Author: lbostgadmin
ICRC steps up aid efforts in Tiger-held areas of Sri Lanka
GENEVA, September 9, 2008 (AFP) – The international Red Cross said Tuesday it has stepped up its efforts to assist thousands of displaced people in the rebel-held Wanni area of northern Sri Lanka. Tens of thousands of people have died on both sides since the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam launched a separatist campaign in […]
‘s Jayawardene among top nominees for ICC awards
NEW DELHI, September 8, 2008 (AFP) – West Indian Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene and South African Dale Steyn are set to dominate the fifth ICC awards night on Wednesday. The three were nominated for both the cricketer of the year and the Test player of the year awards that will be announced […]
Oil prices fall to US$102, a five-month low, before OPEC meet
LONDON, September 9, 2008 (AFP) – Oil prices slumped to 102 dollars a barrel on Tuesday, the lowest level since the start of April, as the market waited to see whether OPEC would announce a change to its crude output levels. Brent North Sea crude for delivery in October hit exactly 102 dollars a barrel […]
EU economics chief sees economy weakening
BRUSSELS, September 9, 2008 (AFP) – EU Economics chief Joaquin Almunia warned on Tuesday that soon-to-be published growth forecasts would paint a dismal picture of the European economy. After the eurozone economy contracted 0.2 percent in the second quarter, Almunia noted that ECB and OECD forecasts for the rest of 2008 and early 2009 “are […]
World growth to slow before recovery: IMF
NEW YORK, September 9, 2008 (AFP) – World economic growth is set to continue to slow in the second half of 2008 before a gradual recovery in 2009, the number two official at the International Monetary Fund, John Lipsky, said Tuesday. “The global economy is projected to slow further in the second half of 2008, […]
”’ rating
Sept 09, 2008 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s Brandix, an apparel maker said one of its eco-friendly factories that made clothes for UK’s Marks & Spencer retail chain, had received a top rating from the US Green Building Council (USGBC). The USGBC, leadership in energy and environmental design ‘platinum’ rating was won by a 130,000 square […]
Sri Lanka bomb blast in Colombo wounds 10: police
September 8, 2008 (AFP) – At least 10 people were wounded in a minor bomb blast in Sri Lanka’s capital on Monday night, police said adding that it did not appear to be linked to the island’s drawn out ethnic conflict. The explosion inside a car at Colombo’s Gas Works’ Street was being treated as […]
Sri Lanka asks aid workers to leave Tiger areas as fighting escalates
September 8, 2008 (AFP) – Sri Lanka asked local and international aid workers to vacate Tamil Tiger-held territory ahead of a major military push to dismantle the rebels’ mini state, a minister said Monday.Aid officials, including UN agencies have reported that about 134,000 people were displaced from their homes in Wanni as a result of […]
‘s Tamil Tigers stage another air attack
September 8, 2008 (AFP) – Sri Lanka’s Tamil Tiger rebels Tuesday staged another air strike in the island’s north and carried out a long-range artillery barrage, local residents and officials said.Tens of thousands of people have died since the LTTE launched a separatist campaign in 1972 to carve out a homeland for minority Tamils in […]
Sri Lanka claims first kill in air war
Sept 09, 2008 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s air force claimed its first kill of a Tamil Tiger aircraft following a guerrilla bombing mission to the frontier town of Vavuniya, in the early hours of Tuesday.The Tamil Tigers are believed to modified operate piston-engined Czech Zlin-143 light aircraft. In the past Tiger aircraft have slipped under […]
” found in Afghanistan
KABUL, September 8, 2008 (AFP) – An Afghan archaeologist has discovered the remains of an ancient 19-metre-long (62-foot) “sleeping Buddha” in central Afghanistan’s Bamiyan a government official said Monday.Bamiyan, about 140 kilometres (90 miles) northwest of Kabul, is on the ancient Silk Route between Europe and Central Asia. A team led by Zameryalai Tarzi had […]
Asif Ali Zardari sworn in as Pakistan president
ISLAMABAD, September 9, 2008 (AFP) – Asif Ali Zardari became Pakistan’s president Tuesday and faced immediate pressure to combat the Islamic militant insurgency that has engulfed the nation in the past year, as well as a struggling economy.Zardari, the controversial 53-year-old widower of slain opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, was sworn in at a closely-guarded ceremony […]