Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai has registered as a candidate for the 20 August elections.
He has named Vice-President Karim Khalili and former Vice-President Mohammad Qasim Fahim as running mates.
Mr Karzai said he wanted to run again "to be at the service of the Afghan people" though he had made "some mistakes" during his earlier term.
Mr Karzai has led Afghanistan since 2001 after the fall of the former Taleban regime.
He won Afghanistan's first democratic presidential election in 2004.
Mr Karzai and his two running mates visited the office of the election commission together to register themselves for the elections.
Elections in Afghanistan were due by May, but were postponed to August for security and logistical reasons - a delay that Mr Karzai had earlier challenged.
The commission rejected the president's call for an April vote and set the date for 20 August.
The decision was welcomed by the UN and Nato which said the extra time was needed to improve security.
Monday, May 4, 2009
British MPs start Sri Lanka visit
A team of British MPs has arrived in Sri Lanka to discuss the difficulties facing tens of thousands of civilians affected by the conflict in the north.
The delegation includes former defence secretary Des Browne, whose appointment as Britain's special envoy to Sri Lanka was turned down by Colombo.
The MPs are to visit camps for displaced people in the north.
Meanwhile, Tamil Tiger rebels have praised the UK and French foreign ministers for their visit last week.
The Tigers have been fighting for an independent home for Sri Lanka's minority Tamils in the north and east of the country for the past 25 years.
In the last few weeks, a sustained army offensive has pushed the rebels to a tiny patch of land in the north-east.
See map of the region
The cross-party group of five MPs will be visiting camps for displaced people in the north, and its discussions will focus on the humanitarian crisis, the British High Commission in Colombo told the BBC.
The BBC's Charles Haviland in Colombo says the atmosphere may be strained at times.
In February the Sri Lankan government rejected UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown's attempt to appoint Des Browne as Britain's special envoy to the island.
Colombo rejected the nomination, describing it as "a disrespectful intrusion" conducted "unilaterally".
'Turning sour'
Sri Lanka's ties with several Western nations are turning sour over Western appeals for a ceasefire to let trapped civilians out of the war zone, our correspondent says.
Both sides were urged to initiate a ceasefire in the far north-east by the UK and French foreign ministers during their visit.
The Tigers have repeatedly said they want a ceasefire.
The Sri Lankan government says a ceasefire would get in the way of its objective of finally defeating the rebels, an aim it says is in sight.
"Sri Lanka is about to conclude her war against terror," a statement on the Sri Lankan defence ministry website said on Sunday.
"The ordeal that about 19 million people have been living with for more than quarter of a century is about to be over," it added.
Tens of thousands of civilians are still believed trapped in fighting between the army and Tamil Tiger rebels in the north-east.
The defence ministry has said that hundreds more Tamil civilians have fled the war zone, while others trapped by the fighting are being used as "human shields" by the rebels.
The Tigers have in turn accused the army of shelling civilian areas, including hospitals.
About 50,000 soldiers are pressing the Tigers into a patch of north-eastern jungle after taking the key areas of Kilinochchi, Elephant Pass and Mullaitivu.
The government has demanded the rebels lay down their arms.
The Tigers have said they will not do so until they have a "guarantee of living with freedom and dignity and sovereignty".
The delegation includes former defence secretary Des Browne, whose appointment as Britain's special envoy to Sri Lanka was turned down by Colombo.
The MPs are to visit camps for displaced people in the north.
Meanwhile, Tamil Tiger rebels have praised the UK and French foreign ministers for their visit last week.
The Tigers have been fighting for an independent home for Sri Lanka's minority Tamils in the north and east of the country for the past 25 years.
In the last few weeks, a sustained army offensive has pushed the rebels to a tiny patch of land in the north-east.
See map of the region
The cross-party group of five MPs will be visiting camps for displaced people in the north, and its discussions will focus on the humanitarian crisis, the British High Commission in Colombo told the BBC.
The BBC's Charles Haviland in Colombo says the atmosphere may be strained at times.
In February the Sri Lankan government rejected UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown's attempt to appoint Des Browne as Britain's special envoy to the island.
Colombo rejected the nomination, describing it as "a disrespectful intrusion" conducted "unilaterally".
'Turning sour'
Sri Lanka's ties with several Western nations are turning sour over Western appeals for a ceasefire to let trapped civilians out of the war zone, our correspondent says.
Both sides were urged to initiate a ceasefire in the far north-east by the UK and French foreign ministers during their visit.
The Tigers have repeatedly said they want a ceasefire.
The Sri Lankan government says a ceasefire would get in the way of its objective of finally defeating the rebels, an aim it says is in sight.
"Sri Lanka is about to conclude her war against terror," a statement on the Sri Lankan defence ministry website said on Sunday.
"The ordeal that about 19 million people have been living with for more than quarter of a century is about to be over," it added.
Tens of thousands of civilians are still believed trapped in fighting between the army and Tamil Tiger rebels in the north-east.
The defence ministry has said that hundreds more Tamil civilians have fled the war zone, while others trapped by the fighting are being used as "human shields" by the rebels.
The Tigers have in turn accused the army of shelling civilian areas, including hospitals.
About 50,000 soldiers are pressing the Tigers into a patch of north-eastern jungle after taking the key areas of Kilinochchi, Elephant Pass and Mullaitivu.
The government has demanded the rebels lay down their arms.
The Tigers have said they will not do so until they have a "guarantee of living with freedom and dignity and sovereignty".
Pak looks to US for arms and helicopters
Washington, May 4: Ahead of the trilateral summit, Pakistan has asked the United States for more arms citing that what they have is not enough to fight the al-Qaeda and Taliban forces threatening Pakistan’s stability as also Afghanistan.
As per a media report, Pakistan has asked for helicopters along with other arms to bolster their attack against the terrorists on their own soil. As the US congress has made it clear that the aid may be provided but US will not attach itself to the fight.
The newspaper also reported that there seems to be no indication whether the equipment would be sought in addition to the $7.5 billion over five years already proposed for Pakistan by Obama.
Pakistan Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Abdul Basit reportedly informed that 'no worthwhile response' had been received to their requests for aid from other countries including the United Kingdom.
The Trilateral Summit that is to be held on Wednesday, May 6 hosted by US President Barack Obama will be meeting with Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
As per a media report, Pakistan has asked for helicopters along with other arms to bolster their attack against the terrorists on their own soil. As the US congress has made it clear that the aid may be provided but US will not attach itself to the fight.
The newspaper also reported that there seems to be no indication whether the equipment would be sought in addition to the $7.5 billion over five years already proposed for Pakistan by Obama.
Pakistan Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Abdul Basit reportedly informed that 'no worthwhile response' had been received to their requests for aid from other countries including the United Kingdom.
The Trilateral Summit that is to be held on Wednesday, May 6 hosted by US President Barack Obama will be meeting with Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
Kashmir's Pandits accuse Election Commission of discrimination against them
New Delhi, May 4 (ANI): Kashmir's Pandits staged a silent protest here, saying their names were struck off from the voters' list.
Most of Kashmiri Pandits live in Jammu, and the rest who fled the region reside mostly in New Delhi and other cities across the country. Only about 3,000 still reside in the Kashmir valley.
The number of Kashmiri Pandits on the voters' list has dropped from nearly 150,000 in 1996 to just 71,000 during the ongoing parliament polls.
Angry Pandits accused the independent Election Commission of discriminating against them.
"Right to vote is the biggest asset in democracy, which the Election Commission of India is depriving us of. Our voting strength has been reduced from two hundred thousand to seventy thousand. Imagine the condition of Narendra Modi in Gujarat if 70,000 Muslim voters were removed from the voters list, but since it is a Hindu issue, therefore nobody is speaking," said Prashnik Kher, a protestor.
According to the National Human Rights Commission, about 300,000 Kashmiri Pandits have been forced to leave Kashmir. But Kashmiri groups peg the number of migrants closer to 500,000.
Most of Kashmiri Pandits live in Jammu, and the rest who fled the region reside mostly in New Delhi and other cities across the country. Only about 3,000 still reside in the Kashmir valley.
The number of Kashmiri Pandits on the voters' list has dropped from nearly 150,000 in 1996 to just 71,000 during the ongoing parliament polls.
Angry Pandits accused the independent Election Commission of discriminating against them.
"Right to vote is the biggest asset in democracy, which the Election Commission of India is depriving us of. Our voting strength has been reduced from two hundred thousand to seventy thousand. Imagine the condition of Narendra Modi in Gujarat if 70,000 Muslim voters were removed from the voters list, but since it is a Hindu issue, therefore nobody is speaking," said Prashnik Kher, a protestor.
According to the National Human Rights Commission, about 300,000 Kashmiri Pandits have been forced to leave Kashmir. But Kashmiri groups peg the number of migrants closer to 500,000.
Honda's new compact car, Jazz priced at Rs 7lakhs
New Delhi, May 4: Amidst all the brau ha ha of Tata's Nano, India's 1 lakh car, Honda is set to release a most-expensive hatchback manufactured in India, Jazz with the price tag of 7 lakhs.
Honda's Jazz compact will be hitting the markets on June 10 with specially-tailored 1200cc VTEC petrol engine. The car vows to deliver riding comfort and safety features and fuel efficiency.
According to the sources, Honda is expecting modest sales of their first ever compact car. The premium car is expected to 'trail the City sedan in sales volumes' said Honda's president Masahiro Takedagawa.
With the most expensive compact car in India, Skoda Fabia priced at Rs 4.9 lakh on the petrol version and Rs 5.8 lakh on diesel, followed by Hyundai i20 in price Honda seems to accept that Jazz may find it tough to survive in the price-sensitive country.
Honda's Jazz compact will be hitting the markets on June 10 with specially-tailored 1200cc VTEC petrol engine. The car vows to deliver riding comfort and safety features and fuel efficiency.
According to the sources, Honda is expecting modest sales of their first ever compact car. The premium car is expected to 'trail the City sedan in sales volumes' said Honda's president Masahiro Takedagawa.
With the most expensive compact car in India, Skoda Fabia priced at Rs 4.9 lakh on the petrol version and Rs 5.8 lakh on diesel, followed by Hyundai i20 in price Honda seems to accept that Jazz may find it tough to survive in the price-sensitive country.
I direct Nepal army chief to stay: Ram Baran Yadav
Kathmandu, May 4: Nepal President Ram Baran Yadav, ordered General Rookmangud Katawal to remain as Army Chief defying Prime Minister Prachanda's decision to sack him. Yadav retained Katawal as dismissal by PM does not meet the constitutional requirements and due process.
"Since the dismissal of the army chief and the new appointment do not meet the constitutional requirements and due process, I hereby direct you to continue as the chief of the Nepali army," Nepal’s president said in a letter to Gen Katawal on Sunday, May 3 night.
Yadav, who is also the supreme commander of the Nepal army intervened in the issue after the 18 political parties urged the President to protect the "constitution and block action against army chief."
Soon after the government decision to sack Katawal, CPN (UML) withdrew support to the government to protest the decision.
"Since the dismissal of the army chief and the new appointment do not meet the constitutional requirements and due process, I hereby direct you to continue as the chief of the Nepali army," Nepal’s president said in a letter to Gen Katawal on Sunday, May 3 night.
Yadav, who is also the supreme commander of the Nepal army intervened in the issue after the 18 political parties urged the President to protect the "constitution and block action against army chief."
Soon after the government decision to sack Katawal, CPN (UML) withdrew support to the government to protest the decision.
BCCI announces T20 World Cup Squad
Mumbai, May 4: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a 15 member squad for the T20 World Cup after the selectors met to decide on the same on Monday, May 4.
The announced a squad includes Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the captain and Viredndra Sehwag as the vice captain. The other members of the team are Gautham Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Zaheer Khan, Ravinder Jadeja, Ishant Sharma, Prajya Ojha, Yusuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, Praveen Kumar, Rohit Sharma, RP Singh.
However Abhishek Nayar, Sreesanth, Amit Mishra did not make the team.
Reports suggest that a meeting was held in Cape town last week in which Board secretary and selection committee convenor N Srinivasan was also present.
After winning the inaugural T20 cricket World Cup in Johannesburg, India will be defending their crown in World Cup that is scheduled to start on June 5 in London.
The announced a squad includes Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the captain and Viredndra Sehwag as the vice captain. The other members of the team are Gautham Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Zaheer Khan, Ravinder Jadeja, Ishant Sharma, Prajya Ojha, Yusuf Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, Praveen Kumar, Rohit Sharma, RP Singh.
However Abhishek Nayar, Sreesanth, Amit Mishra did not make the team.
Reports suggest that a meeting was held in Cape town last week in which Board secretary and selection committee convenor N Srinivasan was also present.
After winning the inaugural T20 cricket World Cup in Johannesburg, India will be defending their crown in World Cup that is scheduled to start on June 5 in London.
Flu-hit Mexico mulls reopening schools, businesses
MEXICO CITY -Mexico decides Monday whether to reopen businesses and schools or extend a shutdown that has helped choke off the spread of swine flu but caused untold economic harm. The virus continued to spread around the world, with new cases in Europe and North and South America.
President Felipe Calderon said a nationwide shutdown and an aggressive informational campaign appeared to have helped curtail the outbreak in Mexico. His health secretary said the government is starting preparations for the return to classes and work, and plans to give safety recommendations to businesses and disinfect schools on Monday.
"We have succeeded in detaining or at least slowing the spread of the virus precisely because the measures have been the correct ones," Calderon said in an interview with state television broadcast Sunday night.
Health Secretary Jose Angel Cordova said the virus had killed at least 22 people in Mexico, raising the toll from 19, adding that the last confirmed death occurred April 29. He said the virus had sickened at least 568 people and apparently peaked in Mexico between April 23 and April 28.
While Mexico began its first tentative steps toward a return to normalcay, the virus spread to Colombia in the first confirmed case in South America, worrisome because flu season is about to begin in the Southern Hemisphere. More cases were confirmed in North America and Europe, with the total number sickened worldwide rising to at least 1,000 people, according to health and government officials.
Health officials raised the number of confirmed U.S. swine flu cases to 245 in 35 states late Sunday. The new number, up from 160 on Saturday, reflects streamlining in federal procedures and the results of tests by states, which have only recently begun confirming cases, said Dr. Anne Schuchat of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Officials in New Mexico announced that 14 schools in four towns were being closed for at least a week after the state's first swine flu case was confirmed, and the New Mexico Activities Association suspended all athletic and activity programs until further notice at member schools across the state. California officials suspended all visitations at prisons pending results of tests on an ill inmate at Centinela State Prison.
In Alberta, Canada, officials quarantined about 220 pigs that became infected from a worker who had recently returned from Mexico. It was the first documented case of the H1N1 virus being passed from a human to another species. Canada stressed that pigs often get the flu and there is no danger in eating pork.
In Trinidad, crew aboard a Mexican tanker had been isolated since Friday at the Point Lisas Port. The Ministry of Health said Sunday that they were tested and cleared of any flu infection and that the vessel was expected to be released.
Hong Kong isolated 350 people in a hotel after a Mexican traveler there was determined to have swine flu.
China quarantined more than 70 Mexican travelers in hospitals and hotels there, and Mexicans on arriving flights were being taken into isolation, said Mexico's ambassador, Jorge Guajardo. Even the Mexican consul in Guangzhou was briefly held after returning from a vacation in Cambodia, Guajardo said.
Calderon complained of the backlash against Mexicans abroad.
"I think it's unfair that because we have been honest and transparent with the world some countries and places are taking repressive and discriminatory measures because of ignorance and disinformation," Calderon said. "There are always people who are seizing on this pretext to assault Mexicans, even just verbally."
The president did not single out any country. But the Foreign Relations Department said afterward that Mexico was sending a chartered jetliner Monday to bring back any citizens who wanted to leave China. A statement said the plane would go to several Chinese cities "where Mexicans have expressed their intention to return to Mexico."
China's Foreign Ministry denied it was discriminating against Mexicans.
The CDC's acting chief, Dr. Richard Besser, said swine flu is spreading just as easily as regular winter flu.
"The good news is when we look at this virus right now, we're not seeing some of the things in the virus that have been associated in the past with more severe flu," Besser said. "That's encouraging, but it doesn't mean we're out of the woods yet."
Cordova said late Sunday that Mexico's government would start distributing swine flu safety recommendations to businesses, but warned the national lockdown would not be lifted in one fell swoop.
The reopening "will not happen just like that," Cordova said at a news conference. "There will have to be training, preparations for teachers and parents."
Possible safety recommendations would be that there be a 2-meter (6.5-foot) distance kept between people in restaurants or theaters and that workers be urged to wear masks on the subway. He said a decision on whether to extend or end the business and school shutdown was expected Monday.
Cordova presented the most comprehensive description yet of the dead in Mexico, although no conclusions have yet ben drawn about how their characterics may have contributed to their deaths.
He said 15 were female and seven were men. One possible explanation could be that women get poorer health care in Mexico because of its male-dominated culture, he said.
Cordova also said only 4 percent were unemployed; the rest either had jobs or were housewives and students. More than 50 percent had not graduated from high school and only 11 percent had university education.
Pablo Kuri, an epidemiologist advising Cordova, told The Associated Press on Sunday that tests have confirmed a swine flu death in Mexico City on April 11, two days earlier than what had been believed to be the first death.
Kuri also said there have been no deaths among health care workers treating swine flu patients in Mexico, an indication that the virus may not be as contagious or virulent as initially feared.
According to tallies by the CDC, World Health Organization and governments, there were 101 confirmed cases of swine flu in Canada; 40 in Spain; 18 in Britain; eight in Germany; four in New Zealand; two each in Italy, France, Israel, and South Korea; one each in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ireland, Switzerland, Austria, Hong Kong, Denmark and the Netherlands.
—
Associated Press writers Christopher Bodeen in Beijing, Bradley S. Klapper in Zurich and Alexandra Olson, Paul Haven and E. Eduardo Castillo in Mexico City contributed to this report.
WHO warns against flu complacency
It is no longer possible to contain the deadly swine flu virus first found in Mexico, the World Health Organization (WHO) says. Governments around the world have been stepping up precautions against its spread.
AFRICA
Ghana
The authorities have banned imports of pork and pork products. The country has drugs available and a quarantine system in place should any cases be identified.
Kenya
Officials are monitoring visitors who have come from infected areas such as the US, Canada, Israel, Spain and the UK.
Morocco
Official stocks of Tamiflu are sufficient for 1m of the 34m people who live there. Health and airport workers are being issued with gloves, surgical boots and masks.
Nigeria
In Africa's most populous state, health minister Babatunde Osotimehin told the BBC his government was increasing surveillance, providing information about the disease to the public and medical centres, and making sure there were sufficient supplies of anti-viral drugs. Nigeria was badly hit by bird flu three years ago.
South Africa
Response teams have been mobilised outbreak in all provinces. Tests on two women who became sick after returning from Mexico have both proved negative.
Sudan
The government has banned any person arriving directly from Mexico from entering the country. Transit passengers arriving from countries where problems relating to the disease were reported are kept in a room at the airport for 4 - 7 days. If a passenger shows symptoms then we will deal with all the passengers on the plane, local media reported a health official said. Sudan says it has the capability to treat 45,000 cases.
Uganda
The avian flu National Taskforce has been revived to deal with the new threat. Officials say they have 10,000 doses of Oseltamivir, a cheap generic version of Tamiflu, in stock.
Zambia
The authorities have formed an emergency task force to deal with a possible outbreak of swine flu.
Zimbabwe
Teams have been deployed at ports of entry to check for suspected flu cases. But Zimbabwe does not have enough drugs in stock to treat a swine flu outbreak. It is asking the regional WHO office for supplies.
AMERICAS
Argentina
The health authorities have been ordered to watch for an increase in respiratory illnesses and to promote vaccinations and preventative hygiene habits among health workers and the public. Flight crews have been urged to tell the authorities immediately if they or passengers experience any flu-like symptoms on flights from Mexico. The immigration authorities have been asked to provide information about passengers who arrived from Mexico in the last 15 days. The health ministry has said the stocks of Tamiflu are enough to provide 500,000 treatments, the Argentine press reported.
Belize
This country on the Mexico's south-eastern border has ordered the cancellation of all major events which involve big public gatherings. These range from a reggae concert to the national agriculture and trade show, and performances by a visiting circus from neighbouring Guatemala.
Bolivia
The government has declared a "state of health alert". National director of epidemiology Eddy Martinez said the control mechanisms for swine flu are based on what was done to prevent bird flu. If a case of swine flu were found in Bolivia, health-service workers would be transferred to all airports and border areas, he said.
Brazil
Monitoring of passengers, initially restricted to those arriving from Mexico and US, has been extended to all international flights. The health ministry says it has the ability to handle 12,500 patients immediately; it has started to distribute medication giving priority to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, states which receive the highest number of passengers from abroad. The authorities are also building stockpiles of medicines in other cities such as Recife, where international flights also arrive.
Travellers arriving from the US and Mexico are being advised to avoid close contact with other people for the first 48 hours after their arrival. Arrivals from Mexico are having their luggage sterilised.
Canada
After cases were confirmed in Canada - all involving only mild illness - the government said it was stepping up surveillance for possible new cases and urged people to take precautions like frequent hand-washing.
AMERICAS
Argentina
The health authorities have been ordered to watch for an increase in respiratory illnesses and to promote vaccinations and preventative hygiene habits among health workers and the public. Flight crews have been urged to tell the authorities immediately if they or passengers experience any flu-like symptoms on flights from Mexico. The immigration authorities have been asked to provide information about passengers who arrived from Mexico in the last 15 days. The health ministry has said the stocks of Tamiflu are enough to provide 500,000 treatments, the Argentine press reported.
Belize
This country on the Mexico's south-eastern border has ordered the cancellation of all major events which involve big public gatherings. These range from a reggae concert to the national agriculture and trade show, and performances by a visiting circus from neighbouring Guatemala.
Bolivia
The government has declared a "state of health alert". National director of epidemiology Eddy Martinez said the control mechanisms for swine flu are based on what was done to prevent bird flu. If a case of swine flu were found in Bolivia, health-service workers would be transferred to all airports and border areas, he said.
Brazil
Monitoring of passengers, initially restricted to those arriving from Mexico and US, has been extended to all international flights. The health ministry says it has the ability to handle 12,500 patients immediately; it has started to distribute medication giving priority to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, states which receive the highest number of passengers from abroad. The authorities are also building stockpiles of medicines in other cities such as Recife, where international flights also arrive.
Travellers arriving from the US and Mexico are being advised to avoid close contact with other people for the first 48 hours after their arrival. Arrivals from Mexico are having their luggage sterilised.
Canada
After cases were confirmed in Canada - all involving only mild illness - the government said it was stepping up surveillance for possible new cases and urged people to take precautions like frequent hand-washing.
AMERICAS
Argentina
The health authorities have been ordered to watch for an increase in respiratory illnesses and to promote vaccinations and preventative hygiene habits among health workers and the public. Flight crews have been urged to tell the authorities immediately if they or passengers experience any flu-like symptoms on flights from Mexico. The immigration authorities have been asked to provide information about passengers who arrived from Mexico in the last 15 days. The health ministry has said the stocks of Tamiflu are enough to provide 500,000 treatments, the Argentine press reported.
Belize
This country on the Mexico's south-eastern border has ordered the cancellation of all major events which involve big public gatherings. These range from a reggae concert to the national agriculture and trade show, and performances by a visiting circus from neighbouring Guatemala.
Bolivia
The government has declared a "state of health alert". National director of epidemiology Eddy Martinez said the control mechanisms for swine flu are based on what was done to prevent bird flu. If a case of swine flu were found in Bolivia, health-service workers would be transferred to all airports and border areas, he said.
Brazil
Monitoring of passengers, initially restricted to those arriving from Mexico and US, has been extended to all international flights. The health ministry says it has the ability to handle 12,500 patients immediately; it has started to distribute medication giving priority to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, states which receive the highest number of passengers from abroad. The authorities are also building stockpiles of medicines in other cities such as Recife, where international flights also arrive.
Travellers arriving from the US and Mexico are being advised to avoid close contact with other people for the first 48 hours after their arrival. Arrivals from Mexico are having their luggage sterilised.
Canada
After cases were confirmed in Canada - all involving only mild illness - the government said it was stepping up surveillance for possible new cases and urged people to take precautions like frequent hand-washing.
ASIA-PACIFIC
Australia
Ministers have approved new powers to detain and disinfect people suspected of carrying swine flu. All incoming flights have to declare any suspected flu cases on arrival. Thermal scanners and extra medical staff are also being sent to airports for screening of incoming passengers. With 8.7 million doses of Tamiflu and Relenza drugs stockpiled, Australia has enough anti-viral drugs to cover about 41% of its 21m population. It also has large stores of surgical masks.
Cambodia
The authorities have taken protective measures including setting up thermal scanners at airports to check arriving passengers for possible swine flu cases. Prime Minster Hun Sen has made a personal plea for Cambodians to continue to eat pork as usual. "The infection does not come by eating pork," he said.
China
The authorities appear to have learned the lessons of previous deadly virus outbreaks such as the H5N1 avian flu and Sars (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), and this time around have been quick to share information with the WHO. The central government has put in place a joint prevention and control system and hospitals have been told to report any suspected cases of swine flu swiftly. The official press is primed to report swiftly on cases of infection.
Citizens have been advised not to make tourist trips to Mexico and body temperature checks on passengers and crew at ports of entry have been re-introduced. Stockpiles of disease control equipment, anti-viral drugs and clinical equipment have been increased. China has also banned imports of pork and pork products from Mexico and the US states of Texas, Kansas and California. The quarantining of up to 70 Mexicans who did not show any flu symptoms prompted complaints from the Mexican ambassador in China.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong authorities have 20m doses of Tamiflu and other anti-flu medication, media reports say. Port health protection measures have been increased, including body temperature screening machines at all checkpoints. About 400 guests and staff at a hotel were quarantined for a week following the diagnosis of a guest with swine flu.
Indonesia
Temperature scanners have been installed at 10 airports and ports with immediate effect. At least 3m Tamiflu capsules are in stock. Imports of pigs and pork products have been completely banned.
Japan
Passengers from Mexico, Canada and the US are being checked at international airports. Officials are inspecting all imported pigs across the country (about 420 pigs were imported in 2008). The central government has Tamiflu and Relenza combined stockpiles which would cover nearly 20% of the population. New supplies of anti-viral drugs to treat 8.3m people have been ordered. Local governments have their own stockpiles but figures are not available.
Kyrgyzstan
The import of meat products from the US and Mexico has been temporarily banned.
Malaysia
Tamiflu stockpile covering more than 2m people out of a population of 27m. It does not have a stockpile of personal protection equipment such as masks for the general population yet, but has a supply for health staff who will be dealing with any outbreak.
New Zealand
With the first confirmed cases in the region, public health officials say they have "ample stocks" of anti-flu drugs. The country built up a stockpile after the bird flu scare sufficient to cover 25-30% of the 4.3m population.
Philippines
Airports are equipped with thermal scanners, and additional medical staff have been hired. The government says it has enough Tamiflu for 60,000 possible cases and is buying 10m pesos ($206,000) worth of additional Tamiflu. This covers a fraction of the Philippine population of 90 million. Government says there are sufficient masks in stock.
Singapore
Anyone who has visited Mexico in the past seven days has been instructed to remain at home in self imposed quarantine for a week and to keep in contact by telephone with officials monitoring flu symptoms.
Thermal scanners are set up at airports and isolation units at hospitals, where staff at some emergency departments are wearing full protective clothing. Asean has 500,000 courses of anti-virals stockpiled in Singapore (and a similar amount distributed among member states).
South Korea
The agriculture ministry has suspended imports of live pigs from North America and recommended its nationals leave Mexico unless on urgent business. Health authorities have a Tamiflu stockpile for 2.5 million people and are working to increase that to 10% of the population of about 49 million.
Taiwan
Taiwan currently has supplies of swine flu treatment to cover 10% of its 23m population. More than 1m facemasks for emergency use are available.
Thailand
The government has 320,000 courses of Tamiflu stockpiled. GPO, a state-owned drug-maker, can produce 1m capsules of generic Tamiflu if needed. Temperature screening checkpoints are in place at international airports in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket. The main targets for the thermal scanners were passengers on eight routes - from France, Tokyo, Dubai, Frankfurt, London, Chicago, Los Angeles and Texas - which had connecting flights from Mexico. Suspected cases of new arrivals will be put under close surveillance for three to five days during their stay in Thailand.
Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest city of more than 8m people, has stocks of Tamiflu sufficient for a million people.
EUROPE
Austria
The authorities have stocks of anti-viral drugs sufficient to treat 4m people (half the population), and have secured production capacity for prophylactic vaccines for the entire population. They have also stockpiled 8m protective masks.
Belgium
The country has 500,000 anti-viral treatments and the capacity to make 2m more. In addition, it has 32m masks for patients and 6m for healthcare professionals.
Bulgaria
Customs officers are checking the luggage of passengers arriving from Mexico, the US, Canada and Japan to ensure they are not importing pork products. Two thermal scanners have been installed at Sofia airport.
Czech Republic
The country has stocks of 2m doses of Tamiflu, enough to treat 20% of the population. General information on the viral strain has been circulated to hospitals, doctors and GPs. At Prague Airport, information boards on swine flu have been put up and medical examinations are available.
Denmark
A general pandemic plan has been in place since the bird flu scare. Denmark has stockpiled Tamiflu.
Finland
More than 90,000 doses of anti-viral medication have already been stockpiled. An additional 880,000 doses of the Relenza are to be acquired.
France
French nationals have been advised not to travel to Mexico. A national information campaign will be launched next week. Passengers arriving from Mexico will be tracked and their health checked. France has a stock of more than 30m anti-viral treatments, composed of 24m doses of Tamiflu and 9m doses of Relenza.
Germany
Nationals have been advised against non-vital travel to Mexico.
Greece
Passengers coming from countries where swine flu has occurred are being tracked and doctors at the airport will carry out checks. The country has "strategic stocks" of Tamiflu and other anti-viral medication.
Hungary
Medical imaging cameras have been installed in Budapest's main Ferihegy airport. The cameras are linked to computers which analyse the electromagnetic radiation of the human body to screen passengers for signs of the flu infection.
Italy
Pamphlets are being handed out to passengers at Rome's international airport, although there are no restrictions on travel. Italy has 10m doses of Zanamivir (Relenza) and 60,000 doses of Tamiflu, as well as enough Tamiflu powder to make 30m doses.
The Netherlands
The Dutch government is acquiring 19m doses of anti-viral medication.
Norway
A "pandemic committee" will be assembled this week. Authorities have stored flu medicine covering one-third of the 4.7m population.
Portugal
Has stocks of 2.5m doses of Tamiflu - enough for a quarter of the population.
Russia
Air crew arriving from the Americas have been told to look out for passengers with flu-like symptoms. Planes with suspected cases are sent to special airport zones, where passengers and crew can be examined by medics. Curbs have been imposed on meat imports from Mexico, a number of US states and the Caribbean.
Slovakia
With population of 5.4 million, it has around 700,000 doses of Tamiflu in official reserves.
Slovenia
The authorities have 500,000 doses of Tamiflu, which is sufficient to treat a quarter of the population.
Spain
The first European country to confirm a case of the virus, in a man who had recently returned from Mexico, Spain is distributing leaflets to other passengers arriving from there, advising them to report to a health centre if they suffer symptoms. Spain has a stockpile of 10m doses of Tamiflu. Flights to Mexico are being supplied with masks and gloves.
UK
Health ministry launches "Catch it, Bin it, Kill it!" campaign on tv, radio and internet to urge people to use tissues when they sneeze, dispose of them and then wash their hands. Leaflets giving advice about the new H1N1 swine flu virus are to be sent to every home in Britain. But health authorities are not advising the general public to wear masks.
A Scottish couple who spent their honeymoon in Mexico were the UK's first confirmed case of swine flu. The British government stresses it has enough anti-viral drugs to treat more than half the population if necessary.
Ukraine
Imports of live pigs and pork meat from countries where cases of swine flu have been recorded, including Mexico, the US, Canada and New Zealand, have been banned. All shipments received after 21 April will be subject to the ban.
MIDDLE EAST
Egypt
A cull has been ordered of all pigs in the country. The animals are mainly eaten by members of the Coptic Christian minority in the largely Muslim state.
Experts say the flu cannot be caught from eating pig meat, and there is no scientific rationale for slaughtering pigs or banning pork.
The authorities have increased numbers of medical staff at Cairo airport to check passengers arriving from Mexico and will monitor them during their stay.
Israel
The Israeli government has stepped up preventive measures ordering travellers returning from Mexico to undergo medical checks at airports or other points of entry. A "crisis cell" has been formed in the defence ministry to deal with the outbreak were the disease to spread inside the country. Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority will hold a joint meeting "to discuss ways to prevent the spreading of the epidemic," Israel's foreign ministry announced.
Jordan
The health ministry has set up a telephone advice line to answer question about the disease and its symptoms; a pamphlet on the disease will be distributed in hospitals and health centres. A medical team is screening air travellers arriving from flu-infected areas.
Kuwait
The government has 10m capsules of Tamiflu, enough for 1m flu patients, roughly the number of Kuwaitis. Of the 3.44m people who live in the state 2.35m are foreigners.
Lebanon
Among the reported measures to prevent contagion, Health Minister Mohammad Khalifeh has issued advice for schools and employers and suggested people should avoid "social kissing".
SOUTH ASIA
Bangladesh
Travellers, particularly those coming from countries already hit by swine flu, are to be screened by teams comprising medical officers, epidemiologists and representatives from the WHO and the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research in Bangladesh.
India
Preventative measures such as surveillance at ports and nine international airports have been taken, and people have been advised to defer non-essential travel to the affected areas. About 50,000 passengers who have come from countries affected by swine flu have been traced and checks would be carried out on them, a senior health official Vineet Chaudhary said.
The states within India have been advised to review their preparedness to investigate and contain any suspected cluster of swine flu cases, with central government providing expert, logistics and laboratory support. A toll-free call centre number has been set up for the public to report incidents of illness.
An Indian newspaper reports that the drug company Cipla has received orders from Latin America, Mexico and Israel for the anti-viral Tamiflu. India has stockpiles of 1m Tamiflu doses and is taking steps to stockpile up to 10m doses.
Nepal
Visitors from the US and Mexico will be screened, local media report. A team of health professionals will be stationed at Tribhuvan International Airport with a health-related questionnaire and take immediate action if anyone is suspected to have contracted the flu.
Nepal head tells general to stay
The President of Nepal, Ram Baran Yadav, has ordered the head of the
army to remain in office despite his dismissal by the prime minister.
President Yadav said the sacking of General Rookmangud Katawal, who
refused to integrate former rebel fighters into the army, was
unconstitutional.
The Communist UML party pulled out of the government saying the majority
Maoists acted unilaterally. The withdrawal leaves the Maoists with only a slender parliamentary majority. "Being the head of the state and the supreme commander of the Nepal Army I order you to continue with your duty," the president told General
Katawal by letter. The dispute between Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and General Katawal centres on a plan to integrate thousands of former Maoist rebels
into the army - a move resisted by military commanders. Correspondents say the row could undermine the peace process which ended the civil war in 2006.
The President of Nepal, Ram Baran Yadav, has ordered the head of the
army to remain in office despite his dismissal by the prime minister. President Yadav said the sacking of General Rookmangud Katawal, who refused to integrate former rebel fighters into the army, was unconstitutional. The Communist UML party pulled out of the government saying the majority Maoists acted unilaterally. The withdrawal leaves the Maoists with only a slender parliamentary majority. "Being the head of the state and the supreme commander of the Nepal Army I order you to continue with your duty," the president told General Katawal by letter. The dispute between Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and General Katawal centres on a plan to integrate thousands of former Maoist rebels into the army - a move resisted by military commanders. Correspondents say the row could undermine the peace process which ended the civil war in 2006. The President of Nepal, Ram Baran Yadav, has ordered the head of the army to remain in office despite his dismissal by the prime minister.
President Yadav said the sacking of General Rookmangud Katawal, who
refused to integrate former rebel fighters into the army, was
unconstitutional. The Communist UML party pulled out of the government saying the majority Maoists acted unilaterally. The withdrawal leaves the Maoists with only a slender parliamentary majority. "Being the head of the state and the supreme commander of the Nepal Army I order you to continue with your duty," the president told General Katawal by letter. The dispute between Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and General Katawal centres on a plan to integrate thousands of former Maoist rebels into the army - a move resisted by military commanders. Correspondents say the row could undermine the peace process which ended the civil war in 2006.
Govt Formation in Meghalaya Start Gaining Momentum
G uwahati, May 3 : Activities to form the government in Meghalaya has again started gaining momentum. The NCP led Meghalaya Progressive alliance (MPA) has again staked claim to form the government. Meghalaya is under president s rule and the assembly is placed under suspended animation. MPA government had survived the trust vote with speaker casting vote in favour of the government. Former Chief Minister JD Rymbai is elected the new leader of MPA. A ten-member delegation of MPA staked their claim before Governor Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary to form a new government on Thursday. MPA submitted a list of 27 members, excluding Assembly Speaker Bindo M Lanong. In April, MPA has staked claim to form government. Congress led Meghalaya United Alliance (MUA) has however criticized the move of the MPA. AICC general secretary in charge of North-East Luizinho Faleiro who is in Shillong said that MPA has no right to stake its claim to form the government again as it is already in a clear minority. It should not create another constitutional crisis in the State.” He added that MUA would be able to form a new government after revocation of President s rule. “With 31 MLAs, we (MUA) reiterated our claim before the Governor to form government,” he said.
