CIA won't waterboard terror suspects

WASHINGTON • CIA director John Brennan promised the agency won't use "enhanced interrogation" techniques, including waterboarding, against terror suspects - not even under a new president's orders to do so.

His comments may impact on this year's White House race, after Republican front runner Donald Trump said he would authorise waterboarding and techniques that are "a lot worse" if elected.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Russian missile system lands in Iran

DUBAI • Russia has delivered the first part of an advanced missile defence system to Iran, Iranian media reported yesterday, starting to equip Teheran with technology that was blocked before it signed a deal with world powers on its nuclear programme.

According to security think-tank RUSI, the updated version of the S-300 surface-to-air system can engage multiple aircraft and ballistic missiles around 150km away.

REUTERS

Darfur goes to polls amid unrest

KHARTOUM • The war-scarred Sudanese region of Darfur began voting yesterday in a referendum on its future despite international criticism and a boycott by rebel groups.

Despite ongoing unrest in areas, President Omar al-Bashir - wanted on war crimes charges related to the 13-year conflict - has insisted voting go ahead on whether to unite Darfur's five states into a single region or maintain the status quo. Voting lasts three days.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, XINHUA