European leaders have clinched a deal they hope will mark a turning point in their two-year debt crisis.

After a night of tense negotiations, they agreed to have banks take bigger losses on Greece's debts and to boost the region's weapons against the market turmoil.

As part of the deal, private creditors have to accept a 50 percent cut in the value of the Greek government debt they hold, and the bailout fund would be increased to 1 trillion euros from the current 440 billion.

The strategy was unveiled early Thursday morning, after 10 hours of tense negotiations.

International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde.

"It's been very laborious work but it's been worth the effort, because what we have at the end of the day is a comprehensive plan which includes all the ingredients."

The euro surged on the news of the full plan - an early sign that investors may welcome it.

 

 

Bangkok residents flee as flood water approach

Authorities in Thailand have ordered a five-day holiday to allow residents of Bangkok to leave the capital ahead of expected mass flooding.

The city's bus and train stations and many roads are jammed by thousands of people attempting to flee. 

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has warned that all parts of Bangkok are now vulnerable to flooding.

People in several northern districts - some of which are now 90% submerged by rising waters - have been told they should evacuate immediately.

 

 

Turkey takes foreign aid; casualties update

Turkey is now seeking foreign aid to help the country cope with the aftermath of Sunday's 7.2-magnitude earthquake.

A Turkish news agency is reporting that the government now believes that it's going to need assistance for both reconstruction and temporary accommodation for the thousands who have been left homeless.

Turkey has rejected any foreign aid until now.

Israel, Japan and Ukraine are said to be ready to send aid, with the Israeli government claiming that the Turkish side has already sent in a request for assistance. 

So far more than 480 people are confirmed dead, with around 1600 reported as injured.

 

 

Gadhafi's son spotted in Niger

Former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's son Saif al-Islam who is being sought by the International Criminal Court has been spotted in the northern part of Niger.

Military sources say Saif al-Islam who was being escorted by pro-Gadhafi fighters, has already established contacts with the Niger's Armed Forces in the region.

Saif al-Islam and his brother-in-law Abdallah al-Senoussi are being sought by the ICC for committing crimes against humanity.

 

 

Coal mine blast leaves seven dead, 11 missing

A gas blast at a coal mine in central China's Henan Province has killed at least 7 miners.

11 others remain missing.

The blast hit the mine in Jiaozuo city early today when 18 workers were in the shaft.

Rescue work is underway.

 

 

Police hunt escaped prisoner in central China province

Also in Henan Province an extensive manhunt is underway for an escaped prisoner.

23-year-old Dong Yunhai, who was serving the fifth year of a 14-year sentence for robbery, escaped from the Yubei Prison in Xinxiang City on Tuesday. 

The prison authority declined to give further details on the means of his escape.

 

 

China to strengthen legislation to promote democracy: white paper

China has pledged to strengthen legislation on developing socialist democracy.

According to a white paper released by the Chinese government, this is to meet the requirements of actively yet steadily advancing political reform in the country. 

It says China will improve legal institutions concerning election, self-government among people at the grassroots level and organization of state organs.

In addition, the country also plans to improve the legal system concerning the exercise of power by state organs and the punishment and prevention of corruption.

 

 

China closes 7,000 enterprises for pollution violations in five years: white paper

Chinese authorities have closed more than 7,000 enterprises for polluting the environment over the past five years.

Official data show more than 80,000 cases of violation of environmental protection laws were investigated during the period.

China has established a system of national environmental protection standards, and had implemented over 1,300 national environmental protection standards by the end of 2010.

 

 

Brazil's sports minister quits in scandal

Brazilian sports minister Orlando Silva has resigned after being accused of corruption. 

He has denied accusations that he helped arrange kickbacks worth millions of dollars from a fund to promote sport for poor children. 

Silva was in charge of preparing for the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics. 

He is the fifth cabinet minister to leave office amid corruption allegations since President Dilma Rousseff took office in January.