NTDTV Articles

NTDTV Articles http://english.ntdtv.com/xml/Content/all/news.xml <![CDATA[Deadly Israeli Air Strike on Gaza]]> Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:44:50 GMT http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_MiddleEast_Africa/2012-02-13/Deadly-Israeli-Air-Strike-on-Gaza.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_MiddleEast_Africa/2012-02-13/Deadly-Israeli-Air-Strike-on-Gaza.html

The aftermath of a deadly Israeli air strike on the Gaza Strip.

Hospital officials say the attack killed one Palestinian civilian.

Israel's military claims the strike was in retaliation for an earlier cross-border rocket attack.

The man killed was a guard at a farm east of Gaza City.

A missile hit his caravan, and also wounded his adult son.

One witness describes what happened.

[Abed Al Fatah Al-Bahtit, Gaza City Resident]:

"I was home with my children who were sleeping when we heard a missile that shook our home, so me and my children ran outside. When we arrive here we found this place, hit by an F-16, and we found a man under the sand with his son over there."

A rocket was launched from Gaza on Saturday which wounded an Israeli woman.

No Palestinian armed factions have claimed responsibility for that attack.

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<![CDATA[Syria: Hundreds Attend Aleppo Funeral for Bomb Victims]]> Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:38:03 GMT http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_middleeast_africa/2012-02-13/syria-hundreds-attend-aleppo-funeral-for-bomb-victims.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_middleeast_africa/2012-02-13/syria-hundreds-attend-aleppo-funeral-for-bomb-victims.html

Hundreds attend the funeral of those killed by two car bombs in Aleppo.

Authorities say Friday's bombings targeting security officers killed at least 28 and was the worst attack on Syria's commercial hub since the beginning of the 11-month uprising.

No one has claimed responsibility, but Bashar al-Assad's embattled government blames the unrest on foreign-backed "terrorists."

In a video released over the weekend, al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahri warns anti-government militia and demonstrators in Syria that they cannot rely on Western or Arab nations to dethrone Assad.

[Ayman Al-Zawahri, Al Qaeda Leader]:

"If we want freedom, we must be liberated from this regime. If we want justice, we must retaliate against this regime."

In the meantime, the bombardment on Homs, at the heart of the government crackdown on protesters, paused on Saturday.

Human rights activists claim hundreds have died in the week long shelling.

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<![CDATA[Worldwide Rallies in Support of Syrian Opposition]]> Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:31:51 GMT http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_europe/2012-02-13/worldwide-rallies-in-support-of-syrian-opposition.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_europe/2012-02-13/worldwide-rallies-in-support-of-syrian-opposition.html

Israelis and Palestinians took to the streets in a show of support of the Syria's opposition.

They also called on President Bashar al-Assad to end the crackdown.

Christians in Ramallah held a church service in support of the Syrian people.

Well in Tel Aviv, a crowd gathered outside the Russian embassy to protest Russia's veto of a U.N. resolution on Syria.

In London's Trafalgar Square, hundreds called for urgent action to stop the military assault on Homs.

They said the demonstration was a show of solidarity with Syria's opposition.

Amnesty International Secretary General Salil Shetty.

[Salil Shetty, Amnesty International Secretary General]:

''The message to them is that you are not alone. So this is happening across the world. Sixteen cities, not just in Europe and North America but in Asia, Africa, Latin America, telling the people of Syria that we know you are going through a very difficult time. Your rights are being violated. We're with you.''

Some expressed outrage regarding the international response to Syria.

[Renata Shash, Syrian Demonstrator]:

''Really appalling to what's happening in Syria, because it's a total genocide. People are killed. Children are killed. Women are raped, and the world just stands still looking at what's happening. We need the support of the international community. We need their help, because this crime cannot go on in the 21st century."

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<![CDATA[Kosovo: Girl Rescued after Avalanche Buries Village]]> Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:26:29 GMT http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_europe/2012-02-13/kosovo-girl-rescued-after-avalanche-buries-village.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_europe/2012-02-13/kosovo-girl-rescued-after-avalanche-buries-village.html

Cheers after rescue workers pulled out a young girl alive after an avalanche buried several homes in southern Kosovo.

She was trapped under 33 feet of snow.

Teams have been digging around the clock since they arrived at the remote village located on the border near Macedonia and Albania.

Nine people are dead and one person is still missing after the avalanche enveloped at least 15 homes.

More than 500 people have been killed since Europe was hit with a punishing series of snowstorms and extreme cold - making it the harshest winter to hit the region in decades.

Romanian officials reported at least 68 people dead on Sunday after fierce winds and heavy snow stranded many in their cars and cut off access to more than 30 villages, half of which don't have electricity.

Despite this, one girl set off on foot to the next village nearly two miles away only to be turned back by police.

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<![CDATA[Salvage Team Moves in on Costa Concordia]]> Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:17:53 GMT http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_europe/2012-02-13/salvage-team-moves-in-on-costa-concordia.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_europe/2012-02-13/salvage-team-moves-in-on-costa-concordia.html

A salvage team has begun pumping out the fuel of Costa Concordia. The work has been delayed for a month due to bad weather along the Italian coastline.

The ship is lying on a underwater shelf and there are concerns the ship could slide down to the ocean floor or break up.

So far the ship has moved about 2 feet.

Scientists have placed a number of measuring devices to continuously monitor the movement of the ship.

[Sandro Moretti, Professor of Geomorphology]:

“The Boat is about 60 centimeters shifting towards the sea. It's not well defined if the shifting is a rotation or sort of accomodation of the ship on the floor of the sea or if it's a creep [toward the sea]."

Pumping out the 2500 tones of fuel oil from the ship will make it lighter and that can increase the risk of the ship moving.

Water will be pumped back in to keep the balance of the ship.

Scientists are using GPS and sensors to monitor any movement.

[Franco Oliveri, The Protection and Security of the Citizen, EU]:

“Our Sensors is able to detect movement in the millimeter range and we provide every 12 hours an assessment of the situation. Obviously, we are also ready to provide the immediate alarm should we notice any movement above a threshold.”

The operation is estimated to take a month to complete and is necessary to prevent an environmental disaster on the Italian coastline.

NTD News, Giglio Island, Italy

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<![CDATA[Celebrities React to Whitney Houston's Death]]> Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:13:08 GMT http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_northamerica/2012-02-13/celebrities-react-to-whitney-houston-s-death.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_northamerica/2012-02-13/celebrities-react-to-whitney-houston-s-death.html

Celebrities at a pre-Grammy Awards party were shocked and saddened on Saturday by the news that singer Whitney Houston had died.

The pop superstar died on the eve of the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles at the same hotel where her mentor, record mogul Clive Davis, was holding an annual pre-event party featuring scores of music industry celebrities.

A dramatic scene unfolded at the Beverly Hilton hotel as guests arriving for the party expressed their shock at her death, while reporters swarmed the hotel, fans gathered outside to light candles in her memory and helicopters hovered overhead.

Beverly Hills police said they were called to the Beverly Hilton at around 3:43 p.m. local time, and fire department personnel who were already at the location responded immediately.

Houston was in her fourth-floor room but was unresponsive to CPR, and she was pronounced dead at 3:55 p.m.

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<![CDATA[South African Banknotes to Bear Nelson Mandela's Image]]> Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:57:34 GMT http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_middleeast_africa/2012-02-13/south-african-banknotes-to-bear-nelson-mandela-s-image.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_middleeast_africa/2012-02-13/south-african-banknotes-to-bear-nelson-mandela-s-image.html

At a press conference in Pretoria, South Africa made it official.

The country's new currency will bear Nelson Mandela's image.

South African President Jacob Zuma.

[Jacob Zuma, South African President]:

"With this humble gesture we are expressing our deep gratitude as the South African people for the life spent in the service of the people of this country and in the cause of humanity worldwide."

The announcement comes on the 22nd anniversary of the anti-apartheid campaigner's release from prison in 1990.

South African Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan.

[Pravin Gordhan, South African Finance Minister]:

"And what the imprint on the banknote does is institutionalizes this memory for many, many generations to come. It sounds like one event today but what we actually have before us is the beginning of a decades long, generations long process reminding people of where we come from, who are the people that made massive sacrifices to get South Africa to where it is today and where it will be in generations to come."

The new banknotes will be released later this year.

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<![CDATA[Australia: World Wide Bicycle Recycle Charity]]> Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:47:40 GMT http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-02-13/australia-world-wide-bicycle-recycle-charity.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-02-13/australia-world-wide-bicycle-recycle-charity.html

One man's trash is another man's treasure; for hundreds of Bicycles for Humanity volunteers, never has there been more truth to the saying.

The unique charity collects disused bikes from across the globe, shipping them to struggling African countries.

[Matt McCullough, Volunteer, Bicycles for Humanity]:

"Some proportion of them are given to health care workers, specifically home based health care workers who kinda work in the rock face of the HIV Aids response in Sub-sarahan Africa. So a bicycle for them means they can see more patients, spend more time with them and carry supplies."

The used containers are then set up as workshops where remaining bicycles are renovated and sold to locals.

[Matt McCullough, Volunteer, Bicycles for Humanity]:

"Members of the local community are trained not only as bike mechanics, but also in small business skills."

Thousands of bikes have been donated to the charities since its beginning in 2008, and that's no longer the problem, the real issue is getting them to Africa.

[Matt McCullough, Volunteer, Bicycles for Humanity]:

"So each of these you could say it's maybe between 10 and 12 grand to get it to where it needs to go."

[Andy Gild, Volunteer, Bicycles for Humanity]:

"One of the main things is to try and keep encouraging our sponsors, well - our everyday heroes. People who are out there doing crazy exersizy type events, and they raise money. So one of the big things I do is try and stay in touch with them and encourage them, and encourage more people to become involved and help raise funds that way."

The world wide initiative operates in parts of Europe, Canada, the United States and Australia.

For more information go to "Bicycles For Humanity.org".

Rhett Burnie, NTD News, Melbourne, Australia

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<![CDATA[Israeli Photographer Takes Prize-Winning Whale Shot]]> Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:39:14 GMT http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_middleeast_africa/2012-02-13/israeli-photographer-takes-prize-winning-whale-shot.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_middleeast_africa/2012-02-13/israeli-photographer-takes-prize-winning-whale-shot.html

Dafna Ben-Nun, an Israeli photographer, has pursued her love for animals.

In her last trip to the White Sea, north of Russia, she successfully captured a picture of two Beluga whales squirting jets of water.

That picture has won her the award and title of "Public's Favorite" in an international photography competition held last month on the National Geographic website.

Dafna has always dreamt about going to the White Sea and shooting whales, but she never imagined the arduous efforts involved in making her dreams come true.

For example, taking a special course in diving in ice water.

And the diving itself has turned out to be quite risky.

[Dafna Ben-Nun, Photographer]:

"Whales are very sociable with people. It is an amazing experience being close to them. They live only in the North Pole, so being with them is a unique and exciting experience. You can pat them and play with them, and that's how I found out that if you pat them on the nose they would pull you upwards, above water level."

Dafna has been taking pictures of animals around the globe: panda bears in Sichuan province in China, pink dolphins in the Amazon in Brazil, Emperor penguins in the south pole, and manatees in the Galapagos Islands.

[Dafna Ben-Nun, Photographer]:

"Having been to the north and the south poles and seen how harsh living conditions there are, I've acquired enormous respect for those animals, and I feel it's important to pass on this message. Even the smallest change of balance in the world can harm those amazing creatures. The best way for me is to move the hearts of people by my photographs, hoping that somehow that might have an effect!"

Dafna's next stop for photographing nature and animals in their natural habitat is the African continent.

Reporter:Lee Rom Photographer:Michael Ash

NTD News, Israel

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<![CDATA[Commentaries Regarding the "Arab Spring"]]> Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:28:23 GMT http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_middleeast_africa/2012-02-13/commentaries-regarding-the-arab-spring-.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_middleeast_africa/2012-02-13/commentaries-regarding-the-arab-spring-.html

One year ago an unemployed youth in Tunisia burnt himself to death. That lit a wave of protests and demands for freedom and democracy in the Arab world. This wave has received the name "the Arab Spring".

Following the insurgence both Tunisia and Egypt held free elections in which Muslim Fundamentalist parties won the majority of the votes.

In Israel, there's concern about the ascent of Islamic extremism in Middle Eastern countries.

[Dr. Harold Rhode, Former Pentagon Advisor, Middle Eastern Affairs]:

"It's very hard for the Egyptian to understand western concepts democracy' freedom and Human Rights. The vocabulary is 'Islamic' and the fundamentalists use this vocabulary which speaks to their heart and their mind."

Nonetheless, some experts say that the change may not be bad for Israel.

[Ephraim Kahana, Chair of Political Department, Western Galilee College]:

"What Mubarak could not do - that is, make the Hamas release Gilad Shalit (an Israeli soldier held captive for 5 years in Gaza), the new regime in Egypt succeeded in achieving. The peace between the countries will hold, because no matter who rules, it is in the best interest of Egypt."

Following the fall of former President Hosni Mubarak in Egypt, the economy took a bad turn.

Conflicts resulted in a drastic fall in tourism and a considerable decrease of foreign investments in Egypt.

Some fear the worsening economic status could cause more unrest in the region.

[Ephraim Kahana, Chair of Political Department, Western Galilee College]:

"A state of economical dissatisfaction there might lead to negative developments towards terrorism. A country suffering from unrest is liable to become a security problem where Israel is concerned."

The young people who initiated the Arab Spring via Facebook have no influence on the current events and developments.

[Dr. Harold Rhode, Former Pentagon Advisor, Middle Eastern Affairs]:

"You know they've been pushed aside, the people who started this revolution. Very sadly the Arab spring, looks like it's turning into an Arab winter for the Arab world. You have the fundamentalist taking over, the oppression of women."

And what will the future in the Middle East be after the elections?.

[Manal Ali, Student, Western Galilee College]:

"Peace is going to be a little hard to seek in the Middle East, especially with my country (Israel) because of the fundamentalists."

In light of the ongoing upheaval in Syria, it looks like the Arab Spring has not yet said its final word.

Reporter:Aviva Grunpeter Photographer:Anat Markram

NTD News, Israel

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<![CDATA[Watch Today's 30-min World News Broadcast, Monday, February 13, 2012]]> Mon, 13 Feb 2012 05:23:22 GMT http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/world_news/2012-02-13/Watch-Today-s-30-min-World-News-Broadcast-Monday-February-13-2012.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/world_news/2012-02-13/Watch-Today-s-30-min-World-News-Broadcast-Monday-February-13-2012.html

Watch Today's 30-min World News Broadcast

Monday, February 13, 2012

Anchor: Tina Sofos

NTD

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<![CDATA[פרשה מסתורית של מפקד משטרה בסין]]> Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:30:47 GMT http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_hebrew/2012-02-12/156836296016.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_hebrew/2012-02-12/156836296016.html

ב-8 בפברואר אישרה מחלקת המדינה האמריקנית שוואנג לי-ג'ון, סגן ראש העיר צ'ונג-צ'ינג ומפקד המשטרה שלה, אכן ביקר בקונסוליה האמריקנית בצ'נג-דו.
על פי דיווחים רשמיים יצא ואנג לכביכול חופשת מחלה עקב עבודה מאומצת. כמה כלי תקשורת העלו השערות שעקב מאבקי כוח אליהם נקלע במפלגה, הוא פנה לקונסוליה, ב-6 בפברואר, לבקש מקלט מדיני, אבל מיד לאחר מכן שוטרים חמושים הקיפו את הבניין.

[ויקטוריה נולנד, דוברת מחלקת המדינה האמריקנית]:

" וואנג לי-ג'ון אכן ביקש פגישה בקונסוליה הכללית בצ'נג-דו בתחילת השבוע, בתפקידו כסגן ראש העיר. הפגישה נקבעה. אנשינו נפגשו עמו. הוא אכן ביקר בקונסוליה. לאחר מכן עזב מרצונו האישי את המקום. אתם יודעים שמסיבות ברורות איננו נוהגים לשוחח על בעיות העוסקות במעמד פליט או מקלט מדיני וכדומה".

פרשן NTD לענייני סין הנג הה הסביר שוואנג נקלע למאבקי כוח בין מזכיר המפלגה בצ'ונג-צ'ינג, בו שי-לאי, לבין הרשות המרכזית בבייג'ינג.
מדוע היה ואנג להוט כל כך לברוח?
לפנים, החזיק בו שי-לאי במשרה גבוהת דרג בפרובינציית ליאו-נינג, בתפקיד שהבטיח לו קידום להנהגת המפלגה הקומוניסטית בבייג'ינג. אולם הוא נחשב לקיצוני בעיני כמה בכירים בבייג'ינג ומתמודד בלתי הולם לעמדה בכירה במשטר.

[הנג הה, פרשן NTD לענייני סין]:

"בגלל הרדיפה שלו את הפאלון גונג ומעורבות עמוקה ביותר ברדיפה, החלו קורבנות הרדיפה להגיש נגדו תביעות משפטיות במדינות שונות. לאחרונה חשף ויקיליקס שוון ג'יאה-באו אמר שאי אפשר לקדם את בו שי-לאי לסגן ראש הממשלה בגלל השם שיצא לו, שעלול להפריע לתדמית של סין בעולם".

כשהם משתמשים בשערורייה הבין-לאומית שלו כאמתלה, העבירו מנהיגי המפלגה את בו שאי-לאי לצ'ונג-צ'ינג. אולם מיד בהגיעו לשם, החל בו לתכנן את שובו חזרה לשלטון המרכזי.
הוא יזם שני קמפיינים. אחד שנקרא "שירים אדומים", קמפיין שמטרתו לקדם ערכים מאואיסטים והשני - "הכה את השחור", קמפיין שנועד לשרש את הפשע המאורגן.
הנג הה מאמין שכדי להתחיל בקמפיינים אלה, בו חיפש מישהו שיהיה יד ימינו וימלא אחר הוראותיו.

[הנג הה, פרשן NTD לענייני סין]:

"הוא היה זקוק לקמפיין פוליטי. היה דרוש לו מישהו מחוץ לחוג מקורביו אבל שיהיה מספיק גרוע כדי למלא רק אחר הוראותיו ולא אחר החוק. זו הסיבה מדוע הוא בחר בוואנג לי-ג'ון".

בדרך כלל הרשות המרכזית היא זו שיוזמת קמפיינים פוליטיים ולא רשויות מקומיות. הקמפיינים של בו החלו לעצבן את המנהיגות המרכזית. כמו כן, השיטות להילחם בפשע נעשו לעתים קרובות בניגוד לחוק ומשכו אליהן חקירות.

[הנג הה, פרשן NTD לענייני סין]:

"היה עליהם למצוא אמתלה כלשהי לעכב את בו שי-לאי או להיפטר ממנו לגמרי. לכן לדעתי הם החלו לאסוף מידע והדרך הטובה ביותר הייתה להתחיל עם ואנג לי-ג'ון, מפני שבקמפיין הזה שניהם תפקדו כאחד. כך שאם אתה נפטר מהאחד, השני לא יוכל לשרוד. ברגע זה, בו שי-לאי היה כבר צעד אחד לפניהם וניסה לעצור את ואנג לפני שהמנהיגות המרכזית של המפלגה תשלח מישהו לעצר את ואנג לי-ג'ון. הוא החל לעצור אנשים בחוג הקרוב לוואנג וזה הפחיד את וואנג,מפני שהכיר את בו שי-לאי היטב. הוא ידע בדיוק שבו יעשה הכול כדי להיפטר מהראייה ובכלל זה להרוג אותו".

ואנג שראה שאין לו ברירה אלא לברוח, בילה יום בקונסוליה האמריקנית בצ'נג-דו הנמצאת במרחק כמה שעות מהעיר. רשויות צ'ונג-צ'ינג עשו כל שביכולתן לעצור אותו, כששלחו 70 מכוניות משטרה להקיף את הקונסוליה בה התחבא. אך ואנג הצליח להתחמק מכולן, כשהוא דן עם הרשות המרכזית בתנאים לבריחתו. השמועות אומרות שבכיר מבייג'ינג שלח מכונית בשעות הבוקר המוקדמות של יום רביעי כדי להשיבו לבייג'ינג.

סיכוייו של בו שי-לאי להשיג כעת משרה בכירה בהנהגה המרכזית קלושים אף יותר.
ויש לנו כעת צילום מהמערכת הממוחשבת של כרטיסי טיסה. ההשערה היא שוואנג לי-ג'ון טס לבייג'ינג בלוויית כמה בכירי ממשל וביניהם צ'ואו-צ'ינג, סגן השר לביטחון המדינה, לי-וויי, חבר הוועדה לביטחון המדינה וג'ונג ג'ונג חואה, גם הוא מהמשרד לביטחון המדינה. תמונה זו הופצה ברשת וייבו לפני יומיים.

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<![CDATA[Cuban Poet and Author Enjoys Shen Yun in Fort Lauderdale, Florida]]> Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:56:27 GMT http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/special/shen-yun/2012-02-12/cuban-poet-and-author-enjoys-shen-yun-in-fort-lauderdale-florida.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/special/shen-yun/2012-02-12/cuban-poet-and-author-enjoys-shen-yun-in-fort-lauderdale-florida.html

Born in Cuba, author and poet Josefina Leyva currently lives in the U.S. She was in the audience at Shen Yun Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

[Josefina Leyva, Cuban Writer and Poet in Exile]:
“The final soprano, her voice is beautiful. The tenor also sings well. She transmitted a beautiful spiritual message. I congratulate you [Shen Yun], because art should always be connected with spirituality and ethics, aesthetics can't be apart from ethics, and you [Shen Yun] connected these all together.”

Ms. Leyva has published a collection of poetry and eight novels. She found Shen Yun quite inspiring.

[Josefina Leyva, Cuban Writer and Poet in Exile]:
“I like it very much because, first, it [the performance] has a very deep meaning, then, it is very close to the Western ballet. It has great mastery and great professionalism. It has a very deep meaning expressed through dance. I found it really a wonderful show, so I believe that among these artists, who are very numerous, there are remarkable people. I believe that one could write a very beautiful book about you [Shen Yun].”

Pinto and his wife are from Spain. They were also in the audience.

[Pinto, Audience Member from Spain]:
“The show is amazing.. My wife felt really touched.”

[Pila, Audience Member from Spain]:
“The show is the best I have seen lately. The dancers are very coordinated, the scenery is spectacular. I was amazed with the special effects.”

NTD News, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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<![CDATA[Audience Brought to Tears at Shen Yun in Fort Lauderdale, Florida]]> Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:55:29 GMT http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/special/shen-yun/2012-02-12/audience-brought-to-tears-at-shen-yun-in-fort-lauderdale-florida.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/special/shen-yun/2012-02-12/audience-brought-to-tears-at-shen-yun-in-fort-lauderdale-florida.html

Shen Yun is drawing to the end of performances in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

[Don Gombos, Investment Management Company CEO]:
“It’s absolutely wonderful, very colorful. Extraordinary, something that I’ll never forget.”

Classical Chinese dance is the basis of a Shen Yun performance.

[Don Gombos, Investment Management Company CEO]:
“Just very interesting. Oriental and Eastern, religion and culture something that very much interests me.”

One audience member adopted from China enjoyed a performance called “The Choice.”

[Cara, Audience Member]:
“I liked that one, just because of the message and the meaning behind it on how people can actually stick up for what they believe in and go for it and not let anyone stop them including the police so.”

[Antoinette, Retired Teacher]:
“It just brought me to tears because of what went on. But the triumph at the end, the good was going to triumph over it. They were going to rise again.”

[Hollie Altman, Performing Arts Center Programming Director in Miami]:
“The idea of passivism, and wanting to, and good conquering evil and no matter what happens, no matter what types of ideologies are in charge in the moment, the idea and the trust that good will prevail no matter what, was really beautiful.”

One political activist appreciated Shen Yun’s aim to revive and restore traditional Chinese culture.

[Lolly Fox, Political Activist for the Democratic Party]:
“It’s really important to keep that alive. And to them it’s really important. If they keep travelling they’ll keep that message alive.”

Shen Yun has its final performance in Fort Lauderdale today, and is heading next to Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania for shows on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

Another Shen Yun company is about to start touring in Japan this week.

NTD News, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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<![CDATA[NTD China News, 6. Februar - 12. Februar 2012]]> Sun, 12 Feb 2012 12:33:27 GMT http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_german/2012-02-12/853335517724.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_german/2012-02-12/853335517724.html

NTD China News, 6. Februar - 12. Februar 2012

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<![CDATA[KP-Austritts-Bewegung bei chinesischer Neujahrsparade in Flushing]]> Sun, 12 Feb 2012 12:31:16 GMT http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_german/2012-02-12/952778290976.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_german/2012-02-12/952778290976.html

Tuidang, eine Bewegung, die einen Wandel in China bewirken könnte.

In Festlandchina ist Tuidang, oder „Verlasse die chinesische kommunistische Partei", eine Untergrundbewegung, und funktioniert per Mundpropaganda, Telefonanruf und Internet.

Hier in New York, wo die Bemühungen offen koordiniert werden, erreicht die Nachricht Millionen Chinesen.Rong Yi, Vorsitzende des „Global Quit the CCP Service Center" mit Sitz in New York, zieht Parallelen zwischen dem, was heute in China passiert und dem, was Osteuropa in den späten 1980er Jahren erlebte.

[Rong Yi, Vorsitzende, Global Quit the CCP Service Center]:
„Ich denke, gerade jetzt ist für China ein sehr wichtiges Jahr, das Jahr des Drachen. Viele Chinesen wachen auf. Man kann die Petitionen sehen, Kampf mit der Polizei, Kampf mit Leuten der öffentlichen Sicherheit, und es ist fast überall und passiert jeden Tag in China."

Als Teil der chinesischen Neujahrsparade marschierten vergangenen Samstag Tuidang Unterstützer durch New Yorks Flushing.

In China würde solch eine Aktivität höchstwahrscheinlich in einer militärischen Razzia enden. Im Ausland, speziell in den Vereinigten Staaten, gewinnt die Tuidang-Bewegung immer mehr an Stärke.

[Frau Li, Freiwillige bei Tuidang in New York]:
„Seit dem letzten Jahr habe ich insgesamt 4000 [Austritte], oder ein wenig mehr, entgegengenommen."

Auf verschiedene Weise sagen sich täglich 40- bis 50-Tausend Menschen von der chinesischen kommunistischen Partei los. Bis heute verzeichnet das globale Tuidang-Servicezentrum mehr als 110 Millionen Austritte aus der KP Chinas. Viele dieser Chinesen waren während ihrer Schulzeit oder am Arbeitsplatz gezwungen worden, der KPC, den jungen Pionieren oder der kommunistischen Jugendliga beizutreten.

[Rong Yi, Vorsitzende, Global Quit the CCP Service Center]:
„Wissen Sie, es ist ein Weg für die chinesische kommunistische Partei, die Gedanken der Menschen zu kontrollieren. Und wenn du ein Parteimitglied bist, musst du dem Parteisekretär, den Parteimitarbeitern, deine Denkweise berichten. Was denkst du bei jeder politischen Entwicklung? Da gibt es so viele politische Entwicklungen in der chinesischen Geschichte... Also spirituell bist du nicht frei, bist verängstigt, jeder Gedanke von dir wird von der Partei überwacht."

Doch was die Zukunft für China bereithält, müssen die Chinesen selbst bestimmen.

NTD News, New York.

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<![CDATA[Chinesisches Regime lässt auf unbewaffnete Tibeter schießen]]> Sun, 12 Feb 2012 10:37:47 GMT http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_german/2012-02-12/804421183271.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_german/2012-02-12/804421183271.html

Am ersten und zweiten Tag des chinesischen Neujahrs eröffneten chinesische Sicherheitskräfte in der Provinz Sichuan das Feuer auf unbewaffnete demonstrierende Tibeter. Das chinesische Regime verteidigt sein Vorgehen.

Laut ausländischen Pro-Tibet-Gruppen wurden in diesen zwei Tagen mindestens sieben Tibeter getötet und Dutzende verletzt.

Das chinesische Außenministerium gibt „äußeren Einflüssen" die Schuld an den Protesten sowie den Selbstverbrennungen in der autonomen Region Tibet.

Der Sprecher des Außenministeriums bezeichnete die unbewaffneten Demonstranten als „Kriminelle".

[Liu Weimin, Sprecher des Außenministeriums]:
„Die Situation wurde jetzt erfolgreich bewältigt. Wir glauben, dass die jüngsten Vorkommnisse eindeutig von jemandem hinter den Kulissen gelenkt und angestachelt worden sind."

Das chinesische Regime beschuldigt Exiltibeter, darunter auch den Dalai Lama, die Proteste zu unterstützen und zu fördern.

Laut Radio Free Asia kam es in der Zeit nach den Schießereien zu drei weiteren Selbstverbrennungen von Tibetern.

Inmitten der Unruhen hat das chinesische Regime die bereits starken Sicherheitsvorkehrungen in der tibetischen autonomen Region noch verstärkt. Der Informationsfluss wurde unterbunden, ausländische Medien von der Berichterstattung abgehalten.

Für eine tibetische Poetin und Aktivistin sind die Proteste und Selbstverbrennungen Ausdruck der wachsenden Verzweiflung der Tibeter.

[Woeser, Tibetische Poetin und Aktivistin]:
„Es gab kaum Reaktionen von der Außenwelt... Das chinesische Regime hat wenig getan, um die Tibeter zu beruhigen und wendet in Wirklichkeit noch mehr Gewalt an, um sie zu unterdrücken. In dieser Situation wachsen der Verdruss und die Verzweiflung der Tibeter noch mehr."

Woeser sagte, chinesische staatliche Sicherheitskräfte hätten sie gewarnt, mit ausländischen Medien zu sprechen.

Seit März letzten Jahres haben sich mindestens 19 buddhistische Mönche, Nonnen und andere Tibeter selbst verbrannt. Dies als Protest gegen die gewaltsame Herrschaft des chinesischen Regimes.

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<![CDATA[Landenteignung in China: Proteste in Zhejiang]]> Sun, 12 Feb 2012 10:34:45 GMT http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_german/2012-02-12/875649049262.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_german/2012-02-12/875649049262.html

Seit dem 1. Februar demonstrieren die Bewohner zweier Dörfer in Chinas Provinz Zhejiang gegen Landenteignungen durch lokale Beamte.

Die Dorfbewohner beschuldigen die Beamten, ihr Land gestohlen zu haben.

[Lu Yeqin, Dorfbewohnerin]:
„Beamte des Dorfes haben Land verkauft, welches ursprünglich den Dorfbewohnern gehörte. Nach dem Verkauf wurden die Bewohner aber nicht für ihr Land entschädigt. Jetzt sind sie wütend, denn das Land wurde innerhalb der Familienbetriebe weitergegeben. Sie brauchen das Land, um zu überleben, aber jetzt ist es verkauft."

Die Polizei hinderte die über 3000 Dorfbewohnern nicht daran, zum Dorfkomitee zu marschieren. Eine Reaktion der lokalen Beamten auf die Anliegen der Demonstranten blieb jedoch aus.

[Frau Ma, Dorfbewohnerin]:
„Jeder aus dem Dorf war dabei. Heute werden wir wieder marschieren, und das ganze Dorf wird dabei sein. Ich habe sogar Kinder gesehen, die an meinem Haus vorbeizogen."

Laut Ortsansässigen habe die Polizei im letzten Oktober mehrere Menschen verhaftet, welche die Wand eines Rohbaus eines lokalen Bauunternehmers umgeworfen hatten. Einige befinden sich noch immer in Haft.

In China nehmen Proteste gegen Landenteignungen dramatisch zu. Landenteignungen in Zhejiang gehen zurück bis ins Jahr 2006.

Ende letzten Jahres vertrieben die Bewohner von Wukan, einem anderen Dorf, sogar für zwei Wochen sämtliche kommunistischen Beamten aus der Ortschaft.

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<![CDATA[Hongkong: Chinesische Eltern für 2. Kind bestraft]]> Sun, 12 Feb 2012 10:30:59 GMT http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_german/2012-02-12/135762086321.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_german/2012-02-12/135762086321.html

Die chinesischen Behörden versuchen, jegliche Bemühungen zur Umgehung von Chinas Ein-Kind-Politik zu unterbinden. Jetzt berichteten Chinas Staatsmedien, Ehepaare vom Festland würden bestraft, sollten sie versuchen, in Hongkong ein zweites Kind zu bekommen. Beamten, die das Gesetz umgehen wollen, drohe die Kündigung, so Zhang Feng, Direktor der Familienplanungsabteilung der an Hongkong grenzenden Provinz Guangdong.

Laut Zhang mussten bereits mehrere aus Hongkong zurückkehrende Frauen eine Strafe zahlen. Gemäß den Angaben einer Website der Provinz, solle die Geldstrafe das Sechsfache des Pro-Kopf-Einkommens betragen.

Entbindungsstationen in Hongkong sind bereits bis August ausgebucht. Zahlreiche Beschwerden von Bürgern und Krankenhäusern setzen Hongkongs Regierung unter Druck, die Zahl der Geburten von Festlandchinesinnen zu verringern. Für 2012 sollen die Geburten von Festlandchinesinnen auf 34.000 beschränkt werden.

Im letzten Jahr waren ein Drittel aller Entbindungen in Hongkong von Festlandchinesinnen. Laut Gesetz erhalten die Kinder automatisch eine dauerhafte Aufenthaltsgenehmigung in Hongkong und 12 Jahre kostenlose Schulbildung.

1979 wurde die umstrittene Ein-Kind-Politik des chinesischen Regimes eingeführt, um die Zahl der Geburten in der bevölkerungsreichsten Nation der Welt zu beschränken.

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<![CDATA[Citigroup darf in China Kreditkarten ausstellen]]> Sun, 12 Feb 2012 10:28:17 GMT http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_german/2012-02-12/714353977013.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_german/2012-02-12/714353977013.html

Zum ersten Mal darf jetzt eine nichtchinesische Bank Kreditkarten innerhalb Chinas anbieten. Am Montag gab die US-amerikanische Citigroup bekannt, vom chinesischen Regime die Erlaubnis erhalten zu haben, in China Kreditkarten anzubieten.

Der wachsende Mittelstand in China ist ein begehrter neuer Markt für Banken, die ihr Geschäft erweitern möchten. Aber bis Montag war es außer einer Hongkonger Bank, keinem anderen ausländischen Kreditinstitut erlaubt, Kreditkarten auszustellen.

Der Bankengigant Citigroup hat noch keine Angaben darüber gemacht, ob es sich bei den Karten um Visa- oder MasterCards handeln werde.

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<![CDATA[Chinesische Polizei verhindert Treffen zwischen Merkel und Rechtsanwalt Mo Shaoping]]> Sun, 12 Feb 2012 10:25:07 GMT http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_german/2012-02-12/703435938161.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_german/2012-02-12/703435938161.html

Letzten Samstag beendete Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel ihren fünften Besuch in China. Merkel konnte die chinesischen Führer hinsichtlich der Zukunftsaussichten des Euros und Europas Erholung von der Staatsschuldenkrise beschwichtigen, wurde jedoch davon abgehalten, einen bekannten Menschenrechtsanwalt zu treffen.

Die deutsche Botschaft in Peking hatte den Anwalt Mo Shaoping zu einer Veranstaltung mit Merkel am 2. Februar eingeladen, mit der Möglichkeit, im Anschluss Gespräche unter vier Augen führen zu können.

[Mo Shaoping, Menschenrechtsanwalt]:
„Kanzlerin Merkel wollte sich mit mir und Herrn Wu Si treffen, dem Herausgeber von ‚Yanhuang Chunqiu', um unter vier Augen reden zu können. Sie wollte mit mir vor allem über die Rechtssituation und insbesondere die Umstände von Anwälten in China reden."

Mo wurde aber am Tag des Treffens durch die pekinger Polizei für mehrere Stunden in seinem Büro eingesperrt. Ein Treffen mit Merkel war deswegen nicht möglich.

[Mo Shaoping, Menschenrechtsanwalt]:
„Sie sagten später, dass sie keine Rechtsgrundlage dafür hatten. Sie hätten bloss Befehle von oben befolgt. China wird dieses Jahr den 18. Parteikongress abhalten. Dafür ist Stabilität nötig - Stabilität muss geschützt sein, und es werden keine anderen Stimmen geduldet."

Schlussendlich konnte Merkel nur den Herausgeber von „Yanhuang Chunqiu" treffen. Sie unterhielten sich ungefähr 40 Minuten lang.

Li Xiangyang, ein Rechtsanwalt aus Shandong, gab an, diese Art der Unterdrückung komme in China oft vor.

[Li Xiangyang, Rechtsanwalt aus Shandong]: (männlich, Chinesisch)
„Willkürliche Einschränkung der Freiheit der Menschen, willkürliche Missachtung von Recht und Ordnung, das gibt es in China sehr oft. (Das Regime selber) sagt: ‚Wir sind Gangster, was haben wir zu befürchten?'"

Menschenrechtsanwälte werden in China oft schikaniert, ihre Büros geschlossen. Dem Anwalt Gao Zhisheng wurde 2005 seine Anwaltslizenz entzogen, nachdem er die Verfolgung von Falun Gong durch das Regime untersucht hatte. Er wurde die letzten Jahre immer wieder in Haft genommen. Er befindet sich momentan wahrscheinlich in Xinjiang.

Chen Guangcheng, ein blinder Rechtsaktivist, der Zwangsabtreibungen untersuchte, befindet sich seit seiner Entlassung aus dem Gefängnis 2010 unter Hausarrest und Überwachung.

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<![CDATA["Just So Enjoyable" - Shen Yun in Fort Lauderdale, Florida]]> Sun, 12 Feb 2012 10:05:15 GMT http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/shen-yun/2012-02-12/-just-so-enjoyable-shen-yun-in-fort-lauderdale-florida.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/shen-yun/2012-02-12/-just-so-enjoyable-shen-yun-in-fort-lauderdale-florida.html

As Shen Yun continues on its international tour they graced the stage in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, attracting the praise of many in the arts community.

This graduate of the prestigious Julliard's school of dance missed seeing Shen Yun in Boston, but fortunately her and a friend who used to figure skate got to see the show in Florida.

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"The ease of their movements makes one not even realize how difficult it is. They're so fluid, the timing is so precise, they're so accurate that its just so enjoyable that you forget the hard work that goes into it."

[Thelma Hogan, Former Figure Skater]:
"Oh I just thought it was wonderful. I just can't believe how they move so quiet. You can't imagine what they're doing with their feet. Because they're just moving beautifully, they're so graceful."

This woman had a 13 year career in artistic gymnastics. She brought her two young children with her to watch Shen Yun perform.

[Oksana Irenchik, Former Gymnast]
"Its magnificent. The effort, the togetherness of the dancers, I've never seen anything like that before."

As a gymnast, Ms. Irenchik can appreciate the effort and skill level of the performers.

[Oksana Irenchik, Gymnast]
"And the thing is they do it so effortlessly. Its so easy for them, its a dance for them, but I know how much work goes into it."

She recommends Shen Yun.

[Oksana Irenchik, Gymnast]
"Its not only you see a little glimpse of the Chinese culture, but its also amazing how great the show, the level of the show, the skills of the dancers."

NTD News, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

In New York, NTD is a media sponsor of Shen Yun.

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<![CDATA[Whitney Houston Dies, Age 48]]> Sat, 11 Feb 2012 21:14:58 GMT http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_northamerica/2012-02-11/whitney-houston-dies-age-48.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_northamerica/2012-02-11/whitney-houston-dies-age-48.html

US pop singer Whitney Houston, known for hit songs such as “I Will Always Love You,” and “Exhale (Shoop Shoop)” as well as movies such as The Bodyguard, has died. The singer was 48 years old. Houston’s publicist informed the Associated Press on Saturday, but did not give any information regarding the location or the cause of death.

Whitney Houston was born in Newark, New Jersey in 1963 and experienced the height of her career between the mid 80’s and mid 90’s. Houston was one of the world’s best selling artists, selling 170 million records worldwide. In addition, Houston made it into the Guinness book of records as the most awarded female act of all time. Houston won over 400 awards during her career, including six Grammys, two Emmys and dozens of Billboard and American Music Awards.

However Houston’s career was marred by a rocky marriage and drug abuse; she admitted using cocaine and marijuana. This abuse took its toll on Houston in the late 90’s as she started showing up late for interviews and rehearsals, and cancelling performances. Houston’s voice also deteriorated and album sales started to drop.

After a shaky few years, Houston separated from her husband, Bobby Brown, in 2007 and launched a comeback. She released a new album I Look to You in 2009, which entered US charts at No. 1; this success was followed by appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show and The X-Factor in the UK.

Houston was sometimes referred to as the “Queen of Pop,” and is survived by her mother, gospel singer Cissy Houston, who is now 78.

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<![CDATA[Dancer Lisa Lumiere Sees Shen Yun for the Third Time in Fort Lauderdale]]> Sat, 11 Feb 2012 07:45:27 GMT http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/special/shen-yun/2012-02-11/dancer-lisa-lumiere-sees-shen-yun-for-the-third-time-in-fort-lauderdale.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/special/shen-yun/2012-02-11/dancer-lisa-lumiere-sees-shen-yun-for-the-third-time-in-fort-lauderdale.html

Dancer Lisa Lumiere was in the audience at Shen Yun Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

It was the third time she has seen the show.

[Lisa Lumiere, Dancer]:
“I saw a lot of beautiful color and light in the show. But it’s not only the physical light, beautiful spiritual light, divine light, I saw it in the show. Thank you very much it was really breathtaking.”

Shen Yun presents 5000 years of divinely-inspired Chinese culture, through classical Chinese dance.

[Lisa Lumiere, Dancer]:
“Divine, radiant, spiritual world on the stage. So why not, we can create a big stage on earth. To create peace on earth.”

The performers left an impression on her as well.

[Lisa Lumiere, Dancer]:
“So beautiful. Beautiful inside and out. Their smile is really from inner beauty, showing out so I think I learn so many things from them. Not an artificial smile for the show, but inner beauty. It was the cultivation, they do it, practice the spiritual work. This is totally different from other shows, and it’s very important and the world needs it.”

NTD News, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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<![CDATA["Just Spectacular" - Shen Yun in Fort Lauderdale, Florida]]> Sat, 11 Feb 2012 07:44:56 GMT http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/special/shen-yun/2012-02-11/-just-spectacular-shen-yun-in-fort-lauderdale-florida.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/special/shen-yun/2012-02-11/-just-spectacular-shen-yun-in-fort-lauderdale-florida.html

Shen Yun Performing Arts is currently performing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

[Marge Ronskavitz, Photographer]:
“Inspirational. I’ve never seen anything close to this in my entire life.”

She also enjoyed the combination of classical Chinese dance and live orchestra.

[Marge Ronskavitz, Photographer]:
“I got a great feeling. In fact I had chills going up and down me a couple of different times, with the dancing and the music itself. It’s just spectacular. I don’t know how else to describe it.”

[Sangani, Hotel and Real Estate Owner]:
“The show is fantastic. I had never thought that this much coordination, colorfulness and activity, that goes throughout the stage, is beyond my imagination…

He also enjoyed the storytelling through the dance.

[Sangani, Hotel and Real Estate Owner]:
“And when the evil comes the monks can conquer the evil and try to bring the goodness into the world and that’s a fantastic message. So we should respect the monks.”

[Alberto Camacho，Sales Management]:
“It’s a big, big message. It comes from thousands of years ago, and now we’re living it and we’re absorbing as a new culture, Chinese culture.”

[Alejandra Rivalta，TV Director]:
“It’s beautiful. It’s amazing. I love it... Everybody has to come to see it, because it’s unique.”

Because of the popularity of the show in Fort Lauderdale, another performance has been added on Sunday afternoon.

NTD News, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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