North and South Korea seek better ties at rare high-level talks
SEOUL (Reuters) – North and South Korea held their first high-level talks in seven years on their fortified border on Wednesday, exploring ways to improve ties while the South and the United States geared up for military exercises that have angered the…
Libyan TV station hit with grenades: journalists
TRIPOLI (Reuters) – Gunmen fired rocket-propelled grenades at a Libyan television channel in Tripoli early on Wednesday after storming the building, forcing out workers and damaging equipment, journalists at the channel said.
Colombian president seen poised for re-election: poll
BOGOTA (Reuters) – Colombia’s President Juan Manuel Santos would be re-elected during a second round of voting in presidential elections this year, according to pollster Gallup, leading with a wide margin against his closest rival.
South Africa police clash with ANC supporters at opposition march
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – South African police fired rubber bullets on Wednesday at stone throwing supporters of the ruling ANC who tried to confront members of the opposition Democratic Alliance party as they marched in central Johannesburg.
Ethnic power-sharing under threat in Burundi, says party
BUJUMBURA (Reuters) – Burundi’s junior coalition party has accused the president of undermining a delicate power-sharing deal, a constitutional requirement that has kept ethnic tensions in check since a 12-year civil war in the east African nation ende…
Syrian forces press assault near Lebanon border: activists
BEIRUT (Reuters) – President Bashar al-Assad’s forces and fighters from Lebanese ally Hezbollah stepped up attacks on Syria’s strategic border town of Yabroud on Wednesday, activists said, in apparent preparation for a new offensive to flush out rebels…
Earthquake of 6.8 magnitude strikes western China: USGS
BEIJING (Reuters) – An earthquake of 6.8 magnitude struck China’s far western region of Xinjiang on Wednesday, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said, but in a very remote and sparsely populated area.
Bulgarian government survives third no-confidence vote
SOFIA (Reuters) – Bulgaria’s Socialist-led coalition survived its third no-confidence vote on Wednesday, a motion that underscored a persistent threat to a government hobbled by street protests and political squabbles since taking office last year.
European press chief to UK: Ease up on Guardian over Snowden leaks
LONDON (Reuters) – Europe’s main media freedom watchdog told Britain on Wednesday it believed political pressure applied to the Guardian newspaper over its handling of leaked intelligence data could have a “chilling effect” on independent journalism.
China criticizes Japan’s move to seek compensation over 2010 ship collision
BEIJING (Reuters) – China expressed anger on Wednesday over Japan’s plan to seek compensation from the captain of a Chinese trawler that collided with a Japanese coastguard vessel in 2010 to spark a diplomatic crisis.
