US missile system for Seoul within 10 months

SEOUL • The US will deploy an advanced missile defence system in South Korea in eight to 10 months, General Vincent Brooks, commander of the US Forces in Korea, said yesterday.

Seoul and Washington agreed to deploy the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defence system after North Korea conducted missile launches following its fourth nuclear test in January.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Pakistan deports 'Afghan Girl'

PESHAWAR • A Pakistani judge yesterday ordered the deportation of Sharbat Gula, the green-eyed "Afghan Girl" whose 1985 photo in National Geographic became a symbol of her country's wars, after finding her guilty of illegally obtaining a Pakistani identity card.

Gula, now in her 40s, was also sentenced to 15 days in jail and fined 100,000 rupees (S$2,100).

REUTERS

KL pays $20m to defer highway toll hikes

KUALA LUMPUR • The government is forking out RM59.77 million (S$19.7 million) in compensation to four highway concessionaires to defer toll hikes this year and next, Parliament was told.

Works Minister Fadillah Yusof said yesterday the Cabinet had agreed that compensation be paid if the concessionaires do not increase tolls for the Eastern Dispersal Link, Kajang- Seremban Highway, Senai- Desaru Expressway, and Guthrie Corridor Expressway.

THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK