PROGRAM NOTES 06/12/15- This weeks show features stories from NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN, CHINA RADIO INTERNATIONAL, RADIO HAVANA CUBA, SPUTNIK RADIO, and RADIO DEUTSCHE-WELLE.

From JAPAN- The US anti-whaling group, Sea Shepherd, has agreed to pay $2.5 million to Japanese so-called research whaling companies. The Japanese Defense Minister says that Chinese land reclamation in the South China Sea could hinder US troop movements. At their meeting in Germany, leaders of the G-7 said they oppose changes to the status quo in the oceans. Russia says that a a group of 7 nations is too small to respond to global issues. The UN has not included Israel in latest blacklist of countries that violate children's rights in armed conflicts- 540 Palestinian children died in bombings by Israel last year.

From CHINA- China lambasted the G-7 for saying that China is responsible for tensions in the East and South China Seas. Japan and the Philippines will hold a military drill next week in the South China Sea. China is angry about the US hosting the head of the opposition party in Taiwan. Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi is visiting the Chinese President and Premier.

From CUBA- 3 reports on the midterm elections in Mexico last weekend. At least 7 more Afghanis were killed in targeted assassinations this week by US drones.

From RUSSIA- Afshin Rattansi interviews the Russian Ambassador to the UK about the British Foreign Secretary suggesting stationing short range US nuclear missiles, Russian denials that they have military troops in Ukraine, Russian-British relations, and the new global banks. Then a spin report on the situation of drone victims and starving civilians in Yemen.

From GERMANY- 2 reports on the G-7 summit including the 19,000 police keeping 4000 protestors at bay, and tougher sanctions against Russia. More than 6000 refugees were rescued off boats in the Mediterranean last weekend. 2 reports on negotiations between Greece and its creditors, which is facing another deadline soon. British lawmakers approved legislation for a referendum to pull out of the EU by 2017. Egyptian President Sisi has been condemned by Human Rights Watch for abusing the citizens.

"The longest journey begins with a single step, not with a turn of the ignition key."
--Edward Abbey