Seoul - South Korea and Iraq on Tuesday signed a 3.55-billion-dollar deal to support Bagdad in rebuilding the country in exchange for substantial oil rights.
Seoul agreed to aid in reconstruction efforts and rebuilding Iraq's infrastructure in exchange for the rights to about 2 billion barrels of Iraqi oil produced in the region around Basra in southern Iraq, the office of President Lee Myung Bak said.
"With this agreement, our side can now acquire rights to develop oil reserves in Iraq's Basra region, where most Iraqi oil is produced," the presidential office said in a press release after the deal was signed by Lee and his visiting Iranian counterpart Jalal Talabani.
Johannesburg - The world's third-biggest platinum producer Lonmin announced plans Tuesday to lay off up to 5,500 workers at two operations in South Africa.
Production of platinum, a precious metal used in car manufacturing and jewellery, has been severely affected by the global downturn.
Lonmin's announcement follows the announcement earlier this month by leading platinum producer Anglo Platinum, the South African arm of mining giant Anglo American, that it planned to cut 10,000 jobs in 2009.
Cape Town - South Africa is a holiday paradise for families with children - who can ride elephants, pet cheetahs and splash in the Indian Ocean - to name just a few activities. It is also an ideal gateway to exotic Africa for families who do not want to do without European standards.
"An increasing number of tour operators offer trips tailor-made for kids," noted Stephan Gotta, who works for South African Tourism in Frankfurt, Germany.
"Hotels and restaurateurs have reacted to rising demand and geared accommodation and prices to families with children." Demand has grown steadily since 2007, he said.
The region around Cape Town is particularly suited for an exciting and relaxing stay in Africa.
Johannesburg - South Africa's ruling African National Congress said it would never endanger the health of former president Nelson Mandela after drawing criticism for flying him to an election rally in wet conditions to support the party.
At a press conference Monday the ANC's campaign director Fikile Mbabula insisted: "The ANC would not put the life of Madiba at risk," referring to Mandela by his clan name.
Mbalula also insisted that the 90-year-old anti-apartheid icon had expressly asked to attend an ANC rally together with controversial leader, Jacob Zuma.
Johannesburg, Feb. 23 : Australian opener Simon Katich has acknowledged that South Africa's fast bowlers led by Dale Steyn can once again be too hot to handle in the forthcoming series, but hastens to add that the Aussies have their measure.
"He''s (Steyn) obviously up there at the moment. In terms of pace, he''s probably one of the quickest going around, apart from Brett (Lee) when he''s fully fit. You throw in the other couple as well. They''ve got a well-balanced attack," Fox Sports quoted Katich, as saying.
Johannesburg - The world's third-biggest platinum producer Lonmin announced plans Tuesday to lay off up to 5,500 workers at two operations in South Africa.
Johannesburg - The former Methodist bishop, who will lead South Africa's new Congress
Johannesburg - South Africa's ruling African National Congress said it would never endanger the health of former president Nelson Mandela after drawing criticism for flying him to an election rally in wet conditions to support the party.
Johannesburg, Feb. 23 : Australian opener Simon Katich has acknowledged that South Africa's fast bowlers led by Dale Steyn can once again be too hot to handle in the forthcoming series, but hastens to add that the Aussies have their measure.
