Gambia’s new president pledges fresh start, economic reform
BANJUL (Reuters) – Gambia’s President Adama Barrow vowed on Saturday to revive the country’s faltering economy with sweeping reforms as he sought to draw a line under the erratic 22-year rule of his predecessor.
Powers push for ceasefire, weapons withdrawal in eastern Ukraine
MUNICH (Reuters) – Germany, France, Russia and Ukraine agreed on Saturday to use their influence to implement a ceasefire and the withdrawal of heavy weapons from Monday in eastern Ukraine.
Aoun: Israeli threats to Lebanese sovereignty will meet ‘appropriate response’
BEIRUT (Reuters) – Lebanese President Michel Aoun said on Saturday that any Israeli attempt to violate Lebanon’s sovereignty would be met with the “appropriate response”, in a statement released by his office.
Putin orders Russia to recognize documents issued in rebel-held east Ukraine
MOSCOW (Reuters) – President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian authorities on Saturday to temporarily recognize civil registration documents issued in separatist-held areas of eastern Ukraine, the Kremlin said.
Wilders at Dutch campaign launch vows to crack down on ‘Moroccan scum’
SPIJKENISSE, Netherlands (Reuters) – Dutch anti-Muslim, anti-EU party leader Geert Wilders promised to crack down on “Moroccan scum” who he said were making the streets unsafe and urged the Dutch to “regain” their country as he launched his election ca…
Battle in west Mosul could see siege, mass displacement: U.N.
ERBIL, Iraq (Reuters) – Iraq’s U.S.-backed offensive against Islamic State in western Mosul could displace up to 400,000 civilians and involve a siege in the densely populated old city, the United Nations’ Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq said on Satu…
Turkey sets out Raqqa operation plans to U.S.: report
ISTANBUL (Reuters) – Turkey has presented two proposals to the United States for how to carry out a joint military operation to drive Islamic State from its stronghold in the Syrian city of Raqqa, Turkish newspaper Hurriyet reported on Saturday.
Merkel calls for joint efforts with Russia to battle Islamist terrorism
MUNICH (Reuters) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday said Europe’s ties with Russia remained challenging, but it was important to work with Russia in the fight against Islamist terrorism.
Chief minister wins stormy confidence vote in India’s carmaking state
NEW DELHI (Reuters) – The chief minister of India’s southern state of Tamil Nadu won a confidence vote on Sunday after a brawl in the state assembly, triggered when the speaker rejected opposition calls for a secret ballot.
Trump’s defense chief visits UAE in first Middle East trip
ABU DHABI – U.S. President Donald Trump’s defense secretary arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Saturday for talks with one of Washington’s closest allies in the Middle East.
