Category:September 18, 2005

The time is 2000 UTC on Sunday 18th September 2005, and this is Audio Wikinews: News Briefs.

Results of 2005 German federal election
Early result projections from today's German federal election suggest that the alliance consisting of chancellor Gerhard Schröder's Social Democratic Party and the Greens has lost its majority. The strongest party appears to be the Christian Democratic Union, with its chancellor candidate Angela Merkel. However, it is not yet certain who will govern the country for the next four years. Neither the CDU and its likely coalition partner the Free Democratic Party nor SPD and its partner the Greens have a majority of seats in the Bundestag. While the CDU got the most votes, it performed much worse than projected, and officials from the party now suggest that a grand coalition with the SPD is the likely option for a future government. But a coalition of both Greens and FDP with either the SPD or the CDU also seems a possibility. Winners in this election include the Free Democrats, who gained 3%, and The Left, up 4%.

Iran determined to continue with nuclear program
The President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, announced on Saturday the resolve of his country to proceed with the development of nuclear energy. He stated that Iran would not pursue nuclear weapons. Mr Ahmadinejad also noted that he was willing to allow international inspection of his programme, and reaffirmed his claim of its peaceful nature. At the UN conference in New York this week, Mr. Ahmadinejad made clear that he felt that Iran had a right to nuclear energy, and that the nations of world practiced "nuclear apartheid" by refusing to let Iran pursue this course. "We're not going to cave in to the excessive demands of certain powers," he said, refusing to yield to international pressure to halt his country's nuclear course.

Saudi Arabia, UAE to support increasing oil production
Oil ministers from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates announced that both countries would support raising crude oil output quotas by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. The Saudi minister, Ali al-Naimi, said that rising prices were lowering world demand, and his nation 'absolutely' backs the increase, while Mohammed bin Dhaen al-Hamli from the UAE claimed that the markets could calm on the decision. Earlier, OPEC cut their oil demand estimates for 2005, saying that demand will rise by only 1.7% compared to the previous prediction of 1.9%. The organisation is to meet to discuss the possible increase on 19th September. If the decision takes place, the official limits will be at their highest since 1987.

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