Stories for December 19th 2007

Wednesday, December 19th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Colombian rebels announce liberation of three hostages

Colombian rebels announced Tuesday they will release three hostages, including Clara Rojas, kidnapped in 2002 alongside French-Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt, and her son born in captivity, a Cuban news agency said.
Wednesday, December 19th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Falklands outlines Plan 2008-12 with nine key “themes”

A draft Islands Plan 2008-12, setting out the Falkland Islands government's ambitions and promises for the next five years, has been issued for consultation with the community and stakeholders.
Wednesday, December 19th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
UN announces global standards for internet television services

The lead United Nations agency for information and communication technology (ICT) announced Tuesday the first set of global standards for providing television services over the Internet, a move that is expected to fuel innovation and competition in an emerging field.
Wednesday, December 19th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
US Congress approves “historic” energy efficiency bill

The U.S. Congress has approved a “historic” energy bill that increases U.S. fuel efficiency standards in cars and trucks. President George Bush is expected to sign the measure into law.
Wednesday, December 19th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
EU Central Bank ready to pump 348 billion Euro liquidity

The European Central Bank has allocated 348.7 billion Euros, (502 billion US dollars) to banks at a below-market rate in a refinancing move to ease tightened credit markets.
Wednesday, December 19th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Federal Reserve tough new rules for mortgage lenders

The US Federal Reserve approved Tuesday measures to give mortgage holders far more protection to prevent the current housing crisis from worsening further. Tough new regulations will ensure lenders take into account a borrower's ability to repay a loan and would not penalize those making early repayments.
Wednesday, December 19th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Australia to monitor by air and sea Japanese whalers

Australia urged Japanese whalers and environmental activists heading for a showdown in the Southern Ocean to act with restraint, warning deaths could occur if anything went wrong.
Wednesday, December 19th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Falkland Islands praises British Foreign Office

Falklands'Councillor Mike Summers has praised the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office for their “unwavering message” on sovereignty.
Wednesday, December 19th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
EU debates fisheries 2008 TAC, quotas (cuts and bans)

The European Union (EU) Council of Fisheries Ministers began negotiations this week that would determine fisheries TAC and quotas for next year.
Wednesday, December 19th 2007 - 20:00 UTC
Russia's Putin named “Person of the Year” by Time magazine

Time magazine named President Vladimir Putin its person of the year Wednesday, in recognition of the Russian leader's role in making Moscow “a critical linchpin of the 21st century.”