Varadkar says Ireland will try to block Mercosur trade deal over Amazon concerns
Ireland will try to block a free trade deal between the European Union and South American Mercosur bloc unless Brazil takes action to protect the Amazon rainforest, Irish Prime Minister Leo Vardakar was quoted as saying on Friday.
Freed Kremlin critic Navalny predicts bigger opposition protests
Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on Friday used his first statement after being released from jail to predict that opposition to Russian President Vladimir Putin and protests against the authorities would only grow.
Syrian army encircles rebels in Hama pocket: state TV
The Syrian army encircled rebels in a cluster of towns in northwest Syria’s Hama countryside, imposing a “choking siege” and marching deeper into the pocket, state-run Ikhbariya TV said on Friday.
Ex-U.S. Marine held by Russia in spy case says prison authorities hurt him: Interfax
A former U.S. Marine held in Russia on suspicion of spying said on Friday that prison authorities in Moscow have hurt him, Interfax news agency reported.
Flights canceled as Taiwan braces for typhoon
Taiwan braced for Typhoon Bailu on Friday, prompting cancellations of domestic flights amid warnings of floods and high seas on the island.
Hong Kong airport faces more protest turbulence
Hong Kong braced for multiple anti-government demonstrations on Friday and a “stress test” of the airport this weekend, as weeks of protest in the Chinese-ruled city showed no signs of let-up amid rising tension between China and some Western nations.
South Korea officially notifies Japan of ending of intelligence-sharing pact: NHK
South Korea has officially notified Japan that it is ending their intelligence-sharing pact, public broadcaster NHK reported, citing the Japanese foreign ministry.
Malaysia’s poverty levels far higher than reported, U.N. expert says
A U.N. human rights expert on Friday disputed Malaysia’s assertion that it has nearly eliminated poverty, saying that official figures were vastly inaccurate and do not reflect realities on the ground.
Rights group, journalists press Indonesian government to lift internet curb in restive Papua
Rights group and journalists slammed the Indonesian government’s move to block internet access in its easternmost region of Papua on Friday, saying it made reporting events there difficult after violent protests during which buildings were torched.
Protest fears stalk Hong Kong businesses as China threat looms
Walking a tightrope between anti-government protests and political masters in Beijing, many Hong Kong firms are opting to toe the Communist Party line to avoid potential repercussions having seen what happened at Cathay Pacific Airways.
