Sunday, November 26, 2006

USDA deregulates disputed GMO rice

The USDA deregulated a controversial genetically-modifed rice which was found in batches of U.S. rice certifed as GMO-free sparking trade disputes with Japan and the European Union.

The EU has implemented extensive testing of imported rice to include the LL Rice 62, detected recently in France, at the exporter's expense.

On another front, Vietnam and Thailand agreed to work together to help meet the world demand for rice. Both countries, the world's largest rice exporters, pledged not to produce GMO rice.

Grains of white rice are seen in an undated file photo. The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Friday formally approved a strain of genetically engineered rice whose discovery in commercial stocks earlier this year triggered a food market dispute with the European Union and Japan. (USDA/Handout/Reuters)
Rie grains seen in an undated file photo. The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Friday formally approved a strain of genetically engineered rice whose discovery in commercial stocks earlier this year fueled a trade dispute with the European Union and Japan. USDA/Handout/Reuters via Yahoo News.

Saturday, November 18, 2006

Australia and New Zealand send troops to Tonga

A joint contingent of more than 60 troops and police from New Zealand and Australia landed in Tonga Friday to support the government of the Tongan king.

Rioters destroyed about 80 percent of businesses in business district of Nuku'alofa, the capital, and eight people were killed in the unrest.

The destroyed headquarters of the Shoreline Group of Companies on Taufa�ahau Road in Nuku'alofa, Tonga is seen November 17, 2006. About 150 Australian and New Zealand soldiers and police arrived in Tonga on Saturday to boost security in the South Pacific island kingdom after violent riots in which eight people died. Picture taken November 17, 2006. REUTERS/Stringer (TONGA)
The destroyed headquarters of the Shoreline Group of Companies on Taufa'ahau Road in Nuku'alofa, Tonga is seen November 17, 2006. REUTERS/Stringer viat Yahoo News.

Violence broke out during a protest against the government calling for democratic change. Businesses of the King and his partners were targeted.

King Siaosi Tupou and his sister Princess Pilolevu have taken control of most of the state's assets following the death of their father King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV.

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Calm returns after pro-democracy riots in Tonga

Security forces appear to have restored calm in the Tongan capital after massiver pro-democracy riots turned violent. Up to six people have died and reports say that some 80 percent of businesses in the central business district of Nuku'alofa were destroyed.

The Tongan government said Friday they were in control of the situation and resused military help from Australia and New Zealand.

Businesses owned by the new king and those of Tonga's Chinese community were reportedly targeted by looters. Many Chinese were said to have sought protection at the Chinese embassy.


Smoke rising from buildings in the Tongan capital Nuku'alofa. Photo from tvnz.co.nz.

Friday, November 10, 2006

New island rises off Tonga

A new volcanic island rose out of the Pacific Ocean, the Matangi Tonga news website reported Wednesday.

The island is about one mile in diameter with a crater and four peaks about one day off Neiafu in the South Pacific Ocean.

A new volcanic island on the Methis Shoal in Tonga in the South Pacific Ocean that emerged in July 1995, shown in a photo released by the Royal New Zealand Navy. The Pacific Ocean has given birth to a new volcanic island near Tonga, according to ocean-going eyewitnesses.(AFP/RNZN/File)
A new volcanic island that formed in July, 1995 off Tonga in the South Pacific Ocean seen in a Royal New Zealand Navy photo. AFP/RNZN/File photo via Yahoo News.

Crewmembers of the yacht Maiken reported seeing a "vast, many-miles-wide belt of densely packed pumice" on approaching the newly-formed island.

Neither Tonga's Ministry of Lands nor the Tonga Defense Service would confirm the creation of a new island.