Colombian rebels say prepared to call unilateral ceasefire
HAVANA (Reuters) – Leftist Colombian rebels said on Wednesday they are prepared to call a month-long unilateral ceasefire as of July 20, a move that could boost peace talks that have been threatened by increased battlefield violence in recent months.
European Parliament backs compromise in step towards U.S. trade deal
STRASBOURG (Reuters) – European lawmakers on Wednesday backed a compromise plan designed to spur negotiations on a trade pact between the European Union and the United States and overcome deep divisions within the European Parliament.
Iran says makes new proposal in nuclear talks, West unimpressed
VIENNA (Reuters) – Iran has offered “constructive solutions” to resolve disputes in nuclear talks with six major powers, the Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA) reported on Wednesday, but Western officials suggested they had heard nothing new from Tehr…
Out of sight but not power, Erdogan eyes snap Turkish election
ANKARA/ISTANBUL (Reuters) – Delays in efforts to form a coalition government in Turkey are buying time for President Tayyip Erdogan, heightening the chances of a snap election which could see his AK Party regain its majority and leaving the opposition …
Rival to Palestinian president wins ruling upholding immunity
RAMALLAH (Reuters) – In a potential blow to President Mahmoud Abbas, a Palestinian appeals court ruled on Wednesday in favor of maintaining parliamentary immunity for his rival Mohammed Dahlan, who has been charged with corruption.
Modi critic under investigation amid crackdown on foreign charities
NEW DELHI (Reuters) – India’s leading crime-fighting agency registered a case on Wednesday against a prominent critic of the prime minister for accepting foreign funds, amid concerns that overseas charities are interfering in the country’s domestic aff…
At least 18 killed in Algerian ethnic clashes: medical sources
ALGIERS (Reuters) – At least 18 people have been killed in clashes between Arabs and Berbers around the Algerian desert town of Ghardaia, with several businesses and homes burned down, medical sources and state media said on Wednesday.
Iraq sentences 24 to death over mass killing of soldiers
BAGHDAD (Reuters) – An Iraqi court sentenced 24 people to death on Wednesday over the killings of hundreds of mainly Shi’ite soldiers captured by Islamic State militants during their offensive through northern Iraq last year.
Taliban, Afghan officials hold peace talks, agree to meet again
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) – The first official peace talks between the Afghan Taliban and the government in Kabul concluded with an agreement to meet again after the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, officials said on Wednesday.
U.S., allies conduct 31 air strikes against Islamic State: U.S. military
WASHINGTON – The United States and its allies conducted 31 air strikes against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria on Monday, the coalition leading the operations said in a statement released early Wednesday.




