News & Reports 2011-03-27

Hello and Welcome to News and Reports on China Radio International.

In This Edition

Radioactivity in seawater near the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant in northeastern Japan tests more than 1,200 times higher than normal.

Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan apologizes to farmers and businesses over the radiation crisis as a result of the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant.

U.S. President Barack Obama says the military mission in Libya is succeeding even as responsibility is being transferred to NATO allies and partners.

Major cities across Asia turn lights off in support of "Earth Hour", an annual 60-minute event designed to remind people of the need to take action on climate change.

Hot Issue Reports

Radioactivity in Seawater near Japan Nuclear Plant Tests 1,250 Times Higher

Radioactivity in seawater near the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant in northeastern Japan has tested more than 1,200 times higher than normal.

Hidehiko Nishiyama, spokesman for Japan's Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency, or NISA, confirmed the result at a news conference in Tokyo, but said the amount posed no immediate 1 health risk.

"Today, we detected levels 1,250 times higher than normal (of seawater contamination)."

The levels of radioactivity were tested just outside one unit.

The contamination level is the highest since a survey of the seawater began in the past week.

NISA said the radioactive materials would "significantly dilute 2" by the time they were consumed by marine 3 species, and the pollution would not have a significant impact on fish.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano said the government would enhance monitoring radiation levels in seawater near the plant and pressed the plant operator to provide swifter information.

"Obviously from now on, we will have to expand and strengthen our monitoring of the radiation levels in seawater. However, radiation has not affected 4 aquatic 5 life for the time being, and at least specialists believe that sea life outside the 20-kilometer evacuation zone has not been affected."

Officials have evacuated 6 residents within 20 kilometers of the plant and advised those up to 30 kilometers away to stay indoors.

Meanwhile, the official death toll 7 from the earthquake and tsunami 8 that hit Japan two weeks ago stood at 10,151 on Saturday, with more than 17,000 listed as missing.

Japan PM Apologizes for Damage from Nuclear Plant

Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan has apologized to farmers and business owners affected by the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant that's been emitting radiation after being damaged by the earthquake and tsunami two weeks ago.

"I sincerely apologize to business owners, such as farmers and dairy farmers, for the severe damage caused by the nuclear accident. We will do our utmost to compensate 9 them for the damage and support them."

The Prime Minister sounded a pessimistic note hours after nuclear safety officials said they suspected a breach 10 at the Fukushima complex plant would be a major setback 11 in their urgent mission to stop the facility from leaking radiation.

"The current condition of the Fukushima nuclear power plant does not allow for any optimism yet. We will do our utmost to prevent the situation from deteriorating 13 further."

Libyan Rebels Celebrate Retaking City

Libyan rebels clinched 14 their hold on the east and seized back a key city on Saturday after decisive international airstrikes sent Moammar Gadhafi's forces into retreat, shedding their uniforms and ammunition 15 as they fled.

Ajdabiya's initial loss to Gadhafi may have ultimately been what saved the rebels from imminent 16 defeat, propelling the US and its allies to swiftly pull together the air campaign now crippling Gadhafi's military.

Its recapture gives President Barack Obama a tangible 17 victory just as he faces criticism for bringing the United States into yet another war.

In Ajdabiya, drivers honked 18 in celebration and flew the tricolour rebel flag.

Others in the city fired guns into the air and danced on burned-out tanks that littered the road.

Their hold on the east secure again the rebels promise to resume their march westward 19 that had been reversed by Gadhafi's overwhelming firepower.

Ahmed Omar Bani, spokesman for the rebel forces in Libya addressed a news conference in Benghazi later on Saturday.

"Today was a great day in the history of Libyan people. Today in the city of Ajdabiya, the revolutionary forces and the Libyan army are in the city of Ajdabiya."

The Gadhafi regime meanwhile acknowledged the airstrikes had forced its troops to retreat and accused international forces of choosing sides in the fight and directly attacking Gadhafi's troops.

Ajdabiya's sudden capture by Gadhafi's troops on March 15 gave impetus 20 to the UN resolution authorising international action in Libya, and its return to rebel hands on Saturday came after a week of airstrikes and missiles against the Libyan leader's military.

Obama: Mission in Libya Succeeding

In his weekly radio and internet address to the nation on Saturday, U.S. President Barack Obama told the American people that the military mission in Libya was succeeding even as responsibility was being transferred to NATO allies and partners.

At the beginning of the address, Obama said it was difficult for him to make the call to send U.S. troops to Libya, but he justified 21 his decision.

"I firmly believe that when innocent people are being brutalized, when someone like Gadhafi threatens a bloodbath that could destabilize an entire region, and when the international community is prepared to come together to save many thousands of lives, then it's in our national interest to act."

Obama also described the operation's progress.

"We're succeeding in our mission. We've taken out Libya's air defenses. Gadhafi's forces are no longer advancing across Libya. In places like Benghazi, a city of some 700,000 that Gadhafi threatened to show "no mercy," his forces have been pushed back. So make no mistake, because we acted quickly, a humanitarian 24 catastrophe 25 has been avoided and the lives of countless 26 civilians—innocent men, women and children - have been saved."

Obama said the U.S. would not put any ground forces in Libya and that responsibility for enforcing the no-fly zone and the arms embargo 27 at sea was being transferred to NATO, as agreed earlier in the past week.

U.S.-led forces began missile strikes in Libya on March 19 to establish a no-fly zone and prevent President Muammar Gadhafi from attacking his own people.

NATO Reiterates 28 its Decision to Enforce a No-fly Zone over Libya

NATO reiterated 29 its decision to enforce a no-fly zone over Libya, and the alliance was also actively 30 considering whether or not to take a "broader role" in the situation.

NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu made the announcement at a technical briefing in Brussels.

"Last night NATO allies decided 31 to enforce the no-fly zone over Libya. Under Operation United Protector, NATO ships, submarines and jets are cutting the flow of arms and mercenaries to Gadhafi's forces. At the same time, NATO is actively considering whether to take a broader role under the UN Security Council resolution. Without prejudging the deliberations we would expect a decision to take over all operations in the next few days."

Meanwhile an official from the Libyan Health Ministry 32 said the strikes by the coalition 33 between Sunday and Wednesday have killed at least 114 people.

On Thursday, coalition air strikes increased over Tripoli, the capital of Libya, with warplanes targeting fuel depots 34 and local military installations.

Qatar became the first Arab country to fly combat missions over Libya on Friday.

1st Anniversary of the Sinking of Skorean Warship 35 Cheonan

South Korea on Saturday marked the first anniversary of the sinking of its warship Cheonan on March 26th, 2010, in which 46 sailors died.

About 4,500 government and military officials led by President Lee Myung-bak along with family members of the victims attended a nationally televised memorial service in Daejon, central South Korea.

Speaking during the ceremony, Park Sung-choon, Minister of South Korean Patriots 36 and Veterans Affairs, called for unity 22 among the Korean people.

"The goal North Korea is seeking by its provocations 37 is division within our society. We should rather appreciate the sacrifices the Cheonan ship soldiers made by uniting our hearts as one."

Family and friends wept as they stood in front of photos of those who died.

South Korea blames North Korea for torpedoing 38 the vessel 39, but Pyongyang has denied involvement.

Inter-Korean relations have plunged 40 to one of their lowest points in recent decades. In November, North Korea shelled the South Korean island of Yeonpyeong, killing 41 four people.

Tensions had eased since the start of this year, with both sides calling for dialogue and raising hopes the neighbors could rebuild relations shattered over the past two years.

Germany is Committed to Train Afghan Security Forces: Defence Minister

German Defense 23 Minister Thomas de Maiziere stressed on his first visit to Afghanistan that his country was committed to training Afghan security forces.

De Maiziere made the remark after meeting with his Afghan counterpart Abdul Rahim Wardak for talks on Afghanistan.

He promised that German forces would continue to train Afghan security forces and said the partnership 42 between German and Afghan soldiers was "the key to success."

"I'm happy that we were able to meet the Afghan government. We are simply a guest here, and I'm also happy that we could meet our soldiers. It is not only important that the security is handed over to the Afghans, but also that there is economic progress coming along with it and that the civil society follows a set structure."

Germany has some 5,000 ground troops in Afghanistan.

De Maizière said the handing over of power to Afghan forces would continue as planned. The first seven towns and provinces will be handed over to the Afghan army and police force in July.

Abdul Rahim Wardak said he hoped the transition process would be carried out soon, allowing the return home of international forces "with satisfaction."

"As our capability 43 increases, we will be taking the responsibility for physical security of ourselves as transition goes, and the role of the international forces will change to mentoring 44 and supporting, and also it will gradually allow the turning out. And one day I hope for their safe returns home with full satisfaction of mission accomplished 45."

On Wednesday the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan said foreign troops were on course to complete their security role, but warned Taliban fighters would seek to regain 46 ground in a looming 47 spring offensive.

Taliban fighters have been squeezed out of key parts of the southern Helmand and Kandahar provinces where international troops will seek to link two so-called security bubbles in the coming months.

Portugal's Political Parties Opt 12 to Hold Early Election rather than Form New Govt

Portugal's political parties opted 48 to hold an early election rather than form a new government.

Portugal is at the mercy of nervous financial markets after the former Prime Minister resigned earlier this week in a dispute with rivals over new austerity measures.

President Anibal Cavaco Silva met with all the country's political parties to see if they would voluntarily form a coalition government. But all backed a new election instead, which would take place in late May or early June.

The parties' decision means that bailout request to the European Union and the International Monetary 49 Fund will be deferred 50 until early summer, after the election.

Jose Vieira da Silva, Portuguese 51 Economy Minister.

"Once again, what I think all Portuguese hope for from their political parties, whether they are in power, even if in a caretaker position, or opposition 52, is to reaffirm the interests of Portugal to resolve its problems without asking for external help. That is the interest of the country and of our economy."

Portugal, one of Western Europe's poorest countries, is being engulfed 53 by a financial crisis that is pushing it toward a bailout it doesn't want.

The fiscal 54 problems coincide with a forecast double-dip recession this year and a record jobless rate of 11.2 percent.

Although Europe's bailout fund is able to come up with the 75 billion euros, it also leads to market fears about the entire 17-nation Eurozone's financial soundness.

Asian City Landmarks 56 Turn Lights off in Environmental Campaign

Houses and businesses across Asia turned off power Saturday night in support of so-called "Earth Hour".

China's "Earth Hour" kicked off with the tallest building in the capital Beijing, the Tower 3 of the China World Trade Centre went turning off its lights at 8:30 pm local time.

At the launch ceremony, a group of children sang on stage calling for environmental protection, while people stuck "leaves" of promises to the "promise tree", pledging to make changes in their lives.

Jim Gradoville is the CEO of the China branch of World Wildlife Foundation, the organizer of the event.

"Earth Hour this year is not only about turning off lights for an hour, it's also about taking the real change, so we are asking everyone, governments, business and individuals to make one change for the planet."

Eighty-six cities in China joined the "Earth Hour" campaign to turn off lights in their landmarks this year.

Beijing took part in the "Earth Hour" for the first time in 2007.

In Sydney, ferries blew their horns as the lights went out on the iconic landmark 55, the Sydney Opera House.

Co-founder and chief executive of Earth Hour, Andy Ridley, climbed to the top of the Harbour Bridge to watch the spectacle.

He said he was amazed at how much the initiative had grown in just five years.

"To be in a hundred and thirty four countries and to see it go past race, religion, geographical 57 boundaries is an astounding 58 thing to see."

One local electricity provider reported demand for power dipped 12 per cent, the equivalent of switching off more than two million energy-saving light bulbs for an hour.

In India, lights at the India Gate were turned off and lit balloons released as a crowd holding candles watched.

In Indonesia the lights on several landmarks, such as the Welcome Statue and the National Monument, were also turned off or dimmed, and in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi, young people gathered outside the city's opera house holding candles as lights went off at 8:30pm local time.

Israeli Company Better Place Demonstrates Fast Battery-changing System

An Israeli company has introduced a network of car battery-changing stations that replace exhausted 59 batteries with fresh ones faster than it takes to fill a tank with petrol.

The Israeli electric car company Better Place plans to roll out the world's first battery-changing grid 60 in the country.

Electric vehicles are acknowledged as environmentally friendly but with a reduced range of around 70-100 miles and long recharge times.

But Shai Agassi, Better Place's CEO, says it will only take five minutes to change a battery at their stations.

"Today we've actually demonstrated for the first time the complete solution for an electric vehicle-charging network, if you want the solution to make an electric car cheaper and more convenient than a gasoline car. And this solution along a map of deployment 61 across all of Israel will actually be deployed 62 within this year, and the network will be open, and Israel can then switch out of gasoline and into electricity."

The company also demonstrated how charging spots can be set up on streets, rather than at traditional petrol stations, making it even more convenient for motorists.

Once the charging network has been rolled out in Israel, Better Place will begin its next project in Denmark.

Electric cars made by its partner Renault will be sold in Israel by the end of 2011.

China Daily: It's Great to Have Smoking Ban in All Public Places but More Strict Measures Should Be Adopted

China has included the smoking ban in all indoor public places in its 12th Five-Year Plan, which means that for the first time China has put smoking control into its national economic and social development program.

The Ministry of Health has rules and regulations, banning smoking in all indoor public places. It will go into effect May 1.

A commentary on China Daily applauds the move as a milestone 63 in the nation's efforts to ban smoking in public.

The article says that a complete ban on smoking in all indoor public places will protect the health of non-smokers 64.

According to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 740 million people in the nation are exposed to secondhand smoke in public places and at home.

The author points out those smokers can choose cigarettes for themselves, but they should show their respect for non-smokers by staying outside when smoking.

The nation's 12th Five-Year Plan has a vision of raising average life expectancy 65 in China one full year from 73.5 to 74.5.

With this aim, the author says the smoking ban in all indoor public places will help make this goal possible.

However the author further points out that the government needs to be strict in restricting smoking in public areas and to ban cigarette advertising 66.

The author says that every year, more women, children, young people and the poor become addicted 67 to cigarettes. The spike 68 in growth of new smokers in China cannot be separated from the nation's weak regulations and abysmal 69 law enforcement on tobacco use.