<![CDATA[NTDTV - Asia Pacific]]>

<![CDATA[NTDTV - Asia Pacific]]> http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/index.html <![CDATA[NATO Sees Progress on Supply Route Issue]]> Tue, 22 May 2012 23:07:29 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-22/NATO-Sees-Progress-on-Supply-Route-Issue.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-22/NATO-Sees-Progress-on-Supply-Route-Issue.html

Truck drivers sit idly by their rigs.

A common scene in Karachi since Pakistan closed supply routes to Afghanistan over a November NATO raid that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers.

NATO has so far failed to persuade Pakistan to reopen its territory to aid its troop withdrawal plan.

But there are signs of progress and a NATO spokesman in Afghanistan said communication is improving.

[Brigadier General Carsten Jacobson, ISAF Spokesman]:

"Pakistan is a vital player in the area it is not only a question of ground lines communication. It is the entire question of fighting the insurgency, of denying the insurgency safe haven, of denying the insurgents area of operation that we need to deal together."

While economic and political relations are at stake, the raid provoked intense anger in Pakistan.

[Ghulam Abbas, Local Worker]:

"Why should Pakistan resume the supplies? The U.S. has not taken a single step; they have not even apologized. Earlier, Pakistan talked big, saying they would open the supply only after an apology from the U.S.. I do not understand why they should open the supply line at this time."

The U.S. has said it regretted the troop deaths but has not officially apologized or stopped drone strikes in the country.

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0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0 0 <![CDATA[Wrestling Against the Odds: India's first female Olympic wrestler]]> Tue, 22 May 2012 17:43:45 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-22/Wrestling-Against-the-Odds-India-s-first-female-Olympic-wrestler.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-22/Wrestling-Against-the-Odds-India-s-first-female-Olympic-wrestler.html

Geeta Phogat is unique among women in India.

She's making history as the nation's first female wrestler to qualify for the Olympics taking place this year in London.

Geeta's now training at Asia's largest sports institute in Punjab state but life could have been very different.

[Geeta Phogat, Female Olympic Wrestler]:

"If I was not a wrestler, or if my father hadn't been a good coach, I would have been married by now."

Geeta started training in an enclosure adjoining a cattle shed in her village home.

Her father was her coach.

Her mother says he gave her a very hard time.

[Daya Kaur, Geeta's Mother]:

"She used to get thrashings from her father. He used to keep a stick. If she was late, even by one minute in the morning, she used to get it. If she performed badly during practice she would face the stick as well."

Back in Geeta's home state of Haryana, her father still coaches other girls including her youngster sister Babita.

Babita's also an international wrestler.

She bagged a silver medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

But here wrestling is widely viewed as a male sport.

Haryana state is notorious for its gender bias.

Sex-selective abortion is a regular practice among parents anxious to avoid the financial burden of having daughters.

Geeta's father Mahavir Singh, himself a former wrestler, says poverty was a big obstacle.

[Mahavir Singh, Geeta's Father]:

"Milk, vegetables, everything is so expensive and I had to provide five daughters with an athlete's diet. That would cost a minimum of 200 rupees (3.6 U.S. dollars) a day and I had five athletic daughters which means at least 1, 000 rupees (18.4 dollars) a day. Where do I get that money from."

Against the odds the Phogat sisters are celebrities in their home village.

Now Geeta's carrying the nation's hope for an Olympic gold in London, and the aspirations of more young Indian women that their futures too can differ from traditional expectations.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,0 35 <![CDATA[Australian Man Runs Half Marathon Distance in Hot Air Balloon]]> Sat, 19 May 2012 05:26:29 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-19/australian-man-runs-half-marathon-distance-in-hot-air-balloon.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-19/australian-man-runs-half-marathon-distance-in-hot-air-balloon.html

An Australian runner completed a half-marathon while running in a hot air balloon on Thursday.

Rob Ginnivan ran 13 miles on a treadmill, powered by a small generator.

He had to brave the cold and the altitude above the Australian capital, Canberra, to complete his task.

Although he is an experienced runner, it took him twice as long as normal to run the distance because he could only take small steps on the treadmill.

He said he also encountered other difficulties.

[Rob Ginnivan, Marathon Runner]:
"What I didn't count on was that the basket actually tilted, so it was like running up a hill. Every time I took a step, the basket would sway from left to right so I kind of had this sea type motion being in the air. It was quite bizarre and made it very difficult."

Hot air balloon pilot Ewan Roberts said conditions for the flight also had to be taken into consideration.

[Ewan Roberts, Hot Air Balloon Pilot]:
"The biggest issue was finding a day when we could fly for about three hours, which is quite unusual for a regular balloon ride."

Ginnivan is raising money for the Heart Foundation by running on land, at sea, and in the air. His target is $95,000 US dollars.

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0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0 8 <![CDATA[Death Sentence for Drug Traffickers in Malaysia]]> Fri, 18 May 2012 04:09:39 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-18/death-sentence-for-drug-traffickers-in-malaysia.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-18/death-sentence-for-drug-traffickers-in-malaysia.html

Five men convicted of drug trafficking in Malaysia are brought to court to learn their fate.

Mexican Jose Regino Gonzalez Villareal, and his brothers Simon Gonzalez Villareal and Luis Alfonso Gonzalez Villareal were arrested in 2008.

Singaporean national Lim Mun Wang and Malaysian Lee Boon Sian were also held.

The crime carries a mandatory capital punishment.

All five were sentenced to hang.

The Mexicans said they'd been working as cleaners at a building where drugs and production equipment were found during a police raid.

The prosecutor in the case says it's a warning to others.

[Umar Saifuddin, Prosecutor]:

"I think it should serve as a lesson to would-be visitors, especially the foreigners, to think twice about coming here and trying to establish a factory to process drugs."

The men's defence lawyer says they'll fight on.

[Foong Kit Son, Defense Lawyer]:

"We will be filing an appeal tomorrow morning and this process will take us to Putrajaya for the court of appeal before three judges, and if still not successful, the final one will be to the federal court."

If the executions go ahead, the three Mexicans would be the first in their nation's history to hang in Asia.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,0 101 <![CDATA[South Korea Urges China to Release Detained Activists]]> Thu, 17 May 2012 17:41:32 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-17/south-korea-urges-china-to-release-detained-activists.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-17/south-korea-urges-china-to-release-detained-activists.html

On Thursday, the South Korean government urged Chinese authorities to release four detained activists and to allow them access to consular help.

One of the four detainees—Anti-North Korea activist Kim Yong-hwan—met a South Korean diplomat on April 26.

South Korean Foreign Ministry said Chinese authorities have denied the other three detainees their rights to seek consular assistance.

[Cho Byung-jae, Foreign Ministry Spokesman]:

"Unnecessary misunderstandings and disputes have emerged as the Chinese authorities have not explained the situation sufficiently and have denied our request for consular assistance. I think this will not help in developing bilateral relations."

The Foreign Ministry says it will continue to press the matter.

[Cho Byung-jae, Foreign Ministry Spokesman]:

"In order to resolve the matter, our government will discuss and negotiate with the Chinese government while keeping contact with the families (of the detained activists). Our main priority is the safety of the four (activists)."

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said authorities are looking into the case.

The four South Korean activists were detained in Dalian city in northeast China’s Liaoning Province in late March.

A rights group said the four were detained on suspicion of spying—after they interviewed North Korean refugees living in hiding in the area.

Since the 1950s, more than 20,000 North Koreans refugees have escaped—mostly across the border to China before heading for South Korea.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,0 57 <![CDATA[North Korea Captures Three Chinese Fishing Boats]]> Thu, 17 May 2012 15:14:05 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-17/north-korea-captures-three-chinese-fishing-boats.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-17/north-korea-captures-three-chinese-fishing-boats.html

Chinese authorities confirmed on Thursday that a North Korean boat has taken three Chinese finishing boats hostage. The boats and 29 Chinese fishermen onboard are being held in North Korea in an undisclosed location. It’s believed the boats were taken on May 8th.

The North Korean captors are demanding $142,288 (900,000 Yuan) in return for the boats. They had originally asked for $189,800 (1.2 million Yuan). The deadline for the ransom is Thursday, reported the owner of one of the fishing boats via a satellite phone call on May 9th. The owner also said that the capture was unwarranted as the boats were fishing in Chinese waters.

At a media conference on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Chinese authorities are in close contact with North Korea, and hope to resolve the problem quickly. He also urged North Korea to ensure the legitimate rights of the Chinese fishermen.

The identity of the North Korean captors remains unclear, and it’s not immediately known whether the seizure was done with consent by the North Korean regime. The Chinese regime is North Korea’s most important ally and its biggest trading partner.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,0 65 <![CDATA[Aussie Police Seize Drugs Worth $1.6 Million]]> Wed, 16 May 2012 22:56:37 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-16/aussie-police-seize-drugs-worth-1-6-million.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-16/aussie-police-seize-drugs-worth-1-6-million.html

In a drug raid on Tuesday, police in Sydney, Australia recovered drugs and cash worth an estimated $1.6 million Australian dollars.

Two people, charged with supplying drugs on a commercial scale, were arrested in the raid.

Police uncovered a store of crystal methyl amphetamine, large quantities of the drug ecstasy, heroin and steroids.

Officers also seized a bag full of cash, a replica pistol, drug-making equipment, laptop computers, mobile phones and documentation.

Both accused were refused bail.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,0 21 <![CDATA[Indonesia Plane Crash Victims' Families Mourn Dead]]> Tue, 15 May 2012 08:12:08 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-15/indonesia-plane-crash-victims-families-mourn-dead.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-15/indonesia-plane-crash-victims-families-mourn-dead.html

Devastation etched on the faces of these relatives of the victims of a plane crash in Indonesia.

The Russian plane carrying 45 passengers on an exhibition flight to drum up sales crashed at this site in the mountainous West Java province.

Indonesian rescue teams have found bodies but no survivors in the wreckage.

At this news conference, official rescue chiefs said they have now identified 12 victims.

But the identification process - which uses DNA samples from family members - could take some time as many of the victims' direct families are not in Indonesia.

[Anton Catilani, Chief, Indonesia Police Disaster Victim Identification]:

"Up until now we have taken 28 DNA samples from passengers on board. Many of them who are here are not direct family."

The Superjet 100 aircraft went missing on Wednesday about 40 miles south of Jakarta.

Among the victims were Indonesian reporters and businessmen, eight Russians, a French citizen and an American.

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0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0 58 <![CDATA[Search Continues in Indonesia for Russian Plane's Black Box]]> Mon, 14 May 2012 22:37:46 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-14/search-continues-in-indonesia-for-russian-plane-s-black-box.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-14/search-continues-in-indonesia-for-russian-plane-s-black-box.html

Indonesia rescue workers are searching for the black box that was on board a Russian passenger jet that crashed in West Java last week.

The Sukhoi Superjet 100 was on a six-nation sales tour when it cashed during the Indonesian flight.

At least 45 people were on board.

Rescue workers believe the information in the flight-recorder could shed light on its crash, into a volcano.

A West Java military commander said the mission has proven difficult due to the rough terrain of the area.

Eighty Russian rescue workers and forensic experts have arrived in Indonesia to help in the recovery efforts.

Rescuers found some communication gear from the plane, but have not yet recovered the flight-recorder.

The crash deals a blow to Sukhoi's marketing plans for the Superjet 100.

A local Indonesian airline has put its order for 12 of the jets on hold, pending the air crash investigation.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,0 58 <![CDATA[Crash Victim Remains Reach Jakarta]]> Sat, 12 May 2012 06:27:53 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-12/crash-victim-remains-reach-jakarta.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-12/crash-victim-remains-reach-jakarta.html

Body bags containing the remains of some of the victims of Wednesday's plane crash in Indonesia arrive at an airport in Jakarta.

From here they're taken to a police hospital where experts will identify who they belong to.

Officials say 12 bags of remains have been collected and flown from the crash site at Mount Salak.

Relatives of some of the victims say it's an agonizing wait.

[Didit, Relative Of Air Crash Victim]:
"My wife, Maria Marcela, was on board. My gut feeling says her body is inside the bags, but I will wait for the official announcement."

The Russian Sukhoi Superjet 100 crashed on a hilltop in a remote area of West Java.

There were 45 passengers and crew on board.

They included Indonesian reporters and business people, Russian embassy officials and flight crew, also one French national and one American.

Recovery teams who reached the scene of the accident have found no survivors.

The aircraft was on an exhibition flight as part of a tour to drum up sales when it crashed.

The cause remains a mystery.

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0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0 38 <![CDATA[First Images of Downed Russian Jet in Indonesia]]> Fri, 11 May 2012 03:35:58 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-11/first-images-of-downed-russian-jet-in-indonesia.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-11/first-images-of-downed-russian-jet-in-indonesia.html

The first pictures of a Russian jet that crashed into a mountain south of Jakarta have emerged.

Debris from the plane could be seen on Mount Salak in West Java, Indonesia, Thursday.

Officials say there were up to 50 people on board.

Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yuudhoyono.

[Susilo Bambang Yuudhoyono, Indonesian President]:

"The airplane crashed at the edge of Salak Mountain. I have spoken directly to our officer in the field; it was found around 1.5km from the predicted site. An investigation must be done immediately and thoroughly. Search and rescue operations must prioritize finding people on board."

The Sukhoi Superjet 100 was on a demonstration flight and was carrying Indonesian businessmen, Russian embassy officials and journalists.

The aircraft is being marketed internationally in partnership with a subsidiary of Italian aerospace group, Finmeccanica.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,0 61 <![CDATA[Myanmar's Suu Kyi Meets with Polish Foreign Minister]]> Fri, 11 May 2012 03:21:58 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-11/myanmar-s-suu-kyi-meets-with-polish-foreign-minister.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-11/myanmar-s-suu-kyi-meets-with-polish-foreign-minister.html

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski met opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Thursday while on a two-day official visit to Myanmar.

Aung San Suu Kyi called for investors to develop regions where ethnic minorities exist.

[Aung San Suu Kyi, Leader of National League for Democracy]:

"Those who are thinking of giving development aid or investing in Burma should consider having programs not just in the mainly Burmese areas but in the ethnic nationality areas as well. That they should always try to balance one with another. Because although our people are poor, I think, in the main land, I think in the ethnic areas they are even poorer and even in greater need of even more aid.”

Sikorski said the suspension of sanctions posed by the European Union against Myanmar would encourage economic recovery.

[Radoslaw Sikorski, Polish Foreign Minister]:

"By suspending the sanctions, we have removed their effects. So you cannot argue that the Burmese economy is not developing because of sanctions, sanctions are not operable anymore. But at the same time we are sending the signal, 'look, we want to be sure that what you are doing is irreversible.’ And we think in a year maybe we will be sure. And maybe that will be the time to re-examine the policy.”

Prior to his visit Sikorski had emphasized that the demand for all political prisoners be released must be met before permanent lifting of EU's sanctions.

Sikorski was accompanied by Polish businessmen representing heavy industries and infrastructure. The delegation met with Myanmar ministers and business communities.

The Polish and Myanmar's delegation also signed an agreement on financing of technology in the mining industry and geological sciences between the two countries.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,0 160 <![CDATA[Philippines Fire Disaster Kills 17]]> Thu, 10 May 2012 01:25:08 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-10/philippines-fire-disaster-kills-17.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-10/philippines-fire-disaster-kills-17.html

Local media reported the loss of at least 17 lives following a fire which swept through a department store in the City of Butuan in Southern Philippines on May 9. The fire started at 4 a.m local time.

Those who died were believed to be trapped inside the building.

About a dozen firefighters brought the fire under control within 2 hours of the fire starting.

Initial police reports suggest there were at least 21 people sleeping in the building on the night of the fire.

It has come to light that department stores in the Philippines occasionally allow their employees to stay overnight in the building, particularly if they live far away.

Investigations as to what caused the fire are already underway.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,0 38 <![CDATA[Korean City Slickers Switch to Farming]]> Thu, 10 May 2012 01:01:47 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-10/korean-city-slickers-switch-to-farming.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-10/korean-city-slickers-switch-to-farming.html

From blackberry - to berry farming.

53-year old Chung Man-gyoo is one of thousands in South Korea who are trading in stressful city lives for the peace and quiet of a farming life.

Once an executive at an electronics company... Chung now farms berries on a one acre plot of land outside Seoul.

Its a far cry from his old life... and takes some adjusting.

[Chung Man-Gyoo, 53-year-old Farmer]:

"I don't miss life in the city at all, but my wife still misses the city life very much since she just moved in."

Chung and his family is one of more than 10,000 who made the move from city to farm in 2011.

Along with tax incentives and financial aid, the government provides classes to teach people how to farm and about life in the countryside.

Still the simple life comes at a price - most farmers leave behind high paying salaries for a slice of serenity.

Chung says that's all part of the experience....

[Chung Man-Gyoo, 53-year-old Farmer]:

"I don't think farming will make you a lot of money. In newspapers, there're stories about people making huge money with farming. Yes, maybe it's possible, but if you want money, there're more chances in the city. You need to leave greed behind."

Reminders of another life... golf clubs collect dust on the porch.

Once used for chasing birdies, Chung says now he uses them to chase away stray cats.

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0,0,0,0,0,0,0,1 32 <![CDATA[New Russian Plane Goes Missing in Indonesia]]> Wed, 09 May 2012 11:11:46 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-09/new-russian-plane-goes-missing-in-indonesia.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-09/new-russian-plane-goes-missing-in-indonesia.html

Air traffic controllers lost contact with the newest Russian passenger airliner as it made a demonstration flight over western Indonesia on Wednesday. The plane was carrying 44 passengers and its two pilots.

Indonesia’s state-run RIA Novosti news service reports that the plane went missing around 2 p.m. , while making a 30-minute demonstration flight from Jakarta.

The pilots requested permission to descend from 10,000 feet to 6,000 feet near the Salak mountains before disappearing from radar screens at 6,200 feet. Radio contact was also lost.

Ministry of Transportation spokesperson Bambang Ervan said that search and rescue teams were heading to the mountainous area where the plane was last reported to be in. However, two helicopters were forced to return due to bad weather.

RIA Novosti reports that the plane had only enough fuel for the 30 minute flight.

The plane was designed by the Russian aerospace firm Sukhoi, though it worked with companies from other countries, including Boeing. The Superjet 100 plane was on a six-nation tour for its debut, having already visited Myanmar, Pakistan and Kazakhstan. It was supposed to visit Laos and Vietnam after Indonesia.

Eight Russian crew members were among the passengers aboard.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,0 125 <![CDATA["Martian Pink" Diamond May Fetch over $8 million at Auction]]> Wed, 09 May 2012 00:32:41 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-09/-martian-pink-diamond-may-fetch-over-8-million-at-auction.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-09/-martian-pink-diamond-may-fetch-over-8-million-at-auction.html

The largest pink diamond ever auctioned is expected to fetch over $8 million U.S. dollars at Christie's Hong Kong spring auctions which begin later this month.

Christie's jewellery specialist talks about the history of the 12.04-carat brilliant cut pink diamond.

[May Lim, Christies Jewelry Specialist]:

"It's the largest pink diamond, round pink diamond, ever to appear in auction history. So why is this pink diamond so out of the ordinary? Because in 1976 the collector that actually bought the diamond, bought it from Harry Winston and that was the same year the United States launched the Martian Exhibition and to commemorate this event, Harry Winston decided to name this diamond the Martian Pink."

Lim says colored diamonds are rare.

[May Lim, Christies Jewelry Specialist]:

"Colored diamonds are very rare, and especially pink diamonds, they don't usually appear, and in order for a pink diamond to be this intense in color is extremely out of the ordinary. And it for it to be this saturated, for it to become a round brilliant diamond is exceptional, you rarely find it in the market at all."

The "Martian Pink" diamond is one of two famous pink diamonds in the world.

The other is the 23.60-carat Williamson Pink diamond that belongs to Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. It was given to her as a wedding gift in 1947.

Christie's hopes to cash in more than $76 million from 300 items during its spring sales which start on May 29.

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0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0 205 <![CDATA[Clinton Pressures Pakistan on Terrorism]]> Tue, 08 May 2012 22:36:42 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_europe/2012-05-08/clinton-pressures-pakistan-on-terrorism.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_europe/2012-05-08/clinton-pressures-pakistan-on-terrorism.html

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton standing side by side with India's foreign minister S.M Krishna, is pressing neighboring Pakistan to do more to stamp out homegrown terrorism.

[Hillary Clinton, U.S. Secretary of State]:

"We look to the government of Pakistan to do more. It needs to make sure that its territory is not used as launching pads for terrorist attacks anywhere, including inside of Pakistan."

Both Washington and New Delhi have sharply criticized Pakistan for not detaining Hafiz Saeed -- the man suspected of masterminding the three-day rampage by gunmen on Mumbai, in 2008.

[Hillary Clinton, U.S. Secretary of State]:

"The 166 people killed in Mumbai during that horrific terrorist attack in 2008 included six Americans, so as part of our 'rewards for justice' program we have offered a 10 million dollar reward that could lead to the arrest or conviction of Hafiz Saeed for his role in those attacks."

After a reward was announced, Saeed last month taunted the United States by holding a news conference at a hotel just 40 minutes' drive away from the U.S. embassy in Islamabad, calling the bounty "laughable".

Islamabad and Washington have fallen out over the past year due to a raft of issues, notably American drone strikes on Pakistan from Afghanistan and a unilateral U.S. raid that killed al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,0 23 <![CDATA[Human Flesh Pills: South Korea Increases Customs Inspections]]> Tue, 08 May 2012 10:53:22 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-08/human-flesh-pills-south-korea-increases-customs-inspections.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-08/human-flesh-pills-south-korea-increases-customs-inspections.html

The first capsules containing human flesh were found by South Korean customs officers last August.

Since then they say the number being smuggled in from China has been rising.

Some Chinese workers and cancer patients in South Korea take the supplement believing its human fetus content boosts stamina.

But scientists in Incheon say there's every sign they also contain dangerous micro-organisms.

[Shin Eul-Gi, Incheon Airport Customs Inspection Laboratory Official]:

"Super-bacteria and other viruses and bacteria which are harmful to the human body are detected in them."

South Korean customs authorities believe the pills are produced in northeastern areas of China from dead human fetuses.

They say they're tightening up checks on drugs from China to stem the flow of such supplements coming into the country.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,0 183 <![CDATA[Indonesian on Trial Apologizes for Bali Bombings]]> Tue, 08 May 2012 00:46:15 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-08/indonesian-on-trial-apologizes-for-bali-bombings.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-08/indonesian-on-trial-apologizes-for-bali-bombings.html

Umar Patek, accused of involvement in the 2002 Bali bombings in which 202 people died, arrives in court on Monday.

Patek, 45, is accused of making the bombs that ripped through Bali nightclubs packed with tourists in 2002.

He is also accused of mixing chemicals for 13 bombs that detonated in 5 churches in Jakarta on Christmas Eve 2000, claiming 15 lives.

In court, Patek said he didn't know the purpose of the bombs in Bali, and that he was not involved in planning the attack.

He said that he was "only asked to help Mukhlas," a militant who was executed in 2008 after he was found guilty for masterminding the Bali bombings.

After the legal proceedings, Patek expressed his regret to those in the courtroom.

He said that he felt remorse for the Bali bombing, but downplayed his involvement in the incident, claiming that he was forced to take part in it.

He offered his apologies to the families of those who were killed.

The Bali bombings were a watershed for Indonesia, which has the world's largest Muslim population, forcing the state to confront the emergence of an increasingly vocal militant minority.

Court is set to adjourn on May 21.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,0 23 <![CDATA[Thousands of Devotees Mark Buddhism's Holiest Day in Nepal]]> Tue, 08 May 2012 00:16:14 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-08/thousands-of-devotees-mark-buddhism-s-holiest-day-in-nepal.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-08/thousands-of-devotees-mark-buddhism-s-holiest-day-in-nepal.html

Thousands of devotees gathered on Sunday at the Swayambhunath Stupa, an ancient religious complex Kathmandu Valley to mark one of Tibetan Buddhism's holiest days - the anniversary of Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death.

Celebrations are held on the first full moon in the month of May or Baishakh.

[Sanubhai Bajracharya, Resident of Bhaktapur in Kathmandu Valley]:

"We are here to celebrate this occasion given today is the birthday - the day of nirvana and the day he achieved Buddhism and also today being the full moon."

A ceremony near the temple was attended by the country's president and prime minister.

[Baburam Bhattarai, Nepalese Prime Minister]:

"World peace and the message of the liberation of humanity, which originated 2,556 years ago, does not end with Nepal and the continent of Asia, rather it has become the common message of all five continents."

Meanwhile, President Ram Baran Yadav said Buddha's message is just as relevant today.

[Ram Baran Yadav, Nepalese President]:

"I feel the message of Lord Buddha for peace and non-violence is much more appropriate in the world today."

Buddha is worshipped and revered as a god across the Asian and Sun Asian continents.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,0 127 <![CDATA[Lady Gaga's Used China Sells for 75k and More Entertainment News]]> Mon, 07 May 2012 15:48:28 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-07/lady-gaga-s-used-china-sells-for-75k-and-more-entertainment-news.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-07/lady-gaga-s-used-china-sells-for-75k-and-more-entertainment-news.html

How much is Lady Gaga's used china worth? Quite a lot, apparently. A tea cup used by the singer sold for 75,000 dollars at auction in Japan. With more than 1,300 bids, the online auction lasted more than a week. Gaga used the tea cup at a press conference in Japan last year. The money raised will be used to help young Japanese artists who want to study in the US.

Lindsay Lohan has settled a case involving an employee at the Betty Ford clinic, according to online tabloid TMZ. The employee sued the actress, saying that she was injured in a scuffle started by Lohan. Lohan denied causing the woman any harm, but TMZ now reports that she has settled the case for an undisclosed amount.

Finally, Will Smith was in South Korea to promote his new film, "Men in Black 3." Thousands showed up to get a glimpse of the star, who took time for a little meet and greet with some of his fans and posed for pictures with wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

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0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0 43 <![CDATA[Deadly Bomb Attack at Police Checkpoint in Pakistan]]> Fri, 04 May 2012 22:59:05 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_europe/2012-05-04/deadly-bomb-attack-at-police-checkpoint-in-pakistan.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_europe/2012-05-04/deadly-bomb-attack-at-police-checkpoint-in-pakistan.html

A suicide bomber killed at least 15 people and wounded 40 on Friday in an attack on a police checkpoint in northwest Pakistan.

The bombing casts doubt on official assertions that security offensives have weakened militants.

The bomber struck near a crowded market in Bajaur, one of the unruly Pashtun tribal regions near the Afghan border, where the military has mounted offensives in recent years against the Pakistani Taliban.

Officials say at least three of the dead were policemen, including a senior officer.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack, but the Taliban have mounted similar suicide bombings, often killing civilians, in a bid to topple the government.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,0 6 <![CDATA[Graduating With a Master's Degree - Aged 97!]]> Fri, 04 May 2012 22:47:22 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-04/graduating-with-a-master-s-degree-aged-97-.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-04/graduating-with-a-master-s-degree-aged-97-.html

It's never too late to learn - as demonstrated by a 97-year-old man who broke his own world record on Friday, by graduating from a university in Lismore, Australia, with a master's degree.

Allan Stewart graduated with a master's degree in clinical sciences from Southern Cross University.

The award makes him the world's oldest graduate for a second time.

In 2006 Stewart earned a listing in the Guinness World Records when he completed a law degree at the age of 91.

But having completed his latest record, Stewart says it's now time to relax a bit.

Asked if he was going to attempt any more degrees, he said he plans to ease up.

[Allan Stewart, University Graduate]:

"No, I want to take it easy. I think I've done enough, and I just want to take life easy and do a bit of gardening and visit my family regularly. That's how it goes, for the time being, anyway."

The master's is Stewart's fourth degree.

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0,0,0,0,0,0,0,1 22 <![CDATA[South Korean Olympic Skater Kim Yu-Na Wows Fans]]> Fri, 04 May 2012 14:38:58 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-04/south-korean-olympic-skater-kim-yuna-wows-fans.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-04/south-korean-olympic-skater-kim-yuna-wows-fans.html

Nearly 10,000 people gathered at a stadium in Seoul to watch the ice show entitled "All That Skate Spring 2012" to see Olympic champion, Kim Yu-Na, perform with some of the world's top skaters.

Kim unveiled a new gala programme in which she played a man, dancing to Michael Buble's song "All Of Me", in the first section, then turned into a woman to perform to Adele's "Someone Like You."

[Kim Yu-Na, Olympic Champion Skater]:

"I've been practicing very hard. Now I was performing with audience's cheering and under lights, which made me enjoy the performance more."

Kim was the first female figure skater to achieve the grand slam by winning the World Championships, the Winter Olympics, the World Grand Prix Final and the Four Continents Championships.

Top skaters such as 2010 Olympic gold medallist Evan Lysacek of the United States, 2012 World champions Patrick Chan of Canada and Carolina Kostner of Italy also took part in the show.

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0,0,0,0,1,0,0,0 1252 <![CDATA[Fly with Hello Kitty]]> Thu, 03 May 2012 11:51:14 GMT EST http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-03/Fly-with-Hello-Kitty.html http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/news_asia/2012-05-03/Fly-with-Hello-Kitty.html

It promises to be the cutest flight experience on the planet.

Starting with its pink check-in counter, Taiwanese EVA airlines launched a flight service fully themed on Hello Kitty.

After handing over the Hello Kitty boarding pass, passengers enter the aircraft.

Rows of seats adorned with the cat character await them inside.

Even the food matches the feline theme.

But as EVA senior instructor, Chang Ai-lin explains, selling "cute" is good for the business.

[Chang Ai Ling, EVA Senior Instructor]:

''For our flight route from Japan, many Japanese passengers who travel to Taiwan choose to take the Hello Kitty flight."

Indeed a powerhouse brand, Hello Kitty is part of a multi-billion dollar franchise of Japan's Sanrio Company.

And fans it has -- ready to board the next Hello Kitty flight.

[Su Cheu, Tourist From Malaysia]:

"Hello Kitty is all over the place and it's very attractive. Also, I have children and it would be fun to bring them here."

Right now the airline has three Hello Kitty jets in service flying between Asian countries.

It seems that for one cat the sky is not the limit.

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