Tuesday, February 4, 2014

World News Briefs -- February 4, 2014 (Evening Edition)

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (R) and Syrian opposition leader Ahmad Jarba arrive for a meeting in Moscow February 4, 2014 (Reuters / Maxim Shemetov)

Syrian Opposition, Govt Ready To Move Forward With Geneva 2 Peace Talks -- RT

The Syrian National Coalition says it will take part in the second round of Geneva 2 talks. Russia says the Syrian government expressed "no doubts" that it will also attend, adding that it plans to send a shipment of chemical agents out of the country.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks with Syrian National Coalition (SNC) leader Ahmad Jarba on Tuesday. Following the talks - which took place in Moscow and focused on the temporarily halted peace conference in Switzerland - Jarba confirmed to Russian media that the SNC will come to Geneva on February 10.

“We have agreed to take part in Geneva [peace] conference to fulfill the Geneva Communiqué…We have stated our intention to take part in the second round of talks on February 10,” Jarba said, as quoted by Interfax.

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MIDDLE EAST

Senators: Kerry admits policy failing in Syria.

Russia says Syria to ship chemical arms as civilians flee bombs. Syria 'to complete chemical weapon shipments by March'.

Russia: Syria will attend next Geneva talks.

Shi'ite rebels, tribes agree ceasefire in north Yemen: sources.

Kurds from Iraq wage holy war in Syria with one eye on home.

Two rockets hit Baghdad's Green Zone, car bombs kill 10.

Erdogan struggles with Merkel's skepticism on Turkish EU bid.

Iran: Kerry, Obama rhetoric threatens to derail diplomacy.

Iranian executions spiking despite thaw with West, ‘moderate president’.

Yemen bus bomb targets military personnel.

E.U. Iran-Talks lead: Any breakthrough could push talks past six months.

Susan Rice blasts tweets at Israel for criticizing John Kerry.

ASIA

Sri Lanka leader hits out at likely UN resolution.

Several dead in suicide blast in Pakistan.

Bangladesh opposition says 300 men killed, disappeared in a month.

Report: Karzai in secret talks with Taliban.

India-Pakistan: Distressed Taliban now willing to negotiate. Pakistan-Taliban peace talks delayed. Pakistan: Taliban criticise peace talks delay.

Britain says it advised India on 1984 Golden Temple attack.

Thai opposition challenges polls in court.

Panel: Japan should lift ban on collective defense.

Smuggling, fraud cost Philippines $25.8 billion in 2011, study says.

China warns officials not to cover up corruption.

Wary N. Korea struggles to stay afloat in info age.

AFRICA

White House urges Egypt to release detained journalists, academics.

Libya 'destroys all chemical weapons'.

U.S. urges South Sudan to honor ceasefire, free political prisoners.

Millions at risk in the Sahel food crisis.

U.N. Congo peacekeepers question Rwandan rebel disarmament claim.

Seven militants, policeman killed in Tunisia raid: source.

PM: Libya Army has orders to end oil port blockades.

UN delegation meets with armed groups in Mali.

Landmark Rwanda genocide trial opens in Paris.

EUROPE

Money spent on Sochi games raises questions.

Queen to meet Pope Francis in Rome.

Ukraine opposition seeks to cut president's powers.

German foreign minister threatens sanctions against Ukraine.

Analysts: Army loyalties divided on Ukraine protests.

Greek leftist seeks negotiated debt write-off.

Is a new Tea Party brewing in France?

BP boss warns of 'uncertainties' due to Scottish vote.

US Ambassador McFaul to resign, leave Russia.

Secret plan to put remote kill switch in every European car revealed.

AMERICAS

The California drought, as seen from space.

U.S. fighting increase in tax crimes under Obama: watchdog.

Jack Lew: US could default on debt by 'end of month'. Debt up $6.666 trillion under Obama.

Deficit to fall to $514 billion in 2014, U.S. budget agency says.

S&P downgrades Puerto Rico debt to junk status.

Colombia probes alleged army spying at peace talks.

Costa Rica begins preparations for runoff after surprising election result.

Salvadoran leftist leads vote, but faces runoff. El Salvador presidential poll to go into run-off.

Argentina accuses Shell of conspiring against country after oil giant raises price of fuel.

Fear that a former Soviet republic inserted malicious code in Obamacare site.

Bolivia: 29 killed in torrential rains so far this year.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

No US drone strikes in Pakistan in January.

Pro-al Qaeda Saudi cleric calls on ISIS members to defect.

Al Qaeda disavowal of ISIS opens door to other jihadist groups.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Best is yet to come, says Facebook's Zuckerberg.

Microsoft names Satya Nadella as CEO; Gates steps down as chairman.

Toyota expects record profits after yen boost.

Shares steadier as emerging market sell-off eases.

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