HK protesters gather outside parliament after end of ultimatum

Hong Kong (IANS) Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Hong Kong parliament on Friday, a day after the end of a deadline to the region's leader to completely withdraw a contentious extradition bill, among other demands.

The protesters,…

Trump: US was 'cocked and loaded' to hit Iran targets

Washington (IANS) US President Donald Trump on Friday said the US military was "cocked and loaded to retaliate" against Iran, but he changed his mind 10 minutes before planned strikes.

He had initially approved attacks on several…

Baseless allegations in UN's Khashoggi report: Saudi Minister

Riyadh (IANS) A Saudi Arabian Minister has slammed a UN special rapporteur's report claiming that there was credible evidence that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other high-level officials were individually liable for the killing of journalist…

Malaysia: New MH17 report 'politically motivated' against Russia

Kuala Lumpur (IANS) Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad on Thursday said he was unsatisfied with the latest report from international investigators that implicated Russia and charged four pro-Russian rebels over the downing of Malaysia…

26 injured in Japan earthquake

Tokyo (IANS) At least 26 people were injured after an earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale struck Japan's northwestern region, causing landslides and power outages in some areas, authorities said on Wednesday.

Seventeen people…

Credible proof linking MBS to Khashoggi killing: UN expert

Geneva (IANS) There is credible evidence that Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other high-level officials are individually liable for the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a UN special rapporteur said in a report on Wednesday.

Italy 'biggest' European interlocutor for US-Salvini

Washington (IANS/AKI) Italy is the "biggest" European country that the US could want dialogue with, far-right interior minister and Deputy Premier Matteo Salvini told reporters during a visit to Washington on Monday.

"Italy is…

Trump launching re-election campaign defiantly facing odds

New York (IANS) US President Donald Trump will formally launch his re-election campaign on Tuesday, defiantly facing the threats of impeachment but hoping to float to office again on his steadfast voter base, a good economy and an opposition that…

Iran will not go to war with any nation: Rouhani

Tehran (IANS) Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday reaffirmed that his country does not seek war with any nation, but stressed that Tehran will come out as the ultimate winner of any warfare against it.

"We will not wage war with…

China backs HK chief, slams 'local, external forces'

Beijing (IANS) China on Monday voiced its support for Hong Kongs Chief Executive following massive protests against the contentious extradition bill, which the state media termed as "violent clashes" stemming from "malicious stratagem…