Burma’s military government faced worldwide criticism today for bringing new charges against pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, with rights groups urging the junta’s neighbours to intervene urgently.

A PETITION signed by Cork County Council members is to accompany a letter requesting the Government to seek proper entitlements for 154 catering workers who lost their jobs in December.

The Australian Stock Exchange today reportedly played down rumours it was eyeing Nasdaq's 31% stake in the London Stock Exchange.

The Singapore government has given its backing to the country’s bid to host a Formula One race, raising speculation that the island republic could be in line for a place on next year’s calendar.

A Spanish company tonight looked to have won a dramatic £10bn (€14.5bn) takeover battle for control of the UK’s biggest airports.

The European Union’s competition watchdog today approved a takeover bid for airports owner BAA by a consortium led by Spanish construction group Ferrovial.

Fresh developments in the BAA takeover saga today pushed the airport operator’s stock closer to the 900p a share targeted by the City as a likely takeover price.

US giant General Electric has emerged as a surprise participant in the battle to buy British airports operator BAA, it was reported today.

CORK-headquartered Zentek Engineering has expanded into the Asia-Pacific market through the opening of a new office in Singapore.

Airports operator BAA today rejected the terms of a takeover approach worth £8.75bn (€12.6bn) from the Spanish infrastructure company Ferrovial.

A small bomb blast outside the residence of the Thai king’s chief adviser injured a British tourist in Bangkok today, police said, heightening tension amid weeks of protests aimed at ousting Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Further signs of an imminent bid for BAA emerged today after it was reported Royal Bank of Scotland had a key role in funding a Spanish-led takeover.

AUSTRALIA'S Macquarie Bank is poised to team up with Spain's Grupo Ferrovial SA to launch a hostile bid for British airports operator BAA plc.

Australian bank Macquarie is poised to join forces with Spanish infrastructure giant Ferrovial to mount a £15bn hostile bid for airports operator BAA, it was reported today.

The Civil Aviation Authority indicated today that it would take a dim view of any takeover bid for airports operator BAA using large amounts of debt.

The FTSE 100 Index briefly moved back above the 5800 level today before closing less than a point below its opening mark.

Airports group BAA made the running in the FTSE 100 Index as confidence rose that a £9.5bn (€13.9bn) offer could be only days away.

The Singapore government and a Canadian fund manager were today being linked to a role in the Spanish-led consortium looking to bid for British airports owner BAA.

THE prospect of a multi-billion euro bidding war for ports and ferries group P&O was fuelled yesterday by reports that a second firm was considering an offer.

The prospect of a multi-billion euro bidding war for ports and ferries group P&O was fuelled today by reports that a second firm was considering an offer.

The film company of Star Wars creator George Lucas opened a digital animation studio in Singapore today, and said it has started work on his latest project - a television series based on the hit series.

The Singapore government has opened a landfill island, made entirely from garbage incinerator ash, to its citizens in a bid to share its "rich natural environment."

David Beckham joined Tony Blair today for a chaotic photocall designed to boost London’s 2012 Olympic bid.

Singapore financial markets were rocked today after a Chinese jet-fuel supplier listed in the city-state said it had racked up €438m in losses on derivative trades and was seeking protection from its creditors.

The Singapore government hopes plastering packs of cigarettes with colour pictures of dying babies and bleeding brains will help smokers to kick the habit.

The Singapore government hopes plastering packs of cigarettes with colour pictures of dying babies and bleeding brains will help smokers to kick the habit.

The Singapore government and the European Patent Office have agreed to increase cooperation on the protection of intellectual property.

Malaysian police have arrested two more suspected members of an al-Qaida-linked militant group.