Escaped China activist in US protection-rights group
BEIJING (Reuters) - Blind Chinese activist Chen Guangcheng is under U.S. protection in Beijing after an audacious escape from 19 months under house arrest, a U.S.-based group said on Saturday, in a drama that threatens to ignite new tensions between the two governments. Full Article
Wary of Iran, Saudis seek progress on Gulf union
DUBAI (Reuters) - Wary of Iran and regional protest movements, Gulf Arab states are pushing ahead with plans for a political union that would involve joint foreign and defense policies, the Saudi foreign minister said in a speech at the weekend. Full Article
Earnings boost TSX in second straight weekly gain
TORONTO (Reuters) - Canada's main stock index climbed on Friday, hitting its highest level since early April and racking up its second straight weekly gain after solid North American earnings offset disappointing U.S. economic data. Full Article
Canada's 11-month budget deficit C$14.5 billion
OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada's federal budget was in surplus in February, and the budget deficit for the first 11 months of the 2011-12 fiscal year was more than C$10 billion ($10.2 billion) less than the government has projected for the entire year. Full Article
