Greece,Turkey must 'step up against smugglers'

ATHENS • Greece and Turkey must step up cooperation in the fight against smugglers who are transporting hundreds of thousands of refugees and migrants to Europe from Turkey through the Greek islands, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said yesterday.

About 650,000 refugees and migrants fleeing war and poverty have reached the European Union through Greece so far this year, risking their lives in overcrowded, flimsy boats. Thousands have drowned.

Mr Tsipras also said Greece views Turkey's bid to join the EU "in a positive light", provided certain conditions are met.

REUTERS

Airport workers at 7 major US hubs go on strike

NEW YORK • Airport workers at seven of the busiest US hubs planned to strike beginning yesterday over what they say are poor wages and threats against unionising.

Some 2,000 plane cleaners, baggage handlers and other workers will strike at New York's Kennedy and LaGuardia airports, as well as the airports at Newark, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia and Fort Lauderdale, the Service Employees International Union said.

REUTERS

Governor Jindal suspends White House campaign

WASHINGTON • Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, polling near the bottom of the crowded 2016 Republican presidential field, suspended his campaign on Tuesday, saying: "This is not my time."

Mr Jindal, 44, was the first person of Indian-American heritage to run for US president. He received 0.8 per cent support in a recent poll.

REUTERS