Sweden edges up military spending, says more to come
STOCKHOLM (Reuters) – The Swedish government and part of the political opposition agreed on Monday to boost defense spending by 500 million crowns ($55.7 million) this year to bolster military capabilities in the face of growing security concerns in th…
Guinea soldier accused over stadium massacre extradited to face trial
CONAKRY (Reuters) – A Guinean soldier accused of involvement in a massacre of at least 150 people has been extradited from Senegal to Guinea to face trial, judicial sources said on Monday.
Hungary re-elects President Ader in display of Orban’s dominance
BUDAPEST (Reuters) – Hungarian lawmakers comfortably re-elected ruling Fidesz party veteran Janos Ader as President for another five years on Monday, a sign of Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s firm grip on power just over a year before a parliamentary ele…
Defense spending by European NATO allies inches up in 2016
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – Defense spending by European NATO states inched up in 2016 compared to the previous year, data by the military alliance showed on Monday, but still remained below the threshold the new U.S. President Donald Trump said was crucial t…
Scottish leader demands new independence vote before Brexit
EDINBURGH (Reuters) – Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Monday demanded a new independence referendum in late 2018 or early 2019, once the terms of Britain’s exit from the European Union have become clearer.
Iraq forces face tough resistance in advance on Mosul’s Old City
MOSUL (Reuters) – Iraqi forces battling Islamic State faced tough resistance from snipers and mortar rounds on Monday as they tried to advance on Mosul’s Old City and a bridge across the Tigris river in their campaign to retake the western part of the …
UK will not let lawmakers tie May’s hands in Brexit talks: spokesman
LONDON (Reuters) – The British government will not agree to any changes to its Brexit legislation that would tie Prime Minister Theresa May’s hands in exit negotiations with the European Union, May’s spokesman said on Monday.
North Korea shuns U.N. rights review as calls grow for justice
GENEVA (Reuters) – North Korea boycotted a U.N. review of its human rights record on Monday, shunning calls for the Pyongyang leadership to be held to account for crimes against humanity documented by the world body.
Gaza tailor makes prayer caps for Jewish worshippers
GAZA (Reuters) – It’s not easy doing business from Gaza but tailor Mohammad Abu Shanab has found a demand he can supply — his sewing factory is churning out religious skull caps, for devout Jewish men.
Russia says ready to resume contacts with USA on Syria: Ifax
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov said on Monday that Moscow was ready to resume contacts with the United States on Syria, the Interfax news agency reported.
