International

Tuesday, June 24th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Lux & Ireland richest countries in EU; UK above average

Luxembourg is by far the richest country in the European Union, with Ireland second at almost half its gross domestic product per capita, while Bulgaria is the poorest, according to the latest release from the European Union statistics office.
Tuesday, June 24th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Compromise on whale hunting still has not surfaced

A divided International Whaling Commission opened its annual conference in Chile on Monday with hope for a compromise on whale hunting, which continues around the world, spearheaded by Japan, despite a 22-year commercial ban.
Monday, June 23rd 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Oil summit: more investment needed for “adequate” supply

Leading oil exporters have acknowledged the need to boost supplies to curb soaring prices but stopped short of specific commitments on extra output. Following their week end crisis summit in Saudi Arabia, officials noted price levels were “hostile” and more investment was needed to ensure “adequate” supplies.
Sunday, June 22nd 2008 - 21:00 UTC
EU admits Czechs have become another Irish problem

European Union leaders have admitted that the Czech Republic may not be able to ratify the Lisbon Treaty, which has already been rejected by the Irish. The declaration from their summit in Brussels notes that the Czech process is on hold due to legal difficulties.
Sunday, June 22nd 2008 - 21:00 UTC
EU plans hiking aid per fishing vessel to help with fuel cost

The European Parliament (EP) on Thursday proposed increasing fishing sector aid up to EUR 100,000 (from 30.000 EUR) per vessel, instead of per company – as is the case today - in order to alleviate the effect of rising fuel prices.
Saturday, June 21st 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Oil prices challenge divide EU: new plan next October

European Union leaders have agreed to a 3-month study to find ways of cushioning the impact of soaring energy prices on the region's citizens. At an energy summit in Brussels, ministers discussed plans to ease the pain of record oil and gas prices on consumers and companies.
Friday, June 20th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Gibraltar Minister not returning before “irrelevant” C24

Gibraltar's Chief Minister Peter Caruana 13th appearance before the United Nations General Assembly Special Committee of 24 was his last. In a dramatic turn of events on Wednesday he robustly indicated that it was pointless to keep returning because the Committee of 24 had never acted on Gibraltar's behalf but had always chosen and continued to be silent.
Thursday, June 19th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
China hikes fuel prices 18% causing petroleum to drop

China, the world's second-largest consumer of oil, is to raise the price of petrol and diesel by 18%. The move, which could depress demand for oil from the fast-growing economy, caused the price of crude to fall 4 US dollars.
Thursday, June 19th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
EU summit undecided over the Irish vote aftermath

European Union leaders meeting in Brussels refused to set a deadline for a deal on the stalled Lisbon Treaty after its rejection by the Irish and insisted that real issues as Europe's economic situation are the priority.
Wednesday, June 18th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
UN approves extension of human rights protection

The top United Nations human rights official has hailed the adoption of a new legal instrument which will enable people to submit complaints on violations of their economic, social and cultural rights to an international human rights body.