International

• Thursday, November 6th 2008 - 20:00 UTC

  ECB admits further rate cuts; claims of “too little, too late”

  

  The European Central Bank cut interest rates by 50 basis points to 3.25% on Thursday and signalled another reduction was possible next month, as inflation pressures ease and the Euro zone faces its first recession.

• Thursday, November 6th 2008 - 20:00 UTC

  IMF: support efforts “take time”; fiscal stimulus needed

  

  The International Monetary Fund World Economic Outlook (WEO) says prospects for global growth have deteriorated over the past month and will slow from 5% in 2007 to 3.75% this year and just over 2% in 2009.

• Wednesday, November 5th 2008 - 20:00 UTC

  Dramatic drop in maritime transport of commodities, says UNCTAD

  

  A United Nations report released Tuesday shows that international seaborne trade surged to record levels last year but has since declined because of the financial crisis, jeopardizing the health of many developing countries, especially those that depend on commodities.

• Wednesday, November 5th 2008 - 20:00 UTC

  Pascal Lamy wants a second term as head of WTO

  

  The World Trade Organization's French director-general Pascal Lamy will seek another four-year term heading the body that sets rules for global commerce.

• 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.