Russian court closes news agency, citing new obscenity law
MOSCOW (Reuters) – A Moscow court on Thursday revoked the registration of web-based news agency Rosbalt for posting videos it said contained profane language, including a clip by punk band Pussy Riot, in violation of a law adopted earlier this year.
Hague court postpones Kenyatta trial again
THE HAGUE (Reuters) – The start of Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta’s trial for crimes against humanity has been postponed until February 5, the International Criminal Court said on Thursday.
Pakistani PM says talks with Pakistani Taliban are underway
LONDON (Reuters) – Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif told British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg on Thursday his country had started talks with the Pakistani Taliban, a British government source said.
Bavarian conservatives get boost from EU on foreign-driver road toll plan
BERLIN (Reuters) – Bavarian conservatives have received an unexpected boost from Brussels for a controversial plan to impose a motorway toll on foreign drivers, giving impetus to their push for the idea in German talks to form a coalition government.
Lonmin pay dispute tees up sector-wide South African platinum strike
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – The hardline AMCU union declared a wage dispute with mining company Lonmin on Thursday, raising the possibility of a strike across South Africa’s platinum industry that could hit half of global output.
Czech left leader defeats rebels, takes control of government talks
PRAGUE (Reuters) – Czech Social Democrat leader Bohuslav Sobotka took back control of talks to form a new government on Thursday, defeating a bid to oust him by party rebels unhappy over a poor election result.
Kosovo withdraws warrant for Serbian minister ahead of vote
PRISTINA (Reuters) – Kosovo has withdrawn an arrest warrant for a Serbian government minister, a judge said on Thursday, easing tension before an election that is central to a fragile EU-brokered accord between the Balkan neighbors.
UK weighs introducing criminal sanctions against energy firms
LONDON (Reuters) – Britain is considering introducing criminal sanctions against energy firms that manipulate the market at the expense of consumers, energy minister Ed Davey said on Thursday.
Niger says 92 migrants found dead in Sahara after failed crossing
NIAMEY (Reuters) – The corpses of 92 migrants, most of them women and children, have been found in northern Niger after their vehicles broke down attempting to cross the vast Sahara desert, authorities said on Thursday.
Exclusive: Russian banks strengthen ties with blacklisted Syrian lenders
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Intent on supplying his government with arms, oil and food, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has turned to Russian banks to access world markets, and the lenders could open more doors to him, despite a risk of isolation from the U.S….
