Friday, 29 Mar, 2024

International

Egypt prosecutor orders arrest of 2 leading activists

DHAKA: An Egyptian prosecutor has ordered the arrest of two prominent activists for inciting protests, including one whose group helped lead the revolt that ousted autocrat Hosni Mubarak in 2011.A source in the prosecutor’s office said on Wednesday, reports The Straits Times.The arrests

Abbott seeks security dialogue with Indonesia after spy row

DHAKA: Australian prime minister Tony Abbott said on Wednesday he hoped to establish a ‘security roundtable’ with Indonesia, seeking to rebuild a strategic relationship with a key Asian neighbour damaged by allegations of spying by Canberra.Reports last week that Australia`s

Berlusconi faces expulsion vote

DHAKA: The Italian Senate will vote later on whether to expel former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi from parliament over his conviction for tax fraud.Analysts say a large majority of senators is expected to back his expulsion, reports the BBC.The former PM has called for supporters to

UK PM plans EU migrant benefit curbs

DHAKA: David Cameron has announced a crackdown on so-called "benefit tourism", saying EU migrants will not be able to claim taxpayer-funded support indefinitely.Eligibility rules for out-of-work benefits will be tightened and access to housing benefit will be curbed, reports BBC.The prime

China `monitored` US bombers in new air zone

DHAKA: China monitored the flight of two US bombers that flew across its newly-declared "air defence identification zone"The defence ministry of China acknowledged the issue, BBC reports.According to the ministry, the B-52 planes flew over disputed islands in the East China Sea on Tuesday

6 die in blasts near India Nuclear plant

DHAKA: At least six people, including two children, died on Tuesday night after a crude bomb exploded at a village that has been at the centre of protests against the Kudankulam nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu.A case has been filed against activist Udhayakumar, who fronted the lengthy

China to land first Jade Rabbit Moon probe next month

DHAKA: Chinese officials say they intend to land the country’s first unmanned probe on the Moon next month.The probe has been named Yutu or ‘Jade Rabbit’, after the character that Chinese folklore says lives on the Moon’s surface, reports the BBC.In recent years, China has made

EU urges US legal redress to protect personal data

DHAKA: The EU pressed US politicians to give EU citizens the right to legal redress to protect their personal data, after US spying revelations soured ties with major allies.EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding told a delegation led by US Senator Christopher Murphy that their visit

Yemen court frees Saudi Juliet into UN protection

DHAKA: A Yemeni court released into UN custody a Saudi woman who had crossed the border illegally to elope with a Yemeni man defying tradition in both conservative countries.In a case reminiscent of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet, Huda al-Niran, 22, defied her family

Pakistan launches largest nuclear power project

DHAKA: Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif launched the construction of the country’s biggest atomic power plant and vowed to pursue further projects to make nuclear the largest energy source.The 2,200-megawatt plant is to be built with Chinese technical assistance on the Arabian Sea

Pope calls for power to move away from Vatican

DHAKA: Pope Francis has called for power in the Catholic Church to be devolved away from the Vatican, in the first major work he has written in the role.In the document, he says he is open to suggestions to changes in the power of the papacy.He also warns that rising global economic

Syria women ‘targets of abuse and torture’

DHAKA: Women in Syria are increasingly the targets of violent abuse and torture by government forces and armed groups.Some 6,000 women have been raped since the start of the conflict in March 2011, the Euro Mediterranean Human Rights Network says.A spokeswoman for the group said these

‘Polio cases confirmed in Syria’

DHAKA: The World Health Organization said on Tuesday that additional polio cases had been confirmed in two new areas of Syria, including near Damascus and in northern Aleppo, near Turkey, according to the agency’s twitter account.‘In addition to 15 polio cases in Deir al-Zor province,

Egypt nabs 17 suspected spies linked to Mossad

Egyptian security authorities have allegedly detained 17 people suspected of working as spies in connection with the Mossad.Kuwaiti daily al-Rai reported Tuesday, says The Jerusalem Post.According to Egyptian officials cited in the report, the detainees were members of three spy networks

‘Tehran ready to join Syria peace talks in Geneva’

DHAKA: Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Iran was prepared to take part in the Syria peace talks in Geneva, slated for January 22, if invited.‘Participation of Iran in Geneva 2 is in our view an important contribution to the resolution of the problem,’ Zarif said on

‘Rebels will not halt fighting for Geneva 2 talks’

DHAKA: The head of the Free Syrian Army said that rebel forces loyal to him would not join a planned peace conference in Switzerland in January and would continue their fight to topple president Bashar Assad throughout the talks.‘Conditions are not suitable for running the Geneva 2

Scottish independence plan launched

DHAKA: Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond has launched the SNP’s independence blueprint, calling it a ‘mission statement’ for Scotland’s future.The 670-page Scottish government white paper promised a ‘revolution’ in social policy, with childcare at its heart, reports the

South Korean mafia boss arrested in Philippines

DHAKA: One of South Korea’s most wanted fugitives, the alleged head of a major crime syndicate, was arrested in the Philippines on Tuesday after hiding out in the country for two years, officials said.Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said Cho Yang-Eun, 63, was arrested by immigration

China looking for new markets in eastern Europe

DHAKA: Chinese prime minister Li Keqiang says Chinese investment in infrastructure construction, renewable energy and agriculture in eastern Europe will bring greater prosperity and jobs in the region.Li said China’s economic interest in eastern and central Europe would bring ‘massive

France sending 1,000 troops to Central African Republic

DHAKA: France’s defence minister says the country will send 1,000 troops to Central African Republic, which has been in turmoil since March when rebel groups overthrew the president.It’s the second time this year that France has sent forces to a former colony, and defence minister