Italy’s Renzi aims to lay down marker with justice, school reform
ROME (Reuters) – Prime Minister Matteo Renzi returned from holiday this week with his customary vim, tweeting that he was back at work on a new plan to speed up Italy’s sluggish justice system, reform its schools and spur investment.
Russia sees chance to lift Iran sanctions through international talks
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia said on Thursday the possibility of lifting sanctions on Iran had emerged thanks to international talks on Tehran’s nuclear program and urged all countries involved to show political will to reach a deal.
Russian-backed separatists enter southeast Ukraine town
KIEV (Reuters) – Separatists backed by Russian soldiers have entered the town of Novoazovsk in southeastern Ukraine, a pro-government militia fighter said on Thursday.
China says ‘no change’ in policy on improving ties with Japan
SHANGHAI/BEIJING (Reuters) – China on Thursday rejected remarks by former Japanese prime minister Yasuo Fukuda that Beijing had expressed willingness to improve ties between Asia’s two biggest economies, and said there was “no change” in its policy on …
New French economy minister takes aim at 35-hour week
PARIS (Reuters) – France’s new pro-business Economy Minister Emmanuel Macron ran into trouble with trade unions on Thursday for suggesting companies could be allowed exemptions to France’s 35-hour week.
U.S. air strikes on Syria would face formidable obstacles
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – American forces face formidable challenges as President Barack Obama considers an air assault on Islamist fighters in Syria, including intelligence gaps on potential targets, concerns about Syria’s air defenses and fears that the militants may have anti-aircraft weapons, current and former U.S. officials say.
Sinai militant group says it beheaded four Egyptians
CAIRO (Reuters) – A Sinai-based militant group said on Thursday it had beheaded four Egyptians, accusing them of providing Israel with intelligence for an airstrike that killed three of its fighters.
Rise in EU migration to Britain tests PM Cameron’s immigration pledge
LONDON (Reuters) – The number of European Union citizens moving to Britain has risen significantly, data showed on Thursday, putting pressure on Prime Minister David Cameron and his pledge to cut immigration – a key political issue ahead of a 2015 elec…
Doctor dies of Ebola in Nigeria’s oil hub Port Harcourt
LAGOS (Reuters) – A doctor in Nigeria’s oil industry hub of Port Harcourt has died from Ebola fever, after he was infected by man linked to the first case in Africa’s most populous country, the Health Ministry said on Thursday.
Turkey’s Erdogan consolidates power with ascent to presidency
ANKARA (Reuters) – Tayyip Erdogan will cement his position as modern Turkey’s most powerful leader when he is sworn in as president on Thursday, advancing his drive to reshape the country but heralding what critics fear will be an increasingly authorit…
