Sunday, December 22, 2013

World News Briefs -- December 21, 2013



Envoys Head To South Sudan As Fighting Rages -- Al Jazeera

Representatives from US and Nigeria en route to Africa's newest country as fears of an all-out civil war grows.

World leaders have stepped up efforts to pull South Sudan back from the brink of an all-out civil war, as fighting raged across the country including in a key oil-producing region.

Special envoys from the United States and Nigeria were flying into the capital Juba on Sunday, following on from a mission by foreign ministers from east Africa and after an appeal for an end to the violence from United Nations chief Ban Ki-moon.

Fighting has been raging in South Sudan for a week, after President Salva Kiir accused his former deputy Riek Machar of attempting a coup. Machar has denied this, and has accused Kiir of carrying out a vicious purge of his rivals.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syria govt air raids 'wreaking disaster' on Aleppo.

Syria most dangerous country for media in 2013, 126 dead worldwide: INSI.

At least 18 Iraqi army officers killed in ambush: sources.

Yemen on lockdown as protests continue.

Turkey's Erdogan says 'dark alliances' behind graft inquiry. Turkey removes another 25 police chiefs over graft inquiry: media.

Police clash with protesters in Turkey.

Arab report slams U.S. security ideas for Palestine.

Joint Gulf military command to control 100,000 combat troops.

Israel condemns US spying revelations.

ASIA

NATO starts negotiating its forces’ status in Afghanistan after 2014.

Afghan general warns over delay in signing US pact.

Controversial ID cards expose ethnic divisions in Afghanistan.

More deaths and clashes in Pakistan's North Waziristan.

China lashes out at Japan's new defense plan.

Chinese vice minister under investigation by Communist Party in anti-corruption campaign.

Thai opposition party to boycott election. Thai opposition to boycott 2014 election.

Institute: NKorea nuke test unlikely for months.

India attempts to calm anti-US tensions.

AFRICA

US aircraft come under fire in South Sudan.

South Sudan lifeline oil fields under rebel threat.

Rebels hold key oil capital in South Sudan.

C.African ex-rebels protest disarmament operation.

Libya suicide bombing at checkpoint kills 13.

Egyptian President Morsi to be tried for prison break, murder.

Egypt jails key figures of 2011 uprising.

Pilot 'deliberately crashed' Mozambique plane.

No evidence to back Nelson Mandela Mossad training claims, say Foundation.

EUROPE

Freed Khodorkovsky challenges Putin over 'political prisoners'.

EU vows tough summit with Russia on Ukraine.

Kiev anti-government protest draws 100,000.

Germany should ban U.S. contracting companies passing data to NSA: report.

No names added to U.S. blacklist of Russian officials.

Recession-hit Spain holds huge Christmas lottery.

Bosnian court jails Islamist for 45 years over bomb attack.

Lockerbie memorials held in Scotland, England and US.

AMERICAS

Highlights from Obama’s news conference.

Covert CIA program helped Colombia kill rebel leaders.

No widespread misconduct is found in the Secret Service.

Cuba's Raul Castro calls for 'civilised relations' with US. Raul Castro issues stern warning to entrepreneurs.

Helicopter gunships used in Mexico resort battle.

Homicides down in Canada, stats show.

Uruguay economy minister resigns amid airplane scandal - president.

Bolivian crowds cheer Tupak Katari satellite launch.

Now taking World Cup bookings, Rio’s slums.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al-Qaeda in Yemen 'sorry' for hospital attack.

Guantanamo judge orders US to preserve evidence of CIA 'black sites'.

Brunt of global terrorist attacks born by three countries.

Video raises worries of Britons fighting with Syria militants.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Seagram executive, Jewish philanthropist, Edgar Bronfman dies.

IMF says will raise U.S. economic growth forecast.

Billionaire Lam Kok feared dead after French vineyard sale.

Chase limits debit card use for customers at risk in Target breach.

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