IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Syria

Govt calls on refugees to return home

The government on Tuesday called on refugees to return, saying it has successfully cleared large areas of "terrorists". The rare appeal reflects the government's growing confidence after more than seven years of war. While officials usually appeal to Syrians abroad to return during television appearances and interviews, this is the first formal appeal broadcast on official media. The government forces recently retook large areas near the capital Damascus.

Yemen

11 killed in airstrike at wedding party

An airstrike by the Saudi-led coalition hit a wedding party in Yemen's northern province of Saada on Tuesday, killing 11 civilians and wounding 11 others, a local security official said. He said most of the victims were women and children. If confirmed, Tuesday's attack would be the latest in a series of airstrikes that have resulted in the deaths of civilians in Yemen.

Middle East

UN agency faces largest deficit

Pierre Krahenbuhl, head of UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, said on Tuesday that the funding deficit of the agency is the "largest in its history". Krahenbuhl said the organization, which has looked after the needs of Palestinian refugees in the region for 70 years, is suffering a deficit of $446 million as a result of US funding cut.

Australia

Japanese tourist dies climbing Uluru

A 76-year-old Japanese tourist has died attempting to climb Australian tourist attraction Uluru, police said on Wednesday, adding to the death toll on the world's largest monolith. At least 36 people have died on Uluru, which soars 348 meters, since it was opened to tourists in the 1950s, with many others injured.

Ap - Xinhua - Afp

(China Daily 07/05/2018 page12)