Khmer Rouge duo deny ‘Killing Fields’ role as case nears end
PHNOM PENH (Reuters) – It might be the last time Cambodians hear the words of the elderly men prosecutors say were most responsible for the deaths and suffering of millions under the Khmer Rouge’s 1970s “Killing Fields” rule.
South Africa’s AMCU in wage dispute with Lonmin, platinum strike looms
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – South Africa’s hardline AMCU union declared a wage dispute on Thursday with platinum producer Lonmin, raising the prospect of a sector-wide strike in the local platinum industry.
China to probe newspaper in defamation case
BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s press regulator will investigate and overhaul the management of a newspaper, one of whose reporters has been arrested after repeatedly criticizing a major state-owned construction equipment maker, state media said on Thursda…
Japan lawmaker breaks taboo with nuclear fears letter for emperor
TOKYO (Reuters) – A Japanese lawmaker handed Emperor Akihito a letter on Thursday expressing fear about the health impact of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, breaking a taboo by trying to involve the emperor in politics.
Venezuela seeks to tame ‘Wild West’ motorcycle chaos
CARACAS (Reuters) – Choking traffic, causing pileups and even ambushing drivers, Venezuela’s hordes of motorcyclists are an increasingly high-profile problem for the new government of President Nicolas Maduro.
Four Turkish MPs to attend parliament in head scarves, first time in 15 years
ANKARA (Reuters) – Four female lawmakers from Turkey’s Islamist-rooted ruling party plan to wear their Islamic head scarves in parliament on Thursday in a challenge to the country’s secular tradition.
China slams ‘dangerous provocation’ by Japan by shadowing sea drill
BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s Defence Ministry said on Thursday it has lodged a formal diplomatic complaint over what it called “dangerous provocation” by Japan for shadowing Chinese military exercises in the western Pacific.
Murdoch backs Australian immigration despite backing new government
SYDNEY (Reuters) – Australia should throw open its doors to immigrants to make the country more competitive, media mogul Rupert Murdoch said on Thursday, in contrast to his backing for the new government’s tough policy on asylum seekers.
IMF urges Ukraine government to raise gas prices at home
KIEV (Reuters) – An International Monetary Fund mission visiting Ukraine has urged the Kiev government to raise gas prices for domestic consumers and introduce a flexible exchange rate for the national currency, the hryvnia, a Fund official said on Thu…
China state media calls for stern action after Tiananmen attack
TURPAN, China (Reuters) – Chinese state media demanded severe punishment on Thursday to put down what China has said is a holy war aimed at Beijing by Islamist militants from the restive Xinjiang region.