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Print - 2007-12-21
Bin Laden's driver is not a POW: US judge

Bin Laden's driver is not a POW: US judge

Osama bin Laden's driver is not a prisoner of war as defined by the Geneva Conventions and can be tried by a Guantanamo war crimes tribunal, a US military judge ruled in a decision made public on Thursday.
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Bush mum on CIA tapes, dismisses Criticism

Bush mum on CIA tapes, dismisses Criticism

US President George W. Bush on Thursday refused to judge the CIA's destruction of videotapes of terrorist suspect interrogations, but broadly demised criticism of US questioning tactics.
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Pakistani architect's appeal dismissed by Australian court

Pakistani architect's appeal dismissed by Australian court

A Pakistan-born architect convicted of plotting a "jihad" or holy war bombing campaign in Australia had his appeal dismissed in a Sydney court Thursday. Faheem Khalid Lodhi was sentenced to 20 years jail in August 2006 after a jury found him guilty of pla
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Al-Qaeda invites people to quiz Zawahiri

Al-Qaeda invites people to quiz Zawahiri

Al Qaeda has launched an open offer to people to quiz terror network chief Osama bin Laden's number two Ayman al-Zawahiri, according to a statement published on an Islamist website. "Anyone who would like to ask him a question must be concise and precise,
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Air France ground staff on strike at Orly airport

Air France ground staff on strike at Orly airport

Around 50 domestic flights were cancelled at Orly airport south of Paris on Thursday, as Air France ground staff staged a strike over pay and conditions, the airline said. Air France expected to operate 80 percent of its flights from Orly on Friday, a spo
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Russian railways seek help from dancing robots

Russian railways seek help from dancing robots

Russian railways want tiny robots to replace humans in difficult maintenance work, and they want Russian-made androids that can dance and talk. Prototypes of tested Russian robots "surpass foreign-produced robots with their technical characteristics," acc
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Eight killed, six hurt in Myanmar rebel attack: state media

Eight killed, six hurt in Myanmar rebel attack: state media

Eight people were killed and six injured when ethnic Karen rebels attacked a passenger bus in eastern Myanmar, official media said Thursday. Seven rebels from the Karen National Union (KNU) opened fire on the bus after it hit a landmine early Wednesday wh
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
IMF approves $744 million credit for Iraq

IMF approves $744 million credit for Iraq

The International Monetary Fund on Thursday approved a 744-million-dollar credit for Iraq just a week after the country paid off an earlier 471-million-dollar loan. "The successor arrangement is designed to support Iraq's economic program over the next 15
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Suzuki aims to make India car unit production hub

Suzuki aims to make India car unit production hub

Japan's Suzuki Motor Corp expects to make its Indian unit a major production hub and pursue an aggressive strategy to retain its dominant market share in India, the unit's new managing director said on Thursday.
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Troops uncover 'torture complex', mass graves in Iraq

Troops uncover 'torture complex', mass graves in Iraq

US and Iraqi forces found a blood-spattered "torture complex" used by insurgents and the remains of 26 people buried nearby in troubled Diyala province, the US military said Thursday.
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Import of mobile phone sets up by 34 percent

Import of mobile phone sets up by 34 percent

The import of mobile phone sets have gone up by 34 percent during October 2007 as compared to September 2007, according to officials statistics. The country''s import of mobile phone sets during October 2007 stood at $66.447 million as compared to $49.689
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Import of mobile phone sets up by 34 percent

Import of mobile phone sets up by 34 percent

The import of mobile phone sets have gone up by 34 percent during October 2007 as compared to September 2007, according to officials statistics. The country's import of mobile phone sets during October 2007 stood at $66.447 million as compared to $49.689
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Import of mobile phone sets up by 34 percent

Import of mobile phone sets up by 34 percent

The import of mobile phone sets have gone up by 34 percent during October 2007 as compared to September 2007, according to officials statistics. The country's import of mobile phone sets during October 2007 stood at $66.447 million as compared to $49.689
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
13 Iraqis, US soldier killed in Diyala attack

13 Iraqis, US soldier killed in Diyala attack

A suicide bomber killed 13 Iraqis and a US soldier and wounded 25 others, including 10 American troops, in an attack in the restive Iraqi restive province of Diyala on Thursday, officials said. The bombing took place in the town of Qanan, south of Diyala'
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Bear Stearns' $854 million loss bigger than expected

Bear Stearns' $854 million loss bigger than expected

Bear Stearns Cos Inc posted a much bigger-than-expected quarterly loss on Thursday, capping a fiscal year when the fifth-largest US investment bank took a beating on bad bets on risky subprime mortgages. It was the first loss in the company's history, and
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Bear Stearns' $854 million loss bigger than expected

Bear Stearns' $854 million loss bigger than expected

Bear Stearns Cos Inc posted a much bigger-than-expected quarterly loss on Thursday, capping a fiscal year when the fifth-largest US investment bank took a beating on bad bets on risky subprime mortgages. It was the first loss in the company's history, and
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Former NWFP governor Fida Muhammad passes away

Former NWFP governor Fida Muhammad passes away

Worker of Pakistan Movement, recipient of Nishan Imtiaz and former NWFP Governor Fida Muhammad Khan died here after protracted illness on Thursday. He was in his late 80s. The veteran Leaguer was on the bed at his residence on Shami road for quite a long
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Former NWFP governor Fida Muhammad passes away

Former NWFP governor Fida Muhammad passes away

Worker of Pakistan Movement, recipient of Nishan Imtiaz and former NWFP Governor Fida Muhammad Khan died here after protracted illness on Thursday. He was in his late 80s. The veteran Leaguer was on the bed at his residence on Shami road for quite a long
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Karachiites to face load shedding on Eid days

Karachiites to face load shedding on Eid days

The load shedding would also be carried out on Eid days in the city as Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC) is still facing a shortage of more than 200 MW electricity to cater to the power needs of the city.
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Karachiites to face load shedding on Eid days

Karachiites to face load shedding on Eid days

The load shedding would also be carried out on Eid days in the city as Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC) is still facing a shortage of more than 200 MW electricity to cater to the power needs of the city.
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Railways reopens Karachi-Lahore rail track

Railways reopens Karachi-Lahore rail track

Pakistan Railways on Thursday reopened the rail track between Karachi and Lahore for traffic at around 12 noon after repairing the damaged track, Secretary Pakistan Railways Ghiasuddin said. Talking to APP, he said the track was badly damaged due to derai
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
'Trade cooperation among Saarc states top priority'

'Trade cooperation among Saarc states top priority'

President-elect South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (Saarc) Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tariq Sayeed said that all out effort would be made to accelerate the process of economic and social development among the South Asian countries.
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Bush says nuclear energy 'best' for greenhouse gases

Bush says nuclear energy 'best' for greenhouse gases

US President George W. Bush said Thursday that nuclear power represents the "best solution" to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while meeting growing energy needs. Bush said he told Nobel peace laureate Al Gore that he takes the issue of greenhouse emissio
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Bush not satisfied with progress in Iraq

Bush not satisfied with progress in Iraq

US President George W. Bush said Thursday he was not satisfied with the progress of the central government in Iraq and pressed for further reconciliation and reform. "A lot of times it is local politics that will drive national politics. Are we satisfied
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
President wants report on Mehrabpur tragedy

President wants report on Mehrabpur tragedy

President Musharraf wants immediate report in the Sayilabad village (Mehrabpur) railway accident of Wednesday in which the Railways have downgraded the number of deaths to 35, from 50 reported in the newspapers this morning. The cause of accident this tim
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Arrest of Gulgee killers directed

Arrest of Gulgee killers directed

Caretaker Sindh Home Minister, Brigadier Akhtar Zamin (retd) has taken notice of tragic death of noted artist Gulgee and his wife and maid and ordered immediate investigation into their gruesome murder, He called for investigation report and directed CCPO
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Samsung wins 'Good Design Award 2007'

Samsung wins 'Good Design Award 2007'

The Samsung Electronics has announced that it received a critical acclaim for the design superiority of its 27 electronics at the Good Design Award 2007. Its side-by-side refrigerator won the Good Design Award Best 15 (Golden Award).
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Women directorate efforts lauded

Women directorate efforts lauded

Sindh Women Development Department Minister, Nadira Panjwani has lauded the efforts of officers and staff of women directorate in promoting and organising events that depict Sindh handicrafts prepared by women.
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Rehman Malik for immediate lifting of ban on media

Rehman Malik for immediate lifting of ban on media

Pakistan Peoples Party leader Rehman Malik has visited to Punjab Union of Journalist protest camp and expressed solidarity with media. Addressing the journalists in the camp on Thursday, Rehman Malik said that the PPP having a clear stance against those w
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Benazir greets Muslims on Eid

Benazir greets Muslims on Eid

Former prime minister and Chairperson of Pakistan Peoples Party Benazir Bhutto on Thursday greeted Muslims throughout the world on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha falling on Friday December 21.
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
January 8 to mark victory of PPP: Benazir

January 8 to mark victory of PPP: Benazir

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairperson Benazir Bhutto has said that January 8 would mark the victory of the PPP and be acclaimed as a day of success for farmers and the downtrodden.
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
18 dead in Sierra Leone gas explosion: medics

18 dead in Sierra Leone gas explosion: medics

At least 18 people were killed and many injured Thursday in a blast triggered by a gas leak in a residential building in Sierra Leone's capital Freetown, witnesses and medical sources said.
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Pak-China investment company to launch on December 27

Pak-China investment company to launch on December 27

The Investment Division and Board of Investment will hold launching a ceremony of the Pak-China Investment Company at the governor's house on December 27. The government and its Chinese counterpart have set up joint stock company Pak China Investment Comp
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Musharraf urged to ensure free, fair polls

Musharraf urged to ensure free, fair polls

Former president of Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and Businessmen Panel Vice Chairman Iftikhar Ali Malik has said President Pervez Musharraf should ensure a fool-proof arrangement for holding free, fair and transparent general el
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Khamenei calls for united Islamic front against enemies

Khamenei calls for united Islamic front against enemies

The supreme leader of Islamic Republic of Iran, Sayyed Ali Al-Hosseini Al-Khamenei has urged the Muslims of the world to form a united Islamic front against the expansionist, hegemonic and aggressive powers.
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Aitzaz to file Rs two billion suit against Musharraf

Aitzaz to file Rs two billion suit against Musharraf

Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Aitzaz Ahsan has warned that lawyers will bring out all deposed judges to the streets if the new parliament fails to restore the judiciary. His warning surfaced in a speech to journalists at a hunger-strike c
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Aitzaz to file Rs two billion suit against Musharraf

Aitzaz to file Rs two billion suit against Musharraf

Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Aitzaz Ahsan has warned that lawyers will bring out all deposed judges to the streets if the new parliament fails to restore the judiciary. His warning surfaced in a speech to journalists at a hunger-strike c
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Tariff differential payment: Wapda, MoF at loggerheads

Tariff differential payment: Wapda, MoF at loggerheads

The finance ministry and Wapda have locked horns over payment of tariff differential for which the latter was forced to arrange bank loans and issue Sukuk bonds, informed sources told Business Recorder.
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Tariff differential payment: Wapda, MoF at loggerheads

Tariff differential payment: Wapda, MoF at loggerheads

The finance ministry and Wapda have locked horns over payment of tariff differential for which the latter was forced to arrange bank loans and issue Sukuk bonds, informed sources told Business Recorder.
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Tariff differential payment: Wapda, MoF at loggerheads

Tariff differential payment: Wapda, MoF at loggerheads

The finance ministry and Wapda have locked horns over payment of tariff differential for which the latter was forced to arrange bank loans and issue Sukuk bonds, informed sources told Business Recorder.
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Oil price differential: Finance withholds payments to OMCs

Oil price differential: Finance withholds payments to OMCs

The finance ministry has withheld payments to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) for differential on oil prices following the Establishment Division''s objections over the payment process. The Division questioned the signing of payment vouchers by the finance
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Oil price differential: Finance withholds payments to OMCs

Oil price differential: Finance withholds payments to OMCs

The finance ministry has withheld payments to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) for differential on oil prices following the Establishment Division's objections over the payment process. The Division questioned the signing of payment vouchers by the finance
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Oil price differential: Finance withholds payments to OMCs

Oil price differential: Finance withholds payments to OMCs

The finance ministry has withheld payments to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) for differential on oil prices following the Establishment Division's objections over the payment process. The Division questioned the signing of payment vouchers by the finance
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Holiday notice

Holiday notice

The offices of Business Recorder will remain closed Friday (December 21) and Saturday (December 22) on account of Eid-ul-Azha. There will, therefore, be no issue of the newspaper and Internet edition on Saturday (December 22) and Sunday (December 2
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Electoral roll DVDs handed over to parties: ECP

Electoral roll DVDs handed over to parties: ECP

The Elections Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday said it has handed over the DVDs of electoral rolls of all the national and provincial Assemblies constituencies to the political parties.
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Electoral roll DVDs handed over to parties: ECP

Electoral roll DVDs handed over to parties: ECP

The Elections Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Thursday said it has handed over the DVDs of electoral rolls of all the national and provincial Assemblies constituencies to the political parties.
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
FBR to remove ambiguities from Sales Tax Act

FBR to remove ambiguities from Sales Tax Act

The Federal Board of Revenue has decided to remove ambiguities in the Sales Tax Act, 1990 for specifying a clear procedure on determination of sales tax liability and filing of returns. Sources told Business Recorder on Thursday that there are cert
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
FBR to remove ambiguities from Sales Tax Act

FBR to remove ambiguities from Sales Tax Act

The Federal Board of Revenue has decided to remove ambiguities in the Sales Tax Act, 1990 for specifying a clear procedure on determination of sales tax liability and filing of returns. Sources told Business Recorder on Thursday that there are cert
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
FBR to remove ambiguities from Sales Tax Act

FBR to remove ambiguities from Sales Tax Act

The Federal Board of Revenue has decided to remove ambiguities in the Sales Tax Act, 1990 for specifying a clear procedure on determination of sales tax liability and filing of returns. Sources told Business Recorder on Thursday that there are cert
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Small farmers revolving fund raised to Rs 4,390 million

Small farmers revolving fund raised to Rs 4,390 million

The Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock has increased the small farmers revolving fund to Rs 4,390 million. Minfal sources told Business Recorder on Saturday the revolving fund is the main linchpin in the whole productivity enhancement and
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Small farmers revolving fund raised to Rs 4,390 million

Small farmers revolving fund raised to Rs 4,390 million

The Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock has increased the small farmers revolving fund to Rs 4,390 million. Minfal sources told Business Recorder on Saturday the revolving fund is the main linchpin in the whole productivity enhancement and
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Small farmers revolving fund raised to Rs 4,390 million

Small farmers revolving fund raised to Rs 4,390 million

The Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock has increased the small farmers revolving fund to Rs 4,390 million. Minfal sources told Business Recorder on Saturday the revolving fund is the main linchpin in the whole productivity enhancement and
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Eid-ul-Azha today

Eid-ul-Azha today

The nation is celebrating Eid-ul-Azha with religious solemnity and renewed spirit of sacrifice on December 21(today). On this day, the 10th of Zilhaj, Prophet Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) offered the sacrifice of his beloved son, Prophet Hazrat Ismail (AS), in tot
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Eid-ul-Azha today

Eid-ul-Azha today

The nation is celebrating Eid-ul-Azha with religious solemnity and renewed spirit of sacrifice on December 21(today). On this day, the 10th of Zilhaj, Prophet Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) offered the sacrifice of his beloved son, Prophet Hazrat Ismail (AS), in tot
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Caspian pipeline accord signed

Caspian pipeline accord signed

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kazakh counterpart Nursultan Nazarbayev oversaw the signing on Thursday of an agreement to build a gas pipeline from Turkmenistan to Russia via Kazakhstan. Ministers from the three countries signed an agreement in the
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Caspian pipeline accord signed

Caspian pipeline accord signed

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kazakh counterpart Nursultan Nazarbayev oversaw the signing on Thursday of an agreement to build a gas pipeline from Turkmenistan to Russia via Kazakhstan. Ministers from the three countries signed an agreement in the
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Caspian pipeline accord signed

Caspian pipeline accord signed

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kazakh counterpart Nursultan Nazarbayev oversaw the signing on Thursday of an agreement to build a gas pipeline from Turkmenistan to Russia via Kazakhstan. Ministers from the three countries signed an agreement in the
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Rice output misses target by four percent

Rice output misses target by four percent

Due to under achievement in area by three percent, the country has missed 5.72 million tonnes rice production target for 2007-08, Business Recorder learnt on Thursday.
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Rice output misses target by four percent

Rice output misses target by four percent

Due to under achievement in area by three percent, the country has missed 5.72 million tonnes rice production target for 2007-08, Business Recorder learnt on Thursday.
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Rice output misses target by four percent

Rice output misses target by four percent

Due to under achievement in area by three percent, the country has missed 5.72 million tonnes rice production target for 2007-08, Business Recorder learnt on Thursday.
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
EU scraps cereals import duties

EU scraps cereals import duties

The European Union, traditionally a major cereal exporter, on Thursday suspended imports duties on most cereals to ease tight supplies. The unanimous agreement by ministers of the 27 EU member states covers all cereals except oats, buckwheat and millet fo
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
EU scraps cereals import duties

EU scraps cereals import duties

The European Union, traditionally a major cereal exporter, on Thursday suspended imports duties on most cereals to ease tight supplies. The unanimous agreement by ministers of the 27 EU member states covers all cereals except oats, buckwheat and millet fo
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
EU scraps cereals import duties

EU scraps cereals import duties

The European Union, traditionally a major cereal exporter, on Thursday suspended imports duties on most cereals to ease tight supplies. The unanimous agreement by ministers of the 27 EU member states covers all cereals except oats, buckwheat and millet fo
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
China and India launch anti-terrorism exercise

China and India launch anti-terrorism exercise

China and India, who fought a brief border war in 1962, have started a week-long anti-terrorism military drill to improve trust and co-operation as the two rising powers seek to put aside decades of frosty relations.
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
China and India launch anti-terrorism exercise

China and India launch anti-terrorism exercise

China and India, who fought a brief border war in 1962, have started a week-long anti-terrorism military drill to improve trust and co-operation as the two rising powers seek to put aside decades of frosty relations.
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
The Weather

The Weather

The weather report on Thursday (December 20, 2007) and the forecast for Friday (December 21, 2007).
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
New York cotton

New York cotton

Wednesday's closing prices of New York cotton in US cents/lb.

Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
New York cotton

New York cotton

Wednesday's closing prices of New York cotton in US cents/lb.

Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Key stock and currency market movements

Key stock and currency market movements

The latest close of key indices on major world stock exchanges and the London closing values of the euro, the Japanese yen, the British pound and gold bullion (previous day's closes in brackets).

Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Closing of sterling rates

Closing of sterling rates

Closing of sterling rates at 1730 GMT - on Thursday (December 20, 2007).

Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Bridge and my Baba

Bridge and my Baba

Every Saturday readers were used to seeing the column "bridge notes by K.M.Shariff" at this space, but with the sad demise of my father last week, the column too has come to an end. It is moving to think that how eagerly he would wait for his column to be
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
SPORTS WORLD: Indian tour gives birth to serious doubts about PCB

SPORTS WORLD: Indian tour gives birth to serious doubts about PCB

Following two consecutive defeats in the Tests and One-day International (ODI) series, first by South Africa at home and then by arch rivals India in India, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) needs to answer certain questions, particularly those relating to
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Search for new talent

Search for new talent

Not many singing voices have been discovered in Pakistan in the recent past with the result that our musical scene now looks much deficient and wanting as not being able to satiate the thirst of music lovers, and meet the needs of entertainment industry i
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
CAPITAL CULTURAL DIARY: Glowing tribute to versatile actor Dilip Kumar

CAPITAL CULTURAL DIARY: Glowing tribute to versatile actor Dilip Kumar

The 85th birthday of legendary actor of Indian silver screen Dilip Kumar was celebrated in Lahore by senior television and film actors, who paid glowing tributes to his versatility in histrionics. Born in Peshawar as Yusuf Khan in a Pathan family of 12 ch
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Turning over in their graves

Turning over in their graves

"Everything passes away save the face of God" we are told. In a story of Hazrat Saadi (RA) illustrating this truism, the Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni --- emerged from his grave to find that his huge kingdom now belonged to someone else. Hazrat Saadi consolingl
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
KARACHI CHRONICLE: About votes and goats

KARACHI CHRONICLE: About votes and goats

Two debates are raging through the town these days. Should we vote at the next general elections? Should we sacrifice a goat or give the money to charity instead? The same thing is expressed in another way: Should we go to the polls as lambs to the slaugh
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Inside the mind of young Americans

Inside the mind of young Americans

Every few years the political and media class notice the young. The temptation is acute. Who doesn't want to look into the future? The reasoning is that the political and social views you form in the first years of adulthood are often pivotal ones.
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Pre-requisites of Eid-ul-Azha sacrifice

Pre-requisites of Eid-ul-Azha sacrifice

In common parlance, sacrifice means slaughter of animal as offering to God, and, hence, surrenders to God of some possession. 'Sacrifice' means giving up things which are valued or desired either tangible - wealth or life, or intangible - attitudes, opini
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Dutch economy picks up speed in third quarter

Dutch economy picks up speed in third quarter

The Dutch economy picked up speed in the third quarter, with growth of 1.8 percent the fastest rate in 10 years after 0.3 percent in the second quarter, the central statistics office said Thursday.
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
German upper house backs postal minimum wage

German upper house backs postal minimum wage

Germany's upper house of parliament approved on Thursday a minimum wage scheme for postal workers which business lobbies and economists have warned could cause unrest in the wider economy. Germany employs around 220,000 postal workers, who from January sh
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
German rail union says to strike again from January 7

German rail union says to strike again from January 7

The German train drivers' union GDL said on Thursday it would strike on passenger and freight routes from January 7. The union, which has held a series of crippling freight and passenger strikes since July, told reporters that talks with national rail ope
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
French housing aide quits over apartment scandal

French housing aide quits over apartment scandal

The top aide to France's housing minister resigned on Thursday over a scandal sparked by the disclosure that he is paying a heavily reduced rent on his large state-owned apartment in an expensive area of Paris.
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
British public finances worsen in November

British public finances worsen in November

Britain's public finances chalked up the biggest-ever monthly deficit for the month of November, official data showed Thursday. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said public sector net borrowing-the government's preferred measure of the public fina
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Belgium's business confidence at near two-year low

Belgium's business confidence at near two-year low

Belgian business confidence, a bellwether for the euro zone, slipped in December to its weakest level in almost two years as retail sentiment slumped, the National Bank said on Thursday. The business confidence index, often referred to as the leading indi
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Israeli companies to improve overseas appeal

Israeli companies to improve overseas appeal

Israel is about to adopt financial practices that it hopes will increase the interest of foreign investors. It will become one of the first countries to apply mandatory reporting requirements in the XBRL computer language, enabling investors worldwide to
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Japan budget aims to boost rural areas but cut debt

Japan budget aims to boost rural areas but cut debt

Japan's government on Thursday approved plans for a modest boost to the national budget next year, aiming to reinvigorate ailing rural economies while also reining in the huge public debt. Foreign aid, long a tool of officially pacifist Japan's diplomacy,
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
ECB drains 150 billion euros from markets

ECB drains 150 billion euros from markets

The European Central Bank said Thursday that its most recent one-day tender had allowed it to withdraw 150 billion euros (215 billion dollars) from eurozone money markets. On Wednesday, the ECB carried out a similar operation, siphoning off more than 133
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Nigerian gunmen attack oil, government facilities

Nigerian gunmen attack oil, government facilities

Nigerian gunmen attacked an oil industry barge, a jetty and a government building on Wednesday, briefly capturing 18 Filipino crew and fighting with troops, officials said on Thursday. Violence has been on the increase for the past month in the Niger Delt
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Taiwan, Japanese steel mills to jointly open plant in Vietnam

Taiwan, Japanese steel mills to jointly open plant in Vietnam

Taiwan's China Steel Corp and Japan's Sumitomo Metal Industries Ltd plan to open a joint venture steel plant in Vietnam, China Steel announced on Thursday.China Steel's board directors approved the investment plan at a board meeting, and Sumitomo Metals a
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Crude prices boosted by falling US energy reserves

Crude prices boosted by falling US energy reserves

World oil prices climbed on Thursday in the wake of a larger-than-expected drop in US crude inventories, traders said. In London, Brent North Sea crude for February delivery gained 57 cents to 91.81 dollars per barrel. New York's main contract, light swee
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Swiss trade surplus hits record in November; sees slower growth

Swiss trade surplus hits record in November; sees slower growth

Switzerland's trade surplus rose 45.8 percent from a year earlier to hit a monthly record of 1.89 billion Swiss francs (1.13 billion euros, 1.63 billion dollars) in November, figures showed Thursday. At the same time, however, the customs office cautioned
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Siemens names new head of Industry division

Siemens names new head of Industry division

German engineering giant Siemens said Thursday it had named Ralph Thomas as the new chief financial officer of its industry unit, after revoking an earlier appointment owing to an ongoing corruption probe. Thomas, 46, is currently head of Siemens' corpora
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
Serbia may face wheat shortages in 2008

Serbia may face wheat shortages in 2008

Serbia could face a shortage of wheat in 2008 due to the drought that devastated the Balkans this year, officials said on Thursday. Serbian Chamber of Commerce vice-president Stojan Jevtic said Serbia sowed 470,000 hectares of wheat this year and expected
Published 21 Dec, 2007 12:00am
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