International

Thursday, January 3rd 2008 - 20:00 UTC
OPEC warns oil prices could climb even higher

Oil prices hovered on the record 100 US dollars a barrel even after Indonesia OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) governor Maizar Rahman said the cartel has the capability to increase production by 500,000 barrels a day in the coming February meeting. However he warned that oil prices could climb even higher.
Thursday, January 3rd 2008 - 20:00 UTC
China's forecasts for 2008: 10.8% growth and inflation 4.5%

China's economy is forecasted to expand two digits for the sixth consecutive year in a context of inflation, which was record in a decade in 2007, reported this week the Shanghai Securities News, quoting a government think-tank.
Wednesday, January 2nd 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Pope calls peace 'divine gift' in New Year's mass

Peace is a “divine gift,” Pope Benedict XVI said Tuesday in his traditional New Year's Day mass, stressing the role of the family as an agent of peace.
Wednesday, January 2nd 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Stomach bug downs passengers on 'cursed' ship

Cunard's £300 million MS Queen Victoria - which was officially launched by Camilla in Southampton three weeks ago when she failed to successfully smash the champagne bottle on its side - has been struck by a potentially fatal stomach bug.
Wednesday, January 2nd 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Ban Ki-moon struggles to raise UN profile

Flying 350,000km and visiting 39 countries, Ban Ki-moon has put tireless energy into his first year as UN secretary-general but has struggled to raise the profile of the much-criticized body.
Wednesday, January 2nd 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Paris and Berlin ban cafe smoking beginning Jan 1

Smoking has been banned in bars in the capitals of France and Germany but the laws will not be enforced immediately.
Wednesday, January 2nd 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Individual privacy protection worsened in 2007, report says

Privacy protection for individuals worsened around the globe in 2007, as governments stepped up surveillance and data-gathering to improve security, according to a report by two advocacy groups.
Wednesday, January 2nd 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Analysts see prospect of 100-dollar oil in 2008

Oil prices of near 100 dollars per barrel caused alarm in consuming countries in 2007 and analysts forecast another tense crude market this year with triple-figure records a real prospect.
Wednesday, January 2nd 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Oil touches 100 US dollars a barrel on supply concern

Crude oil rose to $100 a barrel for the first time in New York as record global fuel consumption threatens to outpace production.
Wednesday, January 2nd 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Somali kidnappers free Spanish doctor and Argentine nurse

Kidnappers in the north Somali region of Puntland have freed two aid workers from the Spanish branch of Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF).