Dutch cyclist around the world

Arie (L), 40, a Dutch who cycles around the world, signs his name on a poster in Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province April 12. Arie set out from Amsterdam April 10 2002. China is the 43rd country he has arrived at. Having finished more than 20,000 kilometers and gone through West Europe, East Europe, West Asia and Southeast Asia, he will head for the ROK, Japan and American countries later.

Crop in Afghanistan grow well

Two Afghans reaps caraway in a field in Kabul April 11, 2005. Thanks to abundant rainfall this spring, corp in Afghanistan grow well.

Afghanistan issues new coins

A man displays the new Afghani coins at an exchange market in Kabul, Afghanistan, April 12, 2005. Afghan Central Bank issued new coins on Monday, with one, two and five afghani coins (about 2.3, 4.7 and 12 US cents respectively). The new coins were made in France and will be circulated throughout Afghanistan soon. The former coins were issued 30 years ago, which have been out of circulation since 1992.

Ballet troupe opens to public

A ballet dancer engaged in an exercise in a hall of the Central Ballet Troupe in Beijing, China. China's Central Ballet Troupe began in April, 2005 to receive visitors and offer them opportunities to watch ballet dancers' exercises, rehearsals and listen to introductions of ballet art given by masters in the troupe.

"Remember Pearl Harbor" exhibition

Tourists visit US warship "Cutter Taney", the last surviving warship from the incident of Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor during an exhibition entitled "Remember Pearl Harbor" held by Maritime Museum in Baltimore of Maryland State, the United States, April 11, 2005.

White swan rescued in Turpan

Two local policemen clean wings for a swan in Turpan Prefecture of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on April 12, 2005. The white swan fell to a farmland here due to illness during its migration on April 5. Local police came to its rescue after farmers spotted it and informed the police.

Countries hold meeting to oppose UNSC expansion in NY

Representatives of Italy, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Pakistan and other countries who oppose the increase of permanent seats to the UN Security Council hold a meeting at a New York hotel, the United States on April 11, 2005.

China launches AsiaSat-6

A China-made Long March 3B rocket heads for space from the launching center in Xichang in southwest China's Sichuan Province at 20:00 (Beijing time) on April 12, 2005. China sent AsiaSat-6 communication satellite into space here on Tuesday. It is the first commercial communication satellite launched by China since 1999.

Sui Feifei visits Monarchs' home stadium

China's basketball player Sui Feifei stands in front of Monarchs' home stadium called Arco Arena, Sacramento, California, April 12, 2005.

UNSC to provide assistance to Iraq's constitutional process

The UN Security Council current president, Chinese ambassador Wang Guangya reads a statement at the UN headquarters in New York, April 11, 2005. UN Special Representative to Iraq Ashraf Qazi made a presentation on the situation in Iraq to the Security Council on Monday. Following Qazi's report, Wang delivered his statement. The Security Council welcomed Iraq's recent political progresses and reiterated that the council will provide assistance to the constitutional process of Iraq.

Women's World Chess Cup

France's Almira Skripchenko, US' Irina Krush, Hungary's Schneider Veronika and Slovakia's Veronika Machalova (From L to R) pose for a photo during the press conference in Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province, April 12, 2005. They are going to take part in the Women's World Chess Cup held here scheduled on April 14, 2005.

Premier Wen calls for joint efforts of Chinese, Indian youth for better future

Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao addresses the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi in New Delhi, capital of India, April 12, 2005. Wen called upon the youth of China and India to make joint efforts to enhance the long-term friendship during his speech.