China says 49 detained for Tianjin blasts, losses at $1 billion
BEIJING (Reuters) – A total of 49 people have been detained in connection with chemical blasts in the Chinese port city of Tianjin last August that killed 165 people, the government said in a report on Friday while putting losses at more than $1 billio…
Russia and Turkey trade accusations over Syria
BEIRUT/MOSCOW/LONDON (Reuters) – Russia said on Thursday it suspected Turkey was preparing a military incursion into Syria, as a Syrian army source said Aleppo would soon be encircled by government forces with Russian air support.
Syrian army, allies seize town in southern province Deraa: Al Manar, monitor
BEIRUT (Reuters) – Syrian government forces and allied fighters seized the town of Ataman near Deraa city on Friday, Hezbollah’s Al Manar television and a Syrian monitoring group said, building on gains made last week in the southern province.
European Parliament calls for release of HK booksellers detained in China
HONG KONG (Reuters) – The European Parliament has called for the immediate release of five Hong Kong booksellers detained in China, a case that has grabbed global headlines and rattled the diplomatic and business community in the Asia financial center….
It’s complicated, China says of relationship with Taiwan
BEIJING (Reuters) – A senior Chinese official on Friday described ties with self-ruled Taiwan as “extremely sensitive and complex” and warned of uncertainties ahead, after Taiwan last month elected an independence-leaning opposition leader as its new p…
Tropical Tonga declares Zika outbreak after five cases confirmed
SYDNEY (Reuters) – The tiny South Pacific island nation of Tonga has declared an outbreak of the Zika virus after five cases of the mosquito-borne illness were confirmed and another 259 suspected, the country’s chief medical officer said on Friday.
Russia won’t firm control over conventional arms in Europe while NATO boosts activity -Interfax
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia does not consider it expedient to commit itself to firmer control over conventional weapons in Europe while NATO increases its activity in the region, Interfax news agency on Friday quoted Russian Deputy Defence Minister Anato…
U.S. defense chief welcomes Saudi offer on troops in Syria
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (Reuters) – U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter welcomed on Thursday a Saudi offer to participate in any ground operations in Syria launched by the U.S.-led coalition.
Travel to Australian child abuse inquiry a health risk for Vatican treasurer: lawyer
SYDNEY (Reuters) – The Vatican’s Australian-born finance controller has a heart condition and travel to Australia to give evidence at an inquiry into child abuse presents a serious health risk, lawyers for Catholic Cardinal George Pell said on Friday.
Australia may crack down on Syrian refugees: leaked document
SYDNEY (Reuters) – Australia is considering subjecting thousands of refugees from Syria to tougher character and security checks than their European counterparts to minimize the risk of “extremist infiltration”, a leaked policy document says.
