Tuesday, April 21, 2015

World News Briefs -- April 21, 2015



Reuters: Iran sees Yemen ceasefire in coming hours

Iran's deputy foreign minister said he was optimistic that a ceasefire in Yemen would be announced later on Tuesday, in a sign diplomatic efforts may be underway to stop almost a month of Saudi-led bombing of Yemen's Houthi group.

Iran has repeatedly called for a halt to an almost month-long campaign of air strikes by Saudi Arabia and Arab allies, but members of the coalition and their Western backers have so far rejected Iran's proposals, accusing it of supporting the Houthis.

"We are optimistic that in the coming hours, after many efforts, we will see a halt to military attacks in Yemen," Hossein Amir Abdollahian was quoted as saying by Iranian news agencies.

MIDDLE EAST

Iran calls for Yemen cease-fire.

Two air strikes in Yemen kill at least 40 people, mostly civilians.

Arrival of more U.S. warships off Yemen tightens 'siege': Houthis.

Iraqi troops retake some Ramadi districts from Islamic State.

Over 114,000 flee fighting in Iraq's Ramadi area: UN.

ISIL kills dozens of opponents in Iraq.

Islamic State bans archaeology due to fears of idol worship.

Assad: France supporting ‘terrorists’ in Syria, acts as Washington’s satellite.

Assad: There are no Iranian troops in Syria.

Assad denies using devastating barrel bombs by gov’t forces in Syria.

ASIA

Long delayed Afghan cabinet in place amid deteriorating security.

Philippines accuses China of turning water cannon on its fishing boats.

Pakistan hangs 15, highest number since executions resumed.

Mob attacks Bangladesh opposition leader during election rally.

Chinese president applauds Pakistan's anti-terror efforts.

Abe pays tribute to war dead ahead of Asia summit.

Kazakh leader to extend long rule, promises stability.

Official: over 3.5 mln Afghan farmers cultivate poppies on money from black market bankers.

Thailand seizes 4 tonnes of ivory in record bust.

AFRICA

Government spokesman says Libya chaos spurs human smuggling.

Libyan people smuggler derides EU plan for military action.

Court sentences ousted Egypt president to 20 years in prison.

South Africa deploys army to quell xenophobic violence.

Deadly explosion hits restaurant in Somali capital.

Anti-government protesters clash with police in Guinea.

Analysts weigh role of Chinese peacekeepers in S. Sudan.

EUROPE

A look at the EU's 10-point emergency migrant action plan.

Captain of migrant boat hit rescue ship, prosecutors say.

One Ukrainian servicemen killed in past 24 hours in east.

Ukraine bracing for Russian attacks at WW2 commemorations.

Russian economy shrinks 2% as sanctions bite - Medvedev.

Hungary furious over FBI Director’s Holocaust remarks.

France warns Indonesia of damage to ties over death-row Frenchman.

AMERICAS

Colombia, FARC trade accusations over deadly clash.

Argentina president: US 'vulture funds' backed Nisman before his death.

Brazilian vice-president sees no impeachment case against Rousseff.

Wall Street has no idea how much money Venezuela has.

Venezuela`s Maduro marks two years in power in tough times.

Honduras most dangerous country for environmental activists - report.

President Obama’s approval ratings back in positive territory: poll.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Apple, Google helping terrorists with encryption – Manhattan DA.

Penalty phase begins in Boston Marathon bomber's trial.

Jihadi John wanted to join Al-Shabaab in Somalia to wage holy war – reports.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Generic drugmaker Teva makes $40 billion offer for rival Mylan.

Global stocks may not be the bargain they appear.

World’s biggest oil trader sees $50 floor for crude prices.

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