Zuma says South Africa, China sign deals worth $6.5 billion
PRETORIA (Reuters) – South Africa and China signed deals worth 94 billion rand ($6.5 billion) during talks between the two countries, President Jacob Zuma said on Wednesday, adding that relations between the two nations were at their “best ever”.
First small sign of climate accord on five-year review of carbon cuts
PARIS (Reuters) – Climate negotiators in Paris are drawing close to resolving one of the sticking points for a breakthrough emissions pact by favoring a five-year review period on promised greenhouse gas cuts, a top official said on Wednesday.
Iraqi politicians, militias warn Abadi against U.S. force deployment
BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Iraq’s ruling alliance and powerful Shi’ite militias say Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi would be digging his own political grave and undermining the fight against Islamic State if he permits the deployment of a new U.S. special oper…
In Erdogan insult case, Turkish court asks: is ‘Hobbit’ character Gollum evil?
ISTANBUL (Reuters) – A Turkish court has asked experts to determine whether the “Lord of the Rings” character Gollum is good or evil to decide whether a doctor insulted Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan, the defendant’s lawyer told Reuters on Wednesday…
Tourists try to identify safer destinations after attacks
BERLIN (Reuters) – Visitor numbers to Paris should recover quickly after last month’s deadly attacks but destinations such as Tunisia and Egypt may experience a more permanent drop in demand as tourists shift to places they view as safer, industry expe…
U.N. envoy says deal very close between Libya’s warring factions
ALGIERS (Reuters) – Libya’s warring factions are very close to a deal on forming a unity government and could sign a long-awaited accord in a month, the new U.N. envoy said.
Parliament no place for tear gas, Kerry tells Kosovo
PRISTINA (Reuters) – U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry called on opposition lawmakers in Kosovo on Wednesday to stop setting off tear gas in parliament, and on the young country to combat corruption, Islamic radicalism and ethnic division.
Victims and killers: Venezuela youth at sharp end of crime
PUERTO ORDAZ, Venezuela (Reuters) – At first sight, Yeyo looks inoffensive: a small, thin adolescent who still wears shorts and talks with a slight stutter.
We must respond to IS threat, German defense minister urges lawmakers
BERLIN (Reuters) – Germany’s defense minister appealed to lawmakers on Wednesday to back plans to join the military campaign against Islamic State (IS) insurgents in Syria, arguing that Europe must not be intimidated by the threat of attacks but respon…
France shuts mosque, arrests man in crackdown after attacks
PARIS (Reuters) – Police shut a mosque east of Paris and arrested the owner of a revolver found in related raids on Wednesday as part of a crackdown called after the Nov. 13 attacks on the capital, Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said.
