Syrian opposition says will attend talks, downplays chances of agreement
BEIRUT (Reuters) – Syria’s opposition said on Friday it would attend peace talks that were set for next Monday but downplayed the chances of reaching agreement with the Syrian government.
Syrian army aims for eastward advance with Palmyra attack
BEIRUT (Reuters) – The Syrian army backed by Russian air strikes is aiming to capture the historic city of Palmyra from Islamic State to open a road to the eastern province of Deir al-Zor in an offensive that got under way this week, a source close to …
Europe moves closer to imposing Libya sanctions: diplomats
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – European Union foreign ministers are considering sanctions on three Libyans they see as blocking efforts by the United Nations to form a government of national unity and may go ahead even if a government is agreed, diplomats said.
Advisory: Story on U.S. frigate sale to Taiwan withdrawn
BEIJING/WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The story headlined “China angered as U.S. approves frigate sale to Taiwan” is withdrawn. It was issued in error from an old U.S. State Department press release. There will be no substitute story.
As hard times hit, Egyptians at last find fault with Sisi
CAIRO (Reuters) – “Your exellency: you are not working,” television presenter Azza al-Henawy said, looking into the camera but addressing the Egyptian president. “Not one single issue has been solved since you took over.”
U.S. targets Islamic State in Iraq, Syria with 14 strikes: statement
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S.-led coalition conducted 14 strikes against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria on Thursday in its latest round of daily attacks on the militant group, the Combined Joint Task Force said in a statement.
Angola’s veteran leader Dos Santos says to step down in 2018
LUANDA (Reuters) – Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who has been in power since 1979 and is one of Africa’s longest-ruling leaders, said on Friday he intended to step down in 2018 but gave no reason for his decision and did not name a preferr…
Heavy shelling rocks fragile ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh
BAKU/YEREVAN (Reuters) – Azerbaijan and its rebel Nagorno-Karabakh region accused each other on Friday of violating a ceasefire with intense shelling, a sign that the two-decade-old conflict which has left some 30,000 people dead is far from a peaceful…
Iraq Shi’ite militia leader’s convoy attacked, two guards wounded: TV
BAGHDAD (Reuters) – The convoy of the leader of one of Iraq’s main Shi’ite militias, Aws al-Khafaji, came under attack and two of his guards were wounded, Baghdad-based Afaq TV reported on Friday.
EU stands ready to help Greece financially over migrant crisis: commissioner
ATHENS (Reuters) – The European Union is ready to support Greece financially to deal with a growing migrant crisis that is testing the country to its limits, European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid Christos Stylianides said on Friday.
