U.S. Defense Chief Leon Panetta has warned NATO defense ministers that they can no longer count on the United States to cover financial shortfalls plaguing coalition operations in Libya and Afghanistan. The ministers met Wednesday in Brussels to discuss the NATO mission in Libya, the war in Afghanistan, and efforts to acquire necessary resources as […]
Panetta: NATO Can No Longer Rely on US to Cover Financial Shortfalls
Obama Welcomes Honduran President to White House
U.S. President Barack Obama has welcomed his Honduran counterpart, Porfirio Lobo, to the White House and praised the Honduran leader for what Mr. Obama called his “strong commitment to democracy” following a 2009 coup. Before the two leaders held talks Wednesday, Mr. Obama also spoke of a new chapter in bilateral relations and said the […]
Palestinians Nearing UNESCO Membership
Palestinians have moved one step closer to full membership in the United Nations cultural agency, as its board decided to let 193 member countries vote on admission later this month. The latest move in the Palestinians’ bid for statehood recognition drew swift U.S. and Israeli condemnation and a cool response from France. But the Paris-based […]
Cyprus Approves $3.3 Billion Loan from Russia
Cyprus’ government has accepted a $3.3 billion loan from Russia, avoiding the possible need for an international bailout. Cypriot officials say the loan, together with economic reforms and measures to control spending, will have significant benefits for the island. Cyprus expects to start receiving the money from Russia in January. Russia is a major customer […]
Thai PM Pays One-Day Visit to Burma
The Thai and Burmese leaders discussed closer economic and political cooperation Wednesday in Burma’s administrative capital, Naypyitaw. Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Burma’s President Thein Sein also witnessed a signing ceremony on border road construction. Before the visit, a Thai government source said discussions would focus on economic cooperation such as energy cooperation, as […]
Venezuelans Pay Respects as Body of Former President Perez Returns
Venezuelans have gathered in Caracas to pay their last respects to former President Carlos Andres Perez, one day after his body was returned from the United States following a lengthy legal battle over his final resting place. On Wednesday, supporters gathered at the headquarters of Mr. Perez’s Democratic Action Party, where he will lie in […]
US Stocks Make Gains
U.S. stocks advanced strongly Wednesday after some positive reports on the U.S. economy encouraged investors. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.2 percent to end at 10,940. The S&P 500 gained 1.8 percent to end at 1,144, and the NASDAQ jumped 2.3 percent to close at 2,461. European stocks closed sharply higher. London’s Financial Times […]
US Stocks Make Gains
U.S. stocks advanced strongly Wednesday after some positive reports on the U.S. economy encouraged investors. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.2 percent to end at 10,940. The S&P 500 gained 1.8 percent to end at 1,144, and the NASDAQ jumped 2.3 percent to close at 2,461. European stocks closed sharply higher. London’s Financial Times […]
Interim Air France Crash Report Details Pilot Errors
Before its 2009 crash into the Atlantic, the crew of Air France Flight 447 reacted with confusion and misread data from faulty sensors, according to an interim report from France’s accident investigation agency. The flight from Rio de Janeiro to Paris crashed on June 1, 2009, killing all 228 people aboard. Ice-blocked speed sensors caused […]
Container Ship Stuck On New Zealand’s Reef
A container ship is stranded on a reef off the port of Tauranga on New Zealand’s North Island. Officials say none of the 25 crew members on board were injured when the Liberian-flagged ship ran aground Wednesday. The 47,000-ton vessel is listing and has a few holes in the hull, but appears to be stable […]