Afghan Taliban negotiators are meeting with U.S. officials in Qatar for a series of discussions aimed at building trust between the two sides ahead of the upcoming peace talks. Maulavi Qalamuddin, who once led the group’s religious police, said Sunday the delegation includes several former officials, as well as a former secretary to the Taliban’s […]
Romania Sentences Former Prime Minister for Corruption
Posted January 30th, 2012 at 2:15 pm (UTC-5)
Romania’s Supreme Court has sentenced former prime minister Adrian Nastase to two years in jail for corruption. Nastase was charged with using $2 million in state funds to finance his failed 2004 election campaign. The former prime minister has denied any wrongdoing, saying the case was politically motivated. He says he will appeal the decision. […]
Romney Leads Polls on Eve of Florida Vote
Posted January 30th, 2012 at 2:05 pm (UTC-5)
U.S. presidential hopeful Mitt Romney holds a commanding lead on the eve of the Florida Republican primary, which could be a pivotal contest in the race for the party nomination. A Quinnipiac University Polling Institute survey of likely Florida voters indicates Romney has a 43- to 29-percent lead on his closest rival, former House speaker […]
Georgian President Visits White House
Posted January 30th, 2012 at 2:00 pm (UTC-5)
U.S. President Barack Obama welcomes Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili to the White House Monday for talks on further strengthening bilateral ties. The White House says Mr. Obama will reconfirm U.S. support for Georgia’s territorial integrity. It says Mr. Obama also is expected to underscore the importance of U.S. defense cooperation with Georgia, including Georgia’s contributions […]
US Economy: Consumer Spending Stalls, but Savings Up
Posted January 30th, 2012 at 1:35 pm (UTC-5)
The U.S. government says incomes for American workers increased in December, allowing them to put more money in their savings accounts even as their consumer spending stalled. In the U.S., consumer spending accounts for 70 percent of the national economy. But the government said Monday that it was little changed in December, even during the […]
Senegal Opposition Plans Mass Protests Against Wade
Posted January 30th, 2012 at 1:35 pm (UTC-5)
A Senegalese opposition movement has called for nationwide protests against President Abdoulaye Wade’s controversial bid for a third term. A group of opposition and civic organizations, known as M23, says it will stage the peaceful rallies on Tuesday to pressure Mr. Wade to withdraw from the February 26 presidential polls. Late Sunday, Senegal’s constitutional court […]
Ethiopia Opens New Front against al-Shabab in Somalia
Posted January 30th, 2012 at 1:25 pm (UTC-5)
Witnesses in Somalia say columns of Ethiopian troops have crossed into the country and are marching toward key al-Shabab strongholds, apparently opening a new military front against the Islamist militant group. A government official, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed the reports to VOA on Monday, saying the soldiers had reached the town of Luq […]
Eviction Deadline Passes for Washington Protesters
Posted January 30th, 2012 at 1:20 pm (UTC-5)
U.S. Park Police have let pass a deadline for anti-Wall Street protesters to stop camping at two public parks in Washington or risk arrest. The National Park Service had warned demonstrators they could be arrested and have their property seized if they fail to adhere to the rules after noon local time Monday. But as […]
Russia’s Putin Calls for ‘New Economy’
Posted January 30th, 2012 at 1:10 pm (UTC-5)
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has promised to build a new economy, saying the country has become overly dependent on oil and gas exports. His comments appeared in the Vedmosti financial daily Monday, as he seeks to win a historic third term in Russia’s upcoming presidential election. Mr. Putin said Russia cannot afford to have […]
Japan Population Seen Declining 30 Percent by 2060
Posted January 30th, 2012 at 12:20 pm (UTC-5)
Japan has issued a new census estimate warning that its population — currently 128 million — could shrink by one-third by the year 2060. Officials say life expectancy continues to increase, while birth rates continue to decline. Seniors 65 and over are projected to account for 40 percent of the country’s residents by 2060. The […]
