IN BRIEF (Page 12)

Russia

Putin signs law to curb smoking

President Vladimir Putin has signed a law banning smoking in public places in Russia from June, a cornerstone of the government's bid to improve public health in the nicotine-addicted country, the Kremlin said on Monday. The move follows similar anti-smoking legislation adopted in recent years by several members of the European Union.

Japan

Quake shakes buildings

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.2 jolted eastern Japan on Monday, the Japan Meteorological Agency said, adding that no tsunami warning had been issued. The quake shook buildings in Tokyo, but there were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

Syria

Govt says its ready for talks

Syria is ready to hold talks with its armed opponents, Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem said on Monday, in the clearest offer yet of negotiations with rebels fighting to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad. But Moualem said Syria would continue its fight "against terrorism", a reference to its conflict with anti-Assad rebels.

Dominica

Crash kills at least eight

A pickup truck slammed into another truck packed with members of a church group on Monday, killing at least eight people. Police spokesman Maximo Baez says seven were injured in the crash near the northern resort town of Puerto Plata. The injured were being treated at a hospital in Puerto Plata.

United Kingdom

British cardinal steps down

Cardinal Keith O'Brien, Britain's most senior Roman Catholic cleric, has resigned with immediate effect in the wake of allegations of inappropriate behavior, he said on Monday, despite announcing in November that he was planning to resign in view of his 75th birthday next month."

AFP-Xinhua-AP-Reuters

(China Daily 02/26/2013 page12)