Death toll in Sicily migrant boat sinking reaches 42: coastguard
ROME (Reuters) – The death toll after a migrant boat sank off the coast of Sicily has risen to at least 42, with rescue operations continuing, an official from the Italian coastguard said on Thursday.
Saudi Arabia scrapped U.N. speech in protest over Syria and Israel
RIYADH (Reuters) – Saudi Arabia’s frustration at international inaction over Syria and the Palestinians led it to cancel its speech at the United Nations General Assembly for the first time ever this week, a diplomatic source said.
Iranian Revolutionary Guards probe officer’s ‘horrific’ death
DUBAI (Reuters) – Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they were investigating the death of an officer in a “horrific incident”, but denied media reports it was an assassination.
U.S. talks with Iran must be based on concrete steps by Tehran: Kerry
TOKYO (Reuters) – U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Thursday that the United States hopes to engage with the new Iranian administration, but Tehran must first prove it is willing to end the stand-off over its nuclear weapons program.
U.S., Japan to modernize alliance to counter 21st century threats
TOKYO (Reuters) – The United States and Japan agreed on Thursday to modernize their defense alliance for the first time in 16 years to address growing concerns about North Korea’s nuclear program, global terrorism, cyber intrusions and other 21st centu…
15 dead in attack on leader of Pakistani anti-Taliban militia
Parachinar, PAKISTAN (Reuters) – At least 15 people were killed in an attack on a pro-government militia commander in Pakistan’s lawless northwestern tribal area on Thursday morning, security forces said.
Insight: Turkey questions its EU future as Brussels looks to Balkans
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – Turkey has been trying for years to join the European Union, presenting itself as a growing economic and political power and a bridge to Asian and Middle Eastern markets.
Clashes flare at pro-Mursi march in Egyptian city, one dead
ISMAILIA, Egypt (Reuters) – A high school student was killed when opponents and supporters of deposed Egyptian president Mohamed Mursi clashed in the city of Suez on Wednesday night, medical and security sources said.
Mali president dissolves army reform committee
BAMAKO (Reuters) – Mali’s new president, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, on Wednesday dissolved an army reform committee dominated by former members of a military junta after blasting disgruntled officers for staging an unruly protest at a military base earlie…
Brazilian police stop Indians from storming Congress
BRASILIA (Reuters) – Brazilian police used pepper spray to stop hundreds of protesting Indians from storming Congress on Wednesday, clamping down on the second day of indigenous rights marches.