DTN News - GREETINGS 2013: New Year Revellers Begin Welcoming First In New Zealand followed by Australia

Asian Defense News: DTN News - GREETINGS 2013: New Year Revellers Begin Welcoming First In New Zealand followed by Australia

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith 
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - December 31, 2012: Celebrations are being held around the world to mark the new year, with the city of Auckland in New Zealand holding the first major events of 2013.

Crowds began to gather on Monday evening in Sydney in anticipation of the city’s famous firework display.

Big shows are also planned in many other cities globally.

Celebrations will also be held for the first time in Burma, where large public gatherings were banned by its previous military rulers.

Tens of thousands are expected to attend the celebrations in Rangoon, which will feature a fireworks display and performances by Burmese entertainers.

Reports say the festivities will be broadcast live on Burmese television.

The celebration is seen as the latest sign of the country’s liberalisation under its military-backed civilian government.

However, there is a subdued atmosphere in the Indian capital Delhi, following the death last week of a 23-year-old victim of a brutal gang rape.

The army has cancelled its celebrations across the country, as have the governments in the states of Punjab and Haryana.

Thousands of residents and clubs have also called off new year celebrations. protests over the case continued on Monday.

Later on, festivities will be held in European cities including Moscow, Paris and London.

More than two million people are expected to be on Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana beach.

New York will mark the new year with the traditional New Year’s Eve countdown and ball drop over Times Square.


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DTN News - CHINA NEWS: Giant Chinese Flag Along With Paramilitary Policemen

Asian Defense News: DTN News - CHINA NEWS:  Giant Chinese Flag Along With Paramilitary Policemen

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - December 31, 2012:  Paramilitary policemen hold their fists and raise a giant flag of Communist Party of China as they attend an oath-taking rally to ensure the safety of the upcoming 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), at a military base in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province November 5, 2012. 

REUTERS/China Daily

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DTN News - GREETINGS 2013: Wintry Greetings from Canada - Happy New Year 2013

Asian Defense News: DTN News - GREETINGS 2013: Wintry Greetings from Canada - Happy New Year 2013

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith 
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - December 31, 2012: Wintry Greetings from Canada

Happy New Year 2013
Best Wishes from
K. V. Seth's family & Seth's Parivaar
DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

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DTN News - DISPUTED EAST CHINA SEA REGION SENKAKU / DIAOYU ISLANDS: Japan Accuses China of Violating Airspace

Asian Defense News: DTN News - DISPUTED EAST CHINA SEA REGION SENKAKU / DIAOYU ISLANDS: Japan Accuses China of Violating Airspace
• The islands, known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China, have been a long-standing source of territorial dispute.
• The purchase of the islands by the Japanese government earlier this year from private Japanese owners set off massive anti-Japanese rallies in China.
• China and Japan account for almost one-fifth of global GDP. Their two-way trade exceeds more than $340 billion a year

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Euronews

(NSI News Source Info) SINGAPORE - December 14, 2012: Japan has accused China of violating its airspace for the first time after a Chinese plane flew near the East China Sea islands claimed by both.

Japan scrambled fighter jets after the plane was seen around 11:00 local time (02:00 GMT) near one of the islands, spokesman Osamu Fujimura said.

Japan lodged an immediate protest with Beijing, he said.

The islands, known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China, have been a long-standing source of territorial dispute.

Beijing said its Chinese Oceanic Administration plane was carrying out a normal operation.
Japan's Defense Agency said four F-15 jets headed to the area Thursday morning, but the Chinese plane, a Y-12, a nonmilitary type of aircraft, had flown off by the time they got there.

The purchase of the islands by the Japanese government earlier this year from private Japanese owners set off massive anti-Japanese rallies in China.

"I want to stress that these activities are completely normal. The Diaoyu and its affiliated islands are China's inherent territory since ancient times," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said of the plane. "China requires the Japanese side to stop illegal activities in the waters and airspace of the Diaoyu islands."

Japanese Coast Guard vessels have engaged in cat and mouse games with the Chinese ships, with both sides broadcasting messages to one another saying they have territorial sovereignty over the area.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura said the Chinese plane's entry into the area was "extremely regrettable" and that Japan has lodged a protest with the Chinese government through diplomatic channels.

It was the first time a Chinese plane entered Japanese air space over the disputed islands.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, while noting he did not yet know the specifics of the latest incident, urged calm. He added that the U.S. does not "take a position on the sovereignty of these islands."

"The security treaty between the United States and Japan applies to any provocative set of circumstances," he told reporters at the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur during an Asian tour. "We are encouraging all sides to take appropriate steps so that there will be no misunderstanding or miscalculation that could trigger an environment that would be antithetical to peace and stability."

In September, the Japanese government's nationalization of the Senkaku Islands triggered a series of violent demonstrations that targeted Japanese business and diplomatic establishments in many Chinese cities.

The diplomatic war of words between government leaders at the United Nations has since been replaced by a chill in top-level contacts. The repeated intrusion of Chinese vessels in the waters around the Senkakus has led to maritime tensions.

China and Japan account for almost one-fifth of global GDP. Their two-way trade exceeds more than $340 billion a year. China accounts for 19.7 per cent of Japanese exports. Anti-Japanese rioting across China has affected Japanese car exports to China, which is down 70 per cent, while Chinese tourist numbers have fallen 70 per cent.


*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Euronews
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DTN News - TECHNOLOGY NEWS: Fleishman Dominates PublicAffairsAsia Gold Standard Awards Capturing All Top Three Trophies

Asian Defense News: DTN News - TECHNOLOGY NEWS: Fleishman Dominates PublicAffairsAsia Gold Standard Awards Capturing All Top Three Trophies
*FH APAC Named Regional Consultancy Network of the Year
*Shin Tanaka Awarded for Professional Excellence
*FH Japan Named In-Country Consultancy of the Year

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources PublicAffairsAsia
(NSI News Source Info) SINGAPORE - November 9, 2012: Fleishman-Hillard was the most decorated agency at The Gold Standard Awards organized by PublicAffairsAsia at the Foreign Correspondents Club in Hong Kong. 

Our Asia Pacific team was bestowed Regional Consultancy Network of the Year in recognition of extraordinary growth, introduction of new strategic offerings such as the Global Capital Markets Services, the Global China Practice, FH Majlis; success of new public affairs firm, VOX Global Japan; and the expansion of our Chinese client portfolio. The judges noted that Fleishman-Hillard “continues to take a lead role in the development of the wider PR industry” with our new China Masters Exchange program involving partnerships with leading universities and the fast-tracking of Mandarin-speaking graduates through our US and European networks to FH Greater China, enhancing FH’s capability of serving Chinese clients worldwide.

FH Japan President & Founder Shin Tanaka received another of the highest honors at the event, theGold Standard Award for Professional Excellence, marking 15 years of building and shaping the communications industry in Japan. His contributions are best summed up by Mr. Motohisa Furukawa, former Minister for National Policy of the Japanese government, who said: “Inspiration from Mr. Tanaka was the catalyst for the establishment of the Office of Global Communications as a function of the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office. I hope that Mr Tanaka continues his contributions to Japan’s competitiveness on the global stage with his keen strategic communications thinking and insights.”

Because Shin had a command performance at a CEO event in Tokyo, his acceptance speech was delivered via video. Shin modestly told the audience, “the most meaningful contribution of my career has been the Fukushima Conference, which gave the people of Japan a voice. Fukushima’s experience is not just Japan’s experience. It is very important for the world to follow Fukushima’s response and recovery as social sustainability is going to be the core issue for the rest of the world for the coming decades.”

He added that“Japanese enterprises are embracing the power of communications. At the same time, there will be thousands of Japanese companies starting to globalize in a true manner. I believe that this movement will be among the leading drivers elevating the global communications industry to a next level.”

FH Japan captured the highest single office honors asIn-Country Consultancy of the Year. This award is open to all of Asia Pacific and recognizes full-service corporate communications and public affairs excellence. The judges cited “Fleishman-Hillard Japan’s innovative approach to communications also applies to cliet counseling and new product development. Revenue growth of the FHJ business from the office’s founding in 1997 through to 2012 has achieved a compound annual growth rate of 29%.” The award recognizes the consolidated FHJ group of companies: VOX Global Japan, BlueCurrent Japan, and Fleishman-Hillard Japan which includes CCW.

2012 has truly been an award-winning record year for Fleishman-Hillard Japan, which has achieved pre-eminent status as the largest and most reputable foreign-owned multinational communications consultancy in the country.

But, there’s more! On the same night, BlueCurrent Japan proudly accepted the top award forSocial Communications from the Japan PR Association. The project “Teach us! The Committee for Dehydration Prevention” was launched this summer when a growing proportion of Japan’s population was suffering from severe dehydration. The client, a pharmaceutical company, tasked BCJ to increase awareness of the issue and to teach people how to prevent dehydration.

The team put together a highly strategic community outreach program, including influencer engagement, qualitative research, public events, media relations and a dedicated website for the campaign. A term coined by the group of influencers – “Pre-Dehydration” -- reached an awareness of 73.7% in just two months. The client’s product sales increased 150%, achieving their full-year sales target in three months.

Clearly, all of these awards were exceptionally well-earned.They reflect the growing influence, quality and stature of our firm in Asia Pacific. Moreover, they recognize our expanded services and artfully integrated solutions that are making a major positive impact on clients’ businesses.

In a word – wow! Big congratulations to everyone. This is a proud moment we all share -- with each other, and our clients.
Enjoy. You’ve earned it!

Read more about how these accolades were earned in the attached excerpts from the awards program and online at http://www.publicaffairsasia.net/goldstandard/winners.html.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources PublicAffairsAsia
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DTN News - AFGHAN WAR: Troops Rescue Kidnapped US Doctor In Afghanistan

Asian Defense News: DTN News - AFGHAN WAR: Troops Rescue Kidnapped US Doctor In Afghanistan

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources AFP/Yahoo Singapore
(NSI News Source Info) SINGAPORE - December 9, 2012: US soldiers killed seven Taliban insurgents in a successful pre-dawn raid to rescue a kidnapped American doctor in eastern Afghanistan on Sunday, the NATO force in the war-torn country said.

The mission was launched when intelligence showed that Dr Dilip Joseph was in "imminent danger of injury or death", NATO's International Security Assistance Force said in a statement.

Joseph was abducted on December 5 by Taliban insurgents in the Surobi district of Kabul province.

"Today's mission exemplifies our unwavering commitment to defeating the Taliban," said General John Allen, the commander of US and ISAF forces in Afghanistan.

"I'm proud of the American and Afghan forces that planned, rehearsed and successfully conducted this operation. Thanks to them, Dr Joseph will soon be rejoining his family and loved ones."

Joseph was now "undergoing evaluations", the statement said, without giving further details.
A security source told AFP that the doctor had been involved in building clinics in Afghanistan but details of his capture were not immediately available.

Hazrat Mohammad Haqbeen, the district governor of Surobi told AFP that the man was kidnapped along with an Afghan colleague who was released in return for a ransom earlier in the week.

And "today the American national was freed in an operation. We don't know the details of the operation," Haqbeen told AFP.

He said the men were kidnapped in Surobi but were held in a village in the Qarghayi district of the neighbouring province of Laghman. The governor said the US citizen was visiting a clinic when captured.

An ISAF spokesman said the rescue had been launched when multiple intelligence sources indicated that he was in immediate danger. "We felt we had to act now," he told AFP.
Seven of the doctor's captors were killed in the operation, which involved combined US and Afghan forces, he said.

He gave no further details of where the doctor had been held or on the rescue operation itself, saying they could be announced later in the day.

Surobi outside Kabul had been under the control of French troops until April this year, when responsibility for security was handed to Afghan forces as part of France's accelerated withdrawal from the country.

France ended its combat mission in Afghanistan last month, two years before allied nations contributing to the 100,000-strong US-led NATO force are due to depart.

Surobi, about 50 kilometres east of Kabul and along a key highway linking the capital to neighbouring Pakistan, experiences sporadic Taliban-linked terrorism.

General Emam Nazar, the former commander of the 3rd Brigade of the Afghan army, told AFP in April that 80 to 100 insurgents were based in Surobi.

"Sometimes our enemies appear on the highway, but they can't resist us. Our forces smash them. It happened several times but they never got out of it alive," he added.

When French troops were stationed there, two French journalists were abducted in December 2009 and held for more than 500 days before being released in a secret deal which reportedly involved ransom.

Westerners are a prize target for the Taliban Islamists, who have waged an 11-year insurgency since being toppled from power in a US-led invasion in 2001. Regular gangsters not linked to the rebels are also involved in the kidnappings.

In June, NATO special forces rescued two foreign women working for a Swiss-based charity who had been kidnapped and held in a cave in Afghanistan's remote and mountainous northern Badakhshan province. Five captors were killed in the raid.

MORE ABOUT THE STORY

• Raid rescues U.S. citizen kidnapped by Afghan Taliban
• France ends combat mission in Afghanistan
• Taliban attack on Afghan NATO base kills five
• Suicide bombers attack U.S. base in Afghanistan
• Afghan spy chief 'wounded by underpants bomber'
• US weighs post-2014 force of 10,000 troops in Afghanistan
• Afghan 'revenge' attack kills three, wounds 90

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources AFP/Yahoo Singapore
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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta With Visiting West Point Mascot At The Pentagon

Asian Defense News: DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta With Visiting  West Point Mascot At The Pentagon

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources U.S. Department Of Defense
(NSI News Source Info) SINGAPORE - December 8, 2012: Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta poses for photos with the West Point mascot during a pep rally held in the halls of the Pentagon on Dec. 7, 2012. 

The West Point Black Knights take on the Naval Academy Midshipmen in the 113th meeting between the two service schools at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, Dec. 8th.   

DoD photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley, U.S. Navy. (Released)

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources U.S. Department Of Defense
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