IN BRIEF (Page 10)

United Nations

Resolution over Syria probe fails

The UN Security Council on Thursday failed to pass a resolution that would have renewed a mandate for the independent group investigating the use of chemical weapons in Syria. The resolution received 11 votes in favor and two against, with two abstentions. Crucially, one of the votes against was cast by permanent council member Russia, so the resolution failed to pass. The United States condemned Russia's veto. China abstained from voting.

Afghanistan

Thousands more US troops arrive

Approximately 3,000 additional US troops have now deployed to Afghanistan under President Donald Trump's revised strategy for the war-torn country, the Pentagon said on Thursday. The Pentagon had previously put the number of US forces in Afghanistan at about 11,000 but Trump in August authorized an increase requested by the commander on the ground, General John Nicholson.

Japan

Abe urges debate on Constitution

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed his hope on Friday that debate could be advanced on the thorny issue of amending Japan's Pacifist Constitution, while pledging to tackle the nation's demographic issues and deepen cooperative ties with regional neighbors. It was the first policy speech of Abe, who heads the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, to both houses of parliament since being re-elected as the prime minister on Nov 1.

United States

Blaze breaks out at seniors' facility

A massive fire at a senior citizens' community in Pennsylvania injured at least 20 people and forced dozens more, many of whom were unable to walk, into the cold night air. The blaze was reported around 11 pm on Thursday at Barclay Friends Senior Living Community near Philadelphia. The fire quickly spread to multiple buildings and flames could be seen shooting from the roofs and windows of the structures.

Schumi's Ferrari fetches record fee

Formula One legend Michael Schumacher's Grand Prix-winning Ferrari sold for $7.5 million in New York on Thursday, setting an auction record for a modern-era F1 car, brokers Sotheby's said. The German motor-racing great has not been seen in public since suffering serious head injuries in a skiing accident in 2013. The 48-year-old's record of seven F1 world drivers' titles and 91 race wins remains a record in the sport.

Indonesia

Exotic birds smuggled in pipes

Smugglers who allegedly stuffed 125 exotic birds into drain pipes have been arrested in the country, officials said on Thursday, as part of a bid to clamp down on a lucrative illegal trade in wildlife. Four men have been charged after 41 endangered white cockatoos and 84 eclectus parrots were discovered squashed into plastic piping that had been cut and sealed at each end by wire. If found guilty, they face a maximum five years in prison and fines of $7,400.

(China Daily 11/18/2017 page10)