Today's Reuters World News Headlines - Yahoo! News:
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Honduras turns to army to battle drug gangs
Tue,29 Nov 2011 10:49 PM PST
Reuters - TEGUCIGALPA (Reuters) - Honduras' Congress voted on Tuesday to deploy the army to fight encroaching Mexican drug cartels in a bid to curb violence in the world's most murderous country. By an overwhelming majority, lawmakers decided to follow a model used by Mexican President Felipe Calderon who launched an army-backed campaign against powerful drug gangs soon after taking office in late-2006. Since then, more than 45,000 people have died in drug violence in Mexico. ... Full Story | Top |
China's sway runs deep in Myanmar's ancient capital
Tue,29 Nov 2011 10:47 PM PST
Reuters -  MANDALAY, Myanmar (Reuters) - The stalls of Mandalay's biggest market are lined with Chinese-made clothes, appliances and cosmetics -- a clear sign of the grip Myanmar's giant neighbor has over the city. "You think of me as Chinese, right?" said Xiao Wei, one of many ethnic Chinese merchants at the Zeigyo market in Mandalay, a bustling city and former royal capital in central Myanmar. "When I am in China, no one believes I am a foreigner until they see my passport. ...
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NATO attack was blatant aggression: Pakistan army
Tue,29 Nov 2011 09:44 PM PST
Reuters -  ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - A senior Pakistani army official has said a NATO cross-border air attack that killed 24 soldiers was a deliberate, blatant act of aggression, hardening Pakistan's stance on an incident which could hurt efforts to stabilize Afghanistan. In a briefing to editors carried in local newspapers on Wednesday, Major-General Ishfaq Nadeem, director general of military operations, also said NATO forces were alerted they were attacking Pakistani posts, but helicopters kept firing. ...
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Former Ivorian president arrives to face ICC
Tue,29 Nov 2011 08:39 PM PST
Reuters -  ROTTERDAM (Reuters) - A plane carrying former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo, facing an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court, arrived at Rotterdam airport Wednesday, a Reuters witness said. The Hague-based court, which is also pursuing Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir and investigating alleged crimes in Kenya, Libya and Central African Republic, has so far declined to comment on the warrant. Gbagbo would be the first former head of state to be tried by the ICC since its inception in 2002. ...
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Islamists expect gains as Egypt counts votes
Tue,29 Nov 2011 06:06 PM PST
Reuters -  CAIRO (Reuters) - Egyptians have voted in a parliamentary election that could bring Islamists closer to power, though the army generals who took over from President Hosni Mubarak have yet to step aside. The Muslim Brotherhood, expected to do well in the marathon vote whose first stage drew millions to the polls, said the new parliament should form a government, setting it at odds with the military council which has only just named a new prime minister. The election for the lower house is due to be held over three phases, concluding in early January. ...
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Violence in Cairo, ElBaradei blames "thugs"
Tue,29 Nov 2011 04:31 PM PST
Reuters - CAIRO (Reuters) - Nearly 80 people were wounded on Tuesday when youths threw petrol bombs, fired guns and threw rocks in clashes near Cairo's Tahrir Square, where protesters have been demonstrating against military rule in Egypt. Leading reformist politician Mohamed ElBaradei said "thugs" had attacked the protesters whose sit-in demonstration against the generals is now in its 11th day. Twenty seven of the wounded were taken to hospital, the official MENA news agency reported. ... Full Story | Top |
Pressure mounts on Syria's Assad at home and abroad
Tue,29 Nov 2011 04:23 PM PST
Reuters -  BEIRUT (Reuters) - Pressure is mounting on President Bashar al-Assad, with growing foreign condemnation of his repression of the Syrian uprising and attacks by armed rebels that his forces appear unable to stamp out. European and Arab diplomats told Reuters the top United Nations human rights forum would announce on Wednesday a special Friday session that was expected to condemn Syria for crimes against humanity. The move is partly designed to put pressure on China and Russia to take a stronger stand against Assad's government. The 47-member U.N. ...
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Factbox: British national strike over pensions
Tue,29 Nov 2011 04:20 PM PST
Reuters - (Reuters) - Britain faces its biggest one-day national strike in 30 years on Wednesday over pension reforms which have enraged public sector workers. The co-ordinated mass action comes against a gloomy backdrop of faltering growth, rising unemployment, big public-sector layoffs and wage freezes as the government pursues an austerity drive designed to slash a record budget deficit. Here are some facts about the strike and its likely impact: * A coalition of 30 trade unions, representing some 2 million workers, is expected to take part. ... Full Story | Top |
Outgoing defense minister to be Kuwait PM: reports
Tue,29 Nov 2011 04:11 PM PST
Reuters -  KUWAIT (Reuters) - Kuwait's emir will name outgoing Defense Minister Sheikh Jaber al-Mubarak al-Sabah as new prime minister and ask him to form a government, Al Jazeera television and Kuwaiti newspapers reported on Wednesday, two days after the government resigned. The Qatar-based news station did not cite a source, and there was no immediate comment on the report by Kuwaiti officials. At least two Kuwaiti newspapers carried a similar report on their websites, citing unnamed sources as saying that the emir, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, would also dissolve parliament. ...
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Iranian protesters storm British diplomatic compounds
Tue,29 Nov 2011 03:30 PM PST
Reuters -  TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iranian protesters stormed two British diplomatic compounds in Tehran on Tuesday, smashing windows, torching a car and burning the British flag in protest against new sanctions imposed by London. Britain said it was outraged and warned of "serious consequences." The U.N. Security Council condemned the attacks "in the strongest terms." U.S. President Barack Obama said he was disturbed by the incident and called on Iran to hold those responsible to account. ...
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Britain faces mass strike over pension reform
Tue,29 Nov 2011 03:15 PM PST
Reuters -  LONDON (Reuters) - Teachers, hospital staff and border guards will be among workers taking part in Britain's first mass strike for more than 30 years on Wednesday, adding to pressure on a coalition facing a weakening economy. Up to 2 million public sector workers are protesting over reforms that unions say will force them to pay more for their pensions and work for longer before they can retire. The government says reform is needed as people are living longer and public service pensions are unaffordable. ...
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Islamists expect gains as Egypt counts votes
Tue,29 Nov 2011 03:11 PM PST
Reuters - CAIRO (Reuters) - Egyptians have voted in a parliamentary election that could bring Islamists closer to power, though the army generals who took over from President Hosni Mubarak have yet to step aside. The Muslim Brotherhood, expected to do well in the marathon vote whose first stage drew millions to the polls, said the new parliament should form a government, setting it at odds with the military council which has only just named a new prime minister. The election for the lower house is due to be held over three phases, concluding in early January. ...
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Highlights: Euro zone finance ministers and officials
Tue,29 Nov 2011 02:49 PM PST
Reuters - BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Euro zone finance ministers and officials met in Brussels on Tuesday to agree on leveraging their EFSF bailout fund so it can help Italy or Spain should they need aid. They also agreed to release the next aid payments to Greece and Ireland under their assistance programs. Following are highlights of comments after the talks: EUROPEAN FINANCIAL STABILITY FACILITY HEAD KLAUS REGLING ON EFSF: "It should be clear that we do not expect investors to commit large amounts of money in the next few days or weeks. Leverage is a process over time. ... Full Story | Top |
Outgoing defense minister to be Kuwait PM: Al Jazeera
Tue,29 Nov 2011 02:33 PM PST
Reuters - KUWAIT (Reuters) - Kuwait's emir will name outgoing Defense Minister Sheikh Jaber al-Mubarak al-Sabah as new prime minister and ask him to form a government, Al Jazeera television reported on Wednesday, two days after the government resigned. The Qatar-based news station did not cite a source, and there was no immediate comment on the report by Kuwaiti media or officials. Kuwait's government resigned on Monday, bowing to escalating demands by protesters and opposition deputies that Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser al-Mohammad al-Sabah step down over corruption allegations. ... Full Story | Top |
Analysis: Moroccan Islamists face tough ride at government helm
Tue,29 Nov 2011 02:24 PM PST
Reuters - RABAT (Reuters) - The election victory of Morocco's Islamist PJD party will give it a chance to tackle the country's social and economic problems - but it will not be able to force through change without the support of the still-omnipotent monarchy. King Mohammed on Tuesday appointed Abdelilah Benkirane, the head of Justice and Development Party (PJD), as the new prime minister after the movement won 27 percent of seats in parliament, the largest share. ... Full Story | Top |
Ivory Coast's Gbagbo on way to ICC to face warrant: lawyer
Tue,29 Nov 2011 02:18 PM PST
Reuters - ABIDJAN (Reuters) - Former Ivory Coast leader Laurent Gbagbo was on a flight to the Hague-based International Criminal Court on Tuesday to face an arrest warrant issued by the global body, his lawyer said. The court is investigating killings, rapes and other abuses committed during a four-month conflict triggered by Gbagbo's refusal to cede power to Alassane Ouattara after last year's election. Ouattara's French-backed forces deposed him in April. ...
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IMF in exploratory talks with Italy on support: sources
Tue,29 Nov 2011 02:09 PM PST
Reuters - WASHINGTON/BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Italy has had preliminary discussions with the International Monetary Fund about financial support to cope with the euro zone's debt crisis, possibly co-funded by national European central banks, but no decision has been taken, several sources close to the situation said. New Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti was briefing euro zone finance ministers on his fiscal plans Tuesday but the sources said no formal request for IMF assistance was expected before he presents his budget to the cabinet on December 5. ... Full Story | Top |
Petrol bombs thrown near Cairo's Tahrir Square
Tue,29 Nov 2011 01:51 PM PST
Reuters - CAIRO (Reuters) - Egyptian youths threw petrol bombs and fired guns in clashes on Tuesday near Cairo's Tahrir Square, where protesters have been camped out demanding the military hand over power to civilian rule, witnesses said. An organizer of the sit-in protest said the trouble started when an unidentified group had tried to enter the square. State media said the clashes were between protesters and street vendors but this could not be independently verified. ... Full Story | Top |
U.S. prepares to vacate Pakistan air base
Tue,29 Nov 2011 01:50 PM PST
Reuters - (Reuters) - The United States is preparing to accede to Pakistani demands that it vacate a remote air base in Pakistan used for drone flights, but the move is not expected to have a significant impact on operations against militants, U.S. government sources say. Washington is treading lightly not to aggravate an already fragile relationship that was bruised further by a NATO attack on a Pakistani military outpost last weekend that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers near the Afghanistan border. ... Full Story | Top |
U.N. committee sanctions Congo militia chief
Tue,29 Nov 2011 01:34 PM PST
Reuters - UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - A U.N. Security Council committee has imposed sanctions on a Congolese militia leader allegedly implicated in a highly publicized mass rape case last year, the committee said in a statement on Tuesday. Ntabo Ntaberi Sheka, 35, is commander-in-chief of the political wing of the Mai Mai Sheka, one of several armed groups active in the lawless east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. He reportedly is running for parliament in the country's current elections. ... Full Story | Top |
Angry Pakistan to boycott Afghanistan talks
Tue,29 Nov 2011 01:20 PM PST
Reuters - KABUL/LAHORE, Pakistan (Reuters) - Pakistan pulled out of an international conference on Afghanistan on Tuesday, its latest angry riposte after an attack by NATO killed 24 of its soldiers and plunged the region deeper into crisis. Islamabad's decision to boycott next week's meeting in Bonn, Germany, will deprive the talks of a key player that could nudge Taliban militants into a peace process as NATO combat troops prepare to leave Afghanistan in 2014. ...
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Exclusive: U.N. rights forum poised to condemn Syria
Tue,29 Nov 2011 12:03 PM PST
Reuters -  GENEVA (Reuters) - The top United Nations human rights forum is expected to condemn Syria for crimes against humanity at an emergency session on Friday, European and Arab diplomats said. The move is also designed to put pressure on China and Russia to take a stronger stand against the government of President Bashar al-Assad, they said. More than 20 member states back the U.N. Human Rights Council holding a special session, which is to be announced on Wednesday, they added. The 47-member forum's third session on Syria in eight months is being convened days after a U.N. ...
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UK's Cameron: Iran embassy attacks "outrageous"
Tue,29 Nov 2011 11:21 AM PST
Reuters - LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister David Cameron Tuesday labeled an attack by Iranian protesters on the British embassy in Tehran "outrageous and indefensible" and called on the Islamic republic to prosecute those responsible. Echoing earlier comments from Foreign Secretary William Hague, Cameron also warned of "serious consequences" for Iran, adding that Britain would consider what measures it would take in the coming days. "The attack on the British embassy in Tehran today was outrageous and indefensible. ... Full Story | Top |
Congo opposition wants vote annulled, alleging fraud
Tue,29 Nov 2011 11:16 AM PST
Reuters -  KINSHASA (Reuters) - Four opposition challengers to Democratic Republic of Congo's President Joseph Kabila called on Tuesday for election results to be rejected, accusing authorities of systematic fraud. Candidate Vital Kamerhe, a former government minister, said ballots had been marked ahead of the poll in favor of Kabila, and some voters prevented from entering polling stations during Monday's chaotic presidential and parliamentary elections. ...
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UK warns Iran of consequences over embassy incident
Tue,29 Nov 2011 10:20 AM PST
Reuters - LONDON (Reuters) - Iran faces "serious consequences" after protesters stormed two British diplomatic compounds in Tehran, British Foreign Secretary William Hague said Tuesday, adding that he had protested in the "strongest terms" to Iran's foreign minister. "We hold the Iranian government responsible for its failure to take adequate measures to protect our embassy, as it is required to do," Hague said in a statement. "Clearly there will be other, further, and serious consequences." Hague said all embassy staff and their dependants had been accounted for. ... Full Story | Top |
U.S. says in Pakistan's interest to attend Bonn talks
Tue,29 Nov 2011 10:17 AM PST
Reuters - WASHINGTON (Reuters) - State Department spokesman Mark Toner said on Tuesday the United States believes it is very much in Pakistan's interest to attend the upcoming international conference on Afghanistan to be held in Bonn. Pakistan pulled out of the conference on the future of Afghanistan on Tuesday in reaction to a cross-border attack by NATO that killed 24 of its soldiers and plunged the conflict-plagued region deeper into crisis. (Reporting by Arshad Mohammed) Full Story | Top |
Tunisia secular, Islamist students clash on campus
Tue,29 Nov 2011 09:54 AM PST
Reuters - TUNIS (Reuters) - Hundreds of Islamists demanding segregated classes and the right for women to wear full-face veils at university clashed with secular students near Tunis on Tuesday in the latest flare-up between the two camps. Since Tunisia ousted its leader in the first "Arab Spring" revolution this year, the country has seen mounting tensions between secularists who have traditionally held power and Islamists whose influence has been growing. What began as a protest by Islamist students at Manouba university near Tunis soon degenerated into fighting, said witnesses. ... Full Story | Top |
U.N. committee sanctions Congo militia chief
Tue,29 Nov 2011 09:33 AM PST
Reuters - UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - A U.N. Security Council committee has imposed sanctions on a Congolese militia leader allegedly implicated in a highly publicized mass rape case last year, the committee said in a statement issued Tuesday. Ntabo Ntaberi Sheka, 35, is commander-in-chief of the political wing of the Mai Mai Sheka, one of several armed groups active in the lawless east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He reportedly is running for parliament in the country's current elections. ... Full Story | Top |
U.S. condemns storming of British embassy in Tehran
Tue,29 Nov 2011 09:31 AM PST
Reuters -  WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House condemned "in the strongest terms" the storming of the British Embassy in Tehran by Iranian protesters on Tuesday and urged Iran to prevent further assaults on diplomatic sites in the country. "Iran has a responsibility to protect the diplomatic missions present in its country and the personnel stationed at them," White House press secretary Jay Carney said in a statement. ...
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EU says Iran must protect diplomats, condemns UK embassy attack
Tue,29 Nov 2011 09:31 AM PST
Reuters - BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union condemned an attack on the British embassy in Tehran on Tuesday and called on Iran to protect diplomats on its territory. A spokeswoman for EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said the attack by protesters on two British diplomatic compounds was a "totally unacceptable incursion." "It is with extreme concern that we have learnt that the premises of the Embassy of the United Kingdom in Tehran have been overrun by demonstrators," Maja Kocijancic said. ... Full Story | Top |
Behind gates, Ghanaians discover a new way of living
Tue,29 Nov 2011 09:03 AM PST
Reuters - TEMA, Ghana (Reuters) - In pastel-colored houses flanked by tidy strips of lawn, Ghana's emerging middle class is discovering a way of living tailored for those who seek privacy, security and a ready-made community -- behind gates. The rise in so-called gated communities reflects not only a growing affluence among some in this West African state, but a trend for urban Africans to live in smaller family units away from the gaze -- and financial demands -- of the extended family. ... Full Story | Top |
Norwegian mass killer ruled insane, likely to avoid
Tue,29 Nov 2011 08:49 AM PST
Reuters -  OSLO (Reuters) - Norwegian mass killer Anders Behring Breivik may avoid jail but end up in a psychiatric institution indefinitely after court-appointed experts concluded he is criminally insane, prosecutors said Tuesday. In Norway's worst attacks since World War Two, Breivik killed 77 people in July by bombing central Oslo and then gunning down dozens of mostly teenagers at a summer camp of the ruling Labor Party's youth wing. ...
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Congo opposition calls for vote to be annulled
Tue,29 Nov 2011 08:40 AM PST
Reuters -  KINSHASA (Reuters) - A leading opposition challenger to Democratic Republic of Congo's President Joseph Kabila called on Tuesday for the Central African state's elections to be annulled, accusing authorities of systematic fraud. Vital Kamerhe, a former government minister, said ballots had been marked ahead of the poll in favor of Kabila, and some voters had been prevented from entering polling stations during Monday's chaotic presidential and parliamentary elections. ...
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ICC has issued warrant for Ivory Coast's Gbagbo: lawyer
Tue,29 Nov 2011 08:15 AM PST
Reuters - DAKAR (Reuters) - The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for ousted Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo, his France-based lawyer said on Tuesday. "They (Ivorian justice authorities) showed it to him this morning," Lucie Bourthumieux said by telephone. She added that she did not have any information on when any transfer to the ICC in The Hague might take place. (reporting by Mark John; editing by Richard Valdmanis) Full Story | Top |
Egypt army sees vote turnout exceeding 70 percent
Tue,29 Nov 2011 08:01 AM PST
Reuters - CAIRO (Reuters) - A member of Egypt's ruling military council said on Tuesday that he expected turnout in the first stage of a parliamentary election to exceed 70 percent. Egypt's first parliamentary poll since Hosni Mubarak was ousted began on Monday and the first round of voting is being held over two days. The staggered vote will be spread over six weeks. "There is no actual or definitive estimate, but I assure you that, until now, it will go above 70 percent. I hope it will reach more than 80 percent by the end of the day," General Ismail Atman told Al Jazeera television. ... Full Story | Top |
Timeline: Relations between Britain and Iran
Tue,29 Nov 2011 06:57 AM PST
Reuters - (Reuters) - Iranian protesters stormed two British Embassy compounds in Tehran on Tuesday, smashing windows, hurling petrol bombs and burning the British flag in a protest against sanctions imposed by Britain, live Iranian television showed. Here is a timeline of Iranian-British relations: 1953 - Britain and the United States help orchestrate the overthrow of popular Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadegh and restore Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi to power. 1979 - Islamic Revolution overthrows U.S.-backed Shah. 1980 - Britain closes its embassy in Tehran. ... Full Story | Top |
Analysis: For Iran, the sanctions price may be worth paying
Tue,29 Nov 2011 06:43 AM PST
Reuters - VIENNA (Reuters) - Iran regards its nuclear program as a source of power and prestige and tougher sanctions look unlikely to alter Tehran's cost-benefit analysis much despite the economic pain they cause. Deep mistrust of Western intentions and security concerns in a volatile region where the United States maintains a strong military presence could help explain Iran's resolve not to back down and curb nuclear work its foes fear has weapons aims. ... Full Story | Top |
UK employees flee protest in Tehran embassy: report
Tue,29 Nov 2011 05:50 AM PST
Reuters - TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iranian protesters stormed a second British embassy compound in northern Tehran on Tuesday, as others were still occupying the main building in the city center many miles away, news agencies reported. Without specifying which compound it was referring to, the semi-official Mehr news agency said embassy employees fled. "They left the building a few minutes ago through the back-door," it said. (Reporting by Robin Pomeroy) Full Story | Top |
Rockets fired across Lebanon, Israel border
Tue,29 Nov 2011 05:30 AM PST
Reuters -  BEIRUT (Reuters) - An exchange of rocket fire hit the Lebanese-Israeli border Tuesday in the first such incident since 2009, coming at a time of heightened regional tensions over Syria and Iran's nuclear program. UNIFIL, the U.N. peacekeeping force in Lebanon, said at least one rocket was fired at northern Israel, prompting the Israeli army to return fire. The Lebanese army said Israel launched four rockets in return. Two buildings in Israel's western Galilee area were damaged, Israeli media said, but there were no reports of casualties. ...
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Thai minister "certain" military killed Reuters cameraman
Tue,29 Nov 2011 05:01 AM PST
Reuters -  BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thai investigators have clear evidence that the military was responsible for the death of Reuters cameraman Hiro Muramoto during political violence last year, a deputy prime minister said on Tuesday. Witness testimony confirmed, with certainty, that the bullet that killed the 43-year-old Japanese national was fired by a soldier, Chalerm Yubamrung told reporters. "For certain, the death was caused by a government official because we have witnesses who state that they saw the event when it happened," he said following a meeting with Japan's ambassador to Thailand. ...
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