Friday, January 25, 2013

World News Briefs -- January 25, 2013



North Korea Threatens War With South Over U.N. Sanctions -- Reuters

(Reuters) - North Korea threatened to attack rival South Korea if Seoul joined a new round of tightened U.N. sanctions, as Washington unveiled more of its own economic restrictions following Pyongyang's rocket launch last month.

In a third straight day of fiery rhetoric, the North directed its verbal onslaught at its neighbor on Friday, saying: "'Sanctions' mean a war and a declaration of war against us."

The reclusive North has this week declared a boycott of all dialogue aimed at ending its nuclear program and vowed to conduct more rocket and nuclear tests after the U.N. Security Council censured it for a December long-range missile launch.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syrian troops and militia push to take Sunni Homs areas.

Jordan reels over Syrian refugee crisis.

Several killed in clashes in Iraq's Fallujah.

Turkey approves court reform, Kurds remain critical.

Palestinians threaten to sue Israel over settlements.

John Kerry eyes revival of Middle East peace talks.

ASIA

N. Korea threatens military action against ‘southern puppets’. North Korea threatens to attack South Korea.

US: US, China oppose North Korea nuclear test.

Experts suggest South Korea fortify economic ties with China.

Japan envoy meets Chinese leader amid islands dispute.

Trial of China's Bo Xilai opens next week, says Beijing-backed paper.

Murder in Pakistan sparks anger at country's elite.

US blacklists Afghan airline accused of smuggling opium.

AFRICA

Mali troops push towards Gao after air raids.

Cracks appear as militant group calls for talks in Mali.

Mali crisis: US admits mistakes in training local troops.

On North Africa's western flank, long-simmering conflict causes unease.

Egypt opposition to rally on revolution anniversary. Violence flares on anniversary of Egypt uprising.

Eritrean mutiny signals growing military discontent with Isaias.

Zimbabwe orders diamond fraud probe as election looms.

Zambia opposition leader denies party violence.

EUROPE

Britain could be on path to EU exit.

UK GDP: Economy shrank at end of 2012. Britain's economy shrinks anew, flirts with "triple dip".

Athens hit by Greek transport strike after police raid.

Belgian steel workers clash with police over job losses.

France's richest man moves to Belgium and takes multi-billion pound fortune with him 'to avoid new socialist super-tax'.

Car accident triggers unrest in Azerbaijan town.

AMERICAS

Colombia peace talks 'in mambo rhythm', say Farc rebels. Colombia peace talks take a break, no major advances reported.

Absent but omnipresent, Chavez a powerful symbol.

As deadly Mexican cartel loses control, heroin and meth trafficking rise.

In desert outposts, border agents keep watch.

Cuba first high-speed internet connection activated.

Cold snap torments those still without heat after Sandy.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Somalia's al-Shabab Twitter account suspended.

Britain's Cameron outlines anti-terrorism strategy.

Al-Qaida's No. 2 in Yemen succumbs to wounds.


ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

France seeking back tax from big Web firms: minister.

Cutting trade red tape could boost global economy by $1tn, says WTO.

Fed’s holdings of U.S. Gov't debt hit record $1,696,691,000,000; Up 257% under Obama.

Samsung leads mobile phone shipments.

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