THE HAGUE, November 13, 2009 (AFP) - The Dutch government said Friday it wants to introduce a "green" road tax by the kilometre from 2012 aimed at cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 10 percent and halving congestion.

As the leaves turn red going into late autumn, it is ship-burning season in the old fishing town of Tungkang in Pingtung County.

The Michael Moore documentary Sicko paints a bleak picture of the US health care insurance system.

It shows the suffering of people unable to receive satisfactory medical treatment in a country that fails to provide universal health cover for all its citizens.

Popular Taiwanese actress Joe Chen became a well-known face in the region after starring in the successful idol drama, You’re My Destiny, last year.

“Our minds are one of loyalty, reflection and gratitude. We give love to people, give water to flowers. We shouldn’t forget our first intention; an excuse is merely an objection in disguise.”

As they stood on the precipice of what looked to be the world’s worst recession in 60 years, the leaders of 21 Asia-Pacific countries and territories swore solemnly not to resort to trade protectionism to prop up their capsizing economies.

While most of the old cameras were gradually laden with dust in the drawers, lawyer Chen Yin Lu was just about to begin collecting them five years ago.

Fifty years from now, cervical cancer will probably be a distant memory to some. The rest probably have never even heard of it.

What is your degree of optimism that there will be free flow of capital and investment (in the Asean region) after 2015?

What is your degree of optimism that there will be free flow of human resources (in the Asean region) after 2015?

Rescued and nurtured for nearly a year, then fitted with a satellite transmitter, Letricia appeared reluctant at first to leave its island sanctuary and embark on its long, uncertain migration.