IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Republic of Korea

Final talks on zone proposed

The Republic of Korea proposed on Sunday "final" talks with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea over the fate of a shuttered joint industrial zone, suggesting it may permanently close the zone if the negotiations fail. The latest offer came after six recent rounds of talks aimed at reviving the Seoul-invested Kaesong complex in the DPRK - suspended since April - produced little signs of progress.

United States

Gunman shoots dead 6 people

A tenant went on a shooting rampage at a Florida apartment building, killing six people before a SWAT team killed him and rescued two neighbors he was holding hostage on Saturday, police said. The hostages were unharmed, police in the Miami suburb of Hialeah said.

Pakistan

Toxic liquor kills 18 at parties

At least 18 people died and around two dozen others suffered serious health issues after partygoers at two separate events consumed toxic drinks, officials said on Sunday. Victims were rushed to hospitals in the central Pakistani city of Faisalabad when they fell unconscious after drinking the alcohol at a birthday party and another gathering.

Saudi Arabia

Man dies from SARS-like virus

A Saudi man has died of the coronavirus Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, the Saudi Health Ministry said on Saturday, raising to 39 the number of deaths from the SARS-like virus in the kingdom, where it first emerged last year. The World Health Organization said earlier this month that MERS, which can cause fever, coughing and pneumonia, had not yet reached pandemic potential and may simply die out.

Libya

1,000 escape in prison break

More than 1,000 inmates escaped during a prison riot on Saturday in Benghazi, a Libyan security official said, as protesters attacked Muslim Brotherhood offices following a wave of assassinations. "There was a riot inside Al-Kuifiya prison, as well as an attack from outside. More then 1,000 prisoners got away," the official said.

France

Jewels worth $50m stolen

An armed man held up a jewelry exhibition in the French Riviera resort of Cannes on Sunday, making away with jewels estimated to be worth about 40 million euros ($53 million), according to investigators. Authorities said the hold-up took place in broad daylight at the Carlton Hotel.

AP-Reuters-AFP

(China Daily 07/29/2013 page12)