Wednesday, February 5, 2014

World News Briefs -- February 5, 2014

A U.N. chemical weapons expert, wearing a gas mask, holds a plastic bag containing samples from one of the sites of an alleged chemical weapons attack in the Ain Tarma neighbourhood of Damascus August 29, 2013. Credit: Reuters/Mohamed Abdullah

Syria Misses Deadline To Hand Over All Critical Chemicals -- Reuters

(Reuters) - Syria on Wednesday missed a deadline to hand over all the toxic materials it declared to the world's chemical weapons watchdog, putting the program several weeks behind schedule and jeopardizing a final June 30 deadline.

Under a deal reached in October between Russia and the United States, which helped avert a U.S.-led missile strike against the regime of President Bashar Al-Assad, Syria agreed to give up its entire stockpile of chemical weapons by February 5.

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MIDDLE EAST

US condemns Syria regime barrel bomb raids.

Iraq: Deadly car and suicide bombings rock Baghdad.

In Iran, opponents of a nuclear deal speak up.

Iran nuclear substance could face new U.N. scrutiny.

Iran nuclear deal 'not perfect' but buys time, top U.S. official.

US Senators question state of Iranian nuclear centrifuge development.

Foreign firms lining up to do business with Iran once sanctions are loosened, officials say.

U.S. Ambassador to Syria Robert Ford to retire: sources.

ASIA

Philippine leader sounds alarm on China.

North Korea calls Japanese PM Abe 'Asian Hitler'.

Koreas agree to family reunions in February.

Afghan presidential hopefuls stage TV debate.

New Afghanistan law to silence victims of violence against women.

Thai protest leader mocks, PM defends rice-buying scheme.

Myanmar arrests journalists who reported a secret chemical-arms site.

US Senate panel approves Senator Max Baucus as ambassador to China.

AFRICA

Islamists spread terrorism in chaos of Egypt, target military to seize control.

Rockets fired at N. Mali French army base.

Libyan blast injures six children at Benghazi school.

UN Congo peacekeepers question Rwandan rebel disarmament claim.

United Nations appeals for $1.27 billion in aid for South Sudan.

Kenyatta trial doomed unless Kenya helps: ICC prosecutors.

EUROPE

Olympic flame in Sochi after world's longest relay.

Western leaders stay away from Sochi Winter Olympics.

Protests hurting Ukraine economy: interim PM.

'Time is on our side', says EU in showdown over Ukraine.

Euro zone businesses log strongest month in 2-1/2 years in January: PMI.

Business trip to Iran 'not helpful', Kerry tells France.

Scathing U.N. report demands Vatican act against child sex abuse.

Russian news channel TV Rain may close after main carrier pulls plug.

First troops move through new US transit point in Romania.

AMERICAS

Heavy storm brings snow, disruption to US Northeast.

Power outages hit three million in Brazil.

Violence tests Brazil ahead of World Cup.

Army cyberspies monitored Colombian peace negotiators, magazine reports.

Mexican president pledges help for troubled Michoacan state.

Breakdown in Panama Canal expansion row talks.

Seattle Seahawks' Super Bowl victory parade to draw up to half million.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

U.S. said to curtail drone strikes in Pakistan as officials there seek peace talks with Taliban.

Up to 350 UK recruits among 2,000 Westerners now fighting in Syria.

A terror group too brutal for al Qaeda?

Al Qaeda-like groups evolving, share goal of killing Americans.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Goldman to Fidelity call for calm after global stock wipeout.

Google to make 'significant' changes to avoid EU fine.

What took Microsoft so long?

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