IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Syria

Presidential vote count begins

Syria's presidential vote ended at midnight on Tuesday and the vote count has begun, according to the state-run SANA News Agency. The Supreme Judicial Committee, charged with overseeing the electoral process, said that the turnout was "beyond expectations". More than 15 million registered voters are expected to cast their ballots for the country's three presidential contenders, including incumbent President Bashar al-Assad.

Ireland

Church criticized over mass grave

The Catholic Church in Ireland is facing fresh accusations of child neglect after a researcher found records for 796 young children believed to be buried in a mass grave beside a former orphanage for children of unwed mothers. The researcher, Catherine Corless, said her discovery of child-death records at the nun-run home in Tuam, suggests that a former septic tank filled with bones is the final resting place of most, if not all, of the children.

United Kingdom

Queen unveils govt priorities

Queen Elizabeth II is unveiling the government's legislative agenda for its final year in office on a day that showcases Britain in grandest style - offering a sumptuous display of pomp and power. The main ceremonial event of Parliament's calendar is a moment of national pride, replete with ermine and silk and evoking centuries of grandeur. Tourists lined the streets near the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday to watch the parade of carriages in hopes of glimpsing the monarch's waving, gloved hand.

Sri Lanka

Torrential rain claims 23 lives

Nearly 150 schools have been closed, 23 people have died and thousands more have been displaced as Sri Lanka grapples with rains that have lashed the island for days, an official said on Wednesday. Torrential rain has lashed much of the western and central parts of the country, resulting in flash floods, toppled buildings and disrupted lives. Local media have estimated about 27,200 people have been displaced by the disasters.

Lebanon

Kerry makes visit to show support

US Secretary of State John Kerry is on an unannounced trip to Lebanon to offer Washington's support to the country as it deals with an influx of refugees from Syria and a political stalemate at home. Kerry arrived in Beirut on Wednesday to meet with Lebanese officials and others as they deal with both the fallout from the conflict in Syria and a seemingly intractable dispute over who will become the next Lebanese president.

Xinhua-AP-AFP

(China Daily 06/05/2014 page12)