Monday, February 18, 2013

World News Briefs -- February 18, 2013



Venezuela’s Hugo Chávez Makes Surprise Trip Home -- Miami Herald

Venezuelans gathered around the military hospital in Caracas Monday to welcome home President Hugo Chávez, the cancer-stricken leader who has spent more than two months incommunicado in a Cuba hospital.

Chávez’s return early Monday came as a surprise in a country that has largely been kept in the dark about his condition. In a Twitter message at 3:42 am EST, Chávez said he was back in the country and would continue his treatment in Venezuela.

Read more ...

MIDDLE EAST

Hezbollah condemned for 'attack on Syrian villages'.

Russia sending planes to Syria to deliver aid, pick up citizens.

Pressure builds in Iran nuclear stand-off.

Iran scolds world powers over gold sanctions "offer".

Iranian commander killed in Syria was a major enemy of Israel

Credible military threat needed against Iran: Netanyahu.

ASIA

Chinese paper blames U.S. for N. Korea nuclear crisis.

Deadly attack in Pakistan's Peshawar.

Pakistan Shias refuse to bury bomb victims' bodies, demand protection from Sunni militants.

Pakistan faces growing anger over sectarian bombings.

Sri Lanka mass grave called 'a crime site'.

Bangladesh amends war crimes law, mulls banning Islamists.

Chinese struggle through 'airpocalypse' smog.

Japanese PM to meet with Obama next Friday.

AFRICA

Sudanese rebels offer cease-fire.

EU foreign ministers officially launch mission to train the military in Mali.

Nigerian Islamist group claims responsibility for kidnappings.

Egypt court rejects election law, may delay poll.

New details emerge in Pistorius murder case.

New extremist threats cast pall on Libyan revolution.

EUROPE

EU approves tighter sanctions on North Korea.

German economy to return to growth, says Bundesbank.

Eta's ex-military chief 'regrets' harm to victims in Paris court.

Kosovo marks 5 years since secession, vows to Join EU, NATO.

BBC journalists strike.

Russian meteorite fragments fetch stratospheric prices.

AMERICAS

Hugo Chavez: Cancer-stricken President makes surprise return to Venezuela.

Ecuador's Correa in re-election triumph, eyes investment for growth. Ecuador election: President Rafael Correa wins new term. Ecuador's triumphant Correa vows to deepen 'citizen's revolution' following landslide.

White House seeks ‘balanced way’ to budget fix.

Obama leak of visa plan draws fire.

Cuban dissident blogger starts world tour. Cuban dissident blogger met by small protests in Brazil.

Obama golfs with Tiger Woods/shuts out White House press corps.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Guantánamo trials plunged into deeper discord as confidence in court wanes.

Justice rolls slowly in alleged 9/11 suspects’ case.

'93 WTC plotter Ramzi Yousef wants contact ban lifted.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Workers and police clash at airport during Iberia strike.

Google looks to cut funds to illegal sites.

Reader’s Digest seeks bankruptcy protection.

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