2009年2月11日的VOA

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It's 15: 00, Universal Time, and here is the news from the Voice of America.

From the VOA News Center in Washington, I'm Frances Alonzo.

President Barack Obama says the US economy is facing its most profound emergency since the Great Depression and could sink into a negative spiral without more government intervention. Speaking at a White House news conference, Mr. Obama called on the US Congress to quickly pass an 800-billion-dollar government spending and tax cut bill.

"That's why we have come together around a plan that combines hundreds of billions in tax cuts for the middle class with direct investments in areas like health care, energy, education and infrastructure. Investments that will save jobs, create new jobs and new businesses, and help our economy grow again, now and in the future. "

The US Senate is scheduled to vote on the economic stimulus bill today.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says he welcomes talks with the United States based on mutual respect. As celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of Iran's Islamic revolution Tuesday, Mr. Ahmadinejad said he hopes US President Barack Obama's foreign policy changes will be fundamental and not just tactical. Mr. Obama Monday again offered the promise of directing engagement with Iran, adding that it's time for Tehran to send signals that it wants to act differently as well.

The Obama administration's special envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan, Richard Holbrooke, has met with senior Pakistani leaders for talks about combating terrorists in the region. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Tuesday the two sides have agreed to set up a joint team to discuss policy options for countering militancy. Qureshi said he and Holbrooke will lead that task force.