IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Republic Of Korea

Moon to visit India, Singapore

ROK President Moon Jae-in will visit India from July 8 to 11, his office said on Monday, and hold a summit with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi where their discussions are expected to focus on economic cooperation. ROK's presidential Blue House added New Delhi is becoming a crucial partner for Seoul not only in terms of the economy, but regarding its plans for peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula as well. The two countries established formal ties in 1973. After his visit to India, Moon will also visit Singapore from July 11 to 13.

Syria

Rebel-held town accepts govt rule

A major insurgent-held town in southwestern Syria has accepted the return of the government's rule, local media said on Sunday, though some local activists and rebels disputed a deal had been completed. Losing Bosra al-Sham, a major town near the provincial capital of Daraa, would be a significant loss for the opposition in the teeth of a Syrian army offensive in the southwest that has taken chunks of rebel territory. The Syrian army operations and the reconciliations, which are going hand in hand in Daraa, have enabled the government forces of controlling 58 percent of Daraa.

France

Gangster flees jail by helicopter

A notorious career thief who was once France's most-wanted man pulled off a daring jailbreak on Sunday, fleeing a prison near Paris by helicopter in a commando-style operation. Redoine Faid, 46, who previously said his life of crime was inspired by films such as Scarface, broke out of the prison with the help of three armed accomplices, according to sources close to the case. It is the second time Faid has pulled off a spectacular jailbreak - in 2013, he blasted his way out of a prison using dynamite.

India

10 found hanged from house ceiling

Eleven members of a family were found dead in India's capital on Sunday, 10 of them hanging from the ceiling of their home, blindfolded, gagged and with hands tied behind the back, with police unable to offer any concrete explanation about what happened. Police said some handwritten notes found in the house pointed to "definite spiritual and mystical practices". Police said an investigation was ongoing.

Thailand

Divers widening passage for search

Rescuers scrabbled to clear a constricted passageway for divers deep inside a flooded cave complex on Monday as the search for 12 boys and their soccer coach entered a ninth day. The divers from a Thai Navy SEAL unit were within 500 meters of a chamber containing an elevated rock mound, nicknamed "Pattaya Beach" by cavers, which could have provided the boys with a refuge when heavy rains flooded the cave, blocking the way out.

Reuters - Afp - Xinhua - Ap

(China Daily 07/03/2018 page12)