Thursday, January 30, 2014

World News Briefs -- January 30, 2014



Ukraine's Yanukovich Goes On Sick Leave In Midst Of Political Crisis -- Reuters

(Reuters) - Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich has gone on sick leave with a respiratory ailment, his website said on Thursday, leaving a political vacuum in a country destabilized by anti-government protests.

Yanukovich's prime minister, Mykola Azarov, resigned on Tuesday after a sharp escalation of two months of street unrest prompted by Yanukovich's rejection of a European Union deal in favor of closer ties with Russia.

The president, under pressure from Moscow not to tilt policy back towards the West, has yet to appoint a successor. Serhiy Arbuzov, who was Azarov's first deputy, has stepped in as interim prime minister.

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MIDDLE EAST

N: No substantive results in Syria talks.

Report: Syria government has razed neighborhoods. Syrian government 'demolished thousands of homes'.

Report: Obama's Syria deal good for Assad.

Iraq releases rare 'ISIL chief' photo.

Bombings hit Baghdad as Iraq death toll tops 900 for January.

At least 18 killed in militant assault on Iraqi ministry building.

Iran's Zarif says Obama remarks for 'domestic consumption'.

Israel MoD boss blasts US Mideast missteps.

ASIA

U.S.: Afghanistan can't 'keep deferring' decision on security pact.

As election nears, Thai protesters increase pressure. Thai army to deploy more troops amid warning of poll violence.


N. Korea warns against war games in rare news conference.

North Korean diplomat: Kim Jong-un's executed uncle committed 'tremendous crimes'.

Asia history tensions flare at UN debate.

New Zealand may vote on dropping Union flag.

Beijing boots U.S. reporter over stories of Communist corruption.

AFRICA

AU holds key summit; Talks dominated by conflicts in South Sudan, CAR.

Mauritania leader new African Union chairman

Somali President: AMISOM operations against Al-Shabab to begin soon.

Popular wave could lift Egypt army chief to office.

Saudi Arabia to give Egypt up to $4 billion more aid: report.

Striking S.African mineworkers reject wage offer.

EUROPE

Ukraine protesters defy terms of new amnesty law. Ukrainian opposition rejects protester amnesty law.

Ukrainian president takes sick leave amid crisis.

Russia to await new Ukraine government before fully implementing rescue: Putin.

US renews offer to help Russia with security at Olympics.

Russia says identifies bombers, arrests two in Volgograd blasts. Volgograd bombers were Dagestan militants, say Russian authorities,

‘Our views are far apart’: German chancellor slams US, UK over spying.

Greece: Govt rules out early general election.

Paris flights cut by 20 percent as air traffic controllers strike.

AMERICAS

Atlanta recovering after snowstorm strands thousands.

Sandinista consolidation of power advances in Nicaragua with reform of military code.

El Salvador vote pits ex-rebel vs gang-fighting rightist.

Ecuador former police chief Edgar Vaca arrested in the US.

Latin America, Caribbean proclaim 'zone of peace',

Rob Ford conspired in beating of sister's ex-boyfriend, lawsuit says.


TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Israeli general says Al-Qaida's Syria fighters set up in Turkey.

Obama calls for limited strikes against al-Qaida.

US intel sees uptick in Olympic threat reports.

Europeans are flocking to the war in Syria. What happens when they come home?

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Federal Reserve cuts QE by further $10bn to $65bn a month.

Google sells Motorola Mobility unit to Lenovo for $3bn.

Royal Dutch Shell halts Alaska exploration as profits fall.

Boeing has record sales of $87 billion in 2013.

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