adminNationwide memorial service for leader
PYONGYANG — People of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) will observe a three-minute silence tomorrow to mourn the death of its leader Kim Jong Il.
Gun volleys will be fired in Pyongyang and provincial seats, the official KCNA news agency reported yesterday.
Al-Qaida claims responsibility for attacks
BAGHDAD — The Al-Qaida militant group in Iraq yesterday claimed responsibility for a spate of deadly bomb attacks across Baghdad on Thursday that killed and wounded hundreds of Iraqis.
The self-styled Islamic State of Iraq (ISI), al-Qaida front in the country, said in a statement posted on an Islamic website that its attacks were meant to support the Sunnis in the prisons of the Shiite-dominated government and revenge to the Sunni prisoners who were executed by the government.
Journalists jailed for 11 years each
ADDIS ABABA — An Ethiopian court sentenced two Swedish journalists yesterday to 11 years in prison for helping and promoting the outlawed Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) rebel group and entering the country illegally.
Brazil economy overtakes Britain
London — Brazil has overtaken Britain as the world’s sixth largest economy, a London-based research group said on Monday.
Honda destroys flood-ravaged cars
Bangkok — Japanese automaker Honda yesterday began destroying more than 1 000 cars in Thailand to reassure customers that no vehicles damaged in the country’s recent flood crisis will ever be sold.
Zambia to introduce new metal exports guidelines
LUSAKA — Zambia’s new government will institute new guidelines for metals exports in the first quarter of 2012 that aim to enhance transparency in Africa’s largest copper producer, the minister of mines said yesterday.
Egypt urges G8 to help unlock promised aid
Cairo — Egypt’s prime minister appealed to Group of Eight countries on Monday to help unlock billions of dollars in aid promised in September but not yet delivered under an initiative to support countries of the Arab spring.
Nigeria spill contained — Shell
Lagos — Officials with Royal Dutch Shell PLC say they have contained the worst Nigeria offshore oil spill in more than a decade.
Fifa honours Iron Duke
ORLANDO Pirates chairman Irvin “Iron Duke” Khoza’s contribution to the development of soccer in Africa has been recognised by Fifa, who have asked him to serve on its football sub-committee.
The committee also comprises the likes of Brazilian great Pele, Roger Milla of Cameroon, Ghana’s Abedi Pele and Portuguese legend Eusebio.
Tendulkar falls short of historic century again
Sachin Tendulkar is still seeking a historic 100th international century after being dismissed 27 runs short on the second day of the first Test against Australia in Melbourne.
The India batsman was bowled by Peter Siddle in the last over of the day.