Wednesday, December 12, 2012

World News Briefs -- December 12, 2012



North Korea’s Rocket Launch Riles Neighborhood, But Mild Response From China Expected -- Time

Days after it signaled that an upcoming launch might be delayed, North Korea fired a long-range rocket, heightening regional concerns about its growing ability to threaten its neighbors. North Korean state media said it had launched a weather satellite, and the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, confirmed that the rocket appeared to have successfully put an object into orbit.

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MIDDLE EAST

'Friends of Syria' recognise opposition. "Friends of Syria" group recognizes opposition coalition. More than 100 countries back new Syrian coalition, opening way for greater aid.

Scores reportedly killed in Syria's Hama.

U.N. nuclear agency ready to go to Iran's Parchin site.

Iran says it can make copy of captured CIA drone.

Israel to keep Palestinian funds for months.

Gaza's tunnels rebound from Israeli offensive.

Turkey weighs pivotal oil deal with Iraqi Kurdistan.

ASIA

North Korea launches rocket , raising nuclear arms stakes.

China displeased over NKorea's rocket launch.

NKoreans hail rocket launch; US, others condemn.

U.S. military to boost Philippines presence; China tells army to be prepared.

Pakistani militant suspects held uncharged in Swat.

India pays tribute to Ravi Shankar, sitar maestro and cultural ambassador.

American citizen being held in North Korea, U.S. says.

China bishop Thaddeus Ma Daqin stripped of title.

AFRICA

Egyptian army abruptly postpones "unity" talks.

Egypt opposition to vote against constitution.

Mali gets new prime minister after military forces resignation of previous leader.

In northern Mali, Islamists’ attacks against civilians grow more brutal.

Eastern Congo rebels thrive on fear, chaos.

Central African Republic rebels seize Ndele from army.

Ex-NTC chief grilled over Libya killing.

Nelson Mandela 'making progress' in hospital.

EUROPE

UK government admits state colluded with terrorists for murder of Northern Ireland lawyer.

Putin promises to strengthen Russia's military and economy.

Putin rejects foreign advice on democracy.

Where’s Vladimir? Kremlin spokesmen vague on Putin’s health.

Bosnian Serb wartime intelligence chief gets life jail term.

France's Jean-Marc Ayrault slams flight of the 'greedy rich'.

As its universities turn out engineering grads, Poland attracts US tech giants.

AMERICAS

Boehner sees "serious differences" on resolving U.S. fiscal "cliff".President Obama predicts GOP will cave on taxes.

Chavez's cancer surgery successful, Venezuela VP says. Venezuelans crave clarity on Chavez's post-op condition.

Colombia's congress approves controversial military justice reform.

Mexico's ruling party chooses new leader.

Argentina Marita Veron sex slave trial clears accused.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al Qaeda’s new base. Terrorists now rule northern Mali.

U.S., U.K. companies host Hezbollah-funded propaganda site.

2 Somali Islamists arrested in suspected pipe bomb attack at Bonn train station.

North African Al Qaeda may have chemical weapons: Spain.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Illegal trafficking of timber and other wildlife products is worth £12bn a year.

Porsche breaks car sales record in 2012.

Justice Department outlines HSBC transactions with drug traffickers.

Gun-selling website Armslist.com faces lawsuit in woman's shooting death.

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