Lead narrows for Brazil’s far-right presidential candidate Bolsonaro: poll
Brazil’s far-right presidential candidate Jair Bolsonaro has seen his commanding lead over rival Fernando Haddad fall six percentage points in the past week, a new poll has shown, fanning hopes of a stunning turnaround for the leftist.
Turkey’s Erdogan issues ‘final warning’ on Syria
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Friday issued what he said was a “final warning” to those who would endanger Turkey’s borders, saying Ankara was determined to focus its attention on Syrian Kurdish fighters east of the Euphrates.
North and South Korea agree to scrap 22 guard posts at border next month
North and South Korea agreed on Friday to “completely destroy” by next month 22 guard posts near their heavily fortified border, the latest advance in talks in the neighbors’ effort to defuse military tension, Seoul’s defense ministry said.
Singapore hangings spur fresh calls by rights groups to scrap death penalty
Singapore on Friday hanged a Malaysian convicted of drug trafficking, the latest in what rights groups said was a series of executions prompting them to renew calls for the wealthy city-state to abolish the death penalty.
Flood kills six people near Russian Black Sea resorts: agencies
Floods have killed at least six people near Russia’s southern Black Sea coast, Interfax and other news agencies reported on Friday.
Myanmar court frees journalists on bail in incitement case
A Myanmar judge on Friday freed on bail three journalists from the country’s largest private newspaper detained on incitement charges after publishing an article that raised questions over government spending.
Powerful quake shakes western Greece, no major injuries
A powerful earthquake shook western Greece early on Friday, damaging a port and a 15th century monastery, but causing no major injuries, officials and local media said.
China-Japan sign three-year FX swap deal to strengthen financial stability, business activity
Japan and China on Friday signed a currency swap arrangement of up to $30 billion – the largest such bilateral deal concluded by Tokyo – to strengthen financial stability and spur business activity in both countries, the Bank of Japan said.
After makeover, Philippines welcomes tourists back to cleaner, leaner Boracay
The Philippines reopened its top holiday island on Friday and promised sustainable tourism and a greener environment, welcoming back visitors after a six-month cleanup ordered by a president who had described it a “cesspool”.
China not asked for military access to Gwadar, Pakistan admiral says
China has not asked for military access to Pakistan’s Chinese-funded, deepwater port of Gwadar, a senior Pakistani rear admiral said on Friday, amid persistent speculation in India and the United States it could become a Chinese naval base.
