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Pacific leaders struggle to keep focus on climate at key summit
Pacific leaders struggle to keep focus on climate at key summit
World
by  AFP

US-China rivalry and divisions over regional leadership threatened to overshadow a landmark summit of island leaders that got under way Tuesday in the Fijian capital, Suva. Albanese, who will arrive in Suva on Wednesday, sought to knit the issues of climate and security together Tuesday ahead of his departure for the summit.

Sri Lanka president hits airport standoff in escape attempt
Sri Lanka president hits airport standoff in escape attempt
World
by  AFP

Sri Lanka's embattled president was stuck in his own country Tuesday in a humiliating standoff with airport immigration staff blocking his exit to safety abroad, official sources said Tuesday. Rajapaksa's youngest brother Basil, who resigned in April as finance minister, missed his own Emirates flight to Dubai early Tuesday after a similar standoff with airport staff.

Japan mourns as funeral for former PM Abe held in Tokyo
Japan mourns as funeral for former PM Abe held in Tokyo
World
by  AFP

Family and friends of assassinated former prime minister Shinzo Abe gathered at a Tokyo temple Tuesday for a private funeral, as mourners outside condemned the leader's "despicable" murder. Although the funeral rites were for family members and close associates only, long lines of people, some dressed in black, came to the Zojoji temple to pay respects to Japan's longest-serving prime minister.

Palestinians say US economic push no substitute for peace
Palestinians say US economic push no substitute for peace
World
by  AFP

Ahead of Joe Biden's first visit to Jerusalem as US president, Washington's ambassador said his team will "pound tables" to press Israeli officials into making concessions to the Palestinians. Asked about the expectations from Biden's visit, Hamas official Basem Naim said: "Nothing."

Bhutan's trailblazing beauty queen speaks up for LGBTQ community
Bhutan's trailblazing beauty queen speaks up for LGBTQ community
World
by  AFP

Tashi Choden will not only be the first contestant to represent Bhutan at the Miss Universe competition -- she is also the Himalayan country's only openly gay public figure. And now, with Choden representing Bhutan on the Miss Universe stage -- watched by millions worldwide -- many are hopeful about the future of the country's queer youth.