Russian, Iranian presidents agree to work closely on Syria: Kremlin
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani agreed in a telephone conversation on Saturday to continue their close coordination in trying to end the Syria crisis, the Kremlin said in a statement.
Italy to seek to track down and deport migrants with no right to stay
ROME (Reuters) – Italy will seek to deport more migrants who have no right to be in the country and will open new detention centers to hold them before their expulsion, according to a written directive and a ministry source.
Nigeria’s Buhari says will pursue peace in restive Niger Delta in 2017
ABUJA (Reuters) – Nigeria’s government will seek a lasting peace settlement with militants in the oil-producing southern Niger Delta region in 2017, President Muhammadu Buhari said in a New Year’s message on Saturday.
Baghdad blasts kill 29 as Mosul fighting intensifies
BAGHDAD/ERBIL, Iraq (Reuters) – Three bombs killed 29 people in Baghdad on Saturday as fighting intensified in the northern city of Mosul, where Iraqi government forces are trying to rout Islamic State militants from their last major stronghold in the …
Venezuela ex-opposition governor says released from house arrest
CARACAS (Reuters) – Venezuelan authorities on Saturday released former opposition governor and presidential candidate Manuel Rosales from house arrest and freed five lesser-known anti-government activists from prison, Rosales said via Twitter.
Egypt court backs government in Red Sea islands dispute
CAIRO (Reuters) – An Egyptian appeals court on Saturday upheld an agreement to give control of two islands in the Red Sea to Saudi Arabia, providing a boost for the government in a case that has prompted rare street protests.
Thai King urges unity in first New Year speech
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn called for unity in his first New Year address since taking over from his late father, who was widely seen as a unifying force during decades of turbulence.
Trump praises Putin for holding back in U.S.-Russia spy dispute
PALM BEACH, Fla./ MOSCOW (Reuters) – U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Friday praised Russian President Vladimir Putin for refraining from retaliation in a dispute over spying and cyber attacks, in another sign that the Republican plans to patch up …
Japan eyes trilateral talks with China, South Korea in February: Kyodo
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan has approached China and South Korea about holding a trilateral summit in Tokyo in February aimed at deepening cooperation on such issues as a free trade deal, the environment and counter-terrorism, Kyodo news agency reported on…
Merkel says Islamist terrorism is biggest test for Germany
BERLIN (Reuters) – Islamist terrorism is the biggest test facing Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Saturday in a New Year’s address to the nation, and vowed to introduce laws that improve security after a deadly attack before Christmas in Berli…
