TOP STORIES Asia Pacific S Korea leader vows to punish ferry disaster culprits South Korean President Park Geun-hye on Sunday met relatives of passengers still missing after the sinking of a ferry last month, vowing that any culprits would be "sternly punished" as the confirmed death toll rose to 244. »

World Ukraine expands 'anti-terrorism' op against pro-Russians Ukraine vowed on Sunday to broaden its "anti-terrorist" operation against pro-Russian rebels, as the crisis-hit country marked its second day of mourning after violence that left more than 50 dead. » Asia Pacific Thousands rally in Taipei to counter anti-government protests Thousands of Taiwanese calling for peace and the rule of law rallied in Taipei on Sunday to counter a recent series of demonstrations that turned violent and led to clashes with police. » Sport Table Tennis: S'pore women's team get bronze after 0-3 loss to China Singapore's women paddlers settled for the bronze after losing 0-3 to favourites China in the semi-finals of the table tennis World Team Championships in Tokyo. » Asia Pacific S Korea leader vows to punish ferry disaster culprits South Korean President Park Geun-hye on Sunday met relatives of passengers still missing after the sinking of a ferry last month, vowing that any culprits would be "sternly punished" as the confirmed death toll rose to 244. » Japan delegation leaves for Beijing to mend ties with China  A delegation of senior Japanese lawmakers left for Beijing on Sunday on a mission to mend ties between the two neighbours amid a territorial dispute, which has prevented a leaders' summit » Thousands rally in Taipei to counter anti-government protests Thousands of Taiwanese calling for peace and the rule of law rallied in Taipei on Sunday to counter a recent series of demonstrations that turned violent and led to clashes with police. »