IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Germany

Military plans to root out extremism

The Defense Ministry on Wednesday promised a reform to clear off Nazi sympathizers in the army following the scandals of far-right attack plots. The German defense force Bundeswehr has been under pressure recently since several soldiers were arrested on suspicion of plotting xenophobic terror acts. Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen announced that Bundeswehr will review itself, focusing on "leadership and values".

Sweden

Govt will extend border controls

Sweden will continue with border controls for another six months, the government said on Wednesday. Media reported the extension applies to border controls at harbors on the south and west coasts, as well as at the Oresund Bridge and Hyllie train station, which share a border with Denmark. Border controls were introduced in response to the refugee crisis in November 2015, when thousands of asylum seekers entered Sweden each week.

Austria

Ex-fighter found guilty on 20 murders

A court has found a former fighter for a Syrian rebel group guilty of 20 counts of murder and sentenced him to life in prison. The court reached the verdict on Wednesday after hearing testimony that the man shot and killed at least 20 wounded and defenseless Syrian government soldiers while a member of the Free Syrian Army. He was charged after a fellow migrant sharing a shelter with the accused reported the man's story to police last year.

Egypt

3,700-year-old burial chamber found

Egypt's Ministry of Antiquities said a burial chamber dating back about 3,700 years has been found, attached to a recently discovered pyramid belonging to the 13th Dynasty. The ministry said the discovery was made at an archaeological site in the area of Dahshour, on the outskirts of Giza. The ministry said the chamber was likely that of the daughter of 13th Dynasty King Emnikamaw, whose pyramid is located about 600 meters away.

Japan

Nation to have first ninja studies center

A Japanese university is planning what it said will be the world's first research center devoted to ninja - the black clad assassins known for secrecy and stealth. While mostly confined to history books and fiction, ninjas have been enjoying something of a resurgence as Japanese authorities increasingly deploy them to promote tourism ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

(China Daily 05/12/2017 page12)