Egypt has formally asked the International Monetary Fund for a rescue package of up to $4.8 billion, as it struggles with its faltering economy after more than a year of political turmoil triggered by a popular uprising. Egyptian Prime Minister Hisham Qandil, speaking Wednesday, said the loan is aimed at lowering Egypt’s borrowing costs. He […]
Malian Government Focused on Regaining Control of North
Posted August 22nd, 2012 at 6:50 pm (UTC-5)
Mali’s acting Prime Minister Cheikh Modibo Diarra has named three special advisors to the prime minister with ministerial ranks. Hamadoun Toure, Sadio Lamine Sow and Mamadou Diakite were named Tuesday. Toure will be special advisor on government communication. Sow will be advisor on international affairs and Diakite on employment and training of youth. Toure served […]
US Indictment for Fraud, Bribery in Afghanistan
Posted August 22nd, 2012 at 5:50 pm (UTC-5)
The U.S. Department of Justice has indicted three people and a corporation on charges of fraud and bribery, accusing them of conspiring to use protected contract information to get an unfair advantage over other companies seeking government contract work in Afghanistan. The department Wednesday said one of the men was an active military reservist who […]
Fed May Do More To Boost US Economy
Posted August 22nd, 2012 at 4:55 pm (UTC-5)
Top officials of the U.S. central bank signaled Wednesday that they may launch a new effort to boost the economy if growth does not improve. U.S. Federal Reserve officials indicated that bolstering growth might include a program intended to lower long-term interest rates with a complex program of buying bonds. The hope is that lower […]
South Sudan’s Deputy Military Chief Dies In Kenya
Posted August 22nd, 2012 at 4:50 pm (UTC-5)
A powerful South Sudanese military commander and former militia leader, Paulino Matip, has died in a Kenyan hospital after a long illness. Information minister Barnaba Marial Benjamin announced Matip’s death Tuesday, describing him as a champion of peace and reconciliation. Matip switched sides several times during the north-south civil war that killed hundreds of thousands […]
Syrian Forces Shell Damascus, 35 Killed
Posted August 22nd, 2012 at 4:25 pm (UTC-5)
Syrian government forces have renewed their attacks in the capital, Damascus, killing at least 35 people in a campaign of shelling and artillery fire. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights told VOA that Wednesday’s deaths occurred in Kfar Souseh, Daraya and other southern districts where anti-government rebels operate. Residents said the shelling and aerial […]
Mars Rover Drives on Red Planet
Posted August 22nd, 2012 at 3:50 pm (UTC-5)
The U.S. Mars rover Curiosity has successfully competed its first drive on the Red Planet. NASA engineer Matt Heverly said the rover drove 4.5 meters Wednesday, rotated and backed up 2.5 meters. He said the drive confirmed that the soil on the planet is firm. Pictures from the Mars rover showed tire tracks made during […]
Obama Campaigns in Nevada, Ryan in Virginia
Posted August 22nd, 2012 at 3:10 pm (UTC-5)
President Barack Obama says teachers and students are suffering from cuts in U.S. state budgets, and he says his Republican opponent’s plans to reduce government spending would hurt them more. Mr. Obama told a campaign rally in Las Vegas, Nevada Wednesday that fewer teachers are returning to public schools, which has increased class sizes for […]
Ethiopia Delays Installation of New Prime Minister
Posted August 22nd, 2012 at 3:00 pm (UTC-5)
Ethiopia has delayed plans to swear in Hailemariam Desalegn as the new prime minister, following Monday’s death of Meles Zenawi. Parliament had been expected to hold an emergency session Thursday to install Mr. Desalegn. He had served as Mr. Meles’ deputy since 2010. However, the government communications office issued a statement late Wednesday saying the […]
Russia Becomes 156th Member of WTO
Posted August 22nd, 2012 at 2:50 pm (UTC-5)
TYPE: CN )) Russia became the 156th member of the World Trade Organization on Wednesday, following nearly two decades of negotiations. Russia was one of the world’s last major economies to join the Geneva-based institution, having previously expressed concerns about the potential influx of Western goods and services. As part of its membership, Russia has […]
