Transcript of the Fourth Pillar Meeting, Istanbul Convention, Center Taksim Meeting Room Oct 20, 2009
Although, if the IMF is a quota-based institution and the quotas are related to the size of the countries, it becomes problematic when the quota share of Belgium is bigger than that of Brazil. But when we say that that is inappropriate for Belgium to have a bigger quota than Brazil, we refer to the idea that the economic size of Brazil is much bigger than the economic size of Belgium. (IMF News)
Opel sale to Magna may break rules Oct 17, 2009
However, it has indicated that it wishes to keep open all four of Opel's German plants, while a factory in Belgium is said to be at risk of closure. Despite Magna being yet to conclude its takeover of Opel, earlier this week it secured an agreement with the UK union Unite over job cuts at among the 5,500 workers at the two Vauxhall plants in Ellesmere Port and Luton. (BBC News -- Americas)
UN backs Gaza 'war crimes' report Oct 17, 2009
GOLDSTONE REPORT VOTE For: Argentina, Brazil, China, Russia and 21 others Against: US, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovakia and Ukraine Abstentions: Belgium, Bosnia, Burkina-Faso, Cameroon, Gabon, Japan, Mexico, Norway, South Korea, Slovenia and Uruguay No vote: UK, France and 3 others. The Palestinian Authority initially backed deferring a vote, but changed its position after domestic criticism. (BBC News -- Africa)
Buttonwood: Banking on the banks Oct 16, 2009
Measured by gross financial liabilities (excluding the assets that governments might own) that level has already been surpassed by five OECD countries Belgium, Greece, Iceland, Italy and Japan ... Unlike Belgium, Greece and Italy, it does not have the shelter of euro membership. (The Economist)
Socialists trounce conservatives in Greece Oct 6, 2009
5: Farmers are protesting dropping milk prices in Belgium, driving tractors through city streets and dumping milk on riot police. Msnbc. (MSNBC -- International)
Boris Johnson on Blair as Europe president Oct 6, 2009
David Cameron is US pupet creating division in Britain and EU or simply destroying EU. EU still colony of US cause US have many bases in UK, Germany, Italy, Belgium and etc. Toreis of UK is the number one pupet of US. Tony Blair is very qualified to become EU President. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Across Europe, the left loses clout Oct 4, 2009
But conservatives have deposed the left in Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, and Switzerland. And in smaller countries where the center-left clings to power - Austria, Hungary, the Netherlands, and Norway - its hold seems shaky at best. (Boston Globe)
Eurozone jobless continues rising Oct 2, 2009
Unemployment rose in every country in the zone, with the smallest rises occurring in Belgium and Germany. The overall rate for the eurozone is now at its highest level since May 1999. (BBC News -- Europe)
Q&A: The Lisbon Treaty Oct 2, 2009
LISBON TREATY PROGRESS Approved by parliament: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK Defeated by referendum: Irish Republic Challenges: Czech and Polish presidents yet to sign treaty. If they reject it a second time, the treaty could be scuppered. (BBC News -- Europe)
Looking Back Oct 1, 2009
He has been assigned to the unit at Paris, France, and Brussels, Belgium. John Allen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Allen observed his second birthday Monday, October 5, and was honored at a birthday dinner that evening. (Kalona News, IA)
* World News Quick Take Sep 30, 2009
BELGIUM Hoisted by their own petard. Police say two burglary suspects were killed after the excessive explosives they were using to break into a banks safe blew up the whole building. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Disenchanted! Disappointed! Disgusted! Sep 30, 2009
LovingGOPmeltdown wrote on Sep 26, 2009 9:58 AM:" Merriam websterMain Entry: entitlement Pronunciation: \-t-tl-mnt\2 : a government program providing benefits to members of a specified group (American citizens); also :funds supporting or distributed by such a program. To Outraged: Why single out Cuba? Government provided healthcare exist in Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan,... (New Iberia, LA)
German Election: Why Merkel's Tax-Cut Pledge Is a Hard Sell Sep 26, 2009
But Magna has since disclosed that job cuts at Opel may be more severe than expected, while other European countries are enraged that Opel's German factories will probably suffer fewer layoffs than plants in Belgium, Britain, and Spain. The global economic crisis, which slammed the export-oriented German economy, seems to have only deepened Germans' attachment to a strong social safety net. (BusinessWeek)
In driving seat? Sep 23, 2009
Page last updated at 08:50 GMT, Tuesday, 22 September 2009 09:50 UK. Keeping German economy on the road. (BBC News -- Europe)
Nelson should steer clear of politics Sep 22, 2009
Last Thursday the Foreign Minister Stephen Smith recommended to the Governor-General that she appoint Dr Nelson as Australia's next ambassador to the EU, Belgium and Luxembourg. Mr Smith said Dr Nelson would take up his appointment in February 2010. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
The Record Europe on the re-election of Jose Manuel Barroso as Commission president Sep 22, 2009
Guy Verhofstadt, leader of the European Liberals and Democrats, and former Prime Minister of Belgium. Timothy Kirkhope, British Conservative and deputy leader of the European Conservative and Reformist group. (BBC News -- Europe)
Liberals have already given Rudd his birthday presents Sep 21, 2009
To add to the insult, a day later Rudd announced he was appointing Nelson as ambassador to the European Communities, ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg, representative to NATO and special representative to the World Health Organisation. The threat of an early double dissolution election is also adding to the sense of panic in Coalition ranks. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Berlusconi eyes Afghan exit for troops Sep 20, 2009
"We are all convinced that the best thing for all of them is to leave soon, to no longer have a presence there," Berlusconi said in Brussels, Belgium. "I've spoken with [U.S. President Barack] Obama during the G-8 and we are preparing a plan which could be enacted as soon as our training of the Afghan forces is carried out successfully.". (CNN -- World)
US 'should take terror detainees' Sep 17, 2009
Other nations which have already done so or have pledged to help include France, Portugal, Spain, Italy and Belgium. One of Mr Fried's successes was the deal he struck with Bermuda, which took four Guantanamo prisoners, all of them Chinese Uighurs - an ethnic minority from north-west China. (BBC News -- Americas)
Honduran presidential hopefuls to meet mediator Sep 15, 2009
Belgium Ambassador Alex Van Meeuwen, who presides at the U.N. rights council, said he would seek to clarify whether Urbizo is allowed to represent Honduras in the council. Council spokesman Rolando Gomez said that "no decision has been taken.". (San Francisco Chronicle -- Science)
GM's Opel sale faces more hurdles Sep 14, 2009
Magna has said it could close the Antwerp plant in Belgium and the Luton factory in Britain if it has no luck in luring new contracts. Opel workers, set to take a 10 percent stake in Opel, would insist on a big say in how the company runs things. (Business Report, South Africa)
Fight Looms Over State Aid to Magna-Led Opel Sep 13, 2009
Former Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt told Reuters he had asked European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso to ensure that the deal did not favor Germany over other countries such as Belgium and Britain that also host GM plants ... Other European countries including Britain, Belgium and Spain are expected to contribute to the aid, but amounts are not set while they await details of where plants and jobs will go. (ABC News -- Wire)
Country profile: France Sep 13, 2009
The international French-language channel TV5 Monde, financed by Belgium, Canada and Switzerland, is available globally. Global satellite news channel France 24 launched in December 2006 with services in French and English. (BBC News -- Europe)
Belgium wants probe of Opel sale Sep 12, 2009
Belgium wants the European Union to investigate Germany's role in the sale of General Motor's European units ... He said Belgium would bring the GM sale up at a meeting of EU ministers next week ... FROM OTHER NEWS SITES Scott Reid: Never the same again as GM opts for Magna - 8 hrs ago EU to investigate state aid for GM Europe - 8 hrs ago Belgium unhappy with Opel sale - 14 hrs ago Belgium seeks EU probe of Opel sale - 17 hrs ago Belgium wants EU to probe Opel-GM decisons - 17 hrs ago. (BBC News -- Europe)
U.S., 5 powers accept Irans offer for talks Sep 12, 2009
The decision to take up Iran's offer was communicated publicly Friday in Brussels, Belgium, by Javier Solana, the European Union foreign policy chief who is an intermediary for the six powers. They represent the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council plus Germany. (MSNBC -- International)
Sarkozy is short Sep 11, 2009
RTBF, the main French-language TV channel in Belgium, followed Mr Sarkozy on a visit to a factory in the Orne in lower Normandy last week to prepare a report on the lengths taken by the French government to shape its public image. This follows a ministerial visit to a supermarket last month in which "housewives" who flocked admiringly around the Education Minister, Luc Chatel, turned out to be employees of the company. (Harper's Magazine)
GM to sell Opel to Magna Sep 11, 2009
I am very happy about this decision, said Merkel, who had supported the Russia-backed Magna bid over a rival offer from Belgium-listed financial investor RHJ International ... Opel has two factories producing vehicles under the Vauxhall badge in Britain as well as major sites in Belgium, Poland and Spain. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
What now for the carmakers? Sep 11, 2009
With a further 4,000 or so job cuts likely to result from the sale of GM-subsidiary Saab, expect there to be some 4,500 job cuts left to be shared between factories in Spain, Belgium, Poland and the UK. Or less. Further subsidies. (BBC News -- Europe)
Space pile-up 'condemned dinos' Aug 30, 2009
Philippe Claeys and Steve Goderis from the Free University of Brussels, Belgium, write a commentary on the research in Nature. They say that unless a rogue comet came from the outer edge of the Solar System ("a rather unlikely event"), the Baptistina asteroid family remains a likely source for the Chicxulub impactor. (Yahoo News -- Dinosaur & Fossil Discoveries)
Verifying votes Aug 27, 2009
Page last updated at 15:56 GMT, Wednesday, 26 August 2009 16:56 UK. The trials of election monitoring. (BBC News)
Iranian protesters 'not agents' Aug 27, 2009
Page last updated at 05:42 GMT, Thursday, 27 August 2009 06:42 UK. Iranian protesters 'not agents. (BBC News)
Toothbrush tache Aug 26, 2009
Page last updated at 11:01 GMT, Tuesday, 25 August 2009 12:01 UK. Is wearing a 'Hitler moustache' a good idea. (BBC News -- UK)
Anger at UK file-sharing policy Aug 26, 2009
Page last updated at 18:04 GMT, Tuesday, 25 August 2009 19:04 UK. Please turn on JavaScript. (BBC News -- UK)
Click to read:Public or Co-op? Comparing Health Options Aug 18, 2009
National Day in Belgium; A Royal Birthday in Sweden and Swan Counting in Britian. (CBS News)
Click to read:Thousands Quit AARP Over Health Care Reform Aug 18, 2009
Thousands Quit AARP Over Health Reform - CBS Evening News - CBS News. WASHINGTON, August 17, 2009. (CBS News)
A fog swirls in the Hindu Kush Aug 18, 2009
One such moment presented itself on August 5, when the United States commander of the forces in Afghanistan, General Stanley McChrystal, was called to a meeting in Belgium with US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen ... When asked about speculation that McChrystal is preparing to make a case for troops, Gates said that at the meeting in Belgium he and Mullen told McChrystal that "we want him to ask for what he thinks he needs. And... (Asia Times Online)
Americans Historically Resistant to Reform Aug 17, 2009
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. And need I mention Hong Kong which probably has the BEST health care in the world (Yup, even better than the US of A). (CBS News)
Iran appoints new judiciary head Aug 16, 2009
Bathtub regatta a splash in Belgium. Taiwan mudslide death toll rises. (BBC News)
Court gives bail to Congo's Bemba Aug 15, 2009
Mr Bemba, who led a rebel group during the Democratic Republic of Congo's civil war, was arrested in Belgium last year and extradited to The Hague. The charges relate to unrest in the Central African Republic. (BBC News -- Africa)
Afghan race becomes Karzai's cliffhanger Aug 15, 2009
Indeed, McChrystal, who was expected to present this week to the US president his progress report on the AfPak strategy, was summoned to a "secret" meeting in Belgium last week with Defense Secretary Robert Gates and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen and told to take more time and make his report only after the August 20 vote. Surely, the Afghan kaleidoscope is shifting with dizzying speed. (Asia Times Online)
Tanzania: Voter Registration Flawed, Says Donors Aug 15, 2009
They include the ambassadors of Belgium, Denmark, the European Commission Delegation, Finland, France, Germany Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, which currently holds the rotating presidency, and the United Kingdom. Other signatories were the ambassadors in Dar es Salaam of Canada, Japan, Norway, and the United States. (allAfrica.com)
Oregon Rep. Fights Palin, Gingrich Attacks Aug 14, 2009
" by brynaweiss August 13, 2009 12:56 PM EDT Those screaming nuts at the Town Hall Meetings are there to disrupt, as is the usual way for Republicans. That's why we voted them out!! If they were for real, they would have actual questions and be looking for information or even to rationally express their concerns or differences. These are like the anti-abortion crazies who kill to get their way. It's ignorant, irrational and the news media should be making that clear, not acting like the country... (CBS News -- US)
Sophomoric Debate on Health Care is Distressing Aug 13, 2009
Don t Germany and Switzerland and Belgium and Sweden etc. have a combination of public and private health care delivery. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Clinton's challenge in Congo Aug 11, 2009
The more we contribute to rebuilding the state, however, the more we inadvertently restore authoritarianism, domination, and predation, features that have characterized Congo since its creation by Leopold II of Belgium in 1885 ... The Rwandan Army is best suited to do this, and it should do so under the authority of the UN. Belgium or France, which have significant historical responsibility in this conflict, should also participate. (Christian Science Monitor)
Democrat Takes Heat During August Recess Aug 11, 2009
Washington Post: Blue Dog Leader Baron P. Hill Feels the Pressure After Voting for House Health Plan. Elizabeth Smith ,left, and her husband Spence Smith hold protest signs during a rally protesting government managed health care in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Thursday, August 6, 2009. (CBS News -- Politics)
White House: Afghan war not in crisis Aug 10, 2009
Gates, Mullen went to Belgium for Afghan war talk. A day after President Barack Obama's senior defense advisers huddled in Europe to discuss the future of the war in Afghanistan, the State Department on Monday talked optimistically about the conflict that top generals have called a stalemate. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Iranian writer questions confessions Aug 8, 2009
He lives in exile in Brussels, Belgium. . (MSNBC -- International)
Timeline: Germany Aug 3, 2009
France, Belgium occupy the Ruhr over failed reparation payments. Hyperinflation leads to economic collapse. (BBC News -- Europe)
Iran Detains 3 Americans Aug 2, 2009
"We are talking about 36 shipments which amounted to tonnes and tonnes of chemicals to make mustard gas and nerve gas," she said, adding the chemicals were sent from the United States to Belgium and shipped onto Iraq via Jordan. "Or this,"The provision of chemical precursors from United States companies to Iraq was enabled by a Ronald Reagan administration policy that removed Iraq from the State Department's list State Sponsors of Terrorism. (CBS News)
Your tributes Aug 1, 2009
Vanessa , Brussels, Belgium. I haven't cried for any politician who passed away but reading this news really brought me to tears. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
Albania plans to allow gay marriage Aug 1, 2009
But should he make good on his plans, Albania would join European Union members the Netherlands, Belgium, and Spain in giving gay couples the same rights as heterosexual couples and would be the first country in the Balkans to do so. This is not only a step to be taken for European integration, but primarily for the emancipation of the Albanian society, the Alliance Against Discrimination Against Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, and Transgenders said yesterday. (Boston Globe)
Kenya: EU Piles Pressure On Govt Over Poll Trials Jul 28, 2009
The meeting, in Brussels, Belgium, said the slow pace of reforms -- caused by lack of political will -- could hurt the country. The EU, however, said it was ready to help in the reforms. (allAfrica.com)
Britain calls Afghan operation a success Jul 28, 2009
In a speech at NATO's headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, Miliband said that while hard-line fundamentalists committed to global terrorism must be pursued relentlessly, the rank-and-file Taliban should be given the opportunity "to leave the path of confrontation with the government.". "Essentially, this means a clear route for former insurgents to return to their villages and go back to farming the land, or a role for some of them within the legitimate Afghan security forces," Miliband said. (MSNBC -- International)
Protests Around the World Call Crackdown's End in Iran Jul 26, 2009
In Brussels, Belgium, protesters held placards carrying images of the detained or dead, including Neda Agha Soltan, the 27-year-old whose death beamed around the world on the Internet became a rallying cry for opponents of the regime. In Australia, there were small protests in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and the capital, Canberra. (Fox News)
Obama Pitches Health Reform Jul 24, 2009
A statement he provided will be used in a case against accused militants in Belgium, and he has been questioned by French investigators. The paper notes that an indictment was unsealed yesterday in Brooklyn after the LAT had made "repeated queries about Vinas." Until yesterday, "the case had been a closely guarded secret at the heart of investigations in at least seven countries.". (Slate)
Iran and Russia, scorpions in a bottle Jul 24, 2009
Minted in Belgium, it sports the faces of the G-8 leaders and also a motto - "Unity in diversity". "Unity in diversity" is not exactly what the Obama administration has in mind as far as Iran and Russia are concerned - no matter the zillion bytes of lofty rhetoric. (Asia Times Online)
Political quagmire Jul 23, 2009
First they must consult the governments of countries where Opel or Vauxhall has plants, namely the UK, Spain, Belgium and Poland. The European Commission will also have a say, since all these countries may wish to - albeit reluctantly - step in with further financial assistance to help a new owner safeguard jobs. (BBC News -- Business)
Opponents of domestic partnership law set to turn in referendum signatures Jul 21, 2009
call_me_crazy wrote on Jul 20, 2009 7:25 PM:" To the people who will quote the book of Leviticus: The same section of Leviticus that says homosexuality is wrong also says that people who eat shell fish and practice crop rotation should be put to death. Is this common practice? I think not. To those of you who say that same-sex marriage will destroy traditional family values: Heterosexual couples have been doing a fare job of this for centuries. And look at the countries of Belgium, Canada, the... (Longview Daily News, WA)
America's anchorman dies at 92 Jul 18, 2009
Returning to United Press after a few months, he became one of the first reporters accredited to U.S. forces with the outbreak of World War II. He gained fame as a war correspondent, crash-landing a glider in Belgium, accompanying the first Allied troops into North Africa, reporting on the Normandy invasion and covering major battles, including the Battle of the Bulge, in 1944. In 1943, Edward R. Murrow asked Mr. Cronkite to join his wartime broadcast team in CBS's Moscow bureau. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Europe to Help Arrest Kenya's Election Violence Suspects Jul 17, 2009
In that case, Belgium arrested former DRC vice-president Jean-Pierre Bemba and handed him over to the Hague where he is awaiting trial for crimes against humanity. Indicted. (allAfrica.com)
Voters steer Europe to the right Jul 14, 2009
9%), while the highest figures came from Luxembourg (91%) and and Belgium (85. 9%) - both countries where voting is compulsory. (BBC News -- Europe)
Africa: Barack Obama's Address to Ghanaian Parliament - As Delivered [document] Jul 12, 2009
Brussels Belgium to finalize SECRET agreements ( Nov, 1889 to July 1890). The Book King Leopolds Ghost (1998) by Adam Hochschild documents some of This information. (allAfrica.com)
Less is more Jul 11, 2009
The stone I'm looking at is about the size of a walnut, and it's being assessed at a laboratory in Antwerp, Belgium, so it can be given the equivalent of a diamond identity card. A certificate will be issued confirming authenticity, and recording its essential characteristics, or the 4 Cs: carat, colour, clarity and cut. (BBC News -- Business)
Book Reviews Jul 5, 2009
Merchant of Death by Douglas Farah and Stephen Braun Though Russian Viktor Bout is wanted in Belgium and has been called the "Bill Gates or Donald Trump of arms trafficking", he is secure in Moscow, overseeing an enormous shadowy airfleet. The authors' investigative book exposes the mysterious world in which he operates, aiding Islamic militants in Afghanistan as as well as ferrying weapons and supplies for the US military. (Asia Times Online)
Philips interactive film, Obama campaign take top ad prizes Jun 28, 2009
The Grand Prix for film went to a dramatic, interactive video by Tribal DDB, Belgium, for Dutch electronics giant Philips and its new $3,999 home-cinema TV. Titanium has become an increasingly prestigious category since it sets a new standard for the industry. SEE THE WINNING AD. (USA Today -- Money)
