Xinhua Asia-Pacific News Summary at 1000GMT, Feb. 23
PHNOM PENH -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said on Mondaythat he would request King Norodom Sihamoni to grant pardons to allmothers in prison with their children and incarcerated pregnantwomen.
The premier's announcement came after a local rights groupLicadho last week released a report, disclosing conditions of the40 children under four living with their mothers in prison, half ofwhom were born in detention.(Cambodia-Detention)
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SEOUL -- South Korea summoned a senior Japanese diplomat hereMonday to strongly protest Japan's latest move of sending a high-level government official to attend the controversial "TakeshimaDay" event.
Lee Sang-deok, director-general in charge of Northeast Asianaffairs at South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered thegovernment's strong protest against the celebration after summoningKenji Kanasugi, a minister at the Japanese Embassy in Seoul.(S.Korea-Takeshima Day)
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NEW DELHI -- Indian President Pranab Mukherjee said on Mondaythat with the visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to India lastSeptember, India has significantly expanded its relations withChina.
While addressing the Indian Parliament on the first day of itsbudget session, Mukherjee said India and its largest neighbor Chinaare now seeking to strengthen their strategic partnership.(India-China-Ties)
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MANILA -- At least 20 members of Bangsamoro Islamic FreedomFighters (BIFF) were killed in the clash with the Philippinegovernment forces in Pikit, North Cotabato last Saturday, themilitary said on Monday.
Col. Noel Clement, commander of the army's 602nd Brigade, saidthe figure was based on information provided by military personnelon the ground and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which helpedin the conduct of the operations.(Philippines-Rebels) Enditem
