Sudan’s Darfur votes on political future, rebels cry foul
El FASHER, Sudan (Reuters) – Darfuris began voting on Monday in a referendum on whether to reunite the states of their arid western region into one entity, a poll that Sudan says will settle a contentious issue at the heart of the long-running conflict…
U.S., allies stage 18 strikes in Iraq, Syria against Islamic State: U.S. military
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States and its allies conducted 18 strikes against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria on Sunday, the coalition leading the operations said.
Norway’s Lutheran church votes in favor of same-sex marriage
OSLO (Reuters) – Norway’s Lutheran Church voted on Monday in favor of allowing same-sex marriage, becoming the latest of a small but growing number of churches worldwide to do so.
U.N. envoy raises fragile truce with Syrian Foreign Minister
GENEVA (Reuters) – U.N. Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura said he used a meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moalem on Monday to urge Damascus to support Syria’s shaky truce and allow more humanitarian aid access.
UNHCR condemns use of tear gas against refugees at Macedonia-Greece border
GENEVA (Reuters) – The United Nations’ refugee agency UNHCR condemned on Monday the use of tear gas by Macedonian police against refugees on the border with Greece and said such action damaged Europe’s image.
Islamic State regains Syrian stronghold near Turkey border: monitor
AMMAN (Reuters) – Islamic State militants took back a stronghold in Syria near the border with Turkey on Monday, four days after losing it to a grouping of rebels, a monitoring group said.
Philippines army on defensive after bloody clash with militants
MANILA (Reuters) – The Philippines army defended its operations on Monday after 18 soldiers were killed and more than 50 wounded in a jungle ambush by militants in the south of the country who have pledged allegiance to Islamic State.
Ukraine ‘very volatile’ after PM resignation, says Council of Europe
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – Ukraine has become “very volatile” since Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk resigned, the head of the Council of Europe said on Monday, calling for the swift formation of a new government and speedier progress on reforms.
Red Cross, aid groups say will resist tougher Austrian asylum bill
VIENNA (Reuters) – Aid groups, including the Red Cross, said on Monday they would resist plans by the Austrian government to toughen its asylum process, shifting decision-making to centers near its borders.
Thai opposition leader says military-drafted charter should be rejected
BANGKOK (Reuters) – A Thai opposition leader warned the ruling junta on Monday that his followers would reject in an August vote a military-drafted constitution, which critics say would enshrine the generals’ domination of politics.
