Monday, December 3, 2012

World News Briefs -- December 3, 2012 (Evening Edition)



U.S. Warns Syria Against Using Chemical Weapons -- New York Times

WASHINGTON — President Obama warned Syria’s government on Monday that it would be “totally unacceptable” to use chemical weapons against its own people and vowed to hold accountable anyone who did, as American intelligence officials picked up signs that such arms might be deployed in the ongoing insurgency.

The White House said that some recent actions by the government of President Bashar al-Assad were indicators that Syrian forces were preparing to use such weapons, following earlier reports that intelligence agencies had noticed signs of activity at chemical weapons sites. Mr. Obama’s spokesman said the administration had “an increased concern” of possible use of chemical weapons.

Read more
....

MIDDLE EAST

NATO plans missile defenses for Turkey.

Syrian spokesman flees country, diplomat says.

Assad’s troops, rebels tussle for Damascus. Syrian jets resume attack on border town.

US official: Intelligence shows Syria moving chemical weapons components in recent days. Syria denies plans to use chemical weapons.

Top Hamas leader to visit Gaza for first time.

Iran hints direct talks with US are possible.

Kuwait election: Opposition hails boycott as turnout falls.

Abbas 'victory speech': Jerusalem 'eternal capital of Palestine'.

Netanyahu brushes off world condemnation of settlement plans. UK and France summon Israeli envoys in settlements row.

ASIA

China sounds clear warning over South China Sea.

Japan inspecting tunnels after deadly collapse.

North Korea 'installs long-range rocket at launch site'.

Russia, China urge North Korea to drop rocket launch plan.

Senate reaffirms US support for Japan in land dispute with China.

China denies reports of 'interceptors' imprisonment.

Japan opposition LDP's lead narrows before December 16 vote: Polls. Analysis: Nationalist strains echo on Japan campaign trail.

Karachi cleric killing sparks backlash in Pakistan.

AFRICA

Egypt's crisis widens with planned march, strikes.

Chemistry prof 'led' Sudan militant camp: official.

Congo government back in Goma, says rebels still too close.

Mali crisis: UN's Ban gives AU mission guarded support.

Blasts hit two northern Nigerian cities.

Suspected Islamists kill 10 Christians in Nigeria.

South Sudan, Khartoum meet over border pullout.

EUROPE

Pope Benedict XVI tightens church control over Catholic charities.

UK's Prince William and wife Kate expecting a baby.

Merkel's euro push leaves east Germany out in the cold.

Ukraine cabinet quits, prime minister's future uncertain.

Putin visits Turkey amid differences over Syria.

Slovenia Ex-Premier wins presidency as recession deepens.

Thousands attend anti-Nazi rally in Hungary to protest lawmaker’s call to screen Jews.

Kosovo demands investigation into Ex-U.N. prosecutor Del Ponte.

AMERICAS

Chavez will travel to Brazil for summit - ambassador.

US House Speaker: Debt negotiations going 'nowhere'. Tim Geithner's fiscal cliff plan leaves Boehner 'flabbergasted'.

Colombian army kills 20 FARC guerrillas in military raid.

Colombia peace talks: Government sets deadline for Farc.

Mexico's Enrique Pena Nieto inaugurated as president. Mexican president signs deal with opposition.

UN court hears Peru-Chile sea border dispute.

Paraguay peasant leader Vidal Vega shot dead.

Troubling uptick in violence in São Paulo's slums.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Fight against al Shabaab instructive model for future: U.S. general.

Al Qaida-linked group Syria rebels once denied now key to anti-Assad victories.

Pentagon's top lawyer spurs questions about the fate Of Guantanamo.

Britain appeals court decision to block cleric Qatada's deportation.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Microsoft and Google race for online shopping.

China overtaking US as global trader.

UN internet regulation treaty talks begin in Dubai.

Samsung “Project J” rumor hints at Galaxy S IV in April 2013.

No comments: