Japanese minister says he did 'nothing illegal'

TOKYO • Japanese Economy Minister Akira Amari, a close ally of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and now under fire over a media report of a funding scandal, said yesterday that he had done nothing illegal.

Mr Amari added that it would be about a week before he gave a fuller explanation.

REUTERS

Pakistan uni attackers vow to target schools

ISLAMABAD • The Taleban faction behind a massacre at a university in north-west Pakistan this week issued a video message yesterday vowing to target schools throughout the country, calling them "nurseries" for people who challenge Allah's law. The video by the Tehreek-e-Taleban Pakistan showed its commander issuing the threat.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

ESM Goh, HK leader reaffirm warm ties

HONG KONG • Singapore's Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong met Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun Ying during his three-day visit to the city which began on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement yesterday.

Mr Leung hosted lunch on Thursday for ESM Goh at the Government House, during which they reaffirmed the warm ties between Singapore and Hong Kong, MFA said.

Yesterday, ESM Goh was invited to breakfast by former Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa.