Briefly

SUDAN

Security restored after coup bid, officials say

The Sudanese government has taken control over the security situation in the capital Khartoum after foiling a coup plot, according to an official statement on Tuesday. The failed attempt, carried out by a group of military officers from the remnants of the former regime, was brought under control, Hamza Baloul Al-Amir, Sudan's information minister and government spokesman, said in the statement. "We, in the transitional government and the regular bodies, reaffirm that we are working in complete coordination," he said.

NEW ZEALAND

Counterterrorism bill advances after attack

In a move following a terror attack in Auckland more than two weeks ago, a counterterrorism bill has returned to Parliament for a second reading in an important step taken by New Zealand toward giving law enforcement agencies greater power to protect the country from terrorists. The legislation is expected to introduce the criminal offense of "planning or preparation for a terrorist act", said Justice Minister Kris Faafoi in a statement on Tuesday.

JAPAN

Sisters named world's oldest twins at 107

The Guinness World Records has certified two Japanese sisters as the world's oldest living identical twins at 107, in an announcement on Monday coinciding with Respect for the Aged Day, a national holiday in Japan. Umeno Sumiyama and Koume Kodama were born the third and fourth of 11 siblings on Shodoshima island in western Japan on Nov 5, 1913. About 29 percent of the population of 125 million in the world's fastest-aging nation are 65 years or older, according to the Japanese health and welfare ministry.

Agencies - Xinhua