German prosecutor to probe U.S. spies for bugging Merkel’s phone
BERLIN (Reuters) – Germany’s top public prosecutor has launched an investigation into the bugging of Angela Merkel’s mobile phone by U.S. intelligence in the light of revelations by former spy agency contractor Edward Snowden, authorities said on Wedne…
Hamas begins handover of Palestinian government offices in Gaza
GAZA (Reuters) – Islamist Hamas handed control of two government ministries in Gaza to members of the new Palestinian unity government on Wednesday, a further sign of reconciliation between the rival factions after the collapse of peace talks with Isra…
Hong Kong recalls Tiananmen killings, China muffles dissent
BEIJING (Reuters) – Tens of thousands of people held a candlelight vigil in Hong Kong on Wednesday to mark the bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protesters 25 years ago in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, while mainland China authorities sought to whitewash…
Italy to grant citizenship to children born to asylum holders
ROME (Reuters) – Italy announced plans to give citizenship to children born of refugees who have been granted asylum, as the government faced growing anti-immigrant sentiment over an influx of migrant arrivals by sea.
Thai junta claims support from China, Vietnam amid Western unease
BANGKOK (Reuters) – China and Vietnam have expressed support for Thailand’s new military government, an army spokesman said on Wednesday, as pro-army supporters held a small gathering at the Australian Embassy in protest against downgrading of relation…
Jailed Greek far-right leader appears in parliament, hurls abuse
ATHENS (Reuters) – The leader of Greece’s far-right Golden Dawn party made a brief appearance in parliament on Wednesday for the first time since he was jailed eight months ago, hurling abuse at lawmakers before they voted to strip him of immunity from…
New ceasefire in northern Yemen after fresh air strikes
SANAA (Reuters) – A ceasefire between Shi’ite Muslim rebels and government forces went into effect on Wednesday, the Yemeni Defence Ministry said, after fresh fighting and air strikes killed a total of 19 people from both sides.
Obama gives backing to Ukraine’s new president
WARSAW (Reuters) – U.S. President Barack Obama endorsed Ukraine’s president-elect Petro Poroshenko on Wednesday, offering Kiev financial and security help and saying he was the right choice to lead the country through its stand-off with Moscow.
Pakistan’s biggest city shuts down as protests over politician’s UK arrest spread
KARACHI Pakistan (Reuters) – Pakistan’s biggest city was in lockdown for a second day on Wednesday, with shops and markets closed and people staying home for fear of violence following the arrest in London of one of the country’s most feared men.
Suspect in Jewish museum shooting refuses extradition to Belgium
PARIS (Reuters) – The French national suspected of having shot three people dead in Brussels’ Jewish Museum last month has refused extradition from France to Belgium, prosecutors and his lawyer said on Wednesday.
