The weather in Antarctica is (Crystal Ice Chime) temperate and freezing.

Nothing is sacred anymore, not even the land of native Americans after having cared for it for millenium. The only thing Washington, DC worships is money.

Alaska Natives tested by plan for mine
Protecting salmon is an issue - but so is firm's largesse
Karl Vick, Washington Post
Sunday, December 30, 2007
(12-30) 04:00 PST Nondalton , Alaska -- The gold mine proposed for this stunning open country might be the largest in North America. It would involve building the biggest dam in the world at the headwaters of the world's largest sockeye salmon fishery, which it would risk obliterating.
Epic even by Alaskan standards, the planned Pebble Mine has divided a state normally enthusiastic about extracting whatever value can be found in its wide-open spaces. It is an ambivalence that has upended traditional politics, divided families and come to rest at kitchen tables like the one 75-year-old Olga Balluta sat beside one autumn afternoon, listing her favorite foods.
"Brown bear fat and black bear fat. Fish gut salad - crackly when you eat it," said Balluta, a member of the local native population that would be most directly affected by the mine.
From his chair by the sink, neighbor Rick Delkittie said, "I know my grandfather used to tell me, 'Don't ever get used to the white man's food.' "
That lesson, with its implied warning against dependence on anyone outside the land and waters that have nourished local residents for almost 10,000 years, guides the subtle, shifting and uniquely Alaskan calculation that will decide whether Pebble goes forward.
Environmentalists and commercial fishing interests have mounted a well-funded public relations campaign against the project. Mining companies are investing hundreds of millions to make it inevitable. The two sides agree only that Pebble's fate is likely to pivot on the sentiments of a few thousand local residents who would have to live beside it....



Dr. Daniel Pauly (click here).
He is the author of 'Shifting Baselines,'(click here) a phenomena that allows changing landscape to dominate what is considered 'normal baseline' in biological systems. A Shifting Baseline is adverse to the best outcomes of any ecosystem.

Exxon-Mobil to defend Alaska oil leases (click here)
Point Thompson oil and gas fields at stake
From the Associated Press December 29, 2007
JUNEAU, ALASKA -- Exxon Mobil Corp. must get a chance to tell the state why its leases on fields holding about 9 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves should not be revoked, a state Superior Court judge has ruled.
Judge Sharon Gleason, however, said in her decision Wednesday that the Alaska Department of Natural Resources acted properly in rejecting an Exxon Mobil development plan for Point Thomson, an area with more than a quarter of the known gas in all North Slope fields.
The stakes are a timely development of Point Thomson, considered vital toward building a natural gas pipeline that could potentially ship 35 trillion cubic of natural gas to heat and power homes and businesses throughout North American markets.
Gov. Sarah Palin hailed the ruling Thursday.
"This ruling represents another significant step forward in the state's efforts to develop the valuable oil and gas resources in the Point Thomson reservoir and to hold the lessees to the commitments they made in the unit agreement," Palin said in a prepared statement.
An Exxon Mobil spokeswoman could not immediately be reached for comment on Gleason's ruling....


Alaska state senator asked to resign in wake of scandal (click on title to entry)
western news
By SEAN COCKERHAMAnchorage Daily News Monday, December 31, 2007
The state Senate minority has sent a letter to Anchorage Sen. John Cowdery asking him to resign from public office because he has been implicated in the Veco bribery scandal (click here for PBS access to must see video).
"Now that we are approaching the regular session, and with it seeming the majority does not intend to do anything, we felt it was appropriate to say something," Senate Minority Leader Gene Therriault, R-North Pole, said.
Therriault said the letter was hand-delivered to Cowdery more than a week ago. He said the only other copies went to state Senate President Lyda Green and Senate Majority Leader Gary Stevens....


Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park, a prime example of a shifted baseline allowed to exist out of helplessness due to the continued ravages of Human Induced Global Warming. This bay has been an early warning signal for decades and it's simply a victim of American negligence of the very Earth they rely on to survive.

Elevation :: 33 ft / 10 m

Time :: 10.36 AM EST

Temperature :: 32 °F / 0 °C

Conditions :: Overcast

Humidity :: 80%

Dew Point :: 27 °F / -3 °C

Wind :: 6 mph / 9 km/h / 2.6 m/s from the NNW

Pressure :: 30.30 in / 1026 hPa (Steady)

Windchill :: 26 °F / -3 °C

Visibility :: 10.0 miles / 16.1 kilometers

UV :: 0 out of 16
Clouds:
Mostly Cloudy 1600 ft / 487 m
Overcast 4700 ft / 1432 m
(Above Ground Level)

Wait. Let's just invent a new definition of American sovereignty. "The World is my Oyster."

...Bangalore: The southwest monsoon, responsible for 80 per cent of the country’s annual rainfall and the basis of Indian agriculture, has substantially reduced in the last 50 years, shrinking in duration, spatial distribution and quantum.
The quantum of pre-monsoon rainfall (May 15 to 31) has decreased by 59 percent, and post monsoon rainfall (September 15 to October 10) by 39 per cent in the last 50 years, according to a research paper published in Geophysical Research Letters by K. V. Ramesh and P. Goswami from the Centre for Mathematical Modelling and Computer Simulation on December 5.
While the all India monsoon (June to September) itself does not show any significant decline in quantum, there has been a 30 per cent reduction in the spatial coverage of the monsoon. These trends were arrived at through the analysis of daily rainfall data with the Indian Meteorological Department, between 1951 and 2003....

When are Americans going to admit to themselves, they've been had.

The past seven years in the USA has been nothing short of a disaster. The USA has been contained in it's ability to flex it's military might ever since it illegally invaded Iraq, killing scores of innocent people and causing human suffering to vastly more.

This administration, enforced by a corruptible Republican majority for so many years and one that still plagues the populous with outlandish obstructionist political gaming; treats war in Iraq as a necessity when it's the most displaced agenda of any American use of it's military.

Pakistan is infested with al Qaeda and provides a safe haven for those that would see more attacks on the USA to match that of September 11, 2001. What's wrong with everyone? Is there no pride in the mission of the USA, anymore? Is everyone 'on the take,' and therefore can do no wrong?

The USA is completely demoralized by it's leadership and it's enemies are now dancing on the graves of allies. George Walker Bush and Richard Cheney have insulted the sovereignty of the USA, when are going to be impeached?

I always thought China could be a great friend to the USA, but, I never bargained for China to own the USA.

December 9, 2005

Japan held $687.3 billion in U.S. government securities in September, about a third of the $2.07 trillion in international holdings and 17 percent of all marketable U.S. debt. China was the second-biggest investor at $252.2 billion, or 12 percent of the overseas total. In all, international investors owned about 51 percent of the U.S.'s outstanding marketable debt in September.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000080&sid=akZFoSycAstE&refer=asia

Yep. Someone mention sovereignty? Oh, go on, they are hard working and cheap, what could be a sovereignty issue there?

When there is a devalued dollar, a shrinking job market, loss of housing and an economy that is suitable to bargain basements shoppping Europeans, what would you call it?

Dollar Extends Annual Loss Versus Euro, Yen on Fed Rate Cuts

When the Euro was first issued, it was considered a joke. The countries involved couldn't decide on a Consitution and the value of the money wasn't even a one to one ratio. The Euro was below the value of the USA Dollar. Now, after years of systematic abuse of the USA treasury, with exorbitant budgets and annually raised debt ceilings, the USA dollar isn't just a bargain, it's a national shame. The USA doesn't have assets that matter anymore, only a populous of consumers that are impoverished enough for military recruitment.

When money isn't worth anything, it tells one plenty about the value of the nation.

...For international shoppers, America is where the Christmas shopping bargains are, in large part because of the no-longer-so-almighty dollar.
Several overseas airlines and charter-flight operators have been specifically promoting New York City as a Christmas shopping Mecca, luring hordes of bargain hunters, especially from Britain, where tourism to the United States has otherwise been lagging for years.
“We’ve had promotions running encouraging people to go to New York to shop because of the favorable exchange rate, and demand has been huge,” said Lawrence Hunt, the chief executive officer of Silverjet, a British discount all-business-class airline. Silverjet even hired “shopping concierges” to send e-mail messages to passengers listing tips about discounts and deals in New York....

I never thought Phyllis Schafly would matter to me, but, I'll be darn. Melt away borders and what's left?

...Pickard is convinced that George W. Bush is "vigorously pushing" the idea of a "North American community." Pickard concluded that the schedule calls for beginning with a customs union, then a common market, then a monetary and economic union, and finally the adoption of a single currency (already baptized as the "amero" by Robert Pastor).

The USA is the largest tailpipe emitter of CO2 in the world. In that it risks it's sovereign right to free enterprise at the whim of oil suppliers.

...16,000 Smart Cars are planned for the entire US market in 2008, demand will greatly exceed supply for this fuel saving and Euro-stylish, futurist auto. "With gasoline prices exceeding $4.00 a gallon the horizon, the timing for the USA launch of Smart Car couldn't be better timed in history, the launch of Smart-Car-USA.com as a forum for buyers and eco-concerned market players also couldn't be better timed. The Green movement has finally arrived in the USA, just in time for the 2008 Presidential elections, candidates will be pictured driving SmartCars, count on it, and they will be chatting on our website -Smart-Car-USA.com."...

The USA has no sovereign energy policy. Cheney's Energy Policy is all based in other countries. The USA needs to move to alternatives. NOW !!!

...Investments in Saudi Arabia’s oil sector have sharply fluctuated over the past four decades as the country’s production has remained sharply volatile because of its role as a residual producer, mainly during the 1980s and 1990s. From only 2.6 million barrels per day in 1967, Saudi Arabia’s oil output shot up to 9.9 million bpd in 1980 before it dived to 3.17 million bpd in 1985. It then rose and fell again in the following years before it recovered to an average nine million bpd in 2007....

Conservative values don't provide a sustainable health insurance for Americans. People are at risk for long term problems.

The long term effects to the cost of American Health Insurance has yet to be realized as more and more Americans fall through the crack of excellant health care. Without vital screenings, Americans will develope disease with higher costs and higher risk of death. The face of American health insurance is changing but not necessarily for the better. In Massachusetts, those that are uninsured will be required to pay penalities for that status. That is not a viable health care policy but simply a punitive option for what a family may or may not be able to afford.


We need a single payer system that spreads the cost of insurance across the largest health care pool available. That pool is the American society. Childhood obesity will result in huge health issues and diminished capacity for any work force in the future. Without a national strategy to limit the impacts of poor choices while facilitating a return to simply 'gym classes' nationally, the future of our children is growing more and more dim.

The sale of hospitals is simply a 'symptom' of a society without sufficient infrastructure to support it's health needs.

Hospital sale just tip of iceberg
...The Exempla sale is still being challenged in court by people concerned about diminished health-care options, so Suthers' is not the last word. Questions about such deals are obvious. For instance: Why should a religious group parcel out only those health-care services with which it feels comfortable?...


SCHIP Crucial For Many SD Families (click here)
It took three tries, but the president signed a bill Saturday funding State Children's Health Insurance Programs for the next year and a half.And while this version is shorter than two other bills that were recently vetoed by Bush, people who use the SCHIP program in KELOLAND say they are relieved to see it continue for now. Michelle Reichert is a single mother. Her son Kamar is almost ready for his 18-month checkup which would involve a full physical and six shots. And neither appear to be worried about it today. "We've been healthy this year, it's just routine stuff that I know I wouldn't be able to pay for if I didn't have it," Reichert says.Reichert has two other children and works full time, and she relies on the State Children's Health Insurance Program to ensure her kid's checkups are covered....

Without a healthy society, there is no sovereignty that matters.

The Bush/Cheney Executive Branch refused to recognize USA sovereignty when implementing extraordinary rendition ! Canada is still an ally? Really?

...Mr. Arar was a victim of extraordinary rendition, America’s notorious program of outsourcing interrogations to governments known to use torture. He has sued the United States for denying him his civil rights. Now, a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has to decide whether to compound the mistreatment, by agreeing to throw out Mr. Arar’s lawsuit, as the Bush administration is asking....

The USA has no sovereign economy. You gotta be joking? People are losing their homes, the American Dream.

The Majority of Americans don't have a President they approve of...for a long, long time.

December 20, 2007
71% of Americans Disapprove of George W. Bush's Handling of the Economy
While 66% of Americans disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling his job overall, 71% of Americans say they disapprove of the way Bush is handling the economy according to the latest survey from the American Research Group.
Among all Americans, 32% approve of the way Bush is handling his job as president and 66% disapprove. When it comes to Bush's handling of the economy, 28% approve and 71% disapprove.
Among Americans registered to vote, 31% approve of the way Bush is handling his job as president and 66% disapprove. When it comes to the way Bush is handling the economy, 27% of registered voters approve of the way Bush is handling the economy and 72% disapprove....

The USA has lost it's sovereignty. It no longer has a responsive military.

Polling Data

Do you favour or oppose the war in Iraq?

Favour - 32%

Oppose - 68%

As you may know, this year additional U.S. troops were sent to Iraq. Do you think sending more troops to Iraq has helped stabilize the situation there, or not?

Yes, has helped stabilize the situation - 44%

No, has not helped stabilize the situation - 54%

Refused / Not Answered - 1%

There may very well be a beginning to a re-escalation of violence in Iraq. Several Mahdi Army personnel were confronted by USA troops this past week. There was exchange of violence and deaths. There is every reason to believe there are elements within Iraq beginning to lose patients with the continued occupation of Iraq by the USA.

The lull in Iraq is due to vast poverty, deaths and refugees. The USA military openly stated so long as they take a low profile and stop all aggressions the peaceful nature of 'the Iraq market place' seems to return.

I guess so. Considering that violence will destroy any economy.

The USA military is comprised of 'emergency measures' in the deployment of it's National Guard. Iraq was never a threat to the USA and Afghanistan was an easy target. The real enemy of Pakistan remains viable because the Bush/Cheney military is overwhelmed in Iraq to secure political clout in the USA. Americans have lost control of their Executive Branch and hence the sovereignty of their nation.

It's Sunday Night

A Former Prime Minister and current Presidential Candidate was assassinated. The Bush Response: "The Elections Must Go Forward."

Bin Laden alive in Pakistan: US spy chief (click here)

AL-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden is alive and sheltering in lawless parts of Pakistan on the border with Afghanistan, US intelligence chief Mike McConnell said yesterday.
Mr McConnell blamed President Pervez Musharraf's government for allowing al-Qaeda to regroup via a peace pact last year with tribal leaders in the border areas.
But General Musharraf remained a key ally of the US, he said.
The administration's latest remarks, following the White House's refusal to rule out military attacks on militants inside Pakistan, sparked a curt response from Islamabad.
"Our stance is that Osama bin Laden is not present in Pakistan,'' Interior Minister Aftab Sherpao said from the Pakistani capital.
"If anyone has the information he should give it to us, so that we can apprehend him.'' ...

Morning Paper's - It's Origins

The Rooster
"Okeydoke"

Benazir Bhutto's son Bilawal to lead party

There are corporations in the world that sincerely care about their consumers and the world issues that surround their governance. The USA has lost it's moral rudder in it's government structures and influence. In the face of that reality, all is not lost completely.

The Bhutto assassination is a profound moment in history which clearly demonstrates the wrongful leadership of the USA. It never invested in a strategy to insure a change in government leadership to bring about a true strategy that would defeat terrorism. Careless abandon to all moral fibers have been the venue of the USA since the election of George Walker Bush and Richard Cheney, while seeking only profit structures that sow seeds of political strategies linked with wealth drained from the treasury of the American people. As a result the people of the USA have been exploited for any form of wealth while the Bush/Cheney administration fashioned empty legislation to cover political faults.

The Bhutto assassination cannot be viewed autonomously as a simple act of violence, but, in it's entirety as a measure of disregard for all that was important to displace a coup government in Pakistan that panders to the very terrorist networks that caused deaths and devastation to the USA, the UK, Spain, Turkey, Russia, Egypt, Jordan and others. We are no further ahead in conquering the problems faced by the world, both Western and Communist, today than on September 11, 2001.

The USA needs to be abandoned in large measure until there are effective policies that meets the expectations of the International Community.

Thank you for any attention afforded this point of view.


Corporate Responsibility Review (click here)

We regard corporate responsibility as embodied in the concept of 'responsible banking'. Based on the values enshrined in our Guiding Principles, responsible banking means making informed, reasoned and ethical decisions in everything we do. Our Guiding Principles of Winning Together, Customer Focus, The Best People, Pioneering and Trusted describe how we expect our employees to behave with external stakeholders and each other....

...We are a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability and FTSE4Good ethical indices, and were ranked in 3rd position in the Business in the Community Corporate Responsibility Index. In the Carbon Disclosure Project, we were ranked in the top 50 of global FT500 companies....

...We extended the use of summary information on credit card and personal loan applications and statements to help our customers make informed personal decisions, worked to increase data sharing with other banks and introduced our Flexi-rate card, offering lower rates to customers repaying more of their balance....

...Our UK operations are now carbon-neutral and we are offsetting part of our residual emissions through community-based sustainable energy schemes in Africa and India. Our businesses in South Africa and France achieved ISO14001 accreditation for their environmental management systems.
Barclays Capital remained the most active trader of carbon in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme and our Natural Resources Team financed over 2,600 megawatts of renewable generation capacity.
We contributed to the revision of the Equator Principles, which require banks to undertake detailed environmental and social assessments in international project financing, and updated our internal guidance to cover over 50 different industry sectors. Barclays remains the only bank participating in the Business Leader's Initiative on Human Rights....




Barclay's Corporate Responsibility on Climate Change (click here)

Barclays Climate Action Programme (click here)

Reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by improving energy efficiency.
Buy renewable energy.

Make our UK operations carbon neutral by offsetting the remaining CO2 emissions.

Offer products and services that help our customers to reduce their impact on climate change.

Engage with key stakeholders and contribute to the debate on climate change action.



RIA Novosti

Russia will not be drawn into confrontations in 2008 - FM Lavrov
18:56
29/ 12/ 2007
MOSCOW, December 29 (RIA Novosti) - Russia will pursue a constructive policy and will not be drawn into any confrontations in 2008, the foreign minister said on Saturday.
Speaking about plans and expectations of his ministry over the coming year, Sergei Lavrov said: "Whatever the situation, Russia won't be involved in any new confrontations, and will carry out a united foreign policy and promote constructive alternatives to resolve current problems."
Lavrov added that Russia is ready to interact with all partners on an equal basis and in the interests of joint task resolution.
The foreign minister said Russia intends to continue settling urgent international problems together with the UN, but did not rule out "failures in world politics" caused by "unilateral steps by some countries or associations of states, or their attempts to act beyond the framework of international law."

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20071229/94768962.html


Belarus leader Lukashenko threatens to "kick out" U.S. ambassador
15:10
30/ 12/ 2007
MINSK, December 30 (RIA Novosti) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko threatened U.S. ambassador Karen Stewart with expulsion from the country should Washington introduce new sanctions against the republic.
Stewart said in mid-December new economic sanctions which would be added to the existing restrictions could be imposed against Belarusian state-run companies.
"She [the ambassador] would be the first to be kicked out. She attends opposition hangouts and says economic sanctions could be introduced against Belarus, heating up the situation. Let the American ambassador deal with her own problems, for otherwise she may leave her post in Belarus ahead of time," Lukashenko told journalists.
The controversial Belarusian leader, dubbed "Europe's last dictator" by Washington, promised to react toughly in the economic sphere. "We will survive even without U.S. dollars. We don't have many of them... If Americans don't want us to work with their currency, we will stop using it," he said.

http://en.rian.ru/world/20071230/94894946.html


U.S., EU hope British Council will continue to work in Russia-2
15:47
29/ 12/ 2007
(Adds EU position in paras 4-7)
WASHINGTON, December 29 (RIA Novosti) - The Bush administration hopes that the U.K.'s cultural arm, the British Council, will continue its activities in Russia, a State Department spokesman said.
In mid-December Russia announced it would temporarily close the British Council offices in Yekaterinburg and St. Petersburg from January 1 over tax and legal status violations.
Tom Casey said that Russia should explain the reasons for the closure of the British Council's regional offices, adding that he could see no reasons why the organization that plays an important role in developing Russian-British cultural ties should be closed.
The EU on Saturday called Russia's British Council ban an issue between Russia and the U.K, and refused to comment on statements made by the British Ambassador to Moscow Tony Brenton that the move could hinder negotiations between Russia and the EU on a new Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.

http://en.rian.ru/world/20071229/94731778.html


Remains of ancient civilization discovered on the bottom of a lake
16:35
27/ 12/ 2007
MOSCOW. (Nikolai Lukashov for RIA Novosti) - An international archeological expedition to Lake Issyk Kul, high in the Kyrgyz mountains, proves the existence of an advanced civilization 25 centuries ago, equal in development to the Hellenic civilizations of the northern coast of the Pontus Euxinus (Black Sea) and the Mediterranean coast of Egypt.
The expedition resulted in sensational finds, including the discovery of major settlements, presently buried underwater. The data and artefacts obtained, which are currently under study, apply the finishing touches to the many years of exploration in the lake, made by seven previous expeditions. The addition of a previously unknown culture to the treasury of history extends the idea of the patterns and regularities of human development.

http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20071227/94372640.html


NASA delays Atlantis shuttle launch indefinitely
10:52
28/ 12/ 2007
WASHINGTON, December 28 (RIA Novosti) - NASA has again postponed the Atlantis shuttle launch, scheduled for January 10, but this time indefinitely, the space agency's website said on Friday.
The launch, which is due to deliver the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory to the International Space Station (ISS), has been repeatedly delayed since December 6 over problems with faulty fuel tank sensors.
"This work will take some time to properly accomplish and to certify the redesigned configuration before flight. While a launch on Jan. 10 is no longer achievable, no launch date has been discussed. The program will take time to assess progress of the work before setting a target launch date," the U.S. space agency said in a statement.
The Atlantis crew consists of seven astronauts - commander Stephen Frick, pilot Alan Poindexter, mission specialists Rex Walheim, Leland Melvin and Stanley Love plus European Space Agency (ESA) astronauts, Hans Schlegel from Germany and French national Leopold Eyharts.

http://en.rian.ru/world/20071228/94493024.html


Russia soon to view two space transport projects - source
14:41
12/ 12/ 2007
MOSCOW, November 12 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's rocket and space corporation Energia has developed six projects for new manned spacecraft, two of which will be submitted to Russia's space agency in the near future, a source said Wednesday.
"Two of the most attractive projects for spacecraft as part of a reusable manned transport system could be submitted to the Federal Space Agency in the near future," the spokesman said.
Russia has been developing the Clipper, a six-man spacecraft similar to the U.S. space shuttle, designed to replace the Soyuz and Progress launch vehicles in making regular flights to the International Space Station and even the Moon and Mars. It is proposed the craft will carry two professional astronauts and up to four passengers, compared to the Soyuz's three-member crews.
The projects also envisage innovations such as an orbital transfer vehicle and a cargo container with an increased payload capacity of 12 metric tons, as compared to the current two tons.
In December 2006, Anatoly Perminov, the head of the Federal Space Agency, said the agency planned to start construction of the new Clipper in 2012.

http://en.rian.ru/science/20071212/92041872.html


The West takes notice as Russia and Iran get closer
12:10
28/ 12/ 2007
MOSCOW. (RIA Novosti political commentator Pyotr Goncharov) - The West appears amazed to see Russian-Iranian strategic partnership surviving and even strengthening.
This partnership is quite logical, but the West turned its attention to it only with supplies of Russian long range surface-to-air S-300 missiles. Due to start in January, these supplies were agreed upon a long time ago. Judging by the response of the media, the West is panicky to see Russia stick to the promise.
The Guardian warns that modernized Russian air defense missile systems can hit U.S. and Israeli war aircraft, and S-300 are even better than Patriots at intercepting cruise missiles and IBM. But then, why would Iran need such weapons? Will they come on friendly visits or what?
The New York Times regards the upcoming deal as another arbitrary Russian step and reproaches President Bush for his tolerance as Russia starts fuel exports to the Bushehr nuclear plant. The newspaper could have regarded the fuel and missile supplies as an asymmetrical response to the American ABM in Europe. The same logic could also apply to the Kosovo issue.

http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20071228/94506867.html


Russia says London art show can go ahead if new law introduced
21:44
21/ 12/ 2007
MOSCOW, December 21 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's Culture Agency said on Friday it is waiting for the U.K. to send the text of a law guaranteeing the safety of paintings from Russian museums before allowing an art exhibition to go ahead in London.
The exhibition, entitled From Russia: French and Russian Master Paintings was due to open at the Royal Academy of Arts on January 26 - the paintings are currently being displayed in the German city of Dusseldorf. The exhibition has been heavily promoted in the U.K. and already over 4,000 tickets have been sold.
On Thursday Russian culture authorities said the exhibition would not open in the U.K. as scheduled, after British media reported that a number of paintings could fail to return to Russia over fears their pre-Revolution owners would make legal claims for their return.
"The U.K. said that on January 7 it would adopt a bill providing guarantees against the seizure of artworks," said the head of Russia's Culture Agency, Mikhail Shvydkoi. "Russia has requested to see the text of the new law, which will be sent in the nearest future and our lawyers will study it carefully."

http://en.rian.ru/world/20071221/93708888.html


People, years, Putin...
20:59
21/ 12/ 2007
MOSCOW. (RIA Novosti political analyst Boris Kaimakov) - Time magazine has named Vladimir Putin its "Person of the Year".
Those who don't like Putin gleefully remind everyone that now he has joined some of the most hideous dictators in modern history, Hitler and Stalin. Those who like Putin point out that the company includes a lot of very decent people who had fought for peace, against hunger and made a notable contribution to the present world order. Among them is even an anonymous computer user.
Right off, we should give up the discussion of the criteria the magazine uses to choose the "Person of the Year". They are not debatable, they are non-existent. The official formula that credits Putin with displaying "exceptional skill in leading the country" would be a lot more appropriate to describing aerobatics. Which is why the Time article about Putin's presidency is as contradictory as the presidency itself.
The fact itself is remarkable and very pleasant for Putin. This became more than clear when he gave the obligatory interview to Time journalists before the much-prized title was officially conferred on him. But the Americans so annoyed him with their questions that first he demanded that they disclose the names and safe houses of the most corrupt Russian officials and then declared the interview finished without inviting them to tea. True, the interview lasted more than three hours so that the journalists who were hoping for the dessert ought to have grasped that presidential cordiality and open-handed Russian hospitality were different things….
...Putin's Munich speech also showed that Russia no longer saw the West as a partner, but as a threat to its security. The speech was like a bombshell. Initially it seemed to be no more than an emotional outburst, but when long-range aviation resumed its flights, when Russia pointedly carried out successful rocket launches and declared its withdrawal from the CFE Treaty, it became clear that the President was determined to make the world reckon with him and that Russia's security interests were not the same as those of the West. At least, that was the impression he had notwithstanding his chumminess with his foreign counterparts….

http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20071221/93704123.html



Foreign carmakers invest $1.8 bln in Russia in 2007
17:12
29/ 12/ 2007
MOSCOW, December 29 (RIA Novosti) - Foreign investment in car production in Russia will exceed $1.8 billion this year, the economics ministry said in an end-of-year report on Saturday.
"In 2007, the ministry signed 13 investment agreements under production contracts with foreign companies, leading global carmakers, and Russian producers of cars and auto components, such as Peugeot, Citroen, Suzuki, Hyundai, Severstal-Avto and Toyota," the report reads.
Germany's Volkswagen opened a car assembly plant in the Kaluga Region, located some 180 km (84 miles) southwest of Moscow, in November 2007, and Japan's Toyota launched a plant near St. Petersburg earlier this month.
Japan's Mitsubishi Motors signed a contract on Friday with Russia's economics ministry to invest $200 million in building a car factory in the Kaluga Region.

http://en.rian.ru/business/20071229/94744546.html


Boston Globe

Patriots 38, Giants 35
Sweet 16
Brady and Moss are an unbeatable combination in comeback against Giants
By Christopher L. Gasper
Globe Staff / December 30, 2007
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - The Patriots started their season with a 38-14 victory at Giants Stadium Sept. 9. Last night, 112 days later, they ended it with a win at Giants Stadium, perfect symmetry for a perfect regular season.
By dispatching the New York Giants, 38-35, the Patriots produced the first 16-0 regular season in NFL history - the league switched to 16 games in 1978 - and became just the fourth team in league history to go through the regular season undefeated, joining the 1972 Miami Dolphins and the 1934 and 1942 Chicago Bears.
History met destiny in New Jersey, as the Patriots set numerous records on their way to 16-0.
Tom Brady (32 of 42 for 356 yards) threw two touchdown passes, both to Randy Moss, to set the NFL record for touchdown passes in a season with 50. Moss's two TD receptions gave him an NFL-record 23, topping the mark of Jerry Rice, who had 22 in 12 games in the 1987 strike-shortened season.
The Patriots scored 589 points in the season, surpassing the 1998 Minnesota Vikings record of 556.
It was all enough to bring a smile to the normally stoic Bill Belichick, who was beaming afterward.

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2007/12/30/sweet_16/


'72 Dolphins toast achievement
By Mike Reiss and Christopher L. Gasper
Globe Staff / December 30, 2007
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - The Patriots became the NFL's first team to post an undefeated season since the 1972 Miami Dolphins. Last night, members of the '72 Dolphins acknowledged the accomplishment.
"My sincerest congratulations go out to the Patriots," tight end Jim Mandich said in a statement. "In this salary-cap era, free-agency era, I didn't think it could be done and the Patriots did it. They are a remarkable team. If somebody was going to tie the Miami Dolphins record in the regular season of going unbeaten, it's appropriate that it would be the Patriots because they are a class act."

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2007/12/30/72_dolphins_toast_achievement/



In a year of fragmentation, no easy fix
By Joanna Weiss
Globe Staff / December 30, 2007
This was the year we all came to terms with the quagmire. And yearned for someone to fix it.
Which quagmire? All of them. If there was a common theme to 2007, it may have been this: the intractable situation, the daunting impasse. The lengthening war in Iraq set the stage for a wide, uncertain presidential race. (Which candidate, across the board, isn't running as a sort of wartime fixer?) Pop culture was filled with characters in pickles, chased by persistent assassins, confronting unwanted pregnancies.
And on the real-life side of entertainment news, the year ended with the Writers Guild of America strike, an acrimonious fight over what studios and networks should pay the scribes when shows appear online. There's no indication of when the strike will end or who could bring the sides together. A rumor that Arnold Schwarzenegger might step in quickly fizzled. If he can't fix an entertainment-industry problem, who can?

http://www.boston.com/ae/tv/articles/2007/12/30/in_a_year_of_fragmentation_no_easy_fix/



But, the snow doesn't last. Shortly after it snows in Boston, it starts to melt with no accumulation what so ever at all. It's Human Induced Global Warming. Old weather patterns attempt to be 'normal' but to no avail. So, the natural processes of winter are lost. I remember a farmer once saying to me, in regard to winter, it was a time when the ground froze to depths of three feet or more so that when spring thaw came, there would be less parasites and weed seeds in the ground that would ultimately require monies to prevent crop damage.

Hub may close on a new snowfall record
Forecasters warn of up to 6 inches
By Sarah E. Metcalf
Globe Correspondent / December 30, 2007
Greater Boston may set a record for the snowiest December in the city's history this month, weather watchers said yesterday.
Area residents should expect up to 6 inches of snow by early tomorrow, far exceeding the 1.1 inches needed to break the record of 27.9 inches, which fell in 1970, according to the National Weather Service in Taunton.
Charles Foley, spokesman for the Weather Service, said almost all of Massachusetts can expect a wintry mix of snow and sleet beginning about midnight, with up to a half-foot of accumulation by 9 a.m. tomorrow. Cape Cod will be the exception.
Foley said he thinks Boston "stands an excellent chance" of breaking the record. Snow totals for December, he added, have already surpassed the 17-inch total for all of last winter.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2007/12/30/hub_may_close_on_a_new_snowfall_record/



N.H. civil unions: legal protections, obligations and pitfalls
By Norma Love
Associated Press Writer / December 30, 2007
CONCORD, N.H.—New Hampshire's new civil unions law -- though well-intentioned -- makes a promise to gay couples it can't keep: that all the rights, obligations and responsibilities of marriage will be theirs.
In fact, they will not be treated equally, either inside New Hampshire or beyond its borders.
They will fall into a separate, evolving legal class recognized by only a handful of states. And more than 1,100 federal laws will discriminate against them regardless where they live.
Gay couples taking advantage of the law -- which takes effect Tuesday -- indeed acquire substantial new state protections ranging from important health benefits to the ability to inherit without a will.
But they will be treated legally as two unmarried adults in all but New Jersey, Vermont, Connecticut and California. They probably will be recognized in Oregon, whose domestic partner law was to take effect Tuesday, but a federal judge put the law on hold last Friday pending a February hearing requested by opponents.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/new_hampshire/articles/2007/12/30/nh_civil_unions_legal_protections_obligations_and_pitfalls/



Block Island meets state's affordable housing goal
December 30, 2007
BLOCK ISLAND, R.I.—Block Island may be 12 miles off the coast and have the state's highest housing costs, but it's also the only town in Rhode Island to meet the state's affordable housing goal.
Rhode Island's cities have long passed the target of 10 percent affordable housing, but with a project to build 20 affordable homes, Block Island is the only town above that threshold.
That's good news for folks like Garry Censorio, co-owner of a local restaurant who has been living with his wife and two sons in his in-law's house for the past 18 years.
"It's a hard thing to believe that we're gonna have a house," Censorio told The Providence Journal.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/rhode_island/articles/2007/12/30/block_island_meets_states_affordable_housing_goal/



A Brazilian immigrant searches for a future
By Eduardo A. De Oliveira
Globe Correspondent / December 30, 2007
A lessandra Silva is worn out. After more than 10 years in the United States, the Holliston housecleaner thinks it likely that, next year, she will move back to her native Brazil. She hasn't bought a plane ticket yet, but Silva feels she has waited long enough for legal status that never seems to come.
"I can't take this routine of working, going to church, and back home anymore," said Silva. "It doesn't make sense to stay here, because I have no new goals."
At 35, with no husband or children, and following the deaths of her parents, she feels like she sacrificed too much waiting for permanent residency. Even so, returning home is a tough decision, she said.
Silva came to the United States in 1996 on a tourist visa. She said she stayed after the visa expired, hoping to save enough money for a better life in Brazil. Silva has tried several different routes toward legal residency. Most recently, in 2004, she applied for a religious worker's visa based on her unfinished education at a theological college in Brazil. For a while, everything seemed to be looking up. She even got her fingerprints taken, she said. But she is still waiting for a response.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2007/12/30/a_brazilian_immigrant_searches_for_a_future/



Advocates hope for animal abuse laws
By Dena Potter
Associated Press Writer / December 30, 2007
RICHMOND, Va.—Animal advocates around the nation hope that public outrage over dogfighting and puppy mill scandals in Virginia will force state and federal lawmakers to pass tougher animal abuse laws.
Some sportsmen, however, warn that the emotionally charged debate could result in laws affecting legitimate owners, especially of hunting dogs, along with the intended targets.
The legislative moves stem from the arrest of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick and friends on charges they were operating a dogfighting ring at his 15-acre country estate in southeastern Virginia.
That case, in which Vick was sentenced to 23 months behind bars, was followed by a study showing that the majority of puppies sold in Virginia come from puppy mills run by unlicensed breeders who churn out pets like livestock.

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/12/30/advocates_hope_for_animal_abuse_laws/



World outsources pregnancies to India
By Sam Dolnick
Associated Press Writer / December 30, 2007
ANAND, India—Every night in this quiet western Indian city, 15 pregnant women prepare for sleep in the spacious house they share, ascending the stairs in a procession of ballooned bellies, to bedrooms that become a landscape of soft hills.
A team of maids, cooks and doctors looks after the women, whose pregnancies would be unusual anywhere else but are common here. The young mothers of Anand, a place famous for its milk, are pregnant with the children of infertile couples from around the world.
The small clinic at Kaival Hospital matches infertile couples with local women, cares for the women during pregnancy and delivery, and counsels them afterward. Anand's surrogate mothers, pioneers in the growing field of outsourced pregnancies, have given birth to roughly 40 babies.

http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2007/12/30/outsourcing_pregnancies_to_india/


Iran says its first atom plant to start in mid-2008
December 30, 2007
TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran's first atomic power plant will start operating in mid-2008, Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said on Sunday, two days after the country received a second delivery of nuclear fuel from Russia.
Mottaki also told Iranian media that Tehran wants assurances that the United States will accept the results of the talks before holding a new meeting about ways to end violence in Iraq.
U.S. and Iraqi officials have held three rounds of talks since May on the security situation in Iraq, easing a diplomatic freeze that lasted almost three decades, but Mottaki's remarks suggested Tehran was not satisfied with the outcome so far.

http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2007/12/30/iran_says_its_first_atom_plant_to_start_in_mid_2008/



Hundreds stung by jellyfish in Brazil
December 30, 2007
SAO PAULO, Brazil—Swarms of jellyfish stung nearly 300 swimmers looking to cool off from a heat wave in a southeastern beach city, Brazilian media reported Sunday.
At least 15 people including children and teenagers were treated in Praia Grande for severe stings, doctor Adriano Bechara told the Tribuna newspaper, though their lives were not in danger.
Fire Capt. Atila Gregorio Ribeiro Pereira said the jellyfish were Portuguese man-of-war, which have long tentacles but are not too dangerous unless the victim has an allergic reaction, according to the Folha online news service.
Many of the injured arrived at medical centers Friday and Saturday crying from the pain of the stings, paramedic Claudio Casadei told Tribuna. Most were treated and released.
Authorities blamed an extreme heat wave over the southeastern region for the swarm in the shallow waters off Praia Grande.

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/12/30/hundreds_stung_by_jellyfish_in_brazil/



Rioting rocks Pakistan as officials weigh election delay
Toll following assassination rises above 40
By Griff Witte
Washington Post / December 30, 2007
KARACHI - Nationwide rioting brought life in Pakistan to a standstill yesterday and prompted government officials to consider delaying next month's election, as the country continued to be torn by conflict over Thursday's killing of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.
The death toll from the violence climbed above 40, with many residents staying indoors out of fear and others venturing out to torch government buildings or to do battle with police firing tear gas.
The unrest turned streets in this normally frenetic city, Pakistan's largest, into empty expanses of asphalt. Dozens of burned-out cars and buses sat on the sides of the roads, evidence of nighttime mobs that roamed the city in defiance of a heavy security presence that now includes patrols of army soldiers in addition to police.

http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2007/12/30/rioting_rocks_pakistan_as_officials_weigh_election_delay/



Hong Kong denied '12 vote
Direct elections possible in 2017
By Edward Cody
Washington Post / December 30, 2007
BEIJING - China ruled yesterday that Hong Kong cannot choose its next chief executive through direct elections, but held out hopes of a more democratic vote for the following election, in 2017.
The ruling, by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, or legislature, demonstrated the Communist Party's determination to maintain tight controls over Hong Kong politics for at least the near future.
It continued what prodemocracy activists have contended is an overly slow pace toward the democratic changes promised when the former British colony reverted to Chinese rule in 1997.

http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2007/12/30/hong_kong_denied_12_vote/



Riots mar close Kenya vote; both parties declare victory
By Elizabeth A. Kennedy
Associated Press / December 30, 2007
NAIROBI - Thousands of Kenyans enraged over delays in announcing the country's next president burned down homes and attacked political rivals with sticks and machetes yesterday, tainting a vote that was initially seen as a beacon of hope for democracy in Africa.
Three people were shot to death during protests in Migori, 360 miles west of Nairobi, said area Police Chief Grace Kaindi. In the capital, Nairobi, hundreds of supporters of opposition candidate Raila Odinga marching on the electoral commission were beaten back by police using tear gas.
Thursday's vote pitted incumbent President Mwai Kibaki against Odinga, a flamboyant millionaire who cast himself as a champion of the poor. It was the country's most closely fought election since the nation gained its independence from Britain in 1963. Yesterday, both parties said they had won, but the electoral commission said counting was not yet finished.

http://www.boston.com/news/world/africa/articles/2007/12/30/riots_mar_close_kenya_vote_both_parties_declare_victory/



UK fraud office demands drug firms' Iraq documents
December 30, 2007
LONDON (Reuters) - GlaxoSmithKline Plc and AstraZeneca Plc said on Sunday Britain's Serious Fraud Office has asked them to hand over confidential documents, following allegations bribes were paid to win contracts in Iraq.
The watchdog is investigating possible breaches of the oil-for-food sanctions program, which was designed to allow the deposed regime of Saddam Hussein to sell limited amounts of oil to buy food and medicine.
The drugmakers deny any wrongdoing and say they are cooperating fully with the authorities after receiving the request for documents.
"GSK does not believe that its employees or its agents in Iraq knowingly engaged in wrongdoing regarding the oil-for-food program," Glaxo, the world's second-largest drug company, said in a statement on Sunday.
"In fact, GSK went to considerable lengths to cooperate with UK government authorities responsible for the UK administration of the program, and to impose anti-corruption measures when dealing with intermediaries in Iraq."
Notices were served earlier this month by the fraud office requiring the drug firms to give up e-mails, faxes, contracts and invoices, according to the Sunday Telegraph newspaper.

http://www.boston.com/news/world/europe/articles/2007/12/30/uk_fraud_office_demands_drug_firms_iraq_documents/



Nepal's ex-rebels rejoin government
By Binaj Gurubacharya
Associated Press Writer / December 30, 2007
KATMANDU, Nepal—Former communist rebels rejoined Nepal's government on Sunday, ending a political crisis that began when the ex-guerrillas walked out of a ruling coalition three months ago.
Five ex-rebels were appointed ministers by Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala as part of an agreement to end the crisis, Chief Secretary Bhojraj Ghimire said. The five are to take an oath of office on Monday.
Two of the ministers will hold considerable power by controlling all state-run media and local development, including city and village councils. The others will oversee forests, soil conservation, planning, women's issues and social welfare.
Nepal's monarch, King Gyanendra, seized absolute control over the country in 2005, but was forced to relinquish most of his powers following widespread protests in April 2006.
Separately, the rebels agreed last year to give up a decade-long armed revolt. More than 13,000 people died in the fighting.

http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2007/12/30/nepals_ex_rebels_rejoin_government/



Election test for Georgian democracy
By Maria Danilova
Associated Press Writer / December 30, 2007
TBILISI, Georgia—Young, energetic and friendly to the West, Mikhail Saakashvili became a symbol of democratic reform in the former Soviet Union in 2003 for leading street rallies that ousted a graying veteran of the Communist era and catapulted him into power.
Now the 40-year-old president's own commitment to democracy is being tested in a presidential election Saturday in which he is accused of silencing critics and restricting independent media.
Despite sinking approval ratings, the U.S.-educated hero of Georgia's Rose Revolution stands a good chance of winning a second term against a fragmented opposition.
But Saakashvili's reformist credentials have been weakened by charges that his supporters are pressuring people to vote for the president and leaning on businesses to help fund his campaign.

http://www.boston.com/news/world/europe/articles/2007/12/30/election_test_for_georgian_democracy/



The Nation

Life still on hold
Mansoor Khan
KARACHI - At least seven people were killed and many others sustained injuries in different clashes occurred in Karachi and others parts of Sindh on Saturday in protest against the assassination of PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto.
Shops were shuttered, weddings were cancelled and daily life was on hold for tens of millions of Pakistanis as the nation mourned the killing.
The election offices were set alight in nine districts of Sindh besides 36 factories torched in Karachi.
Death toll had soared to 38 with 55 injured in three days, Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Azhar Ali Farooqui said, adding that over 700 vehicles, 15 banks and three restaurants, 10 factories, six police posts, five traffic police posts, eights petrol pumps and two union council offices were torched.
The law enforcement agencies claimed to have arrested over 250 miscreants from different areas of the city. Armed clashes between the law enforcers and miscreants were also reported from others areas of the city including Lyari, Malir and Saforah Goth.
Despite shoot-at-sight orders to Rangers and five battalions army deployment, four factories, one KESC office, a bank, more than 55 shops and 10 vehicles have been burnt. Riots continued in Lyari, Malir, Korangi, Landhi, Saddar Town, Sacchal Goth, Gadap, Maripur, Sukkan, Baldia, Ibrahim Haideri, Memon Goth, Khoparapar, Kosar Niazi Colony, Site, Pak Colony, Kharadar, Methadar, and Jamshed Town. Four people were killed in different areas of Lyari and more than15 others wounded in the riots, police said. Five bodies along with 15 injured people were rushed to the Civil Hospital Karachi, identified as Mohammad Ashraf shot dead at Bihar Colony, in the jurisdiction of Chakiwara Police Station, Badam Khan was gunned down at Agra Taj Colony, Rehmat near Juna Market, Kalri while two other victims were rushed to hospital from Mohammadi Colony and Sangolane, in Lyari.

http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/dec-2007/30/index1.php



Musharraf orders firm action against rioters
HAQ NAWAZ
ISLAMABAD - President Pervez Musharraf on Saturday ordered security chiefs to take firm action against rioters following the assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, state media said. Musharraf also discussed the possibilities of holding elections with the top government functionaries, while senior officials privy to the consultations confided to TheNation that the forthcoming polls were most likely to be postponed.
The President, in his separate meetings with Caretaker Prime Minister Muhammadmian Soomro-led government team and Chief Election Commissioner Justice (Retd) Qazi Farooq here, deliberated at length the overall security situation in the wake of tragic death of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
Taking strong exception of the street violence, President directed the federal and provincial governments to deploy Army at the troubled cities where necessary to maintain law and order.
President Musharraf presided over a high level meeting that was attended by Caretaker PM, Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani, Information Minister Nisar A Memon, Interior Minister Hamid Nawaz and security officials.
The Chief Election Commissioner also convened the meeting of the EC tomorrow (Monday) to review the elections scenario and is likely to forward the recommendation about either holding or delaying of elections to the top leadership.

http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/dec-2007/30/index2.php



No need for int'l help
QAISER ZULFIQAR
ISLAMABAD - Interior Ministry official spokesman Brig (Retd) Javed Iqbal Cheema Saturday ruled out PPP demand to carry out the probe into Benazir’s murder case by the international investigation team under the umbrella of the United Nations.
Addressing a press conference, Brig (Retd) Javed Iqbal Cheema said, that Benazir’s murder case probe is difficult for the international body. He said, “Benazir Bhutto’s murder is not an ordinary case, rather a case of terrorism having links with our own tribal area people, who speak Pushto, therefore, the international investigation team would find it difficult to probe into the case as they neither know Pushto nor could easily have access to the tribal belt”.
“We are fully capable to carry out the probe and we will conduct the inquiry ourselves” he claimed.
However, the spokesperson’s style in Saturday briefing was clearly rude rather than convincing the media. He appeared confused due to not only conflicting opinions on the Thursday’s assassination of Benazir Bhutto but also because of the inaccuracies found within the government’s standpoint.

http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/dec-2007/30/index3.php



Bathed body, saw bullet wound: Sherry
ISLAMABAD (AFP) - Benazir Bhutto’s PPP Saturday rejected the official account of her death as ‘nonsense’ and accused the government of a cover-up, as many cities remained virtually shut down in mourning.
While the United States pressed Pakistan to go ahead with elections on January 8 in an attempt to defuse the crisis gripping the country, a bitter dispute erupted over how the former premier died and who was to blame.
Bhutto died on Thursday after a suicide attack targetting her vehicle at a campaign rally in Rawalpindi. Early reports said she had been shot before a bomb exploded nearby.
However the interior ministry said she had no gunshot or shrapnel wounds. It said the opposition leader died after smashing her head on her car’s sunroof as she tried to duck.
Interior ministry spokesman Brigadier Javed Cheema said Bhutto would have survived the assassination attempt if she had stayed inside the car and not had put her head above the sunroof.
He also blamed Al-Qaeda, saying intelligence services had intercepted a call from Baitullah Mehsud, considered the extremist group’s top leader for Pakistan, congratulating a militant for Bhutto’s death.
Senior members of Bhutto’s Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) dismissed the government’s version of events as ‘lies’.
“There was a bullet wound I saw that went in from the back of her head and came out the other side,” Bhutto’s spokeswoman Sherry Rehman, who was involved in washing her body for burial, told AFP.

http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/dec-2007/30/index4.php



Mehsud denies killing
SHAMIM SHAHID
PESHAWAR- Militants Commander Baitullah Mahsud has contradicted reports about his or group involvement in assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.
“Killing or aggression against a woman is contrary to tribal traditions,” remarked Baitullah Mahsud’s spokesman Maulvi Omar in telephonic calls to media offices on Saturday.
The government, through Interior Ministry, charged Baitullah Mahsud and his associates for assassinating former prime minister and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Benazir Bhutto. In this respect, the officials of Interior Ministry presenting telephonic conversation of Baitullah Mahsud with one of his associates.
While contradicting involvement of Baitullah Mahsud in killing of Benazir Bhutto, Maulvi Omar alleged that through such type of statements, government wanted to confuse the public and divert attentions of the PPP. He termed the allegations against Mahsud baseless.
Advocating in favour of his claim, the spokesman reminded that attacking and killing of women are detrimental to tribal traditions. On such grounds “We condemn killing of Benazir Bhutto. “She was highly respectable politician at international level,” he added.
In response to a question, the spokesman recalled that Baitullah Mahsud has already contradicted press reports attributed to him regarding suicide attack on Benazir Bhutto. “We condemn brutal assassination of Benazir Bhutto,” he concluded.
The spokesman, at each and every level during his brief chat with media offices, called Benazir Bhutto as “Shaheed and Mohtarama (respectable).”

http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/dec-2007/30/index5.php



Bilawal to lead party as per Benazir's will
NAVEED BUTT
and Faheem Raza
ISLAMABAD/KARACHI - Pakistan People’s Party Parliamentarian (PPP-P) President Makhdoom Amin Fahim is likely to assume the party chairmanship today (Sunday) for a short period of time, after which Bilawal (Benazir’s son) would be nominated as permanent party chief as per will of her mother, Benazir Bhutto.
According to party sources, Makhdoom Amin Fahim would lead the party till the election process is completed. Amin Fahim has been very close to PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto during the last eight years. He has learnt many political tactics from former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto during the period, the sources said.
The sources said Benazir Bhutto was very conscious about the future and education of her son, Bilawal. She wanted him to lead the party after her, the sources added. Now Bilawal is 19-year old, who is getting education at Oxford University, London.
“Bilawal is immature for politics and his education is also not completed, “ the sources said. According to the Benazir’s will, the sources added, son Bilawal would lead the PPP after her.
The sources added that nominations of PPP leadership would be announced in the meeting of party’s Central Executive Committee which is being held today at Larkana after the ‘Qul’ of late PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto. The “Soyem” of Benazir Bhutto will be held at 10:00 to 12:00am today at Naudero, Larkana.

http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/dec-2007/30/index6.php



Nawaz Sharif asks PPP to boycott polls
RAMZAN CHANDIO
NAUDERO - PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif has urged the PPP leaders to boycott the upcoming elections.
He made made this appeal to the PPP leaders on Saturday during his visit to Naudero, where he went to condole the merciless killing of Benazir Bhutto with Asif Ali Zardari, his family and PPP leaders in the presence of newsmen.
Talking to journalists, Nawaz said that after the gruesome murder of Benazir Bhutto, no political party was ready to contest elections. He further said the country was more important than elections because country was in danger due to wrong policies of the present rulers and ambitious generals.
He said the assassination of Benazir Bhutto was a tragic incident of the history of Pakistan and whole the nation was in grip of grief. He stated that at this stage of grief and sorrow, the PML-N stands by the people of Sindh.
He said that threats to his life also persisted but he was ready to sacrifice his life for the democracy and the country. The complete consensus prevails between PPP and PML-N aiming to start joint struggle against dictatorial rule and to save the country, he said and added “today we ask PPP leadership to boycott the elections and convincing them the elections would be engineered.” The attack on my election rally and assassination of Benazir Bhutto was part of rigging of elections, he added.

http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/dec-2007/30/index7.php


PML-Q workers feel unity wearing thin
IRFAN BUKHARI
ISLAMABAD - The Liaqat Bagh tragedy has not only shattered the hopes for political stability in Pakistan but also has created deep cracks in the artificial unity of Pakistan Muslim League-Q.
The most visible element in the riots that broke across the country was the violent anger against PML-Q candidates to which mobsters gave vent by tearing or torching election banners and boards of PML-Q.
The exchange of venomous words and phrases between late Bhutto and next premiership hopeful Pervaiz Elahi filled the hearts of PPP loyalists with fury against PML-Q.
Immediately after the tragic incident, PML-Q candidates went underground, their election offices were closed and all election activities were instantly halted. The wave of rage against PML-Q candidates is so brawny that even their staunch workers also erased all signs of party attachment from their homes and vehicles to avoid masses wrath.
“Either elections are held on scheduled time or postponed, I am caught in a fix regarding my future political affiliation. A bullet at Liaqat Bagh has changed the destiny of future ballot”, a PML-Q candidate for national assembly seat requesting anonymity told TheNation.
Another PML-Q candidate for provincial assembly seat expressing his deep concerns over the future of PML-Q noted that it would be very tough for PML-Q leadership to keep its fellows united in the changing scenario. “If polls are conducted on January 8 how will we be able to run our electioneering when we are simply not able to expose ourselves in public”, he added.

http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/dec-2007/30/index12.php


4kg explosive used
QAISER ZULFIQAR
ISLAMABAD - The suicide bomber, who blew himself up at Liaquat Bagh, Rawalpindi Thursday, killing PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto and 24 others, was carrying 4 kg explosive and 2-1/2 kg pallets, sources told TheNation on Saturday.
They said that the head of suicide bomber found from the scene was taken to Civil Military Hospital (CMH), Rawalpindi for plastic surgery of his face. After surgery, the photo of suicide attacker was sent to NADRA but its match cannot found, they added. However, they said samples have also been sent to laboratory for DNA test.
Meanwhile, Interior Ministry also issued list of the deceased and injured of the Liaquat Bagh incident. The list showed that 24 people, including PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto, were killed and 35 others injured in the suicide attack.
Besides PPP Chairperson, those killed in the blasts were identified as Asif Sumair, Zulfikar, Tauqeer Akram, Muhammad Javed, Raja Habib, Sher Ahmad, Muhammad Shafiq, Zaheer Khan, Muhammad Kaleem, Muhammad Shafi, Khizar Hayat, Raja Amin, Muhammad Rafique, Mazhar Tasawwar, Raique Raza, Nadeem Akhtar and Javed Iqbal while five deceased yet to be identified.
The 35 injured included constable Qayyum, Abid Bhatti, Wali Muhammad, Kamran Nazir, Wazir Mehmood, Sabir Hussain, M Ejaz, Sain Muhammad, Tariq Mehmood, Matiur Rehman, Wasim Abbas, Iftikhar Ahmad, Muhammad Umar, Abdul Hameed, Mian Atta Muhammad, Ghulam Murtaza, Mohammad Rukhsar, Mohammad Akram, Rashid Ahmad, Sheikh Ahsan, Tariq Syed, Muhammad Riaz, Muhammad Tariq, Muhammad Jamil, Umar Khitab, Haji Khalid, Jamshed Khan, Siraj Khan, Nawazish, Ashraf, Atif, Javed Muhammad Salim, Ghulam Ghous, Tariq Waheed and Akhtar Saeed.

http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/dec-2007/30/index13.php


Envoys briefed on BB murder
OUR STAFF REPORTER
ISLAMABAD- The United States, UK and other western states on Saturday urged Pakistan to hold general elections on schedule, as it is vital for political order and stability.
The security officials here arranged a special briefing for Islamabad based foreign envoys at the Foreign Office on the assassination of former Prime Minister and PPP Chairperson Benazir Bhutto.
The briefing was attended by almost all the ambassadors, including the major world powers, according to officials. The foreign envoys were told that the initial probe hinted at the involvement of Al Qaeda in the brutal killing of Ms Bhutto, an official said.
He said the envoys were told that all possible steps would be taken to reach the culprits involved in the horrendous act of terror who wanted to destabilize Pakistan, the frontline state in anti-terror global alliance.
The ambassadors were apprised of the various aspects of ongoing investigation into the Benazir’s assassination, the official said, adding that they were told that judicial inquiry would also be held into the assassination of country’s top politician.
The envoys condemned the killing of Ms Bhutto while terming it a huge loss for Pakistan.
They paid tributes to her for meritorious services that she had rendered for her nation.
They also expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the country in the aftermath of assassination of Benazir Bhutto and asked for elaborate measure to arrest the worsening situation.
The foreign envoys, according to official, asked for holding of polls on January 8, fearing their postponement would only embolden the forces of extremism who were against the political stability in Pakistan.
The envoys were told that consultations were on at higher level with different political parties on the elections and a final decision would be taken keeping in view the ground realities and what was in the country’s national interests, the official said.

http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/dec-2007/30/index14.php


Polls likely to be extended to March
Election Commission will take a final decision tomorrow as regards to the holding of general elections in the country.
It is likely that the polling would be held in the 2nd week of March, as the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Justice (R) Qazi Muhammad Faruque is expected to announce the postponement of the elections for national and provincial assemblies, following tomorrows scheduled meeting. Nomination papers would not be called for again in connection with the elections and the polling date only would be rescheduled in March.

http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/dec-2007/30/latest.php


Grief, anger and polls
FRIDAY was the second day of nationwide mourning for Benazir Bhutto whose charismatic personality attracted people across all ethnic and religious divides. People all over the country, Northern Areas and Azad Kashmir spontaneously came out into the streets, some to offer funeral prayers for the dead leader, others to express their grief and anger at the horror of her death. With traders announcing a shutter-down and no public and little private transport on the roads, the major cities wore a deserted look. At places public anger and frustration led to acts of violence. Railway assets, banks, public and private vehicles, government installations and PML and MQM offices and posters were the main targets. While violence was not confined to any single province, Karachi and interior Sindh were the worst affected. Not only that Ms Bhutto belonged to Sindh she was the third Prime Minister from the province to be killed or executed in Rawalpindi.
There was a need to realise the gravity of the situation on Thursday. Government dignitaries and PML(Q) leaders should have been at the hospital to share the grief. The administration should have been represented at the highest level at the funeral. Instead the reaction to the killing was treated as yet another law and order situation. In the absence of political measures, the shoot-at-sight orders in Sindh might do more damage than control it. The way the government is trying to explain away its own shortcomings may also add to the provocation. At times the impression conveyed is that the administration holds the slain leader responsible for her own death by sticking out her neck from the sunroof while exonerating its agencies from the charge of not providing the four police vehicles or a proper jamming system for her security as she had been demanding.

http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/dec-2007/30/editorials1.php


Complete shutterdown, wheel-jam strike
Rana Latif
LAHORE - The Punjab capital continued sobbing, overwhelmed by grief on the second day of the Liaquat Bagh tragedy. The people remained aghast and dejected. Complete shutterdown and wheel-jam strike was observed amid tightened security and extra-ordinary deployment of the rangers and police officials around all the governmental installations. The governmental institutions were also remained closed as a token of mourning the incident.
The petrol pumps also remained closed causing hardships for motorists who wanted to use their private vehicles to move in the city. However, there was a restricted selling of petrol in gallons and bottles. The public transport was hardly witnessed anywhere in the city.
Some motorcycle rickshaws and wagons were seen on the major roads, which charged extra fares from the commuters.
Only a few shops of eatables, bakeries and restaurants were observed open at the eve on Saturday. There was acute shortage of fruit, vegetables and other items of daily use because of the closure of transport and markets.
The overall security situation was peaceful in the city though protest demonstrations were also seen at the different parts of the city. These were condemning the brutal assassination of country’s popular leader and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. People blocked the traffic at Multan Road and at some other localities by creating bonfire.

http://nation.com.pk/daily/dec-2007/30/localnews1.php



Political People: Bilawal Bhutto, 19-year-old son of Benazir Bhutto (click here)






Needed in Pakistan "...a caretaker government...reinstatement of the judges...Benazir Bhutto was the only one willing to stand up to the extremists..." (click here)