AsiaCast

Asia Cast for Friday 26th October

- US imposes further sanctions on Iran

- Amnesty International concerned over rights in Russia

- Darfur rebels vow to continue attacks

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The US has increased pressure on Iran by imposing further sanctions after identifying Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a proliferator of weapons of mass destruction and its elite Qods force a supporter of terrorism.

In total, Washington slapped sanctions on more than twenty Iranian companies, major banks and individuals as well as the defence ministry, in a bid to pressure Tehran to halt its nuclear program and curb its “terrorist” activities.

But Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice maintains that the United States was committed to a diplomatic solution and urged Tehran to accept an offer made by major powers last year to give up sensitive nuclear work in exchange for incentives, including direct talks with Washington.

Some Democratic presidential candidates expressed concern that the White House’s actions represent a march to war with Iran.

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Amnesty International has voiced its concern over surging rates of violence and abductions in the Russian region of Ingushetia.

The New York-based Human Rights Watch urged the European Union to use a meeting with Russia on Friday to challenge Moscow on its human rights record, which it said was worsening.

Russian federal troops have fought Chechen rebels in two wars since 1994 and the violence has spilled over into neighbouring regions. This year the focus shifted to Ingushetia, where reports of gun attacks, bombs and murders intensified.

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Darfur rebels vowed on Thursday to launch more assaults on oil installations across Sudan until Khartoum gave in to a string of demands, including compensation for Darfuris and full representation in the national government.

The Justice and Equality Movement said it attacked Sudan’s Defra oil field on Tuesday, killing twenty government soldiers and taking two foreign hostages, one Canadian, the other Iraqi. The government denied any such attack.

Sudan is highly sensitive about reports that risk damaging its huge oil industry, a vital source of revenue for the country.

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French President Nicolas Sarkozy announced on Thursday that his new green revolution plan will make French the world leaders in the war against global warming.

The plan, which involves a mix of tax measures and investment pledges is one of the highest profile green initiatives ever launched in France and fulfilled an election campaign promise by Sarkozy, who has said his government will emphasize sustainable development.

The French president pledged a massive investment programme to improve energy efficiency in buildings, as well measures to encourage greener vehicles.

He also said he would order the suspension of commercial cultivation of crops genetically modified to repel pests, pending a wider study.

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China’s, India’s, and Russia’s Foreign Ministers have announced that they will not impose sanctions to curb Burma’s military junta.

Unlike America and many European democratic countries, China, India, and Russia say they will rely on dialogue alone to call for an end to the crackdown on Burma’s democracy protesters.

China, the most ardent backer of the military junta in Burma, says the international community should adopt a more reconciliatory approach on the turmoil in Burma. On the other hand, China, whose oil imports are increasing every year, has more economic interests in Burma than perhaps any other nation.

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According to latest data, China’s economy grew by a stunning 11.5 percent in the last quarter, surging ahead despite official efforts to cool the boom and putting it on track to overtake Germany as the World’s third-largest within weeks.

Growth was driven by a double-digit surge in exports and investment in factories and other fixed assets despite repeated interest rate hikes.

The communist government wants to maintain fast growth to ease poverty but worries that a runaway expansion or overspending on real estate and other assets could ignite a financial crisis.

Beijing has raised interest rates five times this year to tamp down investment, and economists expect another hike later in the year.

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The Philippine government has announced that disgraced former President Joseph Estrada has been granted an official pardon by President Gloria Arroyo.

The Government said the decision was reached after Estrada agreed not to pursue political office.

Estrada was given a life sentence last month after being convicted of corruption and embezzlement following a six-year trial.

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