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West Asia
Turkish former military chief and 18 politicians, journalists get life sentence
In a landmark trial, scores of people – including Turkey’s former military chief, politicians and journalists – were convicted on Monday of plotting to overthrow Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government soon after it came to power in 2002. Retired Gen. Ilker Basbug was the most prominent defendant among some…
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South Asia
Indian Parliament members hold banners demanding another separate state
Indian Parliament saw disruptions on the first of its monsoon session which opened Monday over the setting up of a new state, which has caused widespread controversy in the country. Parliament Speaker Meira Kumar caused for return to order after some members of parliament left their seats and shouted their…
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East Asia
Vietnam-China vow to deepen bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership
Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi here on Monday. Vietnam and China are two neighboring countries that share mountains and rivers, and have similarities and common interests, Nguyen said, adding the party and government of Vietnam always bear in mind and appreciate the…
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West Asia
Iranian President appoints reformist politician Jahangiri as first Vice President
Iran’s new President Hassan Rouhani appointed reformist politician Eshaq Jahangiri as his first vice president, Press TV reported Monday. Jahangiri, 56, was Iran’s former minister of industries and mines in the administration of ex-reformist President Mohammad Khatami from 1997 to 2005. Rouhani referred to Jahangiri’s “competence and his successful track…
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West Asia
Israel cabinet approves expansion of 600 ‘National Priority Area’ list
The Israeli cabinet on Sunday approved a list of more than 600 communities to receive preferential treatment and economic benefits, including nine settlements in the West Bank territories, a statement from prime minister’s office said. The list of “National Priority Area,” declared by the government, is a list of communities…
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South East Asia
Thousands of Thai people protest against Yingluck government’s ‘Thaksin rule’
Thailand’s capital braced Sunday for possible unrest in the week ahead, with street protests expected over moves in parliament that could eventually lead to a pardon for ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. As many as 2,000 protesters calling themselves the People’s Army Against the Thaksin Regime turned up Sunday for…
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East Asia
Yi ethnic group celebrates Torch Festival in southwest China’s Baoshang Village
A man of Yi ethnic group attends an activity celebrating the Torch Festival in Baoshang Village of Longlin Autonomous County of All Nationalities, southwest China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, July 31, 2013. The Torch Festival, which falls around the 24th day of the sixth Chinese lunar month every year, is…
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Politics
Defying US, Russia grants whistleblower Snowden temporary asylum
Defying the United States, Russia granted Edward Snowden temporary asylum on Thursday, allowing the National Security Agency leaker to slip out of the Moscow airport where he has been holed up for weeks in hopes of evading espionage charges back home. The 30-year-old former NSA contractor now has plenty of…
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South East Asia
Thailand’s 85-year-old King Bhumibol leaves hospital and returns to palace
Thailand’s 85-year-old king on Thursday left the Bangkok hospital where he lived for the past four years and returned to his seaside palace with the queen. King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit traveled by car to Klai Kangwon Palace in the town of Hua Hin, where they lived before the…
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South Asia
“Over our dead bodies!” Morsi supporters defy to police warning to end sit-ins
Egypt’s military-backed government offered protection Thursday to supporters of deposed President Mohammed Morsi who end their two sit-ins – widely seen as a first step toward dispersing the vigils on opposite sides of Cairo. But the protesters responded defiantly: “Over our dead bodies!” The standoff underscored the ongoing political crisis…
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