Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
Voice of America is funded by the US Federal Government and content it
exclusively produces is in the public domain.

World Welcomes 2005, Tsunami Victims Remembered
-----------------------------------------------

http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=AB7F3D:2AB91D3

Colin Powell presided traditional countdown of the last seconds before
the New Year in New York City; festivities somber in many countries
Memories of Asia's tsunami disaster touched many celebrations around
the world welcoming the New Year 2005.







Secretary of State Colin Powell, left, and New York Mayor Michael
Bloomberg ring in New Year in Times Square, SaturdayU.S. Secretary of
State Colin Powell, who is about to leave for a trip to Indonesia and
other areas devastated by last Sunday's cataclysm, presided in New
York City at a traditional countdown of the last seconds before the
New Year. Tens of thousands of people gathered in Times Square,
observed a minute of silence to honor victims of the destruction in
Asia.

Festivities were subdued or somber in many other countries. Thailand
and Turkey were among nations that canceled traditional fireworks
displays and parties. Malaysians and Indonesians took part in prayer
services.

The prime minister of Sweden, one of the European nations hit hard by
the south Asian tragedy, said traditional New Year festivities felt
"completely wrong" this year.


.