Wednesday, December 17, 2014

World News Briefs -- December 17, 2014



U.S. To Open Embassy In Havana, U.S. Official Says -- Reuters

(Reuters) - The United States plans to open an embassy in Havana, a U.S. official said on Wednesday before President Barack Obama's expected announcement on a policy shift with Cuba.

The United States currently has an interests section in Havana.

U.S. congressional officials reported Obama's changes are likely to include relaxed travel restrictions and expanded trade. CNN reported Obama plans to announce the resumption of U.S.-Cuba banking and an increase in allowed remittances.

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MIDDLE EAST

Over 120,000 pro-Assad fighters killed in Syria conflict: monitoring group.

Peshmerga launch offensive to retake Sinjar from Islamic State. Kurdish Iraqi forces launch operation in Sinjar.

Iraq seeks one-year deferral on Gulf War reparations.

German cabinet approves training mission to Iraq.

Yemen car bomb attacks 'kill 15 children'.

Israel suffers sharp rebuffs from Europe
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U.K. troops cleared of torturing, killing Iraq prisoners in 2004.

ASIA

Anger and grief as Pakistan buries students massacred at school. Pakistan mourns 148 slain in Taliban school attack.

Pakistan school attack: PM Sharif vows to end 'terrorism'.

Images show horror, devastation inside Pakistan school Taliban attacked.

Pakistan militants: Children's massacre was to avenge army strikes.

Pakistan lifts death penalty moratorium.

Ten killed during Taliban attack on Afghan bank.

Sydney hostage-taker fell off terrorism watch list, obtained gun legally, says Australian prime minister. Australia orders sweeping investigation after deadly hostage siege.

North Korea asks U.N. to investigate CIA’s ‘brutal medieval’ acts.

Dalai Lama concedes he may be the last.

AFRICA

S. Sudan neighbors expect surge of refugees in 2015. In South Sudan, lots of anger but no protests.

Libya's conflict revives front lines from the 2011 civil war.

Kenya parliament to vote on amendments meant to improve security. Divided Kenyans disagree over strategy to end 'terror' attacks.

Somaliland seizes Yemeni and Egyptian vessels.

Nigeria forced to revise budget as oil prices remain low.

Zambia cabinet ministers ask President Scott to resign.

UN says Ebola-hit nations at risk of hunger.

EUROPE

Russia plans new measures to stabilise the rouble.

Stunned Russians stock up on goods awaiting Putin fix for ruble. Russians flock to stores to pre-empt price rises.

Foreign exchange in Finland stops recognizing rubles for trade.

EU to tighten sanctions on Crimea in time for leaders summit: officials.

Greece faces tense presidential vote amid debt worries.

European Parliament votes to recognize Palestine statehood 'in principle'.

EU court removes Hamas from terror blacklist. EU court takes Hamas off terrorist organizations list.

AMERICAS

US official: Obama, Cuban President Raul Castro spoke Tuesday about normalizing relations.

US, Cuba seek to normalize relations. U.S. to start talks with Cuba to normalize ties.

U.S. slaps sanctions on Swiss, Dutch companies over Syria.

Federal judge rules Obama amnesty order unconstitutional power grab.

Latin American leftist exiles hold faith in Maduro's Venezuela.

Mexico vigilantes in deadly shoot-out in Michoacan.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

UK came 'within days' of Sydney-style terror attack: top policeman.

Peshawar massacre is a reminder that militant threat still potent in south Asia.

US airstrike targets Pakistani, Afghan Taliban in Nangarhar.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Russia crisis hits Pimco fund, wipes out options.

Tesla sales forecast cut by 40%.

Oil holds below $60 as OPEC, Russia keep pumping.

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