IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Sweden

Yemen's warring parties convene for peace talks

Talks between Yemen's government and rebels, locked in a devastating war for nearly four years, opened on Thursday as tension remained high despite what the UN envoy called a "critical opportunity". Yemen's government and rebels doubled down on their demands on Thursday, just moments before hard-won consultations were due to open in Sweden under the auspices of the United Nations. The talks will not include negotiations on a solution to the conflict between the government of Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi and Houthi rebels, UN envoy Martin Griffiths told reporters. Yemen is now home to what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with 14 million people facing starvation.

Iran

Terror attack kills 2 in southeastern port city

A terrorist attack killed at least two people and wounded 28 others on Thursday in the southeastern port city of Chabahar, official IRNA news agency said. Local television reported sounds of explosions and shooting in the city on Thursday. State authorities did not identify who was behind the attack. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Thailand

Garbage in largest river to be removed

A 10-day environmental campaign will be launched on Monday to pick up garbage, either floating or submerged, in Thailand's largest river, Chao Phraya, said a senior government official on Thursday. Authorities in 10 central provinces have joined hands for the campaign to remove the garbage, particularly plastic waste, from the waterway. Government personnel, workers and volunteers will ride in kayaks to pick up the garbage.

Afp - Ap - Xinhua

(China Daily 12/07/2018 page12)