Universal Weather and Aviation
Universal Enews
The weekly electronic news service
 

Enews for the Week of 17 July 2008
Vol. 10, No. 29

Special Notice
New: Updated:

I. General News Briefs

New:

In Effect:

New UVair® Fuel Card Member Locations

Low / No Fuel Announcements

Airport Information & Scheduled Closings

Upcoming Aviation Shows, Conventions and Events


II. U.S. Department of State Briefings

III. Security Briefings

New:


IV. Worldwide Weather Briefing

In Effect:


Special Notices: Beijing 2008 Oplympics

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Security Briefing: China (Capital: Beijing)

New security checkpoints set up around Beijing ahead of next month's Olympic games have caused massive traffic jams as drivers are being forced to wait in long lines in China's muggy July heat. Hundreds of checkpoints have been installed on expressways and highways leading into the capital under the "Three Lines of Defense" security program, the official Xinhua News Agency said. Security was also stepped up at the airport and on major train routes coming into Beijing. As armed police with sniffer dogs checked cars causing traffic jams, frustrated drivers read newspapers or walked impatiently along the roadside. "Now the bad guys can't get in, but neither can the good guys," said Wang Guoqing, who was stopped on a bus at the Baimiao checkpoint east of the city. "I've been waiting for three hours, and now I've been walking for nearly an hour down the expressway," he told AP Television News. Drivers and their passengers now have to show identity cards to enter Beijing, and their vehicles have to be searched for "dangerous goods," Xinhua said. Roads leading into the city are the first line of defense, meaning mandatory police checks, with random checks planned on suburban roads and major inner-city roads as the other lines of defense, Xinhua said. "They don't have any bomb detectors and they let cars go when they feel like it," said Huang Jiaqiang, who lives in the eastern outskirts of Beijing and goes into Beijing every day for business.

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© 2008 Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc.

Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc. has compiled the content of this publication from various sources and believes it to be accurate at the time of distribution. Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc. shall not, however, be liable for factual or editorial errors contained herein. Readers should NOT act or rely on the information until they have confirmed its continuing accuracy.

Special Notices: Beijing 2008 Oplympics
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Airport Information: (ZBPE) Beijing-FIR

All aircraft are prohibited from entering the area of The National Indoor Stadium, located at N395915 E1162320, with a center radius of 5 km and an unlimited vertical to surface area, between 0800Z on 8 August to 1600Z on 24 August and from 0800Z on 6 September until 1600Z on 17 September.

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Airport Information: (ZBAA) Beijing-Capital International Central

All flights are prohibited in the area of the Aerodome because of the Beijing Olympics opening ceremonies between 1100-1600Z on 8 August, except for flights with special authorization that directly serve the games. Scheduled flights will be postponed by five hours.

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Summer Olympics in Beijing Approach; Watch Enews for Crucial Ops Information

The 2008 Summer Olympics will run from 8-24 August in Beijing, China, bringing with them a host of operational considerations for the region. In the coming weeks, Universal® Enews will provide information gathered from our subject matter experts and external resources so that subscribers can better plan Olympic trips and regional travel overall.

Your Universal team will be available to assist with arrangements and answer questions in detail. If your China trip to or during the Olympics is already in the planning process, stay in touch with your Trip Support Specialist for the latest details or any changes in requirements. If your trip has not yet been planned, contact your team as soon as possible. For further information on operational and security considerations, e-mail security@univ-wea.com to request your free copy of a Beijing Threat Assessment, compiled by FAM International Logistics, Inc., one of Universal's third-party providers.

Slots and Permits
Beijing-Capital International (ZBAA) normally allows only 10 general aviation movements per day. While this is expected to increase during the Olympics, the government has not announced any changes in capacity as yet.

The Civil Aviation Authority China (CAAC) will process and approve permits for most flights in July. At publication time, CAAC had still not received government VVIP flight plans and schedules; CAAC cannot arrange slots for business and private jets until they receive this VVIP schedule.

Recommended alternates to ZBAA include:

  • Tianjin-Binhai (ZBTJ) - 30 minutes from Beijing by train, 60-90 minutes by car. This location will have more availability in accommodations. ZBTJ has 74 dedicated general aviation parking spots.
  • Shijiazhuang (ZBSJ) - 20-minute flight from Beijing, two hours by car. Recommended for aircraft parking only. Not recommended for crew rest.

Parking
The CAAC is expecting more than 500-plus general aviation aircraft and has requested that operators shorten their parking requests in Beijing to a maximum of six nights. A total of 89 aircraft parking spots are available at ZBAA. Permits will be issued with the following priority, in descending order:

  • Government flights
  • Olympic-affiliated flights
  • All other flights

The majority of landing permits and parking confirmation are expected to be complete in early July. Government invitees and Olympic sponsors will have first priority in parking then the rest of the business flights with local sponsors. Flights without any sponsor in China will have to provide proof of visit (a copy of the Olympics tickets) and meet other additional requirements in landing application. (Please contact your team for more details).

Handling
ZBAA's new general aviation terminal remains under construction, but will be completed and ready to use during the Olympics. Passengers will be transported from aircraft to the GA terminal via airport shuttle–no private vehicles will be allowed.

Complete crew and passenger manifests will be required for CIQ advance clearance 24 hours prior to arrival and departure. This must include numbers of crew and passengers, correct spellings of names as they appear on passports, and the passport number. Discrepancies between lists and documents will result in fines to clients as well as handlers.

Accommodations
Hotels are scarce in Beijing. All five-star hotels are sold out for the Olympics; three- and four-star hotels may have premium pricing or no-refund clauses in place. Minimum stays and full pre-payment may be required.

Ground Transportation
Chinese authorities are allowing a limited number of vehicles onto the street at a time, based upon license plate numbers. Expect significant road delays and advise crew to allow more travel time between the airport and their hotels.

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I. General News Briefs
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FY2009 Transportation Package Advances in Senate

From NBAA (#08-28)

"On 10 June, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved the fiscal year 2009 transportation appropriations bill. Among its many provisions, the bill increases funding for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Under the measure, the FAA would receive $15.5 billion next fiscal year, a $590 million increase over current funding levels. Included in that amount is $3.5 billion for the Airport Improvement Program, $9 billion for FAA operations, $2.75 billion for facilities and equipment and $171 million for research, engineering, and development. The bill includes $39 million for performance-based navigation and $49 million for system-wide information management, two critical parts of the transition to the Next Generation transportation system. The bill now goes to the full Senate, although it is unclear how soon the measure will actually be considered. For more information, contact NBAA's Ashleigh de la Torre at adelatorre@nbaa.org"

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NBAA Web Site Has Q&A on Host Change for ICAO Flight Plans

From NBAA (#08-28)

"On 19 June, the FAA completed a change in all Host systems that will automatically assign preferential routes based on the equipment capability contained in International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) flight plans. The change was made to help facilitate the transition from the Host system to the new En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) system, which will replace the legacy Host computer processing system used in 20 air route traffic control centers. NBAA has been working with FAA officials to ensure a smooth ERAM flight plan transition to the ICAO format for all business aviation operators. In a recent Q&A, the FAA offered responses to NBAA Member questions on the topic. To view the questions and answers, visit the NBAA Web site at: http://web.nbaa.org/public/ops/airspace/eram/"

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FAA Addresses NBAA's Concerns on Use of Part 142 Training Centers

From NBAA (#08-28)

"In response to concerns raised by NBAA, the FAA has provided commercial operators that utilize Part 142 training centers with greater flexibility in meeting line observation requirements for contract instructors or contract check airmen. Previous guidance contained in FAA Notice 8900.37 caused concern for operators because of the requirement for all contract check airmen and instructors to complete an in-flight line observation program with each operator for whom they are authorized to contract instruction or checking. For more information, contact NBAA's Operations Service Group at info@nbaa.org, or visit: http://web.nbaa.org/member/ops/part135/train/lineobs.php"

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NBAA2008 Exhibit Floor Sold Out; Total Surpasses Last Year

From NBAA (#08-28)

"Exhibit space for the NBAA 61st Annual Meeting & Convention (NBAA2008) has officially sold out, with nearly three months remaining until the event takes place 6–8 October in Orlando, FL. The total number of exhibit booths is 5,302 compared with last year's all-time high of 5,257. More than 30,000 Attendees are expected at the event, with indoor displays and nearly 100 Information Sessions at the Orlando-Orange County Convention Center. Additionally, more than 120 aircraft will be on static display at Showalter Flying Services on Orlando Executive Airport (ORL). Companies interested in being placed on the wait list for indoor exhibits should contact NBAA's Linda Peters at lpeters@nbaa.org. For more information about NBAA2008, visit: http://www.nbaa.org/2008/"

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NBAA On-Hand for Member Services at Oshkosh

From NBAA (#08-28)

"NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen and other Association staff will welcome all business aircraft owners and operators at EAA's AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI from 28 July to 3 August. NBAA Members and non-Members are invited to visit the NBAA hospitality tent, located at S-41 on the flight line, where NBAA's Membership staff will provide information on how NBAA can help make businesses more successful in their aircraft operations, and on the benefits of Membership. In addition, Operations Service Group representatives will be available to answer questions on business aircraft ownership and operations, and Conventions staff will take suggestions for NBAA's new event, the Light Business Airplane Exhibition & Conference, scheduled for 12-14 March 2009 in San Diego, CA. Review NBAA's ad in the AirVenture program at: http://web.nbaa.org/public/membership/oshkosh2008.pdf"

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NBAA Encourages Owner Participation in FAA Survey

From NBAA (#08-27)

"Each year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) surveys owners of general aviation aircraft in order to develop the General Aviation & Part 135 Activity Survey, which is used by the FAA for planning purposes, and by the industry for statistical data. The PA Consulting Group, an independent research company, is assisting the FAA with this survey. NBAA strongly encourages all aircraft owners who have received the survey to complete and remit the form by the 15 August deadline. For more information, contact the PA Consulting Group's Theresa Tennant at Theresa.Tennant@paconsulting.com"

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Insider Feature 'Ask the OSG' Provides Tips on Quiet Flight

From NBAA (#08-27)

"In the 'Ask the OSG' feature of the current issue of Business Aviation Insider, NBAA's official Member publication, the Association's Operations Service Group (OSG) provides information for operators of aircraft classified for Stage 2 noise standards. The article discusses several options for Stage 2 operators to modify their aircraft to meet Stage 3 standards, as would be required by a provision included in the FAA reauthorization bill now pending in Congress. The next edition of Insider will be mailed to Member subscribers at the end of this month. NBAA's OSG is a free Member benefit for businesses needing quick, authoritative information about flying or managing aircraft. NBAA Members can contact the OSG at (202) 783-9250 or info@nbaa.org. To read the online version of Insider, including this article, visit: http://www.nbaa.org/insider/"

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Does an Aircraft Need a 406 MHz ELT When Flying Internationally?

From NBAA (#08-26)

"Recent amendments to the International Civil Aviation Organization Standards and Recommended Practices, which took effect on 1 July, require that operators of both private and commercial aircraft have at least one 406 MHz emergency locator transmitter (ELT) on board when flying internationally. This requirement does not affect domestic operations within the U.S. but does apply to both Part 91 and Part 135 operators flying outside of the U.S. For more information, visit the NBAA Web site at: http://web.nbaa.org/member/ops/cns/elt/"

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Newly Added UVair Fuel Locations as of 17 July 2008

UVair welcomes new domestic (U.S.) FBO locations that have recently joined the UVair Fueling Program. Visit any of the UVair fuel member locations to receive negotiated savings and streamlined custom billing.

Call (713) 378-2727 or N. America Toll-Free (866) 882-4737, or visit uvair.com, to learn more about UVair, obtain a fuel price quote, or find a UVair location near your home base or destination.

  • Avflight Flint - Flint, MI (KFNT)
  • Signature Flight Support:
    • Anchorage, AK (PANC)
    • Atlanta, GA (KPDK)
    • Austin, TX (KAUS)
    • Baltimore, MD (KBWI)
    • Bedford, MA (KBED)
    • Boston, MA (KBOS)
    • Chicago, IL-Midway (KMDW)
    • Chicago, IL-O'Hare (KORD)
    • Chicago, IL-Pal-Waukee (KPWK)
    • Clearwater, FL-St. Petersburg (KPIE)
    • Corpus Christi, TX (KCRP)
    • Dallas, TX (KDAL)
    • Denver-Centennial, CO (KAPA)
    • Denver-International, CO (KDEN)
    • Des Moines, IA (KDSM)
    • Detroit City, MI (KDET)
    • Fort Lauderdale, FL (KFLL)
    • Hilton Head, SC (KHXD)
    • Huntsville, AL (KHSV)
    • Indianapolis, IN (KIND)
    • Jacksonville, FL (KJAX)
    • Las Vegas, NV (KLAS)
    • Long Beach, CA (KLGB)
    • Memphis, TN (KMEM)
    • Miami, FL (KMIA)
    • Milwaukee, WI (KMKE)
    • Morristown, NJ (KMMU)
    • Minneapolis, MN (KMSP)
    • New Orleans, LA (KMSY)
    • Nashville, TN (KBNA)
    • Newark, NJ (KEWR)
    • Orlando, FL-International (KMCO)
    • Orlando, FL-Kissimmee, (KISM)
    • Palm Springs, CA-International (KPSP)
    • Palm Springs, CA-Thermal (KTRM)
    • Rochester, MN (KRST)
    • Savannah, GA (KSAV)
    • Santa Barbara, CA (KSBA)
    • Santa Ana, CA (KSNA)
    • St. Louis, MO (KSTL)
    • St. Paul, MN (KSTP)
    • Teterboro, NJ (KTEB)
    • Washington, DC-Dulles (KIAD)
    • West Palm Beach, FL (KPBI)
    • White Plains, NY (KHPN)
    • Windsor Locks, CT (KBDL)
  • Sunjet Fueling Services - Ft. Lauderdale, FL (KFLL)
  • Wiggins Airways - Manchester, NH (KMHT)

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Low / No Fuel Announcements
  • (ALL - Brazil) Brazilian-based customers, or those international operators continuing operations within Brazil, cannot fuel via UVair® card or fuel authorization at domestic airports within Brazil. (Domestic airports do not have on-site customs office, and are classed "not an airport of entry.") If clients must fuel at SBSP, SBNF, SBSR, SBAQ, SBCY, fuel credit may be obtained through the handling agent. Handlers purchase fuel direct from the supplier, pay in local currency, and incur all taxes, duties, and fees as applicable. UVair is then invoiced by the handler in USD; as such, fuel prices will be nearly double the UVair price estimate, since taxes, duties, and fees-plus a 15% administrative fee-will be added. Standard UVair pricing within Brazil includes taxes duties and fees as applicable only to international operations.
  • (ALL - Western Canada) Confirm fuel availability at these western Canadian airports: Calgary (CYYC), Edmonton- International Airport (CYEG), Edmonton-Blatchford Field (CYXD), Grande Prairie (CYQU), Fort McMurray (CYMM), Yellowknife (CYZF), Saskatoon (CYXE), Regina (CYQR), and Winnipeg (CYWG).
  • (ALL - Dominican Republic) Fuel shortages are in effect due to blockade by SACTRA transportation union. Be sure to confirm fuel first but tankering is recommended.
  • (ALL - France) All aircraft must present a valid Aircraft Operator Certificate (AOC) as proof of exemption prior to fueling, or be subject to VAT of 19.6 percent.
  • (DGAA) Accra, Ghana - fuel will only be given during these set hours through September:
    • 0430-1030Z and 1630-2330Z on Mondays
    • 0800-2320Z on Tuesdays
    • 0900-1245Z and 1530-2315Z on Wednesdays
    • 0800-2320Z on Thursdays
    • 0800-2300Z on Fridays
    • 0800-0930Z and 1230-2315Z on Saturdays
    • 0700-2300Z on Sundays
  • (EIDW) Dublin - authorization to fuel with passengers on board must be requested on day of arrival. If permission is given, an overseer with vehicle must standby until fueling is complete to ensure passengers can evacuate in case of an emergency. All aircraft must present a valid Aircraft Operator Certificate (AOC) as proof of exemption prior to fueling, or be subject to VAT of 13.5 percent.
  • (FAJS) Johannesburg, South Africa has an unreliable fuel supply. Advise fuel volume requirements on your fuel request and confirm availability.
  • (FCBB) Brazzaville, Congo has a limited fuel supply. Advise minimum fuel volume requirements on your fuel request and confirm availability. Also, divert or tanker through here when possible.
  • (FGSL) Malabo - no takeoffs or landings allowed between 1000-1800L daily; fuel will be given as normal without restrictions.
  • (FKKR) Garoua, Cameroon has a limited fuel supply. Advise requirements on your fuel request and confirm availability.
  • (FLLS) Lusaka, Zambia has no fuel available until further notice.
  • (FZAA) Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo has no fuel available until further notice.
  • (FZQA) Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo is experiencing a fuel shortage. Tanker or divert if possible and if necessary confirm that fuel will be given.
  • (FZWA) Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo has no fuel available until further notice.
  • (HLKF) Kufrah, Libya - only national and VIP flights will be fueled. No fuel will be provided to flights departing for out-of-country destinations.
  • (HTZA) Zanzibar Island, Tanzania has an unreliable fuel supply. Advise fuel volume requirements on your fuel request and confirm availability.
  • (LEVC) Valencia, Spain - all fuel operators will be charged an additional fee, estimated at $35 USD, for fueling at the south aircraft parking zone.
  • (LFMN) Nice, France - fuel supply has returned to normal.
  • (NSFA) Apia, Samoa - check for fuel availability at this time. UVair Supplier Air Total will be leaving this location on 1 August.
  • (OLBA) Beirut, Lebanon - fuel shortage remains in effect through 20 July due to reduced storage capacity and an unexpected increase in uplifts.
  • (OMDB) Dubai, United Arab Emirates - expect lengthy fueling delays due to the logistics of transporting fuel at a large airport, and that commercial operators always take first priority. Fueling on arrival is recommended. Request that handler direct the fuel truck and driver to stand by at parking position to minimize delays.
  • (WPDL) Dili, East Timor has no fuel available until further notice.

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Airport Information & Scheduled Closings
  • (ALL - China) Significant considerations for permits, aircraft, crew, passengers, ground support, and ground transportation will be required around the Summer Olympics, to be held from 8-24 August in Beijing. Please see the Special Notices: Beijing 2008 Olympics section for details.
  • (ALL - Italy) ATS/AIS services may be affected due to personnel strike between 2200Z 17 July-2200Z 18 July.
  • (EGLF) Farnborough will be closed on weekends to all non-based aircraft through 31 July. Consider EGSS as an alternative.
  • (EHTW) Enschede, Netherlands will be closed until 2359Z on 31 December.
  • (LETO) Madrid, Spain will be closed daily between 0615-0645Z and 1045-1115Z on 17-28, 22-23, and 30 July.
  • (LLBG) Tel Aviv:
    • Closed to General Aviation traffic Sunday through Thursday between 0450-0800L and 1400-1800L through 25 October.
    • Closed to arrivals between 1100Z on 8 October-1930Z on 9 October and departures between 1100Z on 8 October-2030Z on 9 October.
  • (LOWW) Vienna, Italy will be closed between 0500-0900Z on 23 July.
  • (MDSD) Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic will be closed between 0500-0600Z on 18 July.
  • (MMPR) Puerto Vallarta, Mexico will be closed from 0500-1100Z from 17-19 July.
  • (OMAA) Abu Dhabi will be closed between 0030-0250Z on Tuesdays; from 0030-0235Z on Wednesdays; and from 0030-0200Z on Thursdays-Mondays through 30 September.
  • (SEMT) Manta, Ecuador will be closed 2030Z 19 July-0200Z 20 July.
  • (TAPA) Saint John’s will be closed daily between 0300-0930Z through 0930Z through 18 July.
  • (UAAA) Almaty will be closed on Mondays between 0815-1015Z through 20 October.
  • (UNNT) Novosibirsk, Russia will be closed daily between 0700-0900Z 30 March through 25 October.
  • (ZBPE) Beijing-FIR - All aircraft are prohibited from entering the area of The National Indoor Stadium, located at N395915 E1162320, with a center radius of 5 km and an unlimited vertical to surface area, between 0800Z on 8 August to 1600Z on 24 August and from 0800Z on 6 September until 1600Z on 17 September.
  • (ZBAA) Beijing-Capital International Central - All flights are prohibited in the area of the Aerodome because of the Beijing Olympics opening ceremonies between 1100-1600Z on 8 August, except for flights with special authorization that directly serve the games. Scheduled flights will be postponed by five hours.

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Upcoming Aviation Shows, Conventions and Events

(Note: Some events may require parking slots/requests. All dates are 2008 unless otherwise noted.)

14-20 July 2008
Farnborough International Airshow

Farnborough, Great Britain
http://www.farnborough.com/

14-16 August
Latin America Business Aviation
Conference & Exhibition (LABACE 2008)
São Paulo, Brazil
http://www.labace.aero/ing/

10 September 2008
NBAA Business Aviation Regional Forum

Bedford, MA
http://web.nbaa.org/public/cs/forums
/20080910/index.php

6-8 October
NBAA 61st Annual Meeting & Convention (NBAA2008)

Orlando, FL
http://web.nbaa.org/public/cs/amc/2008/

 

16-18 November
MEBA 2008

Dubai, United Arab Emirates
http://www.meba.aero/

11-12 February 2009
Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE Forum 2009)

Hong Kong
http://www.abace.aero/

12-14 March 2009
NBAA’s Inaugural Light Business Airplane Exhibition & Conference (NBAA Light)

San Diego, CA
http://web.nbaa.org/public/cs/lba/2009/

12-14 May 2009
9th Annual European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2009)

Geneva, Switzerland
http://www.ebace.aero/

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II. U.S. Department of State Briefings

No new notices at publication time. Visit http://travel.state.gov/ for the latest Travel Warnings, advisories, and up-to-date information on travel abroad.

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III. Security Briefings
New: Kenya (Capital: Nairobi)

A shootout between police and suspected robbers killed five people Monday outside a hotel and casino in Kenya's capital, police and witnesses said. The late morning shootout occurred in a parking area used by the upscale Holiday Inn hotel and the Mayfair Casino. "We were very lucky there were not many guests around," said Holiday Inn general manager Paul Norman. He said the hotel's security service had immediately put up safety gates to prevent anyone from entering.

The road where the shooting took place is public but is shared with the hotel and casino. Three of the victims were robbery suspects, but two were casino employees who were caught in the crossfire, deputy police spokesman Charles Owino said.

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New: Thailand (Capital: Bangkok)

About 40 Thai troops have crossed into Cambodian territory in the latest flare-up of a dispute over an ancient temple, Cambodian officials reported.

The head of the national authority for the Preah Vihear temple said there was a stand-off, but there had been no shooting. Thai military officials said soldiers had been deployed on Thai territory nearby "to protect our sovereignty." Earlier, three Thai protesters were arrested for illegally crossing the border in an attempt to enter the site. The 11th Century Hindu temple and the land around it have been the subject of a decades-long border dispute.

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New: Turkey (Capital: Ankara)

Turkey's military says 11 Kurdish rebels have been killed in clashes in the country's southeast. This raises to 33 the number of rebels who have been killed in clashes during the past five days.

A statement on the military's Web site Tuesday said the 11 were killed in an ongoing operation in Hakkari province near the border with Iraq. On Monday, the military had reported 22 rebels killed in separate fighting in Sirnak province. The rebels have battled more than two decades for autonomy in southeastern Turkey. The group use bases in northern Iraq for cross-border raids.

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New: Pakistan (Capital: Islamabad)

Police say a roadside bomb wounded seven security personnel and two passers-by in southwestern Pakistan. District police chief Malik Arshad said the bomb went off Wednesday as vehicles carrying paramilitary forces and police were passing through Mastung, a town in Baluchistan province. Arshad has declined to speculate about who carried out the attack but similar attacks in the region are routinely blamed on ethnic Baluch nationalists who are waging a violent campaign for more political autonomy and royalties from natural gas extracted in the province. The area lies south of the tribal areas bordering Afghanistan where Taliban and al-Qaida militants appear to be gaining strength.

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New: Mexico (Capital: Mexico City)

Mexico has deployed 1,260 more federal police to a gang-plagued northern state where shooting sprees have killed at least 19 people in the past week. The Public Safety Department said the deployment brings the number of federal agents in Sinaloa to 2,000. The Pacific coast state is home to the powerful drug cartel of the same name. It has been one of the hardest-hit regions in a surge of violence sweeping Mexico despite the deployment of 25,000 troops across the country. Eight people were killed Sunday when gunmen opened fire on four cars in the Sinaloa city of Guamuchil. Days earlier, two police officers and nine other people were killed in separate shootings in the state capital of Culiacan.

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Weather Access Options

Access weather 24/7 with a customized Web page from ImpactWeather. This service is cost-effective, convenient, and tailored specifically to your specific needs.

To learn more about all ImpactWeather services, call toll-free (877) 792-3220 or e-mail impact@universalweather.com. You may also find us online at impactweather.com.

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This Week's Global Forecast

TROPICAL

There are four tropical systems at this time. Hurricane Bertha is 355 miles northeast of Bermuda and moving toward the southeast at 10 knots with sustained winds of 50 knots. Typhoon Kalamaegi is 75 miles southeast of Taipei and moving toward the northwest at 10 knots with sustained winds of 90 knots. Hurricane Elida is 1,000 miles southwest of Acapulco, Mexico and moving toward the northwest at 10 knots with sustained winds of 85 knots. Tropical Storm Fausto is 1,000 miles southwest of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and moving toward the west at 10 knots with sustained winds of 50 knots.

VOLCANOES

Etna, Italy has an ash cloud from 11,000 to 5,000 feet moving toward the southeast at 35 knots. Okmok, Alaska has an ash cloud from 27,000 feet to the surface moving toward the northeast at 30 knots. Kilauea, Hawaii has an ash cloud from 8,000 feet to the surface moving toward the southwest at 10 knots. Rabaul, New Britain, SE Pacific has an ash cloud from 10,000 feet to the surface moving toward the west at 10 knots. Batu Tara, Lesser Sunda Island, Indonesia has an ash cloud from 6,000 feet to the surface moving toward the west at 15 knots.

NORTH AMERICA

A frontal system approaching the East Coast will produce isolated thunderstorms from New England southward into Florida. Additional thunderstorms are likely over the southwestern U.S. as deep moisture interacts with daytime heating. A storm system over northeastern Canada will produce rainshowers along with moderate low-level turbulence.

ATLANTIC/EUROPE

Weak low pressure over the western North Atlantic will produce isolated thunderstorms. Additional thunderstorms are likely over the central Atlantic in association with another area of low pressure. A frontal system stretched across the central and eastern portion of Europe will produce rainshowers along with isolated thunderstorms. Another frontal system approaching the U.K. will produce rainshowers along with moderate low-level turbulence.

ASIA

A cold front approaching western Russia will produce rainshowers along with isolated thunderstorms. A storm system over central Russia will produce rainshowers, isolated thunderstorms, and moderate low-level turbulence. Low pressure and its associated cold front moving through eastern Russia will produce rain, fog, and moderate low-level turbulence.

SE ASIA/PACIFIC

Isolated thunderstorms are likely over India, Indonesia, and eastern China, especially during the afternoon and evening. A weak surface trough over Japan will produce rainshowers along with isolated afternoon and evening thunderstorms. Patchy morning fog is likely over portions of central and eastern China. Isolated thunderstorms are likely over a small portion of the western North Pacific in association with a weak area of low pressure. Low pressure over western Alaska will produce rain and fog.

SOUTH AMERICA

Thunderstorms are expected across mainly northern South America. Low pressure off the coast of central Chile will produce rainshowers along with moderate low-level turbulence. Patchy morning fog is likely over portions of northeastern Argentina and Uruguay.

AFRICA

Clusters of thunderstorms will continue mainly over the central and western portion of the continent. Patchy morning fog is likely along portions of the Ivory Coast.

AUSTRALIA/SOUTH PACIFIC

Low pressure will produce rainshowers along with moderate turbulence over southeastern Australia. Patchy morning fog is likely over southwestern portions of the continent.

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