News
Envoy: China Had 'unique role' in Darfur Peace Bid
China's Darfur envoy said on Tuesday Beijing had played a "unique role" in efforts to bring peace to the Sudanese region and defended its policy of economic ties with Sudan without political strings.
US Urges Humanitarian Access to Myanmar Prisoners
The United States demanded on Tuesday that Myanmar let humanitarian groups visit people arrested in recent protests against fuel price increases, citing unspecified reports they have been brutally beaten.
Tangerine Peel Could Help Fight Cancer
Tangerine peel could help in the fight against certain cancers, researchers said on Wednesday.
Support Builds for Carbon Cash to Save Forests
The use of carbon offsetting as a way to fund tropical forest protection drew backing from a range of environmental and research groups this week, ahead of international climate change talks in December.
UN Agency Names Panel to Probe its North Korea Actions
The U.N. Development Program, under fire from the United States, named a Hungarian, an Indian and an American on Tuesday to an outside board to investigate its practices in North Korea and the case of one whistle-blower.
Bush-Kim Jong-il Summit Possible Next Year
The removal of all nuclear weapons from North Korea next year could pave the way for a summit meeting between U.S. President George W. Bush and the reclusive state's leader, Kim Jong-il, a U.S. envoy said on Wednesday.
Commonwealth says EU Should Invite Mugabe to Summit
The EU should invite Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe to a planned summit with Africa because barring him would jeopardise relations between Africa and Europe, the Commonwealth's secretary general said.
Taiwan Leprosy Sufferers to Stay Put at 'Colony'
About 50 ageing Taiwan leprosy patients have won their fight against eviction from a pre-war "colony", but part of their land will go despite protests from preservationists who chained themselves to boxes.
South Korea Hostages Freed by Taliban Leave Hospital
South Korean Christian volunteers held hostage in Afghanistan for nearly six weeks left hospital on Wednesday, with their doctor saying they were physically fit but may still need counselling.
US Evangelicals Unsure About Thompson for President
Evangelical Christians who were rooting for Fred Thompson to join the White House race are now pulling back and more carefully scrutinising the man they might rally behind and call their commander-in-chief.
Ethiopia Rings in Millennium with Fireworks, Prayers
Fireworks exploded and the faithful knelt in prayer as Ethiopia finally greeted a new Millennium on Wednesday.
Child Malnutrition in Somalia at Critical Levels - UN
Child malnutrition in Somalia is at critical levels due to violence and lack of access for aid workers, the U.N. children's agency said on Wednesday.
Japan PM Abe Quits After Year of Scandal, Crisis
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe abruptly announced his resignation on Wednesday after a year in power dogged by scandals, an election rout and a crisis over Japan's support for U.S.-led operations in Afghanistan.
UK Wage Growth Picks Up, Jobless Rate at 2-yr Low
British wages rose more than expected in the three months to July and the number of people claiming jobless benefits fell to give the lowest unemployment rate in two years, official data showed on Wednesday.
Gay 'Marriage' Bill Approval Adds to California Woes
US pro-family groups are denouncing a new bill passed by the state of California senate Friday that grants marriage licenses to homosexual couples.
Israel Resists Palestinians on Peace Talks Timetable
Israel is resisting pressure from the Palestinians to set a strict timetable for implementing any statehood principles agreed at a U.S.-sponsored conference, Israeli officials said on Wednesday.