News In Brief

McCain backs Ukraine protesters
Afp, Kiev

US Senator John McCain on Sunday met the daughter of imprisoned opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko and backed sanctions directed personally against officials in the Ukrainian government.
"People of Ukraine, this is your moment…. The free world is with you, America is with you, I am with you," he told to a jubilant crowd in Kiev yesterday.

Japan diplomat stabbed in Yemen
Afp, Sanaa

Assailants stabbed a Japanese diplomat in Yemen yesterday as he drove his car in the capital Sanaa, scene of a recent spate of attacks on foreigners, the embassy said. The consul and second secretary at the embassy suffered five stab wounds in the morning attack. It was unclear if the attack was an attempt to kidnap the diplomat.

Iran cancels Pakistan gas line loan
Ap, Tehran

Iran says it has canceled a planned $500 million loan to Pakistan to build part of a pipeline to bring natural gas from Iran. Deputy Oil Minister Ali Majedi says Iran has no obligation to finance the Pakistani side of the project. He said Tehran will demand compensation if Islamabad fails to take Iranian gas by end of next year.

Ireland exits bailout
Afp, Dublin

Ireland on Sunday formally left its three-year bailout programme, becoming the first eurozone nation to do so. Ireland is now returning unaided to the international lending markets -- while eurozone strugglers Greece, Portugal and Cyprus remain locked into the bailout process.