Friday, December 20, 2013

World News Briefs -- December 20, 2013

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton (L) and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif (R) arrive at a news conference at the end of the Iranian nuclear talks in Geneva, Nov. 10, 2013.

Iran, 6 Powers Extend Expert-level Talks To Saturday -- Voice of America

BRUSSELS — Iran and six world powers have extended expert-level talks in Geneva on the implementation of a landmark deal obliging Tehran to curb its nuclear program for at least one additional day, diplomats said on Friday.

A round of discussions on the deal started on Thursday in Geneva and was scheduled to last through Friday.

The seven countries need to decide when the agreement goes into effect and to work out technical aspects of how Iran will suspend its most sensitive nuclear work.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syria crisis: 'No deal' on Iran presence at peace talks.

Brahimi says Iran could attend Syria talks.

Syria mosque shelling kills cleric, Aleppo rebels advance: NGO.

Al-Nusra Front leader rejects Syria peace talks.

Syrian rebel chief urges fighters to unite ranks.

British government says it will help destroy Syria weapons stockpile.

Bombs, shooting kill at least 14 in northern Iraq - police.

US Senators propose new Iran sanctions bill, White House opposed.

Iran looks to deepen ties to Afghanistan.

Turkish PM widens purge, facing biggest threat of his rule.

ASIA

North Korea warns South: We’ll attack ‘without warning’.

Manila Philippines airport shooting: Gunmen kill four. Philippine mayor killed at Manila airport.

Indians attack Domino's as U.S. diplomatic dispute simmers.

Hagel calls Chinese actions toward USS Cowpens ‘irresponsible’.

Gulnara Karimova speaks out over infighting in Uzbekistan's first family.

Musharraf vows to face charges in Pakistan.

UN: Poverty pushing Myanmar opium output higher.

AFRICA

South Sudan ‘at precipice’, Obama warns.

Obama deploys small military group to South Sudan. US Army sends troops to South Sudan, gear to African Union.

India: 3 UN peacekeepers dead in South Sudan.

Fresh fighting erupts in Central African Republic.

Nigeria's military: heavily armed extremists attack barracks in northeast, 2nd major assault.

Libya's political tensions appear headed towards a showdown.

Libyan military colonel assassinated.

2 Egyptian soldiers killed fighting Sinai militants.

Madagascar votes in landmark run-off election.

Numsa withdraws support for ANC in South Africa.

EUROPE
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EU loses AAA rating in S&P downgrade.

Latest Snowden revelations spark anger at European commission.

Poland, Russia ink unprecedented cooperation accord.

EU stands by 'family member' Ukraine.

Iran deal removes need for US missile shield, Russia says.

Mikhail Khodorkovsky arrives in Germany after release from prison.

British judge throws out rendition case against UK. Abdul-Hakim Belhaj torture case against UK rejected.

Spain government approves restrictive abortion law despite opposition.

AMERICAS

Obama denies 2013 was his 'worst year'.

NSA spied on Israel, EU official, aid groups.

Lew warns Congress of February debt ceiling deadline.

Deportations under Obama plunged to just 1 percent last year.

Colombian peace talks end year with praise for progress.

Mexico shows list of 69 top arrested traffickers.

Canada Supreme Court strikes down prostitution laws.

Harsh weather, floods challenge U.S. holiday travelers.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

9/11 families 'ecstatic' they can finally sue Saudi Arabia.

Judge orders sanity hearing for accused Sept. 11 plotter.

U.S. Senate to ease path for sending more Guantanamo detainees home.

Yemen drone strike 'targeted al-Qaeda leader'.

U.S. adds new charges against bin Laden son-in-law.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Blackberry posts record $4.4bn quarterly net loss. Blackberry and Foxconn agree a five-year deal.

US, EU negotiators haggle over trade.

US stocks finish higher on the week, with Dow and S&P at records.

News Corp makes social-media push.

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