News
EU Chad force faces neutrality test, says rights group
A European peacekeeping force for eastern Chad can bolster humanitarian work there but its strong French component raises questions about its ability to stay neutral in a multi-sided conflict, Human Rights Watch said.
China, SAfrica agree to work together on mining
Companies from China and South Africa will be able to tap the China-Africa Development Fund for investment in minerals, energy and other industries, the two countries said in a joint communique on Wednesday.
Global warming hits lake in Canada's Arctic
Global warming is affecting North America's northernmost lake, where algae growth has increased dramatically in the last two centuries, scientists said on Wednesday.
Security Council asks for UN envoy to visit Myanmar
The U.N. Security Council pressed Myanmar's junta on Wednesday to allow a special U.N. envoy to visit the southeast Asian nation where three people were killed during protests against the ruling junta.
New Beijing bishop promises to help 'harmonious society'
Beijing's new Catholic bishop, reported to have the approval of both the Vatican and the Chinese government, says he will help the development of a "harmonious society".
Boost in funds needed to fight AIDS
Global AIDS funding needs to be quadrupled to fight the epidemic's spread in the developing world, the United Nations said on Wednesday.
Tutu 'devastated' by Mugabe's rule in Zimbabwe
South African Nobel peace laureate Desmond Tutu said on Tuesday he was "devastated" by the human rights abuses of President Robert Mugabe's government in Zimbabwe, where the economy has virtually collapsed.
Episcopal Church to urge restraint on gay bishops
U.S. Episcopal Church bishops told Anglican leaders around the world on Tuesday that they will urge restraint in elevating gays or lesbians to the position of bishop and will not authorize rites to be used for the blessing of same-sex marriages.
Christian leaders praise monks and offer prayers for Burma
The leader of the Anglican church in Burma has said he is praying for the nation as thousands of Buddhist monks are taking to the streets of the capital in non-violent protests.
Under fire Sri Lanka President swipes at UN record
Under fire amid a rash of civil war human rights abuses, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa has turned the tables on the United Nations, questioning its efficiency, and ability to help tackle terrorism.
China warns of catastrophe from Three Gorges Dam
China's huge Three Gorges Dam hydropower project could spark environmental catastrophe unless accumulating threats are quickly defused, senior officials and experts have warned.
China's hydropower may be global warming time bomb
China is scrambling to build massive hydropower dams to curb pollution and slake its thirst for energy, but scientists warn that reservoirs can also worsen global warming by emitting a powerful greenhouse gas.
US envoy expects North Korea action by year-end
Top U.S. nuclear negotiator Christopher Hill said on Wednesday North Korea could move ahead to "disable" its nuclear arms programmes by the end of this year.
UN Council members promise not to neglect Africa
France offered to send a warship off the coast of Somalia, the United States warned Sudan to honor a cease-fire and Belgium advocated withholding aid from nations that exploited child soldiers.
Mental scars surface as India's floods recede
The devastation caused by floods in northeast and east India has left thousands of people with psychological problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder, health officials said.
First cholera death in Baghdad, says Health Ministry
An Iraqi woman has died of cholera in Baghdad, the first reported fatality in the capital and the first outside northern Iraq, the Health Ministry said on Wednesday.