08/06/2007 June
G8 pledges $60 billion to fight disease in Africa
The Group of Eight wealthiest nations have agreed to pledge 60 billion dollars
to combat AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis in Africa, Germany’s development
minister Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul confirmed on state ZDF TV before six
African leaders, including newly elected President Umaru Yar'Adua of Nigeria.
The pledge was made to honour the aid commitments made by the leaders
of the G-8 countries at their 2005 summit in Gleneagles, Scotland. The
US is expected to dedicate half of the fund, with Germany contributing
$5.4 billion between now and 2015.
The US President Bush had earlier announced that the country would contribute
$30bn to the fight against Aids in the Dark Continent.
However several aid agencies have criticized the group for betraying Africa
by not meeting the commitments made at the Gleneagles summit.
The leaders have also come together on the agreement to seek "substantial"
cuts in greenhouse gas emissions with a view to addressing climate change
forcefully.
According to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, by the end of 2009 the industrialised
nations would negotiate within a UN framework to seek an alternative for
the Kyoto Protocol. The leaders also agreed on the point that developing
countries should also take initiatives by cutting emissions. 08-may 2007
First CIA rendition trial opens
The trial of 26 US secret service agents over the CIA's controversial
practice of "extraordinary rendition" has opened in the northern
Italian city of Milan. 08-may 2007
Lee to make film honouring black soldiers
Director Spike Lee, whose hit films "Do the Right Thing" (1989)
and "Malcolm X" (1992) also focused on the US black community,
is to make a film honouring the contribution of black US soldiers during
World War II. 08-may 2007
US immigration reform suffers Setback
The comprehensive immigration reform bill has suffered a setback as the
Senate failed to vote to make progress on the measure. 08-may 2007
Business
US trade agency bans Qualcomm's chips
The U.S. International Trade Commission has banned US imports of new
mobile phones made with Qualcomm semiconductors due to a patent controversy.
08-may 2007
Sports
Henin to meet Ivanovic in the final
Defending champion Justine Henin produced an astounding display to defeat
Jelena Jankovic and set up a French Open final against Ana Ivanovic. 08-may
2007
Nadal to meet Novak Djokovic in semi
Defending champion Rafael Nadal will face Novak Djokovic in the French
Open semi-finals after powering past fellow Spaniard Carlos Moya 6-4 6-3
6-0. 08-may 2007
Entertainment
Paris Hilton released from jail
Celebrity heiress Paris Hilton has been released from a Los Angeles
County jail after serving just three full days of her sentence. 08-may
2007
Veteran US TV host Barker retires
US TV favourite Bob Barker has ended his 50-year career with the final
appearance as host of long-running game show. 08-may 2007
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