More challenging times ahead
“The major concerns of the people, as measured by recent surveys, such as high prices, unemployment, low wages — all ‘politica del estomago,’ will continue to bedevil us”
County Gulf latest news
Saudi pauses normalization talks with Israel, says source
RIYADH—Saudi Arabia has suspended talks on potentially normalizing ties with Israel, a source told AFP on Saturday, amid the war raging between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
RAF plane departs for Philippines to help with Typhoon devastation
An RAF plane will take off for the Philippines today to help with the relief effort following the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan.The C-17 transport plane filled with heavy duty vehicles and medical supplies will leave RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire this morning as part of Britain's emergency response to the disaster.The aircraft, being operated by No 99 Squadron, is due to land in the Philippines around 24 hours later.Its load includes two JCB diggers, two Land Rovers and a forklift truck emblazoned with stickers reading «UK aid from the British people».Flight Sergeant Tony Rimmer, load master at Brize Norton, said: «You feel like you're doing your part to help. It's a small part but we try to do our best.»We've had no shortage of volunteers to carry out the task that we've got to do."A 12-strong team of British doctors, surgeons and paramedics landed in the capital Manila yesterday to help treat survivors of the typhoon, the Department for International Development (DFID) said.Their arrival in the Philippines came as Prime Minister David Cameron announced the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious is being sent there.The vessel, which was taking part in exercises in the Gulf, will arrive in the disaster zone to support the humanitarian operation by November 25, replacing HMS Daring which has already been deployed to the Philippines.The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has said its charity appeal to help the 11.5 million people affected by the disaster has raised £23 million in two days and the Government has given more than £20 million in aid.Mr Cameron, who announced the deployment of HMS Illustrious yesterday during a visit to India, said: «What happened in the Philippines is an absolute tragedy.
Malaysia boosts China palm oil exports under EU pressure
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysia will increase palm oil exports to China by 500,000 tons a year as it faces pressure from new European Union restrictions targeting deforestation, a senior minister told AFP on Monday.