Pope suggests “better to be atheist than hypocritical Catholic”
VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis delivered another criticism of some members of his own Church on Thursday, suggesting it is better to be an atheist than one of “many” Catholics…
Factory fire sends plume of smoke high into Sydney sky
SYDNEY – A thick plume of black smoke rose above the Sydney skyline this morning as scores of firefighters battled a huge blaze at a recycling plant in the western…
Cuba says it foiled plot to destabilise country, slams dissidents and OAS
HAVANA – Communist-ruled Cuba has said it had foiled a serious plot aiming to destabilise the country by preventing the chief of the Organisation of American States travelling to the…
Australia to face Brazil in Melbourne friendly
MELBOURNE – Five times World Cup winners Brazil will play Australia in a friendly at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 13, giving the Socceroos the toughest of warm-ups for…
Japan’s crown prince says will model himself after father as emperor
TOKYO – Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito turned 57 today saying he is ready to become emperor after his father Akihito, who could abdicate as soon as next year, and that like…
Malaysia identifies N.Korean embassy official among suspects
KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian police have identified a senior official in the North Korean embassy as a suspect in the murder of Kim Jong Nam, and said another was linked…
Former Hong Kong leader jailed in what judge calls fall from “such a height”
HONG KONG – Former Hong Kong chief executive Donald Tsang, the highest-ranking ex-official to be charged in the city’s history, was today jailed for 20 months for misconduct in public…
Malcolm Turnbull criticises UN as Israeli PM arrives for state visit
SYDNEY – Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has offered a staunch defence of Israel, criticising the United Nations and vowing never to support “one-sided resolutions” calling for an end to Israeli…
Australia seeks full inclusion in Asian Summer Games
MELBOURNE – Australia hopes to bring a full delegation of athletes to the 2022 Asian Summer Games in China and is seeking approval from the continent’s Olympic council, Australian Olympic…
Bodies of 74 migrants found on west Libyan beach
TRIPOLI – The bodies of 74 migrants have been found washed up on a beach near the western Libyan city of Zawiya, a Red Crescent spokesman has said. Spokesman Mohamed…
