938LIVE (SINGAPORE) 16.11.2012 0900HRS Monitored by Zulkifli Ibrahim News: 1.

. Egypt PM to visit Gaza in support of Hamas against Israel Egypt's prime minister, Hisham Kandil, is preparing to visit the Gaza Strip on Friday. It is an unprecedented display of solidarity with Hamas militants who are currently embroiled in a new escalation of conflict with Israel that risks spiralling into an all-out war. Two days of Israeli air strikes have killed 19 Palestinians, including seven militants and 12 civilians. The latest upsurge in the long-running conflict came when Israel killed Hamas' military mastermind, Ahmed Jabari, in a precision air strike on his car. Israel says its offensive responded to increasing missile salvoes from Gaza.

938LIVE (SINGAPORE) 16.11.2012 0900HRS Monitored by Zulkifli Ibrahim News: 2. Obama to showcase US clout in Southeast Asia US President Barack Obama hopes to demonstrate rising US clout in Asia on his first foreign trip since his re-election, with a tour of three countries including a stop in Myanmar. Mr Obama will head to longtime US ally Thailand tomorrow, and meet Asia's top leaders at a summit in Cambodia in the coming days. He launched a socalled pivot to Asia in his first term in office. It included greater military cooperation with Australia, Thailand and Vietnam and a plan to shift the bulk of the US navy to the Pacific by 2020. Tom Donilon, the national security adviser, said that Mr Obama's trip shows that the US is not only rebalancing itself towards Asia but also within Asia. Meanwhile, The White House said that it hopes Mr Obama's landmark visit to Myanmar would offer a tremendous boost to reforms underway but insisted he is clear-eyed about the country's challenges. Mr Obama is expected to press Myanmar's leaders to improve the treatment of the Rohingya. He would also press for actions including the unconditional release of political prisoners.

938LIVE (SINGAPORE) 16.11.2012 1000HRS Monitored by Zulkifli Ibrahim News: 3. Obama to meet China, Japan PMs The White House said he will meet with the premiers of China and Japan next week. This comes at a time of high tensions between Asia's two largest economies. Mr Obama will meet Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in Cambodia. China and Japan's historically tense relations have become significantly worse in recent months as nationalist activists on both sides stake claims to islands in the East China Sea claimed by both countries.

938LIVE (SINGAPORE) 16.11.2012 1000HRS Monitored by Zulkifli Ibrahim News: 4. Japan PM set to dissolve lower house for election Japan is set to dissolve parliament's lower house today for a December 16th election. Observers say the election is likely to return the long-dominant Liberal Democratic Party or LDP to power with a conservative former prime minister, Shinzo Abe, at the helm. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, Japan's sixth prime minister in six years and the third since the Democratic Party of Japan's landslide election win, said earlier this week that he would call the election for next month. He had promised this in exchange for opposition support for his pet policy to double the sales tax by 2015 to curb massive public debt. Japanese media said Mr Noda's cabinet approved the dissolution this morning, ahead of the formal announcement by the speaker of the house later in the day. The LDP looks likely to win the most seats in parliament's 480-member lower house. But a lack of voter enthusiasm makes it uncertain whether the party and its former junior partner, the New Komeito party, can win a majority.

BBC LONDON 16.11.2012 2300HRS Monitored by Zulkifli Ibrahim News: 5. US lifts Burma imports ban ahead of Obama visit The US has lifted a decade-old ban on most imports from Burma, ahead of a historic visit by President Obama. The move was intended to support political reform in Burma and to offer new bilateral business opportunities, said US officials. Mr Obama will on Monday be the first US president to visit Burma, which has seen rapid change since nearly half a century of military rule ended in 2010. The US export ban will remain in place on imports of some gems. Burma is famous for its jade and rubies, but the precious stones were a source of revenue for the military and concerns remain about human rights abuses in the industry, correspondents say. The Burma visit is part of a three-leg tour from 17 to 20 November that will also take in Thailand and Cambodia. During the Burma leg, Mr Obama will meet Burmese President Thein Sein - who visited the US in September - and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The trip - Mr Obama's first foreign initiative since his re-election earlier this month reflects the importance that the US has placed on normalising relations with Burma, correspondents say. In a statement, White House spokesman Jay Carney said Mr Obama intended to "speak to civil society to encourage Burma's ongoing democratic transition". The government of Burma has begun implementing economic, political and other reforms, a process the Obama administration has sought to encourage. The US began relaxing sanctions against Burma after by-elections were held there earlier this year. Elections in November 2010 saw military rule replaced with a military-backed nominally civilian government, which took office in March 2011. Since then many political prisoners have been freed and censorship relaxed.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was previously the most senior US official to go to Burma when she visited in December 2011. The BBC's Kim Ghattas in Washington describes the move as another reward for Burma as it continues on the path towards reform. Some Burmese activists say the US is moving too fast in normalising ties with the once isolated nation, adds our correspondent. But the Obama administration says the moves are an incentive to encourage continued change. The State Department also said that the mandate for the sanctions remained in place, ready to impose them once more if reforms stall. The Obama administration has also expressed concern about on-going conflict in Burma's ethnic areas such as Rakhine.

VOICE OF AMERICA 16.11.2012 2100HRS Monitored by Zulkifli Ibrahim News: 6. China Inflexible on Sea Disputes Ahead of ASEAN Summit China's territorial disputes with its neighbors are expected to top the agenda when regional leaders, including heads of state from U.S., China, Japan, Australia and others meet in Cambodia in the coming days. Of the 10 ASEAN countries set to meet on Sunday, four are at odds with China over territory in the South China Sea. A key issue at stake in the upcoming talks is whether ASEAN can agree on a socalled code of conduct aimed at averting clashes over the various overlapping claims. Beijing has lobbied against the code, preferring to address the territorial disputes with each country, one on one. On Friday Beijing's foreign ministry spokesman gave no indication that Chinese authorities had changed their stance. Du Jifeng, a researcher at the government-backed Institute for Asia Pacific Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Studies says thats not surprising, even with a new leadership group coming into power. Although leaders have changed, the point of view has not changed. ASEAN countries hold a very important place in China's diplomatic relations, so there won't be a big change in China's position, he said.

The United States has urged countries to adopt the code of conduct to avoid hostilities. But Chinese state media have remained skeptical of U.S. intentions in the region, accusing the Obama administration of trying to meddle with Asian affairs. This week the Global Times published an editorial accusing the United States of having a Cold War mentality The waters enclosed between China's southeastern coastline and Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan are hotly contested in part because of the rich, and so far untapped, energy resources discovered underneath them. They are also a critical trade route for international shipping. Professor Du says he believes that despite alarms over the U.S. so-called pivot to the Pacific, it does not mean Washington is planning to interfere in specific territorial claims. The U.S. has a big security interest in the area, but at the same time its official position is to maintain neutrality in the disputes, and also to solve the matters peacefull,. he said. China says Premier Wen Jiabao will represent Beijing at the East Asia Summit in Phnom Penh next week.

VOICE OF AMERICA 16.11.2012 2100HRS Monitored by Zulkifli Ibrahim News: 7. In Cambodia, Panetta Touts Benefits of US Asia 'Pivot U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has visited Cambodia for talks aimed at expanding military alliances in southeast Asia, in advance of President Barack Obama's trip for a regional summit. Panetta, who met with counterparts from 10 southeast Asian nations in Siem Reap on Friday, touted the benefits of Washington's recent strategic shift toward the AsiaPacific. "This is in many ways the new era of U.S. relationship of this region," he said. "It is based on the principle of rule of laws. It is based on our presence to try to help to develop the capability of these nations. It is based on partnership and it is based on the common goal of advancing peace and prosperity and opportunity of all people and all nations of the Asia-Pacific region." Panetta, who is on his third visit to Asia since June, announced the Pentagon is increasing the size and number of its military exercises with partners in the region. He also said that he stressed to Cambodia's leaders and other regional actors the need

for human rights, respect for the rule of law, and a more complete political system. Panetta's visit comes one day before President Barack Obama departs for the ASEAN and East Asia Summit in the Cambodian capital. Obama's three-day trip will also include short stops in Thailand and Burma.

ALL INDIA RADIO 16.11.2012 2130HRS Monitored by Zulkifli Ibrahim News: 8. World leaders arriving in Phnom Penh for ASEAN summit World leaders including re-elected US President Barack Obama and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao along with estimated 1,700 foreign media personnel are arriving in Phnom Penh today for the ASEAN summit with the expectation of strengthening ties, officials said. The 21st Association of South East Asian Nations Summit and related Summits will be held from Nov. 18-20 at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. The events will bring together all ASEAN leaders and ASEAN's dialogue country leaders including US President Barack Obama, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key. Russian President Vladimir Putin will be a notable absentee from the conference. The world leaders are expected to discuss economic and political issues during the three days. There will also be several agreements to be signed between the host country and China during Prime Minister Wen's visit, Cambodian government spokesman and Information Minister Khieu Kanharith told media. ASEAN integration, economic and financial issues, regional security, among others, will be on top agenda in the forthcoming summit. ALL INDIA RADIO 16.11.2012 2130HRS Monitored by Zulkifli Ibrahim News: 9. Egyptian PM arrives in Gaza The Egyptian Prime Minister, Hisham Qandil has arrived in Gaza on a visit aimed at showing solidarity with the Palestinian people in the face of Israel's aerial bombardment. Israel has agreed to suspend its military operations against Palestinian militants for three hours so the visit could go ahead, providing the Palestinians also stop firing rockets into Israel. A report from Jerusalem says the visit by Egypt's Prime Minister to Gaza is extremely significant.

Intense Israeli airstrikes on Gaza had continued and Israeli tanks and troops have been massing on the border. Repeated Israeli air strikes shook buildings across the Strip.

ALL INDIA RADIO 16.11.2012 2130HRS Monitored by Zulkifli Ibrahim News: 10. Japan's Parl dissolved ahead of next month's general election Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has dissolved Parliament ahead of a general election next month. Mr. Noda has lost support over his sales tax rise and handling of the Fukushima aftermath. Mr. Noda will face newly-elected opposition leader Shinzo Abe in the polls. Mr. Abe's party is expected to win the most seats but it is perceived that election is not likely to throw any clear winner. Support ratings for both the ruling Democratic Party of Japan and Opposition Liberal Demoractic Party are low. Polls show almost half of the voters are undecided which indicates formation of a coalition government. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan singh recently postponed his scheduled visit to Japan because of the mercurial political scenario there.

VOICE OF INDONESIA 16.11.2012 1600HRS Monitored by Zulkifli Ibrahim 11. SBY is scheduled to attend ASEAN Summit Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono , accompanied by First Lady Ani Yudhoyono, will attend the ASEAN Summit and East Asia Summit takes place next week in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Presidential spokesman for Foreign Affairs Teuku Faizasyah said that the president is scheduled to take off on Saturday November 17th 2012. According to him, besides attending the plenary session of the ASEAN Summit, president Yudhoyono would also attend side events such as the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, the ASEAN Plus Three Commemorative Summit and the ASEAN Global Dialogue.

17.11.2012

938LIVE (SINGAPORE) 17.11.2012 0900HRS Monitored by Zulkifli Ibrahim

News: 1. Death of four-year-old Gaza boy in focus as Egyptian PM visits wounded Hamas claims that an Israeli airstrike has killed a four-year-old boy in Gaza The dead boy became the focus of a chaotic scene at a Gaza hospital during a visit by Egyptian Prime Minister Hesham Kandil. Mr Kandil and the Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, held the lifeless body of the boy in the midst of an Israeli military offensive on Hamas militants. The boy was later carried on a stretcher through the crowded streets of Gaza City. His grieving family lashed out at the Israeli authorities from their damaged home. Israel has denied the claim that its airstrike killed the boy Israeli airstrikes pounded the Palestinian territory for a third day.

938LIVE (SINGAPORE) 17.11.2012 0900HRS Monitored by Zulkifli Ibrahim News: 2. Ex-CIA chief David Petraeus says he knew early on that terrorists were behind Benghazi attack Former CIA chief David Petraeus has told lawmakers that he knew from the outset that a deadly attack on a US mission in Libya was the work of terrorists A bitter political feud has erupted in Washington since the September 11th assault on the Benghazi consulate Republican lawmakers have accused US President Barack Obama's administration of misleading the public about its cause. Congress has summoned officials to explain why they blamed the violence on a spontaneous protest triggered by an anti-Muslim video in the days after the attack. Since then, the administration's position has evolved, and the attack is now seen as having been a premeditated assault by an Al Qaeda-linked militia The attack left the US ambassador to Libya and three colleagues dead General Petraeus resigned last week after the revelation of an extramarital affair He told lawmakers that he deeply regretted the affair. 938LIVE (SINGAPORE) 17.11.2012 1000HRS Monitored by Zulkifli Ibrahim News: 3. Protestors in Jordan call for King Abdullah's ouster Supporters of Jordan's King Abdullah have clashed with anti-government protesters in the capital, Amman. Dozens of protesters are said to have been beaten by mobs of the King's supporters. Protests having been raging in Jordan since Tuesday night, after the government raised fuel costs. The price of gas has increased by 54 percent. In response, thousands of Jordanians poured into the streets, pelting riot police with stones and torching police cars, government offices and private

banks It's the largest and most sustained protests to hit the country since the start of the region's uprisings nearly two years ago. One man has been killed and 75 others have been injured in unrest across the country in recent days, which has seen protesters call for the King to be ousted. King Abdullah has cancelled a visit to the UK that was planned for next week. No reason was given for the cancellation, which comes amid escalating violence between Israel and the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip as well as domestic unrest. 938LIVE (SINGAPORE) 17.11.2012 1000HRS Monitored by Zulkifli Ibrahim News: 4. US President Barack Obama, Congressional leaders agree on need to find quick "fiscal cliff" solution The White House says US President Barack Obama had a "constructive" meeting with Congressional leaders about how to avoid the so-called "fiscal cliff" It added that the leaders agreed to find a solution as quickly as possible. Speaking after the meeting, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said Mr Obama and the Congressional leaders will work together to find a balanced approach to reduce the US deficit This would include measures to raise revenue and to cut spending. Prior to the meeting, Mr Obama had said a compromise is needed: "I think we're all aware that we have some urgent business to do." Over the next few days, the president's team will continue to talk with Congressional leaders. 938LIVE (SINGAPORE) 17.11.2012 1000HRS Monitored by Zulkifli Ibrahim News: 5. US lifts ban of imports from Myanmar The US has lifted a nearly decade-old ban on most imports from Myanmar Under the deal, the US would open up to products from Myanmar with the exception of gems, a sector seen as a major driver of corruption and violence. It said it hopes to encourage recent reforms in a move that comes just days before a landmark visit by President Barack Obama. The statement said Myanmar's government and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi both supported the step to "further integrate their country into the global economy." Along with the announcement on imports, the US Treasury Department added seven names to a blacklist of Myanmar firms with which American firms are barred from doing business. The companies, four of which have addresses in Singapore, have been blacklisted as they are linked to what the Treasury Department described as two "cronies of the former regime". On Monday, Mr Obama will become the first sitting US president to visit Myanmar. Aides said he will encourage further change in the nation historically in China's orbit. Ending the US import ban would provide a badly needed economic boost in Myanmar. The US imported some 356 million US dollars worth of

clothing and other goods from Myanmar in 2002, the last full year before the import ban was imposed.