Stung by sanctions scandal, Cuba defends North Korea at U.N.
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – Cuba, which was involved in a violation of U.N. sanctions against North Korea last year, has come to the aid of Pyongyang to defend it against a Western-led push to bring its alleged human rights abuses to The Hague, envoys s…
Ukraine redeploys troops, fearing new rebel offensive
KIEV/DONETSK Ukraine (Reuters) – Ukraine said on Wednesday it was redeploying troops in the east because of fears that separatists will launch a new military offensive, despite Russia’s denials it has sent troops to reinforce the rebels.
Doors closing for Syrians seeking refuge abroad: humanitarian agencies
OSLO (Reuters) – Syria’s neighbors Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan and Iraq are cutting back sharply on the number of Syrians they allow onto their soil as they can no longer cope with the influx of refugees, two prominent humanitarian agencies said on Thursda…
Final deal in Iran nuclear talks unlikely by deadline: sources
NEW YORK/ANKARA (Reuters) – Despite nearly a year of negotiations, Iran and six major powers are unlikely to meet a Nov. 24 deadline to reach a final deal to lift international sanctions on Tehran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program, officials…
Italy’s Renzi dismisses early election talk, moves closer to vote reform
ROME (Reuters) – Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said on Wednesday his government would aim to remain in office until 2018, dismissing speculation of early elections, after he moved closer to an agreement on reforms to the electoral law.
Kerry to see Abbas, Jordan’s Abdullah on Jerusalem strife
MUSCAT (Reuters) – U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to Jordan on Wednesday for talks with Jordanian King Abdullah and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas about tensions in Jerusalem, the State Department said.
Israel says will not cooperate with U.N. Gaza investigation
JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Israel said on Wednesday it would not cooperate with a United Nations Human Rights Council investigation into this year’s Gaza war because its findings were “pre-determined”.
Iran says centrifuge testing, but no violation of atom deal with powers
DUBAI/VIENNA (Reuters) – Iran has confirmed it tested a new centrifuge that could speed up its enrichment of uranium but rejected a U.S. think-tank’s suggestion the move may have violated last year’s nuclear deal with world powers.
Reptiles, eggs banned as Australia ramps up G20 security
SYDNEY (Reuters) – Eggs, tinned food, reptiles and surfboards will be banned in parts of Brisbane this week as Australia’s biggest peacetime deployment of police and soldiers braces for everything from unruly protests to mass hostage-taking at the Grou…
Turkish nationalists assault U.S. sailors in Istanbul
ISTANBUL (Reuters) – A group of Turkish ultra-nationalists attacked three U.S. sailors on a crowded street in Istanbul on Wednesday, shouting “Yankee go home” and trying to pull hoods over their heads in an assault condemned by the United States.
