Mideast needs two-state solution, Pope says in Christmas message
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) – Pope Francis used his Christmas message on Monday to call for a negotiated two-state solution to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, after U.S. President Donald Trump stoked regional tensions with his recognition of Jerusalem…
Philippines’ Duterte’s son quits as vice mayor of hometown Davao
MANILA (Reuters) – Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s eldest son quit as vice mayor of the southern city of Davao on Monday, citing his being linked to a drug smuggling case by opponents and personal problems from a failed marriage as reasons for …
Saudi Arabia says Shi’ite judge killed by kidnappers
RIYADH (Reuters) – A Shi’ite Muslim judge abducted in eastern Saudi Arabia a year ago has been killed by his kidnappers, the Saudi state news agency SPA reported on Monday.
Israel praises Guatemala over Jerusalem embassy move
JERUSALEM/GUATEMALA CITY (Reuters) – Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales drew praise from Israeli officials on Monday for deciding to relocate the Central American country’s embassy to Jerusalem, a move in step with U.S. policy in a dispute over the cit…
Driver rams German party headquarters in apparent suicide bid
BERLIN (Reuters) – A man drove a car at the entrance of the Berlin headquarters of Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) late on Sunday evening, lightly injuring himself, later telling police that he had intended to commit suicide.
China calls for constructive efforts to ease Korean tensions
BEIJING (Reuters) – China called on Monday for all countries to make constructive efforts to ease tension after North Korea said the latest U.N. sanctions against it are an act of war and tantamount to a complete economic blockade.
Russia’s Lavrov calls on U.S. and North Korea to start talks: RIA
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called on Monday for the United States and North Korea to start negotiations, the RIA news agency reported.
Islamic State claims blast at Afghan intelligence agency in Kabul
KABUL (Reuters) – Islamic State claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a compound of Afghanistan’s national intelligence agency in Kabul on Monday, that killed at least five people and wounded two.
Peru president pardons ex-leader Fujimori; foes take to streets
LIMA (Reuters) – Peruvian President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski pardoned former authoritarian leader Alberto Fujimori late on Sunday, triggering Christmas Eve street clashes as protesters denounced the decision as part of a crude political deal.
Vietnam braces for typhoon as Philippine toll rises to 230 dead
HANOI/MANILA (Reuters) – Authorities in Vietnam prepared to move a million people from low-lying areas along the south coast on Monday as a typhoon approached after it battered the Philippines with floods and landslides that killed more than 230 people…
