Cuba has accused the United States of helping dissidents access the internet as a part of campaign to undermine the Communist government. It said the American diplomatic representatives in Havana were providing training, finance and technology to opponents of the government. The US State Department said the US interest section in Havana did provide internet services to Cubans but denied they were aimed at
subverting
the government.
The Cambodian government has approved the building of a controversial hydroelectric dam on a
tributary
to the Mekong River. The joint-venture involves Cambodian, Chinese and Vietinamese investment of nearly $800m. Environmental campaigners warned it would devastate the livelihoods and homes of thousands of people.
The church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem has warned it may shut its doors to pilgrims because of a row over an unpaid water bill of more than $2m. Many Christians believe the Church to be the place where Jesus was crucified and buried. Rond Ferurt has this report.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre has traditionally being exempt from paying for water, but the company has in recent years begun demanding that its bill be settled. Church officials say they thought they'd clinched a deal with the water firm, allowing them to start paying for future supplies, but
writing off
the multi-million dollar debts. With the banking account frozen, hundreds of priests, monks and teachers are going without pay. The church, the Holy Sepulchre now says that it may briefly close its door as a mark of the protest. Hundreds of thousands of Christians visit the church each year. It's being a place of pilgrimage since the 4th century.