October 12, 2008

Five nations elected new members of UN Security Council

Liu Zhenmin, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, fills in his ballot paper at the U.N. headquarters in New York, the United States, Oct. 17, 2008. The United Nations General Assembly held the 28th plenary meeting to elect the five non-permanent members of the Security Council on Friday. Austria, Japan, Mexico, Uganda and Turkey were elected from seven candidate countries. (Xinhua Photo)

UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Austria, Japan, Mexico, Uganda and Turkey were elected new non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council on Friday.

All 192 members of the United Nations General Assembly attended the secret ballot, with Japan beating Iran 158-32 to get the seat for Asia Group. Japan replaces Indonesia in the Security Council on Jan. 1, 2009.

Mohammad Khazaee, permanent representative of Iran to the United Nations, casts his ballot at the U.N. headquarters in New York, the United States, Oct. 17, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

Austria and Turkey defeated Iceland for the two open seats for the Western European and Others Group, garnering 133 and 151 votes respectively. They will replace Belgium and Italy.

Uganda and Mexico, which won the seats unopposed for the Africa and Latin America groups respectively, will replace South Africa and Panama.

Japanese Ambassador Yukio Takasu said his country will play an active and constructive role in the Security Council and make "utmost effort" to contribute to the resolution of conflicts and to post-conflict peace-building and peacekeeping.

Yukio Takasu, permanent representative of Japan to the United Nations, smiles after Japan were elected as a non-permanent member of the U.N. Security Council at the U.N. headquarters in New York, the United States, Oct. 17, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

This will be the 10th time that Japan has been elected a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Austrian Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik described Vienna's victory as an "expression of respect and appreciation for the traditional Austrian foreign policy priorities."

Foreign Minister Ali Babacan of Turkey said the world is going through difficult times and that Turkey will be continuing to make its contribution in the new setting.

Congratulating Austria and Turkey on their victory, Icelandic Foreign Minister Ingibjorg Solrun Gisladottir expressed disappointment that some countries that had promised to vote for Iceland did not keep their words.

"But that is life, that's how it works," she said. "This is not the end of the world."

Elections for non-permanent members of the Security Council are held by secret ballot in the General Assembly, and a winning candidate requires a two-thirds majority of ballots of members present and voting. Formal balloting takes place even in those regions where there is only one candidate per available seat.

The council's five other non-permanent members, who were elected last year and whose terms end on Dec. 31, 2009, are Burkina Faso, Costa Rica, Croatia, Libya and Vietnam. The five permanent members are China, France, Russia, Britain and the United States.

12th Francophone summit opens in Quebec, efforts urged to solve financial crisis

QUEBEC CITY, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- The 12th Francophone summit opened Friday in Canada's French-speaking Quebec City with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper calling for efforts to help resolve the current global financial crisis.

Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper speaks at the opening session of the Francophonie Summit in Quebec City Oct. 17, 2008. The biennial summit of the 55-member countries with large French-speaking populations runs from Oct. 17-19. (Xinhua Photo)

In a speech at the opening ceremony, Harper told the gathering of French-speaking nations that it has a role to play in helping the world emerge from the global financial crisis.

He stressed that a targeted and efficient response is needed to address the crisis, whose damage are spreading to the developing nations.

He also called for coordinated efforts to strengthen peace, security and global stability.

He urged the states to take effective measures to forge effective and realistic multilateral cooperation.

Other leaders addressing the opening ceremony include French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who reiterated his call for rebuilding a new financial and monetary system.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy speaks at the opening session of the Francophonie Summit in Quebec City Oct. 17, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

"We want another monetary system... The IMF must reflect on its operation," said Sarkozy, who has also proposed a world summit dedicated to the financial crisis in the near future.

This summit must also include emerging countries such as China and India, said Sarkozy, whose speech raised applause from participants.

Given that the world faces the most serious economic and financial crisis since the Great Depression 1930s, well coordinated cooperation is necessary, said the French president.

The three-day summit of la Francophonie is bringing together leaders for talks on government and democracy, economy, environment and the future role of the French language.

France's President Nicolas Sarkozy (L) shakes hands with Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper (C) and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso at the Citadelle in Quebec City Oct. 17, 2008. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

Representatives of 55 member countries and 13 observer nations, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and Secretary General of La Francophonie Abdou Diouf were present at the ceremony.

"The banking crisis, the financial crisis, and the food crisis, as well as the energy crisis: all of these are to be discussed by leaders at the summit," Diouf said before the conference began.

Jean Charest, Quebec Premier, said before the summit that "the circumstances are such that we're the first North-South forum to take place amid this crisis and so it's an opportunity to measure its impact" particularly on poorer nations.

Training of high quality, loyal police stressed

BEIJING, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official Zhou Yongkang on Saturday called for more efforts on providing the country with a high-quality police force through improved education and training.

The member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee made the remark here at a forum marking the 60th anniversary of the Chinese People's Public Security University.

He spoke highly of the achievements the institution had made and urged those involved to turn it into a "cradle" of loyal guardians of the Party and the people and the "frontier" of promoting the development of public security theory.

The public security organs must "stick to the path of strengthening the police capability through science and education" and strive to build a force of high quality.

Zhou also asked the university to enhance exchanges and cooperation with their international counterparts and constantly innovate in their teachings.

The university, under the Ministry of Public Security, has so far trained more than 170,000 police.

China, France to further party exchanges

BEIJING, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Vice President Xi Jinping expressed the hope to further boost exchanges between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the French Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) here Friday.

"As ruling parties of respective countries, the CPC and UMP both face the challenges from domestic reform and economic globalization," Xi told Patrick Devedjian, UMP general secretary, during their meeting here.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (R) shakes hands with Patrick Devedjian, general secretary of French Union for a Popular Movement (UMP), in Beijing, capital of China, on Oct. 17, 2008.(Xinhua Photo/Yao Dawei)

"We would like to further enhance exchanges and mutual trust to push forward the healthy and stable development of Sino-French ties," Xi noted.

He said both China and France are influential countries and maintaining a good relationship complied with the fundamental interest of the two and was conducive to peace, stability and prosperity of the world.

China valued the traditional friendship with France, and has always handled bilateral ties from a strategic height and a long-term perspective.

Xi also expressed appreciation for France's support to improving the Sino-EU relations.

Devedjian said China's development would benefit the world, and the UMP would strengthen relations with the CPC and the Chinese government to contribute to the development of China-France relations.

Czech's Lower House president denounces "Tibetan flag incident"

PRAGUE, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- President of Czech's Chamber of Deputies (Lower House) Miloslav Vlcek has denounced the action by a few Green Party deputies of unfurling a Tibetan flag in front of the visiting Chinese parliamentary delegation last month.

During an interview with Xinhua on Thursday, Vlcek said the unwarranted action by a few individuals represented neither the parliament nor the government, much less the general Czech public. Their action had undermined relations between the two countries, and had been criticized by most parliamentarians and the Czech people.

On Sept. 25, a few Green Party deputies unwrapped a Tibetan flag in a gesture to support the so-called Tibetan independence while a Chinese delegation from the Ethnic Affairs Committee under the National People's Congress, China's parliament, was visiting Czech's Lower House. The delegation immediately left the Lower House in protest.

Czech and China have always enjoyed a long history of friendship, said Vlcek. Their bilateral relations, however, were affected by changes of ruling parties in Czech in recent years, he noted.

As president of the Lower House and leader of the left-wing Social Democratic party, Vlcek said he has always been an active advocate for friendship and cooperation between Czech and China. He said he hoped this incident wouldn't harm the overall development of bilateral relations, Vlcek said.

He also presented to Xinhua a presidential statement of the Czech's Lower House, in which he said the Lower House would take measures to prevent the recurrence of similar incident.

China pushes contact with Japanese local gov't

BEIJING, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping on Friday called for enhanced cooperation between local governments of China and Japan when meeting with Nagasaki Prefecture governor Kaneko Genjiro.

"The two countries should encourage more cooperation and exchanges between the local governments to inject impetus into improving friendship and strategic and reciprocal relations between the two countries."

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Kaneko Genjiro (L), Japan's Nagasaki Prefecture governor, in Beijing, capital of China, on Oct. 17, 2008. (Xinhua Photo/Yao Dawei)

He took local government exchange as an important component in Sino-Japanese ties, which he believed was "facing an important opportunity of development".

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Sino-Japanese Peace and Friendship Treaty. Xi said China would make joint efforts with Japan to promote political trust, cooperation, and personnel exchanges to step up the strategic and reciprocal relationship.

Genjiro said his prefecture would continuously expand cooperation with China to contribute to the friendly country-to-country relations.

Chinese vice premier Hui Liangyu (R) meets with delegates attending the forum on poverty relief patterns and progress of the United Nations Millennium Goals before its opening ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, on Oct. 17, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

BEIJING, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- China is to carry out more favorable policies to benefit the have-nots and step up efforts to alleviate poverty in the country, according to Vice Premier Hui Liangyu on Friday.

Speaking at a forum on the country's poverty relief patterns and progress of the United Nations Millennium Goals, he said "We will give emphasis to our strategy of poverty relief, and improve our policies for the interests of the poor."

The Chinese phrase "fu pin," meaning to help relieve poverty, had become the official mantra in the country, which the government would carry on as state policy.

Hui said 30 years on, the country's reform and opening-up policy adopted in 1978 had brought about robust economic growth, and a sharply reduced population barely making a living.

Fan Xiaojian, director of the State Council Group Office for Poverty Alleviation and Development, said the country's poor had been reduced to 15 million, from 250 million in 1978.

"Poverty is one big challenge faced by the whole world. China will carry on the fight against poverty and contribute to the realization of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals," Hui said.

Since 2006, the country had started its nine year free compulsory education in the underdeveloped western regions, and now, the policy had gone nationwide.

The National Development and Reform Commission, the top economic planner, on Tuesday publicized a plan online about setting up a "safe, effective, convenient and affordable" healthcare system that would cover all urban and rural residents by 2020.

So far, the country's New Rural Cooperative Medical Care Program, under which residents could benefit from a fund pool, had covered about 800 million people in the vast rural areas.

Under the program, a farmer participant pays 10 yuan (1.46 U.S. dollars) annually while the state, provincial, municipal and county governments jointly contribute 40 yuan for the cooperative fund.

But despite the downsized destitution, and the ongoing beneficial education and healthcare policies, the country was still faced with great difficulties as a large number of impoverished lived in areas of severe natural conditions and of poor basic infrastructure, according to Fan.

Chinese quality watchdog says 544 batches of milk safe

BEIJING, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Melamine content in Chinese milk samples was found to be well under the temporary limits in 544 batches of major brands in recent days, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (GAQSIQ) said on Friday.

In all, GAQSIQ conducted milk, yogurt and other dairy products quality checks on 70 brands across the country's 22 major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin and Chongqing, among others.

The government set temporary melamine content limits in dairy products of a maximum of 1 mg per kg of infant formula and a maximum 2.5 mg per kg for liquid milk, milk powder and food products that contained at least 15 percent milk.

Currently, the quality watchdog had conducted sample tests on 5,797 batches of liquid dairy products manufactured after Sept. 14from 136 brands and found all safely under the limit.

Chinese dairy companies, including Mengniu and Yili among others, were blamed for melamine-tainted milk that had sickened 50,000 babies and caused at least three deaths.

Rocket shot down at snooker British Grand Prix

LONDON, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- World champion Ronnie O'Sullivan was upset by teenager qualifier Judd Trump at the British Grand Prix in Manchester, losing 5-4 in the quarterfinals on Friday.

Trump, the world 41 and aged just 19, was 3-2 down at one stage against the world number one before he launched a memorable comeback.

"There are a lot of dangerous opponents. He's young and he's hungry for success," said the snooker Rocket.

Trump edged 2-0 ahead before O'Sullivan hit back with breaks of41, 66 and 104 for the lead. But the English teenager pinched the next frame on the final pink to draw level.

The next two frames were shared, before Trump booked his place in the semi-finals after O'Sullivan missed a difficult red to a middle pocket.

Ali Carter, last season's beaten world championship finalist, beat four-time Grand Prix winner Steve Davis 5-3 thanks to breaks of 99 and 90.

Bochum draw Moenchengladbach 2-2 in German Bundesliga

BERLIN, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- VfL Bochum were held to a 2-2 draw by visitors Borussia Moenchengladbach in a Bundesliga match played on Friday.

The struggling visitors took a one-goal lead into the change rooms after Steve Gohouri managed to head a cross from Marko Marin into goal on the half hour.

Bochum equalized ten minutes into the second half when Christoph Dabrowski scored after a defensive slip-up.

Turkish international striker Sinan Kaloglu put Bochum in front in the 77th minute with a free header, but their lead lasted just two minutes as Thomas Kleine pushed the ball over the line after a goal-mouth scramble.

The result moved Moenchengladbach one place from the bottom after switching places with Frankfurt. They have four points from their seven games, while Bochum are 14th with seven points.

Table-toppers SV Hamburg are facing challengers Schalke 04 on Sunday. Hamburg lead the standings with 16 points from their seven games, while Hoffenheim and VfB Stuttgart are second and third respectively with 12 points.

West back to Cavaliers' training

WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Cleveland guard Delonte West returned to his team's training camp after suffering from a mood disorder, the NBA Cavaliers said on their website.

West played in Cleveland's preseason contest on Thursday after taking a two-week absence to deal with what were termed as "personal matters."

After seeking treatment West said he is now 100 percent healthy. Cleveland signed West to a two-year contract last month with a team option on a third year.

Corey Maggette(L) of the Golden Warriors holds the ball during the NBA preseason game against the Milwaukee Bucks in Beijing, China on Oct. 18, 2008. Warriors beat Bucks 109-108 with a beat-the-buzzer three pointer.(Xinhua/Luo Xiaoguang)

BEIJING, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Rookie forward Robert Kurz buried consecutive 3-pointers, including the beat-the-buzzer, game-winning one, to help the Golden State Warriors to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 109-108 in a preseason game on Saturday here.

The 23-year-old made the first one to tie the game on 106-106 with 24.9 seconds to go before Matt Freije's jumper put the Bucks back to the driving seat with 1.4 seconds left in the game.

Kurz, who had 11 points and four assists, received the in-bound at the top of the arc, dribbled once, and unleashed the last attempt. The Warriors bench ran onto the court to embrace him down on the ground for the celebration.

"We had two options during the last time-out, Rob was one of them. He made the open shot. It's a great shot," Warriors' assistant coach Keith Smart said.

"Rob played well today and he played well during the summer. We'll have a couple of weeks to decide the final roster. Everyone has the opportunity to stay. Rob did a great job here. He helped a great deal," Smart added.

Stephen Jackson, who missed Wednesday's game when the Warriors lost 98-94 to the Bucks in Guangzhou, China, scored 11 out of his 24 points in the first quarter for a 26-24 lead.

The Bucks' top player Michael Redd didn't play in Guangzhou either, and he answered in the second quarter when he made three 3-pointers for 12 points to give the Bucks a 60-56 lead in the first half.

Trailing by 83-80 into the fourth quarter, the Bucks tied it on89 to all and led 104-99 after a 11-0 run.

"The fans of both cities are incredible. Both teams feel like playing on the home courts. Our players want to give their thanks to the fans," Smart talked about the unusual celebration after Kurz's winning shot.

Charlie Villanueva had 26 points and eight rebounds while Redd added 23 points for the Bucks. Rookie Joe Alexander contributed 14 points.

Rafael Nadal of Spain returns the ball to Feliciano Lopez of Spain during their match at the Madrid Masters Series tennis tournament in Madrid October 17, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

MADRID, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray all advanced into the last four at the Madrid Masters on Friday.

Nadal and Federer were on course to clash in another final after winning their quarterfinals in straight sets.

Top-ranked Nadal downed Spanish countryman Feliciano Lopez 6-4,6-4 while second-ranked Federer eliminated ninth-seeded Juan Martin del Potro 6-3, 6-3.

A ball girl looks as Roger Federer of Switzerland uses a towel during his match against Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina at the Madrid Masters Series tennis tournament in Madrid October 17, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Fourth-seeded Andy Murray beat Gael Monfils of France 6-2, 6-2.

In Saturday's semifinals, Nadal will meet Gilles Simon of France or Ivo Karlovic of Croatia, who were playing a late match, while Federer will tackle Murray in a replay of the U.S. Open final.

Murray was broken by Monfils in the opening game, but the Scot broke straight back and twice more to take the first set. The second set followed a similar pattern.

Murray lost to Federer in straight sets in his first Grand Slamfinal a month ago, but Federer was expecting a harder match.

British expert: Europe seeks co-op with Asia to cope with financial crisis

LONDON, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Europe will seek cooperation with Asian countries in the upcoming seventh Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Beijing in a bid to cope with the ongoing global financial crisis, a British expert on Asian affairs said in a recent interview with Xinhua.

Under the current circumstances, "Europe will seek to gain cooperation with the Asian financial sector," said Alexander Neill, head of the Asia Program at the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies, a leading think tank in London founded in 1831.

Many European countries have invested in Asia, so "it is in Europe's interest to prevent the financial collapse in Asia," said Neill.

As the stock markets in Shanghai, Tokyo, Delhi, and Singapore all suffered recently "as a knock-on effect of the worldwide financial instability which started in the United States," Neill said discussions on the "financial solutions to guard against the collapse of some of the Asia tiger economies" would be urgent.

According to Neill, the current financial crisis would push Europe to achieve closer cooperation with Asia.

"I think Europeans will go to where the capital is, where the growth is," said the expert, adding that "ensuring the sustainable growth in Asia will be helping sustain growth in Europe," and is the key to retaining European investment in Asia.

In the past, Europe lacked a comprehensive approach to Asia, due to the fact that "each member of the European Union (EU) has put its own bilateral consideration first when it comes to engagement with Asian countries," said Neill.

But as Europe has realized that future prosperity is linked to success in Asia, it has recently solidified its efforts and policy objectives toward Asia, and a "unified approach" will be a must, added the expert.

"It is also important that there are some discussions with countries like China, India over their specific interests, regional interests, because both China and India are investing heavily locally, particularly Southeast Asia, and also central Asia," Neill said.

Despite the fierce competition in Asia and Europe's concern over problems such as its trade imbalances with India and China, Neill expressed confidence in the joint efforts by Brussels and major Asian countries to create a win-win situation in the future.

During the two-day summit, discussions will also touch upon topics such as energy security, food prices, climate change and anti-terrorism.

"Energy security would be high on the agenda," as energy is vital to sustaining the economy in western Europe and new members of the EU, he said, adding, "Rising energy prices will cause problems for recession in Europe."

Speaking on food security, Neill said that soaring food prices are affecting everyone in the world, especially the poor in Asia.

The seventh ASEM summit will be held in Beijing on Oct. 24-25, to be attended by leaders and delegates from 45 Asian and European countries and organizations.

A power parachute loaded with the pilot rope hovers over an electricity pylon at Liufang Street in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Oct. 17, 2008. The power parachute is introduced as an environmental-friendly measure in a local high-voltage transmission line project.(Xinhua Photo)

HK gov't strengthens support to SMEs

HONG KONG, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong SAR government is considering merging the loan guarantee for two sub-schemes under the small and medium enterprises (SME) funding schemes to ease the economic difficulties, a government spokesman said on Saturday.

The spokesman said with a view to strengthening support to the SMEs in the midst of the current financial turmoil, the government has proposed to introduce the some enhancement measures to improve the SME Funding Schemes.

The enhancement measures includes extending the maximum guarantee period for Working Capital Loan (WCL) from 2 years to 5 years, increasing the indicative ceiling of guarantee exposure for each participating lending institution (PLI) from 1.25 billion HK dollars to 1.5 billion HK dollars.

The government will also propose to allow each SME to recycle the guarantee once after it has fully paid up the loan backed up by the guarantee.

For Export Marketing Fund, the government proposes to increase the overall grant ceiling for each SME from 100,000 HK dollars to 150,000 HK dollars.

The spokesman added that the government will further elaborate the details of the enhancement measures in the Legislative Council Panel on Commerce and Industry to be held next Tuesday.

Subject to Members' views, the government will proceed to seek Finance Committee's approval to the aforesaid recommendations. Subject to the approval of Finance Committee, the government will implement the enhancement measures as soon as possible upon completion of the necessary legal procedures with the PLIs.

U.S. stocks trade lower on weak economic data

NEW YORK, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Wall Street traded lower Friday as the housing and confidence data slump.

The U.S. Commerce Department reported Friday that construction of new homes and apartments dropped by 6.3 percent in September, bigger than the 1.6 percent decrease that economists had expected. The total production declined to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 817,000 units, which is the slowest pace since January 1991.

Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, October 17, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

A report from the University of Michigan showed consumer sentiment fell to 57.5 in October from 70.3 in September.

The Dow Jones industrial average fell 127.04, or 1.41 percent, to 8,852.22. The Standard & Poor's 500 index fell 5.88, or 0.62 percent, to 940.55, while the Nasdaq composite index fell 6.42, or 0.37 percent, to 1,711.29.

Traders work in the crude oil futures pit of the New York Mercantile Exchange Oct. 17, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

A trader works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, October 17, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

China signs zero-tariff trade deal with Senegal

DAKAR, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- China signed Friday a trade deal with Senegal to offer zero-tariff treatment to more than 400 categories of goods imported from Senegal.

The agreement was inked by Chinese Ambassador to Senegal Lu Shaye and Senegalese Minister for Commerce Mamadou Diop in Dakar, Senegal's capital.

The trade deal will elevate their bilateral trade and economic ties to a new stage and will also foster people-to-people exchanges between the two sides, said Lu.

The two peoples will benefit from the agreement which raised the number of tariff-free Senegalese export products to China from about 190 in 2005 to more than 600, the Chinese ambassador added.

Diop said that the agreement was of great significance for the two countries to strengthen their economic and trade cooperation.

Friendly bilateral cooperation in various fields, particularly in trade and economy, has been booming since China and Senegal resumed diplomatic ties in October 2005, the minister said.

More Senegalese are now running businesses or have started their own enterprises in China, he said, adding that he welcomed more Chinese businessmen to make investment in Senegal.

At the Beijing Summit of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum in 2006, the Chinese government pledged to further open China's market to exports from Africa's least developed countries by raising the number of products enjoying zero-tariff treatment from190 to 440.

Big Dutch firms affected by financial crisis

BRUSSELS, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Large Dutch companies have begun to feel the impact of the financial crisis, with a number of them announcing falling profits and production cuts in the past few days.

On Thursday alone, four major Dutch companies announced that they were suffering from the bad economic conditions, Dutch daily Financiele Dagblad reported Friday.

Post and express delivery company TNT issued a profit warning and said it would be slashing costs in its air freight division. Wholesaler and supermarket concern Sligro reported that its profits would be lower this year than last year.

Steel company Corus, part of India's Tata Steel, said it will cut steel production by 20 percent in the next three years, because demand is being "negatively affected by the consequences of the worldwide financial crisis."

Truck maker DAF Trucks expressed the same intention. DAF Trucks, with its sales falling far short of expectations, plans to cut production, scrap temporary jobs and reduce working hours.

In the last few days, big Dutch companies including chemicals giant AkzoNobel, electronics company Philips, chip-equipment maker ASML and printer and copier concern Oce all said they have been badly affected by the economic downturn and the consequences of the financial crisis.

Sligro's share price has dropped as investors are worried about its profitability at a time of sluggish consumer spending.

The share price of companies like TomTom, the producer of navigation equipment, and building company Heijmans has also been under intense pressure. Heijmans announced a "major streamlining operation" late last month.

The Amsterdam Stock Exchange's AEX index lost 5.6 percent and closed at 248.02 points Thursday, its lowest level this year.

China's sovereign wealth fund raises stake in U.S. company to 12.5%

BEIJING, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- China Investment Corporation (CIC), the country's 200-billion-U.S.-dollar sovereign wealth fund, has raised its stake in U.S. investment group Blackstone LP to more than 10 percent -- still short of the 12.5 percent limit recently agreed between the two parties, a source close to the deal said.

"The investment exceeds 10 percent," the source was quoted by Saturday's China Daily as saying. But the source did not reveal when the investment portion might reach the 12.5 percent limit.

Analysts said the fundamentals of Blackstone might justify CIC's additional investment, although the prospects of the U.S. financial market remain murky.

According to a filing of Blackstone with U.S. regulators, a revised agreement was reached Thursday between the firm and CIC unit Beijing Wonderful Investments Ltd. to raise the limit of CIC's holding of Blackstone stake up to 12.5 percent from the previously agreed 9.99 percent.

There was no official comment from CIC on its additional share purchase.

CIC paid 3 billion U.S. dollars to acquire 101 million shares before Blackstone's June 2007 initial public offering, committing to hold those non-voting common units for four years. Its investment has lost more than two-thirds of its value as Blackstone shares slumped amid global financial turmoil since last year.

When CIC purchased its Blackstone stake last year, the shares were valued at 31 U.S. dollars apiece. They are now worth about 9 dollars.

The purchase of the additional Blackstone stake does not require regulatory approval and can be carried out through the open market and be resold freely.

Different from many U.S. financial institutions that have had to be bailed out by the government, Blackstone's liquidity and asset quality remain sound, the source said, suggesting the CIC investment is aimed at long-term interest.

Mbeki denies deadlock in Zimbabwe power-sharing talks

JOHANNESBURG, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Former South African President Thabo Mbeki denied late Friday that Zimbabwe's power-sharing talks had hit a deadlock, saying negotiations would continue next week in Swaziland.

"The negotiations are continuing. I wouldn't say there is a deadlock," the South African Press Association quoted Mbeki as saying in his first public remarks on the four days of talks.

He said that talks would continue on Monday in Swaziland with the three nations known as the Troika, which make up a security panel of the Southern African Development Community.

Mbeki brokered the power-sharing deal signed one month ago by Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, calling for the formation of a unity government to end months of deadly political turmoil.

The former president insisted that he remained optimistic about the proposed unity government, saying the remaining matters in dispute "are capable of solving themselves quite easily."

EU to restore import customs duties on cereals

BRUSSELS, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) will reintroduce customs duties on cereals imports as a reaction to the price decrease on the market, the European Commission said on Friday.

A statement from the office of Mariann Fischer Boel, EU commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, said a decision would be formally adopted by the commission in the coming days.

But cereals which are already en route into the EU can enjoy duty free.

In order to promote the supply of cereals when the prices hit record levels in Europe last year, the commission decided to temporarily suspend customs duties on imports of most cereals for the 2008/2009 marketing year until June 30, 2009.

The commission said the reintroduction of customs duties on cereals was due to the fact that prices have fallen back.

EU, Canada support world summit on financial crisis

QUEBEC CITY, Canada, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Friday they both support convening an international financial summit to discuss the current crisis by the end of the year.

The two leaders made the remarks at a press conference after a summit between Canada and the European Union. Sarkozy is the 27-member EU's rotating president.

France's President Nicolas Sarkozy (L) shakes hands with Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper before the start of their meeting at the Citadelle in Quebec City October 17, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Sarkozy has been pushing for some time to convene a summit that will seek rebuilding the global financial system to provide strengthening supervision on the markets, in order to prevent any new crisis.

He has gained the support of members of the European Union and is due to meet with U.S. President George W. Bush, together with European Commission President Jos Manuel Barroso, to discuss the crisis.

France's President Nicolas Sarkozy (L) talks with Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper during their meeting at the Citadelle in Quebec City October 17, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Harper added that Canada and the European Union reaffirmed their determination to restore confidence and normal functioning in the financial system.

About the "format" of the summit in sight, Sarkozy explained that the G8 would be a good shape, but he prefers inviting emerging countries for a serious dialogue as to how to face the world's biggest financial crisis since the Great Depression in 1930s.

"It's bizarre" to convene such a summit without inviting emerging countries like China and India, he said.

Sarkozy arrived here on Friday. He is to address the opening ceremony of the 12th Francophone summit later in the day.

Zimbabwe power-sharing talks hit deadlock

HARARE, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe's power-sharing talks, centered on the allocation of ministries in an all inclusive government, collapsed on Friday and were referred to the Southern African Development Community (SADC), according to New Zinana on Saturday.

The SADC and the African Union are joint guarantors of a draft power-sharing deal signed last month by the government and opposition to form an all inclusive government.

Former South African President Thabo Mbeki, the mediator in the talks, told reporters the SADC Organ on Politics, Defense and Security was expected to meet in Swaziland on Monday to deliberate on the stalled power-sharing deal in Zimbabwe.

"We are meeting with the Troika of the SADC Organ on Politics in Mbabane in Swaziland and because we are meeting, they want to hear a report about how far the negotiations have gone," he said. "The negotiations are continuing so all the Zimbabwean principals will be there and we will be there and give this report and discuss the matter in the SADC."

Mbeki, however, denied that the parties had reached a deadlock, saying the negotiations were continuing and the Zimbabwean principals would be afforded (a chance) to argue their cases at the Troika meeting.

He said in his view, the differences between the parties were minor, and could be easily overcome with time. "They are not very difficult," he said.

Mbeki noted that the SADC Troika was keen to see the issue of formation of an inclusive government in Zimbabwe resolved as a matter of urgency.

Mbkei also stressed the leaders of the three political parties involved in the negotiations had expressed commitment to the agreement they signed on September 15 to form an inclusive government as well as to speedily resolve negotiations on outstanding issues, adding they had an obligation to ensure the process did not collapse.

"In fact they did make a determination not to walk out despite their differences and to work hard and continue to sort out problems affecting the country," he said.

Earlier, Zimbabwean President Mugabe had told reporters the negotiations had "gone on very well but in the wrong direction". He refused to comment further on the talks saying the facilitator would do so.

But MDC-T leader Morgan Tsvangirai organized an impromptu press conference to comment on the status of the talks. He said the negotiations had reached a deadlock on the key issue of allocation of ministerial portfolios and therefore had not proceeded to discuss the other two sticking issues, namely discrepancies in the agreements signed on September 11 and 15 and equitable distribution of Provincial Governor posts.

"We believe that for an inclusive government to work, the spirit of equitable sharing of power consistent with the spirit of the agreement signed on September 15 should be embraced," he said. "It appears we are far apart on this principle."

Tsvangirai said his party was concerned that there was an attempt to reduce it to a meaningless position in the coalition government, adding it had always believed that any responsibility should be accompanied by the requisite authority. He said proposals presented, published and gazetted by one party, Zanu-PF were not equitable and therefore not acceptable to his party.

Tsvangirai, however, said his party remained committed to the agreement the three parties signed to resolve the political impasse in the country.

Splinter MDC leader Arthur Mutambara lamented the deadlock over allocation of ministries, which he said would not have happened if the leaders had put the country first before partisan and personal interests. "It is a travesty of justice that out of four days the three Zimbabwean leaders failed to resolve this frivolous issue," he said. "Now we are going to the SADC like children to get instructions on how to run our country."

Mutambara revealed that out of the 31 ministries under discussion, 29 had been agreed on, while of the remaining two, it had been agreed that Finance goes to the MDC-T while major debate had gone on over Home Affairs.

He said following intense debate, it had been resolved that Home Affairs be rotated every six months between the two parties.

Disagreement, however, emerged over who would be the first to run the Ministry, with the MDC-T insisting that it should, he said.

Mutambara expressed confidence that the three leaders would accept the determination of the SADC Troika and return home to commence the business of turning around the economic fortunes of the country.

The SADC appointed Mbeki to mediate in Zimbabwe.

UN says Somali violence uproots over 5,000 in Mogadishu

By Daniel Ooko

NAIROBI, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- The UN refugee agency said an additional 5,500 people have been displaced this week from the capital of strife-torn Somalia, Mogadishu.

A news release from the UN received here Saturday said the figure brings the total number of those uprooted by the fighting between government forces and Islamic insurgents since September 21 to over 61,000.

The violence has reportedly killed 80 civilians and wounded hundreds more. It has also caused thousands to flee their homes, bringing the total number of people uprooted so far this year in Mogadishu to 160,000.

Aid agencies have been stepping up their efforts since the latest surge in fighting to assist those affected in the Horn of Africa nation, which has not had a functioning government since 1991 and is trying to cope with an already dire humanitarian situation due to a combination of conflict and drought.

The clashes that erupted last month in Mogadishu have been some of the worst violence to hit the city in over a year and a half, and began just weeks after the signing of a UN-brokered peace deal between the transitional government and the rebel Alliance for the Re-liberation of Somalia aimed at ending the fighting.

Some 3.2 million people in Somalia, or around 43 percent of the population, are in urgent need of food and other humanitarian assistance.

The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and its partners are continuing to provide safe drinking water to over 100,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs), according to the latest update provided by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

They have also now provided emergency school tents and foundations for 20 classrooms enabling an access to education for another 1,000 children, along the corridor between Mogadishu and the town of Afgooye, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to15,000.

In addition, some 370 teachers from Gedo, Bay and Bakool regions were trained this week in management, educational psychology, emergency education, nutrition and HIV/AIDS by the UNICEF. The training is expected benefit around 70,000 children through improved education service delivery.

Former UN chief promises action on poll probe report

NAIROBI, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Former UN secretary general Kofi Annan has put the perpetrators of the election violence which was sparked by the disputed presidential election on notice, warning those named in the report to be prepared to face consequences.

Former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan (1st R), head of an African Union-backed mediation team for Kenya's political crisis after the disputed general elections late last year, receives a report from Justice Philip Waki (2nd L), chairman of the Commission of Inquiry into Post-Election Violence, at a hotel in Kenyan capital Nairobi Oct. 17, 2008. The report recommends that those behind the riots, which left at least 1,000 people dead and 350,000 others displaced, face a special international tribunal set to be named within 60 days. (Xinhua/Tom Nyamoki)

Speaking when he received the report by the Commission of Inquiry Into Post Election Violence late Friday, Annan said he had already perused the findings and recommendations in the 500-page report which he described as "formidable and comprehensive".

The former UN chief also received a secret envelope containing the names of top politicians, government officials and influential businessmen implicated in organizing the mayhem following disputed polls in 2007.

"I know there will be temptations to speculate about who is on the list and who is not. It is not going to get you anywhere. So try and avoid that kind of speculation until the prosecutor or the judge opens it and does his or her work," he said.

"I think this is the beginning of a new Kenya where the message must go out that impunity will no longer be allowed to stand and people who get into these activities; who commit criminal activities and commit gross and systematic abuse of human rights, will be held into account," he warned.

Prominent politicians and businessmen named in the secret Waki list could be detained once they are charged by the proposed special tribunal. They will only get out of custody if they are acquitted by the tribunal.

Lawyers said setting up the tribunal would require an amendment to the Constitution, which calls for 145 MPs from the current 222.

Law Society of Kenya (LSK) chairman Okong'o Omogeni said the decision by the Waki Commission to set up a special court to try the suspects was a serious indictment to the Kenyan Judiciary.

Similar views were expressed by lawyers Haroun Ndubi, Donald Kipkorir and Paul Muite. However, former LSK chairman Ahmednassir Abdullahi saw it as an indictment to the attorney-general's office.

Former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan (2nd R), head of an African Union-backed mediation team for Kenya's political crisis after the disputed general elections late last year, receives a report from Justice Philip Waki (2nd L), chairman of the Commission of Inquiry into Post-Election Violence, at a hotel in Kenyan capital Nairobi Oct. 17, 2008. The report recommends that those behind the riots, which left at least 1,000 people dead and 350,000 others displaced, face a special international tribunal set to be named within 60 days. (Xinhua/Tom Nyamoki)

Annan said he was confident that Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga would implement the Waki report. He is expected to meet Kibaki and Odinga to discuss implementation of the Waki Report.

Annan said the suggested formation of a special tribunal to try suspects will herald a democratic era for Kenya. Though he did note laborate, Annan asked Kenyans to demand enforcement of the Waki Report recommendations.

Annan also said the UN, the African Union and Group of Eminent Persons who mid-wifed the National Accord that necessitated the inquiry into post-election violence will sustain pressure to ensure its implementation.

"And you the people of Kenya who are potentially also victims would want to support and press for the implementation of the recommendations," he said. "The implementation of these recommendations depends on you Kenyans." Annan added he does not expect local resistance to the formation of a tribunal to try suspects.

The former UN chief also said the international community expects the tribunal to be formed to end the culture of impunity and ... gross violation of human rights and foster a new age of democracy, accountability and the rule of law.

"This (report and recommendations) is the beginning of a new Kenya where a message goes around that impunity will no longer be tolerated and those who commit gross human rights violations will be brought to account."

Justice Waki who chaired the inquiry into post-election violence gave a list of suspects that he said would be given to the proposed tribunal's prosecutor.

He said the report formed part of the agreement signed by the National Dialogue and Reconciliation team which drew membership from both coalition members and representatives of the Panel of Eminent African Personalities.

Justice Waki on his part said his commission had done its best in investigating, analyzing and preparing a detailed report containing findings and recommendations that will form the basis of instituting reforms in the country.

"We did our best and we have now handed over the report for appropriate action. I thank my fellow commissioners and staff who dedicated themselves to coming up with this report," he said, marking the end of the commission's mandate.

The first step towards implementation of the report was seen on Friday when the Police Commissioner Major General Mohammed Hussein Ali announced the formation of a Special Task Force composed of senior female Police officers to investigate all cases of violence against women and particularly those that occurred during the post-election violence.

A dispatch from police headquarters urged rape survivors to report all cases to a special team of senior police officers appointed to investigate the crime.

"The Commissioner of Police is personally urging all women in the affected areas with any complaint to come forward and report to the Task Force. The itinerary of the Task Force showing dates and venues will be advertised on radio and in the newspapers," the statement by Police Spokesman Erick Kiraithe said.

Within the context of the police reforms, it stated, plans are already underway to enlarge the Gender Offices that will be manned by female Police Officers at all police stations to enable victims to report all gender-related crimes with the guaranteed confidentiality and the sensitivity that such cases deserve.

U.S. envoy visits Pakistan amid cross-border incursions

ISLAMABAD, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- The U.S Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher arrived in Islamabad on Saturday amid increasing cross-border missile attacks in Pakistan, local media reported.

Boucher is paying an unannounced visit to Pakistan and will meet Pakistani officials during his stay in Islamabad, News Network International (NNI) news agency said.

Boucher's visit came at a time when the U.S.-led coalition forces have stepped up missiles raids in Pakistan's tribal regions, which sparked anger and complaint from the Pakistani side.

A suspected U.S. pilotless drone on Thursday fired missiles in South Waziristan tribal agency, killing six and injuring five.

Venezuelan president meets with Russian FSB director

CARACAS, Oct. 17 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez on Friday met with Director of Russian Federal Service of Security(FSB) Nikolai Patrushev at the Miraflores Palace to discuss the visit of Russian President Dmitri Medvedev to Venezuela and both navies' maneuver scheduled for Nov. 10-14 in the Caribbean Sea.

The joint military exercise "is not directed against the interests of other countries," Patrushev said, but seeks to contribute to the security of both countries

Russian navy's newest capital ship "Pyotr Veliky" and the nuclear cruiser Peter the Great, together with many Venezuelan ships will take part in the exercise.

The Russian warships departed on Sept. 22 from its base in the Barents Sea and will arrive in Venezuela after traveling 15,000 nautical miles and making a stop in Libya.

Patrushev is making an official visit to Venezuela, heading a delegation with the aim to strengthen bilateral cooperation, Venezuelan government said.

The "multi-faceted cooperation" between Venezuela and Russia was discussed during the meeting, Patrushev said, adding that he was satisfied with bilateral cooperation and had exchanged views with Chavez on the development of economic cooperation between both countries.

They also discussed issues concerning defense and interior affairs, drug trafficking control and the international situation.

Patrushev said President Medvedev would visit Caracas after the bilateral navy exercise. During his visit, both countries are expected to sign a range of agreements.

Olympic Heroes In London Parade

Britain's Olympic and Paralympic athletes are taking part in a heroes parade through the streets of London today. The procession will start at Mansion House and go through St Paul's, Fleet Street and the Strand to Trafalgar Square. All the athletes who went to Beijing have been invited and it will be the first time so many of them will have been able to come together since their return. Team GB will initially arrive at Guildhall for a reception with the Lord Mayor of London.
Read All Article

Olympic and Paralympic Heroes Parade

Two months have passed since the high point for Britain's Olympians in Beijing. Team GB won four gold medals on Saturday, 16 August, adding another four the next day, as swimmers, sailors, rowers and cyclists romped home in eight events. What has happened to those medallists, and the rest of the British team, since stepping off the plane home? As they parade through London on Thursday, has the Beijing bubble burst, or are plans already in place for glory at London 2012? Read All Article

Murray wins but Nalbandian departs

BEIJING, Oct. 17 -- Britain's Andy Murray reached the quarterfinals of the Madrid Masters Thursday after struggling past big-serving Croatian Marin Cilic 7-5, 7-6.

Andy Murray of Britain reacts to a point against Rafael Nadal of Spain during the conclusion of their rain-delayed semi-final match at the U.S. Open at Flushing Meadows in New York Sept. 7, 2008. (Xinhua Photo/File Photo)

However defending champion David Nalbandian of Argentina was easily dethroned 4-6, 2-6 by compatriot Juan Martin del Potro, who is on course for a last-eight meeting with Roger Federer.

Fourth seed Murray started slowly, was broken early and was staring down the barrel in the ninth game of the opening set as Cilic held three set points.

But the Scot roared back with some brave play and helped by some nervous looking shots from the 1.98m Croatian, broke back and then broke again to take the set two games later.

Murray served for the match at 5-3 in the second but Cilic broke back and took it to the tiebreak before the Scot raced away 7-2 to book a place against either US eighth seed Andy Roddick or France's Gael Monfils.

Ninth seed Del Potro, chasing his fifth title of the year, dispatched Nalbandian in just 85 minutes.

Argentina's David Nalbandian reacts after winning a point against Russia's Igor Andreev during their World Group Davis Cup semi-final tennis match in Buenos Aires, Sept. 19, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters, File Photo)

Losing the first set 4-6 was something of a recovery by Nalbandian after del Potro had stolen his first two service games for a 3-0 lead, but in the second set he was simply overpowered.

In the first match of the day, French world No. 16 Gilles Simon came back from two match points down to beat Robby Ginepri 6-7, 6-4, 7-6 in an enthralling 2 hour 36 minute duel against the American qualifier ranked 63 in the world.

On Wednesday, Roger Federer advanced to the third round with a 6-3, 7-6 win over Czech Radek Stepanek on his return from a three-week break.

Serbian third seed Novak Djokovic survived a searching test to beat Romanian Victor Hanescu.

Initially Federer had no such concerns, romping to a 3-0 lead as Stepanek's serve fell apart.

But the world No. 30 stepped up in the second set, winning all but one of the points on his first serve, and seized the advantage in the set decider with a sensational drop shot, before pumping his first wildly in celebration.

Two points later he had even greater impetus as he took a 5-3 lead but could not hold on as Federer applied the pressure to take the tie break 8-6 and win 6-3, 7-6 in one hour and 26 minutes.

(Source: Shanghai Daily/Agencies)

Established order stays that way

PARIS: The established order was respected in Europe on Wednesday night as top nations Italy, England, Germany and Spain all claimed victories to round off the year's 2010 World Cup qualifiers.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (left) vies for the ball with Albania's Admir Teli during the qualifying match for the World Cup 2010 at the Municipal Stadium in Braga, northern Portugal, on Wednesday. The match finished in a 0-0 draw. [Agencies]

England had the most to smile about as their 3-1 victory in Belarus meant they had won four matches out of four, while Germany beat Wales 1-0, world champions Italy had a 2-1 win over Montenegro, and European champions Spain won 2-1 in Belgium.

On a worse note for Spain and his Liverpool club, Fernando Torres suffered a torn muscle in his thigh after being taken off in the match in Brussels.

Spain team doctor Oscar Celada said on Spanish television: "He has intense pain in the back part of the thigh. It is difficult to diagnose now exactly the extent, if it is a question of a strain or a small tear. If it is a strain then he could be out for about a week."

The disciplined regime of Fabio Capello has spelt an unblemished reign at the helm of England so far, a far cry from the previous tenure of Steve McClaren, who was a great number two under Sven-Goran Eriksson but had problems coming into the hotseat and failed to get qualification for Euro 2008.

Capello said he was delighted with the performance lit up by a Wayne Rooney double and Steven Gerrard's opener.

"I am very happy because as I said before the game it was a very important game for us.

"Belarus are a good team and they played very well in the first half. We had a good performance up front but what was very important is that we played like a team.

"If we want to win, we have to play like a team, not like single players. It is very important and tonight I saw one team.

"There is no secret - it is about work, creating a group, creating the mentality and the confidence. This is very important because the players are very good players."

The win left England five points clear of Croatia at the top of the group, but Capello was taking nothing for granted in the wake of England's failure to reach Euro 2008.

"It is another step, an important victory but we have more games to play to go to South Africa," the Italian cautioned.

No more qualifiers till the spring means players can concentrate on club soccer, have a Christmas break, then get back into World Cup action on March 28, though a few nations have games in February.

Rio Ferdinand, who captained the side in the absence of the injured John Terry, added: "The halftime talk was quite simple. He said push up from the back and keep competing.

"You think it is going to be rocket science with a foreign manager but he keeps it simple and that is one of his strengths."

Joachim Loew's Germany side took a sizeable step towards claiming the single guaranteed place at South Africa 2010 from Group Four with three more points against a spirited Welsh side.

Winger Piotr Trochowski unleashed a superb second-half strike to seal the 1-0 win to put them four points clear.

"We are really pleased to have finished the year with six points from the win over Russia (last Saturday) and Wales, it puts us in a good position for next year," said Loew.

Their third win from four qualifying games means Germany are now on 10 points with Russia - who beat Finland 3-0 in Moscow on Wednesday - and plucky Wales lagging behind on six each, but Germany wasted a string of chances.

"We failed to score an early goal and made life a bit hard for ourselves," said captain Michael Ballack after the win over Wales. "In the first-half, we lacked the concentration and a bit of finishing, but things were better in the second-half."

Alberto Aquilani netted a brace as unconvincing Italy edged out Montenegro 2-1 in Group Eight.

AS Roma striker Mirko Vucinic made a goalscoring return to Lecce, where he played for five years but he left disappointed as UEFA's newest nation lost their first ever competitive away match.

It means Italy remain unbeaten and in control of the group with 10 points from four games but once again they failed to set pulses racing and it was only a wildly deflected shot that won the match.

Spanish striker David Villa, who hit a late winner in their 2-1 win against Belgium, was delighted with their victory in Brussels. "This victory was very important and was a serious test for us. We absolutely just had to get the three points," Villa said.

And on his goal, his 23rd which put him level with the same haul for Spain as Real Madrid legend Alfredo Di Stefano, Villa added: "These types of statistics are always nice to know. But I think the main thing was that the goal meant we earned three points against a very solid team."

Agencies

Chile beat Argentina, Brazil held

RIO DE JANEIRO - South American powers Brazil and Argentina failed to fire in World Cup qualifying on Wednesday, while Paraguay cemented its place at the top of the standings.

Chile's Humberto Suazo (right) vies for the ball with Argentina's Nicolas Burdisso during their FIFA World Cup South Africa-2010 qualifying match at the National Stadium in Santiago on Wednesday. Chile defeated Argentina 1-0. [Agencies]

Brazil played out a scoreless draw with struggling Colombia, failing to win at home for the third straight match.

Fans booed the players off the field and loudly jeered Brazil coach Dunga, who was in danger of losing his job after another disappointing home result.

The five-time world champions also endured scoreless draws against then-last-place Bolivia last month and Argentina in June.

In what has become a sad ritual, the home crowd shouted "Ole" when Colombia had possession in the second half, jeered coach Dunga and filed out of the Maracana stadium before the end.

Kaka blamed the 15-hour journey home following Sunday's 4-0 win away to Venezuela in San Cristobal, western Venezuela, for Brazil's lethargy.

"I don't exactly know the reason but our team felt the fatigue and we weren't fast enough," he said. "I don't like to make excuses but the journey took its toll. There are other reasons but the journey was certainly one of them."

Forward Robinho was crest-fallen after being substituted and insulted by the crowd in the second half.

"I didn't play well, I was bad, I didn't manage one dribble or shot on goal," the Manchester City player told reporters. "I wasn't the player I always hope to be.

"We are a long way from what we could be, from the Brazilian football which has always been strong in attack."

Dunga, who fielded three tackling specialists alongside Kaka in midfield, was defiant, pointing to his team's comfortable position in the 10-team South American qualifying group.

"We are in second place and I think this is all a bit exaggerated," he snapped. "Of course we didn't play well but we need to be a little more balanced, it seems as if we are last.

"The opponents managed to mark our team and nullify our attack by closing up. We couldn't penetrate the Colombian defence."

Brazil remained second in the 10-team South American standings, six points behind leader Paraguay which beat Peru 1-0. Argentina and Chile share third place on 16 points.

Uruguay has 13 points, ahead of Ecuador on 12, Colombia on 11, Venezuela on 10, Bolivia on 9 and Peru with 7. The top four will automatically qualify for the 2010 World Cup.

Fabian Orellana scored on debut at Santiago to give Chile its first win over Argentina in official competition. Chile had previously beaten Argentina only in friendlies, and the last was in 1973.

Orellana, a striker with the local Audax Italiano side, scored in the 35th minute with a 12m shot off a cross from defender Gary Medel.

At Asuncion, Paraguay, substitute midfielder Edgar Benitez gave Paraguay a 1-0 win over Peru.

Benitez scored in the 81st minute when a corner caused a scramble for the bouncing ball in the box and Oscar Cardozo deflected to Benitez to score.

Benitez joined the squad only last week for the injured Roque Santa Cruz, and replaced Jonathan Santana 20 minutes before he scored.

Venezuela defeated Ecuador 3-1 to break a four-game losing streak in qualifying.

Isaac Mina put Ecuador ahead in the 11th minute, but as the second half began Venezuela's attack improved before 14,000 screaming fans at General Jose Antonio Anzoategui Stadium in the coastal city of Puerto La Cruz.

Striker Giancarlo Maldonado equalized in the 49th. Nine minutes later, Alejandro Moreno slipped a loose ball past goalkeeper Jose Cevallos for a 2-1 lead.

Juan Arango split the defense in 67th and sent a left-footed blast into the upper right corner to seal Venezuela's third win in 10 matches, and first since last November.

Argentina coach Basile quits after Chile loss

BUENOS AIRES - Argentina coach Alfio Basile quit on Thursday, the day after his team lost 1-0 to Chile in a 2010 World Cup qualifier, the Argentina Football Association (AFA) said.

Argentina's coach Alfio Basile gestures during the World Cup 2010 qualifying game that his team lost 0-1 against Chile in Santiago, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008. [Agencies]

"Basile spoke to the president of AFA (Julio Grondona) and quit for personal reasons," AFA spokesman Ernesto Cherquis told reporters.

"The national teams committee tried to persuade him to postpone his decision but Basile was very decided, very determined (and) the resignation has been accepted."

Basile had been under increasing pressure following a series of poor results and performances from one of the world's most talented teams.

The gravel-voiced coach was appointed in July 2006 for his second stint in the job, having previously been in charge from 1991 to 1994, a period which included the World Cup finals in the United States.

He led Argentina to last year's Copa America final where they were thumped 3-0 by Brazil.

He came under increasing pressure after a run of six successive draws but appeared to have weathered the storm with a 2-1 World Cup qualifying win over Uruguay on Saturday.

However, fans were shocked by the way their team were outclassed by Chile on Wednesday as they lost to their neighbours for the first time in 35 years.

Houston Rockets guard D.J. Strawberry, left, tries to steal the ball from Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in Memphis, Tenn, Oct. 15, 2008. Both Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady sit out Rockets's win over the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday night. [Agencies]

Rockets guard Von Wafer, left, looks to dunk over over Memphis Grizzlies forward Hakim Warrick in the second half in Memphis, Tenn, Oct. 15, 2008. Both Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady sit out Rockets's win over the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday night. [Agencies]

Houston Rockets Luis Scola (4) shoots over Memphis Grizzlies forward Hakim Warrick, left, and Grizzlies guard Quinton Ross, right, in the second half of an NBA preseason basketball game, Oct. 15, 2008, in Memphis, Tenn. Both Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady sit out Rockets's win over the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday night. [Agencies]

China vows to cement ties with Pakistan on Zardari's first Beijing trip

BEIJING, Oct.16 (Xinhua) -- China on Thursday reaffirmed its efforts to advance strategic partnership with Pakistan as President Asif Ali Zardari met extensively with the country's political and business leaders.

"China would like to work with Pakistan to take their substantive cooperation to a new high and benefit their peoples," top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo told Zardari on Thursday afternoon.

Wu Bangguo(R), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), shakes hands with visiting Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari during their meeting in Beijing Oct. 16, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

This was Zardari's first official trip abroad since taking presidency in September.

In their hour-long talks, Wu spoke highly of the 57-year-old China-Pakistan diplomatic relations, citing political trust, economic cooperation and coordination on international issues.

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress(NPC), said the parliaments of the two countries would continue to conduct multi-tier exchanges, injecting a vitality into bilateral strategic partnership.

As part of Zardari's four-day trip to China, the two countries signed more than 10 agreements covering economic cooperation, trade, broadcast and communications satellites, environment, mining, agriculture and technology.

Hailing the visit "fruitful," Zardari said he had in-depth and extensive discussions with Chinese leaders and people of various circles, reaching consensus on further boosting bilateral ties.

Jia Qinglin (R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), shakes hands with visiting Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari in Beijing Oct. 16, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

Later Thursday, top Chinese political advisor Jia Qinglin also met with Zardari at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in downtown Beijing.

Jia hailed the China-Pakistan all-weather partnership, saying it "had withstood the tests and kept up with the time."

In addition to seeking stronger economic ties, Jia proposed the two countries step up cooperation on culture, sports and tourism, promote the exchanges between the young people.

Zardari said Pakistan would work with China to cement neighborly ties, seek stronger cooperation and pass on their friendship.

Early Thursday, Zardari also met with business leaders from such industries as infrastructure, energy and telecommunications.

Zardari will wrap up his Beijing trip on Friday.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao(R) shakes hands with visiting Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari during their meeting in Beijing Oct. 16, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

BEIJING, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to further advance strategic cooperation with Pakistan, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said here Thursday.

During a meeting with visiting Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Wen said China and Pakistan share common interests. Full story

Xie Xingfang

Lin Dan

"I want to try to compete with a relaxed mind and really enjoy playing badminton in future," said Xie, who maintained the world No 1 spot for most of the year before the Beijing Olympic Games only to lose to teammate Zhang Ning in the final.

"If I can manage to do this and adjust myself well, I will continue my sports career," added Xie, who will soon compete in the Denmark and French Open.

She also hopes to win the national championships for the Guangdong provincial team at the 11th National Games next year.

"At the last National Games, Guangdong was the strongest team at that time, but failed to win gold in the team finals, so the team expects me to continue to help them claim the gold next year," Xie said.

With the retirement of Olympic gold medalist Zhang, the 27-year-old Xie has taken over the mantle as the most senior member of the national team.

"I'm now the oldest member in the women's team but I feel no pressure so far," said Xie. "Some young players also did a good job recently."

After the Beijing Games, several Olympians, such as table tennis player Wang Nan, fencing gold medalist Zhong Man and taekwondo player Chen Zhong celebrated their weddings.

But for Xie and her boyfriend Lin, training and competing still top their priority list.

"Their weddings were pleasant and sweet," said Xie. "But right now we will not think about (the possibility of getting married) as Lin is still focusing on his sports career. I can understand and will support him."

(Back L-R) China's Zhou Suhong, Zhao Ruirui, Feng Kun and Li Juan block a spike by Italy's Francesca Piccinini during the FIVB World Grand Prix women's volleyball tournament in Hong Kong June 29, 2008.[Agencies]

Veteran players will pursue different lives - some back in their provincial team in the domestic league, some abroad furthering their careers and some saying goodbye to the sport altogether - as a host of new faces will appear in the national team.

"There are mixed feelings in my heart," said head coach Chen Zhonghe, who began leading the team in 2001. "Next time we get together, some of them will not be there."

Chen steered the then struggling team from rock bottom to the top at the 2001 World Grand Champion Cup shortly after taking over the job and selecting new faces who would later be collectively dubbed the "Golden Generation".

Chen's team continued to produce surprises in 2003, winning the FIVB Grand Prix finals and World Cup before peaking to win the 2004 Athens Games.

There they won back the Olympic gold medal that had eluded China for the past 20 years.

Though the team failed to maintain top form because of injuries to key players after Athens victory, Chen still managed to keep China among the world's elite group.

His under-pressure charges fought hard and finally finished with bronze in Beijing.

There were flowers and applause rather than complaints and criticism after the Beijing Games before the "Golden Generation" wound down in a victorious style with a sweeping win of this month's Asian Cup.

Chen's future is now the subject of much speculation.

Some reports claim he wants to stay and is likely to extend his contract with the sport's governing body - China Volleyball Administrative Center. (CVAC)

But officials from CVAC say the job of selecting a new national coach is yet to begin.

"We have not started the selection work yet and all the reports about the future coach are wrong," said Xu Li, director of CVAC. "The domestic league will finish next April, so the new national team will not be assembled until that time. During this period, we have enough time to think about the coach's job."

Xu paid tribute to Chen's eight-year tenure but refused to talk about his future.

"Chen did a very good job at the past two Olympic Games. With him at the helm, all players and coaches tried their best during the Beijing Games and a bronze medal is a very good result.

"We have never heard of information, or seen plans, or research (about Chen's future). All nonsense."

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