Turkey dismisses 45 more judges, prosecutors
AFP, Ankara
Turkish authorities dismissed 45 more judges and prosecutors on Monday in the latest purge within the judiciary following last July’s failed coup, state media reported.
Since July 15, at least 113,000 people have been suspended or sacked from their public sector roles, or detained in connection with the group accused of trying to overthrow President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Thailand to buy 1o Chinese tanks
Reuters, Bangkok
The Thai cabinet on Tuesday approved the purchase of 10 Chinese tanks worth $58 million to replace an old U.S. model, a government spokesman said, the second of three planned purchases of 49 tanks from China.
Thailand ordered 28 tanks from China last year.
“These tanks will replace the M41 tanks, which are small and old,” Sansern Kaewkamnerd told reporters.
India-China row deepens over Dalai Lama
AP, Gauhati
India said Tuesday that China should not interfere in its internal affairs, as the Dalai Lama began a weeklong visit to India’s remote northeast that Beijing has protested.
The Tibetan spiritual leader was greeted by cheering supporters as he arrived in Arunachal Pradesh. China claims the partly ethnically Tibetan Himalayan state as its own territory, and warned last month of “severe damage” to relations with India and increased regional instability if the Dalai Lama proceeds with his trip.
Canada by-elections to test strength of Trudeau
Reuters, Ottawa
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces his first real test with voters on Monday, with five by-elections across the country shaping up as a barometer for the strength of his Liberals since being elected to a shock majority in 2015.
The regional votes to elect two members of parliament in Calgary and one member each in Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal are considered safe seats – three for Trudeau’s Liberals and two for the opposition Conservatives.
An upset in any of the five polls will be seen as significant ahead of the 2019 general election when Trudeau and members of the House of Commons face the electorate.
