Sixteen nations in the euro currency union have started to assess what financial complications might occur if debt-ridden Greece leaves the monetary compact. Even as they voice the hope that Greece stays in the eurozone, European leaders have in recent days increasingly discussed the possibility that the Athens government may end its euro alliance and […]
Iran Nuclear Talks Hit Snag
Posted May 23rd, 2012 at 9:00 pm (UTC-5)
Continuing talks between Iran and global powers have hit a snag as the West rebuffed Tehran’s call for an immediate easing of economic sanctions and official Iranian media said the proposals on the table needed to be significantly revised. The negotiations in Baghdad were extended for a second day into Thursday, as U.S. and European […]
US Charges Chinese Salesman with Illegally Exporting Nuclear Equipment
Posted May 23rd, 2012 at 8:50 pm (UTC-5)
U.S. authorities have arrested a Chinese employee of a technology manufacturer for allegedly smuggling uranium enrichment equipment into China. Agents arrested Qiang Hu at a hotel in the northeastern state of Massachusetts. He is suspected of illegally exporting thousands of pressure measuring sensors to China from MKS Instruments in Massachusetts. The devices are used to […]
German Leader Pressed to Soften Austerity Stance on Greece
Posted May 23rd, 2012 at 8:10 pm (UTC-5)
German Chancellor Angela Merkel faced pressure Wednesday in Brussels to soften her economic austerity stance that threatens to push Greece out of the euro currency zone. Leaders of 27 European Union countries discussed ideas on how to spur economic growth across the bloc and solve the European currency crisis during a dinner summit in the […]
Amnesty: Collapse in World Leadership Undermined Pro-Democracy Protesters
Posted May 23rd, 2012 at 7:45 pm (UTC-5)
Amnesty International, in its 50th annual human rights report, says a collapse in world leadership has undermined the courage of pro-democracy protesters around the world, especially in Syria. The group says the U.N. Security Council seems ineffective, out of step, and unable to fulfill its mandate. It says Russian and Chinese intransigence puts the credibility […]
Congress Looking Into Facebook IPO
Posted May 23rd, 2012 at 7:05 pm (UTC-5)
U.S. lawmakers are looking into issues with Facebook’s initial public offering, amid allegations that information about the company’s ability to make money was withheld from some investors. The Senate Banking Committee says its staff will meet with Facebook officials, regulators and other stakeholders. A spokeswoman for the House Financial Services Committee says staff members are […]
Millions Vote in Egypt’s Landmark Presidential Poll
Posted May 23rd, 2012 at 6:55 pm (UTC-5)
Millions of Egyptians cast ballots Wednesday in a historic presidential election pitting Islamists against secularists rooted in former leader Hosni Mubarak’s old guard. The vote is expected to produce the country’s first freely elected civilian leader after 60 years of military-backed dictatorship. Lines outside of both urban and rural polling places stretched for hours in […]
Mali Interim President Flown to Paris for Medical Tests
Posted May 23rd, 2012 at 4:50 pm (UTC-5)
Mali’s interim president Diouncounda Traore, attacked by protesters who forced their way into the presidential palace this week, went to Paris Wednesday to seek medical treatment. The interim leader’s former chief of staff, Issa Togo, confirmed the trip to VOA . He said Mr. Traore was injured on his forehead when he was beaten earlier […]
AU, Somali Troops Make ‘Strong Progress’ Against al-Shabab
Posted May 23rd, 2012 at 4:05 pm (UTC-5)
African Union and Somali officials say their troops have made “strong progress” in a fast-moving offensive to capture a key al-Shabab rebel stronghold northwest of the capital, Mogadishu. A statement issued Wednesday said troops were advancing to the area of Elasha in the strategic Afgoye corridor between Mogadishu and the regional capital, Baidoa, and that […]
Mali Interim President Flown to Paris for Medical Tests
Posted May 23rd, 2012 at 3:10 pm (UTC-5)
A close associate of Mali’s interim president, Dioncounda Traore, says the leader has gone to Paris for medical tests after he was assaulted by a mob of protesters in Bamako. Issa Togo, the interim leader’s former chief of staff, confirmed to VOA that Mr. Traore departed for France on Wednesday. He said Mr. Traore was […]
