Putin aide says British vote reflects dangers of Syria strike
MOSCOW (Reuters) – A British parliamentary vote against taking military action in Syria shows a growing international understanding of the risks of intervention, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s top foreign policy adviser said on Friday.
Rival of Merkel takes pacifist stance on Syria before TV duel
BERLIN (Reuters) – Chancellor Angela Merkel’s challenger in the approaching German election, Peer Steinbrueck, took a stark stance against Western military action in Syria on Friday in a play to anti-war sentiment ahead of their only TV duel in the cam…
Malaysia’s opposition signals willingness to work with government
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) – Malaysia’s opposition indicated on Friday it was softening its stand towards the government for the first time since a disputed May election, saying it was willing to help tackle a range of problems.
Britain’s Cameron: I don’t need to apologize to Obama over Syria defeat
LONDON (Reuters) – Prime Minister David Cameron said on Friday he regretted the failure of the British parliament to support military action in Syria but that he hoped President Barack Obama would understand the need to listen to the wishes of the peop…
Ukraine leader says law does not allow him to pardon Tymoshenko
KIEV (Reuters) – Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich said on Friday he had no legal powers to allow his jailed rival, Yulia Tymoshenko, to go abroad for medical treatment as some European governments have urged as a solution to ending a political imp…
South Africa gold producers say strike to start from Tuesday
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – South Africa’s gold producers said on Friday the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) had served notice of a strike over pay demands starting from the night shift on Tuesday.
Egypt fires at Palestinian fishermen off Gaza: medics
GAZA (Reuters) – Egyptian naval police shot and wounded two Palestinian fishermen and detained five off the Gaza Strip on Friday, medics said, an incident that hinted at increased tension between Gaza’s Islamist Hamas rulers and Cairo.
U.N. inspectors arrive at military hospital in Damascus
BEIRUT (Reuters) – United Nations inspectors arrived at a military hospital in a government-held area of Damascus on Friday to visit soldiers affected by an apparent chemical attack, a Reuters witness said.
South Africa gold producers say strike to start from Tuesday
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – South Africa’s gold producers said on Friday they had received a 48-hour strike notice from the National Union of Mineworkers and expected the strike to take effect from the night shift on Tuesday.
Hagel assures Philippines no new permanent U.S. bases
MANILA (Reuters) – U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel assured the Philippines on Friday that Washington had no intention of re-establishing permanent military bases despite plans to boost the U.S. presence in its former colony.