News
UN Alerts Iraqi Refugees in Syria via Text Message
The U.N. refugee agency is alerting more than 33,000 vulnerable Iraqi refugees in Damascus through text messages on cell phones, which many of them use to keep in touch with family and friends.
WHO Investigating Deadly Unknown Illness in Congo
The World Health Organisation said on Saturday it was investigating "an outbreak of an unknown illness with a high mortality rate" in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
More Than 130,000 Hit by Floods in West Africa
Heavy flooding after torrential rains has affected more than 130,000 people in seven West African countries, with impoverished Burkina Faso, Mali and Mauritanian worst hit, the United Nations said on Saturday.
Sudan in Talks Over Return of Expelled CARE Envoy
Sudan is in talks with U.S.-based aid agency CARE on the possible return of its country director, who was expelled on Aug. 27, a Sudanese official said on Sunday.
UN Head Visits Sudan with Darfur in Focus
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon headed for Sudan on Monday to lay the groundwork for a solution to the festering Darfur conflict through talks and deployment of thousands of peacekeepers.
Millions Attempt to Rebuild Lives After South Asia Floods
Millions across South Asia are struggling to rebuild their homes, and their lives, as receding flood waters reveal the massive devastation caused by monsoon flooding in the region.
Greek Forest Fires Could be CO2 Threat
Greece's huge forest fires have been blamed by some on global warming, but satellite images of smoke plumes drifting as far as Africa prompt the question: are forests a major source of greenhouse gas?
Australian Prime Minitser in YouTube Call for Calm at APEC
Australian Prime Minister John Howard used the internet site You-Tube on Monday to sell an Asia-Pacific leaders summit in Sydney this week, ahead of expected protests against global warming and the Iraq war.
Climate, Trade Top Bush's Agenda at APEC Summit
U.S. President George W. Bush hopes to spur momentum for a world trade pact and a global target on climate change at this week's Asia-Pacific summit but the Iraq debate at home looms as a distraction.
British and Irish Priests in Ethiopia to celebrate New Millennium
Catholic priests from across Britain and Ireland are in Ethiopia this week to celebrate the new millennium according to the Coptic calendar.
Nigerian Bishop Confirms Dedication to Jesus Christ Despite Attacks
The Bishop of Jos in Nigeria, who has survived a series of attacks on his family, says he will continue to stand for the gospel, testifying that it is "worth living for" as well as "worth dying for".
South Korea Church Fights Critics Following Hostage Ordeal
South Korean hostages' church defends its decision to send members as medical volunteers to troubled Afghanistan.
Celebrated Bishop Dies Aged 89
Bishop Augustine Harris, who led the official opening of Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, has died last week, aged 89.
Al Fayed Angry over Bishop of London's Diana Comments
The Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Richard Chartres, has been heavily criticised by Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed after comments he made over Diana, Princes of Wales.
Pope: Save the Planet Before it's Too Late
Pope Benedict has led the Catholic Church's first 'eco-friendly' youth rally at the weekend, telling half a million people that world leaders must make courageous decisions to save the planet "before it is too late".
Taiwanese Film Taps Into Dark Side of Homosexuality
Homosexuals are at the mercy of "beasts" living within them, suggests a controversial new film by a respected Taiwanese filmmaker.