At least 200 Afghans have taken to the streets of the capital calling for an immediate withdrawal of international forces from the country ahead of the 10th anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion. People gathered peacefully Thursday in Kabul carrying placards condemning the invasion and blaming the U.S and its allies for civilian deaths. The demonstration […]
Afghans Protest on Eve of Invasion Anniversary
Posted October 6th, 2011 at 5:20 am (UTC-5)
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Influential Japanese Politician Goes on Trial
Posted October 6th, 2011 at 5:05 am (UTC-5)
The man who masterminded Japan’s ruling party’s historic victory in 2009 went on trial Thursday on charges of violating fund-raising laws. Ichiro Ozawa pleaded not guilty to accusations that he knowingly falsified reports to hide a $5.2 million loan he made to his political fund-raising body to facilitate a land deal in 2004. Three former […]
Asian Stocks Trading Higher
Posted October 6th, 2011 at 5:05 am (UTC-5)
Asian stock markets closed higher Thursday. Tokyo’s Nikkei index gained nearly one and three-quarters percent to finish at 8,522. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index rose nearly five and three-quarters percent to finish the day’s trading at 17,172. Share prices were also higher in Manila, Sydney, Taipei and Wellington. The Shanghai index remained closed on Thursday. […]
Botswana’s Opposition Parties May Form Alliance Ahead of Elections
Posted October 6th, 2011 at 4:30 am (UTC-5)
Several opposition parties in Botswana are considering forming a political alliance in an attempt to defeat the ruling Botswana Democratic Party, which has been in power for over four decades. Sydney Pilane, the founding member of the Botswana Movement for Democracy, tells VOA that his party is engaging in talks with three other opposition groups […]
Taiwan Sets October Date for Ex-President’s Corruption Trial
Posted October 6th, 2011 at 4:00 am (UTC-5)
Taiwan prosecutors say a corruption trial for former President Lee Teng-hui will begin on October 21. The prosecutors said Thursday the proceedings will be held behind closed doors because the charges involve national security matters. Mr. Lee, who served as president from 1988 to 2000, was indicted in June on charges of embezzling $7.79 million […]
Tutu Urges South Africa to Grant Dalai Lama Last Minute Visa
Posted October 6th, 2011 at 4:00 am (UTC-5)
South Africa’s Archbishop Desmond Tutu has made a final appeal for his government to grant a travel visa to the Dalai Lama, who was scheduled to visit the country for Tutu’s 80th birthday celebrations this week. After months of delays by South African authorities, the Dalai Lama cancelled his trip on Tuesday, saying he had […]
Doctors Without Borders Ends Work in Thailand
Posted October 6th, 2011 at 3:50 am (UTC-5)
A leading medical relief group says it is withdrawing from Thailand after 35 years in the country because of continuing disagreements with the government. Médecins Sans Frontières issued a statement Thursday saying it had failed to secure permission to provide health care to undocumented migrants and vulnerable populations, despite months of negotiations and discussions. MSF […]
Malaysian Court Rejects Anwar’s Bid to Compel PM’s Testimony
Posted October 6th, 2011 at 3:25 am (UTC-5)
A judge in Malaysia says Prime Minister Najib Rezak and his wife will not have to testify at the sodomy trial of opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar’s lawyers had asked the court to compel Mr. Najib and his wife to testify, claiming that they conspired with Anwar’s chief accuser to concoct the rape allegations. But […]
Clinton: UN Security Council Failed Syria
Posted October 6th, 2011 at 3:20 am (UTC-5)
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says the U.N. Security Council has failed in its responsibility by not passing a resolution condemning Syria for its brutal crackdown on civilian protesters. Without mentioning Russia and China by name, Clinton said Wednesday the two countries would have to explain their vetoes “to the Syrian people.” Moscow and […]
Japanese FM Visits Seoul on Nuclear, Other Issues
Posted October 6th, 2011 at 2:50 am (UTC-5)
Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba is visiting Seoul for talks with his South Korean counterpart on nuclear issues and a potential visit to South Korea by Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda. Officials said Gemba and Kim Sung-hwan will coordinate policy on a potential resumption of nuclear negotiations with North Korea amid escalating diplomacy on the […]
