Chinese peacekeeping troops depart for Liberia

The picture shows a flagman of the Chinese peacekeeping troops at the Beijing Capital International Airport, Dec. 22, 2004. The second batch of peacekeeping forces, for transport and medical care, left for Liberia on that day. According to the United Nations' requirement, they will substitute the first batch of Chinese peacekeeping force whose mission is ending.

Blast kills 22 in US military base in Mosul

Workers and U.S. soldiers tend to the wounded after a mortar attack on forward operating base Marez in Mosul, Iraq. At least 22 people were killed and 50 wounded in a blast at a joint US-Iraqi military base in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, Dec 21, 2004.

CPPCC Chairman urges to promote united front work

Jia Qinglin, CPPCC Chairman and a member of the standing committee of the polictial bureau of the CPC central committee presented a conference for the heads of United Front Work Department, and dilivered a speech in the Great Hall of People in Beijing on Dec 22. He said that China's united front work departments should get all forces of the society to work together to develop the country.

John Howard extends new year greeting to Chinese in Australia

Australian Prime Minister Jonh Howard devivered a speech to the Chinese community in Sydney on Dec 22. Howard extended new year greetings to the Chinese in Australia and spoke highly of Chinese community's outstanding contribution to social and economic development of Australia. He reiterated that the new government would stick to the "one China" policy.

Stalin commemorated in Georgia

People march with Stalin's portrait in downtown Gori, Georgia as they gathered to commemorate the 125th anniversary of former General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) Joseph Vissarrionovich Stalin in his hometown Dec. 21, 2004.

Animals enjoy snowfall in Beijing

A monkey enjoys the food in the snow in Beijing Zoo, Dec. 22, 2004. The first snow of the winter hit the city Wednesday, with the temperature falling down to minus 5 degrees centigrade.

Emergency snow plan ensures traffic in Beijing

Workers of the sanitation department in Xicheng District spread snow melting agent on a street in Beijing, capital of China Dec. 22, 2004. Wednesday saw the heaviest snow in the capital since Beijing entered the winter season, while the city's emergency snow plan was set up to ensure its traffic.

Blair, Sharon hold talks in Jerusalem

British Prime Minister Tony Blair (L) shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon (R) during their meeting in Jerusalem Dec. 22, 2004. Blair arrived in Jerusalem for a visit to Israel on Tuesday.

2004 a difficult year for UN: Kofi Annan

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan tells reporters at the annual year-end news briefing in New York on Dec. 21, 2004 that 2004 is a difficult year for the world body, but he is confident with support of member states to carry on his works. Annan also answered questions about the peace in Iraq and Sudan, as well as the allegations of corruption and mismanagement within the UN Oil-for-Food program.