World News Briefs -- February 24, 2015

BBC: Greece debt crisis: Eurozone backs reform plans

Eurozone finance ministers have approved reform proposals submitted by Greece as a condition for extending its bailout by four months, officials say.

The Eurogroup said it had agreed to begin national procedures - parliamentary votes in several states to give the deal final approval.

The measures proposed by Greece include combating tax evasion and tackling the smuggling of fuel and tobacco.

The European Commission said earlier they were a "valid starting point".

MIDDLE EAST

Monitor: 90 Christians abducted by ISIL in Syria. IS militants abduct dozens of Christians in Syria. Islamic State in Syria abducts at least 90 from Christian villages: monitor.

ISIS capital in Syria is 'like a big prison,' activist says.

U.S., Iran positive after nuclear talks, say much left to do.

Exclusive: Iran smuggles in $1 billion of bank notes to skirt sanctions - sources.

Yemen's Houthis say president Hadi has lost legitimacy, is sought as fugitive.

Yemen teeters toward split as Hadi conflict with Houthis spirals.

Gunmen kidnap French woman in Yemen's capital Sanaa.

Fifa task force recommends November and December for 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

ASIA

Obama to decide soon on troop levels in Afghanistan: Kerry.

Officials: Gunmen kidnap 30 Hazaras in southern Afghanistan.

Pakistan to send back millions of Afghan refugees.

Kashmiris join insurgency against India at highest rate in two decades.

Australian PM Abbott considered sending troops to Ukraine.

Japanese media self-censorship grows in PM Abe's reign.

Jailed Malaysian opposition leader's family seeks royal pardon.

AFRICA

UNHCR: Thousands flee new surge of violence in CAR.

Deadly blast rips through Nigeria bus. New attack in Nigeria's Potiskum kills 17.

Boko Haram mine kills two soldiers in southeast Niger: ministry.

South Sudan factions resume peace talks.

Tunisia arrests about 100 militant suspects, signs of Islamic State influence.

Egypt denies civilian deaths in airstrikes on Libya.

Police clamp down on anti-shale gas protest in Algeria.

EUROPE

Eurozone backs Greek reforms; key hurdle to extend bailout. Eurozone approves Greek bailout extension.

Ukraine disputes rebel claim that weapons pullback begins. Ukraine rebels say they withdrawing weapons; Kiev doubtful.

US arming Kiev would ‘explode’ situation in E. Ukraine – Russian Foreign Ministry.

France, Germany, Russia, Ukraine renew ceasefire calls.

No deal: Gazprom refuses to supply gas until Ukraine actually pays for it.

Multiple drones spotted over Paris landmarks; police puzzled.

Corruption shows no sign of abating in Europe.

9 killed in Czech restaurant shooting.

Three Norwegians charged with helping Islamic State in first Nordic case.

Police in Spain arrest 4 for suspected jihadi recruiting.

AMERICAS

U.S. Senate Republicans seek solution on immigration stalemate.

Colombia-Venezuela relations hit new low after arrest of Caracas mayor.

Venezuela's ruling socialists target another opposition leader.

Severe drought pushes Brazil’s largest city toward water crisis.

Top Panama judge Moncada pleads guilty to corruption.

Alaska becomes third state with legal marijuana.

30 reported injured in Southern California commuter train collision with truck.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Terror trainees: New ISIS video shows indoctrination of kids as young as 5.

Senior Pentagon official ordered to testify on why judges forced to move to Gitmo.

Manhattan jury finds Palestinian Authority liable for terrorist attacks.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Oil and gas industry in 'bleak' 2014, finds survey.

Yellen: No rate hike for next couple FOMC meetings.

Apple is now more than double the size of Exxon—and everyone else.