EU keeps up pressure on Russia by extending economic sanctions
LUXEMBOURG (Reuters) – European Union foreign ministers extended economic sanctions on Russia until Jan. 31 on Monday, keeping up pressure on Moscow to help resolve the Ukraine conflict.
Venezuela to hold parliamentary election on December 6
CARACAS (Reuters) – Venezuela’s parliamentary election will be held on Dec. 6, authorities announced on Monday, ending lengthy speculation over the date for a vote that surveys showed was likely to punish the ruling socialists.
U.S. pledges troops, equipment for NATO rapid response force
MUENSTER, Germany (Reuters) – The United States said on Monday it would contribute special operations forces, intelligence and other high-end military assets to a new NATO rapid response force that aims in part to deter any future actions by Russia.
France wants strong nuclear agreement with Iran
LUXEMBOURG (Reuters) – France wants a robust nuclear agreement with Iran that must include a strong verification mechanism to check Tehran’s compliance with any deal, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said on Monday.
Iran says good nuclear deal more important than deadline
DUBAI (Reuters) – It is worth missing the June 30 deadline in nuclear talks between Iran and world powers by a few days in order to get a good deal, Iran’s foreign minister was quoted as saying on Monday.
France vows to strengthen cooperation with U.N. mission in Mali
BAMAKO (Reuters) – France vowed on Monday to strengthen cooperation with the U.N. mission in Mali as it seeks to implement an ambitious peace deal aimed at stabilizing the volatile north.
Germany frees Al Jazeera journalist despite Egypt’s request
BERLIN (Reuters) – Prominent Al Jazeera journalist Ahmed Mansour walked free from a Berlin prison on Monday, drawing a line under an awkward diplomatic incident for Germany two days after he was detained at Egypt’s request.
Blasts kill at least 10 at market in Nigeria’s Maiduguri
MAIDUGURI (Reuters) – Two explosions killed at least 10 people at a crowded market in the northern Nigerian city of Maiduguri on Monday, witnesses and sources said.
Egypt security forces kill 22 suspected militants in North Sinai: sources
ISMAILIA, Egypt (Reuters) – Egyptian security forces killed 22 suspected militants who were planning to target security forces in the restive North Sinai province on Monday, security sources said.
Tripoli forces hit Islamic State in Libya with air strikes
TRIPOLI (Reuters) – Libya’s self-declared government in control of the capital Tripoli has launched air strikes on Islamic State fighters in the city of Sirte, officials and witnesses said on Monday.
