For Abbas, Palestinian Election May Be Easy Part
By STEVEN ERLANGER
If Mahmoud Abbas wins Sunday's election, he will face
enormous challenges when he sits down to work on Monday
morning.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/09/internat...09abbas.html?th

U.S. Is Haunted by Initial Plan for Iraq Voting
By STEVEN R. WEISMAN
The decision to set up one nationwide vote for a new
national assembly may result in a distorted balance of the
legislature.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/09/internat...09diplo.html?th

German's Claim of Kidnapping Brings Investigation of U.S.
Link
By DON VAN NATTA Jr. and SOUAD MEKHENNET
A German citizen born in Lebanon alleges that he was
shackled, abused and accused of having ties to Al Qaeda
while he was held by Americans in a prison in Afghanistan.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/09/internat...9kidnap.html?th

Saving Jewish Children, but at What Cost?
By ELAINE SCIOLINO and JASON HOROWITZ
A newly disclosed directive provides written confirmation
of well-known church policy toward Jewish children who had
been baptized, often to save them from perishing at the
hands of the Nazis.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/09/internat...vatican.html?th

More International News
http://www.nytimes.com/pages/world/index.html?th

A Divide China Must Conquer
The test for China's President Hu Jintao is to deal wisely
with the deepening chasm between rich and poor in his
country.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/09/opinion/9sun2.html?th

Indonesia Moves to Protect Children
--------------------

The government hopes to stop smugglers of young victims and, with UNICEF, plans to open centers to help those separated from families.

From Associated Press

January 9 2005

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Indonesia said Saturday that it was monitoring its borders to prevent child traffickers from smuggling young victims of the tsunami out of the country. It also plans to set up centers in refugee camps to care for children and reunite them with their families.

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

11 Killed in Pakistani Violence
--------------------

From Associated Press

January 9 2005

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — The shooting of a Shiite Muslim cleric set off sectarian clashes in a northern Pakistani town that left at least 11 people dead, including a family of six burned to death in their home, officials and the state news agency said Saturday.

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

For Marine Unit, Fallouja Is 'One Big Ordnance Dump'
--------------------

The military's effort to rid the city of munitions has gained urgency as insurgents increasingly turn to bigger, deadlier explosive devices.

By Tony Perry
Times Staff Writer

January 9 2005

FALLOUJA, Iraq — The origin of the greenish mortar rounds found Saturday along a row of demolished houses was unclear. Their killing power was not.

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

U.S. Notes U.N. Option in Sudan
--------------------

Sanctions aren't 'off the table,' Powell warns. He skirts questions about genocide in Darfur.

From Times Wire Services

January 9 2005

NAIROBI, Kenya — Secretary of State Colin L. Powell declined to say Saturday whether Sudan was still committing genocide in the country's western region of Darfur through a campaign of killings, rapes and other abuses by pro-government Arab militias that have left about 2 million black Africans homeless.

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

U.S. Admits Bombing Wrong House Near Mosul; Five Killed
--------------------

The military regrets loss of 'possibly innocent lives.' Iraqis contend that seven children and seven adults died, all from one family.

By Robin Fields and Ashraf Khalil
Times Staff Writers

January 9 2005

BAGHDAD — U.S. forces mistakenly dropped a 500-pound bomb on a house outside the northern city of Mosul early Saturday morning, the military acknowledged, killing at least five Iraqis.

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

U.S. Steps Up Effort to Locate Ordnance
--------------------

By Tony Perry
Times Staff Writer

January 8 2005, 8:30 PM PST

FALLUJAH, Iraq -- The exact origin of the greenish mortar rounds found Saturday along a row of demolished houses was unclear. Their killing power was not.

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

Iran Plays a Role in Iraq Vote
--------------------

Connections to Tehran have become a pet target in the campaign, with some alleging meddling.

By Edmund Sanders
Times Staff Writer

January 9 2005

BAGHDAD — As Iraq lurches toward elections this month, its neighbor Iran is emerging as one of the hottest campaign issues.

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

Giant Steps in Palestinians' Trip to Polls
--------------------

Many taking part in the milestone election hope for change after Arafat but doubt that Abbas or any candidate can end the conflict with Israel.

By Ken Ellingwood
Times Staff Writer

January 9 2005

RAMALLAH, West Bank — Never mind that the winner appears a foregone conclusion or that the blink-of-an-eye campaign included not a single direct debate among candidates. As Palestinians head to the polls today to choose a president, they are flush with the sense of democracy in the making, if tempered in their hopes that the historic vote will significantly improve their lives.

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

TV Commercials Could Prove Crucial to Iraqi Candidates
--------------------

There are no attack ads as parties begin to buy air time, but some say the spots could backfire.

By Robin Fields
Times Staff Writer

January 9 2005

BAGHDAD — Mohammad Jassim Labban appears on the TV screen, frozen against a flat blue and white backdrop.

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

Amid the Wreckage of a Town, a Community Remains Intact
--------------------

Sri Lankans Recall Trauma, Loss as the Instinct to Rebuild Stirs

By Mark Magnier
Times Staff Writer

January 9 2005

Even before the tsunami, Dewata wasn't much to look at. It isn't blessed with a great beach, and most tourists don't stop for much more than gas or a Coke on their way to better sun spots farther south. Locals are sometimes at a loss to say what's special about their town. Maybe the cement factory, they venture, or the visit by a Russian cosmonaut in the 1950s.

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

http://www.etv.ee/index.php?03237

some headlines from this site:

09.01
11:42 Storm caused water levels to rise in Kuressaare
11:39 About quarter of E. electric sub-stations not working
11:01 The rain and sewage system in Tallinn is disturbed
10:23 Strong wind has caused electricity breaks throughout Estonia
10:19 Shipping (contact) with islands is gone
09:54 In Haapsalu, Holm peninsula under water
09:48 Rescue office recommends not to travel in flooded areas
09:44 Pärnu is flooded 'til city zone
09:43 AK special report on 11.20

08.01
21:40 The storm that has claimed lives id Denmark and Sweden is not soothing
19:55 Pärnu ready for emergency situation
17:28 Storm will attack North-Europe and also Estonia
17:17 Scutsbattalion won the Utria dessant
16:29 Heavy continuous rains and storms on British isles
16:20 USA nuclear sub beached
16:07 EE warns of electricity shutdowns
14:58 Rescue office reccomments to stay indoors
14:43 The biggest storm of all times in Baltic Sea may be coming

Good job

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor...n_re_mi_ea/iraq

US Soldiers Kill 5 Iraqis Near Baghdad

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor...nkoreanuclearus

North Korea urges Bush to drop 'hostile' policy

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6802629/site/newsweek/

The Salvador Option
The Pentagon may put Special Forces led assassination or kidnapping teams in Iraq

http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeas...f_iraqi_forces/

Report paints bleak picture of Iraqi forces

http://stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=26436

Military, Sunni Triangle leaders far apart on holding elections as scheduled

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/08/internat...b0171a0202acce6

US Said to Hold More Foreigners in Iraq Fighting
Captured Insurgents

http://www.antiwar.com/engelhardt/?articleid=4293

Iraq: The Devastation
Dahr Jamail and Tom Engelhardt
Tom Dispatch

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2089-1431539,00.html

Let Bin Laden stay free, says departing CIA man

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/sto.../International/

US Army stretched to breaking point

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6786282/

Crumbling at the seams in Iraq
Bloody deeds, bold defiance - and what it may say about the future

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/09/internat...1046dff71798047

US is Haunted by Initial Plan for Iraq Voting

http://www.postimees.ee/090105/esileht/154624.php
http://www.postimees.ee/090105/esileht/sis...624_foto.php#33
http://www.epl.ee/artikkel_282363.html?PHP...54da4fbd484a7e1

http://www.epl.ee/artikkel_282367.html
06.40 Ikla border crossing was closed, re-opened by now
people evacuated etc, in Pärnu spa 80 went hungry, due to 1,5 m water on the ground floor
1 dead found in Pärnu
some streets closed in Tallinn, water level could rise 1m more
...people dependant on electricity should stock up on drinking water, alternative light sources...
--------------------------------
http://www.epl.ee/artikkel_282315.html

winter to remain warm and rainy

“Yesterday i saw that winter crop fields are all flooded, so not much of harvest there," Tiismaa said. "And even if it should go cold again, the water will freeze and again kill the crops. "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor...stinians_decide

Palestinians Extend Voting by Two Hours

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor...a/mideast_kerry

John Kerry Meets With Syrian President

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor.../iraq_elections

Iraq Sunnis May Abandon Vote Boycott Call

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor...el_palestinians

Israel Set to Make Prison Deal with Abbas

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor...ticanpopecubaus

Pope calls for lifting of US embargo on Cuba

http://www.turkishpress.com/world/news.asp...34.tfuumnu7.xml

Powell voices fears for Iraq's future as Britain readies security review

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?t...storyID=7274050

Iraq Must Vote Despite Problems, UN Official Says

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews...10604843.htm?1c

US Rep. Coble says Iraq pullout should be considered

Day for peace in a splintered Sudan
Sunday's agreement may end the north-south civil war, but the
humanitarian crisis continues in the Darfur region. By Abraham
McLaughlin

http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0110/p01s02-woaf.html?s=hns

Ups and downs in urban crime
Murder rates for 2004 decline in many cities, but gang violence leads
to some exceptions. By Amanda Paulson and Sara B. Miller

http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0110/p01s03-ussc.html?s=hns

A factory owner rallies his workers - and reopens doors in Sri Lanka
Kumar Dewapura is treating his employees as a family, vowing to rebuild
their homes and replace their lost goods. By Robert Marquand

http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0110/p01s04-wosc.html?s=hns

In Iraq, a winter of discontent
Tomato prices triple in the past two months as Baghdad families
struggle to find work and keep shops open. By Dan Murphy

http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0110/p06s01-woiq.html?s=hns

A natural, low-tech solution to tsunamis: mangroves
The coastal trees and shrubs saved hundreds of lives in India by
protecting villages from the waves. By Janaki Kremmer

http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0110/p07s01-wosc.html?s=hns

Sri Lanka's schools and factories start to hum once again
Monday, many businesses and schools reopen as international officials
start to assess roads, services. By Robert Marquand

http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0110/p10s01-wosc.html?s=hns

Exit Polls Show Mahmoud Abbas Decisive Winner in Palestinian
Presidential Poll

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=ADBB8F:2F72C9D

Abbas has at least a 30 point advantage over his closest opponent,
human rights activist Barghouti

A Palestinian supporter of Palestinian presidential Mahmoud Abbas,
also known as Abu Mazen, wears a headband showing Abu Mazen at a
polling station in east Jerusalem

Exit polls show Mahmoud Abbas the clear winner in the race for
Palestinian president. The polls were kept open an additional two
hours in order to give some voters a chance to cast their ballots.

Exit polls show Fatah candidate Mahmoud Abbas winning between 66 and
70 percent of the vote. His nearest rival Mustafa Barghouti managed to
garner some 20 percent.

Opinion surveys had consistently shown Mr. Abbas with a commanding
lead. If these initial results are confirmed in the official tally
expected Monday, they would give the former prime minister a solid
mandate to move ahead with political reforms and diplomatic efforts to
renew peace talks with Israel.

However, Palestinian Cabinet Minister Nabil Shaath cautioned not to
expect too much too soon. "I don't want people to feel too optimistic.
I don't think tomorrow we are going to have an independent state. It's
going to take time and effort, both on our side and certainly on the
international community side to get Israel to commit itself to the
road map and to withdraw its forces from our country," he said.

Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom said Israel expects the new
Palestinian president to accept full responsibility for ensuring that
Palestinians live up to their commitments for returning to the peace
process. "And from tomorrow, we would like to see them implementing
their commitments in the road map, in phase one. There are not going
to be any shortcuts in the road map, no compromises or discounts," he
said.

Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qureia, who is expected to keep his
post in the new administration, said the election demonstrated the
Palestinian commitment to democracy. "Our people want to show the
world- want to show all the world - who are saying that there is in
the region one democracy, which is Israel," he said. "Our message: NO!
We are also democratic people and we want democracy! "

Polls had been scheduled to close at 7 p.m. local time but were kept
open longer to allow more people to cast their ballot.

Overall, Sunday's election went smoothly and voter turnout is
estimated at around 65 percent. Some problems were reported in East
Jerusalem, with confusion and delays at polling sites.

Analysts See Palestinian Elections as Positive Step for Region

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=ADBB94:2F72C9D

Many analysts believe the election will have a positive impact on
other Arab states where elections are scheduled to be held this year

Palestinian boy in election spiritWhile Palestinians are going to the
polls to replace the late Palestinian Authority leader Yasser Arafat,
political analysts in the region say the implication of the election
reaches far beyond the Palestinian territories. Many analysts believe
the election will have a positive impact on other Arab states where
elections are scheduled to be held this year.

According to political analysts in the Arab world, regional interest
in the Palestinian election is not focused on who will win. Rather,
they say, Arabs are paying more attention to the fact that the
election is being held at all.

According to the head of the political science department at
Lebanese-American University in Beirut, Sami Baroudi, the election is
helping to show the rest of the Arab world that even during times of
political, social and economic turmoil, elections can be held.

"I think most citizens, when they see elections are being held despite
all the difficult conditions in Palestine, the occupation and
everything, that would probably be a sign that in our society we can
also have elections," he said. "So, I think most people appreciate
that those elections are taking place. How much they think there is
really a choice available for the Palestinians, I would say there is a
question. But, I do not see anybody in the Arab world objecting to the
notion of elections taking place."

"To my mind, in fact, I feel it is important for the Palestinians to
show the Arab world that even the Palestinians, who are under
occupation, are practicing democracy, and they have transparency and
the international community is observing the credibility of the
process of the elections," said Abdullah al-Ashaal, former Egyptian
ambassador and expert on Arab relations.

Mr. al-Ashaal says the Palestinian elections are an important
benchmark for the rest of the Arab world, especially in Iraq and Saudi
Arabia, where voters in those countries will also being going to the
polls this year. Mr. al-Ashaal says the Palestinian elections should
help boost voter morale in Iraq by showing that legal elections can be
held during difficult times.

He says the citizens of Saudi Arabia, who will participate in their
first-ever municipal elections later this year, will be able to learn
more about how to conduct elections that will be seen as having been
transparent.

According to the director of the al-Quds Center for Political Studies
in Jordan, Uraib al-Rantawi, everyone in the region stands to gain
from the Palestinian elections.

"It will open the gate for the reform and democratization process
among the Palestinian society and the Palestinian Authority, from
inside. And, it also has historical meaning concerning the peace
process because I do believe that after the elections, a window of
opportunity for the progress of the Middle East peace process will
open," he said. "And, I think it is a great chance for the Palestinian
people to create their newly elected leadership and to establish what
is needed by the Palestinian community itself, and the international
community."

Mr. al-Rantawi says anytime there are elections held in the region,
the entire Arab world watches closely because, he says, everyone hopes
the elections will help take the region another step toward greater
democracy.

Sudan Government, Southern Rebels Sign Peace Deal

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=ADBB8D:2F72C9D

Thousands of northern, southern Sudanese broke out into spontaneous
song, dance, cheers and prayers, to celebrate peace

Sudan's Vice President, Ali Osman Taha, left, and SPLA Chairman John
Garang, right, exchange peace agreement documents The Sudanese
government and the southern rebel group called the Sudan People's
Liberation Movement have signed a comprehensive peace agreement to end
almost 22 years of war.

Euphoria filled Nairobi's Nyayo Stadium Sunday as thousands of
northern and southern Sudanese broke out into spontaneous song, dance,
cheers and prayers, overjoyed that bitter adversaries for over two
decades had finally agreed to make peace.

Sudanese vice president, Ali Osman Taha, and Sudan People's Liberation
Movement leader, John Garang, signed the peace deal in front of more
than a half-dozen heads of state, senior officials, and
representatives of governments from around the world.

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell was among foreign dignitaries who
witnessed the signing.

The peace agreement spells out how the north and south are to share
wealth and power, how they will manage their armies jointly and
separately, the balance between state and religion, and other
arrangements.

It comes after more than two years of often-rocky negotiations in
Kenya.

Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki praised the agreement for ending a war
that has claimed more than two million lives and displaced many more.

He urged the Sudanese government and rebels to honor what they have
signed.

"Both parties will continue to face many trials in a process of
implementation of the agreement," said Mr. Kibaki. "However, we have
confidence that they have the ability and the commitment to resolve
any arising challenges in a peaceful way."

Secretary of State Powell also used the opportunity to urge an end to
the two-year-old conflict currently taking place in the Darfur region
of western Sudan, where the United States and other governments have
said "genocide" against the black population has taken place.

"These new partners for peace must work together immediately to end
the violence and the atrocities that continue to occur in Darfur - not
next month or in the interim period, but right away, starting today,"
said Mr. Powell. "The United States and the world community expect the
new partners to use all necessary means to stop the violence, and we
expect to see rapid negotiation to resolve the crisis in Darfur."

For many of the people who attended the signing ceremony, some missing
arms and legs, Sunday's event was a dream they had long hoped for.

Southern Sudanese peace worker and activist Awot Deng explains: "We
have lost our children, we have lost our husband[s], we have lost our
brothers and we are separated from our families and we are displaced
and we have been enslaved. So for us to have this peace agreement, it
shows us that we are going to start from the beginning, to rebuild our
life, to be able to take care of our children who are left orphans.
This is not a peace that has come from no where. [It] is a peace that
[is] coming through bloodshed."

Hopes are high that what was signed Sunday will have a real impact in
the region.

Powell Says Sudanese Peace Deal Could Lead to Darfur Peace

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=ADBB89:2F72C9D

U.S. Secretary of State in Kenya to witness signing of north-south
peace deal

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, middle, along with SPLM Chairman
John Garang, right, and Sudanese Vice President Ali Osman Taha, left,
smile before a press conference in NairobiU.S. Secretary of State
Colin Powell is in Kenya to witness the signing of a peace deal to end
a civil war in Sudan that has gone on for almost 22 years. The
fighting pitted forces of the Khartoum-backed government in the north
against rebels in the south. Mr. Powell said the peace deal may also
prove helpful in ending a separate crisis in the Darfur region of
western Sudan.

Secretary of State Powell told reporters in Nairobi Saturday the
north-south peace deal, scheduled to be signed Sunday, signals the
start of warming relations between the United States and Sudan.

Mr. Powell also said he expects that the peace deal will lead to a
resolution of the Darfur war, a conflict that has been raging for
almost two years, killing tens of thousands and displacing over a
million more. "I think that this gives us a basis now to redouble our
efforts to solve the problem in Darfur. We will stand fully behind
this comprehensive agreement and hopefully use it to work on the
problem of Darfur," he said.

The United States recently renewed sanctions against Sudan, primarily
because of the long-running conflict in the Darfur region.

And Sudan, which at one point was home to international terrorist
Osama Bin Laden, continues to be on the United States' list of
terrorist states.

But Mr. Powell expressed the hope that Sunday's signing may eventually
lead to an end of all U.S. restrictions against Sudan. "But it has to
be a deliberate process. We have removed some sanctions over the last
several years, and it is our ultimate goal to have normal relations
with Sudan, and hopefully step-by-step, in a very deliberate way, we
will reach that point," he said.

On Sunday, Mr. Powell is scheduled to witness the signing of the peace
deal between the Sudanese government and the Sudan People's Liberation
Movement, the south's main rebel group.

The deal includes provisions for the two sides to share wealth, power,
and merge portions of their two armies into a joint security force.

Mr. Powell said the big challenge now is to rebuild the country after
more than two decades of war, especially the oil-rich south. He said
the United States has made it clear it would be, in his words, a
"partner" in reconstruction.

Sudanese Vice-President Ali Osman Taha said the United States has been
helpful in the long-running peace talks, which were held for more than
two years in Kenya, and said Saturday's meeting with Mr. Powell went
well. "We have been encouraged in our meeting with Secretary Powell
this afternoon, of the assurance that the U.S. government will still
[be] steadfast in supporting the peace era in Sudan," he said.

Rebel leader John Garang, who is set to become Sudan's first
vice-president, said he is committed to peace and rebuilding the
country.

UN Chief Calls on Sri Lanka, Rebels to Put Aside Differences After
Tsunami

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=ADBB91:2F72C9D

Sri Lankan government refused UN secretary-general's request to
visit regions under Tamil rebel control

UN Secretary Kofi Annan, right, shakes hands with Sri Lankan President
Chandrika Kumaratunga U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan is calling for
the Sri Lankan government and Tamil Tiger rebels to put aside their
political differences as the country starts to rebuild following last
month's devastating tsunami.

Secretary-General Kofi Annan says during his two-day visit to Sri
Lanka, he has seen people of different religions and ethnicities
helping each after the December 26 tsunami disaster.

Mr. Annan says political leaders can learn from their example.

"So the ordinary people of Sri Lanka have come together on an
extraordinary scale to meet the needs created by the emergency. I
fervently hope that their political leaders will do the same and join
hands," he said.

Sri Lanka has been wracked by more than 20 years of violence by Tamil
rebels fighting for independence or autonomy for their minority ethnic
group.

The two sides have observed a ceasefire for nearly three years. But
efforts to resolve the political dispute have largely ground to a
halt.

Hopes have been raised that the two sides will get past the political
impasse following the tragedy of the tsunami.

On Saturday, Mr. Annan toured devastated parts of Sri Lanka, which has
lost more than 30,000 people. But the government refused his request
to visit regions under Tamil rebel control.

Despite that decision, Mr. Annan said he had a good visit and
effective meetings with officials, including President Chandrika
Kumaratunga.

"I am hoping to be able to come back and some day be able to visit all
parts of the country, and not only to visit all parts of the country
that I hope will be rebuilt, but also to celebrate peace," he said.

Mr. Annan visited Sri Lanka after attending an international donors
conference Thursday in Indonesia, where dozens of nations and
international organizations promised more than $3 billion to the 12
Indian Ocean nations affected by the tsunami disaster.

Mr. Annan has repeated his pledge that the United Nations would not
abandon Sri Lanka during the years of reconstruction they have ahead,
and says he hopes the international community will do the same.

UN Says Aceh Gunfire no Cause for Alarm for Relief Workers

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=ADBB92:2F72C9D

Automatic gunfire broke out near UN tsunami relief headquarters in
Banda Aceh The United Nations says the long-standing conflict between
separatist rebels and the Indonesian military is not hampering its aid
efforts in the tsunami devastated region of Aceh, but acknowledges
precautions are in place after gunfire broke out near its headquarters
in the capital of Banda Aceh.

Automatic gunfire broke out early Sunday near the U.N. tsunami relief
headquarters in Banda Aceh, injuring no one, but causing alarm to
nearby residents.

The U.N. coordinator, Joel Boutroue, says despite the ongoing conflict
between separatist rebels and the Indonesian military, the U.N. aid
effort is not being hampered in the least.

He says he does not believe aid workers are in danger, and says the
massive relief effort is running according to plan.

"We have entire cooperation of the authorities. We do not believe that
relief workers are targets in any case, so I do not see at this stage
any hampering of our movement," he said. "As for the incident [early
Sunday morning], we were told by guards at the gate, probably one
person sort of shooting a few rounds of ammunition, that was it."

The United Nations is leading an unprecedented humanitarian relief
effort in Indonesia's Aceh Province, after a magnitude-nine earthquake
triggered a massive tsunami in the Indian Ocean that killed more than
150,000 people in 12 countries, two-thirds of them in Aceh.

Until the tsunami hit, the oil- and gas-rich province has been under
martial law and was off limits to all foreigners, including aid
workers, non-governmental organizations, and journalists.

The rebel Free Aceh Movement, known as GAM, declared a ceasefire after
the tsunami hit, but sporadic fighting has broken out in recent days
causing concern to several relief organizations.

The U.N.'s Joel Boutroue says the United Nations is aware it is
working in a conflict zone.

It has graded the capital, Banda Aceh, as a phase-three security
threat and the rest of Banda Aceh as a phase four. The phases simply
mean that outside the capital, U.N. workers cannot move without prior
authorization, they cannot travel alone, or at night. A phase five is
a complete U.N. withdrawal.

"So indeed there is some constraints for us we need to, I need to be
given some notification and to approve these movements," explained Mr.
Boutroue. "We are trying to indeed be cautious in our movement in
recognition of the environment in which we are operating."

GAM has been fighting for independence since 1976 and human-rights
groups have accused the Indonesian military and the rebels of carrying
out human-rights violations against the civilian population.

US General Sees Improvement in Coordination of Indonesian Relief
Efforts

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=ADBB8C:2F72C9D

Brigadier General Christian B. Cowdrey says US military working
closely with others involved in disaster relief The senior U.S.
military officer in Indonesia says the coordination of relief efforts
in Aceh, where as many as 100,000 people perished from the December 26
earthquake and tsunami, improves daily. Brigadier General Christian B.
Cowdrey said the U.S. military is working closely with aid groups and
other countries' militaries involved in the disaster relief mission.

Brigadier General Christian B. Cowdrey "We get better everyday," he
said. "Our command and control is linked to the relief organizations,
and it's all of our hopes that the coordination that we'll have here
by co-locating ourselves will improve daily as we get their needs and
match those needs to our capability."

General Cowdrey said a major factor complicating relief efforts
continues to be the lack of infrastructure in the region. There is
only one runway in Banda Aceh capable of handling aid flights. Earlier
this week, the runway was temporarily shut down after a cargo plane
hit a water buffalo.

To ease congestion at the airport, the bulk of U.S. aircraft refuel on
U.S. ships off the coast of Indonesia. General Cowdrey said a third
U.S. vessel, an amphibious vessel capable of landing supplies and
troops on the beach, is expected to arrive in two days.

Sailors from USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group help with relief
effort"It has a medical surgical company on board," he said. "It also
has some Navy construction equipment, some bulldozers and earthmoving
equipment. It has Marine engineers that can do some medium repair and
it has some additional heavy equipment pieces loaded on board."

In the week since U.S. military personnel arrived in Indonesia,
American pilots have flown 197 missions and delivered 173,000 kilos of
supplies to the areas hardest hit by the tsunami.

General Cowdrey said his troops will continue to deliver food and
medical supplies but they are also looking toward the future. "I think
we're all kind of looking at ways to provide them with some heavier
engineering assets ashore so that we can begin to give them greater
capability for follow-on efforts by construction companies and those
that are going to come in behind us and rebuild roads and repair some
of the infrastructure," he said. "So access to that would be our next
effort I think."

Much of Aceh's infrastructure was destroyed when the tsunami hit.
Humanitarian aid groups estimate it could take months for heavy
equipment to clear the debris it left.