IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Dprk

ROK urged to stop mediating with US

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea on Thursday warned the Republic of Korea to stop "meddling" in nuclear talks between Pyongyang and Washington, denying ROK President Moon Jae-in's assertion that dialogue was under way between the two neighbors. "The reality is the contrary," DPRK's Foreign Ministry official Kwon Jong-gun said in a statement carried by the state news agency KCNA. "The South Korean (ROK) authorities would better mind their own internal business," he added, in a stinging rebuke to the ROK days before US President Donald Trump arrives in Seoul amid a nuclear deadlock. Negotiations between Pyongyang and Washington have been stalled since February when a second summit between Trump and DPRK's top leader Kim Jong-un ended without an agreement in Vietnam.

Venezuela

Government says it thwarted 'coup' bid

The Venezuelan government said it has derailed a coup bid, claiming the United States, Colombia and Chile colluded in a plot to assassinate President Nicolas Maduro. The leader is embroiled in a power struggle with opposition leader Juan Guaido, the man the United States and some other countries recognize as Venezuela's legitimate interim leader. In a speech broadcast nationwide, an agitated Maduro denounced a "fascist attempt to assassinate me" - and lashed out at Colombian President Ivan Duque, saying his "complicity" was "evident". Venezuelan Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez earlier said the alleged coup involved active duty and retired military officers, and was to have been executed last weekend. In his televised speech, Rodriguez also accused Guaido of planning "a bloodbath".

Madagascar

15 killed, 75 others injured in stampede

At least 15 people were killed and 75 others injured on Wednesday in a stampede during an official celebration of the Independence Day of Madagascar, said Richard Ravalomanana, the country's secretary of state for law enforcement. According to witnesses, the accident occurred in the afternoon outside the Mahamasina Stadium, where several thousand people had gathered for a concert following the traditional military parade held to mark the national holiday. Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina and his visiting Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame, offered their condolences to the families of victims during a news conference later. Rajoelina said the state will cover the hospitalization costs of the wounded.

Ap - Afp - Xinhua

(China Daily 06/28/2019 page12)