Author: lbostgadmin
Congress throws a lifeline to drowning US housing sector
WASHINGTON, July 26, 2008 (AFP) – A US housing sector that has yet to hit bottom after its worst slump in decades secured a lifeline Saturday from a massive government aid package that is arriving none too soon, analysts say.The aid package expected to be signed by President George W. Bush comes with the housing […]
Tariff row by developing states threatens WTO deal
GENEVA, July 27, 2008 (AFP) – A clash between developing countries over protectionist measures to save farmers from surging imports threatened Sunday to scupper a bid for a new global trade pact, delegates said.Among the issues being thrashed out by trade ministers in Geneva are “special safeguard mechanisms” (SSM) that increase tariffs on agricultural products […]
Indian leaders urge calm, army called out after attacks
AHMEDABAD, July 27, 2008 (AFP) – Indian leaders issued appeals for calm Sunday as the army was called out after a wave of bombings killed 45 people in Ahmedabad, a city rocked by deadly Hindu-Muslim riots six years ago. The string of 16 bombings, which left more than 160 people injured, ripped through crowded places […]
Dozens dead in heavy fighting across Sri Lanka: govt
July 26, 2008 (AFP) – At least 66 Tamil Tiger rebels and eight government soldiers have died in the latest fighting in northern Sri Lanka, the island’s defence ministry said Saturday. The fighting on Friday was centred around Jaffna, Mannar, Vavuniya and the Weli Oya regions, the ministry said.There was no immediate comment on the […]
” as Sri Lanka hosts South Asian forum
July 27, 2008 (AFP) – Sri Lanka is ramping up security in its already tightly-guarded capital to unprecedented levels as it prepares to host regional leaders for a major summit amid an escalating war on the Tamil Tigers. India’s Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will bring thousands of his own security personnel, helicopters and bullet-proof cars, […]
Sri Lanka cracks down on stray dogs ahead of South Asian meet
July 27, 2008 (AFP) – Sri Lanka is rounding up dozens of stray dogs ahead of a major South Asian summit, which will also see the island’s largest deployment of police dogs to sniff out explosives, officials said Sunday.The Colombo Municipal Council said dozens of strays over the weekend had been captured near the Bandaranaike […]
Aromatic Growth
July 27, 2008 (LBO) – Cosmetics manufacturer Oriflame says the market for its products in Sri Lanka grew by almost half in 2007, more than the average growth rate of markets in the Asian region.Oriflame Cosmetics is present in 59 countries with a sales force of 2.3 million independent sales consultants. “This means there is […]
India crash to big defeat after Murali-Mendis magic
July 26, 2008 (AFP) – Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis made a mockery of India’s strong batting reputation as Sri Lanka won the opening Test by a record innings and 239 runs here on Saturday.But Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene requested the officials to review the decisions under a new experimental rule and they changed […]
Military hardware close to venues proves tourist trap
BEIJING, July 26, 2008 (AFP) – “What is that?” asked a surprised and intrigued local resident as he looked at the missiles deployed near the main Olympic stadia in Beijing.Retired 55-year-old Ji Xiu had taken advantage of the new number six bus route to cross from her home on the opposite side of Beijing with […]
Oil prices slide, metals correct on hopes of end to US money printing
LONDON, July 25, 2008 (AFP) – Oil prices fell further this week, leaving them about 20 dollars off record highs, while there were also losses for metals futures.OIL: Oil prices headed south again amid a drop in fuel demand across the United States, the world’s biggest consumer of energy. Crude futures had risen earlier Friday […]
At least 55 injured in blasts in western Indian city
AHMEDABAD, July 26, 2008 (AFP) – At least 55 people were injured as a series of blasts rocked the western Indian city of Ahmedabad on Saturday, senior officials said.The Press Trust of India news agency, quoting city police, said at least two people also died in the explosions but this could not immediately be confirmed. […]
Oil prices could drop if Iran concerns allayed: OPEC president
ALGIERS, July 26, 2008 (AFP) – The price of oil could drop to between 70 and 80 dollars a barrel if the dollar strengthens and concerns over Iran are reduced, OPEC chief Chakib Khelil said Saturday.“If the dollar strengthens and if the crisis with Iran is resolved, the trend in oil prices should be to […]