All Blogs
Oil powered Norway gradually turns into the wind
UTSIRA, Norway, May 11, 2008 (AFP) – As Norway prepares for a future after oil, the gale-force potential of harvesting wind power off its long coastline has become an increasingly attractive proposition.“Wind-mapping shows that … Norway is among the (world’s) most ideal locations for wind power, both on the coast and offshore,” said Norwegian Deputy […]
Genetically modified crops get mixed response in Asia
MANILA, May 11, 2008 (AFP) – With food prices hitting record highs the jury is still out in Asia as to whether genetically modified crops hold the key to future food security.The Philippine government has openly embraced the commercial growing of genetically modified (GM) corn, but neighbouring countries appear less than enthusiastic. “There has been […]
Sri Lanka govt wins key polls in boost for war effort
TRINCOMALEE, Sri Lanka, May 11, 2008 (AFP) – Sri Lanka’s ruling coalition was Sunday declared the winner of key elections in the east of the island, and hailed its victory as a major boost for the war against Tamil rebels.Election officials confirmed the governing United People’s Freedom Alliance party (UPFA) and its allies had won […]
Sri Lanka govt claims victory in key provincial polls
TRINCOMALEE, Sri Lanka, May 11, 2008 (AFP) – Sri Lanka’s government Sunday claimed victory in key provincial elections in the ethnically-mixed east of the island, saying the win is a major boost for its war against the Tamil Tigers.Election officials confirmed the government and its allies were on track to win control over a 35-member […]
Votes counted in Sri Lanka amid allegations of foul play
TRINCOMALEE, Sri Lanka, May 11, 2008 (AFP) – Vote counting was underway in eastern Sri Lanka Sunday after an election marred by Tamil Tiger attacks and allegations of intimidation by allies of the island’s hawkish government. . The elections for a provincial council in the tense eastern coastal area, which was until last year partly […]
Sri Lanka Navy supply ship sunk by Tamil Tigers
May 10, 2008 (LBO) – Tamil Tiger guerillas have sunk a Sri Lanka Navy supply ship in the Northeastern Trincomalee port, in the early hours of Saturday, the military said. The defence ministry said an underwater explosion at 2.15 am had damaged the auxiliary vessel A-520 when it was moored at the Ashroff jetty. The […]
Sri Lanka Tamil Tigers attack as govt holds key local polls
TRINCOMALEE, Sri Lanka, May 10, 2008 (AFP) – Tamil Tiger rebels sank a naval cargo ship moored in the northeast of Sri Lanka on Saturday, in an attack coinciding with key provincial elections in the east of the island.The guerrillas said their Sea Tiger commandos managed to infiltrate the tightly-guarded port of Trincomalee in the […]
Sierra Leone seizes container of banned toxic Chinese toothpaste
FREETOWN, May 9, 2008 (AFP) – Health authorities in Sierra Leone on Friday seized a container filled with banned toothpaste from China, which contained high levels of a toxic substance that could cause kidney and liver failure.Last year health authorities in several countries including the United States and Hong Kong warned against brands of Chinese […]
Microsoft appeals against record EU anti-trust fine
BRUSSELS, May 9, 2008 (AFP) – Microsoft on Friday lodged an appeal at a European court against a record 899 million euro (1.39 billion dollar) fine imposed on it by the EU Commission for defying a landmark anti-trust ruling.“Microsoft today filed with the Court of First Instance an application to annul the Commission decision of […]
Black Gold
May 10, 2008 (LBO) – Sri Lanka is to award its first offshore oil exploration contract before the end of May, petroleum minister A H M Fowzie said. The ministry was preparing a paper on bids received for offshore exploration and its recommendation to submit to the cabinet of ministers for approval next week, he […]