Friday, May 24, 2013

World News Briefs -- May 24, 2013



Russia Says Syria Will Attend Geneva Peace Talks -- New York Times

MOSCOW — The Syrian government has agreed to participate in an international peace conference coordinated by Russia and the United States, a spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

“We note with satisfaction that Damascus has confirmed its readiness in principle to participate in an international conference in the interest of the Syrians themselves finding a political path to a settlement of the conflict that has been devastating for the country and the region,” the spokesman, Aleksandr Lukashevich, said in a statement.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria opposition struggles to forge transition plan before talks.

Russia: Syria agrees to take part in talks.

Israel: Go on Syria, make my day.

Iran denies it has forces in Syria.

UN nuclear agency says Iran expanded nuclear activity.

U.S. casts doubt on credibility of Iranian election.

Yemen's main oil pipeline attacked, pumping stopped.

Turkey parliament passes anti-alcohol bill.

ASIA

North Korea says will take 'positive steps' for peace.

Pakistan military, incoming PM pledge to fight U.S. drone campaign.

Blasts, shooting in center of Afghan capital.

Buddhists from Bangladesh resettle in Myanmar, Rohingya Muslims cry foul.

Russia speaks of unease over Indo-US ties.

A tussle in China over the Communist Party bowing to the Constitution.

AFRICA

French president defends African military intervention after attacks in Niger.

Jihadist group threatens more Niger attacks.

Death toll from Guinea opposition march rises to four.

South Sudan says war crimes court persecutes Africans.

Doctors Without Borders shuts clinic in northern Nigeria.

Kenya, South Sudan Presidents to focus on joint highway project.

EUROPE

Stockholm rioting continues for fifth night.

Britain braces for possible copycat attacks.

Woolwich terrorist attack: British intelligence under pressure over suspects' extremist links.

Killing of British soldier stirs tension in poor corner of London.

Britain scrambles fighter jets to escort Pakistani passenger plane.

Runways reopen after emergency landing at London Heathrow Airport. Plane 'on fire' flying over central London.

Analysis: German economy to pick up but fall short of traditional pace.

Germany is the 'most popular country in the world'.

Massive Far East quake felt in Moscow, no casualties.

UK gas supply six hours from running out in March.

AMERICAS

Partial bridge collapse in Washington state sends vehicles plunging into river. Wash. I-5 bridge collapse caused by oversize load.

Tornado insured losses estimated at $2 billion-$5 billion.

Farc deny kidnapping Spanish couple in Colombia.

Toronto mayor Rob Ford's allies set to take over if mayor steps down.

Canada terror suspect: Lawyer must use 'Holy Book'.

NASA puts shuttle launch pad in Florida up for lease.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Exclusive: Congressman preps bill to end terror war authority.

Obama renews push to close Guantánamo military prison.

Belmokhtar's unit participated in Niger suicide attacks.

Is terrorizing terrorists a war crime?

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Analysis: Markets face rough summer ride as Fed pullback feared.

Is this Google X's plan to wire the world?

IMF chief's hearing over payout resumes.

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