Obama to block exports of goods, technology, services to Crimea
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama on Friday said he would ban exports of goods, technology or services to Ukraine’s Crimea region, and called on Russia to end its annexation of the region.
Cuba not returning to capitalism despite U.S. deal: Castro’s daughter
HAVANA (Reuters) – Cuba will defend its socialist principles and will not return to capitalism just because it has agreed a detente with the United States, the daughter of President Raul Castro said, dispelling any notion that U.S. companies would be f…
Turkish court issues arrest warrant for U.S.-based Erdogan rival, media reports
ISTANBUL (Reuters) – A Turkish court issued an arrest warrant on Friday for U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen whose followers are accused by President Tayyip Erdogan of leading a terrorist plot to seize power, according to media.
Bulgaria approves pension change despite coalition rift
SOFIA (Reuters) – Bulgaria’s parliament on Friday approved making private pension contributions optional despite the junior coalition partners voting against a plan that has been criticized by the financial sector and brought Bulgarians out onto the st…
China arrests U.S. missionary near North Korea border
BEIJING (Reuters) – China on Friday arrested Korean American missionary who was being held near the country’s border with North Korea, signaling a toughening crackdown on Christian activists in the sensitive region.
Iraqi Kurds claim more territory after breaking siege of Sinjar
DOHUK, Iraq (Reuters) – Kurdish forces claimed to have seized more territory on Friday after breaking the siege of Sinjar mountain in what they called their biggest victory yet in their war against Islamic State.
EU leaders prepare for long confrontation with Russia
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – European Union leaders warned Moscow they are ready to flex their combined muscle and “stay the course” in a long confrontation with Russia if President Vladimir Putin refuses to pull back from Ukraine.
Bouteflika’s mental ability intact, will continue in power: party chief
ALGIERS (Reuters) – President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s mental and cognitive faculties are intact and he will continue to govern Algeria, the ruling FLN party’s chairman said on Friday, in comments aimed at quashing rumours over the ageing leader’s health…
Exclusive: Iran’s support for Syria tested by oil price drop
AMMAN (Reuters) – Syrian businessmen and trade officials say they are worried the economic lifeline provided by Iran is under strain from plunging oil prices, despite public messages of support from Syria’s strongest regional ally.
Russia condemns new U.S. sanctions bill
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia’s Foreign ministry said on Friday it was deeply disappointed U.S. President Barack Obama had signed into law a new bill on sanctions against Moscow over the Ukraine crisis and said the bill was “anti-Russian by its nature”.
