Mansion where Obama to stay in Havana ‘built to impress’
HAVANA (Reuters) – The mansion in Havana where U.S. President Barack Obama and his family will spend two nights has survived war, revolution and an Albanian occupation.
Syrian rebels condemn Kurdish-led moves toward regional autonomy
BEIRUT (Reuters) – Syrian rebel factions on Friday condemned a declaration of federalism in Kurdish-controlled regions of northern Syria and vowed to resist it by force, a day after those areas voted to seek autonomy.
Cruise ship rescues 18 Cuban migrants who say nine others died
(Reuters) – A cruise ship off the Florida coast on Friday rescued 18 Cuban migrants who said nine fellow travelers died during their 22-day-long journey, the U.S. Coast Guard said.
Cuba honors Venezuelan leader with medal ahead of Obama visit
HAVANA (Reuters) – Cuba honored Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro with its highest state honor on Friday in an act of defiance two days before U.S. President Barack Obama is due for a historic visit to Havana.
U.S. concerned by Egypt’s investigation of human rights groups
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Friday he was deeply concerned by the deterioration in the human rights situation in Egypt, including Egypt’s decision to reopen an investigation of non-governmental organizations.
Ex-official accuses United Nations of ‘colossal mismanagement’
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – A former United Nations official with decades of experience in senior positions accused the world body of “colossal mismanagement,” saying on Friday it had failed to uphold the principles for which it was established.
Congo soldiers accused of attacking civilians: report
BRAZZAVILLE (Reuters) – Soldiers in Democratic Republic of Congo’s army have taken part in at least three deadly attacks on civilians and turned a blind eye to other assaults carried out by rebels, a former U.N. investigator said in a report released o…
Senior UK minister resigns over planned welfare cuts
LONDON (Reuters) – A senior British cabinet minister resigned on Friday citing concerns about the latest round of cuts to benefits announced earlier this week, in a surprise move that heaps pressure on finance minister George Osborne.
Obama’s Argentina trip raises questions about Macri rights record
BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) – Celeste Perosino was investigating possible crimes committed by Argentina’s central bank during the “Dirty War” military dictatorship decades ago before her team was disbanded by the new conservative President Mauricio Macri.
U.N. says Saudi-led bombing of Yemen market may be international crime
GENEVA/RIYADH (Reuters) – The Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen may be responsible for “international crimes”, a category that includes war crimes and crimes against humanity, the top U.N. human rights official said on Friday.
