Fresh start for Congress, but fiscal battles loom again
With nearly 100 new members, the US Congress convened Thursday fresh from the year-end "fiscal cliff" fiasco, as lawmakers cast a wary eye towards the tough budget battles ahead.
Kazakhstan zeros mobile phone import duties
The duties will remain unchanged for equipment and electronic devices, however, they will gradually go down for some goods starting from 2013: expert.
03 January 2013
Obama signs sweeping US defense spending bill
President Barack Obama has signed into law a $633 billion US defense spending bill that funds the war in Afghanistan and boosts security at US missions worldwide.
03 January 2013
An heir for North Korea's Kim Jong-Un?
North Korea's next dynastic succession may have been secured, with new TV images of leader Kim Jong-Un's wife suggesting that Pyongyang's first lady recently gave birth.
Obama signs 'fiscal cliff' bill into law
President Barack Obama has signed into law a contentious compromise bill hammered out in Congress that narrowly averted the US 'fiscal cliff of tax hikes and drastic, immediate cuts in spending.
03 January 2013
US House to vote imminently on 'fiscal cliff' deal
The House of Representatives will vote late Tuesday on a bill already approved by the Senate to avert huge New Year tax hikes and spending cuts known as the "fiscal cliff".
Turkey is yet to decide on use of land lots in Almaty and Aktau
Kazakhstan Parliament has approved the draft law On ratification of the protocol between the governments of Kazakhstan and Turkey on transfer of property in Kemer district of Antalya province, Turkey, into Kazakhstan ownership.
Vatican backs Monti, the anti-Berlusconi
The Vatican has thrown its weight behind outgoing prime minister Mario Monti, ditching the scandal-hit Silvio Berlusconi in favour of a practising Catholic they hope may lead Italy after February's general election.
31 December 2012
Talks stall as fiscal cliff looms
Two days of last-gasp talks produced no deal Sunday between US political leaders struggling to averting a fiscal calamity due to hit the American and world economy within hours.
Obama signs law against Iran's influence in Latin America
President Barack Obama enacted a law Friday to counter Iran's alleged influence in Latin America, through a new diplomatic and political strategy to be designed by the State Department.
31 December 2012
Senate renews warrantless surveillance act
The Senate approved a five-year extension Friday of a George W. Bush-era surveillance law that allows US spy agencies to conduct wiretapping on foreign citizens without a warrant.
31 December 2012
Obama 'modestly optimistic' for fiscal deal
President Barack Obama said Friday he was "modestly optimistic" a last-minute deal was possible with Republicans to avert a "fiscal cliff" crisis that could spark a recession and rock global markets.
30 December 2012
Philippines seeks unity after birth control law signed
President Benigno Aquino's government called for reconciliation on Saturday after a "divisive" birth control act was signed into law despite bitter opposition from the influential Catholic church.
