Briefly

JAPAN

Factories back to work after quake

Manufacturers have begun restarting production at some plants in the country's quake-hit northeast, but Toyota Motor said it plans to idle 18 assembly lines for a few days this coming week due to a shortage of parts from suppliers. The magnitude 7.4 quake has sparked concerns of further disruptions to a pandemic-hit global supply chain for precision components vital to electronics and auto production and in which Japanese manufacturers play a leading role. Toyota, the world's largest automaker by sales volume, said it will idle the lines at 11 domestic factories, mostly for three days. Murata Manufacturing, the top global supplier of ceramic capacitors used in smartphones and cars, said it was restarting production on Friday at two of four factories that were idled.

AFGHANISTAN

Taliban welcome UN's extended stay

The Taliban on Friday welcomed a United Nations Security Council resolution formally extending the world body's presence in Afghanistan. Thursday's resolution allows the UN to continue work in Afghanistan, still reeling after decades of war. Its economy was devastated when the international community cut off aid after the group took power last year. Norway's UN Ambassador Mona Juul said the Security Council sent a clear message that the UN mission, known as UNAMA, "has a crucial role to play in promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan and in supporting Afghan people". The resolution extends the mission's mandate until March 17, 2023.

Agencies Via Xinhua