Cuba woos foreign companies to invest in first SDZ
Cuba invites foreign construction companies to invest in its first Special Development Zone (SDZ) in the deepwater port of Mariel, a SDZ director said Thursday.
Former Canadian finance minister dies suddenly
Jim Flaherty, who stepped down as one of Canada's longest-serving finance ministers in March and who served during one of the country's most challenging economic times, died suddenly on Thursday at the age of 64.
Obama marks 50th anniversary of Civil Rights Act
US President Barack Obama on Thursday paid tribute to the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964, signed into law by the then president Lyndon B. Johnson, saying he is a benefactor of Johnson's efforts as the first US African- American president.
UN chief to attend global development meeting in Mexico City
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will travel to Mexico City on Monday to attend the First High-level Meeting of Global Partnership for Effective Development Cooperation, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric announced here Thursday.
US House votes to bar Iran's new UN envoy from entry
US House of Representatives on Thursday passed legislation by unanimous consent that would ban Iran's new United Nations ambassador from entering the United States.
Majority of Venezuelans condemn violent protests: poll
Some 85 percent of Venezuelans condemned violent protests that have roiled the country since mid- February, and 87 percent believed those responsible should be punished, according to a poll released Thursday.
US lifts air safety ban on Philippines
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has removed the Philippines from its air safety blacklist, Manila said Thursday, opening the door for its airlines to expand services to the US.
22 hurt in Pittsburgh school stabbing
A 16-year-old student wielding two knives went on a stabbing rampage in the hallways of a Pittsburgh-area high school on Wednesday, wounding 22 people before he was tackled by an assistant principal, officials said.
Boots in the ground
US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama pay their respects during a memorial service at Fort Hood on Wednesday in Texas. Obama attended the service for the three killed and 16 wounded during last week’s shooting at the post by Army Specialist Ivan Lopez who later took his own life. Photo: AFP
Hagel promotes US military ties with China neighbor Mongolia
Pentagon chief Chuck Hagel Thursday endorsed stronger military ties with Mongolia as it seeks a US partnership as a counterweight to its powerful neighbors Russia and China.