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Ultime notizie dall'Asia



SRI LANKA - Colombo art exhibition to remember the war and black in July (Jul 30)
Chandraguptha Thenuwara exhibited 15 works of a "political" nature. The exhibition was open 24 to 29 July. The artist: "The war is over, but there is no peace yet. We must not forget about the past, we must participate in the peace process. There are several obstacles to overcome. "


LEBANON - Assad and King Abdullah in Beirut to curb tensions with Hezbollah (Jul 30)
This is the first visit by a Syrian president since the ouster of Syrian troops in 2005. Hezbollah threatens a government crisis and instability if the United Nations tribunal accuses its members of being responsible for the killing of Rafik Hariri. Changes in Damascus decrease Iranian influence in Lebanon.


VATICAN - CHINA - Vatican: Bishops and priests in China, be united with the pope and each other, even in persecution (Jul 29)
A letter from Cardinal Dias at the end of the Year for Priests, reiterates that loyalty to the pope is a "guarantee of freedom." At the same time he asks bishops and priests to rebuild unity in the Church in China, abandoning the desire for wealth or advancement in society and politics.


CHINA - Xiwanzi underground priest arrested again after three years in prison (Jul 29)
Fr Peter Wang, an underground priest of the Diocese of Xiwanzi, was only able to take a few steps as a free man. The police arrested him again immediately after his release. He had been originally arrested for celebrating mass (with the permission of the government). Local Catholics: "The police want to force him to join the Patriotic Association."


PHILIPPINES - Swamped by rice imports, the Philippines loses food self-sufficiency (Jul 29)
An order for 20,000 tonnes was issued under the former Arroyo administration despite an existing oversupply in rice. Rice producers and peasant activist call on newly elected President Aquino to distribute surplus to poor families. Activists also call for land reform, an issue not yet addressed by the new administration.


IRAN - Economic support to families to double the population, Ahmadinejad says (Jul 29)
He plans to give US$ 950 to children born before 21 March 2011, plus US$ 95 for each year after that until they reach 18. They will be able to withdraw the money when they are 20. Many harbour doubts about the initiative’s feasibility as well as its impact on an already high unemployment rate.


SOUTH KOREA - Seoul, the Church celebrates the first National Congress for Life (Jul 29)
Two days of discussions and interventions, coordinated by the Committee for Life and the Committee for Bioethics of the Korean Bishops' Conference, to transform the "culture of death" to a "culture of life".


SOUTHEAST ASIA - Giant Mekong Catfish could disappear (Jul 29)
WWF warns that dams planned for the Mekong might endanger important fish species and major fisheries. Governments counter that people need hydroelectric power.


CHINA - Toxic chemical into the Songhua River leads to environmental emergency (Jul 29)
In Jilin, floods wash 3,000 barrels of a toxic chemical compound into a river, causing long moments of fear. Alarm ends a day later. In Nanjing, a propylene pipeline explodes during building demolitions, kills and injures dozens. Heavy rains continue. Floods cause almost a thousand deaths this year.


INDIA - Orissa: Christians and Hindus, Dalits and tribals of Kandhamal march for peace (Jul 29)
Over one thousand people march through the streets of Bhubaneswar to ask local authorities to ensure justice and peace after the anti-Christian pogrom of 2008. Dalits and tribal peoples complain of continuing discrimination by the Hindus.