News In Brief
Iran nuke deadline extension 'likely' today
Afp, Vienna
Iran and world powers are "likely" to agree today on the terms of extending a Sunday deadline to reach a nuclear deal, China's chief negotiator in talks in Vienna said. "Yes, it is likely," Wang Qun told reporters, adding however that Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security plus Germany were still "discussing" how long the extension would be and other issues.
Iraqi president to return from exile
Afp, Sulaimaniyah
Iraqi President Jalal Talabani was to return from months of treatment abroad, with his crisis-hit country on the brink of breakup but his native Kurdistan buoyant with statehood hopes. "President Talabani is coming home on Saturday July 19 after receiving successful health treatment in brotherly Germany," his Patriotic Union of Kurdistan said on Friday. While most of Iraq's political power lies with the prime minister's office, the 80-year-old Talabani was long seen as a key mediator between Iraq's feuding factions.
Yingluck vows not to flee country
Afp, Bangkok
Thailand's deposed former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday ruled out going into self-exile to avoid possible criminal charges, after the country's junta gave her permission to travel overseas. In her first news conference since the army seized power in May, Yingluck said she would fly to Paris for a "private trip". She is expected to attend the 65th birthday party of her elder brother, the fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, on July 26.
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