Russia says Kiev’s actions will escalate Ukraine fighting
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia said on Wednesday military action by the Ukrainian government would prompt an “inevitable further escalation of the conflict” with pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine and undermine any peacemaking.
Venezuela’s Cabello: defector after money, can’t prove drug claims
CARACAS (Reuters) – Venezuelan Socialist Party heavyweight Diosdado Cabello on Wednesday said a defector reportedly accusing him of running a drug ring was merely chasing money and had no proof.
Raul Castro warns U.S. against meddling in Cuba’s affairs
SAN JOSE (Reuters) – Cuba will not accept any interference from the United States, President Raul Castro said on Wednesday, warning that meddling in its internal affairs would make rapprochement between the two countries “meaningless.”
Thailand accuses U.S. of meddling in its politics
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thailand accused the United States on Wednesday of meddling in its political affairs, saying many Thais had been hurt by remarks of a visiting U.S. envoy who criticized actions by the ruling military junta.
Survivors say Iraqi forces watched as Shi’ite militias executed 72 Sunnis
BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Survivors tell the same story: they were taken from their homes by men in uniform; heads down and linked together, then led in small groups to a field, made to kneel, and selected to be shot one by one.
Libyan carrier halts flights after crew killed in Tripoli hotel attack
TRIPOLI (Reuters) – Libyan carrier Buraq Airlines said on Wednesday it had suspended all flights for two days after one of its air crews was killed in an attack on a luxury hotel in Tripoli.
Egyptian poet goes on trial accused of contempt of Islam
CAIRO (Reuters) – A prominent Egyptian poet could face up to three years in jail over a Facebook post in which she criticized the slaughter of animals at a Muslim festival, a case which rights activists say shows how the government is muzzling free spe…
Litvinenko autopsy was world’s most dangerous, UK inquiry hears
LONDON (Reuters) – Pathologists examining the body of ex-KGB spy Alexander Litvinenko, poisoned with a rare radioactive isotope nine years ago in London, carried out the world’s most dangerous-ever autopsy on his body, an inquiry into his killing heard…
German anti-Islam group PEGIDA loses second leader in a week
BERLIN (Reuters) – German anti-Islam movement PEGIDA lost its second leader in a week on Wednesday when Kathrin Oertel, who took over after the founder quit for posing as Hitler, also stepped down, citing media pressure.
Russia’s Putin meets with Iranian presidential envoy: Kremlin
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russian President Vladimir Putin, along with Energy Minister Alexander Novak and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, met with the envoy of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, the Kremlin said in a statement on Wednesday.
