Geneva - A key round of talks in Geneva aimed at reviving the World Trade Organization's Doha Round will continue after a break-off was prevented as a result of concessions made the previous day above all by industrialised states, diplomats said Saturday.

Diplomatic sources said the concessions included an offer by the United States to reduce the cap on subsidies for its agrcultural produce limit to 14.5 billion dollars a year.

The US had already reduced this to 15 billion from an original figure of 16.4 billion. The sources said a reduction by European Union countries of EU tariffs by 80 per cent - instead of the 60 per cent already offered - was now widely expected.

Geneva - Representatives of World Trade Organization (WTO) member countries began a key meeting in Geneva Monday in an attempt to revive the stalled Doha Round of talks on liberalizing world trade that began seven years ago. 

The talks are centred on resolving an impasse over barriers to trade in industrial and agricultural goods on world markets by the end of the week. 

One aim is to open markets for agricultural goods from the world's poorest countries. 

Geneva - World powers and Iran are set to engage in a new round of negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme in Geneva on Saturday.

Geneva - The number of refugees rose worldwide for the second year running to reach 11.4 million foll

Geneva  - The Ethiopian government and humanitarian aid agencies issued an appeal for 325.2 million dollars Friday to try to prevent starvation.