English.news.cn 2011-12-02 16:49:24
BEIJING, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- China and Japan on Friday held their 12th strategic dialogue, pledging to enhance mutual trust. "The two sides exchanged views in a candid and in-depth way mainly on the direction of the China-Japan relationship and the mutual political and strategic trust between the two nations," according to a press release from the Chinese Foreign Ministry after the dialogue between China's Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun and his Japanese counterpart Sasae Kenichiro. |
Showing posts with label xinhuanews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label xinhuanews. Show all posts
Friday, December 2, 2011
02/12 China, Japan hold strategic dialogue, pledge enhanced mutual trust
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
03/05 UN Secretary-General, Security Council welcome death of bin Laden
English.news.cn 2011-05-03 08:00:31
by William M. Reilly
UNITED NATIONS, May 2 (Xinhua) -- Both the chief executive and the top legislative body of the United Nations on Monday welcomed the death of al-Qaeda founder and leader Osama bin Laden, regarded by many as a symbol of international terrorism.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said bin Laden's death was "a watershed moment in our common global fight against terrorism."
The UN Security Council hailed it as a "critical development" in the campaign against terrorism.
The world organization has been in the crosshairs of bin Laden, killed Sunday in a U.S. raid on his hideout in Abbottabad, Pakistan, and the terrorist ring he founded and led, al-Qaeda.
"The death of Osama bin Laden, announced (by U.S. President Barack Obama) last night, is a watershed moment in our common global fight against terrorism," Ban told reporters at UN Headquarters in New York. "The crimes of Al Qaeda touched most continents, bringing tragedy and loss of life to thousands of men, women and children," he added.
"This is a day to remember the victims and families of victims, " said Ban, mindful of the UN staffers who fell victims to terrorists. "The United Nations will continue to fight against terrorism and will lead this campaign to fight against terrorism."
Then, in the evening this month's president of the Security Council, French Ambassador Gerard Araud read out a Presidential Statement before the other 14 members of the panel, recalling "the heinous terrorist attacks which took place on Sept. 11, 2001 in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania and the other numerous attacks perpetrated by the network throughout the world."
"In this regard, the Security Council welcomes the news on May 1, 2011 that Osama bin Laden will never again be able to perpetrate such acts of terrorism, and reaffirms that terrorism can not and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or group," the presidential statement said.
"The Security Council recognizes this critical development and other accomplishments made in the fight against terrorism and urges all states to remain vigilant and intensity their efforts in the fight against terrorism," said the statement.
Al-Qaeda was suspected in the bombing of the Canal Hotel, UN headquarters in Baghdad, Aug. 19, 2003 which killed 22 people, including then-UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Special Representative Sergio Vieira de Mello, a well-liked rising star in the organization.
It marked the end of the world organization being free of fears of terrorist attacks because of its humanitarian and peacekeeping roles.
However, the "blind sheikh," Abdul Omar Rahman, who was believed to have ties with al-Qaeda, and was convicted in connection with the 1993 garage bombing of the World Trade Center, was also suspected of an alleged attempt to plant a bomb in the garage at UN headquarters in New York.
Al-Qaeda was also suspected of involvement in the alleged Islamic Maghreb kidnapping of Canadian diplomat Robert Fowler in Niger who was freed after months of captivity.
In a December 2004 report, the High Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change called for development of a comprehensive strategy to fight terrorism that addresses factors that facilitate terrorism, and strengthens the capacity of States and the rule of law, while also promoting fundamental human rights.
The panel said the United Nations should take a leading role in promoting such a comprehensive strategy.
Annan then proposed basic pillars to counter terrorism: dissuading groups from resorting to terrorism; denying terrorists the means to carry out an attack; deterring states from supporting terrorist groups; developing state capacity to prevent terrorism and defending human rights in the context of terrorism and counter- terrorism. It was a framework to help sustain the political will of state members of the United Nations to maintain the fight against terrorism on the global agenda. At the same time, it was also a practical framework to effectively assist states in their national, regional and global counter-terrorism efforts.
At a World Summit in September 2005, states agreed for the first time on a clear and unqualified condemnation of terrorism " in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purposes."
During the summit, world leaders welcomed the strategy put forward by the secretary- general and asked the UN General Assembly to further develop them with the aim of promoting comprehensive, coordinated and consistent responses at the national, regional and international level to counter terrorism.
The following year, member states held consultations on formulating a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy using the secretary-general's recommendations to adopt a Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy.
Recommendations developed refined each strategic pillar, while detailing existing UN activities and suggesting measures to strengthen and improve its work.
The report identified practical means not only for the United Nations but for the organization to help improve the individual and collective capacity of member states to fight terrorism.
In 2006 the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy was adopted.
It included 16 measures to prevent and combat terrorism, made 13 proposals to build states' capacity to prevent and combat terrorism and to strengthen the role of the UN system in this regard and had eight measures to ensure respect for human rights for all and the rule of law as the fundamental basis of the fight against terrorism.
Related:
Osama bin Laden killed in Pakistan
ABBOTTABAD, Pakistan, May 2 (Xinhua) -- Al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden was killed in a pre-dawn U.S. special force raid on his compound in Pakistani city of Abbottabad near the capital Islamabad, Pakistani Foreign Ministry said Monday.
The Foreign Ministry confirmation came shortly after U.S. President Barrack Obama declared the Al-Qaida chief dead. Full story
Special Report: Osama Bin Laden Killed in U.S. Operation
Video >> Profile of Osama Bin Laden
 |
| Photo taken on May 2, 2011 shows a UN Security Council meeting on the death of Osama bin Laden in the UN headquarters in New York, the United States. The UN Security Council on Monday welcomed the news of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden's death as a "critical development" in the global anti-terror campaign, and "urges all States to remain vigilant in the fight against terrorism." (Xinhua/Bai Jie) |
by William M. Reilly
UNITED NATIONS, May 2 (Xinhua) -- Both the chief executive and the top legislative body of the United Nations on Monday welcomed the death of al-Qaeda founder and leader Osama bin Laden, regarded by many as a symbol of international terrorism.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said bin Laden's death was "a watershed moment in our common global fight against terrorism."
The UN Security Council hailed it as a "critical development" in the campaign against terrorism.
The world organization has been in the crosshairs of bin Laden, killed Sunday in a U.S. raid on his hideout in Abbottabad, Pakistan, and the terrorist ring he founded and led, al-Qaeda.
"The death of Osama bin Laden, announced (by U.S. President Barack Obama) last night, is a watershed moment in our common global fight against terrorism," Ban told reporters at UN Headquarters in New York. "The crimes of Al Qaeda touched most continents, bringing tragedy and loss of life to thousands of men, women and children," he added.
"This is a day to remember the victims and families of victims, " said Ban, mindful of the UN staffers who fell victims to terrorists. "The United Nations will continue to fight against terrorism and will lead this campaign to fight against terrorism."
Then, in the evening this month's president of the Security Council, French Ambassador Gerard Araud read out a Presidential Statement before the other 14 members of the panel, recalling "the heinous terrorist attacks which took place on Sept. 11, 2001 in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania and the other numerous attacks perpetrated by the network throughout the world."
"In this regard, the Security Council welcomes the news on May 1, 2011 that Osama bin Laden will never again be able to perpetrate such acts of terrorism, and reaffirms that terrorism can not and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or group," the presidential statement said.
"The Security Council recognizes this critical development and other accomplishments made in the fight against terrorism and urges all states to remain vigilant and intensity their efforts in the fight against terrorism," said the statement.
Al-Qaeda was suspected in the bombing of the Canal Hotel, UN headquarters in Baghdad, Aug. 19, 2003 which killed 22 people, including then-UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Special Representative Sergio Vieira de Mello, a well-liked rising star in the organization.
It marked the end of the world organization being free of fears of terrorist attacks because of its humanitarian and peacekeeping roles.
However, the "blind sheikh," Abdul Omar Rahman, who was believed to have ties with al-Qaeda, and was convicted in connection with the 1993 garage bombing of the World Trade Center, was also suspected of an alleged attempt to plant a bomb in the garage at UN headquarters in New York.
Al-Qaeda was also suspected of involvement in the alleged Islamic Maghreb kidnapping of Canadian diplomat Robert Fowler in Niger who was freed after months of captivity.
In a December 2004 report, the High Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change called for development of a comprehensive strategy to fight terrorism that addresses factors that facilitate terrorism, and strengthens the capacity of States and the rule of law, while also promoting fundamental human rights.
The panel said the United Nations should take a leading role in promoting such a comprehensive strategy.
Annan then proposed basic pillars to counter terrorism: dissuading groups from resorting to terrorism; denying terrorists the means to carry out an attack; deterring states from supporting terrorist groups; developing state capacity to prevent terrorism and defending human rights in the context of terrorism and counter- terrorism. It was a framework to help sustain the political will of state members of the United Nations to maintain the fight against terrorism on the global agenda. At the same time, it was also a practical framework to effectively assist states in their national, regional and global counter-terrorism efforts.
At a World Summit in September 2005, states agreed for the first time on a clear and unqualified condemnation of terrorism " in all its forms and manifestations, committed by whomever, wherever and for whatever purposes."
During the summit, world leaders welcomed the strategy put forward by the secretary- general and asked the UN General Assembly to further develop them with the aim of promoting comprehensive, coordinated and consistent responses at the national, regional and international level to counter terrorism.
The following year, member states held consultations on formulating a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy using the secretary-general's recommendations to adopt a Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy.
Recommendations developed refined each strategic pillar, while detailing existing UN activities and suggesting measures to strengthen and improve its work.
The report identified practical means not only for the United Nations but for the organization to help improve the individual and collective capacity of member states to fight terrorism.
In 2006 the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy was adopted.
It included 16 measures to prevent and combat terrorism, made 13 proposals to build states' capacity to prevent and combat terrorism and to strengthen the role of the UN system in this regard and had eight measures to ensure respect for human rights for all and the rule of law as the fundamental basis of the fight against terrorism.
Related:
Osama bin Laden killed in Pakistan
ABBOTTABAD, Pakistan, May 2 (Xinhua) -- Al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden was killed in a pre-dawn U.S. special force raid on his compound in Pakistani city of Abbottabad near the capital Islamabad, Pakistani Foreign Ministry said Monday.
The Foreign Ministry confirmation came shortly after U.S. President Barrack Obama declared the Al-Qaida chief dead. Full story
China says Bin Laden's death "milestone" for int'l anti-terrorism efforts
BEIJING, May 2 (Xinhua) -- China said here Monday evening that the death of Osama bin Laden was a milestone and a positive development for the international anti-terrorism efforts.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu made the remarks when asked to comment on the killing of the al-Qaida leader. Full story
Editor: Xiong Tong
BEIJING, May 2 (Xinhua) -- China said here Monday evening that the death of Osama bin Laden was a milestone and a positive development for the international anti-terrorism efforts.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu made the remarks when asked to comment on the killing of the al-Qaida leader. Full story
Editor: Xiong Tong
03/05 UN Security Council hails death of bin Laden as "critical accomplishment" in anti-terror drive
English.news.cn 2011-05-03 05:40:32
Special Report: Osama Bin Laden Killed in U.S. Operation
UNITED NATIONS, May 2 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Monday welcomed the news of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden's death as a "critical development" in the global anti-terror campaign, and "urges all States to remain vigilant and intensify their efforts in the fight against terrorism."
"The Security Council welcomes the news on May 1, 2011 that Osama bin Laden will never again be able to perpetrate such acts of terrorism, and reaffirms that terrorist attacks can not and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or group," the Security Council said in a presidential statement, which was adopted at an open meeting of the 15-nation UN body.
"The Security Council recognizes this critical development and other accomplishments made in the fight against terrorism and urges all Sates to remain vigilant and intensify their efforts in the fight against terrorism."
"The Security Council expresses once again its deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims of terrorism and their families," the statement said.
The death of bin Laden came nearly 10 years following al- Qaida terrorists hijacked three American passenger planes and crashed them into twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington. A fourth hijacked jets crashed into countryside in Pennsylvania in the eastern part of the United States.
"The Security Council also recalls the heinous terrorist attacks which took place on Sept. 11, 2001 in New York, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania and the other numerous attacks perpetrated by the (al-Qaida) network throughout the world," the statement said.
Earlier on Monday, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed bin Laden's death as "a watershed moment" in the global efforts to fight against terrorism.
U.S. President Barack Obama announced Sunday night that bin Laden has been killed by U.S. military operation in Pakistan and is confirmed dead.
Ban, speaking to reporters here, said, "The death of Osama bin Laden announced by President Obama last night is a watershed moment in our common global fight against terrorism."
"The crimes of al-Qaida touched most continents bringing tragedy and loss of life to thousands of men, women and children," Ban said. "The United Nations condemns in the strongest possible terms, terrorism in all its forms regardless of its purpose and wherever it is committed."
"The Security Council further reaffirms its call on all States to work together urgently to bring to justice the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of these attacks and its determination that those responsible of aiding, supporting or harboring the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of these acts will be held accountable," the presidential statement said.
"The Security Council reaffirms that member states must ensure that any measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law," the statement said.
"The Security Council stresses that no cause or grievance can justify the murder of innocent people and that terrorism will not be defeated by military force, law enforcement measures, and intelligence operations alone, and can only be defeated by a sustained and comprehensive approach involving the active participation and collaboration of all States, and relevant international and regional organizations and civil society to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism and to impede, impair, isolate and incapacitate the terrorist threat," the statement added.
Editor: yan
UNITED NATIONS, May 2 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Monday welcomed the news of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden's death as a "critical development" in the global anti-terror campaign, and "urges all States to remain vigilant and intensify their efforts in the fight against terrorism."
"The Security Council welcomes the news on May 1, 2011 that Osama bin Laden will never again be able to perpetrate such acts of terrorism, and reaffirms that terrorist attacks can not and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or group," the Security Council said in a presidential statement, which was adopted at an open meeting of the 15-nation UN body.
"The Security Council recognizes this critical development and other accomplishments made in the fight against terrorism and urges all Sates to remain vigilant and intensify their efforts in the fight against terrorism."
"The Security Council expresses once again its deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims of terrorism and their families," the statement said.
The death of bin Laden came nearly 10 years following al- Qaida terrorists hijacked three American passenger planes and crashed them into twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington. A fourth hijacked jets crashed into countryside in Pennsylvania in the eastern part of the United States.
"The Security Council also recalls the heinous terrorist attacks which took place on Sept. 11, 2001 in New York, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania and the other numerous attacks perpetrated by the (al-Qaida) network throughout the world," the statement said.
Earlier on Monday, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed bin Laden's death as "a watershed moment" in the global efforts to fight against terrorism.
U.S. President Barack Obama announced Sunday night that bin Laden has been killed by U.S. military operation in Pakistan and is confirmed dead.
Ban, speaking to reporters here, said, "The death of Osama bin Laden announced by President Obama last night is a watershed moment in our common global fight against terrorism."
"The crimes of al-Qaida touched most continents bringing tragedy and loss of life to thousands of men, women and children," Ban said. "The United Nations condemns in the strongest possible terms, terrorism in all its forms regardless of its purpose and wherever it is committed."
"The Security Council further reaffirms its call on all States to work together urgently to bring to justice the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of these attacks and its determination that those responsible of aiding, supporting or harboring the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of these acts will be held accountable," the presidential statement said.
"The Security Council reaffirms that member states must ensure that any measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law, in particular international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law," the statement said.
"The Security Council stresses that no cause or grievance can justify the murder of innocent people and that terrorism will not be defeated by military force, law enforcement measures, and intelligence operations alone, and can only be defeated by a sustained and comprehensive approach involving the active participation and collaboration of all States, and relevant international and regional organizations and civil society to address the conditions conducive to the spread of terrorism and to impede, impair, isolate and incapacitate the terrorist threat," the statement added.
Editor: yan
03/05 News Analysis: Bin Laden's death may weaken al-Qaida
English.news.cn 2011-05-03 05:04:12
by Xinhua writer Li Laifang
CAIRO, May 2 (Xinhua) -- The death of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden has prompted some Egyptian analysts to believe the terrorist network, a target of global anti-terrorism efforts, may weaken in the long run despite an expected possible increase of revengeful attacks in the near future.
"Bin Laden's death is definitely a great loss to al-Qaida," Mustafa Saif, a professor of political science at Cairo University, told Xinhua.
"To choose a new leader with the same financial, leadership and operational abilities as bin Laden will not be an easy thing," he said.
Symbolically, its branches in Yemen, Iraq and Afghanistan might suffer from his death and they need to take some time to reorganize themselves, according to the analyst.
Bin Laden, believed as the mastermind of the Sept. 11 attacks which killed about 3,000 people on the U.S. soil, was killed in a pre-dawn U.S. special force raid on his compound in Pakistani city of Abbottabad near the capital Islamabad.
Bin Laden had been the leader of al-Qaida for years. "His death does not mean terrorism will disappear tomorrow," said Saif.
There is a high possibility of revenge by its branches to make up for his death, he said. "They would convey a message to the international community that al-Qaida does not belong to only bin Laden himself, it still exists."
The network will not be as strong as it used to be and who replaces him will determine its future, Saif said.
Abdel Monem Ali, a political analyst with Egypt's Al-Ahram newspaper, told Xinhua that he was not much surprised at the news of bin Laden's death as he had expected he would be caught one day or another.
Ali said bin Laden was a much talented terrorist with high organizational skills and capabilities of inspiring suicide attacks.
But in recent years, he failed to change the things on the ground. Rather, he caused the occupation of Afghanistan, he said.
In recent movements in some Middle East countries, like Tunisia and Egypt, youth groups succeeded to bring about changes without much bloodshed, this would change the mindset of a lot of people, he said.
Egypt also suffered a lot of terrorist attacks in parts of the country like Sinai over the past decade. People will feel some sort of relief as this monster was gone, he added.
His followers will gradually lose faith as time goes by because of their disillusionment of bin Ladin's way of doing things, he was no longer a legendary and untouchable person, he said.
Terrorism remains a serious threat to global security as various groups resort to attacks to achieve their own purposes. Terrorism, separatism and extremism have not stopped their plans in some regions.
The killing of bin Laden might help to put a closure for the thousands of families who lost their loved ones to al-Qaida and represents a major symbolic victory for governments waging so- called "war on terror", said Khaled Hamza, chief editor of the website of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood.
However, it will not put an end the ideology of terror and violence in the world unless its real reasons are addressed," said Khaled in an article.
Editor: yan
CAIRO, May 2 (Xinhua) -- The death of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden has prompted some Egyptian analysts to believe the terrorist network, a target of global anti-terrorism efforts, may weaken in the long run despite an expected possible increase of revengeful attacks in the near future.
"Bin Laden's death is definitely a great loss to al-Qaida," Mustafa Saif, a professor of political science at Cairo University, told Xinhua.
"To choose a new leader with the same financial, leadership and operational abilities as bin Laden will not be an easy thing," he said.
Symbolically, its branches in Yemen, Iraq and Afghanistan might suffer from his death and they need to take some time to reorganize themselves, according to the analyst.
Bin Laden, believed as the mastermind of the Sept. 11 attacks which killed about 3,000 people on the U.S. soil, was killed in a pre-dawn U.S. special force raid on his compound in Pakistani city of Abbottabad near the capital Islamabad.
Bin Laden had been the leader of al-Qaida for years. "His death does not mean terrorism will disappear tomorrow," said Saif.
There is a high possibility of revenge by its branches to make up for his death, he said. "They would convey a message to the international community that al-Qaida does not belong to only bin Laden himself, it still exists."
The network will not be as strong as it used to be and who replaces him will determine its future, Saif said.
Abdel Monem Ali, a political analyst with Egypt's Al-Ahram newspaper, told Xinhua that he was not much surprised at the news of bin Laden's death as he had expected he would be caught one day or another.
Ali said bin Laden was a much talented terrorist with high organizational skills and capabilities of inspiring suicide attacks.
But in recent years, he failed to change the things on the ground. Rather, he caused the occupation of Afghanistan, he said.
In recent movements in some Middle East countries, like Tunisia and Egypt, youth groups succeeded to bring about changes without much bloodshed, this would change the mindset of a lot of people, he said.
Egypt also suffered a lot of terrorist attacks in parts of the country like Sinai over the past decade. People will feel some sort of relief as this monster was gone, he added.
His followers will gradually lose faith as time goes by because of their disillusionment of bin Ladin's way of doing things, he was no longer a legendary and untouchable person, he said.
Terrorism remains a serious threat to global security as various groups resort to attacks to achieve their own purposes. Terrorism, separatism and extremism have not stopped their plans in some regions.
The killing of bin Laden might help to put a closure for the thousands of families who lost their loved ones to al-Qaida and represents a major symbolic victory for governments waging so- called "war on terror", said Khaled Hamza, chief editor of the website of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood.
However, it will not put an end the ideology of terror and violence in the world unless its real reasons are addressed," said Khaled in an article.
Editor: yan
03/05 White House calls killing of bin Laden "defining moment" in war on terror
English.news.cn 2011-05-03 02:33:45
Special Report: Osama Bin Laden Killed in U.S. Operation
WASHINGTON, May 2 (Xinhua) -- White House counterterrorism chief John Brennan said on Monday that the killing of terror mastermind Osama bin Laden was a "defining moment" in the U.S.-led war against al-Qaida, and the United States seeks to bury the rest of the terrorist network with him.
"It is going to have I think very important reverberations throughout the area on the al-Qaida network," Brennan, assistant to the President for Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security, said at a White House briefing. "We're hoping to bury the rest of al- Qaida along with bin Laden."
U.S. President Barack Obama on Sunday night announced the killing of bin Laden, the architect of the 9/11 terrorist strikes in 2001 that killed over 3,000 people.
"If we had the opportunity to take him alive, we would have done that," Brennan said.
Brennan emphasized that no Pakistani forces were involved in the attack, and the United States did not tell Pakistan about the raid until forces exited airspace.
Pakistan has been cooperating in the U.S.-led war against terrorism, but the two countries had been at odds at times, he noted.
"We are looking right now at how he was able to hold out there for so long and whether or not there was any type of support system within Pakistan that allowed him to stay there," Brennan said.
There were reports earlier Monday that DNA tests have confirmed the one that was killed in the raid was bin Laden, but suspicions still linger on as to how the DNA sample was collected when bin Laden was alive.
Brennan said the United States is going to "do everything we can" to prevent denials of bin Laden's death, but it's still to be determined whether to release a photo of bin Laden's dead body.
Asked about the al-Qaida without bin Laden, Brennan said "it may be a mortally wounded tiger that still has some life in it."
He warned of potential retaliatory attacks by al-Qaida operatives or other terrorist groups. But he said there is not any credible information to warrant issuing a warning under the new terror alert system.
Editor: yan
WASHINGTON, May 2 (Xinhua) -- White House counterterrorism chief John Brennan said on Monday that the killing of terror mastermind Osama bin Laden was a "defining moment" in the U.S.-led war against al-Qaida, and the United States seeks to bury the rest of the terrorist network with him.
"It is going to have I think very important reverberations throughout the area on the al-Qaida network," Brennan, assistant to the President for Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security, said at a White House briefing. "We're hoping to bury the rest of al- Qaida along with bin Laden."
U.S. President Barack Obama on Sunday night announced the killing of bin Laden, the architect of the 9/11 terrorist strikes in 2001 that killed over 3,000 people.
"If we had the opportunity to take him alive, we would have done that," Brennan said.
Brennan emphasized that no Pakistani forces were involved in the attack, and the United States did not tell Pakistan about the raid until forces exited airspace.
Pakistan has been cooperating in the U.S.-led war against terrorism, but the two countries had been at odds at times, he noted.
"We are looking right now at how he was able to hold out there for so long and whether or not there was any type of support system within Pakistan that allowed him to stay there," Brennan said.
There were reports earlier Monday that DNA tests have confirmed the one that was killed in the raid was bin Laden, but suspicions still linger on as to how the DNA sample was collected when bin Laden was alive.
Brennan said the United States is going to "do everything we can" to prevent denials of bin Laden's death, but it's still to be determined whether to release a photo of bin Laden's dead body.
Asked about the al-Qaida without bin Laden, Brennan said "it may be a mortally wounded tiger that still has some life in it."
He warned of potential retaliatory attacks by al-Qaida operatives or other terrorist groups. But he said there is not any credible information to warrant issuing a warning under the new terror alert system.
Editor: yan
03/05 News Analysis: Terrorism far from over with Bin Laden demise
Special Report: Osama Bin Laden Killed in U.S. Operation Video >> Profile of Osama Bin Laden
BRUSSELS, May 2 (Xinhua) -- The abrupt killing of the world's top terrorist may be a psychological blow to his empire, the highly decentralized group is far from dead, observers here said, warning it is very likely al Qaeda will get a boost from the jobless young people with dampened spirit for a normal life across part of the Islamic world. NO BIG OPTIMISM "Obviously, there is a certain degree of satisfaction because, in terms of terrorism, he was the number one enemy," said Antonio Panzeri, Member of the European Parliament and Chair of the Delegation for relations with Maghreb countries. "However, this event doesn't mean we have defeated terrorism," Panzeri told Xinhua. According to him, the satisfaction is accompanied by a feeling of worry: there could be a response from some al Qaeda terrorist cells, which are now spread all over the planet. "We must remain extremely watchful and vigilant," he warned. Josef Janning, Director of Studies of the European Policy Centre ( EPC), believed death of Osama Bin Laden could offer a temporary relief. For him, the killing of the al Qaeda boss has proved that no perpetrator of terrorist acts could hide from an international hunt however strong was his local penetration. "There is probably no safe haven for known and active terrorists," said Janning, an expert on situations in the Middle East. DECENTRALIZED OPERATION IN AL QAEDA Nevertheless, the de facto decapitation of al Qaeda doesn't necessarily mean the its network would be paralyzed, Janning said. Al Qaeda had been forced over the past years to become increasingly decentralized, which means much less a large scale coordination of terrorist activity could be seen. Apparently the network is not dependent of the existence of an active central leadership, said Janning. The top priority for Bin Laden in the past decade had been to remain invisible. He determined the appointment of some key figures in the terror network, but rarely led any concrete attacks. The group has developed a robust capacity to grow with huge influence on sympathizers, but al Qaeda has also been picky to affiliate anyone. The local branches of the group usually operate separately, but are willing to listen to the same voices. Therefore, Janning said there is an element of discouragement, a symbolic figure is death. But its cells across large part of the Islamic world are not. "It is a big mistake to believe that with the death of Osama Bin Laden, the potential for terrorist activities has gone," said Janning. JOB OR TERROR Janning believed there is a wound hard to cure across North Africa and the Middle East, that is, an enormously large number of young people have fairly poor economic perspective. "You can elect whatever government you want in Egypt, they will not be able in the short term to provide for jobs, " he said. The young people simply need jobs which "would allow them to settle down, establish a family, and basically realize what they want in life," he added. According to Janning, the very uncertain economic perspective will certainly frustrate a lot of people and among those frustrated, a percentage will, Bin Laden dead or alive, sell their souls to terror. Related: UN Secretary-General, Security Council welcome death of bin Laden UNITED NATIONS, May 2 (Xinhua) -- Both the chief executive and the top legislative body of the United Nations on Monday welcomed the death of al-Qaeda founder and leader Osama bin Laden, regarded by many as a symbol of international terrorism. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said bin Laden's death was "a watershed moment in our common global fight against terrorism." Full story Osama bin Laden killed in Pakistan ABBOTTABAD, Pakistan, May 2 (Xinhua) -- Al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden was killed in a pre-dawn U.S. special force raid on his compound in Pakistani city of Abbottabad near the capital Islamabad, Pakistani Foreign Ministry said Monday. The Foreign Ministry confirmation came shortly after U.S. President Barrack Obama declared the Al-Qaida chief dead. Full story China says Bin Laden's death "milestone" for int'l anti-terrorism efforts BEIJING, May 2 (Xinhua) -- China said here Monday evening that the death of Osama bin Laden was a milestone and a positive development for the international anti-terrorism efforts. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu made the remarks when asked to comment on the killing of the al-Qaida leader. Full story
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Tuesday, April 5, 2011
05/04 TEPCO detects radioactive seawater 7.5 mln times the legal limit
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| English.news.cn 2011-04-05 18:15:45 |  Feedback  Print RSS  |
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| Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) Executive Vice-President Takashi Fujimoto (C) attends a press conference at the company's headquarters in Tokyo April 5, 2011. TEPCO is considering conpensations for the residents near the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, Fujimoto said here Tuesday. (Xinhua/Kenichiro Seki) (nxl) |
TOKYO, April 5 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) said Tuesday that it had detected radioactive seawater in the Pacific Ocean with a concentration of radioactive iodine many million times the legal limit.
The operator of the striken Fukushima Daiichi (No.1) nuclear power plant said that samples taken from seawater near one of the reactors contained 7.5 million times the legal limit for radioactive iodine on April 2.
This marks the highest concentration of iodine-131 detected in seawater since the March 11 quake and tsunami damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant to the extent it has been freely spewing radioactive material into the sea, land and air.
TEPCO did note however that two days later, the figure dropped from 7.5 to 5 million times above the legal limit for radiation and once again issued their well-rehearsed statement claiming the contamination still does not pose an "immediate danger" and would have "no immediate impact" on the environment.
But while Japan's Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency said Tuesday that radiation dissipates quickly in the Pacific Ocean, they have also conceded they have no idea what the long-term affects of nuclear contamination will be on marine life.
The delay in the latest figures reaching the public comes as the beleaguered utility firm had to recheck its samples as the firm was lambasted by the government on Sunday for providing inaccurate information regarding the concentration of radiation in seawater near the plant.
Editor: Xiong Tong |
05/04 UN, French troops attack Cote d'Ivoire's Gbagbo military camp
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| English.news.cn 2011-04-05 03:21:18 | FeedbackPrintRSS |
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A missile is seen flying over the sky in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, April 4, 2011. The United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) and the French force undertook a military operation against forces loyal to the incumbent Ivorian leader Laurent Gbagbo. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoming) |
ABIDJAN, April 4 (Xinhua) -- French army helicopters fired on a military camp held by the army loyal to Cote d'Ivoire's incumbent Laurent Gbagbo on Monday in the economic capital Abidjan to add forces seeking an end to his rule.
Meanwhile witnesses reported that UN helicopters also fired on the pro-Gbagbo military camp in Abidjan.
The French Licorne troops deployed in Cote d'Ivoire has increased to 1,650 after the recent reinforcement to protect civilians. The UN mission in Cote d'Ivoire (ONUCI) has at least 9, 800 personnel in the warring West African country.
Paris, which has taken control of Abidjan's airport, said on Monday that several people were kidnapped in the past days including French nationals, indicating that the pro-Gbagbo forces were responsible for the abduction
French President Nicolas Sarkozy said he has authorized the French troops to participate in all the ONUCI operations to "neutralize" heavy arms being used by forces loyal to Gbagbo against the civilian population and UN personnel.
UN officials have admitted exchanges of fire with Gbagbo's security forces, accusing the latter of attacking first.
Gbagbo still has elite troops including the Republican Guard in his last bastions of the state television station, the presidential palace and the presidential residence.
The strong resistance by Gbagbo's military camp is biting the offensive by the rival Republican Forces headed by the country's internationally recognized President Alassane Ouattara.
The resumption of control of the state television RTI last week by Gbagbo's forces indicated a possibility of longer days of the decisive Abidjan battle than previously expected, especially by Ouattara's supporters.
On Monday, Ouattara's spokesman Alain Lobognon declared the final offensive to take over control of the world's top cocoa producing country in West Africa.
Lobognon said the Republican Forces took action Monday afternoon to end the war over the city.
His declaration came amid reports that 4,000 fighters entered the city to join the 5,000 pro-Ouattara forces fighting day in and day out since Thursday.
Heavy weaponry was witnessed in the city on Monday when the Republican Forces maneuvered troops for military operations.
The Republican Forces launched the military march in December while the political standoff triggered waves of post-election violence.
The pro-Ouattara forces gained ground quickly last week, taking a series of important towns before reaching Abidjan on Thursday.
The ongoing war is the second in the country since the 2002- 2003 civil war, dividing Cote d'Ivoire into Gbagbo's south and the north controlled by ex-rebel New Forces, the backbone now of the newly formed Republican Forces.
The country's Nov. 28 presidential run-off was expected to end the long-standing division, but the political standoff over the top post unleashed another all-out war.
Related:
France sends additional 150 soldiers to Cote d'Ivoire
PARIS, April 4 (Xinhua) -- France has sent 150 more soldiers to Cote d'Ivoire to protect civilians while bloody battle over presidency in the West African country is continuing, French military spokesman said on Monday.
The French soldiers were sent from Gabon to reinforce troops already deployed in Cote d'Ivoire, local media cited spokesman of the army general staff, Thierry Burkhard, as saying.Full story
UN peacekeeping chief defends military operations in Cote d'Ivoire
UNITED NATIONS, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Alain Le Roy, UN under-secretary-general for peacekeeping operations stressed that the operations, staged in accordance with the relevant UN resolution, are aimed at preventing the use of heavy weapons against civilians in the West African country.Full story
Pro-Ouattara camp declares final battle to take over Cote d'Ivoire
ABIDJAN, April 4 (Xinhua) -- The camp headed by Cote d'Ivoire's internationally recognized president Alassane Ouattara on Monday declared the final battle to take over control of the world's top cocoa producing country in West Africa.
The camp's spokesman Alain Lobognon said the Republican Forces backing Ouattara launched the final offensive on Monday afternoon on the main targets of the state television, the presidential palace and the presidential residence, the last bastions of Ouattara's presidential rival Laurent Gbagbo in the biggest city Abidjan.Full story
Editor: yan |
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