Ex-Berlusconi government official arrested for mafia collusion
NAPLES (Reuters) – Italian police arrested a former member of Silvio Berlusconi’s government, accusing him of colluding with the mafia to quash competition against his family’s petrol distribution business near Naples, officials said on Thursday.
Lebanon marks ‘devastating’ milestone with millionth refugee
TRIPOLI, Lebanon (Reuters) – The number of Syrian refugees who have fled to Lebanon officially topped 1 million on Thursday, highlighting the growing humanitarian catastrophe caused by Syria’s civil war and the huge burden placed on its poorly prepared…
Libya sees ‘good intentions’ at talks with rebels, ports might reopen within days
BENGHAZI, Libya (Reuters) – Libya sees “good intentions” at ongoing talks with eastern rebels which might lead to the lifting of their blockage of major oil ports within days, acting oil minister Omar Shakmak said on Thursday.
Risks of violence and fraud haunt landmark Afghan election
KABUL (Reuters) – Even if the Taliban fail to hobble the Afghan presidential election on Saturday, it could take months for a winner to be declared at a time when the country desperately needs a leader to stem rising violence as foreign troops prepare …
Le Pen faces reality check in depressed French towns
PARIS (Reuters) – Far-right leader Marine Le Pen humbled France’s establishment with a powerful showing in local elections. Now comes the hard part: proving her party can improve everyday life in the gritty, problem-ridden towns it will run.
Russia says expects answers on NATO troops in eastern Europe
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday Russia wanted answers from NATO regarding its activities in eastern Europe after the Western military alliance promised to beef up defenses for its eastern members.
China demands Malaysia ensure safety of Chinese after kidnap
KUALA LUMPUR/BEIJING (Reuters) – China demanded that Malaysia ensures the safety of its nationals on Thursday, after armed men abducted two women, a Chinese tourist and a Philippine hotel worker, from a Malaysian diving resort on Borneo island.
Turkey’s opposition seeking recount of Ankara poll results
ANKARA (Reuters) – Turkey’s main opposition party is hopeful an internal recount of votes from Sunday’s local polls will help reverse a victory for the ruling party in the capital Ankara, but a final verdict from electoral authorities is likely to take…
Pakistan’s Sharif frees 16 Taliban prisoners in bid to revive peace talks
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) – Pakistan has freed at least sixteen Taliban prisoners with the approval of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, officials said on Thursday, in a move designed to invigorate a shaky peace process with the militant group.
Victory seen for PM Orban, far-right may gain in Hungary vote
BUDAPEST (Reuters) – Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban looks likely to win a second term in parliamentary elections on Sunday, but the far-right Jobbik party is on course for a strong showing.
