DPRK to invite international observers to monitor satellite launch

朝鮮邀外國專家觀看衛星發射

North Koreasays it will invite international observers to monitor the launch of its new satellite.
A report by the official news agency KCNA says North Korea would "invite experienced foreign experts on space science and technology and journalists to visit the Sohae Satellite Launching Station, the General Satellite Control and Command Center and other places to observe its launch.
North Korea announced it would launch an "earth observation" satellite using a long-range Unha-3 rocket next month to mark the 100th birthday of late leader Kim Il-Sung.
China has voiced its concern over the launch plan, saying it was the common obligation, and in common interests, of all parties concerned to maintain the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and northeast Asia.
The European Union has called on North Korea to refrain from the satellite launch plan.

Syria stresses resolve to deal "decisively" with saboteurs

敘利亞強調處理解決“決定性”的破壞者
Syria's interior ministry has warned it won't waver in dealing "decisively" with anyone who would compromise the security and stability of the country.
In a statement aired on the state TV, the ministry stressed its resolve to combat saboteurs, citing the twin bombings that hit security departments Saturday, leaving 24 people killed and 140 others wounded.
The ministry added that there were torn pieces related to three unidentified persons, suggesting that the overall death toll is 27.
So far, no one has claimed responsibility for the attacks on Saturday.

Iraqi militia frees US captive

伊拉克民兵釋放美國俘虜
A militia loyal to Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr has freed an American former soldier after holding him captive in Baghdad for nine months.
The American, identified as Randy Michaels, was handed over to the United Nations mission in Baghdad.

China's aging population will constrain economic growth: stats chief
An official with the National Bureau of Statistics says China's aging population and the deteriorating natural environment will constrain economic growth.
Ma Jiantang, head of the Bureau has told a forum in Beijing that China's "demographic dividend" has decreased as the population is aging fast, and environmental problems will continue. Both factors will hamper the country's economic growth.
Meanwhile, in contrast to limited natural resources per capita, China's energy and resource consumption were enormous, which has resulted in high costs to curb heavy pollution.
Ma Jiantang says the country must step up reforms and restructuring to secure steady and rapid economic growth

Chinese vice premier meets IMF chief
Vice Premier Wang Qishan has met with Christine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund in Beijing.
The two sides exchanged views over issues including the world economic and financial situation, eurozone debt crisis and reform of the IMF.

Senior official urges development of cartoon industry
Senior Chinese official Li Changchun has called for efforts to boost the country's cartoon industry and promote the industry's competitiveness.
He called on artists to draw further inspiration from Chinese culture and innovate more.
Li Changchun also urged efforts to help the country's cartoon industry to go global and promote its international competitiveness and influence.

Four beached whales dead in east China
Four sperm whales were dead by Saturday one day after being stranded on the beach in east China's Jiangsu province.
Local authorities say the whales were found alive at 6 a.m. Friday on the beach of Xintan Salt Field in the city of Yancheng, and died despite human rescue efforts.
It was the second time of mass beaching of whales in China, following that in 1985, when six whales died of beaching in southeast China's Fujian province.

China becomes world's largest art, antiques market
China overtook the United States as the world's biggest market for art and antiques last year, ending decades of American domination according to a report.
"The International Art Market in 2011," released by the European Fine Art Foundation, says China's share of the global art market rose from 23 percent in 2010 to 30 percent last year, pushing the United States to second place with a share of 29 percent.
The United Kingdom's art market, which was overtaken by China's in 2010, remained third with a 22-percent market share while France was a distant fourth with a share of 6 percent.

Cold front, heavy fog to sweep China
A cold front is expected to sweep China over the weekend, bringing rain, fog and plunging temperatures.
The National Meteorological Center says most northern regions will experience a decrease of 6 to 10 degrees Celsius over the coming three days. In China's northernmost regions, temperatures may fall by as much as 14 degrees Celsius.
It says south China will expect drenching rains to linger over the weekend.
The weather agency also forecast that heavy fog will blanket most regions in north China.
Thick fog in Beijing has closed major highways and delayed a number of flights early Saturday.