Japan, U.S. make progress in trade talks; key gaps remain
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japanese and U.S. trade officials made progress on Wednesday in negotiations meant to spur a broad Pacific trade pact and prepare for a visit by President Barack Obama, but they remain apart on some major issues, both sides said.
Indonesia election count suggests tougher ride for presidential hopeful Jokowi
JAKARTA (Reuters) – Indonesia’s likely next leader may have a bumpier-than-expected route to the presidential palace after early counting in Wednesday’s parliamentary vote suggested his party will have to cut a deal with other parties to get him there …
Brazil’s largest city may ration water this year, utility says
SAO PAULO (Reuters) – Sao Paulo may have to ration water this year if reservoir levels are not replenished, Brazil’s largest water and sewage utility said, an increasing possibility as the southeast region heads into its dry season.
Troubled Mideast peace effort compounds U.S. policy woes in region
WASHINGTON/DUBAI (Reuters) – Addressing the United Nations General Assembly in September, U.S. President Barack Obama declared the pursuit of Israeli-Palestinian peace one of the two main U.S. foreign policy priorities for his second term.
Greeks strike against austerity before Merkel visit
ATHENS (Reuters) – Thousands of striking Greeks marched to parliament on Wednesday to protest against job cuts and austerity measures imposed by the country’s foreign creditors, including Germany, whose leader will visit Athens this week.
Bomb kills 20 in market on edge of Pakistani capital
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) – A bomb exploded in a crowded market on the outskirts of the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, on Wednesday, killing 20 people and injuring about 70 in the deadliest attack in the city in years.
Spanish minister to head PP party’s European election list
MADRID (Reuters) – Spain’s ruling People’s Party (PP) said on Wednesday it had picked popular Agriculture Minister Miguel Arias Canete to head its list of candidates for the European Parliamentary elections in May.
UK warns it may not buy electricity from an independent Scotland
LONDON (Reuters) – Britain may not buy electricity from an independent Scottish state if imports from alternative markets are cheaper, the UK government has warned, putting further pressure on Scotland five months before its independence vote.
Japan, U.S. make progress on trade; key differences remain
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japanese and U.S. trade negotiators made progress on Wednesday in trade talks meant to spur a broader Pacific trade pact and prepare for a visit by President Barack Obama, but they remain apart on key issues, both sides said.
Egypt arrests journalist said to work for Al Jazeera: agency
CAIRO (Reuters) – Egyptian security forces have arrested a man who worked for Qatar’s Al Jazeera television network and accused him of inciting and taking part in violence, the state news agency MENA said on Wednesday.
