April 6, 2005

World Media Watch

by Gloria R. Lalumia

BuzzFlash Note: WMW provides BuzzFlash readers foreign views and perspectives that are not usually available from the media here in the U.S. The presentation of these articles from these international publications is not an endorsement of their viewpoints.

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WORLD MEDIA WATCH FOR APRIL 6, 2005

1//The Guardian, UK--BLAIR WARNS OF ‘RATHER NASTY RIGHTWING CAMPAIGN’ (… The Labour leader last night warned Labour MPs and peers at Westminster of a "rather nasty rightwing campaign" by the Tories after his Conservative rival Michael Howard used the first day of campaigning to launch an assault on the "smirking politics of Mr Blair." With four polls this week showing Labour's lead over the Tories down to 2-3 points and opposition supporters more determined to turn out on May 5, Tony Blair is also fearful of apathy and defections. … Dismissing both "the smirking politics of Mr Blair and the woolly thinking of the Liberal Democrats," Mr Howard claimed that the prime minister was "already secretly grinning about the prospect of his third victory." This may be a clear indication of the kind of subliminal underdog's language Mr Howard's team is expected to deploy over the next 30 days. … If turnout falls below the abysmal 59% in 2001 or Labour gets back on a sharply falling share of the vote, the authority of the government - and Britain's democracy - may be damaged.)

2//The Toronto Star, Canada--TORIES WON’T TRIGGER A ELECTION – FOR NOW (The Conservatives will decide whether to trigger an election after a publication ban is lifted on shocking testimony at the sponsorship inquiry, deputy Conservative leader Peter MacKay says. The sensational details delivered by Liberal-friendly ad executive Jean Brault could become public this week. And the Tories will judge whether the wave of public anger over the sponsorship scandal becomes enough of a deluge to carry them into office, MacKay suggested. "If they lift the publication ban, then and only then will we be able to assess how the public reacts to it — but the directions it's going right now, it's extremely serious," MacKay said.)

3//The Daily Star, Lebanon--JORDAN’S ABDULLAH PICKS NEW PREMIER AND DEMANDS FRESH CABINET (Jordan's King Abdullah II has tasked academic Adnan Badran with forming a new government to push for faster political reforms after criticism of the two-year-old Cabinet of Prime Minister Faisal al-Fayez. "We are determined in the coming phase to accelerate the pace of reform," the monarch said in a letter to Badran. The nomination follows criticism of the Fayez government by Abdullah over its performance at an Arab summit last month, and comes as Jordan faces pressure from Western allies, namely the United States, for failing to carry out satisfactory reforms. … U.S. officials expressed their displeasure with the lack of political progress during talks last month in Washington with Abdullah, a senior official said, noting that the U.S. is one of Jordan's main financial backers.)

4//The Daily Times, Pakistan--PAKISTAN, CHINA SIGN TRADE AND ANTI-TERROR AGREEMENTS (Pakistan and China resolved on Tuesday to safeguard each other’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The resolve was made in a “Treaty of Friendship” signed by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao after a detailed discussion on bilateral, regional and international issues. The two countries signed 22 agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to enhance bilateral cooperation in defence, trade, development, diplomacy, education and research. Aziz called the treaty historic, saying the two countries do not have such a treaty or agreement with any other country.)

5//EurasiaNet.org/Open Society Institute, US--RUMBLINGS OF DISCONTENT HIT UZBEKISTAN’S JIZZAKH PROVINCE (The tremors of Kyrgyzstan’s revolution are being felt in neighboring Uzbekistan. According to a prominent human rights activist in Tashkent, a people’s power movement is coalescing in Jizzakh Province. To counter the rise of popular opposition, representatives of President Islam Karimov administration are reportedly employing vigilante squads. … Karimov heads one of the most repressive regimes in Central Asia, jailing thousands of Uzbeks for engaging in non-state-sanctioned forms of political and religious expression. Officials in Tashkent defend their actions, saying tough measures are needed to counter Islamic militant efforts to destabilize the country. In addition to trying to keep a tight lid on all forms of political dissent, Karimov’s administration has steadfastly resisted economic reforms. The result has been a potentially volatile build-up of popular frustration. The trouble in Jizzakh Province appears to have little connection to Islamic radicalism.)

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1//The Guardian, UK Wednesday April 6, 2005
http://politics.guardian.co.uk/election/story...

BLAIR WARNS OF ‘RATHER NASTY RIGHTWING CAMPAIGN’
Michael White and Patrick Wintour

The British political establishment yesterday embarked on its four-yearly quest for the support of 44 million voters in the 2005 general election in a mood of barely concealed anxiety about what the campaign may hold.

Tony Blair, who yesterday paid his ritual visit to Buckingham Palace to notify the Queen that polling day will be May 5, is fearful that the campaign could be marked by negative tactics.

The Labour leader last night warned Labour MPs and peers at Westminster of a "rather nasty rightwing campaign" by the Tories after his Conservative rival Michael Howard used the first day of campaigning to launch an assault on the "smirking politics of Mr Blair."

With four polls this week showing Labour's lead over the Tories down to 2-3 points and opposition supporters more determined to turn out on May 5, Tony Blair is also fearful of apathy and defections.

He earlier underlined the anxiety in a personalised email to supporters in which he said he would "fight for every seat and every vote."

Mr Howard and the Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy both charged Labour with letting people down since 1997, though the Tory leader was noticeably more negative in tone than his Liberal Democrat counterpart.

Dismissing both "the smirking politics of Mr Blair and the woolly thinking of the Liberal Democrats," Mr Howard claimed that the prime minister was "already secretly grinning about the prospect of his third victory."

This may be a clear indication of the kind of subliminal underdog's language Mr Howard's team is expected to deploy over the next 30 days.

(SNIP)

Mr Blair's claim that "our mission will be driven by values" will be underscored in the Labour manifesto, expected to be endorsed by the cabinet and the party's 66-strong National Executive Committee tonight. It will emphasise the widening of choice in health and education even if it means a wider role for private sector providers in public services.
That is sensitive territory for unions and the left. Government sources stress that choice does not mean breaching the principle of an NHS free to all patients.

The manifesto will also rule out selection in schools based on academic ability, while proposing more private sector management of schools and an expanded number of city academies. "The manifesto will be progressive in ends and radical in means. It will be more radical and more social democratic," one No 10 strategist told the Guardian.

If Mr Blair seeks to re-enthuse the core Labour vote, Mr Howard needs to capitalise on public anxiety about crime, asylum and immigration - as well as future Labour "stealth taxes" - if he is to slash Labour's near-impregnable 161 majority, or even get his own 162 MPs above the 200 mark.

Outflanking Labour to the left on public spending and the Iraq war, Mr Kennedy must woo Labour dissidents without frightening Tory moderates as he manoeuvres to build his 55-strong parliamentary party into an equal player in the "three-party politics" he proclaims in every speech.

If turnout falls below the abysmal 59% in 2001 or Labour gets back on a sharply falling share of the vote, the authority of the government - and Britain's democracy - may be damaged.

(MORE)

2//The Toronto Star, Canada Apr. 5, 2005. 07:16 PM
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServ...

TORIES WON’T TRIGGER A ELECTION – FOR NOW
Conservatives to decide on election after sponsorship publication ban lifted, MacKay says

Canadian Press

OTTAWA — The Conservatives will decide whether to trigger an election after a publication ban is lifted on shocking testimony at the sponsorship inquiry, deputy Conservative leader Peter MacKay says.

The sensational details delivered by Liberal-friendly ad executive Jean Brault could become public this week.

And the Tories will judge whether the wave of public anger over the sponsorship scandal becomes enough of a deluge to carry them into office, MacKay suggested.

"If they lift the publication ban, then and only then will we be able to assess how the public reacts to it — but the directions it's going right now, it's extremely serious," MacKay said.

"The more serious the allegation, the more serious the evidence that comes forward (will be) impacting on the fortunes of the government and our opinion on whether we would support any kind of motions that would trigger an election."

A suddenly emboldened opposition prepared for the lifting of the publication ban by dancing around devastating details that can't yet be revealed.

But their questions in Parliament today gave a hint of the electric political atmosphere that awaits release of the Gomery testimony.

Prime Minister Paul Martin was reminded of a cheer he recently led in honour of Jean Chrétien, with Liberals applauding the former prime minister for his performance at the sponsorship inquiry where he used golf balls as a witness-stand prop.

Without mentioning any recent testimony, Conservative Leader Stephen Harper asked Martin how he felt today.

"The prime minister said, 'I am very proud of what the last government did and I am very proud that I was part of it,' " Harper said.

"Can the Prime Minister tell us if he still stands by that statement?"

Martin defended the previous government's accomplishments, including an economic performance that outpaced the G-8 and its slaying of the federal deficit.

(SNIP)

That bravado aside, Martin's Liberals remained worried about how the public would receive the latest sponsorship details.

The party backed away from a plan to force environmental reforms through Parliament in a coming budget-implementation bill.

MacKay agreed the Liberals might have staved off an immediate "crisis" that could topple their government. But he quickly added that the Tories will be watching the polls before deciding whether to continue propping up the government.

3//The Daily Star, Lebanon Wednesday, April 06, 2005
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp...

JORDAN’S ABDULLAH PICKS NEW PREMIER AND DEMANDS FRESH CABINET
King wants 'new blood' to push reform

Compiled by Daily Star staff

Jordan's King Abdullah II has tasked academic Adnan Badran with forming a new government to push for faster political reforms after criticism of the two-year-old Cabinet of Prime Minister Faisal al-Fayez. "We are determined in the coming phase to accelerate the pace of reform," the monarch said in a letter to Badran.

The nomination follows criticism of the Fayez government by Abdullah over its performance at an Arab summit last month, and comes as Jordan faces pressure from Western allies, namely the United States, for failing to carry out satisfactory reforms.

"We have selected you on account of your wisdom and maturity, experience and knowledge, and particularly due to your sincere belief in reform," the king said in his letter after the resignation of the 27-member Fayez government.

"We live in a turbulent region and surrounded by global conflicts," he said, but adding that "the fruits of reform will take time before they are ripe."

U.S. officials expressed their displeasure with the lack of political progress during talks last month in Washington with Abdullah, a senior official said, noting that the U.S. is one of Jordan's main financial backers.

"Jordan was a pioneer among Arab countries in the field of reform but it has been lagging behind over the past few years," a former Cabinet minister who declined to be identified told AFP.

Jordan is also caught in a diplomatic row with Iraq, which accuses Amman of not doing enough to stop alleged Jordanian militants from infiltrating across the border to take part in the deadly insurgency.

Baghdad recalled its ambassador from Jordan last month in a crisis triggered by reports alleging that a Jordanian was responsible for a massive bombing in February in the Iraqi Shiite city of Hilla killing 118 people.

The king was frustrated by the Cabinet's handling of the crisis, saying he felt it reacted too slowly to deny Jordanian involvement in the attack and bungled the recall of its envoy to Iraq, who returned to his post later.

The Cabinet change was expected. Government officials have said the king wanted "new blood" to press ahead with political and economic reforms.

(MORE)

4//The Daily Times, Pakistan Wednesday, April 06, 2005
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?pag...

PAKISTAN, CHINA SIGN TRADE AND ANTI-TERROR AGREEMENTS
By Shahzad Raza

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China resolved on Tuesday to safeguard each other’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The resolve was made in a “Treaty of Friendship” signed by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao after a detailed discussion on bilateral, regional and international issues. The two countries signed 22 agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to enhance bilateral cooperation in defence, trade, development, diplomacy, education and research.

Aziz called the treaty historic, saying the two countries do not have such a treaty or agreement with any other country. The two prime ministers held 70-minute one-on-one and 60-minute bilateral meetings. China recognised Pakistan’s role in the fight against terrorism. The two sides signed an agreement on combating terrorism, separatism and extremism.

Aziz briefed his Chinese counterpart on Pakistan’s efforts to resolve all outstanding issues including Kashmir with India. Mr Jiabao praised Pakistan’s endeavours to resolve disputed matters with India. The Chinese prime minister supported the Pakistan-India peace process and wished the Kashmir dispute be resolved peacefully.

“It’s a historic day for Sino-Pak relations. We signed 22 agreements to increase cooperation in defence diplomacy, defence, energy and the social sector. We have identical views on global issues,” Aziz told a press conference accompanied by Mr Jiabao. He said there was no limit to cooperation between China and Pakistan in various sectors. “Pakistan will provide transit route through the Gwadar Port to Chinese products to the Middle Eastern and other countries,” he said.

Mr Jiabao said he was touched by the warm welcome he received from the government and the people of Pakistan. He called his talks with Mr Aziz positive. He said “fruitful” discussions were being held on a Free Trade Agreement between the two countries.

(MORE)

5//EurasiaNet.org/Open Society Institute, US Tuesday, April 5, 2005
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav040505a.shtml

RUMBLINGS OF DISCONTENT HIT UZBEKISTAN’S JIZZAKH PROVINCE

The tremors of Kyrgyzstan’s revolution are being felt in neighboring Uzbekistan. According to a prominent human rights activist in Tashkent, a people’s power movement is coalescing in Jizzakh Province. To counter the rise of popular opposition, representatives of President Islam Karimov administration are reportedly employing vigilante squads.

Jizzakh Province, located about 100 miles southwest of Tashkent, has proven a hotbed of unrest in 2005, with anti-government actions rooted in agrarian discontent. The already simmering conflict between farmers and the local governor, Ubaidullah Yamankulov, has evidently been exacerbated by developments in nearby Kyrgyzstan, where popular frustration over persistent poverty and pervasive corruption exploded on March 24, resulting in President Askar Akayev’s ouster.

Karimov heads one of the most repressive regimes in Central Asia, jailing thousands of Uzbeks for engaging in non-state-sanctioned forms of political and religious expression. Officials in Tashkent defend their actions, saying tough measures are needed to counter Islamic militant efforts to destabilize the country. In addition to trying to keep a tight lid on all forms of political dissent, Karimov’s administration has steadfastly resisted economic reforms. The result has been a potentially volatile build-up of popular frustration.

The trouble in Jizzakh Province appears to have little connection to Islamic radicalism. The April 1 incident traces its origin to a protest in February, when farmers gathered to criticize regional government action to confiscate small-scale, private agricultural plots. That protest was forcibly broken up by groups of government toughs. Human rights activists compared the goon squads to the Black Hundreds, Tsarist-era nationalist vigilantes who carried out pogroms.

(MORE)