US pulls out of UN’s Global Compact on Migration
The United States has withdrawn from a United Nations pact to improve the handling of migrant and refugee situations, deeming it "inconsistent" with its policies.
Egypt presidential hopeful says will reconsider election bid
Former Egyptian premier and presidential hopeful Ahmed Shafiq said on Sunday he was reconsidering his intention to run in the 2018 presidential elections, after relatives said his whereabouts were unknown for around 24 hours.
Arab League chief warns Trump Jerusalem move could fuel violence
The Arab League chief has said a decision by US President Donald Trump to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital would boost fanaticism and violence, and not serve the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
S. Korea, US begin massive air combat drills
South Korea and the United States kicked off a major air force exercise here on Monday with two dozen US stealth jets mobilised.
New Year car torching, arrests up in France
France saw a jump in arrests on New Year's Eve as well as an increase in the number of cars torched by vandals, a ritual among revellers in the country's high-rise suburbs.
Emperor’s abdication date confirmed: April 30, 2019
Japan's Emperor Akihito will step down on April 30, 2019, the country's prime minister announced Friday, the first retirement in more than two centuries in the imperial family believed to be the world's oldest.
Venezuela arrests former oil bosses in corruption purge
Thai leaders mourn passing of statesman Surin
Government leaders, diplomats, top politicians and rights activists yesterday expressed their sorrow over the death of former foreign minister and ASEAN secretary-general Surin Pitsuwan yesterday.
UN court closes under cloud of war criminal’s suicide
It was supposed to be business as usual in the sedate halls of the UN court for the former Yugoslavia, as judges delivered their final verdict after two decades of painstaking, groundbreaking work.
Blast at chemical plant in central Japan injures more than 10 people
A chemical plant in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, exploded on Friday morning, leaving more than 10 people injured, local police said. The degree of injuries is unknown.
Venezuela’s Maduro to seek 2nd term in 2018: vice president
Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro -- who is battling a crippling economic crisis in his oil-rich, cash-poor nation -- will seek re-election next year, Vice President Tareck El Aissami said Wednesday.
Europe’s Muslim population to grow strongly, even if migration ends: study
Muslims could make up over 11 percent of Europe's population in the coming decades, compared with just under 5 percent currently, if legal migration levels are maintained, a report by a US-based think tank said Thursday.
US threatens to ’utterly destroy’ N. Korea regime
The United States yesterday warned that North Korea's leadership will be "utterly destroyed" if war breaks out as it called on countries to cut all diplomatic and trade ties with North Korea -- including Chinese oil shipments to Pyongyang.
Libya allows emergency migrant 'evacuations' after slavery uproar
Libya agreed Wednesday with key EU and African leaders to allow migrants facing abuse in detention camps to be evacuated within days or weeks, mostly to their home countries, French President Emmanuel Macron said.
Venezuela’s Maduro says he could stop oil sales to US
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro floated the idea Tuesday of cutting off oil sales to the United States, which buys almost half its output.
Pope begins landmark mass for Myanmar Catholics
A sea of worshippers crowded into a football field early Wednesday for an open-air mass by Pope Francis, who is making the first ever papal visit to Myanmar.
Victoria becomes first Australia state to legalise euthanasia
Victoria has become the first Australian state to legalise voluntary assisted dying, or euthanasia, for the terminally ill, ABC News said in a report on Wednesday.
North Korea tests ICBM in fresh challenge to Trump
North Korea test fired an intercontinental ballistic missile on Wednesday, in a major challenge to US President Donald Trump after he slapped fresh sanctions on Pyongyang and declared it a state sponsor of terrorism.
Trump faces fraught end to tempestuous year
President Donald Trump returned to work at a festively decorated White House this week, facing a formidable to-do list that will decide whether his Christmas is filled with political misery or cheer.
UN restarts Syria peace talks but Assad regime absent
The United Nations reopens its Syria peace talks on Tuesday but the Damascus government's last minute announcement that it may not come to Geneva delivered a blow to the already faltering negotiations.
