Kenya says not to allow homosexuality practice

Kenya's Deputy President William Ruto said Sunday the government will not allow the practice of homosexuality, saying the practice is against Christianity and human nature.

Ruto also assured the religious community of the government support in opposing the introduction of same sex relations in the Kenyan society.

"We will stand with religious leaders to defend our faith and believes. We will not allow homosexuality in our society as it violates our religious and cultural believes," he said during a church service in Nairobi.

Early last week, a court ordered the Attorney General and the National Council of NGOs to register a gay organization, National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (MGLHRC), arguing that the constitution protected the rights of minorities such as homosexuals.

Same-sex conduct is outlawed in 35 African countries. One of the insidious effects of these laws is that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights organizations are denied registration in many of these countries on the grounds that they will be promoting an illegal activity.

This, human rights organization said, has the effect of violating LGBT people's rights to freedom of association, assembly and expression,

"There's no room for homosexuality in this country. That one I can assure you," Ruto assured."When we say this, we are not saying so as to get votes, but to protect what we all believe is not right."

The deputy president said contrary to what critics were saying, Kenya was on the right track as the government implemented a series of projects.

He also assured Kenyans of the government's commitment to unite Kenyans and fight tribalism and tribal leadership.

Xi calls on building community of shared destiny across Taiwan Strait

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, called for both sides of the Taiwan Strait to build a community of shared destiny and settle political differences through equal consultations.

Xi made the remarks during a meeting with visiting Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Eric Chu in Beijing on Monday.

The meeting took place in the Great Hall of the People and is the first between Xi and Chu, bringing broad attention and expectations.

Stressing the 1992 Consensus is the foundation for the exchanges with Taiwan authorities and political parties, Xi said the mainland is willing to take the lead to share the development opportunities with Taiwan compatriots.

"We are willing to give priority to Taiwan in opening-up. Our efforts to open up to Taiwan compatriots will be bigger," he said.

Both the CPC and KMT should be brave when facing lingering political differences and difficulties, pool wisdom of compatriots of both sides and actively search for a solution, he said.

"The two sides can consult with each other on equal basis under the principle of One China, and reach a reasonable arrangement," Xi said.

The meeting is part of Chu's first visit to the mainland since he was elected KMT chairman in January. He met with Yu Zhengsheng, top political advisor and member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, on Saturday and attended the 10th Cross-Strait Economic, Trade and Culture Forum in Shanghai on Sunday.

Kim Yong Nam to attend Victory Day celebration in Moscow

Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), will visit Russia for Victory Day celebration on May 9, the official KCNA news agency reported Monday.

Kim Yong Nam will go instead of top leader Kim Jong Un, who has canceled his planned visit to Moscow on the grand occasion.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed Kim Jong Un's cancellation last Thursday, saying "We were informed of the decision via diplomatic channels ... The leader cited interior affairs in his country as the reason for his absence."

The KCNA did not reveal the details of Kim Yong Nam's visit, including the time of his departure and how long he will stay in Moscow.

Russia celebrates Victory Day on May 9 every year to mark the victory over Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War, Russia's term for World War II. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the victory.

Stewardesses of Xiamen Airlines work in passenger airplanes

A stewardess of Xiamen Airlines works in a cabin of a passenger airplane on April 30, 2015. Founded in 1984, China's Xiamen Airlines has for the last 30 years rapidly developed its international business and established itself as a top class airline in Asia for its excellent service and strong financial performance. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan)

Stewardesses of Xiamen Airlines work in the cabin of a passenger airplane on April 30, 2015. Founded in 1984, China's Xiamen Airlines has for the last 30 years rapidly developed its international business and established itself as a top class airline in Asia for its excellent service and strong financial performance. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan) A stewardess of Xiamen Airlines helps a passanger with injured foot to board an airplane on April 30, 2015. Founded in 1984, China's Xiamen Airlines has for the last 30 years rapidly developed its international business and established itself as a top class airline in Asia for its excellent service and strong financial performance. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan) Stewardesses of Xiamen Airlines work in the cabin of a passenger airplane on April 30, 2015. Founded in 1984, China's Xiamen Airlines has for the last 30 years rapidly developed its international business and established itself as a top class airline in Asia for its excellent service and strong financial performance. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan) A stewardess of Xiamen Airlines greets a little passenger on April 30, 2015. Founded in 1984, China's Xiamen Airlines has for the last 30 years rapidly developed its international business and established itself as a top class airline in Asia for its excellent service and strong financial performance. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan) A stewardess of Xiamen Airlines greets a passenger on April 30, 2015. Founded in 1984, China's Xiamen Airlines has for the last 30 years rapidly developed its international business and established itself as a top class airline in Asia for its excellent service and strong financial performance. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan) Stewardesses of Xiamen Airlines work in the cabin of a passenger airplane on April 30, 2015. Founded in 1984, China's Xiamen Airlines has for the last 30 years rapidly developed its international business and established itself as a top class airline in Asia for its excellent service and strong financial performance. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan) A stewardess of Xiamen Airlines works in the cabin of a passenger airplane on April 30, 2015. Founded in 1984, China's Xiamen Airlines has for the last 30 years rapidly developed its international business and established itself as a top class airline in Asia for its excellent service and strong financial performance. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan) Crew members of Xiamen Airlines prepare before departure on April 30, 2015. Founded in 1984, China's Xiamen Airlines has for the last 30 years rapidly developed its international business and established itself as a top class airline in Asia for its excellent service and strong financial performance. (Xinhua/Lin Shanchuan)

Japanese PM hears protest at Stanford University

 

Protesters from Chinese community are seen in a demonstration against visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Stanford University, California, the United States, on April 30, 2015. Over one hundred Chinese and Korean Americans gathered outside Stanford Unviersity's Bing Concert Hall and urged visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to stop distorting history when he arrived there for a speech on campus. (Xinhua/Xu Yong)

SAN FRANCISCO, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Demonstrators gathered on Thursday outside of a Stanford University facility on the U.S. west coast and urged Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to stop distorting history.

Initially asked to stay away within an area designated by police, the over 100 demonstrators surged toward the entrance of Bing Concert Hall upon seeing Abe's arrival and shouted "liar" toward the visiting prime minister.

They were referring to Abe's continued denial of Japanese imperial army's role in forcing up to 400,000 women, mostly Korean and Chinese nationals, into sex slavery in the Second World War before it was defeated in August 1945.

In the question and answer session after a speech at Harvard University on Monday, Abe labeled comfort women as "victims of human trafficking," a sign that he blamed the suffering of the women on local people other than the Japanese army.

For a moment, apparently hearing the demonstrators' chanting, Abe turned his head toward the direction of the crowd.

Meanwhile, a group of seven Korean American students put up signs and stood along the line of Stanford students ready to get into the concert hall.

Obviously targeting Abe's speech at Stanford, supposedly about "innovation issues", one of their signs reads: "Innovation Starts from Not Repeating the Same Mistake."

The demonstration was organized by Global Alliance (GA) for Preserving the History of World War II in Asia and at least another Chinese American community group along with some Korean American groups.

Allen Ho, chairman of GA, vowed to continue demonstration and follow Abe wherever he goes in north California, including an electric car plant in Palo Alto near Stanford and a hotel in downtown San Francisco where the prime minister stays. 

Protesters from Chinese community are seen in a demonstration against visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Stanford University, California, the United States, on April 30, 2015. Over one hundred Chinese and Korean Americans gathered outside Stanford Unviersity's Bing Concert Hall and urged visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to stop distorting history when he arrived there for a speech on campus. (Xinhua/Xu Yong)

Protesters from Korean community are seen in a demonstration against visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Stanford University, California, the United States, on April 30, 2015. Over one hundred Chinese and Korean Americans gathered outside Stanford Unviersity's Bing Concert Hall and urged visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to stop distorting history when he arrived there for a speech on campus. (Xinhua/Xu Yong)

Protesters from Chinese community are seen in a demonstration against visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Stanford University, California, the United States, on April 30, 2015. Over one hundred Chinese and Korean Americans gathered outside Stanford Unviersity's Bing Concert Hall and urged visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to stop distorting history when he arrived there for a speech on campus. (Xinhua/Xu Yong)

Chile's Calbuco volcano erupts again

Smoke and ash rise from the Calbuco volcano in Puerto Varas, Llanquihue province, Chile, on April 30, 2015. Southern Chile's Calbuco volcano erupted again Thursday, releasing a large column of smoke in a towering arc, just over a week after it spectacularly roared to life following half a century of inactivity, according to local press. (Xinhua/David Cortes/AGENCIAUNO)

Smoke and ash rise from the Calbuco volcano in Puerto Varas, Llanquihue province, Chile, on April 30, 2015. Southern Chile's Calbuco volcano erupted again Thursday, releasing a large column of smoke in a towering arc, just over a week after it spectacularly roared to life following half a century of inactivity, according to local press. (Xinhua/David Cortes/AGENCIAUNO)

A man watches the Calbuco volcano in Puerto Varas Llanquihue province, Chile, on April 30, 2015. Southern Chile's Calbuco volcano erupted again Thursday, releasing a large column of smoke in a towering arc, just over a week after it spectacularly roared to life following half a century of inactivity, according to local press. (Xinhua/David Cortes/AGENCIAUNO)

Qipao stewardesses promote green tourism

Air China's stewardesses wearing Qipao promote green tourism in scenic spots in Chengdu, capital of the southwestern province of Sichuan before May Day.  (Source: Chinanews.com)

Air China's stewardesses wearing Qipao promote green tourism in scenic spots in Chengdu, capital of the southwestern province of Sichuan before May Day. (Source: Chinanews.com)

Air China's stewardesses wearing Qipao promote green tourism in scenic spots in Chengdu, capital of the southwestern province of Sichuan before May Day.(Source: Chinanews.com)

Air China's stewardesses wearing Qipao promote green tourism in scenic spots in Chengdu, capital of the southwestern province of Sichuan before May Day. (Source: Chinanews.com)

Air China's stewardesses wearing Qipao promote green tourism in scenic spots in Chengdu, capital of the southwestern province of Sichuan before May Day. (Source: Chinanews.com)

Air China's stewardesses wearing Qipao promote green tourism in scenic spots in Chengdu, capital of the southwestern province of Sichuan before May Day.  (Source: Chinanews.com)

Air China's stewardesses wearing Qipao promote green tourism in scenic spots in Chengdu, capital of the southwestern province of Sichuan before May Day. (Source: Chinanews.com)

Air China's stewardesses wearing Qipao promote green tourism in scenic spots in Chengdu, capital of the southwestern province of Sichuan before May Day. (Source: Chinanews.com)

Air China's stewardesses wearing Qipao promote green tourism in scenic spots in Chengdu, capital of the southwestern province of Sichuan before May Day.  (Source: Chinanews.com)

Air China's stewardesses wearing Qipao promote green tourism in scenic spots in Chengdu, capital of the southwestern province of Sichuan before May Day.   (Source: Chinanews.com)