Russia to summon Dutch ambassador on Monday: TASS
The Russian foreign ministry said it would summon the Dutch ambassador in Moscow on Monday over what it described as a campaign of disinformation against Russia, the TASS news agency reported.
China says ex-Interpol chief focus of bribery probe back home
China said on Monday it was investigating former Interpol chief Meng Hongwei for bribery and other violations, days after French authorities said the Chinese official had been reported missing by his wife after traveling to his home country.
U.S. Marine colonel relieved of duties over drink driving in Australia
The head of a contingent of United States Marines based in Australia’s northern city of Darwin was relieved of his command after police caught him drink driving on a night out, a corps spokesman said on Monday.
Pakistani Islamists warn of ‘terrible consequences’ over blasphemy appeal
A hardline Pakistani Islamist group has warned of “terrible consequences” if a Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy is granted leniency in her appeal due to begin on Monday, a case that has drawn global headlines and indignation.
Bangladesh president gives assent to digital law seen curbing free speech
Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid on Monday gave his assent to a controversial new law that local media organizations fear could cripple press freedom and curb free speech in the country.
Paper says South Africa’s finance minister asked to be sacked, rand falls
South African Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene has asked President Cyril Ramaphosa to remove him after he admitted to visiting the home of the Gupta brothers, friends of scandal-plagued former leader Jacob Zuma, Business Day said on Monday, sending the r…
Children trickle back to school in Indonesia quake city to find friends
Children in the Indonesian city of Palu began returning to school on Monday to tidy up their classrooms and to help gather data on how many will be coming back 10 days after a major earthquake and tsunami hit their city.
Ex-Interpol chief under probe for bribery, China ministry says
Former Interpol chief Meng Hongwei is under investigation for suspected bribery, China’s Ministry of Public Security said in a statement on its website on Monday.
Taliban urge Afghans to boycott polls, reject peace talks
The Taliban on Monday directed Afghans to boycott upcoming parliamentary elections and demanded a complete withdrawal of foreign forces as the only solution to end the 17-year-old war as they ramped up attacks in strategic provinces.
Pompeo visit to China kicks off with frosty exchange
A meeting of top U.S. and Chinese diplomats got off to a frosty start on Monday, with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Chinese Foreign Minister and State Councillor Wang Yi airing grievances amid worsening bilateral relations.
