U.S. President Barack Obama is leaving Washington Friday on a nine-day trip to the Asia-Pacific region focused on boosting Washington’s ties with the growing economic power. Mr. Obama will spend the first leg of his journey hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic forum in his birthplace of Honolulu, Hawaii. On the president’s agenda is discussion of a […]
Obama Embarks on Asia-Pacific Economic Mission
Japan to Seek to Join Pacific Free Trade Agreement
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda says Japan will participate in talks to join a U.S.-backed Pacific Rim free trade zone. Mr. Noda’s announcement at a news conference Friday comes after intense debate within his ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Mr. Noda will travel to Hawaii on Saturday for a summit of Asia-Pacific leaders, where he is expected […]
Yemeni Forces Kill 9 During Protests
Yemeni government forces have killed at least nine civilians in Taiz, one of the country’s largest cities. Medical officials and witnesses say the civilians were killed early Friday after forces renewed shelling in Taiz, where demonstrators have been calling for President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s departure. News reports say pro-government forces opened fire near Freedom Square, […]
Papademos to be Sworn in as New Greek Prime Minister
Lucas Papademos is set to be sworn in as the new prime minister of Greece, following nearly a week of intense talks over the formation of a coalition government that hopes to rescue the country from a deep financial crisis. Mr. Papademos is expected later Friday to name his Cabinet, which is thought to include […]
Thailand, Laos Open New Friendship Bridge
Thailand and Laos officially opened a new bridge across the Mekong River Friday as part of a regional highway project. The 1.4-kilometer crossing links Thailand’s northeastern province of Nakhon Phanom with Khammouan in Laos. It provides the shortest route for Lao exporters to truck goods to Vietnam’s central seaports. It is the third “friendship bridge” […]
UN Team Reviewing Piracy Threat in the Gulf of Guinea
The head of the United Nations has sent a team to West Africa to assess and suggest how best to deal with piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. A spokesperson says U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon dispatched the team to Benin at the request of President Boni Yayi. The team will also visit Nigeria, Gabon […]
Turkish Earthquake Death Toll Reaches 17
The death toll of Wednesday’s earthquake in the Turkish province of Van has risen to 17, after rescue workers recovered the bodies of five more victims early Friday. A senior disaster management official said Friday that authorities continue to search the rubble of a toppled five-storey hotel, although authorities no longer hear any signs of […]
Yemeni Government Forces Kill 6 Civilians
Yemeni government forces have killed at least six civilians in Taiz, the country’s second largest city. Medical officials and witnesses say the civilians were killed early Friday after forces renewed shelling in Taiz, where protesters have been calling for President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s departure. They say a government raid in the city on Thursday left […]
Japan to Investigate Olympus Amid Investment Scandal
Japan’s financial watchdog said Friday it would move quickly to investigate camera and medical equipment maker Olympus, after the company revealed it hid massive losses on securities investments dating from the 1990s. Financial Services Minister Shozaburo Jimi said the scandal had sparked distrust among investors internationally. Olympus President Shuichi Takayama acknowledged Tuesday that losses were […]
Obama Embarks on Asia-Pacific Economic Mission
U.S. President Barack Obama is leaving Washington Friday on a nine-day trip to the Asia-Pacific region focused on boosting Washington’s ties with the growing economic power. Mr. Obama will spend the first leg of his journey hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic forum in his birthplace of Honolulu, Hawaii. On the president’s agenda is discussion of a […]