Taiwan's Chen announces end of unification council
February 27, 2006Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian announced Monday that a dormant council formed 15 years ago to promote unification with mainland China will cease to function, a move likely to result in an escalation of tensions across the Taiwan Strait. Chen, who advocates a separate identity for Taiwan from mainland China, finalized the decision at a meeting with top security officials on the future of the National Unification Council and its policy guidelines, which he has dismissed as ''an absurd result of the absurd times.''
Thai opposition parties to boycott April 2 general election
February 27, 2006Three Thai opposition parties have agreed to boycott the general election set for April 2, the parties said in a statement Monday. Embattled Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra dissolved parliament Friday to pave the way for holding the general election. ==Kyodo
Indian gov't expects economy to grow by 8.1% in FY 2005
February 27, 2006India's government expects the country's economy to grow 8.1 percent in fiscal 2005 ending March 31, backed by new industrial resurgence, a rise in investment and modest inflation, Press Trust of India reported Monday quoting the government's economic survey. The Indian economy, however, is still not free from the risks of inflation, hardening interest rates and a fiscal deficit although it fares well on various economic parameters, according to the survey presented in parliament.