World News Briefs -- December 3, 2014 (Evening Edition)

Mediators Dag Nagoda (2nd R) of Norway and Jose Luis Ponce (3rd L) of Cuba address the media next to Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) negotiator Pastor Alape (L), FARC lead negotiator Ivan Marquez (2nd L) and Colombia's lead government negotiator Humberto de la Calle (R) in Havana December 3, 2014. Credit: Reuters/Enrique De La Osa

Colombia Peace Talks With Farc Rebels 'To Resume' In Cuba -- BBC

The Colombian government and Farc rebels have agreed to resume peace talks, which were suspended last month over the abduction of an army general, mediators say.

Officials from Cuba and Norway, the two countries brokering the peace process, said a week of discussions would begin in Havana on 10 December.

Colombia's president stopped the talks after the rebels seized Gen Ruben Dario Alzate and two others on 16 November.

The captives were released on Sunday.

They were handed over to a humanitarian mission led by the International Red Cross and taken to a military base near the city of Medellin before travelling to be reunited with their families.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

US, Iranian forces operate in separate areas in Iraq.

U.S. leads 25 more air strikes against Islamic State militants: CENTCOM.

Iraq Prime Minister unaware of Iran airstrikes on Islamic State.

Islamic State: Kerry says group 'significantly' damaged.

Pentagon says Iran bombs ISIS in Iraq, Tehran 'cannot confirm'. Pentagon says Iran bombed Islamic State in Iraq, Tehran denies involvement.

Fighting terrorists in Syria impossible without coordination with Damascus — Russian diplomat.

Iraq says woman detained by Lebanese army is not wife of Islamic leader.

UNESCO wants ban on Iraq, Syria art trafficking.

Yemen car bomb targets Iran ambassador. 2 killed in bombing by home of Iran's Yemen envoy.

Israeli leaders vote to dissolve parliament. Israeli lawmakers set March 17 parliamentary election.

U.N. begins inquiry into attacks and weapons in Gaza.

UN urges Israel to renounce nuclear arms, join non-proliferation treaty.

ASIA

Taiwan develops new missiles to counter China's threat.

Child landmine victims rise, Afghanistan and Colombia rank worst.

Aid workers in Afghanistan fear for their lives as troops pull out: survey.

Taiwan President quits as party head, reshuffles cabinet.

Thailand’s Generals promise reform amid skepticism.

Australia's economic growth slower than expected.

30 years later, disaster haunts Bhopal survivors.

North Korea bans naming children after Kim Jong-un.

AFRICA

Sudan's army reports more clashes with rebels in south as talks on hold.

Mass killings raise security concerns in Kenya.

Kenyan unions urge non-Muslim workers to leave north after attacks.

Al-Shabaab strikes again, killing 4 in attack on U.N. convoy in Somalia.

U.N. mission calls for new talks between Libyan groups on Dec. 9.

Libya moved from dictatorship to non-state: U.N. envoy.

Faced with Boko Haram, Cameroon weighs death penalty for terrorism.

Inter-ethnic conflict racks Congo's mining heartland.

New concerns over response to Ebola crisis.

EUROPE

Germany wants NATO-Russia channel to avoid accidental escalation.

Obama pessimistic over chances of Putin shift on Ukraine.

Accident at Ukraine nuclear plant forces reactor shutdown.

Layers of red tape, corruption reveal Ukraine's stagnant failures one year later.

Rouble sinks to new lows as Russia's problems mount.

Fears of Serbia return to iron rule of nationalism.

Swedish PM calls first snap vote in 50 years after far-right force budget defeat.

EU official: Greece needs bailout extension.

Greek protesters smash cars, clash with police in Athens.

UK government to pay off £1.9bn First World War debt.

AMERICAS

Venezuela indicts opposition leader Machado, alleging plot to kill Maduro.

No charges in NY chokehold case.

US and Cuba working On solution to free American Alan Gross from Cuban jail.

US Senate Republicans press Obama on Iran sanctions.

Colombia leader Santos warns armed forces of disloyalty.

Former Petrobras director: Graft scheme widespread in Brazil. Brazil targets Petrobras contractors as corruption probe expands.

Protests hammer Mexican President's popularity.

Emboldened relatives search for Mexico's missing.

New U.S. oil and gas well November permits tumble nearly 40 percent.

US gun sales soar in November following Ferguson protests, Black Friday.

California residents braced for floods and mudslides as rain sweeps state.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

ISIS fighting 'Two Wars' against Al Qaeda and US, Kurdish Peshmerga, Assad regime.

Indian student went to join the Islamic State, but all he got was this lousy job cleaning toilets.

WH hints Obama won’t veto defense bill over Guantanamo.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Sub-$50 oil surfaces in North Dakota amid regional discounts.

Iran hackers target global infrastructure: Report.

America defiant in 'oil war' with OPEC.

Tumbling oil prices ‘net positive’ for advanced countries, risk for Russia – IMF chief.

Most and least corrupt countries in the world.