China said Tuesday it will not use force in disputes with its neighbors over the South China Sea, but delivered an implied rebuke to U.S. senators who say the U.S. military should safeguard navigation in the strategic waterway. At a regular press briefing in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said China will not “resort […]
China Pledges Not to Use Force in China Sea Dispute
Chile Volcano Causing Widespread Flight Disruptions
A cloud of ash from an erupting volcano in southern Chile has – for a third day, Tuesday – disrupted air travel in South America, Australia and New Zealand, causing widespread delays. More than 60,000 passengers have been stranded. While flights in some areas have resumed, including Melbourne, planes to and from New Zealand and […]
Poll: Majority of Japanese Support Ending Nuclear Power
A new survey finds nearly three-quarters of Japanese citizens say they want to see nuclear power gradually phased-out as a source of energy in the aftermath of the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster. The survey by the Asahi newspaper was taken as the government continues to grapple with the world’s worst nuclear crisis since the 1986 […]
Solid Gains on Japan’s Nikkei
Japanese markets closed higher Tuesday, while the U.S. dollar is slightly higher against the Japanese yen. Tokyo’s Nikkei index gained just over one percent to finish at 9,548. In currency trading, the dollar was selling at 80.27, up a fraction from Monday. Gold is trading at $1,520.80 an ounce.
Khmer Rouge Prosecutor Renews Bid For Case 003 Probe
A prosecutor at the international tribunal on Khmer Rouge atrocities says he has renewed his request that the investigating judges reopen their probe in controversial Case 003. British prosecutor Andrew Cayley said Tuesday he has now filed documents demanded by the investigating judges, who rejected his earlier request on a technicality. Cayley is asking the […]
China Pledges Not to Use Force in China Sea Dispute
China said Tuesday it will not use force in disputes with its neighbors over the South China Sea, but delivered an implied rebuke to U.S. senators who say the U.S. military should safeguard navigation in the strategic waterway. At a regular press briefing in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said China will not “resort […]
Gunmen in Iraq Storm Government Compound
Iraqi police say at least seven people are dead and more 15 wounded after insurgents stormed a provincial government compound in Iraq Tuesday. Witnesses said the attackers blew up two car bombs near the entrance of the compound in Baquba, the capital of Diyala province. The attack raises concerns about the strength of Iraqi security […]
Asian Stocks Mostly Higher
Asian stock markets closed mostly higher Tuesday. Tokyo’s Nikkei index gained just over one percent to finish at 9,548. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index was virtually unchanged, losing 12 points to finish the day’s trading at 22,496. Share prices were higher in Shanghai, Sydney, Taipei and Wellington, but lower in Manila. In currency trading, the […]
Israeli Foreign Minister: Grapel is Not a Spy
Israel’s foreign minister says a U.S.-Israeli citizen arrested in Egypt Sunday is not a spy. Avigdor Lieberman said on Israeli military radio Tuesday that American-born Ilan Grapel had no ties with Israeli or American intelligence services, no matter how “strange” or “careless” his behavior. The U.S. says a consular officer visited Grapel in prison Monday […]
North Korea Sets Date for Local Legislative Elections
North Korea’s official news agency says the country will hold local elections next month. The Korean Central News Agency announced Tuesday that balloting will be held July 24 for delegates to provincial, city and county people’s assemblies. About 25,000 delegates were chosen in the last round of local elections in 2007. Local people’s assemblies typically […]