S. Korean hostages

KABUL, Afghanistan: The United Nations in Afghanistan expressed concern yesterday for the safety of 22 South Korean hostages as a Taliban latest deadline to kill them expired.

ASEAN Charter

MANILA, the Philippines: Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asia Nations said yesterday they have agreed to include a provision mandating creation of a human rights body in a proposed ASEAN Charter that is expected to be adopted at the 13th ASEAN Summit in Singapore in November.

Palestinian leader

MOSCOW: Russia considers President Mahmoud Abbas the only leader of the Palestinian people, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said yesterday in Moscow’s strongest statement backing Abbas since Hamas militants seized the Gaza Strip last month.