Japan Sees No Immediate Need for Wider Nuclear Evacuation Zone
Japanese officials said Thursday they have no immediate plans to widen the evacuation area around a stricken nuclear plant but will intensify monitoring and consider a wider evacuation if high radiation levels persist.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano was responding to a report Wednesday by the International Atomic Energy Agency saying radiation levels were detected at one village outside the evacuation zone at levels twice as high as are considered safe for human habitation.
Japan's nuclear safety agency meanwhile reported that radiation in the seawater close to the earthquake-damaged Fukushima nuclear plant is increasing. Officials said Thursday that the latest reading showed levels of radioactive iodine at 4,385 times the legal limit. That compares to the previous reading showing levels at 3,355 times the legal limit.
The IAEA advised Japan Wednesday to carefully assess the situation after finding dangerously high radiation levels in the village of IItate, about 40 kilometers northwest of the plant. Officials stressed that the reading was sporadic and found at only one collection point.
At a news conference Thursday, Edano said the spike in radiation will not immediately affect human health. He said Japan will intensify its monitoring of radiation levels, and if high radiation levels continue over a period of time, then “evacuation must be considered.”
Japan's evacuation zone currently extends for 20 kilometers from the plant, while residents living between 20 and 30 kilometers away have been urged to remain indoors.
Japan has been struggling for almost three weeks to bring its radiation-leaking Fukushima nuclear reactor under control after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami knocked out the plants critical cooling systems.
Several countries have now banned some food imports from Japan, causing Tokyo to call on the world not to impose unjustifiable curbs on its products.
On Wednesday, Japan's government ordered the immediate implementation of new safety measures at nuclear power plants across the country as officials acknowledge they are still far from bringing the earthquake-damaged Fukushima nuclear complex under control.
Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko on Wednesday visited an evacuation center in Tokyo, comforting families stranded by the March 11 magnitude-9 earthquake powerful tsunami that erased entire towns in northeast Japan.
Pictures of the affected areas on Japanese TV show vast swathes of land still under water. The official death toll is over 11,000, with the final toll expected to top 18,000. Thousands are still living in makeshift shelters.
The safety standards announced Wednesday follow criticism that the Fukushima plant was not designed to withstand the March 11th onslaught, which left more than 27,500 people dead or missing. They call for immediate checks at all 55 nuclear plants in Japan, preparedness training for staff at the plants and improved provisions to deal with power failures, among other measures.
Tsunehisa Katsumata, chairman of the Tokyo Electric Power Company which operates the plant, bowed in apology for the nuclear disaster and admitted at a press conference that four of the plant's six reactors can never be used again. He said he was taking over the crisis response from the company's president, Masataka Shimizu, who was hospitalized Tuesday evening suffering from dizziness and high blood pressure.
TEPCO is considering spraying a special resin over dust and debris strewn around the plant to prevent the spread of radioactive material. Some 100 demonstrators gathered outside TEPCO's office in Tokyo on Wednesday to protest its use of nuclear energy.
Foreign governments have been rallying to Japan's assistance, with French President Nicolas Sarkozy due in Tokyo Thursday along with French nuclear experts who are advising on how to halt radiation leaks and repair cooling systems for the plant's six nuclear reactors.
Prime Minister Naoto Kan also received a phone call Wednesday from U.S. President Barack Obama offering any help. A naval task force with more than 18,000 personnel is already assisting in relief efforts along Japan's northeast coast.
Japanese nuclear officials said they are working urgently to determine the exact cause of the spike in radioactive iodine in the seawater sample collected Tuesday, which registered 3,355 times the legal limit. They said the finding was a cause for concern but not an immediate threat to human health.
Nuclear experts believe the plant suffered partial meltdowns of the nuclear fuel rods in the cores of three of the six reactors after the earthquake and tsunami disabled the primary and back-up cooling systems that keep the rods from overheating.
Ivory Coast Rebels Now Control Official Capital
Forces opposed to incumbent Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo have seized the country's official capital, Yamoussoukro, although Gbagbo forces still control the main seat of power in Abidjan.
A spokeswoman for the New Forces rebels, who support Mr. Gbagbo's presidential rival, Alassane Ouattara, told VOA that fighters entered Yamoussoukro Wednesday, after making major advances across Ivory Coast. Residents say pro-Gbagbo forces have fled and that pro-Ouattara forces are walking and driving through the streets.
The spokeswoman also said rebels have taken control of the key port city of San Pedro. Residents in the city say rebels have entered the town and say they can hear gunfire.
In another development Wednesday, the United Nations Security Council approved sanctions against Mr. Gbagbo, who refused to relinquish the presidency after Mr. Ouattara was named the winner of last November's presidential election. The sanctions include a travel ban and asset freeze on Mr. Gbagbo, his wife and three key aides.
The resolution urges the nearly 10,000 U.N. peacekeepers in Ivory Coast to use “all necessary means” to protect civilians under “imminent threat of violence,” including to prevent the use of heavy weapons against the civilian population.
France and Nigeria co-sponsored the resolution in the Council. French Ambassador Gérard Araud told reporters the situation in Ivory Coast is “worsening by the hour.”
Mr. Gbagbo was scheduled to address the nation late Wednesday, but his spokesman appeared on national television instead. The spokesman said the president is following the situation in the country closely and has decided to delay his address to the nation.
Pro-Ouattara forces have seized several towns in west, central and eastern Ivory Coast since launching an offensive on Monday. Earlier Wednesday, the New Forces spokeswoman said pro-Ouattara fighters now control almost 75 percent of the country.
A spokesman for Mr. Gbagbo, Don Mello, has called for a cease-fire and the opening of dialogue. But Mr. Ouattara's government said all “peaceful avenues” for Mr. Gbagbo to admit his election defeat are exhausted.
Mr. Ouattara's prime minister, Guillaume Soro, told reporters Wednesday that Mr. Gbagbo had just hours to leave power peacefully, or the rebels would march on Abidjan. The city is about 200 kilometers from Yamoussoukro.
Late Tuesday, the Gbagbo government called on members of the president's youth movement to enroll in the army.
Former colonial power France, meanwhile, said pro-Gbagbo forces had fired on the French ambassador's convoy in Abidjan.
The United Nations says at least 462 people have been killed since the political crisis began in early December. It says up to 1 million people have been displaced, with thousands fleeing west to Liberia or east to Ghana.
The disputed election was meant to reunite Ivory Coast, nearly a decade after a brief civil war left it split into a rebel-controlled north and a government-controlled south.
Efforts by the African Union to resolve the post-election crisis peacefully have so far failed.
Libya foreign minister 'defects'
Libyan Foreign Minister Moussa Koussa is in Britain and "no longer willing" to work for Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's regime, the UK Foreign Office says.
He flew in from Tunisia on a non-commercial flight and was questioned for several hours by British officials.
"He travelled here under his own free will. He has told us he is resigning," said a Foreign Office spokesman.
His apparent defection comes as rebels in Libya are retreating from former strongholds along the eastern coast.
The rebels have now lost the key oil port of Ras Lanuf and the nearby town of Bin Jawad, and are also in full retreat from Brega.
In the west, the rebel-held town of Misrata is still reportedly coming under attack from pro-Gaddafi troops, reports say.
'Own free will'
A British Foreign Office spokesperson said: "We can confirm that Moussa Koussa arrived at Farnborough Airport on 30 March from Tunisia.
"He has told us that he is resigning his post. We are discussing this with him and we will release further detail in due course.
"Moussa Koussa is one of the most senior figures in Gaddafi's government and his role was to represent the regime internationally - something that he is no longer willing to do.
"We encourage those around Gaddafi to abandon him and embrace a better future for Libya that allows political transition and real reform that meets the aspirations of the Libyan people."
The Foreign Office in London called on other members of the Libyan government to abandon Colonel Gaddafi.
UK intelligence officials hope that his deep knowledge of the Libyan regime will help bring about its early end, says the BBC's diplomatic correspondent Humphrey Hawksley.
Mr Koussa arrived in London on what is believed to have been a British military plane, our correspondent adds.
A senior US administration official, speaking to AFP News agency on condition of anonymity, said: "This is a very significant defection and an indication that people around Gaddafi think the writing's on the wall."
Earlier, British Foreign Secretary William Hague announced that five Libyan diplomats were being expelled from the country.
He told MPs that the five, who include the military attache, "could pose a threat" to Britain's security.
Mathew Knowles on Beyonce's Departure: 'Business Is Business, Family is Family'
Beyonce's father Mathew Knowles has issued a statement regarding her departure from his Music World Entertainment label.
While rumors are swirling that Beyonce dropped her father for her husband Jay-Z's company Roc Nation, Knowles said the decision to end their relationship was mutual, although Destiny's Child as a group, will continue with Music World Entertainment.
According to Mathew, he will concentrate on building Music World Entertainment's roster of gospel artists, which includes Trin-i-tee 5:7, Brian Courtney Wilson, Juanita Bynum, Micah Stampley, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Pastor Rudy and others.
"The decision for Beyoncé and Music World Entertainment to part was mutual," Mathew Knowles said in a statement released today (March 29th).
"We did great things together, and I know that she will continue to conquer new territories in music and entertainment," Knowles continued. "Music World will continue its partnership with Sony with Destiny's Child and UK female group From Above, as well as management. We will also continue to develop the Music World family of labels: Music World Country/Compadre, Music World Kids and Music World Music."
According to Knowles, Music World will no longer represent Columbia/Sony artist Tiffany Evans.
"Business is business and family is family. I love my daughter and am very proud of who she is and all that she has achieved. I look forward to her continued great success," Mathew Knowles said.
At press time, it is unclear who will manage Beyonce Knowles' career, although many feel Jay-Z's company Roc Nation will pick up where Music World left off.
Roc Nation currently handles the careers for a variety of popular artists, including Rihanna, Jay-Z, Willow Smith, Melanie Fiona and Wale.
Legendary Rapper Play of Kid-N-Play Hosts Holy Hip Hop Awards
Rapper Christopher "Play" Martin of the revered Hip-Hop group Kid-N-Play will host the 11th Annual Holy Hip Hop Awards next month in downtown Atlanta, Georgia.
Play will join co-host eDDie Velez in hosting the The Holy Hip Hop Awards, which will kick off the GMA/Dover Awards week.
The awards ceremony was created to recognize a variety of "gospel" rappers for their invaluable service, sacrifice, labor and contributions to the community.
Artists like Mobsters of Light, Che Che Da Supastar, Chris Chicago, Mariaha Markel, big AL, Lil La La, Mobigga, Mr. D-Note, G-Quinn, Halo & Reign and others are nominated this year.
The Higher Ground Record Pool, DJ Radikal and DJ Dex will provide the music for the Holy Hip Hop Awards, which takes place at 595 North Event venue and Lounge.
General admission tickets are $10. Doors open at 6:00PM. For information visit www.HolyHipHop.com.
Jim Jones Arrested In NY For Driving With A Suspended License
Rapper Jim Jones was released from police custody after being arrested in New York City for driving with a suspended license.
TMZ.com reports that Jones was busted today (March 30th) for driving his 2011 Bentley in the bus lane with a suspended license.
According to the rapper, the New York Police Department showed him the utmost respect during the process, leading him to praise the officers.
"I'm just an entertainer trying to make a living," the rapper told the Daily News. "They showed me total respect. Every officer in there is a gentleman."
Jim Jones is a member of The Diplomats, a rap group that features core members Cam'ron and Juelz Santana, who recently reunited after years of inner-turmoil within the group.
Last week, Juelz Santana missed a performance with Chris Brown in New York City, after police stopped the rapper searching for guns and drugs.
Juelz is currently free on $125,000 bond, after a 10-month investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutors Office and Gang Unit resulted in the raid of his New Jersey studio.
Police found two loaded 9MM handguns and a small amount of marijuana.
As for The Diplomats, the group is currently touring for their reunion, while simultaneously promoting upcoming releases by Jim Jones (CAPO) and Cam'ron and Vado (Gunz & Butta)."
Jim Jones' CAPO is due in stores on April 5th, while Cam and Vado's Gunz N' Butta are due in stores on April 20th.
Jim Jones is also a star in VH1's 8-part docu-soap series "Love & Hip-Hop."
Jimmy Carter criticises US Cuba policy
Former US president Jimmy Carter - on a visit to Cuba - has criticised US policy towards the island.
Mr Carter said the decades-long US trade embargo and travel ban damaged the Cuban people and hindered rather than helped reform.
He also urged the Cuban government to move towards democracy and allow complete freedom of speech.
During his three-day visit Jimmy Carter held talks with the Cuban leader Raul Castro, as well as leading dissidents.
He also met the jailed US contractor Alan Gross, but did not secure his release.
"We should immediately end the trade embargo which the US has imposed on the people of Cuba," Mr Carter told a news conference before leaving Havana.
He also said a US travel ban on American citizens visiting Cuba and keeping Cuba on a list of state sponsors of terrorism were counterproductive.
'Old friends'
Mr Carter - who met leading dissidents including several who have recently been released from jail - said he was optimistic that Cubans would gain more freedom.
My own hope is that in the future, there will be a complete freedom for all Cuban people for speech and for assembly and for travel; that all the internationally adopted standards for human rights will be enforced in Cuba," he said.
Mr Carter added that he hoped Cuba would release the jailed US contractor Alan Gross and that the US would also free five jailed Cuban intelligence agents.
Raul Castro hailed Mr Carter as an "honest man" and said the visit had helped address "common problems".
"It was a good visit, for him from his perspective and for us from our own," Mr Castro said.
He added that the Cuban government was ready for dialogue with the US, but only if it was "without conditions".
Mr Carter also met Raul Castro's brother Fidel, and said he and the veteran communist leader and talked like "old friends".
Mr Carter, 86 - who is on his second trip to Cuba - is the only serving or former US president to visit Cuba since the revolution in 1959.
His three-day visit at the invitation of the Cuban government was only announced on Friday.
There had been speculation that he had come seek the release of Alan Gross, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison earlier this month for providing satellite communications equipment to Jewish groups in Havana.
But although Mr Carter met the contractor in prison and called for his release, he said his main aim was to try to improve relations between Washington and Havana.
His visit came a week after the Cuban authorities released the last of the "Group of 75" dissidents arrested in a crackdown on opposition activists in 2003.
Their release had been a key condition set by the US and EU for any improvement in relations.
But Washington has also said there can be no easing of tensions until Mr Gross is also freed.
South Korea firms in bidding race for Korea Express
Three of South Korea's biggest companies have bid for a controlling stake in Korea Express, the country's biggest logistics firm.
POSCO, Lotte Group and CJ Group have all submitted preliminary bids to buy 37.6% of the firm as they look to reduce their transport costs.
The stake has been put up for sale by Daewoo Engineering and Construction.
The final bids are due on 13 May and the preferred bidder will be announced on 16 May.
Analysts are expecting a strong response, with some predicting that the stake sale could fetch up to 2 trillion won ($1.8bn; £1.1bn).
The sale will be keenly watched as an indicator of merger and acquisition activity in the country this year.
Japan to discuss nationalising Tepco, reports say
Speculation is growing that the Japanese government may start talks to nationalise Tokyo Electric Power, which owns the Fukushima nuclear plant.
Conflicting reports in local media caused nervousness among investors and Tepco's share price fell by 18%.
Tepco's future has been in question after the earthquake that struck Japan caused a radiation scare at Fukushima.
The company has said it will need to raise about $25bn (£15.6bn) to shore up its finances.
The talk of Tepco being nationalised has been fuelled by a statement from cabinet minister Koichiro Gemba to the Reuters news agency that a discussion about bailing out Tepco was possible.
But Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano said the government was not currently considering a nationalisation.
"Although details cannot be seen such as how exactly the government is going to nationalise the company, as long as there are concerns that Tepco may be nationalised, investors don't want to hold the stock," said Hajime Nakajima of Cosmo Securities.
On Tuesday a flood of sell orders caused Tepco shares to stop being traded temporarily.
A day earlier, the shares dropped to their lowest level in three decades.
Conflicting reports
A spokesman for Tepco told the Reuters news agency that he was unaware of any plan for nationalisation.
"Our first and biggest priority at this moment is to prevent the nuclear power plant accident from worsening further," Hajime Motojuku said.
However, The Yomiuri Daily has reported that some members of the government proposed a plan for the state to take a majority stake in the company and help it pay for damages from the nuclear accident.
Some Japanese banks have said they are in talks to give the company emergency loans.
Gyptian moving!
Coming off a successful year, reggae artiste Gyptian has several things in the pipeline which he hopes will propel his career even further.
The artiste recently recorded songs like Duggu Duggu, Come Out that is a collaboration with Chi Ching Ching and Laden and For Your Love. He has also done a collaboration with Shaggy called The Way You Look which is scheduled for release next month.
In addition, Gyptian takes the lead in We Are One Japan that is a tribute to the country that was hit by a major earthquake and tsunami recently. The song also features other artistes like Alison Hinds, Voicemail, Pressure, Wayne Wonder, Michael Rose and Japanese Fumibella.
"So far I've been recording a whole lot and doing shows all over," Gyptian told THE STAR.
Last year, he had a strong year with his song, Hold Yuh, gracing a few Billboard charts. The remix of the song with rapper Nicki Minaj also went on to gain success overseas on various charts. He also received MOBO and Soul Train awards in the best reggae artiste category, as well as numerous nominations locally and abroad.
But living up to last year's success is not something Gyptian is worried about.
"It is no problem, I just categorise it with the other hits from before," he said.
Gyptian added that he has a number of collaboration with other international acts lined up but he was reluctant to disclose names until everything has been finalised. Nonetheless, he said he is pleased with their interest to work with him.
"It's a good feeling when a lot of artistes want to work with us," Gyptian said.
Meanwhile, he has upcoming tours of the United States, Europe and Canada.