World News Briefs -- May 13, 2010

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and Iran’s President Mahmud Ahmadinejad.
Photo from Radio Free Europe

Russia Warns U.S. Against Unilateral Iran Sanctions -- Reuters

MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned the United States and other Western nations on Thursday against imposing unilateral sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program, Interfax news agency reported.

The European Union has said it may impose unilateral sanctions if a U.N. Security Council resolution fails.

U.S. President Barack Obama's administration has been lobbying Western companies not to do business with Iran, but has not imposed sanctions against them.

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MIDDLE EAST

Turkey’s pact with Russia will give it nuclear plant.

Israelis: No halt to east Jerusalem construction.

U.S. sees return of Sadrist threat in southern Iraq.

Analysis: Syria handles Scud row with eye on US.

ASIA

South Korea closer to blaming North for sinking ship.

SWJ news roundup: Karzai visit (updated)

Explosions, gunfire in central Bangkok.

Chinese deal with Pakistan hems Obama.

AFRICA

Investigators in Libya to scour site of crashed plane.

U.S. envoy Gration says Sudan's peace accord is in peril.

Amid doubts, offensive to retake Somalia capital looms.

Egypt’s extension of emergency law draws criticism.

EUROPE

U.S. revives nuclear energy pact with Russia, citing cooperation On Iran.

Half of Russians believe bribery solves "problems".

Russian mine search halted, death toll reaches 66.

David Cameron and Nick Clegg introduce a very British revolution.

Greeks take to the streets, but lacking earlier zeal.

AMERICAS

Los Angeles to boycott Arizona over immigration law.

BP says costs on U.S. Gulf oil spill rise to $450 Mln. Criminal charges likely from Gulf oil spill, legal experts say.

Colombians face spy, sabotage trial in Venezuela.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Europe's antiterrorism agencies favor human intelligence over technology.

Senators seek new terror security measures.

Haiti's neighbors, fearing mass migration, withdraw welcome mat.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Barack Obama plans to punish BP with tax hike as Gulf spill worsens.

Gold hits fresh record on inflation fears.

Euro loses bounce from $1 trillion bailout.