Saturday, December 29, 2012

World News Briefs -- December 29, 2012



Diplomats: Syrian Conflict Getting More Militarized, Sectarian -- CNN

(CNN) -- Russia's top diplomat and the international envoy to Syria warned Saturday that the Middle East nation's conflict is becoming more militarized and sectarian, further endangering the region.

The statements followed a meeting between Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Lakhdar Brahimi, the United Nations envoy, which was aimed at bringing both sides of the civil war to the negotiating table.

"I think Sergey Lavrov is absolutely right that the conflict is not only more and more militarized, it is more and more sectarian, Brahimi told reporters following the talks in Moscow.

"And if we are not careful and if the Syrians are not careful, it will be a mainly sectarian conflict."

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syrian refugee influx could break Lebanon and Jordan, UN envoy warns. UN envoy says Syrian collapse threatens region.

Assad's forces seize Homs district from rebels: activists.

Two more Syrian generals defect to Turkey.

Yemen says stopped Iranian arms vessel.

Thousands protest botched Turkish military attack that killed 34 Kurdish smugglers.

Fatah reinstates plans for Gaza anniversary event.

Iran sacks its only female minister.

ASIA

Blast in Pakistan's Karachi kills six on bus, 48 hurt.

Pakistani Minister welcomes Taliban negotiation offer.

Japan new foreign minister vows China patch-up.

Taiwan and China move closer to peace accord?

China sets date for key legislative session.

N. Korea's China trade nearly triples in four years.

India gang rape victim dies in Singapore hospital. Death of India rape victim stirs anger, promises of action. Attackers in India rape case to face murder charge.

Philippines contraception law signed by Benigno Aquino.

S. Korea claims to retrieve debris from N. Korean rocket.

Pakistan: Cough syrup suspected in 33 deaths.

Heirs of Communist China's Eight Immortals 'have amassed huge wealth'.

AFRICA

CAR neighbours agree to send support troops.

War and peace in the shifting sands of Mali.

Armies of Sudan and South Sudan trade accusations of border violence.

Hundreds protest against militias in Libya's Benghazi.

Egypt opposition says Islamists trying to stifle dissent.

New Constitution divides Egypt as economy falters.

South Africa's painful slide through protest and scandal.

EUROPE

German finance minister says Euro-crisis worst is over.

Greek tax cheats list altered to hide names -court sources.

Russian passenger jet crashes at Moscow's Vnukovo airport.2 dead in Moscow airliner crash.

Russian police free child hostage, kill seven militants in Dagestan.

Macedonian opposition rallies to demand early elections.

French court overturns ultra-rich tax.

Monti says he will lead coalition in Italy’s February elections.

Former PM Thatcher describes ‘worst moment’ of her life in formerly secret Falklands documents. Falklands telegrams reveal UK response to invasion.

AMERICAS

Congressional leaders hopeful as fiscal cliff deadline nears. Senate leaders to make last-ditch "fiscal cliff" effort.

Venezuelan vice president visits ailing Chavez in Cuba.

Obama signs law against Iran's Latin America influence.

Mexico finds smuggling tunnel near US border.

New York murders at record low.

U.S. population projected at 315.1 million on New Year's Day: census.

US requests Colombia Urabenos 'gang leader' extradition.

Argentine court rejects intervention in media case.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

The Taliban crosses the line in Pakistan.

Alleged militants detained in Djibouti charged by U.S. court.

US drones kill 2 AQAP fighters in eastern Yemen.

Drone use surges in Yemen, the frontline against Al Qaeda.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

More than a turnaround, Toyota sees record-breaking sales in 2013.

Deal reached to avert U.S. port strike for now.

Wall Street Week Ahead: Cliff may be a fear, but debt ceiling much scarier.

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