English Kaleidoscope


Ireland elects first woman president

Voters in the Republic of Ireland have chosen their first female president.
Unofficial returns suggest that Mary Robinson, who is standing as an independent, took nearly 40% of the vote in the first round. Ireland's system of proportional representation means the result will not be confirmed until tomorrow. But Mrs Robinson's performance in the first round means it is now impossible for anybody else to win. Senior sources in the camp of her main opponent, former deputy

[IMG]http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-11/08/xin_3911010208527072638316.gif[/IMG]

Royal baby born prematurely


The The Countess of Wessex has been rushed into hospital to give birth to a girl, a month early.
The baby weighs just 4lbs 9oz (2 kg) and was delivered by emergency Caesarian section at Frimley Park hospital in Surrey at 2332 GMT.
She was born without her father present: Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, was on an official visit to Mauritius. He is flying home to be with his wife and daughter.
The countess, 38, called an ambulance after being taken ill with cramps at her home in Bagshot Park.

[IMG]http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-11/08/xin_3911010208528481877217.gif[/IMG]

Protests force out East German rulers


East Germany's Communist-dominated government has resigned - the first time such an event has occurred in the country's 40-year history. The decision by the Council of Ministers to give up office leaves the Communists still in power but represents a major concession to the growing protest movement. The mass government resignation is likely to have been approved by East Germany's leader, Egon Krenz, who is expected to select a new government shortly. The departure of Prime Minister, Willi Stoph, and all 44 members of his cabinet followed demonstrations over the past month in several major cities.

[IMG]http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-11/07/xin_281101020848444183813.gif[/IMG]

Billionaire mayor for New York


The Republican billionaire Michael Bloomberg has been elected mayor of New York in the most expensive mayoral contest in US history. He will replace the hugely popular incumbent , Rudolph Giuliani, next January. The Democratic candidate, Mark Green, conceded at the end of a closely fought battle. Mr Bloomberg, 59, beat his rival by a margin of around 40,000 votes, polling 711,189 to Mr Green's 670,413. "New York is alive and well and open for business," Mr Bloomberg declared in his victory speech. A month ago Mr Bloomberg was trailing far behind in the polls in spite of having spent more than $50m of his personal fortune on his campaign. But he received a boost when he was endorsed by out-going Republican mayor Rudolph Giuliani.

[IMG]http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-11/07/xin_2811010208486001878614.gif[/IMG]

Landslide victory for Eisenhower


General Dwight D Eisenhower has swept to victory in the American presidential elections with the largest number of popular votes ever recorded for a presidential candidate. The new president-elect gained 31,552,768 popular votes and has won, or is leading, in 38 states. This gives him 431 electoral college votes, significantly more than the 266 he needed for a majority. The results suggest that many of the Southern states, traditionally Democrat, have swung to the Republicans for the first time in 35 years. General Eisenhower's rival, Democrat Adlai E Stevenson, won 25,409,335 votes, securing 10 states and 100 electoral college votes.

[IMG]http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-11/05/xin_34110102084035427377.gif[/IMG]

Iran's PM quits amid riots


The Iran's Prime Minister Jaffer Sharif-Emani has resigned after two days of virtual mob rule. The appointment of Mr Sharif-Emani, a Shia Muslim, by the Shah just over two months ago was designed to put an end to the religious violence currently sweeping across the country. However, his presence in the Shah's government failed to have the desired effect of curbing the unrest which has been particularly marked among university students. The unrest is partly a response to the programme of secularisation being implemented under the Shah who took over from his father as Iran's ruler in 1941. Iran has prospered thanks to its oil reserves but there is popular resentment against the Shah and the ruling elite who are believed to have profited disproportionately.

[IMG]http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-11/05/xin_341101020840933262568.gif[/IMG]

Clinton beats Bush to the White House


Democrat Bill Clinton has won the presidential election to become the 42nd United States president and the first in US history born after World War II. He beats 68-year-old Republican President George Bush. Aged 46, the Governor of Arkansas will be the third youngest president in US history after John Kennedy and Theodore Roosevelt.
There was an unusually high turnout - always good news for Democrats - with an estimated 100 million Americans voting. The president-elect got 43% of the vote to Mr Bush's 38% with Independent Ross Perot trailing behind with 19%. The Democrats conducted a highly effective campaign pushing aside allegations of Clinton's extra-marital affair with singer Gennifer Flowers and accusations of draft dodging during the Vietnam war.

[IMG]http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-11/04/xin_461101020835883261373.gif[/IMG]

Soviet troops overrun Hungary


The The Soviet air force has bombed the Hungarian capital, Budapest and Russian troops have poured into the city in a massive dawn offensive. At least 1,000 Soviet tanks are reported to have entered Budapest and troops deployed throughout the country are battling with Hungarian forces for strategic positions. The Soviet invasion is a response to the national uprising led by Prime Minister Imre Nagy, who has promised the Hungarian people independence and political freedom.

[IMG]http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-11/04/xin_471101020835024259104.gif[/IMG]

Carter wins with 'Trust me' slogan


Jimmy Carter has been confirmed as the next President of the United States after a closely-fought contest which gave him 51% of the popular vote. His rival President Gerald Ford conceded victory at a news conference in the White House press room at midday. It is the first time since 1932 a sitting president has been dismissed from office. The president had lost his voice through campaigning and had to ask his wife Betty to read a telegramme of congratulation. It has been a nailbiting finish to what has generally been regarded as a rather dull campaign.

[IMG]http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-11/03/xin_24110102083111404101.gif[/IMG]

North Sea oil begins to flow


The The Queen has formally begun the operation of the UK's first oil pipeline at a ?00,000 ceremony in Scotland. The 130-mile (209-kilometre) pipeline from Cruden Bay to Grangemouth has been built by British Petroleum (BP). The pipeline serves the Forties oilfield 110 miles east of Aberdeen, which the company discovered six years ago. The Queen inaugurated the flow of oil by pushing a gold-plated button in BP's control centre at Dyce near Aberdeen. She was accompanied by Prince Philip and Prince Andrew. Prime Minister Harold Wilson also attended with the Scottish Secretary and other senior cabinet colleagues.

[IMG]http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-11/03/xin_241101020831271206212.gif[/IMG]

US hostage freed in Beirut


An American held hostage in Beirut by Muslim fundamentalists has been released. David Jacobsen was set free in the west of the Lebanese capital after 17 months of captivity at the hands of Islamic Jihad. After his release, Mr Jacobsen, 55, was taken to the American embassy compound in east Beirut. He was kidnapped in May 1985 as he walked the short distance from his home on the American University Hospital campus to the hospital compound.

[IMG]http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-11/02/xin_011001281415473241424.gif[/IMG]

Schools watchdog Woodhead resigns


The The controversial chief inspector of schools in England, Chris Woodhead, has resigned. The Department for Education said Mr Woodhead was leaving Ofsted to become a newspaper leader writer with the Daily Telegraph. A source said he had been discussing such a move for some weeks. Mr Woodhead's three months' notice period would normally take him to the end of February but he will clear his desk on 30 November. His deputy Mike Tomlinson will then take over until a new chief inspector is appointed. The Education Secretary, David Blunkett, paid tribute to Mr Woodhead's role in raising standards in schools. But he added: "I think anyone who feels their role is better to be played writing for The Daily Telegraph or being a consultant to a PR company has obviously found a different niche in life." Teachers' unions have greeted the news of his departure with delight.

[IMG]http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-11/02/xin_011001281415630283015.gif[/IMG]

Violence follows Gandhi killing


Outbreaks of religious violence have occurred in parts of India in the wake of yesterday's assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by Sikh members of her bodyguard. Extra police and troops have been deployed in the Indian capital, Delhi, after angry mobs set fire to four Sikh temples. Several Sikh-owned businesses were also attacked and stones were thrown at a car bringing India's President Zai Singh, a Sikh, from the airport. All gatherings of more than four people have been banned in Delhi and the army has been put on high alert. Outbreaks of violence have also been reported in other areas of India.

[IMG]http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-11/01/xin_45100128140345315171.gif[/IMG]

Viet Cong bombs Saigon


The At least eight people have been killed and several wounded after Viet Cong artillery shelled the South Vietnamese capital, Saigon. Altogether about 30 shells were fired into the city centre. The first round came as troops and spectators were getting ready to watch a parade to mark National Day, the third anniversary of the overthrow and assassination of former Prime Minister Ngo Dinh Diem. There was a lull and then a second round of shells exploded as Prime Minister Nguyen Kao Ky was saluting his troops. There was chaos as crowds tried to find cover on foot or by motor scooter.

[IMG]http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-11/01/xin_451001281403593270832.gif[/IMG]

Apartheid report accuses SA leaders


The long-awaited report by South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) has accused leading figures from across the political spectrum of human rights violations. In the report into abuses under apartheid , former President PW Botha, Home Affairs minister Mangosuthu Buthelezi and Winnie Mandela are all singled out for their actions. The ruling African National Congress is also blamed. Mr Botha is held accountable for killings during his time in office, Mr Buthelezi is held responsible for killings carried out by members of his Inkatha Freedom Party, and Ms Mandela is judged to have been implicated in murders and was said to have allowed her home to be used as a place for assault and mutilation.

[IMG]http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-10/29/xin_421001260929510213939.gif[/IMG]

Super-cyclone wreaks havoc in India


The A massive cyclone has swept through the state of Orissa in eastern India, killing an unknown number of people and leaving thousands more homeless. The extent of the damage is difficult to determine. The area is almost impossible to reach, as the cyclone has torn down bridges and made roads and railways impassable. All communications have been cut, and the rescue effort is being hampered by the continuing bad weather. Officials in the state capital, Bhubaneshwar, say nine deaths have been confirmed, but that number is expected to rise rapidly. Many towns and villages have not been able to report casualty figures or damage assessments because telephone lines have been brought down.

[IMG]http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-10/29/xin_4210012609297131845610.gif[/IMG]

World condemns Russia's nuclear test


The Russia has exploded the world's largest ever nuclear device provoking widespread condemnation from around the world. The device believed to 50 megatons, equivalent to be 50 million tons of TNT, caused the biggest ever man-made explosion. The test, the 26th in the current series, was carried out over the Arctic island of Novaya Zemlya despite repeated objections from the West. Shockwaves from the explosion were first picked up at the seismological institute at Uppsala in Sweden at 0830 hours GMT. They were two-and-a-half times as powerful as Russia's last test, which was carried out a week ago using a 30 megaton weapon,

[IMG]http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-10/30/xin_221001260939063832913.gif[/IMG]

Children killed in Pakistan massacre


The Masked gunmen have burst into a church in eastern Pakistan killing 18 people including children who were at prayer. The attack took place during a service attended by over 100 people at a church in the town of Bahawalpur. The identity of the attackers is not yet known but reports suggest there had been fears of a possible retaliation by Islamic extremists following the US strikes on neighbouring Afghanistan. According to officials, members of a banned Islamic militant group are under suspicion. Worshippers said that as the gunmen opened fire they declared Pakistan would become a graveyard of Christians to avenge deaths in Afghanistan.

[IMG]http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-10/28/xin_531001260915053325387.gif[/IMG]

Police clash with anti-war protesters


Trouble has flared in Grosvenor Square, London, after an estimated 6,000 marchers faced up to police outside the United States Embassy. The protesters had broken away from another, bigger, march against US involvement in Vietnam but were confronted by a wall of police. The breakaway group, led by the Maoist Britain-Vietnam Solidarity Front was almost thwarted by the march organisers who were aware of the plan and feared violence would erupt.

[IMG]http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-10/27/xin_091001260844628239462.gif[/IMG]

Churchill wins general election


The Conservative Party has won the general election by a small majority, making Winston Churchill prime minister for the second time. Polling across 620 of the country's 621 constituencies began at 0700 hours yesterday and continued until 2100 hours. The sudden death of Labour candidate Mr F Collindridge in Barnsley, Yorkshire, means polling will not take place there until 8 November. The first results, which started coming in late last night, put Labour ahead. But by early this afternoon, the Conservatives had taken the lead.

[IMG]http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-10/26/xin_5410012009043981128219.gif[/IMG]

South Korean President killed


The President of South Korea, Park Chung Hee, has been 'accidentally' shot dead by the chief of his intelligence service, Kim Jea Kyu. Five other people, including the President's bodyguard, were also killed. The incident took place at the Korean Central Intelligence Agency's headquarters during a dinner being held by Kim in honour of the president. A government statement revealed that an argument broke out between Kim Jae Kyu and Park's chief bodyguard, Cha Chi Chul, during which a shot was fired by Kim which hit the president as he tried to intervene.

[IMG]http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-10/26/xin_441001260925434297958.gif[/IMG]

Europe grants emergency aid for Ethiopia


The EEC is donating 5.8 million to help combat the famine in Ethiopia. Officials from Oxfam, Save the Children, Christian Aid and the Red Cross believe that up to 10 million people are facing starvation unless the flow of aid is increased. Aid agencies lobbied EEC ministers in Brussels in response to the latest drought to hit the country.
Hugh McKay from the Save the Children Fund said: "This is an excellent start and will buy us a little time to develop a long term strategy to deal with this tragedy".
The Community has also ordered the immediate shipment of 5,000 tons of food with more to be delivered soon.

[IMG]http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-10/25/xin_2010012008576942118616.gif[/IMG]

US troops invade Grenada


FilmTheTheAA   United States marines and army rangers have invaded the Caribbean island of Grenada, seized the country's two airports and taken Cuban and Soviet prisoners. The action, which has shocked the world, was ordered by President Ronald Reagan following a bloody coup by Cuban-trained military who executed Prime Minister Maurice Bishop, and at least 13 of his associates. Backed by helicopter gunships, 1,900 US troops were airlifted to Pearls airport in the north of the island at dawn. They were followed a few hours later by 300 soldiers from six other Caribbean countries. The invasion of this former British colony has angered British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher who spoke with President Reagan last night to try to dissuade him from military action.

[IMG]http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-10/25/xin_201001200857835651717.gif[/IMG]

Concorde lands for last time


The legendary supersonic aircraft, Concorde, has landed at the end of its last commercial passenger flight, amid emotional scenes at Heathrow airport. The final transatlantic flight, ending 27 years of supersonic history, carried 100 celebrities from New York and touched down at 1605 BST. As it did so, a huge cheer went up from the thousands of people gathered by the runway on a specially-built grandstand. Two other Concorde flights had already landed a few minutes earlier, one carrying competition winners on a flight from Edinburgh, and the other completing a trip for invited guests around the Bay of Biscay.

[IMG]http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-10/24/xin_1410012008532861367413.gif[/IMG]

IRA begins decommissioning weapons


The Northern Ireland peace process has reached an historic breakthrough as the IRA announced they had begun decommissioning their weapons. In a statement the IRA said: "In order to save the peace process we have implemented the scheme agreed with the IICD [Independent International Commission on Decommissioning] in August 2001." General John de Chastelain, head of the IICD confirmed the action. "We have now witnessed an event which we regard as significant in which the IRA has put a quantity of arms completely beyond use. The material in question includes arms, ammunition and explosives" he said.

[IMG]http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-10/23/xin_441001200846080419710.gif[/IMG]

Hungarians rise up against Soviet rule


Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets in Hungary to demand an end to Soviet rule. There are believed to have been many casualties in a day which started as a peaceful rally, and ended with running battles between police and demonstrators in which shots are said to have been fired. The demonstrators are demanding that the former Prime Minister, Imre Nagy, be returned to power. Mr Nagy was dismissed last year for his liberal policies, but has since been rehabilitated and was re-admitted to the Hungarian Workers' Party this month.

[IMG]http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-10/23/xin_441001200846268453611.gif[/IMG]

Anthrax claims third victim in US


A third person has been diagnosed in the US with the most serious form of anthrax .
The unnamed Washington postal worker is being treated for inhalation anthrax but doctors expect him to make a full recovery. This is the ninth confirmed case of anthrax in the United States since infected mail began turning up in Florida, Washington and New York following the 11 September attacks. The only person to die from anthrax in this scare had the inhalation form of the disease but it was not caught as early.

[IMG]http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-10/21/xin_02100120083467300784.gif[/IMG]

Coal tip buries children in Aberfan


than 130 people, mainly children, have been buried by a coal slag heap at Aberfan, near Merthyr Tydfil in Wales. At least 85 children have been confirmed dead after the tip engulfed a school, some terraced cottages and a farm in just five minutes. Many more are missing or injured. At first the rescue was held up by fog, the same fog that delayed 50 children travelling to the Aberfan school by bus from the neighbouring village of Mount Pleasant. About 2,000 rescuers are now working under floodlights in the hunt for survivors, despite the danger caused by the still shifting slag tip.

[IMG]http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-10/21/xin_021001200834844179865.gif[/IMG]

Thousands join anti-war movement


The biggest demonstration yet against American involvement in the Vietnamese War has taken place in the town of Oakland, in California. An estimated 4,000 people poured onto the streets to demonstrate in a fifth day of massive protests against the conscription of soldiers to serve in the war. The city was brought to a standstill as protesters built barricades across roads to prevent buses carrying recruits to the Army's conscription centre. Police reinforcements came in from San Francisco as the protests turned violent.

[IMG]http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-10/20/xin_15100120080045215141.gif[/IMG]

New law could erode right to silence


The British Government has announced plans to change the law regarding a suspect's right to remain silent so that remaining silent could incriminate rather than protect a suspect. The change would be introduced first in Northern Ireland from November. Similar restrictions are expected to be made in England and Wales at a later date. The news comes after increased pressure from senior politicians, security forces and judges over the failure to convict suspects, even with incriminating evidence, because they have chosen to remain silent. In the proposed change to the law judges will be able to interpret the meaning of a suspect's silence and draw "an adverse inference" from it. However, a conviction will not be possible based on the silence alone.

[IMG]http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-10/20/xin_151001200800610163352.gif[/IMG]