Egypt’s top TV satirist back on air, pokes fun at all political camps
CAIRO (Reuters) – Egypt’s most prominent television satirist, Bassem Youssef, known for his fierce jabs at ousted Islamist president Mohamed Mursi, returned to the airwaves on Friday following a summer break, poking equal fun at the fan frenzy surround…
Merkel to seek ‘no spy deal’ within EU as well as with U.S.
BERLIN (Reuters) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel wants the European Union’s 28 member states to reach a “no spy deal” similar to an agreement France and Germany seek with the United State following allegations Washington tapped her mobile phone.
U.N. aid chief demands Security Council action on Syria aid access
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) – U.N. aid chief Valerie Amos demanded stronger action by the U.N. Security Council on Friday to get desperately needed aid into Syria, where 2.5 million people in need have not received help for almost a year.
Bombs targeting Shi’ites kill 16 across Iraq
BAGHDAD (Reuters) – A series of bombs killed at least 16 people across Iraq on Friday as Shi’ite Muslims celebrated a holy festival, police and medical sources said.
Georgian PM promises not to try to jail Saakashvili
TBILISI (Reuters) – Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, hoping to ease fears of instability, says he will not try to jail President Mikheil Saakashvili when his rival steps down after Sunday’s election.
Tunisia’s ruling Islamist party, opposition start crisis talks
TUNIS (Reuters) – Tunisia’s ruling Islamist party and the opposition began talks on Friday to form a caretaker government and prepare for elections under an agreement to end months of unrest in the country that inspired the “Arab Spring” revolts.
Berlusconi resurrects old party but center-right deeply divided
ROME (Reuters) – Former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi on Friday resurrected the party with which he burst into politics 20 years ago, but the move deeply divided Italy’s political center-right.
No confirmation Iran has halted higher-grade enrichment -diplomats
VIENNA (Reuters) – Diplomats accredited to the U.N. nuclear watchdog said on Friday they had no information to substantiate word from a senior Iranian parliamentarian that Tehran has halted its most sensitive atomic activity.
Kenyan deputy president must attend his trial, ICC says
THE HAGUE/NAIROBI (Reuters) – Kenyan Deputy President William Ruto must attend all sessions of his trial at the International Criminal Court unless specifically excused, appeals judges ruled on Friday, putting the court at odds with Kenya and the Afric…
Madagascar counts presidential election, economy at stake
ANTANANARIVO (Reuters) – Counting began on Friday in Madagascar’s presidential election which voters hope will encourage investors and donors to return to the Indian Ocean island, four years after a coup sent its economy reeling.
