Stories from 22 June 2008
Caucasus: European Integration
Azerbaijan – a part of Europe says that it hopes the countries of the South Caucasus will be close to integrating with Europe in 10 years. However, the blog concludes, it requires a change in the mindset of the local populations and how they think.
China: Measures to cut down on Beijing smog implemented
New traffic measures aimed at reducing pollution in time for the Olympics are now in place, writes Austin Ramzy at The China Blog. The test run last year didn't impress locals much, and others doubt the measures will even make a difference.
Armenia: Higher Education Blog
Armenian Higher Education & Sciences has been established by Aryana Petrova, an education consultant and lecturer. The blog should provide a unique insight into the education sector in Armenia and starts the ball rolling with posts on the appointment of Spartak Seyranian as the new education minister.
Thailand: Sensational news reports
Tom in Thailand advises media outlets not to use the words “mob” and “seige” in reporting the protest actions in Thailand
Armenia: Regional Supermarket
Blogrel comments on news that a Yerevan-based supermarket chain has opened a store outside of the capital. The blog wonders how such a development will affect small stores and market traders in the regions.
Azerbaijan: Mulberries
Sheki, Azerbaijan reports that everyone is getting ready for mulberry season in the country. The blog says that in addition to being quite tasty, they are also healthy and excellent as a source of vitamins as well helping strengthen the immune system.
Philippines: Unreliable typhoon report
A strong typhoon hit the Philippines this weekend. Weather reports are not updated, according to the Dusk Chronicles.
Malaysia: Motion of No Confidence
A Malaysian political party will file a motion of no-confidence against the Prime Minister on Monday. A blogger thinks the power struggle is also a battle for a prime real estate in Malaysia.
Indonesia: Human Rights
Walking Contradiction uploads a document highlighting the human rights situation in Indonesia
Armenia: FUNarchists
Seetizen, the blog of a youth activist, comments on the approach taken by a new youth initiative in the country. The blog says that by encouraging young Armenians to develop ideas about changing their situation, HENQ offers an alternative to the approach favored by those initiatives supporting the radical opposition.
Thailand: Casino's new name
To minimize criticism, Thailand's Prime Minister said the government is building an entertainment complex, not a casino. Blogger The Farang is not amused.
Armenia: Racist Rhetoric?
Blogian raises concern over what it considers to be racist rhetoric used by Armenia's first president, Levon Ter-Petrossian, at a radical opposition demonstration staged Friday in downtown Yerevan. Meanwhile, The Armenian Observer and my The Caucasus Knot carries more coverage of the unsanctioned rally.
Big Foot in Sarawak?
Is Big Foot in Sarawak? A pair of giant footprints in a village in Sarawak was discovered by residents and is gaining some attention.
Georgia: Abkhaz Tensions
Steady State comments on how the media in Georgia reports on continuing tensions with Russia over the breakaway region of Abkhazia. The blog implies that the media is being used to encourage such tensions and says that if there was any real interest in peace then a different approach would...
Georgia: Post-Election Concerns
Steady State comments on the evaluation of the recent parliamentary election in Georgia by the country's human rights ombudsperson as the “worst in the country’s history.” The blog also examines the position of international observers and the United States on the vote and raises it concern with some of the...
Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi's birthday
Myanmar police arrested members of the National League for Democracy who were “celebrating” the 63rd birthday of detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Iran: Iranian Blog Declaration Against Filtering
Digiactive writes that about 100 Iranian bloggers signed a declaration that condemns filtering and call for freedom of speech.
Iran: Ahmadinejad banned a conservative journal
According to several Iranian blogs and news sites, Tehran Emrouz journal was shut down yesterday because it criticized president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's economic policy. Heiderpix also says the journal published this photo of Ahmadinejad that created government's reaction.
Mexico: Food Products Price Fixed
Diego from Blog.com.mx [es] lists the 150 food products that were price-fixed by the Mexican government. He notes that many of these products are not necessarily consumed by many people.
Mexico: 12 Die at Nightclub Raid
During a nightclub raid in Mexico City, 12 people were killed by the stampede, including several policemen. Mexico Reporter writes that the police had gone to investigate whether drugs and alcohol were being sold to minors.
El Salvador: Bus Fare Hikes Cause Protests
Due to rising fuel prices, some bus operators in El Salvador have illegally raised fare prices to cover these costs. As a result, there have been critiques against the government for not enforcing these laws. The rising fares have also led to protests writes Tim Muth.
