Venezuela’s Maduro hits Twitter milestone, still lags mentor Chavez
CARACAS (Reuters) – Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has hit a Twitter feed milestone of 2 million followers, though his cyber popularity still lags far behind that of his charismatic predecessor, the late Hugo Chavez.
Brazil ready to quell protests during World Cup
BRASILIA (Reuters) – Brazil has stocked up on riot gear and is ready to deploy police and military forces to contain anti-government protests expected during the 32-nation World Cup soccer championship starting next month, authorities said on Friday.
Missing British yacht spotted, no sign of crew or life raft
(Reuters) – A U.S. Navy helicopter crew on Friday spotted a British yacht that went missing a week ago but found no signs of its four crew members, leaving a midnight deadline for suspending searches for the men unchanged, officials said.
Thai army detains former PM Yingluck a day after coup
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thailand’s military rulers detained former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Friday, a senior officer said, after summoning her for talks a day after the army overthrew her caretaker government in a coup.
Suspected suicide blast hits heart of Pakistani capital: police
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) – A bomb explosion hit the heart of the Pakistani capital on Saturday morning and police said it was caused by a suspected suicide bomber whose vest may have detonated prematurely.
Mali Tuareg separatists accept ceasefire agreement
BAMAKO (Reuters) – Tuareg separatist groups in Mali on Friday accepted a ceasefire agreement with the government following clashes this week that threatened to plunged the country back into war.
Pope to start delicate Middle East trip in Jordan
AMMAN (Reuters) – Pope Francis arrives in Jordan on Saturday to start an intense three-day trip to the Middle East, bringing hope to the dwindling Christian population and an appeal to members of all religions to work together for peace.
Armed clashes in east as Ukraine counts down to election
KIEV/KARLOVKA, Ukraine (Reuters) – Armed pro-Russian separatists and a Ukrainian militia group clashed in the east of Ukraine on Friday, leaving at least two dead and heightening tension before a presidential election called to draw a line under six mo…
Vote will force British PM to get tougher with EU, UKIP party leader says
BASILDON, England (Reuters) – British Prime Minister David Cameron will be forced to step up his drive to claw back powers from the European Union to head off a challenge to his leadership after losing votes to the anti-EU UK Independence Party, its le…
Grillo stages huge rally, aiming to surprise in Italy’s EU vote
ROME (Reuters) – Comic Beppe Grillo drew tens of thousands to a Rome rally on Friday, showing the potential of his anti-establishment 5-Star Movement to surprise in Sunday’s European vote as it did in the national election last year.
