Iran sends arms to Syria with aid for earthquake victims

Today's headlines: Japan signs contract for large-scale purchase of long-range missiles; Pakistan vs G20 tourism in Indian-administered Kashmir; Philippines: high inflation hurts Marcos Jr.'s popularity; First human victim of H3N8 bird fever in China; Russian pacifist Kara-Murza asked for 25 years in a prison camp; More pro-EU protests in Georgia.

IRAN-SYRIA

Tehran has used flights intended to transport aid to the earthquake-stricken population of Syria to deliver weapons to the government of President Bashar al-Assad, its ally in the region. The armaments, various sources say, will also be used to strengthen Iranian defences on Syrian territory against Israeli attacks.

JAPAN

The Japanese Ministry of Defence today signed a .8 billion contract with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for the development and large-scale production of long-range missiles, including hypersonic missiles. The order is part of the process of strengthening the national military apparatus in the face of the growing strength of the Chinese army.

PAKISTAN-INDIA

The Pakistani government challenged the Indian government's decision to hold the G20 tourism meeting in Srinagar, in Kashmir administered by Delhi but claimed by Islamabad. The meeting will take place from 22 to 24 May; this year India holds the chairmanship of the group that brings together the world's 19 largest economies plus the European Union.

PHILIPPINES

High inflation is denting the public approval of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, who nevertheless remains popular. The latest poll shows approval of his performance falling (from 82% to 78%) and confidence in him (80% against the previous 83%). National inflation is at 7.6%, compared to the 2-4% set by Marcos.

CHINA

A woman from Guangdong is the world's first victim of H3N8 bird flu, which rarely affects humans. So far, the spread of the virus, which first appeared last year, is limited to China. According to experts, it is not transmitted among humans, but only by animals.

RUSSIA

The hearings for the trial of the opponent Vladimir Kara-Murza, for whom the prosecution is demanding 25 years in prison for spreading pacifist messages, ended at the Moscow court. In his last speech he said that 'I do not ask anything of this court, I know my fate, but I also know that the day will come when all this darkness will be dispersed'.

GEORGIA

In Tbilisi, yet another protest demonstration was held at the parliament against the government accused of authoritarian and pro-Russian tendencies. Demonstrators animated by the National Movement marched on Rustaveli prospekt waving flags of Georgia, Ukraine, the European Union and the United States, with the banner 'For a European Future'.

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