NEW RULES: In addition to passing an integrated pension bill, the legislature enacted an increase in farmers' pensions and a reduction in license tax on bigger motorcycles
By Shih Hsiu-chuan
The legislature yesterday enacted a bill designed to create a social security system that will cover 3.5 million people who currently lack any pension benefits.

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Taiwan has submitted a formal application to become a member of the UN, a Presidential Office official said yesterday.

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Pakistan's Supreme Court yesterday reinstated the country's chief justice and quashed misconduct charges filed against him by Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, in a major blow for the military ruler.

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Russia and Britain can overcome their escalating dispute over Moscow's refusal to extradite the main suspect in the poisoning death of former KGB officer Alexander Litvinenko, Russian President Vladimir Putin said. He downplayed the standoff, calling it a "mini-crisis."

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HAILED AS HEROES: Six women and 11 minors were among those released in a gesture apparently aimed at swinging the Palestinian power struggle in Abbas' favor
Israel yesterday freed more than 250 Palestinian prisoners, who flashed victory signs to a West Bank heroes' welcome, in a move intended to bolster Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

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