Japan PM’s ruling bloc headed for big election win: surveys
TOKYO (Reuters) – Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s ruling bloc is headed for a big victory in this month’s upper house election, media surveys show, a win that would end a parliamentary deadlock and set the stage for Japan’s first stable government since 20…
Explosions shut down Colombia’s No. 2 oil pipeline
BOGOTA (Reuters) – Two explosions have shut down Colombia’s 80,000 barrel-per-day Cano Limon-Covenas oil pipeline, state-controlled oil company Ecopetrol said on Friday, with a military source describing them as attacks carried out by leftist rebels.
El Salvador gang truce wobbles as violent murders mount
SAN SALVADOR (Reuters) – El Salvador has seen a burst of violence, with 103 homicides this week, the government said on Friday, as a year-long truce between the country’s violent gangs appeared to be crumbling.
Syrian opposition to hold runoff vote Saturday for new leader
ISTANBUL (Reuters) – The Syrian opposition voted on Saturday to elect a new leader, but the top two candidates failed to gain a simple majority needed to become president of the coalition fighting to oust President Bashar al-Assad.
Portugal coalition partners reach deal on internal crisis: government
LISBON (Reuters) – Portugal’s Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho has reached a deal with the ruling coalition’s junior partner CDS-PP to resolve a rift which has threatened the country’s adjustment program under a bailout, a government spokesman said o…
Snowden could win Nicaragua asylum if circumstances permit: Ortega
MANAGUA (Reuters) – Nicaragua has received an asylum request from fugitive former U.S. spy agency contractor Edward Snowden and could accept the bid “if circumstances permit,” President Daniel Ortega said on Friday.
Islamist protests hit cities across Egypt, at least 24 dead
CAIRO (Reuters) – At least 24 people died across Egypt on Friday as Islamists opposed to the overthrow of President Mohamed Mursi took to the streets to vent their fury at what they say was a military coup.
Nicaragua says would grant Snowden asylum if circumstances permit
MANAGUA (Reuters) – Nicaragua’s President Daniel Ortega said on Friday that he had received an asylum request from U.S. fugitive Edward Snowden and could accept the bid “if circumstances permit.”
Venezuela names admiral to be first female defense minister
CARACAS (Reuters) – Venezuela named a female admiral who had been a close aide to Hugo Chavez as its first woman defense minister on Friday in a ceremony at the military museum that houses the late socialist leader’s remains.
Egypt bank governor says staying in position
CAIRO (Reuters) – Egyptian central bank governor Hisham Ramez said on Saturday he would remain in his position following the overthrow of President Mohamed Mursi, and denied a report he would be named prime minister.
