Japan to conduct island defense drill amid tension with China
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan will conduct a military exercise this month to practice defending an island, the Defense Ministry said on Thursday, underscoring concern about East China Sea islands controlled by Japan but claimed by China.
Magnitude 6.7 quake strikes off Pacific island of Vanuatu: USGS
SINGAPORE (Reuters) – A quake with a magnitude of 6.7 struck off the Pacific island of Vanuatu on Thursday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said.
Northern Ireland police arrest Gerry Adams over 1972 murder
BELFAST/DUBLIN (Reuters) – Northern Ireland police arrested Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams on Wednesday as part of an investigation into one of the province’s most controversial murders, a move that sent political shockwaves through Belfast and Dublin.
Thai government supporters fear July poll disruption
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thai government supporters welcomed on Thursday the prospect of a July election and said the Election Commission had to prevent disruption by anti-government protesters who insist that reforms are brought in before any vote.
EU peacekeepers take charge at Central African Republic airport, violence rages
BRUSSELS/BANGUI (Reuters) – European Union peacekeepers took charge of security at Central African Republic’s main airport on Wednesday in their first major operation to try and end months of sectarian slaughter.
Mexico votes to allow civilian trials for soldiers
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – Mexican lawmakers on Wednesday approved legislation that would allow soldiers accused of committing crimes against non-military personnel to be tried in civilian courts.
Brazil’s Rousseff lowers taxes for workers as popularity drops
BRASILIA (Reuters) – Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff on Wednesday announced lower taxes for workers and a hike in stipends for the poor as her popularity ebbs five months before elections.
Ukraine’s restive east slipping from government’s grasp
HORLIVKA, Ukraine (Reuters) – Pro-Moscow separatists seized government offices in more Ukrainian towns on Wednesday, in a further sign that authorities in Kiev are losing control of the country’s eastern industrial heartland bordering Russia.
Northern Ireland police arrest Gerry Adams over 1972 murder
BELFAST/DUBLIN (Reuters) – Northern Ireland police arrested Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams on Wednesday as part of an investigation into one of the province’s most controversial murders, a move likely to cause a political earthquake in Belfast and Dublin…
Iraqis vote as violence grips a divided country
BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Iraq held a democratic vote to choose a leader with no foreign troops present for the first time on Wednesday, as Shi’ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki sought to hold power for a third term in a country again consumed by sectarian b…
