The Israeli Foreign Ministry has announced the appointment of its first ambassador of Ethiopian descent. Balaynesh Zevadia will serve as the country’s main diplomat at its Ethiopian embassy in Addis Ababa. In a statement, the foreign ministry said her appointment “conveys an important message to Israeli society which is currently dealing with the issue of […]
Israel Appoints Ethiopian Immigrant as Ambassador to Addis Embassy
Posted February 29th, 2012 at 7:05 am (UTC-5)
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Syrian Security Forces Launch Ground Assault in Homs
Posted February 29th, 2012 at 6:35 am (UTC-5)
Syrian security forces have launched a ground assault on the besieged city of Homs, where witnesses say more than three weeks of bombardment has killed hundreds of people and left residents desperately short of food, water and medical supplies. The fighting Wednesday was reported in the rebel-held Baba Amr district of Homs. Rights activists said […]
Stranded Italian Cruise Ship Expected in Port Thursday
Posted February 29th, 2012 at 5:50 am (UTC-5)
A crippled Italian cruise ship that has been floating adrift in the Indian Ocean is expected to arrive at the main port in Seychelles on Thursday. Officials in Seychelles say planes are prepared to fly the 1,000 passengers back to Rome shortly after the ship arrives in port. The Costa Allegra is now being towed […]
Chinese Court Ponders Appeal in Apple Trademark Dispute
Posted February 29th, 2012 at 5:45 am (UTC-5)
A Chinese court Wednesday heard arguments in Apple’s appeal in the high profile “iPad” trademark lawsuit over its blockbuster tablet computer. Judges with the Guangdong high court are expected to announce the date for their decision whether Apple or the Taiwan-based IT company Proview has the rights to use the iPad name on devices sold […]
Car Bomb Targets Foreign Troops in Southern Afghanistan
Posted February 29th, 2012 at 5:40 am (UTC-5)
At least six people were injured in a car bomb explosion targeting a convoy of foreign troops in southern Afghanistan. Police say the attack occurred Wednesday in Lashkar Gah, the capital of southern Helmand province. A senior police officer (Kamaluddin Sherzad) says it was clear the troops were the target of the attack, although it […]
Pirates Attack Ship off Nigeria; Kidnap 2 Crew
Posted February 29th, 2012 at 5:20 am (UTC-5)
A maritime monitoring group said Wednesday that pirates have kidnapped at least two members of a cargo ship anchored off the Nigerian coast. The International Maritime Bureau said eight Nigerian pirates opened fire on the Dutch-owned vessel Tuesday, robbing the 14-member crew before escaping in a small speedboat with the ship’s captain and engineer. It […]
Thai Continues Work on Disputed Dam, Ignoring Regional Pact
Posted February 29th, 2012 at 4:55 am (UTC-5)
An environmental group says a Thai company is going ahead with work on a controversial hydroelectric dam on the Lower Mekong River, despite an agreement to postpone a final decision on the project. U.S.-based International Rivers says it has discovered that preliminary construction has continued on the $3.5 billion Xayaburi Dam in Laos, including an […]
Senegalese Opposition Attempt Alliance Ahead of Likely Presidential Run-Off Vote
Posted February 29th, 2012 at 4:45 am (UTC-5)
A group of Senegalese opposition leaders are meeting Wednesday to form an alliance aimed at defeating incumbent President Abdoulaye Wade in the country’s likely upcoming run-off election. Presidential candidate Cheikh Tidiane Gadio told VOA the meeting aims to unite various opposition and civil society groups around Mr. Wade’s challenger, who at this point appears to […]
Beijing, Manila Stand Firm in South China Sea Dispute
Posted February 29th, 2012 at 4:05 am (UTC-5)
A new dispute is building between China and the Philippines over oil exploration in the South China Sea, with neither side showing any sign of backing down. The dispute began earlier this week, when Philippines Energy Minister Jose Almendras announced that foreign investors will be invited to explore for oil and gas on two undersea […]
UN: Assad’s Crackdown Has Killed ‘Well Over 7,500’ People
Posted February 29th, 2012 at 3:15 am (UTC-5)
A senior United Nations official says Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s deadly crackdown on an opposition uprising has killed “well over 7,500” people, while diplomats continue to seek ways to halt the crisis and get humanitarian aid into the country. U.N. political chief Lynn Pascoe said Tuesday he has “credible reports” from Syria of more than […]
