Japan
Plan Will Make Japan Airlines Solvent by 2011
Japan Airlines and their subsidiaries will cut at least 30 percent of their workforce. According to an article in the Asahi Shimbun newspaper, Japan is trying to keep the airline afloat and make it economically solvent by next year. The three-year plan was initiated by Japan’s Enterprise Turnaround Initiative Corp. The report says that Japan Airlines will have to layoff 15,700 workers. Jumbo jets used by the airlines will be replaced with smaller and more fuel-efficient planes by 2015. There are 37 jumbo jets in use right now, says the report.
Mongolia
President Commutes Death Penalties
Mongolia’s president Elbegdorj Tsakhia declared a moratorium on capital punishment in a speech to Parliament on Thursday. Tsakhia said he would immediately pardon all death row inmates, and suggested reducing their sentences to 30 years. While human rights groups lauded the announcement, it was not applauded by many opposition party members who are against abolishing the death penalty, reported AP. In Mongolia, the president’s office has the power to commute sentences, but making changes to the legal code is seen as unlikely given that Parliament is currently controlled by the opposition. There are eight crimes in Mongolia that carry the death penalty.
Pakistan
Taliban Says Leader Not Dead
Pakistan Taliban members have denied that their leader was killed in a recent U.S. drone attack that killed 10 on Thursday. The drone attack was in the North Waziristan region, said officials according to the BBC. The Taliban spokesperson said that their leader, Hakimullah Mehsud, escaped before the attacks began. North and South Waziristan are both considered to be strongholds for the Taliban in Pakistan. The U.S. has placed pressure on Pakistan to attack militants in North Waziristan. In October last year, Pakistan started attacks on South Waziristan.
U.K.
Thaw May Cause Floods
The temperatures have moved above freezing in the past few days, but forecasters have said that freezing temperatures may occur during the night. According to the BBC on Thursday, many roads are still frozen and there is limited salt to put on them. Temperatures are expected to be 37–39 degrees Fahrenheit, which may cause ice runoff to flood. Over the weekend, heavy rains are predicted, further compounding flood risks.
“We work closely with all our business partners to ensure the environment is protected whatever the weather,” said regional director for the Environmental Agency Toby Willison.
Jordan
Israeli Diplomats Targeted
No injuries were reported when a roadside bomb exploded in Jordan on Thursday, apparently aimed at two cars carrying Israeli diplomats. The attack happened near the Allenby Bridge over the Jordan River close to the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The vehicles were carrying four Israeli diplomats from the embassy in Amman plus two security guards. The ambassador, Danny Nevo, was not among them. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but local news reports said that a cab driver has been arrested in connection to the incident.
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