United States Talks Fail as Pakistanis Seek Apology

Banaras Khan/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

Protesters with the Defense Council of Pakistan demonstrated in Quetta against reopening NATO supply lines into Afghanistan.

By DECLAN WALSH, ERIC SCHMITT and STEVEN LEE MYERS

Published: April 27, 2012

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — The latest high-level talks on breaking a five-month diplomatic deadlock between the United States and Pakistan ended in failure on Friday over Pakistani demands for an unconditional apology from the Obama administration for an airstrike. The White House, angered by the recent spectacular Talibanattacks in Afghanistan, refuses to apologize.

The Obama administration’s special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, Marc Grossman, left the Pakistani capital Friday night with no agreement after two days of discussions aimed at patching up the damage caused by the American airstrikes last November that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers on the Afghanistan border.

Both sides insist that they are now ready to make up and restore an uneasy alliance that at its best offers support for American efforts in Afghanistan as well as the battle against some extremist groups operating from Pakistan. The administration had been seriously debating whether to say “I’m sorry” to the Pakistanis’ satisfaction — until April 15, when multiple, simultaneous attacks struck Kabul and other Afghan cities....

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/28/world/asia/talks-between-us-and-pakistan-fail-over-airstrike-apology.html?_r=1&ref=world#

Popayan's Museum of Natural History


Popayan's Museum of Natural History is not the most visually impressive attraction in the city, but it is a must-see for nature and animal lovers who want to learn about colombia's immense animal diversity. With more than 3,300 animal and fossil specimens, the collection is one of the largest in western Colombia. Nearly all of the specimens are native to the department of Cauca or Colombia's Pacific coastal region and many of them are in danger of extinction.

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Recently, a lamentable fact has impacted the world. In Peru 9 miners were rescued from an illegal mine. Fortunately, all of them are alive. The Peruvian government was supported by Chile's government, because this situation had already been experienced before. Therefore, it is very positive to help each other and give importance to human life.

http://www.ntn24.com/news/news/nine-trapped-peruvian-miners-s-12400