News
Taliban, South Korea Officials Resume Hostage Negotiations
Afghanistan's Taliban insurgents and South Korean officials began a new round of talks on Thursday to secure the release of 19 Korean church volunteers, the first since two women hostages were freed this week.
Sri Lanka HIV Rate Low, but Poverty, War a Threat, says UN
Sri Lanka has one of the lowest prevalence rates of HIV in Asia, but poverty and displacement of civilians due to renewed civil war are making the island increasingly vulnerable, the United Nations said on Thursday.
WHO Praises Kenya in Fight Against Malaria
The U.N. World Health Organisation (WHO) praised Kenya on Thursday for its efforts to combat malaria, Africa's biggest killer, calling its mosquito net handouts a model for African governments.
Former Darfur Rebels say Khartoum Arming Militia
Former Darfur rebels accused Khartoum on Thursday of arming and training forces of a tribal militia who have killed 170 civilians in South Darfur in recent days, but the Sudanese army rejected the charge.
Precious Medieval Crucifix Found in Austrian Rubbish Skip
An 800-year-old, gold-plated crucifix that went missing after being seized by the Nazis has been found in a rubbish skip in Austria, police said.
New Iraq Alliance Formed to Support Shaky Government
Iraqi Kurdish and Shi'ite leaders formed an alliance on Thursday to support Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's government, but failed to bring in Sunni leaders who are crucial to national reconciliation.
Earthquakes Move Faster than Previously Thought, Study Finds
Earthquakes on long, straight faults can rupture faster than previously thought and trigger powerful shock waves that make quick-moving quakes even more destructive, according to a new study published on Thursday.
Germany Plans Energy Saving Measures to Tackle Climate Change
The German government has reached broad agreement on a number of energy savings measures as it implements a drive by Chancellor Angela Merkel to battle climate change.
Dutch Priest Fined for Early Morning Bell-Ringing
A Dutch priest has been fined 5,000 euros ($6,800) for ringing his church bells too loudly in the morning.
UN Plans Middle East and Iraq Conferences in September
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon plans to call a meeting on the future of Iraq as well as a session of the Quartet mediators on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a U.N. official said on Thursday.
New York Billboard Draws Criticism from Anti-Abortion Catholics
A New York company has angered anti-abortion activists by using the contentious issue to advertise its storage business, by showing a wire coat hanger and the slogan: "Your closet space is shrinking as fast as her right to choose."
Devastating Peru Earthquake Sparks Call for Prayer, Aid
Pope Benedict XVI offered prayers Thursday for the victims of Peru's powerful 7.9-magnitude earthquake and called for immediate assistance for the hundreds who were injured or made homeless.
Lithuania Decides to Take EU to Court over Carbon Cuts
Lithuania's government said on Thursday it took a formal decision to take the European Commission (EC) to the European Court of Justice over carbon dioxide emission allowances.
Charter to Instil Equal Rights for Religious Minorities in Pakistan
Thousands of people, including leaders of religious minority groups, unanimously accepted a 'Charter of Demands' at a rally on Saturday 11 August in Lahore, Pakistan.
Texas Megachurch Harassed for Refusing to Host Pro-Gay Memorial
A Texas megachurch is drawing fire from the homosexual community for refusing to host a gay man's memorial service, which the church says goes against its church policy.
Hurricane Dean Threatens to be Major Caribbean Storm
Hurricane Dean threatened to become a dangerously powerful storm as it plowed toward the Caribbean and aimed for Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula and the oil rigs of the Gulf of Mexico beyond, U.S. forecasters said on Thursday.