The Nigerian government is meeting trade union leaders in its latest attempt to end a week-long strike over the removal of a fuel subsidy. The unions have already rejected a government offer to reinstate less than half of the subsidy, saying prices must be restored to their previous levels. Petrol prices have doubled since the subsidy was removed two weeks ago. The strike has already cost the Nigerian economy billions of dollars in lost revenue and has caused several deaths in clashes with the police.
尼日利亚政府正与工会领导人会谈,这是政府努力结束长达一周的罢工的最新尝试,这次罢工起因是燃油补贴被取消。政府提出恢复原补贴的近一半,但工会已表示拒绝,称价格必须恢复到原来的水平。自两周前取消补贴后,石油价格已经翻倍。这次罢工已使政府遭受几十亿美元的损失,还有数人在与警察的冲突中死亡。
Pakistan's Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has praised the country's armed forces and stressed the supremacy of parliament among the country's institutions. He was speaking at the start of a high-profile defence meeting with Pakistan's army chief. Jill McGivering reports.
巴基斯坦总理吉拉尼赞扬了本国的武装部队,强调议会在国家体制中至高无上的地位。他与巴基斯坦陆军参谋长高调举行会谈并发表讲话,Jill McGivering报道。
Mr Gilani's comments sounded polite and conciliatory. He praised the armed forces but also stressed the important role played by parliament. It was the first time he'd met General Kayani face to face since the dramatic increase in tension between Pakistan's civilian and military leaders that sparked widespread concern about a political crisis. Earlier, General Kayani held a separate meeting with the president. That, too, was closely watched, but there was little official comment afterwards. For many, though, these latest meetings suggest a welcome lowering of political tension.