Rice presses China on human rights record
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has met with her Chinese counterpart - Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing on Friday, to discuss the issues of North Korea and Iran nuclear programs. In a press conference, both dignitaries said they brought up human rights concerns each country has regarding the other.
Turkish troops arrive in Lebanon
Turkey, the only NATO member with a Muslim majority in its population, has sent yet another group of soldiers to join the UN peacekeeping force in the south of Lebanon. Public sentiment in Turkey has been against participating in that particular UN peacekeeping mission, however parliament voted in favor of the move which some hope will help strengthen Turkey’s diplomatic profile.
NBC cuts Madonna ‘crucifixion’
The NBC has decided that part of an upcoming broadcast of Madonna’s concert from her Confessions world-tour will be censored. In particular the part during which the pop star is suspended from a cross and wearing a crown of thorns. NBC is responding to widespread Christian sentiment that the particular segment is disrespectful and sacrilegious to Christian faith. The artist denies such allegations, claiming is it not meant to disrespect but to appeal for mankind’s help to fight Aids and world hunger.
Sony unveils net service for PS3
Sony has announced details on the services to be made available to PlayStation 3 users regarding online gaming. What is called “PlayStation Network” will be free to access, play games and chat with other users. However, extra services such as downloadable games will come for a fee. The cost of games to download however will be considerably lower than off the shelves purchases. Web browsing and multimedia capabilities will also be available.
N.Korea says no to more nuclear tests: report
In a report from Reuters, North Korea has declared to a Chinese diplomatic mission it has no plans for another nuclear test. It would seem that Chinese diplomacy is finally paying off and there is a glimpse of newly established hope to stabilize the situation in the area once again.
