London, Nov 10 : With plans underway for passenger space travel becoming a reality by the middle of next decade, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has started developing safety rules for civilian space flight.

According to a report in New Scientist, EASA has decided to develop the new rules after Sweden built a spaceport from which Virgin Galactic may offer flights into the aurora borealis, a major attraction for people.

“Both (Virgin’s) carrier aircraft and the rocket-powered aeroplane/glider would meet the definition of an aircraft, and therefore fall under EASA’s scope,” said a spokesman.

According to John Podesta, a leading member of Barack Obama's transition team, the incoming President would use special powers on stem cell and oil drilling policies, to force through rapid changes.

In an attempt to wipe away some hallmarks of the Bush years, including a ban on embryonic stem cell research and moves to open new lands to oil drilling, Obama will reverse executive orders pertaining to such issues.

Washington, Nov 10 : Ex James Bond Pierce Brosnan believes that US President-elect Barack Obama would make a good 007 spy.

Talking at the second annual Jane Goodall Institute Global Leadership Awards Celebration in Washington, D. C., Brosnan said that Obama would make an even better president.

"He''s cool enough. He''s definitely got the walk and the talk, yes," People quoted Brosnan as saying.

He added: "But I think he''s going to make a greater president. And Mr. Daniel Craig is a great Bond of his time."

Manila  - The Philippine government on Monday denied allegations that visiting Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat would seek political asylum for former premier Thaksin Shinawatra after his visa was revoked by the British government.

Somchai arrived for a seven-hour visit to the Philippines on Monday afternoon, triggering rumours of a possible asylum deal for Thaksin and his wife, Pojaman.

Press Secretary Jesus Dureza said there was no truth to the reports and added that should Thaksin make such a request, the Philippines will not approve it.

Stockholm  - Stockholm-based Carnegie Investment Bank AB on Monday unveiled plans to issue new shares worth 1.2 billion kronor (151 million dollars).

The announcement came shortly the board of the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (FSA) was to meet to decide on possible sanctions against Carnegie.

Carnegie has been under review after it disclosed a writedown of 1 billion kronor over "an individual credit commitment" in its recent third-quarter report.

The new issue consisted of two parts of which 400 million kronor was for a new shareholder and the rest to current owners, the investment bank said.

The new issue hinged on Carnegie keeping its licences to operate.