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Pakistan mourns as probe into air crash continues

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ISLAMABAD (AFP) - Pakistan Thursday observed a day of mourning for the 152 people killed in the country's worst aviation disaster, as rescue workers searched for the aircraft's black box.

Gulf oil spill reaches 100-day mark

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The Gulf of Mexico oil disaster reached the 100-day mark Wednesday with hopes high that BP is finally on the verge of permanently sealing its ruptured Macondo well.

WikiLeaks founder defends released Afghan war files

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - The founder of WikiLeaks on Thursday defended the whistleblower site's decision to release tens of thousands of classified US military files, amid fears the move has put Afghan informants at risk.

'Demonised' BP boss ignites fresh US anger

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - BP's outgoing chief executive Tony Hayward was the target of fresh US anger Wednesday after claiming he had been "demonised and vilified," threatening efforts to draw a line under the Gulf oil spill.

Afghan bus hits roadside bomb, 20 dead

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

HERAT, Afghanistan (AFP) - A roadside bomb ripped through a crowded Afghan bus Wednesday, killing 20 civilians in a southwestern province on the Iranian border in one of the deadliest such attacks in months.

Philippine police use Facebook in murder arrest

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ANGELES, Philippines (AFP) - Philippine police on Wednesday said they used Facebook to help track down a computer technician accused of murdering nine people, three of them foreigners.

Chavez puts pressure on Colombia ahead of polls

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

CARACAS (AFP) - Venezuela stepped up its words of war with neighboring Colombia Monday, in moves seen as an effort by President Hugo Chavez to distract voters from domestic problems ahead of key September elections.

EU, Canada hit Iran with new sanctions

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BRUSSELS (AFP) - The European Union and Canada slapped tough sanctions on Iran's key energy sector in a bid to block its contested nuclear programme, and the United States said the punitive steps would bite.

Outrage over huge leak of Afghan war files

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The leak of 90,000 secret military files triggered an outcry from nations fighting in Afghanistan as the Pentagon scrambled to uncover the source of the security breach and whether it would endanger lives.

Khmer Rouge prison chief handed 30 years in prison

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

PHNOM PENH (AFP) - A UN-backed war crimes court on Monday sentenced a former Khmer Rouge prison chief to 30 years in prison for his role in Cambodia's "Killing Fields" atrocities in the late 1970s.

BP 'still to decide' on Hayward in wake of oil spill

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - BP said Monday no final decision has been reached on a change of management, after reports claimed chief executive Tony Hayward would resign in the wake of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster.

Anger, questions follow German Love Parade tragedy

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

DUISBURG, Germany (AFP) - Flags in the mourning German city of Duisburg flew at half mast Monday as investigators probed allegations over lax safety measures at a techno festival where a stampede killed 19 people.

US-S.Korea stage naval drill despite nuclear threat

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SEOUL (AFP) - The US and South Korea on Sunday launched a major naval exercise in the Sea of Japan, officials said, despite North Korea's threats of nuclear retaliation.

Ships return to Gulf cleanup after storm fades

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (AFP) - A major vessel charged with drilling a relief well to finally stop the BP oil spill arrived back at the Gulf of Mexico well site after briefly evacuating due to a tropical storm.

Stampede at Love Parade in Germany kills 19

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

DUISBURG, Germany (AFP) - Authorities were searching for clues Sunday as to what touched off a sudden stampede at the Love Parade dance party in Duisburg, western Germany that killed at least 19 people.

China forces committed Tibet rights abuses: group

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BEIJING (AFP) - Chinese security forces brutally beat and even shot dead some protesters during unrest in Tibet in 2008, and tortured many in the subsequent crackdown, Human Rights Watch said in a report Thursday.

UN court to give verdict on 'independent' Kosovo

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

THE HAGUE (AFP) - The UN's highest court will give its verdict Thursday on the legality of Kosovo's 2008 declaration of independence from Serbia, which strongly opposes the post-war attempt at separation.

Flood-hit China braces for typhoon Chanthu

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

CHONGQING, China (AFP) - Southern China braced Thursday for the arrival of typhoon Chanthu, with flights cancelled and more "ferocious" rainfall forecast after the loss of more than 700 lives in floods this year.

Clinton, Gates in South Korea to show support

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

PANMUNJOM, South Korea (AFP) - The US diplomatic and military chiefs paid an unprecedented joint visit Wednesday to the border with North Korea in a show of support for South Korea after a deadly naval attack blamed on Pyongyang.

Obama, Cameron navigate Lockerbie, BP rows

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - British Prime Minister David Cameron and President Barack Obama sidestepped political minefields over the BP oil spill and the Lockerbie bomber and insisted Afghan war strategy was working.

Two die in Russia power plant 'terror act': firm

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MOSCOW (AFP) - Two people were killed and another two wounded on Wednesday during a "terror act" at a hydroelectric power plant in Russia's volatile North Caucasus region, state-run power group RusHydro said, citing preliminary information.

US officials push back at 'troubling' spy agency report

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - US officials pushed back Monday at a lengthy Washington Post report critical of the bloated and sometimes inefficient US intelligence network, which one called a "roadmap" for US foes.

N.Korean jet bomber flies to Japan

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TOKYO (AFP) - A former North Korean spy responsible for the 1987 bombing of a Korean Air jetliner flew to Japan Tuesday to meet the families of Japanese abducted by North Korean agents.

17 gunned down in Mexico fiesta slaughter

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TORREON, Mexico (AFP) - To cries of "Kill them all!" gunmen opened fire at a weekend birthday party Sunday, mowing down at least 17 people in an attack that laid bare the brutality of Mexico's long-running drug war.

BP extends tests on oil well structure as cap holds

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (AFP) - Engineers monitored a newly-capped oil well in the Gulf of Mexico Sunday amid cautious optimism the months-long spill behind the worst environmental disaster in US history has been finally contained.

EU top diplomat visits Gaza to press for open borders

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

GAZA CITY (AFP) - The European Union's top diplomat Catherine Ashton visited Gaza on Sunday to press for the further lifting of Israel's blockade on the Hamas-ruled territory.

China mine owner held as 28 die in colliery fire

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BEIJING (AFP) - Police detained a northwestern China mine owner Sunday after 28 workers died in his colliery following a pit fire, the latest in a series of deadly mining accidents, state press said.

'Abducted' Iranian denies being nuclear scientist

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TEHRAN (AFP) - An Iranian who claimed he was "abducted" by US spies last year denied upon his arrival in Tehran Thursday that he was a nuclear scientist, but said he was questioned by Israelis during his captivity.

Libya ship takes Gaza aid to Egypt after Israel warning

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

EL-ARISH, Egypt (AFP) - A Libyan ship, initially bent on breaking Israel's Gaza blockade, docked in Egypt on Wednesday after agreeing to deliver its cargo of aid through Egyptian territory, an AFP correspondent reported.

Laos, US in highest contact since war

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The United States and Laos have pledged to step up cooperation after their highest-level talks since the Vietnam War, the latest country in a renewed US effort to engage Southeast Asia.

Two more political prisoners leave Cuba for Spain

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

HAVANA (AFP) - Cuba allowed two more freed political prisoners to leave the communist country for Spain on Tuesday a day after seven others did the same, dissidents and the Spanish embasssy said.

N.Korea delays talks with UN Command on warship

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SEOUL (AFP) - North Korea has delayed military talks scheduled for Tuesday with the US-led United Nations Command about the deadly sinking of a South Korean warship, the Command said.

Six political prisoners leave Cuba for Spain

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

HAVANA (AFP) - Six political prisoners released by Cuba traveled to Spain late Monday along with their close relatives, the first of 52 authorized to leave the country, an official at the Spanish embassy in Havana told AFP.

Russian spy's call to father triggered arrests

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - A telephone call from Russian spy Anna Chapman to her father in Moscow led US counterintelligence services to hasten the arrests of her and nine Russian agents in the United States, The Washington Post reported.

Twin blasts kill at least 64 in Ugandan capital

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

KAMPALA (AFP) - Explosions ripped through two restaurants in the Ugandan capital, killing at least 64 people including a US citizen, as crowds watched the World Cup final, police said, terming the blasts terrorist attacks.

Bosnia remembers Srebrenica massacre 15 years on

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SREBRENICA, Bosnia-Hercegovina (AFP) - Tens of thousands on Sunday mark 15 years since the Srebrenica massacre of nearly 8,000 Muslims by Bosnian Serbs, the darkest episode of the violent break-up of Yugoslavia.

Fidel Castro makes rare public appearance

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

HAVANA (AFP) - Cuba's former president Fidel Castro was seen this week at a scientific facility in his first known public appearance since December, according to images posted Saturday on a pro-government blog.

Weather hampers US oil clean-up effort

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (AFP) - High seas delayed oil containment efforts in the Gulf of Mexico, as BP mulled a letter from the US government demanding advance warning of any big financial deals.

Formal charges laid against alleged Russia spies

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW YORK (AFP) - US officials laid formal charges against 11 alleged members of a Kremlin spy ring, as Russia and the United States were said to be planning a dramatic Cold War-style prisoner swap.

Obama denies any Israel, US rift

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - US President Barack Obama said he hoped for direct Middle East peace talks to start before the end of September, as he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied reports of a rift.

Britain to hand over violent Afghan area to US

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - British troops are to withdraw from one of the deadliest areas of southern Afghanistan where its forces have suffered heavy casualties, and hand control to the United States, reports said Wednesday.

Polish liberals hold the reins after presidential victory

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WARSAW (AFP) - Poland's liberals held all the reins of power Monday after their candidate Bronislaw Komorowski foiled eurosceptic Jaroslaw Kaczynski's audacious bid to replace his late twin in a presidential election.

Turkey threatens 'to cut ties' with Israel

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ANKARA (AFP) - Turkey warned Israel Monday it will cut ties unless it gets an apology for a deadly raid on Gaza-bound aid ships, but the Jewish state said it will never say sorry for defending itself.

PRI claims victory in Mexico's state elections

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MEXICO CITY (AFP) - Mexico's opposition Institutional Revolutionary Party that ruled the country for most of the past century claimed victory in state elections marked by violent crime.

Bomb scare at New York airport terminal: report

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW YORK (AFP) - Authorities at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport briefly evacuated one of its airport terminals after a bomb scare on one of the busiest US holiday travel days.

Cuba makes unprecedented report of dissident's protest

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

HAVANA (AFP) - In unprecedented coverage of a dissident's protest, the Cuban Communist Party daily Granma reported Guillermo Farinas could soon die -- without mentioning his failing health was due to a hunger strike to demand the release of all political prisoners.

Biden 'extremely optimistic' about Iraq's democracy

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BAGHDAD (AFP) - US Vice President Joe Biden said on a surprise visit to Baghdad on Saturday he was optimistic Iraqi politicians could end the squabbles that have deadlocked the conflict-torn nation's democracy for months.

Merkel weakened after presidential 'debacle'

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BERLIN (AFP) - Chancellor Angela Merkel licked her wounds Thursday after rebels in her coalition turned a straightforward presidential election into a humiliating debacle that made her look weaker than ever.

Key Russia spy suspect skips bail, vanishes in Cyprus

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MOSCOW (AFP) - A key suspect in the Russia-US spy scandal vanished in Cyprus after a local court on the divided Mediterranean island released the alleged Kremlin paymaster on bail.

Petraeus takes over Afghan command

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - General David Petraeus cruised to US Senate confirmation as commander of the faltering Afghan campaign, amid deep political divisions over the war and fresh insurgent violence.

Google awaits China decision on licence

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BEIJING (AFP) - Google faced a nervous wait Wednesday to see if a last-ditch attempt to renew its Chinese business licence would pay off as the Internet giant vies to circumvent official censorship.

Storm stops Gulf oil slick cleanup

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (AFP) - A strengthening tropical storm forced the suspension of skimming from the Gulf of Mexico oil spill as Vice President Joe Biden heard complaints about the pace of cleanup efforts in the disaster zone.

Petraeus tries to reassure US Congress on Afghan war

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - General David Petraeus, named as the new commander in Afghanistan, tried to reassure an anxious US Congress that NATO-led troops are making headway in the country, amid fraying public support for the war.

Kyrgyz leader meets with vote observers

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BISHKEK (AFP) - Kyrgyz interim President Roza Otunbayeva was to meet with representatives of foreign observer missions Tuesday after voters overwhelmingly backed a new constitution in a controversial referendum.

US busts 'deep-cover' Russian spy ring

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW YORK (AFP) - The United States cracked open an alleged Russian spy ring, announcing the arrest of 10 "deep-cover" suspects after unraveling a mission secretly monitored by the FBI for more than a decade.

China rescuers struggle to save landslide victims

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BEIJING (AFP) - Rescuers in southwest China struggled in treacherous conditions Tuesday to pull out 107 people buried the day before in a landslide, but they said there were only "slim" chances of finding survivors.

CIA warning on Afghan war as NATO troops killed

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

KABUL (AFP) - Four Norwegian soldiers were killed by a bomb as the record monthly death toll for NATO forces in Afghanistan continued to rise and the CIA warned the war was turning out tougher than expected.

Scarred Kyrgyzstan adopts new constitution

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

OSH, Kyrgyzstan (AFP) - Kyrgyzstan's new constitution won overwhelming popular support in a referendum, with more than 90 percent of the vote, the country's electoral commission said Monday as preliminary results rolled in.

N.Korea to bolster nuclear deterrent

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SEOUL (AFP) - North Korea said Monday it would bolster its nuclear weaponry with an unspecified new method in response to what it called US hostility and recent developments.

Kyrgyzstan votes on new constitution

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

OSH, Kyrgyzstan (AFP) - Kyrgyzstan began voting under tight security Sunday in a referendum on a new constitution amid fears the poll could spark a resurgence of deadly inter-ethnic violence.

World leaders meet to thrash out recovery plans

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TORONTO (AFP) - The leaders of the world's most powerful countries met in the eastern Canadian city of Toronto to settle their differences over how to nurse the fragile world economy back to health.

12 killed as train hits revelers in Spain

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

CASTELLDEFELS, Spain (AFP) - At least 12 people were killed when a high-speed passenger train slammed into a group of revelers crossing a railway track in northeastern Spain, regional authorities and media said Thursday.

Obama sacks Afghan war general, turns to Petraeus

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - President Barack Obama placed the sapping Afghan war in the hands of Iraq hero General David Petraeus, after firing US commander Stanley McChrystal for speaking out of turn.

Judge ends oil drilling freeze, White House appeals

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (AFP) - The White House vowed to issue a fresh moratorium on deepwater oil drilling due to BP's Gulf of Mexico spill after a judge blocked an earlier freeze, saying it would cause irreparable economic harm.

Sri Lanka slams UN over war crimes probe

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

COLOMBO (AFP) - Sri Lanka accused the UN on Wednesday of a "hidden agenda" behind its plans to investigate alleged human rights abuses by soldiers in the final months of the island's savage civil war.

Three dead in bomb attack in Istanbul: reports

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ISTANBUL (AFP) - A roadside bomb blew up a military bus in Istanbul on Tuesday killing two soldiers and a girl and wounding six people, media reported.

Oil firms challenge US drilling freeze

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (AFP) - Oil firms went to court seeking to lift a six-month freeze on deepwater drilling as the US government slapped BP with another major bill for the Gulf of Mexico disaster.

US lashes out at BP as oil spill nears two-month mark

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (AFP) - US outrage mounted against BP as the oil spill reached its two-month mark and an internal BP document showed as many as 100,000 barrels of oil could be gushing daily into the Gulf of Mexico.

China coal mine explosion kills 46

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BEIJING (AFP) - An explosion in a central China colliery on Monday killed 46 miners, state media reported, in the latest deadly accident to strike the country's notoriously dangerous mining sector.

World Cup faces foul play cries, home and away

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - World Cup organisers faced protests at home and abroad Wednesday as the Netherlands condemned "absurd" arrests over a marketing stunt and thousands of South Africans protested the tournament bill.

Pacific nations deny selling Japan whaling votes

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MAJURO (AFP) - Impoverished Pacific nations the Marshall Islands and Kiribati have denied taking bribes from Japan in return for supporting whaling.

Police take charge after World Cup strikes

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - South African police stepped in to take over security at four World Cup venues after new strikes by stewards, including a walk-out hours before Brazil's first match of the tournament.

Obama vows to make 'reckless' BP pay 04:32 - 16/06/10

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - President Barack Obama vowed to make BP pay for its "recklessness" in causing the Gulf of Mexico oil spill as he used an Oval Office address to call for a new "national mission" to wean America off fossil fuels.

Iraq to get new parliament three months after polls

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BAGHDAD (AFP) - Iraq moved to bolster its shaky democracy on Monday with the opening of its second parliament since the US-led ouster of Saddam Hussein in 2003, more than three months after an election stalemate.

US orders BP to set up fund for oil spill claims

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - US officials have demanded that BP set up a special fund to pay oil spill claims and said President Barack Obama will give a rare White House address next week, in a sign of the seriousness of the disaster both for the country and his presidency.

British, US leaders discuss oil spill

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (AFP) - US and British leaders sought to ease tensions amid sharpened rhetoric over the expanding oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, as President Barack Obama readied to take matters into his own hands.

US presses China to rein in N.Korea

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The United States is pressing China to rein in North Korea, voicing "dismay" that the Asian power has not put more pressure on its ally as tensions build over the sinking of a South Korean warship.

4 mln living under Taliban rule in Pakistan: Amnesty

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ISLAMABAD (AFP) - Human rights group Amnesty International said Thursday that nearly four million people are effectively living under Taliban rule in northwest Pakistan and have been abandoned by the government.

Seven dead as gunmen torch NATO trucks in Pakistan

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ISLAMABAD (AFP) - Gunmen attacked trucks carrying supplies to NATO forces in Afghanistan, gutting several dozen vehicles in an inferno and killing seven people in a brazen assault near Islamabad, police said Wednesday.

Obama to make fourth trip to oil disaster zone

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - President Barack Obama unveiled plans for a fourth visit to the Gulf of Mexico next week, with his three-state tour reflecting the widening footprint of the US oil disaster zone.

Israel set to accept 'quid pro quo' Gaza deal: report

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - Israel is set to accept a plan under which it would ease its Gaza blockade in return for the international community agreeing a limited probe into a deadly flotilla raid, it was reported Wednesday.

Japan's new PM unveils cabinet

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TOKYO (AFP) - Japan's new Prime Minister Naoto Kan unveiled his cabinet Tuesday, seeking to revitalise his party's centre-left rule and tackle challenges ranging from a stagnant economy to strained US relations.

Deadliest day this year for NATO in Afghanistan

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

KABUL (AFP) - A string of attacks in Afghanistan killed 10 NATO soldiers and two foreign contractors in the bloodiest 24 hours for the alliance this year, as troops readied for a push into the heart of Taliban territory.

N.Korea lawmakers to meet amid rising tensions

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SEOUL (AFP) - North Korea's parliament was to meet Monday for a rare second annual session amid rising tensions over the sinking of a South Korean warship.

Japan's new PM enjoys 60 percent support in polls

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

OKYO (AFP) - Japan's new Prime Minister Naoto Kan, riding high on opinion poll ratings above 60 percent, was to unveil key posts in his centre-left party Monday, the eve of the formal launch of his government.

Cap device contains 6,000 barrels from Gulf oil spill

Sun, 06 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

GRAND ISLE, Louisiana (AFP) - BP's latest bid to contain the massive Gulf of Mexico oil spill registered a first small success Saturday, capturing 6,000 barrels of oil in 24 hours, the US official overseeing the spill response said.

Obama names ex-general Clapper as new spy chief

Sun, 06 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - President Barack Obama on Saturday named retired air force general and veteran intelligence expert James Clapper as his new spy chief in a drive to improve troubled US intelligence gathering.

Three killed by World War II bomb in Germany

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BERLIN (AFP) - A World War II bomb has killed three people who were trying to defuse it and injured six others in Goettingen, central Germany, police have said.

US opens criminal investigation into oil spill

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (AFP) - US officials said Tuesday they launched a criminal probe into the nation's worst ever oil spill as BP voiced hopes of capping the six-week-old Gulf of Mexico leak soon.

World leaders demand probe into Israel raid

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BRUSSELS (AFP) - Global leaders demanded an independent probe Tuesday into Israel's deadly commando raid on a Gaza-bound aid flotilla and the release of their seized citizens, as tens of thousands protested worldwide.

Deadly storm kills more than 140 in Central America

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

GUATEMALA CITY (AFP) - A violent weekend storm that lashed Central America killed at least 144 people, left 53 more missing and 45,000 evacuated from their homes, the Red Cross' Panama-based regional headquarters said.

Global outcry follows Israel's raid on aid ships

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ANKARA (AFP) - Israel faced a wave of global outrage over the storming of Gaza-bound aid ships Monday, as Turkey froze military ties, Muslim leaders demanded UN action and protests erupted in many countries.

Israel faces storm over deadly raid on Gaza aid ships

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ASHDOD, Israel (AFP) - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew home to Israel Tuesday, cancelling a visit to Washington as an international outcry grew over its deadly commando raid on Gaza aid ships.

France pushes economic ties at new-look Africa summit

Mon, 31 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NICE, France (AFP) - France on Monday bids to shore up its dwindling clout in Africa at a summit designed to launch a renewal of Franco-African ties and enlist big business in development.

China, Japan agree hotline after naval incidents

Mon, 31 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TOKYO (AFP) - The premiers of China and Japan agreed on Monday to set up a hotline following a series of tense naval incidents, and to resume formal talks on jointly exploring seabed energy resources.

'At least 10 dead' as Israel storms aid convoy: Israeli TV

Mon, 31 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

JERUSALEM (AFP) - At least 10 people were killed as Israeli forces stormed a boat carrying pro-Palestinian activists bound for Gaza, Israeli television and radio stations reported on Monday.

Tropical storm kills 15 in Central America

Sun, 30 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

GUATEMALA CITY (AFP) - The first tropical storm of the season threatened Central America's Pacific coast after killing 15 people in two countries, as Guatemala coped with twin natural catastrophes including a massive volcano eruption.

Sarkozy faces sceptics over Africa summit

Sun, 30 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

PARIS (AFP) - President Nicolas Sarkozy hosts his first Africa summit this week hoping to convince leaders that France has put an end to its notoriously murky dealings with its ex-colonies and wants a fresh start.

'Top kill' fails to stop Gulf oil leak

Sun, 30 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ROBERT, Louisiana (AFP) - BP's "top kill" operation to plug the ruptured well in the Gulf of Mexico has failed, the energy giant said, in a stunning setback to efforts to stem the worst oil spill in US history.

EU, ASEAN urge 'credible' elections in Myanmar

Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MADRID (AFP) - The nations of Southeast Asia and the European Union urged Myanmar to ensure forthcoming elections are "credible and transparent", as the EU pressed Yangon to allow a team to visit the country to discuss the polls.

S.Korea stages anti-submarine drill amid tensions

Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SEOUL (AFP) - South Korea's navy Thursday staged a major anti-submarine exercise, its first show of strength since tensions with North Korea flared over the sinking of one of Seoul's warships.

Obama administration to unveil new security strategy

Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - President Barack Obama's administration is to unveil a new national security strategy Thursday making the threat of homegrown extremism an integral part of security policy and stepping back from Bush era "war on terror" terminology.

S.Korea to punish N.Korea despite threats

Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SEOUL (AFP) - South Korea vowed Wednesday to punish North Korea for sinking a warship despite the hardline regime's threat to sever all ties, as US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton lent a show of support in Seoul.

Bodies pile up in Jamaica's assault for drug kingpin

Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

KINGSTON (AFP) - Trucks laden with bodies rushed to hospitals in Jamaica's capital as the government vowed an all-out assault to nab a powerful alleged drug kingpin barricaded by his gang in the teeming slums.

S.Korea cuts trade to North after attack

Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SEOUL (AFP) - South Korea Monday suspended trade with North Korea and banned its merchant ships from Seoul's waters, vowing to make the communist state "pay a price" for torpedoing a South Korean warship.

Jamaica PM vows tough response to gang violence

Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

KINGSTON (AFP) - Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding vowed a tough response to armed gangs behind a frenzy of violence in the capital Kingston, saying criminals "will not be allowed to triumph."

China, US open talks with trade, N.Korea in focus

Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BEIJING (AFP) - The United States and China on Monday opened annual high-level strategic talks, with the US trying to persuade Beijing to back tough action against North Korea over the sinking of a Seoul warship.

Anger mounts as oil blackens Louisiana coast

Sun, 23 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

GRAND ISLE, Louisiana (AFP) - Anger was mounting as heavy oil blackened Louisiana's marshes and beaches and efforts to cap the oil which has been gushing into the Gulf of Mexico for more than a month met with more delays.

Thai PM says Bangkok 'calm', curfew continues

Sun, 23 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BANGKOK (AFP) - Thailand's premier said Sunday the capital was calm and returning to normal after a massive clean-up, and defended a crackdown on protest rallies that unleashed a rampage of arson and looting.

Militants attack NATO's key southern base

Sun, 23 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

KABUL (AFP) - Militants fired rockets and launched a ground attack on NATO's main base in southern Afghanistan, just days after a similar assault on a major military installation near Kabul.

Florida fears deepen as current spreads oil spill

Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (AFP) - Heavy oil from a massive spill oozed into Louisiana's fragile marshlands Wednesday as other streams of crude entered a powerful current that could sweep it to Florida, Cuba and beyond.

Taliban attack biggest NATO base in Afghanistan

Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BAGRAM, Afghanistan (AFP) - An audacious gun, grenade and suicide attack on the largest NATO base in Afghanistan sparked hours of battles Wednesday, killing an American contract worker and 10 militants.

Crisis-hit Bangkok emerges from curfew to smoke, gunfire

Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BANGKOK (AFP) - Plumes of smoke hung overhead and gunfire crackled Thursday as Bangkok emerged from an curfew aimed at quelling mayhem unleashed by enraged anti-government protesters targeted in an army offensive.

Thai army battles 'Red Shirt' protesters

Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BANGKOK (AFP) - Thai troops battled with anti-government protesters Wednesday, after smashing into their rally zone using armoured vehicles and tearing down towering barricades of tyres and razor wire.

US pushes tough Iran sanctions draft at UN

Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

UNITED NATIONS (AFP) - The United States has introduced a draft resolution at the UN to slap tough new sanctions on Iran, fast on the heels of what it cast as Iran's bid to stall efforts by signing a nuclear swap deal.

US bans more Gulf fishing as oil fears grow for Florida

Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (AFP) - The United States closed off a large chunk of the Gulf of Mexico to fishing as fears a giant oil slick could be swept to Florida's beaches and coral reefs overshadowed progress in stemming the spill.

UN urges Thailand to 'step back from brink'

Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BANGKOK (AFP) - Thousands of anti-government protesters were locked in a tense confrontation with troops Tuesday, as the UN urged Thailand to "step back from the brink" to avoid further loss of life.

Rescuers resume search for crashed Afghan plane

Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SALANG, Afghanistan (AFP) - Rescuers were Tuesday set to resume the search for a plane carrying 43 people, including three Britons and an American, which crashed in the mountains of northern Afghanistan.

S.Korea wraps up sunken warship probe

Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SEOUL (AFP) - With a strong show of support from its US ally, South Korea on Tuesday wrapped up a painstaking investigation into a naval disaster widely suspected to be the work of North Korea.

French researcher home after Iran trial ordeal

Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

PARIS (AFP) - Young French academic Clotilde Reiss flew home from Iran on Sunday, 10 months after she was arrested and accused of spying, as France denied striking a secret deal with Tehran.

Turkey PM in Iran amid reports of nuclear deal

Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TEHRAN (AFP) - Turkey's leader arrived in Tehran unexpectedly to join Brazil in three-way talks on Iran's controversial nuclear programme Monday, amid reports of a last-gasp solution to the international dispute.

BP cagey as oil tube registers 'some' success

Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (AFP) - BP has succeeded in capturing "some" oil and gas by inserting a mile-long tube into the main Gulf of Mexico leak, but would not say if it was a significant percentage of the gusher or just a dribble.

US asks BP to clarify cleanup costs in Gulf spill

Sun, 16 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (AFP) - US officials have told BP to clarify what costs it will pay for cleanup of the massive Gulf of Mexico oil spill, with crews employing new tactics to stem the leak as globs of oil wash ashore in three states.

S.Korea warning shots to drive away N.Koreans

Sun, 16 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SEOUL (AFP) - South Korea's navy fired warning shots to drive away North Korean patrol boats from the disputed inter-Korean border in the Yellow Sea, military officials said Sunday.

Atlantis heads toward International Space Station

Sun, 16 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida (AFP) - The US shuttle Atlantis was headed for a Sunday rendezvous with the International Space Station (ISS) on the final mission for the 25-year-old spacecraft.

UK to bow to EU on hedge fund crackdown: report

Sun, 16 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - Britain's new government is to admit defeat on proposed European Union rules for hedge funds, The Sunday Times reported.

China school attacks expose mental health dilemma

Thu, 13 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BEIJING (AFP) - The latest deadly school rampage shows China is paying the price for focusing on economic growth for decades while ignoring mental health problems linked to the nation's rapid social change, experts say.

Karzai, Obama put on show of unity

Thu, 13 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - President Barack Obama insisted that flared tensions between the US and Afghan governments were "overstated" as Afghan leader Hamid Karzai staged an effusive show of support for US war goals.

Boy, 8, survives as 103 killed in Libya plane crash

Thu, 13 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TRIPOLI (AFP) - A Libyan airliner arriving from South Africa disintegrated on landing at Tripoli airport Wednesday, killing 103 people but leaving an eight-year-old boy as the sole miracle survivor, officials said.

Ash cloud shuts Spain, Morocco airports, reaches Turkey

Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MADRID (AFP) - A volcanic ash cloud from Iceland forced the shutdown Tuesday of airports for the first time in North Africa and the Canaries and southern Spain, as it drifted as far as Turkish airspace.

UN rights forum in hot spotlight of controversy

Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

UNITED NATIONS (AFP) - Fourteen countries were expected to be elected unanimously Thursday to the UN Human Rights Council, to the dismay of non-governmental groups that argue five of them -- including Libya -- have records that should keep them out.

N.Korea boasts success in nuclear fusion

Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SEOUL (AFP) - North Korea announced Wednesday it has successfully carried out a nuclear fusion reaction in what it called a breakthrough towards developing new energy sources.

Obama reshapes Supreme Court with legal 'trailblazer'

Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - President Barack Obama nominated "trailblazing" legal scholar Elena Kagan to the US Supreme Court, pledging to make the conservative-dominated bench more reflective of America than ever before.

Iraq on alert after attacks kill over 100

Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BAGHDAD (AFP) - Security forces were on alert Tuesday after a wave of attacks including three car bombs at a factory and another against emergency workers killed at least 100 people in Iraq's bloodiest day this year.

Britain's Labour in post-poll deal talks, Brown to quit

Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - Britain's Labour party holds crunch talks with the Liberal Democrats Tuesday, a day after Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he would quit in a bid to keep his party in power following a poll defeat.

Greece holds crisis talks on pension reform

Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ATHENS (AFP) - Greek President Carolos Papoulias called crisis talks with the country's main political parties on Monday as the government prepared to unveil a pension reform that is set to unleash a storm of protest.

Volcanic ash cloud returns, disrupting European flights

Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LISBON (AFP) - Hundreds of flights at airports from Lisbon to Munich were cancelled Sunday and some European airspace was closed because of a volcanic ash cloud from Iceland that caused air travel chaos last month.

Massive disaster looms in Gulf of Mexico spill

Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (AFP) - BP officials desperately searched for a new fix to the enormous Gulf of Mexico oil spill after efforts to cap a gushing leak with a containment dome hit a perilous snag.

German voters poised to punish Merkel party over Greece

Sun, 09 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BERLIN (AFP) - Voters in Germany's most populous state go to the polls Sunday with Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives fearing a popular backlash over a colossal emergency bail-out for Greece.

Ice blocks bid to cap Gulf of Mexico oil leak

Sun, 09 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (AFP) - A first try at capping a ruptured pipe gushing oil deep in the Gulf of Mexico failed when ice crystals clogged a dome seen as the best hope of staving off a massive environmental disaster.

Thai PM demands quick end to protests

Sun, 09 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BANGKOK (AFP) - Thailand's premier called Sunday for a swift end to mass anti-government protests following fresh bloodshed, saying he had a back-up plan to solve the crisis if the demonstrators refuse to disperse.

23 dead as tornado hits Chinese mega-city

Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BEIJING (AFP) - At least 23 people were killed and more than 160 injured when a tornado struck China's southwestern mega-city of Chongqing Thursday, smashing homes and destroying crops, officials and state media said.

Britons vote in closest election race for decades

Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - Polling station opened in Britain Thursday in a general election expected to be the closest in decades which, for the first time in more than 30 years, could fail to produce a clear winner.

Deadly riots shake Greece

Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ATHENS (AFP) - Greece's president called on the country to step back from the brink after three people died during Wednesday's protests against the government's planned cuts, and the world markets slipped further.

Moscow hosts massive parade rehearsal

Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MOSCOW (AFP) - Tanks have rolled into Moscow's Red Square overnight in a massive rehearsal of the parade marking the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II, Russian television and news agencies have reported.

Ships rushed to Gulf islands as first oil arrives

Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ON A PLANE OVER THE CHANDELEUR ISLANDS, Louisiana (AFP) - An impromptu recovery fleet rushed to an uninhabited US island chain in the Gulf of Mexico as the leading edge of a giant oil slick reached its shores.

UK leaders in frantic last minute polls push

Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - Britain's main party leaders will crisscross the country Wednesday on a frantic last day of campaigning, as the closest election battle for a generation enters its final strait.

US, Iran clash at UN nuclear meet

Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

UNITED NATIONS (AFP) - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad blasted the United States at a UN conference for threatening to use nuclear arms, triggering a sharp American response and a walkout by several delegations.

At least 10 dead in China workers' dorm fire

Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BEIJING (AFP) - At least 10 people have been killed in a fire at a dormitory for railway workers in China's Inner Mongolia region, the state Xinhua news agency reported Tuesday, citing local firefighters.

Iceland volcanic ash grounds flights across Ireland

Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

DUBLIN (AFP) - Aviation chiefs grounded flights into and out of Ireland and Northern Ireland on Tuesday as ash from an Icelandic volcano drifted in, causing fresh travel chaos for thousands of passengers.

Obama defends his US oil slick response

Mon, 03 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

VENICE, Louisiana (AFP) - President Barack Obama fiercely defended his response to the oil slick disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, while stressing that BP was fully responsible and must pay for the cleanup.

Europe approves giant Greece bailout

Mon, 03 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BRUSSELS (AFP) - European governments endorsed an unprecedented 110-billion-euro bailout to save Greece from bankruptcy and shore up the single currency after Athens agreed to draconian spending cuts.

Watchdog names 40 'predators of the press'

Mon, 03 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

PARIS (AFP) - Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders named Monday the world's 40 worst "predators of the press" including politicians, religious leaders and militias to mark World Press Freedom Day.

Thai cabinet holds emergency meeting on crisis

Sun, 02 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BANGKOK (AFP) - Thailand's cabinet held an emergency meeting Sunday after a warning that its long-running standoff with anti-government "Red Shirts" in Bangkok could deteriorate into an "undeclared civil war."

Drug violence kills 14 in Mexico border state

Sun, 02 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

CIUDAD JUAREZ (AFP) - Drug violence in Mexico's Chihuahua state has claimed 14 lives just across the US border, eight of them in the crime capital Ciudad Juarez, local authorities said Saturday.

Catholic Church to overhaul disgraced Legionaries order

Sun, 02 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

VATICAN CITY (AFP) - The Roman Catholic Church will overhaul the ultra-conservative Legion of Christ whose late founder Marcial Maciel was disgraced after abuse scandals, the Vatican said.

India, Pakistan PMs to hold talks in Bhutan

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

THIMPHU (AFP) - The prime ministers of India and Pakistan will sit down face-to-face Thursday, fuelling hopes of movement in the rival nations' glacial progress towards resuming a substantial peace dialogue.

South Korea honours victims of sunken warship

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BAGHDAD (AFP) - Iraq's general election winner Iyad Allawi on Wednesday said new parliamentary polls run by international monitors might be needed to end concerted efforts from rivals who want to reverse his victory.

Panama will ask France to extradite ex-dictator Noriega

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

PANAMA CITY (AFP) - Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli said Wednesday that his country will ask France to extradite former dictator Manuel Antonio Noriega, where he faces human rights violations charges.

Fears grow over oil spill off US coast

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (AFP) - The Gulf of Mexico oil rig disaster will develop into one of the worst spills in US history if the well is not sealed, the coast guard officer leading the response warned.

Sarkozy seeks to bury the hatchet with China

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

XIAN, China (AFP) - French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrived in China on Wednesday for a visit aimed at reinvigorating ties tested two years ago over Tibet and at winning support for new sanctions against Iran.

Mexico issues alert over Arizona illegals law

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MEXICO CITY (AFP) - Mexico on Tuesday warned its citizens about travel in Arizona in response to a tough new anti-immigration law that has provoked fury in Mexico and across the Americas.

Robotic subs race to cap leaking US oil well

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (AFP) - Robotic underwater vessels raced Monday to stave off an environmental disaster by stopping 42,000 gallons of oil a day from streaming into the Gulf of Mexico from a sunken rig.

Volcano showers sand and ash over Guatemala

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

GUATEMALA CITY (AFP) - The Santiaguito volcano has showered sand and ash over a large area of western Guatemala in an "unusual" and "violent" display, the national seismological institute has said.

US extradites Noriega to France

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MIAMI (AFP) - Panama's former strongman Manuel Noriega was en route to France Tuesday, extradited by the United States to face money-laundering charges after years of legal wrangling, US and French officials said.

Thailand's 'Yellow Shirts' mull next move against Reds

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BANGKOK (AFP) - Leaders of Thailand's pro-establishment "Yellow Shirts" huddled Monday to plot their next move against rival "Red Shirts" who are bracing for a crackdown on their Bangkok protest base.

IPL chief suspended hours after cricket final

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MUMBAI (AFP) - Indian cricket authorities have suspended the head and driving force behind the money-spinning IPL tournament in a bid to stem an escalating crisis involving tax and match-fixing allegations.

War possible if Colombia's Santos elected: Chavez

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

CARACAS (AFP) - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who for years has had tense relations with neighboring Colombia, has warned of worse ties and even possible military hostilities if Bogota's ex-defense chief Juan Manuel Santos wins the presidency.

Tornadoes kill 10, destroys homes in southern US

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Tornadoes tore through the southern US state of Mississippi, killing at least 10 people, injuring nearly two dozen and destroying homes, officials said.

Mexican state security chief wounded in ambush

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MORELIA, Mexico (AFP) - Gunmen ambushed the motorcade of the top state security official in the Mexican state of Michoacan early Saturday in the latest round of drug-related violence that left 13 people dead around the country.

Armenians mark mass killings amid fresh tensions with Turkey

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

YEREVAN (AFP) - Tens of thousands of Armenians on Saturday marked the 95th anniversary of mass killings under the Ottoman Empire amid fresh tensions with Turkey over the collapse of reconciliation efforts.

US warns Syria over 'supplying' missiles to Hezbollah

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - US President Barack Obama's administration has warned that "all options" are on the table if Syria supplied Scud missiles to Hezbollah but defended its pursuit of dialogue with Damascus.

11 missing after Gulf of Mexico oil rig blast

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW ORLEANS (AFP) - The US Coast Guard launched a frantic air and sea rescue operation for 11 oil workers missing in the Gulf of Mexico after an explosion rocked a rig off the Louisiana coast.

Airlines want compensation as Europe's skies reopen

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - As Europe's airspace reopened and weary passengers boarded long-delayed flights home, airline executives pressed for government compensation to cover the industry's massive losses.

Airlines battle passenger backlog after ash cloud chaos

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - Planes took to Europe's skies in greater numbers Wednesday after the chaos caused by the Iceland volcano cloud, but travellers still faced disruption as airlines fought to shift a huge backlog.

Emotional Maradona lashes out at 'treason', 'lies'

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BUENOS AIRES (AFP) - Diego Maradona has accused Argentina football chief Julio Grondona of lying and team manager Carlos Bilardo of treason in a bitter attack on the two men he insists plotted his downfall.

Murray hopes coach sacking will energize his game

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - World number four Andy Murray says he sacked his coach Miles Maclagan because they no longer saw eye-to-eye and he needed to do something to help galvanize his game.

Marseille win French Champions Trophy

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

RADES, Tunisia (AFP) - League champions Marseille won France's Champions Trophy when they beat their biggest rivals Paris St Germain 5-4 on penalties here on Wednesday after the match ended goalless.

Argentina drop Maradona as coach

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BUENOS AIRES (AFP) - The Argentine Football Association (AFA) on Tuesday elected not to renew Diego Maradona's contract as national team coach, AFA spokesman Ernesto Cherquis Bialo said.

All Blacks fury as press snap reveals tactics

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MELBOURNE (AFP) - The All Blacks on Wednesday slammed a press photographer whose candid snap left secret tactics for their Tri-Nations clash with the Wallabies splashed across Australian newspapers.

Scotland's Beattie out for six months

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

GLASGOW (AFP) - Scotland forward Johnnie Beattie will be out of action for six months after discovering he needs surgery on a shoulder injury.

McLaren may copy Formula 1 rivals' design

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

HOCKENHEIM, Germany (AFP) - McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh says his team may copy the front wing designs of rival teams Red Bull and Ferrari after their disappointing performance at the German Grand Prix.

Menezes vows to achieve 'dreams' in start as Brazil coach

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

RIO DE JANEIRO (AFP) - Brazil's new coach, Mano Menezes, said Monday he intended to build a side capable of achieving his nation's football "dreams," as he was officially presented in his new job.

Richards lifts Red Bulls past Man City

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

HARRISON, New Jersey (AFP) - Dane Richards scored from 25 metres in the 70th minute to give the New York Red Bulls a 2-1 victory over big-spending Manchester City of the English Premiership in a friendly Sunday.

Real Madrid prepare Monday adios for Raul

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MADRID (AFP) - Real Madrid have confirmed that captain and record-breaking striker Raul Gonzalez will leaved the club on Monday after 16 years in the first team and with German side Schalke his destination.

Fish hooks Roddick at Atlanta tennis championship

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ATLANTA, Georgia (AFP) - Mardy Fish shocked top seed and good friend Andy Roddick 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 at the ATP Atlanta Championship to reach his third final in his past four starts.

Lorenzo takes fifth consecutive MotoGP pole

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LAGUNA SECA, California (AFP) - Spain's Jorge Lorenzo, the Yamaha rider who leads the world championship chase, won his fifth consecutive pole position of the season in US Moto Grand Prix qualifying on Saturday.

Mano Menezes named as new Brazil coach

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BRASILIA (AFP) - Mano Menezes was on Saturday named as Brazil's new coach, succeeding Dunga, who was axed after the team were knocked out of the World Cup at the quarter-final stage.

Lance Armstrong hires high powered defence lawyer

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW YORK (AFP) - American Lance Armstrong has hired a criminal defence lawyer to represent him against a federal probe looking into allegations of possible doping violations in his cycling career.

'Marathon man' Isner outlasts Muller at ATP Atlanta

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ATLANTA, Georgia (AFP) - John Isner needed 33 aces and two and a half hours, outlasting Gilles Muller at the Atlanta Tennis Championships as the American registered his first win since making history at Wimbledon.

Manchester United: 'most valuable sports team

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW YORK (AFP) - English Premiership giant Manchester United is the most valuable franchise in sports, according to a study compiled by Forbes Magazine.

Cash wasn't Cole's motivation says Hodgson

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LIVERPOOL, United Kingdom (AFP) - Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson is adamant money wasn't Joe Cole's motivation for moving to Anfield.

LeMond eager to testify in doping probe - report

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

DENVER, Colorado (AFP) - Three-time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond has reiterated his belief that a US doping investigation will find "overwhelming" evidence against seven-time Tour champion Lance Armstrong.

More Tour de France woe for Evans and Rogers

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

PAU, France (AFP) - The Tour de France top 10, never mind the podium, may be a dream too far for former two-time runner-up Cadel Evans after another disappointing day for Australians in the race on Tuesday.

Guardiola pessimistic about Fabregas Barca switch

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BARCELONA (AFP) - Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola admitted on Monday that the chances of landing Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas this summer now lay entirely with the World Cup winner's club Arsenal.

Capello severs link with index

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - Fabio Capello will cut his ties to the controversial 'Capello Index' while he remains the England manager, the Football Association (FA) said Monday.

Australia's Power wins Toronto Indy Car Grand Prix

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TORONTO, Canada (AFP) - Australia's Will Power clinched his fourth Indy Car victory of the season when he triumphed at the Grand Prix of Toronto.

Riblon wins 14th stage of Tour

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

AX-3-DOMAINES, France (AFP) - Frenchman Christophe Riblon claimed a deserved maiden Tour de France victory on the race's 14th stage on Sunday as an anticipated yellow jersey battle failed to materialise.

Scott McCarron seizes one-stroke lead at PGA Reno Open

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

RENO, Nevada (AFP) - Scott McCarron, who decided to skip the British Open to help out the PGA Tour in Reno, fired a five-under 67 to take a one-shot lead heading into the final round of the Reno-Tahoe Open.

Coach not letting All Blacks get 'carried away'

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WELLINGTON (AFP) - With the World Cup just a year away, All Blacks coach Graham Henry is not letting his side get carried away after their latest walloping of South Africa.

Uruguay, Romania clash for final 2011 World Cup spot

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

PARIS (AFP) - Uruguay and Romania will battle for the last remaining spot at the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand after crushing victories in their zonal play-offs on Saturday.

Beckham rules out move into management

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - England star David Beckham insists he has no intention of becoming a manager when he retires from playing.

Ballack puts Lahm in his place over captaincy

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BERLIN (AFP) - The tussle for the German captaincy took a new turn on Wednesday when regular skipper Michael Ballack took the chance to reassert his own credentials at the expense of the man who did the job at the World Cup in South Africa.

World Cup final referee Webb has no regrets

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - World Cup final referee Howard Webb arrived home in England on Tuesday insisting he had done a tough job in difficult circumstances to the best of his ability.

Defeated Dutch honoured at home with sea of orange

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

AMSTERDAM (AFP) - Thousands of fans turned the canals of Amsterdam into a sea of orange Tuesday, honking vuvuzelas and throwing confetti at the Dutch football team after its nailbiting World Cup defeat to Spain.

W.Cup winners Spain receive heroes welcome home

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MADRID (AFP) - Spain's victorious World Cup squad returned to a heroes' welcome in Madrid with hundreds of thousands of fans cheering the team as they paraded through the capital's streets on an open top bus.

James' NBA Decision "ill conceived"

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW YORK (AFP) - Despite calls from Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban to investigate how three high-profile free agents ended up on Miami Heat, the NBA said Monday no formal complaints have been filed with the league.

Mandela appears at final, crowning South Africa's World Cup

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - Nelson Mandela crowned South Africa's World Cup Sunday with an appearance on the field at the closing ceremony, as 700 million viewers tuned in to watch Spain's 1-0 victory over Netherlands.

Mueller claims golden boot, young player accolade

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AFP) - Rising star Thomas Mueller has finished South Africa 2010 as the tournament's top-scorer after golden boot rivals David Villa and Wesley Sneijder both failed to score in Sunday's final.

Uruguay striker Forlan gets shock best player nod

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - Uruguay striker Diego Forlan was surprisingly awarded the Golden Ball as the best player of the 2010 World Cup.

Mandela crowns South Africa's World Cup as Spain wins

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - Nelson Mandela joined the football party for Spain's 1-0 World Cup victory over Netherlands with 700 million people watching, a smiling reminder that his country was in it for more than the game.

Leaders and stars jet to S.Africa for World Cup final

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - World leaders and celebrities swarmed Johannesburg on Sunday for the World Cup finale between the Netherlands and Spain, capping the first tournament ever held on the continent.

Kenya's Rudisha posts second fastest 800m

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

HUESDEN, Belgium (AFP) - Kenya’s David Rudisha became the second fastest man ever over 800m when he set an African record of 1 min 41.51 seconds here on Saturday.

Kiwi Dean sprints to second on Tour

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

REIMS, France (AFP) - Kiwi sprinter Julian Dean seized the day at the Tour de France on Wednesday, and only came off second best to Italian ace Alessandro Petacchi on the race's fourth stage.

Viva Espana! Spain euphoric at semi-final win

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MADRID (AFP) - The whole of Spain erupted with joy as the national side reached the World Cup final for the first time ever with a 1-0 win over Germany -- and the fiesta looked set to last well into the night.

Vuvuzelas banned for rugby Tests, World Cup

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WELLINGTON (AFP) - The vuvuzela has provided the soundtrack for the football World Cup but New Zealand officials have banned the droning horn for upcoming rugby Tests and next year's World Cup.

Netherlands storm into World Cup final

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

CAPE TOWN (AFP) - The Netherlands stormed into their first World Cup final since 1978 on Tuesday, beating Uruguay 3-2 to set up a title clash against either Germany or Spain.

Dutch eye World Cup final, Brazil, Argentina face change

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - Netherlands were warned to shrug off their Achilles heel of arrogance when they face Uruguay in the World Cup semi-finals as Argentina and Brazil continued to be rocked by the shockwaves of elimination.

Nigeria lifts ban on national team

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Nigeria's government on Monday lifted a two-year ban it imposed on its national football team after a dismal World Cup showing, avoiding a collision with world governing body FIFA in the process

Johnson to stay with Hawks

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ATLANTA, Georgia (AFP) - NBA All-Star guard Joe Johnson has agreed to a maximum contract that will keep him with the Atlanta Hawks, his agent said Sunday.

Tactics, injuries take toll on World Cup let-downs

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

PARIS (AFP) - Amid all the pre-World Cup speculation, few people predicted that Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo would all be watching the semi-finals from the comfort of their homes or holiday retreats.

Spain, Germany in semis, S.Americans fizzle out

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - Germany and Spain set-up a heavyweight World Cup semi-final clash on Saturday as South America's challenge continued to fizzle out.

Beckham chat gets Nadal ready for final push

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - Rafael Nadal believes a conversation with David Beckham has provided him with the perfect inspiration ahead of his Wimbledon final showdown with Tomas Berdych on Sunday.

World Cup flops, you've never had it so bad

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

PARIS (AFP) - North Koreans risk being sent to the coal mines while Nigeria get slapped with a two-year ban from international football.

Federer out of Wimbledon, Nadal planning offensive

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - With Roger Federer put to the sword in stunning fashion, the fight for the Wimbledon title is more open than ever and that means Rafael Nadal will go on the offensive when he faces Andy Murray in the semi-finals on Friday.

Spain, Paraguay through as stars struggle

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - European champions Spain reached the World Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday with a 1-0 win over Portugal, sending Cristiano Ronaldo, the world's most expensive player, heading moodily to the exit.

Tiger Woods says LeBron James should join Lakers

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (AFP) - Golfer Tiger Woods weighed in on the LeBron James free agency debate Tuesday saying he has his own ideas about where the National Basketball Association star should end up next season.

Nadal vows to play through the pain

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - Rafael Nadal has vowed to play through the pain barrier to keep his Wimbledon challenge alive.

Dutch stand in way of Brazil juggernaut

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - Brazil swept into a World Cup quarter-final showdown with the Netherlands after a clinical and uncompromising 3-0 victory over Chile at Ellis Park on Monday.

Germany joins Ghana in WC quarter-finals

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - South Africa rejoiced Sunday as Ghana became only the third African team ever to make the World Cup quarter-finals, as England crashed out of the tournament after a defeat by Germany.

Ferrari want change on Formula One safety car rules

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

VALENCIA, Spain (AFP) - Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali has suggested that the International Automobile Federation change the safety car rules after they affected his team's result in a controversial Grand Prix of Europe in Valencia.

All Blacks coach 'wields axe' for Tri-Nations squad

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

HAMILTON, New Zealand (AFP) - Despite wrapping up their June Test series unbeaten the All Black selectors took the axe to their squad on Sunday as they turned their sights on the Tri-Nations championship.

Ghana, Uruguay set up quarter-final showdown

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - Surprise contenders Ghana and Uruguay will compete for a place in the World Cup semi-finals at Soccer City here on July 2 after both sides came through tight last-16 matches on Saturday.

African hopes Ghana again bar US W.Cup path

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

RUSTENBURG, South Africa (AFP) - Four years after sending the United States crashing out of the World Cup, Ghana's Black Stars again block the Americans' path and are the only African team into the knockout rounds.

Henrik Sedin snags NHL MVP honors

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LAS VEGAS, Nevada (AFP) - Henrik Sedin was awarded the Hart Trophy as the NHL's most valuable player, as Alex Ovechkin's bid for a three-peat was denied.

England to renew rivalry with Germany in W.Cup last 16

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - England and Germany will renew one of the World Cup's great rivalries in the last 16 after both qualified for the knockout stage on Wednesday.

WADA to watch Tour de France drug testing

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MONTREAL (AFP) - The World Anti-Doping Agency says it plans to monitor doping controls at next month's Tour de France.

Argentina ease into last 16 as France go out

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - Argentina cruised into the last 16 of the World Cup on Tuesday but former winners France ended their nightmarish campaign meekly and South Africa became the first host nation to fall at the opening stage.

Nine arrests during Lakers' toned-down victory parade

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Police arrested nine more people during a victory parade, bringing the total number of Los Angeles basketball fans arrested in the wake of the Lakers championship win to over 50.

Federer given fright in Wimbledon's 1st round

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - Roger Federer and Venus Williams, the undisputed stars of Wimbledon over the past decade, had wildly contrasting journeys into the second round as the 2010 championships swung into action.

McDowell wins US Open golf championship

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

PEBBLE BEACH, California (AFP) - Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell won the US Open, holding steady as Pebble Beach buffeted a bevy of golf's big names to claim his first major championship

Brazil go through at World Cup, France revolt

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - Brazil reached the World Cup's last 16 with a 3-1 win over Ivory Coast on Sunday which was soured by a controversial red card for Kaka, while France's players went on strike over Nicolas Anelka.

Blame others for crash too, says Cavendish

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WETTINGEN, Switzerland (AFP) - Britain's Mark Cavendish claimed he should not be held solely responsible for the dramatic crash which took out several riders at the end of stage four of the Tour of Switzerland.

Battle-weary NBA finalists gear up for game seven

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - The Los Angeles Lakers avoided elimination by beating Boston at their own game, a one-sided take no prisoners 89-67 win in game six that levelled the series at 3-3.

Lakers rout Celtics to force game seven

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Kobe Bryant had 26 points and 11 rebounds and Pau Gasol scored 17 points as the Los Angeles Lakers routed the Boston Celtics 89-67 to force a game seven in the 2010 NBA finals.

Crash mars Petacchi stage win in Switzerland

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WETTINGEN, Switzerland (AFP) - Italian rider Alessandro Petacchi (Lampre) came through to win the 192km fourth stage of the Tour of Switzerland here on Tuesday, although a mass crash marred the final sprint.

Pierce powers Celtics to 3-2 NBA finals lead

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BOSTON, Massachusetts (AFP) - Paul Pierce scored 27 points and Kevin Garnett had 18 with 10 rebounds as Boston beat Los Angeles 92-86 to put the reigning champion Lakers on the brink of elimination in the NBA finals.

Four-star Germany light up World Cup

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - Three-time champions Germany demolished hapless 10-man Australia 4-0 in a late-night World Cup goal festival which swept away the hangover caused by the day's two earlier turgid offerings.

Hamilton on pole for Canadian Grand Prix

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MONTREAL (AFP) - Lewis Hamilton claimed his first pole position of 2010 and ended the qualifying supremacy of the Red Bulls in a dramatic qualifying session for Sunday's Canadian Grand Prix.

Messi inspires Argentina's W.Cup winning start

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - Lionel Messi said he was delighted to have played a major role in Argentina's 1-0 win over Nigeria in their World Cup Group B match at Ellis Park Stadium.

Besieged France on World Cup defensive

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

KNYSNA, South Africa (AFP) - William Gallas refusing to speak to the media, training behind closed doors, security tighter than Fort Knox - France are a little rattled ahead of Friday's World Cup opener against Uruguay.

All Blacks say no excuses ahead of Ireland Test

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW PLYMOUTH, New Zealand (AFP) - Despite blooding up to six new players and having a star gamebreaker out of form, the All Blacks say there will be no excuses when their unbeaten run against Ireland goes on the line Saturday.

Portugal's Nani joins World Cup casualty list

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AFP) - The World Cup was rocked by a fresh injury setback on Tuesday when Portugal winger Nani was ruled out of the tournament, joining a list of star withdrawals.

Woods to defend Australian Masters title

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MELBOURNE (AFP) - Tiger Woods has announced he will defend his Australian Masters title in November, a year after drawing huge crowds to his last event ahead of dramatic revelations over a series of extra-marital affairs.

Ballack, Cole being released by Chelsea: reports

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - Germany captain Michael Ballack and England midfielder Joe Cole are to be released on free transfers by Chelsea, British media reported Wednesday, shortly before the start of the World Cup.

Capello fury over below par England

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

RUSTENBURG, South Africa (AFP) - England's players were on the receiving end of a furious blast from head coach Fabio Capello as they completed their World Cup build-up with another unconvincing performance.

Rooney raring to go for England

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

RUSTENBURG, South Africa (AFP) - Wayne Rooney played down concerns over England's lacklustre World Cup build-up and insisted he was raring to go ahead of the opening group C clash with the United States here on Saturday.

Nadal regains French Open crown and No.1 spot

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

PARIS (AFP) - Rafael Nadal recaptured the French Open crown on Sunday, gaining revenge over Robin Soderling with a 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 win and, in so doing, he also retook the world number one spot from Roger Federer.

Robben to be given more time after injury deemed less serious

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

THE HAGUE (AFP) - Dutch winger Arjen Robben will be given more time to recover from a hamstring injury by coach Bert van Marwijk it was announced on Sunday by the Dutch Football Federation (KNVB).

16 hurt in stampede at pre-World Cup friendly

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TEMBISA, South Africa (AFP) - A stampede outside a World Cup warm-up left 16 people injured Sunday, including two police officers, as the challenges facing organisers were brought into sharp focus days before the tournament kicks off.

Drosselmeyer wins Belmont Stakes

Sun, 06 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW YORK (AFP) - Drosselmeyer surged past the leaders in the final straight to win the 142nd Belmont Stakes to give Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott his first victory in a Triple Crown race.

Swiss dash Italian hopes in draw

Sun, 06 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

GENEVA (AFP) - Italy were held to a 1-1 draw by Switzerland on Saturday, dashing the hopes of Italian fans who were hoping for a Swiss appetiser before the World Cup holders fly out to South Africa.

Golden chance for Dementieva at French Open

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

PARIS (AFP) - Opportunity knocks again for Elena Dementieva at the French Open and she hopes that her familiarity with her favourite city Paris can provide her with the inspiration to at last grab her chance.

Cereceda dropped from Chile World Cup squad

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SANTIAGO (AFP) - Defender Roberto Cereceda was the last name to be dropped from Marcelo Bielsa's Chile squad for the World Cup on Tuesday.

Ruthless Capello drops Walcott from England squad

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - Fabio Capello's decision to leave Theo Walcott out of his final 23-man squad for the World Cup has sent a clear message to England's stars as they head to South Africa.

SA looks to World Cup to heal racial divide

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - South Africa is riding a wave of patriotism ahead of the World Cup, which national leaders hope will heal the still-sharp racial divide 16 years after the end of white-minority rule.

Federer wary of Soderling in French Open quarters

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

PARIS (AFP) - Roger Federer says it would be a fatal mistake to under-estimate Robin Soderling in their French Open quarter-final, despite enjoying a perfect 12 wins in 12 meetings with the free-swinging Swede.

3 axed from S.Korean World Cup squad, Lee survives

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SEOUL (AFP) - South Korean coach Huh Jung-Moo cut three players from his World Cup squad on Tuesday, but former Middlesbrough striker Lee Dong-Gook survived the axe.

England football squad hopefuls wait for Capello

Mon, 31 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

GRAZ, Austria (AFP) - Joe Cole may well have done enough to earn himself a place in England's World Cup squad following an influential display as a substitute in his team's 2-1 friendly victory over Japan on Sunday.

Federer beats pal Wawrinka, angry Murray crashes

Mon, 31 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

PARIS (AFP) - Defending champion Roger Federer showed no mercy to Stanislas Wawrinka on Sunday, handing his Olympic gold medal-winning teammate a French Open hiding as Andy Murray made an angry Roland Garros exit.

France fail to fire, draw with Tunisia in World Cup warm-up

Mon, 31 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

RADES, Tunisia (AFP) - France's preparations for the World Cup suffered a reality check here on Sunday when the 2006 finalists had to come from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw against non-South Africa-bound Tunisia.

Italy remembers Heysel disaster

Sun, 30 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ROME (AFP) - UEFA president Michel Platini vowed there would never be a repeat of the Heysel stadium disaster as he attended a memorial in the northern Italian city of Turin Saturday, 25 years on.

Smeltz strike shocks Serbia

Sun, 30 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

KLAGENFURT, Austria (AFP) - A first-half strike from Shane Smeltz handed World Cup outsiders New Zealand a shock 1-0 victory over Serbia in a pre-tournament friendly here on Saturday.

England's stars set for final World Cup audition

Sun, 30 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

GRAZ, Austria (AFP) - Some of England's biggest stars may feel on trial this weekend as Fabio Capello's team play their final World Cup warm-up match against Japan just 48 hours before the squad is cut to the final 23 who will go to South Africa.

Lula sees Brazil side before World Cup trip

Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BRASILIA (AFP) - President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva greeted Brazil's football squad Wednesday just before it flew to South Africa to compete in next month's World Cup with hopes of becoming six-time champions.

London unveils pre-Olympic torch relay plans

Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - Organisers of the 2012 London Olympics unveiled plans Wednesday for a 70-day torch relay leading up to the Games, now barely two years away.

Real line up Mourinho as Pellegrini sacked

Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MADRID (AFP) - Real Madrid opened the way for Jose Mourinho to take over as coach after they sacked Manuel Pellegrini on Wednesday.

Coach Jackson 'likely back with Lakers,' if at all

Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

PHOENIX, Arizona (AFP) - Los Angeles coach Phil Jackson said that if he returns to coach in the NBA next season it will likely be with the Lakers, but he would like to meet new Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov.

Henin, Nadal cruise, Safina crashes at Frenc Open tennis

Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

PARIS (AFP) - Justine Henin and Rafael Nadal each kept on course for their fifth French Open titles on Tuesday, but twice-beaten finalist Dinara Safina crashed out to a player who'll be 40 in September.

Irish edge Paraguay in World Cup warm-up

Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

DUBLIN (AFP) - The Republic of Ireland beat World Cup finals qualifiers Paraguay 2-1 here on Tuesday in a match where the South Americans dominated possession but lacked a cutting edge in front of goal.

Toeava adds to All Blacks' rugby injury woes

Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WELLINGTON (AFP) - Utility back Isaia Toeava will be out of rugby for up to six months, adding to the All Blacks' injury woes as the first Tests of the season loom next month.

McDowell gets exemption to PGA's US Open

Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

DALLAS, Texas (AFP) - Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell has joined Aussies Robert Allenby and Adam Scott among the 14 players who received exemptions to play in the US Open in June.

Leighton helps lift Philadelphia to 3-1 NHL series lead

Sun, 23 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MONTREAL (AFP) - Goaltender Michael Leighton posted his third shutout of the series as Philadelphia beat Montreal 3-0 Saturday to move one step closer to their first appearance in the Stanley Cup finals in 13 years.

Aussie Day opens two-shot lead at Byron Nelson

Sun, 23 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

DALLAS, Texas (AFP) - Australian Jason Day fired a three-under 67 to reach the top of the leaderboard heading into the final round of the 6.5 million dollar PGA Byron Nelson Championship.

Inter win Champions League as coach Mourinho leaves

Sun, 23 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MADRID (AFP) - Diego Milito scored both goals as Inter Milan beat Bayern Munich 2-0 in the Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday as charismatic coach Jose Mourinho engineered an historic treble.

Sevilla crowned Spanish Cup kings

Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BARCELONA, Spain (AFP) - FC Sevilla prevented Atletico Madrid from celebrating a cup double on Wednesday as they beat the recently-crowned Europa League champions 2-0 to take the King's Cup here for the fifth time in their history and second in four years.

Russian billionaire promises to make basketball history

Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW YORK (AFP) - Down at heel basketball team the New Jersey Nets needs money and charm - and its colorful new owner, Russian oligarch Mikhail Prokhorov, is unloading Siberia-sized amounts of both.

Chicchi wins Tour of California fourth stage

Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MODESTO, California (AFP) - Liquigas rider Francesco Chicchi emerged from a mass sprint to win the 195.5 km fourth stage of the Tour of California as David Zabriskie retained the overall lead.

Zabriskie wins third stage of Tour of California

Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SANTA CRUZ, California (AFP) - American David Zabriskie captured the third stage of the Tour of California, edging out Michael Rogers in a close finish to grab the overall lead.

Grosso shock as Lippi trims World Cup squad to 28

Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ROME (AFP) - Juventus left-back Fabio Grosso was the shock victim as Italy coach Marcello Lippi cut two players from his pre-World Cup squad on Tuesday.

Italy doesn't respect me, complains Mourinho

Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ROME (AFP) - Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho refused to speculate on his future but did explain on Tuesday why he is unhappy in Italy.

S.Africa and FIFA combat World Cup ticket touts

Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - South Africa's trade minister warned football fans on Monday against purchasing World Cup tickets from touts or other unauthorised vendors, saying buyers could lose their money.

Kobe powers Lakers past Suns in NBA semi-final

Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Kobe Bryant, showing no rust after a week without practice, scored 40 points and the Los Angeles Lakers ripped Phoenix 128-107 in the opener of the NBA Western Conference playoff finals.

Aussie's Lancaster seizes Tour of California lead

Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SANTA ROSA, California (AFP) - Australian Brett Lancaster has outraced his rivals over the final meters to capture the rain-soaked second stage of the Tour of California and claim the overall race lead.

Federer, Nadal braced for French Open showdown

Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MADRID (AFP) - Roger Federer shrugged off his Madrid Masters final defeat against Rafael Nadal and insisted it's all to play for at the French Open where he is the defending champion.

Inter celebrate Serie A title, but with one eye on Bayern

Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ROME (AFP) - Inter Milan players vowed to celebrate their fifth straight Serie A crown following Sunday's 1-0 win at Siena but their thoughts turned quickly to the Champions League final.

Barcelona retain La Liga crown

Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MADRID (AFP) - Barcelona made it four league titles in six seasons as they retained the La Liga crown on the final day of the season with a 4-0 win over Valladolid on Sunday to finish three points ahead of arch-rivals Real Madrid.

Chelsea eyes Champions League after double glory

Sun, 16 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - Carlo Ancelotti believes Chelsea can follow their historic double by finally ending the club's long wait to win the Champions League.

Inter on brink of second step in historic treble

Sun, 16 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ROME (AFP) - After nine months and 37 matches the Serie A title race has come down to one last game with Inter Milan leading AS Roma by two points.

Federer, Nadal set-up dream Madrid final

Sun, 16 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MADRID (AFP) - Rafael Nadal fears the huge game of Roger Federer in Sunday's final of the Madrid Masters after the elite rivals set up a re-run of their 2009 title match which was won by the world number one Swiss.

Montreal add reigning NHL champ Penguins to upset list

Thu, 13 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

PITTSBURGH (AFP) - Montreal built a four-goal cushion with the help of two power play goals, advancing to the Stanley Cup semi-finals with a stunning game seven upset of reigning champ Pittsburgh.

Nadal, Murray pleased after opening Madrid tennis wins

Thu, 13 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MADRID (AFP) - Former champions Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray both booked their passage to the third round of the Madrid Masters on Wednesday as the countdown to Roland Garros began to heat up.

Forlan's late strike gives Atletico Europa League title

Thu, 13 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

HAMBURG, Germany (AFP) - Atletico Madrid won the inaugural final of the Europa League on Wednesday as Diego Forlan struck an extra-time goal that broke Fulham's hearts and secured a 2-1 win.

Scholes snub for England opens door for Cole

Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - Paul Scholes's decision to turn down the chance of a World Cup recall for England may have secured Joe Cole's seat on the plane to South Africa.

Tennis ace Federer boosts confidence with opening win

Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MADRID (AFP) - World number one Roger Federer shrugged off his surprise loss in the Estoril semi-finals last weekend and defeated Germany's Benjamin Becker 6-2, 7-6 (7/4) to reach the third round at the Madrid Masters on Tuesday.

Ronaldinho and Adriano omitted from Brazil's World Cup squad

Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

RIO DE JANEIRO (AFP) - There was no place for Ronaldinho or Adriano in Brazil coach Dunga's 23-man squad for the World Cup, which was announced on Tuesday, though, Ronaldinho still has a slight hope as he was named on a seven player reserve list.

Rooney completes awards hat-trick

Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has completed a hat-trick of awards after being named as the Premier League's player of the year by sponsors Barclays.

Orlando sweep into NBA Eastern Conference finals

Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ATLANTA, Georgia (AFP) - The Orlando Magic swept into the NBA Eastern Conference finals, finishing off a lopsided series against Atlanta with a 98-84 victory on the Hawks' home floor.

Nadal stunned by Federer loss on clay

Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MADRID (AFP) - Roger Federer's semi-final exit in Estoril came as a major surprise to Rafael Nadal, though the Spaniard tried to play down the effects of the defeat with both men headlining at the Madrid Masters.

Totti saves Roma to set up grand Italian league finale

Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ROME (AFP) - Two late goals from Francesco Totti gave AS Roma a nervy 2-1 victory at home to Cagliari on Sunday and ensured the Serie A title will be decided on the final day of the season.

Ancelotti vows to maintain Chelsea winning streak

Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - Carlo Ancelotti warned that his work in English football has only just begun as he savoured clinching the Premier League title at the first attempt.

US baseball workouts begin for Japan's 'Knuckle Princess'

Sun, 09 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

CHICO, California (AFP) - Eri Yoshida, the 18-year-old Japanese pitcher set to make her US minor-league baseball debut later this month, will begin pre-season workouts Sunday for her new club, the Chico Outlaws.

Magic stretch NBA win streak to 13 by ripping Hawks

Sun, 09 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ATLANTA, Georgia (AFP) - Reigning Eastern Conference champion Orlando moved within one victory of returning the NBA East finals by routing Atlanta 105-75 on Saturday, the Magic stretching its win streak to 13 games.

La Liga goes to wire as Barca and Real both win

Sun, 09 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MADRID (AFP) - The Spanish league title will go down to a thrilling final day of the season with champions Barcelona holding a one-point lead over Real Madrid after a tense 3-2 win at 10-man Sevilla on Saturday.

Marseille crowned French league champions

Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

PARIS (AFP) - Marseille clinched their first French league title in 18 years on Wednesday after beating Rennes 3-1.

er Milan beat Roma to win Italian Cup trophy

Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ROME (AFP) - Inter Milan secured the first trophy in their historic treble quest as they beat AS Roma 1-0 at the Stadio Olimpico here on Wednesday.

Suns defend home court with win over Spurs

Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

PHOENIX, Arizona (AFP) - Phoenix shrugged off a sluggish start to beat San Antonio 110-102 Wednesday, protecting their home court as they took a 2-0 lead in their NBA Western Conference semi-final playoff series.

Messi brace pushes Barcelona closer to Spanish league title

Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MADRID (AFP) - Lionel Messi netted his 30th and 31st league goals of the season as Barcelona inched closer to retaining their La Liga title with a 4-1 home win over relegation-threatened Tenerife at Camp Nou on Tuesday.

Murray to defend Queen's title

Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - British number one Andy Murray confirmed on Tuesday that he will warm up for his latest bid to win Wimbledon by defending his title at Queen's Club.

Irate Mourinho demands respect for Inter

Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ROME (AFP) - Enraged Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho hit out at AS Roma president Rosella Sensi on Tuesday ahead of the pair's meeting in the Coppa Italia final on Wednesday, demanding respect for his team.

FIFA gives S.Africa's World Cup workers free tickets

Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - Construction workers who built South Africa's stadiums for the 2010 FIFA World Cup were on Monday given free tickets by the organisers to watch the games.

Celtics rout Cavaliers to level NBA playoff series

Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

CLEVELAND, Ohio (AFP) - Ray Allen scored 22 points points and the Boston Celtics beat Cleveland 104-86 on Monday to even their best-of-seven second round NBA Eastern Conference playoff series at one victory each.

Blackburn stun Gunners with comeback win

Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BLACKBURN, England (AFP) - Blackburn Rovers came from behind to beat Arsenal 2-1 at Ewood Park on Monday and leave third place in the English Premier League up for grabs.

Fergie admits United's league title chances fading

Mon, 03 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SUNDERLAND, England (AFP) - Sir Alex Ferguson admits Manchester United are "clutching at straws" in their bid to win the Premier League for a record fourth consecutive time.

Awesome Nadal continues tennis domination

Mon, 03 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ROME (AFP) - Rafael Nadal breezed to a fifth Rome Masters title in six years and then revealed that he is losing none of the fire that has seen him dominate clay tennis since 2005

Ancelotti bottles emotions, Chelsea close on title

Mon, 03 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LIVERPOOL, England (AFP) - Carlo Ancelotti kept his feet firmly on the ground after Chelsea moved to the brink of claiming the Premier League title with a 2-0 win over Liverpool.

Borel pilots Super Saver to Kentucky Derby triumph

Sun, 02 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (AFP) - Calvin Borel guided Super Saver through the mud to victory in the 136th Kentucky Derby to give trainer Todd Pletcher his first Derby win after 24 fruitless attempts.

Spurs, Man City relishing fight for fourth

Sun, 02 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - Spurs will go all-out to beat Manchester City in their clash for fourth place, Harry Redknapp said, while his opposite number Roberto Mancini refused to say his job depended on a win.

Federer to start from scratch at Estoril Open

Sun, 02 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ESTORIL (AFP) - Roger Federer will get his second chance at a respectable start to the Roland Garros clay run-up when the world number one plays as top seed at the Estoril Open which starts Sunday.

Montreal Canadiens win NHL series vs Washington

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Montreal goaltender Jaroslav Halak was superb as the Canadiens completed a stunning comeback over the top-seeded Washington Capitals to advance in the National Hockey League playoffs.

Benitez expects Anfield passion to ignite Liverpool

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LIVERPOOL, England (AFP) - Rafael Benitez expects Liverpool to produce another memorable Anfield comeback in their Europa League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid on Thursday.

10-man Inter stun Barca, face Bayern in Champions League final

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BARCELONA (AFP) - Inter Milan reached the Champions League final on Wednesday, beating Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate in their semi-final despite losing the second leg 1-0 and playing an hour of the game with 10 men.

Robertson roars towards semis as Davis struggles

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SHEFFIELD, England (AFP) - Neil Robertson was on the brink of a place in the semi-finals at the World Championship as the Australian ended Tuesday with a 12-4 lead in his quarter-final against six-time champion Steve Davis.

Celtics book quarter-final date with Cavaliers

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

CLEVELAND, Ohio (AFP) - Antawn Jamison had 25 points, LeBron James finished just shy of a triple-double and the Cleveland Cavaliers punched their ticket to the quarter-finals by beating Chicago 96-94 on Tuesday.

Bayern ease into Champions League final

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LYON, France (AFP) - Arjen Robben said he was looking forward to reacquainting himself with the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu after Bayern Munich booked their place in this season's Champions League final.

Gulbis sets up Federer clash as Ferrero crashes in Rome tennis

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ROME (AFP) - Latvia's Ernests Gulbis took little more than an hour to dispose of Cypriot Marcos Baghdatis 6-2, 6-2 at the Rome Masters here Monday to set up a second round clash with world number one Roger Federer.

Barca can pass way to victory, says Ibrahimovic

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BARCELONA (AFP) - Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is confident that if his side are faithful to their style of football then they do not need to be worried about the physical threat from Inter Milan and can turn around their Champions League semi-final tie.

Lyon, Bayern face off in Champions League semi-final

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LYON, France (AFP) - Trailing 1-0 ahead of the conclusion of their Champions League semi-final with Bayern Munich on Tuesday, Lyon are keen to prove their worth following a meek performance in the first leg.

Kaka returns as Real stay on Barca's shoulders

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MADRID (AFP) - Brazilian super-sub Kaka ended a six-week injury absence by grabbing the winner for Real Madrid in a 2-1 victory over Zaragoza on Saturday which kept his side on the shoulders of Barcelona at the top of La Liga.

Kessler takes Froch's world boxing title

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

COPENHAGEN (AFP) - Britain's Carl Froch lost his WBC super-middleweight title on Saturday when he was outpointed by Denmark's Mikkel Kessler.

Nelson powers Magic to verge of NBA East playoff win

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (AFP) - Jameer Nelson scored 32 points and the Orlando Magic edged Charlotte 90-86, moving to the brink of sweeping their best-of-seven first-round NBA playoff series.

United top Premiership as Spurs pay penalty

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - Ryan Giggs scored two penalties as reigning champions Manchester United returned to the top of the English Premier League with a 3-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Coach praises 10-man Bayern for downing Lyon

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MUNICH, Germany (AFP) - Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal praised his side for their 1-0 win over Lyon in Wednesday's Champions League semi-final, first-leg, as both sides finished with ten-men.

Magic take 2-0 lead over Bobcats in NBA East playoffs

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ORLANDO, Florida (AFP) - Vince Carter shot nine-of-11 from the free throw line and finished with 19 points as Orlando beat Charlotte 92-77 to take a 2-0 lead in their first round NBA playoff series.

Dazzling Inter stun Barca to take Champions League semi-final lead

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MILAN (AFP) - Inter Milan produced a stunning performance to beat holders Barcelona 3-1 in the Champions League semi-final, first leg at the San Siro on Tuesday.

Bayern to clash with Lyon in Champions League semi

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MUNICH, Germany (AFP) - Fresh from squeezing past Manchester United in the quarter-final, Bayern Munich are cautiously confident ahead of Wednesday's semi-final, first leg, Champions League clash against Lyon.

Tennis ace Hewitt makes winning Barcelona return

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BARCELONA, Spain (AFP) - Lleyton Hewitt returned to the Barcelona Open for the first time since 2002 with an opening-round 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 defeat of Turk Marsel Ilhan on Tuesday.

This is not the Champions League 'real' final: Mourinho

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MILAN (AFP) - Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho on Monday denied that their Champions League semi-final against holders Barcelona is the 'real' final, insisting that would be disrespectful to Lyon and Bayern Munich.

China denies forced technology transfer charges

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BEIJING (AFP) - China on Thursday denied US charges that it unfairly forces foreign firms to transfer technology as the price of admission to its huge market, saying its policies were in line with world trade rules.

New British lender Metro Bank opens first branch

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - Metro Bank, Britain's first new high street lender for more than 100 years, opens its first branch to the public Thursday in a move aimed at shaking up the country's retail banking sector.

British PM to push Indian leaders on open trade

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW DELHI (AFP) - British Prime Minister David Cameron will push Indian leaders Thursday to strengthen trade ties on the second leg of a visit marked by his warning to Pakistan about promoting the "export of terror."

TNK-BP profits soar as Hayward awaits Russian exile

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MOSCOW (AFP) - TNK-BP, the Russian joint venture of BP and one of the British group's crown jewels, revealed soaring profits on Tuesday as it emerged that outgoing BP chief Tony Hayward was set to become a director at the firm.

Air France-KLM returns to profit, sees break-even this year

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

PARIS (AFP) - Air France-KLM said Tuesday it returned to profit in its first quarter and forecast a break-even operating performance for its current year to March 2011, excluding the impact of April flight chaos caused by the Iceland volcano dust cloud.

New BP CEO vows sweeping safety improvements

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - BP's new chief executive, Bob Dudley, vowed Tuesday to "change the culture" of how the company tackles safety issues in the wake of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster.

Payoff row looms as spill-tainted BP boss set to leave

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - The expected imminent departure of BP chief executive Tony Hayward threatened to create a new transatlantic row over a payout up to 18.5 million dollars following the environmental disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.

Google ends ties with two Chinese advertisers

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BEIJING (AFP) - Google has parted ways with two Chinese advertisers, it said Tuesday, in the latest potential setback for the company after its standoff with China's government over censorship.

Central bankers agree on new bank standards

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

PARIS (AFP) - The world's top central bankers and regulators said Monday they had reached broad agreement on new standards to make sure the banking system could face any new financial crisis with confidence.

Asia markets push higher after Europe 'stress tests'

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TOKYO (AFP) - Asian stock markets mostly rose on Monday, finding reassurance in Europe's banking stress tests and a strong performance on Wall Street, despite worries about the patchiness of the global recovery.

Hayward expected to resign as BP looks to rebuild

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - BP will sacrifice embattled chief executive Tony Hayward within days as it tries to rebuild its image in the aftermath of the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster, reports said Sunday.

Venezuela's Chavez threatens to cut off US oil

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

CARACAS (AFP) - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez threatened to cut off oil supplies to the United States if it supports a Colombian military attack on Venezuela and warned Washington to stay out of the crisis.

Russian farmers suffer 'catastrophe' in baking heat

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MOKRYE KURNALI, Russia (AFP) - Russian farm owner Ilshat Gumerov stands in the middle of his fields under the mercilessly hot sun with a look of despair on his face.

BP to start drilling for oil off Libya within weeks

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - BP will start drilling off the Libyan coast in a few weeks, it said Saturday, despite lingering questions over the deal which led to the exploration and the oil firm's role in the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Hamas thrives in Gaza's besieged economy

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

GAZA CITY, Palestinian Territories (AFP) - The tranquil lawns of the seaside Garden Resort are a high-end oasis in the impoverished Gaza Strip -- and a new source of income for the Hamas-linked charity that owns it.

Spain's Santander mulls listing British operations

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - Santander, Spain's biggest bank, hopes to list its British operations on the London Stock Exchange in a move that could raise three billion pounds, a report said Thursday.

Bernanke warns of 'uncertain' economic outlook

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke warned the outlook for the US economy was "unusually uncertain", saying the central bank could step in if the recovery fails.

China's Huawei denies stealing Motorola technology

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BEIJING (AFP) - Chinese telecoms maker Huawei Technologies on Thursday rejected allegations by Motorola that it had stolen technology secrets from the US mobile phone giant over the past decade.

Apache to buy BP assets in US, Canada, Egypt

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW YORK (AFP) - US energy firm Apache said on Tuesday it had agreed to buy from British rival BP oil and gas assets in the United States, Canada and Egypt for seven billion dollars.

Apple posts big quarter on iPad, iPhone, Mac sales

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) - Strong debuts for the iPad tablet computer and the new iPhone powered gadget maker Apple to a record quarter which blew past the expectations of Wall Street analysts.

Apple posts big quarter on iPad, iPhone, Mac sales

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) - Strong debuts for the iPad tablet computer and the new iPhone powered gadget maker Apple to a record quarter which blew past the expectations of Wall Street analysts.

Yahoo! shares slide as revenue falls short

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) - Yahoo! shares fell sharply on Tuesday as quarterly revenue growth of two percent fell short of the expectations of Wall Street analysts.

Samsung dismisses Apple's claims on smartphones

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SEOUL (AFP) - South Korean cellphone manufacturer Samsung Electronics Tuesday dismissed claims by iPhone maker Apple that all smartphones suffer dropped signals when held in a certain way.

AIA wants to split from US parent: report

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

HONG KONG (AFP) - American International Assurance (AIA), the Asian unit of US insurance giant AIG, is trawling for investors so it can split from its troubled parent as soon as possible, a report said Tuesday.

Airbus will not cut price to win US tanker bid: EADS

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - European aircraft manufacturer Airbus will not slash prices as it battles US rival Boeing for a 40-billion-dollar US Air Force contract, the head of its parent company EADS said Sunday.

Europe gets a breather before bank stress tests

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BRUSSELS (AFP) - The markets have given Europe some respite in its struggle against debt but the EU faces a moment of truth this week with tests that will show whether banks can survive a new economic cataclysm.

Germany tries discrimination-busting 'blind' hiring

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BERLIN (AFP) - Germany revelled in its multicultural national team at the World Cup this month but still has a long way to go in its labour market, according to the sponsors of a radical new trial hiring scheme.

Wall Street overhaul on track for final approval

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Spurred on by US President Barack Obama, Democrats in the US Senate set the stage Tuesday for final passage this week of sweeping legislation to rewrite the rules on Wall Street.

Intel posts 'best quarter' ever

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW YORK (AFP) - Intel blew past the expectations of Wall Street analysts on Tuesday as the world's biggest computer chip-maker posted its best quarter ever on stronger demand for servers and personal computers.

Facebook dismisses ownership suit as 'frivolous'

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Facebook rejected as "frivolous" a lawsuit filed by a New York man who claims he owns an 84 percent stake in the social network.

Chinese consortiums eye AIA takeover: report

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

HONG KONG (AFP) - At least four consortiums made up of private Chinese investors have approached US insurance giant AIG to acquire its Asian unit AIA, a Hong Kong newspaper reported Tuesday.

Asia must brace for possible economic shocks: IMF

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

DAEJEON, South Korea (AFP) - Asian financial policymakers must brace for possible further shocks given risks to the global economy such as the eurozone turmoil, the International Monetary Fund chief said Monday.

European banks mull 20-bln-euro private bailout fund

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - Several European banks are considering the establishment of a 20-billion-euro private sector recovery fund that could bail out financial institutions, the head of UniCredit bank told a paper Monday.

China's exports soar despite Euro-US malaise

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BEIJING (AFP) - China said Saturday its exports continued to soar in June, as demand for Chinese-made goods remained robust despite Europe's financial woes and a tepid US recovery.

Oil companies reeling from drilling moratorium uncertainty

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW YORK (AFP) - Fed up with the uncertainty surrounding offshore drilling following the Gulf of Mexico disaster, oil companies are considering increasing their inland exploration activities or venturing abroad.

Greece faces strike chaos as MPs reform pensions

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ATHENS (AFP) - Greece faced a general strike Thursday after deputies approved a bill on the reform of the private-sector pension system, voting to raise the retirement age from 60 to 65.

IMF raises global growth forecast

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

HONG KONG (AFP) - The IMF raised Thursday its global growth forecast for this year despite renewed financial turbulence stemming from an European debt crisis that has sharply raised potential risks.

Volkswagen plans new motor plant in North America

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

PUEBLA, Mexico (AFP) - Volkswagen, Europe's largest automaker, plans to build a new motor plant in North America, a spokesman said on Tuesday at the inauguration of an extension to its Mexico plant.

China signs major deal to build Nigeria refinery

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LAGOS (AFP) - China has signed a deal to build an eight-billion-dollar refinery in Nigeria, a government official said on Tuesday, in a fresh example of Beijing's aggressive investment in Africa.

Spotlight on bank tests as ECB readies rate meeting

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

FRANKFURT (AFP) - The European Central Bank on Thursday will urge eurozone banks and governments to shore up their accounts in the face of market pressure for a clear reading on the health of the European financial sector.

Half of Greeks oppose pension reforms: survey

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ATHENS (AFP) - Half of all Greeks oppose pension reforms that parliament is set to approve this week, but almost as many say the cuts are necessary, according to a newspaper poll published on Sunday.

Half of Greeks oppose pension reforms: survey

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ATHENS (AFP) - Half of all Greeks oppose pension reforms that parliament is set to approve this week, but almost as many say the cuts are necessary, according to a newspaper poll published on Sunday.

Deutsche Bahn plans to invest record $51 bln

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BERLIN (AFP) - Germany's state-owned rail operator Deutsche Bahn plans to make the biggest investment in its history between now and 2014, a company official told the Berliner Zeitung on Saturday.

Oil spill claims arriving faster than BP can pay them

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (AFP) - New claims against BP from the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico are pouring in more than twice as fast as the British energy giant is paying them out, US officials said.

Google's search engine remains blocked in China

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BEIJING (AFP) - Google's web search engine in China remained partially blocked Thursday, as the deadline for renewal of its licence to operate in the world's largest online market passed with no word from Beijing.

Toyota warns of Lexus engine defect in Crown model

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TOKYO (AFP) - Toyota Motor warned on Thursday of an engine fault worldwide in eight models of its luxury Lexus and Crown sedans, potentially requiring a recall that could affect up to 270,000 units.

Australia offers 'watershed' mining tax compromise

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SYDNEY (AFP) - Australia has offered mining companies a "watershed" compromise on a controversial new tax which helped trigger last week's dramatic change of prime minister, a report said Wednesday.

China's AgBank starts world-record IPO

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

HONG KONG (AFP) - Agricultural Bank of China on Wednesday kicked off a share offer worth a world-record 23.2 billion dollars as China strives to develop depressed regions in the rural lender's heartland.

IMF chief says yuan still too low

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The head of the International Monetary Fund has said that China's yuan was still undervalued, despite its central bank's pledge to make its exchange rate more flexible.

BP denies Hayward to resign as oil disaster costs soar

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - BP denied on Monday that its under-fire chief executive Tony Hayward was set to resign over the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, after revealing that the crisis has so far cost 2.65 billion dollars.

China gives in to G20, sets strong yuan rate

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BEIJING (AFP) - China set the strongest yuan exchange rate in years on Monday after Beijing came under renewed pressure at the Group of 20 summit over the weekend to let the currency appreciate.

Back from the dead, Saab is ready for its revenge

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TROLLHAETTAN, Sweden (AFP) - Three months ago, at the Saab factory in southwestern Sweden, the lights were off, silence filled the air and the scoreboard keeping track of the day's production posted a big fat zero.

US, Britain both want 'strong and stable' BP

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TORONTO (AFP) - US President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron agreed BP should "remain a strong and stable company" after meeting ahead of the G20 summit in Toronto, Downing Street said.

Japan: China should join G8 talks 'time to time'

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TORONTO, Canada (AFP) - China should be invited to join in discussions of the Group of Eight industrialized nations "from time to time," the spokesman for Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan said.

Spanish EU presidency marred by economic crisis

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MADRID (AFP) - Spain's ambitious presidency of the EU was eclipsed by the European debt crisis which thrust the country's fragile economy into the global spotlight and weakened the Spanish government, analysts said.

US judge tosses out Viacom copyright suit against YouTube

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - A US judge Wednesday threw out a copyright lawsuit filed against YouTube by US entertainment giant Viacom, handing the Google-owned video site a major legal victory in a closely watched case.

US sets out G20 battle lines

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - A simmering economic row between the United States and Europe showed little sign of abating, as Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner insisted the economic recovery must take precedence over budget cuts.

Russia cuts Belarus gas by 60 percent

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MOSCOW (AFP) - Russia on Wednesday cut Belarus's gas supply by 60 percent, Gazprom chief executive Alexei Miller said in televised remarks, as a gas payment feud between Moscow and Minsk entered a third day.

Gazprom cuts Belarus gas supply by 30 percent

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MOSCOW (AFP) - Russia on Tuesday reduced natural gas supplies to Belarus by 30 percent after Minsk failed to settle a debt, Gazprom chief executive Alexei Miller said

China takes first step to honour yuan pledge

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BEIJING (AFP) - China took the first step Tuesday towards honouring a vow to let its currency float more freely, as US complaints that Beijing is stealing an unfair trade edge intensify heading into a G20 summit.

Russia reduces Belarus gas supply over debt

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MOSCOW (AFP) - Russia cut natural gas supplies to Belarus on Monday after Minsk failed to settle 200 million dollars in arrears, Gazprom's chief said, brandishing again its energy clout and raising the spectre of supply disruption to Europe.

Europe to crack whip on debts under Spain pressure

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BRUSSELS (AFP) - Europe's leaders will crack the whip Thursday on excessive government borrowing, laying the foundations for cross-border economic government, as Spain comes under pressure.

BP readies war chest as spill costs mount

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Embattled oil giant BP froze payments to shareholders and announced plans to offload billions of dollars in assets, as it faced mounting costs from the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Hong Kong to probe why record flat sale fell though

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

HONG KONG (AFP) - Hong Kong officials said Wednesday they will look into the controversial sale of a luxury flat that fell through months after its developer said it had snatched world-record price.

France to raise retirement age from 60 to 62

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

PARIS (AFP) - The French government will raise the retirement age from 60 to 62, Labour Minister Eric Woerth announced Wednesday as he unveiled a sweeping overhaul of the pensions system.

Greece optimistic ahead of EU, IMF visit

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ATHENS (AFP) - Greek politicians were optimistic ahead of a visit Monday by experts from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund to check the government's progress implementing its tough austerity plan.

Eurozone debt fears force France to pay higher rates

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

PARIS (AFP) - Fears that the eurozone debt crisis could hit even the stronger member countries means that France has been forced to pay higher rates to raise fresh funds in the financial markets, analysts said.

Japan's Q1 annualised growth revised up to 5.0%

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TOKYO (AFP) - Japan's annualised economic growth in the January-March period was revised higher to 5.0 percent from an initial estimate of 4.9 percent, official data showed Thursday.

Ex-boss brands Kerviel liar at fraud trial

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

PARIS (AFP) - Jerome Kerviel took risks "no bank in the world could take" and lied to hide billions lost in risky deals, one of his former bosses from Societe Generale said Wednesday at the ex-trader's trial.

IMF warns Asia of spillovers from European crisis

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SINGAPORE (AFP) - The IMF warned Asia Wednesday of the potential spillovers of the European debt crisis, saying it could dampen trade, make capital flows volatile and overheat economies in the region.

Rising China wages may end cheap labour: experts

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BEIJING (AFP) - The days of endless cheap labour in the "workshop of the world" could be numbered as a shortage of workers and government fears of social unrest drive up wages in China, experts say.

Bank of England set to sit tight despite inflation

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - The Bank of England is set to keep its key interest rate at a record-low 0.50 percent on Thursday after a meeting of policymakers despite higher-than-expected inflation, analysts said.

Spanish public workers strike against government cuts

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MADRID (AFP) - Spain's civil servants went on strike Tuesday to protest government cuts to their salaries as part of a plan to rein in a ballooning public deficit that has rattled global financial markets.

Foxconn parent suffers share slump, protests

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

© AFP
TAIPEI (AFP) - The parent of Taiwanese IT giant Foxconn took a market beating Tuesday after announcing hefty wage hikes in response to several factory suicides in China, as labour activists heckled its annual meeting.

AT&T in talks on buying stake in Reliance: WSJ

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW YORK (AFP) - US telecom giant AT&T is in informal discussions with Reliance Communications Ltd. about taking a significant minority stake in the Indian cellphone company, The Wall Street Journal has reported.

Japan's new PM faces stagnant economy, debt mountain

Sun, 06 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TOKYO (AFP) - In his first speech after taking charge of the world's second-biggest economy last week, Japan's new Prime Minister Naoto Kan identified his biggest challenge: ending two decades of stagnation.

G20 vows to mend budgets, shies from bank tax

Sun, 06 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BUSAN, South Korea (AFP) - Market convulsions sparked by Europe's debt crisis show that major hurdles to global economic recovery remain, G20 nations said Saturday while vowing to fix their fiscal houses.

Microsoft sticks up for Windows operating system

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) - Microsoft has publicly defended Windows in the face of unconfirmed reports that Google was shunning the operating system due to security concerns.

BP says US oil disaster cost one billion dollars

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - BP revealed Tuesday that the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico had cost it almost a billion dollars, sparking a 13-percent plunge in its shares after the latest attempt to fix the leaking well failed.

AIG refuses to change conditions of AIA sale

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - US insurer AIG said Tuesday it had refused to modify the conditions for the sale of its AIA Asian unit to British rival Prudential, which had asked for the price to be cut.

Honda offers pay-rise to Chinese plant strikers

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TOKYO (AFP) - Japanese automaker Honda said Tuesday it had offered a 24 percent pay-rise to its auto parts workers in China to bring an unprecedented strike to an end, with production partially restarting.

Europe debt crisis shows world troubles 'far from over'

Mon, 31 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

DOHA (AFP) - The sovereign debt crisis in Europe shows that the world's economic woes are "far from over" and highlights the need for reforms, the vice chairman of the World Economic Forum said on Sunday.

BA runs 'more flights than planned' despite strike

Mon, 31 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - British Airways said it had operated more flights than planned on Sunday as cabin crew started a new five-day strike with little sign of a resolution to the long-running dispute.

Japan factory output up 1.3 percent in April

Mon, 31 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TOKYO (AFP) - Japan's industrial output rose 1.3 percent in April from the previous month, official data showed Monday, as strong demand from China and emerging Asian nations continue to help buoy the economy.

Debt-hit Greece threatened with health supply freeze

Sun, 30 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ATHENS (AFP) - Greece's debt-plagued state hospitals faced a supply embargo after providers rejected Saturday a government compromise plan to repay billions of euros owed for equipment and medicine purchases.

British Airways cabin crew launch new strike

Sun, 30 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - British Airways cabin crew started a fresh five-day strike on Sunday with little sign of a breakthrough in the long-running dispute between their union and the airline.

Thousands protest Portuguese austerity plan

Sun, 30 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LISBON (AFP) - Tens of thousands of public and private sector workers took to the streets of the Portuguese capital Saturday to protest austerity measures the government has enacted to avert a Greek-style debt crisis.

Germany to work for strong euro: Merkel

Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AFP) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday her country would push "with all our strength" for a strong euro, saying Germany had been a prime beneficiary of the single European currency.

Apple dethrones Microsoft as top US tech company

Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW YORK (AFP) - Apple, maker of the Macintosh computer, the iPod, iPhone and iPad, dethroned software giant Microsoft on Wednesday as the largest US technology company in terms of market value.

Strike halts Honda's production in China

Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SHANGHAI (AFP) - Japan's Honda Motor said Thursday production at all four of its vehicle manufacturing plants in China had halted after workers at an auto parts factory went on strike.

Fed's Bernanke warns of risk to bank independence

Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TOKYO (AFP) - The chairman of the Federal Reserve Ben Bernanke mounted a staunch defence of central bank independence Wednesday, in a message tailored as much to Washington lawmakers as his Japanese hosts.

Italy approves 24 billion euro austerity drive

Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ROME (AFP) - The Italian government has approved austerity measures worth 24 billion euros for 2011-2012 in a bid to stabilise public finances.

Spanish PM vows to stay firm on cuts despite strike threat

Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MADRID (AFP) - Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said Sunday his government would hold firm on spending cuts despite pressure from unions which have threatened a general strike over the measures.

Britain's coalition sets out plan to cut record deficit

Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - Britain's new coalition government Monday sets out plans to slash government spending by 6.0 billion pounds (6.9 billion euros, 8.7 billion dollars) to reduce the nation's record deficit.

Air passengers face misery as BA strike starts

Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - British Airways cabin crew started a five-day strike Monday, throwing travel plans for thousands of passengers into disarray after last-ditch efforts to avert the action collapsed.

Bank of Spain takes over management of another savings bank

Sun, 23 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MADRID (AFP) - Spain's central bank took control on Saturday of a troubled regional savings bank for the second time since the start of the global financial crisis amid growing doubts over the country's ability to straighten its public finances.

Pope, ECB chief slam governments over debt crisis

Sun, 23 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BERLIN (AFP) - Europe's central bank chief and Pope Benedict XVI Saturday hit out at spendthrift governments and "irresponsible" speculators as investors battered the euro over fears of unsustainable debts.

BA strike talks abandoned after protestors storm building

Sun, 23 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - Last-ditch talks to try and halt a planned strike by British Airways cabin crew were on Saturday abandoned after dozens of noisy protestors stormed the building where negotiations were being held.

ECB launches new twin-towers in Frankfurt

Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

FRANKFURT (AFP) -

US Fed sees stronger economic recovery

Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - A stronger-than-expected US economic recovery will catapult growth and substantially reduce unemployment this year, minutes of the latest Federal Reserve meeting said.

Euro holds ground after rumours flood markets

Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TOKYO (AFP) - The euro held its ground in Asian trade Thursday after plunging to a four-year low on heightened anxiety over eurozone debt, as a flurry of market rumours helped cultivate a mixed trading picture.

Australia's Fortescue cites tax, suspends projects

Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SYDNEY (AFP) - Australia's Fortescue Metals put multi-billion dollar iron ore projects expected to employ thousands of people on hold on Wednesday, blaming uncertainty caused by a major new tax on mining companies.

Democrats in bid to save US financial reform

Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - US Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd made a last-minute amendment to a massive financial overhaul bill to resolve a dispute over derivatives.

Toyota to recall 12,000 Lexus vehicles: report

Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TOKYO (AFP) - Toyota Motor Corp. is to recall around 12,000 Lexus vehicles due to a steering system defect, a report said Wednesday, in the latest embarrassment to hit the Japanese auto giant.

Europe labours over rescue deal as fears linger

Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BRUSSELS (AFP) - Europe struggled to finalise a near trillion-dollar rescue fund for indebted eurozone nations Tuesday amid persistent fears a deepening crisis may derail a global economic recovery.

GM returns to profit after bankruptcy woes

Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

CHICAGO (AFP) - US auto giant General Motors reported Monday a post-bankruptcy quarterly profit for the first time in three years on the back of a jump in sales and cost cutting measures.

MySpace simplifies settings as Facebook criticised

Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - MySpace has announced plans to simplify its privacy settings as it seeks to differentiate itself from social network rival Facebook, which is under fire over its privacy practices.

Greek PM hits out at US banks over debt crisis

Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ATHENS (AFP) - Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou raised the possibility Sunday of taking legal action against US banks, saying they bear "great responsibility" for Greece's debt crisis.

WTO says Doha conclusion key to global recovery

Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MANAMA (AFP) - The conclusion of the stalled Doha Round of free trade talks is crucial to the recovery from the global financial crisis, World Trade Organization chief Pascal Lamy said on Sunday.

Euro rescue package 'just buys time': Merkel

Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BERLIN (AFP) - A trillion-dollar package to shore up ailing eurozone economies merely buys time until the deficits of certain members of the 16-member zone are cleaned up, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Sunday.

British Airways and union to hold strike talks Monday

Sun, 16 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - Britain's conciliation service Acas said it would broker talks between British Airways and the Unite union on Monday aimed at halting four planned five-day strikes.

EBRD increases 2010 growth forecasts for E.Europe

Sun, 16 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ZAGREB (AFP) - The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development said on Saturday it had increased its 2010 growth forecasts for Eastern Europe from 3.3 to 3.7 percent but warned recovery remains fragile.

India slowly gets to grips with ecommerce

Sun, 16 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MUMBAI (AFP) - Vipul Modi is a busy high court lawyer in India's financial capital Mumbai. Like many people, he uses the Internet to buy rail and airline tickets as well as pay his utility bills.

Greece draws first IMF loan for eurozone state

Thu, 13 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ATHENS (AFP) - Greece on Wednesday drew 5.5 billion euros (6.9 billion dollars) from an emergency International Monetary Fund loan, becoming the first eurozone country to be forced to resort to the IMF for aid.

Microsoft looks to 'cloud' with Office 2010

Thu, 13 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW YORK (AFP) - Microsoft released the latest update to its popular Office software on Wednesday including a Web-hosted version aimed at countering competition from emerging "cloud" products offered by Google.

HTC strikes back at Apple with patent complaint

Thu, 13 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Taiwan-based mobile phone maker HTC Corp. filed a patent infringement complaint against Apple on Wednesday seeking a ban on imports of Asian-manufactured iPhones, iPods and iPads into the United States.

Gold hits record high in Asian trade

Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

HONG KONG (AFP) - Gold hit a record high of 1,235.50 US dollars an ounce by midday in Hong Kong Wednesday, as investors sought a safe-haven over deepening concerns about the eurozone debt crisis.

Google, Verizon working on tablet computer: WSJ

Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Internet giant Google is working with US carrier Verizon Wireless on a tablet computer like Apple's iPad, The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday.

EU seeks unconditional talks with US over Boeing-Airbus row

Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - The European Union on Tuesday called for unconditional talks with the United States to resolve the Boeing-Airbus dispute over subsidies currently being heard at the World Trade Organization.

China's consumer prices, bank lending rise in April

Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BEIJING (AFP) - China said Tuesday that consumer prices and bank lending accelerated in April, fuelling fears the economy may overheat and building pressure on Beijing to hike interest rates and let its currency rise.

Angry pensioners warn of 'social revolt' in Greece

Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ATHENS (AFP) - The Greek cabinet agreed plans for an unprecedented overhaul of the pension system, which will reduce average pension payments by seven percent by 2030 and cut the top category of pensions by up to 14 percent.

Toyota set to post massive annual profit: report

Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TOKYO (AFP) - Japan's embattled auto giant Toyota will likely post an operating profit of around one billion dollars for the year to March despite worldwide safety recalls, a local newspaper reported Sunday.

Qatar may open Harrods outlet in Shanghai: report

Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - The Qatari royal family's investment arm is considering whether to open a flagship Harrods outlet in Shanghai after its acquisition of the British store, the Financial Times reported Monday.

Europe unveils trillion-dollar crisis fund

Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BRUSSELS (AFP) - Europe on Monday announced a trillion-dollar rescue package for crisis-hit euro countries backed by the IMF and central banks worldwide, sending the euro surging in Asian trade.

US probes mystery stock crash as panic spreads

Sun, 09 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW YORK (AFP) - US regulators on Saturday probed a stunning Wall Street crash that dragged the Dow Jones industrials average down almost 1,000 points in mere minutes and sparked panic on markets around the world.

Toyota set to post billion dollar annual profit: report

Sun, 09 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Qatar buys top London store Harrods

Sun, 09 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - The Qatari royal family's investment arm bought luxury British department store Harrods on Saturday, with the Qatari prime minister vowing to make the London landmark "even greater and better".

Toyota's domestic sales up 50 percent in April

Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TOKYO (AFP) - Embattled auto giant Toyota Motor's domestic sales rose 50.0 percent in April from the same time last year, despite millions of safety recalls worldwide, an industry group said Thursday.

Peugeot joint venture with China's Changan

Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SHANGHAI (AFP) - France's PSA Peugeot Citroen said Thursday it will soon issue a statement on its long-awaited joint venture with Chinese auto maker Changan Automotive Group amid reports the two have signed the deal.

Eurozone tremors rock Asian shares

Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

HONG KONG (AFP) - Fears that the eurozone debt crisis will spread continued to take their toll on Asian markets Thursday, as stocks fell and the euro hovered near one-year lows following deadly riots in Greece.

Airlines must reimburse travellers over volcano chaos: EU

Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BRUSSELS (AFP) - The European Commission and consumer groups on Tuesday increased the pressure on airlines to reimburse passengers hit by air travel chaos created by the ash cloud from an Icelandic volcano.

Nissan recalls 134,000 cars over airbag flaw

Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Japanese carmaker Nissan on Tuesday recalled more than 134,000 US cars sold under its luxury brand Infiniti amid fears that the vehicles' airbags may not deploy in a crash.

Acropolis stormed as European stocks dive

Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ATHENS (AFP) - Demonstrators stormed the Acropolis in Athens on Tuesday ahead of a general strike against austerity cuts, as the euro plunged and stock markets tumbled on fears that the Greek debt crisis could spread.

BP locked in message war over US oil spill

Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Faced with a potentially crippling PR disaster, energy giant BP is moving swiftly to fight back accusations it was responsible for one of the worst oil spills in US history.

Business jet makers ready to fly through tough year

Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

GENEVA (AFP) - Major business jet makers said on Monday that they expected another tough year for the business aviation market as it weathers a slow pick up after the economic crisis.

Europe mobilises to get aid to Greece

Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ATHENS (AFP) - Eurozone governments scrambled to get bailout money flowing to Greece as Athens pressed for huge new budget cuts and braced for strikes, and the markets looked on nervously.

Spanish crisis met with muted popular response

Sun, 02 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MADRID (AFP) - A deep recession that has led to soaring unemployment and austerity cuts has failed to spark popular anger in Spain, where the unions are reluctant to put pressure on the government, analysts say.

Greek crisis to dominate ECB Lisbon meeting: analysts

Sun, 02 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

FRANKFURT (AFP) - European Central Bank governors travel this week to Lisbon for a monthly meeting set to be dominated by the Greek crisis and fears it could spread to other countries wrestling with high deficits.

EU sugar companies big winners from CAP subsidies

Sun, 02 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BRUSSELS (AFP) - Sugar companies were among the largest beneficiaries last year of Europe's Common Agricultural Policy payments, according to statistics made public Saturday by most EU member countries.

Activision in legal battle with game developers

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) - Activision has a fight on its hands as developers behind "Modern Warfare" accuse the videogame publisher of holding them "hostage" to complete a new installment of the blockbuster franchise.

Switzerland unveils plan to tax banks for big bonuses

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ZURICH (AFP) - The Swiss government on Wednesday unveiled plans to tax big staff bonuses paid out by bank and insurance firms in an attempt to rein in "excesses" in the financial services industry.

HP buying Palm for 1.2 billion dollars

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW YORK (AFP) - US computer giant Hewlett-Packard, in a bid to become a player in the fast-growing smartphone market, said Wednesday it was buying struggling US mobile phone maker Palm for 1.2 billion dollars.

E.ON sells US subsidiary to PPL for $7.6 billion

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BERLIN (AFP) - The biggest German power company, E.ON, early Thursday announced the sale of its US subsidiary for about 7.6 billion dollars (5.75 billion euros) to American energy supplier PPL in order to boost its cash reserves.

'No question' on Greek debt restructure: Van Rompuy

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TOKYO (AFP) - EU president Herman Van Rompuy said in Tokyo on Wednesday that "there is no question about restructuring" Greece's debt, with aid negotiations well on track.

Venezuela, Brazil to sign deals on oil, power

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

CARACAS (AFP) - Hugo Chavez and his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will sign cooperation deals worth at least two billion dollars on oil and power generation, the Venezuelan president said.

US Republicans again thwart Wall Street overhaul

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Undaunted by the political risks, US Senate Republicans hung together and again thwarted Democratic efforts to start formal debate on sweeping legislation to rein in Wall Street excesses.

Obama hosts Muslim entrepreneurs

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - US President Barack Obama has laid a key plank of his strategy to mend ties with the Islamic world, hosting a summit to boost economic development in Muslim nations.

S.Korea economy grows faster than expected in Q1

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SEOUL (AFP) - South Korea's economy grew a faster than expected 1.8 percent in the first quarter thanks to a firm export performance and improved domestic demand, the central bank said Tuesday.

Wall Street overhaul bill stalls in US Senate

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Sweeping legislation to rein in Wall Street has suffered a temporary setback in the US Senate, as President Barack Obama's Republican foes defeated a push to formally take up the bill.

Murdoch's Wall Street Journal takes on New York Times

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - In one corner, The New York Times. In the other, The Wall Street Journal. The two newspaper heavyweights are poised to do battle as Rupert Murdoch's Journal challenges Arthur Sulzberger's Times on its home ground -- New York.

Greece warns speculators as it races for bailout

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Greece's resolute finance minister has warned investors that they would "lose their shirts" betting on the country's economic collapse, as he insisted a massive bailout would come in time to avoid default.

IMF official warns on Japan debt: report

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TOKYO (AFP) - A senior International Monetary Fund official warned of Japan's growing fiscal problems in an interview published Monday, describing the pace of deterioration as "pretty high".

Volcanic ash keeps Iceland airports closed

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

REYKJAVIK (AFP) - Iceland's main airport remained closed on Saturday for a second day, as ash from the volcano that shut down European airspace last week spread over the Nordic country.

China aware of need to let yuan rise: IMF

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - China recognizes the need to let its currency strengthen against the dollar and other currencies, a senior IMF official said on Saturday.

Emails show Goldman Sachs bet on housing market decline

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Goldman Sachs bet on the demise of the US housing market as the economy teetered on the brink and as the firm sold mortgage-based investments to clients, company emails released on Saturday showed.

BHP probed over Cambodia payment: reports

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SYDNEY (AFP) - Authorities in the United States are probing mining giant BHP Billiton over a 2.5 million US dollar payment related to an exploration project in Cambodia, reports said on Thursday.

Moody's downgrades Toyota credit rating

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TOKYO (AFP) - International ratings agency Moody's Thursday downgraded its credit rating for beleaguered automaker Toyota because of uncertainty over "product quality" following mass recalls.

Japan posts massive trade surplus in March

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TOKYO (AFP) - Japan posted a bigger-than-expected trade surplus of 10.2 billion dollars in March with exports surging 43.5 percent from a year earlier, official data showed Thursday

Apple net profit nearly doubles

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) - Apple proclaimed its best non-holiday quarter on record after nearly doubling its profit on "staggering" sales of iPhones and seeing legions converting to Macintosh computers.

Goldman Sachs profits surge amid fraud scandal

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW YORK (AFP) - Investment giant Goldman Sachs said its profits nearly doubled in the first quarter of 2010, a blockbuster gain eclipsed by allegations in the US and Europe that it duped investors.

German police impound bus with 1.8 million km on clock

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BERLIN (AFP) - Berlin police said Wednesday they impounded a clapped-out Latvian tour bus with 1.8 million kilometres (1.1 million miles) behind it -- enough to go to the Moon and back twice, and then back to Latvia.

Irish boy, 5, accused of stealing crisps wins pay-out

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

DUBLIN (AFP) - A five-year-old Irish boy who was wrongly accused of stealing a bag of crisps has won a 7,500-euro (9,700-dollar) pay-out from a supermarket chain, his lawyer said Wednesday.

Ansel Adams garage sale photos worth USD200m

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - An American collector has become an overnight multimillionaire after a set of 65 glass negatives he picked up at a garage sale turned out to be genuine Ansel Adams works, he and his lawyer said Tuesday.

nuqneH! Australian cave tours available in Klingon

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SYDNEY (AFP) - An Australian cave system is offering tours in Klingon, the alien language featured in cult science fiction series Star Trek, in what is believed to be a world first.

It's all ears in Australian election campaign

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SYDNEY (AFP) - Australians bored by the election campaigns of Prime Minister Julia Gillard and her challenger Tony Abbott have found a source of distraction -- the impressive ears of both leaders.

Three Poles in summer shoes rescued in Swiss Alps

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

GENEVA (AFP) - Three Polish tourists had to be rescued by helicopter from a Swiss mountain after embarking on a climbing trip wearing only summer shoes and light clothing, police said Monday.

Cloistered French nuns sign record deal

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - A closed order of French nuns have signed an album deal with Universal Music, the record label announced Sunday, after a worldwide search to find the best female singers of Gregorian Chant.

Swiss motorists help themselves to runaway melons

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

GENEVA (AFP) - Police in Switzerland were less than impressed on Saturday when motorists helped themselves to melons that fell out the back of a Spanish truck and prompted a traffic jam.

Italian police track down runaway Austrian teens

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

VIENNA (AFP) - Three Austrian teenagers who took one of their parents' cars on a 400-kilometre road trip over several days were finally tracked down Friday at an Italian beach resort, media reported.

Aussie police cast doubt on 'Facebook fugitive'

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SYDNEY (AFP) - Australian police cast doubt Friday on whether web posts by an escaped prisoner dubbed the "Facebook Fugitive," who has gained a growing following on the site, were genuine.

New York nabs bouquet-brandishing bank robber

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW YORK (AFP) - New York police Wednesday said they have arrested a suspect who robbed banks brandishing nothing more threatening than a bunch of flowers.

Shampoo slows trains in south of France

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MONPELLIER, France (AFP) - Rail traffic in the south of France suffered delays on Wednesday after a high-speed TGV passenger train hit a truck full of shampoo, police and the SNCF national rail operator said.

Mosquito flies into Taiwan TV news, chokes anchor

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TAIPEI (AFP) - A Taiwanese television presenter was hospitalised after a mosquito flew into her mouth, choking her and interrupting her live broadcast of a news programme.

Filipina maid inherits millions from employer

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SINGAPORE (AFP) - A devoted Filipina maid inherited six million Singapore dollars (more than four million US) from her late employer after more than 20 years of service, a newspaper report said Wednesday.

Aussie election debate shifted for 'Masterchef'

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SYDNEY (AFP) - Australia's election debate between the prime minister and opposition leader was Monday shifted to an earlier time slot to avoid a clash with reality TV hit "Masterchef".

'Flying donkey' shocks Russian holidaymakers

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MOSCOW (AFP) - A braying donkey attached to a parasail and sent soaring in the blue skies above the beaches of southern Russia has stunned holidaymakers and prompted a police enquiry, officials said Tuesday.

Russian bookmaker wants to lure octopus Paul

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MOSCOW (AFP) - A Russian betting firm wants to buy soothsaying World Cup octopus Paul and hire him as a bookmaker with a salary of 5,000 dollars a month, local media reported here Monday.

Paraguayan defender tries to strangle referee

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SANTIAGO (AFP) - While many footballers have thought about it, few have actually attempted it -- but Paraguayan defender Jose Pedroso went that extra step at the weekend when he actually tried to strangle the referee.

'Psychic' octopus picks Gillard as election winner

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SYDNEY (AFP) - An Australian newspaper has taken a leaf out of the football World Cup play book, unveiling its own "psychic" octopus that it says has predicted Prime Minister Julia Gillard will win next month's poll.

Swiss adopt cows for the summer

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LA LECHERETTE, Switzerland (AFP) - Most Swiss head to the beaches for their vacations, but others are opting for a rustic holiday in the mountains where they are spending time with their adopted cows over the summer.

Fat's disgusting: London sewer clean-up begins

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - A team of workers sporting breathing apparatus and carrying shovels has started clearing around 1,000 tonnes of fat from sewers around London's Leicester Square, a water company said Tuesday.

Paul the psychic octopus wins his own 'World Cup'

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BERLIN (AFP) - What do you give the global superstar who has everything? This was the dilemma facing staff at aquarium home of Paul the octopus whose knack for predicting World Cup games has catapulted him to fame.

'Vuvuzela' voted word of the World Cup

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

CAPE TOWN (AFP) - "Vuvuzela" has been voted the word of the World Cup by global linguists who said Monday the tournament will be best remember for the name of South Africa's deafening trumpet.

Psychic octopus is Paolo, not Paul, Italians say

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ROME (AFP) - It's Paolo, not Paul. Italian media claimed as their own the "psychic" octopus who accurately predicts World Cup results after his trainer in Germany on Sunday revealed he was caught in Italian waters.

Bahamas police capture 'Barefoot Bandit'

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NASSAU, Bahamas (AFP) - Fugitive burglar and Internet folk hero, the "Barefoot Bandit," was nabbed by Bahamas police Sunday after one last daring attempt to evade capture -- this time in a stolen boat.

Malaysia's 'psychic bird' picks Spain to win

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - A green parakeet in Malaysia has teamed up with Germany's Paul the octopus oracle on the forward line to predict Spain will win Sunday's World Cup final against the Netherlands, a report said.

Cops corner another runaway croc in Germany

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BERLIN (AFP) - A crocodile's break for freedom from a reptile show proved shortlived on Saturday when it was cornered at a building site in Frankfurt's financial district, police said.

Germany's 'Octopus oracle' keeps perfect record

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BERLIN (AFP) - It won't come as much of a consolation to heartbroken German fans, but at least Paul, Germany's now world-famous "Octopus oracle", has maintained his perfect record.

Giant burgers cause jaw injuries in Taiwan

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TAIPEI (AFP) - Taiwanese dentists have urged fast food chains to drop over-sized hamburgers from their menus following a growing number of jaw injury cases, a report said Thursday.

Run on German coach's 'lucky' World Cup sweater

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BERLIN (AFP) - Football-mad Germans have snapped up the "lucky" blue cashmere sweater that German coach Joachim Loew gives partial credit for his side's World Cup winning streak, a retail chain said Tuesday.

'Psychic' octopus tips Spain to beat Germany

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BERLIN (AFP) - The cries of despair from all around Germany could probably be heard in South Africa as a "psychic" octopus called Paul tipped Spain Tuesday to beat Germany in the football World Cup semi-final.

We have a 'wiener': American eats the most hot dogs

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW YORK (AFP) - American Joey "Jaws" Chestnut wolfed down 54 hot dogs in 10 minutes on Sunday to claim his fourth consecutive world title in one of the planet's most bizarre sports: competitive eating.

Brazil can't get no Jagger satisfaction

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BRASILIA (AFP) - Brazil found a scapegoat for their World Cup loss on Friday in the shape of Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger.

Patriotic cover-up has Schwarzenegger fuming

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger voiced his anger at state highway workers who painted over a patriotic mural after deeming it graffiti.

Beijing pet spas turn pooches into pandas

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BEIJING (AFP) - With pet ownership on the rise in an increasingly affluent China, savvy entrepreneurs are opening animal spas offering dogs a full makeover -- even transformation into a panda.

Kung fu hustle? Students try martial arts to ace exam

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BEIJING (AFP) - Students in central China have found a way to get a leg up on their contemporaries at the nation's all-important university entrance exam -- paying huge sums of money for a kung fu master certification.

'Mobile mosques' for Saudi fans

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

RIYADH (AFP) - If you can't beat 'em, join 'em: Saudi Arabia's religious police, who once used staves to prod people to the mosque at prayer time, are taking the mosque to football fans for the World Cup.

German octopus predicts Argentina W.Cup exit

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

OBERHAUSEN, Germany (AFP) - An octopus in Germany called Paul who has shot to stardom for his spot-on World Cup predictions forecast on Tuesday a quarter-final win by Germany over Argentina.

Tutu dangled heavenly pass for S.Africa World Cup bid

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

CAPE TOWN (AFP) - Anti-apartheid icon Desmond Tutu promised FIFA top brass a first class pass to heaven if they granted then-World Cup hopeful South Africa the host bid, a top organising official said on Monday.

Tourist French fleamarket buy holds up Eurostar

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

PARIS (AFP) - Two tourists who tried to take an old shell bought from a French fleamarket onto the Eurostar Sunday caused an hour's delay to the train when officials discovered the weapon in their luggage, police said.

Trinidad PM goes green, launches war on litterbugs

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

PORT OF SPAIN (AFP) - Trinidad and Tobago's newly elected Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar is launching a war on litterbugs in the oil-rich nation branded as one of the region's most unclean countries.

Obama and new British PM bond over beer, football

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TORONTO (AFP) - US President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron toasted the "special relationship" between their two countries Saturday, swapping bottles of beer after a World Cup bet.

Ex-sumo champ throws weight behind Argentina

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TOKYO (AFP) - Argentina's World Cup campaign won some heavyweight backing Wednesday from Japan's "bad boy of sumo" Asashoryu -- who is no stranger to football-related controversy.

Longest ever match suspended at 59-59 in final set

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - Play was suspended Wednesday in the longest tennis match ever played, exactly ten hours, as France's Nicolas Mahut and John Isner of the United States came off court at 59-59 in the final set at Wimbledon.

Canadian police track down stolen tiger, two camels

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

OTTAWA (AFP) - Canadian police tracked down a tiger and two camels stolen last week while en route to a zoo in Ontario province, an official told AFP Tuesday.

Seeing double in Bulgaria's 'twin' village

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

RUDNIK, Bulgaria (AFP) - There may not be many reasons for visitors to stray to Rudnik, a tiny village in south-east Bulgaria, but once there they could be forgiven if they think they're seeing double.

N.Korea picks the wrong game to start live broadcasts

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SEOUL (AFP) - North Korea made good on its promise to carry the World Cup clash with Portugal live but a hail of goals from the European side left the commentator speechless, South Korean media reported Tuesday.

The vuvuzela: coming to an Asian country near you

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SYDNEY (AFP) - It's the World Cup instrument that has irked the globe -- and now, the vuvuzela is coming to an Asian country near you, courtesy of an Australian retailer.

Go Australasia! Aussies claim Kiwis' Cup success

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SYDNEY (AFP) - First there was pavlova, then Phar Lap. Then Crowded House and even Russell Crowe joined the list of New Zealand creations claimed by Australia.

Sea turtle films self, becomes YouTube sensation

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MIAMI (AFP) - Move over James Cameron. A sea turtle found a waterproof camera in the Caribbean, somehow activated the device, filmed itself and is now a YouTube sensation.

Brazilian voodoo gives Argentines needle

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

RIO DE JANEIRO (AFP) - Never mind the vuvuzelas, Brazilian World Cup fans are giving rivals Argentina the needle with some voodoo 'fun.'

'Anti Vuvuzela Filter' promises quieter World Cup

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - An online company has begun marketing an "Anti Vuvuzela Filter" that promises to silence the sound of the controversial plastic trumpets that have become the trademark of South Africa's World Cup.

Slovenian PM tells students his salary is too low

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LJUBLJANA (AFP) - Slovenian Prime Minister Borut Pahor told a group of students on Friday he could barely make it through the month with his salary and had to use savings, Slovenian media reported.

Wacky World Cup bets get punters going

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - Drugs scandals, shark attacks, head-butting, insults, stamping on someone's genitals and the appearance of Jesus Christ: these are just some of the things which can be bet on at the World Cup.

World Cup team jerseys made from recycled bottles

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TAIPEI (AFP) - Nine teams competing in the World Cup will be wearing environmentally friendly jerseys made from recycled plastic bottles when the tournament kicks off in South Africa on Friday.

'Geezer bandit' strikes again in California

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - A notorious Californian bank robber nicknamed the "Geezer Bandit" because of his elderly appearance has struck for a 10th time, authorities said Tuesday.

Indonesian capital warns workers over World Cup

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

JAKARTA (AFP) - Civil servants in Indonesia's football-mad capital Jakarta have been warned of pay cuts if they turn up late to work during the World Cup, a spokesman said Tuesday.

NASA says: send your face to space

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - For those who don't have millions to pay to become a space tourist, NASA has rolled out a quirky souvenir that lets you to send your face (your picture and name, that is) blasting into space.

Poker player halts world record at 115 hours

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LAS VEGAS, Nevada (AFP) - Poker star Phil Laak halted the longest poker game in history at 115 hours early Monday, nearly two days longer than the current mark recognized as the official world record.

School house croc: Alligator captured in kids cafeteria

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MIAMI (AFP) - An alligator measuring some two meters (six feet) was captured in a Florida middle school Monday, giving students and teachers the fright of their lives as the instructional day got underway.

Aussie man punches shark, surfs to safety

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SYDNEY (AFP) - An Australian surfer fought off a large shark and then rode a wave to safety, reports said on Monday.

Aussie dogs go barking mad for a little mutt music

Sun, 06 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SYDNEY (AFP) - The glittering sails of the Sydney Opera House went to the dogs on Saturday as hundreds of pugs, poodles and pooches converged on the iconic landmark for a world-first concert for canines.

US rocket launch sparks Australia UFO frenzy

Sun, 06 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SYDNEY (AFP) - A bright spiralling light, believed by astronomers to be a rocket launched from Cape Canaveral, was spotted in skies across Australia's east coast just before dawn Saturday, sparking a UFO frenzy.

Finnish police probe theft of virtual furniture

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0000

HELSINKI (AFP) - A virtual thieving spree could have real life consequences for culprits in Finland, where police are investigating the theft of virtual furniture on a social networking site popular with teenagers.

'Blackening Plaquemines,' 'Bull Poop:' Louisianans rename BP

Mon, 31 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BELLE CHASSE, Louisiana (AFP) - From the creative to the crude, Louisianans were offering their suggestions Sunday as to what BP should now stand for as a result of its disastrous oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Aussies love Kiwis despite rivalry, says survey

Mon, 31 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SYDNEY (AFP) - Despite a neighbourly disdain which encompasses everything from sports to accents and even the weather, Australians have warmer feelings towards New Zealand than any other country, a new poll has found.

Italian fraud suspect nabbed thanks to football flaw: police

Sun, 30 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ROME (AFP) - An Italian entrepreneur accused of tax evasion was nabbed because of one thing he could not give up -- his support for Florence's football club, the country's financial police (GDF) said Friday.

Lindsay Lohan wants a Chanel alcohol tag

Sun, 30 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Troubled actress and aspiring style guru Lindsay Lohan wants Chanel to help customize an unwanted fashion accessory -- her alcohol monitoring bracelet.

Skate-jump off Eiffel Tower lands record

Sun, 30 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

PARIS (AFP) - Extreme in-line skating champion Taig Khris set a new world freefall record of 12.5 metres (41 feet) in France on Saturday when he launched himself off the Eiffel Tower onto a ramp.

Russian thieves snatch 13 tonnes of red caviar

Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SAINT PETERSBURG (AFP) - Armed robbers hijacked a lorry carrying 13 tonnes of red caviar in Russia's second city of Saint Petersburg, local police said Tuesday.

Simply the best set to win local election in Iceland

Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

REYKJAVIK (AFP) - A cheeky new party calling itself "the Best" looks set to cause a major upset in local elections in Iceland's capital Reykjavik this weekend.

NY baby's just the ticket: report

Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW YORK (AFP) - This newborn New Yorker's just the ticket -- parking ticket that is.

Hundreds summit Everest over weekend: official

Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

KATHMANDU (AFP) - More than 200 climbers reached the summit of Mount Everest at the weekend, taking advantage of good weather conditions in the final days of the climbing season, a Nepalese official said Monday.

Pac-Man play to stay at Google

Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) - Google on Monday made permanent a playable Pac-Man doodle posted in tribute to the classic arcade game's 30th birthday.

Power struggle grips world chess

Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MOSCOW (AFP) - It pitches a former world champion against the leader of the world's western-most Buddhist region who claims to have met aliens in his apartment.

Maradona to get snazzy luxury loos for World Cup

Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - Argentina coach Diego Maradona is to get luxury toilets at next month's World Cup following a special request from the Argentine Football Association, a South African newspaper said Sunday.

Power struggle grips world chess

Sun, 23 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MOSCOW (AFP) - It pitches a former world champion against the leader of the world's western-most Buddhist region who claims to have met aliens in his apartment.

Boxer scoops Cannes film dog prize

Sun, 23 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

CANNES, France (AFP) - A boxer called Boss, who sparks a deadly stampede of Friesian cows in Stephen Frears' film "Tamara Drewe," on Friday scooped the Palm Dog prize at Cannes.

Sprinter Bolt gives tips on striking a pose

Sun, 23 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SHANGHAI (AFP) - Jamaica's Usain Bolt, the world's fastest man and the unrivalled champion at striking a pose after a big win, says a signature stance is all about personality.

Financial analysts bank on England to win World Cup

Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - England will win the World Cup this summer after overcoming their traditional Achilles heel to beat Spain on penalties in the final, according to "lighthearted" analysis by JP Morgan on Wednesday.

BBC says sorry for queen death joke

Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - The BBC apologised "unreservedly" Tuesday after a radio presenter jokingly announced that Queen Elizabeth II had died.

Japan town bans public servants from growing beards

Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TOKYO (AFP) - Anyone sporting a bushy crop of facial hair need not apply for a municipal service job in the Japanese town of Isesaki -- its local government on Wednesday banned employees from growing beards.

Red faces over Ukraine's president wreath mishap

Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

KIEV (AFP) - Images of Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovych being struck by a gigantic wreath became a major Internet hit Tuesday but also caused embarrassment after allegations the presidency tried to suppress them.

Taiwan court convicts runaway groom of fraud: report

Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TAIPEI (AFP) - A Taiwanese court has convicted a runaway groom of fraud after he accepted jewellery from the woman he promised to marry, only to call off the wedding citing a "family taboo," a report said Tuesday.

'Don't trust me' says Aussie opposition leader

Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SYDNEY (AFP) - Australia's opposition leader Tony Abbott had the country's political establishment in uproar on Tuesday after an astonishing admission that voters often cannot trust what he says.

Movie mutts in Cannes dog fight

Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

CANNES, France (AFP) - The race for the top canine prize at Cannes was shaping up well Monday after Russell Crowe bedded down with an Irish wolfhound and a boxer caused a deadly stampede of Friesian cows.

British ex-minister tells successor 'there's no money left'

Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - The scale of the economic challenge facing Britain's new government was laid out in a one-sentence letter left by an outgoing minister which said: "There's no money left", it emerged Monday.

World's largest head-dress marks Palestinian 'catastrophe'

Sun, 16 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BEIRUT (AFP) - Lebanese and Palestinian activists on Saturday marked the "catastrophe" of Israel's creation by setting a record for the world's largest keffiyeh, or Arab head-dress.

Aussie valet gives Ferrari to wrong driver

Sun, 16 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SYDNEY (AFP) - An Australian man took a gleaming Ferrari for a dawn joyride Friday after mistakenly being handed the keys by a casino valet.

The Dave and Nick show as British leaders see funny side

Thu, 13 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - Britain's new coalition government is a source of some bewilderment in a country used to one-party governments -- but its two leaders seemed determined to see the funny side on Wednesday.

Greek archaeologists uncover ancient austerity

Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ATHENS (AFP) - Ancient Greeks were forced to tighten their tunics thousands of years before their descendants faced a similar fate under debt-cutting austerity measures, a senior archaeologist said on Tuesday.

Colombian presidential candidate in hunger strike

Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BOGOTA (AFP) - A Colombian presidential candidate has taken a new tack to fight his scant media coverage -- chaining himself to a statue in the capital and declaring a hunger strike.

Australian physicist spots dictionary error

Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SYDNEY (AFP) - An Australian physicist has uncovered an error in dictionary definitions that has likely stood uncorrected for a century.

'Starving yogi' astounds Indian scientists

Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

AHMEDABAD, India (AFP) - An 83-year-old Indian holy man who says he has spent seven decades without food or water has astounded a team of military doctors who studied him during a two-week observation period.

Piece of Newton's apple tree to defy gravity in space

Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - A piece of physicist Sir Isaac Newton's apple tree is to defy gravity by being carried into space on the next NASA shuttle mission.

Hair, fur, nylons join fight to hold back US oil spill

Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - One day, it was the flowing locks on a client's head; the next it was being stuffed in women's nylons and on its way to help soak up the oil that has begun to wash ashore on the US Gulf Coast.

Science lifts lid on some of football's myths and mysteries

Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

PARIS (AFP) - Football has a pedigree dating back to mediaeval England, when villagers hoofed an inflated pig's bladder around a muddy paddock.

Canada searching for national bird to rival US bald eagle

Sun, 09 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MONTREAL (AFP) - Canada is in search of a bird to name as a national symbol to rival the United States's bald eagle, the Bahama's flamingo, and New Zealand's kiwi, CBC said Friday.

World Cup police chief braced for Obama visit

Sun, 09 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

CAPE TOWN (AFP) - The World Cup's toughest security headache may be a surprise visit by President Barack Obama, South Africa's police chief said Friday, joking that he secretly hoped the US side would bow out early.

Lebanon fires 10-tonne hummus broadside at Israel

Sun, 09 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BEIRUT (AFP) - Lebanon on Saturday claimed another victory in the continuing battle with Israel over which country can make the largest plate of the chickpea delicacy hummus -- with a 10-tonne broadside.

India's colonial footwear to walk into the past?

Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW DELHI (AFP) - Heavy leather brogue shoes worn by millions of Indian school kids could become things of the past if a campaign by a leading Indian politician to get rid of the colonial relics succeeds.

Loony leader fights Cameron with insanity

Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WITNEY (AFP) - If David Cameron is to become the next prime minister, his first act will be to shake the hand of the self-confessed biggest loony in the country.

Telekom Austria turns phone boxes into car recharging stations

Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

VIENNA (AFP) - If you've run out of juice for your environmentally friendly electric car, a recharge may be only a phone call away, literally, under a new scheme unveiled by Telekom Austria here Tuesday.

Tajikistan pulls down adverts for 'harmful' mobiles

Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

DUSHANBE (AFP) - Workers in Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe on Tuesday began tearing down advertisements for mobile telephones after President Emomali Rakhmon last week criticised the devices as "harmful".

German postman 'marries' fat cat

Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BERLIN (AFP) - A German postman has married his obese and asthmatic cat Cecilia, saying he wanted to tie the knot before his elderly furry friend dies, the Bild tabloid reported on Monday.

Saudi academy to offer PhD in dreaming

Mon, 03 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

RIYADH (AFP) - Dreaming of an advanced degree? Try a doctorate in dreams, something which could soon become a reality in a new Saudi academy offering undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Slim down for promotions, Nepalese police told

Sun, 02 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

KATHMANDU (AFP) - Podgy police in Nepal must lose weight or give up any hope of being promoted under a new drive against obesity among desk-bound officers, the force has announced.

Mango tribute to India's Tendulkar

Sun, 02 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

NEW DELHI (AFP) - A new variety of mango has been named after India's record-breaking batsman Sachin Tendulkar in honour of his cricketing success, an Indian television channel reported Friday.

Marshall Islanders revive ancient navigation skills

Sun, 02 May 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MAJURO (AFP) - A Marshall Islands outrigger canoe has arrived in an outlying atoll after finishing the first long-distance voyage in the country using ancient navigation skills for 60 years.

Loch Ness monster 'beyond doubt', archives show

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - A top police officer believed that the fabled Loch Ness Monster in Scotland existed "beyond doubt", a file released from archives shows.

Escaped circus elephant squats Italian garden

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ROME (AFP) - Residents of an Italian village were surprised to find an elephant relaxing in their garden on Tuesday after she escaped from a travelling circus, the ANSA news agency reported.

Venezuela's Chavez joins Twitter

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

CARACAS (AFP) - Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez will soon join the ranks of politicians on the popular micro-blogging site Twitter, under the profile @chavezcandanga, Minister of Public Works Diosdado Cabello said Tuesday.

British charity uses fake birds to lure ospreys

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - There's no place like home, even if it is a fake one -- at least that's what a British wildlife charity hopes ospreys will think when they come across man-made nests complete with plastic birds.

Post-it, the little square that changed lives, turns 30

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

WASHINGTON (AFP) - VHS tapes and walkmans may have been firmly cast into oblivion but another 1980s invention, the Post-it Note, is marking its 30th anniversary this month as popular as ever.

LeBron sparks Cavs in rout and Wade keeps Heat in playoffs

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MIAMI (AFP) - LeBron James powered the Cleveland Cavaliers within one game of advancing in the NBA playoffs on Sunday while Miami's Dwyane Wade had a stunning performance that denied the Boston Celtics a playoff sweep.

Nadal unfazed by number three tennis ranking

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ROME (AFP) - Reigning champion Rafael Nadal insisted his number three ranking would have no affect ahead of the defence of his Rome Masters 1000 title this week.

Lufthansa invites iPhone 'loser' to Germany

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

BERLIN (AFP) - Lufthansa said on Friday that it has invited the Apple software engineer who left an iPhone prototype in a German-style beer garden in California a free trip to "pick up where you last left off."

Spanish policeman returns 6,000 euros found in metro station

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

MADRID (AFP) - An off-duty Spanish policeman returned an envelope containing 6,000 euros (8,000 dollars) in cash which a passenger lost at a Madrid subway station, the interior ministry said Friday.

Whale poo could aid climate, say Aussie scientists

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SYDNEY (AFP) - Australian scientists have discovered an unlikely element in the fight against climate change -- whale poo.

France urges prosecution for flag bottom-wiping

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

PARIS (AFP) - A photograph of a man wiping his bottom with the French flag prompted the government on Wednesday to demand criminal proceedings against the artist that produced it.

Briton 'gets Chinese accent after bad migraine'

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - A British woman has suddenly started speaking with a Chinese accent after suffering a severe migraine, she said in comments quoted by British media Tuesday.

Cookbook pulped after recipe calls for 'salt and black people'

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

SYDNEY (AFP) - It's a tiny misprint, but an Australian publisher has had to pulp a cookbook after one recipe called for "salt and freshly ground black people" to be added to the dish.

Funeral urns found at bottom of Swiss lake

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ZURICH (AFP) - Divers searching for a boat sun-shield that had fallen in Lake Zurich Sunday instead discovered thirteen funeral urns holding human ashes, Swiss police said.

'Rats ate your exams,' Nepal students told

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

KATHMANDU (AFP) - Nepalese university students awaiting results of end-of-year exams may be kept in suspense for a while longer after it emerged that many of their papers had been eaten by rats.

Airspace limits turn Zurich airport into small plane paradise

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

ZURICH (AFP) - A ban on commercial jets flying in Europe's ash cloud turned Switzerland's airport hub of Zurich into a a free playground for small plane fanatics.

Couple stranded by volcano take vows online

Sun, 18 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - A British-Australian couple's wedding guests watched them take their vows over the Internet on Saturday after the volcanic ash cloud disrupting European flights left them stranded in Dubai.

'Historic' mansion fools Hong Kong heritage inspectors

Sun, 18 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

HONG KONG (AFP) - Hong Kong government surveyors who proposed historic status for a rare Italian renaissance mansion were left embarrassed after it turned out the house was a copy of one demolished 20 years ago.

Estonians buy car to solve volcano air jam

Sun, 18 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

TALLINN (AFP) - Three Estonian businessmen bought a car to head home from the Netherlands after the cloud of ash from an Icelandic volcano forced airspace across Europe to shut, a newspaper reported Saturday.

British couple leave ageing mother-in-law in ferry port

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

LONDON (AFP) - A British man accidentally left his ageing mother-in-law in a Dover ferry port car park and only realised half way across to France, police said Wednesday.

Hong Kong paper apologises for Hu caption error

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0000

HONG KONG (AFP) - Hong Kong's leading English-language daily the South China Morning Post apologised on Wednesday after a photo caption misidentified China's President Hu Jintao as a jailed human rights campaigner.