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Asia-pacific

CHINA
Crisis is 'unprecedented' but economy is strong, says premier
In his annual speech to the opening session of parliament, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said the country was facing "unprecedented" challenges from a worsening global financial crisis but that he still expected GDP growth of 8% for 2009.
PAKISTAN - VIOLENCE
Police step up manhunt for attackers of Sri Lanka cricketers
Pakistani police have detained five people believed to have information about attackers who on Tuesday launched a brazen assault on Sri Lanka's cricket team. The ICC said Pakistan could not host cricket games until security improved.
AFGHANISTAN
Elections slated for August despite Karzai's calls for early vote
The Afghan election commission has decided to keep to the August 20 schedule for presidential elections despite calls from President Hamid Karzai (pictured) for an early ballot to be held in April.
PAKISTAN
Police question dozens in attacks on Sri Lanka cricket team
Police and security sources say some two dozen people have been detained for questioning in connection with a deadly attack Tuesday on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore, Pakistan.
PAKISTAN
'We will not negotiate with terrorists,' says President Zardari
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari (pictured) says his country will not negotiate with "extremist Taliban and terrorists", adding that the attack Tuesday on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore illustrates the challenges posed by extremists.
CHINA - MILITARY
Beijing to increase defence budget by 14.9%
Beijing has announced a 14.9 percent increase in China's 2009 defence budget despite concerns on the part of the United States, Japan and other nations over the country's increasing military might.
BANGLADESH
Army arrests suspected mutiny 'ringleader'
Bangladesh's security forces claimed on Tuesday to have arrested Touhidul Alam, the "ringleader" behind a mutiny by border troops that has left at least 56 border guards dead. Four other mutineers were arrested in relation to the case.
AFGHANISTAN
Britain joins call for Karzai not to move up Afghan election date
Britain supported the United Nations and others allies in pressing the Afghan president, Hamid Karzai, to hold elections in August, as originally decided, for security and "practical" reasons. Karzai caused a stir by announcing an April date.
PAKISTAN - SHOOTING
Police search for gunmen who attacked cricketers
Six police and two security personnel were killed in an attack on the Sri Lanka cricket team on Tuesday in Lahore. Police are searching for up to 12 gunmen who "appeared to be well-trained terrorists", according to the city's police chief.
BANGLADESH
Army to hunt down fugitive mutineers in 'Operation Rebel Hunt'
Security officials said Sunday that a nationwide operation would be launched on Monday to track down more than 1,000 soldiers listed as "wanted" for their involvement in a deadly mutiny that has killed at least 80.
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