Czech president picks leftist PM in snub to majority
PRAGUE (Reuters) – Czech President Milos Zeman snubbed the outgoing centre-right coalition by appointing left-wing economist Jiri Rusnok as prime minister on Tuesday, in a step likely to prolong political turmoil by weeks or even months.
EU gives preliminary go-ahead for Serbia entry talks by January
LUXEMBOURG (Reuters) – European Union ministers agreed on Tuesday to start negotiations on membership with Serbia by January as a reward for improving relations with its former province Kosovo.
Berlusconi verdict opens volatile new phase for Italy government
ROME (Reuters) – Silvio Berlusconi’s conviction on charges relating to underage prostitution has opened an unpredictable chapter for Italy’s fragile coalition government just as signs of uncertainty have returned to euro zone financial markets.
EU rebukes Turkey on crackdown by delaying entry talks
LUXEMBOURG (Reuters) – The European Union rebuked Turkey on Tuesday for its crackdown on anti-government protesters, postponing a new round of membership talks for at least four months, but said the path to the EU remained open.
Analysis : Bruised Greek government to limp along, toughen stance with lenders
ATHENS (Reuters) – Greece’s weakened coalition government is expected to survive the departure of a junior partner for now but will be forced to resist any fresh demands from its foreign lenders to prevent its tiny parliamentary majority from crumbling…
Saudi says ‘cannot be silent’ at Iran, Hezbollah role in Syria
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (Reuters) – Saudi Arabia regards the involvement of Iran and Hezbollah in Syria’s civil war as dangerous and believes the rebels must be offered military aid to defend themselves, the kingdom’s foreign minister said on Tuesday.
Twin suicide bombs kill eight Iraqi Turkmen
TIKRIT, Iraq (Reuters) – Two suicide bombers killed at least eight Iraqi Turkmen on Tuesday when they blew themselves up at a protest by members of the ethnic minority group, police said.
Nigeria hangs four prisoners in first executions since 2006
ABUJA (Reuters) – Four prisoners have been hanged in Nigeria, an official said on Tuesday, in the first known executions since 2006 which Amnesty International described as “a truly dark day for human rights in the country”.
Brahimi sees Syria talks delay, appeals to big powers
GENEVA (Reuters) – International mediator Lakhdar Brahimi said on Tuesday that a conference on ending the war in Syria was unlikely to take place in July as he had hoped, and called on the United States and Russia to help contain the conflict.
Armed group attacks Libya oil guards HQ: official
TRIPOLI (Reuters) – An armed group attacked the headquarters of Libya’s oil protection force in Tripoli on Tuesday and three people were wounded in the violence, an official said.
