U.S. calls on China to release detained women’s rights activists
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – The United States called on China on Thursday to immediately release five women’s rights activists, who were detained for apparently planning to demonstrate against sexual harassment on public transport.
Hungary-Russia nuclear deal hits EU hurdle
(Reuters) – Hungary’s 10 billion euro ($10.6 billion) plan to expand its Soviet-era Paks nuclear power plant in a deal with Russia has hit an objection in the European Commission that may oblige Budapest to revise the terms, EU sources said on Thursday…
Venezuela envoy sorry for joke about bullets striking opponents
CARACAS (Reuters) – Venezuela’s ambassador to the Organization of American States apologized on Thursday for joking how bullets would sound going through “empty” heads of government opponents.
Local groups help parts of war-torn Syria that big aid agencies can’t reach
LONDON (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – Local groups outside the formal aid sector, many formed “around the kitchen table”, are helping to fill gaps in the humanitarian response in Syria, reaching communities big agencies cannot access, a leading think t…
An attack wounded three army members in Egypt’s Sinai: sources
ISMAILIA, Egypt (Reuters) – An attack on a checkpoint with rocket-propelled grenades wounded one army officer and two other soldiers in the Egyptian city of al-Arish on Thursday, security sources said, the latest in a string of attacks in the Sinai pen…
Brazil arrests former Italian guerrilla pending deportation
BRASILIA (Reuters) – Brazil’s Federal Police on Thursday arrested an Italian former leftist guerrilla wanted for murder in his country and were holding him pending possible deportation to France, a police spokesman said.
Haiti announces dates for presidential and legislative elections
PORT-AU-PRINCE (Reuters) – Haiti’s electoral council announced dates on Thursday for the Caribbean nation’s long overdue legislative and municipal elections, as well as the next presidential vote later this year.
Exclusive: Secret meetings in Pakistan expose obstacles to Afghan peace talks
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) – Days after word leaked that the Afghan Taliban had signaled willingness to enter talks to end Afghanistan’s long war, senior representatives of the militant group visited Islamabad for secret discussions on the next step forward.
Islamic State leader accepts allegiance of Nigeria’s Boko Haram
BEIRUT (Reuters) – The leader of the Islamic State militant group that controls tracts of Syria and Iraq has accepted a pledge of allegiance from Nigerian Islamists Boko Haram, his spokesman said, calling on supporters to fight in Africa.
Exclusive: Major nations hold talks on ending U.N. sanctions on Iran – officials
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – Major world powers have begun talks about a United Nations Security Council resolution to lift U.N. sanctions on Iran if a nuclear agreement is struck with Tehran, a step that could make it harder for the U.S. Congress to und…
