Indonesian Red Cross Workers Fight to Help Aceh's Disaster Victims

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=ABD761:2F72C9D

More than 100,000 people may have perished in Aceh after massive
earthquake triggered tsunami waves that destroyed dozens of
communities I

A water buffalo lies dead on the isolated village of Lhokngandonesian
Red Cross workers are battling to save lives and deliver aid to
refugees in remote regions of Aceh Province. More than 100,000 people
may have perished in Aceh after a massive earthquake triggered tsunami
waves that destroyed dozens of communities. VOA's Nancy-Amelia Collins
is in Lhoknga, Indonesia, with the Red Cross.

Dr. Hanifa Alia only recently graduated from medical school. Now, she
is using her new skills volunteering to help thousands of victims of
the earthquake and tsunami that devastated Indonesia's Aceh province.

She travels every day with a small team of Red Cross volunteers,
including her physician father, Hanifa Ali, to remote regions of the
province looking for people who need aid.

The younger Dr. Hanifa says she feels compelled to help, but her eyes
tear in frustration as she treats the wounded in a makeshift refugee
camp in Lhoknga, an hour's drive west along the coast from the
provincial capital, Banda Aceh.

"They need medicine, they need help, they need everything," she says.

Her father has been a doctor for more than 30 years in Aceh province
and has seen his share of horror caring for the victims of the
province's 27-year-old separatist war.

But Dr. Hanifa Ali says he has never seen human suffering on the scale
he has experienced since giant waves smashed into the coastline on
December 26.

Like many people in this devastated region, Dr. Hanifa's own family
was devastated by the tsunami waves - at least 20 of his relatives
died. But he says these losses have galvanized him into action to care
for those who still live.

The district of Lhoknga was flattened by the waves. Officials say that
only 7,000 of its 25,000 inhabitants survive.

It is only in the past few days that the Indonesian military has been
able to clear the roads. Before that, the volunteers picked their way
through the debris on foot, burying corpses and giving aid to
survivors. The team lacks even the most basic supplies.

In the forest of Lhoknga, where the survivors have set up camp, dozens
of the sick and wounded line up for treatment.

While international aid is slowly starting to reach the refugees, the
older Dr. Hanifa worries about the future.

"And then next year we need housing, of course - they have no houses,
they stay, maybe I don't know long time they stay here, we don't
know," he says. "They have no power to build their house, they have no
money, they have nothing. I don't know, this confuse our people and
also doctors is confused."

The Red Cross and Red Crescent teams have been hampered by the
organization's own losses - many people who have volunteered in the
past died in the disaster. Most of Aceh's doctors also perished.

Doctor Hanifa Ali says despite these difficulties, he and his team
will soldier on.

UN Optimistic About Meeting Tsunami Disaster Challenge

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=ABD756:2F72C9D

1.8 million in need of food aid, a million of them in Indonesia

Jan Egeland United Nations officials say the world is rising to the
challenge of providing assistance to victims of the Indian Ocean
tsunami. One-point-eight-million people are in need of food aid, a
million of them in Indonesia.

One week after the tsunami struck, U.N. emergency relief coordinator
Jan Egeland says he's optimistic the world community can meet the
enormous challenge of providing aid to victims.

He says the $2 billion in pledges of assistance from more than 40
countries is being boosted by a huge outpouring of generosity from
non-governmental organizations and private individuals.

"The international system is working," he said. "The hundreds of
relief organizations now involved are taking coordination, and they
are looking to the United Nations system for overall coordination, and
the Red Cross federation for all of the coordination within the Red
Cross and Red Crescent system."

Mr. Egeland said the United Nations, in cooperation with the U.S.
military, has set up a world-wide command center at a U.S. air base in
Thailand to coordinate what he called the biggest humanitarian effort
ever. As the relief effort enters its second week, he said, officials
have a "pretty good" overview of total needs.

Mr. Egeland said relief could reach 700,000 victims in Sri Lanka
within the next three days. But he said the overall estimate of
victims has risen to 1.8 million, most in Indonesia.

He pinpointed the west Indonesian island of Sumatra as the main area
where logistical bottlenecks still prevent aid from reaching the
neediest victims.

"The challenge in Indonesia is in a class of its own, still. We are,
however, making big progress," he said. "Now 50 aid groups are
operating in Banda Aceh, which was the epicenter of catastrophe,
together with other communities on the northern Sumatra coast, and in
Aceh."

Mr. Egeland praised humanitarian groups, such as Oxfam and Doctors
Without Borders, that have launched massive operations to get water to
people stranded in Banda Aceh.

He also noted the special contribution from countries, which have sent
helicopters and heavy equipment to air drop aid to remote areas, where
roads have been destroyed.

"Those helicopters now ferrying out relief to isolated villages on the
Sumatra coast from the United States and from other partner countries,
those helicopters are worth their weight in gold," he said.

U.N. officials say Secretary-General Kofi Annan will travel to the
region later in the week. His first stop will be Jakarta for a meeting
of several world leaders to discuss relief needs. He will then visit
both Sumatra and Sri Lanka.

Mr. Annan told the U.S. ABC television program, This Week, Sunday, it
could take up to 10 years for some countries to recover from the
tsunami.

"It will differ from country to country, but my own sense is, you
probably have five-to-10 years, and billions-of-dollars, because the
devastation is enormous," he said.

Officials say Mr. Annan and other leaders will make a flash appeal for
additional aid during their meeting in Jakarta this week. But the
amount of that appeal is expected to be less than the $2 billion-plus
already pledged.

Beijing Receptive to Direct Flights Between Mainland and Taiwan

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=ABD76A:2F72C9D

China says it wants to promote direct charter flights across the
Taiwan Strait in time for the Chinese New Year holiday, which starts
February 9 Chinese state media reported Monday that Beijing will
consider allowing non-stop flights between Mainland China and Taiwan.
The proposal could end a 55-year ban on direct travel between the
political rivals.

China says it wants to promote direct charter flights across the
Taiwan Strait in time for the Chinese New Year holiday, which starts
February 9.

A spokesman for Beijing's Taiwan Affairs Office told state media
Monday that the government hopes Taipei will agree to talks on the
issue.

Dr. Huang Wei-fang, the vice chair of Taiwan's Mainland Affairs
Council, told VOA that the Taiwanese side was eager to proceed with
the talks. "The timing is very short and we only have one month, so we
already decided to dedicate our authority to the Taipei Airline
Association to carry out the negotiations with Mainland China," he
said.

Direct, non-stop flights have been banned since 1949, when the Chinese
Nationalist government fled to Taiwan after its defeat by the
Communists.

Beijing claims Taiwan as a part of China and has threatened to invade
the island if the Taiwan government declares formal independence - a
major source of tension in the region.

Previous attempts to establish air links across the strait have
collapsed over Beijing's insistence that Taipei accept the so-called
"one China policy."

In 2003, six Taiwanese carriers were allowed to run chartered flights
between Taiwan and Shanghai for the New Year holiday, but they had to
make token stops in Hong Kong or Macau. The flights were not allowed
in 2004.

In normal times, travelers from Taiwan to the mainland have to fly to
Hong Kong or Macau and then change to a foreign airline for the final
leg of the trip.

Monday's announcement comes a week after Taiwanese business leaders
urged Beijing to drop its political demands and allow direct
commercial flights.

Businessmen have played key roles in cross-strait relations in the
past.

Koo Chen-fu, a leading Taiwanese industrialist, was head of Taiwan's
semi-official Straits Exchange Foundation. In 1993, he held a
face-to-face meeting in Singapore with Wang Daohan, a mainland
counterpart, to discuss relations between the two sides. It was the
first formal contact between China and Taiwan since the end of the
1949 civil war. The two men met again in Shanghai in 1998.

Mr. Koo died of cancer early Monday morning. He was 87 years old.

S.

Argentine Families Begin to Bury Victims of Club Fire

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=ABD75D:2F72C9D

At least 182 killed, more than 700 people injured in Thursday night
blaze

Relatives and friends of a victim grieve as they bury their loved one
Argentine families have began to bury relatives killed in a Buenos
Aires nightclub fire that claimed at least 182 lives.

Officials say more than 700 other people were injured in the Thursday
night blaze. Investigators say the fire may have been started when
someone set off a flare, igniting the club's foam-covered ceiling.
More than 2,000 people, mostly teenagers, tried to escape the blaze,
but city officials say four of the exit doors were locked.

Investigators say they have identified three people believed to have
launched the flare, but did not say if they were among the casualties.

Argentine officials add that they are looking into witness accounts
that there was a makeshift nursery in one of the club's bathrooms.

On Saturday, hundreds of people marched near the club demanding that
Buenos Aires officials toughen safety codes for concert halls and
nightclubs. Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.

Philippine Food Company Bids to Buy Australian Dairy Company

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=ABD76D:2F72C9D

Southeast Asian food and beverage giant San Miguel Corporation has
initiated a takeover bid for one of Australia's largest food
companies, while South Korea's government plans to spend more to
boost economic growth Southeast Asian food and beverage giant San
Miguel Corporation has initiated a takeover bid for one of Australia's
largest food companies, while South Korea's government plans to spend
more to boost economic growth.

The Manila-based San Miguel Corporation has offered $1.3 billion for a
majority stake in Australia's National Foods. National Foods' board is
asking shareholders to accept San Miguel's offer.

The price is 10 percent higher than an earlier bid from New Zealand
food cooperative Fonterra - which already owns 19 percent of the
Australian dairy company.

"This is a very good offer for the company and we believe there's a
good strategic fit between the two organizations," said Ian
Greenshields, a spokesman for National Foods.

Analysts are expecting a bidding war for National Foods. Fonterra
earlier refused to rule out raising its bid.

San Miguel is best known for its regional beer business, but it has
diversified business interests, including soft drinks, fresh and
canned foods, agribusiness and packaging. Early last year, it bought a
majority stake in an Australian fruit-juice company.

An air-services agreement signed by the governments of Singapore,
Thailand and Brunei will give air passengers a greater choice of
flights. The agreement allows local airlines to operate an unlimited
number of services on any routes between the three neighboring
countries.

More governments are expected to join the arrangement in the next few
years as Southeast Asia aims to fully liberalize air services by 2008.

South Korea says it will increase public spending by 14 percent early
this year to help boost the slowing economy.

The government expects consumer spending to remain weak and
investments to fall this year, and is allocating $96 billion, or 60
percent of its budget, in the first half of 2005 to create jobs.

For 2004, officials estimate South Korea's export-driven economy grew
only 4.7 percent. But there are positive signs. November industrial
output rose 10 percent from the previous year, pushed by higher car
and semiconductor exports.

http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/01/02/news/iraq.html

Iraq's Shiite rule out Iran model

http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?ID=35545

Iraq battling more than 200,000 insurgents: intelligence chief

http://www.lewrockwell.com/featherstone/featherstone17.html

The Battle for Saudi Arabia
Charles Featherstone

Can Africa solve African problems?
A look ahead at issues and events likely to make headlines in the
coming year. By Abraham McLaughlin
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0104/p07s01-woaf.html?s=hns

Gulf Arabs Wonder: Are They Being Stingy With Aid?
By NEIL MacFARQUHAR
A newspaper in Kuwait suggested that gulf Arabs had an
obligation to dig deeper in their pockets for the people of
Southeast Asia.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/04/internat.../04arab.html?th

Putin Demotes Adviser Critical of the Kremlin
By C. J. CHIVERS
The adviser, Andrei N. Illarionov, had expressed deep
misgivings about the direction in which Russia was headed.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/04/internat...4russia.html?th

U.S. Soldier Killed in Gunfight With Militants
--------------------

From Times Wire Reports

January 4 2005

An American soldier was killed and three others were wounded in Afghanistan's Kunar province in a clash with militants who triggered a gunfight when they detonated two homemade bombs.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...headlines-world

Ties With 8 European Nations Are Restored
--------------------

From Times Wire Reports

January 4 2005

The Cuban government has resumed formal diplomatic contacts with eight European nations, Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque said.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...headlines-world

Authorities Arrest Head of Armed Islamic Group
--------------------

From Times Wire Reports

January 4 2005

The leader of Algeria's second-largest Islamic rebel group has been arrested, the Interior Ministry said.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...headlines-world

Kuwaiti Soldiers Suspected of Plot
--------------------

From Reuters

January 4 2005

KUWAIT CITY — Security forces have detained several Kuwaiti soldiers suspected of plotting to attack U.S. forces in the Persian Gulf nation, a security source said Monday.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...headlines-world

Kremlin Dissenter Loses Many Duties
--------------------

From Associated Press

January 4 2005

MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir V. Putin on Monday stripped many duties from his top economic advisor, an outspoken critic who has accused the Kremlin of trying to muzzle voices of dissent in Russia.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...headlines-world

U.S. Reportedly Shifts on Involving Europeans
--------------------

Instead of seeking more troops, the White House will ask the Continent to support the larger effort to bring democracy to Iraq, officials say.

By Tyler Marshall
Times Staff Writer

January 4 2005

WASHINGTON — The United States is backing away from efforts to pressure European allies to join or remain in the American-led military force in Iraq and is instead working to coax those countries into participating in other initiatives in the region, according to senior Bush administration and European officials.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...0,2795407.story

--------------------
Annan Names New Chief of Staff at the U.N.
--------------------

Activist Mark Malloch Brown is tapped to help mend relations and drive reform after a difficult year for the world organization.

By Maggie Farley
Times Staff Writer

January 4 2005

UNITED NATIONS — After a year of scandal and political attacks that marginalized and demoralized the United Nations, Secretary-General Kofi Annan named a new chief of staff Monday in a bid to invigorate the organization.

Insurgent Attacks in Iraq Kill at Least 16
--------------------

By NICK WADHAMS
Associated Press Writer

January 4 2005, 1:30 AM PST

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Insurgents pressed their bloody campaign to sabotage Iraq's Jan. 30 elections with three car bombs and a roadside attack Monday, one near the prime minister's party headquarters in Baghdad and others targeting Iraqi troops and a U.S. security company.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...opinternational

Police Arrest Presumed Bus Massacre Leader
--------------------


January 3 2005, 6:13 PM PST

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras -- President Ricardo Maduro said Monday that police have arrested the alleged mastermind of an attack on a public bus that left 28 passengers dead two weeks ago.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...opinternational

Calls to Postpone Iraqi Elections Grow
--------------------

By RAWYA RAGEH
Associated Press Writer

January 3 2005, 11:57 PM PST

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- More Iraqi interim government officials are calling for postponing Jan. 30 elections to ensure a higher Sunni voter turnout, a sign that a campaign of violence might be taking its toll on Iraqi resolve. The country's electoral commission, however, insists that voting take place as scheduled.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...opinternational

Israeli Tank Fire Kills 7 Palestinians
--------------------

By IBRAHIM BARZAK
Associated Press Writer

January 4 2005, 12:27 AM PST

BEIT LAHIYA, Gaza Strip -- An Israeli tank fired two shells in response to Palestinian mortar attacks Tuesday, killing seven Palestinians and wounding six in the deadliest single incident in the Gaza Strip in three months.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...opinternational

Bomber of Mess Hall Was Reportedly Saudi
--------------------

From Associated Press

January 4 2005

CAIRO — The suicide bomber who killed 22 other people in a U.S. mess hall near the northern Iraqi city of Mosul was a Saudi medical student, an Arab newspaper reported Monday.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...headlines-world

Sharon Hits Snag in Effort to Form New Government
--------------------

An Orthodox party the prime minister seeks for his coalition has balked. Early elections may be called, which could kill the Gaza pullout plan.

By Ken Ellingwood
Times Staff Writer

January 4 2005

JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plan to quickly assemble a new government was in doubt Monday as he waited to learn whether a small religious party would provide a crucial piece of the proposed coalition.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...headlines-world

Insurgent Attacks Kill at Least 21 in Iraq
--------------------

Four suicide car bombings and other blasts rock Baghdad and cities to the north.

By Ashraf Khalil
Times Staff Writer

January 4 2005

BAGHDAD — Insurgents killed at least 21 people Monday and early today with a string of suicide car bombings and other attacks as the campaign to disrupt this month's parliamentary elections appeared to be intensifying.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...headlines-world

Annan Names New Chief of Staff at the U.N.
--------------------

Activist Mark Malloch Brown is tapped to help mend relations and drive reform after a difficult year for the world organization.

By Maggie Farley
Times Staff Writer

January 4 2005

UNITED NATIONS — After a year of scandal and political attacks that marginalized and demoralized the United Nations, Secretary-General Kofi Annan named a new chief of staff Monday in a bid to invigorate the organization.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...headlines-world

No Delay for Iraqi Elections
--------------------

A postponement would do little but give power to the insurgents.


January 4 2005

Every suicide bombing in Iraq these days brings new calls for a postponement of national elections scheduled for Jan. 30, less than four weeks away. Those demanding a delay are usually Sunni Muslims — who've lost the power they held under Saddam Hussein. But the voices include well-wishers outside the country worried that an election boycotted by a community accounting for 20% of the population would permanently cripple representative government. That need not happen.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editor...ment-editorials

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&...ategory=Kingdom

Saudi women will be allowed to vote in '09

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&...ategory=Kingdom

Tons of explosives used in Riyadh Bombings

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/395...3587E8D3A16.htm

Iraqi governor killed, Green Zone hit

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/BC3...FD72FE42C88.htm

Interim Iraqi minister offers poll delay

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/E4E...ACC1A3D69C7.htm

Iraqi Sunnis threaten to reject charter

http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/09D...81C5F80C3C3.htm

Palestinians killed in Israeli shelling

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/GA05Ak03.html

Al Qaeda's unfinished work

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/GA05Df01.html

US 'spying' raises Indian hackles

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/GA05Ak02.html

A US Guide to Persian Gulf security

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/GA04Ak01.html

What lies ahead for jihad terrorism

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Middle_East/GA05Ak04.html

Baghdad Governor Slain

UN Says Tsunami Death Toll to Rise Exponentially

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=AC486D:2F72C9D

United Nations' top emergency relief official says toll may rise
much higher as more information becomes available from isolated
western coast of Sumatra

Jan EgelandThe United Nations' top emergency relief official, Jan
Egeland, says the death toll from the December 26 tsunami may rise
much higher as more information becomes available from the isolated
western coast of Sumatra.

Mr. Egeland says relief workers are now focusing on the western coast
of northern Sumatra. He says they are just beginning to fully grasp
the level of devastation caused by the earthquake and tsunami in that
area.

"The coast is low. It took the full blast of the tsunami which was at
its highest and many, many of these villages are gone," he said.
"There is no trace left of them. They had hardly roads before. Now
they have nothing. The death toll will grow exponentially on the west
coast of Sumatra. What will be the final toll, we will never know. But
we may be talking of tens of thousands of further deaths in this area.
The town of Meulaboh, nearly 50,000 inhabitants, has perhaps been the
most devastated of any town anywhere, even much more than Banda Aceh."

Survivor of deadly tsunami washes dishes in dirty water in destroyed
village of Lam Jamek, Banda AcehMr. Egeland describes reaching the
isolated communities of Sumatra as a logistical nightmare.

The U.N. relief coordinator says the international response has been
overwhelming with donations coming from non-traditional donors,
including some of the poorest nations in the world, and unprecedented
military and humanitarian assistance. But he expresses concern that
the world's generosity to tsunami victims may undercut the United
Nations' upcoming 2005 consolidated appeal for two billion dollars for
other emergencies.

"Yes, I am afraid that some of this money that might be directed for
Africa is now being directed to very vital relief work among tsunami
victims," Mr. Egeland said. "I appeal to the rich world. The rich
world should be able to foot the bill for feeding all the children in
the world."

Mr. Egeland says the world must pay greater attention to the
catastrophes that take place every day in Africa.

US Pledges Long-Term Support For Asia's Tsunami Recovery

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=AC4869:2F72C9D

US Secretary of State Colin Powell made the announcement as he toured
tsunami damaged areas with President Bush's brother Jeb The United
States pledged its full support for Asian recovery efforts from the
December 26 tsunami that has claimed more than 150,000 lives in 12
countries rimming the Indian Ocean.

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell pledged on-going U.S. assistance
to Asian nations devastated by the December 26 earthquake and tsunami.
Mr. Powell met with Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Tuesday in
Bangkok and discussed long-term reconstruction.

"We of course have made it clear we will do everything that is
necessary to support the countries in the region," he said.

Mr. Powell toured the resort island of Phuket, Thailand's worst hit
area. Thailand is one of 12 affected nations and the first stop on the
secretary's trip.

The U.S. government has now pledged more than $350 million in
assistance to the region. The United States is also conducting a major
military relief effort using Thailand's Utapao Air Base as a staging
area for aid flights and supplies.

The U.S. secretary of state and Mr. Thaksin agreed to work towards the
creation of a tsunami early warning system - to prevent future
catastrophe. This will be a key topic when leaders meet in Jakarta
Thursday for a one-day disaster conference.

Mr. Powell, in a Thai television interview, said the scale of this
tragedy was overwhelming.

"I've never seen one single event that affected 12 countries and
caused such incredible loss of life," he stated. "And when you see
what's happening in Indonesia and in Sri Lanka it truly is a tragedy
of enormous proportions."

Indonesia was the hardest hit from the earthquake and tsunami with
close to 100,000 dead, tens of thousands missing and more than 300,000
refugees.

The massive aid and recovery effort continued Tuesday as emergency
food, water and other support continued to reach desperate
populations.

United Nations children's fund chief executive, Carol Bellamy, says in
Sri Lanka the main challenge now is to prevent an outbreak of disease.
"Making sure that kids will [drink] clean water, that there is some
sanitation, that the medicines they need are there to avoid outbreak
of malaria, dengue, or diarrhea - which could lead to death," said Ms.
Bellamy.

World Food Program officials believe progress is being achieved in the
hardest hit areas such as Indonesia's Aceh Province. In Sri Lanka, the
WFP will have dispatched more than five thousand tons of food to
750,000 people by week's end.

Aid Agencies Fear Burma Tsunami Toll Will Rise

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=AC486A:2F72C9D

Foreign aid workers are struggling to independently assess the tsunami
damaged suffered on Burma's southwestern coast International aid
agencies hope to visit coastal areas of southern Burma to assess
tsunami damage, as fears rise that the country's death toll will be
much higher than the military government has reported. Relief workers
say it may be days before a full picture becomes clear.

Foreign aid workers are struggling to independently assess the tsunami
damaged suffered on Burma's southwestern coast on December 26.

Burma's military government's official Myanma Ahlin newspaper says the
waves killed 53 citizens, injured 43 and left 21 missing.

But aid agencies fear the toll of dead and missing may be much higher
given the loss of life elsewhere in the region. More than 150,000
people are thought to have died in at least 12 Indian Ocean nations.

Tony Branbury, the U.N. World Food Program regional director in
Bangkok, says early assessments indicate the damage in Burma may be
extensive. Mr. Branbury says so far WFP has only been able to reach
the Irrawaddy regions south of Rangoon.

"Upon arrival we immediately figured out that there were approximately
10,000 people in need of immediate food aid," he said. "So we added
them to our list."

The WFP has increased the numbers in need of food assistance to 30,000
- indicating much more damage than officials have so far acknowledged.

Burma's government allows outside aid groups and foreign officials
only very limited access to the country. The military also tightly
controls the media and in the past has tried to prevent news leaking
about its economic woes, its efforts to suppress political dissidents
and other problems.

Teams from major international aid agencies, including Doctors Without
Borders, the United Nations Children's Fund and WFP have been hoping
to travel from Rangoon to carry out a full assessment.

But flights have been canceled and the assessment teams may be forced
to travel to the regions by car - a journey of at least two days.
International aid workers also have yet to obtain permission to visit
Burma's most remote, low-lying islands. The WFP fears hundreds of
fishermen on the islands may have perished.

Aid agencies say a major concern is the lack of clean drinking water;
many water tanks used to collect rainwater have been destroyed.

Unexpected Problems Adds to Challenges in Delivering Aid to Victims

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=AC4876:2F72C9D

Tsunami, which killed some 100,000 people in Indonesia alone, took out
most of the roads, infrastructure and left the region without
government officials and volunteers

Boeing-737 cargo plane lies on its side in the middle of runway at
Banda Aceh airport after it broke its wheels The main airport in
Indonesia's tsunami hit Banda Aceh, a key hub for relief flights, was
closed all day Tuesday after a chartered Boeing 737 hit a water
buffalo on the runway damaging its landing gear in the early hours of
the morning.

Helicopters continue to fly in and out of Banda Aceh's airport,
delivering aid desperately needed in far-flung areas on Indonesia's
northern island of Sumatra.

But other air traffic was stalled after a chartered jet hit a water
buffalo on the runway, closing the airport till late afternoon.

Chief Warrant Officer Rick Truelove, head of the U.S. military
disaster relief team here, says the plane mishap could not have come
at a worse time.

There was just enough aid to last for one day, and more supplies
needed to be brought in from Sumatra's relief hub of Medan.

"We're still moving cargo and supplies," said Mr. Truelove. "The
challenge we've got right now is we've got all of the humanitarian
assistance supplies stock piled down at Medan and the issue right now
is getting from Medan up here."

The runway was eventually cleared. But the water buffalo incident
illustrates just one of the many problems the unprecedented relief
operations here are running into.

Access is a huge obstacle. The December 26 tsunami, which killed some
100,000 people in Indonesia alone, took out most of the roads,
infrastructure and left the region without government officials and
volunteers.

While hundreds of foreign relief workers are here in the world's
biggest-ever response to a natural disaster, figuring out where people
are in most need and bring aid to them remains a daunting task.

Chief Truelove says he went out to survey the Banda Aceh port to see
if ships could also deliver relief, but found it unusable.

"Basically the pier structurally is not sound," he concluded.
"Underneath you can see where it's buckled the cement so we definitely
have to do some structural work to be able to bring anything over that
pier. We're looking at other beaches and ports and as soon as we can
identify one that we don't have to rebuild completely, we'll have
another option bringing things in by surface."

Relief officials say nearly two million people in the 12 affected
countries along the Indian Ocean are in need of food assistance and
help to ward off the threat of disease.

Here in Banda Aceh Tuesday, thousands of shocked survivors of the
tsunami stood in long lines in front of the destroyed mall queuing for
water at an aid station set up by Indonesian businessmen.

Sri Lanka: Hopes Rise that Disaster Will Bridge Gap Between
Government, Rebels

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=AC486B:2F72C9D

For the time being, the two sides are, as Prime Minister Mahinda
Rajapakse put it, 'brothers in misery'

Tamil children reach out for food rations by aid workers In the days
before the deadly tsunami devastated Sri Lanka, there were worries
that the island country may head back to war as a peace process
between Tamil Tiger rebels and the government stalled. But as both
sides concentrate on relief efforts, questions are being raised
whether the disaster could provide an opportunity to improve relations
between them.

The waves showed no discrimination as they battered Sri Lanka all
along its east coast, an area long divided by a vicious civil conflict
- the south inhabited by the Sinhalese majority, and Tamil-rebel
controlled areas to the north.

For the time being, the two sides are as Prime Minister Mahinda
Rajapakse put it, "brothers in misery."

There are signals that the destructive waves may bring them closer
together. Tamil Tiger chief Velupillai Prabhakaran offered condolences
to the people of the south - the first time he reached out to those he
has fought.

President Chandrika Kumaratunga - known for her deep distrust of the
Tigers - has promised help to the rebel territories. It is a message
that has been reiterated it many forums.

"We are working to give them [Tamils] the maximum amount of relief we
can and the reconstruction process we will not make any difference
between the northeast and the south," she said.

The conciliatory remarks has raised hopes that the disaster may
provide an opportunity for both sides to reach out to each other.

But occasionally, a war of words has erupted. In the days just after
the December 26 disaster, the rebels complained of too little aid from
Colombo - an accusation strongly denied by senior officials.

Some rebel leaders are calling the government's vows to cooperate
"talk to impress the international community." Both the military and
the rebels have accused each other of burning down a refugee camp.

Despite the barbs, both sides vow to help rebuild the country. The
head of the Center for Policy Alternatives in Colombo, Paikiasothy
Saravanamuttu, says it is too soon to tell whether the effort will
help the rebels and the government bridge their divide.

"There is a spirit of cooperation up to a point that is falling into
place on the ground," he said. "But certainly I think what has to be
recognized is that while one hopes trust and confidence will be built
up through the relief efforts so that they will be able to move
towards negotiations, neither side is going to do anything which in
any way they feel will impact adversely on what they see to be their
core political interests."

Indeed, the Tamil Tigers are guarding their turf jealously.
International aid workers and relief convoys are being allowed in. But
the rebels are firmly in control, and have used their long years of
experience in warfare to set up a relief operation with military
precision.

Political analysts say the peace process may hinge on even-handed
distribution of aid in the north and the south. If that happens, a
better understanding between the two sides may follow. Otherwise, the
months ahead may see more bitterness and acrimony in a country that
has suffered a two-decade long conflict fueled by complaints of Tamil
complaints of discrimination by the Sinhalese majority.

Australia Expected to Boost Tsunami Relief to Indonesia

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=AC4871:2F72C9D

Canberra pledged $46 million but Australian newspapers reports total
package may be worth up to $400 million

Ground crew load relief supplies onto a Royal Australian Air Force
C-130 Hurcules at Richmond RAAF base in Sydney Australia may increase
its aid to Asia's tsunami victims nearly nine-fold, to almost $400
million. Prime Minister John Howard will discuss the aid package at
the regional tsunami relief summit in Jakarta this week.

Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer says Canberra is prepared
to offer "considerably more" aid to tsunami-hit regions.

The Australian government is concentrating its efforts in Aceh on the
Indonesian island of Sumatra, where most of the victims of the Indian
Ocean disaster perished.

In Jakarta later this week, Australian officials are expected to
outline details of a massive aid package. Australian newspapers on
Tuesday reported the total package may be worth up to $400 million,
although the government has not confirmed that figure. Already,
Canberra has pledged $46 million.

The new aid is expected to include measures for immediate relief, as
well as long-term financial and technical help to rebuild Aceh's
battered towns.

Foreign Minister Downer has said international support will be needed
for years to come in the countries hit by the tsunami and earthquake
on December 26.

Australian aid workers are already in action in Aceh and four
Australian military helicopters were arriving in Indonesia on Tuesday
to ferry supplies and medical teams to isolated communities.

In Thailand, Australian experts are helping to identify thousands of
bodies on the island of Phuket. Mr. Downer, who was touring the
disaster zone on Tuesday, says they face a gruesome task.

"There's a grisly, difficult and unattractive and sad job to be done
here at the moment," he said.

Australian citizens and companies continue to donate to
disaster-relief charities, so far $65 million has been raised. In the
country's biggest city, Sydney, many residents expect much more will
follow.

"I think it probably parallels a lot of previous tragedies where
Australia tends to come to the fore particularly in this part of the
world," said an Australian.

"I was just speaking to a colleague from the office today and we're
putting together a special, sort of, work effort in order to get
people in the office to donate," added a woman.

At least 13 Australians are known to have died in tsunami areas. The
government warns the figure is likely to rise - possibly into the
hundreds.

Foreign Minister Downer on Thursday heads to a disaster-relief summit
in Indonesia.

Australia has also sent medical teams to the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Baghdad Governor Shot Dead, 10 killed in Truck Bombing

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=AC486C:2F72C9D

Police say Ali al-Haidari and his bodyguard were killed Tuesday while
driving through the Baghdad city neighborhood of Hurriyah Iraqi police
say insurgents have shot dead the governor of Baghdad province.

Police say Ali al-Haidari and his bodyguard were killed Tuesday while
driving through the Baghdad city neighborhood of Hurriyah.

In an separate attack, a suicide bomber rammed his explosives laden
truck into a police post in central Baghdad, killing at least 10
people and wounding more than 50 others.

Insurgents have been increasingly targeting senior Iraqi government
officials, police and other security personnel as they press on with a
violent campaign to disrupt elections set for January 30.

Monday, at least 18 people - mostly Iraqi police and guardsmen - were
killed in a series of ambushes, car bombings, and suicide attacks in
Baghdad and several cities and towns to the north.



Some information for this report provided by AFP and Reuters.

Seven Palestinians Killed in Israeli Gaza Raid

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=AC486E:2F72C9D

According to Palestinian witnesses, the dead and wounded were farmers
working in a strawberry field At least seven Palestinians were killed
and six others injured in an Israeli raid on the Gaza Strip town of
Beit Lahiya. The Israeli military says tank fire was targeted at
militants preparing to shell Israelis, but Palestinian witnesses say
the casualties were civilian farmers.

The Israeli army said it fired in response to mortar attacks by
Palestinian militants that injured one Israeli working in the Erez
industrial zone and two others when a shell exploded near an Israeli
school bus.

The bodies of eight Palestinians can be seen at the morgue in the town
of Beit LahiyaAccording to Palestinian witnesses the dead and wounded
Palestinians were farmers working in a strawberry field. The Israeli
military said a tank fired two shells at nine masked militants who had
just fired two mortar shells. It said the militants were members of
Hamas.

A Palestinian hospital official identified the dead by name and said
that six of them were from the same family. He said the casualties
ranged in age from 11 to 17. But Israeli military sources said
Palestinian liaison officers identified six of the dead as being 17 or
older. David Baker, an official in the Israeli prime minister's
office, accused the militants of using civilians as human shields.

Palestinian presidential candidate Mahmoud Abbas told supporters at a
campaign rally in Gaza that the dead were martyrs killed by, in his
words, the "Zionist enemy." It was unusually harsh language for Mr.
Abbas, who is considered a moderate. He called off a planned visit to
the hospital where the wounded were being treated when two powerful
explosions, apparently from Israeli tanks shells, went off near his
motorcade. Palestinian security officials said militants had fired two
homemade rockets from near the hospital at Israeli troops.

Palestinian militants in Gaza have increased their attacks on Israeli
targets in recent months in what is seen as an attempt to make it
appear they are forcing the withdrawal from Gaza that Israel plans
later this year. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has warned that
Israel would respond forcefully to any violence and Israeli raids into
Gaza have increased accordingly.

Mahmoud Abbas has called for an end to Palestinian rocket attacks on
Israel but has also said he will not use force to stop them. He has
said he prefers to bring the militants into the political process and
not crack down on them as Israel has demanded.

Imminent Staff Shakeup Signals Tough Days Ahead for UN's Annan

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=AC4874:2F72C9D

Shakeup comes as UN secretary-general struggles to cope with series of
scandals, a staff revolt, and strained relations with world body's
most powerful member state

Kofi Annan (VOA photo - C. Giardino)U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan
has named a new chief of staff as part of an expected shakeup of
senior staff. The shakeup comes as Mr. Annan struggles to cope with a
series of scandals, a staff revolt, and strained relations with the
world body's most powerful member state.

Secretary-General Annan told a hastily called news conference Monday
that his long-time friend and U.N. colleague Mark Malloch Brown would
take over as his chief of staff. As if to highlight the urgency of the
change, he said Mr. Brown would also retain his current position as
head of the world body's largest agency, the U.N. Development Program.

"There is clearly a need for continuity at this critical moment, and I
would expect Mark to continue to oversee the operations of UNDP until
such time as I make an appointment of a new administrator," the
secretary-general said.

Mr. Brown, a 51-year-old British citizen, replaces 70-year-old Iqbal
Riza of Pakistan, who unexpectedly retired two weeks ago.

Sitting beside the secretary-general as the announcement was made, Mr.
Brown acknowledged that his appointment comes at a difficult moment
for the United Nations.

"It's been the subject of wide commentary that staff morale is not at
its highest at this time, and we face also in the weeks ahead
recommendations that may come from Mr. Volcker," he said.

A panel led by former U.S. central bank chief Paul Volcker is due to
issue a report later this month on alleged corruption in the
now-defunct Iraq oil-for-food program. The report is expected to
implicate at least one high-level U.N. official in a bribery and
kickback scheme.

Word of a high-level staff reshuffle hit a fever pitch late last month
when Mr. Riza suddenly retired. Two other U.N. officials,
Undersecretary-General for Management Catherine Bertini of the United
States, and U.N. Controller Jean-Pierre Halbwachs of Mauritius, also
unexpectedly stepped down.

Secretary-General Annan suggested Monday that other key aides will be
leaving, including one of his closest advisers, Undersecretary-General
for Political Affairs Kieran Prendergast.

"Kieran is still the undersecretary general for the department of
political affairs, but I must admit that I do intend to make further
changes, changes that will affect senior people already in the
building, and maybe some who are outside headquarters, so this is the
first in a series of changes or reshuffle that may happen," he said.

Mr. Annan dodged a reporter's question about whether Mr. Prendergast,
a British national, would take over as his special Middle East envoy.
That job came open last month with the resignation of the Norwegian
Terje Roed-Larsen of Norway.

Mr. Annan would only say he had a long list of candidates to fill the
Middle East envoy's post.

The secretary-general appeared sensitive to suggestions he might be
favoring one country over another in his appointments. He said
specifically he will not appoint a U.S. citizen to replace Mr. Brown,
because two of the four main U.N. agencies are already headed by
Americans.

Mr. Annan has recently come under intense criticism in some quarters
in the United States. One influential senator wrote a piece in the
Wall Street Journal newspaper calling on the secretary-general to step
down because of U.N. involvement in oil-for-food program corruption.

The New York Times revealed Monday that the secretary-general recently
met a group of friends at the home of former U.S. ambassador to the
U.N. Richard Holbrooke to discuss ways of rescuing the world body and
saving his job. The Times reported that participants at the meeting
had urged Mr. Annan to repair relations with Washington, where some
Bush administration officials thought he had worked against the
president's re-election.

Mr. Annan replied sharply Monday when asked if he had sent the wrong
signal by meeting at the home of Ambassador Holbrooke, who had been a
foreign policy adviser to Democratic presidential candidate John
Kerry.

"You also read in the press I've been talking to lots of people here
and abroad, academics, so it was part of the process of consultations,
and I've spoken to people of both parties," he said. "And I don't
think one should worry about whom I talk to."

Colin Powell with Kofi Annan at United NationsAmong those Mr. Annan
has been listening to is U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell.
Secretary Powell came to U.N. headquarters last week for a private
chat. Afterward, as the two men stood side by side, both of them said
that despite bad patches, there is a willingness on both sides to work
through disagreements.

"We support the United Nations," Secretary Powell said. "It doesn't
mean that from time to time there won't be disagreements between the
United Nations leadership, the secretary-general and the United
States. And when that occurs we try to work our way through these
disagreements."

"We have had bad patches, which is also normal," said Mr. Annan. "And
I look forward to a constructive and cooperative relationship as we
move forward."

Diplomatic niceties aside, however, U.S. and U.N. officials say 2005
is going to be rougher for Mr. Annan than 2004, which he referred to
at his end-of-year news conference as a "horrible year."

In addition to the looming oil-for-food allegations and the frayed
relationship with Washington, he faces a revolt by angry staff members
who allege he has shown favoritism to senior officials charged with
wrongdoing. And on top of that, he will have to address what are
expected to be explosive revelations of widespread sexual exploitation
by U.N. peacekeeping forces in Africa.

As his new chief of staff Mark Malloch Brown put it, "this is indeed a
difficult moment" for Mr. Annan.

Koizumi Hopes Dialogue with Pyongyang Resumes Soon

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=AC4875:2F72C9D

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi says if Pyongyang conducts
sincere discussions with Tokyo on abduction issue, then talks on
normalizing relations could proceed

Junichiro KoizumiJapanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi is hoping
to see progress this year in the on-again, off-again dialogue with
North Korea. Mr. Koizumi says he does not believe the communist state
really wants to end talks with Japan. At his first meeting with
reporters of the new year, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on Tuesday
brushed off concern that North Korea is planning to cut off talks with
Japan.

The prime minister says, on the surface, Pyongyang may be hinting at
ending talks concerning the abduction of Japanese citizens. But he
adds it is necessary to explore the true intention behind North
Korea's rhetoric.

The communist state's official news agency last week said North Korea
no longer finds it meaningful to maintain contact with Japan on the
issue.

Japan has been pressing Pyongyang about the fate of 10 citizens it
believes were kidnapped during the Cold War by North Korean agents.

Pyongyang has admitted kidnapping 13 Japanese to train its spies in
Japanese language and culture. It released five of them in 2002, but
insists eight others are dead and two never entered the country.

Mr. Koizumi on Tuesday reiterated that he is not considering economic
sanctions against North Korea at this point, as some in his own
government have suggested. Recent polls show 70 percent of the
Japanese public supporting sanctions.

Offering a carrot, Mr. Koizumi says if Pyongyang conducts sincere
discussions with Tokyo on the abduction issue, then talks on
normalizing relations could proceed.

But Mr. Koizumi warns a number of other issues still need to be
resolved with North Korea, especially its nuclear weapons and missile
development programs.

Six-nation talks on the nuclear issue, involving both Koreas, China,
Japan, the United States and Russia, have stalled since the third
round more than six months ago. Pyongyang has so far declined to
return to the negotiating table. It accuses Washington of maintaining
a hostile policy toward North Korea.

Senegal Strike over Safety Belts Suspended

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=AC4868:2F72C9D

Minibus drivers in Senegal have suspended a strike over new rules on
safety belts after receiving assurances they will get a meeting with
President Abdoulaye Wade Minibus drivers in Senegal have suspended a
strike over new rules on safety belts after receiving assurances they
will get a meeting with President Abdoulaye Wade.

Traffic resumed slowly on the normally-clogged streets in the main
port city of Dakar Tuesday, as many drivers remained unaware their
protest action had stopped after just one day.

Union leader Mody Guiro says government negotiators worked late into
the night to defuse the situation. He says he is hopeful a meeting
scheduled with President Wade on Friday will lead to better working
conditions for drivers.

The strike was called Monday as new traffic laws were implemented,
calling for heavy fines and even jail time for drivers if their buses
aren't equipped with seat belts.

Many of the yellow and blue buses, known locally as "car rapides",
don't even have headlights or doors.

Drivers say the government should first work on reducing their long
working hours and also stop police from forcing them to pay bribes,
before mandating seatbelts. They also say they don't have enough money
to put seatbelts in.

One of the angry drivers who took part in the strike was Amadou Niang.
He says he finds it absurd the government didn't seem aware of driver
demands before going ahead with the new laws.

The government is trying to limit deadly road accidents. A local
saying goes "You must fear god, and you must fear the car rapide."

Still, one commuter, Antoine Diouf, was relieved the strike was
quickly over. "When they have stopped their strike, we are enjoying.
Yesterday, there were many difficulties for people because when you
want to go somewhere you have some problem," he said. "So that's why
they should definitely find solution and this problem will be behind
us. Discussions are necessary in this case."

Many children weren't able to make it to school Monday while workers
walked long distances by foot. As in many other African cities, the
minibus is often the only way of getting around for those who don't
have enough money to own a car or pay for individual taxis.

Saudi Women Will Be Allowed to Vote in ’09
Ghada Aboud, Arab News

JEDDAH, 4 January 2005 — Former Saudi female candidates for the upcoming municipal elections had varied responses after a senior election official yesterday said that women would be allowed to vote in 2009.

Prince Mansour ibn Miteb, chairman of the General Committee for Municipal Elections, explained that the only reason women were not allowed to vote in this round was because municipal elections are a new experience and the short time given to prepare for them made it impossible to allow women’s participation this time.

Faten Bunduggi, the director of women’s empowerment and research at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry said: “It is a very good news if the statement is true; it shows that the government is empowering women to take part in political decision making in the country.

In the meantime, we hope that the government would consider allocating female representatives, as fifty percent of the municipal seats will be appointed.” Bunduggi added that she hoped women would be appointed at least from the major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah.

One of the main organizers of the female candidates, Hatoon Al-Fassi, assistant professor of history at King Saud University in Riyadh, said: “We are so disappointed that the push for women to vote will take another four years. We don’t think that the committee took the right decision. We believe that they don’t have the legal right to take that decision.”

Another candidate from the Eastern Province, Najat Al-Shafie, was more optimistic.

“Women still have a good chance to be appointed and we are optimistic about still having a chance to vote. Meanwhile, there should be a committee to pinpoint and solve the problems and the difficulties that women may face in the voting process, as well as problems that elected women may encounter.”

She added that there should be a strategic plan that would facilitate women’s participation in the future.

“Women are very worried and feel excluded due to this elimination, because females are half of the society,” she said.

She explained that the weak response to the recent voter registration drive in Riyadh was due to the fact that women were not being allowed to participate.

“Women are the mothers and the ones responsible for bringing up our children. Therefore, it is important that they be part of the political process to be able to teach their children the importance of political participation.”

The three-stage municipal elections are to begin on Feb. 10 in Riyadh, with other regions voting in March and April. Voters will choose half of the 178 municipal council members in 13 regions, while the government will appoint the other half.

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&...ategory=Kingdom