Sino-U.S. relations key to a WTO Doha deal
GENEVA (TGD) – The path of Sino-U.S. economic relations could prove the most decisive factor on whether a successful deal is reached, or not, in the troubled Doha round of global trade talks in 2010, or beyond, trade diplomats and experts say.
“Today it’s all about how to satisfy the dragon,” said a senior trade diplomat.
The big unknown , say some diplomats, is whether the U.S.- which championed China’s 15-year bid to join the World Trade Organization in December 2001, will accept China’s arrival at the top table, and grant it parity of power, or instead try to clip its wings.
The recent tensions between China and the United States over the decision by the U.S. to slap punitive duties on tyre imports , and the cold chill this sent in global financial markets reflects the colossal importance put on the G-2 relationship.
121 journalists killed worldwide in 2009 , says media rights group
GENEVA, January 5 (TGD) - A total of 121 journalists were killed in 2009 in 25 countries, up 33% over the year before, the media human rights advocacy group the Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), said in its latest annual report released on 5 January.
Mr Blaise Lempen, PEC secretary-general, said on average 10 journalists were killed each month by armed groups, criminal groups, governments and terrorist acts.
Six countries the Philippines, Mexico, Somalia, Pakistan, Russia, and Iraq - accounted for two-thirds of the victims in 2009, PEC said.
French President Sarkozy targets China over currency manipulation, contests dollar's role as dominant reserve currency
DAVOS, Switzerland, January 27 (TGD)– Exchange rate manipulation of currencies undermines global fair trade and honest competition, said Wednesday French President Nicolas Sarkozy in a cloaked attack at China's alleged undervalued Yuan.
"We cannot put finance and the economy back in order if we allow the disorder of currencies to persist," Mr Sarkozy said in a keynote address to 2,500 business and political leaders attending the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum.
"We cannot , on the one hand, preach free trade and , on the other, tolerate monetary dumping." he told delegates and argued there was a need for a New Bretton Woods.
But in a passionate speech, Mr Sarkozy also hinted forcefully on the need for an alternative to the dollar for underwriting the global financial system.