Philippines calls for construction freeze in South China Sea
MANILA (Reuters) – The Philippines said on Monday that China’s “expansion agenda” in the disputed South China Sea threatened security and stability in the region, calling on all claimant states to halt construction activities that may raise tensions.
Deutsche managers knew about, didn’t stop entertainment of Japan pension funds: regulator
TOKYO (Reuters) – A pattern of spending on hostess bars and overseas junkets for local pension fund officials went unchecked by senior managers at Deutsche Bank’s Japanese securities arm, who failed to prevent or turned a blind eye to expenses that cou…
China aims to revamp justice system but Communist Party to retain control
BEIJING (Reuters) – China will launch pilot programs to overhaul its judicial system and curb abuses of power by local governments without sacrificing the ruling Communist Party’s control of the courts, state media reported on Monday.
Tunisia election commission proposes votes in October, November
TUNIS (Reuters) – Tunisia’s election authority has proposed holding a parliamentary election in October and the first round of a presidential vote the following month, marking the final step towards full democracy in cradle of the Arab Spring uprisings…
Thailand says no policy to ‘sweep and clean’ illegal migrants
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thailand’s junta denied on Monday that they were pursuing a “sweep and clean” policy of driving illegal foreign workers out of the country, despite mass departures by fearful Cambodians since the military took power last month.
Russia’s Gazprom says Ukraine fails to pay debt by deadline
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia’s Gazprom GAZP.MM said on Monday Ukraine had failed to pay at least part of its gas debts by a 0600 GMT deadline and would now have to pay up front for deliveries.
Sri Lankan minister briefly trapped by ethnic clashes
COLOMBO (Reuters) – A Sri Lankan government minister had to be rescued by police on Sunday after being trapped by ethnic violence between Buddhists and Muslims, officials and residents said.
Colombia’s Santos wins re-election, to push on with peace talks
BOGOTA (Reuters) – Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos won a second term on Sunday with an election victory that allows him to continue peace talks with Marxist guerrillas to end a half-century war. Santos beat right-wing challenger Oscar Ivan Zulua…
Four hurt in knife attack in restive western China
BEIJING (Reuters) – Knife-wielding attackers in western China injured four people in a crowded chess hall, state television reported on Monday, as the country grapples with a wave of unrest in the region.
Advancing Iraq rebels seize northwest town in heavy battle
MOSUL/BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Sunni insurgents seized a mainly ethnic Turkmen city in northwestern Iraq on Sunday after heavy fighting, solidifying their grip on the north after a lightning offensive that threatens to dismember Iraq.
