November 29, 2009

Philippines arrests dozens, seizes weapons in province under martial law

MANILA, Dec. 6 -- Philippine troops on Sunday arrested dozens and discovered a second weapons cache as they continued to disarm a local political clan linked to last week's massacre of 57 people in the volatile south.

A military and police team during a raid to a ranch owned by Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. found a stash of 39 assorted high-powered guns including two M-60 light machineguns, a grenade launcher and a cal.50 and cal.30 machineguns, the authorities said.

Philippine police's Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) personnel unearth munitions at the farm of the Ampatuan clan in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao in southern Philippines December 6, 2009. Soldiers using sniffer dogs and shovels dug up rifles, machineguns and hundreds of crates of ammunition at a farm owned by the powerful political clan linked to a massacre of 57 people in the southern Philippines, officials said on Sunday.

It is the second time in this week security forces seized large amount of high-powered weapons allegedly owned by the Ampatuans to supply the family's 200-strong private army.

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on late Friday imposed a martial law in Maguindanao as police and soldiers moved to disarm and arrest the Ampatuan clan, who are suspected of ordering the mass murder of people on a local political rival's election convoy last Nov. 23 in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao.

Andal Ampatuan Jr., mayor of the Datu Unsay town, was arrested and charged with 25 counts of murder.

According to the Philippine law, a martial law allows arrests to be made without warrants and civil rights are suspended for a preliminary period of 60 days.

National police chief Jesus A Verzosa said a total of 47 persons have been arrested in Maguindanao since the martial law was declared.

Philippine police's Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) personnel recover munitions at the farm of the Ampatuan clan in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao, in southern Philippines December 6, 2009.

He said those arrested are undergoing investigation for involvement in an armed resistance against the government as indicated by the massing of forces in several towns, mobilization of local government employees for a stand-off with government forces and stockpiling of weapons.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Victor Ibrado told the thousands of para-military soldiers loyal to the Ampatuans to surrender or to face the military's might.

Ibrado said at least 2,000 militiamen, locally known as civilian volunteer organization (CVO), were monitored to have been massing up in different areas in Maguindanao, a reason for the government to declare the martial law.

"They should surrender and they should also surrender their firearms because we are finding the CVOs involved in the massacre. If they do not surrender, they fight, then we have no other choice," he said.
(Reuters)

A cameraman films a billard of the 15th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15) at Bella Center in Copenhagen, capital of Demark, Dec. 6, 2009. The conference will be held from Dec. 7 to 18.

A man walks past UN Climate Wall prior to the 15th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15) at Bella Center in Copenhagen, capital of Demark, Dec. 6, 2009. The conference will be held from Dec. 7 to 18.

A man walks past a earth ball prior to the 15th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15) at Bella Center in Copenhagen, capital of Demark, Dec. 6, 2009. The conference will be held from Dec. 7 to 18.
(Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

20 injured, 146 detained in day of clashes between police and anarchists in Athens

·Violence marred the anniversary of the 15-year-old Alexandros Grigoropoulos death.
·At least 20 people were injured during violent clashes Sunday afternoon.
·So far 250 people have been detained during street clashes and police operations.

ATHENS, Dec. 6 -- At least 20 people, including 16 police officers and 4 civilians, were injured during violent clashes between Greek police and masked youth in central Athens on Sunday afternoon, one year after 15-year-old Alexandros Grigoropoulos was fatally shot by police.

Demonstrators clash with riot police in central Athens, capital of Greece, Dec. 6, 2009. More than 10,000 policemen have deployed in Athens this weekend, as Greek authorities and citizens fear a replay of last December's riots, exactly one year after the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old student.

The rector of Athens University Christos Kittas was injured when a group of anarchists broke into the university and invaded his office, said police. The rector then suffered a heart attack.

The Chief District Court Prosecutor Yiannis Sakelakos ordered an urgent investigation for attempted murder in this case, opening the way to lift the university asylum, if police consider that suspects involved in the attack are among the people who have occupied the building, as well as other universities in Athens and other cities.

A woman from the Revolutionary Workers Party was injured by a policeman riding a motorbike during clashes that broke out at Syntagma Square, close to the Greek Parliament building.

A few blocks further, at Propylea, the seat of the first university of Athens, hooded protesters threw stones and Molotov bombs against police officers, broke shop windows, torched cars and ATMs, and used burning rubbish bins as barricades, while policemen used tear gas.

More than 10,000 police officers have been deployed in Athens the last few days, as the new socialist government and citizens feared a replay of scenes of destruction and chaos that followed the teenager's death last December.

Greek protestors clash with riot police in Athens on Dec. 6, 2009, during a massive demonstration commemorating the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Alexandros Grigoropoulos one year ago.

Greece was shocked by its worst riots in three decades last year. Even though Sunday's incidents did not reach that extent, violence marred the anniversary of Grigoropulos's death.

So far almost 250 people -101 on Saturday and 146 on Sunday- have been detained during street clashes and police operations in downtown Athens.

Dozens of them will be prosecuted. Among the youths detained are the two children of the Deputy president of the Greek parliament Grigoris Niotis, who commented "I have full confidence in Greek justice, as I have confidence in my children."

His daughter, a lawyer, and his son, a postgraduate student, were detained in a hangout where police seized materials that are used for Molotov bombs and gas masks.

Clashes between anarchists and police occurred briefly on Sunday evening also at the Greek capital's Olympic Stadium, where the 2004 Olympic Games opening and closing ceremony took place, forcing a break at a soccer game of the national championship.

A visitor takes pictures in front of a giant poster in a large Science Popularity Tour Show on the theme of Cracking the Hair Secret in Suzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, Dec. 5, 2009. The exhibition, which is interactive with visitors to stir their interests to take part in, comprises four parts, namely, From Life to Material, Products Science, Simulative Hair Salon, and Hair of the World.

A visitor experiences the visual effect of changing her own hairstyle in a large Science Popularity Tour Show on the theme of Cracking the Hair Secret in Suzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, Dec. 5, 2009.

A visitor looks at a unique hairstyle on display in a large Science Popularity Tour Show on the theme of Cracking the Hair Secret in Suzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, Dec. 5, 2009.

Some visitors watch various unique hairstyles on display in a large Science Popularity Tour Show on the theme of Cracking the Hair Secret in Suzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, Dec. 5, 2009.
(Xinhua/Hang Xingwei)

People look at pictures on display during a photo exhibition on climate change in Danish capital Copenhagen on Dec. 6, 2009. The United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009 will open in Copenhagen on Monday.

(Xinhua/Xu Suhui)

Social Democrat leader Geoana wins Romanian presidential run-off: exit polls

BUCHAREST, Dec. 6 -- Social Democrat leader Mircea Geoana has won Romania's presidential run-off on Sunday, according to the first exit poll announced as voting ended at 9:00 p.m. ( 1900 GMT).

Geoana captured 51.6 percent of the vote, while his rival, incumbent President Traian Basescu, trailed with around 48.4 percent, showed the exit poll conducted by the INSOMAR National Institute for Opinion Surveys and Marketing, aired by the Realitatea TV commercial channel. In the first round of the election in November 22, the differences between the INSOMAR exit poll estimates and the actual vote were some 0.5 percentage points.

Romanian Social Democrat leader Mircea Geoana (R) celebrates his victory with his wife at the Social Democratic Party's headquarters in Bucharest, capital of Romania, Dec. 6, 2009. Mircea Geoana has won Romania's presidential run-off on Sunday, according to the first exit poll announced as voting ended at 9:00 p.m. (1900 GMT). Geoana captured 51.6 percent of the vote, while his rival, incumbent President Traian Basescu, trailed with around 48.4 percent, showed the exit poll conducted by the INSOMAR National Institute for Opinion Surveys and Marketing, aired by the Realitatea TV commercial channel.

The Company for Sociological Research and Branding (CCSB ) gave Geoana a 2.4-percent lead in the presidential run-off against Basescu, while CURS exit poll put the figure at 50.8 percent to 49.2 percent. A fourth poll, by CSOP, shows both candidates at a 50-50 tie.

Basescu is endorsed by the ruling Democratic-Liberal Party, while Geoana is a candidate of the Social Democratic Party- Conservative Party Alliance, supported by other parliamentary oppositions, including the National Liberal Party and the Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania.

Romanian Social Democrat leader Mircea Geoana (C) celebrates his victory at the Social Democratic Party's headquarters in Bucharest, capital of Romania, Dec. 6, 2009.

"Ours is a victory for normality, it is the victory of Romanians who want a better life," Geoana said Sunday evening after exit-polls showed him winner of the presidential run-off, adding a new government led by Sibiu mayor Klaus Johannis will be set up in a few days.

Basescu also claimed victory on Sunday evening, stressing that "I want to summarize the outcome of this election: we have won. We did it as we did back in 2004." He asked his voters to be patient until the votes have been counted.

Geoana, former ambassador to the United States and ex-foreign minister, pocketed 31.15 percent of the vote in the first round of the election in November 22, 1.29 percent less than the incumbent president.

Romanian incumbent President Traian Basescu announces his winning in the presidential run-off at the Democratic-Liberal Party's headquarters in Bucharest, capital of Romania, Dec. 6, 2009. Basescu also claimed victory on Sunday evening, asking his voters to be patient until the votes have been counted while the first exit poll conducted by the INSOMAR National Institute for Opinion Surveys and Marketing showed Social Democrat leader Mircea Geoana has won a slim-lead over Basescu.

Romania has been in the hands of a caretaker government since mid-October, when its democrat liberal government was ousted in a non-confidence vote in parliament and Basescu failed to push through parliament his nominations for a new prime minister.

The presidential run-off election on Sunday has been widely seen as crucial for Romania. The winner will have to move quickly to name the country's new prime minister and resolve a political crisis that has led international donors to postpone a massive aid package -- the third installment of a 20-billion-euro (29.65 billion U.S. dollar) bailout package led by the International Monetary Fund.
(Xinhua)

Dancers perform onstage on the Avenue de Mayo in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Dec. 5, 2009 as the city celebrates its annual Dia del Tango (Tango Day) that draws citizens to dance in the open air.

(Xinhua/Martin Zabala)

City Hall and the Freedom Monument are illuminated with Christmas decorations on the main square in Tbilisi, December 6, 2009.

People walk on the street illuminated with Christmas decorations in Tbilisi, December 6, 2009.

Parliament building is decorated with Christmas tree in Tbilisi December 6, 2009.

Parliament building is decorated with Christmas tree in Tbilisi December 6, 2009.
(Reuters)

Media stands in front of the chalet 'Milky Way' of Oscar-winning film director Roman Polanski in the Swiss mountain resort of Gstaad December 6, 2009.

Photographers stand in the snow behind a fence near the chalet 'Milky Way' of Oscar-winning film director Roman Polanski in the Swiss mountain resort of Gstaad December 6, 2009.
(Reuters)

Taylor Swift performs at KIIS FM's Jingle Ball 2009 in Los Angeles December 5, 2009.

(Reuters)

Liu Xiang warms up at the Shanghai Xinzhuang training base on Saturday before his latest physical check with U.S. doctor Tom Clanton.

BEIJING, Dec. 7 -- China's star hurdler, Liu Xiang. has been given a clean bill of health following his latest check-up on Saturday.

A year after Liu had surgery on his right Achilles tendon in Houston, his U.S. doctor, Tom Clanton, arrived Shanghai on Friday to check on his star patient. After reviewing scans of Liu's foot and watching him train on Saturday, Clanton, who performed the operation on Liu, said the foot had fully recovered and he could resume intensive training.

"Today is very special, after the ups and downs of the past year, this means a lot to us," said Liu's coach, Sun Haiping, after Clanton's verdict on Saturday. "When we decided on surgery we said 'we will be sure to come back' and today I can finally say, 'Liu is back!'."

The severe foot injury forced the former Olympic and world champion to pull out of the first round of the men's 110m hurdles at the Beijing Games in August last year. Since then, Liu, China's biggest track and field star, had faced doubts about his ability to return to top-flight athletics.

After more than a year of quiet rehabilitation, Liu returned to the spotlight in his hometown of Shanghai in September at the Golden Grand Prix. He finished in a surprising time of 13.15 seconds and was only narrowly beaten by world No 2 Terrence Trammell of the U.S. Although the time was slower than his former world record of 12.88 seconds, it was enough to give Liu a big confidence boost.

A month later, he clocked 13.34 to win his third China Games title and continued his good form at the Asian Championships last month with a victory in 13.50.

"The past year has been very tiring, both physically and psychologically," Liu said, "I made a lot of effort to conquer it (the injury) and now I am very happy to say I have beaten it.

"I won't think too much about the future but I hope to do well, step by step. I still have some years left to strive for good results. I am confident I can still do better."

Coach Sun remains concerned about the foot and says caution is still the most important thing.

"The scan showed his Achilles tendon has recovered very well but there are still shadows there so we can't say he is 100 percent," Sun said. "For normal people, Liu's foot is recovering well enough but for athletes it is a different story. The result of Clanton's check is an important factor in our training plans but it doesn't mean we have no worries at all. We still have to intensify training gradually."

Liu's schedule includes the on-going East Asian Games in Hong Kong, which will be his last competition before indoor winter training. His first international race next year will be the World Indoor Championships in Doha next March.

"Liu will undergo intensive training during the winter and his outdoor races next year may all be in Asia. I don't expect his results to improve much; I just want him to get used to the atmosphere of international competitions again. The (Olympic) year 2012 is the most important one for us," he said.
Source: China Daily

Danilo Gallinari (L) of New York Knicks passes the ball during the NBA basketball game against New Jersey Nets in New York, the United States, December 6, 2009. Knicks won the match 106-97.

Danilo Gallinari (C) of New York Knicks runs with the ball during the NBA basketball game against New Jersey Nets in New York, the United States, December 6, 2009. Knicks won the match 106-97.

Terrence Williams (C) of New Jersey Nets drives to the basket during the NBA basketball game against New York Knicks in New York, the United States, December 6, 2009. Knicks won the match 106-97.

David Lee (L) of New York Knicks drives to the basket during the NBA basketball game against New Jersey Nets in New York, the United States, December 6, 2009. Knicks won the match 106-97.

Larry Hughe (R) of New York Knicks runs with the ball during the NBA basketball game against New Jersey Nets in New York, the United States, December 6, 2009. Knicks won the match 106-97.

Al Harrington (R) of New York Knicks shoots a basket during the NBA basketball game against New Jersey Nets in New York, the United States, December 6, 2009. Knicks won the match 106-97.

Devin Harris (R) of New Jersey Nets runs with the ball during the NBA basketball game against New York Knicks in New York, the United States, December 6, 2009. Knicks won the match 106-97.

Devin Harris (C) of New Jersey Nets drives to the basket during the NBA basketball game against New York Knicks in New York, the United States, December 6, 2009. Knicks won the match 106-97.
(Xinhua/Shen Hong)

Nets' Yi needs 50 stitches to close cut lip

NEW YORK, Dec. 6 -- Injured New Jersey Nets forward Yi Jianlian needs 50 stitches to close a cup in upper lip after he was inadvertently elbowed by teammate Sean Williams while playing 3-on-3 after practice on Saturday.

Chinese forward Yi Jianlian gets knee injuries in a game against Bobcats, Nov. 2, 2009.

The cut wound is expected to cost Yi at least another week after he missed 15 games with a sprained right knee and hoped to return on Sunday.

The Chinese Olympian will be evaluated next Monday.

"Sometimes these things work out for the best," coach Kiki Vandeweghe said before the Nets' game against the Knicks.

"He really wanted to get back, was very anxious to get back, so maybe he was hurrying himself a little bit and he'll be fully recovered when he gets back."

Yi has been sidelined since injuring his knee in a game against Charlotte early last month.

He is averaging 9.8 points and 7.5 rebounds.

Chinese forward Yi Jianlian gets knee injuries in a game against Bobcats, Nov. 2, 2009.
(Reuters)

Manchester City's Emmanuel Adebayor (R) challenges Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic (L) during their English Premier League soccer match in Manchester, northern England, December 5, 2009.

LONDON, Dec. 5 -- Carlos Tevez's fantastic free kick gave Manchester City a thrilling 2-1 win over Chelsea at Eastlandson Saturday. The victory also benefited their city rivals Man United as the Red Devils defeated West Ham to chase Premier Leagueleaders Chelsea closer in two points.

Man City suffered an early setback as Emmanuel Adebayor deflected the ball into his own net on eight minutes after goalkeeper Shay Given saved well from Nicolas Anelka. But the Togostriker made amends later by slotting in from close range eight minutes from the interval.

Man City continued to threaten the visitors with quick counterattacks in the second half and Argentina forward Tevez fired home a 56th minute set-piece to give the hosts their first league victory in eight games.

Chelsea gained a great opportunity to draw the match on 82 minutes, but England midfielder Frank Lampard's spot kick was held back by Given heroically.

The failure cut Chelsea's lead over Man United to two points only, as the defending champions grabbed three points from West Ham with four goals to nil.

Veteran Paul Scholes broke the deadlock in the stoppage time of the first half before Darron Gibson added a second six minutes after the restart. Then Antonio Valencia and Wayne Rooney struck in quick succession to seal the win.

Arsenal enjoyed a 2-0 victory over Stoke City while Liverpool finished their trip to Blackburn with a 0-0 tie. Aston Villa beat Hull City 3-0. Portsmouth sank Burnley 2-0. Wigan were defeated by Birmingham City 3-2. Wolverhampton overplayed Bolton 2-1.

Chelsea's manager Carlo Ancelotti wipes rain off his face during the English Premier League soccer match against Manchester City in Manchester, northern England, December 5, 2009.

Manchester City's striker Carlos Tevez celebrates scoring a goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Chelsea at the City Of Manchester Stadium in Manchester. Tevez did his old side Manchester United a favour by scoring the winner as Manchester City beat leaders Chelsea 2-1 in the English Premier League.
(Reuters)

Competitors perform during the Ukrainian bodybuilder competition in Kiev December 5, 2009.

A competitor prepares backstage for the Ukrainian bodybuilder competition in Kiev December 5, 2009.

Competitors prepare backstage for the Ukrainian bodybuilder competition in Kiev December 5, 2009.
(Reuters)

China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen addresses the opening ceremony of the 2009 East Asian Games in Hong Kong, south China, Dec. 5, 2009.

Chinese State Councilor Liu Yandong declares open the 2009 East Asian Games in Hong Kong, south China, Dec. 5, 2009.

The East Asian Games cauldron is lit during the opening ceremony of the 2009 East Asian Games in Hong Kong, south China, Dec. 5, 2009.

The delegation of China walks into the opening ceremony of the 2009 East Asian Games in Hong Kong, south China, Dec. 5, 2009.

The delegation of Chinese Taipei walks into the opening ceremony of the 2009 East Asian Games in Hong Kong, south China, Dec. 5, 2009.

The delegation of China's Hong Kong walks into the opening ceremony of the 2009 East Asian Games in Hong Kong, south China, Dec. 5, 2009.

China's national flag and the flag of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region are raised during the opening ceremony of the 2009 East Asian Games in Hong Kong, south China, Dec. 5, 2009.

Fireworks explode over the Victoria Harbour during the opening ceremony of the 2009 East Asian Games in Hong Kong, south China, Dec. 5, 2009.

Fireworks explode over the Victoria Harbour during the opening ceremony of the 2009 East Asian Games in Hong Kong, south China, Dec. 5, 2009.
(Xinhua/Liu Siu Wai)

olympic spirit

Philippines arrests dozens, seizes weapons in province under martial law

Copenhagen ready for Climate Change Conference

20 injured, 146 detained in day of clashes between police and anarchists in Athens

Science Popularity Tour Show on hair secret

Photo exhibition on climate change held in Copenhagen

Social Democrat leader Geoana wins Romanian presidential run-off: exit polls

Passionate Dia del Tango in Argentina

Christmas decorations illuminate night sky

Polanski released into house arrest

Taylor Swift rocks!

Doctor: Hurdler Liu has fully recovered

New York Knicks beat New Jersey Nets 106-97

Nets' Yi needs 50 stitches to close cut lip

Man City sinks Chelsea to benefit Man United

Power and beauty

2009 East Asian Games opens in HK

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