Monday, May 26, 2014

World News Briefs -- May 26, 2014



New Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko Vows To Stop War -- The Guardian

After an outright win in first round of voting, pro-European winner promises weapons amnesty in attempt to gain peace in the east

Ukraine's new president, Petro Poroshenko, has vowed to make his first goal in office to stop the war in the east of the country.

The pro-European businessman won the presidential election with 54% of the vote, according to early results on Sunday, clearing the 50% threshold to win outright without a second round. The former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko was trailing far behind, with about 13%.

In an impromptu victory speech after an official exit poll showed his convincing first-round win, Poroshenko praised the record turnout and reiterated the pledge that his first official trip would be to conflict-riven eastern Ukraine. He promised an amnesty to pro-Russian rebels who turned in their weapons, but said those who had killed people in the region were terrorists who deserved no quarter.

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MIDDLE EAST

Pope honors Holocaust survivors in Israel.

Pope, Netanyahu spar over Jesus' native language.

Hezbollah chief goads Israel, US, West.

British jihadists are the most bloodthirsty in Syria says rebel commander as they are blamed for beheadings and crucifixions.

Despite nuclear probe progress, IAEA access to key Iran site elusive.

Turkey court issues arrest warrants to Israeli ex-generals over Gaza flotilla raid.

Jordan expels Syrian ambassador. Syria to expel Jordan envoy in diplomatic tit-for-tat: State TV.

Billionaire businessman is executed in Iran for his part in $2.6bn state bank scam.

ASIA

Thai military leader: Junta will hold power ‘indefinitely’. Thai military ruler 'wins royal backing'.

China and Japan trade barbs after close encounter over South China Sea.

China-Vietnam sea spat heats up.

Philippines president warns on Chinese expansion.

Taiwan to build $100M port in disputed region of The South China Sea but China does not react.

China says Vietnam claims to disputed islets 'ridiculous'.

Pakistani media apologise to military and ISI.

China agrees North Korea's nuclear activities a serious threat, says South.

Kim Jong-un has engineers behind deadly North Korean apartment collapse 'executed by firing squad'.

At least 40 killed in India train crash.

Modi sworn in as India's Prime Minister.

AFRICA

Polls open in Egypt's presidential election. Sisi poised to win presidency as Egyptians vote.

New Libyan PM says to focus on fighting militants, securing borders.

Renegade former Libyan general says PM must go, vote must wait.

Suspected militants kill two Kenyan soldiers near Somali border.

Ebola outbreak spreads to Sierra Leone.

Obama not seeking plans for US troops to rescue Nigerian girls.

EUROPE

Ukraine launches air strikes against gunmen. Ukraine’s Poroshenko aims to continue special operations in eastern Ukraine.

With 70% of votes counted, tycoon Poroshenko leads Ukraine Presidential race.

Ukraine's Poroshenko focuses on Russia, stability in eastern regions.

Russia ready for talks with Kiev after pro-west victory in Ukrainian election. Russia ready for dialogue with likely Ukraine President-elect Poroshenko.

Eurosceptic election surge gives EU a headache. 'A grave moment for France': National Front sweeps to victory in Paris leaving Socialist government fighting for life - and in Germany a neo-Nazi is elected for first time in decades. Front National wins European parliament elections in France. Results for Europe vote in Britain confirm win for UKIP party.

Shocking moment suspect in Brussels Jewish Museum shootings gunned down tourists as death toll in attack rises to four.

War-torn and impoverished, Bosnia faces rebuild once again after floods.

AMERICAS

US honors war dead on Memorial Day.

Thousands of bikers in Washington for rally on POWS.

Colombia's Zuluaga pushes Santos to presidential runoff vote. Colombia election goes to run-off after rightwing opposition tops poll.

Wives of jailed Venezuelan opposition mayors win in polls.

Brazil mobilizes 157,000 security force for World Cup.

Hurricane Amanda remains a Category 4 storm.

3 missing after massive mudslide in western Colorado.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

House leaders nix bill that would give Obama power to kill Benghazi terrorists.

Zawahiri again addresses jihadist infighting in Syria.

Is Djibouti al-Qaeda's new front?

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Pfizer walks away from $118 billion AstraZeneca takeover fight.

Business aviation picks up, but jet surplus persists.

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