Friday, March 2, 2012

World News Briefs -- March 2, 2012



UN Dismayed About Reports of Syrian Executions -- Voice of America

The United Nations' human rights office has expressed alarm at reports that 17 executions have taken place after Syrian government forces took control of a rebel stronghold in the city of Homs.

Rupert Colville, a spokesman for U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights said the global body has received unconfirmed reports of "a particularly grisly set of summary executions" in the Baba Amr neighborhood of Homs on Thursday.

He said the U.N. is appealing to authorities to prevent unlawful reprisals, torture and arbitrary detentions.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Red Cross aid convoy reaches Homs, massacre feared. Red Cross convoy arrives in Homs bringing Baba Amr aid.

Britain warns of 'a day of reckoning' for Syrian regime amid reports of executions.

Ahamdinejad's clout faces test as Iran votes. Iranians vote in parliamentary elections as foreign sanctions hit economy.

Turkey's Erdogan to visit Iran following nuclear summit.

Israel and US to meet amid rising tension over Iran. Netanyahu and Obama play high-stakes poker over Iran.

150 Iraqis killed in February attacks: ministries.

Yemen rebels say bomb wounds 22 at protest in north.

ASIA

In North Korea deal, son inherits father’s framework.

Pakistani politicians elect senators.

'Over fifty dead' in NW Pakistan violence.

Pakistan will proceed on pipeline to Iran, minister says. Pakistan defends Iran gas pipeline deal.

India resists call to cut Iran oil imports.

AFRICA

US condemns bombing of oil wells in South Sudan. Sudanese troops massing near border, South Sudan says.

Somalia's al-Shabab launches surprise Garbaharey raid. Somali al-Shabab base captured outside Mogadishu.

More Nigerians slip into poverty, particularly in north.

$5M paid to buy freedom for rights workers held in Egypt. Foreign NGO workers reach Cyprus after leaving Egypt.

Sudan's defense minister wanted for war crimes.

EUROPE

Most EU leaders sign treaty aimed at debt crisis. EU summit: All but two leaders sign fiscal treaty.

Greece may default on governments, Peterson’s Kirkegaard says.

Germany finds itself back in power in Europe.

EU offers Serbia candidacy for membership.

A divided Russia goes to the polls. Russia on collision course as Putin plots return.

Cash-strapped Italy pushes Vatican to pay more taxes.

AMERICAS

Polls: Mexico's Presidential race tightens.

Venezuela's Chavez on state TV: 'I am doing well'.

Britain accuses Argentina of a 'policy of confrontation’ after it threatens blockade on UK goods. Britain hands Argentina £27million in aid through EU and IMF schemes as Buenos Aires orders boycott of UK goods.

Drug cartels threaten Latin American democracy - OAS.

U.S. inflation: Not as low as you think.

Coast Guard beefs up deployment in the US Arctic.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Top US General warns of coordination between al-Qaeda-linked African terror groups.

Abu Nidal members jailed in France over 1988 attack.

Justice Department refuses to name Gitmo lawyers.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Brazil declares new ‘currency war’.

Oil rises to $110 on report of pipeline explosion.

With Breitbart gone, what becomes of his empire?

No comments: