German FM regrets EU failure to reach unanimous agreement on fiscal decipline
German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said here Friday that he regrets that leaders of the European Union (EU) member states failed to achieve a unanimous agreement to tackle the ongoing crisis.
"We regret that not all EU countries did take part in this package for more stability," Westerwelle said while meeting with his Portuguese counterpart Paulo Portas, referring to the intergovernmental fiscal compact which Britain vetoed.
"But the invitation is open for the countries that hesitate at this moment. The path for stability is not the interest of only some countries, it is the interest of the whole EU in the globalization," he added.
Discussing with Westerwelle the ongoing privatization campaign in the southern-European country, the Portuguese minister, for his part, asked for more German investment and business presence in Portugal.
Editor: Deng Shasha
English.news.cn 2011-12-10 13:30:09
LISBON, Dec. 9 (Xinhua)
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
French FM condemns attack on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon
French FM condemns attack on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon
French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe on Friday condemned a bomb attack in Lebanon which wounded five French peacekeepers.
A bomb exploded Friday morning near a peacekeeping patrol of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and hit the jeep carrying the French peacekeepers in the southern coastal town of Tyre.
Five French soldiers and a Lebanese civilian were wounded in the powerful explosion.
"I strongly condemn the cowardly attack taking place on Dec. 9, 2011 against UNIFIL which wounded five French peacekeepers and a civilian in Tyre in southern Lebanon," the foreign minister said in a statement.
UNIFIL has made a vital contribution to the peace and security in Lebanon, he said, stressing that France would not be intimidated by such acts and "determined to continue its involvement in UNIFIL."
He urged the Lebanese authorities to investigate and punish those who were responsible for the attack, adding that the security of UNIFIL soldiers must be guaranteed.
UNIFIL, with 12,000 peacekeepers deployed in Lebanon, is responsible for monitoring the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions 1701 and 1937, which ended the 34-day conflict and monitoring the cease-fire between Lebanon and Israel.
The bomb attack is the third of its kind on the UNIFIL forces deployed to keep peace along Lebanon's southern frontier with Israel.
Editor: Deng Shasha
English.news.cn 2011-12-10 13:29:33
PARIS, Dec. 9 (Xinhua)
French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe on Friday condemned a bomb attack in Lebanon which wounded five French peacekeepers.
A bomb exploded Friday morning near a peacekeeping patrol of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and hit the jeep carrying the French peacekeepers in the southern coastal town of Tyre.
Five French soldiers and a Lebanese civilian were wounded in the powerful explosion.
"I strongly condemn the cowardly attack taking place on Dec. 9, 2011 against UNIFIL which wounded five French peacekeepers and a civilian in Tyre in southern Lebanon," the foreign minister said in a statement.
UNIFIL has made a vital contribution to the peace and security in Lebanon, he said, stressing that France would not be intimidated by such acts and "determined to continue its involvement in UNIFIL."
He urged the Lebanese authorities to investigate and punish those who were responsible for the attack, adding that the security of UNIFIL soldiers must be guaranteed.
UNIFIL, with 12,000 peacekeepers deployed in Lebanon, is responsible for monitoring the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions 1701 and 1937, which ended the 34-day conflict and monitoring the cease-fire between Lebanon and Israel.
The bomb attack is the third of its kind on the UNIFIL forces deployed to keep peace along Lebanon's southern frontier with Israel.
Editor: Deng Shasha
English.news.cn 2011-12-10 13:29:33
PARIS, Dec. 9 (Xinhua)
Christmas celebrations in Athens open on low budget amidst debt crisis
Christmas celebrations in Athens open on low budget amidst debt crisis
City of Athens Mayor Yiorgos Kaminis opened on Friday the municipality's Christmas and New Year Eve's holidays festivities.
The one-month festivals across the Greek capital run on a low budget this year due to the acute debt crisis that has hit Greece, but plenty of optimism for the future.
There is no big, fancy main Christmas tree set at Syntagma square opposite to the Greek parliament this time. But pupils and artists have decorated the dozens of natural trees across the square with 1,500 tins they painted at school, promoting the ideas of recycling and participation.
The total cost of this year's celebrations in Athens that run to early January is expected to reach 200,000 euros (267,480 U.S. dollars). It is just one tenth of last year's expenses, as the country struggles to avert financial meltdown.
In the past the city would spend some 200,000 euros only for the central Christmas tree as in 2008.
On Friday evening the Syntagma square which over the past two years was frequently packed with anti-austerity protesters, was different. Children danced, as the City's Philharmonic Band played Christmas songs in front of the lit-up natural trees.
Addressing the crowd, Kaminis called on Athenians and foreign visitors to join the celebrations and send the world a message of "participation, solidarity and optimism." This is the central theme of this year's events under the title "Athens Celebrates."
"We were not interested in the tallest Christmas tree in Europe this year or bright parties. We wanted a celebration that sends the message that we all have a right to a better future, that our society shows solidarity with people who suffer most from the crisis," he said, before giving the floor to the City's Big Band that performed jazz melodies.
Not everybody was in a mood to celebrate at Syntagma square initially amidst heavy recession, high unemployment and dramatically reduced incomes, but the music and children's laughter changed many passers-by' feelings.
"Personally I find the mood to celebrate, because I have strength and faith, but for many people this year it will be the worst Christmas after the Second World War. For our souls and our minds we need hope and faith, because this is the meaning of Christmas, love," Anna Anastasiou, a Greek public school teacher told Xinhua, before joining the festivities.
Editor: Mo Hong'e
English.news.cn 2011-12-10 09:37:38
ATHENS, Dec. 9 (Xinhua)
City of Athens Mayor Yiorgos Kaminis opened on Friday the municipality's Christmas and New Year Eve's holidays festivities.
The one-month festivals across the Greek capital run on a low budget this year due to the acute debt crisis that has hit Greece, but plenty of optimism for the future.
There is no big, fancy main Christmas tree set at Syntagma square opposite to the Greek parliament this time. But pupils and artists have decorated the dozens of natural trees across the square with 1,500 tins they painted at school, promoting the ideas of recycling and participation.
The total cost of this year's celebrations in Athens that run to early January is expected to reach 200,000 euros (267,480 U.S. dollars). It is just one tenth of last year's expenses, as the country struggles to avert financial meltdown.
In the past the city would spend some 200,000 euros only for the central Christmas tree as in 2008.
On Friday evening the Syntagma square which over the past two years was frequently packed with anti-austerity protesters, was different. Children danced, as the City's Philharmonic Band played Christmas songs in front of the lit-up natural trees.
Addressing the crowd, Kaminis called on Athenians and foreign visitors to join the celebrations and send the world a message of "participation, solidarity and optimism." This is the central theme of this year's events under the title "Athens Celebrates."
"We were not interested in the tallest Christmas tree in Europe this year or bright parties. We wanted a celebration that sends the message that we all have a right to a better future, that our society shows solidarity with people who suffer most from the crisis," he said, before giving the floor to the City's Big Band that performed jazz melodies.
Not everybody was in a mood to celebrate at Syntagma square initially amidst heavy recession, high unemployment and dramatically reduced incomes, but the music and children's laughter changed many passers-by' feelings.
"Personally I find the mood to celebrate, because I have strength and faith, but for many people this year it will be the worst Christmas after the Second World War. For our souls and our minds we need hope and faith, because this is the meaning of Christmas, love," Anna Anastasiou, a Greek public school teacher told Xinhua, before joining the festivities.
Editor: Mo Hong'e
English.news.cn 2011-12-10 09:37:38
ATHENS, Dec. 9 (Xinhua)
Serbia plunges into political debate as EU postpones membership ruling
Serbia plunges into political debate as EU postpones membership ruling
The news that the European Union on Friday postponed its decision on Serbia's membership candidacy plunged the country once again into a feverish political debate about Serbia's place in Europe and its future.
For the ruling political coalition, the fact that the EU had not rejected Serbia remained a consolation prize, a source of hope for a positive outcome by February 2012. However, the political fallout came swiftly with the immediate resignation of Bozidar Djelic, Deputy Prime for European Integration.
Djelic said he was resigning because the postponement was "not what Serbia expected" and to honor a pledge he made earlier if the country did not receive candidate status by year's end. He denied, however, that the country should alter its pro-EU position or current political course.
"We must continue to protect the EU and our citizens on Kosovo," said Djelic, of the two seemingly contradictory elements of the current government's policy.
Serbian President Boris Tadic called the postponement a "stumble" but not "a defeat" on the road toward European integration. He offered his citizens of vision of a European future, while maintaining its policies toward Kosovo.
"Serbia belongs to Europe, culturally, economically, as well as in the domain of politics, security, and any other terms," Tadic said at a news conference.
"Serbia has its legitimate rights in Kosovo and citizens should not hide from the truth that our policy in Kosovo today has crossed with our interests of becoming EU members," said Tadic.
All the leading EU member states and the United States have recognized the self-proclaimed independence of Kosovo, while Serbia maintains it is legally its southern province, referencing UN Resolution 1244, which formed the basis of the international administration in Kosovo after 1999.
Proponents of EU membership for Serbia have taken solace in the fact that Serbia had not been rejected, and allude to the ever expanding economic crisis in the Eurozone, which is threatening the foundations of the EU, as the dominant factor.
Nonetheless, for most opposition parties, the postponement was seen as a failure of the current government to achieve its goal of maintaining the territorial integrity of Serbia while moving toward European integration.
Tomislav Nikolic, leader of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), the largest opposition party in the country and a proponent of EU integration, called for early elections, saying it was a setback for the ruling coalition. He said elections were required "to restore trust."
Meanwhile, former Serbian President Vojislav Kostunica of the Democratic Party of Serbia (DSS) characterized the postponement as an opportunity for the country to reassess its national agenda, and instead seek military, economic and political neutrality rather than EU membership. He also called for parliament to be dissolved.
Vuk Draskovic, president of the Serbian Renewal Movement (SPO), said the intervening months would provide Serbia with breathing space to meet additional requirements for candidate status, in particular regional cooperation with Kosovo.
Editor: Mo Hong'e
English.news.cn 2011-12-10 09:35:32
BELGRADE, Dec. 9 (Xinhua)
The news that the European Union on Friday postponed its decision on Serbia's membership candidacy plunged the country once again into a feverish political debate about Serbia's place in Europe and its future.
For the ruling political coalition, the fact that the EU had not rejected Serbia remained a consolation prize, a source of hope for a positive outcome by February 2012. However, the political fallout came swiftly with the immediate resignation of Bozidar Djelic, Deputy Prime for European Integration.
Djelic said he was resigning because the postponement was "not what Serbia expected" and to honor a pledge he made earlier if the country did not receive candidate status by year's end. He denied, however, that the country should alter its pro-EU position or current political course.
"We must continue to protect the EU and our citizens on Kosovo," said Djelic, of the two seemingly contradictory elements of the current government's policy.
Serbian President Boris Tadic called the postponement a "stumble" but not "a defeat" on the road toward European integration. He offered his citizens of vision of a European future, while maintaining its policies toward Kosovo.
"Serbia belongs to Europe, culturally, economically, as well as in the domain of politics, security, and any other terms," Tadic said at a news conference.
"Serbia has its legitimate rights in Kosovo and citizens should not hide from the truth that our policy in Kosovo today has crossed with our interests of becoming EU members," said Tadic.
All the leading EU member states and the United States have recognized the self-proclaimed independence of Kosovo, while Serbia maintains it is legally its southern province, referencing UN Resolution 1244, which formed the basis of the international administration in Kosovo after 1999.
Proponents of EU membership for Serbia have taken solace in the fact that Serbia had not been rejected, and allude to the ever expanding economic crisis in the Eurozone, which is threatening the foundations of the EU, as the dominant factor.
Nonetheless, for most opposition parties, the postponement was seen as a failure of the current government to achieve its goal of maintaining the territorial integrity of Serbia while moving toward European integration.
Tomislav Nikolic, leader of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), the largest opposition party in the country and a proponent of EU integration, called for early elections, saying it was a setback for the ruling coalition. He said elections were required "to restore trust."
Meanwhile, former Serbian President Vojislav Kostunica of the Democratic Party of Serbia (DSS) characterized the postponement as an opportunity for the country to reassess its national agenda, and instead seek military, economic and political neutrality rather than EU membership. He also called for parliament to be dissolved.
Vuk Draskovic, president of the Serbian Renewal Movement (SPO), said the intervening months would provide Serbia with breathing space to meet additional requirements for candidate status, in particular regional cooperation with Kosovo.
Editor: Mo Hong'e
English.news.cn 2011-12-10 09:35:32
BELGRADE, Dec. 9 (Xinhua)
Sweden presents action plan against extremism
Sweden presents action plan against extremism
The Swedish government Friday presented a new plan listing 15 measures to fight against violent extremism, two days before the anniversary of the Stockholm suicide bombing.
"I am proud to present the first Swedish action plan against violent extremism, we must defend the cornerstones of democracy," Minister for Democracy Birgitta Ohlsson told a press conference.
According to her, the action plan consists of 15 measures and SEK 62 million (9.2 million U.S. dollars) is being set aside in year 2012-2014 to strengthen preventive work.
Ohlsson explained that the measures include support for organizations in civil society activities that strengthen young people's democratic values, collaboration in the prevention of violent extremism at the local level and study on how young people can be strengthened and protected from the influence of anti-democratic messages via internet.
The organizations to be involved in the action include the Swedish National Board for Youth Affairs, the Swedish Media Council and National Council for Crime Prevention.
According to Ohlsson, the three extremist environments on which the plan's efforts will be concentrated are the white power movement, the autonomous left, and violent Islamism.
A suicide bombing took place in Stockholm on Dec. 11, 2010 with the bomber Taimour Abdulwahab himself being killed.
Editor: Mo Hong'e
English.news.cn 2011-12-10 09:34:17
STOCKHOLM, Dec. 9 (Xinhua)
The Swedish government Friday presented a new plan listing 15 measures to fight against violent extremism, two days before the anniversary of the Stockholm suicide bombing.
"I am proud to present the first Swedish action plan against violent extremism, we must defend the cornerstones of democracy," Minister for Democracy Birgitta Ohlsson told a press conference.
According to her, the action plan consists of 15 measures and SEK 62 million (9.2 million U.S. dollars) is being set aside in year 2012-2014 to strengthen preventive work.
Ohlsson explained that the measures include support for organizations in civil society activities that strengthen young people's democratic values, collaboration in the prevention of violent extremism at the local level and study on how young people can be strengthened and protected from the influence of anti-democratic messages via internet.
The organizations to be involved in the action include the Swedish National Board for Youth Affairs, the Swedish Media Council and National Council for Crime Prevention.
According to Ohlsson, the three extremist environments on which the plan's efforts will be concentrated are the white power movement, the autonomous left, and violent Islamism.
A suicide bombing took place in Stockholm on Dec. 11, 2010 with the bomber Taimour Abdulwahab himself being killed.
Editor: Mo Hong'e
English.news.cn 2011-12-10 09:34:17
STOCKHOLM, Dec. 9 (Xinhua)
Controlled explosions carried out amid alert in Northern Ireland: media
Controlled explosions carried out amid alert in Northern Ireland: media
Several controlled explosions were carried out on Friday by the Army in Northen Iraland amid security alert, BBC reported quoting local police.
A number of houses have been evacuated at Lonemoor Road in Londonderry, the second biggest city in Northern Ireland, according to BBC.
The security alert began when police moved into the area to examine a suspicious car. Police said the alert is continuing.
Details including the scale of the controlled explosions and how serious of the threat are still unknown.
Editor: Mo Hong'e
English.news.cn 2011-12-10 09:33:30
LONDON, Dec. 9 (Xinhua)
Several controlled explosions were carried out on Friday by the Army in Northen Iraland amid security alert, BBC reported quoting local police.
A number of houses have been evacuated at Lonemoor Road in Londonderry, the second biggest city in Northern Ireland, according to BBC.
The security alert began when police moved into the area to examine a suspicious car. Police said the alert is continuing.
Details including the scale of the controlled explosions and how serious of the threat are still unknown.
Editor: Mo Hong'e
English.news.cn 2011-12-10 09:33:30
LONDON, Dec. 9 (Xinhua)
Turkish president worries about worsening xenophobia in Europe
Turkish president worries about worsening xenophobia in Europe
Turkish President Abdullah Gul on Friday voiced concerns about an exacerbation of xenophobia in Europe due to the economic crisis.
"There are growing manifestations of intolerance and discrimination in most European countries, as well as a growing support for parties which believe that the immigration is the biggest cause of decreasing security, crime, poverty and social problems," said Gul during his speech at the fourth "World Policy Conference" held in Vienna.
"There are deep concerns in the immigrant communities crossing the whole Europe," he added.
Underlining that a proper and conscientious response is necessary to deal with the current European debt crisis, Gul said "the lack of political will without decisive action in response to this problem has worsened the situation in the eurozone."
Around 150 heads of state, government ministers and representatives of international bodies including the United Nations, as well as political, economic experts around world are attending the meeting.
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-12-10 08:23:20
VIENNA, Dec. 9 (Xinhua)
Turkish President Abdullah Gul on Friday voiced concerns about an exacerbation of xenophobia in Europe due to the economic crisis.
"There are growing manifestations of intolerance and discrimination in most European countries, as well as a growing support for parties which believe that the immigration is the biggest cause of decreasing security, crime, poverty and social problems," said Gul during his speech at the fourth "World Policy Conference" held in Vienna.
"There are deep concerns in the immigrant communities crossing the whole Europe," he added.
Underlining that a proper and conscientious response is necessary to deal with the current European debt crisis, Gul said "the lack of political will without decisive action in response to this problem has worsened the situation in the eurozone."
Around 150 heads of state, government ministers and representatives of international bodies including the United Nations, as well as political, economic experts around world are attending the meeting.
Editor: Xiong Tong
English.news.cn 2011-12-10 08:23:20
VIENNA, Dec. 9 (Xinhua)
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