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.
U.S. will work with U.N. Security Council on Syria: White House
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States will consult with its partners on the United Nations Security Council about reports of chemical weapons use in Syria, a White House spokesman said on Wednesday.
White House calls for U.N. probe of alleged Syria gas attack
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The White House expressed alarm on Wednesday about reports of a massive deadly chemical weapons attack by Syrian government forces and called urgently for a United Nations investigation into the incident.
Europe shies away from cutting aid for Egypt
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – The European Union stopped short of agreeing immediate cuts in financial or military assistance to Cairo on Wednesday, as the bloc’s foreign ministers held emergency talks to find ways to help bring an end to violence in Egypt.
