IN BRIEF (Page 12)

United Kingdom

Gatwick Airport closed after drones spotted

London's Gatwick Airport shut down late on Wednesday while officials urgently investigated reports that two drones were flying above the airfield. The airport suspended all flights, causing severe disruptions just days before Christmas during one of the heaviest travel times of the year. Police and aviation authorities were still investigating early on Thursday as incoming flights were diverted to other locations in Britain and nearby countries. Passengers complained on Twitter that their flights had landed at London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham and other cities. Other flights were sent to France and the Netherlands.

Ukraine

US calls on Kiev not to extend martial law

The US Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations has called on Kiev not to extend martial law in certain regions after its expiration, local media reported on Wednesday. According to the Ukrainian government-run Ukrinform news agency, Kurt Volker made the remarks during his meeting with Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Andriy Parubiy. Volker, however, stressed that the United States supports Ukraine's intention to strengthen the combat readiness of its armed forces. Next year, the US plans to provide Ukraine with $250 million of military aid, said Volker, who arrived in Kiev on Tuesday for a two-day visit.

South Korea

Angry taxi drivers rally against carpooling

Tens of thousands of taxi drivers walked off the job and held a rally on Thursday to protest against a carpooling service that they say would destroy their jobs and threaten their livelihoods. The demonstration came days after the suicide of a taxi driver who set himself on a fire to protest against plans to introduce carpooling service Kakao Mobility, a unit of mobile messenger operator Kakao Corp. "If the service is implemented, my income will shrink by half. I'll fall into poverty," said driver Yoon Woo-seok, 62, at the rally in front of the National Assembly in Seoul.

Ap - Xinhua - Reuters

(China Daily 12/21/2018 page12)