China, Malaysia sign MOU on bilateral currency swap agreement: Reuters witness
China and Malaysia signed a memorandum of understanding on a bilateral currency swap agreement on Monday, as part of Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad’s visit to China.
Korean families separated by war to reunite briefly after 65 years
Some 180 families torn apart by the 1950-53 Korean War will be temporarily reunited in North Korea starting Monday after the two Koreas renewed exchanges this year following a standoff over Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs.
Australian PM Turnbull plays down risk of leadership challenge
Embattled Australia Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull played down speculation on Monday of an imminent leadership challenge within his own party, saying he enjoyed the confidence of his Cabinet and party room.
Britain to stop some aid for Syrian opposition in rebel-held areas
The UK government said on Monday it was ending funding for some aid programs in rebel-held areas of Syria.
Australian PM under pressure as voter support slides
Voter support for Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull crashed to its lowest level since December, an opinion poll published on Monday showed, further stoking leadership speculation in his ruling centre-right coalition.
Muslims begin annual haj pilgrimage amid heavy rains
As more than 2 million pilgrims from around the world braved stormy weather in Saudi Arabia on Sunday to begin the annual haj ritual, the country’s health minister said there was no sign of any outbreaks of disease.
At least 19 killed by Islamists in northeast Nigeria – survivor
At least 19 people were killed in an Islamist militant attack on a village in northeast Nigeria in the early hours of Sunday, a survivor of the attack said.
Desperate Venezuelans defy Ecuador’s passport rules and cross border
Dozens of furious Venezuelan migrants fleeing economic misery in Venezuela for a new life elsewhere on Sunday defied rules requiring they hold a valid passport to cross the border from Colombia into Ecuador, and authorities appeared to be allowing it….
New Pakistan PM Khan calls for austerity; wants bullet-proof cars sold
(In this August 19 story, corrects translation of Khan quote in para 20 to clarify he was referring to a struggle, not holy war)
Pompeo says ‘time for peace’ as Afghanistan announces ceasefire with Taliban
The United States is ready to support and facilitate direct peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday, welcoming a Muslim Eid holiday ceasefire announced by President Ashraf Ghani.
