• diary political and General News Events from Feb 2

Nigeria-oil-unrest-kidnap-Philippines
ABUJA
Nigeria plans to assure the government of the Philippines that it is doing everything in its power to obtain the release of the six Filipinos who were seized by unidentified men at the weekend, officials say.
400 words moved
Thailand-Singapore-telecom-politics
BANGKOK
When Singapore's Temasek Holdings bought Thai telecom Shin Corp one year ago for 3.8 billion dollars, the political and financial shock waves toppled Thaksin Shinawatra's government and rocked the national economy.
600 words 0430 GMT
India-religion-festival-women-society
ALLAHABAD
The holy spot where the Ganges and Yamuna rivers meet -- and where millions of Hindu pilgrims have flocked during a major festival -- is one of the few places in conservative India that strict conventions on female dress are relaxed, at least briefly.
530 words 0500 GMT by Tripti Lahiri. Picture
AFPEntertainment-Britain-television-India
LONDON
A British television channel decides to review editorial procedures behind a reality show that sparked an international row after contestants allegedly took part in racist bullying.
400 word moved
-- ASIA BUSINESS --
US-Indonesia-trade
WASHINGTON
The United States is looking into signing an investment treaty with Indonesia this year to set the pace for a larger free trade pact that could, according to a study, boost bilateral trade by up to 40 percent.
550 words 0200 GMT by P. Parameswaran
AFPEntertainment-music-France-MIDEM-Asia
CANNES, FRANCE
From dark gothic Taiwanese rock to Japanese bossa nova, Chinese classical crossover and Korean opera, the sounds of Asia are blasting this year's annual MIDEM music industry market.
600 words 0200 GMT by Audrey Stuart. Picture
-- MIDDLE EAST --
Iraq-US-Qaeda-Zawahiri,3rdlead
DUBAI
Al-Qaeda's second-in-command, Ayman al-Zawahiri, spits defiance at US President George W. Bush, saying in an online audio message that he should send his whole army to be annihilated in Iraq.
500 words 0400 GMT
Iraq,7thlead
BAGHDAD
Bombs rip through markets killing at least 100 people around Baghdad as Al-Qaeda claims it shot down a US helicopter and American and Iraqi forces gear up for an offensive against militias in violence-wracked Baghdad.
800 words moved by Bill Ickes. Picture
-- AMERICAS --
US-Iraq-politics-Bush,2ndlead
WASHINGTON
US President George W. Bush puts the last touches on his annual State of the Union address, looking to seize another prime-time chance to defend his highly unpopular new strategy for Iraq.
750 words 0200 GMT by Olivier Knox
We will also move: US-politics-Bush-domestic
Canada-trial-murder,2ndlead
NEW WESTMINSTER, Canada
A pig farmer who confessed in jail to murdering 49 women, goes on trial in Canada's most grisly serial killings, with prosecutors describing how horrified police found two women's heads stored in his freezer.
650 words 0200 GMT by Deborah Jones
AFPEntertainment-US-film-Oscars,lead
LOS ANGELES
Hollywood was counting down the hours to the 2007 Oscar nominations, with analysts predicting one of the most wide-open best picture battles in years.
750 words 0200 GMT by Rob Woollard
Cuba-Castro
HAVANA
Six months after Fidel Castro handed over the reins of power to undergo major surgery, the Cuban president's condition remains shrouded in secrecy, but a discreet political transition appears to be underway.
750 words 0130 GMT by Patrick Moser. Picture
-- EUROPE --
Forum-Davos-politics-economy-warming-climate,ADVANCER
DAVOS, Switzerland
An exceptionally mild and barren first half of winter in the Swiss Alps is helping to fuel growing concern about climate change at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum beginning on Wednesday.
700 words 0230 GMT by Peter Capella. Picture
AFPLifestyle-fashion-France-couture-Dior
PARIS
John Galliano takes the Paris fashion crowd on a voyage to Japan with couture creations full of spectacular origami effect as he marks 10 years at Christian Dior.
500 words 0130 GMT by Dominique Schroeder and Kate Millar. Picture, video
We have also moved: AFPLifestyle-fashion-France-couture
UN-climate,ADVANCER
PARIS
A political timebomb is set to detonate next week over climate change, and the men and women priming the device prefer to wear sensible brown shoes or ties that look like socks -- and they rarely raise their voices.
750 words 0230 GMT by Anne Chaon and Richard Ingham. Graphic
afp
Document AFPR000020070123e31n000jl

The 1030 GMT News Advisory
AFP

671 words

18 January 2007

05:50 AM

Agence France Presse

AFPR

English

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2007 All reproduction and presentation rights reserved.
HONG KONG, Jan 18, 2007 (AFP) -
Duty Editor: Claire Cozens
News Desk: + 852 2829 6211
-- WORLD HEADLINES --
BAGHDAD: PM seeks more US military hardware as bombs kill 17
TOKYO: Bank of Japan leaves interest rates unchanged
NEW DELHI: TV race row overshadows Brown's India visit
JERUSALEM: Olmert rejects calls to quit
-- ASIA --
Japan-economy-bank-rate-money-forex,4thlead
TOKYO
The Bank of Japan decides against raising its ultra-low interest rates in the face of fierce political pressure, backing down in a standoff that has put its credibility into question.
650 words 1100 GMT by Daniel Rook. Picture
We have already moved: Japan-economy-bank-rate-money,ANALYSIS
India-Britain-Brown-racism,lead
NEW DELHI
Gordon Brown, dubbed Britain's prime minister-in-waiting, meets India's Prime Minister on a visit intended to raise the profile of the dour finance minister but hijacked by allegations of racism back home.
600 words 1200 GMT by Elizabeth Roche. Pictures
AFPEntertainment-Britain-television-India,lead
LONDON
Supporters rally round Bollywood film star Shilpa Shetty, after she claims for the first time she has been a victim of racism on a TV show at the centre of an increasingly tense diplomatic row.
650 words 1200 GMT by Phil Hazlewood. Pictures.
We will also move: AFPEntertainment-Britain-television-India-quotes
AFPEntertainment-Britain-television-India-show
AFPEntertainment-Britain-television-India-racism
We have already moved: AFPEntertainment-Britain-television-India
Nigeria-oil-unrest-China-kidnap,4thlead
BEIJING
Five Chinese telecoms workers have been safely rescued in Nigeria after being abducted nearly two weeks ago by gunmen in the country's restive oil-producing region, China's foreign ministry says.
450 words moved by Dan Martin
Vietnam-Vatican-diplomacy-religion,3rdlead
HANOI
Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung will visit Pope Benedict XVI next week in the first meeting between a leader of the communist nation and a head of the Catholic church, officials in Hanoi confirm.
650 words 1030 GMT by Frank Zeller
Afghanistan-unrest-Pakistan-Taliban,REAX
ISLAMABAD
Pakistan denies its intelligence service was sheltering Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar in the city of Quetta near the Afghan border.
500 words at 1130 GMT
SKorea-NKorea-refugees,lead
SEOUL
The Seoul government expresses regret after nine North Korean refugees were deported from China despite requesting help from South Korean diplomats.
550 words moved by Park Chan-Kyong
India-Liberia-conflict-UN-peacekeepers
WAZIRABAD, India
Combat training over, 125 of India's crack policewomen are to leave Sunday for Liberia to act as UN peacekeepers -- the first time the world body has deployed an all-female unit.
530 words moved by Penny MacRae. Pictures
-- MIDDLE EAST --
Iraq,lead
BAGHDAD
A wave of car bombs hits Baghdad, killing at least 17 people, after Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki urges Washington to give his forces better equipment so foreign troops can withdraw from Iraq.
750 words 1200 GMT. Picture
Mideast-Israel-politics-Lebanon,lead
JERUSALEM
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and his defense minister reject mounting calls that they follow the military chief of staff and resign over failures of the war on Hezbollah.
650 words 1130 GMT by Jean-Luc Renaudie. Picture.
-- AMERICAS --
US-weather-storm,newseries
LOS ANGELES
Snow falls in normally balmy southern California as Americans cope with deadly cold weather that has left hundreds of thousands in the dark and caused billions in crop damage.
550 words 1130 GMT
US-Iraq-politics,newseries
WASHINGTON
The opposition-controlled US Congress is to hear from retired generals on military options in Iraq, as sentiment against the war mounts following President George W. Bush's announcement that more troops are going to the region.
650 words moved by Stephanie Griffith
-- EUROPE ---
US-Mideast-Germany-diplomacy-Rice,2ndlead
BERLIN
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and German Chancellor Angela Merkel discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict after the two sides announce a revival of the international quartet for Middle East peace.
750 words 1130 GMT by Deborah Cole. Pictures.
afp
Document AFPR000020070118e31i003l7

Asian economic and corporate news summary
1,225 words

18 January 2007

AFX Asia

AFXASI

English

(c) 2007, AFX Asia. All rights reserved.
BEIJING (XFN-ASIA) - A summary of Asian economic and corporate news at 1000 GMT
JAPAN:
-Bank of Japan keeps overnight call rate target at 0.25 pct by majority vote
-Bank of Japan leaves monthly assessment of economy largely unchanged
-Bank of Japan to adjust rates slowly, no preset schedule on future action -Fukui
-Tokyo Dec condo sales up 1.5 pct year-on-year, Osaka sales down 18.0 pct
-Nov tertiary index down 0.3 pct from Oct; first fall in 2 months
-Nov leading index revised to 18.2 from initial estimate of 20
-Dec department store sales down 2.3 pct year-on-year
-Foreign investors turn net buyers of Japanese stocks in week to Jan 13
-30-year govt bond auction lowest accepted bid 98.29 yen, yield 2.380 pct
-Mitsubishi Fuso once again recalling big trucks in case tires fall off
-Moody's to review rating on Shin-Etsu Chemical for possible upgrade
-Tanabe Seiyaku confirms in merger talks with Mitsubishi Pharma
SOUTH KOREA:
-EU, China can replace US in free trade talks - SKorea chief negotiatior
-SK Networks 2006 net profit 473.9 bln won vs 456.1 bln
-Hyundai Merchant Marine 2006 net profit 114 bln won vs 386.4 bln
-Samsung Electro-Mechanics Q4 net profit 32.7 bln won vs loss 9.9 bln
-Samsung Electro-Mechanics Q4 opg profit up 15 fold on brisk sales
-Anti-trust regulators fine Hyundai Motor 23 bln won for unfair trading
-Shinsegae 2006 opg profit up 15 pct led by dept store, discount ops
-Fitch Ratings to buy 39.33 pct stake in Korea Ratings for 53.57 bln won
-Hynix develops new wafer packaging technology cutting cost by 20 pct
HONG KONG:
-Hong Kong dollar faces more pressure after fall below US dollar peg - DBS banker
-Oct-Dec unemployment rate 4.4 pct, unchanged from Sept-Nov
-Hong Kong dollar faces more pressure after fall below US dollar peg - DBS banker
-China airspace rules, airport congestion hurting industry - Cathay Pacific CEO
-Sinopec 2006 crude oil output up 2.28 pct to 285.19 mln barrels
-Hong Kong International Airport to open precious metals depository
-Shimao Property acquires Suzhou prime lot for 1.7 bln yuan
-Weichai Power to issue 900 mln yuan debentures in China
-Meadville Holdings targets div payout of 20 pct after Hong Kong IPO
-Zijin Mining to acquire 39 pct stake in Jintai Gold for 90 mln yuan
-Oriental Investment to buy 44 pct of Tianhan Devt for 102.7 mln hkd
-Daqing Petroleum to sell unit Earlsmead for 350 mln hkd
CHINA:
-China economy seen flat or weakening - Merrill Lynch fund manager survey
-Central bank drains 40 bln yuan in open market ops, yield unchanged
-Central bank needs just 500-600 bln usd of foreign reserves - economist
-China becomes world's largest stainless steel producer - NDRC
-China Exim Bank to consider yuan bond issue in Hong Kong
-China property developers see limited impact from new land tax policy
-China, Kazakhstan, India to lead Asia-Pacific growth in 2007 - S&P
-EU seeks further cooperation with China on energy, climate issues
-IEA close to deal with China on strategic reserves
-China says five nationals kidnapped in Nigeria released
-China's fixed assets investment growth not likely to fall sharply this yr - NBS
-China's issues of asset-backed securities surge 175.2 pct in 2006
-China starts building 1.6 bln yuan oil products depot in Fujian
-President Hu to visit Sudan, South Africa
-EU flags three key international challenges where China should play active role
-EU holds firm on China arms embargo
-China Internet, media companies to see new gains in 2007 - Morgan Stanley
-China considering Intel proposal for building chip plant in northeast
-Shanghai Petroleum Exchange delays launch of chemicals trading
-China National Coal 2006 coal output 90.62 mln tons, up 26.1 pct
-Jiaozuo Wanfang 2006 unaudited net profit 274.8 mln yuan
-Mindray Medical sees 2006 net profit up 83 pct
-Datang Intl Power 2006 power output up 31.65 pct
-Beiqi Foton Motor sees return to profit in 2006
-Huawei 3G development costs 4 bln yuan as of end-2006
-Shell sets up gas stations jv with China's Doyen Group in Chongqing
-Shenzhen Metro Line 4 Phase 2 Project approved by NDRC
-GKN to form driveshaft JV, build 34 mln yuan plant in China
-Global Environmental Energy gets 8 mln usd for China projects
-Greatwall AMC to increase stake in Industrial Securities to 27 pct
-TTCM China wins 12.9 mln usd contract to supply piping to project in south China
-Shenhua Ningxia, Siemens sign contract, MOU for key technology
-China Digital Media terminates advertising distribution agreement
TAIWAN:
-Govt officials to restore normality at Asia Pacific Broadband Telecom
-End-2006 to Jan 12 net inflow of foreign investor funds 847 mln usd
-Uni-President, unit sell shares in insurance jv to partner Allianz
-Taiwan Cooperative Bank gains 350 mln twd on collateral auction
SINGAPORE:
-Sinwa to issue 33 mln new shares at 0.465 sgd each
-Sino-Environment places 42.77 mln new shares at 2.53 sgd each
-Mapletree to place up to 283.85 mln new shrs at maximum 1.18 sgd/shr
-ST Engineering unit wins 470 mln usd FedEx aircraft conversion deal
MALAYSIA:
-Trade minister says free trade deal with US unlikely to meet deadline
-Trade minister Rafidah welcomes Proton approaches but says decision not simple
-GDP seen up 5.2 pct in 2007, up 5.5 pct in 2008 - MIER
-AirAsia to launch Macau-Kota Kinabalu flights
-HPI Resources Q2 to Nov net profit 3.10 mln rgt vs 2.53 mln
-Rafidah welcomes Proton approaches but says decision not simple
-Malakoff expects to complete privatization by Aug
-IOI Corp obtains 15 bln yen loan
-RHB Bank ratings affirmed after stake sale announcement - Fitch
-Malakoff expects to complete privatization by Aug
-MMC Corp to get a boost from reported project injection - AmResearch
-Malaysia businessman Mokhzani Mahathir sells 34.39 mln shrs of Kencana Petroleum
-Sugar Bun changes name to Borneo Oil
INDONESIA:
-2006 advertising expenditure up 17 pct to 30 trln rupiah - Nielsen
-Govt cuts price of rice in market operations
-Astra Agro 2006 CPO output 3.4 pct below target at 917,885 tons
-Adam Air to replace Boeings with Airbus aircraft from next year
-Alaerka Investment raises stake in BCA's largest shareholder
PHILIPPINES:
-Cebu Holdings 2006 net profit up 76 pct on higher revenue
-Chinatrust Philippines 2006 net profit up 20 pct on higher interest income
-EEI Corp eyes stock rights offer to raise 500 mln pesos
-Ayala sells 23.3 pct stake in Singapore's Hermill for 47 mln sgd
-Philtrust extends PBCom tender offer to Jan 31
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND:
-Woodside Petroleum 2006 revenue up 38.7 pct at record 3.81 bln aud
-Iluka 2006 zircon output at record 419,800 metric tons
-Western Metals announces copper exploration JV in Peru
-Roc says jv to spend 54 mln usd on Angola oil exploration
INDIA:
-Saudi commits 80 bln usd investment to raise oil delivery to global markets
-Ranbaxy 2006 net profit nearly doubles to 5.15 bln rupees
-India bans Sony Entertainment TV's AXN channel for 2 mths for 'indecent content'
[e-mail]
MMMM
Document AFXASI0020070118e31i009ex

AFP Asia-Pacific news summary
AFP

358 words

18 January 2007

04:07 AM

Agence France Presse

AFPR

English

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2007 All reproduction and presentation rights reserved.
HONG KONG, Jan 18, 2007 (AFP) -
AFP Asia-Pacific news summary for Thursday.
Japan-economy-bank-rate-money-forex
TOKYO: The Bank of Japan decided against raising its ultra-low interest rates in the face of fierce political pressure, backing down in a standoff that put its credibility into question.
India-Britain-Brown-racism
NEW DELHI: British Finance Minister Gordon Brown's meeting with India's prime minister was overshadowed by a diplomatic spat over racist comments made on UK TV show "Celebrity Big Brother" against Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty.
Afghanistan-unrest-Pakistan-Taliban,REAX
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan denied its intelligence service was sheltering Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar in the city of Quetta near the Afghan border.
Nigeria-oil-unrest-China-kidnap
BEIJING: Five Chinese telecoms workers were safely rescued in Nigeria after being abducted nearly two weeks ago by gunmen, China's foreign ministry said.
SKorea-NKorea-refugees
SEOUL: The Seoul government expressed regret after nine North Korean refugees were deported from China to Pyongyang despite requesting help from South Korean diplomats.
Fiji-coup-EU
SUVA: The European Union proposed consultations with Fiji which could lead to a suspension of millions of dollars in aid following last month's coup in the poor South Pacific nation.
Bangladesh-politics-arrest
DHAKA: The Bangladesh army has arrested a top student leader and five colleagues as part of a crackdown on suspected "criminals and terrorists" after a state of emergency was imposed last week.
Thailand-Singapore-politics-Thaksin
BANGKOK: The Thai government admitted it would struggle to restrict ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra's travel, despite withdrawing his diplomatic passport and rebuking Singapore for allowing him to meet a top official.
SKorea-US-military
SEOUL: A top US general called for restructuring the US-led UN Command in place here since the Korean War due to changes in the US-South Korean military alliance.
AFPLifestyle-Australia-economy-forex-iPod
SYDNEY: The venerable Big Mac, the hamburger that has for two decades doubled as a light-hearted barometer of global exchange rate trends, faces being displaced by a 21st century rival -- the iPod music player.
afp
Document AFPR000020070118e31i003io

Asian economic and corporate news summary
746 words

18 January 2007

AFX Asia

AFXASI

English

(c) 2007, AFX Asia. All rights reserved.
BEIJING (XFN-ASIA) - A summary of Asian economic and corporate news at 0530 GMT
JAPAN:
-Bank of Japan keeps overnight call rate target at 0.25 pct by majority vote
-Tokyo Dec condo sales up 1.5 pct year-on-year, Osaka sales down 18.0 pct
-Nov tertiary index down 0.3 pct from Oct; first fall in 2 months
-Nov leading index revised to 18.2 from initial estimate of 20
-Foreign investors turn net buyers of Japanese stocks in week to Jan 13
-30-year govt bond auction lowest accepted bid 98.29 yen, yield 2.380 pct
-Tanabe Seiyaku confirms in merger talks with Mitsubishi Pharma
SOUTH KOREA:
-Samsung Electro-Mechanics Q4 net profit 32.7 bln won vs loss 9.9 bln
-Samsung Electro-Mechanics Q4 opg profit up 15 fold on brisk sales
-Fitch Ratings to buy 39.33 pct stake in Korea Ratings for 53.57 bln won
-Hynix develops new wafer packaging technology cutting cost by 20 pct
HONG KONG:
-Hong Kong dollar faces more pressure after fall below US dollar peg - DBS banker
-Sinopec 2006 crude oil output up 2.28 pct to 285.19 mln barrels
-Hong Kong International Airport to open precious metals depository
-Shimao Property acquires Suzhou prime lot for 1.7 bln yuan
-Weichai Power to issue 900 mln yuan debentures in China
-Zijin Mining to acquire 39 pct stake in Jintai Gold for 90 mln yuan
-Daqing Petroleum to sell unit Earlsmead for 350 mln hkd
CHINA:
-China economy seen flat or weakening - Merrill Lynch fund manager survey
-Central bank drains 40 bln yuan in open market ops, yield unchanged
-Central bank needs just 500-600 bln usd of foreign reserves - economist
-China becomes world's largest stainless steel producer - NDRC
-China Exim Bank to consider yuan bond issue in Hong Kong
-China property developers see limited impact from new land tax policy
-China, Kazakhstan, India to lead Asia-Pacific growth in 2007 - S&P
-EU seeks further cooperation with China on energy, climate issues
-IEA close to deal with China on strategic reserves
-China says five nationals kidnapped in Nigeria released
-China Internet, media companies to see new gains in 2007 - Morgan Stanley
-China considering Intel proposal for building chip plant in northeast
-Shanghai Petroleum Exchange delays launch of chemicals trading
-China National Coal 2006 coal output 90.62 mln tons, up 26.1 pct
-Jiaozuo Wanfang 2006 unaudited net profit 274.8 mln yuan
-Mindray Medical sees 2006 net profit up 83 pct
-Datang Intl Power 2006 power output up 31.65 pct
-Beiqi Foton Motor sees return to profit in 2006
-GKN to form driveshaft JV, build 34 mln yuan plant in China
-Global Environmental Energy gets 8 mln usd for China projects
-Greatwall AMC to increase stake in Industrial Securities to 27 pct
-TTCM China wins 12.9 mln usd contract to supply piping to project in south China
-Shenhua Ningxia, Siemens sign contract, MOU for key technology
-China Digital Media terminates advertising distribution agreement
TAIWAN:
-Govt officials to restore normality at Asia Pacific Broadband Telecom
-Uni-President, unit sell shares in insurance jv to partner Allianz
-Taiwan Cooperative Bank gains 350 mln twd on collateral auction
SINGAPORE:
-Sinwa to issue 33 mln new shares at 0.465 sgd each
-Sino-Environment places 42.77 mln new shares at 2.53 sgd each
-Mapletree to place up to 283.85 mln new shrs at maximum 1.18 sgd/shr
MALAYSIA:
-Trade minister says free trade deal with US unlikely to meet deadline
-Trade minister Rafidah welcomes Proton approaches but says decision not simple
-IOI Corp obtains 15 bln yen loan
-RHB Bank ratings affirmed after stake sale announcement - Fitch
-Malakoff expects to complete privatization by Aug
INDONESIA:
-Alaerka Investment raises stake in BCA's largest shareholder
PHILIPPINES:
-EEI Corp eyes stock rights offer to raise 500 mln pesos
-Ayala sells 23.3 pct stake in Singapore's Hermill for 47 mln sgd
-Philtrust extends PBCom tender offer to Jan 31
INDIA:
-India bans Sony Entertainment TV's AXN channel for 2 mths for 'indecent content'
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND:
-Woodside Petroleum 2006 revenue up 38.7 pct at record 3.81 bln aud
-Iluka 2006 zircon output at record 419,800 metric tons
-Western Metals announces copper exploration JV in Peru
-Roc says jv to spend 54 mln usd on Angola oil exploration
[e-mail]
jod/zr
MMMM
Document AFXASI0020070118e31i0048t

The 0530 GMT News Advisory
AFP

855 words

18 January 2007

12:35 AM

Agence France Presse

AFPR

English

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2007 All reproduction and presentation rights reserved.
HONG KONG, Jan 18, 2007 (AFP) -
Duty Editor: Trudy Harris
News Desk: + 852 2829 6211
-- WORLD HEADLINES --
TOKYO: Bank of Japan Bank leaves interest rates unchanged
BEIJING: Five Chinese workers kidnapped in Nigeria free
WASHINGTON: US Congress turns up heat in battle on Iraq
SAN FRANCISCO: Apple profits soar past one billion dollars
-- ASIA --
Japan-economy-bank-rate-money-forex,2ndlead
TOKYO
The Bank of Japan decides against raising its ultra-low interest rates, backing down in a stand off with the government which had put intense pressure on the central bank to delay a move.
600 words 0630 GMT by Daniel Rook
Japan-economy-bank-rate-money,ANALYSIS
TOKYO
The Bank of Japan's credibility is in question after a series of leaks to the media and a decision to delay an interest rate rise in the face of fierce pressure from the government, analysts say.
650 words 0630 GMT by Daniel Rook
Nigeria-oil-unrest-China-kidnap,3rdlead
BEIJING
Five Chinese telecoms workers have been safely rescued in Nigeria after being abducted nearly two weeks ago by gunmen in the country's restive oil-producing region, China's foreign ministry says.
450 words 0630 GMT by Dan Martin
India-Britain-Brown-racism
NEW DELHI
Gordon Brown, dubbed Britain's prime minister-in-waiting, meets India's Prime Minister on a visit intended to raise the profile of the dour finance minister but hijacked by allegations of racism back home.
500 words 0800 GMT
AFPEntertainment-Britain-television-India
NEW DELHI
With allegations of racism washing over Britain's close ties with India, the mother of the actress at the centre of the storm says her daughter is a star who never needed to expose herself on Big Brother.
550 words 0600 GMT by Elizabeth Roche
We have already moved: AFPEntertainment-Britain-television-India-film,newseries
SKorea-NKorea-refugees,lead
SEOUL
Nine North Korean refugees arrested in China in October are sent back across the border, even after they request help from South Korean diplomats, officials here say.
550 words 0630 GMT by Park Chan-Kyong
-- ASIA BUSINESS --
SKorea-auto-Hyundai-corruption
SEOUL
South Korea's fair trade watchdog slaps Hyundai Motor with fines over alleged unfair trading as the country's largest automaker is at a critical juncture with labour disputes, cut-throat competition and falling profits.
550 words 0730 GMT by Lim Chang-Won
Macau-gambling-casino-Cotai
MACAU, China
A forest of construction cranes marks the spot where Macau's soaring casino industry is expected to go into overdrive. With plans for some 20 mega hotel and casino complexes, the Cotai Strip is set to become the world's biggest gaming hub.
600 words moved by Mark McCord. Picture + Graphic
Taiwan-IT-Apple-iPhone
TAIPEI
Taiwan's global reputation for making cheap, good-quality electronic products enables it to beat off the competition to be part of the manufacturing of the latest must-have gadget -- the iPhone.
650 words moved by Benjamin Yeh. Picture
-- AMERICAS --
US-Iraq-politics,newseries
WASHINGTON
The opposition-controlled US Congress studies ways to thwart President George W. Bush's plan to temporarily boost troop levels in Iraq, as domestic sentiment against the war mounts.
650 words 0900 GMT by Stephanie Griffith
We have already moved: US-Iraq-politics-Clinton
US-IT-Internet-company-earnings-Apple,2ndlead
SAN FRANCISCO
Apple's quarterly profit soars above one billion dollars as its iPod music players flew off the shelves in the year-end holiday season, but its stock price stumbles on concerns about future revenues and a stock option probe.
800 words moved by Glenn Chapman
US-intelligence-politics-rights,lead
WASHINGTON
President George W. Bush's administration has put a controversial domestic spying program under supervision of a special court after months of sharp criticism over the eavesdropping.
700 words moved by Fanny Carrier
-- MIDDLE EAST --
US-Mideast-Germany-diplomacy-Rice,lead
BERLIN
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice holds talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict after the two sides announce a revival of the international quartet for Middle East peace.
600 words 0930 GMT by Sylvie Lanteaume. Pictures.
-- EUROPE ---
Britain-US-NKorea-Iran-nuclear-weapons-clock,2ndlead
LONDON
The world is inching closer to nuclear Armageddon, top scientists warn as they moved a symbolic Doomsday Clock nearer to midnight and stressed the growing threat from climate change.
550 words moved by Katherine Haddon. Pictures
We have also moved: Britain-US-NKorea-Iran-nuclear-weapons-clock-past
AFPLifestyle-fashion-France-couture,ADVANCER
PARIS
The rarefied world of haute couture starts showing summer collections in the French capital from Monday, when a host of newcomers join the hardcore names for a bigger than usual luxury line-up.
520 words moved by Dominique Schroeder
AFPEntertainment-music-MIDEM-France,ADVANCER
CANNES, France
Music consumers have never had it better as digital access via the Internet and mobile phones gives them more choice, but with sales of CDs in free fall the music industry is under intense pressure as it gathers this weekend.
750 words moved by Audrey Stuart
afp
Document AFPR000020070118e31i002pa
U. Nebraska: COLUMN: Volunteerism takes only an investment of time
927 words

17 January 2007

U-Wire

UWIR

English

(c) 2007 U-Wire. All Rights Reserved.
U-WIRE-01/17/2007-U. Nebraska: COLUMN: Volunteerism takes only an investment of time (C) 2007 Daily Nebraskan Via U-WIRE
By Jake Meador, Daily Nebraskan (U. Nebraska)
LINCOLN, Neb. -- There is something profound and wonderful about human
beings. Earlier this week I played soccer in the Rec with students from all over the globe: China, Japan, France, Hungary, Germany, Nigeria and America.
I love seeing someone from China make a great pass to an American who puts a perfect crossing ball right in front of the net that a Nigerian puts in for the winning goal. I was able to see it first hand since I was the goalie who gave up that goal, but it was such a cool moment, I didn't really mind.
Sadly, I think religious people sometimes do a poor job of expressing this greatness. There's such an obsession with the fact that we're sinners (something I'm not denying), that Christians forget human beings are also great and noble.
But that is an explicit teaching found in the Christian scriptures. The Bible actually explains in some ways human beings are like God; it says, "In his [God's] image he created them."
What this means is human beings have tremendous value and dignity. It means it is unacceptable that organizations like the People's City Mission are saying, "We could do more if we had more volunteers."
The hard part is when I'm on campus, there is an atmosphere of cynicism, and it's so easy to get caught up in it. Sometimes I find myself doing nothing but complaining. There are so many of us who seem, at best, bored with life. Many of us passed bored a long time ago and are now just bitter.
I'm not saying it's entirely unwarranted, there's a lot to be cynical about. But what does bitterness accomplish? Wouldn't it be better if we all tried to do something about it?
Maybe there is something better for us than going through life complaining about how bad everything is.
There is no shortage of opportunities to get involved on campus or in the city of Lincoln. You can join a human rights group like Amnesty International, you could organize a blood drive for the community blood bank, or you could volunteer at the People's City Mission.
I promise you, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing a 4-year-old's face light up when you enter the room because they are that excited to hang out with you.
We have the opportunity right now to change lives. We can continue spending hours playing our Xbox 360 or Wii. We can keep spending Saturday morning recovering from Friday night. Or we can go out and do something to make a difference in the life of another person.
Even little things, like stopping to talk to a panhandler, may be an encouragement to them. How do you feel when someone expresses interest in your story? It always means a lot to me. Now, imagine how it feels for someone who is living on the street and is, most likely, all alone.
I'm not pretending to know exactly what this way of life will look like for each of us specifically. For some it's going to be serving soup at Matt Talbot, for others it might mean sitting at a desk, making phone calls as you organize a fundraiser for the Nebraska Stroke Foundation.
For there to be any change, we have to act. With so many needs to be met and so many ways to meet them, I promise you there is someplace, somewhere needing a person with your gifts and abilities.
Do you know where the city mission is? (1st and P streets) Or how about the Matt Talbot Kitchen? (19th and R streets) Or, for those of you studying Spanish, the Community Center? (22nd and O streets)
All of these places could use volunteers doing a variety of activities, including serving dinner, teaching English, or just playing four square with the kids.
I know we're busy. I'm not pretending that being a college student is easy - especially if you're also working - but if there is ample time to go party one or two nights a week or to play Halo 10 hours a week, don't you have a few hours to spend serving food for someone less blessed than you?
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying never hang out with friends just for the fun of it or never play video games or anything like that. We need those times of simple fun and relaxation. I'm only asking questions about how we can best use the time given us.
And I'm certainly not saying this is an easy thing, there's nothing easy about loving people. At best it's inconvenient. As you get to know someone at the mission or Matt Talbot you'll learn to see the world through their eyes and you'll begin to feel a little bit of the pain they've endured, and that can be a painful experience.
But maybe in the process they'll teach you a lot, too. Maybe you'll learn what it means to love a person, and maybe, just maybe, you'll learn why we're here in the first place.
##30##
Distributed via M2 Communications Ltd - http://www.m2.com
Document UWIR000020070118e31h000do

MEND Dubs Govt Loss to Militancy Fortunate
1,063 words

17 January 2007

12:49 PM

All Africa

AFNWS

English

(c) 2007 AllAfrica, All Rights Reserved
Jan 17, 2007 (Vanguard/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) --
THE Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger-Delta (MEND), has described government's loss of revenue last year owing to increased wave of militancy and resultant shut-ins, as fortunate for the state.
Last week, Mrs. Nenadi Usman, the Minister of Finance, had disclosed during a briefing that Nigeria has lost $4.4bn in oil revenue in the past year due to increasing violence in the Niger-Delta region.
She fingered resultant cuts in oil exports on the activities of militant groups demanding more control of Nigeria's oil revenue.
While reacting to Mrs Usman's comments, an operative of MEND who called Vanguard last Friday, also recounted losses to the Niger-Delta, noting that such losses to the area include all the revenue which accrued to the Nigerian state, among others.
"It is rather fortunate for the Nigerian state that she is still counting her losses in financial terms and indeed in comfortable digits alone. In contrast, what the Niger-Delta lost in 2006 alone is all the revenue that accrued to the Nigerian State, the losses stipulated by Mrs. Nenadi Usman, the losses to government-sponsored theft as well as the losses of thousands of lives of our young men and women to hunger, disease and government-sponsored genocide.
When these losses are computed together, those in the National Assembly, their collaborators in the Executive arm of government, as well as those theorists in their comfortable offices in the Nigerian state who feel that 25 per cent derivation is too much for the gradual repair of a despoiled Niger-Delta, will have fresh indices to add to their bogus, selfish and ill-intentioned debate.
For the avoidance of doubt, the peoples of the Niger-Delta are resolved to dictate the future of their territory," the MEND operative submitted.
On the need to explore the possibilities of using dialogue to resolve the issues at stake, the MEND operative who refused to disclose his identity said that the time for talking was over, adding also that efforts to talk with government was a venture in futility.
He branded oil workers still working in the delta as government collaborators urging them to heed warnings calling on them to leave the area for their safety.
Meanwhile, five Chinese workers, kidnapped from their company premises in the Niger-Delta last week, are said to be safe.
"According to what we know, all five are still safe," Chinese government spokesman, Liu Jianchao told reporters.
"The Chinese government, relevant departments and our embassy in Nigeria are expending all efforts to find a way to secure their release."
The Chinese telecommunications workers were abducted by unidentified armed men early last Friday in oil-rich Rivers State.
Kidnappings have become common in the region where armed militant groups are demanding greater share of the oil wealth coming from the swamps of the delta.
Mrs Usman told reporters at a news conference in Abuja that crude oil production had fallen by as much as 600,000 barrels per day in the second quarter of last year.
"The loss was due principally to social disruptions in the Niger- Delta," she said.
THE Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger-Delta (MEND), has described government's loss of revenue last year owing to increased wave of militancy and resultant shut-ins, as fortunate for the state.
Last week, Mrs. Nenadi Usman, the Minister of Finance, had disclosed during a briefing that Nigeria has lost $4.4bn in oil revenue in the past year due to increasing violence in the Niger-Delta region.
She fingered resultant cuts in oil exports on the activities of militant groups demanding more control of Nigeria's oil revenue.
While reacting to Mrs Usman's comments, an operative of MEND who called Vanguard last Friday, also recounted losses to the Niger-Delta, noting that such losses to the area include all the revenue which accrued to the Nigerian state, among others.
"It is rather fortunate for the Nigerian state that she is still counting her losses in financial terms and indeed in comfortable digits alone. In contrast, what the Niger-Delta lost in 2006 alone is all the revenue that accrued to the Nigerian State, the losses stipulated by Mrs. Nenadi Usman, the losses to government-sponsored theft as well as the losses of thousands of lives of our young men and women to hunger, disease and government-sponsored genocide.
When these losses are computed together, those in the National Assembly, their collaborators in the Executive arm of government, as well as those theorists in their comfortable offices in the Nigerian state who feel that 25 per cent derivation is too much for the gradual repair of a despoiled Niger-Delta, will have fresh indices to add to their bogus, selfish and ill-intentioned debate.
For the avoidance of doubt, the peoples of the Niger-Delta are resolved to dictate the future of their territory," the MEND operative submitted.
On the need to explore the possibilities of using dialogue to resolve the issues at stake, the MEND operative who refused to disclose his identity said that the time for talking was over, adding also that efforts to talk with government was a venture in futility.
He branded oil workers still working in the delta as government collaborators urging them to heed warnings calling on them to leave the area for their safety.
Meanwhile, five Chinese workers, kidnapped from their company premises in the Niger-Delta last week, are said to be safe.
"According to what we know, all five are still safe," Chinese government spokesman, Liu Jianchao told reporters.
"The Chinese government, relevant departments and our embassy in Nigeria are expending all efforts to find a way to secure their release."
The Chinese telecommunications workers were abducted by unidentified armed men early last Friday in oil-rich Rivers State.
Kidnappings have become common in the region where armed militant groups are demanding greater share of the oil wealth coming from the swamps of the delta.
Mrs Usman told reporters at a news conference in Abuja that crude oil production had fallen by as much as 600,000 barrels per day in the second quarter of last year.
"The loss was due principally to social disruptions in the Niger- Delta," she said.
Document AFNWS00020070117e31h0013q
Vanguard (Nigeria) - AAGM: MEND Dubs Govt Loss to Militancy Fortunate.
1,064 words

16 January 2007

Vanguard (Nigeria)

AIWVAN

English

The Financial Times Limited. Asia Africa Intelligence Wire. All material subject to copyright. Vanguard (Nigeria) (c) 2007 All rights reserved
THE Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger-Delta (MEND), has described government's loss of revenue last year owing to increased wave of militancy and resultant shut-ins, as fortunate for the state.
Last week, Mrs. Nenadi Usman, the Minister of Finance, had disclosed during a briefing that Nigeria has lost $4.4bn in oil revenue in the past year due to increasing violence in the Niger-Delta region.
She fingered resultant cuts in oil exports on the activities of militant groups demanding more control of Nigeria's oil revenue.
While reacting to Mrs Usman's comments, an operative of MEND who called Vanguard last Friday, also recounted losses to the Niger-Delta, noting that such losses to the area include all the revenue which accrued to the Nigerian state, among others.
"It is rather fortunate for the Nigerian state that she is still counting her losses in financial terms and indeed in comfortable digits alone. In contrast, what the Niger-Delta lost in 2006 alone is all the revenue that accrued to the Nigerian State, the losses stipulated by Mrs. Nenadi Usman, the losses to government-sponsored theft as well as the losses of thousands of lives of our young men and women to hunger, disease and government-sponsored genocide.
When these losses are computed together, those in the National Assembly, their collaborators in the Executive arm of government, as well as those theorists in their comfortable offices in the Nigerian state who feel that 25 per cent derivation is too much for the gradual repair of a despoiled Niger-Delta, will have fresh indices to add to their bogus, selfish and ill-intentioned debate.
For the avoidance of doubt, the peoples of the Niger-Delta are resolved to dictate the future of their territory," the MEND operative submitted.
On the need to explore the possibilities of using dialogue to resolve the issues at stake, the MEND operative who refused to disclose his identity said that the time for talking was over, adding also that efforts to talk with government was a venture in futility.
He branded oil workers still working in the delta as government collaborators urging them to heed warnings calling on them to leave the area for their safety.
Meanwhile, five Chinese workers, kidnapped from their company premises in the Niger-Delta last week, are said to be safe.
"According to what we know, all five are still safe," Chinese government spokesman, Liu Jianchao told reporters.
"The Chinese government, relevant departments and our embassy in Nigeria are expending all efforts to find a way to secure their release."
The Chinese telecommunications workers were abducted by unidentified armed men early last Friday in oil-rich Rivers State.
Kidnappings have become common in the region where armed militant groups are demanding greater share of the oil wealth coming from the swamps of the delta.
Mrs Usman told reporters at a news conference in Abuja that crude oil production had fallen by as much as 600,000 barrels per day in the second quarter of last year.
"The loss was due principally to social disruptions in the Niger- Delta," she said.
THE Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger-Delta (MEND), has described government's loss of revenue last year owing to increased wave of militancy and resultant shut-ins, as fortunate for the state.
Last week, Mrs. Nenadi Usman, the Minister of Finance, had disclosed during a briefing that Nigeria has lost $4.4bn in oil revenue in the past year due to increasing violence in the Niger-Delta region.
She fingered resultant cuts in oil exports on the activities of militant groups demanding more control of Nigeria's oil revenue.
While reacting to Mrs Usman's comments, an operative of MEND who called Vanguard last Friday, also recounted losses to the Niger-Delta, noting that such losses to the area include all the revenue which accrued to the Nigerian state, among others.
"It is rather fortunate for the Nigerian state that she is still counting her losses in financial terms and indeed in comfortable digits alone. In contrast, what the Niger-Delta lost in 2006 alone is all the revenue that accrued to the Nigerian State, the losses stipulated by Mrs. Nenadi Usman, the losses to government-sponsored theft as well as the losses of thousands of lives of our young men and women to hunger, disease and government-sponsored genocide.
When these losses are computed together, those in the National Assembly, their collaborators in the Executive arm of government, as well as those theorists in their comfortable offices in the Nigerian state who feel that 25 per cent derivation is too much for the gradual repair of a despoiled Niger-Delta, will have fresh indices to add to their bogus, selfish and ill-intentioned debate.
For the avoidance of doubt, the peoples of the Niger-Delta are resolved to dictate the future of their territory," the MEND operative submitted.
On the need to explore the possibilities of using dialogue to resolve the issues at stake, the MEND operative who refused to disclose his identity said that the time for talking was over, adding also that efforts to talk with government was a venture in futility.
He branded oil workers still working in the delta as government collaborators urging them to heed warnings calling on them to leave the area for their safety.
Meanwhile, five Chinese workers, kidnapped from their company premises in the Niger-Delta last week, are said to be safe.
"According to what we know, all five are still safe," Chinese government spokesman, Liu Jianchao told reporters.
"The Chinese government, relevant departments and our embassy in Nigeria are expending all efforts to find a way to secure their release."
The Chinese telecommunications workers were abducted by unidentified armed men early last Friday in oil-rich Rivers State.
Kidnappings have become common in the region where armed militant groups are demanding greater share of the oil wealth coming from the swamps of the delta.
Mrs Usman told reporters at a news conference in Abuja that crude oil production had fallen by as much as 600,000 barrels per day in the second quarter of last year.
"The loss was due principally to social disruptions in the Niger- Delta," she said.
Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media. (allafrica.com)
FVAN53773143
Document AIWVAN0020070118e31g00012
Vanguard (Nigeria) - AAGM: Niger Delta Steps Up Effort to Free Hostages.
Rotimi Ajayi & Ayodele Adegbuyi

659 words

12 January 2007

Vanguard (Nigeria)

AIWVAN

English

The Financial Times Limited. Asia Africa Intelligence Wire. All material subject to copyright. Vanguard (Nigeria) (c) 2007 All rights reserved
THE Joint Task Force on the Niger Delta (JTF) says it has intensified its efforts to free 18 foreign workers taken hostage over the past months by militants in the Niger Delta. "We have stepped up efforts to locate the whereabouts of the men with a view to getting them released. The Bayelsa State government is collaborating with the security agents to free the hostages," Brigadier-General Alfred Ilogho, the Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF), said yesterday, even as President Olusegun Obasanjo met in Abuja with two separate delegates from the oil sector on the situation in the Niger Delta.
Armed men early Wednesday kidnapped nine South Korean workers and a Nigerian from Seoul-based oil services firm, Daewoo Engineering, who were working on a pipeline contract for the Anglo-Dutch oil giant, Shell, in the southern Bayelsa State.
The latest attack came barely five days after the abduction of five Chinese telecom workers and one month after the kidnapping of three Italians and one Lebanese, all of whom are still being held.
No group has so far claimed responsibility for abducting either the Chinese or the South Koreans.
One of the most prominent and most vocal of the southern militant groups, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), which is holding the Italians and the Lebanese, has said it was not involved in kidnapping either group of Asian workers. MEND has, however, vowed to step up its attacks on oil targets until its political demands are met.
Also yesterday, President Olusegun Obasanjo met at State House, Abuja with two separate delegations from the oil sector during which he underscored his concern about security in the Niger Delta.The President told them that government would not relent in its efforts to find a lasting solutionto the problem of security in the area.He directed leaders of thought in the Niger Delta to meet urgently to review the security situationand make suggestions to government for appropriate action.One of the delegations comprised Mr. Malcolm Brinded, Mr. Basil Omiyi and Ms. Ann Pickard of Shell Petroleum while the other was made up of Mr. John Watson, Mr. Fred Nelson, Mr. Chuck Taylor andMr. Femi Odumabo of Chevron.Earlier, Mr. Brinded had commended President Obasanjo's "positive support"and efforts to strengthen security in the Niger Delta, while Mr. Watson said Chevron's future investments in Nigeria would be second only to the United States of America.
ANPP decries state of insecurity in N/Delta
Meanwhile, the All Nigeria People's Party (ANPP) has decried the state of insecurity in the Niger Delta especially the latest hostage-taking of five Chinese, nine Koreans and a Nigerian by gunmen.
In a statement, National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Emma Eneukwu, said the ANPP viewed with great concern the spate of hostage taking in the Niger Delta.
He also expressed worry at the rate of pipeline explosion just because of the negligence of the people charged with the responsibilities of ensuring safety of these pipelines.
According to him, "the ANPP views with great concern the spate of insecurity in our dear country. Hardly does any hour pass without somebody being killed in one form or the other.
"What of the incessant clashes that have claimed scores of lives. According to medical reports, not less than 10 people were killed in separate clashes in parts of Ogoniland, Rivers State on Tuesday. The Niger Delta region has remained a flash point where the abduction of oil workers is now the order of the day.
"Last week, five Chinese technical workers were reportedly abducted in Port Harcourt and up till now nobody seems to know their whereabouts. We cannot continue like this. We must restore the sanctity and dignity of the Nigerian citizens," Eneukwu said.
Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media. (allafrica.com)
FVAN53692080
Document AIWVAN0020070113e31c00004

JTF Plots to Free Hostages
by Rotimi Ajayi & Ayodele Adegbuyi

655 words

12 January 2007

11:45 AM

All Africa

AFNWS

English

(c) 2007 AllAfrica, All Rights Reserved
Lagos, Jan 12, 2007 (Vanguard/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) --
THE Joint Task Force on the Niger Delta (JTF) says it has intensified its efforts to free 18 foreign workers taken hostage over the past months by militants in the Niger Delta. "We have stepped up efforts to locate the whereabouts of the men with a view to getting them released. The Bayelsa State government is collaborating with the security agents to free the hostages," Brigadier-General Alfred Ilogho, the Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF), said yesterday, even as President Olusegun Obasanjo met in Abuja with two separate delegates from the oil sector on the situation in the Niger Delta.
Armed men early Wednesday kidnapped nine South Korean workers and a Nigerian from Seoul-based oil services firm, Daewoo Engineering, who were working on a pipeline contract for the Anglo-Dutch oil giant, Shell, in the southern Bayelsa State.
The latest attack came barely five days after the abduction of five Chinese telecom workers and one month after the kidnapping of three Italians and one Lebanese, all of whom are still being held.
No group has so far claimed responsibility for abducting either the Chinese or the South Koreans.
One of the most prominent and most vocal of the southern militant groups, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), which is holding the Italians and the Lebanese, has said it was not involved in kidnapping either group of Asian workers. MEND has, however, vowed to step up its attacks on oil targets until its political demands are met.
Also yesterday, President Olusegun Obasanjo met at State House, Abuja with two separate delegations from the oil sector during which he underscored his concern about security in the Niger Delta.The President told them that government would not relent in its efforts to find a lasting solutionto the problem of security in the area.He directed leaders of thought in the Niger Delta to meet urgently to review the security situationand make suggestions to government for appropriate action.One of the delegations comprised Mr. Malcolm Brinded, Mr. Basil Omiyi and Ms. Ann Pickard of Shell Petroleum while the other was made up of Mr. John Watson, Mr. Fred Nelson, Mr. Chuck Taylor andMr. Femi Odumabo of Chevron.Earlier, Mr. Brinded had commended President Obasanjo's "positive support"and efforts to strengthen security in the Niger Delta, while Mr. Watson said Chevron's future investments in Nigeria would be second only to the United States of America.
ANPP decries state of insecurity in N/Delta
Meanwhile, the All Nigeria People's Party (ANPP) has decried the state of insecurity in the Niger Delta especially the latest hostage-taking of five Chinese, nine Koreans and a Nigerian by gunmen.
In a statement, National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Emma Eneukwu, said the ANPP viewed with great concern the spate of hostage taking in the Niger Delta.
He also expressed worry at the rate of pipeline explosion just because of the negligence of the people charged with the responsibilities of ensuring safety of these pipelines.
According to him, "the ANPP views with great concern the spate of insecurity in our dear country. Hardly does any hour pass without somebody being killed in one form or the other.
"What of the incessant clashes that have claimed scores of lives. According to medical reports, not less than 10 people were killed in separate clashes in parts of Ogoniland, Rivers State on Tuesday. The Niger Delta region has remained a flash point where the abduction of oil workers is now the order of the day.
"Last week, five Chinese technical workers were reportedly abducted in Port Harcourt and up till now nobody seems to know their whereabouts. We cannot continue like this. We must restore the sanctity and dignity of the Nigerian citizens," Eneukwu said.
Document AFNWS00020070112e31c000vd

UPDATE 2-Nigeria offers Abu Dhabi $400 mln telecom licence
By Camillus Eboh

462 words

12 January 2007

05:20 AM

Reuters News

LBA

English

(c) 2007 Reuters Limited
(Adds more details)
ABUJA, Jan 12 (Reuters) - Nigeria has offered the Abu Dhabi government investment agency a unified telecommunications licence for $400 million, the telephone regulator of Africa's top oil producer said on Friday.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said Mubadala Development Company would have to pay the licence fee by Jan. 19 or forfeit the offer.
"Mubadala has accepted the terms of the offer in full," the NCC said in a statement. It added that the agency plans to issue more licences.
"These new licences will encourage the deployment of advanced technology to build on the positive development of the telecommunications sector in Nigeria," the statement said.
The Mubadala offer, which includes a GSM (Global System Mobile Communication) licence, is part of a bilateral agreement between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates, the NCC said.
Mubadala, which owns stakes in companies in the United States and Europe, including luxury sports car-maker Ferrari, said last month it plans to also invest in the growing economies of China and Russia.