Armenian PM resigns after hostage crisis AFP, Yerevan
Armenia's Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamian resigned yesterday after anger over a protracted hostage crisis highlighted popular discontent over official failings in the exSoviet nation. "1 decided to step down so that the President can form a new government," Abrahamian, 58, told a cabinet meeting.
Abrahamian "will be replaced by former Yerevan mayor Karen Karapetyan", a top official said.
Palestinian court suspends local polls AFP, Ramallah
A Palestinian court yesterday suspended municipal elections set for October 8 following disputes between the rival Fatah and Hamas movements over candidate lists, jeopardising the first vote since 2006 to involve both parties. The decision was made by the high court in Ramallah in the West Bank, where Fatah is in power.
Death for India acid attack convict
AFP, Mumbai
An Indian court sentenced a man to death yesterday for murdering a woman by throwing acid on her face after she rejected his marriage proposal, a decision applauded by the victim's family. Ankur Panwar was found guilty on Tuesday of hurling sulphuric acid on 24-year-old Preeti Rathi in a fit of jealousy outside a railway station in the financial capital Mumbai in May 2013.
Thai MPs give military $124m budget hike
AFP, Bangkok
Thailand's junta-appointed lawmakers yesterday signed off on a nearly $124 million budget hike for defence spending, while funds for education and infrastructure were pared back. The army seized power from the civilian government in 2014, saying it was forced to act to end bloody street protests and rampant corruption.
Ukraine moves to ban 'illegal' Russian books
AFP, Kiev
Ukraine escalated its cultural war with Moscow yesterday by proposing a ban on Russian books that promote the ouster of Kiev's pro-Western leadership and recognise the Kremlin's annexation of Crimea. The bill submitted to parliament follows similar legislation that prevents channels from airing Russian shows and films deemed to cast a negative light on the former Soviet republic's history and February 2014 pro-EU revolt.