Maldives denies Japan’s allegation that it breached North Korean sanctions
COLOMBO (Reuters) – Maldives on Wednesday denied a Japanese foreign ministry statement that said a Maldives-flagged vessel was used to illegally transfer goods from a North Korean-flagged tanker in defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions.
Indonesia brings together former militants and attack survivors
JAKARTA (Reuters) – Indonesia’s anti-terrorism agency on Wednesday held a controversial meeting of 124 former Islamic militants and 51 survivors of a string of attacks in the country, including the deadly Bali bombings.
At least 15 people killed in Egyptian train crash
CAIRO (Reuters) – At least 15 people were killed and 40 others were injured in a train crash on Wednesday in Egypt’s northern province of Beheira, the official news agency MENA said, citing the transport ministry spokesman.
EU drafts Northern Ireland control, urges faster Brexit talks
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The European Union could maintain much of its sway in Northern Ireland after Brexit under a draft treaty published on Wednesday that caused anger in London and Belfast as the EU warned time was running out for a deal.
‘Forgetful’ Myanmar witness in Reuters reporters’ case writes key detail on his hand
YANGON (Reuters) – A witness in the case of two Reuters reporters jailed in Myanmar told a courtroom on Wednesday that he wrote notes on his hand about where the pair were arrested to jog his memory while giving testimony. The location of the arrest…
Nobel peace laureates to Suu Kyi: ‘End Rohingya genocide or face prosecution’
DHAKA (Reuters) – Three Nobel peace laureates urged Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi and the military on Wednesday to end the “genocide” of Rohingya Muslims now or face prosecution.
Syrian government ground forces attack Ghouta despite Russian truce plan
BEIRUT/GENEVA (Reuters) – Syrian government forces launched a ground assault on the edge of the rebel-held eastern Ghouta enclave on Wednesday, seeking to gain territory despite a Russian plan for five-hour daily ceasefires, a war monitor and sources o…
‘Speed up’ Brexit talks, EU demands as draft treaty published
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The European Union’s Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier called on London to “pick up the pace” of talks if it wants a deal this year on a draft treaty published on Wednesday, which also provoked anger in Northern Ireland.
Egypt’s prosecutor urges action against ‘false news’
CAIRO (Reuters) – Egypt’s public prosecutor has told state prosecutors to take legal action against media outlets found to be publishing “false news, statements and rumors,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.
An economy in ruins leaves Gazans with hard choices
GAZA (Reuters) – The man who makes crisps, chocolate and vanilla snacks for Gaza had just finished explaining how his business was going through the worst economic crisis of his life when the lights went out, shutting down his factory. Again.
