Sri Lanka trade terms
BRUSSELS: The EU restored preferential terms of trade to Sri Lanka, effective on Friday, in exchange for commitment from the country to reform its justice system and human rights record.
But testimony alleging torture by security forces under President Maithripala Sirisena – who came to power in 2015 on a ticket of change and reform – raised questions on it being too soft.
Alan Keenan, Sri Lanka researcher for the International Crisis Group, doubts the EU will ever revoke the trade terms. – dpa
Basra blast kills eight
BAGHDAD: A suicide bomb near the city of Basra killed at least eight people as Islamic State took the fight against Iraqi forces deep into the south, a military commander said .
Five civilians and three troops were killed when the bomber blew up his explosives-laden car on Friday at a checkpoint behind a bus waiting to be cleared, said chief of the Basra Operations Command, Jamil al-shimmari.
At least 41 others were wounded, al-shimmari said. – AP
Melania uncovered
RIYADH: US First Lady Melania Trump’s decision not to wear a headscarf upon arrival in the Middle East is drawing attention on social media.
But her decision is consistent with custom for female foreign dignitaries visiting Saudi Arabia.
British Prime Minister Theresa May and German Chancellor Angela Merkel also shunned head coverings during visits, showing how common it is for high-level female visitors to skip wearing a headscarf or an abaya, the black robe worn by Saudi women. – AP
Assange’s next move
LONDON: Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is seeking political asylum abroad after a rape investigation by Swedish authorities was dropped on Friday, said Ecuador’s foreign minister Guillaume Long, who has supported him during his time at the country’s London embassy.
Assange said: “Today is an important victory, but it by no means erases seven years of detention without charge in prison, under house arrest and almost five years in this embassy without sunlight.” – The Independent
Immigration curbs
LONDON: Thousands more Britons could be barred from bringing their foreign husbands and wives to the UK, under plans in the Conservative manifesto.
The next Tory government would raise the minimum income requirement, already attacked as “particularly harsh” by Supreme Court justices.
They would also “toughen the visa requirements for students”, crushing cabinet opposition to including students in the target to reduce incomers. – The Independent
Jailed for terror
A COURT in Ethiopia has sentenced 23 people to up to 15 years in prison for establishing links to the al-qaeda and al-shabaab extremist groups. They were accused of planning to carry out terror attacks in the country.
According to court officials, the defendants had been involved in clandestine activities in six Ethiopian cities between 2010 and 2014. – ANA