Interview: Current situation between Muslims and Christians in Alexandria

01-02-2011 13:30 BJT

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For more on the church blast in Egypt, we're now joined on line by our correspondent in Cairo, Sherif El Touni. Hello, Sherif.

Q1: Are there any new developments concerning Saturday's bombing in Alexandria and what is the current situation between Muslims and Christians there?

Q2: In a speech on Saturday, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak responded angrily to the attack. What were the main points raised during his speech?

Church blast kills 21 in Egypt

The first day of 2011 in Egypt has been marred by a blast that killed 21 people outside a Christian church in Alexandria.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei |Source: CNTV.CN

Interview: Possibility of India becoming permanent UNSC member

01-02-2011 13:30 BJT

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For more analysis on India's taking a seat as a non-permanent member of the UN security council, we're joined on the phone by Professor Su Hao, from China Foreign Affairs University. Thanks very much for joining us Professor Su.

Q1. As one of the largest emerging economies in the world, a member of BRIC and now a non-permanent member of the UN security council, India has become increasingly influential in world politics. How do you view the rise of India?

Q2. The US has publicly voiced support for India becoming a permanent member of the security council. Some say this move is aimed to contain China. What's your comment on that, and, in your view, what is the likelihood of India becoming a permanent member?

UN Security Council welcomes 5 new members

India, Germany, South Africa, Colombia, and Portugal have begun their terms as the new non-permanent members of the UN Security Council. They are replacing Austria, Japan, Mexico, Turkey and Uganda.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei |Source: CNTV.CN

Studio interview: Diffculties facing new Brazilian president

01-02-2011 10:03 BJT

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For a closer look at the political situation in Brazil, we're joined by our current affairs commentator, Mr Raymond Zhou, from China Daily.

Q1: Hello, Raymond, Dilma Rousseff is the first woman to become president in Brazil, and it's expected that several women will be included in her cabinet. What changes is Roussef likely to bring to Brazilian politics?

Q2: Brazil's new president wants to maintain the momentum created by her predecessor, and is planning an overhaul of the country's tax code. What difficulties does she face in making reforms?

Rousseff sworn in as Brazilian leader

The new Brazilian leader and her government are calling for an overhaul of the tax code, signaling she will make reform a priority in her new four-year term.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei |Source: CNTV.CN

Church blast kills 21 in Egypt

01-02-2011 10:00 BJT

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The first day of 2011 in Egypt has been marred by a blast that killed 21 people outside a Christian church in Alexandria.

The attack raises suspicions of al-Qaeda's role in the country and comes in the wake of repeated threats by the terror group's operatives to attack Egyptian Christians.

Nearly one-thousand Christians were attending New Year's Mass at the Saints Church when the blast happened at midnight.

Gerges Ramzy, Injured Victim, said, "We cannot count the bodies, there are many injured. I want to know why. People came here to pray - why did this happen to them, I don't know."

The blast prompted hundreds of Christians to take to the streets in protest overnight.

They clashed with police and stormed a nearby mosque. Scuffles and stone throwing broke out between Christians and Muslims. Cars were also torched.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak denounced the attack, saying it indicated a foreign involvement that wants Egypt to be a place for terror.

Hosni Mubarak, Egyptian President, said, "I assure the whole world and all Egyptians that the terrorists are not going to succeed in threatening Egypt and threatening the unity of the Muslims and Christians living side-by-side in our country. I assure you, these terrorists are not going to threaten Egypt's stability or the unity of the Coptics and Muslims."

The attack comes at a time of rising sectarian tension in Egypt and the broader region.

A direct al-Qaeda hand in the bombing would be a dramatic development, as Egypt's government has long denied that the terror network has a significant presence in the country.

Plane fire kills 3 in Russia

01-02-2011 10:00 BJT

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Over in Russia a passenger jet carrying 124 people caught fire and exploded at a Siberian airport killing three people and injuring 43 others. According to reports the plane caught fire as it landed on a snowy runway.

Luckily, most of the passengers and crew were evacuated before the explosion. An emergency services spokesman says the fire began in one of the engines, causing a powerful blast.

All that remained of the jet was the tail section and part of a wing. So far 10 people are said to have sustained serious injuries and others are being treated after inhaling toxic fumes.

Olga Sytnik, Passenger, said, "Only one exit was working, we didn't see the middle exit, it seems it was not able to be opened. People were getting out of plane and found themselves on the wing. Some kind of a ladder was there and people started to go down. But before that, there were a lot of people on the wing. Some just jumped down to the ground and were limping away."

US welcomes new year with parades

01-02-2011 10:00 BJT Special Report:2011 New Year |

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Southern California celebrated its 122nd annual Rose Parade to ring in the New Year. It wasn't the only US state to have a festive January first, residents in Pennsylvania marked the 111th annual Mummers parade.

Hundreds of thousands of spectators lined the streets in Pasadena to gawk at the New Year's day showcase of flowery floats, marching bands and equestrians.

Some floats had whimsical themes featuring dogs skateboarding and jumping into a pool, some shot fireworks and ribbons, and some highlighted import anniversaries that will occur in 2011.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia was cheered up by string bands and fancy dress. The winter tradition began in 1901. It dates back to the "Mummer's Play" in England, which were smallish carnival style seasonal plays.

UK performers celebrate New Year with parade

01-02-2011 10:00 BJT Special Report:2011 New Year |

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Over in the UK. performers from around the world took part in London's annual New Year's Day parade.

Hundreds of thousands of people lined the streets of the city to watch musicians, cheerleaders and performers celebrate the arrival of 2011.

Half a million people were estimated to be present in central London to watch the show which is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

The 2011 theme is "Let Us Entertain You" and a record number of London boroughs took part by playing music, dancing and providing theatrical performances. More than 10-thousand performers, representing 20 countries took part.