Briefs, November 13, 2012

Japan's ties with US, China vex Dalai Lama

TOKYO - The Dalai Lama lamented the US military presence in Japan during a press conference in Okinawa, where anti-American feeling has flared after alleged crimes by servicemen. "It is not right to have foreign military bases, but such situations unfortunately exist all around the world," the Tibetan spiritual leader said, according to a Jiji Press report. The Dalai Lama also called on Tokyo and Beijing to ease rising diplomatic tensions, saying "China needs Japan, and Japan needs China". AFP
 

New schools to honour teen victim of Taliban

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan plans to honour Malala Yousafzai, the 15-year-old education campaigner shot by the Taliban, by opening special schools in her name for poor children. The schools are planned for 16 areas around Pakistan affected by conflict or natural disasters, said Nafisa Shah, chairwoman of the National Commission for Human Development. AFP
 

Seoul triples budget in islands row with Tokyo

SEOUL - A South Korean parliamentary committee has agreed to nearly triple a special budget for promoting Seoul's sovereignty over an isolated set of islands also claimed by Japan. The 6.2-billion-won (HK$43.47 million) budget, up from 2.3 billion won, would be used to fund state-led activities promoting the ownership of the Dokdo islands, known as the Takeshima islands in Japan. AFP