Stock markets in Asia soared Thursday, continuing a global rally after the world’s major central banks took coordinated steps to support Europe’s troubled economy. Shares in Japan’s Nikkei average closed up nearly two percent, while Hong Kong’s Hang Sang Index surged more than 5.5 percent. Those followed gains Wednesday of more than three percent at […]
Asian Stocks Surge After Global Central Bank Action
Posted December 1st, 2011 at 5:25 am (UTC-5)
Leave a comment
On World AIDS Day, UN Urges Continued Support for Initiatives
Posted December 1st, 2011 at 4:35 am (UTC-5)
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon says the world is finally in a position to eradicate AIDS, but says funding will be critical to future progress in fighting the epidemic. In a statement to commemorate World AIDS Day on Thursday, Mr. Ban urged international donors to meet the estimated $24 billion needed annually to fully […]
Yemeni Government Forces Shell Taiz
Posted December 1st, 2011 at 4:25 am (UTC-5)
Shells and mortar fire rained down on the Yemeni city of Taiz on Thursday, killing five people and wounding at least 20. Residents of several Taiz neighborhoods said government forces launched the attack early in the day. Medical officials confirmed the death toll and said some of those wounded were in critical condition. Taiz residents […]
Greece Set for Day-Long Anti-Austerity Strike Thursday
Posted December 1st, 2011 at 3:35 am (UTC-5)
A 24-hour anti-austerity strike in Greece Thursday is expected to disrupt public transportation, close schools,and reduce staffing at hospitals. The strike, which will include protest rallies by unions in the capital, Athens, represents the first challenge for the three-week-old coalition government of new Prime Minister Lucas Papademos. Late Wednesday, Mr. Papademos’ staff released a letter […]
Gambian Emerges as Frontrunner for ICC Chief Prosecutor
Posted December 1st, 2011 at 2:50 am (UTC-5)
Fatou Bensouda of Gambia has emerged as the leading candidate to become the next chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court. The 50-year-old Bensouda is the deputy to the ICC’s current chief prosecutor, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, whose nine-year term ends in June. Bensouda has previously served as an adviser and trial attorney at the ICC Tribunal […]
Study Shows Gains in Afghan Health
Posted December 1st, 2011 at 2:35 am (UTC-5)
A new survey says health care has improved in Afghanistan, helping more women survive childbirth and leading to fewer infant deaths. Afghanistan’s health ministry says data from more than 22,000 households shows the number of women dying from pregnancy-related causes is at its lowest point in seven years, while adults in general are living longer. […]
Atambayev Inaugurated as Kyrgyzstan’s President
Posted December 1st, 2011 at 1:40 am (UTC-5)
Kyrgyzstan President-elect Almazbek Atambayev has been sworn into office in the capital, Bishkek. Mr. Atambayev’s inauguration marks the first peaceful transition of power in Kyrgyzstan since the breakup of the Soviet Union. Atambayev, a former Kyrgyz prime minister, won the presidency by capturing 62 percent of the vote in an October 30 election. Under the […]
Burmese President Welcomes “Historic” Clinton Visit
Posted December 1st, 2011 at 1:05 am (UTC-5)
Burma’s President Thein Sein has welcomed U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, saying her visit is “historic” and represents a new chapter in relations between the two countries. Clinton met Thursday in the capital, Naypyitaw, with Thein Sein, Burma’s foreign minister and other officials. She is the first U.S. secretary of state to visit Burma […]
Somali Pirates Release Singaporean Tanker, Keep 4 Hostages
Posted December 1st, 2011 at 1:05 am (UTC-5)
Somali pirates have released a Singapore-owned hijacked chemical tanker, but continue to hold four South Korean sailors as hostages. The Singapore-based firm Glory Ship Management, which owns the ship, said Thursday that the pirates had promised to release all 25 crew members, but instead took the remaining four “ashore at the last moment.” The company […]
