BBC Monitoring International Reports articles from November 2008

BBC Monitoring International Reports archives from November 2008

Blast at Thailand's Don Mueang airport, no injuries reported.
November 30, 2008... Text of report in English by Thai newspaper The Nation website on 30 November A bomb exploded near a bunker made of tyres at the Don Mueang Airport early Sunday [30 November]. The explosion occurred at 3:55 am at the main entrance to...

Thai opposition say will continue occupation of airports.
November 30, 2008... Text of report in English by Thai newspaper The Nation website on 30 November Chamlong Srimuang, a co-leader of the People's Alliance for Democracy, announced Sunday morning [30 November] that they would not pull out from the two Bangkok...

Thailand blast injures more than 30 anti-government protesters.
November 30, 2008... Text of report in English by Thai newspaper The Nation website on 30 November A bomb exploded inside Thailand's Government House compound at 11.50 pm on Saturday [29 November], wounding over 30 of anti-government protesters. ...

Indian police officers killed in Mumbai attacks cremated with state honours.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by Indian news agency PTI Mumbai/Bangalore, 29 November: The battle to end the three-day bloody siege of Mumbai's Taj hotel in India's financial capital by militants culminated Saturday [29 September], but for many it was...

India: Twenty two foreigners among 183 killed in Mumbai attacks.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by Indian news agency PTI Mumbai, 29 November: The war on terror in Mumbai was Saturday [29 November] wrapped up by the security forces who eliminated three terrorists in Taj hotel after 60 hours of an intense battle with...

Indian PM holds meeting on Mumbai attacks.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by Indian news agency PTI New Delhi, 29 November: With the security forces achieving success in countering an unprecedented terrorist attack on Mumbai's prime landmarks, Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh Saturday [29...

Rwanda: English language teaching programme kicks off in schools.
November 30, 2008... Text of report in English by Moses Gahigi entitled "English language teaching kicks off" published by Rwandan newspaper The New Times website on 30 November The recent government decision to use English as the language of instruction has...

Prosecutors agree to form international network to end impunity.
November 30, 2008... Text of report in English by Gashegu Muramira entitled "Prosecutors to form international network" published by Rwandan newspaper The New Times website on 30 November Arusha: International and national prosecutors have resolved to form a...

Rwanda: Leaders of church-affiliated NGO to explain missing billions.
November 30, 2008... Text of report in English by Lillian Nakayima and Ignatius Ssuuna entitled "Italia Solidale officials to explain missing billions" published by Rwandan newspaper The New Times website on 30 November Leaders of Italia Solidale, a local...

Chadian opposition warns Sudan's rebels of deploying troops in eastern front.
November 30, 2008... Text of report in English by pro-government Sudanese Media Centre website on 29 November Chadian opposition has accused Justice and Equality Movement [JEM] headed by Khalil Ibrahim that the latter assembled forces from Darfur rebel...

Ugandan army deployed along DRCongo border.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by state-run Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) Radio on 30 November UPDF [Uganda's People's Defence Forces] troops have been deployed along Uganda's border with DRC [Democratic Republic of Congo] to prevent Congolese...

Head of Afghan press body slams opposition to new media law.
November 30, 2008... Excerpt from a report entitled: "Abdol Hamed Mobarez says any institution and individual who does not accept the approved law is actually opposing the constitution", published by private Afghan newspaper Arman-e Melli on 29 November ...

India: Mumbai's Taj hotel may take year to be restored.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by Indian news agency PTI Mumbai, 29 November: The majestic Taj Mahal Hotel, standing tall even after boring the brunt of a long, 60-hour fierce gun-battle, and coping with blazing fire set by terrorists in several of its...

Sudan's SPLM suspends southern state's speaker membership.
November 30, 2008... Text of report in English by UN sponsored Radio Miraya FM, Juba on 29 November The Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) in Lakes State has suspended the Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly, Isaiah Machinkok, from the party's...

Over 60 per cent voting in Indian capital poll.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by Indian news agency PTI New Delhi, 29 November: Over 60 per cent of 1.5 crore [one crore is 10 million] electorate Saturday [29 November] exercised their franchise in a keenly fought Delhi Assembly elections, in India's...

Death sentence for 11 in south India church blasts case.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by Indian news agency PTI Bangalore, 29 November: In a landmark verdict, a special court Saturday [29 November] awarded death sentence to 11 persons, life imprisonment to 12 and acquitted four others of a banned outfit in...

Global media said campaigns to "revise" history of Rwandan genocide.
November 30, 2008... Text of report in English by Frank Kagabo entitled "Media playing a leading role in revisionism" published by Rwandan newspaper The New Times website on 30 November The international media attention surrounding the case of Rose Kabuye...

Seven militants killed in Indian Kashmir gunbattles - police.
November 30, 2008... Text of unattributed report headlined "Seven LeT militants killed in Bandipore, Awantipore" published by Indian newspaper Daily Excelsior website on 29 November Srinagar, Nov 28 - Police and security forces today claimed to have...

Afghan Taleban say five Australian soldiers killed in south.
November 30, 2008... Text of report entitled: "Five Australian soldiers were killed in Tarinkot", published by Afghan Taleban Voice of Jihad website on 29 November [Taleban spokesman] Qari Yusof Ahmadi: A tank belonging to the invading Australian forces was...

IDF wounds Palestinian in Gaza strip, fires on fishing boats.
November 30, 2008... Wafa in Arabic reports at 2158 gmt on 29 November: "A citizen was moderately wounded a short while ago, after he was shot by invading Israeli occupation forces east of the Al-Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza Strip." Another report at...

Taleban say two NATO tanks destroyed in Afghan south.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by Afghan Taleban Voice of Jihad website on 29 November [Taleban spokesman] Qari Yusof Ahmadi: A remote-controlled explosion was carried out on a military convoy of the invading NATO forces in Fanar area of Mirabad valley...

Taleban report killing eight US troops in central Afghanistan.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by Afghan Taleban Voice of Jihad website on 29 November [Taleban spokesman] Zabihollah Mojahed: The mojahedin of the Islamic Emirate attacked a convoy of American forces on the Kabul-Kandahar highway in Salar area of...

Seven hanged in Afghan capital for "shocking crimes" - TV.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by state-owned National Afghanistan TV on 29 November Seven criminals were hanged in Kabul today. As our pious people are aware of criminal activities of the past few years, some irresponsible elements who break the law...

China reports 264,000 people living with HIV/AIDS.
November 30, 2008... Text of report in English by official Chinese news agency Xinhua (New China News Agency) Beijing, 30 November: A total of 44,839 people living with HIV/AIDS were found in China and 6,897 others died of the disease in the first nine...

Bangladesh election body to deploy army during polls.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by staff correspondent headlined "Army on polls duty in Dec 24-31" published by Bangladeshi newspaper New Age on 30 November Election commissioner Muhammed Sohul Hussain on Saturday [29 December] said troops would be...

Pakistan warns moving troops from Afghan to Indian border if tension escalates.
November 30, 2008... Text of unattributed report headlined "Pak troops to move to Indian border if tensions escalate" published by Pakistani newspaper The News website on 30 November Islamabad: Pakistan would divert troops to its border with India and away...

Afghanistan "won't lose anything" if Karzai goes, says paper.
November 30, 2008... Excerpt from an article by Salim Azad entitled: "What will we lose with Karzai's departure?" published by Afghan independent secular daily newspaper Hasht-e Sobh on 26 November A question to be put to all Afghan voters is: does the...

Mumbai police to send terrorists' photos to intelligence agency - Indian paper.
November 30, 2008... Text of unattributed report headlined "terrorist photos to be sent to RAW" published by Indian newspaper The Asian Age website on 30 November Nov. 29: The Mumbai police has clicked pictures of all the dead terrorists and is planning to...

Pakistan PM cancels Hong Kong visit.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by official news agency Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) Islamabad, 30 November [Sunday]: Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gillani has cancelled his visit to Hong Kong due to present country situation, PM's press secretary said...

UN team says polls in Bangladesh to be "credible".
November 30, 2008... Text of unattributed report headlined "UN Observers Predict Credible Polls on Dec 29" published by Bangladeshi newspaper The Daily Star website on 30 November The UN election assessment team has said the next parliamentary polls in...

Voting on for third phase of Indian Kashmir poll.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by Indian news agency PTI Srinagar, 30 November: Polling for five constituencies in the third round of the seven-phased assembly elections in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir began Sunday [30 November] amid...

Sudan: National capital, Juba road connected after decades.
November 30, 2008... Text of report in English by Paris-based Sudanese newspaper Sudan Tribune website on 30 November November 29, 2008: Sudan's national capital, Khartoum, and the capital of the semi-autonomous Government of Southern Sudan, Juba, are now...

Eight Taleban including commander said killed near Afghan capital.
November 30, 2008... Excerpt from report by private Pakistan-based Afghan Islamic Press news agency Kabul, 30 November: An air strike kills eight people including commander Ghazi. Reliable sources have told Afghan Islamic Press [AIP] that foreign forces...

India: Mumbai coming to terms with terror attacks.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by Indian news agency PTI Mumbai, 30 November: This ever chirpy city is slowly coming to terms after it was brought to its knees by the most gruesome multiple terror attacks ever to take place in the country. Known as...

Pakistan foreign minister addresses news conference over India attacks.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by Pakistani state-run PTV News on 29 November Text of the question answer session at Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi's news conference at Foreign Office in Islamabad after special meeting of the Federal Cabinet...

Thai official talks about impact of shutdown of airports on tourist industry.
November 30, 2008... Text of report in English by Thai newspaper The Nation website on 30 November [Unattributed report from the "Business" page: "Tourist arrivals will fall by 50 per cent"] Tourist arrivals will fall by half to between six and seven...

Thai pro-government camp alleges conspiracy to dissolve ruling party.
November 30, 2008... Text of report in English by Thai newspaper The Nation website on 30 November [Unattributed report: "Pro-govt camp claims conspiracy"] Pro-government camp has launched stinging attacks against Constitution Court, saying that the PAD...

Thai airways to provide special flights from U-Tapao airport to serve tourists.
November 30, 2008... Text of report in English by Thai newspaper The Nation website on 30 November [Unattributed report from the "Breaking News" page: "31 flights to and from U-Tapao available Sunday: THAI "] Thai Airways International announced that it...

Thai protest leader says turmoil to end before King's birthday on 5 Dec.
November 30, 2008... Text of report in English by Thai newspaper The Nation website on 30 November [Report by The Nation: "Tension may worsen with pro-govt rally - PAD may try to seize seaports if airports takeover fails to force PM out of office"] The...

Unknown gunmen kill 14 in Pakistan's Karachi.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by Salis bin Perwaiz headlined "14 killed in Karachi violence" published by Pakistani newspaper The News website on 30 November Karachi: Fourteen people were killed and over 90, including four women, sustained injuries...

Indian home minister resigns over Mumbai attacks.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by Indian news agency PTI New Delhi, 30 November: India's Home Minister Shivraj Patil, under tremendous criticism over a spate of terrorist attacks in the country since last year, resigned Sunday [30 November] in the wake...

Germany's Merkel not to contribute additional funds to EU.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by independent German news agency ddp Frankfurt/Main - Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) [Christian Democratic Union] does not want to transfer additional funds to Brussels for a European economic stimulus package. "We will...

Kenya: More MPs agree to pay tax on allowances.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by Kenyan newspaper Sunday Standard on 30 November ODM [Orange Democratic Movement]-Kenya MPs have agreed to pay taxes, following in the footsteps of Kangundo MP Johnston Muthama. All the 18 MPs agreed to have their...

King of Bahrain to visit Moscow at Russian president's invitation.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by Russian state news agency RIA Novosti Moscow, 30 November: King of Bahrain Hamad Bin-Isa Bin-Salman Al Khalifah will visit Moscow at the invitation of Russian President Dmitriy Medvedev on 1-2 December, the Kremlin press...

Sydney flights from Thailand "leaving half-full".
November 30, 2008... Excerpt from report by News Corp-owned Australian general news daily Courier-Mail website on 30 November Flights from Thailand to Sydney are leaving half-full while hundreds of Australians remain stranded in the Bangkok siege, say...

Pakistan: US general says "lack of mutual trust" affecting war on terror.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by privately-owned Pakistan television Khyber News 25 November [Presenter] US Army Chief Admiral Michael Mullen has said that they are facing difficulties in improving relations with the Pakistan Army at present time due...

German chancellor wants tax reform after 2009 bundestag election.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by independent German news agency ddp Berlin - Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) [Christian Democratic Union] has promised tax relief for the time after the 2009 Bundestag election. "Due to the 'cold progression' [where every...

New Zealand urges restraint during Southern Ocean whaling protests.
November 30, 2008... Text of news release carried by New Zealand government website on 30 November Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully and Defence Minister Wayne Mapp are urging all parties to show restraint during whaling protests in the Antarctic this...

Germany's Merkel criticizes Bundesrat for stopping counterterrorism law.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by independent German news agency ddp Frankfurt - German Chancellor Angela Merkel (Christian Democratic Union) has criticized the failure of the BKA [Federal Office of Criminal Investigation] law in the Bundesrat. "I think...

Bundeswehr elite force chief criticizes Germany's Afghanistan policy.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by right-of-centre German newspaper Die Welt website on 29 November Stuttgart - Hans-Christoph Ammon, head of the Bundeswehr elite unit Special Forces Command (KSK), has criticized Germany's Afghanistan policy with unusual...

Hong Kong airlines sending more flights to Thailand.
November 30, 2008... Excerpt from report by Radio TV Hong Kong Radio 3 on 30 November Cathay Pacific and Dragonair are sending more special flights to Thailand to pick up stranded Hong Kong passengers. A Cathay Boeing 777-300 was due to fly to Thailand's...

Chinese, Pakistani foreign ministers condemn Mumbai terror attack.
November 30, 2008... Text of report in English by official Chinese news agency Xinhua (New China News Agency) [Xinhua: "Chinese, Pakistani FMs Vow To Advance Bilateral Ties, Condemn Mumbai Terrorist Attacks"] Beijing, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) - Chinese Foreign...

Chinese vice-foreign minister makes "five proposals" to deal with crisis.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by official Chinese news agency Xinhua (New China News Agency) ["The United Nations Holds a Small-Scope High-Level Meeting on Dealing With the Financial Crisis" - Xinhua headline] Beijing, 29 Nov (Xinhua) - Our...

Hu Jintao warns China faces economic challenges over global financial turmoil.
November 30, 2008... Text of report in English by official Chinese news agency Xinhua (New China News Agency) [Xinhua: "China's Economic Development Faces Challenges: President Hu"] Beijing, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) - Chinese President Hu Jintao warned on...

Iran proposes formation of regional consortium to develop nuclear plants.
November 30, 2008... Text of report in English by Iranian official government news agency IRNA website Tehran, 30 November: Iran on Sunday [30 November] proposed regional states to form a consortium for developing nuclear power plants in the region. The...

Sudanese opposition forms committee to probe death of its secretary-general.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by liberal Sudanese newspaper Al-Sahafah on 30 November The [opposition] National Ummah Party [NUP] has set up a probe committee consisting of a number of lawyers to investigate the road accident which claimed the life of...

India: Taj hotel owner says government infrastructure "woefully poor".
November 30, 2008... Text of report by Indian news agency PTI Mumbai, 30 November: The terror attacks in Mumbai revealed deficiencies in law enforcement, especially in the areas of crisis response and management, Ratan Tata [chairman of the Tata group, one of...

Afghan daily urges UN to stop Pakistani "interference".
November 30, 2008... Excerpt from report by privately-owned Afghan newspaper Rah-e Nejat on 26 November The fact-finding UN delegation arrived in Kabul as an armed [Afghan] opposition had revived, conducting suicide and aggressive attacks and threatening...

Iraqi minister speaks against oil contracts signed by Kurds; update 29 Nov.
November 30, 2008... Within its 1300-1900 gmt newscasts on 29 November, Dubai Al-Sharqiyah Television in Arabic is observed to carry a report on a meeting between Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki and two US officials on the implementation of the...

UN says "last chance" for Ugandan rebel leader to sign peace pact.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by leading privately-owned Ugandan newspaper The Daily Monitor website on 30 November A United Nations undersecretary-general warned Friday [28 November] of regional chaos, sucking in several countries, if the impending...

Pakistani politicians vow support to government on Mumbai attacks fall-out.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by Mumtaz Alvi headlined "Politicians assure support to PM" published by Pakistani newspaper The News website on 30 November Islamabad: In the wake of the federal cabinet's decision to take all the political parties...

Indian railways to install hi-tech security system at 100 "sensitive" stations.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by Indian news agency PTI New Delhi, 30 November: Alarmed by militants storming the CST [Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus, biggest railway terminal in Mumbai] in Mumbai, Indian Railways has decided to expedite plans to install...

Militants kill three security personnel in northwest Pakistan.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by official news agency Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) Bannu [North-West Frontier Province], 30 November [Sunday]: Three security personnel embraced martyrdom and 14 sustained injuries as insurgents attacked a Police...

Tanzanian leader shuffles top government officials.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by Tanzanian newspaper The Guardian on Sunday website on 30 November President Jakaya Kikwete has promoted four deputy permanent secretaries, appointed new deputy permanent secretaries and transferred others to replace...

Tanzanian comment says Bush, Obama policies towards Muslims similar.
November 30, 2008... Excerpt from commentary by Said Rajab entitled: "Obama to continue with the 'crusade' against Muslims" published by Tanzanian weekly Islamic newspaper An-Nuur on 28 November Various leaders and ordinary people all over the world have...

Ethiopian PM accuses Eritrea of fueling insurgency in Somalia.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by Somali pro-Puntland government website on 29 November Ethiopia's Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi, has embarked on a diplomatic journey and is travelling to countries that are interested in the affairs of Somalia and those...

Iran president to visit East Azarbaijan Province on 3 Nov 08.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by Iranian official government news agency IRNA The Iranian president is due to visit East Azarbaijan Province on Wednesday and Thursday [03, 04 November 08] this week as part of the second round of his provincial visits....

North Korean party paper explains policy on "national character".
November 30, 2008... Text of report in English by state-run North Korean news agency KCNA [KCNA headline: "KWP's Policy on Preserving National Character"] Pyongyang, November 30 (KCNA) - It is the consistent policy of the Korean Workers' Party to value...

Hong Kong paper views North Korea's free market, "rich".
November 30, 2008... Text of report by Hong Kong newspaper Ta Kung Pao website on 24 November [Article by Ta Kung Pao reporters Feng Yu and Yin Jian: "Free Market Sustains North Koreans' Livelihood"] North Korea remains the most tightly controlled nation...

North Korean cabinet paper decries USA's "dangerous arms buildup".
November 30, 2008... Text of report in English by state-run North Korean news agency KCNA Pyongyang, November 30 (KCNA) - The US war maniacs are contemplating equipping its forces present in South Korea with latest war hardware. It is evidently dangerous...

North Korea reports "joint resolution" from reunification group.
November 30, 2008... Text of report in English by state-run North Korean news agency KCNA [KCNA headline: "Pomminryon Releases Joint Resolution"; vernacular text obtained via KCNA Korean attached in PDF format] Pyongyang, November 30 (KCNA) - The North...

Nepal Maoist party imposes lifestyle code on MPs.
November 30, 2008... Excerpt from report by privately-owned Nepalese newspaper Kantipur on 30 November [Report by Ganga B.C.] Kathmandu, 29 November: The Maoist legislators who have been using expensive clothes, vehicles and mobile phones are facing hard...

North Korean party organ urges foiling imperialist war' policy.
November 30, 2008... Text of report in English by state-run North Korean news agency KCNA [KCNA headline: "Foiling Imperialists' War Policy and Domination Moves Called For"] Pyongyang, November 30 (KCNA) - It is the common task of the progressive people...

South Korea, China, Japan to discuss cooperation on environment.
November 30, 2008... Text of report in English by South Korean news agency Yonhap Seoul, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) - Environment ministers from South Korea, Japan and China will meet this week for their annual talks aimed at increasing cooperation on environmental...

Sudanese opposition party expects to perform "better" in upcoming elections.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by private Sudanese newspaper Al-Ra'y al-Amm on 30 November The secretary of the [opposition] Communist Party, Muhammad Ibrahim Nugud, has said that the party is aware of the importance of the upcoming elections and that...

Sudan participates in African Parliamentary Union executive committee in Uganda.
November 30, 2008... Text of report in English by state-owned Sudanese news agency Suna website [Unattributed report: "Sudan Participates in 53rd Session of Executive Committee of African Parliamentary Union in Kampala"] Kampala, 28 Nov (SUNA) - Deputy...

South Korea to triple aid to developing nations by 2015.
November 30, 2008... Text of report in English by South Korean news agency Yonhap Doha, Nov. 29 (Yonhap) - South Korean Prime Minister Han Seung-soo [Han Su'ng-su] said Saturday that his government plans to triple its official development assistance, or ODA,...

South Korea mulls extending short selling ban.
November 30, 2008... Text of report in English by South Korean news agency Yonhap Seoul, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) - South Korea's financial watchdog is considering banning short stock selling longer than expected as the local market remains volatile despite...

Sudan: Tribal reconciliations in southern Darfur to be completed by end of 2008.
November 30, 2008... Text of report in English by pro-government Sudanese Media Centre website on 28 November [Unattributed report: "Tribal Reconciliation to Complete by the Year End in South Darfur"] Khartoum, 28 Nov (SMC) - South Darfur governor Ali...

Jordan's king addresses finance meeting in Doha.
November 30, 2008... Text of report in English by official Jordanian news agency Petra-JNA website ["King Addresses Un Meeting in Doha" - Petra News Agency Headline] Doha, 30 November: His Majesty King Abdallah II outlined the policies, reform...

EU special envoy for Central Asia due in Uzbekistan.
November 30, 2008... Excerpt from report by Russian internet news agency Regnum, specializing in regional reporting The EU special representative for Central Asia, Pierre Morel, will arrive in Uzbekistan on 1 December 2008, the French embassy in Uzbekistan...

Palestinian fighters wounded after attacking Israeli force in Gaza.
November 30, 2008... Text of report in English by independent, non-governmental Palestinian Ma'an News Agency website ["Three Palestinian Fighters Wounded by Israeli Fire in Gaza" - Ma'an headline] Gaza, 30 November: Three Palestinian fighters were...

Taleban free 10 kidnapped Afghan soldiers.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by privately-owned Afghan Aina TV on 29 November [Presenter] The Taleban group has freed 10 kidnapped Afghan National Army soldiers, who were kidnapped two days ago by the Taleban in Badghis Province. [Correspondent]...

India warns Pakistani boats against violating coastline.
November 30, 2008... Text of report by Iftikhar Gilani headlined "India warns Pakistani boats against Sir Creek violation" published by Pakistan newspaper Daily Times website on 30 November New Delhi: India on Saturday [29 November] warned Pakistani boats...