Russia says Syria talks must not focus solely on transition
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Syrian peace talks must not focus solely on the creation of a transitional governing body, Russia’s foreign minister said on Friday, accusing backers of the opposition for pushing for “regime change”.
Floods in Britain threaten farm output and investment
LONDON (Reuters) – Floods in southwest England and elsewhere have submerged crops and destroyed cattle bedding and feed, with the consequences likely to be felt for months, or even years, in terms of lower production of both crops and meat.
Venezuela seeks protest leader’s arrest after unrest kills three
CARACAS (Reuters) – A Venezuelan court ordered the arrest on Thursday of opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez on charges including murder and terrorism linked to street protests that resulted in the deaths of three people the day before.
Russia warns West against interference in Ukraine
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned the West against interfering in Ukraine’s crisis, saying at a news conference with his German counterpart that citizens of the ex-Soviet state should be allowed to resolve matters themsel…
No easy way out for African migrants in Israeli desert detention
HOLOT, Israel (Reuters) – A compound of one-storey buildings deep in the southern Israeli desert is now home to some 400 African migrants who face the prospect of being held in custody indefinitely.
Insight: Graft allegations test West’s ties to Somali president
NAIROBI (Reuters) – A resignation letter by Somalia’s central bank governor sent from Dubai has thrown Western donors into a quandary over supporting a government they need to fight al Qaeda’s local allies.
Mexico’s president to ask Supreme Court to rule in TV battle
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – Mexico’s President Enrique Pena Nieto will ask the Supreme Court to rule on the powers of the new telecommunications regulator, as broadcasters and pay television providers battle over free-to-air stations.
Cuba hopes EU talks will lead to U.S. gesture: commissioner
HAVANA (Reuters) – Cuba hopes the opening of negotiations on a new political agreement with the European Union could lead to similar talks with the United States, a visiting EU commissioner said Cuba’s foreign minister told her on Thursday.
Syria ‘failure’ looms, mediator seeks U.S., Russian help
GENEVA (Reuters) – Warning that “failure” was staring him in the face, the Syria peace talks mediator said on Thursday that the United States and Russia had promised renewed support to keep their rival Syrian allies talking.
Italian PM Letta to resign after party withdraws support
ROME (Reuters) – Italian centre-left leader Matteo Renzi forced party rival Enrico Letta to resign as prime minister on Thursday after criticizing his government’s failure to pass major reforms, opening the way for Italy’s third administration in a yea…
