Wednesday, February 20, 2013

World News Briefs -- February 20, 2013



Russia Calls For End To Syrian Crisis -- Voice of America

Russia is calling for an end to the nearly two-year crisis in Syria.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday after a meeting with Arab diplomats in Moscow that neither the Syrian government nor rebels can pursue a military solution, saying that is a path to mutual destruction.

Russia has used it veto power in the United Nations Security Council to block three rounds of resolutions against Syria, stressing the need for Syria to find an end to the fighting without foreign interference.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria crisis: Mortars hit Damascus stadium - live updates.

Insight: Battle for Damascus: frozen but bloody.

Russia warns of 'mutual destruction' in Syria.

Syrian rebels threaten to hit Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.

Time to end the war in Syria – Lavrov.

Sunni protesters dig in as tensions flare in Iraq.

Turkey: 'World's biggest prison' for media.

China floods Iran with cheap consumer goods in exchange for oil.

Turkey, Israel cut 1st defense deal since freezing ties.

ASIA

South Korea brushes off North's 'final destruction' threat.

China pressured to act against N. Korea.

Japan trade deficit hits record as yen weakens.

British PM lays wreath at India massacre site. British PM regrets "deeply shameful" colonial Indian massacre.

Pakistan's Hazara Shias refuse to end protest.

Photos show Sri Lankan forces killed rebel chief's son-director.

China rejects Philippine U.N. mediation effort.

Clergy want Int'l probe on Sri Lanka civil war.

AFRICA

Mali: French troop pullout to start within weeks.

Two years after Gadhafi's overthrow, Libya is still going nowhere.

Sudan: Clashes with army in south kill 60 rebels.

Tunisian PM resigns amid growing political crisis.

Cameroon says kidnapped French hostages now in Nigeria.

Bail or months in a tough prison? Judge to rule on Pistorius case.

EUROPE

Eurozone crisis live: Bulgarian government brought down by austerity protests as Greece holds general strike.

Bulgarian government resigns amid growing protests.

Anti-austerity strike to bring Greece to a standstill.

Polls: Cigar-chomping former communist will be Italy's next leader. Insight: Rome will burn, regardless of Italian election result.

Pope may change conclave rules before leaving: Vatican.

Almost $50 billion left Russia illegally in 2012, bank chief says. Russian central banker slams vast criminal cash exports.

AMERICAS

U.S. sequester just over a week away, but blame game has already begun.

Juggling priorities, Pentagon tries to protect war funding, troops.

Cuba's Raul Castro meets with U.S. congressional delegation.

Chavez back in Venezuela, stirs succession talk.

Grenada holds general election amid economic trouble.

Montreal city hall raided by anti-corruption police.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US issues worldwide caution to its citizens of terror threats.

Al Qaeda’s top recruiting tool: The CIA.

Al Qaeda: The database.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Apple is building something bigger than a TV.

EU vows to get tough with Google as campaigners warn of 'real concern' over personal data collected by the search giant.

'You can keep your so-called workers,' US tyre mogul tells French minister.

$50M diamond heist: Behind the crime, potential payoff on black market.

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