China parliament to juggle reform drive and slower growth
BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s slowing economy will be at the forefront as parliament convenes for its annual meeting this week, with a weekend interest rate cut a reminder of the challenge of balancing painful restructuring with combating the onset of de…
Ex-Libyan general Haftar appointed army chief: lawmakers
BENGHAZI, Libya (Reuters) – Former Libyan general Khalifa Haftar was confirmed on Monday as army commander of the country’s internationally recognized government, according to two lawmakers.
U.N. nuclear watchdog says Iran still withholding key information
VIENNA (Reuters) – The head of the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog said on Monday Iran had still not handed over key information to his staff, and his body’s investigation into Tehran’s atomic program could not continue indefinitely.
Saudi consul released after three years as hostage in Yemen
RIYADH (Reuters) – A Saudi Arabian diplomat returned to Riyadh on Monday after being released by kidnappers in Yemen where he spent three years as a hostage, the kingdom’s Interior Ministry said in a statement carried by state media.
Tajik leader’s party ahead in election, Western monitors cry foul
DUSHANBE (Reuters) – Tajikistan’s veteran President Imomali Rakhmon looked set on Monday to dominate parliament for another five years after his party took a strong lead in an election Western observers said was stacked in his favor.
Four Syrian refugees killed in fire at camp in Jordan
AMMAN (Reuters) – Four Syrian refugees died on Monday when their mobile home caught fire in Jordan’s Zaatari camp near the Syrian border, the United Nations refugee agency and a witness said.
Hopes for peaceful Russian transition fade with Nemtsov: Kasparov
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The murder of Kremlin critic Boris Nemtsov has dampened any hope for a peaceful political transition in Russia away from President Vladimir Putin’s government, Garry Kasparov, a prominent opposition voice, said in an interview on…
Thai junta panel moves to allay fears over draft charter
BANGKOK (Reuters) – The panel appointed by Thailand’s military government to draft a new constitution after the previous one was torn up following a May coup sought to allay growing criticism on Monday amid calls for more public involvement.
Outgoing Namibian president wins $5 million Africa leadership prize
NAIROBI (Reuters) – Namibia’s outgoing president, Hifikepunye Pohamba, has won the Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s $5 million African leadership prize, an award meant to recognize good governance that has been presented only three times in eight years.
China says Sri Lanka loans made ‘based on consensus’
BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s loans to Sri Lanka were made based on consensus through talks between the two countries and at Sri Lanka’s request, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday, after Sri Lanka’s foreign minister expressed concern about the …
