Japan may accelerate missile defense upgrades in wake of North Korean tests: sources
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan may accelerate around $1 billion of planned spending to upgrade its ballistic missile defenses in the wake of rocket tests suggesting North Korea is close to fielding a more potent medium-range missile, three government sources …
Japan PM Abe sends ritual offering to Yasukuni shrine for war dead
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sent a ritual offering to Yasukuni Shrine for war dead on Monday to mark the annual autumn festival at the shrine, which is seen in China and the two Koreas as a symbol of Japan’s past militarism.
Montenegrin elections ends inconclusively, incumbent wins most votes
PODGORICA (Reuters) – The Democratic Party of Socialists (DPS) secured the most votes in Montenegro’s parliamentary election, but with pollsters saying it could not secure a majority, pro-Western Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic sought a coalition to ext…
Japan denies discussing joint administration of disputed Russian-held isles
TOKYO (Reuters) – A Japanese foreign ministry spokesman said on Monday that Tokyo was not discussing with Moscow the joint administration of disputed islands held by Russia in the hope of unblocking an issue that has bedevilled their relations for 70 y…
Iraq announces start of offensive to retake Mosul
BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Iraq’s Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the start of an offensive to retake Mosul, the capital of Islamic State’s so-called caliphate in Iraq.
European-led Mars lander starts descent to red planet
FRANKFURT (Reuters) – A Mars lander left its mothership on Sunday after a seven-month journey from Earth and headed toward the red planet’s surface to test technologies for Europe’s planned first Mars rover, which will search for signs of past and pres…
European Union to ready sanctions over Congo vote delay, violence
LUXEMBOURG (Reuters) – The European Union will prepare economic sanctions on the Democratic Republic of Congo unless its ruling coalition, which has delayed next month’s elections, holds a fresh vote early next year, diplomats say.
Fighting around South Sudan town of Malakal kills 56: government
JUBA (Reuters) – Heavy fighting around the town of Malakal in South Sudan killed dozens of people over the weekend, a military spokesman said on Sunday, after rebels said they would try to seize control of the town.
Shell faces possible Dutch lawsuit over Nigerian activist’s execution
LONDON (Reuters) – The widow of a Nigerian activist is planning to sue Royal Dutch Shell in the Dutch courts alleging the oil company was complicit in the execution of her husband by the Nigerian military in 1995, court documents filed in the United S…
Britain, U.S. consider more sanctions against Assad, supporters
LONDON (Reuters) – Britain and the United States said on Sunday they were considering imposing additional sanctions on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his supporters for their actions in Syria’s war.
