hello and welcome to nhk "newsline." i'm ross mihara in tokyo with the stories at this hour. anti-government protesters in egypt are calling for more rallies after prayers on friday to increase the pressure on president hosni mubarak to step down immediately. on thursday thousands of protesters remained in tahrir square in central cairo. hundreds of people have been blocking the entrance to the parliament building about 300 meters from the square since wednesday. the government is continuing

talks with opposition parties about transition to a new government. but protesters skeptical about the credibility of the talks are calling online for a major protest on friday. the government has announced a plan to amend the constitution before a presidential election this fall to ease conditions for running for the office. the government has also shortened nighttime curfews and lifted traffic restrictions in cairo except for tahrir square in an apparent move to restore normalcy to people's lives and isolate the protesters still on the streets. some cabinet ministers have indicated they will not tolerate anymore anti-government protests and that the military could intervene to stop them. u.s. president barack obama has asked saudi arabia to use its influence on egypt to stabilize the situation. obama spoke with saudi arabia's king abdullah by phone on wednesday.

obama stressed that measures must be taken immediately for an orderly transition of power. he said the united states will remain involved in efforts to achieve peace and stability in the middle east. on the same day u.s. secretary of state hillary clinton and defense secretary robert gates met israeli defense minister ehud barak in washington. they remained committed to israel's security through continued aid to its military. the u.s. says it will work closely with egypt's neighbors to prevent the confusion from spreading in the middle east. the anti-government protests in egypt were sparked by pro democracy demonstrations in tunisia more than two weeks ago. >> reporter: protesters began rallying in egypt on january 25th to call for an end to president hosni mubarak's 30-year rule. the unrest spread across egypt with the help of facebook and twitter.

nobel laureate mohammad elbaradei, a former head of the u.n.'s nuclear agency gave his support to the protests. on january 29th, president mubarak said he had named a vice president and new ministers. on february 1st, demonstrators held the largest rally since the protests began. calling for the immediate resignation of the president. mubarak said he wouldn't seek re-election this fall, but would serve out his current term. >> translator: i do not intend on running for another presidential term. i have spent more than enough of my life in service of egypt and its people. but now i am very committed to end my term for the sake of the nation. >> reporter: more disruption ensued after the announcement

with widespread clashes reported across the country. the u.s. and the european union urged the egyptian government to stop the violence and begin an orderly transition of power immediately. >> since his term is up, relatively shortly, the key question he should be asking himself, is how do i leave a legacy behind in which egypt is able to get through this transformative period and my hope is that he will end up making the right decision. >> reporter: meanwhile, the protests have spread to other arab nations, including yemen and jordan. >> earlier we spoke with koichiro tanaka, an expert on the middle east from the institute of energy economics japan, regarding the turmoil in egypt and its effect. he began with the likely government strategy after mubarak's announcement not to

seek re-election. >> i see that the vice president suleiman, is trying to say, introduce a kind of a divided rule tactic here. now, the longer it takes for the popular movement to achieve their goals through the street demonstrations, since they lack a strong leader or they don't have a sort of a unified agenda amongst themselves, it's quite likely that they would find differences among themselves and eventually that would be, say, capitalized by the government or the military, to weaken them. >> tanaka also touched on how the turmoil in egypt might affect the middle east peace talks. >> indirectly, we could see that, since egypt played as sort

of a facilitator or mediating role in these middle east peace process talks, now that egypt might slightly shift its position from its traditional way of thinking and expressing its political views, that kind of a role is going to erode rapidly, quite rapidly. that would also lead sort of a shift of powers amongst the arab states to a more harsher and stronger attitudes against the u.s. and also against israel. >> finally, he looked at what could happen in the middle east following the crisis in egypt. >> the least i can say is we could have a close eye on what's happening in algeria, jordan, and yemen, these three, but

apart from that, i could also say that we should hold a close look on the developments in bahrain where in recent years there have been several incidents, sort of a popular uprising amongst the majority shiites against the ruling sunnis. japan's foreign minister seiji maehara has left for moscow to discuss territorial issues and economic cooperation with russia. it is maehara's first visit to russia since he took up his current post. he'll meet on friday with his russian counterpart sergey lavrov and minister. he plans to convey his position that the four islands are an integral part of japan.

past agreements include 1956 joint declaration say the territorial issue must be resolved before the countries can sign a peace treaty formally ending their world war ii hostilities. seem willing to give up the islands. it's held them for 65 years. before leaving tokyo on thursday he said he wants to settle the territorial issue to enhance bilateral ties in economic and other fields. high-ranking officials have been visiting the islands in recent months. >> reporter: in november of last year russian president dmitry medvedev visited kunashiri island. he was the first leader of russia or the soviet union to set foot on the disputed territory. the russian president inspected a geothermal power station and visited a marine products processing plant. >> translator: we must make an effort to improve living conditions on these remote

islands. >> translator: in the following month of december, first deputy prime minister shuvatov visited kunashiri and added etorofu to his itinerary. he's supervising development in russia's far east. he's supervising development. last month, russia's foreign minister visited etorofu island. he's in charge of issuing equipment to troops living on the islands. also in january, russia's minister for regional development visited kunashiri and etorofu islands. the head of the delegation of about 20 senior officials from the finance, energy and other ministries. the visitors inspected progress in infrastructure development on the islands, touring facilities such as an airport, a seaport and a kindergarten. he's in charge of a program to invest more than $600 million by 2015 on infrastructure on the islands.

russia defense minister visited kunashiri and etorofu islands last week. he inspected an air force base, artillery unit and other military facilities. russia's military plans to boost defense capability in the northern pacific region, including the four islands claimed by japan. the series of visits by high-ranking officials is intended to confirm russia's position that the islands are an integral part of the territory as a result of world war ii and a strategic military region for russia. >> earlier, yuko fukushima spoke to in had nhk world's keiji saito who covers this issue. >> following the report, it seems that russia is taking an offensive stance on this issue. what do you think maehara is going to do when he goes to russia? >> maehara wants to find a way

to put them back on the track that might lead to an outcome for japan. he will explain japan's position that the four islands are an integral part of japan. negotiations on the territorial dispute has been in recent years, the prime minister in japan making it difficult for consistent foreign policy. his meeting with russian foreign minister to create an environment conducive to discussion between the two countries. by offeringn the areas of development and environmental technology. his goal is to pave the way for a visit to russia by prime minister naoto kan sometime in the not too distant future. >> now, on russia, what kind of stance is russia taking on negotiating the status of the islands with japan? russia does not negotiation.

russia president dmitry medvedev said at the meeting of the country's security council on friday that he's ready to discuss all outstanding issues with japan. >> translator: we will continue discussing a possible peace treaty. and all other issues with japan. the discussions will raise relations to a new level. >> russia is likely to seek greater economic cooperation with japan. it may propose joint economic projects for the islands or joint development of all natural gas fields in sibera. russia encouraged foreign investment in the islands in february aiming to increase investment with countries including south korea and china. russia hopes to strengthen its claim to the region by attracting investment from abroad. the government of japan does not

accept. >> so would you say that maehara has a big challenge on his hands? >> yeah, maehara has been the first japanese foreign minister to visit russia since katsuya okada in december 2009. maehara has a strong desire to move forward on the matter of negotiations, but the atmosphere is not encouraging. on monday, prime minister kan condemned medvedev's visit to kunashiri island describing it as an unforgivable act. the russian foreign minister responded by suggesting that kan's comments were undiplomatic. russia maintains that the islands became russian territory as a result of world war ii. there's no guarantee that the particular issue would be resolved if japan agree to engage in economic cooperation. maehara hawkish comments on the matter as the minister in charge

of northern territory affairs before he took on the matter as foreign minister is getting criticism from russia. in 2009, he said that russia is eager for the island. whatever success, japanese government does not at present have an effective strategy for resolving the issue. >> okay. thank you very much. nhk world, keiji saito. in biz news all nippon airways set up a low cost carrier with hong kong investment firm. they aim to start operating in the second half of this year. >> translator: we aim to tap potential demand. we'll do this by offering much lower prices, rather than fighting for customers at existing carriers. this will expand the total passenger market. >> he also says he hopes to

bridge japan and asia by attracting a new asian customer base to japan. the new company based in western japan and plans to start flying to cities in japan, china and south korea, also a shult line to japan's narita airport. '6 the company will offer much cheaper tickets than through cost -- conventional carriers through cost-cutting and higher efficiency. it will aim to save labor and other costs through on-line ticket sales. its fleet is composed of a single type of aircraft with more seats. it will reduce the turnaround time of aircraft at airports. some asian airlines are serving regional airports in japan. the entry of the japanese budget carrier is expected to intensify competition in the market and increase passenger traffic. japan's big automakers did better in china than at home during the nine months ending last december. one exception was toyota motor. honda motor sold 486,000 vehicles in china in the april

through december period. 20,000 more than in japan. mazda motor sales in china hit 186,000 units, overtaking domestic sales by 30,000. mitsubishi motors sold 127,000 vehicles there, 6,000 more than at home. the three carmakers sales in china exceeded those in japan for the first time. nissan motors china sales reached the 755,000 mark during the period. that was over 310,000 units more than they sold in japan. however, car giant toyota sold over 1 million vehicles at home, but only 667,000 in china. china's market is projected to continue growing, making it the engine of recovery for japanese automakers. the leader of russian republic has named a suspect in a suicide bombing that killed more than 30 people at a moscow airport in january.

yunus-bek yevkurov told reporters on wednesday that investigators suspect the bomber was magomed yevloyev, a 20-year-old man from the republic of the north caucasus. he added the siblings have been detained in connection with the attack. yevkurov said they have detained three including the suspect's sister and brother and placed four others from their village on a wanted list. 36 people were killed in the bombing at domodedovo airport last month. russian authorities have already said an unnamed man from the north caucasus was under investigation. on monday an islamic militant leader based in the north caucasus claimed responsibility of the bombing and warned of further attacks. investigators apparently want to detain the four people on the wanted list before they can take part in any more bombings. japan's ground self-defense force and the u.s. marines have

started joint landing drills in the u.s. city of san diego. the exercises are aimed at beefing up japan's defense of its remote southwestern islands. on wednesday, about 40 japanese personnel boarded u.s. navy amphibious landing craft. the participants simulated landing on an island to prepare for attack with the japanese personnel bringing assault rifles and anti-tank artillery. the ground self-defense force said the annual drills, which started five years ago, are getting more sophisticated every year. the latest exercises were scheduled after the government approved japan's new defense guidelines in december. these call for strengthening the defense of the southwestern islands amid china's rising military power. >> translator: through these drills, we hope to acquire knowledge and techniques from the u.s. forces and improve our operations.

switzerland is a permanently neutral state with compulsory national service. its reserve forces must join the military in a national emergency carrying the guns they keep at home. 2 million guns are in public ownership in switzerland. one-third of households own firearms, and crimes involving weapons keep occurring. the first referendum on whether individuals should retain the right to keep a gun at home will be held this sunday. nhk world has the details. >> reporter: maxime has been a member of the swiss military reserves for the past 10 years. most reservists keep a gun at home in the case of a national emergency.

maxime keeps his gun in an unlocked cabinet. he also has a rifle. >> of course they are trained to use them. so they could, they could act foolishly. but because they are responsible, they don't. >> guns are displayed in the window of this gun shop facing the town's main avenue. anyone can purchase a firearm. the swiss are used to seeing guns in their daily lives. as the referendum draws near, groups that oppose gun control are stressing it would be dangerous for them to lose the right to possess arms for self-defense. on the other hand, supporters of gun control argue that weapons make the crime problem worse. campaigner monica nobel is asking people around her to vote

for gun control on the gun referendum. fifteen years ago she lost her sister, who was 30 years old at the time. a man suddenly broke into her home and fired a rifle. monica still grieves for her only sister. >> translator: we're not in a war, so why do people have to be killed by guns? >> there seems to be no end to crimes involving guns supplied by the military. four years ago, a man who was on his way home after completing his national service shot dead a 16-year-old girl on the street. more people in switzerland are beginning to realize that weapons should no longer be kept at home. every year, nearly 300 people are killed with guns, including suicides. to remember the victims, monica

and her group lit 300 candles to appeal for gun control. >> translator: we should control guns to avoid creating any more victims. >> translator: as someone who lost a beloved sister to a gun, i sincerely hope that gun control will be put in place. >> sunday's referendum will decide whether the wishes of monica and her friends will be heard. an opinion poll shows that the public is evenly divided on the issue. frederick durand, nhk world, geneva. let's look at some of the news we've gathered from broadcasting stations across asia. we begin with this item sent by cctv in china. pandas face a food shortage in southern china's sichuan

province. about 60 animal consume about 2,000 kilograms of bamboo a day. the recent heavy rainfall and snowfall in the province affected supplies and the nearest bamboo reserve is now a construction site. the food shortage could worsen as the number of pandas is being increased with the help of artificial insemination. to deal with the crisis, authorities plan to grow more bamboo plants and improve their quality. thailand's deputy prime minister is refusing third party mediation to resolve the country's border dispute with cambodia. the announcement came thursday, a day after france offered to help resolve the dispute by providing maps it made when it ruled indochina. border clashes between the neighbors flared up earlier this month resulting in the deaths of three people, including a civilian. 22 others have been injured in the skirmishes.

hi there. it's time now for another world weather update. i'm eva gardener. let's begin in eastern arab where we desperately need moisture across china. unfortunately looks like another dry day across friday and into the weekend where we will find some of that wet and wintry weather across the south and the southwest. also let me point out, a very strong storm system starting to take shape across southern japan. and that's really going to be impacting the country over the next 24 hours. look at all of this moisture. very cold conditions. it will be falling as snow for many parts. not in the north where we've had so much heavy snow this season but into friday evening down into kyushu. we're looking at some places picking up as much as 20 centimeters of snow. friday and even saturday it looks like it's going to be a lot of traffic problems due to this. temperaturewise, well,

incredibly chilly across the board. single digits in shanghai. just 3 degrees in tokyo. freezing in seoul. one in beijing and a chilly day in ulan bator. a high of minus 11 for you. also on the cool side for taipei with showers though it's going to be sultry, manila at 32 and 33 in bangkok. over to north america. let's talk about what's happening in canada. just a couple of systems here. very gusty conditions moving through. one that will bring wet weather into the british columbia, another one dropping out of alberta saskatchewan bringing us winds and perhaps light snow. for the most part, much of the u.s., some of the canadian prairies are looking calm and dry, if not frigid. we do have the tail end of the storm system that the graze parts of florida down through the caribbean. but that will be a distant memory after it leaves a little bit of light snow coatings across georgia and the carolinas. let me show you the temperatures. they're bone-chillingly cold. we have minus 10 for you in chicago on thursday.

also subzero in toronto, new york. single digits in denver, as well as even houston, texas. wow, it's really cold for you. i know. 24 in l.a. and just 5 in vancouver. 25, though, not bad here in mexico city. next is going to be europe. now, while much of central and eastern europe has been enjoying quite pleasant and mild conditions much of the week, things are going to change as we head into friday. see this system here, right over scandinavia, very gusty conditions, ice, sleet, snow, that is all involved with this. this is going to be tracking its way further into continental europe, bringing that moisture with it. perhaps bringing that snow into parts of germany, poland, the baltic region as well as western russia. to the south, we remain very dry. a bit too dry. let me point out near the pyrenees where we're seeing a lot of not snow. look at this. in france, it's going to be very dry. lots of problems in terms of ski season.

very high temperatures. lack of the white stuff is leaving it a bit deserted. that's a bit of a shame. temperatures across the board are warm in the iberian peninsula. 13 for madrid. paris getting up to 14. 11 in london. a little cooler as we head further east. 8 in berlin. 3 in warsaw, cold in moscow, minus 11 for your high. here's your extended forecast.

that's all for now on "newsline." stay tuned for more on nhk world.