Japan PM, finance minister face mounting pressure over suspected cronyism scandal
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his ally, Finance Minister Taro Aso, face mounting pressure over a suspected cronyism scandal as the finance ministry prepares to report on Monday that documents in the case were doctored.
Cuba holds one-party vote as post-Castro era looms
HAVANA (Reuters) – Cubans went to the polls on Sunday in a one-party vote, the last step before a new president is selected next month, as the Communist-ruled island prepares to be led for the first time since the 1959 revolution by someone whose last …
Canada provincial party elects new leader months before polls
TORONTO (Reuters) – The main opposition party of Canada’s most populous province, Ontario, elected a new leader on Saturday just three months before provincial elections, ending turmoil in the party following the sudden resignation of the previous chie…
Hong Kong democrats seek to recapture lost ground in key by-elections
HONG KONG (Reuters) – Polling kicked off across Hong Kong in crucial by-elections on Sunday, with opposition democrats urging the city’s 2.1 million eligible voters to cast “protest” ballots against perceived meddling from China’s Communist Party ruler…
Trump says North Korea talks could fail or bring ‘greatest deal’
MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday his planned meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un could fizzle without an agreement or it could result in “the greatest deal for the world” to ease nuclear tensions betw…
Canada provincial party leader election result delayed
TORONTO (Reuters) – The main opposition party in Canada’s most populous province, Ontario, has delayed the result of an election to find its new leader as it reviews the poll outcome, a senior party official said on Saturday.
Ferry explosion in Mexico resort town caused by homemade explosive: newspaper
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – A blast that injured more than two dozen in February in the Mexican resort town Playa del Carmen was caused by a home-made explosive, a leading Mexican newspaper reported on Saturday, citing an official investigation.
Bolivians unfurl massive flag in support for sea access claim
LA PAZ (Reuters) – Bolivia unfurled a nearly 200-km long (124 miles) bright blue flag on Saturday in a show of support for the landlocked country’s bid to regain sovereign access to the sea.
Sierra Leone poll looks set for second round with half results in
FREETOWN (Reuters) – Sierra Leone’s presidential election results were too close to call after half the votes had been counted on Saturday, with the two front runners neck-and-neck, making a second round likely.
Trump’s ex-aide Bannon sees ‘great’ future for Le Pen’s niece
LILLE, France (Reuters) – Former White House strategist Steve Bannon on Saturday waxed lyrical about Marion Marechal-Le Pen, the young niece of French far-right leader Marine Le Pen, seeing a great future ahead of the “rising star”.
