The New Nation - Internet Edition

School talent hunt begins in Ctg Feb 8

Chittagong Correspondent

Marks all-rounder, a hunt for talents among the school students, will begin here in the port city on February 8.

This was announced at a press conference held at a city hotel yesterday.

Dristy, a Port City based debate and cultural organization, is hosting the contest while management of Marks brand powdered milk, a product of Abul Khair Company is the sponsor of the event.

General Secretary of Dristy, Saif Chowdhury, Consultant of Abul Khair Company Tasnim Karim and Chief Executive Officer of Advertising Agency Benchmark Asraf Kaisar among others addressed the press conference.

Competitions on music, recitation, dance, acting, painting and quiz are among the highlights of the program.

Students from Class one to ten are eligible for the competition in three separate groups.

Country cake festival ends

Chittagong Correspondent

Hundreds of citizens defying winter chill and weekend appointments swarmed into DC Hill Park on Friday morning to share the warmth of the traditional cake festival (Pitha Utsab).

Visitors at the festival shopped nearly at 25 different types of cakes apart from sharing the taste of rare cakes.

Anwara Begum, a government official who came from city's Agrabad area, told this correspondent that she enjoyed the cake festival along with her family members. Recalling her childhood in village Anwara Begum said that the event took her back to early days.

Deputy Editor of the Daily People's View Nasiruddin Chowdhury and Senior Research Fellow of Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Dr. Fahmida Khatun jointly inaugurated the festival by igniting Bena (a kind of thatched burning stick).

They put emphasize on upholding the tradition of rural culture in the city life for making a bridge between the urban and village life. "We've to uphold the tradition of rural culture in the city life through organizing this sort of festival deliberately," said Nasiruddin Chowdhury.

Vice-Chancellor of the Premier University Professor Dr. Anupom Sen joined the discussion as chief guest and Resident Editor of the Daily Prothom Alo Abul Momen addressed it.

RAKUB support to N-region development

UNB, Bogra

Finance and Planning Adviser Dr Mirza Azizul Islam Sunday asked Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank (RAKUB) to play special role in making the government's northern region development programme successful.

"The government has undertaken various development programmes to remove income disparity of people of the northern region," he told RAKUB managers' conference at the Ziaur Rahman Medical College Auditorium here.

The Adviser gave the directive a day after the Council of Advisers held its first-ever meeting outside Dhaka to set a strategy to remove income disparity of the northern region.

The Council of Advisers at its meeting in Rangpur on Saturday gave a nod to a 14-point programme for the rapid socioeconomic development of the region.

The programmes include close and round-the-clock supervision for ensuring the Boro production in the coming season, formation of a committee headed by an Adviser to resolve Monga problem, setting up of a full-fledged university in Rangpur, activating the airports of the region and taking measures to export more manpower from the region.

The Finance Adviser called upon the RAKUB executives to take more initiatives to bring in more entrepreneurs in the agriculture sector for increasing production and creating employment opportunities. The agriculture sector contributes 60 percent in employment, he said. "Shun bureaucratic attitude," he told the conference, advising the bank executives to be sincere with the loan applicants and infuse team spirit in the bank's internal management.

Dr Aziz stressed the need for simplifying the bank's credit procedure to make it as realistic as necessary to alleviate poverty. He expressed satisfaction over the bank's loan disbursement of Tk 376.59 crore so far out of its total credit target of Tk 800 crore in the current fiscal year. He, however, asked the bankers to overcome all limitations to achieve the credit target.

RAKUB managing director Jaglul Karim, DGM of Bogra region Mohammed Abdul Khaleque Khan and DGM of Chapainababganj Asadur Rahman also addressed the conference, presided by bank chairman Mohammed Yahya Molla.

Compensation money for affected poultry farm owners

UNB, Nilphamari

The government has decided to raise the amount of compensation for the country's affected poultry farm owners. "A circular on the government's approval will be published soon," Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Manik Lal Samaddar said in a view exchanging meeting with the district-level officials at the local Circuit House yesterday.

Matters relating to existing bird flu situation was discussed in the meeting.

Samaddar, also in-charge of Fisheries and Livestock Ministry, asked the farm owners not to remove the poultry birds from the affected farms without informing the local administration, as the government is providing compensation to the affected poultry farm owners within a very short time.

He gave directives to the district administration and farm owners to take initiatives in spraying germicides to the poultry birds carrying vehicles at every entry points to make those free from germs. He also called upon local bazar committees and pourasava chairmen for ensuring cleanliness in the kitchen markets, where poultry birds are sold, and to dump poultry waste to the particular place. The Special Assistant mentioned the initiatives, taken by the government to prevent bird flu.

He also assured the owners that the government would take positive measures to meet their demands in this regard.

Earlier, he visited a number of poultry farms and kitchen markets in the district town.

CA thanks philanthropist for $130 m donation for Sidr victims

UNB, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed Sunday extended thanks to the anonymous philanthropist for donating 130 million US dollars for rehabilitation works in the cyclone Sidr-hit coastal belt.

He also gave thanks to the President of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) for taking the responsibility of managing the funds. The unnamed donor wants to use the funds through the IDB.

The Chief Adviser conveyed the gratitude through the visiting IDB mission as a four-member tea led by MA Sattar, Adviser to the IDB President, made a courtesy call

on him at the CA's office in the afternoon and discussed some options of using the handsome amount of charity.

According to the desire of the philanthropist, the donor wants to spend 110 million dollars for constructing school-cum-cyclone shelters while the rest 20 million for livelihood rehabilitation of the cyclone-affected people.

The IDB mission, who visited some of the cyclone-ravaged spots, appreciated government as well as army's role and efforts in the immediate tackling of the aftermath of the cyclone.

They apprised that they might need government's support in designing and side selection. The CA assured government's necessary cooperation in this regard.

The mission made the visit to Bangladesh, particularly to the Sidr-hit areas, to explore how best IDB could utilize the 130 million dollars in a transparent way so that real beneficiaries get benefited.

The IDB mission, who have already met many high officials of the government and prominent NGO leaders, apprised that they would submit a report regarding utilization of the funds to the IDB president.

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin recalled his meeting with the IDB president at Mina when he went to Makkah to perform Hajj last year. At the time he was apprised of the philanthropist's donation. ERD Secretary Aminul Islam Bhuiyan, Secretary to CA's office Kazi M Aminul Islam and CA's Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim were also present.

Delwar demands release of Khaleda, her sons: Veracity of Khokon remark questioned

UNB, Dhaka

In an apparent latest hitch in the bifurcated former ruling party, BNP secretary general Khandaker Delwar Hossain Sunday questioned veracity of Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokno's remarks that detained Khaleda Zia now stands for the party's reunification. Addressing a press conference at his NAM apartment, where he aired the doubts, Delwar demanded release of the party chairperson and former Prime Minister, Khaleda Zia, and her two sons for their better treatment.

Khokon, a counsel for Begum Zia and her two sons, met the BNP chairperson at the makeshift jail last Friday and told reporters that she wants unity of BNP and nationalist forces in the nation's interest.

But, Delwar cast doubts on Khokon's talks to journalists and questioned why he did not first convey the outcome of discussion to them before disclosing all this to the press.

" I doubt if such political discussion is possible in jail. If so happened, why he would disclose the outcome of such conversations to journalists before communicating to me," the BNP secretary general said.

Delwar also questioned Khokon's meeting with acting BNP chairperson Saifur Rahman for one and half an hour before he met with Begum Zia. The newly appointed BNP secretary general apparently made party unity conditional, as he said he would abide by any decision of the chairperson regarding the unity process but those who got derailed would have to correct themselves first and return to the party as per party constitution.

"Madam does not believe that BNP is divided… She will take the decisions if the disgruntled leaders want to come back," said Delwar, who replaced Mannan Bhuiyan when the latter was sacked by the party chief for his reformist stand amid a storm in the country's political arena after the last January changeover.

He said Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman and Arafat Rahman Koko are ill and they should be given better medical treatment. "Otherwise, they should be released immediately."

When contacted, Barrister Mahbub Uddin Khokon told UNB that he had prior meeting with Khandaker Delwar and conveyed his message to Begum Zia at the jail.

He disclosed that similar messages from BNP leaders Goyeswar Chandra Roy and Mohammad Shajahan were conveyed to Begum Zia during his meeting.

"I don't believe that Delwar saheb can speak against me. He knows me very well. Perhaps he has been misguided by vested groups within BNP," Khokon said.

In reply to a question, he said he stands by what he stated to

reporters after meeting with Begum Zia regarding the unity of BNP. "Madam wants unity of BNP and nationalist forces in the interest of the country," he said, adding if anyone has any doubt about it, they can check with Begum Zia through lawyers.

"I don't understand why Khandaker Delwar spoke against me," Khokon said and refuted Delwar's remarks that he had prior meeting with Saifur Rahman before going to Khaleda Zia. " I haven't even met Saifur Rahman for last two years," he categorically said. Barrister Khokon mentioned that he has been working as a lawyer of Begum Zia, Tarique and Koko since 1996. And he is dealing with all cases of Begum Zia, six cases of Tarique and two cases of Koko.

CG to fulfil all commitments hope Badruddoza

Staff Reporter

Chairman of Bikalpadhara Bangladesh Prof AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury hoped the Caretaker Government would implement its all commitments, for which the government was given support by the people of the country.

Prof AQM Badruddoza Chowdhury said the Government should hold the elections by the end of this year according to the roadmap and keep the election free from corrupt politicians, and black money.

"We do not expect the delayed election with plea of incomplete voter list. We want the completition of the voter list with photograph immediately" he added.

Prof Chowdhury was addressing a party discussion meeting held on proposed Local Government (LG) framework suggested by a Bangladeshi expatriate in USA Abu Taleb in the city yesterday, when General Secretary of the party Maj (Retd) Abdul Mannan was also present.

The previous three democratic ruling parties had lack of willingness to strengthen the LG in the country.

"All development activities should be conducted through the LG's tiers Union Parishad and Upazila Parishad," he added.

He also said decentralisation of power is needed for removing the corruptions, as there was massive possibility of corruption in the centralised power.

The Party Chairman said the administrators have to be impartial to hold a fair and free election.

He said many times the constitution and democracy were violated during the last three democratic government periods in the country.

Maj (Retd) Abdul Mannan said the politics of the country could not come out from the grid of the family politics yet. Bangladesh failed to achieve remarkable development politically and socially in the last 15 years.

Bikalpadhara leader and former diplomat Ashrafuzzaman Chowdhury, USA leader of the party Monirul Islam, UK leader Wahid Uddin and Abu Taleb among others addressed the meeting.

Detention of Tarique, Hannan: SC to hear govt petitions on Feb 13

UNB, Dhaka

The government plea to stay the operation of High Court verdict that declared illegal the detention order of BNP leaders Tarique Rahman and Brig Gen (retd) Shah Abdul Hannan will come up for hearing in the Appellate Division on February 13. Chamber court of Justice M A Matin Sunday passed the order while a government attorney moved the petitions, as it preferred leave to appeal against the Jan 30 High Court judgments.

On separate habeas corpus writ petitions challenging the validity of the impugned detention orders, the High Court had delivered the judgments after hearing both sides.

On March 7 last year, the joint forces arrested BNP senior joint secretary general Tarique from her mother's Cantonment house after an extortion case was filed against him.

Later, he was served with a detention order under the Special Powers Act (SPA) on April 13 the same year.

Police arrested Hannan Shah, adviser to detained BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, on November 7 last year on charge of violating the Emergency Power Rules. On November 25, he was given detention under the SPA.

DU students demand withdrawal of BCS quota system

UNB, Dhaka

Several hundred students of Dhaka University on Sunday demonstrated on the campus demanding withdrawal of quota system from BCS jobs.

The agitating students chanted various slogans and held a rally. As the demonstrators tried to come out of the campus, police intercepted them in front of the public library at noon. Cordoned by police, they held a rally on the street.

The students later dropped a memorandum of their demands to the offices of the Chief Adviser and Public Service Commission.

Zillur concerned over Hasina's health condition

UNB, Dhaka

Acting Awami League president Zillur Rahman Sunday expressed concern at health condition of detained party president Sheikh Hasina.

Talking to reporters after emerging from a special court trying Hasina in extortion cases, Zillur said she is suffering from high blood pressure but doctors did not see her.

"Medicines are being prescribed on telephone but no doctors saw her," he said, adding, "This is inhuman."

Hasina was arrested on July 16 last year in an extortion case involving Tk 3 crore.

HC grants bail to Towfiq Elahi

UNB, Dhaka

The High Court Sunday granted ad interim bail to former energy secretary Dr Towfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury in connection with a power plant graft case.

Granting interim bail following a petition, a division bench comprising Justice Shah Abu Nayeem Mominur Rahman and Justice Shahidul Islam, issued rule upon the government to explain why the petitioner should not be granted regular bail.

Over fortnight ago, Dr Towfiq was sent to jail after he surrendered to a Dhaka court in a case filed for Tk 3 crore graft during the setting up of a barge-mount power plant in Khulna in which detained ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is also an accused.

Barrister Rafique-ul Huq appeared for Dr Towfiq.

ACC questions bureaucrats in Niko graft case against Khaleda

UNB, Dhaka

The Anti-Corruption Commission Sunday questioned some government officials from different ministries in connection with the Niko graft case filed against detained former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and four others.

Subject to the court's approval, Khaleda Zia, prime accused in the case, is likely to be questioned at the makeshift jail beginning of March.

The anti-graft watchdog filed the case with Tejgaon police station on December 9 last year against Khaleda, detained former Law Minister Barrister Maudud Ahmed, detained former state minister for energy AKM Mosharraf Hossain, former acting energy secretary Khandaker Shahidul Islam, and vice-president (South Aisa) of Niko Research Bangladesh Ltd Kashem Sharif.

They were accused of signing the illegal deal with Niko through corruption that inflicted a loss of Tk 10,000 crore to the State. A separate case was also filed with the same police station on the same day against another detained former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and six others for alleged corruption in awarding deal to Niko. ACC sources said that one joint secretary and three deputy secretaries from Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Ministry of Finance, and Petrobangla were questioned today at the ACC headquarters in Segunbagicha in connection with the case against Khaleda and others.

These officials were summoned a couple of days ago by ACC assistant director and investigating officer Shahidur Rahman to be present at the Commission to give statements in connection with the high-profile case.

According to sources, more officials at different levels who were involved with filing and sending letters would be questioned gradually for selecting witnesses for the case and out of them, if anyone, is found involved with wrongdoing would be identified as accused.

Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Khaleda, the prime accused, is likely to be questioned at the makeshift jail beginning of March in connection with the case. "Her statement will be taken at the makeshift jail at a later stage of the investigation, likely at the beginning of March," a source close to the investigation told UNB. Two accused of the case - former Law Minister Maudud and former State Minister for Energy AKM Mosharraf - have already been questioned by the Commission in connection with the case.

Maudud was questioned on January 30 at the Dhaka central jail gate while Mosharraf was quizzed the following day (January 31) at the gate of Kashimpur jail in Gazipur.

Legal action to be taken against defiant Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia

UNB, Dhaka

The Expatriate Welfare and Overseas Employment Ministry Sunday said adverse impact may be cast on Bangladesh's labour market in Malaysia due to unpleasant behavior by few Bangladeshi workers there.

"Working freestyle at other place after taking back passport from employers is not consistent with labour laws of Malaysia. Illegal demands raised by these few workers are not acceptable considering interest of all Bangladeshi workers in Malaysia as well as overall national interest," an official release said.

The release said a significant amount of remittance was sent to Bangladesh in 2007 from Malaysia, a biggest labour market for the country. So far 2,36,601 Bangladeshi workers went to Malaysia last year.

It said amidst the large number of workers sent to Malaysian in so short period of time, a small number of unskilled workers also went to Malaysia with vocational jobs.

The release said due to lack of prior experience, those unskilled workers could not adjust with their working atmosphere, resulting in causing disputes with their employers.

Some 2,000 to 3,000 workers out of 3,59,000 informed the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur of their problems. Of these workers, 70-80 percent workers were sent back to their workplaces following fruitful discussion with recruiters and concerned Malaysian authorities through the Bangladesh High Commission. Rest of the workers did not show interest in going back to their workplaces despite assurance of providing all existing facilities by employers. Rather, they have been creating pressure on employers to give their passports back through the Bangladesh High Commission. They are also using the High Commission premises as their agitation ground.

The release cautioned that legal action will be taken against these workers after discussion between the Bangladesh High Commission and the Malaysian Works Department, Immigration and law enforcing agencies.

IDB mission calls on CA

BSS, Dhaka

A four-member Islamic Development Bank (IDB) mission led by adviser to the president of the bank MA Sattar paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed at his office here yesterday afternoon.

During the meeting, the mission apprised the Chief Adviser about the plans of the bank regarding utilization of the 130 million US dollars donated by an anonymous philanthropist for the 'Sidr, victims.

They told the Chief Adviser that as per wish of the donor, the IDB will spend 110 million US dollars to build school cum multipurpose shelter centers while the rest amount for the creation of income generation for the people affected by the devastating cyclone 'Sidr'.

Members of the mission also said that they already visited some of the 'Sidr' hit areas including Patharghata of Baraguna district and Sharonkhola of Bagherhat district to see for themselves the latest situation there and government activities for the affected people.

They sought cooperation of the government for making a design and for selecting sites for the construction of school cum shelter centers in the affected areas.

The mission appreciated the government and the army for their sincere efforts to minimize the sufferings of the cyclone survivors.

The Chief Adviser assured the IDB Mission saying that his government will extend all out cooperation to expedite the process for making design and selecting sites of the planned infrastructure for the 'Sidr' affected people".

He expressed gratitude to the IDB president for managing the fund as well as the anonymous donor who donated the money for the cause of humanity.

Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed informed them that the government has done primary works for the victims and has now attached priority to long term rehabilitation especially to the creation of livelihood for the distressed.

ERD Secretary Aminul Islam Bhuiyan, Secretary to the Chief Adviser's Office Kazi M Aminul Islam and Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Syed Fahim Munaim were present on the occasion.

UNESCO book fair opens on Feb 27

BSS, Dhaka

The tow-day UNESCO Books Fair-2008 will be opened at the Central Public Library at Shahbagh here on February 27 on the occasion of the International Mother Language Day.

The National Association of UNESCO Clubs in Bangladesh will organize the fair in cooperation with the Bangladesh National Commission for UNESCO and UNESCO Dhaka Office, said a press release.

Different publication materials, books, magazines, photographs and posters published by UNESCO will be displayed in the exhibition.

The fair will remain open to all from 10 am to 5 pm.

Price of essentials cheaper in BDR-run shops

BSS, Dhaka

Price of essential items were cheaper yesterday in the BDR-run sales centers and markets compared to those in the city's ordinary markets, according to a BDR market report released here yesterday.

Besides, the report said, winter vegetables are being sold at cheaper prices in the markets.

Flour in packet is being sold between Taka 41 and 43 per kg in the ordinary markets, it said adding the item was sold at Taka 44 per kg in the BDR-run open markets and Taka 34 in the BDR-run sales centers. The price of one kg flour in Kolkata is equivalent to Taka 24.13.

Coarse rice was sold in different markets between Taka 28 and 29 per kg, while the price of the same item in the BDR-run sales centers is Taka 25 and in BDR-run open markets is Taka 30. In Kolkata markets, it is being sold at Taka 22.41.

Onion was sold at Taka 16 per kg in the BDR-run open markets and at Taka 15 in the BDR-run sales centers. Price of onion in other city markets were between Taka 15 and 18. The item is being sold in Kolkata at Taka 8.62.

Potato is being sold from Taka 12 to Taka 14 per kg in the ordinary markets, while its price in the BDR-run open markets is Taka 14. In Kolkata, price of the item is Taka 10.34.

The price of soybean oil ranges between Taka 96 and Taka 100 per liter in the ordinary markets, while it is available at Taka 95 in the BDR-run open markets and at BDR-run sales center at Taka 90. In Kolkata, price of the soybean oil is Taka 100 per liter.

Palm oil is being sold between Taka 84 and Taka 90 per liter in the ordinary markets, while it is available at Taka 88 per liter in the BDR-run open markets. In Kolkata, price of the palm oil is Taka 77.58 per liter, the BRD market report said.

BJFCI launched to protect rights consumers

BSS, Dhaka

A new body of newsmen styled 'Bangladesh Jour-nalists' Forum for Consumers and Investors (BJFCI)' was launched yesterday in the city with a view to establishing the rights of consumers and protecting the interest of small investors of the country.

According to a press release, the BJFCI, a non-profit organisation, was formed at a meeting of journalists of the leading dailies, news agencies and electronic media at the Jatiya Press Club.

The meeting unanimously constituted a 15-member convening committee headed by senior reporter of BSS Faruk Ahmed.

Other members of the committee are Ashraf Khan (Shamokal), Kaykobad Milon (Ittefaq), Ali Sanwar (The Bangladesh Observer), Abul Khair (Ittefaq), Md Enamul Haque (BSS), Belayet Hossain (Dinkal), Shafiqul Alam Raton (The News Today), Shamim Siddique (Inqilab), Anisur Rahman (The Financial Express), Monjur Mahmood (NTV), Md Ejaj Hossain (Ittefaq), Rozina Islam (Sangbad), Shamim Zahedi (The Daily Star) and Md Jahangir Alam (BID).

3 drug-peddlers arrested

BSS, Rajshahi

Members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested three alleged drug-peddlers and seized cocktails, phensidyl and smuggled clothes from different areas in three northern districts during the last 24 hours till this noon.

RAB sources here said, acting on a tip-off, a team of the elite forces seized four cocktails during a drive at Chargajipara village under Chapainawabgonj district. However, none could be arrested in yesterday connection.

They also arrested three drug-peddlers identified as Khairul Islam, 35, Abdur Rahim, 42, and Rabiul Islam, 28, and seized 86 bottles of phensidyl during two separate raids at different places in Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj districts.

In another raid conducted at Joypurhat Railway station area, another RAB team seized 51 smuggled sarees valued at about Taka 40,800 in an abandoned condition.

Steps for overseas job for monga-hit region to be taken

BSS, Dhaka

Adviser for Foreign Affairs Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, who is also in charge of the Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment, said here yesterday that the government would take special measures to encourage export of manpower from monga-hit areas.

He said this upon his return here from a two-day visit to North Bengal that took him to Bogra, Gaibandha, Rangpur and Sirajganj, a Foreign Ministry press release said.

In order to address this issue, Dr. Iftekhar Chowdhury has called a special meeting to be held tomorrow in his ministry office where representatives from the concerned ministries, agencies and NGOs are likely to be present.

He said this goal has been included in the 14-point package for North Bengal announced by the Chief Adviser following the recent Advisory Council meeting in Rangpur.

"We have decided to strengthen the Technical Training Centres (TTCs) in North Bengal as a part of this programme by enhancing capacity and adjusting the curriculum", he said.

Dr. Chowdhury said he has asked the relevant authorities to open technical training centre in Rangpur soon. "I have seen that the structure is in place," he observed.

13,000 blankets distributed in Bogra

BSS, Bogra

Over 13,000 pieces of blankets were distributed among the cold-hit people in 12 upazilas in the district till Saturday.

Out of those, 2,600 pieces have been received from the relief fund, 2,400 pieces from Libya and 900 pieces from Brazil.

Besides, another 5,560 pieces of blankets were brought at a cost of Taka 10 lakh from the Chief Adviser's Relief Fund.

On the other hand, 1,592 pieces of blankets were distributed from the stock.

Japan to invite Asian nations in G8 summit

AFP, Tokyo

Japan is considering inviting Asian countries, including China and ASEAN states, to this year's Group of Eight (G8) summit, a newspaper reported Sunday.

Japan will host the summit in Toyako, a lakeside resort on the northern island of Hokkaido, from July 7 to 9.

Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda plans to invite leaders of China, South Korea and Indonesia as part of an effort to strengthen his country's ties with its Asian partners, the Nikkei business daily said.

Fukuda also plans to ask Thailand, which now chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to participate, while Australia may be on his invite list, the newspaper said.

Japan will also ask regular guest states-India, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa-to join in the talks.

A wider invitation is also aimed at stimulating debate over climate change, which is high on the summit's agenda, the report said.

G8 groups Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United States.