Japan switches tacticts on H1N1 flu
Japanese health authorities are switching tactics to combat the new H1N1 influenza strain. They will no longer try to trace every case, but focus efforts on preventing large-scale outbreaks in schools, workplaces, and care facilities.
Doctors and medical institutions in Japan have so far been required to report every case of the new flu, and submit samples of the flu virus from each patient for DNA tests, out of concern that the virus could mutate into a more harmful and drug-resistant strain.
But the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry said on Thursday that it had abandoned this approach. It said most of the patients confirmed in Japan so far have had relatively mild symptoms and the number of patients now stands at around 4,700.
The Ministry says medical institutions and local authorities will now be required to report cases and carry out DNA tests where at least 10 people in one location are suspected to have been infected.
About 5,000 medical institutions around Japan are to keep monitoring infections in their respective areas, in order to look out for a major epidemic of the new flu.
ARF statement lists both sides' views on N.Korea
The chairman's statement from the just-ended meeting of the ASEAN Regional Forum lists participants' criticisms of North Korea as well as the country's own views.
Foreign ministers and other officials from 27 ARF members ended a meeting in the Thai resort island of Phuket on Thursday. North Korea's nuclear development was a main topic on the agenda.
The chairman's statement released after the meeting noted criticism by several countries of North Korea's recent nuclear test and missile launches as well as the countries' call for North Korea to return to the six-party nuclear talks.
It also listed a North Korean view that holds what it sees as a hostile US policy responsible for the deterioration of the situation on the Korean Peninsula, as well as North Korea's insistence that the six-party talks are over.
Thailand, who chaired the meeting, is thought to have chosen to list both sides' views out of hopes of keeping dialogue with North Korea alive.
The chairman's statement also calls for the military government of Myanmar to release all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and hold a free and fair election next year.
Keating: US prepared for contingencies in N.Korea
The top American military commander in the Pacific has admitted to US preparations for fallout in the event of a leadership change in North Korea.
Admiral Timothy Keating spoke to reporters at the Defense Department on Wednesday.
Keating noted that the health of the North's leader Kim Jong Il appears so poor that he looks like a different man. He added that it is unclear if Kim's deterioration was caused by a stroke or a more serious problem.
Keating said he does not know what will happen if Kim cedes power or is no longer capable of exercising control. He said the US forces in South Korea and elsewhere have plans in place if the president gives the order in the event of an uncertain succession in the North.
Japan's trade surplus increases in June
Japan's trade surplus in June was 5 times higher compared to the previous year, marking the first increase in 20 months. This comes as exports fell less than imports.
The Finance Ministry said on Thursday that the trade ledger was in the black by 508 billion yen, or more than 5 billion US dollars.
Exports in June fell over 35 percent year-on-year to about 49 billion dollars. This was due mainly to weak demand for automobiles to the United States and steel products to Asia.
Imports, meanwhile, dropped at a faster pace of nearly 42 percent to about 43 billion dollars. This is largely attributed to a plunge in oil prices.
However, the trade surplus in the first six months of this year was about 88 million US dollars, which is the lowest figure ever for a half-year period.
Obama renews pledges for withdrawal from Iraq
US President Barack Obama and Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki have agreed that they can complete a withdrawal of US troops from Iraq by the end of 2011 as agreed by the 2 countries.
Obama held talks with Maliki in Washington on Wednesday.
At a news conference after the talks, Obama noted that last month's withdrawal of US combat troops from urban areas clearly shows the United States continues to respect the sovereignty of the Iraqi government.
Obama expressed confidence that the United States is on track to withdraw all troops by the end of next summer and all US forces by the end of 2011.
Maliki said his country's security forces are highly capable, denying views that Iraqi troops are unable to maintain peace and security after US troops leave the country.
The Iraqi prime minister asked for US cooperation in having UN sanctions lifted. The sanctions were imposed following the invasion of Kuwait by the former Iraqi government led by Saddam Hussein. Those sanctions oblige Iraq to pay part of its oil revenues to Kuwait.
Obama said Iraq should not be burdened by past wrongdoing committed under the dictatorship, and suggested he would cooperate in the removal of the sanctions.
最終更新：2009年07月24日 07:58
