IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Pakistan

35 killed in blast near border

At least 35 people were killed in an explosion near the Pakistani-Indian border on Sunday after a daily ceremony at the Wagah border crossing, an intelligence source told Reuters. Media reports said the explosion was caused by a gas cylinder but the source said authorities were checking suggestions it might have been a suicide attack. Every day before sunset soldiers from Pakistan and India gather at the crossing, usually drawing big crowds on both sides, to simultaneously lower the two nations' flags.

Iran

New round of nuclear talks

Iran and the world powers are to hold another round of nuclear talks in Muscat, Oman, the official IRNA news agency quoted Iran's senior nuclear negotiator Abbas Araqchi as saying on Sunday. "The talks between Iran and the P5+1 group will be held on Nov 11 following the trilateral meeting (between Iran's foreign minister, the US secretary of state and the EU foreign policy chief) in Muscat," Araqchi said. Iran's uranium enrichment program and the sanctions against the country will be discussed at the trilateral meeting.

Middle East

Israel closes Gaza crossings

Israel has closed two border crossings with Gaza, the army said on Sunday, after a rocket fired from the Palestinian enclave struck its territory. "The crossing points for people and goods, Erez and Kerem Shalom, have been closed until further notice except for humanitarian aid," an army spokeswoman said. The measure was taken after a rocket fired from Gaza hit the Eshkol area of southern Israel on Friday, without causing any casualties.

Romania

Country goes to the polls

Romanians went to the polls on Sunday to elect a new leader as President Traian Basescu steps down after 10 years, with the prime minister favored to win in the nation of 19 million. Premier Victor Ponta faces challengers including a city mayor and a prominent lawyer. If no candidate secures an absolute majority, there will be a runoff on Nov 16.

Kenya

Machete attack on barracks

The Kenyan army said it had repelled a machete attack on a military barracks in a tourist resort near Mombasa on Sunday, killing six assailants. About a dozen youths tried to break into the barracks in the Indian Ocean town of Nyali at around 5:30 am, the army said in a statement. "Soldiers ... responded, killing five of the men. The sixth was pursued and shot dead in a nearby forest."

Xinhua - Reuters - AP - AFP

(China Daily 11/03/2014 page12)