World News Briefs -- October 28, 2013

U.S. ambassador in Spain, James Costos (L), leaves the foreign ministry after being summoned to a meeting with Spain's European Secretary of State in Madrid October 28, 2013. REUTERS-Juan Medina

Spain Summons U.S. Ambassador Over Spying -- Reuters

(Reuters) - Spain summoned the U.S. ambassador on Monday to discuss alleged spying on Spanish citizens and said that, if true, the action was unacceptable behavior by an ally.

Earlier, Spanish newspaper El Mundo said the NSA recently tracked over 60 million calls in Spain in the space of a month, citing a document which it said formed part of papers obtained from ex-NSA contractor Edward Snowden.

"Spain has relayed to the United States the importance of preserving a climate of trust...and its interest in understanding the full reach of practices that, if true, would be considered inappropriate and unacceptable between allies," the Spanish foreign ministry said in a statement.

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MIDDLE EAST

Main Syrian rebel groups declare opposition to Geneva peace talks.

Syria submits plan to destroy its chemical weapons: OPCW.

Kurdish militants tighten grip on Syria's northeast. Syrian Kurds capture border crossing with Iraq after intense fighting.

Rebel clashes highlight complexities of Syria’s civil war. With world’s focus elsewhere, Iraq scrambles to house Syrian refugees.

Lebanon suffers under the strain of a refugee crisis now out of control.

Car bombs kill scores in Baghdad, in sign of crisis in Iraq. Bombings across Iraq kill at least 56.

Report: Iran continues to enrich uranium to 20%. Senior Iran lawmaker says 20 percent uranium enrichment continuing.

Iranian capital takes down some anti-American posters.

Iran executes 16 Sunni insurgents in retaliation for an attack.

Israel shoots down rocket fired from Gaza Strip.

Analysis: Palestinian downturn bites, aid falters, tunnels collapse.

Kuwait upholds sentence for Twitter 'insults'.

ASIA

Japan's PM warns China on use of force as jets scrambled. Abe says Japan won't tolerate use of force to change regional status quo.

North Korea's nuclear strength grows in isolation.

Afghan watchdog blames government for election shortcomings.

Bomb kills 18 people on way to wedding in eastern Afghanistan.

India opposition urges tighter safety for top candidate Modi after blasts. Blasts kill five at rally for Indian opposition candidate Modi.

Pakistani assailant knifes 25 women victims this month.

Police: Crash at Beijing's Forbidden City kills 5.

AFRICA

Conflict flares up for 2nd day in eastern Congo.

Congo's army says it is heading for rebel stronghold. U.N. peacekeeper killed as Congo's army gains ground against rebels.

U.S. says renewed Congo fighting risks engulfing region.

Dire situations in CAR, DRC overshadowed by Syria.

Abyei residents vote on Sudan-South Sudan choice.

S.Africa to sentence 20 extremists for Mandela death plot.

European, African observers say Madagascar election credible.

Three Egypt policemen killed in attack in Nile Delta town.

Special Report: As Egypt's Brotherhood retreats, risk of extremism rises.

EUROPE

NSA files – '60m Spanish phone calls monitored' as Merkel row continues – live coverage.

Georgia elects new President, but real power will rest with next premier. Georgia elects oligarch PM Bidzina Ivanishvili's candidate as president.

Greek neo-Nazis, leftists face off in Athens protest.

Spaniards rally against European court's freeing of ETA member.

Greenland votes to allow uranium, rare earths mining.

Thousands of ethnic Hungarians call for autonomy.

Analysis: Convalescent euro zone seeks to escape debt overhang.

AMERICAS

Mexico drug cartel in conflict with self-defence groups in Michoacán state.

Protesters march in Washington against NSA spying.

Argentina's ruling party takes hit in midterm vote. Argentina's ailing president faces tough midterm congressional election.

Mexico detains growing number of undocumented Cubans.

Colombian rebels free former American GI.

Venezuela to create 'ministry of happiness'.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

U.S. federal prosecutors, in a policy shift, cite warrantless wiretaps as evidence.

ACLU asks Justice to probe surveillance of Muslims by New York City Police Department.

How fear of al Qaeda hurts U.S. more than al Qaeda.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Trial run of Twitter stock market flotation declared a success by NYSE.

McDonald's to stop serving Heinz ketchup.

Whisky wars: Single malt battle with blended Scotch rages.