United States

ANALYSIS: US decision to join rights council welcomed by UN

US decision to join rights council welcomed by UNGeneva  - The US administration' announcement that it will seek a seat on the Human Rights Council has been greeted warmly by United Nations officials, who see it much in the light the US has been hoping: A step in the direction towards global engagement.

"I warmly welcome the engagement of UN member States to contribute to the important work which lies ahead of us," said Martin Ihoeghian Uhomoibhi, the president of the council in Geneva.

EXTRA: US, China pledge to work to fight global recession

 US, China pledge to work to fight global recession London  - US President Barack Obama and Chinese Prime Minister Hu Jintao moved Wednesday to lay aside a recent round of tensions between Washington and Beijing by committing themselves to working together to combat the global recession.

"The two sides agreed to work together to build a positive, cooperative, and comprehensive US-China relationship for the 21st century and to maintain and strengthen exchanges at all levels," Obama and Hu said in a joint statement following talks in London.

UNDP Calls on G-20 leaders to curb full-fledged human development crisis

UNDP Calls on G-20 leaders to curb full-fledged human development crisisNew York, Apr. 1 : The current global economic crisis, which began with the severe strains on the financial and banking system in parts of the developed world, now risks triggering a human development catastrophe in the world's poorest countries. As the leaders of the richest nations set off to London for the G-20 summit this Thursday, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) warns that those most vulnerable to the crisis are living outside the spotlight and their predicament should be addressed at the table.

Israel could strike Iran if US does not rein in its nuke ambitions: Netanyahu

Israel could strike Iran if US does not rein in its nuke ambitions: NetanyahuWashington, Apr. 1 : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that if US President Obama doesn''t act to stop Iran developing a nuclear weapon, the Israelis may be forced to attack Iran.

An article titled, "Netanyahu to Obama: Stop Iran-Or I Will" in The Atlantic makes the threat of a unilateral strike on Iran''s nuclear sites very explicit, reports CBS.

Mehsud’s threat to target White House is credible: Terrorism experts

Taliban commander Baitullah MehsudWashington, Apr 1 : The threat given by Pakistan Taliban commander Baitullah Mehsud to target the White House and other important places in the United States must be taken seriously, terrorism experts have said.

Mehsud told a foreign news agency on Tuesday that soon he would launch an attack in Washington that will amaze everyone in the world.

Experts call Mehsud a "rising young star" who is linked both to the assassination of former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and the September 2008 bombing that killed 54 people in the Marriott hotel in Islamabad.

Pierre Cardin selling his fashion empire for 1 billion euros

 Pierre Cardin selling his fashion empire for 1 billion euros  New York, Apr 1 : French fashion designer Pierre Cardin is all set to sell of his fashion empire, but only if he gets the right amount.

Cardin, 86, has put the price up at 1 billion euros, and will only sell if he gets it.

"The asking price is 1 billion euros, and if prospective buyers can''t pony up the funds, then that''s their problem, not mine," the New York Post quoted him as telling the spring/summer issue of Fantastic Man.

"It''s not like I''m strapped for cash," he added.

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