WASHINGTON – US president Barack Obama has promised to maintain the United States as the world’s dominant military power, while unrolling a new defence strategy appropriate to a time of tighter budgets at home.
“Our military will be leaner but the world must know – the United States is going to maintain our military superiority with armed forces that are agile, flexible and ready for the full range of contingencies and threats, Mr Obama told a news briefing at the Pentagon.
Mr Obama emphasised US presence in the Asia-Pacific region, where there is growing rivalry with China.
He also stressed that the military would remain vigilant in the Middle East.
– (Reuters)
MANCHESTER – A 46-year-old male nurse has been arrested by police investigating the poisoning of patients at Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport.
The arrest came as it emerged the death of an 82-year-old man on New Year’s Eve is also being investigated as his medicines were contaminated. His is the fourth death being investigated. The suspect was held on suspicion of unlawfully administering a noxious substance. – (PA)