IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Beijing

Leaders discuss free trade deal

President Xi Jinping discussed bilateral relations with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd by phone on Monday, calling for an early conclusion of free trade talks between the two countries. Rudd said that Australia attaches great importance to the free trade talks and expressed his hope for an early deal. Australia is willing to work with China within multilateral frameworks, he said.

United States

Afghanistan pullout mulled

The United States is considering pulling out all its troops from Afghanistan next year, US officials said, amid tension between President Barack Obama's administration and Afghan President Hamid Karzai's government. Their relationship fell to new depths after last month's US move to open peace talks with the Taliban.

Kidnap victims say 'thank you'

Three women held captive in a Cleveland home for a decade issued a YouTube video on Monday night in which they thanked the public for the encouragement and financial support that is allowing them to restart their lives. Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight said the support and prayers of family, friends and the public is allowing them to rebuild their lives.

India

Flooding toll may hit 5,500

Indian authorities have raised to 5,500 the estimated number of people who perished in devastating floods that swept the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand last month. At least 1,000 residents, Hindu pilgrims and tourists have been confirmed killed by the surging waters caused by heavy monsoon rains.

Myanmar

'Godfather of Heroin' dies

A notorious global drug trafficker, dubbed the "Godfather of Heroin", has died at age 80. In an obituary in state media on Monday, the family said Lo Hsing Han died late on Saturday.

Agencies - Xinhua

(China Daily 07/10/2013 page12)