Edisi 21 April 2010 | International Bali Post

16 Pages Number 76 2st Year

Afghan deputy mayor slain while praying

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Mission impossible: Escape from Europe Associated Press Writer

Michael Douglas asks NY judge for mercy toward son PAGE 12

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VIENNA – Stranded travelers are piling into buses, trains and high-priced taxis in a frantic scramble to accomplish an increasingly tricky mission: Escape from Europe.

Spain was becoming a dream destination not for its beaches and monuments but simply by virtue of the fact it’s one of the few European countries unaffected by the ash cloud drifting across the continent from an Icelandic volcano.

Monstrous lines filled the departure terminals at Madrid’s Bajaras Airport as people sought a chance to flee — and tempers were fraying.

“I am on the standby list and I am homeless right now,” said Roberta Marder, 73, from Tulsa, Oklahoma. “I am here fighting in the line and trying to get a ticket.”

Many people arrived with stories of grueling road trips to get to Madrid.

Doug Hahn, 36, from Portland, Oregon, was settling into his seat Thursday on a New York-bound plane in Amsterdam when the flight was canceled. He and three other stranded travelers rented a car and drove to Madrid — a 16-hour road journey.

The price? Six hundred euros ($808), split three ways — a “good deal” for Hahn, who said the car company initially wanted 1,600 euros ($2,155) for the one-way rental. He managed to get a ticket for a Miami flight later in the day.

On Monday, Spain offered to let Britain and other European countries use its airports as stopovers to get tens of thousands of passengers stranded by the volcanic ash traveling again.

With flying conditions uncertain, only a fraction of the continent’s airports were operating.

Eurocontrol, the continental air authority said airlines in Europe

were expected to fly only between 8,000 and 9,000 of their 28,000 scheduled flights on Monday — mostly from southern Europe.

A German rental agency on Sunday was asking more than 1,000 euros — close to $1,400 — for a car one-way from Belgrade, Serbia, to Munich, while another firm demanded 1,850 euros ($2,500) for a Madrid to Brussels rental. In Stockholm, Magnus Klintback, a spokesman for the Swedish firm Taxi Kurir, said about 50 clients had willingly paid prices of up to 34,000 kronor — nearly $5,000 — to different European destinations from which they had a chance to fly home.

Legions of other travelers were simply stranded.

At Frankfurt Airport, one of continental Europe’s biggest hubs, airport spokesman Uwe Witzel said that almost 500 passengers — most of them from Africa or Asia with no visas for the EU — were spending their fourth day in the transit area.

Witzel said the stranded were being provided with three meals a day, showers and fresh clothing as needed.

“We’ve set up an Internet lounge, we’ve hired people to entertain the kids and we’ve also arranged a spot outside the terminal building where people can go to get a breath of fresh air and some sun,” he said.

In Austria, authorities lifted flight bans early Monday, buoying travelers’ spirits. Officials said that approximately 65 flights had left by noon.

Continued on page 6

AP

The first of three KLM passenger planes headed towards New York takes off from Schiphol airport in Amsterdam

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International

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Bali News Five thieves of sea sand arrested Negara (DenPost)—

The ranks of public order officers (Satpol PP) of Jembrana Regency Government arrested five perpetrators of sea sand theft.

Section Operation Head of Civilian Security Guards of Satpol PP Jembrana Made Tarma with permission of the Chief of Satpol PP Jemberana last Monday (Apr 19) said the five perpetrators were Putu Ardiatmika, 31, Gusti Ketut Suwintra,51, and Made Budiasa, 40, where all of them were from Sumbul Hamlet, Yeh Embang Kangin, Mendoyo. They were secured based on public information and captured when they committed their actions at the beach area of Sumbul Hamlet, Yeh Embang Kangin.

They amassed the sand by using plastic bag and carried by motorcycle. At that time, the three perpetrators were delivering 10 bags of sea sand using a Honda motorcycle with police plate DK 3409 WN of silver black color, Honda Supra DK 3457 WR and Suzuki 125 XS with police plate DK 3691 WP of blue color.

Meanwhile, the 10 bags of sea sand were left at the crime scene.

According to Tarma, the perpetrators were trying to fool the officers by new mode transporting the sea sand by plastic bag.

Now, the three perpetrators and evidence in the form of motorcycle and sea sand are secured in Jembrana Regency.

And at the same time, it was also secured Gusti Putu Ardana, 37, and Gusti Kade Sukradana, 26; both are from Kepuh Hamlet, Mendoyo Dauh Tukad. Both perpetrators had been arrested when taking action at Tembles Beach, Penyaringan Mendoyo and transporting the sea sand by pick up van with police plate DK 9910 AG with a total load of one meter cubic. Both perpetrators were secured along with evidence of a pick up van containing sand and a shovel.

Tarma said the five perpetrators had violated the Regulation No. 4/2003 regarding to tax collection and management of Cclass excavated materials, Law No. 23/1997 regarding to environmental management and Regent Circular No. 660.1/1443/ PULH dated August 6, 2007 regarding to the supervision of green belt and the prohibition of utilization of C-class excavated materials and sea sand. (021)

Appears on Facebook, Candra distraught Semarapura (Bali Post)—

Klungkung Regent, Wayan Candra, is now beginning to appear on Facebook social networking. The latest photo of passport size belonging to the regent wearing traditional headdress was posted very clearly and up to this moment he had 46 confirmed friends. Unfortunately, when asked about his Facebook Candra looked so distraught considering he never registered at (opened) Facebook.

“I never made an account of Facebook. How could it happen?” questioned Candra, last Monday (Apr 19). This stocky regent worried his presence in the Facebook social networking displaying his name and photo that could be misused for negative things harming his image as a regional leader. On that account, he asked his aide to check the existence of Facebook before resulting in unwanted impact. “I also forgot whether I ever asked others’ help to make a Facebook account for me.

Obviously, I never get in touch in such social networking like Facebook,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, when opened, the photo of Wayan Candra on Facebook was uploaded a month ago. At least, there were 46 facebookers becoming his friend. On average, they worked as a civil servant within the Klungkung Regency Government, while some others were relations of the regent. (kmb20)

License must be revoked The “head selling” practice in the tourism agency which handle Taiwan and Chinese tourists have been conducted since thousand’s of years. Unfortunately, there is no action taken by the authorities on the act which is damaging Bali financially and others.

Ir. Suhardiman MBA or usually called Atong said the statement to International Bali Post (an English newspaper which is the member of Bali Post Media Group.

“The government must revoke the permit of the travel agents or tourism businessmen who conduct the practice,” he added.

The strict act will decrease and even remove the practice which leads to blackmailing. Atong said “the Chinese who wanted to come to Bali paid very expensive but they are played when they arrive in the island.”

The practice attracts the attention of Bali House of Representative. On of the member Suwandi, stated that the government should act on the problem so the image of Bali will not (pal) affected by the dirty practice.(pal)

BP/doc

Ir. Suhardiman MBA

Rally at Renon, the alliance requests pro-people regional spatial layout Denpasar (Bali Post)— Development progress prioritizing the interest of investors, in fact results in very serious environmental impacts. Diminishing of the agricultural land in Bali at the moment has also driven farmers to become workers in urban areas. This condition must be addressed immediately and most importantly is the commitment of government to more emphasize the spatial layout through the pro-people regional spatial layout plan (RTRW).

This matter was revealed when a number of components of the community joined in an alliance for justice of spatial layout organizing a demonstration in front of the Bajra Sandhi Monument at Renon, last Monday (Apr 19). The action followed by a number of NGOs, such as FMN, Frontier Bali, Student’s Executive Board of Udayana University, Sahabat, and WALHI Bali criticized the government policy in terms of spatial layout planning as it was considered to have a tendency to follow the interests of investors.

Taking place for some 30 minutes, the action was also filled with speeches held in front of the monument. The ac-

tion carried out by a dozen of people also got security escort from the police.

They delivered at least six important points related to spatial layout planning of Bali. One of them was expecting the RTRW made and designed by government could give priority to the partisanship to the people. “Build the Regency/City spatial layout plan that is pro-people,” said one of the participants addressing in his oration.

Participants of the action also called for the action of the government to discontinue the function transfer of land sacrificing the carrying capacity and environmental conservation. They also condemned the action of eviction and seizure of land for the benefit of major investors.

More than that, they also asked the government to set up employment with a decent wage, rejected the violent action of the state applied in land disputes. Similarly, in their action they agreed to judge that the Regional Regulation concerning with the RTRW in each regions, the province, regency and city had very important function and role for the continuity of development and environmental .(kmb12) sustainability.(kmb12)

Badung House questions the tax allowance fund and levy Mangupura (Bali Post)—

Commission C of Badung House questioned the funding provision for taxes and levies of Badung in 2010.

Because, the executive claimed that each village received IDR 1.3 billion per year was not purely derived from the provision of tax funds and levies.

Head of Commission C, I Nyoman Satria, accompanied by Deputy Head Wayan Suyasa and a member I Putu Alit Yandinata, last Monday (Apr 19) said out of the total IDR 93 billion of fund provision for taxes and levies this year, the executive just allocated for IDR 65,391,564,020. In other words, there was remaining around IDR 28 billion that has not been allocated.

Satria said, the problem was not just in the allocation or disbursement which was still lacking, but it was originating from the source of the funds itself. The budget worth IDR 65 billion more was not purely derived from the provision of taxes and regional levies. (ded)

z Founder : K.Nadha, z Chief Editor: ABG Satria Naradha z Managing Editor: Wirata z Editors: Alit Purnata, Alit Susrini, Alit Sumertha, Darmasunu, Daniel Fajry, Diah Dewi, Mawa, Palgunadi, Sri Hartini, Suana, Sueca, Sugiartha, Sutiawan, Wirya, Yudi Winanto zDenpasar: Dira Arsana, Giriana Saputra, Mas Ruscitadewi, Oka Rusmini, Umbu Landu Paranggi, Subagiadnya, Subrata, Suentra, Sumatika, Asmara Putra. Bangli: Pujawan, Buleleng: Adnyana, Gianyar: Agung Dharmada, Karangasem: Budana, Klungkung: Bali Putra Ariawan, Tabanan: Surpi. Jakarta: Nikson, Suharto Olii, Indu P. Adi, Ahmadi Supriyanto, Achmad Nasrudin, Hardianto, Darmawan S. Sumardjo, Heru B Arifin, Asep Djamaluddin, Ade Irawan, Ipik Tanoyo. NTB: Agus Talino, Syamsudin Karim, Izzul Khairi, Raka Akriyani, Nur Haedin, Suyadnya. Surabaya: Bambang Wilianto. z Development: Alit Purnata, Mas Ruscitadewi. z Office: Jalan Kepundung 67 A Denpasar 80232. Telephone (0361)225764, Facsimile: 227418, P.O.Box: 3010 Denpasar 80001. Bali Post Jakarta, Advertizing: Jl.Palmerah Barat 21F. Telp 021-5357602, Facsimile: 021-5357605 Jakarta Pusat. NTB: Jalam Bangau No. 15 Cakranegara Telp. (0370) 639543, Facsimile: (0370) 628257. Publiser: PT Bali Post

Bali News

International

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

3

Ten pro-people directions of President SBY Gianyar (Bali Post)—

President of the RI Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) has issued a ten-point pro-people directive for the United Indonesia Cabinet II and Governor throughout Indonesia to formulate an important strategy and direction for accelerating the development within five years to come. This was conveyed by President SBY when opened the working meeting at the Tampaksiring Palace, last Monday (Apr 19).

The ten directives revealed by President SBY included the economic growth had to be higher, unemployment had to be reduced by creating more employment opportunities, poverty rates had to be declined, per capita income had to be increased, economic stability had to be maintained, domestic financing had to be made stronger and increasing, food and water security, energy resilience, increasing economic competitiveness and the green economy as well as eco-friendly economy.

The ten directions were classified into four topics, namely acceleration of the economic development within the next five years, evaluation and improvement of the pro-people programs, justice for all extension pro-

grams, and target of Indonesia to reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

In accelerating the economic development, the challenge encountered is legal certainty. “If the law is uncertain, ever changing and varying, of course it will not be good for the success of economic development. If our people responded any little problems by freaking out, burning and destroying, it will become disturbance to the investment. Consequently it harms the business world,” he said.

To support the economic development, President Yudhoyono also announced the establishment of the National Economic Committee and the National Innovation Committee.

Both committees would be composed of economists, technologists, and innovators as well as actors and leaders of the business world.

The Marginal

Meanwhile, in improving the people’s justice, it had been planned some measures for marginal groups focused on the neglected children, infants and displaced children, street children, children in legal trouble / bad boy, the disabled, displaced elderly people, victims of drugs, remote indigenous communities (KAT) , Indonesian migrant workers in problems (TKIB).

In the presentation of the Coordinating Minister for People’s Welfare, Agung Laksono, in performing the evaluation toward the pro-people pro-

Coordinating Minister for Economy claims Indonesia out of crisis Gianyar (Bali Post)—

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Hatta Rajasa, claimed Indonesia had managed to exit from the crisis that had engulfed the nation since the past few years. This was based on the evaluation conducted by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs to economic development in the last decade included various efforts of Indonesia to overcome the various problems along with the results obtained.

“Within the period of 2000-2004, we have successfully gone out from the crisis and laid the foundation for the phases of further development,” he explained.

Evaluation during the past five years indicated that Indonesia had been able to improve the develop-

ment as reflected by the average economic growth reaching 5.5 percent accompanied by the decreasing rate of poverty and unemployment respectively to 14.1 percent and 7.9 percent in 2009 though the crisis of energy, finance and the economy came one after another.

Even in the year 2009, started from the financial crises culminating in the global economic crisis, Indonesia was one of the few countries that was still able to grow positively (Indonesia recorded the growth of 4.5 percent). Acceleration of the economic development was accompanied by stability growing steadily. The inflation rate as well as exchange rate of rupiahs (IDR) were under control, while the ratio of government loans / GDP continued to decline up to 28 percent in

2009 and foreign reserves continued to rise until reaching USD 71.8 billion (March 2010).

Such achievement posed the capital in arranging the future steps.

However, future challenges and opportunities will be definitely different from those in the past. The development of world economy shows the growing role of Asia in the global economic arena, where the role of China and India is increasingly more significant. Meanwhile, the role of Indonesia is also increasingly considered as one of the countries in Asia coalescing into the G-20.

From such realities, Hatta emphasized that it currently has been designed in order the economic development in the year 2011 could achieve at least 7 percent, with wellmaintained stability. (kmb16)

Attack at Sky Garden Discotheque

Police pursue the perpetrators, motive is merely misunderstanding Denpasar (Bali Post)—

The attack action at the Sky Garden Discotheque on Jalan Legian, Kuta, is now being handled by police.

Moreover, the local security officer, Ferdi Hale, had made a report on the beating case experienced to Kuta Police. The police are now pursuing the perpetrators, but it has not known about the motive behind the incident.

Information in the police station, last Monday (Apr 19) said the security officer (Ferdi—ed) suffering from lacerations has made a report to Kuta Police. The report of victim

mentioned the case of beating. “We have examined two witnesses, but have not known who did it. Just wait for the results of further investigation,” said the source.

Meanwhile, in separate place, a representative of Sky Garden management, Rifan, explained it was just a misunderstanding. In other words, there once occurred a misunderstanding and it triggered a warning shot action by members of Mobile Brigade of the Bali Police. Again, it was personal problem, not of a group.

Rifan explained that his party has

made coordination with the Kuta Police, in this case with Chief of Criminal Detective Unit Made Dayendra. It was said the police (Kuta Police, Denpasar Metro Police and Mobile Brigade of Bali Police) were ready to secure the location. “There is no problem because we have been backed up by police,” said Rifan last Monday.

Prior to the emergence of the Sky Garden case, Rifan said, a disinformation occurred related to the news, particularly in the social networking like Facebook, Twitter, and Blackberry Messenger. (kmb21)

grams in the three-day working meeting, it has been made efforts to improve the justice for the people and the achievement of the targets of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Evaluation of pro-people programs was intended to improve the effectiveness of 3 clusters of poverty reduction namely social protection, community empowerment and economic improvement of the people.

Meanwhile, in the first plenary session conducted by the second working group, namely pro-people working group led by Minister of National Education M. Nuh, the essence to reduce the poverty rate was by increasing the incomes and reducing the demand. Community’s need consisted of basic consumption needs, basic investments, including the education and health. Poverty alleviation programs that have been currently implemented like the Family Expectation Program (PKH) was more focused on increasing the revenue and reducing the expenses.

From the issues arising in the discussion of working group, the poverty alleviation programs drew criticism and suggestions from the governor and the House of Representatives. Among them, the problem of distribution of funds to regional government had to be clear. The target of families and poor community had to be clear as well. Consequently, accuracy became a keyword while improving the data accuracy.

A part of community remained to feel the mechanism procedure of the national self-reliant people’s empowerment program (PNPM) complicated, although certain classes could have done it. The procedures of implementation of small holder business credit (KUR) on Java Island both in terms of nominal and the debtor side needed simplifying, but administratively it stayed accountable. The most important of these problems was the existence of the central and regional coordination and cross-sector integration. (kmb16)

Diesel fuel monopolized

by SPBN, Pengambengan fishermen protest Negara (DenPost)—

The monopoly practice of diesel fuel sale carried out by SPBN made fishermen community at Pengambengan infuriated and kindled a protest. Their protest was conveyed through the Chairman of the All Indonesian Fishermen Association (HNSI) of Jembrana Chapter H Abdul Kadir Jauhari. As a result, they made a meeting at Pengambengan Village Hall between fishermen, representatives of Jemberana Industry and Trade Services (Disperindag) and other relevant agencies last Monday (Apr 19).

H Jauhari said the fishermen in Jembrana considered the purchase of diesel fuel in Jemberana was too complicated while the diesel fuel provided daily by SPBN was very limited. Therefore, fishermen found difficulties and got hampered in performing their daily activities.

According to Jauhari, every day SPBN only provided 16 tons of diesel fuel. Of course, it was not sufficient while the fisherman needs reached 40 tons per day because there were 70 fishermen groups at Pengambengan and each group took 600 liters of fuel per day.

Meanwhile, to get diesel fuel at petrol station fishermen encountered an obstacle because they should be verified at the Regency Government and obtained recommendation from Jemberana Industry, Trade and Cooperative Services (Disperindagkop). “To get a recommendation, fishermen should get notification if diesel

fuel at SPBN had run out. If it ran out in the afternoon and immediately required by fishermen, they could not submit the request to Disperindag because its office has been closed. It is the real problem in the field, while government regulations related to fishery business is unlike that,” he explained.

According to Government Regulation No. 9/2006 the fishery business is different from a small business where a small business needs to be verified, but not fishery business. For the fishery business, capital needed per group is IDR 1 billion while other smaller businesses have different requirement of capital. On that account, it is expected the fishermen could get free access to obtain diesel fuel in the effort to improve the fisheries sector in Jembrana.

If fishermen happened to run out of diesel fuel and stocks at SPBN were not available, according to him, it would be clearly disadvantage the fishermen. Hundreds of workers engaged in the fishery would be unemployed, namely fishermen, their wife, fish porters, janitors and others. “Its loss could reach hundreds of millions each day with the existence of this obstacle,” he said.

From the meeting held last Monday, according to him, there was no decision reached. Fishermen demanded in order they could be given freedom to buy diesel fuel at the public petrol station as fishermen in other regencies did. “It is only in Jembrana fishermen are treated differently. (021)

4

News

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

International

Obama affirms ‘unbreakable’ US-Israel ties AFP

WASHINGTON (AFP) – President Barack Obama has said on the Jewish state’s 62nd anniversary that the United States shares an “unbreakable bond” with Israel and he was confident the relationship “will only be strengthened” into the future.

Despite tensions between Obama and the government of hawkish Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the US leader stressed that he looks “forward to continuing our efforts with Israel to achieve comprehensive peace and security in the region, including a two-state solution.”

On the anniversary, Obama said in a statement released by the White House that “we once again honor the extraordinary achievements of the

people of Israel, and their deep and abiding friendship with the American people.”

On Sunday, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the United States “will not waver in protecting Israel’s security and promoting Israel’s future,” while noting while the Jewish state is “confronting some of the greatest challenges in its history, but its promise and potential have never been greater.”

Clinton also pointed out that in 1948 it took President Harry Truman just 11 minutes to recognize the state of Israel.

“And ever since, the United States has stood with you in solidarity.”

Ties have frayed this year, however. In March, during a visit to the country by US Vice President Joe Biden, Israeli officials announced plans to build 1,600 Jewish settlements in annexed east Jerusalem.

Clinton later called the Israeli move “insulting.” Just days ago Clinton called on Netanyahu to prove his commitment to a Palestinian state, warning that prolonged conflict only strengthened extremists.

AFP/Getty Images/File

File photo shows Barack Obama in front of the US and Israeli flags.

Activist: NKoreans fired torpedo at SKorean ship AP

AFP PHOTO / Manpreet ROMANA

Buddhist monks stand next to a “Red Shirt” anti-government protester (L) setting up a barricade on Silom Road in the financial district of central Bangkok on April 20, 2010. Thailand on April 20 toughened its stance against anti-government protesters, warning they would face live weapons fire and tear gas in any fresh clashes with security forces.

Thai protesters fortify camps in heart of Bangkok AP

BANGKOK – Thai protesters said Tuesday that they would fortify their sprawling encampment in Bangkok’s upscale hotel-and-shopping district before venturing out to “wage a big war” to topple the government they decry as illegitimate.

Soldiers in full combat gear guarded other nearby sections of the capital in an increasingly tense standoff that has shuttered 5-star hotels and glitzy shopping malls and threatens to damage Thailand’s sunny image as a tourist paradise.

Key protest leader Nattawut Saikua canceled a rally that had been planned for Tuesday. He said that thousands of protesters were instead shoring up their defenses while guards dressed in black, some with bulletproof vests, set up new check-

points in the areas they now occupy.

Red Shirts were seen sharpening hundreds of long bamboo rods and piling them into tall stacks, part of an arsenal of crude weaponry that also included broken up pavement stones.

The “Red Shirt” protesters — who are demanding that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva call early elections — have been occupying the tony Rajprasong district for more than a month and now are camping in nearby main roads covering several city blocks.

Red Shirt security details are manning checkpoints fortified by barbed wire, controlling traffic into and out of the protest zone.

Security forces moved into nearby Silom Road on Monday to deter any Red Shirt incursion into the central business district, where several major banks and corporations have their headquarters.

SEOUL, South Korea – A Seoul-based activist alleged Tuesday that a squad of North Korean soldiers was behind last month’s deadly sinking of a South Korean frigate. The activist cited a North Korean military officer claiming knowledge of the plot.

The unidentified officer said a North Korean semi-submersible vessel carrying 13 crewmembers fired a torpedo at the Cheonan, according to Choi Sung-yong, who said he had spoken to the officer by telephone several times in recent days.

The claim could not be verified, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Seoul said it could not confirm the allegation.

An explosion split the 1,200ton Cheonan in two on March 26 while the ship was on a routine patrolling mission in the western waters near the tense maritime border with North Korea. Fiftyeight sailors were rescued, but at least 38 died and eight are missing.

The military officer told Choi the soldiers are being hailed as heroes in North Korea, Choi told The Associated Press.

Seoul has not openly blamed Pyongyang for the sinking of the Cheonan, one of South Korea’s worst naval disasters. North Korea has denied involvement.

However, communist North Korea has a record of attacking the South, its wartime rival, and suspicion of North Korean involvement is growing in Seoul.

South Korean officials said they

were investigating the possibility that a North Korean mine or torpedo struck the warship.

The two Koreas have never signed a peace treaty since the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a truce. Their militaries have clashed three times in the Yellow Sea, most recently in November. A North Korean sailor was killed and three others wounded in that battle, South Korean officials said.

Choi, whose father was abducted to North Korea decades ago, heads an association of relatives of abductees. Now an activist, he has been involved in bringing South Korean abductees and prisoners of war out of North Korea, and claims to have regular contact with several North Koreans, including the military officer.

He said the North Korean officer told him leader Kim Jong Il ordered troops to retaliate during a visit to the western North Korean port of

AP

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak

Nampo right after the November defeat. Choi declined to identify the North Korean officer. His claim first was reported in Seoul’s Chosun Ilbo newspaper.

A November dispatch in the official Korean Central News Agency said Kim inspected a navy command but did not say where.

Since then, two top North Korean military leaders, Lt. Gen. Kim Yong Chol and Gen. U Tong Chuk, have made frequent visits to Nampo to map out military operations, while a naval commander, Jong Myong Do, stayed to monitor the operation, the officer told Choi.

KCNA reported on April 14 that U and Jong were promoted last week as part of celebrations on the 98th anniversary of North Korea founder Kim Il Sung’s birth, a major North Korean holiday.

Speculation of North Korean involvement has mounted since the probe’s chief investigator said Friday that an explosion appeared to have come from outside the ship. A torpedo or mine are among suspected culprits.

South Korea’s Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan told reporters Tuesday that it would be difficult to move forward stalled talks aimed at ending North Korea’s nuclear programs if Pyongyang’s involvement in the sinking is confirmed.

He also said it remains unclear whether the six-nation disarmament talks will resume. The talks — which involve the two Koreas, the U.S., China, Russia and Japan — were last held in Beijing in December 2008.

International IMIGRATION Australian Consulate General Jalan Tantular 32 Renon Denpasar Phone: +62 361 241118 Fax: +62 361 221195 (General) +62 361 241120 (Immigration)

General Info

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

HOSPITAL Denpasar There are 4 major hospitals usually used by foreigners Denpasar General Hospital (RSUP Sanglah), Kasih Ibu Hospital, Rumah Sakit Wongaya and Rumah Sakit Dharma Husada.

HOSPITAL Bangli Bangli General Hospital Jl. Kesumayuda 27, Bangli Phone : +62 366 91521 Gianyar

Royal Danish & Norwegian Mimpi Resort Jimbaran, Bali Phone +62.361.701 070 The Czech Republic Jalan Pengembak No. 17 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.286 465 France Consulate Agency Jalan Merta Sari Gang II No. 8 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.285 485 The Federal Republic of Germany Jalan Pantai Karang No 17 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.288 535 The Republic of Hungary Jalan By Pass No 219 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.287 701 Italian Consulate Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai Jimbaran, Bali Phone +62.361.701 005 Honorary Consulate of Mexico Jalan Mohamad Yamin 1 A, Renon, Denpasar, Bali Phone +62.361.223 266 Honorary Consulate of The Netherlands Jalan Raya Kuta 127, Bali Phone +62.361.761 506 Honorary Consulate of Spain Komplek Istana Kuta Galleria Blok Vallet 2 No 11. Jalan Patih Jelantik Kuta, Bali Phone +62.361.769 286 USA Consulate Agency Jalan Hayam Wuruk No. 188 Denpasar, Bali Phone +62.361.222 426 Consulate General of Japan Jalan Raya Puputan No. 170 Renon, Denpasar, Bali Phone +62.361.227 628 Honorary Consulate of British Jalan Tirta Nadi No. 20 Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.270 601 Swiss and Austria Consulate Jalan Patih Jelantik, Komplek Pertokoan Istana Galleria Phone +62.361.751 735 Honorary Consulate of Brazil Jalan Legian No. 186, Bali Phone +62.361.757 775 Honorary Consulate of Thailand Jalan Raya Puputan Renon 81, Denpasar, Bali Phone +62.361.263 310 Embassy of India Jalan Raya Puputan Renon 42-44, Denpasar, Bali Phone +62.361.241 978 Honorary Consulate of Sweden anf Finland Segara Village Hotel, Jalan Segara Ayu, Sanur, Bali Phone +62.361.282 223 Honorary Consulate of Malaysia Alam Kulkul Boutique Resort, Jalan Pantai Kuta, Bali Phone +62.361.752 520

RSUP Sanglah is the main provincial public hospital. Its facilities have improved since the emergency ward had been built in 1991. Difficult/critical cases would not become a problem anymore since it has complete equipments. It is located on Jl. Kesehatan Selatan 1 Sanglah Denpasar with : Phone : 227 911 – 15 Fax : 226 363 Kasih Ibu Hospital is a private hospital which caters for less serious cases such as diarrhea, intestinal disorders, anemia, asthma and minor accidents. Kasih Ibu is also equipped to care for pregnant women. This hospital is located on Jl. Teuku Umar 120 Denpasar.

Phone : 223 036 Fax : 268 690.

Rumah Sakit Wongaya (Public Hospital; Psychiatric Unit) Jl. Kartini, Denpasar.

Phone : 222 142.

Rumah Sakit Dharma Husada , (Private) Jl. Sudirman No 50, Denpasar Phone : 227 560, 234 824 In relating with health, Bali also has insurance and medical evacuation company, that is: AEA International - SOS Assistance Bali.

PT Abhaya Eka Astiti, Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai No. 24X, Kuta 80361.

Phone : 755 768 Fax : 755 768 One thing that should be noted by tourists here is that the Blood Bank in Bali normally carries no stock of Rhesus (Rh) Negative blood.

Badung Bali Medical Clinics There are some medical clinics that are well known by foreigners in Bali. Some of them are western owned and operated : Bali International Medical Center (BIMC) Bali International Medical Centre (BIMC) provides excellent Primary Health Care & Emeregency Medical Services for tourists, traveler, and expatriate living in Bali.

Emeregency Room, Ambulance, Clinic Services, Insurance & Medical Evacuations also available. Open 24 hours Phone : 761 2631. Located Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai No.100X, Kuta, Bali 80361 - Indonesia. http://www.bimcbali.com International SOS Clinic Bali Opened in 1999, offers International SOS members and visitors to Bali comprehensive primary health care and 24-hour emergency medical service.

Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai 505X, Kuta 80361, Bali - Indonesia Phone : 720 100 Fax : 721 919 E-mail : info@sos-bali.com ttp ://www.sos-bali.com Bali Nusa Dua Emergency Clinic Jl Pratama No. 81 Phone : 771 324 Kuta Clinic Jl. Raya Kuta Phone : 753 268 Dental Clinic Dr Indra Guizot, Jl. Patimura 19, Denpasar Phone : 222 445, 234 375 DDS. Ritjie Rihartinah, Jl Pratama No. 81 Nusa Dua Phone : 771 324 Retno W. Agung, Jln. Bypass Ngurah Rai No.4A Br. Tamansari – Sanur Phone : 288 501

Clinic Mas Jl. Raya Mas, Ubud Phone : +62 361 974573 Toyo Clinic Jl. Pengosekan, Ubud Phone : +62 361 978078 Permata Bunda Clinic Jl. Patih Jelantik 50 X, Gianyar Phone : +62 361 942082 Ubud Clinic Jl Raya Ubud No.36 Campuhan, Ubud Phone : +62 361 974911 Gianyar General Hospital Jl. Ciung Wanara 2, Gianyar Phone : +62 361 943049 Karangasem Karangasem General Hospital Jl. Ngurah Rai, Karangasem Phone : +62 363 21001 Klungkung Klungkung General Hospital Jl. Flamboyan 40-4, Klungkung Phone : +62 366 21371 Negara Negara General Hospital Jl. Gelar, Negara Phone : +62 365 41006 Tabanan Laboratorium Clinic Jl. Gunung semeru No. 8, Tabanan Phone : +62 361 819260 Mengwi Clinic Jl. I Gusti Ngurah Rai 46, Tabanan Phone : +62 361 880550 Darma Kerti Hospital Jl. Teratai 16, Tabanan Phone : +62 361 812359 Tabanan General Hospital Jl. Pahlawan 14, Tabanan Phone : +62 361 811027 Singaraja Prodia Clinic Jl. RA Kartini 12, Singaraja Bali 0362 - 24-516 Singaraja Hospital Jl. Ngurah Rai 30, Singaraja Bali 0362 - 22-573 Pet Clinics Kayumas: (0361) 226934 Sayang Binatang: (0361) 483121 Satwa Kertha Husada: (0361) 263018 Pantai Sindhu: (0361) 287518 Sidakarya: (0361) 724492 Pedungan: (0361) 720026

TAXIS Praja Taxi : (0361) 289090 Bali Taxi : (0361) 701111 Ngurah Rai Taxi : (0361) 724724 Pan Wirthi Taxi : (0361) 723366 Komotra Taxi : (0361) 758855

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Wednesday, April 21, 2010

News

Afghan deputy mayor slain while praying KABUL – Insurgents killed a vice mayor of the southern city of Kandahar while he was praying at a mosque, an official said Tuesday, the latest brazen attack on government officials in the volatile region where troops are preparing for an assault on Taliban forces.

Meanwhile, NATO said one of its convoys fired on a vehicle that ignored warnings to stop late Monday night, killing four people inside the car.

It said two of those killed in the incident in Khost province on the border with Pakistan were later identified as “known insurgents,” although the provincial chief of police, Abdul Hakim Hesaq Zoy, said the dead were all civilians, and included a 12-year-old child.

In the Kandahar slaying, assailants entered the mosque and shot Azizullah Yarmal while he and dozens of others were praying during services Monday night, said Zalmai Ayubi, spokesman for the surrounding province, also called Kandahar.

The assailants escaped and no arrests were made, Ayubi said.

Mosques typically provide little security, making them vulnerable to insurgent death squads.

Ayubi said the assassination was among a series of killings of government workers in southern Afghanistan aimed at undermining central authority by terrorizing competent individuals into leaving their posts and punishing those who defy the insurgents.

“This is the work of the enemies of Afghanistan. They don’t want these honest people to serve the Afghan people and work in government institutions,” Ayubi said.

He said Yarmal was not known to have any powerful enemies or to be involved in any disputes, and had worked to obtain funds for road building and other development projects in the city that was the birthplace of the hard-line Islamic Taliban militia and where they continue to enjoy considerable support.

Insurgents were believed to have been behind the murder last week of an elderly tribal leader in volatile Helmand next door to Kandahar. Lal Mohammad Khan was also shot while praying in a mosque in Helmand’s Gereshk district.

Ayubi said other murdered officials included the head of Kandahar’s provincial department of information and culture and a former police official who was gunned down despite having left his post three years earlier following threats from the Taliban.

President Barack Obama has ordered 30,000 more troops into Af-

AP

AFP/Pool/File – Afghan President Hamid Karzai (2nd from right) is seen with Election Commission officials ghanistan in part to back up forces preparing for an upcoming major drive against the Taliban in Kandahar.

Changes in strategy have involved pulling back troops from vulnerable, isolated outposts, and video footage released Monday showed insurgents strolling through a mountaintop base abandoned last week by the U.S. military following some of the toughest fighting of the Afghan war.

The fighters claimed the U.S. withdrawal from the Korengal Valley near the border with Pakistan

as a victory for their cause, although the U.S. insists the pullback from the base was sound and the area has no strategic value.

The footage showed armed men walking through the former U.S. base, which was strewn with litter and empty bottles, and sitting atop sandbagged gun positions overlooking the steep hillsides and craggy landscape. Fighters said they recovered fuel and ammunition. But a U.S. spokesman said ammunition had been evacuated and the fuel handed over to local residents.

Mission From page 1 But most were within Europe. Austrian Airline officials said the only two transcontinental flights possible later in the day were to Beijing and Bangkok.

Attinchat Apirukkunwong won’t be on either.

“I am still patient now, but probably not for much longer,” said the Bangkok native, his face strained by the fatigues of a European vacation gone awry. He said he was hoping for a flight back home via a Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul.

For Greg Moncada, flying was a professional imperative — he had scheduled job interviews on the U.S. West Coast.

“I’m trying to get to Seattle,” said Moncada, high school principal at Vienna’s American International School.

“I have to be there tomorrow.”

In Italy, many travelers to Milan’s Furniture Show, which ended Monday, were also stuck — and trying to make the best of it.

“I think the plan is to play while New York is asleep. We give them three hours of work, then we eat and drink into the evening,” said Jonathan Friedlander, U.S.-based marketing manager for an Italian furniture brand, referring to the time difference between the two continents. Friedlander was supposed to leave Sunday, but now is booked out with his colleagues on Friday.

Tongue firmly in cheek, Friedlander said there are so many design industry types from the United States stranded in Milan that they are toying with developing an iPhone ap called “Stuck in Milan.”

“It would tell everyone where everyone is. It can help with escape routes, say if people are renting cars to go to another city.”

The ash also caused diplomatic headaches. President Barack Obama was forced to miss the Polish president’s weekend funeral, while U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton called off a scheduled trip to Finland.

The no-fly zone that was most of Europe also forced the postponement of a visit to Russia by a team of U.S. officials who were to discuss Russian concerns about adoptions. U.S. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said the team had made it as far as Toronto before its flight to Moscow was canceled.

At the same time, senior European officials were unable to make it to a Sunday and Monday conference in Washington of major economies on climate change, Crowley said. Those who could

not attend either participated by video link or were represented by lower-level officials.

Crowley said the U.S. State Department had instructed diplomats from U.S. embassies and consulates in Europe to check on “key airports” to see if there are any stranded American citizens who might need assistance. He could not say yet which airports were visited or if any Americans had requested help.

Iceland’s volcanic ash cloud also delayed bailout talks in Athens on Monday regarding Greece’s economy, leaving the country to watch its borrowing costs hit another record high. The crisis negotiations with the International Monetary Fund and the European Union will now start Wednesday and could be held by teleconference if planes remain grounded after that.

Stranded Europeans trying to get home were also affected.

At Incheon International Airport in South Korea, about 30 frustrated passengers blocked a Korean Air ticketing counter and demanded a meeting with company officials to arrange travel to anywhere in Europe after they heard an Air France jet flew from the airport to the French city of Bordeaux.

They held up a makeshift sign saying, “We want to come back home,” each word written on a separate piece of paper and held by an individual traveler.

“We need a flight, we need a time,” Thierry Loison, who has been stuck since Friday at Incheon on the way back to France after a vacation in Bali, told Korean Air officials. “We were like animals this morning.”

Passengers resting on blankets spread on the floor of a business center complained about the lack of hotel accommodations. They said they were only receiving a voucher for one meal a day at McDonald’s and that they were running out of money.

Chloe Paull, a teaching assistant at a secondary school in England on her way home after a trip to Japan during school break, was supposed to be back at work Monday. She has been stuck in South Korea since Saturday and said Air France is sending her back to Japan, where she’s booked onto a Wednesday flight back home.

“My job isn’t highly paid and I spent a lot of money in Japan,” she said. “It’s an expensive place.”

Man in court over Kuwait woman gets seven takeaway murder years for killing her maid LONDON (AFP) – A 21-year-old man is due to appear in court Tuesday charged with the murder of a teenage girl who was shot at a takeaway restaurant in east London last week.

Agnes-Sina Inakoju, 16, suffered a single gunshot wound to the neck while standing with a group of friends inside a fast food outlet on Hoxton Street, Hackney, on the evening of April 14.

She later died in hospital.

Leon Dunkley of Hackney, was charged with the murder on Monday evening and will appear before City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court today.

A 16-year-old boy who was also arrested in connection with the shooting was released on bail until June.

KUWAIT CITY (AFP) – An appeals court has reduced a jail term to seven years of a Kuwaiti woman who left her Asian maid to suffer for 10 hours until she died after pushing her into a bathtub, a newspaper reported Tuesday. The criminal court had sentenced the woman, whose name was not given, to 15 years in jail after convicting her of “intentionally” killing her maid by repeatedly beating her with iron and wooden objects, AlWatan newspaper said.

Then the woman pushed the maid into the

bathtub and left her motionless for 10 hours until she died, the paper said.

Al-Watan quoted the Kuwaiti woman’s lawyer Yacoub al-Sane as saying that the appeals court agreed to change the charge from “intentional killing” to “beating that led to death” and accordingly reduced the sentence.The Gulf state of Kuwait is home to over 600,000 Asian domestic helpers who often complain of maltreatment, non-payment of salary and tough working conditions. Many flee to their embassies.

International

Indonesia Today

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

7

Indonesian given eight years for aiding terrorists Agence France-Presse

JAKARTA - An Indonesian court on Tuesday sentenced a man to eight years’ jail for sheltering terror mastermind Noordin Mohammed Top before the Malaysian fanatic was killed by police in September.

Indonesian extremist Syaifudin Zuhri, 39, hid and abetted Noordin as he planned twin suicide attacks

AFP PHOTO / Bay ISMOYO

Detained terrorist suspect, Syaifudin Zuhri, looks out from the holding cell at South Jakarta court on April 20, 2010.

on luxury hotels in Jakarta last year which killed seven people, the court found.

“Syaifudin Zuhri has been proven legally and convincingly guilty in assisting, accommodating and hiding terror convicts. The defendant is sentenced to eight years in prison,” judge Haryanto told the court.

Noordin led a splinter faction of

the Jemaah Islamiyah regional terror group until he was killed by Indonesian police during a raid on a house on Java island last year.

He was blamed for a 2003 attack on Jakarta’s Marriott hotel, the 2004 bombing of the Australian embassy, 2005 attacks on tourist restaurants on Bali as well as the suicide blasts at the Marriott and Ritz-Carlton last July.

Zuhri, who was arrested in Central Java province a month before last year’s hotel attacks, also stood as a witness at Noordin’s third marriage in 2006.

Indonesian court Indonesia under fire for upholds blasphemy law upholding scripture over rights Agence France-Presse

JAKARTA - Indonesia’s Constitutional Court on Monday rejected a petition by moderate Muslims, minorities and rights groups against a 1965 blasphemy law, in a ruling seen as a test of the country’s pluralism.

The court ruled that the law was imperfect but did not contravene the constitution of the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country.

“The application has been rejected entirely as the reasons given by the applicants... have no legal basis and are completely unfounded,” chief judge Mahfud MD told the court.

“It’s not contrary to the basic articles in the constitution but it needs to be made clearer.”

The law makes it illegal to “publicise, recommend or organise public support” for any religion other than or different to the orthodox versions of six sanctioned faiths: Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Catholicism, Protestantism and Confucianism.

It was used in 2008 to force followers of the Islamic Ahmadiyah sect to go underground and is regularly cited by minority groups as a source of discrimination and intimidation. Rights groups and civil society organisations that value the country’s secular traditions say it forces people to adhere to government-sanctioned faiths and limits religious freedom.

About 500 police were deployed around the court due to concerns about violence by Islamist extremists should the judges rule in favour of the petition.

Militants from the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), a vigilante group, had jeered witnesses for the petitioners during the hearings and clashed with their lawyers on the last day, leading to complaints of intimidation. One of the witnesses, US legal expert Professor Cole Durham, told the court by videolink that “except in most repressive regimes, apostasy and heresy fall under religious, not civil, jurisdiction”.

Speaking on behalf of the petitioners, Setara Institute chairman Hendardi told AFP the court’s decision was disappointing but expected.

“The existence of this law will continue to snatch away the rights of the people to embrace any religion they believe in and to practise it freely,” he said.

FPI secretary-general Sobri Lubis applauded the court’s decision and said the law was needed to maintain religious harmony in the vast archipelago of 234 million people, 90 percent of whom are Muslims.

“We’re very happy with the verdict. This shows the commitment from the government and the religious groups to maintain the religious purity of the recognised faiths in Indonesia including Islam,” he said.

“This will bring peace of mind to the people.”

Religious Affairs Minister Suryadharma Ali and Justice and Human Rights Minister Patrialis Akbar publicly opposed the petition.

Ali warned that the law was needed to maintain social harmony and prevent an explosion of “new religions”.

Agence France-Presse

JAKARTA - Human rights groups pilloried Indonesia’s constitutional court Tuesday after it upheld a 1965 blasphemy law, ruling in favour of orthodox religions over basic freedoms.

The court on Monday rejected a petition by moderate Muslims, religious minorities, democracy advocates and rights groups against the law, in a case seen as a major test of the mainly Muslim country’s pluralism.

By a margin of eight to one, the judges ruled that the law was imperfect but did not contravene the constitution of the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, which guarantees freedom of belief.

The law carries a maximum punishment of five years for beliefs that deviate from the orthodox versions of six sanctioned faiths: Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Catholicism, Protestantism and Confucianism.

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom, a non-partisan body that advises the US government, said the ruling may embolden religious extremists and foster sectarian strife.

“The constitutional court’s decision may give extremists cover to enforce a version of religious conformity not shared by the majority of Indonesians,” commission chairman Leonard Leo said.

“Hopefully, the Indonesian government will recognise that overturning the blasphemy decree advances its fight against terrorism and extremism, and enhances its reputation for religious tolerance and pluralism.”

The law was used in 2008 to force followers of the Islamic Ahmadiyah sect to go underground and is regularly

cited by minority groups as a source of discrimination and intimidation.

Islamic extremists packed the court throughout the hearings, heckled witnesses for the petitioners and allegedly assaulted their lawyers on the last day.

They greeted the ruling with shouts of “Allahu Akbar” (God is greater).

About 500 police were deployed around the court due to concerns that

a ruling against the law would trigger violence by militants from the Islamic Defenders Front, a vigilante group.

US-based Human Rights Watch said the court “dealt a severe blow to religious freedom” in the world’s third-largest democracy, which President Barack Obama is scheduled to visit in June.

AFP PHOTO / Babam RIVA

Sri Lankan ethnic Tamil women and children queue to be processed after arriving at Tanjung Pinang airport in Riau island province on April 20, 2010 bound for a detention facility after agreeing to be relocated. More than 120 ethnic Tamils expressed both relief and concern as they left the dock in Merak, a port in southern Java, after months of negotiations over their demands to be resettled in Australia as refugees.

8

Internationa

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Bali Today Finance Minister: Green economics implementation needs innovation Antara

TAMPAK SIRING - Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said Indonesia needs technological innovation, and competitive as well as productive data for the implementation of green economics.

“We discussed in a working group with a number of technologists, innovators and private businessmen efforts to improve competitive and productive data, as well as technological innovation in order to strengthen green economics,” the finance minister told the press at the Tampak Siring presidential palace, here Tuesday.

The government would intensify synergy and partnership with research and development institutions to form an innovative development forum, Sri Mulyani said.

The Second United Indonesia Cabinet has launched a green economics program as part of part of its sustainable development plan which is pro- growth, pro-job, and propoor.

To support the implementation of green economics, the cabinet had drawn up programs on food resilience by implementing sustainable agriculture, sustainable forestry management, efficiency and renewable energy usage, clean technology support, waste management, efficient and low carbon transportation management and green infrastructure development.

The Working Group I meeting on economic improvement chaired by the President discussed macro economic policies, infrastructure and energy supply acceleration (including the partnership between the government and the private sector), and im-

port and export intensification, she said.

The minister said she had invited a number of economists to discuss the current and future macro economic challenges, to make consistent macro policy, develop stability and a sustainable real sector.

“We discussed inflation, interest rates with focus on the capital flow, especially for long-term infrastructure financing,” she said.

The working group also discussed with businessmen infrastructure financing and how to overcome business obstacles, she said.

“The discussion with businessmen provided views on financing matters in line with the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM)’s need for investment funds amounting to Rp2000 trillion annually to support the seven-percent growth target, and on obstacles that need to be overcome to implement it,” she said.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono officially opened the national coordinating meeting at Tampak Siring Palace, here on Monday morning.

The meeting which is to last until Wednesday, April 21, 2010, is being attended by all cabinet ministers, governors, provincial legislative councils (DPRD) chairmen, state enterprises (BUMN) leaders, and state institution officials.

http://www.antarafoto.com

Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati (middle) said Indonesia needs technological innovation, and competitive as well as productive data for the implementation of green economics.

FIABCI to hold world congress in Bali Five KM Charity Walk for IBP

DENPASAR - The global property sector will face greater and more complex obstacles in the future. The challenges face by the stake holder in the property business change dynamically along with the development and demand of the market.

In order to anticipate the challenges, International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) will hold the 61st congress in Bali on April 24th through April 28th 2010.

Ignesjz Kemalawarta, the head of FIABCI University, said that the congress will be the momentum to establish FIABCI University in Indonesia.He explained that FIABCI University is the department which is helping thousand of practitioners in the property business to understand the dynamic of the industry in the last three decades.

“The existence of FIABCI University will help the property businessmen in Indonesia. The similar institution had been established in several countries,” Ignesjz said.

During the congress, a short course entitled “National and International Real Estate Skills, with International Buyers, Users, and Investors.” will be carried out. The course is specially designed by combining local potential with a theme “The investment

of real estate business in Indonesia, potential, situation and challenges.”

The course can also become the guideline for the developer who wanted to expand their business abroad or cooperate with the foreign businessmen to search for the opportunity in the property business in Indonesia. By becoming the member of FIABCI University, Indonesia will be able to facilitate and provide the equipments for education in local and international property.

Not only the local can study in FIABCI University but also the foreigners can study in Indonesia.

FIABCI University was established in 1980’s in France. At first, it offered profession certification program international which was yakni Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS).

FIABCI is the NGO in the United Nation as the member of special consultant.

The federation consists of 120 professional real estate organizations which have more than 1.5 million professionals and 3,300 real estate practitioners. FIABCI already exists in 60 countries and its goal is to take the international dimension to local market and the chance to its member throughout the world. (iah)

Breast Cancer Awareness Antara

DENPASAR - Bali International Women’s Association (BIWA) together with Bali Tourism Development Centre (BTDC) and Bali’s Hotel Marketing & Public Relations Associations (HHPB) are delighted to present the 2nd Bali Pink Ribbon Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness in Bali.

The five kilometre walk will be started and finished at Nusa Peninsula Island at Nusa Dua of Bali Tourism Development Corporation Complex and will be participated by almost 1,000 participants from Bali, Jakarta and other cities in Indonesia as well as overseas.

The event will be held on Saturday, 15 May 2010, and it will start and finish at Nusa Peninsula Island located at BTDC Complex, Nusa Dua, Bali. Registration opens at 14.00hrs andthe walk starts at 16.00hrs Beside the walk, the committees of the charity event are organizing a mini bazaar, silent auction, lucky draw, music and entertainment to make the event lively.

Cost of Rp. 250,000 (US$ 25) per participant (Adults) and Rp. 100,000 (US$ 10) per Child

(aged 5 – 12 years of old) which includes ticket, snacks and Bali Pink Ribbon Walk t-shirt and all proceeds raised will be used by the foundation to support breast cancer awareness activity and breast cancer treatment in Bali.

Matters like these increase the numbers and seriousness of breast cancer victims in Bali 70 percent of breast cancer patients visit doctors when they are already in an advanced stage of the disease. Patients harbor a fear of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Many still believe in traditional medicines and believe that breast cancer cannot be cured.

There is a lack of information about breast cancer and funding to treat it. Many women are unaware of the need for regular breast examination. Many are unaware of the disease they are suffering This charity walk has been initiated to raise funds and awareness to support the treatment of breast cancer sufferers in Bali.

Cancer has been an increasing problem for Bali Health System and Medical Professionals for several reasons. Firstly, cancer incidence is increasing; secondly, there is no population based cancer registry available in Bali.

al

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

GeraiHALO Klungkung serves 75,000 customers IBP

KLUNGKUNG – The Telkomsel service in Klungkung area will be easier by the establishment of geraiHALO. The 10th geraiHALO of the last one in Bali will serve approximately 75,000 customers. Syaiful Bachri, the General Manager of Sales and Customer Service for Bali Nusa Tenggara area, said that the new service point in Klungkung will increase the comfort in communicating using Telkomsel products.

By the official opening of geraiHalo in Klungkung, all regencies in Bali now already have the service points which is the lengthen arms of GraPARI. The customers can receive many services in the gerai such as internet setting and receive information on Telkomsel.

“Because the service can up to Nusa Penida so the customers don’t have to go to Denpasar. They can come to gerai in Klungkung which is open from Monday through Friday,” Syaiful Bachri said.

He explained that the geraiHALO in Klungkung can give multiple effects on the regency such as in economics sector and the development. It can create new field of work for the locals such as become the employee of creating their own cellular business by selling the

products of Telkomsel.

While Amir Hamzah, the Director of PT. Rajawali Selular for Bali and Nusa Tenggara, said that the geraiHalo in Klungkung will have international standart where all of the employees will be educated on the locals and international services such as international roaming packages, international Direct Dial, and VoIP. He said that the gerai will give service to all Telkomsel users in all districts in Klungkung such as

Balinese Culture

Banjarankan, Klungkung, Dawan, and up to Nusa Penida. The nearby Telkomsel service center will help the users to fulfill their communication need such as voice or SMS and other programs which can support the local economics.

Telkomsel along with PT Rajawali Selular as the managing company of geraiHALO Klungkung is also giving donation to the locals.

Good Corporate Citizenships is given by the companies to show their awareness for the local people. (iah)

Bebek Menyayad (Duck Curry)

Courtesy of Telkomsel

Asistant of Klungkung Regent IB. Garga accompanied by GMSCS Telkomsel Regional Bali Nusra, Syaiful Bachri (right) and CEO of PT. Rajawali Selular Amir Hamzah (left) officialy open the geraiHALO Klungkung on Tuesday.

OVERVIEW: Ducks waddling along the banks of the rice fields or following the flag held by their owner (or his children) are a common sight in Bali. On festive occasions, duck is great favorite. Spiced stuffed duck baked in banana leaf is one popular recipe; this curry-like dish is another. Chicken could be used as a substitute for duck if preferred.

INGREDIENTS: 1 whole duck, weighing about 2 kg 8 cups coconut milk 2 lemon grass, bruised 2 salam leaves 1 tbsp salt 1 tsp black peppercorns, crushed Fried shallots SPICE PASTE: 12 shallots, peeled and sliced 6 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced 4 red chilies 2.5 cm galangal (laos), peeled and sliced 2.5 cm kencur, peeled and sliced 5 cm fresh turmeric, peeled and sliced 2 tsp coriander, crushed 3 candlenuts 1 tsp dried shrimp paste ¼ tsp black peppercorns, crushed Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg 2 cloves 3 tbsp oil PREPARATION: Cut the duck into 12 pieces and pat dry.

Prepare the spice paste by grinding or blending all ingredients except oil. Heat the oil and sauté the spice paste for 2 minutes. Add the duck, increase heat and sauté for 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the coconut milk and all ingredients except fried shallots and simmer, uncovered, until the duck is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Garnish with fried shallots and serve with white rice. (www.baliguide.com/balifood)

9

Destinations Beratan Lake at Bedugul Bali

10

International

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

http://fc07.deviantart.net

International Bali Post Classifieds Contact us

BERATAN Lake is a shallow lake with the high caldera about 1231m above sea level and it is located at Bedugul, the famous tourist destinations in Bali. This lake have wide 3,8 km2 and also its deepness is up to 22 meters. The water volume in this lake is about 0,049 km3, so Beratan Lake is the closed lake. Tourist can access the Beratan Lake through the dock which have been provided or desist around Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. In this place, the visitor can do various activities like doing recreation to look around in dock or do the other outdoor activities. The various water recreation activities can also be conducted here, for example riding the boat motorize to circle the lake, parasailing, canoeing with the traditional boat, banana boating, water skiing, and others. Fishing activities are also available in this places for who one love fishing in the lake.

Beratan Lake is situated in the plateau area with cool atmosphere surround it. It is an ideal place for relaxation while enjoy the beautiful panorama of lake. The accommodations are also available in this area where is the perfect place for overnight stay, resting and enjoy the beautiful panoramic of lake with the Ulun Danu Temple as a magnificence. The small scale of agriculture activities are likely conducted around this lake and can be perceived at the same time circle around it. If we encircle it, we can take photograph with the beautiful background view or make the picture sketch face in painting mini studio at the lakeside with a short time as a souvenir.

If the tourist paying a visit to the Beratan Lake, they also can visit other places of interest in Bedugul Tabanan Bali nearby like Bedugul Botanical Garden or Kebun Raya Eka Karya where the visitors can relax while enjoy the various of flora types, traditional Balinese houses and others. Candi Kuning Market is a Traditional Vegetable and Fruit Market located at Candi Kuning countryside which can be reached only in a few minutes from the lake. Various fruit type, vegetables and also mace can be bought here with many choices. It is not far from Ulun Danu Temple. Buyan Lake and Tamblingan Lake are the next places of interest existing near the Beratan Lake and it is just 3 minutes drive by car from this place. Beratan Lake can be reached easily from the main road from Denpasar to Bedugul and it takes about 2 hours from the town with the good road access. (www.balistarisland.com)

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11

BUSINESS

EU chamber says China business climate worsening Agence France-Presse

BEIJING - Growing nationalism and lobbying by local firms is making China more protectionist and hostile towards foreign firms, European businesses claimed on Tuesday.

Market-opening reforms had unmistakably slowed as Beijing gains more economic clout, Joerg Wuttke, president of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China said, warning it could spark a backlash in Europe.

“The pie is getting bigger and the door is getting narrower,” Wuttke told reporters at a press briefing, adding, “we are losing out on opportunities.”

He said China had increasingly taken a “we don’t have to listen to you anymore” attitude toward the rest of the world and said part of the blame lay with growing nationalist sentiment on the Chinese Internet, he said.

“When we meet officials they are very worried about the netizens. They really feel they have to be responsive to these interest groups,” he said.

He added that Chinese companies and industrial groups also were becoming better at lobbying the government “to make sure markets don’t open as fast as they should or that markets remain closed”.

Wuttke said EU concerns will be raised next week during a visit by European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, who will meet Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

His comments were the latest in a series of accusations that China is skewing its business playing field against foreign com-

panies.

Last month, the European Union expressed concern over growing protectionism and unequal treatment for European firms in China.

And the US Chamber of Commerce in China also in March released a member survey showing a growing number of American businesses felt unwelcome because of what they saw as discriminatory policies.

However, Wuttke pointed to China’s backtracking on controversial procurement rules and Wen’s recent pledge to foreign executives that China remained open to overseas investment as signs that the leadership was starting to listen.

Earlier this month, the government removed a clause from draft new rules that foreign business groups had criticised as excluding them from the government procurement market. The clause would have required any firm selling high-tech goods to hold the Chinese intellectual property rights for them in order for them to be considered for government procurement.

“There seems to be a shift but we have to see what that means in real terms. Maybe there is hope,” said Wuttke.

Wuttke said a continued protectionist slide in China could lead to “irrational China bashing” in Europe.

India hikes rates to counter ‘worrisome’ inflation Agence France-Presse

MUMBAI - India’s central bank hiked short-term interest rates for the second time in a month Tuesday to rein in “worrisome” near double-digit inflation in Asia’s third-biggest economy.

The Reserve Bank of India raised the repo — the rate at which it lends to commercial banks — by 25 basis points to 5.25 percent and the reverse repo, the rate it pays to banks for deposits, by the same amount to 3.75 percent.

“Developments on the inflation front are worrisome,” bank governor Duvvuri Subbarao said in a statement, adding that pressures were spreading from food to other areas of the economy, prompting the need to raise rates.

With India’s economy “firmly on the recovery path,” shaking off the effects of the global slump, the bank could now turn its attention to dousing inflation, Subbarao added.

The rate hikes marked the second move in a month by the central bank, which has joined other countries such as Australia and Malaysia in starting to unwind monetary stimu-

lus measures introduced during the global financial crisis.

During the downturn of the past two years, central banks worldwide including the Reserve Bank of India slashed interest rates and pumped money into the banking sector to stimulate the global economy.

India’s benchmark 30-leading share index, the Sensex, was up nearly one percent at 17,524.57 points after the announcement which relieved some investors who had feared the bank might tighten rates more aggressively.

The rate hikes suggest “a gradual monetary tightening policy,” Mumbai’s Angel Broking vice-president Vaibhav Agrawal told AFP. “The bank is aiming not to stifle growth; it is adopting a prudent approach to controlling inflation.” The bank forecast economic growth of 8.0 percent for the current financial year, still robust but below the government’s estimate of up to 8.75 percent expansion.

“The firming up of global commodity prices poses a risk to inflation,” Subbarao added, also forecasting rising domestic demand pressures as recovery gathers pace.

AFP PHOTO / LOUISA GOULIAMAKI

Protestors chant slogans against the IMF and the stability pact while marching in front of the Greek parliament in Athens on April 19, 2010. Greece on Tuesday sought to raise 1.5 billion euros in short-term treasury bills as it geared for talks with EU, IMF and European Central Bank officials on the technical aspects of a loan rescue deal.

Greece casts for 1.5 billion euros ahead of EU loan talks Agence France-Presse

ATHENS - Greece on Tuesday sought to raise 1.5 billion euros in short-term treasury bills as it geared for talks with EU, IMF and European Central Bank officials on the technical aspects of a loan rescue deal.

The auction — the third in a week — was scheduled to begin at 0730 GMT with three-month bills on offer, a source at the Greek debt agency told AFP. “We expect offers to start coming in 30 minutes later,” the source said.

The auction comes after the rate of return demanded on Greek 10-year government bonds soared to fresh record highs of 7.618 percent on Monday.

The government drew strong demand for one-year and six-month bills last week but had to offer high interest rates despite a standby rescue guarantee from the eurozone intended as a shield against steep borrowing rates.

“At current elevated levels, the 13-week T-bill auction is expected to yields close to the four percent level,” analysts at Dutch bank ING said in a note. Yields are typically lower for shorter-term bonds.

The fresh auction comes a day before the government is scheduled to confer with officials from the European Union, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund on the small print of the joint loan

guarantee.

The meeting was initially due on Monday but the air chaos in Europe caused by the volcanic eruption in Iceland pushed it back to Wednesday.

The EU-IMF rescue deal is worth up to 45 billion euros (61 billion dollars) at around five percent interest rate in the first year.

But the government last week called for talks on a “multi-year programme of economic policies.” Its overall debt stands at nearly 300 billion euros.

German central bank governor Axel Weber has said Greece may need up to 80 billion euros (108 billion dollars) in financial aid to avoid default, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou on Monday said he would not hesitate to ask for a debt rescue from the EU and IMF if he deemed it to be “in the national interest.”

“If the national interest requires that we use the (EU-IMF debt) support mechanism, we will do so without hesitation and we will inform citizens of all the decisions,” Papandreou told government officials according to his office.

Greece needs to raise about 10 billion euros in May to cover its debt and budget obligations but the current market mood suggests they will get the money only by paying record rates.

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Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Entertainment

International

Michael Douglas asks NY judge for mercy toward son Associated Press Writer

NEW YORK – Michael Douglas says his family’s fame and history of substance abuse helped drive his troubled son into drug addiction and crime, and the Academy Award-winning actor is asking a judge to show leniency toward him. “I love my son, but I’m not blind to his actions. ... I don’t want to see him break,” the actor told the federal judge in a handwritten letter made public Monday, on the eve of Cameron Douglas’ sentencing in a drug case.

The five-page letter, penned in an elegant script, joins others written to the court by Cameron Douglas’ high-profile supporters, including grandfather Kirk Douglas, stepmother Catherine Zeta-Jones and NBA executive Pat Riley.

Cameron Douglas, arrested in July at a Manhattan hotel, admitted in January that he dealt methamphetamine and cocaine. He pleaded guilty to a drug charge that carries a mandatory 10 years in prison, but his lawyers and supporters are arguing for less time. A defense lawyer and Michael Douglas’ publicist didn’t immediately return tele-

phone calls Monday evening; prosecutors declined to comment.

In his letter, Douglas paints his son’s problems as the product, in part, of a privileged but difficult childhood, a family legacy of drug and alcohol problems and the long shadow cast by a family of screen icons. “I have some idea of the pressure of finding your own identity with a famous father,” wrote Douglas, who starred in “Wall Street” and whose father starred in “Spartacus.”

“I’m not sure I can comprehend it with two generations to deal with.”

As the only child of a “bad marriage” between an often absent Michael Douglas and his first wife, Kix Brooks, left, and Ronnie Dunn are seen on stage at the Brooks & Dunn “The Last Rodeo” tribute concert on Monday, April 19, 2010, in Las Vegas.

AP Photo/Matt Sayles

Stars turn out for Brooks & Dunn’s ‘Last Rodeo’ IT was a night filled with laughter and song as country music’s biggest stars turned out to salute Brooks & Dunn during the taping of “ACM Presents: Brooks & Dunn — The Last Rodeo” on Monday at the MGM Grand. Stars like George Strait, Kenny Chesney and Carrie Underwood surprised Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn with renditions of their favorite hits, relayed their fondest memories and even played practical jokes on the groundbreaking duo, who are counting down the days until their final performance together after two decades.

“Twenty years,” Taylor Swift joked, “to me that’s like a lifetime.”

Swift surprised Dunn with a video that showed him doing an imitation of the 20-year-old sensation’s trademark head shake.

“You had no idea how important that moment is because in 20 years

that’s the first time I’ve ever seen him mess his hair up,” Brooks told Swift. Faith Hill remembered the group as country’s biggest practical jokers, telling a story from an early 1990s tour on which she opened for the duo. She turned in late one night in her hotel room and got an unwelcome surprise.

“I pulled back my covers, tucked myself in bed and there it was: a slimy eel thawing out in my sheets,” Hill said. She sang a poignant rendition of “The Long Goodbye,” then left the stage. A moment later two waiters appeared with takeout boxes for the duo, who sat on stage during the taping. “Oh, it’s eel from Faith,” Brooks said before popping a piece in his mouth. Dunn quipped: “I’ll save mine.” The fun will soon be ending for Brooks & Dunn, who are touring through the summer and will play their final concert on Aug. 10 in Nashville, Tenn.

Diandra Douglas, “Cameron found his family in the gang mentality,” his father wrote. He said his son developed a substance abuse problem at 13, sloughed off at school and balked at the idea of rehab unless it was legally required. Cameron Douglas eventually found some success as a club DJ and got some movie roles, including one in 2003’s “It Runs in the Family,” starring his father and grandfather. But he spiraled into a heroin addiction and, according to his lawyers, began dealing meth in 2006 to support himself after being cut off from the family fortune because he wouldn’t get treatment.

Michael Douglas

Mo’Nique’s brother admits he molested her THE brother of Oscar winner Mo’Nique said Monday on Oprah Winfrey’s talk show that he molested the actress when they were children and he wants to apologize to her.

Gerald Imes said on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” that the molestation continued for a year or two, starting when he was 13 and Mo’Nique was 7 or 8. “I abused and betrayed the trust of another sibling, my sister, my blood sister,” Imes said. He apologized to the actress, saying “I’m sorry, Mo’Nique. I’m sorry.”

Imes said he decided to appear on Winfrey’s show to apologize to Mo’Nique and bring their family back together. Imes said he himself was molested and he was using drugs and alcohol at age 11. “Hopefully somewhere, somehow as sib-

lings we can come back together as brother and sister,” he said.

Mo’Nique has discussed her brother’s molestation in previous interviews. She hasn’t responded to a request for comment sent to her publicist. Winfrey said Mo’Nique didn’t want to be a part of the interview but gave Winfrey her blessing.

“She said if your expressing what you had done to her could save one family then it would be worth it,” Winfrey told Imes.

Mo’Nique’s parents also appeared on the episode. “It was such a heartbreaking thing to accept,” said her mother, Alice Imes.

Mo’Nique received the supporting actress Academy Award in March for her role in “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire.”

AP Photo/Jeff Christensen, File

In this Sept. 16, 2009 file photo, actress Mo’Nique poses for a portrait in New York

Christina Applegate Is Engaged UsMagazine.com has learned that Applegate, 38, and musician Martyn LeNoble are getting married. “The couple, who have been dating for two years, got engaged on February 14, 2010,” a rep for the actress, who is currently filming “Hall Pass,” confirms to Us in a statement. “There is no set date for the wedding at this time.”

It’s the second marriage for both. Applegate divorced first husband, actor Johnathon Schaech, in 2007. The Emmy-nominated star overcame a bout with breast cancer in August 2008, following a double mastectomy. Applegate, who costars with Drew Barrymore and Justin Long in this summer’s “Going the Distance,” remains cancer-free today.

“I have a small but mighty support system and Martyn has really been an incredible part of my life,” Applegate told Us last May. “Without him, I don’t know if I could’ve gone through any of it. He kind of came around at a time when there was a lot of loss in my life on many levels, so he’s been a really incredible help.”

Netherlands-born LeNoble, 41, is a founding member of the alternative rock group Porno for Pyros. Applegate has said she wants to have children. When asked what’s on her bucket list at the EIF Unforgettable Evening awards earlier this year, she told Us, “Babies, lots of babies. Not lots of babies, but a couple.”

Life Style

International

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

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Space shuttle Discovery aims for Florida landing Associated Press Writer

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery and its astronauts looked to end their 15-day, 6 million-mile journey Tuesday with an early morning re-entry over the Midwest, after a one-day weather delay.

This time, the weather looked as though it would cooperate. Discovery and its crew of seven were scheduled to touch down at NASA’s Florida spaceport at 7:34 a.m., shortly after sunrise. Forecasters’ only concern was that fog might roll in. Patches already were shrouding parts of nearby Orlando well before dawn.

AP Photo/Chris O’Meara

The Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center sits partially obscured by fog Monday, April 19, 2010, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. NASA managers waived off the first landing opportunity for the space shuttle Discovery due to rain and low clouds in the area.« Read less

While the sky was clear over Kennedy Space Center, “there’s fog in the neighborhood and we’ve just got to keep watching it,” radioed Mission Control. “You guys are working hard on it,” said commander Alan Poindexter, “and we appreciate it.”

On Monday, rain and overcast skies prevented Poindexter and his crew from wrapping up their resupply mission to the International Space Station. NASA planned to bring Discovery back to Earth on Tuesday, if not in Florida then at the backup touchdown site in Southern California.

Either way, it was going to be a rare visual treat for early morning risers along Discovery’s North American flight path. The first landing opportunity into Kennedy Space Center would have Discovery cutting straight through the U.S. heartland: crossing over Vancouver Island and southern Alberta, then down over the northern border of Montana

and North Dakota, Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn., Chicago, Indianapolis, eastern Kentucky and eastern Tennessee, the western portion of the Carolinas, eastern Georgia and out over the Atlantic east of Jacksonville and down toward Cape Canaveral.

It would be the first time since 2007 that a space shuttle has descended over so much of the United States. NASA typically prefers bringing a shuttle home from the southwest, up over the South Pacific, Central America and the Gulf of Mexico. That way, there’s minimal flying over heavily populated areas. In 2003, space shuttle Columbia shattered over Texas during re-entry, but no one on the ground was injured by the falling wreckage. Before leaving the space station Saturday, Poindexter and his crew dropped off tons of supplies and equipment. The main delivery was a tank full of ammonia coolant, which took three spacewalks to hook up.

A nitrogen pressure valve refused to open after the tank was installed, and for a day, NASA considered sending the shuttle astronauts out on a fourth spacewalk to fix the problem. But engineers concluded it was not an emergency and that the space station crew or future shuttle fliers could deal with it. History, meanwhile, was made with the presence of four women in space: three on the shuttle and one at the station.

Only three shuttle missions remain for NASA before the fleet is retired this fall after nearly 30 years of operation. Atlantis will carry up a small Russian lab and other equipment next month. The same bad weather that prevented Discovery from returning home Monday also stalled Atlantis’ trip to the launch pad. The three-mile move from the hangar has been rescheduled for Tuesday night. Liftoff is targeted for May 14.

Volcanic ash poses little health threat so far: WHO Reuters

GENEVA – Ash particles from Iceland’s still-erupting volcano remain high in the atmosphere and do not pose a health risk so far to people in Europe, the World Health Organization said on Tuesday.

Toning down its guidance from Friday, when it said the ash cloud that has grounded flights could be “very dangerous” for those with asthma and respiratory problems, the WHO said there was no cause for public health alarm so far.

“There are no effects on health at the moment, except in the vicinity of the volcano in Iceland,” Carlos Dora of the public health and environment division told a news briefing.

Icelanders living near the volcano should stay indoors or wear face masks and goggles to protect themselves against coarse particles that can irritate the lungs and eyes, Dora said.

But he stressed that the most dangerous ash particles are the smallest ones which can be breathed deep into the lungs, and which have moved further from the volcano site in the ash plume billowing over Europe.

“The deeper they penetrate into the lungs, the bigger their potential concern for public health,” the WHO

expert said.

Those fine particles are still “very high up” and weather conditions could very well cause the ash cloud to disperse without causing health problems in Europe, Dora said.

HEART DISEASE, ASTHMA

The World Meteorological Organization, which like the WHO is based in Geneva, said on Tuesday that the ash particles are made up of small jagged pieces of rocks, minerals and volcanic glass the size of sand, salt or silt.

“Volcanic ash is hard, does not dissolve in water, is extremely abrasive and mildly corrosive,” the WMO said, noting the smallest particles tend to stay in the atmosphere longest.

Such fine particles are normally dispersed by thunderstorms which are not expected in the region in the coming days.

A low pressure weather system is expected to develop over Iceland later

this week, potentially pushing the cloud toward the Arctic and prompting rain to “wash out” the ash, the WMO said in a statement.

The WHO’s Dora said that if the ash cloud does persist and descend to ground level, the health risks would be greatest for asthmatics and people with respiratory and heart conditions.

“All of those diseases are made worse by high concentrations of particles,” he told journalists. If the particles do fall, patients would be advised to carry their medicines with them and avoid overexertion.

But the WHO is emphasizing that for the time being, there is no reason for people in Europe to be extra cautious.

“At the moment we are not issuing any of those warnings,” Dora said.

The volcanic ash particles appear to be less toxic than small particles from combustion, such as cars and heating systems, that can also be inhaled, he said.

Ash and smoke bellow from the Eyjafjallajökull volcano as the volcano is seen from Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland, on April 20, 2010. The volcanic ash cloud from Iceland is expected to change directions and head towards the Arctic when the weather changes towards the end of the week, the World Meteorological Organization said.

AFP PHOTO/Emmanuel DUNAND

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Wednesday, April 21, 2010

History on hold as tiring Nadal pulls before Barcelona start Agence France - Presse

BARCELONA, Spain – Rafael Nadal’s bid for a second straight week of tennis history was torpedoed Monday as the tiring Spaniard admitted defeats in a war with his embattled body, saying he was too fatigued to compete for a second week on the clay. The blow was as major to the world number three as it was to the Real Club de Tenis, the Spaniard’s own club and the venue where he was bidding to duplicate his phenomenal six titles achieved on Sunday in Monte Carlo.

Nadal’s physical capitulation came during only the second week AFP/File/Valery Hache of the pre-Roland Garros clay seaSpanish tennis player Rafael son with five weeks to go before the Nadal, seen here after win- start in Paris. He has complained in ning the Monte Carlo ATP the past about the intense schedulMasters Series, will not ing required to play such a commake it six in a row at this pressed clay spring season. A stateweek’s Barcelona Open after ment from the player’s camp said he said Monday he is not he will explain more fully Tuesday in a media conference. “I feel bad physically ready to play. not playing in Barcelona, more than any another tournament,” read the statement from the world number three. “But after winning in Monte Carlo my body is asking me to rest.

I feel really bad about this, it is my club and my event. I’ve mentioned several times that the clay season calendar is poorly structured. I want to thank members and fans in advance for their understanding.”

Nadal expended what appeared to be minimal effort during his Monte Carlo week, receiving a bye in the opening round and winning three of his five matches with the loss of just one game in each. He crushed compatriot Fernando Verdasco for the tenth time without a loss, taking just 90 minutes to sweep the final. But Nadal’s bouts with knee injury over the past two seasons may have taught him a lesson about overplaying, with the top seed showing that he may now be looking ahead to the big picture and the battle to regain his Roland Garros title from Roger Federer starting late next month. On court before evening rain, fellow Spaniards took first-round wins.

The 15th seed Nicolas Almagro put out compatriot Santiago Ventura 61, 6-2 while Guillermo Garcia-Lopez stopped Belgian qualifier Olivier Rochus 5-7, 6-1, 6-3. Oscar Hernandez beat Igor Marchenko of the Ukraine 6-7 (2/7), 6-2, 6-4 and Marcelo Granollers advanced over Poland’s Lukasz Kubot 6-4, 6-3. German Simon Greul produced the only defeat of a Spaniard on the day when he overwhelmed Pere Riba 6-4, 6-4.

Sport

International

Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James (R) hits a three point shot over Chicago Bulls defender Luol Deng during the fourth quarter of Game 2 of their NBA Eastern Conference playoff series in Cleveland April 19, 2010.

REUTERS/Aaron Josefczyk

James puts Cavs in control, Jazz tie Nuggets series Reuters -

CLEVELAND – LeBron James scored 15 of his 40-point haul in a spectacular fourth quarter display as the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Chicago Bulls 112-102 on Monday to seize a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference playoff series. James added eight rebounds and eight assists in helping the Cavs retain homecourt advantage in the best-of-seven first round series over a determined Bulls team. “(The Bulls) kept scrapping and every time they would do that (we) would hit a big shot,” James told reporters after making 16-of-23 shots from the field. “In Game One, I was feeling out the defense too much and they were giving me the jump shot. I had to take it.” The score was tied 77-77 at the end of the third quarter before the Cavaliers scored five unanswered points at the start of the fourth. The Bulls

twice pulled within three points in the final few minutes but Cleveland responded with three-pointers from James and Jamario Moon, who finished with 12 points.

The Cavaliers were strong from long range the entire game and shot 56 percent from the field while making 10of-20 three pointers. Joakim Noah scored 25 points and made 13 rebounds for Chicago, while Derrick Rose scored 23 and made eight assists. Game Three

is in Chicago on Thursday.

In the Western Conference, the weakened Utah Jazz outlasted the Denver Nuggets 114-111 to even their best-of-seven series 1-1. Deron Williams finished with 33 points and 14 assists while Carlos Boozer added 20 and 15 rebounds to overcome the absence of key injured players Mehmet Okur and Andrei Kirilenko.

(Reporting by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by John O’Brien)

A loss for Brian Davis — but a big win for golf Associated Press Writer

What happened in the junk off the 18th green at the Harbour Town Golf Links could have all been avoided if Brian Davis had only taken the easy way out. That, however, was never really an option.

Davis was going to play the shot out of the hazard instead of taking a penalty drop because it was probably the only chance he had to finally win a golf tournament. And for that, golf can be grateful.

If this was some kind of fairy tale story, Davis would have won the tournament he so desperately wanted to win. It’s not, and Jim Furyk’s name is on both the winner’s trophy and the $1.026 million check. Don’t expect Davis to be happy about that. He’s tried too long and too hard to win a PGA tournament, and this one was almost in his hands. “You’re not playing for second, but playing to win,” Davis said. “But I can

hold my head up high.”

Indeed he can. And, in the end, that may be more important than the win that got away. Because after months of being mired in the slime of Tiger Woods, golf needed Brian Davis worse than Davis needed to win his first tournament on the PGA Tour. “It’s not exactly what I was thinking about,” Davis said. “But anything good for our sport is good, I guess.” In case you missed it — and the anemic television ratings would indicate all but the most die-hard golf fans did — Davis was in the hazard next to the final green with a wedge in his hand, needing to somehow get up-and-down in two to keep his overtime playoff against Furyk going.

After much deliberation with his caddie, he splashed out from a crummy lie to about 30 feet, giving him a chance to make it to stay alive. But something felt wrong, and he immediately called over a PGA official to tell him why. “I thought I saw something out of the corner of my eye,” Davis said Monday in a telephone interview. “I didn’t feel

anything, but I thought I might have seen something.” What Davis saw was his club almost imperceptibly grazing a reed in the hazard. Under rule 13.4 — moving a loose impediment during a takeaway — that meant a 2-stroke penalty, even if the offense was only visible in super slow motion replays.

And that meant the golf tournament for Davis. For six years the Englishman turned Florida resident has been trying to win one on this side of the pond. He could have pretended he never saw the club graze the reed, and taken the chance no one else saw it either. But he didn’t. He’s a golfer. And golfers don’t cheat. Not on the course, at least. “That’s what makes our sport so special,” Davis said. “It was just one of those things.

I had to call it and I did.” The golf community understood. They patted Davis on the back, and two prominent players on the senior tour called and thanked him for restoring some sense of integrity to the game.

AP Photo/Stephen Morton

Brian Davis, left, of England, talks with PGA Tour Tournament Director Slugger White, right, after he hit a shot out of marsh on the 18th green during the playoff round of the Verizon Heritage golf tournament, Sunday, April 18, 2010, in Hilton Head Island, S.C. Davis called a two stroke penalty on himself and later conceded the win to Jim Furyk.

Sport

International

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

15

Van Gaal blasts Lyon league postponement Munich -

Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal wants UEFA to force their Champions League semi-final opponents Lyon to play on the weekend before the decisive second leg after the French side were granted a postponement by the French Football Association on Thursday.

Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal believes a postponement will give Lyon an unfair advantage Lyon’s match with Monaco has been moved from April 24 to May 12 to give Les Gones more time to prepare for the second leg at the Stade Gerland. This has infuriated Bayern, who have to play against Borussia Monchengladbach in an important Bundesliga fixture three days before the trip to France and Van Gaal wants UEFA to intervene.

“I will be asking my director of sport Christian Nerlinger to request that UEFA forbid the French FA from making this postponement and to reverse it,’’ he told Munich’s Tz newspaper.

“The French FA thinks that this gesture makes it easier for Olympique to reach the final and I think they are right. “UEFA has got

to keep an eye on and regulate things like this. That is no longer fair play.’’

Lyon will now play Monaco on May 12, meaning they have no competitive game between the first and the second legs of the semi-final and allowing them to focus all of their efforts on reaching the final of the competition.

“If UEFA organise competitions, then they have got to ensure that the conditions are the same and that is no longer the case,’’ Van Gaal said.

“Obviously it is not possible for them to assert that everybody plays on the same day and I can understand that, but to put a game back so far is a different thing altogether. That should not be allowed.’’ Such a postponement would not be imaginable in the

Bundesliga, where Bayern’s request to have their clash with Bayer Leverkusen last Saturday put back only 24 hours after their Champions League victory over Manchester United was declined.

The strict scheduling rules in the Bundesliga have already meant teams such as Wolfsburg and Hamburg have had to play league matches less than 48 hours after appearing in Europe as the German Football League (DFL) showed no flexibility due to regulations stipulated in a contract with television broadcasters. In Italy, by comparison, Inter Milan and AC Milan have both this season benefited from the Lega Calcio’s flexibility in moving their Serie A matches to a Friday evening to give them one extra day to prepare for Tuesday night Champions League matches.

Bayern face Hannover this weekend before hosting Lyon next Wednesday. They then travel to Monchengladbach ahead of the return fixture on April 27.

Prostitution probe hits France team Agence France - Presse

PARIS – French international footballer Franck Ribery may be charged over alleged relations with an under-age call-girl, but says he did not know she was a minor, a judicial official said on Monday. The case falls less than two months before Ribery, the Bayern Munich midfielder and one of the stars of his national team, is due to play for France in the football World Cup in South Africa. The prosecution service official, who declined to be named according to regular French practice, told AFP that Ribery had admitted having relations with the prostitute but says he did not know she

AFP/File/Paul Ellis

French international footballer Franck Ribery, seen here on April 6, may be charged over alleged relations with an under-age call-girl, but says he did not know she was a minor, a judicial official said on Monday

was underage. “It is up to the judge Andre Dando to decide whether or not to bring charges against him,” the source said. Sources close to the investigation said police also questioned another France international, Lyon winger Sydney Govou, and that other players from the France team could be questioned in the coming weeks.

Judicial sources said the manager of the club and three others including a waiter had been charged in the case and were in custody. If charged and found guilty Ribery, who is married and has two daughters, could face a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a fine of 45,000 euros (60,000 dollars). On Sunday, Ribery’s lawyer Sophie Bottai told AFP the player was quizzed as a witness by French police investigating prostitution in a case centred on a Paris night club frequented by certain French internationals.

The judicial official said on Monday that investigators had found evidence of prostitution involving minors at the club. Bottai said 27-year-old Ribery was summoned by police to explain his relationship with an acquaintance who had connections with a call girl ring and stressed that no charges had been brought against him. Bayern Munich’s manager Louis van Gaal said on Monday that Ribery “has only been questioned as a witness... we should not make any declarations while the judicial proceedings are underway.” He added: “Is he suffering from the situation? I don’t know but I don’t think so. I think he is more concerned about Lyon,” whom Bayern Munich play on Wednesday in the semi-final of the European championship. “There is no reaction to give on a matter like this,” the president of the French Football Federation (FFF) JeanPierre Escalettes told AFP on Sunday. An investigation is underway and I have no information on that. At the moment it is not possible to make a comment,” he added.

Ribery is a key player in the French international side, taking over in the midfield from Zinedine Zidane who was a mainstay in the French team that won the World Cup in 1998 and reached the final four years ago. He made his breakthrough into football’s big-time with Marseille in France before transferring to Bayern Munich. He has been linked with a high-profile transfer to Spain or possibly England in the close season this summer. The police inquiry could not have come at a worse time for French coach Raymond Domenech and his players just 50 days before the start of the World Cup.

Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal wants UEFA to force their Champions League semi-final opponents Lyon to play on the weekend before the decisive second leg after the French side were granted a postponement by the French Football Association

Liverpool stroll keeps heat on Hammers Agence France - Presse

LIVERPOOL – First-half strikes from Yossi Benayoun and David Ngog and a second-half own goal from Robert Green earned Liverpool a 3-0 win Monday over struggling West Ham. The Reds are still five points off fourth-placed Tottenham, who also have a game in hand, but they extended their unbeaten run at Anfield to 10 matches and this was a simple warm up for Thursday’s Europa League semi final first leg at Atletico Madrid.

Efforts from Benayoun and Ngog gave them a comfortable advantage at the interval and Green’s own goal completed a comfortable evening. West Ham have not won away from home since the opening weekend of the season and remain just three points above the relegation zone with three matches remaining. But coach Gianfranco Zola denied the defeat would damage morale, telling ESPN: “We just had a chat in the changing room and I am not concerned at all. No problem.

“We started well. We were quite comfortable on the pitch. We suffered on dead balls - normally we are very good defending against them but not today. There was also the worrying sight of Carlton Cole applying ice to his knee after coming off for the visitors. Liverpool dominated possession from the start and West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green had to turn a Maxi Rodriguez strike around the post with just a couple of minutes gone. The hosts took the lead on 19 minutes following a Gerrard free kick on the right.

The Liverpool captain whipped

the set piece in behind the West Ham defence and the ball crept inside the post off Benayoun’s chest.

The Israeli, who joined Liverpool from West Ham and was being booed throughout by the visitors’ fans, refused to celebrate the breakthrough. Carlton Cole won the ball in the air against Jamie Carragher and forced a save at the near post from Pepe Reina. Junior Stanislas also looped over with a free kick but Sotirios Kyrgiakos should have given Liverpool an unassailable lead when he thumped a header over from Gerrard’s corner.

They did manage to double their advantage when Benayoun knocked wide to Rodriguez. The Argentinian crossed for Ngog, who managed to get in front of Matthew Upson, and hit a shot with enough power to beat Green. Cole broke from deep as the visitors attempted to keep the game alive but his long-range effort rolled wide of Reina’s goal. Gerrard lifted a free kick high and wide as Liverpool looked to put the game beyond the strugglers. Dirk Kuyt also had a drive pushed wide by Green after racing on to a knockdown from Ngog. Another goal arrived thanks to more poor defending from the visitors.

Gerrard sent over a free kick from the left and Kyrgiakos beat Upson only to see his shot come back off the post and roll in off Green. Cole looked to salvage some pride for the visitors after latching on to Mark Noble’s pass in the area but his shot was easily-blocked by Reina. Daniel Agger lifted a shot over as Liverpool continued to press and Rodriguez was thwarted at the near post by Green.

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I N T E R N A T I O N A L

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Sport

Ferrari targets qualifying improvement Ferrari must focus more of its effort onto improving its qualifying form if it is to stand a good chance of winning the world championship this year. That is the view of team principal Stefano Domenicali, who believes that the edge that Red Bull Racing has enjoyed in qualifying this season must be closed down.

“One thing that we need to work towards perhaps in a little bit of a different way is to prepare qualifying,” said Domenicali. “We know that qualifying is really important and we saw that our major competitor seems to be, at least from what we have seen in the times, a little bit better than us on that moment of the weekend.” Like many teams, Ferrari is planning to bring an upgrade package for the Spanish Grand Prix - with Domenicali under no illusions about the effort his team needs to make to beat Red Bull Racing and McLaren.

“We are working very hard in order to bring new performance developments already for Spain because we have seen this weekend that the others have done the same,” he said. “The difference between the cars is so small. It is unbelievably small and if you do a little mistake while you are driving, you move from first or second to seventh or eighth position. That is the way it is with this championship. We knew it, and that is the way that we will approach it.”

He added: “But, on the other side, and as we have always said since the beginning, the competition is very tight.

It is very tough. “And we don’t have to give up and push like hell in order to make sure that the new step that we will bring at every race will be enough, because we did a step in this race but we have seen that the others have done the same. That is the racing of this year, and that is basically the situation.”

Ferrari must focus more of its effort onto improving its qualifying form if it is to stand a good chance of winning the world championship this year

Button enjoying ‘best year of his life’ Jenson Button says he is having an even better time at McLaren this year than when he was en route to the world title last season. On the back of a sensational victory in the Chinese Grand Prix, his second triumph in four races, the current championship leader reckons he is experiencing the time of his life after settling in brilliantly with his new team.

“Last year was an amazing year, and the experience of winning six races at the start of the year, fighting for the championship towards the end, and winning the championship was very special,” said Button in China, as he reflected on his Shanghai success.

“I’ve won the championship now.

That’s always been my aim. This year, I’ve had four races and had two victories. And yes, it’s the best time of my life, so far. You can write that as big as you want. But I also know it’s not going to be a walk in the park for the next 15 races. Every race we go to, it’s going to be tough. Not like last year

when in the first three races we had a better car than everyone.”

“This is the fourth race where the Red Bulls have been quick. We’re chasing them down although leading the championship, so it’s quite weird.

But it’s a nice position to be in.

You’re hungry to improve the car and improve your performance in qualifying, and we go to Barcelona thinking we can do a better job than we did here - especially on Saturdays.”

Button believes that his early season success with McLaren is the result of the supreme effort he made over the winter to get himself fully integrated with the Woking team.

“It’s a big learning curve again and I’m the new boy in a team,” he said. “But I made sure this winter that I got to grips with working with my engineers and everyone within the team quickly. I knew that was so important for this year. We’re all here to fight for the championship.

That has to be our main aim. But for me, before thinking about that, I had to concentrate on making sure I felt part of the team. And when I did that

I knew I could start working on making the car a part of me and we’re getting there.”

“There are still a couple of things we’re working on to make a bit more my style which will help me hopefully over the next couple of races. But even so, I think it’s great we’ve got two wins.” And Button has praised the fact that teammate Lewis Hamilton is keeping him on his toes – even though their contrasting styles are being highlighted in races this year.

“I’d love to fight for the championship in a more exciting way, but there’s more chance of being consistent,” he explained. “Lewis has had some amazing races to watch. I watched the last couple of races and Melbourne was a pretty exciting race. The last one, for the first part of the race, was pretty exciting. So yeah, he’s doing a great job and I think we’re both dong a fantastic job.

It’s good to have a team-mate who’s that competitive. The guy will never give up. He’s like a pit-bull. He will never give up.