North Korea says it plans satellite launch in April

Seoul, South Korea-- North Korea plans to launch an "earth observation" satellite using a carrier rocket in April, the country's official news agency said Friday, a move that would potentially violate U.N. Security Council demands.The announcement could also threaten a deal struck last month with the United States in which Pyongyang agreed to halt nuclear tests, long-range missile launches and enrichment activities in exchange for U.S. food aid.Previous satellite launches by the reclusive North Korean regime have been widely viewed as ballistic missile test launches in disguise.A new launch would be "a grave provocation undermining the peace and security of the Korean peninsula as well as Northeast Asia," the South Korean Foreign Ministry said in a statement.The last time Pyongyang carried out what it described as a satellite launch, in April 2009, the U.N. Security Council condemned the action, saying it breached a resolution forbidding North Korea from conducting "missile-related activities."The Security Council demanded that North Korea not conduct any further launches.The South Korean Foreign Ministry on Friday said it urged the North to respect the U.N. Security Council's ruling and "observe its international responsibility."North Korean commander threatens SeoulThe North's official Korean Central News Agency said that the planned launch -- scheduled for between April 12 and April 16 -- is to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of the country's founder, Kim Il Sung. It cited a spokesman for the Korean Committee for Space Technology.New N. Korean leader visits DMZThe centenary of Kim Il Sung's birth is a huge event in the North Korean calendar and takes place after the death of his son, Kim Jong Il, in December. Kim Jong Il was succeeded as the "supreme leader" of the secretive state by his youngest son, Kim Jong Un.N. Korea halts nuclear activities"They're trying to remind the world they are dangerous and working hard to develop a delivery system," said Professor Andrei Lankov at Kookmin University in Seoul.He noted that almost exactly the same technology is needed for both satellite and missile launches.North Korea will "abide by relevant international regulations and usage concerning the launch of scientific and technological satellites for peaceful purposes," the North Korean news agency said.The satellite, named Kwangmyongsong-3, will be "blasted off southward" from the Sohae Satellite Launching Station in the western province of North Phyongan, according to the official report."A safe flight orbit has been chosen so that carrier rocket debris to be generated during the flight would not have any impact on neighboring countries," the report said.North Korea's previous rocket launches that it said aimed to put satellites in orbit were Kwangmyongsong-1 in 1998 and Kwangmyongsong-2 in 2009.While Pyongyang says those launches succeeded, outside agencies have found no evidence of the satellites being successfully placed in orbit.Experts say that Kwangmyongsong-2 flew over Japan before crashing, farther than any other North Korean missile. The 2,000-mile flight suggested North Korea is getting better at building long-range missiles."The upcoming launch will greatly encourage the army and people of the DPRK in the building of a thriving nation and will offer an important occasion of putting the country's technology of space use for peaceful purposes on a higher stage," the news agency report said Friday. DPRK refers to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the official name for North Korea.Lankov said he was somewhat surprised by the announcement, since it could spoil the recent deal with the United States and deprive North Korea of 240,000 metric tons of food aid.The survival of the deal "depends on how willing the U.S. is to overlook" the satellite launch announcement, he said.

Source: http://www.tayyar.org/Tayyar/News/PoliticalNews/en-US/north-korea-satellite-cg-308.htm

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William accuses Gracita of wrongdoing, abuse of power

~ Meeting adjourned until further notice ~

PHILIPSBURG--National Alliance (NA) Member of Parliament (MP) William Marlin has accused President of Parliament Gracita Arrindell of "wrongdoing," "abuse of power" and "political manipulation" because of the way the agenda was set up for Thursday afternoon's Parliament meeting requested by the party he leads.

The meeting has been adjourned until further notice although the changes to the agenda were made. The reason was instead of having Justice Minister Roland Duncan, who was present, make his presentation to Parliament the agenda now called for Finance Minister Hiro Shigemoto to speak first.

Deputy President of Parliament Leroy de Weever, who chaired the meeting, said he could not commit Shigemoto to a time to appear in Parliament, so logistically the only time to do was to adjourn the meeting. Arrindell was not present as she was preparing to represent Parliament at Aruba's Flag and Anthem Day.

MPs will be notified of a new date and time for the session. However, it is possible that this will come after the plenary session of Parliament to approve the 2012 draft budget set for Monday, an occurrence NA members wanted to avoid.

De Weever pointed out that once a convocation had been sent out to members for a meeting, the order of the agenda points could only be changed when the meeting was called. He stated his willingness to make the change as long as it was agreed to by the MPs.

De Weever had opened the session saying that he understood there were issues with the way the agenda was set out and asked MPs whether they were in favour of the change. He had adjourned briefly for MPs to caucus on the matter.

Based on the Rules of Order, it is up to the President of Parliament to compile the agenda for meetings requested by MPs.

NA had requested a public meeting with Finance Minister Shigemoto pertaining to the draft 2012 budget in a letter dated March 7. This was followed up by another letter a day later asking for an "additional" agenda point calling for the ministers to individuality outline how their policies and procedures fit with the budget.

The meeting notice for Thursday was subsequently sent out by Arrindell listing NA's "additional" agenda point before the one stated in the March 7 letter. This was objected to by NA in a letter of March 12 after the convocation was received and Arrindell's failure to answer their query led to Marlin's accusations on the floor of Parliament.

In protest, William Marlin said he was sorry Arrindell was not present to deal with her "wrongdoing" and that NA was "tired of being pushed around." It was normal to have new agenda points added to already set meetings. "What is happening here today is a clear abuse of power by the chair [Arrindell] probably supported by others."

Arrindell "abuses" her authority to carry out political manipulation. "It was clear it was not an error, but a deliberate act of the chair." He contended that throughout the handling of the draft budget "games are being played" and this "nonsense had to stop."

MP Roy Marlin (Democratic Party) said he could not allow Arrindell to be "bombarded" because the NA was not clear in its request for the meeting because nothing in the two original letters indicated that the fraction wanted to hear from Shigemoto first.

MP Louie Laveist (NA) argued that the March 8, letter clearly stated that his party wanted the detailed presentations from the ministers to be an "additional agenda point."

MP Dr. Lloyd Richardson, who seconded the motion to change the order of the agenda, said the request also clearly asked for an additional agenda point. "I am not going to accuse the chair of wrongdoings," he continued adding that requests were made correctly with one asking for Shigemoto to come to Parliament and the second for ministers to make presentation.

Source: http://www.thedailyherald.com/islands/1-islands-news/26233-william-accuses-gracita-of-wrongdoing-abuse-of-power-.html

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Syria accepts Annan plan, Assad in Homs

Damascus agreed Tuesday to the Annan plan to end the political crisis in Syria, according to a spokesperson for the UN and Arab envoy. This plan includes a cessation of violence by all parties, the delivery of humanitarian aid and the release of all detained persons.

China called on "all parties in Syria to participate in mediation efforts" of Kofi Annan. The Former Secretary-General arrived in Beijing Tuesday from Moscow after getting the support of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev for his peace plan.

© 2012 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

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Source: http://www.albawaba.com/main-headlines/syria-accepts-annan-plan-assad-homs-418730

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Boeing invites proposals for community grant funds targeting education, teacher training and workforce development

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the United Arab Emirates are invited to submit proposals to be considered for community grant funds administered by The Boeing Company.

The funds will be awarded as a grant to proposals, which specifically target projects that support science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, workforce development and placement programs in the UAE. Boeing has defined criteria for each of the focus areas that must be met in order for the project to qualify.

Weber Shandwick Public Relations

© 2012 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

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Source: http://www.albawaba.com/business/pr/boeing-invites-proposals-community-grant-funds-targeting-education-teacher-training-and-

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US Supreme Court decision could prove catastrophic to Obamacare

Chicago (Pal Telegraph)— The Supreme Court’s skeptical consideration of President Obama’s landmark health-care legislation this week has forced his supporters to contemplate the unthinkable: that the justices could throw out the law and destroy the most far-reaching accomplishment of the Obama presidency.

Source: http://www.paltelegraph.com/world/us/10539-us-supreme-court-decision-could-prove-catastrophic-to-obamacare.html

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Apple is urged to explain when 4G iPad arrives to UAE

Apple will be obliged to warn UAE consumers that its new iPad is not compatible with local 4G networks, amid concerns over "misleading" claims about the device.

Copyrights © 2012 Abu Dhabi Media Company, All rights reserved.

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Source: http://www.albawaba.com/business/apple-explain-ipad-uae-419060

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Multiple disciplines exhibit on Argentina’s Malvinas passion opens in Buenos Aires

A multiple discipline exhibition on the Malvinas Islands ahead of the 30th anniversary of the South Atlantic conflict will be officially opened Thursday evening in the Palais de Glace, Buenos Aires.

Source: http://en.mercopress.com/2012/03/29/multiple-disciplines-exhibit-on-argentina-s-malvinas-passion-opens-in-buenos-aires?utm_source=feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_content=main&utm_campaign=rss

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