WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Federal Reserve on Wednesday left the target range for the federal funds rate unchanged at 4.25 percent to 4.5 percent, as recent data showed inflation is picking up.

"The Committee judges that the risks to achieving its employment and inflation goals are roughly in balance. The economic outlook is uncertain, and the Committee is attentive to the risks to both sides of its dual mandate," the Federal Open Market Committee, the central bank's policy-setting body, said in a statement after a two-day meeting. (US-Fed-Rates)

- - - -

DAMASCUS -- Syria's Military Operations Administration announced on Wednesday the appointment of Ahmed al-Sharaa as president during the transitional period, granting him authority to establish an interim legislative council until a permanent constitution is ratified.

Spokesman Hassan Abdel Ghani said al-Sharaa would serve as interim president and represent Syria in international forums. He also announced the immediate dissolution of all military factions and revolutionary political bodies, with their integration into state institutions. (Syria-President)

- - - -

ABUJA -- The memberships of the three West African countries of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have been formally withdrawn from the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), one year after the three junta-led nations jointly declared an intention to exit the regional bloc.

The ECOWAS Commission said in a statement that the withdrawal took effect Wednesday. It is a historic exit from the bloc, founded in 1975 to promote economic integration in all economic activities, particularly industry, transport, telecommunications, energy, agriculture, natural resources, commerce, monetary and financial matters, and social and cultural affairs. (ECOWAS-Withdrawal) Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)