Iran to buy 400 airliners if sanctions lifted, top official says
ANKARA (Reuters) – Barred by sanctions from buying Western airliners since the 1970s, Iran has pent-up demand for 400 new planes, Tehran’s top aviation official was reported as saying, offering potential billions to manufacturers such as Airbus and Boe…
China blames religious extremists for station bombing
URUMQI, China (Reuters) – An attack at a train station in China’s western city of Urumqi was carried out by two religious extremists, who both died in the blast, the government said on Thursday.
Ukraine’s restive east slipping from government’s grasp
HORLIVKA, Ukraine (Reuters) – Pro-Moscow separatists seized government offices in more Ukrainian towns on Wednesday, in a further sign that authorities in Kiev are losing control of the country’s eastern industrial heartland bordering Russia.
Islamist group condemns Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood death sentences
DUBAI (Reuters) – An association of Muslim scholars led by influential Qatar-based cleric Youssef al-Qaradawi has condemned death sentences passed by an Egyptian court against 683 supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood as an act of revenge against politi…
Japan to conduct island defense drill amid tension with China
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan will conduct a military exercise this month to practice defending an island, the Defense Ministry said on Thursday, underscoring concern about East China Sea islands controlled by Japan but claimed by China.
Magnitude 6.7 quake strikes off Pacific island of Vanuatu: USGS
SINGAPORE (Reuters) – A quake with a magnitude of 6.7 struck off the Pacific island of Vanuatu on Thursday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said.
Northern Ireland police arrest Gerry Adams over 1972 murder
BELFAST/DUBLIN (Reuters) – Northern Ireland police arrested Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams on Wednesday as part of an investigation into one of the province’s most controversial murders, a move that sent political shockwaves through Belfast and Dublin.
Thai government supporters fear July poll disruption
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thai government supporters welcomed on Thursday the prospect of a July election and said the Election Commission had to prevent disruption by anti-government protesters who insist that reforms are brought in before any vote.
EU peacekeepers take charge at Central African Republic airport, violence rages
BRUSSELS/BANGUI (Reuters) – European Union peacekeepers took charge of security at Central African Republic’s main airport on Wednesday in their first major operation to try and end months of sectarian slaughter.
Mexico votes to allow civilian trials for soldiers
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – Mexican lawmakers on Wednesday approved legislation that would allow soldiers accused of committing crimes against non-military personnel to be tried in civilian courts.
