France

Polonium traces found on Arafat

Swiss radiation experts have confirmed they found traces of the radioactive element polonium on clothing used by Yasser Arafat that "support the possibility" the veteran Palestinian leader was poisoned. In a report published by The Lancet medical journal, the team provides scientific details to media statements made in 2012 that they had found polonium on Arafat's belongings. Arafat, 75, died in France on Nov 11, 2004, but doctors were unable to specify the cause of death. No autopsy was carried out at the time, in line with his widow's request.

United States

NYT renames Paris-based daily

The New York Times Co has rebranded its Paris-based daily, the International Herald Tribune, as the International New York Times in an attempt to lure overseas readers amid the digital-era upheaval facing traditional newspapers. Executives say the rechristening is aimed at getting the most out of its brand and at completing a gradual fusion of the newspapers' editorial staffs in recent years. The New York Times took control of the IHT 10 years ago by buying the stake of its co-owner, The Washington Post.

Egypt

Morsi supporter held for attack

Egyptian security officials said on Tuesday that authorities have arrested a supporter of deposed Islamist president Mohammed Morsi suspected of involvement in a rocket-propelled grenade attack on a State-owned satellite station in Cairo. Any link between the suspect and Morsi in the Oct 7 attack is likely to be used to justify tougher measures against Islamists, portrayed by authorities as terrorists since the army seized power on July 3.

The Philippines

Progress made with rebel group

The Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the largest Muslim rebel group in the country, have made "substantial progress" in their peace process since the signing of the framework agreement on the Bangsamoro a year ago, a senior government official said on Tuesday. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said it has been a year since the agreement was signed on Oct 15, 2012.

India

Dream sparks treasure hunt

The Indian government is digging for treasure after a civic-minded Hindu village sage had a dream that 1,000 tons of gold was buried under a ruined palace and wrote to tell the central bank about it. The Archaeological Survey of India has sent a team of archaeologists to the village of Daundia Khera in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. They are due to start digging on Friday, said Praveen Kumar Mishra, head archaeologist in the state.

AFP-Reuters-Xinhua-AP

(China Daily 10/16/2013 page11)