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Hello and Welcome to News and Reports on China Radio International.
In This Edition
Thailand's political parties make last-ditch efforts for Sunday's general election.
Former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn has been released from house arrest after prosecutors1 said the hotel maid who accused him of attempted rape2 lied to a grand jury.
A Gaza bound American vessel3 has been intercepted4 and escorted back to shore in Greece following Greek authorities' decision to ban flotilla heading to the Palestinian territory from leaving its ports.
The Red Cross Society of China suspends operations in one of its fundraising groups and requested investigations6 into the branch's alleged7 misuse8 of donations.
Hot Issue Reports
Thai Parties Launch Last-minute Campaign ahead of Election
Candidates in Thailand's election have greeted supporters during the final hours of campaigning, as ballot9 boxes and polling stations are prepared for Sunday's vote.
The two main prime ministerial candidates campaigned in the capital Bangkok, which has the largest number of constituencies.
Democrat10 Party leader and incumbent11 Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva voiced his confidence in the election, as he tried to win support from vendors12 and buyers at a clothing market.
"Campaigning is always difficult, always hard, you have to work hard, always a challenge, but you know, we're pleased with the response, I think that we've got the momentum13, and I hope that the people will really take Thailand forward."
Abhisit and the Democrats14 have maintained their popularity among the elite15, and urban middle and upper-class voters.
Meanwhile, Pheu Thai Party candidate Yingluck Shinawatra greeted supporters from a vehicle near a crowded weekend market, urging people to go to vote.
Yingluck is the youngest sister of ousted16 prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was military deposed17 five years ago and has remained influential18 among rural voters and anti-coup activists19.
Local polls have consistently given Yingluck's opposition20 Pheu Thai party a strong lead in the race.
But the predictions have given neither Pheu Thai nor the ruling Democrats the 250-seat majority needed to form a government. This means there will likely be fierce jockeying to win over smaller parties to build a governing coalition22.
Poland Takes over EU's Rotating Presidency23
Poland has taken over the rotating presidency of the European Union for the first time, assuming the six-month chairmanship of the organization from Hungary.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk24 said his country aims to promote economic reforms and deeper integration25 in the bloc26 struggling with a debt crisis in the euro zone.
"We reinforced the rule that the European Union budget is prepared for the European community, which could affect the harsh and unforgiving competition between national interests. This is our common success, that the community-oriented character of these proposals could be saved. "
Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the EU Commission, says this puts Poland in a strong position to push forward some challenging projects.
"Let me mention just one. The European Commission has set out it's vision this week for the European Union budget for the period 2014-2020. This is focused on enhancing prosperity and creating employment in a spirit of solidarity27 to achieve social, economic and territorial28 cohesion29 for all our 27 member states."
Poland is a modern EU success story that has achieved strong economic growth since joining the bloc in 2004, even avoiding recession during the 2008 to 2009 global financial crisis.
But the huge challenges ahead include the Greek debt crisis and negotiations30 over the EU's next long-term budget, due to start under the Polish presidency.
Russian and French FMs Exchange Differing Views on Arms Air-dropping in Libya
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and the visiting French counterpart Alain Juppe exchanged differing viewpoints over France's air-dropping of weapons in Libya.
Alain Juppe defended his country's actions, saying France acted within the U.N. resolution framework.
"I would say that from the French point of view, we are exactly within the framework of the (UN) resolutions of 1970 and 1973 where article four, if I remember rightly, says something different to resolution 1970, it says 'all means can be used to aid the civil population to protect themselves.' So it is within this framework that we have taken action."
Lavrov countered Juppe's remarks with a statement condemning31 the U.N. resolution 1973.
"Alain Juppe answered my question and this answer was what he has just said that resolution 1973 has this paragraph four which allows whosoever to do whatsoever32, for whatever reason. It is precisely33 because of this paragraph that we have problems with resolution 1973 because in all other aspects we support it."
Lavrov said earlier that France might have violated a UN arms embargo34 on Libya by air-dropping weapons to rebels fighting troops loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Ghaddafi.
German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle called on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to stop violence and allow political reforms to meet public demands.
Westerwelle made the comments while meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu during his visit to Turkey.
"Syrian President Bashar al-Assad should end pressure and violence and start reforms. He should answer legitimate38 demands of the public."
For his part, Davutoglu stressed that Arab leaders should gear up for a peaceful reform process to meet people's demands.
"We believe that legitimate demands of Arab nations should be met with a peaceful transitional period and political reform process. Arab nations voice their demands on this issue and as Turkey, we give utmost importance to their demands and we believe these demands should be answered by peaceful means."
Turkey has become increasingly critical of Assad after backing him to improve ties with the West and seek a peace deal with Israel.
Assad has faced criticism over the military campaign to crush the three-month uprising as violence in the country escalates39.
Turkey has received more than 10,000 Syrian refugees as a result of the prolonged unrests in Syria.
Strauss-Kahn Released from House Arrest
Former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn has been released from house arrest after prosecutors said the hotel maid who accused him of attempted rape lied to a grand jury.
"Of course, the case is not over as you just heard. You will be expected to appear here on the adjourned41 date, unless the court orders otherwise, in the interim42, or we change the date, and I am confident that you will. In the meantime, there will be no rush to judgment43 in this case. The people will, I have no doubt, continue to investigate."
Strauss-Kahn agreed to return to court, which includes a July 18 hearing.
His bail44 payment of $1 million and bond of $5 million were returned to him but his passport was not, meaning he can travel only within the United States.
Strauss-Kahn's lawyer Benjamin Brafman said he wants the charges dropped.
"We believed from the beginning that this case was not what it appeared to be and we are absolutely convinced that the next step will lead to a complete dismissal of the charges."
The 62-year-old Strauss-Kahn still faces charges that he sexually assaulted the woman in New York, but questions about her credibility appear to be shifting the case in his favor.
The case has hinged on the accuser, a 32-year-old Guinean immigrant who cleaned the Sofitel hotel room in Manhattan where Strauss-Kahn was staying.
Prosecutors have found issues with her asylum45 application, tax returns and statements to the grand jury investigating the assault case.
American Gaza Bound Vessel Intercepted
A Gaza bound American vessel has been intercepted and escorted back to shore in Greece following Greek authorities' decision to ban flotilla heading to the Palestinian territory from leaving its ports.
The activists tried to head out to sea on the 'Audacity46 of Hope' secretly from the port of Perama near the Greek capital, Athens, but failed after authorities stopped them.
Vessel spokeswoman Jane Hirschmann said they were intercepted about two miles out at sea.
"It was smooth sailing until the coastguard came up and put a boat in front of our boat and said to the captain 'you have to turn back."
Nine Greek and foreign-flagged vessels47 and several hundred activists on the flotilla had said they want to break Israel's sea blockade and deliver aid to the Palestinian territory.
Greek officials said it was not safe to continue.
But organizers blamed Israel for putting pressure on Greece, which is mired48 in an economic crisis and has grown closer to Israel as it seeks more foreign investment.
A passenger on board the ship said even though the vessel is forced back, they are not giving up.
"We are the Audacity of Hope and that we will try again to go to Gaza. It's important for the international citizens to speak up when our governments do not."
Greece as well as the United States had previously49 urged activists not to proceed with the flotilla, saying it could lead to confrontation50 and noting that there were other means of aid delivery.
In a tragic51 confrontation in May of last year, nine activists were killed when Israeli naval52 commandos raided an international flotilla trying to break into Gaza for humanitarian53 aid for the Palestinians.
Yemenis Rally For and Against President
Tens of thousands of Yemenis turned Friday prayers into rallies for and against President Ali Abdullah Saleh who is recovering from injuries sustained in an assassination54 attempt last month.
Saleh opponents urge that acting55 President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi demand Saleh quit and allow Yemenis to choose a new leader.
Anti-government protester Yassir al-Hosni called on the Arab League to show support for Yemeni opposition forces.
"We are calling the Arab League to stand beside Yemen's people like they stand beside Libya's people, what is the difference between Yemen blood and Egyptian blood and Tunisian blood? We call on them to stop the blood bath in the Arab world, we will not leave until the system leaves."
A smaller number of Saleh supporters marched through the streets holding placards and posters of the president, and wished him a quick recovery.
Mohammed Khalil said the international community should respect the will of the Yemeni people who voted Saleh into power until his term ends in 2013.
"I want to say for everybody to respect our voice, our choice, we trust this man to be our President so this is the President until 2013."
Lisbon Residents Showed Resignation to New Tax Plan
Residents of Lisbon have expressed their resignation after Prime Minister Passos Coelho announced in parliament an extraordinary one-off tax to help Portugal deal with its public finance problems.
Under the new program, a 50 percent levy56 on year-end bonuses, or half a monthly salary, which is received by all Portuguese57 will be imposed.
"It's a unique moment when we all should join hands to solve part of our problem. It's going to be difficult, everyone must make sacrifices, but I think it is time for us to understand and to solve our common problem."
Another Lisbon resident said there was nothing that people could do.
"I think the reaction will be bad, but we don't have much choice but to accept it. There are no other hypotheses to change things, are there?"
With a comfortable majority in parliament, the government program is expected to pass.
Red Cross Society of China Requests Investigation5 over Scandal
The Red Cross Society of China has suspended operation of one of its fundraising groups, and requested investigations by state authorities following the recent widespread suspicion of misuse of donations.
The Red Cross Society of China came under scrutiny59 after a 20-year-old woman Guo Meimei bragged60 about her luxurious61 lifestyle on her micro blog including enjoying Maserati and Lamborghini cars and expensive handbags. She also claimed to be the general manager of Red Cross Commerce.
Guo's behavior caused public outcry.
The Red Cross Society of China has denied the existence of such a company under its administration. It also declared that they do not have an employee named Guo Meimei.
And Guo herself has admitted that she had faked her association with the Red Cross Society of China, and that by doing so, has tarnished62 the organization's reputation.
But the public curiosity was still not quelled63. They demand proof that public donations are not misused64.
The organization brought the case to the police on Friday and said it would take legal action in order to safeguard its rights and restore the society's reputation.
Wang Wei, the secretary-general of the Red Cross Society of China explained the relationship between his organization and the Red Cross Commercial Society.
"The Red Cross Society of China just gives some guidance to the Red Cross Commercial Society in its professional service."
He added that the society had suffered because the incident has developed into a way for the public to express its resentment65 against the nouveau riche.
Experts said the anger was a result of the long-held distrust of the society's allocation of funds and its opaque66 operations.
Kvitova Crowned at Wimbledon
21-year-old Petra Kvitova has become the first Czech to win the Wimbledon title in 13 years. She stunned67 tournament favorite Maria Sharapova with a shock 6-3, 6-4 straight-set victory in the women's singles final. Our London correspondent Tu Yun has more.
Kvitova made a slow start in her first Grand Slam final and was broken in her first service game. But the 8th-seeded Czech soon regained68 her rhythm on serve and dominated the match till she wrapped it up with an Ace21.
It's Kvitova's first Grand Slam title. She also became the third Czech to be crowned at Wimbledon after Martina Navratilova and Jana Novotna.
"It's hard to find some words. I'm standing69 here with the trophy70 and I see the great players in the Royal Box. It's very nice that they (Martina Navratilova and Jana Novotna) are watching me and have supported me all the time during the tournament and gave me some advice. It's great."
Though it's a bit of a disappointment for Sharapova who claimed the title here in 2004 when she was only 17, the Russian says it's still a big step for her considering she hadn't been able to reach beyond the fourth round in a Grand Slam for a few years.
"I have had amazing support over so many years and to be back at this stage and holding the runners-up trophy - I wanted that big one and it's something I'm going to be back for and I'm hoping to get again soon."
In men's doubles, the Bryan brothers clinched71 their second Wimbledon title by defeating Robert Lindstedt and Horia Tecau. Kveta Peschke and Katarina Srebotnik beat Sabine Lisicki and Samantha Stosur to become the women's doubles champions.
For CRI, I'm Tu Yun reporting from Wimbledon.
China Launch New Pension System that Covers All
China made a breakthrough to create a social security net that covers everyone by launching the urban and rural pension systems.
The new type of rural pension system attracted 190 million rural villagers during the past two years. More than 50 million people benefiting from the system are above the age of 60.
While the urban pension system just started on a nationwide trial basis, which guarantees the unemployed72 to get subsidies73 from central and local governments when they reach 60, as long as they have paid into their pension accounts for at least 15 years.
A commentary from the China Daily argues that the government-sponsored pension system is irreplaceable, but residents must be realistic. Taking care of the elderly is a task that can only be achieved when government, society and individuals join hands together.
The article says the current system divides standards into 10 categories based on how much an individual pays. The minimum payment for an urban resident is 100 yuan annually74, or about $15 US dollars. Even though he or she gets less in monthly pension compared to those who pay more, at least, every one can participate to get support.
The article notes that as a populous75 country, the financial burdens for government is heavy and raising the standard to a higher level is hard, given the current number of senior citizens in China, which is nearly 180 million, or about 14 percent of the entire population with an ever growing aging population.
The article says that other ways should be utilized76 to ensure living expenses of senior citizens besides the government pension system, such as accumulated savings77 of individuals, financial support from family and pension money from commercial insurance.
The author points out that people may consider joining the pension system at a young age and paying more in their accounts to receive higher pensions in the future. Those who cannot afford even the lowest payment should get special aid from the government.
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1
prosecutors
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| 检举人( prosecutor的名词复数 )； 告发人； 起诉人； 公诉人 | |
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rape
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| n.抢夺，掠夺，强奸；vt.掠夺，抢夺，强奸 | |
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vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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intercepted
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| 拦截( intercept的过去式和过去分词 )； 截住； 截击； 拦阻 | |
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investigation
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| n.调查，调查研究 | |
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investigations
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| （正式的）调查( investigation的名词复数 )； 侦查； 科学研究； 学术研究 | |
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alleged
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| a.被指控的，嫌疑的 | |
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misuse
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| n.误用，滥用；vt.误用，滥用 | |
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ballot
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| n.（不记名）投票，投票总数，投票权；vi.投票 | |
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democrat
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| n.民主主义者，民主人士；民主党党员 | |
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incumbent
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| adj.成为责任的，有义务的；现任的，在职的 | |
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vendors
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| n.摊贩( vendor的名词复数 )；小贩；（房屋等的）卖主；卖方 | |
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momentum
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| n.动力，冲力，势头；动量 | |
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democrats
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| n.民主主义者，民主人士( democrat的名词复数 ) | |
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elite
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| n.精英阶层；实力集团；adj.杰出的，卓越的 | |
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ousted
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| 驱逐( oust的过去式和过去分词 )； 革职； 罢黜； 剥夺 | |
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deposed
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| v.罢免( depose的过去式和过去分词 )；（在法庭上）宣誓作证 | |
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influential
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| adj.有影响的，有权势的 | |
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activists
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| n.（政治活动的）积极分子，活动家( activist的名词复数 ) | |
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opposition
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| n.反对，敌对 | |
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ace
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| n.A牌；发球得分；佼佼者；adj.杰出的 | |
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coalition
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| n.结合体，同盟，结合，联合 | |
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presidency
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| n.总统(校长，总经理)的职位(任期) | |
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tusk
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| n.獠牙，长牙，象牙 | |
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integration
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| n.一体化，联合，结合 | |
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bloc
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| n.集团；联盟 | |
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solidarity
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| n.团结；休戚相关 | |
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territorial
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| adj.领土的，领地的 | |
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cohesion
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| n.团结，凝结力 | |
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negotiations
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| 协商( negotiation的名词复数 )； 谈判； 完成（难事）； 通过 | |
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condemning
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| v.（通常因道义上的原因而）谴责( condemn的现在分词 )；宣判；宣布…不能使用；迫使…陷于不幸的境地 | |
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whatsoever
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| adv.（用于否定句中以加强语气）任何；pron.无论什么 | |
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precisely
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| adv.恰好，正好，精确地，细致地 | |
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embargo
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| n.禁运（令）；vt.对...实行禁运，禁止（通商） | |
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abstained
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| v.戒（尤指酒），戒除( abstain的过去式和过去分词 )；弃权（不投票） | |
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authorize
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| v.授权，委任；批准，认可 | |
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civilians
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| 平民，百姓( civilian的名词复数 )； 老百姓 | |
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legitimate
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| adj.合法的，合理的，合乎逻辑的；v.使合法 | |
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escalates
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| v.（使）逐步升级( escalate的第三人称单数 )；（使）逐步扩大；（使）更高；（使）更大 | |
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supreme
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| adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的 | |
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adjourned
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| （使）休会， （使）休庭( adjourn的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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interim
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| adj.暂时的，临时的；n.间歇，过渡期间 | |
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judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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bail
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| v.舀（水），保释；n.保证金，保释，保释人 | |
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asylum
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| n.避难所，庇护所，避难 | |
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46
audacity
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| n.大胆，卤莽，无礼 | |
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vessels
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| n.血管( vessel的名词复数 )；船；容器；（具有特殊品质或接受特殊品质的）人 | |
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48
mired
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| abbr.microreciprocal degree 迈尔德（色温单位）v.深陷( mire的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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49
previously
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| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
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50
confrontation
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| n.对抗，对峙，冲突 | |
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51
tragic
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| adj.悲剧的，悲剧性的，悲惨的 | |
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52
naval
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| adj.海军的，军舰的，船的 | |
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53
humanitarian
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| n.人道主义者，博爱者，基督凡人论者 | |
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54
assassination
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| n.暗杀；暗杀事件 | |
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acting
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| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
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levy
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| n.征收税或其他款项，征收额 | |
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Portuguese
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| n.葡萄牙人；葡萄牙语 | |
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pensioner
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| n.领养老金的人 | |
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scrutiny
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| n.详细检查，仔细观察 | |
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bragged
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| v.自夸，吹嘘( brag的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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luxurious
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| adj.精美而昂贵的；豪华的 | |
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tarnished
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| （通常指金属）（使）失去光泽，（使）变灰暗( tarnish的过去式和过去分词 )； 玷污，败坏 | |
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quelled
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| v.（用武力）制止，结束，镇压( quell的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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misused
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| v.使用…不当( misuse的过去式和过去分词 )；把…派作不正当的用途；虐待；滥用 | |
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resentment
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| n.怨愤，忿恨 | |
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opaque
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| adj.不透光的；不反光的，不传导的；晦涩的 | |
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stunned
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| adj. 震惊的，惊讶的 动词stun的过去式和过去分词 | |
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68
regained
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| 复得( regain的过去式和过去分词 )； 赢回； 重回； 复至某地 | |
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69
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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70
trophy
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| n.优胜旗，奖品，奖杯，战胜品，纪念品 | |
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71
clinched
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| v.（尤指两人）互相紧紧抱[扭]住( clinch的过去式和过去分词 )；解决（争端、交易），达成（协议） | |
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72
unemployed
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| adj.失业的，没有工作的；未动用的，闲置的 | |
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73
subsidies
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| n.补贴，津贴，补助金( subsidy的名词复数 ) | |
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74
annually
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| adv.一年一次，每年 | |
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75
populous
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| adj.人口稠密的，人口众多的 | |
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76
utilized
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| v.利用，使用( utilize的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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77
savings
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| n.存款，储蓄 | |
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