Briefly

DPRK

Kim sends wreath to honor Chinese martyrs

Kim Jong-un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, has sent a wreath to the cemetery of the martyrs of the Chinese People's Volunteers in Hoechang County of South Phyongan Province, reported the official Korean Central News Agency on Tuesday. The wreath was sent on Monday by Kim on behalf of all the Korean people and was laid before the CPV martyrs cemetery on the 71st anniversary of the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-53).The historic significance of the CPV's entry into the Korean front, which clearly manifested the friendship and great unity between the peoples of the two countries, remains unchanged even after more than 70 years.

REPUBLIC OF KOREA

Controversial ex-leader Roh Tae-woo dies at 88

Former president Roh Tae-woo, a war veteran who played a pivotal but controversial role in the transition to democratic elections from authoritarian rule, died of complications from various illnesses on Tuesday. He was 88. Roh, who ruled the country from 1988-1993, had been in poor health since 2002. In the space of a few decades, Roh went from military coup conspirator to the country's first popularly elected president, before ending his political career in ignominy with a jail sentence for treason and corruption. Despite his military background, Roh built a moderate and genial image during the election campaign, calling himself an "average person". During his five-year term, Roh had success as a global statesman, scoring a diplomatic breakthrough with his "Northward Diplomacy" drive to establish formal ties with Russia and China. The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday expressed deep condolences over his death and conveyed China's sympathies to his family.

EGYPT

Yearslong state of emergency ends

Egypt's state of emergency will be lifted for the first time in years, said President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Monday. Egypt imposed a state of emergency in April 2017 after deadly bombings of churches and has since routinely extended it at three-month intervals, despite an improved security situation.

Xinhua - Agencies - China Daily