ONS: 11 April 2012

by TRG Alerts Admin on April 11, 2012

KEY STORYLINES

AFRICA: South Sudan said it repelled an attack by Sudan military forces in a disputed border area as skirmishes continued between the two countries.
AMERICAS: The Colombian FM announced Venezuelan President Chavez would attend the Summit of the Americas in Cartagena.
ASIA: The Chinese and Philippine governments agreed to diplomatically resolve the naval standoff in the South China Sea.
EUROPE: Moscow police arrested opposition activists ahead of the planned address by PM Putin.
MIDDLE EAST: The Yemeni government reported at least 25 militants were killed in clashes with troops near Lawdar.
TECHNOLOGY: In the US, wireless carriers announced a partnership with the government to create a national stolen cell phone database.

TOP STORY

At least three tsunamis of up to 31 inches hit Indonesia’s coast after a massive 8.6-magnitude earthquake struck off Sumatra island.
Indian PM Singh instructed government to take precautionary measures against tsunami threat.
The Kenyan government warned residents in coastal areas to move away from beaches and ordered schools in the area to close, saying a tsunami might hit around 1700 GMT.
Sri Lanka issued a tsunami warning and the disaster management center asked coastal residents to move inland.
Coverage: AFP, Xinhua, AFP-1, Reuters

Kofi Annan made an overture to Iran to use its influence to help resolve the crisis in Syria during a visit to Tehran.
The Syrian government assured Annan it would respect the ceasefire deal.
Activists reported Syrian government forces continued a violent crackdown on unrest.
Coverage: NYT, Al Jazeera, Reuters, LA Times

AFRICA

Region: South Sudan said it repelled an attack by Sudan military forces in a disputed border area as skirmishes continued between the two countries. (Reuters)
Egypt: The IMF announced it was working with the government to secure backing for a financial support package. (Reuters)
Libya: A UN convoy in Benghazi was struck by a bomb, but no casualties were inflicted. (Reuters)
Mali: The constitutional court set the speaker of the national assembly, Dioncounda Traore, to serve as interim president. (AP)

AMERICAS

Mexico: Gunmen killed seven cab drivers in Monterrey. (Reuters)
Mexico: Seven bodies were found in Acapulco, apparent victims of drug violence. (AFP)
Venezuela: The Colombian FM announced Venezuelan President Chavez would attend the Summit of the Americas in Cartagena. (Reuters)

ASIA

Region: The Chinese and Philippine governments agreed to diplomatically resolve the naval standoff in the South China Sea between a Philippine warship and two Chinese vessels. (AP)
Afghanistan: DM Wardak announced the Afghan military would be reduced in size following the end of the NATO mission in 2014. (NYT)
Afghanistan: A roadside bombing in Laghman killed a NATO soldier and a local government official. (AP)
Myanmar: Opposition leader Aun Sang Suu Kyi met with President Sein in Naypyidaw. (Al Jazeera)
North Korea: The government announced it had begun the fueling process for the planned rocket launch. (Al Jazeera)
Philippines: A bus bombing in the southern part of the country killed at least two and wounded five. (AP)

EUROPE

France: The government approved new anti-terrorism measures. (AP)
Greece: Officials announced plans to call for early national elections on May 6. (Reuters)
Netherlands: Police arrested eight following the seizure of almost a half-ton of cocaine in Antwerp. (AFP)
Russia: Moscow police arrested opposition activists ahead of the planned address by PM Putin. (AFP)

MIDDLE EAST

Bahrain: Shiite villages were attacked by angry mobs in apparent retaliation for a bomb attack against policemen. (AFP)
Iran: President Ahmadinejad stated Iran could withstand an oil embargo for two to three years. (Al Jazeera)
Israel: Authorities vowed to prevent hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists from entering the country for a planned protest. (AP)
Yemen: The government reported at least 25 militants were killed in clashes with troops near Lawdar. (Reuters)

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

Phone Security: Wireless carriers announced a partnership with the US government to create a national stolen cell phone database. (The Hill)

WORLD

TOMORROW’S OUTLOOK (12APR)

Global: Anniversary of Vostok 3KA (USSR) spacecraft launched, carrying Yugi Gagarin to space – 1961.
Nepal: Former rebel fighters begin integration into the national army.
North Korea: The government plans to launch a rocket to mark the 100^th anniversary of the birth of Kim Il-Sung.
Pakistan: Difa-e-Pakistan Council holds country meeting on Balochistan in Quetta.
Pakistan: Supreme Court resumes case against PM Gilani.
Syria: UN-supported ceasefire between Syrian troops and opposition forces goes into effect.
Swaziland: Anniversary of the banning of political parties – 1973.

END