Newses

AFP – German backpackers Christian Morbe and Kathrin Veith were prepared for their stay in Australia to be expensive, but the skyrocketing Australian dollar is catching tourists like them by surprise.

AFP – Japan is considering stationing troops near islands at the centre of a row with China, a news report said Wednesday, but Beijing’s move to ease mineral exports raised hopes for an easing of friction.

AFP – Under threat of US sanctions, European oil firms Total, Shell, Statoil and Eni have pledged to stop investing in Iran in what amounts to a „significant setback” to Tehran, a US official said Thursday.

AFP – Manchester City kept Juventus at arm’s length in Europa League Group A after a 1-1 draw between the sides on Thursday, while Liverpool and holders Atletico Madrid also recorded draws.

AFP – US envoy George Mitchell held crucial talks with Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas on Thursday and pledged to maintain intensive efforts to salvage peace talks with Israel.

Reuters – Pakistani authorities blocked a vital supply route for NATO troops fighting in Afghanistan on Thursday after the killing of three soldiers in two NATO cross-border incursions, officials said.

Reuters – A senior U.S. senator said on Thursday he would press Chinese officials to take „meaningful” steps to reform the Asian nation’s currency policies when he travels to China the week of October 10.

AFP – Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) posted a photo on the Internet on Thursday of seven people, including five French, whom it kidnapped in Niger two weeks ago.

AP – Nokia Corp. said Thursday it has begun shipments of its N8 model, a handset that aims to challenge RIM’s Blackberry and Apple’s iPhone in the smart phone market.

AFP – BP does not expect the US Justice Department to accuse it of „gross negligence” at the conclusion of its investigation into the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, incoming chief executive Bob Dudley said Friday.