Russian energy minister says U.S. sanctions against his officials ‘unlawful’: agencies
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Newly-imposed U.S. sanctions against two Russian energy ministry officials are “unlawful” and Moscow will seek explanations from Washington, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Saturday, according to local news agencies.
Pro-Russian president, academic challenger face off in tight Czech presidential vote
PRAGUE (Reuters) – Czechs wrapped up voting on Saturday in a presidential election run-off where pro-western academic Jiri Drahos is trying to oust incumbent Milos Zeman, who has split the nation by courting Russia and China and leaning towards far-rig…
Revolutionary Guards clash with Islamic State in western Iran
BEIRUT (Reuters) – Iran’s Revolutionary Guards clashed with Islamic State militants in the western part of the country on Saturday, according to Sepah News, the official news site of the Guards.
Thai pro-democracy activists protest against junta delaying polls
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Pro-democracy activists in Thailand and more than a hundred supporters gathered on Saturday in a rare show of dissent to protest against the country’s military government for delaying a general election.
Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed released as corruption probe winds down
RIYADH (Reuters) – Saudi Arabian billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, one of the kingdom’s top international businessmen, was released from detention on Saturday, more than two months after he was taken into custody in a sweeping crackdown on corrupt…
Philippines warns of volcanic mudflows from heavy rains
LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines (Reuters) – Residents around an erupting volcano in central Philippines have should prepare to flee to safer areas because of risks from huge debris that could be swept from slopes by heavy rains, state volcanologists said on …
Yemen government bans protests in Aden ahead of separatist deadline
ADEN (Reuters) – Yemen’s internationally-recognized government said on Saturday it had banned public gatherings in Aden ahead of a deadline given by southern separatists to President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi to dismiss the cabinet.
South Sudan waives registration fees for aid groups for a year
JUBA (Reuters) – South Sudan has set aside temporarily the amount of money it charges foreign and local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to encourage groups to come in and help with a humanitarian crisis, a senior government official said.
Leading member of halted Egyptian presidential campaign attacked and injured
CAIRO (Reuters) – A leading member of an opposition campaign which was until this week challenging Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in upcoming elections was attacked and wounded outside his home on Saturday, his wife, lawyer, and a campaign spok…
Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal released: family sources
DUBAI (Reuters) – Saudi Arabian billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal has been released from detention, family sources said on Saturday, more than two months after he was taken into custody in the kingdom’s sweeping crackdown on corruption.
