Thursday, February 12, 2015

World News Briefs -- February 12, 2015



CNN: Ukraine ceasefire deal reached after marathon Minsk talks

Marathon peace talks aimed at ending the bloody crisis in eastern Ukraine concluded Thursday in a breakthrough: A ceasefire that's due to start Sunday and an agreement for both sides to pull back heavy weapons.

If the ceasefire holds -- which is far from certain -- it could end a 10-month conflict that has claimed more than 5,000 lives, many of them civilians, and plunged East-West relations to their lowest point since the end of the Cold War.


MIDDLE EAST

U.S.-led forces launch 12 air strikes in Iraq, three in Syria: U.S..

Damascus air strikes 'kill nearly 200 in 10 days'.

Iraq says Jordan offers all military means in ISIS fight.

U.N. Security Council ups pressure on Islamic State cash flows.

Al-Qaeda seizes Yemeni army camp after 7 killed in clashes.

Yemen on brink of civil war says U.N. envoy.

EU expected to re-impose sanctions on Iranian oil tanker firm.

Israeli military says Gaza-bound boat with weapons-making materials intercepted last month.

Netanyahu’s planned speech to Congress now dominates Israeli elections.

ASIA

American troops poised to stay in Afghanistan in far greater numbers after official exit date to prevent resurgence of the Taliban.

China offers to mediate in stalled Afghan Taliban peace talks.

China expands corruption probe of state-owned firms.

Deadly clash in Philippines jeopardizes peace process. Philippine rebels promise help on militants as peace bid stalls.

Six inmates in Taiwan hostage standoff commit suicide.

Korean Air executive jailed in 'nut rage' case.

Grow vegetables extensively! North Korea unveils 310 new slogans.

AFRICA

Thousands flee Niger town after Boko Haram attacks. Niger forces killed 260 Boko Haram militants since February 6: spokesman.

Sudanese government denies mass military rape.

Democracy under way, Tunisia turns to tough economic agenda.

Ethiopian capital expands airport, plans new hub to meet growth.

Al Jazeera trial: Egypt court frees journalists on bail.

France, Egypt agree military hardware deal: French source.

Red Cross concerned about Ebola worker attacks in Guinea.

EUROPE

Ukraine ceasefire: New Minsk agreement key points. A look at who got what in peace deal for eastern Ukraine.

EU leaders cautiously welcome Minsk cease-fire accord.

Minsk deal provides hope for peace in eastern Ukraine but leaders warn ‘major obstacles’ remain.

France's Hollande says coming hours decisive for Ukraine.

Ukraine: 50 Russian tanks and 40 missile systems rolled into the country while Putin talked peace.

Ukraine gets new bailout deal from IMF. IMF agrees $17.5bn reform programme for Ukraine.

U.N. urges Europe to start major migrant rescue mission in Mediterranean.

Greek debt deal elusive but investors remain hopeful.

Sweden cuts rates below zero and starts QE.

Toxic orange cloud spreads after chemical blast near Barcelona.

AMERICAS

US hopeful on Ukraine cease-fire agreement.

Intel officials tight-lipped on American militant fighters back in US, admit tracking is difficult.

Amid coup charges, Joe Biden meets Venezuelan opposition figures.

Netflix takes a leap of faith on Cuba.

Brazilians hoard water, prepare for possible drastic rationing.

IRS apologizes for seizing bank accounts of small businesses.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Al Qaeda terrorist who tried to help Jordan free pilot says ISIS lied.

Widow of Paris gunman resurfaces in IS group propaganda. ISIS magazine claims Hayat Boumedienne is in Syria.

Pentagon acknowledges ISIS spread to Afghanistan amid US troop drawdown.

US Senators urge Obama to disclose legal justifications for drone killings.

Gitmo hearing halted after detainee IDs interpreter from CIA “black site”..

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil bounces back to $56 as dollar weakens.

Expedia to buy Orbitz for $1.34 billion to take on Priceline.

Wall Street rises after Ukraine deal, Swedish stimulus.

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