Benin’s long-ruling former president Kerekou dies at 82
COTONOU (Reuters) – Benin’s long-ruling former president Mathieu Kerekou has died at the age of 82, leading to a week of national mourning for the Marxist who seized power in a coup but later set off a new wave of African democracy.
Germany vows tougher control of spy agency after new revelations
BERLIN (Reuters) – Germany’s justice minister has called for tighter control of the national foreign intelligence agency, after media reported its spies had targeted the embassies of allied countries without the government’s express permission.
Croatia presses Austria, Germany, for not arresting Hungarian businessman
ZAGREB (Reuters) – Croatia has asked Austria and Germany to explain why they did not act on an international arrest warrant and detain the head of Hungarian energy firm MOL when he was on their territory, the interior minister said on Thursday.
France says Iran missile test ‘worrying’ violation of U.N. resolution
PARIS (Reuters) – Iran’s test of a ballistic missile earlier this week was a clear violation of a U.N. Security Council resolution and sends “a worrying message”, French Foreign Ministry spokesman Romain Nadal said on Thursday.
Sweden Democrats to advertise in Middle East to deter migrants
STOCKHOLM (Reuters) – The anti-immigration Sweden Democrats said on Thursday they would launch an advertising campaign in foreign media to discourage asylum-seekers from heading to the Nordic country, where record numbers have sought shelter this year….
Turkey proposes to EU completing visa liberalization in 2016: PM
ANKARA (Reuters) – Turkey has proposed to the European Union to bring forward a visa liberalization plan for its citizens that it wants before agreeing to take back illegal migrants who enter the EU through its territory.
Iraqi forces and militia seize most of Baiji refinery: officials
TIKRIT, Iraq (Reuters) – Iraqi forces and Shi’ite militia fighters recaptured most of the country’s largest oil refinery from Islamic State militants on Thursday, security officials said.
France says it’s discussing new Central African U.N. sanctions list
PARIS (Reuters) – France said on Thursday it was working with partners at the United Nations Security Council to impose new sanctions on individuals threatening peace and blocking political transition in the Central African Republic (CAR).
Hungary says fence finished on Croatian border
BUDAPEST (Reuters) – Hungary’s fence on its border with Croatia is finished and the army and police are capable of sealing off the border once a decision to do so is made, a top government official said on Thursday.
Hong Kong police, democracy activist charged over beating
HONG KONG (Reuters) – Seven Hong Kong police officers have been charged in connection with the beating of a protester during pro-democracy demonstrations in the Chinese-ruled city late last year that brought large parts of the financial center to a hal…
