Iranian Admiral: Warship off Syria coast a message of peace

03-01-2011 09:02 BJT

Iranian Admiral, Habi-bollah Sa-yari, says that his country's two navy ships anchored off the coast of Syria was a message of peace, and not an act of aggression within the middle east.

Admiral Habi-bollah Sa-yari, Iranian Naval Commander, said, "I would like to point out that Iran is sending a message of peace and security in the region and, in fact, we are stressing on this message. We stress, as well, that the strategy of the Iranian Islamic Republic is to reinforce our capabilities in order to defend ourselves and we do not have any aggressive intention towards other countries."

The two Iranian warships arrived in Syria on Thursday after they received permission to pass through the Suez Canal. According to an Egyptian News website, authorities agreed on the canal transit after they got an Iranian reassurance that the ships were not carrying any nuclear or chemical materials.

China's National Museum ready to reopen on April 1

03-01-2011 08:54 BJT

After three-and-a-half years, the expansion project of the National Museum of China is winding down. The museum plans to reopen on the first of April and for its first exhibition after reopening, plans to join hands with three major German museums.

The outward appearance of the National Museum hasn't changed much. Three facades of the museum were kept as they originally looked when it was founded in 1959 to mark the tenth anniversary of the founding of the PRC.

The museum nearly triples in size from 65,000 square meters to almost 200,000 square meters. The number of exhibition rooms increased to nearly 50, including an Asia room, Africa room, Europe room and America rooms for international exhibitions.

Photo dated Feb. 16, 2011 shows a bright hall in the National Museum of China. The museum will reopen to the public on the first day of April after more than three years of renovation. [Xinhua]

History will be brought to life through new and multimedia presentations. The Museum has a 3D cinema, a TV studio and a theatre dedicated to performances of intangible cultural heritage.

Photo dated Feb. 16, 2011 shows a bright hall in the National Museum of China. The museum will reopen to the public on the first day of April after more than three years of renovation. [Xinhua]

The multi-functional new facility, which reopens on Tiananmen Square near the Forbidden City, is expected to be a popular hangout for visitors from far and wide.

Discovery astronauts carry out first spacewalk

03-01-2011 09:56 BJT

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Two NASA astronauts from the space shuttle Discovery, have carried out the first of two planned spacewalks.

The spacewalk intends to support maintenance of the International Space Station. It is scheduled to last six-and-a-half hours. Discovery reached the space station on Saturday, for its final mission at the 100-billion US-dollar orbital outpost. The shuttle is scheduled to spend a week at the station, though NASA is considering adding an extra day. NASA is ending its 30-year shuttle program in about six months.

Sister ships Endeavour and Atlantis .. are expected to make their final flights this spring and summer. The US is retiring the program due to high operating costs, and to develop spaceships that can travel to the moon, asteroids, and other destinations beyond the station's orbit.

Two NASA astronauts from the space shuttle Discovery, have carried out the first of two planned spacewalks.

US shows bird-like spy aircraft

02-27-2011 10:03 BJT

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US aerospace company, AeroVironment, has revealed its high-tech hummingbird-like "nano aircraft".

The remote control craft has a 16-centimeter wing span, and can record sights and sounds on a video camera in its belly. The craft is in development for the US military. At this stage, it is still not clear if it will be advanced enough to see active service. AeroVironment says it can perch on a window ledge, and gather intelligence without attracting the attention of the enemy.

The craft can hover and move quickly in almost any direction, a capability that officials want in a small aircraft for intelligence gathering and reconnaissance.

US aerospace company, AeroVironment, has revealed its high-tech hummingbird-like "nano aircraft".

UN Security Council discusses Libya unrest

02-23-2011 08:54 BJT

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The UN Security Council began a private meeting to discuss the latest developments in Libya. During the closed door meeting, council members expect to receive an update from the Secretariat on the last developments in Libya which will be followed by consultations.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Libyan permanent representative to the United Nations, Mohamed Shalgham, told reporters he will speak at the Council meeting. He plans to tell the Security Council that he has been calling on Tripoli to end the bloodshed.

The Security Council is expected to issue a press statement, which is not legally binding, at the end of the meeting. The press statement does not become the UN document. The Security Council met earlier on Tuesday in informal consultations at the request of the Libyan Permanent Mission to the UN.

Editor:Xiong Qu |Source: CNTV.CN

Iranian naval vessels enter Suez Canal

02-23-2011 13:49 BJT

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Two Iranian naval vessels have passed through the Suez Canal en route to Syria for a training mission.

Canal officials say the ships - a frigate and a supply vessel - paid about 300-thousand US dollars for passage and are expected to reach the Mediterranean later in the day.

For the first time in three decades, Tehran has sent military ships through the strategic waterway.

By passing through the Suez canal, which links the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, ships avoid a lengthy sail around Africa.

Israel has made it clear it views the passage as a provocation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced Iran on Tuesday, but didn't refer directly to the two Iranian warships.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister, said, "Iran seeks to exploit the earthquake that is now possessing the great swath of earth from Afghanistan to the Maghreb. It is seeking to bring down democratic reform. It is seeking to prevent it. It is seeking to shut down the lights and create another era of darkness like the one we have in Tehran."

Israel's Deputy Prime Minister said Iran is taking advantage of Egypt's political turmoil to expand its own power.

But Iran has denied the allegation, claiming it planned the passage before the turmoil in Egypt. Iran also said it's considering sending warships for training to Syria via the Suez Canal on a regular basis.

Also on Tuesday, Israel announced that its Arrow Two missile shield had aced its latest live trial, shooting down a target missile off a US military base on the California coast. Israeli defense officials say this proves that Israel can defend itself from any missile threats from the Mid-east region, including from Iran.

Villages in Philippine flee after ash explosion

02-22-2011 08:25 BJT

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Hundreds of people fled villages around a central Philippine volcano, that spewed burning ashes on Monday morning. Disaster officials have imposed a 4-kilometer danger zone around the crater.

Mount Bulusan, one of the most active volcanoes in the archipelago, blasted a 2-kilometer-high ash column into the sky.

The huge plume of gray smoke covered several villages in central Sorsogon province, forcing people to evacuate. Schools were closed and used as temporary shelters.

The Philippine army sent trucks to move around 2-thousand people from communities hit by the ashfall. Soldiers are patrolling the danger zone imposed by disaster officials, to stop people from returning until authorities deem it safe to do so.

The explosion was caused by still-hot debris at the peak of Bulusan coming into contact with water. Officials say such blasts have happened since November and could continue in coming weeks.

Hundreds of people fled villages around a central Philippine volcano, that spewed burning ashes on Monday morning.

Two Americans accused of spying on trial in Iran

02-07-2011 09:45 BJT

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Two Americans accused of spying have gone on trial in a closed-door hearing in Tehran. Authorities imposed a blanket ban on observers, including the Swiss Ambassador who represents US interests in Iran.

Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer were arrested in 2009 along with Sarah Shourd, who wasn't in court. She was released last year, on a 500-thousand US dollar bail. Iran's state-run Press TV, reported all three Americans had entered, "not guilty" pleas.

The trial is set to continue, although no date, has been fixed yet for the next session. If convicted, the trio faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Iran charged them with espionage last November.

Editor:Xiong Qu |Source: CNTV.CN

World rallies in support of Egypt protests

02-07-2011 09:36 BJT

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Pakistan, Turkey and Belgium have held their own rallies, in support of anti-government demonstrations in Egypt.

Hundreds of Shiite Muslim students rallied in the Pakistani city of Karachi, in solidarity with Egypt's protesters. Many carried banners denouncing President Hosni Mubarak, while chanting anti-US and anti-Israeli slogans.

In Turkey's Istanbul, hundreds did the same. The march was led by a man on a camel, wearing a mask of Mubarak, a reference to the pro-Mubarak supporters, who rode into Tahrir square, on camels last Wednesday to attack protesters.

Meanwhile Brussels, in Belgium also joined in the action, with hundreds of marchers.

Editor:Xiong Qu |Source: CNTV.CN

Mohammed ElBaradei slams negotiations on Egypt's future

02-07-2011 09:32 BJT

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Egypt opposition figure, Mohammed ElBaradei has slammed fledgling negotiations, on the country's future, in a US television interview. He said the talks were managed by the same people, who've ruled the country for 30 years and lack credibility.

Mohamed ElBaradei, Egyptian Opposition Activist said "The president is a military man. The Vice President is a military man. The Prime Minister is a military man and I think if you really want to build confidence, you need to engage the rest of the Egyptian people, the civilians and that's why I suggested that we should have a transitional period where a presidential counsel of three people including the military should run things and transitional government."

Editor:Xiong Qu |Source: CNTV.CN

Preah Vihear temple shelled in clashes between Cambodia and Thai

02-07-2011 09:40 BJT

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The Cambodian government, says part of the Preah Vihear temple collapsed due to heavy shelling by the Thai army. Fighting, at the disputed border region, has claimed five lives already, since Friday. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, sent a letter to UN Security Council requesting it, to convene an urgent meeting, on the conflict.

Troops of Cambodia and Thailand clashed near the 11th Century temple for more than three hours on Sunday. Both sides accused each other of instigating the skirmish.

A Cambodian commander says a wing of the UN World Heritage-listed Preah Vihear temple collapsed from the Thai artillery bombardment.

A Thai army spokesman said about 10 soldiers were wounded in Sunday night's fighting.

On Sunday night, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen sent a letter to the UN Security Council requesting an urgent meeting aimed at easing the conflict.

It is the second letter Cambodia has sent to UN Security Council to complain about the issue, following one sent on Saturday.

The clashes in the past three days left dozens of the two countries' soldiers and locals killed and injured. Ten thousands of villagers near the disputed border areas have fled their homes for safety.

The border between Thailand and Cambodia has never been completely demarcated and the issue of the Preah Vihear temple has been an age-old dispute.

The temple was enlisted as World Heritage Site in 2008. Just a week after the enlistment, Cambodia and Thailand have had border conflict due to Thai claim of the ownership of some five square kilometers of scrub next to the temple.

Editor:Xiong Qu |Source: CNTV.CN

Egypt gov't, opposition agree to push reform

02-07-2011 09:28 BJT

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In Cairo anti-government protests entered their 13th day on Sunday. Egyptian Vice President Omar Suleiman has held talks with opposition groups and protesters. During the meeting, both sides agreed to form a committee to push for constitutional reform, and end the country's emergency law. But Suleiman has rejected calls to take over the presidency.

The Muslim Brotherhood, the Wafd party, Tagammu and independent political and business figures attended the meeting with Vice President Omar Suleiman.

All parties agreed on the formation of a committee made up of judiciary and political figures to study and propose constitutional amendments before March.

The meeting agreed that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak should not run for another term after September 2011, and that the country's controversial emergency law should end according to the security condition of the country.

The law has been in force since 1981 following the assassination of former President Anwar Sadat by a group named Egyptian Islamic Jihad.

The Egyptian parliament extended the law for an extra two years last May. The opposition has condemned the law for facilitating the government's crackdown on them.

Hossam Badrawi, Secretary-General of National Democratic Party said "Lifting the emergency state once the security situation is over is the declared intention. The release of political detainees arrested during protests sends a strong message that our attitude has shifted."

The meeting also agreed on the formation of a committee to receive complaints about political prisoners and lift restrictions on the media. They also agreed that none of the groups wanted any foreign interference in the Egyptian affairs.

Editor:Xiong Qu |Source: CNTV.CN

Rally staged outside Berlusconi's home

02-07-2011 10:12 BJT

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In Italy thousands of people are protesting for a different reason outside Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's villa near Milan.

Berlusconi, is under investigation on suspicion he had sex with a 17-year-old Moroccan girl and used his office to cover it up, a claim he vehemently denies. Prosecutors have focused, on his villa in Arcore, just outside Milan, where he reportedly throws wild parties with young women.

In Italy thousands of people are protesting for a different reason outside Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's villa near Milan.

During the rally, some protestors wore masks of the leader while others shouted slogans against him. Some reportedly tried to get closer to his villa, but were stopped by police.

Protestors refuse to end Egypt demonstration

02-06-2011 08:51 BJT

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Egypt's anti-government protesters have welcomed the resignation of the ruling party's top leadership body, but insist they will not be satisfied until President Hosni Mubarak also steps down. An Egyptian army general visited protesters to ask them to leave the square and allow roads to reopen.

Hundreds of pro-democracy protesters continued their demonstrations against Mubarak during Saturday night at Tahrir square in Cairo.

They have so far shrugged off other concessions by the Egyptian government, saying they will settle for nothing less than the immediate resignation of Mubarak.

Meanwhile, a Egyptian army general spent hours talking to protestors in a bid to get them to stop hampering military efforts to remove barricades.

Gen. Hassan Al-Rueini, Egyptian Army, said, "We need to open this road, which is blocked to traffic. There are a lot of government offices that need to reopen. If we do not reopen this road, people won't be able to work."

However, protesters are digging in their heels. Many believe that without public pressure, Mubarak will not step down.

They fear his government will enact only symbolic reforms and try to preserve its grip on power.

South Korean celebrates lunar new year

02-06-2011 10:47 BJT

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People in South Korea celebrate the dawning of a new year twice, but more importance is placed on the lunar occasion, rather than the solar experience. For an up-close look at how families around the country ring in the holiday, our correspondent, U-Jean Jung, visited a Hanok village, as well as a palace in Seoul.

The Lunar New Year is one of the key traditional holidays celebrated in South Korea, and it lasts for a total of three days.

U-Jean Jung, CCTV Correspondent , said, "On New Year's Day, many South Koreans, especially children, get dressed in `Han-bok,` a form of traditional attire, like the one I am wearing now."

To kick start the day, children perform "sae-bae," where they bow to their grandparents, parents, and other adults in the family -- to wish them happiness in the New Year. The children are typically rewarded with "deokdam," or words of wisdom, as well as crisp New Year's money.

South Korean women enjoy with ice sled at the 14th-century Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, Feb. 4, 2011. Many of South Korean celebrate the Lunar New Year, as one of the country's biggest traditional holidays. (AP Photo/ Lee Jin-man)

During this family-oriented holiday, many families perform "cha-rye," a ritual where seasonal specialties are offered on the table for one's ancestors. The food is arranged according to a set of rules that differ from family to family. And after the ritual is over, the food is for the family to share.

U-Jean Jung, CCTV Correspondent , said,"Amongst all great dishes eaten on New Year's Day, to truly become a year older, one has to finish a bowl of tteok-guk."

New START treaty takes effect as U.S., Russia exchange ratification papers

02-06-2011 09:15 BJT

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The new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty between the United States and Russia has taken effect. The pact limits the number of atomic warheads the two countries can possess, and allows them to inspect each other's arsenals.

The 10-year treaty was sealed when US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton exchanged documents with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

Hillary Clinton said, "Today we exchanged the instruments of ratification for a treaty that lessens the nuclear dangers facing the Russian and American people and the world...Our two countries led by our two presidents turned words into action to reach a milestone in our strategic partnership."

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and his US counterpart Barack Obama signed the deal last April after a year of tough negotiations. It requires the world's top two nuclear powers to gradually reduce their atomic arsenals.

Sergei Lavrov said, "I'd like to reiterate that the treaty is in the interests of both Russia and the United States. It promotes a nuclear non-proliferation regime and multilateral disarmament."

New dinosaur with one fingered hand discovered in Inner Mongolia

01-26-2011 09:13 BJT

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China's scientists have announced a new dinosaur species unearthed in China's northern Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, also the first found in the world. The new member of the extinct species has a single finger on each of its forehands.

After studying the fossils, scientists have reconstructed the probable image of the dinosaur. The body would be about 70 centimeters long and weigh just more than a half kilo, similar to the size of a large parrot. The surprise of this theropod, however, is that it only had one big claw on its forelimbs. The dexterous digit is thought to have been used to dig into the nests of insects. The number of fingers differ among various species of dinosaur. For instance, the famous Tyrannosaurus had two fingers on each hand, the least known among dinosaurs before this new finding.

China's scientists have announced a new dinosaur species unearthed in China's northern Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, also the first found in the world. The new member of the extinct species has a single finger on each of its forehands.

Confucius hometown celebrates New Year

01-26-2011 09:12 BJT

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Visitors have been flocking to Qufu city in Shandong Province, the hometown of Chinese philosopher Confucius. They are there to have the most magnificent traditional Chinese Spring Festival while indulging in a strong atmosphere of Confucian culture.

Upon stepping into the Confucius Memorial Temple, your travel in a particular "time machine" has begun.

Whether it's dancing, or the worship ceremony, the performers are dressed in Confucius-era attire and follow a procedure that is thousands of years old.

One of the highlights must be the Kong feast. With an extraordinary stress on etiquette, the Kong feast is said to be the supreme model of a formal banquet in ancient China.

In addition, travelers can also take part in many other recreational activities: striking dawn bells and dusk drums, making dumplings, lighting fireworks and hanging lanterns.

Han Fengju, Deputy Director of Qufu Tourism Bureau, said, "A trip to Qufu could be a wonderful cultural journey. Travelers can learn more about the roots of Confucius thought, also they can feel many things on their own."

Many visitors are valuing the mental benefit that the Confucius hometown is likely to offer. They say it helps get their spirits purified.

Editor:Zheng Limin |Source: CNTV.CN

Australia to face Japan in Asian Cup final

01-26-2011 09:24 BJT

Australia took a comprehensive 6-0 win over a tactically unsteady Uzbekistan side at the second Asian Cup semifinal on Tuesday.

Australia's player Robbie Kruse vies for the ball with Uzbekistan's player Azizbek Haydarov during their AFC Asian Cup semifinal soccer match in Doha, Qatar, Tuesday Jan. 25, 2011. [Photo: CFP]

The Socceroos will challenge Japan, who beat South Korea 5-2 through penalties in another semifinal after a 2-2 draw, in the final on Jan. 29. Uzbekistan are to play South Korea in the third- place game on Jan. 28.

Uzbekistan were one of the best-performed teams in the tournament, but their success with different formations and lineups in the past four games seemed to be wrong this time facing an experienced and cunning World Cup side. The humiliating defeat also created the biggest scoring margin of the tournament.

Veteran forward Harry Kewell, who scored the winner against defending champions Iraq in the quarterfinal, produced a flying start for the Socceroos with a diagonal low shot in the box following a through pass from the midfield in the 5th minute.

AFC 2010 Footballer of the Year Sasa Ognenovski doubled the lead on 34 minutes with a calm drive after Tim Cahill flicked David Carney's left flank freekick into the center of the area to pick the unmarked defender.

The second half was a disaster for the Uzbekis, who was down to ten men after striker Bakaev received his marching orders following a tackle in the 67th minute. David Carney, substitute Brett Emerton and Robbie Kruse, and Carl Valeri were the other four goal scorers.

Uzbekistan coach Vadim Abramov reapplied the 4-2-3-1 formation, which the Uzbekis adopted in the group stage but turned into 3-5-2 in their 2-1 win over Jordan in the quarterfinal, leaving major hitman Alexander Geynrikh and keeper Ignatiy Nesterov on the bench and using Ulugbek Bakaev and Maksim Shatskikh as the attacking force. While Australian boss Holger Osieck maintained the same 4-4- 2 formation and starting eleven as the last game.

The central Asian team enjoyed an obvious advantage in ball possession in the first period, bettering the Aussies with a rate of 71 percent, but created lesser chances than their opponents, who sit back and produced threats in the counter attacks.

Uzbekistan only threatened Mark Schwarzer with Shatskikh's 17th minute freekick went wide of the far post. The Australians could have made it 3-0 before the break if Carney controlled his lob shot better facing a lonely keeper Temur Juraev.

After Carney netted the third goal and Bakaev was sent off, the game became lop-sided as the Uzbekis almost collapsed mentally and tactically. Australia missed several clear chances in the second half.

Chinese doctors bring hope to Zimbabwe cataract sufferers

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Last November, a team of Chinese eye doctors operated on 307 cataract patients in the Zimbabwean capital, Harare. "The trip of Brightness," fulfilled many people's dreams. Two months later, CCTV reporter revisited them to see how their getting along.

This is Chitungwiza Central Hospital, 30 kilometers south of Harare. Two months ago, local cataract patients underwent eye surgery here.

President of Chitungwiza Central Hospital, said, "Our hospital is one of the six central hospitals in Zimbabwe and it's the first public hospital with a recognized eye department in the country and in Southern Africa. The hospital was built with the help of Chinese people."

"The Trip of Brightness" has cured 307 patients. Their expertise not only receive great appreciation from the people of Zimbabwe, but also receive admiration from Zimbabwean doctors.

Last November, a team of Chinese eye doctors operated on 307 cataract patients in the Zimbabwean capital, Harare. "The trip of Brightness," fulfilled many people's dreams. (File)

Eye doctor Bonifisi said, "Chinese doctors are excellent in surgery techniques as they are fast and precise during surgery.They have a high success rate. "

One patient said, "I can finally see my children and my dear grandchildren."

Another patient said, "I can see. I'm now able to do anything in my daily life."

Thanks to Chinese doctors, these patients returned to a world of brightness with more hopes ahead.