Pope calls worldwide day of prayer and fasting for peace February 23
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) – Pope Francis invited Roman Catholics and members of all other religions on Sunday to observe a day of prayer, fasting and initiatives for peace on Feb. 23, urging everyone to ‘say no’ to violence and conflict.
Merkel: German coalition talks to be tough, unclear when they’ll end
BERLIN (Reuters) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that her conservatives faced tough negotiations with the Social Democrats (SPD) on Sunday as they strive to form a ruling coalition, and it was unclear when the two blocs would be able to wrap up …
Britain will not ‘surrender’ in battle for bespoke Brexit deal: Rudd
LONDON (Reuters) – Britain will press for a bespoke deal with the European Union to ensure both frictionless trade and the ability for the country to negotiate trade deals with other countries, Interior Minister Amber Rudd said on Sunday.
Iran’s Rouhani raps new U.S. nuclear plan as threat to Russia
DUBAI (Reuters) – Iran accused the United States on Sunday of threatening Russia with new atomic weapons after Washington published a document outlining plans to expand its nuclear capabilities to deter others.
Merkel says expects coalition talks to be tough, unclear when will end
BERLIN (Reuters) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Sunday that it was unclear when her conservatives would be able to wrap up coalition talks with the Social Democrats (SPD) and she expected the remaining negotiations to be tough.
It’s when, not if: Singapore worries, and prepares, for militant attack
SINGAPORE (Reuters) – Armed officers patrol a train station where television screens and giant posters warn of the threat from militants. Nearby, fake gunmen storm a shopping mall in one of many recent terror attack simulations.
Sri Lanka eyeing longer talks with China on free trade agreement
BEIJING (Reuters) – Sri Lanka wants a longer-time period to negotiate a free trade agreement with China as it is concerned about the economic impact of a rushed deal on their small country, the Sri Lankan ambassador said on Sunday.
Costa Rica votes for a new president amid row over gay rights
SAN JOSE (Reuters) – Costa Ricans vote for a new president on Sunday in a race upended in the final weeks by a debate over same-sex marriage, as leading candidates in the crowded field fiercely opposed gay rights that have recently been expanding in La…
Cyprus heads back to polls for presidential runoff
NICOSIA (Reuters) – Greek Cypriots headed back to the polls on Sunday in a runoff presidential vote between an incumbent conservative pledging to re-energise talks at ending the island’s division, and a leftist opponent who accuses him of squandering c…
Ecuador votes on re-election limits, likely dashing Correa comeback
QUITO (Reuters) – Ecuadoreans on Sunday vote in a referendum on whether to prevent unlimited presidential re-election, with polls indicating the motion will likely pass and block former leftist President Rafael Correa from returning to power.




