CAIRO - Egyptian newspapers warned on Sunday that "civil war" could break out unless Christians and Muslims close ranks after a deadly attack on a Coptic church that triggered angry protests.
The authorities said that a suicide bomber blew himself up outside Al-Qiddissin church in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria early on New Year's Day, killing 21 people and wounding 79 others.
Protests by Christians and clashes with the police that erupted after Saturday's attack could worsen and plunge Egypt into a new spiral of sectarian violence, the government and independent newspapers said.
The papers also urged the government to give serious consideration to the plight of the Copts who account for up to 10 percent of Egypt's 80-million population and often complain of discrimination.
"Someone wants to make this country explode... We must realise that there is a plot aimed at triggering religious civil war," the pro-government daily Rose el-Yussef said.
Egyptians should foil attempts by "terrorists" to strike at the country, it said.
The independent paper Al-Shorouk said Christians had a right to be angry, but urged them not play into the game of "the instigators of (Saturday's) crime."
"No one can blame the Christian brothers if they are angry and disgusted," the daily said.
The bombing sparked anger among Christians, who clashed on Saturday for several hours with police and shouted slogans against the regime of President Hosni Mubarak.
"O Mubarak, the heart of the Copts is on fire," protesters shouted as they darted in and out of side-streets around the bloodied church to shower police with stones. Police fired tear gas grenades at the demonstrators.
Al-Shorouk said it would be "more dangerous for the Christians to be mired in their feelings of anger and frustration, than the attack itself."
"It would increase their isolation and the instigators of the crime would have then achieved their goal," it said.
"If all goes as planned, criminal operations against Coptic targets and holy places will increase. Copts will clash with their Muslim neighbours and we will be stuck in marshlands like Lebanon was in April 1975," it said.
A civil war broke out in Lebanon that month, lasting 15 years and pitting Christians against Muslims.
Another independent daily, Al-Masri Al-Yom, urged the authorities to take the bull by the horns and look beyond the security implications of Saturday's bombing, including at the political, social and cultural aspects.
"We should not hide our heads in the sand. Some say that foreign hands are probably behind this crime. But we believe that if the national fabric is solid enough, no foreign faction could set the fire in our midst."
The solution lies "in a serious dialogue around this sensitive issue" of the Copts, Al-Masri al-Yom said.
The attack, which Mubarak has blamed on "foreign hands," drew international condemnation with Pope Benedict XVI leading the fray on Saturday urging world leaders to defend Christians against abuse.
US President Barack Obama denounced "this barbaric and heinous act," and the European Union "unreservedly" condemned the bombing.
The World Council of Churches (WCC) condemned "the vicious attack" and called for "proactive engagement in dialogue and partnership between Christians and Muslims in Egypt."
Turkey and Israel have said they were "shocked" by the attack which Ankara on Sunday called a "cowardly terrorist" act.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Mubarak on Saturday to express solidarity.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Big crowds swarm Bangladeshi banks for WCup tickets
DHAKA - People queued overnight outside of banks in the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka in a desperate bid to buy highly-prized cricket World Cup tickets, which went on sale on Sunday.
Two leading Bangladeshi banks are selling tickets for eight matches at the Feb. 19-April 2 tournament, to be jointly hosted along with India and Sri Lanka, from their 80 branches across the country.
People started gathering in front of the banks on Saturday morning, braving cool weather but there were expected to be a number of disappointed fans.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, which will host six matches including the opener between India and Bangladesh, has a seating capacity of 25,167 but only 15,167 tickets are available for local spectators.
The remainder of the tickets are to be reserved for the International Cricket Council, foreign visitors and other stakeholders.
There is a similar situation at the Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong, which will host Bangladesh's group matches against England and Netherlands, with 12,521 tickets made available for locals at the 17,800 capacity venue.
The BCB apologised to the fans on Saturday as most of them will be deprived of a ticket.
"I am trying to get a ticket for World Cup, but it's very crowded here," said Enna Karmakarm, a cricket fan, who was waiting in front of a bank in Dhaka's Karwan Bazar area.
"I am afraid I would not be able get a ticket. But if get a ticket I will definitely go to the field and enjoy the match," said the 26-year-old university student.
Rinku, another cricket fan, who stood in the queue on Saturday, was also unsure of his luck.
"I waited here (the) whole night to see World Cup matches, which will be taking place in Bangladesh for the first time. I don't know whether I will get the tickets, but if I get (one) I will go to the stadium and inspire our cricket team," he said.
Two leading Bangladeshi banks are selling tickets for eight matches at the Feb. 19-April 2 tournament, to be jointly hosted along with India and Sri Lanka, from their 80 branches across the country.
People started gathering in front of the banks on Saturday morning, braving cool weather but there were expected to be a number of disappointed fans.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) said the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, which will host six matches including the opener between India and Bangladesh, has a seating capacity of 25,167 but only 15,167 tickets are available for local spectators.
The remainder of the tickets are to be reserved for the International Cricket Council, foreign visitors and other stakeholders.
There is a similar situation at the Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong, which will host Bangladesh's group matches against England and Netherlands, with 12,521 tickets made available for locals at the 17,800 capacity venue.
The BCB apologised to the fans on Saturday as most of them will be deprived of a ticket.
"I am trying to get a ticket for World Cup, but it's very crowded here," said Enna Karmakarm, a cricket fan, who was waiting in front of a bank in Dhaka's Karwan Bazar area.
"I am afraid I would not be able get a ticket. But if get a ticket I will definitely go to the field and enjoy the match," said the 26-year-old university student.
Rinku, another cricket fan, who stood in the queue on Saturday, was also unsure of his luck.
"I waited here (the) whole night to see World Cup matches, which will be taking place in Bangladesh for the first time. I don't know whether I will get the tickets, but if I get (one) I will go to the stadium and inspire our cricket team," he said.
Zaheer dismisses Smith for sixth time in nine tests
CAPE TOWN - India pace bowler Zaheer Khan dismissed South Africa captain Graeme Smith for the sixth time in nine tests before rain forced the players off the field after only nine overs on the opening day of the third test on Sunday.
Smith had scored six when he played a hesitant drive at the left-arm swing bowler down the wrong line. The ball shaped to go away but then nipped back in, hitting the left-hander on the back pad in front of his stumps.
Rain started to fall 15 minutes later and the players left the field with South Africa 21 for one after being asked to bat first. Zaheer had taken one for seven in five overs of top-class swing bowling.
India, the world's top-ranked side, made one change with opening batsman Gautam Gambhir returning for Murali Vijay after a hand injury ruled him out of the second test in Durban last week. The three-match series is tied 1-1.
Smith had scored six when he played a hesitant drive at the left-arm swing bowler down the wrong line. The ball shaped to go away but then nipped back in, hitting the left-hander on the back pad in front of his stumps.
Rain started to fall 15 minutes later and the players left the field with South Africa 21 for one after being asked to bat first. Zaheer had taken one for seven in five overs of top-class swing bowling.
India, the world's top-ranked side, made one change with opening batsman Gautam Gambhir returning for Murali Vijay after a hand injury ruled him out of the second test in Durban last week. The three-match series is tied 1-1.
Iran says no gap in oil exports to India
TEHRAN - A senior Iranian Oil Ministry official said on Sunday Iran's oil exports to long-time trading partner India had continued despite a dispute over the method of payment, student news agency ISNA reported.
"There has been no disruption in the sale and exports of oil to India in recent days," said Ahmad Qalebani, the head of state National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC).
India buys about 400,000 barrels per day of Iranian crude.
Qalebani said the two countries were determined to carry on cooperating despite problems agreeing a new payment method, after India said last week it would no longer use a regional clearinghouse system which had been criticised for being opaque.
"The economic cooperation between Iran and India in this (oil trade) connection is still continuing," Qalebani said.
The Islamic state, the world's fourth-largest oil producer, is under sanctions over its nuclear work. Washington and its allies fear the programme is a cover to build bombs, while Tehran says it is only aimed at generating power.
Although U.S. sanctions do not cover oil sales, the Asian Clearing Union system used by India and Iran for the trade had been criticised for making it difficult to monitor flows into Iranian organisations against which Washington has sanctions.
On Friday, Deputy Oil Minister Ahmad Khaledi said the dispute with India had been settled by changing the currency for trading. "By changing the currency for oil transactions between Iran and India the problem was solved."
A senior Indian official present at a Friday meeting with Iranian officials said the idea of using euros instead of dollars was discussed but the two sides would need to make sure the European Central Bank would be happy with the transparency.
Qalebani made no reference to any new arrangement between the two countries, which implied the issue remained unresolved.
"There has been no disruption in the sale and exports of oil to India in recent days," said Ahmad Qalebani, the head of state National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC).
India buys about 400,000 barrels per day of Iranian crude.
Qalebani said the two countries were determined to carry on cooperating despite problems agreeing a new payment method, after India said last week it would no longer use a regional clearinghouse system which had been criticised for being opaque.
"The economic cooperation between Iran and India in this (oil trade) connection is still continuing," Qalebani said.
The Islamic state, the world's fourth-largest oil producer, is under sanctions over its nuclear work. Washington and its allies fear the programme is a cover to build bombs, while Tehran says it is only aimed at generating power.
Although U.S. sanctions do not cover oil sales, the Asian Clearing Union system used by India and Iran for the trade had been criticised for making it difficult to monitor flows into Iranian organisations against which Washington has sanctions.
On Friday, Deputy Oil Minister Ahmad Khaledi said the dispute with India had been settled by changing the currency for trading. "By changing the currency for oil transactions between Iran and India the problem was solved."
A senior Indian official present at a Friday meeting with Iranian officials said the idea of using euros instead of dollars was discussed but the two sides would need to make sure the European Central Bank would be happy with the transparency.
Qalebani made no reference to any new arrangement between the two countries, which implied the issue remained unresolved.
New Security Council gives preview of reform
UNITED NATIONS - Germany, India and South Africa take their places this week on the UN Security Council, giving it the look of a body that many see as the basis of a reformed custodian of world peace.
As Brazil has one more year on the council, many diplomats are looking at the next 12 months to see how the world's increasingly assertive new players and old powers can work together on troublespots ranging from Sudan to Iran's nuclear drive.
The permanent five -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- who can veto any resolution, have dominated the council since 1945. There has been no change since 1963 when the number of non-permanent members increased from six to 10.
With Ivory Coast and the Korean peninsula in crisis, a referendum in Sudan next week that could breakup Africa's biggest nation and Palestinians stepping up demands for nationhood, Germany, India, South Africa, along with fellow new members Portugal and Colombia will have their diplomatic mettle tested within days.
The Western powers are looking for signs of the intentions of the pretenders for permanent seats, particularly India and South Africa. "There are some fears that work could be blocked," said one envoy, speaking on condition of anonymity.
With one eye on a tentative new campaign to change the council, all have been making conciliatory noises as they start their two year stay.
South Africa, Brazil and India have in the past been reluctant to impose sanctions on nations such as Iran.
But South Africa's UN ambassador, Baso Sangqu, said that none of the new powers wanted a "gridlocked" Security Council.
"All of us will be raising voices on issues that are important to us and we hope that this will have a collective impact in terms of how the council responds, but there won't be a them and us kind of configuration," he told AFP.
India is still celebrating the support given by US President Barack Obama for its drive to become a permanent Council member.
India's ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri said the new and old nations would be "on the same page in terms of overall objectives. If there are perceptions of nuance you will find them all very constructive."
India has traditionally opposed human rights UN resolutions against individual nations but has changed this recently for North Korea and most notably Iran. "We are constantly reviewing our positions. This is a new India," the ambassador said in an interview.
"We want our tenure to create an added value for the broad membership. And if countries feel that this council did a good job, it would certainly lend the discussion about Security Council reform further impetus," said Germany's envoy Peter Wittig.
South Africa wants "to advance the African agenda within the Security Council," said Sangqu.
More than two thirds of the conflicts and crises that the Security Council handles are in Africa. "It is not something that we should be proud of," he said.
The Sudan referendum on January 9 will be one of the first tests and Sangqu said the international community must put resources into the reconstruction of both north and south Sudan after the vote in the south.
South Africa also wants greater international resources for Somalia, which the ambassador said should not become "a forgotten conflict", a fate which he said had already befallen Western Sahara. "The council is not doing anything" over the dispute between Morocco and Western Sahara guerrillas, he said.
Puri said India would put forward a very "strong voice" on terrorism and on peacekeeping. India is the biggest troop contributor to UN peacekeeping forces.
He said the Security Council 15 have to take the rest of the United Nations more seriously.
"I must say with a sense of regret that whenever I addressed the Security Council as a member of the General Assembly I always found second secretaries and third secretaries there -- the Security Council has already done its work and now they are just listening to the others. I would like that to be changed."
Germany, already firmly in the western camp, wants to put a greater emphasis on peace building, according to its ambassador.
"We want to push for a forward looking council. We want the Council to take into account the regional and global conditions that lead to the build-up and outbreak of crisis. We need to act well before the first fatalities hit the headlines," Wittig said.
As Brazil has one more year on the council, many diplomats are looking at the next 12 months to see how the world's increasingly assertive new players and old powers can work together on troublespots ranging from Sudan to Iran's nuclear drive.
The permanent five -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- who can veto any resolution, have dominated the council since 1945. There has been no change since 1963 when the number of non-permanent members increased from six to 10.
With Ivory Coast and the Korean peninsula in crisis, a referendum in Sudan next week that could breakup Africa's biggest nation and Palestinians stepping up demands for nationhood, Germany, India, South Africa, along with fellow new members Portugal and Colombia will have their diplomatic mettle tested within days.
The Western powers are looking for signs of the intentions of the pretenders for permanent seats, particularly India and South Africa. "There are some fears that work could be blocked," said one envoy, speaking on condition of anonymity.
With one eye on a tentative new campaign to change the council, all have been making conciliatory noises as they start their two year stay.
South Africa, Brazil and India have in the past been reluctant to impose sanctions on nations such as Iran.
But South Africa's UN ambassador, Baso Sangqu, said that none of the new powers wanted a "gridlocked" Security Council.
"All of us will be raising voices on issues that are important to us and we hope that this will have a collective impact in terms of how the council responds, but there won't be a them and us kind of configuration," he told AFP.
India is still celebrating the support given by US President Barack Obama for its drive to become a permanent Council member.
India's ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri said the new and old nations would be "on the same page in terms of overall objectives. If there are perceptions of nuance you will find them all very constructive."
India has traditionally opposed human rights UN resolutions against individual nations but has changed this recently for North Korea and most notably Iran. "We are constantly reviewing our positions. This is a new India," the ambassador said in an interview.
"We want our tenure to create an added value for the broad membership. And if countries feel that this council did a good job, it would certainly lend the discussion about Security Council reform further impetus," said Germany's envoy Peter Wittig.
South Africa wants "to advance the African agenda within the Security Council," said Sangqu.
More than two thirds of the conflicts and crises that the Security Council handles are in Africa. "It is not something that we should be proud of," he said.
The Sudan referendum on January 9 will be one of the first tests and Sangqu said the international community must put resources into the reconstruction of both north and south Sudan after the vote in the south.
South Africa also wants greater international resources for Somalia, which the ambassador said should not become "a forgotten conflict", a fate which he said had already befallen Western Sahara. "The council is not doing anything" over the dispute between Morocco and Western Sahara guerrillas, he said.
Puri said India would put forward a very "strong voice" on terrorism and on peacekeeping. India is the biggest troop contributor to UN peacekeeping forces.
He said the Security Council 15 have to take the rest of the United Nations more seriously.
"I must say with a sense of regret that whenever I addressed the Security Council as a member of the General Assembly I always found second secretaries and third secretaries there -- the Security Council has already done its work and now they are just listening to the others. I would like that to be changed."
Germany, already firmly in the western camp, wants to put a greater emphasis on peace building, according to its ambassador.
"We want to push for a forward looking council. We want the Council to take into account the regional and global conditions that lead to the build-up and outbreak of crisis. We need to act well before the first fatalities hit the headlines," Wittig said.
Oprah Winfrey launches OWN TV network
US talk-show host Oprah Winfrey has launched her own TV network, which will offer round-the-clock lifestyle programmes.
The channel is called OWN, or the Oprah Winfrey Network. It is a joint venture with the Discovery channels. OWN's start date has been delayed twice and its cost has reportedly swollen to $189m (£121m).
Among the programmes scheduled is a reality show starring the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson.
Winfrey has built up a huge fan base during 25 years as the host of the syndicated Oprah Winfrey Show.
The programmes on the new station have a focus on empowerment, improvement, positivity aimed mainly at women, who are Ms Winfrey's core audience.
"I wanted to build a network which empowers you, the viewer, to turn your dreams into reality," Ms Winfrey said on a preview programme that launched the network on Saturday.
One of the programmes offered will be a reality show in which 10 finalists from thousands of applicants will compete for the chance to host their own TV show.
There will also be a programme called Why Not?, hosted by Canadian country singer Shania Twain.
Spain's strict new anti-smoking rules take effect
A tough anti-smoking law has taken effect in Spain.
The ban - one of the strictest in Europe - outlaws smoking in all bars and restaurants. Smokers will also be prohibited on television broadcasts, near hospitals or in school playgrounds.The law tightens anti-smoking restrictions introduced in 2006.
Spain has a strong cafe culture and the owners of bars and cafes have complained the law will hurt business.
The anti-smoking rules introduced in 2006 outlawed smoking in the workplace, but it let bar and restaurant owners choose whether or not to allow it. Most chose not to impose any ban.
Only large restaurants and bars were obliged to provide a smoke-free area.
Hotel, restaurant and bar owners have said they could face a 10% drop in trade with the new rules. The industry has already seen a sharp fall in sales due to Spain's economic problems.
But doctors argue the new legislation will help smokers give up.
Some 160 Spaniards a day die from smoking-related illnesses, four of them from passive smoking.
BBC News website readers in Spain have been sending in their comments
I'm Spanish and I'm a smoker, but I agree with some of these rules. I understand that it is quite annoying for a non-smoker to be in a pub or in a restaurant and find it difficult to breathe. Personally, I don't mind having to smoke outside a pub or a bar, basically because in countries such as England, Ireland and France people have been doing it for years and citizens have accepted it. It's me who decides to smoke and I have to go through some collateral damage if I want to respect non-smokers' right to breathe. But one rule that I find amusing is the prohibition of smoking in playgrounds (I have no objections as for hospitals). In theory, that would be OK if it weren't for the fact that adults who won't smoke in the playground so as not to damage their children, will do it at home, and who will supervise that? Veronica, ValenciaI'm delighted. Spain has an strong cafe culture, that's exactly why I'm expecting to be able to enjoy it from now on. Carmelo, Bilbao
This is only another page of liberties harassment, I don't see the problem if smokers are kept together standing and smoking in a cubicle at the airport. Our freedom is being battered, democracy is the government of majorities but it should also respect the minorities. Berto, Las Palmas
I am a Spaniard and I am currently in Spain. I am looking forward to this restriction taking effect. I do understand that people are free to choose whether to smoke or not... but, up to now smokers have enjoyed more freedom than non-smokers. Smokers benefit from public areas more than non-smokers, even when the highest percentage of the population are non-smokers. I have nothing to say if people want to smoke in their private places, in their home or car... I think it was Rousseau who said that your freedom in the community ends where my freedom begins. Inma, Sevilla
People in high places again making unpopular decisions. What gets me is this, they show us statistics but never proof, they tell us a ban such as this is to help people give up smoking but the sale of tobacco in the places where its use is banned goes on, just more control. In this town, like many, thousands of lorries pass through narrow streets and we all have to suffer the fumes. We all have a duty not to smoke near children that is logic more than law... But... going for a smoke. Tomas, Ermua, Basque Country
I am a passive smoker and I think it is a good law. The problem is the little bars and cafes. I don't like to eat in restaurants with a smoker near to me. In Europe people smoke in the street. I think smokers in Spain can smoke in the street. If they give up smoking, it will be better for them and Spanish society. Manuel, Figueres
I'm Spanish and I'm so happy for the new anti-smoking rules. Now it will be possible to enter any restaurant or bar without having to smell cigarettes all around. This is really good news. Since smoking was prohibited in some establishments in 2006 we have seen that in those restaurants where you can choose smoking or non-smoking area, the one which is always full of people is the non-smoking, that's the reason why I think that restaurants are not going to lose customers, people will just get used to it.
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