EU Warns China on Hasty Currency Boost

The European Union will this week urge China to take its time moving towards a more flexible exchange rate system, rebuffing US calls for Beijing to act quickly to boost its currency.

European policymakers fear a sharp realignment of the renminbi could cause exchange rate volatility, leading to the dollar weakening further against the euro and other EU currencies. 

U.S. Not to Join EU in Nuclear Talks with Iran

The United States reiterates that it will not join the France, Germany and Britain in talks with Iran aimed at pressuring the country to suspend its uranium enrichment program.

The United States has voiced support for the EU talks with Iran, but voiced no desire to join it.The United States has insisted on referring Iran to the United Nations Security Council for possible sanctions. 

Prodi Says He Would Pull Troops From Iraq

The center-left candidate to become Italy's next prime minister says that he would pull out Italy's 2,600 troops from Iraq "as soon as possible" if his coalition wins general elections this month.

Mr. Prodi's platform says his government will immediately discuss the withdrawal, but this was the first time that he has given a sense of the speed of a pullout. 

Centre Set up to Curb Graft in Drug Licensing

China has launched a national centre to handle applications of licences for new drugs or medical devices as part of efforts to fight corruption and increase efficiency.  

More Community Clinics to be Built in Beijing

Beijing is building a network of community clinics to form a healthcare backbone for citizens.

The government will allocate 2 billion yuan, or 250 million US dollars over the next three years to establish a community clinic service following successful trial operations in other cities.