LACK OF ACTION: Shyu Jong-shyoung criticized the Executive Yuan for not moving on a proposed amendment it received in January that would redefine poverty in the nation

By Flora Wang

Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Legislator Shyu Jong-shyoung (徐中雄) yesterday sniped at the Executive Yuan over the lack of action on an amendment that would redefine poverty, a promise made by President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) during his presidential campaign.

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By Ko Shu-ling

Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin (郝龍斌) yesterday remained low key about an inconclusive investigation by the city into questionable expenditures for the Xinsheng Overpass reconstruction project, urging the public to wait for the result of a legal inquiry into the controversy.

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FORMER TALIBAN: Hamid Karzai said he will soon name the members of a body that will hold talks with insurgents, which will include former Taliban members and women

In a further step toward reconciling with insurgents, Afghan President Hamid Karzai said on Saturday he will soon name the members of a council tasked with pursuing peace talks with rebels willing to break with al-Qaeda and recognize the government in Kabul.

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Authorities in eastern China covered up an outbreak of cholera for 12 days out of fears that publicizing the often fatal disease would shock the local population, state press said yesterday.

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A suicide bomber rammed into a Russian firing range killing five people and wounding scores early yesterday in the volatile North Caucasus region of Dagestan, law enforcement sources said.

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