Cambodia PM leaves for China to seek more aid
PHNOM PENH (Reuters) – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, under Western donor pressure over a crackdown on his critics ahead of 2018 elections, will seek more aid and investment from China during a visit this week, his aide said.
Beijing warns Taipei against hyping up China’s jailing of Taiwanese activist
BEIJING (Reuters) – China on Wednesday said that any attempt to hype up its decision to jail a Taiwanese rights activist for subversion would be futile, after Taiwan’s ruling political party labeled the result “unacceptable”.
Pope calls for peace in Myanmar on diplomatically fraught trip
YANGON (Reuters) – Pope Francis called on the people of Myanmar on Wednesday to embrace peace and reconciliation as their country emerges from nearly five decades of military rule still riven by ethnic conflicts and communal strife.
Same-sex marriage bill clears Australia’s Senate
SYDNEY (Reuters) – Australia’s upper house Senate on Wednesday passed a measure to legalize same-sex marriage, perhaps as soon as next week, after lawmakers dismissed a conservative push to allow religious objectors to refuse service to same-sex couple…
Mexico ruling party hopeful attacks rival’s ‘hunger for power’
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – A newly unveiled presidential contender for Mexico’s ruling party attacked his main leftist rival on Tuesday, accusing him of being obsessed by power, afraid of debate and unable to tackle corruption when he held public office.
North Korea ICBM test may show Washington within range
SEOUL/WASHINGTON (Reuters) – North Korea launched what officials said was likely an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that flew high into space before landing near Japan on Wednesday, showing Pyongyang may now be able to reach Washington, D.C. …
Singapore charges activist for organizing assemblies without permit
SINGAPORE (Reuters) – Singapore authorities charged human rights activist Jolovan Wham on Wednesday for organizing public assemblies without a police permit, prompting rights groups to call on the government to guarantee the right to peaceful assembly….
Senior Saudi prince freed in $1 billion settlement agreement: official
DUBAI (Reuters) – Senior Saudi Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, once seen as a leading contender to the throne, was freed after reaching an “acceptable settlement agreement” with authorities paying more than $1 billion, a Saudi official said on Wednesday.
New Venezuela oil chief vows anti-corruption crusade
CARACAS (Reuters) – Venezuela’s new oil czar vowed on Tuesday to root out corruption in state oil company PDVSA in a combative two-minute speech during his inauguration, without offering clues as to how he plans to handle the company’s crippling debt b…
Indonesia shuts Bali’s airport for third day due to volcanic ash
AMED, Indonesia (Reuters) – Indonesia shut its airport on Bali for a third consecutive day on Wednesday due to a volcanic ash cloud, as the rumbling Mount Agung volcano continued to paralyze flights on the holiday island and cause a mass evacuation aro…
