HEAVY FIGHTING IN SRI LANKA
Violence continues to plague Sri Lanka's northern Jaffna peninsula. FULL
STORY: click
here
INDIA ACCUSES BANGLADESH OF WAR CRIMES AFTER
CLASH
India says Bangledeshi soldiers committed war crimes after 16 Indian troops
were killed last week in the worst border violence between the normally friendly
states. FULL STORY: click
here
MILITARY, REBEL CLASHES KILL 197 IN SRI LANKA
The Sri Lankan army has seized three square miles of hotly contested
territory from Tamil Tiger rebels in the northern Jaffna peninsula in some of
the fiercest fighting seen in months. FULL STORY: click
here
KOIZUMI WINS SUPPORT OF JAPAN PARLIAMENT, FORMS
GOVERNMENT
Japan on Thursday has a new prime minister, its 11th in 13 years, and he is
doing his best to make good on his promise to do things differently. FULL STORY:
click
here
PROTESTERS ROUNDED UP IN ADVANCE OF PAKISTAN
RALLY
Military authorities in Pakistan have arrested hundreds of people planning
to attend a pro-democracy protest rally. FULL STORY: click
here
Estrada in jail, arrested on plunder charge
By Carl Mendoza (carlmendoza@montrealtribune.com)
 |
Estrada, a former movie idol surrendered on an earlier charge of bribery but released on bond won’t be freed as the charge of plunder a capital offence is not bailable under the constitution enacted during the administration of former President Corazon Aquino, after she took office from the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who controlled the 7,200 island republic for 20 years, the first casualty of the first People Power revolution in 1986. |
| Photo courtesy of Philippine Press |
Estrada surrendered with an angry crowd throwing stones when escorted out from his home without serious incident. Thousands of more followers followed the deposed president just outside the jail where he is temporarily kept and later will be transferred to a better facility where he can receive guests including his lawyers.
Along with Estrada, his son a town mayor was also arrested for the same offence (plunder) that carries death penalty if found guilty. His wife Luisa, known to Filipinos as Lois, a medical doctor who worked in the US while separated back in the late 60s presently running for a senatorial seat for next national election accompanied Estrada, who defiantly maintained his innocence and insisted he never gave up the presidency, and should never have been charged after all.
Estrada’s wife is also facing graft charges but not under arrest pending completion of investigation.
OUSTED PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT ARRESTED
Police in Manila have arrested former Philippine president Joseph
Estrada on charges of economic plunder, a charge that carries the death
penalty.
FULL STORY: click
here
CHINA UNHAPPY ABOUT ARMS SALE TO TAIWAN
China reacted with "serious concern" on Tuesday to a U.S. decision
to sell arms worth billions of dollars to Taiwan. FULL STORY: click
here
REFORMER WINS VOTE TO REPLACE JAPAN PM MORI
Japan's next prime minister is almost certain to be Junichiro Koizumi, after
the self-styled reformer won a surprise victory in an election for the president
of the main governing party. FULL STORY: click
here
FORMER TAIWANESE PRESIDENT ARRIVES IN JAPAN
A former president of Taiwan, Lee Teng Heui, has arrived in Japan for
medical treatment. His visit has drawn anger from Beijing.
FULL STORY: click
here
TRIAL OPENS INTO JAPANESE NUCLEAR ACCIDENT
Seven guilty pleas were entered Monday morning as the trial opened into
Japan's worst nuclear accident. FULL STORY: click
here
CHINA CONDEMNS VISAS
FOR FORMER TAIWANESE PRESIDENT
Japan and the
United States have both granted visas to a former Taiwanese president in spite
of strong protests from China. FULL STORY: click
here
CHINA CONDEMNS JAPAN OVER VISA
Japan's decision to grant former Taiwanese president Lee Teng-hui a visa to
visit a doctor for his heart condition is drawing an angry response from China.
FULL STORY: click
here
U.S.-CHINA TALKS END, SPY PLANE REMAINS ON
HAINAN
A team of U.S. negotiators left China Friday with no agreement to get its
downed spy plane back. FULL STORY: click
here
MOM PUTS BOY ON PLANE TO HONG KONG, HE LANDS IN
CHILD CARE
A young boy who flew alone from Toronto to Hong Kong on Wednesday has been
turned over to a children's home after his father failed to meet him at the
airport. FULL STORY: click
here
VIOLENCE ERUPTS ON PHILIPPINE CAMPAIGN TRAIL
A Filipino politician was shot at close range as he delivered a campaign
speech on Wednesday. FULL STORY: click
here
VIOLENCE GRIPS KARACHI AMID GENERAL STRIKE
A pair of bomb blasts in Pakistan have left one person dead and another two
injured as a general strike gripped the city. FULL STORY: click
here
CHINA'S
PANDAS STRUGGLE WITH HUMAN ENCROACHMENT
Efforts are under way in China to help save the panda's natural habitat, as
animal rights groups continue to warn that the survival of the species hangs in
the balance. FULL STORY: click
here
JAPAN'S CROWN PRINCESS MAY BE PREGNANT
Hopes for a new male heir to the Chrysanthemum Throne are rising as the
Imperial Household said on Monday Crown Princess Masako might be pregnant. FULL
STORY: click
here
ESTRADA SURRENDERS TO PHILIPPINE COURT AFTER
WARRANT ISSUED
Former Philippine president Joseph Estrada's legal woes continue to mount as
a special anti-graft court issued a warrant Monday for his arrest. Two hours
later he turned himself in. FULL STORY: click
here
NAVAL BATTLE SHATTERS SRI LANKAN TRUCE
A holiday ceasefire was shattered in Sri Lanka early Monday in a fierce
naval battle between government naval forces and Tamil rebel boats. FULL STORY: click
here
VIOLENCE KILLS 11 IN INDIAN VILLAGE COUNCIL
ELECTIONS
The first village council elections in India's poorest state in 23 years
have been marked by deadly violence, with 11 people killed during voting on
Sunday. FULL STORY: click
here
AIR INDIA
DEFENCE COULD QUESTION BOMB THEORY
When two men go on trial next year accused of bombing Air India Flight 182,
the defence might try to argue there was no bomb involved. FULL STORY: click
here
CHINA
CALLS OFF SEARCH FOR DOWNED PILOT
China is calling off the search for fighter pilot Wang Wei. The search ended
at dusk on Saturday, when authorities decided there was no chance of finding him
alive, 14 days after his plane crashed into the South China Sea. FULL STORY: click
here
U.S.
HOSTAGE RESCUED IN PHILIPPINES
Philippine soldiers stormed a stronghold held by Muslim rebels Thursday,
freeing a U.S. hostage held captive for more than seven months. FULL STORY: click
here
DEADLY QUAKE ROCKS CHINA, THOUSANDS HOMELESS
Thousands of people were left homeless when a moderately strong earthquake
shook southwestern China Thursday night. FULL STORY: click
here
CHINA INSISTS ON 'ADEQUATE SOLUTION' TO SPY
PLANE STALEMATE
The diplomatic dispute between China and the U.S. over a stranded spy plane
continued to see-saw Tuesday, as U.S officials visited the crew for the fifth
time since the standoff began. FULL STORY: click
here
MARATHON SURGERY SEPARATES
TWIN GIRLS
A pair of twin girls from Nepal are doing fine on Tuesday as they recover
from nearly four days of surgery to separate them. FULL STORY: click
here
INDONESIA
BLAMES REBELS FOR GAS FIELD ATTACK
Indonesian officials are blaming
separatist rebels for setting a natural gas field on fire in the northern
province of Aceh. FULL STORY: click
here
PAKISTAN COURT ORDERS RETRIAL FOR BHUTTO
The Supreme Court of Pakistan has set aside corruption convictions for
former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and her husband, Asif Ali Zardari. FULL
STORY: Click
here
JAPAN PM MORI TO LEAVE BEHIND ECONOMIC MESS
Former Japanese prime minister Ryutaro Hashimoto has emerged as the
frontrunner to replace Yoshiro Mori, who has confirmed he will step down. FULL
STORY: Click
here
JAPAN'S PM TO QUIT: CABINET OFFICIAL
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori has confirmed he plans to resign but
won't give an exact date, according to a senior government spokesman. FULL
STORY: Click
here
Dalai Lama's Taiwan visit upsets China
Compiled by Carl Mendoza
|
|
|
|
The Dalai Lama has attempted to downplay the political significance of his Taiwan visit. |
|
TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, The Dalai Lama, will begin a visit to Taiwan on Saturday despite Chinese protests.
In his second visit to Taiwan, the 14th Dalai Lama will meet President Chen Shui-bian and former president Lee Teng-hui, in a trip some politicians say is bound to strain the island's already tense dealings with mainland China.
Beijing, which considers Taiwan and Tibet integral parts of China, has already warned of the visit's "serious consequences", accusing the Dalai Lama of colluding with Taiwanese separatists.
The Dalai Lama has tried to play down the political significance of his visit, but Taipei-based Andrew Yang of the Chinese Council of Advanced Policy Studies says the meeting of Taiwan pro-independence leaders "is bound to have some political implications".
"Although the Dalai Lama has reiterated it is a religious visit, it does show that he is in close ties with the incumbent Taiwan government which China dislikes," he told CNN.com.
The globetrotting Buddhist monk has dismissed Chinese accusations he wants to split Tibet from China, while Chen has mellowed his pro-independence stand.
Taiwan Vice President Annette Lu said the island's ties with rival China would enter a "sensitive period" due in part to the Tibetan spiritual leader's visit.
Beijing condemned a meeting of the two countries when the Dalai Lama first visited in 1997 as a collusion of "splittists."
Beijing warnings
The State-controlled People's Daily newspaper said in its overseas edition that the visit is "a further step made by the Taiwan authorities and the Dalai Lama clique to divide the motherland by colluding with each other".
Sun Yafu, deputy director of the Chinese cabinet's Taiwan Affairs Office, says the Taiwan authorities "will have to take responsibility for the serious after-effects resulting from agreeing to the Dalai Lama's visit to Taiwan".
CNN.com senior China analyst Willy Lam says Beijing views the Dalai Lama's visit as further proof of the existence of a global anti-China conspiracy between the pro-independence movements in Taiwan and Tibet, the Falun Gong, and so-called anti-China elements in the United States.
Religion first
Meanwhile, most ordinary Taiwanese people are simply waiting for the Tibetan Buddhism's top monk to arrive.
Wealthy but diplomatically isolated Taiwan has about 30,000 followers of Tibetan Buddhism, who showered the Dalai Lama with US$500,000 during his last visit.
"We are neither playing the Taiwan independence nor the Tibetan independence card," said Hsu Szu-chien, a China policy adviser to President Chen's Democratic Progressive Party.
"For ordinary people, the Dalai Lama's visit has greater religious significance than political," Hsu said.
The Dalai Lama will hold mass "enlightenment" lectures across the island and Vice President Lu is to attend one of them in the capital on Monday.
The vice president will launch a "Send Taiwan's Love to Tibet" drive to raise $150,000 (T$5 million) for a school for the disabled in the Tibetan capital of Dharamshala.
The Dalai Lama fled his Himalayan homeland after an abortive uprising against Chinese rule in 1959, and won the Nobel Peace Prize three decades later for his peaceful campaign for autonomy.
Philip Morris Tobacco Must Be Working Hard in the Philippines
Tax helping the giants
Special dispatch March 26, 2001 from Herman Tiu Laurel, Asia Pacific Time - The Philippines’ populist-moralist mmelodramas shift from one superficial issue to another, the special voters’ registration, and the very popular locally produced porno movie titled “Live Show”, then. But one real serious issue that seldom gets front-page attention is the growing Philippine government revenue shortfall.
Last week, a Manila daily reported on the country’s revenue collection agency’s proposed flip to the ad valorem tax (according to value) on cigarette products. This reverses the flop in 1995 to specific taxes pushed by the influential business club in the country’s richest district (Forbes Park), and the “uncivil society” of then former President Fidel Ramos administration that caused serious losses to the government.
A specific tax is a fixed tax while the ad valorem slides with the rise and fall of the commodities being taxed. In 1994 and 1995 the debate raged on which tax system to follow, between the domestic tobacco producers and the agents of foreign tobacco trans-nationals. The ad valorem in place of the specific tax that’s usually imposed on products associated with vices (tobacco and alcoholic beverages). The proponents of the change to specific tax were the country’s revenue chief Ms Melwilda Guevara, the business club network and, of course, the followers of former President Ramos.
The battle lines were drawn between Philip Morris Int’l, and San Miguel Corporation, bottlers of the world famous San Miguel Beer (managed then by the Spanish-American Soriano family), against Fortune Tobacco and Asia Brewery (owned by Filipino-Chinese) called the mestizos and Chinoys accordingly by the locals.
The specific tax system would generate more revenues for the government created by then president Fidel Ramos who resented Lucio Tan (a Chinoy), president of Fortune Tobacco for supporting a presidential rival. Allegedly, the revision was designed to kill Tan’s tobacco and brewery products through reclassification.
Reclassification was the means of redefining the tax category a brand would fall under. Ex-president Ramos’ gimmick was to push lower-priced local products to higher tax brackets and, therefore, make imported and expensive foreign owned brands classified into lower tax brackets thus making them cheaper. Fortune Tobacco and Asia Brewery called the specific tax is a “killer” tariff because they believed it was meant to annihilate their companies. They were certainly justified in the belief as the tax shift forced them to increase prices substantially while it reduced prices of the foreign brands.
The problem for the Filipino people is that the specific tax caused serious losses in actual and potential revenues. As it is known, the present Filipino generation is living on a global inflationary era. The Philippine government revenues have lost huge on potential increases from a sliding ad valorem tax since 1995 when the specific tax replaced it. Worse, government taxes on “sin” products missed out on the inflation windfall from the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis when prices spiralled upwards due to over massive currency devaluations.
This writer is on record criticizing the shift from ad valorem to specific taxes. Since 1994 I have rallied against the change, including the progressive direct taxation to the regressive indirect taxation represented by the value-added tax. By the way, all these changes that has caused serious regression in the country’s tax situation, were initiated by foreign companies and by the IMF-WB. One study used in the tax changes is by a Hong Kong-based economist, Vic Abola, associated with the “globalist” Center for Research and Communication and funded by Philip Morris Int’l.
The “uncivil society,” including its media outlets such as the Philippine Inquirer, naturally supported the changes in the tax system. But the day of reckoning has come and it is clear who acted as the “enemies of the people” in these taxing issues –– ex-president Ramos, the business club, the IMF-WB and the foreign trans-nationals. The ““floating balloon”” by the new revenue commissioner Renato Baññez on the return to the ad valorem is a recognition that the specific tax system is a total failure, and he is on the right track in admitting the need for revision. The question is whether he can overcome the obstructionist within the revenue department.
That obstructionist will be Melwilda Guevara, the business club’s mole from the revenue office. She will not take lightly the idea of admitting the failure of her pet specific tax system. She also has the “uncivil society” people and the business club members now sharing power in the administration of President Gloria Macapagal. But Commissioner Baññez has one and only one duty –– to serve the interest of the public and the State. The choice should be easy between the welfare of the people and the privileged elite that the commissioner must decide….return the ad valorem system. (cdb)
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori Plan to Resign
By J. d'Amarillo (March 10, 2001)
It was rumoured that Prime Minister Mori will be stepping down. The Japanese media speculation was Mori will be staying on at least until April. The Liberal Democratic Party hasn't decide on a replacement but it was revealed that there are five possible candidates to succeed Prime Minister Mori.
He is historically the most unpopular Japanese leader since the second world war. The Liberal Democratic Party had been in power at the same amount of time holding dominance over the coalition. The Japanese people are looking for a different face and a fresh approach to politics. It has been known for quite some time that the majority of Japanese had enough of the secrecy and bad economic policies.
The five possible candidates are prominent ranking party members:
Hiromu Nonaka, 75 years of age co-chair one of the largest faction of the Ruling Liberal Democrats. A back room dealmaker thought of wielding power behind the scenes. His close ties with Mori may affect his chances to seek the leadership.
Junichiro Koizumi, 59 is the leading candidate second in command of the party. He is popular for his support for economic reform. His call for privatizing Japan's postal system has put him at odds with members of his own party. Many Liberal Democratic Party members derive political support from the huge postal savings and insurance system. His ties with Mori may also hurt his chances for the leadership.
Ryutaro Hashimoto, 63 former prime minister has experience on his side. He was Prime Minister in the mid-1990s, he spearheaded efforts to deregulate Japan's economy and open up the financial sector to foreign investment. However, voters remember him as pushing through an unpopular tax increase in 1997 that resulted into a recession. The party suffered a big defeat in 1998 upper house election. Hashimoto heads party's biggest faction. Unpopular for his reputation for arrogance.
Yohei Kono, 64 a party heavyweight and former president of the party was twice foreign minister. He has close ties with two family members who are influential politicians. A foreign-policy expert once seen as a leading candidate to replace Obuchi as prime minister before Mori was tapped for the job. His reputation has been marred by scandal, linking him to a Foreign Ministry bureaucrat allegedly embezzled money government funds.
Chikage Ogi, 67 a long shot for the simple fact that she is female in a male dominated society. She worked hard to get where she is right now and she heads the coalition's Conservative Party, the smallest of the three ruling coalition parties. She serves as minister of land, infrastructure and construction. A former actress and a host of a TV show targeting hose wives. Her popularity among ordinary citizens might take away attention from the scandal-plagued Liberal Democrats.
Philippine Supreme Court says President Gloria Macapagal is Legit
Manila, Philippines by special dispatch 2/02/01
By Carl Mendoza. Montreal Tribune correspondent
Philippines' Supreme Court
confirmed Gloria Macapagal's ascendancy to the presidency of this very troubled
republic. The Philippine Republic composed of 7,200 islands, since gaining
independence from the US in 1946, had been marred by intense corruption from
government elected officials down to the civil servants. The Philippine
which ranked first in economics among nations in Asia in the 60’s now is rated
in the bottom line of the list and dubbed as the “Sick Man of Asia” by the
Western investors and media due to its gung-ho style system of administration
since independence.
It is estimated that at least 10 percent of its population had gone abroad to seek job opportunities that religiously remitting earnings to the country at the tune of about $12 billion a year which makes a third of the country’s GNP.
The Courts decision paves the way for the country’s prosecutors to launch criminal actions against the ousted president Estrada, where he will be subjected to immediate arrest and could land in jail the rest of his life. The deposed president reported to have amassed a fortune through bribes and commissions.
The 13 justices of the Supreme Court, who took part in the case, jointly signed the closing statement, that says, “Estrada has effectively resigned by his acts and statement.” A majority of nine justices also ruled that Estrada has lost his presidential immunity from suits.
SLAVERY A WORLD WIDE PROBLEM
By J. d'Amarillo
In the year 2001, we've like to think that slavery is a thing of the past but it isn't so. There are number of cases slavery were uncovered. Young girls are most likely to be targeted. These girls are kidnap or sold by their parents to brokers, who in turn sell them to brothel owners. The girls are then conditioned by brutal force to comply with their owners wishes, using these young girls for prostitution. Each girls are forced to have sex with paying customers, mostly men. They are required to sleep with as many men per day. The living conditions are poor and unhealthy. Sex is usually without protection subjecting the girls from all types of diseases. Most girls are infected with STD or worst AIDS or HIV. The only concern for the owners is to make profit.
The chances of survival for these girls are slim to none. It is a world wide concern affecting us all in living in the free world and in a democratic society. The ramification is not only the concern for slavery and trafficking of human beings but also health issues.
There are a number of organization based in North America rescuing these girls overseas. These groups are asking for your help. Monetary contribution is a key factor in funding the rescue of these girls as well as the support for rescued victims. For information, please address your email to the publisher
Philip Morris Tobacco Must Be Working Hard in the Philippines
Tax helping the giants
Special dispatch March 26, 2001 from Herman Tiu Laurel, Asia Pacific Time - The Philippines’ populist-moralist mmelodramas shift from one superficial issue to another, the special voters’ registration, and the very popular locally produced porno movie titled “Live Show”, then. But one real serious issue that seldom gets front-page attention is the growing Philippine government revenue shortfall.
Last week, a Manila daily reported on the country’s revenue collection agency’s proposed flip to the ad valorem tax (according to value) on cigarette products. This reverses the flop in 1995 to specific taxes pushed by the influential business club in the country’s richest district (Forbes Park), and the “uncivil society” of then former President Fidel Ramos administration that caused serious losses to the government.
A specific tax is a fixed tax while the ad valorem slides with the rise and fall of the commodities being taxed. In 1994 and 1995 the debate raged on which tax system to follow, between the domestic tobacco producers and the agents of foreign tobacco trans-nationals. The ad valorem in place of the specific tax that’s usually imposed on products associated with vices (tobacco and alcoholic beverages). The proponents of the change to specific tax were the country’s revenue chief Ms Melwilda Guevara, the business club network and, of course, the followers of former President Ramos.
The battle lines were drawn between Philip Morris Int’l, and San Miguel Corporation, bottlers of the world famous San Miguel Beer (managed then by the Spanish-American Soriano family), against Fortune Tobacco and Asia Brewery (owned by Filipino-Chinese) called the mestizos and Chinoys accordingly by the locals.
The specific tax system would generate more revenues for the government created by then president Fidel Ramos who resented Lucio Tan (a Chinoy), president of Fortune Tobacco for supporting a presidential rival. Allegedly, the revision was designed to kill Tan’s tobacco and brewery products through reclassification.
Reclassification was the means of redefining the tax category a brand would fall under. Ex-president Ramos’ gimmick was to push lower-priced local products to higher tax brackets and, therefore, make imported and expensive foreign owned brands classified into lower tax brackets thus making them cheaper. Fortune Tobacco and Asia Brewery called the specific tax is a “killer” tariff because they believed it was meant to annihilate their companies. They were certainly justified in the belief as the tax shift forced them to increase prices substantially while it reduced prices of the foreign brands.
The problem for the Filipino people is that the specific tax caused serious losses in actual and potential revenues. As it is known, the present Filipino generation is living on a global inflationary era. The Philippine government revenues have lost huge on potential increases from a sliding ad valorem tax since 1995 when the specific tax replaced it. Worse, government taxes on “sin” products missed out on the inflation windfall from the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis when prices spiralled upwards due to over massive currency devaluations.
This writer is on record criticizing the shift from ad valorem to specific taxes. Since 1994 I have rallied against the change, including the progressive direct taxation to the regressive indirect taxation represented by the value-added tax. By the way, all these changes that has caused serious regression in the country’s tax situation, were initiated by foreign companies and by the IMF-WB. One study used in the tax changes is by a Hong Kong-based economist, Vic Abola, associated with the “globalist” Center for Research and Communication and funded by Philip Morris Int’l.
The “uncivil society,” including its media outlets such as the Philippine Inquirer, naturally supported the changes in the tax system. But the day of reckoning has come and it is clear who acted as the “enemies of the people” in these taxing issues –– ex-president Ramos, the business club, the IMF-WB and the foreign trans-nationals. The ““floating balloon”” by the new revenue commissioner Renato Baññez on the return to the ad valorem is a recognition that the specific tax system is a total failure, and he is on the right track in admitting the need for revision. The question is whether he can overcome the obstructionist within the revenue department.
That obstructionist will be Melwilda Guevara, the business club’s mole from the revenue office. She will not take lightly the idea of admitting the failure of her pet specific tax system. She also has the “uncivil society” people and the business club members now sharing power in the administration of President Gloria Macapagal. But Commissioner Baññez has one and only one duty –– to serve the interest of the public and the State. The choice should be easy between the welfare of the people and the privileged elite that the commissioner must decide….return the ad valorem system. (cdb)
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori Plan to Resign
By J. d'Amarillo (March 10, 2001)
It was rumoured that Prime Minister Mori will be stepping down. The Japanese media speculation was Mori will be staying on at least until April. The Liberal Democratic Party hasn't decide on a replacement but it was revealed that there are five possible candidates to succeed Prime Minister Mori.
He is historically the most unpopular Japanese leader since the second world war. The Liberal Democratic Party had been in power at the same amount of time holding dominance over the coalition. The Japanese people are looking for a different face and a fresh approach to politics. It has been known for quite some time that the majority of Japanese had enough of the secrecy and bad economic policies.
The five possible candidates are prominent ranking party members:
Hiromu Nonaka, 75 years of age co-chair one of the largest faction of the Ruling Liberal Democrats. A back room dealmaker thought of wielding power behind the scenes. His close ties with Mori may affect his chances to seek the leadership.
Junichiro Koizumi, 59 is the leading candidate second in command of the party. He is popular for his support for economic reform. His call for privatizing Japan's postal system has put him at odds with members of his own party. Many Liberal Democratic Party members derive political support from the huge postal savings and insurance system. His ties with Mori may also hurt his chances for the leadership.
Ryutaro Hashimoto, 63 former prime minister has experience on his side. He was Prime Minister in the mid-1990s, he spearheaded efforts to deregulate Japan's economy and open up the financial sector to foreign investment. However, voters remember him as pushing through an unpopular tax increase in 1997 that resulted into a recession. The party suffered a big defeat in 1998 upper house election. Hashimoto heads party's biggest faction. Unpopular for his reputation for arrogance.
Yohei Kono, 64 a party heavyweight and former president of the party was twice foreign minister. He has close ties with two family members who are influential politicians. A foreign-policy expert once seen as a leading candidate to replace Obuchi as prime minister before Mori was tapped for the job. His reputation has been marred by scandal, linking him to a Foreign Ministry bureaucrat allegedly embezzled money government funds.
Chikage Ogi, 67 a long shot for the simple fact that she is female in a male dominated society. She worked hard to get where she is right now and she heads the coalition's Conservative Party, the smallest of the three ruling coalition parties. She serves as minister of land, infrastructure and construction. A former actress and a host of a TV show targeting hose wives. Her popularity among ordinary citizens might take away attention from the scandal-plagued Liberal Democrats.
Ariel Sharon Sworn in as Israel's Prime Minister
By J. d'Amarillo (March 8, 2001)
Ariel Sharon, a former general who has a distinguish military service. Well known for his controversial military campaign against Israel's Arab neighbours, was officially sworn into office. His position before was the defender of Israel and maintain security for it's citizen never making any concessions with the Palestinians. Now, the situation is different, because as the Leader of Israel, the view of governing extends beyond a military strategy. He is now working towards peace.
His agenda to form a national unity government won a majority vote of 72 to 21. He spoke at the Knesset (Israel's parliament) before the vote, he promise that his government will work with the Palestinians. The condition of peace depends on the willingness of the Palestinian people's desire to work towards it. In addition, it is also equally important to maintain peace with Syria and Lebanon.
He stated, "that there will be no more new settlement on the disputed land." The promises Sharon made did not include a detailed plan to achieve his government's goal. The Palestinian are very suspicious of his motives making it very difficult to make any concessions at the moment.
Saeb Erekat, a senior Palestinian negotiator said, "The lip service for peace and the generalities don't make peace. Peacemaking requires details," "To make peace means a decision to end the Israel's military occupation" in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
The Palestinians are very weary of any gestures from Israel and it remains to be seen whether the new government will be effective in gaining new initiatives towards peace.
More on latest news ... Sharon & Arafat
15 Year Old Boy Terrorized California School
By J. d'Amarillo (March 5, 2001)
Shooter Charles Andrew Williams went on a shooting spree using a .22 calibre pistol. It caught everyone by surprise in Santana High School in Santee, California a suburb of San Diego.
His classmates described him as "nerd and a dork", taunted by his school mates. A couple of days before the shooting, he threatened to bring a gun to school and shoot people. His classmates brushed it off as a joked, not taking him seriously.
The day of the shooting (March 5) it was chaos in Santana High. He killed 2 people and injured 13 others. The first shooting took place at 9:30 am in the boys washroom were he shot two people, identified as Bryan Zuckor (14), who died on the spot and Randy Gordon (17), later died in the hospital. He then proceeded to walk around randomly shooting and reloading his weapon when he ran out of bullets. He later went back to the same washroom and surrendered. He remarked, "it's just me," according to authorities in Santee, California.
He wounded a 22 year old security guard, eleven other students and a 29 year old teacher. A student suffered minor injuries when he crashed his car fleeing from the shooting. The injured were taken to various hospital in the region. Some wounded were released later that same day.
According to authorities they established no specific motives and no particular targets from the Williams boy. Although, it is known in school that this boy was picked on all the time by the other kids in school.
It was also reported that Williams stay at a friends house Saturday night, he talked about going in a shooting spree. The Father of William's friend, Chris Reynolds (29), talked to him about the infamous Columbine Shooting. He said, "that he did not want that happening here." Reynolds later stated that he regret not having to follow-up on this boy's threat.
The district attorney for the San Diego County, Paul Pfingst said, Charles Andrew Williams will be charged as an adult for murder, assault with a deadly weapon and possession. Arraignment will be on Wednesday, March 7.
Philippine Supreme Court says President Gloria Macapagal is Legit
Manila, Philippines by special dispatch 2/02/01
By Carl Mendoza. Montreal Tribune correspondent
Philippines' Supreme Court
confirmed Gloria Macapagal's ascendancy to the presidency of this very troubled
republic. The Philippine Republic composed of 7,200 islands, since gaining
independence from the US in 1946, had been marred by intense corruption from
government elected officials down to the civil servants. The Philippine
which ranked first in economics among nations in Asia in the 60’s now is rated
in the bottom line of the list and dubbed as the “Sick Man of Asia” by the
Western investors and media due to its gung-ho style system of administration
since independence.
It is estimated that at least 10 percent of its population had gone abroad to seek job opportunities that religiously remitting earnings to the country at the tune of about $12 billion a year which makes a third of the country’s GNP.
The Courts decision paves the way for the country’s prosecutors to launch criminal actions against the ousted president Estrada, where he will be subjected to immediate arrest and could land in jail the rest of his life. The deposed president reported to have amassed a fortune through bribes and commissions.
The 13 justices of the Supreme Court, who took part in the case, jointly signed the closing statement, that says, “Estrada has effectively resigned by his acts and statement.” A majority of nine justices also ruled that Estrada has lost his presidential immunity from suits.
U.S. PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS
by J. d'Amarillo
President Bush in one of his pro-active role called for tax cuts to avert a recession. His speech was humble and his plan crystal clear. He addressed the joint session of Congress and outlined his plan to stimulate the slowing economy. He referred to it as, "Tax relief is right and tax relief is urgent."
``The people of America have been overcharged and on their behalf, I'm here to ask for a refund,'' Bush said. ``Some say my tax plan is too big; others say it's too small. I respectfully disagree. This plan is just right.''
And with that statement he outlined his plan for the 5.6 trillion, 10 year budget surplus projection. His first priority for 2002 will be 1.9 trillion budget. Restraint in government spending is one issue he focused on, slashing it to 4% compared to last years 8% and at the same time putting priorities on education, health care and scientific (medical) research.
He propose to pay off 2 trillion out of the 3.4 trillion on the national debt. He added a 10 year program of tax cuts amounting to 1.6 trillion.
Although, the tax cut issue was the focal point of his speech. He also added that the government played an important role but too much involvement inhibits growth. He proposed, "A Balanced Government" in their part.
SLAVERY A WORLD WIDE PROBLEM
By J. d'Amarillo
In the year 2001, we've like to think that slavery is a thing of the past but it isn't so. There are number of cases slavery were uncovered. Young girls are most likely to be targeted. These girls are kidnap or sold by their parents to brokers, who in turn sell them to brothel owners. The girls are then conditioned by brutal force to comply with their owners wishes, using these young girls for prostitution. Each girls are forced to have sex with paying customers, mostly men. They are required to sleep with as many men per day. The living conditions are poor and unhealthy. Sex is usually without protection subjecting the girls from all types of diseases. Most girls are infected with STD or worst AIDS or HIV. The only concern for the owners is to make profit.
The chances of survival for these girls are slim to none. It is a world wide concern affecting us all in living in the free world and in a democratic society. The ramification is not only the concern for slavery and trafficking of human beings but also health issues.
There are a number of organization based in North America rescuing these girls overseas. These groups are asking for your help. Monetary contribution is a key factor in funding the rescue of these girls as well as the support for rescued victims. For information, please address your email to the publisher
