Russia says Syria peace talks unlikely before October
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia wants a Syria peace conference to be held as soon as possible but it is unlikely to go ahead before October because there is a busy diplomatic schedule before then, a Russian diplomat said on Tuesday.
‘Leftover women’ in China face tough choices in looking for love
SHANGHAI (Reuters) – Xu Jiajie has gone on countless blind dates and to numerous match-making events over the past five years in search of a husband.
Deadly Iraq bombings target cafe, school and playground
BAGHDAD (Reuters) – At least 16 people were killed and 41 wounded on Monday in a suicide bomb attack on a crowded cafe in Balad, 80 km (50 miles) north of Baghdad, part of the worst wave of violence in Iraq in around five years.
Venezuela’s Maduro to seek decree powers in graft fight
CARACAS (Reuters) – Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro said on Monday he will ask for decree powers last used by his predecessor Hugo Chavez to ramp up a fight against corruption that has begun to cost him politically with supporters.
China cuts fees for some government services
BEIJING (Reuters) – China will reduce service fees charged by 14 government departments, the country’s top economic planning agency said on Tuesday, as part of Beijing’s efforts to cut red tape and promote reforms.
Spying scandal sets back U.S. chances for fighter jet sale to Brazil
BRASILIA (Reuters) – U.S. hopes of landing a coveted deal worth more than $4 billion to sell 36 fighter jets to Brazil have suffered a setback with recent revelations that the United States collected data on Brazilian Internet communications.
Analysis: Argentina’s Fernandez weakened by vote but still in charge
BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) – Argentine President Cristina Fernandez may be a lame duck after her coalition was thumped in a mid-term primary election, but with two years left in power she can still impose more of the capital and currency controls that have…
Keita wins Mali presidential vote after rival admits defeat
BAMAKO (Reuters) – Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, an ex-prime minister with a reputation for firmness, won Mali’s presidential election after his rival conceded defeat on Monday in a poll meant to draw a line under more than a year of turmoil.
Kerry backs peace talks during visit to U.S. ally Colombia
BOGOTA (Reuters) – Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday promised strong U.S. backing for peace talks aimed at ending Colombia’s half-century of conflict, calling the country a success story in a world where many states have failed or are failing.
Analysis: Argentina’s Fernandez now a lame duck, but one with teeth
BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) – Argentine President Cristina Fernandez may be a lame duck after her coalition was thumped in a mid-term primary election, but with two years left in power she can still impose more of the capital and currency controls that have…
