Former Irish minister dies of cancer
The former Irish finance minister Brian Lenihan has died in Dublin, aged 52.
He had been suffering from cancer but continued to work and signed Ireland's international bailout deal while still serving as finance minister late last year.
Lenihan had been deputy leader of the then ruling party Fianna Fail which lost power after Ireland's general election in February.
He had been fighting pancreatic cancer since December 2009 and died in the early hours of Friday at his house in Dublin. He is survived by his wife and two children.
Lenihan was a member of a political dynasty with his father Brian, brother Conor and aunt Mary O'Rourke all serving in Irish governments.
O'Rourke said of his death: "I just feel my life has almost ended, I really do."
Leaders across the political divide have been paying tribute.
Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin said he was "deeply saddened" by Lenihan's death.
"Brian has fought a brave and courageous battle with a serious illness over the past 18 months," he added. "In all of this time, Brian never once flinched from his public duties and he showed an unceasing and untiring commitment to tackling the economic crisis facing this country."
Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny -- leader of the rival Fine Gael party -- has described Lenihan as "a decent man, a fine public representative and someone I was proud to know."
The Irish President Mary McAleese said: "As minister for finance, Brian had to confront challenges, the scale and gravity of which were unprecedented in the history of the state. Despite his illness, he faced up to those challenges with extraordinary but characteristic dignity, courage and good humor."
European Union Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn said Lenihan "will always be held in the highest esteem by those who worked with him in Europe." He added: "It is a loss that will be shared by many people who had the honor to know him."
Bank of Israel's Fischer faces challenges in his bid for IMF role
Bank of Israel governor Stanley Fischer has announced his candidacy for the International Monetary Fund's top job, but faces a few obstacles.
French finance minister Christine Lagarde is seen as the front-runner, with Mexican central bank head Agustin Carstens also a contender.
Fischer, 67, entered the race with a statement saying: "An extraordinary and unplanned opportunity has come up, possibly one that will not come again, to be a candidate for the head of the IMF."
"After much deliberation," he said, "I have decided I want to pursue the opportunity. This is despite the process being complicated and despite the possible barriers."
IMF requirements bar the appointment of any managing director 65 or older.
Fischer, a U.S. citizen born in the African nation of Zambia, is also facing political winds, with expectations the role will go to a European, in part because of the region's historic dominance in the role and its ongoing financial crisis. The IMF, in conjunction with eurozone countries, has contributed to bailouts for Greece, Ireland and Portugal.
The IMF did not respond to emailed requests for comment Sunday. The job became open following the arrest of Dominique Strauss-Kahn on May 14 for allegedly sexually assaulting a maid in his hotel room. Strauss-Kahn, who resigned within days, has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Sever Plocker, economics editor of Israel's Yediot Ahronot, said he did not believe the age limitation would be a problem, though politics could be. Plocker said he hoped the IMF would look at Fischer's "economics excellence rather than the passport."
Nominations for the job closed Friday, with selection expected to be complete by June 30.
In an interview with CNN's Richard Quest last month, before becoming a candidate, Fischer said he thought "It would be a great honor to be considered."
In the interview Fischer said the argument a European was needed to deal with the European financial crisis "seems to be a non-sequitur, it certainly wasn't an agreement that was invoked in the Asian crisis or the Latin American crisis."
Fischer was First Deputy Managing Director of the IMF from September 1994 until August 2001, before becoming special adviser to the Managing Director from September 2001 to January 2002. He has been governor of the Bank of Israel since May 2005.
Fischer's statement said he was bidding for the job because of his experience with the IMF, during which he gained "practical experience and deep understanding of the global economy and accompanied many countries in their economic development."
The head of Kazakhstan's central bank, told CNN Friday he is withdrawing his bid to head the IMF.
Grigory Marchenko said it is "more or less obvious" that the job will go to Lagarde.
5.2-magnitude quake strikes near Christchurch, New Zealand
A 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck near Christchurch, New Zealand, on Monday, the U.S. Geological Survey reported, causing some damage and minor injuries.
The quake was centered five miles east-southeast of Christchurch at a depth of 6.8 miles, according to USGS.
"It was quite an exciting ride," Christchurch Police Acting Inspector Murray Hurst told CNN, adding that there was some damage caused by the quake and a few injuries that were not life-threatening.
"Other than the nerves, the impact appears to be minor," he said.
Monday's quake comes nearly four months after a 6.3-magnitude temblor struck the same area, killing more than 150 people.
Syrian Troops Retake Control of Northern Town
Elite Syrian troops backed by helicopter gunships and tanks have seized control of a rebellious northern city.
Syrian state media said government troops entered Jisr al-Shughour early Sunday after defusing explosives planted by gunmen on roads and bridges. It said one soldier and two armed men were killed in clashes around the town.
After first shelling the city, tanks and other heavy armor rolled in from two directions.
Witnesses said Sunday's assault was staged by the army's Fourth Brigade led by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's brother, Maher al-Assad. The army's regular forces are primarily composed of Sunni conscripts, but the Fourth Brigade is loyal to the Assad family and their Shi'ite Alawite sect.
Syrian troops Sunday removed the bodies of 10 security men from a mass grave found in Jisr al-Shughour. Official media said most had their heads and arms amputated. An Associated Press reporter who accompanied the Syrian troops said at least four of the bodies were beheaded or struck on the head with an ax.
The government has accused “armed gangs” in Jisr al-Shughour of killing security personnel. Residents said some of the soldiers and police had defected and joined with the protesters they had been ordered to shoot. The city has been the focus of military operations for days.
Neighboring Turkey, about 20 kilometers from Jisr al-Shughour, has given sanctuary to an estimated 5,000 refugees fleeing the fighting. Residents say thousands more have sought shelter in Syrian villages near the border.
Refugees interviewed by Western news organizations in Turkey said scores of mutineers were defending the town in an alliance with lightly armed residents.
France on Sunday strongly condemned the “increasingly brutal repression” in Syria, including the use of heavy weapons in Jisr al-Shughour.
British Foreign Minister William Hague also denounced the violence but said the prospects of passing a U.N. resolution condemning the Syrian government were unclear.
U.N. diplomats have held talks on a draft resolution condemning the violence, but they have failed to reach agreement. Many Western nations support the measure, but Russia and China have voiced opposition.
Germany's foreign minister on Sunday denounced the Syrian government's crackdown in the north and demanded that it “stop the violence immediately.” Both Germany and the U.S. have called on Syria to allow humanitarian and aid workers to help those in crisis areas.
A White House statement on Saturday accused the Syrian government of creating a humanitarian crisis in northern Syria, and called on Syrian authorities to give the International Committee of the Red Cross “immediate, unfettered access” to this region.
Also Saturday, mourners across Syria buried at least 32 people killed during rallies against Mr. Assad's government a day earlier.
Rights groups say more than 1,300 people have been killed in the Syrian crackdown that began in March and more than 10,000 people have been arrested.
Indonesia’s President Warns of Rising Asian Needs
Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called on Asian political and business leaders to make efforts to meet the region's rising need for food, energy and water.
President Yudhoyono made his appeal in his opening address to the World Economic Forum Sunday in Jakarta.
He said Asia has the potential to help the world achieve a strong and sustainable economy, but it must first address the pressures coming from food, energy and water insecurity.
President Yudhoyono noted that of the seven billion people that now inhabit our planet, 60 percent live in Asia. He said as Asian economies grow, they will seek and compete for finite natural resources. Mr. Yudhoyono said that in previous centuries such rivalry led to wars, conquest, exploitation and untold suffering.
Indonesia's capital is hosting the World Economic Forum for the first time. The forum's main event takes place annually in the Swiss resort of Davos.
The Jakarta meeting aims to tackle critical issues facing the region, including its need for resources and its response to the ever-present threat of natural disasters.
Food security and the impact of rising food prices on poor populations are expected to be among the key issues discussed by regional leaders.
China Bans Eight New Food Additives
China has banned eight new food additives after they were found to be tainted with an industrial chemical.
The state food and drug administration has ordered catering companies to stop using products contaminated with DEHP that may cause hormonal disfunction in children if consumed in large doses. Primarily employed in the manufacture of plastics, DEHP is also used to improve the color and texture of food items and beverages.
The official news agency Xinhua reported Sunday that the banned additives include a guava flavoring made by a Guangzhou company, a green tea powder, liquid butter oil and egg milk-flavored oil made by Jiangmen Goody's Food and a bread yeast additive produced by Jiangmen Jhan Wang Food. All of the companies are based in the southern Guangdong province.
The food and drug administration has also banned osmanthus, green tea and almond flavoring additives produced by a food additive manufacturer in the city of Hangzhou in eastern Zhejiang province.
Officials ordered food caterers to seal and recall banned products they have already purchased. They also urged local authorities to tighten food inspection.
Taiwan began a similar food safety action several weeks ago after DEHP was discovered in popular beverages and food items.
Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou Saturday witnessed the destruction of about 12 tons of food believed to be contaminated with the plasticizer. He told the concerned public that the government is determined to ensure food safety.
Taiwanese authorities Friday ordered a recall of thousands of food products and parliament voted to increase penalties for violating food safety regulations.
Mainland China and the island have agreed to strengthen cooperation and exchanges on food safety, as well as nuclear power plants.
Xinhua quoted a Chinese official Sunday as saying that the two sides are negotiating for an agreement of cooperation on improving food supervision and inspection.
China has worked to improve its food safety standards since the discovery in 2008 that melamine-tainted milk caused the death of six infants and made another 300,000 sick.
Thailand Extradites British Fraud Suspect to UAE
Officials in Dubai say Thailand has extradited a British man accused of fraud in the United Arab Emirates.
The state news agency WAM reported Sunday that Michael Bryan Smith was extradited from Thailand on June 7, and is now in custody in Dubai.
Smith is wanted by the emirate on charges of embezzling $150 million dollars from the Dubai World Group.
The 43-year-old Briton was arrested in Bangkok in May 2009, after eight months on the run. A Thai court agreed to extradite him in February of last year.
He faces charges of corruption, breach of trust and theft.
The ruling could have implications for the former Thai prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, who is believed to live in Dubai. Mr. Thaksin was convicted on corruption charges in his country in 2008 and sentenced to two years in prison. He fled Thailand before the trial, claiming that the charges were politically motivated.
The United Arab Emirates and Thailand have not signed an extradition treaty.
International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking June 26
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking will be observed on June 26th throughout the Turks & Caicos Islands with a number of activities on selected days under the theme “Don’t Get High - Get Healthy”.
Research shows that dependence on drugs has direct and indirect health and social consequences including:
Lost of human and financial resources due to abuse in the workplace.
Road and domestic accidents related to drug abuse.
Health care costs related to diseases that develop in relation to drug dependence
(HIV, Hepatitis and other diseases including mental disorders),
Social problems including drug-related crimes and deaths due to overdose.
Figures from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) show that nearly 200 million people worldwide are using illicit drugs such as cocaine, cannabis, hallucinogens, opiates and sedative hypnotics. To reverse the trend, the UN General
Assembly has since 1987, declared June 26 to be International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The goal is to express its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.
In observance of this day the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence will be hosting a number of activities. Persons within the TCI community are invited to attend and show their support.
The events are as follows:
Providenciales-Candle Light Ceremony- June 14th 6:30pm @ Sam’s Business Complex,
Downtown Movie Night -June 16th 5:30pm @ LaRay Cinema
Community College Inter-Campus Debate-June 17th 10:00 am @ Felix Morley Community Center, Five keys
Grand Turk-Softball Tournament (Church Youth Groups) June 14th –June 18th @ 6:00pm on the Parade Grounds
South Caicos-Basketball Game – (Marjorie Basden High vs. Community Ballers) June 18th @ 6:00pm on the Basketball Court
In addition to these events, you are welcome to tune in to the following television and radio shows to hear more on this year’s theme.
Expressions- June 15th on RTC
TCI Today- June 15th on WIV
Health Matters- June 20th on RTC
Radio Address From Mrs. Judith Campbell P/S Health & H.E. Governor – June 24 on RTC
Daily Radio Spots RTC – Pastors Fraternal – June 20 - 24
SIPT Updates Public
The SIPT have received a number of questions from the media concerning progress, funding and activities; The SIPT has been fully operational now for 14 months and has had a permanent presence on the island since April 2010. The SIPT are very aware that the public want to know more about their activities, but the investigation has entered a phase where its activities within the TCI and elsewhere in the world have to be kept confidential, to protect the integrity of the investigation and the rights of those individuals involved.
The SIPT continue to make good progress and are keeping to their targets and deadlines. This has been achieved with the help, support and cooperation of the TCI communities throughout the difficult period that they find themselves in.
SIPT investigators have interviewed a large number of persons across the islands, including former Ministers and in other foreign jurisdictions in the US, Canada and Europe. We are working jointly with other law enforcement bodies in these areas to pursue information and evidence pertinent to the SIPT mandate. A considerable number of statements have been obtained which cover the wide range of investigations that the SIPT have been asked to carry out. Arrests have been made and search warrants executed.
1. Budgeting – The SIPT submitted a budget in September 2009 which was approved. There was no increase in budget for the financial year 2010-11 and none planned for this financial year (2011-12). Despite the remit of the SIPT widening considerably during the 2010-11 financial year, the SIPT have ended that period under spent by over 12.5%. The SIPT are ever conscious about the cost of the investigations and seek every opportunity to reduce costs where possible. The challenge continues, to provide value for money for the TCIG and to continue to ensure financial prudence across all areas.
2. Veranda Accommodation – The move to the Veranda for the SIPT achieved a saving of over 25% on the previous accommodation costs and allow for more accommodation at a lower cost. All SIPT staff share self-catering accommodation on island.