Officials Made Accountable for Energy Saving

The career prospects of provincial-level officials have been linked to their performance in achieving the central government's energy-saving targets.

Thirty deputy governors, mayors and heads of autonomous regions and 15 general managers of energy-guzzling State-owned enterprises have signed an "accountability" pact with the State Council. It was not revealed what penalties, would be meted out to those who fail to meet the targets. 

Little Progress at International Conference on Lebanon

The Rome conference has achieved virtually nothing as participants could not agree on terms of a cease-fire between Israel and south Lebanon-based Hezbollah.

A statement read out by D'Alema on behalf of the co-chairs -- Italy and the United States -- said the participants "expressed their determination to work immediately to reach with the utmost urgency a cease-fire that would put an end to the current violence and hostilities." 

NATO to Take Over in Southern Afghanistan

NATO troops are to take charge of security in southern Afghanistan after ambassadors agreed to the 26-nation military alliance's ambitious plans.

The decision still needs the backing of non-NATO members such as Australia that contribute to the International Security Assistance Force in southern Afghanistan. 

Tour to Australia and New Zealand Available Nationwide

Chinese nationals from all over the country will be able to tour Australia and New Zealand from August 1st.

Now, at the request of the governments of Australia and New Zealand, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Public Security has authorized the tour service for all the provinces in China. 

'Crazy Stone' Tops Domestic Production Box Office

The triumphant return of "Superman" to China has done nothing to diminish the popularity of the domestic production "Crazy Stone" in cinemas.

Twenty-five days since its release, Crazy Stone has already topped the box office revenue of every domestic production of the year.