Indonesia to execute two Australians for drug offences this month
JAKARTA (Reuters) – Two Australian members of the “Bali Nine” drug trafficking ring, arrested in Bali in 2005 for attempting to smuggle 8 kg (18 lb) of heroin to Australia, will be executed this month, a government official said on Friday, ignoring cle…
Record spending spurs race by governments for Chinese tourist dollars
Feb 6 (Reuters) – Embassies are re-writing visa rules and governments are hammering out aviation pacts as record spending by Chinese travelers sets off a race around the world for a share of the Chinese tourist dollar.
Japan aims to restart nuclear reactor in June: sources
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan’s government is aiming to restart a nuclear reactor by around June following a lengthy and politically-sensitive approval process in the wake of the Fukushima disaster, sources familiar with the plans said.
India’s Sahara says bank letter underpinning rescue deal was forged
(Reuters) – Indian conglomerate Sahara Group said on Thursday that a letter intended to support a $2 billion transaction with a U.S.-based former broker was forged, dealing a major setback to the group’s efforts to secure bail for its jailed boss, Subr…
East Timor PM Xanana Gusmao resigns: government
DILI (Reuters) – East Timor’s prime minister and independence hero Xanana Gusmao has resigned, the government said on Friday, but a successor has yet to be chosen.
Jordan military jets pound Islamic State as king comforts pilot’s family
AMMAN (Reuters) – Jordanian fighter jets pounded Islamic State targets in Syria on Thursday, before roaring over the hometown of the pilot killed by the militants while King Abdullah consoled the victim’s family.
Former Mandela lawyer to join defense of Venezuela’s jailed activist
CARACAS (Reuters) – A Canadian Member of Parliament and human rights lawyer who helped defend Nelson Mandela will join jailed Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez’s legal team, the South American politician’s party said on Thursday. 
Jordanian jets pound Islamic State as king comforts pilot’s family
AMMAN (Reuters) – Jordanian fighter jets pounded Islamic State hideouts in Syria on Thursday and then roared over the hometown of a pilot killed by the militants, while below them King Abdullah consoled the victim’s family.
Heavy fighting in Libya’s Benghazi as army pushes to take port
BENGHAZI, Libya (Reuters) – Clashes erupted in the center of Libya’s main eastern city Benghazi on Thursday as pro-government forces pushed to take the port district from Islamist militants, and seven soldiers were killed, witnesses and military offici…
German, French leaders take Ukraine peace plan to Moscow
KIEV (Reuters) – The leaders of Germany and France announced a new peace plan for Ukraine on Thursday, flying to Kiev with a proposal they would then take on to Moscow.
