02/09/2012SYRIA As the killing continues, UN and Arab League propose joint observers in Syria Seventy people were killed today in Homs. On Sunday, Arab League could recognise Syria’s opposition as the representative of the Syrian people. Turkey and the Organisation of the Islamic Conference announce fresh diplomatic initiatives. Some reports suggest Qatar and US might provide military support. Beirut (AsiaNews) – The United Nations was expected today to take up an Arab League proposal for a joint monitoring mission in Syria. Meanwhile, in the country, reports speak of greater repression with more violent attacks, especially in the city of Homs. Opposition sources said 93 people...
02/04/2012ITALY Responding today to Jesus' question: "Who do you say I am?" An International Symposium on "Jesus our contemporary," to be held in Rome from 9 to 11 February, organized by the Italian Churches’ Committee for Cultural projects. Cardinal. Ruini: "a strong message to society and a cultural world that are oppressed by so many other concerns and many other needs."
02/03/2012ASIA 1.24 million deaths from malaria: twice those estimated by the WHO A Seattle University study has estimated that in 2010 the victims of the disease numbered about 47% more than shown by the data published by the World Health Organization. Funded by Bill Gates, the new study is based on statistical models that also takes into account deaths that previously were not attributed to malaria.
02/02/2012ASIA Baltic Dry Index falls to record low by Maurizio d'Orlando Index hits 662 points. The previous low was in 2008, during the Lehman Brothers crisis. The drop reflects the steep decline in demand for raw materials, consequence of a worldwide economic slowdown. Expert tells AsiaNews that ship overcapacity is the main reason for the fall. Loans to big ship-owners now start to look shaky.
01/28/2012HOLY LAND International Day of Prayer for Peace in Holy Land Card. Turkson, Justice and Peace, and the Custodian of the Holy Land for the fourth edition of the Day. Prayers and Eucharistic adoration, Mass at Calvary in Jerusalem. Angelus with the Pope.
01/24/2012TURKEY-FRANCE Turkey threatens retaliation against France over Armenian genocide law The French Senate yesterday approved the criminalization of public denial of the Armenian genocide of 1915, on the same basis of the law relating to the Holocaust. Ankara considers the vote "irresponsible", and speaks of "total failure" of relations between the two countries.
01/22/2012VATICAN Pope: Christian unity comes from God, but requires our daily commitment Pope invites large turn-out for Vespers of January 25 in the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls for the conclusion of the Week for Christian unity. Best wishes to the peoples of the Far East for the Lunar New Year.
01/20/2012ASIA Year of the Dragon: many newborns and political changes by Wang Zhicheng A boom in births anticipated in the Chinese world. Doubts about presidential elections in the U.S., France and Russia. Silence on the changes at the top in China. The growing engagement of civil society against totalitarianism. The Chinese dragon is similar to an angel or an archangel in Christian tradition.
01/18/2012TURKEY Ruling in Hrant Dink murder case does not shed light on real instigators A Turkish court sentences Yasin Hayal to life in prison for instigating the assassination, but does not attribute any role to the terrorist organisation responsible for the murder of Fr Andrea Santoro in Trabzon and three Christians in Malatya. The ‘deep state’ is responsible for crimes designed to destabilise the country.
01/18/2012ASIA Baltic Dry Index plunge signals a major drop in economic activity by Maurizio d'Orlando Index loses 53 per cent in three years. It is a measure of maritime shipping costs for commodities like minerals and grains (with the Pacific Ocean as the hub). The recent decline reflects trends in industrial output in Asia, especially China.
Books
Augusto Colombo. Apostolo dei paria di Piero Gheddo
pp. 320
Matteo Ricci: missione e ragione. Una biografia intellettuale di Gianni Criveller
pp. 132
Bioetica religioni missioni di Buono Giuseppe, Pelosi Patrizia pp. 432
Matteo Ricci e Giulio Aleni, due vite incrociate di Giulio Aleni / (a cura di) Gianni Criveller
pp. 176
Missione Bengala 155 anni del Pime in India e Bangladesh EMI
di Piero Gheddo
pp. 480
La Cina di Mao processa la Chiesa di Angelo S.Lazzarotto pp. 528
Il rovescio delle medaglie di Bernardo Cervellera pp. 240