International

Thursday, September 25th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Number of cell phone subscribers will reach 4 billion in 2008

The number of mobile cellular subscribers worldwide will reach the 4 billion mark by the end of 2008, the head of the United Nations International Telecommunications Union (ITU) announced Thursday.
Wednesday, September 24th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Ban Ki-moon calls to address “challenge of global leadership”

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon opened on Tuesday the General Assembly's annual high-level debate by urging world leaders to rise to the “challenge of global leadership” and work together to solve the most pressing and intractable problems, from climate change and the energy crisis to entrenched poverty and the conflict in Sudan's Darfur region.
Wednesday, September 24th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
China takes over leading Norwegian offshore drilling co.

China Oilfield Services Limited China's largest integrated oilfield services provider in offshore China, COSL announced this week it had successfully completed the 2.5 billion US dollars acquisition of the Norwegian offshore drilling company Awilco Offshore ASA .
Wednesday, September 24th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Beijing bankers fear the impact on China of financial crisis

Hot debates about the evolving, if not worsening, global financial crisis offer much needed food for thought as China's financial development enters a new era, but few disagree on the need of further financial reforms, according to a leading Chinese banker.
Wednesday, September 24th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
FAO urges industrial fishing strategies to protect seabirds

Following the success of strategies to protect seabirds from longline fishing activities, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has urged regions using other industrial fishing techniques, such as trawl nets and gillnets, to implement safeguards in areas where seabirds are at greatest risk.
Wednesday, September 24th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
“The Laptop”, the world's first underground stadium

If all works out as planned “The Wall” stadium in Doha, Qatar's capital city, will claim two firsts: the world's first underground stadium and the world's first open-air, air-conditioned stadium. There's a long way to go however and the stadium is not due to be completed until 2010 at the earliest.
Wednesday, September 24th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Sarkozy's proposal to regulate “crazy” system in G8 agenda

The Group of 8 of industrialized countries will consider a proposal by French President Nicolas Sarkozy for a leaders' summit to overhaul the world's financial system in the wake of a crisis that has rocked markets.
Wednesday, September 24th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
OPEC underlines oil barrel/US dollar “symmetric” link

OPEC President Chakib Khelil said on Wednesday world oil prices were still being influenced by factors such as monetary and currency policy in the United States and speculation rather than market fundamentals.
Wednesday, September 24th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
World Maritime Day celebrates 60 anniversary of IMO

In the 21st century where communications are instantaneous, 90 per cent of world trade still reaches its destination via the commercial shipping industry, which has been shaped over the last six decades by the practices and standards set by the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Tuesday, September 23rd 2008 - 21:00 UTC
World markets results tied to outcome of US bail out plan

Shares in Asia opened on Tuesday lower amid uncertainty about the impact of the massive US financial bail-out plan. The falls followed a sharp slide in the US, where the Bush administration has been discussing the 700 billion rescue plan with Congress.