February 2, 2012
Afghan Roadmap Stands Despite US, French Announcements
NATO Secretary General Anders-Fogh Rasmussen says the coalition's timeline for the security transition in Afghanistan still stands, despite recent announcements from the United States and France. U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and French…
February 2, 2012
Hundreds Rescued from Papua New Guinea Ferry Disaster
Scores of passengers are still missing after a ferry sank early Thursday off the northern coast of Papua New Guinea. Nerae Marimahu, a spokeswoman with the Pacific nation's National Maritime Safety Authority in Port Moresby, told VOA the MV Rabaul…
January 31, 2012
China loses WTO appeal over raw materials exports
The World Trade Organisation's appeals body has upheld a ruling that China restricted exports of certain raw materials to protect its domestic manufacturers. China had appealed a WTO ruling in July that it broke global trade rules. The US, Europe,…
January 31, 2012
Romney Leads Polls Heading into Florida Vote
Republican voters in the southeastern U.S. state of Florida are heading to the polls Tuesday in what is expected to be a pivotal contest in the race for the party's presidential nomination. A recent survey of likely voters showed that…
January 31, 2012
UN Nuclear Watchdog Approves Japanese Nuclear Stress Tests
The United Nations' nuclear agency has approved the Japanese government's plan to assess the safety of its nuclear power plants. The International Atomic Energy Agency on Tuesday turned over the results of its week-long fact-finding visit to…
January 31, 2012
Beijing Increases Security in Tibetan Monasteries to Contain Protests
A top official in Chinese-ruled Tibet has ordered increased surveillance in Buddhist monasteries in an apparent effort to prevent the spread of anti-government protests by ethnic Tibetans in neighboring Sichuan province. Qi Zhala, the Communist…
January 31, 2012
Burmese President Says Nation on Path to Democracy
Burmese President Thein Sein says his government is committed to moving the country towards a healthy democracy after decades of military rule. Thein Sein made the promise Monday during a formal state dinner in Singapore, and again in a newspaper…
January 31, 2012
Obama Confirms Drone Strikes in Pakistan
U.S. President Barack Obama has defended the use of drone strikes in Pakistan, which U.S. officials have never before publicly acknowledged. Speaking during an online town hall discussion Monday, Mr. Obama said the drone attacks have been used to…
January 29, 2012
World top enterprises expanding presence in China
As the European debt crisis wears on, many enterprises are turning their focus to the Chinese market. At the Davos Forum, heavy hitters from the business sector are seeking chances for their companies to gain exposure in China via the Chinese…
January 29, 2012
UN discusses turmoil in Syria
The conflict continues to escalate in Syria. The Arab League is suspending its monitoring mission in Syria because of increased violence. For its part the United Nations Security Council is working on an Arab-Western resolution to put a stop to…