03/09/2010TURKEY Earthquake in Anatolia, night spent in tents The death toll has risen to 51, the wounded are about 70. The temperature touched the 0 ° C. The Red Crescent has distributed tents and blankets. Damage and casualties caused by poor quality of buildings, mud and bricks. Ankara (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The survivors of the earthquake that struck eastern Turkey yesterday, spent the night in tents or around fires, for fear of new tremors. The search for people still alive under the rubble ended yesterday in the afternoon. The...
03/09/2010IRAN Isfahan: Protestant clergyman tortured for “converting Muslims” During a visit in prison, the pastor’s wife saw he had signs of torture. He could be executed. An anti-Protestant crackdown is underway in Isfahan. The regime’s fight against proselytising is coupled with fears that Christian gatherings might host its opponents.
03/09/2010JAPAN – SPAIN Nagasaki’s “Atomic bombed Maria” to embrace Guernica Archbishop Takami promotes a “pilgrimage for peace” that will start in Nagasaki and end Guernica (Spain), home to another statue of the Virgin damaged by war in 1937. Benedict XVI will hold an audience during one of its stops.
03/09/2010SRI LANKA At the Shrine of Our Lady of Tewatta 4 thousand young people pary for their vocation by Melani Manel Perera Under the title "Here am I. Send me," the Archdiocese of Colombo celebrates Children's Day. An 'opportunity for children and young people to begin their vocational journey. Archbishop of Colombo: We have different talents, qualities and weaknesses, but above all we are precious and unique to the Lord. He calls us to his mission for this uniqueness.
03/09/2010CHINA – NORTH KOREA Pyongyang leases port on the Sea of Japan to Beijing China now has direct access to the Sea of Japan for the first time since the 19th century. Goods from hitherto landlocked Jilin and Heilongjiang will be able to move through the port of Rajin. Trade with Japan and South Korea will be enhanced. North Korea is showing signs it is open for international cooperation, experts say.
03/09/2010MYANMAR – BANGLADESH Thousands of Rohingya refugees facing starvation in Bangladesh US charity sounds the alarm, claiming Bangladesh is blocking aid and medical treatment for refugees, who are locked up in open-air prisons. Rohingya are a Muslim minority from Myanmar and are persecuted by that country’s military dictatorship. Bangladeshi authorities dismiss accusations, saying, “We are the victims.”
03/09/2010INDIA - SOUTH KOREA Orissa, Church against a multinational stealing lands of local community South Korea's Posco, a steel company, has obtained government permission to use 1,600 hectares of land. But this requires the expulsion of thousands of inhabitants. Catholics turn against the project, and earn the support of the Hindus.
03/09/2010THAILAND Thailand’s economy recovering, + 5.8 per cent in fourth quarter of 2009 by Weena Kowitwanij GDP decline last year is less than expected. The government plans to continue economic assistance to individuals and companies. Tourism is playing a key role in the upswing.
03/09/2010INDONESIA Three die in anti-terror raid, one masterminded Bali massacre by Mathias Hariyadi Security forces carry out an operation in the Pamulang area, on the outskirts of the capital. Dulmatin, a terrorist nicknamed “The Genius”, is thought to be among them. Trained in Afghanistan, he was active throughout South-East Asia. The Indonesian government toughens its anti-terror campaign a few days before an official visit by Barak Obama. Hard-line Muslims attack the US leader, not a true friend of Islam.
03/09/2010TIBET - CHINA Crackdown in Tibet, hundreds of monks arrested and imprisoned in monasteries by Nirmala Carvalho On the anniversary of protests in March 2008 (the army fired on the crowd, hundreds of deaths, Tibet closed to visitors and the media), the Chinese authorities have introduced new security measures and enhanced controls. Tibetan Prime Minister in exile: we will not lose hope, we will continue our non-violent protest.
Books
La Cina di Mao processa la Chiesa di Angelo S.Lazzarotto pp. 528
Il rovescio dellemedaglie di Bernardo Cervellera pp. 240