Asian stock markets closed mostly lower Monday. Tokyo’s Nikkei index rose a fraction of a percent to close at 9,354. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index lost four-tenths of a percent to end at 21,600. Elsewhere, share prices were lower in Shanghai, Taipei, Seoul, Sydney, Mumbai, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Wellington and Manila. Markets in Singapore and […]
Syrian President Says “Saboteurs” Exploiting Legitimate Reform
Posted June 20th, 2011 at 6:05 am (UTC-5)
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says “saboteurs” are trying to exploit legitimate calls for change, and there can be no reform in his country through vandalism. Mr. Assad said during a televised speech to the nation Monday there can be no development in Syria without stability. The speech was his third major address since anti-government protests […]
Soldiers Work to Clear Water Lilies Causing Philippines Flooding
Posted June 20th, 2011 at 5:55 am (UTC-5)
Soldiers in the Philippines are using chain saws and machetes to clear thick mats of water lilies that are clogging the nation’s second longest river, causing floods that submerged more than 30 villages. Officials said Monday they had cleared about eight hectares out of about 20 hectares of lilies that have caused severe backups in […]
Coalition Force Kills Afghan Soldier
Posted June 20th, 2011 at 5:50 am (UTC-5)
NATO says an Afghan-led coalition force in the eastern region of the country has killed an Afghan soldier who recently shot dead an Australian service member. The security force killed the Afghan soldier Sunday in Khost province where it had gone to arrest him. NATO says the soldier resisted arrest and was killed in the […]
Tunisia Begins Trial Against Former Leader
Posted June 20th, 2011 at 5:30 am (UTC-5)
Tunisia began a trial in absentia Monday of former president Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, who is facing charges including conspiring against the state, voluntary manslaughter and drug trafficking. Mr. Ben Ali and his entourage are facing more than 90 cases. Officials say he will be tried in a military and a civilian court. He has […]
Roadside Bomb Wounds 7 in Baghdad
Posted June 20th, 2011 at 5:25 am (UTC-5)
Iraqi officials say a roadside bomb has exploded near a French embassy convoy in Baghdad, wounding seven people in one of several attacks Monday in the capital. The officials said four Iraqi security guards and three civilians were wounded in the blast in the central part of the city. In the northern Shaab district, authorities […]
Tokyo Stocks Flat, Dollar Up
Posted June 20th, 2011 at 5:15 am (UTC-5)
Japanese share prices ended slightly higher Monday, while the dollar edged up against the yen. Tokyo’s Nikkei index rose a fraction of a percent to close at 9,354. In currency trading, the dollar was selling at 80.26 yen, up two-tenths of a yen from late Friday. Gold was trading at $1,537.65 an ounce.
India’s FM Heads to Burma, Elevating Diplomatic Ties
Posted June 20th, 2011 at 5:15 am (UTC-5)
India’s foreign minister flew Monday to Burma for a visit that is expected to boost warming ties between the Asian neighbors. Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna said before leaving New Delhi that the talks would focus on security cooperation as well as energy, infrastructure and other matters. He is the highest ranking Indian government official to […]
Eurozone Ministers to Greece: No Bailout Payment Without Spending Cuts
Posted June 20th, 2011 at 5:10 am (UTC-5)
Eurozone finance ministers say Greece must pass severe economic reforms before it receives the next $17 billion loan payment from the European Union and the IMF. The finance ministers failed to sign off on the next installment of the $160 billion bailout package after hours of talks ended early Monday in Luxembourg. However, the ministers […]
Syrian President to Address Nation
Posted June 20th, 2011 at 4:45 am (UTC-5)
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is set to address the nation Monday, as Britain’s foreign secretary calls for him to either reform or step aside. Mr. Assad’s speech is his third major address since anti-government protests began in mid-March. In a speech two weeks after the protests began, Mr. Assad said foreigners had created a conspiracy […]
