Viking Line ferry runs aground off Finland
HELSINKI (Reuters) – A ferry carrying 1,945 passengers from Finland to Sweden ran aground on Saturday after its steering system failed due to an electrical outage, the ship’s operator, Viking Line, said.
Two peacekeepers killed as suicide bomb hits bank in northern Mali
BAMAKO (Reuters) – A suicide bomber killed two Senegalese U.N. peacekeepers and destroyed the only operating bank in the northern Malian town of Kidal on Saturday, one day before a second round of parliamentary elections.
Sweden: No reason why EU Iran sanctions will not be eased in January
MONACO (Reuters) – There is no reason why the European Union could not relax some sanctions on Iran in January as part of an interim deal between Tehran and major powers to curb its nuclear program, Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt said on Saturday….
France, Africa must treat CAR conflict as war, ex-PM says
MONACO (Reuters) – French and African forces intervening in Central African Republic must wage war against the Seleka rebels and not just aim to restore security, a former prime minister said.
Dissident Ugandan general launches opposition party
LONDON (Reuters) – A dissident Ugandan general launched an opposition party in London on Saturday and said it was time for President Yoweri Museveni to end his 28-year rule, a fresh challenge to a leader who is now among the longest serving in Africa.
Thousands of Ukrainians stage rival rallies in capital Kiev
KIEV (Reuters) – Tens of thousands of Ukrainians rallied in support of President Viktor Yanukovich in central Kiev on Saturday, separated by a line of riot police from anti-government protesters who have camped out for weeks in a nearby square.
Syrian Islamist rebels to meet U.S. officials: opposition sources
BEIRUT/ISTANBUL (Reuters) – Syrian rebel commanders from the Islamic Front which seized control of bases belonging to Western-backed rebels last week are due to hold talks with U.S. officials in Turkey in coming days, rebel and opposition sources said …
Egyptians to vote on constitution January 14-15
CAIRO (Reuters) – Egyptians will vote on a new constitution on January 14 and 15, pushing on with the army-backed government’s plan for transition back to democracy after its overthrow of elected Islamist President Mohamed Mursi.
Iran arrests spy for Britain’s MI6: Fars news agency
DUBAI (Reuters) – Iranian intelligence authorities have arrested a man on charges of spying for Britain’s MI6, the semi-official Fars news agency reported on Saturday.
Catalonia sets referendum date next year, Spain says no
MADRID (Reuters) – Separatist parties in Spain’s Catalonia region set November 9 next year as the date for a proposed independence referendum on Thursday and agreed the wording, but the Spanish government immediately poured cold water on the plan.
