Islamist rebels reject ‘hollow’ Syria peace talks
BEIRUT (Reuters) – A powerful alliance of Syrian Islamist rebels rejected upcoming peace talks on Sunday, meaning that even if the talks reach an unlikely breakthrough in the three year old civil war, it will be harder to implement it on the ground.
Former FLN party chief to run for Algerian presidency
ALGIERS (Reuters) – Ali Benflis, a former leader of Algeria’s ruling FLN party, announced on Sunday he would run in the April 17 elections, in which President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has yet to say whether he will seek a fourth term.
Israel targets Gaza militant after Palestinian rocket attacks
GAZA (Reuters) – Israel said it carried out an air strike on Sunday against a Gaza militant who it blamed for cross-border rocket attacks last week, and Palestinian medics said two people, including a 12-year-old, were wounded.
Algeria to hold talks with Mali rebels over peace deal
ALGIERS (Reuters) – Algeria will hold exploratory talks with rebel groups from neighboring Mali in an attempt to revive peace negotiations there, it said on Sunday, an initiative welcomed by Malian President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.
Mexico says Texas execution of Mexican man would violate international accord
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – Mexico on Sunday strongly objected to the scheduled execution in Texas on Wednesday of a Mexican convicted of killing a U.S. police officer, arguing that by executing him, the United States would be in “clear violation” of inter…
Three arrested in murder of British tourist in St. Lucia
CASTRIES, St. Lucia (Reuters) – Authorities in the Caribbean island of St. Lucia said they have arrested three people on Sunday in connection with the murder of a British tourist who was traveling around the world with his wife.
Eight run for Central African Republic presidency, violence flares
BANGUI (Reuters) – Central African Republic lawmakers shortlisted eight candidates, including two sons of former leaders, to run for interim president in a vote on Monday and pull the country out of months of turmoil and sectarian killings.
Eight Iraqi police and tribesmen killed fighting al Qaeda
BAGHDAD (Reuters) – Iraqi Sunni Muslim tribesmen backed by police special forces and helicopter gunships attacked al Qaeda-linked militants in the city of Ramadi on Sunday, but halted the assault after at least eight of their number were killed, police…
Labour says it wants budget surplus if it wins next UK election
LONDON (Reuters) – The leader of the opposition Labour party said on Sunday his party wants to eliminate Britain’s budget deficit by 2020 if it wins the next election, matching a pledge by Prime Minister David Cameron’s Conservative party.
Violence-hit Central African Republic shortlists eight for president
BANGUI (Reuters) – Central African Republic lawmakers shortlisted eight candidates, including two sons of former presidents, on Sunday to become interim leader and pull the country out of months of turmoil and factional killings.
