America’s top military officer toured military bases on China’s east coast Tuesday, on the third day of a high-profile visit aimed at improving military cooperation. Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited an air base in Shandong province and was to continue later to a base in Zhejiang province. The […]
World Food Program Calls for Urgent Aid in East Africa
Posted July 12th, 2011 at 5:20 am (UTC-5)
The head of the World Food Program has asked for urgent funding to help fight hunger in the Horn of Africa, as the worst drought in decades continues to devastate the region. In a statement Tuesday, Josette Sheeran called on donors to help cover a nearly $190 million budget gap for operations that include providing […]
US Backs Russian Mediation in Libya
Posted July 12th, 2011 at 4:55 am (UTC-5)
The United States says it is prepared to support Russia’s mediation efforts in Libya, as France signals its frustration with the lack of progress in reaching a political solution to the crisis. U.S. President Barack Obama thanked Russian President Dmitry Medvedev for his country’s negotiation efforts in Libya, and said the United States supports talks […]
Chinese Court Jails 6 For Roles in Guangdong Riot
Posted July 12th, 2011 at 4:50 am (UTC-5)
Chinese state media say six people have been given jail terms for their parts in a three-day riot in southern Guangdong province last month. The official Xinhua news agency said Tuesday the sentences ranged from nine months to three and a half years. They were handed down a day earlier by the People’s Court in […]
Day of Mourning Tuesday in Russia for Volga Boat Victims
Posted July 12th, 2011 at 4:45 am (UTC-5)
Russia is observing a national day of mourning for the more than 125 people believed killed when a tourist boat sank on the Volga River Sunday. Rescuers have recovered 64 bodies so far and say there is no hope of finding anyone else alive. Many of the victims were children who were in a playroom […]
Asian Stocks Lower
Posted July 12th, 2011 at 4:45 am (UTC-5)
Asian stock markets closed lower Tuesday. Tokyo’s Nikkei index dropped nearly one and one-half percent to finish at 9,926. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index plunged over three percent to finish the day’s trading at 21,663. Share prices were lower in Manila, Shanghai, Sydney, Taipei and Wellington. In currency trading, the dollar was selling at 79.62 […]
Australia’s Gillard Says Mine Sale Vindicates Carbon Tax Plan
Posted July 12th, 2011 at 4:00 am (UTC-5)
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard says a multi-billion dollar offer for a coal mining company proves her proposed carbon emissions tax will not harm the vital industry. Opposition lawmakers and coal industry leaders have denounced Ms. Gillard’s plan to impose a $24-a-ton tax on the nation’s top 500 polluters, arguing that it will force coal […]
Afghan Official: Brother of President Karzai Assassinated
Posted July 12th, 2011 at 3:55 am (UTC-5)
Afghan officials say that the younger brother of President Hamid Karzai has been assassinated in southern Kandahar province. A spokesman for the provincial governor says that Ahmad Wali Karzai was killed while inside his home on Tuesday. Wali Karzai served as the head of the provincial council.
US Backs Russian Mediation in Libya
Posted July 12th, 2011 at 3:50 am (UTC-5)
The United States says it is prepared to support Russia’s mediation efforts in Libya, as France signals its frustration with the lack of progress in reaching a political solution to the crisis. U.S. President Barack Obama thanked Russian President Dmitry Medvedev for his country’s negotiation efforts in Libya, and said the United States supports talks […]
Rights Group Charges Possible Abuses at Hong Kong Rally
Posted July 12th, 2011 at 3:50 am (UTC-5)
A leading human rights group wants Hong Kong officials to “immediately investigate” charges that police used excessive force against journalists and human rights monitors during a massive July 1 protest. New York-based Human Rights Watch says that a human rights monitor was arrested while videotaping police officers removing protesters who were blocking traffic. It also […]
