Elections/Legislation/Government

The Vatican released an official assessment on global economics entitled, "‘Oeconomicae et pecuniariae quaestiones" or "Considerations for an ethical discernment regarding some aspects of the present economic-financial system." The document calls for improvements in global finance policies on debt resolution, taxation, financial crisis prevention and transparency.

At a rally on May 11, Chelsea Manning spoke out at a rally in support of the J20 defendants.

Photos and a brief audio excerpt.

Dear Radio Friend,     This week's show features stories from NHK World Radio Japan, Spanish National Radio, Radio Havana Cuba, and Sputnik Radio.        From JAPAN- Japan and India are stepping up cooperation in the development of renewable energy and hydrogen fuel cells. At a preparatory meeting for the 2020 nuclear non-proliferation summit, delegates expressed opinions on the future of nuclear power plants. The Chinese and North Korean Foreign Ministers met to discuss the inter-Korean summit.

World leaders, finance ministers, the private sector and nongovernmental organizations begin the Spring International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings on the 10-year anniversary of the global financial crisis. On Tuesday the IMF's economic outlook report predicts short-term global growth to 3.9%, it highlights debt levels, trade policies, decreased labor participation and aging populations as risks to long-term growth.