Talks continue between Sudan and South Sudan as they try to resolve simmering disputes over oil, borders, and citizenship issues. A VOA correspondent at the scene, in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa, says the talks are focusing on border issues, while the African Union mediation team seeks common ground on the more contentious issues of citizenship […]
Sudan, South Sudan Talks Continue Despite Tensions
Philippines Taxman Sues Boxing Champ Pacquiao
Philippine officials have filed a lawsuit against world champion boxer and congressman Manny Pacquiao after he allegedly failed to submit documents to authorities investigating his tax returns. Tax officials said Thursday they have filed contempt charges against Pacquiao, which will allow them to investigate his earnings and tax payments. Officials said the charges do not […]
Burmese Authorities Release Activist Monk After Second Detention
Relatives of a Buddhist monk who led Burma’s 2007 Saffron Revolution say he was released late Wednesday after being questioned overnight by authorities. Ashin Gambiya’s older brother, Aung Kyaw Kyaw, told VOA’s Burmese service that Gambiya was questioned about a recent visit to Kachin State in northern Burma. It was the second time Gambiya has […]
Purported Syrian Official Resigns in Protest
A man claiming to be Syria’s deputy oil minister has appeared in a YouTube video saying he resigned his post to join the opposition to President Bashar al-Assad. He identified himself as Abdo Husameddine, and said that after 33 years of working for the government he does not want to end his career serving the […]
White House Narrows List of World Bank Nominees
U.S. Senator John Kerry and Susan Rice, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations are reported to have been mentioned as possible candidates to head the World Bank. Indra Nooyi, the chairman and chief executive officer of soft drink maker PepsiCo, is also said to be on the short list of candidates compiled by the […]
US Investigates Afghan Air Force for Drug Trafficking
U.S. officials are investigating allegations that some Afghan Air Force officers have been using official aircraft to fly drugs and illegal weapons around the country. A NATO spokesman says the investigation is still very preliminary. A U.S. newspaper, The Wall Street Journal, says investigators are also looking into whether the alleged air force drug and […]
Report: Russia, China Close to $4 Billion Arms Deal
Russian media reports say China is close to reaching a major arms deal with Moscow that would bolster its air force with 48 new Russian fighter jets. The Kommersant daily quotes Russian defense officials as saying the financial terms of the $4 billion deal have already been agreed upon. If signed, it would be one […]
US WORLD BANK NOMINEES
U.S. Senator John Kerry and Susan Rice, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations are reported to have been mentioned as possible candidates to head the World Bank. Indra Nooyi, the chairman and chief executive officer of soft drink maker PepsiCo, is also said to be on the short list of candidates compiled by the […]
Continental Airline to Begin Appeal in Concorde Jet Crash Conviction
U.S.-based Continental Airlines is set to begin its appeal of an involuntary manslaughter conviction and fine involving a deadly crash of a Concorde supersonic jet in 2000. Reuters say the case will be heard Thursday in France. The court ruled Continental was responsible for a strip of titanium from one of the company’s planes being […]
Burmese Government to Hold Talks with Kachin Rebels
Burmese government officials are meeting Thursday with a Kachin rebel group for talks on how to end months of armed clashes in the northern state. The independent Kachin News Group says members of the Kachin Independence Organization will meet with a government delegation in the Chinese border town of Rulli. KIO officials are quoted as […]