Trade : WTO upholds ruling against China in raw materials dispute (PRIV)
(Kanaga Raja, Geneva)
The Appellate Body of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has upheld a previous panel ruling that had found that export restraints imposed by China on certain raw materials were inconsistent with its WTO obligations.

United Nations : Blueprint for sustainable development (PRIV)
(IPS, New York)
A long-awaited report by a UN high-level panel on global sustainability recommends several far-reaching proposals, including the establishment of new institutions and the creation of global indicators, aimed at protecting the world's environment and strengthening the UN's sustainable development strategy.

Environment : Social Forum awash with criticism for Green Economy (PRIV)
(IPS, Porto Alegre)
Critical voices raised against what was dubbed "the gospel of green capitalism" resonated in every discussion and street march held during the Thematic Social Forum, which brought thousands of activists to the capital city of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, in southern Brazil.

United Nations : Arms embargoes busted by ships from the West (PRIV)
(IPS, New York)
When the Security Council penalises governments with economic sanctions and arms embargoes, the world body's 193 member states are mandated to help implement the wide-ranging punitive measures imposed on these countries.

United States : Rights groups oppose smaller arms transfer to Bahrain (PRIV)
(IPS, Washington)
The decision by the administration of President Barack Obama to approve limited transfers of military equipment to Bahrain is coming under renewed fire by human rights and pro-democracy groups here.