05/23/2012EGYPT Egypt votes for new president amid disappointment and hope Challenge between Muslim or military candidates, or from Mubarak establishment. Many Christians support moderate Muslim, Abdul Moneim Aboul Fotouh. The Army tries to maintain its military and economic power. The economy suffers from few foreign investments, drop in tourism, high price of food and energy. Cairo (AsiaNews /
Agencies) - Polls open today for the election of the new Egyptian president, 15
months after the ouster of Hosni Mubarak, followed by riots in Tahrir Square.
At
least 50 million Egyptians are being asked to vote between now and tomorrow
under tight security control of the army that took over power temporarily in
February 2011.
The
Supreme Council of the Armed Forces has promised that after the...
05/22/2012EGYPT Islamo-Christian violence in Minya: life imprisonment for 12 Copts, eight Muslims acquitted The conviction for the death of two Muslims, during the assault on a Christian village. At the base of the fighting, a street brawl, which ended with a beating. Activists and legal experts criticized the ruling, which is not appealable. Only the military council has the power to seek a new trial.
05/22/2012CHINA - VATICAN Tourists, not pilgrims, welcome in Sheshan by Bernardo Cervellera Catholics from China are "advised" to stay home on the pope's World Day of Prayer. Only Shanghai Catholics can celebrate Mass 24 May. "Security" and changes in the country's leadership are given as the reason. Meanwhile, the China Daily advertises tours to Sheshan to visit the observatory, taste the local cuisine, see protected animal species and stop at local golf courses. Reciting 'Salve Regina' is banned however.
05/22/2012VATICAN The family founded on marriage key for personal growth The VII World Meeting of Families on the theme: "The Family: Work and Celebration", which will take place in Milan from May 30 to June 3. One million people are expected for the final mass which will be celebrated by Benedict XVI.
05/22/2012YEMEN Sanaa cancels military parade. 96 dead and 300 wounded in the Al Qaeda attack The government held a "symbolic" ceremony to honor the victims among the soldiers, attended by the President Hadi. The target of the suicide attack was the Defence Minister. The condemnation of the UN Security Council and world leaders. Ban Ki-moon calls for a "constructive role" for all parties in the process of transition.
05/22/2012IRAN - IAEA UN agency announces breakthrough in nuclear sites inspections UN agency chief Yukiya Amano's announcement comes a day before a meeting between the 5+1 group and Iran. However, Washington still does not trust Tehran. Netanyahu urges no concession to the country that wants to destroy Israel.
05/22/2012UNITED STATES - CHINA Chen Guangcheng ready for his studies, his nephew still in jail The blind dissident spends time in a New York park. "For the past seven years, I have never had a day's rest," he said. For his mentor, Prof Cohen, NYU is ready for him. His wife may join him in his studies. Meanwhile, his family in China continues to endure the authorities' vendetta.
05/22/2012SRI LANKA Gen. Fonseka released and vows to devote life to Sri Lanka by Melani Manel Perera Perhaps a future in politics, as requested by many. But many do not see him as political leader and judge his release a move by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. A Catholic priest: "To be a leader for the country, you must act without revenge and respect the rights of all ethnic groups and religions."
05/22/2012AFGHANISTAN - USA NATO confirms withdrawal from Afghanistan by 2014 Obama promises that the Afghans "will not be alone." The NATO Secretary ensures the alliance is not short of funds. No results on the reopening of the supply routes from Pakistan. Besides France, early withdrawal wanted by Australia, Germany, New Zealand.
05/22/2012JAPAN Tokyo Skytree, the highest TV tower in the world, opens to the public The building measures 634 meters and is second only to the Dubai's Burj Khalifa. Tthree and a half years in building, the work stopped for two months following the March 2011 earthquake, but the structure was not damaged. Symbol of the country's economic recovery, but studies show that real estate gigantism is a sign of crisis.
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