World News Briefs -- June 19, 2013 (Evening Edition)

Obama Challenges Russia To Agree To Deeper Nuclear Weapon Cuts -- Reuters

(Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama used a speech in Berlin on Wednesday to call on Russia to revive the push for a world without nuclear weapons, offering to cut deployed nuclear arsenals by a third, but Moscow immediately poured scorn on his proposal.

Speaking in Berlin where John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan gave rousing Cold War speeches, Obama urged Russia to help build on the "New START" treaty that requires both countries to cut stockpiles of deployed nuclear weapons to 1,550 each by 2018.

The speech, a day after Obama met President Vladimir Putin at a summit where they disagreed publicly about Syria, was given a frosty reception by Moscow which said it could "not take such proposals seriously" while Washington was beefing up its own anti-missile defenses.

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MIDDLE EAST

Russian marine and air power head for Syria versus Western intervention – “to defend Russian citizens,” says Moscow.

Special Report: Syria's Islamists seize control as moderates dither.

Rebels and military battle in Aleppo.

Deadly clashes erupt in south Lebanon.

Analysis: Hezbollah takes Syrian centre-stage, yet remains in shadows.

Israel to export 40 percent of its natural gas.

Suicide bomber embraces and kills Sunni politician in Iraq.

U.N. recommends bringing Iraq closer to ending 1990s sanctions.

Turkey protesters face criminal charges as silent vigils spread.

ASIA

North Korea, China want to resume nuclear talks.

U.S. talks with Taliban likely to take place within 'next few days': U.S. official. US denies talks planned with Taliban.

Afghan attack kills US soldiers hours after news of talks.

Karzai sets new conditions for talks with Taliban. Afghans must talk to each other for peace, Obama says.

China’s military buildup worrisome, Japan’s U.S. ambassador says.

China braces for slower growth and credit crunch.

China completes internet monitoring scheme in Tibet.

Kim Jong-un 'pictured with luxury yacht' in North Korea.

North Korea condemns Hitler Mein Kampf report.

Torrential rains devastate north Indian state.

AFRICA

Egypt tourism minister protests over Islamist governor.

Egypt top cleric: Protests against Morsi permitted. Fears of violence as Egypt nears June 30 protests.

Gun battle at UN compound in Mogadishu ends. Somali Islamist rebels attack UN compound in Mogadishu. Somali UN compound attacked in Mogadishu.

Nigeria's Zamfara state violence 'kills 48'.

Pirates attack ship off Nigeria, kidnap four: sources.

G8 urged to fight Africa land grabs.

UN says Libya continues to face difficult transition.

Islamist Governor promises safety for Luxor tourists. Egypt tourism minister resigns over new Islamist Luxor governor.

EUROPE

Iceland: 'informal talks' about Snowden asylum.

Internet monitoring must have proper limits, Merkel tells Obama. Obama defends U.S. intelligence strategy in wary Berlin.

Russia reacts coolly to Obama's nuclear proposals. Russia signals nuclear arms cuts will not come easy. Russians say arms reduction will have to involve more countries.

Obama 'to call for' US-Russia nuclear weapons cuts.

Air Force One lands in Berlin.

Russia to Hold G8 Summit in Sochi on June 4-5, 2014 - Putin.

Analysis: French EU-wariness complicates life for Hollande.

French baffled by IMF chief’s bizarre letter to Sarkozy.

Cyprus leader Anastasiades attacks bank bailout terms.

Italian court says Knox murder acquittal had inconsistencies.

AMERICAS

Violent protests mar Brazil-Mexico match in Fortaleza. Brazil protests proceed as smaller cities join the fray.

Brazil sends national security force to quell protests. Protesters out again in Brazil's biggest city.

Cuban dissident: Repression forced family to flee.

Breakaway Argentine mayor could trump ruling party in October vote.

FBI offers $65,000 for info on 2008 Times Square bomber.

FBI search for Jimmy Hoffa's body may last two more days.

Journalist who brought down U.S. general is killed in Los Angeles car crash.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Guantanamo detainee describes 'ordeal' of force feeding.

Doctors to Obama: Let us treat hunger-striking detainees at Guantanamo.

Lancet call for independent Guantanamo medical care.

Yemen: Al Qaeda scrambles to survive.

Obama: 'Lives have been saved' by NSA programs.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Fed outlines timeline for winding down stimulus.

Dolce and Gabbana sentenced to jail for tax dodge.

More Russian oil flows to China in shift from Europe.

World Bank watching Fed, ready to respond.

Billionaire Carlos Slim: 60 Is the new 30.