Cancer Alerts - Daily World News Blog

Turkey Improves in Corruption Perception

2005-10-19T05:48:00.000-07:00

Turkey has ranked 65th in Transparency International's 2005 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) despite the remarkable improvement last year.

More than two-thirds of the 159 nations surveyed scored less than five out of a clean score of 10.

Turkey's corruption perception indices rose in 2005 following the improvements in 2003 and 2004. The CPI figures for 2003 and 2004 were successively 3.1 and 3.2.

The CPI rate of Turkey for 2005 was recorded 3.5.

For further information please visit http://www.cihannews.com

19.10.2005 10:37:00
Cihan News Agency

Turkey Tunning out of Patience with PKK in N. Iraq

2005-10-19T05:47:00.000-07:00

Turkey would take necessary steps to end the presence of PKK terrorists in the mountains of northern Iraq Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday.

"Turkey has maintained a certain degree of tolerance up to now, but Turkey cannot continue thus anymore," Erdogan told a meeting of his parliamentary party.

The terrorist presence in northern Iraq must be stamped out, he stressed.

For further information please visit http://www.cihannews.com

19.10.2005 10:34:00
Cihan News Agency

70% 'Yes' Votes in Diyala

2005-10-16T12:48:00.002-07:00

It is reported that the rate of “yes” votes in Sunnite-majorty Diyala is 70 percent while vote counting continues after the referendum.

Adil Abdullatif, the president of the Election Commission in Diyala, said that 20 percent of the voters voted “no” in Diyala and added that 10 voting ballots in the region were not counted due to irregularity.

According to the results coming from Sunni majority Ninova, about 264,000 people voted “yes” in the elections and 95,000 people voted “no.”

In order for the charter frame to be accepted in Iraq more than half of the voters should vote “yes” in the referendum and there should not be “no” votes over the two-thirds in three of 18 states in Iraq.

16.10.2005 17:25:00
Anadolu News Agency (aa)

Romania: 18,000 Birds Killed

2005-10-16T12:48:00.001-07:00

Officials said that 18,000 birds were killed in Romania.

To prevent further cases of the bird flu, 18,000 birds were killed in Ceamurlia de Jos, and over three thousand birds will be slaughtered soon in Maliuc, said Romanian Minister of Agriculture Gheorghe Flutur.

Ceamurlia de Jos will be under a 21-day quarantine, said the officials, adding that all the vehicles passing through the area are disinfected at checkpoints.

British tests had produced results to confirm that Romanian cases of the bird flu carry the H5N1 virus.

The European commission also had confirmed that the avian influenza in Romania was infused through the H5N1 strain.

[15:28:00]

16.10.2005 17:20:00
Anadolu News Agency (aa)

'Death Toll to Increase Due to Bad Weather Conditions'

2005-10-16T12:48:00.000-07:00

It is reported that the death toll is expected to increase more after the 7.6 magnitude earthquake that hit Pakistan last week.

Major General in Pakistan Army Faruq Ahmad Khan noted in the press conference he organized that 39,442 people were killed in Pakistan and 65,038 people were injured due to the earthquake. He indicated that the debris removal process was still continuing.

Han voiced the worry that the bad weather conditions in the country may kill the homeless in the country.

16.10.2005 16:55:00
Anadolu News Agency (aa)

Sunnis Succeeded in 2 States; Musul to Decide

2005-10-16T12:47:00.001-07:00

The high turnout of Sunni Arabs, who opposed the charter frame, in the referendum yesterday (October 15) in Iraq worries Shiite and Kurdish leaders. The vote counting process still continues.

The turnout in Divala, Ninova and Selahaddin states, where Sunni Arabs constitute the majority, was 66 percent in the referendum in which the general turnout was 61 percent. In order for Sunnis to prevent the affirmation of the charter frame, 2 out of 3 must vote no in at least three states. The initial results show that Sunnis easily outnumbered the critical line. For instance in Tikrit, where the counting process has ended, the rate of “no” votes is 95 percent and in Samarra it is 65 percent.

The observers note that Ninova and Diyala states, where the population is more heterogenic, especially the capital of Ninova Musul (Mousul) will be the deciding states of the election result. There are Shiites, Kurds, Christians, Turkmen in Mousul, which is the third biggest city of Iraq. Sunni and Shiite populations also live together In Diyala state.

It is estimated that there will be a 90 percent “yes” for the charter frame in 9 states where Shiites constitute the majority and in 3 states where Kurds constitute the majority.

For further information please visit http://www.cihannews.com

16.10.2005 16:49:00
Cihan News Agency

US: Iraq Approves Charter Frame

2005-10-16T12:47:00.000-07:00

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the charter frame was most probably approved in the referendum conducted yesterday (October 15).

Rice noted during her visit in London that there was a high turnout in the regions where especially Sunnis live and added that the general expectation is that the Iraqi people confirmed the new charter frame in the referendum.

[13:24:00]

16.10.2005 15:47:00

First Results from Iraqi Constitution Referendum

2005-10-16T12:46:00.000-07:00

The first results of the Iraqi Constitution referendum are coming as the vote-counting process still continues. Karbala Elections Commission Chair Safa al-Musevi informed that 440 thousand people cast votes in Karbala and 95 percent of them said, “Yes” to the referendum.

The turnout in Karbala was 60 percent.

[12:20:00]

16.10.2005 14:14:00

UK Prepares Emergency Action Plan Against Possible Bird Flu

2005-10-16T12:45:00.002-07:00

The British parliament has reportedly prepared an “emergency action plan” against a possible bird flu epidemic.

It was reported that measures such as closing schools, canceling sports activities and using police to prevent panic might be taken in the emergency action plan.

The British newspaper, Independent, on Sunday reported that 2.5 million doses of vaccines will be purchased and they will be first implemented on the health team that will combat the epidemic.

[12:18:00]

16.10.2005 14:12:00

Israeli Army Detains 6 Palestinians in the West Bank

2005-10-16T12:45:00.001-07:00

The Israeli army reported that six Palestinians were detained in the West Bank.

A statement from the army said that five Hamas members, who were wanted for involvement in the attacks towards Israel, were detained in the Dahariye region.

16.10.2005 13:08:00

Russia Wants Closer Defense Relations with India

2005-10-16T12:45:00.000-07:00

Russian Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov said Russia was ready to make new defense agreements with India.

Ivanov, who came to India for a three-day visit to see the land and air operations conducted jointly by Russia and India, said that he hoped India and Russia will sign a military agreement, which will pave the way for military technology transfer in the future.

Ivanov said both countries plan to work together on their advanced war planes, war vessels and submarines.

16.10.2005 13:07:00

Helicopter Crash in Pakistan Kills Six

2005-10-16T12:44:00.001-07:00

A Pakistani relief helicopter flying an aid mission crashed, killing six people aboard.

The MI-17 transport helicopter was returning to its base late Saturday after it dropped off relief workers in the earthquake area; crashing near the town of Bagh, all six people on board were killed, said a top-level military official.

All those killed were military personnel, and the cause of the crash is not yet clear, reporters said. However, extremely severe weather may have caused the crash.

[07:15:00]

16.10.2005 11:52:00
Anadolu News Agency (aa)

Israel Stops Import of Eggs from Turkey

2005-10-16T12:44:00.000-07:00

Israel has stopped importing eggs from Turkey as a precaution against the bird flu.

Although Israel has not imposed limitations on traveling to Turkey and Romania as a measure against the bird flu, it has suspended the import of eggs from Turkey, Israeli Health Minister Danny Naveh told the Israeli Radio.

Israel is in close contact with the World Health Organization (WHO) and is carefully analyzing the course of events. Israel will soon buy necessary medicines and vaccines as a precaution against the bird flu pandemic.

[10:01:00]

Borrell: Cyprus now Becomes an EU Issue

2005-10-06T10:35:00.000-07:00

The Cyprus issue has turned to a European Union issue said the European Parliament President Josep Borrell as he reported that the solution will be found out under United Nations (UN) roof.

Speaking about his meetings in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and with the Greek Cypriot administration during a news conference at Lefkose (Nicosia) Ledra Palas Hotel, Borrell claimed all Cypriot Turks and Greek Cypriots have been defined as EU citizens along with their EU membership. He also recorded that the EU is to be ready in the solution process.

Turkey’s starting entry talks with the EU, Borrell said, are an opportunity to activate new openings necessary for the solution of the Cyprus issue which should not be missed.

He also claimed The Greek Cypriot administration contributed to the start of Turkey’s EU membership negotiations and added, “I think we should thank Greek officials since they played a role in the determination to start EU negotiations with Turkey.”

[16:16:00]

06.10.2005 18:17:00
Anadolu News Agency (aa)

Blair Suspects Iran for the Attacks in Iraq

2005-10-06T10:33:00.000-07:00

British Prime Minister Tony Blair met with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani earlier today and he said they are partners in democratic changes in this country.

After the meeting, Blair held a news conference and acknowledged the leap forward in democracy within the past three years in Iraq. As long as Iraqi administration asks, they will remain, he added.

Asked about a British official’s accusations for Iran, Blair said a new kind of explosive has been used lately in attacks against multinational forces in Iraq and that the structure of the explosive caused suspicions about the role of Iran and Hezbollah.

No one can completely be sure of this Blair said, but he reminded Iran that the British troops are in Iraq upon United Nations resolution and that supporting terrorism against multinational forces and the intervention in Iraq is unacceptable.

British Prime Minister emphasized that Iran refuses all these claims, but the investigations will go on.

[15:53:00]

06.10.2005 16:30:00
Anadolu News Agency (aa)

250 IRA Properties Confiscated in Manchester

2005-10-06T10:32:00.000-07:00

Two hundred and fifty real estate properties have been confiscated in the British city of Manchester on the grounds that they belong to Irish Republican Army.

The Press Association in Britain claimed the confiscated properties belong to two businessmen. As the investigation is still continuing, no details have been submitted.

[12:26:00]

06.10.2005 14:36:00
Anadolu News Agency (aa)

NATO to Send more Troops to Afghanistan

2005-10-06T10:30:00.000-07:00

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is thinking to expand its field of operations towards the south of Afghanistan next year and plans to increase the number of troops in this country to 10,000-15,000.

NATO Secretary-Genereal Jaap de Hoop Scheffer told reporters following a meeting with Afghani President Hamit Kharzai on Wednesday that though he cannot give an exact number, it could reach 15,000.

Military experts from NATO member countries are working to finalize the plan on expansion of the field of operations to the south of the country where Taliban militias are active.

[13:55:00]

06.10.2005 14:34:00
Anadolu News Agency (aa)

Romanian Operation on Al-Qaeda Deports 5 Students

2005-10-06T10:28:00.000-07:00

Five students reported to have links with the al-Qaeda terrorist network have been deported from Romania during an operation and have been banned from returning to the country for 15 years.

Romanian Intelligence Service Spokesman Marus Bercaru has informed about deportation of these individuals after their detention during an operation in the city of Yash, north of capital Bucharest.

Bercaru declined to give information about which country the students were sent to, yet the Spokesman underlined the purpose of the operation as to eliminate this fundamentalist religious network in Romania and to exclude these people from Romanian territory.

[11:46:00]

06.10.2005 12:45:00
Anadolu News Agency (aa)

'Turkey Ready for EU Negotiations'

2005-10-06T10:27:00.000-07:00

Turkish bureaucracy, coordinated by Turkey's Chief European Union Negotiator Ali Babacaan, is ready for the EU negotiation process which will commence actively on October 20, a government spokesman said on Wednesday.

Spokesman Cemil Cicek told at a press conference after the present government's 100th cabinet meeting that the opening of the EU talks would pave the way for a new phase in Turkey.

Turkey's success during the tough negotiation process would depend on its performance, Cicek acknowledged, "The speed of Turkey's EU talks rests on Turkey's performance."

For further information please visit http://www.cihannews.com

EU Absorption Capacity in Copenhagen Criteria

2005-10-06T10:26:00.000-07:00

The absorption capacity of the European Union for new members is already included within the scope of the Copenhagen criteria, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Namik Tan said on Wednesday.

Turkey's negotiation document says the EU's cohesion and effectiveness must be safeguarded and that its capacity to absorb Turkey, while maintaining the momentum of European integration, is an important consideration for both the EU and Turkey.

Opposition parties in Turkey and Austria claim the reference to absorption capacity is a new condition.

For further information please visit http://www.cihannews.com

Suspicious Packages Found in Foreign Representative Offices in Malaysia

2005-10-05T05:11:00.000-07:00

Suspicious envelopes have been sent to the Australian High Commission, the US, French and Russian embassies in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur today.

The envelopes include a CD, an oil-like material as well as a note saying injustice toward Muslims will be punished.

Police Investigation Bureau Chief Abdelaziz Bulat said this is a tactic to grab attention and to spread fear.

On Tuesday, the embassies of Japan, Germany, Thailand, Canada, The Philippines and Singapore also received suspicious envelopes and the Japanese Embassy was evacuated.

[09:56:00]

For further information please visit http://www.cihannews.com

UN Storms over for 'Last Minute' Change in Iraq

2005-10-05T05:10:00.001-07:00

The alteration of an article on the rejection conditions of the constitution made at the “last minute” has infuriated United Nations and the United States officials.

The Shiite-Kurdish majority government has changed the article relating to the two thirds majority in any three provinces rejecting the constitution. UN authorities called on the Ibrahim Jaafari administration to withdraw the change.

The amendment, made less than two weeks before the public vote in the country and just one day after the UN started to distribute five million constitution booklets. The UN warned that the change violates international standards. The change removes the possibility of a Sunni rejection of the constitution by casting a vote and this received heavy criticism from the UN.

[10:34:00]

For further information please visit http://www.cihannews.com

WHO: 388 Million to Die from Chronic Diseases

2005-10-05T05:10:00.000-07:00

The World Health Organization (WHO) predicted 388 million people will die from chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer or diabetes within 10 years.

The organization plans to reduce the death rate by two percent over the next decade. Thirty-six million people, 28 million of who are in lower or middle income countries, could be saved through simple and inexpensive treatments.

[00:03:00]

05.10.2005 11:35:00
Anadolu News Agency (aa)

UK's Think Tank Criticizes Political Leaders, Acknowledges the Success

2005-10-05T05:09:00.001-07:00

The decision the European Union reached in the direction to start membership talks with Turkey has been assessed as “a success sold badly by political leaders”.

The French news agency, Agency France Press, reported an analysis in which the Center for European Reform, a think tank organization based in London, Director Charles Grant said that despite the fact that launching entry talks with Turkey is a success of the Union’s decision for enlargement, the success was sold badly by European political leaders and raised questions about the identity of the European project and concerns among the European public opinion in the extent of Turkey’s rejection.

Stopping enlargement would be a tragedy, Grant assessed, underlining that the greatest success of the Union is to spread stability, security, prosperity and democracy around the continent.

[09: 44:00]

05.10.2005 11:34:00
Anadolu News Agency (aa)

Explosion on London Double-decker

2005-10-05T05:09:00.000-07:00

On a double-decker London city bus, an explosion occurred Tuesday night. Some commuters, including a Turkish national, were injured.

The blast occurred in front of the Bayswater subway station at 9:00 p.m. local time on the second level of a bus that departed from Paddington.

An investigation on cause of the explosion is continuing.

[07:45:00]

For further information please visit http://www.cihannews.com

Hurricane Stan Slams Central America

2005-10-05T05:08:00.001-07:00

The 10th largest hurricane to have formed in the Atlantic Ocean this year, Hurricane Stan caused the deaths of 67 people in Central America countries.

Hurricane Stan hit the east coast of Mexico Tuesday morning with a category one magnitude. Later, the hurricane weakened and was down graded to a tropical storm; however, 67 people died in landslides or floods, and an increase in the number of casualties is feared.

In San Salvador, at least 49 people died in Hurricane Stan, while 16,700 were evacuated to safer locations. Eighteen people died in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica.

In Mexico, 10,000 people living along the coastal line were evacuated; however, no reports on the death toll have been made.

Hurricane Stan blowing 55 kilometers per hour winds will weaken today.

[07:58:00]

For further information please visit http://www.cihannews.com

05.10.2005 11:31:00
Cihan News Agency

ISE Closes Tuesday on All-time Record High of 35,624

2005-10-05T05:08:00.000-07:00

The opening of the European Union entry talks has given a strong boost to the Istanbul stock exchange, or the ISE, sending the index rocketing up to 35,624 points at closing time on Tuesday evening.

The national index has broken its all-time record for the last two days in succession.

The ISE National-100 Index finished up 1,323.89 points to close at a record-high of 35,624 at the end of Tuesday evening's session.

For further information please visit:

http://www.cihannews.com

Turkish Businessmen Welcome EU Entry Talks

2005-10-05T05:07:00.000-07:00

The opening of Turkey's European Union entry talks was welcomed by Turkish business circles on Tuesday.

Turkey's two biggest companies, the Sabanci and Koc Holdings, expressed their contentment with the opening of the accession talks.

Sabanci Chairwoman Guler Sabanci said the beginning of the talks would mean a new chapter for Turkey.

Turkey officially commenced her long-delayed EU accession talks on October 3. The EU Foreign Ministers yesterday reached a last-ditch solution to the standoff over Turkey's negotiating document.

For further information please visit:

http://www.cihannews.com

Australia Warns for a New Attack

2005-10-04T11:46:00.000-07:00

After the attacks in Bali Island, Indonesia, Australia warned the Seminyak region may be the next target for terrorist attacks.

A travel warning to Indonesia due to terrorist threats was issued from the web site of the Australian International Relations and Ministry of Commerce.

The warning statement told Australians to be careful in the Seminyak region of Bali, which may be a possible target for terrorist attacks. It was also warned that nightclubs in Seminyak, often visited by Westerners, may also be targeted.

Reportedly two suspects have been arrested for the Bali attacks, in which 22 people died and 135 people were injured.

[08:33:00]

EU Starts Negotiations with Croatia

2005-10-04T11:44:00.000-07:00

The European Union has resumed membership talks with Croatia Tuesday after the United Nations War Crimes Tribunal Chief Prosecutor Carla Del Ponte submitted a report including Croatian cooperation bringing General Ante Gotovina before the court.

Croatia Prime Minister Ivo Sanade held a news conference following the EU decision to resume talks and said Croatia will follow a double policy, the country will both act in line with the Union and work for stability in the region.

Croatians will also assist regional countries to achieve stability, Sanade said, underlining the country’s full adaptation to EU.

[11:23:00]

For further information please visit http://www.cihannews.com

'Economic Growth in Terms of Euro Disappointing'

2005-10-04T11:41:00.000-07:00

Economic growth is not satisfying as far as the Euro is considered, said European Central Bank (ECB) President Jean Claude Trichet.

Speaking at Denmark’s Central Bank, Trichet emphasized that the policy of the ECB on keeping interest rates low lends support to growth; as well as, price stability and the realization of inflation expectations are guaranteed.

“You will probably share the view that the growth performance of the euro zone cannot be deemed fully satisfactory,” said the ECB President, “but it is equally true to say that the single monetary policy, geared towards price stability and anchoring inflation expectations, lends ongoing support to economic activity.”

This year the gross national product (GNP) will, Trichet said, be in the region of two percent rather than two and half percent.

[14:00:00]

04.10.2005 11:48:00
Anadolu News Agency (aa)

ETA Leader Captured in France

2005-10-04T11:40:00.000-07:00

A leader of the terrorist organization ETA, fighting for the independence of the Spanish Basque region, was captured in France, officials said.

Three ETA members were arrested in a raid on a house in Aurillac, central France, said, Spanish Interior Minister Jose Antonio Alonso in his statement to reporters.

Harriet Aguirre, known as “number two” in ETA’s military apparatus, wanted on an international warrant, was one of those arrested, officials revealed.

The police seized guns, electronic goods and documents at the house where the arrest was made.

[16:15:00]

04.10.2005 11:47:00
Anadolu News Agency (aa)

D'Estaing Saddens: EU Turns into Free Trade Zone

2005-10-04T11:39:00.000-07:00

One time French President Valery Giscard D’Estaing assessed Turkey starting entry talks to the European Union and expressed that the EU is turning into a huge free trade zone, and that that is saddening.

The ex-President told radio RTL that the Union is falling away from the great French plan on Europe’s political union and is taking the form of a huge free trade zone.

The formation of institution in the EU has been rejected and two large enlargement moves are allowed, he claimed.

D’Estaing also criticized current President Jacques Chirac, without actually mentioning his name, for his support to Turkey and termed Turkey “the poorest and biggest” country outside Europe.

[10:46:00]

US Army Launches Operation in Iraq

2005-10-04T11:32:00.000-07:00

The US Army has launched a wide scale operation in some of the Sunni towns near the Euphrates River.

Last week, starting an operation in Syria, US troops today launched another operation in Iraq. About 2,500 American soldiers and a few hundred Iraqi forces joined the offensive. In the towns of Haklaniye, Parvana and Hadisa, the operation continues, in these Sunni towns where insurgents are sheltering.

[11:10:00] For further information please visit http://www.cihannews.com

Jubilant PM Gives Credit for EU Victory to Turks

2005-10-04T11:30:00.000-07:00

The success in opening European Union entry talks belongs to the Turkish people, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters in his first press conference after agreeing to the EU's negotiating framework.

Turkey officially commenced its long-delayed EU accession talks on October 3, as had been decided at the Brussels summit of December 17 last.

Prime Minister said Turkey has preserved her political priorities and national interests in her relation with the European Union.

The EU Foreign Ministers had reached a last-ditch solution to the standoff over Turkey's negotiating document. Both Austria and Turkey accepted the revised document.

For further information please visit http://www.cihannews.com

15 Companies Apply for Telsim Tender

2005-10-04T11:29:00.000-07:00

The Turkish Savings and Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) has announced that 15 groups have applied for the prequalification of the Telsim tender to be held on 13th December.

The Sabanci, Koc and Dogan groups from Turkey while 3 companies from Dubai and 2 others from Kuwait have applied for the Telsim tender, according to the TMSF statement. The deadline for submitting the necessary documents for the tender was 30th September. Other applicants were from Britain, Russia, France, Norway, the US, Germany and Egypt.

For further information please check:

http://www.cihannews.com

'Absorption Capacity not a New Condition'

2005-10-04T11:27:00.000-07:00

British Ambassador to Ankara Peter Westmacott has said the phrase “absorption capacity” is nothing new for new members to the European Union, and that this phrase has been included in EU literature since 1993.

The Ambassador told NTV that the EU needs to prepare for new members within itself and the operation flow of its institutions should not be interrupted.

The screening process is envisaged as October 20 he added, and said that the UK will be pleased that the membership negotiations with Turkey will start during their term of presidency.

The adaptation protocol is required to be approved by both the Turkish and European parliaments and any possible problems to emerge could be eliminated through good will and efforts.

[16:14:00]

04.10.2005 18:10:00

National Geographic Sends 'Her' to Pilgrimage

2005-10-02T04:37:00.000-07:00

Many of us may not recall the name of photographer Steve McCurry but, probably have seen the photo of the "Afghan Girl," whose deep green eyes reflected the tragedy of the Afghan people under Russian occupation.

Nowadays, the man, who discovered the impressive eyes, is in Istanbul. McCurry, who took the famous photograph of the Afghan girl, Serbet Gule, in a refugee camp in Pakistan in 1984 and published it on the front page of the National Geographic, opened a photograph exhibition at Topkapi Palace Darphane-i Amire building in Istanbul. The exhibition titled "Pilgrimage" is composed of 50 photographs taken by McCurry in India, Nepal, Cambodia, Afghanistan, and Burma. All photographs by McCurry have religious motifs. Temples, mosques, rituals, ceremonies… It has become an addiction for McCurry, a master photographer, to take photos of special places that people connect with and contribute their daily lives. These snapshots from Third World countries tell the spiritual journeys of people, who build their lives upon faith and modesty. “I am in search for a moment, when all private walls that human beings build around themselves are broken,” he says. McCurry photographs people during their prayers, going to prayer or preparing for it because he thinks they shift to a different dimension and integrate with nature at these moments.

McCurry spent his entire life on quest and in observation, photographing individual stories. Spending almost eight months each year in travel to different countries, the photographer turns his lenses to all faces of life. Traveling to several countries, McCurry loves India the most. There are many things in India, where Muslims, Christians, Hindus, and Buddhists co-exist, that I cannot have the chance to see in my own country, the US, he notes. People have religions and more importantly they live their religion; I don't know whether this is an escape from a mechanic life or a desire for discovery, he continued. As for what he searches for, McCurry seeks for mystery in untouched countries of the East, different lives embraced by a fascinating nature, different faces of different cultures, languages and religions. What he finds though is mostly patience. “I photograph life as it flows on, it is absolutely no artificial construct; I have learned from the East that one can reach the perfect only through patience,” he says. “If you really wait enough, people forget that you have a camera and their genuine "self" surfaces,” he adds.

McCurry's story begins in India in 1979. The artist had worked in several regions that faced international conflicts and civil wars. He had witnessed the Iran-Iraq War, disintegration of former Yugoslavia, the Gulf War and worked in Beirut, Cambodia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan. Yet, he does not call himself a war photographer. Rather, he prefers to focus on the effects war has on people. He presents to the human eye the effects of war not on land but on people. This is also another face of life; war is another fact of life besides beautiful things, he says. This, according to him, is a balance in life.

McCurry had overcome many dangers in these travels from wars and countries. He was arrested and enchained in Pakistan and his plane had crashed in Slovenia. He had been reported as dead two times. But, he is still committed to photography.

McCurry's exhibition can be seen at the Topkapi Palace Darphane-i Amire building until October 16.

Her only wish was to go to pilgrimage and she went

The Afghan Girl's photograph, the "photograph of the century", which made her a worldwide icon, has long been the topic of rumors about who she was. The story of a pair of deep green eyes had become familiar to the entire world and identified with her country, although the young girl herself was unaware of all this. McCurry had finally found her, Serbet Gule in Tora Bora region after long searches in Afghanistan. He had photographed her in 1984. When Serbet, unaware of everything, saw her own photograph on the National Geographic's front page, she became excited and surprised. Civil wars, starvation and scarcity had changed the expression on her face a little more, but her keen eyes and meaningful sights were still there. The National Geographic, which presented the Afghan Girl on its front page again in the April 2002 edition, asked her what her biggest dream was. She said her biggest dream was to make "pilgrimage". And the magazine sent her together with seven people from her family to pilgrimage, making her dream come true.

Istanbul

Rocket Bomb Hits Boat in the Coast of Corsica

2005-10-02T04:36:00.000-07:00

A rocket bomb attack was launched late Saturday evening on a frontier control craft off the coast of Corsica, France.

No casualties were reported in the attacks that are assumed to be connected with the recent labor fights.

A huge explosion, which sparked a fire, left the boat in ruins. While the police took tight security precautions, bomb experts were called to the scene.

[01:10:00]

02.10.2005 11:57:00

Suicide Bombers Behind Bali Attacks

2005-10-02T04:35:00.001-07:00

The bomb attacks, which killed at least 25 people in three crowded restaurants in the Indonesia’s tourist island of Bali, were undertaken by suicide bombers, it has been determined.

Major General Ansyaad Mbai, a senior counter-terrorism official, indicated that he saw the torn corpses of the bombers.

[07:11:00]

02.10.2005 12:19:00

Longwang Typhoon Injures 34 in Taiwan

2005-10-02T04:35:00.000-07:00

The Longwang (dragon king) Typhoon injured 34 people in Taiwan.

There were delays in the railway and airway transportations in Taiwan due to the typhoon, which reached a speed of 227 km per hour.

Taiwan National Firefighter Office Authorities disclosed that windows that broke injured people, roofs of four houses and one university dormitory was blown off by the Typhoon and 500,000 houses were affected by the electricity cut.

[10:08:00]

02.10.2005 13:03:00

'Al-Qaeda has Started to Consider Leaving Iraq'

2005-10-02T04:34:00.000-07:00

Iraq’s Interior Minister Bayan Jabor said the al-Qaeda network behind several bloody attacks in Iraq is considering transferring its operations to other countries in the region.

Jabor told the Al-Jazeera television, Iraq al-Qaeda Jihad’s leader Abu Musab al-Zarkawi “has started to consider leaving Iraq.” Jabor noted a letter written to Zarqawi by his number two Al-Qaeda man, Abu Azzam, mentioned al-Qaeda’s plans to leak into neighboring countries. According to Jabor, the network has understood that they would not be able to stay in Iraq any longer after the US operation in Tel Afer (Tal Afar). He said this was stated in Azzam’s letter to al-Zarqawi and added that Azzam underlined in his letter the importance of shifting the operations to countries other than Iraq.

The Iraqi administration had announced Azzam, al-Zarkawi’s right hand man, had been killed in an operation by US and Iraqi forces.

[09:56:00]

For further information please visit http://www.cihannews.com

02.10.2005 14:11:00
Cihan News Agency

Annan Worries About Escalating Violence in Iraq

2005-10-01T09:36:00.000-07:00

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said he was concerned about the recent escalating violence towards civilians in Iraq.

The Secretary also extended his condolences to the families of violence victims in the country, in a statement released by his spokesperson.

Annan invited the Iraqi public to stand firm against suicide attacks.

Over 90 people, including many children and women, were killed in a suicide attack the other day in Balad and in another attack yesterday in Hille. This caused Annan to worry about the increasing terrorist actions in the country.

The attacks seemed they were coordinated particularly to target more civilians, he said, those who refute to join the political process should not prevent others from exercising their right to do so.

Annan called Iraqis to express themselves through a democratic process without falling into despair before these acts of violence. Iraqis could set a sample by participating in the national referendum for the draft constitution.

[07:20:00]

01.10.2005 12:09:00
Anadolu News Agency (aa)

Clark's Labor Party Wins New Zealand Polls

2005-10-01T09:35:00.001-07:00

The Labor Party under the leadership of Helen Clark, who won the elections held two weeks ago in New Zealand, has been officially announced the winner of the polls.

In the declaration released by the New Zealand government, Clark, who failed to meet the required vote to form a government by her own, will accordingly start meetings with other parties for coalition on Monday.

The ruling Labor Party had left the opposition National Party behind with a 40.7 percent- vote rate, which has now reportedly gained 50 seats in the 121-seat parliament.

[10:07:00]

01.10.2005 18:19:00
Anadolu News Agency (aa)

US Army Release 500 Detainees in Abu Ghraib

2005-10-01T09:35:00.000-07:00

The US Army has released 500 more detainees from Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, which was shaken with torture scandals.

The second and final party of the release of 1,000 captives due to the month of Ramadan was completed today. The first party of 500 was released last Monday.

After the detainees that expected freedom signed a document indicating their release, each received $25 and were taken by bus to the regions they live or were arrested.

The US military official, Guy Rudsill, said they collaborated with the Iraqi administration for the release of 1,000 detainees, who did not commit serious crimes, before Ramadan.

The amnesty for 1,000, which was announced upon the demand of the Iraqi administration, reportedly aims to help Sunni participation in the referendum to be held on October 15.

[11:33:00]

01.10.2005 18:21:00
Anadolu News Agency (aa)

Die Welt: Ankara Afraid of Freedom of Religion

2005-09-30T09:18:00.000-07:00

Relaying the story of Turkey's journey to the European Union the German news paper, Die Welt, claimed Ankara is afraid of freedom of religion.

A news article read that Antakya said in this city followers of the three celestial religions for centuries have lived together peacefully. The article claimed, nowadays, only a few dozens Jews and 3,000 at most Christians dwell in Antakya with the population of 100,000.

According to Die Welt reporter, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan uses Antakya as the symbol of rendezvous of civilizations.

Having the excerpts of the October 2004 report of the European Commission, the German paper summarized the point as, Freedom of expression is restricted to a serious extent.

17:57

Prototype of $100 Laptops Ready for November

2005-09-30T09:17:00.000-07:00

The Prototype of $100 laptops expected to close the gap between the rich and poor in the world will be ready in November and its production will begin in 2007.

The inventor of the laptop and the head of the Media lab at MIT, Nicholas Negroponte, said 15 million laptops will be manufactured in Boston within the first year and the revenue will be donated to children living in Brazil, Egypt, Thailand, and South Africa.

He wants to teach how to surf on the Internet with this laptop. Negroponte said that it will be unique in design.

16:55

Election Results Bring out Inside Critics for Merkel By AA

2005-09-30T09:16:00.000-07:00

German Christian Democrat Union (CDU) leader Angela Merkel has begun to be criticized from within her party after the inconclusive results of the early elections held on September 18. German magazine Der Spiegel reports Merkel has been criticized by the top executive politicians of the Union parties due to the results.

Internal Affairs Minister of the German state of Bavaria, Gunter Beckstein, in his statement to Spiegel, said, “We conducted a very calm election campaign.” Christian Workers Union (CDA) leader Karl-Josef Laumann declared they had failed to gain the hearts of the people during the election campaign and his party had focused too much on the concerns of employers.

CDU Federal Parliament Group Deputy Chief Wolfgang Bosbach disclosed in the election campaign of his party, “We stressed to much the fact that tax added value has been increased, freight charges for cargo have been lessened and the law against sacking has been lightened”. Northern Rhen Westphalia Prime Minister Jurgen Ruttgers warned his party against alienating the poorer citizens.

14:46

Algeria Approves Partial Amnesty for Radical Religious Militia

2005-09-30T09:13:00.000-07:00

The people in Algeria have approved with an overwhelming majority a referendum on the partial discharge of several radical religious militias which would end the civil war which has lasted for many years.

Algerian Interior Minister Nurettin Yazid Zerhuni said in a press conference that 97 percent of the people said “yes” to the “Peace and National Compromise Agreement” of State Minister Abdulaziz Butefliqa.

Zerhuni recorded that 80 percent of the 18.3 million voters in the country had participated in the referendum.

The legal investigation into several religious militias will end. Under the scope of the agreement, militias who have laid down their weapons and which have been sentenced in their absence will be pardoned, but those who attempted genocide, rapes and bomb-attacks will be still be prosecuted.

The agreement also anticipates compensation for families who have lost relatives.

12:40

Al-Qaeda Infiltrates the Gaza Strip

2005-09-28T14:25:00.001-07:00

Chief of Israeli Military Intelligence General Aharon Zeevi Farkash has claimed that al-Qaeda has infiltrated the Gaza Strip.

Following the Israeli pullout from Gaza, al-Qaeda secretly entered the region through the Egyptian border he said at a meeting held at Tel Aviv University.

In the future, Israel will withdraw from the West Bank and from some other regions, the military chief acknowledged, and confirmed that this is for the benefit of all Israelites.

For now, no Arab military coalition threatening Israel exists; however, Farkash said, against the Qassam missiles and the Shahab-3 long-range ballistic missiles of Iran, Israeli should be prepared.

[15:39:00]

China Shows an Unexampled Support for Palestine By Cihan News Agency

2005-09-28T14:25:00.000-07:00

The Chinese Special Envoy in Middle East Wang Shijie said violence will not end in the Middle East unless an independent Palestine is established.

Wang, holding a news conference in Beijing on the conflicts in the Middle East, evaluated the contacts he made regarding the problems between Israel and Palestine.

They found the Israeli evacuation from the Palestinian territories affirmative, he said. It was one of the steps need to be taken, but there are many more things that need to be done. Wang informed that he met with the Palestinian and Israeli authorities about the conflict and conveyed China's views about a solution for the conflict.

'Evacuation is not Sufficient, Israel should Transfer the Seaports to PA'

The Chinese Special Envoy emphasized that Israel's evacuation decision was a significant step; however, there are more things to do. Wang called Israel to transfer the control of seaports, airports and other transportation areas to the Palestinian Administration (PA).

Indicating that they refused the use of violence against violence, Wang added that they also called Palestinian officials to leave their weapons.

Romanian President Expects Turkish Investments in Energy Sector

2005-09-28T14:22:00.000-07:00

Romanian President Trajan Basescu will visit Turkey on Wednesday as an official guest of Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer. Basescu commenting on Turkey-Romania relations and the European Union (EU) to Zaman conveyed friendly messages ahead of his two-day visit to Turkey.

Basescu spoke about regional and EU-related issues in addition to his two-day visit to Ankara.

The president thanked Turkey for its support of Romania in its plans to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and said that his country will also support Turkey on its way to the EU.

Noting that the trade volume between Turkey and Romania has exceeded three billion dollars, Basescu expressed his hope that this amount will reach four billion dollars in 2005.

The Romanian president asked Turkish businessmen not to miss out on the investment opportunities available in Romania.

How do you perceive the current situation with Turkey-Romania relations? Do you think the relations are currently at a satisfactory level?

Bilateral relations between Turkey and Romania have been progressing perfectly and dynamically in all areas. Economic cooperation forms the basis of our bilateral relations. Last year, trade volume between our countries reached a record level, totaling three billion dollars. We hope that this figure will reach four billion dollars this year. As for the areas of investment, our relations are better than we expected. More than 8,500 Turkish or Turkish-Romanian joint companies operate in Romania. The total capital of these firms has been recorded at $440 million as of 31 July 2005. I hope that the Economy Forum that will be held in Istanbul on September 29 will pave the way for new commercial developments specifically in the energy and infrastructure sectors. One of the aims of my visit is to reach an agreement with Turkey and shift our bilateral relations to a regional cooperation. We aim to develop democracy, provide stability in the Black Sea region and extend the Euro-Atlantic entry region. Needless to say that our current cooperation reflects the traditional friendship and numerous common points between Romanian and Turkish societies, as well as the turning point that our cultural relations reached with the Turkish-Tatar minorities in Debrecen.

What kind of expectations do you have from Turkey and Turkish businessmen regarding the economic aspect of the relations?

Economic cooperation is the foundation block of our bilateral relations and a measure for success. There are indicators that the trade volume between Turkey and Romania will exceed four billion dollars this year. I recommend that Turkish businessmen monitor the Romanian economy and make use of the opportunities, because the opportunities that do arise may be missed due to increasing competition. We are about to complete our privatizations but there are new opportunities coming up in the energy and infrastructure sectors. I expect the Turkish business world to take action and step forward on this. They may take roles in modernization projects of the two countries together with Romanian businessmen. There is a considerable need n all sectors and production areas. Romania with its population of 22-milion is the second largest in Eastern Europe and the seventh largest in Europe in terms of consumer markets. Conducting investment in Romania is good trade and a safe enterprise. Laws were highly complex at the beginning of the 1990s but today we have adapted to the EU rules and regulations.

Romania prepares to become an EU member on 1 January 2007. Does your country still face some difficulties during its membership process?

Romania’s putting its signature on the EU membership agreement on 25 April 2005 means the approval of my country’s efforts to access the Union on 1 January 2007 and the EU’s full acceptation of Romania into the Union. Romania is a significant market for the EU. Romanians’ purchasing power is gradually increasing and the Romanian market has also begun to be perceived as prominent by European companies. I know that if we want to compete in the free market we have to make more of an effort.

Initially, we may receive more money from the EU than we give; however, Romania will have a share in the accession of countries like Moldova and Turkey into the EU a few years from now. We do not pursue financial interests. We want to regain our place in the Europe that Brussels called “Small Paris” just before the Second World War. It is certain that the EU wants Romania to be a successful country obeying European standards before its accession. We have two areas they and I have some concerns in terms of the EU: Judicial efforts to fight against corruption and the issues of competition. We have to persuade EU authorities about our progress in those two areas. This process will also constitute a great deal of significance after our accession to the Union and reforms that encourage all institutions to have authority in the public sphere to be effective should be completed.

Turkey showed a great deal of support to Romania for its accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organizations (NATO). Will you make the same contribution to Turkey when you access the EU in 2007?

Turkey giving importance to the bilateral relations pleases me, and as I noted before, our bilateral relations may evolve into a strong regional cooperation against major regional ups and downs. Our spirit of assistance may form the essence of the cooperation. Really, the West can take our spirit of assistance in the West Balkans as well as the Black Sea region in the East. Turkey actively backed Romania for its NATO membership. I presented my appreciation to the Turkish authorities through your newspaper. Turkey is a friendly nation and I hope beginning EU negotiations on October 3 will have a satisfactory outcome. But, the speed of EU accession depends on the Union’s absorption capacity.

Do you have any message for Turkey and the Turkish public ahead of your visit?

I want to tell the Turkish public that they should trust Romanian friendship and our support for Turkey’s EU accession. I also call on Turkish businessmen to focus more efforts toward investment and surpass their current examples of investment for the new investment opportunities arising in Romania.

Iraqi National Assembly to Assemble on Monday for the New Constitution

2005-08-14T07:16:00.000-07:00

Iraqi National Assembly Speaker Hajim al Hasani has called the Iraqi parliament to a special session on Monday. During the session the parliament is to handle the new constitutional draft, which has reached its final stages.
According to a statement of the Assembly, the session is to be held at 18:00 local time, but no further information was provided

Babacan: Turkish Current Account Deficit is Amply

2005-08-14T07:15:00.001-07:00

Turkish State Minister and European Union (EU) Chief Negotiator Ali Babacan has said that the Turkish current account deficit is amply financed.
Indicating that new EU countries with large economies like Turkey have experienced similar deficits, Babacan said these resulted from the importation of investment products.
“If we consider the new EU members, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovenia and Hungary which have large scale economies we will see that these countries have current account deficits ranging around 5.5-6 and 6,5 percents during the negotiation process,” Babacan said.

Greek Cypriot FM Sends Letter for Annan and EU Members

2005-08-14T07:15:00.000-07:00

Greek Cypriot Foreign Minister George Iakovou has sent letters to the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Kofi Annan and European Union (EU) member states. Turkish Cypriot President Mehmet Ali Talat's main aim is not solution and reunification, but recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Iakovou reportedly claims in the letter.
According to the news published in Greek press, Iakovou alleged in his "informative" letter that Talat's demand to lift the isolation towards Turkish Cypriots was aimed to bring recognition of the TRNC.

'Turkey-Iran Cooperation Continues for Anti-Terror Struggle'

2005-08-14T07:14:00.002-07:00

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Hamid Riza Asefi has said that they cooperate with Turkey in the fight against terror and this will continue.
Asefi said during a press conference, “US is intervening in some events in northeastern Iran” and added that they definitely cannot accept this and will make an official objection to this.
[11:04:00]
14.08.2005 16:29:00

6 US Soldiers Killed in Iraq in Last 2 Days

2005-08-14T07:14:00.001-07:00

6 US soldiers have been killed in attacks in Iraq in the last 2 days.
It is noted in a statement from the US army that 5 of the soldiers were killed by a bombs placed near roads and one was killed by sniper fire.
According to the statement, 3 US soldiers were killed by a bomb placed near a road near the city of Tuz, 150 km north of Baghdad.
1 soldier was killed by another bomb placed on a road and one was injured near Baghdad. Also, in attacks in Rutbah, about 400 km west of Baghdad, bombs placed near a road were used. One soldier was killed in this attack an done was injured.
[09:49:00]
14.08.2005 16:27:00

New Kyrgyzstan President Takes Oath

2005-08-14T07:14:00.000-07:00

Kyrgyzstan’s new President Kurmanbek Bakiyev has been sworn into office in a ceremony today.
Bakiyev said during the ceremony that his country will not serve the geopolitical interests of another country.
Bakiyev noted that they respect ideas of other countries but the benefit, freedom and independence of Kyrgyzstan and its citizens are their priorities.
[09:09:00]
14.08.2005 16:22:00

Iraq Warns Shiites: Leave Ramadi in 48 Hours

2005-08-14T07:13:00.001-07:00

Posters have been hung in the Ramadi city of Iraq, calling for Shiites to leave the city within 48 hours.
The posters on the walls of the Abdulcelil Mosque in Ramadi’s center claim that Shiites pose a threat against the anti-US insurgency in the city as some of them are involved in spying for the US.
[12:47:00]
14.08.2005 16:03:00

600 Press Members Watch UNIVERSIADE Games

2005-08-14T07:13:00.000-07:00

600 press members are watching the 23rd World University Summer Sports Games (UNIVERSIADE 2005 Izmir) in Izmir.
According to data released by UNIVERSIADE 2005 IZMIR Coordination Center, a total of 600 press members are watching the games, with 280 of them national, 100 local and 220 foreign.
The Chinese, with 40 members, form the most crowded group among the press members while Japan ranks second with 20 press members. Nigeria is represented by 19 press members, the UK with eight press members and countries like Brasilia, Poland and Portugal with one member each.
[12:42:00]

Israeli Pullout from Gaza Divides Jews in the US

2005-08-14T07:12:00.002-07:00

Israel's decision to withdraw from Gaza has divided Jews in the US.
The Los Angeles Times notes that those supporting and rejecting the Israeli pullout have expressed their opinions through newspaper ads in big cities including New York and Washington.
[07:41:00]
14.08.2005 15:50:00

5.4-Magnitude Earthquake Hits Mexico

2005-08-14T07:12:00.001-07:00

A 5.4-magnitude earthquake has hit the southern Pacific coast of Mexico on Sunday.
The US Geological Survey's National Earthquake Information Center announced the earthquake struck the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca near Santiago Pinotepa Nacional, 370 km south-southwest of Mexico City.
No reports of damages or injuries have yet been given.
[08:09:00]
14.08.2005 15:49:00

Bomb Attack in Northern Iraq: 3 Dead, 1 Injured

2005-08-14T07:12:00.000-07:00

Reportedly, three US soldiers died and one was injured at a bomb blast near a highway in northern Iraq.
A US army statement said the attack occurred in the Tuz region, 180 km north of Iraqi capital Bagdat (Baghdad) during the late night hours on Friday.
[07:13:00]
14.08.2005 15:46:00

12 Suspects Detained over Assassination of Sri Lankan FM

2005-08-14T07:11:00.000-07:00

Sri Lankan police have detained 12 suspects related to the assassination of Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar.
A Sri Lankan Defense Ministry statement said 12 were taken into custody in operations by military forces and the police after Saturday midnight.
Spokesperson Daya Ratnayake said the suspects include one woman and the interrogations still continue.
[08:41:00]
14.08.2005 15:44:00

Death Toll from Water-Born Disease in Bombay Reaches 128

2005-08-14T07:10:00.002-07:00

The death toll from water-borne diseases following floods in Western India and surrounding areas last month that killed more than a thousand people, has risen to 128 according to officials.
According to Associated Press (AP), although officials announce the situation is going well and more than a thousand doctors have provided medical help for the patients, the death toll in Bombay is increasing.
[13:29:00]
14.08.2005 15:41:00

Cypriot Greek Passenger Plane Crashed

2005-08-14T07:10:00.001-07:00

A Cypriot Greek plane has reportedly crashed in northern Athens, Greece’s capital.
As Reuters reported quoting the Greek state TV, the passenger plane having 110 passengers aboard has crashed.
An official from Athens airport traffic control tower said in a statement to Agence France Press (AFP) that the plane took off Larnaka, 115 passengers and six crew members aboard hit a mountain in the northeastern Athens.
Cypriot Greek Airlines announced that a hijack might have caused the passenger plane of Ilios to crash.
[12:24:00]

No Signal of Life in Plane's Wreckage

2005-08-14T07:10:00.000-07:00

Wreckage of the Greek Cypriot passenger airliner that crashed in the Grammatikos region north of Athens has been found, but there are no signs of life.
Greek televisions announced that the entire body of the airplane was divided except the tail and the previously extinguished fire has re-ignited. Reportedly, the fire is being taken under control.
The 115 passengers and six crew were all Greek Cypriot citizens and although the crashed plane has had technical problems in the past, authorities did not delay its flight, according to television news.
The Boeing 737 of the Greek Cyprus' Helios Airlines with 115 passengers and six crew on board crashed in a mountainous area northeast of Athens.
[13:44:00]

Ahmedinejad Presents New Cabinet to Parliament

2005-08-14T07:09:00.000-07:00

Iran’s new President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad has presented the government program and the new cabinet list to the parliament.
Ahmedinejad’s list mostly consists of new faces, only two of them have previous experience as ministers.
[11:17:00]

Bush Terms Iraqi Constitution 'Critical Step'

2005-08-13T15:17:00.001-07:00

US President George W. Bush has said approval of the new Iraqi constitution draft is of critical importance for the Iraqi people in terms of having self-control of Iraq.
At this stage, the withdrawal of US troops is not an issue Bush stressed.
Despite ongoing acts of violence in Iraq, the elected leaders are about to finish drafting the constitution.
The President said there is no reason for rejection of the constitution. He also said US troops will remain until the insurgency is totally defeated.
10:50
Crawford

Money Laundering Investigation into German Commerzbank

2005-08-13T15:17:00.000-07:00

German Commerzbank President Klaus-Peter Muller has been included in the frame of an investigation conducted into some of the authorities in the bank.
The Bank's Investigation Council Director Martin Kohlhaussen noted: "We do not accept the investigation into Muller positively and Muller's innocence will soon be understood."
Some legal-specialists defended that this does not stem from a solid accusations into Muller but is only an official procedure.
13:41

Pentagon Blocks Broadcast of Abu Ghraib Video Images

2005-08-13T15:16:00.000-07:00

The US Department of Defense has taken steps to prevent the public broadcast of video images showing torture and ill treatment of detainees that have yet to be seen.
US Chairman of Joint Staff General Richard Myers objected to the application made by human rights associations to reveal 87 photos and four video cassettes proving torture.
Gen. Myers accepts that these data graphically show that torture and ill treatment took place, but argued that their broadcast would give the opportunity for insurgents to gain new members.
09:28

European Growth Slows Down

2005-08-13T15:15:00.000-07:00

Slowing down in 12 European Union (EU) members using common currency, euro, continues as the growth in the French economy weakened during the last three months.
According to the governmental registrations, the French economy grew 0.4 percent in the first quarter and 0.1 percent at the second quarter of the year.
While the economic slowdown remained less than expected, it is observed that France has troubles with weakening consumer demands.
Announcing that the consequences indicated that growth in the entire euro-zone countries reduced from 0.5 percent to 0.3 percent as of the second quarter of the year.
Reportedly, Gross Domestic Product in France faced its worst figures since the third quarter of 2004.
15:21
Paris

Rise in 2 Big Asian Economies Help S. Asian Economy

2005-08-13T15:14:00.000-07:00

The recent rise of the two big Asian economies have boosted the South Asian economy.
The Pakistani economy, in which privatization programs have caused debates, has shown an 8.4 percent growth in 2005 thanks to record foreign capital entering the domestic market.
On the other side, the Indian economy recorded an 11.7 percent increase in industrial production together with an increase in domestic consumption.
Estimates indicate that India would show eight percent growth in
2005 and 2006.
Pakistani President Shaukat Aziz said the main factors behind the foreign capital increase were Pakistani government's perspective in addition to some legal arrangements made recently.
Aziz commenting on the issue said there have still been some risks in terms of foreign capital despite the all these developments.
13:11
Islamabad

Lewis' Heir Wins 100-meters

2005-08-13T15:13:00.001-07:00

The first World Athletics Championship in 1983 was held in Finland's capital Helsinki, as it is today.
The big revelation of the 1983 championship was Carl Lewis, who went on to dominate athletics for years.
Lewis who won three gold medals in 100m, 4x100m and long jump. Celebrating his first birthday that year in Brooklyn, New York, was Justin Gatlin who has grown up hearing of Carl Lewis' records.
In the Athens Olympic Games 2004, Gatlin became the new legend rising in athletics. Gatlin who was hurdling and long jumping in the childhood and passed to short-range runs later was suspended on doping charges in 2001.
Gatlin who improved himself by sprint running and hurdling in USA College League ran 60 meters in 6.46 seconds in 2002 World Indoor Championships and came forward in USA. Gatlin who became Olympic champion in 100-meter is again on stage in Helsinki where Lewis collected his medals.
The 79 kg, 1.85 meters tall American athlete won gold medals both in 100-meter and 200-meter. The champion athlete training with Trevor Graham, the trainer of the former-world record-breaker Maurice Greene is determined to beat Asafa Powell who broke the world record by running at 9.77 seconds this year.
Greene is giving support to Gatlin today. Greene accompanied his teammate although he was not competing in Helsinki and was among the first to congratulate his fellow citizen.
Istanbul

'Fight Against Terror Hits Muslims'

2005-08-13T15:13:00.000-07:00

Rolf Gössner, president of the League of Human Rights, said the real losers of the fight against terror in the post 9/11 attacks is Muslim immigrants.
Suggestion made by Germany Minister of Internal Affairs Otto Schily for detaining the suspects before committing into crime will not provide more security Gössner said. The citizens wait politicians to take action after the attacks.
"Politicians cannot just sit helplessly. But the demands voiced today are not baseless. They do not provide more security."
German politicians voice more radical demands after every attack in any city in the world according to Gössner and they are in wrong direction which leads them out of state of law.
Enacted legislations hits most the Muslim immigrants in the country.
Schily, in particular, defends arresting people who are thought to be dangerous before they commit into a crime.
Frankfurt

US to Use Robots to Detect Bombs in Iraq

2005-08-13T15:10:00.000-07:00

The US Army has deployed robots with troops in Iraq to scout out suspected roadside bombs.
Colonel Gregory Tubbs, saying that bombs have been exploded during the passage of US troops, has announced that they have begun to use robots to detect the bombs.
"There are 30 out there now. I'm in the process, in the next probably six months, of putting another couple of hundred in the field," the Colonel said adding that several hundred were on order.
The robot, called "Marcbot" is a small, wheeled vehicle that carries a camera atop an arm that can be manipulated by remote control from several hundred feet away.
They are used only to visually identify mines or improvised explosives concealed in animal carcasses, or plastic bags - not to dispose of them.
11:07

'Sharon's Gaza Pullout Plan 'A Smokescreen''

2005-08-13T15:09:00.000-07:00

According to Agence France Press (AFP), the majority of Palestinians believe Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plan for the Gaza Pullout is just a ploy to strengthen settlements in the West Bank.
"Sharon's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip is a smokescreen, because he is consolidating settlement activity in the West Bank and completely modifying the demographic and cultural make-up of Jerusalem," said Hanan Ashrawi, an independent Palestinian MP.
"The Gaza Strip was a demographic and security burden for Israel. By withdrawing from it unilaterally, Sharon is turning it into a large prison and imposes on us a long transition period," Ashrawi told AFP.
Sharon expressed in an interview this week that he would make no concessions on the West Bank settlements, east Jerusalem and the Palestinian refugees.
The Prime Minister's remarks justified Palestinian concerns. "The settlements will continue to exist. I will not negotiate on the subject of Jerusalem. The settlements will remain territorially linked to the state of Israel," he had said.
Abbas: Today Gaza, tomorrow Jerusalem
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) said the Palestinian "march to freedom has begun" with Israel's disengagement from Gaza.
Israeli departure from Gaza would provide Palestinian people "a point of departure for the creation of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital" Abbas said, addressing thousands of Palestinians gathered to celebrate the Israeli withdrawal, "Today Gaza and tomorrow Jerusalem, if God wills it."
The Palestinian leader announced a massive rally under the theme of "Setting Sail for Freedom" organized by the Palestinian Authority in the Gaza Strip.
"Today Gaza and tomorrow Jerusalem, if God wills it. From here, from this place, our nation and our masses are walking toward the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital," Abbas said.
Jewish settlers and the Israeli army will begin to pullout from the entire Gaza Strip and four settlements in the West Bank Monday after the 38 years of occupation.
The Islamic resistance movement HAMAS announced on Friday that it will not disarm after the pullout.
"This army will continue to defend our homeland as long as one inch of Palestine remains occupied," Hamas leader Mahmoud Zahar said in Gaza.
"It is great crime to say that these groups should be dismantled," Zahar asserted, in reference to Abbas' remarks. Determining that HAMAS will celebrate Israeli pullout with an appropriate celebration, Zahar disclosed that they do not need permission from anyone.
Furthermore, Jewish settlers living in the Gaza Strip and will leave the region within a few days sold their 3,500,000 square meter greenhouses to an international private company.
Settlers and representatives of the Economic Corporation Foundation (ECF) reached a deal on $14 million.
Company officials announced the greenhouses will be sold to the Palestinians.
Although Gaza settlers threatened that they may destroy the greenhouses, the Palestinian Authority refused to pay compensation.

'Kirkuk will be Handled After the Referendum'

2005-08-13T15:08:00.001-07:00

Iraqi leaders, who have to prepare the draft constitution by August 15, have agreed on three of 18 controversial subjects.
According to Agency France Press (AFP), based on an anonymous source, Iraqi leaders have agreed on the name of the state, the situation of peshmergas and the issue of Kerkuk (Kirkuk) in yesterday's meetings.
At the end of negotiations in Bagdat (Baghdad), the official name of Iraq was set as the "Iraqi Federal Republic" and Kurdish peshmergas in the north of Iraq are to be considered as the security force of the region.
Leaders have also agreed on the situation in Kirkuk should be "normalized" by December 15 elections at the latest.
What is meant by "normalization" is that Kurds expelled from Kirkuk during Saddam's regime are to return to this northern city.
Negotiations about the other 15 controversial subjects such as federalism in Iraq and the role of Islam are still going on.
Meanwhile, Iraqi Sunni leaders have opposed Shiites' proposal of a federal status in the south.
Kemal Hamdun, one of the Sunni members of the commission who prepared the Iraqi constitution said the federation would separate Iraq in religious and ethnical terms.
They do not want any federation neither in the south nor in the north Hamdun stressed and that the Kurdish region had been accepted before the war.
Bagdat (Baghdad),

Shell's Venezuelan Office Closed

2005-08-13T15:08:00.000-07:00

The Venezuelan Tax Department has closed a Royal Dutch-Shell office for 48 hours as some of the firms dependent on the company were subjected to a temporary injunction.
Reportedly, the problem is a disputed tax debt from the 2001-2004 period and $131 million for July 2005.
A Venezuelan Tax Department statement said a $131 milion share of the company has been confiscated and an office in the Lake Maracaibo was closed.
The company, on the other hand, claimed it had paid all legal taxes and its activities were in line with Venezuelan laws.
The statement noted that Shell would be banned from selling or exporting goods in return for the debt as required by the temporary injunction. Yet, the oil-giant company is allowed to use its supplies.
Shell officials have made no comment but have confirmed one of their offices was closed though this would have a minimum effect on their activities.
14:36

Tension Rises in Jerusalem

2005-08-13T15:07:00.000-07:00

Israel is tightening security measures to prevent possible clashes between radical Jews and Muslims in Masjid al-Aqsa.
Rumors that Jewish fanatics are plotting an attack to seize Masjid al-Aqsa on August 14 and 15 have increased the tension in the region.
Israel has stationed hundreds of police officers around the mosque as the Islamic resistance movement Hamas called
on Palestinians to protect Masjid al-Aqsa against possible radical Jewish attacks.
A Hamas statement noting that radical Jews intend to attack the Masjid al-Aqsa on August 14-15 asked Palestinians to stay
in the mosque both to pray and protect it.
Hamas urged such attacks targeting holy places might fuel turmoil in the region claiming the occupying power Israel and the international community would be responsible for possible incidents that might occur following a provocation of Muslims.
13:02

Italy Begins Partial Withdrawal from Iraq

2005-08-13T15:06:00.000-07:00

Italy has begun to withdraw soldiers from Iraq.
The Italian government has announced to withdraw 10 percent of its soldiers from Iraq in the frame of mission called Antique Babylon.
However as no new soldiers were sent to Iraq after 130 soldiers returned it has been commented that the retreat process has already in fact started.
Reuters quoted a source in Italian Defense Ministry that the withdrawal process of Italian soldiers from Iraq has started.
It is noted in the news that 130 soldiers of the San Marco battalion who went to Iraq on 29 March 2005 returned to the country on August 5.
14:26

Oil Prices Jump High, $67

2005-08-13T15:05:00.000-07:00

Increasing demand for oil and fears of possible hurricanes in the US have paved the way for oil prices to reach $67. US crude oil prices have risen to $66.8 a barrel following the record at $66.10. Crude oil prices on London markets closed at $66.5.
Meanwhile, there is an unprecedented skyrocketing in oil and gas prices at the global level.
Price increases are affected by interruptions at US refineries, jumping fuel demand due to increasing automobile sales, and ongoing security concerns.
US demand
Recent problems at the ConocoPhillips refinery in Illinois are said to have trigger fluctuations in oil prices. Meanwhile, a hurricane directing towards the US gulf coasts creates fears that it might cause some problems in oil demand.
The US government announced at the beginning of this week that a 2.1 million barrel decrease was recorded in stockpiled barrels as of the first week of August.

5 Million Euros Spent for UNIVERSIADE Opening

2005-08-13T15:04:00.000-07:00

The opening ceremony for the World University Summer Sports Games (UNIVERSIADE 2005 Izmir) provided work for many dancers. Reports say that many semazens - whirling dervishes performing the Sema whirling dance during the opening took part in such an activity for the first time.
Istanbul State Opera and Ballet artist Yavuz Ozdel, who is also the general art director of the opening and closing ceremonies, said that they formed the group of semazens from university students in Izmir.
Ozdel acknowledged semazens in the group showed a big self-sacrifice and conducted the performance perfectly also said "100 semazens had previously nothing to do with the dance. They have obtained both a profession and culture."
Ozdel who stated that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan watched the preparations but did not get involved in the process said that there were 857 dancers in the field and that 2,500 people worked behind the scenes.
"We imagined it, we thought about it, we started to apply and then we saw the result."
Ozdel emphasized that in no land or nation in the world is there another place like Anatolia and explained that they put on stage civilizations and cultures passed through Anatolia.
"We evaluated the idea of introducing our culture and civilizations to the world as well as making a good advertisement for tourism."
He added they put 14 shows each of which lasted three minutes in one-hour program.
The 5.35 million euro opening for UNIVERSIADE 2005 was undertaken by TIT Joint Venture (formed by Tigris and Teamcon companies) and FYM Creative Group.
Ozdel was the general art director, Istanbul State Opera and Ballet artist Kerem Kuraner was the general coordinator and Istanbul State Opera and Ballet artist Sibel Surel was the artistic director of the opening and closing ceremonies.
The music for the performance was directed by Mercan Dede. Costumes were prepared by Umit Unal, Istanbul State Opera and Ballet creators Serdar Basbug and Aysegul Alev.
The decor design was made by Istanbul and Ankara State Theater decorators Ethem Ozbora, Suar Seylan and Izmir State Opera and Ballet decorator Tayfun Cebi.

Khatami Determined to Continue Politics

2005-08-09T10:21:00.002-07:00

Former Iranian President Mahmoud Khatami has determined to continue with his political career after handing over the presidency to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad last week.
Khatami who in the last days of his presidency told that he will quit active politics and return to politics in order to be able work for civil institutions was brought to the head of the central council of Ruhaniyyun (men of religion) party.
He accepted this post upon the insistence of Ruhaniyyun administrators the reports say.
Party administrators wanted Khatami to undertake the Council’s presidency after Mahdi Kerrubi left the position to form a new party.
[14:35:00]

Egypt Releases Bio-Chemist Interrogated on London Attacks

2005-08-09T10:21:00.001-07:00

Egypt has released biochemist Magdy al-Nasar who was interrogated about the London attacks that occurred on July 7.
According to information from Egyptian officials, following the interrogation, the Internal Ministry released al-Nasar since no evidence was found suggesting he had any links to the London bombings.
Earlier official statements also confirmed that al-Nasar had no links with the attacks and he would be released after an interrogation.
Completing his doctorate study in the UK early this year, the accused had told Egyptian officials that he had come to Egypt for a six-week vacation and was planning to return to back to the UK.
British police had searched al-Nasar’s flat in Leeds where three of the other perpetrators resided.
[14:54:00]

Bagdat Mayor Ousted from Office

2005-08-09T10:21:00.000-07:00

Alaa al-Tamimi, mayor of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad (Bagdat) has been reportedly been ousted from office.
Iraqi Government Spokesperson Lais Kubba announced al-Tamimi was ousted by the city council Monday but he did not mention any grounds for Tamimi’s removal.
Kubba remarked that the governor now administers the city along with some towns in the neighborhood.
The city council nominated Jabir Issavi for the mayor’s office; however, no final decision has been reached yet.
Another mayor of Samaya city in southern Iraq was removed from office after citizens’ demonstrated over their dissatisfaction with the services provided by the municipality.
[13:04:00]

Clash in Southern Afghanistan: 18 Dead

2005-08-09T10:20:00.003-07:00

Eighteen people have reportedly been killed in the clashes between US, Afghan forces and Taliban militia in Zabil, a southern city in Afghanistan.
A US army statement said an American soldier and 17 militiamen were killed in the clashes in the Day Coban region of the city.
The clashes, in which soldiers were given air support, were reported to have broken out when militia forces opened fire against US and Afghan forces on patrol.
[16:00:00]

Israel to Demolish Gaza Buildings for Sept. 7

2005-08-09T10:20:00.002-07:00

The Israeli Army will start to demolish Gaza Jewish settlements on September 7.
A statement released by the Israel Army reads that demolitions will start three weeks after the pullout from Gaza.
The authorities noted that the demolitions may take 2-3 weeks and that the rubble may be used in the construction of a new port in the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli and Palestinian governments had agreed on demolishing 8,000 Jewish settlements, as they will not be sufficient to house the 1.3 million Palestinians, who will move into the area.
[10:22:00]

Egypt to Claim More Active Role in Gaza After Israeli Pullout

2005-08-09T10:20:00.001-07:00

Egypt will take a more active role in Gaza after the Israeli pullout from the region.
Egypt has reportedly acknowledged that stability in Gaza is required in order to tighten security, so the Egyptians will send a considerable number of soldiers to the Gaza border as soon as Israel withdraws.
Amad Gad, an advisor from the “Al-Ahram Political and Strategic Studies Center” in Cairo noted, the real purpose of Egypt is to prevent activities of a possible Islamist organization in Gaza after the Israeli disengagement.
[10:01:00]

Americans Think Iraq War Made US a Target

2005-08-09T10:20:00.000-07:00

A US public poll revealed that most of Americans think that the Iraq war has made the US “weaker” against attacks and terrorist activities.
Fifty-six percent of respondents of the 1,004 participants of the USA Today/CNN/Gallup Poll wanted all or at least some of their troops in Iraq to be pulled out, while 33 percent wanted a complete withdrawal.
Fifty-four percent think the Iraq war was a mistake.
The poll also revealed that 45 percent of Americans support President George W. Bush’s policies.
[13:15:00]

IAEA’s Emergency Meeting Postponed

2005-08-09T10:19:00.001-07:00

An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) meeting in which nuclear observers would develop with an urgent agenda was delayed to 1:00 pm.
After Iran resumed its nuclear studies at the Isfahan power plant Monday, the international watchdog agency decided to hold an emergency meeting at 08:30 am this morning.
“The uranium conversion process has started at the institutions in Isfahan under the control of the IAEA,” Iranian Atomic Energy Vice President Mohammed Saidi had said during his explanation of the situation yesterday:
Iran criticized European countries for acting too slowly in regard to the talks and refused the package including economic and political incentives for Iran in order for the country to stop its nuclear activities.
Iran defends that their nuclear program is totally for peaceful aims; however, the US and Israel accuse Iran of trying to produce nuclear weapons.
[10:58:00]

Discovery Returns Home

2005-08-09T10:19:00.000-07:00

American space shuttle Discovery returned to Earth.
Discovery, which was launched on July 26, landed t Edwards Air Base in California.
Crew commander Eileen Collins, pilot James Kelly, flight engineer Stephen Robinson, Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi and NASA astronauts Andrew Thomas, Wendy Lawrence and Charles Carmada were on board the shuttle.
Since bad weather condition did not allow, the shuttle was directed to the Edwards Air Base in California.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) delayed the landing of Discovery for 90 minutes due to bad weather at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida. As the weather conditions did not improve, the landing was again delayed to today.
It was discovered during the launch of Discovery on Tuesday, within the first two minutes of its flight that two peaces had dislodged from its fuel tank.
The process of reentry to the atmosphere, which started about an hour before the landing, was quite tense for NASA following the Columbia crash in 2003 that killed all seven astronauts during its landing.
NASA, in order to prevent re-experiencing this scenario again, spent a great majority of 13 day-mission of Discovery trying to understand whether these dislodged pieces had damaged the body or not and undertook repairs to guarantee a safe landing.
NASA had not launched any shuttles into space since the fatal crash of space shuttle Columbia in February 2003.
[15:15:00]

North Entrance of W. Bank Closed Prior to Pullout

2005-08-09T10:18:00.002-07:00

The Israeli army has closed the north entrance of the West Bank to Israeli civilians in order to keep out opponents of the Gaza pullout due to start next week.
Israeli radio announced that a top-ranking commander in the West Bank told the entrances of two of the four settlements, which are to be evacuated, and a main control point have been closed.
Those who are opposed to Israel’s Gaza withdrawal had informed that they would raid the settlements to resist the orders for the evacuation.
Israel will disengage from four settlements in the West Bank and 21 in the Gaza Strip as of next week.
Israel had declared Gaza a military zone and blocked the entrances and exits of the city.
[13:33:00]

S. Arabia Tightens Security Around Foreign Embassies

2005-08-09T10:18:00.001-07:00

Saudi Arabia has increased security measures around foreign embassies in the capital Riyadh following warnings by the US, the UK and Australia.
Reportedly, two checkpoints were formed and heavily armed solders supported by armored vehicles were stationed at the entrance point of the Hay al-Vahideyn neighborhood, where the US and British embassies are situated.
As the US has temporarily closed its representative offices in Saudi Arabia because of terror threats, Australia and the UK have urged their citizens not to visit these countries.
[11:37:00]

Abbas Calls on Palestinians to Remain Calm During Gaza Pullout

2005-08-09T10:18:00.000-07:00

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas called on his people to remain calm during the Israeli pullout from the Gaza Strip to ensure it takes place in a peaceful and civilized manner.
“We will be able to show the world we deserve independence and freedom,” Abbas said during a parliamentary speech.
He warned Palestinian territory was still under occupation and there was a long road ahead for Palestinians. Abbas also urged against excessive shows of celebration following Israeli pullout.
The Palestinian authority is trying to avoid any possible incidents of violence with only eight days to the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, which the entire world curiously waits.
[00:20:00]

Discovery Heads Home

2005-08-09T10:17:00.002-07:00

Space shuttle Discovery is heading towards home to the California Edwards Air Force Base.
Since bad weather condition did not allow, the shuttle is expected to a land in California.
The crew of seven astronauts will feel the effect of the upper layers of the atmosphere at 7:40 a.m., as the shuttle is expected to land at 8:12 a.m. at the air force base.
[14:25:00]

96-Minute Delay in Discovery’s Return

2005-08-09T10:17:00.001-07:00

NASA has announced a 96-minute delay in the space shuttle Discovery’s return home.
The shuttle’s return was scheduled for 6:43 a.m. today. However, heavy rain in Florida has caused a delay at the Kennedy space center.
If Discovery cannot land in Florida, it will be directed to the California Edwards air force base and the landing will take place at either 8:12 a.m. or 9:47 a.m. Another alternative is to land Discovery in New Mexico, NASA officials say.
In outer space for the past 13 days, the shuttle was first scheduled to land on Monday; however, due to bad weather conditions, it was delayed until today.
[11:06:00]

Kiir’s Inauguration Postponed in Sudan

2005-08-09T10:17:00.000-07:00

Successor of Sudanese First Vice President and People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) leader John Garang, Salva Kiir’s inauguration ceremony has been postponed.
Kiir was expected to be sworn in at the capital Khartoum today. However, the ceremony has been postponed so Sudanese officials can convey their condolences to the widow of Garang who lost his life in a helicopter crash last week.
A presidential source informed Reuters, Second Vice President Ali Osman Mohammed Taha will go to Juba to express his condolences to Rebecca Garang and no particular date has been determined for Kiir’s inauguration.
[10:34:00]

Iraqi Police Attacked, 10 Officers Killed

2005-08-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

A series of attacks of this morning claimed the lives of 10 police officers in Iraq.
Interior Ministry officials announced four officers were killed, and one was injured as a result of unknown perpetrated attacks in al-Jadida, east of Bagdat (Baghdad).
In another attack in al-Adil, west of Baghdad, a police officer was killed and three were wounded.
A third attack on al-Gadir Street killed two officers.
Officials report a Dura attack killed a police chief and his driver was wounded as another attack in the south of capital left a police officer dead.
According to security officials, in Bakuba, 60 kilometers north of Baghdad, gunmen killed a police officer and injured one.
[09:20:00]

US to Increase Troops in Iraq

2005-08-09T10:15:00.001-07:00

The US plans to deploy more troops to Iraq in the fall.
Since the newly prepared supreme law of Iraq will be presented to a public vote in October and the general elections to determine the new government will be held in December, the US have decided to increase the number of soldiers in this country to reinforce security.
Pentagon Chief Spokesman Lawrence Di Rita gave no information about what the exact figure would be. He said that the US Defense Department could delay the timetable prepared for the return home of some American troops.
[00:33:00]