Indian Home Minister Submits Resignation Following Mumbai Attacks
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Indian officials say Shivraj Patil's decision follows a meeting of the ruling Congress Party late Saturday
The political fallout from the Mumbai terror attack is beginning to take its toll on the administration of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. As Mr. Singh convened an all-party meeting to discuss security, his home minister submitted his resignation. VOA Correspondent Steve Herman reports from New Delhi. Indian Home Minister Shivraj Patil, left, and Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee, right, look on during a Congress Working Committee meeting on the Mumbai terrorist attack, in New Delhi, 29 Nov 2008India's home minister resigned Sunday - the first political casualty after the unprecedented terror attack on the country's commercial capital. Even before Mumbai was attacked, Home minister Shivraj Patil had been a target of opposition parties for his allegedly poor performance as the cabinet member tasked with domestic security. He is to be replaced by the respected finance minister, Palaniappan Chidambaram. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is expected to takeover the finance portfolio. �A senior leader of the opposition BJP party, Arun Jaitley, says the resignation of the home minister will not be enough to address the government's security failures.� �"This government has no moral right to survive now," Jaitley said.�� "It is this weak policy of this government where the entire intelligence network had collapsed, the security responses were poor, the legal framework dealing with terrorism is non-existent. I think the prime minister must address the right questions, he'll find the right answers." �Some of India's major media outlets are blasting the political establishment. The Times of India published a front page comment in its Sunday edition titled "Our politicians fiddle as innocents die." A Hindustan Times columnist blasted what he called incompetent politicians for using "terrorism as an excuse to win votes."Television news channels criticized politicians for showing up at the scene of the terror attacks to make public comments while commandos were still battling the gunmen. Abhishek Manu Singhvi of the Congress Party, which heads the governing coalition, defends the administration, saying it is taking matters seriously. �"It's a very serious issue for the nation that is being grappled with at the highest levels," Singhvi said. The political fallout began as Prime Minister Singh convened an all-party meeting Sunday afternoon to discuss security and attempt to avoid the Mumbai terror attacks leading to political upheaval and possibly sparking communal violence between Hindus and Muslims. Islamic terrorists are blamed for the nearly 60-hour siege of Mumbai which left about 175 people dead, including 18 foreigners, at ten locations.
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Ethnic Clashes Kill 17 in Pakistan
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Security forces are patrolling Karachi, where angry mobs have rampaged in parts of the city, firing guns and setting fire to cars
Pakistani fire fighters struggle to extinguish a fire torched by rioters at a timber market in Karachi, Pakistan, 30 Nov 2008At least 17 people have been reported killed and more than 60 hurt in clashes between rival ethnic and political groups in the Pakistani city of Karachi over the past two days.Security forces are patrolling Karachi Sunday to prevent further violence between members of a political party that represents Urdu speakers, Muttahida Qaumi Movement, and another that represents Pashtuns, Awami National Party.� Troops have been given orders to use their guns if necessary.Since Saturday, angry mobs have rampaged in parts of the city, firing guns and setting fire to cars.Today in northwest Pakistan, police say militants attacked a security post in the town of Bannu, close to the Afghan border, killing three police.� Three militants were killed in the fighting.In nearby Lakki Marwat, another three policemen were killed when Taliban insurgents launched rockets at a security checkpoint.Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
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Kabul Suicide Blast Kills 2 Civilians Near Parliament
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Police say three other people, also civilians, were wounded in Sunday's attack
Afghan officials say a suicide bomb has killed at least two civilians and wounded several others in an attack that appeared to have been directed at a German Embassy officials. VOA's Barry Newhouse has this report from the Afghan capital. A German security man stands guard after a suicide attack on a German Embassy vehicle in Kabul, Afghanistan, Sunday, 30 Nov. 2008The attack occurred near Afghanistan's parliament Sunday afternoon, close to a Toyota Landcruiser carrying a group of foreigners. �Witnesses said the bomber was on foot when he tiggered the blast. Mohammedajan, a young bicycle repairman, was working nearby at the time of the explosion. �He says I was talking to one of my friends when the blast occurred. After it, he says we flattened ourselves against the ground until the police came. Afghanistan's parliament is a heavily guarded compound ringed by tall blast walls. The explosion took place some 200 meters away, near a high school and a convoy of NATO troops. �Kabul's police chief Mohammad Ayub Salangi said those killed were civilians. �He says the bomber was targeting a German embassy vehicle. He says none of the officials were wounded in the attack. Afghan President Hamid Karzai has condemned the blast and expressed his condolences to the victims. The suicide bombing is the second in Kabul since Thursday, when a car bomb blast killed four people and wounded some 20 others outside the U.S. embassy.Afghanistan has experienced a surge in Taliban attacks this year. But in Kabul in recent months, locals have expressed as much concern over a rise in criminal activity as terrorist attacks. For-profit kidnappings, robberies and car-jackings have plagued Afghan businessmen. Kidnappers have also targeted foreigners. Taliban spokesmen have denied responsibility for many of the crimes, but on Sunday, Kabul's police chief told reporters there is solid evidence of links between some of the capital's criminal gangs and Taliban militants. �
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Obama to Name Hillary Clinton Top US Diplomat
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To clear the way for Clinton to serve as Mr. Obama's top diplomat, officials say her husband - former President Bill Clinton - has agreed to disclose the names of all donors to his foundation
U.S. President-elect Barack Obama is expected to name his former rival Hillary Clinton as his nominee for Secretary of State on Monday.Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton in Harrisburg, PA, 21 Nov 2008
Mr. Obama will also announce other members of his national security team during a press conference in Chicago Monday morning.� He is expected to keep Robert Gates as defense secretary and name retired Marine General Jim Jones as national security advisor.Mr. Obama and Senator Clinton competed for the Democratic presidential nomination in a long and bruising contest.To clear the way for Clinton to serve as Mr. Obama's top diplomat, officials say her husband - former President Bill Clinton - has agreed to disclose the names of all donors to his foundation.� Mr. Clinton is expected to reveal more than 200,000 names in order to avoid any appearance of conflict of interest. � Mr. Clinton will also refuse donations from foreign governments to his charity - the Clinton Global Initiative.Officials say the former president has also agreed not to hold CGI meetings overseas and submit his speaking schedule and information about his business activities for review.�
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Zimbabwe Says Cholera Has Killed 425
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Head of a Zimbabwean doctors' association, Zimbabwe Doctors for Human Rights chairman Douglas Gwatidzo, estimates that cholera has killed more than 800 people in the country
A grave digger works on a gravesite at the Mbudzi cemetary in Harare, Zimbabwe, 25 Nov 2003Zimbabwe's health minister says a cholera outbreak has killed at least 425 people in his country since August.David Parirenyatwa told Zimbabwe's state-run Sunday Mail newspaper the outbreak is likely to worsen as the rainy season begins. He says rainwater could wash human feces into shallow wells, contaminating a key water source for impoverished people.Zimbabwe's economic crisis has led to a collapse in sewage and water systems and garbage collection. Many communities have no clean water, forcing people to dig wells and use latrines in their yards.The head of a Zimbabwean doctors' association, Zimbabwe Doctors for Human Rights chairman Douglas Gwatidzo, estimates that cholera has killed more than 800 people in the country. He says determining the death toll is difficult because of what he called an information blackout by the government in the early days of the outbreak. The Zimbabwean health minister insists the government's cholera figures are accurate, saying he discusses the outbreak with doctors around the country every day. He says the disease has infected 11,000 people in recent months.Cholera cases also have been reported in neighboring Botswana and South Africa, prompting U.N. officials to warn the outbreak is taking on a dangerous regional dimension.Authorities in the Zimbabwe capital, Harare, are offering free graves to families of cholera victims. A grave costs about $30, a price out of reach for most Zimbabweans struggling to cope with hyperinflation of more than 200 million percent. Cholera causes severe diarrhea and vomiting, but is easily prevented by washing hands, cleaning foods and keeping drinking water away from sewage. Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.�
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Calm Gradually Returns to Nigerian City After Riots
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Soldiers restore order after several people killed, hundreds injured in two days of clashes between Christians and Muslims in riot-hit Jos
Reports from the central Nigerian city of Jos say calm is slowly returning after two days of post-election clashes between Muslims and Christians. In Abuja, Gilbert da Costa reports governments troops have taken control of the streets in Jos, though some incidents of sporadic violence were still being reported.Soldiers with the authority to use deadly force to restore order have increased security and are patrolling the streets of riot-hit Jos.Several people were reported killed and hundreds injured in two days of clashes between Christians and Muslims. Local residents say sporadic gunfire could still be heard in some parts of the city, though security has improved.The president of the 50,000 strong motorcycle taxi drivers association in Plateau state, of which Jos is the capital, is Shehu Babangida. He told VOA at least 500 people have been killed in two days of post-election violence as mobs burned homes, churches and mosques."At the moment, I can authoritatively tell you that there are over 500 dead people at the Masalaci [central mosque], apart from serious destruction of property, homes, shops and cars and so on and so forth," he said.Officials say the final count could be much higher as the death toll did not include hospital figures, victims already buried, or those taken to other places of worship.The Red Cross says thousands of people have fled their homes and are seeking refuge in government buildings and religious centers.Some of those displaced say they have had little help from the authorities. Among a group of 10,000 Hausa Muslims sheltering at a local primary school is Abdullahi Mohammed."We are more than 10,000 people - men, children and women. We are choked in one place. We don't have water, no food, not even medicine to take of those who are injured and the children. We don't have Red Cross or any organization looking after us. I don't understand what the government is doing. Government did not recognize where we are," said Mohammed. "They did not even mention us in their media that the people of Tudun Wada are now refugees."A spokesman for Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang said hundreds of youths found to be carrying weapons had been arrested at military roadblocks.The tensions in Plateau have roots in decades of resentment by indigenous minority groups, mostly Christian or animist, toward migrants and settlers from Nigeria's Hausa-speaking Muslim north.
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Pirates Agree to Release Ukraine Ship
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Somali pirates have reportedly agreed to release a Ukrainian ship and its military cargo in return for a $3-million ransom from the vessel's owner
Somali pirates have reportedly agreed to release a Ukrainian ship and
its military cargo in return for a ransom from the vessel's owner.News agencies say several people involved in the case confirmed the deal Sunday, including a spokesman for the pirates, Sugule Ali, a man, Mikhail Voitenko, representing the owner, and a Kenyan maritime official, Andrew Mwangura.The reports said the pirates and the owner of the MV Faina were continuing to discuss how the ransom should be delivered. The pirates initially demanded a $35-million ransom, but later lowered their demand to $3 million.Pirates captured the Ukrainian ship on September 24 in the Gulf of Aden as it headed to Kenya, carrying Russian-made (T-72) tanks, ammunition and other military hardware. About 20 crew members have been held on the vessel, mostly Ukrainians and Russians.Kenya says it was the intended recipient of the Faina's� military cargo. But maritime officials and diplomats in the region have said the cargo was destined for the government of Sudan's southern autonomous region.Somali pirates have captured about 15 vessels in a recent wave of hijackings that has forced international warships to patrol the Gulf of Aden. On November 15, pirates took a Saudi tanker carrying $100 million worth of oil.� Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
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Counter-Demonstrations Boost Tensions in Thai Capital
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Unknown assailants threw explosives into a crowded site of a government house compound protesters have occupied since late August
Thousands of Thai government supporters have rallied in downtown Bangkok to denounce anti-government demonstrators who are seeking to oust Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat.� Meanwhile, explosions at key anti-government protest sites in the Thai capital have left more than 50 people injured as political tensions continued to escalate. As Ron Corben reports, leaders of the anti-government protests have vowed to press on with the occupation ahead of a crucial court decision this week that may lead to the government's resignation. Anti-government protesters shout and cheer to activities on stage during protest at government house in Bangkok, 29 Nov 2008Grenade explosions occurred late Saturday night.� Unknown assailants threw the explosives into a crowded government compound protesters have occupied since late August.� More than 50 people were injured.Attacks also occurred at an anti-government television station with a second attack at the largely domestic airport of Don Muang 30 kilometers from Bangkok. At least two people have died and dozens wounded in the escalating violence of recent weeks.The attacks have risen since the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy or PAD occupied the main international airport of Suvanabhumi last Tuesday, forcing the airport's closure. Protests then closed the Don Muang airport two days later. Suwai, a supporter at a pro-government community radio station, says he fears for the country's future. Pro-government demonstrators with one holding a portrait of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra gather during a rally to support Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat outside city hall Sunday, 30 Nov. 2008 in Bangkok "I feel I am not safe and I look forward and I cannot see the future for my country," Suwai said. "We close the country at the airport,� we cannot import/export.� We can not do business." �PAD leaders Sunday vowed to press ahead with the protests despite crippling the multi-million dollar tourism and travel industry. Industry sources say up to one million jobs are threatened together with accumulating daily financial losses running into millions of dollars. Efforts are underway to assist up to 100,000 stranded passengers to leave through a Vietnam-war era airport at U-Tapao, 140 kilometers southeast from Bangkok.� Thousands of foreign and local passengers have descended on the airport in recent days in a bid to leave Thailand. The national carrier, Thai Airways International, foreign embassies and Thai officials have been working throughout the day to transport as manytravelers out of the country as possible.� Officials estimate the protests could cut in half the number of tourist arrivals to Thailand in 2009, to around sevenmillion people. �Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, now in the northern city of Chiang Mai, Friday declared a state of emergency in and around the two main airport terminals. Police have been attempting to negotiate with the PAD to leave the airports.� Airport authorities say the earliest the terminals may open again isTuesday.Thai police man a checkpoint near the Suvarnabhumi airport compound Sunday 30 Nov. 2008 in Bangkok ThailandAreewat Wortagorn, a PAD supporter, says the situation will only be resolved with the resignation of the Prime Minister, Somchai Wongsawat. �"Somchai out and the government stop to work and then have a new government by the people.� Then we will move out from everyplace from the airport, from Suvanabhumi," Areewat said.On Tuesday a constitutional court is to hand down its verdict on whether Mr. Somchai's governing People's Power Party, and other coalition partners are guilty of electoral breaches. The government would be forced to dissolve parliament. �The PAD has accused Mr. Somchai, the brother-in-law of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, of remaining under Mr. Thaksin's influence. Mr. Thaksin fled Thailand in August amid charges of corruption. He was later found guilty of corruption and sentenced to two years prison. But pro-Thaksin supporters have accused the judiciary of bias. Mr. Thaksin gained widespread popularity among the rural and urban poor for his populist economic policies. The middle class accuse him of authoritarianism and corruption.� �
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Romania Holds Parliamentary Elections
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Latest opinion polls show close race between two opposition parties -- the former communist Social Democrats and centrist Liberal Democrats, with about 30 percent support each
Voters in Romania are electing a new parliament Sunday, amid concerns the global economic crisis will bring layoffs and painful austerity measures to the former Communist nation. As Stefan Bos reports for VOA from Budapest, voters are likely to punish Romania's current pro-Western leaders who have been criticized as out of touch with Romanians.Romanian Gypsy women cast their votes in Sintesti, Romania, Sunday, 30 Nov. 2008Polling stations opened early Sunday in Romania for an election that was expected to alter the political landscape.Opinion polls indicate former Communists, now known as the Romanian Social Democrats, may overtake the ruling center-right National Liberal Party of the pro-Western Prime Minister Calin Popescu Tariceanu.Although Mr. Tariceanu led Romania into the European Union, there has been concern over his perceived inability to tackle social tensions in the country, including massive layoffs linked to the global financial crisis.The country's main car maker and food and steel factories dismissed some four thousand people last month alone, and many of their suppliers have said they will fire workers as well.Speaking at an election rally ahead of Sunday's vote, Social Democrats leader Mircea Geoana said his party would be the best choice to revive years of economic growth and more social benefits. His comments were translated by France 24 Television. "The approaching crisis calls for a Socialist administration with its stability and professionalism. On the 30th of November we will win our greatest victory," Geoana said.Women walk in front of electoral posters downtown Bucharest, Romania a day before the country holds parliamentary electionsHowever President Traian Basescu, an ally of the opposition Democrat Liberal Party, has the power to name the next prime minister, no matter who wins.In the sixth election since Communism was ended by a bloody revolt in 1989, Romanians will for the first time choose among individual candidates for senators and deputies, rather than party lists, to fill the 452-member parliament.As he cast his ballot, President Basescu said he hoped the new voting system would result in a better functioning Parliament for this nation of 22 million people. He says the new parliament should be filled with "those with experience who have already been in power." Mr. Basescu adds he also wants to see a new, young generation participating in politics who he says represent "courage and cleanness" in politics.Some smaller parties are likely to play a role in future coalitions, including the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania, which governed with the current prime minister. The party is backed by many voters of the country's ethnic Hungarian minority of some 1.5 million people. It is expected to receive about five percent of the nationwide ballots cast.� �
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Shuttle Endeavour to Land After Space Station Mission
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NASA officials at Mission Control say they are watching weather patterns in Florida to see when the shuttle Endeavour can safely return to Earth
Space Shuttle Endeavour is preparing to land after an 11-day mission to the International Space Station. VOA's Brian Wagner reports that officials are trying to schedule the landing Sunday to avoid high winds and rain showers in Florida. Clouds move in behind the Vehicle Assembly building as unfavorable weather prevented space shuttle Endeavour from landing at its home base at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., 30 Nov. 2008NASA officials at Mission Control say they are watching weather patterns in Florida to see when the shuttle Endeavour can safely return to Earth. �"The first opportunity for landing at Kennedy Space Center was waved off earlier due to forecasts that showed cross winds out of limits for Endeavour's return, in addition to thunderstorms and rain within the area." Officials say weather may continue to pose a problem for a second opportunity in Florida. If not, weather conditions are good at the back-up landing site at Edwards Air Force Base in California.The Endeavour crew was on a 16-day mission to space, which included delivering new supplies and equipment to expand the facilities on board the International Space Station.The additions of a new bathroom, kitchen and sleeping quarters will enable officials to double the size of the space station crew from three to six by next year. The station also received a new recycling device that converts urine and sweat into pure water for astronauts to drink while living at the station. In this photo released by NASA, the 7 Endeavour astronauts and 3 Expedition 18 crew members share a Thanksgiving meal on the middeck of the orbiter, 27 Nov 2008Astronauts conducted four space walks during the mission, to install new equipment to the station and repair a joint on a solar panel.Astronaut Gregory Chamitoff will be returning to Earth aboard Endeavor, after living in space for six months. He is replaced at the station by Sandra Magnus.Saturday, astronauts flew around the station to allow officials to inspect the shuttle for possible damage to the ship's heat shield. The maneuver has become standard procedure since the shuttle Columbia broke apart during reentry in 2003 because of damage to its heat shield.The next shuttle mission is set for February, when Discovery is to deliver additional equipment to the space station. �
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