Briefly

CHINA

Death of ex-DPRK official mourned

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning on Tuesday expressed deep condolences in regard to the death of Kim Yong-nam, former chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Kim died of an illness at the age of 97 on Monday. Mao described him as an "old friend of the Chinese people "who had led several delegations to China during his lifetime, and made important contributions to promoting the traditional friendship and cooperation between China and the DPRK. "China expresses deep grief over his passing and extends sincere sympathies to his family," she said.

PERU

Diplomatic relations with Mexico severed

Peru has severed diplomatic ties with Mexico after the latter's embassy in Lima granted asylum to former Peruvian prime minister Betssy Chavez, who faces prosecution over a failed coup attempt in December 2022, Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela said on Monday. He called the move "an unfriendly act", citing repeated interference by Mexico's current and former presidents in Peru's internal affairs.

ITALY

Rome's medieval tower collapse kills 1

A Romanian worker trapped for hours under the rubble of a partially collapsed medieval tower in central Rome has died, authorities said on Tuesday. The man, identified as 66-year-old Octav Stroici, had remained conscious during the rescue operation but later died in hospital, the Romanian Foreign Ministry said.

China Daily - Agencies - Xinhua