Stories for January 2009

Wednesday, January 21st 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Cristina Kirchner praises Obama's speech from Havana

Argentine president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, currently on a three day visit to Cuba, praised on Tuesday the inauguration speech of President Barack Obama saying it confirms “the good expectations” about the incoming administration.
Wednesday, January 21st 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Obama appeals to values and pledges era of responsibility

Barack Obama became the United States 44th president on Tuesday assuring allies he'll rebuild the world's shattered economy while repairing strained friendships as millions cheered the apparent arrival of a new age of political idealism. He promised to leave aside the confrontational dogma and develop a more open and conciliatory relationship with the rest of the world.
Wednesday, January 21st 2009 - 20:00 UTC
UN meeting to address danger to global water supplies

Water supplies for over a billion people around the world are under threat from increasing populations, expanding cities, industrialization, climate change and even the rising demand for food, warned the United Nations, as delegates from more than 60 countries kicked off a meeting today in preparation for the upcoming World Water Forum.
Wednesday, January 21st 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Former KGB spy buys London Evening Standard

Russian ex-KGB agent turned businessman Alexander Lebedev announced Wednesday the purchase of the London Evening Standard newspaper for the sum of £1.
Wednesday, January 21st 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Strong global growth only in two to three years says IMF

The International Monetary Fund will sharply cut growth forecasts this month and the world will not return to strong growth for two or three years, IMF Managing-Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn said on Wednesday.
Wednesday, January 21st 2009 - 20:00 UTC
AIG ends sponsorship of Manchester United in 2010

The troubled US insurer AIG will not be renewing its shirt sponsorship deal with Manchester United that expires in May 2010.
Wednesday, January 21st 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Antarctica's Wilkins Ice Shelf “hanging by a thread”

The continent of Antarctica is warming up in step with the rest of the world, according to a new analysis. Scientists say data from satellites and weather stations indicate a warming of about 0.6C over the last 50 years.
Wednesday, January 21st 2009 - 20:00 UTC
UK unemployment nears 2 million, sends pound plunging

Unemployment in Britain has increased by 131,000 to 1.92 million between September and November, the country's office for national statistics (ONS) has said. Public finances also deteriorated sharply in December, putting them on track for their worst year since records began after the Second World War, the ONS said.
Wednesday, January 21st 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Fidel meets Cristina and agree Obama is “a sincere person”

Argentine president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner held a half hour private meeting with Fidel Castro in the last day of her visit to Cuba and said the ageing revolutionary leader described US president Barack Obama as “a sincere person”.
Tuesday, January 20th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Controversy over latest UK banks rescue plan; shares plunge

The UK government's latest plan to counter the economic downturn by encouraging lending has been criticised, and sent banks' shares tumbling. Opposition MPs argued that the government's measures were inadequate and too many details remained unknown.