China’s Xi warns of grim fight against corruption
BEIJING (Reuters) – Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday the fight against corruption was grim and complicated but nevertheless, it had to be solved quickly with “drastic medicine”.
U.N. feeds record 3.8 million in Syria but concerned by malnutrition
GENEVA (Reuters) – The U.N.’s World Food Programme (WFP) delivered rations to a record 3.8 million people in Syria in December, but civilians in eastern provinces and besieged towns near the capital remain out of reach, a spokeswoman said on Tuesday.
Before Olympics, Russians urged to help prevent attacks
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Less than a month before the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russian investigators appealed to civilians on Tuesday to be more vigilant and help avert the threat of “terrorist” attacks.
India’s Rahul Gandhi hints at PM role if party wins election
NEW DELHI (Reuters) – Rahul Gandhi, the scion of a dynasty that has led India for most of its history, suggested in an interview published on Tuesday he was ready to be prime minister if his party won forthcoming elections, his first indication that he…
Charities pledge $400 million to Syria aid: Kuwait agency
KUWAIT (Reuters) – Non-governmental organizations have promised to donate a combined $400 million for humanitarian aid for Syria ahead of an international donor conference to be held in Kuwait, the Gulf state’s official news agency KUNA said on Tuesday…
Japan’s Koizumi backs fellow ex-PM in opposing nuclear power
TOKYO (Reuters) – Two former Japanese prime ministers challenged incumbent Shinzo Abe’s pro-nuclear power policy on Tuesday, with charismatic Junichiro Koizumi backing ex-premier Morihiro Hosokawa’s bid to become Tokyo governor on a platform opposing a…
Kalashnikov rifle designer felt ‘spiritual pain’ from mass deaths
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Mikhail Kalashnikov, the designer of the AK-47 rifle, wrote a letter to the Russian Orthodox Church before his death expressing concern that the weapon had killed so many people, Izvestia newspaper reported.
Myanmar still uses rape as weapon of war: women’s group
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A women’s group says the military in Myanmar is still using rape as a weapon of war, with more than 100 women and girls raped by the army since a 2010 election brought about a nominally civilian government that has pursued rappro…
Australia hardens refugee policy, to close mainland centers
SYDNEY (Reuters) – Australia will shut four mainland immigration detention centers, the government said on Tuesday, as it pushes ahead with controversial policies to turn back refugee boats and detain asylum seekers in remote centers offshore.
France’s Barnier says ready to run EU Commission
PARIS (Reuters) – France’s Michel Barnier, the European commissioner for financial regulation, has said he is ready to run for the presidency of the European Union executive succeeding Jose Manuel Barroso.
