Ukraine’s PM says Russia plans to block gas flows to Europe
KIEV (Reuters) – Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk said on Wednesday that Kiev knew of plans by Russia to halt gas flows this winter to Europe, in comments which are likely to escalate the standoff between Moscow and the West.
Thai premier tells foreign investors: ‘We are not dictators’
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thai Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha told European investors on Wednesday that he was not a dictator and that his government was seeking to create a Thailand that would be more attractive for their long-term investments.
Pakistan’s prime minister resolved to ride out protests crisis
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) – Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif told parliament on Wednesday he would not be cowed by thousands of demonstrators camped outside the assembly demanding his resignation.
Afghan candidate Ghani pulls observers from election audit
KABUL (Reuters) – Afghan presidential candidate Ashraf Ghani pulled his observers from a U.N.-supervised audit of votes on Wednesday after rival candidate Abdullah Abdullah dropped out of the process, a senior member of Ghani’s team said.
Islamic State and Syrian government committing war crimes: U.N.
GENEVA (Reuters) – The Syrian government and Islamic State insurgents are both committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in their war against each other, U.N. investigators said on Wednesday.
Afghan forces battle for control of symbolic Kunduz province
KABUL (Reuters) – Afghan security forces are battling the Taliban for control of the northern province of Kunduz, where insurgents are threatening to overrun the capital and terrorizing residents who have fled to nearby districts.
India’s Modi slams whispering campaign against top minister
NEW DELHI (Reuters) – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday denied reports that the son of a top minister was involved in influence peddling, seeking to staunch the type of corruption allegations that sent the country’s last government to el…
Malaysia police arrest 42 foreigners after riot at export factory
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) – Malaysian police have arrested 42 men after a riot by up to 1,000 mostly Nepalese workers sparked fires and destroyed parts of an electronics export factory, highlighting accusations of poor conditions for many of the estimated…
Top Chinese former planning official ‘under investigation’
BEIJING (Reuters) – A former director at China’s powerful economic planning agency who oversaw pricing is being investigated, financial news magazine Caixin reported on Wednesday, the latest high-level official from the department to be probed.
Japan PM Abe sent condolences to memorial for convicted war criminals
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sent a condolence message to a ceremony honoring “martyrs” convicted as war criminals after World War Two, his top spokesman said on Wednesday, news that could snarl efforts to thaw chilly ties with …
