China won’t budge on South China Sea sovereignty
AP, Beijing
China’s foreign minister took a hard line Tuesday on the country’s claims to virtually all the South China Sea, saying it won’t permit other nations to infringe on what it considers its sovereign rights in the strategically vital area. Wang Yi, speaking to reporters at an annual news conference in Beijing, said another nation’s claim to freedom of navigation in the region doesn’t give it the right to do whatever it wants – an apparent reference to the U.S., which has sent naval ships past reefs where China has engaged in island-building.
Girl raped and set on fire near Delhi
Dawn.com, Noida
A 15-year-old girl was hospitalised in critical condition after she was allegedly raped and set on fire near Delhi on Monday, reported Indian media. The girl suffered 95 per cent burns and her deteriorating condition is proving a challenge for doctors.
“She is on a high dose of antibiotics and is being administered fluids.
Indonesian declares emergency as forest fires flare
Reuters, Jakarta
Indonesia’s western province of Riau has declared a state of emergency over forest and land fires blazing on the island of Sumatra, a government official said on Tuesday.
The fires, which send choking smog over Southeast Asia every year, raged uncontrollably across several provinces last year, costing an estimated $16 billion, and pushed average daily greenhouse gas emissions above those of the United States.
Afghan govt still wants talks with Taliban
AP, Kabul
The Afghan government still hopes to hold peace talks with the Taliban despite a recent statement from the insurgents saying they refuse to take part in the process, an official said Monday. Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Khalil Karzai called the Taliban’s rejection a “tactical” move and said Kabul would continue its peace efforts.
“We are very much hopeful to reach a result in the peace process,” said Karzai during a joint press conference with British Foreign Minister Philip Hammond in Kabul. He added that the Afghan government had already formed a delegation for future peace talks.
