By Liza Jansen, CNBC.com

Got some cash to spend? How about a piece of the Greek islands of Rhodes or Corfu? Or a royal palace, a marina, or even a consulate building?

As Greece is struggling to appease international lenders and live up to the conditions of its bailout, the debt-choked nation is speeding up the sale of state assets by expanding its privatization program.

Greeces state fund (Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund or HRADF) now has more than 70,000 state-owned properties on offer for investors and it aims to generate 19 billion euro ($24.5 billion) by 2015 via the sales.

The states properties include a 119,800 square-meter peninsula with a palace hotel complex and a marina, a 450,000 square-meter area in Rhodes with an 18-hole golf course and four miles of beach, a coastline in Corfu, an airport area in Athens and the 2004 Athens Olympics broadcast center.

CNBC: Worlds biggest debtor nations

Apart from land areas, Greece is also offering its government buildings. Greece's ministries of justice, health, education and culture are seeking to rent out some of their buildings, and although the country is coping with rampant tax evasion, 13 of its tax offices are on offer for privatization as well.

Last week, Greece completed its first privatization deal by leasing the International Broadcast Center, used during the 2004 Olympics, to development group Lamda. The group is paying 81 million euros ($104.7 million) to lease the 73,000 square-foot area for 90 years, a price Odisseas Athanassiou, CEO of Lamda Development, said is fair.

The deal made financial sense, Athanassiou told CNBC, and rejected rumors that the agreement was made to please Greeces international lenders.

CNBC:Which country has the lowest debt in the euro zone?

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Debt-choked Greece looks to sell off islands, marinas

By Nikka Garriga

A trip to the provinceCamarines Sur will never be complete without exploring the unspoiled islands of the Caramoan Peninsula.

The term secret is perhaps best applied owing to theboulders of limestone formations that tower and surround the islandspowdery white sand and clear, turquoise waters.

Genaro Galang, or more commonly known around visitors asMang Genaro, is among the pioneer licensed tourist guides in the area under theCaramoan Adventures tour group.

A typical one-day tour includes a visit to five of its islands--Matukad, Lahus, Cagbalinad, Minilahus and Sabitang-laya.

Matukad is probably the most popular as it is where the American reality TV seriesSurvivor is frequently staged. The island seems to depict a woman lying flat on its back from an aerial view.

Apart from the bluish water of its lagoon, Matukad is also a bird hunter's paradise for those wanting a glimpse of thelawin or hawk.

Lahus, which translates to "passing through", is found in between two giant rock formations, whileMinalahus has the same features though the equally clear waters are often low tide.

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Experiencing and conserving the pristine beauty of Caramoan Islands

By Kevin Werner, News Staff

Former Hamilton mayor Bob Morrow enhanced his reputation by introducing the citys floral traffic island program, believing it boosted Hamiltons image.

After several years of cutbacks, former mayor Fred Eisenberger boosted the program in an attempt to re-energize the city.

Now councillors want more flowers on traffic islands.

Its a winner, said Mountain councillor Tom Jackson. People love to see it.

When Morrow lost the 2000 municipal election, the floral island program slowly declined under mayors Bob Wade and Larry Di Ianni, as part of the citys cost-cutting measure. Of 247 floral traffic islands, there remained 155. About 70 of them were converted to gravel and rock, while another 22 islands had their flowers removed.

But in 2007, councillors started to see the benefits of having colourful flowers along the roadways. They agreed to add five full-time employees, and provided $368,000 capital costs, and another $285,000 in operating funding to re-instate the program.

Today there are 264 floral island programs, with ward 2 having the most at 102. Ward 1 has 40, while ward 6 has 19, ward 7 nine, and ward 8 24. Wards 11, 14 and 15 have no floral islands.

There is some converted to gravel, said Dundas councillor Russ Powers. Some make sense, some dont.

More:

Councillors plant seed for more floral islands

Got some cash to spend? How about a piece of the Greek islands of Rhodes or Corfu? Or a royal palace, a marina, or even a consulate building?

As Greece is struggling to appease international lenders and live up to the conditions of its bailout, the debt-choked nation is speeding up the sale of state assets by expanding its privatization program.

Greece's state fund (Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund or HRADF) now has more than 70,000 state owned properties on offer for investors and it aims to generate 19 billion euro ($24.5 billion) by 2015 via the sales.

The state's properties include a 119,800 square meter peninsula with a palace hotel complex and a marina, a 450,000 square meter area in Rhodes with an 18-hole golf course and 4 miles of beach, a coastline in Corfu, an airport area in Athens and the 2004 Athens Olympics broadcast centre.

Apart from land areas, Greece is also offering its government buildings. Greece's ministries of justice, health, education and culture are seeking to rent out some of their buildings, and although the country is coping with rampant tax evasion, 13 of its tax offices are on offer for privatization as well.

Last week, Greece completed its first privatization deal by leasing the International Broadcast Centre, used during the 2004 Olympics, to development group Lamda. The group is paying 81 million euros ($104.7 million) to lease the 73,000 square-foot area for 90 years, a price Odisseas Athanassiou, CEO of Lamda Development, said is "fair."

"The deal made financial sense," Athanassiou told CNBC, and rejected rumors that the agreement was made to please Greece's international lenders.

But Sam Zell, U.S. real estate mogul and chairman of Equity Group Investments, told CNCB that a similar retail property would cost "dramatically less" in the U.S. and added that he wasn't familiar with the Greek commercial real estate market.

Privatization Wobbles

Greece's plans to launch a privatization program have been postponed several times because of the country's political uncertainty, but a source at the state fund told CNBC it is ready to make up for this "wasted time".

See the article here:

For Sale: Greek Islands, Marinas and Tax Offices

LORETO, Mexico, Oct. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto, the newest member of Villa Group Resorts, today announced three new air-inclusive packages to Loreto with air travel by Alaska Airlines. The Grand Loreto Adventure, Experience Loreto and Reach for the Stars packages which are available as 4 day/3 night packages with extra night options highlight the very best of the Loreto region and Villa del Palmar, which has become increasingly popular with travelers from the West Coast of the United States. Packages start at just $789.00 per person based on double occupancy, plus taxes.

These dedicated packages include airfare provided by Alaska Airlines to Loreto via Los Angeles International Airport and originating in multiple destinations including Seattle; Portland; Vancouver, B.C.; the San Francisco Bay Area and the Los Angeles area.

Grand Loreto Adventure PackageGuests will experience days of adventures on land and sea as part of this special package. In addition to airfare and hotel charges, the Grand Loreto Adventure package includes guided participation in unlimited scuba diving, fishing, snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking and a boat tour of the Islands of Loreto. Guests will see the beauty of the Sea of Cortez while speeding over it, swimming beneath it and viewing it from the surrounding countryside. Packages include 4 days/3 nights, with extra nights available. Prices start at $1,220.00 per person based on double occupancy, plus taxes.

Experience Loreto PackageFor those who want to explore Loreto on their own and have maximum flexibility to their days, Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto is offering the Experience Loreto package. It includes air travel, hotel and taxes, plus all of the standard amenities at the resort. Prices for the 4 day/3 night package start at $789.00 per person based on double occupancy, plus taxes.

Reach for the Stars PackageThe all-inclusive Reach for the Stars package provides access to everything the beautiful Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto has to offer in all-inclusive fashion with meals and beverage service included in the package price. Guests will have access to the resort's three restaurants, turtle-shaped swimming pools and all resort facilities. The Reach for the Stars package is offered in a 4 day/3 night stay with prices starting at $966.00 per person based on double occupancy, plus taxes. Extra night pricing is available.

"We are thrilled to be able to extend our partnership with Alaska Airlines and offer guests a range of package options for adventurers and romantics alike," said Owen Perry, owner and president of Villa Group. "Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto provides unique beauty, authentic culture, and access to truly unparalleled sporting opportunities. We look forward to have new and returning travelers experience these packages at their special rates."

The Islands of Loreto, located on the east coast of the Baja California Peninsula on the Sea of Cortez, is known for its quiet beaches, scenic vistas, rich history and astounding natural habitats. The region caters to adventurous travelers looking to explore the many outdoor opportunities including snorkeling, hiking, fishing, diving and mountain biking, as well as people looking for a getaway where they can enjoy the beauty and authentic culture of the region without the commotion of heavily-trafficked Mexican destinations. The destination is fast becoming an alternative for travelers looking for a slower pace with all the options and amenities they have come to expect from a vacation in Mexico.

Packages are currently being sold through April 30, 2013, but space is limited, so guests are encouraged to book early.

For more information about Villa del Palmar and the new Alaska Airlines packages and to book, contact your preferred travel professional, visit http://www.villadelpalmarloreto.com/ or call 866.209.0726 from the U.S. or 855.440.5590 from Canada.

ABOUT VILLA DEL PALMARBaja's First Million Star Resort Villa del Palmar at The Islands of Loreto is a self-contained destination resort on the Sea of Cortez, off the eastern coast of the Baja peninsula overlooking Danzante Island (one of five in the region). It features 181 new, spacious, beautifully appointed Deluxe Ocean View, one, two and three bedroom Suiteswith balcony or terrace, stunning ocean views, mountain views, outstanding restaurants, an attentive English-speaking staff, five swimming pools, a 39,000 square feet Spa, two tennis courts, beautiful beaches and a mild and warm climate year-round.

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Villa del Palmar at The Islands of Loreto Introduces Three New Air-Inclusive Packages With Travel On Alaska Airlines

A trial of traffic islands to block some movements at several Hamilton East intersections has been postponed after the suburbs residents voiced concerns about the impact of the proposal.

Hamilton City Councils City Transportation Unit has identified Hamilton East as one of 25 areas in the city where a range of initiatives are proposed to make it safer for residents who live there, and for anybody choosing to walk, cycle or catch a bus.

Residents in the suburb attended a public meeting this week to look at the proposals, and have asked Council staff not to proceed with a trial of traffic islands which would have restricted vehicle movements through several of the neighbourhoods intersections.

General Manager City Infrastructure Chris Allen says Hamilton East residents who attended the meeting were worried about the impact of these islands.

"Were really encouraged by their support for our initiatives, particularly lowering the speed limit to 40km/h, but they felt the traffic islands we proposed would have caused problems, so we will not be proceeding with trialling them at this time," says Mr Allen.

"The residents have also made some really good suggestions about alternative methods to make their neighbourhoods streets safer. Were going to explore some of those options to see what could work. Its great to see they are so positive about this project in their neighbourhood and are sharing their views with us."

Mr Allen encouraged residents to visit http://www.hamilton.co.nz/transport to find out more about the transport proposals and give their views through an online submission form.

The rest is here:

Traffic islands trial postponed

DOKDO/TAKESHIMA ISLANDS These two tiny volcanic islands, poking up from the sea like rabbit ears, can be scaled only by wooden steps that ascend almost vertically. A pulley system hauls food to a cafeteria built 300 feet above the waves. The only mailbox on the islands has a notice stenciled on the front, reminding that service will be slow because mail is picked up every two months.

The postal box is a symbolic object, the sign reads, implying South Koreas control.

These islands, administered by South Korea but claimed by Japan, provide a window into Asias fastest-growing problem, the fight over small bits of land that have oversize and symbolic importance.

In the case of these islands, known as Dokdo in Korea and Takeshima in Japan, the show of Korean control is pushed to extremes: Only two civilians live here, a fisherman and his wife, but three South Korean telecommunications companies provide the islands with 3G cellphone service.

The notion of symbolic control has grown increasingly important in recent months amid a region-wide surge of nationalism and upcoming political leadership changes in South Korea, Japan and China. As a result, countries that once downplayed territorial disputes now use them to foment national pride. These small islands have become dangerous friction points between Asias most economically linked countries, with all sides calling their claims irrefutable and just, and brushing aside the idea of compromise.

The fierce dispute between Japan and China over islands in the East China Sea has sparked greater fears about potential armed conflict, but the dispute over Dokdo has already levied a toll of its own. It has stalled military cooperation between Washingtons two closest Asian allies and reignited historical animosities that date back to Japans brutal, region-wide land-grab before World War II.

The South Korean central government took a dozen foreign journalists to the island Thursday to underscore its claims. The journalists started their day in Seoul at a just-opened downtown Dokdo museum and later took the three-hour flight to the islands, in time for lunch at the cafeteria, which normally serves the national police who live here on two-month rotations.

Dokdo consists of two main islands and a handful of rocky droplets, which do little more than break waves. The taller of the two, with a razor-sharp backbone, has two residents, the fisherman and his wife, who catch octopus and live in a three-story home paid for by the provincial government along the shore.

Its not as big as it looks, the fisherman, Kim Sung-do, said. The top floor is all water tanks for storing drinkable water.

The stouter of the main islands has a helicopter pad, a lighthouse, a weight room, a small branch of the South Korean national library and a dormitory. Forty-five police live here, as do two civil servants and three lighthouse attendants. There are no women. There is one dog, named Seodo.

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South Korea makes a point about its claim on islands disputed with Japan

Beijing/Tokyo, Oct 3 (IANS) A war of words erupted between China and Japan Wednesday after a group of Japanese right-wingers entered the disputed islands and Chinese surveillance ships also patrolled in the waters.

Japan claims it has occupied the islands since 1895, while China maintains the islands were recognised as Chinese as early as 1783.

On Wednesday, the Chinese foreign ministry said the country's marine surveillance ships will continue to patrol in the waters off the Diaoyu Islands.

The Chinese reaction came in response to a question related to a media report saying Japanese right-wingers entered waters off the Diaoyu Islands Wednesday. Chinese marine surveillance ships also entered the waters for a patrol, Xinhua reported.

Tokyo has lodged an official protest with Beijing over Chinese ships entering the territorial waters of disputed islands in the East China Sea, RIA Novosti reported Wednesday.

Four Chinese maritime surveillance ships were observed near the territorial waters of the Japanese held islands, known as the Senkaku in Japan and the Diaoyus in China, Wednesday morning, according to Japan's NHK TV report.

Chinese Foreign Ministry's spokesperson Hong Lei said: "China is closely watching the development of the issue. Chinese marine surveillance ships will continue to patrol in the waters off the Diaoyu Islands."

China firmly opposes the Japanese right-wingers' illegal entrance to the waters off the islands, he said.

"What is the right-wingers' purpose in repeatedly provoking trouble on the Diaoyu Islands under the current situation, especially when China and Japan are busily consulting with each other on the dispute? Why is the Japanese government again indulging them," the spokesperson asked.

In recent years, it has been Japanese right-wingers that have sought to use the Diaoyu Islands issue and create provocation and cause tensions and conflicts between China and Japan, Hong said.

Link:

China, Japan in war of words over disputed islands

Originally published October 3, 2012 at 4:37 PM | Page modified October 3, 2012 at 4:37 PM

IN the San Juan Islands, momentum is growing behind a little-known but vital conservation issue, one with big impacts for our entire region.

A coalition of advocates 156 local businesses, hundreds of residents and political leaders from around the state is fighting to save 955 acres of beautiful undeveloped land, dozens of small islands, reefs and historical sites currently managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

The group is asking that these lands be declared a national monument. They include Lopez Islands Iceberg Point and Chadwick Hill, the Cattle Point Lighthouse on San Juan and the lighthouse on northern Patos Island. Their designation would forever keep them in public ownership with a strong local voice in their management.

Preserving the land would mean big things for the islands. Protecting this natural splendor also means protecting the quality of life for island residents, their kids and grandkids. It is about more than taking up an environmental cause and creating a natural legacy to be handed down for generations to come. Safeguarding these regional treasures is also about the islands local economy and making sure that it remains strong.

Hundreds of thousands of tourists flock here every year to enjoy the pristine beauty of the San Juan Islands. Kayakers paddle from island to island, children attend camps, and vacationers dine in restaurants, relax at inns and shop in local stores. The economy in the San Juan Islands depends on the tourism and recreation businesses fostered by the unique natural beauty here.

Why should you spend time thinking about this issue and consider lending your support to the folks in the states northwest corner? Because what is good for the San Juans tourism and recreation industry is beneficial for all of us. Hundreds of local and regional businesses also depend on the kayakers, sightseers, campers, sailors, boaters, fishermen and others who frequent shops and recreation businesses en route to the San Juan Islands.

Maintaining the beauty and accessibility of these lands is critical to our regional economy and to our entire regions way of life, just as it is for island residents. Furthermore, weve seen time and time again that national-monument designations, like national parks, attract visitors. Having a national monument in our region will increase our ability to attract outdoor enthusiasts and the jobs they support.

Outdoor recreation plays a major role in Washingtons, and our local and regional, economy. More than 100,000 Washington jobs depend on the continued preservation and protection of the lands and waters that make the industry possible. The Outdoor Industry Association estimates that recreation hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing contributes $730 billion to the U.S. economy and supports 6.5 million jobs.

In Washington state alone, outdoor recreation supports 115,000 jobs and contributes $11.7 billion to the state economy. Many of these jobs are local and our region depends on them.

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Op-ed: Designate a national monument in San Juan Islands

STANLEY, Falkland Islands The pending referendum to decide the political future of the Falkland Islands will be done under the scrutiny of a "whole series of international observers" come early 2013, Legislative Assembly member Dr Barry Elsby has said.

Dr Elsby, who has responsibility for oil, the environment, historical buildings, mining and demining, told a group of Caribbean journalists yesterday that "the referendum is to try to send a signal to the world about the wishes of the Falkland Islanders as to what they want and how they wish to determine their own future".

The question of the status of the self-governed British overseas territory has occupied centrestage since the British and Argentine war in 1982 after the Argentines invaded the islands originally discovered by the British. Since then, Argentina, even though it had retreated and surrendered, has argued that the islands were rightly theirs. However, Britain has held that the Falklanders have a right to determine their status.

Yesterday, Dr Elsby said that the all-important question to be put to the voters has not yet been set due to the delicate nature of the issue.

"...That is because we want the referendum to be seen as totally fair, totally above board and not in any way biased. And so it might seem that the question is very easy to ask but what we don't want is for someone to come back and say that question was leading... so we are asking organisations that are experts at setting questions to ....phrase the question. These are going to be world-respected groups," Dr Elsby explained.

"...It's taking a little longer than we thought but we are determined to have this referendum in a totally free and fair way and be validated so that we can stand up in the international forum and say, look this is the wish of the Falkland Islanders, if you believe in a people having the right to determine their own future the Falklands had spoken and that's all we are trying to say to counter the whole barrage of misinformation from the Argentines," he added.

He said the intention is to send a signal to the democratic world of what the islanders want.

"We are not looking for independence at this time. That's an option but I don't think there is any move at the moment to be independent. We are very certain as to who we are now which is a self-governing British Overseas territory," he said.

"We are absolutely not a colony; we are absolutely self-governing," he emphasised further.

The Falkland islands, located in the south Atlantic, is home to some 3,000 persons comprising 30 different citizenship.

Originally posted here:

International observers to oversee Falkland Islands vote

Chief Minister Terry Mills says the Northern Territory Government is assessing the need for alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs on the Tiwi Islands.

The Tiwi Shire Council says cannabis use is rampant in the islands' communities.

One Aboriginal elder says cannabis use is contributing to a mental health crisis on the islands.

Tiwi Islands leader Marius Puruntatameri says it's not uncommon to find children as young as 10 smoking cannabis in his community.

He says a lot of young people wander the streets at night looking for drugs and says many have been left psychologically affected

Mr Mills says he's turned his attention to rehabilitation services after hearing similar stories from communities across the Territory.

Tiwi Islands Shire Council chief executive Alan Hudson estimates at least 50 per cent of teenagers on the islands are smoking cannabis and he says it's causing them to be aggressive and paranoid.

"Nine times out of ten, when we have problems on the community, the kids have started a fight," he said.

"We are talking about very early teenage kids ... (who) will start a fight, then the older brothers will get into it and the parents will get into it.

"Next thing, we've got families fighting.

View original post here:

Tiwi Islands seek help as drug use takes hold

Sometimes you just need to get away from it all. Only problem is that once you get there, there'll probably still be people there. Don't get us wrong, people are great! BUT they come with hang-ups and annoyances: They're all like "you can't park there," "will you help me move next week?" and "you didn't respond to my link on Facebook."

Who needs that nonsense?

If only there was a way to have your own private secret place where you made the rules and were the only person allowed. As it turns out, such oases do exist! You, my exasperated friend need your own private island!

And we're not talking about some kumbaya "happy place" private island of the mind. We're talking about an actual, literal, plot of land surrounded by water where you are the sole inhabitant.

Click here for Bundle's ratings of 15 travel agencies near you. Of course, most private islands are prohibitively expensive, costing in the multi-millions. BUT, as with all things, there is a far edge of the bell curve that places the dream of owning your own island into your more realistic grasp.

After searching through the listings of various island real estate brokers, we were able to locate exactly six available islands that you can own for less than US$100k. Not cheap, but not unreasonably costly. Consider that the median price for a home sold in the US in 2010 was $221,800. So, a new island home for under $100k is a pretty good deal.

Note: while you may harbor visions of Fantasy Island, life on these plots will probably be a bit more like Lost. You'll be forced to rough it a little as these are completely undeveloped plots devoid of any infrastructure or amenities. BUT it is all yours to do with as you please. Build a new house of your design. Name the island after yourself. Make your own laws, you are the president now!*

15 outdoor supplies merchants to visit before your big move

So, whether you are looking to pick it all up and begin anew in a fantastic new location (or, if you just want to probe through some real estate porn) click through our slideshow of available private islands, all for sale at recession prices.

*You will, of course, be subject to your host nation's laws and regulations

Original post:

6 private islands under $100k

The China and Japan face off over five islands has sunk relations to a 40-year low - the worst since diplomatic relations began. But the sabre rattling is just for show, say analysts.

The Great Hall of the People, the heart of Beijing's ceremonial political life, should have been ringing last month with toasts and speeches to fete the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Japan.

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But the banquet rooms sat silent, the celebrations canceled.

The two neighbors' ancient enmity had ensnared them again, this time in a territorial dispute over a handful of remote islands.

Hotheads on both sides of the East China Sea were calling for war. Even the coolest heads could not rule that prospect out.

"Relations are worse than they have ever been in 40 years," says Liu Jiangyong, a professor of Japanese politics at Tsinghua University in Beijing. "I don't see much chance of a war; but I think Japan is preparing for one, and we should, too."

The possibility of armed conflict between the world's second- and third-largest economies is enough to scare governments around the globe. It is especially alarming to the United States, whose alliance with Japan would draw it into any fighting.

Beijing and Tokyo both claim sovereignty over five islands in the East China Sea, known as the Diaoyu in China and as the Senkaku in Japan, which administers them.

More here:

China and Japan face off: Tiny islands, big dispute (+video)

U.S. Navy

Aircraft carriers USS John C. Stennis, front, and USS George Washington sail in formation with an escort vessel during a training exercise in waters near Guam, earlier this month.

TOKYO Its probably just a coincidence; no need to worry yet. But the U.S. has quietly assembled a powerful air, land and sea armada not far from where Japan and China are squaring off over disputed islands in the East China Sea.

Two Navy aircraft carrier battle groups and a Marine Corps air-ground task force have begun operating in the Western Pacific, within easy reach of the Senkaku Islands. Thats where Japanese and Chinese patrol boats are engaged in an increasingly tense standoff.

Chinese vessels have repeatedly entered territorial waters around the small islands in recent weeks and Coast Guard vessels from Japan and Taiwan fired water cannons at each other last week. The islands are controlled and administered by Japan, but claimed by both China and Taiwan.

No warships have been directly involved in the confrontations, so far. But China has vowed to continue sending patrol vessels into territorial waters and Japan has assembled scores of Coast Guard vessels to defend the islands.

The U.S. hasnt taken sides in the ownership dispute, and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has called for cooler heads to prevail. Nonetheless, U.S. officials have stated clearly that the Senkakus fall under the U.S.-Japan security treaty, which would require the U.S. to come to Japans aid in case of attack.

Navy officials confirmed Sunday that the USS George Washington carrier strike group has begun operating in the East China Sea, near the disputed islands. The USS John C. Stennis group is only slightly further away in the South China Sea. Each carrier is armed with more than 80 warplanes, and strike groups typically include guided-missile cruisers and destroyers, submarines and supply ships.

In the nearby Philippine Sea, some 2,200 Marines are embarked aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard and two escorts. The Marines are equipped with amphibious assault vehicles, light armored vehicles, artillery, helicopters and Harrier fighter jets.

Carrier groups and Marine task forces often operate alone, so the convergence of the three groups in a relatively small part of the Pacific represents an unusual concentration of firepower. All three are fresh from training exercises in and around Guam. Those exercises included live-fire with missiles and joint beach landings by U.S. Marines and Japanese ground troops.

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South China Sea: U.S. Fleet Nears Disputed Islands, But What For?

Wednesday, October 03, 2012

The seven residents of Pagan and Alamagan in the Northern Islands are safe and secure even as Tropical Storm Maliksi intensified in the last two days.

Francisco L. Kaipat, community worker at the Northern Islands Mayor's Office, said yesterday that they communicated with the residents of both islands via radio frequency yesterday and last Monday.

Of the seven residents, five stay on Pagan while the other two live on Alamagan, he said.

Kaipat said they get in touch with these residents through their weekly scheduled radio conference every Monday and Thursday.

During days when there is a weather disturbance, however, Kaipat disclosed that they contact the Northern Islands population more frequently to check on their safety.

Kaipat noted, though, that the residents experience a hard time communicating via radio since the gadget uses batteries that are charged using solar panels.

If there's no sun, they can't charge the battery, he added.

Kaipat said they made contact with the Northern Islands residents on Monday to inform them about the latest weather bulletin from the Emergency Management Office.

Based on their latest communication with these residents, they were already experiencing strong winds and high surf due to Tropical Storm Maliksi, he said.

Link:

Northern Islands residents safe from tropical storm

By Chris Wotton

MALAYSIAS Perhentian Islands in the South China Sea, around ten miles off the northeastern coast of western Malaysia and just forty miles south of the border with neighbouring Thailand, offer that picture perfect image of paradise you may have dreamt about endless stretches of fine white sand, clear blue sea and an equally blue sky overhead. Coral, sea turtles, jellyfish and small sharks all call the reef around the islands home, and it is easy to see why so many people both foreign tourists and Malays alike come here to relax.

Perhentian islands. Pic: Gemma Bardsley, Flickr.

Between the two main islands, Perhentian Besar meaning big Perhentian and Perhentian Kecil meaning small Perhentian, and the even smaller, uninhabited islands Susu Dara, Serenggeh and Rawa, this is an area of indisputably outstanding natural beauty that in the most part is well protected thanks to being designed part of the Pulau Redang National Marine Park. This makes littering, fishing and coral collection all illegal. Other than a communications tower on each island, there are no structures with more than two floors, only further adding to the natural beauty of the islands.

So where to stay? Accommodation is generally aimed at budget travellers which is good news for those wanting to keep costs down. There are, though, more and more top end options springing up should you wish to splash out for a more indulgent experience.

Perhentian islands by sunset. Pic: Gemma Bardsley, Flickr.

Flora Bay Resort, on the larger Perhentian Besar island, is set in the middle of the unspoilt white sand beach at Teluk Dalam, with a southern facing position that affords views of Lang Tengah, Redang and other nearby islands there are certainly worse views to wake up to! Rooms are just a few steps from the lapping waves and, like the majority of resorts on the Perhentian Islands in high season, enjoy a twenty four hour electricity supply.

Tuna Bay Resort offers beachfront wooden cabins shaded by coconut palms, some practically within touching distance of the sea and others further back with an equally stunning jungle backdrop. Air conditioning, covered terraces and tasteful bamboo furniture offer additional comfort.

Bubu Resort on Long Beach, on the smaller Perhentian Kecil island, boasts the luxurious Grape Tree Spa, where you can really make the most of your time away on the Perhentians and enjoy indulgent spa treatments from Thai and Swedish massages through to aromatherapy, foot reflexology, cucumber aloe vera face and body wraps and waxing treatments all to the backdrop of the soothing lap of waves on the white coral sand on the beach beside your spa bed. How much bliss can you ask for?

A taxi boat waiting off the Perhentian islands. Pic: Mike Villiger, Flickr.

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Perhentian Islands: Resort round-up

For most of human history, the five rocky islets in the eye of the current diplomatic storm between China and Japan have sat in remote and irrelevant obscurity, lapped by the tropical waters of the East China Sea.

Today, leaders in Beijing are calling the barren islands "China's sacred territory since ancient times," and in Tokyo they're calling them "clearly an inherent territory of Japan."

But for generations of humbler folk on both sides, the islands have meant one thing: fish. The Chinese name for the island group, Diaoyu, means "catch fish." The Japanese name for the largest island, Uotsuri, means "fish catch."

QUIZ Think you know Asia? Take this quiz

There may be oil and gas in nearby waters, according to some surveys, making ownership of the islands and their adjacent exclusive economic zone even more attractive.

But all the tiny islands themselves have ever been good for is albatross feathers (for the fashion trade) and a Japanese-owned fish-processing plant that operated for the first 40 years of the past century.

Japan bases its claim to the islands, which it calls the Senkaku, on a cabinet decision in January 1895 whereby because there was no trace of anyone else controlling them they were deemed "terra nullius," nobody else's, and Tokyo incorporated them into its territory.

China disputes that claim, pointing to 15th-century accounts of sea voyages by Chinese envoys and a 17th-century map of China's sea defenses, among other documents, to show that "the Diaoyu islands were first discovered, named, and exploited by the Chinese," in the words of a Foreign Ministry statement.

RELATED What is behind the Diaoyu/Senkaku dispute?

Beijing says that Japan seized the islands as it was winning the Sino-Japanese war in 1895, and that they were part of another territory that Japan won in that war, Formosa (now Taiwan). At the end of World War II, Japan was forced to return Formosa to China, and Beijing has argued that it should have handed the Diaoyu/Senkaku over as well. (Taiwan also claims sovereignty over the islands.)

Original post:

Why China, Japan dispute islands once home to just albatross feathers and fish

The China and Japan face off over five islands has sunk relations to a 40-year low - the worst since diplomatic relations began. But the sabre rattling is just for show, say analysts.

The Great Hall of the People, the heart of Beijing's ceremonial political life, should have been ringing last month with toasts and speeches to fete the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Japan.

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But the banquet rooms sat silent, the celebrations canceled.

The two neighbors' ancient enmity had ensnared them again, this time in a territorial dispute over a handful of remote islands.

Hotheads on both sides of the East China Sea were calling for war. Even the coolest heads could not rule that prospect out.

"Relations are worse than they have ever been in 40 years," says Liu Jiangyong, a professor of Japanese politics at Tsinghua University in Beijing. "I don't see much chance of a war; but I think Japan is preparing for one, and we should, too."

The possibility of armed conflict between the world's second- and third-largest economies is enough to scare governments around the globe. It is especially alarming to the United States, whose alliance with Japan would draw it into any fighting.

Beijing and Tokyo both claim sovereignty over five islands in the East China Sea, known as the Diaoyu in China and as the Senkaku in Japan, which administers them.

Originally posted here:

China and Japan face off: Tiny islands, big dispute

TAIPEI (AFP) - Hundreds of Taiwanese rallied Sunday to press Taipei's claim over disputed East China Sea islands at the centre of a major row between China and Japan.

See the original post here:

Taiwan rally against Japan over disputed islands

WELLINGTON, New ZealandA moderate earthquake has struck in waters off the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific, but there are no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

The U.S. Geological Survey says the magnitude-5.2 quake struck Saturday morning about 281 kilometers (175 miles) west of the Solomon Islands' capital, Honiara, at a depth of just 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center did not issue a tsunami warning.

The Solomon Islands is a country of nearly 1,000 islands that lie on the "Ring of Fire"an arc of earthquake and volcanic zones that stretches around the Pacific Rim.

See original here:

Moderate earthquake strikes off Solomon Islands