2008 Woodie Awards
Around the World
President Bush talks with Slovakians, Pope hospitalized
Nadia Beidas
Issue date: 3/17/05 Section: News
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President George W. Bush addressed Slovakians, calling them "friends, allies and brothers" during the worldwide fight for freedom, prior to meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to a CNN report. This is a chance to acknowledge the tensions with their countries. Bush said, "The road to liberty and prosperity has not always been easy but Americans respect your courage and determination to build a better future for your children." Bush added, "As you work to build a democratic and free Slovakia in the heart of Europe, America stands with you."
Vatican City
Pope John Paul II, 84, is hospitalized as a result of another episode of the flu. The episode earlier in the month left him in the hospital for 10 days, according to the Vatican. The pope checked into Gemelli hospital 10:45 A.M. (0945 GMT) in order to receive "specialist treatment and further checks." According to a church source, the Pope was having a hard time breathing and was experiencing a fever. According to the Associated Press, the pope could not be present at a meeting on Thursday February 24,to determine new prospects for sainthood. The ceremony still continued, and was presided by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, the Vatican's number two official. However, no one was told why the pope was not present.
Baghdad, Iraq
On Thursday February 24, a suicide car bomb went off in the Tikrit emergency police station, according to a CNN report. At least 11 policemen died and 24 other policemen were wounded. This was during the time Iraqi politicians were riding to be the next prime minister. Insurgents continued attacks against Iraqi security forces, according to the CNN report. Tikrit is Saddam Hussein's hometown, and is located north of Baghdad by approximately 100 miles.
Kabul, Afghanistan
About 150 children perished as a result of illnesses having to do with colds, an international aid group told Reuters. This was in an Afghan province which is snowcapped (snowbound). More people could still be dead. This report follows others coming from the mountains of India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Over 800 people are dead because of "freezing temperatures, avalanches, and food shortages," according to a Reuters report. This is the coldest winter the region has seen in years. Catholic Relief services said six doctors looked over villages located along the 60 kilometer (37 mile) highway stretch, which is located in Ghor. People told the doctors about the deaths, ranging from 140-150 people. The majority of the deaths came as a result of pneumonia. The children who died are mostly under age five, said Paul Hicks, director of CRS for western Afghanistan, to Reuters.
