Under the motto "prevention is better than cure", EU unveils its first animal health strategy
European Union agriculture ministers today reached political agreement on the new Spirit Drinks regulation, thereby sealing a first reading agreement between the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament. The new regulation enhances the clarity of EU legislation on spirit drinks, combines two previous regulations into one and adapts the rules to take account of technical changes, WTO requirements and the EU's system of geographical indications. The new regulation sets out clear definitions for all spirit drinks, and should help producers market their products while providing new clarity for consumers. One of the main points of discussion since the proposal was tabled by the Commission in December 2005 has been the definition of vodka. The new regulation leaves the current definition unchanged, but changes slightly the labelling requirements. In future, vodka made from cereals or potatoes will be labelled simply as vodka. Vodka based on other raw materials will bear the indication "produced from" supplemented by the name of the raw material used. This Regulation shall enter into force on the seventh day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
The European Commission today proposed legislation to reduce the average CO2 emissions of new passenger cars to 120 grams per kilometre by 2012. The proposed legislation is the cornerstone of the EU's strategy to improve the fuel economy of cars, which account for about 12% of the European Union's carbon emissions. The proposal further underlines the EU's leadership and determination to deliver on its greenhouse gas commitments under the Kyoto Protocol and beyond.
The Foreign Affairs Committee adopted its annual report on human rights in the world on Tuesday. Focusing on the situation in 2006, the report looks at EU policies on breaches of human rights, criticises EU action in the area and makes specific recommendations.
Monsignor Corrado Balducci says Mexico is blessed with UfO Sightings. He says he will continue be spokesman for the opening up of public opinion and church attention towards the people from the stars. "I will ask the Vatican to dedicate the religious feast day Christ, the King of the Universe to include "all its inhabitants"!
UK GOVERNMENT DECIDES NOT TO ATTEND COURT HEARING TO MAKE ITS OBJECTIONS TO THE CHALLENGE
Following the disaster in Asia, the ICRC is concentrating its relief efforts on Sri Lanka and the Indonesian province of Aceh where it already has a strong presence. The overall relief operations of the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement are being coordinated by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Italy's government says its troops will stay in Iraq despite a reported threat by an Islamist group to kill a hostage unless Rome announces a pull-out within 48 hours.
BANGKOK, Thailand - Microsoft announced Wednesday it would offer a low-cost starter edition of its Windows XP operating system in Asia starting in October, as it strives to hold onto market share facing erosion from the open-source Linux system and software piracy.
Version 5 features a revamped user interface, better reporting and enhanced patch management
The International Committee of the Red Cross is cutting back its operations in Iraq after warnings that it could be targeted for attack.