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Ultime notizie dall'Asia



IRAN - Isfahan: Protestant clergyman tortured for “converting Muslims” (Mar 8)
During a visit in prison, the pastor’s wife saw he had signs of torture. He could be executed. An anti-Protestant crackdown is underway in Isfahan. The regime’s fight against proselytising is coupled with fears that Christian gatherings might host its opponents.


JAPAN – SPAIN - Nagasaki’s “Atomic bombed Maria” to embrace Guernica (Mar 8)
Archbishop Takami promotes a “pilgrimage for peace” that will start in Nagasaki and end Guernica (Spain), home to another statue of the Virgin damaged by war in 1937. Benedict XVI will hold an audience during one of its stops.


SRI LANKA - At the Shrine of Our Lady of Tewatta 4 thousand young people pary for their vocation (Mar 8)
Under the title "Here am I. Send me," the Archdiocese of Colombo celebrates Children's Day. An 'opportunity for children and young people to begin their vocational journey. Archbishop of Colombo: We have different talents, qualities and weaknesses, but above all we are precious and unique to the Lord. He calls us to his mission for this uniqueness.


CHINA – NORTH KOREA - Pyongyang leases port on the Sea of Japan to Beijing (Mar 8)
China now has direct access to the Sea of Japan for the first time since the 19th century. Goods from hitherto landlocked Jilin and Heilongjiang will be able to move through the port of Rajin. Trade with Japan and South Korea will be enhanced. North Korea is showing signs it is open for international cooperation, experts say.


MYANMAR – BANGLADESH - Thousands of Rohingya refugees facing starvation in Bangladesh (Mar 8)
US charity sounds the alarm, claiming Bangladesh is blocking aid and medical treatment for refugees, who are locked up in open-air prisons. Rohingya are a Muslim minority from Myanmar and are persecuted by that country’s military dictatorship. Bangladeshi authorities dismiss accusations, saying, “We are the victims.”


INDIA - SOUTH KOREA - Orissa, Church against a multinational stealing lands of local community (Mar 8)
South Korea's Posco, a steel company, has obtained government permission to use 1,600 hectares of land. But this requires the expulsion of thousands of inhabitants. Catholics turn against the project, and earn the support of the Hindus.


IRAQ - The Shiite al-Maliki is ahead, but the secular Allawi is also going strong (Mar 8)
The outgoing premier dominates in Baghdad and the south; Allawi is 70-90% in the north and west. Turnout of 62%. Difficulties in forming a new government.


THAILAND - Thailand’s economy recovering, + 5.8 per cent in fourth quarter of 2009 (Mar 8)
GDP decline last year is less than expected. The government plans to continue economic assistance to individuals and companies. Tourism is playing a key role in the upswing.


INDONESIA - Three die in anti-terror raid, one masterminded Bali massacre (Mar 8)
Security forces carry out an operation in the Pamulang area, on the outskirts of the capital. Dulmatin, a terrorist nicknamed “The Genius”, is thought to be among them. Trained in Afghanistan, he was active throughout South-East Asia. The Indonesian government toughens its anti-terror campaign a few days before an official visit by Barak Obama. Hard-line Muslims attack the US leader, not a true friend of Islam.


TIBET - CHINA - Crackdown in Tibet, hundreds of monks arrested and imprisoned in monasteries (Mar 8)
On the anniversary of protests in March 2008 (the army fired on the crowd, hundreds of deaths, Tibet closed to visitors and the media), the Chinese authorities have introduced new security measures and enhanced controls. Tibetan Prime Minister in exile: we will not lose hope, we will continue our non-violent protest.