IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Iran

Official say tens of spies arrested

Security forces in Iran have arrested tens of spies working in state bodies, Intelligence Minister said on Tuesday, at a time of rising tensions between Iran and the West following the reimposition of US sanctions on Teheran. Official did not say when the arrests took place or which countries the spies allegedly were working for, but indicated that many of the detainees were dual nationals.

Russia

Govt claims attack is being planned

The country on Tuesday again accused Syrian rebels of preparing a chemical attack which Moscow says will be used to justify a Western strike against Syrian troops. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that the al-Qaida-linked Levant Liberation Committee is preparing the attack in the northern Idlib province, where Syrian troops are preparing to retake the area from rebels. Damascus denies Western claims of using chemical weapons.

Japan

Police probe 4 hospital deaths

Police are investigating the deaths of four elderly patients at a hospital in heat-struck central Japan after the air conditioning failed in their rooms. Police confirmed on Tuesday that the patients, all in their 80s, died at Y&M Fujikake Daiichi Hospital on Sunday and Monday, likely due to heat stroke. Police said they are investigating possible negligence resulting in death by the private hospital, which specializes in elderly care.

Brazil

Army deployed to tackle border crisis

President Michel Temer announced on Tuesday that the government decided to deploy armed forces in the border state of Roraima to restore order disrupted by an immigration crisis. Tens of thousands of Venezuelan immigrants entered Brazil through the state in the past year. Local citizens and authorities complain that the federal government has ignored the situation in Roraima without providing necessary aid.

United States

Astronaut quits NASA training

For the first time in five decades, a NASA astronaut candidate has resigned from training, the US space agency said on Tuesday. Robb Kulin resigned from NASA for personal reasons and would be leaving on Aug 31, spokeswoman Brandi Dean said, declining to provide further details. Kulin, who joined his class sounding upbeat, is the first wouldbe astronaut to leave training since a resignation in 1968.

Reuters - Ap - Xinhua - Afp

(China Daily 08/30/2018 page12)