Reuters, Colombo
Sri Lanka is likely to lift a ban on social media networks this week, a government minister said on Tuesday, almost a week after blocking access to prevent the spread of communal violence.
At least two people were killed in clashes in early March when Sinhalese Buddhists, angered by a killing of a driver, attacked mosques and Muslim-owned properties in the central Kandy district, a popular tourist destination.
PNG quake death toll rises to 125
AP, Wellington
Papua New Guinea police said on Wednesday that an earthquake last month killed at least 125 people and forced another 35,000 from their homes.
The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary said major relief efforts are underway in the central region where the magnitude 7.5 quake struck on Feb. 26. The official death toll rose from 55 last week and police said it could rise further.
Duterte moves to quit ICC
AFP, Manila
President Rodrigo Duterte said Wednesday he was pulling the Philippines out of the treaty underpinning the International Criminal Court, which is examining his deadly drug war.
“I therefore declare and forthwith give notice… that the Philippines is withdrawing its ratification of the Rome Statute effective immediately,” Duterte said in a statement.
25 killed in fresh Nigeria clashes
AFP, Lagos
Herders are believed to have killed 25 villagers in central Nigeria’s Plateau state, police said on Wednesday, in the latest violence linked to land, water and grazing rights.
The killings happened on Monday in the Bassa area of Plateau state, just a few days after at least five people were killed in the area.
Pro-Kurds clash with police in Paris
AP, Paris
Pro-Kurdish demonstrators protesting against Turkey’s military offensive in northern Syria have clashed with police outside the U.S. embassy in Paris.French police tried to keep the protesters back from the embassy building on Tuesday night and used tear gas to disperse the protest. Some protesters threw projectiles at police and several of them were injured in the scuffles that followed.
Castro to step down next month
AFP, Havana
As Cuban President Raul Castro prepares to step down next month, ending his family’s six-decade grip on power, his successor will be faced with major challenges, including the implementation of economic reforms vital for the island’s future.
On Sunday, Cubans went to the polls to ratify a new National Assembly, who will choose the future president. That transition will take place on April 19.
