Queen Elizabeth II Wraps Up US Visit

By Margaret Besheer Washington 08 May 2007

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Britain's Queen Elizabeth II wrapped up a six-day state visit to the United States Tuesday, with a full day of events in the Washington area. From Washington, VOA's Margaret Besheer has more on the royal visit.

Queen Elizabeth II accepts flowers from children during a visit to NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center 8 May 2007

Queen Elizabeth II showed remarkable stamina Tuesday, visiting NASA's Goddard space flight center, a pediatric hospital and the World War II Memorial. The monarch and her husband, Prince Philip, were also due to host a formal dinner at the British Embassy Tuesday night that the President and Mrs. Bush will attend.

It was a full day's schedule for anyone, much less an 81-year-old woman and her 85-year-old husband.

Monday night, the royal couple was feted at a white-tie state dinner at the White House. The queen sparkled in a white chiffon gown and an heirloom diamond tiara. Mrs. Bush was elegant in aqua blue. One hundred thirty four guests, including former First Lady Nancy Reagan, attended the most formal evening the Bush administration has hosted.

At the dinner, President Bush toasted the long and enduring alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom, saying the advance of freedom is the best hope for lasting peace in the world.

President Bush (r) toasts Queen Elizabeth II at the White House, 7 May 2007

"Based on our common values our two nations are working together for the common good," said Mr. Bush. "Together we are supporting young democracies in Iraq and Afghanistan. Together we are confronting global challenges such as poverty and disease and terrorism. And together we are working to build a world in which more people can enjoy prosperity and security and peace."

It has been 16 years since the Queen's last state visit to the United States. In her toast, she reflected on her youth during World War II, saying how important the American-British alliance was to her nation's survival.

"Tonight I would like to recognize that steadfast commitment your country has shown not just in the last 16 years, but throughout my life, in support of a Europe whole and free," she said.

During World War II, the queen, then a teenage princess, participated in the war effort becoming a driver in the women's branch of the British Army. Tuesday afternoon, she honored American soldiers with a visit to the World War II memorial in Washington, where she placed a wreath and met veterans of the war in the Pacific.

Following the British Embassy dinner, the Queen and Prince Philip will depart on a late-night flight home.

US Commander Apologizes for Killings of Innocent Afghans

By Meredith Buel Washington 08 May 2007

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A U.S. military commander in Afghanistan has apologized for American Marines that killed and wounded innocent Afghan civilians following a suicide bombing earlier this year. VOA Correspondent Meredith Buel has details from Washington.

Afghan youths look at an effigy of US President George W. Bush after setting on fire during a protest in Jalalabad, 1 May 2007

Last March, a convoy of U.S. Marines was driving along the main road in eastern Afghanistan between Jalalabad and the border with Pakistan when they were attacked by a suicide bomber. One Marine was wounded in the attack.

A preliminary U.S. military investigation found the Marines responded by firing indiscriminately at cars and pedestrians, killing civilians, including children and elderly villagers.

The Marines reported they were under small-arms fire following the bombing, but the investigation found no evidence to confirm their testimony.

A U.S. commander in eastern Afghanistan, Army Colonel John Nicholson, says he has expressed his condolences to Afghan families who lost loved ones during the incident. "Today we met with the families of those victims, 19 dead and 50 injured, and we made official apologies on the part of the U.S. government and on the part of the coalition," he said.

The death and injury toll is one of the largest involving civilians since the war in Afghanistan began in 2001.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has publicly complained about civilian casualties caused by NATO and U.S.-led troops fighting Taleban militants, saying the deaths are unacceptable.

Colonel Nicholson, speaking to reporters at the Pentagon by videoconference from Afghanistan, read the apology he made to the families. "I stand before you today deeply, deeply ashamed and terribly sorry that Americans have killed and wounded innocent Afghan people. We are filled with grief and sadness at the death of any Afghan, but the death and wounding of innocent Afghans, at the hand of Americans, is a stain on our honor and on the memory of the many Americans who have died defending Afghanistan and the Afghan people. This was a terrible, terrible mistake and my nation grieves with you for your loss and suffering. We humbly and respectfully ask for your forgiveness," he said.

Colonel Nicholson says the military made condolence payments, about $2,000 for each death, to the families.

He says events that lead to civilian casualties hurt the military's image with the Afghan population and have to be addressed in a forthright manner. "Regrettably it does happen because this is war. But we go to great lengths to avoid civilian casualties. If they do occur, we go to great lengths to try and make it right with the people who have suffered because that is not what America stands for," he said.

The military's investigation is continuing and Marines in the unit involved in the incident have been withdrawn from Afghanistan.

New Power-Sharing Government Takes Over in Northern Ireland

By Sonja Pace Belfast 08 May 2007

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A new power-sharing government has taken over administration of Northern Ireland, bringing together long-time Catholic and Protestant enemies. VOA's Sonja Pace reports from Stormont, the seat of government in Belfast.

Britain's PM Tony Blair, center, speaks as Northern Ireland's First Minister Ian Paisley, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and Ireland's PM Ahern, seated from left, look on, 08 May 2007

It has been nine years in the making - this power-sharing deal between mostly Catholic Republicans who want Northern Ireland free of British rule and mostly Protestant Unionists who want to remain part of the United Kingdom.

After much hesitation and stops and starts a new Northern Ireland administration takes over from direct British rule.

To pledge to discharge in good faith all the duties of office, commitment to non-violence (FADE) by exclusively peaceful and democratic means .

The oath of office is read out. Hardline Unionist leader Ian Paisley formally accepts to take up the post of first minister.

"I affirm the terms of the pledge of office [FADE] as set out in schedule four to the Northern Ireland act of 1998," he said.

And, Republican Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness as deputy first minister.

"I affirm the terms of the pledge of office [FADE ] as set out in schedule four to the Northern Ireland act of 1998," he said.

After an elaborate swearing-in ceremony at Stormont, there was a general call to put the violence in the past, work toward unity and fulfill the aspirations of the peoples of Northern Ireland.

"Today at long last we are starting upon the road, I emphasize starting, which I believe will take us to lasting peace in our province, said First Minister Ian Paisley. "I have not changed my unionism. The union of Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom I believe is today stronger than ever but we together making a declaration, we are all aiming to build a Northern Ireland in which all can live together in peace."

Sentiments echoed moments later by Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.

"I am very proud as an Irish Republican, who believes in the unity of Ireland to stand here with all of you today ... as we strive for a society moving from division and disharmony to one that celebrates our diversity and is determined to provide a better future for all of our people," he said.

This power-sharing administration is the result of talks that began in 1996 and culminated in what became known as the Good Friday Agreement of April 1998.

A previous attempt to form a joint Northern Ireland administration broke down in 2002, but the agreement was revived during a historic meeting this March between Paisley and Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams.

For British Prime Minister Tony Blair this event in Belfast represents a major success.

"Northern Ireland was synonymous with conflict," he said. "It was felt to be intractable, the 'troubles,' not so much a dispute as a fact of life - irreconcilable differences. People felt that it could not be done, indeed sometimes that it should not be done - that the compromises involved were too ugly. Yet in the end, it was done and this holds a lesson for conflict everywhere."

The Northern Ireland handover comes just days before Mr. Blair is expected to announce he is stepping down as prime minister and leader of the Labor party.

Also at Stormont was U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy, who said the occasion marked a new day, a new beginning that can serve as a model to the world.

"That you can disband militias, private armies and put aside the bomb and the bullet and through political reconciliation, hopefully carry forward the hopes and dreams of a people," he said.

Also attending the ceremonies was Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern, who has been instrumental in keeping the Northern Ireland negotiations going.

Nigeria's Armed Group MEND Attacks Oil Pipelines

By Gilbert da Costa Abuja 08 May 2007

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Man walks along oil pipelines belonging to Italian oil company Agip in Obrikom, Nigeria (File)

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, or MEND, the most prominent armed group in Nigeria's oil-rich Niger Delta, says it has bombed three oil pipelines. Gilbert da Costa in Abuja has more in this report for VOA.

The group says its fighters destroyed three large oil pipelines in Bayelsa state of Southern Nigeria. In an e-mail message to journalists, MEND's spokesman Jomo Gbomo said the attack cut the power at a nearby export facility owned by Italian oil company Agip.

The group vows to attack pipelines, platforms and support vehicles in the coming days to disrupt oil exports.

A spokesman for the Bayelsa state government, Ekiyol Wilson, calls the attack a criminal act.

"This morning, we just woke to hear that they have attacked oil facilities in Brass and Akasa," he said. "It is pure criminality. It has been confirmed. It has been confirmed through our sources. Government will do something about it. That is government reaction. Government is looking into it and government will get to the bottom of the matter. That is all we can say."

MEND, which is considered the best-organized militant group in Nigeria, also released pictures of foreign oil workers seized a week ago from an offshore oil facility.

The hostages, six of them, were casually dressed and looked well, except perhaps a bit tense.

The group, which claims to be fighting for a larger share of the country's oil wealth to go to local communities, has carried out kidnappings, car bombings and other attacks in its campaign to cripple the oil industry.

MEND also seeks the release of two leaders on trial on treason and corruption charges.

Oil exports are down about 25 percent and analysts predict more cuts if the violence escalates. Nigeria is Africa's largest oil exporter.

VOASE0508_Health Report

08 May 2007

Something a Bone Will Never Say: Give Me a Break
An explanation of different kinds of fractures and treatments.

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This is the VOA Special English Health Report.

The medical term for a broken bone is a fracture. But there are different kinds of fractures.

A single fracture is when a bone is broken in just one place. You may have heard the term hairline fracture. This is a single fracture that is very small, like the width of a hair. A complete fracture is when the bone comes apart.

When a bone is broken in more than two places or gets crushed, the name for it is a comminuted fracture.

Still another kind is a bowing fracture. This happens with a bone that bends but does not break. It happens mostly in children.

Ever heard of a greenstick fracture? This is when a bone is bent and breaks along only one side, like a young stick of wood.

Another kind of break is an open or compound fracture. This is when the bone breaks the skin. This is very serious. Along with the bone damage there is a risk of infection in the open wound.

A lot of things happen as the body reacts to an injury like a broken bone. You might suddenly feel lightheaded. You might also feel sick to your stomach.

People who are seriously injured can go into shock. They might feel cold, dizzy and unable to think clearly. Shock requires immediate medical attention.

But while broken bones can be painful, they are generally not life-threatening. Treatment depends on the kind of fracture. A doctor takes X-rays to see the break and sets a broken bone to make sure it is in the correct position.

Severe breaks may require an operation to hold the bone together with metal plates and screws.

Next, a person usually gets a cast put around the area of the break. The hard bandage holds the bone in place while it heals. Casts are usually worn for one to two months.

In some cases, instead of a cast, a splint made of plastic or metal will be secured over the area to restrict movement.

Doctors say broken bones should be treated quickly because they can restrict blood flow or cause nerve damage. Also, the break will start to repair itself, so you want to make sure the bone is lined up correctly.

Bones need calcium and vitamin D to grow and reach their full strength. Keeping your bones strong with exercise may also help prevent fractures.

Wearing safety protection like elbow pads and leg guards during activities is a good idea. If you think these might be restrictive, try a cast.

And that's the VOA Special English Health Report written by Caty Weaver. I'm Barbara Klein.

VOASE0508_Explorations

08 May 2007

Have an Active Interest in Volcanoes? Then a Place to Look Around Is Hawaii
Learning about volcanoes (active and inactive) at two national parks.

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VOICE ONE:

This is Steve Ember.

VOICE TWO:

And this is Sarah Long with the VOA Special English program EXPLORATIONS. Today, we visit two of the most unusual national parks in the United States. They are Volcanoes National Park and Haleakala National Park, both in Hawaii.

(MUSIC)

VOICE ONE:

Let me ask you a question: What is the tallest mountain on Earth? Most

Mauna Loa

school children will say the answer is Mount Everest near the border between Nepal and Tibet.

There is something that is three hundred four meters taller than Mount Everest. However, it is mainly underwater. It begins at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, and rises more than seventeen kilometers from the ocean floor.

Its name is Mauna Loa. In the Hawaiian language, Mauna Loa means “Long Mountain.” Mauna Loa is more than half of the island of Hawaii, the largest of the Hawaiian Islands.

It is also the largest and most active volcano on Earth. It has produced liquid rock called lava more than thirty times since records were first kept in eighteen forty-three. Today, Mauna Loa is quiet. It is not producing lava. However volcano experts say it is only a matter of time before this happens once again.

VOICE TWO:

Lava on Kilauea

Mauna Loa is not the only volcano on the island of Hawaii. There are four others. Three of them are no longer active. One of them still is active. It is named Kilauea. It has produced lava more than fifty times in the last one hundred years. At this moment, red hot lava is pouring out of Kilauea. It has been doing this since nineteen eighty-three.

Sometimes the lava moves slowly. At other times it pours out very fast as huge amounts of pressure force it from the volcano. During these times, it moves almost as quickly as water moving down the side of a mountain. Sometimes Kilauea produces large amounts of lava that seem like rivers of fire.

VOICE ONE:

When the lava from Kilauea reaches the ocean, its fierce heat produces great amounts of steam that rise into the air. The lava is so hot it continues to burn underwater for some time. The lava from Kilauea continues to add land to the island as the volcanoes of Hawaii have always done. It is these volcanoes that formed the islands of Hawaii.

Most of the time the lava of Kilauea seems to move peacefully toward the ocean. Yet it is not as peaceful as it seems from a distance. In recent years the lava destroyed one small town on the island. The liquid rock slowly covered the town. It blocked roads and destroyed them. Nothing can stop the lava of Kilauea. Experts say the volcanoes of Mauna Loa and Kilauea are a serious threat to property on many parts of the island.

Experts say the volcanoes of the island of Hawaii are proof that the changing environment of Earth is, and will always remain, beyond human control.

(MUSIC)

VOICE TWO:

Mauna Loa and Kilauea together form Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii. But another

Haleakala

national park has a huge volcano. It is on the island of Maui. It is the Haleakala National Park. Haleakala in the Hawaiian language means “House of the Sun.”

Haleakala is another huge volcano. Together with a smaller, much older volcano it helped form the island of Maui. It is no longer considered to be active. In about seventeen ninety, two areas in the side of the huge volcano opened and lava came out. The lava moved down the mountain and into the sea. That was the last recorded activity at Haleakala.

The volcano that contains Haleakala National Park rises three thousand fifty meters above the sea. We would like to take you for a visit to Haleakala. For a few minutes, sit back while we drive the road up to the top of the volcano.

(MUSIC)

VOICE ONE:

Our trip begins near the ocean today. We drive through the city of Kahului. We see businesses and homes, the buildings you find in any American city. There are more flowers than in many American cities. The Hawaiian Islands are famous for their flowers.

Soon the road begins to go up. The road moves back and forth and around corners as it moves up the face of the mountain. At times our driver must slow the vehicle and turn very sharply. Soon, there are no more homes or stores.

From the city of Kahului to the top of Haleakala is about fifty-five kilometers. We will be three thousand fifty meters higher at the top of the mountain.

Very soon, we no longer see trees. We have traveled too high for them to survive. Soon there are only a few plants. Then there is nothing but black lava rock. At one place, we begin to enter the clouds that hang close to the mountain. Our driver turns on the headlights of the vehicle. Ten minutes later, we are above the clouds in the bright sunshine.

The road is good, so the trip takes only about an hour.

VOICE TWO:

The National Park Headquarters is about two kilometers from the top. Park officials at the information center tell you about the history of the volcano. They say that it is very safe -- today. They also tell you that it could very well become active again. The experts just do not know.

We soon leave the Park Headquarters and travel up again, this time to the top. There is an area here to leave our vehicle. We walk the last few meters to the top.

As we reach the top, almost everyone says similar things. How strange! Did the violence of a volcano form this? This is so beautiful!

VOICE ONE:

We are on the top looking down inside what was the most active part of the volcano. The shape is almost like a circle except the sides have been stretched -- almost the shape of an egg but longer.

There are only a few plants here and no trees. However the volcano has left thousands of different shapes of lava stone. Hundreds of years of rain and bright sun have cut long paths in the stone.

Time has turned the oldest lava to a soft sand. There are huge mountains. There are also smaller hills that seem to be made of ash or sand. The place is a riot of color.

One big mountain seems to be a deep, dark red. Another area seems almost yellow. Another is green, and still another is a beautiful brown color. One area is colored gray that seems to move into a deep black. It looks as if someone has spilled many colors of paint over the huge area. The volcano produced these colors because the lava is very rich in many kinds of minerals.

VOICE TWO:

The area we are seeing stretches for a long distance. This morning, high on the mountain in the bright sun, we can see almost forty kilometers of the park. And this is only part of it. There are eleven thousand five hundred ninety-six hectares of land in the park.

Some of the park is closed to visitors. Scientists do research in those areas. Experts are trying to learn how to grow and protect some of the very unusual plants that live in Haleakala.

One of these plants is called the Silver Sword. It grows only in Hawaii. It has long, thin, silver leaves. It is very beautiful and unusual.

The Hawaiian nene goose also lives here. It is a large bird. Visitors are asked not to come too near the nene. Experts are helping both the Silver Sword plants and the nene geese to reproduce so they will not disappear from the Earth.

(MUSIC)

VOICE ONE:

Thousands of visitors each year enjoy Haleakala National Park on the island of Maui, and Mauna Loa and Kilauea on the island of Hawaii. Ships stop at the two islands and buses take the groups of visitors to see these huge volcanoes.

Many people also fly over the volcanoes in airplanes or helicopters. This is a safe and popular method of watching Kilauea’s lava moving slowly toward the ocean. Other people see it from ships.Visitors also may walk into the rain forest created by the volcano thousands of years ago. Here they can see Waimoku Falls where water drops one hundred twenty meters down the face of a mountain.

Both parks offer visitors a sight of nature that most people never have the chance to enjoy. Visitors can see how an active volcano adds mass to the island. And they can see inside a volcano that has been silent for hundreds of years.

The United States Park Service is responsible for both Haleakala and the Hawaii National Volcanoes Park. It works hard to keep both these areas as nature created them.

(MUSIC)

VOICE TWO:

This Special English program was written and produced by Paul Thompson. Our recording engineer today was Bob Phillips. This is Sarah Long.

VOICE ONE:

And this is Steve Ember. Join us again next week for another EXPLORATIONS program on the Voice of America.