Death penalty gets boost in three US states
AFP, Washington
Donald Trump’s upset presidential election win has dominated global headlines, but for those against capital punishment, Election Day offered other surprise: three states voted to reinstate or otherwise support the death penalty.
The measures voted through in Oklahoma, Nebraska and California via referendum are not expected to spark a sharp rise in the number of executions, but activists say they are a step in the wrong direction.
Obama to meet Xi, European allies next week
PTI, Washington
President Barack Obama will meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping and key European allies next week as he seeks to reassure other nations about the US role in the world following Donald Trump’s election victory.
President Obama is scheduled to leave on a week-long three-nation tour next week to Greece, Germany and Peru.
Myanmar to probe controversial China-backed dam
AFP, Yangon
Myanmar is probing whether to resume construction on a controversial Chinese-backed dam, state media reported Saturday, with promises to listen to fierce public opposition to the project. The fate of the $3.6 billion Myitsone dam in northern Kachin state has hung in the balance since it was abruptly halted by Myanmar in 2011 following protests over environmental and safety concerns.
