the night that the negotiations between the Sri Lankan government and the rebel Tamil Eelam Tiger group (Tiger group) had entered a crucial stage, and that no matter what happened it was the time to walk on a road leading to a lasting peace.
Wickremasinghe said in his nation TV speech last night that negotiation between the Sri Lanka government and the anti-government Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is at a decisive moment, and no matter under what circumstances should the government leave the negotiation table. It is time to step on the way of permanent peace now.
He emphasized that it is still a long way to go before peace can be finally materialized while solving the ethnic conflicts through political channels will ensure the interests of all ethnic groups.
He emphasized that there is still a long way to go before reaching permanent peace, but resolving ethnic conflicts through political channels will protect the interests of all ethnic groups.
He stressed that there was still a long way to go before the peace came, and that the political settlement of ethnic conflicts could safeguard all ethnic people's rights.
It is still long way ahead before the final peace, and rights and interests of all ethnic groups will be guaranteed by political resolution, he emphasizes.
He called on all the parties involved to put aside political differences and speak with one voice determined to seek peace.
He appealed to all parties concerned to abandon political discrepancies, to speak in the same tune and to seek peace with determination.
He called on relevant parties to give up political differences and speak in one voice to make a decision to seek peace.
He calls for all parties concerned to give up political differences to speak in one voice, making decision to make peace.
Sri Lankan government and LTTE will start the four-day fourth round of peace talks on the 6th in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.
Sri Lanka Government and the LTTE will be holding the fourth round of a 4-day peace talks in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, on the 6th.
The Sri Lankan government and the Tiger group began a four-day fourth round talk on January 6 in Thailand's Pathom.
The Sri Lankan Government and the Tiger began the 4th round of talks termed 4 days on Jan 6th at Fuotu in Thailand.
One of the main topics for this talk is the settlement of Tamils, who have been displaced in the war, in the High Security Zones on Jaffna Peninsula in northern Sri Lanka.  However, the government and LTTE have been seriously divided on the issue lately.
The major issue on the agenda for this round of peace talks is the settlement of Tamils that become destitute and homeless due to the war into a high security zone in Jaffna peninsula, in northern Sri Lanka.  However, serious discrepancies have emerged between Sri Lanka Government and the LTTE in this issue recently.
One of the meeting's discussions focuses on the settlement of the displaced Tamils in northern Sri Lanka's Jaffna Peninsula, over which, however, the Sri Lankan government and the Tiger group had big difference recently.
A major topic of this talk is reallocation of homeless Tamils due to the war in high-security zones in Jaffna Peninsula in Northern Sri Lanka. However, the Sri Lanka government and the Tigers have been significantly differentiated on this topic recently.
Sri Lankan government forces proposed disarmament of LTTE as the condition for resettlement of Tamil civilians, but LTTE claimed that condition is "unacceptable and unrealistic."
Sri Lanka military has proposed to disarm the LTTE as a condition for resettling Tamils, but the LTTE said such condition is neither 'acceptable nor realistic'.
The Sri Lankan army has set Tiger group's disarmament as a condition for the resettlement of the Tamils but the Tiger group sees it "unacceptable and unrealistic".
Sri Lanka government troops regard disarmament as precondition of reallocation of Tamils, but the Tigers call this precondition as "unacceptable and unrealistic"
Sri Lankan government and LTTE signed an agreement in February last year, and both sides started to enforce an official cease-fire.
Sri Lanka Government and the LTTE have formally entered into a ceasefire agreement since February last year.
The Sri Lankan government and the Tiger group formally ceased fire after the two sides signed an agreement last February.
The Sri Lanka government and the Tigers signed agreement and began formal ceasefire last February.
Three rounds of peace talks have been held between both parties since September.
Since mid-September, the two sides have already held 3 rounds of peace talks.
The two sides have held three rounds of talks since mid-September.
Since mid September, the two sides have held 3 round of talks.
LTTE has indicated that it will no longer attempt to establish an independent Tamil state through war in the northern and eastern Sri Lanka and will instead seek autonomous rule of the region under a federal system.
The LTTE said that they no longer sought to establish an independent Tamil nation in the north and east part of Sri Lanka by war, they would rather have an autonomous region under a federation system.
The Tiger group has said that it would not seek to establish an independent Tamil state in northern and eastern Sri Lanka through war, instead, it would seek a self-rule under the federal system.
The Tigers said that it no long attempted to found an independent Tamil state in the north and east of Sri Lanka through war, but seeking regional autonomy under a federal system.
Clay Sculpture of a Goat from Fengxiang, Shaanxi, Becomes Mascot of Chinese Year of the Goat
Shaanxi's Fengxiang Clay Sheep Chosen As Mascot for Chinese Year of Sheep
Goat Clay Sculpture in Shaanxi Fengxiang Becomes Mascot of the Chinese Year of Goat
Clay Sheep Figure of Fengxiang, Sha'anxi Province Chosen as Mascot of Chinese Year of Sheep
Xinhua News Agency, Xi'an, January 8  The clay sculpture of a goat, the work of Hu Xinming, a folk artist in Liuying Village, Fengxiang County in Shaanxi Province, has been voted simultaneously as the mascot of the Chinese Year of the Goat at the time it was selected as the design of the 2003 Zodiac stamp.
Xinhua News Agency, Xian, January 8 - The clay sheep by Hu Xinming, a folk artist from Liuying Village in Fengxiang County of Shaanxi Province, has been chosen as the design for the zodiac animal stamp of 2003, as well as the mascot for the Chinese year of sheep.
Xinhua News Agency report of January 8 from Xi'an - The goat clay sculpture made by local artist Hu Xinmin from Fengxiang County's Luying village in Shaanxi Province has been selected the 2003 animal stamp and the mascot of the Chinese Year of Goat at the same time.
(Xinhua, Xi'an, Jan 8) Clay sheep figure, creation of folk artist Hu Xinmin in the Fengxiang county of Sha'anxi Province is chosen as stamp design and a mascot of the year 2003, i.e., the Year of Sheep.
This is a mascot that Chinese have voted for the first time for their own new year.
This is the first time for the Chinese people to choose their own mascot for the lunar New Year.
This was the first time that China has selected a mascot for its new year.
This is the first time Chinese chooses mascot for Chinese New Year.
Since the end of September 2002, more than 50 media agencies nationwide, including China's Central TV Station, have jointly held an open solicitation in the country for the mascot of the 2003 Year of the Goat.
Starting from the end of September 2002, China Central Television and 50 other state media jointly appealed to the public for contributions in the mascot design for 2003, the year of sheep.
Fifty media organizations including CCTV have been jointly inviting bids for the 2003 mascot of the Year of Goat nationwide since the end of September in 2002.
Since September 2002, 50 media including the CCTV publicly collected mascot of the Year of Sheep in 2003 all over China.
Up till the end of December 2002, the review committee had received over 3,000 entries on the theme of the "goat."
By the end of 2002, selection committee received over three thousand competition artworks using the 'sheep' as theme.
The selecting committee had received a total of over 3,000 bids with the theme of "goat" by the end of 2002.
Up to the end of 2002, the contest committee had received more than 3000 designs featuring "Sheep".
Among "goats" of various features, the clay sculpture of a goat submitted by the folk artist Huxinming from Shaanxi, with its "charming naivety and auspicious merriment," won the hearts of most reviewers.
While these sheep all have their own distinguishing characteristics, the 'charmingly naive and joyfully lucky' clay sheep by Hu Xinming, a folk artist from Shaanxi, has won the hearts of most members of the selection committee.
Among various kinds of "goats" with different characteristics, the goat clay sculpture made by Shaanxi's local artist Hu Xinmin is seen charmingly naive, happy and auspicious, which is well received among the judges.
Among all these "Sheep" of various characteristics, clay sheep of folk artist Hu Xinmin from Fengxiang Sha'anxi province is regarded as "charmingly naive, cheerful and lucky" and is favored by most members of the contest committee.
It eventually won the laureate of the mascot of the Year of the Goat by an absolute majority vote.
Finally, the clay sheep has reaped the laurel with absolute predominant number of votes and was chosen as mascot for the year of sheep.
It finally won the title of the Year of Goat's mascot with overwhelming votes.
Therefore, it was voted to be mascot of the Year of Sheep with sweeping votes.
Baoji area in Shaanxi Province has long enjoyed the reputation as "the land of folk arts and crafts."  In 1995 and 2002, Piggy Pillow, a work of handicraft by a folk artist in Longxian County, Baoji, and the clay sculpture of a horse by the veteran folk artist Hu Shen from Liuying Village, Fengxiang County, were respectively selected by the China State Post Bureau as the designs of Zodiac stamps for the years, which were distributed both at home and abroad.
For a long time, Shaanxi Province's Baoji district has the praise as the 'hometown of folk arts and crafts'.  The State General Post Office has chosen the pillow pig, a handicraft made by a folk artist from Baoji's Long County, and the clay horse by Hu Shen, a senior folk artist from Liuying Village of Fengxiang Country, as designs for the zodiac animal stamp in 1995 and 2002 respectively.  The stamps were issued both locally and abroad.
The Baoji area in Shaanxi Province has been famous for its "local arts and crafts". In 1995 and 2002 the Pillow Pig made by local artists of Baoji's Long County and the horse clay sculpture by old local artist Hu Shen of Fengxiang County's Luying village were selected by the State Post Bureau the year's animal stamp respectively and were issued both at home and abroad.
The Baoji region in Sha'anxi province always boasts of the prestige of "the place for folk arts". In 1995 and 2002, folk articraft "pillow pig" created by folk artist in Longxia of Sha'anxi Province and "clay horse" by elderly folk artist Hu Shen from the Liuying Village of Fengxiang County were chosen by the State Post Bureau as the design of the sign theme stamps of the years and were issued both at home and abroad.
Hu Xinming's clay sculpture of a goat marks the third time a work of folk handicraft from Baoji area has been selected by the China State Post Bureau General as the design of a Zodiac stamp.
For a third time, the folk artwork from Baoji district, Hu Xinming's clay sheep, was chosen as the design for zodiac animal stamp by the State General Post Office.
Hu Xinmin's goat clay sculpture is the third in the Baoji area to be selected for the year's animal stamp by the State Post Bureau.
Hu Xinmin's clay sheep is the third one that is chosen as the sign theme stamps design by the State Post Bureau.
Hague Tribunal Medical Team to Verify Bobetko's Illness in Croatia
The Hague Court Will Send a Medical Team to Croatia to Confirm Bobetko's Health Condition
Hague-Based Court's Medical Team to Go to Croatia to Verify Bobetko's Health
Medical Team of the Court in Hague to Affirm Bobeiteke's illness in Croatia
Xinhua News Agency, Belgrade January 8 (Reporter Yang Chengming)  From Zagreb: The Croatian media disclosed on the 8th that the Hague Tribunal will soon send a medical team to Croatia to verify whether Bobetko, the former Croatian army chief of staff and a war crime suspect wanted by the Hague Tribunal, is too sick to stand trial.
Xinhua News Agency, Belgrade, January 8 (Reporter: Yang Chengming) - Zagreb news: Croatia's media said on the 8th that The Hague Court will send a medical team to Croatia in the near future to determine whether the health condition of the suspected war criminal wanted by the court, the former Croatian army Chief of Staff Janko Bobetko, is fit for a trial.
Xinhua News Agency report of January 8 from Belgrade (by staff reporter Yang Chengming) - Zagreb: Croatian press said on January 8 that the Hague Court would send a medical team to Croatia in the near future to verify the health condition of Croatian army's former Chief of the General Staff Bobetko, a war suspect wanted by the Hague Court, to see if his health problem would allow him to go for a trial.
(Xinhua, Belgrade, Jan 8, Yang Chengming reports) Report from Zagreb: According to Croatia press, the Hague Court will send a medical team to Croatia to affirm whether war crime suspect, wanted by the Hague Court, former Croatia Chief of Staff Bobeiteke's illness allows him to go to the trial.
Bobetko was hospitalized for treatment in the middle of last November.
Bobetko was admitted hospital for treatments in mid-November last year.
Bobetko was admitted to the hospital in mid-November last year.
Bobeiteke was hospitalized in mid October last year.
Racan, the prime minister of Croatia, once promised him that he will not be extradited to the Hague Tribunal while he is hospitalized.
Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Raean had promised not to extradite him to The Hague Court while he has to be hospitalized.
Croatian Prime Minister Racan had promised him that he would not be extradited to the Hague-based court during his stay in hospital.
Croatia Prime Minister Racan promised him that he would not be extradited to the Hague Court when he is hospitalized.
A spokesperson for the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia issued a statement on September 20 last year, saying that the tribunal had officially demanded that the Croatian government arrest and extradite Bobetko, who committed "crimes against humanity and war crimes."
The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia issued a statement on September 20 last year, which said the court had requested the government of Croatia to arrest and extradite Bobetko for "war crimes and crimes against humanity".
A spokesman of the Former Yugoslavia International Court said in a statement on September 20 last year that the court had formally asked the Croatian government to arrest and extradite Bobetko on charges of "crimes of anti-human being and war".
Spokesperson of the International Court of the Issue of Former Yugoslavia made a statement on September 20 last year that the Court had formally requested the Croatia government to arrest and extradite Bobeiteke, allegedly having committed "anti-humanitarian and war crimes".
Bobetko served as the Croatian army chief of staff from November 1992 to July 1995.
Bobetko served as Croatian army Chief of Staff from November 1992 to July 1995.
Bobetko was Croatian army's Chief of the General Staff from November 1992 to July 1995.
Bobeiteke used to be Croatia Chief of Staff from October 1992 to July 1995.
The Hague Tribunal indicted him for ordering his subordinates in killing over 100 Serbian civilians and soldiers and in burning down 300 residential houses in September 1993.
The Hague Court charged that he directed troops under his command to kill at least 100 Serb civilians and burned 300 civilian homes.
The Hague-based court charges him with ordering his men to kill over 100 Serbian civilians and soldiers and burn down 300 houses.
The Hague Court charged him that he ordered his subordinate to kill 100 Serbian civilians and soldiers and burnt 300 civil buildings.
Bobetko issued a statement to the media on the very night, denying the Hague Tribunal's indictment and saying he would never yield to the Hague Tribunal, even if it costs his life.
Bobetko issued a statement for the media on that night and rejected The Hague Court's charges.  He said he would rather die than submit himself to The Hague Court.
Bobetko made a statement during the night to reject the Hague-based court's charges and vowed not to surrender to the Hague Court even at the cost of his life.
Bobeiteke made a statement to the press later, denying charges from Hague, and said that he himself would not bend to the Hague Court even at the price of his life.
US Defense Department Calls off 2 Missile Intercept Tests
U.S. Department of Defense Cancelled Two Missile Intercept Tests
US Defense Department Cancels Two Missile Intercept Tests
US Defense Ministry Canceled Two Missile Interception Tests
Xinhua News Agency, Washington, January 8 (Reporter Tan Xinmu)  Lehner, spokesman for the Missile Defense Agency at the Pentagon, announced on the 8th that the US military authorities have decided to call off the two missile intercept tests scheduled for the first half of this year because the development of a new type of booster that launches the interceptor is behind the original schedule.
Xinhua News Agency, Washington, January 8 (Reporter: Tan Xinmu) - Richard Lehner, spokesman of Missile Defense Agency, U.S. Department of Defense said on the 8th that U.S. military decided to skip two scheduled missile intercept tests in the first half of this year, because the development of a new rocket booster, used for launching the interceptor, was arrear of original schedule.
Xinhua News Agency report of January 8 from Washington D.C. (by staff reporter Tan Xinmu) - Spokesman of the US Defense Department's Missile Defense Agency Lehner announced on January 8 that the US army had decided to cancel two missile intercept tests scheduled for the first half of this year as the development of the new type of booster to launch the intercept missiles had fallen behind schedule.
(Xinhua, Washington, Jan 8, Tang Xinmu reports) Spokesperson of Missile Defense Agency of US Defense Ministry Lainaer announced today, the US army decides to cancel 2 missile interception tests which originally were set in the first half of this year. The reason is that the development of the new boosting rocket lags behind the original schedule.
Lehner told the media here that the Missile Defense Agency this year will need to concentrate on solving the problem of the booster and that the next missile intercept test will be conducted after Boeing manufactures the new type of booster this fall.
Lehner told media here that the Missile Defense Agency has to concentrate on solving the rocket booster problem this year.  The next missile intercept test will take place in autumn after Boeing Company produces a new rocket booster.
Lehner told the press here that the Missile Defense Agency needed to concentrate on resolving the booster's problems, and that the next missile intercept test would be held in this autumn after Boeing Company presented its new booster.
Lainaer told the press here that the Missile Defense Agency will focus on resolving the problem of rocket boosting. The next interception test will be held after Boen produces new boosting rocket this autumn.
Boeing originally planned to begin flight tests in 2000 on the new booster that carries the missile "interceptor," but the tests were postponed due to technical reasons.
Under the original schedule, Boeing Company was to conduct flight tests of a new type of rocket booster that could carry the "interceptor" starting from 2000.  However, that was delayed due to technical reasons.
Boeing Company was originally scheduled to test the new booster that carried the missile "interceptor" in 2000 but it postponed the test due to technical reasons.
Boen originally planned to test new boosting rockets carrying missiles since 2000, but delayed due to technical problems.
After the failure to launch the booster in December 2001, Boeing decided to redesign it and planned to complete the design by this fall.
After a launch of the rocket booster failed in December 2001, the Boeing Company decided to re-design the rocket booster, which was scheduled to complete in autumn this year.
After a failed booster test in December 2001, Boeing Company decided to complete a redesign this autumn.
After the failure of the test of boosting rockets in December 2001, Boen decided to redesign and complete it in this autumn.
In the previous eight ground-based missile intercept tests, the US military used a modified "Minuteman" rocket as a surrogate booster, but the results of the tests on this kind of booster were not satisfactory.
U.S. military used modified Minuteman rockets as booster in the last 8 ground-based missile intercept tests.  However, the result of this type of booster was not satisfactory.
In the previous 8 land-based missile intercept tests, the US army used the modified "Minuteman" as a surrogate booster, but the tests of the booster were not satisfying.
In the past eight surface missile interception tests, the US army used revised "Militia" rocket as replacement of booster, but the effect of test of this kind of booster was not as expected.
The missile intercept tests conducted in July 2000 and last December were not successful because the "interceptor" failed to separate from the booster.
The missile intercept test in July 2000 and December last year had both failed because the "interceptor" did not separate properly from the rocket booster.
The missile intercept tests in July 2000 and last December both failed as the "interceptors" failed to separate from the boosters.
Missile interception tests in July 2000 and last December both failed because the "intercepts" did not separate from the boosting rockets.
US President Bush ordered the Pentagon to start planning a missile defense system on December 17 last year and try to set up a preliminary missile defense system by September 2004.
U.S. President George W. Bush ordered the Department of Defense to start the deployment of the missile defense system on December 17 last year and hoping to complete an initial missile defense system by September 2004.
US President Bush ordered the Defense Department to prepare for the deployment of a missile defense system on December 17 last year in order to set up an initial missile defense system in September 2004.
US President Bush ordered to begin deploy missile defense system on 17th of last December, striving for constructing a primary missile defense system by September 2004.
However, many experts think as far as technologies are concerned, the time is not yet ripe to set up a missile defense system.
However, many experts believed that it is premature to deploy a missile defense system judging from the technological achievement.
However, many experts said that technically speaking alone, the time for the deployment of a missile defense system was not ripe.
But many experts think that in terms of technology, time has not been ripe yet to deploy the missile defense system.
Kadish, director of the Missile Defense Agency, also indicated that if Boeing fails to manufacture the desired booster as scheduled, the entire missile defense system set-up will be affected.
The Head of Missile Defense Agency Ronald Kadish also said that should the Boeing Company fail to produce a qualified rocket booster as scheduled, then the deployment of the whole missile defense system would be affected.
Deputy Director of the Missile Defense Agency Kadish also said that if Boeing Company was unable to make a booster that was up to standard, the complete deployment of a missile defense system would be affected.
Director of the Missile Defense Agency Dishi also said that if Boen could not produce eligible boosting rocket as scheduled, the whole deployment of missile defense system would be affected.
Slovakian President Leaves Shanghai for Hong Kong by Air
Slovak President Leaves Shanghai for Hong Kong
Slovak President Leaves Shanghai for Hong Kong
Slovak President Leave for Hongkong
Xinhua News Agency, Shanghai, January 10 (Reporter Zhou Jierong)  President Rudolf Schuster of the Slovak Republic concluded his visit to Shanghai on the morning of the 10th and left Shanghai for Hong Kong on a Slovakian charter plane.
Xinhua News Agency, Shanghai, January 10 (Reporter: Zhou Xierong) - President of Slovakia Republic, Rudolf Schuster, ended his visit in Shanghai and departed from Shanghai for Hong Kong in a Slovakia private plane in the morning of 10th.
Xinhua News Agency report of January 10 from Shanghai (by staff reporter Zhou Xierong) - President of the Republic of Slovakia, Rudolf Schuster, left Shanghai for Hong Kong on the morning of January 10 after ending his visit in Shanghai.
(Xinhua, Shanghai, Jan 10, Zhou Jierong reports) President of the Republic of Slovakia Rudolf Schuste ends up his visit to Shanghai and leaves for Hongkong by special plane this morning.
Zhou Muyao, deputy mayor of Shanghai, went to see off Slovakian President Schuster and his entourage at the airport.
Deputy Major of Shanghai Zhou Muyao saw Slovak President Rudolf Schuster off at the airport.
Shanghai's Deputy Mayor Zhou Murao saw off Slovak President Schuster at the airport.
Vice mayor of the Shanghai City sees his delegation off at the airport.
Schuster and his entourage arrived in Shanghai for a visit from Beijing on a charter plane at the noon of the 8th.
Schuster and his party arrived in Shanghai from Beijing in private plane on the 8th at noon.
Schuster arrived in Shanghai for a visit at noon of January 8 from Beijing.
The Schuste delegation flied to Shanghai from Beijing on Wednesday afternoon.
During their stay in Shanghai, Chen Liangyu, mayor of Shanghai, met with Schuster on the evening of the 8th and expressed his welcome for more Slovakian businesses to come to Shanghai for economic and trade cooperation.
During the stay in Shanghai, Chen Liangyu, the Major of Shanghai, met with Schuster in the evening of the 8th.  The Major told Schuster that more Slovakian enterprises are welcomed in Shanghai for economic and trade cooperation.
During Schuster's stay in Shanghai, Mayor Chen Liangyu met with him on the night of January 8, and welcomed more Slovak enterprises to come to Shanghai for economic and trade cooperation.
During his stay in Shanghai, Shanghai mayor Chen Liangyu met with him on Wednesday evening and expressed hospitality of more Slovak entrepreneurs to come to Shanghai and expand economic and trade cooperation between the two sides.
On the afternoon of the 8th, Schuster attended a seminar by Chinese and Slovakian entrepreneurs.
In the afternoon of the 8th, Schuster attended an informal discussion meeting with Chinese and Slovak entrepreneurs.
On the afternoon of January 8 Schuster attended a Sino-Slovak entrepreneur seminar.
On Wednesday afternoon, Schuste attended a symposium of Chinese and Slovak businessmen.
On the 9th, Schuster attended the opening ceremony of Shanghai Office of the Slovakian Electric Appliance Design and Research Institute and toured Shanghai City Planning Exhibition Hall and Shanghai Museum.
On the 9th, Schuster attended the opening ceremony of the Shanghai representative office of a Slovakian electronic appliance research institute.  He also visited the Shanghai City Planning Exhibition Hall and the Shanghai Museum.
On January 9 Schuster attended an opening ceremony of the Shanghai Office of the Slovak Electronic Appliance Research Institute and visited the Shanghai City Planning Exhibition Hall as well as Shanghai Museum.
On Thursday, Schuste attended the opening ceremony of the Shanghai Office of Slovak Electronic Research Institute and visited City Planning Museum of Shanghai as well as the Shanghai Museum.
The total trade volume of imports and exports between Slovakia and Shanghai has now reached 30 million US dollars with garments, pharmaceuticals, steel, furniture and auto parts as main commodities of trade on both sides.
The trade volume between Slovakia and Shanghai has reached US$30 million.  The bulk of the trades are clothing, medicine, steel products, furniture and car components etc.
Trade volume between Slovakia and Shanghai has reached 30 million US dollars. The major imports and exports between the two sides include clothing, medicines, steel products, furniture and motor parts.
The trade volume between Slovak and Shanghai has totaled 30 million US dollars. Commodities involved in the bilateral trade mainly are garment, medicine, iron and steel products, furniture and automobile parts, etc.
Schuster came to China on January 4 for a state visit at the invitation of China's President Jiang Zemin.
Schuster arrived in China on January 4 for an official visit on invitation by Chinese President Jiang Zemin.
Schuster began his state visit to China on January 4 at the invitation of President Jiang Zemin.
Schuste paid a state visit to China at the invitation of Chinese President Jiang Zemin on Jan 4th.
Port of Shanghai Surpasses Kaohsiung as World's Fourth Largest Container Port
Shanghai Has Surpassed Kaoshiung As the World's 4th Largest Container Port
Shanghai Replaces Kaohsiung as World's Fourth Largest Container Port
Shanghai Replaces Gaoxiong as the 4th Biggest Container Dock in the World
Xinhua News Agency, Shanghai, January 10 (Reporter Feng Yizhen)  News from the port industry indicated that last year the Port of Shanghai recorded a container throughput of 8.612 million TEUs against that of about 8.491 million TEUs completed by the Port of Kaohsiung in Taiwan, surpassing the latter to become the world's fourth largest container port.
Xinhua News Agency, Shanghai, January 10 (Reporter: Ping Yizhen) - Information from the port industry said the Shanghai port had processed 8.612 million standard containers last year while Taiwan's Kaoshiung port processed about 8.491 million standard containers.  Hence, Shanghai has surpassed Kaoshiung and is now the 4th largest container port in the world.
Xinhua News Agency report of January 10 from Shanghai (by staff reporter Feng Yizhen) - Sources from the port industry said that last year the Shanghai Port handled 8.612 million standard containers while the Kaohsiung Port in Taiwan handled about 8.491 million standard containers, making the Shanghai Port the world's fourth largest container port, ahead of Kaohsiung.
(Xinhau, Shanghai, Jan 10, Feng Yizhen reports) According to source of the port business, Shanghai Port made a throughput of containers at 8.612 million standard containers last year, whereas, the figure Gaoxiong Port of Taiwan made is 8.391 million standard containers. Shanghai Port replaced Gaoxiong as the 4th biggest container port in the world.
The global economic rebound and sustained economic growth in China last year have infused fresh vitality into the development of the Port of Shanghai.
The global economy warmed up last year and a continued economic growth in China has injected new vitality to the development of the Shanghai port.
The world economic recovery and China's sustainable development last year have injected new vitalities to the development of the Shanghai Port.
The recovery of the global economy and sustained economic development in China injected new vitality to the development of Shanghai Port.
In 2001, the Port of Shanghai handled a container throughput of 6.34 million TEUs.  Last year its container throughput passed two milestones of 7 and 8 million TEUs to hit 8.612 million TEUs, a jump of 35.8% over the previous year.  Its total cargo throughput reached 260 million tons, up 19% over a year earlier while its foreign export volume exceeded 100 million tons for the first time by a 22% increase over the previous year.
In 2001, the Shanghai port completed the processing of 6.34 million containers.  In last year, Shanghai strode across the 7 million and 8 million benchmarks and achieved a processing volume of 8.612 million containers, an increase of 35.8 percent over previous year.  The total volume of cargo processed was 260 million tons, up 19 percent over previous year.  For the first time, the volume of export exceeded 100 million tons, up 22% over previous year.
In 2001, the Shanghai Port handled 6.34 million containers while last year's handling capacity topped 7-million and 8-million marks to reach 8.612 million containers, rocketing 35.8% from the previous year; the total handling volume reached 260 million tons, up 19% from the previous year; the export volume reached over 100 million tons for the first time, up 22% from the previous year.
Throughput of containers made by the Shanghai Port in 2001 reached 6.34 million in the first half of 2001. Vaulting over the two steps of 7 million and 8 million last year, the figure hit 8.612 million, jump 35.8%. The total throughput of goods reached 0.26 billion tons, up 19% than the year before. The export volume broke 0.1 billion tons the fist time, up 22% that the year before.
With a vast economic hinterland as its support and a huge network with direct links, the Port of Shanghai has become a hub with the largest number of liner routes and voyages.
The Shanghai port is supported by a vast economic hinterland linked together by an enormous traffic network.  It has become a port with the largest number of shipping routes as well as the most frequent ones.
Backed by a broad economic hinterland and a large network of direct arteries and branches, the Shanghai Port has become the one with the largest number of shipping routes and flights.
Basing on vast economic hinterland, the Shanghai port has huge network consists of thousands of straight thoroughfares, becoming port of the most air courses and the densest flights.
At present, the Port of Shanghai has liner routes to all the 12 navigational zones on earth and trade relations with more than 400 ports in the world.  It has daily voyages to Europe and North America and weekly voyages to the Mediterranean, the Persian Gulf, Australia and so on.
At present, the Shanghai port has scheduled sailing to the entire 12-shipping regions in the world and it maintains trades with more than 400 ports in the world.  There are ships departing for Europe and North America everyday and there are also weekly departure for Mediterranean Sea, the Persian Gulf and Australia etc.
Currently, the Shanghai Port has flights to each of the world's 12 flight areas with shipping links to over 400 ports throughout the world. It has daily shipments to Europe, North America and weekly flights to the Mediterranean, the Persian Gulf and Australia.
At present, the Shanghai Port has flight to 12 flight zones in the world, doing business with 400 ports and flights toward Europe and North America everyday, as well as to the Mediterranean, the Persian Gulf and Australia, etc.
The number of voyages to all parts of the world each month is more than 1,300.
Every month, there are more than 1300 schedule departures to different corners of the world.
There are up to 1,300 flights to all parts of the world every month.
There are over 1,300 flights to all over the world every month.
The container throughput of this year at the Port of Shanghai, which is speeding up the construction of its International Shipping Center, will exceed 9.5 million TEUs and efforts are made to reach 10 million TEUs so that the port will achieve its original goal one year ahead of schedule.
The Shanghai port is accelerating its development as an international logistic hub.  The port is likely to process more than 9.5 million containers this year but it is working hard for 10 million standard containers.  If achieved, it will be one year ahead of original target.
The Shanghai Port, which is speeding up the construction of an international shipping center, is expected to handle more than 9.50 million containers this year with an aim of surpassing 10 million standard containers, a target originally set for next year.
Shanghai Port, accelerating the construction of an international transportation center, will strive for the throughput of 10 million standard containers, breaking the limit of 9.5 million and realising the original goal a year in advance.
Turkey Allows US to Inspect Its Bases
Turkey Allows U.S. to Inspect Its Military Facilities
Turkey Allows US to Inspect Turkish Bases
Turkey Allows the US to Examin Turkish Bases
Xinhua News Agency, Ankara, January 10 (Reporter Huai Chengbo)  According to the report of the Turkish newspaper "Milliyet" on the 10th, the Turkish government has agreed to let 150 US military personnel to inspect the Turkish bases and ports that may be used in the war against Iraq.
Xinhua News Agency, Ankara, January 10 (Reporter: Huai Chengbo) - According to a report in the Turkish newspaper Milliyet on the 10th, Turkish government has already agreed to let 150 U.S. military officials to survey Turkish facilities and ports that could be used in a war with Iraq.
Xinhua News Agency report of January 10 from Ankara (by staff reporter Huai Chengbo) - The Turkish National newspaper reported on January 10 that the Turkish government had approved the United States to send 150 military personnel to inspect the Turkish bases and ports that might be used in a war against Iraq.
(Xinhua, Ankara, Jan 10, Huai Chengbo report) According to the report of Turkish newspaper "the National" today, Turkish government has already agreed that the US could send 150 military personnel to examine Turkish bases and ports that might be used in the likely coming war on Iraq.
The report said that after rounds of negotiations between Turkey and the United States, the two sides finally reached an agreement on the document regarding the legal status of these US military personnel.
It was reported that U.S. and Turkey made several rounds of negotiations before they agreed on and documented the legal position of these U.S. military officials.
The report said that after several rounds of talks Turkey and the United States had finally reached agreements on documents concerning the legal status of US military personnel.
After many round of talks between Turkey and the US, the two sides finally reached agreement on the document about the legal status of these US military personnel, the report said.
The document stipulates that these US personnel are subject to investigation pursuant to the Turkish Penal Law if they commit crimes outside the military facilities.
The documents stipulated that these U.S. officials would be subject to Turkish legal proceedings if they commit any crime outside the military facilities.
Under the documents, if the US personnel commit crimes outside the military facilities, they will be investigated according to Turkey's Criminal Law.
The document regulates that if these US personnel breaches the law outside of military facilities, they will be investigated according to Turkish law.
The Turkish legal authorities have the right to arrest, sentence and imprison them.
The Turkish judiciary departments have a right to arrest, sentence and imprison them.
The Turkish law enforcement authorities have the rights to arrest, sentence and jail them.
The Turkish jurisdiction is entitled to arrest, sentence and detain them.
If the court permits, criminals may also serve their sentence terms in the United States.
If permitted by court, the criminal may serve the sentence in America.
If the court allows, the convicts can serve their sentences in the United States.
If the court allows, the convicts can serve their terms in the US.
According to the report of Anadolu News Agency, the Turkish and US officials can formally sign this document at any time.
According to Anatolia news agency, U.S. officials in Turkey are prepared to officially execute the documents at any time.
According to Anatolian News Agency's report, the Turkish and US officials may formally sign the documents at any time.
According to report of Anadolu Press Agency, Turkish and US officials can formally sign this document at any time.
The report said that the United States asked Turkey for permissions to open a "northern front" in its military strikes against Iraq from the Turkish territories and to use Turkish bases and ports and deploy 80,000 ground troops in Turkey so as to launch strikes on Baghdad from Turkey.
The news agency reported that U.S. is seeking Turkey's consent to open a "northern frontline" from Turkish soil in event of a war with Iraq.  This includes the use of Turkish bases and ports as well as the deployment of 80 thousand ground troops in Turkey such that U.S. can attack Baghdad from Turkey.
Reports said that the United States had asked Turkey to approve its plans to open a "northern front" to launch attacks against Iraq by using the Turkish bases and ports as well as deploying 80,000 ground forces in Turkey to attack Baghdad from Turkey.
According to reports, the US requests Turkey to agree to inaugurate "the Northern battle line" on Turkish territory for the forthcoming Iraqi war, using Turkish bases and ports and deploying 80,000 ground troops in Turkey so as to attack Baghdad from Turkey.
The United States hopes that its military experts can begin inspection and construction on the Turkish bases and ports as soon as possible so that the facilities can meet the requirements of the actual warfare.
The U.S. side wants the military specialists to inspect the bases and ports as soon as possible and do any construction works necessary to bring these facilities up to the standard required in actual combat.
The US side hopes that the military experts will carry out their inspection and construction of the Turkish bases and ports as soon as possible to enable these facilities to reach warfare standards.
The US hopes military experts to conduct examination and construction to Turkish bases and ports as soon as possible to make these facilities reach the standards of actual combat.
The three bases that the United States proposed for use are Incirlik, Batman and Diyarbakir; the three ports are Tasucu, Mersin and Iskenderun.
U.S. requested the use of three bases, namely Incirlik, Batman and Diyarbakir, as well as the 3 ports of Tasucu, Mersin and Iskenderun.
The three bases the United States has required to use are Incirlik, Batman and Diyarbakir, and the three ports are Tugsas, Mersin and Iskenderun.
3 bases the US proposed to use are: Yinjierlike, Bateman and Diaerbaker, 3 ports: Tashuzhu, Meierxin and Yisikendelun.
All of them are located in southern and southeastern Turkey.
These facilities are located on the south and southeast part of Turkey.
They are all located in the south and southeast of Turkey.
They all locate in the South or South-east of Turkey.
US Resumes Admission of Iraqi Refugees
U.S. Resumes Admission of Iraqi Refugees
US Resumes to Accept Iraqi Refugees
The US Resumes to accept Iraqi Refugees
Xinhua News Agency, Washington, January 10  Officials from the UN Refugee Agency said that the US government announced the resumption of its program of admitting Iraqi refugees on the 10th after it was briefly suspended.
Xinhua News Agency, Washington, January 10 - An official of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said U.S. government announced on the 10th that the admission of Iraqi refugees has resumed after a temporary interruption to the program.
Xinhua News Agency report of January 10 from Washington D.C. - Officials of the UN Refugee Commission said that the United States government announced on January 10 to resume a program to accept Iraqi refugees after a brief suspension.
(Xinhua, Washington, Jan 10) According to UNHCR source, the US government announced to resume the program to accept Iraqi refugees in October after a short interruption.
Officials from the US Immigration and Naturalization Service said that the admission of Iraqi refugees has now resumed after being suspended for a few days, but they did not explain why the program was suspended or resumed.
An official of U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) said the admission of Iraqi refugees has resumed following a temporary interruption that lasted for a few days.  However, INS did not explain why the program was suspended or resumed.
US immigration officials said that the program to accept Iraqi refugees had been resumed following several days of suspension but did not explain why the program was suspended and then resumed.
According to US Migration Bureau source, the Program of Accepting Iraqi Refugees has been resumed after interruption for several days, but no reason is given for either the interruption or the resumption.
On the 9th, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees representative in Washington received a phone call from a top US State Department official and was told that the admission program of Iraqi refugees had been suspended.
On the 9th, the representative of UNHCR at Washington received a telephone call from a high-ranking official in U.S. State Department, who said the Iraqi refugee resettlement program was suspended.
On January 9 representative of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to Washington was told over phone by senior US State Department officials that the program to take Iraqi refugees was suspended.
Representative of UNHCR to Washington received notification from a senior official of the State Department that the Program of Accepting Iraqi Refugees is halted, yesterday.
The refugees affected by this change are mainly scattered in Jordan, Syria and Turkey.
The change affected refugees scattered in Jordan, Syria and Turkey.
Refugees affected by the change are mainly scattered in Jordan, Syria and Turkey.
Refugees affected by this change mainly spread around Jordan, Syria and Turkey.
Lavinia Limon, the executive director of the US Committee for Refugees, blamed the plight of these refugees on Iraqi President Saddam because they had to flee their homeland due to the persecution they suffer at the hands of Saddam's regime.
Lavinia Limon, Executive Director of U.S. Committee for Refugees, said the Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was to be blamed for the difficult position before the refugees.  Lavinia believed the brutality of Saddam Hussein's government had forced the refugees to leave their homeland.
Chief of the US Refugee Committee Lavinia Limon blamed Iraqi President Saddam for the refugees' plight, saying it was Saddam's regime that forced them to flee their homes.
The chief of US Refugees' Committee Lavinia Lemon blames Iraqi president Saddam of the difficulties of these refugees. She views that it is the persecution by the Saddam regime forces them to excape from their homes.
The US government plans to admit 70,000 refugees in 2003.
U.S. government planned to accept 70,000 refugees in 2003.
The US government plans to accept 70,000 refugees in 2003.
The US government plans to accept 70,000 refugees in 2003.
Last year, the planned quota for refugees was also 70,000, but only fewer than 30,000 people were actually admitted.
In last year, the planned admission was also 70,000 refugees but actual admission was less then 30 thousand.
It planned to accept the same number of 70,000 refugees last year but it actually took fewer than 30,000.
The figure set for last year was 70,000, too, but only less than 30,000 refugees were accepted.
(Entertainment Hotline)  Peking Opera of the Fairy Tale "the Wild Swans" to Debut on the Capital's Stage
(Culture and Recreation Hotline) Peking Opera Fairy Tale "The Wild Swan" Staged in Beijing
(Entertainment Hotline) Peking Opera Fairy Tale "The Wild Swan" to Be Staged in Beijing
(Entertainment Hotline) Peking Opera Play, the Fairy Tale "Wild Swans" to be on Stage in Beijing
Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, January 11  "The Wild Swans," a Peking opera based on Anderson's fairy tale performed by Peking Opera House of Hebei Province, will make its debut on the capital's stage -- Changan Theater on evenings from January 13 to January 24.
Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, January 11 - The Peking Opera House in Hebei province has rehearsed a Peking opera fairy tale play of "The Wild Swan", which is based on the fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson.  The play will be shown for the first time on Beijing stage -- Changan Grand Theater, from January 13 to 24.
Xinhua News Agency report of January 11 from Beijing - A Peking opera fairy tale "the Wild Swan" adapted from Anderson's fairy tales by Heibei Provincial Peking Opera Troupe will make its debut in the capital's stage, the Chang'an Grand Theater, from January 13 to January 24.
(Xinhua, Beijing, Jan 11) Peking opera play "Wild Swans" according to Anderson's fairy tale performed by the Hebei Peking Opera Troupe will be on stage for the first time in the Chang'an Grand Theater in Beijing from Jan 13 to 24.
An elaborate integration of Chinese and foreign cultures, costumes and scenes, and a fine mixture of classic and contemporary languages, music and styles of singing, "the Wild Swans" retells the beautiful fairy tale in the form of Peking opera, which is not only pleasing to the eyes and ears but also highly entertaining.
"The Wild Swan" combines Chinese and foreign cultures, costumes and scenes into one unity.  It also integrated ancient and modern tongues, music and singing into one play.  The beautiful fairy tale is presented in eye pleasing, ear pleasing and amusing style of Peking opera.
"The Wild Swan" combines Chinese and foreign cultures, costumes, scenes as well as the ancient and contemporary languages, music and singing, making the beautiful fairy tale interesting and pleasant to watch and listen.
"Wild Swans" merges the culture, costume and scene of both Chinese and western styles, as well as the language, music and aria of both modern and ancient time, interpreting this beautiful fairy tale as interesting, sweet and entertaining.
In the play, the kind-hearted and innocent Princess Elisa, envied by her stepmother because of her beauty, is frantically persecuted.  She goes through a series of hardships and misery to rescue her brothers in distress.
The play describes the pure and kindhearted princess Eliza, who was oppressed cruelly by her stepmother because of envy to Eliza's beauty.  The princess went through many sufferings and pains to save her elder brother, who encountered difficulty.
It tells a story that kindhearted and pure Princess Alyssa is persecuted by her stepmother out of jealousy. She endures hardships and sufferings to help his elder brother who is in distress.
It tells the story that nice and chaste Princess Eliza suffers from the jealousy of her step mother and is crazily persecuted; she helps and salvages her elder brothers despite all sorts of tribulation and affliction.
In the end, truth, benevolence and beauty triumph over falsehood, evil and ugliness, and Elisa accomplishes her three beautiful leaps that lead to a magnificent life.
Finally, the true, the good and the beautiful completely defeated the false, the bad and the ugly.  Eliza completed her three beautiful leaps towards a magnificent life.
In the end, the true, good and beautiful ones defeat the false, evil and ugly ones and Alyssa completes her three leaps to a wonderful life.
Truthfulness, kindness and goodness defeat falseness, ugliness and evilness. Eliza completes 3 beautiful leaps toward a splendid life.
According to "Beijing Evening," the script, direction, style of singing and choreography of the play have no matches.
According to the Beijing Evening News, the playwright, the director, the singing and the dancing have all demonstrated unique accomplishment.
According to the Beijing Evening News, the play's writing, directing, singing and stage decoration are matchless.
According to reports of "Beijing Evening News", the opera is unique in playwrite, direction, singing and dancing.
The renowned director Xie Ping-an has not only retained the overall features of a Peking opera in this play but also added some romantic and lively sentiments of a fairy tale.  He has employed many artistic techniques and a large number of theatrical expressions.  His rendering of group scenes, in particular, is phenomenally sophisticated and stylistically unique.
Famous director Xie Pingan retained the distinguishing feature of Peking opera in the overall presentation and at the same time added the romantic, vivid and emotional appeal of a fairy tale.  Xie mobilized a large amount of artistic means and stage glossary, especially in the handling of scenes with many actors, and allow the audience to feel his exceptional skills and unique style.
Renowned director Xie Ping'an not only keeps the characteristics of Peking opera but also adds fairy tale's romantic and lively sentiments into the play, using lots of artistic techniques and stage languages. Especially in dealing with the scene of the masses, it shows its excellent techniques and unique style.
Distinguished director Xie Ping'an preserves the special features of Peking opera throughout the play, and adds romantic and lively sentiments of fairy tales. He uses large amount of artistic instrument and stage language. People can sense his uncommon skills and unique style, especially through his dealing with crowd scenes.
Elisa is played by Zhang Yanling, a Class-1 actress on the state level and a winner of "the Plum Blossom Award."
China's grade one actor and winner of the "Plum Blossom Award", Zhang Yimling, plays the role of Eliza.
Actress Zhang Yanlin who plays Alyssa is the national first class actress and the winner of the "Plum Blossom Prize".
Actress starring Eliza, Zhang Yanling is an actress of National A Level and a winner of the "Plum Blossom Award".
Her voice is clear, mellow and sweetly resonant.
Her voice is sweet, loud and clear.
Her voice is clear and mellow.
She has a crystal and mellow voice.
Against a beautiful scenery of an exotic land, Elisa's heart bleeds for her beloved brothers.  An extensive piece of "fan er huang" is sung with such rich vocal and emotional expression that the heroine's feelings just speak for themselves.
Amid the beautiful sentiment in a foreign country, Eliza felt sorrow about her beloved brother and sang a long passage of counter "erhuang".  The singing was so rich in sentiment and her voice was so lovely.  Everything was so merry and lively and no words can properly describe it.
In the exotic beautiful scene, Alyssa is laden with grief for her beloved brother. A segment of the "Fanerhuang" is sung with deep feeling and verve.
In a beautiful scene of a foreign country, Eliza graves for her elder brothers, heartily singing a long segment of "Fan'erhuang" with remarkable voice and expression.
Her life-like make-up in the play and her simple but pretty headdress only add to her brilliance.
The stage appearance was close to life; the simple but pretty hair ornaments all provided exceptional luster to her.
The close-to-life makeup, simple and beautiful head decorations make her dazzlingly brilliant.
Appearance close to life and simple but pretty headwear make her dazzlingly beautiful.
Car Bombing in Colombia Left at Least 4 Dead
Car Bomb Killed 4 Four People in Columbia
Colombian Car Bombing Kills At Least Four People
Car Bomb in Columbia Causes at Least 4 Dead
Xinhua News Agency, Bogota, January 16 (Reporter Yin Nan)  A car bomb exploded near a district prosecution office in central Medellin, Colombia's second largest city, on the morning of the 16th, killing at least 4 and injuring 26.
Xinhua News Agency, Bogota, January 16 (Reporter: Yin Nan) - A car bomb exploded near the local prosecution office in the city center of Medellin, Columbia's second largest city, in the morning of the 16th.  The blast killed 4 people and injured 26 others.
Xinhua News Agency report of January 16 from Bogota (by staff reporter Ying Nan) - A car bombing occurred near the local procuratorate in Colombia's second largest city of Medellin on the morning of January 16, killing at least four people and injuring 26 others.
(Xinhua, Bogot, Jan 16, Yin Nan reports) Beside the Central Local Procuratorate in Medlin, the second largest city of Columbia, a car bomb exploded this morning, killing 4 and injuring 26.
The Colombian police disclosed that a rental car parked at the parking lot of a shopping center near the prosecution office exploded at 8:05 a.m. local time.
The Columbian police said a rental car parked in the car park of a shopping mall next to the prosecution office exploded at 8:05 a.m.
Colombian police said a car in a shop's parking lot near the procuratorate exploded at 8:05am local time.
According Columbian police source, a taxi in the parking lot of the department store beside the Procuratorate exploded at 8:05 local time this morning.
The dead include a one-year-old child, and five of the wounded are in critical condition.
The death toll included a one-year old child and five of the injured were in critical conditions.
The killed include a one-year-old child. Five injured people were in serious conditions.
The dead includes a one-year-old enfant and 5 were seriously injured.
40 shops and 15 automobiles near the bombing site were damaged.
The blast damaged 40 shops and 15 cars in the vicinity.
Forty shops and 15 vehicles on the scene were damaged.
40 shops and 15 cars were harmed around the site of explosion.
Authorities suspect that the Armed Revolutionary Forces of Colombia (FARC), an anti-government guerrilla organization, is responsible for the incident, because 68 members of the guerrilla organization have been captured in Medellin this week.
As 68 members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia were captured in Medellin this week, authority suspects the crime might have been committed by this anti-government guerilla organization.
Authorities suspect that the bombing was planned by the rebel guerrilla group "the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia" as 68 members of the guerrilla group were arrested this week in Medellin.
The authorities suspects it is done by rebelling guerilla force "Columbia Revolutionary Armed Force", for 68 members of this organization were arrested this week in Medlin.
Medellin police chief Gallego announced that the police has offered a reward of 500 million pesos (about 172,000 US dollars) for the capture of the perpetrators.
Medellin police chief Leonardo Gallego announced a police reward of 500 million pesos (about US$172 thousand) for the capture of the troublemaker.
Medellin's police chief Gallego announced that the police would offer a 500 million Peso (about 172,000 US dollars) reward for the arrest of the mastermind.
Police Bureau chief of the Medlin city Jialiege announces that the police offers reward of 0.5 billion pesos (about 172,000 dollars) to arrest suspects.
Antioquia Province, where Medellin is in, is one of the areas that have seen the most violent armed clashes in Colombia.  Illegal armed forces such as the FARC, the National Liberation Army and the right-wing paramilitary group and so on have frequent activities in this area.
Medellin is situated in the Antioquia state, which is one of the areas with most serious armed conflicts in Columbia.  Illegal armed forces, including the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia, National Liberation Army and right-wing paramilitaries etc., are all active in this region.
The Antioquia Province where the city of Medellin is located has seen one of the fiercest armed conflicts in Colombia. Illegal armed forces like "the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia", "the National Liberation Army", and right-wing paramilitary organizations are active in this region.
Andiaojiya Province where Medlin locates is one of the regions in Columbia with the worst armed conflicts. "Columbia Revolutionary Armed Force", "National Liberation Army" and some rightist military organizations conduct frequent maneuvers in this region.
Multi-billion-dollar Diamond Deal Violates Antitrust Law, EU Concludes
European Union Identified a Huge Diamond Deal As a Monopoly
EU Regards A Huge Diamond Deal Violating Antitrust Law
EU Acknowledges a Substansive Diamond Transaction against Anti-monopoly Law
Xinhua News Agency, Brussels, January 16 (Reporter Tian Fan)  The European Commission announced on the 16th that the EU preliminarily concludes the 4-billion-euro diamond sales contract signed between De Beers, the largest diamond supplier in the world, and Alrosa, a Russian diamond company, violated the EU's Antitrust Law.
Xinhua News Agency, Brussels, January 16 (Reporter: Tian Fan) - The European Committee announced on the 16th that European Union (EU) has preliminary identified the 4 billion euro diamond contract between De Beers Group, the largest diamond supplier in the World, and the Russian diamond company as a violation of EU anti-monopoly law.
Xinhua News Agency report of January 16 from Brussels (by staff reporter Tian Fan) - The European Commission announced on January 16 that the European Union had initially held that the 4-billion-Euro diamond deal between the world's largest diamond supplier De Beers Company and Russian Diamond Company violated EU's Antitrust Law.
(Xinhua, Brussels, Jan 16, Tian Fan reports) The EU Commission announced today that the EU initially acknowledges the 4-billion-Euro diamond transaction between the biggest diamond supplier "Debeers" and Russian Diamond Company against EU Anti-monopoly Law.
De Beers, a company that has its headquarters both in South Africa and Britain, controls 60% to 65% of the world's rough diamonds.  Alrosa, the only diamond mining company in Russia, on the other hand, is also the world's second largest producer of rough diamonds.
De Beers, which has headquarters in both South Africa and Britain, controls 60-65% of the world's uncut diamond market.  The Russian diamond company is the only diamond mining company in Russia and is the second biggest uncut diamond producer in the world.
De Beers Company, which has its headquarters both in South Africa and Britain, controls 60%-65% of the world's rough diamonds while the Russian Diamond Company is the only diamond mining company in Russia and the world's second rough diamond producer.
Debeers, headquartered both in South Africa and the UK controls 60%- 65% unprocessed diamonds in the world. The Russian Diamond Company is the only diamond mining company in Russia and also the second biggest diamond producer in the world.
Under the five-year multi-billion-dollar contract signed by the two companies, Alrosa agrees that it shall supply half of its annual diamond output, some 800-million-euro worth of rough diamonds, to De Beers, which will then distribute these diamonds to the markets.
According to the terms of the huge sum five-year contract between the two companies, the Russian diamond company agreed to sell half of its annual diamond production to De Beers and that is, uncut diamonds with a value of 800 million euros.  De Beers will be responsible to market these diamonds in the market.
According to a five-year huge deal between the two companies, the Russian Diamond Company agrees to provide half of its annual diamond production, or the rough diamonds worth about 800 million Euros, to De Beers Company, which will sell them in the markets.
According the 5-year substansive contract signed by the two companies, the Russian Diamond Company agrees to provide half of its annual diamond product, i.e., unprocessed diamonds that value 0.8 billion Euros, to Debeers, and Debeer is obligated to sell these diamonds in the market.
The European Commission pointed out in a statement that the contract will restrict Russia's free competition with the world's diamond markets and lead De Beers to potential abuse of its dominant position to effectively control the quantity, quality and even price of diamonds on the world market.
The European Committee pointed out in a statement that the contract would restrict the free competition in Russia and the world diamond market.  De Beers might abuse its leading position and effectively controls the quantities, quality and price of diamonds in the world market.
The European Commission pointed out in a statement that the deal would restrict the free competition between Russia and the world's diamond market and would let De Beers Company to abuse its leading position to effectively control the quantities, qualities and even prices of the diamonds in the world market.
The EU Commission points out in a statement that this contract will limit the free competition between Russia and the international diamond market, and possibly cause Debeers to abuse its leading place to effectively control the amount, quality and price of the diamonds in the world market.
Under the EU Antitrust Law, the two companies can appeal the European Commission's decision within two months and the European Commission will also continue its antitrust investigation of the two companies.
According to anti-monopoly law in EU, the two companies may object to the European Committee's decision within two months.  The European Committee will also continue its anti-monopoly investigation on these two companies.
According to EU's Antitrust Law, the two companies have two months to respond to EC's decision and the EC will also continue its antitrust investigation of the two companies.
According to the anti-monopoly law of the EU, these two companies can propose objection to the decision of the European Commission in 2 months and the EU Commission will carry on  anti-monopoly investigation to these two companies.
Gas Explosion in Lishu Coal Mine in Jixi
A Gas Explosion Took Place at Jixi's Lishu Mine
Gas Explosion Occurs in Lishu Coal Mine in Jixi
Gas Explosion Took Place in Li Shu Coal Mine in Jixi
Xinhua News Agency, Harbin, January 21 (Reporters Wu Xiaodong and Yang Haibin)  At 9:42 on the 20th, a gas explosion occurred at Lishu Coal Mine No. 7 of Jixi Mine Group, killing 16 of the 97 people working underground.
Xinhua News Agency, Harbin, January 21 (Reporter: Wu Xiaodong and Yang Haibin) - A gas explosion took place at 9:42 on the 20th at Jixi Mine Group's Lishu Coal Mine No. 7, when 97 people were working in the pits.  The blast killed 16 people.
Xinhua News Agency report of January 21 from Harbin (by staff reporters Wu Xiaodong and Yang Haibin) - A gas explosion occurred in Lishu Coal Mine's shaft 7 under the Jixi Mineral Group, killing 16 of the 97 workers underground at 9:42 on January 20.
(Xinhua, Harbin, Jan 21, Wu Xiaodong and Yang Haibin report) At 9:42 yesterday, gas explosion took place in the 7th mine of Li Shu Coal Mine of Jixi Mining Group, 97 people working under the mine and 16 dead.
As of the early morning of the 21st, the rescue work has completed.
The rescue mission was completed in the early morning of 21st.
Rescue work had ended by the early morning of January 21.
Until this morning, emergency and evacuation working had been finished.
According to Yu Jiahua, chairman of Jixi Mine Group, the coal mine where the accident occurred has been reorganized out of the bankrupt Muleng Coal Mine.  The annual output is about 200,000 tons.
According to the introduction by Jixi Mine Group chairman Yu Jiahua, the mine, where the accident took place, was originally owned by the bankrupted Muleng Mine Company and has an annual production of 200 thousand tons.
Chairman of Jixi Mineral Group Yu Jiahua said that the mine where the accident occurred was set up after the reshuffle of the bankrupt Mulin Mine, with an annual production of about 200,000 tons.
According to Yu Jiahua, president of the Jixi Mining Group, the mine where the accident took place was reformed by originally bankrupt coal mines with an annual production of 200,000 tons.
The gas explosion did not take place in the digging area but in the exit tunnel.
The gas explosion was not at the excavation layer but at the retreating alley.
The gas explosion took place in the evacuation tunnel instead of the mining site.
The gas explosion point did not locate in the working level, but in the withdrawal tunnels.
At the time, workers underground were moving equipment.
At time of the accident, the workers were in the pits moving equipment.
Then workers underground were transporting equipments.
At the time of explosion, workers were transporting equipment.
The cause of the explosion is not yet clear.
The cause of the explosion is not known.
The cause of the explosion is not clear so far.
The reason of the explosion is still unknown.
After the accident, Jixi Mine Group dispatched more than 40 rescue workers to provide emergency aid.  Except for the 16 people who were killed, the rest have been all safely evacuated.
After the accident, Jixi Mine Group promptly dispatched a rescue team with more than 40 members.  Apart from the 16 killed, the rest of the personnel were safely transferred.
After the accident, Jixi Mineral Group sent over 40 rescue workers to the site. Sixteen people were killed and the others were safely evacuated.
After the accident, the Jixi Mining Group altogether dispatched more than 40 ambulancemen for emergency treatment in time. Except 16 people died in the accident, others in the mine were safely evacuated.
The remains of the victims have now been brought to the surface, and body identification and other aftermath care are currently underway.
The remains of the victims had been transported to the surface.  Body identification, as well as other work to deal with problems after the accident is currently in progress.
The victims' bodies have been transported to the ground and the verification and other work to deal with aftermath of the accident are underway.
The bodies of the dead had been carried up to the ground. Identification and other dealings with problems arising from the accident are on the way.
The underground ventilation system has resumed normal operation.
The ventilation system in the pit has already resumed normal operation.
The ventilation system has already returned to normal.
Aeration under the mine has been restored to normal.
Officials from the Coal Mine Safety Supervision Bureau of Heilongjiang Province and other related Jixi agencies arrived promptly on the scene after the accident to organize rescue efforts.  The cause of the accident is under investigation.
After the accident, Heilongjiang Administration of Coal Mine Safety and the related leaders of Jixi had promptly arrived the scene to organize a rescue.  The cause of the accident is under investigation.
Relevant leaders from the Heilongjiang Coal Mine Security Monitoring Bureau and Jixi rushed to the site following the accident and organized rescue work. The cause of the accident is under investigation.
Security Supervising Bureau of the Heilongjiang Province and provincial governors concerned rushed to the site to organize rescuing in time. The reason of the accident is still investigated.
Japan's Central Bank Decides to Keep Current Financial Policies
Bank of Japan Decided to Maintain Existing Monetary Policy
Japan's Central Bank Decides to Maintain Current Financial Policy
Japan's Central Bank Decides to Maintain the Current Financial Policy
Xinhua News Agency, Tokyo, January 22 (Reporter Yue Shaoyan)  At a policy board meeting of Japan's central bank that ended on the 22nd, it was decided that they should keep the current financial policies and maintain the total funds supplied to the market between 15 trillion to 20 trillion yen (1 US dollar equals about 118 Japanese yen).
Xinhua News Agency, Tokyo, January 22 (Reporter: Yue Shaoyan) - The Policy Board of the Bank of Japan, the central bank in Japan, decided in a meeting on the 22nd to maintain the existing monetary policy.  The central bank will continue to provide the market with a total funding of 15,000 billion to 20,000 billion yen (US$1 equals to 118 yen).
Xinhua News Agency report of January 22 from Tokyo (by staff reporter Le Shaoyan) - Japanese Central Bank's Policy Committee decided to keep the current financial policy of maintaining the total fund of 1.5 trillion-2 trillion yen (1 US Dollar equals to about 118 Yen) in the market during its meeting that ended on January 22.
(Xinhua, Tokyo, Jan 22, Yu Shaoyan reports)  Policy Board meeting of Japan's Central Bank ends and decides to maintain its current financial policy. The total of capitals provided to the market still maintains between 15000 billion to 20000 billion yen (1 dollars equals 118 yen).
As for the government and ruling party's request of "setting a moderate inflation target," it was agreed at the meeting that caution should be exercised.
As to the government and the ruling party's request to "adopt an appropriate inflation target", the meeting was of the opinion that one should adopt a cautious attitude about the issue.
In response to the government and the ruling party's requirement of "setting an objective of moderate inflation", the meeting suggested to take cautious approaches.
As to the issue that the government and the ruling party require to "establish a moderate inflation objective", the meeting considered that it should take a cautious attitude.
It was agreed at the meeting that although the prospect of Japan's economy looks worse than before, the stock and financial markets have relatively stabilized.  With no substantial changes in the economic map, it was decided that they should maintain the current financial policies.
The meeting believed that notwithstanding Japan's economic prospect still looks gloom, the stock market and the financial markets have already stabilized.  Given there is no major change in the overall economy, the meeting decided to maintain the existing monetary policy.
The meeting said that although Japan would see a gloomy economic prospect, the stock and financial markets had become relatively stable and the economic situation had not changed greatly. Therefore it decided to maintain the current financial policy.
The meeting thinks that although the prospect of Japanese economy even tends to become dismal, it still decides to maintain present financial policy due to a comparatively stable stock and financial market and the little changed economic situation.
In regard to the request of the government and the ruling party that the central bank further relax its hold on cash and set a moderate inflation target, the central bank thinks that the current Japanese financial market has sufficient funds.
Regarding the government and the ruling party's request to further relax the bank's monetary policy as well as to establish an appropriate inflation target, the central bank believed that the financial markets in Japan have an abundant supply of funds at this moment.
In response to the government and the ruling party's requirement of easing the money market and setting a moderate inflation target, the central bank believes that currently there is sufficient fund in Japan's financial market.
To the issue that the government and the ruling party require the central bank to further loosen money, the central bank thinks that there is plenty of capital in Japanese financial market.
If the financial market shows any sign of insufficient supply of funds in the future, the central bank will pump more cash as needed.
If the financial markets have a shortage of funds in the future, the central bank will inject more funds according to needs.
If there is a short supply of fund in the financial market in the future, the central bank will provide more money according to the needs.
If money in the financial market appears in short supply, the central bank will expand monetary volume as needed.
It is learned that the Japanese government and ruling party hope that the central bank will induce the annual domestic inflation rate to 1-3%.
It is understood that the Japanese government and the ruling party hopes the central bank can induce the price level inside Japan to inflate at a rate of 1-3 percent a year.
Sources said the Japanese government and the ruling party expected the central bank to induce the annual growth rate of domestic prices to the level of 1-3%.
As reported, the Japanese government and ruling party expect the central bank to induce the domestic inflation rate to 1-3%.
War in Iraq May Lead to Sufficient Supply on the World Oil Market
A War on Iraq May Cause Abundant Supply In International Oil Market
Iraqi War May Lead to Sufficient Oil Supply in International Oil Market
War on Iraq Might Cause Plenty of Oil Supply in the International Market
Xinhua News Agency, Riyadh, January 22  According to Saudi newspaper Al-Watan that quoted Algerian Minister of Energy and Mines Khelil on the 22nd, in the event of a war in Iraq, there is no guarantee that OPEC can make up for the shortfall of 5 million barrels of crude oil each day on the international market.
Xinhua News Agency, Riyadh, January 22 - Saudi Arabian newspaper al-Watan quoted on 22nd the words of Shakib Khalil, Algerian minister of energy and mines, who said the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) cannot cover the daily shortage of 5 million barrels of crude oil in international markets in event of a war on Iraq.
Xinhua News Agency report of January 22 from Riyadh - Saudi Arabia's National newspaper on January 22 quoted Algerian Energy and Mineral Minister Khelil as saying that if a war broke out in Iraq, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Organization (OPEC) was unable to ensure to make up for the shortage of 5 million barrels of crude oil in the international market everyday.
(Xinhua, Riyadh, Jan 22) According to report of Saudi Arabian newspaper "the Motherland" today, Algerian Minister of Energy and Mining Halile is quoted that if war takes place in Iraq, OPEC cannot guarantee to make up the shortage of 5 million barrels of oil in the international market.
Khelil said that among the OPEC member states, only Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have the actual spare capacity to increase production.
Khalil said, among the members of OPEC, only Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates have the capacity to increase production.
Khelil said that among OPEC member states only Saudi Arabia and the UAE have the actual space to raise their productions.
Only Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in the OPEC members have rooms in increasing production, Halile said.
He believed, "OPEC will have problems meeting the market needs, because even if Saudi Arabia and the UAE have the spare capacity to increase production, they can increase 3 million barrels per day at most."
"OPEC has a problem in meeting with demands in the market because only Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates have spare capacity to increase production, but they can only produce 3 million barrels a day," he said.
"There is a problem for the OPEC to meet the needs of the markets as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which have space to raise productions, can, at most, produce 3 million more barrels everyday," he said.
He thinks, "The OPEC has problem in satisfying the market demand, since Saudi Arabia and the UAE that have rooms in increasing production can increase 3 million barrels of product every day at best."
Since December last year, the price of crude oil on the international market has kept rising due to the general strike in Venezuela and the threat of war in Iraq.
Since December last year, the price of crude oil in international markets keeps on surging due to the massive strike in Venezuela and the threat of an Iraq war.
Since last December, crude oil prices have been on the rise in the international market affected by the big strikes in Venezuela and the threat of an Iraqi war.
Since last December, affected by general strike in Venezuela and the impending Iraqi War, oil price in the international market has persisted to rise.
On the 12th, OPEC decided in Vienna to increase the daily oil production by 1.5 million barrels starting from February.
OPEC decided on the 12th in Vienna to increase the daily production of crude oil by 1.5 million barrels starting from February.
OPEC decided on January 12 in Vienna to produce 1.5 million more barrels of oil everyday from February.
OPEC decided in Vienna on Jan 12 to increase 150 barrels of oil production every day beginning from February.
However, as the threat of war in Iraq still looms large, and Britain and the United States continue to build up troops in the Gulf region, the oil price on the international market continued to rise on the 21st.
As U.S. and Britain continue to dispatch soldiers to the Gulf areas, the threat of an Iraq war has not receded and hence, oil price in international markets continued to surge on the 21st.
However, as the threat of an Iraqi war is still lingering and Britain and the United States keep sending more troops to the Gulf region, oil prices in the international market continued rising on January 21.
But the threat of Iraqi War hasn't been dispelled, and the US and the UK continued to increase troops in the Gulf region. Oil price in the international market yesterday kept on rising.
Khelil said that the international oil price is now more being driven by the tensions of the international political situation rather than supply and demand mechanism.
Khalil said the current oil price in international markets is affected more by tensions in international politics than actual demand and supply.
Khelil said that compared with the supply and demand, currently the international oil prices were more likely to be affected by the international political tensions.
Compared with the relation of supply-and-demand, the international oil price is mainly influenced by the intense international politics.
Shenzhen Luohu Customs Cracks down on Currency Smuggling
The Customs Department at Shenzhen Luohu Is Severely Cracking Down Money Smuggling
Shenzhen Luohu Customs Harshly Cracks Down on Currency Smuggling
Luohu Custom of Shenzhen Severely Strikes Currency Smuggling
Xinhua News Agency, Shenzhen, January 25 (Li Nanling and Li Xiangzhi)  Shenzhen Luohu Customs, while ensuring a civilized and efficient inspection, spared no mercy in cracking down on the smuggling of currency by means of evading travelers' inspection.
Xinhua News Agency, Shenzhen, January 25 (Li Nanling and Li Xiangzhi) - The Customs Department at Shenzhen Luohu is severely cracking down any money smuggling through this tourist inspection channel, while preserving a civilized and highly efficient supervision.
Xinhua News Agency report of January 25 from Shenzhen (by Li Nanlin and Li Xiangzhi) - While keeping civilized and highly efficient administration, Shenzhen's Luohu Customs is harshly cracking down on currency smuggling through tourist checkpoints.
(Xinhua, Shenzhen, Jan 25, Li Nanling, Li Xiangzhi report) Luohu Custom of Shenzhen severely strikes currency smuggling through traveling check-up channel, while insuring civilized and effective supervising.
Last year, the customs uncovered a total of 1,023 cases of currency smuggling, which involved an equivalent of over 150 million yuan.  Of these cases, 15 were individual cases involving more than 500,000 yuan (not including cases involving foreign currency notes).
Last year, Customs at Luohu detected 1023 cases of money smuggling involving more than 150 million Renminbi.  Among these cases, 15 cases had a single case value of more than 500 thousand Renminbi (excluding cases involving foreign currency money orders).
Last year, the customs dealt with 1,023 cases worth RMB150 million, including 15 cases with each involving over RMB500,000 (excluding cases involving foreign exchange notes).
Last year, the Luohu Custom altogether discovered 1023 currency smuggling cases, with a total value of 0.15 billion RMB. In these cases, 15 of them value over 0.5 million RMB (not including foreign exchange note cases).
As the largest port for travelers' inspection in the country, Luohu Customs is responsible for overseeing a daily flow of over 250,000 travelers.  If the relatively common practice of carrying cash beyond the legal limit were not strictly regulated, each day might see a considerable amount of capital flight.
As China's biggest tourist inspection port, the Luohu Customs is given the job to supervise a tourist flow of 250 thousand person-times a day.  If the rather common phenomenon of carrying more than the permitted amount of money is not tightly controlled, then there could be a considerable amount of currency drain every day.
As the largest tourist checkpoint in the country, Luohu Customs handles over 250,000 tourists everyday. If restrictions are not tightened on the relatively popular overflow of currency, a large sum of money will drain away everyday.
As the biggest travel check-up port, the Luohu Custom shoulders a supervising task of 0.25 million travelers. If the common phenomenon of over-carrying of currencies is not strictly controlled, quite a considerable amount of currency can flow abroad.
In face of this situation, the customs has always taken tight monitoring measures such as frequent checks and careful inspection so as to effectively prevent the outflow of domestic currencies.
Facing a situation like this, the Customs at Luohu have finally adopted strict monitoring measures, including more frequent and more careful checks, in order to keep a sharp eye on possible money drain from China.
Facing the situation, the customs has been taking tight monitoring measures to carry out careful checks to prevent the outflow of currencies.
Facing this kind of situation, the Luohu Custom always take strict supervising measures, diligently and carefully checks up to prevent currency drain from China to foreign countries.
A little past 9 a.m. on February 19 last year, a middle-aged woman who walked quickly towing a suitcase caught the attention of the customs officers.
At about 9:00 a.m. on February 19 last year, a custom officer spotted a middle age woman who was pulling a suitcase and moving along in a very fast pace.
At 9:00am on February 19 last year, a fast walking middle-aged woman dragging a luggage drew the attention of the staff of the customs.
At 9:00 a.m. on 19th of last February, a fast striding woman, dragging a trunk, caught the eyes of the landing-waiters.
After the luggage went through the machine, the officers found the suitcase contained suspicious objects and opened it for inspection.  They were surprised to see three large bundles of Hong Kong currencies in 1,000-HK-dollar denomination packed in black plastic bags totaling 3 million HK dollars.
As the luggage case passed through the inspection machine, the custom officer noticed some suspicious object inside the suitcase.  The officer requested the tourist to open the suitcase for inspection and was astonished to find three large bundles of Hong Kong Dollars in thousand dollar bills inside a black plastic bag.  The total value was 3 million Hong Kong Dollars.
After going through the checking machine, customs officials found suspected objects inside the luggage and opened it for a check, only to find three big bundles of Hong Kong dollars tied up by adhesive tapes worth all together 3 million HK dollars.
When the trunk passed through the camera, the landing-waiters found suspicious item in the trunk. They opened the trunk for examination and surprisingly found there were 3 bundles of 1000 par value Hongkong dollar not, i.e., altogether 3 million Hongkong dollars.
This was the largest case of a traveler carrying excess cash abroad the customs has uncovered in nearly two years.
That was the most serious case of a tourist carrying cash items in excess of permitted limit at Luohu Customs in two years.
This was the largest currency overflow case by tourists the customs had seized over the past two years.
This is the biggest traveller over carrying currency case that was uncovered by the Luohu Custom in the past 2 years.
In July and August last year, taking advantage of a larger outflow of travelers during the summertime and the crowded site due to the remodeling of the port facility, some overseas "underground money houses" attempted to smuggle a large quantity of foreign currencies out of the country.
Around July and August last year, offshore "black market money changers" attempted to smuggle a large quantity of foreign currency out of China.  These changers wanted to take advantage of the massive tourists flow in summer holiday, as well as the renovation undergoing at the Luohu port, which caused officers to work in a crowed environment.
In July and August last year, overseas "underground banks" attempted to secretly take out large sums of foreign exchange, making use of big flows of tourists during the summer holidays and ongoing renovation of the customs' buildings and a crowded scene at the Luohu Customs.
During July and August last year, the "underground banks" abroad attempted to smuggle large amount of foreign currencies out of China given the large traveler flow in summer, on-going decoration and crowds in the Luohu port.
The customs took this matter seriously and made key deployments there to effectively crack down on the foreign exchange smuggling by the "underground money houses."
The Customs at Luohu attached high importance to the issue and re-deployed manpower on a priority basis.  The officers were determined to crack down any foreign currency smuggling activities by "black market money changers".
The customs paid high attention to the situation and reinforced staff members to firmly crack down on "underground banks" foreign exchange smuggling.
The Custom attached much importance to this. It strengthened inspecting personnel at the site, striking the foreign currency smuggling of the "underground banks" with a firm hand.
From July 2 to August 1, Luohu Customs uncovered a total of 4 cases of foreign currency smuggling by the "underground money houses," involving an equivalent of more than 1.46 million yuan.
During July 2 to August 11, Customs at Luohu detected 4 cases of foreign currency smuggling by "black market money changers", which had an equivalent value of 1.46 million Renminbi.
From July 2 to August 1, Luohu Customs uncovered four cases involving "underground banks" foreign exchange smuggling worth RMB1.46 million.
From July 2 to August 1, the Luohu Custom discovered 4 cases of foreign currency smuggling done by "underground banks" in total, which valued 1.46 million RMB.
Spring Festival/Tibetan New Year Party Held in Tibet
Tibet Held Gathering to Celebrate Spring Festival and Tibetan New Year
Tibet Holds Greeting Gathering for Spring Festival and Tibetan New Year
Tibet Held Party to Pay the New Years Call Together of the Tibetan Calendar
Xinhua News Agency, Lhasa, January 27 (Reporter La Ba Ci Ren)  On the afternoon of the 27th, the Jiji Conference Hall of Lhasa Hotel was filled with atmosphere of joyous festivities, where more than 300 representatives from all walks of life, ethnic groups and various circles in Tibet attended the Spring Festival/Tibetan New Year party held by the autonomous region government.
Xinhua News Agency, Lhasa, January 27 (Reporter: Laba-Ciren) - More than 300 representatives from different trades, professions, ethnic races and circles in Tibet attended the spring festival and Tibetan New Year gathering in the JiJi Multi-Function Room of Lhasa Hotel in the afternoon of the 27th.  The event filled the whole multi-room with joy of the festival.
Xinhua News Agency report of January 27 from Lhasa (by staff reporter Labar Ciren) Three hundred representatives from all walks of life and all ethnic groups in Tibet attended a greeting gathering at the Jiji Meeting Hall of Lhasa Hotel to celebrate the Spring Festival and the Tibetan New Year held by the autonomous region government.
(Xinhua, Lhasa, Jan 27, Labaciren report) The joyful atmosphere of the festival in the Jiji Conference Hall in the Lhasa Hotel is overflowing this afternoon. 300 representatives from all walks of life and all nationalities in Tibet are taking part in the New Years Call Party for the Spring Festival and the Tibetan New Year of the Autonomous Region.
At the party, Legqog, chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Region, gave his new year's good wishes to the people of all ethnic groups in the entire region, all the construction crews who are working hard on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the People's Liberation Army, the armed police and security officers stationed in Tibet, and overseas Tibetan compatriots.
Legqog, Chairman of Tibetan Autonomous Region, gave his new spring blessing to the people of all ethnic races in Tibet; all construction workers fighting bravely in the Qinghai-Tibet railway; all members of the People's Liberation Army resident in Tibet; all armed police and public security officers; as well as all overseas Tibetans.
Chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Region Legqog sent his New Year greetings to all ethnic groups, workers in the construction site of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the PLA, military police and the police in Tibet as well as overseas Tibetans.
Lechok, Chairman of the Tibetan Autonomous Region addresses all people of various nationalities in Tibet, all workers on the Qinghai-Tibet Railways, the People's Liberation Army soldiers and public security guards in Tibet and overseas Tibetans for best wishes of the New Year in the Party.
He said, in the past year, with the kindly concern of the Central Party Committee and the State Council and with the selfless support of people of all ethnic groups in the entire country, especially the counterpart support provinces and cities and the key state-owned large enterprises, the Party Committee of the autonomous region and the government have stayed united in leading the people of all ethnic groups in the entire region, upholding the guiding principle of Tibet administration for the early period of the new century, working hard together, initiating new development and innovation so as to achieve a sustained, rapid and healthy growth in the national economy.
He said that in the past one year, the party committee and government of the Autonomous Region had led all ethnic races in Tibet in a united way under the cordial care of the Central Committee and State Department; as well as the unselfish support from people of all races in China, especially those from province and cities designated to assist Tibet and the key state-owned large enterprises.  The party committee and the government of the Autonomous Region will hold on to the Tibet guiding concept brought up at the beginning of the new century, which is to unite all people together and work hard; develop and innovate; maintain a continuous, rapid and healthy development in our national economy.
He said that over the past year, under the kind attention of the Party's central commission and with the support from all ethnic groups nationwide, especially the support from sister provinces and cities and major State-owned large enterprises, the autonomous region's economy maintained a sustainable, fast and healthy development with the region's Party commission and government uniting and leading all ethnic groups and upholding the pioneering spirits as well as the guiding principles for the work in Tibet at the beginning of the new century.
In the past year, adhering to the guiding principle for Tibet work in the new century and under the genial solicitude of the Central Party Committee and the State Council and selfless support from provinces and cities and big state-own enterprises that are set to aid Tibet, the Party Committee and the Government of the Tibetan Autonomous Region lead people of all nationalities in the Tibet to strive to maintain a sustainable, fast and healthy economic development with solidarity and innovation, he said.
With a sensible administration supported by its people, Tibet now enjoys economic growth, social progress and unity of ethnic groups in a stable environment where people live and work in peace and contentment.
It is only then can Tibet have the brilliant prospects of an efficient administration; harmony among people; a growth in the economy; advances in the community; unification among ethnic races; stable state of affairs; and people living merrily and in peace.
Tibet has entered an excellent phase of political stability, economic development, ethnic unity and people living in peace.
Tibet now witnesses a very good situation of both smooth policy dealings of the government and peaceful life of the people, economic development, social progresses, solidarity of various nationalities, stability and living and working in peace and contentment.
He pointed out that the coming new year will be the first year for Tibet to fully implement and carry out the key decisions made at the Party's 16th National Congress as well as a critical year for Tibet to promote accelerated growth and long-term stability and to lay the foundation for building an overall well-to-do society.
He pointed out that the New Year is the first year for Tibet to carry through and implement the spirit of the Party's 16th National Congress.  This is also a critical year for Tibet to push ahead its leap-over style of development and long-term political stability; as well as laying the foundation for the development of a fairly prosperous and secure society.
He pointed out that the coming year would be the first to carry out and implement the spirit of the Party's 16th Congress and also a key for Tibet to achieve fast development and long-term stability to lay down a foundation for a well-off society.
The New Year is the first year of not only thoroughly carrying out and fulfilling the spirit of the 16th Party Congress, but also promoting a leaping development of Tibet and running the Region well and give the people peace and security in a long run and it is a crucial time for laying the foundation of constructing well-off society in an all-round way, he points out.
Tibet will fully promote a healthy and coordinated development of socialist material civilization, political civilization, and spiritual civilization.
Tibet is to promote at all front a material civilization under socialism; political civilization; spiritual civilization and correctness; coordination and development.
Tibet will promote a coordinated development of the socialist material civilization and political as well as spiritual civilization.
Tibet will promote the concerted development of the socialist material, political and spiritual civilization in the Region in full scale.
At the party, Song and Dance Ensemble of Tibet Autonomous Region and other groups performed magnificent shows.
Different units, including the song and dance ensemble of Tibetan Autonomous Region, performed splendid shows during the gathering.
During the greeting gathering, exciting performances were given by the Tibet Song and Dance Ensemble and others.
At the Call Party, artists from the Singing and Dancing Troupe of the Tibetan Autonomous Region, etc., give wonderful performances.
Pagbalha Geleg Namgyai, vice chairman of Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress attended the party.
Pagbalha Geleg Namgyai, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress also attended the gathering.
Deputy Chairman of the National People's Congress Pagbalha Geleg Namgyai attended the greeting gathering.
Pabala Gelielangjie, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress attends the Party.
Association for Promoting Peaceful Reunification of China in Germany Commemorates the 8th Anniversary of President Jiang's 8 Propositions on Taiwan
The Association for the Promotion of China's Peaceful Reunification in Germany Remembers the 8th Anniversary of President Jiang Zemin's 8-Point Proposition on the Taiwan Issue
Germany-Based Peaceful Reunification Promotion Association Marks 8th Anniversary of President Jiang's 8-Point Proposal on Taiwan Issue
The Promoting Commission of Peaceful Reunification in Germany Commemorating the 8th Anniversary of President Jiang's 8 Point Propositions on the Taiwan Question
Xinhua News Agency, Berlin, January 27  The Chinese Association for Promoting Peaceful Reunification of China in Germany issued a statement on the 26th to mark the 8th anniversary of President Jiang Zemin's important speech entitled "Continuing to Strive for Promoting the Accomplishment of the Great Cause of Reunification of the Motherland."
Xinhua News Agency, Berlin, January 27 - In Germany, The Association of Overseas Chinese and Ethnic Chinese for the Promotion of China's Peaceful Reunification issued a statement on 26th in memory of the 8th anniversary of Chinese President Jiang Zemin's important speech - "We should continue to promote and strive for the great undertaking of peaceful reunification of the motherland".
Xinhua News Agency report of January 27 from Berlin - The China Peaceful Reunification Promotion Association of overseas Chinese living in Germany issued a statement on January 26 to mark the 8th anniversary of President Jiang's key speech of "Keeping on to Make Efforts to Achieve the Reunification of the Motherland".
(Xinhua, Berlin Jan 27) The Commission of Peaceful Reunification of the Chinese Compatriots in Germany issued a statement yesterday to commemorate the 8th anniversary of President Jiang Zemin's important speech, namely "Carry on the Struggle for the Cause of Reunification of the Motherland".
Looking back at the history of development of the cross-Strait ties and many activities by overseas Chinese compatriots in recent years in their common cause of "fighting against the division and Taiwan independence and of promoting the peaceful reunification of the motherland," the statement recognized that overseas Chinese compatriots from both sides of the Straits have had full and effective cooperation.
The statement reviewed the progress in relationship development between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits.  It also looked at the cooperation between overseas compatriots from the two sides of the Straits in "opposing separation, opposing an independent Taiwan and the promotion of a peaceful reunification of the motherland".  The statement considered that the cooperation was adequate and effective.
The statement reviewed the development of cross-strait relations and many actions taken by overseas compatriots in recent years to jointly "fight against splittism and Taiwan independence and promote the peaceful reunification of the motherland", and said that all overseas compatriots and compatriots across the strait had conducted full and effective cooperation.
The Statement reviews the course of development of the cross-straight relationship and many joint actions of overseas compatriots "against separation, against Taiwan Independence and promoting peaceful reunification of the motherland". It regards compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straight as well as those in foreign countries all cooperate fully and effectively.
The statement said that this important speech by President Jiang Zemin has laid the solid foundation for Chinese on both sides of the Straits and overseas compatriots to achieve healthy and interactive cooperation.  It not only adheres to the core principle of one China but also expresses the feelings that Chinese on both sides of the Straits are brothers.  With its striking contemporary characteristics that keep pace with the times and highly realistic focus, the speech demonstrates the flexibility, tolerance and stability needed to reach the final solution.
The statement said President Jiang Zemin's important speech was a solid foundation to foster a beneficial and interactive cooperation between the Chinese people on the sides of the Strait as well as overseas compatriots.  The speech insisted on the core principle of one China but it also encompassed the brothers and sisters affection between the Chinese people on the two sides of the Strait.  The speech reflected the evolution of time and the vivid characteristic of an era.  It dealt with the reality in a practical way, while retaining flexibility, toleration and consistency in the final solution of the problem.
The statement said that President Jiang's important speech is a solid foundation for creating positive and proactive cooperation between the Chinese people across the strait as well as overseas compatriots. It sticks to the core principle of One China policy while reserving the brotherhood of the Chinese people across the strait; it not only has vivid characteristics of keeping paces with the times but also boasts very clear and realistic targets and the flexibility, lenience as well as stability of finally resolving the issue.
It says, President Jiang Zemin's important speech is a firm basis for Chinese across the Straight and overseas for construction of good exchanges and cooperation. It not only has the core of the One China Policy, but also contains feelings of brethren of Chinese across the Straight. It not only has distinguished up-to-date character of the time, but also very strong pertinence to the reality. It is flexible, accommodating and persistent for the final resolution of the question.
The statement pointed out that President Jiang's 8 propositions fully maintain and represent the most fundamental interests of Chinese on both sides of the Straits and their overseas compatriots.
According to the statement, President Jiang Zemin's 8-point proposition had comprehensively maintained and represented the fundamental interests of the Chinese people on the two sides of the Strait as well as overseas compatriots.
The statement pointed out that President Jiang's 8-point proposal completely safeguards and represents the basic interests of the Chinese people across the strait as well as the overseas compatriots.
The statement also points out that the 8 Point Propositions safeguard and represent the most basic interests of Chinese across the Straight and overseas in an all-round way.
The statement called on the overseas Chinese to continue making new efforts to promote the reunification of their motherland.
The statement urged overseas compatriots to make unceasing and new efforts to promote the reunification of the motherland.
The statement calls on overseas compatriots to continue making new efforts to promote the reunification of the motherland.
The Statement calls the overseas compatriots to continue to make new efforts for the reunification of the motherland.
Chinese Culture Festival Opens in Ankara
The Chinese Culture Festival Inaugurated in Ankara
Chinese Culture Festival Opens in Ankara
Chinese Culture Festival Opens in Ankara
Xinhua News Agency, Ankara, January 28  (Reporters Zheng Jinfa and Huai Chengbo)  The "Chinese Culture Festival" with "joint celebration of China's Spring Festival by Chinese and Turkish peoples" as its theme opened on the evening of the 28th in the hall of Trade Center in Ankara, the capital city of Turkey.
Xinhua News Agency, Ankara, January 28 (Reporter: Zheng Jinfa and Huai Chengbo) - The "Chinese Culture Festival" with the theme of "Chinese-Turkish Celebrate the Spring Festival Together" inaugurated on the evening of 28th at the grand hall of Ankara Trade Center in Ankara, capital of Turkey.
Xinhua News Agency report of January 28 from Ankara (by staff reporters Zheng Jinfa and Huai Chengbo) - A "Chinese Culture Festival" with the theme of "Chinese-Turkish people jointly celebrating the Chinese Spring Festival" opened on the evening of January 28 in the Trade Center Hall in the Turkish capital of Ankara.
(Xinhua, Ankara, Jan 28, Zheng Jinfa, Huai Chengbo report) "Chinese Culture Festival" with the theme of "the Chinese and Turkish People celebrating the spring festival together", inaugurates in the Grand Hall of the Trade Center in Ankara, the capital of Turkey.
Hebei Song and Dance Theater's opening performance of dances, acrobatics and other wonderful shows greatly captivated an Turkish audience of over 1,500.
The Hebei Provincial Song and Dance Theatre of China performed splendid programs in dances and acrobatics, which deeply attracted over 1500 Turkish viewers.
Dances, acrobatics and other marvelous performances given by the Heibei Provincial Troup deeply attracted over 1,500 Turkish audiences.
Brilliant performances as dancing and acrobatics by the Dancing and Singing Troupe of Hebei Province in the debut deeply impressed 1,500 Turkish audience.
That night, many people came very early to get the best seats in the hall.
In this evening, many viewers had come to the grand hall very early in order to occupy the best seats.
Many of the audiences came to the hall early in the evening for better seats.
On that night, many people rushed to the Hall in advance to occupy the best seats.
Even before the show started, the hall was packed to full capacity and many people had to stand like sardines along the corridor of the hall.  Quite a few children had to watch the show by the Chinese performers by looking through the cracks in the curtains.
The grand hall was completely full well before the performance began.  Many viewers were forced to stand in crowded positions at the corridor and a lot of children had to peep through interstices of heavy curtains in order to view the performance of Chinese actors.
The hall had been fully packed before the performance began with many audiences having to stand in the corridor of the hall. Many children had to watch the Chinese performances through a chink in the curtain.
The hall was full and many people had to crowd in the corridor of the Hall just before the performance began. Many children had to watch the performance of the Chinese actors and actresses only through the gap of the curtains.
"Trotting Donkeys," a dance with local Hebei characteristics, depicts comical events that take place while a young couple, each on a donkey, are on their way to visit the wife's parents.
A dance featuring Hebei locality, with the name of "Running A Donkey", expressed an interesting episode about a young couple went back to the family of the wife's parents on a donkey.
The dance "Riding a Donkey" with typical Heibei's local flavor was about the interesting things taking place when a young couple was on their way back to the wife's mother's home.
Dance, "Running Donkey", with very distinct local color of Hebei, represents interesting anecdote on a young couple's way back to the wife's mother's home.
The Turkish audience burst into laughter from time to time with the excellent performance of the entertainers and the humorous plots in the story and showed their appreciation with warm applause.
The exquisite performance and the humorous plot impressed the Turkish viewers.  They exploded into laughter from time to time and clapped their hands enthusiastically.
The Turkish audiences gave their laughter from time to time and warmly applauded the wonderful and humorous performances.
The Turkish audience burst into laughter and rewarded the actors and actresses with impassioned applause for their exquisite performances and funny plots in the programs from time to time.
When the Chinese singer Zhai Fang started to sing in her clarion voice the famous Turkish folk song "Great Mountain," the hall was simply rocked with thunderous applause.
When Chinese singer/actor Di Fang sang out the famous Turkish folk song "Great Mountain" in a clear voice, the whole hall applauded in thunderous clapping.
The hall was even full of applause when Chinese singer Zhai Fang sang the Turkish famous local song of "the Great Mountain".
When Chinese singer Zhai Fang heartily sang the famous Turkish folk song "the Great Mountain", the whole hall thundered with applause.
When the performance ended, many Turks from the audience fought their way to the stage and took out pens and paper or held out their hands to ask the Chinese entertainers for autographs.  Some even climbed onto the stage to take pictures with the Chinese performers to capture the memory.  A few Turkish children were even in tears when they missed the chance to get the autographs or take pictures with the Chinese performers.
As soon as the performance was finished, many Turkish viewers rushed to the stage and held out their hand or paper for autographs of Chinese actors.  Some viewers even climbed onto the stage and took photos with the Chinese actors.  Some Turkish children had shed tears because they failed to obtain an autograph or could not take a joint photo with Chinese actors.
After the performance many Turkish audiences pushed to the front, sticking out paper and pens or their hands for Chinese performers' signatures while some climbed onto the stage to take pictures with the Chinese performers. Some Turkish children shed their tears for not getting Chinese performers' signatures or photos.
When the performance was over, many people surged to the stage, handing pens and paper to the Chinese actors and actresses for their signatures and some even climbed onto the stage to take photos with them. Some children wept for not having the signatures or taking photos with the Chinese actors and actresses.
A young Turkish girl told Xinhua reporters: "This is the first time that I've seen such a beautiful Chinese dance.
A young Turkish girl told Xinhua News Agency, "It is the first time that I saw such beautiful Chinese dances.
A little Turkish girl told Xinhua reporters: "This is my first time to see such wonderful Chinese dances.
A Turkish little girl told Xinhua reporter, "It is the first time to watch such beautiful Chinese dances."
I hope all kinds of Chinese art groups can often come to perform in Turkey so that we the Turkish people can get to know more about the Chinese culture."
I hope that different kinds of troupes can come and perform in Turkey such that we can understand the Chinese culture better."
I hope that various kinds of Chinese troupes can often come to Turkey to give their performances to help the Turkish people learn more about the Chinese culture."
I hope all kinds of Chinese Troupes can come to Turkey to give performances frequently, so that we can better understand Chinese culture."
(HK, Macau, Taiwan) Mainland Visitors, A Growing Clientele for HK Jewelry Shops
(Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) Mainland Customers Become Major Shoppers for Hong Kong's Gold Shops
(Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) Mainland Tourists Gradually Become Major Customers of Gold Businesses in Hong Kong
(Hongkong, Macau and Taiwan) People Come From Mainland Have Gradually Become Major Buyers of Hongkong Jewelry Shops
Xinhua News Agency, Hong Kong, January 29  Gu Tangfa, administrative manager of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery in Hong Kong, said that mainland visitors have become a major clientele for jewelry shops in Hong Kong.
Xinhua News Agency, Hong Kong, January 29 - According to Koo Tong Fat, Administration Manager of Hong Kong's Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Co. Ltd., mainland customers have become the main customer source for Hong Kong's gold and jewellery shops.
Xinhua News Agency report of January 29 from Hong Kong - Executive Manager of Hong Kong's Jou Dae-fu Gold, Gu Tang-fa, said that mainland tourists have become the major customers of Hong Kong's gold businesses.
(Xinhua, Hongkong, Jan 29) The Administrative Manager of Chou Daifok Jewery Shop, Gu Tangfa said that Mainland buyers had already become the major customer source of Hongkong Jewelries.
During the Christmas and New Year season last year alone, said he, 30-40% of the jewelry shop's sales were by mainland visitors, who have now become top consumers for Hong Kong's jewelry industry.
He said spending of mainland customers accounted for 30-40 percent of the total sales of gold shops in the last Christmas and New Year seasons.  Mainland customers are now one of the biggest consumer groups for Hong Kong's gold and jewellery industry.
He said that during last Christmas and the New Year, mainland tourists' spending accounted for 30%-40% of the gold business volume, becoming the major consumers of gold business in Hong Kong.
During the Christmas session last year, consumption volume of Mainland customers took up 30-40% of the total revenue of the Jewelries, making one of the most important customer groups of the Hongkong Jewelry industry, he said.
Since the restrictions on mainland tourists to Hong Kong eased up in early 2002, the number of tourists from mainland China to Hong Kong has soared.
Tourists from mainland China have shown massive growth after the restriction to travel to Hong Kong was lifted at the beginning of 2002.
The number of mainland tourists to Hong Kong has drastically risen since the restriction on mainland tourists was lifted in early 2002.
After the restriction of traveling to Hongkong for the Mainland tourists in early 2002, tourists from the Mainland traveling to Hongkong largely increases.
Last year, during the Lunar New Year, May 1 Labor Day, October 1 the Golden Week, Christmas and New Year, mainland tourists stimulated the retail industry in Hong Kong, especially the high-end consumer market there.
During the Chinese Lunar New Year, May 1 Labor Day, the golden week of October 1, Christmas and New Year seasons, Mainland China tourists are pushing forward Hong Kong's retail industry, especially in high-end consumer goods market.
During last Lunar New Year, the Labor Holiday, the National Day Holiday and the Christmas, mainland tourists drove Hong Kong's retail industry, especially Hong Kong's luxury consumer goods market.
Mainland tourists brought along the retail trade, especially the market of top grade consumables in Hongkong during the Spring Festival, the International Labors Day and Christmas and the New Year last year.
According to the estimation by the relevant agencies in Hong Kong, during the coming Lunar New Year season, 600,000 mainland tourists will visit Hong Kong.  Many shops, especially those upscale ones, are all focusing on how to consolidate and open up the market of mainland visitors.
The related departments in Hong Kong estimated that there would be about 600 thousand tourists from Mainland China in the coming Chinese Lunar New Year.  Many shops, especially the high-end shops, have focused on how to consolidate and develop the market of Mainland China tourists.
Relevant Hong Kong authorities estimated that some 600,000 mainland tourists would come to Hong Kong during the coming Lunar New Year. Many businesses, especially some luxury shops, are focusing on how to consolidating and expanding their business markets on mainland tourists.
According to estimation of department concerned in Hongkong, 600,000 Mainland tourists will come to Hongkong in this Spring Festival. Many merchants, especially top grade shops all aim at how to consolidate and explore the market of Mainland Tourists.
Chow Tai Fook is expecting an increase of 5% in sales during the Spring Festival.
Chow Tai Fook Jewellery expects the sales in the spring festival to grow by 5 percent.
Jou Dae-fu Company has estimated a 5% rise in its business volume during the Spring Festival.
The Chou Daifok expects its turnover during the Spring Festival might increase 5%.
In order to meet the needs of mainland customers, some firms have started to change their ways of doing business and strategies.  Quite a number of firms have intensified training of their employees in learning to speak Mandarin Chinese and offered classes from time to time to enhance the quality of employees' service and their professionalism.
In order to cope with the needs of mainland customers, some companies are starting to modify their operation and strategy.  Many companies have stepped up employee training in Mandarin.  Companies are also launching new courses to improve employee's manner and service quality.
Some companies have begun to change their management and strategies in order to cater to mainland tourists' needs. Some companies are pushing their employees to learn the Mandarin and offer courses occasionally to promote the employees' service manner and level.
Some companies begin to change their operation tactics and strategy according to the needs of Mainland tourists. Many companies intensify training the employees to speak mandarin Chinese, frequently give courses and promote the service quality and friendly attitude of the employees.
The well-established jewelry shops generally do not offer any discounts, but now as long as mainland tourists pay with cash, they all offer better prices to attract more mainland customers.
In general, many established gold and jewellery shops do not provide discounts.  However, in order to attract more mainland customers, most of these established shops are now offering concessions if Mainland China tourists pay in cash.
Old brand gold businesses generally do not offer discounts in the past but now in an effort to attract more mainland tourists they will do that if mainland tourists pay in cash.
Jewelry shops of long history commonly do not provide discount, but now, only if the Mainland tourists pay cash, they could get discount, so as to attract more Mainland customers.
(International) Cambodian Protesters Set Fire to Thai Embassy in Cambodia
(International) Cambodian Protesters Set fire To Thai Embassy in Cambodia
(International) Cambodian Protesters Set Fires to Thai Embassy in Cambodia
(International) Cambodian Protestors Set Dire on the Thai Embassy to Cambodia
Xinhua News Agency, Phnom Penh, January 29 (Reporters Lei Bosong and Zhang Ruiling)  About a thousand Cambodians stormed into the Thai embassy in Cambodia on the night of the 29th, burned the Thai national flag, vehicles and set fire to the embassy building.
Xinhua News Agency, Phnom Penh, January 29 (Reporter: Lei Bosong and Zhang Ruiling) - Nearly one thousand Cambodians broke into the Thai embassy in Cambodia on the 29th.  They burned Thai flags, cars and also set fire to the embassy building.
Xinhua News Agency report of January 29 from Phnom Penh (by staff reporters Lei Baisong and Zhang Ruiling) - Over a thousand Cambodian people broke into the Thai embassy in Cambodia on the night of January 29, setting fires on the Thai national flag, vehicles and the embassy building.
(Xinhua, Phnom Penh, Jan 29, Lei Bosong, Zhang Ruiling report) Thousands of Cambodians crushed into the Thai Embassy to Cambodia tonight, setting fire on Thai national flag, cars and the embassy building.
The Cambodian police, in an effort to control the situation, have sent out several fire engines to put out the fire.
Cambodian police is trying to contain the situation and several fire-fighting engines were dispatched.
Cambodian police are trying to bring the situation into control and have sent several fire-fighting vehicles to put out the fire.
The Cambodia police is trying to control the situation and sending several fire engines to put out the fire.
At this moment, the Cambodian police are still unable to confirm whether there is any casualty.
The Cambodian police cannot confirm whether there is any casualty at this moment.
So far, there is no confirmation from the Cambodian police of any casualties.
The Cambodian police still cannot confirm casualties at present.
The protest started on the morning of that day to protest Suwanan, a Thai movie star who remarked that "Angkor Wat belongs to Thailand."
Protests took place in the morning of the day as an objection to the opinion by the Thai actress Suwanan Kongying that the "Angkor Wat temple belonged to Thailand".
The demonstration began in the morning to protest against remarks by a Thai actress, Suvanant, that "the Angkor Wat Temple belongs to Thailand."
The protest began in this morning to protest the Thai female star Suwanan's remark that Wuge belongs to Thailand.
Later, more and more protesters gathered in front of the Thai embassy in Cambodia, burned car tires, the Thai national flag and the portrait of that Thai actress.  Afterwards, the protesters stormed into the embassy.
Later in the day, more and more protesters gathered at the Thai embassy in Cambodia.  They started to burn car tires, Thai flags and portraits of that Thai actress.  The crowd then broke into the embassy.
Then more and more protesters gathered in front of the Thai embassy in Cambodia, setting fires on vehicle tires, Thai national flag and the actress' portraits and finally breaking into the embassy.
Later, more and more protestors assembled in front of the Thai embassy, burning tyres, Thai national flag and portrait of that Thai female star, and the protestors finally rush into the embassy,
It is also reported that Suwanan has already made a speech to reporters in Thailand and denied having made such a remark as  "Angkor Wat belongs to Thailand."
According to another report, Suwanan held a press conference in Thailand and denied that she ever made any statement like the "Angkor Wat temple belonged to Thailand".
Meanwhile, reports said that when talking to reporters in Thailand, Suvanant denied that she has said, "the Angkor Wat Temple belongs to Thailand."
According to reports, Suwanan told Thai press that she never said "Wuge belongs to Thailand".
(International)  France Sends Gendarmes to Reinforce Peace-keeping Troops in Cote d'Ivoire
(International) France Dispatched Gendarmes to Reinforce Peace Keeping Troops in Ivory Coast
(International) France Sends Military Police to Reinforce Peace-Keeping Forces in Cote d'Ivoire
(International) France Sends Military Police to Reinforce the Peace-keeping Force in Cote d'Ivoir
Xinhua News Agency, Paris, January 29 (Reporter Wang Jingcheng)  French Foreign Minister de Villepin announced at a parliamentary hearing on the 29th that to ensure the implementation of the peace accord reached by all parties in Cote d'Ivoire and to strengthen the French peace-keeping troops, France has just sent gendarmes reinforcements to the Cote d'Ivoire.
Xinhua News Agency, Paris, January 29 (Reporter: Wang Jingcheng) - The French foreign minister, Dominique De Villepin, announced in a parliament hearing on the 29th that France had dispatched gendarmes to the Republic of Cote D'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) a few days ago.  The reinforcement is to ensure the proper implementation of the peace agreement made by the different parties in Ivory Coast and also to strengthen the French peace keeping troops there.
Xinhua News Agency report of January 29 from Paris (by staff reporter Wang Jingcheng) - French Foreign Minister de Villepin announced at a parliamentary hearing on January 29 that France had sent military police to Cote d'Ivoire to ensure the implementation of a peace agreement reached by all parties in Cote d'Ivoire and to reinforce the French peace-keeping forces.
(Xinhua, Paris, Jan 29, Wang Jingcheng report) French FM Dewuierpan announced at the hearing today that in order to ensure the implementation of the peace treaty reached by all parties of Cote d'Ivoir, France sent military police to reinforce peace-keeping in the country several days ago.
De Villepin did not disclose the number of the reinforcement troops.
De Villepin did not specify the size of the reinforcement troop.
De Villepin did not disclose the number of the reinforcement forces.
Dewuierpan did not tell how many troops is in the reinforcement.
He said, however, France has taken all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the French nationals in Cote d'Voire.
However, he said France had adopted all necessary measures to ensure the safety of French nationals in Ivory Coast.
However, he said that France had taken all necessary measures to ensure the safety of the French nationals in Cote d'Ivoire.
But he said, France has taken all measures necessary to ensure the security of the French emigrants in Cote d'Ivoir.
He indicated that with the support of the international community, France will assume the responsibility of monitoring the implementation of the Cote d'Voire peace accord and make joint efforts with all parties involved in Cote d'Voire to restore the national sovereignty of Cote d'Voire and safeguard its territorial integrity.
He said France would be responsible to supervise the peace agreement in Ivory Coast under the support of international community.  The authority of Ivory Coast government has to be restored and the completeness of its sovereignty has to be protected.  France is going to contribute efforts to carry out the agreement alongside with the various parties to the agreement.
He said that with the support of the international community France would take the responsibility of monitoring the implementation of the peace agreement in Cote d'Ivoire and make joint efforts with all parties involved in the agreement to resume Cote d'Ivoire's national authority and protect its territorial integrity.
Under the support the international community, France will assume the obligation to supervise the implementation of the peace agreement, for the restoration of the national power and dignity of Cote d'Ivoir and its territorial integrity and making effort with all parties in implementing the agreement, he said.
De Villepin said that the peace accord reached by all parties of Cote d'Voire in France on the 24th "is the surest guarantee to bringing about peace and national reconciliation in Cote d'Voire."
De Villepin said the different parties in Ivory Coast have reached a peace agreement in Paris on the 24th, which "is a reliable guarantee to realize peace and national reconciliation in Ivory Coast".
De Villepin said that the peace agreement reached by Cote d'Ivoire's different parties on January 24 in Paris was "the most reliable guarantee to realize peace and national reconciliation in Cote d'Ivoire".
Dewuierpan said, that all parties in Cote d'Ivoir reached a peace agreement in Paris is the most reliable guarantee for the peace and reconciliation throughout Cote d'ivoir.
In order to push forward the implementation of the peace accord, he has kept in close touch with Gbagbo, the president of Cote d'Voire, and leaders of other parties.
In order to push ahead the implementation of the peace agreement, he will maintain close contacts with Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo and leaders of other political parties.
In order to push the implementation of the peace agreement, he and Cote d'Ivoire President Gbagbo as well as the leaders of other parties were keeping close contacts.
To push forward the implementation of the peace agreement, he and the Cote d'Ivoir President Babo and other leaders from the ruling party maintains close contact.
He said the Air France flight between Abidjan and Paris that was suspended for three days has resumed on the 29th.
He said Air France's scheduled flights between Abidjan and Paris have resumed on 29th after a 3-day interruption.
He said that Air France's flights between Abidjan and Paris, which had been suspended for three days, were resumed on January 29.
He said, flight between Abirang and Paris that is interrupted for 3 days has resumed today.
(International) Rally Held in Nicaragua to Protest US War on Iraq
(International) Protest Held in Nicaragua Against War on Iraq
(International) Demonstration Held in Nicaragua to Protest against US War on Iraq
(International) Nicaraguans Assembled against US War on Iraq
Xinhua News Agency, Managua, January 30 (Reporter Yang Wenzheng)  Several hundred anti-war protesters gathered on the 30th in front of the US embassy in Nicaragua and demonstrated their strong opposition against the possible US military strikes on Iraq.
Xinhua News Agency, Managua, January 30 (Reporter: Yang Wenzheng) - Several hundred anti-war demonstrators held a protest outside the U.S. embassy in Nicaragua on the 30th.  They were strongly protesting the prospect of an U.S. military attack on Iraq.
Xinhua News Agency report of January 30 from Managua (by staff reporter Yang Wenzheng) - Hundreds of anti-war protesters held a demonstration outside the US embassy in Nicaragua to strongly protest against the possible US military attacks on Iraq.
(Xinhua, Managua, Jan 30, Yang Wenzheng reports) Several hundreds of pacifist held protesting assembly in front of the US embassy to Nicaragua, vehemently protesting the impending US military strike on Iraq.
Janina Guerrero, president of the Nicaraguan Association of Peace Promotion who organized this gathering, delivered a speech at the rally, denouncing the US attempt to launch a war of aggression against Iraq in order to seize the Iraqi oil.
Nicaragua Peace Promotion Association organized the protest and its chairman Jeanine Guerreiro condemned U.S. for attempting to start a war to invade Iraq and seize Iraq's oil in a speech at the assembly.
Organizer of the demonstration, also chairman of the Peace Promotion Association of Nicaragua, Janine Guerrero, delivered a speech at the demonstration accusing the United States of attempting to grab the Iraqi oil and to launch a war against Iraq.
The organizer of this assembly, Chairperson of the "Nicaragua Peace Promotion Commission", Yanina Geraro delivered a speech at the assembly, condemning the US attempts to launch a war to invade Iraq just for grasp Iraq's oil.
Demonstrators from the capital Managua and other cities held various kinds of banners, shouting slogans such as "No US War on Iraq; We Want World Peace" and demanding that the US immediately stop all war preparations.
Protesters from Managua, capital of Nicaragua, and other cities were waiving signboards and shouting slogans like, "We do not want any U.S. war on Iraq; we want world peace".  They are demanding United States to stop all preparation activities for a war.
Protesters from the capital of Managua and some other cities held all kinds of posters, shouting slogans of "No US War on Iraq; World Peace Needed" and asking the United States to stop various kinds of war preparations.
Protestors from the capital of Managua and other cities held up all sorts of slogan boards, shouting "No War on Iraq", "We Want a Peaceful World", etc., to demand the US to stop various preparations for the war immediately.
Demonstrators said in their letter to the US embassy: "Let's fight together for a future of peace in the world, freedom and prosperity; let's learn to respect rights of others.  The issue of Iraq should be solved by Iraq itself under the constructive assistance of the international community."
Protesters said in a letter delivered to the U.S. embassy, "Let us fight together for world peace, freedom and a prosperous future.  Let us learn how to respect the rights of others.  The Iraq problem should be solved by Iraq itself under the constructive assistance from international community."
A letter delivered by protesters to the US embassy says: "Let's jointly fight for world peace, freedom and a prosperous future. Let's learn to respect other people's rights. The Iraqi issue should be resolved by itself with the constructive aid provided by the international community."
Protestors said in a letter forwarded to the US embassy, "Let's strive for the world peace, freedom and prosperity together. Let's learn to respect others' rights. The problem of Iraq should resolve itself through constructive aides given by the international community."
(International) US Personal Consumption Expenditures Flat Last Year
(International) Poor Growth in U.S. Personal Consumption Expenditures in Last Year
(International) US Consumer Spending Growth Unhealthy
(International) Individual Consumption Growth in the US not Good Last Year
Xinhua News Agency, Washington, January 31 (Reporter Wang Zhenhua)  A report released by the US Department of Commerce on the 31st shows that although the US personal consumption showed a relatively brisk growth last December, the annual growth rate only broke even with that in 2001 when economy was in recession.
Xinhua News Agency, Washington, January 31 (Reporter: Wang Zhenhua) - According to a report released by U.S. Commerce Department on the 31st, the growth in U.S. personal consumption expenditures in last year was at the same level as 2001, which was a year of recession, notwithstanding a faster growth occurred in December last year.
Xinhua News Agency report of January 31 from Washington D.C. (by staff reporter Wang Zhenhua) - A report issued by the US State of Commerce shows although US consumer spending saw a rapid growth last December, the whole year's growth remained the same to that of 2001 when the economy went into recession.
(Xinhua, Washington, Jan 31, Wang Zhenhua reports) The report issued by the US Trade Department today shows that although the individual consumption appeared faster growth last December, the growth rate only equals that in 2001 when economic recession took place.
During the last month of last year, personal consumption expenditures, the major driving force for the growth of the US economy, increased 0.9%, the strongest monthly growth since July last year.
U.S. personal consumption expenditures, the main power for economic growth, increased by 0.9 percent in December last year, and was the largest one month growth since July last year.
In the final month of last year, US economy's driving force, consumer spending, rose by 0.9%, the largest gain since last July.
In the last month of last year, the major drive of US economic development grew 0.9%, which is the greatest increase since last July.
Spending on durables rose 6.1%, while spending on non-durables and services only increased 0.2%.
That growth included an increase of 6.1 percent in spending on durable goods and a small increase of 0.2 percent in spending on non-durable goods and services.
Spending on durable consumer goods grew by 6.1% while spending on non-durable consumer goods and services grew by only 0.2%.
Expenses on endurable consumables increased 6.1%, and those on unendurable consumables and service increased 0.2% in average.
This was a clear sign of slow sales in an otherwise busy holiday shopping season in the United States.
The numbers symbolized a less than robust spending in festival seasons in America.
This was an obvious sign that consumer spending was not strong during the US hot consumer-spending holiday.
This is a very apparent mark that the holiday consumption was not hot.
In the last quarter of last year, personal consumption expenditures, which account for about two thirds of the US GDP, rose only 1%, significantly lower than the 4.2% growth rate in the third quarter.  This is the quarter with the smallest growth since the first quarter of 1993.
Personal consumption expenditures, which accounted for two-thirds of U.S. Gross Domestic Products, showed a scant increase of 1 percent in the fourth quarter of last year.  That growth was far lower than 4.2 percent in the third quarter and was the lowest quarterly growth since the first quarter of 1993.
Consumer spending, which accounts for 2/3 of US GDP, saw a rise of 1% last quarter, obviously lower than the growth of 4.2% in the third quarter, the lowest gain since the first quarter of 1993.
In the fourth season last year, individual consumption expenses which account for 2/3 of the GDP of the US grew 1%, obviously lower than the growth rate of 4.2% in the third season, and was the smallest growth rate since the first season in 1993.
Economic analysts think uncertain factors such as a possible US war on Iraq, the sharp decline in the stock market and a stagnant job market have mainly held back consumers from spending and consequently led to a sharp slowdown in the US economy in the fourth quarter.
Economic analysts believed that uncertain factors, including the looming U.S. war against Iraq, sharp decline in stock market and a soft job market etc., had inhibited the zeal to consume, which, in turn, becomes an important factor for a rapid slowdown in the U.S. economy in the fourth quarter.
Economic analysts attributed this to a possible US war against Iraq, stock market's slump and a weak job market that held back spending enthusiasm, the main cause of a rapid US economic slow-down in the fourth quarter.
Some economic analysts think that it is mainly because uncertain factors as the impending US war on Iraq, slump in the stock market and a soft employment market contains the consumption fervor and thus becomes the most important reason of the quick slump of US economy in the fourth season.
For the entire year last year, US personal consumption expenditures grew 4.5%, matching the growth rate in 2001.
For the whole year, U.S. personal consumption expenditures increased by 4.5 percent in last year, which was about the same growth as in 2001.
Last year, US consumer spending rose by 4.5%, the same as that of 2001.
Throughout last year, US individual consumption increased 4.5%, equals that growth rate in 2001.
The report also shows that the US personal income rose 0.4% last December.
The report also indicated that U.S. personal income increased by 0.4 percent in December last year.
The report also shows that Americans' incomes rose by 0.4% last December.
The report also shows that the income of US individuals increased 0.4% last December.
The annual increase of US personal income last year was 3%, down from the 3.3% increase rate in 2001.
For the whole year, U.S. personal income increased by 3 percent in last year, which was lower than the 3.3 percent growth in 2001.
Americans' incomes grew by 3% last year, lower than the 3.3% in 2001.
The growth rate of the individual income in the US last year, lower than 3.3% in 2001.
With spending growth outpacing income, the US savings rate dropped from 4.5% in November to 4.1% at the end of the year.
U.S. saving rate decreased from 4.5 percent in November to 4.1 percent in December because the growth rate in expenditure exceeded the growth rate in income.
As consumer spending growth was higher than that of incomes, US savings rate decreased from 4.5% in December to 4.1% at the end of last year.
For the growth rate of consumption is higher than the growth rate of income, the save rate in the US decreased from 4.5% in November to 4.1% in the end of last year.
(International) French Troops Attacked in Cote d'Ivoire
(International) The French Army in Ivory Coast Was Attacked
(International) French Troops in Cote d'Ivoire Attacked
(International) French Army in Cote d'Ivoire Attacked
Xinhua News Agency, Abidjan, January 31  French troops stationed in Cote d'Ivoire were attacked by local protesters at Abidjan Airport on the 31st.  About 800 young Ivoirians hurled stones at the French soldiers, injuring one French soldier seriously on the face.
Xinhua News Agency, Abidjan, January 31 - Local protesters attacked the French soldiers stationed in the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) at the Abidjan airport on the 31st.  About 800 Ivory Coast youths threw stones at the French army and one French soldier was seriously injured at the face.
Xinhua News Agency report of January 31 from Abidjan - French troops in Cote d'Ivoire were attacked by local protesters at the Abidjan Airport. About 800 Cote d'Ivoire young people threw stones at the French troops, leaving one French soldier seriously injured in his face.
Abidjan, January 31, Xinhua News Agency-- French soldiers stationed in Cote d'Ivoire were attacked by local protestors at Abidjan Airport today.  About 800 young Cote d'Ivoirens threw stones at the French soldiers, seriously hurting one in the face.
Since West African leaders again held talks in Senegal on the civil war in Cote d'Ivoire, the turmoil in Cote d'Ivoire has escalated.
The chaos situation in Ivory Coast has escalated after the leaders of West African States held another meeting in the Republic of Senegal to deal with the civil war problem in Ivory Coast.
The chaos in Cote d'Ivoire escalated since Western African heads of state held a meeting once again in Senegal on the civil war in Cote d'Ivoire.
Since West African leaders held a summit meeting in Senegal again on the issue of civil war in Cote d'Ivoire, the chaos in Cote d'Ivoire has upgraded.
Seydou Diarra, who is vastly respected in Ivoirian politics, was nominated as the new prime minister at the meeting and will return to the country on the 31st to start forming a coalition government.
Seydou Diarra, a widely respected figure in the political circle, was nominated the new Prime Minister in the meeting.  Diarra had also returned to Ivory Coast on the 31st to build a coalition government.
Seydou Diarra, who is highly respected in Cote d'Ivoire's political arena, was nominated new prime minister during the meeting and will return home to form a new government on January 31.
Seydou Diarra, widely respected in the political arena of Cote d'Ivoire was nominated as the new Prime Minister, and would return home to set up a coalition government today.
However, the "Young Patriots," an organization that supports Ivoirian President Gbagbo, resents representatives of rebels taking up such key posts as defense and interior ministers in the future government.
However, the "Young Patriots" groups, supporter of Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo, are dissatisfied that representatives of rebels are taking over important positions as Defense and Interior Ministers in the future government.
However, the "Patriot Youths" organization, which supports Cote d'Ivoire President Gbagbo, has shown their dissatisfaction as the armed rebels' representatives will occupy such key posts as defense and interior ministers in the future government.
However, the Youth Patriots group in support of Cote d'Ivoiren President Gbagbo were not willing to see representatives of rebels taking important posts in defense and interior ministries in the future government.
They accused France of coercing Gbagbo into accepting the plan to form the coalition government and called Diarra "prime minister for the French," threatening that death is waiting for Diarra.
They accused that the French government had forced Gbagbo to accept the composition of the new government.  They also claimed that Diarra is a "Prime Minister of the French people" and threatened to kill him.
They are accusing France of forcing Gbagbo to accept the government-forming plan and call Diarra "the prime minister of the French", threatening that Diarra is facing death.
They accused France of threatening Gbagbo to accept the plan for organizing the government, calling Diarra "Prime Minister of the French", and threatened that death was awaiting Diarra.
According to reports, although the runways at Abidjan Airport have been cleared, several hundred members of "Young Patriots" are staying in the waiting room, ready to boycott the return of Diarra.
According to reports, the runway of Abidjan airport had been cleared.  However, several hundred members of the "Young Patriots" were still in the arrival hall and prepared to boycott Diarra's return to Ivory Coast.
Reports said although the Abidjan Airport had been cleared hundreds of members of the "Patriot Youths" still remained at the airport lounge waiting to protest against Diarra's return.
It was reported that although the runway of Abidjan Airport had been cleared up, several hundreds of Youth Patriots members were still staying in the lounge to resist Diarra's return.
The civil war in Cote d'Ivoire has been going on for four months already, leaving hundreds dead in the clashes.
The civil war in Ivory Coast continued for 4 months and several hundred people were killed in the conflict.
The civil war in Cote d'Ivoire has lasted for 4 months, with hundreds of people killed during the conflict.
The civil war of Cote d'Ivoire has lasted for 4 months, killing several hundred people.
The French Foreign Ministry suggested on the 31st that the 16,000 French nationals in Cote d'Ivoire be evacuated as soon as possible.
On the 31st, French foreign affairs recommended the 16 thousand French nationals to evacuate the country as soon as possible.
The French Foreign Ministry on January 31 suggested 16,000 French nationals in Cote d'Ivoire be evacuated as soon as possible.
French foreign ministry today advised the 16000 French nationals staying in Cote d'Ivoire to leave as soon as possible.
(International)  Planned Space Flights of Two Canadian Astronauts Set Back
(International) A Setback for the Two Canadian Astronauts to Join Flights
(International) Two Canadian Astronauts' Space Plan to Be Thwarted
(International) Plan for Space Travelling of Two Canadian Astronauts will be Frustrated
Xinhua News Agency, Ottawa, February 3 (Reporter Hu Guangyao)  According to the local media reports on the 3rd, the plans of two Canadian astronauts to go to space on the US spacecraft in May and November of this year will have to be scrapped due to the accident of the US space shuttle Columbia.
Xinhua News Agency, Ottawa, February 3 (Reporter: Hu Guangyao) - According to reports of local media here on the 3rd, plans for two Canadian astronauts to join flights on U.S. space shuttle in May and November this year received a setback due to the accident of the Columbia space shuttle.
Xinhua News Agency report of February 3 from Ottawa (by staff reporter Hu Guangyao) - Local media reported on February 3 that the plan to send two Canadian astronauts to space aboard US space shuttles in May and November will be thwarted due to the accident of US "Columbia" space shuttle.
Ottawa, February 3, Xinhua News Agency-- (By Hu Guangyao) According to the report of local media today, due to the accident of the space shuttle Columbia, plans for space travelling of two Canadian astronauts in May and November in American space shuttle will be frustrated.
Garneau, Canada's first astronaut and president of the Canadian Space Agency, said that the US investigation of the Columbia accident may hinder the planned missions of the International Space Station; some of the programs may have to be postponed or even canceled.
Marc Garneau, Canadian Space Agency President and Canada's first astronaut, said some scheduled missions for the International Space Station might be delayed pending U.S. investigation on the Columbia accident.  Some plans might be carried out at a later date but some might be cancelled.
Director of the Canadian Space Agency, Canada's first astronaut Garneau, said that the US investigation of the "Columbia" accident would thwart the scheduled missions of the International Space Station with some projects likely to be delayed or even canceled.
Garneau, head of the Canadian Space Agency and Canada's first astronaut, said that America's investigation in the accident of Columbia may cause the planned missions in the international space station to be blocked, and some of the plans might be suspended or canceled.
The Canadian astronauts, MacLean and Williams, were originally scheduled to take their space flights respectively in May and November this year.
Canadian astronauts Steve MacLean and Dave Williams were to join flights set for May and November this year, respectively.
Canadian astronauts McGill and Williams were originally scheduled to be sent to space in May and November respectively.
Canadian astronauts MacLean and Williams have flights scheduled for May and November respectively.
The two people are currently receiving training in Houston, USA.
The two astronauts are currently receiving training in Houston, United States.
The two are now receiving training in Houston, US.
At present, they are trained in Houston in the United States.
During the 1990s, three Canadian astronauts participated in space missions on the space shuttle Columbia.
Three Canadian astronauts had participated in space mission on board the Columbia space shuttle during the 90s of the twentieth century.
Three Canadian astronauts participated in the space missions aboard the "Columbia" space shuttle in the 1990s.
Three Canadian astronauts travelled on the Columbia in the 1990s for space flight missions.
Garneau also disclosed that the space science experiments aboard Columbia this time included two research projects sponsored by Canada.
Garneau also disclosed that among the scientific experiments carried on board the Columbia in its last mission, there were two items sponsored by Canada.
Garneau also disclosed that the space experiments aboard the "Columbia" included two scientific researches funded by Canada.
Garneau also revealed that Canada co-sponsored two of the scientific experiments on board of Columbia.
The research projects involve the protein crystal growth with one of the objectives being the treatment of breast cancer and prostate cancer.
These researches included a study on the growth of protein crystals and one of the objectives is to find cure for breast cancer and prostate cancer.
These researches were linked to the growth of protein crystal with one of the aims to cure breast cancer and prostate cancer.
These experiments included protein crystal growth - one purpose of which is to cure breast cancer and prostate cancer.
It is also reported that after the Columbia accident, NASA immediately cut short an astronaut training program in Canada.
Another report said U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration shortened an astronaut training activity in Canada immediately after Columbia's accident.
Meanwhile, reports said that following the "Columbia" accident US NASA shortened a training program underway in Canada.
It was also reported that after the disintegration of Columbia, America's National Aeronautics and Space Administration immediately cut short an astronauts training program in Canada.
The seven astronauts, who were receiving training last week at Valcartier military base near Quebec City in Canada, have finished their training and returned to the United States.
In last week, seven astronauts finished their training at Valcartier Military base near Quebec City and had returned to United States.
Seven astronauts, who received training last week in the Valcartier Military Base near the Canadian city of Quebec, have ended their training and returned to the United States.
Seven astronaut trainees at Valcartier military base near Quebec City in Canada concluded the training and returned to America last week.
(International)  US Construction Spending Posted a Sharp Rise Last December
(International) U.S. Construction Spending Rose Significantly in December Last Year
(International) US Construction Spending Increases Markedly Last December
(International) US Construction Expenses Obviously Increased Last December
Xinhua News Agency, Washington, February 3 (Reporter He Ying)  The US Department of Commerce issued a report on the 3rd, stating that the construction spending in the United States last December rose 1.2% over November to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 858.3 billion US dollars.
Xinhua News Agency, Washington, February 3 (Reporter: He Ying) - U.S. Commerce Department said in its report on the 3rd that U.S. construction spending in December last year rose 1.2 percent over November and amounted to US$858.3 billion at a seasonally adjusted annual rate.
Xinhua News Agency report of February 3 from Washington D.C. (by staff reporter He Ying) - A report issued by US Commerce Department on February 3 said that US construction spending in last December rose by 1.2% from November, reaching 858.3 billion US dollars calculated on the basis of the annual rate following seasonal adjustment.
Washington, February 3, Xinhua News Agency -- (By He Ying) The United States Department of Commerce said in a report published today that America's construction expenses last December increased by 1.2% compared with November, to US$858.3 billion after seasonal adjustment by annual interest rate.
The report said spending on residential construction last December reached 434.6 billion US dollars on an annualized basis after a seasonal adjustment, up 2.9% over November.
The report said residential construction spending amounted to US$434.6 billion at a seasonally adjusted annual rate in December last year, up 2.9 percent over November.
The report said that the spending on house construction, calculated on the basis of the annual rate following seasonal adjustment, reached 434.6 billion US dollars last December, up 2.9% from November.
The report said that the residential construction expenses in last December reached US$434.6 billion after seasonal adjustment by annual interest rate, an increase of 2.9% over November.
Analysts think that the low interest rate is a key factor for the robust growth in residential construction.
Analysts believed the low interest rate was an important factor for the strong growth in residential construction spending.
Analysts said that the low interest rate was a major factor accelerating the strong growth in housing construction.
Analysts say that the low interest rate level is a major factor in causing the rapid growth in residential construction.
Currently, the US Federal Reserve still keeps the short-term interest rate at 1.2%, the lowest level in 41 years.
At present, U.S. Federal Reserve Committee maintains short-term interest at 1.2 percent, which is the lowest level in 41 year.
Currently, US Federal Reserve will still fix the short-term interest rate at a 41-year low of 1.2%.
At present, the US Federal Reserve System still fixes the short-term interest rate at 1.2%, the lowest in the past 41 years.
However, in contrast with the residential construction, the commercial construction spending in the United States last December was 158.6 billion US dollars on an annualized basis after a seasonal adjustment, down 1.9% from November.
However, U.S. commercial construction spending showed an opposite trend to that of residential construction.  In December last year, U.S. commercial construction spending was US$158.6 billion at a seasonally adjusted annual rate, a decrease of 1.9 percent over November.
However, in contrast to house construction, the spending on commercial construction, calculated on the basis of the annual rate following seasonal adjustment, was 158.6 billion US dollars last December, down 1.9% from November.
However, in contrast to residential construction, the US commercial construction expenses in last December were US$158.6 billion after seasonal adjustment by annual interest rate, 1.9% lower than November.
Analysts think that given the current uncertainties about the economic prospect of the United States, businesses are reluctant to increase their investment in building factories and other facilities.
Analysts believed enterprises were unwilling to increase investments in factories and other facilities because there were uncertain factors affecting the future prospect of the U.S. economy.
Analysts said that currently, the US economic prospect remains instable and most enterprises are not willing to invest more on factories or other facilities.
Analysts say that there are unstable factors in the prospect of the US economy, and enterprises are not willing to invest in building factories and other facilities.
In addition, concerns about terrorist attacks have also adversely affected the commercial construction activities.  Although Bush signed the Terrorism Insurance Act in November last year, it is not sufficient to dispel investors' worries.
In addition, worries of terrorists' attacks also weighted against commercial construction activities.  President George W. Bush signed the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act in November last year but the law cannot remove all concerns of investors and businesses.
In addition, concerns over terrorist attacks also have negative influences on commercial construction. Although Bush signed the Terrorism Insurance Bill last November it was far from enough to remove investors' concerns.
Moreover, worries about terrorist attacks also bring negative influence to commercial construction.  Although Bush issued the Terror Risk Insurance Act 2002 last November - it is not enough to eliminate the worries of investors.
For the entire year last year, the growth rate of the US residential construction spending went down from the 2.7% in 2001 to 0.4%, the lowest level since 1991.
Judging from the performance of the whole year, the growth rate of U.S. residential construction spending decreased from 2.7 percent in 2001 to 0.4 percent, which was the lowest level since 1991.
For all of the year, the growth rate of US construction spending fell to 0.4% from 2.7% in 2001, the lowest level since 1991.
The growth rate of US residential construction last year on the whole dropped from 2.7% of the year 2001 to 0.4%, the lowest since 1991.
(International)  UN Inspectors Found Another Empty Chemical Warhead in Iraq
(International) UN Inspectors Found Another Empty Chemical Warhead in Iraq
(International) UN Inspectors Find One More Empty Chemical Warhead in Iraq
(International) UN Inspectors Found Another Empty Chemical Warhead in Iraq
Xinhua News Agency, Baghdad, February 4 (Reporters Wang Bo and Liang Youchang)  UN arms inspection team spokesman Hiro Ueki said in a press release on the 4th that the inspectors found another empty chemical warhead on that day when they were inspecting some suspicious sites in Iraq.
Xinhua News Agency, Baghdad, February 4 (Reporter: Wang Bo and Liang Youchang) - United Nations (UN) weapons inspection teams spokesman Hiro Ueki said in a press release on the 4th that inspectors found another empty chemical warhead on that day during an inspection at a suspicious location in Iraq.
Xinhua News Agency report of February 4 from Baghdad (by staff reporters Wang Bo and Liang Youyong) - Spokesman of the UN arms inspection team, Hiro Ueki, said on February 4 in a press release that inspectors found one more empty chemical warhead when they were searching Iraq's suspected sites during the day.
Baghdad, February 4, Xinhua News Agency--(By Wang Bo and Liang Youchang)Hiro Ueki, spokesman for UN weapons inspectors team, said in a news release today that inspectors found another empty chemical warhead when examining the suspected places in Iraq on the very day.
Hiro Ueki said that the inspectors found this empty chemical warhead when they were inspecting the Al Taji Ammunition Depot in the northern suburb of Baghdad.
Hiro Ueki said inspectors found the empty chemical warhead at the Al Taji Ammunition Depot in the rural area north of Baghdad in the course of an inspection.
Hiro Ueki said that inspectors found the empty chemical warhead when searching the Taji ammunition depot in northern Baghdad.
Hiro Ueki said that the inspectors found the empty chemical warhead when examining the Al Taji Ammunition Depot, north of Baghdad.
The warhead was tagged and kept in good condition.
The warhead was tagged and was kept in good condition.
The warhead was labeled and well preserved.
The warhead was tagged and secured.
He said this warhead is similar to those 12 empty chemical warheads that inspectors found at an ammunition storage area in southern Iraq on January 16.
He said the warhead was of the same type as the 12 empty chemical warheads found at another ammunition depot in southern Iraq on January 16.
He said that the warhead was similar to the 12 empty chemical warheads found by inspectors on January 16 in an arsenal in southern Iraq.
He said that this is the same type of chemical warhead as the 12 empty chemical warheads found by the inspectors at an ammunition depot in southern Iraq on Jan. 16.
Shortly after the inspectors found that batch of empty chemical warheads, Iraqi side announced they had found four similar warheads at al-Taji area and turned them to the inspectors.
Shortly after inspectors found the aforesaid batch of empty chemical warheads, Iraq said it found four more of such warheads at Taji and had handed over the warheads to inspectors.
Shortly after inspectors found these warheads the Iraqi side announced that they found four similar warheads in the Taji region and turned in the warheads to the inspectors.
Soon after the discovery of those warheads, Iraq announced that it had found four more such warheads at Taji and handed them over to the inspectors.
Blix, chairman of the UN Verification, Monitoring and Inspection Commission, said while he was presenting an inspection report to the Security Council on January 27 that the Iraqi government should have voluntarily declared those empty chemical warheads in the arms report it submitted instead of letting inspectors go in search of them.
In the UN Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission, Executive Chairman, Hans Blix's progress report to UN Security Council on January 27, Blix said Iraqi government should have declared these empty chemical warheads in its weapon report to UN.  Inspectors are not supposed to look for them.
Chairman of the UN Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission Blix said in his report to the Security Council on January 27 that the Iraqi government should mention these empty chemical warheads in its arms report instead of leaving inspectors to search for.
When reporting to the UN Security Council on Jan. 27, Blix, head of the UN Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission, said that Iraqi government should have accounted for these empty chemical warheads voluntarily in its arms report submitted, rather than leaving them to be discovered by the inspectors.
On the very same day, the inspectors also inspected seven sites near Baghdad, including a water purification facility, an agro-chemicals plant, two missiles plants and a former center for developing chemical weapons.
Inspectors also called at 7 locations near Baghdad on that day, which included a water purification station, an agricultural chemical factory, two missile factories and a weapon center originally built for development of chemical weapons.
Inspectors also searched seven sites near Baghdad, including a water purifying facility, an agricultural chemical workshop, two missile factories and a formal chemical weapons development center.
On the same day, the inspectors also examined 7 spots near Baghdad, including a water decontamination facility, an agricultural chemical factory, two missile factories and a former chemical weapons development center.
The inspectors in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul inspected a sugar factory and a yeast factory on the 4th.
Inspectors also checked a sugar factory and a yeast factory on the 4th in Mosul, a city in northern Iraq.
Inspectors in the Iraqi northern city of Mosul searched a sugar and a yeast factories on February 4.
In the city of Mosul in northern Iraq, the inspectors examined a sugar factory and a yeast-manufacturing factory today.
Shanghai Police Confirm Two Men who Fell from Air France Jetliner Were Turkish Nationals
Shanghai Police Confirmed That the Two Men Fell From Air France Jetliner Were Turkish Nationals
Shanghai Police Confirms Turkish Men Fall from Air France
Shanghai Police Confirmed Two Men Falling from Plane were Turkish
Xinhua News Agency, Shanghai, February 10 (Yang Jinzhi and Yang Hua)  After comparing fingerprints, Shanghai police have confirmed that the two men who fell from Air France Flight AF112 on January 23 were Turkish nationals.  They were respectively Karacoban, 20, and Ozuyaman, 19.
Xinhua News Agency, Shanghai, February 10 (Yang Jinzhi and Yang Ye) - Shanghai police confirmed that the two men fell from Air France flight AF112 on January 23 were Turkish nationals after a comparison of fingerprints.  The two were 20-year old Ramazan Karacoban and 19-year old Onur Ozuyaman.
Xinhua News Agency report of February 10 from Shanghai (by staff reporters Yang Jinzhi and Yang Yue) - After examining the fingerprints, Shanghai police has confirmed that the two men falling from Air France's flight 112 on January 23 are Turkish citizens, 20-year-old Karacoban and 19-year-old Ozuyaman.
Shanghai, February 10, Xinhua News Agency-- (By Yang Jinzhi and Yang Ye)After fingerprints comparison, the Shanghai police confirmed that the two men falling from the AF 112 flight of Air France on Jan. 23 were Turkish nationals, being the 20-year-old Karacoban and the 19-year-old Ozuyaman.
At 10:58 a.m. on January 23, Shanghai Municipal Public Security Bureau got a 110 emergency call, reporting an incident of men falling from the sky in Shengang Village, Laogang Township in Nanhui District.  Two male foreign nationals were said to have fallen from an airplane flying from south to north in preparation for landing.
On January 23 at 10:58 a.m., Shanghai public security received a "110" emergency call, which said two men had fallen from the sky at the Shengang Village, Laogang Town of Nanhui District.  The two foreigners actually fell from a jetliner, which was about to land but was still flying from south towards the north direction.
At 10:58am on January 23, the Shanghai Security Bureau received a "110" emergency call that two foreign men fell to the Shengang Village in the Town of Laogang in Nanhui District from a descending plane flying from the south to the north.
At 10:58 am of Jan. 23, Shanghai Public Security Bureau received a 110 emergency call reporting men falling from the air in Shengang Village, Laogang County of Nanhui District. Two foreign men fell from a landing airplane flying from south to north.
After an examination of the scene and some investigations, Shanghai police quickly came to the conclusion that the dead fell from the landing gear compartments of Air France Flight FAF112 that was entering China's airspace.  The conclusion was confirmed by Air France.
After survey and investigation at the scene, Shanghai police quickly determined that the dead men had fallen from the undercarriage area, which holds the landing gear, of an inbound Air France flight AF112.  Air France also confirmed the conclusion.
Shanghai police drew the conclusion shortly after examining the site and investigation that the killed fell from FAF 112's landing gear chamber, which was later confirmed by Air France.
After spot examination and investigations, the Shanghai police soon identified that the two dead were fallen from the undercarriage holds of flight AF 112 of Air France entering Shanghai, which conclusion was confirmed by Air France.
After that, Shanghai police conducted the investigations in cooperation with the French and Turkish consulates general in Shanghai and then the police authorities in the two countries.
After that, Shanghai police had separately contacted the French and the Turkish embassy in Shanghai and cooperated with the police of the aforesaid two countries in the investigation.
Thereafter, Shanghai police carried out cooperation and investigation with the French and Turkish consulates in Shanghai and the two countries' police.
Later, the Shanghai police cooperated with the French General Consulate and Turkish General Consulate in Shanghai as well as police of the two countries to carry out further investigations.
In early February, based on the belongings left behind by the two dead men on the scene and the materials provided by the Turkish police such as fingerprints and identification cards believed to be of the dead, Shanghai police made technical comparisons and were convinced that the fingerprints were identical, thus confirming finally the true identities of the two dead men.
Based on the personal properties left behind by the two men at the scene, Shanghai police made a guess about who they might be.  A technical comparison was performed with the fingerprints and identities information supplied by Turkish police.  At the beginning of February, the police finally confirmed the identities of the two dead men after a match in fingerprints.
In early February, after examining the items left on the site and suspected fingerprints and ID cards provided by the Turkish police, Shanghai police confirmed that the fingerprints were identical and finally identified the two deceased's real identities.
In early February, after inspecting the personal effects of the two dead left on the spot, as well as the suspected fingerprints and identification cards provided by the Turkish police, the Shanghai police made technological comparisons and found that the fingerprints were identical, thus confirming the true identities of the two dead.
(HK, Macau, Taiwan) Macau Posted a 13% Budget Surplus Last Year
(Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) Macau Achieved a Fiscal Surplus of 13 Percent in Last Year
(Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) Macao's Fiscal Surplus Reaches 13% Last Year
(Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) Macao's Financial Budget Last Year: 13% Surplus
Xinhua News Agency, Macau, February 10 (Reporter Li Jie)  According to sources from the Macau Special Administrative Region government, Macau's budget for fiscal 2002 ran pretty well with a surplus of 1.7 billion pacatas for the whole year, equal to 13% of the year's budget.
Xinhua News Agency, Macau, February 10 (Reporter: Li Jie) - According to information from Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government, Macau had carried out its 2002 fiscal budget in a successful manner.  The surplus for the whole year was 1.7 billion patacas, which was equivalent to 13 percent of the fiscal budget for the year.
Xinhua News Agency report of February 10 from Macao (by staff reporter Li Jie) - Sources from the Macao Special Administrative Region said that Macao's 2002 fiscal year budget was well implemented, with a surplus of 1.7 billion Macao dollars or 13% of the fiscal year's budget.
Macao, February 10, Xinhua News Agency -- (By Li Jie) According to the news from the government of Macao Special Administrative Region, the execution of the financial budget of 2002 was rather ideal, with a surplus of 1.7 billion Patacas for the year, or 13% of the yearly financial budget.
It is said that Macau's budget for fiscal 2002 was originally set as a deficit budget, with a deficit between revenues and expenditures of 870 million pacatas.
According to introduction, the 2002 fiscal budget for Macau was a deficit budget at the time of compilation and it projected a deficit of 870 million patacas.
It was told that Macao's 2002 fiscal year budget was originally planned for a deficit of 870 million Macao dollars.
It is said that the yearly financial budget for 2002 was a deficit budget when it was made, with a deficit of 870 million patacas.
Offset with the surplus from fiscal 2001, the budget still had a balance of deficit of 300 million pacatas which was expected to be paid off with years of accumulated surpluses.
After netting off with the surplus in 2001, Macau should have a deficit of 300 million patacas.  The plan was to finance the deficit from accumulated reserves.
After offsetting with the surplus of 2001, there would still a deficit of 300 million Macao dollars and it was expected to be made up by years of deposits.
Even if it were set off by the surplus in 2001, there would still be a deficit of 300 million patacas, which was expected to be made up by the accumulations over the years.
However, in actual operations, the SAR government managed to increase sources of revenues and reduce expenditures.  The actual revenues increased about 10% over the original budget while the actual expenditures decreased 8% from the budget.
However, the SAR government tapped into new resources and economized on expenses during its specific implementation.  As a result, actual income was 10 percent more than budget and actual expenditure was 8 percent lower than budget.
However, the SAR government increased income and reduced expenditure in implementing the budget, with an actual income up about 10% of the budget and the actual expenditure down 8%.
However, the government of the SAR widened the incomes and saved the expenditures in its execution of the budget.  As a result, the actual income was 10% more than the budget, while the expenditure was 8% less.
Avila, director of Finance Services Bureau, said that Macau's increased budget revenue for fiscal 2002 was mainly made possible by the successful opening up of the gambling industry and telecommunication industry as well as the rebound in the real estate sector.
Carlos Avila, Director of Finance Services Bureau, said the successful removal of monopolies in gaming and telecommunications industries; as well as the recovery in real estate and property market were the main reasons for above budget revenues in 2002.
Finance Bureau Chief Ai Wei-li said that the increase of Macao's 2002 fiscal year budget was due to the opening up of gaming industry and telecom industry as well as recovery of the real estate sector.
Finance Services Bureau Director Avila attributed the increased income for Macao's budget of 2002 to the successful opening of gambling and telecommunication industry as well as the recovery in real estate industry.
Statistics show that in 2002, tax revenues from gambling posted a significant rise over 2001; in addition to a dramatic increase in the number of new telecommunications subscribers, office building transactions started to pick up, netting a gain of about 30% in property transfer stamp tax alone.
According to statistics, revenue from gaming taxes in 2002 rose substantially over 2001.  Also, there was a massive growth of customers in the telecommunications industry.  The real estate market was also active and revenue from stamp duty payable on property transfers had increased by 30 percent.
Statistics show that there was a marked increase of gaming tax revenue in 2002 compared with that of 2001. Subscribers of the telecom sector rose dramatically. Real estate trading became increasingly active with stamp tax revenue involving real estate transfer alone up 30%.
Statistics show that in 2002 there was an obvious increase in the levy of betting duty over the year 2001, the subscribers to the telecommunication industry increased rapidly - and real estate transactions turned more active, as a result of which the stamp duty on residential property transactions increased by 30%.
(HK, Macau, Taiwan)  Macau Passes Double Taxation Relief Bill
(Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) Macau Passed Legalization to Avoid Double Tax
(Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) Macao Passes Bill to Avoid Double Taxation
(Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) Macao Passed an Act to Avoid Double Taxation
Xinhua News Agency, Macau, February 11  Legislative Assembly of Macau Special Administrative Region passed a bill on the 10th authorizing the SAR chief executive to sign double taxation relief treaties with other countries and regions.
Xinhua News Agency, Macau, February 11 - The Legislative Assembly of Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) passed a new law on 10th, which gives the SAR Chief Executive the power to sign double tax treaties with other foreign regions.
Xinhua News Agency report of February 11 from Macao - Macao SAR's legislature passed a bill on February 10 to authorize the SAR's Chief Executive to make decisions regarding execution of agreements with foreign countries for purpose of avoiding double taxation.
Macao, February 11, Xinhua News Agency--The Legislative Assembly of Macao Special Administrative Region passed an act yesterday, entrusting the Chief Executive of Macao SAR with the power to decide on the conclusion of agreements with other regions or countries on avoiding double taxation.
The so-called "double taxation" means two or more tax jurisdictions levy the same or similar taxes on one taxpayer simultaneously for the same taxables.
"Double tax" means two or more tax jurisdiction are taxing the same tax payer for the same or similar taxes at the same time on the same taxable event.
The so-called "double taxation" means two or more taxation authorities levy the same or similar taxes on the same taxpayer for the same period on the same item.
Double taxation refers to the fact that two or more tax precincts levy the same or similar taxes on the same taxpayer at the same time with regard to the same taxable fact.
According to the bill, if double taxation is levied on one and the same taxpayer in Macau, the SAR chief executive has the authority to take necessary regulatory measures till an interjurisdictional double taxation relief treaty is signed.
The idea of the law is that until such time a double tax treaty is signed between different regions, the SAR Chief Executive has the power to adopt necessary measures to standardize the procedures, in event of a tax payer in Macau is double taxed.
The bill holds that once double taxation occurs on the same tax payer in Macao the SAR's Chief Executive has the right to take necessary measures to regulate it and sign inter-regional agreements to avoid double taxation.
The act holds that whenever a taxpayer in Macao is double taxed, the Chief Executive of the SAR is entitled to take necessary measures to deal with the situation until an inter-regional agreement on avoidance of double taxation is concluded.
The member of the Legislative Assembly in charge of examining this bill entitled "Tax System with Respect to International or Interjurisdictional Double Taxation" said that the tax system must promptly keep pace with the current increasing tendency toward globalization of economy, otherwise it will restrict the flow of capital, commodities and personnel.
A Member of the Legislative Assembly, who was responsible to scrutinize the law, "Taxation System In Case of International or Regional Double Taxation", said the trend of globalization is increasingly obvious.  Hence, taxation system must catch up otherwise the flow of capital, goods and human resources will be inhibited.
The legislators, who are in charge of reviewing the bill called "the Taxation System on Regional or International Double Taxation", said that the current trend of economic globalization is becoming more and more clear so the taxation system must keep pace with it or it would restrict the flow of capital, commodities and personnel.
Members of the Legislative Assembly who were responsible for examining the act named "Taxation System in International or Inter-regional Double Taxation" said that as the trend of economic globalization becomes more obvious, the taxation system must keep pace with it. Otherwise, the flow of capital, goods and personnel will be restricted.
It is necessary that Macau sign a double taxation relief treaty with other regions as this will not only help Macau to attract foreign capital, but also facilitate Macau's overseas investment.  It is a critical link in promoting the economic growth.
Macau has to sign double tax treaties with other regions, which will help Macau to attract more foreign capital as well as for Macau to invest overseas.  Such a treaty is an important element for the promotion of economic development.
Macao and other regions need to sign agreements to avoid double taxation, which will not only help Macao to attract foreign investment, but also can help Macao to invest overseas. It is a key part to promote the economic development.
Macao has to make agreements with other regions on avoidance of double taxation, which, being a key link in boosting economy, would both benefit the introduction of foreign investment as well as Macao's investment outward.
It is said that at present, Macau has already had a double taxation relief treaty with Portugal, and is discussing with mainland China about signing a treaty which is expected to be reached in the middle of this year.
According to introduction, Macau has a double tax treaty with Portugal at this moment.  Macau is holding discussions with Mainland China.  It is expected that an agreement can be reached some time in the middle of the year.
It is said that there is already an agreement to avoid double taxation between Macao and Portugal. An agreement with the mainland is under discussion and is expected to be reached in the middle of this year.
It is said that Macao has reached an agreement on avoidance of double taxation with Portugal, and the one with the Mainland is under negotiation, which is expected to be concluded by the middle of the year.
(From hometown of overseas Chinese)  Quanzhou Recognized as "China's Manufacturing Base of Household Products"
(Overseas and Hometown News) Quanzhou Becomes "China's Production Base for Daily Commodities"
(News from Hometown of Overseas Chinese) Quanzhou Becomes "China's Consumer Goods Production Base"
(News from town of Overseas Chinese) Quanzhou Becomes China's Commodity Production Base
Xinhua News Agency, Fuzhou, February 12 (Reporter Wang Fanfan)  Quanzhou, a region with fast growth of privatized economy, has been recently recognized as "China's Manufacturing Base of Household Products."  A grand award ceremony has been just held by the relevant departments to specially celebrate the occasion.
Xinhua News Agency, Fuzhou, February 12 (Reporter: Wang Fanfan) - Quanzhou, an area with above average growth driven primarily by private enterprises, has recently become "China's Production Base for Daily Commodities".  The related department held a solemn ceremony to grant the award, as well as to celebrate the achievement a few days ago.
Xinhua News Agency report of February 12 from Fuzhou (by staff reporter Wang Fanfan) - Quanzhou, one of China's areas that have seen rapid development of private businesses, recently became "China's Consumer Goods Production Base". The relevant departments held a grand ceremony recently to grant the title.
Fuzhou, February 12, Xinhua News Agency--(By Wang Fanfan) Quanzhou, a region where private economies develop quickly, was recently named "China's Commodity Production Base".  Relevant official departments held a big ceremony of title granting and celebration.
Shengxin Township which won the title of "China's Manufacturing Base of Household Products" is a new township located in the central part of Nan-an City, hometown of the national hero Zheng Chenggong, in the coastal economic development zone of southern Fujian Province.
A new town in the province won the designation of "China's Production Base for Daily Commodities".  This town is situate at the coastal economic development region on the south side of Fujian Province, or in the central area of Nanan City, the hometown of the Chinese hero, Zheng Chenggong.
The town of Shengxin, entitled "China's Consumer Goods Production Base", is a new town located in the center of Nan'an city, home to the national hero of Zheng Chenggong, and in the economic development zone of southern Fujian.
The town which received the title of "China's Commodity Production Base" is Shengxin Town, a new town located in Nan'an, hometown to the national hero Zheng Chenggong, in the open coastal economic area of southern Fujian Province.
Established in 1999 with an area of 61 square kilometers, the township has 11 administrative villages.  It has a population of 45,000 who have over 20,000 relatives residing overseas and compatriots in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.
The town was established in 1999 with an area of 61 square kilometers.  It has the jurisdiction over 11 administrative villages, a population of 45 thousand people and over 20 thousand fellow citizens from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.
The town was established in 1999 covering an area of 61 square kilometers with 11 villages and a population of 45,000. It also has over 20,000 overseas Chinese and compatriots living in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.
The town was set up in 1999, with an area of 61 square kilometers, governing 11 villages, and a population of 45,000.  It is also the hometown to over 20000 overseas Chinese and compatriots of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.
Committed to developing the household products industry, Shengxin Township at present has formed a complete manufacturing chain led by production of household items.
The town devotes its efforts to develop the daily commodities industry.  At present, a complete industrial chain with a focus on daily commodities has taken shape in this new town of the province.
Dedicated in developing the consumer goods industry, the town of Shengxin has formed a complete production chain with the focus on consumer goods.
Dedicated to developing commodity industry, Shengxin Town has now formed a complete chain of production with commodity production as its key industry.
The township boasts more than 70 manufacturers of household products with total fixed assets worth over 300 million yuan.  More than 10,000 people are engaged in the manufacture and sales of household products with an annual export volume of nearly 200 million yuan.
The town has over 70 enterprises in daily commodities.  Total fixed assets investment exceeded 300 million Renminbi.  More than 10 thousand people are employed in the production, supply and marketing of daily commodities and annual export is close to 200 million Renminbi.
There are over 70 consumer goods production firms with fixed assets of over RMB300 million and more than 10,000 workers and salesmen. Its annual export volume reaches nearly RMB200 million.
There are more than 70 commodity-producing enterprises in the town, with 300 million yuan of fixed assents and more than 10000 people engaged in commodity production and distribution, exporting nearly 200 million yuan of goods every year.
Main products include various kinds of thin plastic packing bags, colored bags, household plasticware, melamine dinnerware and women's sanitary belts, baby diapers, napkin, knitwear, and children's outdoor gear.  With hundreds of varieties, and nearly a thousand specifications, these products are much sought after everywhere in China and in other countries and regions such as the United States, Canada, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
The main products are different kinds of membrane packing bags, colored bags, injection molded daily commodities, melamine dining utensils, women's sanitary napkin, baby's diaper pants, dining napkins, knitwear, children outdoor products etc.  In fact, there are hundreds of products and thousands of models.  The town's products are well received in many countries and regions in the world, including United States, Canada, Europe and Southeast Asia etc.
Major products include various kinds of packaging plastic films, color bags, plastic goods, polyurethane table wares as well as women's sanitary napkins, baby's napkins, table napkins, knit goods, outdoor articles for children, and hundreds of other varieties and specifications. Their products sell well in all parts of China as well as in the United States, Canada, European and southeast Asian countries and regions.
Its main products include all kinds of membrane wrappage, color bags, plastic commodities, Melamine tableware, sanitary napkins, diapers, paper handkerchiefs, knitwares, outdoor products for children, etc, of hundreds of varieties and thousands of models, which are well sold all over the country as well as in the US, Canada, Europe and southeast Asia.
In 2002, the output value of household products in the township reached 504 million yuan, accounting for 70% of the township's total industrial output value.  14.08 million yuan has been paid in industrial and commercial taxes, which was 67.1% of the township's total tax revenue.
In 2002, the production value of the daily commodities industry in the town amounted to 504 million Renminbi, which was 70 percent of total industrial production in the town.  Daily commodities industry paid 14.08 million Renminbi in commercial and industrial taxes, which was 67.1 percent of total tax revenue to the town.
The town's consumer goods output value reached RMB504 million in 2002, accounting for 70% of the town's total industrial output with RMB14.8 million taxes turned in, accounting for 67.1% of the total taxes paid by the town.
In 2002, the production value of commodity industry of the town reached 504 million yuan, or 70% of the industrial production value of the town.  It also contributed 14.08 million industrial and commercial taxes, 67.1% of the total taxation of the town.
(International) France Proposes to Security Council to Strengthen Arms Inspection in Iraq
(International) France Recommends the Security Council to Strengthen Nuclear Inspection in Iraq
(International) France Raises Proposal in Security Council to Strengthen Inspections in Iraq
(International) France Suggested to Security Council of Intensified Inspection on Iraq
Xinhua News Agency, United Nations, February 11 (Reporter Guo Lijun)   On the 11th, the French mission to the United Nations circulated an unofficial proposal among the Security Council members for stronger arms inspection in Iraq.
Xinhua News Agency, United Nations, February 11 (Reporter: Guo Lijun) - The French delegation resident in United Nations (UN) has circulated an unofficial proposal to members of the Security Council on the 11th, which suggests to strengthen the nuclear weapon inspection in Iraq.
Xinhua News Agency report of February 11 from the UN (by staff reporter Guo Lijun) - French permanent mission to the UN circulated a proposal on strengthening arms inspections in Iraq among the Security Council non-permanent members on February 11.
United Nations, February 11, Xinhua News Agency-- (By Guo Lijun) The French delegation to the UN informally handed round a suggestion of intensified weapons inspection on Iraq to the members of Security Council today.
France proposes to double the official personnel currently conducting arms inspection in Iraq within the short term and then gradually increase the number of arms inspectors till it triples what it is now.
France recommends to double the number of official weapons inspection personnel currently working in Iraq within a short period of time.  The number of weapons inspectors is to be further increased in stages thereafter until it reaches three times the current level.
France proposed to double the current number of arms inspectors in Iraq in the near future and then to gradually increase arms inspectors to triple the current number in the end.
France suggested that the regular weapons inspectors carrying out inspections in Iraq at present be doubled, and then gradually increase the number of inspectors to finally triple the present one.
At present, there are about 110 official arms inspectors in Iraq.
At present, there are about 110 official inspection personnel in Iraq.
There are now about 110 formal inspectors in Iraq.
Meanwhile, there are about 110 regular inspectors in Iraq.
France also calls for intensifying aerial reconnaissance or employing the UN security guards to ensure "a freeze" of suspicious sites in Iraq, and using mobile customs patrol units to beef up the inspection of goods entering Iraq.
France further proposes to "freeze" suspicious locations in Iraq through better air surveillance or the use of United Nations guards.  Furthermore, mobile customs inspection teams can be deployed to strengthen the inspection of goods imported by Iraq.
France also proposed to "freeze" Iraqi suspected sites by strengthening air surveillance or using UN security guards and to use mobile customs teams to check on goods entering Iraq.
France also suggested that air reconnaissance be strengthened or UN security guard be used to guarantee that suspected places in Iraq are frozen, and that mobile customs patrol team be used to intensify the inspection over Iraq's imported goods.
At the same time, France proposes that a new intelligence agency be established in New York to coordinate all the countries in their efforts to provide intelligence to the UN Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
France also recommends the establishment of a new intelligence agency in New York to coordinate the flow of intelligence from different countries to the UN Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Meanwhile, France proposed to set up a new intelligence agency to coordinate various nations' operations to offer intelligence to UN Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission and International Atomic Energy Agency.
At the same time, France also suggested that a new information agency be established in New York to coordinate information supply of countries to the UN Monitoring, Verification Inspection Commission and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The above-mentioned two agencies are asked to list in order of importance the missions of disarmament Iraq has not accomplished.
The aforesaid two institutions should list out unfinished missions in the Iraq disarmament according to priority sequence.
It asked the two agencies to list Iraq's unfinished disarmament tasks according to the priorities.
It required the above-mentioned two agencies to list the disarmament missions yet to be completed by Iraq in sequence of importance.
It is also proposed that a liaison officer be appointed in Iraq to take charge of daily communication with Iraqi authorities.
UN is to post a liaison officer in Iraq, who is responsible to communicate with Iraqi officials on a daily basis.
A liaison official would need to be sent to Iraq to communicate with Iraqi authorities everyday.
And it asked a liaison officer to be put in Iraq to be responsible of communicating with Iraqi authorities every day.
France circulated its proposals in the form of "a non-paper."
France is circulating its proposal in a "non-paper" form.
France circulated its proposal in the form of a "non-official paper".
France handed round its suggestions in the form of "non-document".
During the discussion of the Resolution 1441, France and Russia both used this form to express their views.
Actually, France and Russia had expressed their point of views using this "non-paper" method during the exchange of views process for resolution 1441.
During the discussion of Resolution 1441 France and Russia expressed their views in this way.
In negotiating the No.1441 Resolution, both France and Russia expressed their views in this way.
According to the relevant regulations of the Security Council, this kind of "non-paper" is not as formal as a resolution draft, but it can be upgraded into a resolution draft any time upon the request of the proposing country.
According to the related regulation of the Security Council, this type of "non-paper" is less official than a draft resolution but can be elevated to a draft resolution on the request of the proposing country.
Under relevant Security Council rules, the formality of this "non-official paper" is inferior to the draft resolution but it can be upgraded to a draft under the request of the proposer.
According to relevant provisions of the Security Council, such "non-document" is weaker in effect than draft resolutions, but may be upgraded to draft anytime upon request of the suggesting country.
Diplomats here noted that the content of the French proposals does not go beyond the speech made by French Foreign Minister de Villepin on the 5th after US Secretary of State Powell's intelligence briefing, and that this non-paper is a summary and refinement of France's position on arms inspection in Iraq upon the request of some Security Council members.
According to diplomatic circle here, France's proposal is similar in content to the speech given by French foreign minister, Dominique De Villepin, on the 5th after listening to U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell's intelligence briefing.  This "non-paper" is a summary and an extract of France's point of view on the Iraq problem made on request of some members of the Security Council.
Diplomats here said that the content of the French proposal has not gone beyond French Foreign Minister de Villepin's remarks after being briefed by US Secretary of State Powell on the intelligence. The "non-official paper" is a summing-up of France's stand on the inspections in Iraq under the request of some members of the Security Council.
Meanwhile, diplomats say that the suggestion of France did not exceed the content of the speech made by its foreign minister de Villepin after listening to the information brief of the US Secretary of State Powell on Feb 5, and this "non-document" should be a summary and abstract of the opinion of France about inspections on Iraq at the request of some members of the Security Council.
(HK, Macau, Taiwan) Mainland Tourists Show Strong Purchasing Power in Macau
(Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) Mainland China Tourists Have High Spending Power in Macau
(Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) Mainland Tourists Have Strong Consumption in Macao
(Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) Mainland Tourists Show Great Consuming Capabilities in Macao
Xinhua News Agency, Macau, February 14 (Reporter Li Jie)  In recent years, not only has the number of mainland tourists to Macau been increasing but their purchasing power has also been growing rapidly.
Xinhua News Agency, Macau, February 14 (Reporter: Li Jie) - In recent years, more and more Mainland China tourists are visiting Macau and their spending power is also increasing significantly.
Xinhua News Agency report of February 14 from Macao (by staff reporter Li Jie) - Over the past years, Macao has seen not only an increasing number of mainland tourists but also stronger tourist consumption.
Macao, February 14, Xinhua News Agency--In recent years, mainland tourists to Macao have increased not only in number, but also in consuming capabilities.
According to official statistics released by Macau SAR government, non-resident tourists spent 4.7 billion patacas in Macau in the fourth quarter last year.  Among them, mainland tourists spent 3.3 billion patacas, topping all the tourists from different places of residence.
According to statistics published by Macau Special Administrative Region government, foreign tourists spent 4.7 billion patacas in Macau in the fourth quarter of last year and Mainland China tourists accounted for 3.3 billion patacas making them the number one tourists group.
According to the official statistics by Macao SAR, overseas tourists spent 4.7 billion Macao dollars in the fourth quarter of last year, with 3.3 billion from the mainland tourists, ranking first among all tourists.
According to the official statistics published by Macao SAR government, in the fourth season last year, tourists from outside of Macao spent 4.7 billion patacas in Macao, in which 3.3 billion patacas were spent by mainland tourists, the most among tourists from all sources.
Since mainland China eased up its policy on overseas travels, the number of mainland tourists taking package tours to Hong Kong and Macau, and going on overseas tours beyond has soared.
In last year, Mainland China relaxed its policy on out-of-country travels.  The number of Mainland customers joining "Hong Kong and Macau Tours" as well as "overseas Tours" to areas outside Hong Kong and Macau has quickly surged.
Since mainland's loosening of restrictions on overseas tours last year, there has been a sharp rise of the number of mainland tourists who take the "Hong Kong and Macao Tour" or "overseas tours" beyond Hong Kong and Macao.
Since the mainland broadened the policy on overseas touring last year, mainland tourists to Hong Kong and Macao as well as foreign regions other than Hong Kong and Macao increased rapidly.
Of the 11.53 million visitors Macau hosted last year, 4.24 million were from mainland China.  With the number of visitors coming to Macau surpassing that to Hong Kong for the first time in the fourth quarter last year, mainland China has become the largest source of tourists for Macau.
Last year, Macau received 11.53 million tourists and Mainland China tourists accounted for 4.24 million person-times.  In the fourth quarter of the last year, the number of Mainland China tourists had exceeded the number of Hong Kong tourists and became the number one customer source to Macau.
Macao received 11.53 million tourists last year, among which 4.24 million were from the mainland, topping the number of Hong Kong tourists. The mainland has become Macao's largest tourist source.
In the 11.53 million tourists coming to Macao last year, 4.24 million were mainland tourists.  The number of mainland tourists surpassed that of Hong Kong tourists in the fourth season of last year for the first time, making mainland the largest source of tourists for Macao.
Although these tourists stay in Macau for an average of 28.8 hours, the average spending per capita reached 2,560 patacas, 64% higher than the mean value spent by tourists from all places.
These tourists stayed in Macau for an average of 28.8 hours but the average spending per person was 2560 patacas, which was 64 percent higher than the average of all tourists.
Although these tourists stayed in Macao only for an average of 28.8 hours the per capita spending reached 2,560 Macao dollars, 64% higher than the average of other tourists.
Although these tourists only stayed in Macao for 28.8 hours on average, the average expenditure per head reached 2560 patacas, 64% higher than the average expenditure of all tourists.
Analyses show that jewelry and watches, clothing and fabrics, are the hottest commodities among all tourists, accounting respectively for 27% and 23% of their spending in Macau.
Analysis showed that jewellery / watches and garment / fabric are popular goods for tourists from all areas and the two categories accounted for 27 percent and 23 percent of their spending in Macau.
Analysis shows that jewelry, watches and clothes as well as cotton materials are hot items for mainland tourists, accounting for 27% and 23% of their spending respectively.
Analysis shows that jewelries and watches, as well as garments and cloth are the most frequently items bought by the tourists from different places, the percentage being 27% and 23% respectively of their expenditure in Macao.
The average non-shopping spending, excluding gambling, was 837 patacas per capita, of which food and beverage, and accommodation, the two major categories, accounted for 41% and 36% respectively.
In non-shopping expenditures, the average spending excluding gaming was 837 patacas.  Dining and accommodation are the two major items and they accounted for 41 percent and 36 percent of the spending.
The per capita spending on non-shopping items, exclusive of gaming, reached 837 Macao dollars. Foods and accommodations are the major spending items, accounting for 41% and 36% respectively.
In the expenditures other than shopping, the average expenditure per head was 837 patacas per day, gambling not included, with food and accommodation being the two main items, taking up 41% and 36% respectively.
(International) Studies Find Preemies' Learning Disabilities Surmountable
(International) Research Found Learning Barrier of Premature Infants Can Be Overcome
(International) Research Finds Premature Baby's Learning Disorder Can Be Overcome
(International) Research Shows Learning Handicaps of Preemies Can be Overcome
Xinhua News Agency, Washington, February 15  Low birth-weight preemies are generally slow in their mental development and may easily encounter learning disabilities.
Xinhua News Agency, Washington, February 15 - Underweight premature infants tend to have sluggish intelligence development and are more likely to experience learning barriers.
Xinhua News Agency report of February 15 from Washington D.C. - Premature babies with insufficient weight are usually tardily growing and easily have problems of learning disorder.
Washington, February 15, Xinhua News Agency--Children born premature with a very low birth weight are usually slow in intellectual development, and are apt to meet learning handicaps.
Researchers at Yale University in the United States recently found that this kind of learning disabilities can be surmounted as preemies grow older.
However, researcher at U.S. Yale University recently found that this type of learning barrier could be overcome as the infants grew older.
Researchers of US Yale University recently found that the learning disorder can be overcome while they are growing up.
Researchers of Yale University discovered recently that such learning handicaps may be overcome as the children grow older.
Studies confirm that the neurological system of preemies with birth weight lower than 1,500 gram is prone to problems.  As many as 50% of such preemies need special care while attending school.
Studies have confirmed premature infants with a birth weight less than 1.5 kilograms are more likely to have complications in their neural system and more than 50 percent of these children require special assistance in school.
The research confirms that premature babies with a weight lower than 1,500 grams are prone to nerve system problems with over 50% of the children needing special care when going to school.
Researches show that infants born premature with a birth weight less than 1500 grams are easy to have neural problems, and more than 50 percent of them require special assistance in the classroom.
Although many earlier experiments show that animals can recover from initial brain damages, there haven't been any related reports of preemies' recovery from brain damage.
Studies on animals in the past have suggested that there is a recovery after an injury to a developing brain.  However, there has been no report this far about premature infants recovering from brain injuries.
Although there were many previous experiments that showed animals could recover from early brain damages there has been no related reports yet that premature babies can recover from brain damages.
Although many experiments showed that animals may recover from early brain damages, there has been no report on recovery of brain damages of premature babies.
According to the media report here, researchers at Yale University have tracked and monitored 300 children born prematurely and given them IQ tests when they were at ages of 3, 4 1/2, 6, and 8.  Most of them are found to continuously gain their learning abilities as time passes.
According to media report here, Yale researchers tracked and looked at 300 premature infants and tested their intelligence quotient (IQ) at the age of 3, 4-1/2, 6 and 8 years old.  The study found the learning capability of most children improved over time.
Reports here said that researchers of the Yale University observed 300 premature babies and tested their IQ at the age of 3, 4 and 1/2, 6 and 8. They found that most children's learning ability could keep improving as time passed by.
It is reported by the local media that researchers at Yale University tracked 300 premature infants by carrying out IQ tests when they were 3, 4 and half, 6, and 8 years old, and found that for most of them, the learning abilities increased as time went by.
Tests show that of the preemies classified as "mentally retarded" at the age of 3, half have reached the average level in verbal comprehension and IQ tests after five years.
The study said about half of the premature infants classified as "mentally handicapped" at the age of 3 achieved an average score in vocabulary and IQ tests after 5 years time.
The test said that most of the premature babies who fell into the category of "mental deficiency" at the age of 3 could reach a normal level in language understanding and IQ test five years later.
The tests showed that half of the premature children who were grouped as with "intellectural disabilities" at 3 reached the general level in language comprehension and IQ tests 5 years later.
However, about 23% of the infants have shown no improvement of their mental development due to their severe brain damage caused by cerebral hemorrhage.
However, about 23 percent of the infants, who suffered serious injury due to brain bleeding, showed little improvement in intelligence development.
However, there are still 23% of the babies whose IQ remained unchanged due to severe brain damages left over by cerebral hemorrhage.
However, there were still 23% of infants showing no sign of improvement in intellectual development due to serious brain damages caused by cerebral hemorrhage.
Researchers said one of the key factors in the mental development of preemies lies in the family environment.
Researchers said family environment is the crucial factor affecting premature infants' intelligence development.
Researchers said that the key of premature baby's IQ development lies in the family's environment.
Researchers said that a key factor in the intellectual development of premature babies is family environment.
Children who are from a family of three and whose mothers had high levels of education scored better in IQ tests.
Children from a three-person family and those with mothers who had a higher level of education showed a higher IQ scores.
Children from a three-member family and with his mother highly educated recorded higher marks in the IQ test.
Children from families of two parents and whose mothers had advanced education did better in IQ tests.
Japan's Bell to Invest in Developing Internet Videophones in Shenyang
Japan Bell Invests in Shenyang to Develop IP Visual Phone
Japan's Bell Invests to Develop Network Visual Phone in Shenyang
Japan's Bell Invested in Development of network videophones in Shenyang
Xinhua News Agency, Shenyang, February 16 (Reporter Shi Qingwei)  Bell Net Corporation of Japan has just signed an agreement with the administrative board of Hunnan New District of the City of Shenyang to set up a jointly-funded enterprise and plans to invest 3 billion yen in developing software and hardware for Internet videophones in Hunnan New District.
Xinhua News Agency, Shenyang, February 16 (Reporter: Shi Qingwei) - Japan's Bell Network Corporation entered into an agreement with Hunnan New District Management Committee of Shenyang City to establish a joint venture enterprise.  The plan calls for an investment of 3 billion yen to develop software and hardware for IP visual phone at the Hunnan new district.
Xinhua News Agency report of February 16 from Shenyang (by staff reporter Shi Qingwei) - Japan's Bell Network Company has recently signed an agreement with the Hunnan New District Management Commission in Shenyang to set up a joint venture, with a planned investment of 3 billion Yen, to develop soft and hard wares of visual network phone in Hunnan New District.
Shenyang, February 16, Xinhua News Agency--(By Shi Qingwei) Japan's Bell Net Corp. recently signed an agreement with the administrative committee of Hunnan New District of Shenyang, Liaoning Province, to establish a joint venture, planning to invest 3 billion Japanese yen in the development of software and hardware for network videophones in Hunnan New District.
It is said that Phase 1 of the construction project of this jointly-funded enterprise is slated to be completed between April 2003 to March 2005.  By 2005, the enterprise will have 3,000 employees  and become a key R & D and manufacturing base of software and hardware for Internet videophones in northern China.
According to introduction, phase 1 construction of the joint venture enterprise is scheduled to complete sometime between April 2003 and March 2005.  By 2005, the enterprise will employ 3000 people and becomes an important IP visual phone production and research base in northern China covering both software and hardware.
It is said that the first phase of the joint venture's construction will be completed between April 2003 and March 2005. By 2005, the number of employees will reach 3,000, becoming a major visual network phone soft and hard ware research and development production base in northern China.
It is said that the first phase of construction of the joint venture is planned to be completed between April 2003 and March 2005.  By the year 2005, the joint venture will have 3000 employees and become an important base of research, development and production for software and hardware for network videophones in north China.
Industrial experts believe, as China's technology for Internet videophones is still in the stage of research and development, whereas Bell Net Corporation of Japan is the world's leading player in this field, this project promises good future in China.
Related experts believed that China's IP visual phone technology is still in the research and development stage.  On the other hand, Japan's Bell Network Corporation is one of the world leaders in this area.  Hence, the project has a bright future in China.
Experts said that China's visual network phone technology is still in the phase of research and development while Japan's Bell Network Company is one of the world leaders in this field. The project has a sound development prospect in China.
Some experts think that the technology of network videophones that China has is still in the research and development stage, while Japan's Bell Net Corp. is well advanced in this field in the world.  Therefore, this project is of good prospect in China.
Established in 1989, Bell Net Corporation is an emerging IT enterprise in Japan mainly engaged in the development and manufacture of software and hardware for computer Internet phone, and network communications service.  Its sales last year were 12.4 billion yen.
Japan's Bell Network Corporation was established in 1989 and is an emerging IT enterprise in Japan.  Its main business is the research and production of software and hardware for computer network telephony as well as the provision of network communication services.  Its sales last year were 12.4 billion yen.
Japan's Bell Network Company was established in 1989 and is a new IT firm in Japan, mainly engaged in the research and development of computer network phone's soft and hard wares and the production and network communication services, with its sales volume reaching 12.4 billion Yen last year.
Japan's Bell Net Corp. was established in 1989.  As a new IT enterprise in Japan, it focuses on the research, development and production of software and hardware for Computer network visual telephones, as well as on network telecommunication services.  Its sale last year reached 12.4 billion Japanese yen.
Shenyang, Liaoning Province, is the economic center of northeastern China.
The Shenyang city of Liaoning province is an economic hub for northeast China.
The city of Shenyang in Liaoning Province is an economic center in Northeast China.
Shenyang of Liaoning Province is the economic center of northeast China.
According to Wang, Xiangkun, deputy mayor of Shenyang, the development of Hunnan New District is oriented towards building a key IT industrial base.  At present, more and more foreign IT coorporations are coming to set up their businesses in Hunnan.
According to introduction by Wang Xiangkun, Deputy Major of Shenyang city, Hunnan new district is to be developed into an important base for IT industries in northern China.  More and more IT enterprises have already selected to settle down in Hunnan.
Deputy Mayor of Shenyang, Wang Xiangkun, said that the Hunnan New District would be built into a major IT base in northern China. Currently, more and more foreign IT firms have been set up in Hunnan.
According to Wang Xiangkun, Shenyang's Vice Mayor, the goal of the development of Hunnan New District is to build it into an important IT industry base in north China.  At present, more and more foreign IT enterprises have set down in Hunnan.
(International) China and Chile Sign Memorandum on Application of Animal and Plant Sanitary Measures
(International) China and Chile Signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures
(International) China and Chile Sign Memorandum on the Implementation of Animal and Plant Sanitation Measures
(International) China and Chile Signed a Memorandum on Taking Measures for Animal and Plant Health
Xinhua News Agency, Santiago, February 17 (Reporter Hou Yaoqi)  On the 17th, China's National Quality Inspection Bureau and the Ministry of Agriculture of Chile signed here a memorandum regarding the "Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures."
Xinhua News Agency, Santiago, February 17 (Reporter: Hou Yaoqi) - General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China (AQSIQ) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in "Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures" with Chile's Agricultural Department on the 17th here in Chile.
Xinhua News Agency report of February 17 from Santiago (by staff reporter Hou Yaoqi) - China's General Administration of Quality Testing and the Chilean Agricultural Ministry signed a memorandum on "the Implementation of Animal and Plant Sanitation Measures" here on February 17.
Santiago, February 17, Xinhua News Agency-- (By Hou Yaoqi) General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China and Ministry of Agriculture of Chile signed a memorandum here today about Agreement on Taking Measures for Animal and Plant Health.
According to the memorandum, China and Chile will formulate inspection and quarantine requirements for the import and export of animals and plants, animal and plant products and foodstuffs in conformity with the regulations of this agreement and the standards set forth by the World Animal Health Organization, International Plant Protection Convention and the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
According to the MOU, China and Chile are to establish inspection and quarantine requirements for animals, plants, animal/plant products and related foodstuffs pursuant to the rules agreed in the MOU; as well as in conformity with standards of World Organization for Animal Health, International Plant Protection Convention and Codex Alimentarius Commission.
According to the memorandum, China and Chile will, in accordance with the rules of the agreement and those of the World Animal Sanitation Organization, "the International Convention on Plant Protection" and the standards set by the Food Code Committee, draw up testing and quarantine requirements on the import and export of animals and plants as well as related products and foods.
According to the memorandum, China and Chile would follow the provisions of the agreement as well as the standards set out by the International Animal Health Organization, International Plant Protection Convention and the Codex Alimentarius Commission, to make rules about inspection and quarantine over animals and plants imported and exported, and animal and plant products and food.
The memorandum also stipulates that both sides should conduct inspection and quarantine of the imported and exported animals and plants, animal and plant products and foodstuffs in strict accordance with the agreement the two countries have signed or the inspection and quarantine requirements agreed upon.  The two countries should rely more on scientific basis in dealing with the issue of market entry permission for animals and plants, and animal and plant products and foodstuffs and accompany the exportation of the above products with inspection and quarantine certificates signed by the exporters.
The MOU stipulated that the two sides are to strictly adhere to any agreed protocol or any decided inspection and quarantine requirements.  The two sides are to implement the requirements into specific inspection and quarantine procedures applicable to animals, plants, animal/plant products and related foodstuffs entering or leaving the countries.  The two sides will step up the efforts to solve any market access problems for animals, plants, animal/plant products and related foodstuffs through scientific basis.
The memorandum stipulates that the two sides shall, strictly in accordance with the testing and quarantine requirements set by the agreements signed by the two countries, carry out testing and quarantine work on the import and export of animals and plants as well as related products and foods, solve the problem of market entry of animals and plants as well as related products and foods, and tag testing and quarantine certificates on the above-mentioned products signed by the exporters.
According to the memo, the two sides should strictly follow the protocol signed by them or the inspection and quarantine requirements settled down, carrying out inspection and quarantine over animals and plants imported and exported, and animal and plant products and food, promoting the solving of the problem of market entrance of animals and plants imported and exported, and animal and plant products and food on a scientific bases, and to issue, on the side of the exporter, inspection and quarantine certificate to the above-mentioned goods that are exported.
Ge Rongzhi, the visiting vice chairman of China's National Quality Inspection Bureau, and Barrera, acting minister of agriculture of Chile, signed the memorandum.
Ge Zhirong, Vice Minister of AQSIQ currently on visit in Chile, and the acting Chilean Agriculture Minister signed the MOU.
Deputy Director of China's General Administration of Quality Testing Ge Zhirong, who is here for a visit, and Chile's acting Agricultural Minister Balera signed the memorandum.
The visiting vice director of General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China Ge Zhirong and Deputy Agriculture Minister Varela signed the memorandum.
Euro-zone Trade Surplus Rose to 102.3 Billion Euros Last Year
Euro-zone Recorded a Trade Surplus of 102.3 Billion Euro Last Year
Trade Surplus Reaches 102.3 Billion Euros in Euro Area Last Year
Euro Zone Achieved a Trade Surplus of 102.3 Billion Euros Last Year
Xinhua News Agency, Brussels, February 19 (Reporter Feng Jian)  According to the latest statistics report released by Eurostat on the 19th, due to the sharp drop in imports, the euro-zone posted an external trade surplus of 102.3 billion euros in 2002, an increase of more than double over the preceding year.
Xinhua News Agency, Brussels, February 19 (Reporter: Ping Jian) - According to the latest report from Eurostat on the 19th, euro-zone external trade surplus in 2002 was 102.3 billion euro, a growth of more than 100 percent over the previous year thanks to a massive drop in import.
Xinhua News Agency report of February 19 from Brussels (by staff reporter Feng Jian) - A latest statistical report issued by the European Union's Statistics Bureau on February 19 shows that due to a sharp import decline Euro area's trade surplus reached 102.3 billion Euros in 2002, doubling that of the previous year.
Brussels, February 19, Xinhua News Agency-- (By Feng Jian) The latest report of statistics published by the Statistics Office of EU today shows that due to significant decrease in import, the foreign trade of the euro zone achieved a surplus of 102.3 billion euros in 2002, more than doubling that of the year before.
The statistics report showed that in 2001 the trade surplus in the euro-zone was 49.5 billion euros.
The statistic report indicated that trade surplus of the euro-zone in 2001 was 49.5 billion euro.
The statistical report shows that the Euro area's trade surplus reached 49.5 billion Euros in the year of 2001.
The statistics report shows that the trade surplus of the euro zone in 2001 was 49.5 billion euros.
Last year, the trade surplus for the 15 EU nations was 6.1 billion euros.
In last year, the trade surplus for the 15-member European Union (EU-15) was 6.1 billion euro.
The trade surplus of the 15 EU members reached 6.1 billion Euros last year.
The trade surplus for the 15 EU members last year was 6.1 billion euros.
According to the report, the sharp decline in imports was the main reason for the increase of the trade surplus.
The report said a massive drop in import was the main reason for the growth in trade surplus.
The report said that a sharp import decline was the main reason for the rise of trade surplus.
The report regards the significant decrease in import as the main reason for the trade surplus increase.
Based on statistics, imports to the euro-zone and the entire EU fell 4% as compared with 2001, whereas exports increased by 1%.
According to statistics, the import for the euro-zone and the whole European Union had decreased by 4 percent over 2001 while export increased by 1 percent.
According to statistics, the total import in the Euro area and the EU declined 4% while export rose 1% compared with that of 2001.
According to statistics, comparing with the year 2001, the overall import of the euro zone and EU slipped by 4%, while the export increased 1%.
In the first eleven months of 2002, the imports to the 15 EU nations from Japan and the United States fell 12% and 11% respectively, while exports to Japan and Switzerland also fell 6%.
In the first eleven months of 2002, EU-15 import from Japan and U.S. decreased by 12 percent and 11 percent respectively, while export to Japan and Switzerland also decreased by 6 percent.
In the first 11 months of 2002, the import volume from Japan and the United States of EU's 15 member nations declined 12% and 11% while their exports to Japan and Switzerland also declined 6%.
In the first 11 months of 2002, the import value of the 15 EU members from Japan and America dropped 12% and 11 % respectively, and the export value to Japan and Switzerland also dropped 6%.
With respect to the external trade of the EU member states, Germany registered the largest trade surplus of 117.9 billion euros. On the other hand, Britain, with a trade deficit of 63.6 billion euros, became the state with the largest trade deficit in the European Union.
Germany had a trade surplus of 117.9 billion euro, which was the largest trade surplus among all European Union members.  Britain had a trade deficit of 63.6 billion euro, which was the largest deficit in the European Union.
In EU members' foreign trade, Germany recorded the largest trade surplus of 117.9 billion Euros while Britain became the nation with the largest trade deficit of 63.6 billion Euros among EU member states.
In the foreign trade of EU members, the country boasting the largest surplus is Germany, with a trade surplus of 117.9 billion euros, and Britain is the country of largest deficit among EU members with a 63.6 billion euros of trade deficit.
Financial Crimes Dropped to 13-year Low in Shanghai, Zhejiang and Fujian
The Number of Financial Crimes in Shanghai, Zhejiang and Fujian Dropped To a 13-Year Low
Financial Crimes Decline to 13-Year Low in Shanghai, Zhejiang and Fujian
Financial Criminal Offenses in Shanghai, Zhejiang and Fujian Dropped to the Lowest Level in 13 Years
Xinhua News Agency, Shanghai, February 20 (Reporter Wang Hongyang)  In Shanghai, Zhejiang and Fujian, the two provinces and one municipality located in China's financial and trade center and at the forefront of financial reform, the number of financial crimes in 2002 fell 44.4% compared with that in the previous year, with a drop of 22.8% in the amount of money involved.  The number of cases dropped to a 13-year low.
Xinhua News Agency, Shanghai, February 20 (Reporter: Wang Hongyang) - In 2002, Shanghai, Zhejiang and Fujian, the two provinces and one city situate at China's financial and trading hubs as well as at the forefront of the financial reform, had reported a 44.4 percent decrease in financial crimes over the previous year and amounts involved in the cases also decreased by 22.8 percent.  Actually, the number of cases has dropped to a 13-year low.
Xinhua News Agency report of February 20 from Shanghai (by staff reporter Wang Hongyang) - In the two provinces of Zhejiang and Fujian as well as the city of Shanghai, all located in China's financial and trade hub and the frontline of financial reform and opening up, financial crime cases in 2002 declined 44.4% from the previous year with the amount of money involved in such cases dropping 22.8%, falling to a 13-year low.
Shanghai, February 20, Xinhua News Agency-- (By Wang Hongyang) In Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Fujian, two provinces and one municipality that are the finance and trade center of China as well as the foreland of finance reform and opening, the number of financial criminal offenses in 2002 dropped 44.4% compared with the year before, to the lowest level in 13 years, while the value related dropped 22.8%.
According to the latest news from Shanghai branch of People's Bank of China, in recent years, full improvements in the investigation and conviction process of financial crimes and the prevention system in financial sectors in Shanghai, Zhejiang and Fujian have effectively curbed the trend of rising financial violations.  As a result, the number of crimes, the amount of money involved, the number of big and key cases and the annual total number of cases have shown a good tendency of remarkable decline.
According to the latest information from the Shanghai branch of the People's Bank of China, the financial services industry in Shanghai, Zhejiang and Fujian has improved the investigation and punishment of financial crimes; as well as the prevention systems.  The effort has successfully curbed the increasing number of crimes or violation of regulations in the financial services industry.  Finally, there is a nice trend of decreases in number of financial crimes, amounts involved, cases involving huge sums, cases of utmost importance and repeated crimes within the same year.
According to latest news from the People's Bank of China Shanghai Branch, over the past few years financial organizations in Shanghai, Zhejiang and Fujian have completely perfected their investigation and prevention systems of financial crimes, having effectively curbed the a trend of rampant financial crimes, with the number of cases, money involved, number of serious cases and number of cases during current year declining markedly.
According to the latest news from Shanghai Branch of the People's Bank of China, in recent years,  the system of investigation and prevention of financial offenses has been perfected in the finance industry in Shanghai, Zhejiang and Fujian, effectively suppressing the trend of frequent occurrence of financial offenses against law and discipline, and bringing about the favorable trend of apparent decrease in the number of offenses, the value involved, the number of big and serious offenses, and the number of offenses occurred in the very year.
Statistics show that compared with the preceding year, the number of financial crimes in these two provinces and one municipality dropped 22.9% and 35.4% respectively in 1999 and 2000.  The amount of money involved fell 41% and 11.2% respectively; and the amount of money involved dropped 35.3% in 2001.
Statistics showed that last year's number of financial crimes in the two provinces and one city had decreased by 22.9 percent and 35.4 percent over that of 1999 and 2000, while the amounts involved decreased by 41 percent and 11.2 percent.  The amounts involved in last year's financial crimes were also a decrease of 35.4 percent over the figure of 2001.
Statistics show that compared with the previous years, financial crime cases in the two provinces and the city fell 22.9% and 35.4% in 1999 and 2000 respectively; the amount of money involved declined 41% and 11.2%; the amount of money involved in 2001 dropped 35.4%.
Statistics showed that compared with the year before, in 1999 and 2000, the number of financial offenses in the two provinces and one municipality dropped 22.9% and 35.4% respectively, and the value involved dropped 41% and 11.2% respectively.  In 2001, the value involved dropped 35.4%.
It is said that in Shanghai, Zhejiang and Fujian, comprehensive crime prevention systems have been successively established which integrate "investigation, education, reform, regulation and surveillance" appropriate to the local financial sectors.  At the same time, social networks of financial crime prevention have also been formed in conjunction with the business operation and supervision departments within the banks, insurance companies and securities firms as well as the local judicial agencies.
It was reported that Shanghai, Zhejiang and Fujian had set up a five-in-one crime prevention system that was specially adapted to the environment of the local financial industry.  The system covers the areas of "investigation/punishment, education, reform, systematization and supervision".  A socialization network for the prevention of financial crimes was also formed, which included the participation from internal functional departments of different banks; insurance and securities companies; government supervision department; and the judiciary department.
Sources said that Shanghai, Zhejiang and Fujian have gradually established crime prevention systems of "investigation, education, reform, regulation and monitoring" with a view to the conditions of local financial industry; meanwhile, they have formed a social network to prevent financial crimes in cooperation with the functional and regulatory departments of all banks, insurance and securities companies as well as local law-enforcement agencies.
In Shanghai, Zhejiang and Fujian, offense prevention systems of "Investigation, Education, Reform, Discipline and Supervision" suiting the characteristics of local financial industry have been established one after another.  At the same time, functional departments and supervising institutions within banks, insurance companies and securities companies cooperated with local law enforcing departments to form a socialized network for preventing financial offenses.
(International) EU to Stop Beef Imports from Paraguay
(International) European Union Has Suspended the Import of Paraguayan Beef
(International) European Union Suspends Beef Imports from Paraguay
(International) EU Stopped Importing Beef from Paraguay
Xinhua News Agency, Buenos Aires, February 20  (Reporter Shen An)  From Asuncion: According to the announcement of the Paraguay Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock on the 20, the EU has decided to stop beef imports from Paraguay due to the Foot and Mouse Disease outbreak in the country.
Xinhua News Agency, Buenos Aires, February 20 (Reporter: Shen An) - News from Asuncion: the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Paraguay announced on the 20th that European Union has decided to suspend the import of Paraguayan beef because of the foot-and-mouth disease in Paraguay.
Xinhua News Agency report of February 20 from Buenos Aires (by staff reporter Shen An) - Asuncion: According to the announcement of Paraguay's agriculture ministry, the European Union has decided to suspend beef imports from Paraguay due to the foot and mouth disease in the country.
Buenos Aires, February 20, Xinhua News Agency-- (By Shen An) News from Asuncion: The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Paraguay declared today that due to the foot-and-mouth disease in Paraguay, the Europe Union has decided to stop importing beef from Paraguay.
As reported by the media in Paraguay, Baumgarten, Paraguay's minister of Agriculture and Livestock, announced that the EU made the above decision at the meeting held on the 19th.
According to media reports in Paraguay, Paraguayan Agriculture and Livestock Minister Dario Baumgarten announced that European Union made the aforesaid decision in a meeting on the 19th.
Paraguay's media reported that Paraguay's agricultural minister Baumgarten announced that the European Union made the decision at a meeting on February 19.
According to the report of the Paraguayan media, the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of Paraguay Baumgarten announced that EU made the decision at the meeting held yesterday.
In early February, an inspection team from the European Commission's Food and Veterinary Office submitted a report after conducting an inspection in Paraguay.  The report said Paraguay still failed to take sufficient measures related to FMD and there are "serious problems" with the FMD monitoring and inspection systems.  Neither the sanitary control, professional competency, nor the export certification system met the EU requirements.
In the first half of February, the inspection team of European Commission's Food and Veterinary Office said in their investigation report that the measures adopted by Paraguay to control the foot-and-mouth disease were not sufficient.  They believed that there were "serious problems" in the monitor and inspection system for the foot-and-mouth disease.  The systems and procedures in sanitation controls, professional know-how and the issuance of export certificates had all failed to meet the requirements of the European Union.
In early February, following its inspection in Paraguay, a team of the European Commission's Food and Vet Office said in a report that Paraguay had not taken enough measures to control the foot and mouth disease. There still existed "serious problems" in its monitoring and inspection of the foot and mouth disease, with sanitation control, professional technical level or exporting quality certification system all falling short of EU's requirements.
In the first ten days of February, in the report submitted by the EU Food and Veterinary Office Inspection Team after its investigation in Paraguay, it was said that Paraguay did not take enough measures to control foot-and-mouth disease, and there were "serious problems" existing in the supervision and examination of the disease.  Neither its health control and professionalism, nor its export permit system met the requirements of EU.
Paraguay discovered its first case of FMD last October.  After that, prevention and control measures against the plague were taken with the help of other Southern Common Market member states.
In October last year, the first foot-and-mouth disease broke out in Paraguay.  With the help of other members of the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), Paraguay adopted epidemic prevention and control measures soon afterwards.
Paraguay reported the first case of the foot and mouth disease in last October. Then with the help of other members of the Southern Common Market it took epidemic control measures.
Paraguay discovered the first case of foot-and-mouth disease in last October, after which it took epidemic prevention and control measures with the assistance of other member states of the South Common Market.
Each year, Paraguay exports about 60,000 tons of beef, mainly to countries such as Brazil and Chile.
Paraguay exports about 60 thousand tons of beef each year and most of the export go to countries like Brazil and Chile etc.
Paraguay exports 60,000 tons of beef every year, mainly to countries such as Brazil and Chile.
Paraguay exports about 60,000 tons of beef every year, mainly to Brazil and Chile.
These countries have already stopped beef imports from Paraguay.
These countries have suspended the import of Paraguayan beef.
These countries have stopped importing beef from Paraguay.
These countries have stopped importing beef from Paraguay.
From January to October last year, the EU imported 567 tons of beef from Paraguay.
During January to October last year, European Union imported 567 tons of beef from Paraguay.
From January to October last year, the EU imported 567 tons of beef from Paraguay.
The EU imported 567 tons of beef from Paraguay from January to October last year.
(International) Austrian Researchers Discover Spinal Marrow Cells that Trigger Chronic Pain
(International) Austrian Researchers Found the Spinal Cells Responsible for Chronic Pain
(International) Austrian Researchers Find Spinal Cord Cell Causing Chronic Pains
(International) Austrian Researchers Discovered Spinal Cord Cells which Cause Chronic Pains
Xinhua News Agency, Vienna, February 20 (Reporter Lin Chuan)  Researchers at Vienna University in Austria found in human spinal marrow a group of neurological cells that have long lasting memory and will become highly agitated the moment they are slightly stimulated by pain. This is another step forward in finding the cause of chronic pain.
Xinhua News Agency, Vienna, February 20 (Reporter: Lin Chuan) - Researchers from Austria's University of Vienna found a set of neuro-cells, which possesses long-lasting memory capability and shows a strong excitation on any slight pain stimulus.  This could be another step forward for the identification of the causes of chronic pains.
Xinhua News Agency report of February 20 from Vienna (by staff reporter Lin Chuan) - Researchers of Austria's Vienna University have found a group of nerve cells that have lasting memory in human's spinal cord. These cells will get excited when stimulated by pains, a step forward to seek the cause of chronic pains.
Vienna, Feb 20, Xinhua News Agency--(By Lin Chuan) Researchers of Vienna University of Austria discovered a group of neurons with permanent memories in human spinal cord. These cells would be greatly stimulated with a slight stimulus of pain. This is another step forward in seeking of the causes for chronic pains.
Chronic pain sufferers are hypersensitive to pain and eventually have to live with pain in their daily life.
Sufferers of chronic pain are highly sensitive to pains and in the course of time, must endure pains in their daily lives.
Patients of chronic pains are very sensitive to pains and have to suffer from pains in ordinary life.
Patients of chronic pains are very sensitive to pains, and have to live with great pain in everyday life to the end.
However, what causes the disorder has so far remained virtually unknown.
However, people have little knowledge about the cause of this illness.
However, people know little about the cause of the disease so far.
However, people still know almost nothing of its causes.
According to the report by Austrian News Agency, the research team led by Jürgen Sandkühler, head of neurophysiology department at the Brain Research Institute, Vienna University, found while doing a biopsy on tissue slices that some spinal marrow cells exhibiting no unusual behavior under normal condition show agitation when stimulated by pain.
According to Austria Presse Agentur, a team of researchers led by Juergen Sandkuehler, head of neurophysiology division, Brain Research Institute, University of Vienna, found that certain spinal cells had no unusual behavior under normal condition but showed excitation after pain stimulus in a tissue biopsy.
According to the Austrian News Agency, during its microscopic examination of sections, a research team led by Jurgen Sunderchaller, Director of the Nerve Physiological Department in Vienna University's Cerebrum Research Institute, found that some spinal cord did not have abnormality in normal circumstances but got excited reaction when stimulated.
According to the Austrian news agency, a research team led by Yuergen Sandequle, dean of the Neuropathology Department of Brain Research Institute of Vienna University, discovered, when making a biopsy of tissue section, that some spinal cord cells show no unusual performance normally, but will have excited reactions when stimulated by pain.
The reaction increases as the pain stimuli intensifies.
The stronger the pain stimulus is, the stronger the reaction.
The stronger the pain is, the more reaction there will be.
The greater the pain stimuli, the greater the reaction.
However, different from other neurons, this group of spinal marrow cells subsequently become oversensitive to pain stimuli and respond dramatically to even minuscule pain stimuli.
However, they differ from other neuro-cells in that this set of spinal cells become over sensitive to pain stimulus.  They break out even on the stimulus of insignificant pains.
However, different from other nerve cells the group of spinal cord cells will get extremely sensitive to pain even when the pain is little.
However, unlike other neurons, this group of spinal cord cells will then become over sensitive to pain stimulus.  A slight pain will make it over excited.
Researchers also found that there is a special pathway in spinal marrow cells.  When the cells are stimulated, these pathways will open up to allow in calcium ions, thus setting off a further chain reaction.
Researchers also found that spinal cells have a special channel.  When the cells were stimulated, the channel would open, calcium ions poured in and triggered further chain reactions.
Researchers also found that there is a special passage in the spinal cord. When the cells are stimulated these passages will open and then calcium ions will flow in and further result in chain reaction.
Researchers also discovered that there is a special passageway in the spinal cord cells, which will be opened when the cells are stimulated, and calcium ions will get in, causing chain reactions.
According to Sandkühler, the reason why chronic pain sufferers are sensitive to even slight pain is that this type of spinal marrow cells have a long-lasting memory which retains "traces of pain."
Sandkuehler believed that the long-lasting memory of this type of spinal cells retains "traces of pain" and is the cause of over sensitive reaction to slight pains that chronic pain sufferers are experiencing.
Sunderchaller said that patients of chronic pains are sensitive to minor pains because the nerve cell in the spinal cord has lasting memory that keeps "the trace of pains".
Sandequle thinks that the reason for the sensitiveness of patients of chronic pains to slight pains is that the neurons in the spinal cord have permanent memories and retain the "trace of pain".
He noted that this finding can put people on track to search for ways of erasing this memory.
He said the discovery could guide people to find methods to remove this type of memory.
He said that the finding could lead people to find out ways to eliminate such memory.
He said that this discovery may lead people to look for ways to eliminate such memories.
Consumer prices in China up in January
China Resident Consumer Price Went Up In January
Chinese Consumer Prices Rise in January
Chinese Residents Consumption Price Increased in January
Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, February 21 (Reporter Liu Dongkai)  The monthly report released by the National Bureau of Statistics on the 21st showed that in January the consumer price index in China rose 0.4% over the same month last year, the first rise against the consecutive year-on-year decline in the past 12 months.
Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, February 21 (Reporter: Liu Dongkai) - According to the monthly status report released by National Bureau of Statistics of China (NBSC) on the 21st, the overall level of China resident consumer price has increased by 0.4 percent in January over the same month last year.  This is the first increase after a continuous 12 months decline on comparisons of prices with same month the previous year.
Xinhua News Agency report of February 21 from Beijing (by staff reporter Liu Dongkai) - The monthly report issued by the National Statistics Bureau on February 21 showed that in January the Chinese residents' overall consumer prices rose by 0.4% compared with the same period of last year, the first rise in 12 months after continuous decline compared with the corresponding periods of previous year.
Beijing, Feb 21, Xinhua News Agency-- (By Liu Dongkai) The monthly report published today by the National Bureau of Statistics showed that the overall level of the Chinese residents consumption price in January increased by 0.4% compared with the same month last year, the first increase after 12 consecutive months of decrease in same month comparison.
NBS said that the rise in consumer price index is mainly due to the fact that this year the Spring Festival was at the end of January while last year's was in February.  As the peak periods of holiday spending were different, they were to some extent incomparable.
NBSC said this year's spring festival was at the end of January and was the main reason for an increase in the level of consumer price.  Last year, the spring festival was in February.  As a result, the peak period of festival consumption occurred on different months and hence, the comparison was not a good indicator.
The National Statistics Bureau said that the rise of the overall consumer prices was because the Spring Festival came at the end of January while it was in February last year. It was unable to compare the two since consumer-spending peaks came at different times.
The National Bureau of Statistics said the main reason for the increase in the overall level of consumption price was that the spring festival this year was at the end of January, while the spring festival last year was in February.  The pinnacle of holiday consumption appeared at different times, so there were some incomparable elements.
The other reason is that the weather this year was colder than it was last year.
Another reason was the colder weather this year.
Another reason was that it was colder this year than the last.
Another reason was that the weather this year was colder than that of last year.
Of the 31 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions surveyed in China, 22 posted a year-on-year rise in the CPI, while seven saw a year-on-year drop.
Among the 31 provinces, cities and autonomous regions surveyed, 22 showed an increase in the level of resident consumer price on comparison with same month last year while 7 had a decrease over same month last year.
Of the 31 provinces, cities and autonomous regions surveyed, 22 recorded an increase of overall consumer prices over the same period of previous year while 7 saw a decline.
Among the 31 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions, the overall level of residents consumption price in 22 has increased compared with the same period last year, while the rest 7 showed a decrease.
Statistics show that of all the consumer goods, prices of seasonal goods and services such as fresh vegetables, fruits and entertainment went up, while prices of grain, apparel and durable consumer goods and others related to the long term consumption dropped.
Statistics indicated a price increase in seasonal consumption items and services including fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, cultural entertainments etc., while the price of items representing the long term consumption price trend, for example, food provisions and clothing etc. continued to show a decline trend.
Statistics showed that among various kinds of consumer goods, seasonal consumer goods and services such as fresh vegetables and fruits as well as cultural entertainments saw a price rise while prices concerning long-term consumer spending like grain, clothes and durable consumer goods declined.
The statistics showed that among all kinds of consumer products, the prices for vegetables, fruits, entertainment and other seasonal consumer products and services increased, but the prices for food, clothing and durable consumer products and other long-term consumption trend related prices have been decreasing.
The price hikes of gasoline and diesel led to the rise in the price of propane, bringing up further the prices of living expenses.
A higher price in gasoline and diesel pushed up the price of liquefied petroleum gas and kept the costs on residential expenditures on an up trend.
The price rise of gasoline and diesel oil drove up the price of liquefied petroleum gas, pushing residential prices further up.
The increase in the price of gasoline and diesel drives the price of liquefied petroleum gas to increase, thus causing residential price keep increasing.
China Releases First Sex Education TV Series for Elementary and Secondary Schools
China Released the First Sex Education Television Series for Junior and High School
China Publishes First Sex Education TV Series for Primary and Middle School Students
China Published First Sex Education TV Series for Primary and Middle School Students
Xinhua News Agency, Haikou, February 21 (Zhang Chuanxuan and Liu Wei)  China's first VCD of TV series "Lectures on Sex Education for Elementary and Secondary Schools" has recently premiered in Haikou, setting off strong percussion among teachers and students alike.
Xinhua News Agency, Haikou, February 21 (Zhang Chuanxuan and Liu Wei) - China's first "Sex Education Course for Junior and High School", a television series available in VCD compact disc format, was broadcasted for the first time in Haikou a few days ago and created many responses and comments among teachers and students.
Xinhua News Agency report of February 21 from Shanghai (by staff reporters Zhang Chuanxuan and Liu Wei) - China's first TV series VCD "Sex Education for Primary and Middle School Students" have recently been broadcasted in Haikou, evoking strong repercussions among teachers and students.
Haikou, Feb 21, Xinhua News Agency-- (By Zhang Chuanxuan and Liu Wei) China's first TV series VCD, Sex Education for Primary and Middle School Students, was first published in Haikou recently, arousing strong reactions among teachers and students.
The sex education series released by Electronic Audio and Visual Publishing House of Hainan Province consists of the elementary school edition, middle school edition and high school edition.
The Hainan Province Digital Sound and Image Publishing produces this sex education series.  There are different versions for junior, junior high and high school.
The sex education series published by Hainan Provincial Audio & Visual Publishing House include editions for primary, junior and senior middle school students.
The sex education series, divided into primary school version, junior high school version and senior high school version, is published by Hainan Electronic Audio and Video Publishing House.
According to different age groups, the series presents a progressive, step by step introduction to sexuality, including such special topics as puberty, impregnation, procreation, AIDS prevention and care, and sexual psychology, providing answers to questions children have in their minds with vivid audio and visual aids.
Based on viewers' age, the series make use of vivid sound and images to introduce sex knowledge to them in a proper sequence.  Topics covered include the age of puberty, pregnancy, birth, protection against AIDS and sex psychology etc.  The series can provide many answers to doubts that Children might have in their minds.
In accordance with different ages, it, step by step, introduces sex knowledge, including the puberty, pregnancy, reproduction, AIDS prevention and sex psychology to answer children's questions with vivid pictures.
It introduces sex-related knowledge, including topics on adolescency, preganancy, childbirth, protection against Aids, and sexual psychology with regard to different age groups step by step, answering questions in the mind of the youngsters with lively vision and sound.
At the premiere held in Zhenfa School in Hainan, over a hundred middle school students watched attentively and in absolute silence.
In the first broadcast at Hainan's Zhenfa School, more than 100 junior high students watched the series quietly and earnestly.
Over 100 junior middle school students of Hainan's Zhen Fa School watched the first show in silence.
On the opening ceremony held at Hainan Zhenfa School, more than a hundred junior high school students watched the series earnestly and silently.
At beginning, many girls merely lowered their heads and kept reading books, unwilling to raise their heads.  Gradually they became relaxed enough to watch the screen.
At the beginning, many girls refused to raise their heads but rather lowered their heads to read books.  Later on, they watched the screen in a cool and composed manner.
At the beginning, many girls bowed their heads reading books, not willing to look up, and then they watched the pictures at ease gradually.
At first many girls just refused to raise their head by staring at their books, but gradually they watched the video calmly.
Lai Ruixing, principal of the middle school, said that schools are badly in need of such materials on sex education as they can eliminate the embarrassment that teachers skip textbook chapters while students read them in secret.
Lai Ruixing, principal of the high school, said the school has genuine needs for sex education materials, which help solve many embarrassments where teachers do not know how to explain and students are secretly reading inappropriate materials.
Head of the school Lai Ruixing said that the school needed such sex education materials very much since it solved the embarrassing problem that teachers only selected parts of books to teach while students watched them in secret.
Lai Ruixing, head of the middle school, said that the school is in urgent need of sex education materials like this, which may solve the embarrassment of selected teaching by the teachers and covert reading by the students.
The release of this series has also been endorsed by the relevant departments.
The series was launched after the approval by the related department.
The publication of the series has won praises from relevant departments.
The publishing of the series has also won affirmation from pertinent official departments.
In November 2002, the TV series "Lectures on Sex Education for Elementary and Secondary Schools" won the 10th China's Population and Culture Award issued by the State Family Planning Commission, the China Population and Culture Promotion Association and others.
In November 2002, the television series "Sex Education Course for Junior and High School" received the 10th China Population Culture Award granted by the State Family Planning Commission of China and the Association of Promotion of China Population Culture.
TV series "Sex Education for Primary and Middle School Students" won the 10th China Population Culture Prize in November 2002 granted by the State Family Planning Commission and the Association of the Promotion of China's Population Culture.
In November 2002, the TV series Sex Education for Primary and Middle School Students was awarded the 10th China Population & Culture Award by the State Family Planning Committee and China Population and Culture Promotion Committee.
First Group Package Tour of Chinese Nationals to Malta and Egypt to Set out at End of March
An Inaugurated Tour to Malta and Egypt for Chinese Nationals Departs at March End
First Chinese Tourist Group to Leave for Malta and Egypt in Late March
First Touring Group of Chinese Citizens to Malta and Egypt Will Start Off at the end of March
Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, February 22 (Reporter Qian Chunxian)  The reporter was told on the 22nd that the first group package tour of Chinese nationals to Malta and Egypt will start out here on March 28.
Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, February 22 (Reporter: Qian Chunxian) - The reporter learned on the 22nd that an inaugurated tour for Chinese nationals to Malta and Egypt would depart from here on March 28.
Xinhua News Agency report of February 22 from Beijing (by staff reporter Qian Chunxuan) - Reporters were told on February 22 that the first Chinese tourist group to Malta and Egypt would leave Beijing on March 28.
Beijing, Feb 22, Xinhua News Agency-- (By Qian Chunxian) The reporter got to know today that the first touring group of Chinese citizens to Malta and Egypt will start off on March 28 here.
The Chinese tourists can travel across the two continents of Europe and Africa within ten days.
Chinese tourists can travel over the two continents of Europe and Africa in the 10-day trip.
Chinese tourists can realize a trans-continent tour of Europe and Africa within 10 days.
Chinese tourists will be able to travel across Europe and Africa in the 10-day trip.
As planned, the tourists can board on an EgyptAir flight to take off from Beijing and proceed to fly to Malta after enjoying a five-day tour of Cairo.
At the appointed time, tourists will depart from Beijing by Egypt Air.  The tourists will stay in Cairo for 5 days before they fly to Malta.
At that time, tourists can leave Beijing aboard an Egyptian airline flight, have a five-day tour in Cairo and then fly to Malta.
By then, the tourists may take a flight of Air Egypt from Beijing, and fly to Malta after staying in Cairo for 5 days.
The entire journey is estimated to take 10 days at the cost of about 16,000 yuan for the whole package.
The whole trip takes 10 days and costs about 16 thousand Renminbi.
The tour is expected to take 10 days costing about RMB16,000.
The entire trip is estimated to be 10 days, with a fee charge of about RMB16,000.
Malta is situated in southern Europe adjacent to Italy.
Malta is situate at the south side of Europe and is quite near to Italy.
Malta is located in southern Europe adjacent to Italy.
Malta is located in the south of Europe, close to Italy.
The scenery of blue sky and ocean as well as a mild Mediterranean climate has made Malta a famous tourist attraction in the world.
The country, one the world-renowned scenic spots for tourists, has the scenery of blue sea and clear sky as well as a warm Mediterranean Sea climate.
Its ocean and blue-sky scenery and the Mediterranean climate make it world's famous scenic spot.
Its blue sea and sky, together with its warm climate of the Mediterranean, make it a world famous tourist attraction.
Egypt is one of the world's four ancient civilizations, and its long history has drawn tourists from all parts of the world.
Egypt is one the four ancient civilizations and its long history keeps on attracting a lot of tourists from different parts of the world.
Egypt is one of the four nations that have the oldest civilizations, with its ancient history attracting tourists from various places.
Egypt is one of the four ancient civilizations in the world, whose long history has always been attractive to tourists from all over the world.
Malta became the first European country to gain Destination Status for Chinese nationals' personal leisure tours in 2001.  Egypt became the first African country to gain the same status in 2002.
Malta became the first target in Europe for paid tours of Chinese nationals in 2001.  On the other hand, Egypt became the first target in Africa for paid tours of Chinese nationals in 2002.
In 2001, Malta became the first European destination country to receive Chinese tourists traveling on their own expense.
Malta became the first tourist destination in Europe to receive Chinese tourists travelling on their own expenses in 2001, and Egypt became the first tourist destination in Africa to receive Chinese tourists travelling on their own expenses.
EgyptAir officially opened the first direct flight route from Cairo to Beijing in January this year.
Egypt Air set up the first direct flight between Cairo and Beijing in January this year.
The Egyptian Airline officially opened its first direct flight from Cairo to Beijing this January.
Air Egypt formally opened the first direct flight line from Cairo to Beijing in January.
This first group package tour is jointly promoted by Malta Tourism Authority, Egyptian Tourist Bureau and Guang Zhi Lu International Travel Agency.
Malta Tourism Authority, Egyptian Tourist Authority and GZL International Travel Service Ltd. jointly launch the inaugurated tour.
The first tourist group is jointly formed by the tourist bureaus of Malta and Egypt as well as Guangzhilu International Travel Agency.
The first group is jointly organized by Malta National Tourist Office, Egypt Tourist Office and CGZL International Travel Service Ltd.
(International) Blix Demands Iraq Start Destroying al-Samoud Missiles within a Week
(International) Blix Demands Iraq to Start the Destruction of al-Samoud Missiles Within One Week
(International) Blix Asks Iraq to Begin Destroying "Samoud" Missiles within One Week
(International) Blix Called on Iraq to Destroy Al-Samoud Missiles within One Week
Xinhua News Agency, United Nations, February 22  According to the local media reports on the 22nd, Hans Blix, chairman of the UN Monitoring, Verification Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC), has issued an ultimatum to Iraq, demanding that Iraq start destroying its al-Samoud missiles within a week.
Xinhua News Agency, United Nations, February 22 - According to media reports here on the 22nd, Hans Blix, Executive Chairman of United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) has already issued an ultimatum to Iraq demanding the country to begin the destruction of al-Samoud missiles within one week.
Xinhua News Agency report of February 22 from the UN - Media here said on February 22 that Chairman of the UN Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission Hans Blix had made an ultimatum to Iraq to begin destroy its "Samoud" missiles within one week.
United Nations, February 22, Xinhua News Agency--According to the report of local media today, Hans Blix, chairman of the UN Monitoring, Verification Inspection Commission, has issued an ultimatum to Iraq, asking it to start destroying its Al-Samoud missiles within one week.
Buchanan, press secretary for UNMOVIC, said that Blix has handed this ultimatum regarding "the destruction of 'al-Samoud 2' missiles and related equipment" to Mohammed al-Douri, Iraq's ambassador to the United Nations, demanding that Iraq start destroying the proscribed weapons before March 1.
UNMOVIC spokesman Ewen Buchanan said Blix has already delivered the ultimatum to Mohammad al-Douri, Permanent Representative of Iraq to the United Nations, which requires "the destruction of al-Samoud 2 missiles and related equipment".  The document demands Iraq to begin the destruction of the banned weapon before March 1.
Spokesman of the UNMVIC Buchanan said that Blix had delivered the ultimatum on "destroying 'Samoud 2'missiles and its relevant equipments" to Iraq's permanent representative to the UN Mohammad Al-Douri, requiring Iraq to begin destroy the banned weapons before March 1.
Buchanan, spokesman for the UN Monitoring, Verification Inspection Commission, said that Blix has submitted the ultimatum about destroying Al-Samoud 2 missiles and relevant facilities to Mohammed Aldouri, Iraqi UN Ambassador, asking Iraq to start destroying these illegal weapons before March 1.
A duplicate of the ultimatum has already been submitted to the UN Security Council.
A copy of the ultimatum was delivered to the United Nations Security Council.
The copy of the ultimatum has been sent to UN Security Council.
A copy of the ultimatum has been submitted to the UN Security Council.
The experts believe that this ultimatum has put Iraqi President Saddam Hussein in a dilemma.
Related experts believed that the ultimatum has put the Iraqi President Saddam Hussein into a difficult position.
Experts said that the copy of the ultimatum put Iraqi President Saddam in a dilemma.
Some experts think that this ultimatum would bring Iraqi President Saddam into a dilemma.
By destroying these missiles, Iraq will lose the key weapons to defend itself against the US attacks, while rejecting UNMOVIC's request will give the United States and Britain more excuses for taking military actions against Iraq.
The destruction of these missiles will deprive Iraq of an important weapon to defend an American attack.  On the other hand, a refusal to UNMOVIC request will provide U.S. and Britain more excuses to take military actions against Iraq.
To destroy these missiles may rid Iraq of key weapons to defend it against US attacks but to reject UNMVIC's requirements will further justify the US-British attacks on Iraq.
Destroying these missiles means that Iraq would lose important weapons with which to defense against America's attacks, while refusing the request of the UN Monitoring, Verification Inspection Commission would enable the US and UK to have better excuses to take military actions against Iraq.
Blix and Baradei, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said in their second report on arms inspection in Iraq submitted to the Security Council on the 14th that the evaluation by the UN missile experts has found the range of al-Samoud missiles to exceed 150 kilometers, which violates the related UN resolutions.
In the second weapon inspection report to Security Council on the 14th, Blix and Mohamed ElBaradei, Director General of International Atomic Energy Agency, said United Nations missile experts determined that the al-Samoud missiles exceeded the range limit of 150 kilometers and are in violation of the related resolution of the Security Council.
In their second report to the Security Council, Blix and Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency El Baradei said that UN missile experts' appraisal showed that "Samoud" missile's range exceeds 150 kilometers and breaks the rules of Security Council's relevant resolutions.
The second weapons inspection report on Iraq submitted to the Security Council on Feb 14 by Blix and International Atomic Energy Agency Chief ElBaradei said that the examination carried out by the UN missile experts showed that the range of Al-Samoud missiles exceeds 150 kilometers, which is against relevant Security Council resolutions.
(International) Georgian President Stresses on Preventing Illegal Chechen Armed Groups from Entering Pankisi Gorge
(International) Georgian President Vowed to Stop Chechen Illegal Armed Groups from Entering Pankisi Gorge
(International) Georgian President Stresses Plans to Prevent Chechen Rebels from Entering Pankisi Gorge
(International) Georgian President Stressed They would Try to Prevent Chechen Militants from Entering the Pankis Gorge
Xinhua News Agency, Moscow, February 24 (Reporter Dong Longjiang)  From Tbilisi: Georgian President Shevardnadze stressed in his national radio address on the 24th that at present, the top priority of Georgia's law enforcement agencies is to prevent and completely stop illegal Chechen armed elements from infiltrating the Pankisi Gorge.
Xinhua News Agency, Moscow, February 24 (Reporter: Dong Longjiang) - News from Tbilisi: in a speech broadcasted on Georgia's state-owned radio on the 24th, Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze said the most important mission before Georgia's strong departments is to stop and eliminate Chechen illegal armed groups from sneaking into Pankisi George.
Xinhua News Agency report of February 24 from Moscow (by staff reporter Dong Longjiang) - Tbilisi: Georgian President Shevardnadze stressed in a radio address in Georgia's State Radio on February 24 that the current priority of the Georgian authority was to prevent and completely put an end to Chechen illegal rebels' infiltration into the Pankisi Gorge.
Moscow, February 24, Xinhua News Agency--(By Dong Longjiang)According to the news from Tbilisi, when making a speech on Georgian National Radio today, Georgian President Shevardnadze stressed that the priority of the Georgian authorities is to prevent and put an end to the Chechen militants' entering into the Pankis Gorge.
Shevardnadze said although Georgia's internal troops, police forces, security departments and ministry of defense cleaned up the foreign armed groups which infiltrated the Pankisi Gorge in last year's special operations, it is possible that some illegal armed elements, disguised as refugees, are still hiding in the Pankisi Gorge.
Shevardnadze said troops from interior ministry, police department, national security and defense departments have wiped out all foreign armed formations sneaked into Pankisi George in special operations since last autumn.  However, Georgia cannot preclude the possibility that some illegal armed fighters might be hiding in the Pankisi George under the cover as refugees.
Shevardnadze said that during their special operations carried out in last autumn, Georgian interior troops, police forces, the security department and the defense ministry have eliminated foreign armed groups who infiltrated into the Pankisi Gorge but it could not be ruled out that illegal militants continued to hide in the Pankisi Gorge as refugees.
Shevardnadze said that Georgian domestic troops, police forces, security department and defense ministry cleared out the foreign armed groups hidden in the Pankis Gorge in the special action last fall, but it was not impossible that some of the militants were still hidden in the Pankis Gorge as refugees.
Shevardnadze said that Georgia's law enforcement agencies have the capacity to uncover these illegal armed elements.
Shevardnadze said the strong departments of Georgia have the capability to discover these illegal armed fighters.
Shevardnadze said that the Georgian authority had the ability to locate these illegal militants.
Shevardnadze said that Georgian authorities had the capability to find these militants.
At the same time, he announced that Georgia's law enforcement agencies will soon continue their crackdown on illegal armed rebels in the Pankisi Gorge.
He also announced that Georgia's strong departments would continue their effort to wipe out illegal armed groups at the Pankisi George in the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile, he announced that the Georgian authority would continue its operations in the near future to eliminate illegal armed groups in the
At the same time, he also declared that Georgian authorities would continue to carry out actions to eliminate illegal armed forces in the Pankis Gorge soon.
In his address, Shevardnadze emphasized the importance of having cooperation and exchange of intelligence with Russia and the United States in this regard.
In his speech, Shevardnadze stressed the importance to cooperate and exchange intelligence with Russia and United States in this problem.
In his address, Shevardnadze stressed the importance of the exchange of intelligence with Russia and the United States on this matter.
In his speech, Shevardnadze stressed the importance of cooperation and information exchange with Russia and the US.
The Pankisi Gorge, situated within the territory of Georgia, borders on Chechnya in Russia.
The Pankisi George is inside Georgia but it is neighboring the Chechnya area of Russia.
The Pankisi Gorge is located in Georgia and adjacent to Russia's Chechnya.
Pankis Gorge is located in Georgia, neighboring Chechnya of Russia.
Russia believes that a large number of Chechen armed elements are hiding in the Pankisi Gorge and accuses Georgia of providing refuge to them.
Russia believed that many Chechen illegal armed fighters are hiding in the Pankisi George and it accuses Georgia of protecting them.
Russia says a large number of Chechen rebels are hiding in the Pankisi Gorge and accuses Georgia of sheltering them.
Russia thought that a large number of Chechen militants were hidden in the Pankis Gorge, and accused Georgia of providing haven to them.
Last year, the relationship between Russia and Georgia was strained for some time due to the issue of the Pankisi Gorge.
Last year, the relations between Russia and Georgia became tense because of the Pankisi George problem.
Tensions were tightened between Russia and Georgia due to the Pankisi Gorge issue last year.
Last year, the Russo-Georgian relations were once in tension because of the Pankis Gorge issue.
(International) NYSE Down Again as US and Britain Submit Proposals for War on Iraq
(International) New York Stock Market Fell Again As U.S. and Britain Propose Authorization to Attack Iraq Resolution
(International) New York Stock Market Falls Again due to US-British Proposal to Attack Iraq
(International) US and UK Suggestion of War on Iraq Triggered Another Decline on New York Stock Market
Xinhua News Agency, New York, February 24  Investors became worried again about the prospect of war as the United States and Britain insisted on making new proposals to the UN Security Council for military strikes on Iraq.  On February 24, all three major stock indices on New York Stock Exchange plummeted to a new low since January 30.
Xinhua News Agency, New York, February 24 - Investors were once again troubled by the prospect of a war, as U.S. and Britain insisted to bring up to the United Nations Security Council a new resolution, which authorizes military actions against Iraq.  The three major indexes in New York stock market recorded a massive fall, which was the biggest drop since January 30.
Xinhua News Agency report of February 24 from New York - As the United States and Britain insisted on raising a new resolution of launching military attacks against Iraq in the UN Security Council, investors are once again worried about the prospect of the war. The three stock indexes in New York stock market fell sharply on February 24, the biggest decline since January 30.
New York, February 24, Xinhua News Agency--As the United States and Britain finally submitted a new suggestion of war on Iraq to the United Nations Security Council, investors are again worried about the war-doomed prospect.  Today, the three main market indexes of New York stock market fell sharply, posting the biggest decline since Jan. 30.
In addition, the latest report on the performance of US retailers showed that US retail sales in February offered no reason for optimism, further shattering consumer confidence.
Furthermore, confidence of investors was further eroded on the news that latest U.S. retail sales report showed disappointing retail sales in February.
In addition, the latest US retail earnings report shows that an optimistic US retail sale is not expected in February, dealing another blow to investors' confidence.
Besides, the latest report of America's retail industry showed that sales of the retail industry in February were not good, which further battered the confidence of the investors.
Dow Jones Industrial 30 Index fell sharply 159.87 points, or 2%, to close at 7858.24 on the very same day.  The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index dropped 26.64 points, or 2%, to 1322.38  The Standard and Poor's 500 fell 15.59 points, or 1.8%, to close at 832.58.
The Dow Jones Industrial 30 Index dropped 159.87 points in the day, a fall of 2 percent and closed at 7858.24 points.  The tech dominated Nasdaq Composite Index skidded 26.64 points, or 2 percent and closed at 1322.38 points.  Standard and Poor's 500 Index fell 15.59 points, a drop of 1.8 percent and closed at 832.58 points.
The Dow Jones 30 Industrial Average Index slumped 159.87 points to close at 7,858.24 during the day, down 2%. The technology-heavy Nasdaq index fell 26.64 points, down 2%, to end at 1,322.38. The Standard & Poor's 500 index dropped 15.59 points, down 1.8%, to close at 832.58.
Dow-Jones 30 industrial average was down 159.87 points to 7858.24, a decline of 2%; the tech-laden NASDAQ was down 26.64 points, or 2%, to 1322.38; Standard & Poor's 500 Index slipped 15.59 points, or 1.8%, to 832.58.
Although both the NYSE Composite Index and Russell 2000 Index, which represents small companies, plunged, the American Stock Exchange Market Index posted a rise.
The New York Stock Exchange Composite Index and the Russel 2000 Index, which measures small-cap stocks, both lost quite some ground.  However, the American Stock Exchange Market Value Index had moved up.
The NYSE composite index and the Russell 2000 of small companies fell sharply while the American Stock Exchange index rose.
NYSE Composite Index and Russell 2000 index for small companies both slipped greatly, while Amex Composite Index climbed.
The decliners over advancers on NYSE was 5-2.  The trade volume dropped to 1.53 billion shares from 1.71 billion shares the previous trading day.
In New York Stock Exchange, the ratio of fallers to gainers was 5 to 2 and turnover had dropped from 1.71 billion shares in the previous trading day to 1.53 billion shares.
On the NYSE, declining issues and the advancers were 5:2 with the trading volume falling to 1.53 billion shares from the 1.71 billion on the previous trading day.
The ratio of the number of stocks slipped and that of the climbed at NYSE was 5 to 2, and the amount of delivery dropped from 1.71 billion shares of the previous trading day to 1.53 billion.
China Red Cross Raises Charity Funds for Disaster-hit Xinjiang
China Red Cross Raises Funds for Xinjiang Disaster Area
China Red Cross Association Raises Funds for Disaster Area in Xinjiang
China Red Cross Raises Donations for Disaster-Stricken Areas in Xinjiang
Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, February 25 (Reporter Wu Jing)  China Red Cross Society set up a donation hotline and account on the 25th, calling for people from all walks of life both at home and abroad to help assist their compatriots in Xinjiang that was hit by an earthquake on the 24th.
Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, February 25 (Reporter: Wu Jing) - The head office of China Red Cross has set up a hotline and a bank account for donations on the 25th.  The society is urging communities inside and outside China to extend a helping hand to assist fellow citizens in Xinjiang, who were stuck by an earthquake on the 24th.
Xinhua News Agency report of February 25 from Beijing (by staff reporter Wu Jing) - The China Red Cross Association publicized its donation telephone number and account number on February 25, calling on various walks of life both at home and abroad to help Xinjiang compatriots hit by earthquake on February 24.
Beijing, February 25, Xinhua News Agency-- (By Wu Jing) The China Red Cross Society opens a special bank account and a hotline for donations today, calling for all walks of life at home and abroad to help the people stricken by the earthquake yesterday in Xinjiang.
CRCS' donation hotline number is 010-65139999 (24 hours).
The donation hotline for China Red Cross head office is 010-65139999 (24-hour).
The donation telephone number of the China Red Cross Association is 010-65139999 (on duty around the clock)
The number of CRCS 24-hour hotline for donations is 86-10-65139999.
The account number is 02000010090144132-52 at Dong Si Nan Sub-branch of China Industrial and Commercial Bank.
The bank account number is: 02000010090144132-52, Dongsinan branch, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
The account number: the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Dongsinan Office 02000010090144132-52
The account number is 02000010090144132-52, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), Dongsi Nan Branch Beijing.
After the earthquake struck on the 24, CRCS immediately sent 250,000 yuan to disaster-hit Xinjiang and again dispatched a disaster-relief team to the stricken area on the 25th.
China Red Cross has released 250 thousand Renminbi for the Xinjiang disaster area immediately after the earthquake on the 24th.  A disaster relief team was dispatched to the area on the 25th.
The China Red Cross Association urgently allocated RMB250,000 on February 24 following the earthquake and sent a rescue team to the disaster area on February 25.
CRCS appropriated 250,000 yuan to the disaster-stricken area in Xinjiang immediately after the quake struck yesterday. A rescue team has also been sent to the region today.
On the 24th, an earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale hit Bachu-Jiashi area in southern Xinjiang.
The 6.8 magnitude earthquake took place at Bachu and Jiashi counties in southern Xinjiang on the 24th.
An earthquake measuring 6.8 degrees on the Richter scale occurred in southern Xinjiang's Bachu-Jiashi area on February 24.
On February 24, Bachu and Jiashi counties of Xinjiang were stricken by an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 on the Richter scale.
As of early morning of the 25th, the death toll has risen to 261.  2,050 people were seriously injured; and 8,861 houses collapsed.
Up till daybreak of the 25th, the death toll has risen to 261 people, another 2050 seriously wounded and 8861 homes collapsed.
The death toll had risen to 261 by early 25th with 2,050 seriously injured and 8,861 houses destroyed.
By this morning, the earthquake has claimed 261 lives, injured 2,050 people, and toppled 8,861 houses.
At present, with night temperatures in the disaster-hit area at about minus 2 degrees Celsius, the earthquake victims are in urgent need of foods and clothes.
The night temperature in the disaster area is around minus 2 Celsius and victims of the disaster are in urgent needs for food and resources to defend the cold.
Currently the temperature at night dropped to around -2 degrees and the victims are badly in need of food and clothes to prevent the cold.
At present, the night temperature in the region dropped to around 2 degrees Celsius below zero, and the residents were in urgent need of food and clothes.
(International) Brazil's Risk Index Drops
(International) The Country Risk Index for Brazil Decreased
(International) Brazil's National Risk Index Falls
(International) The Country Risk Index of Brazil Drops
Xinhua News Agency, Brasilia, February 27 (Reporter Yang Limin)  Brazil's risk index fell to 1191 points on the 27th, down 2.37% from the previous day.
Xinhua News Agency, Brasilia, February 27 (Reporter: Yang Limin) - Brazil's country risk index has decreased to 1191 points on the 27th, a drop of 2.37 percent over the previous day.
Xinhua News Agency report of February 27 from Brasilia (by staff reporter Yang Limin) - Brazil's national risk index fell to 1,191 points on February 27, down 2.37% from the previous day.
Brasilia, February 27, Xinhua News Agency-- (By Yang Liming)The country risk index of Brazil dropped to 1191 points today, 2.37% lower than that of the previous day.
This is the first time that this index has dropped below 1200 points in the 8 months since the financial turbulence broke out in Brazil in June last year.
Since the financial turmoil broke out in June last year, it is the first time that the index falls below 1200 points.
This was the first time in 8 months that the index fell below 1,200 points since the outbreak of financial crisis last June in Brazil.
This was the first time that the index dropped below 1200 points in eight months since financial turbulence broke out in Brazil last June.
In the meantime, Brazil's bonds traded on the international market rose by 0.42% on the very same day to the 74% of their face value.
Meanwhile, bonds issued by Brazil went up 0.42 percent in international markets reaching the value of 74 percent of their face value.
Meanwhile, Brazil's bonds traded in the international markets rose 0.42% to reach 74% of the face value during the day.
Meanwhile, Brazil's bonds on the international trading market increased by 0.42%, reaching 74% of the nominal value.
This is also the best record in 8 months.
That is also the best record in 8 months.
This was also the best record in 8 months.
This was the best record in eight months too.
A country's risk index is closely linked to the price of bonds.  The higher the index is, the lower the price of bonds will be.
Country risk index and bond prices are closely related - the higher the index, the lower the bond price.
The national risk index is closely related to the bond price. The higher the index is, the lower the bond price.
The country risk index is closely related to the bonds price. The higher the index, the lower the bonds price.
Last year, Brazil's risk index once exceeded 2400 points, driving down the price of bonds to 48% of their face value.
Last year, Brazil's country risk index surged to over 2400 points and the price of bonds had dropped to 48 percent of their face value.
Last year, Brazil's national risk index topped 2,400 points while the bond price dropped to 48% of the face value.
Last year, the country risk index of Brazil was once more than 2400 points, and the bonds price was down to 48% of the nominal value.
Since the new administration took power this year, Brazil's risk index has been continuously dropping.
Since the new government took over this year, Brazil's country risk index has decreased steadily.
Since the new government took office this year, Brazil's national risk index has been declining.
Since the new government took power this year, the country risk index of Brazil has kept dropping.
Recently, there has been an increase in the demand of Brazil's bonds as foreign investors think they are cheap in price and high in returns, resulting in a faster drop of Brazil's risk index.
Recently, foreign investors found that the prices of Brazilian bonds are attractive due to the high rate of return.  As a result, demands have increased, which in turn accelerated the decline of Brazil's country risk index.
Brazil's bond is recently in great demand since foreign investors regard it cheap and with high rewards, speeding up the decline of Brazil's national risk index.
Recently, foreign investors think that the Brazilian bonds are cheap but of high return, so the demand has increased greatly, causing the country risk index to drop rapidly.
However, analysts pointed out that although international investors are currently in favor of Brazil's bonds, in the event of a US-Iraq war when there will be a decrease in foreign investment, the country's risk index may rise again to trigger another drop in the price of bonds.
Notwithstanding international investors favor Brazilian bonds at this moment, analysts pointed out Brazil's country risk index might rise again if a war between U.S. and Iraq breaks out and checks the amount of foreign investment.  At that time, the price of Brazilian bonds may fall again.
However, many analysts pointed out that although international investors are optimistic about Brazil's bonds the national risk index is likely to rebound while the bond price may fall again in the event of a US-Iraq war and the decrease of overseas investment.
However, analysts say that though international investors favor Brazilian bonds now, when US-Iraq war breaks out and foreign investment decreases, the country risk index may increase again and the bonds price will drop at the same time.