Fire kills at least 26 people in drug treatment center in capital of Azerbaijan
BAKU (Reuters) – A fire killed at least 26 people in a drug abuse treatment center in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, a health ministry source told Reuters on Friday.
As China’s Xi gains power, parliament prepares to bolster risk battle
BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s annual parliament gathering kicks off on Monday as an ever-stronger President Xi Jinping presses ahead with efforts to ward off financial risks without undermining the economy.
Suicide car bomber hits Afghan capital, at least four wounded
KABUL (Reuters) – A police official said a suicide bomber had struck in the Afghan capital, Kabul, after a loud explosion was heard in an area close to foreign embassies on Friday.
Thailand’s election commission opens registration for new parties
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Registration for new political parties in Thailand began on Friday with the Election Commission (EC) noting that 34 groups turned up to register, the first sign of political activity being officially allowed in the country since a 2…
Cambodia PM’s son assumes senior military post
PHNOM PENH (Reuters) – The eldest son of Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Sen has assumed a position as joint chief of staff of Cambodia’s Armed Forces, the latest promotion of one of Hun Sen’s family members to a senior post aimed at apparently consolida…
Australia welcomes Chinese aid to Pacific, despite New Zealand warning
SYDNEY/WELLINGTON (Reuters) – Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said on Friday he supports Chinese foreign investment in impoverished Pacific Island nations so long as it is productive, amid concerns Beijing is buying increased influence in th…
China warns Taiwan playing with fire over U.S. bill
BEIJING/TAIPEI (Reuters) – China warned Taiwan on Friday it would only get burnt if it sought to rely on foreigners, adding to warnings from state media the country could go to war over Taiwan if the United States passes into law a bill promoting close…
U.S. hopes for U.N. vote on new Syria toxic gas inquiry next week
(Reuters) – The United States wants the United Nations Security Council to create a new inquiry into who is to blame for chemical weapons attacks in Syria, and U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley said on Thursday she hopes to put it to a vote as early as next …
U.S. issues alert after tourist ferry explosion in Mexico
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – A blast last month on a tourist ferry in the Mexican beach resort of Playa del Carmen was caused by “an explosive device” that injured passengers, including U.S. tourists, the U.S. embassy in Mexico said on Thursday.
Philippines’ Duterte tells police, soldiers not to cooperate in any drug war probe
MANILA (Reuters) – Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered police and soldiers not to cooperate in any investigation into his bloody war on drugs, amid international calls for an external probe.
