Thai Senate delays debate on controversial amnesty bill
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thailand’s Senate on Friday delayed debate on a government-backed amnesty bill that has sparked mass protests, in a decision that could prolong political unrest.
Egypt to hold parliamentary vote in Feb/March: foreign minister
MADRID (Reuters) – Foreign Minister Nabil Fahmy said on Friday Egypt would hold parliamentary elections between February and March, followed by presidential polls in early summer, and that the political arm of ousted President Mohamed Mursi’s banned Mu…
Ukraine acts to prepare anti-corruption agreement, says EBRD
KIEV (Reuters) – Ukraine has renewed a push for agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to fight corruption after President Viktor Yanukovich’s commitment to improving the business climate was criticized, a bank official sai…
Malawian police arrest ex-minister for attempted murder
LILONGWE (Reuters) – Police in Malawi arrested a former justice minister on Friday in connection with the attempted murder of a budget official whose shooting helped expose a multi-million-dollar corruption scandal.
Sri Lanka denies refusing visas to rights delegation
COLOMBO (Reuters) – Sri Lanka on Friday denied refusing visas to a delegation from an international human rights group ahead of a Commonwealth summit in Colombo, saying its permission had not been sought for the overseas visitors.
Wrecked Japanese nuclear plant to double pay after criticism
TOKYO (Reuters) – The operator of Japan’s wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant will double the pay of contract workers as part of a revamp of operations at the station, after coming under criticism for its handling of clean-up efforts.
China party says no to political reform on eve of key meet
BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s Communist Party gave an emphatic no to any political reform that may threaten its rule in a lengthy document published on Friday, the day before it starts a key meeting to set the economic agenda for the next decade.
Kerry committed to help narrow differences with Iran: U.S.official
TEL AVIV (Reuters) – U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is committed to doing “anything he can” to narrow differences with Iran over its nuclear program, a senior State Department official said on Friday shortly before Kerry headed to Geneva for talks….
Japan lawmaker reprimanded after emperor letter hits nerve
TOKYO (Reuters) – A Japanese lawmaker was reprimanded on Friday for breaking a taboo by trying to involve Emperor Akihito in politics when he handed him a letter expressing concern about the health impact of the Fukushima nuclear crisis.
Arab Spring fallout fuels Mediterranean smuggling rise
LONDON (Reuters) – The chaotic fallout of the “Arab Spring” is fuelling a surge in the smuggling of drugs, weapons and people across the Mediterranean, and cash-strapped regional powers are struggling to respond.
