Five migrant workers killed in Myanmar

Australians turn in 26,000 firearms in national amnesty

Australians have handed in nearly 26,000 firearms in the nation’s first gun amnesty since its landmark response to a mass shooting in 1996. The amnesty?began on 1 July?to help counter a growing terrorism threat and an influx of arms in the country. It is illegal to own an unregistered firearm in Australia. Those caught outside the amnesty period face fines of up to A$280,000 (?172,000, $225,000) and up to 14 years in jail. The current programme, running until 30 September, means Australians

08 Sep, 2017

Maldives suspends trade ties with Myanmar on Rohingya issue

The Maldives on Monday announced it has decided to suspend all trade ties with Myanmar over the Rohingya Muslim issue. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Maldives condemned the atrocities committed against Rohingya Muslims. ?The Administration will cease all trade ties with Myanmar until the Government of Myanmar takes immediate action,? the statement said. The statement said the Maldives condemns in the strongest terms, the atrocities committed against the Rohingya

04 Sep, 2017

Australia braces for ‘elevated’ bushfire risk after driest winters

Australians have been warned to prepare for a dangerous bushfire season after the country had one of its driest winters on record. Much of Australia’s east and south – home to its largest population centres – is facing a higher than normal threat this summer, authorities say. A dry forecast for the nation’s spring months has also prompted fears that fires will begin earlier than usual. Authorities have urged residents to make early preparations. The warning came during a conference of state

06 Sep, 2017