Asia-Cast

Asia Cast for Saturday 14th February

In this Bulletin…

- Bird flu outbreak officially announced in China;
- Air India avoids air collision; and
- Australian man to be charged for lighting fires.

But first, here’s our SOH focus on China.

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The Intermediate People’s Court of Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province issued a civil written verdict, officially announcing the bankruptcy of Shijianzhuang Sanlu Group Co., Ltd.

The announcement came after Sanlu was unable to pay off overdue debts and lacked sufficient assets for liquidation.

The Court summoned Sanlu Co.’s creditors and issued a civil adjudication of bankruptcy.

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As recently reported in the Epoch Times Chinese human rights lawyer Gao Zhisheng published an article disclosing the events of his kidnapping and the 50 days of torture that followed.

People in China and abroad have condemned the CCP’s persecution of Gao after reading of the terrible torture methods Gao suffered, such as electric shock beatings.

Gao wrote in his letter that he was threatened he would be tortured again and in front of his wife and child if he wrote of his experiences. Despite this he authorized the publication of a letter in February 2009. He has since been arrested again.

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And now for the rest of today’s Asia Cast
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Authorities announced an outbreak of the H5N1 (bird flu A-strain) virus.

The National SARS Testing Centre confirmed the outbreak had taken place at a grains supply station in Zhawa village, Moyu county on February 10.

A local resident who didn’t wish to be named told SOH five hundred livestock have died and over 13,000 poultry have been slaughtered.

The public are not being allowed anywhere near the affected area.

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The fire which damaged a large chunk of China Central TV station was not extinguished by fire fighters, residents say. In fact it burned itself out and firemen took credit.

The fire occurred during the annual Lantern Festival celebrations in Beijing. The CCTV Arts Group lit fireworks which unexpectedly set ablaze 44 stories of the north side of the station building.
According to witnesses 85 fire brigades carrying 590 firemen, and about 2000 police rushed to the scene.

Mainland media reported one death and six injuries but a witness disputes this saying the incident was managed “low-key” and no websites were allowed to report on it. “… But in fact more than 30 people were wounded,” said the resident.

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A collision between an Air India jet and an army helicopter was averted at Mumbai International Airport on Monday when the pilot of the jet applied the emergency brake upon seeing the helicopter land on the same runway. The jet had 150 passengers aboard, reports the Epoch Times.

The Indian Air Force helicopter was part of a fleet of three helicopters carrying President Pratibha Patil’s entourage.

The media reported that both jet and helicopter had permission to use the runway 27. However, the jet had to abort the take-off at the last moment and exit through the taxiway. Later, it took off with new tires.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has ordered probe into the incident.

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Australian police were questioning a man on Friday over one of the country’s deadly bushfires, which killed 181 people, and local media said he was expected to be charged with arson causing death.

“Police are currently speaking to someone over the Churchill fire,” a police spokesman said. At least 21 people died in the Churchill fire.
Fairfax newspapers said the man was expected to be charged with arson causing death and would appear in court later on Friday, but no charges had yet been laid.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has described Australia’s deadliest bushfires which swept through the southern state of Victoria on Saturday as “mass murder.”

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And now for our Divine Performing Arts quote of the day
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The Divine Performing Arts put on an exclusive performance at Washington’s Kennedy Center Opera House on February 10, reports Clearwisdom.net. Washington’s elite responded with high praise after viewing the “invitation only” performance. Ms. Brewer, America’s Heroes of Freedom [AHOF] president and founder described the show as ‘healing’.

“I am so glad that we had our wounded military here tonight. What a beautiful expression to show our wounded military the peace and tranquility we all experienced tonight. It was beautiful… [The show] was very, very healing. It will be good for them.”

To fine out when the DPA is coming to your area visit www.divineshows.com. Don’t miss out.
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‘Asia Cast…keeping you across the top headlines from Asia and the World.’