Philippines halts work in disputed South China Sea
MANILA (Reuters) – The Philippines has stopped all development work in the disputed South China Sea because of the impact such activity might have on an arbitration complaint it has filed against China, a defense official said on Friday.
India’s Modi makes radio medium for change
NEW DELHI (Reuters) – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered on Friday the first of many radio addresses he plans to make to mobilize support among ordinary people for his agenda of change.
Australia authorizes special forces troops to go to Iraq
SYDNEY (Reuters) – Australian special forces troops will be deployed in Iraq to assist in the fight against Islamic State militants, Prime Minister Tony Abbott said on Friday, and its aircraft will also join U.S.-led coalition strikes.
Nominee Moscovici must also answer more EU committee questions
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – Pierre Moscovici must answer further written questions from the European Parliament’s economic affairs committee by late on Sunday before it considers again his nomination as EU economics commissioner, lawmakers said on Friday.
Australian PM seeks re-think on parliament burqa ban after backlash
SYDNEY (Reuters) – Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott asked officials on Friday to re-think restrictions on members of the public wearing face-coverings such as burqas in parliament following a public backlash against the measures.
British PM Cameron’s Conservatives take poll lead ahead of election
LONDON (Reuters) – British Prime Minister David Cameron’s Conservative party has edged ahead of the opposition Labour party just over seven months ahead of a May 2015 national election, a YouGov poll showed on Friday.
Rousseff widens Brazil election lead, challengers even
BRASILIA (Reuters) – Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has extended her lead ahead of Sunday’s election and would win re-election in a likely second-round runoff, while her main challengers are almost tied for second place, polls showed on Thursday.
Japan’s Obuchi: Political ‘princess’ could be first female PM
TOKYO (Reuters) – With a telegenic presence, powerful ruling party mentors and a talent for avoiding making political enemies, Japan’s new trade and industry minister, Yuko Obuchi, may have what it takes to become the country’s first female prime minis…
Australia to probe sexual abuse claims at Nauru refugee center
SYDNEY (Reuters) – Australia will investigate sexual abuse claims at its refugee detention center on Nauru, the government said on Friday, while removing 10 aid workers from the South Pacific island following reports of coaching detainees to commit sel…
Turkey steels for action as Islamic State advances on Syrian border town
SURUC Turkey/BEIRUT (Reuters) – Turkey’s parliament authorized the government on Thursday to order military action against Islamic State as the insurgents tightened their grip on a Syrian border town, sending thousands more Kurdish refugees into Turkey…
