Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 0600 GMT, Jan. 4

YANGON -- Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw pledged on Thursday to build a democratic federal republic in accordance with the results of the political dialogues, stressing the need to work collectively for creating a suitable constitution for the country.

In his message on the occasion of the country's 70th anniversary Independence Day, U Htin Kyaw recalled the successful convening of the second meeting of the 21st Century Panglong Peace Conference in May 2017 with agreements reached regarding some basic principles of the federal structure. (Myanmar-Republic)

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CANBERRA -- The Police Minister from the Australian state of Victoria slammed on Thursday as "embarrassing" comments from the federal Home Affairs Minister that "African gangs" were running riot across Melbourne.

On Wednesday, Australia's Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton lashed out at the Victorian state government's relaxed attitude toward a growing problem with "African gangs," claiming that local residents were scared to leave their houses because of the threat of "violence." (Australia-Police)

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SYDNEY -- A 2,000 passenger cruise liner has docked in the Australian city of Brisbane on Thursday, after an outbreak of gastro struck down travellers upon its return from New Zealand.

The Queensland State Government's Department of Health explained in a statement that testing on board the Sea Princess has confirmed the presence of norovirus. (Australia-Cruise Liner)

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NEW DELHI -- Dense fog enveloped the Indian capital Thursday, severely disrupting air and rail traffic in the city.

At least 20 flights to and from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport and over 50 trains have been affected due to dense fog that has shrouded the city since the early hours of the day as temperatures dipped to as low 5.7 degrees Celsius, officials said. (India-Fog) Enditem