Friday, January 23, 2009
International
TOP STORIES as of 0900 HKT -- 24 January, 2009
MUSHARRAF: U.S. TREATS PAKISTAN 'UNEQUALLY'
Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf said his country is
being treated "unequally" to other countries, despite being a
staunch U.S. ally in its war on terror. The interview took place
amid reports of U.S. drones striking militant targets in
Pakistan days after the start of the Obama administration, a
continuation of a Bush policy that Musharraf warned against.
OBAMA REVERSES FOREIGN FAMILY-AID POLICY
President Obama will issue an executive order Friday afternoon
reversing a controversial abortion-related policy from the past
three Republican administrations, a senior administration
official said.
VIDEO SHOWS ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK PLANE CRASH
Video captured seconds after US Airways Flight 1549 ditched into
New York's Hudson River shows several passengers run onto the
plane's wings while at least two evacuees dive into the frigid
water. All 155 crew and passengers on the plane survived the
incident, which has been called "Miracle on the Hudson."
DOCTORS AMPUTATE MODEL'S HANDS, FEET
The family of a 20-year-old Brazilian model who is fighting for
her life after having her hands and feet amputated have urged
her supporters around the world to keep praying for their
daughter. Mariana Bridi da Costa fell ill in December and is now
on life support. "Mariana is (a) warrior and will win this
battle," her family said in a message on her Web site.
MAN WITH 'PAINTED' FACE KILLS CHILDREN AT NURSERY
A stabbing at a nursery school outside Brussels, Belgium, on
Friday left two children and one adult dead, the Belgian
Interior Ministry said. Another three children were rushed to
hospital in a critical condition, according to reports.
FREED GITMO DETAINEE 'WENT TO AL QAEDA'
A Saudi national released from U.S. detention at Guantanamo Bay,
Cuba, in September 2007 is believed to be a key leader in al
Qaeda's operations in Yemen, according to a U.S.
counterterrorism official. "He is one of a handful of al Qaeda
deputies in Yemen," the official said. "He is one of the top
terrorists."
POPE LAUNCHES YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Pope Benedict XVI launched his own channel on YouTube Friday in
an effort to use new technology to reach a younger audience.
UK ECONOMY IN RECESSION
The British economy is officially in a recession, according to
GDP numbers released Friday.
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BUSINESS
BOLIVIA NATIONALIZES BP SUBSIDIARY
Bolivian President Evo Morales nationalized the Chaco petroleum
company Friday, taking over the British Petroleum subsidiary
with the military on standby.
GEITHNER HEADS TO FULL SENATE VOTE
A U.S. Senate panel recommended the full Senate confirm Tim
Geithner as the next Treasury secretary, but five Republican
senators opposed going forward, including the committee's
ranking member.
INDIA BANS IMPORT OF CHINESE TOYS
India Friday announced it has banned import of Chinese toys for
six months.
