Assad’s forces take Homs, ‘capital of Syrian revolt’
HOMS, Syria (Reuters) – Syrian forces took full control on Thursday over Homs, a city once associated with scenes of joyous pro-democracy crowds but now famed for images of ruin that epitomize the brutality of Syria’s civil war.
Rights groups urge Palestinians to join International Criminal Court
RAMALLAH, West Bank (Reuters) – Palestinian and international rights groups urged President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday to join the International Criminal Court (ICC), building on U.N. recognition of Palestinian statehood two years ago.
UK deploys destroyer to track large Russian naval task force
LONDON (Reuters) – Britain has deployed a destroyer to track an unusually large Russian naval task force transiting the English Channel, it said on Thursday and also noted a “resurgence” in Russian air activity close to its airspace.
Chilean students march to pressure Bachelet on promised reforms
SANTIAGO (Reuters) – Thousands of students marched through the Chilean capital for the first time since President Michelle Bachelet took power, ratcheting up the pressure on her to fulfill her campaign pledges to overhaul education in the country.
Snowden leaks prompt ‘insidious’ claims about spies: UK lawmaker
LONDON (Reuters) – Supporters of former U.S. intelligence contractor Edward Snowden use “insidious” language that blurs lines between spying in democratic and authoritarian states, a senior British lawmaker said on Thursday.
Lebanon church head’s planned Jerusalem visit stirs controversy
BEIRUT (Reuters) – A planned visit by the head of the Maronite church to Jerusalem has stirred an outcry in Lebanon, which is still technically at war with its southern neighbor Israel.
Mozambique opposition chief registers for October vote, says wants peace
VUNDUZI, Mozambique (Reuters) – Mozambique’s Renamo opposition leader Afonso Dhlakama on Thursday registered as a voter for an October presidential election, a move that would legally allow him to run as a candidate.
South Sudan rebel leader in Ethiopia for peace talks
ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) – South Sudan’s rebel leader Riek Machar arrived in the Ethiopian capital on Thursday to meet President Salva Kiir, a rebel source said, after international pressure for face-to-face talks to end four months of conflict and avert …
South Sudan rebel leader in Addis Ababa for talks: rebel source
ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) – South Sudanese rebel leader Riek Machar flew into the Ethiopian capital on Thursday for face-to-face talks with his rival President Salva Kiir, a senior member of the rebel negotiating team told Reuters.
Three in 10 Austrians want ‘strong leader’: survey
VIENNA (Reuters) – Nearly 30 percent of Austrians want a “strong leader” to run the country, according to survey results released on the anniversary of Nazi Germany’s capitulation in 1945.
