IN BRIEF (Page 11)

United States

Trump to name Court nominee

President Donald Trump is to announce his US Supreme Court pick on Monday, an intensely anticipated decision that opposition Democrats say will likely push the bench rightward with explosive implications for the country. In a later tweet he said he was looking forward to the Monday night announcement of his "exceptional" pick. Senator Dianne Feinstein said Trump's choice "could have a bigger effect on Americans' daily lives than any justice in our lifetime". Democrats have sounded the alarm that Trump could shift the ideological balance of the court and thereby place women's reproductive rights, healthcare and LGBT rights at risk.

Syria

Israel accused of airbase strike

Syrian air defense units responded late on Sunday to an Israeli "aggression" on an air base in the country's central province of Homs, shooting down several missiles, state TV said. The channel, quoting an unidentified military official, said the attack targeted the T4 air base with six missiles. The report did not mention any casualties but said one warplane was hit and several missiles were shot down before reaching their target. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a war monitor, said the missiles targeted Iranian troops and non-Syrian pro-Iranian fighters.

Turkey

Erdogan assumes new powers

Tayyip Erdogan will fulfill a long-held ambition on Monday when he is sworn in as president with sweeping new powers over a country he has dominated and reshaped during his 15-year rule. Launching the executive presidency which he fought hard to secure, he also said he would announce the cabinet on Monday night, promising to make appointments from outside parliament and to slim down his ministerial team to 16 from more than 20.

Tunisia

Govt vows to hit back after attack

The government vowed to take revenge on Sunday after a terrorist attack on a border security station in northwestern Tunisia killed at least 9 members of security forces. "We promise a quick and effective response and we will get our revenge," according to Tunisian Interior Minister Ghazi Jeribi. He described the attack as "cowardly", insisting "security agents will never lose concentration and their morality will remain higher than ever".

Australia

Second death forces closure

An attraction at Sydney's tallest building has closed until further notice on Monday, following a second death at the location this year. A man died on Sunday after falling from the platform, leading officials to close the Skywalk component of the tower until further notice. "Inquiries suggest the incident is self harm related," police said. A woman died in similar circumstances in March, prompting new safety measures to be put in place, including more secure harnesses.

Afp - Reuters - Xinhua - Ap

(China Daily 07/10/2018 page11)