Ex-finance minister wins disputed Madagascar election
ANTANANARIVO (Reuters) – Former finance minister Hery Rajaonarimampianina won Madagascar’s first presidential election since a coup in 2009 but his closest rival said the vote was rigged, raising concerns the island could remain mired in political turm…
Cambodian forces open fire as factory strikes turn violent
PHNOM PENH (Reuters) – Cambodian military police opened fire with assault rifles on Friday to quell a protest by stone-throwing garment factory workers demanding higher pay in a crackdown a human rights group said killed four people.
Chinese icebreaker stuck after helping in Antarctic rescue
SYDNEY (Reuters) – A Chinese icebreaker that helped rescue 52 passengers from a Russian ship stranded in Antarctic ice found itself stuck in heavy ice on Friday, further complicating the 9-day “roller-coaster” rescue operation.
Bangladesh ruling party poised to cruise as opposition boycotts poll
DHAKA (Reuters) – With a brass band, horse-drawn carriages and political posters flapping overhead, the rally in an old section of the Bangladesh capital had all the trappings of a spirited election.
London confirms death of Briton in Libya
TRIPOLI (Reuters) – Britain on Friday confirmed the death of one of its nationals and said it was also aware of the death of a New Zealander in western Libya, but gave no details of the circumstances in which they died.
Israel tests Arrow missile shield, eyes Syria, Iran
JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Israel successfully tested its upgraded Arrow ballistic missile interceptor for the second time on Friday, pushing forward work on a U.S.-backed defense against threats seen from Iran, Syria and Lebanon’s Hezbollah guerrillas.
Thai economy at risk as political rivals vow mass rallies
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thailand’s finance minister expressed concern about a weak currency and damage to the economy on Friday as supporters and opponents of the government prepared for big rallies this month that risk pushing the divided country to the b…
Jailed Kurdish lawmakers seek freedom after Turkish court ruling
DIYARBAKIR, Turkey (Reuters) – Turkey’s top court has ruled that the lengthy detention of two Kurdish lawmakers while on trial for supporting militants violated their rights, raising the chances they could be freed in what would be a boost to the peace…
Italian navy rescues over 1000 migrants from boats in 24 hours
ROME (Reuters) – The Italian navy rescued more than 1,000 migrants in the 24 hours to Friday from boats trying to reach Europe, authorities said, as an immigration crisis that killed hundreds in the last year showed no signs of easing.
Israel’s ex-PM Sharon suffering multi-organ failure: hospital
JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, comatose since a 2006 stroke, is close to death as his health continues to decline, the head of the hospital treating him said on Friday.
