On Bus, Bicycle and Foot, Suicide Bombers Aim at a Shiite
Holy Day
By DEXTER FILKINS
As many as 30 people were confirmed killed in a series of
suicide attacks and bombings on Ashura, the holiest day in
Shiite Islam.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/20/internat.../20iraq.html?th

Israel Gears Up for Burst of Far-Right Anger at Pullout
By GREG MYRE
Israeli officials are calling for pre-emptive steps to
prevent possible right-wing violence against Prime Minister
Ariel Sharon.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/20/internat...0sharon.html?th

15,000 Rally in Togo to End Family's Rule
By LYDIA POLGREEN
The protesters took to the streets to express their anger
at the military's installation of the son of the nation's
longtime ruler as president.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/20/internat.../20togo.html?th

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

Bush Seeks to Mend Fences on Europe Trip

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

Rics Asks Japan About Lifting Beef Ban

--------------------
North Korea Urged to Resume Talks
--------------------

The U.S., Japan and China call on Pyongyang to rejoin nuclear arms negotiations. Its U.N. envoy reportedly cites deterrence against U.S.

By Bob Drogin
Times Staff Writer

February 20 2005

WASHINGTON; Senior U.S. and Japanese officials urged North Korea on Saturday to resume negotiations aimed at eliminating its nuclear weapons program, while a top Chinese diplomat visited Pyongyang to push the same message.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...0,5303012.story

--------------------
60 Flee as Gunmen Storm Haiti Prison
--------------------

One guard dies in raid by unknown attackers. Two ex-Aristide aides remain in custody.

By Carol J. Williams and Chantal Regnault
Special to The Times

February 20 2005

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti; Gunmen stormed the national penitentiary in the heart of the Haitian capital Saturday, killing at least one guard and allowing dozens of inmates to escape. But authorities managed to spirit two imprisoned officials of the ousted Jean-Bertrand Aristide government to safety, and they were under police protection, a U.N. spokesman said.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...0,2879275.story

--------------------
U.S. Warms to a Cohering Europe
--------------------

Bush's visit is likely to reinforce recent moves toward rapprochement. Despite internal strains, the continent's strength and unity are growing.

By Sebastian Rotella
Times Staff Writer

February 20 2005

BRUSSELS; In this capital of the work in progress that is Europe, this citadel of bureaucracy echoing with 20 languages, words are important. And so is symbolism.

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

--------------------
Acting as an Iraqi First, a Shiite Second
--------------------

The devout Ibrahim Jafari says he would represent all groups in his country. But some, especially women and Sunnis, have worries.

By John Daniszewski
Times Staff Writer

February 20 2005

BAGHDAD; He is a soft-spoken general practitioner whose life's work has been guiding a secretive Islamic party in exile in Iran and Britain. It has made him both resolute and cautious. He doesn't even use his real family name.

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

--------------------
Sharon Says He's Prepared to Make 'Painful Concessions'
--------------------

The Israeli premier, in his first interview with an Arab newspaper, seeks to soften his image among Egyptians.

From Associated Press

February 20 2005

CAIRO; Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, reaching out to the Middle East in an unprecedented direct appeal through an Arab newspaper Saturday, said that he was ready to make "painful concessions" to end the region's half-century of conflict.

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

--------------------
Conference on Political Reform Is Delayed
--------------------

From Times Wire Reports

February 20 2005

Egypt said it was putting off a U.S.-backed conference to discuss plans for political reform in the Middle East, apparently because of a dispute over the detention of a prominent opposition leader.

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

--------------------
Dubya Does Europe
--------------------

Bush could be our next goodwill ambassador for policies that will benefit U.S. and EU

By Ivo H. Daalder and Charles A. Kupchan
Ivo H. Daalder is senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. Charles A. Kupchan is professor of international affairs at Georgetown University and senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations.

February 20 2005

President Bush's trip to Europe this week may represent a last chance for the Atlantic democracies to rebuild a partnership that has been strained to the breaking point. But to make it happen, Bush must not go back to the old way of doing business.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commen...omment-opinions

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2089-1491716,00.html

Syria rejects US call for Lebanon pullout

Talk With Putin Will Test Bush's Inaugural Pledges

By Peter Baker

The last time they sat down, President Bush politely asked President Vladimir Putin about Russia's retreat from democracy. Putin, according to U.S. officials, responded with a testy tirade on Russian history, filibustering for so long that Bush, left with an extended list of other issues to cover in a short private lunch, let the matter go without challenging the former KGB colonel.

To view the entire article, go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/artic...er=emailarticle

Cautious Optimism Awaits Bush

By Michael A. Fletcher and Robin Wright

Despite their deep differences over Iraq, French President Jacques Chirac reached out to President Bush last summer to ask for help. Lebanon's parliament had just extended the term of President Emile Lahoud, an ally of Syria, defying the constitutional limit. Chirac was certain the move was orchestrated by Syria, which has dominated Lebanon for decades. He wanted U.S. help to end Syria's influence and military presence.

To view the entire article, go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/artic...er=emailarticle

Europeans Ready to 'Turn the Page' on Disputes With U.S.

By Keith Richburg

PARIS, Feb. 19 -- When George W. Bush made his first trip to Europe as president, in 2001, his visit touched off widespread protests and derisive press commentary. Thousands of demonstrators marched through Goteborg, Sweden, and dozens bared their backsides for a "mass mooning" at Bush's hotel. He was lampooned as a "Toxic Texan" who threatened the environment, and an intellectual lightweight whose every gaffe was gleefully chronicled -- like his reference to Africa as "a nation."

To view the entire article, go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/artic...er=emailarticle

Israeli Cabinet OKs Settlement Withdrawal

By RAMIT PLUSHNICK-MASTI

Israel's Cabinet gave final approval Sunday to the government's planned withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and four West Bank settlements, marking the first time an Israeli government decided to dismantle Jewish settlements on land claimed by the Palestinians for a future state.

To view the entire article, go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/artic...er=emailarticle

China Issues Protest Over U.S.-Japan Agreement

By Edward Cody

China issued a stiff protest Sunday over an updated U.S.-Japanese strategic agreement, saying its reference to Taiwan violates China's national sovereignty and its criticism of China's military buildup is "untenable."

To view the entire article, go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/artic...er=emailarticle

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/542197.html

Cabinet to okay pullout; Netanyahu to vote 'no'

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/542195.html

Analysis: Something for almost everyone

US Senators Visit Iraq, Meet Interim Government Leaders

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Senators Clinton, Graham say Iraq still needs US and coalition
support, vow to see job through

Senator Lindsey Graham, right, addresses the media as Senator Hillary
Clinton looks on A U.S. Congressional delegation is in Iraq to meet
with the country's interim government leaders and U.S. military
commanders. Amid continuing violence, the senators say Iraq still
needs U.S. and coalition support, and vowed to see the job through.

The five-member delegation's first day in Iraq was marked by a series
of attacks and bombings, which occurred as Shiite Muslims celebrated
Ashura - the holiest day of the Shiite religious calendar.

Despite the deadly violence, Senator Hillary Clinton, a Democrat from
New York, said she was cautiously optimistic about Iraq's future.

"Cautious because there are so many challenges ahead," she said.
"Cautious because there are neighbors of Iraq that are not necessarily
enthusiastic about the success of the Iraqi people in creating and
sustaining a multi-ethnic, multi-religious democracy. But optimistic,
because the results of the election are a strong rebuke to those who
didn't believe the Iraqi people would take this opportunity to
demonstrate their commitment to their own future."

The delegation spent the day in meetings with Iraq's interim prime
minister, and other government officials. They also met with U.S.
Lieutenant General David Petraeus, who is heading the effort to create
an independent Iraqi security force.

Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, said U.S.
troops would remain in Iraq until the job is done.

"Not one minute longer, not one minute less," he said. "And what is
the job? The ability of this country to have the capacity to maintain
its freedom. That just doesn't mean numbers [of people] with guns, it
means institutions that work."

Due to the security situation, the delegation did not leave the
heavily guarded "Green Zone," home to Iraqi government institutions
and the U.S. and British Embassies.

Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine, said, while Baghdad was
clearly more fortified than it was when she last visited in the summer
of 2003, she believed the recent elections were an important step.

"Although it's disappointing to see that the violence that has ensued
since my last visit has resulted in an Iraq where it is more difficult
to move around, there's no doubt in my mind that the long-term future
of the Iraqi people is far brighter and that the transition to power
in the hands of the Iraqi people has and is occurring," she said.

On Sunday, the delegation will travel to U.S. bases elsewhere in Iraq
to meet with American soldiers and Marines.

Former US Presidents Visit Indonesia's Tsunami-Devastated Aceh
Province

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=BBB8AE:2F72C9D

Bill Clinton and George HW Bush met with Indonesia's President
Yudhoyono, before visiting Aceh

George H.W. Bush, second left and Bill Clinton, second right, speak
with tsunami survivors in shattered village of Lampuuk

Former U.S. Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton toured
Indonesia's Aceh region Sunday to see firsthand the destruction caused
by the December 26 earthquake and tsunami that struck a dozen Indian
Ocean countries. The aim of their visit is to keep donor interest
alive during the rebuilding phase.

Mr. Bush and Mr. Clinton met with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono Sunday before flying to Aceh Province.

They discussed accountability and transparency in the distribution of
aid.

Indonesia is ranked as one of the world's most corrupt countries but
Mr. Yudhoyono reassured the former presidents aid money would be spent
wisely.

Mr. Bush and Mr. Clinton then flew over Aceh, much of which was
destroyed by the tsunami. Roads and bridges are gone, and whole
communities have been wiped out.

Mr. Clinton said he had never seen anything like the Aceh destruction.
He estimated it would take three to five years for the region to
recover.

More than 290,000 people were killed by the December 26 tsunami, most
of them in Aceh. More than a million were displaced.

Mr. Bush says he hopes their visit will help aid efforts.

"What we want to do is just to be sure that we keep the interest of
the American people up, the private sector so they will continue to
generously support whatever efforts are determined best on the
ground," said George H.W. Bush.

President George Bush appointed his father and Bill Clinton to head
American relief efforts, now totaling nearly $1 billion.

An unprecedented $5 billion has been pledged so far to help the
countries affected by the tsunami, but Mr. Clinton says a further $4
to $5 billion will be needed.

Security was tight during the former presidents' visit to Aceh, where
separatists have been battling the government since 1976.

Indonesia will attend a second round of peace talks with the Aceh
rebels in Finland Monday.

Mr. Bush and Mr. Clinton later flew to the USS Fort McHenry, the navy
ship ferrying water, food and clothing to the needy. The former
presidents have also been to Thailand and plan to visit Sri Lanka and
the Maldives.

US and Japan Urge North Korea to Return to Talks

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=BBB8A8:2F72C9D

US secretaries of state and defense meet with Japanese counterparts in
Washington

From left: Condoleezza Rice, Donald Rumsfeld, Japan's Minister of
Foreign Affairs Nobutaka Machimura, Japan's Defense Minister Yoshinori
OhnoJapan and the United States are urging North Korea to return to
regional talks over ending its nuclear weapons program. The U.S.
Secretaries of State and Defense met with their Japanese counterparts
in Washington Saturday, where they also expressed concerns about
Taiwan.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Japanese Foreign Minister
Nobutaka Machimura made clear their deep concern over North Korea's
recent admission that it has nuclear weapons and is suspending
participation in six-party talks aimed at ending its nuclear program.

In a joint statement, they said North Korea's nuclear program poses a
serious challenge to the international Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Treaty, and is a direct threat to the peace and stability of Northeast
Asia, including Japan.

They urged North Korea to return to six-party talks involving the
United States, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, China, and Russia, as
the only way to meet Pyongyang's stated goal of establishing normal
relations with the rest of the world.

Secretary of State Rice says the deal on the table at the six-party
talks addresses many of North Korea's concerns about security and
economic development.

"There is a path for the North Koreans to a different kind of
relationship with the international community," said Condoleezza Rice.
"It is a path that could include mutual security guarantees out of the
six-party talks. It is a path in which the parties are prepared to
talk about what the relationship might be with the North in the
future, on issues that are of interest to the North."

The United States and Japan both believe China can convince North
Korea to return to the six-party talks, as China is North Korea's most
important economic partner.

A Chinese envoy flew to North Korea Saturday to urge Pyongyang to
reconsider its withdrawal from the talks.

Japanese Foreign Minister Machimura says he hopes China will act, not
merely as a moderator, but as an active player to get North Korea back
to the negotiating table.

North Korea says it needs nuclear weapons to defend itself against
what it calls hostile policies from the United States. While President
Bush includes North Korea in his so-called Axis of Evil, he says
Washington has no intention of invading the country, and is willing to
make that guarantee in writing as part of the six-party talks.

Secretary Rice and Foreign Minister Machimura also met with U.S.
Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and Japanese Defense Minister
Yoshinori Ono to discuss China's continuing military growth and
security in Taiwan.

The United States and Japan said easing tensions across the Taiwan
Strait is a common strategic objective. Secretary Rice says the
officials spoke of their shared desire to ensure that cross-Strait
issues can be resolved peacefully.

China considers Taiwan a renegade province and has threatened to use
force if Taiwan formally declares independence. Taiwan has ruled
itself since breaking away from China in 1949. The United States says
neither China nor Taiwan should make any unilateral attempts to change
the status quo.

Chinese Envoy to Push North Korea to Rejoin Nuclear Talks

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=BBB8AD:2F72C9D

Leading Chinese diplomat heads to Pyongyang where he is expected to
press North Korea to rejoin nuclear disarmament talks

Wang JiaruiA Chinese envoy flew to North Korea Saturday to urge
Pyongyang to reconsider its decision to abandon talks on its nuclear
weapons program.

A leading Chinese diplomat headed to Pyongyang Saturday where he is
expected to press North Korea to rejoin nuclear disarmament talks with
China, South Korea, Japan, Russia and the United States.

Envoy Wang Jiarui's visit is the first to North Korea by any of the
negotiating parties since Pyongyang indefinitely suspended talks last
week, stating it has nuclear weapons and plans to build more.

China is North Korea's main source of economic support and has used
this leverage in the past to press Pyongyang into talks. China has
hosted three inconclusive rounds since 2003.

Kong Quan(VOA photo - L. Ramirez) Chinese foreign ministry spokesman,
Kong Quan, would not confirm if economic incentives would be offered
this time.

He would only say the two sides would exchange views on issues of
common interest.

This caps a week of diplomatic consultations on North Korea's actions.
The U.S. envoy to the six-party talks, Ambassador Christopher Hill,
also went to Beijing. U.S. State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher
says Mr. Hill called on China to step up the pressure on North Korea.

Richard Boucher "He reiterated that six-party talks are the best way
to resolve through peaceful diplomacy the concerns of the
international community and they're the best way to end North Korea's
isolation," he said.

North Korea's plutonium and uranium-based nuclear weapons programs
violate international agreements signed by Pyongyang.

However, North Korea claims it needs a nuclear arsenal to rebuff a
possible U.S. attack and has repeatedly said it will only dismantle
its programs in exchange for aid and security guarantees from the
United States.

Washington rejects the preconditions and insists North Korea comply
with long-standing accords before considering incentives.

Diplomats familiar with the talks suggest North Korea may simply be
looking for more favorable terms before abandoning its nuclear weapons
program.

African Group Imposes Sanctions on Togo

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=BBB8AA:2F72C9D

Member states of ECOWAS are increasing pressure on Togolese President
Faure Gnassingbe to step down The West African grouping, ECOWAS, has
suspended Togo and imposed sanctions on the government of President
Faure Gnassingbe, who was installed by the military after the death of
his father and is refusing to step down.

The member states of ECOWAS are increasing pressure on Togolese
President Faure Gnassingbe to step down. Member states have recalled
their diplomats from the country, and the group is imposing an arms
embargo on Togo and a travel ban on Togolese officials.

Faure Gnassingbe Although Mr. Gnassingbe said Friday that he would
hold elections within 60 days, ECOWAS said in a statement, that is not
enough.

The Togolese government has yet to formulate an official response to
the news of sanctions. Information Minister Pitang Tchalla said there
is a danger that Togo could 'fragment into pieces,' if Mr. Gnassingbe
left the presidency.

A London-based Africa analyst, Olly Owen, said ECOWAS' actions can
have consequences.

"They are far from impotent," said Olly Owen. "The kind of regional
culture and the kind of outward facing nature of states in Africa is
much more important than it is in, say, Europe. It is much harder for
a regime to be insular there, and kind of survive in a day-to-day
regional environment."

Togo's opposition is also not satisfied with Mr. Gnassingbe's promise
to hold elections. An opposition leader, Jean-Pierre Fabre, said the
opposition would continue to protest what he called an illegal
presidency.

Mr. Fabre told VOA that no one would vote, if elections were organized
by Mr. Gnassingbe.

African and world leaders want the former speaker of parliament to
take over the presidency and organize elections. Parliament hurriedly
made Mr. Gnassingbe the new parliamentary speaker, after the sudden
death of his father, President Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled for 38
years.

The transfer of power was condemned as a coup. Under the constitution,
the speaker of parliament is to carry out the duties of the president
until elections can be held.

France, Togo's former colonial power, gave its full support to ECOWAS'
decisions, and called for a quick restoration of 'full constitutional
legality.'

The State Department issued a statement backing ECOWAS' decision to
impose sanctions, and said it was ending all military assistance to
the country.

Nigerian Opposition Boycotts National Dialogue

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=BBB8AB:2F72C9D

President Olusegun Obasanjo is pressing ahead with controversial talks
to discuss constitutional reform

Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo (File photo)The Nigerian
President Olusegun Obasanjo is pressing ahead with controversial talks
to discuss constitutional reform. Opposition groups say they will
boycott discussions.

President Obasanjo passionately appealed to the Nigerian opposition to
join in a National Political Conference that opens in the capital
Abuja, Monday. The discussions will focus on pressing national issues,
like redistribution of oil wealth and representation of women in
government.

In a speech Mr. Obasanjo said that he welcomed discussion, and people
should place the interests of Nigeria above everything else, even if
the process of national debate did not satisfy everyone.

"We must not be afraid to disagree among ourselves provided we also
have our eye on the goals of unity, peace, harmony, patriotism and
progress for all," he said. "Our disagreement of course must not lead
to disintegration."

Talks are meant to last three months and will address reform of
Nigeria's current constitution, which was written under military rule
that ended in 1999.

Groups opposed to the National Political Conference is still refusing
to participate in the talks, because they believe the ruling party
will dominate. A spokesman for an umbrella group known as the
Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, Osita Okechukwu, says he
believes Mr. Obasanjo called the conference in order to change the
constitution and run for another term as president.

"Our suspicion, and a very big suspicion, is that he is organizing his
own friends to come and endorse him for a single five or six year term
that will extend his regime," he said. "He is considering
constitutional change for his interests."

Under the present constitution Mr. Obasanjo is limited to serving out
his current five year term.

The opposition wants delegates attending the government's conference
to be elected, but Mr. Obasanjo nominated 50 delegates himself. Among
the 400 delegates, six representatives will come from each of
Nigeria's 36 states.

Opposition groups now want to hold their own alternative conference.

Nigerian activists say people are afraid that issues that most concern
them will not be highlighted in the government's attempt at national
dialogue. At a time of rising fuel prices, people are demanding a
greater distribution of oil wealth in the country.

In particular, residents from the oil producing delta region want a
greater share of the money generated from oil. Nigeria is one of the
world's 10 biggest oil exporters, but the Niger delta, where most of
the oil is produced, remains one of the poorest areas in the country.

Pope John Paul II Delivers Weekly Address From Vatican

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=BBB8B0:2F72C9D

Pope spoke Sunday for about three minutes in a relatively clear,
strong voice to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square

Pope John Paul II Pope John Paul II has delivered his weekly address
from his window at the Vatican, making his second public appearance
since he was released from the hospital earlier this month.

The pope spoke Sunday for about three minutes in a relatively clear,
strong voice to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's Square. John Paul II
suffers from Parkinson's disease, which slurs his speech.

On Saturday, the pontiff missed a Mass marking the end of his
traditional Lenten retreat, but was well enough to resume private
audiences.

The 84-year-old Roman Catholic Church leader was admitted to Rome's
Gemelli Hospital on February 1 suffering from breathing problems
brought on by a case of influenza. He returned to the Vatican after
nine days.

Some information for this report provided by AFP and AP.

New Patent Law Likely to Benefit Indian Drug Industry

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=BBB8AF:2F72C9D

But some small companies may lose out The $5 billion Indian drug
industry has flourished for decades under a patent regime allowing
drug companies to copy medicines patented abroad provided they used a
different manufacturing process. As a result, medicines are sold in
India at a fraction of the cost in the developed world.

But India has recently made key changes to its patent law to meet its
commitments to the World Trade Organization on intellectual property
rights.

The amendments cover several products including drugs, and are
expected to be ratified by Parliament shortly.

The booming domestic pharmaceutical industry says the new rules offer
a host of opportunities - and dismiss fears business will be hurt.



Drug companies say they will now be able to manufacture and export
generic drugs that have patents which expire in a few years,
generating billions of dollars. They also hope to turn their modern
manufacturing plants into production centers for overseas
pharmaceutical companies, or become suppliers of drug ingredients.

A consultant to India's drug industry, DG Shah, said the new patent
protection also opens up the prospect of turning India into a global
hub for pharmaceutical research and development using the country's
cheap scientific talent. He said several Western companies have
already entered into agreements with Indian businesses. "They (global
drug companies) are also getting into strategic alliances with large
Indian companies to do some contract research, and the Indian
companies are also investing on their own. In addition, a number of
global generic companies are setting up their product development
centers in India," he said.



Multinational drug companies see India as a lucrative new market and
hope they will now be able to introduce new drugs into the country,
where an estimated 70 to 80 million people are now able to afford more
expensive medicines.



But the Indian government is also allaying fears that millions of poor
consumers will have to pay more for medicines, saying drugs patented
before 1995 will not be covered by the new rules.

The Indian industry hopes this clause will make it possible for them
to continue supplying cheap anti-retroviral AIDS medicines to other
developing countries, particularly in Africa.

However, smaller drug makers that survived on copycat drugs may be hit
hard, and many may have to shut down.

U.S., Japan Worry About N. Korean Withdrawal From Talks

The United States and Japan expressed their "deep concern" yesterday over North Korea's refusal to negotiate over its nuclear arms programs.

To view the entire article, go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/artic...er=emailarticle

--------------------
Palestinians Vie for Share of U.S. Funds
--------------------

Capitol Hill had long treated the leadership as a political pariah. But in the Abbas era, the issue of aid has become a focus of serious debate.

By Mary Curtius
Times Staff Writer

February 21 2005

WASHINGTON — After being treated for years as political pariahs by official Washington, Palestinians now find themselves players in perhaps the city's most enduring struggle — the fight for federal money.

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wo...l=la-home-world

Cabinet in Israel Ratifies Pullout From Gaza Strip
By GREG MYRE
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon also won cabinet approval for a
revamped route for the separation barrier in the West Bank.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/21/internat...mideast.html?th

U.S. Starts New Offensive Against Rebels
By JOHN F. BURNS
The Marine division that led the assault that retook
Falluja, Iraq, from insurgents says it has now started an
offensive in Ramadi.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/21/internat.../21iraq.html?th

Bush Is Expected to Express Support for a 'Strong Europe'
By ELISABETH BUMILLER
In a speech on Monday, President Bush will make clear that
the U.S. views the European Union as a partner, not a rival.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/21/internat...21prexy.html?th

U.N. Refugee Chief Resigns, Denying Charges of Harassment
By WARREN HOGE
Ruud Lubbers also complained that his loyalty to his office
had been rewarded by injury and insult at the U.N.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/21/internat...nations.html?th

China Accuses U.S. and Japan of Interfering on Taiwan
By JIM YARDLEY and KEITH BRADSHER
China criticized a joint statement in which Japan and the
U.S. declared a peaceful Taiwan Strait as a strategic
objective.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/21/internat...21china.html?th

--------------------
Al Qaeda Scoffs at U.S. Calls for Reforms
--------------------

From Associated Press

February 21 2005

CAIRO; In a videotape broadcast Sunday, Al Qaeda's deputy leader denounced U.S. calls for political reform in the Middle East and urged the West to respect the Islamic world.

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

http://www.delfi.ee/news/paevauudised/vali....php?id=9818140

in Moscow, a bank executive gone missing in 2001, found in concrete floor in a garage, Kommersant writes.

Ludmila Kransoger, board member and financial vice president of Pervoje (first) OVK bank went missing in the end of year 2001. She belonged to inner circle of russia's well-known entrepeneur, current FederationCcouncil (?) member Umar Dzhabrailov.

Two Indonesian Journalists Freed by Captors in Iraq

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=BBF981:2F72C9D

Meutya Viafa Hafid and Budiyanto were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen
last week while traveling to the Iraqi town of Ramadi

Indonesian foreign affairs spokesman, Marty NatalegawaThe Indonesian
government says two Indonesian journalists kidnapped nearly a week ago
in Iraq have been released.

The two journalists, 26-year-old Meutya Viafa Hafid and 38-year-old
Budiyanto, were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen last week while
traveling to the Iraqi town of Ramadi.

In a video shown on the Indonesian cable network Metro TV, where the
pair work, a group calling itself the Army of Warriors said it was
releasing Mr. Budiyanto and Ms. Hafid without conditions.

Indonesia has the world's largest Muslim population, and both
journalists are Muslims.

The Indonesian foreign affairs spokesman, Marty Natalegawa, says the
government is elated over the pair's release.

"We are delighted, even elated by the news of the release of the two
Indonesian hostages," he said. "Not only the family, but practically
the entire Indonesian nation have been following this drama with a
great deal of concern, worry, and pain, to see our brother and sister
being held in such a manner in Iraq."

The kidnappers demanded that the Indonesian government clarify the
reason for the pair's presence in Iraq. President Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyno said publicly that they were fellow Muslims, working in Iraq
in their professional capacity as journalists.

The foreign ministry spokesman said both reporters were now on their
way out of Iraq and would soon be in the hands of Indonesian
officials.

More than 120 foreigners have been kidnapped in Iraq during the past
year, and at least of third of the abductees have been killed by their
kidnappers.

Former US Presidents Bush and Clinton Meet Young Sri Lankan Tsunami
Survivors

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=BBF980:2F72C9D

Former political rivals assessing how US can help rebuild affected
countries

Former presidents Bill Clinton, center left, and George H.W. Bush,
center right, talk with children in Weligama, Sri Lanka Former
Presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton have met Sri Lankan children
who survived December's devastating tsunami. The former political
rivals are assessing how the U.S. can help rebuild affected countries.

Young survivors of the deadly tsunami sang and performed dances during
the visit by George Bush and Bill Clinton to a trauma center on Sri
Lanka's southern coast. Others drew crayon pictures of their
terrifying experiences to show to the former U.S. presidents.

Philip Frayne, spokesman at the U.S. embassy in Sri Lanka, later said
the two men were "delighted" to have met with the children.

"They said that one of the things that people sometimes forget is that
there's not just a need for reconstruction of houses and fishing boats
and things, but there is also a need for counseling of the victims and
above all for counseling of children that may have lost brothers and
sisters and parents in the tsunami," he said.

President George W. Bush appointed his father and Mr. Clinton to head
the U.S. effort to provide private aid to victims of the December 26
earthquake and tsunami, which killed about 290,000 people and left
millions homeless and destitute in countries around the Indian Ocean.

The two men had earlier visited Thailand and Indonesia's Aceh
province, the region hit hardest by the natural disaster. Speaking
before leaving Aceh for Sri Lanka, Mr. Clinton was clearly moved by
what he had seen.

"I think its almost impossible to appreciate the scope of this
[disaster] if you haven't physically seen them," he said. "You know we
watch it carefully on television, it's not the same."

The international community has pledged $5 billion in assistance to
countries affected by the tsunami. But that may not be enough.

Mr. Frayne says one reason for the two presidents' visit to the region
is to maintain international interest in reconstruction efforts across
the region.

"The point is that Indonesia and Sri Lanka, as well as Thailand, are
still in need of assistance," he said. "That just because the
immediate emergency, humanitarian relief effort has switched into a
phase of reconstruction, that doesn't mean that people should stop
donating or paying attention to what's going on here."

Mr. Clinton and Mr. Bush were scheduled to wrap up their four-nation
tour with a brief visit to the Maldives, before flying back to the
United States.

Indonesia, Aceh Rebels Begin New Round of Peace Talks in Finland

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=BBF97F:2F72C9D

Separatist rebels demanding full withdrawal of Indonesia's
security forces from region of Aceh, on northern tip of Sumatra Island

Indonesian soldiers take a break from patrolling the road from Banda
Aceh to points on Aceh's west coast The Indonesian government and
separatist rebels of the Free Aceh Movement began a new round of peace
talks in Helsinki Monday, aimed at solving nearly three decades of
conflict.

The separatist rebels, known as GAM, are demanding the full withdrawal
of Indonesia's 50,000 strong security forces from the region of Aceh,
located on the northern tip of Sumatra Island.

The oil- and gas-rich region was the hardest hit by the December 26
earthquake and tsunami, with more than 230,000 people either dead or
missing and many villages and infrastructure destroyed.

That disaster has thrown Aceh's decades-old conflict into the
international spotlight, with both sides under pressure to proceed
with peace talks so that reconstruction can proceed without conflict.

Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono says it is time to find
a lasting solution to the conflict.

"I call on GAM, the Aceh separatist movement to terminate the
conflict, to come to permanent peace with dignity, and to work
together to rebuild Aceh under the framework of special autonomy," he
said. "This is what Acehnese want, this is what the Indonesian
government is offering, and this is what the international community
supports. The time for peace permanent peace, is now."

Prior to the tsunami, the peace process had been suspended since 2003,
when talks broke down and Indonesia's military launched an all-out
offensive against GAM.

A member of the Acehnese panel, Damien Kingsbury of Australia's Deacon
University, says GAM will insist that any peace agreement be put to a
province-wide vote.

Mr. Kingsbury says GAM will also ask the government to clarify its
autonomy offer, suggesting that the rebels' previous insistence on
nothing short of full independence might be softening.

GAM declared a truce after the tsunami, saying it wanted to help with
rescue efforts. But the military says it will not stop fighting until
a formal cease-fire has been signed. The military claims to have
killed around 200 GAM members in the last two months.

Finland's former president, Martti Ahtisaari, a career diplomat who is
mediating the talks, says this round will determine whether or not the
two sides have common ground for further negotiations.

"To my mind it's not what can be agreed here now, but whether we make
enough progress that justifies the parties to come back to Helsinki
for a continuation of those talks," he said. "But if it looks like
it's a waste of time, and they are not prepared to come for another
round, then we have failed."

The Indonesian military has been accused by international human rights
groups of massive human rights violations against Aceh's civilian
population.

GAM, which has been accused of human rights abuses on a smaller scale,
has been fighting for independence from Indonesia since 1976.

Pro-Reunification Party Wins in Turkish Controlled North Cyprus

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=BBF982:2F72C9D

Leader of governing party pledges to keep up efforts to re-unite
divide island Speaking to reporters after some 90 percent of ballots
were counted, Mehmet Ali Talat, leader of the governing Republican
Turkish Party pledged to keep up efforts to re-unite the divided
island of Cyprus. He also vowed to ensure that the country's
break-away Turkish dominated north become officially part of the
European Union together with the Greek dominated south that joined the
Union in May last year. The Greek Cypriot government is recognized by
the international community as the legitimate administration of the
island.

The Turkish north will be unable to reap the benefits of European
Union membership until the island is re-united, and continues to rely
on vast subsidies from the Ankara government.

Mr. Talat's strong showing was seen by observers that a majority of
Turkish Cypriots back his pro-peace policies. He failed by a thin
margin to secure an absolute majority and will need to strike a deal
with one of three other parties that won parliamentary seats in order
to form a government.

Cyprus has been partitioned since Turkish troops occupied the northern
third of the island in 1974 after Greek Cypriot nationalists sought to
annex the island to mainland Greece.

The latest U.N. peace plan to re-unite Cyprus under a loose federation
of autonomous states failed when the Greek Cypriots voted against the
plan in twin referendums held on the Greek and Turkish sides of Cyprus
last year. An overwhelming majority of Turkish Cypriots voted in favor
of the plan. Efforts to revive the U.N. peace process have failed over
Greek Cypriot demands for further concessions from Turkey.

Those include calls for Turkey to withdraw its troops from the island,
a condition Turkey says it cannot fulfill until lasting peace is
achieved on the island, and that Turkey itself becomes a full member
of the European Union.

Zimbabwes Opposition Party Launches Election Campaign

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=BBF986:2F72C9D

Movement for Democratic Change, Zimbabwe's main opposition party
presents party's manifesto before a crowd of some 5,000 party
supporters The Movement for Democratic Change, Zimbabwe's main
opposition party launched its campaign for the March general
elections. Party president Morgan Tsvangirai launched the campaign and
presented the party's manifesto before a crowd of some 5,000 party
supporters in Zimbabwe's oldest city some 290 kilometers south of
Harare.

Mr. Tsvangirai's address to the party faithful was short and to the
point; it was time for a change after twenty five years of President
Robert Mugabe's Zanu-PF. He said the ruling party is presiding over
economic decay, corruption and mismanagement. He added that the
government lacks the capacity to correct the current economic and
political crises, the worst since independence in 1980.

The MDC - which suspended participation in all elections last August
citing what it called an uneven playing field - only announced its
intention to contest the March elections earlier this month. The party
leadership said it was bowing to demands by the majority of its
supporters to participate. He said despite what he still described as
a hostile electoral environment his party is confident of victory.

"We are confident of victory because we have had enough, because we
have suffered enough, we are confident that we shall win the popular
mandate," said Mr. Tsvangirai. "We are determined to see a new
beginning and a new Zimbabwe."

MDC spokesperson for economic affairs Tendai Biti said though he was
one of those strongly against participation in the elections the
people's desire for change makes him cautiously optimistic. He said he
knew in 2000 and, again in 2002, that same feeling existed. But
because of the unfair control of the legal process they lost that
election. Mr. Biti said he has no illusions about what can happen on
March 31st, but it is clear that people don't want Zanu-PF back in
power.

The MDC's manifesto lists the economy, agriculture, a new constitution
and good governance, a social agenda and women and youth as the key
areas it will address if it is voted into power.

UN Refugee Chief Resigns Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=BBF985:2F72C9D

Ruud Lubbers steps down despite denying allegations against him

Ruud LubbersIn his letter to Kofi Annan, the U.N. Refugee Chief, Ruud
Lubbers blamed unsubstantiated leaks to the media and ongoing media
pressure for his decision to resign. He said that he had given more
than four years of his energy to the UNHCR. But, despite all his
loyalty, insult had now been added to injury and therefore he was
resigning.

Mr. Lubbers referred to a confidential UN internal report dated last
June, which found that he had engaged in sexual harassment. UN
Secretary-General Kofi Annan, however, rejected the report.

The text of the report resurfaced at the end of last week. The
Independent, a British newspaper printed in its Friday edition the
first detailed description of charges made by the woman who had filed
the complaint. The article also included statements from four other
women who claimed they had been sexually harassed by Mr. Lubbers,
although they did not file official complaints.

Mr. Lubbers maintains, however, that the sexual harassment complaint
was unsubstantiated.

A spokeswoman for the Refugee Office, Jennifer Pagonis, told VOA Mr.
Lubbers will be missed. "I can say it is an extremely sad day for all
of us here at UNHCR. The High Commissioner has devoted the last four
years of his life to really provide solutions for refugees and he has
been an extraordinarily dedicated high commissioner. So, it is very
sad it has come to this," she said.

In his letter of resignation, Mr. Lubbers noted the UN watchdog, the
Office of Internal Oversight Services, came up empty-handed in its
investigation and invented a fear of retaliation.

Ms. Pagonis said there was no retaliation against the accuser. "The
woman who filed the complaint still continues to work for UNHCR in
Geneva and, no, there has been absolutely no retaliation against her
whatsoever. That would be completely against the principles of UNHCR,"
she said.

Mr. Lubbers, who is 65, was the longest-serving postwar prime minister
of the Netherlands. He is married and has three children.

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/a...ar_050221014011

US senator: half of Russia nuclear materials not accounted for

What place for God in Europe?
Why the Continent is debating what role, if any, religion should play
in public life. By Peter Ford
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0222/p01s04-woeu.html?s=hns

Concern in Africa over private doctors giving AIDS drugs
Patients are at risk because the medicine is not being prescribed
correctly, experts say. By Nicole Itano
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0222/p07s01-woaf.html?s=hns

Chasing bin Laden with TV ads in Pakistan offering cash
This week, for the first time, Pakistan is allowing ads to air that
offer rewards for helping find Al Qaeda leaders. By Scott Baldauf and
Owais Tohid
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0222/p07s02-wosc.html?s=hns

Economists want to know: Do Europeans work less because they believe
less in God?
Researchers are reexamining whether there might be a link between
religious belief and economic performance. By Joshua S. Burek
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0222/p12s01-woeu.html?s=hns

Putin To Visit Iran:

"The Russian Federation and Iran have several joint projects, in particular, the purchase of passenger liners from Moscow, the construction of the second unit of the nuclear power plant in Bushehr, the issue of ships on the Caspian Sea and others,"
http://en.rian.ru/rian/index.cfm?prd_id=16...2-19&do_alert=0

http://snipurl.com/cy24

Al-Qaeda number two warns West it faces thousands of dead, economic collapse:

Al-Qaeda number two Ayman al-Zawahiri warned the West it faced defeat in what he termed its "new crusade" against the Islamic world, as well as thousands of dead and economic collapse, in a videotape aired by Al-Jazeera television.
http://207.44.245.159/article8135.htm