Wednesday, July 17, 2013

World News Briefs -- July 17, 2013 (Evening Edition)

The Chong Chon Gang docks at the Manzanillo International Container Terminal in Colon City, Panama, on Tuesday. Carlos Jasso / Reuters

N. Korea Demands Release of Seized Ship -- Voice of America

North Korea is demanding that Panama release a Pyongyang-flagged ship seized in Panamanian waters, saying the commandeered Cuban arms shipment on board was part of a legitimate deal.

In a statement late Wednesday, Pyongyang's foreign ministry described the cargo as "aging" Cuban weapons that North Korea agreed under contract to overhaul. The statement also called for the immediate release of the ship, the Chong Chon Gang, and its crew.

Hours earlier, Panama called on the United Nations to investigate the seizure, as allegations swirled that the North Korean ship was smuggling arms in breach of U.N. sanctions.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

UN: Some 5,000 Syrians being killed every month.

Syria crisis worst since Rwanda, UN says.

Ruins in a center of Syria’s uprising.

Gunmen kill pro-Assad figure in Lebanon as Syria war spreads.

UN Envoy: Iraq and Syrian conflicts are merging.

Iraqi Kurdistan struggles to cope with Syrian refugees.

Arab League backs Kerry's Israel-Palestinian plan. Kerry to meet Arab League officials on Israeli-Palestinian peace.

Bomb attack kills seven in northern Iraq tea house: police, medics.

World powers hope to resume Iran talks quickly.

Iran's Rouhani dismisses Israeli threats.

Erdogan is making sure the Turkish military doesn’t get any ideas from Egypt’s coup.

Egyptian army camp attacked with rockets in Sinai.

ASIA

US military deaths in Afghanistan at 2,112.

Bhutan set for change in power following election.

Korean talks on reopening joint complex see little progress.

Death penalty for leading Bangladesh Islamist.

Special Report: Smugglers and security forces prey on Asia's new boat people.

Manila says UN tribunal meets on South China Sea.

Contaminated school meal kills 25 Indian children. Violent protests in India over school meal deaths.

Philippines 'studying options' on proposed US base-sharing.

China smartphone owners swell number of internet users.

AFRICA

Guinea deploys troops as 54 are killed in ethnic clashes.

ECOWAS promises Mali election help.

Nelson Mandela's health dramatically improved, daughter says.

EU calls for release of Egypt's Morsi.

U.S. suggests Egyptian military averted civil war.

Exclusive: Eritrea pays warlord to influence Somalia-U.N. experts.

EU continues Somalia counterpiracy operation, seeks new deal to rebuild country.

Armed protesters storm Libya's Zueitina oil port: witness.

Sudan's indicted President Bashir leaves Nigeria in a hurry.

Ethiopia's special police seek to build trust after rights abuse claims.

Mali's main parties say will accept election result.

EUROPE

Protests mount ahead of Greek parliament vote on layoffs.

U.S. vague on whether Obama will go to Moscow amid Snowden flap.

US ties outweigh intelligence 'squabbles' - Putin.

US sends extradition requests for Snowden - WikiLeaks.

The EU's grandstanding over Prism will push Britain out the door. Italian PM warns of 'huge risk' that Britain leaves EU.

Spain says it arrests British fugitive, breaks up global drug ring.

Nagorno-Karabakh president seeks to negotiate with Armenians, Azeris.

Trial of captain resumes after liner disaster in Italy.

AMERICAS

US lawmakers grill Obama officials on NSA surveillance.

Brazil's Rousseff rules out 'fiscal populism' as demands rise.

Panama calls in U.N. to inspect North Korean arms ship. North Korea cargo ship search might take a week, Panama says.

Colombia President Santos meets surrendered ELN rebels.

Obama says capture of cartel boss shows Mexico serious about drug fight.

Zetas leader captured in precision operation.

Cuba claims ownership of missile parts found on North Korean ship in Panama.

Venezuelan President Maduro officially gets married - Report.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Syria’s Nusra Front tries to show it’s a different kind of al Qaida.

Senior Pakistani Taliban leader 'shocked' by Malala attack.

Al Qaeda branch says No. 2 leader killed in Yemen.

Judge turns down bid to end Gitmo force-feeding.

Al Qaeda shura council member appears in first message since 2008.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Google competition plan 'not good enough' - EU official.

Formula 1 boss Ecclestone indicted on bribery charge.

Barclays, traders fined $487.9 million by U.S. regulator.

Facing lawmakers, Bernanke to walk a fine line on Fed policy.

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