Prodi vows to strengthen ties with China

Italian center-left leader Romano Prodi gestures during a press conference in Rome, capital of Italy, April 12, 2006. Romano Prodi, whose center-left coalition has claimed victory in Italy's parliamentary elections, said on Wednesday that the new government would boost relations with China.

NASA to launch moon-impact probe

NASA announced on April 10 that a space probe will crash into the lunar south pole. NASA hoped this mission will help scientists' search for water, which will be used as a resource for moon landing and future lunar base. The lunar spacecraft will release its impactor probe to the south pole of the moon in January 2009. The plume caused by the collision will be 40 miles (about 64 km) above the surface, visible to Earth-based observatories.

Google unveils its Chinese name: Gu Ge

Staffs of Google Inc posed for a photo with the company's Chinese name "Gu Ge". The Internet search giant Google unveiled its Chinese name "Gu Ge" in Beijing on Wednesday. According to officials of Google, "Gu Ge", meaning "song of the harvest of grain", indicates the "rich and colorful searching experiences".

Bayern Munich into German Cup final with 3-0 win over St. Pauli

Bayern Munich joined Eintracht Frankfurt to reach the final of the German Cup with a 3-0 win over stubborn third-division St. Pauli on Wednesday.Photo shows Bayern goalkeeper Oliver Kahn celebrates with teammate after the match.

Peach blossoms in Tian'anmen Square

A photo taken in April 13, 2006 shows prosperous peach blossoms in Tian'anmen Square of Beijing, capital of China. Many potted peach flowers were recently put on Tian'anmen Square, making the renowned place increasingly attractive.

ICJ celebrates the 60th anniversary

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan (C) is welcomed during attending the grand ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of the founding of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), in The Hague, the Netherlands, April 12, 2006. The ICJ, the main judicial organ of the United Nations (UN), celebrated its 60th anniversary here on Wednesday.

Hosptial blast may caused by illegally stored explosives

Workers clear the debris at the blast site in the staff hospital of Xuangang Coal and Electricity Co. Ltd. in Yuanping City, north China's Shanxi Province, April 12, 2006. Police suspected that the blast happening on April 10 was possibly caused by explosives illegally stored by a hospital administrator. The rescue work was almost finished Wednesday. The explosion left 31 people dead.

World Buddhist Forum in Hanghzou

Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Jia Qinglin (L) shakes hands with the 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu during the World Buddhist Forum in Hanghzou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province April 12, 2006.

Light snow with floating dust sweep across Xinjiang

A man sweeps snow from his car in Qiemo county,northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on April 11, 2006. Affected by the cold air current moving southward from western Siberia, a rare strong sandstorm hit Qiemo on Monday. It brought light snow with floating dust and causing temperature drop of 10 degrees centigrade.

Thailand celebrates Songkran Festival

A child takes part in water fight during a celebration of the Songkran Festival, Thailand's traditional New Year, in Bangkok April 12, 2006. Thais splash water and apply powder to each other during the three-day New Year holiday starting from April 13 every year.

US guests visit community in Beijing

A visitor (R) from the United States learns to perform dance specifically for old people in a Jinrong Street community in Beijing, capital of China, April 12, 2006. A United States delegation visited the community on April 12 and exchanged views with residents there on activities for old people.

Tajik, Parmirs Plateau and spring

Photo taken on April 6, 2006, shows the Pamirs Plateau in the sun in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Surrounded by Tianshan Mountains, Kunlun Mountains, and Karakorum Mountains, the Pamirs Plateau has an average altitude of over 4000 meters. The Tajik people living on the plateau are well-known for their hardworking, braveness, honesty and generosity, as well as various ethnic customs.

Prodi prepares to form cabinet

Italian opposition leader Romano Prodi said Wednesday he forged ahead with plans to form a cabinet despite Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's refusal to concede defeat.

Cambodian mine-clearing soldiers join UN mission

Cambodian soldiers for the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Sudan receive inspection during a seeing-off ceremony in Phnom Penh April 12, 2006. Around 130 Cambodian soldiers were sent to Sudan for demining operation April 12. This was the first time Cambodia took part in a UN peacekeeping mission.

Chinese leaders meet President of Georgia

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) meets with President of Georgia Mikhail Saakashvili in Beijing, capital of China, April 12, 2006.

US President meets Chinese Vice-Premier

United States President George W. Bush (R) meets with Chinese Vice-Premier Wu Yi at the White House in Washington April 12, 2006.