Global/International

Twelve years ago, in Beijing, approximately 10,000 Chinese citizens peacefully gathered in Zhongnanhai (central headquarters of the communist government), to appeal for the right to practice Falun Gong*1, an ancient Chinese exercise and meditation practice. Under the then dictator, Jiang Zemin, the Chinese Communist Party was ordered on July 20, 1999 to “eradicate” Falun Gong practitioners financially, physically and mentally by any means. Since then, this nonviolent group has undergone the most horrific persecution in modern history.

http://traffic.libsyn.com/kaputtradio/depod20111210.mp3

National and International news commentary German language

Internationale und Nationale Nachrichten unter der Lupe mit Wolfgang

Kalter Krieg Vers 2.0, Euro Krise, Australische Angelegenheiten und einige Takte Humor

21:05 min 128 kbps stereo 19.5 MB

The Durban UN climate talks - COP17 - are drawing to a close. Ministers and heads of state met through Friday night to thrash out some meaning from these talks.

The sticking point is that developed countries are not taking the lead in initiating the deep emissions cuts of 25-40% as stated in the Bali road map in 2007 and the Kyoto Protocol. Europe, The US, Canada and Australia are responsible for most of the historical emissions in the atmosphere that has caused global warming. The 1% in developed countries are attempting to exploit the 99% of people in developed and developing countries. It is small nations facing obliteration due to global warming like the Maldives, Tonga or Tokelau which are actually leading by example.

Related: One climate Live Coverage | Adopt a negotiator Flickr photostream | Occupy COP17 video report

The embattled Philippine Airlines Employees’ Association (PALEA) is taking its fight against the outsourcing and contractualization plan of Philippine Airlines to Australia and Canada. The vice president of PALEA, Alnem Pretencio, is in Australia now on a tour sponsored by unions with the aim of soliciting international support.