International

Sydney (dpa) - Sydney geared up for its annual New Year's Eve fireworks extravaganza Wednesday, with thousands of residents and tourists reserving their spots days beforehand.

By Ahmad Pathoni

PARIS (DPA) — France began a day of national mourning Thursday, as police hunted suspected Islamist attackers who left 12 people dead at the Paris offices of a satirical magazine.

BRUSSELS — Two people have been arrested after Belgian investigators uncovered plans for terrorist attacks that would target landmarks in the capital Brussels during New Year's festivities, prosecutors said Tuesday.

YANGON (DPA) — Some 70 people, including 23 Myanmar journalists, were charged for protesting without permission, police said Monday.

By Dennis Engbarth

SINGAPORE (DPA) - Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong underwent surgery to remove his prostate gland and was expected to make a full recovery, his office said Monday.

BEIJING (DPA) - Chinese web portal and social media company Sina will have its internet news services suspended if it fails to improve its censorship of illegal content, state media said Saturday.

SEOUL (DPA) — Another two people have died of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in South Korea, authorities said Thursday.

BRUSSELS/VIENNA — The historic nuclear deal reached three months ago between the international community and Iran began a new phase Sunday as all sides implemented policies under which Tehran must scale back its enrichment capacities and dismantle infrastructure in return for an easing of sanctions.