Several hundred people are protesting for a second day in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, after parliament passed a bill that would make Russian an official regional language in mainly Russian areas of Ukraine. The bill was pushed through parliament Tuesday by supporters of President Viktor Yanukovich, who draws his support from the Russian-speaking east. The […]
Ukraine Protests Continue Against Language Law
Posted July 5th, 2012 at 11:35 am (UTC-5)
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China, Europe Cut Key Lending Rates
Posted July 5th, 2012 at 11:05 am (UTC-5)
Two of the world’s biggest economies — China and the 17-nation euro currency bloc — are cutting key lending rates in a new effort to boost their flagging economic fortunes. The Chinese central bank Thursday cut its benchmark lending rate for the second time in a month, signaling that the world’s second largest economy is […]
UN Monitor Chief in Syria Says Violence ‘Unprecedented’
Posted July 5th, 2012 at 10:55 am (UTC-5)
The head of the United Nations monitoring mission in Syria says violence there has reached “unprecedented” levels, and that a cease-fire must be implemented in order for his unarmed observer teams to resume their mission, which was suspended last month. Major General Robert Mood’s comments Thursday came as Syrian troops battled anti-government rebels across the […]
Official: Kenya Muslims Offering to Protect Christian Churches
Posted July 5th, 2012 at 10:00 am (UTC-5)
A leading member of Kenya’s Inter-Religious Council says Muslim leaders are offering to protect Christian churches following deadly attacks on Sunday. In an interview with VOA , Mustafa Ali welcomed the gesture, which he described as “unprecedented.” “The Muslim leaderships in the country, particularly in northeastern Kenya, are saying that they are offering Muslims themselves […]
Pakistan: Resumed NATO Shipments Crossing into Afghanistan
Posted July 5th, 2012 at 9:10 am (UTC-5)
Pakistani officials say the first trucks carrying NATO supplies have crossed into Afghanistan, following a U.S.-Pakistani deal announced this week that ended Islamabad’s months-long blockade. Local officials in southwestern Pakistan say the supplies crossed the border at Chaman in Baluchistan province Thursday. The crossing comes days after U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the […]
Zimbabwe Bank Chief: Don’t Indigenize Foreign Banks
Posted July 5th, 2012 at 8:45 am (UTC-5)
The head of Zimbabwe’s central bank has warned the government against its plan to make foreign banks give up majority shares in their local operations. A government notice published this week said foreign banks and other firms have one year to transfer a 51 percent stake to black Zimbabweans. In a statement Wednesday, Gideon Gono […]
Zimbabwe Bank Chief: Don’t Indiginize Foreign Banks
Posted July 5th, 2012 at 7:50 am (UTC-5)
The head of Zimbabwe’s central bank has warned the government against its plan to make foreign banks give up majority shares in their local operations. A government notice published this week said foreign banks and other firms have one year to transfer a 51 percent stake to black Zimbabweans. In a statement Wednesday, Gideon Gono […]
Romanian Lawmakers Move to Impeach President
Posted July 5th, 2012 at 7:25 am (UTC-5)
A coalition of Romanian lawmakers is moving to try to impeach President Traian Basescu as part of a power struggle with the country’s prime minister. The coalition’s action is the latest move in a month-long campaign of attacks by Prime Minister Victor Ponta against President Basescu. Lawmakers from the three-party Liberal Social Union , including […]
UN Monitor Chief Says Team Will Adapt Syria Mission
Posted July 5th, 2012 at 6:55 am (UTC-5)
The head of the United Nations observer team in Syria says he will adjust the way the monitors work when their mission resumes, with a focus on staying in certain areas for longer periods of time. Major General Robert Mood told reporters Thursday in Damascus that it is time to stop spreading the team out […]
