OSLO - Without a rational "Aerial Highways" system lifting tourists in and flying goods and services out to global markets, the world's poorer countries will be "sentenced to abject poverty," said the head of a development agency.

Speaking this week to European aviation chiefs assembled in Oslo, Lelei LeLaulu, president of Counterpart International, observed terrestrial highways, roads and bridges are recognized as essential components of infrastructure responsible for turning new frontiers into thriving communities as goods and commodities were transported to markets.

Noting infrastructure "was basically a means of spreading the wealth,"

LeLaulu urged international donors like the World Bank and IMF, which fund large infrastructural programs, to look at developing world airlines, "not as money-losing ventures but as an integral part of the infrastructure of poorer countries." Adding, "no one ever questions whether a highway or a causeway is going to make money."

He also asserted tourism, the world's biggest and fastest growing industry, represented "the largest voluntary transfer of resources from the rich to the poor in history, and for those of us in the development community - tourism is the most potent anti-poverty tool ever."

A rational aerial highways system would enable stakeholders in destinations to determine how many tourists needed to be brought in to enhance their health, education, wealth, environment and culture, said LeLaulu, whose organization is a partner in National Geographic Society's Geotourism initiative.

Without a rational aerial highways system - flying tourists into the

Developing world and lifting goods and services out to the global markets - "the poorer countries of the world would be stagnant backwaters of the thriving global economy and its people sentenced to abject poverty," he warned.

Republicans distance themselves from accused senator

A prominent U.S. Senator, Republican Larry Craig of Idaho was arrested in a men’s room by the Minneapolis airport on June 11 by a plainclothes police who was investigating complaints of lewd conduct - sexual activity in the public restroom.

Despite having occurred some weeks ago Craig’s arrest was only recently confirmed by a spokeswoman, Nancy Peters, for Hennepin County Courts in Minneapolis. Craig since pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge, on August 8. He was fined $1,000, and sentenced to 10 days in jail, which was stayed for a year. Craig, in his defense, claims he is not a homosexual. However, he is not getting the support of his political colleagues who have called for an Ethics Committee investigation of the his June arrest.

"He's disappointed the American people," former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, for whose presidential campaign Craig was a Senate liaison, told CNBC. Craig has stepped down from his role in the campaign.

Republican presidential candidate Senator John McCain of Arizona called the case "disgraceful" during an appearance on NBC's "Tonight Show With Jay Leno," according to The Associated Press.

Craig, 62, on Tuesday said he had "overreacted and made a poor decision" in pleading guilty to disorderly conduct after his arrest. In his first public statement he said he did nothing "inappropriate." "Let me be clear: I am not gay and never have been," said Craig, who has aligned himself with conservative groups who oppose gay rights.

With his wife, Suzanne, by his side, Craig said he is the victim of a "witch hunt" conducted by the Idaho Statesman newspaper.

Cuban leader Fidel Castro turned 81 years of age on August 13. However, according to news report out of Cuba there was no appearance by Castro. This has given rise to new speculation that Castro who took ill shortly before his 80^th birthday last year, and at that time handed over the reigns of the Cuban government to Raul, his brother, is in failing health. Although there were celebratory fireworks in Havana to celebrate Castro’s birthday, no new pictures of his appeared in the newspapers.

The rumors about Castro’s failing health has escalated over recent days, especially as since last week his regular column “Reflections by the Commander in Chief” published regularly since March has not been published, and also last week he failed to call in, as he usually does, to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez’s weekly TV show in Venezuela.

There are reports that an influential Mexican newspaper, Reforma, reported Monday that Castro had several surgeries in the past few weeks to stave off a potentially fatal blood infection, had loss a lot of weight and did not want to receive visitors.

Senior Bush advisor, Karl Rove resigns

One of President Bush’s most trusted aides, and master political campaign strategist, Carl Rove announced on Monday that he will be resigning from the Bush administration at the end of August. The formal announcement of the resignation was made by Bush, with Rove at his side, on the lawns of the White House.

Rove’s departure is regarded by some national political pundits as a major loss for the president, at a time when his rating has been fallen, while facing hostile opposition from the Democratic-led Congress, and the unpopular war in Iraq rages.

Rove helped Bush to win the governorship of Texas, and 10 years ago joined Bush in winning the presidential election on two occasions in 2000 and 2004. In making his announcement, Rove said it was time to start thinking about the next chapter in his and his family’s lives.

Although Rove masterminded Bush to two close presidential victories, he also is believed to have steered the Republicans to losing the 2006 general elections, which he expressed confidence in that party winning. Some Republicans also blame Rove for many of the political problems that the president has incurred.