EU ‘ring of friends’ turns into ring of fire
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The European Union’s dream of building “a ring of friends” from the Caucasus to the Sahara has turned into a nightmare as conflicts beyond its borders send refugees teeming into Europe.
Somalia parliament speaker drops impeachment motion against president
MOGADISHU (Reuters) – Somalia’s parliamentary speaker has withdrawn an impeachment motion brought against President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud – the latest crisis to threaten the country’s stability as it struggles to rebound from two decades of chaos and w…
Haj death toll rises to 769, Iran denounces ‘crime’
DUBAI (Reuters) – The death toll in a crush at the annual haj pilgrimage outside Mecca rose to 769, Saudi Arabia said on Saturday, as arch-rival Iran said Saudi officials should be tried in an international court for what it called a crime.
Malaysia summons China envoy over comments on planned pro-Malay rally
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) – Malaysia has summoned China’s ambassador to clarify his remarks criticizing extremism and racism ahead of a planned pro-Malay rally in the capital. Local newspaper The Star said on Friday Ambassador Huang Huikang had warned tha…
In America’s birthplace, pope gives pep talk to immigrants
PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) – Pope Francis, speaking on Saturday in America’s birthplace, offered stout words of support to Hispanic and other immigrants in the United States, telling them not to be discouraged at a time when some prominent politicians are …
In Uighur heartland, China vows ‘heavy pressure’ to defeat militants
BEIJING (Reuters) – China will maintain “heavy pressure” to defeat militants in its far western region of Xinjiang, China’s fourth most senior leader said during a visit to its ethnic Uighur heartland, urging religious figures to take the lead in oppos…
China opens way to prosecute another former top official for graft
BEIJING (Reuters) – A former senior associate of China’s jailed one-time security chief Zhou Yongkang has been dismissed as a member of the largely rubber-stamp parliament after a graft probe, state media has said, paving the way for his prosecution.
U.S. admiral signals wider role for powerful Third Fleet in Western Pacific
TOKYO (Reuters) – A top U.S. admiral wants the powerful Third Fleet to expand its engagement in the Western Pacific region from its headquarters in San Diego by operating more closely with the Japan-based Seventh Fleet to focus on areas with the “great…
Satellite, missile test or space junk? North Korea readies launch
SEOUL (Reuters) – The satellite that North Korea launched into space three years ago circles the earth every 95 minutes at an altitude of about 540 km (335 miles), its orbit decaying.
Mexico pressured for answers on missing students, one year on
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – Tens of thousands marched in Mexico City on Saturday to demand answers on last year’s disappearances of 43 students, piling new pressure on President Enrique Pena Nieto to clear up a case that has battered his image.
