The Syrian government opens the door for talks with (rebels). The new U.S. Secretary of State makes his first (overseas) tour. I’m David Deforest reporting from Washington.
The Syrian government says it is ready for talks with leaders of the (opposition). Foreign Minister Walid al-Moallem said today in Moscow Syria is open to dialogue with those who want to take part. For more on this story, take a look at our website voanews.com.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry met today at Downing Street with British Prime Minister David Cameron and Foreign Secretary William Hague. Kerry is set to meet with other leaders in Germany, France, Italy, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar on his first overseas trip since becoming (secretary).
South Korea has sworn in its first female president, the daughter of former (dictator), Park Chung-hee. After being (inaugurated) today at the national assembly building in Seoul, Park Geun-hye urged North Korea to drop its nuclear ambitions and to stop, in her words, wasting its resources on nuclear and missile (development). Ms. Park pledged to usher in a new era of economic (prosperity), science, technology and education.英语口语培训
Burma is hosting its largest (delegation) of American business (executives) since U.S. sanctions were eased last year. Some of the 50 delegates attending a one-day conference expressed great hope, but also concerns, for increasing business ties. Daniel Schearf reports.
The Burma and United States Chambers of Commerce on Monday welcomed warming business relations after years of (economic restrictions). The two chambers held a one-day conference in Rangoon with the largest-ever delegation of U.S. companies, ranging from retail and restaurants to finance, insurance and (extractive industries). Jose Fernandez, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs, told the conference Burma is taking concrete steps toward (normalizing) its financial relations with the international community. The two chambers signed a memorandum of understanding to increase business ties. Daniel Schearf, Rangoon.
Italians are voting for a second and final day today. Voters angry over (prolonged) economic slump and (discredited) political elite cast ballots with many looking to anti-establishment parties promising change.
Britain’s most senior Roman Catholic cleric has resigned. Cardinal Keith O’Brien has handed in his resignation following (allegations) of inappropriate behavior with fellow priests in the 1980s.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law banning smoking in public places. That law will take effect in two stages beginning in June. The use of tobacco smoking will be, in public places will be banned in such places as subways and schools. A year later the ban will go into effect in other areas including restaurants.
Sweden’s IKEA company is pulling its frozen meatballs from its shelves in stores across Europe, becoming the latest (retailer) to be drawn into a growing scandal over horse meat. The furniture retailer, whose stores also feature restaurants that serve Swedish food, said it would stop selling or serving meatballs at its stores in Sweden.易说堂电话英语
Argo, a film about a daring escape from Iran during the 1979 hostage crisis, took top (honors) at the Academy Awards, or Oscars, Sunday evening. Mike O’Sullivan reports.
First lady Michelle Obama announced the top award of the evening, the Oscar for best picture, in a surprise live (announcement) from Washington.
“And the Oscar goes to … Argo, Congratulations!”
Argo recounts the rescue of six American diplomats trapped in Tehran during the Iranian (hostage) crisis. Daniel Day-Lewis took the Oscar for best actor for his role as Abraham Lincoln. Jennifer Lawrence was named best actress for Silver Linings Playbook, a romantic comedy-drama. Mike O’Sullivan, VOA News, Los Angeles.
And best director award went to Ang Lee for the Life of Pi.
Newly-elected Cuban President Raul Castrol says he plans to step down after his second term ends in 2018. The 81-yaer-old leader made the announcement in nationally broadcast speech Sunday shortly after the (national assembly) re-elected him to another five-year term.
I’m David Deforest, more news on the Internet at voanews.com.
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