President Obama not to send u.s. troops to the foretold Syria

San Jose, Costa Rica (Reuters)-the United States President Barack Obama Friday said he did not foresee a scenario in which he would send U.S. Army to Syria.

At a press conference in the capital of Costa Rica, Obama also vowed that the United States will take a cautious approach to respond to the alleged use of chemical weapons, Syria, Reuters reported.

He said it would not "jump before we see."

The US President on Tuesday warned it was not in a hurry to decide stance regarding chemical weapons in Syria, but said if there is evidence they use it, it will be the trigger for a "consideration" to question keengganannya take military.

Setekah appears the various criticisms, stating he let Syria step over the "boundary line" United States, Obama said Washington believes there is the use of chemical weapons during the civil war in the country, although it has not been able to ascertain which side fired them.

At a news conference at the White House, Obama also offered a number of criteria that the steps taken by the US military intervention is evidence that the regime of President Bashar al-Assad directly ordered the use of chemical weapons. (AK)

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President Evo Morales of Bolivia USAID representative to Malaysia?

The President Of Bolivia Evo Morales (News and Us)

There is no mention of USAID, who manipulate and take advantage of our leaders. "

La Paz (News and Us)-President Evo Morales on Wednesday announced the expulsion of the representatives of the United States Development Agency (USAID) of Bolivia, as well as the institutions alleges that interfere with the domestic affairs of the country.

In a speech before the workmen firmly the hold May Day rallies, President of the populist left of South America's poorest country said USAID was in Bolivia for political purposes, not social.

He did not explain specifically how US agencies that intervene in Bolivia.

USAID has operated in the country since 1964.

Morales, who ruled since 2006, has been previously expelled the u.s. Ambassador and a representative of the Office of the U.S. Drug Eradication in 2008 for the same reason.

Bolivia's own State is known as a producer of coca leaf, which is the raw material of cocaine.

"There is no longer a USAID, manipulate and take advantage of our leaders," Morales said in a speech delivered at the Plaza de Armas, La Paz.

Morales said Bolivia was offended with the latest statement of U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry that Latin America is called the "backyard" of the United States.

United States, he said, perhaps thinking that they can manipulate the politically and economically but it is past.

In Bolivia, the USAID help Bolivia in fixing the health care system as well as run a number of sustainable environment and development programs.

According to USAID, page stated that their main objective in that country is to increase agricultural productivity and food security, Bolivia as well as expand access to social services and increase competition among small and medium-sized companies.

In a speech Wednesday, Morales also announced a number of new rules that are designed to benefit the workers as well as remind the Government nationalised seven years in hydrocarbon sector, committed against dozens of oil companies in the country. (P012/M016)

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The President of the Central African Republic fled into Cameroon

Yaounde (Reuters)-the President of the Central African Republic (CAR) Francois Bozize had landed in the eastern part of Cameroon after leaving his country's capital, Bangui, Sunday morning, said a source at the Cameroon Ministry of defence told Xinhua.

A CAR carrying the presidential helicopter Bozize landed at 18: 00 local time at Batouri airfield, the capital of The Kadey, in Cameroon.

Bozize was accompanied on the helicopter by both his son and aides.

"Yes, he landed there," said Edgar Alain Mebe Ngo'o from Ministry of Defense over the phone, Sunday night (24/3), told Xinhua.

Bozize left the Presidential Palace for at least 30 minutes before the guerrillas last launched an attack against Seleka complex, said the President of the DRC in its flights.

Bozize and his entourage brought to the residence of the Kadey, where one local source told Xinhua that the DRC's President seems to have been saving yourself from guerrillas in a hurry, because he was not carrying anything.

Its existence is still a mystery after the guerrillas seized the Palace and announced they seized Bangui.

Seleka, sagging Coalition, launched a guerrilla faction's five breakthrough last week in the South since the insistence on waging a resistance in December 2012, when they accused the Government of failing to implement a series of peace agreements signed in the past five years.

Bozize and Seleka peace deal signed in January in Gabon's capital, Libreville. The guerrillas continued to attack not long ago, having given the Government an ultimatum to honor the deal, especially the unification of petempur Seleka into national army and withdrawal of the army of South Africa and Uganda are stationed in the Central African Republic. (C003)

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Musharraf wants to again be President of Pakistan

Karachi (Reuters)-former President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf returned to his homeland on Wednesday after nearly four years in exile. He returned to follow the presidential election, despite the possibility of being arrested or killed by the Taliban was threatened.

As reported a variety of international news agency, Musharraf is hoping his party can grab seats in general elections scheduled to take place on May 11.

Jan. 9, Army generals rose to power through a bloody coup as Pakistan's Army Chief in 1999 and left the country after the resignation in 2008 when Asif Ali Zardari was elected President.

Zardari is the husband of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto who was killed in a bomb blast.

Musharraf () is the former dictator and exile in London and Dubai.

Musharraf is facing the charges does not provide adequate security to Bhutto was assassinated in 2007 Benazhir.

He also faces charges related to the death of the separatist leader, in the province of Baluchistan in the South-West Pakistan, He denied the allegations.

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The bodies were flown from Singapore President of Bangladesh

Singapore (Reuters)-the bodies of Bangladesh President Zillur Rahman on Thursday were flown to Dhaka after his death in a Singapore hospital, said the national airline Biman.

Rahman, 84 years old, a veteran politician of the ruling Awami League Party and appointed to occupy the largely ceremonial post in 2009, died on Wednesday at a private hospital in Singapore.

A special flight carrying the corpse of the leaders left Singapore shortly before 10 am local time, said Mohammad Arif Ullah, Biman's country manager in Singapore.

Rahman's family members and his aides also were in the Boeing 737-800, which was expected to land at about 11.50 pm local time in Dhaka, he told AFP.

Rahman, who suffers from kidney and respiratory problems, was flown to Singapore Mount Elizabeth Hospital by air ambulance on March 10 after his health deteriorated.

Bangladesh declared three days of mourning after her death and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called it a "loss that cannot be replaced for the country and the people of that country".

Rahman earlier profession as a lawyer and a member of Parliament who served the longest in the country.

He first joined Parliament in 1973 after identifies the name as an activist who encouraged Bangladesh to break free from the power of Pakistan, AFP reported.

Translator: Askan Krisna

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This is Xi Jinping, China's new President

By Beijing (Reuters)-the Congress of the 12th National People's China on Thursday set the official Xi Jinping as China's new President for the next five years to replace Hu Jintao.

The Congress was held in the great Hall of the people, the national people's Congress, which functions as a Parliament in China, set to lead the country with Xi's population highest in the world.

Xi who sat next to the President of China Hu Jintao, standing straight, bowing to the leadership Council and instantly greeted Hu Jintao, located next door.

The Parliament also appointed as Chairman of the Central Commission Xi Military China.

Who Is Xi?

Xi was born on June 15, 1953 in Beijing, and grew up in in the region of Fuping, Shaanxi Province in Northwest China, Xi was the son of one of the first generation of revolutionary leadership of China, Xi Zhongxun.

His father was elected as a member of the Central Commission of the Communist Party of China in 1956 Congress. Three years later his father, Xi was appointed Deputy Prime Minister Zhou Enlai accompanies.

At that time, Xi enjoyed those times be become an official.

But his life changed 180 degrees when the father removed from all positions in 1962 and was thrown into jail in the middle of the cultural revolution in 1968 on charges of raising antipartai movement.

Xi, who was then 15 years old were sent to work camps for seven years in remote and poor village at the Liangjiahe, Shaanxi Province. A number of sources reveals Xi should stay in caves during her labor.

After working at the Liangjiahe, Xi Jinping studied chemical engineering at Tsinghua University, and continue to strive to become a member of the Communist Party of China, but always failed because of his father's past.

His efforts have succeeded in 1974. His political career by becoming party Secretary diawalinya branch in Hebei province. In 1979-1982 he was appointed Secretary to the gang who later became Biao's Prime Minister and Chairman of the military Commission.

Careers Xi Jinping continues uphill to become party leader and Governor of Fujian in 2000. Two years later became the Party Chairman and the Xi Governor of Zhejiang Province and was elected a member of the Central Committee at the 16th Congress of the Communist Party of China.

Xi Later moved to Shanghai as Party Chairman and a year later became a member of the Permanent Committee of Xi and was chosen as Vice President.

At the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of China on 18 November 2012, Xi Jinping is set as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China.

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Xi Jinping, China's new President

Xi Jinping (Reuters)

Beijing (Reuters)-China's Parliament announced Xi Jinping as the new President of the country. This decision confirms its leadership in the world's most populous nation for four months after he presided over the Communist Party. He will mengepalagi the State berperekonomian second largest in the world, alongside Prime Minister Li Keqiang, who will be inaugurated next Friday.Kempimpinan Xi in the party is the main source kekuasasan in point of fact, while the title of the head of State would enhance the public role, such as in a visit to a foreign country or in defense policy.Keterpelihannya will be efektik guarantee his position in the party.Since assuming the post of the party in last November's Xi had promised to serve on the supremacy of the party, but also vowed to improve the standard of living, to implement economic reform and eradicate corruption.Xi has become the head of the military Council is important, namely China's Central Military Commission.  He is not like his predecessor Hu Jintao, which is under the shadow of Jiang Zemin, according to AFP.Editor: Jafar M Prints

COPYRIGHT © 2013

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President Ahmadinejad will attend the funeral of Chavez

Iran's President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, conveying expressions of grief over the people and the Government of Iran the death of Venezuela's President, Hugo Chavez.(REUTERS)

Tehran (Reuters)-Iran's President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, would visit Venezuela to attend the funeral ceremony of late President of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez, on Friday.

According to the Fars news agency reports, President Ahmadinejad and his delegation from Iran will be leaving Tehran to Caracas on Thursday for a two-day visit to Venezuela.

Iran's Government also set Wednesday as the day of national mourning over the death of Chavez and planned to hold a memorial service to honor Chavez, who died in a hospital in Caracas on Tuesday (5/3) or local time Wednesday (6/3) Indonesia time.

President Ahmadinejad delivered a speech of grief from the people and Government of Iran over the death of Chavez in a message to Venezuela officials.

"For Justice, love and freedom alive, Hugo Chavez will stay alive. For conviction, the sanctity of human life, and he's going to stay alive. As long as the Nations life and struggle for independence, manifest the goodness and justice, he would still be alive, "Ahmadinejad's message.

(ANT)

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Afghanistan's President blames the murder of boy by NATO

Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai (REUTERS)

The Government repeatedly stressed that the war against terrorism cannot succeed in the village and the House of the citizens of Afghanistan, but in hiding and a safe place outside of our borders, "

Kabul (Reuters)-Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai on Sunday condemned the attack helicopters North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the two brothers, both of them under seven years old, was shot dead after being mistaken for Taliban guerrillas.

The second boy was keeping cattle and collect firewood in the southern province, Oruzgan, when killed on Thursday in an incident that NATO-led forces were making apologies.

The death of citizens by foreign forces often sparked anger in Afghanistan since the Taliban was ousted in 2001 and Karzai said current events that indicate errors in the handling of the guerrillas.

"The Government repeatedly stressed that the war against terrorism cannot succeed in the village and the House of the citizens of Afghanistan, but in hiding and a safe place outside of our borders," said Karzai in a clear reference to Pakistan.

The President expressed great sadness over the deaths and conveyed condolences to the families of the children.

Governor Amir Mohammad Akhundzada Oruzgan blamed Australia's army over the incident, but on Sunday, the interlocutor stated it is not clear who is responsible.

"We sent a delegation to investigate and find out who is really happening," said Abdullah seems to AFP.

"The troops requested air support after seeing that they thought planted the bomb the streets," he said.

"They are children herding animals and collecting firewood. It is not clear whether they were killed by the army of the United States or Australia, "he said.

Army Commander General David Hurley Australia States deeply regret the deaths, but added that it's too early says is responsible.

Hurley said the special forces Australia do ronda liaison when firing on February 28.

"Australia's Army immediately reported the incident to the Government officials and leaders of Afghanistan's Oruzgan soldiers," said a statement on Sunday.

The NATO-led allies, Australia accounted for nearly 1,100 soldiers, apologized for the deaths of the boys, saying its forces opened fire on what they believe is a fighter.

"We are fully responsible for that pain," said General Joseph Dunford, Commander of the Foreign Security Assistance Forces (ISAF), on Saturday.

Casualties among NATO forces citizens to become one of the most sensitive in the war against Taliban guerrillas, which sparked outcry and anger people Karzai hard.

Most of Australia's troops based in Oruzgan and focus attention on coaching and training Afghanistan's Army ahead of the withdrawal of combat forces of NATO by the end of next year.
(B002/Z002)

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The President of Ecuador serukan Assange case resolution

The founder of Wikileaks Julian Assange's website. (INTERMEDIATE/REUTERS/Luke MacGregor)

Quito (Reuters)-Ecuador's President Rafael Correa called for Europe to immediately resolve the fate of the creators of WikiLeaks Julian Assange, who has eight months hiding in the Embassy of his country in the United Kingdom.

"The way out of the diplomatic situation must be found as soon as possible," said Rafael Correa told reporters on Sunday, shortly after ensuring victory in the presidential election for a second term, arguing that the fate of the citizens of Australia it is in the hands of Europe.

Julian Assange, a former computer hacker and a citizen of Australia, creating anti-WikiLeaks secret pages that angered Washington with the release to the public the secret cables and data pertaining to the war in Iraq and war in Afghanistan a security breach in the history of the United States ' largest.

Assange fled to the Embassy of Ecuador in London in June after losing a court battle in the United Kingdom so that extradition to Sweden threatened to review related to allegations of rape and sexual harassment.

Ecuador gives asylum to Julian Assange in August, but the United Kingdom had refused to give a safe way out for Assange to leave the country.

By helping him, Ecuador "do what has to be done in the context of its sovereignty," said Rafael Correa and urged the European Court to address it, such as quoted from AFP.

"There can be no problem because the asylum, it is neocolonialism by either," he said. He repeated demands for a safe journey of Quito or doing an examination by officials of Justice Sweden Assange in London.

Rafael Correa, a charismatic in the eyes of his supporters and his foes in the eyes of authoritarian, claim victory on Sunday, shortly after the election is over. He has indeed been predicted to win in the general election this time.

The first official poll conducted has given Rafael Correa voiced 56.7 percent--or about 30 points lead over his closest rival, banker Guillermo Lasso-with just over a third of the votes already counted.

(G003)

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Kerry: AS being President of Syria to withdraw then make

Syria's President Bashar al-Assad (REUTERS/There/Handout)

I am sure there is a way that can be done to change the attitude of the current President Bashar (who wish to remain in power). "

Washington (Reuters)-Washington currently trying to convince Syria President Bashar al-Assad to step down from his post and accept the consequences, "inevitable", said United States Secretary of State John Kerry on Tuesday.

"I am sure there is a way that can be done to change the attitude of the current President Bashar (who wish to remain in power)," said Kerry told reporters, AFP reported.

The highest United States Diplomat did not disclose in detail the steps that will be undertaken to convince Bashar, but on the other hand claimed to have a "good omen" for the success of the plan.

Kerry, who recently met with Jordan's Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, was confident the withdrawal of Bashar is the "inevitable" given the condition of the civil war in Syria at the moment.

"Currently, conditions in Syria is still not able to compel him to go down, but in the future it is inevitable," said Kerry.

United States currently proposed solutions that could be negotiated to end the civil war that had lasted for 23 months and killed an estimated 70,000 people in Syria, said Kerry.

The purpose of the Act is the United States to avoid "splitting into two countries, Syria because it is very dangerous and can produce the most likely bad for all concerned."

In addition, Kerry indicated that Jordan would urge the United States, along with Russia, which is an ally of Syria, to put more pressure for Bashar to be willing to step down.

Moscow has been getting criticism for maintaining good relations with the regime of Bashar while fighting with guerrillas of the opposition groups. The country is also rumored to hold supplies weapons to the Government in Damascus.

"I still have hopes that Russia and the United States can find the similarity principle in this issue," Kerry said while adding that King Abdullah II of Jordan will visit Moscow.

Meanwhile, Judeh said that "the situation in Syria is currently untenable" and revealed that there had been "general agreement among the international community" about the need for a political dialogue.

"We need more ways and appropriate measures to bridge wide differences over setting a deadline for settlement of the conflict," he said.

"As such, we can conduct political dialogue that resulted in a solution that was agreed upon by all parties, namely the transition and completion of the violence," said Judeh.

A diplomat from Russia on Wednesday said that the Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem and leader of the opposition group National Coalition Moaz al-Khatib Ahmed will travel to Moscow separately in the next few weeks. (G005)

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Veteran president 'leaves Yemen'

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22 January 2012 Last updated at 19:08 GMT Ali Abdullah Saleh seized power in 1978 Yemen's veteran President, Ali Abdullah Saleh, has left the country to travel to the US for medical treatment, Yemeni officials say.

In a televised "farewell speech" he asked for forgiveness for "any shortcomings" during his 33-year rule.

His departure came a day after MPs approved a law giving him immunity from prosecution.

The law was part of a Gulf Co-operation Council-brokered deal under which he would relinquish power and leave Yemen.

A spokesman for Mr Saleh, Ahmed al-Soufi, said the president had flown out of the country late on Sunday bound for neighbouring Oman, from where he is expected to continue his journey.

Afterwards, a senior official in Washington said the Yemeni president had been cleared to go to the US for medical treatment, the Associated Press reported.

'In your hands' Continue reading the main story Sebastian Usher BBC Arab affairs editor

Yemenis could be forgiven if they had a sense of deja vu. All day there were rumours that President Saleh had flown out of the country or was about to. There was similar uncertainty when he left for Saudi Arabia after being seriously wounded in an assassination attempt last June.

Most people then felt that after months of mass unrest and growing civil conflict, his departure was an admission of defeat and he would not be returning. But he did.

This time, in what sounded like a valedictory speech, he stressed that he was not leaving for good, but would at some point return to lead his political party.

However long it lasts this time, Mr Saleh's absence will be seen as at least providing a breathing space for Yemen to hold new elections next month and try to make a fresh start - although the only candidate is the vice president.

"God willing, I will leave for treatment in the United States and I will return to Sanaa as head of the General People's Congress party," Mr Saleh earlier told party officials in his speech.

"I ask for forgiveness from all my people, men and women, for any shortcomings during my 33-year-long rule," he said.

One official who was at the early-morning event which brought together senior political, military and security officials, quoted Mr Saleh as saying: "Today, I leave the country in your hands.''

The president's aides say Mr Saleh also announced the promotion of Vice-President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi - who is set to replace him as president - to the rank of marshal.

Mr Saleh, 69, was badly injured in an attack on his presidential palace in June after which he spent several months in Saudi Arabia for medical treatment.

Protests continue

The capital Sanaa saw renewed protests on Sunday calling for him to be put on trial.

Demonstrators want Mr Saleh to be brought to justice for offences they say he committed, including the brutal suppression of a year-long uprising that left hundreds dead.

The bill approved on Saturday grants President Saleh full and irrevocable immunity from prosecution for anything he did while in office.

However, it was amended earlier this week to limit the immunity to government and military officials who served alongside Mr Saleh. They could still be prosecuted for actions deemed to be terrorism, or for corruption.

The outcry over immunity for Mr Saleh shows no sign of abating

Angry protesters carried banners on Sunday urging MPs to reverse their decision on Mr Saleh's immunity.

"It is our duty... to execute the butcher", chanted protesters in Change Square - the hub of the democracy movement over the past year, AFP news agency said.

Security forces controlled by the president and his family, as well as armed loyalists, have been accused of killing anti-government protesters.

Earlier this month, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, said that anyone who committed abuses during the mass protests which erupted a year ago should not be allowed to escape justice.

Source BBC

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Democratic Strategists Worry President Is Too Close to Hollywood

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President Obama is working hard to rebuild his support among Hollywood celebrities and leaders of the entertainment industry, who strongly backed his 2008 campaign with their endorsements and their money. And it looks like he's having considerable success, judging by his trip to donor-rich California this week.

But some Democratic strategists wonder how close the president should get to Hollywood elites at a time when millions of Americans are suffering economic hardship and have little tolerance for the self-important dabbling of movie and TV stars in politics and policy. The Hollywood crowd brings excitement and stirs public interest, but getting too close could make Obama seem to be a showhorse when a workhorse is what people really want. [See photos of the Obamas behind the scenes.]

There had been some concern among Democrats that entertainment industry leaders might not open their wallets for the 2012 campaign after celebrities, including actors Matt Damon and Robert Redford and director Michael Moore, expressed disappointment in Obama because he hasn't delivered on more of his promises.

But in Los Angeles this week, there was no dearth of stars at Obama's fund-raisers. He attended one event Monday hosted by actors Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith that included 200 guests, who each paid at least $5,000. Obama also spoke at a separate fund-raising dinner attended by 40 persons, including actor Will Smith and former basketball player Magic Johnson, at a cost of $35,800 each. On Tuesday, Obama attended a private meeting in Los Angeles of entertainment-industry insiders including studio executive Harvey Weinstein and record company executives Livia Tortella and Craig Kallman. White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said, "It was not a fundraiser. It was just a discussion — brief, very brief, like 10 minutes — with some supporters." Of course, the checks will probably arrive later. It won't be clear how much money Obama has raised from Hollywood until official fundraising reports are released at year's end. But the receipts should be impressive. [See editorial cartoons about President Obama.]

Obama told his Hollywood guests that, even though he has had his share of setbacks, he remains committed to a sweeping agenda of change. At one point, Obama referred to a checklist of his top priorities and said, "We've got about 60 percent done. I'm pretty confident we can get the next 40 percent done in the next five years."

This is what the Hollywood crowd wanted to hear. The question for Obama is how closely he wants to be associated with the stars when his target audience should be more down to earth, in Middle America.

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Liberia president extends lead, short of vote majority

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Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, who is also Liberia's president and presidential candidate of the Unity Party (UP), arrives to vote at the polling station in Feefee in Bomi County October 11, 2011.

Credit: Reuters/Luc Gnago

By Richard Valdmanis

MONROVIA | Fri Oct 14, 2011 5:52pm EDT

MONROVIA (Reuters) - President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has extended her lead in Liberia's election but remains short of the outright majority required for a first-round win, according to the latest batch of results announced by the election commission on Friday.

The newly named Nobel peace laureate now leads with 45.4 percent of the votes in the West African state's second presidential vote since its civil war, up from 44.5 percent in results on Thursday and ahead of closest rival Winston Tubman, now on 29.5 percent, according to the results.

"A little more than half the ballots have been counted, we're just past the halfway mark," NEC Chairman James Fromayah told a press conference, adding that full results were likely to be ready before an October 26 deadline.

"We will definitely finish ahead of schedule."

The election is Liberia's first locally-organized poll since an on-and-off 1989-2003 conflict, and if smooth could pave the way for billions of dollars in mining and oil investment.

A run-off will take place in early November if no candidate secures more than 50 percent of the vote.

Former rebel leader Prince Johnson was in third place with 11.4 percent of the nearly 600,000 valid votes counted, the NEC said, most of which came from his bastion of minerals-rich Nimba County -- Liberia's second most populous of 15 counties.

Johnson told Reuters in an interview on Friday that he would welcome a "kingmaker" role if there were a run-off between Johnson-Sirleaf and Tubman, adding that he would negotiate for key government posts for his party and seek to change the minerals revenue management law.

Turnout at the polling stations counted so far has averaged 70.2 percent, the NEC said. Liberia has about 1.8 million registered voters.

The counting from Montserrado, Liberia's biggest county that includes the capital, Monrovia, has been coming in slowly, drawing criticism from Tubman's CDC party, which claims it as one of their strongholds. The CDC said it has also filed a formal complaint with the NEC over allegations that electoral officials secretly opened at least three sealed ballot boxes.

Johnson-Sirleaf went into the vote as the favorite but Tubman, whose running mate is former soccer star George Weah, has sought to tap into simmering frustrations, especially among Liberian youth.

Although Liberia has seen increasing investment and has managed to convince donors to waive billions of dollars in debt, many residents say progress has been too slow and complain of a lack of basic services, high food prices, rampant crime and corruption.

(Writing by David Lewis; Editing by Mark Heinrich)

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Putin set to return as president

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24 September 2011 Last updated at 21:15 GMT Mr Putin's formal nomination for president is seen as a foregone conclusion Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin says he has accepted a proposal to stand for president in March 2012.

Addressing the ruling United Russia party's annual congress, Mr Putin and current President Dmitry Medvedev backed one another to switch roles.

The announcements end speculation over which man should run for the top job.

United Russia, which Mr Putin leads, dominates the country's politics and observers say his return to the Kremlin is now all but guaranteed.

He had already served two terms as president before Mr Medvedev took over in 2008. Mr Putin was barred by the constitution from running for a third consecutive term.

News of Mr Putin's candidacy, which had been widely expected, was greeted with dismay by the country's small liberal opposition.

Boris Nemtsov, a deputy prime minister under Boris Yeltsin, likened Mr Putin to Alexander Lukashenko, the long-serving autocratic president of Belarus.

'Great honour'

"I want to thank you for the positive reaction to the proposal for me to stand for Russian president," Mr Putin told delegates after Mr Medvedev suggested he should be a candidate.

Continue reading the main story Steve Rosenberg BBC News, Moscow

There is little doubt that Vladimir Putin will win next year's presidential poll. Not only is he the most popular politician in Russia, he also controls the entire political system, one which keeps any potential rivals from appearing and attracting support.

So what will President Putin Take 3 mean for Russia? His supporters say stability, a calm hand which will guide the country through potentially difficult economic times. His critics predict stagnation, more corruption and the suffocation of democracy.

There may be consequences, too, for the outside world. In the past, Western leaders have found it difficult dealing with Vladimir Putin - they will have to get used to the prospect that once again he will be the man they will need to do business with.

"For me this is a great honour."

Mr Putin also indicated that Mr Medvedev could become prime minister following the 4 December parliamentary vote, introducing a "new, effective, young, energetic management team".

Mr Medvedev had earlier accepted a proposal that he head the party's list of candidates in the elections and spoke of his "readiness to assume practical work in the government" in the future.

Backing Mr Putin for president, he said: "I think it would be correct for the congress to support the candidacy of the party chairman, Vladimir Putin, to the post of president of the country."

The congress must formally nominate Mr Putin as its presidential candidate - but that appears all but certain given the cheering and applause that greeted Mr Medvedev's proposal.

There have been months of speculation that Mr Putin planned to return to the Kremlin when elections are held in March.

Correspondents say most Russians believe he has greater influence in the country and far more power than Mr Medvedev.

Mr Putin told delegates that the two men had reached agreement on who should hold which post "a long time ago, several years back".

Continue reading the main story

I think Putin is the grave-digger of Russia, he should be in prison rather than in the presidential chair”

End Quote Andrei, Moscow He also warned of possible, unpopular measures to cope with the global financial turmoil.

"The task of the government is not only to pour honey into a cup, but sometimes to give bitter medicine," Mr Putin said.

"But this should always be done openly and honestly, and then the overwhelming majority of people will understand their government."

Mr Medvedev has spearheaded a drive to modernise Russia during his term in office.

Some economists say the return of the more conservative Mr Putin could counter this. Others say the two men vary in their styles but differ little on policy.

Mr Medvedev took over in 2008 after Mr Putin had served two terms as president

Under recent constitutional amendments, the new president will have a six-year mandate rather than four years as before. He or she will be able to serve no more than two consecutive terms, meaning Mr Putin could be in office until 2024.

Mr Nemtsov, who co-founded the unregistered People's Freedom Party, predicted "increased migration, capital flight and even more dependence on raw materials" under Mr Putin.

"We're in for a giant corruption component in politics, which will be incomparable with the current one," he told Russian radio station Ekho Moskvy.

Strange tweets

News of the candidacy generated a wave of Russian-language traffic on Twitter, much of it enthusiastic, such as a tweet by @xurinlev which read, "The man who pulled Russia out of the crash is coming back!"

However, along with genuine messages of support, a #putin2012 hashtag appeared which raised suspicions of manipulation among bloggers.

It was being promoted, in part, by tweeters who had registered on Twitter on the same date, 27 June 2011, some within seconds of each other, with account locations that spanned Russia.

"It's very easy to tell real public opinion from fake," tweeted @samklebanov after noticing the pattern. "Compare searches for "Putin" in Twitter with searches for #putin2012."

Meanwhile, one of the country's most popular micro-bloggers, @navalny, quipped "Android replacing iPod", seeming to refer to Mr Putin's strongman image and Mr Medvedev's well-known enthusiasm for social media.

"What happened to Mr Medevedev?" joked another tweeter, @ivan_f_davydov. "He drowned in the ovation."

The Russian president, who on Wednesday had tweeted "Half a million - that's cool. Thanks!", in apparent reference to the number of followers of his @MedvedevRussia account, did not tweet on Saturday.

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President Saleh returns to Yemen amid gunfire, blasts

1 of 5. Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh points during an interview with selected media, including Reuters, in Sanaa in this May 25, 2011 file photo. Saleh returned to Yemen on September 23, 2011, state television reported, after spending three months in Saudi Arabia recovering from a June assassination attempt.
Credit: Reuters/Khaled Abdullah/Files
By Erika Solomon and Mohammed Ghobari
SANAA | Fri Sep 23, 2011 3:48am EDT
SANAA (Reuters) - President Ali Abdullah Saleh returned to Yemen on Friday after three months in Saudi Arabia recovering from an assassination attempt and was greeted by the sound of gunfire and explosions across the capital.
Deeply unpopular, the president had faced protests against his three-decade rule since January and his return, first reported by state television and confirmed by Reuters, raises the risk of all-out civil war in the volatile Arabian Peninsula country.
Violence in the capital Sanaa, which had been escalating this week as loyalist troops clashed with forces backing a mass protest movement, is expected to intensify.
"We're definitely going to have an escalation of violence, but let him come back," said Mohammed al-Asl, a protest organizer. "We want him to come back and be tried for his crimes."
Yemeni state television reported his return, saying, "Ali Abdullah Saleh, President of the Republic, returned this morning to the land of the nation safely after a trip for treatment in Riyadh that lasted more than three months."
Within minutes of the announcement, loud bursts of gunfire and explosions were heard echoing through the capital. There were also fireworks.
The death count from five days of violence has risen to more than 100. Since the revolt against Saleh began eight months ago, about 450 people have been killed.
Protesters are expected to flow onto the streets of the ancient capital of Sanaa during Friday prayers, demanding an end to Saleh's 33-year rule.
The United States, Saudi Arabia and other powers fear al-Qaeda's Yemen wing could exploit the growing lawlessness in the nearly failed state. Al Qaeda militants have already seized cities in a Yemeni province just east of a key oil shipping channel in recent months.
"This is an ominous sign, returning at a time like this probably signals he intends to use violence to resolve this. This is dangerous," said Abdulghani al-Iryani, a political analyst and co-founder of the Democratic Awakening Movement.
"His people will feel that they are in a stronger position and they will refuse to compromise. Basically this means the political process is dead in the water."
ENTRENCHED
All week, gun battles and shelling between state troops and soldiers backing the protest movement shook areas near "Change Square," the name demonstrators have given the street where thousands have camped out for eight months.
Protesters, inspired by uprisings across the Arab world, marched into parts of the city controlled by pro-Saleh forces on Sunday and were met by heavy gunfire. The clashes escalated when troops loyal to army defector General Ali Mohsen joined in on the side of the protesters.
Heavy explosions and gunfire were heard in Hasaba on Thursday, a neighborhood of Sanaa where the powerful anti-Saleh tribal leader Sadeq al-Ahmar lives, residents said.
"Everyone is afraid this is going to lead to more violence...but we won't accept the continuation of this dictatorship, no matter the price," said youth protest group organizer Manea al-Mattari.
Snipers said to be lurking on the upper floors of buildings killed four protesters and wounded at least 14 around Change Square, a doctor at the square's clinic said. Angry protesters set fire to a house where they believed snipers were hiding, while medics set up a blood donation campaign for the wounded.
A guard at the house of an opposition figure also died when Saleh loyalists attacked his house.
Negotiations on a peaceful transfer of power have stalled, and the U.N.'s Yemen envoy said the country on the south end of the Arabian Peninsula would be torn apart unless a political solution is reached soon between Saleh's camp and his foes.
Before his return, Saleh had been in nearby Saudi Arabia recovering from wounds suffered in a June assassination attempt, leaving Yemen in a tense political limbo.
Diplomats had been pushing for a transfer of power plan, which they said Yemeni politicians were just days away from finalizing when the latest fighting erupted.
Saleh has on three occasions backed out of a plan brokered by Gulf neighbors for him to step down. Yemenis eager to get on with their lives said they feared that negotiators did not have much time left before violence spiraled out of control.
A truce called by Yemen's vice president Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi earlier this week broke down in just a matter of hours, highlighting the need for a political breakthrough.
A government spokesman said that the vice president was still involved in power transfer talks.
"The return of the President will not affect his giving the VP the authority to negotiate over the operational mechanism and signing the Gulf initiative and conducting elections," Deputy Information Minister Abdo al-Janadi told Al Jazeera television.
Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General Abdbullatif al-Zayani flew into Sanaa this week to try and resurrect the deal but left after two days with nothing to show for his efforts.
(Writing by Reed Stevenson; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Rosalind Russell)

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Students with President Bush September 11 Look Back

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Ten years later: students with President Bush on 9/11.

By Jonathan Serrie released September 09, 2011| FoxNews.com

Sarasota (Florida) - ten years after 9/11, members of a class of rank second reading to President George w. Bush during his visit to Emma Booker elementary recall clearly how its expression changed when his Chief of staff whispered in his ear.

"I thought something was bothering him and there was a kind of political agenda goes to Washington, D.C., where he was to attend to," said Lazaro Dubrocq, now a high school senior.

"But that we started our reading, it seemed to follow with us." Therefore, I assumed that he abandoned the thought and so have I. »

Former President fired heat from critics to sit with the class until they complete the reading. In an upcoming National Geographic documentary, President Bush said he would not frighten children. And students say that he made the right decision.

"I wonder what good would it if he left immediately, or if he had panicked and what type of printing that have left, not only students, but the nation as a whole,"said Dubrocq. ".

The news of the spread of the attacks, the parents of the school is concerned.

"A lot of parents are venus and children were leaving early, said former student elementary Booker Mariah Williams, now also a high school senior." "". Their parents thought that the school would be attacked, then, that President Bush was here. »

Professor Kay Daniels recalled the difficult task of explaining what was happening to her classroom in fairly simple terms for 7 years understanding, without causing unnecessary fear.

"It was really difficult," said Daniels. "Because I discovered after what was happened, it took me a moment to absorb and to grieve a little." "And I had to act very quickly because I find children."

Students say that adults did a good job of the events in perspective. Although 9/11 shattered some preconceived notion of security, the class members say that they do not grow in fear.

"The world is not a perfect place and it is not harmonious, said Dubrocq." "". "But I do not think that the effect is minimized by my parents and teachers who wanted if ensure that he did not affect us at a point as we were instilled with the fear of another attack."

Click here for coverage of the 10th anniversary of September 11.

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