Putin favors status quo with new government lineup
SOCHI, Russia (Reuters) – Russian President Vladimir Putin endorsed a new government line-up on Friday at the start of his new term in office, sticking in most cases with the incumbents but elevating two newcomers with ties to the intelligence services…
Chilean bishops offer mass resignation to pope over abuse scandal
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) – In an unprecedented move, 34 Chilean bishops said on Friday they had offered to resign en masse after attending a crisis meeting this week with Pope Francis about the cover-up of sexual abuse in their country.
EU considers Iran central bank transfers to beat U.S. sanctions
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The European Commission is proposing that EU governments make direct money transfers to Iran’s central bank to avoid U.S. penalties, an EU official said, in what would be the most forthright challenge to Washington’s newly reimpose…
Explosions heard near airport in central Syria: state media
BEIRUT (Reuters) – Explosions were heard near Hama airport inSyria on Friday, Syrian state media said without giving details.
Israel vilified at U.N. body for Gaza killings, but backed by U.S.
GENEVA (Reuters) – Israel was sharply criticised at a U.N. human rights body on Friday for its killings of protesters in Gaza and treatment of the Palestinians, but Washington came to its defense.
Russian ex-spy Sergei Skripal discharged from UK hospital
LONDON (Reuters) – Sergei Skripal, the Russian former spy who was left in critical condition by a nerve agent attack in Britain more than two months ago, has been discharged from hospital, national health authorities said on Friday.
Vietnam set to tighten clamps on Facebook and Google, threatening dissidents
HANOI/SINGAPORE (Reuters) – A struggle over internet laws in Vietnam is pitting a government keen on maintaining tight control against U.S. technology companies trying to fight off onerous new rules – with the country’s online dissidents among the bigg…
Italy anti-system parties to boost spending, seek review of EU rules
ROME (Reuters) – Italy’s two anti-establishment parties on Friday promised to ramp up spending in a program for a new coalition government, putting them on a collision course with the European Union despite watering down some of their most radical prop…
Russia’s Putin, France’s Macron to discuss Iran in St Petersburg: Kremlin
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron will discuss Iran, Syria and Ukraine when Macron visits St Petersburg on May 24-25, the Kremlin said on Friday.
Boosted by Lebanon vote, Geagea eyes Hezbollah and reform
BEIRUT (Reuters) – A Christian party that made big gains in Lebanon’s general election says it will use its stronger position to press for Hezbollah’s weapons to be brought under government control and to root out corruption in the heavily indebted sta…
