U.N.’s Ban calls for more funds for typhoon-stricken Philippines
TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines (Reuters) – U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stepped up an appeal for funds to help the Philippines recover from a devastating typhoon last month after visiting stricken areas on Saturday.
China voices ‘strong concerns’ over Japan’s military spending
BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s Defense Ministry called Japan’s plans to raise its military spending for the first time in 10 years deeply worrying for Asia and the world, saying on Saturday that it strongly opposes its neighbor’s policy.
Be professional, shun gossip, Pope tells Vatican administrators
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) – Pope Francis on Saturday told Vatican administrators, who were dogged by infighting and allegations of corruption during the papacy of his predecessor, to be humble professionals and “conscientious objectors” to gossip.
Thai opposition party to boycott election
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thailand’s main opposition party announced on Saturday it would boycott an election in February, deepening uncertainty about the poll and fuelling a campaign to overthrow Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s government.
India transfers diplomat to U.N. in bid to defuse row with U.S.
NEW DELHI (Reuters) – India said on Saturday that it had transferred the diplomat at the center of a row with the United States to its U.N. delegation, a move that it hopes will give her protection from prosecution for visa fraud and underpaying a maid…
African mediators to meet South Sudan president’s rivals
JUBA (Reuters) – African mediators sought on Saturday to meet rivals to South Sudan’s president in a bid to end fighting that threatens to drag the world’s newest country into an ethnic civil war.
Madagascar presidential candidates neck and neck in early count
ANTANANARIVO (Reuters) – The two candidates in Madagascar’s presidential run-off election were neck and neck in early vote counting on Saturday, in a poll meant to end a deep-rooted political rift that has driven away investors and contributed to a shr…
Chinese hotelier feared dead in French helicopter crash
BORDEAUX, France (Reuters) – A Chinese hotel magnate and a French wine entrepreneur were feared dead with two others on Saturday after their helicopter crashed hours after they had agreed the sale of a luxury Bordeaux chateau, police said.
Tanzanian president sacks four ministers over poaching abuses
DAR ES SALAAM (Reuters) – Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete has sacked four government ministers following accusations of abuses committed by security forces during a huge operation against wildlife poaching.
Nigerian Islamists attack barracks in volatile northeast: army
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (Reuters) – Fighters from Nigeria’s Boko Haram Islamist sect armed with anti-aircraft guns and grenade launchers attacked a barracks in the volatile northeast and battled soldiers for several hours, the military said.
