New ‘Prague spring’ to bring closer EU ties: Czech minister
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – Two weeks into his new job, the foreign minister of the Czech Republic is helping to project a more positive attitude towards the European Union, overturning years of skepticism that has at times pushed his country to Europe’s marg…
Pussy Riot members say Russia is blocking drive to help prisoners
BERLIN (Reuters) – Two members of the punk protest band Pussy Riot accused Moscow on Monday of obstructing their campaign to improve conditions in Russia’s jails, and called for international monitoring.
Yemen federation deal gives autonomy, not independence, to south
ADEN, Yemen (Reuters) – Yemen’s president on Monday formally approved turning the country into a federal state, giving the south more autonomy and completing a milestone in his planned transition to democracy.
EU must be ready to impose sanctions on Ukraine: Czech minister
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The European Union must be ready to impose sanctions on Ukraine if it persists in using violence against protesters, the Czech foreign minister said on Monday as he warned against Soviet-style authoritarianism.
South Africa’s Malema escapes political ban, for now
PRETORIA (Reuters) – Populist South African politician Julius Malema narrowly escaped being barred from public office on Monday when a judge placed the vocal critic of President Jacob Zuma under “provisional sequestration” over an outstanding tax debt….
Bosnians ratchet up demands on sixth day of protests
SARAJEVO (Reuters) – Thousands of Bosnian protesters called for the resignation of their regional government on Monday, ratcheting up demands on the sixth straight day of demonstrations over unemployment, corruption and political paralysis.
Netanyahu to talk curbs on Iran with Obama in Washington in March
JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has condemned a big power deal with Iran on its nuclear activity, said he would meet U.S. President Obama in Washington next month to further the goal of denying Tehran an atomic bomb…
EU eyes warmer Cuba ties with push for new accord
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The European Union agreed on Monday to launch negotiations with Cuba to increase trade, investment and dialogue on human rights in its most significant diplomatic shift since Brussels lifted sanctions on the communist island in 200…
Turkish Internet bill heaps pressure on President Gul
ISTANBUL (Reuters) – Turkish President Abdullah Gul faced growing pressure on Monday from the country’s opposition and bar association to veto a bill tightening control of the Internet, a move that would set him at odds with long-time ally Prime Minist…
Two car bombs explode in Somali capital, at least five wounded
MOGADISHU (Reuters) – Two car bombs exploded in the Somali capital Mogadishu on Monday, wounding at least five people including a government official, police and witnesses said.
