Thai election in 2017 regardless of referendum vote, says junta chief
BANGKOK (Reuters) – A general election will take place in 2017, Thailand’s junta chief said on Friday, no matter what the outcome of Sunday’s national referendum on a new constitution that will decide the country’s future.
Ousted Thai PM Yingluck takes the stand in rice subsidy trial
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Ousted former Thai prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra appeared in court on Friday to deliver an opening statement in a criminal trial over her management of a rice scheme critics say hemorrhaged billions of dollars.
Brazil Senate committee clears way for Rousseff’s removal
BRASILIA (Reuters) – A Senate impeachment committee voted on Thursday to put suspended Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff on trial in the full chamber for breaking budget laws, opening the way for her to be removed from office.
Syrian group demands exchange for bodies of Russian air crew
BEIRUT (Reuters) – A Syrian group said on Thursday it had the bodies of five people shot down in a Russian helicopter and demanded the release of prisoners in exchange for the corpses.
Turkey’s Erdogan vows to cut off revenues of Gulen-linked businesses
ISTANBUL (Reuters) – Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan vowed on Thursday to choke off businesses linked to the U.S.-based cleric he blames for an attempted coup, describing his schools, firms and charities as “nests of terrorism” and promising no mercy …
Obama touts progress on Islamic State, warns of small-scale attacks
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama on Thursday touted progress he said the United States and its allies had made in the military campaign against Islamic State, but warned that the militant group still can direct and inspire attacks.
Australia suspends World Vision aid over Hamas funding accusations
SYDNEY (Reuters) – Australia said on Friday it was suspending funding for relief group World Vision’s operations in the Palestinian Territories after allegations its Gaza representative funneled millions of dollars to Islamist militant group, Hamas.
Man dies from injuries three weeks after Nice attack: mayor
PARIS (Reuters) – A man died on Thursday from injuries suffered three weeks earlier in the truck attack on crowds in the Riviera city of Nice, bringing the death toll to 85, authorities said.
Obama defends Iran payment, says was not ‘some nefarious deal’
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama on Thursday strongly pushed back against criticism that the administration’s payment of $400 million in cash to Iran amounted to ransom in exchange for the release of American prisoners.
U.S., South Korea, Japan officials: North Korea missile launches ‘provocative acts’
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S., South Korean and Japanese defense officials on Thursday condemned North Korea’s recent missile launches as “provocative acts” that posed “a serious threat to peace and stability.”
