Myanmar anti-war protesters call on Suu Kyi to act against ‘violent’ police
YANGON (Reuters) – Anti-war protesters in Myanmar on Wednesday urged government leader Aung San Suu Kyi to take action against police who this month broke up a peace rally and arrested them, and raised new concern about freedom of speech.
At Singapore regional defense dialogue, it won’t be all North Korea
HONOLULU/SINGAPORE (Reuters) – When senior defense officials from around the world, including U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, meet in Singapore this weekend, it won’t be all about the U.S.-North Korea summit scheduled to be held in the same city lat…
China leaned on Hong Kong not to hand fugitive to U.S., State Department says
HONG KONG (Reuters) – The U.S. State Department said Hong Kong’s leader, Carrie Lam, rejected a request last year to surrender a fugitive into the custody of the United States, at China’s behest.
Ukraine and Russia trade accusations over killing of dissident journalist
KIEV/MOSCOW (Reuters) – Ukraine and Russia traded accusations on Wednesday after a dissident Russian journalist and Kremlin critic was shot dead in Kiev, in a killing that sent shivers through the journalistic communities in both countries.
Suspects in Kenya public fund theft case to stay in custody until June 4
NAIROBI (Reuters) – Kenya’s public prosecutor said on Wednesday 24 civil servants and business people charged with involvement in the theft of nearly $100 million of public funds will stay in custody pending a June 4 hearing on their application for ba…
Malaysia tries crowdfunding to plug ballooning debts
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) – Malaysia has set up a fund for members of the public to donate cash to help the new government repay its hefty national debt, the finance ministry said on Wednesday, providing a bank account number for deposits.
Militants attack Afghan ministry with bomb, grenades and gunfire
KABUL (Reuters) – Gunmen armed with assault rifles and grenade launchers stormed the heavily fortified headquarters of the Afghan interior ministry on Wednesday, battling security forces for more than two hours in the latest attack on the capital Kabul…
Philippine Congress passes autonomy bill for volatile Muslim region
MANILA (Reuters) – The Philippines moved a step closer on Wednesday to ending decades of conflict on its resource-rich island of Mindanao, after lawmakers approved a bill that will eventually allow self-rule for the country’s Muslim minority.
Italy renews attempt to form a government and end turmoil
ROME (Reuters) – Italy searched for a last-minute exit from almost three months of political turmoil on Wednesday, with its biggest party looking to make a renewed attempt to form a coalition government with the right-wing League.
Israel-Gaza border falls quiet after Egypt brokers ceasefire
GAZA (Reuters) – The Israel-Gaza border fell quiet on Wednesday under an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire after the most intense flareup of hostilities between Palestinian militants and Israel since a 2014 war.
