Friday, January 31, 2014

World News Briefs -- January 31, 2014


Syria Crisis: Geneva Peace Talks End In Recriminations -- BBC

The Syrian government and opposition have traded insults after a week-long peace conference in Geneva ended with no firm agreement.

Foreign Minister Walid Muallem said the opposition were immature, while the opposition's Louay Safi said the regime had no desire to stop the bloodshed.

However, UN envoy Lakhdar Brahimi said he had seen some "common ground", and scheduled more talks for 10 February.

The opposition has agreed to take part, but Mr Muallem refused to commit.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syria talks end first round, government not committed to return. Syria peace talks end without breakthrough.

Gaps 'wide' as Syria talks wrap up first round.

UN humanitarian chief: Frustrated that Syrian talks ended with no deal for trapped civilians.

Activists: 1,900 killed in Syria during talks.

More than 1,000 killed in Iraq in January.

Iraqi militants target Baghdad airport with rocket strike.

Egypt says it killed 13 'extremists' in Sinai airstrikes.

Next round of Iran nuclear talks slated for mid-February. Six powers, Iran to begin new nuclear talks on February 18.

Yemeni militants kill 15 soldiers in Hadramawt attack.

Hundreds protest against Israeli settlements.

U.S. hopes for 'framework' Mideast peace deal within weeks.

Peace plan would allow 75 percent of Jewish settlers to remain in West Bank, envoy says.

ASIA

N. Korea nuclear, missile programs making progress.

After billions in U.S. investment, Afghan roads are falling apart.

International ocean drilling expedition heads for South China Sea.

Malaysian Admiral plays down talk of Chinese naval incursion.

Musharraf's plea to leave Pakistan rejected. Pervez Musharraf: Pakistan issues new arrest warrant.

Anger as China forces out US journo.

U.S. FAA downgrades India aviation rating; Air India, Jet hit.

Australia Great Barrier Reef dredge dumping plan approved.

AFRICA

AU: Standby force needed to respond to conflicts.

Exclusive: South Sudan rebel leader says government derailing peace talks.

South Sudan: MSF workers 'flee into bush'.

Defense expert calls for thousands of US troops in Africa.

Red Cross: 30 killed in CAR capital.

CAR emergency food supplies very low.

Insight-surge in cocaine trade undermines Conde's bid to revive Guinea.

Tsvangirai urged to quit as Zimbabwe opposition leader.

UN targets wildlife traders in Africa sanctions.

UN denounces Egypt's clampdown on journalists.

EUROPE

Ukraine president signs amnesty but anger remains, currency slumps. Ukraine’s President signs amnesty bill; Military wants 'stabilization'.

Ukraine faces debt downgrade as Russia puts loan on hold.

‘I believe Sochi is safe’ – Obama.

Anglo-French summit puts EU reform differences on display.

Kerry seeks to calm German anger at NSA reports.

Goldman investment sparks political row in Denmark.

Fall in eurozone inflation rate fuels deflation concerns.

Royal Navy strengthens presence in Gibraltar.

Vodka blamed for high death rates in Russia.

AMERICAS

With Obama, CEOs pledge to stop ignoring the long-term unemployed.

U.S. to push for early release of more federal prisoners.

Nearly half of America lives paycheck-to-paycheck.

Record Brazil heat pressures crops, energy prices, government.

Mexico arrests Jalisco New Generation drug lord El Menchito.

Analysis: Argentina policies adrift as inflation spiral looms.

CSEC Snowden docs: Canadian MPs grill defence minister on spying revelation.

Venezuela's best and brightest camp on sidewalks.

Web developers gather for 'Hackathon for Cuba'.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

France-UK effort against young Syria-bound Islamists.

Indonesian extremists drawn to Syrian conflict.

House targets Obama claim that al Qaeda is ‘on the path to defeat’.

Egypt faces new threat in al-Qaida-linked group Ansar Beyt al-Maqdis.

Report: Senior al Qaeda facilitator 'back on the street' in Iran.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Report: Keystone XL pipeline 'won't boost oil sands use'.

Facebook and Google buy two India-based start-ups.

Michael Bloomberg tapped to be UN envoy for cities and climate change.

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