Kerry defends $400 million payment to Iran, says U.S. pays no ransoms
BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) – U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Thursday defended the Obama administration’s payment of $400 million in cash to Iran, denying it was a ransom for the release of American prisoners by Tehran or tied to the Iran nuclear dea…
UK’s Cameron rewards allies in resignation honors
LONDON (Reuters) – David Cameron has rewarded his political aides and allies with some of Britain’s highest honors to mark his resignation as prime minister, according to an official list published on Thursday.
Saudi investigation largely defends deadly air strikes in Yemen
DUBAI (Reuters) – An investigation by a Saudi-led coalition presented on Thursday largely defended a series of deadly coalition air strikes on markets, clinics and a wedding in Yemen, citing the presence of armed militiamen at the sites.
Air strikes thought to be Russian hit displaced camps in Syria: monitor
BEIRUT (Reuters) – Air strikes believed carried out by Russian warplanes hit two displaced persons’ camps west of Aleppo and near the Turkish border on Thursday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group reported.
Russia accuses U.S. of backing Syrian rebels who use poison gas on civilians
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia’s foreign ministry sharply criticized U.S. behavior in Syria on Thursday, accusing Washington of backing rebels who use poison gas against civilians and of killing hundreds in air strikes.
Security heightened as Pope visits namesake’s church in central Italy
ASSISI, Italy (Reuters) – Pope Francis visited the birthplace of the Franciscan order in central Italy on Thursday amid some of the tightest security ever seen on a papal trip, in the wake of a string of militant attacks across Europe.
Foreign tourists wounded in attack in western Afghanistan
KABUL (Reuters) – At least five foreign tourists and their driver were wounded in Afghanistan on Thursday in an attack by gunmen on their convoy as it passed through western Herat province, government officials said.
Italy’s anti-corruption agency probes Rome rubbish firm as waste piles up
ROME (Reuters) – Italy’s anti-corruption authority is investigating Rome’s public rubbish management agency as concerns grow that waste problems plaguing the capital could turn critical.
Cyprus to deport Austrian with ‘terror’ links: official
ATHENS (Reuters) – Cyprus will deport a “radicalized” Austrian man suspected of being a security risk by Interpol, authorities said on Thursday.
Myanmar military relaxes stance on rebels barred from peace talks
(Reuters) – Three ethnic armed groups excluded from Myanmar’s peace process will no longer be required to surrender, prior to joining the talks, a Myanmar military negotiator said on Thursday, a softening of the armed forces’ tone toward the insurgents…
