News
At Least 56 Die Crossing from Somalia to Yemen
At least 56 Africans died trying to cross from Somalia to Yemen in the past 10 days, and others were beaten and doused with acid on a failed journey, the United Nations refugee agency said on Friday.
Canada to Observe Nukes-for-Peace Talks
Canada has decided to send an observer to ministerial talks on a U.S.-led initiative to provide nuclear fuel to other countries in a way designed to limit proliferation, a Canadian official said on Friday.
UN Seeks $40 Million for Nicaragua Hurricane Aid
The United Nations made an emergency appeal for nearly $40 million on Friday to aid tens of thousands of Nicaraguans after Hurricane Felix tore into their country last week.
New Multilateral Push Aims to Cut African Poverty
With Africa lagging behind in global development goals and rich countries cutting aid, leaders of multilateral financial institutions decided on Friday it was time to mobilize resources to reduce extreme poverty on the continent.
UN Extends Prosecutor Del Ponte's Term to Year-end
The U.N. Security Council on Friday extended the appointment of Carla del Ponte as prosecutor of war crimes in the former Yugoslavia until Dec. 31, when her still-unnamed successor will take over.
Sudanese President Aays Ready to Observe Ceasefire
Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir said on Friday his government was willing to observe a ceasefire in Darfur from the start of peace talks with the rebels next month.
US Sees Korea Talks Next Week Despite Syria Report
The lead U.S. negotiator with North Korea said on Friday he expected to attend six-party talks on ending Pyongyang's atomic programs next week despite reports Syria might have received North Korean nuclear aid.
Christians Rally around Foot and Mouth Community
Volunteers from the local farming community and churches are offering their support to the farming community around Egham, Surrey, following the latest outbreak of foot and mouth disease.
World Food Programme Reaching Flood Victims in Ethiopia
The World Food Programme is reaching 60,000 flood victims across Ethiopia with emergency food assistance.
Teenagers Low on Faith - British Library Poll
A MORI poll commissioned by the British Library has shown that a worrying 43 per cent of teenagers say they have no religion or faith.
West Puts Iran in Dock at UN Rights Forum
Western countries on Thursday voiced concern at the rising number of executions in Iran as well as the "treatment of women as second class citizens" there.
UK Nuclear Chief Warns of Power Supply Crunch
Britain must keep its ageing nuclear power stations running as long as possible if it is to avoid a damaging shortage of power in five to seven years' time, British Energy Chief Executive Bill Coley said on Thursday.
Arabs Displaced in Darfur Amid Fight Over Land
Arabs in Sudan's Darfur region are being displaced as they fight over land abandoned by Africans who have fled to refugee camps in a new trend in the conflict-ridden area, a senior U.S. official said on Thursday.
US-China End Safety Talks; China Sees Wide Blame
China will work with the United States to ensure the safety of exported toys and other goods, a top Chinese official said, but Beijing still insists it is not solely to blame in recent safety scandals.
UN Assembly Backs Indigenous Peoples' Rights
The U.N. General Assembly passed a sweeping declaration of rights for indigenous peoples on Thursday despite opposition from several developed states that said it gave excessive property and legal powers.
Indonesians Huddle in Tents in Quake-hit Sumatra
Frightened residents on Indonesia's Sumatra island huddled in tents outside their damaged homes on Friday, traumatised by the latest of nearly 40 aftershocks since a huge earthquake struck two days ago.