Category: Other
Sri Lanka should fund sustainable agri changes instead of subsidies: think tank
Jan 07, 2008 (LBO) – Sri Lanka’s government should divert funds from agriculture subsidies to improving market linkages of rural farmers on the lines of successful models built by firms like Hayleys and MAS Tropical Food Processors, a new study said. The island has much potential to develop its spices sector mainly consisting of over […]
Iran to have bigger budget despite 19 percent inflation amidst massive oil subsidies
TEHRAN, Jan 7, 2008 (AFP) – President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Monday he was seeking a 17 percent spending increase in the budget for the next Iranian year, amid concerns the government’s expansionary policies are stoking inflation.Unveiling his budget plan to parliament, Ahmadinejad argued that ordinary people in OPEC’s number two oil producer needed to see […]
China defends sovereign wealth funds
BEIJING, Jan 7, 2008 (AFP) – China defended the role of sovereign wealth funds, responding to fears that its own fund, China Investment Corp, might destabilise global markets, state media said Monday.It is in charge of 200 billion dollars — roughly one seventh of China’s forex reserves — and could potentially see even more funds […]
Maldive Island hopper jumps to India
January 07, 2008 (LBO) – The Republic Island of Maldives will resume international flights with state-run Island Aviation Services due to fly to the Indian city of Trivandrum later this month, officials said.Island Aviation Services (IAS), a domestic carrier, will operate daily schedule flights from January 25, using a turboprop DeHavilland Cananda ‘Dash8′ aircraft between […]
New Singapore terminal to bolster air hub status: analysts
SINGAPORE, Jan 6, 2008 (AFP) – Singapore will Wednesday open an ultra-modern new 1.2-billion-dollar airport terminal that industry analysts say will reinforce the city-state’s position as a regional aviation hub.Terminal 3, which boasts a five-storey vertical garden with waterfalls, will receive its first passengers just months after a new terminal opened in Hong Kong and […]
High oil price will last until March: OPEC president
ALGIERS, Jan 5, 2008 (AFP) – The high price of oil will continue until the end of March 2008, the president of OPEC said Saturday.“The surge in price will probably endure until the end of the first quarter of 2008, before stabilising during the second quarter,” the Algerian Energy Minister Chakib Khelil — who is […]
” in Mideast, S. Asia: minister
LONDON, Jan 6, 2008 (AFP) – Britain is planning a “diplomatic surge” in the Middle East and south Asia to help counter extremism and nuclear proliferation, Foreign Secretary David Miliband said in an article published Sunday. Writing in The Sunday Times, Miliband said 2008 would “show in word and deed” what Prime Minister Gordon Brown […]
The sniper of Baghdad
BAGHDAD, Jan 5, 2008 (AFP) – Through the sights of a high-powered rifle the silhouette of a soldier takes shape in the window of a concrete watchtower.A shot rings out and the body collapses like a puppet, falling from view. Juba has struck again. A new video of the mysterious marksman of the Islamic Army […]
Obama beats Clinton in Iowa, Huckabee top Republican
DES MOINES, Iowa, Jan 3, 2008 (AFP) – Democrat Barack Obama triumphed in the first 2008 White House nominating contest Thursday, dealing a severe blow to Hillary Clinton’s hopes and boosting his own chances of being the first black US president.“We are choosing hope over fear.We’re choosing unity over division and sending a powerful message […]
Sri Lankan tea may be lifted by Kenyan unrest
Jan 04, 2008 (LBO) – Sri Lankan tea prices could be pushed higher if violence in Kenya, the world’s biggest tea exporter, disrupts supplies to the world market, trade officials said. The violence in Pakistan, a big tea consumer nation, could on the other hand dampen demand, they said. There has been no impact yet […]
Sri Lanka withdraws from truce with Tamil Tigers
Jan 2, 2008 (AFP) – Sri Lanka’s government Wednesday decided to formally end a moribund peace process with Tamil rebels and withdraw from a ceasefire arranged by peace broker Norway, top officials told AFP. “The cabinet of ministers today decided to pull out of the ceasefire,” presidential spokesman Chandrapala Liyanage said. “The legal process will […]