TAIPEI: Taiwan riot police unleashed water cannon yesterday to dislodge hundreds of demonstrators who had stormed government headquarters in violent scenes that dramatically escalated a days-old protest against a trade pact with China. The assault came after President Ma Ying-jeou refused to back down on the trade pact, rejecting opposition claims that he is effectively handing Taiwan’s economy over to Chinese control after six decades of political separation. Premier Jiang Yi-huah, whose office is in the building, said at least 110 people were injured, including 52 police officers. Two water cannon trucks were then deployed, eventually subduing the crowd and clearing the building.
Rebels kill two soldiers in Quezon
MANILA: Communist guerrillas killed two Philippine soldiers yesterday, military officials said, their first deadly attack since two senior rebel leaders were arrested. A group of soldiers were ambushed by rebels in Quezon province, about 150 kilometres southeast of Manila, local spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Oliver Maquiling said, leaving a lieutenant and a regular soldier dead and four others wounded. He said that the soldiers had been on a “medical mission” and blamed the New People’s Army (NPA) for the attack.
Thailand gears up for polls anew
Bangkok: The Thai Election Commission (EC) met yesterday to discuss preparations for a new general election after the charter court ruled Friday to annul the February 2 nationwide balloting results. The EC said earlier it would have to have alternatives before organising the election — whether to meet with the caretaker government for consultation, or to invite all political parties for talks to reach an agreement, according to (MCOT online news). Agencies
