Five Philippine legislators say they will visit a disputed island in the South China Sea Wednesday to reinforce their country’s claims in the area. The island is in the potentially oil- and gas-rich Spratly Islands, which are claimed in whole or part by six governments. Both Vietnam and the Philippines have complained of Chinese naval […]
Philippines Lawmakers to Visit Spratlys to Reinforce Claim
2 Killed in Chile Subway Shooting
Police in Chile’s capital say a man opened fire on a subway train Sunday, killing at least two people and wounding four others. Santiago police say the assailant killed himself after the attack. The gunman has been identified as 45-year-old Israel Huerta Cespedes. Police say the shooting happened in the Plaza Maipu station. They have […]
Indonesian Volcano Continues to Erupt
A volcano in central Indonesia continued to erupt on Monday, a day after it unleashed its most powerful eruption in weeks. Vulcanologists said Mount Lokon on northern Sulawesi island erupted twice within a half-hour period Monday afternoon. On Sunday, the mountain shot ash and debris 3,500 meters into the air. There were no reports of […]
International Court Rules on Cambodia-Thailand Border Dispute
The U.N.’s highest court has ordered both Cambodia and Thailand to immediately withdraw all troops and police from a newly declared demilitarized zone around an ancient Khmer temple on their border. The International Court of Justice in The Hague also ruled Monday that both countries should allow observers from the Association of South East Asian […]
Britain to Slash Army Size
British Defense Secretary Liam Fox is expected to announce a major troop reduction for the British Army. Fox will tell the House of Commons that the regular Army will shrink to its smallest size in 110-years. The Army will reduce its ranks by at least 17,000 people, to just above 80,000 active duty members. The […]
Somali Pirates Hijack Oil Tanker
The European Union’s anti-piracy force says suspected Somali pirates have hijacked an oil tanker in the northern Indian Ocean. The task force said in a statement Monday the MV JUBBA XX was seized Saturday and has been spotted traveling towards the northern Somali coast. The task force said nine pirates have been reported on board. […]
Iraqi PM Visits China Seeking New Investment Sources
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki is in Beijing for high-level talks aimed at securing investment in the reconstruction of his war-ravaged country. Mr. Maliki is expected to meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and other officials during his first visit to China, which winds up Thursday. In an exclusive interview with […]
Tokyo Markets Closed, Dollar Down
Japanese markets were closed Monday for a national holiday . In currency trading, the dollar was selling at 79.08 yen, down slightly from late Friday. Gold was selling for $1,598.74 an ounce.
Taliban Tape Execution of Pakistani Police
Pakistan officials say the Taliban has released a graphic video of the insurgents executing 16 Pakistani policemen. The video shows the police lined up with their hands tied behind their backs. A militant is shouting at them. One of the insurgents accuses the police of killing six children. Then the insurgents open fire on the […]
Rights Group Urges Bahrain to End Medical Personnel Arrests
A human rights group has called on Bahrain to end a “campaign of arrests” against medical personnel and attacks against patients who were injured during mass anti-government protests earlier this year. New York-based Human Rights Watch issued a report Monday detailing what is says are attacks against health care workers, the siege of hospitals and […]