July 5, 2012
Fukushima Nuclear Disaster ‘Man-Made’
A Japanese parliamentary panel has concluded that last year's Fukushima nuclear disaster was “man-made,” even as authorities announced the controversial return of nuclear power for the first time following the crisis. The report, based on a…
July 5, 2012
Romanian Lawmakers Move to Impeach President
A coalition of Romanian lawmakers are moving to try to impeach President Traian Basescu, as part of a power struggle with the country's prime minister. The coalition's action is the latest move in a month-long campaign of attacks by Prime Minister…
July 5, 2012
Nato supply trucks cross Pakistan border after row
Trucks supplying Nato in Afghanistan crossed the border from Pakistan for the first time in seven months after Islamabad reopened transit routes. Pakistani officials said at least two Nato containers passed through the Chaman border point on…
July 3, 2012
Burma Frees 20 Political Prisoners in General Amnesty
Burma has freed at least 20 political prisoners as part of a general amnesty the government says is aimed at promoting “national unity.” The state-run New Light of Myanmar says 46 prisoners were released Tuesday, under an order by President Thein…
July 3, 2012
China to Ban Shark Fin Soup from Official Events
China plans to ban shark fin soup from being served at government banquets in an attempt to protect endangered shark populations and reduce spending on lavish state functions. The Communist Party-controlled Global Times said Tuesday it would take…
July 3, 2012
Assad Regrets Syria Downing of Turkish Jet
A Turkish newspaper has quoted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad saying he regrets that his forces shot down a Turkish military jet last month. The Cumhuriyet newspaper published comments from Mr. Assad Tuesday in which the leader insisted the jet…
July 3, 2012
China Vows Crackdown on Environmental Protesters
Chinese authorities are vowing to inflict what they call “severe punishment” on organizers of a two-day protest who are concerned about the environmental impact of a proposed heavy metal refinery in their town. Authorities say unrest broke out…
July 2, 2012
Pena Nieto Wins Mexican Presidential Election
Exit polls in Mexico's presidential election show Enrique Pena Nieto winning by a wide margin. The polls put Pena Nieto far ahead of Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of the left-wing Party of the Democratic Revolution, and Josefina Vazquez Mota, who…
July 2, 2012
Japan’s Ozawa and 51 lawmakers resign from ruling party
Japanese power-broker Ichiro Ozawa has resigned from the ruling Democratic Party of Japan, along with 51 other lawmakers. The exodus, which has been expected for some time, still leaves the DPJ with a majority in the lower house of parliament.…
July 2, 2012
Voters in Senegal Pick a Parliament
Voters in Senegal went to the polls Sunday to pick a new parliament. Newly-elected President Macky Sall needs a majority of supporters to get approval for his legislative agenda, which includes job creation and bringing down food prices. Witnesses…