Mali’s Keita promises new government chosen on merit, not favors
BAMAKO (Reuters) – Mali’s president-elect Ibrahim Boubacar Keita pledged on Wednesday to choose a cabinet based on competence rather than party affiliation or family ties, a sign he will break a tradition of weak consensus governments.
Turkish foreign min says clear that chemical weapons used in Syria
ISTANBUL (Reuters) – Turkey’s foreign minister said on Wednesday it was clear from television footage that chemical weapons had been used in an attack near the Syrian capital Damascus and telephoned U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon to urge an immediate investiga…
Tourism firms to invest $8.6 billion in Mexico over three years: President
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – Private companies plan to invest $8.6 billion in tourism projects in Mexico over the next three years, President Enrique Pena Nieto said on Wednesday, as the country’s tourism industry works to overcome publicity from drug-relat…
Dozens arrested in Puerto Rico for alleged Social Security fraud
SAN JUAN (Reuters) – U.S. federal authorities arrested 74 people in 25 towns across Puerto Rico early on Wednesday in an operation aimed at combating the abuse of Social Security and disability benefits.
Argentina says envoy to UK meant no offence to “dumb” Cameron
LONDON (Reuters) – Argentina’s ambassador to Britain said on Wednesday she had not meant to offend Prime Minister David Cameron when she called him “dumb” and his handling of the long-running dispute over the Falkland Islands “foolish”.
France, Britain say U.N. must have access to alleged Syria attack site
PARIS (Reuters) – France and Britain said on Wednesday that United Nations inspectors currently in Syria should be allowed immediate access to the site of an alleged chemical weapons attack.
Clash between Nigerian police and Boko Haram kills 9
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (Reuters) – Islamist sect Boko Haram attacked a police station in northeast Nigeria on Wednesday, killing two officers but losing seven of its members, two local security sources said.
Jordan revamps cabinet in push to speed up economic reform
AMMAN (Reuters) – Jordan’s Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour announced a cabinet reshuffle on Wednesday which bolstered the grip of technocrats charged with speeding up IMF-guided economic reforms crucial to rejuvenate sluggish growth.
Swedish politician wounded in Somali kidnap attempt
MOGADISHU (Reuters) – Somali gunmen tried to kidnap a Swedish opposition politician on Wednesday in an ambush in which she and another woman were wounded and two men were killed, police said.
Pro-Mursi alliance calls for Friday protests against army
CAIRO (Reuters) – Supporters of deposed Islamist President Mohamed Mursi called on Egyptians on Wednesday to hold “Friday of Martyrs” protests against the military takeover that ousted him seven weeks ago.
