Our editors will be looking ahead today to these developing stories ...
Building inspectors to call on Kowloon Tong
Inspectors from the Buildings Department will visit 5A and 7 York Road in Kowloon Tong, which are owned by chief executive hopeful Henry Tang Ying-yen and his wife, Lisa Kuo Yu-chin (both pictured), after officials were refused entry on Tuesday. The controversy over whether Tang has flouted building regulations is gathering steam after a Chinese-language newspaper yesterday published a sketch of Tang's 2,400 sq ft 'underground palace' with gym, theatre and wine tasting area underneath 7 York Road.
UN assembly to vote on Syrian resolution
The UN General Assembly will vote on a resolution calling on Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad to put a stop to deadly attacks on civilians. A draft of the resolution drawn up by Saudi Arabia and Qatar also expresses support for the Arab League's plan to end the 11-month crackdown in Syria and calls for the naming of a UN special envoy. The move comes after Russia and China vetoed a second Security Council resolution on the Syrian crisis on February 4, saying it was unbalanced. Russia and China are expected to oppose the new text but no one can veto resolutions in the 193-nation General Assembly, though they carry less weight.
FCC to host talk on Europe-Asia trade
European Trade Commissioner Karel de Gucht (pictured) will give a talk at the Foreign Correspondents' Club on 'Europe and Asia: Where Next on Trade Policy?' Former lawyer and foreign minister for Belgium de Gucht will share his views on the 'atmosphere of anxiety [that] looms over the world economy. Developed countries fear competition from emerging economies. Europe's budgetary situation spreads uncertainty across the world. Stuttering growth and high levels of unemployment fan the risk of protectionism.'