The head of Egypt’s ruling military council says it has no interest in staying in power for a long time, as calls continue to grow for a transition to a civilian government. The military has been in power since the February ouster of former president Hosni Mubarak, and had promised to hand over control within […]
Egypt’s Military Rulers Say “No Interest” in Long-term Power
Posted October 6th, 2011 at 6:00 am (UTC-5)
Leave a comment
Libyan Government Says Sirte Could Fall in Days
Posted October 6th, 2011 at 5:30 am (UTC-5)
French Defense Minister Gerard Longuet says the NATO campaign in Libya will continue as long as there are pockets of resistance, and until the provisional government asks for the airstrikes to end. He spoke Thursday in Brussels, where NATO defense ministers have been evaluating the Libya mission as part of a two-day meeting. Longuet said […]
Japan’s Nikkei Rebounds
Posted October 6th, 2011 at 5:30 am (UTC-5)
Japanese markets closed higher Thursday, while the U.S. dollar is trading lower against the Japanese yen. Tokyo’s Nikkei index gained nearly one and three-quarters percent to finish at 8,522. The dollar was selling at 76.70, a loss of a fraction of a yen from Wednesday. Gold is trading at $1,648.88 an ounce.
China Urges Banks to Help Suffering Small Businesses
Posted October 6th, 2011 at 5:30 am (UTC-5)
China is urging banks to loosen up lending to small businesses, which account for most of the country’s job growth but have been hard hit by tight money policies aimed at slowing inflation. The official Xinhua news agency says Premier Wen Jiabao raised the issue this week during a visit to eastern Zhejiang province, a […]
Afghans Protest on Eve of Invasion Anniversary
Posted October 6th, 2011 at 5:20 am (UTC-5)
At least 200 Afghans have taken to the streets of the capital calling for an immediate withdrawal of international forces from the country ahead of the 10th anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion. People gathered peacefully Thursday in Kabul carrying placards condemning the invasion and blaming the U.S and its allies for civilian deaths. The demonstration […]
Influential Japanese Politician Goes on Trial
Posted October 6th, 2011 at 5:05 am (UTC-5)
The man who masterminded Japan’s ruling party’s historic victory in 2009 went on trial Thursday on charges of violating fund-raising laws. Ichiro Ozawa pleaded not guilty to accusations that he knowingly falsified reports to hide a $5.2 million loan he made to his political fund-raising body to facilitate a land deal in 2004. Three former […]
Asian Stocks Trading Higher
Posted October 6th, 2011 at 5:05 am (UTC-5)
Asian stock markets closed higher Thursday. Tokyo’s Nikkei index gained nearly one and three-quarters percent to finish at 8,522. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index rose nearly five and three-quarters percent to finish the day’s trading at 17,172. Share prices were also higher in Manila, Sydney, Taipei and Wellington. The Shanghai index remained closed on Thursday. […]
Botswana’s Opposition Parties May Form Alliance Ahead of Elections
Posted October 6th, 2011 at 4:30 am (UTC-5)
Several opposition parties in Botswana are considering forming a political alliance in an attempt to defeat the ruling Botswana Democratic Party, which has been in power for over four decades. Sydney Pilane, the founding member of the Botswana Movement for Democracy, tells VOA that his party is engaging in talks with three other opposition groups […]
Taiwan Sets October Date for Ex-President’s Corruption Trial
Posted October 6th, 2011 at 4:00 am (UTC-5)
Taiwan prosecutors say a corruption trial for former President Lee Teng-hui will begin on October 21. The prosecutors said Thursday the proceedings will be held behind closed doors because the charges involve national security matters. Mr. Lee, who served as president from 1988 to 2000, was indicted in June on charges of embezzling $7.79 million […]
Tutu Urges South Africa to Grant Dalai Lama Last Minute Visa
Posted October 6th, 2011 at 4:00 am (UTC-5)
South Africa’s Archbishop Desmond Tutu has made a final appeal for his government to grant a travel visa to the Dalai Lama, who was scheduled to visit the country for Tutu’s 80th birthday celebrations this week. After months of delays by South African authorities, the Dalai Lama cancelled his trip on Tuesday, saying he had […]
