News in Brief

New Zealand PM reelected
Afp, Wellington

New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key said he was "ecstatic" yesterday after a crushing election win, securing his third term as leader of the South Pacific nation. Opposition leader David Cunliffe had quickly conceded defeat. The 53-year-old's party won 61 of 121 seats, making him the first New Zealand leader to be able to govern in his own right since the country introduced proportional voting in 1996.

Taiwan braces for Typhoon Fung-Wong
Afp, Taipei

Taiwan yesterday readied nearly 50,000 troops in preparation for tropical storm Fung-Wong as it churns toward the island with threats of downpours and powerful winds after claiming five lives in the Philippines. Three counties in southern Taiwan have decided to close offices and schools from yesterday night while dozens of flights and ferry services were suspended, authorities said. The storm is expected to make landfall today.

G20 nations want Putin at leaders' summit
Afp, Cairns

Vladimir Putin is set to attend the G20 leaders' summit in November despite alarm over Russia's actions in Ukraine with host Australia Saturday saying it was the "emphatic" wish of member nations. There had been question marks over whether Moscow should be invited to the high-powered forum in Brisbane with the brutal five-month conflict that has killed around 3,000 people still unresolved.

US intercepts Russian jets near Alaska
Afp, Washington

Two Russian fighters entered a US "air defense identification zone" two days ago and were intercepted by American F-22 jets near Alaska, military officers said Friday. The incursion on Wednesday was followed by a second incident on Thursday involving two Russian long-range bombers, which flew into Canada and were intercepted by two Canadian F-18 jets, officers said. In both cases the Russian aircraft flew out of the area without incident.