Thai government wants end to protests but promises no crackdown
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thai authorities told anti-government protesters on Saturday to stop blockading official buildings and not to interfere in early voting in a general election, but promised not to use violence to clear Bangkok streets.
India, Japan seek early agreement on nuclear cooperation
NEW DELHI (Reuters) – India and Japan’s talks on nuclear cooperation have gained momentum over the past few months and the two hope for an agreement on civilian nuclear energy soon, leaders of the countries said after meeting on Saturday.
South Sudan government, rebels say each other violating ceasefire
JUBA (Reuters) – The government and rebels in South Sudan traded accusations on Saturday of breaking a ceasefire deal supposed to calm violence that has driven half a million people from their homes.
Police say about five wounded by bomb near scene of Madagascar presidential inauguration
ANTANANARIVO (Reuters) – About five people were injured on Saturday by an “explosive device” near the stadium where Madagascar’s new president was inaugurated earlier on Saturday, police said.
Outrage in Italy at pig’s head sent to Rome synagogue
ROME (Reuters) – Offences against Jewish targets in Rome including a pig’s head sent to the city’s main synagogue caused outrage in Italy on Saturday in the run-up to International Holocaust Remembrance Day next week.
Hungary’s leftist opposition faces tough election campaign
BUDAPEST (Reuters) – Hungary’s leftist opposition alliance launched its election campaign on Saturday but faces an uphill struggle to defeat Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s ruling Fidesz party on April 6.
Thirty-two presumed dead in Quebec seniors’ home fire
OTTAWA (Reuters) – Thirty-two people died or are presumed to have died in the fire that swept through a retirement residence in the Canadian province of Quebec on Thursday, police said on Saturday. Eight bodies have been recovered.
Central African Republic names new prime minister
BANGUI (Reuters) – Central African Republic’s new interim President Catherine Samba-Panza has named Andre Nzapayeke, a former official of the African Development Bank, as prime minister, state radio said on Saturday.
German anti-euro party regroups with attack on EU federalism
ASCHAFFENBURG, Germany (Reuters) – Germany’s new eurosceptic party launched its campaign for the European parliament elections on Saturday with an attack on European Union federalism and defense of national sovereignty, in an attempt to regroup after m…
Madagascar’s new president takes over power from ex-coup leader
ANTANANARIVO (Reuters) – Madagascar’s new president Hery Rajaonarimampianina, who won the first elections since a coup in 2009, took office on Saturday, pledging to create an investment-friendly climate in the Indian Ocean island.
