International

Tuesday, July 8th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Possible G8 major agreement on climate change

Climate change is expected to be the focus of Tuesday discussions at annual talks between the Group of Eight major industrialized nations currently taking place in Japan.
Tuesday, July 8th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
EU ministers iron out differences on immigration rules

European Union ministers agreed in principle to a French plan aimed at reforming immigration rules across the union. At informal talks in Cannes on Monday, ministers from all 27 states signed a draft pact agreeing common rules on the treatment of migrants and asylum requests.
Monday, July 7th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Food and fuel top of the agenda of G8 summit in Japan

World leaders are preparing to begin a key summit in Japan, with the global economy and its rising food and fuel costs looming as the main issues.
Saturday, July 5th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
China agrees to pay double for BHP Billiton iron ore

Mining giant BHP Billiton has reached a deal with China's largest steelmaker to almost double iron ore prices. Under the agreement, covering contracts for one year from 1 April 2008, BHP will increase its prices by up to 96.5% for deliveries to state-owned Baosteel.
Friday, July 4th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Seoul government cornered by US beef triggered crisis

South Korea's president called for an end to an on going dispute over United States beef imports, saying it was time for the nation to concentrate on overcoming domestic and economic difficulties.
Friday, July 4th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
China/Taiwan regular direct flights break 60 year ban

The first regular, direct flight from mainland China to Taiwan for nearly 60 years landed on Friday at the capital Taipei's airport. China's top official on Taiwan affairs said the flight was “a new start” in exchanges between Taipei and Beijing.
Thursday, July 3rd 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Euro zone hikes basic rate to 4.25%; oil at new record

The European Central Bank hiked on Thursday its key rate 25 points to 4.25%. This is the first rise in a year and is geared to contain food and fuel prices that in June reached an annualized 4%, the highest since 1996.
Thursday, July 3rd 2008 - 21:00 UTC
UK Defence £ 3 billion contracts for two new aircraft carriers

Britain's Ministry of Defence signed this week contracts to build two future aircraft carriers, to be named HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince Of Wales, the biggest and most powerful surface warships ever constructed in the UK.
Thursday, July 3rd 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Food security in poor nations keeps degrading says FAO

Soaring food prices have pushed 50 million more people to go hungry, the head of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said on Thursday, calling for stepped-up global cooperation to boost food security in poor nations.
Wednesday, July 2nd 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Saudi king: oil price cheap compared to alternative energy

Saudi Arabia King Abdullah said on Tuesday that the current oil price was cheap compared to prices of alternative energy products available in the world and called upon people in consuming countries to adapt with rising oil prices.