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Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 0615 GMT, March 20

Xinhua, March 20, 2015 Adjust font size:

Former Australian prime minister Malcom Fraser who led the country from November 1975 to March 1983,died at 84, his office announced on Friday.

Fraser entered politics at the age of 25, winning his first seat for the Liberal Party in 1955. He became Liberal leader in March 1975 and was appointed caretaker prime minister on November 1975 after governor-general Sir John Kerr dismissed the Whitlam Labor government.(Australia-Malcom Fraser)

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SYDNEY -- Australian Treasurer Joe Hockey said on Friday that the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank could help Australian companies win contracts.

Hockey's comments follow media reports that the Australian Cabinet's national security committee (NSC) is set to approve Australia's involvement with the bank on Monday.(Australia-AIIB)

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NEW DELHI -- At least six people were killed and many others injured when two coaches and the engine of a passenger train turned turtle in a derailment incident, which took place Friday morning in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, said local TV reports.

The Dehradun-Varanasi Janta Express was derailed at Bachhrawan in Rae Bareli district of the state, said local TV channel Times Now.(India-Derailment)

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ISLAMABAD -- At least 11 people were killed and six others injured in two separate road accidents in central and northwestern Pakistan on Friday morning, local media reported.

The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital.(Pakistan-Road accidents) Endi