JAKARTA - A moderately strong earthquake hit eastern Indonesia, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. No tsunami warning was issued. The US Geological Survey said the 6.0-magnitude quake struck yesterday off the eastern province of Papua. It was fairly shallow, just 20 kilometres beneath the sea. Witnesses said shocked residents and hotel guests in Nabire town ran outside screaming. AP
MANILA - The government of the Philippines and the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front have made "substantive gains" in their 31st round of formal talks in Malaysia, according to a joint statement released yesterday. Both parties agreed to meet again before the end of the month to "discuss unresolved issues". They say they hope to sign a final peace agreement within the year. Xinhua