Colombian leader Santos defends constitutionality of peace law
BOGOTA (Reuters) – Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos on Thursday defended the constitutionality of a law that paved the way for ongoing peace talks with Marxist rebels, as legal challenges risk undermining efforts to end five decades of war.
Political trials in Ukraine, Tajikistan draw U.N. rebuke
GENEVA (Reuters) – A United Nations human rights watchdog on Thursday deplored “politically motivated” prosecutions in Ukraine and Tajikistan and told the two former Soviet republics to make sure judges were impartial.
Kiir flexes muscles but risks splitting South Sudan
JUBA (Reuters) – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has asserted his power by firing his biggest political rivals along with his entire cabinet, but he risks splitting the African oil producer at a time of new tensions with civil war foe Sudan.
Egypt’s new finance minister plans stimulus, not austerity
CAIRO (Reuters) – Egypt interim government will seek to avoid major austerity measures and instead work to stimulate the economy by improving security and pumping in new funds, the new finance minister, Ahmed Galal, said on Thursday.
Car bomb in Damascus suburb kills seven: state media
BEIRUT (Reuters) – A car bomb killed at least 10 people and wounded around 62 on Thursday when it exploded on the edge of the Syrian capital Damascus, state media said.
Tunisian police fire teargas to disperse protesters in Sfax
TUNIS (Reuters) – Tunisian police fired teargas to disperse hundreds of protesters who stormed a local government office in Sfax, in the south of the country, in protest at the assassination of opposition figure Mohamed Brahmi, witnesses said
U.S. makes it easier to sell medical supplies to Iran
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States on Thursday expanded the list of medical devices that can be exported to Iran without special permission, as it seeks to show support for humanitarian needs in a country that has been hit hard by Western sanctio…
Portugal government sticks to bailout goals in confidence motion
LISBON (Reuters) – Portugal’s reshuffled coalition government stuck to plans to complete the country’s EU/IMF bailout program while promising to promote growth, in a document sent to parliament on Thursday tabling a symbolic vote of confidence.
U.S. strongly condemns assassination of Tunisian politician
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States on Thursday strongly condemned the assassination of Tunisian opposition politician Mohamed Brahmi and called for a thorough investigation to bring those responsible before the courts.
Mursi’s brother stands by Egyptian army in home village
AL-ADWA, Egypt (Reuters) – Even though they ousted his brother from office, Sayed Mursi does not have a bad word to say about Egypt’s military.
