Italy government coalition averts split over F-35 jet purchase
ROME (Reuters) – Italy’s ruling coalition averted a split over a motion to scrap its purchase of 90 Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets on Wednesday by agreeing to seek parliament’s approval before going ahead with further spending on the program.
New emir: Qatar will pursue its ‘independent behavior’
DOHA (Reuters) – Qatar’s new emir said on Wednesday the U.S.-allied Gulf Arab state would not “take direction” from anyone, in an accession speech suggesting the young leader would pursue the assertive, independent-minded foreign policy pioneered by hi…
At least three dead in Somali port clash: witnesses
MOGADISHU (Reuters) – At least three people were killed in a brief skirmish between rival militias in southern Somalia, witnesses said, the second deadly flare-up so far this month in the disputed strategic port of Kismayu.
Video of kidnapped Czechs demands release of jailed Pakistani
PRAGUE (Reuters) – A video message on Wednesday purporting to show two Czech women hostages in Pakistan demanded the release of a Pakistani national jailed in the United States in return for their freedom.
Italy passes bill to ease overcrowded prisons
ROME (Reuters) – Italy moved to ease critically overcrowded prisons on Wednesday, passing a decree to reduce pre-trial detention and encourage alternatives to jail time for minor offences.
Russia suspends vote monitoring group under ‘foreign agent’ law
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia suspended an independent election monitoring group for six months on Wednesday, for failing to register as a “foreign agent” under a law that President Vladimir Putin’s critics say is part of a crackdown on dissent.
Bulgarian protesters pelt lawmakers with tomatoes, eggs
SOFIA (Reuters) – Bulgarian protesters pelted lawmakers with tomatoes and eggs and chanted “Mafia!” and “Resign!” on Wednesday in a sign of mounting frustration over the new Socialist-led government’s refusal to quit over a security scandal.
Rudd returns as Australia PM after toppling Gillard
CANBERRA (Reuters) – Kevin Rudd returned as Australian prime minister on Wednesday, executing a stunning party room coup on Julia Gillard almost three years to the day after being ousted by his former deputy and less than three months out from a genera…
Iran’s Khamenei says nuclear talks easy if enemy not stubborn
DUBAI (Reuters) – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday the dispute over the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program could easily be resolved if the West were to stop being so stubborn.
Tributes for ‘pillar of peace’ Mandela pile up at hospital
PRETORIA (Reuters) – South Africans have been coming in their hundreds to offer notes, flowers and prayers for Nelson Mandela at a wall surrounding a Pretoria hospital where the 94-year-old anti-apartheid hero remains in a critical condition.
