Edisi 25 Februari 2010 | International Bali Post

16 Pages Number 39 2st Year

Nigeria’s ailing president returns home

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Thursday, February 25, 2010

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Rescuers evacuate the body of a landslide victim in Ciwidey district, West Java, Indonesia, Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010. Days of heavy rain prompted the landslide Tuesday afternoon at the mountainous tea plantation, killing over a dozen and destroying scores of homes.

Tourism stakeholders should make market oriented products PAGE 8

Leonardo DiCaprio Loves ‘Avatar’ AP Photo/Kusumadireza

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Scores feared dead in Indonesian landslide Agence France-Presse

CIWIDEY - Hopes faded Wednesday for up to 70 people buried by a landslide that killed at least 16 in Indonesia, as more rain and fears of fresh slippages forced rescuers to suspend their search.

Stunned villagers stood by in silence as bodies were dug out of the sticky clay that crushed homes, offices and a processing plant at a tea plantation south of Jakarta on

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temporarily.”

“We will monitor the situation.

Very likely we will resume the search tomorrow,” he said.

Disaster Management Agency spokesman Priyadi Kardono said that up to 70 people were still missing. Rescue efforts have been hampered by blocked roads in the rugged terrain, officials said.

Continued on page 6

SBY: Genuinely cooperate together dealing with environment

WEATHER FORECAST

SUNNY

Tuesday.

Survivors said the earth crashed down with the sound of an explosion, giving plantation workers and their families almost no warning.

“According to our latest data, 14 adults and two children died,” West Java police spokesman told AFP adding that crews had temporarily halted their search due to fears of further landslides.

“It has been raining continuously today. We found fresh cracks on the slopes near the first landslide. We’re scared more landslides could occur and we don’t want to risk the lives of rescuers so, we stopped search

IBP

DENPASAR – The President of Republic Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called upon every country to work together more genuinely in dealing with environment. This cooperation is important in order to solve environmental problem in the world and minimize

the destruction of environment.

Delivering his speech during the opening of 11th special session of the Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum (GMEF) on Wednesday, SBY said this meeting has important meaning because countries need to re-new their commitment on environment conventions.

Continued on page 6

Indonesia President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, right, bangs a gong to open the 11th special session of the Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum as Director of the U.N. Environment Program Achim Stiener, second right, Indonesia Minister of Environment Gusti Muhammad Hatta, center, Minister of Environment and Spatial Planning of Serbia Oliver Dulic , second from left, and Indonesia Minister of Foreign Affairs Marty Natalegawa , left, clap on stage in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia on Wednesday, Feb. 24 2010.

AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati

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International

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Bali News Former Head of Tapem allegedly withholds IDR 252 Million Administrators’ Reimbursement Bangli (Bali Post) —

Former Head of Governance and Development (Tapem) Secretariat Bangli, I Made Sukarma Adiputra, seems have to deal with a matter of morality and be in contact with the law. During his leadership period, he was hiding 13 village secretaries’ (Sekdes) severance reimbursement in Bangli for nearly two years.

The funds then liquidated in 2008 and were paid in December 2009. The 13 Sekdes who could not be appointed as civil servants for failing to fulfill the requirements according to Act No. 32 of 2004 and Government Regulation No. 72 of 2005 must be dismissed. To compensate the dismissing, the local government of Bangli prepared a severance payment of IDR 20 million for each person. It turned out that the big severance payments have been budgeted and disbursed in the 2008 budget year.

Unfortunately instead of directly given to their rightful receiver, the 252 million fund was deposited. There was one deceased Sekdes for he was only given severance payment of 13 million. The

fund was just given in December 2009 after the Sekdes was transferred to a Bangli Learning Center.

Bizarrely, when asked of confirmation on Tuesday (23 / 2) yesterday, Sukarma argue that the funds did not enter his account, but kept in the Tapem’s safety box.

When a number of Tapem employees were asked for confirmation of their former leader reasoning, they acknowledged that there was a safe in Tapem. However, it has hackneyed and has no keys.

Recognition stated by former officials and general administrative staff of Tapem causes allegation of the funds being deliberately deposited into Sukarma’s personal account.

Head of General Administration

of Bangli Secretariat, I Wayan Suka, who was accompanied by Head of PR, I Made Ari Pulesari, said he only learned of the unpaid severance funds in October, informed by his subordinates, one month after appointing the new replacement officers.

He said, the fund was provided for Sekdes who do not qualify for civil servants and discharged with severance compensation in 2008.

Out of the 68 Sekdes, only 49 people were eligible to become civil servant. Now, 19 people have been appointed as civil servants, and 20 other are waiting for the return of the Regent from India.

Meanwhile, the rest of the accepted officials are waiting for their pending formal employee registration

number from the central government.

Out of the 19 ineligible Sekdes, 13 people who were directly retiring should have been paid their reimbursement in the same year. Because there has been no submission regarding the payment, the retirees had tried to coordinate. Now, the fund has been delivered to its rightful owners. ‘’Regarding any fund settlements, I do not know exactly.

Please ask the question to the related parties. While regarding the budget, it has been given by the government through the 2008 budget year,’’ he said.

Central Government Referral

Former Head of Tapem, I Made Sukarma Adiputra, when asked for confirmation said there was no intention to neglect the budget distribution. He recalled that the funds have been disbursed through the regional treasury in December 2008. The funds were kept in Tapem’s safe.

Based on the results of coordination with the central government, Head of BPMD, Head of BKD Bangli at that time said, the providing of new severance payments are prompted after everything else is complete. In Bangli, until now there are six Sekdes experiencing the issue.

Meanwhile, when asked about the reason behind the delayed severance payment for the 13 Sekdes who were dismissed in 2008, ‘’If I was found responsible, I am ready to take risks.

But, it was already distributed according to the direction I received when consulting with the central government,’’ he said defending themselves.

Meanwhile, Prebekel Abang Batu Dinding Kintamani, I Wayan Muliana, admitted that former Sekdes in the region have received severance payments. The funds have just entered their accounts in December 2009. Shortly after, the funds were then submitted to the former Sekdes in early January. (kmb17)

Bali Provincial Government Obsessed to Build a ’’New Area’’ Pro and cons of Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika’s obsession for Bali Provincial Government to own elite hotels in the region continue to roll. Economic analysts and tourism practitioners viewed the need to build a new tourism regional.

The government could create the new regional investment by forming a consortium of the local private sector. In addition to evenly develop regions of South, North and East Bali, this idea can also act to compensate for the invasion outside investors. Thus the opinion of economic observer Dr. Kembar Sri Budhi, tourism practitioners I Gusti Bagus Yudhara, MBA., Prof.. Dr. Gde Sri Darma and Prof. Dr. I Nyoman Budiana.

Sri Budhi believes that if there are excess funds generated by the efficiency of regional financial management, they can be used as a stimulus to rebuild the remote areas in Bali such as Karangasem and Buleleng. Quite a lot of assets in the area can be raised and built as tourism supporting facili-

ties. ‘’Why not directed the funds to as a stimulus build infrastructure and facilities in the new tourism areas?

We should stop building tourism facilities in Badung and Denpasar that are already crowded,’’ said former Dean of Unud Economic Faculty on Tuesday (23 / 2) yesterday. He viewed the development decentralization in Bali is far more important than building a hotel in the already saturated area.

Kembar Sri Budhi argues, the government really needs to push the development of tourism facilities in Buleleng and Karangasem. The Provincial Government should act simply as a facilitator to move the potential over the area. Government could form a consortium to encourage the private sector and to stimulate new areas of growth. ‘’If the private sector is there, we should get them involved, then encourage them to develop the economic potential of the local area. If the government did not pioneer the plan, who else would?’’ he said.

Meanwhile, tourism practitioner I Gusti Bagus Yudhara also agrees

that a new tourism region needs to be built because of Bali’s extraordinary potency. The weakness of the new area is only the inadequate infrastructure. For that, the government should take role along with the private sector and is expected to build a new area.

One way to realize it is to form a consortium of private sectors with government’s assistance. Government attention in the new areas is important, it we cannot afford to wait until they feel abandoned. ‘’Provincial Government should not ‘play’ around the developed areas of Badung and Denpasar anymore, because tourists who travel outside Badung and Denpasar could be boycotted,’’ he said.

Head of Bali Provincial Government’s Public Relations, Drs Ketut Teneng, M.Si. expressed the idea of the Governors have departed from the limitations of hotel revenue sources and utilization of local assets. ‘’What more could be done to explore new revenue sources?,’’ explained Teneng. If the regional income increases, the scope of gov-

ernment services will increase through more widespread education and health welfare.

Prof. Dr. Gde Sri Darma asserted that the formation of the consortium is one way to break the deadlocked investment into North and East of Bali. Sri Darma and Budiana both asserted that the formation of a consortium also requires mobilization and catalyzing to accelerate the equalizing of social welfare for the people of Bali as a whole.

In other words, the business built by local governments must prioritize development of underdeveloped areas in Bali. As an example: the development should not be centered around hotels in Badung regency where competition for tourism business is very strict.

In addition, the businesses to be developed do not have to be focused on tourism sector alone, but also targeting other potential fields and possessed characteristics of each region. ‘’Building and giving welfare to the Balinese are not necessarily had to be passed by tourism sector alone.

There are many opportunities in

other fields that can be developed and optimized by the local government to improve the society welfare,’’ Budiana affirmed.

In relation to governor’s obsession to build a hotel owned by provincial government, Sri Darma and Budiana pleaded do not want to be dissolved in the pros and cons.

However, they remind related parties to do their research on the matter properly. This includes gathering positive and negative effects upon the realization of the idea and predicting the prospects of the business when developed by the Provincial Government of Bali in increasing Balinese social welfare. ‘’If the business operations become a burden and wasting provincial budgets instead, the obsession is better delayed. The most important thing, more than just an obsession, is to improve Bali’s welfare, and this should not be done at random by ignoring local wisdom, and destructing natural, cultural and other local environment of Balinese society,’’ reminded Sri Darma. (029/kmb13)

z Founder : K.Nadha, z Chief Editor: ABG Satria Naradha z Managing Editor: Wirata,Palgunadi z Editors: Alit Purnata, Alit Susrini, Alit Sumertha, Darmasunu, Daniel Fajry, Diah Dewi, Martinaya, Mawa, Sri Hartini, Suana, Sueca, Sugiartha, Sutiawan, Wirya, Yudi Winanto zDenpasar: Dira Arsana, Giriana Saputra, 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

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Perpetrator of Grubbing Up Awarded a Shot

As for Raids to Cafe Girls

Imprisoned Four Times, Takes Action at 11Scenes

Residents Protest to Satpol PP

Denpasar (Bali Post)—

Four times out of jail did not make Badowi alias Ahmad Dwi, 34, resident of Jalan Pelita Gang Gurita, Sesetan, South Denpasar repent. Proven, the suspect returned to repeat his evil deeds by breaking the glass and grubbing up the car of victims.

His action was known by one of the residents, so that the suspect was arrested by detective police of South Kuta Sector Police. Even, the suspect’s right leg was rewarded with a shot because attempted to flee when asked to show evidence.

The suspect was arrested after breaking a car’s glass belonging to foreign tourist in front of the Hotel Nikko Bali Resort, Sawangan Hamlet, Benoa, South Kuta, last Sunday (Feb 21) afternoon. Action of the suspect was seen by one of the local hotel employees and then reported the case to the South Kuta Sector Police. “Our member drove to the scene, and the suspect was arrested,” said Chief of South Kuta Sector Police Nanang Prihasmoko last Tuesday (Feb 23).

Chief Nanang Prihasmoko said, the suspect claimed to have acted at 11 crime scenes spreading throughout the jurisdiction territory of Denpasar Metro Police.

Among them, in front of the Hotel Nikko (3 times), around the Mumbul graveyard (2 times), Circle K Uluwatu (2 times) and in front of the Jimbaran Baru Building Material Shop (1 time).

Not only that, the suspect also confessed to have acted in front of the store in front of material building store near SLB Jimbaran (1 time) , in front of Jimbaran Clinic (1 time) and in the area of Amphitheater (1 time). Action of the suspect has been done since he got out of Kerobokan Jailhouse. Suspect was out on November 17, 2009. “Earlier, the suspect was also convicted in

similar cases (breaking glass and grubbing up the car—ed),” explained Chief Nanang to journalists last Tuesday while saying that another perpetrator with initial A, was still being pursued.

Meanwhile, in the development of case by the suspect from Banyuwangi, the police asked the suspect to show the existing evidence. The residence of the suspect was frisked and police found evidence alleged as the results of his crime. Such evidences consisted of two IPods, four handphones of different brands, a watch and cash worth IDR 1 million. “One of these evidences belonged to Anselma Diah Kartika Hadi, 31. The car of victim was grubbed up by the suspect on last December 18, 2009,” he explained. (kmb21)

Loto’s Family Goes to Bali Police

Semarapura (Bali Post)— Residents of Losan Village, Takmung, Banjarangkan through the Losan Hamlet Head, Ketut Suetana, and the Village Head of Takmung, Wayan Sukadana, protested to public order officers (Satpol PP) of Klungkung Regency, last Tuesday (Feb 23). Their protests related to raids against cafe girls, last Monday (Feb 22).

Residents felt the officers have libeled the reputation of their hamlet because it mentioned the cafe girls were ensnared at boarding house of Losan Hamlet. “In fact, the five women ensnared did not stay at boarding house at our area (Losan). They stayed at boarding house at Takmung Village, Banjarangkan,” said Suetana.

Given, residents of Losan did not agree to allow cafe girl boarders in the region. It was intended to avoid negative effects such as noise or fights. “For instance, two months ago, the existence of cafe girl boarders in our area (Losan) caused trouble. They triggered fights among the youths,” asserted Suetana while mentioning disturbances occurring due to the cafe girls received guests at night and kindled offense which occurred to guests of averagely younger age.

On that account, he along with Village the Head of Takmung Village, Wayan Sukadana, visited the Office

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of Satpol PP of Klungkung Regency to clarify the statement that those girls ensnared at the cafe stayed at a boarding house at Losan. “We do not want our residents turning nervous that later on could trigger tension at Losan,” he added.

The five café girls ensnared by Satpol PP comprised Ocky Yuli Sulasta, 26, from Blitar, Ramadhania, 22, from Selong, Mistri Anah, 28, from Malang, Ismawati, 23 and Amie, 21, both from Kerajan, Jember, East Java. They only owned ID card issued at their place of origin and did not have identity of their current residence. In their statements before the Civil Servant Investigators (PPNS), they claimed to stay at Losan boarding area. “Therefore, we also noted because they said so. If they actually did not stay at Losan Hamlet but Takmung, we are ready to clarify it,” asserted a member of PPNS, Komang Sutawi.

Previously, Satpol PP organized a raid at several places of boarding house suspected to accommodate café girls. The raid was intended for the sake of orderly administration of the residence. In the midst of the raid, in addition to capturing the five café girls who did not have the local identity, Satpol PP also captured a couple of love affairs, namely Wayan Sud, 41, from Tojan and Ni Ketut Sur, 32, from Gelgel who married to the village of Dawan Kaler. (kmb20)

To Muffle Turmoil

Mastermind of Perpetrator Untouched, Permit of 600 Special Team Judged to be Weak Taxis Is Pending Denpasar (Bali Post)—

Family of murder ’s victim Kadek Karuna alias Loto, came again to Bali Police on last Tuesday (Feb 23). At least, 70 people dressed in middle traditional costumes questioned the performance of Bali Police related to murder case experienced by Loto. It’s been two years the murder occurred, but the mastermind is untouched by the police until now.

Therefore, the family and other residents denoting supporters of Loto, assessed the performance of police was weak. Moreover, the family has complained for four times to the Bali Police and said that it would set up a special team to handle the case of Loto. However, the special team formed has not showed any results.

“When Mr. Ashikin served as Chief of Bali Police, he promised to form a special team. But until now, the special team does not indicate their results. Mastermind of perpetrators is untouched until now,” said Made Wiriyasa, 47, one of the demonstrators who was

also representative the family of the victim at the Office of Bali Police, last Tuesday (Feb 23).

The police had said that the investigation toward the mastermind of the murder of Loto, has reached 85 percent. In other words, the police have performed the investigation to a person suspected as the mastermind. However, the investigation reaching 85 percent suddenly disappeared. In fact, there was no conclusion.

They did not know why there was no clarity from the police until these days, he explained.

Their arrival for the fifth time especially complained to Department of Profession and Security of Bali Police. Of course, the complaints were related to the formation of a special team established by former Bali Police Chief T. Ashikin. Similarly, the complaint was addressed to the investigators handling the murder case of Loto.

“We complained about it. Hopefully, this case could be followed up soon by Department of Profession and Security,” he hoped.

Wiriyasa said he and several other families were not satisfied

with the police’s performance. So were the verdict given to the five defendants. He considered the verdict was too light. The five defendants were only being snared with article of persecution by 1-2 years imprisonment. “Meanwhile, the article 388 of Criminal Code on murder was even ignored by the judges”, he explained.

Meanwhile, the arrival of the victim’s family was received Division Head of Profession and Security, Bali Police, Darmawan.

After several hours of making coordination, the demonstrators finally returned to their home.

“We’ve met Chief of Profession and Security. He promised to follow up immediately our complaint,” he added.

Just for information, Kadek Karuna alias Lotto, resident of Mundukan Yeh Alang Hamlet, Tunjung Village Kubutambahan subdistrict, Buleleng, died because of attacked by a number of people. However, after the case was handled, the police set five suspects. Such murder incident ensued in last August 2008. (kmb21)

Denpasar (Bali Post)—

In order to curb the turmoil among taxi drivers coalesced into the association of tourism services, the Bali House insisted on proposing to the executive the delay of the issuance for 600 operational permits. It was mentioned by the Head of Commission I, Made Arjaya, after the meeting with the executives last Tuesday (Feb 23) at Renon.

Initially, Bali Provincial Government issued 930 principle permits in 2008. Of these numbers, 330 taxi operating permits have been issued.

The remaining numbers have not been issued up to these days following the wave of protests by hundreds of taxi drivers to the Bali House and executive.

A number of taxi operators expected the taxi operating permits could be issued soon. However, Arjaya still expected their operational licenses to be pending to ease the turmoil among the drivers coalesced into tourism services.

His party considered that the 330 taxi operating licenses were enough. “Never again see the pre-

vious studies mentioning the quota of 3,500 taxis were worth operating in Bali,” he said. “Okay, 3,500 operational licenses for Bali are feasible but they must be spread throughout the regencies in Bali,” he added.

On that account, not all taxi operations are focused in Badung and Denpasar, moreover if they are concentrated in Kuta, Ngurah Rai Airport, Nusa Dua and Sanur. On the other hand, to suppress the unrest among the taxi drivers, in terms of juridical aspect, there should be law enforcement on the use of the logo and the name of the cab company.

“There has been the Decree of Minister of Transportation regulating the use of the name and logo of the company,” he said while hoping that the executive could discipline this through justiciary team established. This should be obvious.

Therefore, the violation against the use of logos of Bali Taxi must be followed up. “In essence, in terms of juridical aspect it should be clear.

If using Bali Taxi, it should be clear not to put the logo of Blue Bird,” he said. (029)

4

News

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Australians protest with ‘vindaloo against violence’ AFP

MELBOURNE (AFP) – Politicians, police and thousands of ordinary Australians sat down at Indian restaurants across the nation Wednesday for “Vindaloo Against Violence”, a mass dining protest against racial attacks.

More than 17,000 people registered to participate in the grassroots campaign, which went viral — and global — from humble beginnings as a 100-person event on social networking site Facebook.

Organiser Mia Northrop, 35, said she’d received event notifications from as far afield as Tajikistan, with people set to down a curry in Tokyo, Amsterdam, New York and Stockholm in solidarity with the cause.

“I’m really thrilled that this got the support that it did, there’s no way that I could have imagined it would end up to be this big,” Northrop, a digital media designer, told AFP. “I’m really happy that it meant so much to so many people,” she added, remarking that feedback had been “phenomenally positive”.

The campaign was designed to be a show of support for Australia’s 450,000-strong Indian community in the wake of a series of attacks against Indian students.

At least 400 Indian restaurants across Australia were taking part and Melbourne’s curry-courier service Tiffins was forced to close its website after experiencing its busiest day on record.

“It is so busy we have four vans helping our fleet of five bikes to make 1,000 deliveries during lunch today,” said owner Mikhil Kotak.

In Northrop’s home town of Melbourne, where most of the recent violence against Indians took place, police and the state’s premier, John Brumby, dined out in support. Brumby sat down to lunch with a group of Indian students at a city cafe and the state’s parliament changed its menu to Indian fare in honour of the day.

Lawmakers sweated through a lunchtime eating contest in the northern state of Queensland, where there was also a curry-only menu in the parliamentary cafeteria.

“Question time is hotter than this!” one MP jeered as the deputy premier, Paul Lucas, struggled through a beef vindaloo.

Attacks against Indians, including beatings and robberies, have been on the rise in Australia, threatening to damage diplomatic ties and the country’s education system, which brings in 15.4 billion US dollars from abroad each year.

AFP

Melbourne High School students and teachers prepare to eat after booking out an Indian restaurant

International

Too early to declare swine flu peak over, WHO confirms Agence France-Presse

GENEVA - It is too early to declare that the peak of the global swine flu pandemic is over, the World Health Organisation said Wednesday, as infections are still rising in regions such as western Africa.

“The director-general decided that it was appropriate not to make any changes in the current pandemic phases right now,” said Keiji Fukuda, special advisor to WHO chief Margaret Chan on pandemic influenza.

The decision comes a day after the WHO’s emergency committee of experts recommended against the UN health agency declaring that the peak of the pandemic is over.

A post-peak phase would not mean that the pandemic is over, but that it is in a transition phase.

Had such a transition phase been declared, the WHO could revise the recommendations it has made to its 193 member states on what precautions — such as vaccination — they should take.

Explaining the decision of the 15-member emergency committee, Fukuda said that a decline in flu cases had not seen worldwide.

While countries such as the United States are reporting fewer infections, others such as Mauritania and Senegal are seeing an increase, he said.

“In terms of epidemiology, pandemic activity is in different places in different parts of the world,” said Fukuda.

Experts were also concerned that winter — when flu cases typically increase — is nearing in the southern hemisphere.

In addition, the emergency committee took a cautious view that its advice “should not harm the efforts of countries in dealing with influ-

enza activity,” said Fukuda.

“On this basis, the emergency committee provided the view to the director-general that it was really too early to conclude that the pandemic is in the post-peak period in many countries,” he said.

The emergency committee is ex-

pected to review the situation in the “next couple of weeks.”

Nearly 16,000 people have died worldwide from the A(H1N1) strain after it spread into 212 countries and territories since it was uncovered in Mexico and the United States in April 2009, WHO data shows.

Japan offers to enrich uranium for Iran: report AFP

TOKYO (AFP) – Japan has offered to enrich uranium for Iran to allow it access to nuclear power while allaying international fears it might be seeking an atomic weapon, the Nikkei business daily reported Wednesday.

Tehran had not yet given a concrete response, but the issue was expected to be discussed Wednesday in Tokyo by Iran’s parliament speaker Ali Larijani and Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada,

the daily said in an online report.

World powers suspect Iran is enriching uranium to make nuclear weapons under cover of its civilian energy programme, a charge Tehran denies.

Iran is at loggerheads with world powers for not accepting a deal drafted by the International Atomic Energy Agency that would supply it with nuclear fuel for a research reactor if it transfers the bulk of its low-enriched uranium.

Iran has so far failed to take up the IAEA offer under which Russia

would enrich its uranium and France would process it, and Tehran this month said it had itself begun enriching uranium to a higher level.

The Nikkei daily, without citing sources, reported that the proposal for Japan to enrich uranium for Iran was floated in December, with US approval, when Iran’s top nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili visited Tokyo.

Japan, the only country to have been attacked with atomic bombs, has strongly supported efforts for nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.

AFP/File

File photo shows Iranian and foreign photographers taking pictures of machines using yellow cakes to produce uranium hexafluoride (UF6) at the Iranian Isfahan Uranium Conversion Facilities

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

Thursday, February 25, 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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Thursday, February 25, 2010

News Scores...

From page 1

AFP/File –

Nigeria’s ailing President Umaru Yar’Adua, pictured last year,

Nigeria’s ailing president returns home AFP

RIYADH (AFP) – Ailing Nigerian President Umaru Yar’Adua has returned to Nigeria after three months in a Saudi hospital, the country’s ambassador to Riyadh confirmed Wednesday.

“Yes he has returned to Nigeria. His condition has improved tremendously,” Nigeria’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Abdullah Aminchi, told AFP. Earlier an AFP correspondent noted two planes land in succession — one of them believed to be an air amubulance — amid heavy security at the presidential wing of the international airport in Abuja.

A white ambulance and several SUVs with black tinted windows drove to meet the plane, several hours after sources in Saudi Arabia said President Umaru Yar’Adua had left Jeddah and was on his way back to Nigeria.

ThisDay newspaper said the aircraft “were unusually parked on the runway — virtually in the bush — instead of the parking area for a very long time”.

“Exactly three months after he left for medical treatment ... Yar’Adua, in a most dramatic twist, returned to the country in the early hours of today”, the newspaper said.

“Yar’Adua was secretly flown back this morning,” said Business Day, while The Nation said: “The President returned ...this morning — 93 days after he left for medical reasons”.

Armed soldiers were deployed at strategic points along the airport road and a bus parked nearby bore the “brigades of guard” inscription denoting the elite military unit that guards the head of state.

Journalists were denied access to the presidential wing of the airport, but among several of Ya’Adua’s close aides, was Minister of the Federal Capital

Adamu Aliero, seen entering the VIP wing minutes before the planes landed.

A convoy of 23 vehicles — including the ambulance — accompanied by a full presidential escort left the airport and was seen driving towards the direction of the Yar’Adua’s official residence, Aso Rock Villa.

Yar’Adua has been receiving treatment for a serious heart condition in hospital abroad.

The 58-year-old leader was taken ill last November and flown out to Jeddah’s King Faisal clinic for treatment for pericarditis, an inflammation of the membrane covering and protecting the heart.

He has not been seen in public since then and there has been no official report on his health condition.

Cuba dissident dies after hunger strike AP

HAVANA – An opposition political activist imprisoned since 2003 died Tuesday after a lengthy hunger strike, members of Cuba’s human rights community said.

Orlando Zapata Tamayo, who was jailed on charges including disrespecting authority, died at a clinic at Havana’s Combinado del Este prison, according to Vladimiro Roca, a leading dissident who said he spoke to Zapata Tamayo’s family.

Zapata Tamayo, 42, was not among the island’s best-known dissidents. He was arrested in 2003 on charges of disrespecting authority, said Elizardo Sanchez, head of the Havana-based, independent Cuban Commission on Human Rights and National Reconciliation.

He was sentenced to three years in prison, which Sanchez said was length-

ened to 25 years, in part because of his political activism while behind bars.

Sanchez said Zapata Tamayo staged a hunger strike for weeks before his death.

His family first announced last week that prison doctors said he was gravely ill.

Relatives were transporting Zapata Tamayo’s remains to his hometown in Holguin province, said Roca, a former fighter pilot and son of a legendary communist leader who served nearly five years in prison himself for his opposition political beliefs.

Word of Zapata Tamayo’s death was first reported on Cuban exile radio stations in southern Florida, which broadcast an interview with his mother, Reina Luisa Tamayo.

Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, a Republican from Florida — and the nephew of Fidel Castro’s ex-wife, Mirta Diaz-Balart — said on the floor of the U.S. Congress on Tuesday that the dissident’s “condition

and fate are the Castro brothers’ doing.”

Hours later, as news of Zapata Tamayo’s death spread, the congressman issued a second statement declaring that his “murder by the tyrant Fidel Castro and his cowardly jailers will never be forgotten.”

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, of Florida, said in his own statement that “freedom-loving people everywhere should hold the Cuban regime responsible for the fate of Orlando Zapata Tamayo.”

“His reported death today is a sad reminder of the tragic cost of oppression and a dictatorship that devalues human life,” Nelson said.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, also of Florida, noted that Amnesty International declared Zapata Tamayo a “prisoner of conscience” in 2003.

“The Cuban government’s stunning lack of respect for human rights was highlighted by Orlando as much in his life as in his death,” Meek said in a statement.

About 1,000 rescuers including police and soldiers were involved in the search for those buried on the oncepicturesque plantation near Ciwidey village, about 35 kilometres (22 miles) southwest of Bandung city.

Earlier in the day, rescuers had used their bare hands and simple tools such as hoes and metal scoops to dig the “thick and sticky soil”, West Java police spokesman Dade Ahmad said.

“But later, we managed to get two excavators into the disaster site,” he added. “The landslide is very deep. At this point, the chance of pulling out victims alive is slim,” he added.

Witnesses said the mud seemed to have flowed down from a nearby hill in a massive “S” shape after heavy rains overnight Monday.

Plantation worker Rosmana, 35, said the earth came down with what sounded like an explosion.

“It happened suddenly.

I saw soil mixed with water coming down very fast towards my village. I panicked and worried about my two sons,” she told AFP. “I rushed to my house and found that my four aunties and a little nephew were buried. My oldest son managed to survive because he ran with other residents to higher ground. My youngest was safe at school.”

Sniffer dogs had been brought in to look for bodies,

Ahmad said.

“We’re still trying to bring in the heavy earth-moving equipment. It’s difficult to get to the area, which is on a steep slope,” he added.

Tea plantation worker Maryati said her son was buried in their house beneath the mud.

“It was around eight o’clock in the morning when I heard a very loud explosion. I rushed to check what had happened and saw a large mass of soil had buried the houses,” she told state-run Antara news agency.

“I panicked because my five-year-old son was in our house. I tried to find him but it’s impossible. If he can’t survive, I pray to God that I can find his body.”

Indonesian Vice President Boediono and several ministers toured the disaster area late afternoon.

Landslides and flooding are common in Indonesia during the rainy season, which hits a peak from December to February.

Many are blamed on rampant illegal logging and unchecked development in water catchment areas.

Bandung district has recently been hit with some of the worst flooding in eight years, displacing thousands of people.

Twenty five miners were killed in a landslide on Sulawesi island in October, 2008. In July, 2007 more than 130 people were killed in floods and landslides on the same island.

Genuinely...

From page 1 On that occasion, the president also expresses his concerned about the environmental damage that happened during these years. He mentioned about the rise of sea level that cause by the rise of earth temperature on this past twelve years. ‘’The rise of 1 meter of sea level will impact millions of people,” he stated.

In the session, the president also outlined five strategies to save the environment. The first strategy is to change the pattern of production and consumption in order to save the Earth which is seriously damaged, for the sake of the present and future generations.

Other strategies are to lower biodiversity loss by implementing real actions; to promote new orientation of development and economic paradigm which are pro-poor, pro-job, and pro-growth; to finalize agreements for sustainable development; and to finalize negotiations on cli-

mate change to ensure the success of the planned Mexico Climate Change Summit, the head of state said.

On the occasion, United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Executive Director Achim Steiner presented a UNEP Award of Leadership to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono for promoting and conserving marine ecosystem management.

President Yudhoyono said he accepted the award as recognition to the work of the whole Indonesian people in managing the marine ecosystem.

He also reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to reducing the level of deforestation and land degradation and to lowering the level of carbon emissions.

The world environmental minister meeting taking place under the auspices of UNEP at the Bali International Convention Center from February 24 to 26, is being participated in by around 1,000 delegates from 130 countries. (iah)

International

Indonesia Today

Thursday, February 25, 2010

7

Saudi man stands trial over Indonesia bombing Agence France-Presse

JAKARTA - A Saudi man went on trial in Indonesia Wednesday accused of financing twin suicide bombings on luxury hotels in Jakarta last year that killed seven people.

Al Khelaiw Ali Abdullah, 54, “provided assistance and facilities to the terrorists by way of giving or lending money, things, or other wealth,” according to the indictment.

Prosecutor Totok Bambang said the defendant, who was arrested shortly after the July 17 attacks on the JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton hotels, provided the funding that pushed the plot into an operational phase.

Attack ringleader Noordin Mohammed Top, who was killed by police in September, told one of the suicide bombers to prepare for death after the money arrived from the Middle East, the indictment says.

Ali Abdullah strongly rejected the allegations as he arrived at the South Jakarta courthouse, saying he had wanted to start an Internet business in Indonesia and had no intention of funding terrorism.

“I’m not a terrorist and I don’t know any terrorists,” he told AFP outside the court.

“I came to Indonesia to relax, be healthy and to start a computer business. I don’t know anything about Al-Qaeda. Many of my relatives in Saudi Arabia are police and we fight terrorists.”

Wearing a pink shirt and walking with a cane, he said he had given 54

million rupiah (5,800 dollars) to a man called Iwan Herdiansyah to start an Internet cafe and computer retail shop.

He admitted to meeting Syaifudin Zuhri, the alleged operational commander of the hotel attacks who was killed by police in October, but denied giving him any money or knowing anything about the bomb plot.

The indictment says Iwan gave 2.8 million rupiah of the Saudi’s money to Zuhri in four installments.

If found guilty he faces up to 15 years’ jail.

Defence lawyer Asludin Hatjani said the prosecution had no evidence and called for the charges to be thrown out.

“Does it mean that anyone who opens a business here to make a profit is said to be assisting in a terrorist act? The defendant had no intention to assist in a terrorist act,” he said in response to the charges.

Police have said they are investigating whether funding for the attacks came from Al-Qaeda, which has allegedly financed previous attacks linked to Noordin and regional terror group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI).

Analysts believe Al-Qaeda would be a likely source if the funding came from abroad but police have not confirmed any connection between the

AFP PHOTO/ADEK BERRY

Saudi Al Khelaiw Ali Abdullah talks to journalists from a cell at the South Jakarta court in Jakarta on February 24, 2010. Ali Abdullah went on trial in Indonesia accused of financing twin suicide bombings on luxury hotels in Jakarta last year that killed seven people.

hotel blasts and Saudi-born Osama bin Laden’s network.

Al-Qaeda allegedly financed the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people, and Noordin’s first major operation, a 2003 truck bombing of the Jakarta Marriott that killed 12.

Prosecutors said Ali Abdullah worked with Zuhri and Noordin’s

Police to follow up House Bank Century inquiry findings Antara

JAKARTA - The National Police will follow up the outcome of the House of Representatives (DPR)’ probe into the Bank Century scandal, a spokesman said here Tuesday.

But the chief of the National Police’s criminal investigation department, Commissioner General Ito Sumardi, said his men would also observe the principle of presumption of innocence in responding to the case.

Before summoning the people

whose names were mentioned by the House’s Bank Century Inquiry Committee, his men would first collect the needed facts and evidence.

“Although the House’s special committee has mentioned the names of the people involved in the bank scandal, they do not automatically become suspects,” he said.

The police would follow a different mechanism in probing the case, he said.

The central government has come under sharp public ridicule over its decision to rescue failed Bank

AFP PHOTO/ROMEO GACAD

Century with a total of Rp6.7 trillion in bailout funds.

Boediono, former Bank Indonesia (BI) governor who is currently vice president, and Finance Minister Sri Mulyani were among those named by several party factions in the House Inquiry Committee as responsible for the scandal.

Among the factions that had mentioned Boediono, Sri Mulyani, and other government officials were the Indonesian Democratic PartyStruggle (PDIP), the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), and Golkar Party.

Indonesian environmental activists from the Centre for Orangutan Protection perform during a campaign entitled “orangutans need forests, not palm oil plantations” at Jakarta’s central landmark on February 24, 2010 with body paint inspired by the hollywood movie “Avatar.” The protestors denouned the forest ministry on the planned regulation which will redefine palm oil plantations as forests. Activists said the law will lead to the destruction of natural forests and its rich biodiversity and said the palm oil plantations are not forests which will support orangutans and thousands of other wildlife.

alleged driver, Amir Abdillah, to channel funds to the plotters.

Abdillah is standing trial in separate proceedings for his alleged role in the attacks.

Another suspect, prominent Islamist blogger Mohammed Jibril Abdurahman, went on trial Tuesday charged with concealing informa-

tion about a terrorist act and falsifying a passport which he used to enter Saudi Arabia in September 2008.

The hotel attacks were the first against Western targets in Indonesia since 2005, when Noordin’s JI splinter group allegedly bombed tourist restaurants on the resort island of Bali, killing 20 people.

Aceh police arrest alleged members of armed group Antara

BANDA ACEH - Police in Aceh on Tuesday arrested three men believed to be members of an armed group involved in a firefight with the police in a forest in Jantho, Aceh Besar, recently.

Aceh regional police chief Inspector General Adityawarman said here on Tuesday the three arrested men are ZR (27), IH (40) from Pandeglang, Banten and YZ (27) from Banda Aceh.

From them the police confiscated knives, telescopes, uniforms and VCDs as evidence. They also confiscated shirts with words written on them “Abu Mush’ab” and “Makhab Aly Wahdah Makassar” and a million rupiah in cash money.

Around 50 armed men are believed to have conducted training in the Jantho forest on the slope of Mt Seulawah bordering with several districts in Aceh.

The police have conducted surveillance for the past few months but only on Wednesday did the police come across with the three.

During the firefight two civil-

ians were shot for being mistaken as the group members as they were carrying fishing rods the police saw like guns. One of them died in the hospital while the other suffered a serious wound.

The police had actually asked them to stop but they kept walking probably out of ignorance of the situation and therefore the police had shot them.

After the incident the police deployed hundred forces to seal the location believed to be the group’s headquarters.

National police Chief General Bambang Hendarso Danuri meanwhile said that the police had arrested three people believed to be involved in a terrorism case.

Met by newsmen after attending a parliamentary meeting on Tuesday he said they arrested them in Aceh.

“The spokesman will explain about it later,” he said.

He declined to tell the identities of them and their involvement in terrorism.

According to the law the police may hold persons for maximally seven days for questioning before being declared as suspects.

8

Internationa

Thursday, February 25, 2009

Bali Today Tourism stakeholders should make market oriented products IBP

DENPASAR – The tourism industry in Indonesia has been wrongly managed. That’s why many potential and market that existing can’t be explored thoroughly. That’s being stated by Prof. Dr. I Gde Pitana the Foreign Marketing’s Director of Culture and Tourism Department on the Workshop ‘’Selling in the way your market buys” that being held by Bali Village on Wednesday.

Pitana expressed his opinion that the stakeholders only sell the product that they already have.

They always felt that their products are the best.

Pitana encouraged stakeholders to create products that being loved by market. He gives an example by focusing the Australian dan UK market. He said these two markets are among twelve biggest markets for Indonesia. ‘’We should make products that suit the need of markets,” he stated.

By learning the characteristic of markets, he believes that tourism industry will be able to sell tourism package successfully.

On learning the characteristic, stakeholders should know about the spending habit, hotel reservation pattern, and other distinctive habits. For example Australian tourists have different habit than British tourists on planning holidays.

Pitana stated that Australia besides its location that really

close to Bali, also have high end market. They not just a laying on the beach tourists but also has big spending power. Their spending power, according to Pitana, around US1,200 per visit. This is above the spending power in Indonesia.

Meanwhile UK being chose as one of the targeted market because this country is the trend setter in Europe. The British tourists visit to Indonesia keep increasing during these several years. On the 2009, the number of British tourists that visit Indonesia rise around 10 percent compare to the same period on 2008. ‘’British tourists preferred high-end packages,” Pitana added.

Besides Pitana, the workshop also invites three speakers from Australia and UK, which are Andrea Loddo (Product Manager from Hayes & Jarvis, UK), Kerry Towers (Product Manager from Stella Services, UK), and Nick Deacock (Product Manager from Garuda Orient Holidays, Australia). (iah)

BTN/Doc

Tourists entering a cruise ship. According to Prof. Dr. I Gde Pitana the Foreign Marketing’s Director of Culture and Tourism Department British tourists preferred high-end packages like cruising.

Improve the Income of Farmers

Klungkung Needs to Have Regional Regulation on Seaweed Bali Post

SEMARAPURA - The absence of the economic improvement of seaweed farmers in Nusa Penida apparently began to harass the people’s representatives.

After Ketut Panca, a member of Klungkung House from Nusa Penida raising firm voice some time ago, later it was the turn for other legislators highlighting the importance of the formation to propose regional regulation on seaweed cultivation.

The discourse was delivered at the working meeting of the House with the Assistant I of Klungkung Secretary, IB Nengah Garga, and Division Head of Legal Affairs, Wayan Tika, in the House building on last Tuesday

(Feb 23). Actually, the results of seaweed are far greater than that of overland agricultural production.

“Ideally, it is very potential to boost the Regionally Generated Revenue (PAD) of Klungkung Regency,” said Deputy Head of Klungkung House, Putu Tika Winawan.

As potential treasury to boost the PAD, standardization of seaweed should be completed with legal foundation. Thus, the government could regulate it overall.

With notes, the government must prepare the market share and standard of price so that farmers would not always suffer from debt bondage system poked fun by middlemen.

“In advance, it is necessary to study on the seaweed quality and certification,” added Wayan

Mastra while mentioning as the maritime zones, the areas now controlled by farmers for the benefit of the seaweed plant were owned by local government.

Those zones should be regulated, associated with the area and duration of control by the farmers.

So that it could be clearly calculated the amount of contributions that could be taken to strengthen the PAD. “Farmers could have controlled for ever, but calculation must be clear. How the seaweed is capable of lifting the economic condition of farmers, as well as giving a positive impact on increasing the PAD,” he said.

Seaweed of Nusa Penida has its own characteristic required by the market. But in reality, seaweed production is difficult to encour-

age the economy and living standard of farmers because the price of production is always poked fun by brokers. Farmers do not have a strong bargaining position to determine their own pricing. Establishing a cooperative is one of the steps that can be taken by the government. However, the surest is to make its legal foundation.

Poking fun on price

“Right now, the brokers are poking fun on the price at will,” said Ketut Panca not long ago.

Middlemen take advantage of the inability of farmers to find their own markets. Moreover, farmers tend to use traditional patterns by looking at the condition of nature.

The variety mostly developed in Nusa Penida consists of Cottoni

and Spinosum. Their superiority has already been recognized by the market rather than variety belonging to other regions, especially in terms of fiber content.

Unfortunately, farmers can only enjoy a small portion of the crop.

Averagely, they earn IDR 6,500/ kg for Cottoni and IDR 2,200/kg for Spinosum variety.

With an average of land management amounting to 300 square meters, farmers can obtain 75 kg / month or about IDR 500,000 per month with operational costs from planting until harvest at IDR 250,000, including the carrying cost, tying cost and other costs. Meanwhile, cost of tying is IDR 1,000/5 strings of 5 meters long and IDR 1,000/ six strings of 4 meters long. (kmb20)

al

Thursday, February 25, 2009

Balinese Culture Siap Megoreng

ICOPE 2010 discuss environmental friendly palm oil plantation IBP

DENPASAR - International Conference on Oil Palm and Environment (ICOPE) 2010 that being held on three days (23 - 25 February) at Grand Hyatt Hotel, Bali will discuss the environmental friendly palm oil plantation. The conference that attended by 400 participants from 14 countries was initiated by Sinar Mas Agribusiness Resources and Technology Research Institute (SMARTRI) Indonesia, Center for International Development (CIRAD) and World Wildlife Fun (WWF).

According to Agricultural Minister Suswono on Tuesday, the palm oil production in Indonesia should be increased. Indonesia, he said, have the opportunity to become the largest palm oil producer in the world if it increase the plantation productivity.

Suswono stated that from the 9.7 million hectares of plantation that Indonesia have right now, around 40 percent being manage by private sector, 50 percent managed by small enterprises, and only 10 percent of it being managed by government. The production of small enterprise and government, according to Suswono, only around 2 to 4 million tonnes per

hectare. Meanwhile the ones that managed by private sector able to produce around 6 millions ton per hectare.

The head of Palm Oil Council Association Franky O Widjaja said that today Indonesia already lead on term of palm oil production.

Malaysia as the number one competitor has been beaten. ‘’Thus, Malaysia is trying to accuse Indonesia as the one who exploit the

land. But luckily the accusation is not working because the national palm oil industry always try to walk side by side with the conservation effort,” he said.

He mentioned that ICOPE 2010 has important meaning for palm oil industry as a mean to do dialogue with government representatives, academicians, NGOs, and environmental experts. (iah)

(Fried Chicken) This is one of Bali’s most traditional dishes and plays an important role in many ceremonies.

Ingredients: 4 baby chickens, each 400 gr (13 oz) 1 cup chicken spice paste 2½ cup coconut milk 3¼ cups chicken stock 4 stalks lemon grass, bruised 4 salam leaves 2 lemon leaves 1 tbsp salt 1 tbsp black peppercorns, crushed Preparation: Cut along the backbone of chicken, open butterfly style and flatten. Heat heavy saucepan, add spice paste and sauté for 2 minute over low heat.

AFP PHOTO

In this photograph taken February 19, 2010 workers harvest oil palm fruits at a plantation in Pangkalan Bun in Central Kalimantan.

Add, chicken stock, lemon grass, salam leaves, lemon leaves and bring to boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Add coconut cream, bring to boild, season with salt and pepper. Add chickens and simmer until three-quarters cooked, turning chicken frequently.

Remove from fire and cool chicken in the sauce to room temperature. Remove chicken from sauce and dry well in open airy place for 30 minutes. Grill over charcoal until dark golden brown. Grilled chicken tastes best when served with peanut sauce, steamed rice and vegetables.

Helpful hints : The chickens can be simmered in coconut milk and then deep-frozen until required. Be sure to dry them thoroughly after defrosting, either in an airy place or in front of a fan, before frying. (www.baliguide.com/ balifood)

CRAM CAM (Clear Chicken Soup With Shallots) Overview: This dish is traditionally prepared after a cockfight, when the winner receives the loosing chicken as a reward.

Ingredients: 1 tsp coconut oil ½ cup chicken spice paste 400 gr boneless chicken, skin removed and minced 1 liter chicken stock 1 salam leaf 1 stalk lemon grass, bruised 1 tsp crushed black pepper salt to tast 2 tbsp fried shallots Preparation: Heat oil in heavy soup pot. Add spice paste and saute until fragrant. Add minced chicken and continue to sauté until meat is evenly colored. Add stock and all remaining ingredients and simmer for five minutes. (www.baliguide.com/balifood)

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Thursday, February 25, 2010

Destinations

International

Tamblingan Lake

http://ilovena.files.wordpress.com

TAMBLINGAN Lake is a lake located in the plateau area with green hill surrounded. It is situated adjunction to Buyan Lake with cool weather surrounds it. It owns the fascination where the nature authenticity is felt and the inexistence of boat use motorize here. These beautiful lakes can be seen from the top hill right from Asah Gobleg Countryside, Sukasada District and Singaraja regency, north part of Bali . This lake is encircled by hill and covered by fresh cold atmosphere will fascinate all visitors who pay a visit to this place. This lake is ideal for Jungle Trekking Adventure because it was very amazing with the rain forest including flora and fauna observation.

Beside of that, many local visitors are doing camping program or outdoor team building while enjoy the beautiful nature. Here we also can see the local residents use the small traditional boat which is called Perahu to cross it or doing fishing.

The existence of monkey which is not far from these two lakes are precisely located in road side of the main road from Denpasar to Singaraja. In progressively, the amounts are more and more dwelling this area and it was one of fascination for tourist who visit it. It is located in Sukasada sub district, 21 Km south side of Singaraja town.

It is situated in the high enough about 1000

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meters above sea level so that the atmosphere is rather cold and chilled at night time.

In order to reach Buyan or Tamblingan Lake , it can pass through Munduk countryside, Gobleg countryside and penetrate in Lovina area. Along the way to this lake, we will enjoy the magnificent view of Tamblingan Lake in particular from the top side. From Munduk countryside, this lake can be reached through the road which is made by local society.

Tamblingan Lake is strategically located in the tourist destinations area like Bedugul and Beratan Lake ..

The broadness of Tamblingan lake is 1,9 Km with the maximum deepness is 90 m and its volume 0,027 km3. The public facilities available in this area are the parking area, boat rental for fishing or simply visited and lodging. The hotels are spreading around the village which are the most own the magnificent view to the lake. Despitefully in some places alongside of the lake there are places for seating for simply drinking coffee, eat the cake or look into the beautiful view of lake. Every day these lakes are many visited by the tourist from local and foreign countries. (www.balistarisland.com)

... gets maximum benefits with minimum charge Denpasar : +62 361 22-5764 Jakarta : +62 21 535-6271

Jl. Kepundung 67 A, e-mail: info_ibp@balipost.co.id Jl. Palmerah Barat 21 F

Thursday, February 25, 2010

11

BUSINESS Britain says will lift Northern Rock savers’ guarantee Agence France-Presse

LONDON - The British government said Wednesday that it will lift a state guarantee for all savings deposits held at the nationalised Northern Rock bank, which came close to collapse three years ago.

“The Treasury has announced that the guarantees for retail deposits in Northern Rock plc will be lifted three months from today on close of business, 24 May,” the government announced in a statement.

After this date, customers will receive the same level of protection which is offered to all British savers in case a bank fails, under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

The Treasury added that the news was “an important milestone... in Northern Rock’s return to independent, commercial strength”.

The government currently insures the first 50,000 pounds (57,045 euros, 77,170 dollars) of savings held by every saver in Britain. The guarantee applies to each financial institution where a customer has savings.

Northern Rock was taken into public ownership in early 2008 after it ran into severe funding problems because of the credit crunch.

The troubled group was plunged into crisis in mid-September 2007 when it was forced to seek emergency help from the Bank of England. That sparked the first rush in a British bank in living memory, as customers withdrew

cash en masse.

To avert meltdown, the government agreed in December 2007 to guarantee all customer deposits held at the struggling group.

“The government’s actions to stabilise Northern Rock protected the savings of millions of families and the jobs of thousands of workers,” added Britain’s financial services minister Paul Myners on Wednesday.

“The guarantee of retail deposits was a vital step that restored confidence in Northern Rock’s operations when its customers were worried about its soundness.”

He added: “Today’s announcement shows how far we have come. Depositors can have confidence in Northern Rock.”

Earlier this year, Northern Rock was broken up into two parts — a so-called “good bank” that continues its economic activities, and a “bad bank” management company to run down the remaining assets.

The “good” part of the bank is widely expected to be sold to the private sector at some stage, while the “bad” part is likely to remain in public hands.

Malaysia says economy out of recession Agence France-Presse

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia’s economy has recovered from the global crisis and could expand by 5.0 percent this year, premier Najib Razak said Wednesday after announcing strong growth in the three months to December.

The fourth quarter expansion of 4.5 percent was much healthier than expected, and represented a rebound after three consecutive quarters of contraction.

“Overall, the Malaysian economy has turned around and recovered from the implications of the global crisis,” Najib told a press conference.

The premier credited stronger external and domestic demand, stimulus spending, measures to ensure access to financing and “accommodative” monetary policy for the resumption of growth.

“For the year 2009, the economy contracted by 1.7 percent, lower than negative three or four percent that was projected earlier,” he said.

“The accelerated implementation of the government’s two stimulus packages has been a key factor in contributing to the economic recovery.”

Asked whether Malaysia can achieve 5.0 percent growth for 2010, Najib replied “Yes”.

“We are quite bullish about it. Earlier we forecast 4.0 percent, I hope we can achieve 1.0 to 2.0 percent above it. I’m going all-out to generate confidence and speedy implementation of projects,” he said.

Najib said that Malaysia’s exports, which the economy is reliant on, recovered to expand by 5.1 percent in the fourth quarter compared to a 22.4 percent contraction in the previous quarter.

The central bank said the country’s economy is benefiting from an improvement in external demand, particularly from regional economies, and stronger commodity prices.

“The improvement experienced in the second half of 2009 is expected to strengthen in 2010,” Bank Negara said in a statement.

“Higher domestic demand, particularly private consumption spending, is expected given the stable labour market conditions, improved consumer and business confidence, and continued access to financing.

“Further improvements in external demand, following the gradual recovery in the global economy, are also expected to provide further impetus to the domestic economy.”

AFP PHOTO / LOUISA GOULIAMAKI

Tourists on a tour bus listen to their guide as they are blocked in front of the Finance Ministry in Athens by a group of demonstrators on February 18, 2010. A general strike in Greece on Wednesday shut down ministries, the public sector and transport amid protests against the Socialist government’s austerity plans to resolve the country’s debt crisis.

Greek workers strike over austerity plan Agence France-Presse

ATHENS - A general strike in Greece on Wednesday shut down ministries, the public sector and transport amid protests against the Socialist government’s austerity plans to resolve the country’s debt crisis.

Greece’s two largest unions and the main Communist syndicate have prepared street demonstrations in Athens, Thessaloniki and other cities to reject the government’s two-pronged crisis plan to raise revenue through new taxes and save money through public sector benefit cuts and hiring freezes.

“Our people and their needs are above markets and profits,” the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE), which represents around a million members, said in its demonstration call.

The ADEDY civil servants union, whose 300,000 members are seen as the main target of the government’s cost-cutting drive, are supporting the action which has shut down schools, government offices and courtrooms, with disruption to banks, hospitals and stateowned companies.

Both unions are led by Socialist cadres.

The national journalists’ union also agreed to back the strike, raising the prospect of a news blackout on the action.

Athens metro and bus lines were due to run a skeleton service to allow strikers to get to the street demonstrations planned in the city centre.

The general strike is the first to hit the Socialists after their election in October on an economy salvation ticket.

It hit the government amid talks with the European Union and European Central Bank on its plan to slash four points off its budget deficit, currently over quadruple the allowed EU level at 12.7 percent of output, and to limit debt of around 300 billion euros (407 billion dollars).

But with Greece in a deepening recession, there are doubts in Brussels that the cor-

nered Socialists will meet their targets.

Ratings agency Fitch on Tuesday voiced its scepticism with a credit downgrade on Greece’s top banks, arguing that the measures needed to rectify Greek public finances “will have a significant effect on the real economy, affecting loan demand and putting additional pressure on asset quality”.

It was the last thing the Athens administration needed in a week experts from the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund visited to assess its crisis plan.

The international teams arrived on Tuesday and were expected to stay until Thursday for talks with senior government officials.

Greece’s high debt and a collapse in confidence on financial markets over its ability to finance itself have put government bonds under pressure, weakened the euro and pushed the eurozone into crisis.

But Athens says it is not solely responsible for the turmoil.

The Greek government spokesman argued on Tuesday that better surveillance from Brussels might have spotted the warning signals far sooner.

“The European Commission had the duty to know, to carry out checks, and I am very sure that they knew the statistics,” government spokesman George Petalotis told Kanali 1 radio.

In Brussels, a European Commission spokesman rejected the charge.

“Since 2005, we have expressed our concerns on five occasions” on the public deficit data provided by the Greek authorities, commission spokesman Amadeu Altafaj Tardio told AFP. “To say there was a lack of vigilance on our part does not correspond with reality,” he added.

Despite the likely scale of Wednesday’s strike, polls suggest that more than six out of 10 Greeks support the government’s austerity plans.

12

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Entertainment

CBS fights ’04 Jackson ‘wardrobe malfunction’ fine AFTER six years of legal wrangling and one Supreme Court review of Janet Jackson’s infamous Super Bowl “wardrobe malfunction,” CBS argued anew Tuesday that it should not be held responsible for the half-second of nudity. The 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia had thrown out the FCC’s $550,000 fine against CBS as arbitrary, only to have the U.S. Supreme Court kick it back down for review. The Supreme Court pointed to its ruling in a Fox Television-led challenge, when it said the FCC could threaten fines over the use of a

AFP/Geoff Caddick

Janet Jackson

single curse word on live TV. The FCC argued Tuesday that CBS was duly warned that its 2004 halftime performers might add some shock value to the act. Jackson’s choreographer had promised as much, FCC lawyer Jacob Lewis said. During the act, singer Justin Timberlake ripped off Jackson’s bustier, exposing her breast for nine-sixteenths of a second. “There were considerable alarm bells about deviating from the script,” Lewis told the 3rd Circuit panel.

“CBS had a duty to investigate.”

CBS complained that the FCC had previously applied the same decency standards to words and images — and excused fleeting instances of both.

Judge Marjorie Rendell seemed to agree, noting that the FCC could have stated in its rules that nudity was another thing entirely from bad language. “(The FCC) had the opportunity to say nudity is different. They didn’t,” she said. “I’m trying to figure out how CBS or anyone else can be put on notice ... when the FCC does not draw any distinction at all between the two fleeting things.”

Lewis replied that the duration of the offense is not the only factor, but must be weighed along with the content of the material, in this case Jackson’s bare breast. “They have no argument that the image was not indecent,” he said. “While fleeting, it was patently offensive.” The threejudge panel is the same one that heard CBS’ original appeal of the FCC fine, siding with the network in 2008.

Sheen takes break from ‘Two and a Half Men’ CBS is temporarily halting production of television’s top-rated comedy, “Two and a Half Men,” following news from Charlie Sheen’s publicist that the actor is in rehab and is taking a break from the show. Publicist Stan Rosenfield announced Tuesday that Sheen has entered a rehab facility “as a preventative measure.”

He asked for privacy for Sheen, 44, but did not specify why the embattled actor was seeking treatment.

Sheen’s bosses expressed support for the actor in a statement that said they were temporarily stopping production of the show.

“CBS, Warner Bros. Television and (Executive Producer) Chuck Lorre support Charlie Sheen in his decision today to begin voluntary inpatient care at a treatment center,” the statement said. “We wish him nothing but the best as he deals with this personal matter.”

The statement offered no timetable for when the show would resume taping. The decision comes roughly two months after Sheen was arrested after a fight with his wife at his Aspen, Colo., home.

Prosecutors later charged the ac-

tor with felony menacing and misdemeanor charges of third-degree assault and criminal mischief. The most serious charge carries a maximum three-year prison term. Sheen has not entered a plea and is due back in court on March 15.

Assistant District Attorney Arnold Mordkin said Tuesday he hadn’t heard that Sheen had entered rehab and couldn’t discuss what bearing it might have on the case.

Sheen’s wife, Brooke, is also in rehab seeking treatment for an undisclosed reason, her attorney Yale Galanter said Monday. She is still asking that the charges be dismissed, he said.

Galanter and Rosenfield confirmed Monday that Los Angeles child protective services workers visited the actor and the couple’s infant sons over the weekend.

Galanter and Rosenfield said it was a routine, previously scheduled visit related to the Aspen court case.

Galanter did not immediately return a phone message Tuesday. Until Tuesday, Charlie Sheen’s legal problems hadn’t disrupted taping of “Two and a Half Men,” one of CBS’ top shows and TV’s top-rated comedy.

International

Leonardo DiCaprio Loves ‘Avatar’ ‘Leonardo DiCaprio has no hard feelings about James Cameron’s latest movie Avatar sinking Titanic’s box office record - because he thinks the sci-fi epic is “astounding”. The actor appeared in Cameron’s 1997 disaster movie, which set a new high in worldwide takings with $1.8 billion. Avatar has now smashed Titanic’s massive record - it’s pulled in more than $2.4 billion since its release in December.

However, DiCaprio is a big fan of the 3D film, and is full of praise for Cameron’s hard work on the epic. He tells British morning show GMTV, “It’s an unbelievable film experience, it really is. What Cameron pulled off on that movie it’s astounding, it blows your mind.

I went in to there not knowing much about the world he was going to create - all I heard was $400 million, four years in the making: ‘Alright Jim, let’s see what you’re going to do.’”

And the 35 year old is hopeful there will be a sequel to Avatar: “It’s the first time I’ve been submerged into a digital 3D world like that, I felt connected to the characters. I hope they keep going and going.”

Promoter Defends Whitney Houston’s Performance PROMOTER Defends Whitney Houston’s Performance A tour promoter has leaped to Whitney Houston’s defense after she was criticized for struggling through a two-hour concert in Australia on Monday. Fans gave mixed reviews after Houston’s lackluster set at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, during which she was said to have been coughing and taking short breaks to catch her breath.

However, organizer Andrew McManus insists the show, the first of Houston’s short trek Down Under, was a success. He says, “I saw the whole show. Was it an A? No, it was probably a B+. It was not a train wreck. She was hitting most of the notes. Yes, her throat was a little croaky. Her health is fine but she’s also not 22 years of age anymore.

She was on stage for two-and-a-half hours dancing, singing, running. Was she a little out of breath on a couple of songs? Yes, she was. But I don’t apologize for that, she had a red-hot go.”

And McManus admits Houston was “surprised” by her fans’ disappointment - because she put her best effort into the gig.

He adds, “There were 9,500 people there (and) 9,000 gave her a standing ovation. There were so many happy faces - that’s what she saw from the stage. So she’s surprised by the negativity the morning after. She went to bed after the show giving a two-and-a-half hour solid performance. She was proud of it. She thought she gave her all and did a strong performance and I agreed with her. This was the first night of a tour after a long flight; she hasn’t played for a while.” Houston is next due to appear at the Acer Arena in Sydney on Wednesday.

Life Style

International

Thursday, February 25, 2010

13

Archaeologist sees proof for Bible in ancient wall Associated Press Writer

AP Photo/National Park Service

his image provided by the National Park Service on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010 shows the right and left views of the complete skull of the newly-discovered dinosaur Abydosaurus mcintoshi. Paleontologists say this new species of dinosaur was found in Dinosaur National Monument, Utah hidden in slabs of sandstone so hard they had to use explosives to free some of the fossils.

New species of dinosaur found in eastern Utah rock Associated Press Writer -

SALT LAKE CITY – Fossils of a previously undiscovered species of dinosaur have been found in slabs of Utah sandstone that were so hard that explosives had to be used to free some of the remains, scientists said Tuesday. The bones found at Dinosaur National Monument belonged to a type of sauropod — long-necked plant-eaters that were said to be the largest animal ever to roam land. The discovery included two complete skulls from other types of sauropods — an extremely rare find, scientists said.

The fossils offer fresh insight into lives of dinosaurs some 105 million years ago, including the evolution of sauropod teeth, which reveal eating habits and other information, said Dan Chure, a paleontologist at the monument that straddles the Utah-Colorado border.

“You can hardly overstate the significance of these fossils,” he said. Of the 120 or so known species of sauropods, complete skulls have been found for just eight. That’s mostly because their skulls were made of thin, fragile bones bound by soft tissue that were easily destroyed after death.

“This is absolutely No. 1 in terms of projects I’ve had the opportunity to work on,” said Brooks Britt, a Brigham Young University paleon-

tologist who co-authored a study on the fossils along with University of Michigan researchers. The new species is called Abydosaurus mcintoshi.

Researchers say it’s part of the larger brachiosaurus family, hulking fourlegged vegetarians that include sauropods. The findings are being published this week in the peer-reviewed science journal Naturwissenschaften.

The bones came from a quarry known as DNM 16. It was discovered in 1977, but intensive excavations didn’t get started until the late 1990s.

The skulls were found in 2005. Tantalized researchers, though, were stymied by rocks around the bones that were so hard that workers were unable to break through, even with use of a jackhammers and concrete saws.

Last year, a blasting crew from Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado spent three days at the quarry detonating handset explosives that loosened the rock but didn’t damage the bones.

That allowed scientists to pluck out other fossils, including leg bones, shoulder blades and other parts.

Paleontologists believe they have the remains of at least four dinosaurs at the site. All appear to be juveniles and were likely around 25 feet long, Britt said. “We don’t know how much bigger they could get,” Britt said. The skulls — including one that’s complete and intact and another that’s complete but in pieces — offer new clues about how sauropods ate their food. They didn’t chew it. They just grabbed it and swallowed it,” Britt said.

JERUSALEM – An Israeli archaeologist said Monday that ancient fortifications recently excavated in Jerusalem date back 3,000 years to the time of King Solomon and support the biblical narrative about the era. If the age of the wall is correct, the finding would be an indication that Jerusalem was home to a strong central government that had the resources and manpower needed to build massive fortifications in the 10th century B.C. That’s a key point of dispute among scholars, because it would match the Bible’s account that the Hebrew kings David and Solomon ruled from Jerusalem around that time. While some Holy Land archaeologists support that version of history — including the archaeologist behind the dig, Eilat Mazar — others posit that David’s monarchy was largely mythical and that there was no strong government to speak of in that era. Speaking to reporters at the site Monday, Mazar, from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, called her find “the most significant construction we have from First Temple days in Israel.”

“It means that at that time, the 10th century, in Jerusalem there was a regime capable of carrying out such construction,” she said. Based on what she believes to be the age of the fortifications and their location, she suggested it was built by Solomon, David’s son, and mentioned in the Book of Kings. The fortifications, including a monumental gatehouse and a 77-yard (70-meter) long section of an ancient wall, are located just outside the present-day walls of Jerusalem’s Old City, next to the holy compound known to Jews as the Temple Mount and to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary. According to the Old Testament, it was Solomon who built the first Jewish Temple on the site.

That temple was destroyed by Babylonians, rebuilt, renovated by King Herod 2,000 years ago and then destroyed again by Roman legions in 70 A.D. The compound now houses two important Islamic buildings, the golden-capped Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa mosque. Archaeologists have excavated the fortifications in the past, first in the 1860s and most recently in the 1980s.

AP Photo/Tara Todras-Whitehill

Archeologist Eilat Mazar, center in red, who is leading the excavation of newly discovered fortifications outside the Old City walls, talks to journalists in Jerusalem, Monday, Feb. 22, 2010. Mazar says ancient fortifications newly excavated in Jerusalem date back 3,000 years to the time of the Bible’s King Solomon and offer evidence for the accuracy of the biblical narrative.

“Assassin’s Creed” book plays off videogame Agence France - Presse

AFP/File/Bertrand Guay

An Ubisoft employers works at French video games Ubisoft company headquarters in Montreuil-sous-Bois, outside Paris in 2007. Ubisoft is merging the worlds of videogames and literature with the US debut of a book based on its blockbuster “Assassin’s Creed” franchise.

SAN FRANCISCO – Ubisoft is merging the worlds of videogames and literature with the US debut of a book based on its blockbuster “Assassin’s Creed” franchise. The French videogame powerhouse announced a partnership with Penguin Group to make “Assassin’s Creed Renaissance” available here beginning Tuesday as a “stand-alone adventure novel” incorporating videogame characters and storyline.

The book went on sale in Britain shortly after the November release of “Assassin’s Creed II,” a sequel to a 2007 videogame that has sold more than nine million copies. “The book

deal with Penguin, along with the recent ‘Assassin?s Creed Lineage’ short film Ubisoft produced, is part of an ambitious strategy to bring the ‘Assassin’s Creed’ franchise to multiple entertainment media,” said Ubisoft senior director of consumer products Andy Swanson.

“We believe that these projects developed in tandem with the games themselves provide the player with a truly immersive experience into the ‘Assassin’s Creed’ world.” The videogame sequel is a swirl of treachery, swordplay, history, and artistry set in scenic Renaissance Italy. Players take on the role of nobleman Ezio Auditore Da Firenze, a descendent of the Altair character who starred in the original title.

Ubisoft backed its faith in the convergence of videogames and movies with the creation of “Assassin’s Creed: Lineage” short films that tell a story of events setting the stage for the sequel.

“We?re incredibly excited to be partnering with Ubisoft on a tie-in novel to ‘Assassin’s Creed II’,” said Penguin Group USA president of mass market paperbacks Leslie Gelbman. Penguin’s collaborations with Ubisoft on books from videogames based on author Tom Clancy’s works all hit New York Times bestseller lists, according to Gelbman. “We’re sure that Assassin’s Creed Renaissance will be equally successful,” Gelbman said.

14

Sport

Thursday, February 25, 2010

International

Davydenko and Cilic win in Dubai Reuters -

DUBAI - Fourth seed Nikolay Davydenko overcame an early fright to beat France’s Florent Serra 6-7 6-4 6-1 on Tuesday in an errorstrewn first-round battle at the Dubai Championships. Sixth seed Marin Cilic had an easier time, thriving in the sweltering conditions to power past Frenchman Arnaud Clement 6-2 6-4.

Fifth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga had just won the first set 7-6 when his opponent, fellow Frenchman and last week’s Marseille Open winner Michael Llodra, pulled out with a hamstring injury. Russian Mikhail Youzhny, the seventh seed, also defeated Slovak Lukas Lacko 6-7 7-6 6-1. Davydenko, still struggling with a wrist injury suffered in Rotterdam this month, said he had been below par.

“Too many mistakes from me,” the 28-year-old Russian told reporters. “I had so many chances (to) make a break in the second set and win maybe more easily.” Davydenko saved two set points to force a firstset tiebreak as both players made a succession of unforced errors. Serra, 28, raced into a 6-2 tiebreak lead, hitting a brilliant forehand winner past Davydenko as the world number six approached the net. After saving another three set points, Davydenko finally succumbed, unable to return a blistering serve.

At 4-4 in the second set, Davydenko saved two break points.

He made the first break of the match in the next game to clinch the second set.

The Russian then powered through the deciding set, losing only four points on his serve to set up a second-round clash with Germany’s

Michael Berrer, who defeated Ukrainian Sergiy Stakhovsky 6-4 7-6.

Cilic, who has won two ATP events this year, will play qualifier Stefan Koubek in Wednesday’s second round and the world number nine will not take his opponent lightly after the Austrian beat twice Dubai runnerup Feliciano Lopez on Monday.

“He won’t be easy, he can be dangerous and I have to focus to serve good and try to play as aggressive as I can,” said Cilic, who was unfazed by the heat.

“There were perfect conditions — I like to play in the sun,” said the 21-year-old Croatian, who dropped only five points on his serve in the first set. The second set was tougher going and Clement, 32, saved two break points at 2-2 but then hit a double fault to gift the game to the 2010 Australian Open semi-finalist.

Richardson completes rally as Suns quiet Thunder Reuters -

(AP Photo/Jim Weber)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, right, tries to find an open man under pressure by Memphis Grizzlies guard O.J. Mayo, left, in the second half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010 in Memphis, Tenn. The Lakers beat the Grizzlies 99-98.

Bryant makes game winner in return as Lakers beat Grizzlies Reuters -

MEMPHIS, Tennessee - Kobe Bryant returned to the court in spectacular fashion, making a game-winning three-pointer to lift the Los Angeles Lakers to a 99-98 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday.

Bryant recorded 32 points, seven rebounds and six assists in his first appearance since missing five games with an injured ankle.

His winning three-pointer came with 4.3 seconds remaining, after he had tied the game with another three-pointer with 54 seconds left on the clock. The Grizzlies had a final opportunity to win the game but guard O.J. Mayo missed a jump shot at the

buzzer. “I’ve spent time and time again shooting thousands of shots.

The way I look at it is I only have to make one,” Bryant told reporters after converting 13 of his 19 attempts from the field.

“I missed being out there with the guys. I felt like my mum said I could go to the playground again.”

It was the fifth win in six games for Los Angeles (43-14) who had a 4-1 record while Bryant was sidelined.

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma Jason Richardson’s last-second basket completed a stunning Phoenix comeback as the Suns rallied from 10 points down in the final minutes to beat Oklahoma City Thunder 104-102 on Tuesday. Amare Stoudemire scored a teamhigh 30 points for the Suns and Richardson finished with 20, including two game-tying free throws with 40 seconds left, as Phoenix snapped the Thunder’s nine-game winning streak.

Richardson’s 10-footer capped the Suns’ rally from 10 points down with only three minutes left. “That was the play we drew up,” Phoenix forward Grant Hill told reporters. “If he had an open look he was supposed to take it. If not, then make something happen. He did, he went through his legs, crossed over and shot a floater.”

Jeff Green had the chance to win it for the Thunder but his three-point attempt was off the mark as time expired.

Richardson added 13 rebounds for Phoenix (35-23), who won their third in a row despite missing All-Star point guard Steve Nash, out with a sore back and abdomen. Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant had 36 points, the 29th game in a row he has scored at least 25, but it was not enough to prevent the Thunder (33-22) suffering their first loss since Jan. 27.

“This loss really hurts,” said a subdued Durant. “It’s tough, but we just have to be ready for the next game.”

Durant, who entered the night second in the league in scoring, has the longest streak of 25-point games since Michael Jordan reached the mark 40 consecutive times in the 1986-87 season.

Russell Westbrook had 21 points and 10 assists for the Thunder, who were attempting to win 10 in a row for the first time since the franchise was based in Seattle in 1996. The Suns moved into fifth place in the Western Conference with the victory.

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Phoenix Suns’ Jason Richardson gets loose for a dunk against the Sacramento Kings in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Feb. 21, 2010, in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Kings 104-88.

Sport

International

Thursday, February 25, 2010

15

Goal machine Rooney leads Man United to victory Reuters -

(AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

LONDON - Two Wayne Rooney headers led Manchester nited to a 3-0 win over West Ham United at Old Trafford on Tuesday, taking the champions within a point of Chelsea at the top of the Premier League. Striker Rooney, who also scored two headers when his side beat AC Milan in the Champions League last week, took his tally for the season to 27 — with 19 of those goals coming in his last 19 matches.

Substitute Michael Owen added the third in the 80th minute, two minutes after replacing goal machine Rooney who executed both headers with real power from crosses by Antonio Valencia after 38 and 55 minutes. Manchester United are second with 60 points from 28 matches, one behind leaders Chelsea who have a game in hand.

The only blemish for United was revealed when manager Alex Ferguson said afterwards that defender Rio Ferdinand, who missed the game with a twinge in his back, was also out of Sunday’s League Cup final against Aston Villa at Wembley. The centre back is also now a doubt for England’s friendly against Egypt at the same stadium three days later.

“He felt a twinge in his back

this morning... and we couldn’t risk it,” Ferguson told Sky Sports. “He won’t be playing on Sunday.”

Ferguson, though, was pleased with United’s win which ended 13thplaced West Ham’s recent revival.

Gianfranco Zola’s men had lost once in six matches but were always second best on Tuesday. “It was a good attitude from the players, they were hungry for the victory and did very well. West Ham have been doing very well recently so it was a good result for us,” Ferguson added.

He reshuffled his side after Saturday’s 3-1 league defeat at Everton, making five changes including bringing back defender Nemanja Vidic and goalkeeper Ben Foster. United gradually took control of the game and deservedly went ahead seven minutes before halftime with a brilliantly-executed goal, Valencia providing a cushioned volley cross for Rooney to score.

The hosts went close again 20 seconds into the second half when Park Ji-Sung smashed the ball against the bar. Nine minutes later Rooney doubled the lead with another fine header and Owen made sure of victory when he opened his body and found the far corner of the net after a through pass from Paul Scholes.

Barcelona’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates after scoring during the round of the last sixteen first leg Champions League soccer match between VfB Stuttgart and FC Barcelona in Stuttgart, Germany, Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010.

Ibrahimovic to the rescue for holders Barcelona Reuters -

STUTTGART, Germany - Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s second-half equaliser earned holders Barcelona a 1-1 draw at VfB Stuttgart in their Champions League last-16 first leg on Tuesday. Brazilianborn German international Cacau headed the mid-table Bundesliga team in front in the 25th minute as they outplayed the visitors in a pulsating first half.

Stuttgart had chances to increase their lead as they put the champions on the back foot but Lionel Messi also hit the post for Barca just before halftime. Barca levelled in the 52nd minute when Ibrahimovic scored at the second attempt after his first shot was superbly saved by Jens Lehmann.

“We have to do better, play the way we are capable of, but don’t forget that in European competition you are facing very good teams,” said Barca coach Pep Guardiola.

“Europe is very tough, very difficult and very demanding.”

The first chance of the game fell to Messi, who had a shot blocked

by Serdar Tasci after he burst

through the middle. Cacau, who scored four goals in a 5-1 win at Cologne on Saturday, then put Stuttgart ahead when he outjumped Carles Puyol at the far post to nod in Timo Gebhart’s cross. he Germans appealed for a penalty for a handling offence by Gerard Pique before Cacau had a toe-poked shot blocked by keeper Victor Valdes.

In another home attack Christian Traesch should have done better when he shot wide from Aleksandr Hleb’s layoff. Stuttgart then had a let-off when Lehmann allowed a Messi shot to slip through his hands, only for the ball to hit the post and bounce into the arms of the grateful keeper. Barca were on target soon after the restart

when a Pique header found Ibrahimovic and he converted from close range at the second attempt.

The Sweden striker almost grabbed a winner when his shot was deflected over by a defender after Lehmann completely missed a corner.

St u t t g a r t c o a c h C h r i s t i a n Gross was frustrated his side were only 1-0 up at halftime. “I think we could have had another goal but things changed in the second half,” said Gross. “They (Barca) didn’t create so many chances. It was a great first half but we couldn’t keep it up for the second. Not many teams take points off Barcelona so this makes me happy.”

(AP Photo/Jon Super)

Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney, foreground, fights for the ball against West Ham United’s Julien Faubert during their English Premier League soccer match at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester, England, Tuesday Feb. 23, 2010.

16

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Kubica pins hopes on Renault upgrade ROBERT Kubica is hopeful his Renault team will take a significant step forward when it introduces some planned upgrades to this car for this week’s test in Barcelona. “I would say we will have some upgrades,” Kubica said following last week’s test at Jerez, where the Pole was second quickest overall.

“I don’t know how big it will be.

We hope for sure it will be big enough to come closer to the top teams, but we don’t know how they will improve so it is a bit of guessing. We are trying to do the best that we can, and then we will find out in Bahrain whether it is enough or not.

But to be honest it is never enough, so we are pushing very hard and trying to work as hard as possible in these tests, which are quite crucial for the first few races, and we hope to be ready in Bahrain.”

Kubica, who has joined Renault from BMW Sauber this year, insisted he has been very happy with the progress made by the team since the start of testing. “I am never 100 per cent happy, but to be honest we are working well, we have improved the car quite a lot compared to Valencia when we started testing and started working together, so overall I am very happy,” he added.

The Pole, who will be partnered

by Russian rookie Vitaly Petrov, also played down talk of him being the team leader despite his greater experience. “I don’t think there is really a leader,” he said. “Of course Vitaly has never driven in F1 before, so he will need a bit of time to adapt and gain experience.

Robert Kubica is hopeful his Renault team will take a significant step forward when it introduces some planned upgrades to this car for this week’s test in Barcelona

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

Sport

Ferrari slams FIA’s new team ‘holy war’ FERRARI has attacked the FIA’s push to bring new teams into Formula 1, in the wake of the problems currently surrounding Team US F1 and Campos Meta. With neither outfit yet having a car ready to run, and US F1 hoping to miss the first few races of the season, the sport is facing up to the fact that it will probably not have as full a grid as it had hoped to have for 2010.

And in a column published on Ferrari’s official website on Tuesday, the team has openly attacked the FIA’s policy of encouraging new teams - labelling it as a ‘holy war’ – and suggests the sport may have been better off looking after manufacturers like Toyota and BMW, who walked away.

“Of the thirteen teams who signed up, or were induced to sign up, for this year’s Championship, to date only eleven of them have heeded the call, turning up on track, some later than others, and while some have managed just a few hundred kilometres, others have done more, but at a much reduced pace,” the Ferrari column titled ‘the Horse Whisperer’ claimed.

“As for the twelfth team, Campos Meta, its shareholder and management structure has been transformed, according to rumours which have reached the Horse Whisperer through the paddock telegraph, with a sudden cash injection from a munificent white knight, well used to this sort of last minute rescue deal.

However, the beneficiaries of this generosity might find the knight in question expects them to fulfil the

role of loyal vassal. All this means, it is hard to imagine the Dallara-designed car showing its face at the Catalunya Circuit, with Sakhir a more likely venue to witness the return of the Senna name to a Formula 1 session.”

“The thirteenth team, US F1, appears to have gone into hiding in Charlotte, North Carolina, to the dismay of those like the Argentinian, Lopez, who thought he had found his way into the Formula 1 paddock, (albeit with help from chairwoman Kirchner, according to the rumours) and now has to start all over again. Amazingly, they still have the impudence to claim that everything is hunky-dory under the starry stripy sky.”

Ferrari also makes it clear it is unimpressed by the situation surrounding Stefan Grand Prix, which is still hoping to secure an entry for this year’s championship. “Next, we have the Serbian vultures,” continued the column. “Firstly, they launched themselves into a quixotic legal battle with the FIA, then they picked the bones of Toyota on its death bed. Having got some people on board, around whom there was

Ferrari has attacked the FIA’s push to bring new teams into Formula 1, in the wake of the problems currently surrounding Team US F1 and Campos Meta. With neither outfit yet having a car ready to run, and US F1 hoping to miss the first few races of the season still a whiff of past scandals, they are now hovering around waiting to replace whoever is first to drop out of the game, possibly with backing from that very same knight in shining armour whom we mentioned earlier.”

And Ferrari clearly lays the blame for the situation at the door of former FIA president Max Mosley, who clashed with the manufacturers last year in his bid to encourage new teams in.