Park accused of violating Constitution

South Korean lawmakers on Thursday accused President Park Geun-hye of "broadly and gravely" violating the Constitution as the country's Constitutional Court began hearing oral arguments in her impeachment trial.

Israel divided over manslaughter conviction

The rare manslaughter conviction on Wednesday of an Israeli soldier who fatally shot a badly wounded Palestinian attacker exposed a deepening rift between proponents of the rule of law and a burgeoning nationalist movement.

President, Pence harden Obamacare battle lines

Hardening battle lines for the brawl to come, US President Barack Obama urged congressional Democrats to "look out for the American people" in defending his legacy healthcare overhaul, while vice-president-elect Mike Pence stood firm on Wednesday in telling Republicans that dismantling "Obamacare" is No 1 on Donald Trump's list.

France orders cull to contain bird flu

France on Wednesday ordered a massive cull of ducks in three regions most affected by a severe outbreak of bird flu as it tries to contain the virus which has been spreading quickly over the past month, the Agriculture Ministry said.

Emiratis banned from keeping wild pets

The private ownership of wild animals has been outlawed in the United Arab Emirates, where keeping exotic creatures as pets is a status symbol for some, reports said on Wednesday.

Thousands still stranded in Malaysia floods

Thousands of people remained stranded in relief centers on Thursday as northeast Malaysia struggled to recover from severe flooding and residents raised fears of looting.

IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Colonial parade going strong

A fancy dress New Year festival that began almost a century ago in Ghana as a searing satire of colonial life is still thriving today, with hundreds of people dressing up and donning masks.

Joint funeral planned for Reynolds, Fisher

Screen icon Debbie Reynolds and her daughter, Star Wars legend Carrie Fisher, are to be buried side by side among numerous stars of Hollywood's Golden Age, US media reported on Tuesday.

Forceps removed after 18 years

Doctors in Vietnam have removed surgical forceps from a man who unknowingly carried them inside his body for 18 years, national television VTV reported.

Fish drags Aussie angler into shark-infested waters

A man has survived for hours in cold, shark-infested waters after being dragged out of his boat as he struggled to land a large fish in Australia, rescuers said on Wednesday.

Cities do battle for Lucas art museum

George Lucas is no stranger to epic struggles on the big screen, but he didn't expect one off-camera when it came to his art collection.