Merkel strikes coalition deal with Social Democrats
BERLIN, Feb 7 (AFP): Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives and the Social Democrats sealed a deal Wednesday on a new coalition, officials close to the talks said, potentially ending four months of political standstill in Europe's top economy.The sources told AFP the parties had ironed out their final differences and were...
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Taiwan quake kills six as buildings cave in
HUALIEN, Taiwan, Feb 7 (AFP): Rescue workers pulled survivors and bodies from buildings tilting precariously in the Taiwanese city of Hualien Wednesday after an overnight earthquake killed at least six people, injured more than 200 and left dozens missing.Emergency responders were focusing on a 12-storey apartment block and a nearby...
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Trump plans military parade to showcase US might
WASHINGTON, Feb 7 (AFP): US President Donald Trump has asked for a large-scale military parade, the White House said Tuesday, an unconventional move that would showcase American muscle and underscore his role as commander-in-chief. Trump, who has toyed with the idea of a parade in Washington since before being sworn...
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China opposes any Indian intervention in Maldives
BEIJING, Feb 7: China on Wednesday opposed any military intervention in the Maldives, saying such a move would further complicate the situation, reports PTI. On Tuesday, former Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed had sought India's help to resolve the political crisis in the island nation.The picturesque Indian Ocean archipelago plunged into...
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Seven die in fresh Syrian airstrikes
BEIRUT, Feb 7 (AFP): A fresh round of Syrian airstrikes on rebel-held towns near the capital killed seven civilians on Wednesday, a monitor said, the third consecutive day of ferocious bombing."Seven civilians were killed and 15 wounded in a Syrian regime air strike on the town of Hammuriyeh," said Rami...
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Yemen PM seeks reconciliation
ADEN, Feb 7 (AFP): Yemen's prime minister appealed on Wednesday for reconciliation with southern separatists after deadly clashes last month in which they seized almost all of Aden where his government has its base.Mediation efforts by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have persuaded the separatists to lift their...
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Malaysian MP gets 30 months in prison
SHAH ALAM, Malaysia, Feb 7 (AFP): A senior Malaysian opposition politician was jailed for 30 months on Wednesday after he was found guilty of leaking confidential banking details, disqualifying him from elections expected to be called within months.Rafizi Ramli, vice-president of the People's Justice party of jailed opposition leader Anwar...
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