Thousands of Egyptians have rallied in support of President Mohamed Morsi after the country’s highest court overruled his decision to recall parliament. The demonstrators chanted and waved flags late Tuesday in Cairo’s Tahrir Square. The court earlier ruled against Mr. Morsi’s decision to recall the Islamist-led parliament, which the nation’s military leaders dissolved last month […]
Morsi Supporters Rally After Court Rules Against Parliament Recall
First US Ambassador to Burma in 22 Years Arrives in Rangoon
The U.S. Embassy in Burma has announced the arrival of Washington’s first ambassador to the country in 22 years. The embassy in Rangoon said Ambassador Derek Mitchell arrived Wednesday and would travel to Naypyitaw to present his credentials to President Thein Sein. Mitchell previously served as special envoy to Burma. The United States has been […]
Clinton, Lao Leaders Discuss Vietnam War Legacy Issues
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has met with leaders in Laos to discuss environmental protections for the Lower Mekong River Delta and issues dating back to the Vietnam War. She is the first secretary of state to visit Laos in 57 years. The two sides talked about continued U.S. aid in helping dispose of […]
Legendary Actor O’Toole Retires
Acclaimed British stage and screen actor Peter O’Toole has announced his retirement, saying it is time to “chuck in the sponge” after a career spanning five decades. The 79-year-old actor issued a statement Tuesday expressing gratitude for a career that has brought him “public support, emotional fulfillment and material comfort.” But he says “the heart […]
Japan Protests Chinese Ships Near Disputed Islands
Japan has lodged a protest with China after three Chinese patrol ships entered waters near a set of disputed islands in the East China Sea. Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura told reporters Wednesday that the islands are “inherently” Japanese territory. China, which also claims ownership, says the three vessels were fishery patrol ships conducting […]
US Episcopal Church Approves Blessing of Same-Sex Couples
The U.S. Episcopal Church has approved a new worship service to bless same-sex couples, becoming the largest religious denomination in the United States to accept the union of homosexual couples. The church’s House of Deputies, which is split equally between clergy and lay leaders, approved the blessing Tuesday by a vote of 171-50 at the […]
US Citizen Jailed for Insulting Thai King Freed by Royal Pardon
A U.S. man who was sentenced to 30 months in a Thai prison for insulting the king has been freed by a royal pardon. Joe Gordon was convicted in December for translating parts of a locally banned biography about King Bhumibol Adulyadej U.S. Embassy spokesperson Walter Braunohler told VOA he does not know the reason […]
Clinton in Laos for High-Level Talks
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is in Laos for high-level talks on regional developments and ASEAN integration efforts. It is the first visit to the communist country by a secretary of state in 57 years. Clinton’s agenda Wednesday includes talks with the country’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, as well as Prime Minister […]