Xinhua world news summary at 1530 GMT, Oct. 18

NICOSIA -- Cyprus has joined a small group of European Union (EU) countries banning mobile phones in secondary schools.

Education Minister Athina Michaelidou announced that new rules will be issued in two weeks, requiring devices to be deactivated and stored during school hours, except for emergencies or educational use. (Cyprus-School-Mobile)

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VIENTIANE -- Laos has made significant strides