VOA标准英语2009-Quartet Calls on Israel to Freeze Settlement

The so-called Quartet of Middle East negotiators has called on Israel to freeze all settlement activity and lift its blockage on the Gaza strip. Meeting in Italy Friday representatives of the Quartet also called on the Palestinian Authority to conti

VOA标准英语2009-Iran's Guardian Council Endorses Results of

Iran's electoral watchdog, the Guardian Council, says has seen no signs of fraud in 10 days of investigations, rejecting claims by three defeated presidential candidates of vote rigging. At the same time, a hardline cleric told Friday's prayer gathe

VOA标准英语2009-US Congressional Hearing Examines Military,

The violent and unstable situation in Somalia was the subject of a U.S. congressional hearing on Thursday. Testimony by officials from Somalia, the United Nations and the African Union, and experts came as the Obama administration confirmed it has d

VOA标准英语2009-Severe Heat Wave Grips Many Parts of India

A severe heat wave sweeping across the plains of India has claimed at least 100 lives. It has also led to power and water shortages in many parts of the country, including the capital, New Delhi. Dogs join daily wage laborers and rickshaw pullers as

VOA标准英语2009-Albania Votes Amid Corruption and Fraud Conc

The people of Albania are going to the polls in parliamentary elections that are seen as a key test for the Balkan country's ambition to join the European Union. Albania's incumbent Prime Minister Sali Berisha faces a tough fight in the national ele

VOA标准英语2009-Possible Air France Debris Located in Atlant

Brazilian aircraft searching for an Air France jet that disappeared with 228 people onboard in an Atlantic storm have spotted debris in the ocean. Members of Brazilian Pelican military squad prepare to depart from Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, t

VOA标准英语2009-Approval Given for Australia's Biggest Wind

The government has approved plans for Australia's biggest wind farm to be built near the outback town of Broken Hill in New South Wales. Almost 600 turbines will generate enough electricity for more than 400,000 homes. A forest of giant turbines wil

VOA标准英语2009-Kenya Undecided on Sending Troops to Somalia

Kenya's prime minister says the government is not ready to say whether the country's military will intervene in the conflict in neighboring Somalia. Kenya and other countries in the region are under intense pressure from the Somali government to sen

VOA标准英语2009-S. Korean Minister Says Social Instability I

South Korea's chief official on North Korea policy says he believes North Korea's recent acts of international defiance are aimed at shoring up power at home. With talks to end the North's nuclear weapons at a standstill, South Korea is intensifying

VOA标准英语2009-Major Agricultural Countries Agree to Restar

Major agriculture exporting nations have agreed to revive negotiations for the Doha Development Round at a meeting in Indonesia. The commitment to finalize a framework for the eventual elimination of export subsidies and import tariffs has been prai

VOA标准英语2009-Top US Officer Takes More Active Role on Afg

The top American military officer, Admiral Mike Mullen, has taken a particularly active role in changing the U.S. approach to Afghanistan, contributing to the new strategy, choosing the new commander for U.S. and NATO forces, and deciding to replace

VOA标准英语2009-New Torture Allegations Against Kenyan Secur

A human-rights group is bringing fresh allegations of torture by Kenya's security forces. In a new report, Human Rights Watch says hundreds of civilians were tortured or beaten during a government security operation to disarm militants last year. Hu

VOA标准英语2009-New Honduras Government Resists Internationa

The new president in Honduras is rejecting international pressure to allow the return of President Manuel Zelaya, who was ousted by military forces on Sunday. Mr. Zelaya is meeting with Latin American heads of state in Nicaragua to demand that the n

VOA标准英语2009-Iraqis Celebrate Day of National Sovereignty

Iraqis are staging a national celebration to mark the impending June 30th withdrawal of U.S. troops from most cities, towns and villages. Celebrations in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, include music, dance and poetry. People celebrate in Basra, Iraq's

VOA标准英语2009-African Americans Recall Michael Jackson Leg

As questions swirl around the death of pop star Michael Jackson, fans are talking more about his legacy. Jackson died suddenly in Los Angeles Thursday, and the Los Angeles coroner has deferred a decision on the cause of death for up to six weeks. In

VOA标准英语2009-Michael Jackson's Mother Requests Permanent

As fans mourn the death of pop star Michael Jackson, the singer's family is sorting out the details of his estate. Jackson's mother is asking to administer his estate on behalf of his three children. Michael Jackson waves as he arrives at the Santa

VOA标准英语2009-Anti-Taliban Campaign in Pakistan's Swat Val

Pakistan says the military is in the final phase of its campaign to expel Taliban militants from northwestern Swat Valley and surrounding areas. But, there are no reports that government forces have killed or captured top Taliban leaders in the regi

VOA标准英语2009-Asia's Budget Airline Carriers Ride Out Trou

Asia's budget airlines have grown rapidly in recent years. And while some are faring well, the sector faces a bumpy ride as economic turbulence hits both domestic and international travel. Asia's low-cost airlines, which took off in good economic ti

VOA标准英语2009-Tribunal Sentences Former Rwandan Interior M

A United Nations court has sentenced a former interior minister of Rwanda to a 30-year prison term for his role in that country's 1994 genocide. Callixte Kalimanzira was convicted on charges of genocide and incitement to commit genocide. The trial c

VOA标准英语2009-Australia Warns Boat People Heading to Its S

Australia has intercepted a boat carrying almost 200 illegal migrants and is warning of a surge in displaced people heading to its shores from Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The vessel is the largest of the 15 boats of unauthorized arrivals detained in Aus