Monday, February 10, 2014

World News Briefs -- February 10, 2014



New Round Of Syria Peace Talks Begins In Geneva -- CNN

Geneva, Switzerland (CNN) -- Syria's warring sides began a new round of peace talks Monday, days after a first session managed little beyond a pledge to evacuate civilians from the besieged city of Homs.

The Geneva II peace conference, which had its first session some 10 days ago, brought the Syrian government and opposition together for face-to-face negotiations for the first time since the conflict began nearly three years ago.

The first round of talks ended with no firm agreements and bitter statements from both sides.

However, United Nations envoy Lakhdar Brahimi said then that some "common ground" had been reached.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syrian talks resume as Homs mission continues. Second round of Syria talks makes faltering start. Syrian regime and opposition begin new round of talks in Geneva.

Six hundred Syrians flee besieged Old Homs in aid convoy.

Rebel attack on Syrian Alawite village kills 40.

Iraq speaker escapes assassination attempt. Iraq speaker targeted in blast as 21 militants killed. Iraq: Militants set off own car bomb, 21 dead.

Iran sets 'red lines' ahead of fresh nuclear talks.

Weekend violence rocks Israel.

Yemen to become six-region federation.

ASIA

Bomb kills two American contractors in Afghan capital Kabul.

Afghan bomb targets NATO prison convoy.

Pakistani separatist militants blow up three gas pipelines.

South Korea-US exercises announced as Kenneth Bae visit blocked.

Abe, Aquino views on China unhelpful, U.S. general says.

China export growth seen slowing, loans surging in January.

Spain orders arrest of former Chinese president, others over Tibet.

Nepal's new PM pledges new constitution within one year. Nepal's new prime minister raises hopes of democratic momentum.

Italy tells India handling of marines case could hurt EU ties.

Asylum seekers accuse Australia navy of abuse as boat towed to Indonesia.

AFRICA

France rules out Libya military intervention.

Lynchings and religious violence increase in conflict-torn Central African Republic.

Egyptian authorities accuse Islamist group of forming ‘military wing’.

South Sudan and rebels to resume talks.

Mali says MUJWA Islamist group responsible for killing 31 Tuaregs.

Congo warlord Bosco Ntaganda faces war crimes charges at The Hague.

Two car bombs explode in Somali capital, at least five wounded.

EUROPE

Sochi 2014: Day three: Live

Huge crowds gather for 10th weekly anti-govt rally in central Kiev.

Worse than Greece: Fitch says Ukraine's default risk high.

EU neighbours regret Swiss vote for immigration quotas. Europe warns Swiss of consequences after immigration vote.

François Hollande expected to get 'super red-carpet' treatment in US.

NSA flap strains ties with Europe.

UK floods: Swollen Thames threatens thousands of homes.

AMERICAS

Hollande and Obama make joint call for climate accord.

Threat of more snow and ice in U.S. South puts officials on alert.

Mexico vigilantes enter Knights Templar cartel stronghold.

Toyota to leave Venezuela. Venezuela's currency squeeze threatens nation's newspapers.

As inflation and crime soar in Venezuela, those who can head abroad.

Argentina falling again, but no longer drags down neighboring Brazil like in past crises.

Vancouver home to Canada's first crackpipe vending machines.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

US suspect possibly targeted for drone attack.

Al Qaeda splinter group withdraws from oil-rich Syrian province.

Al Qaeda won't execute kidnapped South African, despite ransom deadline.

Intelligence chair: ‘Guards, gates and guns’ mitigate Olympics threats.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Boeing sees Asia-Pacific fleet nearly tripling over 20 years.

Icahn drops Apple buyback demand.

Google passes Exxon to be No. 2 US company.

Europe, China help McDonald's offset soft U.S. sales in January.

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