U.S.-backed Iraqi forces capture Mosul bridge, close in on state buildings
MOSUL, Iraq/BAGHDAD (Reuters) – U.S.-backed Iraqi forces captured the second of Mosul’s five bridges on Monday, giving a boost to their onslaught on Islamic State’s remaining stronghold in the western part of the city.
Malaysian PM chides North Korea, as ‘rude’ envoy sent packing
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) – Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak rebuked North Korea on Monday as his government expelled its envoy for casting doubt over the impartiality of the investigation into the bizarre murder of the North Korean leader’s estranged…
Outgoing French President Hollande says ‘ultimate duty’ is to prevent Le Pen victory
PARIS (Reuters) – Outgoing French President Francois Hollande said in European newspaper interviews published on Monday that his “ultimate duty” was to prevent a victory of far-right National Front leader Marine Le Pen in this year’s election.
Cuba’s Raul Castro blasts Trump’s Mexican wall and trade policy
HAVANA (Reuters) – Cuban President Raul Castro harshly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration, trade and other policies on Sunday as Trump reviews a fragile detente with Communist-run Cuba begun by his predecessor Barack Obama.
South Korea prosecutor paves way for charges against Park if impeachment upheld
SEOUL (Reuters) – South Korean President Park Geun-hye colluded with a friend to take bribes from Samsung Group aimed at cementing Samsung Chief Jay Y. Lee’s control of the conglomerate, the special prosecutor’s office said on Monday, paving the way fo…
Citing lack of proof, Philippine senators end Duterte ‘death squad’ inquiry
MANILA (Reuters) – Philippine senators abruptly ended a hearing on Monday into allegations by a retired policeman that a “death squad” operated under President Rodrigo Duterte when he was mayor of Davao City, citing no proof that it even existed.
Kazakhstan parliament passes reforms reducing presidential powers
ASTANA (Reuters) – Kazakhstan’s parliament on Monday approved a package of amendments to the country’s constitution to reduce presidential powers in favor of lawmakers and the cabinet.
Philippines police seek ‘men of burning desire’ for less bloody drugs operation
MANILA (Reuters) – The Philippines police chief announced the re-launch on Monday of police anti-narcotics operations he hoped would be less bloody, “or even bloodless”, entering a new phase in a war on drugs that has caused international alarm.
China’s Xi says Shanghai should lead in reform, innovation: Xinhua
SHANGHAI (Reuters) – Shanghai should lead China’s plans to reform and advance innovation, the official Xinhua news agency has reported President Xi Jinping as saying at the annual meeting of parliament.
Ukraine and Russia face off in U.N. court over separatist conflict
THE HAGUE (Reuters) – Tensions between Ukraine and Russia will play out at the U.N.’s highest court on Monday when judges begin hearing Kiev’s request to order Moscow to halt support for pro-Russian separatists.
