U.S. engages in threats to stop Iran oil sales to traditional clients: Zarif
Iran’s foreign minister accused the United States on Twitter on Saturday of engaging in “piracy and threats” to stop Tehran from selling oil to traditional clients, after Washington blacklisted an Iranian oil tanker that it said was headed to Syria.
Hong Kong police fire tear gas as march turns into violent chaos
Hong Kong police fired tear gas and water cannon on Saturday and pro-democracy protesters threw petrol bombs in the latest in a series of chaotic clashes that have plunged the Chinese-ruled city into its worst political crisis in decades.
Russians demand free elections in Moscow, defying protest ban
A few thousand Russians took to the streets of central Moscow on Saturday to demand free elections to the capital’s city legislature on Sept. 8, defying a ban which has been enforced with violent detentions during previous protests.
Colombia’s fight against rebels would be easier without Maduro: minister
There is “no doubt” it would be easier to combat Colombia’s rebel groups if Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro were no longer in power, Colombia’s foreign minister said, amid accusations that Caracas is providing the groups with shelter.
UAE firms scout trade at Syria fair, defying U.S. pressure
A delegation of at least 40 businessmen from the United Arab Emirates attended a state-backed trade fair in Syria’s capital, defying U.S. warnings against doing business with the government and associates of President Bashar al-Assad.
Turkey to launch own Syria plan unless it secures control of ‘safe zone’: Erdogan
Turkey will launch its own operation to establish a “safe zone” in Syria if talks with the United States fail to give Turkish troops control of the area within a few weeks, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday.
Thousands celebrate East Timor’s 20th anniversary but the scars remain
Thousands of people turned out on Friday night to celebrate East Timor’s independence on the 20th anniversary of the 1999 referendum that led to the end of Indonesian occupation.
U.S. likely to toughen sanctions on Russia: secretary Perry
U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry said on Saturday that Washington will most likely continue to toughen sanctions on Russia after its annexation of Ukraine’s territory of Crimea in 2014.
Amid Colombia rebel rearmament, U.S. sees support from Maduro: official
The government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is increasingly providing shelter to Colombian rebel groups, a senior State Department official said in an interview, days after former FARC guerrillas announced a new offensive.
Hong Kong protests turn to chaos amid tear gas and petrol bombs
Hong Kong police fired tear gas and water cannon on Saturday as pro-democracy protesters threw petrol bombs in the latest in a series of clashes that have plunged the Chinese-ruled city into its worst political crisis in decades.
