Monday, January 13, 2014

World News Briefs -- January 13, 2014



Former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon Laid To Rest In State Funeral -- Haaretz

Israeli and world leaders pay respects to Sharon at official ceremony at the Knesset; funeral will proceed to Sycamore Ranch, Sharon's farm in the Negev, where he will be buried.

The funeral for Ariel Sharon got underway Monday morning, in a day that would highlight the former Israeli prime minister's military and political contributions to the country.

The funeral, attended by leaders from Israel and around the world, began at 9:30 A.M. with an official ceremony at the Knesset, where Sharon's body lay in state on Sunday. Keynote speeches were delivered at the ceremony by President Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. Vice President Joe Biden.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Ariel Sharon's memorial service and funeral – as it happened.

Syria peace talks: Russia and US lay groundwork for ceasefire.

Aleppo ceasefire, prisoner exchange mulled ahead of Syrian peace conference.

UN concerns mount over besieged Syrians.

Iran to begin dismantling nuclear stockpile 'next week'.

IAEA gains more Iran access, but not enough for bomb probe.

Iran defends development of advanced centrifuges.

Iran sanctions bill moves toward veto-proof majority in US Senate.

Obama administration official: Iraq’s Nouri al-Maliki ready to reach out to Sunnis.

Iraqi ambassador: New Iraq chooses its own partners.

North Yemen strife has killed at least 210, Salafis say.

ASIA

Taliban talks going nowhere despite secret meets.

Taliban commanders reportedly targeted in Pakistan.

No resistance as crowds occupy Thai capital in festive protest. Thai protesters blockade roads in Bangkok for 'shutdown'.

Hasina sworn in as Bangladesh Prime Minister.

US tested biological weapons in Japan’s Okinawa in the 60s – report.

Chinese journalists face tighter censorship, Marxist retraining.

Taiwan ex-colonel gets life term for spying for China.

India hails polio-free 'milestone'.

Rodman Says He's 'Sorry' About 'Certain Situations' in North Korea.

AFRICA

Central African Republic's new leader orders military crackdown. Central African Republic leader says chaos is over.

Central African Republic’s capital tense as ex-leader heads into exile. CAR ex-leader heads for exile in Benin.

South Sudan troops advance on Bor.

S. Sudan rebel leader: 'Not close' to peace deal.

South Sudan crisis: US envoy meets rebel leader Machar.

Libya's deputy industry minister shot dead.

Egypt army chief considers presidential bid. Sabbahi may still run for president despite potential competition with El-Sisi.

EUROPE

French first lady Valerie Trierweiler is in hospital with depression following news of partner Francoise Hollande's affair. Valérie Trierweiler to remain in hospital for several more days.

Hungary PM to meet Russia's Putin, nuclear deal likely.

UK confirms debt pledge ahead of Scottish referendum.

Thousands march in Bilbao in support of ETA.

Protesters stage new pro-EU rally in Ukraine.

‘Systematic torture’: Dossier accusing UK politicians of Iraq war crimes goes to ICC.

Pope Francis to appoint 19 new cardinals.

AMERICAS

Mexico vigilantes in turf war with drug cartel.

Colombian mayor of Bogota, Gustavo Petro, calls for indefinite protests.

Venezuelan minister targets corrupt police.

Cuba: US 'very open' to new relationship.

Haiti still in ruins four years after quake. Haiti marks devastating earthquake anniversary.

US Supreme Court to hear Argentina case.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al-Qaeda Syria branch executes dozens of rival Islamists, activists claim.

Winter Olympics: Russia arrests five 'terror suspects'.

US: Militant gunmen likely died in Kenya mall massacre.

NSA phone record collection does little to prevent terrorist attacks, group says.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Future for commercial space endeavors looks bright.

With data vulnerable, retailers look for tougher security.

Japan's Suntory buys Jim Beam drinks group in $16bn deal.

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