Hong Kong leader refuses to resign but offers talks with protesters
HONG KONG (Reuters) – Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying defied pro-democracy protesters’ demands to step down by Friday, and repeated police warnings that the consequences would be serious if they sought to surround or occupy government buildings.
U.S. eases arms embargo against Vietnam for maritime security
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States on Thursday partially lifted a long-time ban on lethal weapon sales to Vietnam to help it improve maritime security, a historic move that comes nearly 40 years after the end of the Vietnam War.
Exclusive: North Korea envoy says door is open on nuclear issues, rights, abductees
GENEVA (Reuters) – North Korea is ready to resume six-party talks on its nuclear program but must maintain its readiness in the face of joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises, a senior envoy in Geneva said on Thursday.
Japan’s Obuchi: Political ‘princess’ could be first female PM
TOKYO (Reuters) – With a telegenic presence, powerful ruling party mentors and a talent for avoiding making political enemies, Japan’s new trade and industry minister, Yuko Obuchi, may have what it takes to become the country’s first female prime minis…
Swiss Red Cross worker killed by shell in Ukraine’s Donetsk
DONETSK Ukraine (Reuters) – A Swiss Red Cross worker was killed by a shell that landed near the international organization’s office in Ukraine’s separatist-held city of Donetsk on Thursday.
U.S. commander in Afghanistan says recent Taliban gains fleeting
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Afghan military casualties have spiked in recent weeks amid an increase in Taliban attacks, but the top U.S. commander in the country said on Thursday that rebel gains were fleeting and he was confident Afghan forces could stop t…
Almost 30 Libyan soldiers killed in Benghazi attacks
BENGHAZI Libya (Reuters) – Almost 30 Libyan soldiers were killed and 70 wounded in a double suicide bombing and clashes in the port city of Benghazi on Thursday, medics said.
France urges Israel to call off East Jerusalem settlement plans
PARIS (Reuters) – France called on Israel on Thursday to drop plans for new settlements in East Jerusalem, joining the United States and Berlin in criticism of the move.
France’s Moscovici struggles to convince EU lawmakers
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – France’s Pierre Moscovici struggled to convince European Union lawmakers on Thursday he could enforce budget rules that his own country has repeatedly breached, as the formation of a new European Commission turned into a tit-for-ta…
Greek police arrest man over alleged attack plans
ATHENS (Reuters) – Greek police said on Thursday they had arrested a man linked to an outlawed leftist guerrilla group, in connection with alleged plans for an attack this week on business or political targets.
