WASHINGTON -China yesterday pledged easier access for U.S. companies to key sectors of its economy by removing barriers to its huge market in government contracts and offering a foothold to U.S. mutual funds.
– – – –
WASHINGTON – Battle lines hardened in the debate over the U.S. budget yesterday as Republicans lined up behind a demand for deep spending cuts and Democrats floated a new plan that would raise taxes by trillions of dollars.
– – – –
EL PASO, Texas – President Barack Obama issued an impassioned call for immigration reform in a speech at the U.S.-Mexican border yesterday, sending a message to Hispanics whose votes he needs to win re-election next year.
– – – –
ISLAMABAD/WASHINGTON – The United States was hoping yesterday to question the detained three wives of Osama bin Laden although Pakistani officials played down the possibility of any speedy access, saying no decision had been made.
– – – –
TRIPOLI – Libyan rebels said they had made gains by driving back Muammar Gaddafi’s troops on the eastern and western edges of the port city of Misrata and encircling them at the airport.
– – – –
AMMAN – Syrian security forces have released 300 people detained in the coastal city of Banias and restored basic services, a rights group said, within hours of the government saying the threat from protests was receding.
– – – –
BERLIN/ATHENS – German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Europe’s reluctant paymaster, said yesterday she could only discuss further aid for Greece after EU and IMF officials report on implementation of its existing rescue plan.
– – – –
TEHRAN – Iran’s nuclear negotiator has said the next talks with world powers must be held without pressure, which analysts said indicated Tehran would stick to its refusal to address its uranium enrichment drive.
– – – –
JUBA, Sudan – More than 80 rebels and civilians were killed when insurgents attacked a camp in south Sudan, the army said yesterday, in the latest violence to mar preparations for the region’s independence.
