A volcano south of Mexico City spewed ash more than one kilometer into the air four times Tuesday. The Mexican national disaster prevention agency says the ash from the Popocatepetl volcano could fall over Mexico City early Wednesday. The disaster agency is encouraging residents to stay a minimum of 12 kilometers from the crater. There […]
Australian High Court Scuttles Refugee Swap Deal with Malaysia
Posted August 31st, 2011 at 4:10 am (UTC-5)
Australia’s High Court has blocked the government’s plan to transfer hundreds of asylum seekers to Malaysia. In a 6-1 majority decision announced Wednesday, the court agreed with a pair of asylum seekers who argued the deal is illegal because Kuala Lumpur has not signed international treaties on the treatment of refugees, and that is not […]
New South Korean Minister Promises Flexibility Toward North
Posted August 31st, 2011 at 4:05 am (UTC-5)
South Korea’s new minister for relations with North Korea said Wednesday he will seek ways to be flexible in his dealings with Pyongyang. Yu Woo-ik, who was appointed as unification minister in a cabinet reshuffle Tuesday, told reporters he will maintain the government’s existing policies on North Korea. But, he said, he will look for […]
UN Chief to Embark on Pacific Region Mission
Posted August 31st, 2011 at 3:25 am (UTC-5)
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon embarks this week on a four-nation visit to the Pacific region that will focus on climate change and international security. Mr. Ban will travel to Australia on Saturday for talks with Prime Minister Julia Gillard on his initiatives on climate change, as well as the U.N.-backed missions in Afghanistan and […]
Phony Green Beret Jailed After Duping Law Enforcement Agencies
Posted August 31st, 2011 at 3:20 am (UTC-5)
A man who falsely claimed to have served with U.S. special forces in Laos and Afghanistan has been sentenced to 21 months in prison by a court in the U.S. city of Baltimore. William Hillar, 66, was also ordered Tuesday to pay $170,000 in restitution to organizations — including the U.S. military and Federal Bureau […]
Second Day of Hearings for ANC’s Malema in Johannesburg
Posted August 31st, 2011 at 3:15 am (UTC-5)
South Africa’s ruling African National Congress will hold a second day of disciplinary hearings Wednesday against Julius Malema, the controversial president of its youth wing. A policeman and five journalists were injured Tuesday after thousands of Malema supporters clashed with police outside ANC headquarters in Johannesburg during the first day of the hearings. Police used […]
US Expands Syria Sanctions Amid Continued Crackdown
Posted August 31st, 2011 at 3:05 am (UTC-5)
The United States has announced it is widening sanctions on Syria amid the government’s ongoing deadly crackdown against dissent. The new asset-freezes and bans on business interactions include Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem, presidential adviser Bouthaina Shaaban, and Syria’s ambassador to Lebanon, Ali Abdul Karim Ali. A State Department spokeswoman said Tuesday the three were […]
Bomb Kills 5 After Eid Prayers in SW Pakistan
Posted August 31st, 2011 at 2:35 am (UTC-5)
Pakistani police say a car bomb has killed at least five people and wounded 10 others, as the country celebrates the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Authorities said the blast occurred Wednesday in the southwestern city of Quetta, as hundreds of people were leaving a mosque following Eid al-Fitr prayers. The festival […]
Japan’s Nikkei Flat in Wednesday Trading
Posted August 31st, 2011 at 2:30 am (UTC-5)
Japanese markets closed virtually unchanged Wednesday, while the U.S. dollar is lower against the Japanese yen. Tokyo’s Nikkei index gained just a fraction of one percent to finish at 8,955. In currency trading, the dollar was selling at 76.58 yen, a loss of less than two-tenths of a yen from Tuesday. The Taipei market finished […]
Bomb Kills 5 After Eid Prayers in SW Pakistan
Posted August 31st, 2011 at 2:25 am (UTC-5)
PakistanI police say a car bomb has killed at least five people and wounded 10 others, as the country celebrates the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Authorities said the blast occurred Wednesday in the southwestern city of Quetta, as hundreds of people were leaving a mosque following Eid al-Fitr prayers. The festival […]
