Friday, March 14, 2014

World News Briefs -- March 14, 2014



Ukraine Crisis: Kerry, Lavrov Hold Last-Ditch Talks Before Crimea Vote -- CNN

London (CNN) -- As a contentious referendum on the future of Ukraine's Crimean region looms, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, are holding last-ditch talks Friday in London.

The two met four times last week in Europe and have been in daily phone contact since. But they have failed to reach common ground on how to solve the crisis over Crimea.

They are now meeting again at the residence of the U.S. ambassador to London as the clock ticks down on efforts to find a diplomatic solution.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Attacks continue despite Gaza truce claims.

Syria chemical weapons 'could go in a month'.

Damascus ceasefires bring respite but no end to conflict.

Syrian rebels claim Alawites' kidnapping. Al Qaeda splinter group in Syria leaves two provinces - activists.

Syrian presidential election law excludes most opposition leaders.

Turkey protests: two more deaths feed growing discontent.

Turkish parliament to reconvene next Weds amid graft scandal.

ASIA

ISAF chief: Taliban no longer 'existential threat' to Afghanistan.

USAID: Afghan qualifty of life improves amid U.S. intervention.

Nearly two dozen killed in attacks across Pakistan despite talks. Separate bombings in Pakistan kill 17.

Rebels, Islamists form dangerous alliance in Pakistan's unruly southwest.

China's Li Keqiang warns investors to prepare for wave of bankruptcies.

Five stabbed to death in latest Chinese knife attack.

From his Pakistan hideout, Uighur leader vows revenge on China.

Philippines rejects China's demand to remove ship.

Japan's Shinzo Abe says no review of sex slaves apology.

AFRICA

Nigeria Boko Haram: 'Hundreds' attack Maiduguri. Gunfire and blasts heard in Nigerian city.

Nigerian security forces committing rights abuses: U.N..

Herders kill 100+ in Nigerian conflict over land.

France says EU shirking duty to Central African Republic.

French air strikes kill wanted Islamist militant 'Red Beard' in Mali.

Ousting of Libyan PM Ali Zeidan brings threat of civil war.

Morocco says breaks up militant cell sending fighters abroad.

Sudan isolation mounts as Europe, Saudi banks stop dealings.

EUROPE

Russia is preparing to invade east Ukraine, Estonia says.

Ukrainian colonel threatens to fire on Russian forces in Crimea.

Ukraine worries intensify flight to safety.

Russia suspends some trade via Lithuanian port, PM says.

Malta to extradite Serb to face crimes against humanity charges.

Latvia minister faces sack in Nazi memorial row.

Policeman killed, three wounded in shooting near Bulgarian school.

AMERICAS

John Kerry says Venezuela 'terror campaign' must end.

Brazil's president faces revolt by coalition allies.

Chile's Bachelet stands by reform despite slowdown.

Media baron joins Quebec's separatist cause.

General: US lacks resources to get drug traffickers; 80 percent of Colombian drugs get in.

N.Y. building collapse: Feds probe responsiveness of gas company.

Number of U.S. millionaires hits new high.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Bin Laden relative admitted Al Qaeda link, FBI agent says.

Allies 'cranking up heat' on Haqqani militants, US commander says.

Saudis hardened by wars in Syria, Iraq join al Qaeda in Yemen.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

CEOs of biggest Russian firms could be hit by sanctions: paper.

UBS traders tried to rig key Hong Kong interest rate.

Buffett: I'd be 'surprised' if stock prices drop 50%.

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