North Korean escapee accepts blame for hurting defectors’ credibility
SEOUL (Reuters) – A North Korean prison camp survivor central to a U.N. campaign against Pyongyang’s rights abuses accepted on Monday that changing parts of his story had tarnished the credibility of defectors from the country.
Australian PM Abbott threatens repercussions over Indonesia executions
SYDNEY (Reuters) – Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has warned Indonesia of the potential for diplomatic fallout if Jakarta goes ahead with the looming execution of two Australian citizens on death row for drugs charges.
South Korea parliament backs Park’s third attempt to replace PM
SEOUL (Reuters) – South Korea’s parliament narrowly approved President Park Geun-hye’s nominee for prime minister on Monday, more than eight months after she first tried to replace the incumbent, with two others pulling out amid controversy over person…
U.N. council demands Houthis withdraw, end Yemen violence
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – The United Nations Security Council on Sunday demanded Iranian-backed Houthi militia in Yemen withdraw from government institutions, called for an end to foreign interference and threatened “further steps” if the violence doe…
France will stay on high alert after Copenhagen attacks: PM
PARIS (Reuters) – French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said on Monday the threat of militant attacks in the country remained “particularly high” and that exceptional security measures would remain in place as long as needed after attacks in Copenhagen.
China to prosecute former top parliament body official for graft
BEIJING (Reuters) – China will prosecute a former vice-chairman of China’s top parliamentary advisory body for graft, including taking bribes and selling “ranks and titles”, the government said on Monday, the latest senior figure to fall in a deepening…
China’s foreign minister pushes Iran on nuclear deal
BEIJING (Reuters) – A deal with Iran on its controversial nuclear program would help it escape from sanctions and allow more efforts to be spent on economic development, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a trip to Tehran.
Taiwan opposition leader Tsai aims to contest 2016 presidential poll
TAIPEI (Reuters) – Taiwan opposition leader Tsai Ing-wen has registered as a candidate for the island’s presidential primary in March, promising “a new beginning” amid a wave of popular discontent with the China-friendly ruling Kuomintang (KMT).
Australian PM Abbott threatens repercussions over Indonesia executions
SYDNEY (Reuters) – Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has warned Indonesia of the potential for diplomatic fallout if Jakarta goes ahead with the looming execution of two Australian citizens on death row for drugs charges.
Ukraine rebels disavow ceasefire at encircled town
DONETSK/ARTEMIVSK, Ukraine (Reuters) – Ukraine’s rebels disavowed a new truce on Sunday hours after it took effect, saying it did not apply to the town where most fighting has taken place in recent weeks.
