NPR 2011-11-12

 From NPR News in Washington, I’m Lakshmi Singh.

        US troops around the globe are paying tributes to veterans sustain including Afghanistan where NATO allies have joined in commemorations. This is the military ally reports the death of another soldier killed in an insurgent 1 attack in southern Afghanistan. 
        At the Tomb of the Unknowns, President Obama took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery 2 in honor of fallen service members. 
        “Three, go, three, dock,pull”
        In Taps play, Mr. President Obama and another stood in silence. 
        Italy Senate has approved the package of economic reforms demanded by the European Union. NPR’s Sylvia Poggioli reports that it’s a first step to work of replacing Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. 
        The Senate voted 156 to 12 to pass the bill which now goes to the lower house that is expected to be approved by tomorrow. Berlusconi lost his majority Tuesday in promise to step down as soon as the austerity bill wins full approval. That could happen as early as tomorrow evening. There’re increasing indications that the economist 3 Mario Monti is waiting in the wins to be tapped to form a national unity 4 government but it’s not clear how much Parliamentary support would have. The main center-left opposition 5 parties are firmly backing Monti. Berlusconi’s own party sharply divided between Monti backers and those waiting elections. And Berlusconi’s partner is outgoing coalition 6 of Northern League will not back the new government. Sylvia Poggioli, NPR News, Rome.
        In Greece, a colorful swear-in ceremony was held today for Prime Minister Lucas Papademos, a global financial expert who has a new coalition cabinet to also help save Greece from bankruptcy 8. 
        Americans seem to be feeling better about the economy. NPR’s Giles Snyder reports at a closely watch gauge 9 of consumers sentiment is at its highest level in 5 months.
        The Thomason Reuters/University of Michigan’s preliminary index of consumer sentiment in November topped than analysts 10 expectations are all consumer sentiment roles to 64.2 compared with October’s final reading of 60.9 and all set specters a small rise. The index cling on the strain of consumer expectations the service shows responders were less likely to expect the economy to worse in the euro head and were less pessimistic about the labor 11 market even as they remain gloomy about their own finances. Of the recovery of the optimism among consumers is a key to economic growth. Consumer spending accounts for 2/3 of economic activity. Giles Snyder, NPR News, Washington.
        One of the Mexican governments most prominent figures in its battle with drug cartels is dead. Francisco Blake Mora, the country’s interim 12 secretary and second highest official with among 8 people killed today in a helicopter crash southeast of Mexico City. 
        This is NPR.
        The United Nations is accusing Sudan of bombing a refugee camp in the newly independent country of South Sudan. As NPR’s Michele Kelemen reports the United States is worrying about the rising intensions in that region. 
        The UN’s top peacekeeping official confirmed reports that Sudan’s armed forces dropped at least 2 bombs near refugee camp in South Sudan. US ambassador Susan Rice called it outrages 13 and says this is a moment for restrain. 
        “Government of Sudan needs to halt all offensive actions against the South. Immediately. And the South needs to have the wisdom and restraint not to take the bait and not to respond in kind.”
        Sudan accuses the South of supporting rebel movements in the North. South Sudan says its former rulers in the North are always trying to blame others for their problems. Michele Kelemen, NPR News, Washington.
        A conference is underway on saving the Atlantic blue fin 7 tuna which has been overfished to be the demands of the world’s sushi markets. Delegates from 48 countries are in Turkey trying to determine how to monitor illegal catches. The European Union executive commission is expected to propose electronic surveillance. 
        In Turkey, meanwhile efforts underway to find more victims of Wednesday’s earthquake in the city of Van. The death toll 14 now stands at 19 so far.
        At last check on Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up to 255 points, more than 2% at 12,149 in trading of 2 billion shares; NASDAQ up nearly 2% at 2,676; S&P 500 about 2%, it’s 1,263. This is NPR.