Russia accuses EU of seeking Ukraine ‘sphere of influence’
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia accused the European Union on Friday of seeking to create a “sphere of influence” on its borders by pressing Ukraine to choose closer ties with the Western bloc at the expense of relations with Moscow.
Homs rebel puts fate in Syrian government hands
HOMS, Syria (Reuters) – Waiting among a group of evacuees from Homs for questioning by Syrian security forces, Hodwan al-Masri knew he could not hide his identity.
China sacks police chief of vice hub in prostitution scandal
BEIJING (Reuters) – The Chinese government on Friday sacked the police chief of the southern “sin city” of Dongguan following a candid report by the state broadcaster on the underground sex industry there, the official Xinhua news agency reported.
UK political donor and son arrested in Rolls-Royce probe
LONDON (Reuters) – An Indian-born donor to one of Britain’s ruling political parties and his son were arrested earlier this week as part of a Serious Fraud Office (SFO) investigation into Rolls-Royce’s dealings in Asia.
Kerry says China willing to pressure North Korea on nuclear plans
BEIJING (Reuters) – U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Friday China is willing to exert more pressure to get North Korea to give up its nuclear program.
China says 11 ‘terrorists’ killed in new Xinjiang unrest
BEIJING (Reuters) – Eleven “terrorists” were killed during an attack in China’s far western region of Xinjiang on Friday, state news agency Xinhua said, in the latest violence to hit a part of the country with a large Muslim population.
Kidnapped Pakistani drone activist reappears, says was tortured
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) – A Pakistani anti-drone activist kidnapped from his home last week was tortured and interrogated before being dumped blindfolded on the outskirts of the capital early on Friday morning, his lawyer said.
Libyan PM says government safe after army statement
TRIPOLI (Reuters) – Libyan Prime Minister Ali Zeidan said on Friday the government was safe and security under control after a senior army official called for the parliament to be suspended and the armed forces to “rescue” the country.
Publisher Penguin warns of India’s free speech curbs after withdrawing book on Hindus
NEW DELHI (Reuters) – Freedom of expression is under threat in India, publisher Penguin Books India said on Friday, adding that it had little choice but to withdraw from sale a controversial book on Hinduism by a U.S. academic.
West aims to minimize nuclear bomb risk in Iran talks
BRUSSELS/VIENNA (Reuters) – When world powers start talks with Iran next week on a final agreement on their nuclear dispute, the main question for the West will be how to ensure Tehran gives up enough atomic activity to ensure it cannot build a bomb an…
