South Korea

Jet deal nets 1 qualified bid

South Korea said on Friday that at least one bid came in under budget for its $7.42 billion purchase of 60 next generation fighter jets, the country's biggest defense import program. A government spokesman said on Friday that a comprehensive evaluation would start and a winner is expected to be chosen in mid-September.

India

3 bodies found from submarine

India's navy said on Friday divers found the bodies of three sailors who were on board a submarine badly damaged by a fire and explosions and that it was unlikely any of the 15 other missing crew members would be found alive. Eighteen sailors were missing after the Russian-built INS Sindhurakshak exploded at Tuesday night.

Russia

Moscow denies 'trade war'

Russia on Friday denied waging a trade war with Ukraine to keep its neighbor from establishing closer political and economic relations with the European Union. The Ukrainian Employers' Federation reported on Wednesday that all goods destined for Russia were being held up at the border without explanation and subjected to rigorous checks.

Libya

Govt warns of black market oil

Libya has accused striking guards who have seized oil export terminals of trying to make shipments for their own profit and threatened military action against any unauthorized vessel that docks. Prime Minister Ali Zeidan issued the warning late on Thursday, three weeks into the action by security guards that has halted virtually all loadings at key terminals on the central coast.

Spain

Richest woman dies at 69

The co-founder of global fashion brand Zara and the richest woman in Spain, Rosalia Mera, has died at the age of 69 after suffering a stroke while on holiday on the Balearic island of Menorca. Listed by Forbes this year as the world's 195th richest billionaire with a fortune of $6.1 billion, the highest among Spanish women, she was also described as the richest self-made woman in the world.

Thailand

Roadside attack kills 4 policemen

Four policemen were killed on Friday in a roadside attack when an improvised bomb exploded as their vehicle passed by on a road in Thailand's violence-plagued south, said a senior police officer. Suspected militants detonated the bomb in Narathiwat province, then opened fire and killed the four, who were heading to inspect a shooting incident in the area.

Reuters-AFP-AP

(China Daily 08/17/2013 page8)