Nigeria signals normality by putting Buhari’s deputy in charge
LAGOS (Reuters) – Nigeria’s deputy leader is making wide use of powers granted by President Muhammadu Buhari, who is on extended sick leave abroad, as the country seeks to avoid a debilitating power vacuum while it confronts its first recession in 25 y…
Stop hurling insults and listen, Pope Francis tells politicians
ROME (Reuters) – Politicians should lower the volume of their debates and stop insulting each other, Pope Francis said on Friday, adding that leaders should be open to dialogue with perceived enemies or risk sowing the seeds of war.
Thai police fail to find fugitive monk in temple search
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thai police failed to find a fugitive Buddhist monk wanted on money-laundering charges in a two-day search through the country’s biggest monastery, but will not stop the hunt, a spokesman said on Friday.
Turkey steps up scrutiny on Muslim migrants from Russia
ISTANBUL (Reuters) – Turkey has increased scrutiny of Russian-speaking Muslim communities in the past few months following a series of attacks blamed on Islamic State, a concrete example of the renewed relationship between the two countries.
Two main left candidates in French presidentials hold talks, Socialist says
PARIS/LONDON (Reuters) – The two main left-leaning candidates in France’s presidential election are holding talks on possible cooperation, a move that could potentially put one of them in contention to reach the crucial election runoff.
Exclusive: Japan to speed up frigate build to reinforce East China Sea – sources
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan plans to accelerate a warship building program to make two frigates a year to patrol the fringes of the East China Sea, where it disputes island ownership with China, three people with knowledge of the plan said.
China wraps up exercise with three warships in South China Sea
BEIJING (Reuters) – Three Chinese warships on Friday wrapped up a week of scheduled training exercises in the South China Sea, state media said, shortly after China’s sole aircraft carrier tested its weapons in the disputed region.
UAE says two soldiers dead in Yemen: state news agency
RIYADH (Reuters) – A soldier from the United Arab Emirates died while taking part in a Saudi-led military operation in Yemen, state news agency WAM reported on Friday, without clarifying the circumstances of his death.
Venezuela opposition parties fear election ban as Socialists dig in
CARACAS (Reuters) – Venezuela’s government is pushing forward with measures that could exclude some opposition political parties from future elections, potentially paving the way for the ruling Socialists to remain in power despite widespread anger ove…
After drug war contracting boom, Mexican prisons stand idle
PAPANTLA, Mexico (Reuters) – Guards at one of Mexico’s high security prisons have to worry much more about criminals breaking in than busting out.
