The European Union says upcoming parliamentary elections in Ukraine will be a “litmus test” of the country’s democratic credentials, and has called on Ukrainian officials to ensure that all parties and candidates are treated equally. EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton and EU Enlargement Commissioner Stefan Fuele made the statement Friday. They welcomed Ukraine’s stated […]
EU Calls Ukraine Elections a ‘Litmus Test’ of Democratic Credentials
Posted October 12th, 2012 at 11:40 am (UTC-5)
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EU Prize Delights Some, Dismays Others
Posted October 12th, 2012 at 11:35 am (UTC-5)
Reaction to the unexpected choice of the European Union for the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize ranges from joy among EU officials to skepticism among some citizens in Europe’s economically strapped nations. EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton said she is “delighted” at the award. The EU ambassador to the United States, Joao Vale de Almeida, […]
US Consumer Confidence Rises
Posted October 12th, 2012 at 11:05 am (UTC-5)
U.S. consumers have grown more optimistic, which could boost retail sales and the economy. Friday’s report from the University of Michigan says a measure of “consumer sentiment” rose to the highest level since before the recession began . Economists say confident consumers are more likely to make purchases, which is important because consumer demand drives […]
Rebels, Troops Clash over Air Base in Syria
Posted October 12th, 2012 at 11:05 am (UTC-5)
Syrian rebels have clashed with government troops over control of an air defense base near the country’s most populous city. Activists say rebels attacked the air force post Friday outside Aleppo, but there are conflicting reports as to whether the rebels have taken over the base. Fighting continued in several Syrian locales. The opposition Syrian […]
Pakistani Child Activist in ‘Satisfactory’ Condition
Posted October 12th, 2012 at 10:45 am (UTC-5)
Pakistani police have arrested several suspects in the shooting of a 14-year-old girl internationally recognized for documenting atrocities committed by the Taliban. Officials say the arrests took place in the northwestern Swat Valley, where Malala Yousafzai was shot in the head and neck Tuesday by Taliban gunmen as she left school. Few other details were […]
Panetta Appeals for Stepped Up Cyber Security
Posted October 12th, 2012 at 10:35 am (UTC-5)
U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says recent computer virus attacks on Persian Gulf oil and gas companies were “probably the most destructive cyber assault the private sector has seen.” Panetta says the so-called “Shamoon” virus rendered more than 30,000 computers useless when it hit the Saudi Arabian state oil company, ARAMCO. In some cases, the […]
Romney Hits Campaign Trial Following VP Debate
Posted October 12th, 2012 at 10:00 am (UTC-5)
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is hitting the campaign trail in Virginia and Ohio on Friday after Thursday’s debate between Vice President Joe Biden and Mr. Romney’s running mate, Paul Ryan. Mr. Romney campaigns in Richmond, Virginia, and later will be joined by Ryan for a rally in Lancaster, Ohio. President Obama is staying in […]
France: UN Set to Pass Mali Resolution
Posted October 12th, 2012 at 7:20 am (UTC-5)
France says the U.N. Security Council will pass a resolution Friday clearing the way for military intervention in the troubled nation of Mali. The French mission to the U.N. put out a Twitter message saying the council will adopt the resolution Friday afternoon, New York time. French officials say the resolution will ask the West […]
European Union Wins Nobel Peace Prize
Posted October 12th, 2012 at 7:10 am (UTC-5)
The European Union has been awarded the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize. The Norwegian Nobel Committee in Oslo announced the winner of the prestigious prize during a ceremony Friday. The committee says “the union and its core members have for over 6 decades contributed to the advancement of peace, reconciliation democracy and human rights in Europe.” […]
Turkey PM Says Syrian Plane Contained Ammunition
Posted October 12th, 2012 at 6:55 am (UTC-5)
Syria’s President Assad has been fighting a 19-month uprising against his rule that has killed tens of thousands of people. The observatory says 260 Syrians were killed in fighting Thursday including 86 civilians, 60 rebel fighters, 13 defected soldiers, and 92 regime forces.
