News Headlines - 12 April 2013

▽Magnitude-5.8 quake shakes southwestern Japan

A moderately strong earthquake jolted southwestern Japan near Kobe around dawn Saturday. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. No tsunami alert was issued.

▽US and Japan deal paves way for trade talks - FT.com

The US and Japan struck a deal paving the way for Asia’s second-largest economy to join the trans-Pacific Partnership trade talks this year, following more than a year of talks on thorny issues such as US access to the Japanese car and insurance markets.

▽BBC News - Tax returns show Obama earnings declined in 2012

US President Barack Obama made $608,611 (￡395,947) in 2012, down more than 20% from the year before, according to his tax documents. The decline in his pay comes as sales of Mr Obama's books slow. His presidential salary is $400,000.

▽In New U.S. List, 18 Russians Face Sanctions - WSJ.com

The Obama administration published a list of 18 Russians whom the U.S. will slap with financial and visa restrictions for suspected human-rights violations, most them allegedly linked to the death of a whistle-blowing tax attorney in a Moscow prison four years ago.

▽Cameron and Merkel to Discuss British Role in Bloc - NYTimes.com

David Cameron, the British prime minister, arrived here on Friday for what a German official called a “not purely routine” weekend visit that will include talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel aimed at demonstrating the close relationship between the two center-right leaders and a discussion of Britain’s future in the European Union.