Apple could up China investment as Tim Cook visits
Apple has indicated it will consider higher investments in China, as chief executive Tim Cook visited Beijing to meet Chinese officials.
"China is very important to us and we look forward to even greater investment and growth here," said Carolyn Wu, a Beijing-based Apple spokesperson.
The company did not provide details on the meetings.
This is Mr Cook's first trip to China since taking the top job in August after the death of founder Steve Jobs.
High demand
Analysts said further investment in China was likely to come in the form of more stores, amongst other things.
Apple currently has five stores in mainland China and one in Hong Kong, although some Apple products are offered through other resellers.
Apple's iPhone is currently sold by two telecommunications companies, China Unicom Hong Kong and China Telecom.
"[Mr] Cook will certainly be talking about increasing the number of stores. In the past they were planning an accelerated store roll-out programme," said Robert Clark, an analyst at Electric Speech, an independent technology and telecom consultancy based in Hong Kong.
Apple products are in high demand in China. Earlier this year, the release of the iPhone 4S was marred by angry crowds outside the Apple store in Sanlitun in Beijing.
Customers waiting in line threw eggs and scuffles broke out with police when the store did not open as planned and no iPhone 4S devices were sold.
Tim Cook's visit also comes as Apple is embroiled in legal battles in China over intellectual property rights and faces labour challenges with its Chinese suppliers.
Apple is currently involved in a legal dispute over the trademark for the iPad name in China with local company Proview International Holdings.
The Wall Street Journal has quoted an attorney for Proview saying that no meeting was planned while Mr Cook is in China.
Apple has also faced criticism over the working conditions at its suppliers, mainly Foxconn.
Flights cancelled as strike disrupts German air travel
Hundreds of flights have been cancelled at German airports as ground staff strike over demands for more pay.
National airline Lufthansa said it had scrapped more than 400 flights scheduled for Tuesday, mostly at Germany's biggest airport, Frankfurt.
The walkout is part of wider industrial action by public sector employees ahead of further talks due later this week.
Service workers' union Verdi is demanding a 6.5% pay rise for its two million members.
About a third of flights were cancelled at Frankfurt, a spokesman said. Munich, Dusseldorf, Stuttgart, Cologne-Bonn and Hannover are also among the airports affected.
In earlier talks, the union rejected an offer of a 3.3% pay increase over 24 months from public sector employers. Further negotiations are scheduled to start on Wednesday.
The union says public sector workers are undervalued, and that their pay has been squeezed by national and local governments trying to keep spending down.
At a crossroads
The strike has also hit public transport, nursery schools, hospitals and local government services in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate.
Verdi head Frank Bsirske said the strikes were a warning, and were called to accelerate talks.
"It can't continue like this, that we are always struggling with the prices for rent, for petrol and for food and have less money in our pockets than the previous year," he said.
Mr Bsirske threatened wider strike action if the next round of talks fails, telling a union rally on Tuesday that negotiations are at a crossroads.
The BBC's Steve Evans in Berlin says unions argue that workers accepted cuts in living standards to help the economy weather the global financial crisis of 2009, but should no longer continue to suffer now that the situation is improving.
German Interior Minister Hans-Peter Friedrich condemned the action as "disproportionate".
"Given that we have made a substantial offer, mistreating the public with these strikes is not justified," Mr Friedrich told the Rheinische Post daily.
Dominique Strauss-Kahn on formal sex ring investigation
Former International Monetary Fund boss Dominique Strauss-Kahn has been placed under formal investigation in France over alleged involvement in a prostitution ring.
The move could lead to formal charges.
He has admitted attending parties where the authorities believe prostitutes were provided by a gang, but denies knowing that they were prostitutes.
Last May, he resigned from the IMF after being accused of attempting to rape a hotel maid in New York.
The charges were later dropped.
The maid, 32, is now bringing a civil case against Mr Strauss-Kahn, which is due to start in New York on Wednesday. He has always denied any wrongdoing.
'No inkling'
Mr Strauss-Kahn faces preliminary charges of procuring prostitutes and involvement in an "organised gang", one of his lawyers said.
The 62-year-old former IMF head, who could face up to 20 years in prison if tried and convicted, was released on 100,000 euros ($135,000) bail.
Prosecutors say Mr Strauss-Kahn cannot contact defendants, plaintiffs, witnesses or the media in relation to the case.
The BBC's Christian Fraser in Paris says the allegations relate to his supposed involvement in a vice ring that hired prostitutes for hotel orgies, mainly in Lille, but also in Paris and Washington.
The case has become known in France as the "Carlton affair", named after a hotel where several orgies are said to have been held.
The magistrates are examining allegations that business associates of Mr Strauss-Kahn were involved in the prostitution ring, and misusing corporate funds.
Eight people have already been placed under formal investigation, including a senior police officer.
One of Mr Strauss-Kahn's lawyers, Richard Malka, said: "He firmly declares that he is not guilty of these acts and never had the least inkling that the women he met could have been prostitutes."
Consorting with prostitutes is not against the law in France, and Mr Strauss-Kahn has acknowledged that he was at some of the parties with the women.
Last month he was held in police custody for 48 hours at the start of his formal questioning.
Our correspondent says Monday's hearing came as a surprise, and it is not yet clear why Mr Strauss-Kahn appeared before his scheduled appointment later in the week.
However, Mr Strauss-Kahn is also facing the court case in New York.
He will not appear in person there.
His lawyers, and those of the maid, Nafissatou Diallo, will debate whether Mr Strauss-Kahn's position in the IMF afforded him diplomatic immunity.
The criminal charges against Mr Strauss-Kahn were earlier dropped, when doubts emerged over the reliability of Ms Diallo's testimony.
Mr Strauss-Kahn had faced a third case - an accusation by 32-year-old author Tristane Banon of attempted rape.
Although magistrates concluded there was prima facie evidence of sexual assault, the statute of limitations precluded a prosecution and the case was dropped.
--BBC
Rio Tinto explores diamond mines sale
Rio Tinto has said it will explore selling its interests in the diamond trade.
The world's second-largest miner of iron ore said that it is considering "whether we can create more value through a different ownership structure".
Rio Tinto operates diamond mines in Canada, Zimbabwe and one in Australia - where last month it found the world's biggest pink diamond.
No deal is imminent, it said.
The Anglo-Australian company also operates an advanced diamonds project in India, which creates diamond composites for industrial use.
"The diamonds market outlook is very positive, with demand growing strongly and lack of new discoveries limiting supply," said Rio Tinto executive Harry Kenyon-Slaney.
"We have a valuable, high-quality diamonds business, but given its scale we are reviewing whether we can create more value through a different ownership structure."
"This process may take some time," he added.
CONSULTATIVE FORUM MEETS TODAY
THE CONSULTATIVE FORUM OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS WILL MEET FOR THE THIRTY-SECOND (32ND) SITTING OF THE CONSULTATIVE FORUM OF THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS ON TUESDAY 27th DAY OF MARCH 2012 IN THE NJS FRANCIS BUILDING POND STREET, GRAND TURK AT 10AM.
BILLS TO BE DEBATED INCLUDES:
PENSIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 2011
PENSIONS (SPECIAL PROVISIONS) BILL 2011
PENSIONS (VALIDATION) BILL 2011
NATIONAL INSURANCE (AMENDMENT) BILL 2011
There will be a presentation made by Mr. Malike Cummings - Electrical Commissioner as well.
Join Radio Turks & Caicos at 10am for live coverage.
POLICE NAMES VICTIM FROM BOATING ACCIDENT
RTCI Police today named the man who died after being struck by a boat in Provo at the weekend.
Tourist, Mark Wiley Lane, 44, of New York, USA, was rushed to hospital by ambulance following the incident, which happened in the sea off the beach opposite the Windsong Resort at about 3.30pm on Saturday (March 24).
He suffered multiple injuries and was pronounced dead by doctors at 4.50pm.
A major investigation has been launched involving officers from CID, the Marine Branch and officials from Department of Environmental and Coastal Resources (DECR).
Any witnesses are urged to contact the police on 911 or Crimestoppers on 1-800-8477.
Information can also be left in English, French or Spanish at www.crimestoppers.tc or by becoming a friend of Crimestoppers TCI on Facebook.
Weekend Crime Report
POLICE are investigating a break-in at Parker’s Variety store in Bay Road, which happened sometime between 4.35pm on Thursday March 22 and 7.45am the next day.
VANDALS damaged the front windshield of a blue Toyota Camry which was parked outside Clement Howell High School on Friday evening.
A SMALL quantity of cannabis was found after police stopped and searched a vehicle in Venetian Road.
A BLACK Toshiba laptop was taken after intruders entered a property in Kew Town. The incident happed sometime between 11pm on Friday and 1am on Saturday.
POLICE are hunting intruders who stole items of jewellery after breaking into a house in Millennium Highway and ransacking two bedrooms.
Anyone with information is asked to call the police on 911 or Crimestoppers on 1-800-8477. Tips can also be left in English, French or Spanish at www.crimestoppers.tc or by becoming a friend of Crimestoppers TCI on Facebook.
A LAPTOP, Sony PSP and a quantity of cash was taken during a burglary at a property in Old Airport Road. The break-in happened sometime between 7pm and 9.30pm on Sunday March 26.
WITNESSES are being sought after a man was left with serious injuries after being hit by a vehicle in Kew Town, late last night.
Officers want to speak to anyone who may have seen the incident involving what is believed to have been a white Jeep which failed to stop following the accident.
Anyone with information, which happened just before midnight, is asked to call the police on 911 or Crimestoppers on 1-800-8477. Tips can also be left in English, French or Spanish at www.crimestoppers.tc or by becoming a friend of Crimestoppers TCI on Facebook.
SOUTH CAICOS
A QUANTITY of cash and cigars was taken from a house in South Caicos yesterday (Sunday March 25), between 10am and 2pm.
GRAND TURK
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man was attacked by another man, brandishing a knife. The incident happened at Water Boots bar on Friday night.
The victim, who was threatened a number of times by the culprit, suffered a minor injury and was treated at the Cockburn Town Medical Centre.
South Sudan, Sudan Clash Along Tense, Disputed Border
South Sudan is accusing Sudan of launching a second day of airstrikes on oil-rich territory along their disputed border, one day after a rare direct military confrontation between the two rivals.
South Sudanese Information Minister Gideon Gatpan says the north's Antonov fighter planes dropped at least two bombs early Tuesday on oil fields in the south's Unity state.
The violence comes a day after both sides accused the other's soldiers of crossing the tense, poorly marked border separating the two countries. Both sides claimed they were acting in self-defense and declared victory following the fighting. Casualty figures are not known.
After the clashes on Monday, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir announced he was suspending an April 3 summit with his South Sudanese counterpart, President Salva Kiir, that had been scheduled to discuss disputes about the border and oil revenues.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he is “deeply concerned” about the clashes, and urged both sides to “peacefully address their differences.” He also urged Mr. Kiir and Mr. Bashir to continue with the proposed April talks.
South Sudan said the fighting began Monday when Khartoum carried out a ground attack and a series of intense aerial bombardments in Unity state.
Khartoum countered by blaming the south for attacking its position in the oil-rich border region of Heglig, which is claimed by both countries.
The United Nations refugee agency expressed concern for the safety of some 16,000 Sudanese refugees that recently fled the Nuba mountains to South Sudan's Yida settlement.
A spokeswoman says the area is not safe due to its proximity to the volatile border area.
Since South Sudan's independence in July, the two neighbors have not been able to agree on the demarcation of their 1,800 kilometer border or how much South Sudan should pay to export oil through Sudan.
The south took over most Sudanese oil production but is refusing to pay what it considers excessive transit fees to use northern pipelines. The landlocked south needs the pipelines to send the oil to international markets.
The dispute prompted South Sudan to shut down all oil production, a move analysts say is likely to hurt both countries financially.
The sides are also in disagreement over the status of southerners living in the north, and regularly accuse each other of supporting the other's rebel groups.
--VOA
Officials: Maoist Landmine Kills 15 Police in Central India
Indian officials say a landmine planted by suspected Maoist rebels has killed at least 15 police officers and wounded 13 others in the western state of Maharashtra.
The attack occurred Tuesday about 1,000 kilometers east of India's financial hub, Mumbai. The mine exploded in a densely forested area when police drove by in a vehicle.
Earlier this month, Maoists abducted two Italians — in what is believed to be the first kidnapping of foreigners in the conflict — and a local Indian politician. The separate abductions occurred in the eastern state of Orissa. On Sunday, rebels released one of the Italians.
Indian Maoist rebels say they are fighting for the rights of poor farmers. The government says their guerrilla attacks and kidnappings make them the biggest threat to India's security.
Obama: Pakistan Review of Ties Should Respect US Security Needs
U.S. President Barack Obama says Pakistan's review of its ties with the United States should not only respect Pakistan's sovereignty but also U.S. security needs.
Mr. Obama spoke to reporters Tuesday moments before private talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday. The two leaders met on the sidelines of an international nuclear summit in Seoul.
The meeting came amid a breakdown in relations between Pakistan and the United States following the U.S. military raid that killed Osama bin Laden on Pakistani soil last May and the mistaken killing of 24 Pakistani troops during a cross-border NATO strike last November.
The deadly strike prompted Pakistan to shut its ground supply lines to NATO forces in Afghanistan and re-evaluate its ties with the United States.
President Obama said Tuesday “there have been times — I think we should be frank – in the last several months where those relations have experienced strains.” He welcomed Pakistan's parliamentary review of ties with the U.S., saying “I think it's important for us to get it right.”
Mr. Obama said he would like the see Pakistani lawmakers respect U.S. national security interests in their review of relations, including its need to battle terrorists who have targeted Americans.
Prime Minister Gilani says both he and President Obama want a stable and secure Afghanistan.
A White deputy national security advisor said Tuesday's meeting “made important progress in both sides being able to hear directly from one another about what their views are.”
The Pakistani parliamentary committee tasked with laying out new terms of engagement with the United States and NATO last week demanded an end to U.S. drone strikes and an apology from Washington for the NATO strike that mistakenly killed 24 Pakistani troops.
The U.S. has expressed regret for the loss of life and accepted partial responsibility for the airstrike, but has so far refused to apologize, saying NATO forces acted in self-defense.
Pakistani lawmakers are expected to eventually approve the panel's recommendations. But, ultimately, Pakistan's government and powerful army have the final say in the U.S.-Pakistani relationship.