LA Times News

LA Times News

Chinese naval maneuvers seen as warning to Vietnam

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 06:52 PM PDT

The exercises in the South China Sea escalate tensions over a potentially resource-rich area also claimed by several neighboring countries.

The Chinese navy conducted three days of exercises — including live fire drills — in the disputed waters of the South China Sea this week, escalating tensions over a potentially resource-rich area also claimed by some neighboring countries in Southeast Asia.

Morocco's king proposes constitutional reforms

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 05:42 PM PDT

The changes, which would strengthen the role of elected government, come in response to demands for greater democracy across the Arab world.

Attempting to stave off democratic demands sweeping the Arab world, Morocco's King Mohammed VI unveiled a draft constitution that includes major reforms to strengthen the role of the elected government, apparently strip him of some powers, and enshrine equality of the sexes and civil liberties in a country with a dark history of human rights abuses.

Pro-Kadafi rally brings throngs to Tripoli's Green Square

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 05:42 PM PDT

Several thousand buoyant Libyans join a closely choreographed pep rally for their leader. Friday marks the fourth month of the revolt and the 79th day of NATO's bombing mission — surpassing its engagement in Kosovo.

It was the four-month anniversary of the popular uprising against the Libyan regime, but the throngs converging Friday on Tripoli's Green Square came to praise Moammar Kadafi, not to bury him.

24 reported slain in Syrian protests

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 04:46 PM PDT

Security forces fire on demonstrators, as protests are held in several cities after Friday prayers. The U.S. and its allies are said to be weighing additional actions to pressure Syria to end the violence.

Syria suffered through another agonizing day of bloodshed Friday as security forces fired on antigovernment protesters after weekly prayers in several cities across the country.

Saudi women get in the driver's seat to defy ban

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 04:44 PM PDT

In a novel form of protest against the kingdom's severe restrictions on their rights, about three dozen women got behind the wheel. Some were given tickets, but there were also reports of arrests.

She got her driver's license in Indiana. She likes to drive fast.

France, Germany agree on Greek debt package

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 01:57 PM PDT

The nations resolve a dispute over private holders of Greek bonds, agreeing that they will not be forced to participate in a second bailout. Amid growing unrest, the Greek prime minister shakes up his Cabinet.

After days of increasing alarm among investors, the leaders of Europe's two heavyweights, France and Germany, reached agreement Friday on a key element of a second rescue package to help debt-ridden Greece avert a potentially catastrophic default.

Mexico says leader arrested in kidnapping, killing of 72 migrants

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 11:53 AM PDT

Mexican police say Edgar Huerta Montiel, 22, confessed to leading the capture of two truckloads of undocumented migrants in Tamaulipas state, and the killing of 10 of the victims. He also allegedly told of ordering the kidnapping of six busloads of passengers in San Fernando, Mexico.

Mexican authorities on Friday announced the arrest of the man they say directed the kidnappings of 72 Central and South American migrants found slain in northern Mexico last year.

Syrians brace for more clashes as protests gear up

Posted: 17 Jun 2011 05:25 AM PDT

Demonstrators chant for the Assad regime's overthrow as marches take place in several cities.

Syria braced for more bloodshed Friday as another day of mass anti-government protests got underway following weekly prayers across the country.

South African youth leader calls for nationalization, land seizures

Posted: 16 Jun 2011 08:32 PM PDT

ANC Youth League President Julius Malema delivers a fiery speech, calling for nationalization of mines and seizure of white-owned lands without compensation. Government officials are at pains to assure that no such steps will be taken any time soon.

Julius Malema, the ambitious, firebrand leader of the South African ruling party's youth wing, Thursday called for the nationalization of mines and seizure of land without compensation — policies the government has repeatedly ruled out in the past.