Prominent Chinese rights activist to appeal sentence
BEIJING (Reuters) – One of China’s most prominent rights activists will appeal against a four-year prison sentence that prompted international criticism, his lawyer said on Tuesday, because he believes his conviction could set a bad precedent for other…
Japan revises teaching manuals, says islands its territory
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan said on Tuesday it was revising teaching manuals to make clear that two sets of remote islands at the center of disputes with China and South Korea are integral parts of its territory, prompting protests from an angry Seoul and …
Taiwan, China to hold historic talks, but avoid sensitive issues
TAIPEI (Reuters) – Taiwan’s chief policymaker on China will meet his mainland counterpart in China in February in what will be the highest-level official talks between the two sides since 1949, but said on Tuesday he would not discuss “sensitive politi…
Ukraine’s Yanukovich, opposition agree to scrap some anti-protest laws
KIEV (Reuters) – Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich agreed in talks with opposition leaders to the repeal of some anti-protest laws and to discuss the fate of the current government at a crunch session of parliament on Tuesday, called to end two mon…
Mexico says catches senior Knights Templar drug gang boss
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – Mexico said on Monday it had captured a leader of the Knights Templar, a violent drug cartel that has created a major security problem for President Enrique Pena Nieto.
Egypt’s generals give Sisi green light to run for president
CAIRO (Reuters) – Egypt’s top military council gave the army chief, Field Marshal Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, a green light on Monday to seek election as president, a vote he is almost sure to win with Egyptians weary of turmoil unleashed by a pro-democracy …
Talks on Iran nuclear deal expected in NY in February: U.S.
UNITED NATIONS/BRUSSELS (Reuters) – – The opening round of talks between Iran and six world powers on a long-term deal for Tehran to curb parts of its nuclear program in exchange for a gradual end to sanctions is expected to take place next month in Ne…
Congress secretly approves U.S. weapons flow to ‘moderate’ Syrian rebels
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Light arms supplied by the United States are flowing to “moderate” Syrian rebel factions in the south of the country and U.S. funding for months of further deliveries has been approved by Congress, according U.S. and European sec…
Syria peace talks hit more trouble as rebel city ‘starves’
GENEVA (Reuters) – The United States on Monday demanded that Syria allow aid into the “starving” city of Homs, as talks aimed at ending three years of civil war hit more trouble over the future of President Bashar al-Assad.
Ukraine’s Yanukovich meets opposition ahead of crunch parliament session
KIEV (Reuters) – Ukraine’s Viktor Yanukovich held fresh talks with opposition leaders on Monday to prepare for a crunch session of parliament at which the president and his allies will be under pressure to make major concessions amid mass unrest.
