Asia
North Korea rocket launch: U.S. to monitor from the Pacific
The United States military has deployed vessels in the Pacific to monitor the launch of a North Korean rocket later this month. In a statement, the U.S. said the ships were in place to achieve “the best situational awareness”. North Korea has said the test launch is a prerequisite for ambitions to put a satellite in to space. However, the launch is in breach of U.N. mandates that ban the testing of long-range missile technology. Japan has stepped up its military defence with orders to shoot down the rocket, which is due to launch between the 10th and 22nd December this year.
Earthquake in Japan sparks evacuation
A 7.3 magnitude earthquake in Japan has instigated a one metre high tsunami, prompting subsequent evacuations across the east coast. The epicentre was 150 miles south east of Kamiashi, approximately 36 metres under the water. The regions hit are those devasted by the tsunami in March 2011. There have been no reported injuries or deaths and all evacuation warnings have been lifted.
Europe
PM backs Gay marriage in the church
David Cameron has said that he will fully back a bill for gay marriage in churches. The Prime Minister said that he did not want gay people to be “excluded from a great institution”. However, he has faced criticisms over the use of a free vote; meaning MPs will not be subject to the party whips despite Cameron calling the issue one of ‘human rights’. Currently in the UK same sex couples cannot marry, which means the church isn’t legally bound to hold same sex marriages. Instead they have the same legal rights through civil partnerships. The church has come under recent criticism which questions the relationship between church and state. Last week the Church of England voted against female bishops, meaning the chance for women to sit as representatives of the only religion allowed to formally sit in the legislature was denied.
Latin America
John Mcafee denied asylum
John Mcafee has been denied asylum from Guatemala after being on the run from Belize police following the death of his neighbour. The Guatemalan police have also now charged him with entering the country illegally despite claiming political asylum. His neighbour was found dead on 11th November, and has since been on the run. Belize police say he is a ‘person of interest’ following the death of his dogs after an argument with his now dead neighbour. He buried himself in sand and put a cardboard box on is head to breath as well as using bubblegum to disguise his face. He protests his innocence and claims the police are harassing him.
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