A round-up of today's other stories in brief
7.4 earthquake jolts Japan islands
TOKYO – An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 has jolted islands in the Pacific southeast of mainland Japan and a tsunami warning has been issued, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
There were no immediate reports of damage, public broadcaster NHK said, adding the tsunami warning was for waves of up to one metre for the Ogasawara islands, about 1,000km south of Tokyo.
Small waves had already hit one of the islands, NHK reported. The focus of the tremor was about 130km northeast of Chichijima island, it said.
Japan lies in one of the world’s most seismically active areas. It accounts for about 20 per cent of the world’s earthquakes of magnitude six or greater. – (Reuters)
Russia responds in kind as UK expels diplomat over espionage
LONDON – The UK said yesterday it had expelled a diplomat from Russia’s embassy in London for espionage – and that Russia had responded in kind.
These were the first such expulsions since 2007, when a row broke out over the killing in London of Kremlin critic Alexander Litvinenko. Russia is refusing to extradite a lawmaker whom the UK wants to try for the killing. The expulsion of the Russian diplomat was requested on December 10th after “clear evidence” of Russian intelligence service activities against British interests. – (Reuters)
Queen's grandchild to wed sportsman
LONDON – Zara Phillips (29), granddaughter of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, is to marry England rugby player Mike Tindall, the royal family said yesterday.
No date was given for the wedding of Ms Phillips, the daughter of Princess Anne and her first husband Mark Phillips. – (Reuters)
Hurdle cleared for Start treaty deal
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama’s Start treaty with Russia secured enough votes last night to clear a Republican procedural hurdle in the US Senate. Democrats mustered the votes needed to end debate and move to final approval of the agreement, likely later last night or today. – (Reuters)