(December 22, 2005) A year after the Indian Ocean tsunami, up to a third of the $590 million so far spent under the United Nations’ $1.1 billion disaster flash appeal appears to have gone on administration, staff and related costs.
Switzerland cancels 80% of its Iraqi debt
(December 22, 2005) Switzerland has announced it has cancelled the equivalent of $US230 million of Iraqi debt, amounting to 80% of its claims towards Iraq.
IMF clears debt relief for 19 countries
(December 22, 2005) The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has agreed to cancel $3.3-billion owed by 19 of the world’s poorest countries, after reports that it was back-tracking on the debt-relief plan sparked an outcry.
Korean firms to forego 80% of Iraqi debt
(December 21, 2005) Korean construction and shipping companies have agreed to write off up to 80 percent of outstanding debts on contracts signed with the Iraqi government in the ’70s and ’80s.
Jubilee USA relieved that IMF board approves debt cancellation for countries promised by G-8
(December 21, 2005) Jubilee USA reiterates its view that the G-8 debt agreement is but a first step towards conclusively addressing the debt crisis faced by impoverished countries.
Iraq’s debt solution ruffles feathers
(December 21, 2005) The restructuring of Iraq’s outstanding debt is entering a pivotal stage. However, not everybody is pleased with a process that has been moving ahead at a rapid speed.
New Yangtze dams spell disaster for fish
(December 21, 2005) A group of Sichuan University undergraduates has won accolades for a research project that warns of the serious threat that new dams planned for the upper Yangtze pose to the river’s wild fish, and the communities that depend on them.
When flood control means more than a dam
In China, the world’s largest dam impounds floodwater, but without other controls, erosion will persist.
Hyundai Engineering agrees to write off Iraq debt
(December 20, 2005) Hyundai Engineering and Construction will accept a debt write-off proposal and collect only 20 percent of bonds it has been owed by Iraq since the first Gulf War 16 years ago.
Austria cancels 80 percent of Iraq debt
(December 19, 2005) Austria has announced it has cancelled the equivalent of $2.1 billion of Iraqi debt, amounting to 80% of Austria’s claims towards Iraq.
Political survival over people’s welfare
(December 18, 2005) In theory, the national budget can be a powerful mechanism for ensuring that public resources are used for the welfare of the majority. Unfortunately, narrow interests have perpetually hijacked the direction of Philippine economic policy and this is fully reflected in the national government budgets annually drawn up and implemented.
Deadline diggers: Archeologists race against the clock
The 100 teams toiling to save relics in the Three Gorges area ‘are fighting a losing battle, racing against a deadline they simply can’t hope to meet,’ China Daily reports.
China sentences four in radioactive
(December 17, 2005) China has sent four people to jail for stealing dangerous radioactive waste from a power plant in the southwestern province of Sichuan.
China’s longest river closes as flood toll rises
(December 16, 2005) The Yangtze River has been closed to all traffic at the site of the Three Gorges dam as flood water is now so high it is dangerous for ships to pass.
Iraqi elections: ‘To be free and fair’
(December 14, 2005) Only after occupation can the U.S. begin to make good on outstanding U.S. obligations to the people of Iraq – including compensation for the years of sanctions, reparations for the devastation of war, and cancellation of odious debt.
Patricia Adams
Dai Qing
Fan Xiao
Lawrence Solomon
Mu Lan
Probe International
Lisa Peryman
Probe Media
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