Friday, January 4, 2013

World News Briefs -- January 4, 2013



With Chavez Ill And Inauguration Near, Uncertainty Reigns iI Venezuela -- CNN

(CNN) -- Lawmakers erupted in applause at Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's inauguration six years ago. An orchestra played. Chavez beamed.

It's a different scene this year.

Chavez is scheduled to take the oath of office for a new six-year term in just a few days, but it's unclear whether he'll even be in the country. Chavez has been recovering from surgery in Cuba, where he is undergoing cancer treatment. Top aides describe the president's condition as "complicated" and "delicate."

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syrian warplanes bomb suburbs of the capital as troops and rebels fight across the country.

Saudi jets bolster US drone attacks on Yemen: report.

Anti-government protests rage across Iraq.

Iran says talks with big powers to be held in January. EU says no date for Iran talks, hopes for next round soon.

Official: Turkish military to keep fighting rebels.

Turkish Kurd deputies meet jailed militant leader Ocalan: lawmaker.

Abbas's Fatah holds first mass Gaza rally in years.

ASIA

Japan sends envoy to soothe ties with South Korea.

South Korea says Japan must heal wounds of wartime excesses.

China shuts website of leading reformist magazine.

India gang rape: Delhi to appoint more policewomen.

Kim Jong-un's wife 'has given birth' in North Korea.

Malala Yousafzai leaves Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

US cool on Google's Eric Schmidt visiting North Korea. North Korea trip to be "private" mission: former U.S. diplomat Richardson.

AFRICA

DR Congo rebels threaten to ditch peace talks.

Sudanese leaders Bashir and Kiir to meet in Ethiopia. Sudan, South Sudan leaders to try to defuse tension at summit.

Different challenges in Central African Rep., Mali.

New child soldier fears in C. African Republic.

Islamist split in Egypt buoys radical wing.

Libyan police captain abducted in Benghazi.

EUROPE

Signs of hope for euro zone, but new worry for UK.

Radio Liberty loses its license in Moscow, and Russians raise voices in dismay.

Northern Irish police injured as flag row turns violent again.

Hungary top court voids election law in blow to Orban.

Greece probes officials in Swiss tax scandal.

Gerard Depardieu 'pleased' to become Russian citizen.

AMERICAS

Venezuelan government announces Chávez has 'severe' respiratory infection. Chavez still has "severe" respiratory problem.

Cuban group says political detentions rose dramatically in 2012.

Argentina renews dispute with Britain over Falklands.

The 113th Congress is the most diverse in U.S. history.

Bank Of Canada won’t discuss melting plastic bills, says national security behind silence.

US car sales rise 13.4% to hit five-year high.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Alleged Al Qaeda operative extradited to US, lands in New York City.

Anwar al-Awlaki may have bought hijackers pre-9/11 tickets.

Bahawal Khan to succeed Pakistan militant leader Mullah Nazir.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

BMW 39% December gain overtakes Mercedes for U.S. crown.

Swiss bank Wegelin to close after US tax evasion fine.

EU says its Google case not affected by U.S. ruling.

Virgin France to shut Paris flagship store, blaming insolvency.

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