Asianews.it Ultime notizie dall'Asia VATICAN - Pope: we contemplate the Father's heart, in the parable of the pro... 14 Mar 2010 at 9:38am Benedict XVI says that the parable that reveals God as the Father of Mercy is the basis of our culture, art and civilization. EGYPT - Crowd of 3 thousand Muslims attack a Coptic Christian community, 25 ... 13 Mar 2010 at 7:19am Faithful were gathered in prayer when attack occurred. There were four priests, one deacon and 400 parishioners in the building, women and children also targeted. Fundamentalists fury, egged on by the imam, unleashed by the rumour that the Christians are building a new church. In reality it is a hospice. THAILAND - Bangkok, thousands of "red shirts" on the streets to demand fresh... 13 Mar 2010 at 5:37am Supporters of former premier Thaksin, led by the opposition party United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), arrive in the capital ahead of tomorrow?s demonstration. They brand as "illegitimate" the current government headed by Abhisit, who came to power through a coup by the military. For the moment no problem in public order. ASIA - El Niņo and heavy industry leave South East Asia waterless 13 Mar 2010 at 4:17am Over 65 million people in the Mekong region are suffering the worst drought in 30 years. Bangkok: the Chinese dams the source of the problem. At risk crops of rice and sugar, production of palm oil in Indonesia and Malaysia. Indigenous Filipinos forced to eating poisonous plants. UZBEKISTAN - Baptist pastor sentenced to 10 years in prison 13 Mar 2010 at 4:30am Found guilty of trafficking large quantities of drugs, but the faithful charge that the sentence is "fabricated." Prison and torture for those who practice their religion without authorization. PAKISTAN - Punjab: Christian maid burned alive to prevent her from reporting... 12 Mar 2010 at 7:36am Kiran George had burns on 80% of her body and died after two days of slow agony. The girl was raped by the son of her Muslim master. When she threatened a lawsuit, the young man killed her. In a second incident a Muslim mob burnt a Christian home and copies of the Bible. TURKEY - SWEDEN - Ankara recalls its ambassador from Sweden. Still problems ... 12 Mar 2010 at 7:43am As already the case with the United States and Canada. Erdogan cancels a trip to Stockholm. The Armenian diaspora against diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkey. CHINA - Lawmaker proposes 15 years in prison for petitioning 12 Mar 2010 at 9:57am Liu Qingning, deputy director of the Legal Affairs Committee of the Guangxi Regional People's Congress, wants the National People?s Congress to punish petitioners with stiff sentences. Wen Jiabao instead called for better petition procedures. In the meantime, social unrest grows in the country. CHINA - Beijing to restrict NGO activities 12 Mar 2010 at 11:08am A new law introduces restrictions on how independent Chinese NGO can get foreign funding. Experts say authorities are increasingly intolerant of independent groups in every sector of society, including charities. VATICAN - Pope: the priest, "speaks of God to the world and presents the wor... 12 Mar 2010 at 6:57am In secularized society, says Benedict XVI, the priest is not a social worker, but " man of the sacred," not subject to the cultural fashions of the time. "True freedom" in belonging to God. The value of "celibacy" INDIA ? CHINA ? SRI LANKA - Chinese aid to Sri Lanka could lead to conflict 12 Mar 2010 at 8:45am Fr Nithiya, the executive secretary of the Justice and Peace Commission of the Catholic Bishops? Conference of India, talks about Sri Lanka?s new, Chinese-funded airport. He blames outside power for turning the country into a colony, destroying peace; he points the finger at China, India and Pakistan. CHINA - Priest arrested in Fujian for organizing winter camp for 300 univers... 12 Mar 2010 at 7:12am Fr. John Baptist Luo was arrested on 3 March. Three other priests have been issued arrest warrants, but not yet detained. Another three have to pay a fine. Fr. Luo told AsiaNews: "I'm ready to go to jail. I would be happy to serve as a witness to Christ and follow the example of many holy martyrs. " ISRAEL ? PALESTINE - Tensions remain high as Israel shuts down West Bank cros... 12 Mar 2010 at 5:47am US Vice President Joe Biden, who is in Israel to re-launch the peace process through indirect talks, accepts Netanyahu?s explanation that the construction of East Jerusalem settlements was slated in a few years time. Is this a green light for more settlements? Abbas wants the United States to make sure plans are scrapped. CHINA - Beijing, the list of arrests and convictions for the NPC 12 Mar 2010 at 5:45am As per routine, on the occasion of the National People?s Assembly the police makes raids against protesters and dissidents. The aim is to prevent public protests during one of the most sensitive national events. MYANMAR ? SOUTH AFRICA - Desmond Tutu and Aung San Suu Kyi agree, Myanmar ele... 12 Mar 2010 at 6:08am The South African archbishop is in favour of sanctions against the military junta, compares Burma?s opposition leader to Nelson Mandela. One day, he said, she will be ?freely elected? to lead her country. The Burmese Nobel Peace Prize winner appeals to the people to stand up to the unjust law.