On on the situation in Iraq, the Lao Foreign Minister said the international community is deeply concerned to see the people of Iraq continue to endure daily significant loss in human lives and material properties. The Lao PDR expresses the hope that peace, security and national unity could be restored as soon as possible.
On Laos domestic achievements, the head of the Lao delegation said over the past five years, the national economy had grown at the annual average of 6.3%, poverty incidence declined from 48% of the population in 1990 to 28.7% in 2006, life expectancy increased to 61 years and opium cultivation was completely eradicated.
Japan Pol: Japan's parliament has officially chosen Shinzo Abe as the country's new prime minister. Mr. Abe was elected today (Tuesday) in a much-anticipated victory in the lower and upper houses of parliament. At 52 years old, he is Japan's youngest government chief since World War Two. Mr. Abe replaces Junichiro Koizumi, who stepped down as prime minister after serving five years in office.
Thailand Coup: Thailand's new military rulers have named the nation's central bank chief to lead a 19-member economic advisory panel. The government announced today (Tuesday) that Bank of Thailand Governor and chairman Pridiyathorn Devakula would head the panel of businessmen, civil servants and private economists.
Afghanistan Violence: Afghan authorities say a suicide bomb attack in southern Helmand province has killed 18 people and wounded several others. Officials say a number of Afghan troops were among the victims. Police say a bomber blew himself up this (Tuesday) morning near the office of the provincial governor in Lashkar Gah town .
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