Pino Cazzaniga

In the land of the Rising Sun, signed by secularism and commercialism, misery and suicide, Christianity offers “a trustworthy hope” of which the pope speaks in his encyclical. The tale of Christmas Eve from our correspondent, and PIME missionary.

A day before votes are cast, surveys indicate that the former mayor of Seoul will win the bid for the highest office. A declared Christian Lee Myung-bak can count less on his party’s political positions than on his own status as a symbol of South Korea’s economic success, rising like the phoenix out of the ashes of war.

Dr Shinya Yamanaka’s research team eliminates the risks of cell mutation and the danger of tumors. Now it is working on finding a safe artificial genetic factor.

Positive reactions to the Japanes-US discovery of human cells with “unlimited potential” made from skin tissue. Catholic Church and Bush praise advance along with Chinese Academy of sciences and “father of Dolly the sheep”.

The joint declaration by the two Korean leaders stresses security, prosperity, dialogue and peace. The South makes a lot of concessions in the area of economic development, but fails to get the North to accept disarmament further along the demilitarised zone.

The land of the Rising Sun goes from a prime minister strongly committed to restoring the country’s lost pride to one who is well-known for his aversion to war and his great abilities as a diplomat and mediator.

Prime minister resigns as his political clout declines and stress level rises. Japan turns out to be less nationalistic and more pragmatic. Abe’s legacy includes better relations in Asia, especially with China.

Pyongyang starts preliminary talks with Seoul in preparation for late August historic summit. But in South Korea there are doubts as well as hopes. At issue are the summit’s location, timing and agenda.

Although he might keep his job and has enough seats to govern, the prime minister’s ability to govern will be conditioned by the poll results. Foreign capitals, where Abe was seen in a more positive light, are concerned.

The Kabul government seems convinced that a peaceful solution to the crises is possible. But in Seoul, after the murder of the pastor who led the volunteers, worry reigns. The dramatic phone call of one of the women held hostage.

Direct negotiations between the Taliban and Seoul apparently ongoing, in attempts to secure the release of the 15 women who are part of the group. The government had advised the protestant group not to undertake any initiatives in the war torn country.

A resolution passed by House Foreign Commission, will be put to the House this month. During his visit to the USA, Abe vainly tried to underplay the issue which is creating no few problems for between the government and opposition in Tokyo.