Nigerian governor gave $15 million cash bribe in bag, court hears
LONDON (Reuters) – Desperate to halt a probe into his finances, Nigerian governor James Ibori tried to bribe anti-corruption boss Nuhu Ribadu in 2007 with $15 million in cash in a bag so heavy one man alone could not lift it, Ribadu told a London court…
Berlusconi would not have been tried if gay: Putin
VALDAI, Russia (Reuters) – Russian President Vladimir Putin rallied behind his old friend Silvio Berlusconi on Thursday, saying the former Italian prime minister would not have faced trial for having sex with a minor if he were gay.
Greece asks court to crack down on far right after rapper’s killing
ATHENS (Reuters) – The Greek government asked judges on Thursday to move against Golden Dawn, saying it had evidence the far-right party was a criminal organization and a threat to public safety.
Berlusconi says Italy needs political stability
ROME (Reuters) – Italy’s center-right leader Silvio Berlusconi called on Thursday for political stability but demanded that Prime Minister Enrico Letta’s fragile coalition keep promises to cut taxes, despite growing pressure on public finances.
Putin warns Ukraine over Europe ambitions
VALDAI, Russia (Reuters) – Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Ukraine on Thursday he would retaliate with protectionist measures if it signed a landmark trade deal with the European Union and suggested Kiev enter instead into Russian-led customs u…
Egypt returns $2 billion to Qatar in sign of growing tensions
CAIRO (Reuters) – Egypt has returned $2 billion that Qatar had deposited with its central bank, after talks to convert the funds into three-year bonds broke down, central bank Governor Hisham Ramez said on Thursday.
High chance of cyclone over SW Gulf of Mexico: NHC
(Reuters) – An area of low pressure located over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico now has a high 60 percent chance of becoming a tropical cyclone during the next 48 hours, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) said in its latest advisory.
Guinea opposition leader seeks poll delay, threatens protests
CONAKRY (Reuters) – Guinea’s main opposition leader on Thursday threatened to call supporters onto the streets if authorities push ahead with a parliamentary election due on Tuesday without fully addressing complaints over preparations.
Security forces storm pro-Mursi town near Cairo to reassert control
KERDASA, Egypt (Reuters) – Egyptian security forces and militants exchanged fire as police stormed a town near Cairo dominated by Islamist supporters of ousted President Mohamed Mursi on Thursday, arresting dozens in an operation to reimpose state cont…
Pope says Church cannot be obsessed with gays, contraception, abortion
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) – Pope Francis said the Catholic Church should not allow its bans on gay marriage, abortion and contraception to dominate its teachings, but must be a more welcoming Church where priests are understanding pastors and not cold, do…
