Merkel, SPD try to smooth over bumpy start to coalition government
MESEBERG, Germany (Reuters) – Conservative Chancellor Angela Merkel and her center-left partners tried to allay concerns about a rocky start to their month-old coalition on Thursday, saying they had a clear road map ahead after two days of talks north …
Britain may order 14 F-35 jets as early as next week: sources
LONDON (Reuters) – Britain may announce an order for 14 Lockheed Martin-built F-35 super-stealth jets as early as next week, three sources familiar with the talks told Reuters.
U.N. aid chief seeks ceasefires at Syria talks
MONTREUX, Switzerland (Reuters) – The United Nations hopes that political talks between the warring sides in Syria will clinch local ceasefires to allow vital food and medicines to reach millions of civilians, the U.N. humanitarian chief said on Thursd…
Amnesty slams Egypt on rights, government attacks ‘distorted picture’
CAIRO (Reuters) – Egypt has seen state violence on an “unprecedented scale” since the army deposed Islamist President Mohamed Mursi last July following mass protests against his rule, Amnesty International said in a report on Thursday.
Egyptian Salafist hesitates to back Sisi presidency bid
ALEXANDRIA, Egypt (Reuters) – Egypt’s second biggest Islamist faction may have rallied behind a new army-backed constitution passed in a referendum last week, but its support for a presidential bid by military chief General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi appears…
Czech president to name new centre-left cabinet on January 29
PRAGUE (Reuters) – Czech President Milos Zeman will name the members of a center-left cabinet to be led by incoming Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka on January 29, his office said on Thursday.
Russia to free Khodorkovsky aide, hurdle to tycoon’s return stands
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia’s Supreme Court ordered the release of Kremlin critic Mikhail Khodorkovsky’s business partner on Thursday after a decade in jail, but refused to drop a tax claim that is keeping the former oil tycoon abroad.
Serb officials’ Kosovo war crimes sentences shortened on appeal
AMSTERDAM (Reuters) – Appeals judges have shortened the sentences of three former Serbian officials jailed for war crimes committed during the Kosovo conflict, overturning convictions for specific instances of murder and sexual assault.
South Sudan factions set to sign ceasefire on Thursday: mediator
ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) – South Sudan’s government and rebels are scheduled to sign a ceasefire on Thursday, the mediator said, after more than five weeks of fighting that has divided Africa’s newest nation and brought it to the brink of civil war.
Iran wants full nuclear deal and investment, Rouhani tells Davos
DAVOS, Switzerland (Reuters) – Iran is determined to negotiate a comprehensive deal on its nuclear program with major powers so it can develop its battered economy, President Hassan Rouhani said on Thursday, inviting Western companies to seize opportun…
