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Sunday, February 28, 2010
Tsunami roars across Pacific after big quake
GALLERY: Chile earthquake
Panic in the streets of quake-hit Chile
TIMELINE: Greatest quakes of 20th century
ROUGH CUT: Chile quake immediate aftermath
Scores killed as huge quake rocks Chile
Quake, minor tsunami hit southern Japan
SYDNEY - A tsunami raced across the vast Pacific Ocean after a massive killer quake in Chile, with dozens of nations on alert for destructive waves and thousands of people fleeing their homes.
Waves hit Chile, Hawaii, French Polynesia and the South Pacific as the tsunami moved at jetspeed around the "Ring of Fire" after the 8.8-magnitude quake on Saturday which left at least 214 people dead.
Five people were killed and 11 missing on the remote Robinson Crusoe archipelego far off the coast of Chile, the first reported casualties from the tsunami as it powered west across the Pacific.
Warning sirens wailed as about 50 countries and territories along an arc stretching from New Zealand to Japan were put on alert, five years after the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster that killed more than 220,000 people.
Despite initial fears, no major damage has been reported and an alert was cancelled in the US state of Hawaii.
But elsewhere in the Pacific experts warned bigger waves could follow the initial surge of water and people in vulnerable coastal communities were still being evacuated.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, set up by Pacific governments after a tsunami unleashed by a 9.5-magnitude earthquake in Chile in 1960, had warned of possible "widespread damage" from waves as high as three metres (10 feet).
"We could be looking at an all-day event," US National Weather Service meteorologist Eric Lau told AFP, as officials warned that the US and Canadian west coasts could also be hit.
"It will stop once it hits the land masses on the other side of the Pacific, in Asia. The wave is spread out across the entire body of water in the Pacific."
In Hawaii, thousands of people had moved to higher ground, rushing to grocery stores to stock up on food and water and queuing at petrol stations. But the authorities later lifted a tsunami warning after waves of about one metre hit.
US President Barack Obama, who was born in Hawaii, had warned that the US western seaboard may see dangerous waves and currents throughout the day.
"In the hours ahead, we'll continue to take every step possible to prepare our shores and protect our citizens," he said.
One tsunami measuring nearly 2.5 metres slammed into Talcahuano, one of about 11 coastal towns in Chile hit by the wave, according to the Pacific centre.
Chilean President Michelle Bachelet announced a partial evacuation of Easter Island, but the island of about 4,000 people, known for its hundreds of monolithic stone statues, received a relatively small onrush of water.
The pan-Pacific tsunami warning applied also to Central America, and authorities as far afield as Russia's Sakhalin island were monitoring the potential for tidal trouble.
Japan said it was bracing for waves of up to three metres expected to hit early afternoon Sunday.
One expert said the mass of water would be hurtling across the ocean at 200 metres a second or 720 kilometres an hour.
"Mid-ocean, the wave is travelling at around the speed of a jet plane," Roger Bilham, a professor of geological sciences at the University of Colorado, told AFP.
"The amplitude of the wave is small when it's mid-ocean, but it may rise to five to 10 metres when it reaches Japan or the Philippines."
The Pacific Warning Center, which manages a network of early-warning electronic buoys strung across the Pacific Ocean, said local authorities can assume the threat has passed when no major waves have been seen for two hours.
The region is in the middle of the "Ring of Fire", a belt of seismic fury responsible for most of the world's tremors and volcanoes.
In the island paradise of French Polynesia, waves hit the Marquesas Islands and the Gambier archipelago, but no casualties or major damage were reported.
Schools across the region were closed, the port in Papeete was evacuated and thousands in Tahiti's hillside areas were taken to safer areas. However many residents along the coast refused to leave for fear of looting.
Waves up to 1.5 metres rammed New Zealand's eastern Chatham Islands, with officials warning that the country's entire east coast was at risk from impending waves of up to three metres.
"It is expected that the greatest wave heights will occur between six and 12 hours after the initial arrivals," the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management said.
However, fisherman were still heading out to sea and in one coastal town unperturbed stallholders went ahead with their Sunday market.
In Australia, water levels surged by a few centimetres off Tasmania, officials said, warning of rises of up to 40 centimetres and strong currents for several hours rolling up Australia's east coast.
Despite warnings to stay away, hundreds of people headed down to Sydney's beaches including the world-famous Bondi and scores ventured into the water.
In the South Pacific island nations of Tonga and the Cook Islands, residents were making their way to higher points inland.
Many islanders are still living in makeshift shelters following a terrifying tsunami in Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga that trashed entire villages in September, leaving more than 180 people dead.
Despite the early warning system, the September waves came so suddenly that there was little time to flee to higher ground.
A TV grab from Telesur shows an image of a burning building in Concepcion, Chile, after a huge 8.8-magnitude earthquake rocked the South American country early killing at least 78 people on Feb. 27, 2010. The massive quake plunged much of the Chilean capital, Santiago, into darkness as it snapped power lines and severed communications.
Panic in the streets of quake-hit Chile
TIMELINE: Greatest quakes of 20th century
ROUGH CUT: Chile quake immediate aftermath
Scores killed as huge quake rocks Chile
Quake, minor tsunami hit southern Japan
SYDNEY - A tsunami raced across the vast Pacific Ocean after a massive killer quake in Chile, with dozens of nations on alert for destructive waves and thousands of people fleeing their homes.
Waves hit Chile, Hawaii, French Polynesia and the South Pacific as the tsunami moved at jetspeed around the "Ring of Fire" after the 8.8-magnitude quake on Saturday which left at least 214 people dead.
Five people were killed and 11 missing on the remote Robinson Crusoe archipelego far off the coast of Chile, the first reported casualties from the tsunami as it powered west across the Pacific.
Warning sirens wailed as about 50 countries and territories along an arc stretching from New Zealand to Japan were put on alert, five years after the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster that killed more than 220,000 people.
Despite initial fears, no major damage has been reported and an alert was cancelled in the US state of Hawaii.
But elsewhere in the Pacific experts warned bigger waves could follow the initial surge of water and people in vulnerable coastal communities were still being evacuated.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, set up by Pacific governments after a tsunami unleashed by a 9.5-magnitude earthquake in Chile in 1960, had warned of possible "widespread damage" from waves as high as three metres (10 feet).
"We could be looking at an all-day event," US National Weather Service meteorologist Eric Lau told AFP, as officials warned that the US and Canadian west coasts could also be hit.
"It will stop once it hits the land masses on the other side of the Pacific, in Asia. The wave is spread out across the entire body of water in the Pacific."
In Hawaii, thousands of people had moved to higher ground, rushing to grocery stores to stock up on food and water and queuing at petrol stations. But the authorities later lifted a tsunami warning after waves of about one metre hit.
US President Barack Obama, who was born in Hawaii, had warned that the US western seaboard may see dangerous waves and currents throughout the day.
"In the hours ahead, we'll continue to take every step possible to prepare our shores and protect our citizens," he said.
One tsunami measuring nearly 2.5 metres slammed into Talcahuano, one of about 11 coastal towns in Chile hit by the wave, according to the Pacific centre.
Chilean President Michelle Bachelet announced a partial evacuation of Easter Island, but the island of about 4,000 people, known for its hundreds of monolithic stone statues, received a relatively small onrush of water.
The pan-Pacific tsunami warning applied also to Central America, and authorities as far afield as Russia's Sakhalin island were monitoring the potential for tidal trouble.
Japan said it was bracing for waves of up to three metres expected to hit early afternoon Sunday.
One expert said the mass of water would be hurtling across the ocean at 200 metres a second or 720 kilometres an hour.
"Mid-ocean, the wave is travelling at around the speed of a jet plane," Roger Bilham, a professor of geological sciences at the University of Colorado, told AFP.
"The amplitude of the wave is small when it's mid-ocean, but it may rise to five to 10 metres when it reaches Japan or the Philippines."
The Pacific Warning Center, which manages a network of early-warning electronic buoys strung across the Pacific Ocean, said local authorities can assume the threat has passed when no major waves have been seen for two hours.
The region is in the middle of the "Ring of Fire", a belt of seismic fury responsible for most of the world's tremors and volcanoes.
In the island paradise of French Polynesia, waves hit the Marquesas Islands and the Gambier archipelago, but no casualties or major damage were reported.
Schools across the region were closed, the port in Papeete was evacuated and thousands in Tahiti's hillside areas were taken to safer areas. However many residents along the coast refused to leave for fear of looting.
Waves up to 1.5 metres rammed New Zealand's eastern Chatham Islands, with officials warning that the country's entire east coast was at risk from impending waves of up to three metres.
"It is expected that the greatest wave heights will occur between six and 12 hours after the initial arrivals," the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management said.
However, fisherman were still heading out to sea and in one coastal town unperturbed stallholders went ahead with their Sunday market.
In Australia, water levels surged by a few centimetres off Tasmania, officials said, warning of rises of up to 40 centimetres and strong currents for several hours rolling up Australia's east coast.
Despite warnings to stay away, hundreds of people headed down to Sydney's beaches including the world-famous Bondi and scores ventured into the water.
In the South Pacific island nations of Tonga and the Cook Islands, residents were making their way to higher points inland.
Many islanders are still living in makeshift shelters following a terrifying tsunami in Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga that trashed entire villages in September, leaving more than 180 people dead.
Despite the early warning system, the September waves came so suddenly that there was little time to flee to higher ground.
A TV grab from Telesur shows an image of a burning building in Concepcion, Chile, after a huge 8.8-magnitude earthquake rocked the South American country early killing at least 78 people on Feb. 27, 2010. The massive quake plunged much of the Chilean capital, Santiago, into darkness as it snapped power lines and severed communications.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Stormy weather wreaks havoc across Egypt
Egypt flash floods death toll hits 11
Seven dead after flooding in Egypt's Sinai
CAIRO - Four people were killed and more than 50 hurt as bad weather wreaked havoc across Egypt, pelting the capital with a freak hail storm and smashing a luxury liner into a pier, officials and media said Friday.
In the northern Mediterranean city of Alexandria, waves as high as a two-storey building pounded the coast, media reports said.
Thursday evening's hail storm in Cairo, the first in many years, caused mayhem in the capital, snarling traffic and bringing the sprawling city to a virtual standstill.
Cars crawled on the slippery roads as lightning periodically lit up the drenched streets.
The downpour followed a heat wave and caught many off guard.
Tourists near the Giza Pyramids, on the outskirts of the capital, ducked for cover from the frozen, marble-sized pellets.
In Alexandria, authorities closed down ports after winds reached 30 knots (55.5 kilometres an hour) and waves six-metre (19-feet) high pounded the shore, the daily Al-Masry Al-Youm reported.
A European luxury cruise ship smashed into a pier in the resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh early morning as the bad weather continued overnight into Friday, killing three sailors and injuring four tourists, maritime officials said.
Officials from the General Authority for Red Sea Ports said the sailors aboard the Costa Europa, an Indian, a Honduran and a Brazilian, died from the impact. They did not elaborate.
Officials said bad weather caused the crash.
The four tourists, three British women and an Italian man, were taken to hospital in stable condition.
In other weather-related casualties, media reports said that one person was killed and more than 50 injured in a spate of car collisions nationwide.
Cairo was cloudy and breezy by Friday noon, with weather experts expecting more inclement weather over the next three days.
Seven dead after flooding in Egypt's Sinai
CAIRO - Four people were killed and more than 50 hurt as bad weather wreaked havoc across Egypt, pelting the capital with a freak hail storm and smashing a luxury liner into a pier, officials and media said Friday.
In the northern Mediterranean city of Alexandria, waves as high as a two-storey building pounded the coast, media reports said.
Thursday evening's hail storm in Cairo, the first in many years, caused mayhem in the capital, snarling traffic and bringing the sprawling city to a virtual standstill.
Cars crawled on the slippery roads as lightning periodically lit up the drenched streets.
The downpour followed a heat wave and caught many off guard.
Tourists near the Giza Pyramids, on the outskirts of the capital, ducked for cover from the frozen, marble-sized pellets.
In Alexandria, authorities closed down ports after winds reached 30 knots (55.5 kilometres an hour) and waves six-metre (19-feet) high pounded the shore, the daily Al-Masry Al-Youm reported.
A European luxury cruise ship smashed into a pier in the resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh early morning as the bad weather continued overnight into Friday, killing three sailors and injuring four tourists, maritime officials said.
Officials from the General Authority for Red Sea Ports said the sailors aboard the Costa Europa, an Indian, a Honduran and a Brazilian, died from the impact. They did not elaborate.
Officials said bad weather caused the crash.
The four tourists, three British women and an Italian man, were taken to hospital in stable condition.
In other weather-related casualties, media reports said that one person was killed and more than 50 injured in a spate of car collisions nationwide.
Cairo was cloudy and breezy by Friday noon, with weather experts expecting more inclement weather over the next three days.
Int'l police unit to hunt Dubai killers
GALLERY: Most wanted
Pressure mounts on Israel over Dubai killing
VIDEO: Hamas murder suspects caught on tape
15 more suspects in Hamas murder probe
DUBAI - Dubai police said on Friday they have DNA proof of the identity at least one of top Hamas militant Mahmud Mabhuh's killers and will set up a multinational unit to hunt the alleged Israeli hit squad.
"We have DNA evidence ... from the crime scene. The DNA of the criminals is there," the Gulf emirate's police chief Dhahi Khalfan said on the Arab satellite television Al-Arabiya.
"We have the fingerprints, traces of DNA, and we know what they look like because of the (surveillance) cameras which have revealed the whole operation," the police chief said.
The murder of Mabhuh, whose body was found in a Dubai hotel room on January 20, has mounted international pressure on Israel after police said Israeli agents, most using stolen Western identities, had carried out the hit.
But Israel has argued there is no evidence that its spy agency, the Mossad, was behind the hit.
Dubai police have published details of 26 suspects together with passport photographs.
The international police organisation, Interpol, has circulated warrants for the arrest of first 11 suspects, after Dubai released their names and passport details.
Dubai later said it had 15 more suspects, and Khalfan said warrants for their arrest would be circulated through Interpol next week.
The revelation of stolen identities being used by suspected Israeli agents has caused a diplomatic outcry, with Australia threatening it would "not be silent on the matter."
Khalfan, quoted in Al-Bayan daily on Friday, said officers from the United Arab Emirates and from at least seven other countries in Europe, Australia and perhaps the United States would form a special unit to hunt the killers.
Some of his officers have already travelled to several "European countries concerned" with the investigation, the government-owned daily reported.
"We will work via European and Australian diplomatic channels -- and perhaps American -- to set up a working team formed from the Emirates police force and those of at least seven other states to track down the gang responsible for the assassination," the newspaper quoted Khalfan as saying.
Twelve British, six Irish, four French, one German and three Australian passports were used by the suspects, according to Dubai police.
Khalfan said police had succeeded in identifying the suspects although some had worn wigs during the operation. The suspects were identified by footage from closed circuit televisions, which abound in security-conscious Dubai.
Pressure mounts on Israel over Dubai killing
VIDEO: Hamas murder suspects caught on tape
15 more suspects in Hamas murder probe
DUBAI - Dubai police said on Friday they have DNA proof of the identity at least one of top Hamas militant Mahmud Mabhuh's killers and will set up a multinational unit to hunt the alleged Israeli hit squad.
"We have DNA evidence ... from the crime scene. The DNA of the criminals is there," the Gulf emirate's police chief Dhahi Khalfan said on the Arab satellite television Al-Arabiya.
"We have the fingerprints, traces of DNA, and we know what they look like because of the (surveillance) cameras which have revealed the whole operation," the police chief said.
The murder of Mabhuh, whose body was found in a Dubai hotel room on January 20, has mounted international pressure on Israel after police said Israeli agents, most using stolen Western identities, had carried out the hit.
But Israel has argued there is no evidence that its spy agency, the Mossad, was behind the hit.
Dubai police have published details of 26 suspects together with passport photographs.
The international police organisation, Interpol, has circulated warrants for the arrest of first 11 suspects, after Dubai released their names and passport details.
Dubai later said it had 15 more suspects, and Khalfan said warrants for their arrest would be circulated through Interpol next week.
The revelation of stolen identities being used by suspected Israeli agents has caused a diplomatic outcry, with Australia threatening it would "not be silent on the matter."
Khalfan, quoted in Al-Bayan daily on Friday, said officers from the United Arab Emirates and from at least seven other countries in Europe, Australia and perhaps the United States would form a special unit to hunt the killers.
Some of his officers have already travelled to several "European countries concerned" with the investigation, the government-owned daily reported.
"We will work via European and Australian diplomatic channels -- and perhaps American -- to set up a working team formed from the Emirates police force and those of at least seven other states to track down the gang responsible for the assassination," the newspaper quoted Khalfan as saying.
Twelve British, six Irish, four French, one German and three Australian passports were used by the suspects, according to Dubai police.
Khalfan said police had succeeded in identifying the suspects although some had worn wigs during the operation. The suspects were identified by footage from closed circuit televisions, which abound in security-conscious Dubai.
Friday, February 26, 2010
India asks Pakistan to hand over 2 army officers
NEW DELHI: India and Pakistan resumed official level dialogue after 14 months, but what started out as a promising engagement in the morning descended into acrimony after Pakistan foreign secretary Salman Bashir rebuffed India's demand for action against Lashkar leader Hafiz Saeed.
Bashir dismissed what sources called here a strong Indian dossier on Hafiz Saeed as "literature, not evidence", seriously endangering the future of the engagement.
India on Thursday asked for 33 terrorists -- Pakistani nationals as well as Indian fugitives, including two serving Pakistan army officers, Major Iqbal and Major Samir Ali -- to be handed over, giving three dossiers to Bashir. Pakistan foreign secretary, however, seemed to make light of India's insistence on action against 26/11 masterminds, saying that Pakistan did not want to be sermoned on terrorism.
Apart from the fact that the two countries are talking to each other again, the differences between them remained as wide as ever. The Indian side said 85% of the talk time was taken up by terrorism, while the Pakistani side said the talks discussed Kashmir "extensively". It also insisted on raising the issue of alleged Indian interference in Balochistan and sharing of Indus waters. Bashir pressed for resumption of the composite dialogue process and said several times that talks shouldn't remain hostage to any "one issue".
The clear dissonance does not augur well for any meaningful engagement. While Indian foreign secretary Nirupama Rao took an expansive view of the talks saying India had gone in with an "open mind", describing them as "constructive and candid", Bashir, while conceding that the talks were "useful" shot out, "we don't like being sermoned on terrorism".
Government sources later said, while India was not "lecturing", Pakistan had to move on terror for the relationship to move forward. The Indian side also raised the issue of the beheading of two Sikhs by Taliban in west Pakistan.
As expected, India focused on terrorism and Pakistan on Kashmir. That India was prepared for. However, Bashir's subsequent belligerence put an entirely different complexion on things, leaving the Indian government furious.
Having weathered criticism in India about restarting dialogue with Pakistan at this time, Bashir's public contention that Pakistan was "not desperate" for a dialogue may make it difficult for the UPA government to sell increased engagement. However, sources said India had initiated talks at a time of its own choosing and would pursue it in its national interest.
High level sources said, in September 2009, when the foreign secretaries last met in New York, Pakistan was insistent on a dialogue. But in the subsequent months, with Pakistan's increased "utility" to the US's war in Afghanistan, Islamabad now seems to believe that it does not really need to bend over backwards to accommodate Indian concerns. That, said sources, became very clear in the grandstanding by the Pakistani delegation after the talks.
While the composite dialogue is still a while away, India will watch out for the actions that Pakistan takes in the weeks to come. India handed over three dossiers to Pakistan -- one of these deals with individuals involved in the Mumbai attacks; the two others comprise information on HuJI and Brigade 313 commander Ilyas Kashmiri, one of David Headley's handlers, as well as Khalistan elements currently based in Pakistan.
LeT chief Hafiz Saeed came in for specific discussion, and Rao referred to the February 5 rallies by Saeed "which openly incited terrorist violence against India.... It was emphasized that India could not but take a serious note of such actions". Pakistan said their laws did not allow for prosecution for such speeches, but Rao maintained that Saeed could have been booked under Pakistan's anti-terrorism act.
India is particularly angry with Bashir's formulation of the information on Saeed as "literature" which does not have any legal basis. "We got a brief paper from India on Saeed but it was more of literature than evidence. JuD is listed under the UN 1267 Al Qaida and Taliban Sanctions Committee and its assets remain frozen," said Bashir. Indian sources later said the dossier was "not brief" and definitely constituted evidence. Clearly, the road ahead on India-Pakistan ties is more rocky than India imagined.
Asked if Pakistan can treat Saeed's public threats to launch more 26/11-type attacks as evidence against him, Bashir merely said that he didn't have the legal background required to answer it.
The two sides were clearly not on the same page when it came to describing the core issue for the talks. Rao, while briefing reporters, tried to play down the Kashmir issue. "The issue came up briefly, along expected lines. We reiterated our national position on the issue," said Rao.
This, however, was brushed aside by Bashir later when he clearly expressed reservations over what Rao had said. "It remains the core issue and we drew India's attention to that. One cannot be dismissive of this issue," he said, adding that Pakistan will continue to politically and morally support the "movement" in the state.
Apart from terror, India raised the issue of infiltration and ceasefire violations. Pakistan took up Balochistan with India and conveyed concerns over what he claimed was information that India was trying to fuel trouble in the region. Rao, however, said the Indian side had told Pakistan that New Delhi had no intention to interfere in any other country's affairs. Pakistan also raised the Sir Creek, Siachen and water issues.
There was no announcement of any meeting in the near future with Rao only stating that Bashir had told her that he would like her to visit Pakistan. "In line with our graduated and step by step approach, our aims were modest; we had a useful discussion, during which I spelt out forthrightly our concerns on terrorism emanating from Pakistan against India," said Rao.
India also called upon Pakistan to investigate the claim made by a hitherto unknown organization, Lashkar-e-Toiba Al Alami and a separate claim by Ilyas Kashmiri's owning responsibility for the recent Pune blast. Additional information on terrorist activities against India emanating from Pakistan was also handed over to the Pakistani side for investigation and appropriate action.
Bashir dismissed what sources called here a strong Indian dossier on Hafiz Saeed as "literature, not evidence", seriously endangering the future of the engagement.
India on Thursday asked for 33 terrorists -- Pakistani nationals as well as Indian fugitives, including two serving Pakistan army officers, Major Iqbal and Major Samir Ali -- to be handed over, giving three dossiers to Bashir. Pakistan foreign secretary, however, seemed to make light of India's insistence on action against 26/11 masterminds, saying that Pakistan did not want to be sermoned on terrorism.
Apart from the fact that the two countries are talking to each other again, the differences between them remained as wide as ever. The Indian side said 85% of the talk time was taken up by terrorism, while the Pakistani side said the talks discussed Kashmir "extensively". It also insisted on raising the issue of alleged Indian interference in Balochistan and sharing of Indus waters. Bashir pressed for resumption of the composite dialogue process and said several times that talks shouldn't remain hostage to any "one issue".
The clear dissonance does not augur well for any meaningful engagement. While Indian foreign secretary Nirupama Rao took an expansive view of the talks saying India had gone in with an "open mind", describing them as "constructive and candid", Bashir, while conceding that the talks were "useful" shot out, "we don't like being sermoned on terrorism".
Government sources later said, while India was not "lecturing", Pakistan had to move on terror for the relationship to move forward. The Indian side also raised the issue of the beheading of two Sikhs by Taliban in west Pakistan.
As expected, India focused on terrorism and Pakistan on Kashmir. That India was prepared for. However, Bashir's subsequent belligerence put an entirely different complexion on things, leaving the Indian government furious.
Having weathered criticism in India about restarting dialogue with Pakistan at this time, Bashir's public contention that Pakistan was "not desperate" for a dialogue may make it difficult for the UPA government to sell increased engagement. However, sources said India had initiated talks at a time of its own choosing and would pursue it in its national interest.
High level sources said, in September 2009, when the foreign secretaries last met in New York, Pakistan was insistent on a dialogue. But in the subsequent months, with Pakistan's increased "utility" to the US's war in Afghanistan, Islamabad now seems to believe that it does not really need to bend over backwards to accommodate Indian concerns. That, said sources, became very clear in the grandstanding by the Pakistani delegation after the talks.
While the composite dialogue is still a while away, India will watch out for the actions that Pakistan takes in the weeks to come. India handed over three dossiers to Pakistan -- one of these deals with individuals involved in the Mumbai attacks; the two others comprise information on HuJI and Brigade 313 commander Ilyas Kashmiri, one of David Headley's handlers, as well as Khalistan elements currently based in Pakistan.
LeT chief Hafiz Saeed came in for specific discussion, and Rao referred to the February 5 rallies by Saeed "which openly incited terrorist violence against India.... It was emphasized that India could not but take a serious note of such actions". Pakistan said their laws did not allow for prosecution for such speeches, but Rao maintained that Saeed could have been booked under Pakistan's anti-terrorism act.
India is particularly angry with Bashir's formulation of the information on Saeed as "literature" which does not have any legal basis. "We got a brief paper from India on Saeed but it was more of literature than evidence. JuD is listed under the UN 1267 Al Qaida and Taliban Sanctions Committee and its assets remain frozen," said Bashir. Indian sources later said the dossier was "not brief" and definitely constituted evidence. Clearly, the road ahead on India-Pakistan ties is more rocky than India imagined.
Asked if Pakistan can treat Saeed's public threats to launch more 26/11-type attacks as evidence against him, Bashir merely said that he didn't have the legal background required to answer it.
The two sides were clearly not on the same page when it came to describing the core issue for the talks. Rao, while briefing reporters, tried to play down the Kashmir issue. "The issue came up briefly, along expected lines. We reiterated our national position on the issue," said Rao.
This, however, was brushed aside by Bashir later when he clearly expressed reservations over what Rao had said. "It remains the core issue and we drew India's attention to that. One cannot be dismissive of this issue," he said, adding that Pakistan will continue to politically and morally support the "movement" in the state.
Apart from terror, India raised the issue of infiltration and ceasefire violations. Pakistan took up Balochistan with India and conveyed concerns over what he claimed was information that India was trying to fuel trouble in the region. Rao, however, said the Indian side had told Pakistan that New Delhi had no intention to interfere in any other country's affairs. Pakistan also raised the Sir Creek, Siachen and water issues.
There was no announcement of any meeting in the near future with Rao only stating that Bashir had told her that he would like her to visit Pakistan. "In line with our graduated and step by step approach, our aims were modest; we had a useful discussion, during which I spelt out forthrightly our concerns on terrorism emanating from Pakistan against India," said Rao.
India also called upon Pakistan to investigate the claim made by a hitherto unknown organization, Lashkar-e-Toiba Al Alami and a separate claim by Ilyas Kashmiri's owning responsibility for the recent Pune blast. Additional information on terrorist activities against India emanating from Pakistan was also handed over to the Pakistani side for investigation and appropriate action.
Leak at Dubai Aquarium floods mall
33,000 sea creatures -in Dubai Mall
GALLERY: Dubai mall shut down
VIDEO: A day at Dubai Aquarium
DUBAI - Dubai Aquarium, one of the world’s biggest, sprung a leak and flooded Dubai Mall on Thursday, prompting an evacuation and closure of a part of the shopping centre - another setback to the emirate’s tallest-and-biggest spectacles.
"A leakage was noticed at one of the panel joints of the Dubai Aquarium ... and was immediately fixed by the aquarium’s maintenance team," a statement released by Dubai Mall said late on Thursday afternoon.
By 6 p.m., the delivery area under Dubai Mall, next to the parking lot, was flooded with about half a foot of water. Dozens of workers were pumping water into tens of sewage trucks.
Officials did not comment on the damage, refusing even to comment on whether the leak in the aquarium had caused the flood.
A Dubai Mall management official, who refused to disclose his name, told Maktoob News that the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, dubbed an "indoor ocean", was shut until further notice.
Earlier, security officers had said the aquarium was closed for maintenance.
SIX DIVERS IN AQUARIUM
A witness, who requested anonymity, told Maktoob News: “There were six divers inside the aquarium and a lot of water on the floor. It was clear there was some kind of leak.”
The aquarium features the world's largest viewing panel at 32.8 metres (107 ft 7 in) wide and 8.3 metres high and boasts more than 33,000 aquatic creatures.
It is a symbol of Dubai’s penchant for grand monuments of construction and is housed in one of the world’s largest malls. It is within walking distance of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, which opened last month.
Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa are owned by Emaar Properties, a subsidiary of Dubai Holdings, a sprawling enterprise owned by the emirate’s ruler.
The leak in the aquarium comes weeks after a defect in the elevators of Burj Khalifa rendered the tower’s observation deck on the 124th floor unavailable to visitors.
AQUARIUM, TALLEST TOWER SHUT INDEFINITELY
Both the aquarium and Burj Khalifa’s At The Top observatory remain closed indefinitely.
“The Burj Khalifa and the aquarium might well be the world’s biggest, but clearly the cracks are showing,” Robert Bisu, a tourist from the Netherlands, told Maktoob News.
“We came here only two days ago. Today we had hoped to go up the Burj Khalifa and it is closed. Then we were going to go to the aquarium but now this is also closed.”
Bisu’s five-year-old daughter Nadia, almost in tears, said: “I wanted to see the sharks.”
More than 400 sharks and rays swim in the aquarium.
Many stores and eateries were shut in the mall and some were without power. Corridors on four levels of the mall were shut. Hundreds of workers were mopping the floors next to the aquarium.
"The leakage did not impact the aquarium environment or the safety of the aquatic animals," the statement from Dubai Mall said.
Were you there at the Dubai Mall when the incident occurred? Do you have any pictures or videos that you wish to share with our readers? Send them to sekhri@yahoo-inc.com.
GALLERY: Dubai mall shut down
VIDEO: A day at Dubai Aquarium
DUBAI - Dubai Aquarium, one of the world’s biggest, sprung a leak and flooded Dubai Mall on Thursday, prompting an evacuation and closure of a part of the shopping centre - another setback to the emirate’s tallest-and-biggest spectacles.
"A leakage was noticed at one of the panel joints of the Dubai Aquarium ... and was immediately fixed by the aquarium’s maintenance team," a statement released by Dubai Mall said late on Thursday afternoon.
By 6 p.m., the delivery area under Dubai Mall, next to the parking lot, was flooded with about half a foot of water. Dozens of workers were pumping water into tens of sewage trucks.
Officials did not comment on the damage, refusing even to comment on whether the leak in the aquarium had caused the flood.
A Dubai Mall management official, who refused to disclose his name, told Maktoob News that the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, dubbed an "indoor ocean", was shut until further notice.
Earlier, security officers had said the aquarium was closed for maintenance.
SIX DIVERS IN AQUARIUM
A witness, who requested anonymity, told Maktoob News: “There were six divers inside the aquarium and a lot of water on the floor. It was clear there was some kind of leak.”
The aquarium features the world's largest viewing panel at 32.8 metres (107 ft 7 in) wide and 8.3 metres high and boasts more than 33,000 aquatic creatures.
It is a symbol of Dubai’s penchant for grand monuments of construction and is housed in one of the world’s largest malls. It is within walking distance of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, which opened last month.
Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa are owned by Emaar Properties, a subsidiary of Dubai Holdings, a sprawling enterprise owned by the emirate’s ruler.
The leak in the aquarium comes weeks after a defect in the elevators of Burj Khalifa rendered the tower’s observation deck on the 124th floor unavailable to visitors.
AQUARIUM, TALLEST TOWER SHUT INDEFINITELY
Both the aquarium and Burj Khalifa’s At The Top observatory remain closed indefinitely.
“The Burj Khalifa and the aquarium might well be the world’s biggest, but clearly the cracks are showing,” Robert Bisu, a tourist from the Netherlands, told Maktoob News.
“We came here only two days ago. Today we had hoped to go up the Burj Khalifa and it is closed. Then we were going to go to the aquarium but now this is also closed.”
Bisu’s five-year-old daughter Nadia, almost in tears, said: “I wanted to see the sharks.”
More than 400 sharks and rays swim in the aquarium.
Many stores and eateries were shut in the mall and some were without power. Corridors on four levels of the mall were shut. Hundreds of workers were mopping the floors next to the aquarium.
"The leakage did not impact the aquarium environment or the safety of the aquatic animals," the statement from Dubai Mall said.
Were you there at the Dubai Mall when the incident occurred? Do you have any pictures or videos that you wish to share with our readers? Send them to sekhri@yahoo-inc.com.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
U.S. sees sanctions over Iran in 30-60 days
Iran prepared to deal with gasoline sanctions
U.S. warns Iran that time is running out
Iran nuke plans draw sharp response from U.S.
WASHINGTON - US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Wednesday she hoped to see a UN Security Council resolution on new sanctions against Iran over its contested nuclear program in the "next 30 to 60 days."
The chief US diplomat said President Barack Obama's administration has gained greater international support for tougher action against Iran because of its offer to engage rather than isolate the Islamic Republic.
"Our very clear commitment to engagement has created space for a lot of these countries to now consider supporting sanctions that they might not have otherwise," Clinton told a Senate hearing.
"We have demonstrated the strategic patience to exhaust the international efforts of convincing Iran to do the right thing without sanctions," she said.
"We hope that the next 30 to 60 days will see a sanctions resolution emerge," Clinton said.
"And we also made clear with others of our allies and partners that whatever comes out of New York we may pursue bilateral or multilateral sanctions on top of whatever can be the result of the Security Council deliberation," she said.
"This is the highest priority for the Obama administration."
U.S. warns Iran that time is running out
Iran nuke plans draw sharp response from U.S.
WASHINGTON - US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Wednesday she hoped to see a UN Security Council resolution on new sanctions against Iran over its contested nuclear program in the "next 30 to 60 days."
The chief US diplomat said President Barack Obama's administration has gained greater international support for tougher action against Iran because of its offer to engage rather than isolate the Islamic Republic.
"Our very clear commitment to engagement has created space for a lot of these countries to now consider supporting sanctions that they might not have otherwise," Clinton told a Senate hearing.
"We have demonstrated the strategic patience to exhaust the international efforts of convincing Iran to do the right thing without sanctions," she said.
"We hope that the next 30 to 60 days will see a sanctions resolution emerge," Clinton said.
"And we also made clear with others of our allies and partners that whatever comes out of New York we may pursue bilateral or multilateral sanctions on top of whatever can be the result of the Security Council deliberation," she said.
"This is the highest priority for the Obama administration."
Saudi women lawyers to argue divorce cases
Saudi to permit female lawyers to argue cases
Women-only national transport system proposed
Saudi pushes scientific, social barriers
DUBAI - A new bill to be announced in Saudi Arabia will allow women lawyers to deal with cases relating to child custody, divorce and other family issues, daily newspaper Arab News reported on Thursday, quoting an official.
“This is an excellent move as it would give women lawyers … a chance to argue cases in courts,” Hadi al-Yami, vice president of the Saudi National Committee for Lawyers, was quoted as saying in the newspaper.
The newspaper did not say when the bill would be passed. It added that the country’s Justice Ministry was introducing new regulations to allow women to deal directly with their solicitors.
Yami added that although women make up half the population, women lawyers are still unlikely to represent female defendants in court.
She said that under a 2001 decree, licenses are awarded only to practicing male lawyers. While there are no restrictions on women lawyers practicing, a lack of clarity remains and women are not issues licenses to practice law.
Women-only national transport system proposed
Saudi pushes scientific, social barriers
DUBAI - A new bill to be announced in Saudi Arabia will allow women lawyers to deal with cases relating to child custody, divorce and other family issues, daily newspaper Arab News reported on Thursday, quoting an official.
“This is an excellent move as it would give women lawyers … a chance to argue cases in courts,” Hadi al-Yami, vice president of the Saudi National Committee for Lawyers, was quoted as saying in the newspaper.
The newspaper did not say when the bill would be passed. It added that the country’s Justice Ministry was introducing new regulations to allow women to deal directly with their solicitors.
Yami added that although women make up half the population, women lawyers are still unlikely to represent female defendants in court.
She said that under a 2001 decree, licenses are awarded only to practicing male lawyers. While there are no restrictions on women lawyers practicing, a lack of clarity remains and women are not issues licenses to practice law.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Iran prepared to deal with gasoline sanctions
U.S. warns Iran that time is running out
Iran nuke plans draw sharp response from U.S.
U.S. lashes out at Iran on nuke plans
Iran to build two nuke sites from March
TEHRAN - Iran is prepared to deal with any sanctions on its gasoline imports that world powers might impose over the country's disputed nuclear activities, a senior oil official was quoted as saying on Wednesday.
Iran's hardline rulers have repeatedly shrugged off the impact of sanctions imposed on the country over its expanding nuclear work, which the West fears is a cover to build bombs. Tehran denies the charge, saying its nuclear programme is peaceful.
Managing director of National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company Farid Ameri said Iran had stockpiled enough gasoline, and also its refineries could produce enough motor fuel for domestic use in case of any sanctions.
"Iran's gasoline reserves have increased one billion litres since the start of the current Iranian year (which started on March 2009)," said Ameri, state television reported.
Iranian media reported in January that Iran had raised its stockpile of gasoline to 2.4 billion litres.
Iran, the world's fifth-largest oil exporter, imports 40 percent of its gasoline to meet domestic demand because it lacks refining capacity.
This makes the Islamic state vulnerable to any punitive measures by the West that targets trade. Iran has been slow in attracting foreign investment to develop its energy sector because of political instability and sanctions.
Iran has been trying to boost gasoline production by using petrochemical refineries. Iran said in November that petrochemical facilities could be used to produce about 14 million litres of gasoline per day, raising total output to 58.5 million litres.
"Our refineries are capable of producing enough gasoline to meet the domestic demand," said Ameri.
The United States and its European allies want United Nations sanctions for a wider gasoline import ban on Iran. Israel, which Tehran refuses to recognise, called on Monday for an immediate embargo on Iran's energy sector.
Western diplomats believe that China, along with fellow veto-wielder Russia, would block any U.N. sanctions targeting Iran's energy sector. Chinese state companies are selling gasoline to Iran.
Some energy experts have said fuel sanctions on Iran would raise prices but not stop supplies because the country has porous borders.
Iran nuke plans draw sharp response from U.S.
U.S. lashes out at Iran on nuke plans
Iran to build two nuke sites from March
TEHRAN - Iran is prepared to deal with any sanctions on its gasoline imports that world powers might impose over the country's disputed nuclear activities, a senior oil official was quoted as saying on Wednesday.
Iran's hardline rulers have repeatedly shrugged off the impact of sanctions imposed on the country over its expanding nuclear work, which the West fears is a cover to build bombs. Tehran denies the charge, saying its nuclear programme is peaceful.
Managing director of National Iranian Oil Products Distribution Company Farid Ameri said Iran had stockpiled enough gasoline, and also its refineries could produce enough motor fuel for domestic use in case of any sanctions.
"Iran's gasoline reserves have increased one billion litres since the start of the current Iranian year (which started on March 2009)," said Ameri, state television reported.
Iranian media reported in January that Iran had raised its stockpile of gasoline to 2.4 billion litres.
Iran, the world's fifth-largest oil exporter, imports 40 percent of its gasoline to meet domestic demand because it lacks refining capacity.
This makes the Islamic state vulnerable to any punitive measures by the West that targets trade. Iran has been slow in attracting foreign investment to develop its energy sector because of political instability and sanctions.
Iran has been trying to boost gasoline production by using petrochemical refineries. Iran said in November that petrochemical facilities could be used to produce about 14 million litres of gasoline per day, raising total output to 58.5 million litres.
"Our refineries are capable of producing enough gasoline to meet the domestic demand," said Ameri.
The United States and its European allies want United Nations sanctions for a wider gasoline import ban on Iran. Israel, which Tehran refuses to recognise, called on Monday for an immediate embargo on Iran's energy sector.
Western diplomats believe that China, along with fellow veto-wielder Russia, would block any U.N. sanctions targeting Iran's energy sector. Chinese state companies are selling gasoline to Iran.
Some energy experts have said fuel sanctions on Iran would raise prices but not stop supplies because the country has porous borders.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Iran nuke plans draw sharp response from U.S.
Iran's nuclear chief Ali Akbar Salehi tours an exhibition on laser technology in Tehran on Feb. 7, 2010. Photograph: AFP
Iran to build two nuke sites from March
Iran not seeking atomic weapons -Khamenei
U.S. voices concern over Iran warhead report
Iran working on nuclear warhead -IAEA
TEHRAN - Iran said on Monday it is considering plans to build two new uranium enrichment plants concealed inside mountains to avert air strikes, drawing condemnation from the United States.
The announcement from Iran's atomic chief Ali Akbar Salehi came soon after top US General David Petraeus warned that Washington would now pursue a "pressure track" against Iran to thwart its galloping nuclear programme.
"Inshallah (God willing), in the next Iranian year (starting in March) as ordered by the president we may start the construction of two new enrichment sites," Salehi told ISNA news agency.
Last November, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announced Iran would build 10 new uranium enrichment plants, after Tehran was strongly rebuked by world powers for building a second enrichment plant near the Shiite holy city of Qom.
Salehi said the enrichment capacities of the new sites would be similar to the existing facility in the central city of Natanz, where a defiant Tehran is refining uranium despite three sets of UN sanctions.
According to the latest UN nuclear watchdog report, Iran has installed in Natanz 8,610 centrifuges, the device which rotates at supersonic speed to enrich uranium.
Of these, 3,772 centrifuges are actively enriching uranium under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Salehi said the new plants will be equipped with new generation centrifuges and the facilities would be hidden in mountains so as to protect them from "any attacks."
The United States said the move showed Iran rejected diplomatic engagement with the international community.
"This is further evidence that Iran refuses to engage cooperatively and constructively with the IAEA," State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters.
The top US military officer said that any military strike against Iran would not be "decisive" in countering its nuclear programme.
"No strike, however effective, will be in and of itself decisive," Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told a news conference, adding that he supported using diplomatic and economic pressure against Iran.
Elsewhere on the diplomatic front, European nations meeting in Brussels appeared divided over boosting sanctions against Iran.
"Unhappily all the actions by the Iranian side for weeks confirm that we must move to (more) sanctions," French European Affairs Minister Pierre Lellouche said.
But several of his EU counterparts said diplomacy had not run its course and insisted on the need for a UN Security Council decision.
On Sunday, Petraeus said the United States, which along with its ally Israel has not ruled out military strikes against Iran's nuclear sites, would increase pressure on Tehran.
"I think that no one at the end of this time can say that the United States and the rest of the world have not given Iran every opportunity to resolve the issues diplomatically," said Petraeus, head of US Central Command.
"That puts us in a solid foundation now to go on what is termed the pressure track. That's the course on which we are embarked now," he told NBC television.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday insisted "now" was the time for new sanctions on Iran's oil exports.
World powers suspect Iran is enriching uranium to make nuclear weapons, a charge Tehran denies.
Enriched uranium can be used as fuel to power nuclear reactors or in highly refined form to produce the fissile core of an atom bomb.
Iran is at loggerheads with world powers for not accepting an IAEA-drafted deal which would supply it with nuclear fuel for a Tehran research reactor in return for the transfer of the bulk of its low-enriched uranium.
Tehran insists it wants a simultaneous exchange of the two materials, with the transfer taking place inside the country, a demand strongly opposed by world powers.
Tensions rose further after Iran began work on enriching uranium to 20 percent purity from 3.5 percent, which according to experts brings it closer to the 93 percent level required for making a bomb.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, meanwhile, warned in a newspaper interview that a pre-emptive Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear facilities would be a "disaster of unpredictable consequences."
"We have to find a solution through diplomatic means," he told the leading Spanish daily El Pais. "We must not leave the negotiating table."
Iran to build two nuke sites from March
Iran not seeking atomic weapons -Khamenei
U.S. voices concern over Iran warhead report
Iran working on nuclear warhead -IAEA
TEHRAN - Iran said on Monday it is considering plans to build two new uranium enrichment plants concealed inside mountains to avert air strikes, drawing condemnation from the United States.
The announcement from Iran's atomic chief Ali Akbar Salehi came soon after top US General David Petraeus warned that Washington would now pursue a "pressure track" against Iran to thwart its galloping nuclear programme.
"Inshallah (God willing), in the next Iranian year (starting in March) as ordered by the president we may start the construction of two new enrichment sites," Salehi told ISNA news agency.
Last November, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announced Iran would build 10 new uranium enrichment plants, after Tehran was strongly rebuked by world powers for building a second enrichment plant near the Shiite holy city of Qom.
Salehi said the enrichment capacities of the new sites would be similar to the existing facility in the central city of Natanz, where a defiant Tehran is refining uranium despite three sets of UN sanctions.
According to the latest UN nuclear watchdog report, Iran has installed in Natanz 8,610 centrifuges, the device which rotates at supersonic speed to enrich uranium.
Of these, 3,772 centrifuges are actively enriching uranium under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Salehi said the new plants will be equipped with new generation centrifuges and the facilities would be hidden in mountains so as to protect them from "any attacks."
The United States said the move showed Iran rejected diplomatic engagement with the international community.
"This is further evidence that Iran refuses to engage cooperatively and constructively with the IAEA," State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters.
The top US military officer said that any military strike against Iran would not be "decisive" in countering its nuclear programme.
"No strike, however effective, will be in and of itself decisive," Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told a news conference, adding that he supported using diplomatic and economic pressure against Iran.
Elsewhere on the diplomatic front, European nations meeting in Brussels appeared divided over boosting sanctions against Iran.
"Unhappily all the actions by the Iranian side for weeks confirm that we must move to (more) sanctions," French European Affairs Minister Pierre Lellouche said.
But several of his EU counterparts said diplomacy had not run its course and insisted on the need for a UN Security Council decision.
On Sunday, Petraeus said the United States, which along with its ally Israel has not ruled out military strikes against Iran's nuclear sites, would increase pressure on Tehran.
"I think that no one at the end of this time can say that the United States and the rest of the world have not given Iran every opportunity to resolve the issues diplomatically," said Petraeus, head of US Central Command.
"That puts us in a solid foundation now to go on what is termed the pressure track. That's the course on which we are embarked now," he told NBC television.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday insisted "now" was the time for new sanctions on Iran's oil exports.
World powers suspect Iran is enriching uranium to make nuclear weapons, a charge Tehran denies.
Enriched uranium can be used as fuel to power nuclear reactors or in highly refined form to produce the fissile core of an atom bomb.
Iran is at loggerheads with world powers for not accepting an IAEA-drafted deal which would supply it with nuclear fuel for a Tehran research reactor in return for the transfer of the bulk of its low-enriched uranium.
Tehran insists it wants a simultaneous exchange of the two materials, with the transfer taking place inside the country, a demand strongly opposed by world powers.
Tensions rose further after Iran began work on enriching uranium to 20 percent purity from 3.5 percent, which according to experts brings it closer to the 93 percent level required for making a bomb.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, meanwhile, warned in a newspaper interview that a pre-emptive Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear facilities would be a "disaster of unpredictable consequences."
"We have to find a solution through diplomatic means," he told the leading Spanish daily El Pais. "We must not leave the negotiating table."
Abu Dhabi property prices to plunge till 2012
UAE property prices seen flat in 2010 -JLL
Dubai flat prices to slump 20 pct in 18 mths
Abu Dhabi property shows slight upturn in Q4
DUBAI - UBS expects property prices in Abu Dhabi to continue sliding till 2012, as financing for mortgages and small and medium enterprises remains challenging and project delays are likely.
The brokerage said it expects prices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to decline another 30 percent.
Housing supply growth was poised to outstrip demand growth, UBS said in a note to clients.
According to Investment Boutique LLC, residential demand would likely grow 6.7 percent during 2009-2012, while supply was expected to rise 17 percent during the same period, UBS added.
The hospitality sector expects to see supply of hotel rooms rise from about 4,000 currently to 20,000 by 2012, despite softer business traveller and leisure markets.
Dubai flat prices to slump 20 pct in 18 mths
Abu Dhabi property shows slight upturn in Q4
DUBAI - UBS expects property prices in Abu Dhabi to continue sliding till 2012, as financing for mortgages and small and medium enterprises remains challenging and project delays are likely.
The brokerage said it expects prices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to decline another 30 percent.
Housing supply growth was poised to outstrip demand growth, UBS said in a note to clients.
According to Investment Boutique LLC, residential demand would likely grow 6.7 percent during 2009-2012, while supply was expected to rise 17 percent during the same period, UBS added.
The hospitality sector expects to see supply of hotel rooms rise from about 4,000 currently to 20,000 by 2012, despite softer business traveller and leisure markets.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Dubai dumped cars drop
Dubai's abandoned vehicles, on film
Over 1,500 abandoned cars impounded in Jeddah
Abandoned vehicles jump 20 pct in Dubai
DUBAI - The signs of a mass exodus of expats from Dubai seem to be easing if abandoned vehicles are any indication of their leaving the emirate due to the financial crisis.
Dubai Municipality told Maktoob News there was a 10.6 percent decline in the number of abandoned cars in the city for all of 2009 compared to 2008, despite a 20 percent rise during the first seven months of 2009.
The municipality said its waste management department collected 2,258 cars last year compared to 2,527 in 2008.
In September of last year, the municipality had told Maktoob News that 1,476 vehicles were recovered until July 31, compared to 1,227 during the same period in 2008.
Hassan Makki, Dubai Municipality’s director of waste management, declined to be drawn to explain why there was a sharp rise until July but full-year figures showed a decline.
He said the municipality spent nearly 10.2 million dirhams ($2.77 million) during 2009 collecting abandoned cars.
A real estate consultant, surveyed for a Maktoob News population poll last month, said her analysis showed "a more significant decline" for the Dubai’s population for the first half of last year.
"Our analysis for first half 2009 showed Dubai’s population declined by 12 percent to 15 percent," said Jesse Downs, director of research and advisory services at real estate consultancy Landmark Advisory, who forecast a decline of 5 percent in the UAE’s population last year and a 3 percent rise in 2010.
FLEEING DUBAI
Abandoned cars in once booming Dubai, especially at the city’s airport, have caught the attention of the world’s media, which have showcased dust-covered automobiles - sometimes with unfinished coffee cups and toys in them - left by fleeing expats.
The global recession hit the emirate and region in late 2008, decimating Dubai’s real estate and construction sectors, the fuel behind the city’s meteoric rise.
While Dubai authorities have said the problem of abandoned vehicles in the city is not as prominent as reported by media, parking lots have cars covered in dust with messages, such as “Gone Away”, “Help Me”, scrawled on them.
A Maktoob News reporter late last year found an abandoned Porsche Boxster in Dubai’s Al Barsha district with its keys in the ignition and loan documents on the passenger seat.
Expats make up more than 80 percent of the UAE’s population. The country’s economy, which contracted 0.7 percent last year, is expected to grow zero to 1 percent this year, the International Monetary Fund has said.
Economists polled by Maktoob News have forecast UAE population growth of less than 1 percent this year despite the government predicting it will jump by a third to 7.6 million.
Over 1,500 abandoned cars impounded in Jeddah
Abandoned vehicles jump 20 pct in Dubai
DUBAI - The signs of a mass exodus of expats from Dubai seem to be easing if abandoned vehicles are any indication of their leaving the emirate due to the financial crisis.
Dubai Municipality told Maktoob News there was a 10.6 percent decline in the number of abandoned cars in the city for all of 2009 compared to 2008, despite a 20 percent rise during the first seven months of 2009.
The municipality said its waste management department collected 2,258 cars last year compared to 2,527 in 2008.
In September of last year, the municipality had told Maktoob News that 1,476 vehicles were recovered until July 31, compared to 1,227 during the same period in 2008.
Hassan Makki, Dubai Municipality’s director of waste management, declined to be drawn to explain why there was a sharp rise until July but full-year figures showed a decline.
He said the municipality spent nearly 10.2 million dirhams ($2.77 million) during 2009 collecting abandoned cars.
A real estate consultant, surveyed for a Maktoob News population poll last month, said her analysis showed "a more significant decline" for the Dubai’s population for the first half of last year.
"Our analysis for first half 2009 showed Dubai’s population declined by 12 percent to 15 percent," said Jesse Downs, director of research and advisory services at real estate consultancy Landmark Advisory, who forecast a decline of 5 percent in the UAE’s population last year and a 3 percent rise in 2010.
FLEEING DUBAI
Abandoned cars in once booming Dubai, especially at the city’s airport, have caught the attention of the world’s media, which have showcased dust-covered automobiles - sometimes with unfinished coffee cups and toys in them - left by fleeing expats.
The global recession hit the emirate and region in late 2008, decimating Dubai’s real estate and construction sectors, the fuel behind the city’s meteoric rise.
While Dubai authorities have said the problem of abandoned vehicles in the city is not as prominent as reported by media, parking lots have cars covered in dust with messages, such as “Gone Away”, “Help Me”, scrawled on them.
A Maktoob News reporter late last year found an abandoned Porsche Boxster in Dubai’s Al Barsha district with its keys in the ignition and loan documents on the passenger seat.
Expats make up more than 80 percent of the UAE’s population. The country’s economy, which contracted 0.7 percent last year, is expected to grow zero to 1 percent this year, the International Monetary Fund has said.
Economists polled by Maktoob News have forecast UAE population growth of less than 1 percent this year despite the government predicting it will jump by a third to 7.6 million.
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