Rights group decries ‘crisis of violence and impunity’ in Mexico
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – Too many crimes, including torture, disappearances and killings, go uninvestigated in Mexico, which is suffering a “serious crisis of violence and impunity,” the Inter-American Human Rights Commission (IACHR) said on Wednesday.
Philippine officials say China blocked access to disputed South China Sea atoll
MANILA (Reuters) – China sent several ships to a disputed atoll in the South China Sea, preventing Filipino fishermen from accessing traditional fishing grounds and raising tensions in the volatile region, Philippine officials said on Wednesday.
Merkel calls for Germany to get more involved in world affairs
WITTLICH, Germany (Reuters) – Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Wednesday for Germany to play a bigger role in world affairs, resisting domestic pressure for the country to turn in on itself in the face of the migrant crisis.
Spanish royals knew my business, princess’s husband tells court
MADRID (Reuters) – The husband of Spain’s Princess Cristina said on Wednesday the royal family was fully aware of the business deals of his not-for-profit organization, the subject of an investigation that has landed him and his wife in court on charge…
Homicides in El Salvador double during first two months of 2016
SAN SALVADOR (Reuters) – Worsening gang violence led to a surge in homicides in the first two months of 2016 in El Salvador, which last year became a contender to be the world’s most murderous country, official police data showed on Wednesday.
Spanish Socialists defeated in first vote on coalition plan
MADRID (Reuters) – A coalition plan by Spanish Socialist leader Pedro Sanchez stumbled at the first hurdle on Wednesday as rivals on the left and right voted against it in parliament and set in motion a two-month countdown to avoid another election.
Biden, Iraq’s Abadi discuss military, financial support in call: White House
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Vice President Joe Biden spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Wednesday to discuss military assistance requested by Iraq to fight Islamic State militants, the White House said.
Spanish al Qaeda commander killed by French forces in Mali: sources
DAKAR (Reuters) – French forces killed a Spaniard working as an al Qaeda commander in northern Mali during a military operation against the group this week, a Spanish intelligence firm and security sources said.
Spain’s Socialist leader loses first vote to become prime minister
MADRID (Reuters) – The leader of Spain’s Socialists Pedro Sanchez lost a parliamentary vote to become the country’s next prime minister on Wednesday, securing the backing of only 130 representatives in the 350-strong assembly.
U.N. says aid ship docks in Yemen after diversion to Saudi Arabia
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – A World Food Programme (WFP) ship carrying humanitarian aid offloaded its cargo in Yemen on Wednesday, the United Nations said, after it was diverted to Saudi Arabia last month because it was carrying communications equipment…
