Monday, April 7, 2014

World News Briefs -- April 7, 2014



Pro-Moscow Protesters Declare Separatist Republic; Kiev Warns Of Invasion Plan -- Reuters

(Reuters) - Pro-Moscow protesters occupying a government building in eastern Ukraine declared the creation of a separatist republic on Monday, in a move Kiev described as part of a plan to justify a Russian invasion to dismember the country.

Kiev said the seizures of state buildings in three cities in eastern Ukraine's mainly Russian speaking industrial heartland were a replay of events in Crimea, the Black Sea peninsula Moscow annexed after its troops occupied it last month.

"An anti-Ukrainian plan is being put into operation ... under which foreign troops will cross the border and seize the territory of the country," Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk told a cabinet meeting in Kiev. "We will not allow this."

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Israel, Palestinians seek another meeting Monday: U.S. official. Israelis, Palestinians call on U.S. to mediate new round of peace talks.

Surge of violence across Syria kills over two dozen. Blast kills at least 29 Syrian rebels in Homs: monitoring group.

Hezbollah leader says threat to Syria's Assad is over.

Deadly violence strikes Iraq ahead of polls.

Row in Lebanese Palestinian camp turns deadly.

Iran hopes drafting of nuclear deal can start soon.

Russia has no high expectations for upcoming Iran nuclear talks: report.

Israeli sites shuttered in advance of cyber attack.

ASIA

Afghanistan election: Presidential poll ballots counted.

Leadership in Karzai’s shadow: Afghanistan’s next president to win vote, not total control.

Malaysia Flight 370: New signal sounds 'just like' one from a plane's beacon. Navy gear detects prolonged pings in search for missing plane.

Pakistani forces kill 30 separatists in Baluchistan: official.

India begins six-week general election. India begins world's largest election.

Sri Lanka refuses cooperation with UN-backed probe.

Japan, Australia clinch trade deal as U.S.-Tokyo talks heat up.

World Bank cuts China growth forecast.

Hagel arrives in China. US defence chief Hagel tours China's Liaoning aircraft carrier.

AFRICA

Egyptian Arab and Nubian clashes leave dozens dead.

Egypt court upholds prison terms for protest leaders.

Islamists kill 17 in northeast Nigeria, attack mosque.

Libyan rebels, government agree to gradually reopen occupied oil ports. Libyan rebels agree to reopen two oil terminals after deal.

General strike in Libya's Benghazi over insecurity.

Rwanda marks 20 years since genocide. Rwanda bars France from genocide ceremony.

UN consultants killed in Somalia.

Oscar Pistorius opens defense with tearful apology to Steenkamp family.

EUROPE

Protests in eastern Ukraine aimed at bringing in Russian troops, warns PM. Ukraine says Russia fomenting eastern unrest. Russia is playing out 'Crimean scenario' in eastern Ukraine: acting president.

Ukraine activists declare Donetsk sovereignty. Pro-Russians say east Ukraine region independent.

Tens of thousands of Russian troops near Ukraine border: U.S. envoy.

After Crimea, West's spies, armies to raise Russia focus.

Putin tells security service to be on alert, warns on NGOs.

Hungary re-elects PM, far-right opposition gains.

UK ex-minister urges amnesty in Northern Ireland conflict.

France seeks to reassure Germany on deficits, reform.

Spain busts group accused of plans to send arms machinery to Iran.

AMERICAS

Outcome far from certain on election day in Quebec. Canada: Quebec elections a gamble for separatist party.

Unchallenged candidate wins Costa Rican Presidency.

Venezuela lashes out at Spain after exports of riot gear halted.

Mexican vigilantes protest against plans to disarm them.

Havana reveals more US attempts to influence Cubans.

Tracing the U.S. heroin surge back south of the border as Mexican cannabis output falls.

U.S. Navy picks up 1-year-old who became sick at sea.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al-Qaeda flags raised in eastern Libya.

Pakistani Taliban launch website, which is promptly taken down.

Is Turkey next to face Al-Qaeda threat? (Commentary)

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

All-time stock market high rattles investors.

Cement makers Holcim, Lafarge create Swiss merger.

Apple’s deep pockets: What $159 billion could do.

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