International

Sunday, March 1st 2009 - 23:00 UTC
Unemployment (social unrest), main threat admits China

The biggest challenge facing China is not slowing growth but unemployment, which could trigger social unrest, a Chinese government minister has said. Commerce Minister Chen Deming told the BBC that when economic growth slowed “the chances of possible social unrest increase as well”.
Sunday, March 1st 2009 - 23:00 UTC
Tenth anniversary of Mines Ban treaty entry into force

Ten years after the historic treaty banning antipersonnel mines became binding international law campaigners in some 60 countries around the globe are taking action this week to once again draw the world's attention to the horrific consequences of landmines and to call for renewed efforts toward a mine-free world.
Sunday, March 1st 2009 - 23:00 UTC
Scandinavian region faces worst recession in 17 years

The Scandinavian region economic downturn was highlighted this week when Denmark confirmed it was in the worst recession in three decades while output in Sweden and Finland shrank the most in at least 17 years.
Friday, February 27th 2009 - 23:00 UTC
Japan falls deeper into recession

Japan's economy is sinking deeper into recession, the country's finance minister has warned, as new figures show industrial production plunged a record 10 per cent in January.
Thursday, February 26th 2009 - 23:00 UTC
Survey of massive mountain range below Antarctic ice

A massive yet enigmatic mountain range as big as the Alps lying deep beneath Antarctica's ice has been surveyed in detail for the first time. The expedition, one of the most ambitious and challenging during International Polar Year, has captured the first clear picture of the mysterious Gamburtsev sub-glacial mountains.
Thursday, February 26th 2009 - 23:00 UTC
Top level meeting between Latam and Obama presidency

Brazil defended political diversity in Latinamerica and the change of attitude of the region towards the Cuba issue during the first official meeting in Washington of a Latinamerican representative with the highest ranking officer of President Barack Obama administration, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Thursday, February 26th 2009 - 23:00 UTC
Banker challenges PM Brown “failure should not be rewarded”

Former Royal Bank of Scotland boss Sir Fred Goodwin has written to the Treasury indicating he will not voluntarily give up his pension, it has been revealed. Sir Fred is coming under increasing pressure to give up at least part of the pension, worth an estimated ?693,000-a-year, which he is already receiving at the age of 50 under an early retirement deal agreed with the RBS board when he was forced out last October.
Thursday, February 26th 2009 - 23:00 UTC
British catholic bishop apologizes over Holocaust controversy

A British bishop whose denial of the Holocaust embroiled Pope Benedict XVI in controversy has apologised for his remarks, a Catholic news agency said. Bishop Richard Williamson, with the conservative Society of St Pius X, had faced worldwide criticism over a television interview in which he said no Jews were gassed during the Holocaust.
Thursday, February 26th 2009 - 23:00 UTC
UK scheme to unload banks' toxic assets and recover confidence

The United Kingdom Treasury has launched a taxpayer-backed scheme to insure banks' riskiest assets against further losses. The scheme aims to clean up banks' balance sheets and to encourage them to lend more freely.
Thursday, February 26th 2009 - 23:00 UTC
UK banks and regulators point fingers to political sector

The chairman of United Kingdom's Financial Services Authority has said its failure to spot the banking crisis in advance was partly due to the style of regulation. A “light touch” approach at the City watchdog had been seen as politically preferred, Lord Turner said.