France's Sarkozy calls for European natural disaster force
French President Nicolas Sarkozy wants the EU to set up a rapid reaction force for natural disasters such as earthquakes, wildfires and floods. France has also pledged immediate aid to Pakistani flood victims.
India yet to sign Bunker pact on oil spilled by vessels
While environment minister Jairam Ramesh has made the assurance that those responsible for the oil spill off Mumbai will be made to pay, the question of who is to pay may remain unsettled for a while owing to India's non-participation in an international treaty that deals specifically with the adverse effects of bunker fuel spilled by ships
Russia begins ban on grain exports after fires devastate crops
Russia has imposed a ban on wheat and other grain exports until the end of the year after a severe drought and an outbreak of wildfires destroyed one-third of the harvest and ravaged agricultural land.
Donations in Germany frighteningly low as Pakistan relief grows critical
With 6 million lives on the line in Pakistan, German relief organizations are struggling to find private donations. They say donors are less generous in summer and that many Germans fear their donations will go astray.
Turkmen oil starts flowing through Baku-Ceyhan pipeline
BP Azerbaijan has announced that Turkmen oil is now flowing through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan, BTC, pipeline.
Turkey supplies gasoline to Iran despite sanctions
As Turkey imports nearly 90 percent of its energy requirements, it has sought reliable contracts with its neighbors to cover its needs.
ASEAN and contemporary US diplomacy in East Asia
Despite US President Barack Obama twice postponing his visit to Indonesia, there has been a marked increase in high-ranked US officials reaching out to Southeast Asia.
10-Year Plan to Develop Siberia Is Published
The government is planning to transform Siberia from a raw-materials backwater into a comfortable place to live and do business through the development of high-tech industries, science and tourism, but officials have yet to put a price tag on the project.
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