Putin strengthens ties with Georgia breakaway region; Tbilisi protests
SOCHI, Russia (Reuters) – President Vladimir Putin signed a “strategic partnership” agreement with Georgia’s breakaway region of Abkhazia on Monday, angering Tbilisi, which said Moscow was looking to annex the territory.
Three more Ukrainian soldiers killed: Kiev military
KIEV (Reuters) – Three Ukrainian servicemen have been killed in the past 24 hours in fighting with pro-Russian separatists in the east despite a ceasefire in place since early September, a Ukrainian military spokesman said on Monday.
Unidentified jet targets airport in Libya’s Tripoli: witnesses
TUNIS (Reuters) – At least one unidentified jet carried out an air strike on Monday targeting Mitiga airport in the Libyan capital Tripoli, but the extent of damage was not clear, witnesses and local television said.
Tanzanian lawmakers to debate on energy graft despite objections
DAR ES SALAAM (Reuters) – Tanzania’s parliament will hold a debate this week on allegations of corruption in the energy sector, the speaker said on Monday, despite efforts by the prime minister to block the session.
UK faces biggest terrorism threat in its history: minister
LONDON (Reuters) – Britain is facing the biggest terrorism threat in its history and has foiled around 40 major plots since suicide bombers attacked London in 2005, Home Secretary Theresa May said on Monday.
India’s Congress signals it could back Modi’s insurance reform plan
NEW DELHI (Reuters) – India’s main opposition Congress party signaled on Monday it could support government legislation to liberalize the insurance industry, a long-delayed reform expected to help improve investor confidence.
Tunisia presidential vote heads into close run-off
TUNIS (Reuters) – An official under former hardline ruler Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali appears set for a close run-off in Tunisian presidential polls with a rival who says he represents the 2011 “Arab Spring” uprising that toppled him.
Italy’s Renzi wins regional vote, low turnout sends warning
ROME (Reuters) – Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi’s center-left Democratic Party (PD) won regional elections in Calabria and Emilia Romagna on Sunday but an exceptionally low turnout suggested growing disillusion among many voters.
Sri Lanka’s Rajapaksa wins 2015 budget vote despite defections
COLOMBO (Reuters) – Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is facing a split in his ruling coalition ahead of a snap presidential poll on Jan. 8, won the final vote on the 2015 budget Monday with a strong majority.
Death toll in southern Morocco floods rises to 32
RABAT (Reuters) – Floods triggered by heavy rain have killed at least 32 people, swept away buildings, vehicles and roads and forced the evacuation of more than 200 people in southern Morocco, authorities said on Monday.
