Syria, Philippines, Sony

Violence in Syria drops amid fragile ceasefire

Correspondents say the truce seems to be largely holding so far but that a growing number of incidents are still being reported across the country.Troops and weapons are still seen on streets and both Syria and the Free Syrian Army said they were ready to respond if attacked. But still, it was said that one man had been shot dead in the Hama province.

A video was posted online, not verified, appears to show a government tank and machine guns opening fire in Homs, a centre of anti-government protest, and a sniper in place on a rooftop.Syrian foreign ministry

spokesman told the BBC the government was "fully committed" to the cessation of all military operations"as long as we have no armed violence against the state" and also said that "if those people at the external opposition want the full benefit of their own country, they have to come to the table of negotiation and table of dialogue."

The ministry had also written to Kofi Annan pledging to observe the truce while reserving the right to "respond proportionately"to rebel attacks.Col Kassem Saadeddine, of the main armed rebel group, the Free Syrian Army, said that is the regime"does not stop shelling and not withdraw tanks, we will intensify our military operations and launch attacks.

However if Mr Annan's peace plan fails, some members of the Security Council have said they will push for tougher action.Correspondents say this may not necessarily mean military intervention but maybe sanctions.

Peace for Syria?Maybe, the government and the armed opposition is on the verge on breaking out into a fight again, just a small spark would do.

Philippines 'withdraws warship' amid China stand-off

The Philippines says it has withdrawn its largest warship from a continuing stand-off with Chinese boats in the disputed South China Sea.The Philippine also says that China sent a third ship to the scene.The Philippine foreign minister said negotiations with China would continue.

The Philippines said that its navy boarded the Chinese fishing vessels on Tuesday and found a large amount of illegally-caught fish and coral then two Chinese surveillance ships arrived in the sea placing themselves between the warship and the fishing vessels, preventing the navy from making arrests.However China maintained it had sovereign rights over the area and asked that the Philippine warship leave the waters.

There were news articles claiming that the Chinese fisherman were "harassed" by the Philippine ship and it also states that China should take more measures to safeguard its maritime territory." However, the Global Times newspaper added that China "has the patience to work out solutions with the countries concerned through negotiation".

This is a very sticky situation, the Chinese is at fault at the part where there were large amount of illegally-caught fish and corals but it was right for the China to tell Philippines to get off their territory.The Philippines was at wrong to board the ship but they were right when it came to the illegal catch of the fishes and corals.

Sony sheds 10,000 staff in major reorganization

Sony has been struggling to compete in the television business with South Korea's Samsung and LG, while Apple has challenged it in audio gear and phones.Sony forecast a record annual loss of $6.4bn, doubling its previous estimate. Its share price has fallen 40% over the past 12 months.

Sony also sayes that it will focus its business on three areas - digital imaging, games consoles and mobile devices, all hoping the changes will help to generate sales.Mr Hirai also says that"We have heard a multitude of investor voices calling for change.Sony will change."