EAST ASIA

TENS OF THOUSANDS MARCH FOR DEMOCRACY

HONG KONG – Pressure mounted for Hong Kong and Beijing leaders to respond to calls for full democracy in this Chinese territory as tens of thousands of protesters marched yesterday, demanding the right to choose their leaders. Outside the government’s headquarters, protesters demanded Hong Kong leader Donald Tsang respond immediately to calls for a roadmap specifying when and how the territory can have universal suffrage, promised as an eventual goal under its mini-constitution. “I can’t think of anywhere else in the world that you can have such large number of people turning out in such a peaceful manner to ask for something which is of their own right,” said Ronny Tong, a lawmaker and march organizer. Organizers said the protest drew 250,000 people – far exceeding analysts’ forecast of between 50,000 and 100,000. Police put the turnout at 63,000. When Hong Kong was a British colony, its rulers denied its residents the freedom to elect their leaders and full legislature. The tradition has continued since the city returned to China in 1997 under a “one country, two systems” formula that promised Hong Kong wide autonomy. Yesterday’s turnout could mean hopes are faltering for the government to push through a package of political changes that critics say is too conservative. The proposed changes call for doubling the size of the 800-member committee that picks Hong Kong’s leader and expanding the 60-member legislature, as a step toward greater democracy.

– Associated Press

MIDDLE EAST

GAZA TERRORISTS FIRE ROCKETS AT ISRAELI VILLAGE

JERUSALEM – Palestinian terrorists fired two rockets from Gaza into an Israeli village last night evening, despite Israeli airstrikes earlier in the day launched in response to previous attacks. There were no serious injuries, but the exchanges carried the danger of sudden escalation. The rockets hit an Israeli village four miles from the Gaza fence, demonstrating a longer range than usual for the homemade rockets. The Israeli airstrikes yesterday were the first since October 27, the military said.

– Associated Press

CENTRAL ASIA

INCUMBENT WINS IN KAZAKH PRESIDENTIAL VOTE

ASTANA, Kazakhstan – President Nursultan Nazarbayev, who has ruled oil-rich Kazakhstan since Soviet times, was re-elected Sunday by an overwhelming majority, according to four exit polls released hours after voting ended. The exit tallies announced early Monday are likely to undermine any opposition opportunity to claim a miscount in Sunday’s presidential balloting in Central Asia’s most prosperous nation. But complaints are likely that the comparatively authoritarian government did not allow a genuinely free vote.

– Associated Press