Dec 14, 2012
India eases visa restrictions for Pakistan
India eases visa restrictions for Pakistan: Tourists and business visitors to travel more freely, in a sign of warming relations between the neighbours.
Israeli FM resigns after indictment
Israeli FM resigns after indictment: Avigdor Lieberman, an ally of PM Binyamin Netanyahu, quits after being charged with fraud and breach of trust.
Dozens killed in US school shooting
Dozens killed in US school shooting: At least 27 killed, including 20 children, after shooting at primary school in state of Connecticut, police say.
UN to investigate South Sudan deaths
UN to investigate South Sudan deaths: UN to find out what caused death of nine civilians during clashes with security forces in Wau.
Chromebooks, Best-Selling Laptops
Chromebooks, Best-Selling Laptops: Who said that Chromebooks aren't popular? If you look at Amazon's list of the best sellers in the "Laptop computers" category, you'll find 4 Chromebooks in the top 11:
#1: Samsung Chromebook (57 days in the top 100) - out of stock
#5: Samsung Chromebook 3G (57 days in the top 100) - out of stock
#9: Samsung Series 5 550 Chromebook (199 days in the top 100)
#11: Acer C7 Chromebook (6 days in the top 100)
What other notebooks are constantly in the top 10? Apple's MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, which are also the top-rated laptops. Samsung's ARM Chromebooks are the #9 and #10 top-rated laptops, after a long list of MacBook models.
Samsung's ARM Chromebook is also the best-selling laptop at Amazon UK:
What about France, Germany, Spain, Italy? Google says that "Chromebooks are currently sold out. We are working on getting more devices available for you soon."
#1: Samsung Chromebook (57 days in the top 100) - out of stock
#5: Samsung Chromebook 3G (57 days in the top 100) - out of stock
#9: Samsung Series 5 550 Chromebook (199 days in the top 100)
#11: Acer C7 Chromebook (6 days in the top 100)
What other notebooks are constantly in the top 10? Apple's MacBook Pro and MacBook Air, which are also the top-rated laptops. Samsung's ARM Chromebooks are the #9 and #10 top-rated laptops, after a long list of MacBook models.
Samsung's ARM Chromebook is also the best-selling laptop at Amazon UK:
What about France, Germany, Spain, Italy? Google says that "Chromebooks are currently sold out. We are working on getting more devices available for you soon."
Pain Ahead if the U.S. Goes Off the ‘Fiscal-Cliff’ - NYTimes.com
Pain Ahead if the U.S. Goes Off the ‘Fiscal-Cliff’ - NYTimes.com: Pain Ahead if the U.S. Goes Off the ‘Fiscal-Cliff’ - NYTimes.com
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Dec 13, 2012
Jonathan Capehart: The ignoble hounding of Susan Rice
Jonathan Capehart: The ignoble hounding of Susan Rice:
Somewhere on Capitol Hill, Sens. John McCain, Lindsey Graham and Kelly Ayotte must be smiling now that UN Ambassador Susan Rice has withdrawn her name from consideration for plum post of Secretary of State. Their ignoble hounding of Rice is another sorry episode in the politics of personal destruction in Washington.
Read full article >>
Somewhere on Capitol Hill, Sens. John McCain, Lindsey Graham and Kelly Ayotte must be smiling now that UN Ambassador Susan Rice has withdrawn her name from consideration for plum post of Secretary of State. Their ignoble hounding of Rice is another sorry episode in the politics of personal destruction in Washington.
Read full article >>
Envoy Visits Jailed Activist
Envoy Visits Jailed Activist: 
The U.N.’s special envoy for human rights in Cambodia has paid a visit to a dissident convicted of masterminding a secessionist plot in Kratie province, as another rights activist was summoned to court in connection with the case.
U.N. Special Rapporteur Surya Subedi met with Mam Sonando, director and owner of the independent Beehive Radio station, at the No. 1 Correctional Center in Phnom Penh on Wednesday while on an eight-day fact-finding mission on the human rights situation in the country.
The visit came just days before a hearing on a request for bail by Mam Sonando, who was jailed in October on charges of organizing what authorities deemed to be a secessionist plot by villagers to form a self-governing zone.
The 71-year-old activist has been in poor health since his arrest and an appeals court is scheduled to hear his request on Friday.
His wife Din Sophanara said Subedi’s visit would boost Mam Sonando’s morale ahead of the hearing.
“This visit is an honor for Mam Sonando,” she told RFA’s Khmer Service after the meeting.
“It is a form of moral support,” she said, though she said she did not know the details of their conversation.
Subedi is in the country to review progress on recommendations he made to the government two years ago and during his trip has urged officials to allow greater freedom of expression, land rights, and the independence of the judiciary.
Mam Sonando’s case, which U.S. President Barack Obama raised with Prime Minister Hun Sen during his historic visit to Cambodia last month, has drawn criticism from international rights groups who say the case against him is politically motivated.
Bail request
In October, Mam Sonando was sentenced to 20 years in prison for defaming the government and orchestrating a secessionist plot tied to a land dispute in Kratie’s Chhlong district, where a mass occupation of land and bloody clashes in May triggered a security clampdown.
Mam Sonando has denied the charges and filed an appeal against his conviction.
A date has not yet been set for a hearing on the appeal. Friday’s court session will address whether or not Mam Sonando is at risk of fleeing from custody if released on bail, his lawyer Sar Sowath said.
“This is a hearing for the judge to determine whether Mam Sonando would flee [if released] or if he is sick enough that he can be granted bail,” he said, adding that the activist’s health is deteriorating.
He expressed optimism that Mam Sonando would be granted bail because he is too sick to leave the country.
A lawyer representing the eight others sentenced in connection with the case said they have not requested bail, but seven of them have also filed appeals with the court.
“They have appealed the court decisions because they can’t accept those decisions,” lawyer Long Lon said, adding that they had asked the court to speed up the case.
The eight were convicted of allegedly staging an anti-state rebellion following a mass occupation of land that triggered clashes in May.
The clashes occurred after some 1,000 village families refused a government order to vacate state land they had used for farming which was awarded as a concession to Russian firm Casotim. The company plans to build a rubber plantation at the site.
Chan Soveth
This week authorities took steps against another prominent activist in connection with the case, issuing a fresh court summons to Chan Soveth, senior investigator for the Cambodian rights watchdog ADHOC.
The summons, delivered to Chan Soveth on Tuesday, orders him to appear before the Phnom Penh Municipal Court on Dec. 24 to answer charges that he “assisted perpetrators” in the Kratie land revolt.
He is accused of financing villagers who planned to establish the self-governing zone and if convicted, faces one to three years imprisonment and a fine of U.S. $500 to $1,500.
Chan Soveth said he will testify before the court, but expressed concerns about the judge’s independence.
“People have criticized the court for not being independent … I would like to deny that I have committed any crime,” he told RFA’s Khmer Service.
The summons, dated Nov. 30 and issued by Phnom Penh investigating judge Chhe Virak, is Chan Soveth’s second in connection with the case.
He was previously summoned to appear in court on Aug. 24, but the questioning was delayed while he was on a trip outside the country.
The August summons came shortly after Prime Minister Hun Sen gave a nationally televised speech condemning groups in the land revolt and calling on an unnamed NGO worker to “confess” his role in assisting the Kratie villagers.
ADHOC issued a statement on Wednesday defending their employee, saying Chan Soveth had done nothing wrong and always conducted his work in accordance with the law.
“Before more details on the specific information Judge Chhe Virak is looking for are disclosed, ADHOC would like to stress that it has always conducted its activities in accordance with the law,” the statement said.
“One of the most respected human rights workers in Cambodia, Soveth has always carried out his work in a manner consistent with Cambodian law—investigating human rights violations, organizing trainings and providing legal assistance to individuals and communities affected by land conflicts.”
In another statement on Thursday, ADHOC urged authorities to grant Mam Sonando bail and to overturn his conviction “as soon as possible.”
“The granting of bail for Mam Sonando, and, ultimately, a successful appeal against his conviction, would signal to the international community that Cambodia is back on course to becoming a country that respects and promotes human rights,” the statement said.
Reported by RFA’s Khmer Service. Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Rachel Vandenbrink.
The U.N.’s special envoy for human rights in Cambodia has paid a visit to a dissident convicted of masterminding a secessionist plot in Kratie province, as another rights activist was summoned to court in connection with the case.
U.N. Special Rapporteur Surya Subedi met with Mam Sonando, director and owner of the independent Beehive Radio station, at the No. 1 Correctional Center in Phnom Penh on Wednesday while on an eight-day fact-finding mission on the human rights situation in the country.
The visit came just days before a hearing on a request for bail by Mam Sonando, who was jailed in October on charges of organizing what authorities deemed to be a secessionist plot by villagers to form a self-governing zone.
The 71-year-old activist has been in poor health since his arrest and an appeals court is scheduled to hear his request on Friday.
His wife Din Sophanara said Subedi’s visit would boost Mam Sonando’s morale ahead of the hearing.
“This visit is an honor for Mam Sonando,” she told RFA’s Khmer Service after the meeting.
“It is a form of moral support,” she said, though she said she did not know the details of their conversation.
Subedi is in the country to review progress on recommendations he made to the government two years ago and during his trip has urged officials to allow greater freedom of expression, land rights, and the independence of the judiciary.
Mam Sonando’s case, which U.S. President Barack Obama raised with Prime Minister Hun Sen during his historic visit to Cambodia last month, has drawn criticism from international rights groups who say the case against him is politically motivated.
Bail request
In October, Mam Sonando was sentenced to 20 years in prison for defaming the government and orchestrating a secessionist plot tied to a land dispute in Kratie’s Chhlong district, where a mass occupation of land and bloody clashes in May triggered a security clampdown.
Mam Sonando has denied the charges and filed an appeal against his conviction.
A date has not yet been set for a hearing on the appeal. Friday’s court session will address whether or not Mam Sonando is at risk of fleeing from custody if released on bail, his lawyer Sar Sowath said.
“This is a hearing for the judge to determine whether Mam Sonando would flee [if released] or if he is sick enough that he can be granted bail,” he said, adding that the activist’s health is deteriorating.
He expressed optimism that Mam Sonando would be granted bail because he is too sick to leave the country.
A lawyer representing the eight others sentenced in connection with the case said they have not requested bail, but seven of them have also filed appeals with the court.
“They have appealed the court decisions because they can’t accept those decisions,” lawyer Long Lon said, adding that they had asked the court to speed up the case.
The eight were convicted of allegedly staging an anti-state rebellion following a mass occupation of land that triggered clashes in May.
The clashes occurred after some 1,000 village families refused a government order to vacate state land they had used for farming which was awarded as a concession to Russian firm Casotim. The company plans to build a rubber plantation at the site.
Adhoc senior staff member Chan Soveth in an undated photo.
Chan Soveth
This week authorities took steps against another prominent activist in connection with the case, issuing a fresh court summons to Chan Soveth, senior investigator for the Cambodian rights watchdog ADHOC.
The summons, delivered to Chan Soveth on Tuesday, orders him to appear before the Phnom Penh Municipal Court on Dec. 24 to answer charges that he “assisted perpetrators” in the Kratie land revolt.
He is accused of financing villagers who planned to establish the self-governing zone and if convicted, faces one to three years imprisonment and a fine of U.S. $500 to $1,500.
Chan Soveth said he will testify before the court, but expressed concerns about the judge’s independence.
“People have criticized the court for not being independent … I would like to deny that I have committed any crime,” he told RFA’s Khmer Service.
The summons, dated Nov. 30 and issued by Phnom Penh investigating judge Chhe Virak, is Chan Soveth’s second in connection with the case.
He was previously summoned to appear in court on Aug. 24, but the questioning was delayed while he was on a trip outside the country.
The August summons came shortly after Prime Minister Hun Sen gave a nationally televised speech condemning groups in the land revolt and calling on an unnamed NGO worker to “confess” his role in assisting the Kratie villagers.
ADHOC issued a statement on Wednesday defending their employee, saying Chan Soveth had done nothing wrong and always conducted his work in accordance with the law.
“Before more details on the specific information Judge Chhe Virak is looking for are disclosed, ADHOC would like to stress that it has always conducted its activities in accordance with the law,” the statement said.
“One of the most respected human rights workers in Cambodia, Soveth has always carried out his work in a manner consistent with Cambodian law—investigating human rights violations, organizing trainings and providing legal assistance to individuals and communities affected by land conflicts.”
In another statement on Thursday, ADHOC urged authorities to grant Mam Sonando bail and to overturn his conviction “as soon as possible.”
“The granting of bail for Mam Sonando, and, ultimately, a successful appeal against his conviction, would signal to the international community that Cambodia is back on course to becoming a country that respects and promotes human rights,” the statement said.
Reported by RFA’s Khmer Service. Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Rachel Vandenbrink.
Indonesia finds new, more virulent strain of bird flu
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Indonesia fails to boost contraceptive use, survey shows
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Insurgency in south Thailand: How many more teachers must die?
Insurgency in south Thailand: How many more teachers must die?: Thai Education Minister Pongthep Thepkanchana was quick to show his concern for frightened teachers in the deep south. He flew down to Pattani last Thursday to meet about 1,500 teachers who told him t .....
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Singapore parliament speaker Palmer quits
Singapore parliament speaker Palmer quits: Barely a year after a much- heralded appointment as Singapore's Speaker of Parliament, Michael Palmer's ebullient political career ended in ignominy. The 44-year-old yesterday quit from the People's .....
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Indonesia aviation set for clearer skies
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Turkey, Iraq Kurds near explosive oil deal - UPI.com
Turkey, Iraq Kurds near explosive oil deal - UPI.com:
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Rwanda: Genocide Prisoners Released Early
Rwanda: Genocide Prisoners Released Early: [Hirondelle]Arusha -The Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (MICT) Tuesday granted early release to ex-Rwandan mayor, Paul Bisengimana, and former militiaman Omar Serushago.
Syrian rebel generals do not seek power, aim for civilian govt post-Assad
Syrian rebel generals do not seek power, aim for civilian govt post-Assad: Syria’s rebel generals pledge not to seek power for themselves but will support a civilian transitional government if they depose President Bashar al-Assad, the head of a newly established military command told Reuters.
“The military people do not want to seize power after Assad is gone,”
“The military people do not want to seize power after Assad is gone,”
Saudi Arabia pledges $100 million in aid to Syrian people
Saudi Arabia pledges $100 million in aid to Syrian people: Saudi Arabia pledged on Wednesday to donate $100 million in humanitarian aid to the Syrian people during a Friends of Syria meeting.
Speaking at the opening session of the talks, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Feisal said the formation of Syria’s opposition coalition gave “a new
Speaking at the opening session of the talks, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Feisal said the formation of Syria’s opposition coalition gave “a new
United States confirms Syria has used scuds against rebels
United States confirms Syria has used scuds against rebels: The Syrian regime has fired Scud missiles at rebel forces trying to oust Bashar al-Assad, a U.S. official said Wednesday, after Human Rights Watch (HRW) report warning that incendiary bombs were also used.
“Scuds landed within Syria,” the official told AFP on condition of
“Scuds landed within Syria,” the official told AFP on condition of
When the Music’s Over: Egypt TV bans ‘romantic’ songs amid unrest
When the Music’s Over: Egypt TV bans ‘romantic’ songs amid unrest: The broadcasting of any “romantic” songs or music videos on Egyptian state television channels has been banned, a state-run newspaper announced on Thursday, adding that only “patriotic” tunes will be allowed to be aired.
Nationalistic tunes “that are worth broadcasting” will be
Nationalistic tunes “that are worth broadcasting” will be
Syrian regime ‘approaching collapse’: NATO’s Rasmussen
Syrian regime ‘approaching collapse’: NATO’s Rasmussen: The embattled Syrian regime is nearing collapse, the head of NATO said on Thursday, condemning the use of President Bashar al-Assad’s forces of Scud missiles to attack rebels.
“I think the regime in Damascus is approaching collapse ... it is only a question of time,” NATO
“I think the regime in Damascus is approaching collapse ... it is only a question of time,” NATO
Police break up anti-China rallies in Vietnam
Police break up anti-China rallies in Vietnam: Vietnamese police detain at least 20 activists as hundreds protest China's claim over oil and gas-rich South China Sea.
US blacklists Syrian rebel group al-Nusra
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AU condemns Mali PM 'forced' resignation
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Facebook helps FBI foil $850m-cybercrime ring
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Outrage over Argentina sex slavery acquittals
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Bangladesh opposition protests turn violent
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Former Thai PM charged with murder
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UN inspectors in Iran for nuclear talks
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European court backs CIA rendition victim
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S Africa's Zuma to face leadership challenge
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Chavez suffers 'complications' from surgery
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Spain seizes $36.5m worth of Mubarak assets
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Pakistan army denies 'abuses' in tribal areas
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Susan Rice withdraws name to replace Clinton
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PM Won’t Meet Rights Expert
PM Won’t Meet Rights Expert: 
Prime Minister Hun Sen on Thursday refused to meet with a United Nations expert currently on a fact-finding mission to Cambodia, saying he has no time to listen to “the recommendations of a foreigner” on the situation of human rights in the country.
Hun Sen said he would not meet with U.N. Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Cambodia Surya Subedi, who arrived Sunday for an eight-day investigative visit, adding that according to the constitution he is only answerable to the nation’s national assembly, or parliament, and his constituency.
“I’m not responsible to [answer to] anyone,” the prime minister said, speaking at a graduation ceremony at the University of Cambodia in the capital Phnom Penh. “In short, I don’t have time for any recommendations.”
“I heard he wants to meet me but I don’t have time for that,” he said.
Hun Sen said he “the integrity of the country to uphold.”
“You can criticize me, but I am working for my country,” he said.
“Should I [spend my time] implementing a foreigner’s recommendations or implementing the law?” he asked.
Hun Sen said that he had been unaware of a request by Subedi to meet with him. The Cambodia Daily reported that the Special Rapporteur had sent a letter to the prime minister asking for a meeting some three weeks ago.
Hun Sen said that Cambodia was willing to listen to the recommendations of others, but that they should not act as an authority in the country.
Since his appointment in March 2009, Subedi has made eight visits to Cambodia and has presented five reports to the United Nations Human Rights Council, which renewed his mandate for a further two years in March 2011.
He had hoped to meet with government officials, including Hun Sen, and King Norodom Sihamoni, in addition to representatives from Cambodia’s nongovernmental organizations, the country’s donor community, and the United Nations country team.
Hun Sen reportedly said that the King would not receive Subedi either because he is busy mourning the loss of his father, former King Norodom Sihanouk, who died of a heart attack in October.
At the end of his eight-day mission, the Special Rapporteur will release a press statement highlighting the issues raised during his meetings and summarizing his initial conclusions.
Call for dialogue
Subedi responded to Hun Sen’s statement by stressing the “importance of dialogue” with all stakeholders, and “particularly with the Royal government.”
“I interact with various actors in Cambodian society, including civil society and development partners, and we disagree on certain things. But we continue our dialogue to find a common ground and that is what I wish to do with the government too,” Subedi said in a statement to RFA’s Khmer Service on Thursday.
“I have no intention of—and it is not a matter of—imposing anything on the government of this country,” he said.
“All I am trying to do as part of my job on behalf of the U.N. is to advise the government what its obligations are under international law and suggest a way forward in my capacity as an independent expert of the U.N.”
Hun Sen said he “fully respects” Cambodia’s sovereignty and that of the government.
“I am heartened to hear that the Prime Minister will continue to listen to my recommendations, which I feel are in the best interests of the country.”
Recent findings
Subedi has been critical of Cambodia’s progress on human rights during this visit, saying on Wednesday that the country’s judicial system is still “chronically underfunded” and laws on its management are almost 20 years overdue, according to the Cambodia Daily.
A year ago, on his sixth mission to Cambodia, Subedi had said reform in the country’s courts was moving at a “frustratingly slow” pace. On Wednesday, he said laws on the establishment of judges, organization of the judiciary and reform of the Supreme Court Magistracy—all of which he had called for—have yet to materialize.
On Tuesday, the Special Rapporteur vowed to appeal to the government on the behalf of victims of land disputes in the country.
But Subedi has recently been given the cold shoulder by Cambodian officials who rejected a report he released in August which called for electoral reforms and accused authorities of rights violations over economic land concessions.
At the time, Om Yin Tieng, head of the government’s Human Rights Committee, said Subedi was siding with the country’s political opposition and civil society.
In another report, Subedi also warned that Cambodia could plunge into violence if it does not reform the current electoral system to allow for fair and free elections.
Subedi will present his next report to the U.N.’s Human Rights Council at its September 2013 session.
Reported by Sok Ry Sum for RFA’s Khmer Service. Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
Prime Minister Hun Sen on Thursday refused to meet with a United Nations expert currently on a fact-finding mission to Cambodia, saying he has no time to listen to “the recommendations of a foreigner” on the situation of human rights in the country.
Hun Sen said he would not meet with U.N. Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Cambodia Surya Subedi, who arrived Sunday for an eight-day investigative visit, adding that according to the constitution he is only answerable to the nation’s national assembly, or parliament, and his constituency.
“I’m not responsible to [answer to] anyone,” the prime minister said, speaking at a graduation ceremony at the University of Cambodia in the capital Phnom Penh. “In short, I don’t have time for any recommendations.”
“I heard he wants to meet me but I don’t have time for that,” he said.
Hun Sen said he “the integrity of the country to uphold.”
“You can criticize me, but I am working for my country,” he said.
“Should I [spend my time] implementing a foreigner’s recommendations or implementing the law?” he asked.
Hun Sen said that he had been unaware of a request by Subedi to meet with him. The Cambodia Daily reported that the Special Rapporteur had sent a letter to the prime minister asking for a meeting some three weeks ago.
Hun Sen said that Cambodia was willing to listen to the recommendations of others, but that they should not act as an authority in the country.
Since his appointment in March 2009, Subedi has made eight visits to Cambodia and has presented five reports to the United Nations Human Rights Council, which renewed his mandate for a further two years in March 2011.
He had hoped to meet with government officials, including Hun Sen, and King Norodom Sihamoni, in addition to representatives from Cambodia’s nongovernmental organizations, the country’s donor community, and the United Nations country team.
Hun Sen reportedly said that the King would not receive Subedi either because he is busy mourning the loss of his father, former King Norodom Sihanouk, who died of a heart attack in October.
At the end of his eight-day mission, the Special Rapporteur will release a press statement highlighting the issues raised during his meetings and summarizing his initial conclusions.
Call for dialogue
Subedi responded to Hun Sen’s statement by stressing the “importance of dialogue” with all stakeholders, and “particularly with the Royal government.”
“I interact with various actors in Cambodian society, including civil society and development partners, and we disagree on certain things. But we continue our dialogue to find a common ground and that is what I wish to do with the government too,” Subedi said in a statement to RFA’s Khmer Service on Thursday.
“I have no intention of—and it is not a matter of—imposing anything on the government of this country,” he said.
“All I am trying to do as part of my job on behalf of the U.N. is to advise the government what its obligations are under international law and suggest a way forward in my capacity as an independent expert of the U.N.”
Hun Sen said he “fully respects” Cambodia’s sovereignty and that of the government.
“I am heartened to hear that the Prime Minister will continue to listen to my recommendations, which I feel are in the best interests of the country.”
Recent findings
Subedi has been critical of Cambodia’s progress on human rights during this visit, saying on Wednesday that the country’s judicial system is still “chronically underfunded” and laws on its management are almost 20 years overdue, according to the Cambodia Daily.
A year ago, on his sixth mission to Cambodia, Subedi had said reform in the country’s courts was moving at a “frustratingly slow” pace. On Wednesday, he said laws on the establishment of judges, organization of the judiciary and reform of the Supreme Court Magistracy—all of which he had called for—have yet to materialize.
On Tuesday, the Special Rapporteur vowed to appeal to the government on the behalf of victims of land disputes in the country.
But Subedi has recently been given the cold shoulder by Cambodian officials who rejected a report he released in August which called for electoral reforms and accused authorities of rights violations over economic land concessions.
At the time, Om Yin Tieng, head of the government’s Human Rights Committee, said Subedi was siding with the country’s political opposition and civil society.
In another report, Subedi also warned that Cambodia could plunge into violence if it does not reform the current electoral system to allow for fair and free elections.
Subedi will present his next report to the U.N.’s Human Rights Council at its September 2013 session.
Reported by Sok Ry Sum for RFA’s Khmer Service. Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
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