Israel awards top literature prize to novelist critical of its policies
JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Israel’s national prize for literature, one of its most prestigious honors, is to be awarded this year to novelist David Grossman, an outspoken critic of Israel’s policy toward the Palestinians.
Syrian frontline town divides NATO allies Turkey and U.S.
ISTANBUL (Reuters) – A dispute between Turkey and the United States over control of a north Syrian town has put the NATO allies on opposing sides of the conflict’s front line, deepening a diplomatic rift ahead of a visit to Turkey by U.S. Secretary of …
Merkel, SPD under renewed fire over German coalition deal
BERLIN (Reuters) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the leader of the Social Democrats (SPD) faced further criticism on Monday from within their own parties over a new coalition deal that must still be approved by disgruntled SPD rank-and-file membe…
Dutch foreign minister admits lying about meeting Putin in 2006
AMSTERDAM (Reuters) – Dutch Foreign Minister Halbe Zijlstra admitted on Monday that he lied about hearing Russian President Vladimir Putin make comments about plans for a “greater Russia.”
Ukraine crisis needs 20,000-strong U.N. force: report
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The United Nations should consider a force of some 20,000 soldiers from non-NATO countries and 4,000 police to help resolve the crisis in Ukraine, according to a new report to be presented to top officials this week.
EU urges restraint in latest Syria escalation
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The European Union’s executive on Monday said the warring Syrian parties and their regional allies should show restraint to avoid a further spiral of violence in the region.
Pence raises prospect of talks with North Korea alongside ‘intensified’ pressure
SEOUL/WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Comments by U.S. Vice President Mike Pence suggest the United States may be looking more favorably at diplomatic engagement with North Korea as South Korea considers a rare summit with its neighbor and long-time foe.
Sri Lanka’s ex-leader seeks fresh elections after council vote boost
COLOMBO (Reuters) – Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa called on Monday for parliament to be dissolved and fresh elections to be held after a party backed by him won local council polls in the strongest rebuff yet to the unity government.
U.S. Secretary of State says Washington backs Egypt in fight against terrorism
CAIRO (Reuters) – U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Monday the United States supports Egypt’s fight against Islamic State but reiterated that it advocated free and fair elections in the Arab country.
Tillerson says up to North Korea to decide when ready to engage in talks
CAIRO (Reuters) – U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said in Cairo on Monday it was up to North Korea to decide when it was ready to engage in sincere talks with the United States.
