Hundreds protest in Sudan at opposition leader Mahdi’s arrest
KHARTOUM (Reuters) – About 600 Sudanese protesters chanted and waved banners and flags after Friday prayers in the capital Khartoum, demanding the release of opposition leader Sadiq al-Mahdi who was arrested two weeks ago.
In dig at China, Japan PM says supports SE Asia on freedom of sea, air
SINGAPORE (Reuters) – Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, pushing for a greater role for Japan in regional security, said on Friday that Tokyo would offer its “utmost support” to Southeast Asian countries, several of which are locked in maritime disputes with i…
Formal countdown begins for Scottish vote that could break up United Kingdom
EDINBURGH (Reuters) – The formal campaign for a Scottish independence vote that could break-up the United Kingdom began on Friday, although polls currently show Scots are unlikely to choose to end the 307-year-old union with England.
Merkel faces German backlash for ignoring voters on EU top job
BERLIN (Reuters) – Angela Merkel’s lukewarm support for Jean-Claude Juncker as the next president of the European Commission has put the normally popular chancellor at the center of a furious debate in Germany, where she is accused of ignoring the will…
Central African Republic leader denounces plot, peacekeepers kill two
BANGUI (Reuters) – The Central African Republic’s interim president accused armed groups on Friday of seeking to destabilise her government, as two people were shot dead by Burundian peacekeepers in a second day of violent protests in Bangui.
Egypt revokes 52 Mursi-era pardons: state media
CAIRO (Reuters) – Egypt’s interim president has revoked amnesties for 52 people pardoned by ousted president Mohamed Mursi, state media reported, including Islamists affiliated with the banned Muslim Brotherhood.
In Damascus, reminders of lurking war on the dinner table
DAMASCUS (Reuters) – As Syria approaches a surreal presidential election in the midst of civil war, the capital has avoided the worst of the conflict but reminders are increasingly coming out the water taps and appearing on the dinner table, to the dis…
Russia has withdrawn most troops from Ukraine border: U.S. official
SINGAPORE (Reuters) – Russia has withdrawn most of its troops from the Ukrainian border, but seven battalions, amounting to thousands of men, remain, a U.S. defense official said on Friday.
Malawi police shoot dead protester in post-election violence
LILONGWE (Reuters) – Malawi police shot dead a protester on Friday after clashing with dozens of people who barricaded roads with burning tyres demanding a recount of a disputed May 20 presidential election, police officials said.
Malaysian teenager gang-raped by 38 men: media
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) – Malaysian police have detained 13 men and are looking for other suspects following allegations that a 15-year-old girl was raped by 38 men in an abandoned hut, media said on Friday.
