News
Sudan's floods claim 150 lives, $300 mln lost
The worst floods in living memory in Sudan have killed 150 people, made hundreds of thousands homeless and cost the country an estimated $300 million in damages, a Sudanese official said on Thursday.
US gives Kenya grants worth $500 million in 2007
The United States has given Kenya $500 million in grants this year for education, health and good governance, and to strengthen procurement rules, the U.S. ambassador said on Thursday.
World Vision reduces Darfur operations after attacks
Relief agency World Vision has scaled back its operations in South Darfur after its staff suffered three attacks within a week, an agency official said on Thursday.
Ecumenical consultation to tackle conflict and healing
Ecumenical consultation in Dublin to tackle conflict within nations and the long-term healing process.
ASEAN condemns Myanmar violence, demands halt
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations sternly demanded on Thursday that fellow member Myanmar stop using violence against demonstrators and voiced "revulsion" at killings in Yangon.
Four Red Cross staff kidnapped by Taliban
Taliban insurgents have kidnapped four staff of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) southwest of the Afghan capital Kabul, but will release them soon, a Taliban spokesman said on Thursday.
UN council wants violence-free Lebanese election
The U.N. Security Council called on Thursday for Lebanese presidential elections, already delayed once, to go ahead next month without "violence, fear and intimidation."
Churches to quiz Communities Minister on what makes a healthy community
Hazel Blears to join Faithworks Conference this November.
Christians thank God for success of arms trade campaign
Christians from a range of backgrounds held a service in London yesterday evening to thank God for a major success in campaigning against the arms trade.
Taliban say holding ICRC staff, to free them soon
Taliban insurgents said on Thursday they were holding four staff of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) missing in Afghanistan, but would release them soon.
Mugabe slams Bush 'hypocrisy' on human rights
Zimbabwe's president, Robert Mugabe, accused U.S. President George W. Bush of "rank hypocrisy" on Wednesday for lecturing him on human rights and likened the U.S. Guantanamo Bay prison to a concentration camp.
U.S. hopeful as envoys gather for North Korea talks
The U.S. envoy was hopeful and his South Korean counterpart wary as delegates from six countries gathered on Thursday for talks aimed at dismantling North Korea's nuclear weapons programme.
US climate talks draw world's biggest polluters
The world's biggest greenhouse gas polluters -- including the United States and China -- sent envoys to the U.S. State Department on Thursday for discussions on climate change and what to do about it.
Tracing angels' footsteps in ancient Ethiopia
As a stranger draws near, priest Mesganaw Tarkgn whips on an embroidered cape and raises an ancient cross in a picture-perfect pose. He is used to the demands of visitors to one of Ethiopia's holiest sites.
UN welcomes French offer to counter Somali pirates
The U.N. World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed an offer by France to help guard ships from pirates as they carry desperately needed food aid to Somalia.
Spot checks for hospitals over elderly care
Hospitals face surprise spot checks by inspectors where there are suspicions they are failing to provide adequate care for elderly patients, the national healthcare watchdog said on Thursday.