ANKARA
Here are the main stories that The Anadolu Agency's English News Desk will cover on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015:
MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA
PALESTINE/ISRAEL -- Follow up reactions to PA decision to join ICC
SPECIAL REPORTS:
Boko Haram conscripting Nigerians as troops close in - By Rafiu Ajakaye
LAGOS (AA) – Boko Haram militants are forcibly conscripting people in territories under their control to join their ranks or face dire consequences, local sources said.
Elephants' sale stirs firestorm in Zimbabwe - By John Cassim
HARARE (AA) – A plan by Zimbabwean authorities to sell baby elephants to buyers in foreign countries has stirred a firestorm in the southern African country and among animal rights activists.
Tanzania investigates banks over Escrow scandal - By Peter Saramba Ongiri
ARUSHA, Tanzania (AA) – Tanzanian authorities are investigating banks linked to the fraudulent transfer of about $120 million of public funds to a private energy firm, a scandal known locally as the Tegeta Escrow Account.
SOUTH EAST ASIA/PACIFIC
INDONESIA
JAKARTA -- Search for missing AsiaAir flight continues with divers and additional aircraft as weather conditions improve.
CHINA
SHANGHAI -- 35 people killed, 42 others injured after stampede at New Year’s celebrations at Shanghai’s scenic waterfront area.
SOUTH KOREA
SEOUL -- In 30-minute New Year’s speech, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un expresses willingness to hold summit talks with South Korean President Park Geun-hye, but also stresses the development of military capabilities.
www.aa.com.tr/en
