Briefly World

Pak,China mull rail between PoK,Xinjiang

BEIJING: Pakistan and China have started discussion on building a cross-border railway linking Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir POK with Kashgar,in Chinas northwestern Xinjiang province. Masood Khan,Pakistans Ambassador to China,said a feasibility study had been conducted but there was no timline as yet.

South Sudan plans to get new capital

KAMPALA: The new nation of South Sudan announced plans late Saturday to move its capital from the main city of Juba to a small town in the north. Officials said the new capital will be in Ramciel,in Lakes State,which is believed to be where their late leader John Garang envisioned the capital.

Senior Maoist leader Shrestha is Nepal FM

Kathmandu: PM Baburam Bhattarai Sunday expanded his cabinet,including Maoist leader Narayan Kaji Shrestha as the deputy premier and foreign minister. Bhattarai included six ministers from United Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist and seven from United Democratic Madhesi Front.

Syrian forces kill 8,say activists

AMMAN: Security forces killed at least eight civilians Sunday in raids on restive northwestern towns,activists said. The deaths were reported in Hama and the adjacent province of Idlib,both areas that have seen intensified raids since last weeks defection of Hamas attorney general.