U.S. says no extension for Iran nuclear talks: State Department
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States will not consider an extension to reach an agreement on curbing Iran’s nuclear program, the State Department said on Wednesday, despite indications from France and Iran that talks may stretch into July.
Queen Elizabeth sets in motion Britain’s EU referendum plan
LONDON (Reuters) – Britain’s Queen Elizabeth set in motion on Wednesday the new government’s plans for an in-out referendum on staying in the European Union, but left open questions about when it will be and what changes to the EU the government wants …
Kurdish party committed to peace talks whatever Turkish poll outcome
ANTALYA, Turkey (Reuters) – Turkey’s Pro-Kurdish People’s Democratic Party (HDP) said on Wednesday June elections would lack legitimacy if a threshold for parliamentary representation deprived it of representation, but it would remain a partner in peac…
Israeli air force chief unfazed Egypt may get Russia’s S-300
HERZLIYA, Israel (Reuters) – The chief of Israel’s air force on Wednesday played down worries voiced by some fellow officials about the possibility of Egypt acquiring advanced Russian-made air defenses.
Member of Colombian rebel peace team killed in aerial bombing
HAVANA (Reuters) – The Colombian armed forces’ aerial bombing campaign against leftist guerrillas killed a member of the rebel negotiating team who had participated in peace talks being held in Cuba, a guerrilla commander said on Wednesday.
Egyptian police general killed in roadside bomb attack in Sinai
CAIRO (Reuters) – An Egyptian police brigadier general was killed in a roadside bomb attack on Wednesday in North Sinai, the interior ministry said, one of the most high-profile police deaths in the Islamist insurgency raging in the region.
Germany raps Russia over law against ‘undesirable’ NGOs
BERLIN (Reuters) – Germany on Wednesday criticized Russian president Vladimir Putin for signing a law allowing security officials to proceed against foreign and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) if they are deemed undesirable.
Eyeing EU membership, Albania and Serbia mend ties
TIRANA (Reuters) – Serbia and Albania should put aside their differences over Kosovo and forge closer economic ties to help both countries fulfil their ambitions to join the European Union, Serbian prime minister Aleksandar Vucic said on Wednesday.
South Sudan hunger at its worst since independence in 2011: experts
NAIROBI (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – More than 40 percent of South Sudan’s 11 million people need food aid, the latest analysis shows, the highest hunger levels recorded in the world’s youngest country, where fighting erupted 18 months ago.
Iraq rebrands military campaign against Islamic State over fears of sectarianism
BAGHDAD (Reuters) – A campaign led by Shi’ite paramilitaries to drive Islamic State militants from Iraq’s Sunni heartland was rebranded on Wednesday after criticism that the name chosen for the push was overtly sectarian.
