Ecuador’s Correa quips he nearly ‘brings down’ new Argentine leader
BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) – Latin America’s left-wing leaders may expect a more complicated relationship with Argentina’s new, conservative president Mauricio Macri than with his predecessor, but none likely expected almost “bringing him down” on his firs…
Jamaica activist challenges anti-gay law in bid to end violence, discrimination
KINGSTON, Jamaica (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – Three years ago, gay rights activist Maurice Tomlinson fled his native Jamaica for Canada, fearing for his safety after news of his marriage to a man instigated death threats.
Syrian opposition to meet government for talks in early January
RIYADH (Reuters) – A joint team of Syria’s political and armed opposition will meet the government next month for talks seeking a political solution to nearly five years of conflict, the chairman of a Saudi-hosted opposition conference said on Friday.
Imprisoned Saudi blogger on hunger strike, wife says
MONTREAL (Reuters) – Imprisoned Saudi blogger Raif Badawi has been on a hunger strike since Tuesday after being transferred to a “new isolated” prison, his wife, Ensaf Haidar, said on Thursday.
Brazil’s speaker plays for time to dodge corruption probe
BRASILIA (Reuters) – Brazilian lawmakers almost came to blows on Thursday in a heated committee hearing that failed for a sixth time to decide whether to investigate lower house speaker Eduardo Cunha for lying about his bank accounts in Switzerland.
North Korean leader Kim’s H-bomb claim draws skepticism
SEOUL (Reuters) – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Thursday appeared to say his country has developed a hydrogen bomb, a step up from the less powerful atomic bomb, but the United States and outside experts were skeptical.
Venezuela Congress taps Lopez judge as ombudsman, outraging foes
CARACAS (Reuters) – Venezuela’s outgoing National Assembly on Thursday tapped a judge who is hated by the opposition for jailing politician Leopoldo Lopez as the next human rights ombudsman in the increasingly hostile aftermath of legislative elections…
Yemen’s Houthis says sent list of negotiators to U.N. for peace talks
DUBAI (Reuters) – The leader of Yemen’s Houthis said on Thursday his movement had given the United Nations the names of its delegates to U.N.-sponsored peace talks due to start in Switzerland next week.
Erdogan says Turkish troops not leaving Iraq yet
(Reuters) – Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday said it was “out of the question for the moment” that Turkish troops would withdraw from Iraq, after Baghdad accused Ankara of sending them in without permission.
French far-right in last push as polls predict election defeats
PARIS (Reuters) – French far-right leader Marine Le Pen on Thursday lashed out at what she called “undemocratic” behavior by mainstream parties after polls showed tactical voting could keep her party out of power in key regions.
