Tuesday, December 17, 2013

World News Briefs -- December 17, 2013



South Sudan Death Toll Rises Sharply -- Al Jazeera

Hospitals report hundreds dead in what president says is a coup attempt.

Up to 500 people have been killed in violent clashes in the South Sudanese capital Juba, a day after President Salva Kiir said security forces had put down an attempted coup by supporters of his former deputy.

The violence was the focus of an emergency UN Security Council meeting, which heard that as many as 800 people had been injured, and some 20,000 people had sought refuge in UN compounds.

"UN officials have told me they're going to find it very difficult to cope with these people," said Al Jazeera's Diplomatic Editor Jaes Bays, reporting from the UN headquarters in New York.

"They don't have the food or resources to look after them."

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Exclusive: West signals to Syrian opposition Assad may stay.

Casualties overwhelm hospitals in Syria's Aleppo.

Report: Syrian rebels throw civilians in ovens.

Explosion hits near Hezbollah base in east Lebanon.

Iran official says final nuclear deal is possible.

EU warns Israeli settlements could be responsible for failed peace talks.

Saudi digital generation takes on Twitter, YouTube … and authorities.

U.S. downplays Saudi prince’s criticism of Obama’s Middle East policies.

Turkey arrests ministers' sons over graft.

ASIA

Pakistan says no to military action against Taliban.

Japan increases defence budget amid tensions with China.

North Korea elite rush to pledge allegiance to Kim Jong-un. North Korea marks Kim Jong-il death amid purge tensions.

China growing ‘more concerned’ about North Korea, former top U.S. diplomat says.

NATO says would have to plan for Afghan pullout by spring.

India removes barriers to U.S. embassy as anger grows over diplomat's arrest. Diplomat Devyani's arrest: India strikes back, curtails privileges of American diplomats.

China releases lunar landing pictures.

AFRICA

South Sudan clashes enter second day.

400-500 reported dead in South Sudan clashes: UN official.

US to evacuate South Sudan embassy, issues travel warning.

Clashes over Congo Republic security official killed at least 22.

Congo army accused of abuses by UN.

France says other European nations to deploy troops to C. Africa. France says EU countries to send troops to C. African Republic.

Armed group steps up attacks in Egypt.

Libya: We'll allow quizzing of Lockerbie suspect.

Illicit cash flows hurting African economies.

EUROPE

Russian bailout wins Ukraine economic respite but deepens political rift.

U.S. says Russia missile deployment at Poland border upsets region.

Merkel sworn in as German chancellor.

Merkel compared NSA to Stasi in heated encounter with Obama.

Serbia to start 'historic' EU entry talks in January.

British police rule out military involvement in Princess Diana death.

AMERICAS

US Senate advances budget compromise.

Edward Snowden asks Brazil for asylum.

Brazil says not considering Snowden asylum.

Moody's downgrades Venezuela, warns of economic collapse.

Chile president-elect says planned reforms won't hit private sector.

Gunshot caused Venezuela power outage: Maduro.

UK accuses Argentina of 'bullying' oil firms who drill off Falklands.

New forecast finds U.S. flush with energy.

US Mega Millions lottery jackpot nears all-time high.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

British Muslim who bragged on Newsnight that he was fighting a 'holy war' alongside Al Qaeda group in Syria has been killed.

Yemen votes to ban US drone strikes.

Judge ousts defendant twice from Guantanamo court.

Syrian rebel leader was bin Laden's courier, now Zawahiri's representative.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

U.S. preparing civil charges against Citigroup, Merrill Lynch: sources.

Executive clear-out continues at loss-making BlackBerry.

U.S. Treasury cautions Bitcoin businesses on legal duties.

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