A Ukrainian court has rejected an appeal to free former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko after she was arrested last week for contempt of court in her trial on charges of abuse of power. The Kyiv court rejected the former prime minister’s appeal Friday. The judge ignored U.S., European and Russian criticism to keep Ms. Tymoshenko […]
Tokyo Stocks, Dollar Down
Posted August 12th, 2011 at 5:25 am (UTC-5)
Japanese share prices ended slightly lower Friday, while the dollar slipped against the yen. Tokyo’s Nikkei index dipped two-tenths of a percent , to close at 8,964. In currency trading, the dollar was selling at 76.72 yen, down a tenth of a yen from late Thursday. Gold was selling at $1,760.95 an ounce.
2 Killed in Syria Ahead of Friday Protests
Posted August 12th, 2011 at 5:00 am (UTC-5)
Syrian security forces have begun carrying out fresh raids in anticipation of mass protests following Friday prayers. Rights groups and activists say a woman was killed early Friday after tanks and soldiers launched an assault in Khan Sheikhon in the northern province of Idlib. A man was also shot and killed after fleeing security forces […]
US Gives Additional $17 Million in Famine Aid
Posted August 12th, 2011 at 5:00 am (UTC-5)
The United States has announced an additional $17 million in funding to help Horn of Africa nations deal with drought and famine. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Thursday $12 million of the aid would go to Somalia, the country worst hit by the drought. The United States has so far given $580 million in […]
Asian Stock Markets Mixed, Europe Mostly Higher Early Friday
Posted August 12th, 2011 at 4:55 am (UTC-5)
Asian stock exchanges are in mixed territory Friday to end a week of roller coaster week of extreme gains and losses on markets around the world. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei index lost nearly a quarter of a percent at Friday’s closing bell, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index enjoyed a slight gain. Markets in Seoul, Shanghai […]
Asian Markets Mostly Higher
Posted August 12th, 2011 at 4:30 am (UTC-5)
Asian stock markets were mostly higher in early trading Friday. Tokyo’s Nikkei index dipped two-tenths of a percent , to close at 8,964. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index rose a tenth of a percent , to end at 19,617. Elsewhere, share prices were higher in Sydney, Wellington and Manila. Taipei markets closed lower. The dollar […]
Sri Lanka Begins First Nationwide Elephant Census
Posted August 12th, 2011 at 4:05 am (UTC-5)
Thousands of wildlife officials and volunteers in Sri Lanka are participating in the country’s first national census of its wild elephant population. Sri Lanka’s wildlife department says the count will provide valuable information to protect the elephants. Conservationists are boycotting the poll, alleging the count is a smoke screen for capturing and domesticating the elephants. […]
Rocket Fired from Gaza Explodes in Israel, None Injured
Posted August 12th, 2011 at 4:00 am (UTC-5)
Israeli officials say a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip hit southern Israel late Thursday. Officials say the rocket landed in an uninhabited portion of the Negev desert and did not cause any injuries or damage. At least five missiles or bombs have been launched from the Palestinian territory into Israel during the past week. […]
Foreigners Barred from NW China Ahead of Panchen Lama Visit
Posted August 12th, 2011 at 3:30 am (UTC-5)
Tibetan activists said Friday that foreigners have been barred from a county in northwestern China and security has been stepped up ahead of an expected visit by a government-appointed Tibetan religious leader. The International Campaign for Tibet said this week that Chinese troops have surrounded the Labrang Monastery in Xiahe county, Gansu province. The ICT […]
Philippine Tourism Minister Resigns
Posted August 12th, 2011 at 2:45 am (UTC-5)
Philippine Tourism Minister Albert Lim announced Friday that he will step down on August 31 after 13 months in office. Lim said he is resigning because he wants to spend more time with his family. However, rumors have been circulating that President Benigno Aquino is unhappy with Lim’s performance after a new tourism logo last […]
