G20 leaders are now sending out strong messages, calling for unity to tackle the world's economic woes following the first day's meeting.

Chinese President Hu Jintao has been stressing cooperation, saying that China is going to maintain a position of balanced growth.

However, he is also warning of economic consequences if emerging markets continue to be pressed to revalue their currencies and reduce exports.

Meanwhile, French President Nicolas Sarkozy is vowing to protect the euro zone.

Sarkozy says the G20 leaders have shown a willingness to unite behind Greece by coordinating their economic policies.

He also describes the talks between himself and Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou as positive "electric shock therapy."

 

 

ECB cut interest rate to over 1 percent

The European Central Bank has surprised the markets with an interest rate.

The ECB has cut its rate by a quarter points to 1.25 percent.

The move has pushed up Germany's DAX by almost four percent.

The decision to cut rate comes despite inflation in the euro zone hovering around 3-percent for the 2nd straight month.

That's well above the ECB's target of under 2 percent.

 

 

Gaddafi's son Saif may be trying to flee Libya, ICC

The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor says Muammar Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam may be trying to flee Libya.

Luis Moreno-Ocampo says his sources are suggesting that Saif al-Islam may be heading for Niger with the help of mercenaries.

"We are also receiving information that a group of mercenaries may be endeavoring to facilitate Saif al-Islam's escape from Libya. We are calling upon the state to do all it can to disrupt any such operation."

The ICC has been talking with intermediaries to try to secure Saif's arrest following the death of his father last month.

Saif has been in hiding for months.

He is wanted by the ICC for murder and persecution.

 

 

Palestine will not accept anything less than full UN membership: FM

The Palestinian foreign minister now says they will not accept anything less than full UN membership.

Riyad al-Malki says an upgrade to an observer state wouldn't be good enough for them.

"We have decided not to go to the General Assembly and going to the Security Council is really to prove that we are not going to accept anything less than a full membership. You know, being in observer status, non-member state is really...it's an option that we have had for so long, we have had for so long."

The Palestinians are currently designated as an observer entity at the United Nations.

 

 

Fresh violence kills dozens in Syria's central province of Homs: reports

Varying reports are now suggesting that, despite a pledge by the government, the violence in Syria has not abated.

Local activists are reporting that close to 20 people have been killed in fresh clashes in the area around Homs, which is one of Syria's most volatile areas.

The deaths have taken place following the Syrian government's agreement to implement an Arab League-backed peace initiative.

That deal would see the Syrian armed forces move out of urban areas, along with the release of detainees and the start of talks with the opposition.

Meanwhile, the US State Department says its seen no evidence that President Bashar al-Assad plans to live up to the pledges he's made to the Arab League.

 

 

Kenyan troops kill 18 Al-Shabaab fighters transporting fuel

Kenyan military forces are continuing their push into southern Somalia, killing 18 suspected al-Shabaab militants.

The al-Shabaab fighters were all killed in a single attack on their boat in the Indian Ocean.

At the same time, the Kenyan military says it's going to continue its push into southern Somalia to try to root out more al-Shabaab fighters.

The push into the country by Kenya comes after the kidnapping of foreigners inside Kenyan territory by suspected al-Shabaab militants.

 

 

HP unveils Slate 2 tablet for business

Hewlett-Packard has introduced its Slate 2 Tablet PC, a business-targeted tablet computer running the Windows operating system.

Slate 2, featuring an 8.9- inch screen, is said to come with a faster start up time and a longer-life battery.

It also has a Bluetooth keyboard dock and Swype keyboard which allows users to enter words by sliding a finger or stylus from letter to letter, lifting only between words.

The device goes on sale for 699 U.S. dollars later this month.

 

 

2 killed, 59 trapped in central China coal mine accident

At least 2 people are dead, and 59 others are trapped underground, after a cave-in at a mine in Henan.

The accident happened at a mine in the city of Sanmenxia last night.

There were 75 workers in the mine when the cave-in took place.

14 managed to escape.

Rescue work is on going.

 

 

China disabled art troupe launches first charity show in Yangon

A disabled art troupe from China has staged its first charity show at the National Theater in the city of Yangon in Myanmar.

Earning from the show, titled "My Dream," is going to be donated to disabled people in Myanmar.

Deaf and blind performers have taken part in the performances, which have included dances and a performance of Peking Opera.

The charity event will run through this Friday.