China recovers $6.2bn in losses from graftJuly 29, 2015 - 14:38 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - China has recovered 38.7 billion yuan ($6.2 billion) in losses from graft, as the leadership pursues a campaign against pervasive corruption, Reuters says, citing state media reports. Corrupt officials had to return ill-gotten land and property to the state, the official People's Daily reported on its website, citing the ruling Communist Party's top anti-graft body. The body said the funds were recovered between a high-profile meeting of Party leaders in November 2012 and June this year. Favored people and businesses who were illegally given tax breaks have also had to return the money, it added. Since assuming power in late 2012, President Xi Jinping, who doubles as party and military chief, has pursued a relentless campaign against pervasive corruption, vowing to go after powerful "tigers" as well as lowly "flies". The biggest "tiger" snared so far is Zhou Yongkang, 72, who the government said last month had been jailed for life for bribery, leaking state secrets and abusing power following a closed-door trial in May. The leadership has targeted a variety of sectors in its anti-graft campaign including state-owned enterprises, the energy sector and the military. Top stories Yerevan has dismissed Turkey’s demand to shut down the Armenian nuclear power plant as “inappropriate”. Armenia will loan 2.9 billion drams to Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), according to a draft government decision. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan has “strongly condemned” Armenia’s decision. Kerobyan has said that for the first time in the history of Armenia, the volume of foreign direct investments amounted to about $1 billion. Partner news | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. |