Greek consortium wins tender to build first mosque in capital
ATHENS (Reuters) – The long-stalled construction of a state-funded mosque in Athens came a step closer on Thursday with the announcement that a consortium of Greek companies had won the tender to build it.
Saudi Arabia may be overcoming addiction to oil-fired power
DUBAI (Reuters) – Saudi Arabia may be starting to overcome a long addiction to generating electricity from its own oil, easing a nagging concern for a global market reliant on free-flowing crude exports from the kingdom.
Nigerian governor election hit by delays, disputes: organizer
ONITSHA, Nigeria (Reuters) – A Nigerian state election was disrupted by delayed and missing materials and arguments over the voter register, organizers acknowledged on Monday, raising concerns about nationwide polls scheduled for 2015.
New panel aims to settle Israeli, Palestinian business disputes
JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Israeli and Palestinian businessmen, who sometimes have to exchange suitcases of cash for goods at military checkpoints, will soon be able to settle any commercial disputes on neutral ground.
Egypt blames militants for officer’s killing, protests loom
CAIRO (Reuters) – Egyptian authorities have blamed Islamist militants for the high-profile shooting death of an Interior Ministry lieutenant colonel and security fears rose in a country on the edge before looming mass protests.
Bachelet triumphs in Chile election but faces runoff
SANTIAGO (Reuters) – Leftist candidate Michelle Bachelet was the clear winner in Chile’s presidential election on Sunday, although she will have to wait until a second-round runoff next month to seal her victory.
Toronto council may further restrict embattled mayor’s powers
TORONTO (Reuters) – The Toronto city council may further curb the powers of embattled Mayor Rob Ford on Monday, slashing his office budget and offering his staff a chance to transfer to new jobs.
Russia steps up diplomatic push for Syria peace talks
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia hosted Syrian and Iranian delegations for separate rounds of talks on Monday in a renewed diplomatic push for a Syrian peace conference in which Moscow says Tehran must also play a role.
Argentina’s Fernandez eases back to presidential duties after surgery: government
BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) – Argentine President Cristina Fernandez resumed her duties on Monday though her agenda was confined to meetings with senior officials after recuperating from brain surgery the past five weeks, her office said.
South African court postpones case against Zuma critic Malema
POLOKWANE, South Africa (Reuters) – A South African court on Monday postponed a corruption case against politician Julius Malema until late next year, removing a potential obstacle to the vocal critic of President Jacob Zuma standing in elections again…
