Chinese president Xi Jinping has delivered his Lunar New Year greetings to all Chinese people living here in China and around the world.

"The Chinese Lunar New Year is a long-held traditional holiday for the Chinese people and it is commonly celebrated by Chinese people across the globe. Taking this opportunity, I would like to extend my best new year wishes to all ethnic groups living on the Chinese mainland, to all the compatriots of Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and those living overseas. I would also like to wish good health, happy family and success for the Chinese expatriots living in all countries and regions across the world. I call on the Chinese people be spirited as the Dragon and energetic as the horse in the coming new year, to strive for our common prosperity. And lastly, let's hope our motherland could become ever more prosperous and our people of various ethnic groups become ever more happy."

Ahead of the Lunar New Year, the Chinese President also issued a call for ethnic harmony among those living here in China.

He made the comments while touring Inner Mongolia this week.

 

Chinese president lauds CELAC statement on China-LatAm forum

Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent his congratulations to the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States following the conclusion of its latest summit in Havana, Cuba.

Xi Jinping says CELAC has played a positive role in pushing forward regional cooperation since its inception.

He also says the bloc's international influence has been growing. 

Xi Jinping says his government also stands ready to work with Latin America in actively building up the forum as an important platform for China-Latin American ties. 

CELAC is made up of 33 countries in the western hemisphere, excluding the United States and Canada.

 

Syria gov't, opposition discuss security situation on ground: Brahimi

A 6th day of meetings among the UN, the Syrian government and the opposition has come to an end.

UN-Arab League mediator Lakhdar Brahimi says the two sides discussed the security situation on the ground in Syria.

He says both sides engaged in a "very long meeting" focusing on security and terrorism, saying both sides do agree that there is terrorism taking place in the country.

Brahimi has described the session as containing both "tension" and "rather promising moments."

This current round of negotiations is due to conclude later on this Friday.

Brahimi says another set of discussions will probably take place in about a week's time.

 

Egypt's cabinet accepts deputy PM's resignation

Egypt's deputy Prime Minister has resigned ahead of an anticipated cabinet reshuffle.

In tendering his resignation, Ziad Bahaa-Eddin says his time will be better spent preparing for the forthcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in Egypt.

Bahaa-Eddin has been critical of a number of decision by Prime Minister Hazem al-Beblawi, including the controversial protest law in Egypt.

There has been a lot of anticipation about a major cabinet reshuffle, as anticipation grows about the expected presidential aspirations of the current Defense minister, former Army Chief Abdel-Fatah al-Sisi.

Egypt is headed toward presidential and parliamentary elections, following the approval of a new consitution earlier this month by voters.

 

Obama remarks on Iran "unrealistic": Iranian spokesperson

The Iranian government is moving to rebuff comments from US President Barack Obama about the country's nuclear program.

A spokesperson for the Iranian foreign ministry is being quoted as saying comments Obama made this week in his State of the Union address were both "unrealistic" and "unconstructive."

Addressing Congress this week, Obama suggested it is "American dipomacy, backed by pressure, that has halted progress of Iran's nuclear program".

The Iranian government is describing this contention as an "incorrect interpretation" of Iran's willingness to forge a new relationship with the US and its allies.

 

Abe says ties intact with U.S. despite lingering disapproval over war-shrine visit

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has told lawmakers that he believes his administration's relationship with its key ally, the United States, remains unaffected by his trip late last year to the controversial Yasakuni Shrine.

Speaking to the Upper House of parliament, Abe has told lawmakers he believes the Japan-US alliance is "solid."

The Obama administration took issue with Abe's trip to Yasukuni in December, describing the move as "disappointing."

Abe's visit to the shrine caused immediate anger here in East Asia, as trips to the shrine in Tokyo are viewed as disrespectful to the countries Japan invaded and occupied during the first half of the 20th century.

 

Media day held ahead of Superbowl

Ahead of the much-anticipated Superbowl this coming Sunday in New Jersey, the teams have taken part in the mandatory media day event.

Much of the focus of the day was on Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch, who has had a very cold relationship with the media.

Lynch spoke for only 7 1/2 minutes, mainly saying that it will just be good to get back to football.

Sunday's Superbowl in New Jersey pits the NFC champion Seattle Seahawks against AFC champs, the Denver Broncos.

Kickoff will take place around 7:20am Monday morning, Beijing time.