World powers and Iran pause nuclear talks for Christmas
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – Six world powers and Iran have suspended their expert-level talks on implementing a landmark nuclear deal until after Christmas, a spokeswoman for European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said on Sunday.
Freed Khodorkovsky challenges Putin over ‘political prisoners’
BERLIN/MOSCOW (Reuters) – Former oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky said on Sunday he would not seek power in Russia but fight for the freedom of political prisoners, challenging Vladimir Putin two days after the president freed him from jail.
French president “regrets” quip on Algerian security
PARIS (Reuters) – President Francois Hollande expressed regret on Sunday that a quip he made about poor security in Algeria had caused an outcry in the former French colony, as opponents accused him of a diplomatic blunder.
Immigrants sew mouths shut in Italy to demand release
ROME (Reuters) – Nine illegal immigrants detained in Italy have stitched their lips together with thread from their bedsheets in a protest to demand their release from what they say are intolerable living conditions.
Mozambique airliner crashed with autopilot on: experts’ report
MAPUTO (Reuters) – A Mozambican airliner that crashed in Namibia last month, killing all 33 people on board, descended with its automatic pilot on and its altitude selector set to below ground level, according to a preliminary report released this week…
Czech party head says he should hold two jobs in coalition
PRAGUE (Reuters) – The leader of one of the Czech parties negotiating to form a coalition government said on Sunday he should hold two positions in the new government, as finance minister and as vice premier.
Thousands of Swedes rally against racism
STOCKHOLM (Reuters) – Thousands of Swedes took to the streets of Stockholm on Sunday in a protest against racism following a neo-Nazi attack on a similar but much smaller rally last weekend, police said.
Nigeria boosts Christmas security against Islamist attacks
ABUJA (Reuters) – Fearing attacks by Islamist militant group Boko Haram over Christmas, Nigerian police said on Sunday they had ordered extra patrols, surveillance and covert operations to better secure potential targets during the festive period.
Ukraine opposition urges more protests, forms political bloc
KIEV (Reuters) – Ukrainian opposition leaders urged supporters at a rally on Sunday to stay on Kiev’s main square through New Year and Christmas, as street protests appeared to be losing momentum.
Pope expresses support for Italy’s ‘pitchfork’ protesters
ROME (Reuters) – Pope Francis on Sunday expressed support for Italians protesting over high unemployment, recession and austerity but urged them to reject the “temptation of violence”.
