Arroyo to decide in 72 hours whether to lift emergency rule
March 1, 2006Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said Wednesday she will decide within 72 hours whether to lift a state of emergency she imposed Friday after taking direct control of the country. Arroyo, in a nationally broadcast television announcement, said she would wait for the advice of Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez and Philippine National Police Director General Arturo Lomibao, who are due to submit assessment reports and recommendations within 24 to 72 hours.
Bush makes surprise visit to Afghanistan, pledges support
March 1, 2006U.S. President George W. Bush on Wednesday pledged long-term U.S. commitment to Afghanistan during a surprise stopover to the war-torn country. ''Our country treasures and honors to be involved in the future of this country,'' Bush told a joint press conference with Afghan President Hamid Karzai after holding talks at the presidential palace in Kabul.
Nippon Keidanren, Vietnam seek bigger Japanese investment
March 1, 2006The Communist Party of Vietnam and the Japan Business Federation agreed Tuesday that the two will cooperate in boosting Japanese companies' direct investment in Vietnam, federation officials said. The accord came at a meeting between Communist Party Secretary General Nong Duc Manh and Hiroshi Okuda, chairman of Japan's biggest business lobby known as Nippon Keidanren.