International

Wednesday, November 5th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
China, Taiwan sign landmark trade and transport agreements

China and Taiwan signed this week landmark agreements to improve direct trade and transport links, following the highest-level Chinese visit in decades. The agreements are set to triple the number of weekly direct passenger flights and allow cargo shipments between ports in China and Taiwan. They also aim to improve the postal service and food safety.
Wednesday, November 5th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
UN Uruguayan forces instructed to open fire in Goma defence

Uruguayan peace keeping forces are under instructions from United Nations to protect the Congolese city of Goma, which is threatened by advancing rebels led by Laurent Nkunda, according to statements from Alain Le Roy, head of UN peace keeping operations.
Wednesday, November 5th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Africa celebrates Obama; public holiday in Kenya

Kenya has declared Thursday a public holiday to celebrate the election of Barack Obama to the US presidency. Mr Obama's father was from Kenya and his victory has prompted jubilation across the country.
Tuesday, November 4th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Historic high level talks between Taiwan and Beijing in Taipei

Taiwan and China held their first high-level talks in Taipei in 60 years on Tuesday, with communications, transport and food safety high in the agenda.
Tuesday, November 4th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Spanish civil war descendents can apply for citizenship

Descendants of people who fled Spain during the country's civil war are to be allowed to apply for citizenship. The decision will allow an estimated 500,000 children and grandchildren of civil war-era exiles to seek to return.
Tuesday, November 4th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Profits down 34% at Marks & Spencer

Marks & Spencer's half-year profits have fallen by a third after sales suffered in the toughest conditions to hit the retailer since the early 1990s.
Tuesday, November 4th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
World Bank official warns on soaring number of poor in 09

The world financial crisis influenced by the high prices of food and fuel will cause global growth to drop 1 to 2%, together “with the emergence of millions of poor, a new underclass”, according to a top official from the World Bank.
Tuesday, November 4th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Fitch predicts steepest GDP decline in leading countries

In its latest Global Economic Outlook, Fitch Ratings predicts that the world's major advanced economies - US, UK, Euro Zone and Japan - will experience in 2009 the steepest decline in GDP since World War II. In aggregate GDP growth in these countries is expected to be (minus) -0.8% in 2009, compared to an estimated 1.1% for 2008. Tighter credit conditions, consumer retrenchment and falling corporate investment are expected to combine to deliver an unusually synchronised downturn across the advanced economies.
Monday, November 3rd 2008 - 20:00 UTC
UN convoy of food and medicine for displaced Congolese

United Nations is to send a convoy of food and medical supplies to help the 250,000 people displaced by recent fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It will be the first aid in a week for those stranded in areas controlled by renegade Gen Laurent Nkunda's forces.
Monday, November 3rd 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Prince Charles: rich countries should pay annual “utility bill”

Britain's Prince Charles has called for rich countries to pay an annual “utility bill” for the benefits given to the world by its rainforests. Speaking in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, the prince called rainforests the “world's greatest public utility”. They act as an air conditioner, store fresh water and provide work, he said.