Asia Africa Intelligence Wire articles from February 2004, page 8

Asia Africa Intelligence Wire archives from February 2004

Finding special gifts for special occasions.
February 29, 2004... (From The Jakarta Post) Like people in many cities, discerning Jakartans have developed a habit of giving a gift to friends and family on special occasions. Gift-giving occasions popular with Jakartans include birthdays, wedding...

Buying gifts for business associates.
February 29, 2004... (From The Jakarta Post) Buying a gift for a colleague, your boss or business partner may be not as easy as buying for friends and family. Although gift-giving has become a common way to show appreciation and thanks to business...

Hendri to meet Suwandi in Cigna Open final.
February 29, 2004... (From The Jakarta Post) Sunday will see Hendri Susilo Pramono play his Davis Cup doubles partner Suwandi in the men's singles final at the US$11,800 Cigna Open tennis tournament. Top seed Hendri went to the final after he outplayed...

Social change: A selfless step for humankind.
February 29, 2004... (From The Jakarta Post) Zamrisyaf, a 46-year-old worker at the State Electricity Company (PLN) in West Sumatra, invented a machine that generates electricity from ocean waves, Kompas daily reported earlier this month. Using a...

The making of a dream started with a chance encounter.
February 29, 2004... (From The Jakarta Post) For scuba diving fanatics, making it to Bunaken is only a matter of time. Daniele Marianelli, 27, and Patrick Trancu, 40, both from Italy, were no different, and in August 2001 they set foot on Bunaken Island. ...

Siladen island: A paradise within a tropical paradise.
February 29, 2004... (From The Jakarta Post) As the two-engine boat pushes away from Siladen pier, a melancholic mood surges through the occupants. The boat's turtle-like pace seems designed to assist in the gradual transition from what has been an awe-...

Where to go in Warsaw and beyond.
February 29, 2004... (From The Jakarta Post) - Stare Miasto and Nowy Miasto (Old and New Town): The complex of the Mazovian royal clan built in the 18th century. Most of the complex was ruined during World War II and was later rebuilt. New buildings were...

Poland: A trip full of pleasant surprises.
February 29, 2004... (From The Jakarta Post) People call it a museum, but as we entered the building we saw it was more of a gallery, housing some 4,000 works of oriental art from private collections. The most surprising thing of all was when The...

Now showing.
February 29, 2004... (From The Jakarta Post) Mystic River (Drama, 137 minutes) Starring Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon, Laurence Fishburne, Marcia Gay Harden, Laura Linney. Directed by Clint Eastwood. Somber, insightful character study about three...

People, show others a bit of civility, please.
February 29, 2004... (From The Jakarta Post) Three years ago, when I came back after several years in the United States, I didn't understand why most Jakartans were so impatient, so inconsiderate and undisciplined. It's so unlike in the States, where...

Still playing.
February 29, 2004... (From The Jakarta Post) 21 Grams (Drama, 125 minutes) Starring Sean Penn, Naomi Watts, Benicio Del Toro, Clea Duvall, Charlotte Gainsbourg. Directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu. Questions of fate, life and death plays like a...

On the record.
February 29, 2004... (From The Jakarta Post) Artist: Audy. Album: 20-02 (Sony Music Indonesia) The good thing about 21-year-old singer Audy, and what makes her career work, is that she is not trying to be something she is not. There is the...

Project fuses environment and real estate design.
February 29, 2004... (From The Jakarta Post) In the mind's eye of most people -- from residents to visitors to those who harbor flights of fancy -- the word Bali conjures up endless visions of little more than sun-kissed beaches, palm-fringed streets and...

Carving out his lot in life.
February 29, 2004... (From The Jakarta Post) Byline: Jacky As one passes along Jl. Casablanca in South Jakarta, it is hard not to notice the "sidewalk gallery" in front of Menteng Pulo cemetery, displaying an interesting collection of wood carvings. ...

Bomb.
February 29, 2004... (From The Jakarta Post) A year ago tonight, a tragic event occurred. A bomb exploded in a crowded shopping center, killing many innocent people and replacing merriment with horror and fear. That night, my next-door neighbor,...

A sight for sore eyes: Natural elements out front.
February 29, 2004... (From The Jakarta Post) Perched on its own spot atop a small hill, the modern house commands breathtaking views of the city of Semarang below. The lofty 1,600 square meter site was a challenge for architect Sardjono Sani with PT Bias...

Facts on breast milk and breast-feeding.
February 29, 2004... (From The Jakarta Post) Breast milk is not only the best food for baby but should be the only food in the first six months of its life. "Breast-feeding can go on for two years or as long as both parties still want to do it," said...

On the record.
February 29, 2004... (From The Jakarta Post) Artist: Trickbaby. Album: Hanging Around (EMI Music) First gaining exposure in the Asian region through an MTV Alert a few months ago, Trickbaby incorporates pop with Middle and Far Eastern music, a...

Russian presidential candidate criticize those who refuse to show his campaign ads.
February 29, 2004... (From BBC Monitoring International Reports) [Presenter] Russian presidential candidates from opposition are facing serious problems. In particular, Ivan Rybkin has complained that state TV channels refused to air his campaign ads. ...

US official says Bin-Ladin's capture "will not take much time" - Iranian radio.
February 29, 2004... (From BBC Monitoring International Reports) A high-ranking US official has said that Usamah Bin-Ladin, the fugitive leader of Al-Qa'idah, will be captured soon. Geoffrey Block [phonetic] said: We cannot fix any specific time but we...

Israel police raises alert level, Gaza strip workers not allowed to leave.
February 29, 2004... (From BBC Monitoring International Reports) The Israel Police this morning increased its alert in all parts of the country for fear of terrorist attacks, among other things, as a result of yesterday's targeted killing [in the Gaza Strip]....

North Korea says US carried out over 200 cases of aerial espionage in February.
February 29, 2004... (From BBC Monitoring International Reports) Pyongyang, [Sunday] 29 February: The US imperialist warmongers committed more than 200 cases of aerial espionage against the DPRK [Democratic People's Republic of Korea] in February by...

Taiwan President Chen strikes "positive" tone in speech marking 2-28 anniversary.
February 29, 2004... (From BBC Monitoring International Reports) the "Front page" page entitled: "President Chen hits conciliatory tone at 228 memorial rally", published by Taiwanese newspaper Taipei Times web site on 29 February In a speech marking the...

Iran Venezuela hold third round of talks.
February 29, 2004... (From BBC Monitoring International Reports) Caracas, 29 February: Iran and Venezuela held their third round of bilateral talks here Saturday [28 February] and discussed various developments in the presidencies of President Mohammad...

BBC Monitoring headlines and quotes from Iraqi press 29 Feb 04.
February 29, 2004... (From BBC Monitoring International Reports) The following is a selection of headlines and quotes taken from the Iraqi press published on Sunday 29 February, 2004: Headlines Al-Sharq al-Awsat [Baghdad edition of London-based...

Japan: Bikini Atoll H-bomb damaged Yaizu port's fishery industry, created prejudice.
February 29, 2004... (From BBC Monitoring International Reports) news agency Kyodo Shizuoka, Japan, [Sunday] 29 February: The 1954 US hydrogen bomb test at Bikini Atoll in the South Pacific, which irradiated 23 crew members of the Japanese trawler...

"Frisca" triggers disputes between Dina and Wafa Amer.
February 29, 2004... (From Al Bawaba) Egyptian belly dancer Dina has finally put an end with disputes with Egyptian actress Athar Al Hakim and over her dresses in the TV drama series "Frisca", which both are costarring in. Just when Dina thought all is well...

Six-party "working-level meetings" possibly in mid-March - S Korean officials.
February 29, 2004... (From BBC Monitoring International Reports) Seoul, [Sunday] 29 February: A working group meeting for the third round of six-party talks aimed at resolving the North Korean nuclear crisis is likely to be held in Beijing in mid-March at the...

TEN ARRESTED IN FREE STATE FOLLOWING OPERATION SWITCHBLADE.
February 29, 2004... (From SAPA (South African Press Association)) Police in the northern Free State arrested 10 people, seized a number of weapons and confiscated beer and dagga in Operation Switchblade, police said Sunday. Spokesman Inspector Stephen...

NAMIBIAN FARM EXPROPRIATIONS NEWS 'SHOCKING'.
February 29, 2004... (From SAPA (South African Press Association)) An umbrella group for Namibian commercial farmers, the Namibia Agricultural Union, says the announcement that farm expropriations will take place in the country has sent has sent shock waves...

MAN STABBED OUTSIDE BRIXTON BAR.
February 29, 2004... (From SAPA (South African Press Association)) Police arrested a 23-year-old man following a fatal stabbing outside the Princess Bar in Brixton over the weekend, Johannesburg police spokeswoman Inspector Amanda Roestoff said on Sunday. It...

Australian foreign minister condemns Sydney Islamic leader.
February 29, 2004... (From BBC Monitoring International Reports) The Australian foreign minister, Alexander Downer, has condemned a Sydney Islamic community leader, accusing him of supporting the 11 September terrorist attacks on the United States and...

N Korea says result of six-party talks "entirely" depends on US attitude change.
February 29, 2004... (From BBC Monitoring International Reports) Pyongyang, [Sunday] 29 February: A spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of the DPRK [Democratic People's Republic of Korea] today gave the following answer to a question put by KCNA as regards...

Western Australia hit by Cyclone Monty.
February 29, 2004... (From BBC Monitoring International Reports) Strong winds and torrential rains associated with Cyclone Monty are continuing to lash the northwest coast of Western Australia. Jane Stinson reports from the cyclone zone: [Stinson, in...

UN Human Rights of Migrants Rapporteur leaves Tehran.
February 29, 2004... (From BBC Monitoring International Reports) Tehran, 29 February: The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights of Migrants Gabriela Rodriguez Pizarro left here Sunday morning [29 February]. Talking to reporters Saturday...

Pakistan: Usamah Bin-Ladin colleague said arrested.
February 29, 2004... (From BBC Monitoring International Reports) newspaper Khabrain on 28 February Lahore: The Pakistan army has again started military operation in Wana yesterday [27 January] night and has besieged a large area. About 1,200 commandos...

Fourth airport in Nepal's Mt Everest region to re-open.
February 29, 2004... (From BBC Monitoring International Reports) Salleri, Solukhumbu, [northeast Nepal], 28 February: Kageldanda airport in Solukhumbu will re-open from March this year after a nine-month closure, following a security guarantee by security...

Pakistani opposition leader warns army against involvement in Bin-Ladin issue.
February 29, 2004... (From BBC Monitoring International Reports) February Islamabad: Qazi Hussain Ahmad, acting president of Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal [MMA], on Saturday [28 February] warned the government against serving as a proxy state to the US...

Poll shows Spanish government party on line for election victory.
February 29, 2004... (From BBC Monitoring International Reports) Madrid: The PP [Popular Party] candidate for the premiership, Mariano Rajoy, is on the verge of an absolute majority but it is far from assured, according to the poll conducted by...

Nepalese Maoists confirm deaths of district and regional leaders.
February 29, 2004... (From BBC Monitoring International Reports) February Nepalgunj, [mid-west Nepal], 28 February: Maoists have confirmed the deaths of district and regional leaders in a security operation at Pidari in Banke district on 20 March. A...

Nepalese security forces kill surrendering Maoists.
February 29, 2004... (From BBC Monitoring International Reports) February Sarlahi [south central Nepal], 28 February: Security forces have arrested and killed two Maoist leaders who turned up for surrender. Region-level Maoist activist Gopal Karki and...

Dr. Clone: Creating Life or Trying to Save It?
February 29, 2004... (From Technews.com) Byline: Anthony Faiola SEOUL -- "Have you ever seen the origins of life?" asks Hwang Woo Suk, leader of a South Korean team of scientists credited with creating the world's first cloned human embryos. He slaps on...

Afghans ask UN chief to prevent tampering with the constitution.
February 29, 2004... (From BBC Monitoring International Reports) February [Letter from people's representatives to the UN secretary-general [Kofi Annan]: "Do not allow violation of the law"] To His Excellency, the Secretary-General of the United...

ID LAUNCHES ELECTION MANIFESTO.
February 29, 2004... (From SAPA (South African Press Association)) Independent Democrats leader Patricia de Lille on Sunday unveiled her party's election manifesto in Johannesburg focusing on "bridging the divides in our society". The ID's manifesto...

Brunei: Electronic contraband.
February 29, 2004... (From Borneo Bulletin) Byline: Lyna Mohammad & MK Anwar Officers of Royal Customs and Excise have busted a massive smuggling operation at Rasau, Kuala Belait when they seized three vehicles laden with contraband electronic items...

Brunei: Brunei to host Education meet.
February 29, 2004... (From Borneo Bulletin) Byline: Azlan Othman Brunei will host the 39th Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation Council Conference (SEAMEO Council Conference) starting 1st to 4th March 2004. It will be held at the Empire...

Brunei: Presentation on better waste management.
February 29, 2004... (From Borneo Bulletin) Byline: Azrol Azmi & Malai FadleyRizal The key to a secure environment and energy efficiency can be achieved by adopting a new waste management method, which would replace the landfill method currently used to...

Brunei: Giving local entrepreneurs a bigger BITE.
February 29, 2004... (From Borneo Bulletin) Byline: Maya Salleh & James Kon Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Dato Paduka Awang Haji Adanan cutting the ribbon at the opening of BITE at ICC in Berakas yesterday morning. With him is Mr Ting Jack Chai,...

Brunei: Little ones parade on JIS International Day.
February 29, 2004... (From Borneo Bulletin) Byline: Malai FadleyRizal JIS students in their costumes of heroic and historical figures as well as cultural apparels during International Day celebration on Friday. Students and teachers of different...

Brunei: Syar'iah Court nears completion.
February 29, 2004... (From Borneo Bulletin) Byline: Achong Tanjong The first Syar'iah Court in Borneo is expected to be completed soon. It is going to be located in the capital and will become a new landmark at the heart of Bandar Seri Begawan. The...

Brunei: MoE workshop for job seekers.
February 29, 2004... (From Borneo Bulletin) Byline: Cedrina Clark Some sixty job seekers, mostly 'O' and PMB certificate holders attended on Saturday a seminar cum workshop session organised by the Career Resource Centre, Ministry of Education. ...

Brunei: Booze raid in Muara.
February 29, 2004... (From Borneo Bulletin) Byline: Hj Minor Absah Muara police yesterday confiscated 58 cans of Tiger beer and 11 bottles of liquor in a raid conducted in Muara. The liquor included three Dry Gin, each of Black Label, Bacardi,...

Brunei: New Hijrah year celebrated at Kg Tamoi Mosque.
February 29, 2004... (From Borneo Bulletin) Byline: Masdizam Hj Mohamad HSBC Body Welfare and Takmir Masjid Kg Tamoi celebrated the new Hijrah year 1425 on February 27, 2004 at the aforementioned mosque in BSB. Director of Islamic Dakwah Centre Dato Seri...

Brunei: Villagers fall prey to expired goods.
February 29, 2004... (From Borneo Bulletin) Byline: Rosli Abidin Yahya Groceries and sundry shops in villages are fast becoming dumping grounds for expired or defective consumer goods and food items. Consumers said unscrupulous traders targeted...

Brunei: SM Sayyidina Hassan rewards top students.
February 29, 2004... (From Borneo Bulletin) Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Hassan on Thursday held a prize-presentation ceremony for its top students. This was held in conjunction with the high school's National Day celebration and an Al-Fatihah recitation...

Brunei: School holds National Day celebration.
February 29, 2004... (From Borneo Bulletin) Byline: Dk Suria Rina PHA To mark the 20th National Day of Brunei, Sekolah Menegah Pengiran Anak Pengiran Hajah Masna (SMPAPHM) held a celebration at the school's auditorium yesterday. More than 700...

Brunei: Harvest Fest in Kg Bebuloh.
February 29, 2004... (From Borneo Bulletin) Byline: M K Anwar The "Pesta Menuai Padi 2004" or Paddy Harvesting Festival 2004, was held yesterday at the Kampong Bebuloh paddy field. The guest of honour at the launching was the Permanent Secretary at the...

Brunei: School celebrates National Day.
February 29, 2004... (From Borneo Bulletin) Byline: Casey KC Sekolah Pengiran Dipa Negara Pengiran Jaya in Sengkarai, Tutong held its National Day celebration at its Multipurpose hall in conjunction with the country's National Day last Wednesday. This...

Brunei: Women reminded to remain vigilant.
February 29, 2004... (From Borneo Bulletin) Byline: Rosli Abidin Yahya Young women are advised to be vigilant and not to wait in secluded places as they may be exposed to male exhibitionists. A woman who waited in Bangunan Urairah in Kiulap for a private...

Brunei: Photo exhibition displays Brunei's historic past.
February 29, 2004... (From Borneo Bulletin) Byline: Azlan Jaini A Historical Photography Exhibition in conjunction with the 20th National Day celebration was officially launched yesterday at the Kompleks Bangunan Yayasan Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. The...

Brunei: Dead camel washed ashore at Anduki.
February 29, 2004... (From Borneo Bulletin) Byline: Liza Mohd Though dead whales, dolphins and turtles are not uncommon to wash ashore, residents in Anduki did not expect a dead camel to come ashore on their favourite beach. But that was what...

Brunei: Info Management Dept of BSP presents long term service awards.
February 29, 2004... (From Borneo Bulletin) Byline: Maya Salleh The Information Management Department of BSP hosted its Emblem Night Friday evening in a colourful 'Hawaiian Gala' theme celebration held at the Empire Hotel and Country Club. Present...

Brunei: BEnA holds Gasex roadshow.
February 29, 2004... (From Borneo Bulletin) Byline: Maya Salleh and James Kon The Brunei Energy Association (BEnA) yesterday organised a Gasex roadshow at the opening of the Brunei International Trade Exhibition held at the International Convention...

Brunei: Sweeping op due to red alert.
February 29, 2004... (From Borneo Bulletin) Byline: Azlan Othman & Hj Minor Absah In the wake of the current red-tide phenomenon that has hit Brunei's shores, the Fisheries Department is monitoring fishermen's catch, which also coincided with a wider...

Brunei: Ex-police clerk jailed 2 months for CBT.
February 29, 2004... (From Borneo Bulletin) Byline: Rol Ezam A 50-year-old former finance clerk with the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), Lim Ai Hui, was sentenced to 2 months' jail by the Brunei High Court yesterday after she pleaded guilty to criminal...

Brunei: Students attend forum on drug abuse.
February 29, 2004... (From Borneo Bulletin) Byline: CT Hj Mahmod Students at Sultan Sharif Ali Secondary School were given a stern reminder from various relevant agencies on the deadly affects of abusing drugs which will not only jeopardise their...

Brunei: New Intake at SOAS College.
February 29, 2004... (From Borneo Bulletin) Byline: Md Yusran "The world today is changing due to the rapid development brought by globalisation, science and technology and ICT which facilitates international communication. Such changes cause a...

Brunei: Big fish safe to eat: Health officer.
February 29, 2004... (From Borneo Bulletin) Despite the red tide scare, big fish which is easy to clean, is safe to be consumed so long as cleaning includes getting rid of the inner parts and fish gills, a health officer, Pengiran Dr Haji Hishamuddin said,...

Brunei: Two held for cylinder theft.
February 29, 2004... (From Borneo Bulletin) Byline: Rol Ezam A 24-year-old man and a 23-year-old local were brought to the Bandar Magistrate's Court yesterday to face a charge of stealing a gas cylinder. Hairul Azmi Hj Basri and Mohd Shahrul Awang...

Brunei: Presentation on Asia and British museums.
February 29, 2004... (From Borneo Bulletin) Byline: Lyna Mohammad The presentation on Asia and British Museums conducted by the Chairman of Asia-Europe Museums Network (ASEMUS) Dr Brian Durrans got underway yesterday at the Bubungan 12, Jalan Residency....

Brunei: Two locals jailed, fined for drugs.
February 29, 2004... (From Borneo Bulletin) Byline: Rol Ezam Two local men were sentenced to imprisonment and fined by the Bandar Magistrate's Court yesterday for consuming Methylamphetamine. Md Ali bin Abdullah was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months in...

Brunei: Suspects in serial theft nabbed.
February 29, 2004... (From Borneo Bulletin) Byline: Malai FadleyRizal Two local men were ordered to be remanded by the Magistrate' Court at the Central Police Station in Bandar for police investigations, on a charge of stealing two gas cylinders. No...

Chechen refugees "voluntary" leave Ingush tent camp, NGO says.
February 29, 2004... (From BBC Monitoring International Reports) The Council of Nongovernmental Organizations has reported that there are only a few dozen tents left in the Bart tent camp for Chechen refugees in Karabulak. The authorities are forcing the...

Deng Xiaoping's remarks on vital Hong Kong policy remain valid - Chinese "expert".
February 29, 2004... (From BBC Monitoring International Reports) (New China News Agency) Beijing, Feb. 29 (Xinhua) - The remarks by late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, the architect of the "one country, two systems" principle, on the principle's...

China: Beijing Mayor Wang Qishan stresses fighting corruption.
February 29, 2004... (From BBC Monitoring International Reports) says the Beijing Municipal Government will further step up efforts to fight corruption and promote clean administration", carried by official Chinese news agency Xinhua (New China News Agency)...

Uganda: Paper urges northern residents to unite in fight against LRA rebels.
February 29, 2004... (From BBC Monitoring International Reports) Text of editorial entitled "Helping the enemy!" published by Ugandan newspaper The Sunday Vision on 29 February Warfare is not just about shooting at the enemy. It has several other facets...

Thirty-two Nepalese district education offices left unstaffed.
February 29, 2004... (From BBC Monitoring International Reports) Kathmandu, 28 February: Government has not appointed district education officers in 32 districts [out of a total of 75] for a long time. Donors will raise the issue at a review meeting next...

Nepal army accepts mistake; no compensation to victim's family.
February 29, 2004... (From BBC Monitoring International Reports) Chisapani, Khotang, [east Nepal], 28 February: Family of higher secondary school teacher Hari Prasad Bhattarai killed by the army has demanded compensation from the government. The family...

Former minister: British army heads refused to go to Iraq war without reassurances over legality.
February 29, 2004... (From Al Bawaba) British army chiefs refused to go to war in Iraq until they were reassured over its legality by the country's top law official, according to former cabinet minister Clare Short. In response, Britain's Attorney...

Report: Bush approves ''new plan'' to intensify Bin Laden hunt.
February 29, 2004... (From Al Bawaba) US President George W. Bush has approved a plan to intensify efforts to capture or kill Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, the New York Times reported Sunday, citing senior administration and military officials as saying....

Fatah Revolutionary Council calls for ceasefire.
February 29, 2004... (From Al Bawaba) After holding meetings for three consecutive days, the Revolutionary Council of the Palestinian Liberation Movement (Fateh) concluded its 23rd session in the Presidential premises located in Ramallah City, and issued a...

Nepal government stocks up foodgrains for Maoist-affected areas.
February 29, 2004... (From BBC Monitoring International Reports) Surkhet, [mid-west Nepal], 28 February: Nepal Food Corporation (NFC) says the people of Karnali zone, one of the remotest regions of the country, will no longer have to suffer from shortage of...

Maoists announce de facto government in mid-west Nepal.
February 29, 2004... (From BBC Monitoring International Reports) February Rebel Maoists have announced a new "people's government" in Dang [mid-west Nepal], which they have been claiming as their capital. The majority of members, including deputy chief...

Sudan slams Arab neutrality over occupation of Iraq, Palestinian territories.
February 29, 2004... (From BBC Monitoring International Reports) The presidential advisor, Dr Qutbi al-Mahdi, has condemned the neutrality of Arab stances towards the tyrannical occupation of the Palestinian territories and Iraq, as well as the lack of a...