China slams ‘futile’ Philippine occupation of disputed island
BEIJING (Reuters) – China rebuked the Philippines on Tuesday for taking journalists to a disputed island in the South China Sea, dismissing its occupation as “futile and illegal” in the latest war of words between the two sides.
Polish government pressed to hike spending to avoid poll defeat: sources
WARSAW (Reuters) – Senior figures in Poland’s ruling party, stung by a reverse for their ally in a presidential ballot, say they want the government to increase public spending to prevent defeat in this year’s parliamentary election.
EU court rules scandal-hit commissioner was not forced out
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – A European Union court ruled on Tuesday that a former European commissioner from Malta resigned voluntarily and was not forced out over a scandal related to tobacco industry lobbying, and rejected his claim for compensation.
Estranged from media mogul friend, Hungary PM seeks new allies
BUDAPEST (Reuters) – Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for years enjoyed sympathetic coverage from media outlets owned by a friendly oligarch, so when the two fell out just as Orban’s popularity slumped, he was left with a problem.
Turkish deputy PM questions govt record on justice ahead of election
ISTANBUL (Reuters) – A top figure in Turkey’s AK Party said trust in the judiciary had been eroded during the group’s time in office, comments likely to anger President Tayyip Erdogan and pointing to unease in the ruling party ahead of a parliamentary …
Wife of Myanmar journalist killed by army puts hope in civilian court
YANGON (Reuters) – The wife of a Myanmar journalist who was killed in military custody said on Tuesday she hopes a civilian court can provide justice after an army court martial acquitted two soldiers accused in connection with the death.
Britain will be constructive but firm with EU: Osborne
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – British Finance Minister George Osborne said on Tuesday that the new British government would be constructive but firm in negotiations with other EU partners to reform the European Union before a British referendum on its membershi…
Japan steps up maritime engagement with Philippines, Vietnam
MANILA/TOKYO (Reuters) – The Philippines and Japan held their first joint naval exercises in the South China Sea on Tuesday, while Japan’s coastguard works with Vietnam this week, as Tokyo boosts maritime ties with two nations at odds with Beijing over…
Third blogger hacked to death in Bangladesh: police
DHAKA (Reuters) – A blogger was hacked to death by machete-wielding attackers in Bangladesh on Tuesday, the third killing of a critic of religious extremism in the Muslim-majority nation in less than three months.
Spain arrests two suspected of distributing Islamic State propaganda
MADRID (Reuters) – Spanish police arrested two people on Tuesday in the northeastern city of Barcelona on suspicion of distributing Islamic State propaganda, the interior ministry said.
