France passes sweeping gender equality law
NEW YORK (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – France has passed a sweeping gender equality law that eases current restrictions on abortion, encourages paternity leave and promotes gender parity at home and in the workplace.
Bulgaria’s interim PM promises to restore public trust
SOFIA (Reuters) – Bulgaria’s newly appointed Prime Minister Georgi Bliznashki promised on Wednesday to restore public trust in political institutions in the short time that his caretaker government is in office.
Yemeni troops kill nine suspected al Qaeda militants: agency
ADEN (Reuters) – Yemeni security forces killed at least nine suspected al Qaeda militants on Wednesday when they tried to ambush troops heading to eastern Yemen to bolster state authority there, state media reported.
Saddam’s allies moved his corpse, fearful Shi’ite militias would harm it: tribal leader
BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Executed former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein’s Sunni tribal allies moved his body from a family plot eight months ago, fearful that Shi’ite militias would harm it, a tribal leader told Reuters on Wednesday.
Egypt upholds death sentence for 12 for murder of policeman: sources
CAIRO (Reuters) – An Egyptian court upheld death sentences on Wednesday against 12 Muslim Brotherhood supporters convicted of killing a police officer last year, judicial sources said.
Russia imposes new import bans in sanctions stand-off
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia has extended food import bans to Romania, stepping up its response to more biting Western sanctions for its support for separatist rebels in Ukraine, though Moscow’s measures could be rebounding on its own economy.
Shadowed by Bush, Obama seeks Africa legacy makeover
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – When President Barack Obama made his first extended trip to Africa last year as the world’s most powerful leader, he tried to assuage a continent largely disappointed in its famous favorite son.
Where do we start? Afghan unity talks at early impasse
KABUL (Reuters) – The two men vying to become Afghanistan’s next leader may have shaken hands on a deal to resolve a bitterly disputed election, but they are miles apart on a critical component of their gentleman’s agreement – forming a united governme…
Sudan presidential, parliamentary polls to start on April 2, 2015
KHARTOUM (Reuters) – Sudan’s presidential and parliamentary elections will start on April 2, 2015, the head of the election committee said on Wednesday, announcing a vote widely expected to extend veteran leader Omar Hassan al-Bashir’s hold on power.
Colourful London mayor, potential Cameron successor, plans return to parliament
LONDON (Reuters) – London’s colourful mayor, Boris Johnson, widely regarded as a potential challenger for Prime Minister David Cameron’s job, said on Wednesday he would try to run for parliament in next year’s national election.
