Trade : MC9 closes after adopting Bali package    (PRIV)
(Kanaga Raja, Bali)
The ninth session of the Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) came to a close on the morning of Saturday (Dec 7), after adopting a Ministerial Declaration, the entire Bali package of ten texts, and five other Ministerial decisions.

Trade : The uncertain gains from Trade Facilitation    (PRIV)
(Jeronim Capaldo, Medford, Mass.)
On the eve of the ninth WTO ministerial conference the International Chamber of Commerce reiterated its claim that trade facilitation would add $1 trillion to the world's income.

United Nations : Staff accuses Ban Ki-moon of Rights violations    (PRIV)
(IPS, New York)
The United Nations will commemorate Human Rights Day next week amidst charges the world body is unilaterally proposing drastic changes to working conditions and salaries of staffers without due consultation and in violation of their basic rights.

Cuba : Preserving life for when the climate changes    (PRIV)
(IPS, Havana)
Nature reserves act as a safe deposit box for biodiversity and contribute to adaptation to climate change.

United Nations : Stays on sidelines of Central African chaos    (PRIV)
(IPS, New York)
The United Nations Security Council voted unanimously Thursday to authorise the deployment of thousands of French and African Union troops in the Central African Republic but stopped short of approving a full U.N. peacekeeping force in the country.

United States : Bill commits diplomacy to ending abuse of women    (PRIV)
(IPS, Washington)
The U.S. Congress is being urged to pass "urgent" legislation that would make issues of violence against women and girls a key focus in all U.S. diplomatic efforts.

Morocco : Under fire over women's rights bill    (PRIV)
(IPS/Al Jazeera, Doha)
Women's rights activists in Morocco have criticised the Islamist-led government for excluding them from drafting proposed legislation to combat violence against women and for seeking to dilute the bill through changes.