Friday, March 7, 2014

World News Briefs -- March 7, 2014



Putin Rebuffs Obama As Ukraine Crisis Escalates -- Reuters

MOSCOW/SIMFEROPOL, Ukraine (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin rebuffed a warning from U.S. President Barack Obama over Moscow's military intervention in Crimea, saying on Friday that Russia could not ignore calls for help from Russian speakers in Ukraine.

After an hour-long telephone call, Putin said in a statement that Moscow and Washington were still far apart on the situation in the former Soviet republic, where he said the new authorities had taken "absolutely illegitimate decisions on the eastern, southeastern and Crimea regions.

"Russia cannot ignore calls for help and it acts accordingly, in full compliance with international law," Putin said.

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MIDDLE EAST

Israel scrambles jets to Syrian border.

US faces Israeli, Saudi concerns over Iran nuclear talks.

Security experts: Iraq needs US help in combating increasing violence.

Kerry in Jordan for Mideast peace talks.

Egypt envoy 'will not return' to Qatar.

Saudi Arabia designates Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist group: Interior Ministry.

Saudi sentences three suspected militants to death for 2003 bombing.

Turkish PM threatens to ban Facebook, YouTube. Turkish president rejects Facebook, YouTube ban over wiretaps.

ASIA

Afghan army, police struggle to combat IED threat as U.S. forces prepare to leave.

Pakistan considers quick anti-Taliban assault.

Philippines to upgrade Navy base facing disputed waters.

Malaysia's Anwar convicted of sodomy, political future in doubt.

China warns prominent internet users over Kunming attack. Chinese police arrest 45 for 'spreading rumours' online after knife attack.

Japan: No N. Korea aid until abduction issue resolved.

Afghan President Karzai becomes father again at 56.

AFRICA

S. Sudan death toll rises to 35.

Niger extradites a son of Qaddafi to Libya, saying he didn’t ‘stay quiet.

Repairs begin in CAR after year of massive looting.

UN told CAR being cleansed of Muslims.

ICC: Congolese militia leader guilty of deadly attack. Congo warlord's conviction brings relief to international court.

Africom commander: Terror threat remains across Africa.

EUROPE

Obama's warnings brushed aside by Russia's Putin. Putin says Russia and US far apart on Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin defends Russia's military action in Ukraine after phone call with President Obama.

Russian parliament backs Crimea vote, brushes off sanctions threat.

Tymoshenko warns of guerrilla war, calls for sanctions on Russia.

Ukraine strife complicates investment climate in Russia.

Ukraine won’t boycott Paralympics in Russia.

Suspected Russian spyware Turla targets Europe, U.S..

Kosovo to create own army to 'protect sovereignty'.

AMERICAS

Caribbean nations consider push for slavery reparations.

Colombia to elect new Congress in gauge of peace talks support.

Colombian paramilitaries set for release.

Venezuela cuts ties with Panama, calling country a 'lackey' for the United States.

Violence against women 'pandemic' in Mexico.

Cholera epidemic in Haiti 'poses major threat to Latin America and Caribbean'.

Behind the fall of El Chapo, Mexico's most notorious drug lord.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Abu Ghaith urged Qaeda recruits to 'pledge' to Bin Laden: Witness.

Al Qaeda kills accused U.S. spy, hangs him from soccer goal posts in Yemen.

AQAP leader on trial in Yemen.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

US hiring surprisingly picked up in February.

Man called Bitcoin's father denies ties, leads LA car chase.

Chaori Solar in landmark Chinese bond default.

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