Tuesday, February 7, 2012

World News Briefs -- February 7, 2012



Syria Crisis: Russia's Sergei Lavrov Meets Assad -- BBC

Pro-government crowds in Syria have given Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov a hero's welcome in the capital.

Thousands waved Syrian and Russian flags as Mr Lavrov's convoy moved through Damascus. He later begun talks with President Bashar al-Assad.

Fresh diplomatic initiatives are being considered after Russia and China vetoed a UN resolution on Syria.

Mr Lavrov's visit comes as government forces continue a fierce assault on the rebel stronghold of Homs.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Russian foreign minister visits Syria as shelling continues. Lavrov in Damascus seeking hope for Syria.

Assad regime vows to "hunt" down rebels as death toll rises in Syria.

High tensions continue in Persian Gulf.

Iran dismisses new U.S. sanctions as ‘psychological warfare’.

Diplomats: Iran boosts nuclear work in bunker.

Palestinians announce agreement for unity government. Israel slams Hamas deal. Middle East press uncertain on Palestinian unity deal.

ASIA

Tibetan leader warns of military buildup.

Maldives leader quits after protests, VP sworn in.

US to issue sanctions waiver for Myanmar.

Pakistan factory collapse rescue operation continues.

China forges Arab ties, hedging bets in the Gulf.

AFRICA

Egypt's military hints at earlier presidential election.

Somalia moves to evict Mogadishu squatters.

Liberia ex-warlord George Boley to be deported from US.

Malian refugees in Niger await food and water aid.

Nigeria names seven behind Eni pipeline blast.

Kidnapped Chinese workers in Sudan freed

EUROPE

Freezing Italy takes emergency steps over gas supplies.

Romanian Premier-designate seeks to form new government. Romania's government collapses after protests.

Greece exit would not end euro, says EU commissioner.

French trade deficit hits high, competitiveness at issue.

An independent Scotland may not get triple A status, rating agencies warn.

AMERICAS

3 Mexican presidential hopefuls vie to lead a nation weary of politics.

Venezuela arrests Colombia militia boss 'Martin Llanos'.

Canada's Harper in China visit focused on energy.

FBI warns of threat from anti-government extremists.

Fidel Castro warns of bleak future, touts memoir.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Terrorist on the school run: Bin Laden's 'ambassador in Europe' to be free in days... and judge says he can take his child to class.

'Shoe-bomb' terrorist to be released from jail on opening day of the Olympic Games.

Detention of U.S. persons: What is the existing law?

Chicago cabbie pleads guilty in terrorism case.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Saudi Arabia will not let oil go above $100: Prince.

China escalates trade war with EU by banning airlines from paying carbon taxes on flights.

BP preparing "vigorously" for oil spill lawsuits.

Exclusive: Iran defaults on rice payments to India.

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