No image available
/ 18 February 2008

Main EU states recognise Kosovo

Europe’s biggest states recognised the independence of Kosovo on Monday, ending hours of suspense after Prime Minister Hashim Thaci assured his new republic that Western recognition would come ”any minute”. France was first to announce its move after a European Union foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels.

No image available
/ 18 February 2008

So far, so good for U19 cricketers

An unbeaten 58 by Rilee Rossouw led South Africa to a three-wicket victory over the West Indies on Monday, while New Zealand defeated Zimbabwe by 98 runs in first-round matches of the Under-19 Cricket World Cup. Meanwhile, Bangladesh hammered Bermuda by 178 runs while Sri Lanka defeated Nepal by 61 runs.

No image available
/ 18 February 2008

New fund to combat poverty among women

The newly established Isivande Women’s Fund is a step towards reducing poverty among women, Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka said on Monday. Unveiling the fund logo to business and media at the presidential guest house in Pretoria, the deputy president said it will help mainly black woman entrepreneurs.

No image available
/ 18 February 2008

Court not swayed by Delft appeal application

The Cape High Court on Monday dismissed an application for leave to appeal against an eviction order that compelled illegal occupiers of unfinished homes in Delft on the Cape Flats to vacate their houses by 6pm last Sunday. Judge Deon van Zyl ruled late on Monday that the grounds for appeal were altogether without merit.

No image available
/ 18 February 2008

Cameroon group opposes constitutional reform

A group of students, artists and workers in Cameroon has formed a movement to oppose President Paul Biya’s plan to reform the Constitution so that he can run for office again, a founder said on Monday. This movement considers that ”no modification of the Constitution can be envisaged before the vote for change scheduled for 2011”.

No image available
/ 18 February 2008

DRC releases Zambian fishermen

The Zambian government announced on Monday that 30 fishermen arrested by authorities from the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on cross-border Lake Mweru had been released, but fishermen nabbed in earlier raids were reportedly still being held.

No image available
/ 18 February 2008

Microbicide trial failure deals blow to Aids war

An anti-Aids gel that had reached the final phase of testing was unable to prevent the transmission of HIV, research NGO and non-profit organisation the Population Council said on Monday. It said the third phase of the clinical trials into the product found it ineffective in preventing male-to-female HIV transmission during vaginal intercourse.