South Sudan marks new foreign policy chapter for China: official
BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s efforts to help resolve a conflict in South Sudan mark a “new chapter” in Beijing’s foreign policy that will seek to engage more in Africa’s security, China’s top envoy to the continent said.
Italy, U.S. police break up big drug, arms trafficking operation
ROME (Reuters) – Police said on Tuesday they had broken up a major organized crime operation between clans in Italy, Canada and the United States that conspired to smuggle huge amounts of drugs and weapons from South America to Italy.
Spain seeks arrest of former Chinese president over Tibet
MADRID/BEIJING (Reuters) – A Spanish judge on Monday sought the arrest of China’s former president and premier over accusations of genocide in Tibet in an eight-year-old case that prompted a sharp rebuke from Beijing.
Thai vote official says new general election may be needed
BANGKOK (Reuters) – A member of Thailand’s Election Commission said it may prove impossible to complete this month’s disrupted election and the whole vote may need to be re-run, implying many months more under a caretaker government with limited powers…
India’s trade minister puts off Pakistan trip
NEW DELHI (Reuters) – India’s trade minister has put off a visit to Pakistan to expand commercial ties as the two countries make slow progress on resolving key issues that have kept trade between the neighbors far below potential.
Thai government admits lack of power to renew troubled rice scheme
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thailand’s caretaker government said on Tuesday it did not have the power to renew a rice subsidy scheme when it expires at the end of the month, risking further alienating farmers angry over late payments for their current crop.
Japan may lift arms export ban for international groups: Kyodo
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan may allow exports of defense equipment to international organizations such as those involved in U.N. peacekeeping operations on condition they do not take sides in conflicts, Kyodo News reported on Tuesday.
Panama Canal’s ex-administrator to blame for dispute: President
PANAMA CITY (Reuters) – The Panama Canal’s former administrator is largely to blame for a dispute that threatens a multibillion-dollar expansion of the waterway and should have flagged doubts about Spanish builder Sacyr, President Ricardo Martinelli sa…
Ex-Guatemalan army officer tied to massacre sentenced to U.S. prison
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – A former Guatemalan army commander convicted of covering up his role in a massacre during that country’s bloody civil war in order to gain U.S. citizenship was sentenced on Monday to 10 years in federal prison.
Second round of Syria talks makes faltering start
GENEVA/BEIRUT (Reuters) – A second round of Syria peace talks got off to a shaky start on Monday, with the two sides complaining about violations of a local ceasefire and an Islamist offensive respectively in separate meetings with the international me…
