Sunday, January 6, 2013

World News Briefs -- January 6, 2013



Defiance Of A Dictator: President Assad's Sabre-Rattling Speech In First Public Appearance For Seven Months As Patriot Missiles Head For Turkey's Border With Syria -- Daily Mail

Syrian President Bashar Assad has stepped onto the public stage for the first time in seven months to deliver a defiant speech demanding the international community end its support of rebels.

In a rare speech at the Opera House in Damascus, Syria, today, Assad outlined plans for a new peace initiative that includes a reconciliation conference and a new government and constitution.

He ignored international pressure for him to step down and said he would enter discussions with those 'who have not betrayed Syria'.

Assad's address comes as NATO prepares to send U.S and European Patriot surface-to-air missile batteries to the Turkish-Syrian border.

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MIDDLE EAST

Assad vows to fight on, rejects peace efforts. Al-Assad touts plan for resolution, says enemies of Syria 'will go to hell'.

Assad "peace plan" greeted with scorn by foes. Syrian opposition rejects Assad plan.

Huge turnout at Fatah rally in Gaza surprises Hamas, PA.

Palestinian premier blames cash crisis on Arab donors.

Israel's PM plans to build Syria-Golan fence.

Turkey's Erdogan rules out amnesty for Kurdish militants.

Iran building software to control networking sites.

Kuwaiti gets two years for insulting emir on Twitter.

ASIA

India and Pakistan in Kashmir border skirmish.

China holds war games in contested Sansha City.

Cambodia bars opposition leader from running in election.

India rape: Name my daughter, says victim's father.

India struggles with social media following rape uproar.

Official: Dozens missing following wildfire in Australia's Tasman Peninsula.

British Spitfire search team arrives in Myanmar.

AFRICA

Reports: CAR rebels seize new territory. Rebels in C. African Republic seize another town.

S. Africa sends troops to Central African Republic.

Head of Libya's parliament survives assassination attempt.

Egypt swears in new cabinet ministers. Egypt shakes up Cabinet, appoints 10 new ministers.

Sudanese leaders Bashir and Kiir commit to buffer zone.

Nelson Mandela 'has recovered from infection'.

EUROPE

European leaders hail breakthrough in debt crisis.

Greek tax scandal distracts from a collection shortfall.

East Belfast unrest continues as shots fired at police. Northern Irish paramilitaries hijacking flag protests: police federation.

David Cameron says UK should 'ask for change on Europe'.

Italy's center-left leads in three-way race ahead of February vote.

Kosovo denies Serb President Orthodox Christmas visit.

Tax exile: President Putin gives Depardieu a Russian passport.

Spain's 'El Nino' lottery hands out $1.1 billion.

AMERICAS

Flu infections sweep America hospitalizing thousands and leaving 18 children dead of complications, and it's going to get worse.

White House weighs broad gun-control agenda in wake of Newtown shootings.

Chavez allies confirm potential caretaker.

Hugo Chavez mentor says he doubts ailing president will rule Venezuela again.

Vitriol over Falklands resurfaces, as do old arguments.

Honduras sacks its ambassador to Colombia after wild embassy party.

Canadian who sheltered Americans in Iran dies.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

U.S. drone attack kills 10 in Pakistan: intelligence sources. US strikes 'Taliban compound' in Pakistan.

Al-Qaeda chief's brother arrested in Syria: Report.

Al Qaeda carves out own country in Mali.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

NHL lockout is over; players, owners reach tentative CBA deal after 16-hour talks.

CES 2013: Microsoft notably absent from Las Vegas show.

Air France-KLM in advanced talks for Alitalia: report.

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