U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says the Security Council could authorize a military mission to help Mali’s interim government retake control of the country’s north, but that dialogue should be a priority. In a report Wednesday to the Council, Mr. Ban said “fundamental questions” remain about sustaining, training, equipping and financing a 3,300-troop force. He also […]
UN Chief Backs Mali Intervention, Prefers Dialogue
Posted November 29th, 2012 at 3:50 am (UTC-5)
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Egypt President To Address Nation, Panel Set to Vote on Constitution
Posted November 29th, 2012 at 2:15 am (UTC-5)
Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi plans to address the nation Thursday, as a divisive panel boycotted by Christians and liberals was set to vote on a draft constitution. Mr. Morsi extended the deadline to write the constitution from December to February, but the assembly’s speaker said the extra time was unnecessary. Critics say the Islamist-dominated panel’s […]
US Suspends Oil Giant BP From New Federal Bids
Posted November 28th, 2012 at 7:50 pm (UTC-5)
The United States has suspended British oil giant BP from bidding on any new federal contracts, in response to the company’s performance during the deadly 2010 drilling catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico. In a statement Wednesday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said it took the action “due to BP’s lack of business integrity as […]
Philippines Joins Vietnam in Refusing to Stamp New Chinese Passport
Posted November 28th, 2012 at 3:45 pm (UTC-5)
The Philippines has become the second Asian nation to refuse to stamp China’s new electronic passports, which include a controversial map depicting the South China Sea’s disputed waters as Chinese territory. The Philippine foreign ministry said Wednesday that stamping the Chinese passport could be seen as “legitimizing” what it calls Beijing’s “excessive” territorial claim, depicted […]
British Police: Exiled Russian Tied to Magnitsky Case Died Mysteriously
Posted November 28th, 2012 at 3:15 pm (UTC-5)
British authorities say a Russian businessman linked to a high-profile Russian corruption scandal has died under mysterious circumstances. Local police tell VOA that they are treating the death of Alexander Perepilichnaya as unexplained. They are awaiting results of toxicology tests and a second autopsy. The 44-year-old Perepilichnaya collapsed and died outside his mansion south of […]
Obama, Romney to Meet Thursday for Lunch
Posted November 28th, 2012 at 1:50 pm (UTC-5)
U.S. President Barack Obama plans to host former Republican candidate Mitt Romney for lunch on Thursday, their first extensive meeting since Mr. Obama defeated the former Massachusetts governor to gain re-election earlier this month. The White House says they will meet for a private lunch closed to the media. One topic of discussion may be […]
Support Mounting for Upgraded UN Status for Palestinians
Posted November 28th, 2012 at 12:55 pm (UTC-5)
Several more European countries say they are backing a Palestinian Authority bid to secure a diplomatic upgrade at the United Nations. Spain, Denmark and Switzerland announced their intentions Wednesday to vote in favor of the motion. France announced its support Tuesday. Russia and China have also indicated they will support the Palestinian request. If granted, […]
Top Egyptian Courts Suspend Work as Protests Continue
Posted November 28th, 2012 at 12:50 pm (UTC-5)
Hundreds of Egyptians continued their demonstrations against President Mohamed Morsi for a sixth day as at least three of Egypt’s highest courts said they would suspend work in protest of his sweeping decrees. In a move that could help resolve the political crisis, the assembly drafting a new constitution said it would complete work on […]
Sierra Leone’s Main Opposition Party to Boycott Parliament
Posted November 28th, 2012 at 12:30 pm (UTC-5)
Sierra Leone’s main opposition party says it will boycott parliament to protest alleged election fraud that resulted in a second term for President Ernest Bai Koroma. The Sierra Leone People’s Party is urging its representatives in parliament and local government to stay away from proceedings until “further notice.” In a statement, the SLPP said it […]
EU Rescues Four Spanish Banks
Posted November 28th, 2012 at 12:10 pm (UTC-5)
The European Union is sending a $48 billion rescue package to four debt-ridden Spanish banks, but only after ordering them to sharply cut their loans and investments, slash their workforces and impose heavy losses on their investors. European Commission Vice President Joaquin Almunia said Wednesday the bailout aid would be sent to lenders Bankia, NCG […]
