BEIJING (AFP) ― China’s parliament passed legislation Saturday beefing up the nation’s counter-terrorism laws, while also ordering fingerprints to be added to all national identity cards.The two bills passed Saturday by the standing committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s legislature, were aimed at safeguarding social stability, legislators told journalists.The bill laying out the nation’s legal definition of terrorism clarifies when China’s anti-terrorism forces should act and agai

KABUL (AP) ― A Taliban suicide bomber rammed a vehicle loaded with explosives into an armored NATO bus Saturday on a busy thoroughfare in Kabul, killing 17 people, including a dozen Americans, in the deadliest strike against the U.S.-led coalition in the Afghan capital since the war began.The blast occurred on the same day that a man wearing an Afghan army uniform killed three Australian soldiers and an Afghan interpreter in the south ― attacks that show the resiliency of the insurgency and are

Poet-human rights activist becomes new leader of struggling stateDUBLIN (AP) ― Michael D. Higgins, a veteran left-wing politician, poet and human rights activist, was declared the winner Saturday of Ireland’s presidential election with nearly 57 percent of votes, and pledged to lift the spirits of a struggling nation.Higgins said he wanted to help revive the public’s faith in politicians at a time when Ireland faces record debts, a property market collapse, 15 percent unemployment and a fourth s

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) ― Branches of the Louvre and Guggenheim art museums being built as part of an ambitious cultural district in Abu Dhabi could now open at least a year later than planned, the developer and an official with knowledge of the projects said Saturday.Questions about the future of the Saadiyat Island cultural district have swirled among contractors in the Gulf for months. They came into sharper focus this week when the project’s government-backed developer disclosed tha

NEW YORK (AP) ― A suicide machine belonging to Dr. Jack Kevorkian was withdrawn Friday from an auction of the assisted-suicide advocate’s possessions after failing to draw a high enough bid, while 17 of his paintings tied up in a legal dispute with a suburban Boston museum found no takers.The paintings, including one Kevorkian did with a pint of his blood, and about 100 other personal items went on sale at the New York Institute of Technology. The estate had estimated the value of the 17 paintin

The cities of Daejeon and Durban have signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize their close links in a new sister city relationship.The MOU with the South African city will assist in building partnerships between the local governments and in the private and civil sectors.In the agreement, both parties made a commitment to work together to create strong economic links, cooperate in areas such as science and technology, education and industry, and encourage exchanges in sport and culture.D

The United States announced that it is joining the 108 countries and international organizations taking part in the 2012 Yeosu Expo.The U.S. Embassy said that its pavilion will build upon the expo’s theme of “The Living Ocean and Coast,” and showcase the diversity, spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation, and commitment to sustainable development of the American people. “This demonstrates the U.S.’ commitment to deepening our friendly ties and strengthening U.S.-Korea relations and engagement in

The Spanish Embassy is holding “The Week of Spain at Universities” throughout this week at several schools across the country.Spain has long cooperated with local universities to promote Spanish language and culture. Foremost among these is the Aula Cervantes center in Kyung Hee University.The embassy also works with Spanish lecturers at several other institutions such as the University of Pyeongtaek and Korea University.During Spanish Week there will be screening of some relevant Spanish movies