Friday, December 12, 2014

World News Briefs -- December 12, 2014



Congress Passes Tougher Russia Sanctions But Gives Obama Leeway -- Bloomberg Businessweek

The U.S. Congress has voted for tougher sanctions to punish Russia for its intervention in Ukraine, moving beyond steps the White House and European Union have been willing to take while giving President Barack Obama leeway in applying most of the provisions.

The Ukraine Freedom Support Act of 2014, which passed the Senate and House unanimously, authorizes -- but doesn’t require -- providing lethal assistance to Ukraine’s military as well as sweeping sanctions on Russia’s energy sector. The measure mandates sanctions against Rosoboronexport, the state agency that promotes Russia’s defense exports and arms trade. It also would require sanctions on OAO Gazprom (GAZP), the world’s largest extractor of natural gas, if the state-controlled company withholds supplies to other European nations.

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MIDDLE EAST

Kerry aims to avert UN crisis on Mideast.

Higher prices, shortages create pressure for IS.

Syrian rebel 'hell cannons' kill 300 civilians: monitoring group.

Iraqi army prepares for 'liberation of Mosul'.

Iraq security fears as record pilgrimage nears climax.

Exclusive: Cash-strapped Iraq seeks Kuwait war reparation delay.

Syrian al-Qaeda using UN cars to conduct terror operations.

Israel braces for more protests after Palestinian Minister's death.

EU confirms the resumption of Iran negotiations on December 17.

Explosion damages French cultural center in Gaza.

ASIA

Unable to pay salaries, Afghanistan asks donors for more money.

US sends mixed message to Myanmar military.

US envoy says no sign North Korea wants to reopen talks.

N. Korea, China criticize US over CIA torture report.

China rejects US report on sea claims.

China, Vietnam clash again over South China Sea claims.

Thailand denies it ran secret prison or allowed torture on its territory.

Australia PM Abbott wants indigenous referendum in 2017.

Chinese city bans full face veils in public.

AFRICA

EU could consider new Libya sanctions if it helps talks: diplomats.

Sudan minister vows to defeat rebels after fruitless talks. No end in sight as South Sudan conflict enters second year.

Uganda's Museveni calls on African nations to quit the ICC.

At least 30 killed after two bombs explode in Nigerian city of Jos.

One policeman killed, two wounded in attack on Kenya coast camp.

Kenyan MPs pass Security Law after heated debate.

Zimbabwe: New vice presidents sworn in.

Surge in Ebola infections leads to lockdown in eastern Sierra Leone.

Malawi to conduct door-to-door HIV testing.

EUROPE

Merkel condemns racism as Dresden anti-Islam marches grow.

Russia accuses U.S. of destroying 'carcass of cooperation' with Ukraine bill.

Ukraine cheers US vote for military aid, Russia outraged.

'Fragile' cease-fire holds in Ukraine.

Rise in Russian interest rate fails to halt plunge in rouble as oil price slips again.

Dozens of shots fired at Israeli embassy in Athens.

Northern Ireland talks end without agreement.

Denmark sees 'significant' threat from returning jihadists: report.

British sought redactions in CIA interrogations report.

Thousands of Italians protest economic reforms.

Spain's 'Xnet' corruption fighters expose graft.

AMERICAS

Congress authorizes $577 billion in U.S. defense spending.

House passes $1.1 trillion spending bill over Democrats' objections.

Iran hackers may target U.S. energy, defense firms, FBI warns.

U.S. urges Colombia to make quick progress to peace.

Venezuela drug trade rings alarm bells.

Haiti in political chaos.

Petrobras scandal: Brazilian oil executives among 35 charged.

Brazil 'serial killer' das Gracas alleges 42 deaths in a decade.

Storm calms, but wind and rain still thrash the U.S. West Coast; 2 killed.

DHS: 100 million Americans could lose power in major sun storm.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Ex-Guantanamo prisoners stroll streets of Uruguay.

Senate report confirms CIA had 'black site' at Guantánamo, hid it from Congress.

From Florida to al-Qaida: Militant spent last years at Iran-Pakistan-Afghan border.

Pakistan arrests major Al-Qaida figure.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil slump leads Wall Street to worst week in 2-1/2 years.

Oil plunges again, reaches recession-level depths. Oil prices fall further after IEA cuts forecast. Oil tumbles towards $62 on supply glut.

Uber French ruling latest in series of challenges.

Facebook thinking about 'dislike' function - Zuckerberg. Zuckerberg: No plans for 'dislike' button.

AIRBUS Superjumbo project may be scrapped.

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