Shanghai vice major roasted for banquet amid graft crackdown
BEIJING (Reuters) – The graft watchdog for China’s ruling Communist Party said on Monday said it had given a “serious warning” to a vice mayor in the country’s glamorous financial hub of Shanghai for attending a banquet that had been paid for using pub…
Indian finance minister sues rival politician for slander
NEW DELHI (Reuters) – India’s finance minister sued the Delhi chief minister for 100 million rupees ($1.51 million) on Monday for slander, escalating a battle between the ruling party and the opposition that has stalled key reform legislation in parlia…
Russia reinforces Armenia base with attack, defense helicopters: Interfax
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia has reinforced its air base in Armenia with attack and transport helicopters, Interfax news agency cited the Russian military as saying on Monday.
Israel’s David Sling missile defense passes final test
JERUSALEM (Reuters) – A new Israeli air defense system developed in partnership with the United States has passed its final round of tests, putting it on course for deployment in 2016, the Israeli Defense Ministry said on Monday.
Obama chides Republicans for lack of alternatives on Islamic State
HONOLULU (Reuters) – U.S. President Barack Obama said his administration is open to some “legitimate criticism” for failing to adequately explain its strategy to counter Islamic State, though he chided Republican presidential candidates for criticizing…
Police arrest suspect in carbon trading probe at Vienna airport
FRANKFURT (Reuters) – Police arrested a Swiss national at Vienna airport who is suspected of money laundering and tax evasion in connection with the trading of carbon emissions certificates, German prosecutors said on Monday.
China to invite Syrian government, opposition
BEIJING (Reuters) – China will invite members of the Syrian government and opposition to visit as Beijing looks for ways to help with the peace process, China’s Foreign Ministry said on Monday.
Cambodia police use water cannon to break up textiles strike
PHNOM PENH (Reuters) – Police in Cambodia made dozens of arrests and used water cannon to break up a strike on Monday by garment workers protesting over low pay, in the latest flare-up in a manufacturing sector vital to its fledgling economy.
Afghan Taliban close on new Helmand district
LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan (Reuters) – Afghan police were holding out against Taliban forces who have surrounded their compound in Sangin, in the southern province of Helmand, on Monday as the militants closed in on another district capital.
Philippines vows stronger military to back South China Sea claim
CLARK FIELD, Philippines (Reuters) – Philippine President Benigno Aquino vowed on Monday to leave behind a stronger and a more capable armed forces to face maritime challenges in the South China Sea when he leaves office next year.
