Egyptian govt resigns, paves way for Sisi's presidential bid

Egypt's government has resigned, the prime minister said on Monday, a step likely to pave the way for army chief Field Marshal Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to declare his candidacy for president of a strategic US ally gripped by political strife.

No breach seen as 2 on reef board are cleared

An inquiry has found that two members of the board that manages Australia's Great Barrier Reef have no conflict of interest despite links to the resources sector, Australian Environment Minister Greg Hunt said on Monday.

Japan's proposed arms-export rules criticized

Beijing called upon Tokyo on Monday to make the "security concerns of Asian neighbors" a priority.

US, ROK begin joint military drills

Combined forces of the Republic of Korea and the United States began their annual military exercises on Monday amid signs of thawing inter-Korean relations.

DPRK's softer stance offers hope: analysts

The ongoing joint military exercises between the Republic of Korea and the United States will not impair the momentum for improving ties on the Korean Peninsula, analysts said, citing the fact that both Seoul and Pyongyang are showing restraint.

Foreign minister lauds Sino-Iraqi relations during visit

Beijing's pledge to support Iraqi reconstruction and boost economic cooperation signals its increasing positive role in the Middle East, Chinese experts said on Monday, as Foreign Minister Wang Yi made a rare visit to the country.

Ukraine's interim govt calls for $35 billion in urgent aid

Ukraine's interim government said on Monday the country needs $35 billion in foreign assistance over the next two years and appealed for urgent aid.

Authorities wary of gas price changes

Ukraine hopes the price it pays for Russian gas will not change, Acting Ukrainian Energy Minister Eduard Stavytsky said on Monday.

China backs UN resolution on Syrian relief

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday that China supports the UN Security Council's unanimous approval of a resolution that "demands rapid, safe and unhindered access" to humanitarian aid in Syria.

G20 sells $2 trillion economic plan to create millions of jobs

The world's top economies have embraced a goal of generating more than $2 trillion in additional output over five years while creating tens of million of new jobs, signaling optimism that the worst of the crisis-era austerity is behind them.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Ukrainian leadership in doubt as president ousted

The whereabouts and legitimacy of Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych were unclear on Sunday, after he left the capital and his archfoe, former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko, was freed from prison and returned to Kiev to address a massive, adoring crowd.