SECURITY COUNCIL CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE, DURABLE, FULLY RESPECTED CEASEFIRE (United Nations)

Gravely concerned by the deepening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and the resulting heavy civilian casualties “since the refusal to extend the period of calm” between Israel and Hamas, the Security Council this evening stressed the urgency of and called for an “immediate, durable and fully respected ceasefire, leading to the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza”.

Ambassador's Corner (European Union)

The latest Eurobarometer poll , taken in all 27 EU Member States in October and November of 2008, shows that there has been a 20 percentage points' increase in the proportion of European citizens who considered that the situation of their national economy was bad.

Nigeria: Transparency - Key to Niger Delta's Sustainable Devt (AllAfrica.com)

Lagos — Analysts believe strict commitment to transparency at all levels of the society would help spur rapid growth in Nigeria.

Background Note: Niger (Scoop.co.nz)

Geography Area: 1,267,000 sq. km (490,000 sq. mi.); about three times the size of California. Cities: Capital --Niamey (pop. approx. 1 million). Other cities-- Tahoua, Konni, Maradi, Zinder, Diffa, Dosso, Arlit, and Agadez.

Auto makers look to Mexico (The Globe and Mail)

And, what happens to CPP, OAS payments if consumer price index actually declines