The eight Arctic nations pledged Thursday to create international protocols to prevent and clean up offshore oil spills in areas of the region that are becoming increasingly accessible to exploration because of a changing climate.

The Arctic Council

WASHINGTON: President George W. Bush has proposed spending an additional $770 million in emergency food assistance for poor countries, responding to rising food prices that have caused social unrest in several nations. The president's proposal Thursday came days after Democrats in Congress had called for increases, and it received a largely positive response, though some Democrats criticized the fact that the aid would not be available until the next fiscal year begins in October.