澳洲新闻 (ABC新闻快递) 2009-10-13

The Australian Defence Force admits it made a mistake, after an Afghan policeman was shot dead by Australian troops. Soldiers shot two Afghan policemen at a checkpoint in Uruzgan province in August. The chief of the Australian Defence Force says an investigation¹ is under way to determine how soldiers can better handle checkpoint security in Afghanistan.

US economists² have declared that the recession in the United States is over. A new survey by the National Association for Business Economics has declared that the great recession is over. The US has been in recession for almost two years, and more than 80% of economists' survey believe an expansion is now under way.

North Korea media is reporting the country has testified 5 short-range missiles. It's the first missile launched by the communist state in three months. The launches come days after Pyongyang said it was willing to return to multi-party talks on its nuclear program.

And the British Prime Minister has been asked to pay money back for excessive expense claims. A review of MP's expenses found that Gordon Brown had over-claimed for 22,000 dollars worth of housecleaning, gardening and home decorating. He's among hundreds of MPs who've been asked to justify³ claims.

1 investigation   

n.调查，调查研究

参考例句：

• In an investigation,a new fact became known, which told against him.在调查中新发现了一件对他不利的事实。
• He drew the conclusion by building on his own investigation.他根据自己的调查研究作出结论。

2 economists   

n.经济学家，经济专家( economist的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• The sudden rise in share prices has confounded economists. 股价的突然上涨使经济学家大惑不解。
• Foreign bankers and economists cautiously welcomed the minister's initiative. 外国银行家和经济学家对部长的倡议反应谨慎。 来自《简明英汉词典》

3 justify   

vt.证明…正当(或有理)，为…辩护

参考例句：

• He tried to justify his absence with lame excuses.他想用站不住脚的借口为自己的缺席辩解。
• Can you justify your rude behavior to me?你能向我证明你的粗野行为是有道理的吗？