The presidents of Sudan and South Sudan are set to sign agreements aimed at preventing another war, though some major issues remain unresolved. Officials say the deal, to be signed Thursday in Ethiopia’s capital, calls for forces on both sides to pull back 10 kilometers from the disputed border. The Sudan Vision newspaper quotes an […]
UN: ‘Rapidly Increasing’ Number of Refugees Fleeing Syria
Posted September 27th, 2012 at 6:05 am (UTC-5)
The United Nations Refugee agency says up to 700,000 Syrians could flee the conflict-ravaged country by the end of the year. The UNHCR issued an appeal Thursday for nearly $500 million in aid to help “rapidly increasing” numbers of refugees fleeing to neighboring Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Turkey. It says between 2,000 and 3,000 people […]
Clinton: US to Lift Import Ban On Burma
Posted September 27th, 2012 at 5:40 am (UTC-5)
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says Washington will take steps to lift a ban on imports from Burma in response to continued reforms by the country’s military-backed government. At a meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Clinton told Burma’s President Thein Sein that the U.S. will “begin the process” of […]
Spain Prepares New Austerity Measures
Posted September 27th, 2012 at 5:10 am (UTC-5)
Spain is set to unveil a new series of austerity measures aimed at making it easier for the government to request help with its budget crisis, while protesters continue to voice their opposition to the cuts. The government will detail the measures Thursday along with its proposed budget for 2013. The reforms are expected to […]
Clinton: US to Lift Import Ban On Burma
Posted September 27th, 2012 at 4:35 am (UTC-5)
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says Washington will take steps to lift a ban on imports from Burma in response to continued reforms by the country’s military-backed government. At a meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Clinton told Burma’s President Thein Sein that the U.S. will “begin the process” of […]
Israeli, Palestinian Leaders to Speak at U.N. General Assembly
Posted September 27th, 2012 at 3:45 am (UTC-5)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will repeat his warnings about the potential threat of a nuclear-armed Iran when he addresses the U.N. General Assembly Thursday. Mr. Netanyahu’s speech comes amid speculation that Israel could launch a pre-emptive military strike against Iran. The Israeli leader has demanded that U.S. President Barack Obama spell out non-negotiable points, […]
Three Countries Join Africa Food Security Initiative
Posted September 27th, 2012 at 2:25 am (UTC-5)
Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and Mozambique have joined a global partnership aimed at boosting food security and addressing malnutrition in Africa. The countries are part of the New Alliance for Food Security and Nutrition launched earlier this year by the Group of Eight leading industrial nations. The initiative includes partnerships with international corporations and African […]
Chinese Court Upholds Tax Charges Against Dissident Ai Weiwei
Posted September 27th, 2012 at 1:15 am (UTC-5)
A Chinese court has upheld a $2.4 million tax-evasion fine against dissident artist Ai Weiwei, who says the charges are politically motivated. Speaking to reporters outside a Beijing court Thursday, the internationally recognized artist called the ruling “shameless,” saying his lawyers were not allowed to present his case. “Moreover, they didn’t even inform us of […]
Japan’s Noda Vows No Compromise in Island Dispute with China
Posted September 27th, 2012 at 1:00 am (UTC-5)
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda says Tokyo will not compromise on its claim to a group of uninhabited islands at the center of a heated territorial dispute with China. Speaking at a news conference at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, Mr. Noda also defended his government’s recent purchase of the East China Sea […]
Chinese Court Upholds Tax Charges Against Dissident Ai Weiwei
Posted September 27th, 2012 at 12:10 am (UTC-5)
A Chinese court has upheld a $2.4 million tax evasion fine against dissident artist Ai Weiwei, who says the charges are politically motivated. Speaking to reporters outside a Beijing court Thursday, the internationally recognized artist called the ruling “shameless,” saying his lawyers were not allowed to present his case. It was the second time that […]
