Russia-backed truce begins in Syria’s Ghouta
BEIRUT (Reuters) – A five-hour truce called by Russia started on Tuesday in the Syrian rebel-held eastern Ghouta near Damascus with the stated aim of allowing people to escape the area which is being targeted in a fierce offensive by the Moscow-backed …
Greek economy minister quits after wife caught in benefit row
ATHENS (Reuters) – Greece’s Economy and Development Minister Dimitri Papadimitriou has resigned, an aide said on Tuesday, a day after his wife, a deputy labour minister, also quit in a row over a housing allowance.
China defends controversial detention measure of new anti-graft ministry
BEIJING (Reuters) – China on Tuesday defended a controversial detention measure set to become law when a new anti-corruption “super-ministry” is formally set up next month, calling it a unique step necessary to combat graft.
At least 14 dead in Papua New Guinea quake; ExxonMobil shuts LNG plant
MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Up to 14 people were killed in landslides and by collapsed buildings during a powerful earthquake in the remote Papua New Guinea highlands, police and a hospital worker said on Tuesday, with unconfirmed reports of up to 30 dead.
South Korean prosecutors seek 30 years’ jail for ousted President Park
SEOUL (Reuters) – South Korean prosecutors on Tuesday sought a 30-year jail term for former President Park Geun-hye who was ousted last year amid an influence-peddling scandal that rocked the country’s business and political elite.
Singapore proposes measure to bar communications from terror attack sites
SINGAPORE (Reuters) – Singapore on Tuesday proposed a new law to deal with terror attacks by preventing people in the area from taking photos or videos of the incident and communicating about police operations.
South Korean prosecutors seek 30-year jail term for ex-President Park
SEOUL (Reuters) – South Korean prosecutors on Tuesday sought a 30-year jail term for former President Park Geun-hye who was ousted last year amid an influence-peddling scandal that rocked the country’s business and political elite.
Philippines open to U.N. drugs war probe, if by ‘credible, objective’ investigator
MANILA (Reuters) – The Philippines will allow an investigation into alleged human rights abuses in its bloody war on drugs, but not if it is conducted by the United Nations’ current special rapporteur on extrajudicial killings, a senior official said o…
With eye on U.S., China to revamp top tier of diplomats: sources
BEIJING (Reuters) – China is expected to announce a reshuffle of its top diplomats at an annual meeting of parliament in March, aiming to deal with U.S. President Donald Trump’s growing suspicion of Beijing, several sources familiar with the plan said….
Senior U.S. diplomat for North Korea to retire
SEOUL/WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. State Department’s special representative for North Korea policy, Joseph Yun, plans to retire on Friday, just as signs are emerging that Pyongyang may be willing to talk with Washington.
