Thursday, August 2, 2012

World News Briefs -- August 2, 2012

Former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Reuters

Frustrated Annan Quits As Syria Peace Envoy -- Reuters

(Reuters) - Former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan is quitting as international peace envoy for Syria in the face of an armed rebellion against President Bashar al-Assad whose violence shows no sign of abating after 17 months of strife.

As battles raged on Thursday in Syria's second city Aleppo between rebel fighters and government forces using war planes and artillery, U.N. Secretary Ban Ki-moon announced in New York that Annan had said he would go at the end of the month.

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MIDDLE EAST

With his peace plan ignored, Annan resigns as Syria envoy.

Syria rebels shell Aleppo airbase.

Exclusive: Obama authorizes secret U.S. support for Syrian rebels.

Ahmadinejad: World forces must strive to annihilate Israel.

Khamenei warns Iran’s top leaders: War in weeks.

Israeli PM says time running out to stop Iran's nuclear programme.

Iraq sees deadliest month in two years.

ASIA

NATO should finish job in Afghanistan, Putin says.

Taiwan flooded with almost 5 feet of typhoon rain.

India to allow direct foreign investment from Pakistan.

Analysis: China unveils oil offensive in South China Sea squabble.

China jails 20 people on terrorism charges in Xinjiang.

China's disgraced Olympic coach apologises.

AFRICA

Ivory Coast pushes for UN military action in Mali.

Panetta warns Egypt on Sinai as potential base for terrorists.

Coptic-Muslim clashes erupt in Egypt.

Popular Somali comedian who dared to mock militants is killed in Mogadishu streets.

EUROPE

Romania political turmoil continues after ruling delayed. Romania court delays impeachment decision - court.

Putin starts to ‘tighten the screws’ on foes.

Cameron tackles Putin on Syria in judo diplomacy. David Cameron welcomes Vladimir Putin to Downing Street.

Air intruders must be shot down, Belarus leader says.

AMERICAS

Half of US counties now considered disaster areas.

Venezuela's opposition wants to scrap preferential oil deals.

Ecuador wants to avoid Assange's extradition to Sweden.

Argentina sends Britain letter 'repudiating' desecration of Falklands war cemetery.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Report: Terrorist attacks in Western hemisphere up almost 40 percent.

Al-Qaida attacks Yemen town, 4 troops killed.

Spain arrests al Qaeda suspects planning European attacks.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

GM profits slip 41% as European struggles take their toll.

Apple wants court to sanction Samsung over media release.

US Central Bank decides against new economic stimulus.

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