UN reviewing report about N. Korea rights
UNITED NATIONS – The U.N. Security Council is meeting to discuss an unprecedented U.N. report that accuses North Korea of crimes against humanity.
Thursday’s informal meeting comes as members of the U.N. commission of inquiry push for its findings to be formally referred to the council and the International Criminal Court.
The United States, France and Australia called the meeting, which was open to all U.N. member states and selected non-governmental organizations. Media cannot attend.
The French U.N. mission, citing commission chair Michael Kirby, tweeted that the list of crimes committed in North Korea is “long and grim.”
Turkey looks to boost spy agency’s powers
ANKARA, Turkey – Turkey’s parliament has approved a bill that increases the powers and immunities of the country’s spy agency. It’s the latest in a string of moves critics say is undermining democracy in the country that is a candidate to join the European Union.
The bill, approved Thursday, would give Turkey’s National Intelligence Agency the ability to launch covert operations and increased capacity to keep tabs on citizens. It would also introduce prison terms for the publication of secrets.
Ebola virus death toll hits 137 in Africa
DAKAR, Senegal – The World Health Organization says an Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa has claimed 137 lives.
The disease, typically found in central or eastern Africa, has infected people in Guinea’s remote forests, its capital and in neighboring Liberia.
In a statement posted on its website Thursday, the U.N. health agency said authorities have identified more than 220 suspected or confirmed cases of the disease in the two countries. Nearly 200 of those are in Guinea.
Associated Press
