Asian governments pledge to reduce disparities to help children

Twenty-six Asian governments pledged Friday to work towards reducing disparities within their countries in a bid to improve the lives of the region’s 600 million children. In a declaration, the countries pledged to "find ways to guarantee free or affordable services to all members of society. We recognise that the survival, growth and development of…

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UNICEF head calls for more investment in Asia-Pacific youth

Asian governments are spending much less on public health than the global average, the head of the UN children’s agency said Wednesday in an appeal for more investment in the region’s youth. UNICEF head Carol Bellamy also said the fruits of unprecedented economic growth in the East Asian and Pacific region have not been shared…

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Thailand’s deficits spark wariness but outlook remains upbeat: analysts

The announcement of Thailand’s largest current account deficit since before the Asian financial crisis has sparked unease among analysts but they are still largely upbeat about economic prospects this year. Central bank figures released last Monday showed a 942-million-dollar current account deficit in January, the highest in nearly eight years. The figure dominated headlines as…

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Thais head to polls with Thaksin tipped for landslide re-election

Polling began in Thailand’s elections Sunday with Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra poised for a sweeping victory which would deliver the premier an unprecedented second term in power. Voting booths in the kingdom’s 400 constituencies opened at 8:00 am (0100 GMT) and will close seven hours later, with projected unofficial results by television stations expected late…

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Sri Lanka’s property market to withstand tsunami onslaught: analysts

The tsunamis that ravaged Sri Lanka are unlikely to dampen the island nation’s booming property market in the months ahead as foreigners hopefully sniff out bargains and aid floods in, analysts said. Property prices on the palm-fringed island nation have risen dramatically in the past three years, due partly to a February 2002 truce in…

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As Sri Lankan schools resume, teachers brace for emotional roll call

As students traumatised by the Asian tsunami return to school in Sri Lanka Monday, teachers braced for an emotional rollercoaster and the beginning of a long process of psychological recovery. Vice-principal of Sudhamma College S.K. Weerasuruya, standing among dump trucks and volunteers frantically clearing debris ahead of school opening, told AFP that the focus of…

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