N.Korea sacks head of secret police amid signs of “crack in elite”
SEOUL – North Korea has dismissed its minister of state security, a key aide to the reclusive state’s young leader, Kim Jong Un, South Korea said on Friday, in what…
Iranian refugee who sought asylum in Fiji deported back to PNG
SYDNEY – Authorities in Fiji on Friday deported an Iranian refugee who had used false documents to flee his home in the Pacific Ocean nation of Papua New Guinea (PNG),…
US warns N.Korea of “overwhelming” response if nuclear arms used
SEOUL – US President Donald Trump’s defence secretary has warned North Korea of an “effective and overwhelming” response if Pyongyang chose to use nuclear weapons, as he reassured Seoul of…
Australia agrees to meet FIFA deadline on broader Congress
SYDNEY – Football Federation Australia will hold an Extraordinary General Meeting to expand its Congress ahead of the FIFA-imposed deadline of March 31 after talks with the president of soccer’s…
Angelina Jolie slams Trump travel ban, calls for ‘compassionate America’
LOS ANGELES – Actress and human rights advocate Angelina Jolie has said US President Donald Trump’s executive order barring travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries hurts vulnerable refugees and could fuel extremism.…
Vietnam launches its e-visa system for foreigners
Vietnam has officially launched its new e-visa system, allowing citizens from a select number of countries to apply for a 30-day visa through an online form. The pilot scheme announced…
Nearly three tonnes of pangolin scales seized in Thailand
BANGKOK – Thai authorities have displayed to journalists nearly 3 tonnes of scales from pangolins, the world’s most poached animal, seized in anti-smuggling operations since December. The scales, worth more than…
Malaria superbugs threaten global malaria control, scientists say
LONDON – Multidrug-resistant malaria superbugs have taken hold in parts of Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, threatening to undermine progress against the disease, scientists said. The superbugs – malaria parasites that…
“Dumb deal” drags Australia-US ties to new low after tense Trump call
US President Donald Trump has labelled a refugee swap deal with Australia “dumb” after a Washington Post report of an acrimonious telephone call with Australia‘s prime minister threatened a rare…
Vietnamese taxi drivers speak out against ride-sharing apps Uber and GrabTaxi
A news report by AAP has detailed violent clashes between Grab taxi drivers and traditional motorcycle taxi drivers near airport and bus stations – places that traditional taxis consider their…
