Moldova says will stick to pro-Europe course despite Russian pressure
CHISINAU (Reuters) – Moldova’s leaders hit back on Wednesday after a Russian envoy warned their ex-Soviet republic that its pro-Europe policy could bring retaliatory action from Moscow, possibly involving cuts in Russian gas deliveries.
Philippines says China moving to occupy disputed reef
MANILA (Reuters) – China plans to occupy a disputed chain of reefs and rocks in the South China Sea to expand its territory before regional rules on maritime behavior come into effect, the Philippines’ top diplomat said on Wednesday.
Russia blames rebels for March chemical attack in Syria
MOSCOW (Reuters) – A Russian expert report shows a makeshift weapon used in a chemical attack near the Syrian city of Aleppo in March was similar to ones made by rebels, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
Britain names new envoy to try to reshape EU ties
LONDON (Reuters) – One of Prime Minister David Cameron’s most senior advisors is to become Britain’s new ambassador to the European Union, the government said on Wednesday, a role at the center of efforts to reshape ties with the EU before a possible i…
Caucasus Islamists in Syria split with Qaeda-linked rebels: video
BEIRUT (Reuters) – A group of Islamist militants from Russia’s volatile North Caucasus region fighting in Syria have split with a major al Qaeda-linked rebel unit to form an independent battalion, according to a video posted online.
Russia warns of catastrophe if Syria reactor hit by U.S. strike
ST PETERSBURG, Russia (Reuters) – Russia said on Wednesday that a military strike on Syria could have catastrophic effects if a missile hit a small reactor near Damascus that contains radioactive uranium.
Exclusive: Former Syria defense minister defects in break with Assad
AMMAN/DOHA (Reuters) – Former Syrian Defence Minister General Ali Habib, a prominent member of President Bashar al-Assad’s Alawite sect, has defected and is now in Turkey, a senior member of the opposition Syrian National Coalition told Reuters on Wedn…
Mali’s new president promises to bring peace, fight graft
BAMAKO (Reuters) – Mali’s new president, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, pledged to stamp out corruption and bring peace to the turbulent north as he was sworn in on Wednesday, 18 months after a coup and rebel uprising plunged the gold exporter into chaos.
Libya PM warns time running out for oil protests
TRIPOLI (Reuters) – Libya’s patience with protesters who have halted its onshore oil output is running out and action against them nearer, Prime Minister Ali Zeidan said on Wednesday.
German spy agency sees Assad behind gas attack, cites phone call
BERLIN (Reuters) – A Hezbollah official has said Syrian President Bashar al-Assad ordered a poison gas attack last month and that it considered the move a mistake which showed he was losing his grip, according to German intelligence.
