VOA标准英语2009年-Security Concerns as UN Takes Over Chad Force

The United Nations has taken charge of a multi-national protection force in eastern Chad following the end of the European Union's one-year mandate. The full U.N. force is not yet in place, raising security concerns in an area already bracing for mo

VOA标准英语2009年-New ASEAN Free Trade Pact Viewed Positively

The recently signed free-trade pact between the 10 members Association of South East Asian Nations with Australia and New Zealand is seen as a positive, as the region grapples with the global recession. Asia business executives also see the pact wit

VOA标准英语2009年-Four UN Employees Abducted in Somalia

The United Nations has confirmed that four of its workers were abducted early Monday in Waajid, in south-central Somalia. According to the U.N., the workers include three foreigners and one Somali. U.N. spokesperson Dawn Blalock said the staff membe

VOA标准英语2009年-International Justice Experts Call for War Crim

A group of prominent international war crimes experts is calling for an inquiry into the behavior of Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups during the Jewish state's recent offensive in Gaza. The group signing the open letter to U.N. Secretary

VOA标准英语2009年-Obama Announces Help for Small Business

U.S. President Barack Obama has announced new help for small business owners who have been hard hit by the economic downturn. He is taking steps to ease the credit shortage that is prompting many small businesses to cut back operations or close thei

VOA标准英语2009年-US Welcomes Easing of Pakistan Tensions

The United States on Monday welcomed the peaceful outcome of the week-long political crisis in Pakistan, saying it brought the country back from the brink of broader political upheaval. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made calls to key Pakis

VOA标准英语2009年-Russia Wants Closer Communication With OPEC

Russia says it will send a permanent observer to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, amid mounting concerns among producers about falling oil prices. Meanwhile OPEC ministers have decided to stick with current production levels. T

VOA标准英语2009年-Israel Pushes for Prisoner Swap With Hamas

Israel's outgoing government is pushing for what many describe as a lopsided prisoner swap with Palestinian militants. Israel has sent an intelligence chief and a top negotiator to Cairo in a last ditch effort to win the release of captive Israeli s

VOA标准英语2009年-EU Officials to Discuss Taking in Guantanamo De

Senior European Union officials head to Washington on Monday for a two-day trip to gain more information about Guantanamo inmates it may be asked to take in after the United States closes the detention camp in Cuba. Camp Delta Cell Block for uncoope

VOA标准英语2009年-South Korea, EU Enter 'Final' Trade Deal Negoti

South Korea and the European Union have started what they call their final round of talks in efforts to agree on a trade liberalization deal. The deal still faces serious opposition from South Korean farmers, and may require fine tuning on opening u

VOA标准英语2009年-Europe and Ukraine to Improve Natural Gas Infra

Europe and Ukraine agreed in Brussels to work together to encourage investment in Kiev's aging gas infrastructure, with Ukraine also endorsing more transparent tariffs for a system that is vital for Europe's energy needs. Ukrainian PM Tymoshenko and

VOA标准英语2009年-Tensions Flare Between Serb, Kosovo Officials a

Tensions between Serbia and Kosovo over Kosovo's independence more than a year ago,were evident at a U.N. Security Council meeting on Monday. Serbia again stated its position that it would never recognize Kosovo's independence, while Kosovo accused

VOA标准英语2009年-UN Climate Organization Warns Link Between Poll

The United Nations' World Meteorological Organization says there is a close relationship between weather-climate systems and global pollution. The organization says these relationships also affect people's health. The World Meteorological Organizati

VOA标准英语2009年-Red Cross, Meteorologists to Improve Africa Dis

The international Red Cross has signed an agreement with an African meteorology organization, hoping to better predict and respond to disasters caused by climate change. A cooperation pact signed Monday in Dakar will give the Red Cross inside access

VOA标准英语2009年-Israel's Netanyahu Closer to Forming Government

Israel's Prime Minister-designate, Benjamin Netanyahu, is closer to forming a government that will be dominated by right-wing parties that oppose giving many concessions to the Palestinians. But Mr. Netanyahu is seeking to form a broad coalition by

VOA标准英语2009年-World Markets Like US Plan to Mop Up Toxic Bank

World markets have responded positively to a public-private investment program designed to buy up hundreds of billions of dollars worth of questionable assets currently on the books of American banks. US Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner listens durin

VOA标准英语2009年-US Denies Seeking to Bypass Afghanistan's Karza

The State Department Monday rejected as nonsense a published report that says the United States and key allies want to create a new senior post in the Afghan government to bypass President Hamid Karzai. The comments came as the Obama administration

VOA标准英语2009年-Obama Administration Moves to Ease Credit Crunc

The Obama administration has announced details of a $100 billion plan to entice investors to buy up bad loans from the nations troubled banks. It is hoped the plan will help ease the credit crunch that has disrupted the American economy. President B

VOA标准英语2009年-EU Leaders Urge More Funds to Fight Global Econ

European leaders meeting in Brussels have agreed to add more than $150 billion in additional support to the International Monetary Fund and struggling eastern European countries. The pledge came Friday at the end of a two day summit. German Chancell

VOA标准英语2009年-Obama Asks for Patience With His Economic Plan

U.S. President Barack Obama spent a second day in California Thursday, promoting his economic recovery plan and asking Americans to be patient. The president also announced new aid for California's struggling homeowners. President Obama (left) with