Pope criticizes nations that close doors to migrants
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) – Pope Francis on Wednesday called for respect for migrants and suggested that “people and institutions” who close doors to them should seek forgiveness from God.
U.N. Syria envoy condemns attacks by both sides, seeks greater access
GENEVA (Reuters) – The United Nations mediator for Syria, who held talks with President Bashar al-Assad this week, on Wednesday condemned the government’s “unacceptable” heavy bombing of civilian areas near Damascus and deadly rebel attacks on Aleppo.
Venezuela students join opposition leader’s hunger-strike protest
CARACAS (Reuters) – Jailed Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez has lost 12 kilograms (26 pounds) on a partial hunger-strike now in its fourth week, his family said, while students around the country escalate similar protests in solidarity.
Family hears from British sisters and nine children feared Syria-bound
LONDON/ANKARA (Reuters) – One of three British sisters, thought to have headed with their nine children to join Islamic State militants, has made contact with her family in Britain and given an indication the group may be in Syria, British police said …
China gives more details on South China Sea facilities
BEIJING (Reuters) – The Chinese government on Wednesday rolled out more details of the building work it is undertaking in the disputed South China Sea, listing lighthouses, communications stations and other facilities for civilian and emergency use.
China securities firm chief dismissed over graft allegations
BEIJING (Reuters) – The chairman of China Investment Securities, a brokerage owned by China’s sovereign wealth fund China Investment Corporation, has been removed from his post following a corruption investigation, the communist party’s graft watchdog …
Black challenger threatens ANC across South Africa’s racial divide
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – Young, charismatic and pro-business, South Africa’s first black opposition leader, Mmusi Maimane, could be the poster boy for the racially inclusive, socially equal “Rainbow Nation” envisioned by the late Nelson Mandela.
Boko Haram bombs kill 13, injure 45 in northern Nigeria
BAUCHI (Reuters) – Bombs found at an abandoned stronghold of Boko Haram Islamists exploded, killing at least 13 people and injuring 45 others in northeast Nigeria, locals and a hospital source said.
Germany says would vote for Spain’s De Guindos to lead Eurogroup
BERLIN (Reuters) – Germany would support Spain’s Economy Minister Luis de Guindos to succeed the Netherlands’ Jeroen Dijsselbloem as chairman of the Eurogroup of euro zone finance minister, a spokesman for Germany’s Finance Ministry said on Wednesday.
U.S., allies target Islamic State with 11 air strikes in Syria, Iraq
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States and its coalition partners staged 11 air strikes in Syria and Iraq on Tuesday targeting Islamic State militants, the Combined Joint Task Force leading the operation said.
