17 Jan, 2015
Asian source-markets lead as Thailand visitor arrivals end 2014 on a high note
Bangkok – 16 January 2015 (TAT media release) – Strong recovery in visitor arrivals from China, India and the ASEAN countries played a major role in helping Thailand report an 11.76% upturn in total arrivals in December 2014. The figures indicated that a strong and sustained recovery in arrivals is well under way. TAT Governor Mr. Thawatchai […]
more…17 Jan, 2015
Wrongly-detained Muslim wins 9/11 case against U.S. govt, gets “regrets” + compensation
NEW YORK, January 16, 2015, (ACLU media release) – The American Civil Liberties Union announced a settlement in a major test case challenging the U.S. government’s post-9/11 practice of imprisoning Muslim men as material witnesses without any basis for holding them. As part of the settlement, the federal government offered its regrets and agreed to […]
more…17 Jan, 2015
Facing common threats from within: Muslim Jihadis in Pakistan. Hindu Zealots in India.
The slaughter of 132 schoolchildren and nine adults in an army school in Peshawar on Dec. 16 by the Pakistani Taliban marked a new low in terrorist depravity. The massacre of the innocents brings to a head several pathologies that need addressing and to that end could prove a catharsis for Pakistan. An Indian, even […]
more…17 Jan, 2015
STR Global Hotel Pipeline: 500,000+ rooms coming up in Asia-Pacific alone
LONDON, 15 January 2015 (STR media releases) — The Asia Pacific region reported 2,390 hotels comprising 537,726 rooms Under Contract, according to the December 2014 STR Global Construction Pipeline Report. The Under Contract data includes projects in the In Construction, Final Planning and Planning stages but does not include projects in the Unconfirmed stage. Among […]
more…17 Jan, 2015
Chinese tourists abroad told to behave or face public shaming
Beijing, (Ecns.cn), 2015-01-16 – China will establish a public record of Chinese tourists who behave badly in foreign countries, the Beijing Times reported on Friday. Methods to manage and record bad behavior by tourists will be formulated and carried out in collaboration with airlines, travel agencies and hotels, said Li Jinzao, the head of China’s […]
more…17 Jan, 2015
Top 12 tips for travelling in China
Beijing, (bbs.chinadaily.com.cn). 2015-01-15 – China is a vast and culturally diverse country, which makes traveling in it for the first time incredibly daunting. China Daily Forum readers share some tips — from their experiences — to make newcomers’ lives a little easier. 1. Travel light. Most hotels in China provide toothbrushes/paste, soap, shampoo, etc. They […]
more…16 Jan, 2015
Pew Research: Five facts about the Muslim population in Europe
Recent violence in France and protest marches in Germany have drawn renewed attention to Europe’s Muslim population. In many European countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, concerns about growing Muslim communities have led to calls for restrictions on immigration. But just how large is Europe’s Muslim population, and how fast is it […]
more…16 Jan, 2015
Thailand Travel Mart 2015+ set for 3-5 June: Applications open for buyer-seller registration
Bangkok, 12 January 2015 (TAT media release) – The Thailand Travel Mart Plus Amazing Gateway to the Greater Mekong Subregion (TTM+) 2015, the country’s largest annual B2B tourism and travel trade event, has been set for 3 – 5 June, 2015, and opened for early-bird registration by buyers and sellers. To be held at the […]
more…16 Jan, 2015
Silversea launches included shore excursions and wifi on Mediterranean cruises
(Hong Kong — January 16, 2015) Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises is kicking off 2015 with an enticing new program that includes shore excursions and WiFi. This program is available for new bookings made on or after January 15, 2015 on any of the line’s 52 Mediterranean cruises this year. “We’re delighted to enhance the value proposition […]
more…16 Jan, 2015
First Islamic Tourism seminar in Sabah promotes understanding, clears up misconceptions
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah – The Kuala Lumpur-based Islamic Tourism Centre organised its first seminar here between 12 – 14 January to update the travel & tourism industry of Malaysia’s second largest state with ways to better understand and attract one of the world’s most promising niche-market customer segments, the Muslim traveller. In addition to a […]
more…14 Jan, 2015
Freedom of expression too has a price – it’s called human dignity
An assortment of world leaders assembled in Paris to pay tribute to the slain journalists who were killed in a savage attack that left twelve 12 people killed. The victims were all either staff of the French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo or security personnel. The newspaper which had become famed for its cartoons regularly ridiculed […]
more…14 Jan, 2015
Fighting terrorism: An overview of European Commission’s actions, measures and initiatives
Brussels, 11 January 2015 What is Europe’s role in the fight against terrorism, which is principally a national competence? What does the EU do to support Member States’ efforts? In 2010 the European Commission adopted an Internal Security Strategy for the period from 2010 to 2014. In the coming months, a European Agenda on Security […]
more…14 Jan, 2015
European Anti-Muslim Hysteria in Full Swing After Paris attacks
Paris (IINA), 14 Jan 2015 – Firebombs and pig heads thrown into mosques. Veiled women subjected to crude insults in the street. The Internet awash with threats against Muslims. Europe’s Muslims are feeling the heat of a fierce backlash following last week’s terror attack against French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. A climate of fear is taking […]
more…14 Jan, 2015
“The New Global Context” to be Theme of World Economic Forum caucus Jan 14-21
Geneva, Switzerland, 14 January 2015 (WEF media release) – Over 40 heads of state and government, as well as 2,500 other leaders from business and society will convene at the 45th World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, from 21 to 24 January 2015 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, to discuss The New Global Context. This context consists of […]
more…13 Jan, 2015
More Curbs on Palestinian Travel: Israel Closes all Entrances to Nablus
NABLUS, January 11, 2015 (WAFA) – Israeli forces, early Sunday morning, closed all entrances to the town of Asira Ash-Shamaliya to the north of Nablus, according to a local official. Head of the town’s municipality, Nasir Jawabreh, told WAFA that Israeli soldiers in military vehicles arrived at dawn and closed all four entrances leading to […]
more…13 Jan, 2015
Jewish fanatic settlers chop down 150 olive saplings in West Bank
SALFIT, January 12, 2015 (WAFA) – Israeli settlers Sunday chopped down around 150 Palestinian-owned olive trees in the West Bank town of Yasuf, according to local sources. Gassan Daghlas, who monitors settlement activities in the West Bank, said illegal Israeli settlers stormed the village of Yasuf and chopped down 150 newly planted olive saplings. Rabbis […]
more…13 Jan, 2015
New Australian online visa trial to increase numbers of Indian tourists
Canberra, Minister of Trade and Investment Media release, 12 January 2015 — A new pilot program for online lodgement of subclass 600 visas for Indian business and tourism visitors will be rolled out through selected travel agents in India. Launching the pilot, Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Robb said “India is one of the […]
more…13 Jan, 2015
Spanish Foreign Minister Arrives in Ramallah, To Visit Gaza
RAMALLAH, January 12, 2015 (WAFA) – Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo arrived in Ramallah on Monday in a Middle East tour to look into the situation in the Palestinian territories, with the Gaza Strip tour as the highlight of the regional visit. The Spanish delegation headed by Garcia-Margallo met with Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki and […]
more…13 Jan, 2015
UN study finds increase in corporate women managers, board members
United Nations, (UN News Centre), 12 January 2015 – The last 20 years has seen a surge in the number of women employed in senior and middle management positions, according to a new United Nations report, which notes that although all-male company boards are decreasing in number, more must be done to achieve gender parity. […]
more…11 Jan, 2015
Shanghai auto show may shut door on scantily-clad model girls
Shanghai, (China Daily) 2015-01-10 — Models in over-revealing costumes are disappearing quickly in China – first in TV dramas and now probably from trade shows. Female models may no longer be seen at one of the country’s most important auto shows, the biannual Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, scheduled for April. Market industry sources say […]
more…11 Jan, 2015
China issues guidelines to manage crowd control at scenic spots
Beijing, (CRIENGLISH.com) 2015-01-10 – Chinese tourism authorities have issued a set of guidelines on how to determine the maximum number of people that should be allowed in at popular scenic spots. The fresh guidelines were issued days after 36 people died in a stampede during a New Year event in Shanghai. The national Tourism Administration […]
more…10 Jan, 2015
China bans private cars from taxi-hailing market
Beijing, (Xinhua), 2015-01-09 – BEIJING — China’s Ministry of Transport forbade private cars from taking passengers for profit using taxi-hailing apps after local authorities cracked down on unlicensed drivers using apps as camouflage. The ministry has ordered app developers to rule out private cars from their platforms to ensure that all vehicles are owned by […]
more…10 Jan, 2015
‘We need to find a way to live together,’ says UN chief in special plea for tolerance
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 8 January 2015 – Making an impassioned appeal for tolerance, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called for understanding among all communities to heal the tensions within societies – a particularly poignant plea following yesterday’s horrific attack on the staff at French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, and in the face […]
more…10 Jan, 2015
“2015 can and must be time for global action,” Ban declares in briefing on U.N.’s priorities
United Nations, (UN News Centre), 8 January 2015 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon looked forward to a “year of opportunity,” as he briefed the 193-Member United Nations General Assembly on his priorities for 2015, and called for transformative global action that would ensure sustainable development and human dignity for all. “2015 is a chance for major […]
more…10 Jan, 2015
UN calls on Global Compact to help end poverty, transform lives, protect planet
United Nations, (UN News Centre), 9 January 2015 – Addressing the United Nations Global Compact board meeting this afternoon, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said everyone held a stake in ending poverty, transforming people’s lives and protecting the planet. “We live in paradoxical times,” said Mr. Ban. “We see enormous wealth, technological progress and unprecedented opportunity on […]
more…8 Jan, 2015
Website Allows Women To Book The Ultimate Las Vegas Girls’ Getaway Experience
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — VegasGirlsNightOut.com, Las Vegas’ first-of-its-kind boutique concierge service designed exclusively for women by women, today announced its official launch. The new online service will provide exclusive inside access to the Las Vegas party scene for the ultimate girls’ getaway. Through the support of live Las Vegas experts, VegasGirlsNightOut.com is […]
more…8 Jan, 2015
European Commission publishes TTIP legal texts as part of transparency commitment
Brussels, 07 January 2015 (EU media release) – The European Commission today published a raft of texts setting outEU proposals for legal text in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) it is negotiating with the US. This is the first time the Commission has made public such proposals in bilateral trade talks and reflects […]
more…8 Jan, 2015
Commentary: Not a “Chinese Century,” but a less Westernized world
BEIJING, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) — As the world marches into 2015, the international landscape augurs just another year of what history wonks refer to as Pax Americana. A “Chinese Century” foreseen by Nobel laureate Joseph E. Stiglitz and many others has not begun. Even if — a very big if given the notorious inaccuracy of […]
more…8 Jan, 2015
Israel bars FIFA delegation from entering Gaza
GAZA, Jan 6 (NNN-WAFA) – Israeli occupation authorities barred Monday a FIFA delegation entry into the Gaza Strip via Beit Hanoun – Erez – border crossing. WAFA correspondent reported that a throng of footballers from the Palestinian Soccer Union were waiting the FIFA delegation at the Palestinian side of the crossing. The delegation was supposed […]
more…8 Jan, 2015
More Chinese to travel overseas for Spring Festival
Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn), 2015-01-05 – About 60 percent of Chinese people who plan to spend the Spring Festival holiday on a trip chose to travel overseas, according to interviews and research by Beijing Daily. According to the newspaper’s data from major Chinese travel portals, including ctrip.com and ly.com, the number of bookings from Chinese tourists for […]
more…8 Jan, 2015
How Thai tourism has failed a great King
Bangkok – As the Thai travel and tourism industry nears the end of an era, some heavy-duty soul-searching is overdue about its future in the new era. There is clear evidence that it has failed to comprehensively heed the 44-year-old guidance of His Majesty King Bhumibhol Adulyadej, and will have no choice except to place […]
more…3 Jan, 2015
2014 one of Iraq’s bloodiest years as casualty rates soar, UN mission reports
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 2 January 2015 – Casualty figures for Iraq in 2014 were at their highest in over five years amid a spate of deadly violence which has been convulsing the country, the United Nations mission in the country reported today. According to the latest figures issued by the UN Assistance Mission […]
more…3 Jan, 2015
What made Thailand a unique travel & tourism country in 2014
Bangkok – Thailand has become arguably the first in the world to statistically prove how political and geopolitical events at the local, regional and global levels can be both good and bad for the travel & tourism industry. From time to time, all countries are affected by negative man-made crises, and all benefit from positive […]
more…3 Jan, 2015
Surge in vacationing Chinese senior-citizens
Beijing, (China Daily) 2015-01-02 — Domestic and overseas travel have seen a sharp boost in the past decade, as groups of freshly retired Chinese senior citizens with abundant time and financial support enter the country’s tourism market. Senior citizens in China love to go on a trip with companions. [Photo by Shi Yucheng / China […]
more…3 Jan, 2015
Macao casinos see their worst year
Macao, (China Daily) 2015-01-03 – Macao, the gambling capital of the world, saw its annual casino revenues decline for the first time in 2014 data released on Friday, as the Chinese government’s corruption crackdown ended a decade of booming growth for the industry. The release of special administrative region data showed gaming revenues falling by […]
more…3 Jan, 2015
14,952 Jews Broke into Al-Aqsa Mosque in 2014
JERUSALEM, January 1, 2015 (WAFA) – Al-Aqsa Association for the Waqf and Heritage said that around 14,952 Israelis, including Jewish settlers, police, ministers and members of Knesset stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque during the year 2014. The association reported in a statistical report prepared with the help of witnesses staying daily in Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound, the 14,952 […]
more…3 Jan, 2015
86 Jewish Attacks on Religious Islamic, Christian Sites in 2014
JERUSALEM, January 1, 2015 (WAFA) – Al-Aqsa Association for Waqf and Heritage reported that Israel had carried out around 86 assaults and violations of Islamic and Christian Palestinian sites in the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem in 2014. It said in a report published on Wednesday that about 30 cases of assault on mosques, 21 […]
more…3 Jan, 2015
Australian Grand Mufti Criticizes Anti-Palestine Vote at UN
SYDNEY, January 1, 2015 (WAFA) – The Grand Mufti of Australia, Ibrahim Abu Mohammed Thursday criticized his country’s decision to vote against the Palestinian draft resolution, submitted to the United Nations Security Council to end the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territory by the end of 2017. A statement issued by the Mufti’s office warned […]
more…31 Dec, 2014
Confucius hometown offers free tours for Analects-chanting foreigners
Qufu City, (Xinhua) 2014-12-28 – Foreigners who can recite five famous quotes of Confucius will be given free tours to his birthplace, according to a new policy by China’s Qufu city aimed at promoting the wisdom of the ancient philosopher. The city in east China’s Shandong province says from Friday foreigners can get free tickets […]
more…31 Dec, 2014
Chinese Commentary: Is the world becoming more dangerous?
Beijing, (Chinadaily.com.cn) 2014-12-30 – Is the world becoming more dangerous? This question was recently asked by strategists, scholars and foreign policy practitioners from across the world at Ditchley Park, Oxfordshire, without an affirmative answer. Looking back at 2014, the sky of the West didn’t have much of a silver lining. The key words that marked […]
more…31 Dec, 2014
Majority of China’s white-collar workers unhappy with life
Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn) 2014-12-30 – More than half of white-collars employees describe their life as unsatisfying, according to zhaopin.com, a Chinese job seeking and hiring website said in a report released on Monday, reported thepaper.cn. The majority of the participants who took part in the study with 9,272 valid samples said they don’t work out, don’t have […]
more…31 Dec, 2014
New website launched to mark Malaysia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN 2015
PUTRAJAYA, Dec 23 (Bernama) — In conjunction with the assumption of Chairmanship of ASEAN 2015 by Malaysia from 1 January 2015, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a dedicated website http://asean2015.gov.my to provide extensive coverage, information, updates and news on important events that will take place in 2015 during the Chairmanship. This dedicated website […]
more…31 Dec, 2014
As oil prices fall, Qatar National Bank predicts more global economic upheaval in 2015
Doha, December 21 (QNA) – As 2014 comes to an end, the global economy shows signs of weakness with significant downside risks. Some of these risks are likely to materialise next year, leaving the global economy in worse shape than in 2014, QNB said in its Economic Commentary today. The following is the full text […]
more…31 Dec, 2014
Islamophobia on the rise in Germany
ANKARA, December 26, 2014 (Anadolu Agency) – Since 17,500 Germans stood in front of the Dresden City Opera House on Monday chanting, “No more lies. We are the people,” it has become clear that the far right is again on the rise in Germany. The Patriotic Europeans against the Islamization of the Occident group has […]
more…30 Dec, 2014
Thai-Muslims Learn How “Halalness” can Benefit Them, Thailand, ASEAN and Islam
Bangkok – Although the term “halal” is widely assumed to denote just observance of Islamic dietary and lifestyle norms, the broader economic, geopolitical and socio-cultural benefits of the multi-billion dollar halal industry were very much in focus at the first Thailand Halal Assembly in Bangkok between 28-30 December 2014. Both Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayut […]
more…27 Dec, 2014
Council of American-Islamic Relations Christmas commentary: Jesus and Muhammad are Brothers
During the Christmas season, Christian families seek to maintain a focus on Jesus and his legacy. Many of our Christian brothers and sisters may be surprised to know that Muslims love and revere Jesus as one of God’s greatest messengers to mankind, just as we love and revere the Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon […]
more…27 Dec, 2014
Israeli Bus Driver Hurls Racist Abuse at Muslim Female Students
NAZARETH, December 25, 2014 (WAFA) – An Israeli bus driver made racist remarks on Wednesday against a group of Palestinian female students studying at the Tel Aviv University when they got on the bus, because they were wearing the Islamic attire and headscarf. In a phone call with the bus company Dan, CEO Shmuel Refaeli, […]
more…27 Dec, 2014
Phuket, Phang-nga remember 10th anniversary of tsunami
BANGKOK, 26 December 2014 (NNT) – State agencies in Phuket and Phang-nga today held memorial services for December 2004’s tsunami that killed at over 5,000 people in Thailand, on the 10th anniversary of the disaster. The Phuket provincial administrative organization and the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Center Region 18 hosted a lecture attended by community […]
more…27 Dec, 2014
Marking 10 years since Indian Ocean tsunami, UN says world better prepared for natural disasters
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 26 December 2014 – It has been ten years since a massive tsunami swept across the Indian Ocean killing more than 200,000 people and devastating coastline communities from Indonesia to Somalia. Today, the world is much better prepared to mitigate such disasters, senior United Nations officials have declared. Caring has […]
more…26 Dec, 2014
China warns officials against extravagance during holiday season
BEIJING, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) — The central authorities have warned officials to rein in spending and luxury gifts during a season known for over consumption. The circular, which was recently issued by the general offices of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council, underscored that officials must remain frugal and […]
more…26 Dec, 2014
It’s official: Fast-food Dulls the Brain, Retards Academic Growth in Students
COLUMBUS, Ohio, December 22, 2014, (Ohio State University media release) – The amount of fast food children eat may be linked to how well they do in school, a new nationwide study suggests. Researchers found that the more frequently children reported eating fast food in fifth grade, the lower their growth in reading, math, and […]
more…25 Dec, 2014
Wikileaks: How CIA Operatives With Fake IDs Evade Border Checks
(English | Spanish | French) Today, 21 December 2014, WikiLeaks releases two classified documents by a previously undisclosed CIA office detailing how to maintain cover while travelling through airports using false ID – including during operations to infiltrate the European Union and the Schengen passport control system. This is the second release within WikiLeaks’ CIA […]
more…25 Dec, 2014
Israel allows only 500 Gaza Christians to visit Bethlehem
Dec 24, 2014, PressTV – Israeli forces have announced that they will maintain severe restrictions on Christians arriving from the Gaza Strip for this year’s festivities while there is no restriction for Christians from around the world to visit the city. This year, only a few hundred Christians living in the coastal enclave, either younger […]
more…25 Dec, 2014
Christmas message from Jerusalem: Join the Babe of Bethlehem in Creative Resistance
Christmas greetings from Jerusalem. Even in the midst of lights and decorations in the Christian Quarter, Scout groups marching in Bethlehem, and amazing parties in Beit Sahour and Beit Jala, the reality of the situation in Israel and Palestine continues to challenge our Christmas joy. Just today, we received news that demolition orders have been […]
more…25 Dec, 2014
China Focus: 40 mln employees face pension reform
BEIJING, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) — About 40 million members of government, Party, and public institution staff will be affected by the reform of China’s pension system. China’s Vice Premier Ma Kai on Tuesday reported on the social security system at the ongoing bi-monthly session of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, saying the basic […]
more…25 Dec, 2014
Construction starts on new Beijing airport on Friday
BEIJING, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) — Work will begin on Beijing’s new airport on Friday, according to a senior Chinese official. The international aviation hub will be constructed on the principles of frugality, efficiency, convenience and comfort, Zhou Laizhen, deputy director of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), said on Wednesday. The airport is designed […]
more…24 Dec, 2014
China’s rich-poor income gap rises to “alarming level”
Beijing, (ecns) 2014-12-24 — China’s income gap has widened to an alarming level, much higher than that of Russia and the US, according to the 4th Income Distribution and Enterprises Salary Reform Summit. The average salary among the top 20 percent high-income earners is about 10.7 times higher than that of the bottom 20 percent […]
more…24 Dec, 2014
Chinese customs seize more than 3,000 crocodile skins
XIAMEN, (Xinhua) 2014-12-24 – Customs authorities in East China’s Fujian province seized a staggering 3,022 crocodile skins illegally shipped from Taiwan. In mid-June, a Fujian-based trade company lodged a declaration for a batch of frozen fish balls from Taiwan, but later customs officers found 1,328 crocodile skins disguised by the fish balls in the port […]
more…24 Dec, 2014
Billion-dollar Investment Opportunities Seen in Cuba
WASHINGTON, Dec 24 (NNN-CARIBBEANNEWS) — A leading investment group has identified billions of dollars worth of opportunities in Cuba following US President Barack Obama’s announcement of plans to re-establish relations with the Caribbean island nation. The Cuba Business Outlook, produced by the business intelligence group Global News Matters, reported many opportunities — with investments required […]
more…24 Dec, 2014
Princess Cruises “Relaxation Report”: Holiday season sees women get more stressed than men
SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Dec. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — With the holidays in full swing, a new survey released by Princess Cruises found that this is a more stressful time for women than men, with women feeling more pressure cooking meals and hosting parties, while men feel more stress by shopping and receiving unwanted gifts. The survey […]
more…24 Dec, 2014
Chinese commentary: In New World Order, U.S “Should Stop Trying to Play God”
BEIJING, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) — China on Tuesday conducted an interim review of the implementation of a government action plan on human rights protection, highlighting the considerable progress it has made since 2012 and pledging to strive for greater improvement. The meeting, which gave floor to state organs and agencies at various levels to report […]
more…24 Dec, 2014
Hundreds of Singaporeans Visit al-Aqsa Mosque in Solidarity with Palestinians
JERUSALEM, December 23, 2014 (WAFA) – Hundreds of Muslim Singaporeans Tuesday visited al-Aqsa Mosque in the city of Jerusalem as an act of support, in light of the recent heightened Israeli measures against worshipers and protection of Israeli settlers, which have spiked tensions in the old city. This visit comes at a time of mounting […]
more…24 Dec, 2014
Palestinian President: All I Want from Christmas is Justice
RAMALLAH, December 22, 2014 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas Sunday called upon the international community to recognize the State of Palestine on the 1967 border and support the United Nations initiative to set a deadline to end the Israeli occupation. “This Christmas, we deliver a very special message to the world: All I want from […]
more…24 Dec, 2014
Palestine Advocates Protest Israeli Diamond Store in NYC for Human Rights Violation Complicity
NEW YORK, December 22, 2014 (WAFA) – A total of 40 New York human rights advocates protested on Saturday at the Israeli billionaire Lev Leviev’s flagship Madison Avenue diamond store, which is known for being complicit in the Israeli occupation and settlement activities in the West Bank. The advocates had been gathering for eight years […]
more…21 Dec, 2014
More European Groups Call for Formal Recognition of Palestine
STRASBOURG, December 18, 2014 (WAFA) – In yet another supportive gesture in favor of the Palestinian statehood bid, the European United Left/Nordic Green Left European Parliamentary Group (GUE/NGL MEPS) called on member states to formally recognize a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. The group welcomed the European Parliament […]
more…20 Dec, 2014
International Cruise Victims Applauds Legislation to Increase Public Access to Cruise Safety Info
PHOENIX–(BUSINESS WIRE)–December 15, 2014 – International Cruise Victims (ICV) is pleased to announce the passage of new legislation which will require a numerical accounting of missing persons as well as requiring that all applicable alleged crimes committed on cruise ships be reported publicly regardless of the investigative status of the incident. In a bipartisan fashion, […]
more…20 Dec, 2014
New initiative launched to support Americans to study in China
WASHINGTON – (Xinhua) – 2014-12-18 – China and the United States launched a new fellowship initiative on Wednesday to support mid-career American professionals to study in China. The initiative, known as Zhi-Xing China-Perfect World U.S.-China Young Leaders Fellowships, aims to sponsor 15 to 20 American professionals who are interested in Chinese culture and China-related work […]
more…20 Dec, 2014
European Union Helps Consumers by Capping Credit Card Fees While U.S. Lags
WASHINGTON, December 18, 2014, (BUSINESS WIRE)–The following press release was issued by Merchants Payments Coalition: American merchants applaud the European Union for taking steps to cap card fees at a seventh of what U.S. retailers pay their banks. The 28 countries of the European Union agreed with a committee of the EU’s Parliament to cap […]
more…20 Dec, 2014
China, US vow to boost tourism
CHICAGO, (Xinhua), 2014-12-18 – China and the United States vowed on Wednesday to further enhance bilateral cooperation in boosting tourism and people-to-people exchanges. At a forum on China-US tourism cooperation held here as part of the ongoing 25th session of the US-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT), visiting Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang […]
more…19 Dec, 2014
Palestinian President: Independent State by 2017
RAMALLAH, December 18, 2014 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas Thursday said the bid aims for the conduct of serious negotiations with Israel to put an end to the military occupation and establish an independent Palestinian state by the year 2017. During a televised speech at the Palestinian leadership meeting, Abbas said the Palestinian bid for […]
more…19 Dec, 2014
Geneva Conference Addresses Israeli Violations of International Law
GENEVA, December 17, 2014 (WAFA) – The High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions met in Geneva on Wednesday to discuss Israel’s failure to comply with international law with regards to the Palestinian inalienable rights, according to Palestine’s Permanent Mission in Switzerland. The meeting discussed Israel’s impunity by a High Contracting Party and disregard of […]
more…19 Dec, 2014
Jewish Fanatics Break into Al-Aqsa Mosque amid Growing Tensions
JERUSALEM, December 16, 2014 (WAFA) – A group of Jewish extremists on Wednesday broke into the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem in a provocative tour, shortly following clashes that erupted throughout the city last night after Israeli army killed a Palestinian in nearby Qalandia refugee camp. Local media sources said one of the Jewish […]
more…19 Dec, 2014
Air France Flight Forced To Land Because Of … Chili Peppers
SANTO DOMINGO, Dec 19 (NNN-AGENCIES) — An Air France flight from Santo Domingo to Paris made an emergency landing in Ireland on Sunday after an alarm indicated the possibility of fire or smoke in the cargo hold, according to the Irish Independent. The culprit turned out to be chili peppers – yes, chili peppers – […]
more…19 Dec, 2014
Chinese commentator to U.S.: Criticizing is easier than self-criticism
Washington DC, (China Daily) 2014-12-12 – Now we all know why it’s never the United States, but the rest of the world that engages in torture. It’s simply because the US doesn’t call it torture, it calls it enhanced interrogation techniques, or EIT. But no matter how much nicer it sounds, EIT is heinous and […]
more…19 Dec, 2014
Gulf Arab economies respond tactically to offset oil price plunge
DUBAI, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) — The question of how much the fall in oil prices will affect the Gulf Arab economies in 2015 is the” talk of the town” in the region with officials and business executives differing in their assessments. The drop in oil would not change the bullish prospects for the United Arab […]
more…19 Dec, 2014
China announces major holiday dates for 2015
BEIJING, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) — The State Council, China’s cabinet, announced major holiday dates for 2015: New Year’s Day: Jan. 1 – Jan. 3, with Jan. 4 (Sunday) as a working day. Spring Festival (Chinese Lunar New Year): Feb. 18 – Feb. 24. Feb.15 (Sunday) and Feb. 28 (Saturday) are working days. Qingming (Tomb-Sweeping Day): […]
more…19 Dec, 2014
ADB, Cambodia Sign Loans to Boost Tourism, Water Supply and Financial Sectors
PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA, ADB Media release, 18 December 2014 – Cambodia’s Minister of Economy and Finance Aun Pornmoniroth and Asian Development Bank (ADB) today signed loan agreements totaling $67 million for three support operations which will further improve the country’s water supply, tourism, and financial sectors. The loan agreements cover the Third Financial Sector Program–Subprogram […]
more…19 Dec, 2014
Drone shot down in Beijing suburb, operators charged
Beijing, (Chinadaily.com.cn), 2014-12-16 — Three people have been charged with involuntarily endangering public security by flying drones for surveying and mapping, according to a recent report in People’s Liberation Army Daily. The drone forced several commercial airliners to alter their paths or delay their flights before it was shot down by air force, the report […]
more…19 Dec, 2014
Chinese travel agencies told to regulate tourist behavior
Beijing, (China Daily) 2014-12-15 – Tourism authorities will urge travel agencies to monitor tour groups and will explore the use of personal credit reports to identify possible offenders in advance. The move comes after four Chinese travelers poured hot water on a Thai flight attendant and triggered public outrage online. The China National Tourism Administration […]
more…19 Dec, 2014
GMS summit in Thailand: China eyes bigger role in boosting connectivity
BANGKOK, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s expected attendance at a Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) summit in Thailand signals China’s more active role in efforts to bolster regional economy and connectivity and to expand the scope of cooperation. Also on Li’s agenda is the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on China-Thailand […]
more…19 Dec, 2014
World wood production up but paper stagnant as electronic publishing grows – UN report
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 18 December 2014 – Continuing steady growth in 2013 for the fourth consecutive year, global wood production has fully recovered from the economic downturn of 2008-2009, though production of pulp and paper stagnated largely due to a decline in consumption in China, data released by the United Nations’ Food and […]
more…19 Dec, 2014
China corruption crackdown hits Macau’s gambling revenue
Beijing, (China Daily) Updated: 2014-12-19 – It is time for Macao to diversify its economy from an over-reliance on gambling, as this year may mark the city’s first yearly decline in gaming revenue, industry insiders and analysts urge. Macao is looking to develop as a leisurely tourist destination to offer visitors, mostly from the Chinese […]
more…19 Dec, 2014
Chinese commentary: Water more important for Asian security than tanks and warships
(People’s Daily Online), December 18, 2014 – When talking about Asian security, many analysts tend to start with the number of naval vessels and warplanes each country possesses. The recent water crisis in the Maldives has reminded us that the Asian security issue should be viewed comprehensively. On Dec. 15, a desalination plant in Male […]
more…17 Dec, 2014
Tourist Influx Helps Rural Lao PDR Thrive
Vientiane, Lao PDR, ADB Feature | 8 December 2014 – When Noy Sae Lee was a young woman in northwest Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) in the 1970s, her small ethnic Lanten community subsisted on slash-and-burn cultivation, virtually isolated from the outside world, save for limited trade in opium and wildlife in this fabled […]
more…17 Dec, 2014
Ancient Trade Route Boosts Tourism, Commerce Within Greater Mekong Subregion
Vientiane, Lao PDR, ADB News Feature, 12 December 2014 – A modern highway and bridge connecting three countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion are reviving an ancient trade route and bringing new life to local communities. More than 1,200 years ago, during the Tang Dynasty, merchants in Yunnan, People’s Republic of China (PRC) began forging trade routes to […]
more…17 Dec, 2014
$50 Billion Greater Mekong Plan to Focus on Building Economic Corridors
VIENTIANE, LAO PDR (ADB media release) 12 December 2013 – Member countries of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) have agreed to draw up a $50 billion pipeline of potential projects under a new Regional Investment Framework (RIF), including investments in non-traditional areas like railways and multisector projects to be made over the next decade. “The […]
more…17 Dec, 2014
Global Coalition Launched to Help the World’s Poorest Access Affordable Health Coverage
12 DECEMBER 2014 (Rockefeller Foundation media release) – A new global coalition of more than 500 leading health and development organizations worldwide is urging governments to accelerate reforms that ensure everyone, everywhere, can access quality health services without being forced into poverty. The coalition was launched today, on the first-ever Universal Health Coverage Day, 12 […]
more…17 Dec, 2014
EU Agrees Money Laundering Transparency Reforms, but Full Access Denied
17 December 2014 (Released by Transparency International Liaison Office to the European Union) – Transparency International has welcomed new landmark legislation to tackle money laundering and anonymous shell companies in the European Union. The revisions to the 4th Anti-Money Laundering Directive agreed by the European Parliament and EU Council are an important step forward in […]
more…14 Dec, 2014
All-around service is key to meeting Chinese needs abroad
(China Daily) 2014-12-13 – HNA Tourism Group made an interesting observation on its cruise ship Henna: While Western cruise-ship customers love lying on the deck taking in the sun, many Chinese travelers follow a decidedly Chinese pursuit and gather to play mahjong below deck. So the company has prepared mahjong sets on the ship in […]
more…14 Dec, 2014
Chinese resort island offers reward to whistleblowers for reporting tourist fraud
Sanya, Hainan island, (chinadaily.com.cn ) 2014-12-12 – Sanya is going to reward citizens who report tourist fraud on the popular tropical island, up to 50,000 yuan ($8,080), starting next year, according to the local authorities. Two complaint hotlines have been set for the public to disclose problems in the island’s tourist industry, typically legal taxis, […]
more…14 Dec, 2014
German Travel market holds its ground in a difficult 2014 environment
Berlin, (DRV media release) 10 Dec 2014 – The Germans bank on classical seadise travel destinations and fulfil themselves dreams in respect of long-haul trips: Greece, Tunisia, the Canary Islands as well as the Caribbean destinations Cuba, Dominican Republic and Mexico are the vacation countries of the Germans which record the highest growth rates this […]
more…12 Dec, 2014
Thai-Muslims to hold First Thailand Halal Assembly to boost travel, trade with Islamic World
Bangkok – An estimated 5,000 delegates are expected to meet in Bangkok between December 28 – 30 for the first “Thailand Halal Assembly 2014” to be held at the Bangkok Convention Center, Centara Grand Hotel at Central World. Organised jointly by the Halal Science Center of Chulalongkorn University, the Central Islamic Council of Thailand and […]
more…11 Dec, 2014
Top 10 Holiday Survival Tips for Staying Sober Through the Party Season
Statesboro, GA (PRWEB) December 10, 2014 — Willingway, a renowned treatment center for alcoholism and drug addiction, has helped patients find the best chance at recovery for more than 45 years. And they know how bittersweet and difficult the holidays can be for people in recovery from addiction. Robbin Mooney, Willingway’s Director of Communications, said, […]
more…11 Dec, 2014
New ITU Global Initiatives reports offer solutions for development, disaster management
Doha, 9 December 2014 (International Telecommunications Union) – The Advisory Boards of the ITU m-Powering Development and Smart Sustainable Development Model Initiatives released their first reports in Doha, Qatar, at an extraordinary meeting of each of the Boards, which met on the eve of ITU Telecom World 2014 in session 7-10 December. “These reports are the […]
more…11 Dec, 2014
Spotlighting racism, stigma, UN launches Int’l Decade of People of African Descent
United Nations, (UN News Centre), 10 December 2014 – People of African descent still face racism in every country, region and continent of the world, said United Nations General Assembly President Sam Kutesa as the word body today kicked off its International Decade of People of African Descent. “Over the next ten years, people everywhere […]
more…11 Dec, 2014
Climate Change: Oh, when will they ever learn?
Beijing, (China Daily) 2014-12-06 – Oh, when will they ever learn?The annual ritual of UN climate change conference is on in the Peruvian capital of Lima in a year which is almost certainly going to be the hottest on record. Twenty-two years have passed since the first international climate conference in Rio de Janeiro in […]
more…10 Dec, 2014
China Voice: U.S. should clean up its own human rights issues
BEIJING, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) — As Human Rights Day approaches, high-profile cases of violations within American borders and by its agencies abroad are being scrutinized, especially as it pertains to be a defender of civil liberties globally. United Nations human rights chief Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein on Nov. 25 urged the U.S. to examine race-related […]
more…10 Dec, 2014
Crisis-hit Italians cut Christmas shopping: study
ROME, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) — As Christmas, the most popular feast day in Italy on Dec. 25, gets close, household spending continues the record drops in the crisis-plagued country. According to a recent report by consumer group Codacons, Christmas spending since before the outbreak of the global economic crisis has fallen by as much as […]
more…10 Dec, 2014
“Remarkable Indonesia” showcase in Bangkok highlights culture, builds ASEAN integration
Bangkok – A “Remarkable Indonesia Showcase 2014” was held from 8 to 11 December 2014 at Central Court, Central World in downtown Bangkok. At the official opening ceremony on 9 December. Indonesian Ambassador to Thailand, Mr Lutfi Rauf called it an “iconic event that showcases a variety of fashion products, cultural performances and food and […]
more…10 Dec, 2014
Australia holds national summit to curb “endemic” domestic violence
Canberra, 8 December 2014 – The Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women, Senator Michaelia Cash today delivered the opening address for the inaugural National Domestic Violence Summit, emphasising that all Australians have a role to play in changing the attitudes that create and sustain the endemic culture of violence in Australia. “Ensuring the whole […]
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