Friday, August 9, 2013

World News Briefs -- August 9, 2013

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (L) and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov are seen in a April 23, 2013, file photo.

Key US, Russian Officials Meet In Washington -- Voice of America

Key U.S. and Russian officials are meeting in Washington Friday for talks on several issues that are dividing the two countries.

The discussions come at a low point in relations between the U.S. and Russia, two days after President Barack Obama called off next month's planned summit in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The U.S. has been particularly angered that Russia granted temporary asylum to former American intelligence contractor Edward Snowden, refusing to expel him to stand trial on espionage charges in the United States.

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MIDDLE EAST

Saudi Arabia steps up efforts to oust Syria's Assad.

Kremlin denies talks to abandon Syria in exchange for Saudi arms.

Syrians find innovative ways to stay connected online.

Desert trench for disputed Iraq city draws Arab ire.

Turkish pilots kidnapped in Lebanon.

Comedy of errors engulfs Israel's top economic team.

Israel refuses to sign any agreements with EU based on settlement guidelines.

Putin to meet with new Iranian President on Sept. 13.

ASIA

U.S. yanks consulate staff from Lahore, Pakistan.

Philippines to open negotiations with U.S. on expanding military presence.

North Korean uranium enrichment facility expands.

Philippine military says it killed 23 communist rebels in past month.

A pivotal moment for China's economic reforms: Bo Xilai's trial.

Cambodia opposition calls troop deployment ‘intimidation’.

U.N. agency says it's monitoring Fukushima and ready to help.

Nagasaki marks 68th anniversary of atomic bombing.

AFRICA

4 dead in Ethiopian military crash in Mogadishu. Military plane bursts into flames at Mogadishu airport.

Egypt: wife of Mohammed Morsi tells supporters 'he is coming back'.

Mega-Party seeks to challenge Nigeria’s rulers.

Mali candidates make campaign runoff push.

Zimbabwe's MDC challenges Robert Mugabe election victory.

US hails life prison terms for Somali pirates.

EUROPE

John Kerry: US and Russia must talk despite 'collisions'.

Edward Snowden not in Moscow, say Russian authorities.

Spain to take 'all necessary measures' to defend Gibraltar interests. Spain says to act over Gibraltar row unless talks resume.

Eiffel Tower evacuated after bomb alert.

Spain to review rail safety after deadly crash.

Disappointment in Putin has doubled since 2001 – poll.

AMERICAS

Snowden fallout claims second email service.

Colombia's Santos says FARC faces jail, death without peace.

Deadly floods hit central US with Missouri worst affected.

2 charged in Canada cyberbullying case that ended in teen girl's suicide.

Venezuelan thieves stealing hair to sell as hair extensions.

Argentina begins doling out free 'Viagra'.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Meet al Qaeda’s new general manager: Nasser al-Wuhayshi.

NSA cites case as success of phone data-collection program.

Al-Qaeda suspects die in Yemen drone strikes.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Publishers challenge Apple e-book restrictions.

Lavabit email service abruptly shut down citing government interference.

Global middle class hungers for US fast food.

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