Talking points

Our editors will be looking ahead today to these developing stories ...

Irish PM to call on Premier Wen

Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny (left) meets Premier Wen Jiabao in Beijing. Ireland, which was forced to seek a rescue package in 2010 after a deep recession left its economy close to collapse, has been working to boost its image in China as it seeks investment and new markets for Irish goods. Wen said last month that China was ready to increase its involvement in solutions to debt problems in the European Union, of which Ireland is a member, though he gave no specific details.

C.Y. Leung speaks on Commercial Radio, RTHK

Chief Executive-elect Leung Chun-ying gives two radio interviews in which he will discuss his coming administration. The first is with Commercial Radio, the independent station whose licence he was allegedly opposed to renewing in 2003, according to his defeated rival, Henry Tang Ying-yen. The other interview is with the semi-official RTHK 30 minutes later.

Civil rights group announces protest details

The Civil Human Rights Front announces details of a march on Sunday against the 'small-circle' chief executive election. Thousands rallied on Sunday outside the Convention and Exhibition Centre as the city's next chief executive was elected by a committee of fewer than 2,000 people.

UN chief attends Arab League summit in Baghdad

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon attends the opening of the Arab League's summit in Baghdad. Iraq has deployed thousands of extra police and soldiers, and spent US$500 million refurbishing hotels, summit venues and infrastructure in the capital. The summit, which runs until Thursday, is expected to tackle the conflict in Syria and the impact of the Arab spring revolts, as well as structural reforms to the 22-member Arab League.

Amnesty releases report on world's execution toll

Amnesty International releases its annual report on capital punishment, which each year singles out China as the world's top executioner. Last year, Amnesty said the world's tally of executions had fallen from 714 in 2009 to 527 in 2010 excluding China, 'which is believed to have executed thousands in 2010 but continues to maintain its secrecy'. Death can be imposed for 55 offences in China, including corruption and crimes against the state.

Buddhists herald arrival of sacred relic in HK

The Hong Kong Buddhist Association announces the display in the city next month of what it believes to be a piece of Buddha's skull. The parietal bone was unearthed in Nanjing in 2010, at the site of a temple dating back to the Tang dynasty (618-907), and has become 'the highest spiritual object in Buddhism', the association says. It will be the subject of a Grand Blessing Ceremony at the Hong Kong Coliseum from April 25-30.

Israeli opposition leader fights leadership challenge

Opposition leader Tzipi Livni (left, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu) fights to remain head of Kadima, Israel's biggest opposition party, in a hotly contested vote. Opinion polls point to a close race between her and ex-defence chief Shaul Mofaz among Kadima's 100,000 eligible voters. Neither candidate, polls indicate, is likely to defeat Netanyahu in an election expected by next year.