International

Friday, November 21st 2008 - 20:00 UTC
FDA announces offices world wide; first in Beijing

The United States opened Wednesday a Food and Drug Administration office in Beijing, as the first step in an FDA strategy to try to improve food and drug safety standards around the world.
Friday, November 21st 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Japan, Australia meet to talk about whaling campaign

Japan and Australia say they will pursue diplomatic channels to resolve their long running dispute over whaling. Foreign Minister Stephen Smith met his Japanese counterpart, Hirofumi Nakasone in Peru, in anticipation of this weekend's APEC leaders meeting.
Thursday, November 20th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Pacific rim leaders meet in Lima for trade talks

The United States, China, Japan and some emerging economy heavyweights will push for quick action on free trade deals at a summit meeting this weekend as an antidote to a looming recession in much of the world.
Wednesday, November 19th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Unknown extinct yellow-eyed penguin identified in NZ

The discovery of a previously unknown and now extinct New Zealand penguin could be just one of many breakthroughs as scientists probe the secrets of ancient DNA. A study led by Otago University researchers set out to look at changes in the yellow-eyed penguin population after humans settled in New Zealand.
Wednesday, November 19th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
OPEC president says members have lost 700 billion USD

With Deutsche Bank forecasting a barrel of oil at 40 USD in 2009, Opec president Chakib Khelil said members of the cartel have lost about 700 billion US dollars because of falling crude prices.
Wednesday, November 19th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Spain slipping into 12-month recession says Central Bank

Spain is likely to slip into recession in the fourth quarter and stay there during 2009, Bank of Spain governor Miguel Angel Fernandez Ordonez said on Wednesday in Madrid.
Wednesday, November 19th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Net immigration to UK reached 237.000 last year

Net immigration to the United Kingdom rose to 237,000 in 2007, according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS). The number was up by 46,000 on 2006 as a result of a fall in the number of people moving out of the
Wednesday, November 19th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Obama rings Cristina and invites himself to visit Argentina

Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner who is currently on a North African tour, held a telephone conversation with US President-elect Barack Obama, during which he expressed his desire to meet her in person and visit Argentina.
Tuesday, November 18th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
PM Brown says “fiscal action” to help families is on the way

Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown promised “real help for families and businesses” to battle recession as he paved the way for tax cuts to be announced next week.
Tuesday, November 18th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Two months Xmas leave for crew short Australian Navy

Christmas has come early to Australian sailors after the country's navy ordered an extended two-month holiday in response to staff shortages and a drive to attract and retain sailors with a better work-life balance.