Asian markets track Wall St losses after blockbuster US jobs report
Hong Kong (AFP) – Asian markets tumbled Monday after an outsized US jobs report dealt another blow to hopes for more interest rate cuts, while oil extended a rally sparked by new sanctions on Russia’s energy sector.
South Korea's Gen
Seoul (AFP) – In the shadow of Seoul’s centuries-old Gwanghwamun Gate, young businesswoman Shin Ji-young wears a rainbow headband and waves a flag criticising South Korea’s impeached president alongside thousands of protesters.
Australian mum says son killed in LA fires as water ran out
Sydney (AFP) – An Australian mother has spoken of how she tried in vain to save her blind son from the Los Angeles wildfires as water supplies ran dry.
2004 Indian Ocean tsunami: what to know 20 years on
Banda Aceh (Indonesia) (AFP) – Survivors and victims’ relatives will this week mark the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, which killed more than 220,000 people across more than a dozen countries.
Tsunami memorials begin as Asia mourns disaster 20 years on
Banda Aceh (Indonesia) (AFP) – Emotional ceremonies began across Asia on Thursday to remember the 220,000 people who died two decades ago when a tsunami devastated coastal areas around the Indian Ocean, in one of the worst natural disasters in human history.
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Hamas, Israel trade blame over Gaza truce delay
Gaza Strip (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – Hamas and Israel traded accusations on Wednesday over delays in finalising a ceasefire and hostage release deal, after both had reported progress in the latest round of Gaza truce talks.
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Russian state owner says cargo ship blast was 'terrorist attack'
Moscow (AFP) – A “terrorist act” sank the cargo ship that went down in international waters in the Mediterranean this week, the Russian state-owned company that owns the vessel said Wednesday.
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Crisis
Madrid (AFP) – La Liga’s relegation-threatened Valencia have appointed Carlos Corberan as their new manager after prising him from English second-tier side West Bromwich Albion, the clubs announced on Wednesday.
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Suriname ex
Paramaribo (Suriname) (AFP) – Desi Bouterse, the former dictator of Suriname who was a fugitive from justice for the murder of political opponents four decades ago, has died at 79, the government said Wednesday.
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Syria rescuers, activist say site outside Damascus believed to be mass grave
Damascus (AFP) – A key Syrian rescue group and an activist told AFP on Wednesday a burial site outside Damascus was likely a mass grave for detainees held under former president Bashar al-Assad and fighters killed in the civil war.
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Syrians protest after video of attack on Alawite shrine
Damascus (AFP) – Angry protests broke out Wednesday in Syria over a video showing an attack on an Alawite shrine, with a war monitor saying one demonstrator was killed in Homs city.
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Pope calls for 'arms to be silenced' across world
Vatican City (AFP) – Pope Francis called Wednesday for “arms to be silenced” around the world in his Christmas address, appealing for peace in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan as he denounced the “extremely grave” humanitarian situation in Gaza.
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Azerbaijani jet crashes in Kazakhstan, killing 38
Astana (Kazakhstan) (AFP) – An Azerbaijan Airlines passenger jet crashed on Wednesday in western Kazakhstan after travelling far off course, killing 38 of the 67 people on board, officials said.
