World News

Guinea-Bissau: Interim President, Presidential Candidate Released

Soldiers in Guinea-Bissau released interim President Raimundo Pereira and presidential candidate Carlos Gomes Junior, Ivorian Minister for African Integration Adama Bictogo said April 27, Reuters reported. They had been seized during an April 12 coup.

Bulgaria, Azerbaijan: State Energy Companies Sign Natural Gas Deal

Sofia's Bulgarian Energy Holding and Baku's State Oil Company of Azerbaijan signed a deal April 27 that will increase Azerbaijani natural gas supplies to Bulgaria, southeastern Europe and the European Union, the Bulgarian Energy Ministry said.

Iran: Tehran, IAEA To Hold New Negotiations

Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will hold a new round of negotiations May 13-14 in Vienna, Iranian representative to the IAEA Ali Asghar Soltanieh said April 27, Trend news agency reported.

Pakistan: President Calls For Cooperation With U.S. - Spokesman

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan and the United States should consider building a framework for an agreeable alternative to U.S. unmanned aerial vehicle strikes, according to a presidential spokesman, Xinhua reported April 27. Zaradari spoke during a meeting with U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan Marc Grossman.

Ukraine: EU Association Agreement Cannot Be Signed - German Ambassador

The EU-Ukraine Association Agreement cannot currently be signed, German Ambassador to Ukraine Hans-Jurgen Heimsoeth said, Interfax-Ukraine reported April 27. There are no indications the agreement will be signed, Heimsoeth said, adding that the European Council, not the European Commission, would have to unanimously approve it.

Pakistan: Plan for Iran Pipeline Reportedly Moving Forward

Pakistan is moving forward with plans to build a pipeline from Iran, according to documents, Reuters reported April 27. Pakistan's Inter State Gas Systems (ISGS) has invited interested contractors for pre-qualification and an unnamed ISGS manager said the state agency hopes to start construction by the end of 2012.

Bangladesh, India: Clinton To Visit

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will travel to Bangladesh and India from May 5-8, according to an April 27 U.S. State Department statement. In New Delhi, Clinton will meet with Indian officials to discuss the strategic partnership before the June 13 U.S.-India Strategic Dialogue in Washington.

Japan: Central Bank Announces Additional Monetary Easing

The Bank of Japan on April 27 increased its asset purchase program by 5 trillion yen ($61 billion) to about 70 trillion yen, Japan Today reported. The bank's board kept its interest rate steady at between 0 and 0.1 percent. The bank said it will extend its purchases of government bonds to bonds with longer maturities.

Mali: ECOWAS To Send 3,000 Troops

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will send at least 3,000 troops to Mali to retrain and re-equip the country's military following last month's coup [1], officials said late April 26, AP reported.