Sri Lanka turns to SA

GENEVA: Sri Lanka’s new government said yesterday it was setting up a South Africastyle truth and reconciliation commission to look into atrocities during its long civil war, as it came under pressure to prosecute perpetrators.

South Africawould offer advice on how to use the commission to help victims and track down missing people, said Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera. – Reuters

Dengue toll at 1 259

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has ordered an extra 1 000 beds for public hospitals to treat dengue patients following the suicide of a couple whose 7-year-old son died after allegedly being refused treatment.

There have been 1 259 dengue cases recorded in the city this year – the highest number since 2009 when 1 512 cases were reported. – Reuters

Police raid magazine

ANKARA: Turkish police raided a magazine early yesterday over a mocked-up “selfie” of a smiling President Tayyip Erdogan with the coffin of a soldier – an allusion to comments that families of soldiers killed by Kurdish rebels could be happy about their martyrdom.

The magazine has been banned. – Reuters

Marriage licence stand

MOREHEAD: The county clerk from Kentucky who was jailed for refusing to issue marriage licences to gay pairs said yesterday she would not prevent licences from being issued or authorised.

Kim Davis, 49, who said her beliefs as an Apostolic Christian prevented her from issuing the licences, said they would not carry her name or title. – Reuters