News in Brief

Jakarta delays execution of 2 Aussies
Afp, Jakarta

Indonesia has delayed the execution of two Australian drug smugglers, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, by up to a month, backtracking on an earlier pledge to put the pair before the firing squad by the end of February. Indonesian authorities insist they will proceed with the executions despite this delay.

WHO gives green light to 15-minute Ebola test
Afp, Geneva

The World Health Organization (WHO) yesterday announced it had approved a 15-minute test for Ebola that should prove a fast and rugged tool in countries hit by the disease. The test is a little less accurate than the so-called gold standard of lab assessment, but does not need electricity or highly trained personnel to use it.

Five hurt as trains collide in Switzerland
Afp, Rafz

Two trains slammed into each other near the Swiss city of Zurich early yesterday, tipping over carriages and injuring at least five people, police said. A conductor was in a serious condition after the crash, which saw ambulances, fire and rescue services rush to the scene as a rescue helicopter hovered above.

Russia jails Navalny for two weeks
Afp, Moscow

A Russian court has jailed top Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny for two weeks in a move that prevents the charismatic leader from attending a massive opposition protest planned for March 1.The Moscow Presnensky court ruled that Navalny, who was given a suspended prison sentence in December, organised an illegal gathering in the capital's subway by handing out flyers advertising the March 1 protest.

Jen Psaki steps down
Afp, Washington

State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki, who has proved a bugbear for Russian officials, is to leave her post to become the new White House director of communications, officials said Thursday. During her two years in office, Psaki has become a familiar face both abroad and at home as spokeswoman for globe-trotting chief US diplomat John Kerry.

Saudi MERS deaths surge: health ministry
Afp, Riyadh

Deaths from the MERS virus have surged in Saudi Arabia, health ministry figures showed yesterday, after authorities warned of a seasonal increase in Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).