China

Envoys discuss DPRK issue

China's special representative for Korean Peninsula Affairs, Wu Dawei, held talks on Pyongyang's nuclear program with his Republic of Korea counterpart, Lim Sung-nam, on Wednesday, Yonhap News Agency reported. The current situation is grim, and the ROK wants to send accurate information to Pyongyang so that it will not engage in further provocative actions, Lim said after arriving. Lim is scheduled to meet on Thursday with Liu Jieyi, vice-minister of the International Department of Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Thursday.

Iran

Nuclear talks at 'turning point'

Negotiations with world powers over how to curb Iran's nuclear program have reached a "turning point" for the better after nearly breaking down last year, the Islamic republic's top official at diplomatic talks said on Wednesday at the close of two days of delicate discussions aimed at preventing Teheran from building an atomic arsenal. The two sides agreed to hold another meeting this April.

Russia

Putin calls for army upgrade

Russian President Vladimir Putin told the country's top brass on Wednesday to drastically upgrade the armed forces in the next few years as part of response to attempts by the United States and NATO to "tip the strategic balance" in the world. In his address to top military officials, Putin said Russia is witnessing "insistent attempts" to change that balance and complained about US plans to create a new missile defense system in Europe and the potential expansion of NATO to former Soviet republics.

India

Fire at illegal market kills 19

A fire broke out at an illegal six-story plastics market in the Indian city of Kolkata early on Wednesday morning, killing at least 19 people, police said. The blaze, which started before 4 am, was likely caused by a short circuit, said West Bengal Fire Minister Javed Khan. The fire was under control by mid-morning, he said.

Afghanistan

Taliban poison 17 at post

An Afghan official says Taliban insurgents poisoned and killed 17 people in an overnight attack on a post manned by a government-backed militia in eastern Afghanistan. Ghazni deputy provincial council head Abdul Jamhe Jamhe said the militants somehow infiltrated the outpost and poisoned those inside the compound before launching the Tuesday night assault.

China Daily-AP

(China Daily 02/28/2013 page12)