WTO: MC14 seen as a foregone conclusion, with core mandates at risk (PRIV)
(D. Ravi Kanth, Geneva)
The World Trade Organization's 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), to be held in Yaounde, Cameroon on 26-29 March, appears to be a foregone conclusion with three likely outcomes, while seemingly burying the previously mandated issues, unless developing countries put up a fierce resistance, said people familiar with the development.

WTO: African Group sets out detailed agriculture priorities ahead of MC14 (PRIV)
(D. Ravi Kanth, Geneva)
Ahead of the Doha agriculture negotiating body meeting on 30 January, the African Group issued a comprehensive proposal for the World Trade Organization's 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) that is "consistent with the existing mandates", said people familiar with the development.

Afghanistan: Educated women adapt under Taliban restrictions (PRIV)
(IPS, Kabul)
Young women in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, are trying their hands at unfamiliar tasks in embroidery, tailoring and designing beads in market stalls.