Power failure hits Moscow, paralyzing metro tranport

A police officer directed traffic on street of Moscow May 25, 2005.Power supplies in Moscow were suddenly cut off Wednesday due to an explosion at an electricity substation, Energy Minister Viktor Khristenko said. The power failures effected traffic on several lines of the Moscow metro. The underground train service system was halted and suburban commuter trains on several routes in and out of the city were also affected.

Heavy snows cause traffic problem in south Kyrgyzstan

Several passengers wait for their bus to drive out of slush in south Kyrgyzstan on May 24, 2005. Heavy snows hit south Kyrgyzstan in the past several days, and made the traffic in bad condition.

Egyptians start voting on key constitutional amendment

People rally to show their support to Egyptian President Mubarak in downtown Cairo, Egypt, May 25, 2005. Egyptian voters went to polling stations early Wednesday to vote on a key amendment to Article 76 of the Constitution, which will allow direct multi-candidate presidential elections for the first time in the country's history.

All-China Women's Federation donates relief materials to Indonesia

Chinese ambassador in Jakarta Lan Lijun (L), on behalf of All-China Women's Federation, hands over goods of relief for tsunami-hit areas in Indonesia to Linda (R), chairperson of Indonesian Women Committee, on May 25, 2005. The goods valuing 50, 000 US dollars include clothes and daily necessities.

Wu Bangguo kicks off visit to New Zealand

China's top legislator Wu Bangguo (R) is greeted by Prime Minister Helen Clark at the airport in Wellington May 25, 2005. Wu, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, arrived in Wellington Wednesday for a four-day official good-will visit to New Zealand. Wu came at the invitation of Margaret Wilson, speaker of the House of Representatives of New Zealand.

Liverpool wins Champions League title

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, center, lifts the UEFA Champions League trophy, Wednesday May 25, 2005. Liverpool won the Champions League final, beating AC Milan 3-2 on penalties after the teams were level at 3-3 after 120 minutes. (AP photo)

World's first blood bank for panda to be built in Wolong

Two pandas eat at southwest China's Giant Panda Protection and Research Centre in the Wolong Nature Reserve in Sichuan province on May 21, 2005. The center will finish setting up the world's first giant panda blood bank this year to assist researchers in studying the endangered animals' blood types and chances of accepting blood transfusions.

Contestants for Miss Universe in fashion show

Miss USA Chelsea Cooley presents outfits during a fashion show held in Bangkok, Thailand, May 24, 2005. The 2005 Miss Universe final will be held here on May 31.

International tourism culture festival held in Hangzhou

Indonesian actors perform traditional sing and dance on the opening ceremony of the first Zhejiang International Tourism Culture Communication Festival in Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang province, May 24, 2005. Tourism groups from various countries and regions, including Indonesia, South Korea and Japan, participate in the ceremony.

American drummer performs in Beijing

Dave Wecki, a famous American drummer, feasts audience with his excellent performance at the Century Theater in Beijing, May 24, 2005. Dave Wecki, who was on his first visit to China, came into close contact with hundreds of his fans here on Tuesday.