Tuesday, December 10, 2013

World News Briefs -- December 10, 2013

Historic: The handshake between the leaders of the two Cold War enemies came during a ceremony that focused on Mandela's legacy of reconciliation

Obama, Castro Shake Hands As World Says Farewell To Peacemaker Mandela -- Reuters

(Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama shook hands with Cuba's Raul Castro at a memorial for Nelson Mandela on Tuesday, a rare gesture between the leaders of the ideologically opposed nations that reflected the anti-apartheid hero's spirit of reconciliation.

Castro smiled as Obama moved to shake his hand on the way to the podium before making a rousing speech in memory of the former South African president, one of the world's great peacemakers, who died on Thursday aged 95.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syrian army pounds rebels near Lebanon border.

U.N. plans first aid airlift to Syria from Iraq as winter grips.

Kerry to urge Congress to halt sanctions bill, as Iran threatens 'dead' deal.

Suicide bomber kills 11 at Shi'ite funeral in Iraq.

Israelis and Palestinians join forces to save Dead Sea.

Israel, others urged to join chemical arms treaty.

ASIA

Afghan president lashes out at US 'threats'.

Thai PM refuses to step down. Thai democracy enters dangerous new crossroads.

S Korea says North in 'terror reign'.

Bangladesh set to execute opposition leader convicted of war crimes.

Pakistan to push forward on gas project with Iran.

China's 2014 growth in focus as leaders met on reform plans.

Korean War veteran Merrill Newman gives details of detention by Pyongyang.

AFRICA

Live: Mandela memorial service.

World bids farewell to Mandela at huge memorial.

2 French soldiers die in Central African Republic.

U.S. military aircraft to aid Central African Republic mission; Hollande to visit.

Africa rapid reaction force could tackle Boko Haram: Nigeria.

Sudan, Egypt, Ethiopia dam talks 'successful'.

UN inspectors to assess Libya's uranium stockpiles.

Libya oil terminals blockade 'to end Sunday': tribe.

EUROPE

Ukraine crisis: Western diplomats bid to end stand-off. Ukraine protesters hold firm as U.S., EU step up diplomacy.

Russia to strengthen its armed forces, deterrence still important - Putin.

Quarter of Europeans face poverty – Eurostat.

Portugal offers golden visas to rich foreigners.

Malta to sell citizenship for £500,000 with buyers allowed to live and work ANYWHERE in the European Union.

Greek doctors strike as government moves to tackle healthcare debt.

Russia amnesty could free Pussy Riot, benefit Greenpeace activists.

AMERICAS

A brief but important handshake between Obama, Castro.

Cuba temporarily reopens consular services in U.S., still seeks bank.

Deadly Argentina looting spreads as police go on strike.

Canada to include the North Pole in its claim for Arctic territory, resources.

Venezuela's Maduro bolstered by election results.

Second winter storm hits mid-Atlantic region, Appalachians.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Spanish journalists kidnapped by al Qaeda group in Syria.

Jordan cleric Abu Qatada denies guilt.

Analysis: Afghan Taliban say drone strikes are proof US is a 'paper tiger'.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

GM CEO Akerson to exit in January, Barra to take his place.

American Airlines and US Airways merger finalized.

Twitter shares outpace Facebook and LinkedIn.

No comments: