Syrian presidential election will not be delayed: minister
BEIRUT (Reuters) – The Syrian government made clear on Tuesday it had no intention of delaying an election that is likely to give President Bashar al-Assad a third term, regardless of war or politics.
U.S.-Philippine pact to highlight Obama’s Asia rebalance: minister
MANILA (Reuters) – An agreement on U.S.-Philippine defense cooperation, expected to be signed this month during a visit by President Barack Obama, will be a clear sign of a U.S. “rebalance” to Asia despite U.S. preoccupations elsewhere, the Philippines…
More anti-graft activists go on trial in China
BEIJING (Reuters) – The trial of two Chinese activists accused of disturbing public order after urging officials to reveal their assets began on Tuesday, the latest in a series of cases brought against anti-graft campaigners in China despite criticism …
Quebec separatists lose election, referendum avoided
OTTAWA (Reuters) – The anti-separatist Quebec Liberal Party won a majority government in provincial elections on Monday, eliminating the possibility of a new referendum on independence from Canada for several years and crushing the separatist Parti Que…
Ukraine launches ‘anti-terrorist’ operation in eastern city, 70 arrested
KIEV (Reuters) – Ukraine has launched an “anti-terrorist” operation in the eastern city of Kharkiv and about 70 “separatists” have been arrested for seizing the regional administration building, Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said on Tuesday….
Freed Vietnamese anti-government activist arrives in United States
(Reuters) – A dissident jailed for criticizing Vietnam’s leadership has been freed and is now in Washington, family friends and a U.S. official said on Tuesday, a rare concession by a country long criticized for its human rights record.
Eni top spot in play as Italy prepares to shake up state firms
MILAN (Reuters) – The government of Matteo Renzi is looking to wipe the slate clean and seek new names at Italy’s main state-controlled groups including oil major Eni as top management comes up for renewal, government, political and industry sources sa…
G20 final document unlikely to address Ukraine crisis
MOSCOW/ BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The world’s financial leaders are likely to discuss possible risks to Europe’s economy from the crisis in Ukraine, but there are no plans to mention it in the final document from their Washington meeting, two G20 officials …
Decades after genocide, Congo struggles to dislodge Rwanda rebels
TONGO, Democratic Republic of Congo (Reuters) – Twenty years after the genocide in Rwanda, a rebel group founded by ethnic extremists who took part in that slaughter still prowls the lush hills of neighboring eastern Congo, defying a renewed threat by …
Gloves off as India’s BJP woos the Hindu vote in northern heartland
MUZAFFARNAGAR, India (Reuters) – India’s main opposition party, tipped to form the next government, appears to be returning to its Hindu nationalist roots at the start of a five-week general election, raking up divisive issues and using strong language…