Russia drops charges against Greenpeace activists
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia formally dropped criminal charges against Greenpeace activists arrested in a protest over Arctic oil drilling on Wednesday, under a Kremlin amnesty extended to all 30 who had been facing up to seven years jail if convicted.
China to celebrate Mao’s birthday, but events scaled back
BEIJING (Reuters) – China celebrates the 120th birthday of Mao Zedong, the founder of modern China, on Thursday, but will be scaling back festivities as President Xi Jinping embarks on broad economic reforms which have unsettled leftists.
Israel plans new settlement push while freeing Palestinian prisoners
JERUSALEM (Reuters) – Israel plans to announce a push for more construction in Jewish settlements when it frees two dozen Palestinian prisoners next week, an Israeli official said on Wednesday, in a move that could jeopardize U.S.-brokered peace talks….
South Sudan President Kiir urges end to tribal atrocities
JUBA (Reuters) – South Sudan President Salva Kiir called for an end to wanton killings and tribal-based atrocities on Wednesday, as government troops clashed with rebels loyal to his former deputy in an oil-producing region of the country.
18 Haitians die after boat capsizes off Turks and Caicos
MIAMI (Reuters) – Eighteen Haitians died on Wednesday morning off the Turks and Caicos islands after a sailboat carrying more than 50 suspected immigrants capsized while being towed into port, officials said.
Ukrainian journalist beaten up and left in ditch
KIEV (Reuters) – A Ukrainian opposition activist and journalist known for her investigations into corruption among senior state officials was beaten up by unknown attackers on Wednesday.
Christmas bombings kill 34 in Iraq
BAGHDAD (Reuters) – At least 34 people were killed in three bombings in Christian areas of Baghdad on Wednesday, including a car bomb that exploded as worshippers were leaving a Christmas service, Iraqi police and medics said.
Iranian MPs propose bill to enrich uranium up to 60 percent
ANKARA (Reuters) – Iran’s hardline lawmakers are seeking to increase uranium enrichment under the country’s nuclear program to a level that can produce bomb-grade material, a state-run website said on Wednesday.
Russian supreme court to review Khodorkovsky convictions
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia’s Supreme Court on Wednesday said it will review two convictions against former oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky, including a ruling the Kremlin critic said was preventing him from returning to Russia despite a presidential par…
Sinai-based group claims Egypt police compound bombing
ISMAILIA/CAIRO (Reuters) – A Sinai-based Islamist militant group said on Wednesday it was behind a car bomb attack on an Egyptian police compound in the Nile Delta which killed 16 people and wounded about 140.
