A round-up of today's other world stories in brief ...
US journalists charged with espionage
WASHINGTON – Two US journalists detained by North Korea since last week appear to have been charged with espionage, the state department said yesterday.
“We’re certainly aware of the charges, said spokesman Robert Wood, when asked to comment on media reports the pair had been charged with spying.
“The North has assured us the detainees will be well treated,” Mr Wood said.
The US, which does not have a diplomatic presence in North Korea, is trying to resolve the case of the two journalists, who were arrested by North Korean guards at the border with China last week. – (Reuters)
Manager taken hostage by staff
ORLEANS – Workers at a French pharmaceutical factory took their manager hostage yesterday in a protest over planned job cuts, police said.
The employees are demanding improved layoff terms after the company said it wanted to make 110 of the 235 staff redundant at the site in Pithiviers, south of Paris, because of falling demand. “If they want to reorganise their business, let them pay for it,” union representative Jean-Francois Caparros said. – (Reuters)
Asbestos may close Commons
The British parliament might have to be closed down if a comprehensive programme of asbestos removal is undertaken, health and safety consultants have warned officials in the Palace of Westminster.
A report on the extent of contamination within the neo-Gothic building has been sent to the parliamentary works services directorate suggesting that residual asbestos poses a widespread threat to staff and visitors.
– (Guardian service)
Man mauled to death by lizards
KOMODO – Two Komodo dragons have mauled a fruit picker to death after he fell out of a tree in an orchard in eastern Indonesia, in a rare attack on humans by the world’s largest lizard.
Muhamad Anwar (31) was found bleeding from bites to his hands, body, legs and neck within minutes of the attack on the island of Komodo. He died later at a clinic on neighbouring Flores. The giant lizards had been waiting for him under the tree, a neighbour said. The carnivorous Komodos, which live for up to 50 years, can grow to three metres in length and weigh up to 90kg. – (Guardian service)
China deaths spark reform call
BEIJING – A series of deaths in police custody over the past six weeks has sparked a call for reforms of China’s detention system, the official China Daily said yesterday in a long article on bullying and torture.
Chinese media have reported the deaths of five men at the hands of police or fellow inmates since mid-February. – (Reuters)